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

Get to Writing!

I have an announcement, guys. Firn Hyde, a wonderful person over on NaNoWriMo had a brilliant idea to put together and publish a short story anthology with stories written to glorify God. She organized it all (I think along with Cana, another wonderful person on NaNoWriMo), called for editors, I signed up to join this awesomeness, and now the website's up and running and submissions for short stories are open! It's called A New Song, and you can learn more about it here. Go check it out, get excited (I know I am =D), and get to writing and glorify our King! =D

Teens Can Write Too Blog Chain

I'm back, Internet! And I'm back with another post in the Teens Can Write Too! chain! The question this month is: What works of fiction have taught you by example, and what did they teach you? So... I shall make a list!

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer:

I am a pantser by nature. I'm realizing, though, that plotting definitely has its perks, so I'm starting to make the transition to the dark side. (They have less revisions, you know.) Plotting, I've learned, can especially have its perks when writing a series.

Because if you plot a series, you know what's going to happen later on, so you can drop all the fabulous little hints and cameo appearances that your reader isn't going to get until after the Big Twist. Then, when they go back to reread your book because the Big Twist was just so awesome, they will realize all of these little cookie crumbs that led up to it. Then they will be in even more awe.

Marissa Meyer is so great at this. I'm still in shock at all of the amazing little cameos and hints she dropped in her books about what was going to happen in the subsequent books. It's amazing. It takes an already awesome series and makes it three times more awesome.

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi:

I'm just going to come write out and say it. Authors are cruel, cruel beings. They deliberately try to torture their readers by writing scenes with the intention of soliciting the most emotional reaction. Of course, the type of scene with the most emotional reaction possible is a character's death scene. But wait. A character dying isn't enough to cause us readers emotional pain. No, we also have to sit through the other characters' reactions.

Characters' reactions to traumatizing moments multiply the emotions in the reader.

Through the Ever Night holds within its pages one of my favorite literary characters of all time. I'm not going to tell you who it is, though, because then this post is suddenly chock-full of spoilers, and we wouldn't want that, would we?

Well, this favorite character, code name Verity (sorry, I had to make that reference. It was right there.) code name AwesomeSauce (because this person is completely and totally awesome), experienced losing someone in a very traumatic way. Yes, the actual death of that character was very sad, but what broke me down was AwesomeSauce's (okay, I admit. That's a really weird code name) reaction.

The grief this character experienced and how s/he (because I can't risk spoiling anything) handled it just drove. me. to. tears. It upset me so much.

This book taught me to really wring out the emotions by taking a character that's pretty tough, or kind, or funny, or optimistic, or whatever that character's defining characteristic may be, and turning said characteristic on its head when he experiences a loss. Play out the emotions. Don't let the other characters just slide by when they lost someone they were close to.

And wow. That was a really long-winded description about Through the Ever Night. XD

Anyways, that's all for me. What about you guys? What books have taught you by example?

And check out the other blogs in the chain =D

5th – http://thelittleenginethatcouldnt.wordpress.com/

6th – http://nasrielsfanfics.wordpress.com/

7th – https://erinkenobi2893.wordpress.com/

8th – http://introspectioncreative.wordpress.com/

9th – http://semilegacy.blogspot.com/

10th – http://kirabudge.weebly.com/

11th – http://whileishouldbedoingprecal.weebly.com/

12th – http://randomosityofeden.wordpress.com/

13th – http://musingsfromnevillesnavel.wordpress.com/

14th – http://www.alwaysopinionatedgirl.wordpress.com/

15th – http://www.juliathewritergirl.wordpress.com/

16th – http://miriamjoywrites.com/

17th – http://horsfeathersblog.wordpress.com/

18th – http://unironicallyexcited.wordpress.com/

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

20th – http://stayandwatchthestars.wordpress.com/

21st – http://unikkelyfe.wordpress.com/

22nd – http://fantasiesofapockethuman.blogspot.com/

23rd – http://lilyjenness.blogspot.com/

24th – http://oliviarivers.wordpress.com/

25th – [off-day]

26th – http://butterfliesoftheimagination.wordpress.com/

27th – http://missalexandrinabrant.wordpress.com/

28th – http://www.pamelanicolewrites.com

29th – http://jasperlindell.blogspot.com.au/

30th – http://maralaurey.wordpress.com/ and http://theedfiles.blogspot.com/

31st – http://teenscanwritetoo.wordpress.com/ (We’ll announce the topic for next month’s chain.)

*Note: Banner for The Lunar Chronicles from http://www.marissameyer.com/extras/free-downloads/

Best Blogging Buddies Award :-)

I was nominated by Ginny (Spirit Working In Me) for the Best Blogging Buddies Award. :D Yay!!! :D Okay, so the rules are:

1. You must make a post to show your award on your main blog.
2. You must tag the person who nominated you in your post.
3. You must nominate all of your best buddies, and those whom you want to become best buddies with, who, to your knowledge, have not been nominated for this award.
4. You must ask your buddies at least 15 questions in your post.
5. You must answer all of the questions your buddies ask you. On your post.

Alright, here goes nothing! :D Here are Ginny's questions.

1. Sweet tea or lemonade?
Lemonade. I can't stand sweet tea. :/

2. What's your favorite era?
Ahh!! This is the impossible question! I can't possibly answer that! *runs in panicky circles* Umm.... Maybe, if I absolutely had to pick, I would choose... colonial times to live in and the Mongolian empire times to study.

3. French fries or onion rings?
Another hard question! Okay, if they're Chick-fil-A's fries, then definitely fries. If they're (insert name of burger place that none of y'all will have heard of) onion rings, then onion rings. Hehe... I kind of cheated, didn't I? XD

4. What's your favorite band?
Skillet! No, Flyleaf! Ummm.... *winces* Skillet.

5. Which is worse? Having a sore throat or a stuffy nose?
Oh, the wonderful timing of this question. I've had a stuffy nose for the past few days, and because I get a stuffy nose all the time due to my allergies, I'm going with stuffy nose. It's so annoying!

6. What's your favorite NFL team?
Umm... I prefer college football, but if I had to pick one, I'd say the Cowboys, but I like the Seahawks as wel.

7. Cream cheese or cottage cheese?
Neither! Do I really have to pick? Umm... I guess I'd pick cream cheese if I had to....

8. Crab or shrimp?
Shrimp. I don't think I've ever had crab.

9. History or science?
History!!! This is probably one of the easiest questions so far (besides #1). I love history! Science, at least in school, is not one of my favorite subjects.

10. Leading or following?
Leading. In some instances, I think I am definitely more of a leader, but in others not as much.

11. Beef or pork?
Beef definitely!

12. Pencil or Pen?
Usually, a pen. If I'm doing schoolwork, though, I guess a pencil.

13. Pizza or fried chicken?
Pizza. Fried chicken's good, but not my favorite.

14. Divergent or The Fault in Our Stars?
This question. Roar. I guess I'll have to go with TFIOS. It's just so adorable! :D

15. Flip flops or sandals?
Flip flops. They just seem to be more comfortable than sandals.

Phew! That's done! XD Now for my questions! *rubs hands together* Mwahahaha! XD

1. Summer or winter?
2. Favorite candy?
3. Travel to Australia or France?
4. Favorite subject?
5. Favorite Disney movie? (Yes, of course I asked that question! XD)
6. Harry Potter or Hunger Games?
7. What is your favorite book in the series you chose above?
8. Ice cream or cookies?
9. Favorite type of food?
10. Biology or chemistry?
11. Chocolate or vanilla?
12. Dog or cat?
13. Skydiving or paragliding?
14. Rock climbing or ziplining?
15. Morning person or night owl?

I nominate *drumroll*...

Myth at Panda With a Pencil
Hannah at Plottinger Twist
Katie at A Writer's Faith