But I have goodies to share! Here's the second version of my book cover for The Bird.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Cover 2 The Bird
Good Thursday, good people of the blogosphere! I'm late!! Oh my...
But I have goodies to share! Here's the second version of my book cover for The Bird.
As a reminder, here's the first choice:
One more to come!! I can't wait to hear what you think :)
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
But I have goodies to share! Here's the second version of my book cover for The Bird.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Doomsday and Prophets
Happy hump day, good people of the blogosphere! If you make it through today, you only have two more days until the weekend. Can I get a, "Holla!" and a showing of hands if you're excited?
But wait! Another day passes and that brings us one day closer to Doomsday! Does anyone remember when they thought the Earth was going to experience some cataclysmic shut down on 12/31/99 at midnight?
Why is it, every few years, we have some person who decides they must find a way to scare the crap out of a billion people by bringing forth a Doomsday prophecy? What if the Mayans just got tired of writing down dates? Maybe they didn't know what would happen when the planets "aligned" on 12/21/12 and didn't want to assume. After all, you know what happens when you assume things!
I see Venus, Mars, and Jupiter moving ever closer together in the night sky and think about what I know of Astronomy. It eases my mind. I'll share something you may not know: The sun will be in alignment with the center of the galaxy but the planets won't actually "align." See, planets travel around their ellipsis and can come into "alignment" every so often when viewed from an overhead perspective. But if you were to look on a 3D model, you'd see the planets are on different planes so can never truly align perfectly.
Imagine it like this:
Why the heck is she talking about Doomsday? Great question!
In my Mystic series, the young ladies who are going to save the world must battle an evil that will rise on 12/21/12. Markaza is the prophet who's seen the end and knows what to do to stop it from happening. But it's no astronomical event that will cause the disaster, but our own dumb selves. I'm not going to tell you what the monster they must fight is borne from because that'll just ruin the whole series. What I will tell you is: I believe what I write in my novels has a very good chance of happening.
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?
Wait a moment and hear me out! I'm not talking about a Doomsday prophecy. What I'm alluding to is much bigger than that. I see it happening all around us more and more every day. If we don't find a way to stop it, we're going to run our own race into the ground. We'll destroy ourselves and have no cosmic event to blame for our end. Maybe, just maybe, a group of people will emerge that can save us. But we have to want to be saved.
What do you think will happen on Doomsday? How do you use prophets in your writing?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
But wait! Another day passes and that brings us one day closer to Doomsday! Does anyone remember when they thought the Earth was going to experience some cataclysmic shut down on 12/31/99 at midnight?
I see Venus, Mars, and Jupiter moving ever closer together in the night sky and think about what I know of Astronomy. It eases my mind. I'll share something you may not know: The sun will be in alignment with the center of the galaxy but the planets won't actually "align." See, planets travel around their ellipsis and can come into "alignment" every so often when viewed from an overhead perspective. But if you were to look on a 3D model, you'd see the planets are on different planes so can never truly align perfectly.
Imagine it like this:
- You have 5 steps leading up to a door.
- That door is the sun.
- Mercury and Earth are on step 1.
- Venus and Saturn are on step 2.
- Mars is on step 3.
- Jupiter and Neptune are on step 4.
- Uranus and Pluto (not even considered a planet now) are on step 5.
Why the heck is she talking about Doomsday? Great question!
In my Mystic series, the young ladies who are going to save the world must battle an evil that will rise on 12/21/12. Markaza is the prophet who's seen the end and knows what to do to stop it from happening. But it's no astronomical event that will cause the disaster, but our own dumb selves. I'm not going to tell you what the monster they must fight is borne from because that'll just ruin the whole series. What I will tell you is: I believe what I write in my novels has a very good chance of happening.
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?
Wait a moment and hear me out! I'm not talking about a Doomsday prophecy. What I'm alluding to is much bigger than that. I see it happening all around us more and more every day. If we don't find a way to stop it, we're going to run our own race into the ground. We'll destroy ourselves and have no cosmic event to blame for our end. Maybe, just maybe, a group of people will emerge that can save us. But we have to want to be saved.
What do you think will happen on Doomsday? How do you use prophets in your writing?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
NaNoWriMo Win and Chapter 1
Happy Tuesday, good people of the blogosphere! One day closer to Friday! Yayyyyy! Today, a short snap of my book The Bird that I wrote during NaNoWriMo. I should have covers two and three ready soon. I do hope you'll all come back and vote for your favorite. On a positive note, I am a NaNo winner! I verified at 50,193 words. Of course, my novel will likely end up being more like 55k when it's edited and done but I hit the 50k mark so YAY! I get to display this badge now!
Here's the synopsis so far:
Stormy Terrabonne's life is about to be changed forever by a bright red cardinal. She soon finds herself being whisked away from all she's ever known to save an entire race of people known as Trobodytes. When she's presented to the Queen, Stormy learns how she's expected to help: By killing an evil wizard named Bordash Bladeslinger and stopping him from cutting down the sacred trees that bind Trogon to Earth.
Now, there are only two trees left. One of the trees presents a double dose of jeopardy: It's also tied to the renewed life of Stormy's mother. While Stormy learns more about the gifts she gained by becoming a Trobodyte, someone manages to poison that all important tree.
It's a race against time as she faces a legion of fairy tale creatures she never knew existed, learns to harness the power within herself to battle Bordash Bladeslinger, and tries to find a way to heal the dying tree before it collapses and takes her mother with it.
Now, for the rest of chapter 1 that I gave you half of in this post. Please keep in mind this is unedited and very rough. Thanks!
As her feet moved forward, her eyes adjusted to the new light. It was a bit dimmer than above and had a more golden tone to it. She glanced down at her arms and noticed she looked more bronzed than she did before. Thinking it must do wonders for the skin, she wondered how often you’d have to be exposed to it to look like Michael. She felt the heat rise into her face.
Stormy looked up and saw the spiral of the staircase reach far into the open air above them. She began to wonder how much longer they’d have to go when suddenly they were standing in front of a large, gilded door.
Michael reached his hand up, placed it on the handle, and murmured something too low for her to hear. Slowly, the door opened away from them to reveal a city so large and beautiful, it took her breath away.
Her hand flew to the base of her throat and she gasped as her eyes flew around, trying to take it all in.
Every path was paved in silver and gold. Trees stood tall and proud but they had golden leaves and deep purple trunks. The air was a perfect temperature and the absence of the humidity in Missouri was noticeable. Silver, gold, and jeweled rooftops sparkled in every direction. But the crowning glory of this world was the biggest castle Stormy could ever have imagined. It seemed every road and path terminated at the gates and its visage seemed to glow with a powerful aura.
He turned and looked at her face and gave a low chuckle before saying, “Welcome to Trogon. Quite a change from that drab world you come from, isn’t it?”
She nodded. “Yes. It’s so beautiful.”
“It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been all over the world. I think you’re going to like it here. Come on, we have to speak with Mother.” He pressed forward, dragging Stormy along behind him. When she lagged, looking at this or exclaiming over that, he would cut her off and tell her they needed to hurry, there would be time for admiring things later.
As they approached the castle, she grew apprehensive about meeting his mother. She began to ask questions. “What is it your mother does? Why does she want to see me? How come no one knows about this place? What do you eat here?”
Every question she asked was answered with, “Mother will answer your questions when we arrive. Come on,” along with a pull on the hand he still held.
They arrived at the castle gates and the guards bowed. “Welcome back, your Majesty.”
She was baffled. He was a prince! That meant his mother was the Queen! Stormy’s hands began to perspire all over again as her nerves gave a strong jangle.
He walked right up to the doors of the castle and thrust them open with gusto. Every guard bowed as they passed and some gave Stormy a look that could only be interpreted as hopeful.
She began to wonder what she’d gotten herself into.
When they finally reached the throne room, her legs were worn out and she was tired of not getting answers. Her temper began to rise and she felt her body grow warm with anger.
Michael deposited her at the foot of the dais and barked a command. “Kneel before the Queen.”
Stormy’s rage flared in that moment and she replied, “No. She’s not my queen and I don’t know her from Eve. I want answers to my questions, dammit; now.”
He sighed and knelt before the woman sitting on the single throne atop the platform. “I have brought her, most honored Mother, as requested.”
Stormy looked at the woman and sized her up. Eyes that sparked with power and humor in a dazzling green color could’ve been emeralds set in the woman’s perfectly round face. Jet black hair was lying in a long braid over her shoulder that almost reached her ankles. On her head was a thin circlet of gold with tiny silver leaves and pink colored apples adorning the sides. Her dress seemed to be made of the night sky, complete with sparkling silver stars. Above all, this woman radiated power from her very being, and before Stormy realized what she was doing, she dropped to her knees in reverence.
“See, child? She has come around. There is no need for an ill temper.” When the queen smiled, the light about her grew brighter. “Please rise; both of you. This is not a time for formalities. We’ve wasted precious years already.”
They stood.
She turned to Stormy. “Hello, darling girl, we’ve been searching for you a long time.”
“Why? What’s all this about? Who are you? What do you want with me?” Stormy demanded.
The queen threw back her head and laughed. It was a tinkling sound that reverberated around the room and put Stormy right at ease. “I’ve been thinking on how to tell you this. I don’t have time to explain every detail so I’m going to give you a quick overview. Will that suit you for now? We have a lot to do and little time to do it in.”
Stormy sighed and crossed her arms. “I suppose it’ll have to.”
“Very good. Please, have a seat.”
A chair appeared out of nowhere and Stormy plopped down in it. Her coffee, forgotten on the porch of her mother’s house, appeared on the armrest. Lifting it for a drink, Stormy settled into the chair and nodded as an indication the queen should begin.
Michael excused himself, saying he’d be back later to escort Stormy home.
“My name is Queen Lea Havenshare. I’m two hundred twenty years old. I’ve been queen of Trogon for over one hundred years, since my father before me turned to dust and left this world. You might say I’m your version of Mother Earth, but I don’t control everything that happens in your world. I only control the sunrise, sunset, and growth. We all have different powers here and all have a hand in shaping the world above. We are known as Trobodytes.
“Forty-five years ago, our world began to die. I couldn’t figure out what was going on until one of my people came to me with a most harrowing report of violence. She told me one of our wizards, Bordash, whom we call the Bladeslinger, was seen cutting down one of the trees that ties our world to yours. Without those trees, Trogon will cease to exist. We are connected to your world through magic and the elements. If the magic the trees provides is severed, we will all die.”
Stormy raised her hand and cleared her throat.
“Yes, dear, what is it?”
“Sorry to interrupt. Just a question. Why can’t you just hook up with new trees?”
Lea’s eyes sparked. “That’s a very intelligent question. I’ll try to explain as well as I can. You see, the trees we’re tied to are all in places with a high concentration of natural energy in your world. In order for a tree to tie us, it must grow in that special place. It must be planted by a witch or wizard from Trogon, be fused with the magic of our own trees, and must be no less than fifty years old before it can be attached. Our process is quite long and involved. It can take three years to infuse the seedling with our magic before it can be planted above. Younger trees can’t bear the burden.”
“Oh. I see. So how many are left?” Stormy asked.
“Two. But we have one that’s almost to maturity near Tara, Ireland. It’s being guarded by Learion, one of our most powerful wizards.”
She pressed for more. “And how many were there to begin with?”
“Thirty. There’s power in threes and tens, you see. So we need three trees times ten to give us our strongest connection to your world.” Lea explained.
Stormy felt the blood drain from her face as the realization of how much trouble Trogon was in dawned on her. She asked, “So what do I have to do with all this?”
Lea’s eyes turned down to look at her hands folded in her lap. “You’re the only one who can defeat Bordash Bladeslinger and save us.”
Leaping to her feet, Stormy yelled, “What? Tell me you aren’t saying what I think you’re saying! How am I supposed to battle and destroy a magician? You’ve got the wrong woman. There’s no way! Why me?”
“Please, sit down. I’ll explain.”
Stormy crossed her arms and remained on her feet. “Well? I’m waiting.”
The queen sighed. “Fifty years ago, one of our prophets spoke of a child conceived in a place of power, and born on a day of power, who would save us. You were conceived near the tree which brought you here and born on October 31. We didn’t know we needed saving at the time so we weren’t worried about finding you. By the time we did, you’d moved away. We’ve been waiting ever since you were twenty for you to return.”
Raising her eyes to meet Stormy’s, the queen continued. “Listen, I know this is a lot to take in and a huge decision. But humor me and hear my offer before you make your decision. We cannot force you to help; you must do so of your own free will.”
Stormy felt her blood-pressure skyrocket but agreed to hear the woman out and sat back down in the chair.
“My offer is thus: We will give you a soup you will feed half of to your mother and take the other half of into yourself. She will be returned to age thirteen and given another chance to live her life; though she will not remember you or any of her life before. You will be forever eighteen in appearance and will live and die as we do. That means special abilities – though I’m not sure what yours will manifest as – and no pain of death. You will simply cease to exist and crumble to dust when your time is complete. We live to be around five hundred years old. I cannot erase your age, you will continue to be forty-five, but you’ll look and feel eighteen again. As a comparison, my son is fifty and you already know I’m two hundred twenty. So you see what you’ll be gaining.
“To be totally honest with you, when your mother returns to age thirteen, sixty years will also be taken off the tree her life force is tied to. It’s the tree you came into Trogon by. If it dies, your mother dies, and vice versa. So, while my offer is generous, it’s also selfish. We need that tree to remain younger longer.” The queen sat with her hands in her lap and her eyes fixed on Stormy.
Processing all the information given was causing Stormy a headache. Just as she was about to politely decline, a black and grey squirrel dashed over the floor, jumped up onto Lea’s lap, and sat looking at her for a moment.
Lea turned white and said, “Thank you, Rambler.” After which she reached into a pouch at her waist Stormy hadn’t noticed before and procured an odd-looking acorn for the tiny beast.
He shoved it into his mouth and started back the way he’d come. As he passed Stormy, and seemed to notice her sitting there for the first time, he turned and looked in the queen’s direction again.
“Yes, that’s the woman we’ve been looking for. Go on now,” Lea said. “I’m very sorry, Stormy, but I must take my leave of you now. We have a pressing matter that needs my attention. You have two days to make your decision. Goodbye.”
Michael appeared at Stormy’s shoulder and said, “Let’s go. I need to get you out of here.”
“What the hell was that?” Stormy asked.
“The squirrel?”
“Yes, the squirrel!”
“He’s one of my mother’s servants. Be careful what you think around him; he can read your mind.” Michael chuckled.
Stormy stood up and the chair and coffee disappeared.
They headed for the door. When he pulled it open, Stormy could see a dark funnel cloud taking shape over the landscape to her left.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Bordash. He’s found out somehow that you’re in Trogon, and he’s heading this way.”
“What for?”
“To kill you, of course.”
And there you have it. The rest of chapter one. Hmmmm what will she do? Take the offer or walk away? You'll have to read the book to find out! BWAAHAHAHHAHA! Okay, enough of the evil laugh. If you're a fan of fantasy, you're going to dig The Bird!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Stormy Terrabonne's life is about to be changed forever by a bright red cardinal. She soon finds herself being whisked away from all she's ever known to save an entire race of people known as Trobodytes. When she's presented to the Queen, Stormy learns how she's expected to help: By killing an evil wizard named Bordash Bladeslinger and stopping him from cutting down the sacred trees that bind Trogon to Earth.
Now, there are only two trees left. One of the trees presents a double dose of jeopardy: It's also tied to the renewed life of Stormy's mother. While Stormy learns more about the gifts she gained by becoming a Trobodyte, someone manages to poison that all important tree.
It's a race against time as she faces a legion of fairy tale creatures she never knew existed, learns to harness the power within herself to battle Bordash Bladeslinger, and tries to find a way to heal the dying tree before it collapses and takes her mother with it.
Now, for the rest of chapter 1 that I gave you half of in this post. Please keep in mind this is unedited and very rough. Thanks!
As her feet moved forward, her eyes adjusted to the new light. It was a bit dimmer than above and had a more golden tone to it. She glanced down at her arms and noticed she looked more bronzed than she did before. Thinking it must do wonders for the skin, she wondered how often you’d have to be exposed to it to look like Michael. She felt the heat rise into her face.
Stormy looked up and saw the spiral of the staircase reach far into the open air above them. She began to wonder how much longer they’d have to go when suddenly they were standing in front of a large, gilded door.
Michael reached his hand up, placed it on the handle, and murmured something too low for her to hear. Slowly, the door opened away from them to reveal a city so large and beautiful, it took her breath away.
Her hand flew to the base of her throat and she gasped as her eyes flew around, trying to take it all in.
Every path was paved in silver and gold. Trees stood tall and proud but they had golden leaves and deep purple trunks. The air was a perfect temperature and the absence of the humidity in Missouri was noticeable. Silver, gold, and jeweled rooftops sparkled in every direction. But the crowning glory of this world was the biggest castle Stormy could ever have imagined. It seemed every road and path terminated at the gates and its visage seemed to glow with a powerful aura.
He turned and looked at her face and gave a low chuckle before saying, “Welcome to Trogon. Quite a change from that drab world you come from, isn’t it?”
She nodded. “Yes. It’s so beautiful.”
“It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been all over the world. I think you’re going to like it here. Come on, we have to speak with Mother.” He pressed forward, dragging Stormy along behind him. When she lagged, looking at this or exclaiming over that, he would cut her off and tell her they needed to hurry, there would be time for admiring things later.
As they approached the castle, she grew apprehensive about meeting his mother. She began to ask questions. “What is it your mother does? Why does she want to see me? How come no one knows about this place? What do you eat here?”
Every question she asked was answered with, “Mother will answer your questions when we arrive. Come on,” along with a pull on the hand he still held.
They arrived at the castle gates and the guards bowed. “Welcome back, your Majesty.”
She was baffled. He was a prince! That meant his mother was the Queen! Stormy’s hands began to perspire all over again as her nerves gave a strong jangle.
He walked right up to the doors of the castle and thrust them open with gusto. Every guard bowed as they passed and some gave Stormy a look that could only be interpreted as hopeful.
She began to wonder what she’d gotten herself into.
When they finally reached the throne room, her legs were worn out and she was tired of not getting answers. Her temper began to rise and she felt her body grow warm with anger.
Michael deposited her at the foot of the dais and barked a command. “Kneel before the Queen.”
Stormy’s rage flared in that moment and she replied, “No. She’s not my queen and I don’t know her from Eve. I want answers to my questions, dammit; now.”
He sighed and knelt before the woman sitting on the single throne atop the platform. “I have brought her, most honored Mother, as requested.”
Stormy looked at the woman and sized her up. Eyes that sparked with power and humor in a dazzling green color could’ve been emeralds set in the woman’s perfectly round face. Jet black hair was lying in a long braid over her shoulder that almost reached her ankles. On her head was a thin circlet of gold with tiny silver leaves and pink colored apples adorning the sides. Her dress seemed to be made of the night sky, complete with sparkling silver stars. Above all, this woman radiated power from her very being, and before Stormy realized what she was doing, she dropped to her knees in reverence.
“See, child? She has come around. There is no need for an ill temper.” When the queen smiled, the light about her grew brighter. “Please rise; both of you. This is not a time for formalities. We’ve wasted precious years already.”
They stood.
She turned to Stormy. “Hello, darling girl, we’ve been searching for you a long time.”
“Why? What’s all this about? Who are you? What do you want with me?” Stormy demanded.
The queen threw back her head and laughed. It was a tinkling sound that reverberated around the room and put Stormy right at ease. “I’ve been thinking on how to tell you this. I don’t have time to explain every detail so I’m going to give you a quick overview. Will that suit you for now? We have a lot to do and little time to do it in.”
Stormy sighed and crossed her arms. “I suppose it’ll have to.”
“Very good. Please, have a seat.”
A chair appeared out of nowhere and Stormy plopped down in it. Her coffee, forgotten on the porch of her mother’s house, appeared on the armrest. Lifting it for a drink, Stormy settled into the chair and nodded as an indication the queen should begin.
Michael excused himself, saying he’d be back later to escort Stormy home.
“My name is Queen Lea Havenshare. I’m two hundred twenty years old. I’ve been queen of Trogon for over one hundred years, since my father before me turned to dust and left this world. You might say I’m your version of Mother Earth, but I don’t control everything that happens in your world. I only control the sunrise, sunset, and growth. We all have different powers here and all have a hand in shaping the world above. We are known as Trobodytes.
“Forty-five years ago, our world began to die. I couldn’t figure out what was going on until one of my people came to me with a most harrowing report of violence. She told me one of our wizards, Bordash, whom we call the Bladeslinger, was seen cutting down one of the trees that ties our world to yours. Without those trees, Trogon will cease to exist. We are connected to your world through magic and the elements. If the magic the trees provides is severed, we will all die.”
Stormy raised her hand and cleared her throat.
“Yes, dear, what is it?”
“Sorry to interrupt. Just a question. Why can’t you just hook up with new trees?”
Lea’s eyes sparked. “That’s a very intelligent question. I’ll try to explain as well as I can. You see, the trees we’re tied to are all in places with a high concentration of natural energy in your world. In order for a tree to tie us, it must grow in that special place. It must be planted by a witch or wizard from Trogon, be fused with the magic of our own trees, and must be no less than fifty years old before it can be attached. Our process is quite long and involved. It can take three years to infuse the seedling with our magic before it can be planted above. Younger trees can’t bear the burden.”
“Oh. I see. So how many are left?” Stormy asked.
“Two. But we have one that’s almost to maturity near Tara, Ireland. It’s being guarded by Learion, one of our most powerful wizards.”
She pressed for more. “And how many were there to begin with?”
“Thirty. There’s power in threes and tens, you see. So we need three trees times ten to give us our strongest connection to your world.” Lea explained.
Stormy felt the blood drain from her face as the realization of how much trouble Trogon was in dawned on her. She asked, “So what do I have to do with all this?”
Lea’s eyes turned down to look at her hands folded in her lap. “You’re the only one who can defeat Bordash Bladeslinger and save us.”
Leaping to her feet, Stormy yelled, “What? Tell me you aren’t saying what I think you’re saying! How am I supposed to battle and destroy a magician? You’ve got the wrong woman. There’s no way! Why me?”
“Please, sit down. I’ll explain.”
Stormy crossed her arms and remained on her feet. “Well? I’m waiting.”
The queen sighed. “Fifty years ago, one of our prophets spoke of a child conceived in a place of power, and born on a day of power, who would save us. You were conceived near the tree which brought you here and born on October 31. We didn’t know we needed saving at the time so we weren’t worried about finding you. By the time we did, you’d moved away. We’ve been waiting ever since you were twenty for you to return.”
Raising her eyes to meet Stormy’s, the queen continued. “Listen, I know this is a lot to take in and a huge decision. But humor me and hear my offer before you make your decision. We cannot force you to help; you must do so of your own free will.”
Stormy felt her blood-pressure skyrocket but agreed to hear the woman out and sat back down in the chair.
“My offer is thus: We will give you a soup you will feed half of to your mother and take the other half of into yourself. She will be returned to age thirteen and given another chance to live her life; though she will not remember you or any of her life before. You will be forever eighteen in appearance and will live and die as we do. That means special abilities – though I’m not sure what yours will manifest as – and no pain of death. You will simply cease to exist and crumble to dust when your time is complete. We live to be around five hundred years old. I cannot erase your age, you will continue to be forty-five, but you’ll look and feel eighteen again. As a comparison, my son is fifty and you already know I’m two hundred twenty. So you see what you’ll be gaining.
“To be totally honest with you, when your mother returns to age thirteen, sixty years will also be taken off the tree her life force is tied to. It’s the tree you came into Trogon by. If it dies, your mother dies, and vice versa. So, while my offer is generous, it’s also selfish. We need that tree to remain younger longer.” The queen sat with her hands in her lap and her eyes fixed on Stormy.
Processing all the information given was causing Stormy a headache. Just as she was about to politely decline, a black and grey squirrel dashed over the floor, jumped up onto Lea’s lap, and sat looking at her for a moment.
Lea turned white and said, “Thank you, Rambler.” After which she reached into a pouch at her waist Stormy hadn’t noticed before and procured an odd-looking acorn for the tiny beast.
He shoved it into his mouth and started back the way he’d come. As he passed Stormy, and seemed to notice her sitting there for the first time, he turned and looked in the queen’s direction again.
“Yes, that’s the woman we’ve been looking for. Go on now,” Lea said. “I’m very sorry, Stormy, but I must take my leave of you now. We have a pressing matter that needs my attention. You have two days to make your decision. Goodbye.”
Michael appeared at Stormy’s shoulder and said, “Let’s go. I need to get you out of here.”
“What the hell was that?” Stormy asked.
“The squirrel?”
“Yes, the squirrel!”
“He’s one of my mother’s servants. Be careful what you think around him; he can read your mind.” Michael chuckled.
Stormy stood up and the chair and coffee disappeared.
They headed for the door. When he pulled it open, Stormy could see a dark funnel cloud taking shape over the landscape to her left.
“What’s that?” she asked.
“Bordash. He’s found out somehow that you’re in Trogon, and he’s heading this way.”
“What for?”
“To kill you, of course.”
And there you have it. The rest of chapter one. Hmmmm what will she do? Take the offer or walk away? You'll have to read the book to find out! BWAAHAHAHHAHA! Okay, enough of the evil laugh. If you're a fan of fantasy, you're going to dig The Bird!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Monday, December 3, 2012
The World Around You
Happy Monday, good people of the blogosphere! I know my post is late but life sometimes interrupts the normal flow of things, eh? As the title of this post suggests, today's topic is The World Around You. How does this pertain to writing? Well, grab those pens and notebooks and let's discuss, shall we?
Writers are students of human nature. If you're a follower of my blog, you know I did a whole week's worth of posts on this very topic last month. But we must also be students of everything else. That's right, everything else.
In order to create great fiction, you must base it in fact. If you're talking about a specific type of gun someone has stuck in the waistband of his pants, you probably don't want to say it's a shotgun or tommy-gun because either of these would be too large. You need to know at least a little bit about guns. Do some research, ask a professional hit man, or Google it. Your readers will thank you later.
If you're wanting to write an entire series of novels based around a specific topic, such as a herd of horses or unicorns from the horse's POV, you need to learn everything you can about the subject. In this case, you'd may want research:
If you delve into the human mind in your writing you should have a good basis for your deep understanding of human nature. Take a psychology class or spend time with lots of people and watch how they interact with one another. You'll learn a lot and your writing will be better for it. Things to take note of:
Like I always say, the best fiction comes from fact. Even if you twist it to fit your own story, it's based in something real.
Always observe the world around you and be the constant student. Writers are the best learners.
What have you learned through observation or research lately?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Writers are students of human nature. If you're a follower of my blog, you know I did a whole week's worth of posts on this very topic last month. But we must also be students of everything else. That's right, everything else.
In order to create great fiction, you must base it in fact. If you're talking about a specific type of gun someone has stuck in the waistband of his pants, you probably don't want to say it's a shotgun or tommy-gun because either of these would be too large. You need to know at least a little bit about guns. Do some research, ask a professional hit man, or Google it. Your readers will thank you later.
If you're wanting to write an entire series of novels based around a specific topic, such as a herd of horses or unicorns from the horse's POV, you need to learn everything you can about the subject. In this case, you'd may want research:
- How to train a horse
- Horse behavior patterns
- Where horses originated
- What they eat
- How they're born
- Common colors
- Gestation periods
- and any other interesting tidbits you may decide to throw into your story.
If you delve into the human mind in your writing you should have a good basis for your deep understanding of human nature. Take a psychology class or spend time with lots of people and watch how they interact with one another. You'll learn a lot and your writing will be better for it. Things to take note of:
- Vernacular
- Body Positioning
- Facial Expressions
- Your Own Reactions
- Outcome
- Voice Inflections
- Attire
Like I always say, the best fiction comes from fact. Even if you twist it to fit your own story, it's based in something real.
Always observe the world around you and be the constant student. Writers are the best learners.
What have you learned through observation or research lately?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Friday, November 30, 2012
Human Nature - Thought Processes
HAPPY FRIDAY! This week I'm going to be
discussing a few different facets of human nature as they relate to
characters and writing. See the quick schedule below:
As you can see, we delve into Thought Processes today. This will be a summation of the week because each of the topics discussed followed a Thought Process. Your character wavered, decided, and acted. So grab your pens and notebooks and let's get rolling!
If you didn't realize, there are a ton of thought processes. I'm only going into four types here today.
Now, when your character decides to partake in a Love Affair, you need to ask yourself why. Revenge? Grudge they're holding? Or simply a reaction to a situation? In this case, we'll use an example with easy to follow bullet points. But first, let's set the scene.
A married man is out with his friends. He's just had an argument with his wife during which she called him a pig and told him to get out. A beautiful, smart, friendly woman approaches the man and engages with him before asking if he'd like to go back to her place. His friends urge him to take the plunge. What does he think and do? His options are:
A young girl is just turning into a woman. She gets her first period at school and has no way to clean up because she doesn't understand what's happening to her. Add a group of girls who tease her every day for a month and you have a character with a grudge. What are her options?
Question of the day: Has this week helped you at all with character development or deeper understanding?
I hope you've all enjoyed this week's posts and took something away from them.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
The Love AffairHolding a GrudgeSeeking RevengeSituation Reaction- Thought Processes
As you can see, we delve into Thought Processes today. This will be a summation of the week because each of the topics discussed followed a Thought Process. Your character wavered, decided, and acted. So grab your pens and notebooks and let's get rolling!
If you didn't realize, there are a ton of thought processes. I'm only going into four types here today.
- Lateral - This thought process derives a solution from things that aren't immediately obvious. You aren't using the lateral thought process if you use a step-by-step approach. These people are generally creatives and find new ways to do things. A lateral thinker can be the most dangerous type of character. They're the ones that rig up a contraption to stab someone in the back rather than plunging the knife in with their own hand. However, they're also the most likely to make it out of a sticky or dangerous situation.
- Common Sense - It's exactly what it sounds like. Common sense is using facts concerning the situation to come to a sound conclusion. Kind of like: If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck. This doesn't apply to fantasy where characters can appear to be ducks. But your character either has common sense or doesn't. They may begin a love affair thinking it won't have an effect on them even though the same action destroyed their own family unit. If they use common sense, the love affair wouldn't take place. In a stressful situation, they may react in a positive way but they find it difficult to look outside the box.
- Parallel - Folks that can do this look at two sides of the situation at the same time. Once one is discarded, another comparison takes its place. This type of thinking continues until a decision is reached. When considering revenge, this type of person is the most dangerous because they've considered every possible angle before ever making the first move.
- Personal Experience - Obviously, this type of thought process allows the person to draw conclusions from life experiences. This type can take things to a light or dark place, depending on life events. If the person has only been deceived or betrayed by everyone they ever knew, they'll assume every person they meet is the same way. There is no lateral thinking by someone who only draws from personal experience.
Now, when your character decides to partake in a Love Affair, you need to ask yourself why. Revenge? Grudge they're holding? Or simply a reaction to a situation? In this case, we'll use an example with easy to follow bullet points. But first, let's set the scene.
A married man is out with his friends. He's just had an argument with his wife during which she called him a pig and told him to get out. A beautiful, smart, friendly woman approaches the man and engages with him before asking if he'd like to go back to her place. His friends urge him to take the plunge. What does he think and do? His options are:
- Remove his wedding ring
- Gain hero status with his idiot friends
- Take the woman back to her place
- Ruin his marriage or his sanity
- Lie forever
- Tell the truth after and deal with it
- Politely tell the woman he's married
- Deal with being called a chump
- Go home
- Tell the wife what happened
- Be the good guy
- Tell the woman he's married but arguing with his spouse
- Take her number
- Leave his wife
- Get a divorce
- Start seeing the new girl
- My wife was cruel and doesn't care for me
- This woman is interested
- No one will ever find out
- What if they do?
- Should I do this or not?
A young girl is just turning into a woman. She gets her first period at school and has no way to clean up because she doesn't understand what's happening to her. Add a group of girls who tease her every day for a month and you have a character with a grudge. What are her options?
- Pretend it doesn't bother her
- Silently plot revenge
- Get dirt on the girls and spread rumors
- Watch as their lives fall apart
- Pretend it doesn't bother her
- Cry every night because they were mean
- Quit going to school
- Allow it to ruin her life and make her a pariah
- Tell the girls what she thinks
- Let it go, understanding it's part of the cycle of life thing and the girls are just being cruel
- Continue on and forget what happened
- Learn from the experience
- What's happening to me?
- Should I say something to them?
- I'm a freak
- Maybe I'm not a freak
- Should I get back at them?
Question of the day: Has this week helped you at all with character development or deeper understanding?
I hope you've all enjoyed this week's posts and took something away from them.
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Human Nature - Situation Reaction
You made it over humpday, good people of the blogosphere! Welcome to Thursday. This week I'm going to be
discussing a few different facets of human nature as they relate to
characters and writing. See the quick schedule below:
If you've truly given thought to your character, knowing how they will react in certain situations is easy to ascertain. Psychology tells us there are two basic reactive types and people will react to stress in certain ways depending on their internal makeup. Those two types are:
Making your character one or the other is central to your story. Understanding why they react the way they do is central to your character. It's simple, really:
A simple answer would be the protective instinct. If we delve more deeply, we'll most likely find that woman first sought a way out of the situation before putting herself in harm's way. Ah ha! Now you have something to build on and a great source of tension for your novel. Keep in mind that the woman didn't simply change what type she was on a dime, rather that she had something more precious than her own life to worry about. We'll go into that further tomorrow during Thought Processes.
Which type of person we are is an inherent part of our nature. This applies to fictional characters as well. However, your character is on a journey and this is yet another way in which you can bring about change from page 1 to page 400. Remember, the best fiction comes from fact.
Question of the day: Have you ever been faced with danger? How did you react?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
The Love AffairHolding a GrudgeSeeking Revenge- Situation Reaction
- Thought Processes
If you've truly given thought to your character, knowing how they will react in certain situations is easy to ascertain. Psychology tells us there are two basic reactive types and people will react to stress in certain ways depending on their internal makeup. Those two types are:
- Fight - This is where the person is facing a threat either bodily or mentally and they choose to face it head on. These types of people fight for themselves no matter the danger.
- Flight - Easy to understand, these people are runners. They're the ones who freeze up in the face of danger or avoid it altogether.
Making your character one or the other is central to your story. Understanding why they react the way they do is central to your character. It's simple, really:
- Those who are fighters either don't care if they die or they don't have a lot to lose.
- Those who fly are scared of death and know they have a lot to lose.
A simple answer would be the protective instinct. If we delve more deeply, we'll most likely find that woman first sought a way out of the situation before putting herself in harm's way. Ah ha! Now you have something to build on and a great source of tension for your novel. Keep in mind that the woman didn't simply change what type she was on a dime, rather that she had something more precious than her own life to worry about. We'll go into that further tomorrow during Thought Processes.
Which type of person we are is an inherent part of our nature. This applies to fictional characters as well. However, your character is on a journey and this is yet another way in which you can bring about change from page 1 to page 400. Remember, the best fiction comes from fact.
Question of the day: Have you ever been faced with danger? How did you react?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Human Nature - Seeking Revenge
Happy Wednesday, good people of the blogosphere! This week I'm going to be
discussing a few different facets of human nature as they relate to
characters and writing. See the quick schedule below:
There are a few types of people who seek revenge. Some who do it on purpose, and some who do it without realizing what they're doing when it happens. Here's a breakdown:
You can use this in character development for both the revenge seeker and any companions he/she may have. Lessons in how people react to situations go a long way in showing your reader just how a character can change from page 1 to page 400.
Question of the day: Have you ever experienced a revenge seeker? Have you ever been one? What type were they/you?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
The Love AffairHolding a Grudge- Seeking Revenge
- Situation Reaction
- Thought Processes
There are a few types of people who seek revenge. Some who do it on purpose, and some who do it without realizing what they're doing when it happens. Here's a breakdown:
- Vengeful and Proud - This type of person lets it be known they are out for blood. If you piss this type of person off, they're going to tell you that you better watch your back. Rest assured, you should watch your back. Of the many types, this is probably the least common. But, on the bright side, they're also the most honest type of person. If you hurt them, they'll be in your face warning you. You'll be told what you did to cause them to seek revenge and exactly how they're going to make it happen. At least you know what's coming. They oftentimes regret the vengeance afterward, but it doesn't stop them from acting out in the first place. They feel justified at first; only to lament the decision later.
- Vengeful Without Qualms - These people are out to hurt anyone that hurts them. They don't care if you have sixteen children and it's your last dollar they force you to give up knowing everyone will starve. It doesn't bother them later. There is no remorse and they'll let you know it. Watch out for these types. While they make good characters, they also must be without a conscience at all. It can prove difficult for them to be allowed to form any type of relationship. Ever.
- Sneaky Vengeance - Oh my. People like this hit you and you never see it coming. You may not even know what you did to bring it on until after the proverbial poo has been splattered by the fan and lands in your open mouth. They are dangerous because they put on a smile and work to stab you in the back however they can. Acts brought about by them will destroy your life and you may not even be able to trace the source of the pain back to this person. They make great characters because they can constantly throw in a gauntlet for your hero/heroine to overcome while still being the pretend BFF. They will never ever admit to being the cause of the pain.
- Woeful Vengeance - Meek, honest to a fault, and shy people act out woeful vengeance. They may do something unintentionally to get revenge. Only after the fact do they realize what a horrible thing they've done and they usually rush to apologize and admit their wrongdoing. These people beat themselves up daily for what they did and often have a difficult time moving past it, even if the other person forgives them for the wrongdoing. It can change them for the better or worse. That's up to the character's personality and you, the writer. Let it be a lesson or a life-altering event.
You can use this in character development for both the revenge seeker and any companions he/she may have. Lessons in how people react to situations go a long way in showing your reader just how a character can change from page 1 to page 400.
Question of the day: Have you ever experienced a revenge seeker? Have you ever been one? What type were they/you?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
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