Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas...and remember the true reason we celebrate it: Jesus' birth!!!

17 Years of Middle-Earth Movies - A Tribute to the Last of These

Middle-earth has been made into movies for about 17 years now.  Let us take a look back at them...

And now, for the one that has come out today, Battle of the Five Armies.

 

But let us not forget the creator of these epic tales: J.R.R. Tolkien.  A big round of applause to him!!!!!!

One Last Time

One Last Time with Middle-earth be in the theaters.  One last time.  Can you believe that the Battle of the Five Armies is coming out on WEDNESDAY?  Wow...time flew...

Let's make Wednesday, December 17, a day for all Tolkien friends to be proud of!  I found this picture on Pinterest:

 

Let's make this happen everyone! So, #durinsday!  Will you follow your fellow LOTR fans, one last time?

 

 

Writing With Music

Music is powerful.  Without a doubt.  I remember when I was little, my dad would have the television on watching something.  I wouldn't know what it was about, but the music made me feel emotion.  Some made me feel scared, some made me feel sad, some made me feel happy.  But it made me feel something.
     My writing reflects my emotion.  If I am sad, I usually write something depressing.  So, I use writing to inspire me to feel certain emotions when I write.  Does that make any sense?
    If you feel uninspired, you may want to try and listen to music.  I have found a site called SoundFuel that has wonderful soundtracks for whatever you may be writing!  And don't worry about bad lyrics, because they are instrumental.  ;)

I Did It! I Won!

Hi Everyone!
I just won NaNoWriMo!

I completed my word count goal of 23,000 words with the completion of Death Like Sleep and beginning The Clockshifter!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you have a fabulous day of thankfulness and food!

#Shelfie and NaNoWriMo Update

Ooohhhh!  The selfie for readers!  It's called a SHELFIE!  (Isn't that an awesome word?)  Anyways, I have been nominated by Katie at A Writer's Faith to post my shelfie!  What exactly is a shelfie?  Well, a shelfie is a picture taken of your bookshelf!



From Left to Right: The Hidden Staircase and The Secret of the Old Clock, A Little Princess, Little Women, Mr. Benedict's Book of Perplexing Puzzles, Elusive Enigmas, and Curious Conundrums, The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair

 



From Left to Right: Elsie's Girlhood, Elsie's Motherhood, Elsie's Children, Elsie's Widowhood, Elsie's Relations, Elsie at Nantucket, The Two Elsies, Elsie's Kith and Kin, Grandmother Elsie, Elsie's Womanhood

From Left to Right: The Secret Journey, The Christmas Doll, Blue Willow, The Princess Adelina, Tribulation Force, Nicolae, Apollyon, A Light Has Dawned, Go Teen Writers, Journey to the River Sea

And the ones that are too tall for my bookshelf:

From Top to Bottom: Armageddon,  The Emotion Thesaurus

I would now like to nominate:

Anna Jolene at Truth of the Lens

Athelas Hale at Red Lettering

Jaye L. Knight

Mickayla Jansen at Pencils Can Change the World

 

And now for the NaNoWriMo Update:

 

Well, there are 4 days left in NaNoWriMo!  I am both excited and sad.  I have only 2,517 more words to write to complete NaNoWriMo!!!  I am so excited!  I hope to finish on Friday sometime.  :)

The Last Push At NaNoWriMo

I am sorry that my posts this November have been few and far between.  Fact is, between NaNoWriMo and life, there is not very much time for blogging.

So this is it, the last week of 2014's NaNoWriMo.  The long awaited month is coming to a close.  But there is still so much writing to do!  The excitement of meeting your goal and fear of not meeting it is overwhelming.  Believe me, I understand completely.  I actually lowered my word count goal to 23,000 words because I knew that 40,000 was not feasible for how hectic my life is right not.  Here is a look at how I have written so far this November:

Yes, there are a lot of times when I should have been writing, but didn't.  But that's okay.  I will still meet my goal.

Something to help you on your last push is something that I found called Write Deck.  This sight is AWESOME!  You sign up and do word wars, which are not by time but by number of words.  You can even do them with yourself!  I have found that I have been more motivated with that to help me! 

Good luck with those word count goals!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Alea Harper

The Best Blogging Buddies Award

I was nominated for this award by Katie at A Writer's Faith!  Thank you so much Katie!

Here are the rules:

1. You must make a post to show your award on your main blog.
2. You must tag the person who nominated you in your post.
3. You must nominate all of your best buddies, and those whom you want to become best buddies with, who, to your knowledge, have not been nominated, for this award.
4. You must ask your buddies at least 15 questions on your post.
5. You must answer all of the questions your buddies ask you. On your post.

So...Let it Begin!

1. Where is your favorite place to write?
        My favorite place to write has to be the Grand Canyon!  This past summer when I went there, those who I was with and I stopped at a beautiful spot for a little while and I wrote!  It.  Was.  Awesome.
 2. Favorite board game?
       My favorite board game would have to be Scotland Yard.  :) It requires teamwork and a boatload of strategy (which I am not very good at)!
 3. What's your favorite joke?

 4. Best writing tip you've ever received?

 

       The best writing tip...hmm...let's see.  Well, I would have to say to keep persevering and writing and finish a story.

 5. Favorite movie?

 

       My favorite movie has to be Lord of the Rings.  Those movies are just epic.

 6. What's a time when you've laughed your hardest?

 

       When I was little, my mom was reading to my sister and I and my sister fell asleep, or partially asleep.  Then, she reached over and grabbed a basket that was next to her bed and tried to drink out of it!  We laughed so hard!

 7. Who's your favorite character that you've created? Describe them a little, if you can.

 

       My favorite character I have created would have to be Eryn from the third book in The Mind Wars Trilogy.  I don't know why I like her so much, but I do.  She has blonde hair and when she is afraid, it paralyzes her.  (I haven't finished creating her yet, so these things are subject to change.)

 8. What's your favorite thing to do besides writing and reading?

 

       My favorite thing to do besides reading and writing is probably spending time with friends and family or making movies!

 9. Movies or books and why?

  

       Books.  All the way.  Don't get me wrong, I love watching movies, but I like reading better.  I really don't know why, but I do.  :)

 10. Ebooks or paperback? Why?

 

       I do have an Ereader, but I like paperbacks so much better!  The feel of an actual book in your hand is an amazing feeling!

 11. Beaches or mountains?

 

       Mountains.

 12. Favorite type of music?

 

       Contemporary Christian!

 13. Okay. Hard question. List your top three favorite books/series.

 

       This one really isn't hard for me!  1. Resistance by Jaye L. Knight 2. Makilien Trilogy by Molly Evangeline 3. Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien

 14. What time of day can you get the most things done?

 

       I can get the most things done in the afternoon to night.  I am a night owl, not a morning person.  :)

 15. And, finally, if there was only one book you could read for the rest of your life, what would it be? (Minus the Bible)

 

       It would be Resistance by Jaye L. Knight.  That book is THE BEST BOOK EVER!  (Sorry, you will probably hear me fangirl about it a lot.)

 

 

Now, I would like to nominate:

 

Athelas Hale at Red Lettering

Jaye L. Knight

Anna Jolene at Truth of the Lens

 

 

My Questions For You

1. What has had the most impact on your life?

2. What is your favorite book?

3. What is your favorite movie?

4. Book or movie?

5. You are stranded on an island and can only have one item with you.  What is that item?

6. Would you rather go on a mission trip locally or internationally?  Why did you choose what you did?

7.  Here is a simple one: What is your favorite color?

8. What is the best first line you have ever read in a book?

9. What is the best last line you have ever read in a book?

10. What caused you to start writing?

11. Have you ever finished a story?  If so, what did you do when you finished the first draft?

12. Cake or pie?

13. Pizza or spaghetti?

14. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

15. If you won a million dollars right now, what would you do with the money?

 

The King's Scrolls Cover Reveal!

Hi!  I am so excited that I get to be a part of the cover reveal for my FAVORITE series, The Ilyon Chronicles!  So, without further ado, here is the amazing cover:

About The King's Scrolls

Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.

 When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?

Oh my goodness, I cannot even begin to explain my excitement to read this book!!!  But here is something else to be excited about,  Jaye is giving away one of her handcrafted quill pen necklaces and a $5 Amazon gift card! Enter for a chance to win using the form below! U.S. entries only please.  (By the way, her necklaces are AWESOME!)

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here is a picture of the necklace Jaye is giving away:

About Jaye L. Knight

Jaye L. Knight is a homeschool graduated indie author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean new adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

Add The King's Scrolls to Goodreads!

Here is an excerpt from The King's Scrolls!!!!!  (This is so exciting!)

The other younger crete took a swig of his coffee and set his eyes past her. Kyrin peeked over her shoulder at Kaden who, of course, was staring at the dragon. The female creature stared back in mutual interest.

“Go ahead,” the crete said suddenly. “You can touch her. She loves attention, and she’ll only attack if I tell her to.” A sly glint sparkled in his spring-green eyes.

Besides Jace, Kyrin had never seen anyone with such bright and colorful eyes as these cretes.

Kaden looked at him, his brows rising. “You can do that?”

The crete nodded. “Dragons are highly intelligent. You can teach them almost any command. Storm here is young, but she learns fast.”

Kyrin smiled at the delight in her brother’s eyes as he stepped closer to the dragon and ran his hand over her bluish-gray neck scales. A grin split his face.

“She’s so smooth. Kyrin, come and feel it.”

Kyrin stepped to his side and laid her hand on the dragon. The scales were indeed very smooth, reminding her of the polished marble stair-railings in Auréa Palace, but they weren’t cold. Warmth radiated through them. The dragon, still watching them, let out a little rumble, almost like a giant cat’s purr.

“I told you she liked attention,” the crete said, grinning.

Kyrin chuckled and glanced at Jace to see if he wanted to touch the dragon, but he made no move to come closer. This certainly had more to do with the crete than the dragon. He was very fond of any type of animal. She faced the crete again.

“So they can breathe fire?”

 “For short bursts, but that’s usually all it takes to deter any threat.”

“That’s incredible,” Kaden breathed.

While he continued admiring Storm, Kyrin observed the dragon’s rider. He appeared to be in his early to mid-twenties—about ten years younger than Captain Darq—though his exact age was impossible to guess. Cretes were said to mature faster than humans, so he could be anywhere from seventeen to twenty-five. He too wore a sleeveless jerkin. Brown tattoos, a little darker than his skin, marked both shoulders. Darq and the other cretes had them as well, but Kyrin hadn’t taken a good look at them until now. This man’s were a complicated pattern of spirals and dots, but the shape of a fox stood out in the center of his right shoulder.

Though she tried to be discreet, he must have caught her studying him and suddenly extended his hand to her. “I’m Talas, by the way. Talas Folkan of the Fox Clan.”

To check out the other cover reveals for this book, click on this link!  http://jayelknight.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-kings-scrolls-cover-reveal-giveaway.html 

A Word of Advice to Any Writer...Especially NaNoWriMoer

Greetings everyone!  I had some excitement today...some negative excitement.  My computer lost 7,000 words of my finished novel.  I was going to cry!  Thankfully, I had it uploaded to Microsoft OneDrive and it was saved there.  Immediately, I emailed it to myself and saved it to a flash drive.    So, here are my words of wisdom:

 

Here are some ways to help you do this:

-Copy and paste the text into an email and address it to yourself

-Purchase a flash drive.  Here is a link to one you can buy: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Toshiba-8GB-TransMemory-USB-2.0-Flash-Drive-White/24955389

- Save it as a OneDrive file on your Windows computer.

- Back it up on a hard drive.

Take it from me, you WANT do this!  You do not want to lose your novel or almost lose it!  Please back up your novel!!!!!!!

"The End" Has Been Typed

DEATH LIKE SLEEP has reached it's end!  About 5 minutes ago, I typed "the end" at the end of the Word Document!  This is surreal to me!  This novel (novella really) that I have been dreaming about since July is on paper.  It is the first novel I have ever written and the first novel I have actually finished.  I have stuck it out to the end.  I am literally crying right now.  :)  I can't believe this is happening!!!!!!!!!

I just have to finish writing two scenes, but I will probably finish that tonight.  :)

I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NaNoWriMo - Day 3

It's Day 3 of NaNoWriMo!!!!  So far I am doing really good with 4,968/40,000 words!  That means that I am 12.42% of the way to my word count goal.  Today I participated in some word wars which is awesome!  My novel is currently 19,973 words and is also almost done (I am so excited)!  I do have trouble with making my writing long enough...

Stay tuned for more writing updates and maybe some other things this month!

My Experience of Day 1 of NaNoWriMo

Today was an amazing day for me!  It really has been.  I feel like I've accomplished more than I have in the last couple of months!  Yes, I know this is my third post today, but I really want to share this with you guys! 

What I have don't today:

1. Woke Up Late
2. Watched Earth to Echo (a pretty good movie by the way)
3. Ate Breakfast
4. Wrote 1545 words
5. Went on Pinterest for a little while
6. Showered
7. Pinterest/listened to some Jonathan Park episodes
8. Did my nails in a fantasy burnt paper style.  I found how to do it on Pinterest.  ;)
9. Wrote another 1,098 words.
10. Wrote this blog post.  :)

I am writing the part of my novel that I have most been looking forward to writing.  I mean, since I have thought of this book, I have been dreaming about this part, and here I am, writing it!  It is truly an amazing feeling.  When I first got to it a few nights ago, I was totally fangirling about it.  Like seriously obsessing over it.  No, I wasn't actually writing anymore, I was just thinking about how I loved it!  The sad part was that there was nobody to fangirl with. :( Nobody has read my novel yet, since it isn't finished.  Except for the small excerpts I have posted a couple of times here.  :)

Today, I knew that my dreams are coming true here and now! I am really writing my first novel!  The doubts that I have had about it aren't really there anymore.  The past month or so, I have had doubts about it not being long enough and having major writer's block, but now, writing it as words just keep flowing through my fingers, I don't feel that anymore.  I think that it is going to be way to short and that the pace is way to fast, but not, I know it's not.  It is just fine.  I just have this amazing feeling right now that I haven't felt in a long time.  I feel so empowered!  This is just so incredible!  (Am I rambling too much?  ;) ) 

How is everyone elses' day 1 of NaNoWriMo going? Are you feeling empowered too?

Novel/NaNoWriMo Update

Well, it is DAY 1 of NaNoWriMo!  I have been writing a lot this morning and early afternoon!  Here are some updates, as of this second.  I might still write more today!  ;)

Death Like Sleep Word Count: 16,595

Words Written Today: 1,545

Stats:



Happy NaNoWriMo!

Calling all writers!  National Novel Writing Month starts TODAY!  My goal is 40,000 words and I am hoping to finish my current WIP!  Today is a holiday for all writers!  Let's celebrate!

If you are participating in NaNoWriMo this year, check out my Pinterest board NaNoWriMo Encouragement for some encouragement and tips!

Captives Review

   In a dystopian future, eighteen-year-old Levi returns from Denver City with his latest scavenged treasures and finds his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many–including his fiancée, Jemma–taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe.
    


My Review

Captives is a very captivating book.  From the very first page it intrigued me!  The characters are so real and they have relatable flaws...even Omar.  I was able to have sympathy on every single character!  There are some wonderful messages in this book about deception, forgiveness, and beauty!  Jill did a fabulous job writing this!

At some points, I was uncomfortable.  The people of the Safe Lands did drugs and some other bad things.  I would advise this book for older teens and adults.

Overall, this was a very good book and I would recommend it to anyone over about 15 or so!



About the Author

Jill Williamson is a chocolate loving, daydreaming, creator of kingdoms and the award-winning author of several speculative fiction novels including By Darkness Hid, Replication, The New Recruit, and Captives. She got into writing one day when someone was complaining about teen books and she thought, “I could do that! How hard could it be?” Very, she soon learned. But she worked hard, and four years later, her first book, By Darkness Hid, was published and won several awards.
Jill is a Whovian, a Photoshop addict, and a recovering fashion design assistant, who was raised in Alaska. She loves teaching about writing, which she does weekly at www.GoTeenWriters.com. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two children, and a whole lot of deer.


Watch The Book Trailer!

 

 

Link To Buy Kindle Version: http://www.amazon.com/Captives-Safe-Lands-Book-1-ebook/dp/B008EGV6LO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414602778&sr=1-1&keywords=captives+jill+Williamson

 

Link To Buy Paperback Version: http://www.amazon.com/Captives-Safe-Lands-Jill-Williamson/dp/0310724228/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1414602778&sr=1-1

The Maze Runner Review

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

  Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

  Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

  Everything is going to change.

  Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

 Remember. Survive. Run.
My Review
I decided to read this book a few months ago after watching one of the trailers for the movie, which I still haven't seen.  I borrowed this book from a friend and finished it soon after.  :)  Overall, it was an adrenaline rush!  It was so full of mystery and plot twists!  Some things I could predict, but some things I did not.

I do have to warn you that there is a little bit of fowl language, the use of God's name in vain, and the characters insult each other using some words I think the author made up.  If I were the author I would not have made this choice.  Another thing is that there are monsters in the Maze called the Grievers that can be frightening and will kill people in the Maze.  Yes, people do die in this book, even though when I still hadn't finished it I was in denial that people were actually killed by the Grievers.

Overall, this is a great book if you can overlook the negativity above!  I recommend it to teens and adults who are looking for a fast moving action story (and can overlook some of the language choices.)  I will probably finish this series as it ends on a suspenseful note!

About the Author

James Dashner is the author of the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series that includes The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, The Death Cure, and The Kill Order. He has also written The Eye of Minds (book one in the Mortality Doctrine series), the 13th Reality series, and two books in The Infinity Ring series: A Mutiny in Time and The Iron Empire.

Dashner was born and raised in Georgia but now lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains. To learn more about James and his books, visit JamesDashner.com, follow @jamesdashner on Twitter, or find dashnerjames on Instagram.



Link to Buy The Maze Runner Kindle Edition: http://www.amazon.com/Maze-Runner-Book-One-ebook/dp/B002QE3CTY/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1414548229

Link to Buy The Maze Runner Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/The-Maze-Runner-Book-1/dp/0385737955/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1414548229&sr=8-1

NaNoWriMo is Coming!

It is almost National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo!  I am doing it with a word count goal of 30,000 goals!

Guest Post on Katie's Blog

Guess what!  I'm a guest blogger!  Check out the post that I wrote at A Writer's Faith!  Next month sometime, Katie, the author of A Writer's Faith will be guest blogging right here!

I'm sorry that I have been ignoring my blog lately, it's just that I have been REALLY busy the past couple of weeks.  I have also decided that The Elvish Pen is no longer, since I really don't feel that there is anywhere for the story to go.  :( If any of you readers out there have blogs, feel free to continue it!

Writing Tip: Outlining

On Saturday, I learned a very important lesson: outlining can be extremely helpful.  Before, I was totally opposed to it, but now, not as much.  Not only will it help me keep the pacing in my novel so that it doesn't end up only 20,000 words long, it will help me know what to write in each chapter!

First, let me give you the reasons why I didn't like to outline before.

1. Writing down exactly what was going to happen made me feel like all of my ideas were on paper so there was no point in writing the novel.

2. It didn't give me too much creative freedom.

3. I wanted to just write wherever my brain took me!

How did I overcome those dislikes? 

- I wrote down a starter for each chapter.  For example, I might put Chapter 7-"I won't do as you say."  It starts the action, but I know what needs to happen by the end of the chapter, which needs to be at least 2,500 words.

- With what I did to outline, it gives me plenty of creative freedom!

- I can write wherever my brain takes me as long as I reach a certain point by the end of the chapter.

I hope this helps you in your writing journey!

God Bless,
Alea Harper

Bible Verse, and Something That I Learned

Todays Bible verse is Acts 17:26-27. 

     "From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us." Acts 17:26-27 NIV

     You will see how this verse fits in with the second part of this post in a minute.  :)  So, here goes.  :)
     Before church started, during social time, people were talking about the ebola virus and how it is spreading and a whole bunch of other really scary things related to it!  I actually got really freaked out about it, sitting there hearing that.  But then, God spoke to me, not by literally speaking, but by impressing something on my heart.  It was by telling me that I can't die before he says it's okay.  Nothing can happen to me without His okay.  He is in control.  Also, I know that when I die, I will live forever with Him in heaven!
     I also have something else I would like to share with you pertaining to the subject of ebola, and all illnesses and diseases really.  God heals every one of His children.  Now, it doesn't mean that they live, sometimes he gives them the ultimate healing by calling them home to heaven!
     Now, tying this together with the verse at the beginning of this post, God puts us all in the place where we might reach out to Him.  He chose for us to live in the time where the ebola virus is.  Isn't there a reason for this?  And if God is for us, who can be against us?  Whom (or what) shall we fear?

Have a great rest of your Sunday and God Bless!

Alea Harper

Writing Prompt #2

Your life as a secret agent. Tell about some of  the cases and how you solved them.  You have special abilities.  What are these special abilities?  How do you like being a secret agent?

Writing Prompt #1

You get locked inside a theme park overnight.  How did you get locked inside?  What did you do?  Where did you sleep?  Who was with you?

My First Book - Part 3 Among Other Things

Before I begin my story rewrite part 2, I want to announce that Go Teen Writers is having a giant Word War this weekend, starting today!  In the comments, there are word wars going on all of the time!  It's awesome!  So if you want to get some words on your novel and be encouraged by fellow writers, definitely "come on out"!  Who knows, you may word war with me.  ;)

Another thing is that I would like to start posting some writing prompts and story starters.  My mom recently found a whole bunch of prompts when she was organizing so I may post a few of those!

And now for Part 2 of The Fairy Story......

     "Umm...hi.  You probably don't know me but..." I trailed off, feeling extremely awkward.  Both of the fairies turned around.
     "What are you talking about?  Of course we know who you are!  You're Talmund's daughter, aren't you?" the taller fairy replied.  I chuckled nervously.
     "N-no.  I am a human."  The look they gave me was quite comical, as if they didn't understand the concept of "human".  "Human.  As in flightless fairy."  I made sure and sounded out the word "human" for them.
     "Well, that sounds an awful lot like a fairy to me."
     "Fairies fly, humans don't," I responded.
     "Fairies can't fly.  Our wings aren't strong enough," the taller one spoke up, clearly as confused as I was.
     "Fairies who can't fly?  Well that is just about the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of!"



Look for the next part next week!

The Elvish Pen - Episode 8

Episode 8

     "I'll explain later," Aiwin replied.  Then, he turned back to his father and the man who was with them.
     "Is there some connection between my grandmother and you guys here that I need to know about?" Rox asked, a little frustrated.  She placed her hands on her hips and glanced at her brother, then her father, and finally at the random messenger.
     "Okay, why don't we go for a walk while Father makes war preparations?"  Rox nodded in acknowledgement.  Then, the two of them left the room.  They walked out of the doors and into the wooden city.
     "Can you please fill me in?"
     "Yes," her brother gave her a quick smile.  "Your father came to your world and met your mother. Then, they got married.  He was not next in line for the throne at the time.  The heir was killed by goblins and he had to leave your mother, along with you.  Ever since, we have been sworn enemies of the goblins."
     "And upon leaving Mom he promised to always protect the border.  This makes a lot more sense now."

Updates! Updates! Updates!

My life is crazy.  Utterly crazy.  So, today I am going to give you one giant updates post.  I will update on novel progress, 100 for 100 Challenge, etc.   :)

Update #1 - My Novel

Death Like Sleep
Chapter I'm Currently Writing: 7
Word Count: 12,583
Synopsis: "It doesn't matter.  Wherever you want.  You have about a million to choose from," I laughed lightheartedly.  Suddenly, my vision blurred and spots flew before my eyes.  The world began to spin.  Was this was vertigo feels like?  My heart pounded.  Was I dying?  I struggled to take a breath and my knees buckled.  My eyes closed and my head never hit the floor of the stadium.

When Lyric Valvo wakes up in a strange forest that she doesn't recognize (more due to the fact that she has never seen a forest), she and her best friend Finn are mistaken for runaway soldiers and treated harshly.  On top of that, Lyric has a strange attraction to sharp edges.  Could this be related to something that happened just after she was born?  How did she get to where ever she is?  Are the fabled Mind Wars real?

 

Update #2 - I'm on Pinterest!  To see my pins, just click here!  I also have a board for Death Like Sleep on there, so make sure and check that out!

Update #3 - Go Teen Writers 100 for 100 Challenge

I have to admit that I am not doing the greatest on this.  I have missed about a week of this.  :(

Day 1: About 100 words

Day 2: About 20 words

Day 3: 290 words

Day 4: 208 words

Day 5: 126 words

Day 6: 112 words

Day 8: 119 words

Day 9: none

Day 10: none

Day 11: none

Day 12: none

Day 13: none

Day 14: none

Day 15: none

Day 16: 310

Day 17: 567

 

Update #4 - The Elvish Pen

The Elvish pen has been going on for a couple of months now, and I hope that you guys are enjoying it!  I sure am!  Later this month, I am planning on having a special guest write the episode!

 

Update #5 - The Fairy Story

A couple of days ago, I posted a story that I wrote when I was 5 years old, and now, I am rewriting it into a short story for all ages.  Yesterday, I posted the first part of the rewritten story.  I am not sure how long it is going to be, but would you like to read more of it?  Should I post parts on a weekly basis, sort of like The Elvish Pen?  Vote on the bar on the left, just about me on the About Me section!  If you are reading this post through email, please follow these directions:

1. Hover your mouse over the title of the post.  It should be in Navy Blue.

 

2. Click on the title of the post.

 

3. The internet will come up and it will bring up the post in the email.

 

4. Vote just above the About Me section on the right side of the Web Page.

 

 

Well, I think that is all of the updates for now!  Have a great day and God Bless! :)

 

My First Book - Part 2

Yesterday I posted what my first book was, word for word, including the pictures I drew as a 5 year old to go with it.  Today, I have rewritten it!  Which do you like better?  Vote on it above the About Me section on the right side of the Web Page.  If you are reading this post through email, please go to the bottom of the post to see the directions.  :)

     It was July 21, 2014.  It was hot.  Too hot to be outside.  I attempted to brave the humidity, but after five minutes, my clothes were soaked through with sweat.  Yes, hot was an understatement.  With the outdoors absolutely not an option, I was left with nothing to do but play on my computer, but I was bored with that already.  I needed some fresh air.

     I laid back on my bed, staring at the fan going round and round, creating an artificial wind.  Oh, did I forget to mention that I was home alone?  That's king of important to my tale, just so you know.  (This is the spot where I would have put a smiley face, but its a piece of writing and those aren't allowed...or so my teacher told me...)

     Suddenly, in the midst of the bored silence, I heard a noise.  Normally, I would've paid no heed, but I was home alone.  The sound was like wind chimes, the thing was that my family didn't own any wind chimes.  I bolted upright and peered cautiously out of my blinds.  My mouth dropped open.  What I saw out of that window was absolutely, positively not my backyard!  There was really tall, beautiful green grass that flowed in the wind like silk and really tall trees.  There were also flowers, which people were picking.  Upon closer observation, I noticed that the people had wings!  I shut my eyes and then opened them, to make sure that my eyes weren't going wacko, and when they still had wings I pinched myself a dozen times or so.  I am so dreaming, I thought.

     Without any more delays of my gawking, I opened the window and slid outside.  I turned around to close the window.  The house was gone.  Uh-oh...

 

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I just realized that this story should probably take up 2 posts instead of just one, just because of the length.  :)  Do you like it?

 

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How to Vote If You Are Reading This Post Through Email:

 

1. Hover your mouse over the title of the post.  It should be in Navy Blue.

 

2. Click on the title of the post.

 

3. The internet will come up and it will bring up the post in the email.

 

4. Vote just above the About Me section on the right side of the Web Page.

My First Book - Part 1

 

Hello!  Today I am going to share my first book with you.  I think I was about 5 or 6 years old when I wrote it and it is very horrible!  It is about 2 fairies, Fairy Megan and Fairy Anna.  Very original, I know.  (Can you see the sarcasm in there?) ;)  I actually bound the book using a tool by Binding Books Beautifully!  So, here is my first book called The Fairy Story.

 

Once upon a time, there were two fairies named Fairy Anna and Fairy Megan.  They were twin sisters and they were three.  They could not fly because their wings were not sturdy yet.  They had a little fairy cat, who had cute little wings.  Her name was Fairy Heart.  She could fly, just like all the other fairies, except for Fairy Anna and Fairy Megan.

Fairy Anna and Fairy Megan lived in Fairy Land.  It was a beautiful land!  There were many trees, beautiful grass, and flowers, which they liked to pick.

The fairy houses were in the trees.  Each house had the fairy's name on it.  The twins had a ladder to get to their house, because they could not fly.

One day, all of the fairies came out to play.  They played Fly Tag.  Fairy Anna and Fairy Megan tried to fly, but they could not.  They felt sad.

They went back to their house.

         Fairy Megan said, "Hey, Fairy Anna, why don't we go talk to a butterfly and maybe she will teach us how to fly."   "That's a great idea," said Fairy Anna to Fairy Megan.  Fairy Heart went along with them.

 So, they walked and walked and walked until they got to a butterfly.  She lived in a garden.

Fairy Megan said, "Can you teach us how to fly?"

"Yes, I can teach you two fairies how to fly," said the butterfly.  The butterfly took them to a mountaintop.  Then, she jumped and flapped her wings to show them.  The twins held hands, flapped their wings, and jumped.  They started falling.  The butterfly flew down under them and caught them.  Then, she flew the twin sisters to her garden.

Fairy Anna and Fairy Megan said, "Thank you for helping us.  Good-bye!  Good-bye!  Good-bye!"

Then, they did not have to go too far to look for an owl who could talk.  The owl took Fairy Anna and Fairy Megan up to his tree.

Fairy Anna said, "Can you please teach us how to fly?"

"Yes," said the owl.  He took them to the edge of the bough.  Then, he showed them how to fly and said, "See, I can fly.  Now, you try."  Fairy Anna and Fairy Megan jumped off the edge of the tree and flapped their wings.  Then, they fell again.  The owl swooped down and went under them, and he caught them.  Then, he took them down to the grass.

The twin sisters said, "Thank you for trying to teach us how to fly.  Good-bye!  Good-bye!  Good-bye!"

 

Then, they walked until they got to Fairy Land, where the fairies were still playing.

Fairy Anna said to the other fairies, "Excuse me!  Can you please make our wings sturdy?"

"Yes," said the fairies.  Then, the fairies took out their magic wands.

The Magic wands said, "Poof!"  Then, Fairy Anna and Fairy Megan tried to fly and they could.  The magic wands did it!

They said, "Thank you for making our wings sturdy!"  Then, to celebrate, they all played Fly Tag, including Fairy Heart.

The End!

 

Wasn't that cute?  Tomorrow, I am going to rewrite it and post my rewrite.  I wonder how it will turn out...