The Update No One Asked For

I'm in a weird head space right now. Trying to sort through my thoughts, or at least make them comprehensive has been really hard. All is well on the blogging front so far. The switch seems to have worked!

I guess I should update you guys on everything else. I actually did take a break these last couple months. Well on some things.

I finished my first batch of edits!

That was such an incredible feeling, they were more difficult than I thought they would be. I was not prepared for the emotional and mental effort that was required.

So after that was done, I celebrated by reading Caraval!  It was so goood and magical! I'm in love with Legend who hasn't really had an appearance yet. I'm weird... I think I'll write a review for it in the near future. It was nice to loose myself in someone else's story for awhile, and it was nice to have something to look forward to. I think I'm going to do that with every task I have to do now.

I also ordered myself some more books. Like I don't already have 300 on my shelf.

I've started The Screaming Staircase, I already need the rest of the books this series is fabulous.

I also read The Sherwood Ring and reread Cruel Beauty, reviews to come.

On to other life-related things

Rachel Kovaciny who I owe my Five Poisoned Apples win to. Is one of the nicest and most encouraging people I've met in a while. She helped me with my edits, gave me the push I needed to finish and even sent me these lovely postcards to give me inspiration from my story. You're awesome Rachel and I really appreciate all your help.

 
I've been doing lots of art. I did my first art commission, but I hated it so your not getting a picture.
I started painting my characters. There all going to be collages. I'm doing Chayse, Cynfael, Snow, and the Queen. It's a way to keep me invested in the story that doesn't involve writing.

First time using oil paints so go easy, and it's not even close to done.

I want to start doing character commissions for people, but I don't know if anyone is even interested in that. *shrug*

I've been watching so many shows, The Mentalist, Psych, Last Man Standing.... I could go on. I might do a post on The Mentalist when I finish it, I have emotions to share...

I've been listening to so much moody, indie music. Hello Billie Eilish, Matt Maeson, Kodaline.
Also NF is killing it, and Twenty One Pilots came back!

I started Driver's Ed, I know I'm 23. Driving has always given me huge anxiety, I am hoping to finally get my license for my 24th birthday.

I've been adulting a lot lately guys, be proud.

I've been planning book related things, like querying and sequels. I outlined Fool's Bet, which is something I never do. (My writing is horrible I know)

That's on hold for now, because I've started my second round of revisions on Falling Snow. I'm liking the new bits Anne wanted me to add. It's going to be even better.  Anne  has been so understanding through this whole process, I'm very protective of my baby. She calms all my fears and answers all my frantic emails. I appreciate her so much! I wouldn't want to work with anyone else.

So for anyone who has read it, there has been a lot of changes and additions. It might surprise you.

I'm a frantic ball of energy right now. With looming deadlines, and a to do list that is way too long.

Beautiful People: Favourites Edtion

This is it guys! The last 'Beautiful People' for awhile. This linkup means a lot to me, it really helped me build my platform and I met tons of amazing bloggers through it. Cait and Sky are both big inspirations to me. Also if you didn't know, Cait, has a book coming out! SHE GOT PUBLISHED AND I AM SO FREAKING PROUD OF HER!

*ahem*

Onto the questions.

1. Favourite genre to write in?

I don't even have to think about it, Fantasy! Everything is possible and dragons are encouraged.

2. What book (a real actual published book!) do you think your character would benefit from reading? 

*Glaring* The Bible.

3. Favourite piece of dialogue you’ve written?

Like almost none of it, but I remember not hating this bit.

I sighed. “Your point, if you please.”

A wicked smile formed. “I should think you have caught on by now, old chap.”

At my perturbed expression, he rolled his eyes and pulled out another cig.

He stuck it between his teeth, and nodded at me.

I reluctantly lit it.

His eyes brightened, his lips twisting as he took a long drag. “I suggest a promotion. The bloody queen has had her day.”

4. What did your character want to be when they grew up, and what did they actually become?

Cynfael was a pleasant enough kid, who probably would be happy as a royal advisor or scholar. After he was subjected to the cruelty of powerful people, he started to want power. That became his goal. As the illegitimate heir, he will settle for nothing less than the throne.

5. Favourite character name(s)?

Cynfael- means Prince

Chayse- means Hunter

6. What makes your character feel loved, and who was the last person to make them feel that way?

Alcohol and honestly just someone listening to them. 

 Snow was.

7. Favourite character you’ve ever written?

William Blackwood, he is my beast. Like the 'Beauty & the Beast' beast.

8. If your character were permanently leaving town, what would they easily throw out? What would they refuse to part with? (Why?)

Cynfael is incredibly high maintenance. He would need at least five silk suits, along with shoes, toiletries, and a good chunk of cash. He would easily leave his bloodthirsty family.

9. Favourite tropes to write!

Platonic friendships, group of misfits, and sassy, sarcastic dudes.

  

10. Which story has your heart and won't let go?

Still freaking out over this cover!

 Falling Snow, which is why I am now writing a sequel and have plans for a prequel and maybe another one after that. I'm really attached to it, I think it's because I put a lot of my own problems in it. So happy, that you guys will be able to read it.

11. Favourite relationship between characters you’ve written?

The bromance between Chayse and Cynfael, the unrequited love Cynfael has for Snow because it's heartbreaking, Miss Hudson and Sherlock's odd relationship, the 'friendship to love' relationship between Chayse and Snow.

12. Toni Morrison once said, “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” What are the books that you want to see more of, and what “holes” do you think need filling in the literary world?

More fae centered stories and fairy tales that aren't smutty! Books about friends that actually stay friends. More clean reads!

13. Favourite pinterest board / aesthetic for a book?

  Falling Snow

Fool's Bet

 14. Favourite time periods & settings to work with?

1900s and 1920's. I also love Victorian gothic, creepy small towns.


15.When people are done reading your book, what feeling do you want them to come away with?

I would love to capture the feeling of pure joy that I get when I read a Diana Wynne Jones novel.
I don't think I will ever be able to do that. Hope, I want to give them hope.

Anticipation and Obnoxious Fae Princes.

I wanted to have a good post planned for this week. Maybe some sketches of my characters, a few progress pictures of my ' The Greatest Showman' painting, a book review. Of course all that fell through, so another last minute slapdash post from me.

I've been busy, doing the last minute preparations for a 'Snow White' themed party I am planning for my friend, Elizabeth. We are going to find out if we lost or won 'The Five Poisoned Apples Contest' over fake champagne and candy apples.

It's been a nice distraction for me. Something to put all my nervous energy into. I can't wait to show you guys after it's done.

I was trying to be hopeful, hope is a good thing to have. It's a hard thing to keep a hold of. I'm convinced my story strayed too far from the source material. Or just wasn't what they were looking for. If that does end up being the case I want to be okay with that. I want to still be proud of my story.

It turned out better than I expected. I got amazing feedback, I got some helpful critiques, and another world that I can easily expanded. It wasn't a waste of time either way. I also got my boys! Two irritating fae princes who are polar opposites in every way. Chayse is a shape shifting cat fae, Cynfael is a rich, ego maniac. All of the late nights were worth it simply for them.

I've been writing Cynfael's story lately. I haven't gotten that far in it but I thought I  would share what I have. This is unedited, first draft stuff, go easy.


 Smoke filled the air, and my lungs. A slow poison I chose to indulge, among a few other vices. I blew it out, watching it fill the small space between my father and I. He waved a hand through it, irritation spreading across his face.

I kept smoking, making direct eye contact as I did, to show I cared as little about his comfort as he cared about mine. His eyes steeled. He said nothing, turning his attention instead to the moving landscape outside the car window. There wasn’t much to see, just shadow coated fields, and red light from the fire in the distance.

Chayse was burning his prison down. I envied him, the fact that he could simply burn away his mother’s entanglements, reducing an empire to ashes as if it had been built of paper. If only mine were as easy to burn. I could feel the necklace hidden away in my coat pocket. The blood coated pearls could buy my freedom. I couldn’t run, I would have to settle for retribution.

“She is dead then.” Father’s words were cold and calculating. Free from the slur he had, when he was playing the drunken fool. 

I nodded; the blazing fire was confirmation enough.

He poured himself some scotch, “That bodes well for our business.”

Which just meant more money in his overflowing coffers; I took a long drag, and flicked ash to the ground.

He stared at the ash.

“Whatever will you buy? A small country perhaps,” I crushed out my cigarette, “Oh wait…”

He took a slow sip of the amber liquid.  “Don’t be short-sighted; I’m not looking for more money for your mother and Isabelle to fetter away.” He looked at his cup, “I plan to fund a war.” He slid a round cube of ice into his cup.

I blew more smoke, “A war with whom?” This was the first I heard of it.

“If your Mother has her way, the bloody world,” A thick cough punctuated his words.