Day Thirteen: Be Inspired! Why do you write? What keeps you writing? What motivates your work? What helps you to pursue your incredible, brilliant dream even when it seems too much of a challenge to deal with? What inspires you, fellow writers?
I started writing because I loved to tell stories, and I obviously still love doing that. I think stories help people cope with their own issues. I think stories give people hope for surviving the worst, seeing better days, and knowing that life is worth living despite the bad. What keeps me writing? Well, it seems to me that there are less and less good, wholesome books on the shelves today. I used to be able to bring home stacks of books from the library. Now I'm lucky to find three good ones. I used to be able to check out a brand new book and be excited. Now I look at a new book and worry that the writers will betray my tiny trust and cater to society's stupid standards, shoving "Politically Correct" characters down my throat and ruining the book because they won't let the story breathe. I want to be that write that bookworms like me can always trust be to be clean, morale, and have good story telling. Maybe this is presumptuous of me, but I want to do something to help the poor, suffering shelves in libraries around the world.
What motivates me? Bookworms need good, strong books to devour. I feel bad for my fellow readers. I want girls (and boys) to be able to find a good series and know it's going to be good all the way through, and trust the writer the way I trust Diana Wynn Jones and Jean Birdsall. I want to be that writers for the poor, starving bookworm that needs something besides the popular, modern, stale crap being sold today. It's sad to only find one decent book in every five. What the heck?? When did our world become so illiterate?
What helps me pursue my dreams? I try to remember everything I want to show others, everything I want to remind them of and tell them about. I think about the stories I want to tel and how just one character on a page can change someone's world for the better, if handled properly. I talk to other writers, I read lots of books, and I focus on creating stories that will help individual be better, see the world better, and live through hardship better. I focus on how much fiction helped me when I had rough times, and remind myself that that is what I want to do for others.
What inspires me? Lots of things! I read a lot, and that helps fuel my imagination. I watch lots of different TV shows, which is also a big help when it comes to story telling and helping you think outside the box. I like listening to music. It's amazing what a few lyrics can plant in your brain, and how they can help you develop your book. I like taking walks in the forest, especially in long skirts with my hair down. Holla! I am a medieval female woodland character of some kind! Fear me! 8-D One of the biggest things that inspires me though, is that God gave me talent. Even if it's a small bit of talent, I know I can write pretty well. I know I should respect that talent and do something with it, help people in some way. I want to do that as much as I can. I think it's important, so important. If you can write, you should write! And write good stories!
My Camp is over... but I had a question. A lot of you were very excited about this. I would love to stay in contact with some of you writers to help me stay on the right track. Would any of you consider joining a group blog or something of the sort, and maybe meeting up every month or so to just chat? It could help all of us. We could even set up a chat room or something, if the blog is not a good idea. But I think maybe talking to other writers once every four to six weeks could help all of us stay motivated, especially when we're down. What do you think? Would you guys like some kind of blog/chat room we could meet up in?
THANK ALL OF YOU WHO PARTICIPATED IN MY WRITERS CAMP! THIS WAS REALLY FUN! I hope we can do something like this again soon! It's great talking to other writers. (and I have been reading posts, I just haven't had time to comment!) Keep moving forward, and if you are ever discouraged remember that it took Tolkien fourteen years and many revisions to complete The Lord of The Rings. You have time!
Writer's Block is the biggest pain a writer can face. Your creativity runs dry. Your characters get themselves into a bad predicament and you can't figure a way out. You can't figure out how to make something to work no matter how many times you try editing. Sometimes your pen just won't flow, and the words just won't come. It sucks.
Here are ten effective ways to help you when you're struggling with Writer's Block.
1.) Make a playlist for your book.
Play-lists are incredibly helpful for me. I usually have at least fifteen songs, each one pertaining in some way to my characters and plot. It can really help fuel inspiration.
2.) Make a Pinterest board.
Pinterest can be very distracting for a Writer. I know that first hand. But it can be really helpful to have a {interest board for your story. If you can scroll through it, sometimes it can help you get your inspiration back.
3.) Watch/read something that will inspire you to write.
Reading good books and watching good shows can do wonders for your writers block. When I'm in a bad place with writing I do lots of reading and watch shows that I know will inspire me to write. Since I mostly write fantasy, I usually read lots of Tolkien, some C.S. Lewis, Diana Wynn Jones, and some Jessica Day George. I'll also watch BBCMerlin, Inkheart, Narnia.... Actually, Avatar. The Last Airbender really helped inspire my writing too. Depending on what your writing, read stories and watch shows that reflect your ideas. Like, reading Heist Society helped inspire Juliette Walgrey. So did watching Psych. Read and watch things that will help you get new, fresh ideas for your story.
4.) Look up writing prompts.
Writing prompts are a lot of fun to look through, and they might be able to get those creative juices flowing again. See if you can use some of their ideas/themes to fuel a chapter or two. Even if you just write a few short scenes that have nothing to do with your characters, you may come back to your story with fresh ideas, better prepared to continue.
5.) Talk the scene out to yourself in your head.
Talk the plot through in your head as well. This helps me a ton. If you say things out loud to yourself, it can sometimes help you figure out the problem.
6.) Talk to other Writers.
We writers need to band together. If your stuck in your story, talk to other writers. Ask for advice, or even just vent to them for a bit. That can put you in a much better place for writing. Plus, your fellow writers might be able to give you ideas and help get through your Writer's Block. 7.) If you like to draw, doodle a bit.
Sometimes being creative in other ways can help you be creative with your writing as well. 8.) Take a walk/bike ride.
Writers can often stay indoors for too long. If you have bad Writer's Block, go out for a long walk/ride and let yourself be calm. Stop stressing about your story. Don't worry, things will work out. It will come to you! 9.) Follow blogs for writers.
Be in contact with other writers. Some writers have Tumblrs, and while I'm not a huge fan of tumblr, some post pretty great gifs and pictures that can help light up your inspiration.
10.) Work on something else!
This is important. Sometimes you just need to take a break from your story for a bit. There's no shame in that. Try working on other stuff for a bit.
Sometimes your Writer's Block is so bad you'll just have to punch through it ... which means you write until you figure out how to continue your story.
What are some things you do when you have Writer's Block?
Today we are going to send one of your characters on an adventure! Take a character from one of your stories and give us a brief summary of who he is. Then answer the questions below. This game will help you think like your character, making choices he would make as apposed to ones you would. It might help you understand and know your character better too. Plus, it's fun. 8-D
Juliette Walgrey. Private Detective. AOA.
1.) Would You Rather Be Hot or Cold?
I like being warm. When I'm cold I wrap up in a big blankets and drink tea.
2.) Would you rather work at night or during the day?
I like evenings. They make me feel calm and creative.
3.) Someone knocks on your door. What now?
Uhm, I army-crawl to the window and peak out to make sure it's not someone I don't want to see.
4.) Would you rather go without food or water for a day?
I guess food, because you can survive longer without that. But I'd rather not be without either.
5.) Someone tells you your life is a lie. What now?
I wouldn't believe them unless they could prove it. If they proved my life was a lie, I'd probably panic and have a meltdown.
6.) Would you rather be settled or have the open road?
Oh, I like being settled. It's good to have a place called home. 8-D
7.) Would you rather loose sight or hearing?
WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT??? I think... maybe... sight. Just because I love music so much.
8.) Would you rather have a dog or cat? A dog, obviously!
9.) How do you respond to betrayal, pain, loss?
I get sad. Like, I'll get angry, but it's the sad-angry which means if I try to tell you off I'll probably cry, and I'll feel achy and empty.... Yeah.
10.) Do you like music?
OH YES! Especially classical musical. Though there are some pop singers I like too.
11.) Do you like reading?
Absolutely. I read at least one book a week, usually.
12.) Would you Rather face a lion or a bear? A bear. A brown bear.
13.)What is something that scares you?
Not being able to help the people I care about, or failing the people I care about. I'm also scared of spiders, wasps, and creep dark forests.
14.) Would you rather be in a crowd or alone?
It depends on my mood, but I tend to wander off on my own a lot.
15.) You're family is threatened. What now?
I plan to take down the people threatening my family and bring them to justice. I'd probably enlist help from people I trusted. 16.) Do you put a lot of importance on family? (Answer honestly.) Yeah. Family is really important to me. And not just blood, but like, friends too.
17.) Do you believe in God/heaven/angels, or something of the like?
Yep! I'm Catholic.
18.) Would you rather have coffee or tea?
Coffee in the morning, Tea at night. 19.) Would you rather take a long walk in the forest, or a bike ride down a parkway?
I like riding my bike a lot. But I like riding it on the back roads, just me, no one else.
20.) Do you like snow?
Yeah, but I don't like lots of it for long periods of time.
21.) Do you like rain?
I love rainstorms, I don't like it when it's just drizzly and grey.
22.) What is your favorite thing to do?
Read, write, and listen to music.
23.) Would you rather spend the day indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors! 24. Do you like summer days?
Spring and Summer are my favorite seasons, so yes, summer days are great!
25.) If there was one person you would drop everything for in their time of need, who would it be?
I need to pick just one? There's lots of people I'd run to if they needed me. Zoe, Martin, my Mom and Dad, my sisters, my cousins.... there's too many to just pick one.
I'm still behind. What can I say? This week has been something of a dark well of doom. I totally failed my driving test. Parallel parking is the stupidest thing ever invented.
Stupid parallel parking. Why is it even a thing?
Today you get to sample some of my writing! I know I've shared some stuff before, but today I will share some lyrics from one of my new musicals, as well as the first page of the Juliette Private Detective; AOA book. 8-) Please enjoy!!
LYRICS FROM THE MUSICAL I'M WRITING!!! This isn't the one about the world turning grey. I don't have a name for that one yet, nor many actual melodies. I want to call it Colored in Love but I'm not sure about that name. Anyway! Here are lyrics from my Fan-Musical, the musical I'm writing in honor of one of my favorite books. I'm not ready to share the name of it yet. But Hopefully one I'm done I can plan some sort of Concept Fan-Cast of some kind. I dunno. Thoughts! Anyway, these next lines are taken from one of the love songs. I quite like it. It's called Curious.
FEMALE
MALE
Curious...
Curious.
What is this feeling / curious
What is this? Curious.
For a moment was there something?
For a moment could I almost...?
It's builds inside me / curious.
It wants to build / how curious
Concern... for me... For a moment did my heart just run?
For a moment did I just...?
Running through me / this feeling.
Something trying / to break into me...
Curious,
Curious!
strangely disturbing and strong
Strangely disturbing, it almost won!
What is this curiously in me?
What is this curiosity beyond my reach?
YARRRR? YE LIKE? CAUSE I'M SCARED ABOUT SHARING LYRICS.
Onward!! Here's a little sneak peek at my detective book!
Juliette, Private Detective AOA.
Juliette was her name. Juliette Veronica Walgrey. Though usually she just went by Juliette, and sometimes just plain "J" which is what her brother called her. She was an even 5-2 1/2, and rather on odd sight to behold. She preferred skirts to pants, and had thick auburn hair which she kept tightly french braided whenever she worked a case. On the window of her flat was a sign that read "Juliette Walgrey. AOA." Among other things she liked to call herself a consulting detective, or Private Detective. She was the last one you'd expect. Juliette's office was small. It was downstairs from a restaurant and it wasn't even properly hers. It was borrowed. But for a girl so curious, she did pretty well for herself, and quite a few people knew in in the little City. She made lovely coffee at Revive. Even Tonia, the coffee shop owner said so, and she wasn't big on giving compliments. At this time, however, Juliette wasn't at her part-time, four hours-a-day job. She was standing over a dead body and feeling grumpy about it. Now, most days Juliette didn't mind being called in to inspect. It usually meant a paycheck. Yay! This morning, unfortunately, the call came at four thirty A.M., and Juliette thought, as she stood there with her lukewarm cappuccino, that murders should wait until at least six. Seven was better. She felt very out of sorts, and most of her mind was still back at home in her bed. She was wearing knee boots even though it was June because she hadn't been able to find her sandals by the light of the moon, nor matching socks either. She felt like a potato this morning. A grouchy potato. She felt someone coming up behind her and turned. It was Deputy Rogner with a small brown bag and a cup of coffee. "Oh," he said. "I didn't you you already had coffee. I thought you might like something to eat." He held out the bag. Juliette took it gladly, and then, because her coffee was practically cold anyway, she took the coffee off his hands too. "Thanks, Ace! Much appreciated." She cured her hands around the warm cup and felt slightly better. She took a sip. Aaaaah. now she could focus on the task at her. She turned her attention back to the unfortunate victim. The man in question was a certain Political Science teacher by the name of William Smass. He was slouched in the chair behind his desk with a nasty bruise on his temple. The police had yet to locate the murder weapon, but it seemed the culprit had been looking for something. The office was torn apart as if in a frenzy. Poor man. A simple teacher caught in a burglary. Though, what could you steal from a teacher's office? Grades? Actually, that wasn't a bad thought. Juliette smiled. Some students might do any number of things to pass a class.
Snippets from my book Cyril. This is a story about
Killian and his son live in the Kingdom is Farathon, where a terrible Queen by the name of Nelana has set out for ultimate conquest. Four years ago she invaded the Isle of Solvina and captured the powerful and mythical creatures, the Kiera. Now one has escaped. Nevina roots out a Killian as a man who is skilled with these magnificent beasts, one some might call a tamer. When Killian refuses to help, she captures his son and poi his heart poisons his heart, declaring unless he agrees to do her will, he will loose his son forever. Killian is forced to obey, and he and Cyril start a journey that will change the fate of their country - for good, or ill.
CHAPTER TWO:
Killian heard the carriage before he saw it. He was carving at the time. His hands moved up and down the rough wood, rubbing away all the slivers with careful ease. He didn't move too quickly but he there was a restlessness in his work. Carving had always taken longer than most things, but every year he got older it seemed to get harder. He pulled back another layer of wood with his tool and leaned in close. Just a little smack – Killian heard the wheels creak and the heavy sound of boots coming at the door, one after the other. He gently blew the shavings away from his jewelry box and placed it off to the side with his other creations. He stood and as he did a loud and demanding knock echoed on the door. He brushed his hands on his apron but didn't even bother with his hair. He knew trying to tidy it would only make it worse. With any luck the grey lurking behind his ears would help hide the dust.
The knock came again. Killian grabbed the nob and yanked the door open. A man stood on the other side, tall and thin, with a ridiculous feathered hat and high black boots which rose above his knees. He looked at Killian and was silent. He waited but Killian didn't invite him in.
“Can I help you with something?” The older man asked, when the staring could continue no longer. He knew the look his visitor wore. It was one he was used to.
“I'm sorry," The Visitor said. He was indeed very pale. “Am I right to assume you are Killian Steindaer, former accountant of the Kingdom?”
“No, I am not. What is this about?”
The Visitor didn’t seem to acknowledge his negative answer. “Sir, you must leave your house at once, and in haste. There is not time to delay.”
“What?” Killian’s eyes narrowed. “Who are you?”
“It doesn’t matter. Your life is in danger, sir.”
“In danger from whom?”
The stranger’s eyes studied the hat in hand. “She’s coming for you. ”
“You must have me mistaken for someone else.” Killian tried to close the door but it hit The Visitor’s palm. “Please sir. I know who you are. She can’t find you here.”
“I’m a carpenter. I have no wealth, no station. I’m no one.”
“Perhaps not now, but you were someone once. Please. You don’t have much time.”
“I’m not who you think I am.”
“Killian Steindaer, former Scola and enemy of the Queen. You went into hiding five years ago. You can’t hide any longer, Sir. She is coming for you even now.”
“Why would you warn me of this?” Killian asked. “How do you know of her plans, and if you do, how can I trust you?
“You don’t know, unfortunately,” said Visitor. “However, this is your best chance. She’s coming with a request and she won’t accept no for an answer.”
Killian weighed the options quickly. He had hoped he was safe from discovery now, but it seemed that maybe he was wrong. On the other hand, this could be some dirty lie or trick, something to lure him into the open. Though, for what purpose?
“You wouldn’t be lying to me would you?”
“I rarely lie,” answered the Visitor.
“That is good. Bad things will often happen to people who lie to me.”
“I wouldn’t lie about this.”
Killian observed the strange visitor on his doorstep and realized he had no choice but to trust him. If the Queen was truly coming here he could not be found. He wouldn’t be used as her pawn, whatever game she was playing.
“Very well,” He said certainly so he couldn’t change his mind. “I’ll do as you ask.” The Visitor relaxed. “Thank you,” he said fervently. “And sir? if you have family in the area, I would get them out too. You don’t want her to have any leverage.”
“Of course. I’ll be sure of it. Thank you.” The Visitor tried to smile, turned, and started to walk.
“What is your name, friend?” Killian called after him. “In case I ever have the need of repaying this service?”
“I am but a humble servant.” Here the visitor bowed, so low his feathers almost touched his shoes.
Killian found himself smiling slightly. “Very well. Thank you, humble one. Maybe we’ll meet again one day.”
OH MY GOSH. I AM SO BEHIIIIIIIIIIIND. MUST PLAY CATCH UP! Day Nine: What are you writing? Today we are going to share plots/characters from stories we are currently working on. Have fun with this!
Brothers of Mage.
(I'm still working on the title.)
Ten years ago a war started in Brinton, a war which spread into The four empires like a deadly virus. it ended when a seventeen year old Mage named Elliot Blackire invented a terrible weapon which was stolen by the Briatons and used to kill hundreds of civilians. Due to suspicious, damning events Elliot Blackire was convicted as a traitor and exiled, never to return home on pain of death.
Five years after that fateful day, a man by the name of Evan Blackire is convicted of the murder of the High Mage. Elliot, now a Draek Mage, returns to his home country to help his brother escape. Together, they discover a astonishing, fearful conspiracy festering in the country, and must find someway to stop it. Unable to trust the Office of Mage or the Union Government, the brothers plunge headlong into an undercover mission to save their country from self-destruction, recruiting some very odd allies along the way. The future is warped and strange, and it the more the brothers learn the more they realize that many things may not be what they seem.
Juliette Greywell A.O.A (A -of the- above)
This series is going to be fun I think! It's about a private detective who lives in a small city. Her name is Juliette, she is twenty-three and she stands at just barely 5'2. She often jokes that sleuthing is her hobby because she doesn't earn enough money to call it a normal job. (She works at Ross to cover all real expenses.) While solving one of her cases she meets up with an ex-hacker named Zoe and together they run around solving crimes. They began to spread out, working in the bigger cities that are close to their own and making quite the name for themselves. I'm excited.
LE SISTER STORY!!!
This story is beautiful. I can't say too much about it yet, but I will give you a basic plot. It's about two sisters, Renetta and Jailene, who live in a slightly steampunk/fantasy world. When they're fourteen and twelve they get separated and from there their lives take very different turns. Renetta grows up learning the art of Earth Lore and, while Jailene learns the art of Energy Lore. As the two girls reach their individual birthdays, seventeen and fifteen, the world begins to slip into darkness and much is at stake. Both will play a key part in the future of the Quinton, but it is quite possible these two keys do not fit they same door.
A MUSICAL!!!!!!!!!!
YES I AM ACTUALLY WORKING ON A MUSICAL! I am working on two, in fact. One is like a fan-musical of sorts so I won't say too much about it yet - the other one is about a widow who's world literally turns grey after her four year old son is killed in a car accident. For three years she can't see color or beauty in anything. It's all black and white, cold and hard. Every day is a struggle. Then a young photographer comes into her little town and things slowly start to change...
Day Eight: Happily Ever After. Today we are going to discuss movies/books that have good love stories in them, and especially the meaning of Happily Ever After.
What to avoid in a romantic relationship:
Abusive relationships.
The man/woman thinking of his/her spouse as an inferior
I'm going to give a quick example of an emotionally unstable/manipulative/emotionally abusive relationship.
I haven't watched OUAT in over a year, and this is a big reason why.
In Seasons 1-2, Rumple and Belle had an intriguing Beauty-and-The-Beast story. Rumple started out cruel and wicked, but Belle seemed to bring out a side of him that had been buried in darkness for hundreds of years. He wasn't wholly evil. He was trapped in a terrible curse and it twisted his heart, making him colder and colder. But there was still a spark of good in him, and Belle brought it back from the ashes.
However, as the show went on, Rumple's redemption arc was messed up in a big way. The writers went overboard with his darkness. You should never put your character through a great arc and then take him right back to square one. It's bad story telling, and it's unfair to your character. Rumple was growing. He was changing for the better. Then out of the blue, he just decided he wanted to stay Dark and powerful. What?
He was horrid to Belle. Did he care about her? Yeah, that was obvious. Was he more gentle and kind with her? Yeah. Did he try to protect her? Sure, always. But he was incredibly two-faced and hypocrytical. He'd promise Belle to do one thing and then find the loophole in order to get out of it. He lied to her all the time. He pretended to give her his dagger, the only thing that could control him and the link to all his power, as a sign of his love for her, and then proceeded to go behind her back, using his magic to steal power from other people so he could leave Storybrooke. He uses Belle's own friends against her to "Spy" on her by taking their hearts. He manipulates her. He uses her. He's a huge jerk. Does he have a soft side? Yeah. But the bottom line is, he doesn't care enough about Belle to be better. He doesn't care enough about her to give up being the beast, to give up the evil power festering inside of him. He doesn't love her selflessly. He's hurt her over and over, when he's suppose to be the one that protects her.
I know OUAT isn't over yet. Maybe Rumple will eventually give up his own selfish needs, and grow, and be the man Belle actually deserves, but I don't see that happening. Even if it does, how could Belle ever really trust or rely on someone that has betrayed her so often? Plus, what kind of stupid writing takes a character on great arcs only to knock him back into his self-absorbed, twisted ways two episodes later? Wit no explanation??
So basically? Don't write love stories full of manipulation and selfishness. And don't have romances full of needy angst and one spouse thinking themselves better/more important than the other. And never write a romance where a spouse will choose his/her own happiness over the happiness of their loved one.
It is a plague in our society that even such a thing as true love has been stripped of it's true value. So often it seems that marriage just won't last. Divorce happens six times out of ten. Why is this? I think it's because people expect to be perfectly happy. They demand a pleasing, perfect happiness with no trial or suffering. If you and your husband fight, if you have bad times for more than a couple of years, well obviously you made a mistake in being together and it's time to cut it off. I hate how easily people go back on their vow "To have and to hold from this day forward." I think people have forgotten that being in love doesn't mean the end of hardships, and getting marriage doesn't mean you are going to have a picture-perfect life with no problems. Very often it's the opposite. There are struggles in every single relationship. Hard things always happen, sometimes really bad things. What people don't take into consideration is that there are good times too, and you can't give up on a lifetime of good just because a few years have been bad. Marriage is worth fighting for. If someone made you see stars, if someone made you feel light and giddy and free, if someone loved you enough to want to spend the rest of time with you, that is worth fighting for. No matter what.
Now, I get it. Sometimes things happen and they suck. I have personally witnessed some marriages that have hit bad times and there is nothing fun about it. It's horrible. There are fights, tension, lack of peace in the home - all in all, not great. And maybe it's sort of understandable why people want to run away from the problem. But you know what? Statistically if you can just hold on through the rough times - if you can just hang on for a little while - it always gets better. Typically the longest a rough patch will go on is five years. Five years in a lifetime! Isn't fighting for thirty+ years of love better than giving up on it altogether and giving in to heartache and pain?
I know that sometimes you have bad marriages. I understand that. I know sometimes there is No Way for the marriage to work anymore. Like with physical abuse, addiction - whatever. However, legitimately un-fixable relationships are fairly rare. I think some of these issues could be averted if people were more careful. People should stop getting married so fast. We should go back to courting, and it should last for at least a year, even two. You should really get to know the person you've vowed to spend the rest of your life with. That's super important. If people were more careful before saying the magic, I do, things might work out differently.
Another thing is, don't give up on your spouse because they have a couple bad months or even years. It's selfish and stupid. I wonder, if your best friend was going through a rough time, would you give up on them after only a couple of years? Or would you try to help them as much as you could? Your spouse deserves at least that much consideration.
Marriages can work. They can last forever. You just need to be brave enough to keep your promise and stay faithful to each other. Even when money is tight. Even when work gets in the way. Even when you have family issues. It's time we have stories beyond Happily Ever After. Happily Ever After is just page one. Happily Ever After isn't something that's guaranteed, and I think people have forgotten that. You have to fight for your happily ever after. You have to chop down the thorns to get to the golden castle. You have to overcome the trials, bear with the irritations, work through the times when things are rough or just plain hard, and you feel like your whole marriage is failing. You have to get through the night to witness another day. That's just how things go. The trouble with the world isn't that marriage can't be happy. It's that people are no long willing to put up with each others issues every now and again in order to get to a point where they can be happy again. They think if something isn't fixed within a few months, or even a year, it must mean they're no longer meant to be together. In reality, they just need to hold out until the sun rises, and they'll realize the new day was well worth the wait.
There is no such thing as being happy all the time. That would be dreadful. Imagine being in a constant state of excitement?? You'd feel jittery all the time, and it would get exhausting. Every relationship has dark spots. It's okay to have a few fights. It's normal to have long periods of time when a Marriage isn't growing or supplying any happiness at all. Humans are silly and they make mistakes. We all have issues. Sometimes problems take more than just a year to fix. Sometimes they'll take three, five... it's just a matter of fighting for the soul that made you feel loved and whole. Fight for the soul that made you believe in a fairytale ending. You want to be happy? Fight for it. Don't give up it. Don't let the nights, however long, scare you away. Be brave and wait for the sun to rise. I promise you, It always does. When you meet someone that makes you feel that alive, that loved, and that happy, even for one day, he/she is worth holding on to.
So, what are some good, realistic married couples in books and shows today? *rubs hands together*
Amy and Rory are pretty much the OTP to end all OTP's. Their love is set up kind of like a fairy tale too, so I'm going to use it as my first example. Rory and Amy are friends first. They are the definition of falling in love with your best friends. They put their friendship before the romance, before sexual need, before the necessity of happiness. They put each other before themselves continually, willing to risk their happiness to keep the other safe/make them happy in some way. They care about each other deeply, and would do anything to save each other.
What I loved about Amy and Rory was how little could seperate them. Not time, not space, not struggle. I loved that SPOILERS!!! Amy broke herself out of a nightmare, crafted to seem perfectly real, just to save Rory's life. I loved that even after Rory died and was erased her memory, Amy still had this feeling of loss and grief. I love that Rory waited 2000 years outside a box of stone to keep Amy safe. I love that, when Amy was trapped in another time-stream and grew old, Rory told her he didn't care that she was old, only that they hadn't grown old together. (And then he still tried to save her. Her age didn't matter to him. Not at all.) I love that Amy tore time apart, sacrificing that version of herself so to save the younger Amy, and giving Rory all her days; So she could still grow old with him. I love that Amy and Rory wanted a baby, a family, a home. I love that Amy tried to leave Rory because she realized she could never have kids, and he had always wanted them... but Rory wouldn't let her. I love that it was proven, once again, divorce is not the answer. When you love someone, you fight for them. No matter what. *END SPOILERS* I love that they fought, but never walked away for good. I love that they always waited for each other, that they put each other first always, that they were brave enough to face the stupidity of the world together. I love that they almost got divorced but realized their love was more important than any problem. I loved that they grew old together. I loved that they stayed faithful. I love that they were friends.
Carl and Ellie only had something like ten-fifteen minutes of screen-time, but by the end of it you were a dripping mess of emotion. They were childhood friends that got married when they grew up, built themselves a house, and had the essence of Happily Ever after. Like Amy and Rory, Carl and Eddie wanted to have dozens of kids, but the Doctor discovered Ellie would never be able to conceive children. This was a devastating blow, but Carl helped Ellie through it, and together they were still able to have a beautiful life with a lot of joy, laughter, and adventure.
Carl and Ellie have a sweet, romantic relationship, with a foundation rooted in friendship and devotion. They have the type of love we should all aspire to have, the never-giving-up love. Arthur and Molly Weasley: Harry Potter
As a note, I'm not wild about the Harry Potter books. I don't think much of J.K. Rowling either. That being said, Arthur and Molly are pretty great. I have only read to book five in the Harry Potter series, but I have watched all the movies and I enjoy them when I'm in the mood. I think the movies were better, to be honest. The Weasley's are my favorite part about the story. I really loved that Arthur and Molly raised a big family in a small house, and that they were always full of humor and happiness, even though money was tight and they weren't always able to afford lots of things. I loved how much they cared about all their kids, and how they were able to give them happy, beautiful lives even though there were lots of hand-me-downs and not much that you didn't share. I think they showed that you don't have to be rich to be happy, and that having a lot of kids is a blessing, not a curse. They were cute and sweet, and I just really like them. I like them a lot. Martin and Iantha Penderwick.
These two are just adorable. They're there for each other through all the rough times, they take care of each other, they love each other, they both like being a Mommy and Daddy; - Basically, just read the Penderwicks. Everything created in those pages is perfect.
Marriages that take you by surprise but somehow work:
*SPOILERS*
Eugenides and Attolia. Oh. My. Gosh. Definition of saved through love. That marriage is so layered and complex. They both care for each other deeply, but their love functions on a rather different level. Eugenides brings out the girl behind the mask, while Attolia draws out the Eugenides not many people see. Rough, coarse, and vulnerable. River and The Doctor:
I'm not even sure why this marriage works. I think it is very much a Love-Comes-Softly situation. Neither River nor the Doctor trusted each other at first, and the Doctor took a long time to warm up to River, but somehow these two time-travelling oddities, forever meeting in the wrong order, fell into a peculiar, hesitant love, burning through time and space. I know some people don't ship The Doctor and River, but I think the fact that he breaks her out of jail every night to take dates and take her dancing is proof enough that they're in love. Plus, he literally settled down on a planet and spent twenty-four years of happily ever after with her. (SO CUTE, YAR???) River and the Doctor are a complicated love story, but I want to show the different marriages that work and last. Capisce? Aragorn and Arwen: The Lord of the Rings
I know they aren't a huge plot line, but I liked how Tolkien showed Aragorn and Arwen's love. It was mysterious and beautiful. To think that an Elf, blessed with long life, would accept mortality in order to marry a mortal man. I love that Aragorn was willing to let her Journey to the Undying Lands and leave him forever, but Arwen wouldn't do that. She wanted to be with him, because she loved him. Isn't that beautiful?
I also liked the special touch in the movie, where Arwen was travelling to the Ships going West, but then she saw a vision of Aragorn and her son, and she realized that there were things that meant more to her than immortality, than leaving with her family and her people. She wanted to be the wife of Aragorn, the mother of his son. Isn't that the most beautiful, tender thing you've ever heard?
Jimmy and Mae Braddock:
I know they aren't fictional, but I had to use them. They're sweet, they're strong, and they are actual real! So ha! There is proof marriages can last a lifetime! Jimmy and Mae did it, and they had to live through the Great Depression together. If they can survive that horror, you can survive the bad things that happen too.
I really loved that Mae was a supportive wife. I loved that she stood up for Jimmy and never quit on him, but would get upset if he pushed himself too hard. I really love how much respect Jimmy had for his wife, how much he cherished her, how he treated her like a lady at all times. I love that they were solid walls of support for each other, and even when they fought and argued, they always came back for each other. Every. Single. Time. It was adorable and sweet, and it was real, and I think everyone who gets married should try to hold the same courage as this couple that survived Depression and sickness and fear, and got through it, still married, still in love, still the very best of friends.
I'm like, three days behind. I'm sorry guys. You all know you can post before me, right? Okay.
Today we're going to cover the importance of love. In all forms. Love at its simplest, love at its greatest.
We're going to cover books with the love that exists between families and friendships. Mention some things you'd like to see in these stories, and which stories you would personally like to see in books today.
I am going to update this post when I'm finished, but please feel free to start yours. I feel so bad. Things go insane, and now I'm very behind. 8-( Apologies all around! I'll need to play catch-up.
I am so sorry. This post is shorter than my other ones. My computer shut down and I lost a whole post, and I was sad. I tried my best though. 8-D Today we're going to cover books with the love that exists between families and friendships. Mention some things you'd like to see in these stories, and which stories you would find very rare.
For me, The Ascendants Trilogy is one of those books that catch your interest almost instantly, and you're hooked until you finish. It has great character development. I really liked how a bunch of different friendships evolved throughout the series, constantly growing, changing, and getting better.
Franz and Japhet are precious human beings and must be protected at all costs!!!!
Brothers-in-Arms
Raven's Gate Series: Anthony Horwitz
This series does have a lot of good friendships, and there are some twins that are introduced in book three that I kind of really love. However, it can be incredibly dark, grim, and bleak. It has a very apocalyptic feel, something that has made me struggle with reading them. I have yet to finish the last book. It's just so sad. I have a couple sisters who have read it, and they all say the ending is good, but very sad. And I know why it's sad and I just can't.
However, the writing is good and the story is good, even if it is serious and war-like.
Inkworld: Cornelia Funke
Farid and Dustfinger. Black Prince. Mo. These books!!!! I love these books so much!!! 8-D
BBC Merlin
Merlin and Arthur encompass what it means to be best friends. I love that they make fun of each other all time, but they know if necessary. they would die to keep the other safe. It makes me feel warm and happy inside. This friendship is perfect. (I also ignore everything the writers say on this subject, as well as most of the cast. They're annoying.)
Gallager Girls: Ally Carter
Yas!! A Girl's school for the gifted... especially those gifted in the art of secrecy. These books are basically about a spy/special agent school for girls. They're excellent. And they have lots of female friendship. This makes me very happy, because those are very, very rare.
The Penderwicks: Jean Birdsall
I cannot say enough good about these books. They family is perfect. The relationship between the sisters is perfect. The fact that they adopt friends into their family is perfect. Their Daddy is perfect. Everything about this series is perfect. Just read them.
The Ascendants Trilogy: Jennifer Neilson
Oh, lala! Yaaaaaaas! The friendships in this book are golden! There is so much development and change that occurs. I love them.
The Lord of the Rings: J.R.R. Tolkien
We all know Tolkien is King of friendship stories. "I CAN CARRY YOU." *dies of feels*
What do I think we need in books today? First, more sister stories. Good sister stories, sister stories about two girls who will protect each other, tease each other, die for each other. Second, more brother stories. More friendships. I want friendship where the boys meet when they're little, grow up together, and love each other with all they have. I want friendship where they meet later in life but still grow close and dependent on each other. I want friendship where one person will tear apart time for another. I want friendships where everything falls apart and the only thing left is each other. I want friendships where friends hold hands as everything freaking implodes on itself. I want friendships with love and laughter, friendships with hugs, friendships with shared morning coffee, emotional connections, dinners together, funny car rides, insane deals and sacrifices, long walks, friends having each other for a flat mate... I just want friendships that defy everything society says and prove that you can love someone without it being romantic.
I've been working on this too long and it will probably be very ranty. I apologize in advance.
Day Six: Break Out of The Mold:
Have you noticed that a vast majority of books now days seem to have that certain mold? Now is time to break out of that! Believe it or not, a lot of people want fresh ideas, despite what you see on the shelves. So today I'm going to write a list of common cliches and mistakes in books today. After you read through my list, I want all of you to blog about authors/books that you see as unique. Books that Stand Out. You can talk about what you think makes them different, or keep the post super simple. Either way. 8-D
Writers I that I think Stand Out:
Jean Birdsall,
Anthony Horowitz
Katrina DeLallo (She isn't published yet, but she should be.)
Jack Lewis Baillot
Diana Wynn Jones
Brian Jaques
J.R.R. Tolkin
Cornelia Funke
Martin Levitte
Megan Whalen
David Blake. (I've just started his books, but so far they're really good!)
Each of these writers have their own style and voice. Each of these writers have interesting, layered characters, both in protagonists and antagonists. Each of these writers bring something different to their story, even if its an age-old plot. Each of these writers dare to go one step farther, think bigger, open doors wider. They're creative, clever, thoughtful, imaginative and enthralling. They break a lot of molds and they aren't afraid to stray from the recipe of "Proper Social Books."
Common Cliches/Mistakes (You can totally make your own list, but that's not required. I'm mostly doing this to show you the mold and how to break it. But whichever you decide, please share this list, or the link to this list, on your blog!)
I know this list is really long. You don't have to read the whole thing. I just thought it might be helpful. :-)
1.) The Brooding males with a dazzling smile, muscly arms, and a mysterious attitude.
Boy characters don't always have to be brooding, mysterious, and strong. Write boys who are funny! Write boys who like books! Write boys who are clever! Write boys who are gentle, boys who are loyal, boys that get scared. Write boys that love an awful, awful lot. Write boys that aren't just bags of sarcastic comments and rough, moody smiles. It's really annoying.
Some Good Male Characters: (IMO) Michael Scofield, Prison Break. Lincoln Burrows, Prison Break. Hale, Heist Society. Dustfinger, Inkheart. Eugenides, The Queen's Thief. Jeffrey Tifton, The Penderwicks, Franz Kappel, Brothers in Arms. Arthur Pendragon,BBC Merlin. Merlin, BBC Merlin. Christopher Chant, The Lives of Christopher Chant.
I know guys can be soft-hearted and gentle. I know a couple guys who are very, very sweet and kind. So don't think some of your guy characters can't have those traits. Rule One is, Guys are Human and have as many different personalities as girls. However, you ought to keep in mind that men aren't typically emotional, expressing sorts. From my experience, boys like to be tough and strong. They don't like admitting how they they're wrong, and they don't like getting emotional. They tend to say things how it is. They want to fix the problem. They don't often share feelings or personal issues. They're more likely to seek advice from a sister/wife/female friend, than to seek advice from their 'brother' - though sometimes they will open up about certain things if they've had a really rough time. They express love through actions more than words. They're can be shy or uncomfortable around girls, especially if they're interested in them. This can change depending on the character, but in general this is true for most guys. They're weird. I would recommend talking to boys if you feel like you want advice on how to write for them. Also, watch how boys interact with each other, especially with their friends.
I know it can be hard to write male characters. If possible, try to base at least traits of your boy characters on boys/men you actually know. This helps a lot.
I found a really great link on How to Write from a Boy's POV on another blog. I found it helpful (and relieving) because it means I have the right idea about how guys think and feel. 8-D
2.) YOUNG TEENAGE GIRL WITH A BIG DESTINY, WHO MUST SAVE THE WORLD!
Please. Stop. Enough. I'm so done with the special eighteen year old girl who is destined for greatness and has to save the world. It's okay to have special characters with special destinies. I don't mind books like that because they can make good stories. Just do it right. Make the destiny something besides "You are the last of this and that thing!" or "You are the only one who can stop said person!" If you can create a character that is unique and fresh, these plots might seem new, even exciting, but otherwise this recipe for Hero is old and annoying.
I'm not saying plots like this can't be done. But make it your own.
3.) YOUNG TEENAGE BOY WITH A BIG DESTINY, WHO MUST SAVE THE WORLD!
Again. Stop. Do something more interesting. If you're going to go for a Must Stop World Domination story, play around with it and make it your own.
4.) Zombies/ghosts/the undead.
What exactly is wrong with living, breathing people???
5.) Young teenage boy with anger management issues. (And he may really like his childhood friend.)
Again. Not every stupid male protagonist has to fit into the same stupid mold. Stray from the recipe for Male Protagonist. Make your protagonist have other issues. Make him have something besides anger. Do something else with the poor guy! He isn't just an empty vessel capable of one trait!
6.) Young teenage girl who fights and has a whole lot of sass. (Sometimes said girl is also in a love triangle.)
GUUUUUUUUUYS. Contrary to popular belief, a whole lot of young girls don't freaking fight and punch stuff. Make a girl who is protective and funny. Write girls who are bossy. Write girls who are sweet. Write girls that want to ride horses and pick flowers. Write girls who want families. Write girls who are happy to be girls and don't want to be macho and masculine. Write girls that like being feminine.
Girls tend to be more emotional and empathetic. We think things through a lot more, in fact a lot of times we over-think. We're more tactful, and we tend to talk things out. We tend to have a lot of intimate moments, and we like sharing our feelings, concerns or worries. Usually we don't even want a ton of advice, just someone to listen to us and be there as morale support. Again, this can change depending on the character, but girls tend to be more giving, open, and expressive. We also tend to be more gentle, romantic, and sensitive. We're less likely to speak our minds, but in our heads we've corrected you big time.
If you want a warrior girl, go ahead and make one but give her other traits besides sass and the "I am Everything" syndrome. That drives me insane.
Good Girl characters. (IMO) Charmain, House of Many Ways. Eddis, The Queen's Thief. Juliette Silverton, Grimm. Keturah, Keturah and Lord Death, Sophie, Howl's Moving Castle. Peggy Carter Agent Carter. Clara Johnson, The Light in the Piazza - (musical)
7.) The Sympathetic Villain.
Not every villain should be an insane, annoying vessel of rage. Villains have a story of their own, and you should give them depth while keeping them villains. A popular theme in writing today is to make the villain sympathetic and lovable. While I don't mind sympathetic villains, you shouldn't make your villains into the "Tragic Victim," because it's frustrating. Villains are people who do very bad things and have a lot of bad raging inside them. They aren't meant to be tragically heroic.
Good Villains. (IMO.) Loki Layfison, The MCU. The Master not Missy, Doctor Who. Azula, Avatar, The Last Airbender. Paul Kellerman, Prison Break. Capricorn, Inkheart. Opheus, Inkdeath, The General, Prison Break. The Old Ones, The Raven Gate series. Wilson Fisk, Daredevil. Julian Verres, The Masterful Monk.
*note: there is a difference between villain and antagonist. Remember that your antagonist isn't necessarily a bad guy. He can simply be a man in a hard situation, doing bad things. Villains are legitimately bad people who have done bad so long that bad is almost all that's left in him.
8.) Feminism. Feminism everywhere.
Feminism is supposed to mean that men and women have equal rights and opportunity. That is great. I don't think woman she be thought of as less than men, anymore than blacks should be thought less than whites or vise-versa. I get irritated, however, when feminism becomes Woman can be like Men!, instead of Women are Humans too! Almost every girl character in society today is a sassy, snarky woman who is full of herself, some sort of spy/assassin/fighter, and doesn't need a man. I think Feminists are getting out of hand. I love girls. I am a girl! Yay, girls are important, and amazing!! Go girls! But I think the tables are flipping and now it's like Girls are more important than Guys, girls are better than guys, girls deserve more respect than guys, girls can totally wipe guys out! I'm annoyed with girls wanting to prove they are just as tough as guys and basically, trying to be guys. It's really frustrating. It's not bad to be emotional, fellow females. It's not bad to be different than men. It's not bad that we have different characteristics. Stop trying to be so tough and aggressive. And stop making girls who want to be feminine, and kind, who want families, who want to garden, or read books, or spend the day cooking - stop making them seem silly and shallow. They aren't. Not everyone wants to be a violent fighter. And you know what? You can know how to defend yourself and still like cooking, dancing, knitting, reading, being open and friendly.... you don't have to push all female tendencies out to be able to take care of yourself.
9.) SACRIFICING CHARACTER FOR PLOT.
Oh my gosh. This is the biggest trend in our modern world. Authors just love those plot twists, and who cares if said person acts completely out of character? Now we have more drama!
Please stop. If you need to force your character out of character for your epic drama, it isn't worth it.
Stay true to your characters. Feel free to push them and give them stakes, but don't make them do things that aren't true to the person they are. (For example, Nick Burkhart randomly having a fling with Adalind. No. Sean doing what he did to Meisner. No. Ronan Lynch. No. He wasn't. He wouldn't. That wasn't him. Steve Rogers in the Comics, with the whole HYDRA thing. No. It wouldn't happen! Stop!) You can gradually push a character to doing something drastic he doesn't usually do, but don't don't randomly have him act out of character. You also have to be careful with how far you push them. For example, what Dean Winchester did in S10 of Supernatural was too much. They pushed him too far. He was no longer Dean. He was out of character, even with the whole Mark thing.*
*I DON'T WATCH SPN ANYMORE, I HATE IT, AND THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY!
10.) Using lots of adjectives and adverbs. Oh, and freaking CAP LOCKS.
I understand that you need to describe some things, but it is very annoying when a character can't just say something. It's all, "She snapped" or "He grumbled," or "She said tightly," or "He said hotly," and it's very frustrating. Use the simple yet effective technique. Don't overdo your descriptions. Don't let adverbs and adjectives drag your writing down.
11.) The use of too many commas, dashes, ellipsis, or inflections. (Italics, bold, underlined, etc.)
This goes along with #10. Used sparingly, dashes, ellipsis and such like can be very effective, but they're like salt. Use too many and you taint the whole dish.
12.) Modern story telling, especially in Fantasies. If your book is in another world/fantasy setting, please, please don't use modern storytelling! Please use a style that's more old-fashion. Particularly if your world is in a medieval time frame.
I understand that there are different styles in writing, but fantasy books typically shouldn't have things like "Shut up," or "Oh my gosh!" or "Holy crap, that's hot!" Those sorts of phrases belong in 21st Century Earth, not a fantasy world. Usually if it is fantasy, you should have a more old-fashion feel. Even medieval. There can be some exceptions to this. I bet some writers could have modern-ish language in their fantasy and get away with it. I'm sure Diana Wynn Jones could've made it work. But as a rule of thumb, you really shouldn't go there. It's too easy to make it sound modern and fake, throwing your audience out of the story.
13.) I'm straight...! No wait, I'm not.
I'm aware this is a dangerous thing to say, but I'm a little tired of the IN YOUR FACE Queer people in books. This is a personal preference. I wouldn't mind so much if they started out like that, but when they turn queer on me, quite out of the blue, its very vexing.
14.) Lack of brother stories, friendships, sisters, and family in general.
I repeat an early rant: not everything is a romance! I like love stories, but seriously. You don't have to make everything romantic. Books are sorely lacking in friendship and family stories. This needs to be fixed.
Skye should have stayed with Jane, not deserted her in her hour of need. No good leader would. Would Caesar have gone off looking for golf balls when his soldiers were at their breaking point? No.
And neither would he let a wounded soldier be carried off the field alone. - The Penderwicks at Point Mouette
15.) Post-Apocalyptic World!
I know this idea is fun to explore, but I wish there weren't so many authors exploring it. 8-/ The best thing about Dystopian is that you can use it to reveal a future we might have if things go badly. When handled right, a Dystopian story can send some pretty good messages. Like, The Giver showing that losing sorrow means losing joy too, and that all life is important, and we shouldn't give up our individuality.
What this boils down to:
As Writers, we need to try creating ideas outside the box. There's so much that society thinks we should include in our stories that our creativity is being suffocated. It is my humble opinion that almost every bookworm today has hit a terrible Readers funk because writers have an inability, or perhaps just a fear, of creating anything different.
Try Different Plots.
Everyone loves the Villain Taking Over the World/End of the World as We Know It plots, but when those plots are all you get, it is a little exhausting. There is nothing wrong with war stories, kings trying to conquer other countries, battles, expanding empires; these are all things that happen in our real world and so they are very relatable and realistic. But this shouldn't be the only plot left in story telling and if you go for that plot, make it yours! Also, try to experiment with villains! Give them back stories, wants, needs, fears, weak spots! Make them human. They don't have to be good. They don't even have to be sympathetic. They can be downright creepy and twisted. Just make sure they are given as much thought as your heroes. There are some exceptions. Demons, dark spirits, and monsters don't need to be so complicated as a human villain, but there should still be enough to them that they aren't just sacks of evil. Take the Black Riders in The Lord of the Rings, for example. Their back story made them even creepier, and there was a sort of horrific pity to what happened to them. Or Capricorn, in Inkheart. He was super evil, but he was human and that made his wickedness worse. There is nothing more evil or horrifying than a corrupted human soul. Make sure to remember that.
Play around with your heroes! You shouldn't make them perfect, but neither do you have to make them obnoxious. Give them depth and interest, give them faults and struggles, and make them human. I have found an appalling lack of truly Good Characters in books. Characters that have morality, decency, a big heart and a lot of love, they don't seem to be very popular. Everyone likes the villains. You can have good men who have depth. Steve Rogers has a lot of depth. Merlin, from BBC Merlin has a lot of depth, and there is a definite struggle that you see in him quite often. Natasha Romanoff, Aragon son of Arathorn, Tony Stark, John Watson, Juliette Silverton, Eugenides, Eddis, Sophie Hatter, the Black Prince... these are all characters who have very good hearts and try to do the right thing. Are some of them giant brats? Yes! Are some of them bossy, nosy, snarky? Yes! Are some of them flawed and broken? Yes! but they are all good. They are all the good guys. Don't be afraid to write characters who are really good.There seems to be a strange beliefs circulating through society, that if you are good you are flat and boring. That doesn't have to be the case. Good characters can even be more in depth than evil ones! It's harder to be good than to be evil. It's harder to do what's right than to do what's easy. I really, really want good, kind, strong characters with big, warm hearts and emotional, moral strength. It makes me sad that these characters are thrown to the wayside so often, and I would be very happy to find more writers taking on the challenge of Good characters who have layers and flaws, but are still good.
Remember to write characters first. This goes for males as well as females. Write people first. Everyone has hopes, dreams, needs, wants, problems, anxieties, inner and outer conflict. Everyone has feelings, even if they don't express them the same way as we do. Write people first. Worry about technicality later.
