Success on 11-11-11

I made it to 50,000 words last night, during the 11th hour on 11-11-11. Holy goodness that was a lot of ones. And I beat my record from last year where I wrote 50k in 13 days. Only this year, I have a bigger goal. I'm not going to stop at 50k as I have two novels going this year, so I'm going to keep writing until I make it to 100k at least.



How is NaNo going for you?

NaNoWriMo Approaches

And I can't wait to start writing!

I'm almost done with the prep challenge even though the month isn't over yet. I keep doing things ahead of schedule and that's good because I also have other writing to do before November starts. And that writing will help me since I really want to start writing already and writing other things will keep me a little distracted until the very minute November starts, when I plan to start writing.

I have picked what I'm going to write at least.  I picked the Young Adult novel. It was a bit unexpected considering it was one I had put on the "to do later" list with a few novels being set as ones to write first but I'm really looking forward to writing the story. I think even though I didn't win with young adult stories before, this time I'm going to make it.

Plus, I am going to do something different this year. I am going to work on two novels. One I prepared using the NaNoWriMo Prep Challenge and the other is just in my head. No preparation at all. With any luck and a lot of hard work, I should write 100,000 words this year or more, and if I get burned out from one, I can always work on the other, which is something I struggle with when I write 50k really fast; burn out. I even have titles to use for now on both of the novels, Yay!

The current plan is to write:
OttoHahn in E Minor (YA futuristic type novel)
Against the Grain (Adult Romance novel)



Are you ready for NaNoWriMo?
What are you writing?

IWSG post on Finishing and NaNoWriMo

It's that time again, Insecure Writer's Support Group is up and ready to talk today. The topic I've chosen is the "can I ever finish anything" insecurity that I often have since I write so many novels at one time and have nothing ready to submit after 5+ years of writing. I chose this topic because even though I did basically the same topic, there is a special portion this month because NaNoWriMo is just around the corner and is one where I've both succeeded and failed in finishing novels.

Last time I focused on finishing in order to send out, but let's pull back the reigns a little bit. Writing anything above 50,000 words can be difficult to finish and I'm so easily distracted. When I first started writing the goal for NaNoWriMo of writing 50,000 words in one month seemed daunting and in less than 15 days down right impossible. Back in 2006 I had only written poetry and a few attempts at short stories, nothing much past 1,000 words. So, the task of finishing a full length novel was hard to figure out and it showed in my few thousand total the first year. I haven't finished that story either. But what I've learned from the failed years at NaNoWriMo is simply to keep writing.

Because my third year I not only wrote 50,000 words in 30 days but I also finished the novel a couple of weeks later. I had my first finished first draft ever back in 2008 and it was awesome. I haven't edited it yet but I still love the story. And it proved to me I could finish a draft.

Then I wrote 67,000 words in March of 2010, proving to myself that with the right characters and story, I could do even more words. That novel even is finished and waiting to be edits with the highest word count I've finished in one story to this date (90,000). Woot! Sure, in 2009 I wrote basically nothing but it's okay.

Last year I managed to write 50,000+ words in 13 days. Sure, I haven't finished the novel yet but it's one that I'm writing just for me. Being an epic fantasy novel, I've still got another 50k to go and I plan to but being stalled is okay with me.

And here we are again. NaNoWriMo 2011 starts in less than a month and I will admit, the doubt is still here. Yes, after 67k in one month and 50k in 13 days, I still doubt that I'll finish. That doubt surfaces every year. I wonder if I will make the 50k goal and I wonder if I will finish the story either during the month (which I have never done before) or at least some time after.


Do you have any insecurities with finishing and NaNoWriMo?

Check out the other IWSG members:

October Novels to Prep

I have several novel ideas and I've picked a few to prep during October. Out of them I will prepare a few using the exercises from the October NaNoWriMo Prep Challenge from Writing.com. I have them posted over on my other writing blog, .

Books to prep but not write for NaNo:
Tattle Tell sequel
Standing Ground sequel

As much as I love the mutant series, I think it would be better to wait a little longer before I actually write either book 2. I still have to cement out the main plot in each one anyways. In december I'm going to edit book 1 from each, YA(ish) and adult, along with any other novels I have finished. Yay for editing month but for now, need to figure out what I'll write in November.


I have decided to prep .... oh wait, I haven't decided yet. Yikes! Prep starts on Saturday and I still don't know which one exactly I'm going to prepare for NaNoWriMo. And the consensus from friends is... there is no consensus. Some love the romance idea, others want the urban fantasy, and I added another to the list even though it wasn't on the blog post I made initially. Do I go with a type of character and genre I have written before, or do I go with an age group I write but haven't succeeded with nano before or do I try something completely different for nano and just hope I can make it this year.

I'm really tempted between the elemental fae, the urban fantasy, a futuristic YA and the musician. So many great choices but I hope to cut it down to two to prep during October. Have lots to think about in the next day and a half.

Pros and Cons of 2011 Ideas for NaNo

Here are the ideas I'm considering for NaNoWriMo this year and the pros/cons of each idea. I may pick the top three and prep all three during October to figure out which one I want to do by November 1.


Young Adult

The female teen one: Pros - female main character is something different than what I usually write. Know the basic plot with room to flourish. Could be done as one pov or two, depending how I feel sounds better. Cons - Less practice with a female main character. No success yet with a YA novel during a month writing challenge. Would need research to get the cultural aspects exactly right.
Religious school with teen who doesn't fit in: Pros - New character and an idea that I've had bouncing in my head for almost a year. Different setting than my usual books with potential for 50k words.  Cons - Uncertain if it's the right book to do. Still a young adult book, which I don't have a success rate for yet.

Sequel to Tattle Tell: Pros - Characters I'm already familiar with from my second attempt at NaNo. Heightened stakes from book 1 so that there is plenty to write. One of my favorite series so far that I'm working on. Cons - Don't have plot completely figured out yet. It's a sequel and the first book hasn't been sent out yet. Failed when tried writing book 1 for NaNo.

Fantasy/Sci-fi/Dystopian/etc

Djinn type character trying to find his place: Dynamic characters with a cross of the features that were found in successful years. Most of plot is figured out with plenty of wiggle room. One viewpoint character. Cons - Plot isn't completely set. Uncertain whether this book is one for publishing or not. World still is questionable.

Urban Fantasy in Salt Lake City: An adult one with a female main character. A challenge from an urban fantasy tweet chat with fun prospects. Have lived in Utah and know some of the area plus will be visiting there soon. Cons - Haven't really written urban fantasy

Almost steampunk like story: Pros - Story I've had in my head for over a year. Started worldbuilding on this blog and in a word document. Looking forward to writing about fae characters. Fun character dynamics. Cons - Haven't finished the worldbuilding yet or even gotten close. Some questionable elements of the plot still.

Sequel to Standing Ground: Pros - The first book went very well for MarNo, since I wrote 67k. Noah is a great character that people love and the first book is almost ready to be sent out. Know how it begins exactly. Cons - Most of the plot isn't figured out yet. Again, a sequel when the first book hasn't been edited yet let alone sent out.

Romance/non-fantasy/other

Sent to middle of nowhere: Pros - Have had success with a romance before. This is an older idea in comparison to some of the others. Know enough about the country to have the setting down. Cons - Another age difference romance when I haven't finished Thomas/Kyle. Plot is a bit iffy and don't know if the story stands out enough.

What to Write for NaNoWriMo

It is already almost time for National Novel Writing Month and I haven't picked out a novel yet. What do I write this year?

Quick recap of my NaNoWriMo attempts:


2006 - First year and I attempted a not so original story about the president's son and "special service" guy falling for each other. Wrote maybe a few thousand words.
2007 - Tried to write 20k words but only made it to about 15k on the teen mutant first book. It was in first person and took till 2009 for me to finish the very short first draft.
2008 - Changed directions and wrote the first draft of a romance/erotica novel based from a scene I developed from a dream I had. Made it to 50k during November and finished the last few thousand of the novel in December.
2009 - Didn't take part in NaNo though I wanted to but life interrupted.
2010 - Wrote 50k in 13 days of an epic fantasy novel. Still haven't finished the first draft.


2011 NaNoWriMo

What do I write this year? I have so many options that I'm not sure which one I am going to go with, but here are some potentials. I'm even going to categorize a little bit.

Young Adult

- Young female (middle eastern) is trying to find herself between the modern US world and the culture her family was raised upon. Her mom would like her to not forget their heritage but at times she thinks her mom old fashioned and holding her back. She finds herself transported to somewhere in the past, taking someone else's place. Modern has a different meaning and her new family is even more conservative. The mother is working on marrying her off. Yet in the world she finds friends to show her the way and begins to realize how much she took for granted certain aspects. And also learns to appreciate some of the old ways.

- Teen boy(gay) is kicked out of his school and the only place that will take him is a Christian school that is very small. At first he doesn't get along with anyone and struggles with himself along with worrying about going to court for his past issues. Teacher guy tries to help by making him join the band that performs for their church sessions on sundays and other days. He is given the electric guitar to play. Has no idea what's going on or how the group actually competes and that it's a big deal at first. It does give him something to focus on since he likes music even though it's all Christian music.

- Sequel to Tattle Tell
Ephram and Isaac are still friends and on a new adventure. New schools, keeping secrets and trying to make friends while figuring out themselves as they get older. They are now 15 and without parents to help, they have a lot to figure out. Plus they have a new goal: to help other mutants from discrimination and pain but it's not an easy goal.


Fantasy/Sci-fi/Dystopian/etc

- Djinn type MC that is hunted unless a master takes him in. There is a political campaign to get a djinn/magic-weilder on a board/counsel but any who are nominated are killed at once. The master who does take the MC is rich and has a goal, offering him the prize of freedom (controlled) if he achieves the impossible task of finding a wish granter that is considered a myth.

- Urban Fantasy - Salt Lake City
Demon slayer, female, hired by the church. Deals with religion, gender issues, and other stuff. Teams up with a RM (return missionary) male who has a personal demon(gay) but also has experience dealing with demons and not going crazy or isn't too scared. Has to find the right demons that are responsible for the troubles that were being caused against church members.

- The one that has steampunk elements but is just fantasy. It starts with two guys who meet and have a night stand. One is a wood faery from a ship, the other is a top militia man who is brought to the ship trying to catch a criminal who has been just out of his reach for months. The enemy has something against the militia/mage man. The faery joins him to help catch the guy and complications ensue.

- Sequel to Standing Ground
Noah has gotten some time from his last adventure and now has to make a decision. He can either join the group he has avoided for years or allow the government to try to control him and his abilities. The only way to avoid that decision is to leave and he is going to do it right, taking a group of renegades with him. And the adventure just starts there.

Romance/non-fantasy/other

- Rich young man is sent to farmlands to live in hotel, away from his father and his young third wife. He gets in a scuff and some other males in the 20's leave him up in the mountains where a rancher finds him. They fall in love, eventually.



Those are ones I am considering for now, but who knows what I will pick by November. I know I sure have no idea. Next post I will maybe do the pros and cons of each novel.

Characters Introduced by Noah and Lucas

Here is a character introduction post from The Character Cafe blog. I'm going to be bringing all those posts over here slowly since the Character Cafe is closing. Enjoy.


 Since we are actually doing two posts for introductions I have two main characters for this post, and one of them is going to introduce others from his world since he has already guest posted before about just himself. Or at least, back when he was at the end of book 3, which is why I'm speaking first. Since I have only the first draft of book 1 in his series done, and because some of the characters involved are teens (posting on this blog as well in the next introduction), I'm going to have him post from where he was at in book 1 (Standing Ground). The old post can be found here: Noah's guest post.  If this gets long, my apologies, for I have to let the second main character speak, Lucas, because I can't have him and Elijah in the same post yet even though they are the two main characters of a paranormal romance. So, with all that said, here is Noah and his introduction of important people from book 1.

Noah

Noah: Hello. *gives a quick wave* I am Noah, a genetic mutant from Dawn's books. We were once a guest, so I'm happy to be a more permanent member of the blog now. Last time I posted mostly about my mutation and some of the struggles I go through in this series but I think this time I'll talk about those that are involved with me. We're only talking the first section of troubles, right?


Dawn: Right.

Dominic

Noah: Okay. I had just finished a double major in physics and military science. The last part was because my father insisted and he did pay for the schooling but I really wanted to study physics to give myself a better understanding of energy. I can control it but don't like people knowing what I am capable of doing. I spent the last several years living in two locations: my parents' house and my best friend's apartment (Dominic) that they helped pay for. Dominic has been my best friend since we were in school. He's also a mutant though his power is a confusing type of prophetic dreaming that requires he be asleep more often than not. In fact, he'd say hello right now but he's sleeping.

Noah: Then there is my boyfriend Sebastian, though he hates to be called by his full first name. He prefers to be called Bastian. I met him at the beginning of when Dawn started writing the story. At first, he's a bit nervous and in less shape because he didn't work out too much and preferred to study or read. His major was philosophy but then he joins the military and things change. Some of the changes were better than others. He isn't a mutant though, and at first he didn't think I was either despite how I look. I should have told him as it probably would have turned out better than him finding out the way he did but it turns out he doesn't care that I am.

Bastian

Noah: Finally, there are a few that I'd like to mention but don't worry, there aren't any pictures of them yet. These are important if you consider the whole story and not just what gets placed in book 1, though readers meet them there. They are the first set of "rogue mutants" I ever meet, though they certainly aren't the last ones. Two of them were once friends, though after a falling out they had to leave the school so I hadn't seen them since we were teens. First is the somewhat leader, Ty. He is a bit of a jerk and he would often get me into trouble. Ty had to leave because they wanted to stop him from using his mutation too often because he was what could be called a copy cat as he could imitate almost any other mutation if given the opportunity. Along with him as the weather controller, Kelvin, who had trouble controlling his emotions and thus sometimes the weather. The new ones they bring are Michael and Camile. Camile seems to be a bit hard edged and she controls wind. On the other hand, Michael seems very nice compared to the others and he's kind of cute... I mean, he umm controls both fire and ice. Not sure how they all met up but when they get around to telling their side of things I may find out.

Noah: That's all I will mention for now since I'm taking up a lot of space and there is still the demon who is supposed to introduce himself this post. Sorry about rambling and I'm sure I'll be posting again soon.

Lucas

Lucas: Umm, hi. *puts hands in pocket and looks around* This is a bit different. I've done the chats before on that twitter thing and once in a regular chat room but this is my first blog. Guess it'll be nice to do something outside the whole demon crap I have to deal with nowadays. Being a demon sucks. Don't let anyone fool you with all that chat about fire and eternal heat with no snow because it's a lie! I'm stuck in Detroit where I spend my days freezing cold. Other than that, I guess things could be worse considering. Hard to believe that not having a belief in God would put me here but I'm doing my best to make due with the whole situation. Other than the whole, non-dead type thing, being a demon is rather boring. I don't shoot fire from my hands or anything cool like that. Right now, I'm living on another demons couch and we work without pay delivering messages around the area. Aside from the cold, there is a feeling of emptiness that I'm still trying to figure out. It's a dull aching type of emptiness and I definitely have no direction. For now, I'm lost but can only hope that until whatever rapture type disaster comes for my marked soul that I can make the best of this "life" as a demon.  That's all I really have to say for now. *walks away*

First Insecure Writer's Support Group Post

This is going to be a bit of a contradictory post. The main topic is the Insecure Writer's Support Group but I also want to mention something awesome first.

The awesome part: this blog has 200 followers and it took less than 2 years. I'm so excited. And now that I have more time to blog, I will maybe even get more followers. Thank you everyone that is following this blog. I really appreciate it. You all are awesome!

Now to the main topic.

Here is the information about the group, first, the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) from Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog.
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/p/insecure-writers-support-group.html

"Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer."


Now for the part about me. My insecurity for this post is the question, Will I finish anything to send out?

I am one who does many projects at once, and that makes it hard to finish anything. That time factor always seems to make me anxious because I have to do things that draw in an income since I'm an adult (surprised? lol) but at the same time, I love writing whenever I can. But I've spent 5 years working on writing so far and I haven't sent a single query out. I don't have a book ready yet. So, sometimes I am insecure about whether I will ever make it or not.

Anyone else feel like that? Make sure to check out some of the others but don't worry, you don't have to read every blog cause there are so many. ;-)

.

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Another Year Gone

I haven't had this blog for long, but today I'm another year older so I figured that was due a post somewhere in my blogging world (or lack of blogging world as has been more of the case lately). Sometimes I like to sit back and reflect on what I have accomplish because it gives a nice break from all the other times I think about all the things that I want to but haven't yet.

In the past year, I have written a fair number of words. I wrote 50,000 words in 13 days for nanowrimo. Overall, I've written in at least five different novels. I finished my first rewrite of a novel, going from 23,000 words to 50,000 words. And I have made many blog posts, even with the last few months being as sparse as they have been. It's been a decent year of writing and I hope my next year will have even more.

And I've started reading again. That is something else I'm very happy for. While I may not be exactly where I wanted to be by the time I reached this age, I'm still doing things that I want to do and can keep going from here.

So, as I'm another year older, I'm not so much wiser but determined. It's going to be a very busy, creative year.

Followers

Hi followers.

Hard to believe it but this blog is one person away from having 200 followers, which is so awesome. I'm so grateful to have you all even though I haven't been posting very often. I haven't seen as many blogfests but I've also been so busy with the two jobs but no worries, I am going to be back full force soon.

I have been reading at least. I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells was an awesome book. And the two books I'm in the middle of right now are great. I am going to be doing a group of middle grade books since I'm doing middle grade posts for a month. That is something to look for in September.

Here, I will find something to post soon. There is always something to say. ;-)

August Goals

Okay, so July didn't work out but I'm adjusting to the jobs now. But a new month is upon us and it's time once again for some goals.


Goals

Finish reading three books.
Post in blogs once a week.
Work on edit/rewrites.

Putting Hold on First Drafts

As much as I love writing new novels, there comes a time when I need to get focused on a few novels in order to get my goals accomplished. Plus, I work so much my writing time is very limited, so I made the decision.

While I'm working two jobs, no more working on first drafts. I need to focus my limited time on the novels that are past the first draft stage. Plus I figured that the adult mutant series would be okay if it is sent out sooner instead of later. That's encouraging at least.

Novels I will work on:
Standing Ground
Tattle Tell
Hellenic Distractions



Do you work on more than one project?
How do you find balance with work, writing and other life things?

July Goals

(Image Link)

I can't believe it's already July. This past month has sure been something. Spent almost a week near the beginning of the month in Washington DC for a wedding. Worked some, searched for more jobs and landed two new jobs. And I did make some progress in writing. So, lets start with the June recap, then I'll get to the July goals (JulNoWriMo!)


June Recap

Tattle Tell rewrite - Surprise! After several months of making this goal I actually finished the second draft. Yay me!

Finish 3 books - Not quite. Got about two done but got distracted from reading. July should be tough with reading too.

Rewrite/Edit Standing Ground - not quite. Did work on it a little at least.

Continue T/K and A/D - Did get some work done and T/K but don't worry. I'm working on both during July.



July Goals

July Novel Writing Month Challenge
Write 50,000 words total from three novels.
- Lighting the Wall
- Angel/Demon
- Thomas/Kyle

Finish reading 3 books.

Sleep occasionally and still survive the two jobs.


What are your goals for July?

MC blogfest

About the Blogfest:
1. pretend to be one of your main characters (have them write the post)
2. have them answer 3 questions (the questions are listed on the announcement post)
The questions are:
- What is your greatest fear?
- What is your biggest accomplishment?
- What is your biggest regret?
3. Post it and then go check out other entries.

As for my entry, I will leave that up to the characters. Yep, plural. I am giving Noah and Elijah the rest of the blog post. Noah is often posting over on The Character Cafe, though both blog there. He is from the adult mutant series. Elijah is an angel main character from the angel/demon novel.

My Entry:

Noah: Hello blog readers. Nice to see you again Elijah.

Elijah: Yeah, Hi. So... what are we doing on this one? It's not the same place we posted our conversation last time, is it?

Noah: No, this is Dawn's personal writing blog. The one we did the little secret sharing topic was on some group blog. Don't worry. I think this time we can be a little less personal.

Elijah: Good. Last time we talked it was a little too soul bearing. Don't think I can do it again this soon. Tonight we have questions?

Noah: *hands over a piece of paper* Yes, these are the questions. We'll both give answers, taking turns asking the questions. Do you want to ask first this time?

Elijah: *stares at the paper* I guess I can. Questions 1: What is your greatest fear?

Noah: Of course, that had to be the first question. Okay. Fine. I've talked about this a few times but one of my worst fears is to be used as a weapon.

Elijah: What do you mean?

Noah: The mutation I have is more powerful than most. Well, I was expected to have more power but no one really knows because I pretend I can't do all the tests. It's better that not many people know what I can actually do. Since I control energy, I can even create it and that could be used as a weapon to harm others. I really don't want to hurt anyone.

Elijah: Could it be that you fear hurting people?

Noah: Probably. I mean, I know people say that they don't intend or want to hurt anyone emotionally and I know I have hurt people before without meaning to but this is different. I could unintentionally kill someone, I don't even have to know them. If they are in the wrong place and I go off with my powers then bad things happen. I can't stand the idea of it. It would haunt me forever if something like that happened. Alright, your turn. What is your biggest accomplishment?

Elijah: I'm not sure. Let me think for a moment. *stares up at the ceiling* I guess becoming an angel could be a big accomplishment, considering all the things I did leading up to the whole turn my life around bit. I didn't have many good years before dying either. But I guess, what I would call my biggest accomplishment is holding on to myself. Despite what some people think, I still am true to who I am and how I was made. That means a lot to me and I'm glad I can still be myself for the most part even in the afterlife. Okay, so now we do the last question. How about we both answer this one?

Noah: Sure. What is the question?

Elijah: What is your biggest regret?

Noah: Now, that is a hard one. There are so many potential regrets. Guess it's my turn to think for a minute. What about you?

Elijah: Well, depends. Do we want it to be from the afterlife or back when I was alive?

Noah: How about one from each? And I'll keep thinking of one for my answer.

Elijah: Okay. Umm... I guess the one from my earlier life would have to be the thing we talked about on that other blog post. I did some stupid things because I assumed I was screwed either way so might as well enjoy myself and I put too much trust into strangers just to get that little bit of physical enjoyment. As for afterlife, that is a bit harder. We aren't supposed to do many of the things that I would normally regret. In some ways I regret not taking more chances and at least enjoying this second chance I've been given because boredom is not a friend to me.

Noah: Yeah, with boredom I get jumpy and start messing with lights if I'm alone. I guess it's my turn. My biggest regret is trying to shield myself too much and not going out before. I used my friend as an excuse to stay at home and avoid people. As much as I care about Dominic, I shouldn't have used his mutation as an excuse to be hidden, avoiding contact with others.

Elijah: That works. Well, nice chatting with you for another post. Good luck with your story.

Noah: Yeah, same with you. Maybe Dawn will get to our novels soon.

Dawn: I saw that! And yes, I'll be getting to both of your novels in July. Thanks for writing the post for this blogfest.

:-D

It is in the Muse-ic Blogfest

Oops. So, my entry is late. I completely forgot with everything going on that I signed up for this blogfest. I even did writing that night, just not to music. My bad.

Blogfest is hosted by Aleatoire over at blog link. Make sure to check out the link to see the other blogs that took part in the blogfest.

The basic idea of this blogfest is to write while listening to a single song, then post the scene along with what song it was that inspired it. Simple enough for people who don't forget.

I had a hard time picking a song and what to write, so this entry took me awhile. Finally, I picked Dirty Little Secret by All American Reject. The scene comes from the YA book I started writing in March. Though it's from Wyck's point of view, it might change when I put it in the actual story. I won't write the whole scene cause it would be way too long anyways. So, here is part of a scene for the book currently titled, Lighting the Wall.

My entry:

Following the rest of the class, Wyck slowly entered the book floor of the main building. The Governess called it the Library Wing, because of all the books, but it didn't compare much to the libraries that were mentioned in history and architecture books. Still, some books were better than none. While the other students in the Last Class grumbled about the book report assignment, Wyck looked at the walls of literature with excitement. It was his favorite assignment.

After a few minutes, he picked a wall of books that he hadn't visited much in the last year, slowly gazing over the books before his feet carried him closer. It took a few minutes of respected gazing before he let a hand move up to the middle shelf to graze the bindings of the slowly deteriorating books.

But he didn't pick a book right away off the shelf, like he used to do, because this time there was a different distraction. Curiosity snagged his attention and he gave in to the desire to check on the new boy, Sage. He wondered if Sage has ever seen a collection of books like what their village has. Or maybe he has seen bigger, maybe even a full building of books. Finally, Wyck looked over to Sage, who was by himself a few shelves down, standing in front of a stack of books. They were both alone since most of the books the others deemed as fun enough were located in a different room, so Wyck didn't feel bad staring as his attention went unnoticed.

At first, he thought Sage was feeling the books like he had but when his hands didn't move from the wall of books, he started to wonder. He looked a bit weird; his hands pressed to the wall, head leaning forward almost close enough for his shaggy hair to touch the edge of a shelf, and he wasn't moving.

Unable to think about any of the books near him, Wyck concentrated on Sage's hands. What could he be doing? The only thing behind the bookshelf was a dense wall, designed to keep those inside the building safe. Most of the buildings were strong, but the Main Building had a particularly tough exterior, and the wall behind where they stood was even thicker than usual because it was one of the few walls that touched a border. Course, not many remembered that and Wyck only knew because his father talked about the border constantly since he was the leader of the Border Patrol.

Then the though occurred to him. Could it be? It seemed impossible but as his eyes remained focus on the strange boy's hands, air rippled for a second, even causing the books that the hands rested on seemed to fluctuate for a brief second.

Wyck's eyes widened. Blinking, he couldn't believe what he had just seen. While not many would have seen anything different, and most wouldn't believe even if that had managed to catch the slight display, he knew what he saw. Sage manipulated the border. No one in the village had been able to do that since his father was a young boy. To have a new, young wall lighter would be a huge deal. It was even bigger than the new family's arrival. As soon as the Governess found out Sage's secret there would be all kinds of things that would change and Sage would have a permanent position in the village lighting the wall.

His excitement was short lived, however. The lessons from earlier classes and his own father came back to him about wall lighters. They never had time to do anything outside of work because the walls were flawed and required constant maintenance. In fact, the reason they died out in the first place was because they rarely lived past age 30 and never had time to find a mate, let alone procreate. If discovered, Sage would be used until he slowly perished from being overworked.

As Wyck continued to stare, his mind deep in thought, Sage looked up at him. His bright green eyes shown even harsher against the paleness that had taken over the tone of his face. He looked tired and yet wired at the same time. His gaze caught Wyck's and he immediately looked scared. His body slouched forward suddenly, causing his hands to grip the edge of the shelf.

Just then, the Governess walked out of the room where the other students must have been looking for books. She glanced down the hallway at them and started her usual slow, fake-smiling approach their way.

Wyck stepped closer to Sage and waiting until the Governess was close enough to hear him before acting. He stretched up, picking a book on plants off the shelf and offered it to Sage. "Here. I think you'll like this one."

"Thanks." Sage said, his voice quiet and a little raspy.

......


The song:

WorldBuilding Wednesday with Not Human Characters

(image link: shirt.woot.com)

Almost Human

While many genres have only humans in them, there are some that do not. In fact, the main characters in genres such as fantasy aren't always human even though they can have human like qualities. But one problem that surfaces when writing stories with any kind of non-human is finding the right term to call them. A few questions come to mind at once?

What do others call the characters? (humans and other non-humans)
What do the characters call themselves?
Do you, the author, make up a species?
Or, do you use species already known in fiction.

Examples of common used non-humans are: elves, mermaids, faeries, vampires, zombies, demons, angels, aliens, dwarves, trolls, gremlins, werewolves, etc.


In the epic fantasy novel I'm writing, the species names were easy. Two of the main characters are elves, from different locations and a slightly different kind, and then there is a dwarf. I don't have to worry too much about making up something because it's acceptable for different authors to use those species in novels. Sure, they still have to make them as their own and character development is important, but they can still be called elves.

The world I'm trying to build for a fantasy novel, the one that this blog series was originally set up for, is one I haven't figured out names for yet either. The one character is human but the other is a type of elemental fae. Right now I am comfortable with wood fae or wood faerie but we'll see as I develop the world for the story.

Demon/Angel was also easy because there are humans, demons and angels. Pretty straightforward.

However, I have had trouble in different sci-fi/fantasy type series. With both series, I have a question going on right now whether or not I should call the not quite human characters. The problem some have seen is the fact that with how it is now, the stories instantly remind readers of X-Men because the characters are called mutants.

So, I have been considering whether or not I should change the term from "mutant" to something else. I did come up with something I could use but I also decided that I wouldn't make any changes right now. When I'm submitting it seems like an issue or if I'm asked to find a different term than "mutant" I will be ready. For now, Noah, Ephram, Dominic, and all the others are going to be called mutants.


Do you have non-human characters?
Are they main characters?
Do you create species names for non-humans or use ones already created?

Why Do I Write YA?

Check out the other blogfest entries at IggiandGabi.com

This is a very good question and I'm interested to see the other entries in this blogfest. Young Adult has become quite the book section in bookstores. Things have changed a bit since I was reading YA books, which was like junior high but still. Thanks to great authors there have always been good books to read. While I didn't read much of the age range when I was in high school, I still appreciated and still do the authors and books that are and were available. But why did I start writing books that are for young adults? Probably not for the reasons people expect.

Honestly... I didn't plan to become a young adult writer. The last favorite genre I had before college was adult epic fantasy and my initial novel ideas were all adult, being a morph from historical fiction to epic fantasy and such.  And the first year I made it to 50k for NaNoWriMo and came out with a finished 1st draft, it was a romance/erotica story. Doesn't sound very YA does it?

Yet, here I am with my first novel that is going to be ready for submission is YA (and borderline close to MG). It's a series and I have one other YA book started and several other ideas waiting to be written. The idea for Tattle Tell came to me in a dream, though the idea is for book 2, and I started writing book 1 in 2007. It has taken me a long time but I'm almost done with the rewrite, then comes the edit and beta readers. Why make it YA? The characters just happened to come to me as teenagers. I have an adult mutant series as well, with the main character being in his mid-20's.

The main reason I write YA is because those are the ideas that come to me. The other part of why I enjoy writing YA and have no problem with the change is because even my YA books have gay main characters and I know that glbt teens are wanting more books with characters they can relate to since I used to volunteer with glbt teens. I hope that I can provide more books and get them published so they have more to read.

So, these are the reasons why I write YA.


Do you write YA?
Why or why not?

June Goals

First: May results.
- Tattle Tell rewrite. Almost but not quite. The new chapter slowed me down too.
- First draft of Lighting the Wall... Fail. Didn't really work on it.
- Finish reading at least 5 books. Well, I finished 2 books according to Goodreads.
- Blog more here... Fail. Didn't blog much.

(image link)

1. Edit the YA(maybe) mutant book Tattle Tell.

2. Finish reading 3 books at least. (I have read 16 so far out of my goal of 35 books for the year.)

3. Rewrite/Edit adult mutant novel Standing Ground.

4. Continue writing the YA book Lighting the Wall.

5. Also continue writing Angel/Demon and maybe add to Thomas/Kyle novella.


What are your goals for June?

Project GetUp

I am a snoozer and if allowed, I can be lazy when there is no consequence for not getting up before 11 am. It takes me a really long time to fall asleep. Hours at times. Like last night: tried to go to sleep at 11 am and was still awake at 2 am. Insomnia sucks but so does the medicine so I try to avoid it when I can. It's also easier to fall asleep once I've been asleep for awhile, which really doesn't help my problem.

But there is so much I can be doing during the day that would start earlier if I got out of bed. Problem is, when sleepy and just waking up, I have very little will power. Tis why I missed so many morning classes because it was easier to tell myself I didn't feel well or could afford to miss one more because minutes later I would be back asleep.

I could be finding a second job since I barely make enough for all my student loans right now. I could be writing in novels, working on sekrit nonfiction proposal, or any other writing task. I could be reading or writing blogs. I could be doing a number of things. And as much as I love dreaming (morning is a time when I can remember 2-4 dreams) I don't need any more novel ideas right now. So, I can afford to cut the dreams short by the annoying sound of the alarm clock.

So, I am going to challenge myself. Wake up every morning and be out of bed, not going back to sleep, by 9 am. This is for 6 days a week, with one day of extra sleep but only if I get up on the six other days. That means, I need 6 days in a row before I can have one day of sleeping later.

Reward? Still thinking about it but maybe once a month I'll get a donut or something. I try not to have food rewards often because I need to exercise and lose weight already. Let's see how the first month goes and judge from there.

I am calling this Project GetUp and will post updates periodically here.

Giveaway Ends Tonight

Hi everyone. Just a quick reminder that the Epic 2 Blog 2 Year Giveaway ends soon. Today is the last day to enter.

To enter go here.

May Goals

May is here and it's time once again for goals. Since I want to have two drafts done by June first, that means those novels are the focus for this month.

1. Finish rewrite, wait and then edit Tattle Tell. Send out to beta readers in June.

2. Finish first draft of Lighting the Wall.

3. Finish reading at least 5 books.

4. Blog more on here now the A to Z challenge is over.


What are your May goals?

Query Letter Blogfest

Yay for another blogfest. I know we haven't had many lately and the A to Z challenge means it's a slow month on this blog but no worries. Today we get to do a blogfest and the topic this time is the Query Letter.

About the blogfest: 
The blogfest is pretty simple. The idea is to have a query letter posted and to get feedback on ways to make it better. The exact two rules are: "post your query letter and visit at least 5 other bloggers and critique their queries."

Check out the blogfest over at Slice of the Blog Pie.

So, I was totally going to write a brand new query letter for this. Except work, A to Z blog challenge, sleep and writing got in the way so that I never got around to working on it until the night before the blogfest. That doesn't work very well for a query letter. I'm also curious for anyone who reads this part: Does the novel sound more like a middle grade one or YA?

Note: I don't have an agent list yet. So, it's a general query letter and there is no agent personalization to it for that reason. Those will come into play when I actually have novels ready to submit cause yeah, I don't have anything ready. Order of hook, novel details and such will vary a little as well.


My entry:



Dear Agent:

Not all genetic mutations are fun or even useful. For 14 year-old mutant, Ephram Gray, having a temperature that can't be detected only means he will never miss school due to a fever. Working for a government agency as a spy, telling on anyone who might be a mutant, is a whole different story.  

Ephram should be worrying about finding friends and passing the next test at school. Instead he has to  panic over each time the men in suits from the government agency will show up at his parents' house demanding he tell on other mutants. Being different isn't easy, keeping it a secret even harder and the worse part: one of his only friends might be a mutant. Stuck between his role as a tattle tale, the unspoken rules of friendship, and his own secrets, he must decide. Either lose a friend or disobey and face the consequences.

TATTLE TELL, a fantasy/sci-fi young adult tale, is complete at 53,000 words. Thank you for your time and consideration.


Sincerely,
Dawn Embers

Progress Report

I haven't done one of these in awhile. This is an update and a goal discussion.

Posted on my other blog about MarNo and how I only wrote 6 chapters instead of the full novel goal. But I was still happy with the progress. Haven't written much in it since then because of the A to Z blogging challenge, but also I've been working on my other YA novel, the rewrite.

The rewrite is going well. I finished chapter 21 this week, which means I have only 2-3 more chapters to go. Then I take a break before editing.

New novel is going well for having only 6 chapters done. I like the main characters and can't wait to keep writing. Even picked a work in progress title for the novel thanks to Susan Kane.

My goal is to finish the two YA drafts by June 1st. I'm going to try and get the one YA book to my beta readers by that day. Granted, I had wanted to do that back at like the beginning of March but oh well. I have a minor handwritten project due May 1st. But my focus is going to be the two YA books and the paranormal romance, along with world building on this blog for a different novel.

Worldbuilding Wednesday and Elements

In my fantasy novel that I'm using for the world building days there are elemental faeries. Not the tiny kind but they are close to the same height as the humans. But there are five types of fae, based on the elements but not the commonly used ones.

The elements I usually work with (since I'm pagan) are water, earth, air, and fire (ether or spirit is sometimes considered the fifth element). But for this novel I decided to go with a slightly different set of elements. These have more of an Asian influence.

The natural elements are:
Fire
Water
Earth
Metal
Wood

(image link: here)

The elements are often seen in fen-shui and chinese medicine based upon their cycles and how they affect each other. The source for the cycles listed below is feng-shui.lovetoknow.com/Nature_Five_Elements.

Creative Cycle
Water creates Wood.
Wood births Fire.
Fire gives Earth.
Earth creates Metal.
Metal draws Water.

Controlling Cycle
Water destroys Fire.
Wood destroys Earth.
Fire destroys Metal.
Earth destroys Water.
Metal destroys Wood.

Weakening Cycle
Water weakens Metal.
Wood weakens Water.
Fire weakens Wood.
Earth weakens Fire.
Metal weakens Earth.


Wood - The most important as one of the main characters is a Wood Fae.
While the fae main character is a Wood, he doesn't always follow what is typical of his type. He is a traveller like any other wood because he has a deepened desire to see the world. If he stays too long in one place he gets antsy. He's not a fan of water. Like, he will put up with it, and he does shower so don't worry there, but he doesn't go swimming. He prefers to go by air ships instead of water ones. His mother is an Earth fae.

Wood fae wings are just that, wood but very thin but hard to break. There are certain ways to fold them too and although a bit uncomfortable, MC can tie his down at work on an air ship so that no one knows and is uncomfortable with his presence.

Aside from him, there is a pair of women who work together and one of them is a wood while the other is metal. They use their skills to combine the two elements, which can come in handy. Their wings are permanent.

Earth
As said above, the MC's mother is one but there is also his ex-boyfriend. This is a fun elements because there are many options like flowers, plants, dirt, etc that can be integrated in their appearance and wings in particular. They also get to have seasonal wings depending on the part of Earth that they have in the wings. Flower wings are a good example, though I'm guessing the ex has more masculine type wings but the mother might have flower petal ones.

Water
I don't have any particular water fae. There are some minor characters that the main character talks to when visiting his homeland, and the villain has at least one for his own uses, but no one really important in the novel is from this category. They have water wings, so they aren't permanent or even last very long and they can't fly either. But they love to swim and spend as much time in water as they can. They control the water and can do some neat things.

Metal
Aside from the female metal fae who does work with a wood one, there is one more important secondary character who is a metal fae. The wood MC meets him near the end of the book, when he has been captured by the villain and they end up working some together along with plotting. Metal is another type with a permanent wing set. It is made of thin metal and is still too heavy for flying. They don't fold up nicely like the wood ones though, so are harder to hide.

Fire
Don't have many of these. They tend to be the louder ones of the bunch but it works with their personalities. They aren't too fond of water usually for obvious reasons. Their wings are temporary, like the water ones, but are very flashy. No flying for fire fae either. They have to work on control some if living or working on anything flammable so that they don't burn things down.



This is part of the elemental research I have done, though I have more details as I need them for the story. Need to work a bit more on it.

2 Blog 2 Year Epic Giveaway

The day has come: The epic giveaway to celebrate 2 years of blogging. This blog turned 1 on March 17th and my other blog (dawnembers.blogspot.com) will be 2 years old on May 1st. To celebrate I am hosting this giveaway and hope to get to 200 followers by May 1st. I have been blogging for almost 2 years and it's time to celebrate.




I am so grateful for every single follower and I hope many of you will take part in this giveaway. And for the first time ever, I am also doing some international prizes. Yep. People outside the US have chances to win prizes, which is part of what makes this an epic giveaway. And I have made two forms for people to use to sign up for the giveaway. One is for the US followers and the other is for everyone else. I wish I could share some of the prizes to everyone and not limit them to just US but I'm a little broke person living at my parent's house and working at a pizza place just recently, so can't do the massive international shipping such a giveaway would require. Maybe when I win the lottery (lol).

If I get 200+ followers on either of the blogs, then there will be more prizes given out. However, if a prize doesn't have 5 people signed up to win then less will be given. Yes, we need lots of people to enter the giveaway so I can offer many prizes. There are price limits on the books as I'm sure you could guess. But it'll still be cool cause I will buy a book for you if you win. Yay for books.

Enter by filling out one of the forms located below in this post. Please, only enter one so make sure you've got the right one before submitting. That means you only need to fill it out once, whether on DawnEmbers or here. With your help, this will be a fun, excellent and very epic giveaway.

The giveaway ends on May 2nd. Yep, I'm including the official 2 year blogiversary day. So, get your entry in by May 2nd. If you have any questions about the prizes or any part of the giveaway form, email me at DawnEmbers(at)ymail(dot)com.


For US followers:

Closed


For International followers:

Closed

Nature of Magic blogfest

Today is a fun blogfest because it has to do with magic and I'm a big fan.

This fun blogfest is from the wonderful minds of Tessa *waves hi to Tessa* and Laura (nice to meet you). The blogs are in the picture but I'll link Tessa's too cause that's where I signed up since I didn't know Laura and her blog. Check out the other entries: Tessa's blog.


About the Blogfest:

"Write or share something you've already written that, to you, shows the nature of magic. It can be an excerpt from your WIP, something you've written especially, poetry, whatever strikes your fancy. It just needs to show the nature of magic as it exists for you or for those you write about. Unless you're writing poetry, try to keep the entries somewhere between 250-1000 words."


While I have a number of magical people in my variety of novels, I haven't written much yet with how their magic works. I'm almost ready to write about the boy in my dystopian type YA who can use magic to fix the border that protects the village. Really close but not quite there. So, I went with the mutants. It is almost like magic and the electricity one (Noah) is fun. Hope it works cause umm, that's all I'm posting for this. hehehe


My Entry: 

Beads of sweat flushed out his system, drenching his clothes as Noah focused a ball of electricity between his fingers. He'd spent almost an hour on the one test and it took him more effort to fail than it would have taken to pass. The sweat itself, forced in an effort to show a true effort, took more energy than the electricity that coursed in his hand. He concentrated on the levels leaving his body. A few more minutes and the automatic system would give him the signal to quit and he'd be free for another month.

Flashes of red entered his peripheral vision. He made a final effort blasting an orb of electricity at the target, making sure to miss the mark by a decent enough margin. The red lights flashed again then shut down, the simulation finished with a groaning buzz.

He exited the chamber while faking to be out of breath, prepared to face his father.

"What the hell was that?"

"I did my best. I came so close that last time." He sucked in air, wiping a line of sweat from his brow. He avoided the unhappy gaze falling upon him from the furrowed face of his father. He knew how he would react, this was a repeat of the past few years.

A snapping sound broke the awkward silence that had followed his statement. Segments of a steel edged clip board clattered upon the cement in a pile of debris. It had been crushed by his father's large hands, the muscles in his arms still bulging as a vein started to appear along his neck.

Gripping the edge of a chair, Noah waited for the onslaught that would ensue.

"That was beyond pathetic." His father's voice seemed to shake with the words. "I don't get how you can be so worthless. You passed level nine almost ten years ago, but you can't even get past level ten. Your brother is up to level fifteen and he had not even half the promise you did."

"I don't know what to tell you. I am doing the best I can." Noah bit his lower lip, trying to sound sincere.  He awaited for the usual assignment, but it did not come. Looking up at his father, he saw something he'd never noticed before: disappointment.

Tossing the pen to the floor, he shrugged. "I give up. It's not worth the struggle anymore. I should just come to terms with the fact that you'll always let me down."

Noah watched his father walk away, stunned. The color dropped from his face as he continued to stare long after the door had slammed shut. He took a few real breathes in, moving his hands from the chair back to the simulation panel. Feeling like a weight had been pushed upon his shoulders, he struggled to bear with the events of the day. At last, he stood straight up with a decision made. Fiddling with a few levers and buttons, he changed the test level from ten to thirty-seven and turned off the record segment. It was the last level he had passed when using the machine on his own. After a slight pause, he changed his mind and decided to go even harder, pushing it up to level forty.

Monday's Muse struggles

Hello readers. Time for a slight break from blogfests. I am signed up for one more on this blog for March and none yet for April. I will be busy all of April on my other blog, doing the A to Z blogging challenge over at my Dawn Embers blog. Thought I would post another edition of Monday's Muse and give a slightly unfortunate update on my March Novel Writing challenge (lack of) progress.

Writing delays happen. There are a number of things that can stall a writer. Some are easier to fight through than others and for me, the problem has been pain and an infection. Because of those two things I haven't written in my YA novel for days even though I was trying to write the whole first draft this month alone. Life can get in the way too but luckily my new job doesn't take that much time away from writing so I should be doing more soon.


How does one recover from a setback? Glad I asked.

The thing not to do is completely give up. While it may be tempting, don't let a setback get to you so bad that you stop writing. Don't let the setback win!

One option is the simplest, sit down and start writing. Yeah, brilliant, I know. I can do this some of the time. When I've had a long break I will occasionally do the writing in a notebook instead of a computer to get going but it does help. Sometimes I just need to make myself start and then the words will eventually begin to flow as if I'd needed to write it instead of it being forced. This can be hard to do with major headaches though.

Another option is to rest. Sometimes a break is needed. This doesn't mean never go back to writing but sometimes our bodies/minds need a break, especially when dealing with illness. Forcing can only make things worse, so get the rest you need and then return to writing.

Then there is the re-evaluate. I am a big goal maker when it comes to my writing. I try to make a goal ever single month, in fact. But I don't always make those goals and part of the reason can be found within the struggles that cause delays. When I know I'm not going to make the goal, I keep going and soon make a new goal. Instead of giving up because I know I won't succeed per the original plan, I choose to evaluate and adjust a newer goal to work towards. It may take me longer but I'll get there one of these days and that's the main point.


Do you have setbacks?
How do you fight back against them?

Anniversary and Luck of Irish Blogfest

First thing is first. Happy one year anniversary/birthday dear blog.

I first started this blog on wordpress to see if I'd like it over there but couldn't figure out how to even get a decent template up, so decided to stick with blogger. Even though I already had a blog using blogger (dawnembers.blogspot.com) I didn't like posting too much of my own writing on that one. I wanted to keep it about the subject of writing in general instead of always about my writing and with the addition of blogfests, I wanted a different place to post. Thus came It's in the Book. Hard to believe that I've only have the blog for a year considering this blog now has more followers than my first one, which is turning 2 in the beginning of May.

I will be holding a giveaway soon in celebration for this blogiversary and my official 2 year anniversary of blogging. I don't have things ready yet, but when I do I will post here and on the other blog. I hope to get 200 followers during the giveaway too, and there may be more prizes if I do. For now, have a piece of cake and enjoy the one year anniversary post.


Now for the blogfest.

Since today is the 17th of March, also known as St. Patrick's Day and over at cejourney it is the Luck o' the Irish SPD Blogfest. There are two hosts, but Colene's blog is the one where I heard about and signed up for this blogfest.

Blogfest Rules:
According to Colene's blog - "Write a 200ish word flash fiction entry about something to do with SPD(real, fantasy, whatever makes your pig squeal). OR, you could also write about a memory you have of a past SPD. In the end, we aren't being picky. Just make it goooood and make it about St. Patricks Day! (Leprechauns, luck, gold, green, clovers, beer, celebrations, etc. Funny, touching, horrifying, dark, fast-paced, romantic, etc.)"

Since the blogfest is supposed to be only 200 words long and the scene from Cinder Story (yep, Tessa, Jack is back) is going to be a lot longer than 200 words, I will post the first section now. Then I will write the rest and post it tomorrow for a Fiction Friday. It's still going to be longer than 200 words but this is only the first section. Enjoy!


My Entry:

Soon as the door was shut, Jack jiggled the handle to double check whether he had locked it or not. If his boss wanted to check his room for whatever reason, he had the key, but he hoped no one else would be able to get in during his first official two days off. With him, he had a small bag with some clothes for the next day and he wore a casual outfit. Green shirt and green socks were paired with black pants and shoes. He was happy to have his first time off being St. Patrick's day because his friends had already complained about his constant working and tonight was their annual green party. He could not only make it but not worry about how much he drank since he had tomorrow off too. But as he headed towards the front door, he only made it to the front room.

"But that's not fair." Alexa stood near the front door, purse in one hand and arms crossed over her chest as she pouted. She wore a glitter covered, dark green sleeveless shirt and a lighter green skirt. The high heeled shoes matched her shirt. "You let Ella and Bri go to parties. Why can't I go?"

Jack's boss, Alexa's stepfather shook his head. "I know the people they went out with. There won't even be alcohol there. You want to go to some beer party with a bunch of miscreants and I won't have it."

"Why can't he come with me?" Alexa pointed to Jack, which caused him to grimace.

He was so close to being out the door and off duty. A change of that would really suck but for once he didn't see his boss caving to the whims of the females in the house.

"No. Jack is not working tonight and even if he was, I am not letting you go to a hippie party."

Alexa looked ready to pretend to cry but she didn't do it this time. Instead she whined more. "But it's Saint Patrick's Day. I want to go have fun. Mom would let me go. Isn't there anywhere I can go?"

Then his boss looked up at him, his eyes almost had a look of pleading to them as he spoke. His voice wasn't as strong as it usually was when he made orders. "Jack. Do you have plans tonight?"

Jack fought a sigh before responding. "Yes sir. There is an annual party my friends host."

"Will there be drugs?"

It sounded like a trap but luckily the answer was an honest one. "No."

"I know it's your night off but would you, as a favor to me, take Alexa with you?" He said and continued before a yes was given. "Make sure she only has two drinks max, no shots, and don't let her hook up with some stranger. I'm counting on you to watch over her."

As usual, there wasn't really a way he could say no. So, Jack nodded even though he almost didn't want to go to the party now. He had no idea how Alexa would act around his friends nor did he want to find out. Without a choice, Jack lead her out the door as his mind tried to figure out how he would not only explain her presence but also how to make his job sound more that a personal assistant to the rich girl. It was going to be a long night.

World Building Wednesday

I don't have much details done yet. Job and headaches plus blogfests stalled things, but then I had an idea for this post. Since it's the first after the announcement of the weekly idea, it might be a good idea to post the general areas that I plan to build for my fantasy world. Sound okay to you? Hope so cause I'm posting it anyways.

World Building Wednesday - Day 1


Areas to develop: (in no particular order

1. Elements / Faeries (fae, and other spellings to be decided which to use from)

2. Humans

3. Transportation/Travel

4. Land Masses/Countries/Worlds (aka Geography)
Cartography

5. Weather and Cosmology

6. Economics/Commerce

7. Language

8. Religion

9. Technology

10. Physics(science) and Magick

11. Government/Politics

12. Military/Police

13. Weaponry

14. Social Structure/Culture

15. Key Times in History


Potential for More....


What do you think?
Anything else I should add to the list?

Delusional Doom Blogfest Entry

Sorry for taking so long. I almost forgot about this blogfest and then it was on a day where I worked a split shift at work. But I'm getting it done along with commenting on posts still from my own blogfest. Today's is a blogfest influenced by the Ides of March.

Check the blog, Confessions of a Watery Tart for all the neat-o entries. ;-(

About the Blogfest:

"You can do ANY (or all) of the following:

Predict your own death

Predict someone ELSES death 

Write your own obituary

Write someone ELSES obituary

Plot a murder of someone sorely asking for it, step by step

I don't care whether you do it by story, plot list, news article, PROPHECY (any seers in the group?). All I ask is that SAID DEATH be either very strange, unusual, bizarre...conspiratorial... or that the reporting be entertaining. "

This sounded fun but I'm really not big on death. So umm.. I'm just taking a flash fiction piece I wrote when I attempting horror for a friend. Someone is dead in it, so that counts right? *shrugs*

My Entry:

"Almost done." Budders the Clown set aside his ink needle before backing away to look at his handy work. He took a minute to wipe off the sweat from his forehead and then went over to his vanity stand. After a fresh application of white make-up he returned to his project.

"What do you think Celia?" He waited for her answer and then nodded in agreement. "You're right, as usual. The black hair with the purple and green dress will look gorgeous."

Budders went to get the dress and then began the process of setting up his new mannequin so that he could prepare her for the new wardrobe. There still were a couple of pressing matters that needed to happen before the dressing stage. He wasn't one to rush into things but this doll excited him more than most of the others. He hadn't felt this in a long time; the energy and desire.

"I really need to clean up around here. This place is such a mess and not suitable for the company of a refined woman." Budders muttered half to himself and half to his lovely blonde Celia.

He went to the work of spraying the important sealant over the ivory skin of his new model. Didn't want the skin to get damaged or have traces of dirt or any other material. With the coat on he could then affix the luscious black wig. The hair felt as soft as silk and had the sweet smell of island flowers.

"Perfect." Budders nodded as he finished with the dress.

Cleaning up took him a lot longer than he liked but it was a necessary hassle when it came to mannequin making. If the shop wasn't spotless and all evidence properly disposed he would have big problems.

Budders winked. "Can't have evidence just lying around."

Once the area was clean and everything stowed away, he broke out the champagne. With a full glass he toasted his new woman, or the new version of the woman he'd met in the grocery store. "Here's to you. My beautiful Savannah."

Broken Hearts Blogfest

Yay! My blogfest is here! I am so excited if you can't tell. I managed to make the first day, (13th) one of the busiest days within the two week time frame of last week and this week. So, I probably won't be commenting on entries until Monday, but I promise that by Tuesday night I should have commented on anyone who remembers to post an entry.

About My Blogfest:
Pretty simple to interpret. I considered going horror, or break up but figured the broken heart would be more open to interpretation and different genres. It can be flash fiction, poetry, non-fiction, anything except 5,000 words cause umm, that's a little too long and I probably won't comment on it. Shorter tends to be better for me when it comes to reading on the computer. Anyways, the basic idea is to write about a heart breaking or one that is already broken. Show us the wretched emotions, the anger, depression, fear, whatever happens after the happy honeymooon lovey-dove V-day stuff is over and all that is left is a broken heart.


The "Rules":
1. Sign up on the linky thing located below.
2. Try to sign up before the 15th, if possible.
3. Post your entry on your blog along with a link to the blogfest.
4. Try to keep entries below 1,000 words if possible.
5. Read other people's entries and leave comments.
6. Eat ice cream and chocolate to feel better... okay, you don't have to do that if you don't want to. ;-)


Check out all the entries:





The Story:
I considered writing a backstory piece for Cinder Story about Jack and why he is putting work first but with the busy weekend and everything, I've decided to do something pre-written that I revised instead. This is backstory at the moment for the Angel/Demon paranormal romance and is before Elijah becomes an angel.


My Entry:

"Why are you sick?"

Elijah looked into the sad eyes of his little sister and sighed. Sitting in the hospital room chair close to his bed she looked tiny. The past few years had been hard on them all. His family had to endure so much and he knew it was his fault.

Pushing up against the crunching white sheets, he winced as he tried to sit up a little more. The IV strung across his bed barely moved during his attempt. He had to choose his words carefully. "I did some not good things."

"What things?"

She was too young for him to tell her the whole truth. He had to find a different way to answer. After a few minutes of silent thought, Elijah found something more to say. "Do you remember when I was gone for a long time a few years ago?"

After she nodded, he continued. "Well, during that time I did some bad things, ones that go against God."

"Ohhh. But can't you ask God to forgive you?"

"I ask for his forgiveness every day."

"Will he ever forgive you and make you not sick?"

The questions hurt almost more than the truth of the situation. He hated being the one to explain this to her but their parents were having a hard enough time handling things and they probably thought it was better if she didn't know. But he continued to try and explain, to give her some answers at least. "It doesn't work that way. He forgives me for my sins but I still have to face the consequences. I just have to hope that the afterlife will be better."

The sound of high pitched crying made them stop. Their parents were out in the hallway talking with one of the doctors. It seemed the doctor didn't want to tell Elijah himself the bad news but he already knew. He could feel it.

After the sound of crying died down, Tessa spoke. "Are you going to die?"

He wanted to say no, to protect her but he knew it wouldn't do her much good. He couldn't shield her forever from the painful truth. "I might, but everyone does at some time or another."

"I don't want you to die." She jumped from the chair and onto his hospital bed, wrapping her arms around his neck. She was the only one that would get close to him anymore. Most people knew he wasn't contagious but that didn't stop them from being afraid. It came with the disease; the distance.

"I don't want to die either. But I can't stop it from happening." He had to hold back the tears. "I'm so sorry to put you through all this."

She didn't respond to his apology. Instead she looked him in the eyes, "Will you come back and visit me when you are in Heaven?"

"You think they will let me in Heaven?"

"Don't be silly. Of course they will let you in and you will be the prettiest angel there." She kept her arms around him.

"Thanks. Then, yes, I will visit you whenever I can."

"I want you to be my guardian angel."

He kissed the top of her head. "I'll see what I can do about that when I get there."

Coming Soon: Epic Giveaway for Blogiversaries

This blog turnes 1 on March 17th. Hard to believe I've only had it that long but it's true. And I have well over 100 followers, which is amazing. My first blog, dawnembers.blogspot.com, is going to be 2 on May 1st. I would love to have 200 followers by then for this blog and the other one to coincide my celebration of blogging for 2 years, or after the blogiversaries, either works.

So, I am holding a joint giveaway with... myself. But I need a little help. I'd love to make part of this giveaway international. And if people are willing to donate prizes, then I can give even more stuff away because I'm definitely not rich so resources are limited. Some of the prizes will be online gift cards for books because we all like books. There may also be special packages, depending. Mostly, I want this to be fun.

This massive giveaway has a couple of purposes. Blogiversary, of course, since this blog is going to be 1 and the other will be 2. And then there are the followers. I get excited with each new follower I gain and on both blogs I am close to 200 followers. Wouldn't it be cool, if by my 2nd anniversary of blogging I had 200 followers on each blog? I think so. Less than 40 per blog to make that goal and even if it isn't until after the giveaway, that will be okay too. Either way, I am in awe at how many wonderful people want to follow my blogs and read what I have to say. Even better than 200 followers by then will be if more than 20 people enter the giveaway. I haven't had a super successful giveaway yet and this epic one could be the One.

Right now I'm considering for prizes:

e-cards for book depository

special packages (pencils, journals, maybe something from specialty store in town, other)

maybe critiques, not sure from whom

candy? I don't know, might avoid the food this giveaway, not sure

The only specific books I'll give this time will be if someone donates and at least a couple prizes will be the gift cards so that people can purchase what they want. Choice is usually a good thing.

I am open for suggestions.

How long is too long for a blogfest? I am considering starting at one blogiversary and ending at the other but that's a long time. March 17th to May 1st is over a month long. But it does make sense for a double blog giveaway. 

Any other ideas on how to make the prizes international? Right now we have the book depository idea because it has free shipping anywhere. I don't know much outside of the US, so if someone with experience knows of some other great options, I'd love to hear them.

Looking forward to the start of the giveaway in the future. All are invited.