NaNoWriMo:

Nation Novel Writing Month most commonly known as NaNoWriMo happened this November. Once again I attempted to reach the goal of writing a novel or at least 50,000 in November. While to most this may seem crazy the idea rather excites me. For me though this month I didn't aim for 50,000 and instead chose to aim for 12,000 words which is the most I have achieved in a month before. Did I make even that seemingly minuscule goal compared to the original amount? No.

Why I chose for less and still failed. 

I chose to aim for 12,000 words one because I knew I could do it but also because I had my first ever end of year exams which left me knowing I needed more time spent studying than working on the story that was knocking of the door of my heart. I started off the month really well with my goal and even got a little bit ahead for what I wanted, but then my enemy procrastination came in. What is that? I actually did very little studying (though I did do some). For some reason the month of November was more a month of binge watching movies and t.v shows. Yes, I enjoyed doing that but I also realised what a time waster it was. This makes me realise what I need to change. I need to stop this and instead use it as a prize for getting to a certain goal. 

The actual story

My story was originally going to be set in a modern fantasy world. Originally meaning that didn't end up happening. I got through the first 722 words struggling. The story wasn't coming out as easy as I wanted it to be and it just felt wrong. Now it's a story I still want to write but just not yet. Instead after all that struggling I started naturally writing another story. This story is actually set in the same world and country just several hundred years in the past. 

I'm very happy with the change because this is where the other story originally evolved from and well I'm more in love with it and I had more idea of a plot which was still very little. I remembered much details that had not been written down but were scenes from several weeks ago that resurfaced in this strange brain of mine (which I just envisioned as a mushy brain. Jumbled Thoughts indeed). I love what I have written so far and look forward for what is to come. Zoltan is well I just love him. He's broken yet will be healed. Sick and almost dies and will learn many things. I almost feel like evilly laughing. 

My current Notebook spread with Zoltan's story

What's Next

The story is far from finished. 8,741 words so far and almost 200 has been written since November. My goal for the rest of the year is to write constantly each day. I want to absolutely get to 12,000 words, but also aim for 20,000 or so. Exams are finished and I'm now on holidays more time to practice less procrastination and more concentration perhaps? Strangely enough I have no desire to binge watch as I once did so now my desire is writing and reading. Why did this happen during November. *Shakes head* Oh dear. 

Snippets

I mentioned in my Beautiful Books post for November that I'm more like a Batman when it comes to writing. I don't tell many people I am writing a book and I certainly don't share. So with a heart of trying to be a little less like a lone writer here are some snippets from the work so far. Keep in mind the story has barely begun. 

~~~

Zoltan had scooted over to the side of the room, mostly looking down as he sat in a hugging the knees position. Occasionally his gaze would flit towards the door then back to a spot on the ground in front of him. His breath sometimes sped away and he struggled to calm it down. One panic attack earlier did not stop others from being on the verge of rearing their ugly heads. 

Zoltan fiddled with the trouser material at his knee and hesitantly looked up at everyone. “It’s not just gifts we have but brains and physical skills as well.” He said in a less brusque way then before but still radical. 

Thanks for reading :D Did you participate in NaNoWriMo this year? How did you do? If not have you done it before? 

Beautiful Books: November Edition

This month I am participating in Beautiful Books hosted by Cait @ Paperfury and Sky @ Further up Further in.

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

My mental state I do believe is okay. I have an account on both the official site and the young writers site. For the young writers site I have set my word count for 12,000. I'm trying not to pressure myself too much because I do have my exams coming up. I suddenly realised I'm capable I've writing so much more than I do. Also The first day or two I was really struggling with getting the story out so I decided to change it and focus on the origins on where that story came from. I'm happy to say the story is flowing so much better and I am writing more.

2. What's your first sentence (or paragraph)? 

I have two first sentences for one from before the story change and one after.

Fighting. It’s not anyone else I’m fighting but myself 

~~~

The young boy’s chin shook as he stared in the distance. “Daddy,” he whispered. His bright blue eyes were wide as he glanced around the forest. “Run,” he said shakily, “I-I-I must run,” 

3. Who's your favourite character in your novel? 

I think my favourite character is currently Zoltan who is my protagonist. I'm loving seeing how he is growing both in mind and on paper. He is developing in ways I didn't realise would happen.

4. What do you love about your novel so far? 

What do I love? I just love that's it's being written. It's a story that's been on my heart this year and that I have found hard to put on paper at times but now it flowing and it's coming into being.

5. Have you made any hilarious typos or mistakes? 

I almost didn't think I had any then I just wrote this. It actually took me a while to work out that wishing was meant to be within. I don't even know how it happened.

Suddenly a flashing silver object came racing around and stopped wishing millimetres of his neck. 

He knew by the hard look in the man’s eyes that hew oddly not be afraid.

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

I can't honestly answer this because I have never gotten to the end, but I hope to this November if I can.

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

I try and write whenever I can. If I don't have my computer available there is always my current journalling notebook. It has plenty of little pieces of stories and poems throughout that I write when I can and when I have a spare moment. Lately I have written a little bit when I get to school early and sometimes during recess and lunch times. I don't really know a time I write best. I suppose, honestly I'm not sure.

8. How private are you about the novel you're writing? Do you need a cheer squad or do you work alone (like ahem Batman)? 

I'm very private about this novel. I told my teacher's of writer's club at school this year that I had a novel idea but that it was too underdeveloped to tell them and they don't know I'm doing Nano either. I think they would probably think I am being very brave or maybe crazy since you know exams. So I would say I am more a Batman writer. Alone. Though this year is the first time I've connected with my region through Facebook since this time last year I didn't even have an account. It's been really encouraging. Though I haven't actually posted in the group yet. I do plan to do that though.

9. What keeps you writing even when it's hard?

I think one of the main things that keeps me writing even when it's hard is that this novel isn't going to get written otherwise. Who else would write it but me?

10. What are you top 3 pieces of writing advice?

1. Just Write. It can be difficult with insecurities seemingly constantly sneaking in, but sometimes you need to ignore it and just write. Which is one thing I love about Nano because it pushes me to do just that. 
2. Procrastination is deadly. I've found that I can get distracted really easily and that it is stopping me from writing to my fullest potential.

Monthly Recap: October

In My Life

I preordered A Time to Rise in September and that arrived while I patiently waited for A Time to Speak to be available at my local Christian bookstore. It's on the website but won't let me order. It is sadness. 

Instagram

I participated in the #atime2rise October Photo Challenge created and hosted by Nadine Brandes leading up to the release of A Time to Rise and each tagged photo was also a entry to win one of her books. Which I supposed only enticed me to participating even more. It's only the second bookstagram challenge I've been a part of and really enjoyed doing it. 

Books I've Read

1. The Candlestone (Dragons in Our Midst #2) by Bryan Davis.
2. Circles of Seven (Dragons in our Midst #3) by Bryan Davis
3. Tears of a Dragon (Dragons in our Midst #4) by Bryan Davis
4. Eye of the Oracle (Oracles of Fire #1) by Bryan Davis
5. The False Prince by 
6. Enoch's Ghost (Oracles of Fire #2) by Bryan Davis
7. Last of the Nephilim (Oracles of Fire #3) by Bryan Davis
8. Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan.  Review coming in November. 

I swear I didn't mean to read so much. Sometime books are that good. Notice all the Bryan Davis books. Yeah they're all rereads. I couldn't help myself. I've just started reading The Bones of Makaidos. The last book in the Oracles of Fire series. I definitely read a lot more books than I usually do. Normally it's three or four. Oh dear me. 

My Book Haul

                                            

This month it seems I've collected a few new books. 

1. A Time to Rise by Nadine Brandes. It doesn't matter that I haven't read A Time to Speak yet. I just couldn't resist. 

2. Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor. I couldn't resist when I saw it in one of my local stores at a really cheap price. 

3. Eve by AM Young. This was suggested by a new friend of my family and the next day Mum went and bought it for me. 

Books I Plan to Read

I don't know how much reading I will actually get down in November with the reality of exams looming but some reading will hopefully happen .


Eve by William P Young.
The Shack by William P. Young
The Bones of Makaidos by Bryan Davis

The Last of the Nephilim and The Bones of Makaidos  by Bryan Davis

Since I've been reading (or racing) through a reread of these books these will certainly be on my list. Can't wait to continue the journey. 

Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor

The cover looks so pretty and I loved the first one can't wait to read it. I keep staring at it. 

What I've been Watching

My family and I have been rewatching some of arrow and newly watching the rest. We're up to season 4.

I watched the first episode of RWBY volume 4. I am still in love with series since I first discovered it.  I can't wait to see what they do with this volume.

On the Blog

I didn't blog quite as much this month. It wasn't planned but I think just with school and exams and reading a few more books than I usually do. So in short I probably got more immersed into reading than I should've and neglected some other more important things. But anyway I hope to be back into the swing of things for November. Well actaully Nanowrimo + exams. We'll just have to wait and see.

What did you do this October? Did you get much reading done? 

Just Write

I receive daily emails from Advice to Writers. In fact I have a stock pile of linked posts from those that are to be used for inspiration for blog posts. Recently this one was in one of those daily emails. 

Advice? I don’t have advice. Stop aspiring and start writing. If you’re writing, you’re a writer. Write like you’re a goddamn death row inmate and the governor is out of the country and there’s no chance for a pardon. Write like you’re clinging to the edge of a cliff, white knuckles, on your last breath, and you’ve got just one last thing to say, like you’re a bird flying over us and you can see everything, and please, for God’s sake, tell us something that will save us from ourselves. Take a deep breath and tell us your deepest, darkest secret, so we can wipe our brow and know that we’re not alone. Write like you have a message from the king. Or don’t. Who knows, maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who doesn’t have to. (Advice to Writers)

It really stood out to me and was just what I needed to hear really. If I write I'm a writer it is so true but it's more than that. I have so many story ideas that I'm almost afraid to start writing. There is a story idea that came to me recently. This one is the story of Prince James. I've had ideas coming to me for the past couple of months. I've put more planning into it than I felt that I ever have into a novel. I was considering waiting to write it until November for Nanowrimo, but then I wasn't sure that I even was going to do Nano this year (and am still unsure) and this story wasn't letting me go. Whenever there's a space in my thoughts it's there. Whenever I get out my journal to write I'm thinking about his story. It wants to be written and doesn't want to wait. 

My current journal 

Now after reading the above advice I think it spurred me on to just sit down and write. So that's what I did. I already have an idea of a large many things that will happen. It's the most prepared story of mine I've begun to write. Currently it sits in my everyday journal in places here and there. It's being written. 

But there are still struggles. After I had started vaguely writing in it I became unsure of what POV i want to write it in. I am most comfortable writing in first person and it is the one I have most used, but I also wanted to try third person on one of my stories. I considered, but really I stressed about which to day. After much debating with myself and even praying I felt to go with what I know. First person.

Still as I write it I feel so insecure. Am I doing it right? Is it even coming out right? Am I sure I am ready to write this story? All these questions are hanging under the surface. I have decided to write this story but it's scary. I'm not totally sure, yet I know I must write. Who would I be if I didn't. The urge and pressure to write and create is always there for me and so I must journey on. 

One day i hope to bring these stories into the world. I hope that they may touch others lives but for now I must focus on getting them written. Even in amongst school and life I must. Why? Because writing is my life. 

So I write. 

Is this something you have struggled with? Do you struggle with confidence even with the constant knowledge that you are a writer? 

September Recap

It 's once again time for my monthly recap. The year's almost going by too quickly.

In My Life

My Writing

Well lately I have been doing a lot of planning for a story that began to come to me while I was in the middle of writing my Camp Nanowrimo novel. I am really liking it so far and am trying to develop the world a bit as well as work on government which I have a vague idea on. I have started doing a bit of plotting for this novel which is something I have tried to do but not really succeeded at it before. I think I'm doing okay with it at the moment. I think there is a possibility that I will be working on this during Nanowrimo in November but that all depends on how school is going because I'm pretty sure I have exams around then.

I also took the plunge and purchased Scrivener. It's the first program I've really fallen in love with for writing a novel and has already helped me so much in planning. I've also officially starting writing my novel in it and loving the program. I've found She's Novel Scrivener mini-series really helpful in learning about it too.

School

My school ball happened it was only okay, I still went but sadly was coming down with a cold so didn't enjoy it as much. Scary thing with school is that in November I have exams for the first time ever. 

What I've Read

1. I reread Anne of Avonlea by L.M Montgomery and am really enjoying reading the series. Though I am slightly confused because on goodreads it says Anne of the Island comes next but inside the cover it lists Chronicles of Avonlea next. Some people at school have seen me reading it and have expressed the love for the series too. It exciting meeting people who love the books I do. 

2.  A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes and reviewed this month too.

3. I read The Plot to Save Socrates by Paul Levinson. I quite enjoyed it too but did find it a bit heavy, I guess. There was so much in it and it was put together so intricately. Overall it was a good read though because it made me think.

3. Everything is Fine (and Other Lies I Tell Myself) by Cathy Brett.

I also met my goodreads goal of reading thirty books this year. I was quite proud of myself because this is the first year I have regularly tracked my reading progress. I would like to be able to read more than I do but school and other things sometimes have to be a priority.

What I Plan to Read

So far I have three books I plan to devour this month. While I can. I have one week of holidays left which means time to read but after that it's the last fiveish weeks of the school year before exams! So I don't expect to get much reading in but you can expect me to still use my bus time for reading. 

 

Anyway the first book I plan to read are We Bought A Zoo by Benjamin Mee. I've watched the movie a few times and think it is a good family movie and after watching it recently again with my family I decided it was about time I read the book. So it was impulsively put on hold at the library. I'm hoping to get this one finished in the holidays. Hopefully. 

Number two is The Candlestone (Dragons in Our Midst book 2) by Bryan Davis. This is still a favourite series of mine and I've decided to reread it earlier this year, but it's been going slow because of school and other books that I've been placing on hold at the library. I think for my Christmas holidays I will probably binge read these as much as I can. 

The last one I have on the list (that I have limited myself to) is The Skin Map by Stephan R Lawhead.  It's one I bought with a gift card at my local Chrsitan bookstore a while back. I was planning to read it sooner but I wanted to have a bit of a break after reading  

My Blog

So my last monthly recap got recommended by two people on google plus. At first I didn't understand what the plus 2 meant but it was awesome to see once I figured it out. I feel like a newbie at this sometimes probably cause I am one.

Naming Characters

Crown of Midnight: Up Up UP

That Word Ethos

Beautiful People September Edition

A Time to Die Book Review

That Word Disparage

Around the Blogosphere

Here are some blog posts I found after my last monthly Recap. 

• Kristen A Kieffer @ her author website wrote a post titled Let's Talk Criticism of the Fantasy Genre. This post spoke about something that I have considered myself lately. If you write fantasy I think this post is definitely worth checking out. 
• Relax -- blogging doesn't need to be stressful a post by Katie Grace @A Writer's Faith that I really related with.
• Go Teen Writer's post on What Make Fantasy Epic that I totally agree with. 

How has your September been? Can you believe it is already October? Did you get done all you wanted? What books top your list for this month? 

That Word Disparage

This segment of my blog is inspired by Victoria Grace Howell Word definition that we get as part of her weekly Writerly Bundles and by me when I come across words I have a vague sense of the meaning but not a complete sense of the word.

I often come upon words that I either haven't heard of before I can't remember the meaning. These posts are for those words and in hopes of helping others remember the meanings and introduce them to words they may not know.

Our next word is...

Disparage

Where I Found It

I think this another case of having seen the word and realised I liked the sound of it. It really could have been from anywhere. Most likely some kind of book. 

A Time to Die Review

Firstly, thank you to Nadine Brandes and Enclave Publishing for my ebook review copy. 

I've been wanting to read A Time to Die since probably the year it came out when my former youth group leader wrote a post on Facebook about it. It was likely not too much longer after that that I started to follow Nadine's blog. Each time another book comes out I have wished I could join the excitement, but couldn't really at all. With this review opportunity I was really excited for. I have heard so many good things about A Time to Die. 

Honestly even though I have read reviews and knew the blurb of the book I was in no way prepared for what was to come. 

Parvin Blackwater has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside.

In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the crooked justice system. But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall -- her people's death sentence.

What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her Clock is running out. 

All You Need To Know

Relating With Parvin

I found it really easy to relate with Parvin and her search for purpose. I'm 17 and at the age where we are expected to know what we want to do. The last couple of years I have had a struggle with exactly what I wanted to do knowing that I have always wanted to be a teacher and realising that I am more passionate about writing stories. In the end with lots of prayer I left it in God's hand and then I suddenly realised that I could do both. I know quite a few of my friends still struggle with knowing what to do and so I totally understand where Parvin is coming from. 

The Other Characters

I really liked what we saw of Reid and only wish there had been more of him in the book. I do wonder exactly what he got up to during his six months away. I feel there is still so much we could learn about him.

Jude. I wasn't really sure whether I liked him or not, but then I did. But there was also a moment where I both liked him and hated him. There is so much to learn about him. I know there is and a moment. There is so much more I would say but I don't want to spoil anything either.

Solomon Hawke. He was kind of there in the beginning and then he was thread throughout. If there's more to learn about Jude there is definitely more to learn about Solomon too. He may be the kindest enforcer I ever meet though. At least we know there is one though. That's a good thing. Isn't it?

Albinos they were interesting and definitely unique. Willow I liked and their culture was interesting but severe.

Skelley Chase well as I wrote in my goodreads update. I hate Skelley Chase and what is it with lemons. Seriously? He is a strange guy.

The Setting

I think the world was so unique, the wall, the two sides so different. I think the new technology was interesting and unique like the emoticon and the tune chip. I think it would be really cool to have a tune chip but not sure I would want one inserted at the same time.

On Wednesday night I had a dream that I was at a bookstore and I was buying A Time to Speak. I think  that's confirmation that I will definitely be continuing the series. It was weird but a good dream for a bookworm.

A Couple of Quotes

I'm starting to love when God lodges thoughts in my head. They come in my own voice, but they're so far from my own doing that I know it's Him. It's such a delicious form of guidance.  - Parvin

- This quote is so accurate for how I feel God talk to me sometimes. It was one of those quotes I just had to write down because it was so totally agreeable. 

The more I strive the more I'm sledge-hammered with surprises. - Parvin

- I loved this one because I also believe that it is accurate. Sometimes life is just all full of surprises. 

A Time to Rise Pre Order Swag!

Overall

It was instant love reading A Time to Die. The further I read the more I didn't know what to expect. What was going to happen to Parvin? Would she survive? What was with that clock of hers? Who's Jude? So many questions, so much I discovered and still need to discover.

In my rating system I would give it an....

A+ 

Almost a week ago now I had a dream where I was in a bookstore and saw A Time to Speak and knew I needed to buy it. I guess that is one way that says I definitely will be buying all the series in hard copy. You can never go past holding a real book. :D

Don't forget if you preorder A Time to Rise you also can get A Time to Rise Pre Order Swag! 

You can connect with Nadine Brandes through her Website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Thanks for reading :)

Have you read A Time to Die or the rest of the Out of Time series? What do you think of them?    

Beautiful People September

I'm participating in Beautiful People again this month. Beautiful People is a link up hosted by Cait @Paperfury and Sky @ Further up and Further in that helps us get to know our characters and books better. I've certainly been finding it helpful.

This month I am taking a break from Samuel James and instead doing a character from a new story that I am coming up with and considering doing for Nanowrimo. Now this story idea has had a strange development really I should tell you all about it sometime. It's a modern/medieval fantasy that I'm really excited about. It's the first story I have begun to use Scrivener for as well and I loved that aspect of it too.

So his name is Prince James. I think he should have a last name too but I'm not sure what it is yet.

How did you come up with this character?

How did I come up with this character? Well. If I'm honest this story started as a medieval fantasy and somehow turned to a modern place setting of the same country and I suddenly found myself in this guys head. I'm really not totally sure how it happened. #lost

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

Well yes and no. Yes, I think there was one time Prince James is very much starved but he was really too drugged up with a particularly type of drug to really notice. He was kidnapped and it was quite complicated. James would also consider the many times when he was younger and was very sick starved but he did survive. 

Do they have a talent or skill they are proud of?

Prince James is quite proud of the fact that he knows swordplay. In his day and age it is quite an unusual skill to have especially for a member of the royal family. He finds it quite relaxing and he was strangely drawn to learning it. 

List three things that would make them lose their temper. 

It's not really that often he finds himself particularly angry. As a Prince he has had to learn to try and be himself. 

Almost forgot to actually answer the question. He hates it when others are being treated unfairly and believes all should have equality. Reading that favourite history book try and not to disturb him, it can cause him to bite back unintentionally (with words of course ;) If you hurt his family especially his little sister watch out. You never know what will happen. A strange calm when he is that mad. 

What is their favourite type of weather? Least Favourite?

Prince James loves a sunny day because he loves to imagine that he is in the ancient times and able to practice swordplay with the the people back then. 

What is their Hogwarts house and/ or MBTI personality? 

So I don't really know that much about Harry Potter and can't really say which one he is in. And Prince James is ISFJ. 

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

He is more likely to worry about present problems as a prince. Even though he is technically second in line he has had to deal with many things due the rest of the royal family being inconveniently away. The future he worries about from time to times that his older brother will be kept at exile forever. James has never wanted to be king. 

What is their favourite thing to drink?

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate. After a hard days work nothing beats a Cinnamon Hot Chocolate. To be honest that sound quite nice maybe I should try it sometime. Since I came up with it on the spot just then. 

What is their favourite colour? Least favourite?

Pale blue. He loves looking up at the sky on a good day weather wise and seeing the pale blue sky with some clouds scattered about. When he was little his Father's best friend went to work painting it on his bedroom room overflowing to the top part of his bedroom walls. Let's just say that he found it comforting and that he definitely loved his father's best friend even better after this. I don't know if he has a least favourite colour yet though.

What is a book that changed their life?

History. Prince James loved reading into history when he was younger but he especially enjoyed. The Three Princes by Zoltan which was about three princes who varied in age but were close and went through some strange difficulties. James always felt more connected to them somehow.

What do you think of Prince James? Did you do Beautiful People this month?

That Word Ethos

This segment of my blog is inspired by Victoria Grace Howell Word definition that we get as part of her weekly Writerly Bundles and by me when I come across words I have a vague sense of the meaning but not a complete sense of the word.

I often come upon words that I either haven't heard of before I can't remember the meaning. These posts are for those words and in hopes of helping others remember the meanings and introduce them to words they may not know.

Our next word is...

Ethos

Where I Found It 

I know I saw this word on a blog somewhere, but evidently I didn't copy the link but still I liked the way it rolled off my tongue where I first read it wherever it was.

Crown of Midnight: UP UP UP

If you read my review of Throne of Glass you would've been away that I wasn't really sure if I would end up reading the next book so you might be surprised to be getting another review in the same series so soon. The reason for this is that a few weeks a go (in August) a man at church gave me Crown of Midnight and said I could have it. I was so shocked and then absolutely excited to start reading it.

My Earlier Thoughts

As I read Crown of Midnight I realised I was reading it with a refreshing look to what I had for Throne of Glass. Maybe it was the excitement of being given a book by a man I only vaguely know but still I was looking at it in a new light than the last.

I was definitely intrigued right from the start to see how she would deal with her current situation. How would one deal with it especially with one like the king as their 'boss'.

I loved her relationship with Chaol. Though, I do wish that Dorian and her appeared to be more friend like.

More Thorough 

There are so many things to say that I don't know what to say exactly and that probably makes no sense. What I mean is that I absolutely loved Crown of Midnight. For reason I was really excited to read it even after my disappointing feelings I had from Throne of Glass. I loved that we learnt so much more about Celaena. So much more. Also slightly in accordance to Celaena we met Mort. I liked him snarky as he maybe. Though wow in that she went through so much. There were so many feels. It was all fine (sort of) and then suddenly everything blew up. 

Whoosh! 

:D Celaena became someone that I can hardly describe she was so, my feelings are so hard to comprehend.  

We received hints at what the king was planning which was a drastically draft (not even sure what I mean by that). Dorian, he is getting rather exciting. How will he keep it up (what you ask? you will find out if you read it) and we learnt more about the world and everything.

Celaena has gone through much in the past and she still has so much to go through (that I don't know yet).

To Round It Up

I loved Crown of Midnight thoroughly. This may not be most thorough or coherent review but I loved the books so much. It brought me such excitement and entertainment to my day and was the perfect book to read for longs hours without needing a break (other books can leave you needing one). I think I will be reading Assassins Blade shortly because someone suggested in a review I skimmed and I think it wouldn't be a bad idea before I go onto the next book. At the end of Throne of Glass I wasn't totally sure if I would continue the series, now I am definitely sure I will. So much more excitement to come. :D

Have you read this book? What did you think about it? Did live up to any expectations? Do you plan to read on? 

Naming Charcters

Characters are our beloved darlings. We love them to pieces and put them through so much (so they can grow mind you). For me when I create my characters they sometimes don't get names straight away. It's not to punish them at all it's just that none have come to mind and I might put off naming them until much later. Somehow even without the names the characters move around with just as much personality as if they do have names. The hard thing about it is I can't just pick a name out of a hat and it becomes their name forever. It just doesn't work like that (most of the time). 

My naming processes

1. It drops in

Sometimes a name just drops in and fits the character. It just fits. I don't need to change their name at all. I'm grateful when this happens because (they won't have to go nameless for months if I'm feeling particular clueless as to their names) Other times when it drops in I will try it out for a little while and end up searching for a new one. 

For Graeme his name just came. It fit and stuck. I think the day before it could have been Gray though. One thing I did do those is look up the different spellings because I didn't like the spelling of it like this: Graham. I had imagined it the other

When I was writing my novel for campnanowrimo July Samuel James actually began as Benjamin. At first had thought that Benjamin did fit him but then as I was writing it had suddenly changed to Samuel before I had even realised it. 

2. Name Generators

I have done this for both first and surnames, but probably more often for last names as they are the hardest to think of. I generally go through them and pick a few that I like the sound of and then I test them out and decide if one fits or suits my character.

De Haven is a last name I found in an a surname generator. When I was little I gave my favourite toy a last name by chopping up my own. It ended up being Obson. 

3. Off The Top of My Head

Lastly I try and think of the many names I might know or have heard of and see if they fit a character. This way doesn't always work as some names pop up many times while trying to think up a new name (two characters cannot have the same name).

I'm fairly sure I've had a couple of Michaels in one old story and one newer one. I only have a vague memory of the older story now though as I hadn't really started writing them down as much back then. Which means the newer character is getting the name.

4. It starts with a letter

Then there are the times where I feel like I want a name to start with a certain letter. I don't generally know why but I a letter comes to mind for the start of the name I just need to figure out the rest. 

This happened with my character Keira Stanford. Her last name I knew I wanted to start with S and a few days later Stanford came to mind.

5. Swapping

Sometimes my characters swap names or it switch from one character to another. For example in the WIP I'm exploring I was looking of name ideas at Fantasy Name Generator and I found Zane and gave it to one character. It didn't stick to him and instead he got named James (which was a dropping sort of name) and his best friend was suddenly Zane. 

Bonus: The Definition

Another thing I do is look up the definition to my characters names. I find this interesting to do but it doesn't affect whether the name stays or not. I remember at one point a had a whole list of my family's name definitions with some character name meanings as well.

What about you? Do you find it easy to find names for your characters? Do you find the definition for your character's name or is it something you've never thought of before?

That Word Congregate

This segment of my blog is inspired by Victoria Grace Howell Word definition that we get as part of her weekly Writerly Bundles and by me when I come across words I have a vague sense of the meaning but not a complete sense of the word.

I often come upon words that I either haven't heard of before I can't remember the meaning. These posts are for those words and in hopes of helping others remember the meanings and introduce them to words they may not know.

Our next word is...

Congregate 

Where I Found It

I didn't find this word anywhere in particular. In my notes where I had written it I said I felt that I had always liked it. 

Definition/s 

1. To come together; assemble, especially in large numbers:
2. To bring together in a crowd, body or mass; assemble; collect.
3. Congregated; assembled
4. Formed by collecting; collective. 

An Example Sentence

The small winged group congregated in a corner of the cell like room.

My Thoughts

I know this word is not that uncommon, but obviously some time ago I thought that I had always liked the sound of it. And I do like the sound of it. The way the g's work in accordance with the words around it make it sound cool, for lack of a better word. It just, I like it. I don't know fully how to describe it.

What Do You Think? Do You Like This Word? 

Monthly Recap: August

My Life

This month I participated in my first ever Instagram challenge it was #Ausyachallenge. I did most of them but did get behind as I didn't plan ahead. I think I will do that for my next challenge. I enjoyed it and it was a lot of fun.

#AusYAchallenge day 25: Colour

You know that history challenge I said I was writing for in my June Recap. Well, I never did end up doing it because school got ultra busy and I didn't put any time into it in the holidays. I still would have liked to write the essay though. Maybe I will sometime in the future but for now it is on the back burner. 

On another school note I have the ticket for this year's school ball. I'm fairly excited because it's my first ball type thing ever. At my old school they had a senior dinner but that was totally different to this. My friends and I are just going as a group of friends though. No boys. With the information for it, it mentioned prizes. I didn't expect that and it also is asking for song suggestions. I'm not sure what yet though. I'm going to reuse a dress I already have but Mum is crocheting a shawl that she think will go well with the theme which by the way is The Roaring Twenties (though I keep think Great Gatsby. I think that's what I get for studying it this year in school). 

There's a French exchange student going to my school. My friends and I have taken her under our wings. She will be coming to the ball with us too. I've been learning french at school this year for the first time but haven't tried any on her. I think if there is one thing with my french I will never be able to do is roll my r's. She does it so well though.  

Something Frenchy 

I decided I wanted to get into origami again. I was excited and then disappointed in myself because I wanted to do better than I was. I probably shouldn't' have started off with trying a dragon, but I couldn't resist. I really wanted to make an origami iris for Mum's birthday because it's her favourite flower and she really appreciates hand made things.

What I've Watched

My family and I are still watching Gilmore Girls we have just started season 5. I started re-watching Fullmetal Alchemist today. 

Books I Read

I think I was a bit slow reading books this month and mostly I blame wattpad. There was one week and weekend where I had this huge phase where I only felt like reading all things wattpad. I even was staying up late reading which isn't often like me but I did get some books read and all my library books finished. I had to renew them a couple of times though. I blame school. But now I can get to my own books that seriously need to be read.

Pretty Cover!

• I finished reading Firebrand by Gillian Philip. I didn't like it that much at all. 
• I didn't finish reading The Fool's Girl by Celia Rees. I may pick it up at a later time but I'm not really sure about that
• I finished reading Crown of Midnight and liked it so much more than Throne of Glass and now look forward to the next book. A review will be up soonish.

So in all I would say that has been an ultra slow reading month. This makes me sad but next month is September in which I hope to do better.

Books I Plan to read

The Plot To Save Socrates by Paul Levinson

I bought this one at a library sale. It only cost 50c! It interested me because I am currently studying Ancient Greece in my Ancient Civilisations class. It sounds interesting with a bit of time travel. 

Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery 

As I am planning to reread these it makes sense to include one in the list. And I have actually started this already. 

The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead

This is a book I bought with a gift card that I received for my birthday. Coincidently enough this one also involves time travel. The girl at the counter said he was good author as well. It's always nice to meet someone who has a bookish opinion. 

Here are some posts that I stumbled upon this month.

• The Write Life posted something in 2013 about 22 Gifts for Writers. I absolutely loved it and would recommend you check it out. I wish there were some more people I could give it too. 
• This person @ She's Novel wrote a great post near the end of last month on Maximising Your Writing Time. It splits into where your at with your writing too (beginner, amateur or professional).
• Cait @ Paperfury wrote about Should the "Special Snowflake" trope be retired and Left 20,000 Leagues Underground or is it Still Fun. It is a good topic to consider. 
• Victoria Grace Howell @ Wanderer's Pen wrote a great post about Keeping Morality in Fiction:  Perfect and Good Characters aren't Synonymous.

On the Blog

That Word Splendiferous

I Participated in Camp Nanowrimo

Throne of Glass in a Book Review

Beautiful People: August Addition

To come on the Blog

Next week I have a post planned about Naming Characters and the difficulties it can present. Then in the week after I have a book review of Crown of Midnight. I'm so excited to share my thoughts with you all. There will be another That word and then around the 17th I hope to post the next Beautiful people. One the 24th there will be the Monthly Recap and finally a few days later another That word will be squeezed in. 

Jumbled Thoughts of Realisations This Month

1. I tend to panic when I think I've lost my pens. They are quite precious. I can't write down my ideas nearly so well without them or blog plan for that matter. 
2. I realised how much I want to go to a writer's conference. In other words I really, really, really want to go to one. 
3. I have also realised how much I would love to do an exchange student thing overseas. It would be awesome. Even though I have never been much anywhere on my own. I've spent sometime this month seeing what my university will offer in exchange programs. I definitely think I will do it. Even though it will be scary. 

What have you done this month? Has it been busy? Have you done any crafts this month? Did you go to Realm Makers conference this month? What strange realisations have you come to this month? 

Beautiful People: August Edition

Beautiful People is a link up hosted by Cait @Paper Fury and Sky @ Further Up and Further In. I've only participated in it a few times so far but it has really helped me to get to know my characters and books better.


This

1. Give a brief overview of their looks (Include a photo if you want!)

Samuel is pale, and fairly average in height with dusty blond hair (I'm not even sure if that's the right way to describe it)

2. Share a snippet that involves description of their appearance. 

I don't think I really have a snippet as of yet that really describes his appearance but you can be sure that when one is born I will add it to this post.

That Word Fastidious

This segment of my blog is inspired by Victoria Grace Howell Word definition that we get as part of her weekly Writerly Bundles and by me when I come across words I have a vague sense of the meaning but not a complete sense of the word.

I often come upon words that I either haven't heard of before I can't remember the meaning. These posts are for those words and in hopes of helping others remember the meanings and introduce them to words they may not know.

Our next word is...

Fastidious 

Where I Found It

This is a word I heard of before and thought I had a vague sense of the meaning. I came across it again recently while reading The Secret River by Kate Grenville.

Throne of Glass In A Book Review

I received this books as a birthday present this year. My friend who gave it to me isn't a big reader at all so it was much appreciated. She even told me three book worms had suggested it. On saying that I didn't really know what to expect from it. I know there are lots of people out there that love it and I know there are people out there who don't like (or hate) it. On saying that I had actually borrowed this from the library once and didn't finish it (my friend didn't know this) I'm not sure whether it was all life getting in the way or it didn't hold my attention. It's rare for me to not like a book that much. In other words I don't think I've rated a book lower than three stars (in other words a C). I actually found there were a lot of things I didn't like while reading this. It was a surprise to not like so many things in the book because I don't usually do. But hopefully they don't override this whole review. Bear with me if you will. I will list the things I liked below the ones I didn't maybe so I can leave you with a sweet taste (I really don't know why I'ming saying this(.

Throne of Glass amongst my pile of birthday presents

Disappointments 

To start off with in the beginning there was so much attention to her looks that I got sick of it. It irritated me. Celaena is an assassin one who has been in a "special" prison for a year which normally means most people would be dead. She survived. She sort of has freedom and she's thinking about how she looks in front of Dorian Havilliard a prince of a royal family she hates. So who cares. She should've been like 'I stick it in your face'. In my opinion.

Dorian. I really didn't see that great a need for him as a love interest. Maybe it matters more in later books maybe it doesn't (I have absolutely no idea) but I didn't care for it. Chaol on the other hand I could imagine being good for her if she let him. If she realised it. I like him much better than Dorian.

Another misgiving for me is about when we learned her cover. She introduced herself to her servant Philippa as Celaena and was told off. It's not like she even knew what other name she could call herself by.

There is a certain point in the novel where we are thrown into several people's POV's. This irritated me also. We had almost been reading the whole novel in Celaena's point of view before this. Suddenly there were all to many.

Throne of Glass with a bit of Blue

What made me Smile
I found it kind of funny she was insulted at being a jewel thief.

I also liked Nol he was smart and kind and if (or when) I read the next book (s) I hope to see him again.

Early on it was the prospect of magic that excited me the most. That scene early on where they stop in the forest introduced to me that it was there but I wanted to know ever so much more and still do to be honest. We barely seem to know anything except maybe a bit on the wyrd marks and even that isn't much.

I also loved Nehemiah. She was quite a deceptive princess. I loved her character.

Intrigue 

I want to know more about Celaena's past. Yes, it would be nice to know some more things in her assassin years but what I really want to know is more about her past before then. Before she was found in that river. It's that and magic that really has my attention.

To Finish Off
Altogether I think this book was okay. I didn't love it but by the end I was enjoying it. I think I might want to read the next book but I don't know when and don't think I will be in a rush.



All up I rate it a....

C 

Celaena Sardothien, a master assassin caught, tortured and survived where others have not.

Have you read this book? What did you think of it? Did you love it or hate it?

I Participated in July Campnanowrimo

This July I participated in Camp Nanowrimo. It was the first one I had one which meant it was super exciting, but the novel is far from done and I can't wait to write some more. Also while Camp was going on another story idea has been brewing. I'm considering working on it in November. Also sorry for the late update.

What Happened

I almost didn't do it this time round though. I felt that I needed to do some more planning for the plot, but still I went ahead. The main character had already changed from who I originally saw it as. I felt sure Jaye was the one, but as I started writing I struggled. I of knew where I wanted it to go but wasn't confident if it was sounding right. I kept trying to write something but it was slow and painful. I knew it wasn't right. So I played down my pen (or took a break from typing) for a little while. There were a couple of scenes I was happy with but the rest just wasn't flowing right. 

Then, something happened. I was trying to imagine what might happen and felt that Jaye wasn't speaking to me in the right voice anymore. Suddenly I just began writing from another character's point of view. I t was someone I had been with (so to speak) before but hadn't written anything down for. I thought maybe he would either come along later in the story or be some sort of sub-plot. I realise now that I had begun writing from his point of view things were better. 

Another thing I was uncertainty and insecurity about was how I was writing Jaye's point of view. I felt for sure at first that it should've been written in third person past tense but then I was just unsure. I kept switching between that one and first person past tense. With this other character, Samuel James, I felt confident going into it writing in first tense and I was finding it much easier to get the words out. 

My Words

The first two weeks of July was school holidays for me and this helped to try and keep writing a focus.  On one of those weekends my family and I went and stayed with my Nan and Pop. Down there I didn't have any internet. And you know what, I managed to get a few thousand words done in those days. My goal for each day was to get at least a few hundred. I take it down to no internet equalling no distractions. Ever since that weekend I've managed to keep a steady pace on my goal. Happy me :D

What Else

I feel like a lot of what I've written this month for Samuel could be more of his backstory than the actual story I wanted to tell. Even though that is what it seems I am glad for what I've written. The story is definitely not finished and I will continue to write this through out the year.

It's likely that some of what I wrote at the beginning will have to be cut because it was written in Jaye's point of view. Still I am proud of what I managed to get out during Camp Nanowrimo. I'm not sure if I will be doing Nanowrimo in November because I know I have exams that month but even while I was working on this story another was beginning. I swear I have way too many story ideas. I wonder if I will ever get to write them all. 

Did you participate in Camp this July? How well did you go with your own goal? Were you happy with what you accomplished? 

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My Life of Writing

That Word Spleniferous

This segment of my blog is inspired by Victoria Grace Howell Word definition that we get as part of her weekly Writerly Bundles and by me when I come across words I have a vague sense of the meaning but not a complete sense of the word.

I often come upon words that I either haven't heard of before I can't remember the meaning. These posts are for those words and in hopes of helping others remember the meanings and introduce them to words they may not know.

Our next word is...

Splendiferous

Where I Found It

I found this word in Cait @ Paperfury post, 10 Most Splendiferous Bookworm Moments. At first I thought that it has to be a made up word. I was surprised when she mentioned in her first couple of sentences that it was actually a word. I immediately looked it up for myself and knew that I need to added it to the list of words to share with you.

The Definition/s

1. Splendid; magnificent; fine.

Example Sentence

Jaye thought chocolate cake was a splendiferous invention.

A delicious chocolate mud cake I made for my brother's birthday last year.

My Thoughts

When I first saw this word I thought it was made up. It just sounded that way, but when Cait mentioned in the first couple of sentence that it wasn't I knew I had to see it for myself. Not that I didn't believe her it's just that it sounds like an unreal word. Now I love it and feel like I should use it more often. Also Splendiferous sounds like it has a more definite split in it when you say it slowly but when you say it faster I think it sounds cooler. 

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