New Blog!

Hey, guys! Sorry I've disappeared for so long. I'm over on Tumblr now as Wielder of Words. Feel free to go check it out if you're ever bored or something! Also, I'm a contributor to In the Character's Shadow, a blog run by Christian teen writers for Christian teen writers, so if you're ever in the mood to read something like that, head over there. I probably won't be posting on here anymore, so I hope to see you guys over at one of the places above! :-)

I Can Read You Like a Book

The other day I was surfing Pinterest the biggest time-waster of my life and I came across a pin that said "I can read you like a book," or at least, some variation of that quote. And, I started thinking.

It's a phrase commonly meant to say that you can easily see a person's motives and that you can easily understand everything about a person.

But if the book we're referring to is even a mediocre book at best, that's not what this statement means in the least. Any book with any level of greatness to it reveals its secrets slowly.

The reader, upon opening the book and reading the first page, invests herself in the book's ride. The reader decides to stick with the book through thick and thin as all of its secrets are slowly uncovered layer by later.

Some revelations will be joyous, some reassuring, but others still will be awful, shocking things. The reader, however, sticks with the book through the thick and thin, both eagerly and patiently peeling back the layers.

So, really, the phrase "I can read you like a book," is saying, "I'm willing to read you like a book. I'm ready to embark on this journey with you and get to know you gradually, and I'll stick with you through everything."

TCWT: Other Posts

Okay, I jsut realized that I was a terrible person and completely totally forgot to post the links to the others in the TCWT chain. It just hit me when I saw someone else's post with the links. I am so sorry! But, better late than never, right? Here they are! Go check out their posts! :D

6th – http://jasperlindell.blogspot.com/ and http://vergeofexisting.wordpress.com/

7th – http://novelexemplar.wordpress.com/

8th – http://www.juliathewritergirl.com/

9th – http://www.freeasagirlwithwings.wordpress.com/

10th – https://ramblingsofaravis.wordpress.com/

11th – http://butterfliesoftheimagination.wordpress.com/ andhttp://www.pamelanicolewrites.com/

12th – http://randommorbidinsanity.blogspot.com/

13th – http://miriamjoywrites.com/ andhttp://whileishouldbedoingprecal.weebly.com/

14th – http://kirabudge.weebly.com/

15th – http://lillianmwoodall.wordpress.com/ andhttp://erinkenobi2893.wordpress.com/

16th – http://theedfiles.blogspot.com/ andhttp://fantasiesofapockethuman.blogspot.com/

17th – http://irisbloomsblog.wordpress.com/ andhttp://musingsfromnevillesnavel.wordpress.com/

18th – http://semilegacy.blogspot.com/ and http://from-stacy.blogspot.com/

19th – http://horsfeathersblog.wordpress.com/

20th – https://clockworkdesires.wordpress.com/

21st – https://stayandwatchthestars.wordpress.com/ andhttp://arielkalati.blogspot.com/

22nd – http://loonyliterate.com/ andhttps://www.mirrormadeofwords.wordpress.com/

23rd – http://unikkelyfe.wordpress.com/

24th – http://themagicviolinist.blogspot.com/ andhttp://allisonthewriter.wordpress.com/

25th – http://missalexandrinabrant.wordpress.com/

26th – http://awritersfaith.blogspot.com/ andhttp://thelonglifeofalifelongfangirl.wordpress.com/

27th – http://nasrielsfanfics.wordpress.com/ andhttp://thelittleenginethatcouldnt.wordpress.com/

28th – https://teenscanwritetoo.wordpress.com/ (We’ll announce the topic for next month’s chain.)

Teens Can Write Too: Music and Writing

Obviously, I love writing. But what would I do without music? I love everything from country to classic rock to (Christian) rock and rap to pop and alternative. So, I almost always have music playing when I'm at home and in my room. (Side musing: What in the world did I do before I had Spotify???)

And one of the first things I do when planning a novel is search for songs that could, in any way, shape, or form, fit my story. Then, as I'm writing, I'll play said playlist over and over again, and when I get sick of it, I'll just start playing random music. As long as some sort of music's playing, I'm good.

And this month's TCWT topic is "How does music relate to your writing?".  What a perfectly fantastic topic!!

Because I don't actually have a full playlist yet for my current WIP, I'll just share with you a playlist I've put together that's sort of my "go-to" pool of songs for new WIP's playlists. They're songs that I listened to, and that I thought had dynamic lyrics. They're songs whose lyrics I thought could potentially tell a story, or at the very least, supplement a story.

(And just a note: I don't know all of these artists- just these particular songs, so you might wish to use discretion if you want to go searching for some artists' other songs.)

So, here goes....


"The Scientist" by Coldplay

Coldplay has some really great lyrics. This was the first song of theirs I actually listened to (I think) after hearing (and loving) Holly Henry's version of it on The Voice. If you want some songs with good, dynamic lyrics, you should go check out Coldplay.

"The Reason" by Hoobastank

"Things Left Unsaid" by Disciple

Get the tissues ready. This song is sad, but I absolutely love it. I've learned that I actually kind of love sad things... But really, though, this is a beautiful song, but don't say I didn't warn you.

"Broken Wings" by Flyleaf

I love Flyleaf. They're one of my favorite bands, and they have some seriously awesome songs. I would definitely recommend going and checking out their songs as well.

"Would it Matter" by Skillet

Yet another sad song. Don't say I didn't warn you.

"There For You" by Flyleaf

"No Good Deed" by Idina Menzel

Okay, the Wicked soundtrack is incredible. No, I haven't actually seen Wicked, but I adore the soundtrack. If you haven't listened to it, go. Go listen to it now. Please? :D

"For Good" by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel

"Defying Gravity" by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel

"I'm Not That Girl" by Idina Menzel

"Heroes (we could be)" by Alesso

"Stop Standing There" by Avril Lavigne

I really like Avril Lavigne, but you really have to be careful with some of her songs. They're not always clean, and she definitely likes to use cuss words. This song, though, is great.

"Never Be The Same" by Red

"Worth A Thousand Words" by Mayday Parade

"Terrible Things" by Mayday Parade

This song. DX This song, this song, this song. It tells an incredibly beautiful story, but oh, boy, what a sad story it tells.


Okay, that's my list of songs. Do y'all have any songs that you think are great writing songs? Or any songs that you just love?

Beautiful People: Valentine's Day Edition

I'm joining in the Beautiful People linkup hosted by Cait @ Paper Fury and Sky @ Further Up and Further In. This month, because of Valentine's Day being right around the corner, it's about our fictional couples. Therefore, I get to talk to you guys about Carson and Aaron, the couple from the novel I'm currently plotting and hope to start writing in March. :D

Alright, now let's get started, shall we? (Oh, and just to clarify, this is based off of their relationship at the end of the novel; otherwise several of these questions wouldn't apply.)

1. How long have they been a couple?

They've been best friends for five years, but they've only just started to kind of sort of become a couple throughout the book. They sort of become a slightly "official" couple at the end of the book. 

2. How did they first meet?

Carson's family moved to the town that Aaron lives in in sixth grade. On her first day at her new school, she did something that got her in trouble that I haven't figured out yet, and that led to her and Aaron becoming friends. Also, she and Aaron are neighbors.

3. What were their first thoughts of each other? (Love at first sight or "you're freakishly annoying"?)

They met when they were in middle school, so it was more of just "hey, you're cool, let's be friends" type of thing.

4. What do they do that most annoys each other?

At times, Carson's kind of annoyed by Aaron rationalizing everything and trying to make logical sense out of every little thing. Aaron's sometimes annoyed by Carson just throwing caution to the wind.

5. Are their personalities opposite or similar?

Their personalities are more similar than they are different. Carson's definitely more impulsive and Aaron more logical. Also, Carson's more rebellious, and while Aaron doesn't really like being confined to a strict set of rules, he also doesn't like breaking the rules... He's just full of contradictions like that. XD

6. How would their lives be different without each other?

Carson would be much more wild. Aaron kind of speaks some sense into her at times and keeps her feet (slightly) planted on the ground. Sure, Carson still manages to do crazy stuff and sometimes drags Aaron along with her, but it'd be much worse if she didn't have Aaron around. And I think Carson kind of forces Aaron out of his shell. He'd be much quieter and less adventurous if Carson wasn't around. They complement each other.

7. Are they ever embarrassed of each other?

Not really. Carson doesn't really get embarrassed easily, and Aaron doesn't care enough about what people think of him to be embarrassed that much.

8. Does anyone disapprove of their relationship?

Ha! If anyone did, Carson would be extra sure to make sure they knew that they were staying together in spite of their foolish opinions.Yeah... Carson's rebellious like that... But anyways, Aaron's dad isn't too thrilled with the relationship, but he isn't too awful about it. He's fine with Aaron and Carson being friends, but he'd rather they stay just that, and Aaron be with someone else, who's less... well... Carson... Hehehe XD

9. Do they see their relationship as long-term/leading to marriage?

Neither one of them really thinks that far ahead. Whatever happens, happens.

10. If they could plan the "perfect outing" together, where would they go?

Aaron would like to go to a museum or a historical site. Carson would like to do something adventurous or daring. So, they'd probably compromise (Ha! Yeah, right. XD) and go paragliding and then have a campfire on the beach.

Beautiful People Linkup

I'm joining in the Beautiful People linkup this month hosted by Cait @ Paper Fury and Sky @ Further up and Further in. This month, the questions are directed at us as writers. :D

1. How many years have you been writing? When did you officially consider yourself a 'writer'?

The earliest I can remember writing is second grade. All through middle school, and now, high school, I've been writing. I didn't actually really consider myself a 'writer' though until my freshman year, when I completed my first first draft. :D

2. How/why did you start writing?

Well, that little story I wrote in second grade was written for a contest. I actually won out of my grade in my school, so I got to advance, but I didn't win at the state level. Still, it was a great experience. :) Really, though, I guess I started writing just because I just wanted to tell stories. That's the only way I can explain it. :)

3. What's your favorite part of writing?

Brainstorming and getting to know all of the characters, digging up all of their personality traits and watching them become a full, three-dimensional character before my eyes. :)

4. What's your biggest writing struggle?

Three words: New Shiny Ideas. I don't know how many novels I've abandoned because this New Shiny Idea was so great and my current project was just awful all of a sudden. Also, revising. I've completed two first drafts, but I haven't actually revised either of them. I've tried to, begun to, made plans to, but I haven't actually followed through on those plans.

5. Do you write best at night or day?

Night, Definitely night. I don't really know why. :P

6. What does your writing space look like?

I usually write at my desk, which is usually stacked with my school things, various spirals (all filled to some extent with various wordlinesses (yes, I realize that's not a word, but I like it. Therefore, I'm making it a word, at least in my world. XD) and the books I'm currently reading. Right now, though, it's unusually barren, with just my laptop, school things, Bible, and one book.

7. How long does it typically take you to write a complete draft?

Well, I've only completed two first drafts, and they were both written during NaNoWriMo, so, as of now, I average at one month for a first draft. :D I think it's better for me to write quick first drafts; otherwise, I have more time to find flaws in the story and give up on it and/or get distracted by one of those New Shiny Ideas I mentioned up in #4.

8. How many projects do you work on at once?

I have no real answer for this. Sometimes just one, sometimes two, three, four. Right now, I'm mostly working on one first draft, the planning of another novel, and I might start planning and writing a novella and a short story soon. *shrugs* I don't know. XD

9. Do you prefer writing happy endings, sad endings, or somewhere in between?

Hmm... Somewhere in between. Yeah, I'm just going to leave it at that. XD

10. List a few authors who've influenced your writing journey.

Marissa Meyer, Veronica Rossi, Veronica Roth, Kiera Cass, Stephanie Morrill, Jill Williamson, J.K. Rowling, Suzanne Collins, and so many others.

11. Do you let people read your writing? Why or why not?

I do. Because be ruthless with the words! Critique them all! *so she says as she cowers in a corner for fear of negative comments*

12. What's your ultimate writing goal or dream?

To be able to be a full-time author, and to go on one of those book tours with the awesome author panels just to say I actually sat at the same table as those awesome authors. XD

13. If you didn't write, what would you want to do?

I've actually thought about this a lot, and I've decided that, right now, I think I'd want to be a high school history teacher. I really like history (even though I despised it up until seventh grade. That year, I had an awesome, enthusiastic teacher and somehow she managed to brainwash me pass her enthusiasm along to me, and I've loved it since (for the most part. XD))

14. Do you have a book you'd like to write one day but don't feel you're ready to attempt it yet?

Hahaha!!! You're kidding, right? Do you think I actually have the self-control to tell myself that I'm not ready for this book right now and that I'll write it later, when I'm more ready? Nah... I just ignore that feeling and make myself write it right then anyways. Maybe not the best of decisions, but that's me. XD Besides, how can I possibly tell one of those New Shiny Ideas that they must wait until I'm ready to write them? No, they demand that I write them NOW!!! XD

15. Which story has your heart and won't let go?

Right now, there are two of them. The first one is the first draft I'm working through now and refuse to let go of, no matter how long it takes me to finish it and regardless of how much the plot flip flops. The second one is this snippet of an idea I had a while back that's come back to me a couple times. Recently, I had this idea to rework it that I'm super excited about, and that I want to brainstorm and plan for now. :D

Well, that's all for now. What about you guys? Up for answering any of these questions? :)

The Tyrant's Daughter Review on In The Character's Shadow

From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs.

When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations? 

J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.



Rating: 4 stars

I loved, loved, loved this book, and it probably would have received at least 4.5 stars if it hadn't been for the ending. Or, the lack of one. I actually kind of think this book almost deserves 3 stars because of the ending, but I love it too much to give it a measly 3 stars, so 4 it is. But, on the other hand, the ending was absolutely fantastic and really befitting of the character. *sigh* Alright, I warned you up there in the title. This book left me with conflicting emotions, so let me explain.

(Oh, and there will be some spoilers in this post, but I'll let you know with a little warning before I write them.)

To finish reading my review, head over to In The Character's Shadow, a group blog run by Christian teens from the NaNoWriMo forum. :D