Let's Be Brave

Brave

I have decided to be very, very brave and share a little bit about the musical I have been working on since January of last year. That's a long time folks. I think if I start blogging about it, I might actually finish it before January of this year. At least a first draft. 

Let's Be Brave. I first got the idea for Let's Be Brave when I listened to the "Weight of Us," waaaaaaay back in August of 2016. I loved the line, "Time has come, let us be brave." I thought that was very inspiring and in the back of my mind a seed was planted. I have this thing with bravery. I think if you just have courage, you can get through anything. So, when my mind presented me with a title and a bare idea of a young girl who decides to be brave in times of hardship, I grasped at it. I began to plot, to diagram, to write.  

What is Let's Be Brave? It is a musical about children from broken families/broken homes, who find each other and through their friendships, are able to find courage amidst  suffering. They start a "Let's Be Brave" Club.

My musical so far focuses on five/six different children. 1.) Violet, Emily, Jamie(?) Tonia, May, and Charlie.

Each character suffers from some kind of abuse, grief, low self-esteem, anxiety, hardship, or suffering. The premise of the story is that when you are faced with tribulation, you mustn't give into it, but instead rise above your bad situation. Whatever happens, you must learn to soldier on.  I am still in the rough draft of this musical, and character may change or shift as time goes on. But I thought it was best to get this out there once and for all, because this post has been sitting in my drafts since the beginning of July and that's sad.

I have an unhealthy fear of people stealing my ideas, so I'm not sure how much I will post about this musical at first. But you will get updates! I plan to start sharing more about all the musicals I'm working on - including the Howl one - and maybe even starting a Youtube channel for them.

*SCREAMS FOREVER*

And guys, I promise there is an Evan Hansen review coming soon. I'm sorry it's taking so long. I can't seem to find time to blog.

God Bless everyone! Hope to talk again soon!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

T-Swift Book Tag!

A few months back I was looking for a Book Tag and found this awesome Taylor Swift one on Another Blog. It's taken me awhile but I've decided to do it!

The Taylor Swift Book Tag!

1. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

(Pick a book or series that you were pretty sure you were in love with, but then wanted to break up with)

The Raven Boys was beautifully written and intriguing. The plot was solid, the characters were great, and there were some incredible friendships. I was pretty sure I loved it. 

However, I decided to never read the series again when an awesome character who was Catholic, a boxer, and one of the most aggressive, protective people you'll ever meet, ended up being gay. It was so out of character. Especially because his "significant other" was in love with a girl for the first three books. I was so upset. Ronan wasn't. He wouldn't. It would not have happened. That twist was obviously just the Writer deciding to go with a popular trend. It makes me mad.

2. Red

(pick a book with a RED cover)

War is coming...

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer Neilson. This book is the last of three so I can't say too much about it without giving anything away. Just go read the Ascendants Trilogy! The characters are well done, the plot is good, and there are some great friendships/romances. Remember, it is Middle Grade so it could have been a little more mature/serious, but ya' know. It's still a good series though! 8-)

3. The Best Day

(pick a book that makes you feel nostalgic)

I'm not sure if this means the book itself makes you feel nostalgic, or whether it's a book that makes you feel nostalgic because it means something to you personally. 

If it's the first option then I would go with The Penderwicks In Spring, which made me feel both very nostalgic and very emotional. Wow. Poor Batty. Poor Ben. Poor Jeffrey. Poor Mr. Penderwick. Poor everyone.

All The Sads!

The other option is probably Winnie The Pooh. (The originals, obviously.) Pooh brings back good memories an a warm achy feeling in my chest. I love the stories and the characters. Even if it's a bad day Pooh can make me feel better. 

Winnie the Pooh has a nostalgia all it's own. It leaves you with the same achy feeling you get after watching Pixar's Inside Out. You rediscover your childhood and then you have to let go of it again. It's sad, but not in a bad way. And it makes you remember important things and reconnect with that childlike wonder and excitement.

4. Love Story

(pick a book with forbidden love)

I don't know if Jane Eyre is necessarily forbidden but it's all that came to mind. I don't read too much romance. Usually because it's dull.

Jane is a young governess in the 1800's who tutors a little girl, Adele, in the country. She falls in love with Adele's guardian, Mr. Rochester and he in turn falls for her. This story has a Forbidden Love angle because Jane had no social standing and worth, whereas Rochester had very high social standing and is a well-known and respected. In that time frame such a thing was strongly frowned upon in disapproval. Their relationship and potential marriage goes against custom, code, and tradition. Besides that, there is Rochester's secret...

5. I Knew You Were Trouble

(pick a book with a bad character you couldn’t help but love)

D. Grayman, Katsura Hoshino

Tyki Mikk

"My Black and White selves - the real fun lies in having both."

Uuuungggggggg. My relationship with this character is "Tyki, Why?" and Tyki is like "TYKI EVIL."

Seriously though. Tyki is a horrible person. I should hate him. I do hate him. But I also I like him. I don't know why I like him. He does terrible things and enjoys them. And I'm just over there, "Why aren't you good? You could be good, if you just gave up your dark side."

Maybe he'll have a giant character arc. The series isn't over yet.

6. Innocent

(pick a book that someone ruined the ending for.)

My sister's are really good about not spoiling book endings. 8-) Sometimes they'll spoil TV shows or movies but with books my family is tight-lipped. The end of Oblivion (the last book of the Gatekeeper series) was spoiled through my own fault. I had a bad feeling about that stupid book, especially in regard to some of my favorite characters, so I asked my sister to please tell me what happened. And my feelings were correct. I'm not reading that book for a while. A long while.


7. Everything Has Changed

(pick a character from a book who goes through extensive character development)

Extensive, hm? Extensive.

Xerxes Break from the Pandora Hearts series.*

"No matter how you suffer, you must go on living anyway."

*Yes, it's a manga. A manga I need to review.

Xerxes Break is one of those manga characters that blew me away. He was such an odd, untrustworthy person at the beginning. I didn't like him. But as I continued to read the series, Break's character arc got me good. He turned into one of my favorite characters. His development was intense, emotional, and beautifully done.

I can't finish this question without taking time for Paul Grey too. Paul Grey from The Last Crescendo goes through an incredible arc. He comes from the lowest of the low, sunk in depression and hatred, and slowly comes back to life and... God. It's like, wow Paul. Look at all the good that is in you. You're so, heroically good. I love that about The Last Crescendo. I love that about Paul. His personal growth as a character, and his growth in regard to religion and Catholicism are both beautiful, realistic, and pure. If you're looking for a good "Christian Fiction" book, Owen Francis Dudley writes fantastic ones. They're all about a Catholic Monk named brother Anselm and the different people he meets and helps.

8. You Belong With Me

(pick your most anticipated book release)

Book Five.

I need this book so badly! I own the first four books and have been desperately waiting for a new one to come out for ages. Really. Book four came on in 2010! And here we are seven years later, Finally getting another book!

Don't be that Writer. 😩

I mean, Megan Whalen Turner is great but geeze. That's a long wait.

The Queen's Thief series is my absolute favorite fantasy series ever. I love how Turner handles character development and growth, and I LOVE her third book! Besides the great stories and individual arcs of characters and plots, Eugenides is the most epic little thief you'll ever read about so....

I NEED BOOK FIVE!

I've pre-ordered but I have fears about betrayal. Please don't betray me Megan! Don't do it!

9. Forever and Always

(pick your favorite book couple)

I don't read romances! 8-( Up there at the top is a book couple I can't give names to without revealing a spoiler, but it's from the Attolia series. Besides that one, my favorite couple is probably Ann and Paul from The Last Crescendo,

BONUS QUESTIONS! (Added by Bella)

10. Never Grow Up
(A book you read when you're feeling sad/emotional)

When I am in need of a comfort book I tend to read Howl's Moving Castle, or one of the many Chrestomanci books. There is something very heart-warming about Diana Wynne Jones' books.

11. Begin Again

A book you've read multiple times but always go back to it because it's that good.

The Queen's Thief series and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

"Steal me peace."

"All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you."

12. Starlight
(A book you hid in bed with/fell asleep reading)

I've fallen asleep reading plenty of times in my life, but some books that stand out in my mind for this, Half Magic, Edward Eager, The Masterful Monk, Owen Francis Dudley, Harry Potter, JK Rowling, and Mariel of Redwall, Brian Jacques. I don't remember which Harry Potter book. I think it was The Prisoner of Azkaban. Of those books, Half Magic is a big one. I remember waking up and finishing it later that night. The joys of a bookworm. 😊 Things like that happened to me fairly often actually.

13. I Know Places
The number one book you would take on a long trip away from home.

The Queen's Thief, or The Hobbit.

14.) Change

(A book you've never read but want and plan to)

This series. Dragonsong, Dragonsingers, Dragondrums. It sounds good and I'm slightly appalled that I've never read it.

This was fun! I think I'll do one for my TV shows/movies next! 8-D

I tag:

Jack

Christine

Treskie

Kat

Amy

And anyone else who wants to give it a whirl! No worries if you can't do the tag either. Fufufu.

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

In which I want to post but I have no idea what to post about.

Yo people of the internet!

Guess what today was!

Well yes, it was the first day of Spring. It was also the day Catholics celebrate the feast of St. Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus Christ. (His feast day was yesterday but because he's such a big Saint, if it falls on a Sunday the Church gives it it's own day of celebration.) This means we got to have a little relief from the Lenten penitence. For me and my sisters this involved the skipping of a meal so we could partake of tea-cakes and coffee at eight thirty at night.

We DeLallo's sure get crazy with our feasting. Lol. We all worked late so that was about as much as we could manage.

I've no idea what to post about guys. I am sooooo tired. I was on a energy high last night and didn't get to sleep 'till some creeping hour after midnight. I got a little writing done though, and that was excellent! Life goals and all that. I had so many goals this year. *siiiiiiigh* My goals are not working out. Granted, it's only March but as far as 2017 goes I've gotten off to a rough start, creative-wise. It's especially annoying when I actually try to be creative and my creative juices won't flow. I think some of it has to do with how sick I've been these past few months, and not sleeping well. No rest means no creativity. Unless it's 3:00 AM. Then your mind wakes up sure and steady!

I don't know if anyone else has this problem, but do you ever get super excited about a certain story and you can see the whole finished product in your head like a beautiful masterpiece, but when you start work on it you think that maybe you can't actually write this beautiful story?

That is what's been happening to me. 8-P

JUST GET IT DONE BELLA.

What I want to do is take a long walk with my notebook. I want to sit in nature until my mind remembers to what creative is. Maybe I'll do that this weekend. It's been too long since I've climbed a tree. Now that Spring is here I'm feeling much more friendly toward the wilderness. I'm more of an outdoor person in the warm months than in the cold. Call me whimpy if you want. There isn't a lot to do in the snow. Once Spring sets in I'm like "YAAAAAAS. TREES! ROOFS! LIGHT! SUN! LIFE!"

I want to go swimming, but it's not quite that warm out yet. Sadly. 8-( I think swimming would help my back. It's been acting up lately.

With that random bit of information out of the way, here is a Japanese* song I've been obsessed with these past few months. I'm trying to learn it for singing class. Unfortunately the only copy you can find on Youtube that isn't pitched is the one performed live. The guy who sings it is a bit weird so feel free to ignore him. Don't judge until you read the lyrics. They're sad. 8-(

*Yes I said Japanese. It's was one of the opening songs in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and I love it.

READ LYRICS HERE:

 My favorite line is in the fifth verse: 

You, who gave me a new start by your consolations,   and the hateful and cowardly me.

It’s about time… Fumbling, my troubles spill down my tired cheeks

There is something beautifully sad about that line. It reminds me of a person who has tried his/her absolute hardest and had it all backfire on them. It also reminds me of that feeling you get when you've succeeded but at a heavy price. Like Frodo at the top of Mount Doom, knowing the Ring is destroyed but he will never be the same. It make me more determined then ever to write good characters who face intense moral dilemma's and painful sacrifices, but they still do what's right. However scared and weak they feel, they do the better thing. The noble, hard thing. Being a good person doesn't make your decisions any easier. Usually it makes them harder. I want readers like me to have more characters to relate to. Not just morally grey people who sometimes do the right thing, but actually good people sticking to their values, however hard. Contrary to popular belief, Good doesn't mean Flat. It's much harder to be Good than Grey.

Sometimes Japanese lyrics are deep and they help me write. I need to draw inspiration from wherever I can get it. I don't even care if it's weird. This song is beautiful. 

Ooooh. Now I have an idea about a song review. Or analogy. Or talk? Something like that. A "Lyrics in relation to the writing/inspiration" thing. That's sounds interesting.

On that note, I'm off. It's almost eleven here and I have to get to bed.

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

Let's Be Brave

Brave

I have decided to be very, very brave and share a little bit about the musical I have been working on since January of last year. That's a long time folks. I think if I start blogging about it, I might actually finish it before January of this year. At least a first draft. 

Let's Be Brave. I first got the idea for Let's Be Brave when I listened to the "Weight of Us," waaaaaaay back in August of 2016. I loved the line, "Time has come, let us be brave." I thought that was very inspiring and in the back of my mind a seed was planted. I have this thing with bravery. I think if you just have courage, you can get through anything. So, when my mind presented me with a title and a bare idea of a young girl who decides to be brave in times of hardship, I grasped at it. I began to plot, to diagram, to write.  

What is Let's Be Brave? It is a musical about children from broken families/broken homes, who find each other and through their friendships, are able to find courage amidst  suffering. They start a "Let's Be Brave" Club.

My musical so far focuses on five/six different children. 1.) Violet, Emily, Jamie(?) Tonia, May, and Charlie.

Each character suffers from some kind of abuse, grief, low self-esteem, anxiety, hardship, or suffering. The premise of the story is that when you are faced with tribulation, you mustn't give into it, but instead rise above your bad situation. Whatever happens, you must learn to soldier on.  I am still in the rough draft of this musical, and character may change or shift as time goes on. But I thought it was best to get this out there once and for all, because this post has been sitting in my drafts since the beginning of July and that's sad.

I have an unhealthy fear of people stealing my ideas, so I'm not sure how much I will post about this musical at first. But you will get updates! I plan to start sharing more about all the musicals I'm working on - including the Howl one - and maybe even starting a Youtube channel for them.

*SCREAMS FOREVER*

And guys, I promise there is an Evan Hansen review coming soon. I'm sorry it's taking so long. I can't seem to find time to blog.

God Bless everyone! Hope to talk again soon!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

Writers Camp [ Day Twelve ] Conquering Writer's Block.

Day Twelve: Conquering Writer's Block.

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 BBC Merlin, 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?

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

Writer's Camp [ Day Eleven ] Would You Rather/What Now

Day Eleven: Would You Rather/What If

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.

So. What do you think? Peace out y'all!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

Writers Camp [ Day Ten ] Sample Time!

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.”

“I hope so,” said the Visitor.

SO? What think you??

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

Writers Camp [ Day Nine ] What are you writing?

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...


What do you think, writers? You like?

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

Writers Camp [ Day Seven ] Love/Family

Day Seven: Love/Family

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.

The Ascendants Trilogy: Jennifer Neilson

The Runaway King

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

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. 

That's all. 

What are some friendships you all like?

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

Writers Camp [ Day Four ] Plot&Bunnies Reveal!

[ PARTICIPANTS ]

Plot Bunny (1)

Your Protagonist has just lost his/her sight. He/she wakes up alone, isolated. He/she can hear voices a little way off. His/her hand's are bound and there are strange bandages surrounding his/her head. Where is he/she? Why is he/she there? Where is he/she supposed to be? What now?

I Present A Beginning Chapter! (This actually relates to a book I'm working on about sisters. I'm really excited because I haven't been able to do too much with it yet, but this gave me a sort of jumping board. I kind of know where to go with it now.)

      She woke up in a room that smelled like winter. She could feel her hands pinned together in front of her by some sort of heavy chain, cold and sharp against her tender skin. She tried to sit up and instantly felt a surging, rabid pain flood her head. Quickly, she lay back down. She now noticed that her ankles were shackled too and her feet seemed to be bare. They were simply so numb she hadn't noticed until now that there was nothing guarding them from the chill. Far below her feet she could hear a distant murmur of voices. So she wasn't wholly alone, then. But why was it so cold? Where was she? 

     As these questions entered her frightfully muddled head, she took in two things at once. First, that she could feel nothing upon her eyes, yet she had open them and seen nothing. The second, was that her mind was as dark as the world around her, offering no answers to her present predicament. It couldn't even bring her name to the surface. She struggled not to panic. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Her breath was thin and coarse, and whether for that, or for the fact that she was finally starting to sense feeling under the numb pricks encasing her skin, she became aware of a strange pain in her chest. It seemed to spread for her back, through her ribs and into her legs, rough and sore. It made breathing difficult. Carefully, carefully, she drug herself forward, feeling her way with her fingers. The ground beneath her was terribly cold, almost wet. It reminded her of something. Ah yes. Ice. She jerked to a stop, the length of her chains apparently coming to an end. So she turned and tried the other way. 

   At last she felt a wall against her fingertips, just as cool as the floor beneath her. She leaned up against it and waited, listening. 

    She had just drifted off again, when she heard something like a metal gate being lifted seemingly only a few feet away. She kept still, wondering what on earth was going to happen next. There was the soft pad of leather shoes against ice and then, hands on her face. This made her start so violently that the hands fell away. She kicked out with her feet. 

 "Stay back," She rasped. Her voice was strange, she noticed. The accent was deep. rough. How strange the experiencing that you were hearing yourself for the first time. 

   "Now, now, none of that," said the voice. It was a man's voice, high and silly. "I was just trying to make sure of a pulse, is all. Most people die in here after the first night. Especially the likes of you." She heard some more shuffling, then he was back. "I've brought you something to drink," he said. "It's hot, so don't burn your pretty little tongue. We'll be needing it later." She felt a flask get placed in her hands, but they were so numb and stiff she had difficult feeling the heat from the liquid inside.  She took one careful sip, then another. The liquid was warm and strong, the taste odd, but not bad. She quickly finished off the flask.  "There you are," said the man. "That's a good girl." She heard to sound of water splashing, his voice, "I'm going to see to your eyes now," and the touch of a towel against her face. The towel was warm and there seemed to be more than just water on it. Suddenly she was very, very aware that her eyes were injured. She flinched back, but a hand came behind her neck to stop her movements. The man was quick,and not cruel, but the ointment on the towel was burning, and with every touch he seemed to reveal more cuts and bruises. What had happened to her? She couldn't say. In a few minutes the procedure was done. There was some more shuffling. "I'm putting a bandage about your eyes," he said. "Don't hit me." She felt the material on her skin. It seemed to have some of the same ointment on it that the towel had. It burned, but not unbearably, and she kept quiet. She was too tired to make noise anyway. The man drew back. "See if you can get some rest there, dear. If you make it to this evening we'll see what her Ladyship has planned for you."

    She heard leather on ice, the sound of a gate, then silence again. She leaned against the wall, breathing shallowly. Her eyes hurt. Her head hurt, hurt with emptiness. Her lids closed on muddled, strange tears.

  "Renetta?" Another hushed voice filmed the room, this time from behind. It seemed to be coming from the wall itself. Inquisitive, she turned to face the wall and answered back, in the same tone, "Hello? Is someone there?"

   ""Oh, Renetta! Yes, Yes! I'm here. My cell is just opposite yours. What luck." The man's voice dropped with anxious relief. "It is you, isn't it? I'd recognize your voice anywhere. Its so good to hear you! I was sick when I heard they brought you here. I'm so sorry. You never should have been caught. I don't know what went wrong" 

    Renetta. Renetta. Renetta who? "Do... Do you know me?" She asked. 

There was a pause. "Aree, it's me. Purcello."  

   "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I, I can't remember. You know me? I'm... Renetta?" 

   "You don't remember?"

   "No. I'm sorry. Do we know each other?

   "You don't remember," Purcello repeated, soft and tight. "Yes, I know you. We're friends, you and I. You promised me to stay behind at camp. I thought you'd be safe there." He paused. "What do you remember?"

  "Nothing." Renetta. Her mind rolled the named around like the sea does a stone. Renetta. Unfortunately, the sea could not tell this stone anything about itself. 

    "Dear lord." Purcello whispered. "That man. He said your eyes - can you see?"

    "No. I think they've been wounded."

    "Oh no, Renetta. I am so sorry." 

"There was a long moment of silence. "How are you fairing?"

      "I'm alright." Renetta answered.  And she was. She was surprisingly calm and collected. Her main concern at the moment was to get as much information from this man as she could. "How do you know me?"

   "We fought together." He sounded very quiet. "You were looking for your sister." 

   "My sister?" Renetta's heart fluttered in bewilderment. "I have a sister....?" 

   "You certainly do; and we found her. Listen, Renetta - " Before Purcello could finish Renetta heard metal scrapping and rising, and a confused scuffle as her informant scrambled away from the wall. She heard the same high voice that had been in her cell only a few minutes early. Purcello raised his voice, perhaps for her benefit. "No! I'm not going anywhere with you!" 

  "That's what you say!" the voice shot back. She heard something that sounded like a sharp thwuck. A heavy dragging noise. The gate lowering again. A Silence, so much grimmer than the silence before. 

    Purcello had been taken. She was alone again. She was a prisoner; and her gut told her she was in terrible danger.

 

Writing Prompt (6) Did you think the blankets could hide you from me? Well, I suppose that's what all children think.

This prompt turned into a poem. *shrug* A sort of creepy poem.

Monster, Monster under the bed, creaking, creaking,

Smelling of dread

No one tells you the truth about Monsters

That they can hide anywhere, in closets, in cupboards
No one tells you how much they can do
That they're full of anger, that they're actually real.
All the grown ups smile and humor you,
Checking the closets, 'There's Nothing There'
The floor boards are empty. You're safe and sound
You've nothing to fear. 
It's funny that no one knows, 
Monsters can hid in the ceiling and walls. 
They can slip in the dark, become one with the shadows.
No one can see them, nobody knows
They actually exist; Your fears are true.
Well, perhaps I speak too harshly when I say Nobody Knows.
Children are clever. Children can see.
Children hear the crawling, children aren't deceived.
Lights go out, drapes are shut. 
Shivering child, all bundled up. 
Wrapped in your blankets, how funny you are!
Did you think the blankets could hide you from me?
Well, I suppose... that's what all children think.

There's my finished bunny/prompt! I can't wait to see all of yours. This is fun!

*swings around cape and leaps of stage*

Bella