Character Interview - Elric

 Hello everyone! Today I've decided to introduce you to Elric, my  MC in my novel. Instead of going into a long history on this character (you'll get enough of that in the book :P) I've decided to just introduce ya'll the him.

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Me: Good afternoon Elric!

Elric: Hello

Me: You don't sound very excited, do you?

Elric: Did you expect anything different?

Me: Moving on... What are you doing today? And how old are you?

Elric: Currently I'm on a picnic, which you so rudely took me from. I'm seventeen years.

Me: Oh, and who were you picnicking with?

Elric: Just a girl from the village. Her name is Anya.

Me: Anya, eh? *grins* And just what is your opinion of Anya?

Elric: She's smart. She knows her poetry. She's very... lovely. But why am I telling you this?

Me: Because I told you to! So there!

Elric: That's not very nice.

Me: Deal with it, buddy.  So, why are you in the village of Redge?

Elric: *stares*

Me: Well???

Elric: It's a bit confidential

Me: Seriously? I wrote all about it! I know the confidential stuff! I know everything about you! I know the thoughts that go through your brain right when you think them! I CREATED YOU!

Elric: That was... disturbing. Fine. I'm here to find... a traitor.

Me: Really? How do you know the person you're looking for is a traitor?

Elric: *puts head in hands* I'm not sure! I don't know what to do!

Me: Well don't break down on me right now!

Elric: Ahem. Sorry about that. I'm just really confused. All these strange thoughts keep going through my mind, and I don't know where they're coming from!

Me: *snicker* I do.

Elric: Do you think it's part of the illness of...

Me: Hush up! That's not supposed to be revealed yet! And the answer is no, Elric. You're fine. Poor, tortured boy. But answer the question without breaking down.

Elric: I don't know what I believe. But I suppose I might as well do what I've been ordered. At least I won't be imprisoned, or killed. When I'm king I can change things.

Me: Isn't it better to try to change things now?

Elric: What? I mean, what can I do? I'm just a scrawny, unloved prince! No one respects me, nobody thinks I can do anything!

Me: What about your manservant, Winson.

Elric: Well, Winston is just one person. If no one else supports me, what can I do?

Me: I have a feeling that more people support you then you think. What about Anya?

Elric: *looks at me curiously* What about Anya?

Me: You said she was erm lovely?

Elric: Yes.

Me: *giggle* You like her don't you?!

Elric: Like? Well, yes she's a nice person.

Me: You LOVE her.

Elric: Excuse me. I don't wish to speak of this.

Me: *huff* Fine. Who's ordering you to find the "traitor"

Elric: Well, my father, the king.

Me: And what do you think of your father?

Elric: He's my father, he's the king! I have to do as he says.

Me: Or else?

Elric: Well yes. But you shouldn't say anything bad about him. He might hear you.

Me: Please. He can't do anything. So what are you going to do later?

Elric: I suppose I'll search for information regarding the traitor. Though I really don't want to...

Me: Oh you will. And a lot of other things will happen to you to, but we'll leave it for now. I might interview you again, later, when you're in different circumstances. Enjoy your picnic.

Elric: Thank you. I think... For all I know you might have someone attack us!

Me: *Laughs nervously* Well, have a good day! Goodbye!

Elric: Goodbye.

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 And that's all for Elric's interview, for now. I know, it doesn't tell you too much. But that's kinda the point. :D

 Ask any questions or just leave a reply in the comments!

 Thanks for reading!

~ Bethany

Something Exciting

Hi everyone! Just writing a short post here to let you know of something really exciting that will be happening in a couple days! Make sure to check every now and again to see who I'm interviewing. I'm really excited about it. I won't tell you anything else, cause I want to surprise everyone, but for me it's a big deal.

 I'm working away at my  novel, but haven't had much time in the past few days. Ah well, it's going to get done! Whoo!

 I still have to post about film camp day 2, but I don't think I have time to do that right now! Bummer!

 Coming soon are also character interviews, and some more exciting bits for you to be able to see into my story!

 I also signed up to review some books! Whoo hoo! Free books! :D

 Our youth camp is coming up, starting July 6, and going through the 10, so there won't be any movement from me during that time on here. I'm super excited to see what the Lord will do through camp!

 Thanks for reading this short, rambling post. God bless!

 Bethany

Beautiful People Evil Edition

Okay. I know I promised to write about Film Camp day 2, and I'm hoping to get to it, but since I believe I can get this up quicker... I'm going to post this. Even though it's way behind the date your supposed to stop, I've decided to take part in Kylie's at Further Up and Further In beautiful people project. It's where you answer questions about your characters. I've decided to try the "evil edition." Bwahahahaha. Since my book involves more then one evil character, (my poor MC!) I'm just going to do one for now. I'm going to choose Rath, Elric's father.

 1. What is their motive? King Rath's motive is to have the entire kingdom under his will, no one disagreeing in any form. He also sees those who worship the One as challenging him.

2. What are they prepared to do to get what they want? Anything. He has executed many people, including several of his top generals who he suspected were plotting against him.

3. Are they evil to the core, or simply misunderstood? Eh. This is a hard question. Villain's are usually villains because they're bad. Everyone has a choice in the actions they take. But Rath suffers from a mental illness that has been eating at him since the death of his oldest son. It makes him think that the entire world is against him, and he trusts no one.

4. What was their past like? What about their childhood? Was there one defining moment that made them embrace their evil ways? He grew up in the palace. Everyone knew he would be a strong king from the beginning. He married young, and had three sons, until the day his oldest boy was killed in a tragic accident which lit the fuse on his illness.

5. Now that they’re evil, have they turned their back on everyone, or is there still someone in their life that they care for? (Brother? Daughter? Love interest? Mother? Someone who is just as evil as they are?) King Rath has a special place in his heart for his youngest son, Arran, who is a lot like him in physical ability, and in some respects, his wife.

6. Do they like hugs? He does not trust anyone enough to hug them... usually.

7. Are they plagued by something? (Nightmares, terrible thoughts?) He is plagued by the illness which puts thoughts in his head that everyone is against him.

8. Who are they more similar to: Gollum or Maleficent? Maleficent

9. If your villain could have their choice of transportation what would it be? King's carriage

10. If you met your villain in the street, how afraid would you be? Are they evil enough to kill their creator?  Oh, I believe so!

 So what do ya'll think? Sound like someone you'd want to read about?

Giveaway

Inspiring Daring is giving away a book by Lisa T. Bergren on her blog. Check it out here: http://www.rachellerea.com/2012/06/tributary-by-lisa-t-bergren-review-and.html?spref=bl

Film Camp Day 1

Okay, I said I would post about film camp. So I'll post what I can remember about it :P

 Day 1 (Friday)

 Wow. The day started off with us being a little late. I had also misplaced my film camp ticket, so we had to get there early enough for me to get a replacement. By the time mom, Daniel, and I had gotten loaded up, we hoped we could get there early. But then, the most aggravating thing happened. There was a traffic jam! We were probably stuck in traffic for almost an hour because of an accident or something. By the time we got up to the scene, it looked like everything had basically cleared up. There were just a couple police cars sitting along the road. I was worrying by this time, which I really shouldn't have been, but I was. Mom drove downtown where the convention center is, and dropped Daniel and I off so she could park. I walked into that huge hall, and wondered what to do. I decided to go to the help desk first. I told them that I misplaced my ticket, and asked if I could get a replacement. After a bit of waiting, they told me I could get one at the registration desk. So we went over there, and had to wait behind a few people. I was thinking 'I am so late' by this time. Daniel went with me up the escalator even though he was going to attend a different workshop. There were a couple of guys out front who work in Crystal Creek Media, and I (nervously- I'm so bad with that sort of thing sometimes!) showed them my ticket. One of them looked over a list of names, then asked if I registered recently. The other was quick to say that I had. Apparently the only names on the list were the ones who had per-registered.  They told me that it was already starting, and I hurried in (rather awkwardly.) The room was packed! And it was a pretty big room too! I looked around nervously for an empty seat. Finally I spotted one near the back among a group of three young people. I asked "Is anyone sitting here?" One of the girls smiled and said "No" so I sat down. Apparently the row you sat in represented your "movie studio" in a game you play throughout the two days. We were supposed to come up with a name for our studio, and the other members of my group were already thinking of a couple. They asked if I like Aurora Studios, or Northern Lights Studios better, and I chose the latter. Anywho, we had a couple sessions about different things until lunch time. It was pretty interesting. Mom was waiting outside with Daniel, and we walked to the car to eat our lunch. I was telling mom all about what I had learned, and we were trying to eat pretty quick because the film camp people were going to put on one of their movies, Creed of Gold, for everyone to watch. I got back to the room, and slipped into what I hoped was my seat. Then I switched to a different row because I was pretty sure I was wrong. I was, because when a couple of other members of our group named Elsa, and Danny showed up, they said I was in the right seat. We watched some of the movie, until they turned it off to start the rest of film camp. BUMMER! Anyway, there were a bunch of sessions on various topics like planning your film, how to make a film and not go to jail, scriptwriting, and film acting. After the session was over, I talked to one of the ladies involved, Kathleen Knudsen, until mom and Daniel showed up. They had attended several workshops while I was in film camp. Since it was rush hour, mom wanted to wait an hour or so until traffic cleared up, so we went down to the exhibit hall to see what they had. The main goal on my mind was the young entrepreneurs section, but we basically went up and down all the isles, looking at different booths and stuff. There were lots of booksellers, and all kinds of interesting stuff. I was so happy when I found a seller with TONS of the types of books I love. They had several of Wayne Thomas Batson books-score, and several others. I told mom that we had to come back to this booth. We continued, looking at various things. Suddenly, I saw this big banner that said something about "The Kingdom series." I looked at mom, and said rather absentmindedly, not really meaning it, "Huh, they have a whole booth for the series. I wonder if the author Chuck Black is here?" There was a man- probably in his late forties, early fifties- talking to someone, and I squinted to read the name tag pinned to his shirt. Suddenly, I drew in a breath, leaned towards mom, and let out in a strange rush of air, "Oh! It's Chuck Black!" And it was! The author himself. I was really tempted to take a picture of him, but my dear mother informed me that would be weird. So I didn't. I did, however, talk to his daughter. She's going to be a great saleswoman, that one. Anyway, we finally got over to the young entrepreneurs section, which I was most excited about. We passed the artist, the film makers (so cool!), the bakers, the studio guy, etc. until we came to the author. I was excited to meet Rachel Coker after reading about her, and hearing her GREAT story of how she got published. She is such an inspiration to me! Anyway, she recognized me from a facebook comment. "Oh are you Bethany Baldwin from facebook?" I confirmed, and she asked me if I had read her, book, which I hadn't yet. I told her I wanted to buy it from her though, and she offered to autograph it. She talked to me for several minutes, and was really sweet and friendly. She asked me how old I was, and about my interests. She even said that if I ever published a book she'd read it! Cool. I really enjoyed meeting her. She didn't act prideful at all, but as if we were friends forever. It was neat. Later on facebook she said I was one of the highlights of her evening. I don't if I was all that great, but it was nice. She even wrote a sweet message in my book about pursuing my dreams. Anyway, we finished touring the booths, and by the time we'd traversed the entire giant room, it was about time to head home. And I guess that concludes this post. I hope it was slightly interesting! Look up Rachel Coker and her book: Interrupted life Beyond Words. :)

One of Those Days

Today was one of those days. It wasn't actually the best way to start to a day. We had to get up early to drive almost an hour to the orthodontist. Well, my appointment was 8:30 or so in the morning. I'm in the last stages, where I just have to check retainers, yadayadayada. So I go in, the lady makes sure my retainers fit, reminds me to continue wearing them, at night, and lets me know again that I need to get my wisdom teeth out. (But I want to be wise!) That's my appointment. I leave, check in with the lady at the desk to get another six month appointment, and we walk out of the office. The thing is, the next appointment (my dad's doctor's appointment) isn't until about 1:30! Talk about time to kill.

 We try to figure out where we are going, and there is all the general confusion, since we're in a pretty big city. We finally get to where we think the appointment is and BAM! there was a schedule change we didn't remember. His appointment is on practically the other side of town!

 By the time all this confusion is worked out, and we've made it to the part of town where the real appointment is, and now we're getting pretty hungry. It's currently nearing noon. So we go in a McDonald's, and order something to eat. We use their WiFi for random internet stuff, since we've still got a couple of hours.

 A couple of interesting conversations go on in that McDonald's, including how much sugar they put in their sweet tea! Whew! But anyway...

 We finally go to dad's true appointment, and sit in the waiting room for what seems like forever. It would have been the perfect time to write, if I had only brought my notebook in... *sigh* I was having trouble just reading a novel, so I picked up an animal wildlife something something magazine and looked at all the cute, cool, and sometimes sad photos of animals in it. I also looked at some book about New York... and yeah. I don't care for waiting rooms lol.

 Well, dad finally gets out, and we have to head to the other side of town once again! This time to register for the conference where the film camp is happening. Mom, my brother, and I get out and head into the building while dad drives in the car around waiting.

 The conference building is huge! I would totally get lost in there by myself! Needless to say, we found the information desk to sign up for the conference, and me for film camp. After filling out a couple of forms, we get a bunch of spiffy name tags, and I get a film camp ticket. Whoo! ;)

 Mom wants to figure out where I'll be going so we go up the escalator, and walk a really really long way just to reach the room the film camp is happening in. No one's there, but at least we know where it is if we're running late (which I desperately hope we aren't!) We eventually get back to the first door- after mom and I stop by the ladies room. Daniel takes this as an opportunity to step out on a balcony to look at some sights- and ends up locked out. Fortunately there was someone to let him back in the building. Haha. Oh! And also before we went back downstairs, we looked from these big windows at the exhibit hall below, where folks are getting set up for the convention. The young entrepreneurs will be there tomorrow. I'm excited about that. Hoping to get the opportunity to purchase Rachel Coker's book.

 Anyway, it takes forever to find dad and the van. After that we head to Sam's club, so mom can pick up some groceries. I read a book while Daniel watches a movie they're playing (Karate Kid). When mom's done shopping we order a pizza, and eat it on the way home. We got home around seven something, or eight.

 Some more stuff happened but I'm not exactly in the mood to talk about it lol. We have to get up at six tomorrow to get to the convention on time! So goodnight to all! I will try to be more entertaining in my next post. ;)

 God bless you!

~Beth

My main character is a guy :)

It's kind of strange. It seems like most teenaged girl authors write their main character as a girl. I guess the argument could be made that it's easier, being a girl, to write a girl as the main character. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with writing main girl characters- in fact I've written many myself. But the thing is, the major novel I'm working on right now doesn't "star" a girl. Actually, the main character is a seventeen year old young man.

 Interesting right?

 I mean, I'm a teenaged girl. I like to read about other girls I can relate to; In sorrow, in joy, or whatever else they might be going through in the story. You'd think I'd want to write a girl character, especially since this novel has such a deep meaning (or I hope it does,) and writing from a girl's point of view would be simple. Easy.

 Wrong! I've written so many girl characters that are anything but simple and easy. Or maybe they're TOO simple and easy. The truth is, a character CAN'T be simple and easy for he/her to be a good character. The complexities, the inner working of their minds, the feelings, everything about the characters make the story. Without a good character, your story is sunk. That's why I hope my characters are unique in their own way. I want to write in 3D where you can find things about the character to connect with.

 Elric, the main protagonist from my current novel is a complex character. And I hope that he's complex in the best senses of the word! I cause him to suffer so much, with all the things going on in his life. He's basically fighting a battle of good and evil- all in his head! If you had several lives on the line- their future's hanging by what decision you made, I'm sure you would be suffering too. I don't want to blow too much of the plot, but trust me, this guy needs some guidance. And from where I'm writing now, I'm pretty sure he hasn't found the place he's looking for yet.

 So yeah, this blog post has rapidly changed topic since I started. My main character is a guy! I think the thing that got me to write this was that I read something where you try to flesh out your character. It always says "she" or "her" when addressing your character. Well what about he? Ha. It's probably silly, but that just popped into my head. It would feel strange to write all these descriptions about Elric with the words "her" or "she" in the front.

 I've made the choice to try and write a little bit every day, no matter how busy I am. We'll see how that works out. Currently, I'm over 30,000 words. Whoo hoo. Ha. The only question is, can I finish it before August? We'll see.

Later this week...

 I'll (hopefully) be going to film camp! There's still about 50 spots open, so I should be able to get in. It's quite exciting. I'll be able to learn lots of information about film making in general, and acting for films etc. etc. Which is good, since I really enjoy acting, and maybe I'll find an interest in this. I guess we'll see. I shall endeavor to blog about both days if I can, especially if it's interesting. ;)

 Also, my piano recital is coming up. I don't know if it twill be anything of interest to blog about, but maybe something exciting will happen. A good exciting.

 So, even though this is a bit short, I'll end with a brief description of a few of my characters. What fun!

 Elric~ The tortured (in his mind) prince. Should be do what's ordered, or what his conscious is telling him to do. And what of the One he is learning about?

Winston~ Elric's friend and manservant. Tends to be a bit pompous at times, but he has a good heart.

Rior~ The crazy carriage driver. Not really crazy, but he is a bit... eccentric. Don't believe me? Ask him to tell you the story of his glass eye.

Anya~ A sweet village girl who helps run her father's hotel.

 I've just realized I haven't even posted a summary. Ah well. I'm sure I will sometime. Let's just say, I'm working on the story still. It's developing. I'm afraid I may have fallen into a bit of slump, but I'm hoping I'll be out of that soon enough.

 I hope you enjoy this blog post, and remember,

don't get into a physical fight with someone who has a sword if all you possess is a pen. ;)

 Remember to follow the One True King.

 Goodnight all! I'm off to write!