The Language of World's Linkup (New Year's Edition)

I almost forgot about this. Almost, it's been a week, let me tell you. Instead of boring you with the details, I thought I would do a link up. This one was created by the amazing Liv K Fisher you should check out her blog. 

Onto the questions!

I will be using Cynfael, because he seems to be the only character who wants to talk to me.

1. In five words or less, how would you describe your character?

Problematic, villainous, suave, spoiled, and egotistical. I could go on.

2. When do they see an opportunity for self-improvement?

He thinks self-improvement comes in the form of riches and a crown. So rarely if ever, and usually when he does see them. 

3. How do they view themself (good, evil, neutral, etc.)?

You actually want me to delve into his twisted psyche???

 Umm, depends on his mood. Depends on who he is with and exactly how vulnerable he is being. Some days, he believes he is God's gift to the world, but he also has a lot of guilt so he somehow thinks he is the worst person in the world. Which is sadly relatable.

4. Is there a story that inspires them? What is it?

Icarus. Cue my sister screaming at me. This one is a bit of an inside joke, I am taking a lot of inspiration from Greek mythology for this story, and Icarus is who I picked for Cynfael. Some people are pretty mad at me for that, because they think it means I am going to kill him... Which I might. 

5. What proverb or quote they identify with?

I have a million for him honestly, and I don't know who wrote this one. I got it off of Pinterest.

6. What does their standard day look like?

Drinking, copious amounts of drinking. He tries to forget things. He does the bare minimum that is required of him. He also smokes and plots a good deal. All of this to say, your guess is as good as mine. He is rather intelligent, or so he tells me. He does do some reading. 

7. When they picture their ideal day, how does it go?

'Champagne, cocaine, gasoline, and most things in between.'

 To quote Brendon Urie, this is a bit of a joke, because Cynfael isn't one for drugs, that's not to say he hasn't dabbled. Other than that it's pretty accurate.

8. Do they have a favorite memory? If so, what happened?

Yes, but I don't really want to share it. Suffice it to say, he has very few. Most involve a girl who had always been faster than him and the days spent trying to catch her.

9. Where do they see themself in five years?

As King. Which for a bastard and a halfling. That would be quite the endeavor 

10. What is their life dream?

To find a sense of peace.

The Language of the Worlds Link-up-October

You guys enjoyed this one last time, so I thought I would do it again. We have the lovely Liv to thank for it. Make sure to check out her blog.

I am supposed to be prepping for Nano, but since that mostly involves me lying on the floor and eating. I thought I would write a post. I am going to use Cynfael again because I will be writing his story for Nano.

1. What does your character fear the most?

Wow, so this one was harder than I anticipated. Because it's not what do they fear but what do they fear the most, and I think being helpless again, is one of Cynfael's greatest fears. Because for a long time he couldn't help anyone not even himself. 

2. How would they handle it if they were to face their fear?

Not well, he might even become completely unhinged.

3. Do they want to get married? Why or why not?

Suffice it to say he did once...

4. What is their love language (i.e. words of affirmation, physical touch, gifts, quality time, acts of service)?

Physical touch. * Trying not to roll my eyes* 

5. On a scale from 1 (messy) to 5 (organized), how do they rate?

Probably a four.

6. How do they feel about debates/disagreements?

He enjoys them.

7. What do they bring to a battle (figurative or literal)?

He can fight fairly well, but prefers to charm and manipulate people. If that fails he can always poison them.

8. What's their favorite thing to eat for breakfast?

Mimosas with a bit of everything that could be considered breakfast food.

9. How do they treat themself after a long day?

I don't want to know and you probably don't either.

10. What do you most want readers to glean from this story?

Still trying to figure that out. Stay away from Fae maybe...

The Language of Worlds // July-August

Doing this on time for once. So this is created by the amazing Liv go check out her blog and the other ones who participated. Especially Maddie's cause her's is awesome!

1.Where does your character live, and how does that impact them?

I haven't quite figured out where it's located but somewhere in a fantasy version of late 1920's Europe. The Rookshire estate is located. It's isolated and bordered by some stunning mountains. It's practically a palace.

2.If they could book a vacation to anywhere in the/their world, where would they go and why?

Paris is a favorite. England too. 

3. On a scale from 1 (low) to 10 (high), how ambitious are they?

Incredibly, but he likes to appear carefree. A solid 10

4. What do they want to achieve long-term?

He claims to want the crown, but his true goal is to destroy his family's empire. Even if he has to die in the process, I'm sure.

5. Who inspires them?

His Father's ruthlessness, His Mother's disregard, and his sister's determination.

6. How would they handle seclusion?

Not well, Cynfael is a social creature. He doesn't like being left with his thoughts.

7. Are they a cat person, or a dog person?

Either or, like most of the fae. He has an affinity with animals.

8. What's their favorite type of weather?

Anything warm, it's always cold where he lives.

9.When they're hungry, does it show? How?

Only if he wanted it to, he's adept at hiding his emotions. 

10. What's one Bible verse your character would identify with?

 Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!

Proverbs 23:31

A Very Late Language of World's Link Up

I meant to do this on time. I really did, but my life got really slow. Then all a sudden I got hit with a million things and was left holding on to what was left of my sanity.

I'm doing it now, even though this linkup is already on the next part oops!

Before I start that I have good news I finished the last of my revisions!!! Hopefully Anne and Co like everything I added and changed. It's been quite a ride with this story it started at 20,000 words, after revisions it was 25,000 words, and now it's sitting at 26,000 and something words. I'm happy with where it is now! There were moments... lots of tear filled moments.

I also finished Driver's Ed and booked my test, so fingers crossed for that.

I finished Chayse's picture too! It's not quite what I envisioned but, it matches the grungy circus aesthetic. Now I can start on Snow's.

Onto the link up.

 The amazing Liv created this linkup, be sure to go check out her blog.

1. Introduce your character and his/her story!

His name is Cynfael, and he is an absolute menace. I'm writing his story now, which is the only reason I chose him for this.

He is the bastard son of the Northen Fae's King. His position in his father's court is a precarious one, and he has no delusions about what little power he holds. His sister is being groomed to take over for his Father. Which has caused some friction between them. His family has no love for each other past what they can use the other for. He has managed to keep himself useful so far.

2. What does he/she (your character) look for in a friend? Consciously or subconsciously?

He isn't in the habit of making friends. If he was to make one, it would be part of some scheme or plot. He would look for someone gullible and trusting.

3. If he/she could study any foreign language, what would it be?

He can speak a range of different languages, and has a recent problem of swearing at me in Latin. 

4. Which person from the Bible would he/she be besties with? Why?

Being honest here, Rahab. They have a lot in common.

 5. If he/she were to visit you for a week, what would you do together?

Imagining this is terrifying. I feel like he would want to go to some parties, but the fancy ones mind you with champagne, the good kind. He would probably try to get me to smoke and succeed. I would probably try to get him drunk and have a heart to heart.

 I'd then take him for coffee and he would complain. 

He wouldn't last a day with me to be honest, he'd find some high society friends and ditch me. 

6. What is his/her ideal future?

He used to have an idea about that, about her. Of course he learned quickly that anything can be taken from you, so he really only thinks of revenge and elevating his social status.

7. If he/she were to spend a weekend alone, what sort of pastimes would he/she pursue?

Being a cad, and that's all I will say.

8. If you could send your character a care package, what would be in it?

A Bible, nicotine gum, an apology letter, and a poisoned apple

9. Is there a song that describes your character's journey?

So many, he has his own playlist at this point. The one I really like for him, has one bad word in it regrettably, and I can't find a clean version. Most of the rest I've already posted on here. Here's one I recently found. It really explains his life and family.

10. What is your character's place in the story (hero, antihero, villain, sidekick, etc.)?

Cynfael's kinda hard to pin down, he started as a villain, that became an antihero and everyone seems to think of him differently. 

I hope this was amusing for someone.

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. 

Spring Cleaning Writer Tag

This is a brand new tag, guys!

  Created by the amazing Deborah O' Carroll who has an equally wonderful blog! I suggest following immediately. You won't regret it!

Rules: 

1. Link back to the person who tagged you
2. Share the picture
3. Answer the questions
4. Tag 3 other writers and inform them you have (You're allowed to use carrier pigeon if preferred)

1. Dust-bunnies and Plot-bunnies: Reorganize Your Writing Goals (Or Make New Ones)

 I feel most of my bunnies are more dust than plot.

I have some that have been on my writing to do list and I have gotten nowhere with them but I refuse to take them off because I am stubborn. I don't think I've made any official writing goals this year, but now seems like the perfect time.

I have about 13 ideas that are either wips, finished first drafts, need to be finished, or in editing stages. Then about ten that are just ideas.

My main at the moment are.

1. Cynfael's story  (Falling Snow's sequel)

2. First draft of Sherlock Holmes Retelling

3. Lengthen 'Bleeding Roses' (My Beauty & the Beast retelling)

4. Edit and rewrite 'Shadow of Doubt' (My first book)

5. Edit and rewrite 'The Calm Before the Storm' (Its sequel they are both awful and need a lot of work)

6. First draft of 'The Unhappening' ( My passion project which is a glorious mess of fairy tales and sass and has no plot)

7. First draft of A Ghost Story ( This is an old story of mine, I'm trying to fix it)

 2. Which Stage Are You At? Expound!

a. Remodeling layouts (planning the story)
b. Painting the walls in colorful hues (writing)
c. Polishing the windows and scrubbing the floors and putting flowers in vases (editing)
d. Blueprints (not to the cleaning or remodeling yet… just drawing up plans for the very beginning inklings of a story)
e. Some combination of those things (cleaning out a closet)

I am not very good at focusing on one thing. So 'e' it's always 'e'
Every story is in a different stage at all times. I also never only do one at once, which is probably why I will never be successful, but I digress.

3. Treasure From the Back of the Closet (Share one to three snippets you love!)

Is it time to admit that I hate my own writing with a passion. I will share, but with great reluctance.

This is my newest one from Cynfael's story. ( I haven't forgotten your tag Mary Katherine, I just have yet to write seven pages of it.)

 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. - Cynfael

Here is a random one from 'The Unhappening' because I seem to be writing it out of order. 

“How are you?” I asked knowing full well he wasn’t having a good day.

 He glanced at me. “Delightful,” he mummered, pulling on his gloves.

 I followed him down the narrow lane, his legs had already given him quite the lead.

“You said you had something for me.” I shouted hoping he would slow down.

He glanced over his shoulder at me, “I constantly forget how short you are.”

He dared to smile as he said it, the obtuse giant. -Isabella

Lastly one from Miss Hudson found in an old document.

“It’s rabbit blood.” He said, tapping the side of the vial.

“Is that supposed to make me feel better,” I started, “Where is the rabbit?”

He squinted at me, “Alive. She is somewhere bumbling about.”

“You set a rabbit lose in here,” my tone was almost calm. All things considered. it was probably the least odd thing he had done in recent weeks. “Did you tire of using your own blood?”-Miss Hudson

These are rough and probably littered with grammatical errors. I'm sorry.
(I think I just described myself)

 3.5. Bonus: Do Some Actual Spring Cleaning of Your Writer Self! (and share a picture!)

Most of my writing cleaning is me deleting electronic files or taking papers that look like this...

 and typing them up on the computer. I have been doing loads of that lately. My writing space is basically a bed, though I do commandeer my Dad's desk at times.

Hope you guys enjoyed this! 

I tag 

Ashley @ Oddly Novel Title

Mary Katherine @ Sarcastic Scribblings

Esther @Wisdom Creates

Feel free to do it even if your not tagged. I would love to see everyone's posts.