http://browse.deviantart.com/journals/?order=5&q=by%3Ausedbooks deviantART RSS for in:journals sort:time by:usedbooks en-us Copyright 2013, deviantART.com Sat, 25 May 2013 07:10:32 PDT deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://st.deviantart.net/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/On-a-roll-scripting-365559418 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/On-a-roll-scripting-365559418 Sat, 13 Apr 2013 19:52:59 PDT On a roll, scripting! nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2013 ~usedbooks
I got it all on paper, even with a decent conclusion (I suck at conclusions). It turned out as great as the "Houseguest" story line I wrote a couple years ago. ^_^ It also made me examine my other scripts, and now I don't know what order to ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Jobs-and-New-Horizons-362232570 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Jobs-and-New-Horizons-362232570 Fri, 29 Mar 2013 06:59:23 PDT Jobs and New Horizons! nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2013 ~usedbooks
Granted, it's not full time work, just another summer job. But the wage is higher than any I have ever made before, and the position is with the National Park Service -- to which I have been applying stubbornly and nonstop since graduating in 2007. It basically feels like I was pounding bare-fisted at a ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Sixth-Anniversary-of-Used-Books-355974261 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Sixth-Anniversary-of-Used-Books-355974261 Sat, 23 Feb 2013 08:08:34 PST Sixth Anniversary of Used Books nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2013 ~usedbooks
I started writing Used Books in December 2006 following a mall trip with my best friends and roommates Gael and Bethany. I was in graduate school at the time, and the three of us shared a rented three story house with my brother. Our main pasttime was vegging on the couch while we watched anime -- mostly Detective Conan, but also Lupin the Third (then a bunch of other series too). One thing we often did was pick out which character was most like each of us, and I was convinced that they were just one weird situation away from being anime characters.  On that trip to the m ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/DD-Feature-Really-353692988 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/DD-Feature-Really-353692988 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:28:17 PST DD Feature -- Really? nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2013 ~usedbooks
But the DD mods decided to give it an honor today with the DrunkDuck feature: http://www.drunkduck.com/news/2013/feb/11/featured-comic-used-books/

Quite the surprise. :) It's giving me a little bit of encouragement to actually work on my next page today instead of losing another day to Dragon Quest IX (my new most favoritest game). ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/A-good-week-352966195 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/A-good-week-352966195 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:04:14 PST A good week nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2013 ~usedbooks
First, I go on record again as having Valentine's Day as a holiday I enjoy. It used to be for the candy, but these days, I can indulge my inner hopeless romantic through writing and other outlets without having my fellow eternally-single friends tease me relentlessly. I've been having pleasant dreams about having secret admirers, and it makes me happy. It's all but an impossibility in real life, but I like to continue to be the dreamer. I still get a warm feeling when I see happy couple ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Writing-sad-stuff-349217206 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Writing-sad-stuff-349217206 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:55:58 PST Writing sad stuff nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2013 ~usedbooks
When I started my project in 2007, I wanted to write murder mysteries, but I ended up scrapping that idea. A murder mystery detective has to be distant, and the people involved are not people but archetypes. I wrote a whodunnit in high school, but even that was too emotional.  (I apologize for criticizing all the crime dramas for having shallow, cold, unrealistic characters. I see the point of them all too clearly now. Oh, but I STILL don't excuse inconsistent ones. You know who you are. D:< )

Anyway, I have been making myself physically sick working on scripts for my webcomic. ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Books-rats-distractions-and-sleepless-nights-348330923 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Books-rats-distractions-and-sleepless-nights-348330923 Sun, 13 Jan 2013 11:29:05 PST Books, rats, distractions, and sleepless nights nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2013 ~usedbooks
In addition to that, I am currently quarantining four of my (young) male rats with odd neck lumps the vet said are abscesses (but also are contagious somehow) and treating with antibiotics. None of them act sick or have any symptoms. This has gone on for a while. But last weekend (before th ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/2012-in-review-345637608 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/2012-in-review-345637608 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 06:53:21 PST 2012 in review nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
I made resolutions last year. To my utter astonishment, I accomplished nearly all of them -- long after I forgot what they were.  I'd dig them up to review, but I think I remember. I've made similar resolutions every year for a decade.  Anyway, here is what happened to me this past year:

~ I lost 50 pounds. FIFTY. I am down to a size that hasn't fit me since 7th grade. I'm still feeli ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Evita-my-twirling-rat-341801058 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Evita-my-twirling-rat-341801058 Sat, 08 Dec 2012 07:51:15 PST Evita, my twirling rat nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
I bought her from a pet store a couple weeks ago. I noticed she was sleeping away from the other rats (and was the only beige one), so I asked to buy her. The guy working at the store tole me that a few weeks earlier, someone picked her up roughly and he thinks she hurt her neck but that she had improved some. She acted like a typical panicky, hand-shy pet store rat in the store and on the way home. It was only after she st ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/S-A-D-341474970 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/S-A-D-341474970 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 06:43:54 PST -_- S.A.D. nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
I think I have a touch of Seasonal Affected Disorder.  I have no energy and have fallen asleep in the middle of the day every day this week. Last night, I was up for two hours crying into a pillow.  I have aches and an upset stomach. Mostly, though, it's the lack of energy. I get tired from standing up.

I am overwhelmed with a sense of loneliness, which is pretty common for me, despite living with my parents and having my pets. (I have a new one too, a little rat who had sustained a permanent head injury in the pet store. She's a very friendly animal. She just falls over a lot.)  My cousin got engaged this week, which is w ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Devious-Journal-Entry-339326618 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Devious-Journal-Entry-339326618 Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:10:29 PST Devious Journal Entry nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
The following has been copied from *Abt-Nihil's journal http://fav.me/d5m0i3j , except for my wishlist, of course.

CHRISTMAS WISHES!

Step 1.

Make a post in your dA journal (the manual INCLUDED - I wont grant any wishes, if I see no manual). The post should contain your list of 10 holiday wishes. The wishes can be anything at all, from simple and fandom-related ("I'd love a Snape/Hermione icon that's just for me") to medium ("I wish for _____ on DVD") to really big ("All I want for Christmas is a new car/computer ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/On-Thanksgiving-339102503 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/On-Thanksgiving-339102503 Thu, 22 Nov 2012 06:34:24 PST On Thanksgiving nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
1. Its purpose is simple.

To me, all holidays are about giving thanks. Some involve fasting, some involve feasting, and some have a solemn or specialized meaning, but all are about thanksgiving.  On religious holidays, we are thankful to our Lord for different specific events in the Bible (or o ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Filler-Guest-Art-or-self-promotions-333596589 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Filler-Guest-Art-or-self-promotions-333596589 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 11:19:49 PDT Filler, Guest Art, or self-promotions? nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
I made a page of filler for Used Books to announce my absence.  After that, I have no fillers/updates planned until after my return on the 14th.  So, I pose an offer and some questions.  First, the offer.

If you have anything you'd like me to post while I'm gone, send it my way by the 5th. Of course, I adore guest art, but I'd be happy to post promotions for your projects or anything else (as long as the image itself is no stronger than PG-13). I have a small but wonderfully supportive readers ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Last-Minute-Adventure-332523678 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Last-Minute-Adventure-332523678 Mon, 15 Oct 2012 05:28:24 PDT Last Minute Adventure nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
In addition to that, it's a stress-filled time at work. Our HUGE Halloween event is this Thursday. Tiffany (park admin) recently hired a volunteer coordinator who has been great help and has relieved me a bit to work on interpretive stuff as necessary. We had a nice canoe trip Saturday (resulting in a MASSIVE bruise on my calf :( ).  Anyway, amid all of this, my boss Jim was going through emails Thursday and decide ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/The-11th-Striker-331411564 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/The-11th-Striker-331411564 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:32:35 PDT The 11th Striker nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
Detective Conan The 11th Striker was pretty much what I expected. I had somewhat low expectations, mind you.  The last three movies have been amazing (last year's not quite as awesome as the two previous) , so I was ready for a lesser one.

It had plenty of action, but not much depth to plot or character development.  To the movie's credit, it didn't turn out to be the culprit I thought it was. But to its detraction, my way would have been a much more interesting storyline. :P The animation wasn't spectacular either. It's obvious the creators put their all int ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Some-Writing-Memes-326161914 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Some-Writing-Memes-326161914 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 21:11:42 PDT Some Writing Memes nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Writing Meme 2"

1) First list all your OCs by first name so we can see your list of all your wonderful OCs:

Seiko Kaida Yuki
Tristan Fudo Brad Alex Mike
Raidon Meredith Celes Toyo
Tim Conrad Violet Eric Ricky Brigit Caroline Pepper Dozer Valentine Kylie Sean
Mina Amber Angela Dirk Melody Trey Lee Brandon Shin Kin  Isabelle Tucker Hy ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Playing-Dress-up-324440582 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Playing-Dress-up-324440582 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 06:00:07 PDT Playing Dress-up? nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
I am still trying to rationalize the expense for myself. It's strange. I've never even considered treating myself to CLOTHING before. If my good frugal sense doesn't kick in, I was considering this ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Fifth-draft-fevered-323959579 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Fifth-draft-fevered-323959579 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:11:35 PDT Fifth draft... fevered nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
I feel I'm getting closer... Not there yet but close... I had no idea this scene would be so... significant. She is usually of few words, so I guess they need to carry some weight to be worthy of being spoken. (Or maybe I'm just struggling because "sincere Kaida" is a very rare specimen. It's usually pissed off Kaida or manipulated Kaida. XD )

Oh, and I have a fever. Maybe that's where this brainstorm came from (or is the brainstorm the cause of the fever?)

Okay this is the FINAL draft. This page has to go live next week, so it better be right! ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Gift-a-Comic-Book-Day-323082837 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Gift-a-Comic-Book-Day-323082837 Fri, 24 Aug 2012 06:55:03 PDT Gift a Comic Book Day nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
It was created by some Portland (OR) comic fans, and I think it's a lovely idea, so let's spread it! (Summertime needs more gift sharing holidays.)  Give comic books to all your friends. It's extra special to give comics you've made but also great to give copies of favorites that you think your friends will like. For anyone like me, hand-me-downs are just as good (or even better! I love used books, they have personality/soul). ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Rat-news-322498996 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Rat-news-322498996 Tue, 21 Aug 2012 06:47:59 PDT Rat news! nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
In other ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Check-this-out-320359188 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Check-this-out-320359188 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:05:05 PDT Check this out nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
Check this out. http://curiousv.com/usedbooks/RaidonRecording.mp3 It's a description/promo for my webcomic Used Books -- by one of the characters. (Voiced by my brother Dave.) ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Travel-TRAVEL-319350021 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Travel-TRAVEL-319350021 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 06:43:22 PDT Travel TRAVEL! nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
I am, by nature, a coward. I recognize my way of NOT doing things all the time, and I find it aggravating. It makes me bored and lonely. :P  I've been all over the US, with my parents, who were kind enough to drag me all over for summer vacations and field trips ("educational leave" is what the school called it; we brought forms in and got to take off days to go on trips).  So, I've seen LA, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Bar Harbor Maine (my favorite!), Toronto, etc.  New York was my first trip without my family or school group. My parents arranged it for me when I was i ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Unrequested-Inspiration-318935670 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Unrequested-Inspiration-318935670 Sat, 04 Aug 2012 06:07:30 PDT Unrequested Inspiration nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
Anyway, while drawing the first part of the arc, I worked on the concurrent story and rewrote the last couple scenes to be more natural and meaningful. (Much of the remainder of the script is just catty sarcasm and witty reparte.)  Somehow, deepening the ending put my mind into that "serious mode. ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Thoughts-on-rat-housing-315238345 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Thoughts-on-rat-housing-315238345 Tue, 17 Jul 2012 07:15:28 PDT Thoughts on rat housing nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
Mostly, this is from some negative experience using "tall" cages, and some suggestions for people doing cage shopping. Cages are expensive, so it's aggravating t ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Inspiration-314303429 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Inspiration-314303429 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:16:01 PDT Inspiration nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
Today, I found myself engrossed in writing unlike what I usually read. I was reading... *gasp* NON-FICTION. In particular, I was reading narratives ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/30-Question-Writing-Meme-314024494 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/30-Question-Writing-Meme-314024494 Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:30:27 PDT 30 Question Writing Meme nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
1. Tell us about your favorite writing project/universe that you've worked with and why.

I haven't written prose in a while (partly for lack of audience but mostly for writing block and lost interest). That aside, I love to create Used Books. It's a bit more fluid and the episodes/stories are less self-contained than previous settings/projects. It isn't the mo ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Home-before-the-rain-313348633 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Home-before-the-rain-313348633 Sun, 08 Jul 2012 06:15:56 PDT Home before the rain nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Damn-tears-312708347 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Damn-tears-312708347 Thu, 05 Jul 2012 05:19:46 PDT Damn tears nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
But at three AM last night, I woke after a dream about her coming home in the rain. I went out on the screen porch and just sat there for a few minutes. Then I s ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Rodent-Updates-312421734 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Rodent-Updates-312421734 Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:51:32 PDT Rodent Updates nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/The-Mouse-s-Odyssey-311899326 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/The-Mouse-s-Odyssey-311899326 Sun, 01 Jul 2012 11:19:44 PDT The Mouse's Odyssey nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
If she is that determined to be there (and that foolhardy), I decided to allow her to remain under my terms, a 10 gallon aquarium full of aspen shavings and plenty of places to hide. ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Writer-s-Traffic-Jam-307428619 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Writer-s-Traffic-Jam-307428619 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 20:10:38 PDT Writer's ... Traffic Jam? nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
What is the opposite of writer's block? I have a bad case of it. When the ideas are too numerous and pile up into a crazy jumble, each thought demanding to be put to paper but none of them piecing together into one story. There must be a name for it. I don't have that name. I think it's a traffic jam of ideas, bumper-to-bumper. No, not that orderly. More chaotic. A jumble, a twisted pile of idea threads demanding to be sorted and straightened but resisting all attempts to isolate a thread from the mass.

Anyway, this mental explosion has had some benefits. From the mass, I managed to pull ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Feeling-Cruddy-P-306302340 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Feeling-Cruddy-P-306302340 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 08:08:09 PDT Feeling Cruddy :P nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
I spent too much money today but on things I needed to buy. Rat food, medical supplies for April (my diabetic cat), new shoes I've needed for two years, food, shampoo. I hate spending money. It makes me sick to my stomach. My whole paycheck is gone in one f ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Up-late-doing-memes-305813359 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Up-late-doing-memes-305813359 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 21:22:46 PDT Up late, doing memes nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
Memes from http://oc-meme-central.livejournal.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1) Yuki
2) Eric
3) Raidon
4) Fudo
5) Seiko
6) Meredith
7) Brad
8) Mike
9) Tristan
10) Kaida

1.) [3] is in need of advice from [5], what is it?

~The only thing I can think of is that Raidon might ask for advice on winning some points with Kaida. I'm not sure Seiko would give him any.

2.) [1], [2], and [6] all have a crush on [4].
]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Kids-to-Parks-302869779 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Kids-to-Parks-302869779 Fri, 18 May 2012 08:27:54 PDT Kids to Parks! nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Dressing-myself-An-epic-undertaking-299784813 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Dressing-myself-An-epic-undertaking-299784813 Thu, 03 May 2012 03:29:15 PDT Dressing myself: An epic undertaking? nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
Last night, I tripped on a cardboard box at home and got a "stupidity injury." You know, an injury from being stupid. Hurts like hell, but you figure it will pass. I had to maneuever myself ingeniously to get into bed last night. Apparently I usually lead with my left shoulder, but my left shoulder screams in agony if slightly moved at any angle.

This morning is no better. So I'm staring at my clothing, trying to telekinetically will it to leap onto my body, so I can go to work. I want so much to ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Books-for-Art-297162592 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Books-for-Art-297162592 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:29:14 PDT Books for Art! nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
I have finished the printed version of "The Masquerade." It's a self-contained story, 60 pages long. http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/art/The-Masquerade-in-Print-297146292?q=gallery%3Ausedbooks&qo=0

In celebration of the upcoming 1000th page of Used Books, I would love to give away some copies of this book in exchange for guest/fan art! While supplies last (I have six or seven, which is plenty, imo), anyone who creates guest art to celebrate UB's 1000th page milestone will get a free copy of "The Masquerade," signed and with a doodle/sketch of their favorite character. If you aren't the drawing type, other artistic pieces are ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/24-x-16-293898257 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/24-x-16-293898257 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:27:23 PDT 24 - x = 16 nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
I figured I was down a size, maybe two. But I ended up buying the most beautiful size 16 swimsuit! (My suit from last year is a 24...) I felt kinda shocked. I really don't feel that I had changed so dramatically. Anyway, when I got home, I tried on my 12th grade prom dress, my 11th grade prom dress, and my 10th grade Winterfest dress. -- They ALL fit. o_o ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Springtime-Changes-292457960 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Springtime-Changes-292457960 Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:11:08 PDT Springtime Changes nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
Pet Updates:

First off, I have a new litter of rats. They are three weeks old. I've been posting pics here. My other rats are all well. Eleven of them are going on 22 months old. In my latest litter, there is only one variegated. Sadly, she is not rex. So, to continue my rex variegated line, I need to breed another litter in the next few months, since I have had no luck finding active breeders with rex rats -- and I don't want to have another in-bred generation since the last few were very close relations, and outcrosses strengthen immune systems.

My cats are all fine. April is up to ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Digital-Camera-288167648 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Digital-Camera-288167648 Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:26:15 PST Digital Camera? nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
I'm looking for something pocket-sized with a good zoom. Preferably runs on AA or AAA batteries. (USB charge might work but only if it has a good battery life.) Any suggestions? ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/A-politically-symbolic-nightmare-281345227 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/A-politically-symbolic-nightmare-281345227 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:57:37 PST A politically symbolic nightmare? nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
That was not the weird part (although none of it made any sense). The weird thing was a brief scene that was so disturbing that it woke me up extra early. I think it might have been triggered by me watching Gulliver's Travels (the mini-series starring Ted Danson) the other day. There was a guy, younger than me (late teens or early twenties) although at times I saw from hi ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Banner-ad-feedback-280215367 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Banner-ad-feedback-280215367 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:20:37 PST Banner ad feedback? nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
1. Removing the banner entirely.
2. Replacing the horizontal banner with some other type that has more interest on PW (a couple half banners of a few buttons?)
2. Holding a contest to give the ad spot to a reader/fan for an extended period (several months).
3. Using the spot to rotate banner links submitted by readers every week/month, or use coding to have them randomly displayed on each page load.
4. Using the spot to display some small UB-related content (maybe random display?) like ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/SOPA-Protest-280033091 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/SOPA-Protest-280033091 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:25:24 PST SOPA Protest nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
Anyway, I will be doing my best to stay offline entirely -- because I'm not keen on supporting any "competitor sites" that do not join the protest. I joined a few marches when I was a teenager, and I even remember sitting with my parents on a picket like when I was in grade school. It is not in my nature to "cross a picket line" even a cyber one.

So, basically, I'm staying offline best I can. Farewell internet. I am leaving you to hel ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Fan-contributions-278909799 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Fan-contributions-278909799 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:01:03 PST Fan contributions? nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
If you are intereste ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Serenity-and-Resolution-277473834 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Serenity-and-Resolution-277473834 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:53:20 PST Serenity and Resolution nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks To accept the things I cannot change,
The courage
To change the things I can,
And the wisdom
To know the difference.

That was one of my favorite bits of motivation as a teenager. I don't think I appreciated those words then, not as I understand them now. I have never in the past been wont for any of those items that I wished to be granted. But now... Now I know the significance. It all rings so true to me now, in ways I wouldn't have understood in high school or college. Life often feels like a rut. It's strange to me that I crave change so much -- and at the same time fear it. Fear it with every cell and syna ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Sneak-peek-277153596 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Sneak-peek-277153596 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:41:03 PST Sneak peek nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2012-2013 ~usedbooks
It's kind of like writing a short story -- except it's like writing a dozen short stories at once. o_o And it's very intricate and time consuming. In any case, it feeds my my writing cravings. Plus, I am less apt to get "blocked" because I can just start writing for a different scenario when I'm stuck on one.  (And considering my s ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/UB-Anniversary-ideas-276282415 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/UB-Anniversary-ideas-276282415 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 10:06:34 PST UB Anniversary ideas? nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
Anyway, I need to come up with this year's plan soon, since whatever I do will likely take time to implement. I was considering doing something other than an "extra" picture this year. -- And I might save my "big extra" for the 1000 page milestone, which is fast a ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Holiday-Status-Update-276006027 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Holiday-Status-Update-276006027 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:14:34 PST Holiday Status Update nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
My doctor found my latest tests pretty clear. I don't have high uric acid levels in my blood, nor any evidence of kidney stones. I wonder if the mostly vegetarian diet has been helping. I was put on a medicine for the next month to help my body chemistry, but it's way too expensive for someone with no insurance. Whether it helps or not, I think I'll have to tell my doctor that I simply can't continue in the future.

My weight has plateaued for a few weeks. It is discouraging. But it happens. And I can't say that sugar cookies and turkey dinner have helped any. XD On the bright side, I finally discovered a light yogurt I like. ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Pay-It-Forward-fan-art-project-275125242 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Pay-It-Forward-fan-art-project-275125242 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:03:26 PST Pay It Forward fan art project nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
The theme of the next round is "Behaving Badly" and will be all about bad guys, villains, or other characters who do not-nice stuff. If you'd like to be part of this, please let me know the best way to contact you when your turn comes up and provide the url of a comic project or projects you'd li ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Anime-Reviews-271991577 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Anime-Reviews-271991577 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:06:52 PST Anime Reviews nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
I guess I'll start with the two Shojo series I have and then jump into Shonen.

AZUMANGA DAIOH

Synopsis:
The show follows a group of girls and their teachers in high school. Based on a comic strip. The episodes are more or less a series of gags.

T ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Dream-Journal-Entry-River-Mystery-271075276 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Dream-Journal-Entry-River-Mystery-271075276 Sat, 26 Nov 2011 15:19:13 PST Dream Journal Entry: River Mystery nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Good-to-be-home-270425369 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Good-to-be-home-270425369 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:03:00 PST Good to be home nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Travel-Time-268613627 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Travel-Time-268613627 Sat, 12 Nov 2011 07:45:55 PST Travel Time! nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
~~~(Note: The next part of this journal entry might contain very small teaser-ish spoilers. I ju ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Oh-those-rat-boys-265668330 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Oh-those-rat-boys-265668330 Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:00:26 PDT Oh those rat boys... nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
That was three days ago. Since then, figh ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Changes-264360267 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Changes-264360267 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:50:40 PDT Changes nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
My brother just got a new job for the holiday season. He's working in a new bookstore that replaced Borders in the mall. He might move to VA next year and be closer to me, which would be great.

My sister has a lot of leads on teaching jobs in Korea. She should find something before her husband's visa expires.

My dad is enjoying retirement. He's in PA right now being inducted into his high school hall of fame and spending time with his brother.

Mom's new knee is working well. She looks really good too after losing all that weight on the low carb diet her doctor put her on.

My park job ends next week. :( :) I dunno how to feel ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Prayer-request-for-Bryce-263949708 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Prayer-request-for-Bryce-263949708 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:45:12 PDT Prayer request for Bryce nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
UPDATE

Thank you for the thoughts and prayers. Bryce passed away today. Please continue praying for her family and friends. It is very hard for them. ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Prayer-weight-loss-and-independence-263362715 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Prayer-weight-loss-and-independence-263362715 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:54:24 PDT Prayer, weight loss, and independence nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
I am obese. I hit 200 lbs in middle school and passed 250 in college. (My self image, ho ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Here-s-what-s-happening-262766669 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Here-s-what-s-happening-262766669 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:51:12 PDT Here's what's happening... nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
My health is no ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Hypochondria-262603502 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Hypochondria-262603502 Sun, 09 Oct 2011 16:36:25 PDT Hypochondria? nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
I had to force myself to stop looking stuff ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Family-Trip-and-DD-Awards-260746684 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Family-Trip-and-DD-Awards-260746684 Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:05:15 PDT Family Trip and DD Awards nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
In other news, my brother is visiting! He's been a good plot critiquer and helped me with some onomatopoeias (he asked if I needed a foley artist ;) ). He's visiting while between jobs and so he can join us for a family trip to a Ren Fair. We're leaving tomorrow and returning Monday. (I have work next Wednesday -- a ]]> http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Free-Sketch-Commissions-260197653 http://usedbooks.deviantart.com/journal/Free-Sketch-Commissions-260197653 Sun, 25 Sep 2011 13:22:25 PDT Free Sketch Commissions! nonadult journals/personal usedbooks http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/u/s/usedbooks.jpg?3 Copyright 2011-2013 ~usedbooks
The first 10 people who comment on this journal entry will receive a FREE SKETCH COMMISSION! But there's a CATCH. In return, you must offer 10 free sketches in your own journal. The key word here is "sketch," as in most likely fast and rough-looking.

RULES:

1.) I won't st ]]>