The seventh year dies

Ok so this post comes a bit late, mostly because I've been very sick the past week. It hasn't been fun. I had a post written but just scrapped it and am starting from scratch.

Why does the New Year motivate everyone to make change? This motivation lasts about a week, then we continue living our lives the way we have always lived them and a year later, very little has changed.

Well, to an extent, I'm no different. The new year does motivate me to change. Last year I swore to lose weight. I was at 195 in January, and within a few months I had lost 25 pounds and I've kept them off ever since.

But weight is a very minor thing to me. This year I'm changing my life.

I've said it before and I'm saying it again: Life isn't a 9-5 job that you hate. Life is waking up and being able to smile. You have to change you're own life.

School is finally ending for me this year, and Ive got to do something. So my "New Years Resolution" is that I'm going to do whatever it takes to progressivly move closer to the success I want with my life.

You have to be fierce, you have to push and shove sometimes, you have to do what it takes, and I need to step up and start doing all these things.

My main focus is going to be my books. End of Days book 1 is finished being edited and starting february I'm going to query my life away. I'm not going to care about what time of year it is, I won't stop until I have a deal.

I also have been writing another book in the End of Days series. I resolve to have that finished by summer and write at least 5 days out of the week.

I'm also promising myself that I'm going to keep my skating up to par.

And I'm sure many people have this same resolution ... I want to find a good job I'm happy with.

I have to have fierce dedication and focus to do this. I'm going to do what I have to do.

"To be successful at the level I wanted, it took such a desperate obsessive focus" - Will Smith

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hand - Andy

A.S. Vlog XII: Merry Vlogmas

Ok these names are getting lamer and lamer, but oh well, at least I am updating right? This vlog was rushed in every way shape and form. Even right now I need to get to bed so I can wake up and have my lengthy Christmas day! So expect a writing blog and new vlog on the day after Christmas, but if something goes wrong and it doesn't happen, don't be surprised. My life has a way of not letting me do the things I plan on. Until then, rock on guys. - Andy



My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands

A.S. Vlog XI: The Andy Vlogio Brothers

Ok that title was a bit pushing it. Once again I'm weary about posting my vlog. I don't even know how many people watch these. I feel like an idiot every time I post one. Reguardless how I feel ... Here is my new vlog. I really talk about nothing the whole time. I'm going to make it a point to put actual info into writing on here and my more goofier side onto my vlogs, because serious vlogs are lame. I'll do a writing blog on here sometime soon. I hope everyone is doing well. Later everyone! - Andy

December?

Ok so it was 70 degrees today (20 for anyone outside the US reading this.) and there is exactly two weeks until Christmas ... Cincinnati Weather is rediculous. Ok so this isn't really a big update. I'm going to put a Vlog up tomorrow (or I am at least planning on it.) For right now, I just wanted to post the video below. I filmed the Album release part for The Epidemic's debut album Quarantine Days. Watch the video I edited of Nightmare City(LIVE) and then go check out them and their music at the links below. And buy their album to support them. Until tomorrow ... -Andy




www.myspace.com/thexepidemic

epidemic.robotmonster.us

Thanksgiving Weekend is not good for me.

So what normally is Family time, Skateboarding, Writing, and Video Games has turned into all work! Instead of rocking some awesome food with my family yesterday I worked from 10am till 9pm. Granted, I got paid 21 Bucks an hour but still, I could barely walk afterwards. And now I have to work tonight(Black Friday) and tomorrow night, which will both be absurdly busy. But I'll get by, I always do.

So below is the vlog, and below that is some links mentioned in the vlog. and even further down, I'll add a Christmas list, because my sister and a couple others keep asking me what I want and I thought it would be fun to broadcast everything I can think of wanting to the world wide web.



The Epidemic's Myspace!

The Epidemic Official Site!


My ultimate want list:

*A new copy of Earthbound for the SNES
*The entire Calvin and Hobbes collection
*Star Trek: The next Generation, the entire series on DVD
*Resident Evil 4 for the Nintendo WII
*Star Wars LEGOS the complete Saga for the Nintendo WII
*The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker for the Nintendo Gamecube (original packaging prefered over the Greatest Hits)
*Metroid Prime 1 (Again, original packaging prefered)
*Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (Original packaging prefered)
*The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, Gold cartridge
*Any sealed Dino Rider Toys
*A good condition copy of Final Fantasy IX

Skateboarding Update!

OK, so since my other hobbies have crept into my blog life, I thought it would be a good oppurtunity to give all of my Cincinnati blog readers an update on my skateboarding. The video is below; starts out with some of my "throw away" footage --aka I will not be using the footage in my next video part-- then there's some goof around footage, followed up by some close calls. The music in the beginning is Essyex, a music project by my friends Garrett Hayes and Gary Billow. Enjoy, and I will catch you guys later.

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands - Andy

A.S. Vlog IX: Final Vlogtasy IX

Ok, so this is gonna be a huge update. First off I apologize for the chatoic unorginaztion that is my vlog below. To sum it up, things are changing here. I'm going to post whatever I feel like here, not just writing related vlogs. But this should make this more enjoyable for you guys, at least I hope. I'm really into skateboarding, writing, reading, video, music, and video games. So this small area on the web is now the written record of my insanity ... and a perfect place for my random thoughts on the above mentioned topics.

So here's the vlog, and below will be some extra goodies ...






A recent photo of me Skateboarding shot by Brian Ambs




Here is an image I created in Adobe Illustrator CS




Here is the picture I traced to make the image




Click here, to check out The stars will fall. A song written by me. I am playing the guitar and singing in the song.



And for the finale, I can't believe I am showing everyone this, haha, but here it is: the trailer for Andy Wars III, a skit I made with some friends last year.





Oh, and my friend Ryan Chambers wanted everyone to know he will be home December 7th! He says hello to everyone! I hope everyone is doing well!

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands. - Andy

A.S. Vlog VIII: The Minish Vlog

Hello all. Since I do have a video this time, the only thing I will say in writing is something we should never get tired of hearing and more importantly, something we should all live by: Never give up, no matter what life throws at you.

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands - Andy

September September

Ok ... so, long time no vlog. The truth is that I did film an 8th vlog, but for some reason the sound was messed up when I loaded it onto my computer. So here I am writing a normal blog. Just in case anyone wants to know what I've been up to, here's an update on my life:

My job was seasonal and recently ended, so I have been searching for a job. However, that search has ended and I have found a good serving job at a country club. Now I will finally be able to get myself out of this financial gutter!
I start my final year of college on the 18th I do believe, so I've been using these few weeks to try and have a small summer vacation, which means skateboarding, reading, writing, and video games! Yes that's the best of my childhood and adulthood combined. I will grow old, but never up!
And of course I have been working on EoD. Editing is past the halfway point and I send my first query out this upcoming week. So wish me luck!

But on with the blog. I addressed this in the vlog that will never see the light of day: I'm reading The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper. I'm on the third book(out of Five.)I'm liking it alright so far. The movie is due out next month, but the real reason I picked up the books is because I heard someone say it's up to par with Harry Potter and that they fell in love with the world and characters in the same fashion. I can already say that I disagree, but I am liking it well enough. So if any of you guys out there have read it and want to tell me what you think of the books, go right ahead. But no spoilers!

So I am off to enjoy a work and school free weekend! It sounds much mroe exciting than it feels to be honest. Anyway, I hope everyone is well!

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands - Andy

A.S. Vlog VII: The Deathly Vlog

Ok, here's the seventh slice of my vlog series. I find that I tend to record these when I'm in a bit of a rush. But there is something that I didn't go into detail about: The editing of EoD is going very well. I'm feeling really good about all the changes(and lack of.) I do believe that the september send outs will happen on schedule! I hope everyone is doing well. Take it easy.

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands - Andy

A.S. Vlog VI - The Silver Vlog

Hello all! This is my reward/lazy vlog. Just a reminder, to let you all know I'm still alive. I'm sorry for all the late replies(and hopefully no ignores) in messages and comments. However, it was for a good reason; I was busy working on my book!

P.S. I wasn't putting too much effort in the guitar section of the bloopers. I'd hate for you guys to think I'm lousy when in all actuality, I'm only almost lousy.

My Adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands - Andy

Order of the Vlog

Ok so here is the fifth installment in the Andrew Schrock Vlog series ... OK seriously, here it is. Sorry if it feels a bit rushed; I did it in record time this time, which means less outtakes. I plan on posting a written blog within the next few days, not far away from the content of this vlog.

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands - Andy

Vlog Episode IV: A New Hope

Hello all. Here's number 4 in my vlog series. I filmed it when I was tired and looking back at it now, I wish I would have added some. Sorry if this one isn't up to par with the other ones. Also I'm sorry too everyone who I've been slacking on replying to. Writing is going way too slow. I need 36 hour days! I hope everyone is well.

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands - Andy

Frustration, Fever, and Flicks

Ok, so yesterday I was planning on doing another vlog and posting a requested guitar playing video, but two nights ago I got food poisoning. It was horrible and I'm still feeling pretty bad. So I will do another vlog as soon as I have time and am feeling well enough to make a fool of myself. Nothing much to say right now, other than the summer is going fairly fast and I really need to get a move on EoD.

On a side note, I saw Live Free or Die Hard and was impressed. I'm normally not into cheesy action movies but the Die Hard series always have entertained me. The fourth installment was quite good, possibly my favorite in the series. Also Fantastic Four did not dissapoint either. And tonight I get to go see Transformers. Next week is the big one with Harry Potter 5! This is a huge year for movies. Next year we get Inkheart and Harry Potter 6. Well I'm sick and feel like I'm rambling so I will go. Hope everyone is well.

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands - Andy

Way too many outtakes!

Ok, so here it is, my third vlog. I thought that it was going to be short, but it turned out to be the longest one yet, mostly because of the outtakes.

I really wish I was not taking classes this summer. With school, work, and making time for writing, it's hard to have a life and actually enjoy the summer. Oh well, I'll manage.

I hope everyone is doing well. Take care.

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hand - Andy

No more likes!

I did it again; another video blog. I was a little tired while making this one, so I apologize if I don't seem as cheerful in this one. I hope I don't start going downhill on these.

Something I didn't mention in the vlog is that I may have a connection! I've met someone that is friends with someone who edits for a publishing house. I hope to have good news reguarding this in the future. Have a good week everyone!

P.S. More outtakes.

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands - Andy

Oh no!

I can't believe I did this. I had a hard time making this. (As you can see at the end of the video) So if something doesn't make sense, I'm sorry! And I must apologize for not turning down the audio at the end as well. ... here goes.





My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands - Andy

The Grim Reaper

Wow, so I definitley have not updated everyday. The last few weeks of school were not pretty, but they are over. Unfortunately, my hectic schedule hasn't slowed down one bit. I went to Kings Island yesterday, which ruled, but my car is a confused fellow, ... or rather was. My car's name was Vince and his idea of a good month is having at least two parts break. Yesterday was the last straw and Vince officially bit the dust. I barely got home.

So today I woke up and got a ride to work. After work I went to Honda and met up with my dad. Little did I know, my credit is flawless. The only problem is that I don't have enough of it. So they were willing to sell it to me, but with a heafty 17% rate. Well Mom was just a phone call away and after a co signer, it dropped to 10%.

I signed my life away. I bought a Ford Focus. ( I prefer VW's, so you guys know)

But I bought a car ... Man, that's such an adult thing to do. I' don't wanna grow up. Time is such an evil thing. Thank God I am a writer. It's handy to be able to record your younger years in novel format.

But I won't ever grow up. My new life motto is "Grow old, but never up." Too many people forget what it's like to be a kid. They turn their back on themselves, leaving their imagination lost in memories they're too mature for.

Here's to being an adult with a childs heart. Here's to Vince. Here's to an end to this rant.

I will update more. I promise.

My story begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands. - Andy

All Smiles and Sunshine

Stressed. I really am. I'm strongly debating on buying a PS3 or not. I mean after you buy the system and one game it's around 715 dollars. I'm a Nintendo fan all the way and I love the Wii, but eventually I'll need a PS3(because of the Final Fantasy series) That however is the least of my problems. I have $5,000 worth of credit card debt and, oh yeah, I need a new car.

So basically selling my book would do me wonders. I really need to work on getting the EOD's myspace friend count up, but I really don't want to be one of those people who go around saying "Oh hey, this person breaths, I'll send a friend request."

Well I was just writing for the sake of writing. Supposably it's good for a writer to keep a daily journal. On a side note, I'm pretty psyched for Pirates 3 this weekend. I'll write a review for it sometime after I see it. Ok, if anyone actually reads this, I hope you have a good day.

My adventure begins here and will one day end on the pages in your hands. - Andy

First post!

This is my first entry and before I start writing in this I would like to explain my views on the word "Blog." It's a strange word and I can't say i'm too fond of it. I have no real reason to dislike the word, I just get a bad feeling from it. Maybe the word is giving off a bad aura. I don't know. So when you see me put quotes around "blog" that is why, because I'm only using the word because everyonse else does. So there. Let the "blogging" begin.

This is going to be my professional "blog." I'm going to be focusing on my writing, but of course will stray into other aspects of my life, because God knows my life is too full and I need some place to vent. So with that said, here's my current thoughts.

NOT ENOUGH TIME.

I wake up, go to school and work, then come home and work on The End of Days until 1:00am then read and go to bed. I'm in the process of revising and adding more content to the first EoD book. I'm at 80,000 words now and plan on being at 95,000 by the time I'm done. It's just way too slow of a process. I'm hoping to have the book fully edited and be ready to query my life away by the end of the summer.

It doesn't help that this summer is going to be completely amazing. There will be so much to do that it's going to be hard to make time to sit here in my apartment and write my day away. There's plenty of movies and activities to list but really I only have two words: Harry Potter.

Come July I'm going to have to walk around with ear plugs in, talking loudly to myself so I don't hear any nasty rumors(or even worse ... truths) Either way I'm making this "blog" way too long. So I must go. I promise to make these more exciting ... if anyone out there is actually reading this.

My adventure begins here and will some day end on the pages in your hands. - Andy