@sydney
Active 3 years, 6 months agoForum Replies Created
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Epic, I’m working on it! I sent in the request, now I’m just waiting for them to get around to it!
Oh yay! Can’t wait to see you there lol
Oh YES! I mean, Liorah and Aydin are like my favorites and they’re both supremely messed up XD They actually both have PTSD too, though from two different events, and it shows up rather differently in both of them. Liorah develops it during the runtime of the books, but Aydin has had it for years. It’s both sad and darkly funny the contrast between how they deal with it. Liorah is panicking and going through the full spectrum of negative emotions once a day and Aydin is just “Same mess as always” and carries on 😭 Poor guys…
Aydin is my favorite XD Oh no!!! That is seriously sad, but I think it’s interesting the way you portray their two different reactions to it. I think I would probably be reacting like Liorah – in terms of just plain panicking. *sigh* Poor girl!! So if you had to choose, which one is the worse case? (please pardon my grammar. XD Grammarly thinks that sentence is okay so it must be right?) As in whose PTSD is the more traumatic? If you can choose! Also, I might pick your brain for ideas when I start writing Maddock – my poor traumatized PTSD boy!!!
Poor Payton, he deserves all the hugs! So does Aydin, but he doesn’t like them XD Depending on the day he’d squirm in supreme discomfort or if he’s feeling bad enough just detach himself from the person and try to keep them at arm’s length. He only does touching on his terms XD Which.. I mean, completely justified, I get it.
He does!! Okay, so he probably wouldn’t really like me hugging him, he’d be annoyed I think, but he’s put up with it. Unless he’s super scared – like now – and then, yeah, I can hug him all I want. Yeah, I get that. IRL that would be me sometimes too XD So when he gets like that, I go hug Verity or Trevyn – two charries who don’t mind my huggingabilitiess XD
And nope, not telling XD Even if you can’t put together the major spoiler, there’s always someone watching on SE and I’m not telling such a big spoiler XD
MAN!! *sigh* I suppose I should be thankful…. so. *thanks* 😉😒 (first time puppy eyes have failed me….I think I need a new weapon lol)
Hmmm… I don’t really remember XD For perspective, I didn’t actually *learn* English or Dutch through any conscious effort. I was really young and I had a bunch of English-speaking friends, so it was the only way to communicate XD Also my parents are fluent in English and read to us in it for as long as I can remember, so we just kind of picked it up! Lol, I remember when I was trying to talk to my friends and I didn’t know a word so it was a matter of pantomime, attempting something that might be the word, and finally giving up and finding a parent to translate XD Pretty much the same thing applied to Dutch!
Ah that’s so fun!! XD Life tip: when in doubt, use sign language/pantimone. 😉😉😊😊
This pattern of learning it via movies, parents, books, and friends from all different countries does still give me a somewhat whacky accent at times XD I’ve been told I sound ‘posh’ and ‘British’ or ‘like I belong in Downtown Abbey’ but occasionally a word slips in a VERY American, Australian, or Kiwi accent XD It’s extremely funny, whenever I meet someone for the first time they’re briefly confused and bewildered by it XD
*swoons* DO YOU KNOW WHAT I WOULD GIVE TO HAVE A BRITISH ACCENT?! Well, actually, I don’t know either, but I’d love to have one lol. Seriously, I bet you have a cool accent though! I’m pretty sure I don’t. Except that I say y’all. Maybe if I moved somewhere else, people would think I did? XD
LOL same, when I can see where it’s going and I don’t like it I might just… stop. XD OH WAIT I THOUGHT OF ONE. Allegiant. Enough said XD Again, didn’t finish it, but heard about the ending, and that was enough.
I have a hard time stopping in the middle of books – so I just skip to the end XD Allegiant? Never read it, never even heard of it… guess I won’t put that one on my TBR list lol What did you hear about the ending?!
Don’t worry, he’s an excellent king and universally liked XD
*claps* good job!
LOlll that’s so fun! Unfortunately, they would just instantly die XD The current king of that tribe is the main antagonist XD
XD *rushes to collect my characters* Umm c’mon guys, time to go…
Payton: But I was gonna have some fun!!
*double take*
“PAYTON why are YOU HERE!? It was just supposed to be the older guys!! The ones that actually can fight in duels.”
Payton: You BLINDED me, okay? It’s not exactly fun. I had to come to a world where I wasn’t blind and stir stuff up, and this looked like my best bet.”
Yeah right. A duel with a guy who is going to kill you. Wait, why are you not blind here? Never mind, just come with me. *drags Payton back to his own world*
(this is what I have to deal with when I work with Payton XD)
I am! My account name is @roseeverdeen123 ! I LOVE mood boards too, I have some for all my characters!
Yay!! I see you!! Awww those boards are so cool!! He he, I can’t do regular moodboards b/c I don’t have the app/program thing so I just make a bunch of Pinterest boards. I’m just plain sydneywitbeck on there by the way 😉)
Alright! I’ll explain my character and what we have for her part then pester my sister until she does hers XD.
Sounds like a plan XD
My character, Princess Edith, shows the royal side of the story, but in a wild way. A sword is her favorite thing to be holding but she’s more likely to accidentally stab herself than an enemy. However, as long as there’s laughter on her lips, that’s fine by her. She wants to know the plans but no one tells her things for fear she’ll mess it up— on accident of course. Therefore, she has no idea the dragons protecting the city are suddenly and mysteriously dying until a stranger and her talking horse arrive in the city.
Oooooh! Edith sounds like my kind of charrie! XD *high fives her* And one question I had was on the background of the city – why the dragons….what’s the enemy? This is interesting XD Love it!
I have arrived!
*hugs you* WELCOME!! 💖😊
As I am very excited about this collaboration, without further ado I introduce… Indira Mercy Kumar and her horse, Promise! Mind you, he’s a talking horse. And Indira leaves in her wake a chaos of magical daisies.
Oh la la!! Guys, these charries are fantastic! I’m equestrian obsessed so – Promise sounds right up my alley 😉🥰
When Indira’s brother, Anil, left for reasons not entirely figured out but probably having to do with adventure or war (or both), he gave her the young horse Promise as a reminder of his promise to someday return. Except that he doesn’t. When rumors of his fate and strange doings in the neighboring kingdom reach her, Indira and Promise set out on a quest to find Anil. Of course, they end up doing far more than that when they become entangled in events far grander than either of them had imagined.
Oh no!! No no no!! He never comes back?! *wipes away a tear* Does Indira know Promise can talk or is it like a Shasta/Bree thing where it’s like out of the blue – THIS HORSE TALKS?!?! XD *jumps up and down* AH!! I LOVE IT SO FAR!!
Do Indira, Promise, and Edith end up meeting? If so how?
Also that collage 💖💖💖🥰🥰🥰😊😊😊
Oh cool! I’m not, but I’ve been planning to join for… *awkward silence* several years now XD
Ummm girl you NEED TO!! XD (If you join, my username is @queen_of_alvastia and by nickname is Queenie 😉)
Oh, I totally get that, every character castle I’ve been in here has gotten very dark at some point or another! I just asked because ‘a character with PTSD’ made me think it might be a friend’s character XD I suppose there’s just quite a few of them XD
👍🏻 There’s actually several PTSD charries in the castle I’m in XD By the way, have you ever noticed, it’s like authors are roughest on the characters they love the most?! XD
Oh nooooo!! Poor guy, he must be panicking quite a lot. Ummm… saying that is kind of a huge spoiler, but let’s just say he accidentally brought it upon himself because of past actions. Doesn’t mean he deserved it, but there was a reason it happened.
Yup, he is….. Excuse me while I leave for a minute… *goes to hug Payton* *I’m SO SORRY buddy!* Okay, I’m back now. Oh no poor Aydin!! *hugs him too* Now I want to know!! *glares at you* *changes tactics*
**PUPPY EYES**
Oh yeah, I’m fluent in both XD I’m South African, so Afrikaans was my first language, and I’ve lived in NL for most of my life. English was actually my third language, but honestly, it’s my favorite. I write pretty much exclusively in English too.
*squeals* *bounces up and down* That is SO COOL! I have just lived my whole life in the US so I think that’s seriously amazing! 😊😊 Just for fun, (and ’cause I’m a curious person! 🤭) what was the hardest thing about learning English?
Oh yessss, always both!
YES!! Oh and then I forgot D) e-mail the author and be like WRITE A NEW ENDING!! NOW!!
oh no I would never do that XDI’ve never actually read a book like this that I can think of…or maybe I did, but I never finished it XDYes! Though, both monarchies have… ‘catches’ The Lehabim monarchy (theirs) also has a set of Elders, who can overrule the king if they’re in majority, and even vote him off the throne if necessary. The other monarchy has a funky ascension system, where if you defeat the ruling king in a duel, you become king. It’s less chaos than it looks, mostly because there are a ton of safeguards in place so random idiots don’t challenge the king to fight everyday XD A few of the other systems have rulers referred to as ‘king’ or ‘queen’, but they’re not actually monarchies in the true sense of the word, since the rulers are elected.
Please tell me no one votes Liorah’s brother off the throne!!! Or I will go find him and recrown him XD I love that little caveat about the duel….XD *wonders what would happed if I transported some of my charries into your world just for fun* And I’d be “CHALLENGE HIM TO A DUEL! and I’m leaving you there until you win!!” XD Don’t worry it was just a thought, I didn’t say I would actually do it….🙄🙄😝
By the way, do you have a Pinterest account? I have some boards for my charries and I like going around and looking at other people’s XD
@lady-grace Yay!! 🥳😊😉
Yes please!! XD
@ladygrace
😂😂 Writing is such draining work. I don’t think we writers would survive without chocolate XD
IKR?! *sigh*
Sugar – that’s how I get the energy I need to finish the next chapter XD Chocolate must have been made by a writer…
*Accepts tissues* I hope I can! If not as a birthday gift, then when I get a job. But no matter what, I SHALL FIND A WAY! 😁 XD Do you plan to return?
I hope you can too! *grabs a tissue for myself* YES I DO! It probably won’t be until I get a job though XD
Yeah, maybe start a new thing. We might drive the other people on here crazy XD My intro post is a little less active, so we could maybe use that… *nods in agreement to the whole thing of scrolling through everything* XD
Okay! I’ll get a new post up! XD
But it’s kind of fun to drive people crazy *no you didn’t just hear me say that* lolXD 🤭🤭@storysmith for some reason, it didn’t like the fact that I wanted to post a picture of Kerwin. So here’s take 2 of that!
@storysmith You’re welcome!!
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.
Oh that’s a cool name too! So what changed him from Sylvie’s father’s rival to his close friend? What happened to his wife and girls? 😥 That’s really sweet that he gets to raise the princess and her siblings – I can see those scenes being so gripping and also tender.
Sylvendra and her people’s 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.
I have 2 little kids planned out for a future story and I know how Sylvie & her countrymen feel 🙂 Yes, small children all deserve a chance at life where they get a chance to actually be kids, to be crazy, have fun, and enjoy the fleeting moments of their childhood. What kind of guardian beasts are there? One of my kids – Trevyn (whose story is not for my next book but the one after that) – was captured when he was little and turned into a slave. He essentially grows up with no childhood. 😥 He only catches glimpses of what he can have when a firey redheaded spitfire named Verity comes into his life…. XD (I know, I was going to do her story next, but now that’s on hold b/c I have another story I REALLY can’t wait to start XD)
*Crouches into readied dueling stance, armed with notes and fountain pen with a cool calculated smile* Bring it on! XD
*bows* *unrolls a scroll* YES! PERMISSION!
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
Oh no no no!! Her arch enemy?! That’s so sad!! Okay, I really want them to be together now *sorry* *ha ha not really* I have a weakness for seeing the redemption of broken characters like that – which is why I have Nathan & Payton as my MCs and the same goes for Kerwin & Maddock my next book MCs (Kerwin is the one who dies btw) Okay, now since I have permission to ask away, I must know: What’s his name? What’s he like?
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
Aaawww Sylvie!! *hugs her* Poor girl!! Although, I must say, I love the idea of her adopting children – they would be her heirs right? Ummm ha ha welp, I’ve never actually done any romance like that before either so sadly I can’t help you out here. (The extent of my romance is that I paired off 2 people who were in my first book and the sequel opens with their wedding. Before that? Guess I leave that up to the reader XD) That’s hilarious! Yeah, I’ll read books with romance (Jane Austen, Count of Monte Cristo, Mitford and a bunch of others) but writing it…. *mind blanks* *stares at charries* “Okay, you guys, umm fall in love and I’ll return when you want to get married. Deal?”
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.
XD Well well well….it will be unexpected for sure! 😉😂 YES!! XD
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…….
I know…. *hugs Payton* Writing the scene where he actually realizes he’s blind. Ooof. His mom is there and she says something and he’s like…wait, Mother? All he has is her voice, he’s trapped, drowning all alone in a sea of panic… *runs to hug Payton* *I’m so sorry buddy!* Writing blind characters can definitely be a struggle. Wait, what are the other ways they have? He he, I’m having fun being able to ask a ton of questions. To be fair, you said I could! XD Yes, knowing that God is all they need….Payton, poor boy, never grasped that before his accident. He believed in God, but he wanted to have some control over his life. So when everything spirals out of hand and the bottom drops out of his world, that’s when he panics. Big time.
*whispers* What other doors? (“Payton, don’t listen!!”)
Good! I honestly feel better about it that you see its importance and theme too. Plus it should have its desired effect. XD
*bows again* It will for sure!
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.
*tears up* Oh poor guy!!! I feel so bad for him, and yet it must be done. I just hope the rest of the villagers don’t judge him or shun him or anything like that! I can just see him there, frozen in shock after the whole ordeal is over, just staring at nothing….POOR GUY!!
Hmmm you can write romance…with his son and the princess 😉
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
*sigh of relief* Good, I was worried for a moment, like the village would turn on him or something! I mean, I know how hard it is for shunned characters – that’s basically Nathan’s life in Alvastia. But it sounds like his family understands and they want to support him, which is GREAT! Umm yes, I think a waterfall or two or three will be in order when I read this scene! 😭😭😭 There. There are the 3 waterfalls. lol Although, I will say I have a weakness for sad stories or scenes or songs. (Have you read the Wingfeather Saga? XD)
I hope that makes sense. Any thoughts?
It makes sense to me. I think it would add an interesting dynamic if you included some soldiers/villagers who, in spite of what the princess has said, actually did start to shun this man or distance themselves from his family. (IDK if you already had as part of the scene or not) That was the only extra thing I could think of!
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.
Thank you! *pulls out scroll and feather pen to start making notes* Like I said, I’ve never done this before (let alone it’s Kerwin and I love his character already *sigh*) He’s going to die in his brother’s arms at the very very end. Yes, I will try and make sure I develop his character – I don’t want to readers to feel like, oh this is just another character killed in war. Not that any death is insignificant, but you know what I mean right?
This is him: (or how he is in my head!)
He he! I like finding pictures of my charries, I have a bunch more lol
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.
Agh that is Kerwin! *hugs him again* I’m not sure 100% on all the details, but I feel like a sacrificial death for his brother’s sake would make it seem like his life wasn’t just “thrown away.” And it’s gonna be SO HARD ON MADDOCK!! AHHH!!! LIKE A POWER PUNCH!! That’s probably going to be even harder for me than the actual death – Maddock’s reaction afterwards, especially b/c it’s going to be at the very end, so I don’t want his reaction to seem rushed. It could potentially turn into a duology as he wrestles with his emotions afterwards and the consequences. Thoughts?
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.
Oh thank you! That definitely gave me some things to think about. I’m kind of scared to kill Kerwin off but at the same time…. *sigh* I kind of feel like that’s what it’s gonna take….
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?
So….like I said earlier up on this post, some of the details are eluding me at the moment (which I’m fine with b/c I’m still working on my sequel XD) but basically here’s what I’m thinking:
Kingdom of Fire (working title) is going to be my next book project. And it’s going to be very extremely sad…This is the prologue:
It was a city aflame. It was stars of sparks burning the sky.
And it was two boys caught in the middle of the fiery turbulence. Years would roll between them. A kingdom of fire would almost break one and set the other free. Heartache and hope, triumph and tragedy swirled together in a tale one brother would hand down through the generations.
And this is his story.
(One brother….you caught that right? *sobs*)
Basically, it revolves around two brothers Kerwin & Maddock. Their city was set aflame by raiders and they lost everything in the world – except each other. It turned Maddock into a hard, strong, silent warrior out for revenge. He lives only for that – and his younger brother Kerwin. Maddock joins up with a man (still needs a name) who promises him that he can stop these raiders once and for all. Blinded by his passion, Maddock can’t see what Kerwin can – this leader is out for a far deeper plot and he will walk over anyone he has to to get it. (Still working on what that plot is/potentially joining with the raiders unbeknownst to Maddock) Maddock gives this man everything he has – and in the process, he becomes hardened and ruthless. Somehow the two brothers are separated. Kerwin finds faith that rises out of the ashes of his old life. There’s a major battle/conflict. Kerwin is mortally wounded….somehow saving Maddock? He dies in Maddock’s arms *cries forever* but not before his last words lead Maddock back to the faith he had abandoned so long ago.
There are still a lot of holes to be filled in obviously, but the main idea came from the fact that I wanted a story of redemption told from the antagonist’s side. And Maddock was born! And then he needed a younger brother…And there you have it! 🙂
Extra stuff: This is Kerwin’s quote which I stole from Green Ember: “My place beside you; my blood for yours.”
And Maddock’s theme song for the end of the book is *drumroll*: “The Last Farewell” from the Hobbit.
I’m also thinking of making the setting for this story a sort of a Northern Iceland Viking world thing – so the raiders that destroy M & K’s family are kind of like Viking raiders?
Thoughts? Stuff to tweak, change or scratch? Did it make any sense? XD If you have any more questions, I’ll do my best to answer!
What genre of music do you find helps you the most? Any specific soundtracks or songs?
One I enjoy is “Relaxing Medieval Music for Reading & Writing Playlist by Derek Fiechter” (It’s on Pandora, IDK if you have that or if you use something else?) I like medieval-based music, so I’ll find anything like that! As long as it’s instrumental XD What do you listen to for writing music?
That’s a cool turnaround! It would take some serious shots to the heart to make a hardened soldier change his pov of what he believes is right and wrong. As they say, the truth hurts but will also set you free.
Thank you! Nathan is one of my favs. Well, after Kerwin & Payton XD Yeah, it was pretty hard for him, but now that he has the truth he wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Ah interesting….. I can easily picture some likely awesome and hilarious scenes of Nathan being a drill sergeant lol XD”
I really don’t have a lot of scenes where he’s training the boys *fp* but I want to go back at the end and add that in there. Oh yes! It mostly comes out when he’s teaching those who want to fight in the cavalry – b/c horses are his love! So he can kind of get on a soapbox when it comes to their intelligence, and how you have to earn their loyalty, how their natural instincts are screaming at them to flee from a battle and you’re telling them to race into it – and if you can get a horse like that, you know he’ll go through fire and sword for you. That’s what Falcon, Nathan’s horse is like. And the boys are like *eye roll* WE’VE HEARD THIS LECTURE ALREADY!! Just let us go out there and RIDE!! XD
@lady-grace I know!! It’s like I actually have to TYPE out the letters XD Or just copy paste the tag XD Writing takes up all my energy 🤣🤣
*squeals with you* *starts crying cause YDubbs was so awesome and I miss it already* oh well, goodbye’s not the end🤧 *squeals again and bear hugs you*
Me too!! Are you ever thinking of going back? *bear hugs you back* *hands you a tissue box*
I got notifs for two different “moving cp” things. Which one did you want to use? I don’t actually know where the second is, I just got the notif for it. I think I can directly comment though… does that make any sense? XD
Ha ha well…..I sent 2 b/c earlier my posts weren’t working here so I wasn’t sure which one you’d get! XD I think we could chat here though (b/c I’m not 100% sure where the second one went either! XD) Actually come to think of it, should we start a new topic/forum thing for our CP? So we don’t have to scroll through all the replies… (because my intro post is still active lol) XD
@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”
@storysmith Technology! *glares at my laptop* Oh okay! You’re good.
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*
@lady-grace *moving YDubbs chat post* HI AGAIN!! *happy squeal* *superhugs you*
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)
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
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
