Yeah, sorry I haven't updated in a while - I didn't want to update until I replied to all my messages... (and I didn't even reply to all of them >_< Sorry, guys)

First off... um, well, since this IS DeviantART, I'll make this related to art, lol. I have weekly art classes (my art teacher is on dA, too) and while there I get some tips on how to keep advancing in realism. My teacher also suggested to do at least three drawings or sketches a day - in a year, I'll have roughly a thousand drawings (give or take) and there will be tremendous improvement.

Another point to make: practice! Yes, I know, that's what everyone says, but it's true! No one is born with art skills - it all comes with hard work and practice. Really, if you want proof, take this: I started drawing [manga, in the beginning] pretty much a year ago to this month. Back then, my drawings were disfigured, had a bad case of anorexia, and lacked any anatomy or proportion. Now, here I am, a year later, and the improvement is blatantly obvious - I'm not virtuoso at drawing, but there's more detail, anatomy, proportions, etc. And I've gotten into realism, which I believe is a fundamental skill for drawing - after that, new styles and ideas will take off from there.

So, beginning [or experienced] artists, don't get down! You will get there, believe me.

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Okay, after all that, let's move on to the random little mutterings, eh?

I'm on the lookout for some new books to read: some genres I favor are horror, mystery, suspense, comedy, romance... well, actually, I don't exactly have specific favorites; really, if it appeals to me, I'll read it. (Same with music, but that's a different topic.)

Age level... well, I'm lax on things like that. (My parents... not so much, but, eh.) I'm not terribly fond of what seems to pop up in the young adult genre today - seems to consist a lot of chick books, teenage diaries, and boyfriend problems. But, like I said - if some appeals to me, I'll give it a try. But besides that, I'm starting to prefer more of the adult section. And classics; a lot of those are good, too. Some of my favorite authors include:

-George Orwell
-Janet Evanovich (Just got Two For the Dough!)
-James Patterson (Not terribly fond of his Max Ride series - I think When the Wind Blows looks better)
-Edgar Allen Poe
-Michael Crichton
-David Clement-Davies
-Stephen King
-Lois Lowry
-Nicholas Sparks

Now, something to say: I just borrowed Stephen King's horror novel Cell from the library and I LOVE IT! Gory, horrific, apocalyptic, suspenseful, tragic... like one of my greatest fears of mass destruction coming to life. (I want to read Pet Sematary, The Shining, The Tommyknockers, and some others... probably going to have to sneak those past my parents, lol)

So yeah, I'm on obvious bibliophile.

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Just a quick note about music (sorry, guys, almost done!): I've started listening to some classic rock, things from the 60s, 70s, 80s, British Invasion. I already have The Beatles, a bit of Pink Floyd, Bread, The Kinks, and Creedence Clearwater on my iPod. I'm looking into Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Grateful Dead, The Who (I have a CD of them, though), Deep Purple and some others. I'm always open for suggestions or discussions.

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Okay, guys, that's it! XD Farewell!