Wednesday, December 29, 2010

preBYB #6 _Culture

1) For each of your races, what is/are the religions associated with it?

A) How has this religion affected their culture?

B) What customs has this religion given to the culture?

C) What religious holidays do your races celebrate?

2) What customs does the culture have that aren’t to do with religion?

A) How did they come about?

B) Are they always followed by everyone in the culture?

C) What non-religious holidays do your races celebrate?

3) Write a holiday, be it religious or non-, that one of your MCs is celebrating. Describe in as much detail as you can where it came from, and try to integrate it into the prose in a way that doesn’t seem like info dumping.


ANSWERS:
1) Humans have the same religious backgrounds as current populations (this includes the disbelief in religion as well).
Demons have no religion. They value only conquest and the desire to fulfill every indulgence. They are ruled by greed, anger, etc. They abhor humans for their ability to believe as well as for their dejected, state (i.e. favor of God rests on humans not demons).
Fallens once served God They have however, been tainted by non-belief or other negativity/betrayal of purpose. Some wish to regain their status others revel in the fall.

Humans celebrate traditional holidays.
Demons and Fallens celebrate none. However, they use their knowledge of traditional holy days from a wide variety of human cultures to achieve their own goals. They do not worship but they do know various information about astronomy as windows and ways to powers (i.e like back doors to God's creations and rules).

2) Although the rituals are not "religious", both demons and Fallens observe rituals to achieve their ends. I.e. to open windows requires blood sacrifices, etc. These rituals go back to ancient times and cultures like Babylon, Egyptian.
Angels observe Heaven Holy Days- I haven't really established these yet. It will require a little more research into biblical ceremonies.

3) Quick Quip
The 12 surrounded the zodiac compass points. Each body was shaved, head tattooed with the zodiac sign and the ancient rite. The chosen knelt. Their long white cloaks covered their entire frames. The edges floating on the blood painted floor. The cloak tips soaked up the spilt life force. The fibers turned red and crept up the fabric like a slow crimson tide pool.
The twelve demons held the black leather thongs tethering the chosens' bound hands. Darmetheous encanted quietly. His purple flesh gleamed in the flames surrounding the rock alter. His deep voice resonated within his throat.
The heavy black marble clock with its skeletal bone hands ticked down the moments. As his eagerness rose, Darmetheous' chanting grew stronger, more insistent., The fevered pitch increased. The earnest increased. The yellow fire sparked from his eyes. His antlers rocked back and forth side to side in a frenzied rush. He raised his thickly muscled arms. Chanting.
The twelve chosen swayed drunkenly to Darmetheous' demonic fervor.
the clock struck the first tone of midnight. The first demon raised his weapon, sliced through the first chosen's throat. Gush of blood filled the circular crevice as he fell forward. stroke two- the same.
Stroke 12 the same. Their blood commingled filling the concentric circles and flowed slowly to the center alter where the 13th lay shackled with iron chains. Where Keres stood on the opposite side ready to open the Window that would free Darmetheous.

At the stroke of midnight he would be free.






Tuesday, December 28, 2010

pre-BYB 5- Reaces

So your questions for today!

1) What races are in your setting?

A) How did they get there? Were they always there?

B) Are they the majority? The minority?

C) Your main characters’ races - are they in the majority or the minority? How does this affect them?

2) The races you’ve determined, figure out what cornerstones you need to use. Figure out if they will run into any racism, and why they run into it. Don’t just add racism as a conflict because there is nothing else.

3) Write about how the races in your novel get along. Use it as an excerpt with either your MC experiencing something due to his/her race, or maybe just a recount like a textbook. Either way, knowing how the people/creatures in your novel get along is going to help out when your MC crosses that country line and finds himself nearly eaten by werewolves because dwarf meat is delicious.


ANSWERS:
1)
Races are same as modern times.
There are however, demons, gargoyles, imps, Fallens, and angels.
All of these races have been here since before humanity was created. They arrived as punishment for having turned against God. Angels and Fallens are the most powerful beings. They are abundant. Angels have their original powers from God. Fallens have been stripped down of most powers. Depending on the level of punishment, they have varying levels of power left and various restraints applied to their banishment. Fallens typically control the demon population since they are lesser creatures. However, demons have more freedom to roam because they were spawned of evil. Some demonic princes are almost as powerful as Fallens. This tends to create a volatile community as they jockey for control of the between or positions in hell.
2) N/A Races battle for power and position not because of ethnic hatred.

3) Quick Quip

Trag kowtowed in fear. Darmetheous was not to be trifled with. He had already defeated a clan of seeker demons. They were not an easy lot to dispatch. Seekers were secretive, even more so than other demons. They were the ones sent to spy out and influence mankind when a particular demon had a very specific target in mind., They could appear as mist and shadow or not at all. Their forms were hardly corporeal. They often shimmered in and out of visible phase. No other demon had as much skill and practice at this sort of magic. Seekers were a hard lot to kill and Darmetheous, had solidified his reign of the Between y wiping out a clan- 200 seekers, in one fell swoop. The next clan of seekers surrendered to his might without much fight. Now they were his own personal arsenal of poisonous thought implants. The consummate secret weapon against mortals, other Fallens, and most lower demons. Trog had no wish to tangle with Darmetheous. He was the strongest Fallen. Now with the complicity of the seekers, Darmetheous could achieve almost anything. As long as he ruled over the demonic bloodhounds, he was unstoppable. There was no way to stop him from getting revenge on mortals either. He blamed them for his banishment. Trog snorted at this. Darmetheous was several things but a victim he was not, yet he insisted on blaming mortals for his lost position. Severs him right, Trog thought to himself. Quickly he shook his ragged head and pushed the thought aside. Nothing was safe.

Wriyear 2011 pre_BYB 4

1) How many years back do you want to have your history?

A) If it’s on Earth, what three key points do you want to have memorized?

B) If it’s dealing with recent history, does anything from the way-back past (think a story in high school where they talk about colonial America in school) factor in, in an important way?

C) If you’re making up your history, what are three key points from the past that is important?

(You’ll need more than this of course, but here’s a starter!)

2) Take each of your main characters and go through their backstory. We’ll have further character sheets later on, but for now, tell me a bit about what each one has been through, at least three things.

3) Combine both questions! Write a short passage about your character’s recent history in relation to their backstory. Does something happen that makes them remember a scene from the past? Maybe they saw an ex and it’s tearing their heart out? Anything that helps you intertwine backstory and history, because you’ll be doing it a lot!



ANSWERS:

1) Since I am going to try and create a series I am not sure how many years back it will go. The first story, Dregs is modern. The whole story takes place within 6 months of the climactic event.
The historical key point would be 200 hundred years ( I may make their exile longer) before the current event. This would mark the punishment of Darmetheous and Adhelmar.
The history of the Between would have to be based on the expulsion of Lucifer from Heaven, the first murder among humans, and the Great Flood.

Backstory
Darmetheous
1) turned against God.
passed over for promotion
trapped in the Between as punishment

Darmetheous often thinks of what he lost and that it is the fault of humans.
2) Adhelmar
tricked into killing a servant of God
banished to earth, stripped of most powers, left with near immortality, must earn back his place in Heaven.
got his first charge killed by demons

Adhelmar thinks often of revenge on Darmetheous. However, he also has a similar viewpoint about humans.

Keres
orphaned
placed in an abusive foster home

There are several other characters but the back story is done for most of them.

Wriyear 2011 Geo 3

1) What are the mountain ranges around your setting, if any?

A) If based on a real place on Earth, are there any stories associated with the mountain ranges? Myths? If you’re making up the place, do you want there to be any stories associated with the ranges, or myths?

B) How long are the mountain ranges?

C) Do the mountain ranges stretch into another country, or form a natural border to another country?

D) Can the people of your setting cross the mountain ranges? Do they often?


2) What are the rivers/oceans around your setting, if any?

A) If based on a real place on Earth, are there any stories/myths associated with the rivers/oceans?

If you’re making up the setting, do you want there to be any stories/myths associated with the rivers/oceans?

B) How long are the rivers? How wide are the oceans?

C) Do the rivers stretch into another country, or form a natural border to another country?

D) Can the people of your setting cross the rivers/oceans? Do they often?


3) What other geographic structure are in your setting? Steppes, plateaus, plains, valleys, anything of note? Are there any stories/myths associated with these places?


4) Two options today:

A)Write the account of someone on the mountain range/river/ocean, looking at your country. Describe how s/he feels at this place, how they use the place to their advantage. Describe the area around it, and how hard it was to trek up the mountain, ford the river, get the boat onto the ocean, anything as long as it has to do with focusing on your geographic structures.

-OR-

B) Write a myth involving one of the structures you’ve spoken about before. If it’s a real place, then write an interpretation of the myth!

(or do both, if you're really bored!)

ANSWERS:
1) No mountain ranges In the Between there is a gulf a ceiling which demons and Fallens can only temporarily cross. There is permanent escape but it can only be done on certain astrological events with the specific help of humans with Window powers. Both instances are rare and far beweteen. Crossing over longer than permitted results in excruciateing pain and a whiplash like pull back into the BEwteen and extended loss of power.
The is no way to cross into Heaven. Demons, Fallens, Angels can be summoned. However only Angels can freely traverse teh Ladder. the entrance is guarded by angels with flaming swords.

2) Rivers in teh Between are lava, they flow in various places and shift often. They all flow into the Pit.

Rivers in Heaven are pure and encircle the city. One flows steadily from the foot of God's throne. The myths associated with the Heaven River- cleansing, word of God in liquid form, is the dew that watered earth before the Flood. Fountain of Eternity. Maybe so others.
Maybe if the Heaven River is tainted with the lava?

3) nothing different from modern times

4) He used to sit at the top of the river. He'd look down over the edge of Heaven to the globe of earth. His keen eyes piercing layers of clouds and searching out the hearts of the people below. It often annoyed him what he say. the fighting., The injustice, the self indulgence. Here he and his kind were made superior to those ants below, his kind consistently gave thanks and warred in the name on behave of these that scurry below. Yet they rarely deemed themselves beholden enough to even look up and acknowledge the truth.

Now he spent hours on the other side of the river, looking up into the Heaven over the boundary. Spires of gold shimmered in never ending sun. a green rainbow like slick emerald vibrated 360 degrees around the throne. its hues changing the entire spectrum of green light. Warrior angels wings pinioned with swords and quivers marched up and down the high roads. 12 feet tall, even the smaller ones were magnificent. White robes, heavy armour, sandaled feet radiance streaming from their faces, the marched the high hills keeping watch. Gold streets in the valley filled with souls of the saints. These things he saw from the outside, outside- the wrong side, the self determined side. He could attempt to ride the river, but he would instantly burn.

Wriyear 2011 Geography 2

So today’s set of questions and exercises will have us thinking about just how important it is to know about where our novel is set.

1) Where is your novel? Is it a real place on Earth or is it made up, either on Earth or another planet?

A) If it’s on Earth, what countries are nearby? If it’s made up, what realms/kingdoms/places are right beside them?

B) Are there any specific historic days you’ll have to research/make up? Don’t go into too much detail; there’s a whole exercise worth of history.

C) Who is the leader of your land for the time period of your choosing? Once again, there will be a whole section on politics so you don’t have to go into detail.

2) What’s the climate of your land?

A) What type of food do they eat as a result of this climate?

B) Does it have excessive snow/rain/drought/wildfires?

C) Name one tradition, whether it be outdated or made up for your world, that is because of climate.


3) Write a short description of your place. Focus on the climate, and how it feels in winter and summer. Speak of what grows there, and what types of activities the people partake in. Snowball fights, lacrosse games, surfing, vine swinging - you name it. Do they need to farm often? Are they mostly an export/import nation? Does this have anything to do with the leader (in brief)?

Answers:
1)
Geography is the same as modern day USA. The map has not changed.
The realms would be the Between, Heaven , Hell, and The Pit. I will most likely have to research some religious holidays and their pagan counterparts. I will also need to do a bit more stellar research in relation to the religious tombs.

The leadership of my world will still be USA presidency. However, sovereignty of the Between is controlled by whichever powerful demon or Fallen can gain control and maintain it. Ultimately the limits are controlled by God (i.e. the most powerful demon/.Fallen is really only able to work within the boundaries similarly to a viceroy).

2) Climate of earth is the same. Maybe an inclusion of more natural disasters as points to the end of the world and demonic activity. Heaven's climate is perfection 75, always sunny, no weather disturbances. On special holy days, it will "rain" crystal flakes like snow. However, in each flake is a visible representation of a good deed done in the service of God. When they fall to the golden streets the transmute and flow to a central river. The Between climate is hot, sulfuric, brimstone, lava,. It is always reddish darkness. Lava geysers spurt, etc. Black stalactites form charms of rock. Hell's climate is ten times worse, at least. Constant fire, wailing, torment. The Pit is absences, black fire. Noxious.

A tradition is Christmas as usual.

Short Clip:

He hated it here. The darkness and heat. Red was never his favorite color. He looked around his throne room, meager hellish Red rock crumbled along the walls. Noxious fumes puffed like great dragons through crevices and notches. He had had gargoyles and demon faces carved into the steaming festering floors. Each breathed forth its own rush of black, grey, or red dust. His skin sweltered. He looked down at his bulging arms. He remembered when his skin was fair, light. It glistened like gold fleck during the battles. His hair flowed about his head and his six wings like auburn flags waving in the glory of God. His high brow arched with disdain as he fought against the imps and principalities. Glorious, he had been glorious. Now, the hot redness, the gaseous fumes had turned him. His skin had darkened to deep purple plum. His veins bulged black eggplant and brown. His hair had shriveled.
He growled violently, the echo reverberating through the cavernous Between. He hated this wretched prison! Nothing grew here. The inhabitants simply existed to await their final punishment, it was torture cell. The only thing to do, plan escape. Escape he would.



These are the questions for the first workshop in Wriyr BYB

I'm thinking of expanding my NANO 2010 novel so that I can write a series of novels within that world. I've never attempted a series of novels but I like the idea. Let's see if I can try something new for 2011!!

1) Is your time period one that has occurred on Earth, or is it based on one that occured on Earth? A) Are you going to use real people from that time as characters, whether it be based on them or not? B) Do you know enough of the time period of history to have a good feel for it? C) Find at least three sites/books that can help you during research (if you need it)

My time period overall is modern. It is United States during the 2000-2025.

I am not going to use real people. The characters will be based on types of personalities of our contemporary time period. Since it it basically a NOW story there is not much need to do extensive research. The major portion of research woul dbe with mythology, biblical timelines, and prophecies.

Sources: 1) Bible 2) http://www.redorbit.com/education/reference_library/constellations/ophiuchus_serpent_bearer_constellation/319/index.html 3)

http://www.djmcadam.com/demons.htm

2) Is your setting going to be historical, contemporary or futuristic? A) Why is this time period best for your novel? B) Is there anything you need to invent in order to convey your setting correctly? C) List three things that will be time period specific for your setting. 3) Take the time to write a passage, page, or couple of pages of your setting. Throw a character in it, and have them explore the land. Write it as a page in a history book that a student would read. Make it a narrative full of pretty words and sparkling images. Is your time period easily determined within these few paragraphs?

The setting is contemporary with flashbacks to various eras in time which works best since there is an awakening of spirituality, yet there is also a tremendous anti-christian/ skeptical mindset. Since a lot of people do not believe it makes the secret working of demons etc. work. No inventions needed.

Cell phones, computers, satellites would be time specific


Short Clip

Dingy streets crowded with defeated humanity played tragic scenes before Adhelmar's window. Every Friday a man with a heavy grizzled beard stood on the corner. A brown tattered coat hung loosely from his immaciated shoulders. Baggy khaki pants patched repeatedly with old newspaper and left over bread loaf ties drowned the lower half of his frame.

At noon tragic bustled and horns honked anxiously. Red speed cars, a few slick silver luxury cars whizzed up the street, like they were escaping from some unseen horror. Other more beat up vehicles clunked along the streets. Rusted, busted, reflections of the battered people in the neighborhood, the cars struggled up the roads.

Red and brown brick buildings with broken windows looked sad. Dingy laundry flapped from the higher levels.

Adhelmar fumed inside, Unjust punishment among dregs.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Wriyear

I signed up for National Novel Writing Year 2011. I have for the last 3 years but never get far. This year I am actually excited to get back to a regular routine of writing!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Day 25

I've written 5070 words or so the last two days. My plan is for 10-15k more. I'm sitting at 30,050 words. Only 20k more to go. July story won't be finished but at least I'll have won nano.
I don't know why this year's nano has been so difficult for me!! Very frustrating.

Anyway, happy turkey day. Be save! Avoid crowds!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Day 21 15,000 weekend challenge

I have not written much this weekend. I had planned to. However, I ended up spending most of Saturday with my mom and sis after the gem show. Sunday I went to church with the intention of writing afterward. Well, I ended up chatting with my aunt and cleaning house and doing laundry. My brain afterward would not come up with much. I wrote a whopping 350 words on my iphone.

25555/50,000

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Day 20 (early morning?)

I haven't written anything else since last weekend. This week was just hectic, stressful, and utterly annoying at work. I had no creativity to write much of anything.

This weekend I signed on for a 15,000 word challenge. I need to get my word count up before Thanksgiving. If I can get to 35K the last 15 is always a breeze in comparison.

I should have been writing since I got home from work. However, I got sucked into watching Tomb Raider. Then I played Plants vs Zombies! I beat the levels in the free version. I'm tempted to buy the full one, but I rather spend the $20 on a wii controller. i suppose I should get off of here and write something dag nab it!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Warming the kitty!!

Sent from iPhone, created using Photo Captions




Talula Diva from my iPhone

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Day 16

I didn't write Monday. Going back to work and having parent teacher conferences afterward drained me of anything creative.

I wrote a little bit today from my phone. I posted it here but then transferred it to Liquid Story Binder. I wrote 789 words which put me over 23,000. I am having a hard time getting back into the characters' minds. This year work such seems to interfere more so than it has in the past. Go figure.

23,000/50,000

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Day 2 of 25,000 Word weekend challenge

25,000 words challenge!

I don;t think I am actually going to hit that 25K now. I should have written 12.5K yesterday, but did not have the energy to do so. , therefore I start Sunday with 7325 words down. I'm still pushing for 25k but that seems like a very very long shot. If I could write another 10K today I think that would not be too poor of a showing! Off to the races!!!!

The other thing that is so interesting about creating anything is the different directions the piece decides to take. I started with one idea and now it has blown up into so many others! I could actually turn this story into a 2 novel set. The bad part is that I would need to get them both done this month otherwise I know they'll sit in the pile of unfinished works! GRRRRR Maybe I can find a December NANO. Finishing month is somewhere and I would have Christmas vacation to work as well! We shall see. OK NOW off to the races! ;)

SUNDAY UPDATES:
I'm having a harder time than I did yesterday. Yet we shall push on.
12:52 PM 9102/25,000 words= 36.4% of goal
7:58 PM 11,208/25,000 = 44.8% of goal

Well, I think that about wraps up the marathon writing session this weekend. I don't have much left in me. Need to recharge. Not a bad total though. I might try for another 1500 words before. That way I will have hit 50% of my 25K word goal! However, it's already 8PM


Saturday, November 13, 2010

Custom order ring

When the dragon devours the messenger, his glory dimmed, then shall all be rewritten, and The trump Un-wind

When the dragon devours the messenger, his glory dimmed, then shall all be rewritten, and The trump Un-wind

Must have the voice of god by dec 4 at midnight


Talula Diva from my iPhone

the 25,000 word Weekend Journey NOV. 12-14

Last night I wrote a few more words. That took my total up to 11,064 words!

This morning I woke up before the sun was up and hashed out a few more points of interest along the way. I seriously need to get this 25K words typed in this weekend. It would just make me feel a lot better. I had planned to grade papers today and Sunday, but I think it will be a writing and cleaning house day. I also am working on a new ring tutorial for Christmas, just something cute. The ring and the cleaning will serve as my writing breaks. Off to see what I can get accomplished this go round. updates along the 25,000 word Weekend Journey

Saturday UPDATES:
10:41AM- 2462 words/25,000 =9.8%
1:16PM - a nap and more words 3551/25,000 = 14.2%
1:59PM - more! 4462/25,000 = 17.8%
2:57 PM 5118/50,000 = 20.47%
I'm taking an hour break from writing. I have the next two scenes working in my brain. Not bad! 5000+ words before 3PM!!!! I'm sure I can get at least another 5K before bed time! I might have to hand write some though- computer eyeballs get to be tired after a while. Next update later!

8:30PM 6292/25,000= 25.2%

9:30PM 7325/25,000 words = 29.3% of goal!!!!

I have a total of 18,389/50,000 words which is 36.78% of overall NANO word count minimum.

I think I am going to take an hour break and then write one more section afterward. Then sleepy time! I was going to try for 10K before going to sleep but I think I am going to be a couple K short! booo!




Thursday, November 11, 2010

Nov. 11, 2010

This week work has worked my nerves!!!I feel like I'm drowning under mountains of gunk! My brain is fried and I have too many papers to grade! UGG

However I have boosted my word count to 9870 words. I want to make sure and get in 130 more just so I can get to 10K!!! I'm about 8k words behind where I should be according to the 1667 rule. Ok I should NOT have calculated that! B*(
I'm going to have to make this weekend a 20K weekend! I guess a lot of Dr. Wicked for me!!

I still haven't make a book cover :(

UPDATE: I go to bed having finally gotten passed 1oK

10,382/50,000 roughly %20

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Nov. 10- moving slowly

Sigh
I'm moving slowly. Not sure why other than work is working my nerves.

I feel like I struggle with plot. I'm so much more a character driven writer. Hiwever, I want this ya novel to move, have action. I looked into my old The Weekend Novelist by Robert J. Ray. I found his info on Aristole's incline interesting. I really liked the problem solution type outline that Ray discusses next in the book. Maybe that will help me better than thinking in the plot diagram vein.

Update: 611 words from iPhone note pad.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Test post


This is a pic I took with my cell phone the other day. I loved the sky detail!

Wow that was quick. I just wanted to test sending an email post! A break from the writing scene. Now back to Dr. Wicked -15 minutes on the clock please!

Nov 8

Um I just had an idea to work with another character. It is inspired by a prompt from another writing group. We shall see how many words it nets. I also came up with a few more bits of characterization.

If any one has any clues or experiences with autism that would be helpful. I've decided to make one of my characters OCD or autistic. Each character has something "wrong" with him/her that pulls her/him out of "normal" society. I could easily call my novel Castaways, but I like Dregs much better!

I need to do some cover art, too.

UPDATE:
1 round of Dr. Wicked -678 words 15 minutes

UPDATE: 11:02 PM
I di another round of Dr. Wicked. Then I ended up adding more to the piece when I copied it into Liquid Story binder (BTW I LOVE THAT PROGRAM!!!).
So, I've ended the night with a total count of 2716 words!!!

My progress to date 7176/50,000

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Nov. 7

I had a jewelry show today. It was interesting to get my name out in a new venue, however, I did not make much cash. :(

On the writing front- I did not write anything the last 2 days. My energy seems gone. Maybe this is not going to be a banner NANO year. I didn't reach my GOTHNO word goal and so far NANO isn't shaping up much better. I think I just need to get into a groove. It's only day 7 so I am not THAT far down and out. I'm going to go and try to make a few words before bedtime. I'm just ZONKED! ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

UPDATE 11:33PM
I wrote one scene of 2060 words. I love Dr. Wicked for the help boosting writing speed, but I hate the fact that I always loose words when copying to a word processing program. In Dr. Wicked it read 2225 - copy it into Liquid Story Binder - I got 2060! GRRR But!- I have another scene so in the long run YEAH!! :)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

NANO day 4

I haven't written as much as I would have liked. However, I did look up pictures and get the last names of my characters. Their powers are assigned. I adjusted some of them.

On the writing front I scribbled out 905 words while writing with my AP class. That makes my total 2400/50000!!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

New scene kill the voice of God?

"so now you want us to kill her?" Andreous quietly groaned, the question hung in the air like stale thick doers from a land fill. No one moved. Little Anne took a deep slow breath. Her almond eyes closed tightly. Maria and Manuel clasped hands beneath the oak table, the weight of the room the emotions of the comrades nearly overwhelming their powers.
"we have no choice. If they...". Adhelmar's words came out slowly trailed off as he bent his close shaved head toward the fire place. Sparks from it reflected in his angel eyes, red orange mixing wildly with the golden honey. His features were chiseled and reshaped by the fire light nag shadow play. The seven could see a much stronger view if Adhelmar's true nature. Terrifiying. As a warrior angel in human form he looked not Mitch changed in this mood and atmosphere.
"I don't understand, if she us that powerful how can they defeat her anyway? You said so yourself that her power is stronger than all of ours combine. Darmetheous can't win against that kind of craft." he shrugged his shoulders. "maybe we don't have as much to worry about as you think.".
Adhelmar pounded his fist against the wooden mantel. It shocked mightily splitting down the center. In three steps adhelmar crossed the distance between the two of them. Lightening quick he grabbed him by the collar. Stomach dragging up against table edge, he yowled at the unexpected attack.
Adhelmar's eyes roared. His perfectly white teeth clenched. The muscle in his jaw flexed and throbbed violently. "Are you an idiot! Have you not been paying attention the last year, week!"
"Wait a minute!"
"Adhelmar stop!"
She smiled to herself. Her fingers moved minutely tracing small circles in the air.
Too easy. She thought. Too easy.
"Shut up! "
"look man, this ain't the way to handle this. Calm it down. Well get nowhere-" Andreous' deep voice Redon aged over the den.
Without releasing the other guy,Adhelmar ground out, "What do you know of it!? Two years you think you know! Darmetheous will destroy her! He'll toss her around like a rag doll, turn her then destroy her! We can't let that happen! I'll never-". His grip tightened around the other guy's throat. Adhelmar's knuckles went white as he shook him.
He skin started turning pale his eyes bulged like squeezed meatballs. A wide hole his mouth gaped like a guppy. Spittle formed at the corners. He tried to concentrate, work up his powers but his brain was shutting off.
"Let him go!" she scrambled from the far side of the table. Fists flying she battered Adhelmar's back. "let him go!"
A swift toss of his head, he sent him crashing into the opposite wall. Thud and pound he toppled down the stone facade onto the hardwood flooring. In the split second he ducked, wiped around, leg swiping her. She screamed. Sonic blast pelted his mocha skin. He resisted the push backward planting his hands and feet against the floboards a

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

NANO 2010 day 2

I haven't written anything today. I'm still at 972 words. It was still a good day though for novelizing. After waking up early I took the extra hour to get pics of my main characters. I know have all the major players and a new element to the plot.

In class today I made our NANO word chart, passed out pens, gave out stickers from the classroom kit. We shared our first lines and posted them on the wall outside my door. The kids seemed really to have fun with that! :)

Now I'm going to write a few minutes before bed.
Update: I wrote 523 words before bedtime
1495/50,000

Monday, November 1, 2010

Destined to be angels

Destine to be angels
Pricipaliries are assigned to rule the air. Satan tries to control each being. His influence is beyond reproach. Line deadly vines of hatred and lust hecworms his way into the minds of men. Children fall prey. Women suffer men deal out devilry. No one is safe from the filthy lies and murderous rages. Insideous thoughts tempt man. Watch your mind . Guard your heart. Fight the good fight. The war is nit flesh and blood. The enemy is not breathing the same air nit processing it like you and I. He she it they are not your neighbors and sisters and brothers . No they are the enbidiment of evil! Nay lucifer himself spawns these imps and creatures! He spits then
From his fiery breath like burnt offerings. Like demonic phleghm like corosice acid ready to devour any and all matter within it's gutteral wake. Satan is every where! Safeguard! Stay on gaurd. Get ready warriors! Strap on the whole armor! Barton down the hatches. Annoint your mind!-"
Snap.
Grey snow. Crackle. Blare!
What the he'll are you doing?
What does it look like? He propped up his feet on top of the ootoman. Crossed at the ankles. Dirty soles stared at the television set. He scratched his crotch. Joke itch man! He dung his fingers into his blue boxer briefs. Like a two year old digging through q sand box he pawed and scratched his nuts.
Will you stop that! No one wants to see you fondling yourself. She rolled her eyEs in disgust. "you act like an infant."
Her step brother grinned, " better to act like an infant than to look like a fetus!". Slye scratched some mire. The noise was like dry paper caressed with a boars hair brush.
" could you please!"
" aw do you want some sister dear?" he pulled his left fist from his crotch. He held the fingers up to his nose sniffing at them like a wild dog. Over his shoulder ge reached back waving his hand toasted her as she sat at the dinning room table. Black dirt and sweat clustered under his nails. " here you go sissy poo. Smell! Smell!" he laughed.
" you are demented you nasty freak!"
She turned up her pert nose gagging at the sight of her brother's unending repulsivity.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Gothno belly up


Ok once again I failed my gothno goal! Grrr I only wrote 9500 words. I still like my story but it just wasn't coming out how I wanted! So I'm at the end of the month with 1/3 of what I'd hoped for.

On the next tip- NANO starts tomorrow! Yeah November!!!
Do I have an idea? No
Do I have a plot? No
Do I have a character, setting, or conflict? No. Triple no! Eeeeeeek
The thing that will motivate me is competition. I have a girl in class who is wickedly fast at writing stories so it shall be interesting to keep pace! Maybe I'll reach 100,000 words in one month-FINALLY!!! :)

I'll have to search through old journals to spark an idea.
Off to grade quizzes yuck!!:(

Friday, October 22, 2010

Oct. 21

I wrote 700 words. Not a big increase but I suppose some movement forward is better than none. Still haven't quite figured out what my problem is!

I can't believe that next weekend NANO starts! I have no idea what I am going to write for that! NADA. But I'll pull 50K out of somewhere! Maybe the dares thread will be my whole book this go round.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Wednesday night

I was able to make a little progress. I used Dr. Wicked again on the evilest setting! It took me longer than I would have liked, but I got another 1072 words in 36 minutes.

Tonight's inspiration. It rained. I hate storms but I like the way light and raindrops play on a screen. So it was was and I thought I'd use that in the evenings scene. I got in the first ghost sighting in the plantation manor. Also entered the creepy Old Bert, ancient man servant. I also came up with the horrendous method of death used that resulted in the curse! It's a secret you'll have to buy the book to find out LOL

I'm off to see if I can get another quick round of Write or Die in before bed.

UPDATE at 11:34 PM tonight I have another 1722 words written. that brings my total to 7794/30,000 words

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Amari Sun

Quizzically. A hint of surprise and dejection colored her words, " aren't you excited? I would be. I would love to have something this fall into my lap. As it is nothing interesting happens to me!". Amari Sun sipped on her straw. The fruity cold drink slide down her throat immediately boosted her spirits. Oh my! That is a fine drink! Just the right kick of lime and salt. She ran her tiny browner butter index finger around the margarita glass rim. Like an overly satisfied child she plopped back against the Lacey iron work of the chair. The umbrella cast a welcoming shade over face, yet the sun shone down on her hair and shoulders. Her blonde red Afro lit up around her petite head while the shade deepened the green in her eyes. Amari leaned back gutter propping her short shapely legs on on the eddhe of the crackle glass table top. Crossed at the ankles, 5 inch spike heels on doll size feet, Amari relaxed.
How can you not be excited? You're not dead, girl!
Instantly contrite, oh Huns I'm sorry! O didn't mean it the way it sounded.".
Livia True Reese uncomfortably shifted in her seat. "Don't worry about it. I know you didn't. It's just...
What girl? You can tell me. What are sisters for? She wiggled her pert nose and stuck out her tongue playfully.
Livia reluctant smiled sipped over own straw before answering. I side she sighed. Amari is never down for long. I wish I had that confidence. She thought to herself.
"Amari, there is no way I could have grown up with you! You're a whirling dervish! I'd get sucked away to Oz or something ." Livia winked at her best friend.
You know what little girl-"
Who are you calling little girl. Lil bit?" she chuckled a bright brief streak of jocularity sprang into her eyes. "I'm not the one standing in 5 inches trying to reach 3 inches tall."
Amari swung her gorgeous legs to the concrete title, "wooo you are so mean. What should I do with you gloomy Judy?" playfully Amari veined indigence. Slim shoulders sang in on defined collar bone. " I've been wounded. Her hand fluttered to her chest like an over wrought widow. How shall I ever continue. With dramatic flourish Amari heaved her shoulders toward her ears, mock sobs blubbered.
In two shakes she ended her performance. " end scene."
Leaning forward earnestly, cone on Liva True. Aren't you excited in the least? I know the circumstances are bad, but at least this gives you something new. Huns you're always talking about life seems empty. Nothing interests you any more. You want to be no traditional. Here's your chance!"
" I know what you're saying but-"
" look what's the worst that can happen? It's all for fun anyway, right? She wouldn't have left it too you if she didn't think you could handle it."
" you don't understand. That consumed her. Right up to the end. I don't need that kind of pressure."
"Oh please. You make it sound all doom and gloom, heaven and hell. It's not that serious, Livia. It's a shop. A few trinkets here, a few trick wires there. The woman has bat feet and frog eyes in canning jars on shelves. You can't take it seriously."
Livia True Reese wasn't so sure. Her aunt was strange. When she was around strange things happened. Strange people with strange requests frequented her aunt's place. "You never met her."
"oh cone off it, Liv. You wanted something new, here's your chance to be different, sweetie. Besides 'tissue the season!"
"Ok, that is Christmas not Halloween." Livia chuckled.
"Same difference. A season is a season. And this is your season. The place is a gold mine! Have you looked at the reports? I had my lawyers and accountants look over them. My people say-"
"Tour people since when do you have people?"
Amari lounged back in the chair. "Don't be funny, you know I'm a diva!"
They both laughed. Livia had to admit, Amari Sun did have somewhat diva status. She'd had a leading role on the hottest night time drama, Obsidian, for the last six years. Fir the last two years she'd also be co- host on the Evening Review. She got to dish with all the major hitters in town. She certainly had people.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Oct8 11:54pm I needed to write

I don't do crystal balls. She turned up her full lips in a serious perturbance. She crossed her slender arms over her ample chest. His eyes followed the action.
Enticing. A spit fire but enticing. He thought to himself.
Excuse me I didn't mean to offend. But given the circumstances .... His jet black hair curled over his eyebrow as he gestured to the table. Velvet table clothes, gold trim, ancient looking chairs what would you expect me to say? Bs chuckled. The deep timber if his voice resonated over the low beat of the African drums.
To be honest, I could a care less. What you think isn't rely that important to me. I know your kind. She huffed indignantly.
What kind would that be? He crossed his own muscular arms over his massive chest. The shoulders of his blAck suit jacket strained slightly with the tension. His right brow furrowed mischiviously as a slight grin threatened.
She didn't answer, just glowered at him.
Go on pray tell. Oh seer if the future, what type am I?
She didn't like the smirk in his eyes. She huffed, drummed her manicured nails against her upper arm.
Cat got your tongue? No mojo left in that pretty head? He couldn't resist. Anger danced in her dark cocoa eyes. Her nose flared. Her lips , a deep intake of breathe stopped his playful gloating momentarily. How I'd love to kiss those sultry lips. The thought took him by surprise. Of course she was attractive but be tended to stay closer to the debutante types, less to deal with. But this one ...
Mentally he shook himself. This one would be fun indeed fiery hellcats. Come on love? What type am I?
You want to know? Really! Your the type who cant take anything seriously unless if personally affects you. Hours wrapped up in debutantes and fast money. The cars and charities are simply your way of trying to make yourself feel important. You think ghat if you give away enough money that will save your sorry soul.
His eyes widened in shock then narrowed in anger.
Her voice morphed. Her eyes glazed over . Her words gained strength for some unknown force beyond her control. Without conscious knowledge her hands lifted gloated in the distance between their bodies. Slowing closing the gap her feet inched user to him as she spoke.
You think that the world owes you something yet you feel conflicted that you have more than you think you deserve. You pretend to be callous. On ther other hand you pretend to altruistic. Her fingers touched the sides of his chiseled face. She lay her head against his chest. The smooth luxurious fabric warmed her cheek.
You long for a return to glory yet don't know how to achieve this.
A cold chill crept up from her spine. Its icy fingers tapped their way to her shoulders then up the back if her neck. She squirmed uncomfortably. Wriggling her fAce into the width of his chest. A frown strained across her brow. The cold fingers tapped over her skull.
You have... You are... You are attracted to the dark side. It's in your blood . Hightened, shrill the pitch of her voice eeked higher. Her agitation grew. The fi gets stabbed frozen pain through the back of her eyes. A flash if blood, screams,dark skin tear. Faces bent under yellow head scarves, a blazing sun, the glysyeninf edge of an ax shAttered her. Pain! She screamed it ripped from her throat like a thousand you g ghosts.
Shaking. Hands trembling like palm leaves in a storm she jumped away from him. Blood! You're covered in blood! You'll drown in it before it's done! You'll drown in it! Screeching she raced from the room. Eyes a sea of them followed her out of the reception hall doors.
Her faded cries, you'll drown in it echoed under the spacious cathedral ceiling.
Visibly shaken ashen, Colhurst straightened his suit jacket and turned to his affluent guests! Bravo! Bravo! Excellent sport wouldn't you say! The murmuring crowd was all to ready to put the ackward out jest behind them.
Come on. You expected entertainment and I've provided it! Give a hand for Asanti Suri, palm reader and Mistress if the defining arts. He clapped agAin this time his cohorts joined in.
A slim lithe socialite with white blonde hair strolled to his side. She neatly tucked her arm through his.
You simply must tell me where you find these droll acts! She was a hoot! I'll have to book her for my next party. Belinda Lilly rambled on in her high pitched nadt voice. Colhurst hardly heard a word.
Drown in blood and cocoa eyes replayed in his ears and minds eye.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Gothno Oct. 7

I was doing a little more reading and came up with more plot points
Colhurst Thome is the plantation family name.
During apprenticeship in the islands one brothe was an ex slave master the other changed his name to become a magistrate but the works in cohoots with the brother to end round the system. Maybe a third brother or a mulatto son gets the more lienient perspective? Still working that out.


Progress!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Progress!

OK, so I was about to throw in the towel for my Loogaroos story. I wasn't feeling it and it seemed to heavy or something. I decided to add an element of romance. I worked out a few ideas

1) the main character (who still doesn't have a name) meets the last heir of the plantation family

2) he of course is trying to rebuild his family's wealth.

3) The power has been watered down because her grandmother had twins. This split the abilities and delayed revenge.
* 1 sister has the ability to see portions of the future. She embraces her gifts and opens a magic/ reading shop. The other sister (MC's mother regrets the powers, but feels duty bound and frustrated because she can't get the total revenge she knows must happen. Yet she feels exonerated in that she has a daughter (the MC) to carry on the fight, while her own sister is childless (or has a son).

3) the aunt gets sick and MC starts to feel more ill at ease, off her game. She inherits the magic shop. And with it more power (maybe through an amulet or ring). She meets the plantation heir through some joint venture where she is the entertainment.

4) MC is eventually required to go back to the island to tend to her sick mother. The isolation begins here and the slipping back into older times. Voodoo magic etc. take over. Here the heir returns to claim his ancestor's land and restart businesses on the backs of the peasant -like population.

5) The mother dies. MC receives full power and is haunted by the grandmother. Take revenge. But of course she and the heir are now in love.





I think now- I can get some more words pounded out on my next break. (I'm grading freshman essays UGGGGGG)

Torturous

Sometimes it is torturous getting out a few words on a page. Even with Dr. Wicked set to kamkazee and evil it was a struggle getting 1000 words out! It took me 34 minutes! I usually can do that in 15-20. Booo

2747/30,000

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Fun with Iphone aps

My sister showed my this iphone ap this morning. I about peed my pants laughing, so I had to download it- OF COURSE!!!

Here is one I made for Gothic fiction LOL


Monday, October 4, 2010

Update- Gothno


Ok! I spent a little while writing and then editing the piece. Here is the excerpt from tonight's writing. It is 1030 words (1730/30,000)

Kill Something by JL Denman Gothno novel entry )ct. 4, 2010

Kill something
I want to kill something. I don't know what. The thing inside grows. It hungers for something sweet and bloody. It claws at my insides when I am not thinking about controlling it.
It. What is it? I've never felt this insatiable need or hunger to devour and destroy. It never leaves. I think it goes but it lurks under the surface waiting. It waits. It waits. It continues to wait until I have no defenses left. Then it strikes full frontal force. It assaults my eyes first. It blasts red spots against the wet canvas. It splatters red and iron smell of blood behind my eye lids- like paint soaked cats clawing their way across my mind and sockets. This thing grows hungry and paints with scrawling blood and sickening sweet terrifyingly sweet essence of blood. I taste it. I can taste it drip from my eyes to the back of my throat. It slips on the edges of my tongue as it fills my mouth.
Palatable. Tasty.
What devilry is this? I taste the blood the sweet delicious wonder. It frightens me. What is this? I've never had these desires before.
Before? Was there ever anything before this? Was there ever a time when the creature, didn't thirst for blood and gore?

She rubbed her stomach. The swelling shifted groaning against her caress.

Was there ever a time before this thing took over? It worries me. Maybe I'm imagining it all. Maybe I have nothing to worry about. Perhaps it is the stress, the manner, the people. They are strange here. they look at me with weird eyes. Suspicious. They know something. What? Do they know I hunger? - not I but IT? Do they know and understand? What grows? Do they see something I cannot? I wonder. I spend hours, days, weeks now, searching through he library, but nothing seems real here. It all seems like the wind and the willow blowing in a breeze and then off to some random place.
She crumbled forward over the parchment pages. Pain stomped in her belly. White hot lightening flashed from the pit to her brain. She cough gasping for air. Her fingers clutched the white night gown.
What now?
She felt the blood trickle from the tip of her tongue, her own teeth scraping and biting down on the soft pink flesh.
She swallowed breath, air and blood, shallowly. Her eyes tight fists in her head mirrored the grasping action in her belly.

What now? Why? Why won’t it leave me alone? Why does it stir so? What is it that grows.
Somehow they know. I see them looking at me from beneath heavy black lids and brims shielding them from the hot sun. They never look directly at me. They are sly. Sly devils all of them! No. No, not devils. But they know something. I can’t be here in the place and continue. I'll die here. I'll die here or...
I'll die here or kill something.
Yes! Yes. I want to kill something.
Her fingers gripped the pen. White knuckles stretched through brown flesh. Round half moons stabbed into her palm. The writing grew furious, rapid. Scratches and tears pulled the sheets in places. Tension built in her fine chiseled features. Her tawny brown cheeks sucked in and her full lips pursed in concentrated fury.
Kill something! I want to kill something now! Now! I need to destroy something. I can’t stand this! This... this... waiting. I wait and wait. I hide here in the place. Where when will I get out of here. I can't sleep because this thing grows and hungers. It’s like drowning in angry desires to feast on flesh and blood. I want to kill something.
She raised the pen high above the page. White billowy sleeves hung from her upraised arm and pooled at the elbow.
Now, Kill something now! Do it! Do it!
She heard it whisper to her insighting her fury.
Do it!! Kill something. The pen glittered and dropped black ink onto the white-ish pages.
Do it! Kill something! Feed me!
She slammed the pen down. It's tip bit hungrily into the back of her own hand. A scream wretched itself from her mouth. The sudden gust blew out the candle sitting in front of her on the writing desk.
She felt the pain and it relieved her. The hunger stopped. The delight swelled up inside. The thing curled up inside her stomach and rocked contentedly. It felt like it smiled and wriggled itself down into a comfortable ball, shrinking in upon itself with each heartbeat it settled. The blood pump from her wound nourished it. Satisfied it. What is it?
She didn’t care. For a time the thing was satisfied. She was free. She didn’t feel the need to kill something, not so much. Not so intense. She smiled. A pained slice in her gorgeous brown face, the smile would have frightened the planation peasants. They would have known what she was, who she was. There would have been no doubt. There would have been disrespect. There would have been live chickens and offerings laid at her door. The smile would have confirmed what she felt but could not name.
She pushed backed the chair. Its wooden legs scrapped against the cold concrete floor in the slave quarter kitchen. It echoed like the distant cry of a hundred tortured souls. Her ears perked up, the hairs on her arms stood up. As she walked heavily, calmed yet pained her blood dripped to the floor in thick round splotches. She fumbled in the dark towards the old sleeping quarters. As her feet crossed the rough grass burnt from midday sun, she stopped at the old well pump. Creaking hinges cranked as cool water sloshed over her self inflicted wound. Relief.
It sleeps.
She sighed. The water gurgled to the basin. She ripped a thin strip of her dressing gown and wound it around the injury.
Her ankle length dressing gown billowing with. each step. Quietly, exhaustedly she stumbled through the low entry way. She closed the wooden door behind her. It sighed shut. She slept. It slept.

Gothno Progress


I only have 704 words written on my gothic novel so far. I should be at 4000. I just haven't been much inspired. I was all excited about my African vampire story but it seems rather heavy and intricate yet easy to vanquish the evil. I need a little more. I think instead of gothic in the traditional sense I may go for a Brian Lumley type horror gore. Something kill something?


I also signed up for NANO this year again. Registered a few minutes ago.

Maybe I'll go over to Dr. Wicked and try a writing rampage see where it leads me.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Setting up Gothno 2010

Gothno starts on Friday ! how crazy is that? I mean it's almost the close of 2010! So much has gone on this year it's ridiculous.

Gothno starts and the ideas in my head keep shifting. Right now I'm focused on this idea of the African vampire myth- loogaroos. I found it fascinating that it's actually a witch stealing the blood for the devil not herself. I've formulated a basic plot in my head but no character specifics.

There is a cursed family- matriarchal of course.
There are loogaroos.
It's setting on a Caribbean island on an old sugar cane plantation.
Scene 1 - a black woman wrestles in bed with a terrible headache and blinding vision on a rainy day
There is revenge. I haven't decided how gorie it will be though.
I need Jamaican names and a family tree maker.
Also need to set up Lquid Storybinder fir this project.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

GOTHNO

Gothic Writing Month is QUICKLY approaching! Next weekend and it will be the creepy month of October!!! I don't do Halloween so much but I love Gothic literature and the fashion style as well. I mean- look at my blog picture heading LOL (or maybe that should be muuuuahhhh)
If you love Gothic writing, if you write horror, etc. step on over into the Gothnowrimo board http://gothnowrimo.proboards.com The more the creepy the demented merriment! ;)

Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Place I long For- based on a prompt from a writing group

I long to be in his arms. The soft fuzz that dusts his skin, the chocolate skin that smells like outdoors and man. I long to be curved into the cleft if his chest at night when the tropical birds call love songs and the crickets chirp a refrain and the geckos skitter together in moonlight dances. I long to be curled against him feel his heart beat against my back. Feel his thighs curved against the back of my own. I long to feel his arm over my waist his fingers strumming my belly. That place where we fit together perfectly. I long to be there feeling his breath against my neck. To feel the scruff of his beard rough and sexy against my cheek, my neck, my breasts. I long to be in the place where nothing but the two of us exists in perfect love and harmony. I long to be in the tropical heaven of my lover's arms.

By JLDenman sept. 6, 201

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Rage

Velvet shades of crimson rage Slide down sill to cloak my eyes in violent waves of roiling cloth.

Inspiration in a Pail by JL Denman

It was pail
grey
metal and dented
nothing queenly
nothing demure
...nothing kind
White washed
peeling
smashed in the side
A pail thing rusting in the wet winter rain

Then I saw
it slip into something fine
glamorous
divine
silvered and renewed
Droplets of crystal glittering between over cast clouds
picking up the sunlight striving to peek through

Dents changed to curvatures
rust turned to reflecting pools catching water
stirring it rouge

Grass beneath, cradled the over turned tin
From its roots a peek of yellow begins
Sturdy green flesh twisting up toward the playful sun
A wee puff bud spun through with faint orange wisps
Precious dainty tulip

I found inspiration in a bucket
rusting and withering away to
nourish beauty in its decay.

Sassy

Sassy by JL Denman 2009


Lick your lips shake your hips put that funky sway into your back. Paint them nails swish your tails put that sexy swagger in your pants booty working boobies perkin' up the boys, such sass! But watch out girl it's a whole new world [when 40's on your ass]

Friday, January 1, 2010

100 Miles Fitness Challenge

I just joined this fitness challenge. I need something to help motivate me. Something OTHER than how much weight I've lost. Aiming for an activity goal seems the best way to go about this for me this year. So, I found this 100 Miles Fitness Challenge. I can do this!

I also signed up for the 365 photo challenge.
I signed up for CWJ 2010 jewelry challenge.
Of course the will be NANO challenge in November.
The Gothic novel challenge in October ?.

What other challenges are there out there fore me to do? We shall see. Maybe if I fill my year up with challenges I'll actually move forward beyond this stress and whatever other emotionally messes/blocks I've got going on!

I need to go buy a cheap 2010 calendar!