#CharactersTell

[ladyofmind]

October Wrap Up

Hey everyone! Sorry for the silence... been busier than even I can keep up with, and also found out that the last Music Monday I had a few weeks back- well it didn’t post so I was quieter than I intended to be...

But it is NaNoWriMo time now, so there should be time to settle in and post like mad to update you all, and write my 50k! After all, I have no plans to be anywhere this November. Fingers crossed nothing else goes crazy on me.

Without further chatter, game answers after the jump.

#CharactersHell

1- Rooms for rent above an active and lively bar, for as long as you like* (*Mgmt not responsible for any damage from the cat or other beings if you leave your door open/unlocked.)

2- Not in the expected way. Most of the monsters are the human Antags. The antags are motivated by jealousy and obsession. Other characters have their own personal demons, or else they aren’t really human...

3- Not real monsters, not really. The Antags are over the top in their issues, but they are rarer. Everybody has some kind of issue though.

4- Frost? That grumpy man is actually a bit of a softy inside… If not, Sly mixes up some ugly looking boozy milkshakes that are pretty tasty!

5- That would be the Antag. Tim is a sort of threat in waiting, one that slips around a bit like the snake he is. The incidents he is involved in are hard to figure out until after it happens...

6- My world is no different than our world. There is divinity in the form of God etc, but it really plays no part in my story.

7- Same world, same dire predictions. Only difference is, it’s a brothel, so one can assume they may already be in hell…

8- Most interesting job? That’s a toss up… It’s an interesting place to work in general, but I’m torn between Woods being in a band, or Tweety, the one in somewhat charge of all the other looney tunes….

9- Best Co-worker award goes to Malta. There is no one else likely to push, prod, and sometimes accidentally beat ya up to have a good time, while respecting limits. Unlike the constant party pusher Bebe, Malta can tell when you need the push, and when you just need a cuppa tea.

10- Most of the time, the networking person is Tweety, as everyone knows her and gets connected by her. But for this, I have to give it to the guys. Nira has a lot of connections from before bar life, music man Martin is always networking and improving his career, and Frost? Well the giant makes friends thru fights. Might not be a lot, but they are the best connections…

11- This is a little bit of everyone really. Malta, Frost, and others don’t do it intentionally, it’s more of a language barrier. Sly is the master of deflection to the point you still don’t know very much. That may be why Tweety sees him as an equal, as everyone assumes they know her, but they never know a thing. She doesn’t lie, just turns things around on ya.

12- Woods is about/has turned professional famous musician, depending on which book you read… Tweet is just really good at talking to people and getting everywhere from it.

13- Antags- Sofia has some fans yes. She’s a strange boss with a back story & has some loyal workers until she does things to mess that up (her MO). Tim on the other hand? Well, he’s liked for what his skills & the more unstable/broken sorts love him to obsession.

14- The Antags are good for backstabbing! Tim and Sophia work together for the mostly common goal, but in places there’s differences. For instance, a rigged auction is supposed to end in Tim’s favor. Doesn’t mean S can’t make more money off of him if he wants it that badly…

15- Tim gives me the creeps. There’s this thing he does that makes me feel violated too, so I know it will be good in the end… I just need recovery time after him.

16- Tweet isn’t monstrous… but it is a pain sometimes, writing for an always happy sort, even if you want to have her fight back against things.

17- Tim is as direct as a blunt log to the face can be. He’s more bull in the china shop. Sophia is the mastermind, making her puppets dance in that web way. You can 100% assume she’s behind something, but you’re hard pressed to prove it…

18- With Tim, smarts is the easy part. It’s Sophia you match wits with, if you have to at all…

19- Woods isn't really vicious… maybe some biting comments while holding a grudge. Tweet is always the “kill 'em with kindness” type

20- I think the side chars are very active in their own ways to push this story forward. Some are even pushy as hell!

21- Ok, so Frost isn't exactly wrathful towards the MC so much as ornery and wrathful at everyone… but he does blame Tweety for flaring his ulcer with her ideas.

22- Not all that hard for me, as I don’t force my characters into doing things they wouldn’t do anyway. I try to learn who they are first and go from there.

23- I don’t really use red herrings, not intentionally. There may be one or two accidentally...

24- So zen! I throw on some earphones blaring my playlist and forget that people exist. The absolute worst is when you’re writing so well, and then someone scares you by interrupting you!

25- I’m not really into the sweets. Once in a while, but mostly my writing runs off potato chips or pretzels. Crunchy and salty balances the romance writing well!

26- #FF #followfriday with interesting stories by: @nomdejillian @TGNeal @SkeptiCybrarian @marshawritesit

27- Halloween was fun when I was a kid. Now I enjoy making Halloween-y cookies and giving them out to people I like, since we never have trick or treaters where I live. One year per the Halloween cookie costume rules, I dressed in all grey with a bell on… Jingle bell rock ya’ll!

28- Not a prankster, so not very wrathful at all. Halloween isn’t a big deal near me.

29- Oh I think I did that already! False arrest of the sweet one anyone?

30- So this is a boost for our Co-Host @manual_arbanassi! His amazing, well rounded character work in #Tiogair is great. Plus he totally shares that character building with all of us with both this game and #CharactersTell!

31- After work where I have to avoid a kids book sale while having a bills closing day? Relax and maybe watch a Halloween-y movie. Really, I am more excited about #NaNoWriMo starting at midnight.

#SciFiNaNoPrep

1- Hi, Nicole here. I was fairly certain for #NaNo I would continue my #RedLetters #series, but this Mars idea won’t let go. It has an outline, so maybe this prep will help me change course?

2- For this Mars idea? 50K or whatever it takes to finish this idea. Definitely looking to start it.

3- It’s very similar in that it’s our Earth, and an exploration of the Mars planet we think we know.

4- The not so very distant future. My research says I need at least 4 years, so mid to late 2020’s

5- Planet Mars for about 90% of it. There’s a little Earth training time, and possibly other planet flash backs.

6- Both generally advanced Earth tech, and some stuff for Mars that feels like #spoilers (plus I need to sort that out –Note to self on more #prep!)

7- Haven’t quite named them… but I do know there’s some diversity and a female MC/narrator

8- That’s definitely a #spoiler! I can say that it’s a “greet the way you’re greeted” thing…

9- Oh, I’m showing my age here for sure… but like Sailor Mercury from Sailor Moon or the original Power Rangers Billy the blue ranger come to mind… for their smarts and calmness.

10- There are both Earth “children” and adults, plus some Martian life.

11- Earth customs, sure, all the standard ones. Martian customs fall into “show you, you decide what happens” things. Because the message/meanings are important sometimes.

12- #FF #followfriday with #scifi writers: @RagingCyclone @authorASMcGowan @mae_mckinnon and a bunch of people at #wipworldbuilders

13- I would say somewhere in between, as it largely depends on which side you see it from. Just because it’s Utopia to one may be dystopia to another. Similar to the grass being greener on the other side theory.

14- Earth politics are the same. Mars doesn’t have politics in the same way. They have more rule, order and understanding.

15- Mars is more science and study, so they are more guardians less lawyers in that sense. They have systems for everything, but mostly they do not have crime within their own ranks. Outsiders are a different story.

16- Oh lots! I am taking some of the known things about planets and life and tying it together to give credible conspiracy theory if you will. Might even include Nikola Telsa…

17- As Mars is a drier planet- with more wind storm, less water, the idea of hydro anything doesn’t work. Plus they have a better greenhouse process that makes planting in the ground useless.

18- There is really no focus on currency in this idea, as shooting for different themes, money being the root of trouble not one of them.

19- ATV type things above ground, underground tunnels with everything from walking to hovering transports.

20- I enjoy a reasonable time travel story. Not the type that appear there just to be there, or where the tech that travels person is hokey. More like Timeless, Krypton, or Doctor Who on good days.

21- On Mars there is advanced tech where medicine as we know it is obsolete. A little more nanites and lasers a lot less oral pills and rectal anythings.

22- Mars is a dry windy planet without water, in comparison to Earth’s visible habitats.

23- Mars grows things without name at the moment, but it is edible, like all things people make do with.

24- Standard Martian wear is something of a lab coat but resistant to its environmental elements.

25- Anything can be a weapon in untrained hands…

26- #FF upcoming writers

27- Earthlings go to school and are trained for space exploration. Martians learn by doing.

#RomanceNaNoPrep

1- Hi, Nicole here. Library worker by day/night/weekend, writer every other chance. Currently two and a half books into my #RedLetters series. So far all I’ve ever written falls into womens fiction category.

2- For Red Letters? 50K is just going to start it. They end up being easily 80-100K, even if its more like 200K words that have to be split into two different books...

3- Romance is my sub genre, as it reads more like womans fiction first. But the other books in the series cover more of the slice of life/journey stuff. This one would have a heavier romantic tone.

4- I love a good believable romance. Whether it starts off as a one night stand or getting to know each other first, the characters have to be real and well rounded. Funny is a plus but not cartoony or asks me to assume too much.

5- Depends on the mood. If I need a little escape, a sweet romance will do the trick. But if I need to be reminded of what it’s like to be human outside of working too much or need a serious escape, steamy tends to have a better grip on me.

6- #RedLetters started as an RP… don’t know where the 💜 of romance came from, but I’ve been writing about it as long as I can remember. Helps that hubs & I have been together 10+ yrs & we’re good friends first. Learned lots about relationships from that alone.

7- The main characters in #RedLetters has always been Naomi, better known as Tweety and the musician Woods. There is a whole host of other characters that are important, and Greg may become an MC… if he stays Greg of course.

8- Well, it’s not really a special meaning, so much as an inside joke. Tweety got her nickname from an outfit she wore, and a drunk-ish Cockney woman. The rest as they say is history…

9- Honestly? Kind of a fan of Emma Stone. Looks sweet and innocent, but can be sassy and a bit sexy too. All around package, inside and out I think.

10- I might have the Evil Other Woman cliche… At least on the surface. Hoping the history fleshes this out to be a full story not just a mad woman scorned thing...

11- Big fan of sassy heroines (aka no weak and fainty unrealistic women) and maybe a touch of the second chance at love thing…

12- #FF #followfriday  @MaeBaumWriter @klimov_author  have been #prepping with me since day one... plus I like the stuff @K_A_Grayson  does in her rockstar #romance...

13- When they first met, Tweety was about 21/22. Woods was 24/25. When they meet again about 5 years later, Woods is 30, Tweety will have a birthday in that book.

14- The characters are struggling 20's. Woods is higher in class while trying to do it himself. Tweety's poorer & finding herself. Inside the bar/club, social status doesn’t matter, & in some cases, makes you less important the more important you assume you are.

15- Woods sister approves, eventually. Tweety doesn’t talk to her parents, instead relying on Frost the manager to be her father figure. After a good bit of threatening during a chat with Woods, Frost approved too.

16- In this book? Friendly enemies. Tweety is not happy to see him, but she is never a rude sort, more the kill with kindness type. Woods is more eager to charm her into regretting her choices and occasionally bringing up the past, even if facts are distorted...

17- What brings Tweet and Woods together? A certain book… you know when you get that déjà vu feeling? Except you have proof from your side of the tale too. Trouble is that the truth has its own version…

18- What’s keeping them apart? Lots of hurt pride, broken hearts, completely different lifestyles… But even with all that past, the thing that made them unique is still there.

19- Remember yesterday, when I said different lifestyles? Yeah. West coast musician with a wildly successful touring band vs an East coast wildly famous bar/nightclub owner. One is always on the go, the other is happily rooted to one spot. Plus the same problems as last time- other people.

20- Woods can be a bit too thick headed or obtuse for Tweet’s liking. Woods isn’t exactly annoyed by her running off tendency, but it isn’t making his days any better either.

21- Well, this pair have been together before, and neither were all that innocent then. But since then… One has gone full on flavor of the month style, while the other is much more cautious about their reputation.

22- Woods & Tweet = the infamous Ghostbusters “don’t cross the streams” thing. It’s a peppy flirt who makes you question if she’s as naïve as she sounds vs a rogue with all the manners of that bad boy you need to leave with. Their game is holding out the longest & upping the stakes…

23- Their first kiss? Very steamy yet semi polite in front of the crowd… You see, it was Halloween, and there were sexy costumes… someone didn't speak, just acted, and the rest is... in the book!

24- In this series, I love that Tweet and Woods flirt at the level of chess moves sometimes. Tweety makes a man play on her level or the game is over. If you use tired lines or give the answer she expects when giving you enough rope to hang yourself… well she’s already over it.

29- Favorite quality about-

Tweety- She’s amazing at making people feel welcome and free to be themselves.

Woods- He’s got an awesome amount of patience and tolerance. The not being jealous adds to his charms.

30- Least favorite quality about-

Tweety- Always with the bright, happy side even if it hurts…

Woods- He picks up a ghost nickname for a reason you know.

31- This has been fun, and I’m totally ready for #NaNoWriMo! (Sits and waits for the clock to strike 12…)

#CharactersTell

1/10- “Oh, it’s my favorite month! Halloween weekend parties are our best buiness, and the most fun! Of course I have to come chat about #RedLetters with you all. You all know me as miss Tweety...”

2/10- Tweety- “Why i’m your hostess with the most-ess! I run the front of house at Soulful, in addition to being a co-owner.”

3/10- Tweety- “It’s only lonely in the sense of responsibility. Otherwise, I have a ton of staff and regulars around at any given time.”

4/10-Tweety- “I guess? I’m great with a lot of things, but Nira is best with the finances, so I leave that to him. Since I started being a waitress, I had him investing & asked for what I needed to buy clothes with. Best way to pay him back for the couch surfing.”

5/10- Tweety- “My time off is usually when I sleep. Now there is some help so I can leave before I start falling asleep, but other than writing, I wouldn’t know what to do with time off.”

6/10- Tweety- “Adventure happens all around the club. You never know what Bebe will do when bored, at least my job and the respect given to me, keeps the place from falling down around it all.”

7/10- Tweety- “Well, I would hope that my kindness keeps me in high esteem… Why else would we be so packed all the time? I know there are those against me, because I built a following from scratch.”

#CharactersTell

8/10- “I'm Greg, Gus’ grandson and recent college grad with a degree in business.”

9/10- Greg- “I had a few odds jobs, some for the experience more than the money, but yeah I work a lot.”

10/10- Greg- “I'm not nefarious. Just a regular guy with an inheritance that apparently affects others…”

11/10- Greg- “That's what I'm trying to decide! A piece of a prosperous club or a life on my own…”

12/10- Greg- “Trying not to do that with this choice. You know, this isn't really helping me decide, not when you're highlighting the downsides…”

13/10- Greg- “Progressive. Smart, firm when I have to be. Not overly nice, you will know I'm the boss.”

14/10- Greg- “If I decided to take the ownership, it's really like a slow raise. Or I sell it and make a windfall quick…”

#CharactersTell

15/10- Rolls in on those shoes with wheels inside “Duranta at your service, but everyone calls me Runta! Soul’s not so resident clothing designer and somewhat personal shopping friend to Tweet, if you must know.

16/10- Runta- laughs “Of course not! It takes money and patronage to become a designer who makes money. They wanted me to have a different sort of full time boring work.”

17/10- Runta- “I’ve made a few fashion week shows, and have some amazingly supportive fans who basically are fashion influencers in their own rights...” #spoilers

18/10- Runta- “Sure, I mean clothes and fashion is how you see a person, so of course people have stereotypes based on looks, but I don’t play that game.”

19/10- Runta- “Absolutely! Networking is a big part of what I do! Connections get me everywhere.”

20/10- Runta- “Total workaholic! A friend of mine says that if you love what you do, it’s not working, but living. And I am living for this life!”

21/10- Runta- “I learned a few things from the place I got my start. Hire people good at what they do, and that you can stand being around constantly. So yeah, the people who work for me become a family, since we’re together that much.”

[morgan-anderton]

Wip-More panel stuff and tried to draw my Seraphim Angel Ivoure. :3 #art #artistic #MediBangPaint #comic #comicpage #digital #digitalart #digital #characterdesign #CharactersTell #characters #character #originalcharacter #originalartwork #angel #medibang (at United Kingdom)

[lynnettedolan]

My voiceovers for Randy Bamboo comic #6 in the series https://youtu.be/XAZEb3nsqH4 #VO #voice #voiceover #voiceovers #voicetalent #voiceacting #voiceactor #comicbooks #comics #comic #voices #CharactersTell #characters #charactervoices #talent #series #comicstrips #cartoon #cartoons #cartoonvoices #actor #actress #acting #actorlife #actorslife #lovemyjob

[ladyofmind]

August is over? Recap time...

First things first... Between Patreon and other tasks, I dropped off towards the end of the month... I’m sure you saw the #CharactersHell board that took my time and, most importantly, brain stuffs.

We have, however, organized it so that future boards should not be as hard as the first one.

As long as it is as well received as it’s other game, by the same @M_arbanassi (on Twiter) #CharactersHell should have just as amazing a community as #CharactersTell. Tell focuses on the characters every week. Hell is a monthly board covering a little bit more, including us authors.

Basically, those two tags are my guaranteed game plays for the foreseeable future. The question will be what other ones will I be playing this coming September?

While I ponder that, here are the old answers...

#wipwordsearch  AKA  #RedLettersTeasers

1- Sly had a way of #schooling his features so that no one could read him. If Gus was happy about it, he could be happy for Gus. Still… "But why do some of the women have pointy weapons?"

2- He followed her lead carefully, since they were not in his place, & he made sure to lower only his top half. They could stare at his jean clad #back side for all he cared.

3- Rolling the blanket over herself like a sleeping bag, Tweet felt for her note #book in the dark, finding where she left the pen in the page, half heartedly scribbling notes she hoped she would understand in the margins.

4- That she would have to cover with make up, and that would have to work for the #bags under her eyes too.

5- At least two of the biggest #gossips of Soul were furiously, but covertly, trying to get her attention.

6- She still needed him around, and Malta would miss her #crush too much.

7- The kindnesses came back ten fold, as Nate catered Martin's musical event, with the chocolate man making a lifelike red guitar that shined as if it had a fresh coat of pearlescent #paint.

8- His long black hair fell to one side, and hardly covered any of the piercing or tattoos, which covered his arms and neck in a sea of darker #colors.

9- Nira wasn't the only one #catching on to the language from exposure.

10- "You don't have to read it, if you don't like it." Woods' movements slowed, as he scrunched #up the material of his shirt.

11- She wasn't by any means an #expert, but one knew quickly which ones felt like sucking lemons, due to the way they pulled her face of their will, and which ones she might want to drink again.

12- The point was made, she was #playing with house money, and she would win.

13- Seemed this new Soulful was #true to it's name, and proving more interesting with each visit.

14- NO WINGS

15- Remmy rolled the window down, and waved at Woods, a sigh escaping him. "#Hurry up slow poke. I think you should be offended, but that's my opinion that you don't always listen to talking.

16- NO ESSENCE

17- Remmy was getting #sick of repeating himself. "Just go talk to Tweet…."

18- By the simple look of a wedged arm and crumpled leg, she knew to #avert her gaze, that seeing the parts of limbs was close enough.

19- Spoiler if posted SLASH

20- Not that this was any type of pet, it was somewhere between a tiger and #house cat in size.

21- NO CASCADE

22- NO LITE

23- "Seems like you have a musical connection with everyone you meet." Her words had been a double-edged #sword to him.

24- One #building caught her eye, with its sheer size and stain glass details.

25- Plus if he loitered too long, he'd be late to #class.

26- Once #inside, she showered and found herself staring into her closet.

27- She needed to remember to encourage them all to have lives #outside the bar.

28- Staff loyalty and respect was next on the ever #growing list.

29- Even nearly #falling onto a guy and barely keeping her red rubies caged looked classy.

30- Angus and Scotty had the good sense to first agree with Woods, and then do their darnedest to get Brandon to #leave while he was still in one piece.

31- They were out in the public, it was #chilly, he was sure there was some law about it, and was she ready for what she was trying to do?

#CharactersTell

1/8- Woods back again! The band and I thought it was time to talk again, especially since this month is art themed, and we are artists *someone snickers* Don't start that again mate… We're glad to be here in… (The Red Letters series)

2/8- Woods- Of course! We're musicians, so that is our favorite.

Brandon- "Women too"

W- "A fine bird's form can be a masterpiece yes, with legs for miles and plump shapes."

3/8- Woods- "Yeah mate, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, couple of car places. It's my passion, so why not go see it in a museum too if you can?"

4/8- Woods- "We play rock music, but I have listened to all kinds in my life. Never know what will inspire that next song of your own."

5/8- Woods- *laughs while the boys chuckle* "I prefer relaxed movies, in the sense that thinking too hard kills the buzz. Ain't nothing too relaxed about the movies I watch, especially if we just finished filming it."

6/8- Woods caught elbowing the blokes on the couch with him. "Unless this is Play boy, the answer to that question has to be music." *preoccupied by trying to help cover Brandon's mouth.*

7/8- Woods- "Maybe you haven't heard of us, but we are already famous for being a band. Tour regularly, another album in the works, so on and so forth. That's my legacy. Rock and roll lifer."

8/8- "Thank god! Woods doesn't shut up. Brandon the lead singer and better showman ready to take control of this band interview…"

9/8- Brandon- "Depends what you're talking about. Realistic women, but their ink can be anything. Just better not be ugly where I have to stare at. Say no to cutesy tramp stamps."

10/8- Brandon- "Sure, action movies are my thing. Love a good Bond girl if you know what I mean…"

11/8- Brandon- "The only art I understand is music. Beyond that, I don't need to fake it, I just don't care."

12/8- Brandon- "Designer all the way. You don’t get on sexy lists wearing ill-fitting bargain basement bullsh*t. Plus the free clothes or marketing money isn't bad when you're famous."

13/8- Brandon- "Women. Enough said."

14/8- Brandon- "Certainly not gentle, in any way. Fair in music consideration, but mostly critical everywhere else."

15/8- "Hey, you want to talk to me too? I'm Remmy, just the friendly security to Woods and occasional band wrangler when the manager is busy." *tips fedora in greeting, stepping up to stand behind Woods on the couch*

16/8- Remmy- "I like visiting museums for my hobbies yes. Then again, it depends on how you define art, as this one puts away food like no ones business, and this one has the habit of being the bands lightweight. That’s weird place art no one asks for…" *taps BGC*

17/8- Remmy- "After listening to this bunch bang around all night and day, I like to listen to a smooth station, or at least some smoother oldies."

18/8- Remmy- "Is it any different than watching the headbangers? Always wonder if they wake up with whiplash the next morning…"

19/8- Remmy- "Besides these guys? Not exactly. Plan on going to see someone and some music will play its part soon enough…"

20/8- Remmy- "My only art is information. Its how I keep Woods safe, keep the band life smooth and easy… Maybe in that way, I have picked up the juggling skill?"

21/8- Remmy- "What are you talking about? That's definitely the sort of question that skips over my head." *tips his fedora and straightens his bigger old school mod style jacket.*

22/8- *Silence until Remmy prods a man* "What? Oh yo! Tour life's been rough man, gotta get your zzz's in when you can. Especially when Remmy rattles on." *straightens up* "I'm Josh aka Angus, and this is Scotty the drummer" *Drums on Scotty's gut to wake him up too*

23/8- Josh-"Got new bass art, and tattoos. My wifey doesn't like me looking at much, or it's an earful."

Scotty-"Man at least you get to look. My wife won't even let me play drums in my house because of the baby. I get kicked out when it screams like a metalhead."

24/8- Josh & Scotty- "The Terminator Mockingbird T800 comes to mind." "Did you ever see the Heineken drums? Or the plastic video game fakeness?" *nudged by other band members before they accidentally speak in unison* "My wife."

29/8- *Both laugh, then Woods speaks for himself and Remmy* "Neither of us draw, and if we did, it would mostly be bollacks and bristols in Sharpies when the other passes out."

R-"It took a week to get the last one off  my chin…"

30/8- *Brandon talks over his bandmates* "There is a rather poorly done, wrong sided sort of bio out about me, but yes, I want more books about me, done CORRECTLY."

[ladyofmind]

#CharactersHell - the new game...

One of the things that has been keeping me busy lately is this hashtag game for Twitter. If you've ever seen my Twitter feed, you know all I do is play these writer games, because they are amazingly helpful. Especially #CharactersTell, hosted by M_Arbanassi, as it asks you to be your characters every week. Imagine my surprise and delight at being asked to help prepare and co-host this new game!

It's finally here...

The question is will you be joining us in dragging your characters thru hell?

See you there...

- Your fiery gatekeeper

[ladyofmind]

July... Oh, July

Where did you go?

Seems like it was just the other day that I got home from that weekend trip and tried to find my routine again. Yes, I didn’t post much about my Nano camping or victory, but that editing work got done. The book itself isn’t finished, but I need a break!

Where else did July disappear to? Some good things came with my minor query attempt... I am waiting for more answers and managed to find myself an AMAZING editor to help me get this massive series into some shape. (Seriously, message me about her, I will be glad to share!) So yeah, that’s where I’ve been, plus or minus a sugar coma birthday weekend... 32 years old now, and that was way too much food. Well loved and over fed for sure.

As with any of my month end wrap-ups, I do like to keep those hashtag games in one place... For the above-mentioned reasons, I didn’t finish all my games this month so I will try my best next month...

More after the jump...

#wipwordsearch

1- Woods started tuning and testing his guitar before finally deciding on the one he wanted, a wicked little smile of his own forming. Two could play this game.

2- Pulling into the parking lot of Woods' building, Remmy stayed silent again, about what was ahead for Tweet.

3- Malta went in bounding search of Remmy, flying at the man for the second time that day.

4- Unfortunately, Malta took his compliment, despite his eyes traveling Tweet's form as discreetly as he could.

5- "He's certainly got my attention, cute little fishy he is." When both girls gave Tweety a look, she shrugged "You know like plenty of fish in the sea?

6- Tweety wanted to be Woods' muse, his sexy little siren, the thing he didn't take his eyes off of and drew inspiration from.

7- NO TURQUOISE

8- Rounding, she held the giggle at Brandon's confusion, even as the show went on. She felt a bit like those streakers that ran through sporting events, the way she was disrupting things. Though this time it wasn't her fault, but if you're already making a spectacle of yourself, might as well go full on.

9- Grabbing his music player and speakers, she continued on, shirt starting to climb up her back as she walked to the bathroom, tossing it just inside the doorway.

10- Woods wasn’t helping the cause, leaning against the door he held open, a mix of dented pride and cat with the canary.

11- NO BLOSSOM

12- She started to move again, softly swaying to the song.

13- He could tell Bebe was the type to do as Tweety wrote, and now Sly wondered if that was the reason miss Tweety sponged down that particular table so.

14- In Frost's mind, this was what a successful operating business looked like; something he'd been trying to have happen in the years he'd been the manager.

15- He had to think a moment to make sure he hadn't said anything other than a comment on food. He couldn't help but smirk, she looked as if he just said the smartest thing ever, and he knew himself well enough to know that couldn't happen.

16- That left Malta and Tweety to finish attempting to send the men on their way. Of course they were not being forced out, but the party had wound down nicely, and those boys needed to be up early to ship out, so they were trying to be mindful of this.

17- It could be called pretty, even if it sorely needed some updating. She looked past him, down the row of empty spaces, her own history easily meshing here too.

18- NO CHISEL

19- She somehow had bags of stuff again but knew the last stop she needed to make before getting to work; ordering two boxes of assorted cupcakes from her bakery boys, who seemed a bit surprised (she) came back.

20- Tweet just felt it more, the enormous mistake this would be.

21- That didn't quite help because he gripped the edge, and sunk down a little. "Maybe you should take ten first? You don't look so good."

22- Returning her attention to the drinkers, who had abandoned all the empty bottles, moving instead to the couch, swigging from some dented flask.

23- NO ZOOM

24- She'd lost count of them all now, and that probably wasn't a good thing to admit to. Just because she chased after one man, didn't mean she wasn't being tailed by more than enough of her own.

25- "Maybe if I could get another drink? I guess I can't drink through my skin." Deej gave the stink eye to Roger, before shrugging and rubbing the back of his head with a chuckle. "Anyone got an extra shirt?"

26- Woods laughed with a nod to the rest of the group, stepping a little closer to the microphone "I do believe the naughty nurse Trouble just issued another challenge, one we intend to take on."

27- Malta started to sway to the music, causing Tweet to do the same, and then they covered an ear each when the club could hear the way Frost boomed "Lass!"

28- Making a face as he downed the drink, Collar figured partying too hard wasn’t as bad as alliteration. "Good luck sir." He saluted and then wandered off, finding a nice table of random people to bother.

29- She could write a book about how to divert attention from yourself.

30- NO HAPHAZARD

31- Her back ached as if she had jumped into a pool and met with the solid wall of water, stinging her all over.

#CharactersTell

1/7- "Ballentine Rajneesh Siyamak, but you can call me Sly for short." In an old school fashion, Sly bent at the waist. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, and welcome to Soulful. Are you here to see Tweety about the Red Letters series?"

2/7- Sly- "Back in the old country, I slept under the stars, or in a tent a time or two. Now? I suppose one might consider me a hotel camper, if one sees the club's bedrooms as a hotel, even if I hardly use it…"

3/7- Sly- "I know my way around a few things, been around a while. I once managed a spider infestation with a loo brush and pail."

4/7- Sly- "I love the outdoors, big fan of walking around at night, contemplating life in the darkest time of day."

5/7- Sly- "I don't get scared, so I must be telling them? I am not aware I am telling scary stories though, given that I am already often told how terrible I am at noticing flirtatious behavior aimed at me."

6/7- Sly- "Cooking? I am more of a concocter. I make a mean milkshake, and have been known to mix up some drinks and make something new."

7/7- Sly- "I like music, I do, but I don't sing. Not unless it will lighten the mood, and that is a last resort option."

8/7- "Oh? I've never been to camp! Hey fellow campers, I'm Raven, and I'm in a cabin all by my lonesome, stop by for a visit won't you?"

9/7- Raven- "Stargazing? I mean there was this one time, in an outdoor hot tub," *blushes* "We were under the stars but I didn't notice them much…"

10/7- Raven- "Why do we talk about me so much? I want to know about you. What's your favorite activity? I'll try anything once, twice if it's a good time…"

11/7- Raven- "Why ask me something like that? Do you want me to follow you? Because I totally would."

12/7- Raven- "Depends on if I'm taking that dip alone or not. Will you be joining me? I'd do it with you."

13/7- Raven- "Of course I am, anything you want, I'm willing to do, even change for you, so long as you love me."

14/7- Raven- "The bar that was home changed, so that sense of home is gone for a while now. But if you're offering to have me move in with you, of course I will!"

15/7- "Cop" Collar- "Hm, the Intel said that scumbag was here. Better let Nira know Tim's still out there." *texts back and forth* "What do you mean go camping for a while? I wasn't prepared to camp here…."

16/7- "Cop" Collar- *chuckles while unloading car* "Depends on the mountains… More of a poolside camper lately, but apparently I'm stuck in this forest for a few days."

17/7- "Cop" Collar- *finishing pop up tent* "I flirt all the time, ladies love the man thong, men too. Unless you mean a different kind of tent?" *pulls half deflated blowup doll from trunk into tent* "Leftover from a prank, but a good mattress you pervs."

18/7- "Cop" Collar- "I really shouldn't because alcohol starts the party… but I am off duty for a few days before the big bash…" *Chugs a large high proof bottle*

19/7- "Cop" Collar- *bleary eyed* "Always… Where's my thong? WHO TOOK MY THONG?" *spies a guy lost on the path* "You! You must have taken it!" *gives chase to poor guy* (this author spares some details for PG purposes)

20/7- "Cop" Collar- "Oh, great with knots, not so great with shelters."

*finishes hog tying guy with only man thong as rope*

"Collar, dude, it's Nathan Winners. Chef Nathan, you know, your buddy? I never stole your thong! You gotta stop that. Man, Deej owes me for this mess."

21/7-"Cop" Collar-"Usually I'm great at weathering a storm, but in this case, I gotta head back, someone has to help with club security. The big bash is a big deal. If you can get free & bring my man thong, you can get home Wieners." *pats hog tied man & leaves.*

22/7- Chef Nathan Winners- *struggles to get free* "It was a cute joke or pet name the first time. Haha, Chef Wieners. I am never helping Deej by delivering a meal to the woods again. Never stole the stupid thing!"

23/7- Chef Nathan- "I like walking thru the parks and taking the scenic route on my 4am supply runs. It's calm and quiet, plus who doesn't love getting the freshest food to cook with?"

24/7- Chef Nathan- "Did… did you not see what happened this time? That's the worst it's ever been for me. I prefer going alone and wandering the farmer's markets. No danger there, just me and the ingredients."

25/7- Chef Nathan- "I am not adventurous beyond my food. Unless you count navigating the strange people that are my friends, like Collar and Deej."

26/7- Chef Nathan- "I wander and take the long way home on nice days, but never get lost. Probably why a certain cat man calls me whenever he's hungry or lost but not lost."

27/7- Chef Nathan- "Urban legends? Not that I know of. I know a lot of food legends, and there are myths about some of the wilder things that happen in the bar's front of house."

28/7- Chef Nathan- "Is anything weirder than getting hog tied with Collar's man thong? Like seriously… I better get it back to him before he comes back to torture me more."

29/7- Antag Raven- "OMG I SING!!"

MC Sly- "… I suppose that means I shall be forced to play music?"

30/7- Yes! NO!!

SC Collar- "What do you mean no?"

BG Nathan- "You are not someone I want to turn my back on, let alone close my eyes around…" *returns the rope thong*

31/7- Sly- "Tell stories?"

Raven- "Karaoke!!!"

Collar- "Can't we just drink instead…?"

Nathan- "Time to pack, definitely time to leave camp."

#WIPJoy

2- Quick pitch? A women's journey through a life that is 'Cheers' crossed with 'Animaniacs' and surviving mostly sane. That's the Red Letters series!

3- Tweety took a breath before a gorgeously wicked smile spread her face. "Wouldn’t you like to know deary?" Shoulder lifting in a halfhearted shrug, "Probably will have to stick around to find out."

Song- Trouble for me/Britney Spears https://youtu.be/DQNm-P_1VVY

4- Woods started tuning and testing his guitar before finally deciding on the one he wanted, a wicked little smile of his own forming. Two could play this game. #RedLettersTeasers

5- Side char love?

-Malta the Cockney with a bold streak.

-Bebe that crazy friend who makes you do things.

-Roger the lynx cat with an attitude and cupcake addiction.

6- #1randomques Tweet's sorta done this before. But she'd say "It's just a woman's life, full of love, friends, and some legendary stories. It's up to you to believe me or not."

7/8- Tweet's care package includes:

-purple and red pens

-fun notebooks

-new music for her player

-cupcakes

9- Tweet likes pancakes and bacon or chicken fingers with french fries.

10- Tweet's got some food issues, being a picky eater… But Woods, another MC is allergic to cherries.

11- …close enough lol…

"He's certainly got my attention, cute little fishy he is." When both girls gave Tweety a look, she shrugged "You know like plenty of fish in the sea?" #RedLettersTeasers

12- Cupcakes. Thank goodness there is a temperamental cook or two that can make real food too…

13- #1randommques I'm a Gordon Ramsey fan. So, one char would be in trouble for the "herbs" in his brownies. Another might have a distance contest about flinging food, while a third would just be trying to figure out how to frost the chef…

14/15- Tweet has a chef to cook, but left to her own devices, it's candy. Or basics learned as a kid- cereal, quick processed foods, the no cook, doesn't expire for 5 years types of things. So, might be going to the diner to eat.

16- Tweety- "Things were rough growing up, but I always enjoyed chances to be near the water. Pools, oceans, it always called to me.

17- Antag- Brandon- "That's simple. Get off the stage, drink until that night's groupie is ready to play, and pass out around dawn."

18- Collar stepped up to the sink, like he would wash out his shirt, careful to slur his speech as well. "Swell party, til your drink ends up on your gut, not in it." #RedLettersTeasers

19- Tweety- "I can't tell you that. I have a few regrets in my life, but I also try to be a private person, even in the middle of a crowded nightclub."

20- #1randomques - Let's see… My chars are glad that I have managed to overcome bouts of depression, and that I am progressively working on the crippling anxiety. But they are still concerned about what part of the brain "Tim" comes from, and the things he does…

21- Antag- Lady S- "I hired her."

22- Most tech savy- Nira, considering he runs and watching the security system

Least- Deej fries his fur on the jukebox regularly.

[ladyofmind]

Mellow Mix

I don’t know about you guys, but between last night’s #CharactersTell #WIPchat and today’s work day, I’m wiped out. Like considered going to bed and napping way too much. I mean... the coffee ran out before noon, and there was no way to get more, so yeah one of those lovely full moon kind of weeks. Not even sure if it is or isn’t a full moon, but it feels like it.

But I made a commitment, to try to be good to you guys, even if I am terrible at posting other days, I will always have something for Mondays. Even if it’s not what I planned. It is, however, exactly what I needed. So in case you needed it too, I’ve got a simple mellow mix today. No words, no stories, just a playlist, that always belongs to the rightful owners, thanks for putting these out there to help us.

Gravity- Sara Bareilles

Breakeven- The Script

Stay- Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko

Let Her Go- Passenger

And because tomorrow is another day to start fresh and survive... with or without enough caffeine...

Fight Song- Rachel Platten

Until next week, all the best my dear reader.

[ladyofmind]

Sneak Peek and Music Monday

If you follow me on Twitter (@ladyofmind721), you might know I am participating in #WIPjoy, #authorconfession, and #CharactersTell to name a few of my daily posting hashtags.

But it is Monday, and my favorite tag is #MusicMonday!

So, for checking out my blog post, you get a sneak peek at my music-related Twitter tagged post for January 18th. In case you are interested, but missed some of them, at month's end, I will post my dailies here, so you can get to know my chars. And as always, I discuss things I am a fan of, so I do not own anything and do my best to accurately credit.

For Jan 18, #WIPjoy and @SimmeringMind ask for 3 songs that inspire you… If you have been following along here, you get the idea that maybe 3 songs a day inspire me, so this was a tough one!

I chose to go with the songs that I can not get out of my head at the moment or the ones that mean something to the section of my work in progress. Mucky Middle is no ones favorite place, and I am seriously considering a full re-rewrite, just to fix all the holes already… anyway, on to the music!

First up, a group that found me on Twitter, and now I wish they could play concerts in Jersey so I could go see them. If you become a fan too, help them get airplay!

#Purgatorium by Awake At Last (@awakeatlastrock)

Next up is a hauntingly beautiful song, by Billie Eilish (@billieeilish) Ocean Eyes.

And rounding out our 3 songs for today… because sometimes you need a down and dirty song… Jake Owen (@jakeowen) If He Ain't Gonna Love You.

BONUS: an extra video!

Mr. Sly has taken over posting for #CharactersTell, and their day 18 question for him is: Preferred genre of music? His answer is long, but boils down to two choices…. Anything Beatles, or what is now widely considered his theme song in my head… Truly Sly's groove, if ever his too smart stick in the mud ways paused long enough to break loose and have a great time. Probably would dance just like the movie clips in this video too…

Bad Boy Good Man by Tape Five.

[ladyofmind]

September to Remember

Is anyone else losing time with no idea where it’s going?

That’s how September went for me. Made some changes to better be prepared for keeping my social media presence alive while trying to do that little writing thing I love so much. Still don’t know how to solve the problems my editor brought to my attention, but I'm working on it. In the meantime, I have been gearing up for NaNoWriMo and preparing ahead of losing more time then. (Dare I mention holiday stuff? Like the Christmas shopping started, or the semi prepping 2 months worth of game boards and daily arts? Should totally follow my Patreon link for more on that!)

So basically? Finally might be getting ahead of the dreaded 8-ball. At least #CharactersHell was a success! Got to count the little victories too.

The awesome thing is that it’s now October, so I have many things to look forward to. Kilt Fest again, Halloween cookies... Things that you guys might love seeing, beyond my writing updates. Which of course, this is... September rounds up below.

#WIPTruthOrDare

1- T- My WIP starts in fall, covers Halloween quite well, for a bar.

2- T- No… Maybe it's simply the way in which I've hurt MC that I don't like...

3- T- Tweety! No one else works that hard or makes it look that easy.

4-T- Tweety is a plantser… Couple ideas to start the ball rolling, but no clue what will happen after that.

5-T- Tweety has reputation to uphold, so she's always early… Providing others don't run late...

6- D- Sly slips in for this, toting a mixed bag of books, including the last book he needed, Historical Society handbook/guide. “This usually fixes everything.”

7- D- Well, the last time SOMEONE didn't do what was expected, a good guy ended up with a black eye and handcuffed to a bed frame...

8- T- Tweety has those friends that pick on you for fun. But the Antags are the worst.

9- T- Deej has a “pet” Lynx or two.

   D- Antag would like to know if humans count as pets?

10- T- the accents! The Scotney needs a proper balance, or else it's too harsh!

11- T- For no spoilers, we go to Woods, who's waiting to see if the band gets signed.

12- D- Already did it, got to read the book…

     T- From that same, yes… Plus exhausted legs all the time.

13- T- Some are, some aren't. It's a diverse community, so all sorts of beliefs.

14- T- Tweety writes, reads, sleeps… mostly soaks and falls asleep journaling.

15- D- Costumes! Write a specific or nonspecific creature into WIP and share! Vs Halloween costumes

16- T- so close they call the bunch of them Trouble girls. At least 3-5 of them.

17- T- Soak, pick out an outfit, write and sleep, only to change her mind in the morning.

18- T- Truth be told, someone had to be… Or at least a clear “villain” in that scene.

19- T- Both. One cannot truly live without both. One you just see more of...

20- T- Tweety is a soda only sort of woman. She can mix a mean punch though.

21- T- Yes. Sophia avoids the ex that's with her employee. Love triangles suck, and people suffer.

22- T- Tweet wakes up, dresses, works, sleeps and repeats with small breaks of craziness.

23- T- Yes as it's a semi current Earth.

24- T- Sophia takes a drink since Tweet is too “nice” while Brandon and Tim just take a shot at her.

25- T- Tweety. She's the kind one taking care of others. No one likes the things that happen...

26- T- Tweety and Sly. Tweet’s prepared for crazy and come ons, while Sly is a wealth of knowledge.

27- T- Honestly? This Diner/Beach Travel thing. So real and intimate...

28- T- The same one who regularly fries the Jukebox trying to “fix” it. - Deej

29- T- I think Remmy, or Sly have a great grasp and can do justice as narrator.

30- T- Tweety does even to her own detriment… #spoilers

#wipwordsearch

1- Bebe shot through the room, if one could #run and skip, she seemed to be doing it.

2- Even nearly #falling onto a guy and barely keeping her red rubies caged looked classy.

3- Angus and Scotty had the good sense to first agree with Woods, and then do their darnedest to get Brandon to #leave while he was still in one piece.

4- Frost #groaned, something in her face gave him the funny feeling in his gut again.

5- When Tweet, Runta, and Ally came out from their fix up, it started with one #whistle, which turned into more and soon had the girls blushing at the reaction.

6- The #gravelly tone wasn’t lost on either of them, "Tonight's lesson- don’t start anything you can't control."

7- He seemed to lose himself in that thought; mindlessly working the bottle around, as if #twisting it would #twist him free of whatever plagued his mind.

8- He didn't stop until she looked much more alive, and likely to melt and #drip right out of the car.

9- Not that Bebe on her side of the bar would be outdone. She would make her own group #gasp at her antics and outbursts, Nira at her hip, egging her on.

10- She could still see and remember all the ugly things she believed of herself, but now she couldn’t touch it, couldn't revel in it like a pig in #mud.

11- Woods smiled again, already figuring out how to #rock out as a version of Wolverine.

12- "If it's a pole you want luv, I'm ready and willing to be of assistance anytime." He chuckled, her eyes #rolled in exasperation, yet her face said she loved it; even her lips twitched warring not to smile.

13- Woods' gaze #drifted to the stage, and a smile stirred his face for the first time in what felt like a long time. "Do you mind…?"

14- A #chill went down Tweet's spine, she could have done without music now, and certainly never wanted to hear that song ever again.

15- NO DUSK

16- NO GUTTERAL

17- "Ok, ok I'm sorry I snore, but you kick. If either of us should #cry over bad sleeping habits, it could be me."

18- She first needed to wash away the sweat and #grime that came from his violent sleep.

19- "It's just that he's a big ladies man, #spent most of the day getting all kinds of attention from the ladies, probably thought he could get you to do it too. Roger's not a bad kiddo, just not smart about his manners."

20-  It had been so long ago, but now he clearly remembered #Grandma Jeanie.

21- They even coaxed a guy into trying out as a chef. He'd been #sweet talked into whipping up some lunch, even if it was sandwiches, and somehow he was grateful for the opportunity.

22- She hated the battle, but knew in her #heart, it was right to worry about the complications of leaving and untangling things.

23- Her father sounded similar when he was drunk, and her mother usually #bore the bruises to prove it.

24- "I spoke the truth doll face; it does look like your #closet exploded." She stuck her tongue out at him, and he made the pinching motion at her.

25- Most of the surrounding clubs were #seedy and their names tried to sound respectable, but you could see it from the street how they operated.

26- Smiling to himself, his randomness started to sound like Bill #Withers to his own ears. Use Me came to mind and he went with it, making sure to pay more attention on Tweety.

27- The band started playing on the stage; the cymbal #crash and reverberation out of the guitar were perfect attention getters.

28- the one time she would enjoy having a silent sort of boyfriend was also the time he decided to talk..."I swear to god, if you open your mouth, it better be to #sing or to simply use your lips. Anything else and I will walk out right now."

29- She moved to strapping on the mask, a pretty purple piece, with lines of glitter around the eyes and the mask edges. It had slight points at the top edges of the mask, and on them were a line of gems; in amethyst, ruby, and #sapphire blue.

30- He had too many hopes and dreams for one night. If she was as good as he hoped she was, a #month wouldn't even be enough to scratch the surface.

#CharactersTell

1/9- *Looks around before stepping up* “I believe I am to volunteer for this round of questions, as education is my strong suit. While you may have heard me called a Thesaurus, I prefer Sly, your night time bartender.” (in the Red Letters series)

2/9- Sly- “Currently, I am a college student, but I have an education from books. Well read is an understatement for me...”

3/9- Sly- "I'm a transplant. An Aussie originally, these classes abroad are amazing, but the hours are rough on me. So what if they joke I'm a vampire? At least I have all sorts of foreign educations…"

4/9- Sly- "Up until recently, I preferred to be a lone wolf if you will. Maybe I had a friend outside of school that shared my hours and moods, but usually only one at a time."

5/9- Sly- "The subjects that were not my best, they had a tendency to bore me or be harder. In my favorite classes, I did get much further ahead. Certain classes were practically finished in months."

6/9- Sly- "I do prefer my solitude yes. Only now am I learning to embrace the education from interesting people."

7/9- Sly- *The verbose bartender pauses* "I do not like talking about that with anyone."

#CharactersTell

8/9- A strange woman walks on stage, dressed in mismatching items with a pink wig on. "Oh honey, if you don't know who I am, you're in the wrong bar. You may have the privilege of calling me Lady Sophia."

9/9- Lady Sophia- "What education do you think you deserve? I have many teaching styles…" (So, not your Ivy League grad here…)

10/9- Lady S- "This is a toss up. I personally loved music classes, as I AM a singer. But I did attend nearly every gym class… Between the health classes and all that physical movement? Best thing to study and then put into practice, usually behind bleachers."

11/9- Lady S- "Of course. History already happened, so who cares? Only reason I kinda went to math and economics class was because of a guy. Really if there wasn't something to stare at, I picked and chose."

12/9- Lady S- "Define popular? Like rah rah shove a pom pom up my (bleep) popular? (bleep) no darling, but I did develop my own following and acclaim, for my talents…"

13/9- Lady S- "Bothering is such a simple word. I had my share of "stalkers" and "can't get enoughers" but there were people who considered me a "bother". Inappropriate is really in the eye of the beholder, you know?"

14/9- Lady S- "As much as that does not matter now, I actually had great grades in economics and decent ones in business related electives. No wonder where my business owner skills came from."

#CharactersHell

1- Just your average bar for crazy people. Little history, little future building, lots of music and dreams...

2- It's a woman's fiction genre because it's more than just a romance or slice-of-life story.

3- The challenges are the characters mostly! Some go off the rails and it's hard to get them back… Others think I am writing SFF, or something more X rated. Mostly it's just "how to host/run a bar while antisocial."

4- This WIP is something I've been working on for a long time, and I can never get it out of my head. This story wants out and it's pursuing me to no end, challenges and all.

5- I wouldn't say my world is very harsh, but there are some bad elements that make it less than pretty...

6- There are multiple levels of evil, some you can see, others are working in secret together.

7- Besides the fact that it's a bar, therefore full of alcohol? Well, there is a sort of brothel thing going on in the background that Tweety doesn't care for...

8- This one's a toss-up. Remmy is in a broken relationship from the start. Tweety is in a relationship, and yet not….

9- Remmy is aware, though that doesn't make it hurt any less. Tweety wasn't to start, but does realize, and it makes it harder to work.

10- Remmy is at a 9, while Tweety is at about 4. One is more likely to leave than the other, and Tweet has far more than a budding relationship to worry about.

11- For Remmy's hellmaker, she's aware she just doesn't care. For Tweety, Woods doesn't realize her inner workings. Woods can be kind of clueless...

12- Remmy does, in Long Island Iced Teas made by Tweety. Tweety can over flirt when her feelings are hurt or she's trying to pretend...

13- Oh definitely. The third parties are endless, including the bar owner Sophia, bandmates like Brandon, and just general other patrons in the bar. Can't forget Tim too...

14- In a relationship likely to cheat? Has to be Raven. The rest of the group have sort of fluctuating relationships where you can't tell if they're together or not so you really can't call it cheating.

15- Tweety is to blame for some of what she's gotten herself into, but not all of its her fault, some of its circumstance from the job she's in...

16- Oh all the time. Tweety isn't known as a Trouble girl for no reason, and you don't hear them calling Double or Triple Trouble without her friends.

17- They are in both kinds of hell. It's a lot of psychological stuff, until it becomes physical. Breaking things both mentally, and the furniture too.

18- It's likely a lot of characters won't come out the same. But they will survive, just changed, and scarred...

19- Oh yeah the lusty people are the original bar workers, with the exception of Frost.

20- As it says in the book, nobody would be hanging out in a bar if they didn't have personal stuff too. At least our bar workers, patrons are different story.

21- Generally it's not very gory, except for the scenes that are meant to be. Try to keep them to at least one really graphic thing a book...

22- I hate editing, it's harder for me to fix things when I'm still not seeing the problem.

23- Now I do, some software, an actual editor (mine's @scribecat check out her awesomeness!)… makes this process a little easier.

24- A lot of the time it's binge-watching something and getting away from writing.

25- if it's a long weekend, and I know I don't have to work the real job, sometimes there's alcohol...

26- My problem characters are always the smart ones. Like Sly, who's nicknamed the human thesaurus; or Nira, who's like a crazy genius… Sometimes they are smarter than I am.

27- I hold on to a lot of stuff, so worst memories are critiques- school writing stuff long before I knew I was to be a writer.. stuff I should be over but still haunts me. Or the times I tore out notebook pages with "failed" first chapters. Never get those back..

28- #FF

29- Tim hits almost all of them, like Pride, Lust, Greed, Envy and Wrath. They pair up, like pride and greed, but especially lust, Envy, wrath working all together...

30- Tim? Oh he's depraved enough to revel in it, and I doubt he'll be redeemable… Can't make the leopard change his spots.

[ladyofmind]

Music Monday Antag Edition

In honor of #CharactersTell Antag week, and possibly because Antags fight to interrupt everything...  (and has nothing at all to do with seeing Venom last night. Love Tom Hardy, the movie was a tad lacking.)

”One Hit Wonders!” Antag version is here to break up my character lists! The characters that have one defining theme song or song that instantly makes them pop up in my brain.

Going to warn you now, these are the Antags, so don’t expect anything safe for work or clean if you know what I mean...

Let’s start off with Greg, a later in the Red Letters series guy. He’s not exactly an antag for being against the group, not intentionally. For Greg, well, an inheritance makes for changes, and what he does with that... well, that will make this story, so no spoilers. But maybe you get the idea from...

The Animals- Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood

Lady Sophia is the first Antag we ever meet. She is the nightclub owner, and a power tripper somewhat. She deals in blackmail for better business and treats men like pigs if they deserve it. I could have went with her lead singer angle, but she’s more

Janet Jackson- Nasty

Raven is a worker in the club, involved in a mess of issues. Sort of that woman looking for love in all the wrong ways you know? For her, this song best sums up the nightly speech to each and every guy she meets with or without singing it too.

Christina Aguilera- Nasty Naughty Boy

Tim

That right there is a word all on its own. Tim is the truer evil, in the sense that compared to him, everyone else is just a bit screwed up in their thought process. He loves what he does, and built a reputation on what he does quite well. This one is a bit into what he thinks of people, plus his “target” type.

Nickelback- Something In Your Mouth

I still get the creeps from writing him, and yes there are other songs as well, but this last song? Always comes to mind, and thank goodness it's not on my radio much, otherwise, I would be upsetting myself too much. As is, this song is ruined by this antag. So without further ado, Tim, in a song with a lyrical warning.

Nine Inch Nails- Closer

[ladyofmind]

Hey #writersofig! Are you a multitasking #author? Do you have a #Twitter account as well as one here? Do you like to #play hashtag #games related to your #WIP? We are back for #October with this board, and #CharactersHell is still co-hosted and branded under the #CharactersTell concept. This month our #sin is #wrath and we talk #halloween! Daily question prompts post at 12:05am EST. #arachnophobia may not want to play along, as prompts are in (cutesy) webs... After all it IS #hell... Come join our #creativewriting #community and vent about #writing! And check out the two hosts #patreon accounts for #exclusives! https://www.instagram.com/p/BoWa4tdl6k4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=lswinm3c9nqp

[ladyofmind]

Music Monday the Game part 2

You might have seen my Instagram posts about my writing progress, and that I finally caught up! It will take more work to get the big goal of 50k by May. That’s most of the book there, plus or minus another 20,000 words. That would be it, the first book of Red Letters actually ready. A dream of over 8 years finally in reach with an accountable motivation pushing me too. Except, to focus on the work, to make my 2,000 words a day, while working and trying to survive... something needs to be swapped on the priority ladder.

Instead of spending the better part of 2 days on these music posts, along with playing the #WIPTunes game on Twitter, I plan on recapping the music here. Just like I do at month’s end, but in an easier to listen to fashion. Amazing music that I don’t own rights to, but hey, you still get to know my writing and me, plus get insider info on the book playlists. 

What can I say? Call me inspired by #CharactersTell host @m_arbanassi (on Twitter) Manuel Arbanassi self-publishing Tiogair this month. It’s beyond time Red Letters joined the To Be Read pile party of others. I can’t wait to see all the pictures related to my books, and don’t doubt it, I will take you all along with me on this journey. Hope you forgive the priority focus until I have better news for you all...

For now, second week word count is

On with the show, here’s the music!

6- Tweet is more a lip singer, or shower singer, and part of me wants to peg it as Britney Spears but truthfully? She's probably more Selena Gomez, especially Kill Em With Kindness, since that's her philosophy.

7- I listen to everything even country, electro swing, some polkas, my rules are simple. Must have words, and not be too long a song. Yes, there are rule breakers, but it has to be a great exception like Bajofondo Tango Club- Montserrat

8- Tweet gets nostalgia from many songs, as she identifies people with music, but the one likely to make her cry, for reasons you'll have to wait and read about is… Beautiful Goodbye from Jennifer Hanson

(Seriously can’t wait to finish, and see if you guys feel the same way too!)

9- For world playlist, we're going to keep it simple since these two are how Tweet starts to learn you if you don't pick songs first. I Love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett of course and Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seeger 

That’s my 5 for today, stay tuned, you might see a catch-up post!

[ladyofmind]

#eastereggmarketing close up 5- #games #characterstell hosted by Manuel Arbanassi on Twitter. Great for #roleplaying your characters and growing them out. See if you're #tagged? #HappyEaster with hashtag Easter eggs!

[ladyofmind]

Inspired By… Music Monday

So, if you follow me on Twitter, you know my #CharactersTell answers involve a band having a weird interview this month, so far. To go with that, I figured you might want to see what kind of band they are, and where their influences came from. A little secret, my dear reader, is this; as of this date, I never considered naming the band. Hints and comparisons, even attention on members of the group hide the fact that they never shout out a name. #Spoilers I know… but that's the kind of thing you find here, not on Twitter, about the Red Letter series.

I will not post the same song for the band I so closely associate with this band, as I already mentioned it in my first Music Monday post. However, this real band always has something to answer my aching writing needs. So, as always, I am simply a super fan, leaving the rights to the real owners of the music I fancy. Videos may not be all that safe for work…

Woods has been caught humming this tune, one morning… There was bacon involved, it's a mouthwatering read ;)

100 in a 55- Pop Evil

And I may be working backward here, but this next one, the band uses to help defuse one situation, which then turns into a bit of an Aussie chant thing. Any guesses why?

T.N.T- AC/DC

Ok, so this one? I believe was the last one in their first set, during a tryout period, that went over quite well. Helped seal the deal, the music scout decided there was something worth investing in…

Girls, Girls, Girls- Motley Crue

This one… Oh, this one is quite perfect! Our lead singer acted as a showman singer for the first time in front of the crowds, growing in confidence. Meanwhile, our guitarist Woods, he worked on recovering from a little bit of heavy flirtation. The kind that you both walked away and did something completely distracting, or else you might be in trouble for indecent exposure in public… Gotta love a good spoiler, right?

Touch Too Much- AC/DC

Our final song for this Monday is a pivotal song in the story. You see, if you caught #WIPchat last night when we talked about antagonists, Brandon had the floor. He said some nasty things about my MC, pretending not to remember her all that well. Except, he might have been playing more macho than anyone would have liked. At one point, he did remember her quite well, the first woman that didn't instantly fall for his charms. This song plays on pin-up day, where the women look especially good, and our lead singer sets his sights on someone with the intention of getting her. Trouble is, she might not be available to be gotten at this point…

Could be his way of flirting though. This was the song he decided to use to woo the woman...

Sticky Sweet- Motley Crue

Until next week my Music Monday fans! I may have a special treat for you all…

[ladyofmind]

February Games Roundup

Hopefully, you regularly follow the Red Letters characters on their Twitter escapades. But in case you are like me, and can generally only catch up on your Twitter every few days, or are not fans of Twitter, I do like to recap. After all, all those loose characters running around talking can get confusing, and I am not just talking about Malta's Cockney phonetics!

This month, I tried 2 new games and stayed faithful to a few of my favorites.

First up- #CharactersTell hosted by @m_arbanassi saw a few of my characters facing tough questions. From the heartbroken surviving those romantic Valentine questions to one half of a semi-happy couple peppered with questions about marriage and children! These women rolled with all of it to the best of their abilities. We met Tweety and Malta, aka Double Trouble, and also Madam Sofia, and one of her minions.

I have a source that says Male characters are planning on appearing this March, so stay tuned for that, or come back again next monthly round up to meet them all! Just say a little birdy told you ;)

#CharactersTell

2/1- Hello again, Tweet here, main storyteller from the Red Letters series. Generally known as your hostess with the mostess! ;)

2/2- Romantic? Yes, love being a matchmaker for others, and have a great track record there. As for romance and myself? Takes a certain kind of something to turn my head. I love love, even if it isn't my strength…

2/3- I'm not the one that gets in the most trouble… well at least in any relationship way. *giggles* Though I have forgiven the music man ghost I enjoy chasing over his perfect song selections. So I love music and love.

2/4- I like an equal partnership. I call the shots in the bar/club I own and run, so I need an SO that is comfortable with my flirting and spotlight issues. If we work that out, SO can run my off hours all they want…

2/5- I am many things, serial flirt being the top of the list, but Miss Tweety is NOT a cheater. One potentially serious love interest at a time, and when I pick, well I'm open to other conversations, but I'm not the one to cheat first.

2/6- Now that is a secret I don't usually tell… Can't give an edge to the chasers working hard to learn and try me, can I? Let's just say I love a good chill situation, and can't remember the last "date" I was on.

2/7- Always spend V-day in company! I run a bar, and it's a busy party night for us… Wait are you asking if I will have company by night's end? No, that's bad for my reputation, but that doesn't mean my heart doesn't have someone in mind…

2/8- If you don't know who I am, you are in the wrong club. I own Sinful. You will call me Madam Sofia.

2/9- Love? Who said anything about love? It is no longer a weakness I admit to having, and I make many a note of those who do, because nothing fills my little black book better…

2/10- at first, I had a serious relationship with this wounded sort who I liked; until I found out he started "dating" another girl at my club… So I moved on to my guitarist, since he makes my voice sound good…

2/11- Depends… are we talking box of chocolates, or man sized chocolate covered? Also, are you volunteering?

2/12- Honey, lying is part of my business. I am what you want me to be, what you need me to be… for the right price.

2/13- What is wrong with your hearing? You pay me, you can visit one of the girls for the night… wait you mean a date for me? Costs you far more, and it's still here in the club, but at least I will sing for you.

2/14- There is no longer dates worth remembering.. so no... get lost, I am done with your terrible questions. That's what the bubbly (w)itches are for, paid by MY own dime, not making the same money the others do… (rants while walking away, pissed)

2/15- *Wonders by with a teapot* 'ello gov'na! Didn' see you 'here, fancy a cuppa? Wot's 'ha'? Questions? Alrigh', I've go' 'ime while my po' boils… Malta's me name, do as I please is me game, aw wai'ress ifna you mus' label i'.

2/16- (Malta) Crush on Duck? No gov'na, bu' she did 'elp me figure ou' wha' 'o do wi'h 'he big old Sco'. Never me' a bloke befawe who could come close 'o ou'lastin me in a drinkin game… tha''s a good skill you knah?

2/17- (Malta) I don' da'e men. I did recen'ly ge' asked ou' by 'ha' Sco' 'hough, even if I star'ed i' wi'h 'ryin 'o check under 'he kil'… Good 'imes *cackles, fondly touching a flowered hair pin in her curly red hair*

2/18- (Malta my Cockney) Me mum an' dad were no' married, so i' doesn' mean as much 'o me. *checks to see who is listening* Bu' if 'he big bloke wan'ed a mit fasting, I wouldn' say no…

2/19- Blimey no. 'avin any ov me own, no… I'm mawe 'he guardian ov some'hin off 'he stree' 'han from me Jack Jones loins.*Malta shivers at the thought, never really having considered it before*

2/20- (Malta) Faw 'he Sco'? Any 'ime I 'ook a spankin 'ha' led 'o da'e 'imes, wi'h aw wi'hou' par'ners in crime… Faw Duck? Well, well, she 'ells i' be''er, bu' we go' awful close one day, over a stupid necklace…

2/21- (Malta- Cockney) I 'aven' 'ad no breakups. Excep' when 'he Sco' disappeared 'o lick 'is wounds faw a bi'. No' like we were married a' 'he 'ime so i' shouldn' 'ave ma''ered… S'upid male pride 'hinkin 'e knew best… *teapot whistle* Sawry gov'na, 'ha's me 'ea.

2/22- You met my boss, Madam Sofia, earlier in the month. Call me whatever you like love, I can be whoever you want me to be… I bet we have everything in common… Are you single? You're so fine…

2/23- The same it is in your world? I would like to mate once, but I can not find anyone… If I sell myself, then it doesn't feel like love, but if I am not, how else will they like me? All the singing and dressing tight or loose hasn't done it yet.

2/24- ROFLMO of course! Silly! I would like to be married one day… oh you don't believe in marriage? … Yeah, you're right, it's only a piece of paper, marriage doesn't matter.

2/25- That's kinda a big deal around here. Being sexy is part of my job, do you think I am sexy love? What do you like?

2/26- I love nature love! Do you want to go out to the hot tub, and enjoy the stars? Maybe stay there until the birds sing?

2/27- I could totally love that! I'm a Gemini! What's with that face? Are you a Virgo? Is that the problem?

2/28- Magic is so cool! I often think I have an impressive wing span *stretches arms* don't you think? There have been comments on my wolf in heat tendencies, but I can't help that it's practically mating season… Where are you going? Can I come too?

The other continued game this month was #AuthorConfessions hosted by @_JM_ Sullivan and @jjulien25. Another love fest, this time a mix of author, character, and a generally good way to get to know people through their writing. This hashtag game had me working the art skills in the free program Canva to answer a question or two. 

#authorconfession D

1- What do I love most? #writing? #music? My family, and friends. Heck even my #librarylife sometimes… not all the time because it is #work, but it's full of books…

2- Very little, I like sweets, and chocolate, but my go to is salty. More chips, less candy.

3- Maybe for a week? We're not really fighters, unless forced into it, so hard to say what might happen in a zombie situation.

4- For my Selfie Sunday pics about my #WIP can usually be found on my Instagram, but this sums it up... #colorful #outlines for the win! Now to #write it...

5- Valentine's day is all well and good, but never has been a huge thing for me… I worked in a flower shop for many years, so V-day was a work day, and if I had a reason to celebrate, it was a different day.

6- The trouble with my MCs is they think they know their greatest desires, and strive for them, until they achieve it (like Woods' music career) but once on the top, they are no longer sure that was their greatest desires… little do they know they want it all!

7- Word count report-

#amediting chapters 1-2 or 650 words total so far, and #amwriting words to fix a few forgotten holes, ditches, cavernous pits, whatever you call it. Not really keeping track of the adds… just page numbers 2/135-150

8-

Roses are red,

violets are blue

my MC is sweet,

but pretty deep too

Told you there's a reason I no longer do poetry 😆

9- Plot bunnies? It's like spring fever over here! Bunnies multiply faster than I can catch them, but there is a system to this! Method to the madness! I hope…

10- #SparkleOn … It's my day off! A Saturday to relax, and catch up on all the things I missed during the long week. Plus an extra day of writing!

11- Too many? There is a kilted char from a @lynsaysands book that was funny and still rolls around my brain….

12- I can't name a specific favorite, but I love good books with good chars that make you laugh and cry as needed…

13- I am kind of in between genres at the moment… I simply write to write because I like to, and the box it is supposed to fit in is not exactly my concern until it has to be… I like reading romance tho…

14- Wait are you asking if I will have company by night's end? No, that's bad for my reputation, but that doesn't mean my heart doesn't have someone in mind…

15- There were a bunch of 90's era #YA sorts of books that got me, terrible titles, but good stories… anyone remember the #LoveStories #series? Full list? -> https://goo.gl/bWHxg8

16- Tell my readers? Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart, you have no idea how much you mean to me, nor how excited I am when I know you have read something. You mean the world…

18- Um.. guess I am good with death in this way… I can't remember a fictional death that stuck with me…

19- No one really dies, most just transition out of the work… There is one death, but it is of a nice old man, nothing violent, just a time thing…

20- Not going to write an epitaph for my books… Feels wrong to me, like allowing myself to give up on them at some point… They will never die… maybe reinvent themselves after a long period away, but nothing written can really die.

21- Night Owl, working on trying to be more middle of the day… Could eventually try being an early writer, but currently not able to pay the steep price of getting out of bed to do it…

22- Usually coffee, or soda… Caffeine…

23-Twitter sparkles because of people like @RW_Hodgson, @Ashleydhansen12, @m_arbanassi being those friends that like tweets, so you don't feel like you're talking to yourself. And @carpekat14, for recently reminding me where I started a few months ago. 💜 to all

24- Each book has a color, and they all fall under the Red Letters theme… Currently working on the split that makes Yellow Days and Sinful Sunrise (orange-y)

25- "I can't believe this ridiculous drivel! It's totally unrealistic, with everything falling into place too easily. I mean who falls into a job in a brothel type night club?"

26- Me, hands down… Antag is emotionless to some degree, MC is one emotional setting presented to people, but some serious stuff going on inside, but as the writer, I have everyone's feelings coursing thru as needed.

27- I write with the range of emotions, but I do like to tickle your funny bone more than making you suffer… does that count?

28- From the writing? Or from the lack of writing and frustrations in relation? Either way, it does make me cry from time to time… Otherwise I am not doing it right.

#StoryWarriors hosted by @writeratops came recommended from #WIPjoy, so naturally, I gave it a go, since there were dual characters. Bebe made her introduction into Twitter here, and well… She's that friend. Bebe and the girls will reappear again at some point, though if you caught #MusicMonday, you might already know they are off to forget about some guys by finding some new ones. You see, as Nira obsessed as Bebe is, she still has a good heart. Between Malta and herself, they have seen who may be coming to town in March games, and they are all about distracting a sister. Triple Trouble are friends first, SO's second, and heaven help the soul caught breaking a heart… So enjoy Bebe's first attempts at Tweeting (yes there are a ton of jokes about Tweety that you guys are spared, trust me, you're welcome) Bebe won't last long before she jumps back in, she had too much fun keeping everyone on their toes…

#StoryWarriors D

1- Hello all! Most days I can be found working in a library, and most nights, I *try* to write books. In the editing and rewriting stage of one book, and the 3rd times a charm rewrite of the sequel…

2- Hello again, Tweety here, Hostess with the Mostest from the Red Letters series… ;) I always say you'll have to come back again to learn more about me!

3- *Bounces into view, possibly on a sugar high* Bebe's the name, bouncer's the game, well at least one of them… *looks around* Why is everyone nervous about this? It's not like they can see my… *Is quickly caught and taken away by Nira*

4- T works in a bar/nightclub, so there is really no desk space that is hers… but you can bet she's found places to hide snacks and notebooks for herself!

5- *no hesitation* Nira. *clarifies question with examples* What? Does no one else use their something like boy toy as a way to get around? What is wrong with you people?

6- I am what you call a picky eater for… reasons… once had a guy turn me off salads for a while, because he was so insistent that I eat the salad over my cupcake sugar fix... learn to let it go, you won't win.

7- I'm good with whatever Tweet puts on the stage, I would give specifics, but there's a name we do not mention, and I may bust on my bestie, but I won't poke THAT wound. Not that crazy or mean.

8- "I love a good corset, pants, heels… well I love all clothes ok. But I always make sure to keep a balance, some skin here and no skin there, for respectability of course." -T "Don't play innocent Tweet, I know you too well" -Bebe

9- I carry in my cargo pockets, or inside my bra. You know, the standard stuff. My ID, some cash, at least one weapon, handcuffs, oh and candy!

10- Why does everyone ask about my room? What's the fascination? I think I get that question as much as I ask what someone's drinking… The room has a lock for a reason, and soon, a keypad too. A lady has to keep her anonymity, or else why come back for the chat?

11- Depending on what the clerk's like, B might not even notice, might cause a scene getting change, or if it's a real crazy day, there may be some acts that would get the clerk arrested for public indecency. It's a good thing B doesn't really shop anywhere... 😟

12- Tweet has a paw print tattoo for a reason… total animal lover. Probably already being followed around by an animal, she would still take this lost one home too.

13- Nira. *is warned about pattern developing in her answers* It's what I do tho... Fine… I may get a bottle of something as an added nightcap… Is that better? You know, you sound like Tweet… Is everyone else a prude type too? 🙄

14- Surely by "attending" you mean "hosting"? I am great with other languages, I may not speak them, but sometimes I understand it and the emotion behind it too. All else fails, a charming smile smoothes many flaws.

15- They don't really need to do that, as they are finally well off, but like quick cash? Well it depends who's around… B would totally help T, there just may be some embarrassment to T that would make B's day.

16- Tweet and break ups… um, sticky issue now of course… but she does have a problem being mean to people that might not deserve it. Tries to let them down gently, also tries not to lead them on from the start…

17- Nira… plays nurse man and makes me soup and other things for the week that I disappear for and am not allowed to discuss in general company… enter at your own risk lol

18- Everyone calls me Tweety Bird, and I don't really mind it… I do flitter around a lot, and there was once this joke about me and a porky pig, but that’s another story for another day…

19- *has a hand over her mouth and plenty of whispers before allowed to answer* fine… I have a talent for drinking games, things that involve whipped cream, and I can strip a man in 5 seconds… (as a bar bouncer?) *giggles wickedly* sure, let's go with that.

20- If I shared my secrets, why would you bother coming back to visit me? Besides, all my secrets go in the book… you can read it for yourself.

21- I really don't know… there was a lot of shy lonely play time growing up, but I didn't find myself until I found my work, and my Nira.

22- That I work too much? I love my job and the life it has given me, but sometimes, just sometimes, I think about vacations.

23- Tweet is my bestie.. I love her, and there is a reason we're double trouble… with Malta, we're a triple threat that no man survives.

24- Oh Sly and I discuss this often. He is so well read, he's like a dictionary. But the book that means the most to me? It's the one full of my patron notes, and quotes, sort of like a diary.

Deciding that maybe you guys might want to know more about me, I threw in one extra game. #Expressoyourself hosted by @chelseadevries, and it was a tough one for me at times, but that is the point of this, isn't it? Get to know the mind behind the characters running wild, get to know a bit about me, to see if you might be interesting in reading my books at some point, right?

#expressoyourself

2/1- Tough one right from the start… My sense of humor? Compassion for others? Fierce protective streak? I'm a work in progress, and grow fonder of it every day.

2/2- To be persistent, but patient. My confidence grows along with my #wip, just like a friendship, and half the fun is in the adventure getting there.

2/3- I may still be on the fringes of it, watching, but I have made some great connections that are already making me think differently, which adds depth and helps me grow as a #writer

2/4- Hard to answer, as everything I have written to date had romance elements, but I would say no, I don't write a story dedicated to romance, just use it as a common vehicle.

2/5- The little mermaid… there may have been a point in my younger life where I may have believed I was said mermaid…

2/6- I pick and choose thru different #writing books… some stick with me, others don't…

2/7- Incomplete? Um 7 maybe 8 or 9? Quite a few are "When I finish #WIP this is next, with pages of notes." Is there a prize or club for 10 or more? Might as well start my entry forms now…

2/8- No, most of my writing is done by typing, but I have tons of hand written notes and edits…

2/9- Any notebook is good… even used to use things like the back of my hand… A short pencil is better than a long memory!

2/10- Funny, and emotional. I write some deep stuff, but try to give a balance, so it is not too heavy or too fluffy in the end.

2/11- Sometimes… Usually start my #writing day by rereading the last few paragraphs, and minor edits are natural, other times I hack it to pieces and fix it to continue.

2/12- Last book I read completely? Dirty Book Club by Lisi Harrison. Neutral about it, since I felt there could have been more to it, or something. Worth the read, just not a full on loved read for me.

2/13- Next book? Flipping through writing books counts? I am on hold and awaiting Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, because I loved his #NaNoWriMo #peptalk

2/14- #AdrienneBasso isn't on Twitter, but she is a favorite… the rest of my shout outs are for @m_arbanassi, @EdwinaGustafson, @AndrewRoberts66, @patchworknerd, @thelaceylondon, and of course @awakeatlastrock because #music has #writers too.

2/15- Favorite part of the day? When you hit that moment and you know that this time is your free time, and can do what you please. Gotta #relax in between your daily crazy you know…

2/16- Lol more like how do I not procrastinate? Only way I get in the writing zone is with #music. Settles my mind, then helps me set the mood I need…

2/17- I actually don't! Probably should, but I work in a #library so I have my pick and don't think about it much…

2/18- Love… has given me the space to grow into my own confidence, and experience life beyond what I would have done for myself.

2/19- It's odd, and I do not normally recommend books, as people have opinions, but one that I read and enjoyed at a time I needed it was "I regret everything a love story" by seth greenland

2/20- I don't drink much while reading… suppose its because I like to have both hands occupied with the book… just whatever I drink that day I guess.

2/21- Not while reading unless vital to understanding the story.. maybe after the reading time (aka the end of the book) if its not too late or too sleepy

2/22- I already have my US travel companion in mind for book tour, get to see the country that way. Really want to see #London, #Poland, #UK and #Japan among others tho.

2/23- Besides my TBR book pile? My people know I have a thing for #purple, and #TweetyBird.

2/24- The broken and battered appearance deterred many others, who passed it by, but despite the care it needed, I took interest. For inside was a life and story I did not know I needed so. #loveabook

2/25- oh options! Who to pick? Musicians I love? Actors? Writers? I wish my possible future #litagent would find me first, love to chat there…

2/26- The same thing we do every night… Finish writing and editing, to take over the world Pinky! No idea where #PinkyandtheBrain came from… enjoy lol

2/27- Song lyric? @awakeatlastrock #purgatorium "Choices made on this glorious day Will decide your fate so let's play" Really good deep stuff if you think about it.

2/28- To young writers- There will be ups and downs, but never stop. There is something in you that wanted to write, listen to that tiny voice, even if it's like nurturing a dying flame, eventually it will become a fire.

That’s all the games from February... Looking forward to March! Might even play a little Male March Madness, stay tuned, and thanks to all my readers and followers. I hope to have more and more news to share this coming month!

[ladyofmind]

January Hashtag Games

Chances are you started to follow me for one of two reasons...

1- You saw my music posts and enjoy listening to my playlists (a great reason to be friends by the way)

2- You found me through my writing, and likely one of those writing-related topics was a hashtag game. Which, was more fun than I thought it would be, so there will be more of these posts in the future.

I participated in 3 games, this past month, and pulled my answered together in one place now.

First up is one that quickly became a favorite, even if I was a latecomer to it...

#characterstell, hosted and credited to @m_arbanassi, not only set one of my favorite characters loose on Twitter, but it also made me think more about some of the other faceless faces in my crowd. It also holds the honor of being the first post I had retweeted, not once but twice. I can not tell you how much Sly’s introduction, and it’s retweets meant to me. After all, it is very easy to just like and keep going, I do it often enough, but to retweet a post about a name? Sometimes the little things make a difference to someone else, and in this case, it was like being heard even a tiny bit in my new little fresh grass patch of Twitter. All because of a character with a name I researched quite a bit to strike the perfect balance, in what is essentially just an Easter Egg type of inside joke between myself and the real Sly.

#CharactersTell

15/1- Out of all the chars, spotlight falls on "Ballentine Rajneesh Siyamak, but you can call me Sly for short." In an old-school fashion, Sly bent at the waist. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, and welcome to this fascinating club. Are you here for a milkshake?"

16/1- (Sly) "I strive to be neutral, and my own person. I may have learned some of the finer arts of socializing from Miss Tweety, MC to you, but I prefer to be my own man." #lonewolf is an insult to *someone's* sense of self. Prefers #observer or maybe #batman

17- As host with a persona to upkeep, I find inclusion with all patrons. Gus was a mentor, Malta and Frost for dialect or brogue, Deej's comedic antics (thunderous stampede interruption of Bebe, caught by Nira) 👈 they keep us lithe and in need of disinfectant.

18/1- I like big books and can not lie… You don't get a moniker of "Dictionary" for being a music catalog. I have had some spirited debates about lyrics and… (Mechanical bat draws focus, #dancing on jukebox to play @tapefive #BadBoyGoodMan) #themesong        

19- I have been informed that I used to flirt poorly, where the person of interest was not even aware I was trying. Former covert coquet, now I woo those in low spirits, but I am not looking for any attachments. Might still be bad at knowing when I am courted...

20/1- Hotheaded? That is never me. I do not antagonize easily, nor can one ruffle my feathers as they say. If you are looking for argumentative types, talk to Nira about a duck. Or make fun of Frost's kilt. Who goes looking for that sort of trouble anyway?

21/1- If by weapons you mean a sharp wit, brilliant wordsmith talent, and the ability to make some mean drinks with a well-received boozy milkshake? Then consider me #always #armed and #dangerous

22/1- You saw me as the big lug the wee lasses took pity on, and danced with. They loved how I could toss them in the air, and I loved the respect getting the attention of Tweety, whom my snobby friend couldn't, got me. More admirers didn't hurt either ;)

23/1- hobbies? I have a girlfriend now, thanks to that one bar night, but I fix cars and love that. #classiccar fan right here.

24/1- My parents are like any other really, mom and dad are great, had a bunch of kids, some have made them grandparents. Nieces and nephews are adorable...

25/1- Yes! I'm the second youngest, with 2 brothers and 2 sisters. We're all old enough to start our own families now, and I can't wait to either!

26/1- is a story about an under confident guy (with a slick self important friend), who gets the attention of an influential woman, who opens up his love life from there worth telling?

27/1- if you asked my social status months before, I would have said absolutely not, but now? Yes, most definitely yes. 😁

28/1- broken the law? No. I may have been seen as a nobody, but I'm a good hearted nobody thru and thru!

29/1- MC: I have never said anything nasty about her as a person; I just disagreed with the business practices…

Ant: She… looks… less yellow…, and I hate you now too for making me do that.

30/1- I didn't have a story when you met me the first time, but my story continued, and I could very well be a confidante. It's not like I'm single therefore threatening to MC sensibilities…

31/1- Are we not all Main Characters in our own lives? If you act with confidence and charisma, you become important to someone else. A MC in their eyes.

Next up is #authorconfession, from  @-jm-sullivan and @jjulien25

This one was full of challenging questions, like the one about playing cards, or famous paintings? Who thinks about their work in progress that way? Super helpful, and worth the researching to play along...

1- Hello, I am a #library worker by day, #writer by night, simply putting the stories inside me out on paper. Goal is always to finish books and see about publishing them.

2- Resolutions? 1- To stop letting bestie embarrass me so 2- have the cupcake, enjoy the cupcake. 3- Not spend as much on clothing and shoe- *giggles* nope, scratch that one.

3- My @goodreads goal is 5 books, but I am always reading when I am not writing, I just don't always finish a book.

4- I just started my platform efforts barely a month ago, so actually having one is the start of my improving it. The dream is finding like minded souls who like my work…

5- Improving my writing means I have to improve my editing, but like my writing got better with practice, so too shall my editing…

6- Proud of in my writing? That there are scenes that move me, also that my test readers find emotional connections to the works.

7- If Tink were Tweet? I'd have to admit to #magic, but height, and possibly attitudes are similar. Tink would have an amazing wardrobe though. #fashionista wannabe MC anyone?

8- Diversity? I think that I have each character standing out with their culture, or wisdom, the one thing that makes them unique.

9- Ooh good one. The antagonist hits a few rungs on the sin ladder, even with henchmen. But her driving sin? Pride.

10- Weirdest place… Airplane? My hand? Oh how about when I am the adult watching library study hall? Best is when the kids don't come in, but you have to stay in case they do…

11- Mucky middle, and possibly needing to rewrite already, to shore up a big plot bunny that will only get worse if I don't fix it now.

12- Victory has to be doing #NaNo and making my 50k. Proved to myself I can do it, now I must keep up the momentum to keep #winning

13- 💃💃🕺 +  🥃🍸🍹👙🎉  = 😊😘😜🤔😳😮🤯🙄😎😇

14- So many choices! Tweety of course, because she is how I started really writing… but I have loved chars from @Lynsay_Sands, @JennAllyson, and Adrienne Basso

15- Two day #wordcount since midnight is only a clock setting…. #amediting- 5786 #amwriting- 378 plus many uncounted blog or Twitter post prepping.

17- T is totally Sweet, like the cheerleader next door, but she can be so sassy!

18- Can you measure love? Because my chars are important to me and so I honor them the best I can by trying to be present for them and their scenes.

19- This is a great question! I'm not sure, but I know Tweet would be a classics woman. #Casablanca… with #BreakfastAtTiffany's being a runner up film.

20- Tweety, Bebe, and Malta of course! They are known as triple trouble for a reason… Just bring the Cockney/English translator and you'll be fine.

21- The honesty in the memories; that was the only reason he couldn't stop reading. #spoilers if I kept going, but it's so good…

22- Famous painting? #Nighthawks by Edward Hopper is more her life, but #MadameX by John Singer Sargent is more how she feels about herself.

23- Fear GIF? Something like this… https://giphy.com/gifs/CAfSQXZj9JLQA/html5

24- Only if it's life threatening… My gals are #tinybutmighty and figure out how to get out of most things, together or apart. No woman is ever that helpless… unheard and unheeded maybe, but not helpless.

25- I have to say Tweet is the King of Hearts, doesn't matter that she's female, she rules the roost with love. Also thanks to @thecardsoflife for helping me figure that one out on their website. Going back to define a few more chars that way now…

26- My SO knows he's Nira, and already has an understanding about my relationship with fictional Woods or maybe Sly, because what writer doesn't want a dictionary brain to talk to?

27- Karaoke? Most likely find her singing #BeautifulGoodbye by Jennifer Hanson.

28- My #WIP has been with me for a long time now, and I am always impressed with its growth into its own established setting with cast of chars…

29- Transporting myself somewhere else? Or just giving a voice to the ideas and chars I love in my head.

30- Writing progress in this new year? None, other than starting social media… But in 2017, I finally finished writing book 1! January is rough to balance #work and #writing.

31- #SparkleOn to quote #AldousHuxley from my advice wall "A bad book is as much of a labor to write as a good one; it comes as sincerely from the author's soul." So just write good, bad, and ugly words. Only practicing will help you find your way of doing you.

Finally, we have that which might have been my first hashtag game find... #WIPjoy from @simmeringmind

1- Naomi aka Tweety lives and works in a bar/nightclub trying to keep a business running among a cast of strange characters, all while trying to find her self and maybe a little love too.

2- 5 things I value? Family, #music, my lessons from #librarylife, my hubs and the support we share, and of course, being able to express myself by #writing.

3- Only the legendary myths remain, sharing the stories in the Red Letters series...

4- To finish writing my books and edit them as well, to hopefully query by summer… #fingerscrossed #hardworkahead.

5- Switching to the sort of Male MC for this one. To be a #famous #rockgod of course. Maybe with the #muse of his dreams too? #spoilers?

6- (stained glass pic) Something that helped inspired depth in my bar #setting

7- The big one of 2017? Finally #finished writing the first #book! Only took more years than I would have liked… Still proud it's finished too.

8- My #strength as a #writer? The feels or #emotions you get from my characters, and my occasional bouts of #wisdom

9- "A giant Scot and a tiny Cockney drinking beyond the point of drunk? Really? So far the only thing that I can relate to is being drawn to a fine musician's arse in jeans."

10- T and B for the win here. Who doesn't have that sort of extreme friend that pushes you out of your comfort zone? Especially loves to make you blush when you're chatting with something cute.

11- Cry? Yes… a little death and heartbreak can do that to you. After all, if you don't move yourself, how can you move anyone else?

12- 1- Character growths from first book, 2- More grown up vibe, no G rating 3- Multiple stories intersecting 4- The pool scene #waitandsee 5- The direction it's taking me on it's own.

13- Without sharing #spoilers, in the first book, there is a description of the bar that feels pretty magical, any of the parts alluding to olden days really.

14- Unfortunately, my poetry days are behind me, been a long time since I wrote angst-y rhyming couplets. Yes I know that's not all poetry, but the reminders… *shivers* nope, no more cutesy dark things, unless it's music, men, or clothes…

15- I beat the #writersblock with #music… It sets the mood, first by taking me out of mine, and then transporting me to the mood I need to #write in.

16a- If someone is going to try to own me, they can and will try, simply because I seem like the ownable sort. But they never will, not entirely, because they will never be able to take away my memories. #daring #note not yet in WIP L

16b- other creative outlets? #cooking, and I like to take pictures, but do not like being in them… creative in ideas, less in execution lol

17- #WIP as food- something that looks soft, fluffy, and too sweet, like cotton candy, but in tasting it, there is depth, balance and richness to the sweetness. So… savory cotton candy?

18- too many to choose, going today's currently repeating list… @awakeatlastrock #purgatorium, Ocean Eyes @billieeilish, and @jakeowen If He Ain't Gonna Love You  

20- It's brave because under all the fluff, at it's core, it's a story about a woman overcoming obstacles meant to break her spirits and still coming out on top… somewhat

21- Halloween of course! The costumes, the candy, *shivers and rubs a spot on neck, blushing softly* the memories are the best part…

22- Goals? Is it really wrong to want a nice looking bar façade that lets the girls make all my money for me? I sing to keep the customers coming, and to show off ;)

23- Frost aka "Ach Lass" "Ah drank wi' th' wee Malta, 'n' efter ye left lest time, th' ither lass cam in. Git cried Tweety doo, 'n' she stuck wi' it. Glad tae ken a'm nae th' ainlie yin wha sees trouble wi' her. Gettin an ulcer fae her ideas..." #badaccents maybe?

24- Dress for successful day, deal with kitty carrying #coffee, why is there always soapy water near the sink? Put out cupcakes, chat, flirt, dance, avoid overzealous types, have a deep chat while #writing, barely make it to bed to do it all over again. #barlife #businessowner

25- Malta- "A day 'ha' changed me life? Da day I me' duck an' Fros' ov course. 'ah can you no' remember 'he day you mee' a bloke 'ha' doesn' lose in 'he game ov drink? so wha' if 'e's a Sco'.. cuppa?"-handed tea before memories become another Cockney/Scottish debate…

26- Relate to her? Once I got arrested because of her, and had to use my blackmail to get off, I walked away to start over. Don't care about her, and don't mention her to me again.

27- Family? Why the staff here is my family now, and there are more memories every day. I'm sure we've forgotten far too many stories, but I will always remember the Handcuffs Halloween… It all started with this band performance in the club….

28- Try to go trad, or at least chat with a #literary #agent first, got to check the iffy legal issues are only in my head… Self pub is not off the table, just got to get ducks in rows. Still understanding it being #Women'sFiction now... bye YARomance, maybe next time?

29- Write for? Myself, the friends I have made that inspired this story, just found out a family friend's youth is into writing, so more reason to test the waters first... #experience that can be taught to the next gen writers.

30- Another line from my inspiring quote boards- "Be so good they can't ignore you."

31- Twitter @ladyofmind721, Tumblr- ladyofmind.tumblr.com/ and Instagram @ladytweet721 If you think I should be anywhere else, let me know! Still debating/working up courage for Facebook…

So I had a great month, putting myself and my work out there for you guys, let’s see where February’s games will take us.... Happy Writing!!