Beautiful People: Izavee

I started writing a new story this month. It's the secret project I started planning in January. I hadn't done much, but a sudden challenge to write a book this month came up. I know I won't write all of it yet, but it'll be good to get something done. I have gotten out of the habit of writing large volumes of words.

I'm writing by hand again and I'm up to 17 pages for the month. In my defense, I only started on the 2nd and that was making my scene list. Also I'm preparing to go on holiday. I should be able to get lots done while I'm away from the internet.

It's also time for the Beautiful People link up by Cait and Skye. I consider using my main character Cassia for the questions, but for various reasons that won't work well. Instead I'll tell you about a friend Cassia makes early on in the story. I haven't got to her introduction yet in writing, so this will be fun. Her name is Izavee Echo eHerian and she'll be answering the questions for herself.

What’s your favourite book/movie/play/etc.?

I love the stories of Quinrilian the Virtuous, a hero at the end of the Desolation of Darkness. My brother Quinric is named for him which makes the stories even more exciting. We would act them out together.

Is there anything you regret doing?

Of course. Lots of things. One thing I'd be better off without was the memory of meeting some Reika at a dance. I was only twenty-two at the time and shouldn't have been there, but I'd pleaded to go and Father gave in. One of them pulled out one of their tricks and almost lured me away.

If you were sick or wounded, who would take care of you and how?

Quinric would do what he could, then call for our sister or a lady friend to do what he couldn't. After that, he'd probably ask Rylen to come over and cheer me up.

Is there an object you can’t bear to part with and why?

I doubt bicycles exist in this world,
but Izavee looks a little like this.

I will never part with my mother's necklace of service. I'll get my own soon, but hers is forever more precious. She might have died thirteen years ago, but her influence has helped me as I've grown up.

What are 5 ways to win your heart (or friendship)?

Be loyal to the sanctuary. Listen. Don't tempt me to corruption. Bring me flowers. Don't sleep in.

What do you usually wear? Describe it top to bottom.

Top to bottom. That would be starting with the hat. I have rather a lot of hats but my favourite is a soft scarlet ekinett with an extra wide brim. I'll wear a plain dress in any pale colour with a navy or teal jacket over it. And brown ankle shoes with buckles.

What’s you favorite type of weather?

I love warm, dry days. That's why Zafeíri is my favourite month. It's usually like that.

What’s the worst fight you’ve ever been in?

Me? In a fight. I never fight. What, it doesn't have to be physical. Alright then, it was when I turned 25 and Father wanted a big party. I was just starting to realize I wasn't all that grown up and didn't want one. He won.

What names or nicknames have you been called throughout your life?

Iza and Vee were pretty common. Rylen calls me Echo. He says I echo the scrolls.

What makes your heart feel alive?

Visiting the sanctuary. And talking with Rylen. Or riding home on a windy day.

And that was Izavee. I hope you enjoyed getting to know her as well as I did. You can ask any questions about her and I'll answer them if they're not infringing on secrets.

Don't forget to check out other Beautiful People at Paper Fury.

Beautiful People: Celino and Cloe

So it's Link-up time of month again. And time to get back into character questions. In other words, it's Beautiful People time. And because of a 3rd (or 1st) century bishop (or priest) who may (or may not) have had something to do with marrying people against the emperor's orders, the theme for February is couples.

Now I have several couples in Lady of Courage. But I can't talk about Natalia because that's too complicated, and I'd rather not talk about her friend Eloisa who made a political marriage, so I'm going to talk about Natalia's parents. Or rather her mother and her step-father. But they're still both her parents and theirs is a lovely story, if I do say so myself.

Celino Acqui

Now I had better introduce them both properly.

Celino Acqui is a merchant and a veteran of the Third Yallici war. 

Cloe Neroni was raised to occupy a high position and was an assistant to the late Deso of Vecoa and the mother of his heir.
Besides Natalia they have Alexso who is fifteen and Sofia and Teresa who are twelve.

How and why did they meet?

Cloe: Supposedly it was the second time I met Sebastian (my first husband). I was sixteen at the time and very nervous, though excited about the possibility of an engagement. I do however remember him being with Sebastian when he visited me in between then and our wedding.

Celino: I distinctly remember being dancing with her once on the first occasion. Sebastian asked me to help entertain her, then made me promise not to step on her feet.

What were their first impressions of each other?

Celino: I thought that she would be good for Sebastian and make a wonderful Desa for Vecoa when the time came. And I'll admit I thought she was rather young.

Cloe: When I did properly meet him I was impressed by his devotion to Sebastian. And possibly a little too admiring of his swagger and skill with the sword. He wasn't so steady and cautious back before the war.If he had been I might have attempted to set him up with one of my friends and then where would we be. 

How would they prove their love for each other?

Celino: Well she listens to me and confides in me.

Cloe: I would have to say the same.

Cloe Neroni

What would be an ideal date?

Cloe: A date for what? The only big occasions to plan are all Natalia's and I doubt are what you're asking about. But late spring is preferable.

Is there something they emphatically disagree on?

Cloe: Celino still thinks I wouldn't have married him if Sebastian hadn't left a clear letter asking me to let Celino take care of me if he was killed. But though the letter may have played a part, especially in him offering, I couldn't help but be won around to him.

Celino: And I disagree with that statement. She convinced me of her story years ago. I don't understand why, but I believe it.

List 5 quirks they know about each other. 

Cloe: Celino doesn't like going into the city without his big admiral's hat. Even as a merchant he's still got that sea blood. Sometimes I think if it weren't for his commitments he'd been raging off over the sea.

Celino: But you know the war ruined me for seafaring. I'd go if there was a war, but that will be a terrible day.

Cloe: He also hates politics and is very fond of the tapping noise his wooden leg makes. Now what do you have to say about me, dear?

Celino: I have no such awkward things say about you. There's only your odd preference for Rosan partridge over our native pike.

Cloe: I grew up in Rosa. It's natural I'm partial to their food.

Celino: But you spent an equal time on the isle of Fazoe.You didn't have partridges there. And that was where they taught you to cook.

Cloe: And that my dear, is why I have never eaten a badly cooked partridge.

What’s one thing they know about each other that no one else does? (and now you will)

Celino: Cloe almost joined a religious order when she was fifteen and again straight after the war.

Cloe: I'm sure at least one other person knows that. The same with the dreadful secret I have. When he was twenty Celino helped captured an Ayutian ship and almost married a girl on it.

Celino: *raises eyebrows* Did Sebastian tell you that story? And it wasn't nearly so close as that. Her mother told me to behave or I had better marry her, but there was never anything for her to worry about.

What’s one thing that they keep secret from each other?

I was unable to ask this question so I just went digging around in what I already knew. I don't think Cloe tells Celino all of her hopes for Natalia and he has never shared a particular secret that Natalia confided in him.

How would their lives be different without each other?

Cloe: I'd be a lonely widow meddling too much in the life of her only child and Celino would be another mad sea captain. And no, that's not debatable.

Where do they each see this relationship going?

Cloe: Well we've been married seventeen years. Let's see if we can make it to 70.

Celino: I think you mistake your math. I won't live to be one hundred years old.


I hope you enjoyed that. I haven't developed them as well as I'd like yet, but I got a bit of banter going.

Beautiful Books: Goals and Interruptions

Hello readers, writer, friends and- I don't think there are enemies reading my blog. If you are, please say hi.

I was starting to write about what writing I'd planned for this month and what was really happening when I remembered the Beautiful Books link-up was waiting for me. Since it is one on goals I'll try to make it fit together.

What were your writing achievements last year?

I finished the first draft of my first novel, mostly re wrote it, wrote most of a second one, and started brainstorming a sequel. Not entirely in that order. It was a good year.

What’s on your writerly “to-do list” for 2017?

Finish Lady of Courage, get Girl of the Rumours reading to critique partners or maybe even beta readers. Probably write its sequel, though that depends on whether it is ready to be written when I have time.

As for this month, I had big goals: I was going to be writing 40,000 words, mostly on Lady of Courage. Anything else including blog post would be counted too. Otherwise my blog won't happen with a high word count goal. I thought I might do a little bit of outlining on A Brigand, No Longer, but nothing else was expected.

The Secret Story

Then two things happened. First I was given a shiny new idea that get's better the more I think about it. It's a secret project I can't talk about much, but I'm doing world building. And I'm not just mashing up bits from our world though there is a bit of that. I've finally veered off into what couldn't be in our world.

It's amazing how starting with nothing allows for more consideration of ideals. I'm not making a utopia, but I can put in more of my ideals for life, work education and government. I can actually make a clearer reflection of the truths of our world I believe to be important. I knew that stories allow one to do that before now, but I hadn't experienced it so fully.

So because of that I haven't gotten much work done on Lady of Courage. This week I'm forcing myself to get back to work on it.

The second interruption is one that actually has an impact of my word count. I'm going away for a week.  It's an intensive course on planning one's life to impact the world. I'll be writing, but it's not the stuff I count. So my goal has shrunk.

Tell us about your top-priority writing projects for this year!

I think this means add more details. Girl of the Rumours is still in a fairly rough state, but the only big changes are content added to the middle and  the climax. The rest needs some continuity checking, some serious evaluation and a little polish.

I'm hoping doing that will help me sort out what happens in  A Brigand, No Longer. For it I've just got a bunch of ideas that  I'm not sure how they fit in. It's likely there will be a third book, but the ideas aren't clear enough.

How do you hope to improve as a writer? Where do you see yourself at the end of 2017? 

I haven't gotten much feedback on my writing so far. I'm hoping the critique process will really help me figure out my weaknesses and strengths. From there I'll be in a much better place to write.

Describe your general editing process. 

I've hardly done enough editing to turn it into a process. For my first book the first edit was when I copied it from note book to computer. There were subtle changes I added as I copied. There were bigger things that happen though out it. When I actually begun that I'd just figured out the main line of the story and had to change the whole beginning to fit it. Then I go back over and tidy things up. I refine my characters.

For my other books it'll be a little different, because it is already on the computer. But I'll still be re writing things I've thought better of and making other big changes.

On a scale of 1-10, how do you think this draft turned out? 

Well it's not quite finished yet. But I'll put it at 6 overall.

What aspect of your draft needs the most work?

The complex threads. A lot of them were dropped and the subtlety was lost. I'll need to add them in and tie it all together. Also the political scenes could really do with smoother intrigue.

What do you like the most about your draft? 

The themes of friendship and communication that are coming though. And the sacrificial themes. That's something I didn't fully realize until I wrote this.There's a lot of love and mostly not the romantic kind. I'm also loving the teenaged brother inventor. He's fun.

What are your plans for this novel once you finish editing? More edits? Finding beta readers? Querying? Self-publishing? Hiding it in a dark hole forever? 

More editing. Then some critiquing will have to come, then more edits. Rise and repeat several times. Then I'll think about querying.

What’s your top piece of advice for those just finished writing a first draft?

Let is sit for a month or two. Then read it over. Don't think about it too much in between. Work on something else. But do come back. It's worth it. Also write yourself an ridiculous. encouraging letter that will help you keep on when the editing seems hopeless.

And that's that. Except I haven't shared the new name I have for the larger country Girl of the Rumours takes place in. Verlis is the main setting, but it's just a province. The whole land is called NéaElefthéri. Ne-a el-ef-THAIR-ree. NéaElefthéri. There is a chance you can talk me into explaining it.

So do you have any excitng new writing developments? Or just a stubborn unmoving goal to move towards? Tell me about it.

Beautiful Books: NaNoWriMo Update!!!

So I started writing this post in the first week of November. Now I've finally finished it. I also finished NaNoWriMo for the first time half an hour ago!!!

So I'm doing the Beautiful Books link up by Cait@Paper Fury and Skye@Further Up and Further In.

Overall, how is your mental state, and how is your novel going?

My mental state is fine. (Read elated and hugging everyone now)I went into NaNo expecting to fail. On Day two I changed my mind. It hasn't changed back yet. I am almost there now and completely confident I can make it. Now I'm done!!! My novel on the other hand is a mess. The middle came together better than I expected at the start, but there are huge bits I haven't written and entire plot thread I've missed. It'll probably need to be rewritten in entirety. But I don't care. Keeping the story in my head is rather pointless.

What’s your first sentence (or paragraph)?

I didn't start at the beginning, and the beginning I do have I'm not happy with.(and I've already written two versions) Further more I'm not 100% sure what bit I wrote first this month. so I'll share both. 

This month: The ambassador bowed, showing a bald patch in his greasy black hair.

Very beginning: However nice it is to be surrounded by sycophants, sometimes a girl just needs the presence of a good strong man. Natalia rose to the tips of her shoes and scanned the milling crowd.

Who’s your current favourite character in your novel?

Early in the month, Natalia's half brother Alexos. he's kind of inspired by my brother and is very adventurous. there's also a couple of tertiary (I think. My secondary and tertiary characters like to get mixed up) characters, who are fun. A super enthusiastic, irrepressible maid and a mad sea captain.

Since then I've become rather fond of Luca and Lorenzo in particular, but all my character are working their way into my affections.

What do you love about your novel so far?

New ideas for what should happen keep coming. I never intended to have all my characters pretending to be someone else, but it happens. (a good number at least)

Have you made any hilarious typos or other mistakes?

Nataia, Natlai, Natali, Matali, Natatalai, Naltai, Nalatai; I can't type my main character's name, It's a bit of a nuisance. Natlai is the most common mistake. (When trying to type it wrong it came out right somehow.)

What is your favourite to write: beginning, middle, or end — and why?

I like it when things go really well and pull together in surprising ways, and that happens most in endings. but all of it can be fun.

What are your writing habits? Is there a specific snack you eat? Do you listen to music? What time of day do you write best? Feel free to show us a picture of your writing space!

Shelves new yesterday!

I often, but not always listen to music. Getting a good bit of writing down in the morning is a goal, but I do it later in the day as well, including quite late.

How private are you about your novel while you’re writing? Do you need a cheer squad or do you work alone?

I don't tend to share much because my work is full of typos, but being able to talk about the joys and trials is important. And sometimes I just need someone to help me focus. Kendra E. Ardnek has been great with that. She does share it, and that also keeps me from getting too stuck in my own head. And when I felt like procrastinating she was great with that too.

What keeps you writing even when it’s hard?

Determination and word sprints. Some with Kendra and Erika Mathews, a lot with the lovely people in the Realm Makers Consortium, and a couple with my little brother. I tried using Write or Die a bit, but if either my internet or computer is too slow it doesn't register my writing quick enough and dies instead.

What are your top 3 pieces of writing advice?

1. Write something you're enthusiastic about

2. Study the craft

3. Don't put too much pressure on yourself.

And here's the graph of my monthly wordcount:

And that is that. What have you all gotten done this month. Tell me, even if it's small. There's plenty of achievements other than writing a horrendous 50,124 words.

Beautiful Books: A Brigand, No Longer

It's the time of the month when I usually do the Beautiful People link up. But it's also the time of the year when we take a break to talk about books. In particular, books we're about to start writing.

This book I'm about to write is tentatively titled A Brigand, No Longer. It's a sequel to Girl of the Rumours. There may or may not be another book coming after it. I really didn't want to write a trilogy, but I cannot fit all of my ideas into one more story.


What inspired the idea for your novel, and how long have you had the idea?

It was probably about a year ago that I came up with an interesting twist to Girl of the Rumours that would leave a couple of characters in a very interesting situation. That twist is not the same anymore. It actually involved a character, who has changed a lot of the course of the first draft (sometimes she was a young woman looking after her brother and sister, now she is their mother). Also there were too many coincidences in the story. Anyway there still seems to be some complex situations, and I wanted more room to play with some themes and relationships.

Describe what your novel is about!

Joane, the former lady brigand, is having trouble adjusting to her new circumstances. It's clear that she was meant to live out in the wilds and most people agree. So when shes hears that her former followers are forming into small warring factions and generally causing trouble, there is a strong urge to run away and get them back into line. But she knows her duty lies elsewhere. And that's about what I can write from the little I know. It's vague, but I can't give away spoilers for the previous book. Many other characters make a return though. And Arthen and Leisa marry.

What is your book’s aesthetic? Use words or photos or whatever you like!

I'm really not sure how to answer this one. I don't even no how to describe it as a room. But it's more town than forest. Formal garden terraces, people sewing uniforms, an apothecary shop. A strategy planning map, arrows through windows, making bandages. Mocking laughter, a burning village, a formal dance.

Introduce us to each of your characters!

I really can't do this very much. I'm not yet sure how much to let out about who continues. But I'll describe Joane and a few fairly minor characters.

Joane doesn't smile much, she'd rather stare daggers through you. She can take charge of a room, but is in her element outdoors. Her black curly hair is too short to stay up well and she always has a weapon hidden about her.

Lady Naida Harly is a small, sprightly old woman. There's always a twinkle in her eye that says she understands you even when you don't say a word. But she's also ready to make you talk about it, and extremely hard to say no to.

Marcon Keresh is the second son of the Noble of Whern. He's slight pretentious, means fairly well, but thinks he knows how things should be done. (Also I didn't know he existed before I started writing this)

How do you prepare to write? (Outline, research, stocking up on chocolate, howling, etc.?)

I fill in things like this, throw random ideas around and try to organize them into something useful. And I'm getting writing books from the library again.

What are you most looking forward to about this novel?

Putting Joane into many uncomfortable situations. Letting my characters grow more. Figuring out who Marcon is. Having father-daughter relationships.

List 3 things about your novel’s setting.

It takes place in a city much more than the first book.

There will be some opulent surroundings at times.

It's summer, so lots of heat and the early harvest.

What’s your character’s goal and who (or what) stands in the way?

She's trying to save her old followers from themselves, and help people survive a war. A new leader among the brigands and a lot of stubbornness and fear all round is making it difficult.

How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?

I really hope she becomes more humble, trusting and forgiving.

What are your book’s themes? How do you want readers to feel when the story is over?

One theme is learning to trust, when things seem out of your control. Also learning to obey when when another path makes more sense. And being willing to live with people who ridicule you.

I want people to feel glad that they read it. And encouraged. Certainly encouraged.

Beautiful People: Wil is NOT a knight

It's this time of the month again. Beautiful People with Cait and Skye. If you want to check out what other people have done click on the picture.

Today I'm telling you about Wil from Girl of the Rumours. He is often called Blue Wil, to distinguish him from anyone else who might have that name. Other names are Sir Wil and Preacher Wil. He says they're both wrong. He is certainly not a knight And his full name might be Wilothi, a name my little brother helped me invent, which once belonged to another character.

Now onto the questions.

How did you come up with this character?

I thought Nylf needed a friend, a sidekick of sorts. I filled in a few basics, Took a leftover first name from one place and a last name from another. decided to give him the colour blue as a reference to Will Scarlet. (Robin Hood is also where Arthen Stute's last name came from, though it initially belonged to someone else.) And then my subconscious took over and came up with a fascinating backstory, He doesn't even like Nylf anymore. I don't even remember how it happened.

Have they ever been starving? Why? And what did they eat to break the fast?

Probably yes. When you live out in the jungle with no fixed occupation and others relying on you, sometimes you have to go hungry. And a likely food would be a tapeti (rabbit).

Do they have a talent or skill that they’re proud of?

He's good at hunting, the roundup and making shoes.

List 3 things that would make them lose their temper.

Wil doesn't tend to lose his temper. But if someone repeatably did something he'd asked them not to he would. Also if someone did something Wil thought was completely unjust and claimed the problem was with Wil's moral code, well I'm glad I wasn't around that day. And he has a tendency to beat himself up over what he should have done.

What is their favourite type of weather? Least favorite?

Cloudy days are good. Torrential rain is bad.

What is their MBTI personality?

I'm not quite sure. Wil is trying to ignore bits of his life and not get involved with other people though that would be more natural to him. Right now I'm thinking ISTJ. It fits with the even temper. Yesterday I said ISTP, and a few days before I was considering the possibility of him being an INFJ.

Are they more likely to worry about present problems, or freak out about the unknown future?

Probably present problems. Wil isn't a worrier in general.

What is their favourite thing to drink?

Chocolate? I haven't thought about drinks at all in my world building.

What is their favourite color? Least favorite?

Favourite is blue. He has gotten his nickname for a reason. And he has a distaste for yellow and black together. And the colour white. It's impractical and shows up dirt, or blood far too well.

What is a book that changed their life?

The Bible. But that's a long story. Even I don't know it all.

Now it's just so happens that it's my birthday today. So I'll be nice and share a snippet. In fact the first bit with Wil in it.

  "Listen," Wil leaned forward and a beam of light fell across gold brown hair. "Mirfwoods isn't a good place for young ladies to be around, Lass Aydel. If what Nylf has told you is true you should find someone of good status who can take you to Verlis. I-" He hesitated a moment. "Elind and I would even take you to Noble Linsti if you want."
  "Noble Linsti!" Aydel spat out. "Are you mad? He's the last person I could trust. Arthen and my parents are working for him. He doesn't care about any of you. All he wants is  an opportunity to gain power over Verlis."
  Wil frowned. "Perhaps he doesn't care as much as he should but I'm sure it isn't as bad as all that. He is honour bound as a noble, to help another noble's daughter. Nylf and the sort who you'd find hanging around Mirfwoods, don't have that honour. They'll do what is to their advantage. It might be to yours, it might not."
  "So you don't trust him." Aydel glared across at Wil. "Well I don't trust you, so that makes two of us. But despite that fact I will still allow you to escort me to Mirfwoods if you will."
  "And if I won't?"
  "Then I'll ask around and find it myself. I'm resourceful. But I would be much happier to have someone else who Nylf must trust at least a little."
  Wil sighed. "Very well, Elind and I will take you there, Lady Adlayda." He gave a deep bow.

 Don't forget you can make guesses in my character name perception game until the end of the month. I'd appreciate getting as much feedback as possible.

Also I'm wondering if anyone noticed what fact about Wil I left out.

Beautiful People: Nylf the Slightly Handsome

So, I had trouble choosing a character for Beautiful People this time. Probably because it was external beauty or lack thereof, that it focuses on this month. I've already done most of the characters that are that significant. So I thought I'd do the character who goes by Nylf, despite the fact his looks aren't that important.

As I begun, I realized I've never done Aydel, my heroine and that it would work well for her, but the character development is good for Nylf. Even though it's mostly externals, He's a very important character, but sometimes a little awkward to explain. This way I don't need to worry about keeping secrets.

Give a brief overview of their looks. 

Straight dirt coloured hair, it's short to begin with but he doesn't really cut it over the course of the book. He does keep it tidy and shave though. Quite pale skin, though it is reddened by sun and wind, greenish-brown eyes. He has a open, friendly, teasing look about him. And he's young, early twenties.

Share a snippet that involves description of their appearance.

Skin and hair contrast ought to be higher.

'As they came into sight, their voices died away. Probably realizing there was a chance they could be heard. They weren't dressed in the usual soldier uniforms but soft forest colours instead. One was tall with hair slightly darker than hers in stark contrast to his pale face. Even paler than Leisa's. 

What is the first thing people might notice about them?

That's he's very quiet and good at blending in. And that they should have seen him before. Other than the fact he's rather good at sneaking up and vanishing, it would probably be his height and his easy way of standing. And probably the hair/skin contrast.

What are their unique features? (Ex: freckles, big ears, birthmark, scars, etc.)

He's actually pretty ordinary. No scars in places that are regularly visible, His ears do stick out a little though and he's got common, random skin imperfections.

How tall are they? What is their build?

Pretty tall, a little over 6'. He's got a long distance runner's build.('cause he actually is a long distance runner) So not overly muscular.

What is their posture like? How do they usually carry themselves?

He tends to stand in a lazy yet controlled manner. He walks and runs quite purposefully unless he doesn't want to be seen in which case he kind of slinks along quietly.

Your character has been seen on a “lazy day” (free from usual routine/expectations): what are they wearing and how do they look?

He'd actually kind of look rather like that picture, slightly dishevelled. Clothes would be shirt, trousers and possibly a vest and/or wide belt. It depends on exactly how lazy he's feeling and who is around.

Do they wear glasses, accessories, or jewelry on a regular basis? Do they have any article of clothing or accessory that could be considered their trademark?

He always has a knife or two about him and a small leather satchel. A rope hung from his belt or over his shoulder is common.

Have they ever been bullied or shamed because of their looks? Explain!

No. Because of his manners and actions, yes, but not his looks.

Are they happy with how they look? If they could change anything about their appearance, what would it be?

Perhaps he'd like to be more handsome. But also more ordinary. Being pale with dark hair can stand out at times. And if you could change his appearance more dramatically, he could be a completely different person. That could be useful, since a few too many people know him.

And that is that.

Beautiful People: Wil

It's time for the Beautiful People link up again. This time I'm going to interview Wil. He's made an appearance  before, here, for Kendra's Character encounters. That was quite a while ago though, and there's more to Wil than you can get out of one appearance. In fact you'll have to read the book when it's finished. So without further ado, here's the interview.

"Okay Wil, it's your turn to be interviewed for my readers."

He sighs, "Do I have to do this, mi'lady? I know I'm not the main character and I'd rather not tell everyone my secrets.

"Yes, we're doing this. Despite the fact you're not the focus of the story, you are one of my favourite characters. Anyway I won't tell Aydel, and I really doubt that the questions are about the stuff you don't want her to know"

"Who said Aydel was the one I'm keeping secrets from. It's Mim, you know that."

"Alright, Mim then, if you insist. I won't be telling anyone else in the book your answers. Now ont to the questions. Do you want to get married and/or have children? Why or why not?"

"Must I answer that?"

"Yes."

"Well then I really don't know. I'm not sure that I'd be any good. Women are hard to understand and easy to hurt. I don't wish someone like me on them."

"What is your weapon of choice?"

"I prefer the staff and the lasso. Blades can be too deadly, and are messy either way."

"What’s the nicest thing you’ve done for someone else, and why did you do it?"

"Not saying."

"Well, I will then. It's taking care of Elind and Mim. You tell them why."

"They needed me and no one else did."

"Have you ever been physically violent with someone, and what instigated it?"

"I have. I probably shouldn't have, but he was being foolish and had hurt someone."

"I'm not going to bother asking you to tell them who 'he' is. Are you a rule-follower or a rebel?"

"Neither. I don't conform societally, but neither do I try to change the rules. Laws exist for a good reason. Armed rebellion is wrong."

"Are you organized or messy?"

"Usually organized."

"What makes you feel loved, and who was the last person to make you feel that way?"

"Come on, you can't really expect me to answer that question."

"But I do."

"Well if you substitute valued for loved it would be easier. I like it when people actually listen, when they're interested in what I say. Most people just don't get the point and I wonder why I bother."

"What do you eat for breakfast?"

"About the same as everyone else."

"Have you ever lost someone close to you? What happened?"

Will grins.

"Therin decided to go exploring on his own. It took me a couple of hours to find him. He'd fallen in a stream and gotten all wet."

"You know that wasn't what I meant."

"Well it's the only answer you're getting."

"What’s your treat of choice?"

"Silence. people talk too much."

"We both know that's not entirely true. But that's the end of the questions so I'll leave you alone now."

Just so you know Wil has a fairly low opinion of himself, and he wasn't in the best spirits at the time of this interview. In fact he probably never will be in an interview. I know too much and questions can be awkward. Someday I'll have to post a snippet with him being his cheerful, courteous self.

So what do you all think of the gallant knight of my story? (Not that Wil is an actual knight, in fact he is quite insistent on that fact.) But that's a part he plays in my mind. 

Beautiful People: Mim's Childhood

Hi everyone,

This is a rather rushed post because I just got back from an amazing camp last night and almost forgot about my blog.

I'm doing Beautiful People again, this time about a sweet red-haired brigand girl named Mim.

What is her first childhood memory?

  The time her half-sister Elind arrived in tears and started living with them permanently.

What were their best and worst childhood experiences?

  She has fond memories of harvest feast in the town where being poor didn't matter. And also the time when she was given a new dress. The worst time would be just after her mother and uncle died of the coughing sickness. She and Elind almost starved before Elind finally gave in and married.

What was their childhood home like?

  A ramshackle cottage on the outskirts of the town of Jarrah. it was a dirty noisy place, often dangerous too.

What’s something that scared them as child?

  The men that her uncle would hang around with.

Who did they look up to most?

  Her mother. She was a wonderful woman who always made things come out alright and kept Mim safe.  She wouldn't let people impose on her.

Favourite and least favourite childhood foods? 

  Favourite food is pies; least favourite is watery soup. 

 
If they had their childhood again, would they change anything?

  She would have had a father.

What kind of child were they? 

  She was very wild adventurous and warm-hearted. Making friends, but scaring their mothers.

What was her relationship to their parents and siblings like?

  She loved and then missed her mother, feared her uncle and never knew her father. Elind was almost a second mother, but she saw her as being weaker than her own mother. Her other half sister was someone she barely knew existed and never wanted to meet.

What did they want to be when they grew up, and what did they actually become?

  She hoped to become a maid and work herself into a better life. She became a brigand instead.

And that's the basics of Mim. If you ask me any questions in the comments I'll answer them for you.

Beautiful People: Natalia Rizzetti

It's Beautiful People time again. And I found a way to make it take much longer than it had to. But here it is only a few hours later than I like.

After a little thought I chose to tell you about Lady Natalia Rizzetti of Vecoa this time. Since I don't know her quite as well as I should, I'm going to travel to Vecoa and and ask her the questions personally.

Since she is unaware of my existence and might be uncooperative if I try to explain, I will take another tactic. I dress myself in the traditional flowing blue and white of the legendary guardian of the Maretegna. (The region of sea that Vecoa has a share in.) I think that will open her up a bit, though no one believes such a person ever really existed.

I arrive for her mid-afternoon walk on a day when Eloisa would be elsewhere. Also a few weeks before I will begin the the book. She'll be less wary that way. Nobody had died for a while.

I spot her quickly, a bright red spot among the green of the forest terrace. I walk closer. She is sitting on a wooden bench, staring up into the trees, yet not looking like she actually sees anything. I scraped my foot against the ground.

"Is that you, Teresa?" She whirls around and her mouth goes slack at the odd sight of me. Then she gives a little laugh. "Well you certainly aren't Teresa. What are you? The Guardian herself?"

I nod. "I just came to ask you a few questions. You can see I can't exactly attack you well in these drapes."

"You probably could," she says dryly. "But you're not going to and you wouldn't get away. Now about those questions." She drops back onto the bench and points for me to sit next her.

"This is going to sound odd," I say, trying to keep her gaze, "But how often do you smile?"

"Too much. Sometimes the corners of my mouth get sore. But I can't just frown at everything I'm not perfectly happy with."

"Of course. I'm less likely to frown with a stranger than a close friend." She frowned a moment, but it didn't last. "I won't smile at you if I don't want to."

I nod slightly, averting my eyes. "You probably won't after this next question. What- what was the cruellest thing someone ever told you?"

"Oh!" She scrunches up her eyes and leans back against the seat. It creaks and bends. "Well when- no, not that."

She stops talking. I wait. Finally she opens her eyes and speaks making each word deliberate.

"When Signa Murtas and Grandmother told me that my real father had died before I was old enough to remember and that Father wasn't really mine at all. That I was different to the rest of my family."

"What did you do?"

She shrugged and smiled. "I refused to believe them at first and went and hid in the garden where even Eloisa couldn't find me. Then I wouldn't smile at them or even talk to them for a long time."

I sigh with relief. She dealt with that one pretty well. It wasn't quite the answer I though she might give, but I couldn't do much about that. "What about the kindest thing someone told you?"

"All about what my real father had done and how he and Father were so close, almost like brothers. I found it extremely comforting at the time." A dreamy look comes into her eyes. She seems to still find it comforting.

"Who told you all that?"

She frowns and brushes a bit of hair out of her face. "I'm not sure. It may have been Lorenzo and Filippa, in fact I'm pretty sure it was. Not that she remembered a lot."

I nod. "She wouldn't have. Do you have any other strong childhood memories?".

She scowls. "I remember when Demetrio Pavone knocked me into the harbour on my first visit to Doranto. He probably didn't know I could swim. My rescuer splashed him badly."

I try to keep myself from smiling. I hadn't heard about that before.

"Have you ever been seriously injured?"

She shook her head. "Never. Well not physically."

I'm about to ask her to elaborate, when I realize what she is talking about talking about. And I do not want to go into that now, even if she did seem open. (Spoilers)

"Do you get along with your neighbours?"

Natalia blinks. "Do you mean neighbouring states or the people who live close to the Palazzo?"

I shrug. "Either or both if you like."

"Well I can't very well be disagreeable, but I like some of them more than others. And we get on well with Trione, alright with Doranto, hardly at all with the others. Why are you here anyway? If you were a spy or looking for gossip you wouldn't do it like this."

I smile. "It's kind of complicated, but it will never hurt you. Now are you usually this easy to get on with?"

She makes a quick motion with her hand. "Oh always, the other person is being demanding or foolish or ignoring me. Which is fairly often."

I raise my eyebrows at the slight contradiction and she shrugs. "It's true."

"You're right." I say. " Now, if you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?"

Natalia leans forward, eyes shining. "Anywhere? I'd go everywhere. At least to all the grand cities where women are respected. I'd really like to go to Ingiltere and see the works of Queen Elisabetta."

"I'd like to do that too. I'm more interested in Vittoria though."

She gives me an odd look. "Vittoria?"

I look down at my feet. I shouldn't have said that. I'm already mixing her up enough without talking about an uncertain future. "Never mind. I've just got one more question. Who was the last person you held hands with?"

She crosses her arms. "I'm not answering that one."

"Why not? Was it Taddio at your party two days ago?"

Natalia gives me a queer look. "No, of course not. It was actually Alexso, just after lunch. Now, won't you stay for afternoon tea."

I stand up, shaking my head. " I really can't stay any longer. The Maretegna has been left unguarded long enough."

I vanish, leaving her stunned. And I really think she needs to read It's (Not That) Complicated or A History of Venice. They'd both help her.

What did you all think? Does Natalia come through as an interesting person? Did you like me writing it that way?

Beautiful People: Joane

I was looking forward to Beautiful People this month. Actually I have every time, but not quite this much. I don't know why exactly. Maybe because I didn't know what else to do.

On Monday morning when I went to starting writing this, Cait hadn't put the questions up yet. I almost panicked. I hadn't though of what else to say. I came up with a few ideas I wasn't really excited about. Then I checked again, just in case it was there, and it was. So here we are.

Before I saw the questions, I had decided to do Joane, unless it was a special focus that didn't fit her. When I read the questions I almost changed my mind. Not all of them really fit her. But then I realized that I might be able to show off her character even better.

What first inspired this character? Is there a person/actor you based them off?

I was reading something about diversity in fiction and breaking stereotypes. I thought I ought to stick a few girls among my brigands. And quite a mixture of them. Tough girls, not just Maid Marian. I decided I wanted there to be one who lead the others, and was very bossy and not at all welcoming. A name sprung to mind, Joane Artyn. 

Ever since then she has grown in importance and changed somewhat. I think she is now one of the most dynamic characters in the book. And no, she isn't based off anyone. 

Describe their daily routine. 

Wake up, grab something to eat if there is anything. Go scouting to check nothing is wrong. Come back and give everyone else their commands. Either go hunting for food, or try to catch something, or rather someone else. Call everyone but the sentries in for practice. Eat supper. If Nylf is around talk big plans. Stare out into the darkness for a while before going to bed.

If they joined your local high school, what clique would they fit into?

There isn't a high school around where I live and I know very little about them. She would be a tough girl, with a group around her who look up to her, yet afraid of getting on her bad side. Or she'd be a drop out.

Write a list of things they merely tolerate. Ex: certain people, foods, circumstances in their lives…

Nobles, most men, weak people, being forced to get by in the woods, Wil, Aydel, Mim's superstitions, anyone who believes  the rumours of Lady Adlayda reappearing and saving them all.

How do they react in awkward silences?

By glaring at the other person and making them feel uncomfortable. Joane refuses to do awkward silences. If she doesn't quite feel comfortable about something she did, that's none of your business.

Can they swim? If so, how did they learn?

I'd never thought about swimming. I don't think that proper swimming is very common. Perhaps bathing at the rivers edge. Joane would be able to swim a bit though. Well enough to not drown when crossing a river. The rivers aren't all that deep though.

What is one major event that helped shape who they are?

Losing her mother. Or more the fact that she never knew her mother. Being brought up by an brigand certainly had a big affect on her.

What things do they value most in life?

Holding fast to her father's legacy and keeping promises.

Do they believe in giving other people second chances? Do they have any trust issues?

It depends on what they've done. If they broke a promise, never. If they were just unfortunate, maybe. 

No, she's never fully trusted anyone and hasn't had any problems from it so far.

Your character is having a rough day…what things do they do to make them happy again? Is there anyone they talk/interact with to get in a better mood?

Why do people think you need to be happy? If you're upset with someone, you just work them harder and they turn out better for it. Being angry brings energy, which gets things done.


Yes, Joane certainly has some problems. That's part of what makes her interesting. Besides, perfect people can't improve, brigand maids can, though She wouldn't agree. She wouldn't consider herself to be a beautiful person and she isn't exactly. Not in her outer personality at least, but deep down inside...

Well I don't want to spoil the story for you. Anyway I do have a picture for Joane. It's not perfect, but it does give an idea of her looks. Just imagine a quarter staff and leather padded armour.

I hope you enjoyed reading that as much as I did writing it. If you were hoping I was going to tell you how my new project is coming along, it is. Very slowly though. I still don't have names for characters but I have a whole lots of cool ideas. What do you think of having a wooden legged man who isn't a pirate or a beggar, but a naval captain? I rather fancy it. It's likely to be a very fine wooden leg given the setting.

Beautiful People: Arthen and Leisa, and sailing

It's this time of the month again. The time when I tell you about my characters. Or rather the Beautiful People linkup. Because it's February It's romance themed.

The two characters I'm doing are are Leisa Rosir, and Arthen Stute. Both of them are secondary characters and their relationship isn't a very important part of the story but it is there nonetheless. I was going to let them speak for themselves, but they are both rather quiet people and would just freeze up and not say anything in front of each other.

How did they first meet?

They knew each other as children, but they met again more recently when her father, Captain Rosir sent him with a letter for her mother. And also to stick around and be helpful in his spare time.

 What were their first impressions of each other? 

Arthen was surprised by how much Leisa had grown up since he'd last seen her. Also he noticed that she was much more dignified and restrained than her sister. She saw why her father had praised him for his steadiness, and that there was strength under his quietness.

How long have they been a couple? 

Well technically they're not quite a couple, but they've been spending time together for a few months.

How committed/loyal are they to each other? Would they break up over a secret or a disagreement? Could stress drive them apart? Would they die for each other? 

They're pretty committed. Her father is behind their relationship, so that's a good sticking force. Besides, they do like each other. I think they'd get through secrets and disagreements and they're pretty stressed at the moment. It's bringing them together not pushing them apart. Arthen would die for Leisa and though Leisa doesn't seem very brave, she surprises even me sometimes. So I think she would.

 List 5 “food quirks” they know about each other. (Ex: how they take their coffee, if they’re allergic to something, etc….and feel free to mention other non-food quirks!)

This is a tricky one, but he knows she likes inventing new twists on dishes and hates wasting anything. She thinks his habit of sprinkling cinnamon into his drinks is really odd. (Yes, I did just make that all up on the spot.)

Does anyone disapprove of their relationship?  

Not really. Leisa's mother is a little uncomfortable with any young man hanging around her daughters, but she doesn't have anything against him. Aydel(her sister) doesn't completely like him and think he's making Leisa insufferably good at first, but she isn't around for long and later she is quite happy about it.

What would be an ideal date? 

If things are ever peaceful again, they would love to just do some simple things together, go for a walk in a safe part of the forest, walk through a village and talk to the children. Those kinds of things.

 
What are their personality dynamics? Similar? Contrasting? Do they fight a lot or mesh perfectly? 

Arthen is stronger and wiser then Leisa and she looks up to him. Her desire to learn fits well with his knowledge. On the other hand He is a bit of a wanderer, while she is very domestic. When he goes off into danger, she worries. Or she would worry if she knew what he was doing.

What have been their best and worst moments together as a couple? 

The best times would be when he was repairing the roof and answering her questions about God's word. And later praying together. The worst would be when there was a conflict between his duties and her needs. Details would spoil the story.

Where do they see themselves and their relationship in the next few years? 

Possibly married with children. Neither of them is quite sure how they think of the the other though, not yet at least. What they really need is a bit of danger to make them realize it though. Or time of course, but that's not likely to happen.

I wanted to find a picture for each of them, but after much searching I still failed to find anyone who looks like Arthen, so I'll just give descriptions instead.

Arthen, or Stute as I often call him, has mid-brown skin and dark hair and eyes. He has a small neatly trimmed beard, smiles when he is relaxed.He is of ordinary height, whatever that is and almost always where a broad-brimmed hat and dark green and brown clothes.

Leisa is fair and blond and often wear blue along with natural linen coloured clothing. He eyes are a fairly nondescript grey. She is not particularly tall.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about them. How do you manage romance in your writing? Front and centre? Hidden away in the back? Hate it entirely?

P.S. This post is late because I went sailing this morning. And because I didn't write it ahead of time. Anyway, as I was saying, I got  to sail a boat, a catamaran to be exact. After drifting around in the bay for an hour and getting nervously close to some moored boats, Dad (who was in a different cat) came back and told us we needed to pull the sheet(sail) in close. After that we actually started getting somewhere on the odd moment when there was a breeze. Remember that, if you ever are sailing into the wind, pull the sheet in.

Beautiful People - Writers edition

Well, after being away for over a week and basically spending the beginning of the year strangely, I feel a bit disoriented. Because conferences with full catering are nothing like normal life. It's like being in another world that operates under completely different rules. Except that rain still makes you wet and it's still hard to talk to strangers.

Because of that, I can't come up with anything wonderful and I'm just going to do the beautiful people linkup. I have already answered some of these questions partially, so I hope you won't mind me repeating myself.

What were your writing achievements last year?
I actually started writing.  I proved to myself that I can meet goals sometimes.

Tell us about your top priority writing project for this year?
Finishing my first book, which is going to involve a lot of work.

List 5 areas you’d like to work the hardest to improve this year.
Dialogue. I have a tendency to let my character ramble all over the subject. I need to work on being more concise.
Scene structure. I really don't know much about that at all.
Simplicity. My ideas always seem to become huge and complicated in order to support a whole plot. Writing faster. Everything is going really slowly at the moment. If I want to get three books drafted this years I need to speed up.
Being more organized with my writing time.

Are you participating in any writing challenges?
I intend to do both Camp Nanowrimos and maybe even full NaNoWriMo.

What’s your critique partner/beta reader situation like and do you have plans to expand this year?
I do have a writing partner. I haven't actually sent her anything though. Soon I hope to be at a stage where I will want to do that.

Do you have plans to read any writer-related books this year?
Yes. I have a stack of four on the floor near me and I actually am going to buy a couple.
Or are there specific books you want to read for research? 
The History of Venice is partly story research and I'm sure I'll pick up a few more things.

Pick one character you want to get to know better, and how are you going to achieve this? 
The unnamed protagonist of my second story. I know next to nothing about her. I'll have to start by fleshing the story idea out a bit more and figuring out what I need her to be like. Then I'll have to be creative.

Do you plan to edit or query, and what’s your plan of attack? 
I will be either editing or completely rewriting. I'll do the first edit when I type my hand written draft into the computer.

Toni Morrison once said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” What are the books that you want to see more of, and what “holes” do you think need filling in the literary world? 
More books that actually teach you the truth about reality. Subtly and in fun ways of course.

What do you hope to have achieved by the end of 2016?
One book ready for beta readers and a couple more roughly drafted.

What do you all think I should try to write this year? Even give me your crazy ideas.

Beautiful Books + New Title

I noticed the Beautiful Books linkup and decide I wanted to do it. Before the end of the month. So I have an extra post.

So I haven't been doing NaNoWriMo, but I have still been writing. I'll be talking about my story Restrained or Protected which I just renamed to: The Weaver and the Brigand.  (or possibly Spinner) This isn't the only name I've come up with though. For a while it was The Maiden and the Brigand in my head, I have a document called, Her Outlaw Knight, and the exercise book I use for outlining stuff says: So Called Freedom. I really like that name. It just does not fit. At least at the moment I don't think it does. 1. Is the book turning out how you thought it would be, or is it defying your expectations? It's becoming more complicated than I expected, but also deeper. I had an idea this week that adds a whole new layer to it. That's why I changed the name.

2. What’s your first sentence (or paragraph)? I really don't have one. I've written many and at the moment I don't like any of them. Most of the have something about a knight or prince in them though.
3. Are you a plotter or a pantser? Have you ever tried both methods and how did it turn out? I plan, but not in great detail. When I've made changes, I might make a note, but I won't go and re-outline it.
4. What do you reward yourself with after meeting a goal? Last month I bought myself Captivated, by Molly Evangeline. Next time I meet a goal, I'll have to come up with something else.
5. What do you look for in a name? Do you have themes and where do you find your names? I want them to be somewhat distinctive, yet simple. Most of my names have an anglo-germanic feel to them.
6. What is your favourite to write: beginning, middle, or end — and why?  The beginning is hard to get right. Lot's of interesting things things happen in the middle and I'm just at the beginning of the end. Which is fun, but i don't really know quite where I'm going.
7. Who’s your current favourite character in your novel? Right now it's actually Adel, my protagonist. I was a bit surprised to realized that. Especially as every time I do a personality test with her, I get a different result. And when I think about it I'm not sure what makes her cool.
8. What kind of things have you researched for this project, and how do you go about researching? (What’s the weirdest thing you've researched?!) I'm just starting to research Roman-Britain. I suddenly thought that would be a good flavour to add in. I've got some books set there I'm planning to read. Weirdest things I research was about knocking people out and making sleeping potions.
9. Do you write better alone or with others? Do you share your work or prefer to keep it to yourself? Racing someone else can help me but I usually write alone. At the moment I'm keeping it to myself. It's not quite at a stage I can share it.
10. What are your writing habits? Is there a specific snack you eat? Do you listen to music? What time of day do you write best? Feel free to show us a picture of your writing space! I don't really have any particular habits. Sometimes I listen to music. I really don't know what time I write best. I write in all kinds of places. Either of my desks, sitting on the lounge, at the bench, outside. I've even ended up writing at the library and in the mall. That has worked well. None of the wrong kinds of distractions there. Well at the library I had a bag full of books and did get a bit distracted. So that's what's happening with my writing. I'm having fun. I'm not stuck at the moment, but I'm rather busy and can't get a lot done. At's it's probably terrible, but I don't care, I can fix it later. God bless you all. I hope you have a great weekend.