tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55211234516517344162024-03-24T19:31:53.329-04:00The Rebelling MuseThe whimsical - and semi-chaotic - writing journal of Catherine Hawthorn and her rebellious museUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-33366625524437901942024-03-22T19:52:00.004-04:002024-03-22T21:24:24.075-04:00Great, Now There Are Two of Them<p>Greetings, my dear friends! </p><p>It has been entirely too long since I have been here on the blog. I'm afraid that my personal life has taken quite a rollercoaster recently. I have been doing much better with my email newsletter, so I encourage you all if you haven't subscribed to that yet, be sure to click the landing page in the sidebar!</p><p>Especially since there are some crazzzzzy things happening around here. And for once, the rebellious muse isn't to blame. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9FmHqKLtkG9w7iQmgmpwNm9tvXZkrszPUWAaCBgyy2X3BfNDQQ9kEAuw4Z90bbwphNCruNDW_KT0rLOkGCkNdIiiwkppJQgIrZa3BkEwR0zKZ-COZu3oXTO_TkkBJBelynuppBQnDw4pxIfhHTdaEazlMkq32GPgQWAYdyLWimn1DS4kSpkEeJhImrI/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20(6).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9FmHqKLtkG9w7iQmgmpwNm9tvXZkrszPUWAaCBgyy2X3BfNDQQ9kEAuw4Z90bbwphNCruNDW_KT0rLOkGCkNdIiiwkppJQgIrZa3BkEwR0zKZ-COZu3oXTO_TkkBJBelynuppBQnDw4pxIfhHTdaEazlMkq32GPgQWAYdyLWimn1DS4kSpkEeJhImrI/w400-h225/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20(6).png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>As some of you may know, I had an entire storyworld completely disappear back in December. Frustrating, yes, but not entirely inexplainable. I don't think the Shaxpir backups were as thorough as I had hoped. There also could be a written record somewhere, I just haven't found it yet. </p><p>Now, recently, I began working again on the third draft to Fair Winds. Because as we all know, every time I go to the beach, I work on this story. It's a tradition at this point. </p><p>As I open up the document, I remembered I was just before Chapter 5, which is a funeral scene. Not exactly the most cheerful place to begin drafting again. I thought, oh, well, maybe I'll skip that part. </p><p>Except when I got to the end of the draft, I noticed that half of Chapter 4 was missing. <i>Hmm, maybe I remembered wrong, </i>I said to myself. Anyway, it was a better place than the funeral. </p><p>So, I redraft the missing half of Chapter 4 without any issues. In the meantime, I go and save a version to Google Drive (this is to prevent total loss in case my laptop fries). </p><p>I draft a little further along, and I go to update the Google version....only to find a completely different version of Chapter 4 staring at me in the face. </p><p>After a moment of panic, I recognized it as the <i>old</i> version - the one I had stopped on the last time I had worked on this novel....the one I thought had disappeared. </p><p>For several days, I couldn't figure out why this had happened. Had there been a glitch on my computer? </p><p>Then, as I'm typing this all up here, I remembered that I had my thumb drive with me on the trip. Which also has a backup of Fair Winds on it. So I must have uploaded the copy from the thumb drive rather than the laptop. Which makes me wonder just how good my backup game really is....</p><p>Weird techy things aside, I thought it would be super fun to see the differences between the two scenes and figure out which is the better one. The first few paragraphs and the last lines are the same for both versions, (which evidently, is why I almost missed the alternative version). </p><p>We'll start with the old one first. </p><p><br /></p><p> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Older Version: </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A strong evening breeze came off from the sea, ruffling his dark locks as he stood on the dock.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Lieutenant Colin Raeburn waited patiently as the packet ship </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Swallow</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> lowered her anchor. While it contained many useful and needed supplies, this was not the reason why Colin’s hopes were rising. On that ship could be a letter from either his mother or sister. It had been a long four months since he had heard from them last and he was anxious as to how Sarah was faring. The last letter had hinted at her suffering consumption, which worried him tremendously.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The ropes were cast down at last, and soon the crew were working to raise the sails and lower the gangplanks to the harbor.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After allowing some of the hands to disembark, Colin placed his foot on the gangplank to ascend. But as he looked up, he saw with astonishment that a familiar smartly-dressed Navy midshipman stood at the top of the gangplank.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Andrew Ware!”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The red head above was thrown back in a laugh as the strapping man hailed his companion-at-arms. Soon, the two were shaking hands on the dock.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“So, you’ve finally joined us, eh?”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Aye, Captain Dryden thought I’d be better at catching smugglers and pirates than mouldering below decks.” Andrew smiled. “It’s good to see you again, mate.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Colin chuckled. “Best not let the captain hear you call me that.” He opened his blue coat to reveal a fine white waistcoat and white breeches.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Andrew whistled. “You’re an officer now?”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Aye. Captain Livingston recommended me for a commission after some action here a year ago.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Action...sir?”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Oh, it was nothing serious. Just a band of Spanish smugglers breaking into a complex of warehouses.” Colin made a brushing motion with his hand. “How are things in Plymouth?”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“I don’t know. My ship, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Vesper</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, was stuck in Portsmouth getting repairs for months. I left directly from there upon receiving my orders.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Oh.” Colin quickly smothered his disappointment.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Say, mind showing a mate who just arrived from sea where the nearest tavern is? This sea air makes a fellow awfully parched.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Shouldn’t you report to your commanding officer first?”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Andrew brushed him off. “The sky grows dark, and the man doesn’t need to be bothered until the morning. Besides, I am in desperate need of an ale.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Among other things</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, Colin mentally added on. “Well then I shall go with you and lament the seeming loss of my mother’s letter.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Andrew jumped and reached for his coat pocket. “Letter! I’m carrying one, actually, Nearly forgot about it. Except it’s for Captain Livingston, not you. Will we find him at the pub?” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“No, but his home is on the way. That is the only place he is besides the pier these days. His wife has taken ill with fever and he is loath to leave her side.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Unusual devotion, I must say.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Colin chuckled. “They share an intimacy not found among many couples.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The two men walked along the streets of Port Royal towards a row of housing just inland. Along the way, Andrew’s eyes wandered over the obnoxiously bright displays of the traders and the tanned beauties that passed their way. Colin kept his eyes straight towards his destination. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Soon, they reached a simple house in the middle of the row. Colin knocked on the door and soon both were ushered into Captain Livingston’s study. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> “So, you have a letter for me, eh?” The middle-aged man reached for a pair of spectacles on his desk. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With an affirmative, Andrew handed the letter off to him. “Captain Dryden sends his compliments, sir. He has spoken very often of you in the highest regard.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“No doubt. Although I expected less accolades and more men in answer to my request.” Captain Livingston broke open the seal and began to read to himself. “He does speak quite highly of you in his letter of introduction though, Mr. Ware. Says you’re worth ten able seamen. I suppose this is his way of apologizing for his own failure.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Andrew gave a wry smile. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Captain Dryden further states that I am to be of service to you in finding a position here.” Captain Livingston put the letter down and removed his spectacles. “As it so happens, I am in need of a midshipman on my own vessel. Report to me at the pier in the morning.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Aye sir.” Andrew saluted. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Oh, and here.” Captain Livingston reached into his pocket and flipped Andrew a gold sovereign. “Consider this an advance on your wages and get yourself a good meal before you settle in the barracks tonight.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Andrew grinned. “Thank you, sir. I’m much obliged to you.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The two men shook hands cordially, and Andrew excused himself to go to the pub. After promising to join him later, Colin sat down in one of the chairs near the window. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“He’s a good lad that.” Captain Livingston said offhandedly as he picked up his spectacles again. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Aye, sir. He and I were old school fellows. I only hope that he stays out of the back alleys.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“He certainly wouldn’t be the first “good” lad to be tempted by promises of riches or by women for that matter. But, you know that is difficult to avoid while on shore. Especially in this city. Gambling and prostitution are rife on every corner and alley. And precious little we can do to stop such behavior.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Colin nodded his agreement as Captain Livingston picked up another folded sheet. “Shall I leave you, sir? To view your letter?” </span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f56b88c6-7fff-7b0e-8279-44ac141d4508"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There was a pause before the captain answered. “No, stay for a moment, Colin.” His eyebrows furrowed together as he unfolded it. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Looking back on this old version, I have a few thoughts. I really like Captain Dryden's name. The prose is concise. I feel that the pacing is a little fast, and not very engaging. Neither do I feel that you get a good impression of any of the characters. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In addition, although you wouldn't know this from reading just this snippet, there is actually a plot hole here. For the sake of spoilers, I won't reveal exactly where it is, but just know that it's there. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And now, onto the new version!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Please note: There is one italicized section that indicates that I'm missing something from the draft. Please ignore that. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Newer Version:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre;"> </span>A strong evening breeze came off from the sea, ruffling his dark locks as he stood on the dock.</p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">Lieutenant Colin Raeburn waited patiently as the packet ship Swallow lowered her anchor. While it contained many useful and needed supplies, this was not the reason why Colin was happy to
see it. On that ship could be a letter from either his mother or sister. It had been a long four months since he had heard from them last and he was anxious as to how Sarah was faring. The last letter had hinted at her suffering
consumption, which worried him tremendously. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">The ropes were cast down at last, and soon the crew were working to raise the sails and lower the gangplanks to the harbor. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">After allowing some of the hands to disembark, Colin placed his foot on the gangplank to ascend. But as he looked up, he saw with astonishment that a smartly-dressed Navy midshipman stood
at the top of the gangplank. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Andrew Ware!” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">The red head above was thrown back in a laugh as the strapping man hailed his companion-at-arms. Soon, the two were shaking hands on the dock. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“So, you’ve finally joined us, eh?” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Aye, Captain Boyce thought I’d be better at catching smugglers and pirates than mouldering below decks.” Andrew smiled. “It’s good to see you again, mate.”
</span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">Colin chuckled. “Best not let the captain hear you call me that.” He opened his blue coat to reveal a fine white waistcoat and white breeches. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">Andrew whistled. “You’re an officer now?” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Aye. Captain Livingston recommended me for a commission after some action here a year ago.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Action...sir?” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Oh, it was nothing serious. Just a rogue band of Spanish smugglers who threatened the governor.” Colin made a brushing motion with his hand. “How are things in Plymouth?”</span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“I don’t know. My ship, Vesper, was stuck in Portsmouth getting repairs for months. I left directly from there.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Oh.” Colin quickly smothered his disappointment. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Say, mind showing a mate just arrived from sea where the nearest tavern is? This sea air makes a fellow awfully parched.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Shouldn’t you report to your commanding officer first?”</span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">Andrew brushed him off. “The sky grows dark with night, and the man doesn’t need to be bothered until the morning. Besides, I am in desperate need of an ale.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">Among other things, Colin mentally added on. “Well then, I shall go with you and lament the seeming loss of my mother’s letter.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">At the word “letter,” Andrew jumped and reached for his coat pocket. “Letter! I’m carrying one, actually. I almost forgot about it. Except it’s for Captain
Livingston, not you. I’m sorry.”</span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“How did you end up with a letter for Captain Livingston?”</span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“My sainted aunt, Mrs. Ann Goodhew, sent it from Brixham with a letter from herself. Fortunately, it found me in Portsmouth the day I was supposed to set sail. Any idea where I could
find him?” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">Colin smiled. “Come this way, I’ll lead you to his home. That’s the most likely place to find him when he’s not at the pier. His wife has been ill with fever for
several days and he is loath to leave her side.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">Andrew made known his astonishment. “Unusual devotion, I must say.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">Colin chuckled. “They share an intimacy not found among many couples.”</span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">They walked along the streets of Port Royal towards a row of housing just inland. Along the way, Andrew’s eyes wantered over the obnoxiously bright displays and the tanned native beauties
that passed their way. Colin kept his eyes straight towards his destination. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">Soon, they reached a simple house in the center of Officer’s Row. Colin reached up and knocked on the pewter knocker. Soon, a colored manservant answered the door. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Good afternoon, Saul. Is Captain Livingston available for visitors?” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Yes, suh, Lieutenant Raeburn. Come in, I’ll tell him you are here.” Saul smiled as the two young men entered the foyer. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">(comment by Andrew about something, reply by colin)</span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Colin!” A booming voice came from the doorway. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">The two young men turned and saw a large man in a smart blue coat and white breeches before them. His hair was powdered white and swept into a neat queue. His dark blue eyes held a genial
expression as he raised his hand to Colin to shake. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Pleasure to see you, sir. Allow me to introduce Midshipman Andrew Ware. He just arrived on the Swallow this afternoon.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">The two of them shook hands cordially and Captain Livingston invited them into his study. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“So, Mister Ware. You’ve been sent from England?” Livinston opened a decanter of brandy and began filling two glasses. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Aye sir. I have a letter of introduction from Captain Boyce. I was to report to a ship called Mermaid’s Tear?” Andrew reached for one of the glasses that the Captain had
just filled. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Ahh yes, that would be Admiral Norwood’s vessel. He just lost a midshipman recently. Died of syphilis, the poor man.” The captain corked the decantor and took a swig of
his syllabub. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“’Scuse me, suh. Admiral Norwood is here to see you.” Saul stood respectfully at the door. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Well, isn’t that timing! Show him in, Saul.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">Saul nodded, and soon a wiry, weather-beaten man was shown into the study. He wasted no time with formalities. “Captain, I have news. Two Spanish ships have been spotted west-southwest
of here. I need two more ships ready to weigh anchor before the end of the day.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Don’t worry, Admiral. The Vigilant and the Triumph are on standby. And what’s more, a midshipman has just arrived from England that’s to report to you. Mister Andrew
Ware, late of Captain Boyce’s command.” Livingston indicated Andrew, who had risen upon the mention. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">The admiral looked over Andrew carefully. “Mmmm. I would have appreciated it if you had reported to my barracks before you engaged in any social visits, Mister Ware.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Forgive me, Admiral. But I had a commission by my aunt to deliver a letter to Captain Livingston.” As he said this, he reached into his coat to retrieve the letter and gave
it to the captain, who received it with surprise. “And now that it is finished, I am at your disposal.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Excellent. Let us be off then. Good day, Captain.” And with that, the admiral stalked off towards the door. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Well, I am sorry to leave you all so soon, but duty has called.” Andrew shook hands with Captain Livingston first and then Colin. “It was good to see you, Colin...sir.”
</span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“You too, Andrew. When you get back, I’ll treat you to a pint at the tavern.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Thank you. I’m much obliged.” And with that, Andrew left the house in trail of Admiral Norwood. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“He’s a good lad, that.” Captain Livingston took another sip of his syllabub. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Aye, sir. I’ve known him since we were lads. I just hope that he stays out of the back alleys, if you know what I mean.” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">“Well, you know that’s difficult to avoid on shore. Especially in this city where prostitution and gambling are rife. There is little we can do to stop such activities.”
</span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">Colin nodded his agreement as Livingston picked up the letter from the desk. “Shall I leave you, sir? To view your letter?” </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5">There was a pause before Livingston answered. “No, stay for a moment, Colin.” His grey eyebrows furrowed as he broke the seal. </span></p>
<p class="Normal"><span class="tm5"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; text-wrap: wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Well, this is certainly different from the last version!</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; text-wrap: wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; text-wrap: wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">I feel it's a lot more authentic to the 1740s time period it's supposed to be. There is also much more description incorporated into the prose, which makes it more engaging to me. I don't know how I feel about the name being changed from Dryden to Boyce. The original name from Draft 2 was Byden, which I was not comfortable using for obvious reasons. Not remembering that I had changed it to Dryden before, I went for a name that still seemed nautical but not linguistically close to the original. The snippet is also longer, which may affect the pacing. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; text-wrap: wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; text-wrap: wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">As for which one I like better....I can't really decide! </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; text-wrap: wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; text-wrap: wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>So, I want to hear from you guys! Which version do you like better and why? Don't be afraid to shred it in the comments, lol</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; text-wrap: wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; text-wrap: wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; text-wrap: wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">With love, </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; text-wrap: wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Catherine</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 36pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-10541686764646610312023-12-31T20:02:00.003-05:002024-02-24T14:31:06.590-05:002023 is Wrapped!<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bgkmh4Z93PMLy4QCbxp3Hz2Ri0aCMUeVUxxqtXr6KHlquMBY9LkEM8mGuz0KB7n8DDRhDJdrryjhI0RIdLXlHPweTUwh7aeViX_Mq5Ql48quX-UeQsuDtNa677ntjk2ruVlN7Tebq9yLGVRdLe4-mluQr3LCJSh41zE4SWFvopaZjibI_map-HxIIn4/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20(5).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bgkmh4Z93PMLy4QCbxp3Hz2Ri0aCMUeVUxxqtXr6KHlquMBY9LkEM8mGuz0KB7n8DDRhDJdrryjhI0RIdLXlHPweTUwh7aeViX_Mq5Ql48quX-UeQsuDtNa677ntjk2ruVlN7Tebq9yLGVRdLe4-mluQr3LCJSh41zE4SWFvopaZjibI_map-HxIIn4/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20(5).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Greetings! </p><p>Being here in the cave, it's been hard to keep track of the time. But there has been a lot of bustle outside, so I took a peek and lo and behold! 2024 is due to dawn in jut a few hours! </p><p>This year could be best summarized in a lot of little steps. I backed off a little on the platform building <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(which, in hindsight, might have been a mistake) </span>and tried to focus a little more on my writing. </p><p>Early on in the year, however, I had a huge life change - I got a full-time day job! I <i>thought</i> that with my evenings completely free, I would be able to devote a little more time to writing. But, early start times at work force early rising, and having only a half hour break really limits my ability to do much. Needless to say, smooshing 8 hours of "normal" duties into 4 or less proved to be a challenge. </p><p>I decided to use what limited writing time I had on line-editing my debut novel, The White Rose. I could do it in chunks and I didn't have to put much effort into it. More on that in a moment, lol. </p><p>For the majority of this year, I left off blog writing - except for hosting the Silmaril Awards, which I enjoyed immensely. Part of the reason for that is...I've kinda run out of things to talk about? I watch a lot more films and read a lot more books, but I don't really analyze nearly as much as I used to. </p><p>In self-publishing news, the Fiat Self-Publishing Academy has been a good investment for me. While I haven't had much use for the majority of the resources at this time, I have had some great experiences with them so far. I met an amazing life coach who helped me with some writers blocks and had my Instagram critiqued by an Instagram coach. I'm also chatting with an editor about improving TWR's manuscript. </p><p>Speaking of that, let's do a quick progress update!</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>The White Rose</u></p><p>This was Year 3 of implementing the edits that I received in 2020. This last year has been much rougher than the previous two. I started the year with 34, 726 and I ended the year with 68, 398 words. I am surprised that I managed to nearly double the word count considering that I barely got 10k last year. </p><p>I finished the first 20 chapters in May of this year, and I sent it out to beta readers for critiques. 9 readers took the challenge, and they gave me such wonderful feedback. I can't wait to implement it fully. </p><p>As I kept going through the draft, the more frustrated I got with the edit quality. I can tell that my editor was also frustrated with the plot. The straw that broke me was that the ending scenes were all suggested to be scrapped, which didn't go very well with either me or my fellow readers. I ended the work on the line edits late in the fall without the ending scenes. I took a hiatus from it after that, and will go back to it in January. </p><p>I did commission a book cover for The White Rose, which was completed in September of this year. I'm super thrilled with the job that Benita did on it and I'm so excited to show you all the cover next year. Besides this, I have not made any more progress on self-publishing The White Rose at this time. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Fair Winds</u></p><p>One of my stated goals for 2023 was to finish Draft 3 of Fair Winds. I must admit that once the clock to 2023....I forgot about this goal. I wrote not a word on it. It is a rather unfortunate turn of affairs. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Supposing Erroneously</u></p><p>Due to my frustrations with my debut novel, I wanted to try and whet my muscles on a brand new story. The only one that fit into my schedule and my mood was Shattered Chandelier, so I decided to write a sequel for it back in December. I decided to base it off of the musical Singing in the Rain, as it seemed to fit the direction of the story. </p><p>I experienced a minor setback when I discovered that all of my world-building notes for Shattered Chandelier had disappeared entirely. The good news is that with a contemporary story, there isn't *as* much work as a fantasy novel. </p><p>Like Shattered Chandelier, Supposing Erroneously will be published on Wattpad. I have already published TWO parts for your reading pleasure (yes, I know, I probably should have announced it in it's own thing, but I.....completely forgot). You can read Supposing Erroneously <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/357173662-supposing-erroneously">HERE</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Goals for 2024 </u></p><p>I must admit, setting goals right now is not very attractive to me. There has been little change in them from year to year, which has been very frustrating for me as well as for you dear readers. </p><p>I still have the long-term goal of publishing either The White Rose or Fair Winds in the near future. But whether they will be completed in this year of grace 2024 or not remains to be seen. But I'm going to place these as goals and then reevaluate them in about six months: </p><p>- Finish Supposing Erroneously</p><p>- edit another 20 chapters of TWR (maybe even finish them!)</p><p>- Blog at least once a month</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DpLiShb6GunsJOAz7tBlcMoXR6t0DiZB-ewhCL-g2F04eUsUkIO_DWvowhRRbLpotjmAjGESOoA37uj7u778sqxfjWcCyqQQ9xwVbg6-PGg7b3MCj7Rwy-_bj0BeQni32-2nNVapNsejxBgmqVVnujksPKu4X0xPU5pxzAi8MigBtwYlTT8ClMMApCY/s1280/divider-2154993_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="1280" height="19" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DpLiShb6GunsJOAz7tBlcMoXR6t0DiZB-ewhCL-g2F04eUsUkIO_DWvowhRRbLpotjmAjGESOoA37uj7u778sqxfjWcCyqQQ9xwVbg6-PGg7b3MCj7Rwy-_bj0BeQni32-2nNVapNsejxBgmqVVnujksPKu4X0xPU5pxzAi8MigBtwYlTT8ClMMApCY/s320/divider-2154993_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>And that wraps up 2023! I hope that you all have a very blessed New Years and I will see you in 2024! </p><p>God bless, </p><p>Catherine <3</p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-70715534678799400502023-12-02T23:50:00.003-05:002023-12-05T18:41:52.487-05:00When a World Vanishes....Literally<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP30otJKu3jb3awl46jJQE2mZdVCGQOLkfiDo7A-KM4GoHGdD5olK37PGOg7PNL7kbGLt0wIo39RIVFau3JiSPq8-01Rh_i5oPlr0yyH70eZkhJ_IGd8azECuK19fp1zozAWwYz5jVGjjrefrpj0APHQ73bM-t9lham5MvHz_cDa5hvxGeQXQdyvLGHSQ/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20(3).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP30otJKu3jb3awl46jJQE2mZdVCGQOLkfiDo7A-KM4GoHGdD5olK37PGOg7PNL7kbGLt0wIo39RIVFau3JiSPq8-01Rh_i5oPlr0yyH70eZkhJ_IGd8azECuK19fp1zozAWwYz5jVGjjrefrpj0APHQ73bM-t9lham5MvHz_cDa5hvxGeQXQdyvLGHSQ/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20(3).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Well, this is an awkward way to introduce a new story. </p><p>For indeed, I am creating a new story, as I hinted at in my last post. And also as hinted, it will be a sequel to Shattered Chandelier. Upon deliberation, I decided to go ahead with the title Supposing Erroneously, with the musical inspiration being Singin' in the Rain. </p><p>(And if you don't know where the reference is, watch the clip <a href="https://youtu.be/DPBKYwJo3nQ?si=b2mUfaUdwQfz3u8a">HERE</a>)</p><p>The great thing about sequels is that the world and characters are pretty well established. Or, at least they should be. The prose from the previous story can usually provide some clues, but if you're like me, there are a ton of details that you think of that don't make it into the actual drafts. So naturally, when I decided to re-familiarize myself with the world from Shattered Chandelier, I go to find the notes that I made when I created that story. </p><p>Only to find that all of my world-building notes have completely and utterly....</p><p>Disappeared. </p><p>Vanished. Into thin air. <i>Without a trace</i>. </p><p>No digital notes, no paper notes. NOTHING. </p><p>I know I had them at some point because I made reference to them in one of my previous posts. <i>But I legitimately don't know where they are</i>. And I have looked in every single spot I can think of. </p><p>Which means that I need to reconstruct an entire world from the materials I have left. Specifically, the story itself, a YouTube playlist, and my old Pinterest board. </p><p>And....my faulty memory.</p><p>However, upon examination....I find that my muse might have inserted a "fail-safe". <br /></p><p>In my original story, I was surprisingly <i>unoriginal</i> when it came to some of the place names. The town names of Carbon Hill and Logan are real towns in eastern Ohio. Even the name of the campground that Jessamine and Kestrel stay at was a real campground near that area. Not exactly my strongest work, but coming off of a high fantasy with complex naming structures....there is little surprise that my muse had basically thrown in the towel. </p><p>However, this proved to be a blessing in disguise. Because this allowed me to retrace exactly where my world-building inspiration came from.</p><p>If I remember correctly, I had originally tried to base "Shattered Chandelier" near Athens, Ohio. One of Jessamine's character details was that she had attended a theater program at Ohio University. I don't remember any particular reason why I chose that university - unless it was one of the top theater programs in Ohio. There is a possibility that I had another city in mind in the very beginning, but goodness only knows what it was. </p><p>Anyway, I started in Athens and I looked for towns nearby to base "Shattered Chandelier" in. I remember coming across the city of Logan and deciding that it was a good "big city" to look near. I had debated whether to use the towns of Ewing or Rockbridge before I decided to look east of Logan. There, I found the towns of Haydenville, Nelsonville, and Carbon Hill. </p><p>Carbon Hill stuck out to me the most in 2020, not because of what was there but what was not. The real Carbon Hill has less than 10 streets and is basically a hamlet. But I liked the name immensely. It seemed to fit the romantic manufacturing small-town aspect that I needed. Plus, with it being a small town, I figured that it wouldn't be recognized, and I could do whatever I wanted to it. </p><p>However, upon revisiting it in 2023, I find this to be....unsatisfactory. And mayyyybe slightly unethical.</p><p>Comparing it to the map now, I find that the "Carbon Hill" in Shattered Chandelier matches a little closer to nearby Nelsonville. Upon researching it further, I found that Nelsonville actually boasts of its own opera house, called Stuart's Opera House, located in the center of downtown. It's fully restored and is currently used as a community center, event venue as well as a performing arts center. Looking at Stuart's history, I see a lot of similarities between the real-life story and the fictional story of West Side Theatre. </p><p>Speaking of West Side, what was the inspiration for that? (Hint: it wasn't Stuart's)</p><p>I had looked into quite a few abandoned theaters in 2020, including famous ones such as the Majestic/Palace theaters in Bridgeport, CT; and the Variety Theater in Cleveland. I remember there being a specific theater on which I based the majority of West Side's story, but for the life of me, I don't remember which theater it was. I do remember cutting and pasting a few details from other theaters. Although to be fair, many of the abandoned theaters in the United States have similar stories so the plausibility would still remain high regardless of which theater the information came from. Still, it was fun (and rather creepy) to see the remains of those theaters and imagine how West Side would look in that state. </p><p>While reconstructing the world took a few days, it felt much too quick for me. Going forward, I think I'm going to change a couple of things. </p><p>One is the name of the town that the story is based on. Carbon Hill and Carbondale are both real names for towns in Ohio and I think it would be more appropriate to have a fictional name for my town. Taking both Carbon Hill and Nelsonville as inspiration, I decided to officially change the name of the town to.....<b>Carbonville, Ohio. </b>Logan, Athens and other large city names will still be in place to give the reader an orientation of the region. </p><p>Another minor change will, of course, be the name of the campground. Rather than William's Campground, it will be changed to Billy's Campground. </p><p>As for the time period, it will still be pre-COVID contemporary fiction. So...around the year 2013 or so. Everything else in the story will remain the same as it was in Shattered Chandelier. </p><p>As to what this story will be about and what characters it will feature....that is still up for debate. Jessamine and Eric will be in there, but more as a subplot. Kestrel will get her own story, but it won't be this one (I'm thinking 42nd Street retelling for her). Will Chagney is out of the picture. </p><p>This means the most likely character would be...Sarabelle Dickens. Unless I elevated one of the chorus girls. I'll need to think on that for a while. </p><p>I hope you enjoyed this ramble through my muse's attempt at reconstructing a vanished world. Has this ever happened to any of you? How did you recover it? Let me know in the comments below! </p><p>Scribbling with love, </p><p>Catherine </p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-76921979400002530822023-11-27T11:35:00.004-05:002023-11-27T18:52:07.124-05:00I Have Forgotten How to Create <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9h2rK3E4XuHGvZLwxuATxsyQYzUUqKewX3JcOC5IZcI9wlkwQ98SByA8p16YSkCxRfZx0bO2vdMzgFFfmZhzoJq8v4bI9KYjcxmwa-GEnLj-oN9Vx2LAWMqjwHIk9vJ3aQWPfIYal7vyWvC0Pk5bABxztFHG1MFN4ZnAeVu3kriGnXfs1exKLJwMm_3k/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20(2).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9h2rK3E4XuHGvZLwxuATxsyQYzUUqKewX3JcOC5IZcI9wlkwQ98SByA8p16YSkCxRfZx0bO2vdMzgFFfmZhzoJq8v4bI9KYjcxmwa-GEnLj-oN9Vx2LAWMqjwHIk9vJ3aQWPfIYal7vyWvC0Pk5bABxztFHG1MFN4ZnAeVu3kriGnXfs1exKLJwMm_3k/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20(2).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Greetings from the cave! </p><p>Let me get the bad news out of the way first. The White Rose is on hold again.... temporarily. </p><p>Those of you who follow me on Discord and Instagram know that I have finished the line edits that I received from my editor. It took me <i>three years</i> to get to this point. The parts I was able to salvage are pretty decent. But there are several holes (again), and I am having a lot of issues getting a cohesive theme and scenes. So I am going to take a little break from it and let the scene ideas percolate through ye old muse for a little while. </p><p>This issue has brought home the fact that I have been constantly been in "edit" mode for....a long longer than I should have. When I decided to take my writing seriously, I had 9 active story ideas. I wanted to finish a few of those ideas before I made any new WIPs. But this strategy has backfired. Being stuck in "edit" mode for the past 3+ years has made me <b>forget how to create and it shows! </b></p><p>Therefore, what I believe I need is to write a NEW story - one that I don't have to worry about being "good". This automatically eliminates anything related to the Epics of Verden, and the Fair Winds duology. </p><p>I could bring back one of the story ideas I archived earlier this year, but that feels too much like editing. In fact, I deleted the Wattpad draft of Hidden Seeds, and I will permanently archive that story. It was a great training wheels story, but the premise has not aged well. </p><p>So what is left? </p><p>My lovable zany troupe of amateur actors that I haven't touched since 2020. </p><p>This past weekend, I took a peek at my old Wattpad story, Shattered Chandelier. In spite of it's little problems, the story gave me a lot of comfort and confidence in my own writing. </p><p>But rather than editing Shattered Chandelier, I think I'm going to continue the series. I had talked about doing three sequels - retellings of the musicals The Pirates of Penzance, Singing in the Rain or 42nd Street. I had said that I would do the Pirates retelling next after Shattered Chandelier in 2020, but I'm not holding myself to that promise. I had only said that was the likely one because I had drafted a plot outline for it in 2020....which probably should be scrapped. Or reworked, at least. </p><p>All of this to say....keep an eye out for an introduction post sometime in December :). </p><p><br /></p><p>Scribbling with love, </p><p>Catherine </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-40560774133488933552023-10-06T22:58:00.002-04:002023-11-27T18:50:16.575-05:00Vanity will get me nowhere<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHJWNrkJ8n61eDHDk5MnY311oPI5IwaZaAvOiqFMDipv2zUuHhCHcwvBvhrmkmYbvr79rFN6jRquEU5LfCgXmstVyetGq3Hk4PS4iVVfjeRBfmJhaWm-OpZxztpCCEtRN8zilub8_khD8CGogkWNd_ILedSN8gqZl2k061ETcx9EjJ87gdbqop5pJg7I/s560/20231006_234319_0000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHJWNrkJ8n61eDHDk5MnY311oPI5IwaZaAvOiqFMDipv2zUuHhCHcwvBvhrmkmYbvr79rFN6jRquEU5LfCgXmstVyetGq3Hk4PS4iVVfjeRBfmJhaWm-OpZxztpCCEtRN8zilub8_khD8CGogkWNd_ILedSN8gqZl2k061ETcx9EjJ87gdbqop5pJg7I/s320/20231006_234319_0000.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Greetings from the cave!</p><p>I've been thinking a lot about how when writing - or just creating for that matter - it can be very hard not to get caught up in the glitz and glamor, the praise, the engagement and the accolades. They seem so worthwhile, but are they really worth pursuing after? </p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Spoilers ahead, be warned!)</span></p><p>I came across Wonder Woman 1984 on Prime, and decided to watch it. I had seen Wonder Woman a few years ago when visiting Lia and had liked it. (Disclaimer: there are some impure scenes in both of these movies, they're skippable though).</p><p>Over the course of the movie, I became fascinated by the side villain of the story, Cheetah. She starts out as Barbara Minerva, a socially awkward gem expert who becomes friends with Diana (Wonder Woman). Jealous of the poise and appeal of Diana, Barbara wishes on a stone that she could be like her. As the movie progresses, she attains similar powers to Diana and likes it so much, she'll do anything to keep them. </p><p>But, in becoming more like Diana, Barbara lost the one thing that made her unique - her bubbly personality. She became another cruel, kick-butt female "hero", that was no hero at all. She got the attention she wanted, but it was the wrong kind of attention (sleazy guys going after her, etc.) and it nearly cost her everything. </p><p>But why does this matter to me?</p><p>Because God has been laying hints to me that I'm falling in that same trap in my writing life. </p><p>Over the past year or so, vanity and envy has taken over my writing life and paralyzed it. The pressure on myself to create a really great story has produced some of the worst writing I've ever written. Seeking affirmation by likes on social media and comments has stagnated both my growth and my motivation to post. Trying different styles of newsletter to get the optimum engagement has only lowered it. </p><p>Being a carbon copy isn't working out so well. </p><p>The point of this is not to invite pity by any means. I say this as a warning to my fellow authors to make sure that we're writing for the right reasons. </p><p>The reason why we should write is to give glory to God, not to ourselves. For we are not responsible for the words that flow from our pens. God is. And many times, the words are the same but the delivery is different. </p><p>Therefore, it doesn't matter whether your post gets 1 like or 1000 likes, you need to speak the truth and be personable. </p><p>It doesn't matter if your newsletter gets opened by some or all of your subscribers, you need to write the truth and be personable. </p><p>Genuine people will like you because of you, not because you are like something. Being engaged with a small group of people is much better than having a huge platform, because there is genuine care that is being passed between. So if you're attempting to copy someone in an attempt to get likes, chances are, it's going to be noticeable (stilted language being a dead giveaway).</p><p>People often say in these situations to "be yourself". I view that as terrible advice because it's abstract and vague. What we truly need to do is remove our ego from the picture and let our souls speak instead. Because ultimately, that is what will speak to God when our earthly life is finished. </p><p>Our souls are not carbon copies. So why should we treat our lives and products as carbon copies of someone else's? </p><p>Catherine <3</p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-5471272002586861872023-09-23T01:24:00.001-04:002023-11-27T18:48:33.800-05:00Most Epic Heroine Award Ceremony<p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtHvYLdWrlUa2cXIyA9hRZhuo1vFowQTh0rmWPHZYXmitvhHzIf68G9GZsaXglBaHa2KhmWWVvRxXA9wlqN_JrtWcbbS6wuB5nA-q_sck3iLoHoWbYxljCTa_YyHqFQiWEjKJjOjnc2OHunhU1PTXunbCO45S92cYKnpKmybbSOvPZua1uSFDChhoZ5U/s900/silmarill-awards-white.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="900" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtHvYLdWrlUa2cXIyA9hRZhuo1vFowQTh0rmWPHZYXmitvhHzIf68G9GZsaXglBaHa2KhmWWVvRxXA9wlqN_JrtWcbbS6wuB5nA-q_sck3iLoHoWbYxljCTa_YyHqFQiWEjKJjOjnc2OHunhU1PTXunbCO45S92cYKnpKmybbSOvPZua1uSFDChhoZ5U/s320/silmarill-awards-white.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p>"It feels so good to breathe again," I say to myself as I admire the fields of horses stretching to the mountains in the distance. Being in a cave with 165 heroines was both an exhilarating and...a somewhat claustrophobic experience. Not to mention, quite stuffy. Edoras is a welcome change of air to say the least. </p><p>In the shade of the large wooden gate, I buckle on my sword, and place my shield on my back. While Faramir had assured me earlier that all of the Rohirric and extra agents from the Inter-Fiction Security Force had been placed on guard duty, I was not taking any chances. The election HAD been sabotaged by goblins this year after all. Or was it the Mischievous Imps? Who could say. </p><p>I look out beyond the gate into the court terrace and see Eowyn coming towards me. Her large green skirt swishes along the dried grass as she breaks into a smile upon seeing me. </p><p>"Are you ready, my fellow shieldmaiden?" She asks gaily. </p><p>I nod. "As long as these butterflies in my stomach don't consume me first. You would think that after ten years of going up to people and speaking that it wouldn't be so hard." </p><p>"Ah, but you're dealing with your fellow men there. Many of these are elves, princesses, and even a witch or two." </p><p>"We could have done without the latter," I growl softly. "My heroines Janina and Magda don't need to be picking up any bad ideas, especially Magda. She's trouble enough as it is." </p><p>Eowyn laughed. "Well, let us hope that Janina will pick up some pointers from her fellow heroines about how to be a more cooperative Main Character. Maybe then, you will get past those edits you've been stuck on for the past three years." </p><p>"Prayers to the Firmament that it may be so." I say reverently as I reach the stage. </p><p>As I pass forward, a warm breeze picks up the pink and silver ribbons that decorate the walkway. Valiantly fighting against my stomach, I climb onto the stage and grab the microphone. </p><p>"Good day to you all, fair friends! My name is Catherine Hawthorn and I welcome you all to the city of Edoras. Today, we are here to honor the Most Epic Heroine, and I must say, it was a tough race this year." I gave a nervous laugh. "Please welcome our beloved hostess for the evening, the Lady Eowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan!"</p><p>As the audience sent up their applause, Eowyn sweeps up behind me and takes the microphone from my trembling hands.</p><p>"Greetings to you all, good friends of all worlds beyond! It is a great honor to present the Award for the Most Epic Heroine for this 8th Silmaril Awards. But I do not bear this alone, for I have been granted permission by Lord Aragon to have some assistants. So please join me in welcoming our dear friends from Narnia, Aravis and Queen Lucy Pevensie!" </p><p>Two young girls - one wearing the dress of a Calormen noblewoman, the other a short skirt and sweater - bound up onto the stage, each sporting a sparkling Silmaril of their own. Lucy wheels out a cart full of flowers, and Aravis hands Eowyn a few squares of parchment. </p><p>Eowyn opens one and begins to read. "And now, we shall announce the standings of our five finalists, as determined by the will of the people."</p><p>"For fourth place, with 23 votes, we have a familiar face on the finalist stage: Rose Red from <i>Tales of the Gladstone Wood</i>!"</p><p>A young woman dressed in white rags and a veil over her face emerges from the bushes near the stage. Behind her, a goat gently nudges her from behind. Upon reaching the stage, she accepts a bunch of red roses that is offered to her by Lucy and then steps aside. </p><p>Eowyn turns back to the parchment. </p><p>"For third place with 26 votes, we have a tie between Buttercup from <i>The Princess Bride </i>and Scarlet from the <i>Lunar Chronicles</i>!" </p><p>Two young women come up the aisle together, one on each side. Both wear red, except one is wearing a floor-length gown and the other a baggy sweatshirt. Lucy and Aravis both hand them a bunch of red roses - red seemed to be the common color of the day - and they took their place on the stage among respectable applause. </p><p>Eowyn continued, "With 35 votes, second place goes to...Nymphadora Tonks of <i>Harry Potter</i>." </p><p>With a slightly chagrined look, a girl with purple hair accepts her roses and takes her place among the other finalists. After eyeing each other, we look to Eowyn, who proceeds to grab a different parchment from the table beside her. </p><p>An expectant hush fills the field as Eowyn began again. </p><p>"The Silmaril for the Epic Herione goes to a young lady who had 42 votes. She has been on the finalist's stage in 2018, 2020, 2021 and now 2023. She had the most nominations this year with 14, far outpacing her competitors. May I present, </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leeli Igiby of the <i>Wingfeather Saga</i>! </span></p><p><br /></p><p>An eruption of cheers burst forth from the audience as a little girl of nearly 10 years old hobbles up to the stage on her crutch. Following behind her is a little black dog, dancing all around her in excitement.</p><p>"Nugget! Let her walk up, you silly puppy!" I call out to him as Leeli mounted the steps. </p><p>She stopped with a smile in front of Eowyn, who had a warm smile in return. "I'm very pleased that you are the one who is receiving this award today, Leeli. While your little body may not be whole, your heart is courageous and your soul is warm and nurturing. You are an excellent example to many little girls and women alike. May we?" </p><p>With Eowyn supporting the jewel, and Lucy and Aravis holding the ribbon open, the Silmaril Award was placed on Leeli's little neck. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8TK6U8fhrZ4JAxcXvufA7DlHflCMUEBuQufdFbKsOg33VKtAXHbSjCa5m7te4jqgAdJcOzKKAEYAkG0R-zLaegXZ4xIwzM0nWrZlzyh6UG2hJtPxkNQjFRnOmU2Sjbr4LyuA9yOqGLG7CHNdX3yAhyVjGZ85yjC_i2gs6ZqkuEo5ifWiPdbdXsYAxD50" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8TK6U8fhrZ4JAxcXvufA7DlHflCMUEBuQufdFbKsOg33VKtAXHbSjCa5m7te4jqgAdJcOzKKAEYAkG0R-zLaegXZ4xIwzM0nWrZlzyh6UG2hJtPxkNQjFRnOmU2Sjbr4LyuA9yOqGLG7CHNdX3yAhyVjGZ85yjC_i2gs6ZqkuEo5ifWiPdbdXsYAxD50=w307-h400" width="307" /></a></div><br />But suddenly, cheers turn to screams! <p></p><p>For as soon as Lucy and Aravis step away from Leeli, she was grabbed from behind with claw-like hands. </p><p>"Gnag the Nameless!" Eowyn shouts in a terrible voice. "Why do you dare to interrupt this ceremony?" </p><p>A terrible hiss emanates from the hooded figure. "I did not receive the Most Nefarious Villian award, to my shame! But, I shall prove my worthiness to receive it to all the worlds...by doing what I do best. Kidnapping children!" </p><p>With an evil cackle, he attempts to pick up Leeli by the elbow. However, 165 heroines had already risen from their seats and were now drawing forth their weapon of choice. </p><p>"Release her at once!" Came the general cry. </p><p>"What? Do you think I am scared of a bunch of women?" Gnag the Nameless mocks.</p><p>But his sarcastic tone was soon turned to whines as Leeli drops a heavy blow from her crutch unto his head. In a moment, Gnag is swarmed by heroines seeking to protect their little sister. It took a few moments for the Inter-Fiction Security Squad to separate out the combatants and Gnag emerged with quite a few scars to add to his shame. </p><p>I rush over to Leeli, who has emerged from the fray a little shaken. Nugget is also dancing around, doing his best to lick Leeli's face in comfort. Lucy also came up with a handy hanky. </p><p>"Don't worry Leeli, he won't bother us anymore. Plus, we have the feast tonight and the Majestic Ruler's celebration on Monday at DJ Edwardson's blog to look forward to!" She said in her cheerful British voice. </p><p>Leeli perked up immediately and turned to see her fellow heroines giving her another round of applause for her act of bravery. </p><p>And with that, we bid our guest to feast and enjoy each other's company as the night rolls on. Be sure to check out the other blogs to find out the winners of the other categories! </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-501891926750580902023-09-13T19:44:00.007-04:002023-11-27T18:43:28.038-05:00IMPORTANT SILMARILL AWARDS NOTICE<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3n1RHMmNjgg_e9eP_dgxlPpFu0JN5ITrRyrLzoYOmtyPWPZpeBtJrdye2UfXGHVQpL9XPCfR6W2tcE3WOosGSvkKU-sJoKD5paf72JSY-wZIygG8T1oCakfZrUfvSuEHv7rNYJ0RdJ3SzlXO2uCJEiujJjJ2aUU2LyhyUVaunBvg5luNNERpFqjjbYM/s320/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="320" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3n1RHMmNjgg_e9eP_dgxlPpFu0JN5ITrRyrLzoYOmtyPWPZpeBtJrdye2UfXGHVQpL9XPCfR6W2tcE3WOosGSvkKU-sJoKD5paf72JSY-wZIygG8T1oCakfZrUfvSuEHv7rNYJ0RdJ3SzlXO2uCJEiujJjJ2aUU2LyhyUVaunBvg5luNNERpFqjjbYM/s1600/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>My dear readers, </p><p>A courier from Rohan just came riding hard with a very important message from our Silmarill Awards Council. Please see below! </p><p>---------</p><p>IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!</p><p>As you may or may not know, the Silmaril Awards website went down yesterday. Hard. For 15 hours.</p><p>That meant that no one could vote yesterday. But it gets worse!</p><p>When the site came back online, 75% of the votes were gone!!!</p><p>That means that:</p><p>IF YOU VOTED AFTER 12PM EST MONDAY, SEPT. 11 YOUR VOTE IS GONE!</p><p>So Please Vote Again if you can. And please spread the word to anyone you know who may have voted after that time.</p><p>Please visit https://www.silmarilawards.com/vote/ to cast your vote and help us fight back against the internet gremlins who trashed our site!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-41737721994324588172023-09-11T06:00:00.003-04:002023-11-27T18:41:30.632-05:00{CLOSED} Voting is Open for The Most Epic Heroine! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtHvYLdWrlUa2cXIyA9hRZhuo1vFowQTh0rmWPHZYXmitvhHzIf68G9GZsaXglBaHa2KhmWWVvRxXA9wlqN_JrtWcbbS6wuB5nA-q_sck3iLoHoWbYxljCTa_YyHqFQiWEjKJjOjnc2OHunhU1PTXunbCO45S92cYKnpKmybbSOvPZua1uSFDChhoZ5U/s900/silmarill-awards-white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="900" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtHvYLdWrlUa2cXIyA9hRZhuo1vFowQTh0rmWPHZYXmitvhHzIf68G9GZsaXglBaHa2KhmWWVvRxXA9wlqN_JrtWcbbS6wuB5nA-q_sck3iLoHoWbYxljCTa_YyHqFQiWEjKJjOjnc2OHunhU1PTXunbCO45S92cYKnpKmybbSOvPZua1uSFDChhoZ5U/s320/silmarill-awards-white.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>A chorus of feminine voices came echoing down the corridor. </p><p>"Catherine! There's someone at the door for you!" </p><p>Inwardly, I groaned as I attempted to stack yet another plate full of scones. Behind me, I had three more pots of water on the stove about to boil. <i>Why do callers come at such inconvenient moments? </i> </p><p>Taking the tray of scones with me, I made my way towards the door. My burden was lightened well before I reached it, and some helpful little maid had relieved me of the tray itself by the time I got to the entrance. Hoping that it would make it's way back into the kitchen safely, I slipped on some shoes and took off my apron. </p><p>Upon exiting the cave, I saw a rather peevish young rider in green tunic and mail standing near his horse. </p><p>"Took you long enough to get here." He said in a Roherric accent. </p><p>"Forgive me," I said rather frigidly, "but I would like to see you squeeze your way past 165 heroines in a cave that has a max capacity of...."</p><p>He raised his eyebrow. </p><p>I sigh. "Never mind. Here are the nominees for The Most Epic Heroine Award:</p><p><b>Leeli (The Wingfeather Saga) </b></p><p><b>Buttercup (The Princess Bride)</b></p><p><b>Nymphadora Tonks (Harry Potter)</b></p><p><b>Rose Red (Tales From Goldstone Wood)</b></p><p><b>Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles)</b></p><p><br /></p><p>The rider finishes writing down the names. "Good. Tell your people to please vote at this website here: <a href="https://www.silmarilawards.com/vote/">https://www.silmarilawards.com/vote/</a>, from September 11 - September 15." </p><p>I nod and see him off....</p><p>And now, I shall see you off on your journey to the voting form, and I shall see you all on September 21 for the Epic Heroine celebration! </p><p>God bless, </p><p>Catherine</p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-53596841155740930252023-09-04T06:30:00.012-04:002023-09-10T19:35:32.753-04:00[CLOSED] Nominations are Open for the Most Epic Heroine Award! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5rUV870K7jv8HHKm4vaH_100OWlWefYBj9C2mrY61sa81WJutkMUCFMxN4VGHPZX8foqX509nDuZ5s9QjT6im8GDZZwKgNQjcNZoSrkRZyY15f6tGICPOmew3ajiNC7ui2VseWlqR-2NDrKMwb9kJeeERyIx-X7gPlBEV61VLmx3sNNWM_ilIUBZvOc/s900/silmarill-awards-white.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="900" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5rUV870K7jv8HHKm4vaH_100OWlWefYBj9C2mrY61sa81WJutkMUCFMxN4VGHPZX8foqX509nDuZ5s9QjT6im8GDZZwKgNQjcNZoSrkRZyY15f6tGICPOmew3ajiNC7ui2VseWlqR-2NDrKMwb9kJeeERyIx-X7gPlBEV61VLmx3sNNWM_ilIUBZvOc/s320/silmarill-awards-white.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>"Are you sure we're not lost?" A blond-haired rider pulled on the reins of his horse.</p><p>"Lord Eomer did say that this cave was hard to find...", a second rider retrieved a map from his saddlebag. "It should be off to the right." </p><p>"You mean, where that dust cloud is coming from?" The rider's chain mail rattled as he pointed his finger. </p><p>"Could be. Let's go look." </p><p>Both riders spurred their horses forward and found the source of the dust cloud - an opening in the rock, choked with vines and other debris. </p><p>The riders dismounted and cautiously walked up to the opening. They could hear sounds of hustle and bustle from within, but no distinct words. </p><p>"Hello?" They called out. </p><p>"Who goes there? If you're here on church business, take it up with my assistants. And if you're here about that blasted conference in October, know that I am going to hang..."</p><p>A short woman with a filthy skirt emerged from the dark, shaking out an equally filthy rag. Blinking, she looked between the two riders. "Who are you?" </p><p>"We're riders of Rohan, madam. We've been sent by the Lady of the Shield-Arm to deliver a message to Miss Catherine Hawthorn. Do you know her?" </p><p style="text-align: center;">****</p><p>I hurriedly tossed aside my rag and attempted to brush myself off. "You've found her. My deepest apologies, Riders of the Mark. This dear old blog has not been touched for months and I have been attempting to give it an old-fashioned fall cleaning for the Tolkien celebrations. In the midst of....other things." I could not help but sigh as I straightened myself up. </p><p>The riders smiled. "Well, we shall not keep you long." One handed off a thick envelope to me and they remounted. </p><p>"<i>Gōdne ǣfen</i>, shieldmaiden", they said in their native Rohirric tongue and nodded towards the shield emblem near the door frame. </p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(For those who are wondering, Rohirric is Old English in origin, so I simply used the evening greeting from this <a href="https://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/oldenglish.htm">webpage</a>.) </span></p><p>After waving the riders off, I sat down on a stone bench and tore open the thick packet. On top was a letter, which I read first. </p><p><i>My dear Catherine, </i></p><p><i>Greetings from the land of Rohan! As you may have heard, the 8th Annual Silmaril Awards are upon us. It is my great pleasure to announce that I will be hosting the Most Epic Heroine Award at your blog, The Rebelling Muse, on September 21, 2023. </i></p><p><i>I will be accompanied by Queen Lucy Pevensie and the lady Aravis from the land of Narnia. As you may know, Lord Aragon has declared that all of our dear Narnian companions are forever exempted from the Silmaril Awards and have been elevated to being co-hosts of the Silmarils as of this year. </i></p><p><i>Be sure to gather all of the Epic Heroines from all the fantastical lands so that they may be recognized by our fellows. They should be the highest ideal of femininity. They are not to be recognized only for deeds of valor or conquests, but for their stalwart hearts and soothing hands. Maidens, wives, mothers, and crones are welcome. </i></p><p><i>I have included a copy of the Rules, a list of the past winners, and the addresses of the other Silmaril presenters for your convenience. I look forward to seeing you on the 21st! </i></p><p><i>~ Eowyn, Lady of the Shield-Arm </i></p><p style="text-align: center;">******</p><p>Smiling at ending this letter, I picked the officious looking Rules Sheet. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">~ Rules of the Silmaril Awards ~</span></b></u></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>You may nominate as many characters as you wish, as long as there is no nepotism involved (i.e. author's nominating their own characters). </li><li>You may also second as many characters nominated by others as you choose. The more “seconds” (and thirds, fourths, etc) a character receives, the more likely that character will move on to the Top 5 Candidate List from which the viewers will vote from. Should there be any dead heats, the host reserves the right to cast the tiebreaker vote. </li><li>Nominations are allowed for <i>fantasy book characters only</i>! Movie characters don't count unless they have a book twin. Any disputes will be forwarded to the Council of Elrond. </li><li>The Silmaril Awards are “lifetime” awards. To paraphrase Aslan, "once an Epic Heroine, always an Epic Heroine". Characters who have already won a Silmaril in previous years are not eligible to win the same award again (though they may win other categories.)</li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">*****</p><p>Those sounded simple enough. But what was not so simple was finding out what kind of heroines to look for. Then I remembered Eowyn included a list of the past winners! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~ Past Year’s Winners ~</b></span></u></p><p>These characters have already won this particular Silmaril, so they’re ineligible to receive it again. They can still be nominated for other categories, however! </p><ul style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.01); box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 15px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">2022 </strong><a href="https://www.jenelleschmidt.com/blog/silmaril-awards-ceremony-2022-most-epic-heroine" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Sophie</a> from <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Howl’s Moving Castle</em></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">2021 </strong><a href="https://rawlse.wordpress.com/2021/09/22/the-silmaril-most-epic-heroine-award-of-2021-goes-to/" rel="noopener" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Pet</a> from <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">The City Between Series</em></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">2020 </strong><a href="https://traceydyck.com/silmaril-awards-most-epic-heroine-winner/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s;">Hermione</a> from <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Harry Potter Series</em></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">2019 </strong><a href="http://www.jlmbewe.com/silmaril-awards-the-most-epic-heroine/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Cinder</a> from <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Lunar Chronicles</em></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">2018</strong><a href="https://madelinejrose.wordpress.com/2018/09/27/the-winner-of-the-most-epic-heroine-award/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s;" target="_blank"> Aravis</a> from <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Chronicles of Narnia</em></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">2017</strong> <a href="https://deborahocarroll.wordpress.com/2017/07/24/epic-heroine-silmaril-presentation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #337ab7; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.5s ease 0s;" target="_blank">Lucy Pevensie</a> from <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Chronicles of Narnia</em></li></ul><p style="text-align: center;">*****</p><p>And now I am off to the town to square to announce. . .the the nominations have begun! Leave a note in the comment box to tell me: who’s your pick for the Most Epic Heroine? </p><p>And....what's this? </p><p>I reached down to pick up another sheet of paper.</p><p>Oh dear, I almost forgot! Be sure to visit my fellow presenters and nominate your favorite characters for the following categories! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~ Other Silmaril Blogs ~ </span></b></p><p><a href="https://www.jenelleschmidt.com/blog/2023-silmaril-awards-nominations-most-magnificent-dragon">Most Magnificent Dragon - Jenelle @ Jenelle Schmidt</a></p><p><a href="https://cobonham.com/2023/09/04/2023-silmaril-award-nominations-most-nefarious-villain/">Most Nefarious Villain - C. O. Bonham @ C. O. Bonham</a></p><p><a href="https://samsbookshire.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-silmaril-awards-2023-nominations.html">Most Devoted Couple - Samanthawise @ Bookshire</a></p><p><a href="https://rawlse.wordpress.com/2023/09/04/the-silmaril-awards-2023-are-here-cast-your-votes-for-most-wayward-soul/">Most Wayward Soul - E.E Rawls @ Author E.E. Rawls </a> </p><p><a href="https://thegrimwriter114118804.wordpress.com/2023/09/04/somebody-let-me-host-a-silmaril-award-most-silver-tongue-2023-nominations-are-open/">Most Silver Tongue - The Grim Writer @ The Grim Writer</a></p><p>Most Epic Heroine - Catherine Hawthorn @ The Rebelling Muse (you are here!) </p><p><a href="https://djedwardson.com/2023-silmaril-award-nominations-for-most-majestic-ruler/">Most Majestic Ruler - DJ Edwardson @ DJ Edwardson</a></p><p><a href="https://www.jlmbewe.com/2023-silmaril-awards-nominations-are-open/">Most Faithful Friend - Jeanette @</a> J. L. Mbewe</p><p><a href="https://bardonpilgrimage.wordpress.com/2023/09/04/2023-silmaril-award-nominations-most-mischievous-imp/">Most Mischievous Imp - Grace T @ </a>Bard on Pilgrimage</p><p><a href="https://imperialscribis.wordpress.com/2023/09/04/the-silmaril-awards-return-nominations-open-for-most-epic-hero/">Most Epic Hero - Merie Shen @ Imperial Scribis</a></p><p><a href="https://tpssarahlightshadows.wordpress.com/2023/09/04/2023-silmaril-awards-nominations-wisest-counselor/">Wisest Counselor - Sarah Taleweaver @ Lights and Shadows</a></p><p style="text-align: center;">******</p><p>Nominations will close on September 8th, so don't delay! We shall gather again on the 11th to begin the voting! </p><p>God bless, </p><p>Catherine</p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com91tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-20353630774118540532023-05-02T21:04:00.005-04:002023-11-27T18:39:54.014-05:00Anyone want to babysit my Problem Child? LOL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Q56sX9a8RYK547qsp-5mg0PG5QgVM82bwmEqWBQWQaZE7QAJ0KdoBaWOYSK2FvY6Kg3HpniaufpRRlGQ0xnPIeaAOB98M_R2szyU5d3up5SC6k-FAo_GG7gGIlbjJ_kOK0uWia1EVOVWgelhTIyJLY2_zTzYVNAMCpfccPZOoX8qFD4O80Kv5dpuxGQ/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20TROPICAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Q56sX9a8RYK547qsp-5mg0PG5QgVM82bwmEqWBQWQaZE7QAJ0KdoBaWOYSK2FvY6Kg3HpniaufpRRlGQ0xnPIeaAOB98M_R2szyU5d3up5SC6k-FAo_GG7gGIlbjJ_kOK0uWia1EVOVWgelhTIyJLY2_zTzYVNAMCpfccPZOoX8qFD4O80Kv5dpuxGQ/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20TROPICAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Hello all! <div><br /></div><div>I'm sorry I haven't been doing a great job of updating you all here on the blog about what's going on with my writing journey. I frankly have been doing a better job of doing that on my newsletter, so if you would like to keep up, please sign up in the sidebar! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, to give you an update... </div><div><div><br /></div><div>Things have been a bit of a roller coaster. I finished March's FicFrenzy on a strong note, with an end total of 41780 words in The White Rose. But I have discovered a major problem with Janina, one of my main MC's. And that is....that she doesn't seem to tell her own story very well. Once I took the crutch of having the multiple POVs taken away, the sparkle of the story seemed to disappear with it. I didn't realize that so much of Janina's central conflict was revealed by others and not herself. And admittedly, I don't know what to do about this. My alphas have been great brainstorming partners, but...something is still off about this story.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm about 20 chapters into this rewrite, and I feel kinda lost. I lost touch with my editor, and to be honest...I don't know if I really want to re-establish contact with her. I could get a new editor, but I don't feel that the draft is complete enough for me to go that route, and I don't feel that I can afford one right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I would like to open up a new beta team. This beta call would only apply to the 20 chapters I've written so far. I know it's been long enough that my previous betas will have trouble remembering the old draft, and that's okay. I'd love to have some new people as well. So, if you like high fantasy, sibling drama, a hint of romance, and want to know what the deuce is up with this whole Karala Games shenanigans, consider signing up here: <a href="https://forms.gle/5gueqUsxZUCqTG9C9">https://forms.gle/5gueqUsxZUCqTG9C9</a>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Hope to hear from you soon! </div><div><br /></div><div>God bless, </div><div><br /></div><div>Catherine</div>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-90702584212412105622023-04-19T18:04:00.002-04:002023-11-27T18:34:59.898-05:00Springtime Asks Tag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRVGgchj8nfq5a25KbHNVdmNvm-sZtmJe1S_B_3oJF-zzjeLaB3KULObpD7pGEYygU8GWzXXLhMfDp6zONxf9rTaQa--ddEWdLjaz2c5GgovhEBt_pzXITStUoDwBib4ijmI3rugQQoR1HWjE7GVzxH4AmrBr5TCKrjbP4shb4lL9Vi1TwgMQGW7m/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(3).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRVGgchj8nfq5a25KbHNVdmNvm-sZtmJe1S_B_3oJF-zzjeLaB3KULObpD7pGEYygU8GWzXXLhMfDp6zONxf9rTaQa--ddEWdLjaz2c5GgovhEBt_pzXITStUoDwBib4ijmI3rugQQoR1HWjE7GVzxH4AmrBr5TCKrjbP4shb4lL9Vi1TwgMQGW7m/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(3).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Greetings from the cave! </p><p>I was given this lovely Springtime Asks Tag <strike>several months back</strike> <b>LAST YEAR </b>by a relatively new blogging acquaintance. Her name is Miss Winifred Banks (a lovely name if I do say so myself) who runs the blog Letters from Avonlea (again, such a lovely name!) Thank you, Miss W, for such a lovely spring tag! If you'd like, you can view her answers <a href="https://lettersfromavonlea.blogspot.com/2022/04/springtime-asks-tag.html">HERE</a>. </p><p>And now, let us begin! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8odhnF6y8m3YYtnW3MXnfceKXDkI4Mua0EiuIv-WtQnPOeXWL0zPveC7dWf9WxTlX2eTy-M_Cyrt-oW3NTEu2TGvcf1Jl7BCqAQ9BgnTR0Bh-vjQvuat1PCU1fao0qwS217cFxvOJZE70NNZ90H9AGDtjbFYGCBpJ0igx4_mA1y-c4v3fK06D6fn2/s640/pansy-flower-g7fda38649_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8odhnF6y8m3YYtnW3MXnfceKXDkI4Mua0EiuIv-WtQnPOeXWL0zPveC7dWf9WxTlX2eTy-M_Cyrt-oW3NTEu2TGvcf1Jl7BCqAQ9BgnTR0Bh-vjQvuat1PCU1fao0qwS217cFxvOJZE70NNZ90H9AGDtjbFYGCBpJ0igx4_mA1y-c4v3fK06D6fn2/s320/pansy-flower-g7fda38649_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>April - what’s your favorite time of the year?</b></p><p>My favorite time of year is late spring/early summer. Here in Pennsylvania, the summers are not only hot, they are also humid. Which is just gross. I love the heat, but man, the humidity can getcha! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Apples - favorite fruit?</b></p><p>Okay, my "go-to" fruit is usually an apple. But my absolute favorite fruit is actually the mango, followed by cranberries (especially since they have a wonderful medicinal effect), peaches, and other berries. I'm a fruit lover, in case you can't tell. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Bees - what’s your go-to spring outfit?</b></p><p>Last year, I wrote the following: </p><p><i>If I was living in a perfect world, it would be a floral dress or floral skirt and blouse and black knee-high socks. I have come to a great appreciation of the latter - if I could, they would be my replacement for pantyhose, lol. </i></p><p><i>But in reality, I wear a T-shirt, skirt, and whatever socks I come across. </i></p><p>But a year later, I can say that the former is now a reality!! I work in an office now, which allows me to have all the floral skirts and blouses I want. And yes, the black knee-high socks have been my standard for working rather than pantyhose! It does jar a little with the light pastel colors (it's more of a dark academia thing, I think?). But maybe some beige socks will fix that problem. </p><p>Can you tell that I hate pantyhose? LOL. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpQIS0yVepPkSOgzzc2sXAtjtlxmgkVCtr941CdMkfhoR0T3REca3RL5O87TwEeXCT-fzyeI5rYqAzsx_IYyGHJf3HnrAsFkezUEbsO6kZ5R8c7ewxPVAeQVN3MRA0Lii02H41L7_lLq5x4DO3mkjk73u56AN4RYyeV7x2ktqIM758zFdTTnHAhj1/s640/plum-blossoms-g4b124ce5b_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpQIS0yVepPkSOgzzc2sXAtjtlxmgkVCtr941CdMkfhoR0T3REca3RL5O87TwEeXCT-fzyeI5rYqAzsx_IYyGHJf3HnrAsFkezUEbsO6kZ5R8c7ewxPVAeQVN3MRA0Lii02H41L7_lLq5x4DO3mkjk73u56AN4RYyeV7x2ktqIM758zFdTTnHAhj1/s320/plum-blossoms-g4b124ce5b_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Blossom - what’s your favorite flower?</b></p><p>My absolute favorite is a yellow daylily, often called the Stella d'Oro. But I'm also partial to roses, in case you can't tell from my decor, lol. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Bubbles - Do you like bubble tea?</b></p><p>I've...never had it. I'd be interested to try it though! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Changes - what signals the changing of the seasons to you?</b></p><p>I can smell the new season coming, usually about a month before the new season actually begins. Of course, I also look for physical signs such as leaves blooming/changing, etc. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRLfwD1MRnjpIHHifdT_Km5fi8s1zdFDGNIL-HQCT5cHf0MR1Wh83A4PmEnaA3ZxAmfBK0Pl9laNJl3BnKjNYIJ7kGoQ0QQM-d3krhM3uQtWf9ZwgJZORyPCBZ5JpLZJXMeE4u0pc5l7vj2o_wLDKCiIR11DAKlrmeoyWMGKeY042xBf2xFmXzo4a/s640/strawberries-gab19f5a6e_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRLfwD1MRnjpIHHifdT_Km5fi8s1zdFDGNIL-HQCT5cHf0MR1Wh83A4PmEnaA3ZxAmfBK0Pl9laNJl3BnKjNYIJ7kGoQ0QQM-d3krhM3uQtWf9ZwgJZORyPCBZ5JpLZJXMeE4u0pc5l7vj2o_wLDKCiIR11DAKlrmeoyWMGKeY042xBf2xFmXzo4a/s320/strawberries-gab19f5a6e_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Collegiate - did you go to or are you going to university? what are you or did you study?</b></p><p>Not only have I gone to college (university to my European friends), but I also graduated from graduate school! I went to undergraduate between 2013-2017 and there I studied agriculture and history. I attended graduate school between 2020-2022, and I studied public history. </p><p>My goal at the time was to become an agricultural historian. I still kinda hold that hope, but I currently work as an archivist at a military museum in order to make ends meet. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Comfort - who is your go-to comfort character?</b></p><p>I would presume that this would be a character that I keep coming back to? </p><p>It's difficult to answer that question because I'm very...cyclical when it comes to my entertainment choices. I do tend to circle back to Jane Austen, Lucy Maud Montgomery, and Louisa May Alcott a lot, but I feel that there really isn't *one* character that I settle on (it's always pairs like Anne and Diana or groups like the March sisters). </p><p>But one character that I've been oddly going back to a lot is<i> Agnes Grey</i>, by Anne Bronte. I find her character so relatable (being eager to work and then being stuck in horrible job situations and then getting married at a semi-late age) in my stage in life. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Cream - do you wear make-up?</b></p><p>Not unless I absolutely have to (for instance, professional engagements, pictures, etc). I have no aversion to make-up, in fact, I wish I could wear it more because I'd like to hide the dark circles and the remaining acne scars. However, I have not found makeup that I can wear without my face itching. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Crush - any irl or online crushes?</b></p><p>...maybe. But I'm not telling. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JUzozlUxpNjJX6l4ZMuRUtqIjgGyhxL1mCFe-b1dkRYI35efKVyv7KcM427-nyRQyatSjYGOnJyWun3bGTEtoA8hNNo4t04UQ5THQS9JmC7QP6FR22eoLCbdCR_UasWLZJHjOcdYeUeHkbzgoHVo1TAXA6mMrA2y2Y8jZbXKAXW3YQZcCo02mryx/s640/bumblebee-ge262ab361_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JUzozlUxpNjJX6l4ZMuRUtqIjgGyhxL1mCFe-b1dkRYI35efKVyv7KcM427-nyRQyatSjYGOnJyWun3bGTEtoA8hNNo4t04UQ5THQS9JmC7QP6FR22eoLCbdCR_UasWLZJHjOcdYeUeHkbzgoHVo1TAXA6mMrA2y2Y8jZbXKAXW3YQZcCo02mryx/s320/bumblebee-ge262ab361_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Daffodil - do you like to garden?</b></p><p>Very much so! In fact, my mom and I just redid our front flower gardens this past weekend, and we nearly always have a veggie garden. I also have herbs in containers. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Daisy - do you have any pets? If not, do you want any?</b></p><p>I have several pets. The main pet is Skye, my rough collie pup. She's two and a half years old now, if you can believe it. My brother has a pet rabbit, and my mom has some little fish. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Exciting - ideal type of unplanned adventure?</b></p><p>How about historical reenacting? Like, year-long historical reenacting like Victorian Farm or Tales from the Green Valley? </p><p>Or is that too much to ask? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM5xPxZA-6lQ3JsJjNIgdGiQ5855O3VKnxWXgDIme6fEkxMRn6ogufAplymq02G-xdshXOEo-SJ7fIkzkSMdFnEKubwm_y9CkUnUegE2SipWAmdHmtzGFSjzAZ_46RzUzvs4a0Sg40amja-gt6fMcrrd99W4hpLrYX9pCVjawxDw32UmZVpf-21-f/s640/hd-wallpaper-g50312cf95_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM5xPxZA-6lQ3JsJjNIgdGiQ5855O3VKnxWXgDIme6fEkxMRn6ogufAplymq02G-xdshXOEo-SJ7fIkzkSMdFnEKubwm_y9CkUnUegE2SipWAmdHmtzGFSjzAZ_46RzUzvs4a0Sg40amja-gt6fMcrrd99W4hpLrYX9pCVjawxDw32UmZVpf-21-f/s320/hd-wallpaper-g50312cf95_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Favorites - what’s your favorite show, movie, and book?</b></p><p>Oh, brother. Those change every week! But I'll list a few favorites for each category. </p><p>Shows: All Creatures Great and Small (1970s), Pride and Prejudice (mini-series), The Waltons (early seasons). </p><p>Movies: Fiddler on the Roof, Ever After, and The Court Jester. </p><p>Books: <i>Lord of the Rings</i> by J.R.R. Tolkien, <i>Agnes Grey</i> by Anne Bronte, and <i>Mossflower</i> by Brian Jacques. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Flowers - what’s the nicest thing someone has surprised you with?</b></p><p>I think the nicest surprise I got was actually when Lia got me my laptop for my birthday. I use it almost every single day and I love it. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Fun Facts - what’s something people would never guess about you?</b></p><p>I'm a Titanic enthusiast! It was the birth of an interest in disaster investigations that I still hold to this day. I loved the mystery and the engineering of the ship, even though the loss of life would normally be very off-putting for me. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Grass - do you get hayfever or spring allergies?</b></p><p>Unfortunately, yes. I'm allergic to both pollen and mold, so I tend to be miserable on both ends of the year (but fall is actually worse, if you can believe it). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucmqr8w-Ibv4dXfOnObDBcz1woXqLalK4YjMYnwvU1pDEZp0x6aYOZ6KzPBYPyhlgG5tv8yquehiVq5jZ_3XJ1EvAefSif7BcXTPHVDFj5gdLtF6ryDcMNyzKwt6kb1tShMRV4_CxSZbeEEMzSA3SRk1NzBH7kvOLOfvosuSEjRsIuOyl2w09e-_9/s640/bird-gf9b5a46c6_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucmqr8w-Ibv4dXfOnObDBcz1woXqLalK4YjMYnwvU1pDEZp0x6aYOZ6KzPBYPyhlgG5tv8yquehiVq5jZ_3XJ1EvAefSif7BcXTPHVDFj5gdLtF6ryDcMNyzKwt6kb1tShMRV4_CxSZbeEEMzSA3SRk1NzBH7kvOLOfvosuSEjRsIuOyl2w09e-_9/s320/bird-gf9b5a46c6_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Hobby - what hobbies do you have or want to get into?</b></p><p>I'm borrowing from a previous list that I made several years ago for a previous blog post, but here we go....</p><p>Hobbies I have: </p><p>1. Cooking<br />2. Baking<br />3. Gardening<br />4. Knitting<br />5. Crocheting<br />6. Carding and spinning wool<br />7. Embroidery (fancy work)<br />8. Sewing<br />9. Reading<br />10. Writing (blog, stories, etc.)<br />11. Playing musical instruments<br />12. Walking<br />13. Singing<br />14. Watching movies/tv/documentaries<br />15. Dancing<br />16. Guns (rare)</p><p>I've dabbled in other hobbies such as photography, horseback riding, painting, cake decorating, woodburning, drawing, video creation, and a few other crafts. There are not many hobbies that I would like to pick up that I haven't tried. If I had to choose one hobby to pick up again, it would be horseback riding. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Holiday - favorite springtime holiday?</b></p><p>I would have to say Easter if we're limited to just spring holidays. I'm sure there are others, but I honestly can't think of any. </p><p><br /></p><p>I<b>ntrospective - what’s one thing you would have done differently in your life?</b></p><p>I would have never gone to Connecticut for graduate school in 2017. I would have chosen Kansas instead, despite the fact that I would have had a difficult time finding a church and being so far away from my family. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6neGrNqsWH-1EhY5ll-VFR9ZxjHHkTlzNVOwjTLERBSK-P13-gSe6nIQHuZsu7v94xpGGNn46VIPvEB-Mn1rwocM01KRzlthQ6slBW4vusLa4iZWdri1RyNFAOYOGgKB5BAl8b2kFSGOT0RcREFk8fUTgTRx4HG_BErlNRJVXMDAzUR3h8rIjb3i-/s640/cherry-blossom-1308847_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6neGrNqsWH-1EhY5ll-VFR9ZxjHHkTlzNVOwjTLERBSK-P13-gSe6nIQHuZsu7v94xpGGNn46VIPvEB-Mn1rwocM01KRzlthQ6slBW4vusLa4iZWdri1RyNFAOYOGgKB5BAl8b2kFSGOT0RcREFk8fUTgTRx4HG_BErlNRJVXMDAzUR3h8rIjb3i-/s320/cherry-blossom-1308847_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Jam - favorite thing to bake?</b></p><p>My favorite thing to bake is bread! I got into it when I was in high school. There was a time when I was making fresh bread every Wednesday between classes. I got out of that habit in college and never really picked it up again (mostly because I was struggling to fit it around my work schedule). </p><p>That being said, I do also like to make cookie bars and pies. I recently made a batch of chocolate chip cheesecake bars that turned out fantastic. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Lemons - what’s your favorite type of dessert?</b></p><p>Pies. All the pies. I don't think there is a pie I don't like (except maybe pecan? I find that too sweet and crunchy for my tastes). I have been known to eat two-thirds of a pie over a course of a day before. It's bad. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Light - night owl or early bird?</b></p><p>Last year I wrote: </p><p><i>Night owl, only because my work schedule is at night. I wish I could be an early bird again, though. </i></p><p>This year, my schedule is flip-flopped so that I'm working mostly in the morning, so my sleep schedule has been adjusted accordingly. Now I'm not sure which I do better at, I guess it depends on the activity. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBPXGrCMwqy2N0oMhSFLeS-2EGLxiGESUNsMNHWStVJe8VVQQG5xux71CexzDHYX2B-6wYQUzShxO6aV-w0grZrLZLLPr24dQtU4tZmVXSPl3bD5E3rNPnJmE0p7vhvWVTXcwHqiAd4tWrxoHPAsXYxlzFVMtacKtpVuD8wHzu7IDOGGxNV5Gv1B3/s1920/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBPXGrCMwqy2N0oMhSFLeS-2EGLxiGESUNsMNHWStVJe8VVQQG5xux71CexzDHYX2B-6wYQUzShxO6aV-w0grZrLZLLPr24dQtU4tZmVXSPl3bD5E3rNPnJmE0p7vhvWVTXcwHqiAd4tWrxoHPAsXYxlzFVMtacKtpVuD8wHzu7IDOGGxNV5Gv1B3/s320/magnolia-trees-556718_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Love - what’s your love language?</b></p><p>It used to be physical touch, but I've been leaning more toward words of affirmation. Mostly because I had my self-confidence destroyed in my late teens/early twenties and it's been a difficult journey to get it back. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Matcha - what’s your go-to coffee/tea order this time of year?</b></p><p>Standard order would be raspberry tea, with sugar and lemon. I sometimes go with another fruit tea or a lemon-flavored herbal tea. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Meadow - do you prefer the beach or the woods?</b></p><p>Hmm. I like both, actually. Both have their perks. Though I think I would prefer the woods in summer and the beach in the spring/fallish weather, only because that's typically when my family goes to said places. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E7cngBWwY7THpMaGlgAt9-pQ6KI9nOrrlbU6Fb8XeEoOgnCU93xyj5cA2JbiX1BUaQCkBpcAXl0l0jntYjjLa1iSfshtrfz71CKLsW3t8xMpmHSHdFxS6dWeiAqPp6tdoykz6xxxG6wEXp-c_RwvgCu8FKsN0HFls0E3G85KGJwjhAJ3nO85rfS6/s640/butterfly-17057_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E7cngBWwY7THpMaGlgAt9-pQ6KI9nOrrlbU6Fb8XeEoOgnCU93xyj5cA2JbiX1BUaQCkBpcAXl0l0jntYjjLa1iSfshtrfz71CKLsW3t8xMpmHSHdFxS6dWeiAqPp6tdoykz6xxxG6wEXp-c_RwvgCu8FKsN0HFls0E3G85KGJwjhAJ3nO85rfS6/s320/butterfly-17057_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Money - what would you do with your life if money was no object?</b></p><p>Be a historical reenactor with a farm. One of the reasons I got out of that field was because it couldn't support me financially. So to have the opportunity to go back with support would be wonderful. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Music - what’s been on repeat lately?</b></p><p>Again, it's cyclical. Right now, I've been gravitating towards "higher" music such as classical, instrumental, and opera. In a few months, I'll probably cycle back to the pop/rock mix that I usually listen to. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>New - what would you do if you won the lottery?</b></p><p>After I pay off the ginormous taxes that would be due, and then after I settle my debts, I'd set a little bit aside for myself and give the majority of it to support the Church (either my local parish or a monastery/convent). They can use it much better than I can, I'd just waste it on antiques and craft supplies. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Ocean - what’s your favorite sea creature?</b></p><p>Dolphin! We used to see them off the shore of the beach when we went on vacation. Haven't seen them for a few years though. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcR9D8qBR4xtDooWS5FuMtgUgNozM8gQzdie0a_nqcam-y1dDRomt-PLpVeSYv-zjjRgintfq42c-y4wmRy3i0rHpxZ853XQZEjxHlbsEFVVOS6Om-qh00ELO5Ih1XrQuJiChbvunM5WdypjPHE9L_mPoYozN_HGNWdntFnMjtSBmUx8FNrLpOWrn/s640/beach-2300780_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcR9D8qBR4xtDooWS5FuMtgUgNozM8gQzdie0a_nqcam-y1dDRomt-PLpVeSYv-zjjRgintfq42c-y4wmRy3i0rHpxZ853XQZEjxHlbsEFVVOS6Om-qh00ELO5Ih1XrQuJiChbvunM5WdypjPHE9L_mPoYozN_HGNWdntFnMjtSBmUx8FNrLpOWrn/s320/beach-2300780_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>On/Off - what are your biggest turn ons and offs?</b></p><p>Ons - clean humor, historical things, mystery (but not murder), beauty. </p><p>Offs - constant swearing/blaspheming, impure conversation, gore, boring things. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Partner - describe your ideal partner.</b></p><p>Rgh, this is hard to put into words. I'd love a guy that has a spice of adventure but is easygoing. Rugged, but with a touch of class. A man that can share some of my hobbies - such as history, agriculture, and crafting - but has his own interests. But above all, he must be Catholic. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Past - what advice or wisdom would you bestow on your younger self?</b></p><p>I would tell my younger self to stop hiding in her shell and let people in. But I doubt she would listen to me, she was a rather stubborn lil girl. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2aRHuqew9kFh4BuVCAxqpFQwETA8NYuNWA2A-aoq7MFvXkbqL-X5YDwRx5627X5vKlL2EtIq34-IH8SJ86o3TBnJ1-ubDr1mHapt5Ag_nlyqzaswP5IQ59d33FGdcdmjb0hvwHyJ5ygZFiumkPdII6nGRRCHphh3HkkKXoMsUxC37t6dAj93XOK7/s640/ladybugs-1593406_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="640" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2aRHuqew9kFh4BuVCAxqpFQwETA8NYuNWA2A-aoq7MFvXkbqL-X5YDwRx5627X5vKlL2EtIq34-IH8SJ86o3TBnJ1-ubDr1mHapt5Ag_nlyqzaswP5IQ59d33FGdcdmjb0hvwHyJ5ygZFiumkPdII6nGRRCHphh3HkkKXoMsUxC37t6dAj93XOK7/s320/ladybugs-1593406_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Persona - what’s your mbti? your enneagram type?</b></p><p>My MBTI is INFJ, though I also identify with traits from the INTJ and INFP. I do not participate in Enneagram, because it's based in occult practices. </p><p>Actually, I tend to identify myself with the traditional four temperament model. For those who are curious, I'm melancholy-choleric. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Picnic - describe your ideal spring afternoon.</b></p><p>A sunny afternoon with a warm breeze. I'd be outside with my needlework or my book, just soaking it all in. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Pride - what is something you’re proud of?</b></p><p>The fact that I attempted - and succeeded - at attaining a Master's degree about five years after I attempted it the first time after such a horrible experience. I feel that failure has finally been expunged from my life. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Quaint - do you prefer the city, countryside, or suburbs?</b></p><p>I've always been a country girl at heart, having grown up in rural America for most of my life. I don't particularly like cities, and suburbs can feel a little closed in too. I like nature to be close. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRESA9qnbLw3uw3wyu-HJM9o3gj8h2VqsosA4Bd9-t7LNe_M9JCqOW_CDpwOXbMwAf_meF7yQ5i_vhinvHmCm0WxGN1OegqL4-11knDiPgw6_hTiEDE2q1Xq1UpElFf05FDnLjFPCWKck-_YvY_ntGkY8iUxxuLSLRSdisi5yyMz8QHuVAxWTSdXGy/s640/please-include-your-comments-1317308_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="640" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRESA9qnbLw3uw3wyu-HJM9o3gj8h2VqsosA4Bd9-t7LNe_M9JCqOW_CDpwOXbMwAf_meF7yQ5i_vhinvHmCm0WxGN1OegqL4-11knDiPgw6_hTiEDE2q1Xq1UpElFf05FDnLjFPCWKck-_YvY_ntGkY8iUxxuLSLRSdisi5yyMz8QHuVAxWTSdXGy/s320/please-include-your-comments-1317308_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Rain - what’s your favorite type of spring weather?</b></p><p>The exact opposite of this question title - sunny and warm! Rain makes it too gloomy and cold, usually. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Recommendations - do you have any fanfic recommendations?</b></p><p>No, I don't follow fanfiction anymore. All of the authors of fanfic I used to follow don't write anymore anyway. </p><p>Although, if you like POTO fanfiction, I can redirect you to my Wattpad story "Shattered Chandelier", lol. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Sage - what life advice would you give to someone younger?</b></p><p>I'm not sure I'm the best person to be giving advice, but I can say the following: </p><p>- stay close to the Church</p><p>- get a good group of friends</p><p>- get as much job experience as you can. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxc_7xpgJ6UZ3kSh6eG7ax95z_pQNYNtdEkGFzw8uwuWzBvbaXeiyqmng-sxU-y1F9IycZcE0sIxlj0rj7s5uVbIYpZVAMEvP_1x_lXRhFg8fYKjv2eUGlFZF9eKR1O5xarwNlsF98p7Ax5wHWcrPsSZFhRRWu3xCcjMFVqzoszAaxNZLSWNku0A1t/s640/bouquet-1463562_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="640" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxc_7xpgJ6UZ3kSh6eG7ax95z_pQNYNtdEkGFzw8uwuWzBvbaXeiyqmng-sxU-y1F9IycZcE0sIxlj0rj7s5uVbIYpZVAMEvP_1x_lXRhFg8fYKjv2eUGlFZF9eKR1O5xarwNlsF98p7Ax5wHWcrPsSZFhRRWu3xCcjMFVqzoszAaxNZLSWNku0A1t/s320/bouquet-1463562_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Stars - are you into astrology? If so, what are your sun, moon, and rising signs?</b></p><p>No, I'm not. I know what my "sign" supposedly is, but I don't believe any of that cockamany. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Striking - what’s your favorite color?</b></p><p>Blue, a light bright blue usually. Purple and pink are close behind, though. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Status - what’s your relationship status?</b></p><p>Single and looking. Send any 30year old solid Catholic guys my way, lol. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Thrill - what is one thing you’re looking forward to?</b></p><p>My first apartment! Now that I have full-time work, I'd love to eventually move out on my own. It will be a bit because I need to get a financial footing first. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiVLKNx7oYSVSsAOMGnWBA7-pAkRTBbNUdMAVNr7v8odsAbcfgnJ8ICt7SKdpshuE8L5ZX4GOZzcadQGZgZMLuOE_Ma2UNxvXvezqmc7oKjPnekM6zHXlqZB_30bDooNdOlkyrfKyS4rODL3pGlnx1D_bO0_hpOJACqcpbLw5El0KOq6Gr0o2WKTP/s640/hokkaido-4202825_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiVLKNx7oYSVSsAOMGnWBA7-pAkRTBbNUdMAVNr7v8odsAbcfgnJ8ICt7SKdpshuE8L5ZX4GOZzcadQGZgZMLuOE_Ma2UNxvXvezqmc7oKjPnekM6zHXlqZB_30bDooNdOlkyrfKyS4rODL3pGlnx1D_bO0_hpOJACqcpbLw5El0KOq6Gr0o2WKTP/s320/hokkaido-4202825_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Touch - do you like hugs?</b></p><p>Yes, I love hugs! </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Travel - if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?</b></p><p>Isle of Skye, Scotland. My mother's main Scottish clan hails from there and it's super pretty. I'd go to Italy next, lol. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Universe - do you think there’s other life out there or are we alone in the universe?</b></p><p>I very much doubt that there is alien life out. There is always the possibility, I suppose, but the more we discover, the more it seems clear that Earth is the only life-supporting planet out there. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Vernacular - what language do you wish you could speak or want to learn?</b></p><p>French would be the first language on my list. I've been working on getting fluent in French for several years now. The next few would be Italian, Polish, and Gaelic. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Warning - what would your warning label say?</b></p><p>Warning: Loud mind, sharp tongue. Can be frigid and intimidating to the male species. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyQOGqsdNNQ9qxiXXpfbw4dpv1-BxjlKc58wnIT1_nBqLsRo6QIJOltuhTSHt-jBdfoKJbyYmU6_4gnm82-uegnxBwbVs3hsYCamcxrQntpKgFqxYVEdFXndNd0se5_YzCYkTHIK0pLYo7R_N5GutI81rd7ouuTD5dmPPj3G9W6NhhoYCLtwckz8d/s640/nature-3248521_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyQOGqsdNNQ9qxiXXpfbw4dpv1-BxjlKc58wnIT1_nBqLsRo6QIJOltuhTSHt-jBdfoKJbyYmU6_4gnm82-uegnxBwbVs3hsYCamcxrQntpKgFqxYVEdFXndNd0se5_YzCYkTHIK0pLYo7R_N5GutI81rd7ouuTD5dmPPj3G9W6NhhoYCLtwckz8d/s320/nature-3248521_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>You - what’s one thing you like about yourself? One thing you dislike about yourself?</b></p><p>One thing I like about myself? I guess it would be my persistent drive. It's gotten me through a lot of tough situations. </p><p>One thing I don't like about myself? The fact that I don't have the best mental health record of the world (dealt with serious anxiety/depression issues in the past). If I ever got the grace of complete mental healing, I would be ecstatic. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Youth - do you feel your age?</b></p><p>I do now, unfortunately. Chronic pain due to possible endometriosis has not made it easy, but I try to bear it as best I can. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Zoo - what’s your favorite animal?</b></p><p>I have several favorites, but the horse is one of the top favorites for sure! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aFHhP9fCQumS1SeM7u9VWLa2pwHUvQcRIaO3FEJicP0tBX09oaHGjkw8caHFA4fbjaxLmQcld7cSi_O1Yzx-wnRDdQt7eXKxSJorsm92mwYIpmdD9uK9GLLWHlNCTZM5Fm3jQPnqkQJQQLE-xJLVt6lE_D_NGgAcnf2Oq97TwKoZv1yg3kwobA3O/s640/nature-ga0a64225e_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aFHhP9fCQumS1SeM7u9VWLa2pwHUvQcRIaO3FEJicP0tBX09oaHGjkw8caHFA4fbjaxLmQcld7cSi_O1Yzx-wnRDdQt7eXKxSJorsm92mwYIpmdD9uK9GLLWHlNCTZM5Fm3jQPnqkQJQQLE-xJLVt6lE_D_NGgAcnf2Oq97TwKoZv1yg3kwobA3O/s320/nature-ga0a64225e_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Whew! There's the end. I am not going to tag anyone for this tag, but if you would like, a clean copy of the questions can be found below. </p><p>Okay, I've talked enough! What is your favorite thing about spring? </p><p>Yours, </p><p>Catherine</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw8JkUaEPOFvhmJ5iq8WMvkdCGpCtwuZs9r0o-qBZgZTrWJoHe4x3es4dDSqHp4FpqbhHYz4gW3A-RXgJJNPHxA2WbwFp6eMUhbzUOf_Bdrw7f94qlshDmpCNueZqe98XGp4gsbC2bHi-hypNm4iI8rhe-wiLYJS8yZ-8OO-xd3M5VauQ6JhCH2Qc/s1280/divider-2154993_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="1280" height="19" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsw8JkUaEPOFvhmJ5iq8WMvkdCGpCtwuZs9r0o-qBZgZTrWJoHe4x3es4dDSqHp4FpqbhHYz4gW3A-RXgJJNPHxA2WbwFp6eMUhbzUOf_Bdrw7f94qlshDmpCNueZqe98XGp4gsbC2bHi-hypNm4iI8rhe-wiLYJS8yZ-8OO-xd3M5VauQ6JhCH2Qc/s320/divider-2154993_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><u>Clean Copy of Questions</u></p><p><br /></p><p>April - what’s your favorite time of the year?</p><p>Apples - favorite fruit?</p><p>Bees - what’s your go to spring outfit?</p><p>Blossom - what’s your favorite flower?</p><p>Bubbles - Do you like bubble tea?</p><p>Changes - what signals the changing of the seasons to you?</p><p>Collegiate - did you go to or are you going to university? what are you or did you study?</p><p>Comfort - who is your go to comfort character?</p><p>Cream - do you wear make-up?</p><p>Crush - any irl or online crushes?</p><p>Daffodil - do you like to garden?</p><p>Daisy - do you have any pets? If not, do you want any?</p><p>Exciting - ideal type of unplanned adventure?</p><p>Favorites - what’s your favorite show, movie, and book?</p><p>Flowers - what’s the nicest thing someone has surprised you with?</p><p>Fun Facts - what’s something people would never guess about you?</p><p>Grass - do you get hayfever or spring allergies?</p><p>Hobby - what hobbies do you have or want to get into?</p><p>Holiday - favorite springtime holiday?</p><p>Introspective - what’s one thing you would have done differently in your life?</p><p>Jam - favorite thing to bake?</p><p>Lemons - what’s your favorite type of dessert?</p><p>Light - night owl or early bird?</p><p>Love - what’s your love language?</p><p>Matcha - what’s your go to coffee/tea order this time of year?</p><p>Meadow - do you prefer the beach or the woods?</p><p>Money - what would you do with your life if money was no object?</p><p>Music - what’s been on repeat lately?</p><p>New - what would you do if you won the lottery?</p><p>Ocean - what’s your favorite sea creature?</p><p>On/Off - what are your biggest turn ons and offs?</p><p>Partner - describe your ideal partner.</p><p>Past - what advice or wisdom would you bestow on your younger self?</p><p>Persona - what’s your mbti? your enneagram type?</p><p>Picnic - describe your ideal spring afternoon.</p><p>Pride - what is something you’re proud of?</p><p>Quaint - do you prefer the city, countryside, or suburbs?</p><p>Rain - what’s your favorite type of spring weather?</p><p>Recommendations - do you have any fanfic recommendations?</p><p>Sage - what life advice would you give to someone younger?</p><p>Stars - are you into astrology? If so, what are your sun, moon, and rising signs?</p><p>Striking - what’s your favorite color?</p><p>Status - what’s your relationship status?</p><p>Thrill - what is one thing you’re looking forward to?</p><p>Touch - do you like hugs?</p><p>Travel - if you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?</p><p>Universe - do you think there’s other life out there or are we alone in the universe?</p><p>Vernacular - what language do you wish you could speak or want to learn?</p><p>Warning - what would your warning label say?</p><p>You - what’s one thing you like about yourself? One thing you dislike about yourself?</p><p>Youth - do you feel your age?</p><p>Zoo - what’s your favorite animal?</p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-81797433195365580782022-12-29T00:56:00.002-05:002022-12-29T00:56:34.072-05:00Wrapping Up 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG83qy3NmaJSnl48FKHbC9ZIe2am01nsXKIaEt6NxuM5nPdaOSu0nPEF3u3MZmUeAK921qqLjCyOopYMfHmlA49GRreyyrjfBbyxidzW02x89sMyPD6hIvGw_O3ZeWZC8vkeMtfAEvEfePqgZMOh2TpESwNAI00UTFdg_eRJxKaXhHHuR8lj7_BAme/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG83qy3NmaJSnl48FKHbC9ZIe2am01nsXKIaEt6NxuM5nPdaOSu0nPEF3u3MZmUeAK921qqLjCyOopYMfHmlA49GRreyyrjfBbyxidzW02x89sMyPD6hIvGw_O3ZeWZC8vkeMtfAEvEfePqgZMOh2TpESwNAI00UTFdg_eRJxKaXhHHuR8lj7_BAme/w400-h225/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(7).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Greetings from the cave! </p><p>Can you believe that 2023 will be arriving in three short days from now? Like, the last time I emerged from the cave, it was still...October? </p><p>*checks blog history*. </p><p>Yep, October. </p><p>This may be a long post, but it's an overdue one. If you have been following my newsletter, a lot of this may be repeats of stuff you've heard before. Treat this as an "extended edition", if you will. In it also is updates that I've been promising that I just...never got round to. hehe. </p><p>On with the show! </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">An Overall Update</span></u></p><p>In the beginning of the year, I was really focused on my author platform. I created a new public email, formally separated my personal Gmail, and started creating a much stronger social media presence. In April, I plunged headlong into my very own newsletter through Convertkit. As of this month, it has 26 confirmed subscribers. It doesn't seem like much right now, but I'm grateful for every single one of them. I created a new - and I will say, much more aesthetic looking - Pinterest page (@catherinefemwriter). I've also been steadily working on my Instagram, and decided to also join Discord in the latter part of the year. </p><p>During the latter half of the year, I decided to put my toes in, so to speak, to self-publishing. What I found was that the jungle was much more dense than I thought it was. In August, I wrote a rather convoluted post about which vendors I should sell my books to. Unfortunately, now, this post is quite outdated. Since then, I have done much more research and...let's just say things are even less clear than what they were before. For example, I had said that in ethical concerns, Barnes and Noble seemed to have a slight advantage. I have since discovered that their stores actively <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(and I've seen this in person, unfortunately)</span> push the occult (i.e. witchcraft, tarot, etc.) in their stores. Which really upsets me because while I want my books to sell, I don't necessarily condone the use of their kickbacks from my books to be used in such a fashion. </p><p>However, I am not alone in this process. Besides having a team of friends who have been through this journey before, I am also seeking additional help. As of January 2023, I will be joining Thy Olive Tree's Self Publishing Academy. I heard about it through both Instagram and LegendHaven, which was an online Catholic writers conference that I attended in November. Using this and other resources will hopefully make 2023 the year I finally publish <i>something</i>. </p><p>One of the highlights of my "writing" year has been to participate in Christine Smith's FallFicFrenzy. I had planned on giving you a proper update throughout the fall using her Know The Novel linkup, but unfortunately, grad school ate up what time I could spare in both November and most of December. As you can imagine, I did not manage to do much writing during that time. But the community was worth their weight in gold. I met many new friends through there, and I really hope that there will be a spring or even winter challenge very soon! </p><p>One thing that has suffered in general has been my blog writing. While I'm certainly not alone in this (I've noticed that blogs have been making a very small comeback since COVID), it still rankles me a little. Probably because of all the hype and broken promises that I've made over the course of this year. And believe me, there has been a LOT of that. I found that with grad school eating up a lot of my time and attention, I was left with a lot of ambition that just couldn't go to fruition. Thanks be to God, I HAVE now graduated with my M.A., and so (for now, anyway), I have a little more time during the days to work on...other things. Including writing. </p><p>Speaking of which...while my journey into publishing and platforms has been quite an adventure, it would be for naught if I didn't have something to show for it in the writing department. Let's see if I have, shall we? </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">An Update on my WIPS</span></u></p><p>I worked on several WIPs this year, which considering the fact that I haven't had much time to write is pretty impressive. While I have given monthly updates through my newsletter mostly, it's great to look at the "big picture" as it were. </p><p>Before we dive into the writing progress, I want to say a brief note about my screenplay idea The Wade Girl. In a previous post, I had mentioned that I had put it on hold because of research problems. Well, I have managed to get the other book I needed a LOT faster than I had hoped! That being said, The Wade Girl is still on hold until some of these other projects can be finished. </p><p>As I also previously mentioned, many of my old WIPs (Ancora Spei, Plain and Simple Truth, and Rose of Culmore) were retired or were placed in hibernation. This left only 3 main WIPs left. They are as follows: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The White Rose</b></span></p><p>This is Year 2 of implementing the edits given to me by my editor, Michelle. I started the year with <span style="text-align: center;">25,984</span> words in Draft 4. I ended the year with 34,726 words. </p><p>Having just about 10k in a year - when I know that I can write 100k in that same time, in that same WIP - is kinda frustrating. But it would seem that editing a novel and an intense year of graduate school don't mix well. </p><p>That being said, I have had some small successes. I'll share with you the latest favorite snippet that I have: </p><p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm6"><i>“Just as long as when she is meeting the suitors, that you let her speak for herself.” Queen Carina nodded decisively as she adjusted the folds of her kirsaya.</i></span></p><p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm6"><i>“A wise piece of advice, my love. So wise, in fact, that I shall bind you to do the same.” King Reijo smiled.</i></span></p><p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm6"><i>An offended scoff came from the queen. “I do not speak! I may prompt, but...”</i></span></p><p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm6"><i>“My dear, your ‘prompts’ as you call them, are half of Janina’s speeches. No, I shall make yours and my silence the first “Rule” of our public behavior during this Tournament. After all, ‘what is good for the perch, is good for the bass’, as my father used to say.”</i></span></p><p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm6"><i>“Those are two different species of fish!”</i></span></p><p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm6"><i>“Well, men and women are different species as you know, my dear.”</i></span></p><p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm6"><i>“Scholars don’t say so.”</i></span></p><p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm6"><i>“My dear, scholars do not deal with commonplace realities.”</i></span></p><p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm6"><i>Queen Carina groaned as she leaned in close to Janina’s ear. “He will drive me to madness!”</i></span></p><p></p><p class="Normal tm5"><span class="tm6"><i>“What, you aren’t halfway there already?” King Reijo said with a straight face and twinkling eyes.</i></span></p><div><span class="tm6"><br /></span></div><div>FallFicFrenzy did a lot to re-stimulate my motivation for this story, and I am excited to dig back into in in 2023. Especially since I have a special surprise coming in August (shh, don't tell!). </div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Hidden Seeds</b></span></p><p>Back in October, I had announced that I was going to be working on my old Rooglewood WIP "Hidden Seeds" and placing it on Wattpad. This would be in conjunction with doing TWR edits for FallFicFrenzy. </p><p>However, I only got about 300 words into the new draft before I realized that the flow was just not coming. My plot was even worse than I remembered, and my characters were less dimensional than I had hoped. I lost interest very quickly and thus decided to put it on hold *again*. Which kinda makes me mad because I know a lot of people were looking forward to seeing it on Wattpad, but I refuse to put out a story that has huge gaps in it. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Fair Winds</span></b></p><p>Like I mentioned just a minute ago, I had planned for multiple WIPs during FallFicFrenzy. What I did NOT expect was that a completely different WIP would derail both of my WIPs that I had slated. One might say that they raided and looted the motivation right off the ship. Like a pirate would. </p><p>One day in the car, one of my favorite sea shanties came on. Its one that I've heard several times, so I thought I was safe. But nope, the muse decided to run with it and gave me motivation to look at that draft again and actually do something with it. </p><p>I managed to write 5261 words in this new draft of Fair Winds in about a week. Which is probably the most that I've written in one time for any WIP this year. And then I got a little second-hand depression from my MC's loss of her father and...I was not down for that. So I left it aside to figure out how to lighten the tone. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>2023 Goals </u></span></p><p>I firmly believe that 2023 will be <i>the year</i>. Before, I have given hopeful statements about being able to publish, but this is the first year that I can say it with certainty - what with the surprise for TWR coming and my growing support network. </p><p>And so, I will be setting out some goals for 2023. Which of course, are subject to change at a moment's notice....as per the rules around here. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Finish TWR's edits (Draft 4) </b></p><p>As you may have guessed by now, I now have a deadline of August 2023. And with the graduate school out of the way, I now have a chance to get some decent headway in. Any additional steps to publication will be added on to this goal as I come to that bridge, so to speak. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Finish Draft 3 of Fair Winds </b></p><p>Maybe. I mean, I got a good start on it, so that's helpful. That beginning, though, whew. That's gonna take work. But I've learned from experience that it's always good to have a spare goal, just in case the first one goes way foul. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>And that...wraps up 2022!! I guess I should apologize that this post is so long...and frankly, a little boring...but this is what I get for not blogging for well over two months. Things kinda get a little pent up after a while. </b></p><p><b>But I have talked for long enough. I'd love to hear from you guys! What sort of adventures have you been up to? </b></p><p>Scribblingly yours, </p><p>Catherine</p><p><br /></p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-54623985664275640522022-10-16T22:46:00.000-04:002022-10-18T08:34:40.328-04:00Know the Novel Part 1: 2022 FallFicFrenzy WIP Revealed! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKGUURAPM8OLn4tkUp_oEubqeXDg9giZczqXTefR4lKdUZwJHKwgb_SombiQeeeSrPbwthFl1a_Moq4DAseds1xZjM2ui7yA7VICxweTWYzHA6BzqbrV-tLp-mZQFuY_zCwPHXJYZlJAKgM_yerJRsq2TwLsmDuCDukC0Ap9NgQC6HJkIsfEQHed9/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKGUURAPM8OLn4tkUp_oEubqeXDg9giZczqXTefR4lKdUZwJHKwgb_SombiQeeeSrPbwthFl1a_Moq4DAseds1xZjM2ui7yA7VICxweTWYzHA6BzqbrV-tLp-mZQFuY_zCwPHXJYZlJAKgM_yerJRsq2TwLsmDuCDukC0Ap9NgQC6HJkIsfEQHed9/w400-h225/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(6).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><i>Note to my dear readers: This was supposed to come out well before today. I had been working on this post for an entire week in between school and work and still somehow it never got published. So please excuse the future tense as we move in....</i></p><p><br /></p><p>Greetings from the cave! </p><p>Guys! The FallFicFrenzy is set to begin on Saturday!! </p><p>And I am not ready for it. </p><p>(Are we surprised?)</p><p>As I have mentioned previously, I'm alternating between two projects this challenge. You all know what the first one is (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">except maybe a few newcomers, which I will direct to my recent posts</span>) but the second one is one that I haven't talked about in nearly two years. And so, it merits another introduction here on the blog. </p><p>And what better way to do that than with Christine's Know the Novel Linkup??</p><p>And considering I haven't done one of these since 2020(?!), I say, it's high time! </p><p>And so, let us commence with the festivities! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIWdEsddAGfWVNWMvyYyhEb3hIyBcL9bIL8hewHVAScBsozWXTi3477IeaV1tUg8xo_Ee30QSPs3aQK0RsgDNRKbCdE55OoQsv9qT4_hNWcvSDYAQYJm8bbWFX7efb2ert1YrfvRr3_PC2K4jjsj8_Dlo7t0Zxd61iG4irp58ANtQXI_tmijiMYlB/s800/The%20Seven%20Rogues.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIWdEsddAGfWVNWMvyYyhEb3hIyBcL9bIL8hewHVAScBsozWXTi3477IeaV1tUg8xo_Ee30QSPs3aQK0RsgDNRKbCdE55OoQsv9qT4_hNWcvSDYAQYJm8bbWFX7efb2ert1YrfvRr3_PC2K4jjsj8_Dlo7t0Zxd61iG4irp58ANtQXI_tmijiMYlB/s320/The%20Seven%20Rogues.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me lovely rogues</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>1. What first sparked the idea for this novel?</b></p><p>The first spark for this novel was the Rooglewood Five Poisoned Apples contest in 2017, which was for an anthology of Snow White retellings based off the original Grimm version. Many of my blogging friends at the time were entering into this contest and I wanted to join in the fun. And maybe try to build the author platform a little. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCl6b6nLjOzh-EOl7cIuKWorPUbspjD-B09JkuoJu1mfP6IuUKTrg4flaI_IgESVKD9aIKaGKh932ZIkdd68YmwNkBuhpPUU1yYIUbjl70S370_q6x0z86_JrVmbSNH2nZ08LJyGK0XZ3wkq2b2lBvDA0qL1ZnVBPnvL6RZTAkAMGcxPEzMrvxZQGA/s596/Gareth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCl6b6nLjOzh-EOl7cIuKWorPUbspjD-B09JkuoJu1mfP6IuUKTrg4flaI_IgESVKD9aIKaGKh932ZIkdd68YmwNkBuhpPUU1yYIUbjl70S370_q6x0z86_JrVmbSNH2nZ08LJyGK0XZ3wkq2b2lBvDA0qL1ZnVBPnvL6RZTAkAMGcxPEzMrvxZQGA/s320/Gareth.jpg" width="127" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gareth, a sidekick</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>2. Share a blurb (or just an overall summary)!</b></p><p>This is a perfect opportunity to update the blurb that I have been using for years, lol</p><p><br /></p><p><i>Queen Heulwin's death could not have happened at a worse time. </i></p><p><i>Just shy of her majority, an angry Princess Eirwen is forced to watch as her father contracts another marriage in order to quell a rebellious people anxious for a male heir. However, the marriage falls apart in the most scandalous of fashions, and the Lady Ceinwen seeks revenge...by the form of blood. </i></p><p><i>When a hunting trip turns deadly, Eirwen is forced to flee into a decaying orchard. With the help of a neighboring prince and a cadre of rogues, Eirwen seeks to take back her kingdom. But will the hidden seeds of her anger be advantageous for her cause or will it cause disaster for the kingdom of Glywysing?</i> </p><p><br /></p><p>Still not my best blurb ever. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>3. Where does the story take place? What are some of your favorite aspects of the setting?</b></p><p>It takes place in Wales, which is a little unusual for a Snow White retelling. </p><p>Unfortunately, I didn't document online why exactly I chose Wales as a setting. Which is an egregious offense for a novel-writing historian (of all people) to do. Most likely, it's hidden in one of the myriad of notebooks that's currently hiding under my bed. </p><p>However, as I was doing a little bit of digging, I remembered something about...Welsh apples. And so I dug a little further and discovered that apples do get mentioned in Welsh legends, and were a valuable commodity. If I had to guess, I probably went looking into countries with a lot of apple production, and Wales happened to be one of them. Being that it was a semi-familiar culture but *just* different enough, I decided to go for it. </p><p>My favorite aspects of the setting have more to do with the Welsh culture more than the physical setting. Wales is quite pretty though. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-TUT4ZrfJzdpiQXF6dfC2rwwMJk4rzeHsw2imlkFQb-8Fx_Qnn7DWD6IVZiyolqmiHJwVclUwoUj1xHM6BqTQLgExeKGAks-74tbHUiE8q-ntY_mf5IS7tz2fgqB_ZwXWY6Rdcyws3O_FdS6jeLRIogIe44QvuxbRkNDnyVFXEA5hkdan1UZw5Xk/s596/Taliesin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="319" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-TUT4ZrfJzdpiQXF6dfC2rwwMJk4rzeHsw2imlkFQb-8Fx_Qnn7DWD6IVZiyolqmiHJwVclUwoUj1xHM6BqTQLgExeKGAks-74tbHUiE8q-ntY_mf5IS7tz2fgqB_ZwXWY6Rdcyws3O_FdS6jeLRIogIe44QvuxbRkNDnyVFXEA5hkdan1UZw5Xk/s320/Taliesin.jpg" width="171" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Talisien, a Welsh bard/poet (which Wales apparently has a tradition of)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>4. Tell us about your protagonist(s).</b></p><p>Princess Eirwen is the oldest child of King Aneirin and the late Queen Heulwen, and she is just about to reach the age of majority. She has really long dark hair, dark eyes and a rather slender 5'5" figure. She may have a stern shell, but she does have a warm heart for those she loves. She is an avid hunter, but she is also a very talented needlewoman. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30mPwxPP6z1hWBGd1yOcKZk4aeC_qCgALogNQTZE9k3Z1_xdFPS8EWtPG2ggq_J8dmLs59Q6zZqf9OM8ECO70i7CdkvZ7q8A51bEf5GB1oOc1KYvL4b4GYAg9Uj_G-tpnoVdXKidpi-m2AeMecPhu9oQ1if1VODKS6SUrIGk40syp81tnN0vyv74A/s600/Eirwen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="328" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30mPwxPP6z1hWBGd1yOcKZk4aeC_qCgALogNQTZE9k3Z1_xdFPS8EWtPG2ggq_J8dmLs59Q6zZqf9OM8ECO70i7CdkvZ7q8A51bEf5GB1oOc1KYvL4b4GYAg9Uj_G-tpnoVdXKidpi-m2AeMecPhu9oQ1if1VODKS6SUrIGk40syp81tnN0vyv74A/s320/Eirwen.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me dear Eirwen</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>5. Who (or what) is the antagonist?</b></p><p>Ceinwen is a suitor of King Aneirin, and the illegitimate half-sister of the Lady Lilliwen, another suitor of King Aneirin. Ceinwen is much younger than Aneirin, which infuriates Eirwen. She has straw-blond hair and is tall and willowy (about 5'8").</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeJU2iqyCehotvDlM2s6FA0VXiCvKyBa9D91p831KoZCDOBZwBA56XSBl4fXrHMGMmIWL8zXWViMFCBcNfU1-7Qd5G61omHv96f6qaFH7K34SXi3vctFHk95keEEZH-eQE7c4RkByuq3-oQPU7HKUXrvcWqAJtxudL0SUMKGNmPnFeRn-6XO2MpTT/s730/Ceinwen%20and%20Aerien.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="730" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeJU2iqyCehotvDlM2s6FA0VXiCvKyBa9D91p831KoZCDOBZwBA56XSBl4fXrHMGMmIWL8zXWViMFCBcNfU1-7Qd5G61omHv96f6qaFH7K34SXi3vctFHk95keEEZH-eQE7c4RkByuq3-oQPU7HKUXrvcWqAJtxudL0SUMKGNmPnFeRn-6XO2MpTT/s320/Ceinwen%20and%20Aerien.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ceinwen to the left, Aneirin to the right. </div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>6. What excites you the most about this novel?</b></p><p>I think coming back to it has excited me a lot. There were a lot of good things in the snippets that I once wrote and I'm ready to incorporate a plot to this story. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITa70GSrJwbhhSL9YgmjXMmPMZNco7d5Pse8iF19jetsSZG0wpWIiQSKchr2mlt2bwKBjJWgzUxAHXqIJI07P7mwcZWtdnnZLn9BAQJTpx0ngn4iEONT60DhDLlaACYatZft7Q5LMaw0bm0AYwlK7T9gIzzDdIUawVIvCkDqRWx23tQnAUnoXbaUV/s573/Wulfstan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITa70GSrJwbhhSL9YgmjXMmPMZNco7d5Pse8iF19jetsSZG0wpWIiQSKchr2mlt2bwKBjJWgzUxAHXqIJI07P7mwcZWtdnnZLn9BAQJTpx0ngn4iEONT60DhDLlaACYatZft7Q5LMaw0bm0AYwlK7T9gIzzDdIUawVIvCkDqRWx23tQnAUnoXbaUV/s320/Wulfstan.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wulfstan, a henchman</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>7. Is this going to be a series? standalone? something else?</b></p><p>This will be a stand-alone work. Unlike most of my other stories, this plot has no continuation - it really is a "happy" ever after. And yes, the "happy" is in quotes for a reason. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGZe7BxrBVFX6662cOT0RraidV1A8uh1Uc1FIrJ4A9m8j-PQVtAb6m8bJXq_-kddo5GZSk5s5CjxEn43CC8od-B_4I4mU43ZJd1-s8HrvV4hp8Pt1HuP4uhohZCW8bzDfB7JE40R5gzhV6yZ2D4IOXJR6Mpj8cz4HxGxQBRMWnbd5tx7sqsl3jRnJ/s600/Sarnai.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGZe7BxrBVFX6662cOT0RraidV1A8uh1Uc1FIrJ4A9m8j-PQVtAb6m8bJXq_-kddo5GZSk5s5CjxEn43CC8od-B_4I4mU43ZJd1-s8HrvV4hp8Pt1HuP4uhohZCW8bzDfB7JE40R5gzhV6yZ2D4IOXJR6Mpj8cz4HxGxQBRMWnbd5tx7sqsl3jRnJ/s320/Sarnai.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sarnai, another henchman....er, henchwoman</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>8. Are you plotting? pantsing? plansting?</b></p><p>Plantsing, as usual. I have a working plot summary which I can then write off of. Which really needs to be updated, lol. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>9. Name a few unique elements in this story.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>- Wales </p><p>- Illegitimate siblings (which is...an interesting dynamic to deal with in a medieval setting) </p><p>- a motherly step-mother figure</p><p>- Anger as a theme rather than just a character fault</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjUGdCc6tls-fJ-9UElUeVjpTHq24wNIT1IRpJvgO73ZvXRlsRtjpNFmMQBNe34IRWn__xUvcu55DBVopuncAWayVal48wnwKK_movBwMOBvRCmWgNNsqxO-JkFX1dZj53vzpQjoH3qVkNUtceAEqSY-BqYx-uaBgmFsToj-y8zIljuI-DYq2L4ek/s600/Lilliwen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="351" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjUGdCc6tls-fJ-9UElUeVjpTHq24wNIT1IRpJvgO73ZvXRlsRtjpNFmMQBNe34IRWn__xUvcu55DBVopuncAWayVal48wnwKK_movBwMOBvRCmWgNNsqxO-JkFX1dZj53vzpQjoH3qVkNUtceAEqSY-BqYx-uaBgmFsToj-y8zIljuI-DYq2L4ek/s320/Lilliwen.jpg" width="187" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ah, Lilliwen...</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>10. Share some fun “extras” of the story (a song or full playlist, some aesthetics, a collage, a Pinterest board, a map you’ve made, a special theme you’re going to incorporate, ANYTHING you want to share!).</b></p><p>I've been sharing my avatars throughout the post, but I have a few more extras here. </p><p>I have a shiny new Pinterest board that I can share: <a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="240" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/catherinefemwriter/hidden-seeds/"></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>And then I have a Spotify playlist (fair warning, there is a lot of Welsh music in here): </p><p><br /><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/0tU3uMw9Jf6PvSkXL3CPUi?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe></p><p><br /><script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></p><p>And that concludes the post! I'm very excited to start writing this story on Saturday, and for you to see it as it occurs on Wattpad rather than being in the background. </p><p>And now, I would like to know....what stories are you working on this fall? </p><p><br /></p><p>Scribbingly yours, </p><p>Catherine</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-12927364697744596222022-10-08T15:34:00.001-04:002022-10-08T15:34:34.739-04:00Rocking Baby WIPs Back to Sleep, and Keeping Some Up Past Their Bedtime<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03H0oSFzhvMINnacSu2JPXO_alrwBINSzDS8XJY3dKk_KBxzdp1xd-BN4G3dmSOKCPLnP5hbsT-R2SfUXouPGHC6HW1l-rHzldF5v9-yTonK14bRmm6xjnk3VVd1_8Qje3-FXiFu2VcxTVpGYTC8PlvEnziuqW07coYiUMIFLM02KfxdBZSECaOqP/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03H0oSFzhvMINnacSu2JPXO_alrwBINSzDS8XJY3dKk_KBxzdp1xd-BN4G3dmSOKCPLnP5hbsT-R2SfUXouPGHC6HW1l-rHzldF5v9-yTonK14bRmm6xjnk3VVd1_8Qje3-FXiFu2VcxTVpGYTC8PlvEnziuqW07coYiUMIFLM02KfxdBZSECaOqP/w400-h225/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(5).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Greetings from the cave! </p><p>Yes indeed, the Motherly Writer has struck again with her motherly metaphors. I can't help myself, lol. </p><p>Recently, I've been sprucing up my WIPs page. Those of who who have been around for a while know that for up to this moment I have 9 active WIPs. Some of these are novels, some are novellas and others...who knows what they were intended for. </p><p>But 9 WIPs is a LOT to juggle for even a full time writer. And I certainly am not that. Heck, TWR alone is keeping the muse busy enough as it is, even if she's being sulky at the moment. </p><p>So, I've made the decision to "retire" some of the old WIPs off of my WIP page. Many of them have had little or no progress in over five years, nor is there any plans in the near future to pick them back up. Therefore, it is not conducive or relevant for me to have them on the page. </p><p>I think, if I must be brutally honest with myself, that I have been holding on to these past WIPs a lot more than I should have. I felt that since I talked about them, I should keep them. But keeping those stories around is like having a to-do list, when in my heart, I know that I don't have the capacity to do much with them. </p><p>This is not to say that these WIPs couldn't be picked up at a later time, whenever the rebellious muse decides to strike. This just means that they're going down for a nap. They, like the little toddlers that they are, will decide when they will get up again. </p><p><br /></p><p>The WIPs I have decided to retire fully are: </p><p><b>Ancora Spei: </b></p><p>This WIP was created for a school project and it was basically an exercise in world-building. I did create a plot for it back in the day, but it has not aged very well. And, to be honest, my opinion of utopian literature has soured in that time period. So I very much doubt that it will ever grow up to be anything satisfying. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Rose of Culmore: </b></p><p>This story is an incomplete draft, part of which was on my Wattpad account. My downfall with this story was trying to turn it into a novella. If I had stuck with it being a short chapter story like I had done with the Snow Dancer of Iclyn, I betcha I would have finished it. As it is, I haven't touched this WIP in many a year, and recently I decided to unpublish it from Wattpad. There is still a lot of potential in the story, but I believe the time has passed for me to do anything decent with it. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Plain and Simple Truth: </b></p><p>Like with Rose, I believe the season for this WIP has passed. This story was a very old WIP from high school which I tried to resurrect while coping with some struggles at the dairy back in 2018. While I love the characters and the few scenes I have written, the plot was an absolute nightmare. Conversion stories are really tough to get right, anyway. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Wade Girl:</b></p><p>This one isn't from lack of interest, however, but a logistical problem. When I initially conceived the idea of doing this screenplay, I bought a couple of books: a general book about Jenny Wade (my subject) and a book of correspondence between Wade and Jack Skelly, her boyfriend. Unfortunately, Amazon screwed up the order for the latter book. Which leaves me only the first book to work with right now and I am not sure what the proper legal standpoint for heavily using one book as the basis of a screenplay (film rights, etc). So until I get that second book (and maybe some more research materials) in my hands, I'm going to table this project. </p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>But this is only four of the nine WIPs. What is up with the rest of them? </i></b></p><p>Well, obviously, everyone knows what's going on with TWR. That one is not going away anytime soon. *sigh*. </p><p>The other four have a slightly more...complex status. These are ones that I am much more motivated to publish in some shape or form. Therefore, they are staying on the WIP page, but the order is being switched up. </p><p>There are two WIPs currently on active hold:</p><p><br /></p><p><b>The Midnight Cave:</b> </p><p>This one has a simple reason for being on hold - it's the second in the Epics of Verden series after The White Rose. Obviously, it doesn't make sense for me to eliminate this WIP entirely, but I can't finish it until I finish the first one... </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Fair Winds</b></p><p>Of all my WIPs, <i>even TWR</i>, this story deserves to be published. Because this story was created in a creative writing class in college, and my professor wanted me to publish it. She still asks about it sometimes when I go out to visit. I want to place a copy of it in her hands one day (though that won't take place after TWR is published). Which is why I decided that this WIP is not destined to go onto Wattpad, although the idea is tempting sometimes. </p><p>Speaking of Wattpad, that is a platform that I have pretty much neglected these past couple of years. Not that many people have been paying attention to it much. But I hope to change that very soon with these two WIPs: </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Shattered Chandelier:</b></p><p>Well, okay, SC was always ON Wattpad. I felt it was a little too zany to be published in any other way (although if I ever write those three sequels I have planned for it, I may do an anthology...). And this one is a little weird because it's "finished" in the sense that the first draft has been completed and published. However, that draft is in sore need of editing one day. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Hidden Seeds: </b></p><p>This story was originally conceived as an entry for Rooglewood's Five Poisoned Apples collection (wow was that a very long time ago), and has gone through a couple of reincarnations over the years. This one has a semi-decent plot, a great setting, and some halfway decent characters. Re-reading it has given me a smile, and I'd like to share that with others. That and I want to justify to Lia the obsession that I had with Welsh music at the time of creating this story. </p><p>That being said, I don't think it's a good candidate for indie publishing, simply because of the older writing style I was using and the story seems to fit a short chapter story format than a full length novel or even novella. </p><p>Therefore, I have decided to publish the story on Wattpad. And much sooner than you all probably expect. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4NLZT9h2WXqqn4DoGbJt4YP0w-GUozW621EJD-PIDRXLUKFhPfIAntKzO-Cs2u2S-pHJYagQJwek1VP2T_RvCcywYOjFt71C8PW4AJqiXoeLbg65P84ybphxAaI9i4gl8NZWk_6V10f9nesS1G2Z6DbvThQWKOqBolOrVZamfj3-KXM-OS67jSJb/s768/Fall-Fic-Frenzy-Banner1.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4NLZT9h2WXqqn4DoGbJt4YP0w-GUozW621EJD-PIDRXLUKFhPfIAntKzO-Cs2u2S-pHJYagQJwek1VP2T_RvCcywYOjFt71C8PW4AJqiXoeLbg65P84ybphxAaI9i4gl8NZWk_6V10f9nesS1G2Z6DbvThQWKOqBolOrVZamfj3-KXM-OS67jSJb/s320/Fall-Fic-Frenzy-Banner1.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo credit: Christine Smith</div><p></p><p>As some of my writing friends already know, I am participating in Christine's Fall Fic Frenzy Writing Challenge! </p><p>As part of that challenge, I will be doing two projects: </p><p>1) TWR edits. Of course. </p><p>2) Drafting Hidden Seeds. </p><p><br /></p><p>You see, a few years ago, I tried doing the second draft of Fair Winds while I was working on one of TWR's drafts. This worked against me at the time, as I wanted to work on Fair Winds but ended up on TWR. I'm hoping to repeat this process, except on purpose. And if I work more on Hidden Seeds than I do TWR, I won't complain that much. </p><p>The point is, I need to get back into writing more. And if that means that I need to trick or bribe the muse, by golly I'm going to do it. </p><p>I feel like I should re-introduce this WIP on the blog because it has been SO LONG since I've talked about it. But this post is already really long, so I will save it for next time. In the meantime, do check out the WIP page, because I have some new mock covers to show off! </p><p>But before I go, I have one last announcement to make....</p><p>Because I am participating in the FallFicFrenzy, that means....I'm on Discord now!! </p><p>My username is RebellingLass71, and the profile pic is the same as my regular one. So if you're on Discord, I would love to be friends with you! </p><p>Whew! That was a LOT to cover in one post. What sort of new (or old!) WIPs have you guys been digging into?</p><p>Scribblingly yours, </p><p>Catherine </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-33488784992664907122022-09-21T08:00:00.008-04:002022-09-21T08:00:00.182-04:00The Heroine's Journey: Why Schmidt's Model Works Better than Murdock's <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdkhbUkvy16VIq5-ejMZNHOLjv_cG7qUJ9M4e5Z5Uqni32LL2USXq_LKd-8508-iuLXom7KMJT9tYspYCnp678WParhuefO5LTMccQF8mx3PGZyAJ-tpC4GjPzHw_XPxQxrhtrpXkDMWs-Qk6Q5nRe88USwRx0DXJv5B4ZbJlWJ2GN0hsXm9Evb_t/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdkhbUkvy16VIq5-ejMZNHOLjv_cG7qUJ9M4e5Z5Uqni32LL2USXq_LKd-8508-iuLXom7KMJT9tYspYCnp678WParhuefO5LTMccQF8mx3PGZyAJ-tpC4GjPzHw_XPxQxrhtrpXkDMWs-Qk6Q5nRe88USwRx0DXJv5B4ZbJlWJ2GN0hsXm9Evb_t/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Greetings from the Cave! </p><p>While I have been deep in the throes of editing TWR, the major thing that is getting fixed is my plot. As many of you already know, plotting is my weakness as a writer. Characters and world building, I have down pat. Plot? Ehh, it's loose at best. </p><p>As part of the solution to this problem, my editor suggested that I use the Hero's Journey model. I'll only give a brief view of the steps, as this model is extremely well-known in literary circles: </p><p><b>1. The Ordinary World</b></p><p><b>2. The Call to Adventure</b></p><p><b>3. Refusal of the Call</b></p><p><b>4. Meeting with the Mentor</b></p><p><b>5. Crossing the Threshold</b></p><p><b>6. Tests, Allies and Enemies</b></p><p><b>7. Approach to the Innermost Cave</b></p><p><b>8. The Supreme Ordeal</b></p><p><b>9. The Reward/Seizing the Sword</b></p><p><b>10. The Road Back</b></p><p><b>11. Resurrection</b></p><p><b>12. Return with the Elixir</b></p><p><br /></p><p>In recent weeks, I have attempting <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(or re-attempting, I should say)</span> to replot my character arcs along this form. I have three primary character arcs that I'm currently dealing with: two protagonists and one antagonist. I found that for one protagonist (Ealdread) and my antagonist (Magda), the Hero's Journey gave a really nice framework for which I can then improve the pacing of those two arcs. </p><p>While researching the Hero's Journey, I also came across the concept of the Heroine's Journey. It was branded as an alternative to the Hero's Journey, supposedly to better reflect a more feminine point of view and the actual growth process of a feminine protagonist. </p><p>The Heroine's Journey model is relatively new - for many traditional stories, the female leads follow the Hero's Journey model. In fact, the Hero's Journey model modeled for villians worked the best for Magda's plotline. </p><p>As Janina's journey was MUCH different that Ealdread's or Magda's, I decided that the Heroine's Journey was worth investigating. And right away, I found that the Heroine's Journey was a little more *nuanced* than it's male counterpart. For one thing, there are different models of the Heroine's Journey. I'm only going to focus on the two most common: The Murdock model and the Schmidt model. </p><p>Murdock's model is the most common, and the most likely model you will see when conducting a Google search for Heroine's Journey. The stages are as follows: </p><p><b>1. Heroine Separates from the Feminine. </b></p><p><b>2. Identification with the Masculine/Gathering of Allies</b></p><p><b>3. Road/Trials and Meeting Ogres/Dragons</b></p><p><b>4. The Boon of Success</b></p><p><b>5. Spiritual Arridity/Death</b></p><p><b>6. Initiation/Descent to Goddess</b></p><p><b>7. Yearns to Reconnect with Feminine</b></p><p><b>8. Heals Mother/Daughter Split</b></p><p><b>9. Heals Wounded Masculine Within. </b></p><p><b>10. Integrates Masculine/Feminine Perspectives</b></p><p><br /></p><p>For a more detailed analysis of this model, please see this post<a href="https://heroinejourneys.com/heroines-journey/"> HERE</a>. </p><p>Right away, I notice that Murdock's model has a major problem with it. It limits it's effectiveness to ultra-feminist leads. A main part of the model is the protagonist basically adopting "male" characteristics in order to move the story along. It does show a return to the feminine, which is rather appreciated. Because really, women are hard-wired to be feminine and fighting against nature only gets one so far *cough*. Reading the comments to that previous blog post, it is clear that this model is only useful when women are attempting to break free from an "oppressed" society, and leaves no room for a traditional feminine interpretation. </p><p>However, what if you have a Heroine who never rejects the feminine?? As my alpha/beta readers already know, Janina never throws a punch nor does she act all tough. Rather, part of her story is growing in her femininity. Clearly, the Murdock model doesn't fit Janina's journey, but neither does the Hero's Journey. </p><p>Enter the Schmidt model of the Heroine's Journey. </p><p>One <a href="http://fangirlblog.com/2012/04/the-heroines-journey-how-campbells-model-doesnt-fit/">ESSAY</a> I read said that feminine stories didn't focus so much on the conflict as it did the connections. I see this really reflected in the Schmidt model, especially as it connects to women's psyche's. </p><p>How is this shown? Well, let's take a look at the individual steps in the Heroine's Journey. </p><p>(Please note: if you wish to view a more detailed, and more specific, outline of these steps, please see this blog post <a href="https://heroinejourneys.com/heroine-journey-ii/">HERE</a>). </p><p><br /></p><p><b>1. Illusion of the Perfect World. </b></p><p><span> </span><span> This lines up with the "Ordinary World" stage in the Hero's Journey, but with a twist. It's the inclusion of the a plot device called the Character Lie. The Character Lie is very often used in fiction in general, but it is extremely effective for a feminine character arc. Why? Because women's psyche is based on the concept of being cherished. Because of this, harmony with either persons or concepts is a common goal for women. Schmidt's examples in this stage often deal with so-called "coping" strategies, such as people pleasing, being protected, exceptionalism, etc. </span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>2. Betrayal/Disillusionment</b></p><p><span> </span><span> This is somewhat similar to the Call to Action, but it specifically exposes the Character Lie. It is a break with the normal, to the point in no return for the Heroine. Some may call this the "inciting incident" (gosh, how many plot structures can we fit into one post here?). </span><br /></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><b>3. The Awakening/Preparing for the Journey</b></p><p><span> </span><span> This lines up directly with the Refusal of the Call step in the Hero's Journey. The major difference, however, is that the pressure to change is more interior (harmony/disharmony) than exterior. Schmidt calls it an "entire change in life direction" for the Heroine. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><b>4. The Descent/Passing the Gates of Judgment</b></p><p><span> </span><span> The Heroine is in the most conflict about abandoning her old ways and taking up the new ones. This really brings out the connectiveness of women, and their psychological need to be cherished. </span><br /></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span><b>5. The Eye of the Storm</b></span></p><p><span><span> </span><span> The Heroine has minor successes, but which are not sustained. The Character Lie may reassert itself in a new form. Schmidt compares it to Murdock's Boon of Success step. Quickly, however, the conflict becomes intensified.</span></span></p><p><span><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><b>6. Death/All is Lost</b></span></span></p><p><span><span><span> </span><span> This is the darkest moment of the plot. The Heroine knows her old ways don't work, and the new ways are very often only a short-term fix. With no relief from the conflict in sight, the Heroine reaches her breaking point. Schmidt compares this to Murdock's Spiritual Arridity/Death step.</span></span><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><b>7. Support. </b></p><p><span> </span><span> This is when the Heroine's "pieces are picked up" either by friends or a spiritual force. While this does bring "Meeting the Mentor" vibes, the context is much different here. This idea of women being supported is actually reflective of how women solve problems. Men tend to think things out by themselves. Women, on the other hand, go and talk about them (usually to other women or their spouses). </span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>8. Rebirth/Moment of Truth</b></p><p><span> </span><span> Strengthened by support, the Heroine mentally prepares herself for the final psychological battle. They see the "truth" at last, which can extend to seeing themselves, their role, and the world in a different light. </span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span><b>9. Return to a World Seen Through New Eyes</b></span></p><p><span><span> </span><span> Lining up somewhat with the Return with the Elixir step in the Hero's Journey, the internal journey of the Heroine is complete. With deeper introspectiveness, the Heroine's worldview is profoundly changed. The external conflict may or may not be resolved completely, but the Heroine is a better person because of the Journey. </span></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYweVAy398eCdhPaMSxNV5xZsYksMw9iDPcVNrK8QpAWaM7VH21zdnujUKtvQ-bYCOcNvqfaHjVYjgDRfOLm-sr9SjT91OxrgEWvT-ACq9O71T-ajgNA7ocscAVvi6kRdxb39b-XrvZJ6rkRCPKq8aiGZMHarumMqJQ39-VkApy46PGRespY8gMLx/s640/girlfriends-338449_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYweVAy398eCdhPaMSxNV5xZsYksMw9iDPcVNrK8QpAWaM7VH21zdnujUKtvQ-bYCOcNvqfaHjVYjgDRfOLm-sr9SjT91OxrgEWvT-ACq9O71T-ajgNA7ocscAVvi6kRdxb39b-XrvZJ6rkRCPKq8aiGZMHarumMqJQ39-VkApy46PGRespY8gMLx/s320/girlfriends-338449_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Looking at these examples, it's easy to see how Schmidt's model could easily be used for more traditional feminine character arcs. But what are some other reasons to adopt Schmidt's model? </p><p><br /></p><p><b>1. Schmidt's model shows Woman's true enemy</b></p><p>Man's true enemy is very often external forces, the dragon. Woman's true enemy, however, is....herself. At the end of the day, the strong internal presence of women must be reckoned with, even before the external conflict does. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>2. Schmidt's model provides a much better outline for internal conflicts</b></p><p>This is not to say that the Hero's Journey model could not be used for internal conflicts with a degree of success. However, Schmidt's model has a stronger outline of plot points that are more easily converted into easy-to-understand stages. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>3. Better reflection of reality </b></p><p>By this, I don't just mean the biological and psychological elements. The nice part of Schmidt's model is just as the Hero's Journey can be adapted for women characters with appropriate storylines, so too can this model be used for male characters with strong interior conflicts. So, in this case, it's a much more worthy counterpart than it's more popular doppelganger. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4JjiSaJEdvcjr4BHim_yvLaCEyOe7Q-kJ9o0YJDvTN_8rZvzGnVcBehXsdALWWQeIL1wGNipx0PUzDi7AfzOawBuJcuGiR4xJ6NpS0uffR7Mw2jNesh3xhBrW0FC9B46YdH2H6Fae8XikNsT2QHQ-U5G1Gn70F7ovnZStHcWkch-tWqZcvFJ44do/s640/bouquet-1463562_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="640" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4JjiSaJEdvcjr4BHim_yvLaCEyOe7Q-kJ9o0YJDvTN_8rZvzGnVcBehXsdALWWQeIL1wGNipx0PUzDi7AfzOawBuJcuGiR4xJ6NpS0uffR7Mw2jNesh3xhBrW0FC9B46YdH2H6Fae8XikNsT2QHQ-U5G1Gn70F7ovnZStHcWkch-tWqZcvFJ44do/s320/bouquet-1463562_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>In short, I highly recommend using the Schmidt's model of the Heroine's Journey over the Murdock model, especially for those women writers who wish to write more traditional storylines. Let's reclaim true heroines away from the feminists, shall we? </p><p>Scribbingly yours, </p><p>Catherine</p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-29770548425267442322022-09-13T00:03:00.004-04:002022-09-13T00:03:36.248-04:00Taggy Tuesday: "I should have read the book" Tag<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtPael4a0aiETSMamzo1n0y4X_LDwEEWkFTZki142eoO6SS68aeCxfFlb-Xcxky1KmEGiqN3WzgOkgVSKuMmOgiDI6TFZ2g06CZ5GEj896Vj42khKdSXlHxDCBXMvZHNMUOrMD8g_jiEBnmf8HM8GH-QRFdC8JhveiTv-jNQ-MhNLPizVdpFDOFC8/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtPael4a0aiETSMamzo1n0y4X_LDwEEWkFTZki142eoO6SS68aeCxfFlb-Xcxky1KmEGiqN3WzgOkgVSKuMmOgiDI6TFZ2g06CZ5GEj896Vj42khKdSXlHxDCBXMvZHNMUOrMD8g_jiEBnmf8HM8GH-QRFdC8JhveiTv-jNQ-MhNLPizVdpFDOFC8/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Greetings from the Cave!</p><p>Taggy Tuesday is back once again! I actually have one or two tags still stashed in the archives, but they shall be forced to remain there for a wee bit. One is a monster Spring tag, which is no good at all for this time when the air is getting crispy and pumpkins and apples start popping up. </p><p>So I shall do this little gem instead. Sam @ Bookshire tagged me for the "I should have read the book" tag only a few weeks back (it must be a record, lol). You can read her original post <a href="https://samsbookshire.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-i-should-have-read-that-book-tag.html?m=1. ">HERE.</a> </p><p>Meantime, let us begin! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgOtMPhEK6FjRdcmuMx0iFua6Y7Ze_uXKe8xBynhnHwpW0V55efi77yn0S4OxRy4vR1rJ6E71mZVjHzERhaCDTQ9D65W4-MGPqixXq_YGoNVuHB00D_zUW4X5D9N9KVB_XzZfvL49R5oMYeOJ3eswWBFfkiDgzB_xdFVfW2lDFanhkjHALQ2fTxF4/s640/book-2363912_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="640" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgOtMPhEK6FjRdcmuMx0iFua6Y7Ze_uXKe8xBynhnHwpW0V55efi77yn0S4OxRy4vR1rJ6E71mZVjHzERhaCDTQ9D65W4-MGPqixXq_YGoNVuHB00D_zUW4X5D9N9KVB_XzZfvL49R5oMYeOJ3eswWBFfkiDgzB_xdFVfW2lDFanhkjHALQ2fTxF4/s320/book-2363912_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>A book that a certain friend is always telling you to read</b></p><p>For a long time, Lia was recommending that I read <i>Heartless</i> by Marissa Meyer. However, I got turned off of Meyer after reading <i>Cinder</i> (I found it very *ahem* left-leaning for my particular tastes). </p><p>So she has been pushing <i>Dear Josephine</i> instead. Or was it <i>Jo Loves Laurie</i>? </p><p>Great, now I don't remember. </p><p>Actually, tbh, I've been doing more of the recommending to Lia, because SHE STILL HASN'T READ UNITED WE FALL. I'VE BEEN WAITING OVER A YEAR<b><i><u> A YEARRRRR</u></i></b> FOR HER TO READ THIS BOOK SO I CAN SQUEAL WITH HER. AND SHE'S NOT COOPERATING. </p><p>I do feel a rather smol twinge of regret to send the wrath of the blogosphere on her head BUT REALLY WOMAN. A YEAR OF PENT UP SPOILERS HAS NOT BEEN THE EASIEST THING TO HOLD BACK YA KNOW. (really guys, I am astonished that I lasted this long). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDTBY6CoIlRb_JUj1SoZw0wimF3e1iNdLU8UvtawToDvgL55mcDqXhvK4qxY38Kl9smSNb90nhCe-kCfPAEg-2ErR_WekIcSPS5nl7LYR4Jnuwrs4HJCfcgSKSXn32vD14-xemEQzkRKWyk1CwPNjPlwpvKq5qhXWaXSG8taifjH4Hsn8Lh_vjxli/s640/old-books-436498_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDTBY6CoIlRb_JUj1SoZw0wimF3e1iNdLU8UvtawToDvgL55mcDqXhvK4qxY38Kl9smSNb90nhCe-kCfPAEg-2ErR_WekIcSPS5nl7LYR4Jnuwrs4HJCfcgSKSXn32vD14-xemEQzkRKWyk1CwPNjPlwpvKq5qhXWaXSG8taifjH4Hsn8Lh_vjxli/s320/old-books-436498_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>A book that’s been on your TBR forever and yet you still haven’t picked it up</b></p><p><i>Sylvester</i> by Georgette Heyer</p><p>MK @ Sarcastic Scribblings told me about this book well over 8 years ago. And I haven't picked it up in all these years. Mostly because I haven't found a free copy floating around. </p><p>I'm weird like that. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0H5XqMHhXF1Qt3aCGISvUCaYsRS_GDgo5Jevrra3s8ZPQKMqwj7MrU0L9gnrOUk3emBM41k3YYRjODTphZpC7IEh3CHNbjIb08mYzncUOWHQLfrYSnXyV1HHdh-zO8GLEv8LYf_JNMx2yT3f39vEFIDQ347lQ6U75HZ9iwuEjj4U-Z_ZqJ5eQP0kF/s640/literature-gc5d89862c_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0H5XqMHhXF1Qt3aCGISvUCaYsRS_GDgo5Jevrra3s8ZPQKMqwj7MrU0L9gnrOUk3emBM41k3YYRjODTphZpC7IEh3CHNbjIb08mYzncUOWHQLfrYSnXyV1HHdh-zO8GLEv8LYf_JNMx2yT3f39vEFIDQ347lQ6U75HZ9iwuEjj4U-Z_ZqJ5eQP0kF/s320/literature-gc5d89862c_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>A book in a series you’ve started, but haven’t gotten round to finishing yet</b></p><p>Oh goodness. I've started so many fantasy and historical series because of all the free ebooks I've picked up over the years. It's a major weakness I have. I literally don't know what to choose. </p><p>I guess I'll choose the <i>Redwall</i> series by Brian Jacques because I actually do have 4 books of the series in print, and I would like more. Though I'm told that in the later books the plots tend to be recycled. We'll see. </p><p>I do need to get extra copies of <i>Mossflower</i> because that book keeps disappearing from my shelf, lol. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMzFIs7iQv9Vul8anRQ_g_this-SCaMggiEpb-FAWQWKKxr7KAQVWjf51FjlX_gwf7quIsNFLWzfCuIt3PEbi4erGO0fTZxZRuHiwue2Irkv3hNAIQJUjwl2IZJIE_idMWYfd73rnT1qpeSOb1mu16-PFQH8FMEKFVFVw1xvCfiQDSA2OWmtphqGH/s640/kindle-g9c7cd57cc_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMzFIs7iQv9Vul8anRQ_g_this-SCaMggiEpb-FAWQWKKxr7KAQVWjf51FjlX_gwf7quIsNFLWzfCuIt3PEbi4erGO0fTZxZRuHiwue2Irkv3hNAIQJUjwl2IZJIE_idMWYfd73rnT1qpeSOb1mu16-PFQH8FMEKFVFVw1xvCfiQDSA2OWmtphqGH/s320/kindle-g9c7cd57cc_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>A classic you’ve always liked the sound of, but never actually read</b></p><p><i>The Song of Roland.</i> </p><p>Megan has been singing this book's praises for quite some time, which has piqued my curiosity. After all, who doesn't love a nice saga about knights? </p><p>Recently, I was in an antique store, and I found a paperback copy of it for sale! So, of course, I bought it. </p><p>I just...haven't read it yet. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQkuUDCdx7rm73jH6adUnMraL7KGjWzNrqOp1YPTPRpFctdiSRrVoQ9IKjq_dOC6vxuAaVmUFR6fgONCONLRDygEveEoSBmc9kEdO38JWDD77DuX0DhHoTB-EkP7KViaKORlS87dbchG2VpaCABMgR7a-XJRU9KL0DpNvOCfX4wouQDO5Q9cxF4ej/s640/books-1866844_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQkuUDCdx7rm73jH6adUnMraL7KGjWzNrqOp1YPTPRpFctdiSRrVoQ9IKjq_dOC6vxuAaVmUFR6fgONCONLRDygEveEoSBmc9kEdO38JWDD77DuX0DhHoTB-EkP7KViaKORlS87dbchG2VpaCABMgR7a-XJRU9KL0DpNvOCfX4wouQDO5Q9cxF4ej/s320/books-1866844_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>A popular book that it seems everyone but you has read</b></p><p><i>Romanov</i> by Nadine Brandes. </p><p>This was *almost* the answer for another question down below. But as Romanov has been around for longer, I suppose I'll go with this one. </p><p>TBH, I don't know if I'm going to pick this book up or not. I mean, I like the premise of it, don't get me wrong. I love me a good Anastasia retelling. </p><p>Butttt, I gotta admit, that I got a little burned reading <i>Fawkes</i> and so I'm hesitant to pick up another Brandes book. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiir2OwJCURlFbWR-hAf5NG10bH6vdJX2v6ahfRaDPEVN_0SR7iWpSnjaEWxGtDuxb6yzTmtOJOQAWBOm78lJac68DT4eEn_YFrVNh4OwgWAKYfszH_Fs1cpNmfcMHb3OZLNlQMRTEzcB9QOMX8fxlxVehLyM8qW7cRtXJRfDWgflytfpljVPgkOw5u/s640/girl-3730924_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="640" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiir2OwJCURlFbWR-hAf5NG10bH6vdJX2v6ahfRaDPEVN_0SR7iWpSnjaEWxGtDuxb6yzTmtOJOQAWBOm78lJac68DT4eEn_YFrVNh4OwgWAKYfszH_Fs1cpNmfcMHb3OZLNlQMRTEzcB9QOMX8fxlxVehLyM8qW7cRtXJRfDWgflytfpljVPgkOw5u/s320/girl-3730924_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>A book that inspired a film/TV adaptation that you really love, but you just haven’t read it yet</b></p><p>I was almost going to say <i>The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society,</i> but I am unlikely to read that book because....content reasons. </p><p>But then I went back through the archives and found that I had a much better answer: <i>The Princess Bride</i> by William Goldman. </p><p>I have heard mixed things about the book, so we'll see, lol. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLxYM3P6UrSCtDESBpj0w4n3uKbUz7xMIZeKIANaRayFOEz8sh5qi9PbZIYGEHZIXnyRKV2SPcsA0vdjlG6Yfy833MwkBdYxUI0r1O2cgZCYyGE9x07rSt42nHHNYq6i7fa0gIHMj8BX93vN3q8H2lmHSgMv2EWzEIUtIXmSNH066Ld2cbJx6JKsT/s640/book-1291164_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLxYM3P6UrSCtDESBpj0w4n3uKbUz7xMIZeKIANaRayFOEz8sh5qi9PbZIYGEHZIXnyRKV2SPcsA0vdjlG6Yfy833MwkBdYxUI0r1O2cgZCYyGE9x07rSt42nHHNYq6i7fa0gIHMj8BX93vN3q8H2lmHSgMv2EWzEIUtIXmSNH066Ld2cbJx6JKsT/s320/book-1291164_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>A book you see all over Instagram but haven’t picked up yet</b></p><p><i>The Wonderland Trials</i> by Sara Ella</p><p>This is a rather biased answer because this tag came about soon after Realm Makers, which is when Wonderland Trials got released....so....there were a lot of fellow authors screaming about it. </p><p>Apparently, I don't follow a lot of Bookstagrammers. I tend to follow a lot of authors instead. And Catholic accounts. And homemaking/femininity ones. But not book ones. Guess I want actual thinking material and not pretty pictures when I go on Insta. </p><p>Anyway, it's been AGES since I read anything by Sara Ella and so I'm rather overdue for something. I'm not much of an Alice in Wonderland person, but hey....it sounds kinda cool. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFAqVtREJWUECUndZO4b-1zULK2ED0490auz4UN5eb53DLNpdsW0pC2RFGR3FLzaKPYI0wyErZROXhjnZbILWC_2H0QsdElz8uIo4PNt0231qkY8LJdRxOb115bw06gbtLhxh5ued2JeufpDWLf9t6TyqQSAJRYY6do_OL5kYObluel4YrNQkHJV_/s640/books-1163695_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFAqVtREJWUECUndZO4b-1zULK2ED0490auz4UN5eb53DLNpdsW0pC2RFGR3FLzaKPYI0wyErZROXhjnZbILWC_2H0QsdElz8uIo4PNt0231qkY8LJdRxOb115bw06gbtLhxh5ued2JeufpDWLf9t6TyqQSAJRYY6do_OL5kYObluel4YrNQkHJV_/s320/books-1163695_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>That's all for this tag! </p><p>I will tag......</p><p><b>anyone who hasn't done this tag yet. </b></p><p>I know, I know, major cop-out. Buttttt....I'm pretty sure Sam tagged most of the active bloggers that I tend to follow soooo (though I am glad to see Faith and Keturah coming back, I have missed their stuff greatly :) ). </p><p><b>Your turn!! What's a book you've been pestering other people to read? Do you Bookstagram? Tell me in the comments below!</b> </p><p>Scribbingly yours, </p><p>Catherine</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-88753604173224425642022-08-16T14:59:00.004-04:002022-08-18T10:52:14.484-04:00The Self-Publishing Jungle, Diary Entry 1: Finding the Platform<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41jHprP1QkVvTWgsRO678UThBjqwIvqM3X8BGo1we4SvVFC4tluD-LN3OsDH0aL9McCuFoFQWwMG2EQkFwVJoCbm6YOKWWDj6LtEyqfiZ8bbvlwj0tZO8Oviyv0DXmUhMxBJ3ZS0rPm3pkBEpmlRxzPYLjQNHVlRaiR99Q2ei93Y_AFzKtMeF1fTp/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41jHprP1QkVvTWgsRO678UThBjqwIvqM3X8BGo1we4SvVFC4tluD-LN3OsDH0aL9McCuFoFQWwMG2EQkFwVJoCbm6YOKWWDj6LtEyqfiZ8bbvlwj0tZO8Oviyv0DXmUhMxBJ3ZS0rPm3pkBEpmlRxzPYLjQNHVlRaiR99Q2ei93Y_AFzKtMeF1fTp/w400-h225/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Greetings from the cave! </p><p>I have good news for you: I am starting to move forward in the publishing journey! FINALLY. </p><p>I am still knee-deep in edits <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(and probably will be for quite a while...)</span>, but I am starting to put out feelers for a cover designer. Which, has led me to research trim sizes and all that good stuff. </p><p>Since the size does depend on costs, I decided it was high time to actually look at several POD companies and see what would be best for my book, <i>The White Rose of Duventoliel</i>. </p><p>I give you fair warning, this post is one giant rabbit hole. But isn't self-publishing always a bit of a rabbit hole? </p><p>This post is not necessarily one that examines the pros and cons of each platform in general, but one that examines it from my own perspective. If you want general information on each of these platforms, I will redirect you to YouTube, where many authors have already done this. </p><p>I will be examining three platforms: KDP, Barnes and Noble and Draft2Digitial. </p><p>One major platform that is missing from this list is IngramSpark. The reason why I am not currently considering Ingram is because of their ridiculous fees and their overall reputation. I would not be adverse to considering them in the future, but the other platforms on this list are *enough* for me to consider for now. </p><p>I will also not be considering smaller publishers such as Lulu.com, etc. because of the higher costs and the lower royalty rates. </p><p>With all those disclaimers out of the way, let's dive in! </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Kindle Direct Publishing</u></span></p><p>Kindle Direct Publishing, better known as KDP, is a really popular platform for indie authors. It has really great royalties, good quality, lots of people using it, and decent distribution. </p><p>According to these qualities - and MANY indie authors - using KDP is a no-brainer. In fact, a couple of authors have even said to me that not using Amazon at all would be a "career killer". </p><p>But the truth is, I'm hesitating to publish directly on Amazon. </p><p>The reason is...of an ethical nature. </p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">*incoming rant warning* </span></p><p>It isn't just because Amazon is a huge global company with a kazillionaire as it's head, which goes against my personal views on just/living wages. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(and yes, apparently that's how that big word is spelled, I just had it autocorrected from gazillionaire and the dictionary supports it. Anyway, moving on.) </span></p><p>It isn't just because Amazon has a nasty reputation for not treating it's employees well. Which regrettably, is reinforced by a very dear friend of mine who worked at a Amazon warehouse for several years. </p><p>It isn't just because they publicly endorse leftist political and cultural causes including DEI <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, for those who don't know)</span> and LGBTQ, both of which I don't support. </p><p>Rather. </p><p>It is Amazon's rather ambiguous public stance on abortion that makes me hesitate a little. </p><p>Ever since the Dobbs decision, major companies and even initiatives such as NaNoWriMo have made absolutely clear where they fall on abortion. Many, in fact, will either raise or allocate THOUSANDS for employees or other women to procur abortions. </p><p>Amazon is strongly rumored to be one of those companies. </p><p>The trouble is that it is difficult to find the truth of these rumors. Forbes and CatholicVote have put Amazon in lists of companies that offer "abortion-related services" and this was sourced from a leaked internal memo by Reuters. It's apparently wrapped up in their compensations for "medical costs" (<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/2022/05/07/these-are-the-us-companies-offering-abortion-related-benefits/?sh=62fa2c2e76ea">SOURCE</a>). </p><p>Unlike the one shared by Dick's Sporting Goods, this memo from Amazon did NOT have widespread public exposure, nor made available to the public by the company itself - at least to my knowledge. However, if my memory serves me correctly, this policy may have predated the Dobbs decision by a couple of years (my friend may have told me, which has led me to wean off my buying on Amazon). </p><p>This has led me to believe strongly that Amazon does indeed support abortion, but they do so very quietly. Learning the lessons that Dicks and Chobani have learned, Amazon has decided to keep it's public mouth shut. Which is all the more dangerous, in my opinion. </p><p>Because of this - and all of the above issues as well - I've been participating in a "soft" boycott of Amazon-related products. Basically, I refuse to buy anything from them anymore. I still have my Amazon account, I still use my parent's Prime streaming and I will occasionally still shop for free e-books. </p><p>This does put me in a moral bind when it comes to my fellow indies because I really really really want to support them, but I don't feel comfortable breaking my ban just yet. However, wide distribution has become a really trendy thing recently so maybe I won't have to worry too much. </p><p>SO</p><p>Now that you have that convoluted context in the back of your mind, I will now truly explain why I have been hesitating to use KDP. </p><p>It has to do with the level of cooperation with what Catholics call an intrinsic evil (such as abortion or LGBTQ ideologies). In other words, because Amazon actively supports these evil things, my use of these services could be seen as an endorsement for their use of my money to fund someone's abortion etc. </p><p>Now based on what I said above, I believe that my own level of cooperation would be <i>relatively remote</i> if I choose to sell on Amazon, especially through an aggregator like Draft2Digital. Amazon grosses so much income and the expenses paid to women seeking abortions would be miniscule in comparison. A priest has also told me that what Amazon uses their money for is out of my control, and the intent would be to purchase the product, not to support the abortion. </p><p>However, there is a different level of involvement with actively publishing via KDP (especially if I do go exclusive with them in the future) and having it be sold on Amazon via Draft2Digital. Selling a direct line via Amazon also seems rather hypocritical - here, buy my book from this company that I despise! </p><p>To be absolutely clear, though, I am not entirely ruling out selling on Amazon directly, even with these serious reservations. I know that Amazon holds a big chunk of the book market and not having that market would be a huge financial mistake. Which I literally can't afford to make because I spent way too much on my editing expenses and I need to make that money up somehow. As many authors that I have talked to have said, eliminating Amazon entirely from my selling platform would be not only heroic but also detrimental. </p><p>Plus, the idea of having my book on Kindle has been a dream since the very beginning. </p><p>This is going to take some very prayerful discernment and a very painful wrestling match with my conscience, so I will be leaving this knotty problem to deal with later. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Barnes and Noble</span></u></p><p>One of my dreams as an author - as I'm sure many have - was to have their book on the shelves of Barnes and Noble. After all, BN still is my favorite book store chain. </p><p>So imagine my surprise when I discovered that BN also offered Print on Demand, with a similar reach and structure to Amazon. It is often marketed as an Amazon alternative, which makes me very interested. </p><p>Upon looking at it....the royalties are comparable, but they're definitely not as good as Amazon's. This will cause a problem as I will have to price it higher to make any sort of profit. Which would not play very well with the idea of having a pricing incentive to buy from BN over Amazon. </p><p>The other rather upsetting thing about BN is that the paperbacks are only available in the US, which kills my international market chances if I choose to exclusively publish the paperback through BN. I wouldn't have been so concerned about this, if I didn't have several bloggy and author friends in Canada, Ireland, and Australia. I would be really really sad if my international friends - some of which have been following this story since it's infancy! - would be denied the opportunity to buy this book. </p><p>Nonetheless, Barnes and Noble is still one of my top picks to publish this book to. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Draft2Digital</u></span></p><p>Draft2Digital was a top contender throughout this entire process for a couple of reasons. In fact, as of this moment, I am already a registered user with them. </p><p>The first reason was the really wide distribution options. Draft2Digital not only distributes to the big platforms like Amazon and Barnes and Noble, but also has access to many smaller and international platforms such as Apple, Kobo and others. </p><p>Having a wide distribution for my books is extremely important for me. While exclusivity through a company gives good perks, it really shortchanges a conscientious buyer who wishes to boycott said company such as my own soft boycott of Amazon. Plus, I do want to make sure that my international readers also get access to the book, which I wouldn't be able to do if I went exclusively with Barnes and Noble. </p><p>Currently, Draft2Digital is experimenting with a paperback POD option. It's been in beta for over three years, and it's....still got a lot of kinks. Mandi Lynn, an author and YouTuber, has used their beta option recently and her proof copy was reportedly $30. Which is massively overpriced and will probably drive some people away. However, I may apply to the waitlist and try it out for myself because I really really REALLY want more paperback competition to Amazon and even Barnes and Noble. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">So, what's the current verdict?</span></u></p><p>When I first started researching, I was looking for that "one" platform to publish to. However, I have discovered that as an indie author, I can indeed publish to multiple platforms (even if it's a little complicated with ISBN numbers and all that). </p><p>I will, of course, be publishing both a print and an ebook version. </p><p>For EBOOK, I am strongly considering Draft2Digital for the formatting and distributing to the international/smaller markets. While I have some good connections with some people who would be willing to do my formatting, the fact of the matter is....I can't afford it. So using that tool would be a godsend to me. </p><p>I will definitely be uploading my ebook to Barnes and Noble for NOOK readers, most likely directly. </p><p>I am strongly considering uploading my ebook to KDP, either directly or through Draft2Digital. </p><p>For PRINT, I will definitely be selling through Barnes and Noble and will probably push this platform a little more because of my reservations with Amazon. </p><p>I am still considering using KDP for print for the sake of my international readers. I will also investigate other avenues to sell a print book, including the Draft2Digitial print beta. Ingram may also prove to be a good option for this, but as I mentioned, I need to discern if it's worth the hassle or not. </p><p><br /></p><p>And so, I will conclude this post here, to be updated as the journey continues. I am most definitely open to suggestions/advice/kicks in the seat from my fellow indies and readers about this process in the comment box because let's face it, I have no clue what the dickens I am doing. </p><p>In the meantime, there is an ongoing plot surgery going on in the next room, and I should get back to that. </p><p>Scribbingly yours, </p><p>Catherine</p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-6100356052391991742022-08-02T00:34:00.000-04:002022-08-18T10:53:54.662-04:00An Editing-Related Double Feature Presentation (feat. my chaotic attempt at getting rid of drafts)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t-Bn-PS38h8xO2xgd7QJGjZihSTK88ONKYXQFKaoueK6q29CM-rNg8qdJ7uDSpo_Q45H8858Cvye6fDHnLAg7xEO_1leL4QM0dS5nxy27qXEIyMCvayksb64IqZ_QiIYjRBBzib4he3eXI_LVPU05yNBiOTiNDhM8VdUKjLtnnVMaKTJz3EgGhaD/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t-Bn-PS38h8xO2xgd7QJGjZihSTK88ONKYXQFKaoueK6q29CM-rNg8qdJ7uDSpo_Q45H8858Cvye6fDHnLAg7xEO_1leL4QM0dS5nxy27qXEIyMCvayksb64IqZ_QiIYjRBBzib4he3eXI_LVPU05yNBiOTiNDhM8VdUKjLtnnVMaKTJz3EgGhaD/w400-h225/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Greetings from the cave! </p><p>I feel I should explain where I've been and what I've been up to, since I've been pretty quiet for so long. The long story short is - I've been spending a lot of time with my family and friends. If you want a more detailed account of those adventures, subscribe to my newsletter in the sidebar! </p><p>And now, the blogging muse has struck again. And so, I've been going through my blogging archives to see if I could finish a post or two that have been lying around. </p><p>Because, ya know, 13 draft posts are a little *much*. </p><p>Many of them still need some research and some time to stew (like *hem* that post about dragons that I hinted at forever ago - still too controversial for me to touch!!) </p><p>But I have two "mini" posts that are a little too short for my liking but were similar enough topics that I decided to throw them together. Call it a double-feature, if you will. </p><p>The first feature is a post from late 2020 (!). Ouch, I did not realize this editing game was two years old. This is bad. Very bad. I need to get my act together. </p><p>=========== </p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Nailing the Age Range of Epics of Verden </u></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>(</u>originally written December 2020)</p><p>When reviewing my book, a common question my editor would ask was "what the ideal age of my reader was". I always answered 18-25, simply because of the content. Apparently, according to her, Young Adult is now considered 12-17, which is the equivalent of teen literature to the rest of us. </p><p>My voice tended to ride the middle of two age ranges. Too clean for Adult fiction and yet too thematic for Young Adult. </p><p>While The White Rose is written in an old-fashioned, light-hearted style, some pretty adult content happens. One of the main characters loses her purity. There is a band of ethnic nomads that engage in witchcraft and seduction. This isn't kids' stuff. And much of it....is integral to the story. </p><p>What is a poor Christian author to do? </p><p>Ironically, the answer would be found in another fiction book. </p><p>I picked up the novel <i>Chivalrous </i>not too long ago, from the teen section of an outlet store. However, as I went through the book, it also had some adult content. There were affairs, desires, and even.....I shudder to even write this....<i>an abortion</i>. And this is supposed to be a <i>teen book</i>?????</p><p>Out of curiosity, I flipped over the book to see the review blurb on it (you know, the one below the actual blurb?)...and found that this book was marketed as a <b>YA/Adult crossover</b>. </p><p>Interesting. I think I have found my marketing niche.....</p><p><br /></p><p>=========</p><p>Ironically, had I been thinking ahead, I could have used this more effectively as an Instagram caption. Oh well. </p><p>The next segment was written much more recently. However, I don't believe that my state of mind was very good when I wrote this one, as you will probably gather from the proceeding text. You have been warned. </p><p>===========</p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>How Line Editing and Developmental Editing at the Same Time Strangely Works</u></p><p style="text-align: center;">(originally written January 2022)</p><p>Greetings from the Cave! </p><p>We're now a week into the new year and all of a sudden, my editing inspiration has come back. Don't know if it was the Epiphany blessing earlier this week or the fact that I'm starting the turn the corner from the horrible PMS I've been experiencing for the past two weeks. Either way, I'm not complaining! </p><p>Now, this title is a little weird, even for me. I mean, you've heard me moan and groan about this whole system that my editor has tortured me with. And I'm sure that any editor friends that happen to stumble across this are giving me the stinkeye right now (for the heretical nonsense I'm sure to spew and the ridiculous grammar). </p><p>Tell you what, you read the post and then you can judge all you want. No holds barred.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (haha, I originally wrote that as "no bars held", and there were a few moments where for the life of me I couldn't figure out why that didn't look right)</span>.</p><p><b>1. It allows organic growth of the manuscript. </b></p><p>While I am a big believer in making lists of editorial markings and scene ideas, sometimes the best improvements are those spontaneous moments that just solve everything. </p><p>For example, today I was editing a scene in Chapter 13 when I suddenly got a brilliant idea that promised to fix a persistent plot hole that I've been dealing with. You see, sometime in the middle of Draft 2, this bevy of foreign girls just randomly showed up and plopped themselves in my story. Oh sure, they gave me their first names and their country of origin, a few anecdotes here and there, but...no explanation as to how this Tournament Court thing came into being or why they were there, or what. They threw my poor beta readers for a loop, especially when one of them paired themselves with one of my Suitors...yeah, that was kinda a surprise for me too. </p><p>Until today that is, when it was revealed that my antagonist may have been doing some shenanigans. Which is about time, to be honest, that girl was starting to worry me she was so quiet. </p><p>Now, would I have thought of the same idea doing the traditional editing route? Maybe. Pantsing is so unpredictable, that it's hard to know when it's going to strike. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>2. Learning how to prioritize things. </b></p><p>One of the biggest objections that I had to line editing before development was the whole cut-and-paste business that tends to happen. After all, if I'm going to just cut the scene entirely, why would I spend all that time line-editing it? </p><p>The answer is "Cut the scene, stupid, and have done with it." And don't ask me how long it took me to figure that out, for it's rather embarrassing (read: a long longer than it should have). Although to be fair, most major cutting and pasting like that is firmly in the developmental side of things, so it was really hard to reconcile the two. </p><p>Editorial lists are really really helpful when dealing with this. They help keep track of what got cut and what's getting moved. </p><p>========</p><p>Aaaaand the post ends there. Because there really was no other reason why this system works and really, even those two points are shady. I go back to my original position - line editing and developmental editing should be done at SEPARATE stages. And for pity sakes, find an editor that does that. </p><p>I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have you thought of writing a crossover or marketing your book as one? Do you prefer to edit all at once or do it in chunks? Let me know in the comments below! </p><p>Scribbingly yours, </p><p>Catherine</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-72657243993407202032022-06-28T23:38:00.003-04:002022-12-05T00:04:40.974-05:00Struck by Sunshine: A Newsletter-Only Special<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIex9YsKW5LpclXMSVM4-ctMDDQ26qxjtpIIjvutwN2-_sgbv2bQkSkE66CpnY-AO35qUOX-6L85XEk8_DOIEfxiPuZXcaxCCZL8G7-h4sKkoAzGrYOGcZcArcl1xqpQrXvx0mJexhrriPJbNz4dN4Mtl1PK1LFpACo0UW-SGssKw-1cZu94j8wUvy/s640/bouquet-1463562_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="640" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIex9YsKW5LpclXMSVM4-ctMDDQ26qxjtpIIjvutwN2-_sgbv2bQkSkE66CpnY-AO35qUOX-6L85XEk8_DOIEfxiPuZXcaxCCZL8G7-h4sKkoAzGrYOGcZcArcl1xqpQrXvx0mJexhrriPJbNz4dN4Mtl1PK1LFpACo0UW-SGssKw-1cZu94j8wUvy/s320/bouquet-1463562_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Hello peeps! </p><p>Just popping in to tell you all that I have a brand new short story - <i>Struck by Sunshine</i>. In which we follow the intrepid Karsten as he seeks to woo his lady-love Alvilda for the first time. </p><p>I had such a good time writing this. And I really hope you all will love it too. </p><p>To read it, please subscribe to my newsletter! </p><p>Scribbingly yours, </p><p>Catherine</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-65423831986351427252022-05-05T00:18:00.002-04:002022-08-18T10:54:18.650-04:00I'm Quitting NaNoWriMo Forever<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIVSvzsYZovYX5cyLNG7lqCJsVwf_KgDWwx5ZI9HhSGUIXgCKviSmNkO0nyELcMG0E_GhdiO3Z39JaS5mqfVZbiZxwpvoOealPyGL7QTohEZJjvCNVMg8-i-j7SrtmwkcZxNeKHqt2ms9wzHvY4qFPo5bXyABEEaj6GEOLuOwGE4sBwxXJK5V0Nia/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20(10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAIVSvzsYZovYX5cyLNG7lqCJsVwf_KgDWwx5ZI9HhSGUIXgCKviSmNkO0nyELcMG0E_GhdiO3Z39JaS5mqfVZbiZxwpvoOealPyGL7QTohEZJjvCNVMg8-i-j7SrtmwkcZxNeKHqt2ms9wzHvY4qFPo5bXyABEEaj6GEOLuOwGE4sBwxXJK5V0Nia/w400-h225/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20(10).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Y'all, I never thought I would have to reverse engines so hard. </p><p>I have loved NaNoWriMo for many years. It connected me to so many writerly friends, who in turn have helped my writing so much. The cabin conversations, the word wars, all of that are such fond memories for me. For many years, I promoted NaNo among my blogging circles. I helped host two communities on there and joined a third. NaNo was....a big part of my writing life. </p><p>But now, I am quitting it forever. </p><p>One day about a year or two ago, I had noticed that NaNo had quietly sneaked in a "Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity" page. I knew this to be the leftist equivalent of "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity", so I knew trouble was afoot. I remember talking to friends about it, and trying to find an alternative, but nothing came of it. So I decided to leave it alone. </p><p>Then a few months after that, I got an email from NaNo decrying an incident concerning some Asian women that had been splashing all over the news. It was all political talking points, no allusion to the creative arts. It was then that I decided to unsubscribe from NaNo's email list. </p><p>At this point, I had distanced myself from NaNo events. I had a good excuse - grad school is very intense and doesn't allow for much writing. I was used to skipping NaNo itself, but this when I started to skip Camp NaNo too. </p><p>Fast forward to today (or actually yesterday, by the time you read this). </p><p>I was on Instagram and this story pops up: #boycottnanowrimo</p><p>It turned out, it was from my friend Stefanie Lozinski. She related that she had received an email from NaNoWriMo with the following subject line: "Access to healthcare - like access to creativity - is a fundamental right". The contents had been enough to send her own NaNo account down the drain.</p><p>I felt as if the boom was lowered at last. </p><p>Once it started making it's way around the 'Gram, another pro-life friend Victoria Lynn shared the actual email. </p><p>That's when I learned for the first time that NaNo had set up a donation fund....<b><i><u>to help fund abortions</u></i></b>. </p><p>As an unapologetically pro-life Catholic who has gone to the March for Life and volunteered at pregnancy centers....I cannot, in good conscience, support an organization that so blatantly wishes to kill it's own future writers. </p><p>I hate to be this blatantly political. Writing novels shouldn't be a political concern. But NaNoWriMo drew their line in the sand. </p><p>I beg you, my fellow writers, please delete your NaNo accounts. Communities can be rebuilt on other platforms. Your word counts can be tracked elsewhere.</p><p>And please, do not donate to NaNoWriMo, nor encourage others to do so. </p><p>As of about an hour ago, RebellingCatherine is officially off the NaNo website. All the links to NaNo on my website, my bio links, and my computer are gone. Any links to NaNo stuff in my posts will be broken. </p><p>As for the Siena Society, I hope to continue that through Google Chat/Hangouts. So if you're not on that chat, and you'd like to be, please let me know! </p><p>And speaking of chat...I have a question to ask of you all. </p><p>Would you be interested in a sort of Discord-like place where we can have our own NaNo style challenges? I have some ideas kicking around and I'd like to see what you guys think! </p><p>Catherine</p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-62731152692485111772022-04-24T00:54:00.001-04:002022-08-18T10:54:34.255-04:00Musing on April, Hailing May (or are we?) <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7q1KPpcuTpGPWd8B31m35E7x_GC65oc1Od53wjpw_Hi-bvnk_fz4sfrdES2t5rv4kLlJCP0KtNAHpm6wG3mOaMNjSt-GiYjcit_VukddxcTumuSuq0jc5PsQIblI1k73WAxc_tZsgRfihhA6ip7LcvFBbbhefkpiTrE_615RQEwDbsb2p2oibsaP/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7q1KPpcuTpGPWd8B31m35E7x_GC65oc1Od53wjpw_Hi-bvnk_fz4sfrdES2t5rv4kLlJCP0KtNAHpm6wG3mOaMNjSt-GiYjcit_VukddxcTumuSuq0jc5PsQIblI1k73WAxc_tZsgRfihhA6ip7LcvFBbbhefkpiTrE_615RQEwDbsb2p2oibsaP/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Greetings from the cave! </p><p>Finally, the sun has come out, and a warm breeze is blowing. And despite a really weird snowstorm that blew in last week, I think spring is finally here to stay. </p><p>And now, let's get on with the monthly wrap-up! </p><p>*Catherine steps back* </p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>-</p><p>*An empty stage is revealed* </p><p><br /></p><p>If you'd like to view April's monthly wrap-up, please sign up for my newsletter! It will go live in about three days! </p><p>God bless, </p><p>Catherine</p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-62685596190462162742022-04-09T01:13:00.002-04:002022-08-18T10:56:48.429-04:00New Developments<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvtmbINmLRLWJjStNVJLL-aQHbYKOQ4nJsn8uTGewggWKUDheexgG5muxiFTKqCT_GAc6TM5v_Hkn1c1616gRc84ae7HGs-_-IeaIqWIaXZo6Vfpd38NP8mm-FjYNFfuf7gQIEJbBjqoPL7CqubKIm01XolNTivqU0Jkz9rdUnOiLBrQnCsXT2you/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20(20).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvtmbINmLRLWJjStNVJLL-aQHbYKOQ4nJsn8uTGewggWKUDheexgG5muxiFTKqCT_GAc6TM5v_Hkn1c1616gRc84ae7HGs-_-IeaIqWIaXZo6Vfpd38NP8mm-FjYNFfuf7gQIEJbBjqoPL7CqubKIm01XolNTivqU0Jkz9rdUnOiLBrQnCsXT2you/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20(20).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Greetings from the cave!! </p><p>As some of you have already gathered, there have been a few changes around here. And it is more than just the header above. I forewarn you now, this post is a chaotic mess of logistical changes that I'm still navigating, so have patience with me! </p><p>The first major change that I will announce is that I have a monthly newsletter, which I hope will go live this month! The subscription form is in my sidebar on both blogs, so please do check that out! Due to this, my monthly wrap-ups on the blog will be phased out in the next couple of months. Included also in this newsletter will include updates regarding my upcoming podcast, Femininity from Scratch, and some extra goodies...once I figure out what those are.... </p><p>The second major change that I will announce is that I now have a new public email: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>catherine.fem.writer@gmail.com</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">This email will host not only my newsletter and podcast for now, but also will be used as my main form of communication with my readers. You may also notice that there will be two different Google accounts controlling this blog with the same name. The old one - which includes my old Gmail - will hopefully be phased out from blog things within the next year. </p><p style="text-align: left;">There will be some new social media pages coming also. I'm already starting a new Pinterest page because I want to share my aesthetic boards for my WIPs with you all. Before, only my alphas and betas got to see them. I'm trying to decide if I should separate the feminine stuff from the writing stuff, what do you girls think? I'm also looking into getting a Storygraph account. I will also be changing my bio links to a new Lnk Bio, which is connected to my new Gmail (not the old one that is currently attached to my Insta). </p><p style="text-align: left;">Bloglovin will remain my RSS (Email) feed host, unfortunately, for the time being. You see, the RSS feed option is only available through a paid plan on Convertkit, which I didn't realize before I signed up. And since I am just starting out, I do have not the financial means for a paid plan just yet. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Now you might be asking - why did I not just go for my own domain? Why did I go for another free account and why am I going through all this trouble, only to possibly change it over again in a year or so? </p><p style="text-align: left;">The main reason why, unfortunately, money-related. I am cheap, as many of you already know, but I also don't have a lot of money to throw into this venture right now. I'm more concerned with paying off my other debts first. </p><p style="text-align: left;">But I needed another email for the podcast, and I have discovered this year that I need to reclaim my old Gmail account. While explaining my pen name has avoided much of the awkwardness and probably helped with increasing my platform...the awkwardness is starting to become a *problem*. So there needs to be even more separation between the blogging part and my real life. </p><p style="text-align: left;">*sigh* My little blogging venture is growing up and I don't know how I feel about this?!!</p><p style="text-align: left;">But if I really think about it....it was time. In five years, I've outgrown the old and it's time to grow into a new one. So please keep an eye out on this blog and my upcoming newsletter to stay on top of all the new things!! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Scribbingly yours, </p><p style="text-align: left;">Catherine</p>Catherine Hawthornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16965216451089295783noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-68621249830698478222022-04-05T08:00:00.005-04:002022-04-05T08:00:00.198-04:00A Shakespeare Tag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00j77pe7OjmQDbTRh8tx9zbNbHvzw4wTdWdnMAurdMkeDth7oYY0SN-idRJXBHKp1iugo9NssyLUBLoFJeb_y9LvH7FR7BuSiMTP7E5Kc-uOc1oeYRiULlcjsRvZpkLO1MoQByz4lisByeDlKJm1d_jMhDEH8L4_HraklsBtr4AFddbtUkBpgdMPj/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00j77pe7OjmQDbTRh8tx9zbNbHvzw4wTdWdnMAurdMkeDth7oYY0SN-idRJXBHKp1iugo9NssyLUBLoFJeb_y9LvH7FR7BuSiMTP7E5Kc-uOc1oeYRiULlcjsRvZpkLO1MoQByz4lisByeDlKJm1d_jMhDEH8L4_HraklsBtr4AFddbtUkBpgdMPj/w400-h225/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(9).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Greetings from the cave! </div><div><br /></div><div>TAGGY TUESDAY IS BACK!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So I got this tag back in May 2020 (!!!) from the Maidens at Green Gables, and I got held up on one of the questions so it sat in my drafts folder for YEARS....</div><div><br /></div><div>If you would like you can view their post <a href="http://maidensofgreengables.blogspot.com/2020/05/shakespeare-tag.html">HERE</a>!</div><div><br /></div>And now, let us begin! <br />
<br />
The Rules:<br />
1. Answer truthfully, "Thou canst not then be false to any man." {creater just put that as a rule because she wanted to use the quote. hee hee!}<br />
2. Tag at least three people and let them know that they've been tagged. "For he today who does this tag with me shall be my brother..."<br />
3. Link back to the person who tagged you and post a link to your post in the comments, because I want to read your answers and "There never was yet philosopher who could endure the toothache patiently."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><b>
1. What was the first exposure you ever had to Shakespeare?</b><br />
<br />
Middle school, in English class. Any person that goes through school without at least a mention of Shakespeare is living under a rock.<br />
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<br />
<b>2. How many of Shakespeare's plays have you seen?</b><br />
<br />
Complete plays? Ehhh, that's debatable.<br />
<br />
I know that I've seen portions of Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, The Winter's Tale, Macbeth, Hamlet, Midsummer Night's Dream, Richard III, The Merchant of Venice, Measure for Measure, Julius Caesar, Much Ado about Nothing, King Lear, Othello, Antony and Cleopatra, Twelth Night, Henry IV, Henry V, As You Like It and Richard II.<br />
<br />
Am I a Shakespeare geek? Partially.<br />
<br />
One of my absolutely favorite PBS shows is one called Shakespeare Uncovered. They go through a play each episode and pick it to pieces. They often show clips of various productions of that play, and since I've seen almost every single episode......<br />
<br />
<b>3. What is your favorite Shakespeare play?</b><br />
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It's a tie between Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet. The former because it's downright hilarious if done right, and the other because....romance gone wrong is just classic.<br />
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<b>4. What is your favorite non-Shakespearean play? {musicals are permissible}</b><br />
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I don't know that many *plays* besides Shakespeare, but there is one that sticks out in my mind sheerly because of it's minimalist aesthetic.<br />
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Our Town by Thornton Wilder.<br />
<br />
(I mean yes, I have musicals that rank higher than this, but seriously, we gotta get some more original answers around here).<br />
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<b>5. What is an adaptation of one of Shakespeare's plays that you like? Why?</b><br />
<br />
I've seen a couple but the most memorable one is Gnomeo and Juliet (I think you can tell which play it spoofed off of). I mean, beside the fact that it was chock full of Elton John stuff, it wasn't really all that...bad.<br />
<br />
*shifts eyes*<div><br />
<br /><b>
6. Who is your favorite Shakespearean character?</b><div><br /></div><div>Kate from Taming of the Shrew. I really really like her and her character arc so much. <br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>
7. What is your favorite Shakespeare quote?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Ugh, too many! But I suppose I'll have to pick Juliet's Balcony Speech. </div><div><br /></div><div> (*gosh I'm so disgusted with myself for such an unoriginal answer*)</div><div><br /><div>
<b>8. If you were in a Shakespearean production which play would you want to be in and which character?</b><div><br /></div><div>It would definitely be Taming of the Shrew, and I think I would love to play Kate. Allow my Celtic temper to fly without serious consequences? </div><div><br /><b>
9. Have you read any of Shakespeare's sonnets, and if so, which is your favorite?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I remember reading snippets of them in school, but nothing pops out immediately. </div><div><br /><b>
10. Have you ever written/tried to write a play?</b><br />
<br />Noooo.....wait, I lied! I forgot about the melodrama play that I wrote in high school. I should dig that out and publish it on here, I think y'all would find it hilarious. <br />
<br /><b>
11. Cast one of the big five {Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Richard III, or Much Ado About Nothing} with modern actors from either the stage or the screen.{you only have to do main characters.}</b><br />
<br />
*cringes*</div></div></div></div></div><div>YOU KNOW I HATE CASTING RIGHT?? </div><div>seriously, I's terrible at this. </div><div><br /></div><div>I suppose I'll go with Romeo and Juliet. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lily James for Juliet. She would play a good Juliet. She did in Guersney Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div>Richard Madden for Romeo. I really like his treatment of Prince Charming, so what would he do with Romeo? </div><div>(Maybe these two would be too old, but eh? Maybe it will be a new take). </div><div><br /></div><div>Sir Alec Guinness as Friar Lawrence. be nice to see him as an actual monk, rather than a Jedi. </div><div><br /></div><div>Kevin Kline as Tybalt. He made a good pirate king, why not a Tybalt?</div><div><br /></div><div>Mercutio...goodness, I am lost. I'm foisting it off on my casting director. It's been FAR too long for this tag to sit here. *foists it off on Prince Abram^, who was randomly walking by* </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>^ Those who don't know who Prince Abram is, go check out my Wattpad story Shattered Chandelier! </div><div><br /></div><div>----------------</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I am curious...have you written a play? What was it about? If not, what play is your favorite (this can include radio plays, stage plays, etc.)? Tell me in the comments below! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Scribbingly yours, </div><div><br /></div><div>Catherine</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-44921027307724042432022-03-25T00:59:00.003-04:002022-08-18T10:57:02.987-04:00Musing on March (and February), Hailing April<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FdrV2T3KDPhWFBbWyiHf1S3JtOenRep4AKddSs6RP8Psk9QsYSwAyBndmUh-zmLehta1gp_AzD5ORaXdKhqrpVpXkhNK1ZTSsdnPrCpRzw1Xglo3g8fcHDX9NXVS9I2Fc8fAII40QMpgrDAGwu2NKWmSm2Qlrusra5dAVzT7wu0BgCw1SvsEbGZ7/s560/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(9).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FdrV2T3KDPhWFBbWyiHf1S3JtOenRep4AKddSs6RP8Psk9QsYSwAyBndmUh-zmLehta1gp_AzD5ORaXdKhqrpVpXkhNK1ZTSsdnPrCpRzw1Xglo3g8fcHDX9NXVS9I2Fc8fAII40QMpgrDAGwu2NKWmSm2Qlrusra5dAVzT7wu0BgCw1SvsEbGZ7/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20%20(9).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Greetings from the cave! </p><p>What is it that makes one forget everything? Like truly <i>forget</i> <i>everything</i>? </p><p>Indeed, I have missed far more than I had intended to. For one thing, I have absolutely missed my blogoversary. This shall have to be remedied at some point or another because five years is quite a milestone to forget. There have been other things that I've intended to do, but have put off, like letters to answer (I'm sorry Zelie!) and projects to start like my podcast. </p><p>I feel I owe you all an explanation. These past couple of months, I've been dealing with some chronic health issues, including another bout of anxiety. No doubt, it is largely being driven by stress from school. In addition, I have been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst which will need monitoring for a while. All I can say is that I look forward to the summer when I can finally kick back and relax after driving myself so hard for over a year. </p><p>While I go and collect my ever-scattered wits, why don't I entertain you with my doings from the past two months? </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1c08ZU9CwSM9ebRBdULRvoRp5nf8fGVRnZ1EKRi_n5J8obi-sCl2wazG5TYD7aS2_c94HVmh1tUNOuO895xrDYsYtn3tdjiR41hdbm8xTiVWzLmyUOENp-NoHLAxJ8SzicF95-eIyUJDb3gHVauC-XNIiAizMyGOgWu9mRalefWkklJ9TvnUdU9L/s600/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20wbc%20wrapup%20header%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1c08ZU9CwSM9ebRBdULRvoRp5nf8fGVRnZ1EKRi_n5J8obi-sCl2wazG5TYD7aS2_c94HVmh1tUNOuO895xrDYsYtn3tdjiR41hdbm8xTiVWzLmyUOENp-NoHLAxJ8SzicF95-eIyUJDb3gHVauC-XNIiAizMyGOgWu9mRalefWkklJ9TvnUdU9L/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20wbc%20wrapup%20header%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- I've been steadily working through The Ranger's Apprentice series throughout these past two months. I'm already up to Book 10 of 12!! It has been slowly endearing itself as a favorite series of mine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- For the first time in a long time, I added a cookbook to my collection. It is a Lenten cookbook, co-written by Scott Hahn. I bought it because I was running out of ideas for stuff to cook for Lent, lol. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvj2Z7G_-wdKLgvpw8eKmNk1UzNKpM1dsVMbVCKbbXdl-mwi4A0EdAER8FBvRWM6JTdJHG0Ad2Yz1IEB2b3yvpYGtsQ1ESL1ehxbDq4DVduQhWR8q5HzG6feambZ6tnxiA736ZsQglRphDIwdQu350ZSqzwgDyIt1ab1xUO_vmTC2a9ZwnIEIMBCL/s600/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20wbc%20wrapup%20header%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvj2Z7G_-wdKLgvpw8eKmNk1UzNKpM1dsVMbVCKbbXdl-mwi4A0EdAER8FBvRWM6JTdJHG0Ad2Yz1IEB2b3yvpYGtsQ1ESL1ehxbDq4DVduQhWR8q5HzG6feambZ6tnxiA736ZsQglRphDIwdQu350ZSqzwgDyIt1ab1xUO_vmTC2a9ZwnIEIMBCL/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20wbc%20wrapup%20header%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- YouTube Movies has come out with some new titles, some of which I have enjoying very much. They include The Big Country, The Horse Soldiers, and Jesus of Nazareth. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- I have also rediscovered my love for the opera by finding a full length production of The Marriage of Figaro. This is a sequel by Mozart to Rossini's Barber of Seville. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- While thrifting down South, I bought two DVDs. Ironically, both were religious movies: The Passion of the Christ and Lilies of the Field. I've seen both of them on Prime video and I'm very happy to own them now! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHxmvrpK_cP65YQVdIOt3ZYV9-7g02-maCIF_0TkK-39rd-yQgGtWVvPPE5e83kdJPm9fgRbsJjFIE-lbb1DbAdfdZZ1LQxKwawF6mH-nj6U1fi5WcP1eVMc2xjb-hX6lAJqqHgOVkCiiyIJ8WvwTEHNSqwklKRqBMg6Nl0-TGRn-CH8qL7SE2_So/s600/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20wbc%20wrapup%20header%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHxmvrpK_cP65YQVdIOt3ZYV9-7g02-maCIF_0TkK-39rd-yQgGtWVvPPE5e83kdJPm9fgRbsJjFIE-lbb1DbAdfdZZ1LQxKwawF6mH-nj6U1fi5WcP1eVMc2xjb-hX6lAJqqHgOVkCiiyIJ8WvwTEHNSqwklKRqBMg6Nl0-TGRn-CH8qL7SE2_So/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20wbc%20wrapup%20header%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- I wrote a little bit on Fair Winds in March, while I was at the beach. Because a trip to the beach always puts me in a pirate-y mood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- Unfortunately, I have not written a single word on The White Rose since the last update. I think I know what the problem is. I need some more concrete examples for characters like Janina in order to flesh her out better. The question is finding them. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35-NAypem6hr7tufGe7YmTytNfeaLM6GfaoOSgTHhEzj8Nxvd-LIhw0RqCYqdk02387Z5lMMXPkyjk207_mFnM9mCvzN00g_zxWgJ8OvjRKPcqPnLCsIRiYwpwIX5APXLxanp8U6ipC54d6VE3Nwu8fppInPdrKyhwBmCoTnrVngH4j_7vekj_XJ9/s600/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20wbc%20wrapup%20header%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35-NAypem6hr7tufGe7YmTytNfeaLM6GfaoOSgTHhEzj8Nxvd-LIhw0RqCYqdk02387Z5lMMXPkyjk207_mFnM9mCvzN00g_zxWgJ8OvjRKPcqPnLCsIRiYwpwIX5APXLxanp8U6ipC54d6VE3Nwu8fppInPdrKyhwBmCoTnrVngH4j_7vekj_XJ9/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20wbc%20wrapup%20header%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- Unless we count the music from the opera The Marriage of Figaro, I have not had many forays into new music. And that is a dreadful pity. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbOpMOSzLuk-avt_Ja_zNEZ4lvO9nUlfHOjAjjMvKjcWBkvSu3pfj2Q3Y2uEZXjnJkU50dviOLvXtfb46z4X_LvEskmroxxqumMe2asyWX63qVNCY7I0V-T31jVtInR70XlUUo17I0iTI3OOzitIDp5fSA315u8QYYQhSwjeAS1l6SBYU-qd5Af_0/s600/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20wbc%20wrapup%20header%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGbOpMOSzLuk-avt_Ja_zNEZ4lvO9nUlfHOjAjjMvKjcWBkvSu3pfj2Q3Y2uEZXjnJkU50dviOLvXtfb46z4X_LvEskmroxxqumMe2asyWX63qVNCY7I0V-T31jVtInR70XlUUo17I0iTI3OOzitIDp5fSA315u8QYYQhSwjeAS1l6SBYU-qd5Af_0/s320/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20wbc%20wrapup%20header%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For The Rebelling Muse, I have written no posts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For Femininity from Scratch, I have written one post: <a href="https://femininityfromscratch.blogspot.com/2022/02/i-dream-of-garden.html">I Dream of a Garden</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Normally, when I have such a bad post slump like this, it's usually because I have nothing to write. And that is simply not true in this case. I do have lots of ideas. In fact, I even have a post idea for my defunct history blog that I may consider jotting out one of these days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The real issue has been a lack of time. As it always seems to happen. And really, I'm not sure entirely how to fix it. This Lent, I've been trying to prioritize my dog and my family duties, which I usually neglect because of school. It hasn't been working too well, I'm sorry to say. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other issue that I've been dealing with is....a lack of decision. Or maybe it's a bad case of cold feet. I have been on the verge of "professionalizing" myself for quite a while. Yet, I notice that I have two distinct ventures that have different audiences. I have an idea of the steps I must take, not the least choosing a better emailing platform. Yet, I can't decide if I should have one email address host everything or have separate email accounts for my author platform and for my femininity one. The fact that I'm being deliberately cheap is not helping in the slightest. This decision has been...well, <i>paralyzing</i>. Any and all bloggy friends who have had experience with this sort of thing, could you lend me some advice? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4sLbZdbSHk28FCvJTqOso4OKCJqOpo5lb1E9T6DINUqVpjSGjwwfruCI8qyRZQ-3HRSxNTsyI9HJwrhf0YkGPMA4mX2eOwICLndKaVgPRKCsX4PqcC5M5HzbnG5kxMK_hvkhTti7WM8L0m8mDJHtQke_Rn1xvTfG8yjBXspYVht00O4dm_dVZWNl/s1280/divider-2154993_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="1280" height="19" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4sLbZdbSHk28FCvJTqOso4OKCJqOpo5lb1E9T6DINUqVpjSGjwwfruCI8qyRZQ-3HRSxNTsyI9HJwrhf0YkGPMA4mX2eOwICLndKaVgPRKCsX4PqcC5M5HzbnG5kxMK_hvkhTti7WM8L0m8mDJHtQke_Rn1xvTfG8yjBXspYVht00O4dm_dVZWNl/s320/divider-2154993_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now to sign off...with a little bit of fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For this who have read the Gallagher Girls, which character are you most like? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Chameleon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Peacock</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Duchess</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Bookworm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Comment below with your answers! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Scribblingly yours, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Catherine </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5521123451651734416.post-60324190383006202302022-01-30T17:13:00.002-05:002022-01-30T17:13:24.577-05:00Musing on January, Hailing February<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEf_c7I5zYz4Byg71DW2hl7QjrWCyx6i2aQjyuXMU-eotmvl1CmdPsh7oRplVWY3LpBO5xpilvKimUy5WLhu77dL1dPZNLRuAgl6q8htsOu9n78lvu7Tb_ML21P6dEFQXYChaEhC21ZcwCtJ5kQA64IBooVs_wi4Z8cQnvQXh8gF9ajPY3zLAWt8v1=s560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEf_c7I5zYz4Byg71DW2hl7QjrWCyx6i2aQjyuXMU-eotmvl1CmdPsh7oRplVWY3LpBO5xpilvKimUy5WLhu77dL1dPZNLRuAgl6q8htsOu9n78lvu7Tb_ML21P6dEFQXYChaEhC21ZcwCtJ5kQA64IBooVs_wi4Z8cQnvQXh8gF9ajPY3zLAWt8v1=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Greetings from the cave! </p><p>Well, winter has officially arrived. I'm currently huddled in my room under a lot of blankets, as a frigid wind goes blowing past my window. We've had some snow blow in, but now it's just icy and cold, and where is spring??</p><p>Then again, this has been the perfect time to rest, relax and recharge as I head into another semester of grad school. With the new comes new excitements and new projects. </p><p>So, what has happened in January? </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9tMp8MWKdNp_dK1wo2Mn0VL2VTnEFyizxLtz8UJyI3qndTFuNr0As5oSDiR2gxpg_jhCVhAE4u0uYA71DgeoQ6F2a9yhULora9pLvMWuS5DkkrWNOkW7OfBgThBFRdkZDsXkuZhwlyXBS9Gty_LP2kMdIgCjLLMk9zUiUvetZO1jhm2GiZ__2Pqdv=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9tMp8MWKdNp_dK1wo2Mn0VL2VTnEFyizxLtz8UJyI3qndTFuNr0As5oSDiR2gxpg_jhCVhAE4u0uYA71DgeoQ6F2a9yhULora9pLvMWuS5DkkrWNOkW7OfBgThBFRdkZDsXkuZhwlyXBS9Gty_LP2kMdIgCjLLMk9zUiUvetZO1jhm2GiZ__2Pqdv=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got a LOT of new books recently! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For Christmas, I got four books: <i>Marilla of Green Gables</i> by Sarah McCoy, <i>With Every Letter</i> by Sarah Sundin, <i>Entwined</i> by Heather Dixon, and <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> by J.R.R. Tolkein. All of which I have read already, but many were due for a reread. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then my birthday was this month! And...I got spoiled. I got the ENTIRE Ranger's Apprentice series (all 12 books!!!). And also I got <i>United We Fall</i> by Brooke Riley. This is equally as exciting, because of her new book that is coming out this year! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, of course, I started graduate school again, so I got another half a dozen textbooks. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHK5QUkdgbIkS5zXQ0RuHCPDEC0i1jAs6Wa_JPS9FiVw_LBgBCBWqNK6DWeUgew5qmb8zDjx-srXBYokNxXhZbmqR1EJGoA9VfpU4nm1ZYPDxwAxwkXQXe3bq-teivujXgW4mcslfp0mRBi2lWt1nSIMezQ_vX1L3SekgpkIzQIx2qS1NXqGoSxF_A=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHK5QUkdgbIkS5zXQ0RuHCPDEC0i1jAs6Wa_JPS9FiVw_LBgBCBWqNK6DWeUgew5qmb8zDjx-srXBYokNxXhZbmqR1EJGoA9VfpU4nm1ZYPDxwAxwkXQXe3bq-teivujXgW4mcslfp0mRBi2lWt1nSIMezQ_vX1L3SekgpkIzQIx2qS1NXqGoSxF_A=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- For Christmas, I got a DVD that has been long on my list. It is The Inspector General, which is a Danny Kaye movie from the early 1950s. I had watched it (albietly, illegally) when I was in college and really wanted to get a copy of it. I did watch it with the family and while I did enjoy it....I kind of like The Court Jester a little better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- My family got a few more shows over Christmas. One of the most notable was the show The Young Riders, which is about the Pony Express. I have quite enjoyed it so far. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- With all the new videos, my Mom and I rearranged our video cabinets. We packed away many of the VHS documentaries and some of the kids movies and brought out some of the adult movies that had been banned (but not all of them, phew). </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8vOF4S_8o11rHkCLf37DsLJpTaCgGb9pidKcEaUZUtk_XcmBR7zHRtpze-sLtR0ChuuT9xihdi-bnC_q32NnfpzHzjaedWgc7C6kYR4VsjWH2KefprQgBqouq0S-wzN7P0CKaGrIpPsY6D_Uwmcexou2U7PJAWdIRdy6n-z4UckqlULw7u-GfTvpn=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8vOF4S_8o11rHkCLf37DsLJpTaCgGb9pidKcEaUZUtk_XcmBR7zHRtpze-sLtR0ChuuT9xihdi-bnC_q32NnfpzHzjaedWgc7C6kYR4VsjWH2KefprQgBqouq0S-wzN7P0CKaGrIpPsY6D_Uwmcexou2U7PJAWdIRdy6n-z4UckqlULw7u-GfTvpn=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- TWR's word count is currently sitting at 25984, which is over 3000 words since my last total! That is a huge accomplishment, considering how little I have worked on it recently. But, unfortunately, I'm now stuck again. I'm working on trying to introduce the Tournament Court (the group of maidens that Janina is friends with) and the pacing is all wrong. This is when re-using old snippets really worked against me. I really should just leave it to simmer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn4DAsxUWrFXGimaXkLqfueqUuhnAXT-l6zHKFn-vFe0pWxveHvIc3tRA0RQXPm4hp6TfAfMW0y3F6sldDxRQxDGxFY-3pqczfSrFY6oNuBh3Bcc8pawq6jpD2_5-gaXXuzAGhIj9qJw/s600/Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+wbc+wrapup+header+2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn4DAsxUWrFXGimaXkLqfueqUuhnAXT-l6zHKFn-vFe0pWxveHvIc3tRA0RQXPm4hp6TfAfMW0y3F6sldDxRQxDGxFY-3pqczfSrFY6oNuBh3Bcc8pawq6jpD2_5-gaXXuzAGhIj9qJw/s320/Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+wbc+wrapup+header+2.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- Inspired by my recent experience with the March for Life, I created a pro-life playlist. Now, some of these were songs either from pro-life movies or specifically talk about motherhood or babies. You can listen to it here: <iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/6tXhJuIVCtoTSw7KPhGcb2?utm_source=generator" width="100%"></iframe> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a twist this month, I started making my own music! Some of you may remember that I bought my own hammered dulcimer back in September. Just before my winter break expired, I finally was able to tune it and play it for a while. I managed to record my first "music video" using my phone, which is here: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZxB05zwYs6s" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZxB05zwYs6s"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZx61RcIii2PTDop6ZOal7Wfb6SNBAWXp7LAChg1ZlM1uBfFD19ZLSaErCSyMYoU-r82fqfs5vhsAkImU4NeVZuzG8wGJEMdJd-xM90w0waKgYane2zvG-ifXmsTH239VvmUUA_kdwS7O8P6kKxczSBOX2tKL7AuxxsHFxQN3mMwy6xL981pIot5O_=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="600" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZx61RcIii2PTDop6ZOal7Wfb6SNBAWXp7LAChg1ZlM1uBfFD19ZLSaErCSyMYoU-r82fqfs5vhsAkImU4NeVZuzG8wGJEMdJd-xM90w0waKgYane2zvG-ifXmsTH239VvmUUA_kdwS7O8P6kKxczSBOX2tKL7AuxxsHFxQN3mMwy6xL981pIot5O_=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For Femininity from Scratch, I wrote only one post: <a href="https://femininityfromscratch.blogspot.com/2022/01/how-to-protest-with-charity-reflection.html">How to Protest with Charity.</a> I have some plans for this blog. For one thing, my About Me page needs to be overhauled again, it is much too text-filled. I am also trying to figure out what I should do for a wrap-up...maybe a letter?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the Rebelling Muse, I wrote no posts in January, but I did write a Christmas Tag and a 2021 wrap-up in December. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_-n4gti-clqm-rmY1t_dkxuODHmy5B49Qyzs11HOuqmUA5BdIZEMsZZCJn9JsE_cWtpUNl0Ejfu8IbVOc9I1qLgQ__CL6Ei_SavnW2tyAKYnkKTWtcdkBeKR5OTgxJD-roNZMQJFBHU4sdGzKMUyGc0YZbJh35pSF4pPS5aQ_2UfkImzk799RMUFW=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="1280" height="19" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_-n4gti-clqm-rmY1t_dkxuODHmy5B49Qyzs11HOuqmUA5BdIZEMsZZCJn9JsE_cWtpUNl0Ejfu8IbVOc9I1qLgQ__CL6Ei_SavnW2tyAKYnkKTWtcdkBeKR5OTgxJD-roNZMQJFBHU4sdGzKMUyGc0YZbJh35pSF4pPS5aQ_2UfkImzk799RMUFW=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now, you may notice that one category is missing. As I mentioned in my last wrap-up, I decided to formally do away with the multiple goals for each blog. The only goal that I have remaining is to finish and publish TWR, which is already discussed in another part of the wrap-up. I do kinda miss having the goals page, but this will hopefully give me the kick in the skirt that I need. <div><br /></div><div>Now, I'm curious - how has the new year treated you? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Scribbingly yours, <p></p></div><div>Catherine</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3