Busy as always! :D

 So, my blog posts will hopefully happen this week. I'm about to leave to visit with family. I've packed up some things, making sure I have notebooks and the computer. I hope I'll get some writing done on the way. But I'm super excited cause I get to see my adorable niece and nephew! I'll try to get some photos to share with ya'll when I get back. Next Tuesday I'll try to share with you the theater class I'm taking currently. By the way, I was cast in the musical Tarzan! WHOOP! Anyway, I know this is short, but life is life, and I have to make sure I'm ready to go. I love you all, and hope to be on here again tomorrow!

~ a rambling author

Scripture Encouragement

 Hey all! I have so many thoughts about life I could spill out, but since I'm currently on a really tight schedule... well this weekend, anyway... I want to do something I haven't done a lot on this blog, but mean to do more, and that is share a scripture.

 I love the word of God so much, and there are so many things we can apply to our lives... well, we can apply everything! So today, I'm just going to share one, and just think about the words and meaning, and how you can apply it to your life.


Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. ~ Isaiah 44:8

~ a rambling author

The Prince's Quest Re-write

 This post will be a little short, but since it's Wednesday for writing... I want to talk about The Prince's Quest. If you've been following this blog for a while, you know this is the story I've been working since 2011. I've referred to it as 'my baby' and it's characters are my favorites. But I hit a slump after I completed the story.

 You see, I had written most of the book by hand, and I have that in a giant binder. I've transitioned to doing more writing by computer now, and the idea of typing up all that hard work... over 50,000 words of it, made me balk.

 It wasn't as if I was trying to be lazy. The fact was, in 2011, my writing was... undeveloped. I mean, it isn't perfect now, but then... It just wasn't ready. So I imagined sitting for hours, typing up that book and wanting to correct the entire time. I felt like it would take too long, and drain me for the story.

 So I put it off. This isn't something you should do. Putting things off accomplishes nothing. But I did. I focused on other projects, while continuing my torturous deciding.

 Finally, when I knew I had made my poor story wait long enough, I put the question to my friends over at Go Teen Writers. I asked them if I should just type up what I had, or start fresh, remembering the plot I had written. These two choices were the source of my anxiety.

 Much to my actual relief, they all encouraged me to re-write, but use the old work as a guide. I didn't have to throw it out, but I didn't have to type up all those thousands of words either. Once I had someone else's opinion of the matter, I felt a lot better.

 And I can tell you now, that it was the best decision I could have made. I am loving re-writing this story. Now that I have further insight into the story and characters than I did as a fifteen-year-old NaNoWriMo participant, I can really dig deep, and tell the story like I meant it to be told all along. I am so happy to be re-writing, and I may even be starting to enjoy it more than the first draft process.

 So thank you, to everyone at Go Teen Writers for encouraging me to continue, even when I felt like it was a heavy load. Thank you to my readers for wanting this story. And thank you God for giving it to me.

~ a rambling author

In the Shadow of Jezebel: A Book Review

 Hey all! I took last week off. I was working on finishing up the book I will be reviewing today since it's due. So, I'm switching things around this week, doing books today, and my life post on Thursday. Hope it's not too confusing. But now, I'm going to review In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews.  I received this book from Revell books in exchange for my honest review.

Back cover: Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel. Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel's strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh's high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family--and the nation--she loves?

 This was the first book I read by Mesu Andrews, and I'm telling you, the title alone was intriguing! If you know anything about the Jezebel written about in the Bible, you know she wasn't good news. I actually hadn't planned to request another book to review, but when I saw this one I couldn't resist. I love Biblical fiction, and this time period of the Bible especially intrigues me.

So let's start with the characters. Jehosheba is our protagonist. She is the daughter of King Johoram of Israel, and the step daughter of his wife, Athaliah, as she was born to one of his other wives. She was adopted by Athaliah because of her lack of daughters. Jehosheba is an interesting character. At the start we are tempted to dislike her because of her unkind treatment of her maids, but as we read we learn of Sheba's fears and insecurities and discover that there is more to her than a shallow princess who worships a false god. I think the author did a fantastic job in starting and finishing Jehosheba's character arc. There's also Jehoiada the High Priest, an "angry old goat" according to many in the book. It was neat to see the story from his perspective as well, and God's plan for him revealed. Each member of the supporting cast was well-written, and held something deeper. For a while, I was even wishing for Sheba's half-brother, Ahaziah, to find the truth... even though I already knew the ending to that thanks to the word of God. Yes, I enjoyed all of the characters, but want to give special mention to the author's portrayal of Jezebel and her daughter, Athaliah. They were portrayed in such a creepy, different way. It was well done, and made me afraid to meet up with them anywhere. The downright evil seen in their souls was chilling.

 Now the plot. It was very interesting. It covered a pretty big stretch of time... but all added to the story. It was eerie learning about all the practices of worshiping the god Baal, and goddess Astarte, and uplifting to hear about worship in the temple of Yaweh. It's not often that an author can transport you back to the times of high priests, and the ark, so flawlessly, but Mrs. Andrews made me feel like it was all real. Even though I may have read the Biblical account of this many times, it is so interesting to see it written out as a story. I even enjoyed reading about Israel, in all of its depravity, and all the court intrigue kept me reading late.

 I really liked this book. It was thorough, and you could tell the author did her research. I enjoyed each small thing that was included, like the special attention to description of the High Priest's garments, etc. This book was happy, but also sad, in a way, because it reveals the depravities of a land that forsakes God, almost in the same way our country seems to want to head. At any rate, I appreciated the author's attention to detail, and her attempt to keep it Biblically accurate. I loved this story, and I recommend this for readers 15 and up.

~ a rambling author

Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel.
Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel’s strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh’s high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh’s temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family–and the nation–she loves?
- See more at: http://www.mesuandrews.com/books/in-the-shadow-of-jezebel/#sthash.yMqQLMdb.dpuf

Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel.
Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel’s strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh’s high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh’s temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family–and the nation–she loves?
- See more at: http://www.mesuandrews.com/books/in-the-shadow-of-jezebel/#sthash.yMqQLMdb.dpuf

One Realm Beyond: A Book Review

Hello all! Today I will be reviewing One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul. I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion from the publisher.

Back cover:

Cantor D’Ahma waited his whole life for this day. Born with a gift to walk between worlds, the young realm walker is finally ready to leave his elderly mentor and accept his role as protector and defender of the realms.
But mere hours after he steps through his first portal, Cantor discovers that his job will be more dangerous and difficult than he ever imagined. The realms are plagued with crime and cruelty, and even members of the once-noble Realm Walkers Guild can no longer be trusted. To make matters worse, his first assignment — finding a dragon to assist him on his quest — has led him to Bridger, who is clearly inept and won’t leave him alone.
With the help of his new friends, Bixby and Dukmee, Cantor must uncover the secrets of the corrupt guild before they become too powerful to be stopped. But his skills aren’t progressing as fast as he would like, and as he finds himself deeper and deeper in the guild’s layers of deceit, Cantor struggles to determine where his true allegiance lies.


 This is the second Donita K. Paul book I've had the opportunity to review. I thought it looked interesting so requested to review it. I have mixed feelings. I like it, I do. It just took me a little while to get into the story.

The best part for me is probably the characters. Each is unique, and interesting in their own way. From the constantly shape-shifting, clumsy dragon, Bridger, to the quirky but clever Bixby. Each person had a part to play and none were there as "extras."

 The storyline was also good even if it took me  several chapters to be drawn in. I enjoyed Cantor's journey once I was in, however. This book mentions wizards, which I'm not a fan of, but I'll reserve judgement on that front because I haven't seen any of the wizard's yet, though from what's described they're said to work for the God character of the story. At least that's what I took from it. 

 Anyway, it's very interesting. If you like fantasy involving dragons, and special abilities, and portals to other worlds, you'll love One Realm Beyond!

~ a rambling author

You Ask Fanic: The Answers

 

This is the look he's giving me right now.

Last week, I asked you to send questions in for my creepy creep from The Prince's Quest, Fanic. Although he's such a weirdo, people seem to love him... something I don't quite understand. Anyway, here are the questions you asked. I'll try to keep him from being too... um... freaky.







 
What got you interested in blades and knives, and what was your first knife you ever got? 

 I like the way this is starting out. There is no reason not to enjoy the benefits of a knife. With my many blades, I can accomplish anything a bow or sword can with less work. Although, I sometimes use a bow, I much prefer knives. For example, you can run out of arrows, or grow exhausted with a sword. A knife brings the two together. You can throw them, or use them in hand-to-hand combat. And knives are the best choice for my profession because of the secrecy they allow. I received my first knife on my eighth birth celebration. It was a paltry weapon from my mother, but I put it to good use, and it began my love for cutting things.

Who was the first person you killed? 

 That would be the man my mother married when I was ten. He was a brute, and I should be thanked for his death. He lasted until I was fourteen, and then I grew tired of him.

Can you talk about how you felt afterwards?

 Triumphant, what else? To put down a man such as that can be described as nothing else. I discovered that killing is what I am good at.

Would you consider yourself more of a psychopath or a sociopath?

 My dear, are you questioning my sanity? (Me: I think he's a sociopath with psychopathic tendencies. But I don't know. :P)

Is there anyone who's ever been dear to you in life? Or have you always been more of a lone-ranger? 

Having someone you care for makes you weak. I had a mother, but she's dead now. When I was eighteen I fancied I loved a girl. She's dead too. Come to your own conclusions.

Who or what do you hate most, and why?

I don't think there's anyone left to hate. If I hate someone, they die.

What would you do if you encountered that person/thing/situation right now?

 I think I already made my answer clear, but I would kill them. Quite possibly.

What do you fear? Or will you admit to fearing anything at all? 

 *Yawn* Fear is my domain. I am the shadow in your bedroom, I am the dagger waiting to stab you. I live on fear. 

What's your favorite blade type/design? Tanto? Bowie?

I don't know what a Tanto or Bowie is, but if I understand the question, you're asking me my preferred knife? My favorite blades are the ones I make myself, or get through the black market weapons dealers. I like them to be long, so they're easy to slip between ribs. Or at least to wave around threateningly. Thin is also a bonus at times.

Which style of knife (ex. Throwing, dagger) do you prefer?

I enjoy all kinds. Each has its merit. To choose one would be like choosing a favorite child. If I had one.







How many knives do you own?

The answer varies. I carry a certain number on my person, and keep some in my dwelling. I like collecting a knife from every city I visit. I'd say nearing 200 at this point, though I only carry fifteen with me.

Which is your favorite?

 My serrated blade. It was created with jagged edges, and is the most fun to terrify people with.

 And would you agree that Damascus steel is the best? 

 I've never heard of such a thing as Damascus. The best steel comes from the mines in Linaeus. Also, Masin has good metal if they would bother collecting it. 

Do you prefer to work as an assassin or a scout and why?

An assassin's job is more fun. Though the pleasure isn't really from killing. When you're a scout you can terrify the people you are tracking, or even those you are working with. I'm at the middle of the road here.

Did you ever have a family? Where are they now?

 These questions are so repetitive. I had a family. I had a mother and a sister. They're both gone. It's none of your concern.

When did you find yourself first enjoying pain? How did it make you feel when you realized it?

 I broke another boy's arm when I was twelve. When you first find yourself enjoying pain it can be frightening until you transition into appreciating it. I felt powerful.


If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?

I would have killed my mother's husband sooner.

Say you're sick in bed, trying stubbornly to rest, and have absolutely no intention of moving. If there was one sound in the world that would force you out of that bed to go chasing after the source, what would it be?

 I don't get sick. But one thing to make me leave my bed would be the sound a person. Because when I sleep, no people should stir.

If a stranger were to approach you and introduce themselves, any suspicions aside, what is the first thing about them that you would notice?

 If they carried a visible weapon. If they looked afraid.

Can you identify a single thing that changed your path in life, and would you change that if you could?

As I've said, the killing of my mother's husband. I was preparing to be a fisherman, but that changed it all. I wouldn't change it. Can't you see how happy I am?


 Has Fanic always enjoyed hurting others or was there a time when he didn't? 

 You make is sound so animalistic. And I'm right here. No third person, please. Hurting others... hmm. I suppose I may not have enjoyed it when I was young. But I was weak. I'm not weak anymore.

~

 Thanks for the questions everyone! Sorry Fanic was such a creep. You can read more about him in the future, I hope, in The Prince's Quest! And perhaps in more writing posts.

~ a rambling author

Birthday Books

 Alrighty, so I already talked about having my birthday this past Saturday. Well, I received three books from friends, and I've decided to showcase them today.

 The first book I received just after midnight, from one of my close friends. It was... Les Miserables! I've listened to the audio drama, been in the musical, seen the musical, etc... but I've never actually read the full out giant book for myself before. I'm so excited to add this classic to my read list! Yay! Have you read Les Mis, or a book of equal length? What's your favorite classic?


 The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers. Seriously, I LOVE this book. It's been a couple of years since I've read it, and I'm thrilled to read it once again. It's a beautiful story and highly recommended. Have you read any Francine Rivers books? Have a favorite?
A few hours later, during lunch, another friend surprised me with a present. One was a Doctor Who mug, (YES!) and the other a book. And not just any book. My favorite book.




 Lastly, not long after my second surprise, a wonderful mother gave me a fantastic gift, and one ofUnlocked by Karen Kingsbury. This is actually a story I've been wanting to read. I was interested in reading about a boy with autism and how a local girl wants to 'unlock' him. I'm really excited to read this.
things inside was...



 So thank you to the three people who were so kind to get me these lovely books. I'm can't wait to read them! (Note: Also, I received a Barnes and Noble gift card, so more books! Yay!)

~ a rambling author