Reblog- SpecFaith: Free Original Storyworld Ideas

Free Original Storyworld Ideas

A series of 10 articles from Speculative Faith, covering ideas for Christian storytellers to use in their fiction. Topics are mostly Sci-Fi oriented, but there are plenty of Fantasy and Sci-Fi/Fantasy blends that are addressed.
I found several things that I'd like to incorporate into my own story worlds!

Reblog- Jolley Comics

The Property of Hate

The Princess and the Jester

Just a plug for some comics that I thoroughly enjoy. I would buy The Princess and the Jester if it came in print; in addition to being a wholesome, nail-biting, fairytale-esque story, the art is gorgeous and perfect for a children's book.
And The Property of Hate is the first story I've read that I love despite not having a very clear plot (kind of like Alice in Wonderland, but a bit more coherent imo). It explores esoteric concepts (several aspects of being, thought, and lots of cool stuff), has great art, Hero, and RGB (both of whom are flat out awesome.)

Reblog- Guardian Wolf: Memorial Day Tribute

If Only Words- If only words could match. If only gratitude could be expressed. Worthy of the sacrifice they made, for all of the rest.
We may not all agree on the why and where’s, but we must agree that without them we wouldn’t be here.
To enjoy the freedom that we have; a price so high has been paid.
...

 A sweet Memorial Day tribute poem by KimGuardianWolf.

Reblog- Ink and Sage Podcast

Episode 006: The Fruitful Heist and Renewal of Spirit— As ever, I’m not an expert, my intention is to be positive and helpful, and my opinions do not reflect the authors’ worth as people or as writers. Please ensure adequate sodium intake with this podcast.

I (and one of my Nano friends!) got featured on a podcast! This lovely lady, Sage Gordon Davis, is accepting first paragraphs, sentences, or the first line of stories from anyone willing to submit. She dissects them with a reader’s eye, telling what caught her fancy or what wasn’t her cup of tea.
Her podcast is great, take a look!

Never Have I Ever Tag

I've stolen a tag from Elizabeth, who stole it from Marie, who stole it from Nicole. XD

It looks like fun, I finally have a day off, and the miscellany posts I have in drafts require too much linking. (A rant review of a Netflix series, an update on RoS, a book review, a couple re-blogs...)

I don't have time to answer all of the questions, unfortunately; I'm going to pick and choose. All questions will be listed at the bottom, though. So. Here we go, the Never Have I Ever Tag!

Click to head to Nicole's blog!

The Rules:

• Link and thank the blogger who tagged you. Thanks for letting me steal this, Elizabeth!

• Include the graphic somewhere in the post (or make your own!) *points above*

• Answer the questions truthfully and honestly. But what if I don't? You'll never know... 😆

• Tag 3 bloggers. Hmm, I tag anyone who's done one of three things in the last 24 hours: read a book in one day/sitting, practiced a skill they've been wanting to learn for years, or been kind to a retail worker.

Never Have I Ever...

...changed my protagonist's names halfway through a draft.

I don't think that's happened with a protagonist yet, but I discovered that the main antagonist in RoS, Aranka, had a name change. It used to be Aleka, a diminutive of Alexandra, Greek in origin (because Greek was one of the cultures that's part of the Miltiades, plus she's an important figure, just like Alexandra was). Somewhere along the way her name became Aranka, which means "gold", and is Hungarian in origin. No one will notice, right? 

I'm not entirely sure when or why it changed. The name just sounded more...witch-y, I guess.

...yelled in all caps at myself in the middle of my novel.

In rough drafts, yes, most definitely. I started using both Fighter's Block and 4 the Words. Each of these has a time limit or challenge, and I would sometimes start typing things like this so I wouldn't fall behind:

[CRUUUUD I FORGOT WHERE I WAS GOING WITH THIS BUT IT WAS COOL.]

[GAH YOU'RE ANNOYING ME SO MUCH RIGHT NOW, MC]

[DOUBLE CHECK NOTES CUZ I'M PRETTY SURE I GOOFED HERE]

...killed a character that was based on someone I know in real life.

Not yet. But I have been tempted. XD

If I did, though, the character wouldn't be a tried and true copy; it would be a character, who makes their own stupid decisions (which may or may not mirror those of IRL person), and ends up sleeping in their own ruddy mess (also may or may  not mirror those of IRL person). 😇

...created maps of my fictional worlds.

YES. I have one for Jarnis, the main continent of Bookland. The shape of the continent is based off the silhouette of a lavender/mint bush growing on the side of our house. I didn't include it in Trouble in Bookland, because it's super rough, not to scale at all, and generally unfit for publication.

Fun fact: all of the continents of Bookland are named after important figures in their history, and based off of silhouettes of random things around my house.

I have a map for RoS, which is developed enough I want to include it in publication. It's going to be epic, and showcase some nitty-gritty worldbuilding that I've had trouble explaining in-story.

...drank an entire pot of coffee while writing.

Not yet, no. I have downed a couple Boba Fett mugs' worth, though (the thing is huge, pretty sure it's the equivalent of two cups). Decaf, all the way; caffeine gives me the jitters.

I've gotten into the habit of mixing hot chocolate with it.

...written down dreams to use in potential novels.

Absolutely. I have several notebooks. It's pretty cool to see how my dreams have changed over the years, and how much more detail--like clothing, plot, or magic systems--is retained after doing it for awhile.

One dream I've been sitting on for years involves an apocalyptic-esque world with satyrs, humans, mermaids, sentient robots, dwarfs, and a huge event where everyone competes to become their nation's representative. The games are camp-like events; swimming competitions, races, etc. And the few hunting games they have involve hunting the Dark Isle's myriad twisted lifeforms, not each other.

I have two of the cultures almost fully fleshed out (satyrs and dwarfs), various character relationships drawn up, and loosely developed main side characters. And a Pinterest board.

...published an unedited story on the internet/blog/Wattpad.

Nein! Nyet! NEVER. Never will I ever publish an unedited anything. Unless it's some sort of bonus, like sharing deleted/partially edited scenes in a newsletter or at the end of the book or something...

...forgotten to save my work/draft.

I have Scrivener, which saves after every two seconds of inactivity. So nope! I don't think I've ever forgotten to save when I used Word, either...

A few scares have happened in regards to backing up my drafts, because the computer I love to edit on has a horrid mouse and likes to drag-and-drop things in the wrong places. 😭

...finished a novel.

Yes! Trouble in Bookland, which you can check out on the "Published" page. The original plan had been to publish three parts (cuz trilogies are a staple of Fantasy), then combine and streamline them into one book. What ended up happening was I published two parts, nixed the third partway through due to worldbuilding issues, then combined and expanded parts 1 and 2.

...researched something shady for a novel.

I have, I have. For whatever reason, I have yet to utilize my numerous pins and research on poisons, wounds, weapons, diseases, psychological disorders, hiding bodies, and random things about gangs of the past and the history of murder.

Okay, that's a lie. I use them.

I use them in stories I haven't published. 😝

All of those half-or-quarter-finished drafts that repose in my notebooks, my computer, that may never see the light of day because I'm trying to keep my writing under this pen-name PG-13. 

I do have stories in the works that will better utilize these things: Reality of Devotion (this story includes the most developed cultures I have written to date), that camp story I mentioned above (it has yet to be named), and a story currently titled Calling (it's going to be great and deal semi-allegorically with spiritual development in the Christian life, grief, joy, pestilence, demons, and other fun things).

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Here are all the questions in a list format to anyone who wants to copy/paste!

...started a novel that I didn't finish.
...written a story completely by hand.
...changed tenses midway through a story.
...not researched anything before starting a story. 
...changed my protagonist's names halfway through a draft.
...written a story in a month or less.
...fallen asleep while writing.
...corrected someone's grammar IRL/online.
...yelled in all caps at myself in the middle of my novel.
...used "I'm writing" as an excuse. 
...killed a character that was based on someone I know in real life.
...used pop culture references in a story.
...written between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.
...drank an entire pot of coffee while writing.
...written down dreams to use in potential novels.
...published an unedited story on the internet/blog/Wattpad.
...procrastinated homework because I wanted to write.
...typed so long that my wrists hurt.
...spilled a drink on my laptop while writing.
...forgotten to save my work/draft.
...finished a novel.
...laughed like an evil villain while writing a scene.
...cried while writing a scene.
...created maps of my fictional worlds.
...researched something shady for a novel.

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What's the weirdest thing you've researched for a story? The funniest thing you've written that no one else seemed to get? Let me know below!

12 DoC tag!

I haven’t had much time to write/edit RoS lately, but I need to write something as it’s been about three days since I’ve written anything. Plus, it’s Christmastime, and I haven’t posted anything remotely resembling the Christmas spirit. I also just realized that I never updated my blog from Autumn colors to winter. Whoops. This shall be remedied in a few moments...

Many thanks to Angela R. Watts for providing this tag. Feel free to comment with your own answers below!

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Cookies or pie?

Hahaha, why would I choose just one? Cranberry pistachio cookies, or gingerbread men, and pecan tassies (it’s not pie, but I don’t like the store-bought pecan pies; too much syrup, not enough brown sugar and nuts.)

Hot coco or eggnog?

Again, both. But the eggnog has to be homemade (it used to be here, idk why they have the page up but not the recipe). I can’t stand store-bought anymore. It’s just so much thicker (vs. creamier), and the egg taste is a lot stronger. *blech*

Old Christmas music or new Christmas music?

It depends on my mood, and what atmosphere I would like, but mostly modern. Some favorites:
You're a Mean One (Jordan Smith)
Cactus Christmas (Brian Setzer Orchestra)
Christmas Medley (Clamavi De Profundis)
Carol of the Bells (Trans Siberian Orchestra, and for whatever reason some Kingdom Hearts clips go really well with the song)

White Christmas or Australian Christmas?

A white Christmas would be great, but they are few and far between. We had a series of snowfalls the week of Thanksgiving, then some rain, then gloomy dryness. There are a lot of clouds, though so far no snow has made it down into the valley. *sings* Yippe ky-oh-ky-ay Cactus Christmas.

Tree decorating or bedroom decorating?

Tree.

Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

I prefer Christmas Eve, because tamales. The anticipation of the next day is nice, too (though it’s been a while since I felt that). Christmas Day consists mostly of opening presents, videotaping, eating strudel, and being glad beyond belief at not having to attend our extended family’s get-togethers.

Home Alone or Elf?

Both! Though Elf is a family favorite, while only a couple of us really enjoy Home Alone.

Hallmark or Mitch Rapp novels?

I'm not really a fan of either. XD
I prefer Hoops and Yoyo Ruin Christmas, and a Charles Dickens Christmas anthology. 

Ugly sweater or pretty outfit?

You’re not going to be able to make me choose between a lot of these things. XD

I have an ugly sweater I’m fond of, as it utilizes a Beanie Baby (specifically Jingles) in the center of a wreath. I made it myself. I may edit for pictures later.

A pretty outfit would be nice, but we don’t go out anywhere, and it would feel weird to be all dressed up while everyone else is in their jammies. Not that I don’t have any pretty outfits, I just don’t have much occasion to wear them.

Go caroling or act in a nativity scene?

Hmmm...nativity scene. I would love to go caroling, but I can't stay in one key for longer than a few seconds and I know that would be annoying for everyone else. :P

Be stuck in an airport during a blizzard (on Christmas) or home alone (on Christmas)?

Home alone. Because presumably the only reason I would be home alone is because I’ve moved out of state and neither me nor my family would be able to get to where the other is living. In which case, I would cry because I’m home alone, but also be happy because I would be able to do what I like to make it feel special.

Read the story of Jesus on Christmas Eve or Christmas day?

We used to read Jotham’s Journey at the beginning of the season, but that stopped once we got older.

Gift bags or wrapping paper?

Uh, wrapping paper. Because what’s the fun of opening presents if you can’t tear into it like a squirrel into a roll of paper towels? (I found out one camping trip that they will eat anything left on the table. Fun times.)

Reblog: The Silmaril Awards

This Year's Awards: The fourth annual Silmaril Awards are live. Below you’ll find the links to all of the pages where you can go to nominate your favorite fantasy characters. All you have to do is leave a comment with the name of your character and what book he or she is from.

About: The Silmaril Awards are all about celebrating fantasy fiction. But whereas most awards go to authors or books, these awards go to the characters themselves! Sound like fun? Read on.

This year's Silmaril Awards have begun! I'm stoked to finally be present in the blogosphere in time to participate in this event! So just giving the event a bump (and also putting the links someplace I hopefully won't lose track of :P), and encouraging you to nominate and second your favorite fantasy characters!
So far I've only seconded other's nominations. I'm going to nominate some lovelies as soon as I can take a few hours and comb through my books to make sure I'm remembering and spelling characters' names correctly. :P

Something Artsy

This isn’t something I normally post about, but I want to show off a couple of painting projects that I did with my family this weekend!
But first, a plug for the site I used:

Looking for a site that has tutorials for easy-to-do paint projects? Check out Step by Step Painting! The paintings are easy to do, either alone or in a group (it's more fun in a group), and have nice designs. Their color schemes are also easy to alter.
Take, for example, the project Owl Silhouette Moon. It has a Halloween vibe, with a ring of red, orange, and yellow around the moon. Since it's summer, we wanted to do something without autumn colors. We changed the color of the ring around the moon to purple, and made the leaves green. Here are a few examples of how they turned out:

Age 12

Age 14

Age 21

The other project we did was Cherry Blossom. The original purple ring around the moon was nice, but we'd just done that with the owl. So, we swapped out the purple for turquoise/light blue. There were more variations made on this one than on the owl one. Examples:

Age 16 (I love the blending,
and the extra starbursts)

Age 17 (the background on
this is black, and
there are koi fish in the moon)

Age 14 (this one has an extra ring of
color on the edge; black)

How's your summer going? Have you done any fun art projects, gone on any trips, read any books that you're dying to recommend?

Let me know in the comments!

Reblog- Hannah Williams: Of Tolkien, Tragedy, and Truth

Of Tolkien, Tragedy, and Truth: As a young Tolkienite, I devoured "The Silmarillion." I fell in love with the epic elves therein and mourned their tragic fates. For the most part, I'm not a fan of reading tragedy, but nevertheless Tolkien's style and world drew me in, and eventually the great evil was defeated.

Reblog- Specfaith: A Shadowy Argument for Christian Fiction, and Others

A Shadowy Argument for Christian Fiction- Shadows cast by stories can sometimes obscure the truth, but can Christian fiction paradoxically illuminate through shadow?

Is Prayer in Fiction Fictional?- What constitutes an unrealistic view of prayer in fiction?

Getting the Most out of Conferences- What an opportunity, then, for writers to pick the brains of these professionals at a conference, starting with a presentation—a pitch—of their own work. How else can writers find out if they have an idea that captures the interest of those who are experienced?

The first story that came to mind, in regards to the second article, was Failstate by John W. Otte.

It was action-packed, full of suspense, and the protagonist faced some tough decisions. All went well (for my reading, not the protagonist), until...

The prayer scene played to the "God of the Vending Machine" trope. It wasn't enough to totally ruin the book for me, but tears were shed. (And I'm upset enough that I haven't picked up the book for a re-read. It was an awesome story with unique use of powers, but the relationship between God and the protag was messed up.)

The protagonist doesn't really care about God. Until he's being pounded 6 feet into the floor, that is. Sure, in the course of the story he shot off a few "help please" prayers (who doesn't?), but he doesn't really "believe"/give much thought to God until he's given a deus ex machina. I mean, he made it this far "without help" (according to him, as literally none of his earlier pleas are answered in the positive); what's one more fight?

Maybe I'm due for a reread, since it has been a while since I read it, but every time I think about that prayer scene...okay, since I'm still dwelling on it years later, maybe it did ruin the book for me.

But, if that kind of thing doesn't bother you, you'll probably enjoy Failstate. It has a gripping story line and unique usage of powers. However, much of the story has a dark undertone. If you want a heavier (medium-weight? It wasn't nearly as dark as Reapers) read, definitely check it out.

Reblog- Spec. Faith: Dreams of Other Worlds

Dreams of Other Worlds- Why do we have dreams of other worlds? Do fictional visions point to a reality beyond our own?

Reblog- Dreams and Dragons: Camp NaNoWriMo Encouragement

Dreams and Dragons: Camp NaNoWriMo Encouragement: Hello, friends! In case you haven't noticed, the month of March is almost over, and April is almost here. And that means . . . you know ...

Reblog- Hazel West's Character Purgatory: Holding Out For a Hero: The Death of Male (and Fem...

Hazel West's Character Purgatory: Holding Out For a Hero: The Death of Male (and Fem...: I recently finished reading  Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak and found myself struck with just how different this book was from so man...

Be Wary of Strangers, Part 2

I have nine parts outlined, and wrote this one in a couple of hours. I'm going to go ahead and write these, then put them on automatic posting. It'll last for a little while, as the more I think about it, the more struggles and moral dilemmas there are for the characters to face. :P
Since it's October, I'm going to try to do 2 a week. One on Saturday, and another on some other random day. Once October's over, I'm going to do one a week.
Also, I'm kicking around officially setting this in my pet project, Convoluted Chronicles. If I do, I'll likely go back through it and change Loki and Thor to fit more easily/naturally into that world. For the moment, I'm still considering this fanfiction.

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Vampire: Loki/Thor x Reader
Part Two

The faint pulse of the heart monitor acts as an oddly comforting catalyst to wakefulness. For a moment—the moment that jolted you from a fitful doze—the heart monitor had paused three beats too long.
Your fingers gently stroke your sister’s limp hand. “Hang on, Brenna,” you whisper. “Please.” Of course, there’s no response. Since the car accident, she’s been comatose. Since infection set in, she’s been hooked to life support. Her hair is scraggly and lank, in spite of your attempts to care for it. In spite of the nutrients she is being force-fed, her face is skeletal and pale.
Terribly stiff, you stand to stretch. You hadn’t meant to fall asleep sitting up, but you had.
The doctor enters the room. You glance at him, pained hopefulness straining your expression.
“Three days,” he says quietly.
You feel as if you’ve been sucker-punched. “That’s all? Even with the extra payments?”
He nods. “You’ve considered cutting off the life support?”
You shake your head vehemently. “I’m not killing my big sister!” You mean for it to come out fierce and strong. Instead, you choke on the word, “killing” and the last three words come out faint. “Not after all we’ve been through,” you add through the lump in your throat.
The doctor lays a hand on your shoulder. “I understand. Just consider all your options.” With a sympathetic smile, he leaves.
Your options aren’t many. This small country you’re sojourning in isn’t wealthy. It’s a wonder the town’s one-story hospital even had life support equipment. Your funds are low—gone, once the three days are up. Since trekking into the “forbidden” forest, most of the locals have written you and your sister off as cursed. Since the car accident on the “haunted” mountain road, not even the launderer has spoken to you.
Craving sustenance, you shuffle from the room. The familiar coffee machine waits where it always has, and beside it are cellophane-wrapped pastries. You set the pot to brew. Hopelessness crashes against you.
For a horrid moment, you wonder if you should just…let Brenna go. Your mind quickly goes down another track:
You could sell more plasma, or marrow, as you’ve done in months past. Maybe even sell a kidney. Anything…
Tears drip down your face. Only-half aware of approaching footsteps, you reach for your coffee.
A hand lays on your shoulder. Startled, you jolt and turn. “I’m sorry, I, coffee—”
This man isn’t a native. He’s tall, with an aristocratic air about him. His odd clothing—a black leather vest over a green shirt, pants tucked into knee-high boots, a long black coat, a tasseled scarf—makes him stand out against the sharp white of the hospital. When you show no sign of saying anything, he raises an eyebrow and says, “I see you’re as desperate as I am.”
“I’m…” You blink, trying to process what he’s saying. “What? I mean, yes, but…what…” You can’t help but stare at him, unnerved by his gray-blue eyes. “What do you want?”
“I require a caretaker for my brother. You require funds for your sister.” He tilts his head to the side. “It seems we can help each other.”
Stammering uncertainly, you back away. The man sighs. “Wait, please. I apologize for my blunt entry. It…” He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. “It has been difficult, lately.”
You realize his expression mirrors your own: haggard lines about the mouth, sleep-deprived eyes, a weary droop of the head. “My name is Loki,” he says. “Would you be willing to consider my offer?”
Again, your limited options flurry through your head. “What would I need to do?”
“My brother is sick,” he begins. Then, he hesitates. “It is a peculiar sickness.”
“One with no cure?”
“More or less, yes.”
With alarm bells going off in your head, you press for more specific answers. After the third question, Loki holds up a hand to stall you. “I realize that this is unconventional, and bordering on villainous, but I can give no specific answers. Suffice it to say that your sister will be cared for so long as you remain a caretaker.”
This doesn’t seem like a good idea. But at the moment, it’s your only option. You lick your lips nervously. “What if something happens to me?”
Loki nods, as if expecting the question. “Her needs will be met, however long she lasts, on or off life support.”
You put out a hand, shaking a bit. “It’s a deal.”
Loki looks amused.
You realize that you’re proffering the coffee. Before you can withdraw it, Loki sets down his case and pours himself a small bit of coffee. He tilts the paper cup in your direction. “To our agreement, then.”

Reblog- Speculative Faith: An Apologetic of Horror by Brian Godawa

An interesting series of articles about the horror genre and how it relates to the Christian. Or rather, the truth portrayed in the Bible.
The site--Speculative Faith--has some other good articles, both for and against this position, if you search "horror" in their archives.

An Apologetic of Horror, Part 1 by Brian Godawa: Horror is not an inherently evil genre of storytelling. It can be used for gratuitous evil purposes, or for godly moral purposes. The Bible tells many stories using the horror genre in order to inspire holy fear of evil and admonish or chastise those in sin.
"", Part 2 by Brian Godawa: The portrayal of good AND evil, as well as their consequences, are two sides of God’s one honorable, pure, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy truth. According to the Bible, pointing out wrong is part of dwelling on what is right, exposing lies is part of dwelling on the truth, revealing cowardice is part of dwelling on the honorable, and uncovering corruption is part of dwelling on the pure.
"", Part 3 by Brian Godawa: The defense of horror and thriller movies in principle should not be misconstrued to be a justification for all horror and thriller movies in practice. It is the mature Christian who, because of practice, has his senses trained to discern good and evil in a fallen world.

Reblog- Hannah Heath: Head-hopping: What It Is, Why it Sucks, And How To...

Head-hopping is something that bugs me quite a bit. I'm 90% sure it's a major reason I decided to write Trouble in Bookland in close 3rd POV.

Here's a blog post from Hannah Heath that explains just what head-hopping is, and how to avoid it!



Hannah Heath: Head-hopping: What It Is, Why it Sucks, And How To...: I'm going to take a wild guess and say that you don't know what the term "head-hopping" means. And, if you do  know what...

Reblog- Knitted by God's Plan: I am not a Hand

I haven't had a lot of time to write new posts lately (though I have done a few things I would like to mention in a near-future post.) So I'm giving a shot at reblogging posts that I liked/found interesting/helpful and such. Some I may offer an explanation, others I may not.

My explanation for this post: I can relate! Especially to this bit:

"Women who look at me and shake their heads because how can I possibly justify just sitting at my computer writing all day.
And sometimes ... I question my salvation because of it. How can I possibly be a Christian if I can't give of myself freely like all of these other women I know and respect?"


Knitted by God's Plan: I am not a Hand: My sister doesn't know how much I envy her. While I managed to inherit all of the talent and IQ ... she was the angel child. She was ...

Lightporter Release Tour!!

I'm excited to take part in C.B. Cook's tour for her newest book, Lightporter! :D
First, here's C.B. Cook on this newest installment to the IDIA series.

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Hullo, friends! I’m C.B. Cook, and I’m so excited for the release of my new superhero novel, Lightporter! It’s the second book in my IDIA series, with Twinepathy being the first, and I’m so thrilled to be sharing it with everyone. Here’s a little bit about the book.

(Light-por-ter)

n. someone who has the ability to manipulate light and can use that ability to teleport

Albany and her twin sister, Brooklyn, have gotten more comfortable in the superhero world. But when Blaze starts acting secretive and weird monsters attack, the girls realize there is more going on that they still don’t know about. Before long, they discover that Blaze is hiding something—or someone. With FOE still hiding in the shadows, the girls must decide who they can trust… before it’s too late.

This book took me so long to write, and I’m so excited that I’m finally able to release it. The book is releasing June 16th, but it’s currently up for preorder for just $0.99 on Amazon. Along with that, the first book, Twinepathy, is now permanently $0.99! So if you haven’t gotten a chance to read it, you definitely should.

About the Author

C.B. Cook is just a girl trying to find out where her King is guiding her, while writing the stories of the people she creates, the worlds she wants to live in, and the adventures she dreams about. Also known as a mysterious creature called an “author.” She's a Christian and a home school graduate dedicated to changing others' lives through the power of the written word.

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My Review:

A fast-paced superhero adventure with a few twists and new faces!

Albany has learned to control herself a bit, and so doesn't completely botch her new mission: find out what's eating at fellow IDIA member Blaze. Questions are raised, a few answers given, secrets revealed, alliances tested, friendships solidified (rather than broken up, per soap opera/dark drama trend)!

Like Twinepathy, Lightporter showcases a unique use of superpowers; even "lame" ones are used to great effect. There are also quite a few powers that are flat-out awesome (I want the powers of a particular new character so badly!).
This story takes a few tropes as well--monster attacks, rogue agents and the like--and adds some fun twists.
I stayed up late to finish this, it was so exciting.

In addition to this amazing batch of superpowers, light mystery, and growing characters, the author somehow bribed Anvil to release a cookie recipe. Can't wait to try it. :D

Tour Schedule

Monday, June 11th

Writefury – Character Interview and Lightporter Review

Dreams and Dragons – Twinepathy and Lightporter Reviews

Light and Shadows – Book Spotlight and Author Interview

Tuesday, June 12th

Reading Anyone – Lightporter Review

Wednesday, June 13th

Home With Hummingbirds – Character Interview and Book Spotlight

Thursday, June 14th

Ashley Bogner – Author Interview

Faith Blum – Book Spotlight

The Page Dreamer (Deborah O’Carroll) – Lightporter Review

Friday, June 15th

Lights And Shadows – Friday 5s: IDIA Edition

Purely By Faith Reviews – Lightporter Review and Book Spotlight

Saturday, June 16th (Release day!)

Marlene Simonette – Lightporter Review and Book Spotlight

Dreams and Dragons – Character Interview

Elven Padawan – Lightporter Review

Camp Nanowrimo

I'm participating in Camp Nanowrimo!

I've done it before (love it!), but not while I had a blog. Okay, I had a blog but never got around to posting...

My projects this session:

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Dead in Sleep:The two factions—Human and Imp—have always fought. The Humans, with their magic and knack for invention, have always had the upper hand. But their magic has been growing weaker to the point of vanishing altogether. The Imps with their vampire mounts have gained the upper hand, and it doesn’t help matters that their automaton have begun to turn on them. The Human cities are close to falling. Where has their magic gone?
Fayte Hargreave and her two friends--Eldon Rattlebag and Shania Darknoll--do their best to survive the downfall of their city and gain a lead on what is happening to their magic.
Goal: 3K-ish, counting attempts of prose for a scrapbook version

I'd Kill for a Bath:Pearl does her best to aid her friend, Snow--an overworked secretary of Castle Hematite--in winning the right to be queen for a day. In the process, Pearl tries to sort out her life--a life that her supposed father reveals to be a sham.
Set in Convoluted Chronicles.
Although, now I want to try my hand at literary fiction; so I may be exploring just Pearl's relationship to her uncle and father, and having the fantastic elements of fantasy as background props instead of spotlight items...
In which case a title change is imminent. Probably something along the lines of: You did What?!, Who are you?, or So my Father's a Dragon.

Goal: 5K-ish

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Here are small excerpts from each. The excerpt from Dead in Sleep isn't from the main POV; it's the start of a dare (Writer's Truth or Dare is so much more fun than regular T/D), because I read over my starting scene and...well, there are a few unique qualities in this world that I'm having difficulty showing in character.

Dead in Sleep:

Eldon couldn’t wait to visit the Inner ring of the city—there were so many hoity-toities to have fun with.

“The fact that they manufacture the guns you use to keep Imps out means nothing?”

Eldon glared at Fayte, a female soldier who seemed to be favored by the CO. “The mind meld is over. Why are you loitering in my head?”

Fayte shrugged. She adjusted her goggles so that the eye beams dimmed. “Sorry.”

“Upstart little…” Muttering derogatory comments, Eldon leapt aboard a departing tram. He glanced back at Fayte, flicked his goggles so that the eye-beams flashed. When she looked up, he did his best snarling grin. That’s what makes things interesting, pet.

Guns always made things interesting.

I'd Kill for a Bath:

Pearl took solace in the last few moments spent in her organized office. Notepads stacked on the edge of the desk; sparkling filing cabinets (their contents alphabetized and categorized by urgency); the trash can emptied. She took a picture in her mind, sucked a deep breath, and stepped out.

Luckily for her, her office was adjacent the castle’s lobby, so she didn’t have to wade through several levels of bureaucrats. A poster on the notice pillar outside caught her attention. The laminated, purple and orange and black poster reflected the moonlight garishly.

Contest: Queen for a Day.

The modern equivalent of a coliseum. She sneered in disgust, glad she wouldn’t be participating.

“Oh, Pearl!” A girl with the figure and looks of a vampire queen rushed over, her high heels clicking frantically against the concrete.

“Snow. What is it?”

The distraught secretary babbled incoherently. Frantic gestures, bleeding mascara…

Pearl looked at the poster again, took note of the date, and sighed. “You decided to participate?”

Snow latched onto Pearl’s arm, sobbing. “I’ve been stalked, threatened, work piled on my desk…” She paused, swiped at her face with her elbow. Black eyeliner stained the white sleeves. “They even laced my latte!”

Pearl led Snow to the curb. “I’m sorry, but I really don’t want to get involved. Especially not after an extended weekend.”

“It’s okay.” Snow sniffed. “It’s not like…like…oh, I just can’t be sarcastic! Pearl, I’m not alright and I need help!”

Interviewing Characters

This is everyone's favorite part of the writing process, right? You sit your stubborn characters down and try to ask them why they refuse to make up, always wear bunny slippers, why they refuse to give you their name, etc. In the last case, I usually resort to saying something like: "Tell me your real name or you'll be stuck with 'Zupid Gruppi'!"

There are so many ways to interview a character. For Major/Main characters, I might start with a detailed interview (using questions like these or these), or I might not get to asking them much until I'm halfway done with the first draft (in which case I just keep asking "Why this?" until I get somewhere). If I'm lucky, I'll spot the character I need while browsing enneagrams, or I'll use a Myers-Briggs personality test and go from there.
For other characters, though, going through all the questions about daily living are...tedious, nigh on useless. Most of the time. Every so often one of the questions along the lines of "name of high-school sweetheart" becomes relevant, then I go back and fill it out.
Minor/Side characters can be well fleshed out using an abbreviated questionnaire like this or this. Sometimes all that's needed is a good physical description.

I thought I'd share some snippets of my character interviews I did while writing Trouble in Bookland. These are mostly from early drafts (I'll be making a post about that in the near-ish future). Ethan's (he's the antagonist) interview is more current, when I was hitting a block at about the halfway point. So some spoilers for Trouble in Bookland in that one. Highlight if you wish to view. Linda (the protagonist) is the other interviewee.
Italics are characters, bold is me.

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Linda (age 8-10, early draft):

So right now you’re living with Johan, who is your new father’s son, and your mom?

*nods*

How do you like it?

*crumples tissues and throws them aside* It’s not home. At home, we all used to laugh and live together. Johan and I do that sometimes. But mom doesn’t like talking about where we used to live, what dad used to be like, or Ethan.

What about your new dad? What’s he like?

*shrugs* I don’t like him very much, because the only time I see him much is when he and Johan are talking. He doesn’t like that Johan’s a Writer and keeps telling him to live in Reality. It doesn’t make sense…

So you like Johan a lot?

Yuh-huh. It’s just…sometimes he makes me forget Ethan. I don’t want to forget Ethan. *scrunches self into couch cushions*

That’s when you get angry with him?

*nods*

Do you like yourself?

I…I guess so? *puzzled look*

There’s nothing you regret doing, want to do that you’re ashamed of, anything?

*looks even more confused* Uh-um…no?

Well, then what’s your outlook on life? Are you pessimistic, optimistic, do you feel that most people you meet are honest, or lying?

*frowns and grips head* What’s that supposed to mean?

Uh…(oh, yeah, pre-teen character. Some things on my questionnaire aren't relevant.) Change of question. What’s your life like?

*shrugs, making a face* I wake up, I eat, I go to school, I come home, I eat, I do homework, I play with Johan until mom or dad comes home and tells us to stop making so much noise. And I write until my brains short out.

Do you have any friends?

*relaxes a bit* Nope. *pause* Can I ask you something?

Sure, shoot.

Are you an Author?

*chuckles* Sort of, yeah.

Okay. ‘Cuz this was starting to feel like a Character interview.

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Ethan:

Why’d you mess things up in Bookland? How do you feel now that Linda has ownership of your world? Something isn't sitting right...

*gives look* Becaaaaauuuuuuuse that was my plan. To mess things up and start deteriorating the Patchwork. You feeling okay?

Meh, just trying to figure things out. Scatterbrain doesn’t help. Hey, why do you care how I'm feeling?

Maybe, just maybe, I’m a human being with concern for others.

Ha-ha.

Yeah, I know. *grins again* To answer your other question…happy. The world’ll survive, and she’ll be stretching her creative muscles.

Huh. Okay, then. What went wrong, what went wrong…

Something with Fourth-wall awareness, obviously.

Obviously. Let’s see…

Why don’t you just follow along with Linda and see where she heads? *chuckle*

Oh dear.
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I hope you enjoyed this. Any questions for any characters in TiB? Outside the story, I've found that most of them are fourth-wall aware, so outlandish and/or crossover questions will most likely be answered.
Thanks for reading!