Hullo Writers!
I hope y'all have all had a wonderful Christmas. I did.
For one, I always used our family desktop to post from, or my mom's computer.
But today, I am posting from my very own computer.
I got a bunch of Whovian things, so I am one happy camper. (I'm actually wearing my Bowties Are Cool socks.) My sister gave me a Hunger Games leather bracelet with 'May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor' on it. Completely me. I'm very happy to have gotten the stuntbook I've been nagging everyone to get me....LOL!
And now I just got the Hunger Games trilogy on my laptop for freee. (I own the last two already but I didn't have the first one. STEAL!!)
Anywho, Hannah, I saw that you've been putting up the Christmas short stories on your blog! Very excited to go read that. [ check it out here ]
I'm supposed to be editing my Five Glass Slippers story, but Christmas at our house is a very busy time of year. Very. I get to read a few other submissions that fellow writers are sending me; they're reminding me that I need to finish. They're so good, y'all!
This is also a post to say hello I'm alive and I won't be posting for a while. I'm probably going to start posting again once the New Year's are over. Until then!
Savo'lass a lalaith!
-The Writer
There is no idea so stupid or hackneyed that a sufficiently-talented writer can’t get a good story out of it. --Lawrence Watt-Evans
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
In a land of myth and a time of magic...
the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders
of a young boy.
His name,
Merlin.
I have been absent for while. Yes, I was going to give excuses. But really, it's just one.
Merlin.
Last month, I came to the family room and saw my sister was watching something.
"What're you watching?" I ask.
"Merlin," she says.
I freaked out. I had seen the cover on Netflix before, several times and I could tell it was something I would love. But I never had tried it out.
"Do you like it?"
"I'm only on the second episode, but it's great so far," she says. "You can watch it."
And so I did.
OBSESSED.
And that is the reason I have not been posting. I've started taking my time with it, because I realized that yes, it has an end. Endings are never happy. The show ended last year, ending with 5 seasons. I'm in the fifth season now, and I'm starting to slow down LOTS. I really don't want it to end.
I had a thought. "Oh. Look. I'm not busy...watching Merlin...I can post now."
Just to tell you that I'm still alive.
The main character, Merlin, is acted by Colin Morgan. The first time I saw Colin, it was in one of my favorite episodes of Doctor Who.
His name was Jethro in this episode called 'Midnight'. He was favorite one in this episode, actually, because he actually did something besides talk and ask the Doctor questions. He noticed things.
I noticed that he was the same face on the cover of Merlin.
Now after watching Merlin (and of course behind-the-scenes!) Colin Morgan has officially made it to my top favorite celebrity list.
No, none is writer-related. But I'm alive and posting!
Also, if you're interested in this sometimes-overdone, hilarious, magical series, here's a trailer.
I'll be back!
Savo'lass a lalaith,
-The Writer
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Saying Goodbye
Hello, All!
I was very enthused by the responses I got about the Short Story Contest! One person couldn't comment so she sent me an e-mail instead, and I enjoyed that. So thank you!
I did want to say, that although you have 3 1/2 months to work on your story, feel free to send it any time you want between now and then. And, you'll have to allow a little longer than that before I post any stories, so that way my family can read them. I can't wait to read them!
February 14th is the deadline, end of contest. It seems so far away, but it will creep up really fast! I also was a little surprised to see it ended on Valentine's Day; no, it wasn't planned. Yes, I'm okay with that. :)
Anyhow, I've been working on a story for another contest called the Five Glass Slippers. It ends December 31st, and I haven't even sent it in yet (hence the I've Been Working). I'm hurrying, but really, the truth is, I didn't want it to end.
Eventually every one of them has to, of course. You can't keep up the story forever. Go ahead, make a series out of it. But let's face it. That ends too.
One of my favorite series is the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer. Brilliant series. That was what really got my little brother to like reading. I've read the series twice. I couldn't wait for more to come out!
And that's when my sister delivered the devastating news. Eoin Colfer had written the last book already. It was the only one we didn't own. I still haven't read it. I've been putting it off a little bit. "Oh yeah, I got this book and this book and this book to read."
The truth? I don't want to say goodbye. I love the twelve-year-old genius that grows up to be a mess. I love his sidekick-but-not-really elf friend who has the awesome red hair and crew cut. I love his bodyguard and bodyguard's sister. I don't want to see them leave.
*small spoiler alert!!*
I've already seen one of the characters leave (because honestly, all the authors with these amazing books WILL KILL A FAVORITE CHARACTER) and it was sad. It's funny in a way, because when I watched that character leave, I later learned that I gave the same reaction as the rest of my family who had read the books.
"WHAT ON nooooo he didn't leave! He's coming back at the end of this book. Of course he...has...to..." and then we finish the book and it's
"Oh...he really IS gone. I..."
Truer words have never been said. (And excuse the mistype. Wasn't me. :p)
Sometime or other, I'm going to set down my pen, close the book, and say, "Goodbye." It's going to be hard. I'm not going to like it. But hey, there's nothing I can do about it.
So it will be with my 'Beauty and the Beast' retelling. I want to see their lives lived out, but really, I can only see so far and know that the rest of the way, although I won't see it, they will live Happily Ever After.
Let's remember that when you're saying goodbye. You saw them this far, you'll see no more. But they'll live Happily Ever After. And then you'll know: You've done your job. And well done.
Unless you're that kind of ridiculous person who lets your favorite character die.
And the next one and the next one and the next one until there's NO ONE LEFT except the main characters.
Really, Suzanne Collins?
See you on the other side of the wardrobe.
-The Writer
I was very enthused by the responses I got about the Short Story Contest! One person couldn't comment so she sent me an e-mail instead, and I enjoyed that. So thank you!
I did want to say, that although you have 3 1/2 months to work on your story, feel free to send it any time you want between now and then. And, you'll have to allow a little longer than that before I post any stories, so that way my family can read them. I can't wait to read them!
February 14th is the deadline, end of contest. It seems so far away, but it will creep up really fast! I also was a little surprised to see it ended on Valentine's Day; no, it wasn't planned. Yes, I'm okay with that. :)
Anyhow, I've been working on a story for another contest called the Five Glass Slippers. It ends December 31st, and I haven't even sent it in yet (hence the I've Been Working). I'm hurrying, but really, the truth is, I didn't want it to end.
Eventually every one of them has to, of course. You can't keep up the story forever. Go ahead, make a series out of it. But let's face it. That ends too.
One of my favorite series is the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer. Brilliant series. That was what really got my little brother to like reading. I've read the series twice. I couldn't wait for more to come out!
And that's when my sister delivered the devastating news. Eoin Colfer had written the last book already. It was the only one we didn't own. I still haven't read it. I've been putting it off a little bit. "Oh yeah, I got this book and this book and this book to read."
The truth? I don't want to say goodbye. I love the twelve-year-old genius that grows up to be a mess. I love his sidekick-but-not-really elf friend who has the awesome red hair and crew cut. I love his bodyguard and bodyguard's sister. I don't want to see them leave.
*small spoiler alert!!*
I've already seen one of the characters leave (because honestly, all the authors with these amazing books WILL KILL A FAVORITE CHARACTER) and it was sad. It's funny in a way, because when I watched that character leave, I later learned that I gave the same reaction as the rest of my family who had read the books.
"WHAT ON nooooo he didn't leave! He's coming back at the end of this book. Of course he...has...to..." and then we finish the book and it's
"Oh...he really IS gone. I..."
Truer words have never been said. (And excuse the mistype. Wasn't me. :p)
Sometime or other, I'm going to set down my pen, close the book, and say, "Goodbye." It's going to be hard. I'm not going to like it. But hey, there's nothing I can do about it.
So it will be with my 'Beauty and the Beast' retelling. I want to see their lives lived out, but really, I can only see so far and know that the rest of the way, although I won't see it, they will live Happily Ever After.
Let's remember that when you're saying goodbye. You saw them this far, you'll see no more. But they'll live Happily Ever After. And then you'll know: You've done your job. And well done.
Unless you're that kind of ridiculous person who lets your favorite character die.
And the next one and the next one and the next one until there's NO ONE LEFT except the main characters.
Really, Suzanne Collins?
See you on the other side of the wardrobe.
-The Writer
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Submit a Short Story!
In the event that you all wanted a short story about a scene I drew, I decided that y'all could submit short stories instead! I brought the idea up and got 4 yeses! So here are the rules :)
1. You have write anywheres between 100-2000 words. You could go for 5000, but don't feel pressured!
2. You have to write about the scene I've drawn. It can be anything, but whatever you see about this scene that creates words, put it in! Mention the girl; the mysterious bag; the location (seriously, what's she doing up the mountains on that path?); the hand; and did you notice her ears?
and most importantly
3. Have fun.
The Deadline: A few of y'all were uncertain if y'all would have time to write a story. So, firstly, I hope the scene has given you an idea so you know what to write instead of meandering over an idea for the story.
Secondly, I decided that since you weren't sure you'd have time, I'm going to give you 3 1/2 months to write a short story. If you really are hard-pressed for time, I can give you longer. Just let me know!
After some consideration, I decided to have a winner! I will have my family read the stories and judge which ones they like best. The winner shall receive a choice of
A survival bracelet -any color; it can be one color, two colors, or multi-colored
This is just an example, of course. Mine are a little more colorful...
A duck tape wallet -mustache, purple, LSU or Saints football, owl- so much more! look here for reference. and keep scrolling, there's lots)
This isn't mine, I just saw it and it was pretty much what mine looks like, minus the trees and birds... ;)
or
a lanyard! Basically, a knitted lanyard with a ring for your keys. It's round, like rope, and multi-colored yarn, but I can do any color you like.
Ha ha it's a pretty weird winners choice, but it's what I make. :)
The winner's story will go up first, and everyone else's will go up one at a time afterwards. The swag you get for it will be mentioned at the end of every story!
Okay, so remember, you have 3 1/2 months to work on your story. Whenever you're done, email it to thewriterofponderings@gmail.com with the subject as Short Story Submission. Don't forget to add your name so I know who it's from!
I think that's it! If you have an questions about the contest, feel free to ask and I'll reply as soon as I can! :)
Here's the picture for you to write about:
I tried scanning it, but it kept cutting out the weird/mysterious arm...I had added a tree in front of that wall where the arm disappears, but it doesn't mean anything. I just felt like telling you.
Savo'lass a lalaith, and Happy Writing!
-The Writer
1. You have write anywheres between 100-2000 words. You could go for 5000, but don't feel pressured!
2. You have to write about the scene I've drawn. It can be anything, but whatever you see about this scene that creates words, put it in! Mention the girl; the mysterious bag; the location (seriously, what's she doing up the mountains on that path?); the hand; and did you notice her ears?
and most importantly
3. Have fun.
The Deadline: A few of y'all were uncertain if y'all would have time to write a story. So, firstly, I hope the scene has given you an idea so you know what to write instead of meandering over an idea for the story.
Secondly, I decided that since you weren't sure you'd have time, I'm going to give you 3 1/2 months to write a short story. If you really are hard-pressed for time, I can give you longer. Just let me know!
After some consideration, I decided to have a winner! I will have my family read the stories and judge which ones they like best. The winner shall receive a choice of
A survival bracelet -any color; it can be one color, two colors, or multi-colored
This is just an example, of course. Mine are a little more colorful...A duck tape wallet -mustache, purple, LSU or Saints football, owl- so much more! look here for reference. and keep scrolling, there's lots)
This isn't mine, I just saw it and it was pretty much what mine looks like, minus the trees and birds... ;)or
a lanyard! Basically, a knitted lanyard with a ring for your keys. It's round, like rope, and multi-colored yarn, but I can do any color you like.
Ha ha it's a pretty weird winners choice, but it's what I make. :)
The winner's story will go up first, and everyone else's will go up one at a time afterwards. The swag you get for it will be mentioned at the end of every story!
Okay, so remember, you have 3 1/2 months to work on your story. Whenever you're done, email it to thewriterofponderings@gmail.com with the subject as Short Story Submission. Don't forget to add your name so I know who it's from!
I think that's it! If you have an questions about the contest, feel free to ask and I'll reply as soon as I can! :)
Here's the picture for you to write about:
 |
| click to enlarge |
Savo'lass a lalaith, and Happy Writing!
-The Writer
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Inspiration
When we're traveling, about half the trip I stare outside. You might see trees and flowers.
But what I see is a world beyond our own, full of elves, princesses, assassins, talking animals, and most importantly, magic.
I've never gotten any story idea just from the top of my head. It's the inspiration from something.
For me, mostly inspiration comes from our woods. We own a five-acre lot and most of it's woods surrounding us. You can't even see a little bit of our house from the street.
My sister enjoys taking walks in the woods while she talks.
My brother and I? We enjoy fighting the Nazis, being ninjas in the trees, warding off monsters, and dealing with annoying pixies who follow us around. It's not hard to get my sisters outside with us, but I think my brother and I have the most adventures because we're more outdoorsy.
Inspiration is an interesting thing. What can you see when you look at a mushroom? I see a fairy stool, where fairies come out at night and dance around it.
What about the lost knife sitting by the road? Surely someone was ambushed and fought for his life, losing his knife in the process.
It's fun to observe people who are currently unaware of everything but what they see in their world. I've sat in a tree and watched as someone was deep in a battle zone. He was calling out things like, "INTO THE FOXHOLE!"
"...are they gone, over?"
"Coast clear, over."
Then commenced the series of combat rolls and shooting with his Tommy gun.
It was neat to watch what he did, and he didn't even know I saw him. Okay...it was my brother. But it was neat to watch him engage in a world I'd never dreamed about.
Here are some pictures that I love to bits because I can see so much happening there. If only I could be there too...
(excuse the various sizes...)
So...the comments on the last post was a little unexpected. 'Solving the Little Mysteries'.
Hannah said: Say, that's a good drawing. I'm especially impressed by the shading and curve of the wall. Great job!
Okay! I'll take it! I was only posting the picture so I could conjure up the post; but thank you!
Clara said: Great post, Molly! Now I want you to answer the questions you asked about that incredibly mysterious picture you drew...I'm especially curious to know who's hand she's holding, and what is that bag in her hand?!
and last but not least,
Lydia said: If your goal was to get us stirred up about a your mysterious picture you have succeeded. It is all VERY mysterious! The mountain background- the bag- the Other person, won't you write us a Short story at least?....Please!!!
Firstly, I did want to say: I'm mostly thankful that y'all recognized the bag in her hand. My brother thought it was a chicken drumstick.
Secondly; I came up with an idea. Y'all wanted me to answer the questions I asked about the girl, maybe in a short story? Whew. I don't know.
And that's the queue for the idea. What if y'all submitted short stories to my blog? It has to do something with the scene; but the rest is all up to you!
Watcha think? If I get at least four yeses, then I'll post the rules and a better picture of the scene for you.
That aside, what gives you the most inspiration? (you can also paste a link to an inspiring picture; I'll check it out!)
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
-The Writer
But what I see is a world beyond our own, full of elves, princesses, assassins, talking animals, and most importantly, magic.
I've never gotten any story idea just from the top of my head. It's the inspiration from something.
For me, mostly inspiration comes from our woods. We own a five-acre lot and most of it's woods surrounding us. You can't even see a little bit of our house from the street.
My sister enjoys taking walks in the woods while she talks.
My brother and I? We enjoy fighting the Nazis, being ninjas in the trees, warding off monsters, and dealing with annoying pixies who follow us around. It's not hard to get my sisters outside with us, but I think my brother and I have the most adventures because we're more outdoorsy.
Inspiration is an interesting thing. What can you see when you look at a mushroom? I see a fairy stool, where fairies come out at night and dance around it.
What about the lost knife sitting by the road? Surely someone was ambushed and fought for his life, losing his knife in the process.
It's fun to observe people who are currently unaware of everything but what they see in their world. I've sat in a tree and watched as someone was deep in a battle zone. He was calling out things like, "INTO THE FOXHOLE!"
"...are they gone, over?"
"Coast clear, over."
Then commenced the series of combat rolls and shooting with his Tommy gun.
It was neat to watch what he did, and he didn't even know I saw him. Okay...it was my brother. But it was neat to watch him engage in a world I'd never dreamed about.
Here are some pictures that I love to bits because I can see so much happening there. If only I could be there too...
(excuse the various sizes...)
So...the comments on the last post was a little unexpected. 'Solving the Little Mysteries'.
 |
| click to enlarge |
Hannah said: Say, that's a good drawing. I'm especially impressed by the shading and curve of the wall. Great job!
Okay! I'll take it! I was only posting the picture so I could conjure up the post; but thank you!
Clara said: Great post, Molly! Now I want you to answer the questions you asked about that incredibly mysterious picture you drew...I'm especially curious to know who's hand she's holding, and what is that bag in her hand?!
and last but not least,
Lydia said: If your goal was to get us stirred up about a your mysterious picture you have succeeded. It is all VERY mysterious! The mountain background- the bag- the Other person, won't you write us a Short story at least?....Please!!!
Firstly, I did want to say: I'm mostly thankful that y'all recognized the bag in her hand. My brother thought it was a chicken drumstick.
Secondly; I came up with an idea. Y'all wanted me to answer the questions I asked about the girl, maybe in a short story? Whew. I don't know.
And that's the queue for the idea. What if y'all submitted short stories to my blog? It has to do something with the scene; but the rest is all up to you!
Watcha think? If I get at least four yeses, then I'll post the rules and a better picture of the scene for you.
That aside, what gives you the most inspiration? (you can also paste a link to an inspiring picture; I'll check it out!)
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
-The Writer
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Solving the Little Mysteries
Yesterday I was randomly writing, when I thought, “I’ll draw something instead."
I like to draw characters with the wind howling around them, leaves spraying here and there, and soon, I had drawn a scene.
Not any particular scene, but you could make a story out of it. You can make a story out of anything, really.
But the thing about the picture is that there are so many unsolved mysteries in it.
Who is the girl?
What is she doing?
What is she holding?
Why does she give that look?
Whose arm is that? What is it doing?
Where is she?
What is the place she is in?
What’s happening?
How do we solve these mysteries?
The answer: Ask yourself questions and answer them.
In stories, the reader needs to know what’s happening. It can’t just happen, even though you understand; the reader doesn’t!
Who is your character? What is her goal?
What does she hold that is dear to her?
What is your obstacle character, your antagonist? What are they doing to be who they are?
All this is good to know. But, we do like a look at the scenery. Not too descriptive; you’ll bore the reader.
What is happening right now? Why does the protagonist find themselves in this situation?
Don’t skip over a mystery, you need to solve it or the reader might not understand. You don’t want your reader asking all these questions, because they don’t have the answer. You do. It’s your book.
You don’t want to be overly detailed, either. Seriously, no one wants to know that the backpack that carries the map has intricate figurines stitched on the side, and a pocket in the front with a double zipper carrying the key to the chest. Also, a latch for the light brown, leather cover so the map doesn’t spill out.
That’s just not going to cut it.
Also, don't mention something particular if you're not going to use it later on; it could be a mystery you solve later on. It might even be the character just looking around.
'She glanced down and saw he was holding an object of a curious size. She tried to figure out what it was, but nothing came to her mind. It was a small, glowing object with little indentations.'
Either I'm going to use this object later in the story, or the character is avoiding something and putting her mind on other things. I'm not just randomly throwing it in there. (actually I am for the post, but that's not important)
You get what I'm saying? These are things I'm trying to work on; not being overly detailed and mentioning things I'm not going to use. I do this quite often and my sister is constantly telling me, "Seriously, what is up with that?"
My brother came up with the question thing. When you get stuck in one part, ask yourself all sorts of questions, answer them, and use that to help you along. It's worked for me once, and I'm sure it could work again.
Anyhow, I hope y'all enjoyed the last Wednesday Wonder! I got a lot of delightful comments, and Clara has replied to every one of them, so if you commented check back for a reply! We had quite a bit of fun. :)
Savo'lass a lalaith,
-The Writer
Monday, September 30, 2013
Wednesday Wonders
It's time for another Wednesday Wonder, y'all! Today's Wonder is from the story of one of my dearest friends...
Author Bio.
Clara Diane Thompson (also known as Clara Darling) is an eighteen year-old fantasy writer who hopes to be a published author someday. She lives in the swamps of Louisiana with her loving family and very confused frog that resides in the birdhouse outside.
Character Bio.
Doctor Nicholas Kinkly is a marine biologist in the seaside town of Tranquility. By day he does his regular duties as a biologist, and by night he hunts sirens that have escaped from the sea and are wreaking havoc upon the sleepy little town. His job is to capture the murderous sirens and return them to the sea to be judged by their sisters. The young Doctor lives a life of excitement, but even he can become susceptible to the wiles of the mer-folk.
Normally, I ask which character wants to be interviewed and I email the interview to them. But today, Nicholas got to be my first character to be gmail chatted! It was very exciting.
Interview:
Nicholas: Hullo, Writer dear. This is Doctor Nicholas Kinkly. It's awfully nice of you to want to talk to me!
Hello, Doctor! It's nice to talk to you. :) You are a marine biologist, I believe?
Nicholas: Yes. Marine Biology is what I do most of the time. Studying ocean life and all that. It's terribly interesting.
Is it particularly dangerous? Your day job, I mean.
Nicholas: Not...particula
How exciting!
Nicholas: I suppose it was rather exciting now that I think about it!
But for the most part I stay out of the water. At least until nighttime.
And then?
Nicholas: And then the whole ocean changes. It becomes dark and mysterious and completely frightening. I love it! Anyway, I love going for a swim at night, especially when there's a full moon out.
You're not afraid of mermaids catching you? :o
Nicholas: Mermaids? No. Sirens are another story.
Ooh have you caught one?
Nicholas: Several, actually...I say, I really shouldn't be telling you this. It's classified, you see.
You can't even tell me one story? A short one?
Nicholas: Oh, I suppose. Just so long as you don't put it up on a blog or anything.
Well, it was late one evening when I first met her.
I was going out for my first midnight swim and I
had just arrived at the beach. There were a few people scattered here
and there in the darkness, but no one was anywhere near me. There was a rather large cliff next to me, but I didn't really even notice it at the time.
But then I heard a scream. Two figures, I
presumed they were women, were at the top of the cliff, struggling with
each other. And then one girl fell over the edge, dragging the other
girl with her.
Oh my...
Nicholas: It was horrible. I, being quite manly and brave, dove in after them both.
(he PAUSED here can you believe that) Then what happened??
Nicholas: And
then I don't remember anything else. I woke up on the shore the next
morning, battered and bruised, and in desperate need of some hot tea.
But I recieved a letter from a dolphin. (Don't ask. I'm not even sure
how it delivered the letter either.) The letter told me to look for
enchantingly beautiful women and return them to the sea by whatever
means. The next day I got some helpful supplies (including some ear
plugs that keep out the siren's songs!) and I got to work! The mermaids
pay me quite well...and it's a good job. Quite exciting, I mean.
That is AMAZING!
Nicholas: Yes it was, rather.
Have you found the enchantingly beautiful women yet?
Nicholas: Oh, gosh yes! They're practically everywhere.
Once you've gotten used to looking for them, it's quite easy. They
aren't just beautiful...the
Wait, you mean sirens walk among us?
Nicholas: Didn't I just say that? Oh. Sorry if I didn't. I
do tend to get ahead of myself. To answer your question, yes, they do.
Actually, that sounds like a jolly good name for a book! "Sirens Walk
Among Us"...that's rather catchy, isn't it?
Eye-catching, I'd say. I'd pick it up in a heartbeat!
Have you told anyone about your discovery? Any close friends or is it a secret?
Nicholas: It's mostly a secret. But I did tell my dear
old friend May Pruitt about it. Well, I had to because a siren had found
her way into May's house. Now that she knows, she wants to become my
personal assistant! She might have a hard time of it, though;
considering she's a rather fragile old lady. Well, all old ladies are
fragile...Please don't tell her I said that!
I won't, I promise.
Nicholas: Good. She acts like a grumpy old eel when I try to protect her from something dangerous! Don't tell her I said that, either.
Ha ha Oh no I wouldn't! But I believe it.
Nicholas: Thanks!
Well, dear Doctor, it's been almost an hour since we started talking! The time has flown!
Nicholas: By Poseidon, it certainly has! Thanks for the
chat and all that. It's been quite lovely. But remember...this is top
secret. If you ever find yourself around Tranquility, please pop in and
have a cup of tea with me! I'd love to show you round. Perhaps we could
even go hunting sirens together. You seem like you would enjoy it.
I will! That sounds like something I would enjoy immensely. Thank you so much for your time! Until we meet again!
Nicholas: Goodbye Writer of Ponderings! It's been quite nice getting to know you.
I had a delightful time interviewing him, and I can't wait to interview someone else! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did chatting him!
-The Writer
If you want to have your character
interviewed in a Wednesday Wonder or a Saturday's Villain, email me at the thewriterofponderings@gmail.com We'll set up a date and
I'll interview your Wonder/Villain!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Goddess Tithe Cover Reveal!!
I had posted this when I was supposed to...but on the wrong blog!! So sorry, Ponderers!
Enjoy!!
Author Bio:
Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a kindle of kitties, and one long-suffering dog. When she’s not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and practices piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, including Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, Starflower, and Dragonwitch. Heartless and Veiled Rose have each been honored with a Christy Award, and Starflower was voted winner of the 2013 Clive Staples Award.
Back Cover Copy:
The Vengeful Goddess
Demands Her Tithe
When a stowaway is discovered aboard the merchant ship Kulap Kanya, Munny, a cabin boy on his first voyage, knows what must be done. All stowaways are sacrificed to Risafeth, the evil goddess of the sea. Such is her right, and the Kulap Kanya's only hope to return safely home.
Yet, to the horror of his crew, Captain Sunan vows to protect the stowaway, a foreigner in clown's garb. A curse falls upon the ship and all who sail with her, for Risafeth will stop at nothing to claim her tithe.
Will Munny find the courage to trust his captain and to protect the strange clown who has become his friend?
Cover Design Intro:
I had the fun of designing this cover—finding reference photos, inventing the composition, applying the text, etc.—but the actual artistic work was done by talented cover artist Phatpuppy (www.phatpuppyart.com), whose work I have admired for many years. It was such a thrill for me to contact and commission this artist to create a look for Goddess Tithe that is reminiscent of the original novels but has a style and drama all its own.
The boy on the front was quite a find. I hunted high and low for an image of a boy the right age, the right look, with the right expression on his face. Phatpuppy and I worked with a different model through most of the cover development stage. But then I happened upon this image, and both she and I were delighted with his blend of youth, stubbornness, and strength of character! It wasn’t difficult to switch the original boy for this young man. He simply is Munny, and this cover is a perfect window into the world of my story.
You can’t see it here, but the wrap-around back cover for the print copy contains some of the prettiest work . . . including quite a scary sea monster! Possibly my favorite detail is the inclusion of the ghostly white flowers framing the outer edge. These are an important symbol in the story itself, and when Phatpuppy sent me the first mock-up cover with these included, I nearly jumped out of my skin with excitement!
Intro to Illustration:
There are eight full-page illustrations in Goddess Tithe featuring various characters and events from the story. This is the first one in the book. I decided to share it with all of you since it depicts my young hero, Munny the cabin boy, under the watchful eye of his mentor, the old sailor Tu Pich. Munny is on his first voyage, and he is determined to learn all there is to know about a life at sea as quickly as possible. Thus we see him utterly intent upon the knot he is learning to tie. Tu Pich is old enough to know that no sailor will ever learn all there is to know about the sea. Thus he looks on, grave, caring, and perhaps a little sad. He might be looking upon his own younger self of many years ago, fumbling through the hundreds of difficult knots his fingers must learn to tie with unconscious ease.
I enjoyed creating all the illustrations for Goddess Tithe, but this one was my favorite. I love the contrasts of light and dark, the contrasts of young and old . . . youthful intensity versus the perspective of age.
Excerpt from the Story:
Here is an excerpt from the middle of the story. In this scene, Munny has been ordered to Captain Sunan’s cabin to clear away his breakfast . . . an unexpected task, for a lowly cabin boy would not ordinarily dare enter his captain’s private quarters! Munny hopes to slip in and out quietly without attracting the captain’s notice. But his hopes are dashed when Sunan addresses him, asking how their strange, foreign stowaway is faring:
__________
“And what do you make of him yourself?”
Munny dared glance his captain’s way and was relieved when his eyes met only a stern and rigid back. “I’m not sure, Captain,” he said. “I think he’s afraid. But not of . . .”
“Not of the goddess?” the Captain finished for him. And with these words he turned upon Munny, his eyes so full of secrets it was nearly overwhelming. Munny froze, his fingers just touching but not daring to take up a small teapot of fragile work.
The Captain looked at him, studying his small frame up and down. “No,” he said, “I believe you are right. Leonard the Clown does not fear Risafeth. I believe he is unaware of his near peril at her will, suffering as he does under a peril nearer still.”
Munny made neither answer nor any move.
“We will bring him safely to Lunthea Maly, won’t we, Munny?” the Captain said. But he did not speak as though he expected an answer, so again Munny offered none. “We will bring him safely to Lunthea Maly and there let him choose his own dark future.”
“I hope—” Munny began.
But he was interrupted by a sudden commotion on deck. First a rising murmur of voices, then many shouts, inarticulate in cacophony. But a pounding at the cabin door accompanied Sur Agung’s voice bellowing, “Captain, you’d best come see this!”
The Captain’s eyes widened a moment and still did not break gaze with Munny’s. “We’ll keep him safe,” he repeated. Then he turned and was gone, leaving the door open.
Munny put down the pot he held and scurried after. The deck was alive with hands, even those who were off watch, crawling up from the hatches and crowding the rails on the port side. They parted way for the Captain to pass through, but when Munny tried to follow, they closed in again, blocking him as solidly as a brick wall.
“Look! Look!” Munny heard voices crying.
“It’s a sign!”
“She’s warning us!”
“It’s a sign, I tell you!”
Fearing he knew not what, Munny ran for the center mast and climbed partway up, using the handholds and footholds with unconscious confidence. Soon he was high enough to see over the heads of the gathered crew, out into the blue waters of the ocean. And he saw them.
They were water birds. Big white albatrosses, smaller seagulls, heavy cormorants, even deep-throated pelicans and sleek, black-faced terns. These and many more, hundreds of them, none of which should be seen this far out to sea.
They were all dead. Floating in a great mass.
Munny clung to the mast, pressing his cheek against its wood. The shouts of the frightened sailors below faded away, drowned out by the desolation of that sight. Death, reeking death, a sad flotilla upon the waves.
“I’ve never seen anything like that.”
Munny looked down to where Leonard clung to the mast just beneath him, staring wide-eyed out at the waves. “How could this have happened? Were they sick? Caught in a sudden gale? Are they tangled in fishing nets?”
There was no fear in his voice. Not like in the voices of the sailors. He did not understand. He did not realize. It wasn’t his fault, Munny told himself.
But it was.
____________
Giveaway:
<a id="rc-0cd52416" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0cd52416/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MGNkNTI0NzYyMGZiNjAwZjNmMTRhNTUxOTQ2MTQyOjE2/
-The Writer
Enjoy!!
Author Bio:Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a kindle of kitties, and one long-suffering dog. When she’s not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and practices piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, including Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, Starflower, and Dragonwitch. Heartless and Veiled Rose have each been honored with a Christy Award, and Starflower was voted winner of the 2013 Clive Staples Award.
Back Cover Copy:
The Vengeful Goddess
Demands Her Tithe
When a stowaway is discovered aboard the merchant ship Kulap Kanya, Munny, a cabin boy on his first voyage, knows what must be done. All stowaways are sacrificed to Risafeth, the evil goddess of the sea. Such is her right, and the Kulap Kanya's only hope to return safely home.
Yet, to the horror of his crew, Captain Sunan vows to protect the stowaway, a foreigner in clown's garb. A curse falls upon the ship and all who sail with her, for Risafeth will stop at nothing to claim her tithe.
Will Munny find the courage to trust his captain and to protect the strange clown who has become his friend?
Cover Design Intro:
I had the fun of designing this cover—finding reference photos, inventing the composition, applying the text, etc.—but the actual artistic work was done by talented cover artist Phatpuppy (www.phatpuppyart.com), whose work I have admired for many years. It was such a thrill for me to contact and commission this artist to create a look for Goddess Tithe that is reminiscent of the original novels but has a style and drama all its own.
The boy on the front was quite a find. I hunted high and low for an image of a boy the right age, the right look, with the right expression on his face. Phatpuppy and I worked with a different model through most of the cover development stage. But then I happened upon this image, and both she and I were delighted with his blend of youth, stubbornness, and strength of character! It wasn’t difficult to switch the original boy for this young man. He simply is Munny, and this cover is a perfect window into the world of my story.
You can’t see it here, but the wrap-around back cover for the print copy contains some of the prettiest work . . . including quite a scary sea monster! Possibly my favorite detail is the inclusion of the ghostly white flowers framing the outer edge. These are an important symbol in the story itself, and when Phatpuppy sent me the first mock-up cover with these included, I nearly jumped out of my skin with excitement!
Intro to Illustration:
There are eight full-page illustrations in Goddess Tithe featuring various characters and events from the story. This is the first one in the book. I decided to share it with all of you since it depicts my young hero, Munny the cabin boy, under the watchful eye of his mentor, the old sailor Tu Pich. Munny is on his first voyage, and he is determined to learn all there is to know about a life at sea as quickly as possible. Thus we see him utterly intent upon the knot he is learning to tie. Tu Pich is old enough to know that no sailor will ever learn all there is to know about the sea. Thus he looks on, grave, caring, and perhaps a little sad. He might be looking upon his own younger self of many years ago, fumbling through the hundreds of difficult knots his fingers must learn to tie with unconscious ease.
I enjoyed creating all the illustrations for Goddess Tithe, but this one was my favorite. I love the contrasts of light and dark, the contrasts of young and old . . . youthful intensity versus the perspective of age.
Excerpt from the Story:
Here is an excerpt from the middle of the story. In this scene, Munny has been ordered to Captain Sunan’s cabin to clear away his breakfast . . . an unexpected task, for a lowly cabin boy would not ordinarily dare enter his captain’s private quarters! Munny hopes to slip in and out quietly without attracting the captain’s notice. But his hopes are dashed when Sunan addresses him, asking how their strange, foreign stowaway is faring:
__________
“And what do you make of him yourself?”
Munny dared glance his captain’s way and was relieved when his eyes met only a stern and rigid back. “I’m not sure, Captain,” he said. “I think he’s afraid. But not of . . .”
“Not of the goddess?” the Captain finished for him. And with these words he turned upon Munny, his eyes so full of secrets it was nearly overwhelming. Munny froze, his fingers just touching but not daring to take up a small teapot of fragile work.
The Captain looked at him, studying his small frame up and down. “No,” he said, “I believe you are right. Leonard the Clown does not fear Risafeth. I believe he is unaware of his near peril at her will, suffering as he does under a peril nearer still.”
Munny made neither answer nor any move.
“We will bring him safely to Lunthea Maly, won’t we, Munny?” the Captain said. But he did not speak as though he expected an answer, so again Munny offered none. “We will bring him safely to Lunthea Maly and there let him choose his own dark future.”
“I hope—” Munny began.
But he was interrupted by a sudden commotion on deck. First a rising murmur of voices, then many shouts, inarticulate in cacophony. But a pounding at the cabin door accompanied Sur Agung’s voice bellowing, “Captain, you’d best come see this!”
The Captain’s eyes widened a moment and still did not break gaze with Munny’s. “We’ll keep him safe,” he repeated. Then he turned and was gone, leaving the door open.
Munny put down the pot he held and scurried after. The deck was alive with hands, even those who were off watch, crawling up from the hatches and crowding the rails on the port side. They parted way for the Captain to pass through, but when Munny tried to follow, they closed in again, blocking him as solidly as a brick wall.
“Look! Look!” Munny heard voices crying.
“It’s a sign!”
“She’s warning us!”
“It’s a sign, I tell you!”
Fearing he knew not what, Munny ran for the center mast and climbed partway up, using the handholds and footholds with unconscious confidence. Soon he was high enough to see over the heads of the gathered crew, out into the blue waters of the ocean. And he saw them.
They were water birds. Big white albatrosses, smaller seagulls, heavy cormorants, even deep-throated pelicans and sleek, black-faced terns. These and many more, hundreds of them, none of which should be seen this far out to sea.
They were all dead. Floating in a great mass.
Munny clung to the mast, pressing his cheek against its wood. The shouts of the frightened sailors below faded away, drowned out by the desolation of that sight. Death, reeking death, a sad flotilla upon the waves.
“I’ve never seen anything like that.”
Munny looked down to where Leonard clung to the mast just beneath him, staring wide-eyed out at the waves. “How could this have happened? Were they sick? Caught in a sudden gale? Are they tangled in fishing nets?”
There was no fear in his voice. Not like in the voices of the sailors. He did not understand. He did not realize. It wasn’t his fault, Munny told himself.
But it was.
____________
Giveaway:
<a id="rc-0cd52416" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0cd52416/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MGNkNTI0NzYyMGZiNjAwZjNmMTRhNTUxOTQ2MTQyOjE2/
-The Writer
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