The Book Spooktacular- Autumn Linkup

The time has come.

That sounded a bit ominous which is fitting. As I mentioned in my last post, I'm doing a blog tour with the amazing Ashley. We're each going to be doing fall-themed posts off and on till the end of the month. 

I hope you guys will check out all the posts. Especially Ashley's posts, she has this fantastic short story. It's the epitome of autumn and I love it to pieces.

The first thing we're doing is the link-up which I hope you guys will all join in on. I'm really curious about your favorite autumn reads, movies, and things.

Here's some of mine.

The Autumn List

1) movie with all the autumn vibes

I'm all about cheesy Halloween vibes so 'Monster House' you can judge me. I watch it every year.

2) song that you associate with autumn

Empty Gold- Halsey 

3) book with ghosts

Jackaby

4) scariest movie you've seen

House of Wax

I'm not sure if it was the scariest or just most demented. Like it disgusted me more than scared me. It was one of the ones I had weird dreams after. (Chad Micheal Murray was in it, and that was the selling point for me.)

5) the best autumn quote

Beware the autumn people- Ray Bradbury

6) book cover with all the autumn vibes

Are we seeing a theme, maybe?

7) you're favorite candy of the season

I actually prefer the Pillsbury cookies to candy

8) movie or book with themes on death and rebirth

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

9) Youtube channel you associate with autumn

I have a couple, Glam&Gore ran by Mykie, she does fantastic makeup looks and has an ongoing Halloween series. And of course Buzzfeed Unsolved, I love my ghoul boys.

10) your favorite fall beverage

I love anything pumpkin spice, but the pumpkin creme cold brew is amazing.

Hope you guys enjoyed, this is the schedule for the rest of the blog tour.

Your turn! Here are the questions.

The Autumn List

1) movie with all the autumn vibes

2) song that you associate with autumn

3) book with ghosts

4) scariest movie you've seen

5) the best autumn quote

6) book cover with all the autumn vibes

7) your favorite candy of the season

8) movie or book with themes on death and rebirth

9) Youtube channel you associate with autumn

10) your favorite fall beverage

 This link-up runs till the 31st, can't wait to read your guy's Autumn lists. You should also check out Ashley's post here

Know the Novel Part 3

I have a bunch of random blog ideas in my head right now, but since I failed to sort my thoughts out on any of them. I decided to do this link- up before I forget to.

Once again this link up was created by the infamous and wonderful Christine make sure you follow her, she is writing a Midas story and it sounds amazing!


Onto the questions.

1. Firstly, how did writing this novel go all around?

Fine...

2. Did it turn out like you expected or completely different? And how do you feel about the outcome?

It turned out horribly, and I'm still trying to figure out how I wrote 50,000 words about nothing. There was a lot of food though.

3. What aspect of the story did you love writing about the most? (Characters, plot, setting, prose, etc.)

Characters, I love writing the characters. Establishing their nuances and quirks.

 Prose would be a close second. 

4. How about your least favorite part?

I guess the actual act of writing and to keep writing.

5. What do you feel like needs the most work?

 All of it! It's a complete mess if I'm being honest.

6. How do you feel about your characters now that the novel is done? Who’s your favorite? Least favorite? Anyone surprise you? Give us all the details!

The feelings are mixed most of the characters are killers, drunks, and out of their minds. I'm not sure how to feel about them. So far my least favorite is Cynfael's step mother she is a piece of work. My favorite is still Cynfael, though his motivations are questionable.

7. What’s your next plan of action with this novel?

To completely rewrite it.

8. If you could have your greatest dream realized for this novel, what would it be?

To have it published! That would be amazing.

9. Share a snippet of one of your most favorite scenes!

I picked at my fraying sleeve, "I don't want it, it changes people."

She looked confused, but she didn't have the horrors of my childhood to serve as an explanation.

I sat up. "Power corrupts you. It clouds your judgement. Makes you think you're doing the right thing. That you are somehow capable of making that call. My mother was the way she was, because the system demands it. If she had been kind, they would have eaten her alive."

Snow stilled, her face drawn.

"I hated her, but I can't say I didn't understand her, she survived. She did what she thought she had too."

10. Did you glean any new writing and/or life lessons from writing this novel?

I learnt that I much rather take my time with my books, then try to write them quickly.
Oh and...

Know the Novel Part 2- Linkup

This is a link-up created by the magnificent and ethereal Christine  

Go follow her!

I didn't really have a post planned for today so this worked out splendidly.

1.How’s the writing going?

*Blinking wildly and laughing* Ummmm. Not good! I don't think I will ever do Nano again, simply because everything I'm writing is horrible. I'm not being modest or anything it's bad. I also feel like I'm dying, so there's that. That sounds really negative, I have had a few really good days. Writing everday has actually been a great habit, and it does get easier the more you do it.

The quality of the writing itself has been consistent though.

2. What’s been the most fun aspect about writing this novel so far?

Oh, these are hard. Probably the sarcastic inner monologue I have with myself as I'm writing. Like...

Oh so your going with that cliche how original.

How many times are you going to use the term 'seems to be' to add to your word count?

You don't even know your own characters names! This bodes well for your plot.

That has never been used as motivation for betrayal before.

Bloody Freaking Frick Frack Fantastic!

3. Has your novel surprised you in any way?

It's incredibly cliche, which was a surprise. Despite my best intentions, I can't seem to fix it.

4. What do you think of your characters at this point? Who’s your favorite to write about?

I'm a bit annoyed and delighted by all of them. They all have different personalities so that's been fun. Cynfael, he is my favorite. He is always plotting and vying for Snow's attention which has been fun to write. He's horrid, but we get along. 

5. If you were transported into your novel and became any one of the characters, which one do you think you’d be? Would you take any different actions than they have?

I guess I would be Snow, because she's the only human. I would probably never have gone to Rookshire. The Fae are not to be trifled with.

6. Give us the first sentence or paragraph and then 2 (or 3!) more favorite snippets!

-Smoke filled the air, and my lungs. A slow poison I chose to indulge, among a few other vices.

I didn't want to even look but I actually found some.

-I snatched the pearls back, fracturing her pleased face into one of surprise and shock.

"Cynfael." Her tone held a warning, like the edge of a sharpened knife.

I tilted my head, rubbing the pearls like a rosary, "Mother." My voice matched hers in severity. I was putting all of her admonishments and lessons to good use. I took in her perturbed expression with pleasure. I had never been able to catch her off guard.

- Despite what she thought, I wasn't worth saving and I never had been.

- I poured her a glass of whiskey, the last thing I needed was another distraught woman on my hands.

- I kissed her cheek. Her tears were salty and cold, I took my cigarette back from her. I knew all her uses and they had run their course, but I wasn't going to tell her that. In this state she might throw herself out the window, and that would be more then I could deal with.

7. Have you come across any problem areas?

Pretty much the whole thing!

8. What’s been your biggest victory with writing this novel at this point?

When I reached 25K that was the moment I realized I could do it.

9. Be honest, have you killed any characters off yet?

One, kinda she is a side character. There is still time...

10. Take us on a tour of a what a normal writing day for this particular novel has looked like. Where do you write? What time of day? Alone or with others? Is a lot of coffee (or some other drink) consumed? Do you light candles? Play music? Get distracted by social media (*cough, cough*)? Tell all!

I usually don't start writing till noon. I let myself be a bit lazy in the morning and try to prepare for all the writing. I usually down a large coffee. I don't have a desk so my bed or the floor has been my places lately, or sometimes in the car in a notebook or in my phone notes. I can write with others around as long as I have headphones. I write better alone. Oh gallons of coffee or tea or soda! I haven't lit candles yet, but that sounds nice. Music is a must, I usually listen to like 4 songs on repeat. Pinterest is distracting but also useful.

Sorry if this all came across as cynical or self deprecating... I am small and angry.

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.

October Footnotes

So time for another awesome link-up. That sounds sarcastic, but I'm not being sarcastic. This link-up is one of my favorites.

It was created by two very clever and wonderful people, Ashley and Emily 

For October the prompt is.

 a quote that defines or captures the essence of a favorite character

 -Kashmir from The Girl from Everywhere

Kashmir is my favorite character from this series. He is a thief, a scoundrel, and a pirate. His relationship with Nix develops well over the course of two books. He is also hilarious. Exactly what I think a young Jack Sparrow would be like.

Highly recommend 'The Girl from Everywhere', and 'The Ship Beyond Time'

Beautiful Books/ How is the Writing Going?

My favorite link-up created by the blogging Queen's Cait and Sky


I love these things, because it lets me ramble about my books and characters. Something no-one usually wants to hear about, and maybe they still don't.

 On to the questions!


1. Overall, how is your mental state, and how is your novel going?

I'm running on bitterness and coffee. I have six thousand words left in my first draft, it's going.


2. What’s your first sentence (or paragraph)?

 I’m falling; The Mesmerizing Snow is falling. That is, of course, what snow tends to do. I saw the irony, even as I made another failed attempt for the bar.

 3.Who’s your current favorite character in your novel?

 Cynfael, my Prince Charming.

He came into existence with a fully established backstory and nuances I didn't expect. It was fun to see peoples reaction to him, as he is rather creepy. I get to see him from an entirely different perspective.  

4. What do you love about your novel so far?

The characters and circus setting. 

5. Have you made any hilarious typos or other mistakes?

 I would write something and then move it, but forget to delete it from where it used to be. Resulting in lots of double sentences.

6.What is your favorite to write: beginning, middle, or end — and why?

The end, for that amazing feeling you get before you start editing.

7.  What are your writing habits? Is there a specific snack you eat? Do you listen to music? What time of day do you write best? Feel free to show us a picture of your writing space!


Chips or sour patch kids. Music really helps me envision my story. Afternoons.


8. How private are you about your novel while you’re writing? Do you need a cheer squad or do you work alone (like, ahem, Batman)?

 I grew out of the 'my novel is top secret stage', if someone wants to to talk about it, I will. I have done it both ways. Both work.

9. What keeps you writing even when it’s hard?

My favorite authors, books, and a need to create.

10. What are your top 3 pieces of writing advice?

 Write what you like.

Don't be defensive about your writing, criticism will help you improve.

You have to finish.

Septemeber Footnotes

So once again it is time for a fabulous link-up  hosted by the ever clever Ashley and the world traveler Emily

The prompt for this month.

 A quotation that makes you laugh.

 I could say anything from a Diana Wynne Jones book, or most of the quotes from Raven Boys, but I feel like I am supposed to be more specific.

Practically everything Noah does is humorous.

Do this link- up, it's a blast!