ideas from Pinterest || [hopefully] tragic dialogue!

Today I've got a [brief] collection of dialogue snippets from Pinterest. I've tried to form a theme, but I'm not terribly good with themes, so here they are: potentially/kind-of tragic dialogue snippets.

Of course, you could rebel and use these in an unexpected way, thereby making them completely-not-at-all-heartwrenching. E.g. if your character addressed the first one to a pizza. Or the second one. Or any of them, really.


"I've lost count of the promises I've broken for you."

"No. Not you. Anyone but you."

"This is highly irregular. They shouldn't have feelings."

"You here to finish me off, sweetheart?"

"Daddy, are we the bad guys?"

"You always smile like you're about to cry."

"The best way to keep a prisoner from escaping it to make sure he never knows he's in prison."
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, apparently? No idea who he was, though!

"We've been through a lot together, and most of it was your fault."

"Sometimes memories are the worst form of torture."

"You're not going to lose me, okay? I won't leave y-"

"It hurt once, but I don't feel it any more."

"Freedom doesn't feel like I thought it would."

"If anyone could have saved me it would have been you."

"I'm not sure when I knew you'd never forgive me."

OH I BELIEVE WE WERE TALKING HEARTBEAK??
hERE HAVE SOME QUICKSILVER

If these prompts are depressing, apply them all to food in some way!! don't worry! I promise that next time, my theme will be something along the lines of "EXPLOSIONS!!"

.....

"Battle the monsters in your closet and craft a beautiful poem from their remains."    <-- a little motivation from the CampNaNo emails. Because it's late and I'm tired and can't think of a good way to sign off. (that seems to be the standard situation whenever I'm blogging??)

#VoicesofYA tag

Jane at Maiden of the Misty Mountains has tagged me for the #VoicesofYA tag! Which is awesome, because I'd been watching it go around the blogosphere and sort of hoping someone would pick me. Thanks, Jane! ;)

What draws you to YA?
The fact that the characters are the same age as me? Roughly? Also, I feel like YA has more emotion or is more raw or interesting or something.

Describe your writing process. Do you like outlines and structure, or seeing where the story takes you?
In life, I love structure and knowing what to expect.

In writing, I once wrote a 20-page outline (okay, they were A5 sheets, but I was like thirteen) that had dissolved into a semi-first-draft, complete with dialogue, by the end. Annnd... that was as much work as the story got. Writing that had completely drained my need to write the story. (Which, considering the quality of the 'plot' and the unoriginal [read "copy-cat"] characters, was a good thing.)

Still, I WANT to plot, but I haven't found any methods that work?? Pantsing really grates on my structure-loving self and I panic whenever I try to think ahead?? Please help?!

How long have you been writing? Where are you in your journey?
I was thirteen when I started my first 'novel'. (I intended to to finish it, really I did... Instead it's the first in my folder of WIPs to finish when I figure out how to make them less flat and cliche.) (shh, don't tell them I said that; my children believe me when I tell them I love them all equally) So that was... over half a decade ago.

Now, I hope my stories are a bit better, but I'd still say I'm just starting my writing journey. I've started taking writing more seriously (I'm even trying to finish a first draft!...) but I'm still nowhere near publication or letting anyone else read my [partial] drafts. Just... no. For your own sake.

What do you need to write? Coffee? Music?
I don't drink coffee, I'm still trying to train myself to write while listening to music, and I don't snack while writing. (Writer Police: hi we're here to take away your license)

There are certain things that I need to write, though. I need to be in my room, at my desk, and no one else can be in the room. I'm just really fussy, I guess?? which isn't good if I'm away from home and need to work on my projects.

Good thing I don't leave my room much, right??

If you could offer one piece of advice to another writer, (OTHER THAN "don't give up"), what would it be?
Um... Well, something I wish I heard more is that my first draft will be junk and that's okay. I get really stressed about it. But everyone starts with a first draft, and no published author will let you read it. So my advice would be to not worry about the quality of your first draft; just finish it, and then you can shape and polish it.

What book still has you reeling from its plot twist?
Umm. I can hardly remember ANY significant plot twists. I don't know if that's because I read boring books, I just have a terrible memory, or I'm so smart nothing surprises me (obviously this is the reason).

However I probably should mention Jennifer Lynn Barnes' The Fixer - I did not see that twist about her parents.

What books are you most anticipating for this year?
I kind of... don't have a clue what's coming out this year?? I have no system for finding new books. (Except following blogs that talk about TBRs crushing them.) The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre came out this year, though, and I was waiting for that one!

In your opinion, which YA book/series has the most unique premise?

Help. I have no idea. (it's late + I'm unwell [of course I'm unwell it's week 2 of Camp hahaha]) Plus I'm always afraid of questions that say "MOST" or "FAVOURITE" or any other absolute sort of word. Because I know that once I answer the question I'll think of five other things that are better. (That's assuming I managed to answer the question at all and don't just freeze up. In this case, I just froze up. Whoops. I'll probably remember some books in time for answering comments.)

What is your all-time favourite quote from YA?
I read too fast to collect quotes. Actually, I'm sure I read some good ones - in The Fixer? The Lost Girl of Astor Street? The Wrath and the Dawn? SOMETHING I read recently, anyway. But I have no idea what it was.

Maybe I should read slower?

What book do you most hope will have a movie adaptation?
My first instinct is to say The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen. But when I think about it, that would probably be quite violent?? (THIS IS IN NO WAY AN EXCUSE FOR YOU TO NOT READ THE BOOK. It's not graphic, I promise. [Although the third book in the trilogy... I honestly have no idea how he manages to keep going.])

So instead I'd like the Ranger's Apprentice series. But not as a movie, unless they commit to doing one for each book. [None of that rot like "here's one movie of books 1-4 in a random order :) and Halt looks notHING LIKE IN THE BOOKS :) enjoy it :) :) :)"] Maybe a TV series would be a better option??



And I'm tagging two of my Camp cabin-mates, who started their own blogs less than a month ago! They've been part of a young writers' community, The Order of the Pen, for a long time (they were the ones who created it, too), so they should have some great writing advice coming up on their blogs! And other stuff, of course (no pressure, guys xD) I'm looking forward to seeing them answer these questions!

Sarah at Pen of a Ready Writer
Julian at Saver of Memories

You should definitely go check out their blogs. They're just starting, but they're going to be awesome :) *flaps hands at you*

Want to talk about books? writing techniques? random things? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Beautiful People #26 (my first time participating!)

Me: I should do a Beautiful People link-up post! talk about my characters to all the people who read my blog because apparently they have nothing better to do!
Me: *waits for post that isn't about family because my characters are all orphans*
Me: hooray new questions!
Beautiful People: today we're talking about you writers.
Me: ...
Me: close enough.

1. How do you decide which project to work on?

I shuffle through my folders and see which story captures my interest.
This may be the reason for the answer to Q2.

2. How long does it usually take you to finish a project?

Forever, apparently. At least - if we're talking novels - I haven't finished any yet. THIS WIP WILL BE THE ONE. (or not.)

3. Do you have any routines to put you in the writing mood?

Sit at my desk, open laptop, stare at wall, rearrange desk so everything is lined up and at right angles, stare at wall, listen to Owl City, stare at wall, switch to Pinterest tab, don't write.

4. What time of day do you write best?

I would love to be a morning writer. Not early morning, but after breakfast. I could get my writing done, then move on to other important things. Like Life (let's just pretend I have one).

Instead, I procrastinate and then have to stay up until eleven at night (that's REEEALLY LATE, okay guys??) and get my writing done then.

5. Are there any authors you think you have a similar style to?

I don't think I've been writing long/intensely enough to have developed a style. I do love the dry, understated humour of some classic children's books... but I don't think I have that in my writing.

6. Why did you start writing, and why do you keep writing?

BECAUSE AUTHORS ARE INCONSIDERATE AND HAVE NOT WRITTEN THE BOOKS I WANT TO READ.

7. What’s the hardest thing you’ve written?

Psychology assessments for university (I'm so glad I didn't continue that course)

Not to seem like a bad writer or anything, but if it's hard I kind of - leave? work on something else? or more likely forget writing altogether.

8. Is there a project you want to tackle someday but you don’t feel ready yet?

I have a heap of projects I started and then abandoned, with the intention of finishing them one day... that might count?

There was one I started and really loved the idea of, but it required more knowledge than I had about police procedure + hospital procedure + how do comas work? + how does amnesia work?? (If anyone has information about any of these, please comment and tell me!! It's set in Australia, though, so telling me about your sheriffs and PDs will be fascinating but unfortunately unhelpful.) It isn't exactly that I didn't feel ready; I just couldn't 'pants' my way through it, during NaNo, when important points rested on things I didn't know. (E.g. If a cop's girlfriend is under investigation for multiple murders, he's probably put on some temporary leave-thing, right?? But he had to be working on her case [up until she murdered his sister] because #plot more like #noplot. And what's the procedure for holding an amnesiac murder suspect in hospital?? Would they believe she has amnesia?? How severe can amnesia get, anyway, and what's that like??)

9. What writing goals did you make for 2017 and how are they going?

I didn't make a list of goals (maybe I should, next year? I might actually get something done??) But participating in April and July's Camps was certainly good... I think I'd like to finish the draft of Three Sisters (my WIP for both Camps) this year? Hopefully it will be going a lot better after July (and November, if necessary).

10. Describe your writing process in 3 words or a gif!

[I apologise for the grammar error. It wasn't me.]

So that's me + a few details of my writing life + my first time participating in the Beautiful People link-up! Want to talk about anything? Do we share any writing habits? (I hope not, for your sake.) Do you have some helpful advice or some information about comas or amnesia??

Leibster Blog Award

A while back (I'm a Master Procrastinator), Gray at Writing is Life nominated me for the Leibster Blog Award.

 Now I had to look this up, because I'm still pretty new to blogging and all the traditions etc. But apparently the Liebster Award is "for new blogs and/or those with fewer than 200 followers, and [is] meant to motivate newcomers to the blogging community". "Liebster" means something along the lines of sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome - it's German. (That link also talks a lot about what the Liebster Award is for and what you do with it.)

Basically:
The Liebster Award is to share the blogging love - you're trying to get your readers to check out newer/lesser-known (but awesome) bloggers. When 'nominated', you can display some sort of award icon if you like. Write a post which -
    a) thanks [and talking up the blog of] the person who nominated you;
    b) answers any questions they asked you (and includes new ones for the next bloggers to answer); and
    c) nominates some relatively unknown blogs you think deserve more notice. (Don't forget to comment on their blogs and tell them!)

'kay. So. Gray is... awesome! She was the force behind the beginning of the #RebelliousWriting movement. She wrote a rant about how writers have to be readers to be good at their craft. She's sweet and replies really quickly to comments on her blog. She has an amazing singing voice, too, which I was fortunate enough to hear in a Q&A vlog. (Sorry, Gray, but it's true xD) If you haven't checked out Gray's blog - or joined the #RebelliousWriting movement (which is getting its own website soon?) - then you should definitely go have a look! (And then come back, obviously...)

*flaps at you*

And Gray asked me eleven fascinating questions!

--{1. What is your biggest pet peeve?}--

(I apologise for any trauma that may have been suffered as a result of these images; however, I refuse to take any responsibility.)

--{2. What is one of your favourite things?}--

My laptop? I mean, for a long time I didn't have much access to the amazing (and also really frightening) thing called 'the internet' unless I was using it for school. I am pleased that I no longer have to keep all my secret stories stuff on a USB because #littlesisters.

--{3. Do you have a song stuck in your head? If so, which one?}--

At the time Gray tagged me, Fireflies and Vanilla Twilight.

Now, Fireflies, Vanilla Twilight, Fuzzy Blue Lights, The Saltwater Room, Dental Care (so punny!), On the Wing, and My Everything. I refuse to apologise: I have a lot of catching up to do.

(Anyway, I only know the lyrics to Fireflies [and it's ANNOYING when I have one of the others stuck in my head and I can't sing along]. I'm not obsessed. *coughs*)

--{4. What is your favourite book from this week?}--

I'd like to say Legend by Marie Lu or The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine. But I read them last week.

The only book I've actually read in the last seven days is How to Speak Dragonese by Cressida Cowell. (I preferred How to Train Your Dragon. And I haven't seen the movies.)

--{5. What is your favourite movie from this week?}--

Kung Fu Panda 2. It's also the only movie I've watched this week. (It's still really funny, though.)

But my brother borrowed my copy of The Hobbit [book], and now he's on The Lord of the Rings (even though he normally reads non-fiction), so I'm hoping I can watch the Hobbit trilogy with him! Sometime! Not sure when! Gotta love tertiary study!

 --{6. Do you have a favourite YouTuber? If so, who?}--

I'm actually not sure as to the definition of YouTuber, but I love listening to Peter Hollens, Owl City and the Piano Guys; I also love Studio C.

--{7. White, milk, or dark chocolate?}--

Milk. 

White chocolate is not chocolate. I don't care if it's with raspberries in a cheesecake. It isn't chocolate. And dark chocolate is 'adult chocolate'. At least in my experience, kids don't like it. (I am not an adult. I am a kid.)

...But of course, if someone's handing out white or dark chocolate, will I say no? Of course not. (If for no other reason, then because if I do, my siblings will have had more treats than me. I know. I am pettiness personified.)

--{8. What is your favourite word?}--

My- WHAT? of all the words in the world, I have to pick one?? Based on what??

THIS IS NOT A NICE QUESTION GRAY. 

--{9. Do you have a secret talent?}--

I can wiggle my ears. And raise either eyebrow independently of the other. These talents are actually quite useful on quests.

--{10. Who is the first person that comes to mind when you think "weird"?}--

Myself.

Is that weird?

*doesn't answer my own question*

--{11. Would you rather be super famous or rich and unknown? Why?}--

Rich and unknown. That way I could help people who needed it, without the gossip magazines questioning my motives and saying dirty things about me in general.

Also, if I was super famous, I would have to talk to hoards of people. PEOPLE. (Introvert talking here...)

ugh people
I mean they can be great but sometimes they get a bit much irl.
especially in large bunches

Now there are a heap of amazing bloggers out there, floating in the blogosphere, waiting for people to realize their amazingness...

But I'm not much of an explorer. I like my comfortable circles.

And even when I do find a new blog, I tend to follow + read + basically stalk + not comment. Which means the blogger doesn't actually know me. So having me rave about them would feel weird.

Still, here are some fairly new blogs that you should all go check out (if you haven't already) because they're pretty awesome: 

The Florid Sword: Faith started blogging around the same time I did - March this year - but she posts more consistently than me, so her blog feels more 'developed'. ;) She blogs about writing and faith in the real world and music. (and musicals. she'd love to talk to you about Hamilton.)

a surge of thunder: Andrea's first post was in February this year. She writes about writing and raves about reading, which is of course awesome, because those are VERY IMPORTANT topics.

Audrey Caylin: Audrey started blogging in October last year. She writes encouraging posts about life and posts about writing (I'm starting to see a pattern here??) And she just had a blog makeover, which looks amazing.

So, girls, I'm passing the Leibster Blog Award to you.

Here are a few blog-related questions I'd love to see you three answer! 

1. Why did you begin blogging?
2. What blogs inspired yours when you were starting out?

3. What's your blog's 'theme'? (whether topics, visuals, aesthetics, sense of humour...)

4. What fictional character would be your arch-nemesis? (HAHAHA NO I NEVER PROMISED A THEME TO THESE QUESTIONS, YOU MUST BE MISTAKEN)

And of course I'd love to see anyone else answer these questions in the comments!