Of Writing and Other Wonderful Things...

New Home

2009-11-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

So, I was playing around with pictures and layouts and...I made a new blog.

I might still post over here, but I think I might post more often here: http://raven-ashley.blogspot.com/

New Moon, Writing, and high school....

2009-11-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

So, in case you haven't noticed New Moon is coming out in FOUR DAYS!!! Yeah, I know, you're excited, but not as excited as me. ^_^

Seriously, I've been waiting for this movie for a long long long time. I can't go to the midnight showing because a.) I don't have a ride to get back home and b.) my mom won't let me.

Sometimes I want to know what it feels like to be a teenager, you know the kind who are high off of angst and rebellion.

But alas, I'm a goody-two-shoes and I'm going to brave my anticipation until I can go on Saturday. In the morning.

Who goes to the movies in the morning? That's like weird...and unheard of but my friends are being nice and are going to wake up and go to the movies with me in the morning/afternoon. Unless, you know, they change their mind and I have to go with my sister/best friend two weeks from now and...yeah, I can't wait that long.

In other news, my friend who I don't think is my friend anymore, just exploded today. Apparently she was still holding a grudge over the weekend and when I saw her at lunch today she just kept doing these really childish things.

I mean, she's a junior. I know I'm only fifteen and that I do little kid stuff sometimes, but there's a time and a place for everything.

She was screaming and losing her mind, but because I don't usually get all bent out of shape over childish, silly things, I remained calm and now everyone sees that she was overreacting.

Seriously, the girl was giving me a headache! She was calling me a wimp and a whole lot of names that I won't mention here, and I was just ignoring her.

But she just kept talking and it took someone to drag her away for her to shut up and the more I think about it...ugh!

High School is hell on steroids.

In other news, I am slowly progressing on my nano novel. I was so drained when I got home, but I managed to churn out 800 words and if I wasn't so tired maybe I would have more but every word is progress.

I'm really loving the characters and it's strange how they just start taking on a life of their own.

I love them to pieces though and I'm glad I didn't give up this idea.

I hope everyone had a great Monday!

Um, yeah...

2009-11-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

So I'm not a Lady GaGa fan but Bad Romance is awesome in a kind of weird way. I just got done watching the video and when it was finally over this is what my face looked like: O_O

My eyes were probably bigger but you get the point.

Seriously, though, that song fits my Super SEKRIT project that I may or may not write after I finish editing my nano novel. It's called Volatile Secrets and it's dark, very very dark. That's all I'm saying for now.

Speaking of my nano novel, Mirror Mirror is coming along well. I'm trying to reach 25K before I have to leave home and go to my grandma's house. But I don't know if I'm going to get there because I keep procrastinating.

I made a page for my novel on my website.

And I finished Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen yesterday. Great book. I'll try to get a review up soon.

So, how's everyone surviving NaNoWriMo? I hope everyone's word counts are increasing and I really need to get back to writing so....

Ciao!

Genre, genre, genre...

2009-11-14T05:40:00.000-08:00

Everyone has their own genre. Everyone has read books that pertain to the genre that they write. If you write YA fantasy, you might be interested in the Harry Potter series or maybe The Chronicles of Narnia. If you write YA contemporary, then maybe you like to read stories by John Green, Sarah Dessen and Courtney Summers.

Reading is the only way we can get better at writing. But before we write, we must know what we want to write. Some people know from the moment they read a novel that they want to write that exact same genre or maybe people are just born to write fantasy or contemporary or any other type of genre out there.

It's just like I know I was born to write YA. Not because I am a young adult but because I love how it doesn't hold back anything. It's true to the life I'm living now and there are some great stories out there, that are funny and sexy and just extremely awesome. And they're all YA books.

I've ventured outside of the YA genre. Adults say that teens my age and older have a short attention span and that's not necessarily true. I read Jane Eyre in two nights when I was eleven. It was the first book that was not considered MG or YA that I had read. And at the time my mom didn't allow me to go into the YA section , but that's a whole different story.

But I read everything from Jane Austen to Richelle Mead. I love vampires, dashing gentlemen, and angsty MC's. Basically any genre that has romance in it, I love.

That is why for years I couldn't pinpoint my genre. I mean, everyone has a genre. But me, I'm the oddball. I kept trying everything, hoping something would stick and well, nothing did. When I was younger I wrote MG because I was a nine year old and blushed when I heard the words "kiss" and "love".

As I got older, my stories became serious in topic. I love religion and I found myself writing stories about atheist soldiers seeking redemption, Jewish boys living in a world where people don't understand their religion or their morals, girls who didn't believe in God because he didn't save her sister, and finally, boys who believe music is a religion *coughs* Alden *coughs*

I would spend nights researching the religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Working anything I could into stories, so that they could be accurate and yet still enjoyable.

Then I graduated to historical romances. I had just finished reading Pride and Prejudice when I was thirteen and I decided, well, why can't I write a historical romance? I wrote stories about courtesans looking for love, and a plain-Jane type of girl with a suitor who didn't love her. My first NaNoWriMo novel was entitled The Jane Effect and that was a historical romance.

After a while though, I realized that that wasn't sticking. So I hopped from one genre to the next, and none of them stuck to me.

Then I entered the world of YA contemporary.

Alden's story was one I had been thinking about writing for years and I just didn't have to guts to write it because it was dark and raw and everything I was not. But once I churned out that first line: "My father has a gun", there was no turning back.

I found out that I loved writing contemporary because you can be as creative with the writing as you want, and you can be funny and honest and you get across messages people will be afraid to get across.

And that's when it hit me.

Getting across messages some people will be afraid to get across.

I wanted to do that. In today's worlds, adults fear letting their children see certain things. Like my mother, she didn't want me reading about drugs and sex and violence. I wasn't even allowed to watch a movie until she looked it over. I don't blame her for that, but if you don't let your kid see or read something because you think it's inappropriate, it doesn't mean that they're not going to see it somewhere else.

So why not have them read about it in books, so that they are aware of what is out there? Not so that they can become curious and want to try whatever it is in the book whether it be unprotected sex or cocaine, but so that they are educated, so that they are aware of things out there.

And no YA book sends out a bad message. Even if a book is about drugs and kids that run away, they still have a positive message in the end, most of the time.

That is why I want to YA contemporary. Edgy-YA Contemporary to be exact. Because you know, I can't do comedy and mushy stuff. I like romantic comedies and all but I think it's better on the dark side.

They have cookies. ^_^

Teaser Tuesday

2009-11-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

This is yet another teaser from my NaNo novel Mirror, Mirror.

I looked at Low. I really looked at him. He had no rough edges, no imperfections. There weren't any frown lines on his face, or creases in his forehead. It was as if he had no worry in the world.

He squinted his eyes, as the sunlight fell over him. "That house just feels too much like a prison."

My heart stopped, but I didn't think about what Low just said, I just nodded. "I know, I know."

"That song I was singing, it's how I feel. I know we're apart of a family who loves us, who needs us but I just feel so..."

"Alone."

He smiled, softly. "Yeah."

"Someone once told me that I looked lost. I looked like I hadn't found myself yet. Maybe we're alone because we don't know who we are."

"Yet. We don't know who we are yet." Low paused, his eyes widening, his voice wistful. "Run away with me."

I blinked a couple of times, before my eyelids froze. I knew what he just said but I couldn't understand what he was saying. Run away with him? He wanted to leave. He wanted me to leave with him. It made no sense.

I shook my head.

"Kendall, I know it sounds crazy, but we can't stay here any longer." Low looked to the sky. "Every night I go to sleep and dream about a better life. A life with just you and me and..." He braced my shoulders and looked deep into my eyes, until he could see my soul. I didn't want this. I would never want this. He could see that. He frowned.

"Why?" I asked, my emotions erupting.

"Because...because I love you."

I shook away from him. "No you don't."

"Yes," he grabbed my arm, "Yes, I do. Kendall Elizabeth Ryan I love you."

I wanted to throw up. I wanted to wash my skin until his touch was gone from my skin.

"No you..." Something moved in my peripheral vision. It was blue blur. My heart turned to stone, and my eyes glazed over. Standing just ten feet away from us was a police officer.

He looked like the same one who took down Jax. I gulped. We couldn't get caught. We were supposed to be ghost, we didn't exist. If we got caught, our life as we knew it would be over.

"Low." I whispered, tears streaming down my face.

"Yes." His voice trembled. I've never heard him like this before. He was always so strong.

"If you trust me," I started. "If you love me, you'll run."

"What are you..."

"Run." I repeated, firmly.

He loved me. He ran.

Character Profile: Kendall Ryan

2009-11-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

Actress: Michelle Trachtenberg

"Though Pris was the one who plaited my hair and sewed up my clothes when I was little, I hated her because she was pretty and smart and everything I was not. Kip liked girls like that. And I wasn't like that, so he wouldn't like me."
~ Kendall Ryan

Full Name: Kendall Elizabeth Ryan

Age: 17

Appearance: She usually has bags under her eyes because she doesn't get enough sleep. Her hair is brown but in the sun it looks like it has red highlights. She has a very pale complexion because she is in the house most of the time.

Personality: She is very whiny sometimes, and she values her faith in God. If you make her mad, she won't hold a grudge and when she loves, she'll love with all her heart.

Hobbies: She likes to write poetry and listen to music, anything to take her mind off of things.

History: She remembers her mother, but for most of her life she has been living with Kip. Later on in the story, her past is revealed, but I won't say anything more. Don't want to give anything away.

Love Interest(s):

Kipling Fitzgerald - She has fallen in love with Kip because she thinks that they are alike. Even though he is verbally and physically abusive, she loves his flaws and will do anything to make him see that he cares for her too. The fact that he taught her all he knew, the fact that he raised her and protected her excuses all of his wrongs.

Lowell Fitzgerald - She doesn't hate Low, but she hates the feelings that he might have for her.

Ellis Parker - Ken meets him later on in the story, and then she realizes that maybe she's been wrong about love all along.

Theme Song:

Chasing Pavements by Adele

Surviving NaNoWriMo Tip #1

2009-11-08T05:23:00.000-08:00

It's so easy to fall out of love with your NaNoWriMo novel. At the beginning of the month, you're psyched, you're ready to embark on a thirty day journey to finishing a novel that has been cooking in your brain for quite some time now.

You may have a massive outline or you may be just winging it. How ever you are planning to churn out 50,000 thousand word in 1 month, that is up to you, but you can't help if you fall out of love with your novel can you?

I'll admit that I was pretty proud of my novel at the beginning of the month. It is one of the first contemporary novels that I have gotten past 10,000 words on. Also it has romance, adventure, and the characters really are growing into their shoes, so to speak.

But then I get anxious.

There are so many things that I had planned for this novel. The plot was supposed to go one way when it went another, and I can't go back and fix anything, because during NaNoWriMo you're supposed to keep on trucking and basically you have to stick a shoe in your inner editor's mouth.

This is hard, especially for perfectionist such as me and millions of other writers out there. But in the words of John Green, it's okay to suck during November.

It took me a long time to realize that, but now I see clearly. *Cue the music*

Sometimes the raw writing can be better than revised writing. It's the words that comes straight from the heart, from your mind. They're fresh and great and wonderful and beautiful. Once they're on your paper or your Word document, they're there forever. You won't erase them, you can't. Because if you want to be on top, you have to keep moving a long.

If you have fallen out of love with your characters or your novel, I can't really tell you how to fall in love with them again.

But I can say that once you keep working with them, to improve your relationship, so to speak, you'll learn to like them. You'll learn to except them for all their flaws and imperfections. And then you won't be able to get them out of your mind. They'll hypnotize you, they'll take over you, until you have to love them.

My only advice to you, I guess, is to keep writing. I know you might have heard this advice in millions of other places, but it's probably the best advice you'll ever receive.

Keep writing.

And it doesn't matter if you write 3 words or 200 words or 1,000 words or 4,000 words a day. Every word you write, is progress. Every word you write because you one step closer to your goal.

Soon, December will be here and you can set that inner editor free.

Good luck everyone!

Teaser Tuesday

2009-11-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

This is from my NaNo novel. It's one of my favorite scenes.

"Did he hit you?"

I didn't answer right away. Low probably took this as a yes.

But no. Kip didn't hit me.

Kip didn't have to hit me to make me cry. I just hated the way Low's lips wrapped around "he." Like Kip was vile and disgusting, when he wasn't. He was far from that. Low was his brother. He was his flesh and blood, but he didn't know him like I did.

"I swear, if he touched you I would..." Low started.

"No," I coughed out. "No, Kip didn't hit me."

Low didn't believe me. And I didn't care.

"What would you do? Fight him?" He loosened his hold on me, and I pushed him away.

"If that's what it takes," he said.

NaNo is here...

2009-11-01T06:09:00.000-08:00

And a couple of seconds ago I hit 1k!

To celebrate here's a snippet of my NaNo novel.

By the way, I decided to do Mirrror, Mirror because Alden from Have Mercy decided to close up on me. He's been very quiet lately.

It was all in the eyes. That's what Pris said to me all the time. You can be the worst actor in the world, but if you put your eyes into it, nothing could go wrong. The eyes were the windows to your soul, your heart.

I stood there, my body trembling. The magazine that I was supposed to pretend to read, held no interest. I kept my eyes on Pris.

Her hands gripped the counter, her hair falling in front of her face, looking like a veil of sunshine. The clerk's face was painted with concern. Real, genuine concern.

"Are you okay?" he asked, moving from behind the counter. His thick accent was low and soft. I felt sorry for him. He seemed like a good person, and we were going to rob him.

"I think I'm going into..." Pris breathed, "...labor."

This was an Oscar-worthy performance. If I didn't know that Pris had a pillow stuffed under her shirt, and not a baby bulge, I would've believed her. I hoped, prayed, that the clerk would keep on believing her.

A Dark and Dangerous Magic

2009-10-31T11:30:00.001-07:00

Thanks for reading guys!

Because I Can't Sleep...

2009-10-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

I made a cover for Have Mercy.

In Two Days...

2009-10-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

NaNo begins!

I did it last year, and won (by miracle) and because the prize is as same as last year's, I definitely want to try to churn out 50,000 words (0r more)

But there's just one little problem.

I'm not ready.

I'm close to being ready, but let's just say I'm not that close.

I literally had one hundred ideas. I went from urban fantasy to science fiction and I finally decided I was going to try writing a contemporary. I know, taking the easy way out.

Then I narrowed it down to four ideas and then those four ideas morphed magically into two. Two very good ideas, but which one do I chose.

Have Mercy

Alden Summerville loves music. It runs in his blood. His mother was a musician and when she died, music became his world. Nothing was going to change his dreams of becoming a famous rocker. Not his dad, who wants Al to get a football scholarship. Not his step-mother, Barbra, who wants him out of his house. No one will stop him from letting music be his life, because if he doesn't have music, then there isn't no point in living.

When Mr. Snyder, his music teacher retires, Alden doesn't know what to do. He thinks that there is no one left in the world on his side, until she comes. She is beautiful, bright, and cares about music almost as much as Alden does, maybe even more. He introduces him to a different world, one he wants to live in. One he will give up everything for.

Mirror, Mirror

Kendall Ryan has never lived in a real home. She's never had her own bed or room, and she's never had a "first kiss" Though she's been kissed by many men, the only man who she would gladly accept a kiss from was Kipling "Kip" Fitzgerald, the man who has been taking care of her for as long as she can remember. But that will never happen because Kip already has his eyes on Pristine "Pris" Walker, the golden-haired beauty of their little "family."

All she wants, all she'll ever need is for Kip to notice her, but he never treats her with love and affection. She's like furniture, just there to help out when needed.

And then a girl goes missing.

There's more to both stories but I don't want to give too much away. I don't know which one I'll do. Hopefully I'll finish tomorrow so I can get playlist and stuff together.

So much to do, so little time...

Teaser Tuesday

2009-10-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, it feels like I haven't done a Teaser Tuesday in a long long time.

Um, okay. Today's teaser is from Shadow when I tried writing it in first person.

The room was dark in a matter of minutes, save for the bright white light that streamed in through the window.

"So, what are you doing after school?" he asked, his voice almost a whisper. The movie was starting now. I've seen Romeo and Juliet before, so I really didn't have any reason to pay attention. But I didn't want to sit here and talk to Sloan. It was too dangerous. The way he made me feel. The way I let myself succumb to his charms, if you could even call it that- was risky. I couldn't let myself give in.

"Why do you care?"

"Well," he moved his chair over until we were thigh to thigh. I didn't want to focus on how near he was, but the jolt of electricity that shot through my veins wasn't making it easy for me. My lips started to numb, and my mouth went dry.

This wasn't good.

"I was wondering if you wanted to, you know, catch a movie or something after-school." I jerked my head in his direction. He was asking me out on a date? I liked him. Maybe even more than I should, and I knew that he was sort of fixed on me. Even Lola, who deemed herself an expert in the art of 'chemistry', declared that Sloan was 'totally into me.' In another world we could be an item, but this was reality and I couldn't be alone with him. I couldn't risk his life. I couldn't let him be another....

"Well?" he pushed. The eagerness in this voice was unusual for him. It was almost like he needed me to say yes, but he didn't know what kind of darkness I could bring into his life. If he knew, he would want me to say no.

"No," I replied.

Sighing, he sank back in his chair. I don't know why, but I turned to look at him. A strand of hair fell in front of his eyes, as he met my gaze. "I just don't get it..." He paused. There was a crease in his eyebrows. "Are you a lesbian?"

My eyes widened, but before I could say anything, he placed his hand on my shoulder. A jolt of electricity shot through my veins. "Because if you are, I'm cool with it. There's nothing wrong with liking girls. Believe me, I understand."

I was aware of the eyes that were on us now. Not everyone had heard what Sloan had said but we had enough attention. I shrugged away from him, dropping my voice. "You're an idiot."

"Look, if it makes you feel better, I'll watch you make out with some chick and I won't even be disgusted or anything."

"I'm not a lesbian, Sloan," I muttered.

He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair, "Hey, it's either that or you're stupid." His head tilted to the side. "You're like one of the smartest girls in the entire junior class, so that only leaves the first theory."

"Theory?" I wanted to kick myself for asking. A part of me knew that whatever he was going to say would make me mad. He curled his finger around a strand of my hair, and gently placed it behind my ear. His touch made my skin crawl.

"Usually girls fall head over heals for me, you on the other hand, don't. So, if you put two and two together..."

"Just because I don't want to shove my tongue down your throat like some..."

Something moved in my peripheral vision. I averted my eyes and looked out the window. The snow was falling to the ground in tired white clusters. Everything, from the trees, the cars parked in the parking lot, the rooftops of the houses across the street, were covered in it's crystalline splendor. The hair on the back of my neck stood up. My mouth went dry. Despite the fact that the heat was on in the room, a chill resonated through my body.

Someone was watching me.

Before we are great...

2009-10-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Not everyone starts out great. You have to fail before you are good at anything in life. I've been writing ever since I could pick up a pencil. Nowadays, I think my writing is pretty decent and I'm not ashamed to flaunt it to my teachers and stuff. But when I look back on the things I wrote long ago (three years ago) I want to take a match to it and forget that it ever existed.

But I can't do that. Though my old stories may not be as good as the ones I write today, they are still apart of me. Those characters are still apart of me.

A story that epitomizes this bond I feel with my old writing, is Hazel. I wrote it the summer I turned eleven. The night after I finished reading Jane Eyre I opened up a new document on my computer and start typing away.

Here is a snippet from the story:

It was almost night time when Miss Hilda called for Erin. Erin had dressed in her best clothing and quietly entered her mother's room. Miss Hilda gestured for Erin to sit beside her.
It was quiet for a couple of minutes but then Miss Hilda began to speak.
" You remind me so much of your father. So you will lead a life similar to his." Hilda said coughing
" I pray that I will Miss Hilda." Erin replied closing her eyes
" Your eyes remind me every day of the loser I married." Hilda continued angrily
" That's why you hate me?" Erin asked trying not to cry
" You are cheerful even after I scold you. You are kind even when shown no kindness. I tried for years to break you like I've broken your father but it just hasn't worked yet." Hilda replied softly
" Trying to break me will be like asking for an early grave, Miss Hilda." Erin said coldly
" I know it but I will not give up." Hilda agreed, coughing
" My father and I are stronger than you, together." Erin said
" Please that man is weaker than Winston and you're nothing but an ugly child." Hilda said chuckling
" I don't have to sit here and listen to this." Erin said getting up
" But I have everything you need to know about your future right here in my mind." Hilda exclaimed smiling
" You lie, Miss Hilda!" Erin shouted
" You will be alone in life and will die alone for no one will ever love a hideous face such as yours." Hilda screamed angrily
" I will not become you! You are the one who will die alone and you are the one who will never be loved by me or my father or anyone else." Erin snapped running out of the room
The next day Miss Hilda died in her sleep. No one was by her side and no one had loved her. When the body was taken out of the house, Erin didn't shed a tear for she was happy to have her father and no one else. All day Erin's father had shut himself up in his room and didn't come out. Erin started to worry about him because she thought he would be happy. Then she remembered the sincerity in his eyes when Miss Hilda lied there passed out from the cold. Had Michael really loved Hilda?
After making dinner, Erin ran up to her father's door and knocked on it softly.
" Father, I made dinner if you are hungry." Erin said
" I'm not hungry." Michael replied grimly
" Then I will come in and make you eat." Erin said opening the door
When she opened the door, Erin saw her father on the floor crying. Erin quickly rushed to her father's side and held him close.

If My Life Were A Musical...

2009-10-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I didn't just wake up and say that I wanted to write a blog post about what my life would be like if it were a book. No, I didn't. I was over at Amna's blog and she was talking about what her life would be as a musical. Cool thing to think about right?

So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie

Opening Credits:
Coffee's for Closers by Fall Out Boy

Waking Up:
Move Along by The All-American Rejects

First Day at School:
I Hate This Part by The Pussycat Dolls

Falling In Love:
Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes by Fall Out Boy

Losing Virginity:
Black Cat by Mayday Parade

Fight Song:
So What by P!NK

Breaking Up:
You Found Me by The Fray

Prom:
Wake Up Call by Maroon 5

Life:
How to Save a Life by The Fray

Mental Breakdown:
The Scientist by Coldplay

Flashback:
Miserable at Best by Mayday Parade

Getting Back Together:
Thanks for the Memories by Fall Out Boy

Wedding:
Gives You Hell by The All-American Rejects

Final Battle:
Dance, Dance by Fall Out Boy

Funeral Song:
Lost by Coldplay

Ending Credits:
It Ends Tonight by The All-American Rejects

This made me laugh!

How about you? What songs did you in up with?

Teaser Tuesday

2009-10-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

Finally I have something new to share! First off, Happy Teaser Tuesday everyone!

Okay, I know I'm a bit late but hopefully people will still read and tell me what you think. I'm going to try to get to everyone's. My computer has been acting weird, so hopefully it doesn't crash. I have a half-day of school on Thursday so I'll be able to read and comment then, if I don't get to it now.

Today's snippet is from Reborn, my first every Science Fiction WIP. The only thing that makes it SF is that it takes place in the future and that there are "aliens".

Gabriel looked up to the sky. I looked up too. All I could see was a torrent of white, nothingness. There were no birds flapping their wings through the air, and the clouds had long since disappeared.

"We should go back inside," he said, grabbing my arm. His touch felt icy to my skin. It was a new type of feeling, one I wasn't sure I wanted to feel, but I welcomed it. He had never touched me before. Gabriel had made it clear, that we shouldn't touch. His eyes slowly found mine. For seconds, minutes, hours, it seemed, we stared at each other, not speaking a word.

We spoke with our eyes.

Gabriel grabbed my other arm, gently this time. His fingers started traveling up and down, analyzing. Goosebumps rose on my skin, and he seemed to be fascinated by them. He tried smoothing them out, his cold hands sending warmth through my body. I felt my heart thudding against my skin. Why was his touch doing this to me?

"Your heart," he whispered. He knew. He had to know. After being here for so long, he had to know what this meant. I knew what it meant. Though I wouldn't admit it to myself, I knew. I gulped. He closed the distance between us, until there was only a sliver of air separating our bodies.

"It's beating so fast. It sounds so..." He paused.

Without thinking, I grabbed his hand and placed it on my chest. The confusion in his eyes morphed into shock. At first I thought he was going to pull away, but his lips started pulling up at the corners. He was smiling.

My voice shook, "Do you feel it?"

He nodded, his dark curls falling in front of his eyes. "What does it feel like?"

"Sometimes I don't even know it's there. When I am excited or scared it starts to beat rapidly. It's like...I can't think of a word to describe it," I replied.

"It does this when you are excited or scared," Gabriel said, looking up at me from under his eyelashes. He didn't know this, but his eyes were breathing fire. I felt my cheeks flush in their presence. "Which do you feel? Excitement or fear?" He paused. "Addison, if you are frightened of me, I'll..."

"No, Gabriel, it's not you. I'm not afraid of you. I'm just a little overwhelmed."

His eyebrows pulled up, "Tell me, what overwhelms you?"

Your touch. Your presence. Everything about you. I kept my lips sealed, even though the answers to his question were right there on the tip of my tongue. A part of me was thankful that though he was an Observer, he wasn't an expert on the language of the heart.

When I didn't answer, Gabriel closed his eyes, and rested his head gently on my chest. He inhaled and exhaled, as if he were breathing in my heartbeats. With his other arm, he pulled me closer and my heart stuttered. He didn't say anything about it though. He just listened.

"Thunder," he murmured.

"What?" I asked, breathlessly.

"I hear thunder. We have to go inside now."

He pulled away.

Something inside of me told me to react.

I grabbed a hold of his hand.

His eyes were black coals as he stared down at me.

"Addison, what's wrong?"

I looked down. "Please..."

His voice was thick," Please what?"

"Stay with me. Out here, a little longer. I know it's going to rain soon. But please. A few more seconds. I need this." I need you.

Teaser Tuesday

2009-10-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Tuesday yet again. And I haven't really been writing. I have been taking notes for one of my SNIs that I keep thinking about. So, I didn't think I had anything to post today but then I found this. It's from Have Mercy and it's from Mercy's POV. It's a little rough, well at least I think it is but I hope you guys enjoy it.

When I woke up this morning, not only was I met with the sound of the sky's tears tap dancing on the roof but I could smell something. It was a strong smell, like odor that came from the gym socks lying around in the boys' locker room, but less potent. I turned over, pressing my nose into my pillow but I could still smell it.

Sunday was supposed to be a day of rest, and here I was getting out of bed. I slipped on my slippers and pulled open my door. The fragrance assaulted my nose and then I knew what it was.

Something was burning.

My mother was cooking.

As I moved down the stairs, I stopped and looked out the window.

I hated rain. It came and it went, leaving behind sorrow and pain in it's wake. Even when the sun came out and it was a new day, it was still there somehow, engraved in the leaves, the ground, trickling down the window. It was always there, and no amount of sun could scare it away.

I touched the glass, and a chill resonated through my fingers. Something about this day seemed so familiar. I stood there, my toes curled in my slippers, remembering.

Remembering the cold wet droplets, the burnt toast, and two eyes, two cold, evil eyes.

There was only one person my mother cooked for.

I could feel my heart skip a beat.

I could feel a buried ache in my stomach rise from the dead.

The closer I got to the kitchen, the stronger the pain grew. My mother was standing over the stove, her dry black hair pulled up into a loose ponytail. It bobbed up and down, as she flipped something that looked like a black saucer onto a plate. As if sensing my presence, she turned to look at me, a smile pasted under her distant brown eyes.

"Good morning," she said. My mouth felt dry. All the memories. All the pain. It was all coming back to me. I grabbed a hold of the door frame to keep from falling over. There, sitting at the table staring at me with those familiar glassy blue eyes, was the man who I thought I would never have to see again.

My father was out of prison.

SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater

2009-10-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

SUMMARY

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

REVIEW

I had never read anything by Maggie Stiefvater. I have read great reviews on her previous book Lament and I am intrigued by the premise of the "sequel" Ballad. But when I saw Kristin's review of Shiver, I knew that I had to check this book out.

When I went to the book store, I really wanted to buy more than one book because I had enough money for two. I was going to wait to buy Shiver because I had two books that I wanted to read and then I just sat there and looked at the cover. That one red dot in the mist of the blues and the whites drew me in. So long story short, I left Borders with Shiver in my hand and I could not wait to get home to read it.

I had a lot of Pre-calc homework to do and I usually am one to do my homework before I do anything else, but the book was staring at me. So I opened the book, felt the crisp pages between my fingers and began to read. And I kept reading and reading, until I realized that I seriously needed to do my homework.

It became a routine. I would do some of my homework and then I would read some more. Soon, it became impossible to put it down. While I was reading Shiver, I laughed at how cute Sam is, I cried because of his past and because I wanted these two characters to be together. I cried at how beautiful the words were, like poetry, smooth and rhythmic, how they touched my soul even though they had no hands or fingers. I love how the book itself made me shiver. It made me want to curl up under the blankets and stay there.

And when I finished, I cried. I finished Shiver last night before I went to bed. The tears wouldn't stop streaming down my face because this book was so beautiful. I've never read anything so touching, so real.

I love the new outlook on werewolves. I love that Sam isn't your typical male love interest. He has flaws and he isn't afraid to feel.

But I felt that his side of the story was more developed than Grace's. I found myself quickly reading through her parts, just so that I could be with Sam. This beautiful, golden-eyed, lyric-writing, sensitive, boy-who loves deeply. Ah, I love Sam, seriously I do. His past makes you want to hold him close and never let him go. And when I was reading his side of the story, I felt like he was truly there and you might think I'm crazy for being in love with a fictional character, but Sam, he is truly a gem. And I think it's going to be hard for anyone to cast the right guy to play him.

Another thing I liked about this book, was that it wasn't predictable. I could not pin down how it was going to end and when I reached the last page...wow. I've seen a lot of reviews where people are saying that this story is much like Twilight. No. I have to disagree. The only similarity I see is that a human girl is falling for a not-so human guy. That idea has been used so many times but Miss Stiefvater has done an amazing job making this story her own.

In honor of Music Monday and my book review of Shiver, here is a song that I think fits the book:

Teaser Tuesday

2009-09-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

So, it's Tuesday. Ever since school started, I either can't write because of homework or because I can't seem to figure out how to start writing. I've been trying not to stress about it, but I NEED to write. And I did write. Well, I don't know what to think of it but it is contemporary. That's what I know for sure. There isn't a title and I don't really have a plot. I just have this character named Gina and yeah.

So enjoy!

Working at Sasha's had it's ups and downs. The ups: It was a couple of blocks from my house, so I didn't have to spend money on gas or beg my brother to let me borrow his car. The pay was great and since it was a clothing store, I got a 20% discount off of jeans. The downs: The other staff members, which consisted of Amber, Lacey, Jill, and Candy were emotional wrecks and had problems everyday except for Wednesdays and Fridays-when I wasn't there.

Today, the downs of working at Sasha's outweighed the ups. My day was starting out just fine. It didn't rain, so I got to wear these cute flats that I bought at the mall last week. The poor excuse for hair that sat on my head was finally cooperating with me and my mom wasn't going around the house groaning about how fat she was, when really she was so small I could wrap her around my finger. And strangely, I found myself walking into Sasha's with a pep in my step and a smile on my face. I even put a dollar into the charity box. Okay, I won't lie. I totally took that dollar back out when no one was looking, but still, it's the thought that counts.

I went to the back, changed into the drab black apron all of Sasha's employees had to wear and I didn't even complain once the customers started to rally in. I was helping a girl find a shirt to go with these blue sea-shell earrings she found, when the storm started. Candy and Jill flocked over to Amber, who was a red mess, as she sat on the counter. Her red curls were falling around her face, matching the scarlet tint to her cheeks.

"What am I going to do?" she would ask and then she would sob for a few minutes, and then ramble on about something that I didn't catch. The girl with the shirt ended up leaving, once Amber literally fell out on the floor.

Rolling my eyes, I went into each of the dressing rooms and gathered up the clothes and hangers people left behind. Lacey was filing her nails in one. She looked up at me, with her usual blank, bored expression plain on her face.

"'Sup," she said.

"Hey," I replied, turning to leave.

"Her boyfriend just dumped her," she continued.

I rolled my eyes. As if I really cared about why that girl was bawling her eyes out. I mean, this wasn't anything new. If it wasn't a broken nail or a bad test grade, it was a fight they had with their parents the night before or boys. It was mostly boys, though. And every time they ogled shyly at a cute boy walking around, I could feel myself shooting evil glares at them. They were stupid. For one, you don't ever make a guy think you're into him. Most guys, especially the good looking ones, had egos the same size as Texas. They will play off of your affections and then drop you, moving on to the next game. And the fact that Amber was crying over a guy, made me want to waltz over there and slap the crap out of her.

"That's too bad," was all I said and then I continued doing my job, because that's what this was. A job, not some talk show where people sit around and talk about their emotions. Please. That's why they had Dr. Phil.

"I keep thinking he was just joking with me. I mean...it was just a text message. He wouldn't break up with me...over a text message, would he?" Jill handed her another tissue, and started rubbing her back. All Candy could do for the past half-hour was shake her head.

"You'll find someone new," she said. "I mean, didn't I see Rick checking you out yesterday. He's hot."

"Hmm-mmm," Jill aggreed.

"Y'all are so supportive and everything but I can't go seeing any other guy. Pete might have just..." I couldn't take it anymore. I shoved a pair of jeans back on a hanger and moved over to wear Amber and her friends stood. Their eyes widened, as they assessed my presence. Jill smiled softly, but Candy regarded me with a scowl, which I gladly returned. When my glare didn't waver, she glued her eyes to the floor and I turned my attention to Amber.

"Will you stop crying over a guy who doesn't give a damn about you?"

"But..." she mumbled.

"But nothing. If you don't get up off your butt and do something productive, I'm going to call Stacy and you and I know, she'll really give you something to cry about."

Candy flicked a strand of her platinum blond hair out of her eyes, and let loose a low chuckle. But even so, the three dispersed quicker than a forest fire. Stacy was our boss and I know most people don't like their employers, but Stacy was my idol. I'd trade my mom for her anyday. She was firm and didn't take bull from anyone, like me.

"Who died and made her Queen Bitch?" I heard Candy mutter. I was just about to show her what a bitch was, when Amber placed her hand on my shoulder. After all the crying she's subjected me to, you'd think the girl would get the hint and back off, but now, here she was, touching my shoulder.

"What do you want?" I asked.

"Well..." she started,"You're tough and all...and I was wondering whether you can give me some advice. You know, about guys?"

Her eyes were wide with hope. But really. Did I look like I had "Dr. Gina Cooper" stamped on my head.

I guess I did.

Music Monday

2009-09-28T10:13:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I'm going to push shuffle on my iP0d and post the song that comes up first....

Ooh, this happens to be on the playlist for my NaNo GHOST TOWN!

Let's Break Out the Pitchforks

2009-09-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

In the future, we're going to burn books. We're going to take them off the shelf and throw them in to a large bonfire. We're going to sit back and watch them burn.

Why?

Because years from now the young adults of that generation won't need to know about curse words or drinking or smoking or sex. And these YA books today are corrupting teens' minds. That's why they go out drunk driving. That's why they smoke pot and have unprotected sex. That's why they go and get themselves killed or worse, get pregnant.

We're going to burn books, namely YA books because we don't want that to happen to the next generation.

WTF?

I was on borders.com the other day and they had a list of books that were banned in school. Like To Kill A Mockingbird and The Catcher and the Rye and two others I can't remember, but banning books? How medieval can you be?

We are in the twenty first century people. Times have changed. Just because a book deals with race or sex, doesn't mean we have to ban them.

If we read about drugs, drinking, and sex even if some books portray them in a good light or a bad one, then we are safe from it's grasp. If books that have racial slurs in them, books that talk about rape, and teenage pregnancy are gone from libraries then it'll solve everything.

Well, let me tell you something. Whoever is in control of banning books in school need a nice big reality check. And that goes for the parents too.

Teens are going to have sex no matter if it's in YA books or not. They're going to be doing drugs, getting pregnant and that won't give a crap if they read it in a book or not.

So don't go around banning books because they send across messages that are "inappropriate" because they depict the lives of teens across the world. Teens are going through these things and if you don't like it, oh well. That's life. Alright.

Glad we had that discussion.

2010 is the year for YA

2009-09-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

I've said this so many times, but 2010 is going to be THE year for YA. Why? Well, because The Tenners whose books are debuting in 2010 have delicious ideas that will surely become best sellers. Don't believe me? Go check out their blog over at 10_ers

I have my eye on a few *coughs* The Secret Year, Sea, Harmonic Feedback, The Duff, Brightly Woven, The Body Finder, All Unquiet Things (love this title), The Iron King, Skin & Bones, The Mark...and well, why don't I just save some time and say that I love all of the books and I will be buying them when they hit the shelves.

But let's talk about The Mark by Jen Nadol.

First off, the new cover is beautiful. I thought the old one was okay, but pink and purple are two of my favorite colors, or would you can consider that violet? Still, I like how the colors fuse together and even more mesmerizing is the premise of the story.

Sixteen-year old Cassie Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.

The one time she pointed it out taught her not to do it again, so Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until the day she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person's imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, always careful to hide her secret. How does the mark work? Why her?

Most importantly, if you know today is someone's last, should you tell?

(copied from the author's website: http://jennadolbooks.com/html/mark.html)

And then I read the excerpt of the story and that was like the icing on the cake. Or maybe the cherry on top of a sundae?

So, if you want to read this book, spread the word and enter!

Oh and here's the linkage: http://www.jennadolbooks.com/blog/?p=627

Updates on a Saturday

2009-09-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I think it's time for an update on my writing.

I've been a bit promiscuous. I have two new ideas. The other two I had before are being pushed aside for later. I might use one of them for NaNo *shrugs*

I have started writing Mercy's side of the story for HM. You can find her snippet two post down and as for Shadow, well let's just say it's moving as slow as a snail, but it's moving nonetheless.

My two new ideas are two different genres. One is a about a girl who is a ghost trying to pick up the pieces after dying and the other is a post-apocalyptic type thingy.

Both of these songs have theme songs.

The ghost story's theme song is "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon. And the post-apocalyptic story's theme song is "Closer" by Kings of Leon. Yes, I have been listening to a lot of KoL. I just love Caleb's voice.

Juggling WIP(s) is hard, but I need to do it because I need to find my story. Though I hope I turn all of my ideas into books one day, I just need to work with any and all ideas just to try them out. So I'm not going to be working on any one novel. I know it's not the wisest thing to do but hey, I'm fifteen. I'm not looking to query or anything til I'm eighteen. So I have a lot of time to be promiscuous right?

The only thing I don't like about juggling WIP(s) is the fact that I have so many voices in my head. So many characters from different stories fighting to have their chance to shine.

Okay, so now that you have your update of my crazy writing life, I'm going to go work on something. I actually don't know what I feel like writing today, but I'm going to go put on some music and be productive.

Ciao!

The things we say...

2009-09-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

Words are beautiful. They are like mathematical formulas. When they are added together properly, they equal a story that blows your mind. But other times, words hurt.

In my opinion, they hurt longer than any physical pain. Because you can heal a physical pain. You can go get medicine, go to a physical therapist and heal, but words, words hurt you mentally and the mind is something so complex, so intricate, so fragile, that the right words can make it break.

We all make mistakes. We all say things that hurt others. We are not perfect. No one is. No amount of money or fame can make you perfect. But we sometimes forget that.

I just heard about the whole Kanye/Taylor thing yesterday from my friend who sent me this link on YouTube. I always loved watching the VMA's and any music award show but this year I haven't been watching them and so I was shocked when I heard about this whole ordeal.

I am a Kanye fan. Yes, I know he is conceited and he doesn't say the right things a lot of the times, but I love his music. Taylor Swift on the other hand, I've never been a fan of country music. I absolutely hate it. I listen to everything from Alternative to Pop, but I can't do country music so, no I am not a Taylor Swift fan.

But this is not about taking sides. What Kanye West did was wrong. It can't be excused, but the comments, the things people are saying on YouTube are just taking it way out of proportion.

Right before my eyes, people were pulling the race card and calling Kanye all sorts of really uncalled for names. Yes, what he did was rude but you can not honestly tell me that you are perfect and that some of the things you do or say have not hurt anyone. We all hurt people. We all do things that we later regret.

Kanye West is a human being. What he did was uncalled for and Taylor Swift should have been able to have her moment to shine. But I'm seriously getting tired of people bashing him. It's only making the whole situation worse.

If you've lost all respect for Kanye, then at least respect Taylor. I mean the whole thing is all over the internet. Everyone all over the world probably seen it, and so fueling the flame isn't making anything better. Taylor probably just wants to put this behind her.

Seriously, a lot of the things people say on YouTube are just hurtful not only to Kanye but to a lot of people. It's offensive and it hurts.

Like I said, words are hurtful. You can use them for good or bad. In my opinion, calling someone out of their name is just so wrong. And I'm not even saying this because of this whole controversy or whatever you want to call it.

In school, they teach us that "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything nice at all."

People say and do hurtful things all the time, but that doesn't give you the right to do the same.

Teaser Tuesday

2009-09-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is the first time in a very long time that I have posted a Teaser Tuesday, so I hope it doesn't disappoint.

This is from Have Mercy and because this is a duo narrative, I decided that it is time to introduce you to my female MC. "Tallister "Mercy" Coleman. In the previous post, there is the cast of characters and you can find a little bit more about her and what she looks like. I haven't edited this or anything, so it probably lacks some description and I really don't know where the conversation between the guys came from. I'm feeling a little meh about it, so please, if it sounds a bit odd, tell me.

Oh and here's some background information. Tallister spends the night sleeping in school on some nights because of her mother's abusive boyfriend. She's scared of him and the only reason why she picks the boy's locker room over the girl's is because it's always immediately locked and luckily for her the boy's isn't. But one of the boys happened to have a key...

The door let out a loud squeal, as I pushed it open. I stood silently in the doorway, hoping that I was the only one here, like always. When I didn't hear any voices or approaching footsteps, I slid inside and locked the door behind me. It was dark, save for the one flickering light that sat above the lockers. Some were left open, setting free the pungent smell of an odor I was familiar with.

Sweat and feet.

Gym socks.

Covering my nose, I moved over to my usual spot. It was in the shower room which, thankfully was right next to a door that led to the hallway. If someone came in, I could easily escape.

Droplets of water slid down the walls from the showerhead. Drip. Drip. Drip. I slid off my sweatshirt, the chill of the room stinging my skin. Taking off the rest of my clothes, I turned on the water, and soon I was submerged into a waterfall of lukewarm water. I let it slide down my body, letting it untangle my nerves.

The sound of the bell ringing rang through the locker room, sent relief through my veins. All the students should be out of the building and the teachers should be on their way out too. No one usually came into the boy's locker room, so I was alone.

I was safe.

After showering, I dried myself off with a towel and slid into some pajamas from my bag. There was a bench just outside the showers. It was as tall as me and was perfect for sleeping on. Turning off the light, I curled up into a ball on the bench and listened. Inhale. Exhale. Nothingness. It was quiet. I was alone. Everyone was gone. No yells. No screams. No hits. No drunken words. There was just peace.

I closed my eyes.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Something clicked.

I jumped up and looked at the direction of the noise. It was coming from the far right of the locker room. The door. The knob was slowly turning and then I could hear voices. Guys voices. Of course, this was the boy's locker room.

"We are going to kick ass this weekend."

"Yeah, they won't even know what hit 'em."

"We'll have them crying like..." I was already moving to hide in the space between the lockers. In the rush to get away, I jammed my bare toe and let out a low squeal.

The guys stopped talking.

"Chico, you hear that?" I covered my mouth, hoping they would just go away.

"Yeah, it sounded like a mouse or something." The boy "Chico" replied. I could hear footsteps. They sounded close, but I could be mistaken. I didn't want to find out. I crushed myself against the wall, and sucked in my stomach.

"I don't see anything."

"Al better have his ass on that field tomorrow. I wonder why he didn't show up today. He's been acting weird lately."

"What? You think we can't win the game without him, eh?"

"Nah, it's not that. But he is our star Quarterback..." A locker slammed shut.

"All I know is, if he doesn't show, he doesn't show. If he does, then he does. Who gives a fuck, anyway? I sure as hell don't."

There was silence.

"You won't believe who I'm taking to Prom, bro."

"Who? Is it that Stacia girl?"

"No, it's that new girl. The one in our Physics class. Kendra."

"Her? Damn. She's muy caliente. How'd you hook up with her?"

"I don't know man, but she was all over me last night. I'm telling you bro she..." My nose started to itch, and before I knew it, I was sneezing. And it wasn't one of those graceful ones either, but it was loud-loud enough for those boys to hear it.

"I knew someone was in here, man."

There were those footsteps again.

Closer.

Closer.

Closer.

A shadow fell over me.

Behind the Scenes of Have Mercy

2009-09-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

Alden decided to pop back in my head. He's a total attention whore, so I thought I'd talk about him and his story today.

Have Mercy is still pretty much a baby and it is a duo narrative. The plot has changed drastically. Actually, it is back to the original plot before this plot. Alden was not a character I came up with recently. He has actually had a year to sit in my brain, so that's why I know him so well.

Alden first appeared in this creative writing piece I wrote called And All That Jazz. Then, his parents were cliche and stupid and two dimensional and he spoke in riddles even I didn't understand.

But the plot itself was amazing, well at least to me it was. It dealt with two things I love: religion and music. Some people find that strange because I don't commit myself to any religion. I think religion is beautiful. I like how different each of them are and I like that people perceive it differently. Keeping this in mind, I began to work on Alden.

I always knew he was troubled. I knew he wasn't going to be your 'golden boy'. He's not charming. He's not sympathetic. He's not going to lie to make you feel better. He's just this raw character who has A LOT of emotional baggage, I mean HELLO he tried to kill himself.

Even though he has a lot of faults, I love him to death. I love writing his story. I love the fact that it's edgy without it being too dark. There is a cult manned by a woman who is brainwashing kids, including Alden and his friends. There is a momentary student-teacher relationship. It's not love, maybe more like idolatry? There are going to be drugs, underage drinking. Homeless-ness. And a whole lot of other great things. It's a lot to take in, I know, but trust me, I know how it all pieces together.

Okay, enough of my rambling. Let's meet the Cast of Have Mercy:

Alden Summerville

Seventeen year old Alden Summerville loves music more than life itself. He plays football and pretends to be "like every other jock" but deep down he is emotional and just wants to live in a world with only his guitar. He misses his dead mother and knows that if nothing in his life goes as planned, he'll be happy to spend the rest of his days in a coffin.

Colby Reynolds

Colby is Alden's perfectionist ex-girlfriend. She likes everything to revolve around her and if it doesn't then she gets pretty upset. Even though she still had feelings for Al, she broke up with him and started dating Masi.

Masi Gao

Masi is Alden's best friend and fellow "band mate" in their three-man band (formerly four) called Still Shot. He doesn't take life seriously and jokes about everything. He thinks that Alden is the wisest person he has ever met, and is always looking to him

for advice.

Tallister Coleman

Tallister, who likes to be called Mercy, has never lived a perfect life. She was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. after her father left her mother who became a drunk and a drug addict. She is abused by her mother's boyfriend and is always watching over her little sister, Mona. The only peace she can find is in the music that she writes and that's why she is able to connect with Alden, even though they are from different worlds.

Things that make me smile...

2009-09-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Look what Cal (this amazingly-talented-writer-artist-girl) made for me! It's for a novel that I'm rewriting called Rendition.

I already blogged about this on my other blog yesterday but I love them so much and I can't stop thinking about them. They're beautiful!

She's not finished with the entire project, which will include music, but I love it so far. And I still can't believe I won her contest! Because I am not a lucky person and I never ever win things, unless they're academic things.

Teaser Tuesday

2009-09-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Teaser Tuesday everyone!

I've gotten a lot done last week up until now. It's cutting close to the day I have to go back to hell, I mean that place where knowledge is power and all that other good stuff ^_^

I started outlining for UTJS and I added another love interest, because I love love triangles. His name is Peregrine March and he's a clumsy wizard who drinks too much.

And then I have two new WIP(s) One is called The Tying of Two Nots and it's about Nick and Bailey, two compulsive darers who find themselves in each other's arms after a night of heavy drinking. Bailey ends up pregnant and now they're trying to find out what they should do.

The other one is untitled, but it's about this girl who wakes up from a coma only to discover that her mother and little sister were kidnapped. With her boyfriend Duncan they set out on trying to find out what happened to them, only to get caught up in a magical war between the Witches and the Dragons. I'm really excited about this one.

Okay, okay, enough about me. I hope everyone else got a lot done, and I hope you're excited about it.

Hopefully I'll have something from either two of those new SNI(s) to post next Tuesday, but until then, here's another snippet from Have Mercy.

I realized I needed to establish Alden's voice a little more in the beginning. Plus, as always he had a lot more to say. It's also a cameo for Colby because she just popped into the story. And I had to mention somewhere about the music teacher retiring because the new music teacher, well let's just say she's an important part of the plot too.

It was Monday. The sun was shining. The birds were chirping. And for once, I felt like going to school. Usually I just go to first period and leave after homeroom. But if I went to school today, I would have actually stayed the whole entire day.

My music teacher, Mr. Snyder was retiring. After forty five years of teaching, three of which he spent dealing with me, he was going on to a better place. Some retirement home in Florida. He was the only teacher I liked. I still gave him hell like the others, but I payed attention in class. When I needed advice about something, he was always there for me. I loved the man like a father. So of course I wanted to be there to see him off. But that bastard that lives in the same house and whose sperm helped bring me into this world, wanted to disrupt my learning, just to take me to go see a stuck-up doctor for no fucking reason. Go figure.

For the third time this morning, my phone rang. I put it on vibrate, but the low buzzing sound was getting on my nerves. I knew who was calling. I didn't feel like talking to her. Colby. My ex. The girl next door. She had so many titles, but girlfriend wasn't one of them. At least not anymore, so I didn't feel obligated to answer her call.

We broke up over a week ago. She texted me saying it was over. I said okay. I've been single for a two weeks now. It feels good. Maybe I should be thanking her, instead of ignoring her. I mean, if it weren't for her, I would still be somebody's boyfriend. I wouldn't get no action at parties and my reputation would be ruined. Plus, I wouldn't have gotten the number of this really hot girl I met at Skunk's party. She wrote it on my hand and I accidentally washed it off. I forgot her name, so I can't ask around for her. Oh well.

I picked up a shirt off the floor and pulled it on. Running my hand through my hair, I grabbed my jacket and walked out of my room. I couldn't close my door because my dad took it off the hinges. I guess he figured I wouldn't hold a gun to my head if I didn't have any privacy. There was always the bathroom, though.

He and his wife were in the kitchen when I walked downstairs. They were speaking in low tones, as if I gave a fuck about what they were talking about. After hugging and kissing, my father grabbed his car keys and we left the house.

Today is Monday

2009-08-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

I really have to keep reminding myself that. Today is Monday. Three more days left of freedom. *cries* I go back to school on Thursday and I seriously don't want to go. I mean, aren't we supposed to go back after Labor Day, which is like on the 7th? Maybe I should mention this to them.

I was sick a week ago but unfortunately I am feeling better. Yeah, if I still had my cold I could stay home! But then again, my mom would literally drag me out of the house, so I'm screwed.

I was listening to my iPod a moment ago and I was listening to Fix You by Coldplay. Which is one of my favorite songs and then my iPod just cut off. I didn't realize that the battery was so low. So now I have no music to listen to and it's really cold in my house.

I'm having the I-don't-know-what-I-want-to-write disease. Plus, I have twittered twice today. I don't usually do that and I've been changing the layout on the blog I recently just made. I think I did it like five times. Which is weird.

I am just so bored today! I don't want to go out, but I want to do something. As for watching a movie, I don't know what I want to watch. As for reading, I have photogenic or is photographic? memory- and I'm actually serious, if you were to pick up any book in my library I can tell you what happened when in what chapter and I can tell you how the story started and yeah, that's why people kick me out of the room when they watch movies I've already seen. It's both a gift and a curse.

It sucks being the only child. It sucks not having a phone to text friends on because I am the type of person who can't sit down and talk on the phone. Texting is so much better, anyways.

I could get on MySpace but I've given up on that a long time ago. Now that whoever owns it owns it, it's just made of total suckage. (LOL! I love using any form of the word 'suck')

As you can tell, I hate Mondays and tomorrow or the next day if I decide to blog then, you will see a big contrast.

Oh wait! Tomorrow is Teaser Tuesday. I've been writing but I don't know what I'll post or if I can post. I might not be home tomorrow, so I might be away from the computer, which means no teaser. I have to remember to post it earlier because I like sharing.

I need to go do something, anything. I'm actually so bored that I can go do the dishes or clean...okay maybe not that bored.

I hope your Monday is way better than mine! Have a great day everyone!

Blood Promise!

2009-08-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

I just finished it not to long ago. But it was SO awesome! It was like a rollercoaster, I didn't know if I should laugh or cry or have a heart attack! Seriously, I was hyperventilating throughout the whole book.

I promise I will do a review some time this weekend, but I can't right now because I wish I didn't read it so fast but I had to find out. (and those of you who read the last book you know what I'm talking about *coughs* Dimitri *coughs*)

Okay this is all I'm saying for now. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet. But get your butt to the book store and buy this book, because it so amazing *fangirl squeals* I can't wait til Spirit Bound comes out!!!!

Okay, okay, this is truly all. But oh my goodness.....

Teaser Tuesday

2009-08-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Teaser Tuesday everyone!

It feels like I haven't did one of these in a long long time. But my days are getting hectic. School is almost here, and I really don't want to go back. The only good thing about going back to school I think is the new clothes.

Unfortunately though, I caught a cold off of my little cousin and if it doesn't clear up, I might not be able to go back the first day. Lucky me, right?

Ooh and I'm going to the bookstore today! I'm so glad Blood Promise and Break came out today, so I won't have to make two trips.

I haven't writing as much as I want to. I'm still having the usual doubts. I don't know what genre I want to stick to writing. Then there's the fact that every time I think of something new, I see a book that is similar to the idea and then I have to scrap it.

I took a few Shadow notes yesterday. I decided that having four MC's wasn't the best idea. And I am thinking maybe I should try writing it in first person. As for Under the Jeweled Sky, I am trying to flesh out my characters to make them three-dimensional.

I have been doing a lot of research though. Since UTJS is based on a lot of mythology, I have to look up everything I can.

Have Mercy is one story that I'm still working out the kinks. I've been having a few doubts about it, seeing as though I don't really write contemporary. The plot has changed dramatically and I really don't know if it might work out, but I really like it.

Okay, enough of my rambling.

This snippet is from Have Mercy.

There were a lot of people I didn't feel like talking to today, and Colby Reynolds was one of those people. She was sitting on the porch, when we pulled into the drive. The engine died, letting out one loud noisy wheeze. As I got out of the car, her eyes locked with mine. Shit.

"Hey Colby," my father said. His voice was flat, but he flashed her a soft smile which she returned with her famous mega watt one. But I could see the glint in her sparkling blue eyes. She didn't make it her business to hide it from me either.

"Oh, hi, Mr. Summerville," she replied. "How are you today?"

Her voice was obnoxiously sweet. I wanted to puke. "Fine, fine."

"That's good," she replied.

My father nodded his head, and went in the house. The door banged shut behind him. We were alone. Me and Colby. She was staring at me. I was staring at her. Her cheeks turned red, her eyes caught on fire. She closed the distance between us.

Slap.

"What the hell was that for?" I asked, touching my cheek.

"Don't play dumb, Alden," she spat, "I heard about who you screwed at Richie's party."

"Your point?"

"The girl you were locking lips with was my cousin, Amber."

Amber. Amber. Right, that was her name. I was pretty drunk that night, at Richie's party, so I really didn't get her name and I kind of forgotten what she looked like.

"I'm still not seeing your point."

"She's freakin' fifteen! That's my fuckin' point! You better be glad I didn't tell my brother about this because he would have..."

I stopped listening to her. My thoughts were on other things. Fifteen. She was fifteen. I screwed a fifteen year old. Oh, shit. I looked up at Colby.

"Is she okay? I didn't get her pregnant or anything."

"No, thank God." There was a glimmer in her eyes. A strand of her blond hair fell in front of her eyes. "I just don't know why you didn't tell me."

I nodded, "Oh, I forgot. I have to tell you about every girl I have sex with. Well, let's see, there's..."

She rolled her eyes. "Alden, you're a jerk, you know that?"

"Look, I'm sorry. I'm just really having a fucked up day."

"What's wrong?"

There was so many things I could say to answer her question. I could tell her the truth. I could tell her part of the truth, or I could lie. I didn't want to do any of those things, so I just shrugged.

"Nothing," I replied, "and for what it's worth, I didn't know she was your cousin or that she was fifteen."

"That still doesn't make everything alright."

"What do you mean? I told you I didn't know she was...."

"It doesn't make it alright for you to go down on the first person you see the night after we break up."

"Well, you said you wanted to start seeing other people."

"I know," she said.

"Then why do you care?"

"I don't." Her lips tightened, and then she moved around me. "Look, I'll see you at school or something, alright?"

"Yeah, sure. Bye." She descended down the steps and across the lawn. I didn't wait to see if she went inside her house.

Beatrice was cleaning when I walked into the kitchen. Scrubbing, scrubbing, scrubbing. Down on her hand and knees, her sleeves pulled up. Cleaning. The counters were as white as snow. Squeaky clean, but she just kept scrubbing. Just like my father, she had weird quirks that only showed when she was angry or whatever. She didn't look up at me when I opened the refrigerator and pulled out a beer. She didn't look at me as I twisted the top off and took a swig. I wanted her to though. I wanted her to look at me like I was a demon from her own personal hell. I wanted her to have something to complain to my father about. But she just kept scrubbing.

"You missed a spot," I said. Beatrice muttered something under her breath, and then threw the sponge in the sink. As she passed by, she glanced at me, that look, that look that I wanted so very much to see, pasted on her face. I smirked. Sometimes I wondered if her and my father were truly made for each other.

She left the room without saying a single word.

Hush, Hush Arc Giveaways!!!

2009-08-12T23:20:00.000-07:00

The last thing high school sophomore Nora Grey wanted was to be partnered with a total stranger in biology, especially when the segment is on human anatomy and sexuality. But Patch, her biology partner, is fascinatingly intriguing, very attractive…and has a way of unnerving Nora in all the ways she never wanted to be unnerved. Nora knows that Patch is dangerous, and that she should probably stay away from him—especially after she suspects him of being the masked stalker who seems to be trying to kill her—but their paths keep on crossing, and she can’t deny the connection that she feels with him.

However, Nora doesn’t know that she’s about to become a pawn in a dangerous game that may end her life. For Patch is a fallen angel, one whose wings were ripped off for disobedience. He wants to become human, and that requires a particular female sacrifice. But that’s not all. Others are also out for Nora’s blood, and against her will Nora feels that Patch might be the only one who can save her, as dangerous as he himself is for her…

Okay, so I've been lurking around the net looking for contest. And luckily, I am an avid reader of Becca Fitzpatrick's blog.

But anyways, there are two contest going on one at Steph Su's blog and one over at Dog-eared and Well-read

Ooh I really really want to read this book. I thought I could wait til October but even my mom is starting to get tired of me. This book is getting great reviews already!

So, if you enter good luck, wish me luck, and don't say I didn't tell you about it!

Teaser Tuesday

2009-08-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's another Teaser Tuesday and I can honestly say that I have been productive. So, for those of you who haven't been lurking around MDW and FNW, I am still working on Have Mercy. I have about 3, 415 words, which is good to me because I am not a fast writer.

It's scary writing contemporary, especially one that's so edgy. Have Mercy isn't going to be a light novel. Also it's not urban fantasy or paranormal or historical so this is kinda new for me.

I worked on this particular snippet yesterday so if you already read it, sorry.

"Alden," she said, "that's a nice name."

I wasn't completely rude. "Thanks."

"Who named you?" she asked.

"My..." I started, but then stopped midway. She almost had me.

"Yes?" she pushed, her eyes getting wider. She looked harmless, I noted, as I stole a quick glance at her. Her skin was a soft brown, her hair fell around her shoulders in tired brown curls. She even wore a tan pinstriped suit. Consistency. I liked that in a person. But those eyes, they were too bright, too intruding. I looked down at my hands, pulling absently at my fingers.

"Was it your father or your mother?"

"My mother is dead." Now, that slipped. It was what I said every time someone mentioned the word "mother" in a sentence. I didn't look at Dr. Rosenberg. I didn't want to see her get that look. The one everyone got when they hear about how you lost your mother at a young age. She died when I was eight. I was seventeen, almost eighteen years old now. You don't get over the death of a parent, ever, but I wasn't one to sulk about it every time someone brought it up. She was dead and there was nothing I could do about it.

I felt myself asking. "Why do you want to know who named me? It's not important."

"Well, we have to start somewhere." Her voice was flat, and I wondered what her face looked like.

"My father asked you how long this would take. I want to know. How long will I have to come here?" I fought the urge to look up at her, but apparently I wasn't strong enough. My head jerked up, and I met her green gaze.

"It depends."

"On what?"

"How fast you're willing to open up."

"I have nothing to open up about," I muttered.

"It would seem that way."

"There's nothing wrong with me. My father doesn't know anything about me. He just...."

"Yes?"

"Nothing."

In the corner of my eye, I saw her take something off of her desk. A clipboard. Pulling a pen out of her breast-pocket, she started to scribble something down. I wondered what she was writing. I mean, we didn't say anything too each other. She didn't know anything about me. They were probably lies, then. After placing the clipboard down on her lap, she looked back up at me.

"So, how is your relationship with your father?"

I rolled my eyes. She was starting the game now. I smirked, "How do you think it is?"

"Why don't you tell me?" she asked. "I want to know."

You're paid to know, I wanted to say but instead I leaned back in my chair. "Where's the couch?"

She laughed, "You watch a lot of television."

"No, I don't. You didn't answer my question."

"I don't have one."

"Well," I said, "it looks like you've answered your own question."
She smiled softly, and then looked down at her watch. A sigh of relief left my lips, as I started to stand. Her eyes flitted over to me. "Your session isn't over yet, Alden. You have twenty minutes left."
I plopped back down in the chair, the legs screeching across the floor. "There's no point for me to stay here. I mean, we're not even talking about anything."
"We can talk about something. What do you want to talk about?" she asked, her eyes colored with interest.
"I don't know. Maybe the weather or baseball or American Idol. I really don't care." Her pen was flying across that paper again.

"Baseball is nice," she said, "Do you like baseball?"

"No. It's boring."

"Do you play any sports?"

"Football," I breathed, "I play football."

She nodded her head, as if she were satisfied that I was answering her questions. There was a moment of silence.

"Do you like playing football?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Of course it does," she countered. "What do you like to do?"
I decided to humor her. "Get drunk, get high, go to parties. You know, the stuff jocks do."

This time, she didn't smile. Apparently she couldn't take a joke.

"Alden, I believe you're a smart young man."

I couldn't help laughing. "Flattery isn't going to get me to say jack."

"The point is, I don't think you're like every other jock."

"Think. That's the key word. You don't know anything about me."

"I know enough."

"Whatever," I scoffed.

She tilted her head to the side. "What does it feel like?"

My mouth went dry. My muscles tightened. I knew what she was asking, but I didn't want her to know that. "What does what feel like?"

"Alden, you know what I'm talking about."

"I don't." My eyes were burning now. My veins were freezing. I couldn't breathe.

"You were right, Alden. There's nothing wrong with you. Your father doesn't know anything about you."
I nodded. "I know there's nothing wrong with me, but he thinks I'm crazy."
"Why does he think you're crazy?"
"Because I don't do what he wants me to do. I'm not him. I'm not ever going to be him. I'm..."

She waited.

"I'm finished talking."

*

When we got home, I locked myself in the bathroom with a fresh packet of Newport's. I needed privacy and my room was off limits. My father took the door off the hinges a couple of days ago. I guess he figured that I wouldn't hold a gun to my head if people could see me do it.

I leaned my head back against the door, blowing out a ring of smoke. It smelled of good days and bad ones. It tasted of happiness and sorrow. As I inhaled and exhaled, I started to remember. The way she talked. The way she smiled. The way she made me feel. I was alive when she was here. And now that she's gone, I don't know what I am. I just don't know.

I took another drag.

My heart felt heavy. My vision was starting to blur. It was coming. I could feel it. Hot and heavy, like blood. They scorched their ways down my cheek and onto the cigarette.

"Why?" I cried. Why? Why? Why? I said it over and over again, but I didn't get an answer. I never got an answer. It was one simple word and no one could answer me. No one. Not even my father or God or me.

I just wanted an answer. That's all I wanted. But no one would give it to me.

And then I saw that gun.

And then everything made sense.

All I had to do was pull the trigger.

That's all I had to do.

But I didn't do it.

I didn't do it and now I'll never know the answer.

The tears came quicker now.

I cried myself to sleep on the bathroom floor.

Teaser Tuesday

2009-08-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

So, I have a lot of really good news. For one, my computer fixed itself! I want to thank all the lovely Tech people at AW. Though I didn't use any of their advice, it will come in handy if anything should happen again. But I've put all of my writing in a safe place, so if my computer decides to go haywire, well I'll still be able to write.

I've decided to take a break from writing from Victoria's point of view. Mercy (formally entitled Shadow) has four points of views. I know that's crazy, but I'm crazy, so we're a match made in heaven.

Also, Blood Promise comes out in 21 days! I seriously can't wait for it!

Well, anyways, I won't kill y'all with my fangirl squeals so today, I have two teasers. I don't know if that's ever been done in Teaser Tuesday history but I just love this scene from this untitled WIP I have and I feel like sharing.

Untitled snippet

"I was very pleased that he could come. Most of the plumbers I've called hung up on me the moment I told them where I lived."
She seemed baffled and somewhat confused by this and for a moment I wondered if she knew that she was indeed a little weird. And then, my eyes widened. Only a whack job would volunteer to come here, unless he was unaware of what type of person my grandmother was. He probably agrees with half of the stuff Ruby talks about and Nicky is in the kitchen with him. Alone.

I started towards the kitchen, my heart literally in my throat. This guy could be roasting Nicky in a cauldron or performing some kind of satanic ritual that involved the drinking of blood. As I stepped into the kitchen, my eyes swam around the room, only to roll back into my head when they took in the scene.

"Slide your card back in the deck."

Nicky was showing Aiden one of his famous card tricks. He wasn't exactly good at this type of thing but people thought it was cute and usually didn't care. I never took him seriously when he was using 'magic' but this plumber guy seemed just as geeked as Nicky was.

I studied him. He had sleek blond curls that were pulled back into a ponytail. Though furrowed, his eyes were an icy gray. A smile played on his full pink lips as Nicky shuffled the deck of cards. After messily mixing the cards together, Nicky pulled one out and showed it to Aiden. His eyes widened and then he started clapping.
"That was awesome. You're pretty good for a little guy," he said.

Gee thanks Aiden for saying that to him. Now he's going to have a big head for the rest of the week. As if they were just breaking free from their own little world, they looked up at me and Nicky smiled.
"Mel! I did it! I did it!"
"Great," I muttered "you're a real Houdini."
My little brother smiled up at me and then skipped out of the room. I would have told him to stay by my side but what could possibly happen to him inside this house.
"So you must be Nicky's sister. He's said a lot about you." I turned my attention to Aiden, who was standing only inches away from me. My heart thumped in my chest at how close he was. In spite of myself, warmth engulfed my cheeks. I nodded, not really interested in anything he had to say. Though he didn't seem like a nut job or anything, I just didn't feel like talking. Aiden didn't seem to notice.

"I'm Aiden, by the way," he said, holding out his hand.
I stared down at his hand for a moment, wondering at it. Did anybody still shake hands these days? After realizing that I wasn't going to to take it, he returned his arm to his side. "Ruby said you were here to fix a leak."
"Yeah, I'm finished now."
There was another awkward silence between us and then he went back over to the sink and commenced in gathering his tools.
"So, you're going to Dover High."
He didn't say this as a question. It was more like he knew this as a fact and he was just trying to make small-talk.
"Yeah, I guess."
"It's a good school."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I go there."
"Are you a senior?" I asked, flatly.
"No, I'm seventeen. Junior."
He looked up at me, a strand of golden hair falling in front of his right eye. His lips pulled up at the corners, revealing a dimple on his cheek. After picking up the last of his tools, he closed his toolbox and erected his posture.
Something about him just didn't seem right. He was a young guy who seemed normal and yet he was here, at my grandmother's house. Did he not know how crazy she was or was he just doing this for the money?
I watched as he took a glass out of the cupboard. It was the only cupboard with glasses in it because Ruby didn't like mixing her dishes together. Like my father, she was a neat freak. And the only way anyone could know that was if they've been here more than once.
"How often do you come here?" I asked.
"Miss Blake is a nice lady. She gets lonely sometimes, so my sister and I usually come over."
He pulled open the fridge and took out some orange juice.
"Want some?" he asked.
"No, thanks," I replied.
Shrugging, he poured himself a tall glass and put the juice away. I thought he would down his drink and leave but instead he sat across from me. God, couldn't a guy take a hint?
"I have to wait for my brother to come get me," he explained.
I felt my cheeks getting hot. Maybe I wasn't doing a good job hiding my misanthropic behavior after all.

Mercy snippet

The rain fell from the sky like a thousand pieces of shattered glass. It danced across the roof of the car and slid down Gillian's window, making the world look like a giant blur. She stared at the glittery parade, lost in the memories that it held. Amongst the soft pitter patter - the skidding of tires and blood-curdling screams - could be heard. The sounds merged together, painting a clear portrait of the night that changed her life forever. Her throat tightened and soon, her mind was spinning round and round. She could remember the bright lights, the numbness, her sister beside her, there one moment, gone the next. It all happened so fast. Her hand was gripping the steering wheel, her feet were pressed down on the brakes, but there was nothing she could do.

"There was," she whispered, a cool tear sliding down her cheek.

"Excuse me?" The gruff voice shook her out of her reverie. She looked over to find that the taxicab driver was staring at her, his brows furrowed.

"Nothing," she murmured.

"Well, that'll be ten bucks."

Reaching inside her pocket, she pulled out a few soggy bills and handed it to him. He flipped through the money in his gloved hands, counting raspily to himself. He nodded to her when he realized that it was the right amount and she got out, slamming the door shut behind her. She quickly stepped onto the sidewalk, and the car sped away, splashing water onto her bare legs. A chill resonated through her body, and the rain- which had looked like glass- felt like sharpened daggers against her skin. It seeped through her thin jacket, and made her long red hair cling to her face. She could see a bus shelter just ahead. Wrapping her arms around her torso, she moved towards it- only to find that someone was already there.

Books I Want So Bad

2009-08-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

How far will Rose go to keep her promise?

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.

He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies, housed in a Gothic mansion on the bleak northern moors, is elite, expensive, and unwelcoming. When Evie Johnson is torn away from her home by the sea to become the newest scholarship student, she is more isolated than she could have dreamed. Strict teachers, snobbish students, and the oppressive atmosphere of Wyldcliffe leave Evie drowning in loneliness.

Evie's only lifeline is Sebastian, a rebellious, mocking, dangerously attractive young man she meets by chance. As Evie's feelings for Sebastian grow with each secret meeting, she starts to fear that he is hiding something about his past. And she is haunted by glimpses of a strange, ghostly girl—a girl who is so eerily like Evie, she could be a sister. Evie is slowly drawn into a tangled web of past and present that she cannot control. And as the extraordinary, elemental forces of Wyldcliffe rise up like the mighty sea, Evie is faced with an astounding truth about Sebastian, and her own incredible fate.

Rebecca couldn't feel more out of place in New Orleans, where she comes to spend the year while her dad is traveling. She's staying in a creepy old house with her aunt. And at the snooty prep school, the filthy-rich girls treat Rebecca like she's invisible. Only gorgeous, unavailable Anton Grey seems to give Rebecca the time of day, but she wonders if he's got a hidden agenda. Then one night, in Lafayette Cemetery, Rebecca makes a friend. Sweet, mysterious Lisette is eager to talk to Rebecca, and to show her the nooks and crannies of the city. There's just one catch: Lisette is a ghost. A ghost with a deep, dark secret, and a serious score to settle. As Rebecca learns more from her ghost friend - and as she slowly learns to trust Anton Grey-she also uncovers startling truths about her own history. Will Rebecca be able to right the wrongs of the past, or has everything been ruined beyond repair?

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead?and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.

Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.

* The pictures and summaries all came from Amazon.com.

Exclamation marks aren't allowed in post labels....

2009-08-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

So, I happened to be surfing the net and then I saw this article that said "Panic! at the Disco" I am a huge Panic at the Disco fan and I know that they abandoned the exclamation mark a long time ago, so being the overly curious person I am, I clicked on the link only to find out that they freakin' broke up!

WTF? I mean, I really only like Brendon but they just can't break up like this....*cries*

But anyways, their new song, New Perspective, is awesome. I can't get it out of my head.

I just hope that they don't break-up break-up because I couldn't stand to lose a great band like that. And since Maroon 5 is breaking up after their next CD...

Anyways, my computer fixed itself! I don't know what happened but when I turned on my computer everything was back to normal, which is good, because all of my notes for my WIP were on there and I need those notes.

Speaking of my WIP, for now, it's title-less. It was Shadow but I don't like how plain it is. I know the title doesn't matter now but I like writing the title at the top of the page. It makes it seem official, you know?

I changed it to The Death of Me but it's written in third person so...and The Death of Them, hmm, I don't know.

I'm thinking of calling it Mercy for now but I'm sure the title will come along sooner or later.

Okay, off to write! Have fabulous days everyone!

Teaser Tuesday

2009-07-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

So, this has been both a crazy and exciting week.

It's good because amazing writing Kristin a.k.a Red.Ink.Rain has an agent and soon people will be able to read CoS someday soon.

A few days ago I decided that I needed to start writing. I've been reading and reading, and reading is good especially when you're writing but I needed to write, so I did write. But then the ceiling fell in and there's soot and dust everywhere. So, I haven't been home till today and the repairmen are still here so I didn't get a lot done.

Today's tease is from Shadow (I know right.) I need to write this story. Even though it's taking me a really long time to write it, I can not let it go.

What I want to know is would you pick this up?

Shadow

"Police say that they are calling them the 72 Princes..." the reporter said, his eyebrows furrowed. As Victoria stared at the screen, she could see yellow crime scene tape, it wrapped around a building with a sign that flickered Harold's in neon blue letters. In the light of the coming dawn, it looked like the dying embers of a blue flame. One by one, stretchers were pulled out. A white blanket covered the bodies from head to toe. Victoria didn't see not one survivor. "...they can be responsible for at least half of the crimes that are going on in the..."

There was a click and then the screen went black.

"That's enough of that." Her aunt, Josie, stood up from her chair and moved over towards the window, her arms folded across her chest. The sunlight shone in her eyes, illuminating the dark shadows beneath them.
"I was watching that," she murmured.
Josie turned to look at her and then sighed, "Your mother can still hear what's going on around her. I'm sure she wouldn't want to listen about death and gangs."
Victoria could feel her eyebrows crease. She wanted to tell her aunt that her mother was never going to wake up and that she was as good as dead, but she bit the words back, letting the bitterness they were shrouded in, poison her mood. She slumped down in her chair, pulling the thin white blanket up to her chin.

"I can ask a nurse for some more blankets."
"No, I'm fine." There was a glimmer in Josie's eyes, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she took her blanket and placed it over her sister's still body. Victoria looked at her mother now. Her skin, though a vibrant brown had an ashen pallor to it. As the fabric brushed her skin, her eyes never fluttered, her lips never parted. If it weren't for the heart monitor mapping out the steady beat of her heart, she would not have known she was alive.

"She looks so peaceful," Josie whispered, smoothing back the dark hair that fell around the pillow. Victoria turned away, her teeth penetrating the skin in her lips. She could feel the pain, but it wasn't as potent as the heat that was rising up her neck. Her mother was "resting in peace" while she lived in torment. Tears stung her irises, but they were forced back into their cages when she heard the familiar a creak. Her aunt had sat back down, a stone expression pasted on her face.

"Devon called," Josie started. "He's getting along fine at Harvard."
"That's not a surprise." It really wasn't. Devon was smart. He was brilliant. He was going to go far. She loved her cousin a lot, but she was tired of hearing about him. Her aunt's face frowned, which made Victoria feel even more sour. It was hard to look at her aunt, without feeling guilty for saying anything mean. Before her mother got into a coma, she used to be this bright, happy, care-free person. It showed in her large golden-brown eyes, that looked almost like a child's, as she stared off into space.

"No, I guess it isn't." she paused. "I'm going to go get some coffee. Do you want anything?"

"Hot chocolate, please." Josie fished around in her purse for her wallet, fixed her hair in the mirror, and left, leaving Victoria alone with her mother. She tried focusing her attention on the blank screen. Her eyes got lost in the symphony of black pixels, but even in her peripheral vision she could see the long, white outline of her mother. Turning over on her side, she tried to go back to sleep. It was of no use. The cot was uncomfortable. For one, it was too long. Her feet hung off the bottom, free to freezing temperature of the room. The arm rest poked her in the side, and the more she tossed and turned, the worse it got. So, she had to keep in a feeble position all night. Because of that, her back was now aching. She could feel the pain in her spine, it resonated to other places the longer she lay in that position.

Through the window in the door, she could see the heads of people walking by. Doctors with masks over their faces, nurses with frazzled hair, all-nighters with cup-of-coffee eyes. She stared at them, not understanding how they could do it. This was the first time she had came to visit her mother and already she felt like she was going to go crazy. The walls were white. The floors were white. The blankets and the pillows, everything was white. Like an insane asylum. She wanted to get out. She wanted to breathe in fresh air, her lungs felt like they were going to collapse. Grunting, she sat up and looked around, failing to avoid the body which was her mother. She looked so peaceful. There was not a smile or a frown or a crazed look on her face. It was a blank sheet, almost as if what happened years ago didn't happen.

Teaser Tuesday

2009-07-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

It feels like a while since I did Teaser Tuesday. Today's post, unfortunately, is not from Shadow. I have been taking a mini-vacation from writing and I haven't gotten anything done. I plan to continue writing after I read two more chapters of Wuthering Heights. I really can't seem to put it down.

But anyways, this snippet is from Elysium, my tentatively titled paranormal romance. This scene needs a lot of work and it will probably change drastically when I finish writing the book and get to editing.

Background story: Grace Claire was conceived by two werewolf parents but strangely she doesn't have the gene. This saddens her mother, and so she leaves, leaving Grace and her brother, Sebastian, to be raised in the Pack. Sebastian is a werewolf and he hates humans, so he really doesn't like Grace. He also doesn't like that Grace is dating Leo, who is a were-wolf.

There's more to the story than that but that's all you need to know for now. Oh and excuse the horrible dialog. I really need to make this a scene a bit more emotional. What do you guys think?

The night was absent of stars and amongst the whistle of the leaves and the chirping of crickets, howls as sad as willows could be heard. Somewhere in the distance, my brothers were mourning my father. They were running the lands he traveled, smelling the air he breathed, while I sat on a bench with my knees pressed against my chest, tears becoming permanent marks on my jeans. This was how I mourned. Alone in the dark, biting my lips and holding my heart, rocking back and forth, to keep from exploding.

The wind whipped through my hair and then there was a light in the darkness. A four-legged figure emerged from the forest. I knew by the golden tan fur wrapped around his massive muscles, that it was Leo. Slowly, he transformed before me, his claws exchanging themselves for hands and feet. In human form, I could see redness surrounding his irises. I could see the grave look on his face, as if he had just lost his own father.

I turned my head away, suddenly ashamed of my pain. My father was did and it was all my fault. Another loud sob fell out into the air. In two large strides Leo was before me, pulling me to him.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, against my forehead. His caresses made everything worse. He should hate me as much as everyone else did. He should be trying to make my life a living Hell, instead of comforting me. I shrank away from him, which only made him hold me tighter. He kept telling me that I shouldn't blame myself but he didn't know what it was like to be human, to be stupid.

Some time, between the tears and the guilt, Leo carried me to my room and laid me down in my bed. We lay there together, my face buried in his bare chest, inhaling the minty scent of his skin. He ran his hand through my hair over and over again, humming softly to me.
"This is all my..." I started, closing my eyes. And then he moved from under me so fast, my heart didn't even get a chance to beat.
"Stop punishing yourself, Grace. I know you're upset...I know you just lost your father, but please stop punishing yourself."
"I can't. It was my fault. I shouldn't have..."
Leo was sitting on the edge of my twin sized bed, staring down at me. His eyes now illuminated by the lamp light, were filled with a pain that mirrored both anger and pity. This made the blood in my veins boil. I wanted to scream, throw something, hit something until I felt numb, until I couldn't feel anything, not even my heart. I wanted all my thoughts and feelings to cease so that I could fall into oblivion-die.
"I shouldn't have said what I said."
"Sebastian...made you angry."
"But that doesn't justify me telling him that he was the reason Jane killed herself. He loved her...and I just shouldn't have said it."

Jane was the only person that could get my brother to smile but she couldn't get pregnant and that frustrated Sebastian. He was next in line to the throne and if he couldn't produce an heir, then he wouldn't be the right leader for the pack. I didn't understand any of it but getting a woman knocked up was highly respected and if he, the leader, couldn't do it, then he was weak and therefore, not fit to be Alpha. Jane was found in the forest, dead, her body hidden underneath fallen leaves. She shot herself in the chest and bled to death.

Sebastian was the one to find her and I knew that he was hurt. I just wanted him to feel worse and to speak the truth, even if it's only in my head, I enjoyed seeing him writhe in pain. There was some part of me that felt bad for saying what I said, but I did not know how strong, how potent that part was.

My father was furious with me. He wanted me to apologize but I couldn't. I can still remember the look in my brother's eyes. Lost, empty, as if he just lost a piece of his soul. He had muttered something about not wanting to live, and stormed out into the night. My father ran after him, only to run into some vampire looking for a brawl. If I hadn't said anything in the first place, my father would be home, alive.

Leo tried to hold me again, but I pushed away from him, not wanting any of his comfort. I just didn't deserve it. The tears were coming, the pain and the anger and the hatred I held for myself, Sebastian, everyone in the Pack erupted inside of me. And I couldn't take it any longer. I started hitting him. Each blow hurt as my fist crashed against his hard chest. And he just stared at me, taking it. I was sobbing but there was no rain falling. I just wanted the pain to disappear.

Suddenly, his hands made make-shift manacles around my wrist and then I was paralyzed, forced to look into his eyes. His gaze was crazed and yet they made me bury my head into his chest. He let go of me and kissed the top of my forehead. We sat like that for a while, listening to the night; our hearts beating in sync.

They say dreams are the passages to another world

2009-07-12T06:05:00.000-07:00

They say dreams are the passages to another world
marred by other Edens, tamed by different Gods,
a place where thoughts and dreams are real
and imagination can always beat the odds.

(Hehe, I was a poet before I became a story writer)

Had another dream last night. This is starting to get really weird. I usually don't dream a lot or if I do, I don't remember what I dream about when I wake up. But this dream was about Shadow.

I could see this dance restaurant, you know those jazzy type ones where they play slow music. There's my one character, Hunter, who wasn't supposed to come into the story until like the third book, yeah I'm making this a trilogy, I'm crazy right? But anyways, he was on a date and he was dancing and then time stood still. And he was suddenly dancing with this lady, she had long yellow hair and eyes that were so black , they just...I don't know. There was a lot of dialogue of stuff and then I heard a lot of screaming and there was blood and then I was in a hospital room...

Maybe I need to get some professional help. I mean, it's nice to dream about my novel but it's really freakin' me out. Especially since this story is about Death and demons. But I must write it, I guess. Maybe this is a sign. A really scary sign, but I'm going to run with it.

Outlining and Why I Don't Do It

2009-07-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

Outlining works for some people and I'll admit that it did get me through the first chapter. But, to me, they just seem so organized, you know, with the numbers and letters and I'm like: Writing a book is not an English assignment. There are no specific guidelines to writing one. You just have to have a plot and know where your characters are going in this plot. That said, I take notes. I make list. I write them down. I store them in my head. Screw outlines. I mean, what's the point of outlining when you know exactly what's going to happen from the beginning all the way through to the end. Okay, I don't know what's going to happen at the end, but that's the point of writing, right? Paving your own road to wherever it is your story is gonna go.

THINGS I KNOW ABOUT SHADOW

1. I have four MC's: Victoria, Brayden, Gillian, and Wesley.

2. There are Angels, Demons, Shadows, and a whole bunch of other creatures that make me want to lock my closet door at night.

3. Death is personified, and despite all the things you know about him, he's really a nice guy.

4. Victoria's cousin, Devon, is apart of a gang called The 72 Princes and they're up to no good.

5. Victoria's mother has "Alzheimer's"

6. Gabriel is sexy *

7. The Seven Deadly Sins play a part in this novel

8. Decessus is a real place *

9. Fallen Angels are way better than vampires

10. It's an urban fantasy that keeps me up at night because it is too damn scary

That is not all I know about my novel. In fact, I know so much that I could probably marry it, if that were even possible. But that's good. When writing a novel, you have to know EVERYTHING about it, or else you won't know what the heck you're doing.

* I had a dream about Shadow last night. This is not the first dream, I had about my novel. But in this one, I was actually in Decessus, which means death in Latin. And though, there are all this dark, gray, lifeless creatures there, moaning in the pitch black of the night, I wasn't scared. And that was mainly because I saw Gabriel! Who is Victoria's sexy love interest. Sorry to give the guy airs but seriously, not only is he hot but for an Angel he is so bad. 'Nough said.

Okay, time to go put on some music and write some more.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Thursdays are for Thinking

2009-07-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

So, I had a wonderful day. I spent my first official day off of AW, well not completely. I totally logged on when I got home, but I haven't even posted anything, so there's a step. I really need to write and after getting a day out, I feel like I can.

I've been a hermit for the past few weeks. It wasn't my fault or maybe it was because I really don't like heat but it was a really beautiful day today and I had a hair appointment. My hair is so shiny and bouncy and stuff! I love it. But anyways, today, I realized that I love my city.

I traveled to Oakland which is the college-hospital parts of Pittsburgh. I love going there because it's so inspirational. Mostly all of the Avenues are named after historical people like there's Thackeray Avenue and Tennyson Avenue. Seeing that... and... I don't know, something just hit me.

I live in a city that most people don't think about. Sure we have had movies and TV shows filmed here in the past, but really, we don't get the attention we deserve. Pittsburgh is a beautiful place.

Seeing all the college kids and the restaurants and the shops and the atmosphere made me think about the Contemporary novel I am trying to write. It originally took place in Sheridan, North Carolina (a fictional place) but now I'm starting to have second thoughts. My horizons were broadened, my eyes were opened.

I know that sounds really corny, but have you ever stopped to take a breath and smell the roses, as they say?

Try it sometimes, especially if you have Writer's Block.

In other news, I edited the hell out of Shadow. It's becoming an addiction, really. When I can't go to sleep, I find myself aimlessly nitpicking at things. And then at four in the morning, I realized I was deeply in love with it and decided that I will write it. Don't know how long this feeling's gonna last but I'll run with it.

Along for the Ride, is turning out to be a fantastic book. I love Eli! He's another fictional boy I have to add to my list of character crushes.

I saw a lot of people that resembled my characters today. It was really weird and I felt like I could just walk up to them and start talking, but if course we'd talk about plots and things but you know, they weren't really my characters...and yeah. I'm weird, I know. But as I always say, weird is the new normal. ^_^

Teaser Tuesday

2009-07-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

So, I'm really liking where Shadow is going and I'm so glad things decided to turn out. I feel like skipping and squeeing! Okay, but I won't do it.

Her tears was lost in her first cup of beer. After the fifth or sixth (she couldn't remember) cup, her thoughts, her heart, her feelings were buried alive and she couldn't feel a thing. Some guy with a neon green Mohawk was her bartender for the night. Whenever he saw her cup was empty, he'd quietly take it and get her a refill. Honestly, she didn't know that gentlemen like that existed these days.
She was sitting on some couch in some room with some people. Her eyes were droopy and she felt like she was a little teapot, forever tipping over and over and over. People were talking around her, their voices though loud in her ears, distant and foreign. She was trapped in her own little world and the only way she could stay in it, is if she kept drinking. No wonder why people get drunk. Bringing her Styrofoam cup to her lips, she leaned her head back, expecting to take a large gulp of bitter liquid, but all she could taste was air.
"Hey..." she murmured, holding out her hand. A shadow fell over her, but it was blurry, and pixelated. She saw a flash of green, and immediately recognized the guy.
"More," she spat.
"Victoria."
Even through her drunkenness, she was familiar with that sound. The one she had heard years ago before she had silenced it forever. Her fingers started shaking, her nails digging into the cup. It felt like something was lodged in her throat for when she gulped, she couldn't breathe. She slowly looked up into eyes that were as cold as a wintry night. They were eyes that were once distant and empty, eyes she thought she'd never see again. A wry smile pulled up his lips, as he plopped down beside her.
"Don't you recognize me?"
Her mouth tasted like ashes,"Yes, yes, of course I do." I'm drunk, so drunk.
He shook his head, those familiar black curls falling around his shoulders, and reached over to lay his hand over hers. It was warm, unlike his skin when he had...died. He was supposed to be dead, not here touching her. And yet, the feel of his skin against hers felt like a million fluttering birds in her chest.
"It feels so good to see you after all this time," he said, softly.
"How can you say that?" she snapped,"I killed you."
"You sent me to He...a better place," he winced, his face becoming the image of pain. A grunt resonated in the pit of his throat and then he was smiling again. There was so many things she wanted to ask but there was only one thing she had to say.
"I'm sorry."
His smile wavered,"For what?"
"I k..." The words were lost in the tears that started streaming down her cheeks.
"Vicky, I am not mad at you. I just wanted to see you tonight," his hand gravitated towards her cheek. He started wiping away the tears, his skin soft and comforting, as she inhaled the sweet scent he emitted. She could remember the way she had kissed him, the way his hands rested on her thighs. Everything about his touch reminded her about that night."So, are you an Angel or something?"
She didn't know for sure, but she thought she heard him scoff, and for him, that sounded odd. But when she opened her eyes, he was still smiling.
"Let's go for a walk?" His hand curled around hers, as he stood up, but she didn't budge.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"Why not?" There was a glint in his eyes, and then he sighed. "Victoria, you won't hurt me, if that's what you're worried about. Now come. Walk with me." His voice was so soft that in her drunken haze, it was irresistible. She stumbled when she stood up, and his arm immediately wrapped around her waist, steadying her as they moved through the crowd. She couldn't hear the music or anything else around her. It was as if someone had pushed the mute button, leaving her to wallow in her thoughts. And her mind wasn't empty. She was submerged into a quiet stupor, with only Tommy and the thudding of her heart to keep her company.
Outside, the air was cold, not chilly cold, but it felt as if it were absent of happiness and warmth. It was somber even. They walked along the sides of the house, until they were met by a picket fence. He stood in front her, a wistful look on his face.
"I've missed you so much," he whispered.
"I've missed you, too." His hands rested on her hips, and he pulled her closer, his touch a perfect medium of firm and gentle, light and dark, for as he held her she felt the sun and it's perilous blue sky, but she always felt darkness, thick like the purplish-black night. She didn't move away, though. There wasn't an inkling of fear or regret, as his hands explored her face, her lips, her calves. He brushed a few strands of hair out of her eyes, and let his own cloudy orbs sweep slowly over her. They rested on her chest.
"You are so beautiful," he moaned. She could feel her cheeks flushing. Even in death, they were perverts. Something cold moved against her chest, and then she remembered, the necklace. Tommy was pulling it out of her dress, his fingers tracing the designs with his thumb and index finger. His eyes were closed, and as she stared at him, she saw something different about him. His skin looked old and pale, like bones eroded by time. A black shadow surrounded him, and as he breathed out, she thought, she thought she could see teeth, yellow rotten pointed teeth, like fangs but shorter and sharper. She gasped, and then he looked at her, his lips twisting up into a smirk, his eyes were no longer the cool gray she was accustomed to. They were harsh and burned a fiery red.

His eyes were just like the one's she saw in her attic.

When things start to click...

2009-07-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

The air I breathe smells better and life makes sense! Well, life in my book, I mean. I've been addicted to editing and revising these past couple of days. And I'm only in my second chapter! But I just couldn't get over how boring and flat it was. My first chapter is great (though I did rewrite it at least eight times.) It's just that darn second chapter that I couldn't get passed. So I haven't been writing, just deleting and deleting and then...for once in a while, I got a good night's rest.

And I woke up, and everything just fell into place.

My MC is at this Halloween party and after encountering this one guy who she wants to kiss (but she can't because she'll kill him), she gets wasted for the first time and starts hearing voices. She then sees Tommy, who is the boy she killed long ago and she follows him outside. Turns out that he's a demon and...

That's all I'm saying. It gets weird after that, but I have this thing on lock down!

The 4th was surprisingly boring. Everyone I knew had to work and some of my friends are out of town. But I did watch the fireworks. Neighbors put on their own little fireworks show and it lasted until after midnight, and I was kinda pissed because it was noisy and I was really tired.

All in all, it wasn't the best 4th of July I've ever had, but it didn't suck, wish is cool.

And it's almost time to go back to school! Ugh! Hopefully 10th grade will be as easy as 9th was.

Balancing the WIP(S?)

2009-07-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know every writer has this problem. You know what I am talking about. One moment you're into your one novel, writing and writing and sometimes you stop and say "What the Hell am I doing?" Okay, maybe you don't say that but I say that A LOT. So much that I really answer myself (haven't you heard that writers are schizophrenics?)

I am known for completely dropping an idea, to go sell my soul to another. My writing friends have scolded me on this before, and though I listen to them then, it's hard to break a habit, don't you agree?

Here's where I say something corny and Twilight related like: Writing is like my own personal brand of heroin, except every idea is so different and so addictive that if I don't have it....I'll go crazy! (mind you I already have)

But the point of this idea, is to know how does one balance several ideas and still stay afloat or in other words, sane, if that's even a word to us writers.

If anyone knows, please tell me and I promise I will love you forever and ever, because this is torture. I feel like a bad mother for neglecting Shadow to write this other novel (even though it has fairies and vampires and a whole variety of mythical creatures, including zombies. Yeah, you don't hear about those a lot.)

Shiny New Idea Syndrome + Love + Rain = Urban Fantasy

This is the part where I brag about my new idea. If you don't want to hear (or read) about this, then the door is that way.

But anyways, for the past couple of days, I've been having an affair. While I was writing Shadow, I couldn't help but romanticize about a world where mythical/magical creatures coexisted with today's world.

I like fantasy but I can never bring myself to make up my own world because I'm lazy and...yeah.

Well anywho, it wouldn't be a secret that said creatures existed either. People would actually know about them! What really made me love this idea, was that I am not your normal girl. I know you thought I was normal, but the truth is I'm a little weird. I would want to live in the world with fairies and talking animals and vampires and werewolves....Ooh it would be so awesome!

Unfortuneatly, the humans in this story don't think so. Instead, they use these creatures for the magic and they treat them like scum.

I know you're like, why can't they revolt are something? Well, here's the thing. These creatures are from another world that is controlled by a Key, whoever has that key controls the creatures.

Yeah, there's a whole lot more to this then meets the eye, and hopefully, next week I'll be able to post a snippet.

Plus, there's this one fairy guy in the story, who is so hot!

Ahh, I love falling for fictional characters.

In Which I Talk About Books And Much I Love Them (Spoilers Ahead)

I know my little bookshelf over there, doesn't have a lot of books on there, but I have read a lot in my past fifteen years of life. I was told that you need to read, in order to write well.

But I just finished The Mortal Instruments series a few days back, and I love those books! I really do. They're even better than Twilight (I know me just saying that hurt a lot of my friends who are devote Twilighters) but it's the truth.

The only thing that bothered me was the ending of COG. It was too abrupt for me, I wanted more of Jace and Clary, especially since they just now found out that they weren't brother and sister.

I had this feeling deep down in my stomach, about that though. And I kinda figured that Sebastian was her brother, that was really obvious, considering the story, and what was going on but all in all they kept me on the edge of my seat and I really can't wait (and I stress can't) for the prequels to come out in 2010.

I'm about to order Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen. She's another one of my favorite authors and if I wasn't enticed by magical creatures and what not, I'd definitely write contemporary romance.

Teaser Tuesday (and other things)

2009-06-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

That breakdown I had a few days back, was horrible. I have them a lot, but I'm going to soldier through Shadow or Haven (I still haven't found the right title for it) but I'm going to write this story, besides it's starting to get kinda fun.

And since then, I've decided to write in third person, mainly because I was getting tired of first person and because there are three other characters whose story I'm going to tell.

Without farther ado, the first official teaser for Shadow:

It was silent as they walked save for the slow song that seemed to fade away, the farther away from the house they ventured. And they didn't walk far. Her house was surrounded by a large amount of green land and trees, lots of trees, that seemed to swallow them whole. They were in their own little world, and she couldn't have wanted anything more.
"Great party," he said.
"Thanks."
They were now standing under an oak tree, the leaves falling to the ground one by one. With the soft tunes pouring from the speakers, it almost seemed romantic. Tommy looked down, a lock of hair falling before his eyes. He bit his lip, a faint flush growing warm on his cheeks.
"There was something I wanted to tell you," he started, still looking down.
"What is..."
"I like you," Tommy said, abruptly.
Her body stiffened. She stared at him, speechless. He met her gaze, waiting for a response, she guessed. She blinked her eyes a couple of times.
"Really?" she replied, mentally kicking herself. Of course he does, that's what he just said.
"Yes," he smiled."I wanted to talk to you at school, but I was scared."
"You were scared?
"Victoria, you're amazing. You're different from the other girls. And I didn't think you'd like a guy like me."
She didn't know what to say. Like a guy like him? It was the most insane thing she has ever heard. He was gorgeous and sweet and popular. Every girl liked him. He inched closer to her, and for a moment all she could see was him and his starry eyes.
"Do you...like me?"
She wanted to scream yes a thousand times and jump up and down and squeal and laugh and kiss...yes, she wanted to kiss him. He was so close. Warmth was rolling off of his skin in tired, easy intervals and it was just them two. One kiss, was all she wanted. She slowly inched forward. She couldn't explain her feelings in a simple yes, and somehow, Victoria knew that he understood that. He moved his hand under her chin and slowly his lips met hers. She had never been kissed before, but somehow she knew what to do. Her arms wrapped instinctively around his neck, and he placed his hands lightly on her hips.
At first the kiss was slow and beautiful, but then something inside of her erupted. She kissed him harder, her lips hungrily thirsting for his. He dropped his hands, a sudden chill touching his lips. And that's when she felt that something was wrong. She opened her eyes, only to find that his gray ones were now empty and distant and filled with something she couldn't fathom. She broke the kiss, wanting him to say something but there was only a soft wheeze and then he fell back, crashing to the ground like a porcelain doll.
"Tommy!" Her voice seemed to drown out everything from the music to the beating of her own heart, as she knelt down beside him. He didn't move, his eyes never fluttered. He was just laying there, still and pale. She touched his cheek, hoping to feel warmth, hoping to feel life, but there was nothing. Standing up, she ran back to the house, her legs carrying her as fast as they could. She had to tell somebody. Tears were burning in her eyes. She had kissed him and now he was dead.

Friday Fun and Fantastic News

2009-06-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

So, for the fantastic news, I have at least 3, 223 words in my novel! Moments after I had that breakdown, things clicked in my brain and I decided to outline! This outline has helped me so much throughout writing the first chapter, save for a few flaws here and there that I plan to fix later.

Now, for the Friday Fun. I saw this and knew that it had to go on my blog. It is crazy FUNNY!

breakdowns and promises

2009-06-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

I just had yet another breakdown. They happen a lot. I get so stressed out when writing that I don't know what to do. I have so many ideas that I want to write but I'm like playing ring around the rosey with them. I feel that if I neglect one, it'll go up ashes and the on I was currently working on, well I don't know where to start it. And I hate wasting precious time.

If I can't write something, why wait around for inspiration to come. I have other ideas that are great and well, I know myself well enough to know that this cycle of giving up is just going to continue unless I dedicate myself. So I made a contract. My witness was God.

I promised, I solemnly swore that I was going to write a novel and then I put my ideas in a bag, shook it up and picked out the book I was going to write. It's one of the fresher ideas, one that's still hot out of the oven. Oh! I know I'm a horrible writer. I mean, who can be a writer without dedication? I love writing. I live for it but I just lack that drive that some people have. When I read about how people are querying and editing and revising, I am happy for them but I am also envious of them. I want that. I want to be able to have notebook after notebook file after file of words that are actually a novel. I want that. I need to prove to myself that I can do it.

Haven is my novel. I will write it. This time, I'm going to ween myself from the internet. I'm going to cut off all my resources and go back to writing...well typing because I hate using pencil and paper.

One thing I want to try is outlining. I want to do that now because for me, I've learned that just jumping in isn't a good road for me. I need to take a new approach on things.

I don't want to waste anymore time, so goodbye!

Teaser Tuesday

2009-06-23T02:22:00.000-07:00

I know that I'm posting this a bit early in the morning but this is my first one. I kinda like the idea of this whole alliteration thing, you know like Teaser Tuesday, Widget Wednesday etc.

Though I have only a 1,000 words of Shadow written. I just churned this teaser out today and I'm quite proud of it. This novel is weird to write for me. I can't seem to write it the traditional way, like from scene 1 to scene 2. Instead I'm writing scenes all over the place and I hope that I can piece them together.

I'm still trying to grasp Dawn's character because she's really different from me. And I cringe when telling her story because though I want it to make sense I don't want it to be cliche. I struggle with that the most.

In this scene, I feel that there is some incredible dialogue. Well, I might just be patting my back for no reason.

Without farther ado, my first Teaser Tuesday:

I'd send my guidance counselor to Hell, if it were actually possible. She stared at me, her icy blue gaze washing over me like a wave. I wanted to tell her to take a picture, it would last longer but none of my snarky remarks would help me now. I had at least 30 minutes left of this and then I would be free.
"When was the last time you did anything fun?" she asked, staring down at her clipboard.
I breathed a sigh of relief and then shrugged, as if she could see me. She probably could with the way her eyes seemed to dart at any signs of movement. They were like watch dogs, only scarier.
"Well, our definitions of fun could be really different," I said, smirking.
"Try me."
"Urs...I mean my mother usually is at work and I'm at home smoking weed and having sex with my next door neighbor. Doesn't that sound fun to you?"
I expected that stone cold expression to waver, but it was stronger than the Wall of China, though I'm sure it's been around way longer.
"Victoria..."
"Please, don't call me Victoria. It's Dawn."
"As I was saying, Dawn, you need to stop being so nonchalant about this entire situation."
"Oh, and tell me, how am I supposed to act?"
My voice was lined with sarcasm but instead of going into another bitch rant, she placed her clipboard on the table beside her and fixed her eyes on me once more.
"Well, you tell me?"
"Honestly, I don't think I want to."
She sighed and for once in the two days I've been coming to see her, I saw a glimmer of emotion on her face. It was as if she were tired of me fooling around. If I weren't Dawn, a full-fledged Soul Bringer, I would have actually cared but I just shrugged and looked down at my nails. They were in dire need of a manicure.
"Let's talk about your relationship with your parents."
"My parents?"
"Yes, that's what I said."
"Well, Ursula is always working and when she's home, well, she tries to be a mother but she's really not."
"Go on."
"Go on with what? I answered your question."
She picked up her clipboard and scribbled something. Her hand moved quickly across the paper and I wondered if what she was writing would be legible.
"What about your father? Do you have a good relationship with him?"
"I never knew him."
"Your mother never..."
"Look, I understand you're doing your job and stuff, but I don't understand what this has to do with anything. I lost my..."
It was coming. I could feel it. They were clawing at the barriers I kept up, getting closer and closer to freedom. I expected Mrs. Blair to smile or stick her tongue out because she had finally won or maybe she was winning all along. I was just a sore loser. I had come in here for two (now three) days straight thinking that I could make it seem that I, Dawn Montgomery, was okay. The truth was, I wasn't. I couldn't be.
After a few droplets escaped and slid down my cheeks, Mrs. Blair handed me the box of tissues she kept on the table. I took a couple and dabbed at my eyes. All the while, she stared at me.
"This is good."
"What? That I'm still grieving over my boyfriend or that I'm crying?"
"It's both. Dawn, it is normal for one to feel this way. You've lost someone you loved and now you're expressing your emotions. There is nothing to be ashamed of."
"Like I needed you to tell me that." The venom behind that statement was washed away by a sniffle that brought forth another waterfall.
"No, you didn't, but sometimes we all need help discovering ourselves."
I wanted to tell her that she should be a spokesperson for "coming out of the closet" but I kept my mouth shut.
"So you're saying that who I am has to do with Denny's death? That really doesn't make since."
"It's not supposed to. Life doesn't make since, if it did I would not be here talking to you."
"That sounds good to me."
Surprisingly, Mrs. Blair laughed at that and in spite of myself, I smiled.
"Does this mean I'm off the hook? I don't have to see you anymore."
"Not quite. Problems don't fix themselves in one day."
"But I've been coming to see for more than that."
"That's true but the other two sessions you gave me a hard time and we've got so much to explore. Besides, I was starting to think that you liked me."
"Yeah, right."

What do you think? Well, I know nobody is reading this but if someone happens to drop by, please tell me, I am dying to know.

I am Writer...hear me type?

2009-06-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

I have made progress. 485 words of progress, I am proud to say. Hey, you might not think it's a lot but I've been having writer's block. *cringe*

Hopefully, I churn out more.

The first time I tried to end my life, Death was there to stop me.

'Tis is the first sentence to Shadow. Isn't it lovely? I love it and the more I read it the more it's growing on me.

I can't wait to write Death into the story. He's desperate right now for his time to shine or do whatever he does. But he's going to make a suave entrance soon. Very soon.

I have made a playlist for my novel and I even have an epigraph! It's from the Bible. Everything is moving along so smoothly, well save for the few bumps in the road! But I'm making progress!

Shadows are everywhere....

2009-06-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

Yeesh, does Dawn have a story to tell.

Okay, here's my new idea and this one will work out, it will, it will. To be honest, it probably won't but I want it to so for the next couple of days, I'll be putting on airs to make sure that this one sticks...it has to.

This is a dark tale, mixed with romance, angels and all that other good stuff. No Vampires. Non, whatsoever. Though I wanted to, I realized that the world needed to stray away from that stuff.

Shadow is going to be the one.

It's about a girl named Dawn who is saved from Death by her Guardian Angel, who in return is stripped of his wings. Now Dawn, is Marked and must work as a sort of messenger for Death, transporting the souls to a realm in between Heaven and Hell (haven't thought of the name for it yet).

She loathes Death, especially since he made her transport her own mother to the unknown realm. But to make things worse, he loves her and will have her once the Mark wears away on her eighteenth birthday.

Throw in a mysterious guy who seems to follow you everywhere you go, saving you from a lot of suicide attempts, and what do you get?

Dawn is a trip. Even though I haven't written her down on paper, she's putting my mind through hell. And personifying Death, well that ought to be a toughy. We shall see.

I can write this. I can write this. I will write this.

so much to do....

2009-06-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Ah, I've been gone for a long time it seems! But I've been busy, so I have an excuse or two!

Schools out for me. I'll be a sophomore next year and on Sunday I'll be fifteen. So there's a lot to be excited about.

I just finished reading Frostbite by Richelle Mead. Amazing book. I did the book review for it! And if you want to check it out, you can head over to my website. Le gasp! I forgot to tell you all, well the ones who happen to be looking at this, that I have a website. It wasn't professionally done or anything but it's pretty cool.

Linkage:

for the love of my words

Look around, love it, inhale it and every once and I'll be posting book reviews. And speaking of reviews, I didn't tell you guys who the AOM for June was!

*drumroll please*

It's Cage! Yeah, he's this rapper who just recently came out with a new CD. I'll admit that I never heard of him until now but he has some major skills and he writes his own songs! Y'all know how much I love artist who are actually artist. Sometime this week, I'll post why he's my artist of the month.

In other news, I've started yet another novel, well at least I'm trying to. I've been writing a lot of short fiction pieces and...yeah, hopefully an idea will stick soon.

Well, till next time,

~Raven

I am a poet, yeah I know it

2009-06-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

His Soul, My Idolatry
By Raven M.

listen to my body's hymns

hear my heavy sighs,

touch my feeble limbs,

caress my aching thighs.

with your kiss, cleanse my skin

bathe every part of me in your love

forgive my every fault, my every sin

show me the spirit my heart

seems to be deprived of.

as we dance, our eyes grow weak,

the night spins round and round,

augmented by the prayers I speak,

as we lie down.

when I rest my head against your chest,

I breathe in the smell of your purity

knowing that like your soul, I am blessed

and that our love is beautiful, in all it's obscurity.

they say that a God's word is divine

if that is true, it is yours I whisper again and again

for when you say "I love you' heaven and earth intertwine

and as you fall to sleep, I whisper 'Amen'.

In Which I Live...

2009-06-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

I realize that I don't actually ever write a normal blog post, where I discuss normal humanly things. Like school, relationships, and blah blah blah!

Today is Monday. I hate Mondays. Especially since I never look my best and I am always extremely tired. To make things worse, I am all congested and I am going to miss the deadline for this contest I wanted to enter.

People get on my nerve. There is just that one person who you can honestly say that you hate and today I finally admitted out loud that I didn't care about him. It wasn't true before but now it is. He's pushed it too far and now, I have no choice but to let go.

I've seen the New Moon trailer! And yes, I did a fangirl squeal after watching it! Ooh me and my friends are going to go see it together when it hits the theaters! I can't wait!

I keep coming up with more story ideas! I wish someone could tell me how to stick with one idea til the end. Can anybody tell me?

There are two books that I really really need. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare and Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. Hush Hush doesn't come out til October but my goodness, this book sounds fan-freakin-tastic!

Over the Summer, I'm going to stock up with vampire-romance-sarrah dessen-historical-make you want to cry-novels and read read read! Yep, that's me.

Ok, now time for some tea.

Something to sink my teeth into

2009-05-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

As a Twilight fan, I'm always looking out for that next YA fantasy-romance that would peak my interest. Well, instead of craving for a book, I am thirsting for a TV series. From the novels written by L. J. Smith, comes the 'riveting' new CW series "The Vampire Diaries"

It looks promising to me. Though when I learned about this series and this show, I wondered how they were going to stretch it out. A TV show has to be able to capture the audience's attention every episode. I'm not saying that it has to be filled with action and romance all the time but if you don't want low ratings...

Twilight was successful as a movie and people were saying that they should have made Twilight into a TV show. I love Twilight and all but I know what's good for TV and Twilight stands by itself in the movie world but more so as a book on shelves in bookstores.

But we shall see what all the hype about this series is all about. Who knows, maybe I'll decide to read the books.

Artist of the Month {Thriving Ivory}

2009-05-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

Who is Thriving Ivory?

Thriving Ivory is a rock band hailing from Santa Barbara who use simple but powerful lyrics augmented by mellow guitars and keyboards to create their unique sound.

What do you like about them?

Well, for one thing, Clayton's voice is so different and unique and I can really find solace in the songs. They make me think and sway at the same time. And I can really really sing along to them. They are just really an awesome band.

How did you discover them?

I'm always on the look out for new music, well new as in, music I haven't heard before. Back in 2008 they came to Pittsburgh and I really didn't pay them any mind until now but I wish I had because I could have went to their concert, but I was on YouTube just looking up stuff and I came across them.

Why are they the Artist of the Month?

Well, there was certainly a lot of competition, you know, with Green Day, which is On Demand's Artist of the Month. Green Day is another great band but I think that Thriving Ivory is one of those bands that will always be fresh, no matter how many songs they throw out. They have raw talent and they're are not flashy. They just really bring a certain class to the rock world.

Who is your favorite member?

I will have to say Clayton. I've watched a few of their web chats and he's really just laid back, you can tell that at least, and he has a really amazing voice.

Who would you have picked for Artist of the Month?

Arid, definitely, Arid. They're a Belgian rock band that not a lot of people seem to know about. They're amazing and I would have picked them if I wasn't so much in awe with Thriving Ivory.

What makes them unique?

As a writer, I love artist who can write their own songs. In other words, I hate studio owned singers and bands. If you can't write your own songs, you're not a true artist. Thriving Ivory writes about things people can relate to and their band name is pretty awesome as well.

Do you know who next month's AOM is going to be?

No, I have no clue but it's going to be hard picking them, seeing as though Thriving Ivory is a really great band and June is actually a really special month because my birthday is on June 21st.

What are your favorite songs by Thriving Ivory?

Yes, that is a really good question. My favorite songs would have to be Day of Rain, Twilight, and Angels on the Moon. There are some more like Overrated and Runaway that are just amazing. But basically those first three are my favorite.

Alec Lane

2009-05-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have an addiction. Well, it's nothing too serious, but it's getting ridiculous now. I always fantasize about my book getting published and becoming a movie. I mean, that would so awesome. Especially since I believe, I know that my novel has potential...well it would if I didn't stop procrastinating.

Well, anyways, this particular post is dedicated to Alec. I just saw these pictures of Gaspard Ulliel and I'm like, yes, this is Alec.

Alec is a tortured soul, who could care less that girls love him because of his good looks. He's self-less but sometimes he can be quiet and dark and brooding. He doesn't have a lot of weaknesses or he does, it's just that no one knows them.

He is a shape-shifter, so really, he can look like anything but this his true form. I can imagine a scar running along his eye and a little stubble, but other than that, Gaspard is great for the part.

I think this pictures depict Alec's ability to think about things and to be sufficient in his loneliness. It embodies the essence of his pain and the inner anguish. Really, it's a great pic.

thunderstorms ruined our country

2009-05-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

I blame a lot of people for a lot of things that happen in the world. Like I used to blame my cousin for the sky being blue (but that was when I was little and didn't know any better.) So, today, I will blame thunder for me not being able to finish editing chapter 1.

I told you that once I decided to go back to chapter 1 I wouldn't get past it. It's sad that I was right but at least I know myself. But this time around, I'm going to fight through it and hope that tomorrow will be a better day. (optimism is awesome!) Well anyways, I didn't right but I did think of a new scene and I also wrote down the summary for the plot to Metamorphosis. It's called Pandemonium.

There's really a good story behind the sequel to Metamorphosis. I was using the online thesaurus (it's my favorite website) when I needed another word for something, but I can't seem to remember what it was, and Pandemonium popped up. I really wasn't sure what Pandemonium meant so I looked it up the dictionary.

1. Pandemonium- the abode of all the demons.

Then it hit me. Demons. And after that, it was like magic or I don't know what to call it but it was like I knew what I needed to write about. Marsa's story is so complex, so adventurous and scary and wonderful that it needs to be continued. I just gotta finish writing Metamorphosis.

I bought The Curious Case of Benjamin Button the other day. I plan to watch tomorrow which is when I'm buying City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (finally!) Can't wait to start reading it!

Plus I've finished my Proof and now all I got to do is order it. So, all in all, things have been goin swell.

Oh and yeah, the next time our country slips into an economic depression, just know that thunderstorms ruined our country. True story.

I've come back bearing gifts

2009-05-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

So, I have some great news. There's a writing contest (one that I am entering)

All you have to do is...well I'll let y'all read the rules because I'm not good at explaining things.

Linkage: http://www.harperteen.com/books/9780061470585/No_Such_Thing_as_the_Real_World/index.aspx

Ok, I have done one good deed for the day.

What has been up with me lately? Well, I've decided that I need to edit Chapter 1 now or at least while inspiration is still fresh in my mind. Plus, I think the whole Alec choking Marsa was way over the top.

I've decided to utilize my code or the prize I won for completing NaNoWriMo 2008 a.k.a Hell. The only thing good about it is that the cover is pretty and...yeah. But at least I'll get to see my name on something.

Mother's Day. Yeah, I don't know how that's gonna work out. My mom has to work but she still expects something and Sundays are my resting days...so yeah. We shall see.

I've had a revalation or is it more like an epiphany?

2009-05-05T17:03:00.001-07:00

I really really really need to read The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. From time to time, I stalk...I mean...view author's websites/blogs just to see if they have any advice on how to finish a novel and all that jazz. By the way, if anyone needs some help writing their YA novel, she has a lot of links to websites that can help you with whatever you need help with. But anyways, she posted a deleted excerpt from City of Glass and it was phenomenal. (I've used that word twice today) I mean, the romance between Jace and Clary wow! And ooh I am literally jumping up and down because I still have money and I can buy it!

And for more good news, I finished the first draft of Chapter 1 for Metamorphosis! Yeah, I did that like last week but I'm just now getting to blog about it. It's solid but I already know what changes I want to make. Someone who critiqued it for me, said that I started off rough but as it progressed it got really strong. Which is good, because I know that I'm a good writer, I just suck at writing beginnings. (sorry for being acute arrogance but it's good to pat yourself on the back every once and a while)

I have the urge to add/take away a few things in Chapter 1 but I know if I submerge myself in editing now, I'll never finish this novel. So I'll just take notes on what I need to do and do it later. (yeah, like I'm sticking to that strategy)

The one weird thing about characters is, you don't have control of them. Even though you thought of them, once you constantly think about them, they start becoming real people. Writers are more like schizophrenics. We talk to/listen to/ hear our characters because it's important that we get the facts straight. Or else they'll send you to that special Hell....Writer's Block.

But anyways, my male counterpart, the amazing, glorious, self-centered, strict Guardian, Alec Lane a.k.a Vacilis, made his way into the first chapter, when I wasn't planning on introducing him till the third chapter. I mean, at the time, I didn't know how I was going to tie him into the story because he is a very very important character. He's also a love interest for Marsa, even though
she has a boyfriend or had...but you didn't hear that from me.

In this chapter, Alec ends up trying to choke Marsa to death in the hallway. Creepy, right? I thought it was ridiculous and we argued (Alec and I, that is) about why he did that. He's crazy but no, he's a nice guy once you get to know him or read about him.

I should be doing homework right now. I really should but I just don't feel like it. I definitely have to start this Civics Essay tomorrow. Or maybe, if I'm not tired, I might start it a few moments from now.

Speaking of deleted scenes, I have one! It was the beginning of Chapter 2 but I wrote it when I was half-alive and Marsa was screaming in my ears. We have a similar way of speaking but she's more sarcastic than I am. I think, she's probably the first character that I made up that is remniscent of me. But I laugh everytime I read this part and I'm just sorry it couldn't make the cut.

There were no windows or walls or floors. I was just floating into an abyss of empty blue sky. The clouds were white canvases and just beyond them were lights. Bright, endless lights. I stared at them, wondering if this was the tunnel that you went down before you died.
"Ah, she's up."
Was that the voice of God? I turned my head slightly, only to be met with two blue eyes and a wide smile. It was Nurse Jenny. She was a short old lady who looked and smelled like a grandmother. A sigh of relief left my lips. I wasn't dead. It smelled like antiseptic and it was extremely cold. As I rubbed my arms, the paper from the gurney crinkled underneath.
Everything started to come back to me in little snapshots. I remembered walking into Mr. Heder's class and then running out. My stomach was hurting and I was throwing up but I just couldn't remember what happened after that. When I tried to sit up, Nurse Jenny placed her hands on my shoulders, trying to keep me down.
"Marsa, I don't think it's a good idea for you to be moving so much," she said.
"I don't feel dizzy or...." and there he was. Standing there, like a statue of pure ease, was Alec. I remembered what happened now. He tried to kill me. He was choking me in the hallway, with this crazed look in his eyes. A look that was there now, except, instead of a smirk, he wore a snare that seemed to engulf his entire face.
"What is he doing here?" I asked, trying to shrug away from Nurse Jenny's hold. She looked at me as if I had just lost my mind. Did she not know that this guy, this psychopath, had just tried to kill me? Or was he holding her hostage? I gulped, waiting for an answer to my seemingly pointless question. He was obviously in here because the police would probably shoot him if he were to let us go.
"He's the one who found you passed out in the hallway. He brought you here," she replied.
I looked at her, wondering why she was lying to me. But her voice was lined with sincerity and she didn't stutter, so maybe this was what happened or...or maybe Alec brainwashed her.
"Yeah, you were pretty much out of it. You kept trying to hit me."
That look was still painted on his face, but his apparent anger was absent in his voice. He was a really good actor. But everyone would soon know what kind of game he was playing.
"Oh, so was I supposed to let you choke me to death?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You tried to kill me. That's what I'm talking about. You didn't tell Nurse Jenny that, now did you?"
"Dear, he only brought you to the infirmary. He didn't try to kill you..." Nurse Jenny started.
"You know what he tried to do to me in the hallway."

You gotta love Marsa.

(if you don't I'll cry and she'll shoot you. True story.)

the weather today is slightly sarcastic

2009-05-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm listening to Panic at the Disco, one of the most awesome bands in the world. I just bought their first record the other day. Now I have A Fever You Can't Sweat Out and Pretty. Odd. My mom gave me $100, which is good because I always seem to be broke except for maybe a penny in my piggy bank.

I've been having a tough week. I really don't even want to talk about it, not even here. I just hope I will be able to sort things out. Somehow.

I need to write. I haven't been writing and I entered all of these contests and I don't have a clue what my stories are going to be about. Metamorphosis is getting pretty dusty, all alone and ignored. Huh! I just can't seem to work up the strength to write.

I think there's a war going on outside my window

2009-04-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

Helicopters are flying over my house and it's really really loud. I'm sure they're not close close, but they're close enough that I can hear their engines roaring like a lion king.

But it's so hot, it feels like Hell. And I am not even exaggerating. I think I jinxed something because the other day I said I wouldn't mind if the sun was not shining. And that was only because sunlight brings heat but yeah...I think I'm the cause of this gray and stormy weather, as crazy as that sounds.

I am in trouble, well not technically but sometimes it's hard being a writer. Especially when it's all you want to do. I have to finish this math assignment that we were doing in class and I really don't feel like doing it because it's so hot! Plus, I really want to write more of Metamorphosis. I want to finish the first chapter and work on the second. I want to write and write and write.

So maybe I'll be able to make a compromise. I'll write for an hour or so and then I'll devote the rest of my time finishing my math assignment. That sounds like a really good plan, if I say so myself.

Evermore by Alyson Noel {Review}

2009-04-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sorry about this second post in one day but I always wanted to give my hand at book reviewing and since this is one of the recent books I've read that is YA fantasy-romance, I will blog about this, just to get the hang of book reviewing.

What is the book about?

What if you had it all, and then, in the blink of an eye, everything that you knew and loved, was gone?

Sixteen-year-old Ever Bloom lost her entire family in a horrible car accident. Everyday she has to live with the fact that she is the only one that survived. And that isn't the only thing she has to live with.

After the accident, obtained the ability to see people's auras, hear people's thoughts or life stories just by touching them. The girl who used to be popular and outgoing was now fighting hard to become invisible, so she wouldn't feel like a freak. But everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste. The gorgeous, exotic, and wealthy new student who can tame the powers that Ever possesses. As she comes to know more about this mysterious guy, Ever is drawn deeper into a world she never knew existed. But as she tries to figure out who or what Damen is, she falls deeply and helplessly in love with him.

What did you enjoy about this book?

This was a really good but what really sold it's plot was it's ability to seem real, like these were real people we were reading about. Alyson Noel, who is known for several YA novels such as Faking 19 and Cruel Summer, incorporates teenage angst with a fantasy plot that is not completely original but it takes on a life of it's own. That would be one of the many things that I enjoyed about this book.

What have you read that is similar to this book?

You know, I've read other reviews on this book and the reviewers all seem to say that Evermore walks hand in hand with Twilight. Well, let's see, Damen is wealthy, handsome, very talented and mostly a lot of traits that lots of characters before Edward Cullen possessed. It certainly has it's moments where you'll feel that, ok, I've read something like this before but you have to give this book a chance. There are many ways to turn an already done plot into your own. Alyson Noel is a promising author and I swear to you that you won't be disappointed when reading this.

What are some of the major themes of this book?

I think the biggest theme of this book and probably the underlying mantra is that, true love never dies. I'm not sure that others would feel that this was the biggest theme but it certainly is an evident one.

Who was your favorite character? What did you appreciate about him/her?

Ever Bloom was an excellent main character. Her thoughts weren't cliche and though she could have been emotional at times, I think that she embodied someone who was trying to outlive what people said. She was labeled as a freak, but she certainly wasn't. I appreciated the fact that the author didn't make her into the typical popular beautiful blonde where they have everything- well she was the typical popular beautiful blonde but what she went through changed her. She grew stronger as the story progressed.

At the end of the book, do you feel hope for the characters?

Damen is one of the characters you love to read about because he's exotic and because I'm a girl I can't help but swoon over a hot guy, but aside from his visual beauty, his countenance was kind of hard to pin down. Sometimes he seemed flirtatious, other times he was serious and he just kept changing, and you're like who is this guy? But where he goes with Ever has so much promise. The author has so many choices to make and hopefully she makes the right ones, for they are really a great match. So yes, I do feel hope for these characters.

What is stronger in the book: plot or character development? Why?

I'm going to say that the character developement was stronger. Even though I feel that Damen was kinda hard to understand, the plot isn't over, seeing as this is the opener to a series. I think that the author was more concerned about introducing these characters than actually setting a stage. Though the plot was great, it wasn't done. It's one of these ordeals where you have to wait for the next book to find out what happens next. When you finish reading it, you'll feel like you feel when you're getting into a good television show and then they say to be continued...
But the characters, especially Ever, were developed well and if she continues to build on what she has, Alyson Noel could possibly have a good series.

Did you find any flaws in the book?

The plot went kinda slow but I finished it in a decent amount of time. I think that Mrs. Noel should give some thought at getting to the point at times. It starts out really slow, picks up and goes really slow again. But it's barable once you get to all of the good parts.

Overall review of the book.

I'd give this a 4/5 stars because it is well written and though it has one or two faults to it, those flaws can be overlooked. Alyson Noel is a great writer and this is her first time exploring the fantasy realm and for her debut, she did a wonderful job.

[insert creative title]

2009-04-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

Ok. As I mentioned in my profile, I am an aspiring young author. I love to write and currently I decided to give writing historical romances a break. Believe me, they are so hard to write but thinking about the way they spoke and men with dark and brooding countenances, cravats and top hots...it all just sucks me back in but I really really want to write a YA fantasy-romance. It's been my dream ever since I could remember and I've finally decided to take that dream off the back-burner.

It's called Metamorphosis. I know that it's not the best of titles, but it goes with what the story is about. I love it and I'm already half-way into the first chapter. My main character, Marsa, is so emotional but so lovable and she is sorta like me in so many ways, so I can relate to her.

I know her name is kinda weird but she's Croatian and her grandmother was from Romania. So I wanted her to have a name that displayed her culture because a lot of books don't embrace it as much as they should.

Some things that I will incorporate into this story is Romanian folklore. I've read into it and if you ever get a chance, you should Google it or find books in the library, because it really is amazing.

It had rained that day. Which was odd, because for the past couple of months, the weather had mirrored my mood. Sunny, cool, and easy. It was only ironic that the cold wet droplets would make my happiness morph into sorrow.
I had passed through the school day without much thought. Usually, I was bubbly and talkative. Each class would not be absent of my voice and all of my teachers would never miss their chance to loathe my innocent cockiness. But today felt different. It was as if I left the house that morning without putting myself on.
Even my friends seemed to notice my edginess.

That's a snippet of chapter 1. Well it's the beginning and when I wrote it, I realized that yes, this story is going to be so hard to write because Marsa is a complex character. She changes a lot throughout the story, with all that she goes through. Sometimes, when my characters go through something bad, it takes a toll on me and I know that her life might not be something I can handle but at the same time, this story's complexity is what draws me to it.

It's unlike anything I've written and it might be one of my best accomplishments, so I really want to finish this book. And what makes it better is, that I like to look on the bright side. When I finish this and edit and send it out, I have an idea for the sequel. Isn't that great?

Well, I'll keep everyone who is reading up to date on my road to telling Marsa's story. But in-between, there has to be some random post and some possible book reviews.

Have a great day,

~Raven