2YN - Assignment 10

Assignment 10:

Back in Week 3 (Set 1) of the class we worked with themes. In this assignment find at least five (and far more if you can) emotional words that relate to your theme. Afterwards write a single sentence encapsulating at least one of those words as it relates to a character from your story.

This is an easy assignment, but it should carry over outside the class. Every time you think of an emotional response for your characters, jot down words and then look up more of them.

Now is a good time to remind you that just because you have done a class doesn't mean you are finished with it. Nothing you write for this is settled until the novel is done and published. Anything can change, and you should always look back over material to see if there's something you want to tweak along the way.

(If you do not have set one, think of works that reflect the story you want to tell. See the examples below)


Answer:

Let’s see if I can’t figure this one out yes? *rolls up sleeves and finds thesaurus for this*

Markus: Anger: Animosity, annoyance, antagonism, displeasure, fury, irritation, outrage, rage, resentment.

-- How dare this little piss ant do this to him, do this to his family? He was going to finish this once and for all, the disgust and hate burbling together until, with a mighty yell, he attacked with all of the anger in him.

2YN - Assignment 9

Assignment 9:

Sometimes it's too easy to make your main characters, antagonist and protagonist, represent black and white aspects of good and evil. Even when we create flaws, we don't always incorporate them fully into the stories. They are only scars we've painted on the character and forget exists. For this assignment, work out your protagonist's weaknesses, flaws, and phobias.

Afterwards, ask the one really hard question: Could the villain of your story offer the hero something which might tempt him to give up the fight? Is it the lives of his friends, whom he fears he might lose? In a romance it might be the offer of a better life for the heroine and her family if he walks away. Would your fantasy heroine be tempted to give up the fight if the enemy promised to leave her village unharmed? To return of a loved one?

You may write this material in any way you want: a list, a scene, a letter from your character. Do it for as many other characters as you want.
Answer:

Notes to self (free form ramble): Flaws. Now, he has a short temper. He keeps pretty good control on it during times outside of work, and especially during his working hours, but he can snap and he tends to be rather on the vicious side when he finally does. He has problems working with certain types of people and can come off as abrasive until that person manages to get used to him. He softens around the person but still he has some sharp edges that come from having to pick up the pieces of his siblings lives, in some cases.

That’s another flaw he has. This need to pick up his families lives no matter how many times they screw up. He doesn’t give them money, not any more, but he does help in any other way that he can. It tends to leave him hurt and feeling raw. But he still does it. Which can be a weakness to, his family. As much as he hates some of them, and barely gets along with the rest, he will do what he can for them.

As for what the villain can give to him in return of leaving the fight behind? I don’t think he has anything in this book. The only villain that goes up against him and his group of people is his ancestor and they’ve already gone head to head a few times. There’s an animosity there that won’t be going away anytime soon.

2YN - Assignment 4

Assignment 4: Assignment

Write what you see as the main goal which will define the novel and at least two conflicts standing between the main character and achieving this goal. And remember that these can change later! This is an exercise to get you used to the idea of looking at goals and conflicts. 

This actually made me think of how each MC (“hero” and “villain”) had their own goals and conflicts in this story. It’s turning out to be an even draw with who is the Main Character between Markus and Ilander.

So I suppose, once more, I’m going to be doing it twice.

Markus: He wants to figure out the true history of his family and build the business that he has started with cousins, nephew, lover and friends.

Conflict 1: The rest of his family really doesn’t want the dirty laundry to come out, even though it ties in with their supposed family “curse”. They try to constantly stop him from exploring.

Conflict 2: He seems to keep running into Ilander, be it in his spiritual form or mentions in family journals, he’s everywhere. Just what did this half white, half black son of a slave master have to do with the family curse? It seems that even history wants to make Markus work for the truth.

Conflict 3: His business is built with family. Granted family that doesn’t care what he’s doing, but family nonetheless. And there will always be squabbles and disagreements with family, especially when it comes to business.

Ilander: He wants to destroy his family line, for reasons that only he seems to know, but he also, in some way, wants to free them of the curse that dogs their every step.

Conflict 1: He’s...well he’s dead. He has power that allows him to do what he wants, but he’s dead and needs a body. Easier said then done.

Conflict 2: He’s on a short leash due to his newest Master. He can’t do a whole lot while his master says he needs to not kill his family.

Conflict 3: Himself. He’s had so many chances, but he’s never quite been able to do it, something deep within himself staying his hand.

Why is it my mind provides me with all sorts of details?

2YN - Assignment 3

Assignment 3: Work out what you think your theme is going to be. This, as with the idea, it is likely going to change during the writing. Don't worry if it sounds like a cliche or stupid. Themes have a way of sounding trite when we try to write them out. However, they can lead to better understanding of what the story represents.

Once you have worked out your theme, write or print it out and put it somewhere you can see it. Refer to it in both your emotional scenes and if you feel you've lost your way. This is a guidepost.


Let’s see. How to go about this one?

Seeing as I have a few different themes that all intertwine, drawing together my characters again and again and again, I’ll list them and how they are intertwined for this round.

Greed

Betrayal

Need

Let’s break them down even more.

Greed:

It was all consuming, the want and need for everything that is considered their due. And he wants it all.

Betrayal:

When there has been betrayal it is not that hard to paint those who were connected with the same brush. Betrayal cuts a deep groove that fills with hate.

Need:

Need comes in many forms, both good and bad. The need to protect friends and family can be good or bad depending on how the person takes it. The need for money again can be good or bad depending on the person takes it.

To build on that:

He wanted everything, everything that he had been denied. And he was going to use the fool whose own family had turned on him so long ago. He would get his power, the fool would get his revenge and in the end, not even the need that the fools descendent felt to protect his family and friends would stop him. He would do what needed to do to get what he wanted.

I think I have a general idea now. :3 Happy times.

Christmas Gifties!!

First of all, got a new phone. Basic flip phone but it works so well! Yes! Phone!

Anyways, today's haul:

Bodycology Toasted Sugar fragrance Mist and moisturizing body cream. No, sister dearest, you may not have it.

And from the CutsyCat:

12 Coffees of Christmas. :D I know what I'm gonna have today! *giggles*

Ooh, more Starbucks Hot Cocoa. We have Peppermint this time.

And more cocoa. :D Caramel, Mint, Raspberry, French Vanilla, and two packages of Stephen's Candycane Cocoa.

Another Boo Boo Buddy. Love these things. o.o

This snowball flashes! Can't get a proper pic of that but it's awesome. 

2 bags of peanut M&M's. Yums!

Holiday Mint!

*hoards the peanut butter M&M's*

Milk Chocolate. Nummies. :D In holiday colors to!

2 Bags of almond M&M's. Yes, I eat almonds. They just tend to be in candies of some kind.

Choice Teas Chamomile and Allegro Fine Tea Pomegranate Green.

Delightful. :D

And finally....

That's right! I have a leopard print Santa Hat.

No, you can't have it, sister. Mine. *snuggles it* :D

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!!!

I've been remiss

In posting here at a decent time. I really am quite sorry for those (all of two so far :P) who actually come and read here. I hope that you don't hold it against me.

I've been plotting and planning on working on things, getting it out of the way.

I'm also going to do a few things this coming January that may take my time away from me for a bit but hopefully not to much.

I'm also going to get ready for the 2015 Forward Motion writing anthology. :D Hopefully I get things done.

Gifts of Thanksgiving

Today was the last day for the turkey day gifts from the oh so lovely cutsy. :D I love them and they are perfect for Thanksgiving day. So, let's get started shall we?

These actually smell pretty nice. 

I can hang them before my fan and fill the air with sugar cookies. :3

Yums.

This makes me so happy! It's just the right size for my hand.

And my ankles when they hate me. 

And it's cute!

Yummy. :3

Land O'Lakes flavored cocoas.

To be precise, in order:

French Vanilla, Mint, Caramel and Raspberry. 

Nummies.

Choice Organic Black Tea: Wild Forest Black

Oh, I know what I'm drinking today!

Or maybe I'll drink some Allegro Fine Tea: Indian Chai?

Or maybe I'll pull out some Starbucks Hot Cocoa Vanilla Brulee flavor?

I'll have this with breakfast. :D

But what I'm really happy for right now?

These:

That's right. This is specialized thread that is used to create friendship bracelets.

I have plans for these now. :D

And a 105 Skein of Embroidery Floss!!!!!

Yes, I embroider. 

When I have some monies, I head to the Micheals, get some designs and some proper fabric.

:D It shall be of the happy!

*hugs it tightly* *pets*

I'm so happy!

Happy Turkey Day all!!!!

Quick and Easy Candied Yams Recipe

This is quick and easy candied yam recipe that my family tends to make for Turkey Day and Christmas.

Okay, what you need:

1. Medium yams - depending on how many you are going to be cooking for, plan for 1 yam per person depending on their size.
2. Mini marshmallows - just plain white, 1 bag per batch usually.
3. Brown sugar - This is needed for caramelization, 1 bag per batch is about normal
4. Large can of pineapple chunks, with juice - Drained but juice is SAVED

What you need to do:

1. Peel the yams until their suckers are nice and naked. Don't go down to deep otherwise you lose the nummies.
2. Slice them into bite sized pieces.
3. Separate the pieces into two (or more) bread pans or into a casserole dish. Don't worry if they pile up a bit, just as long as they have room and some depth. There is a reason why I like bread pans. Glass or something like that for myself.
4. Add the pineapple chunks, being careful to spread it out evenly. 
5. BEFORE cooking, add the juice, just enough to coat the bottom.
6. BEFORE cooking, add the brown sugar until the yams and chunks are loosely covered by it.
7. Cover with foil and place into a 300 to 350 degree oven. 
8. Cook for a half hour to 2 hours depending on if you're cooking with a turkey, how many pans and how good the oven is. They should be just about completely soft.
9. Add the marshmallow top until it's nice and covered fully. 
10. Put back into oven to finish cooking and the top is nice and golden brown.
11. Allow to sit for 5 to 10 minutes and dish up. 

Good stuff. And a lot of this? Can be done before hand. You can peel, dice, and spread the night before, and add the stuff before you cook. It's a good dish for any time of the year. :D

Christmas/Thanksgiving Giffy's 11

I like this one...:D

Wrapped:

And Unwrapped:

Reese's Classic bag of miniature peanut butter cups! 

*noms*

Anyways, back to fighting against the mocking bastard of a story.

The bastard...I swear.

Christmas/Thanksgiving Gifties 10

Today's gift, all wrapped up:

And unwrapped we have:

A Russell Stover Apple Pie Big Bite.

*takes a bite*

Not bad. Tastes like an apple pie with chocolate. *shrugs*

Kind of heavy on the cinnamon but not bad. :D

Anyways, today's goal since I actually reached yesterdays?

Write on the mocking bastard of a story. Hopefully. :P

Thanksgiving/Christmas Gifties 9

Today's gift is....

Unwrapped:

That's right, buddy boy! 

Russell Stover Iddy Biddy Pumpkins!

60 of the little buggers and they are the size that you see on the package.

*snickers*

Anyways, today's writing is to be Crimson Shadows Chapter 3 since it's partially done.

Here's hoping I actually get it done!

*crosses fingers*

Thanksgiving/Christmas Gifts 8

Today's gift wrapped:

And unwrapped we have:

Russel Stover Pecan Pie Big Bite!

Yums. *chuckles*

Anyways, today's work will probably include me rewriting chapter 12 of A Butterfly's Dream.

And then seeing if I can't write chapter 4 of the Minato/Kakashi/Naruto smutty story that sits.

And mocks me.

The Bastard.

Thanksgiving/Christmas gifts 7

Today's gifty looks like this all wrapped up:

And unwrapped we have....

That's right a giant reeses peanut butter pumpkin.

I'm happy.

I'm going back to editing chapter 11 of A Butterfly's Dream. :D

Thanksgiving/Christmas Gifts 6

Today's gift was opened around 3 this morning but I didn't post this until now. :P Blah.

Now...wrapped up:

And Unwrapped we have....

Peanut M&M's!

I fear I have already opened them...I have a weakness for peanuts.

Oops. >>

Today's hope is me finishing this damn chapter!

Thanksgiving/Christmas

Another day, another present. I just reached into my grabbag of goodies today and pulled out a present this round since it got a mite nippy this morning.

Woke me out a good dream to close the damn window. *pouts*

Okay, now, let's see...wrapped up and pretty:

And unwrapped we have...

M&M's fall edition! :D Yay! I love M&M's actually. I really do. :D They're a nice little treat on occasion but I'm not gonna open these just yet. Want to finish my skittles and nerds first. :3

Today's agenda: Write on the Minato/Naruto/Kakashi story that is kind of sitting there...looking forlorn. It needs to be finished. *nods*

And heavily edited.

Thanksgiving/Christmas Gifts 4

Just to warn you, I'm doing this up until the day of Thanksgiving. And then you'll get one large post after I'm alone once more. Friends and family coming to dinner. >>

Anyways, wrapped up gift. Went for a small one.

And unwrapped gift is...

A Russell Stover Pumpkin Pie Big Bite.

I've actually had these before and they're pretty damn good.

Now, plans for today: Edit at least 4 chapters of Whisper to Me, plot out Whisper Your Lies, which is Whisper to Me's sequel, and possibly write on my Star Trek story. Or start the next story in the Touch My Heart Series, which is a Yumichika/Shuuhei pairing. :D

Thanksgiving/Christmas Gifts 3

So, third day of opening my gifts. :D Fun times.

To note, I will be using about 5 of those stamps this year to send out Christmas cards. :D *bounces* And the gift card, well I have my eye on an air popper if it's cheap enough but I might just go for my green apple and some soda for Thanksgiving. We'll see what happens when it happens.

Anyways, today's gift is...

Yes, another gift card that will help me buy some small things that I need. :D Hurrah for me, yes? *chuckles* Anyways, the second card is a small amount so I'm going to see if I can't get my headache medication with it. Here's hoping. :3 I need it.

Thanksgiving/Christmas Gifts 2

Since it is after midnight here, I decided to open the tiny gift that had the hulk on it. Sorry, didn't think to take a picture of it though. :P I'm a goof I know.

But here's this gift. :D

Yes, that's my forehead, but I have a string of forever stamps. :D Happy times. I can send cards now.

Christmas Gifts 1

So a friend sent a HUGE box, and once I take a proper picture of said box I will have a picture of it, filled with presents and candy used as packing peanuts. 

I promised pictures of stuff as I opened them so here's the bag with like 2 pounds of candy. 

And of course the first present for thanksgiving, a walmart gift card. This shall come in handy!

And do forgive the way the picture looks please? I had to take it with my webcam. >> *chuckles* Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it!