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😂 Very true *realizes I just helped compliment myself* erm… yes, all the homeschoolers I have met are awesome! *awkward silence* moving on…
Yeah…ummm…so did I XD”Let another praise you and not your own lips” *gulp* NEXT TOPIC PLEASE!!
I have no idea how many times I’ve done that XD
I don’t keep track because if I did, well, I might be a little scared b/c that happens at night and my brain will begin calculating the amount of sleep I’ve lost over LOTR (just going to be honest here and say: is there ever a good stopping point in that book? Apart from the last sentence?)
Agreed, Faramir and Éowyn works so sweetly! The only weird part is I’m Éowyn and my dad is Faramir… 😂
Faramir and Eowyn are so cute together! (btw how do you do that little accent thing above the E in her name?) *fangirl squeal* XD How do you figure out who you are LOtR wise? I took this one test and it made me Frodo and then the next time I was Gimli?! Excuse me? I think it was an unrealiable sort of test anyway. I AM NOT FRODO NOR AM I A DWARF.
*huff of frustration*
Anyway….
Yeah, it was really sad when they left the caves and woods deal out of the movie.
They did that? Seriously?!!! *going into shock* *hang on*
Yes!😂 Brains, Samwise! “Wise” is even in your name! Your stupidity is gonna make me cry XD
Yes!! JUST THINK!! Oh well, I guess his loyalty and personality kind of make up for any other *ahem* shortcomings.
Haha, I wonder if one of them killed it… Which one of them would mercilessly kill a spider? Hm— forget it, it doesn’t take that much thinking. Pippin. 😂
Yup. That’s Pippin for sure. That pretty much just sums up his personality. He probably sat on it or something. Or just like: Oh look a little spider!
SQUASH!
*and the little spider was never heard from again*
The things he would do that Tolkien never thought to tell us…
Yes! Hear that, Finn? It’s for your own good. I just want to help you gro— stop yelling at me. *shoves him in a chest and shakes head* He just doesn’t understand that the author suffers, too. … somewhat anyway. 😂
You know that thing parents say: “This hurts me as much as it hurts you?” Payton, please believe me! I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Most of the time anyway. Sometimes, I just get plain mad at him and let him deal with the consequences. What is Finn like? Do you h ave a character profile on him? Because I would love to hear more XD
Yes, I hope to. After the trilogy I am going to begin a new project I’ve been planning. It will be at least two books I think, and I hope to publish them.
YOU SHOULD SO PUBLISH IT!!! I’m serious! The world needs more young Christian authors!! Write on!! 😊🥰
#homeschooledChristianauthors
Yeah…ummm…so did I XD”Let another praise you and not your own lips” *gulp* NEXT TOPIC PLEASE!!
🤭 whoops. Yes, next topic XD.
(just going to be honest here and say: is there ever a good stopping point in that book? Apart from the last sentence?)
Hm, I think there was one… Oh yeah, it was the last sentence. Seriously though, I have to tell myself “it’s only going to get better. Go to sleep Now.” 😂
btw how do you do that little accent thing above the E in her name?
I’m using my phone so I can just press and hold on the “e”. I have the same question when it comes to computers😅.
How do you figure out who you are LOtR wise? I took this one test and it made me Frodo and then the next time I was Gimli?! Excuse me? I think it was an unrealiable sort of test anyway. I AM NOT FRODO NOR AM I A DWARF.
😂😂
We just think about our personalities and the character’s personalities. Whichever is closest is the one we pick. It’s easier when someone else does your own. @e-n-leonard did me and I did her. We prefer that over the tests cause yeah, 😂 they don’t work.They did that? Seriously?!!! *going into shock* *hang on*
They did! (I’m guessing you haven’t seen the movie?) And they left out Tom and Lady Goldberry, and Frodo pushed Gollum into— hold on, anyone who hasn’t read/seen LOTR watching? Wouldn’t want to spoil it…
*SPOILERS*
😁
-into the fire out of revenge😫
THEY LEFT OUT THE SCOURING OF THE SHIRE!! And Elrond LAUGHS PEOPLE! And they left out how Gollum almost repented. AND AND AND AND AND— there’s so much. They ruined it🤧 *shakes head sadly*
Anyway…
Oh, they also left out how Sam used “noodles” as a cuss word…Yes!! JUST THINK!! Oh well, I guess his loyalty and personality kind of make up for any other *ahem* shortcomings.
😂
The things he would do that Tolkien never thought to tell us…
😂 Come on Tolkien! You should’ve known! XD
I guess making it seem like Pippin died was more important. *glares* *decides that probably a bad idea since Tolkien wrote the rest of the book* *glares anyway cause he’s dead and can’t do anything about it*Sometimes, I just get plain mad at him and let him deal with the consequences.
Intriguing. I think I should implement this since he thinks microwaves are too dark… XD
What is Finn like? Do you h ave a character profile on him? Because I would love to hear more XD
I don’t have a character profile but…
Finn is my annoyingly stupid MC.
Ok, ok, he feels insignificant and doesn’t believe God wants to use himguess what ends up happening, heheHe’s extremely gullible which is not great it the world he’s in 😂. He also didn’t believe in fairytales. (Key word: Didn’t). He is compassionate and little does he know his friendliness is healing hearts.Here’s a conversation I had with him. I told him he was acting like a baby XD
Me: You need to buck up, Finn. You act like a baby.
Finn: “well, who’s fault is it I should like to know.”
Me: “You are the one who acted so stupid. I didn’t make you like that.”
Finn: “of course not. I forgot, you’re an angel.”
Me: “yes, very good. Now, my question was are you going to have an attitude adjustment?”
Finn: “you tell me.”
Me: “Finn, it depends on you, not me. I mean, I could make you by torturing the living daylights out of you but—“
Finn: “you do that anyway.”
Me: “hey, it’s a writers job. But I’ve given you plenty of happiness, too.”
Finn: “is that supposed to make up for killing—“
Me: “I had to! You didn’t leave me any choice. Look, this is all your fault. You were the one angry about Molly liking mermaids in the first place.”
Finn: “I was the one protecting her from the kids who wanted to bully her about it!”
Me: “I know but.. we aren’t here to discuss that. Are you going to be a big baby for your life or grow up.”
Finn: “Maple won’t let me. She wants me to always climb trees and —“
Me: “I’m don’t mean that!! Good grief, I climb trees but I don’t act like a baby.”
Finn: “are you sure? I heard a rumor about you punching words because they wouldn’t do what you wanted…”
Me: “I don’t do that! I just… delete them!”
Finn: “mhmm…”
Me: “I’m done. Are you going to grow up yourself or am I going to have to make you?”
Finn: “guess we will have to see.”
Me: “go away.”
Finn: “now who’s being rude? I pity your position but—“
Me: *chucks pillow at him*
Finn: “— I am greatly insulted and you are currently *dodges another pillow* acting rather childish. I understand there is a lot of stress *dodges a “randomly” flying knife* when it comes to writing.”
Me: “you know nothing!!”
Did it end with me shoving him in a microwave? Possibly.A long-hidden tale may hold the answers-and the healing-they so desperately seek.
~Set the Stars AlightHm, I think there was one… Oh yeah, it was the last sentence. Seriously though, I have to tell myself “it’s only going to get better. Go to sleep Now.” 😂
LOL YES!! My problem is I always have to stop at the most interesting parts…Gandalf “dies”, Pippin and Merry get captured, the battle of Pelennor fields, etc, etc. *sigh*
No wonder I stay up all night.
I’m using my phone so I can just press and hold on the “e”. I have the same question when it comes to computers😅.
Yeah I’m on a laptop so…..
CLUELESS!!!! XD
😂😂 We just think about our personalities and the character’s personalities. Whichever is closest is the one we pick. It’s easier when someone else does your own. @e-n-leonard did me and I did her. We prefer that over the tests cause yeah, 😂 they don’t work.
So I’m the only one in my family that is consistently reading LOtR – as in I’ve read it more than once. So…..hmmm…..guess I’m on my own. Pfft those online tests DO NOT WORK! I am living testimony to that XD 🤣🤣
They did! (I’m guessing you haven’t seen the movie?) And they left out Tom and Lady Goldberry, and Frodo pushed Gollum into— hold on, anyone who hasn’t read/seen LOTR watching? Wouldn’t want to spoil it… *SPOILERS* 😁 -into the fire out of revenge😫 THEY LEFT OUT THE SCOURING OF THE SHIRE!! And Elrond LAUGHS PEOPLE! And they left out how Gollum almost repented. AND AND AND AND AND— there’s so much. They ruined it🤧 *shakes head sadly* Anyway… Oh, they also left out how Sam used “noodles” as a cuss word…
Nope. AND I WANT TO SO BADLY!! XD I know!!
I feel so left out!!!I don’t mind getting the spoilers.Here is what I already know:
THEY LEFT OUT GLORFINDEL!!! How dare you?! *stamps foot and glares at Peter Jackson* Ummm and put Arwen there instead!?! Seriously peoples?!
Legolas: Guys, you made him BLONDE! No one I know agrees with me on this but I am convinced he should have brown hair. So fight me. XD
They basically ruined Faramir. (WHY EVEN? He was great in the books!?!)
Oh and I’ve heard that about the Scouring of the Shire too.
Did they not finish reading ROTK or something?
No SAM!!
Seriously. Doubt. THEY READ ALL THE BOOKS!!!
(I have this feeling when I watch the movies I will be commentating the whole entire time like “hey they changed this and left out that” or “AAAWWW LOOK AT PIPPIN!!” *rewinds* “THERE HE IS AGAIN!!” Driving my family nuts…. like Sydney, if you don’t stay quiet we won’t watch the other two movies okay?
Fine. I’ll just let you imagine all the wonderful and pertinent commentary you are MISSING!! XD
From what I’ve heard the movies are kind of a “you either love or hate ’em” kind of thing. Despite all the above….I still feel I’ll love them. Just get a little annoyed with the producers XD
😂 Come on Tolkien! You should’ve known! XD I guess making it seem like Pippin died was more important. *glares* *decides that probably a bad idea since Tolkien wrote the rest of the book* *glares anyway cause he’s dead and can’t do anything about it*
I know! (I love Pip in case you haven’t figured that out. Someone sent me the CUTEST picture of him for my pfp XDXD *looks at his soulful-puppy-eyes* *swoons*) Yeah. I guess scaring all his readers and making them cry was MORE IMPORTANT!! *glares with you* Think of all the stuff probably he shared with his family about the charries that WE WILL NEVER EVER KNOW!! *sobs in disappointment*
Intriguing. I think I should implement this since he thinks microwaves are too dark… XD
Oh you totally should! It’s kind of funny. Just don’t tell Finn I was the one who told you that, ok?
I don’t have a character profile but… Finn is my annoyingly stupid MC. Ok, ok, he feels insignificant and doesn’t believe God wants to use him guess what ends up happening, hehe He’s extremely gullible which is not great it the world he’s in 😂. He also didn’t believe in fairytales. (Key word: Didn’t). He is compassionate and little does he know his friendliness is healing hearts. Here’s a conversation I had with him. I told him he was acting like a baby XD Me: You need to buck up, Finn. You act like a baby. Finn: “well, who’s fault is it I should like to know.” Me: “You are the one who acted so stupid. I didn’t make you like that.” Finn: “of course not. I forgot, you’re an angel.” Me: “yes, very good. Now, my question was are you going to have an attitude adjustment?” Finn: “you tell me.” Me: “Finn, it depends on you, not me. I mean, I could make you by torturing the living daylights out of you but—“ Finn: “you do that anyway.” Me: “hey, it’s a writers job. But I’ve given you plenty of happiness, too.” Finn: “is that supposed to make up for killing—“ Me: “I had to! You didn’t leave me any choice. Look, this is all your fault. You were the one angry about Molly liking mermaids in the first place.” Finn: “I was the one protecting her from the kids who wanted to bully her about it!” Me: “I know but.. we aren’t here to discuss that. Are you going to be a big baby for your life or grow up.” Finn: “Maple won’t let me. She wants me to always climb trees and —“ Me: “I’m don’t mean that!! Good grief, I climb trees but I don’t act like a baby.” Finn: “are you sure? I heard a rumor about you punching words because they wouldn’t do what you wanted…” Me: “I don’t do that! I just… delete them!” Finn: “mhmm…” Me: “I’m done. Are you going to grow up yourself or am I going to have to make you?” Finn: “guess we will have to see.” Me: “go away.” Finn: “now who’s being rude? I pity your position but—“ Me: *chucks pillow at him* Finn: “— I am greatly insulted and you are currently *dodges another pillow* acting rather childish. I understand there is a lot of stress *dodges a “randomly” flying knife* when it comes to writing.” Me: “you know nothing!!” Did it end with me shoving him in a microwave? Possibly.
I AM CRACKING UP OVER HERE!!! OH MY GOODNESS I CAN SEE MYSELF DOING THAT TO PAYTON!!! He’s not that much of a baby really. He’s just plain trouble and never listens to me. XD I LOVE FINN ALREADY THOUGH!! *saves him from your microwave* *hugs him* *glares at you*
Just let me know if you need protection from your author, okay, Finn?
I’LL SAVE YOU BUDDY!!!
🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂
Yesss! and Amen! I love the name. It is very similar to the latin word “veritas” Meaning ” Truth is mighty and will prevail” Amen! to that as well.
Yes!! I LOVE IT TOO! I found it in Psalm 111:7 “The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.” and I loved it!!
Thanks! Means a lot! I randomly thought it up with a random name as I was trying to think of unique plants for my world. There are other amazing plants that seem like a treasure. They look, feel, grow and smell like plants but they are also made of a crystalline material with crystal like appearance. They rely on an energy that is like radioactive energy but less likely to kill and more likely to change you that comes from a crystal place as the the planet’s core. Icestone just seemed like the perfect kind of plant to grow in the winter tundra. I then imagined “what would the most beautiful tree by like but it is native to a realm of eternal winter?” I then thought “what if it is a wonder of the world with the grandeur that can only be a credit to its artist?” I then thought of my fascination of how beautiful winter can be with trees coated with snow, ice covering/hanging from their branches, decked out in yellow Christmas lights, and how that makes feel with wonder and joy that this is my Father’s world.” I then imagined what it would be like to walk in a forest of such beauty that is peaceful and calm. Then I thought of how ice can sing in the wind and clink together like an orchestra (And to my listening ears, All nature sings and around me rings, the music of the spheres). I thought further of how wonderful it would be to not only see such beauty but if I was blind I could hear and know it for its wondrous sounds. I figured adding musical ambience would make sense in way if you have tested how ice/glass can make amazing sounds and also react to it (I am a homeschooler too/science project). As for the colors white, golden yellow, and blue, they are my favorite group of colors when I think of a priceless jewel. I honestly feel goosebumps and chills when I daydream of what a wonderful place that would be like to walk among such a forest that is the crown jewel of winter.
You’re so welcome! Honestly you gave me chills too…. Is most of your climate/world winter/tundra? Seriously, all this detail is just 😲😊🤩🤗!!! *still working on getting my brain to think detail like that* Right now though, I’m just trying to work on how to plan the escape of two slaves…. 🙄🙄
Now I have no choice but to finish it! I have said too much! lol XD
Ha ha! Yes you must! Because I have to know how it all works out, okay? XD
My princess’s name is “Sylvendra.” Her younger siblings call her “Sylvie.” She starts out as a small and petite girl of either 10 or 11 years old who is exceptionally brave and fierce. I have a hard time what color of hair to give her. So far I have settled for dark brown, her eyes are a bright and vibrant hazel that can change colors depending on her mood.
Oh!!! Where did you find that name? It’s so pretty. And Sylvie….aaaw! How many siblings does she have?
She has suffered and witnessed horrible things and has yet to suffer more as there is never victory without sacrifices/losses. People look at her and wonder how can a child bear so much burden so young and yet have so much courage, strength and wisdom. When she is not looking or listening they will often weep and pray for the Creator’s mercy. She is her parents’ daughter and embodies my favorite definition of courage “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.”
*hugs Sylvie* I can call her that too right? Yes that is just what courage means! Sylvendra sounds like a wonderful MC!! How many years of her life does the book span? (if you have that planned…. XD Sorry if I like the hard questions….XD)
Her greatest fear, is that she will not be strong enough when needed and everyone has to sacrifice themselves for her when she would rather be the one who is their shield so they, especially children, do not have to suffer like she did and can live in peace full of happiness and love. She decided that she will not be broken but a warrior that would make her family proud to live, serve, and fight as they would have. She wants to learn all she can to be useful to best serve those in need whether it be education, crafting, building, farming, hunting, or fighting. She decides to have her warriors teach her to be a soldier as she sees that is what those who are helpless, need the most. Her other more humorous fears is to be a soft and tender princess again who is more like a decoration for boys to gawk at. So she gets the idea that she must not appear anything like a princess should which is to the dismay of her mentors who still hope for her to fully rule them officially as their future queen. They hope and pray this era of her life will pass or may God help them all. This may involve her dislike for baths and soap and she would have to be forced by a small army of maidens to take one when the dreaded days come but they will have to catch her first and drag her there. XD lol
SYLVENDRA!!! I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!! But I know how she feels….the fairy tale princess of “china, look don’t touch or I’ll break” drives me so crazy. It just AGH!! *rolls eyes in total annoyance* Oh my goodness that is HYSTERICAL!! XD She just has no idea what the army of maidens is planning… *wink*
She still suffers on the inside and only gives into her aches in pain when in private. However, when in public, she feels the pain of others and cries for them but not herself, because she has to be strong and take their pain as her own. She suffers from constant violent nightmares of the demons that killed her older siblings, mother, father, most of her friends, and people. She is terrified of the dark, fire, and sight/smell of blood which will be a hard obstacle for her as warrior/soldier to get over. In order to peacefully sleep as best as she can, she needs someone to rub her back and sweetly and tenderly sing her to sleep like her mother used to and also to sleep beside her holding her hand to remind her that she is safe and secure.
So she’s an orphan!?! 😪😪 (I have a little boy character who is going to be in my allegory and he grew up a slave….so he has a phobia of blood too) Aaaw! Poor girl!!
This is totally random, but my brain, I’m sorry: When you mentioned demons, have you ever read This Present Darkness & Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti?
I still working on her but felt these details would make her an admirable character of one worth following into the jaws of evil for the good of all. After knowing and talking with so many real heroes, they may be courageous and strong on the outside but they all have suffered sacrifices on the inside and need their own heroes/pillars of support to keep on standing strong. I am open to suggestions for her if you have any.
I think so! I think you already have a really good character/personality worked out for her. What has been the hardest part of writing her? (I know. The hard questions again. *sigh* You may ask me any hard ones too I suppose so…. Call it even?) I love it when people show heroes realistically – meaning they’re not perfect, they can be pretty broken on the inside while they try to be strong to the ones they love and those they protect. Okay! I really like here how she is, but, hey, if I think of anything, I will send it your way.
Yep those are also her colors of her house. The natural colors of the tree just make the armor seem like it was specifically designed that way just for her.
Cool!! So does her house have a special emblem or design? I have one for Alvastia….I just have to go find which notebook it’s in….
I have been kinda following your discussion of characters with @rose-colored-fancy and @lady-grace. What is your MC like?
*clears throat*
Okay.
So I am kind of starting to have two MCs. NOT what I originally planned but I’m going to go with it.
So the first one, the one I started with is an ex-Northern Soldier. (The North is basically the enemy of my other kingdom, Alvastia) His name is Nathan. He has *hang on while I try to locate his profile* *okay I’m back* He has ebony black hair and dark, dark brown eyes. He is an amazing soldier, he’s strong and loyal and brave. (He also has this gorgeous one-man horse. Dapple grey stallion with black mane and tail named Falcon) In my last book, there was a battle at the end between the Alvastians and the Northerners. The Alvastians won. And instead of killing or enslaving all the enemies, they showed them mercy and let them return home, demoralized after the death of their leader. One of these enemy soldiers, Nathan (😊😊😊😊) saw one of the good soldiers taking care of an injured Northerner. It just struck straight to his heart. And he wondered why would they do that….
long story short: God uses it to save him, he stays in Alvastia instead of going to the North. Not a lot of the Alvastians want to trust him. He learns to build walls around his heart. He can come off as “stand-offish” but honestly he’s afraid that he will be hurt again by the suspicion and doubt he reads in other people’s eyes.
Payton.
Oh my goodness. Payton. He’s my other MC. My “never listens to the author” character, the “do it anyway, and risk the consequences” person…
*sigh*
How to describe…..
Okay so he’s younger than Nathan. He’s blond and has emerald green eyes which can get very sarcastic at times. *sigh again* He resents Nathan’s authority because he still sees him as the “enemy.” But behind his stubborn and sometimes exasperating exterior, Payton has a heart that is desperately afraid of failing expectations. All his life he feels has to prove himself, like life is a fight to make sure you stay the person you believe everyone expects him to be. He would do pretty much anything to make his father proud.
As you may expect, any interactions between these two are….ummm….strained to say the least. It gets pretty interesting at times. VERY INTERESTING.
But there’s a great redemption scene at the end where Nathan shows Payton that he doesn’t have to “earn favor”
I am on the edge of my seat waiting to write that scene! XD
Nope….especially because I just decided to throw his mortal enemy, Sorren(Okay fine, his “Antagonist”) into the mix.
Oh that’s a delight you sure are challenging him XD Trapping the villains and heroes together is always highly entertaining though somewhat murdery XD We used to have a castle for all the villains together and let me tell you, that ended exactly as you expected.
I had one of my villains in there, an assassin. She ended up stabbing someone and getting her shoulder dislocated in a fight, but not before she got chased and bitten by a goose. Sometimes you just have to make fun of your villains a tiny bit XD
Only one explosion…. that sounds so matter-of-fact XD
Liorah will have you know it was Aydin’s fault. For once she’s not lying XD
Great job Ferran!! Keep her on track!!! (If you can and at your own risk…. XD) I know, I make fun of my characters a lot! Does she change at the end?
Well… yes and no. I never like when characters develop so much that they lose all their fun flaws, so I left Liorah’s ‘thirst for chaos’ side pretty much untouched. However, she matured a lot and got better at using her powers for good instead of personal amusement XD I mean… usually.
Her development goes in all kinds of directions, she’s often developing positively in one aspect and negatively in another. For example, she learns important lessons in book 1 but she also comes out of it way more traumatized, bitter, and vengeful, and in the process of developing out of the bitterness in book 2, she gets issues with perfectionism and pressure, so her development fuels her flaws. It’s incredibly fun XD
Besides that, there’s the inevitable power crawl that comes with character development. It’s interesting because book 3 Liorah is definitely scarier than book 1 Liorah, but she’s also way more aware of the consequences, so I’d say she’s actually less violent. In book 1, Liorah is self-centered and does things out of fun or spite, whereas in book 3, Liorah is way more focused on the bigger picture and the greater good.
I recently went from drafting book 3 to rewriting book 1, so I had to jump from one extreme to the other, and lemme tell you, it’s absolutely noticeable. It makes me happy because it means I wrote it properly XD
There I go rambling again XD
Or this one: “Word here that is sort of like (certain adjective/word) but isn’t and I can’t remember.” And, yes, I have written that all out on more than one occasion. Or ADD A SCENE HERE!!!
Lolll, that’s such a mood XD Sometimes I’ll lose a word in English so I end up writing the synonym in a different language XD It’s even worse when I’m thinking of a phrase I can’t properly translate XD
I think the words I lose most often in English are “pendant” and “hatch” (as in the opening in a floor or roof) I have no idea why it’s those two specifically XD Also names of specific plants or birds. I never know those XD
My other writing fault is that I have at least three notebooks going…and they aren’t all sequential either. One is just scenes that I need to add in somehow later. And then when I go back and type, it can get a little confusing. Just a little….
Lolll I know that feeling XD I have a notebook, texts with writer friends, and my phone’s notes app. The notes app is always the wildest because it’s where I write down stray thoughts without context. Sometimes I’ll get back to them and have no idea what I meant XD
I once wrote one character telling another “But what did the pigeons think of the matter?” I have NO idea where this came from and less than no context. There are no pigeons mentioned anywhere else XD
I love the kind of “dual symbolism” between her and Ferran! That’s so sweet!!
Thank you! It happened accidentally but it makes me so happy!
When you finish it, I would like to read it! Do you have a major Christian theme/principle you put in?
Thank you! I can’t wait to share it with you!
Oh YES so many! I didn’t intend it to be this explicitly Christian when I started it, but it just wouldn’t stay out of the story, and now I’m really happy with it XD
Let me see… themes of forgiveness, redemption, and doing good in spite of everything are really prominent!
Besides that, I made a few plot choices specifically for moral reasons. For example, the story is centered around war, like many fantasy books, and my main characters are pretty caught up in it. In stories like that, it sometimes turns into sacrificing NPCs to make the main characters look cool, and that never sat right with me.
I make an extra effort to show the value of each life, even the unnamed enemies. After all, in another story, they might have been the main character, and they deserve that much. In the story they’re nothing, but in life, they mattered.
Besides that, I have several characters who are really aware of this. Aydin and Faye, specifically. They both have a ‘no killing’ code, for everyone. Faye even has a ‘no weapons’ and ‘no violence unless for direct self-defense’ code.
Not all my characters do, and some of them do end up in fights where they kill someone. However, I’m extra careful to show the full consequences of it, both on them and everyone else.
Besides that, most of my main characters have some kind of faith. I didn’t want to make up an alternate religion, it kind of sits wrong with me personally, and I didn’t want to explain why or how Christianity is a thing in a fantasy world, so there aren’t many details, but God is definitely present.
I put a little more work into the Lehabim religion. (The tribe Liorah and Gav are from) It’s not modern Christianity, even though it’s definitely the same God. A lot of the practices are drawn directly from the Old Testament, and none of them contradict it. It’s very similar to Old Testament Judaism. I had a lot of fun using some more obscure biblical symbolism for it!
Besides that, Aydin ends up finding faith. It’s not direct and it’s not a main arc, but it happens in the background, more as a part of the rest of his arc than a direct conversion.
How about you? How has your faith influenced your writing?
Without darkness, there is no light. If there was no nighttime, would the stars be as bright?
Yes!! I LOVE IT TOO! I found it in Psalm 111:7 “The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.” and I loved it!!
Ah, I knew that word came from Psalms but could not remember where
You’re so welcome! Honestly you gave me chills too…. Is most of your climate/world winter/tundra? Seriously, all this detail is just 😲😊🤩🤗!!! *still working on getting my brain to think detail like that* Right now though, I’m just trying to work on how to plan the escape of two slaves…. 🙄🙄
but definitely an awesome verse.
Thanks! I blame Tolkien…. lol XD
Ha ha! Yes you must! Because I have to know how it all works out, okay? XD
*salute* Aye aye! Your wish is my command! XD
Oh!!! Where did you find that name? It’s so pretty. And Sylvie….aaaw! How many siblings does she have?
I have a deep fascination and somewhat obligation to create my own original names when it comes to fantasy stories (again I blame Tolkien lol XD). I went through 6-8 name variations before I landed with Sylvendra. I was thinking of giving her 5 surviving blood related siblings 1 toddler girl of 1.5 yrs, 1 boy 3 yrs, 1 boy 5yrs, and 1 set of twin sisters 7 yrs. She also has adopted siblings who referred to as wards of her house but raised alongside her. I have around 8 wards of 3 boys and 5 girls.
*hugs Sylvie* I can call her that too right? Yes that is just what courage means! Sylvendra sounds like a wonderful MC!! How many years of her life does the book span? (if you have that planned…. XD Sorry if I like the hard questions….XD)
No please do ask away. 🙂 I like hard questions as it challenges me to ponder deeper into details I might not have thought of. Yes! as long as you don’t serve in her infamous battalion, you may call her Sylvie and she needs unlimited hugs as there are lonely and harsh times ahead. XD She can be a right ole terror of a drill sergeant if she catches her troops getting too personal with her or cheeking her. XD
I hope to capture around a third of her life where she becomes queen with the happiest ending the story can allow by the end of the series. I will probably cover 3-4 years in the first book.
SYLVENDRA!!! I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!! But I know how she feels….the fairy tale princess of “china, look don’t touch or I’ll break” drives me so crazy. It just AGH!! *rolls eyes in total annoyance* Oh my goodness that is HYSTERICAL!! XD She just has no idea what the army of maidens is planning… *wink*
Yep she has the desired affect. XD
She reminds me of “Mulan” in some ways lol
Judging by the ding of pure pandemonium…..you would think they are trying to murder her if you stood on the other side of the heavily locked and barred door. I could see the maidens wearing something close to football gear, carrying heavy nets, padded shields, and padded hooked poles to pin her down…. It can be a dangerous job to keep your powerful rebellious teen MC clean and civil. XD
So she’s an orphan!?! 😪😪 (I have a little boy character who is going to be in my allegory and he grew up a slave….so he has a phobia of blood too) Aaaw! Poor girl!! This is totally random, but my brain, I’m sorry: When you mentioned demons, have you ever read This Present Darkness & Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti?
Yes and no…… sooo spoiler alert….. her mother is not dead but everyone thinks she is for a while. Some big and shocking things will be revealed when her mother is found.
No I have not read that book yet or heard of it till now. It definitely seems interesting.
I think so! I think you already have a really good character/personality worked out for her. What has been the hardest part of writing her? (I know. The hard questions again. *sigh* You may ask me any hard ones too I suppose so…. Call it even?) I love it when people show heroes realistically – meaning they’re not perfect, they can be pretty broken on the inside while they try to be strong to the ones they love and those they protect. Okay! I really like here how she is, but, hey, if I think of anything, I will send it your way.
Lol ok deal XD Excellent hard question……. I have a hard time getting myself in the right proper motivation to write dark and hopeless scenes especially when it involves throwing children into hardship. I want my reader to feel and join me in the hatefulness of how this is wrong and should never be like this in reality. However I want them to unleash those emotions with me when we find those responsible for their suffering..*rubbing and knocking your fists together with a satisfactory grin as you corner the culprit*.
One part I hate about Sylvendra is that she forces me to write these scenes because she is compelled to take on the hardships of others and constantly puts herself near death’s door as a small young girl as shield against the darkness that threatens to destroy everyone she loves. Again spoilers…… For example she takes the flogging sentence on a soldier’s behalf who is under her command because he disobeyed orders and put one of her best friends in dire harm and got others killed. She does it partially because it was her fault that she put him at that post. She is also convicted to teach him a lesson that will possibly save lives in future to see how selfish actions will harm and possibly kill those around you that you care about. Plus she knows her best friend really likes him and would wound her friend further to see him badly hurt. Her friend would not take it kindly either to see Sylvendra hurt either but also knows this is not the first time she has taken a beating or whipping as she was there with her as a slave for several long….. agonizing days. Just a hint…. Sylvendra made sure the slavers whipped/beat her and only her… it is by God’s grace that she is not maimed or dead. So she forces him to watch her take his punishment, to shed her blood for his mistake. Those who do not know her, will see her as foolish and reckless to do such a thing but she is treasured and endeared by her soldiers and citizens. It would speak a volume of massive magnitude that essentially says “I will always be on the frontlines for you and will lay down my life for you, however this is my fate as well and also yours if we all don’t do our best for the good of all.” She has to actually order the soldiers to do the punishment as they stare dumbly with eyes and faces aghast and horror at the countless scars that already mar her exposed back and shoulders. She then has to quickly order everyone to stand their ground, to not interfere, and to not take part in her punishment otherwise they would all freely offer themselves in her place. This is will probably be one of my hardest scenes as all of her people stand tall with reddened and glistening eyes as they force themselves to burn this scene into their minds of the pain, anguish, and blood that will befall their own loved ones if they fail to do what they know is right. Any thoughts?
I often have to listen a playlist of solemn and sad music/soundtracks that would help me bring out the right emotions in this kind of scene otherwise I tend to be light and get them over with.
*clears throat* Okay. So I am kind of starting to have two MCs. NOT what I originally planned but I’m going to go with it. So the first one, the one I started with is an ex-Northern Soldier. (The North is basically the enemy of my other kingdom, Alvastia) His name is Nathan. He has *hang on while I try to locate his profile* *okay I’m back* He has ebony black hair and dark, dark brown eyes. He is an amazing soldier, he’s strong and loyal and brave. (He also has this gorgeous one-man horse. Dapple grey stallion with black mane and tail named Falcon) In my last book, there was a battle at the end between the Alvastians and the Northerners. The Alvastians won. And instead of killing or enslaving all the enemies, they showed them mercy and let them return home, demoralized after the death of their leader. One of these enemy soldiers, Nathan (😊😊😊😊) saw one of the good soldiers taking care of an injured Northerner. It just struck straight to his heart. And he wondered why would they do that…. long story short: God uses it to save him, he stays in Alvastia instead of going to the North. Not a lot of the Alvastians want to trust him. He learns to build walls around his heart. He can come off as “stand-offish” but honestly he’s afraid that he will be hurt again by the suspicion and doubt he reads in other people’s eyes.
Wow! I am already loving this setting , theme, and plot, very rich! It sets up nicely for God to use mercy and kindness. Is his reason for staying because of the good morals of Alvastian culture and how those compare to his own culture? Does he think that this war was wrong for his people to wage war on those who are kind even to invaders and had no right do so?
Payton. Oh my goodness. Payton. He’s my other MC. My “never listens to the author” character, the “do it anyway, and risk the consequences” person… *sigh* How to describe….. Okay so he’s younger than Nathan. He’s blond and has emerald green eyes which can get very sarcastic at times. *sigh again* He resents Nathan’s authority because he still sees him as the “enemy.” But behind his stubborn and sometimes exasperating exterior, Payton has a heart that is desperately afraid of failing expectations. All his life he feels has to prove himself, like life is a fight to make sure you stay the person you believe everyone expects him to be. He would do pretty much anything to make his father proud. As you may expect, any interactions between these two are….ummm….strained to say the least. It gets pretty interesting at times. VERY INTERESTING. But there’s a great redemption scene at the end where Nathan shows Payton that he doesn’t have to “earn favor” I am on the edge of my seat waiting to write that scene! XD
Yes! This sounds like my favorite kind of duo combination of characters. I could see comical heated discussions between the two. XD lol How does Nathan get paired up with Payton?
Hello again! How was your vacation?
Oh that’s a delight you sure are challenging him XD Trapping the villains and heroes together is always highly entertaining though somewhat murdery XD We used to have a castle for all the villains together and let me tell you, that ended exactly as you expected. I had one of my villains in there, an assassin. She ended up stabbing someone and getting her shoulder dislocated in a fight, but not before she got chased and bitten by a goose. Sometimes you just have to make fun of your villains a tiny bit XD
It’s been *cough cough* interesting. And by that I mean, Sorren and Payton got in a fight. Sorren almost chokes Payton. Sorren later threatens another charrie who has PTSD; the guy’s brother comes after Sorren and knocks him out. And then there the whole “Who wants to just leave this guys behind and who believes in showing love to your enemies” debate. Nothing like a good conflict to bring out the most interesting and emotional sides of our charries….
Liorah will have you know it was Aydin’s fault. For once she’s not lying XD
*dies laughing*
Well… yes and no. I never like when characters develop so much that they lose all their fun flaws, so I left Liorah’s ‘thirst for chaos’ side pretty much untouched. However, she matured a lot and got better at using her powers for good instead of personal amusement XD I mean… usually. Her development goes in all kinds of directions, she’s often developing positively in one aspect and negatively in another. For example, she learns important lessons in book 1 but she also comes out of it way more traumatized, bitter, and vengeful, and in the process of developing out of the bitterness in book 2, she gets issues with perfectionism and pressure, so her development fuels her flaws. It’s incredibly fun XD Besides that, there’s the inevitable power crawl that comes with character development. It’s interesting because book 3 Liorah is definitely scarier than book 1 Liorah, but she’s also way more aware of the consequences, so I’d say she’s actually less violent. In book 1, Liorah is self-centered and does things out of fun or spite, whereas in book 3, Liorah is way more focused on the bigger picture and the greater good. I recently went from drafting book 3 to rewriting book 1, so I had to jump from one extreme to the other, and lemme tell you, it’s absolutely noticeable. It makes me happy because it means I wrote it properly XD There I go rambling again XD
I don’t mind your rambles at all! XD I never considered having negative & positive development….but Leiorah sounds like she’s come a long way! Payton’s….getting there. I think? Hopefully. I just blinded him as part of his development and he’s kind of freaking out scared right now…
Lolll, that’s such a mood XD Sometimes I’ll lose a word in English so I end up writing the synonym in a different language XD It’s even worse when I’m thinking of a phrase I can’t properly translate XD I think the words I lose most often in English are “pendant” and “hatch” (as in the opening in a floor or roof) I have no idea why it’s those two specifically XD Also names of specific plants or birds. I never know those XD
XDXD It’s called a Writer’s Mood. (If you want the official name lol) That’s so funny! I’d do that if I knew words in another language that weren’t Hello or Goodbye XD What other languages do you do that in? XDXD
Lolll I know that feeling XD I have a notebook, texts with writer friends, and my phone’s notes app. The notes app is always the wildest because it’s where I write down stray thoughts without context. Sometimes I’ll get back to them and have no idea what I meant XD I once wrote one character telling another “But what did the pigeons think of the matter?” I have NO idea where this came from and less than no context. There are no pigeons mentioned anywhere else XD
IKR!?!? We do that so that no matter where we are if an idea hits, there’s a spot to jot it down. lol That’s great! I love it! *snorts* *sorry* *dies laughing* PIGEONS?!?! XDXD
Oh YES so many! I didn’t intend it to be this explicitly Christian when I started it, but it just wouldn’t stay out of the story, and now I’m really happy with it XD Let me see… themes of forgiveness, redemption, and doing good in spite of everything are really prominent! Besides that, I made a few plot choices specifically for moral reasons. For example, the story is centered around war, like many fantasy books, and my main characters are pretty caught up in it. In stories like that, it sometimes turns into sacrificing NPCs to make the main characters look cool, and that never sat right with me. I make an extra effort to show the value of each life, even the unnamed enemies. After all, in another story, they might have been the main character, and they deserve that much. In the story they’re nothing, but in life, they mattered. Besides that, I have several characters who are really aware of this. Aydin and Faye, specifically. They both have a ‘no killing’ code, for everyone. Faye even has a ‘no weapons’ and ‘no violence unless for direct self-defense’ code. Not all my characters do, and some of them do end up in fights where they kill someone. However, I’m extra careful to show the full consequences of it, both on them and everyone else. Besides that, most of my main characters have some kind of faith. I didn’t want to make up an alternate religion, it kind of sits wrong with me personally, and I didn’t want to explain why or how Christianity is a thing in a fantasy world, so there aren’t many details, but God is definitely present. I put a little more work into the Lehabim religion. (The tribe Liorah and Gav are from) It’s not modern Christianity, even though it’s definitely the same God. A lot of the practices are drawn directly from the Old Testament, and none of them contradict it. It’s very similar to Old Testament Judaism. I had a lot of fun using some more obscure biblical symbolism for it! Besides that, Aydin ends up finding faith. It’s not direct and it’s not a main arc, but it happens in the background, more as a part of the rest of his arc than a direct conversion. How about you? How has your faith influenced your writing?
Now I have to say, I just LOVE that about the fighting/value of life. Every life counts before God b/c we’re all in His Image, but the culture has definitely lost that. I know what you mean. I kept the religion in my book Christianity. I might change that in another book, but that’s if it’s an allegory not just a fantasy novel. The Judiasm symbolism is neat! And AYDIN!! MY FAVORITE!! HAPPY ENDING!! *hugs him*
So there are different tribes in your book? Are there separate rulers for each one?
I think my faith has mostly influenced my writing in the fact that my whole purpose behind writing is that I want to have fiction that can be adventurous and also God-honoring. I had a hard time finding books like that for awhile and I was fed up with books where sin was unaddressed at the end or God was just thrown in as an afterthought. I knew God wanted my whole heart and I didn’t want anything going in my mind that would tempt me. Literature is SUCH A POWERFUL tool and that really saddened me. So I was like, well, if I can’t find ’em, I’ll write ’em XD Also all of my stories revolve around a character who either finds, recovers, or strengthens their personal relationship with God.
*okay leaving my soapbox now*
XD
How was your vacation?
It was good, thank you! I had a lot of fun!
It’s been *cough cough* interesting. And by that I mean, Sorren and Payton got in a fight. Sorren almost chokes Payton. Sorren later threatens another charrie who has PTSD; the guy’s brother comes after Sorren and knocks him out. And then there the whole “Who wants to just leave this guys behind and who believes in showing love to your enemies” debate. Nothing like a good conflict to bring out the most interesting and emotional sides of our charries….
LOLL, that’s so fun! What Character Castle are you in? I might know the characters!
I don’t mind your rambles at all! XD I never considered having negative & positive development….but Leiorah sounds like she’s come a long way!
Thank you! I actually love writing negative development, especially since it’s a bit inevitable XD
Payton’s….getting there. I think? Hopefully. I just blinded him as part of his development and he’s kind of freaking out scared right now…
Awwww poor guy!! I hope he’s okay! Are you going to let him stay blind? Aydin also freaked out more than a bit when he couldn’t use his right hand anymore and realized it wasn’t going to go away, like ever. He got over it okay though! Eventually XD
XDXD It’s called a Writer’s Mood. (If you want the official name lol) That’s so funny! I’d do that if I knew words in another language that weren’t Hello or Goodbye XD What other languages do you do that in? XDXD
Mostly Dutch, but occasionally it happens in Afrikaans too! I read more in Dutch, so I think that’s why it happens, even though Afrikaans is my mother tongue.
IKR!?!? We do that so that no matter where we are if an idea hits, there’s a spot to jot it down. lol That’s great! I love it!
Exactly! XD
*snorts* *sorry* *dies laughing* PIGEONS?!?! XDXD
I KNOW I have NO idea where it came from XD
Now I have to say, I just LOVE that about the fighting/value of life. Every life counts before God b/c we’re all in His Image, but the culture has definitely lost that. I know what you mean. I kept the religion in my book Christianity. I might change that in another book, but that’s if it’s an allegory not just a fantasy novel. The Judiasm symbolism is neat! And AYDIN!! MY FAVORITE!! HAPPY ENDING!! *hugs him*
Exactly!! It’s something I’m really happy with! Yesss, he deserves a happy ending XD I hate when characters suffer for a whole book and then end up having a meaningless ending. They’ve fought and suffered and worked for something better, not giving it to them is cruel. I love when they actually get something in exchange for what they’ve done.
So there are different tribes in your book? Are there separate rulers for each one?
Yes! There are seven, and six of them feature prominently in the story! Each of them has its own set of rulers and different methods of rule! I think there are only like two monarchies and one of them doesn’t even completely qualify XD
I think my faith has mostly influenced my writing in the fact that my whole purpose behind writing is that I want to have fiction that can be adventurous and also God-honoring.
Oh that’s epic! That’s an awesome reason, and I love that!
Without darkness, there is no light. If there was no nighttime, would the stars be as bright?
It was good, thank you! I had a lot of fun!
Good!! 😊😊
LOLL, that’s so fun! What Character Castle are you in? I might know the characters!
So it’s a Character Castle in Kingdom Pen? Are you on there?
I’m not on any of the Character Castles on here b/c some of the topics – well, I have different views on some of the stuff.Awwww poor guy!! I hope he’s okay! Are you going to let him stay blind? Aydin also freaked out more than a bit when he couldn’t use his right hand anymore and realized it wasn’t going to go away, like ever. He got over it okay though! Eventually XD
Yeah, it’s only temporary and came on due to trauma. (Which can actually happen) But he doesn’t know that and neither does anyone else… POOR AYDIN!! What happened to him?!
Mostly Dutch, but occasionally it happens in Afrikaans too! I read more in Dutch, so I think that’s why it happens, even though Afrikaans is my mother tongue.
OH MY GOODNESS THAT’S SO COOL!! You can read in Dutch AND you can speak Afrikaans? COOL!!!! AAAAH!!!
Exactly!! It’s something I’m really happy with! Yesss, he deserves a happy ending XD I hate when characters suffer for a whole book and then end up having a meaningless ending. They’ve fought and suffered and worked for something better, not giving it to them is cruel. I love when they actually get something in exchange for what they’ve done.
IKR? At that point, I would either a) throw the book at the wall b)write my own ending C) DO BOTH!! Hmmm C is the most likely XD Yes they must!
Yes! There are seven, and six of them feature prominently in the story! Each of them has its own set of rulers and different methods of rule! I think there are only like two monarchies and one of them doesn’t even completely qualify XD
Interesting!! So Liorah’s brother is in charge of the ‘legit’ monarchy right?
Oh that’s epic! That’s an awesome reason, and I love that!
Thank you! <3 <3
Ah, I knew that word came from Psalms but could not remember where
👍🏻👍🏻 One of my new favorite verses 🙂
*salute* Aye aye! Your wish is my command! XD
YES!! *bounces up and down* *regains composure* Oh yes, THANK YOU!!
I have a deep fascination and somewhat obligation to create my own original names when it comes to fantasy stories (again I blame Tolkien lol XD). I went through 6-8 name variations before I landed with Sylvendra. I was thinking of giving her 5 surviving blood related siblings 1 toddler girl of 1.5 yrs, 1 boy 3 yrs, 1 boy 5yrs, and 1 set of twin sisters 7 yrs. She also has adopted siblings who referred to as wards of her house but raised alongside her. I have around 8 wards of 3 boys and 5 girls.
Wait, you were the one who came up with that name? Did I read that right? Well BRAVO!! (yeah, I blame Tolkien for the fact that Medieval fantasy is all I write XD) Aaww little kids are so CUTE!! I want to hug them all!!
No please do ask away. 🙂 I like hard questions as it challenges me to ponder deeper into details I might not have thought of. Yes! as long as you don’t serve in her infamous battalion, you may call her Sylvie and she needs unlimited hugs as there are lonely and harsh times ahead. XD She can be a right ole terror of a drill sergeant if she catches her troops getting too personal with her or cheeking her. XD I hope to capture around a third of her life where she becomes queen with the happiest ending the story can allow by the end of the series. I will probably cover 3-4 years in the first book.
Oh you have no idea what you just unleashed…the questions writers can come up….*ha ha* Yay! Okay, Sylvie, I’m not a soldier – and hope I never am…. You have my hugs any time you need them!! XD I bet! XD Cool!! Ummm so – does she get a king at the very end *wink wink*
Sorry I had to ask that!!Yep she has the desired affect. XD She reminds me of “Mulan” in some ways lol Judging by the ding of pure pandemonium…..you would think they are trying to murder her if you stood on the other side of the heavily locked and barred door. I could see the maidens wearing something close to football gear, carrying heavy nets, padded shields, and padded hooked poles to pin her down…. It can be a dangerous job to keep your powerful rebellious teen MC clean and civil. XD
XD
Yeah, I kind of got some of those vibes lol
*cracks up* Oh man, do you have this scene written out yet? Oh yes, it can! Trust me, I have to work with Payton and keep him from pushing Nathan too far…Not like he ever listens. But I did just make him blind and he’s so scared and now all his scenes are making me cry!
Yes and no…… sooo spoiler alert….. her mother is not dead but everyone thinks she is for a while. Some big and shocking things will be revealed when her mother is found. No I have not read that book yet or heard of it till now. It definitely seems interesting.
I love spoilers!! People give me alerts and I’m like OH NO I SHOULD SKIP THIS and then I go read them anyway…. Now I’m intrigued….
You should! Just as an fyi, I’m not 100% on board with all of Peretti’s theology, but I really enjoy his duology. Its main focus is on spiritual warfare – and I love that aspect. (The second book is more intense than the first, but nothing beyond the bounds of what you find in Scripture and good is always shown as good and the bad is always bad.) The angels…okay, I’ll stop b/c I could just start ranting on these books….
Lol ok deal XD Excellent hard question……. I have a hard time getting myself in the right proper motivation to write dark and hopeless scenes especially when it involves throwing children into hardship. I want my reader to feel and join me in the hatefulness of how this is wrong and should never be like this in reality. However I want them to unleash those emotions with me when we find those responsible for their suffering..*rubbing and knocking your fists together with a satisfactory grin as you corner the culprit*.
Oh, that’s tricky. But in the Bible, we have terrible scenes of evil/dark and then the light always overcomes! (CALVARY!!) Oh yeah, I love seeing the bad guys get what was coming to them the whole time! *cracks knuckles and glares at my villains* SORREN AND OWAIN I AM TAKING YOU DOWN!! Especially you Sorren….
One part I hate about Sylvendra is that she forces me to write these scenes because she is compelled to take on the hardships of others and constantly puts herself near death’s door as a small young girl as shield against the darkness that threatens to destroy everyone she loves. Again spoilers…… For example she takes the flogging sentence on a soldier’s behalf who is under her command because he disobeyed orders and put one of her best friends in dire harm and got others killed. She does it partially because it was her fault that she put him at that post. She is also convicted to teach him a lesson that will possibly save lives in future to see how selfish actions will harm and possibly kill those around you that you care about. Plus she knows her best friend really likes him and would wound her friend further to see him badly hurt. Her friend would not take it kindly either to see Sylvendra hurt either but also knows this is not the first time she has taken a beating or whipping as she was there with her as a slave for several long….. agonizing days. Just a hint…. Sylvendra made sure the slavers whipped/beat her and only her… it is by God’s grace that she is not maimed or dead. So she forces him to watch her take his punishment, to shed her blood for his mistake. Those who do not know her, will see her as foolish and reckless to do such a thing but she is treasured and endeared by her soldiers and citizens. It would speak a volume of massive magnitude that essentially says “I will always be on the frontlines for you and will lay down my life for you, however this is my fate as well and also yours if we all don’t do our best for the good of all.” She has to actually order the soldiers to do the punishment as they stare dumbly with eyes and faces aghast and horror at the countless scars that already mar her exposed back and shoulders. She then has to quickly order everyone to stand their ground, to not interfere, and to not take part in her punishment otherwise they would all freely offer themselves in her place. This is will probably be one of my hardest scenes as all of her people stand tall with reddened and glistening eyes as they force themselves to burn this scene into their minds of the pain, anguish, and blood that will befall their own loved ones if they fail to do what they know is right. Any thoughts?
Oooof. That is hard. But I mean, I really think it reminds me of how Jesus took our punishment. And how His followers are called to show sacrificial love towards each other. I think that will really cement her army’s loyalty. If I was a soldier there – well, one I would be crying my eyes out. Umm actually I’d probably have passed out at the start but anyway – I would be like, there is a leader I would follow to the end of the world and beyond. If there are any doubters in her army, b/c she’s a princess not a man, I think this would be the one thing that would make them stop dead in their tracks and turn their complete loyalty over to her. Also, one thing I would add is that the man who is DOING the whipping/punishment, maybe have some kind of scene where he’s questioning her if she really wants to do this. But he can’t stop her. Power puncher scene!! And all your resders are going to be crying too…
I have a question for you. In my next book, the MC’s brother is going to die, and I have never killed a charrie before. Much less a charrie’s sibling. This isn’t going to be until the very end and I haven’t even started writing the book but I need some help with how to handle that scene….
I often have to listen a playlist of solemn and sad music/soundtracks that would help me bring out the right emotions in this kind of scene otherwise I tend to be light and get them over with.
I do the same thing! I feel like music really helps me write. 🙂
Wow! I am already loving this setting , theme, and plot, very rich! It sets up nicely for God to use mercy and kindness. Is his reason for staying because of the good morals of Alvastian culture and how those compare to his own culture? Does he think that this war was wrong for his people to wage war on those who are kind even to invaders and had no right do so?
Oh thank you! So the reason he stays in Alvastia is because he’s pretty much turned his back on his entire old life – and that includes the North and all it stands for. Nathan used to be a Northerner, heart and soul. He was wholeheartedly fighting against the Alvastians in the war. He was hardened clear through to his bones and would have done anything to win the battle against the Alvastians. It’s only after the battle when he comes to see how wrong he was. It breaks him and heals him at the same time, and his life is a complete 180 degree turn around. Hope that makes sense! Sorry if it was confusing!
Yes! This sounds like my favorite kind of duo combination of characters. I could see comical heated discussions between the two. XD lol How does Nathan get paired up with Payton?
Ha ha – it’s been a rough ride with the two of them for sure. Leaving Payton and Nathan together is like leaving a match next to a barrel of gunpowder – an explosion waiting to happen! And it usually does happen. XD A LOT!! XD So, Nathan helps train some of the young Alvastian boys who want to be soldiers – and that is Payton’s goal in life (he’s got all the makings of a soldier too lol) So that’s how they meet – and clash. B/c Nathan is an amazing trainer, Payton’s his best pupil – and they NEVER SEE EYE TO EYE!! (Until Nathan *small spoiler alert* saves Payton from burning barn)
@lady-grace *moving YDubbs chat post* HI AGAIN!! *happy squeal* *superhugs you*
I got your reply notification in my email but when I go to respond here on SE it’s GONE. *reply vanishes into thin air* No clue why!! Ummm maybe if you could edit it and re-tag me? *sorry*
Yeah sorry. 🙁 It would not let me reply. It sent my reply as a reply separate from this thread. I will try to repost it if it will let me.
@storysmith Technology! *glares at my laptop* Oh okay! You’re good.
@storysmith figured out how to outwit whatever is glitching this post! (copy pasted from my email XD I guess I am smarter than a computer after all XD JK)
Wait, you were the one who came up with that name? Did I read that right? Well BRAVO!! (yeah, I blame Tolkien for the fact that Medieval fantasy is all I write XD) Aaww little kids are so CUTE!! I want to hug them all!!
Indeed I did! XD A fine and proud name it tis! My other favorite name is “Valdunar” who is her adoptive father, mentor, guardian, lord of knights, and general. He was once her father’s greatest rival and a great friend. He was blessed by her dying father to raise her and her siblings as he would have his own late daughters. It first he is reminded of his grief at the loss of his beautiful wife and 2 daughters but soon saw how much they would have been overjoyed to take these kids as his family. He eventually sees these new adopted kids as God’s blessing at a 2nd chance at carrying on the dream he shared with his late wife to raise and build a home of peace and comfort from which he could watch the future generations flourish within.
Sylvendra and her people softest spot is for children no matter the race as they are the life blood that spur on the times of peace or the pursuit of it. They all dream of a time and place where children can run freely without armed guards or powerful guardian beasts to watch over them and especially to hear them laugh and play without fear of shy voices and nervous darting eyes.
Oh you have no idea what you just unleashed…the questions writers can come up….*ha ha* Yay! Okay, Sylvie, I’m not a soldier – and hope I never am…. You have my hugs any time you need them!! XD I bet! XD Cool!! Ummm so – does she get a king at the very end *wink wink* Sorry I had to ask that!!
*Crouches into readied dueling stance, armed with notes and fountain pen with a cool calculated smile* Bring it on! XD
Excellent question, I am honestly not sure yet and still debating on her outcome. I thought of giving her a love story but an unlikely tale and a possibly impossible and sad dream as the man that earns her heart is an arch enemy. He is daring, strong, courageous, he fights a war with her because he has no choice but to fight for his liege lord who is evil and corrupt. His true allegiance is to his people as he fights for them who will pay the price if he fails. However, he also hopes and prays she will see through to his heart how to win him and his unfailing honor as they exchange blow for blow. He needs her to free his people to earn theirs and especially his eternal devotion, gratitude, admiration, and……love. *wink wink* XD
Currently, I am not sure if she will have a king in the end if this mentioned character does what I know what he will do for his people and consequences that might follow if he disobeys his liege lord. My current thought is that she might in a way be alone in the end as her love for one will be sacrificed for the love of all as she would give her eternal devotion to her people. By the end when she is queen, she has been through and seen so much with a trail covered in tears, blood, ruin, and scars. She might have sealed her heart away for the man who earned and won her heart but at a cost. She might adopt some children who may not share her blood but her heart and also the hearts of the greatest people who helped make her who she is today. These children will one day take up their swords and continue on the vigilant watch for danger as it is her family’s legacy to be the shield to all. Any suggestions or ideas? I have never done romance in a story before but I sadly know the plot to almost every hallmark movie (………thanks Mom!) *nearly fell off my chair laughing* XD XD
XD Yeah, I kind of got some of those vibes lol *cracks up* Oh man, do you have this scene written out yet? Oh yes, it can! Trust me, I have to work with Payton and keep him from pushing Nathan too far…Not like he ever listens. But I did just make him blind and he’s so scared and now all his scenes are making me cry!
Unfortunately, I have not reached those scenes yet but hope to make them the most unexpected hilarious scenes. I keep picturing the old cartoon sound visual effects when a fight is happening out of picture that sometimes have dying from laughter.
Aww poor guy! I am currently trying to figure out how to navigate with a character who becomes blind and is devastated by their loss but my world has some unique ways to see things than just with the eyes. It will be a hard and sad journey till they discover this only the beginning for what God has in store for them. The first step they must make is to find satisfaction where God has placed them knowing that He always knows what is best. Then other doors might open…….
Lol I would love to see how he pushes Nathan’s buttons and the following consequences are.
I love spoilers!! People give me alerts and I’m like OH NO I SHOULD SKIP THIS and then I go read them anyway…. Now I’m intrigued…. You should! Just as an fyi, I’m not 100% on board with all of Peretti’s theology, but I really enjoy his duology. Its main focus is on spiritual warfare – and I love that aspect. (The second book is more intense than the first, but nothing beyond the bounds of what you find in Scripture and good is always shown as good and the bad is always bad.) The angels…okay, I’ll stop b/c I could just start ranting on these books….
Ok ummmmm…… so one more spoiler is that her adoptive father “Valdunar” and her mother (she is the fairest lady of the realm as her outward but also inward beauty was legendary) used to have a crush on each other before life circumstances tore them apart to go their separate ways in their younger days. This might be their 2nd chance to see if it is God’s will for them to try again as the current circumstances currently make it kinda unavoidable with Valdunar already made the fully fledged adoptive father when they find her. I think it would be overwhelming odds for her to see her children happy and safe in the care of her long lost first love.
Oh, that’s tricky. But in the Bible, we have terrible scenes of evil/dark and then the light always overcomes! (CALVARY!!) Oh yeah, I love seeing the bad guys get what was coming to them the whole time! *cracks knuckles and glares at my villains* SORREN AND OWAIN I AM TAKING YOU DOWN!! Especially you Sorren….
True! and Amen to that! Sylvendra and her close friend, the talking Clydesdale sized giant black panther “Braeyun the Black” will be the vengeance of the innocent! Evil shall quake and scatter at the thunder of their roar as the pair of black and white descend upon their foes and rally innocent and righteous to their banner!
Oooof. That is hard. But I mean, I really think it reminds me of how Jesus took our punishment. And how His followers are called to show sacrificial love towards each other. I think that will really cement her army’s loyalty. If I was a soldier there – well, one I would be crying my eyes out. Umm actually I’d probably have passed out at the start but anyway – I would be like, there is a leader I would follow to the end of the world and beyond. If there are any doubters in her army, b/c she’s a princess not a man, I think this would be the one thing that would make them stop dead in their tracks and turn their complete loyalty over to her. Also, one thing I would add is that the man who is DOING the whipping/punishment, maybe have some kind of scene where he’s questioning her if she really wants to do this. But he can’t stop her. Power puncher scene!! And all your resders are going to be crying too…
Good! I honestly feel better about it that you see its importance and theme too. Plus it should have its desired effect. XD
I agree it would be an ideal motivator to prove to all how good of a leader they have in the making, who has possibly endured more than they as most grown adults have and yet she continues to fight on and thrive. As for the unfortunate soldier tasked with the task of punishment, I felt he would be the most dumbfounded and horrified at the fact he is about to punish his beloved leader who sheds her innocent blood for the sake of his comrade. I pictured him fidgeting with the rope wishing he could rip it apart but also knows his duty. Worst yet his son has a crush on the princess and her daughter see her as her role model. Kind of a horrible spot to get out of. He hears the ding of his commander roaring at him to begin but it is a dull sound as his mind and heart threaten to tear apart in his horror and guilt. Then all is calm and clear as he gazes into her vibrant and soft glowing eyes and sees her rare gentle look of not just wise and strong leader but of love and kindness. She then addresses him with a firm but low gentle voice that rings in his ears to please begin and has nothing to fear. His mind then goes numb…. just does what he was told to do as he is horrified by the silence of not just the crowd but as no sound comes from her except the contact of the whip as it leaves new marks on top of the countless old scars. Once it is done, he flings the whip into a large brazier like it is vile serpent and falls upon his knees staring at his reddened hands and the blood stained ground. He feels the surge of bodies mill about him as they quickly cover the princess’s wounds with ointment and bandages and throw cloaks about her before they carry her back to tent.
He feels alone and reviled for his action even though she told him to do it. He still wonders would his children still accept and love him after what he has done to their hero. Then his all fears and doubts begin to die as warm and kind gentle hands grip his face as he feels the princess’s kiss of forgiveness and selfless love upon his brow. As his mind clears and begins to focus, he feels his family fling their arms around him as they all begin to sob in one united waterfall. They constantly assure each other that everything will be alright and they love him for doing what he knew was right as princess proved to all, he is a good man who loves what is right for his hesitance to strike the innocent. They all fear being shunned by their community if they fail to understand that he only did the deed because the princess asked him to. He then comes alert as his commander’s immensely strong but kind hand grips his shoulder. He assures him that he has nothing to fear for if anyone holds this against him, they shall not receive any mercy from the princess as she has marked him with her forgiveness and gratitude for helping her do the right thing. He and other fellow soldiers tenderly help the sobbing family to their feet and walk them to a quiet place where they can be alone till the princess can see them. On their way, the path is lined with beasts and people who all bow the their heads in respect and sympathy. It will take me a while to get through this scene when I fully write it out as you said it is a powerful one and could summon a waterfall or two. lol XD
I hope that makes sense. Any thoughts?
I have a question for you. In my next book, the MC’s brother is going to die, and I have never killed a charrie before. Much less a charrie’s sibling. This isn’t going to be until the very end and I haven’t even started writing the book but I need some help with how to handle that scene….
Sure! I would be glad to help however I can! I have learned we should refrain from killing off our characters without proper buildup of reasons of why they must die which has halted most of my plans to kill off my characters as it is overly used tool to make other characters grow. I prefer to think of how it would endear the character’s testimony/legacy in the hearts of all if it is their time to go. If the character has not been given enough time to grow as a character and show who they are to the reader, then it is probably not time to kill them yet. But there are some characters who always get themselves in bad situations and it might eventually be time for them to find themselves in a situation of no realistic point of return.
Death is huge fundamental factor as to why my characters fight till there is no one bad left to fight in a war torn world. They are sick and broken from the constant moments of witnessing the deaths of the innocent especially of helpless women and children no matter the race. A good death scene gets me every time when it makes me remember how the character lived not died. The worst and best death scenes for me are the moments of selfless sacrifice when one person lays their life down as that another might live just has Christ set the example through his death that it is the greatest act of love one can bestow upon another. It definitely gets me in those scenes when there are those reminders and flashbacks as they die that make perfect sense of why they made the choice simply because that is who they were.
Here is a link to a great article to consider if you are still wondering if you should kill off the brother, https://storyembers.org/3-reasons-you-shouldnt-kill-your-characters/
I recommend reading the comment section of my comment and the article writer Martin Detwiler’s response. It has some awesome points to consider when choosing to kill off your character if it is your best meaningful option for your story.
I hope that makes sense and helps! Does the brother accidentally get caught in a situation he was not able to get out of, a fight, or accident?
I do the same thing! I feel like music really helps me write.
What genre of music do you find helps you the most? Any specific soundtracks or songs?
Oh thank you! So the reason he stays in Alvastia is because he’s pretty much turned his back on his entire old life – and that includes the North and all it stands for. Nathan used to be a Northerner, heart and soul. He was wholeheartedly fighting against the Alvastians in the war. He was hardened clear through to his bones and would have done anything to win the battle against the Alvastians. It’s only after the battle when he comes to see how wrong he was. It breaks him and heals him at the same time, and his life is a complete 180 degree turn around. Hope that makes sense! Sorry if it was confusing!
That’s a really cool turn around! It would take some serious shots to the heart to make a hardened soldier change his pov of what he believes as right and wrong. As they say the truth hurts but will also set you free.
Ha ha – it’s been a rough ride with the two of them for sure. Leaving Payton and Nathan together is like leaving a match next to a barrel of gunpowder – an explosion waiting to happen! And it usually does happen. XD A LOT!! XD So, Nathan helps train some of the young Alvastian boys who want to be soldiers – and that is Payton’s goal in life (he’s got all the makings of a soldier too lol) So that’s how they meet – and clash. B/c Nathan is an amazing trainer, Payton’s his best pupil – and they NEVER SEE EYE TO EYE!! (Until Nathan *small spoiler alert* saves Payton from burning barn)
Ah interesting….. I can easily picture some likely awesome and hilarious scenes of Nathan being a drill sergeant lol XD”
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