E. N. Leonard

And one more question: are you going to divide the book up into chapters?

Here are my thoughts concerning Aefflaed’s Weakness:

*Spoiler alert!*

Thank you for putting the pronunciation guide at the front!

It was very easy for me to slip into Aefflaed’s skin in the beginning. The prose there quickly made that connection. This connection continued throughout most of the book, and it was very easy for me to relate to h…[Read more]

@jared-williams

I’m going to put my beta reading feedback in here so it’s not in the Character Castle.

@rose-colored-fancy

That bird/mythology/literature name theme is cool! (Turkey? 😂) Crow seems to just fit Calliope. I did a floral theme in Between Here and Fairyland. My MC was Malai, which is a Thai name meaning “garland of flowers.” She was a flower seller and flower garlands were an important symbol in the book. Some of her family member…[Read more]

@jared-williams

It would be best if you gave me a link to the document. Do you want to put it in this Castle room, or the one I recently saw you posted about beta reading? (I’m guessing it’s the same story?)

Abirami’s mother, Aefflaed, is Anglo-Saxon and means “elf-beauty”

Yes, I noted that name! It’s pretty, and similar to Anglo-Saxon…[Read more]

I’m a bit late, but I thought I’d just say “yes” to this ⬆️. I’ve lived (and been injured) in very cold climates (-45, plus windchill). Never have I or anyone I know had a wound freeze over. Though we do tend to stay inside a lot at that -40 mark 😂.

@scoutfinch190

🤣 that was hilarious!

Practice went according to Jade’s plan until she neared Abirami. She leaned toward him so he could pick her up, and then it seemed to take as long as a Destiny ceremony for him to figure out what he should do. Once he finally lifted her into the air, Jade outstretched her arms as a bird would its wings. Then Abirami s…[Read more]

@jared-williams

You’re looking for beta readers? I’m totally willing to do that! When would you want me to start? The story sounds good!

I have LOTS of characters in my novels… what helps me is when picking the names, I always look at what the names mean first, then pick a name that gives meaning to the character, which helps me determine what…

[Read more]

Jade dragged her eyes away from the poster featuring herself and glanced around at the others. Isaias and Abirami were pointing at each other’s and talking. Ophelia just stood in front of hers. The poster of Ophelia was every bit as interesting as Jade’s own. The young lady’s face was serious and unpainted, revealing a hidden depth of chara…[Read more]

@calidris

Idk about any of you, but I’m more likely to pray about my writing when I’ve included a touchy subject.

Yes, definitely. And it is really important to do so at other times as you said Your post was great even if Story Embers ate the perfect one. I feel your pain XD it ate one of mine!

WOW! That challenge just went up a notch! This is going to be so good for Jade.

@rose-colored-fancy

I’m totally fine with Cal staying around. Christian writers definitely need to approach this stuff in a biblical way, acknowledging sin and helping the struggling.

Oh, and by the way, it’s a “used to dance” for me, too. I just remember it vividly…[Read more]

@calidris

Her backstory is still a little vague, but:

All her life, she has had extraordinary skill in ballet. She is also the daughter of two Fishers (which is a class in and of itself), and she absolutely hates that occupation. Therefore, she’s been working at her ballet skills her entire life so that on the Day of Destiny, the Benevolents w…[Read more]

@calidris

Definitely creepy and dystopian! Her world has a nasty class system kids get funneled into permanently at the Final Year (or they get Culled), and there’s rigid control and dreadful things I probably shouldn’t mention here, all while the leaders act like they’re the most wonderful people in the world.

Yes, it’s definitely creepy and dystopian. It’s got a very nasty and rigid class system, euthanasia, eugenics, and people who act like they’re the kindest folks ever while they do horrible things I probably shouldn’t discuss here. 😬

Also, there’s kind of a running joke here about how all of the characters seem to have some sort of insanely tragic and/or traumatic backstory, and I must admit “orphan found sleeping in garbage” is just about one of the worst XD

Definitely the worst, or best, depending on the view! Jade’s is pretty normal for her society, but it’s pretty tr…[Read more]

“What should we do?” asked Enydd.

Jade stared at the insidious glass.

I will allow you to enjoy the dance and a meal, but be warned, the next set of challenges will make up for this temporary rest. To assist one who’s an enemy or friend is your fate. After this, you’ll show all these people your most regretted decision. Brace yourself for the…[Read more]

(picture in mind is him stiffly picking up Jade like you would a little kid, then rotating slowly around in a circle – like the baby you are carrying has a full diaper… hehehe. – – the instructions were to pick her up, spin, and set her down, right? – and I’m sure he won’t remember the order right away)

🤣   That is going to be sooo hilarious!

&n…[Read more]

😂 Ahh, Kit! Well, Kit, I welcome your unabridged self to this Castle!
@calidris   Good job pulling off that reveal.