Hello, readers of my blog, however few you may be! I have found another tag on Whispers of the Wind and have decided to use it!
What is your name?
Nicki T.
Age
Does that really matter?
What do you like most about writing?
Complete and total control of my characters. (Evil laughter.) Seriously, bringing ideas and thoughts in my head to life is probably the best part. That and if I look up writing websites, they will often mention books that I've never heard of. This is the way I heard about Hunger Games, Blood of Kings, and so many other wonderful books.
How many books are you writing or have written?
Have written? I've lost track. Am writing? Not sure exactly. I try to focus on one story, then some other idea comes in and starts making unreasonable demands for attention.
Now, do this quiz for one of your favorite characters you have come up with for a book.
Name
Princess Levina (I would post a picture, but I don't really have any since I haven't started her story yet.)
Age
Well, when the story starts out, she's probably ten or eleven. Then, after the first bit, I skip ahead several years because what happens in those years isn't important. I haven't quite figured out how many years yet, though, but it's safe to say no older than sixteen at any point during the story.
Hair color
Golden. Her hair is very soft and wavy.
Eye Color
Blue. A deep, vivid, expressive blue, while everyone else in her land has hazel or brown eyes.
Height
No exact height, but she's small at the start of the book. She grows larger toward the end.
Weight
She's very slender, particularly when she's wearing a corset.
Biggest Pet Peeve
People who, for some reason, seem to think that girls make easier targets than boys. She's a sweet person, but people who think she's an easy target are sadly mistaken. (She carries a small knife in part one, but at the beginning of part two carries none. That changes, though.)
Favorite Color
Light blues and dark blues - blues that are in between aren't her thing. Her favorite blue of all, though, is the blue of a stream in the forest, with dappled sunlight sparkling off of it.
Siblings
Prince Quinlan. He's a bit of a wimp, and their uncle uses him after stealing the throne.
Parents
King Ahar and Queen Alina. Queen Alina died when she was four, and the king remarried. Levina's stepmother is named Oriana. I've been considering giving her a half brother by Queen Oriana, but I'm not sure about it yet. I'd probably make him bolder than Quinlan, which would make it more difficult for Levina's uncle (and more interesting to read.)
Anybody like this one? Or have any other tags to suggest to me on characters and stories? I'd welcome them!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Okay, everybody. I've been thinking I should post, so that is exactly what I am doing.
I'm working on another idea for a story. It will probably wait until this summer to be written, but I'm working on it. Not every story I plan out gets finished. I frequently give up on stories, but, just as frequently, I take characters with me. Like Uriel, for example. He's the son of a noble, who dresses extravagantly, reads quite a bit, is a master with the sword, and longs for an adventure, which he's willing to give up anything for. He's a character who likes coming in and asking for a role. Uriel will be given a role in this story, though it won't be one he wants.
Basically, this story (which I will need to do research for) is about a princess named Levina. When her uncle attempts to take the throne, she escapes and heads to somewhere he'll never find her. She's not planning to take back the throne - it was never going to be hers anyway. It was meant for her brother, who her uncle is using to take the throne. Levina just wants to live the rest of her life quietly, somewhere where she won't have people falling over their heads bowing to her and where she won't have to wear a corset every day, since she abhors them. She finds this life on an island off the coast of what is now her uncle's kingdom. And for several years, she is content, despite the havoc her uncle's rule is wrecking.
Then, one day, an old friend comes through her city. One of her royal guards from years ago. He urges her to come back and take the throne, but she refuses. She's happy with her quiet life. Besides, if she announces her identity she'll have to go ahead with the arranged marriage her uncle planned. And she doesn't mind the person she'll have to marry, but she'd rather find her own husband. Preferably one who doesn't spend his day in the library every day. Or brag about his sword fighting. Or care more about his clothes than she does, not that she cares that much.(Yes, that character is Uriel.) However, her friend convinces her it's all for the best, so she goes along with it reluctantly. She announces her identity and begins to gather an army.
That's all I've got so far. It's only in the beginning stages, though. Does the idea sound cliched to anyone else, because it kind of seems a bit like that to me. It's not exactly original, but I'm not done with it yet. There's something missing right now. I'm working on filling in the blank, and while I do that, I have research to do on medieval culture before I start writing. Also, that will give the story the time it needs for me to work on it. Not only do I have to do research, I also have to find someone who will help me with a map (because I can't draw - at all. Well, at least not realistically.)
Well, that's all for now!
Adios!
I'm working on another idea for a story. It will probably wait until this summer to be written, but I'm working on it. Not every story I plan out gets finished. I frequently give up on stories, but, just as frequently, I take characters with me. Like Uriel, for example. He's the son of a noble, who dresses extravagantly, reads quite a bit, is a master with the sword, and longs for an adventure, which he's willing to give up anything for. He's a character who likes coming in and asking for a role. Uriel will be given a role in this story, though it won't be one he wants.
Basically, this story (which I will need to do research for) is about a princess named Levina. When her uncle attempts to take the throne, she escapes and heads to somewhere he'll never find her. She's not planning to take back the throne - it was never going to be hers anyway. It was meant for her brother, who her uncle is using to take the throne. Levina just wants to live the rest of her life quietly, somewhere where she won't have people falling over their heads bowing to her and where she won't have to wear a corset every day, since she abhors them. She finds this life on an island off the coast of what is now her uncle's kingdom. And for several years, she is content, despite the havoc her uncle's rule is wrecking.
Then, one day, an old friend comes through her city. One of her royal guards from years ago. He urges her to come back and take the throne, but she refuses. She's happy with her quiet life. Besides, if she announces her identity she'll have to go ahead with the arranged marriage her uncle planned. And she doesn't mind the person she'll have to marry, but she'd rather find her own husband. Preferably one who doesn't spend his day in the library every day. Or brag about his sword fighting. Or care more about his clothes than she does, not that she cares that much.(Yes, that character is Uriel.) However, her friend convinces her it's all for the best, so she goes along with it reluctantly. She announces her identity and begins to gather an army.
That's all I've got so far. It's only in the beginning stages, though. Does the idea sound cliched to anyone else, because it kind of seems a bit like that to me. It's not exactly original, but I'm not done with it yet. There's something missing right now. I'm working on filling in the blank, and while I do that, I have research to do on medieval culture before I start writing. Also, that will give the story the time it needs for me to work on it. Not only do I have to do research, I also have to find someone who will help me with a map (because I can't draw - at all. Well, at least not realistically.)
Well, that's all for now!
Adios!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Ode to Newfoundland
I'm posting "Ode To Newfoundland" because I think the words are soooo pretty. Let's see if anyone else agrees.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Some Random Ramblings
Hello, everyone. Whoever liked the conversation between my characters that was posted last week is in for another treat. This time, though, I'm picking characters from a different story. Their names are Petra Rider and Maryiss Vulpes (Yes, I'm aware that's a weird name, I'm trying to find a different one) will be joining today.
Nicki T.: Okay, we need to have a little talk.
Petra: If you don't mind, I'm brainstorming ideas for my escape at the moment, so keep it quick.
Nicki T.: That's the subject I wanted to converse on, Petra. Why didn't you manage to escape from the last place I put you in? You've got the brainpower.
Petra: I'm better with computers than with anything else.
Nicki T.: I'm aware. But you're supposed to be a genius! I gave you a brain - USE IT!
Petra: I heard you talking to your fantasy characters, remember? It's supposed to be hard for us!
Nicki T.: Were you outside my bedroom door again? We talked about this!
Maryiss: Quit it!
Nicki T.: Maryiss, this is something I'm working out with Petra. Just keep out of it.
Maryiss: Look, Nicki, I know you're in charge. But please just cool down for a second?
Nicki T.: Whatever.
Petra: Sure, sure. Nicki's in charge, and the power's gone to her head.
Nicki T.(seething with rage): You think I'M in charge?! Who keeps refusing to escape when I tell her to? Who lost her temper and told everyone she knew they were spying on her? And WHO, may I ask, is in charge here anyway?!
Petra: Oh, I don't know. The story?
Maryiss: So, when does something interesting happen in my world? I mean, not that what's going on isn't freaking me out, but when does something really big happen?
Nicki T.: You need to reconsider what that man suggested and go to get Petra's little brother.
Petra (crossing her arms): I am not putting my little brother in danger to make your story more interesting. Sorry, so not happening.
Nicki T.: It's so happening, Petra. That's why you have to escape before they go to get your brother. That way, when Maryiss arrives, he's not there.
Petra: It takes four hours to drive to the city, plus however much time I need to get him out. And I need to get there before Maryiss... that leaves me ten hours to get out!
Nicki T.: See, now you have even more motivation, don't you?
Petra: Like I needed it before.
Maryiss: So, when he's not there, what do I do?
Nicki T.: Give up. Quit.
Maryiss: WHAT! Do you have any idea what the consequences of quitting are? Public humiliation, having to go find another job which means I'll have to find a new place to stay -
Nicki T.: Don't worry - it's temporary.
Maryiss: I'm thinking maybe I'll show up earlier than Petra.
Nicki T.: Don't worry, Petra, she won't make it.
Petra: I'm thinking maybe this might turn out okay.
Maryiss: This had better be temporary, Nicki.
Nicki T.: Hey, relax! What's the worst thing I could do to my characters?
(Petra and Maryiss look her in the eye.)
Nicki T.: Don't worry, I'm not as bad as the people who you're fighting against.
Petra: You're worse.
Nicki T. (sounding offended): Ouch.
Did anyone find that interesting? At all? I find it helps me figure out a bit about my characters.
Adios!
Nicki T.: Okay, we need to have a little talk.
Petra: If you don't mind, I'm brainstorming ideas for my escape at the moment, so keep it quick.
Nicki T.: That's the subject I wanted to converse on, Petra. Why didn't you manage to escape from the last place I put you in? You've got the brainpower.
Petra: I'm better with computers than with anything else.
Nicki T.: I'm aware. But you're supposed to be a genius! I gave you a brain - USE IT!
Petra: I heard you talking to your fantasy characters, remember? It's supposed to be hard for us!
Nicki T.: Were you outside my bedroom door again? We talked about this!
Maryiss: Quit it!
Nicki T.: Maryiss, this is something I'm working out with Petra. Just keep out of it.
Maryiss: Look, Nicki, I know you're in charge. But please just cool down for a second?
Nicki T.: Whatever.
Petra: Sure, sure. Nicki's in charge, and the power's gone to her head.
Nicki T.(seething with rage): You think I'M in charge?! Who keeps refusing to escape when I tell her to? Who lost her temper and told everyone she knew they were spying on her? And WHO, may I ask, is in charge here anyway?!
Petra: Oh, I don't know. The story?
Maryiss: So, when does something interesting happen in my world? I mean, not that what's going on isn't freaking me out, but when does something really big happen?
Nicki T.: You need to reconsider what that man suggested and go to get Petra's little brother.
Petra (crossing her arms): I am not putting my little brother in danger to make your story more interesting. Sorry, so not happening.
Nicki T.: It's so happening, Petra. That's why you have to escape before they go to get your brother. That way, when Maryiss arrives, he's not there.
Petra: It takes four hours to drive to the city, plus however much time I need to get him out. And I need to get there before Maryiss... that leaves me ten hours to get out!
Nicki T.: See, now you have even more motivation, don't you?
Petra: Like I needed it before.
Maryiss: So, when he's not there, what do I do?
Nicki T.: Give up. Quit.
Maryiss: WHAT! Do you have any idea what the consequences of quitting are? Public humiliation, having to go find another job which means I'll have to find a new place to stay -
Nicki T.: Don't worry - it's temporary.
Maryiss: I'm thinking maybe I'll show up earlier than Petra.
Nicki T.: Don't worry, Petra, she won't make it.
Petra: I'm thinking maybe this might turn out okay.
Maryiss: This had better be temporary, Nicki.
Nicki T.: Hey, relax! What's the worst thing I could do to my characters?
(Petra and Maryiss look her in the eye.)
Nicki T.: Don't worry, I'm not as bad as the people who you're fighting against.
Petra: You're worse.
Nicki T. (sounding offended): Ouch.
Did anyone find that interesting? At all? I find it helps me figure out a bit about my characters.
Adios!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Healer's Apprentice
I just finished a really good book called The Healer's Apprentice, by Melanie Dickerson. It's a fairy tale romance based on Sleeping Beauty. In the story, the main character, Rose, is attempting to become a healer so that her mother won't make her marry an old bachelor, particularly that awful Peter Brunckhorst. When Lord Hamlin comes home after studying at university, Rose doesn't expect anything important to happen... until he's brought in after an accident. With the local healer, Frau Geruscha, gone, Rose tries to tend to his wound. Against her will, she finds herself falling in love with him, she tries to do banish her feelings, particularly since he's betrothed. I really liked this book, and recommend it for anyone who likes fantasy or romance. She has another book coming out in December called The Merchant's Daughter. Needless to say, I will be getting my hands on a copy when it comes out. I also intend on buying my own copy of The Healer's Apprentice, which I only have out from the library at the moment.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Conversations with Characters
Hello, everyone!
I have decided to have a conversation with my characters. Yes, I know my characters aren't real. (At least, I hope not. They might come seeking revenge for the stuff that I inflict on them in my stories. Particularly Selene on Make A Wish, a blog I'm a part of. I caused her to use the use of a leg a few weeks ago. She hasn't been complaining, but you never know.)
Okay, back to the point of the post. The story I've picked characters from doesn't actually have a title at the moment. But there's four characters I'm using. And their names are Callista, Damek (I intend on finding another one for him, that one's just what I have for now) Uriel, and Alinsia. (Alinsia is also not for sure yet.)
Well, anyway, time for my talk with my characters.
Nicki T.: So, guys, Callista's finally on her way.
Callista: Has anyone ever told you your methods of getting unwilling characters to leave on their quests is nothing less than rotten?
Nicki T.: Not really.
Damek: So, when do I enter the picture? I'm getting just a bit impatient waiting here.
Uriel: I've been wondering too. I mean, not that I'm trying to push this or anything, but I'm waiting to go have an adventure.
Nicki T.: When you actually get going on an adventure, you might wish you had showed up closer to the end. Trust me on this one, adventures are painful.
Callista: I'm finding that out. Could you have at least let me grab a half decent weapon before I left? It's going to be tough out there.
Nicki T.: I gave you a weapon! And be glad I did! I could have made you loose it on the way out! You'd be in serious trouble without what I gave you.
Callista (frustrated with Nicki T.): THAT WAS MOST CERTAINLY NOT A DECENT WEAPON!
Alinsia (going through the contents of the leather pouch she always carries): Would you please not be so loud? I'm attempting to take stock of what I have in here. I need more linen, would you please let me grab some before I have to leave, Nicki?
Nicki T.: I'll think about it.
Uriel: Surely it would be beneficial to the group if she could?
Nicki T. (slightly annoyed): You obviously don't get the idea. I'm supposed to make it as hard as possible for you. If it's too easy, then no one will want to read it.
Alinsia: You are joking, correct?
Nicki T.: No, why?
(Alinsia glances at the others. The others look nervous.)
Uriel: Maybe the middle of the book would be better after all.
Callista: What, scared?
Uriel (swallowing nervously): No, no, not at all.
Alinsia (to Damek): I will bet that he forgets that in a few seconds.
(Damek and Alinsia chuckle.)
Damek: So, when are you going to introduce Alinsia?
Nicki T.: Soon.
Alinsia: May I take Bistort with me?
Uriel: Who's Bistort again?
Alinsia: My wolf.
Nicki T.: Sure, why not?
Uriel: What am I allowed to take?
Nicki T.: We'll get to that when you meet up with everyone else.
Uriel: Why can't we decide it now?
Nicki T.: I could, of course, have you leave home with just the clothes on your back and a sword.
Uriel: That sounds great!
(Callista, Damek, and Alinsia snigger. So does Nicki T.)
Uriel: What's so funny?
Callista: You're crazy, you know.
Uriel: What gave you that idea?
Callista: You'll find out.
Alinsia (to Damek and Callista): You see, I was right. He did forget.
Opinions on my characters, please? (Yes, Uriel is crazy. He will learn that eventually. I hope.)
I have decided to have a conversation with my characters. Yes, I know my characters aren't real. (At least, I hope not. They might come seeking revenge for the stuff that I inflict on them in my stories. Particularly Selene on Make A Wish, a blog I'm a part of. I caused her to use the use of a leg a few weeks ago. She hasn't been complaining, but you never know.)
Okay, back to the point of the post. The story I've picked characters from doesn't actually have a title at the moment. But there's four characters I'm using. And their names are Callista, Damek (I intend on finding another one for him, that one's just what I have for now) Uriel, and Alinsia. (Alinsia is also not for sure yet.)
Well, anyway, time for my talk with my characters.
Nicki T.: So, guys, Callista's finally on her way.
Callista: Has anyone ever told you your methods of getting unwilling characters to leave on their quests is nothing less than rotten?
Nicki T.: Not really.
Damek: So, when do I enter the picture? I'm getting just a bit impatient waiting here.
Uriel: I've been wondering too. I mean, not that I'm trying to push this or anything, but I'm waiting to go have an adventure.
Nicki T.: When you actually get going on an adventure, you might wish you had showed up closer to the end. Trust me on this one, adventures are painful.
Callista: I'm finding that out. Could you have at least let me grab a half decent weapon before I left? It's going to be tough out there.
Nicki T.: I gave you a weapon! And be glad I did! I could have made you loose it on the way out! You'd be in serious trouble without what I gave you.
Callista (frustrated with Nicki T.): THAT WAS MOST CERTAINLY NOT A DECENT WEAPON!
Alinsia (going through the contents of the leather pouch she always carries): Would you please not be so loud? I'm attempting to take stock of what I have in here. I need more linen, would you please let me grab some before I have to leave, Nicki?
Nicki T.: I'll think about it.
Uriel: Surely it would be beneficial to the group if she could?
Nicki T. (slightly annoyed): You obviously don't get the idea. I'm supposed to make it as hard as possible for you. If it's too easy, then no one will want to read it.
Alinsia: You are joking, correct?
Nicki T.: No, why?
(Alinsia glances at the others. The others look nervous.)
Uriel: Maybe the middle of the book would be better after all.
Callista: What, scared?
Uriel (swallowing nervously): No, no, not at all.
Alinsia (to Damek): I will bet that he forgets that in a few seconds.
(Damek and Alinsia chuckle.)
Damek: So, when are you going to introduce Alinsia?
Nicki T.: Soon.
Alinsia: May I take Bistort with me?
Uriel: Who's Bistort again?
Alinsia: My wolf.
Nicki T.: Sure, why not?
Uriel: What am I allowed to take?
Nicki T.: We'll get to that when you meet up with everyone else.
Uriel: Why can't we decide it now?
Nicki T.: I could, of course, have you leave home with just the clothes on your back and a sword.
Uriel: That sounds great!
(Callista, Damek, and Alinsia snigger. So does Nicki T.)
Uriel: What's so funny?
Callista: You're crazy, you know.
Uriel: What gave you that idea?
Callista: You'll find out.
Alinsia (to Damek and Callista): You see, I was right. He did forget.
Opinions on my characters, please? (Yes, Uriel is crazy. He will learn that eventually. I hope.)
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