Author: Art Over Chaos

The First Ten Photos – (instax mini 9 tips and review)

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I am by no means an expert on film photography if anything I know how blessed I am by the accessibility of digital photography and the tech that already exists in my pocket. The DSRL camera I had years ago is outmatched by my phone, but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss film. So as an early Christmas gift I got to pick the camera of my choice.

Here’s a record of my first ten shots, and tips to help you not waste that limited film.

Tip #1:
The instax mini 9 flash resets every time 

This camera is super low tech and because of that when you push the lens in it also doesn’t keep what settings you had and automatically is set to indoors once again. That’s why those two white-washed photos happened.

Tip #2:
The viewfinder is a liar

In the second blunder of a photo above, I had lined up a shot that would have been a top to bottom flowers but since the viewfinder is higher and to the right, every photo you take is up lower and to the right of what you saw.

Tip #3:
Focus on what now?

There’s no availability to change where the camera focuses. Mix that in with the lighting and viewfinder placement and it’s often tricky to capture the details you really wanted. It’s best to take photos of an object a bit in front of you with a landscape in the back.

Tip #4:
Flash a-ah!

I tend not to use flash because I don’t like the reflection it can cast but because the camera doesn’t allow you to turn it off you always have to consider what the flash will do. Christmas lights? Faded. Glass ornaments? Weird black dots. While you can’t turn the flash on, I did find an article of tips about this flash specifically.

Tip #5:
Go on a photoshoot

I enjoyed this camera the most when I just went to the park and walked around. For the forgetful flash setting problems I mentioned, the suggested setting normally does work out well. The camera comes with tips so you can play around with it but I love this trio of photos and I think I’d love most that are taken with similar lighting and distance to my object which is about 3 feet or more.

Tip #6:
Leftovers are important too

The photo on the left I didn’t take. I actually found it on my honeymoon just in the wild, but it gave me the bug. Knowing what I do about this camera this photo was probably a mess up given how white it is but I love it. Send your not completely horrible mess ups to someone in the mail or leave them for a stranger to find.

On the right is the empty film cartridge, pull out the black plastic bits and black tape on the bottom and it holds a dozen photos and even can stand on its own as a frame. Given that this sort of thing is usually sold as an accessory it’s a free bonus.

Final verdict

In retrospect, I might have gotten a bit higher end one, but there’s value in stripping everything back and making me pause to think about the shot and then hold my breath and hope it turns out just like I planned. Since none of these are going to rival a serious professional camera maybe we shouldn’t pretend they will and simply have fun with film again. With you want to get experimental, find one of this type that will easily allow you to do double exposures.

Bonus tip
Check out bags in person

I ordered all of this online on a Black Friday sale, so when I ordered the bag I didn’t get to see much of it besides what it looked like. And it does look cute, I’ll give it that. It’s just extremely badly designed. To take a photo while in the case one has to do this.

I already feel silly enough taking photos in public, this would end me. You are able to remove the front flap and it had snap on clips which don’t make it easy swap back and forth. Magnets. The solution would be put magnets instead.

I know this camera is treated like a toy, but I’m an adult which means I want to keep my toys nice. It’s definitely a gift that is going to keep giving as I load in that second pack of film.

New Year, New Books

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A lot of people will make lists full of self help books around this time of year. And those books can be great, but at lot of times they aren’t really that life changing so instead of filling the little free library with books that might slightly changing someone’s point of view I decided to think of any book fiction or non-fiction that drastically changed how I go about things about life and the world around me. No need to count down from ten, because this short and sweet list won’t keep you long!

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

You know how titles are meant to encapsulate the whole book’s theme? Boil everything down to a moment or message? Nothing does that as well as More Happy Than Not. It’s a beautiful and sad book about identity and reminds me of a YA version of The Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind. But unlike the story, I actually repeat this title back to myself on rough days. I remind myself if I’m more happy than not, then my troubles are just troubles. There isn’t anything that needs fixing.

The Dictator’s Handbook

Did I give you whiplash with that sharp turn? This non-fiction book subtitled Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good Politics is something I think back on a lot these days. Every time something weird and “un-presidented” happens I think about the stats laid out in this book and what it can mean for (us). If you can’t afford a copy right now, check out these two video summary of sorts: Rules for Rules and Death & Dynasties.  No matter what party you are, no matter what country you are from this book will change how you view political power and how those with it gain it and often keep it.

This chart stuck with me the most after reading the book. Maybe it was timing, maybe it was wishful thinking. Either way I find it such a simple and interesting stat collection. Other gems in the book is discussing how the Art of War shouldn’t be your reference for non-war things.

Merry Book-mas Eve!

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If there is one thing that allows me to embrace the spirit of giving year round it’s my Little Free Library. For anyone who doesn’t know what those are, it’s a nonprofit organization that encourages people to set up outdoor community libraries in their yards. It’s a take book, leave a book set up that aims to help make books accessible to every household. There might even be some right around you! 

I personally use mine a few different ways. First, as an excuse to buy indie books I already have in hopes that I can share my love of them with new people. This month with Christmas in mind I went through my collection and picked out books that I felt deserved a more loving home. These books have been very well received, I just for whatever reason did I not get super into them so instead of hoarding them like a book-ish Grinch I decided to release them into the wild where they hopefully can find someone who truly cherishes them.

Before I get into the books a little more, I also picked up a new accessories for the library itself. The stuffed little elf decoration you see above. Who I believe was recused from the Island of Dollar Store Dog Toys. And a magnetic light with a flip switch since it gets dark so early these days I wanted to make sure if someone drove around at still early hour of five pm they could see see what was inside my Read Box without having to aim their headlights or pull out their cellphone and turn on their own flashlight. But hey, it also will come in handy year round for anyone burning the midnight oil in hopes of a new read.

The library’s collection now contains Daemon and Annihilation. Both are very big science fiction stories. The first doesn’t have a movie is likely among the most known in cyberpunk circles, the second I first heard when it was made into said movie. I don’t do scary movies or even really monster movies but watching Annihilation was like nothing really else so when I saw the book had such a nice binding I picked it up. I hear this series is even better than the movie (no surprise there, right?) but book almost falls open to scream, “Read me!”

The Iron Cast draws the eye. Its one of those that proves covers sells books. I’ll link you to goodreads here so you can see it better. The book is set in 1919 and design really helps you get there. Author Destiny Soria is also a great author who goes the distance to add much needed diversity and I’m always so excited to offer books like that to people who might not otherwise be able to afford them.

Speaking of good authors doing good things. Rick Riordan’s The Sword of Summer won a Stonewall Book award for children’s literature. Named for the historical trans-led history event that’s considered the “start” of the LGBTQ rights movement in America.

That brings us to Heart of Iron. I picked this one up originally because it was sold to me as Anastasia in space and while I hadn’t gotten far in it I definitely see why it was given such a killer comparison.

Plus, the first among the first Santa themed events I can remember was wanting the Anastasia toys as I kid. I think they came from Burger King and I most have had them all. The tiny bat, the bigger dog that you could squeeze and his ears would go up. An Anastasia doll with like hair that you could bring up or down with a wind up or down in her back. And of course, a themed but classic Christmas train. If that toy was big enough to set around my Christmas tree I’d rebuy it for the memories in a heart beat. (In my heart, that Polar Express train has nothing on Anastasia nostalgia.)

As an adult that same excitement over toys is gone, but I think as adults we are often able to recapture that feeling with books and I hope one of my books either personally written or donated to a stranger does that for someone.

No matter what you celebrate, I hope you have a great Holiday!

Culture’s Skeleton by Adam P. Knave – Rose Reviews

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First thoughts about Culture’s Skeleton? What a perfectly small size! So few publishers print in this size, but it’s really great to see as the standard edition instead of having to wait years for a mass market paperback version to come out.

Culture’s Skeleton

Culture’s Skeleton by Adam P. Knave get’s ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from us!

Culture’s Skeleton has the vibe of Hitchkicker’s Guide to the Galaxy while having its own voice. Things in Mur work by their own rules, and this city is really its own character. A lesser writer might have made characters from different time periods become tropes of that era. Instead readers get the feeling of how people are connected despite where (or when) they are from.

If you in the mood for something with a lot of style and heart look no further!

Looking for the rest of our book reviews? Check them out here!

Review: Culture’s Skeleton by Adam P. Knave

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Culture’s Skeleton by Adam P. Knave

First off, the paperback is such a small, cute, and perfect size.

Culture’s Skeleton has the vibe of Hitchkicker’s Guide to the Galaxy while having its own voice. Things in Mur work by their own rules and Mur is really its own character. A lesser writer might have made characters from different time periods tropes of that era, but instead readers get a feeling of how people are connected despite where (or when) they are from. If you are looking for something with a lot of style and heart look no further!

Dollar Store Finds

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As an author, books ending up at the dollar store are strange and curious things. I know several ways it could have happened but there are no clues to tell me exactly. Was it too many copies? Never sold what was expected? Or many it’s such a best seller everyone and their cat already has one. We’ll never know for sure, but I can tell you about what I found on my last trip. I bought the following without much of a cool of what they were so let’s find out together.

The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet

This book is like if at the end of the telephone game you were given a copy of the last story. A tale based on a youtube series that was based on a different book. I’ve never watched the youtube series but I always heard good things and to see them expand on what they did there in novel form felt like an idea more than worth the rock bottom price for it.

The Gap of Time

I also got this one not because of what it was, but what it looked right. Proving that covers really do sell books. The design looks like a classic science fiction story was updated and captures that vintage modern feel completely. Be sure to click the goodreads title link if you want to see what I mean further. Since it’s a retelling of a Shakespeare play, maybe it missed it the mark but I don’t think so. Anything that makes you want to pick a book up is working well.

The Natty Professor

This book is a case of not what you know, but who you know in a way. And I have a soft spot of Tim Gunn. You might know him from Project Runway or you might know for his activism work. Either way, he’s always a positive force. Part memoir, part self-help book, I’m certain there’s plenty of gems in here to help make it work.

The Ring and The Crown
Featuring such a classic YA color this book made me wonder if I has seen it somewhere before. If you pick it up the blurb tells you about princesses, mages, and identity swapping.

Exit

Normally, I’d be able to say that hardcovers are a rare find at the dollar store but Exit makes three. “From a renowned sociologist, the wisdom of saying goodbye” is the sort of tagline that makes you believe this book has a secret of life hidden within it.

The Mystics of Mile End

You know how some books have a more textured feel? This is one of them. You pick it up and just feel the thought that went into it. The book absolutely appears to be about the Jewish experience, which is absolutely a story worth telling and reading if you don’t know much about that.

Have you read any of these? Do you want to? Just jealous of my pumpkin caramel creme candle? Let me know!

Happy First Day of Fall & Release of Bone Diggers!

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My new novel is here to help you celebrate in all of its chaotic bi-energy. You can grab this VR adventure in ebook and paperback for the first time today!!

If you like Warcross, Ready Player One, or simply thought Assassin’s Creed needed more LGBTQ+ rep, this is the book for you. In it we explore and comment on fandoms and the things they taught me about the importance of seeing yourself in a video game. If the book seems like your type of thing, I hope you check it out!

Budget Ace Ebooks All Under $

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Budget Ace Ebooks. Do they exist? Totally!
Are they good? Absolutely! Here’s our list for ace books under fiver dollars!

Budget Ace Ebooks

Books can be expensive. There’s so many aces there days and if you might be wondering where to start. We got you covered in a way that doesn’t make your wallet cry.  If your budget is really tight check out our Kindle Unlimited list.  Or scroll to the bottom of this list. While Unlimited is a paid service you can normally get a month for free. But if you read slowly like me buying is often the best option 🙂 All prices should be their standard price so this list should be accurate no matter the date. For more details about these books, here’s our master list.

Comics:
Moonlighters Issue 1 & 2

Budget Ace Ebooks – Sci-Fi:
Bone Diggers
Hello World
Fourth World
The Deadly Nightshade
A Word and A Bullet
No More Heroes

Budget Ace Ebooks – Fantasy:
The Traitor’s Tunnel
Chameleon Moon
Poison Kiss
Sere from the Green
Sinners
Allaha of the Mountain
Dragonoak
Oathbound
Deadly Sweet Lies
Thief of Souls
The Last Chronomancer
Plastic Wings
Teeth
Keeper of the Dawn
No Man of Woman Born

Romance:
Blank Spaces
The Life and Death of Elie and Jay
How Now To Summon Your True Love
Heels Over Head
A Date With An Angel
Overexposed
Thaw
The Pardoner’s Tale
Learning Curves
Eligible
Carrie Pilby
We Awaken
Interface

Anthologies:
Unburied Fables
Ace and Proud

Free!:
The Alpha and His Ace
The Foxhole Court
Enemies Like These
The Beast of Callaire

If you need some reviews before buying, we’ve reviewed a number of these books!

Ace Ebooks Under $5!

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Books can be expensive, so here’s a list of ebooks under five dollars. And if that still isn’t your pace check out our Kindle Unlimited list.  Or scroll to the bottom of this list. While Unlimited is a paid service you can normally get a month for free. But if you read slowly like me buying is often the best option 🙂 All prices should be their standard price so this list should be accurate no matter the date. For more details about these books, here’s our master list.

Comics:
Moonlighters Issue 1 & 2

Sci-Fi:
Bone Diggers
Hello World
Fourth World
The Deadly Nightshade
A Word and A Bullet
No More Heroes

Fantasy:
The Traitor’s Tunnel
Chameleon Moon
Poison Kiss
Sere from the Green
Sinners
Allaha of the Mountain
Dragonoak
Oathbound
Deadly Sweet Lies
Thief of Souls
The Last Chronomancer
Plastic Wings
Teeth
Keeper of the Dawn
No Man of Woman Born

Romance:
Blank Spaces
The Life and Death of Elie and Jay
How Now To Summon Your True Love
Heels Over Head
A Date With An Angel
Overexposed
Thaw
The Pardoner’s Tale
Learning Curves
Eligible
Carrie Pilby
We Awaken
Interface

Anthologies:
Unburied Fables
Ace and Proud

Free!:
The Alpha and His Ace
The Foxhole Court
Enemies Like These
The Beast of Callaire