I have to go to work. I have to pay the bills. I have to mow the lawn. I have to wash the dishes . . . is daily adult life stressing you out? Consider giving your brain a "mini vacation."
Are you an adult? Do you like to color? Are you also an artist? Want to make your own coloring book? It's not as hard as you might think.
The key is in the details. We may have the same starting point, but after you consider these 15 writing prompts, you'll find your imagination taking over.
There is a good chance you're missing the best show Marvel has to offer.
One of the world's greatest superheroes can't seem to catch a break in live-action. Certainly not for a lack of substance. I outline ways that Hollywood can do justice to our favorite Amazon.
Are Millennials actually lazy or are previous generations just being curmudgeonly?
Submitting a ton of resumes and getting nowhere? The smallest thing could be holding you back. Inside I present tips to help separate your resume, search, and interview from the pack.
Want to know more about atheists? Want to learn some counter-arguments for religious debate? Want to talk about the Flying Spaghetti Monster? You can find all of that and more in my Ultimate Guide.
Growing up with episodes 1, 2, and 3 has given me a similar experience to Star Wars fans who grew up with episodes 4, 5, and 6. And I argue that it's time to end the prequel hate.
As the only salesman for your new book, marketing can seem daunting. But, you'd be surprised by how many avenues are available to self published authors. Inside I highlight several marketing methods.
A few general tips, from a recent home buyer, for things you may not have considered.
Finding it hard to keep your writing dream alive? Staring at an inbox full of generic rejections? Frustrated with the publishing world? You're not alone.
One weird trick.
Do atheists think they have all the answers? Do they consider all kinds of evidence? Why do they care what Christians think? It's time to find out.
You can't name everybody John Smith. So, how can you give your fictional characters strong, memorable names? Inside I break down one such process.
Why are atheists so mean? Why are Republicans so greedy? Why can't white people dance? You might think your question is harmless, but are these generalizations just casual bigotry?
New to DAZ Studio and don't know what primitives are? You might be missing out on some of the most versatile props this program has to offer. Inside I examine some of their many uses.
Looking for entertaining and thoughtful YA fiction from modern authors? Look no further.
Some think of her as a champion, while others attack her as an exaggerated critic. Whatever side you fall on, Anita Sarkeesian's examinations shouldn't to be missed by modern gamers.
We all want to have a unique writing voice, but disregarding meaningful comments from editors is not the answer. Inside I examine the differences between a conscious style and stubborn mistakes.
Who said tofu can't be delicious? Inside I share my personal method for making one of the most versatile vegetarian proteins you'll ever find.
Curious about the universe? Hungry to know more about science? There's no better place to start than this visual spectacle hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson.
How much work should you put into creating original creatures, locations and characters when writing fantasy? Inside I examine some of the pros and cons for the genre's most over-used concepts.
Writing a fantasy novel? My articles have covered creation myths, magic, monsters and more. Now I've compiled them all into one handy resource guide. If you need ideas or inspiration, look no further.
Writing a fantasy novel and feeling the itch to map your world? In this guide, I outline important considerations for developing a fantasy map, as well as some methods you can use to make yours a reality.
Writing a fantasy novel? Then you may be wondering things like, where does magic come from and who can use it? In this guide I'll help you hammer out some of the details you might not have considered.
Don't get what Minecraft is all about? You're not alone. For the interested and the curious, I layout Minecraft's purpose and get you started.
Whether you're going the traditional route and need an agent, or you're self publishing and need to know how to make your own cover art. This guide is working to get you published.
Interested in publishing an e-book but worried about all the costs? One way you can save is by making your own epub file. Inside I explain what that is and how you can do it for free.
Do atheists have 'faith' that god doesn't exist? Do they hate him? Do we always agree with atheist organizations? I answer these pressing questions in the interest of transparency and understanding.
This is not a theist-bashing article. But there is a fault in the mechanics of religion that could bring down countless people, and the U. S., with it.
A song that's so deep, you need an English degree to decode it.
Are guns weapons, tools or religious symbols? And, why have they become so important in the United States?
Can strong female characters overcome their skimpy outfits? Are skimpy outfits as damaging as we're led to believe? Will Wonder Woman ever get her pants back?
Whether you're new to Photoshop, or an experienced user, I've compiled all my articles for your convenience. Learn how to touch up photos, add rain, make wallpapers and more!
New to 3D rendering? New to DAZ Studio? Start here to learn how to install content, morph objects and improve your render quality!
If you've never seen Doctor Who, or you just don't get it, let me explain why it's one of the greatest shows on television.
The Flying Spaghetti Monster was invented as a parody for creationism. But, does it have more real world value than we realize? I compare the FSM and God, in search of meaning.
They're loud, obnoxious, and they think they're always right. You know who I'm talking about.
If you haven't heard about the whole foods, plant based diet yet, then you owe it to yourself to watch this movie. It might just save your life.
There are many things to consider when writing a novel and I've done my best to cover as many as possible. In this free guide you'll find resources all the way from first drafts down to publication.
My literary battle comes to a close as I clash with the publishing industry. If you're interested in writing the genre, or getting published, then you may enjoy this window into my journey.
If you're in the market for a literary agent, then this article is for you. Includes an extensive list of agencies with direct links to their websites.
A vegetarian diet is healthier, less guilt-ridden, and has a wider flavor palette. But is the social push-back worth it? Inside I share what I've learned since making the switch to a meatless diet.
While I can't speak for all atheists, I do believe I can provide enough basics to spread knowledge and understanding. Atheism is not a dirty word and the religious should not fear us.
The internet was not designed with a printer in mind. Those of us who grew up with it know how to fight the battle, but others might not. So here I've compiled a list of ways one can print on the internet in the hopes of preventing those extra pages of advertisements or that cut-short email.
I may not be a hugely successful author, or even a published one, but I've been hammering away at the industry long enough to pass on some valuable advice to you.
National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is the time of year where all writers come together to hammer out the next great novel. If you're thinking of joining in, then consider this guide your starting place.
Is your reading stuck in a rut? Try out the summer reading challenge. Nine books in three months. Inside I outline how to rekindle your love of books with a simple and rewarding program.
A show about drag queens helping women act more like women? Sounds like an unusual concept, but it is one that works surprisingly well. Whether it's the physical transformation into queens or the mental empowerment, there is a lot that this show offers.
You may already know about your coffee, tea and cocoa options with your one cup coffee maker, but did you also know it can cook food? Inside I examine a handful of tested foods that can be properly cooked with the hot water from your coffee machine.
The following is a short dialogue piece I wrote about how an atheist's conversation with god might play out. It won a writing contest at my community college, becoming the first time I had ever been paid for a story I had written.
This is a short story I wrote in college about a young man who contemplates his position in life as he travels down the literal and metaphorical pier to find what awaits him at the end.
So you've written your e-book, and you're ready to publish, but there is one problem—you don't have a cover picture. With a little patience and the right practice, you can make your own professional-looking book cover that will catch the eye of potential readers.
No doubt you've heard of the Hunger Games, but is it the right book for you? Here is an assessment of why the book series, more so than the movie, is worth your time.
Christians are complaining about their holiday being forced out of businesses, but do they really have a case? Inside I examine why the supposed 'war' on Christmas is total crap.
It has happened to all of us; there is that one website that you love to visit, but hate because of how much time it wastes or how much drama it causes. Despite the frustration, you just can't seem to leave it behind. So we turn instead to the Blackout Week Challenge. Can you survive without your...
The 8-bit style of art is most commonly associated with the early ages of video games. But, with the widespread use of the internet, there comes a new generation of artists and game designers who have found new life in this art form. Inside I'll show you how easy it is to make your own.
Some say that modern video games are too easy. I say that without easy video games, we wouldn't have the epic projects that have defined the industry.
Self publishing your novel seems like a viable option, thanks to e-readers, but is that really a good thing? Inside I examine how self published books have failed to make a good name for themselves in the world of literature.
Can't afford real roses and origami roses are too hard to make? I hear you. Inside you'll find a guide to making a unique paper rose, without origami, for your special someone.
Want a kindle cover, but don't want to cut up the pages of a book to get it? I'll show you how to do it with foam for under $10.
There is a lot of anime out there, but I assure you this is one of the best. Caution: extremely violent; not meant for children.
Most reality shows are shallow, cruel and unforgiving. It took legendary comic book creator, Stan Lee, to bring us the first reality show that rewards heroic behavior. Here's why you should watch it.
I addressed the hidden appeal of e-readers and now I examine why they might be bad for us. Loss of culture, durability and sharing are all discussed.
An assessment of the positive aspects of e-readers from the perspective of a writer who has long resisted them.
I provide a window into my experiences in one of the worst professions in the world; public service. (Also referred to as customer service.) If you hate your job, you'll probably enjoy this article.
Politicians and the media want U.S. citizens to battle each other; it makes for high ratings and vicious supporters. But we're sensible people. We can stop the descent and realize that the opposite party is NOT an enemy.
A short humor play about a man confessing his sins to a priest. Written for the HubPatron of the Arts contest on HubPages (11/16/11).
“Black Box” is a science fiction short/horror short that depicts the last data entries of the White Shark; a naval warship stationed on an ocean planet called ‘Ares’. Using a combination of computer statistical readings, and the captain’s personal logs, we discover the horrific fate of the ship and...
Very soon, advanced graphics will reach a threshold in video games. Consumers will no longer be able to distinguish between one 'realistic' game and another. Because of this, truly artistic games will take center stage. Inside I outline 10 such games that have already set the bar for artistic...
With teen suicides on the rise, I feel the need to emphasize the lack of importance high school has. Education is important, but the people who bully in school are not. Take it from me; a former 'fat', 'nerd', 'scrub' who made it out to see the beauty of life after high school.
There are many reasons why college should be free in the U.S. In this article I outline the potential benefits to fixing the greatest threat facing our nation's youth.
If you write anywhere online, there is a very real chance that your popular articles have been copy-and-pasted on other websites. It isn't always malicious, but it does impact your traffic and you should always be aware of it.
I know that some Sword of Truth fans are upset with Legend of the Seeker for changing so much of the story, but what if these two stories could co-exist in the same universe? In this article I present my theory about how a split timeline is possible.
Telling you I'm an atheist is not an attack on your religion. Inside I explain how I came to my conclusions and answer a few questions about my personal atheist beliefs.
I've recently been searching for Fantasy and Science Fiction magazines that pay for short stories. What I have found, I will now share with you.
Modern writing has become too centralized around computers, but computers don't WANT us to write; they want us to waste time on pointless stuff. This article is about getting back to basics with a pen and a piece of paper.
The line between what is art and what is pornography might not be as definitive as you think. In this article, I examine how certain variables define art over pornography.
"Why You Should Watch" is a featurette I designed to highlight lesser known movies and television shows. The hope is that these gems do not get overlooked by the people who would like them most.
This isn't necessarily a recommended reading list, but rather, a collection of books that I feel are influential and important to all writers. If you've read any of them, pat yourself on the back.
Love adventure movies? Try checking out the Librarian. It was made for TV, but it's good enough to give Indiana Jones a run for his money.
I examine even more tips and settings to take your 3D renders to the next level. Includes backdrop, lighting, diffuse, glossiness, ambient, reflections and more!
A celebration of, and reflection on, my first 100 hubs. I also offer advice for hubbers both new and old.
Offensive for the sake of being offensive. Some controversies are manufactured for no other reason than to get your attention. Are they even worth our time? I examine this question using several examples in modern culture.
Where did it all begin? It's a question we may never be able to answer, but if you write fantasy, it's your job to create one. Inside you'll find tips and examples of how to write your first creation myth.
Here you'll find one of the best shows you've never seen as Morgan Spurlock, the creator of Super Size Me, chronicles some of today's toughest issues, told through opposing viewpoints living together for 30 days. Intelligent, funny and heartwarming, this is one reality show you shouldn't overlook.
I've compiled all of my supernatural and fantastic guides into one handy place. From slaying dragons to surviving the zombie apocalypse, I've got something for everyone.
The dragons are overpopulated and its our job to thin them out. Inside you'll find a practical guide to get you started on your way to hunting dragons.
If you've never changed a car tire before, you might want to familiarize yourself with the objects and procedures you'll be encountering. Don't do what I did and stumble through the first catastrophe.
There is no question that the U.S. Government needs reform, but it is my belief that the heart of the problem resides in the legislative branch. Inside I outline how congress is letting us down and perhaps some ways we can fix it.
Have you ever wondered how to compile your artwork into a convenient digital form that you can submit to potential employers? I outline how you can accomplish it in no time.
In my first Literary Remix attempt, I turn Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde into cyberpunk style science fiction.
Similar to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, I take Public Domain classics and give them a creative new spin. They're quick reads and always give respect to the original authors.
This is a guide designed to help the beginning DAZ Studio user install their content files for use with the 3D rendering program.
If you're unfamiliar with the SteamPunk sub-genre, or you're curious how it is marrying together Science Fiction and Fantasy, then this article is for you.
You don't have to be a flag waving zombie to be a patriot.
Ever find yourself bored while reading your favorite fiction? You might just be craving the opposite. Inside I explore the importance of reading both Literary and Genre Fiction.
Have you ever looked at a paper clip and thought "there is so much that I could do with this"? This hub is dedicated to all those moments of weird solutions to everyday problems.
Have you ever taken the time to write a thoughtful email, only to get "yeah" in response? In this guide I outline some of the basic courtesies to extend when responding to electronic mail.
A guide designed for players who have already reached the level cap in World of Warcraft. I provide a number of tips to level your alt fast as well as how to keep it interesting.
Having trouble dragging yourself over to your writing desk? Losing interest in your novel? It's time to get motivated!
A beloved movie from my childhood, I outline how this movie influenced me and how its sense of adventure is fun for the whole family.
The purpose of this guide is to give parents a better understanding of the video game rating system with the hope that they will make better decisions for their children.
Ask yourself the following: Does my significant other have an unusual fascination with the moon? Do they disappear at strange times during the night? Do they smell meat cooking from several miles away? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be living with a werewolf.
Do you want a formidable beast for your fantasy character to battle? Do you want a legendary monster that strikes fear into the hearts of mortal men? Do you know how to get started? Well, you do now.
If you're interested in anime, science fiction, comic books or super heroes, you should pay attention to this show.
Having trouble with a description? Here are a few helpful questions and prompts to get you started with describing a fantasy city.
Part real world investigation, part fictional extermination. All in the interest of humor.
Interested in Science Fiction but not sure where to get started? Look no further.
These are five fantasy novels I believe every fan/writer of the genre should read.
For me, our civilization's literature disproves the existence of god, but that does not mean I think badly of those who do believe. In fact, I want to work with them to make a better world for all of us.
There are so many vampires just waiting in the shadows to strike. What you need is a guide to help you figure out what you're up against.
We always remember our first car, but I think this generation has officially added a new first; computers. This was mine, and I would love to hear about yours.
Are you one of those Americans who fear and/or loathe nudity in the mass media? Is it the most detrimental thing our kids can see, or has the subject been blown way out of proportion? I intend to examine that and more.
This guide is not a guaranteed outline of a frugal lifestyle, but rather a number of tips and suggestions to help reduce your money loss each month and buy you time to get a better job.
Unless you’re having unusual chest pains, you probably don’t have pericarditis—but I wanted to share my experience because of how quickly I was broadsided by this condition.
As a writer who is hoping to get published in the near future, I have a constant struggle with the idea of Fan Fiction. Publishers are only going to accept original characters and stories, so what is the point of writing Fan Fiction? Well, there is a point to it, and I’m only gradually beginning to...
Inside I outline why this short lived (though still savable) fantasy television series is worth your time. Already seen it? Maybe you should take another look.
Less of a book review and more of a response to the negative associations to the Harry Potter series.
There are so many ways to make small images into desktop wallpapers that I wrote a second article about it!
Part 2 of my open ended series about the best Science Fiction and Fantasy there is to offer on the small screen.
I'm no expert, but I want to share with you some methods I use to analyze my dreams. Who knows, they might just help you gain insight into your own unconscious adventures.
Think all video game movies suck? Think again.
When used as a hobby, online writing sites like HubPages can improve a writer's mental health. Not necessarily an endorsement, this article examines just how online writing can be beneficial.
Zombies are swarming in the streets; you have to act fast. What do you do first? Sit down at a computer and reference this guide, of course.
Knowing how to use 3D rendering programs is one thing, but creating art with them is another. Discover the tricks to making your renders come alive, including placement, using negative space, combining figures, etc.
Ever wanted to design a logo for your home business? Or are you a new Graphic Designer looking to learn some tricks for making logos that pop? In either case, this guide is here to help.
If you've ever wondered what file sizes like "kilobyte" and "Megabyte" mean then this is the place. I break down what a file is, how to make one, find it, and learn about it's properties.
The phrase 'Facebook lies' isn't a buzzword, it's a truth I've come to discover after using the social networking site. I've seen such sites upset many close to me and so I've set out to warn others about the dangers of facebook.
If you've ever worked in public/customer service, then you know about the stress levels involved. If you find yourself still in that situation, this article provides a series of quotes and my reflections to help you deal with the anxiety.
If you've ever used, or thought about using, a public computer, then I offer you some helpful advice to make your experience a better and safer one.
This is both a book review for the second Sword of Truth book, as well as a Save Our Seeker plea. If you're a fan of the books or the show please read on. And if you aren't, then you might be missing out on two great things!
Part two in my series about my personal struggles writing an epic fantasy novel. This time I focus on the world building part of the process.
Part five of my series on writing an epic fantasy novel. Here I focus on polishing a manuscript and staying motivated.
Part four in my series about my personal struggles writing an epic fantasy novel. Here I focus on the pressure many genre fiction authors face where their work is seen as insignificant fluff.
Part three in my series about my personal struggles writing an epic fantasy novel. Here I focus on my process editing and re-writing a daunting manuscript.
If you've ever wanted a window into the world of writing an epic fantasy novel, then here is your chance. I offer my own experiences as a road map to help you with your writing.
Having trouble with your writing? How about some quotes to jump-start your brain?
You might think that you're already writing for yourself, but stop and really ponder it. Are you writing to be published? To make money? Or for a specific audience? With all the work it takes to be successful in this business, it is easy to lose track of the joy we once felt from good old fashioned...
If you're having trouble with viruses or spyware then there might be options available to you other than a reformat.
You might not know or care who I am, but I'm confessing my writing sins to you.
MATs are like skin for 3D models and objects. Usually, when you download these 3D objects, they come with some default MATs, but with this tutorial, you can create your own textures, transparencies, and bump maps to customize the heck out of your 3D experience.
Yes, you read the title correctly. This article is all about which practices will earn you very little money, if any, on HubPages. What possibly could have possessed me to write such a thing? I assure you there is a method to my madness.
Food awareness can be the difference between weight loss and weight gain. I may not be a dietician, but this method might just help you.
If you're new to HubPages then this is the perfect article to help you get started writing your own hubs. If you're a veteran, then this guide can help you figure out what sort of hub to write next.
Adult film star Tera Patrick takes her first stab at writing a memoir. Read more to see if her story is one you should know about.
If you've ever wanted to write a script or a play, here's your chance to get started.
Find out if the novelization of Prince Arthas and the Rise of the Lich King is any good in this reader's review.
Do you like to draw, or wish you could draw with Adobe Photoshop? Have you ever wanted to give your photos that artistic edge? Well you can start by drawing your own clothing, and you can learn how to do it here.
I'm not going to scam you into something. This article is an overview of what Dropshipping is. If you've ever wondered about it, then this is the article to read.
Ever wondered how to change the face of your 3D models? Or maybe you want to give them muscles or vampire fangs? Whatever the case, morphing is how you achieve these results. I'm here to tell you how to do it.
Another ten bargain co-op games that you might have missed!
If you're looking for a bargain game that you and a friend can play together, then look no further. This is my open-ended article series on Co-op Video Games that you may have missed.
Comics are complex pieces of work, usually requiring a team of writers and artists just to complete a single one. But that doesn't mean you can't see your stories and artwork realized.
Editing is hard, but it is a necessary part of the writing process. Inside I break down some of the steps required to determine if your piece needs editing and where to start.
Does the sequal to the Da Vinci Code live up to its popular predacessor? Find out in this informative review.
If you're looking for some good science fiction and fantasy themed television shows then look no further. This is a compilation of ten of my favorite shows in the genre.
If you ever want to get published (or just write good stories) then you MUST read this book.
3D art can make for some beautiful, custom wallpapers for your desktop. While you can scour the internet for the perfect picture, it is much easier to make your own with 3D rendering programs. This guide will get you on your way to making your own 3D wallpapers with a few simple steps.
Reading fictional characters to life in this creative children's novel.
If you're looking to write a book review, you've come to the right place. If you've never written a book review before, then you're still in the right place. If you are unsure about whether or not you want to write a book review, then you should just click on the article and find out.
Is your computer’s hard drive getting too full with stuff? Do you want to email multiple files to your friends but they’re too big, or it takes too long? Have you ever wondered what that strange ‘.zip’ file is that has been sitting in your inbox? Look no further. In this article I will describe how...
Using Photoshop to become a superhero is not as complicated as you think. Once you learn how to do this, you can become anyone.
Are you prepared to do what it takes to crush that writer's block? Are you ready to take the gloves off and deliver the beatdown of a lifetime? Writer's block, your days are numbered!
Buying new props for 3D scenes can be expensive, and there is no guarantee that the prop you buy is going to match up to the artistic vision in your head. This guide teaches you a cheap, creative alternative.
Are your fictional characters falling flat? There might be some crucial elements that you're missing.
Ever wanted to add rain to a photo or wallpaper? You might be surprised to hear it can be done with just the basic Photoshop tools.
Genre fiction can be defined as stories that deal with the speculative or the imaginary. Traditionally, this encompasses genres like fantasy, science fiction, and horror. If you are interested in getting into this type of writing, then look no further.
If you've ever been annoyed by muddy, low resolution images being stretched into a desktop background, then this article is for you.
Great writer, period.
I know what you’re thinking: How could this guy possibly teach me how to write a novel in such a short article? Well I’m not here to teach you how to write, being a good writer does not always mean you have what it takes to write a novel. I'm here to break down what is important for getting that...
Photoshop can look intimidating to a beginner. But, with a few simple tools, you can clean, brighten, or change the color of your digital photos.
Maybe the game was taken away from you, maybe it was destroying your relationships, or maybe you just couldn’t afford the monthly fee anymore. Whatever the reason may be, you can no longer play world of warcraft, but you still have that itch to log on. This article is designed to help you cope with...
Have you ever wanted to create your own artistic images with your computer, but felt that the programs you were interested in were too difficult to learn? This tutorial helps beginners understand how they can create 3D art as well as links where they can find the software.
A boy and his dragon may not seem like a new concept, but this world may be more entertaining than you think. See how Eragon puts its mark on the Young Adult Fantasy market.
Find out where Robert Langdon's adventures began in this fast paced thriller.
Not only has Terry Goodkind forever made his mark on fantasy literature with his Sword of Truth series, but now his tales have seeped into pop culture with the advent of the Legend of the Seeker television series. See where it all began with this review of Wizard's First Rule.
With the help of these PC cleaning tips, you can have your computer running smoother and faster in no time.
Superman and Batman team up in the 50s to take on the literary world.
A writer's review of "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama.
Love video games but have no money? In this article I outline several tips to help you get games as cheap as possible.