Writing Risky and Relevant Topics (and why you should, even in your non-modern settings)

Genocide? Substance abuse? Racism? Addiction? Mental illness? Yep! They're all here, in my very own medieval fantasy novel.

"WAIT," you're probably saying out loud to your empty bedroom. "SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL ILLNESS AND ADDICTION IN A MEDIEVAL FANTASY NOVEL??? IMPOSSIBLE!!! AND WHY???" That is a questions I have come to answer.

(Note: When I say "your story's theme", I am referring to the main point your novel is trying to get across. You know, like, "Love conquers all" or "Best friends are forever" or whatever. If you don't know your story's theme, that's okay. I don't know any of my stories' themes either.)



WHY YOU SHOULD INCLUDE RISKY TOPICS IN ALL (OR YOU KNOW, SOME) OF YOUR WRITING

So you may have noticed that some fantasy, sci-fi, historic-based, or what-have-you novels can sometimes be difficult to relate to. I think this is because of the lack of relevant themes within them. The setting is obviously alien, and sometimes the characters can be vastly different from the modern ideal, which makes it difficult for the reader to connect to the story. How does the author fix this problem?

The truth is that topics labeled "risky" (or just difficult to write), like racism, substance abuse, mental illness, and even gender and sexuality, are extremely relevant to today's readers. It's something that most people recognize and spend a lot of thought on--and some even relate to the issues brought up by these themes. Here's my case: topics like these have a place in EVERY genre of writing, not just modern or contemporary.

Imagine a young prince addicted to dark magic. He tried to get away from this power before, but in an attempt to heal his dying dragon, he was forced to come in contact with dark magic again. Just one touch threw him into withdrawals, and his addiction rose to the surface as he slipped further and further into dark magic's grips. Tada; you were just exposed to substance abuse and addiction in a medieval fantasy! (That may or may not have occurred in my novel The Cycle of Time, so don't steal my ideas.)

But why bother? What's the gain in including topics like these in your writing? And what will readers potentially learn from you writing about stuff like this?




BENEFITS: READER CONNECTION

By writing about risky, relevant, or controversial topics, you will be allowing your readers a point of access into the very heart of your novel. Risky and controversial topics provide something for your readers to open debates and discussions over, and depending on how you deal with such themes, could lead towards insights on how to resolve, accept, or deal with issues like addiction, racism, mental illness, etc. Writing about risky topics could also shed light on the topic itself, with the right viewpoint, and perhaps move a reader to do something to change either his own opinions/ideas or attempt to change someone else's opinions/ideas.

Depending on how you deal with your topic of choice (wether negatively, positively, or just neutrally), you will provide your reader with a point of view on the issue at hand. She will either learn how to love or how to hate what you're writing about. Don't be afraid to open up a new point of view on such themes. Maybe racism isn't just against African-American, Arabic, and Asian peoples. Do Europeans, Americans, Canadians, maybe even Peruvians experience it as well? And what about gender roles? What if a man is sensitive, sweet, and tends towards the emotional but is still confident in his masculinity? And what if the mentally ill feel just as deeply as we do? Not just soldiers and war vets get PTSD. And what if the addicted hate what they're addicted to?




BENEFITS: STORY THEME AND SUBJECT SUPPORT

Relevant themes like mental illness, gender roles, and racism provide a backbone for your story's theme. Even if it seems like the topic doesn't fit with your theme at first, you'd be surprised at how you can stretch and mold it to fill the gaps in your subject matter--which will provide you a richer and fuller story. Not only that, but the subject matter brought up by the presence of these risky topics could either support or defy your theme; both are constructive qualities of a good piece of writing.




BENEFITS: CONFLICT & SUBPLOT POSSIBILITIES

Maybe you're one of the (admittedly and regrettably rare) writers who include an Arabic or African-American character in your MC's posse, but none of your charries really acknowledge the character's race or ethnicity. However, imagine having just one--or maybe a few--characters who express racism towards that characters. Imagine the possibilities for conflict and character development that one little tweak would open up! YOU COULD HAVE ENTIRE HUGE FIGHT SCENES BETWEEN A CHARACTER AND HIS RACIST BEST FRIEND ONLY TO HAVE THE ETHNIC CHARACTER STAND UP AND SAY WHO CARES?!?!?! THEN THAT'S A WHOLE LIKE MESSAGE OF STANDING UP FOR YOURSELF, STANDING UP AGAINST RACISM, ETC. RIGHT THERE!!!

OOOORRR imagine having a character who simply likes to smoke, but his girlfriend doesn't like it and tries to get him to stop throughout the book. It could be a trivial and simple little subplot including cutesy scenes where the girlfriend tosses the boyfriend's cigarettes and he goes days without one and gets incredibly grumpy and uptight, but it would still be touching on addiction and, if shed in a negative light, could lightheartedly express the dangers and drawbacks of smoking.

These are tiny tweaks that could very well add that extra oomph to your novel, provide opportunities for character and story development, and offer a way to provide extra insight into your novel's theme.




BUUUUT...

In no way should you change your entire book's theme to fit one of these topics. Whatever message you choose (or your story chooses) for your book is special and entirely yours. What adding risky topics adds is a venue for reader relation, connection, and insight. Some books just don't call for this type of writing, and that's entirely okay. However, keep in mind that in order to say something with your writing, you may have to step out of your comfort zone (heck, look at me, a conservative Christian girl, who has a character who smoked, did drugs, abused alcohol, has tattoos, has a dirty mouth and mind, and is in no way a chaste Catholic boy [you probably know who I'm talkin' about {especially you, Kel. You know.}]). Don't be afraid to try new things; you may find you have something important to say.




AND I INCLUDE THESE IN NON-MODERN SETTINGS HOW...?

Good question, but not one I can explicitly answer. It all depends on your setting. Get creative! See how you can include these topics without compromising parts of your plot. Use a substance native to your fantasy setting to create addiction like I did with black magic, or create your own mental illness based on staying in space too long for your sci-fi. Maybe you created your own races for your setting; good for you! Use that to your advantage and create rifts between ethnicities! It's all up to your sense of creativity now. Go out and show the world what you're made of!




NON-EXTENSIVE LIST OF RISKY/CONTROVERSIAL/RELEVANT TOPICS (FOR INSPIRATION PURPOSES):

• racism
• genocide
• mental illness (autism, downs syndrome, aspergers)
• disease (AIDS, HIV, brain/heart disease, cancer, etc)
• addiction
• substance abuse
• mental abuse
• domestic violence/abuse
• sexuality
• gender roles
• eating disorders
• suicide/self harm
• domestic neglect
• abortion
• religious ideals
• religious oppression
• religion in general really
• gambling
• introversion (can someone please make it a positive/neutral trait and not negative)

New Look & News

I promised a post on writing "risky" topics like racism, genocide, substance abuse, etc. via Twitter, and I will not disappoint you, faithful readers. However, I thought it best to explain the new look (and why I haven't been present in the past month).

A new look was promised in October via Twitter, but I did not deliver...so now, I present to you the new and updated INKSPOT. Inkspot is now a fully functional artsy-looking blog with it's own hashtag (#inkspot) and even a fancy new FAQs and EDITING page set up on the top taps bar. I changed up the design of the blog in an attempt to make it look more clean-cut and professional without being too girly (ahem the pink of the last design) or too amateur (ahem the pink of the last design). It took a few hours to finish the look; I even tried downloading fancy blogger templates, but obviously that didn't work out too well. I was forced to design it based on my limited technical abilities and the extremely small gallery of blogger templates/fonts/colors/designs. I'm pretty happy with the result.

With a new look comes a new focus, and that focus is simply re-stating the previously developed purpose of this blog--to provide fun, insightful, unique, and quality informational posts on all things writing. Based on some of the comments I've received over the years, I've learned how to hone the strengths of this blog to create something my readers have referred to as "non-preachy" and "relatable"--which I think are awesome words to describe what I'm trying to do. My purpose is to provide thoughtful help and tips with a fun twist, not to preach to the masses and demand to be respected. We're all in this writing adventure together, and I'm positive I have as much to learn from you as you have to learn from me.

That being said, welcome to Inkspot. Thanks for hanging with me for these three years. I hope you plan to stay a little longer, because there are some fun things up ahead!

Sneak Peek into the Future:

• Post on including risky topics like racism, genocide, addiction, abuse, mental illness, etc. even in your fantasy/sci-fi/non-modern-based novels
• Post on appreciating movies separately from their books
• Writing contests, polls, prompt games, and more
• New editing offer--send your stuff to me to get edited! (see EDITING page)
• New FAQs page
• Posting more of my own writing--including poems and excerpts
• Posting more of YOUR writing--via contests and prompt games

It's gonna be a fun year, ya'll.

Until next time!

~Ana

2nd Liebster Award Nomination

The time has come yet again to accept a nomination from Miss Kel Giese over at A Teen's Life for the Liebster Award! I was nominated a while back by Sofia Marie, and I've been so lucky to be nominated again...thus winning TWO Liebster Awards for this blog!

The Liebster (LIEBSTER, AUTOCORRECT. NOT LOBSTER.) Award is given to relatively undiscovered blogs to promote connection and friendship between bloggers. The award is passed on to 11 bloggers at each posting.

Anyway, here are the rules! (In nifty picture form...)

Alright, so rule 1 has been applied. Now, I must answer the 11 questions that Kel has asked me in her post.

Kel's 11 Questions:
1. What is your favorite book and why?

Favorite book? Favorite book?! How am I supposed to choose? Uh......welllllll... *looking frantically through bookshelf*.........I'm gonna go with (AH WHY IS THE LINES SO FAR APART NOW AND HOW DO I FIX IT????) probably. Wow. This is way harder than I though. I'm gonna get back to this one.

2. What was your favorite book when you were a little kid?

When I was little I loved The Boxcar Children. That was probably my favorite book ever. That, and Bartleby and the Mighty Mississippi. I read that book at least 600 times.

3. Who are a few of your favorite characters and which books are they from?

Percy Jackson stands out to me first, of course. He's from Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians and subsequent sequels/series. A favorite couple of mine is Walter and Ashley from Bryan Davis's Dragons in Our Midst series (and subsequent series). Also I adore a whole lot of TV/movie characters but we won't go into that right now.

4. Where did you find the original inspiration for the last story you wrote or your WIP (work in progress)?

Well, I generally have about 5 WIPs at once (not kidding), but I'll just pick The Cycle of Time series (DUN DUN DUNNNNN). It was originally inspired by Eragon by Christopher Paolini. Really. Like, the first draft was a giant really bad fanfiction with OCs. It was really bad. Hopefully its not bad now...though it still carries a lot of influence from that book.

5. In books, do you usually like the villain better than the protagonist, or the protagonist better than the villain?

Unfortunately, I have yet to read about a truly devious villain (though movies seem to be pumping them out rather well). Thus, I tend to like the protagonist more simply because he's the hero. (Sigh...I haven't read a good book in a really long time...)

6. What is one of your favorite memories?

I have a lot, but the very first one that came to mind is swinging on the playground swings we used to have in our backyard at our old house with my sister and eating goldfish (the crackers, not the actual fish). It happened to be rather wet outside so for no particular reason and with absolutely no prodding whatsoever I just leaned over with a cracker in hand, scooped up a glob of mud with it, and ate it. Just like that. I think that says a lot about me as a person.

7. If you met a stranger on the street and they handed you a heavy black briefcase and whispered “You know what to do,” how would you react?

I would probably open the briefcase. I'm not even kidding.

8. What are a few of your favorite songs at the moment?

GET READY FOR LIST TIME BECAUSE ANA LOVES SONgS>S>.

• "Drops of Jupiter" and "Fix You" by Anthem Lights (among others... ;) )
• "Drops in the Ocean" by Hawk Nelson
• "Vanilla Twilight," "Unbelievable," and "Beautiful Times" by Owl City (AND THE OREO SONG)
• "Impossible" by Building 429
• "Run Wild," "Shoulders," and "Oh God Forgive Us" by For King & Country
• "Make It Right" by The George Twins
• "Compass" by Lady Antebellum
• "Somebody to You" by The Vamps
• "Flicker (Kayne West Remix)" by Lorde
• I have diverse tastes ok
• AMONG MANY MORE
• Don't ever get me started on songs I will never stop

9. Would you be the one pulling the prank, or the one getting pranked?

Probably puling it...

10. In your group of friends, which friend are you (the quiet one, the outgoing one, the crazy one, the smart one, the friendly one, etc…)

I'm a bit of a mix. There's the big three, you see: me, my sister, and our best friend Angie Zoe. My sis is the quiet-ish, sweet, eager, ready-for-fun one, Angie is the idea person, friendly, helpful, also sweet, also ready-for-fun one, and (literally we all agreed this was true) the mean dry-humored realistic friend who is kinda crazy and disturbed. Like, the friend who will come over to your house and want to do nothing but sit and talk all day and eat food and call that a wild time while still being a mad extrovert.

11. What is your favorite season and why?

Of what? ;) Jk. Fall, definitely, because I LOVE SWEATERS AND FALL WEATHER AND LEAVES AND FOOD AND YUMMY CINNAMON SMELLS AND CHANGE AND FALL FASHION AND PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES.

Okay, well, that finishes that part up. Now I have to give you 11 random facts about myself.

11 Random Facts about Me:

1. Sometimes I really hate giving random facts about myself because I feel like I've blurted my entire life to everyone at one point or another.

2. I cut my hair from hip length to above my shoulders in just two goes. I don't regret it but sometimes I do miss my long hair.

3. I crave popcorn constantly this month. I don't know why, I think I may be a werewolf.

4. I am not very good at applying makeup because my face isn't the makeup-y kinda face. It's just a wash it, eyeliner it, mascara it, and go kinda face.

5. Occasionally I will eat key lime pie even though it is out of date.

6. I wish I could do random things with my hair, like cut it and dye it crazy colors and stuff, but I'm too chicken.

7. I am fast running out of random facts.

8. Right this very second I am listening to Jimmy Fallon dressed in drag yelling "EW GARY GET OUT YOU'RE SO GROOOOSSS"

9. I'm 19 years old and in college. Let's just get back to basics. I am an English major with a minor in Writing (IMAGINE THAT). I have a 4.0 gpa (straight A's hollaaa), three jobs, and four finished novels. I can't seem to get past this point in my life.

10. One time I was watching One Direction audition videos and then I learned that Lois Tomlinson's name was pronounced "Louie" so I decided to make a character names "Louie" because I was so outraged by the fact that Lois Tomlinson's name wasn't pronounced "Lewis."

11. Sometimes I ask myself, "Am I cool?" and then I'm like lol of course I'm cool.

Alrighty, now for my nominations!

I don't think I know 11 bloggers but I will scour the earth for them I swear.

Nominations:

Chloe Cunningham at writing or something (I feel like I've nominated you before but oh well)

Emily at Sunshine Girl

Natalie Noel Truitt at The Hope Movement (among other authors)

Rachel Lester (bless her soul) over at Water & Pen (MY BLESSED BABY BETA READER) (bless her soul) (I feel like we're connected) (if and when she reads this she's gonna be so freaked out) (sorry Rachel)

Athelas Hale at Red Lettering

Miranda Kulig at Dreams and Dandelions

I'm tired of looking at Pinterest followers for blogs THOUGH I FOUND A BUNCH I REALLY LOVE NOW so that's all you get.

Now for the questions...

My 11 Questions to You:

1. What is one of the best characters, in your opinion, ever (that you created if you're a writer, if not from book/movie/etc)?

2. Who is your favorite villain ever? Why?

3. What is one of your darkest secrets?

4. Do you enjoy showering or is it an inconvenience?

5. What is your top 5 favorite writing blogs?

6. Do you prefer cake or ice cream? Pie or cheesecake?

7. What kind of books do you like to read the most?

8. What is your favorite fruit?

9. How lame are these questions?

10. Do you approve or disapprove of social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, etc.?

11. Long hair or short hair? Dyed or natural? Straight or curly? What do you prefer/have?

Alrighty, now to notify the nominees! Thanks again to Kel for nominating me. :) Until next time...

BYE

Ana has Joined the Twitter

Behold, I have joined the Twitter. Yet another social networking platform has been invaded by my insanity.

But there's just one problem...

I CANT FIND ANYONE ON THERE!!!

Where are you guys?!?!??!

YOU HAVE TO COME FOLLOW ME SO I CAN HAVE FRIENDS!!!

My username is @anacrossbooks so come find me so I can find all you lovely peoples. Follow backs are promised, I just want some more awesome people I can follow. :)

I promise a real post will come very very soon. Until then...

SIANARA, SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG.

LAST CALL!!! Beta-Readers Unite!!!

ATTENTION: THIS IS THE FINAL CALL FOR BETA READER PROFILES TO BE SENT TO ME FOR INCLUSION IN THE JOURNEY BETA READER PROGRAM!!!


IF YOU HAVE NOT SIGNED UP YET AND WISH TO, TODAY IS YOUR FINAL OPPORTUNITY.


THE PROGRAM BEGINS TOMORROW!!!!!


PLEASE REFER TO THIS POST FOR RULES AND PROFILE REQUIREMENTS.


THANK YOU!!!

Beta Reader Application Update

HELLO ALL PEOPLES!!!

About a month ago I put out a post calling ALL THE BETA READERS to help me edit The Cycle of Time: The Journey. I would like to inform at this near-halfway-point, the program is nearly half full! However, there are still open spots in the program, so if you are planning on applying, don't hold out any longer! It's only like four super simple questions you have to answer, and they don't have to be written out formally or anything. You could literally just write all the answers in one sentence and I could figure it out (wether that would be a good shout-out to your writing skills or not is another matter... ;) ).

So, IF YOU WANT A SPOT, GRAB IT NOW!!! THE BETA READER PROGRAM IS FILLING UP PRETTY QUICKLY!!! There is less than a month and a half left in the application period (I'll stop taking applications on April 24) so make that quick email so you can secure your place.



And here is a gif of James McAvoy sassily jumping into a dance between you and your prospective husband.

You're welcome.

Calling All Beta-Readers! Apply now for a chance to beta-read "The Cycle of Time: The Journey"

Hello, my peoples! I am hereby calling ALL THE BETA READERS!

With The Journey (link leads to info on book) finished and edited until my head hurts, I think it's time for some new perspectives. Thus, I am calling on the help of 20 beta readers to properly edit and give feedback on The Cycle of Time: The Journey (link leads to info on book). Participants are looking at an exclusive chance to read The Journey before the general public, as well as some other perks, such as:

• With consent, beta readers will be mentioned (by name or by email/internet name) in the published version of The Journey's "Acknowledgments" page
• A personalized blog to discuss the book with other beta readers
• A little badge of my own creation that will probably completely stink for internet awesomeness purposes
• My eternal love
• Chances to be first-choice to beta read upcoming novels/short stories/etc of mine as I finish them
• If you want, you can receive a print copy of the novel you are editing when the beta reading is over

If you are interested, here are the details:

The Journey Beta-Reading Program

The Cycle of Time: The Journey (Long) Synopsis

Darkness is nearer than the land of Janíza knows. Fire Eye, the ruthless ruler, is weakening the cities, and before the people will be able to react, everything they know will vanish.

Alli and Dirco, two orphans living in the slums of a secluded village, live in this time. Dirco barely makes enough money from his storytelling to feed them both. Just when Alli is beginning to wonder where their next meal will take place, a stranger appears and hires them to travel with him, claiming he is interested in Dirco's stories. Things only become darker and stranger from there, as both Alli and Dirco are thrown into the midst of a ongoing war that seems to revolve around Dan, the stranger.

Now neck-deep in a battle that began far before either of them were born, Alli and Dirco struggle to survive as Dan pulls them from one end of Janíza to the other. Questions arise, but he avoids them and insists they keep close. Alli knows Dan isn't who he says he is, but is too scared to ask herself who he could really be. When she is suddenly forced to question everything she has ever known, will she have the strength to fight or will she hide forever in the small village of Geggon?

The Cycle of Time has just begun. The tests have just started. Before she knows it, Alli will be thrust into a strange new world. If she and Dirco don't accept, all will be lost.

Qualifications:

1. You must be able to read and write fluently in English.
2. You must be at least 13 years of age for reasons.
3. You must have a Google account in order to reach Google Docs, which is where the beta reading will be taking place.
4. Applicants must have consistent access to the internet via laptop/computer.
5. All participants will be required to read and sign some official stuff that says you can't copy my work (because it IS officially copyrighted) and that you won't blab about my storyline to the whole internet. You will be allowed to discuss whatever you want on your given blog, but outside of that I will request you keep silent. You will be allowed to say that you are in the Beta Reader Program and such but no details leaked, please! Doing so will result in instant rejection from the program.
6. You must give consent to publish your name (in whatever form you like) in the published version of The Journey. If you don't want this, that's fine too.
7. Only one applicant per household. Literary agents, editors, or employees of ANY publishing company are not eligible to participate in the program. An false information will result in instant rejection.
8. You must, of course, have at least some history in writing/reading. I will be asking some pretty deep questions for you to answer, so you have to have some knowledge on how storylines and character arcs work in order to properly give good feedback.

The Beta Reader Program:

• The application window opens at the posting of this post (so now) and closes on April 24, 2015 at 11:59am Eastern Time. All those accepted will receive the Beta Reader Program Official Email of Awesomeness.

• Readers will be provided the url to their blog and their Beta Reader Program Packet if they are selected to participate.

• The Beta Reader Program will begin when I post the first installment on Google Docs, which will most likely be in early May. The book is over 22 chapters long, so I will be posting multiple chapters at a time for about 6-8 weeks during the summer.

• Beta readers will be provided several chapters of The Journey every Sunday night between the hours of 9-11:00pm. Reader assessments must be turned in by 11:59pm the following Sunday night. (Of course I'm a busy person too so if you miss this deadline it's cool. As long as you get them in sometime during the next week.) As long as readers continue to comment on the works and turn in their readers assessments, they will continue to be able to post on the blog.

• You will have continued access to the blog after the program is over. I'm not gonna take that away from you, don't worry.

• When I finish any other books, you will have first chance to continue your beta reading.

• While I will never edit content of any posts or comments submitted to your special blog, I will not tolerate hate speech, overtly political messages, or slanderous comments aimed at me, other authors, fans, Beta Readers, or individuals. Any such behavior which intentionally violates the spirit or function of the Beta Reader Program will result in the offender being removed from the Beta Reader Program. And I will also find you. And ruin your Netflix connection while you are trying to watch that one show. Yeah, that's right, I mean business.

Application Details:

Please send all applications to acrossbooks@gmail.com

To apply, please provide the following (star * indicates categories not required, but highly suggested for my own personal research. I promise I won't use any information you send to advertise to you, send to any third parties, or any such cruelties that the rest of the world does. I just like to know who my audience is and how they are responding.):

• Age (must be at least 13)
• Name (at least internet name/username/fake name/nickname. I need something to call you by if you don't want to give me your real name.)
• Whether you want your name mentioned in the acknowledgments in the published version of The Journey or not
• *Gender (male, female, unspecified)
• *Preferred reading genre (fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, medieval, modern, etc. If you don't know, just list some of your favorite books!)
• Writing/editing background: Basically, I'm asking if you have any history in the general framework of understanding how a story works. If you don't, hey, I'm not expecting too many applications so go ahead and apply anyway. If I don't get over 20 applications then I will accept all applications that come in. All you really need is a willingness to be as honest as possible while reading through my novel. :)
• *How did you find out about The Journey Beta-Reading Program (Pinterest, this blog, etc.)
• What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
• On a scale of one to ten, how much do you like Lord of the Rings? (sorry guys, I need to know these things. No optionalness.)

If there are any questions, please comment below or email me at acrossbooks@gmail.com

I like emails.

I won't bite, I promise.

Good luck and may the Force be with you, Luke!

Stuff Happens More on Wattpad (aka A Comprehensive Guide to Ana's Wattpad Page)

As you may or may not know, I joined Wattpad a while back and, as you may know if you stalk me close enough, I post things pretty regularly on there. While my posting is mainly short stories and nothing really substantial, it's still pretty like, for real. It also answers some questions I'm sure you have about many of my characters (that is, if you stalk me on Pinterest close enough to know my characters).

Currently, I have 17 stories published on Wattpad, including (DUN DUN DUN) an ENTIRE FULL LENGTH NOVEL!!!! Have I ever mentioned Rhett Hawke? Well now I have. In his story the humor side of myself comes out, so its nothing serious, though I attempted it to be sometimes. Keep in mind that I wrote it when I was about 13, edited it maybe four times, and left it because I'm not really planning on publishing it or anything anytime soon, so I decided to make it a magical Wattpad series for all the magical Wattpad people of the world. Enjoy :3

Anyway, about my other works... I have 17 published works (I said that already didn't I) and about 75% of them are short stories about my various novels. To give you a peeky peek, I shall make a handy dandy list about my handy dandy titles and what characters and stories they include and/or are related to (feel free to skip, I'm just bored):

UNTITLED (Peter Pan fanfiction-retelling backstory type deal)
What it's about: I have a board on Pinterest about it...and that's literally about all I understand about it. It's a really cool story if I do say so myself, I just have to plan it out some more.
How much posted: A chapter...a short chapter...
Well known (if you stalk me)?: Nope. I don't post much to the pinterest board and haven't written any blog post about it, so it's just me and my brain.
Updated?: Not really. I need to plan it.
Worth reading?: Why not? It's like a peek into my sick mind. >:) (Then again I could say that about everything)


Blue Skyys
What it's about: Sci-fi galactic war between two rivaling galaxies. Includes major brotherly/family feels and awesome characterization (ahem I'm really proud of those charries okay). Also a cliffhanger. And really intense scenes.
How much posted: Three or four chapters, pretty good length.
Well known (if you stalk me)?: Eh, if you really really stalk me you'll know a pretty okay bit about it. I've written a blog post on it, and the board on Pinterest for it is a pretty good size.
Updated?: Nope. It's coauthored, and the coauthor doesn't write hardly at all, so no regular updates.
Worth reading?: I've been told the setting is a little hard to explain, but if you like the genre, I think it's worth a skim to see if you want to invest time in actually sitting down to read it.


The Orion: The Deadlands
What it's about: If you stalk me you know. Post-apocalyptic, bad governments, all the rage going on these days in young adult fiction. Awesome characters stuck in lame writing.
How much posted: Two shortish chapters. I am capable of posting more (I have the whole thing written yet unedited), but I'm not sure I want to because I want to publish this one someday.
Well known (if you stalk me)?: Yes. Absolutely. I post about this one all the time.
Updated?: Like I said, I can, but I don't, because I want to publish it and don't want to spoil it...
Worth reading?: Really only if you're curious and want to get a feel of what the book's about. Nothing really happens; the prologue gives a good explanation of what the book is about. Otherwise, just a sneak peek.


Home at Last
What it's about: Short story I wrote for school, so it's pretty complete and like, you know, understandable. Set in King Arthur time. Pretty epic.
How much posted: It's four pages long, but a complete story.
Well known (if you stalk me)?: Nope. Little known secret though: I have a secret board on Pinterest with ideas for a King Arthur story. Coming soon to a Wattpad near you.
Updated?: Complete.
Worth Reading?: If you're into it, sure! One of my better works, probably, because it was for school so it had to be pretty good to get a good grade. :)


Luke's Conversion
What it's about: Short story (excerpt of Orion series 2). It's about Luke Vetti converting to Christianity. Major Luke feels ahead.
How much posted: It's a short story, completed, edited but probably not perfected, four pages long.
Well known (if you stalk me)?: Luke Vetti has the largest Character Board on my Pinterest account (about 652 pins, I believe, at time of writing). He's famous amongst my Pinterest followers...though not as famous as Westly Decker.
Updated?: Complete.
Worth Reading?: Yes.


Luke & Kyle: The End of the Line
What it's about: Short story (related to Orion series 2). Luke and Kyle's infamous parting scene. Super painful.
How much posted: Two pages of indescribable pain.
Well known (if you stalk me)?: Yes.
Updated?: Complete.
Worth Reading?: Yes.


"Know What You Fear"
What it's about: Short story (related to Orion series 2). Two young assassins from "The Orion series 2" who are dealing with issues related to being pressured young assassins.
How much posted: Two pages.
Well known (if you stalk me)?: Not really. They have a board but that is all.
Updated?: Complete.
Worth reading?: For fun, why not.


Rhett Hawke: The Secret of Blackrock Cave
What it's about: FULL LENGTH NOVEL!!! Very humorous and lighthearted tale of pirates and orphans and treasure and Rhett Hawke the Awesome.
How much posted: 31 Wattpad pages, about 100 normal pages, so a novella.
Well known (if you stalk me)?: I'll post the occasional Aiden Turner pic for Rhett Hawke on Pinterest, and I've mentioned Rhett Hawke before, so kinda.
Updated?: Complete.
Worth reading?: It's a bit of a commitment, but if you want a laugh (even if it's a slightly random plotted, slightly unedited laugh), this is the book for you. Especially if you're a Pirates of the Caribbean fan.


Me Too
What it's about: I wrote this short story in a writer's meeting one day and thought it was interesting enough to type out and post. It's not terrible, not a piece of art, but it's so short you might as well give it a go.
How much posted: 1 page.
Well known (if you stalk me)?: No.
Updated?: Complete.
Worth reading?: I put it up there for kicks.


One Song Won't Hurt
What it's about: Short story (related to Superior Race). Lane and Chloe go to the prom. Lane-ness ensues.
How much posted: 2 pages.
Well known (if you stalk me?): I haven't done anything with this story in a while, but it's pretty well known.
Updated?: Complete.
Worth reading?: It's a fluffy little piece. Nothing epic or severe.


Embers
What it's about: Short story (related to the Cycle of Time). A collection of short stories that only has one short story, but I wrote another and plan to post it.
How much posted: 4 pages.
Well known (if you stalk me)?: YEAH MAN. I TALK ABOUT IT ALL THE TIME.
Updated: Recently I've been trying to write The Sentinels, so as long as inspiration holds, I will no doubt have a few short stories waiting around to be written.
Worth reading?: If you like fantasy or are interested, sure.


The Cycle of Time: The Journey
What it's about: About three chapters of my first novel, a fantasy adventure.
How much posted: 6 pages.
Well known (if you stalk me)?: YEAH MAN. I TALK ABOUT IT ALL THE TIME.
Updated: Nope. THAT'S ALL YOU'RE GETTING, PEOPLE.
Worth reading?: If you're curious...


Westly Decker
What it's about: Short stories revolving around my newest little baby bear, Wes. If you want feels, you're in the right place.
How much posted: 5 pages, two short stories.
Well known (if you stalk me)?: Pretty much. I only pin to his board every other day in massive spurts, that's all.
Updated: About once every month or so I crank out new feelings.
Worth reading?: I feel like the second story in this work is one of the most poignant, well-written works I've ever written, and my best friend Angie Zoe agrees. So yeah, read my awesomeness.



So yeah, exhaustive list of my works and how bad they are. Anyway, as you may have noticed, my blog doesn't get the attention it deserves. I am sorry for that. However, if you are lonely, head over to Wattpad or Pinterest to get some more action (Pinterest mostly). I post to there more often. :)

Yeah that was the whole point of this.

Yeah I don't care that this was incredibly long, it makes me feel better for not posting anything for months.

Yeah I know my blog posts are random, insane, have terrible grammar, and are filled with typos and inconsistencies.

Yeah I don't care.

Yeah it makes me feel like I'm writing a personal letter to people.

Yeah it makes me feel like I'm funnier than I am.

Yeah I like the personal feel it gives.

Yeah.

I know.

I'm da bomb.









(Yeah I know I'm selfish and conceited PLS DON'T HATE ME *cries*)

Featured: Sunshine Award Nomination

THANKS TO MY BIG BBBBBBFF ANGELINA ZOE OVER AT THE RANDOMNESS OF A TEENAGER WRITER FOR NOMINATING MEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

BIG KISSES AT YOU!!!!!! ( `3`) <yes that's a kissy face

Ahem. Anyways.

This award is given to blogs that uplift creatively, and inspire others positively. I'm so glad I have done that with my blog!

I was told the rules for this award are:

• Display the award graphic in your post
• Link back to whoever nominated you
• List ten facts about yourself
• Nominate ten fellow bloggers "who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogsphere"
• Leave a comment on the nominees' blogs to tell them of the award

now....more facts. Be prepared for randomness.

1. I just started Tai Kwon Do. I think I'm a natural. Also I defeated like fifty ninjas soooo...yup. Another day saved.

2. I'm really obsessed with Pinterest but I can't keep up with my blog. It's really sad. I would love to blog more but I run out of stuff to blog about. So, if you have any requests on topics to bog on, I'd be happy to oblige. (email acrossbooks@gmail.com or comment!)

3. I'm obsessed with Batman. I don't read the comics, no, but I've read every wiki article on every character, have scoured Pinterest for comic scans and fan art, and I have successfully figured out the entire Batfam. Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain, and Damian Wayne. DAMIAN BEING MY LITTLE DEMONIC FAVORITE OF COOOOOUUUURSE.

4. I'm finally a teenager at 18 years old. I was still a middle schooler for like my entire teenage years and have just now become a true teenager. I fangirl more than my fifteen year old sister, wear my hair in a bun way too much, and like yoga pants and baggy tee shirts best. But really. I think my fifteen year old sister is more mature than me. And my sixteen year old best friend. They'll deny it but it's true, in the long run. No one else I know can fangirl until a blood vessel in their head explodes.

5. I wanna dress up like characters and run around all day acting like them. I know that really means "go to a comic con", but I just can't do that. I'm not that free and lovely. So I wait every year for Holloween. To dress up like weird people and hand out candy in character. THIS YEAR WILL BE LOKI.

6. Speaking of which, I'm tempted to join twitter to tweet as some random character. Like the Bucky Barnes tweets. I just...that's awesome. I clap for you, person who does that.

7. Literally every time I meet someone new, I have to hold back my personality because if I didn't, I'd intimidate them.

8. My sister is bothering me on Skype right now. I'm going to go virtually choke her.

9. I just virtually choked my little sister.

10. I have to go to bed in like 15 minutes.

Now for my ten blogs...probably the SAME blogs I just nominated for the Leibster Award.

Chloe at Snobby Writing Blog (again)

Jake at Teenage Writer (again...)

Nairam at Nairam of Sherwood (I'm a creepy awarding stalker)

Watzzit Tooyah at The Procrastination Station

That's all...

I have no more.

Shame on me.

OKAY BYYYYYEE. (anna)

Featured: Liebster Award Nomination

I am very grateful to Sofia Marie for nominating me for the Liebster Blogger Award! I didn't even

know this award existed until just recently. Apparently, it is a chain reward given to bloggers with less than 200 followers. It's point is to get new and noteworthy bloggers noticed!


The Rules:

• Thank and link back to the person who nominated you
• List 11 facts about yourself
• Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you
• Nominate 9 bloggers who have fewer than 200 followers
• Ask them 11 questions
• Let them know about the nomination

11 Facts About Me:

1. I love the country but hate being away from the city. I am blessed to have lived in a weird between-the-lines sort of area for 10+ years now and I LOVE it!

2. I'm obsessed with the Christian band Anthem Lights, as of about two weeks ago. I saw them in concert on Saturday, and I was stalking them with my iPhone camera by zooming way in and following them as they walked around behind the stage. Then I met them and got a poster signed, and I SHOOK ALAN POWELL, CALEB GRIMM, AND CHAD GRAHAM'S HAND!! AND I PUT MY ARM AROUND JOEY! So yeah, I pretty much am good with life right now.

3. I faint. A lot. Randomly. Like, I don't even know why. I'm such a baby that it's pathetic. And it's really weird because in reality, I myself am all like, "Pain? What's pain? I can take pain all day. Gimme anything, I can take it. No big deal." Like literally. But my body just can't handle it, I don't know. Don't ask.

4. I have discovered the secret to short story writing. It's to just write a short story.

5. I really like Reese's cups. And smoothies. Smoothies especially. Oh, and fish tacos, and mashed potatoes, and french fries, and this afternoon I literally stuffed a loaf of bread half up my nose while smelling it because it smelled like HEAVEN.

6. I can't wait to get my debit card so I can buy stuff online. It should come any day now. I'm kinda excited.

7. Sometimes I dress really pretty and girly, and other times I dress half like a punk rocker. Then sometimes I'm so lazy that I put on a dress just because I'm too lazy to put on pants. I wear buns a lot too even though I've got like 30 inches of long shiny brunette tresses. I like neon nail polish and pink lipstick and sometimes I wish I had short hair. Just sometimes.

8. I have been a Christian since I was about 5 or 6, maybe younger. I love the Lord!

9. I'm pretty pale, and I don't tan very well. I tan, but it takes a while for me to color. Like, my sister tans twice as fast as me. I don't know why. But in winter I look like snow white. But, despite what you may be thinking, I DO NOT HAVE FRECKLES! What's with that?!

10. I'd like to have freckles. Just a sprinkling across my cheekbones and nose would be nice.

11. I am not good at coming up with facts about myself because most of my facts are so random and uninteresting that I'm not even interested in them. So that's that I guess...

My Answers to Sofia's Questions:

1. What time of day do you look forward to most?

Nighttime, because that's basically my free time. The little siblings are in bed, so there's no interruptions. :)

2. What's your favorite genre in fiction?

Either fantasy or post-apocalypse. It used to be fantasy, but now I think I like post-apocalypse/dystopian better, because that's what I'm writing most now.

3. What sport do you like most, if any?

I love to swim, but don't do it often since we moved away from our pool. I preform in dance, though: tap, ballet, and pointe. Does that count as a sport?

4. What's the funniest thing you heard (or did) today?

Me: Hey, sis, guess what?

Sis: *going into bathroom* What?

Me: I'm getting a debit card soon so I can buy stuff online.

Sis: *silence*

Me: ...

Sis: *shuffles out of bathroom with evil little smile on face*

5. Do you/did you like being a teenager?

My teen years were/are some of my best! I loved being a teenager. But being a kid was nice too.

6. Who is your favorite author?

Bryan Davis, hands down.

7. Do you play any musical instruments?

I've been playing piano for about 7 years now. I also sing a little.

8. How many hours a week do you spend in front of the computer? (approx.)

Ten? I dunno. About ten. Maybe less.

9. Do you believe music relieves stress? Does books do a better job?

Music definitely relieves my stress. I love music! Books, on the other hand, can make me cry and throw stuff, so I'm gonna say no...

10. What's your favorite color?

Lime green!

11. You've been given three work-free, child-free, chore-free, study-free hours. What are you going to do with them?

Write!

Nine Bloggers I Nominate:

(Problem is...I don't even know nine bloggers...)

Chloe at Snobby Writing Blog

Angelina Zoe at The Randomess of a Teenage Writer

R.G. Nairam at Nairam of Sherwood

Ginger Zimmerman at Writers Who Need to Talk to Other Writers

Watzzit Tooya at The Procrastination Station

Jake at Teenage Writer

THAT'S ALL THE PEOPLE I KNOW!!!!!!!! I'M SORRY!!!!!! D:

Questions for my Nominees:

1. Who's your three favorite fictional characters?

2. Who's your favorite non-fictional famous/historical person?

3. Why do you blog?

4. What electronic device do you use/like most: phone, computer, mp3 player, or tablet?

5. What's the weirdest thing you've ever done?

6. Have you ever met someone famous?

7. What is your current favorite song? TV show? Book?

8. What's your favorite animal?

9. Do you like lamps?

10. Mac or PC?

11. What kind of candy do you like best? (Sour? Sweet? Chocolate?)

Thanks again for the award, Sofia! Now to notify the nominees!

Featured: Character Interview on Red Lettering (Also, Character Chat w/Luke Vetti)

Picture by Athelas Hale

Hi everyone! Last week, I was graciously invited by fellow writer and blogger Athelas Hale of the lovely blog Red Lettering to do a character interview on her blog. She featured a well-known favorite of the followers, Lukas Vetti, and asked him some pretty intense questions. Go to her blog and check it out to see the full post!

Thanks again, Athelas, for interviewing Luke! I'm sure he enjoyed it. I think...probably yes. :)

Also, as promised in the title, I am hosting a character chat with the famed Luke Vetti in the comments! Just ask a question or whatever in the comments, and he will answer back right to ya. Go crazy, and have fun everyone!

Love ya, my peoples!