Ever wondered how Superman learned to fly?

Title: Learning to Fly
Author: Clint Carver

I grew up a huge Superman fan and still to this day I love anything that has to do with the man of steel. This was written for a school assignment as a One Act Play. I think its important to share your work with an audience, its the only way to know if people like your style and learn of the things you need to work on. Enjoy!

Learning to Fly

Clark Kent is sitting in the loft in the family barn. Clark is finally realizing he has the ability to change the world and help the human race. But he doesn’t know how he is suppose to save everyone. Lois being the mild mannered high school reporter and friend is there to help Clark learn how to fly.

Lois: Your mom called, she said you might be up here.

Clark: Hey Lois. Coming up here helps clear my head. (pause) I opened the letter.

Lois: You did?  What did it say?

Clark: I thought I had things figured out, now I am so confused.

Lois: You wanna talk about it?

Clark: My parents always said I was “special”. I hated hearing that when I was younger. Now (pause) maybe (pause) I don’t know what to think.

Lois: (silent)

Clark: Hey, listen to this (reading from the letter) “You will give the people of Earth an ideal to strive towards. They will race behind you, they will stumble, they will fall. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders.”

Lois: Whoa, talk about pressure.

Clark: I knew I was the fastest when I could out run trains. I knew I was the strongest when I stopped the car from hitting the little girl. (pause) Now, I feel so lost.

Lois: I don’t know what to say.

Clark Kent: (smirking/ light laugh) Remember the time I jumped over that house to save the cat?

Lois: (laughing) The cops were so ticked.

Lois: Remember when we got a flat tire on our way to school? You totally pick up my car so Jimmy could change the tire.

Clark: (laughing) Remember when that kid fell off the balcony? I jumped up and grab him?

Lois: (thinking) That’s it Clark Kent. When you jumped over that house you were gliding pretty good through the air and when you “jumped” up and saved that kid, you jumped like 10 stories.. more like flew 10 stories.

Clark: That’s pretty crazy Lois.

Lois: Maybe you can fly!

Clark: And maybe I will fly faster than a speeding bullet?

Lois: I am serious.

Clark: Me too, forget it.

Lois: Hey remember when Indiana Jones is faced with the “Path of God” in the Temple of Doom and only a leap of faith will reveal the path.

Clark: This is silly.

Lois: No its not...take the leap of faith.

Clark: You Lois, want me to just jump off the top of this barn and hope I fly?

Lois: What’s the worst that could happen? We both know you won’t die. Maybe a few bruises

Clark: You’re probably right. But still (pause)

Lois: I don’t want to push you into if you dont want to. Let’s just go grab a soda and not worry about it.

Clark: Hold on there!

Lois: What?

Clark: If I want to fly I’ll do it!

Lois: Ok, prove it!

Clark: Just give me a minute.

Lois: You want me to hold your hand?

Clark: Come on, it’s not that easy.

Lois: Its not just about the flying is it?

Clark: What if I can’t do it?

Lois: Then keep on trying.

Clark: No, what if I can’t save the world?

Lois: You’re not alone Clark.

Clark: I am very alone.

Lois: What do you mean? You have great parents and hello … you have an amazing friend.

Clark: (Clark emotionally snaps) I am not even from here! (pause) I’m not even human! What has this world done for me? I don’t even know my real parents! I hate being “special”! I don’t know if I even want to save this place! Why! For what reason!

Lois: (pause) Maybe I should leave.

Clark: No (pause) don’t go

Lois: Sorry for getting too involved.

Clark: It’s not that you are great, just to get a few things out. This is going to take some time.

Lois: There’s nothing wrong with that.

Clark: You make it sound so easy.

Lois: Maybe you don’t need to save the world, today, right now. Just keep on helping, that little boy who fell needed help, you didn’t have to save the world that day.

Clark: (thinking to himself) Sorry for flipping out.

Lois: Just climb up on top of the barn and see what happens.

Clark: Ya? (pause, looking up) I don’t know.

Lois: Come on, let’s just sit up there (begins to climb the ladder)

Clark: Why do I keep listening to you?

Lois: (as they climb up the ladder) If this works, we are totally going to play some sweet pranks.

Clark: (laughing) very funny

Lois: (sitting on top of the barn) well, you ready to do this?

Clark: No, not really.

Lois: Now what’s bothering you?

Clark: If I jump and somehow fly it will mean I have to take the next step. I’m not ready for that.

Lois: Remember, just try flying.

Clark: (stands up, looks over the edge) This is nuts

Lois: Ready?

Clark: Hold on. I need a few.

Lois: (Silent)

Clark: You better not tell my Dad about this!

Lois: Pinky swear!

Clark: Ok, lets do it.

Lois: 1...2….3….

The Best of Nerves

As I parked my red civic in front of her office I felt like throwing up. It was sunny outside, slightly warm but my palms were moist. I waited for a few minutes listening to sports radio, I didn’t want to be too early or too late. Listening to guys talk about how the Jazz might win a basketball game wasn’t keeping my attention.

My mind drifted back to the day I first met her. A good friend of mine was having a little get-together at his place. I think it was on a Monday evening. I showed up alone, I didn’t want to break my routine. As I parked my car next to the others in the large damp grass field and walked up the steps, I wondered what the night would bring. Would I know anyone or recognize any faces? Would all the other “cool” guys talk to the new girls first?

As I went to knock on the freshly painted door it opened as a dark face was taking a phone call I walked in behind him. Removing my old Dr. Martins and peering down at a sock that had a rather large hole in it, I discreetly pull my sock over so the hole wasn’t as noticeable.

I took a look around the room, waved my dry hands at a few old buddies and continued scanning the room. Past the bowl of guacamole and salsa and through the bodies holding guitars playing rock band I saw a face I had never seen before. I quickly became interested in sitting next to her on the white pillowed couch.

Just as I became more confident my good buddy Nick sat down right beside her, put her arm around her and all of my hopes vanished.

Six Sisters STUFF! It's amazing!

Six Sisters STUFF!

New Book Coming Soon!

I had another great interview via email back and forth. This time I had the opportunity to learn from one of the talented sisters from Six Sisters STUFF. Camille was kind enough to take some time out of her busy day as a mom and running a successful business to enlighten me and hopefully you as the reader.

There really is some great tips and helpful info from this interview for any blogger or anyone in a start-up!  
Hint: Social Media Rocks!

They have recently come out with a great new book that everyone should check out! Its release date is later this month. Go to their site for more info.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: We started our blog in 2011 as a way to stay in touch with each other. It was our place to share recipes we made for our families or share ideas. Suddenly, we saw that we were getting more and more hits each day. People from all over the world were randomly finding our blog (we had a little tracker on the side that would show us where our traffic was coming from). We knew that people made money blogging, but we weren't sure how, so we started doing research. We approached our dad, who has a background in computer business, and we came up with a plan to help us monetize our blog. Blogging definitely is not a "get rich quick" plan, but with a lot of hard work, you can make money from it. For the first 6 months, we didn't make one penny. Then, we finally made $100 in month seven. Since then, our money has grown exponentially. Our company, Six Sisters' Stuff LLC, now employs over 20 people, including our parents.

We host a blog conference in Salt Lake each year and we are constantly telling the attendees that if they are only blogging to make money, they will never be successful. You need the passion and love to really have success in this crazy business. Focus on growing your blog and then the money will come.

 

Q: What were the failures you had prior to your success?

A: We definitely had a lot of trial and error. One of the largest streams of income for bloggers are ads in the sidebars. We learned the hard way that if it's too good to be true, it most likely is- we were burned more than once by large ad network companies. It was a nightmare. To solve that problem, we are getting ready to launch our own ad network this year. :)

Q: What is the best thing about working with family?

A: I absolutely love working with my family, but it's not something I would recommend for everyone. You have to make sure that you have amazing communication - if you don't communicate, it will never work! Communication was something we really had to work on, but we are finally in a place where we have it figured out.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who has a blog or an idea trying to take it to the next level?

A: When it comes to blogging, just do it. Sometimes getting started really is a leap of faith, but if you are willing to do the work, things will work out. If you already have a blog and want to take it to the next level, I would suggest focusing on these things:

1. Post consistently. One of the most important things is to keep the content coming! If a reader finds your blog and loves reading your posts, then checks back a couple days later and you don't have anything new, chances are you have lost that reader for life. Keep the new content coming. I would suggest posting at least 2-3 times a week (more if possible!).

2. Monetize your blog as soon as possible. One of the easiest ways is to sign up for ads is through Google AdSense. Once you sign up, they do all the work for you. You just need to keep the traffic coming!

3. Be actively involved on social media. Pick a couple of social media networks that you feel your readers would use and start promoting your blog on them. People will never be able to find your blog if you don't put yourself out there.

Q: Do you ever do consulting work helping those trying to the next step?

A: Yes- you can contact me at any time. Just email me and we can talk. I have helped a handful of businesses with their social media and blog strategies and every single one has seen an increase in traffic and business. Blogging and social media are the next big thing!

Q: Where do you get your ideas or blog posts or book ideas?

A: Ha ha! They come at the funniest times. Lots of times, the best ideas come at night or while I am doing my hair or getting ready for the day. I've even dreamed about different ideas I could do! The thing about my brain is that it never turns off- I am constantly brain storming and thinking of new things, even though sometimes I wish it would just turn off for a day or two!

Q: What has been the biggest helping in marketing your business?

A: Most definitely social media! There is so much power in social media - it's the most powerful tool for bloggers. If you aren't utilizing social media, don't plan on reaching your full potential. I actually teach a social media class that teaches you about the potential you can have when you use social media strategically.

 If anyone has a company they would like featured or if there are people they would like me to contact and interview please sent your ideas to clintcarver@hotmail.