#i really thought that i had leyned more things than this

[he-harim]

things ive leyned in a shul

Chukkat -- Shemot/Numbers 20:14-29 My bat mitzvah portion, Reform shul with triennial readings July 2011 / 5772 (?)

Eikev -- shishi, shvi’i, maftir (?) --  Masorti summer camp, also triennial August 2017 / 5777

Re’eh -- shishi, maftir (?) --  Ohel Mo’ed (Masorti/trad egal minyan), nontriennial August 2017 / 5777

Nitzavim -- revii, chamishi -- Devarim/Deuteronomy 30:1-14 Ohel Mo’ed  September 2017 / 5777

Vayetzei -- sheini -- Genesis 29:1-17 Ohel Mo’ed November 2017 / 5778

Mikeitz -- shlishi -- Genesis 41:39-52 Ohel Mo’ed December 2017 / 5778

Vayigash -- sheini -- Genesis 44.31-45.7 Kol Nefesh Masorti, my local shul December 2017 / 5778

Acharon shel Pesach (Re’eh shishi) -- rishon -- Deuteronomy 15:1-18 Ohel Mo’ed April 2018 / Nissan 5778 (also at Shavuot, also at Sukkot in Oxford, also at Pesach in Oxford 19)

Shemini -- rishon -- Vayikra 9:1-15 Kol Nefesh April 2018 / Nissan 5778

Maftir Shavuot -- Numbers/Bamidbar 28:26-31 Ohel Moed May 2018 / Sivan 5778

Beha’alotecha -- shlishi -- Numbers/Bamidbar 9:1-14 Ohel Mo’ed June 2018 / Sivan 5778

Balak -- 1/3 of weekday rishon, 22:8-13 Conservative Yeshiva weekday services June 2018 / Tammuz 5778

Pinchas -- 1/3 of weekday rishon, Numbers/Bamidbar 25:16-26:4 CY July 2018 / Tammuz 5778

Vaetchanan -- extremely trimmed for camp, the aseret hadibrot -- Deuteronomy 5:6-18 Noam camp July 2018 / Av 5778

Ki Teitzei  -- shlishi -- Devarim/Deuteronomy   Ohel Moed August 2018 

Ki Tavo -- rishon -- Devarim/Deuteronomy  Ohel Moed August 2018

Shmini Atzeret -- ??? -- Devarim/Deuteronomy 15:1-18 Oxford Egalitarian 8 Atzeret services (as in #8) October 2018 / Tishrei 5779

Rosh Chodesh -- sheini, shlishi -- Bamidbar/Numbers 3-5, 6-10 Noam WoW Solidarity Rosh Chodesh minyan January 2019

Mishpatim -- rishon -- Shemot/Exodus 21:1-19 Ohel Mo’ed February 2019

Vayikra -- shlishi, chamishi OhMo, March 2019

Zachor -- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 OhMo, March 2019 (same date as above

Beshalach – sheini (7th day Pesach shlishi) – Exodus 14:19-14 OJC (Oxford)

Re’eh – 8th day Pesach Shabbat shishi – Deut 16:9-12

OJC April 2019

Balak ‒ rishon (Mon+Thurs full leyning) ‒ Num 22:2-12 Yeshivat Hadar July 2019

[raiswanson]

Character Ask Game

Tagged in by @etjwrites to answer some questions from this tag game, and like the overachiever I am.....I’m just going to answer them all. :D

Let’s interview Rewill shall we?

1) if they could choose a new name, what would they choose?

[Rewill leans forward and looks directly into the camera] How about one that the author can pronounce consistently. That sounds like fun.

2) what’s a surefire way of making them happy?

Lots of things make me happy. Game night, spending time with friends, going to the diner back on Victorious. Look, I know the food looks like absolute ass but it’s good, I promise, once you get past the chalkiness of the powdered eggs they aren’t so bad, and the ham isn’t really so tough once you get used to it--Okay why are you looking at me like that. Fine, no diner special for you then, judgeypants.

3) what’s a surefire way of making them sad?

Well...again, lots of things. The usual things, I suppose. People being rude or aggressive for no reason, looking at the state of things in the outside world, seeing things in the news about the cruise starship “accidents”...I don’t...really want to get into this subject, if that’s alright.

4) what do they do when they feel sad?

What, you mean other than cry my eyes out? I dunno, I guess I talk less? Jiy always says I veer between dead silence and doubling my sass, but I don’t really see it. I just mope around feeling miserable until I get out of my funk.

5) how do they choose their friends?

That’s easy. I look around for someone interesting and go “that one. I’m going to talk to that one” and then I hang around until my endless charm wins them over and can’t bear to be away from me. It’s what I did with Maika! [sound of a fist banging furiously on the interview window] She’s a work in progress. But I’ve almost got her, I can tell.

6) what kinds of food do they like?

I like what everyone refers to as “space trash”, but they’re just snobs. There’s nothing wrong with a good old fashioned hot dog from a food district stand, or a greasy burrito from a shady little joint in the back end of the manufacturing quarter, okay? Way out here in space the stuff you can get there is just as fresh as whatever you got at your fancy restaurant, and you can’t get that flavor anywhere else.

7) who is the person closest to them?

Jiy. We’ve been together since we were small, and we’ve been through a lot. We share...mostly everything, and what we don’t share the other can usually kind of sense?

8) what kinds of music do they listen to?

I like all sorts of music, but anything with energy you can dance a tango to has a special place in my heart. Personal sentiment, you understand. That and whatever’s going on with those old school scifi films. That electro...synth...thing. I love that.

9) if logistics and money weren’t an issue, what kind of animal would they keep as a pet? (includes fantastical animals like dragons as well btw)

Hmm. I might have said dragon before all of this started, but I think that might be disrespectful to Pry? I wouldn’t call him a pe-- [Rewill pauses, staring straight ahead, then turns to scowl at the door] I am not your pet, Pry, don’t be rud--Lok, I’m pretty happy with the android hounds I have back on the ship. They’re polite and don’t get sassy with me and I wouldn’t dream of anything else.

10) what does the landscape of their mind look like?

Uhhh, probably not a lot like most, considering all the hardware I’ve got in there. It varies between a blank dark space with floating thoughts, and a literal console screen full of memory folders and input/output and stuff. It depends.

11) why do they like themselves?

Because I’m awesome? I’m an absolute delight and joy to be around. I bring light to every room I enter, enthusiasm to every task, and my smile could power an entire field of solar panels. What’s not to like?

12) what do they dream of doing if they had anything and everything open to them?

I’ve always wanted to travel. Like, through space, I mean. I’ve always wanted to be out there, but first I had Jiy to look after, and then Mach’s crew had to stick to the area for obvious reasons...but I dunno. I want to go out and see what’s out there. Everything is so big. I want to explore it all.

13) what fashion choices do they make? do they go more for comfort or style?

I enjoy a blend of both. I like to look good, but it I can’t move around easily I won’t go for it. That’s why I usually for a nice spacer suit and a jacket, maybe a utility belt if I need to carry a few extra things. I don’t really understand the fashions on the colonies, and up on the stations it’s really just suits or absolutely wild eyesores. I just want to be able to do my job and not get my ten foot long train covered in every snaggly material under the sun caught on every door I try to walk through, you get me?

14) if they had to go somewhere without a map, what’s the likelihood that they would make it there without getting lost?

I’m pretty good with following directions without a visual aid. You kind of have to be in my line of work--if you sneak into a cruise ship to swipe something from the vault and pop out in a room full of guards, you don’t get very far, you know? I can find my way around. I’ve always had a good head for it.

15) what types of people do they attract?

People like me, I guess. People that have an inherent need to help out and stand up for the people around them. Oh, and smart-talkers. Can’t forget that. Everyone around me is always full of wisecracks. Seriously, they never stop. It’s always aimed at me, too. Help.

16) what types of people are they attracted to?

Well, looking at my track record, apparently that would be people that can beat me up and trash talk me while they do it, hahaha. But seriously, I think I just like people. It’s a problem. Jiy used to get really jealous until I convinced him I only had eyes for him~

17) what is their greatest fear?

Ah. Yeah. I suppose part of that’s already happened, so I guess...losing Jiy. I can’t even...imagine...what I’d do if that happened. Even after all the close calls we’ve had, just thinking about it makes it hard to breathe and sets my heart rate off, and--yep, there it goes, I’m seeing malfunction warnings now, what did I tell you?

18) what kinds of body modifications would they do if they could? (e.g. tattoos, dyeing hair, piercings, etc.)

Ahh, ha, yeah, I think I’ve had enough of those for a lifetime. Considering how much of my is either metal internally or something hooked through my skin, I’m about done with making personal tweaks. I used to have a few more tattoos before, but after I got the synthetic stuff I never really bothered to replace them. I’ve thought about it, but...eh?

19) what are they insecure about?

I think I come on a little strong sometimes? Sometimes I wonder if I’m pushing too hard and no one wants to speak up about it. Or that I’m speaking over people and not realizing it. I think I’ve spent half my life hearing Jiy tell me otherwise, but, I still wonder.

20) how do they treat people/beings who have less power than them?

Power is kind of hard to quantify, isn’t it? Someone less physically strong might be able to run me in circles with another method, and vice versa. Someone with political power can still be taken down if you play your cards right and sweep it out from under them. Erm. I guess what I’m trying to say is I wouldn’t really consider anyone as having “less” power than me, so I can’t really answer that question. I’d treat them like I treat anyone else, because that’s who they’d be. Just another person.

And the tag games tag list!! You can answer either a few of all of the questions, go nuts!!

@helenpowers | @typeaadventures | @tundra-tiger | @jesse-is-inarguably-purple | @inkandkeyboard | @lilymaidofgallifrey | @booksaremymeth | @otramble | @dqwrites | @jade-island-lives | @jaidynwrites | @lady-redshield-writes |  @authorloremipsum | @thewitchthetimeladythehuntress | @midgardianthief | @sincerestaffect | @universalfanfic | @siarven | @paper-shield-and-wooden-sword | @authordai | @vulpixofwin | @incandescent-creativity | @dove-actually | @fictionshewrote | @ren-c-leyn | @kirabauthor |  @etjwrites | @homesteadchronicles | @asttralwriting  

[austrohungarianwriteblr]

Follower Celebration/WIP Excerpt: The Night We Met

60 followers? On my simple country blog? Amazing! Here, enjoy a snippet from the part of the tale where Our Heroes meet and it’s awkward for everyone. (which can alternately be summarized as “Marta, quit being horny on main, you’re scaring the hoes”). 

WIP Tag List (As usual, please give me a shout if you’d like to be added) :  @carumens, @galsinspace, @writingonesdreams, @booksnotbookies, @ren-c-leyn, @kiesinger, @ella-writes-words, @fields-of-ink, @halleiswriting

(Side note: If you follow my main blog you may have seen a version of this before. Please forgive me for airing a rerun).

At least partially to avoid Ludwig’s unsettlingly earnest gaze, Marta glanced over his shoulder at the small orchestra, whose members seemed thoroughly professional and focused despite not being in the Court Opera. The violinist closest to her was certainly entirely absorbed by the music; Marta’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, absentmindedly admiring his slightly-too-long dark red hair and long, elegant fingers. She didn’t know much about the Odysseum Opera Company, but they certainly seemed to be turning out nice-looking musicians… Then the violinist lifted his head, just slightly, and glanced in her direction. Good heavens. Now that was unfair. If Marta ever met God, she decided, she would have to have a very stern talk with Him about allowing mortal men to have eyes like that. Eyes that particular shade of blue-green, and of that intensity to the point where they seemed to be lit from within, belonged on pagan gods from the old Celtic folktales Marta’s English governess had told her—the sort who did interesting things like turning into foxes and kidnapping mortal girls to be their wives. Eyes like that had absolutely no business belonging to violin players in birthday-party orchestras. Was he looking at her? He had to be looking at her, or Marta thought she might scream, or do something equally ridiculous to get his attention. She eagerly leaned forward, hoping to catch his eye, her heart pounding in anticipation. “Marta? Are you all right?” Marta came back to herself with a start, suddenly aware that Ludwig was looking at her with concern in his pale blue eyes. With a twinge of embarrassment, she realized that while she had been staring at the violinist she had completely stopped moving her feet, leaving Ludwig to shift her about awkwardly. “Are you all right?” Ludwig asked again. “You’re looking a bit…feverish. Are you feeling ill?” “No, I’m really…” Marta put a hand to her cheek and realized, with surprise, that her face was quite warm. Probably bright red, too. How funny. “Do you know what, Ludwig, I think I am feeling a bit poorly. I must be tired from all the dancing. Would you excuse me for a moment? I believe I’ll sit down and have a glass of punch.” “Well, if you’re sure,” Ludwig said with a frown. “Would you like me to come with you?” “Oh, no, that’s quite all right. The dance is nearly over anyway, and I’m sure Sophie would be delighted to dance the next one with you. Don’t let me keep you.” Before Ludwig could object, Marta ducked out of his grasp and hurried to one of the benches set along the walls, dropping into a seat from which she could watch the handsome violinist to her heart’s content.

----

It was an agonizing twenty minutes before supper was announced and the orchestra was finally permitted to take a break. As groups of guests found partners to escort them to the dining room Marta hopped up from her seat, determined to find her violinist before the musicians disappeared down to the kitchens or wherever the help went during these breaks. She wasn’t entirely sure what she would say to him (a wordless scream of admiration, while representative of her feelings, was likely to be startling), but she could learn his name, at least. And congratulate him on how lovely the music had been. And stare at him some more. Thank God, it took her less than two minutes to find him. He was in the corner where the orchestra had been set up, engaged in an intense conversation with the Baron von Braumark, and was nodding valiantly as the Baron gestured wildly. Marta paused for a moment, inspecting his clothes with a connoisseur’s eye: his black suit was elegant, if threadbare, and she could not help but notice that his trousers were perhaps an inch too short for his long legs. Strangely enough, the air of shabbiness around him only made him more attractive, in a tragic way. “Ah, the lady of the hour!” Baron Ulrich boomed, seeing Marta approach them. “Mr. Király, I don’t believe you have made the acquaintance of Countess Marta von Holstadt, the very reason we are gathered here tonight. Countess, my dear, allow me to introduce Andras Király, one of the orchestra’s finest new violinists, fresh out of the Academy.” Andras turned those glowing turquoise eyes towards Marta, regarding her so intently it made her breath catch in her throat. Of course he was even more beautiful close up, Marta thought, her heart pounding. His cheekbones had to be sharp enough to cut glass, and his eyelashes were the longest Marta had ever seen on a man. Even his nose—which was on the long side, and had a bump in the middle—was utterly charming. And what a name he had. Andras Király. It sounded thoroughly heroic. He had to be Hungarian, with a name like that. “Countess,” Andras said politely, dipping into a graceful bow. He had a lovely voice, low and seductive, with a hint of a husky accent; Hungarian, just as she’d thought. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Marta managed just the slightest of curtsies—if she bent any deeper, she thought, her slightly shaking knees were certain to give out. “Likewise, Mr. Király. And you must let me congratulate you…the music tonight has been absolutely lovely.” Andras looked down at her—quite significantly down, he had to be at least eight inches taller than her—and offered her a small but sincere smile. “That’s very kind of you to say, Countess. I won’t say I entirely agree with you, but then it’s not easy to be satisfied with one’s own performance, as I am sure you’ll know if you have ever played music yourself.” “Oh, yes, you’re quite right. I spent ten years taking piano lessons and I was always terrified of being asked to play at a party because if I made even the smallest mistake I’d be furious at myself all night. I remember once at Christmas when I was eleven I forgot what came next halfway through Silent Night and I wound up just playing the same line five times in a row…” Realizing she was starting to babble, Marta quickly bit off the end of her sentence. “I beg your pardon. What I mean to say is, you and the rest of the orchestra have been excellent, and we’re awfully grateful you’re here. The orchestra is lucky to have you, I think.” “On the contrary, I think I am the lucky one. It’s quite an honor to be able to work here in Vienna…” Andras’ jaw tightened as though he was suppressing a yawn, and for the first time Marta noticed the pale violet circles under his eyes, as though it had been a few days since he’d gotten a good night’s sleep. “…Though,” he added, looking away absentmindedly, “my father might disagree with me about that…” “Would he?” Marta leaned forward eagerly, sensing a hint of intrigue. “Why is that?” Andras blinked, as if only just remembering she and Baron Ulrich were there. “Nothing important,” he said quickly. “Forgive me for keeping you, Countess, Baron, I expect they’ll need you to lead everyone in to supper. Allow me to wish you a very happy birthday, Countess.” He bowed again, this time kissing the back of her hand—merely brushing his lips against her gloved fingers, but even that was enough to make Marta feel her skin had burst into flame. With this he departed, leaving Marta to admire the lean, graceful lines of his body as he walked away. “A very pleasant young man, that,” Baron Ulrich remarked. “Far too many of these artistic types, especially the Hungarians, have no sense of how to speak to their betters.” “Mmm,” said Marta vaguely. “He works for the Odysseum Opera Company, didn’t you say, Baron?” “Quite so. Not a bad little troupe, even if their theatre is a bit run-down. I believe their next production will be Don Giovanni; your family will have to accompany us to one of the performances.” “Oh, yes,” Marta agreed ardently. “I can’t think of anything I would like more.”

[tenacious-scripturient]

THE ETERNITY’S MAGIC • PROJECT: EASTON

excerpt from Chapter Eight: Rack and Ruin // 869 words

EASTON

By now, the fourth day of the journey was over, and I awoke to someone shaking me back and forth.

“Let me sleep…” I groaned, and the smell of wet earth and rain filled my nose. Reaching around for the snooze button, I rolled onto my side.

Then I remembered there was no snooze button.

And that was because I wasn’t home. I was in Saecularia, out on a journey to save the world.

My eyes fluttered open, and I saw Wyatt and Aryia sitting in my tent. Mirus was perched on Wyatt’s head, somehow balanced and perfectly unmoving. They stared at me with unnerving expressions, and I wanted to hide under the blankets.

“Finally,” Aryia muttered.

Wyatt had a smile on his face. “You’re awake!”

Rubbing my neck, I sat up. It was sore—I must have slept on it weirdly. “Morning,” I yawned. “How long was I asleep?”

“Ten hours,” Aryia replied, and I realized why she sounded so ticked off.

“...Oh.” I smiled sheepishly and stood up, stretching my arms. “Heh… sorry. Anyway, what’s for breakfast?”

Eggs, it seemed, were for breakfast—or at least, some variant of eggs. Instead of being white and yellow, these ones were red and yellow. They tasted exactly like any other eggs, though, which was the only thing that mattered to me.

But I didn’t get to savour them for long, because we (I) had already wasted enough time. We were behind schedule, apparently. I hadn’t realized there even was a schedule, but Aryia seemed adamant on following it.

I picked up my bag, which had been left outside overnight, and grimaced. It was soaking wet. I sighed as I poked through the waterlogged fabric. Rain was great, but being in it wasn’t. A spot in the dirt squelched underneath my shoes.

Aryia was already done with her own packing. “Move faster,” she demanded. “Otherwise, we will leave you behind.”

I had just finished collapsing my tent, and I scowled at her. “Not everyone can be as fast as you, Aryia. Give me some time, for crying out loud.”

Still, I picked up the pace. I bent down and squatted as I threw my belongings in my bag, careful not to touch the damp ground. Mirus hovered near me.

“Wyatt is ready to go. And what is the reason you are not?”

“Can you just let me pack in peace without constantly bothering me? Please?”

She rolled her eyes and scoffed. “It is more like you are constantly bothering me. With your never-ending nagging and incredible stupidity, it is a miracle I have not killed you yet.”

She said that so nonchalantly, as if she really did believe it was a miracle.

I dropped my bag, and the contents spilled onto the ground.

“You know, ever since we started this stupid journey, you’ve been acting like there was no reason for me to come at all,” I said, a hint of boldness and anger in my voice. My face began to heat up. “You’ve been treating me like I’m just a hindrance. Like I’m less than you. Like I’m worthless.”

She looked down at me, her face sharp as ever. “Perhaps it is because you are.”

And with that, I finally blew up.

“I’m sick of you tell me I’m useless!” I shouted, looking right up at her. “That you’re better than me! Because you know what? You’re not! I might not be as strong or as smart as you, but—”

“Listen here, child,” she hissed. “I did not come on this quest to babysit you. I only came because Queen Titania told me to. And I do not need to play nice with you just because your feeling are a little hurt.”

“You could stand to be a little nicer to me! Would it really hurt that much to not be complete jerk 90% of the time?”

“In fact, it would!” Aryia was yelling now. I wasn’t used to this. She was usually calm, not angry. That was good. I couldn’t really think properly right now. Also good. That meant I could say everything I wanted without holding back.

I gritted my teeth. “You’re older than me, but that doesn’t make you any more entitled to respect than me! You have to treat me the same way I treat you!”

“Are you even aware of what entitled means?”

“Actually, I am! So quit it before I leave this stupid mission and make you realize how entitled you are to have me!”

“You need the tome to get back home as well.”

“See if I care!”

Wyatt stood there, anxiously rocking back and forth.

He seemed hesitant to speak. “Hey, guys, there’s no reason to fight. We can just—”

“Shut up!” Aryia and I yelled in unison.

I immediately regretted it.

Wyatt blanched, then dropped his gaze. “Sorry,” he muttered. Mirus whined.

Aryia seemed to have some remorse as well, because she turned around and stormed off. “I do not wish to continue this useless bickering,” she said, her voice hard. Neither of us stopped her.

I turned back to Wyatt. He was sitting on a log now, looking down at the dirt. His wings were slumped, and they seemed to have lost their shine.

Great job, Easton, I thought. You just hurt the one friend you had on this trip.

TAGLIST•

@ink-flavored​ @phoebette​ @2krisp​ @charvaughn-writes​ @quilloftheclouds​ @starrywritingg​ @malaykawrites​ @cookiecutterwrites​ @lady-redshield-writes​ @writeblrcabinetofwonders​ @astoryinmypocket​ @ren-c-leyn​ @dove-actually​ @the-real-rg​ @timefirewrites​ @holotones​ @sunlight-and-starskies​ @agnodice-writes​ @writing-instead-of-fighting​​ @heldinhishands​​

[likelyfantasywriterspsychic]

So I was Tagged by @ren-c-leyn for this and I thought it would be fun to do for my characters from In a Little Town:

  Rules: Assign ability points to your OCs. Abilities include Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma. Each ability has a maximum of ten possible points.

[[MORE]]

Sylvia "Silver" Nightengale:

Strength: 7

Dexterity: 10

Endurance: 7

Intelligence: 8

Wisdom: 4

Charisma: 6

Thr main character, She's actually really smart, and she gets good grades but she doesn't have the most sage advice, and normally has to turn to her friends to get some idea on how to proceed (not that she does very often). She's more of a strategist and fiercely independent (as she's had to be for most of her life) she taught herself alot of flips and tricks, which she uses in her fights alot making her a very difficult opponent. She can lead but it is difficult for her, as her natural temper flares a little too often, and when pushed to a breaking point becomes hyper-focused on her goals and will go through anyone that attempts to stop her.

Frankie Sterling:

Strength: 8-10 (depends on if she's in or out of hulk mode)

Dexterity: 6

Endurance: 5

Intelligence: 6

Wisdom: 10

Charisma: 8

Silver's best friend. She bruises easily and can't really take a alot of hits, alot a bit of a clutz, since she's more often looking through a camera lens than where she's going. When she goes hulk mode you don't get a hit in. The entire group is svarrd of her when shes pushed too far, but she's the one that everyone goes to for advice about life and stuff by far, and even some of the older characters end up turning to her, and respecting her thoughts and ideas.

Xander "Kuja" Maxwell:

Strength: 8

Dexterity: 7

Endurance: 8

Intelligence: 8

Wisdom: 6

Charisma: 10

Silver's boyfriend, he's a natural leader, which is why everyone seems to circle him alot of the time. He's not the smartest but he has friends that he knows he can delegate to, and does on a regular basis. He knows how to use their strengths to his advantage. He's been in alot of fights which grants him some of the most endurance, and he trains alot to make sure that he can take hits that are meant of the others. A bit of a martyr, he leads the charge alot always standing infront of the others. But when it comes to more personal stuff he is, just, such an idiot

Aaron "Raven" Wilde:

Strength: 7

Dexterity: 8

Endurance: 7

Intelligence: 6

Wisdom: 8

Charisma: 4

Smart and alot less of an idiot than his best friend Kuja, Raven can't talk his way out of a paper bag, he stumbles on his words alot even though he's a great writer (no, totally not a reflection on his creator) he's darker and more cynical than the others, & the only reason girls hang around is cause he gives off the bad boy stay away vibes when really it's just cause he's an akward little bean. He's wiser than Kuja, and often has to step in to check the more impulsive Silver and Fluff. He comes off as a real jerk but he has his tender moments and despite apperences really does love his friends.

Luke "Shaggz" Jensen:

Strength: 5

Dexterity: 9

Endurance: 5

Intelligence: 9

Wisdom: 9

Charisma: 7

The cinnamon roll of the group, and the emotional center, he's the smallest of the guys but also the smartest in more ways than one. He can destroy your live without every physically touching you which is good cause while he has trained to fight he isn't the greatest at it. Still everyone in the group respects his thoughts and are all a little terrified of him. After all he knows all the secrets of everyone in town. Push him to far, and he could burn the town without lighting a match.

Kane "Fluff" Bishop:

Strength: 10

Dexterity: 3

Endurance: 10

Intelligence: 4

Wisdom: 5

Charisma: 5

The last and "scariest" of the group he's the one you always want on your side in a fight. He is the oppitamy of the Crouching Bad-ass Hidden Moron. He is the strongest and biggest at 6'4" with muscles to match. He struggles to keep up with alot of the others in the smarts department but makes it up with the fact that he can defend them when things get bad (happens alot) and is actually really sweet and kind. Sometimes he can suprise the others by saying something really deep but then goes back to being his same goofy self. He always manages to break the tention when they gey too serious, but he knows when its need and when its not (most of the time). He's plays more of a goofy big brother role, which seems surprising considering how he looks. Alot of people are scared of him because he has the highest intimidation check ever, but once you get know him he really is just a Fluffy (get it?) Teddy Bear.

I'm not sure who to tag here so I'll just leave it open to anyone.

[tobiandjane]

name: tobias garrett williams

age: 18

gender: male

appearance: for the first half of the book, his hair is washed and pale due to numerous do-it-yourself dye jobs with an inch of naturally, dark colored roots. the second half it’s a dark maroon color after ryn demands it be changed. his hair is grown out to his ears in a moderate and messy manner. he has deep green eyes (without a hint of brown). vitiligo on his neck that stretches up to cover the bottom of his jaw and onto his cheek just slightly. defined jaw and semi-defined cheek bones. wears really simple clothing (you could find it in the basics section at old navy). has several piercings including: double lip piercing (called spider bites), an eyebrow piercing, two black studs and a bar piercing across his ear. he has a leo constellation tattoo on the side of his wrist (which is really important), tall (6′3), lean but slightly toned. 

background: tobias williams has had everything but an easy life. tobias and his dad were very connected in his early life, until his dad decided to get up and leave without notice during the second semester of his sophomore year. not only did it shatter tobias, but his mother as well. tobias and his mom were at each other’s throats up until the second semester of junior year, around the one year anniversary of his father’s sudden leaving, when they realized they had to stick together. after the wars of bickering ended between tobias and his mother, they had each other’s backs and were now closer than ever. tobias’s mom runs an incense shop called woodland essences, which is just a cover on the fact that she is a complete and utter stoner, and allows tobias to smoke with her, too. she claims it takes the edge off of things, and it’s a good coping mechanism. tobias likes the way it makes him feel, so he can’t help but give in. he knows it’s wrong, but at this point, he’s done so many wrong things. in fact, that’s all tobias thought he was good for, causing trouble. so that’s what he did. and a lot of it, too. 

relationships: very close with his mom, best friends with scotty, eventually becomes ryn’s boyfriend

sexuality: straight

positive personality traits: CAN BE gentle, caring, compassionate, willing, funny, loving, honest.

negative personality traits: CAN BE mean-spirited, sarcastic, unmotivated, judge mental. IS ALWAYS rebellious, obsessive (without realizing it).

notable characteristics: vitiligo, piercings, constant hair change, likes to skate, is self-destructive (in the sense that he enjoys smoking). 

excerpt:

Tobias Williams was never naturally mean-spirited or angry, but his aggressive tendencies and negative attributes to his personality had grown more and more malicious over the past few years and finally, he hit a breaking point. It felt as if his entire body was on fire, his veins had shattered in to millions of tiny shards, and his heart was close to imploding. Tobias pushed the door of his 1969 Chevrolet Half-Ton open so intensely, the door could have broken right off the silver hinges. But that wasn’t a concern to Tobias in his current state, his main concern was the god-awful email that had appeared on his phone while he was out, getting things for school (which he already hated the idea of).

It felt as if there were weights attached to Tobias’s ankles as he marched up to the door of Woodland Essences, his mom’s incense shop. Just as he had before, Tobias ripped the door of the shop open and, this time, slammed it behind him. When Tobias met gazes with the glaring eyes of his mother, he folded his arms. The stare between Tobias and his mom was held for a few seconds, and she had made it clear to Tobias, she wasn’t going to talk first.

“What the hell, mom?” Tobias knew he misspoke, but betrayal such as this hit him harder than anything else did. The worst thing you could do to Tobias is betray him, treat him like he didn’t matter. Treat him like he existed one day, and was a ghost the next.

“Do not take that tone with me, Tobias,” his mom said calmly, but in a stern manner. She had adapted to Tobias's outbursts, as they were becoming more and more common. In fact, she believed there wasn’t much hope in curing Tobias’s violent impulses. Quietly, Tobias’s mom stood up from her chair behind the counter, “What are you so flustered about?” She asked, even though she knew exactly what was wrong.

“You talked to the principal about my grades and now you’re making me follow Ryn fuckin’  Wilbury around for my entirety of senior year? Are you kidding me,” Tobias’s mom wanted to butt in, yet he continued venting his wrath, “That girl is a stuck-up, wannabe, cheerleader, bitch. Everyone pretends to like her because they’re all intimidated by her book smarts.”

Tobias’s mom simply gave him a sad look, “I didn’t think you’d be angry, you told me you needed help,” Tobias shook his head. He didn’t mean literally, but maybe it didn’t come out in the joking manner Tobias thought it did. Tobias’s mom continued speaking, “I’m sorry, Tobias, I can’t retract the deal, and as your mom, I believe you need this help. Somewhere in there, you know you need it too,”

Tobias stood and didn’t say anything, his pale hair slightly damp from the humidity of the fading summer days, stuck to his forehead. So, his mom continued,

“Who would I be to turn down help that you clearly need? Makes me look pretty bad, don’t you think?”

“I guess,” Tobias muttered, scuffing his Vans along the wooden floor of the shop, grumbling.

(tobi westport, misaligned stars 2019)

tag list: @tenacious-scripturient @fantasy-studiies @novicewriterstuff @ren-c-leyn

message me (@tobiwestport) or comment on this post to be added to the tag list!

[joyful-soul-collector]

33/11/11 Tag

Rules: Answer the 11 questions of the person who tagged you, make up 11 questions, then tag 11 people to answer them. 

Thanks for tagging me @azawrites, @tracle0, and @ren-c-leyn! I decided instead of making three separate posts, it’s be easier to just put ‘em all in one spot.

Questions from @azawrites:

1. What makes you get up and write?

Whenever I have time really. If I have free time, you’ll catch me in front of my laptop, tryin’ to figure out a scene

2. Where and how did you get the idea for your wip (or past project)?

For AR, I was inspired by a webcomic called Patrik the Vampire, as well as a lot of tumblr posts about aliens reaction to random human stuff. 

3. What was the first thing you wrote?

I wrote a story about a girl who could make her imaginary friends come to life! She had two, Poofles, a giant grasshopper lookin’ thing, and Robo, a robot with a big feathery plume coming out of his head. Both are actually imaginary friends I had when I was younger. She fought crime with them!

4. Are any of your ocs based on someone you know?

I dunno about based on, but a lot of my OCs have similar traits to me. Jace is definitely the one who is most like me.

5. How long do you plan a project before you start writing it?

I'm not sure. I find that if I plan for too long, I lose interest. I tend to write and then peice a plot together as I go, and then I go back and edit it to the plot that I’ve thought up by the end. I’m not sure that’s the best way to go about it, but that’s what happens lol.  

6. Which books shaped your writing style?

Definitely Ready Player One and Harry Potter. I’d also say a few comics like Saga, Sweet Tooth, and Ultimate Spider-Man also helped. Both helped me develop how I do my characters and worldbuilding, but novels helped me more with the actual style.  

7. What’s your favorite oc quote?

Something Jace says: “Everyone has their own version of everything. Their version of fine, of giving up, of happy, and sad, of angry, and calm, of life in general. It’s just that mine is a little more… specific.”

8. Would you like to work as a writer, or have another career? 

Writing would be fantastic. If I could just write novels for the rest of my life and make good, sustainable money off of that, it would be a dream come true. I’m just not sure how possible that is honestly. 

9. Describe your writing space

We have one of those L shaped couches, and I sit right in the corner. Feels like a nice hug.

10. What are you reading now?

I’m reading the comic Saga, by Brian K Vaughan. Fun Fact: Jace was named after him, though his last name is spelled Vaughn.  

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

I go to school, take care of my little sisters, and scroll on tumblr endlessly. 

Questions from @tracle0:

1) What’s the first book you remember reading? 

There’s this picture book called There’s A Hole in My Pocket, and that’s a first one I remember. It had little elephants, it was so cute.

2) What’s the first book/story you remember writing? 

I wrote a story about a little girl who could make her imaginary friends come to life!

3) What’s a piece of media (book, series, film, whatever) that you go back to when you’re sad? 

Avatar: The Last Airbender and Ready Player One.

4) Can you draw parallels between your OCs and characters in published fiction? If so, list a few (or all of them I’m not your boss)

I can’t think of any at the moment, though I know I’ve taken inspiration from my favorite books and shows.

5) Think of an OC. Any OC. Now express their general mood in their story in one (1) emoji.

Hazik: 😇

6) What’s a plot point that makes you cackle when you think about it because omg it’s such good writing?

There’s a chapter that’s got lil Jace in it. There’s also one for Hazik, but I like the Jace one better. I call them my Back To The Future chapters. 

7) Have you ever done an Accidental Smart in your writing? If so, what?

I apparently wrote a bunch of stuff while I was hella tired at like five am. I barely remember doing this because I’d stayed up real late the other night too, so I was even more tired that normal. I opened the doc a day later and there was the entire backstory of why Hazik was on Earth.

8) What songs do you associate with your stories? 

AR goes with: Mimir from the God of War 2018 soundtrack (at the more serious moments), To All of You from the Life Is Strange soundtrack, and Anyone Else But You from the Juno soundtrack.

9) Are you better at dialogue or description? 

Dialogue definitely. 

10) Have you ever gotten better at doing something because you put it in a story and had to research? If so, what? 

Better at reciting facts about scar types, and 

11) Have you had a drink of water recently? Go on, drink some water. It’s good for you.

Nope! Thank you for the reminder!

Questions from @ren-c-leyn:

1. Favorite literary device?

Motif. There are quite a few in AR, so ya know, might wanna look out for that ;)

2. What is the hardest thing for you to write? (setting, details, dialogue, ect.)

I cannot do setting. Sometimes I accidentally write everything except where the characters ARE, and they’re just talking heads in a place only my brain can see.

3. What is the best advice you have ever gotten?

If you look at your old writing, and see that it sucks, that just means you’ve gotten better.

4. Is there a detail or particular bit of description that seems to come up in your writing a lot?

Colors. Red in particular. Also, the phrase “Amazing, actually.” These are totally not motifs at all. Pay absolutely zero attention to them.

5. Name a trope you love and will read/watch to death.

Angsty person with a sad backstory gets a nice happy ending

6. Is there any writing advice that kind of stole your motivation and made you feel bad instead of helping?

My friend can be blunt, and I asked her to read on of my things once and she got on one of the lines that I really liked and just tore into it. I didn’t end up deleting it though, her reasoning wasn’t good.

7. Do you do anything creative outside of writing?

Not really. 

8. Favorite fairytale?

Jack and the Beanstalk!

9. Do you like playing visual novel games?

Yeah! I play Choices and The Arcana all the time! I’ve also played Life Is Strange and Oxenfree, which aren’t technically novel games but they are story oriented.

10. Where do you tend to get your best ideas from?

Watching movies and TV shows 

11. Scariest part of writing for you?

The part where other people edit it. I’m always scared they’re gonna hate it. I want people to edit it, and I want them to give their honest opinion, but some people can be more mean than helpful. 

My questions and people I’m tagging are under the cut!

I’m Tagging: @tracle0, @quirky-squid, @masksandmadness, @alexis-writes-sometimes, @albatris, @gabbysmadness, @txintedsxint, @timetravelingpigeon, @thel3tterm, @necromancymajor, @kai-writesstuff

My Questions for you all are:

1. What is your favorite OC quote?

2. What’s your favorite font?

3. Which OC has the saddest backstory? (or the least happy?)

4. Which OC has the happiest? (or the least sad?)

5. What’s a vague spoiler for one of your WIPs?

6. Do any of your WIPs carry the same themes? What themes?

7. What are your favorite character/situation tropes?

8. What do you like most about yourself?

9. Which on of your ocs is your favorite character to write?

10. What is the longest you’ve ever written for?

11. Favorite food?

[adenhamcreations]

WIP Questions!

Tagged by the awesome @fatal-blow! Thanks so much! This one really got me thinking deeply about my characters.

Under the cut since it’s 20 questions and kinda long.  :) 

1: Describe the plot in one sentence

A fresh out of high school girl discovers that she has the supernatural ability to erase memories and is blackmailed into starting a shady business using them. 

2: Pick one sight, smell, sound, feel, and taste to describe the aesthetic for your WIP.

Sight: A small, familiar childhood town. Little businesses lined up in the center, with residential areas sprawling from them. 

Smell: The smell of burning paper.

Sound: The voice of an old friend echoing through your head.

Feel: A person’s skin that you know well.

Taste: Bitterness from unspoken words. 

3: Which 3+ songs would make a playlist for your novel?

Yellowcard - “Paper Walls.”  Anberlin - “Paperthin Hymn.” Panic at the Disco - “House of Memories.” 

4: What’s the time period and location in which your novel takes place?

Present day, a small town in Alabama (name pending).  

5: Are there any former titles you’ve considered but discarded?

Not at all. It’s always been Sin Eater. 

6: What’s the first line of your novel?

“The first time I knew something was wrong with me was when I was eighteen.”

7: What’s a line of dialogue you’re particularly proud of?

A little long, but I really enjoyed writing this particular chapter/conversation:

“Sorry, thanks. I guess it can be hard not to get a little lost in the memories. I know that’s probably silly,” he chuckles bashfully. “No,” I shake my head quickly. “It makes perfect sense to me.” We come to another clearing. The grass is lush and tall here, an ocean of green. It scrapes the bottom of Aiden’s Jeep as we drive over it. The spot he stops at is another lovely view: you can see for miles. The city’s lights look like tiny dots from here. They must be switching on since the sun is going down. “This is really pretty,” I say as we exit the Jeep.“Yeah, it’s a little secret spot that I found. At least I think it’s a secret, since I’ve never seen anyone up here.” “Well, I like it.”“Yeah? I thought it might be kind of lame compared to the epic sunset yesterday.”“No way. I never did this kind of stuff growing up,” I admit. “You missed out,” he says, grinning. “Amber and I always liked exploring. We called them our ‘Adventures.’”“That….is freakin’ adorable,” I grin back. “Amber came up with it. She said it felt like we found stuff that nobody else ever did.” Aiden picks up a stick and throws it over the edge. We watch it but don’t see where it lands. “That probably wasn’t true, but as a kid...it feels like the whole world is yours, you know?”“I definitely understand that.”

8: Which line from the novel most represents it as a whole?

“I will face everything that I’ve been avoiding and move on with my life, no matter how hard or painful, no matter what comes my way.”

9: Who are your character(s) face claims?

I’m not sure I quite understand this question. Does it mean what we based our characters’ looks on?  If so: Probably a mix of people I know, to be honest. For instance, I had crushes on a lot of guys with brown hair and brown eyes back in high school, so Parker being Jayde’s high school crush, that’s how he looks. I also wanted Jayde and Jenny to look a little bit opposite of each other, so I based their looks on that criteria. 

10: Sort your characters into Hogwarts houses

I actually know NOTHING about Harry Potter... XD 

11: Which character’s name do you like the most?

I loved the name Aiden and just had to use it... and after I picked it, one of my best friends named their son that (only spelled differently)! She didn’t even know about my book yet. Meant to be. 

12: Describe each character’s daily outfit

Jayde - She likes skirts and wears them frequently, even in the winter I’ve drawn her a lot in jean skirts, because I used to wear them back in high school. To top it off, maybe a V-neck shirt in some bright color, I’d say yellow.

Jenny - Jeans too long for her legs, a hoodie if it’s cold. A t-shirt if it’s hot. She isn’t into showing off her skin or body.

Parker- A nice polo with stripes, ironed jeans and super clean tennis shoes.

Aiden - Nothing too flashy - A t-shirt and jeans, usually torn or with mud, oil, or some other stain on them.

Amber - Tank top and capris.

13: Do any characters have any distinctive birthmarks/scars?

Amber has a nasty scar on her right shoulder from her father. 

14: Which character most fits a character trope?

Probably Aiden. He’s the classic guy with a dark past who hides it with sarcasm and general jerkiness. 

15: Which character is the best writer? Worst?

I haven’t thought much of it, but i’d like to imagine that Jenny is the best writer. She’s quiet, but she’s also wise. Her recovery through her lost memories made her strong, capable, and unafraid. i could see her writing an amazing book about that.  As for the worst... maybe Amber? I don’t see her enjoying sitting at a desk typing away or writing in a notebook.

16: Which character is the best liar? Worst?

Jayde is the best liar. She becomes practiced at it due to her secretive job and when she’s hiding her true feelings from Jenny and Parker throughout the book. Amber is definitely the worst liar. She’s usually too honest and unafraid to say what she’s thinking.

17: Which character swears the most? Least?

Aiden definitely swears the most. Meanwhile, Jayde’s two best friends, Jenny and Parker, rarely do (probably due to their strict upbringings). 

18: Which character has the best writing? Worst?

Jayde may by default just because she’s my main character and gets the most spotlight. Not sure about the worst. 

19: Which character is the most like you? Least like you?

I think a mix of Jayde and Aiden are most like me. Jayde in the beginning was my younger self - not a care in the world, loved attention, was loud and silly and loved to laugh. But as she ages and reality hits, she becomes more somber and shy. She isn’t as boisterous and tries to accept herself as she is now (which I’ve had issues with). As for Aiden, he hides hurt and hard times by using jokes and a sunny attitude, which I’ve done so much before. As for least like me, I’d have to go with Vivian, Jenny’s (Jayde’s best friend) mother. She’s tightly wound and is usually passive aggressive towards everyone. She also can’t accept her daughter for being bisexual, which I couldn’t ever understand feeling that way. She tends to think she’s of a higher social standing than everyone else and wants her family to “look” a certain way to everyone outside. 

20: Which character would you most like to be?

They all kind of have sad backstories, so I don’t think I’d want to BE them necessarily. But I’d most want to be more like my OC Amber. She has a lot of crap happen to her and is silently strong in many ways. She accepts what happened to her, isn’t ashamed of it, but also doesn’t pity herself. She takes kickboxing to become physically stronger so the same thing won’t happen to her in the future, and she’s still trusting and open to making new friends. 

Tagging for my babes on my Sin Eater WIP tag: @metaphors-and-melodrama @snowdropwrites @drist-n-dither @jeeanmoreau

And any others! I wanted to tag some new followers too so that they can join the fun.  :)  @artsyclusterfuck @lgbtqiauthor @the-real-rg @agent-me @ren-c-leyn @jeteveux-siempre @toboldlywrite @jessawriter

[half-explored]

11-11-11 tag game

Oof question making time.

Which of your OCs would choose a knife to defend themselves at the   Cornucopia if they had to choose a weapon? Who would run away anyway?

Do you like musicals? Which of your OCs do?

What’s one reason you would drop a book except hateful messages and what not?

What’s the best thing you ever did in primary school/elementary school (americans be like)?

Have you listened to Hamilton?

What’s your music aesthetic?

Marvel - yes or no?

Make up a word on the spot and tell me if it’s a noun, adjective, verb, adverb (you get the jist). What mood do you use it in?

What’s your favourite trope?

Why do you write?

How do you plot? And if you don’t, how the hell do you pants? (writing by the seat of your pants or not plotting for those not in the know)

Tagging: @everyone @hyba​ @surroundedbypearls​ @duskyseas​ @fantastical-wonders​ @cookiecuttercritter​ @abalonetea​

Answers under the Read More!

These questions were from @ren-c-leyn!

1. twenty seconds from doom, what is your character’s last thoughts/dying wishes?

Madu - is someone getting this on camera? I bet I look so cool. All saving the world and what not. (they’re probably whispering this to Nova or Anais and both are DONE with their bullshit.)

2. which is more musical? the tapping of a keyboard or the sound of a pen/pencil on paper?

keyboard

3. hardest part of writing for you?

writing the first draft

4. best part of writing for you?

character bios and plotting. because i can’t write oop

5. did you ever want to be something besides a writer?

I have a lot of ambitions but writer was always up there. They include being a cardiologist, a lawyer & a marine biologist.

6. what is the cutest thing in the world to your character?

Anais - Someone getting injured for her while making sure she’s safe.

7. best compliment you ever got on your writing, ever?

The! Amount of worldbuilding! In such a small passage! Is astounding!

IMMORTAL-ISH??? WHAT

I ENJOY, THANK YOU FOR THE TAG! - @quilloftheclouds *mwah*

8. most encouraging thing anyone has said to inspire you to keep writing?

You have more words today than you did yesterday (some random quote I saw)

9. favourite quote?

This is pretty cool -  “ Of all the things that can boost emotions, motivation, and perceptions during a workday, the single most important is making progress in meaningful work.”  Teresa Amabile

10. favourite word to say out loud?

I don’t really know I make up words on the fly. But out of what I can remember recently saying to my sister this would be it: ‘Bubbleschnutt’.

11. one thing you would say to another writer who is discouraged?

Don’t stop. How will I read your writing then?

Idk that sounds cheesy now but idgaf

Now for @bookenders‘s questions!

if someone wrote a country song for your oc, what would it be about? would it be sad country? angry country? classic country? For Nova it would be wistful county if that exists. Idk I don’t like country music much.

what’s your favorite statue or sculpture? I...I don’t have one oops

do you play any instruments? what is your favorite instrument to listen to? what is your least favorite instrument to listen to? I can fluently play trumpet & piano because those are the only two instruments my parents let me learn how to play.

instead of fmk - slow burn, enemies to lovers, fake-date: dumbledore, persephone (from greek myth), and gollum (not sméagol, no cheating). WHAT THE-  *searches up gollum* WHY ME. Persephone, Gollum & Dumbledore in that order I don’t like the man

what’s your favourite candy? or if you can’t choose, top 5? Americans are weird. I don’t know if you mean candy as in like sweets and skittles or chocolates. Goddamn. Um for candy, skittles, jolly ranchers (dang americans have one thing i want), allens confectionery snakes and sour chews, nerds and warheads.

which of your ocs is the worst artist? if each could design a cover for their respective wips, what would they create? Madu really tries, honestly, but they have no idea what they’re doing. They all share the same wip so they’d argue over it until they realise that Heru would destroy it no matter what it looked like and then they’d finally let the only artist, Nova, to design it. And they’d spray paint it, hunner percent.

what’s your favorite part of editing? Never edited before but probably switching word choices. Sounds like a good time.

of all the notebooks/sketchbooks/etc you own, which is your favorite? I get a lot from a store called Typo (I have no idea if it’s worldwide or just an Australian thing) but you can buy 3 notebooks for the price of $15 just before school starts so I usually get 6 with the Disney covers because they’re the cutest. Don’t make me choose ;~;

what’s one book you’re looking forward to reading? C.G Drew’s book The Boy That Steals Houses and The Queen of Nothing GODDAMNIT HOLLY BLACK.

what kind of museums do your ocs like? what museums do you like? Madu: warm science museums that are half empty. Nova: Empty pop-art museums. Anais: If you bring Anais into a museum and you’re both thrown in jail I’m blaming you. Heru: Classical art museums that are cold and well lit. 

how many of your ocs does it take to change a light bulb? Only Nova can change a light bulb honestly but they’re all dumb gays so they’d all fuck it up but try and help.

[imaghostwriter]

WIP Tag Game

i was tagged by the lovely @ren-c-leyn​. thank you so much!

1. When starting something new, how much do you know about the story before you start writing?

i usually play with my new idea for several months, start fleshing it out in my head, maybe connecting it to other ideas i had at some other point. some of my ideas never make it to written stories but if they do then it’s bc i already know all the characters that are going to be important and have a specific idea of what the goal of the story is and the general outline of how i’m going to achieve it.

2. What draws you to your WIP(s)? Why did you choose to write that/those over anything else?

oh my, that’s a difficult question! 

well, with my fantasy novel it’s rather easy. i wanted to write something with a friend of mine, make it a game by always taking turns with writing the chapters and giving the other one complete reign over one’s own characters (the only rule being that they’re not allowed to kill them off). she only writes fantasy so i agreed to having the story set in that genre even though i don’t usually write classical fantasy. but then i fell in love with the world and the characters i created and by now i have a huge headstart on her bc i never stop worldbuiling lmao :D

with my drama novel i’m not sure i have an exact reason or an explanation. it includes a lot of topics that fascinate me (it’s set in the us during the 60′s and early 70′s). the politisation of a whole generation (mostly bc of the vietnam war), the black power movement, free love, feminism. i have a lot of fun writing about and playing with questions of identity and expectations and so the plot of my novel created itself almost naturally. also, i felt like writing something very minimalistic in terms of style which goes very well with this story

3. Favorite writing spot? Why?

my room. more specifically, my bed. i like to be comfy.

4. Share your favorite line of what you’ve written so far!

i don’t have one. there are several lines that i’ve written that i like, most of them bc they work so well in their context but i don’t have The Favourite. but i guess i can share a line or two from my fantasy novel which i like. or more like.. a paragraph. this one leads up to the introduction of one of my main characters

(DISCLAIMER: the original is in german. this is a free translation that i did just now.)

Autumn was still fresh but the wind had already taken on a biting chill that forced those residents of Leynin who could afford it to wrap themselves in thick coats or hide behind closed doors. In the alleys near the city wall however, northeast from the pompous main entrance and well-hidden from the sensitive eyes of the rich, crawled the rats.

They were not like the common rats you could find in the sewers or occasionally in your pantry. These rats had no pointed snouts, nor long, naked tails and they also lacked a certain amount of fur.

They were the children that nobody wanted.

Called rats because they lived off other people’s bread crumbs, stayed in the shadows and always moved in packs. And because the sound their naked feet made on the rough cobblestones was so quiet that sometimes you thought it was nothing more than a mouse, scurrying about.

5. If you had to choose one OC to bring to life as an actual person, which one would it be and why?

farian, from my fantasy novel. mostly bc i think he would take it the best out of all my ocs. he would get super excited about our world, arthur weasley-style. “rUnNiNg WaTeR??!1? INCREDIBLE!! :D :D :D :D”

6. Are you looking to get published? If so, do you hope to make it a career?

not really. at least not at the moment.

7. What’s something you would read but would never write (or the other way around)? Any reason?

i have written horror stories and enjoyed it but i don’t like reading them bc my imagination runs wild and i spend the next two months lying awake in bed at night, thinking bandersnatch is coming for me haha

8. What’s something you are most proud of about your work so far?

in german it’s mostly my descriptions and my ability to create a certain atmosphere (it doesn’t translate as well if i try it in other languages, sadly) and in english it’s my dialogue! i guess these are the things i worked on the most so naturally i’m proud of how far i’ve come

9. Badly describe your WIP(s) in one sentence

 fantasy novel: five individuals about to Fuck Shit Up Badly.

drama novel: “YOU CAN’T TAME ME I’M TOO GAY” screams sobbing teenager from rooftop after his boyfriend left him

10. Why did you want to be a writer?

i don’t. or, at least not a published one, i guess. if it’s just in general then... i don’t know. i just like writing, that’s all.

thank you for tagging me, this was a lot of fun! sorry for the long post tho. i’m tagging: @i-rove-rock-n-roll, @dreamin-when-i-wrote-this, @happy28me, @storyteller-kaelo, @metaphors-and-melodrama, @transboywrites, @mdriussi

if you don’t want to do this or have already done it, please don’t feel obligated. but also, if you want to do this but haven’t been tagged feel tagged by me xx

[sickpig123-blog]

Dear Mom,

Thank you for always being there in my life and always looking out for me. You always made me feel special and encouraged me all along the way. I know these are things that parents are supposed to do for their children, but I don’t think anyone else could have done it any better.

I’ve never thanked you for doing so many chores and so much hard work that truly I should have gotten up to do on every school morning from about the fourth grade on. I should have been the one bundling up to go milk or feed the hogs or whatever else needed doing on those cold winter mornings. Looking back, I know now that it never occurred to me that the stuff I did in the evenings also had to be done in the mornings and you were the one doing it. For that, I’m sorrier than I can tell you.

I appreciate how you always worked so hard to show your love for us in the most selfless ways. Now that I have several years of experience in the kitchen, I understand what went into those huge breakfasts you’d make from time to time.

And a ton of work for you, cooking AND cleaning. I appreciate that now I find that trait has rubbed off on me. I like to cook for those I love. It means a lot to give someone something of yourself. What better way than through feeding them, body and soul.

Feed me, you did. You always made sure I did my schoolwork. You also had no problem helping me get my hands on most anything I wanted to read. Another marvelous inheritance I have from you is that I can’t get through a day without reading something, without visiting one of those far off worlds you never tried to keep me from. Thank you for a gift that I could never replace and a gift that I would never be the same without.

Thank you for the laundry, the housekeeping, the care when I was sick, the special treats on special occasions or no occasion at all. Thank you for giving me advice when I needed it and space when I needed that as well.

I don’t think I asked for a lot of ‘things’ when I was growing up. I like to think I was pretty ‘low maintenance.’ I do remember, however, those times when I would ask for a little money to go to a movie, or bowling, or whatever, you would gladly pull some out. Again, it never occurred to me that in that moment you were probably giving up something you really wanted or needed for yourself just so I could have something I wanted. I see that now.

Really, what it all boils down to is that you were, and are, the most magnificent mom I could have asked for. Beautiful, smart, devoted, funny, caring, and everything else any son could want, all wrapped up in a flannel housecoat and a smile. You are seldom far from my thoughts and never out of my heart. I wanted to write these words on paper so that you could always have them close at hand, especially when I’m far away and don’t call as often as I should.

I want you to always know that I love you and cherish you more than life itself. Whenever I cook a meal, read a book, or just feel the sunshine on my face, I am feeling you and the love you always showed me.

I hope and pray you feel the same.

Love ever and always.

 Painting is “Mag-ina sa Banig” by Nestor Leynes

[tenacious-scripturient]

Excerpt from Project: Easton

Chapter 28: Dance, Dine, and Duel

word count: 1196

the excerpt of the day is: wyatt has big dick energy

WYATT

“Let’s go!”

The words echoed in my ears, and I swooped down at the swarm as they tried to advance, firing exploding arrows into the ground near the monsters. They tried to jump at me, sharp teeth and angry clubs, but I hovered just out of reach, After my tenth one, I flew away, the blasts so big and bright I saw them from the corner of my eye. I mentally patted myself on the back.

I circled around the sea of goblins and golems, looking for any that strayed too close to the group of vulnerable dwarves. Picking off a few with my bow, I descended toward the screaming children.

“Hey,” I said softly, hopping on one foot as I landed. A child who couldn’t have been more than a few years old sobbed at the sight of the fighting, clutching her father’s clothes, and sunk her face into his chest.

I took her hand as gently as I could, feeling the soft skin on mine. “It’s okay. We’re going to fight the monsters, and we’re going to win, okay? We’ll get your home back, so just be strong for a bit. Can you do that for me?”

Through the tears, streaked red on her face, she nodded, and I smiled.

“Keep her safe,” I said to her father. “Don’t let her get hurt.”

He nodded his head determinedly, and I saw the love he had for her; the certainty that, no matter what, he would do anything to protect her. No matter the cost, and no matter the effort—he would always love her.

He hurried back, holding his daughter tighter and softly singing to her. I watched them until they disappeared behind the crowds of other dwarves before taking off again.

When I got high enough, I realized how much had changed in the little time I was busy. The two sides now merged together in the middle, and it was impossible to tell who was who. I didn’t like it, but I knew I had to go back down if I wanted to keep fighting.

On the other side of the war-torn field, I spotted Easton fighting a small group of shelled soldiers, (as I liked to call them) a halo of green around him. He moved faster than I could see, so it looked like an army of Easton’s clones were fighting alongside him. (Not that I would have minded.)

I flew down beside him, shooting one of the soldiers as I landed. It sparked purple before crashing onto its side.

“How you doing?” I asked, backing up against him. The green glow was now gone.

He grunted as he whacked another one with his staff. It flew to the side, knocking over other soldiers like a set of dominoes. “Not too bad.”

“Where are the others?”

“I’m—hah!—not sure. We got separated really quickly amid all the fighting. Did I use that word right?”

“I’m too busy fighting to think!”

Another soldier charged at him, and he stabbed it through the chest. He wiped the sweat off his brow. “This is a lot,” he muttered.

“What, tired already?”

“Never said I wasn’t!”

We fought in perfect sync, covering each others’ blind spots and dealing attack after attack. My arms burned, but I couldn’t feel it through the adrenaline pumping through me.

I soon ran out of arrows. I realized it after reaching back to my quiver and coming up empty handed. Grimacing, I put my bow away and opted to fight with magic instead, making a mental note to restock on arrows later.

I outstretched my arms and slammed my hands together. The air between my fingers began to freeze. Shards of lethally sharp ice formed, and I sent them flying toward the soldiers. They fell over one after the other.

“If we win this—” I glanced over at Easton.

“When, you mean.”

“When we win this, let’s go out to eat. Just the two of us?”

His cheeks pinked, but he grinned. “Hell yeah!”

“Awesome,” I said under my breath, a smile pulling at my mouth and threatening to dissolve my intimidating facade. “So then it’s a—”

I didn’t get to finish my sentence. Something, or someone, came crashing toward us at the speed of light, and I barely had time to think before putting up my barrier to protect us. It slammed into the magic shield, and I barely glimpsed a elf with red eyes, gleaming from under his dark hood. They looked like they were smiling.

“Wyatt—!”

Then I flew back as wind rushed around me, and I crashed into the rocky ground at about a million kilometres an hour. I cried out in pain as I collided with the stone wall, scraping my skin red. Through hazy vision, the barrier flickered on and off before disappearing completely.

They broke through my barrier? I thought in disbelief, blinking away the dancing spots in my eyes.

But I didn’t have much time to think about it, because someone else was already on my tail.

“Oh, look what we have here,” a voice said from the shadows. “A helpless fairy, lost and without direction. I would offer my help to you, but what point is there in aiding a useless animal?”

I shot up, a hand already on my bow. Pain flared from all over my body, and I stumbled into a wall, looking around warily. I took in my surroundings for a brief moment.

It seemed I was I was in what used to be a house, now so decrepit I almost couldn’t tell what it was. The roof was completely gone, and all the couches and chairs were overturned. Nearly every thing that could be broken was just that—shattered into thousands of pieces, never to be used again. Plates, mugs, desks, and shelves lay in fragments around me.

Worst of all were the scratches and burn marks left all over the walls and floor. Whoever lived in here before definitely hadn’t left without a fight, and I imagined this was only one of hundreds of homes destroyed. Because of the monsters. Because of the Regnora Eversor.

I turned back to the disembodied voice. “Thanks, but I don’t want anyone’s help, especially from a self-important maniac like you.”

“What was that?!”

“Sorry, I don’t feel the need to repeat myself to you.”

A dwarven woman finally stepped into the light of the crystal, anger like a gale in her bloodshot eyes. Short tufts of blonde hair stuck out from her head, and she wielded a scythe in her right hand.

“What’s your name, child?”

“My mother always told me not to offer my name to strangers, so good luck with that.”

She flared her nostrils, gripping her oversized weapon. “I’m done playing nice with you, you fairy spumae!” she snarled. “It’s time for me to put you in your place—right into the ground!”

I almost laughed. Was ‘scum’ the best insult she could think of?

“Fine, then. You want a fight?” I taunted, summoning a rapier into my hand. I grasped the steel handle and pointed the nimble blade at her.

“Then I’ll give you one you’ll never forget.”

taglist: @ink-flavored @phoebette @2krisp @charvaughn-writes @quilloftheclouds @starrywritingg @malaykawrites@cookiecuttercritter @lady-redshield-writes@writeblrcabinetofwonders @ren-c-leyn @dove-actually @the-real-rg @timefirewrites

[ren-c-leyn]

Uncovering The Truth by Ren C. Leyn

Going through a stage where all of my writing looks like trash in my WIPs, so I thought maybe stepping back and working on something unrelated would do me some good. This story is inspired by another one of @clean-prompts ‘s prompts, specifically this one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 I knew something was up from the second he walked in, shoulders slumped and eyes darting about the place. There was fresh blood around cuts on his hands, and a bruise on his sharp cheekbone. The second his gaze landed on me, a scowl flickered onto his face before melting into something like resignation.

 “Before you ask, please just... don’t ask.”

 “Too bad, because I’m asking,” I replied as I swung my legs down, rotating my torso up into a half-sitting, half-slouching position on his leather couch.

 “Leave it alone, Rose.”

 I watched him pad through the living room, making his way into the kitchen.

 “Okay, fine, I’ll leave that alone.”

 Did I mean it? No, not really.

 “Good.”

 Good indeed. I waited for a few moments, listening to the sounds of clanking jars, cutting vegetables, sizzling pans. When the scent of the stir-fry began to waft into the living room, I made my move.

 “So, how did you get those cuts and bruises? They look fresh.”

 “I thought you said you were going to drop it.”

 I leaned back, tilting my head up to look at the silvery ceiling.

 “I said I was going to drop asking how your day was. I didn’t say anything about not asking about other things I noticed.”

 “You know, Rose, I really don’t want to talk about it. So-”

 “Too bad,” I replied, dragging myself out of the comfort of the plush couch and making my way towards the kitchen. “We’re talking about it. Now sit,” I said as I pointed at the stool he kept in the corner.

 “... I’m cooking.”

 I kept my finger points at the stool as I set another hand on my hip. Eventually, he sighed.

 “Does it count if I bring the stool over here so I can keep stirring dinner?”

 “I suppose that works,” I replied, crossing my arms and leaning against the archway. 

 I watched in silence as he drug the stool across the obsidian black tiles, shoulders hanging even lower than they had been before. It felt more like I had just sentenced him to his own execution than a talk. He didn’t look at me once, even after he had seated himself in front of the stove. 

 “So... what’s with the bruises, the scratches, the blood, and the avoiding eye contact? Were you mugged or what?”

 “No, I wasn’t mugged.”

 “Then what the heck happened to you?”

 I watched him shrink further.

 “... I don’t want to talk about it.”

 “Why? Did someone attack you?”

 “Not someone.”

 I paused, thinking it over for a minute.

 “What, did you and gravity have a bad date?”

 Instead of a verbal answer, I watched his ears turn pink.

 “Jaylen.”

 For a moment there was no answer but the sounds of sizzling vegetables being stirred.

 “That was part of it.”

 “And the rest of it?”

 “... A cat.”

 “Gravity, a cat, sour mood.... Ah ha! You were trying to impress that Sarah chick by petting that stray cat and it scratched you, right?”

 “And after it scratched me, I fell on my face and she laughed. Are you freaken happy now?” he growled as he glared back at me.

 “Well, I’m happy I don’t have to call the police, in the very least. I’ll go pick you up some frozen yogurt and rent a crappy comedy to help perk you back up.”

 I promptly returned to the living room. As I grabbed my jacket, I heard his voice called after me.

 “Cherry and....”

 “Orange, right?”

 “Right.”

 “I’ll be back soon.”

 I grabbed the doorknob and turned it. Just as I did, I heard his voice call out to me once more.

 “Thanks, Rose....”

 I just smiled and closed the door behind me.

[missrkl]

The Temple Chapter Twelve

The interview

I wish I could feel better, Rachel had thought to herself. Her life was hard, everything was always a fight. She always had to defend herself, stand up for herself, stand up for what she believed in. A lot of the time nobody cared, nor paid any attention. Rachel had to work extra hard just to be seen and heard sometimes, which did mean becoming a nuisance to many members of the temple, to which they never could understood. They couldn’t see beyond past their own annoyances. Right now Rachel stood with the Ecclesiastes gang. Ecclesiastes was going to interview Rachel in front of the gang, just some questions to get to know her better, understand her better. It was about learning to trust your leaders and to prevent them from being seen as idols that could topple and fall at any given moment. So Rachel sat in the armchair and Ecclesiastes sat in the opposite armchair and he informed her that he would ask her a series of questions and all she had to do was answer straight from the heart. Being honest and being real was more important than being right than wrong. What mattered was Rachel showing her humanity as well as her spirituality, in order for the eaglettes to have a balanced view of her. Rachel confirmed that she understood and braced herself for the coming questions. Ecclesiastes had warned her last night that these questions was not something you could study for, or plan answers in advance to. All she had to do was share herself with the team for a stronger and firmer bonding time.

Ecclesiastes began the interview:

1. How did you meet the Lord? A relatively easy question. Rachel answered: I met the Lord when I was 8 years old. I was in Catholic Church and I was in the Sunday school and we was colouring in Jesus on the boat with his disciples. I remember being transported both physically and mentally, in every sense of the word, all of my senses and physical sensations to being in that boat with Jesus and his disciples fishing. I felt the greatest peace and joy that could never be experienced on planet earth (true story, reference my book on Amazon Rachel Leynes The Power and The Glory). This was very important to me, being raised in an abusive home and an abusive school, I didn’t want to leave. Mum came to pick me up from Sunday school and she wouldn’t let me finish my colouring in of Jesus in the boat. I got very upset with her. After we left the meeting, she pinched me walking down the road and that just made me all the more determined to get back to that place as soon as possible. I loved Jesus then.

Ecclesiastes continued:

2. When did you next encounter Jesus and did you give your life to Christ then?

Rachel answered: no, I didn’t know about those things yet. I next encountered Jesus in another Sunday school setting, I was older by then, don’t remember the age. The Sunday school teacher was reading the Bible story about Jesus on the boat fishing, again, and then she had this big massive net on the wall and we each had a fish and we wrote our names on the fish and put it in Jesus net. After that I ran around school shouting how I belonged to Jesus, I was his child, Mary was my mother and Adonai was my father.

Ecclesiastes and the crowd was like ‘wow, so amazing’ (true story, reference my book Rachel Leynes, the power and the glory Amazon kindle only). So Ecclesiastes continued:

3. When exactly did you give your life to Jesus and accept Christ as your lord and saviour?

Rachel answered: when I was 13 years of age, my mother was invited to a bible study, but she didn’t want to attend. I so badly wanted to attend because one day when I was left to fend for myself at home (illegally) at 10 years old, I watched this cartoon on tv about a little girl searching the entire world for a scarce bible. It was shown to be as precious. So, without knowing about prayer I asked God for one, and so the bible study invitation was I knew my answer, God giving me one. So I went to the bible study and was amazed and ‘happy’ to be around people who loved the holy book like I did. Who had a passion as much as myself. I was then allowed to go to their church service and when the evangelical pastor called for anyone who wants to give their life to Christ, I did and I literally saw in my minds eye a door of my heart and Jesus knocking and me opening and sunshine ray of light coming, bursting through the doors into my darkness, or the darkness.

Everyone was silent, nobody had really taken the time to get to know Rachel like this, they all thought they knew her, but clearly they underestimated her relationship with Adon short for Adonai.

Ecclesiastes continued further:

4. Have you ever been persecuted for the faith?

Rachel sighed, yes she had. Rachel recalled the time in high school, year 7, she had just given her life to Christ at 13 years of age and so excited she proclaimed it to all the students of a Catholic school. How they mocked at her. Most especially Margaret. In class, and she didn’t mock Rachel per se, but she mocked Adam and Eve, Gods creation creative beginning and the bible itself. Rachel cried, she loved mashiac yeshua, Hebrew for jesus saviour of the world. People laughed at her crying because they said she wasn’t being mocked, her God was, the bible was. What they didn’t understand was, when they mocked her God, they mocked her, because Yah was her God and they were one. Two weeks later Margaret’s mother died and the whole class came to the conclusion it was her God that took her mother’s life. They soon became afraid of Rachel’s God. This led up to the point that all bullying against her stopped, plus when someone shouted at her a year later and she cried, that girl named Khadesha fell down the stairs, unharmed, in school. The whole class cornered khadesha and begged her to apologise to Rachel in case Rachel’s God got angry again, they said it was better to be safe than sorry. She didn’t understand their fears but feeling the weight of their peer pressure she did and Rachel only knew this because she heard them talking and she pretended she didn’t hear at all.

This also included the time Ruth in her older teenager days laughing again at Rachel’s faith and she bowed knelt on the ground in front of Rachel in mockery and proclaimed she worshipped Satan. Rachel didn’t know what to say, but just walked away. Nothing she could do about that, obviously.

On top of that was the persecution at home as well. Her parents were unbelievers and when she was still in primary school Rachel loved the holy book and Yah so much that she sprayed the bible with perfume and her mum came in and took the bible and hit her with it and said in a very stern yet also threatening voice “do you really think God is happy with you?” Rachel’s mother also tried drowning her in the bathtub shouting at her ‘you want Jesus! This is Jesus!’ Rachel shed a few tears (true story guys, this is all my true story, reference again my book on Amazon kindle only Rachel Leynes the power and the glory! Yes it’s been and still is a hard knock life, #loveshouldnothurt by Fabio d’andrea against domestic violence!)

The crowd was on the verge of tears unsure as how Rachel got through all of this, alone. She wasn’t in any church yet, she didn’t know about being born again yet!

Ecclesiastes continued:

5) do you struggle with any flaws? What are your weaknesses and strengths?

To which Rachel replied that her strength was in her God. Adonai covered for all of her weaknesses and she quoted the bible “when I am weak then I am strong” and how “God’s strength works best in my weakness.” She acknowledged before how she couldn’t pray and how she desperately wanted to be a good prayer warrior, so she asked Adon for strength in this, his strength in this and that he did, her prayers within the prayer teams only got stronger. Her strength was only in worship, in the talent that the temple never knew she had because of being labelled as The Voiceless, she was a worshipper of Yah, a singer, a musician, someone who always went back to the heart of worship rather than showcasing a performance. She didn’t want to mention Kai but she did, he was a platform performer outside of the temple and that always clouded his judgment in terms of leading worship because it always led to performances and shows, great for evangelistic drawing crowds, but not really from the heart. She then continued to say that she is not stating that Kai didn’t have a heart of worship, neither the elitists, it was just the way things were, for now.

Ecclesiastes decided to end the interview with one final question:

6) what’s next for you Rachel?

Rachel thought a minute and replied that she was considering writing a novel, many novels in fact, ones that showcase the true glory of Yahushua, something that no Harry Potter book could ever outshine.

Rachel stepped outside after the interview and breathed in the fresh winter breeze, she was glad that was over, being questioned like that in front of a crowd, nerve wrecking, but she was glad to show that Adonai was exactly who he said he was, most especially in her life.

Reference again my book as all of the interview stories are 100% real authentic true rachel Leynes the power and the glory on Amazon kindle only.

[bookenders]

11/11/11 Tag Game: 16/17/18?

Back again to spill the tea about myself for all you lovely people.Thanks @cataclysmic-writer, @maybeillwriteit and @aurisadventure for the tags!

My answers are under the cut. 😊

Rules: Answer the 11 questions of the person who tagged you, make up 11 questions, then tag 11 people to answer them. 

Bilbo Taggins: @brittanyisart, @quilloftheclouds, @brittanyisart, @brynwrites, @creatvrae, @elisabethrosewrites, @elizabethsyson, @ren-c-leyn, @yetmorestories, @pinespittinink, @timefire25

My Questions:

What are your thoughts on throw pillows?

Do you have any podcast recommendations? How about TV shows?

What month would you be on a calendar, and what would the picture be?

What is one book that you absolutely love, no matter what anyone else has to say about it? 

What’s your favorite kind of scented candle?

What’s your favorite urban legend?

Would you ever go on an arctic expedition?

What’s the furthest from home you’ve ever been?

What is the best snack?

How purple do you allow your prose to be/get? What’s your purple limit? Is there one?

What’s one word/line/scene/character that you want to put in a story, but you haven’t found the right place for yet?

@cataclysmic-writer‘s questions:

What do you eat or drink while writing? It varies depending on how I’m feelin’. Usually a big giant glass of water. I used to have coffee and/or tea, but it always got cold because I forgot about it. That’s actually how I used to measure my progress, by how cold the drink was.  And coffee got me too jazzed to sit still, so I stopped drinking while writing. Good for academic papers, though.

Best piece of advice you ever received? Like... ever? Okay. People are more interested in themselves/absorbed with themselves to really care what you’re doing. Very empowering for someone with real bad social anxiety (like myself heyooo).

Which book inspired you to write the most? I’ve talked about Laurie Halse Anderson’s Wintergirls before, and I’m gonna mention it again. And that I went to a signing for her new book Shout and I got to thank her and my life has been enriched a thousand-fold.

Which author do you try to emulate when you write? Oh, man, I do not do this at all. Okay, well, not at all, because I find it to be a valuable writing exercise to practice with. But I super don’t. I’ve done projects where I’ve emulated Walt Whitman, Philip Levine, Tolkien, Dostoevsky, Poe (eugh), and Anne Valente. Those were super fun. I like imitating styles and I’ve gotten pretty darn good at it. Sometimes I tell myself to put a Gaiman-like twist on a section, though, or describe something like another author if it fits the tone for funsies. But I like writing like me! 

Where did you get the idea for your current wip? I’ve already talked about Heart to Heart, so I’ll talk about “Fish Food!” This one happened when I was pondering superheroes, James Bond, tropes, evil monologues, and the like. I had the image of a hero tied up and dangling over a pit of piranhas while the villain detailed his evil plan. But the hero didn’t follow the script. And then, like every one of my short stories, it spun way out of control. I started to think of what heroes would inhabit this world that erupted from the fertile soil of my brain and suddenly I had a big complicated story that I was excited about. And it was funny, which is a change for me.

Do you have a go-to beta reader/writing buddy you bounce ideas off of? I do! One of my goodest friends is a fellow writer and she’s my spaghetti wall if I need assistance. We went through the same creative writing program one year apart and had different teachers, so we offer each other pretty different advice, and it’s great. She’s super into fae lore, too, which is ridiculously helpful for me, a nerd who is writing a light fantasy story with fae in it. We operate in different styles and genres, though, so sometimes idea-bouncing is a little tricky.

Which of your WIPs is your favorite? Of the ones I’m working on right now? Probably “Incarnate.” Partly because it’s closer to my usual writing fare, partly because it’s weird and disturbing in my favorite ways, partly because the ending is really cool and surprising in a way that hits you long after you finish it. I also like it because it’s hard for me to write. Yay, challenges!

Tea, coffee, or soda? Tea for chillin’, coffee for workin’, soda for pizza times.

If you could have any fantasy creature as a pet, which would you have? A brownie to clean my house, or a domovoi to act as a weird home security system would be neat. For non-practical purposes, I’d also say a pegasus. I can ride pretty well and it’d be so convenient to just fly everywhere on my awesome horse buddy.

Do you like creepy/scary movies? NOPE. I am a big chicken shit when it comes to spooky things. As a kid, I was terrified of E.T. That’s how bad it was. 

What genre do you have yet to write in, but want to write soon? Hm. Maybe historical fiction? I already play with it a little bit without actually going into the history part of it too deeply. Maybe I’ll give it a shot in the future.  I’ve always wanted to give magical realism a good try, though. It’s always been hard for me to write. 

________________________________________

@aurisadventure​‘s questions:

1. Who is your favorite oc? Why?

Right now, it’s Lithium from “Fish Food.” She’s just so fun. I also just figured out a big part of Jill’s character that I’m excited to add to H2H!

2. What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not writing?

I got into cooking a while ago, and that’s pretty fun. I do yoga sometimes. I read a bunch. I also like putting things together. Honestly, I’m a big giant nerd who likes learning in their spare time.

3. What is your least favoured genre?

Hard sci-fi is really hard for me to get into. And some contemporary stuff, but it’s not as bad as hard sci-fi.

4. Top three favorite video games? (Any console)

DRAGON AGE: ORIGINS (with Awakening DLC, obvs) (except for the goddamn Mage Circle Fade part I hate it and it deserves to burn in hell)

Ori and the Blind Forest (I’m stuck on the last stupid fire volcano level and I’m so mad because it’s hard but this game is beautiful)

To The Moon (so many tears, such good story)

Honorable mention to Assassin’s Creed 2. 

(I love RPGs.)

5. What’s the craziest thing you’ve done for inspiration?

Hm. I don’t really go out and seek inspiration like this. I just consume a whole lot of art in varying mediums. 

I went to a poetry slam one time. Does that count?

6. Buggy or Cart?

Horses, buggy. Oxen, cart. As much as I’d like to be Gandalf...

7. Have you finished any of your wips?

I am so goddamn close to finishing “When Your Song is Over and Done” I can taste it. I’m hoping to write that last stupid scene this week. It’s been the one WIP that’s been kicking my ass lately. How rude.

I’m a short story writer, so I finish a lot of my WIPs. It’s kinda nice. That’s also why longer projects scare me.

8. But like… can I read it?

😉

In the meantime, you can read these!

9. What is your favorite animal? Why?

Highland Cows! Just look at them. 

I’m sure I have a more interesting answer for this, but honestly, cows are all I can think of. I love cows. 

10. Name one place you want to visit more than anything.

Norway! Not sure why. Seems like a really cool place to be.

(I lied I love space and want to go to the observatories.)

11. What is your most cherished childhood memory?

Saturday mornings curled up in my grandfather’s armchair watching TV and eating Burger King before we go visit the animals at the farm.

________________________________________

@maybeillwriteit‘s questions:

1. Which oc would you most like to go for a drink with?

I don’t drink, but I think Treena would be an excellent conversation partner. 

2. Where do you like to write? Bed? Desk? Cafe? etc etc

I have a desk in my room. Not that I usually write at it. I’m good anywhere I can sit up straight and rest my arms.

3. Which of your ocs do you think people are most likely to make fanart for?

Eventually, I hope Mel. I love her character design. Or the superheroes and villains from “Fish Food.” They all have really distinct appearances and cool costumes/uniforms.

4. Favourite piece of writing advice you’ve received?

Probably the time my mentor also admitted he hated writing dialogue, but that sometimes you just gotta. 

5. Which place in your stories would you like to live? (i’ve read this sentence ten times and i ain’t convinced it’s grammatically correct lol)

(maybe: In which place/where in your stories would you most like to live? I dunno this one’s freaking my brain.)

Linsay would be the best place to live, I think. A very chill small town that has everything you need, very supportive soon-to-be friends, an apothecary on stand-by, and lovely weather. Its residents are fiercely protective and are very willing to look the other way where the law is concerned if it helps someone.

6. Do any authors/books influence your writing? Which ones?

Oh, tons. Jim Butcher, Laurie Halse Anderson, George Saunders, Anne Valente, Tolkien, Gaiman, Matt Bell, Aimee Bender, and a whole bunch more authors. And, if you wanna get all heartfelt about it, every single book I’ve read has influenced my writing, whether it’s learning how to do something, learning how not to do something, or finding a new technique that jives with my style.

7. Pick one song that represents your wip.

I’ve done a bunch of song stuff with H2H, so this is for “Fish Food:”

Honestly, my first instinct is “Superboy and the Invisible Girl” from Next to Normal. But it’s not quite right.

I also wanna say “Super Friends” from Holy Musical B@man. 

But in my heart, I know the true answer is “Under Pressure.” How could it not be?

8. Favourite thing about being a writer?

The feels! I love writing things and getting my own feels out, then making other people feel things. It’s so satisfying. 

9. Characters or plot, what came first?

Characters! Oh my God, always characters. And before characters, concept and theme(s). Sometimes a scene just pops into my head and I have to figure out who these people are and why they’re there.

10. Do you like writing prompts?

I do indeedy. They’re pretty helpful when I’m stuck. I only write for the ones that instantly spark an idea in my brain, though. All the ones I’m getting for my 800 followers celebration are insanely good. 

11. Part of your wip that you’re most excited to write?

Oh, man! So many!

H2H: The climax! Well, one of them. The one of the magic incidents and Mel and Gemma’s relationship, to be specific.

Fish Food: When my main two dudes meet Lithium! And figure out what’s going on with her. Or anything about Lithium’s real life. Her story is wild.

WYSiOaD: The goddamn rooftop scene that’s been kicking my ass for a month. It’s gonna be so emotional and poignant and great and I can’t wait for it to be over.

[chochmah-binah-daas]

The months since elul 5777 has been a hugely transitional time for me for so many reasons. I’ve been meaning to write about this since, well, late elul, early tishrei but I never had the energy to do so. I broke this up into chunks for easier reading but this is still quite an essay…

I know this is long but please like if you read even a part of this and if you have any insights or advice to offer me, my askbox is open and I’d love some support of any kind!!

Children

I always wrote off the idea of having children, even to the point of being one of those people who thought it was funny to be somewhat hostile towards kids. I did have some legitimate reasons for this, mostly sensory issues, being that I’m autistic and am sensitive to many sensory experiences; however, most of it was me just stubbornly holding onto a general distaste for children. Through the course of my retail job, I found myself more and more warming up to the kids who came into the store to the point where I would go out of my way to make faces and wave at babies at the expense of doing my actual job (not to worry, my job was literally completely ineffective). As I realized just after the High Holy Days began, I didn’t just not hate children anymore, I liked them. I actively like and desire to have children now.

If someone had asked me if I really thought I never wanted kids, I would pretty adamantly say I didn’t, though sometimes I’d admit that I could see myself maybe adopting one child in the future. Now it actively pains me that I don’t have children. Plural. Children. My only image of my future self is me, happily married and raising at least 3 or 4 good Jewish children.

I’m only 23 so I know that I’m not expected by secular society to have kids but seeing my more observant Jewish cousins around my age pursuing marriage really gets me down a lot of the time. I want nothing more right now than to marry a nice gay Jewish man and adopt a few kids. This leads me to my next sections…

Career goals

I never settled on one single thing I wanted to do with my life. I was one of those kids who, probably due to being autistic, was always getting deeply invested in something and then flitting off to another after a couple months. For the last year or two I did have a decent idea in my head that I wanted to get a Master’s of Library and Information Science degree and work in a library or archive. I’m good at that kind of work. It allows me to be quiet and a bit neurotic about my workstation because I’d largely be working alone, away from the general public and most of my coworkers.

After my graduation, my mom and grandma suggested that I consider going to law school. I agreed to at least take the LSAT, which I will be doing in February and oy am I nervous!! My mom, who went to law school, says that she thinks I’d be great at it, that my mind is so well-suited to that type of thinking. I don’t disagree with her but I also can’t imagine myself doing anything with a law degree.

In fact, I can’t imagine myself doing anything in the future. People think I’m joking, but I really do just want to marry someone with a steady, well-paying job and be a house-spouse. I have a deep passion for learning but I have no passion for an actual career that comes along with any path of study. In a perfect world where my mental illness didn’t destroy my ability to read, I would love to go get an MLIS and/or a law degree. I’d even consider going to a yeshiva and studying Torah, Talmud, contemporary Jewish issues, all that. But once I’m out of school, I have no clue what I’d do besides sit at home with all that knowledge swirling around in my head.

Education is never a waste in my opinion, but also formal education is expensive and I’d never be able to afford it without having a prospective career in my future to provide the income for paying off the student loans.

Gender

I never understood the concept of gender. All I know is what language I’m comfortable with, how I like dressing, and what I want my body to be. I am AFAB (assigned female at birth) and I medically transitioned through hormones, chest surgery, and a hysterectomy. My pronouns are they/them or he/him. I am now legally male with a traditionally male name. On most days, I enjoy wearing skirts though I do occasionally choose to wear pants. I could never be cis-passing unless I stuck with wearing pants all the time, which would make me very uncomfortable. If you asked me to get dressed without thinking about it at all, my first choice would be to throw on a skirt, t-shirt, and cardigan. It’s comfortable, psychologically and sensory.

None of this changed during elul 5777; what did change was how my gender and my Judaism were connected. Before, they weren’t. Now, I am working on becoming shomer tznius which involved a major overhaul of my wardrobe, particularly the skirts and dresses. I got rid of almost all of my short and revealing articles unless they could be easily layered and bought a lot of long skirts, three quarter sleeve shirts, cardigans, and other tznius layering essentials.

When it comes to my religious observance, I mix and match though I do mostly connect with the mitzvos for men. In shul and at home, I prefer not to light the shabbos candles if there is a woman who would be able to do it instead. I wear tallis and tefillin to daven and I leyn torah. But I also enjoy occasionally wearing a tichel and being the one who cooks for shabbos, plus the aforementioned movement towards being shomer tznius.

Religious observance

I currently attend, and work for, a Reform shul. I adore my community and the rabbi there. It’s such a loving and supportive community with a small but fantastic group of regulars at Torah study. I’m fortunate in that my community has no problem with the way I present myself. They accept me as a queer Jew who expresses their queerness and their Jewishness in a unique way. But I worry about how other Jewish communities might react towards me, especially since I can see myself being much more observant than I currently am.

Ideally, I would have a kosher kitchen and fully observe shabbos. I would live close enough to walk to shul and I would make sure to raise my children with a strong Jewish identity, and of course a Jewish education. I don’t know if I could have that kind of life while being involved in a Reform community, largely because they don’t tend to celebrate every holiday and also when they do, it can be too lax for my tastes. For example, even in the winter our shabbos services don’t start until 6 or 7 PM, a solid 2 or so hours after shabbos actually begins.

As a queer Jew, who is very obviously gender nonconforming, I don’t know how I would fit into a more traditional community that would probably be more regimented in its separation of genders into a binary. I wear tallis and tefillin when I daven but I would be seen as a woman by some men so I would be immediately singled out as an other. I do wear skirts but I also have a deep voice and facial hair (and my name is Zack) so I’m automatically too male for women-only spaces. Not that I feel entitled to men- or women-only spaces, but I do fear how I could become more observant, when doing so tends to mean an increase in that kind of separation.

Relationships

This is probably the trickiest and most personal portion of this whole shpiel. I’m currently… somewhat in a relationship, I guess? When I transferred to HSU, I thought I was aromantic-asexual and I have since realized that I am neither of those and now identify as someone generally attracted to men. But soon after starting at HSU, I met someone else who identifies as aro-ace and we became really close friends, hanging out all the time in one of our dorm rooms. They were in a non-romantic, queer-platonic relationship with two people and suddenly, they started including me in this relationship. I didn’t mind this so much at the beginning but the more I come to understand my identity and my vague goals and dreams for the future, the more I realize that I just can’t go where I want to go in life and be tied to this relationship.

I know that the longer this goes on, the worse it will be to break it off but I’m terrified to do so, for various reasons I don’t want to get into here. As I said earlier, I want to marry a Jewish guy and have Jewish kids and live a Jewish life. I obviously can’t do that in a household with two pagans and a Catholic, none of whom want kids at all. I know I’m probably becoming one of Those Converts who gets super zealous about Judaism and defensive of their Jewishness but over the last year or so, and especially since elul, I have had this image in my head that I just can’t shake. And that image doesn’t include the people I currently feel tied down to.