A Brief Scream in the Silence

First off, I sincerely apologize for leaving this blog completely in the dust. It was not my intention and hopefully I'll be able to start cranking out some posts for you guys soon.

Secondly, I would like to announce that I will be officially attempting to do Nanowrimo for the first time in three years this coming November. Pray for me. That is all I have to say. If anyone wants to add me as buddy on the main site, I think my username is Anastasia_Cross. (If it's not and I'm not showing up, just let me know.)

Thirdly, I would like to bring your attention to my Wattpad page. I have been posting poetry pretty regularly all year, and though it's pretty dark and somewhat personal stuff, I'd be super happy if any of you guys wanted to go check it out. I currently have two poetry books on Wattpad; one is called Logastellus and the other is called Tacenda. Logastellus is my "writerly" poems--basically, they have no meaning to me other than they're based off a character or story, or are directly related to writing. Tacenda is my personal poems (I like to define them as "emo poems about death and the sky").

Anyway, that's basically all for now. Before Nanowrimo starts, I hope to get up a post with some helpful resources for us writers who just love to procrastinate on fun character profile sites or plotting apps.

Until then, ttyl!

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.

How to be a Writer

So we all know that there are many many different archetypes for writers. There is, of course, the elderly scholar, the hipster, the coffeeholic, the lazy man, the passionate grammar robot, and many more. Today (for utter lack of researching for good topic abilities due to my computer being a potato [see last post since my phone apparently can't link text]) we will be examining as a whole what exactly it takes to be a writer.

1. Drink Coffee

This is an absolute must if you are truly going to be a writer. Coffee is the soul food of book nerds everywhere. Food? Drink? Soul drink? Whatever, you know what I mean. Either way, the need for caffeine is real and dangerous.

On a side note: do not get inbetween a writer and his coffee. Ever.

2. Read a lot of random (and often bad) fiction.

You simply cannot skip this step. The writer feeds off the writing of others. It spurs those necessary explosions of inspiration that writers work off of. It's just necessary.

Not only that, but reading a lot helps improve your writing and style too. As a writer, reading is an act of imbibing information. Whether you're taking notes on word usage, praising sentence rhythms, or simply busy being horrified at a lack of character development, you're learning how to better your own writing. So, basically, reading is like teaching yourself how to write.

3. Watch Netflix a lot

Writers watch Netflix a lot. Because it helps us come up with cool scene ideas and stuff. Not because procrastination. Never. Writers never procrastinate.

4. Procrastinate

A writer's number one hobby is procrastination. Writers procrastinate more than any other type of person on the planet. Why? Well, trying to plumb the depths of human condition is a daunting job and some of us are a little overwhelmed by it.

5. Murder frequently

Murder is inevitable as a writer. If you don't murder someone (fictional or non) at some point during your writing process then surely you are doing something wrong.

6. Text friends freaky facts during the www hours of the morning

This is just one of the many downfalls of being a writer.

7. Crying over old writing

8. Crying over new writing

9. Crying over thinking about writing

10. Actually hating writing

The sad truth is most writers actually hate writing. We just have an innate inability to not write.

And last but not least:

6. Never actually writing ever

The number one popular mistake people make when referring to writers is that they actually write. Wrong! Writers are notorious for their complete lack of actual writing. The number of writers who don't write far outweigh the number of writers who do. It is a sad fact of life. There is no escaping this.

So, do you too do these things? Well then, my friend, you may actually be a writer! Don't be afraid to tell your parents; I'm sure they will accept you for who you are. :)))))))))))

I Apologize for Everything

So here's the potato.

My computer has thus far been a drift in the sheltered harbor of my patience. However, recent events have forced me and m
y computer into a great and terrible quest to end each other's lives.

In short, my computer is mean.

Ever since I don't even know when, the day I upgraded my Mac from Snow Leopard or whatever cat-themed operating system was popular at the time to Maverick, my computer has been naught but a raging hell beast.

At first, it was just really slow. I was like, "Aw, how cute, my three year old computer thinks it's old haha." Then, suddenly and without warning of any kind, without necessary preparation from myself, my internet died.

"Oh," you're probably saying. "That's not a problem. That's your wifi." I'm here to tell you no, my friend. Just no. My computer, as far as I can tell, is connecting to my wifi just fine, as is my family's devices and even my own non-computer internet doodads. However, does the internet actually work on my computer? If it was I wouldn't be painstakingly typing this post out on my sticky-screened iPad. (Apparently my little brother ate a poptart and then decided that was a good moment to take a thousand pictures of nothing with it.)

My computer is showing all signs of being connected to the Internet. Five bars, green lights and all. But does it connect on safari? Can I Skype my friends? Do any of my incredibly important emails come through? I think you already know the answer to these questions.

I've tried to fix it. My computer competent brother has looked at it numerous times. I've tried virus checks and wifi settings and all the advanced coding that goes into fixing computers. I even broken-heartedly wiped my entire hard drive, deleted all my backups, and started from scratch. That worked for about a month before my computer returned to its former state.

I honestly couldn't tell you what happened to my laptop. It's a three year old Mac. In all reasoning it should be in perfect shape. But alas, the terrors of outdatedness have probably grabbed hold of it for the worse.

So, I have a system. I have a little USB drive thingy that I use to switch files between devices. It's painstaking but it works. However it really stinks to have to go on my little brothers computer to attach documents to emails and stuff.

I could use this giant post as my excuse for not posting anything for years. But that would be irresponsible. I know I am lazy. You know I am lazy. The muffin man knows I am lazy. So let's all just be lazy together.

Now I must fill out an invoice on the slowest desktop computer in the universe. Excuse me.

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.

One Last Time Q & A Quiz

**NOTE THE HOBBIT SPOILERS AHEAD**

SO APPARENTLY SOME BEAUTIFUL PERSON STARTED A CHAIN BLOG POST ABOUT THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES MOVIE??? AND DIDN'T TELL ME UNTIL RIGHT NOW?!?!?!??! SO YEAH I WAS TAGGED BY MY LOVELY FRIEND ANGIE ZOE OVER AT THE RANDOMNESS OF A TEENAGE WRITER BLOG!!!!!! AND I THANK HER KINDLY FOR THAT.

So as for any thing there are rules...so I shall post them.

Rules:
1. You must be tagged in the Q & A quiz.
2. You must tag and notify at least three other bloggers.
3. Answer the questions to the best of your abilities.
4. You must have seen The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies to be tagged/take the quiz.


With all that being said, here starts the quiz.


1. How did you see the movie and how did you get involved with Tolkien in the first place?
I was introduced to Tolkien's universe when my parents finally allowed us kids to watch those three movies they were so crazy about. Of course, I totes fell in love with Aragorn. As for the Hobbit movies, I didn't get to see the first until it came out on DVD, and same for the second. However, for BOTFA, I literally dragged my family out to see it in theaters opening night. And cried. A lot.

2. Who are your three favorite characters in the Hobbit?
Easily Thorin, Fili, and Bilbo. I hated Thorin more and more throughout the movie series, but he really redeemed himself during the last movie (THAT AND I MAY OR MAY NOT BE OBSESSIVELY COMPULSIVELY ATTACHED TO RICHARD ARMITAGE FOR SOME REASON TO THE POINT WHERE I LISTENED TO HALF AN HOUR OF HIM READING LOVE POEMS. IT'S NOT CREEPY). Fili I always liked, and Bilbo I love because he is Martin Freeman and he is THE BEST BILBO that could EVER Bilbo. It's AMAZING. Like, he was born to play this role. That and Bilbo is super sassy and funny and cute. :3

3. Did you cry in BOTFA, and if you did, what scenes and how hard did you cry?
I have never ever cried during a movie ever...so I can't say I did cry during BOTFA because I just...don't...cry during movies...at all. However, what made me inwardly cry was Fili's death and Thorin's death. Mostly Thorin's death though...mostly because of his dying speech. And when Bilbo tried to comfort him by showing him the eagles, even though Thorin had already died. When people do that (ahem Peeta with the shapeshifter in Catching Fire ahem) I always inwardly lose it.

4. Were the deaths compelling to you, and if so, why?
Okay. Let me just start at the beginning.

Fili's death was "compelling," I suppose, even though it was quick. I mean, that's how deaths are in battles. You can't linger too long, you have to move on and keep fighting and save other lives. I was disappointed that Kili didn't linger on it though. I would have liked to have a reaction out of him. (Thorin's broken breath of death was quite moving though.)

I hated Kili's death. It was way too overdramatic and just...why. Why was Tauriel even there...I mean I liked her but I didn't like her and Kili. She ruined the whole Durin family triangle of awesome. They should have died together but they didn't and...eugh. Tauriel got in the way.

Thorin's death was perfect, even if how he actually died was stupid. YOU SHOULD HAVE JUST STABBED THE ICE THORIN. YOU SHOULD HAVE STABBED THE ICE.

5. Overall, were you satisfied with the movie as a whole?
Yes. Just yes. As a whole, it was wonderful.

6. Describe the movie in one word.
Painful.



As for my three nominees......I literally don't think I know anyone who blogs and watches LOTR. So...yeah. Sigh. I'll just...yeah. Comment and I'll tag you if you watch LOTR and blog!

Good to Know

Judging by the blogs I follow, I decided it's good to know I'm not the only slacker blogger in the world.

AH!!! COLLEGE!!!

AH!

COLLEGE!!!

Yup, I finally started. Thus, in the past 3+ weeks, I have done zero writing. Yup! ZIPPO! Unless you count writing essays writing. Because I have to write like four a week. But I have learned some stuff from writing those essays. Actually, I thought I wrote a pretty nifty piece today in a summary/connection paper for English class. Behold...

---------

So, I began to look. I hunted for treasures, tiny snapshots of moments that held some beauty to me. Searching was hard at first, but as I continued this lifestyle, I saw more and more beauty in everyday things. It was from this time I learned that the sky is the deepest blue at four o’clock pm, and that clouds look like paintings right before it rains; that the two little male ducks, the ones I call “the brothers,” swim around my pond from nine to eleven every morning. I found when you sit on the porch on a quiet summer evening, you can feel the music of a thousand creatures enjoying life as much as you, and if you listen closely, you can hear the pure thrill of living shifting the trees.

----------

...Yeah, I thought it was nifty.

So forgive me for any lack of posting...it's REALLY busy and I've broken down completely about three times...that's once a week...

I wasn't very cut out for college okay.

This is my phone background for reason.

And this accurately represents my college days.

and this is my motivational poster.

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!

A Big Milestone: ADULTHOOD

About...like...two months ago, I turned a very important age.

18.

Yup. The biggest age I've ever turned. The big adult year. College life ahead, high school behind. No more unicorns for me.

Well, the surprising thing is, I don't feel much different. When I turned 16, I felt SO much older for some reason. I felt more responsible, more mature, all around...just...older. 17 was similar. I had college worries and senior year stress and all that. But 18 just isn't so bad to me. As I told my dear friend from ballet, "I don't feel much different. Now I can just go to jail."

Haha. I'm so funny aren't I.

Anyways, the only thing in my 18th year so far that makes me think, "MAN. I AM REALLY OLD." is the impending thought of attending college this fall. Freshman in college is just so....wow.

Even through the confusion of registration, the newness of college, the fear of "fitting in", I know God's got me in His hands. The point is, Hakuna Matata! No worries for me. God's working it out one day at a time, and I'm putting my trust eternally in Him.

Starting Books...and why it's so hard (for me)

This is really awkward for me.

I didn't used to have this problem. In fact, I always just pooped out whatever came to mind when writing.

So why now do I have this chronic fear of starting books?

As I'm sure you've picked up, I am a perfectionist. I have problems. And starting books is one of them.

I think it's because my whole life, up until last April, has revolved around finishing The Cycle of Time: The Journey. I've been revising that puppy for like, 4+ years. And when I finished and tried writing something else, it didn't come out all revised and perfect like The Journey is now. I've totally forgotten how horrible that book was when I first started it. And now I expect everything to come out looking all nice and neat and The Journey-y.

That is my main issue. I'm having editorial withdrawals.

Wow. Just talking about it is making me feel better, though. But seriously! I have gotten about zero significant writing done since last April. Last year. Other than the sorry beginnings of a few books and a few random short stories, I've written exactly squat. Maybe it's just a slow year. Maybe I've been busy with school. Either way, it's gonna change pretty soon.

I feel my brain booting up to inspiration mode after last night's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (I had an idea for a part in a book I haven't even planned out yet). I'm having ideas again! And inspiration is flowing! And I'm thinking!

I think it's also because school is slowing down, and I've been accepted into my dream college with all finances paid, so the weight's been lifted off my shoulders, as well. Wow...I just made my own day! :)

So, in short

But I guess that's what makes writers so AWESOME.

If we could get off our blogs long enough to actually do something with our lives.

Ana

READ MY WORK!

ATTENTION! I HAVE JOINED ANOTHER WEBSITE AND HAVE TAKEN THE NEXT STEP INTO THE BIG BAD WORLD!

Anastasia Cross is now on Wattpad!

My best friend Angelina Zoe (find her writing here, and her blog here) introduced me to this great website a few weeks ago and I have just gotten to actually joining and posting. Since I am very wary about letting the world see my awesome ideas and letting them have free reign of stealing it (ahem ahem wink wink) I have decided to only post things I am not planning on publishing. I did post the first chapter or two of every book I have finished and that I am working currently on, so CHECK IT OUT! Also, I have posted several short stories that pertain to my larger novels (i.e. include the characters and setting). So if you have the time or get bored or something, check out what I've done!

I may also begin posting random stuff like, stuff I will never finish or book beginnings that I scribbled down, if you're lucky... >:)

Thanks for reading!

Your faithful freak,

Links:
My watt pad page, where you can read some of my writing
http://www.wattpad.com/user/Anastasia_Cross

"The Mind While Ill"—a ran-dumb poem by yours truly

I was hoping to save this post for a day when I was sick, but seeing as I have no other finished draft posts and I am in desperate need to post something, I'll have to post it now. Anyways, I wrote (well, scribbled) this poem down while sitting in my room suffering from a head cold. It's all in good fun and meant to be funny, obviously, so enjoy!

The Mind While Ill
(previously "Scribblings from the Blur of Fever")

There is no hope in this place.

Only pain.

Suffering.

The hole that is my heart longs

for the fair face of freedom.

No one can feel my pain.

No one.

Many times have I wrought the fabrics of time

wishing, hoping, living, wanting...

Only to see that it is all in vain.

All in vain.

Past times haunt me like those of a millennium of days.

But they are all just disillusioned pastimes

for my fragrantly beating heart.

Time flies by unchecked as I squander.

Everything I do becomes nothing.

Nothing, says I.

It is all an illusion,

broken apart like the thousands of miles

before a long trip

Or the aroma of faint salami 

floating on the breeze as the hot dogs grill on the fire.

How long, says I?

How long shall my life be that of one who is ill?

One who is sick?

One whose head is pounding into the ceiling...

Or at least that’s what I assume

Through the blurb of fever.

Many more times shall I fail to amuse

to laugh

to smile

to live....

But once more shall I say

that all things are illusions.

Brought on by the fever of life.

When someone brings you a cupcake,

and you find yourself eating it,

even though you are daftly allergic to the said confectionary treat

you will remember these words

that pour so freely from my swollen lips.

You will remember and never forget.

Faintly, I reveal to you

the seams of my burning mind.

For these words,

these precious last words,

they come like pigeons to roost,

or chickens to feed

or angry ducklings to the bread crumbs

spilled out by the frail old hand of wisdom

that is my granny.

How long shall I write this futile poem?

It may be decades before I cease.

But know this, young reader.

I am very ill

with a painful sinus cold

brought to me by my dear loving brother.

I should thank him for ending my youthful spree.

Slice, he does. Slice it down.

In it’s prime, it was destroyed.

Like so many things in life.

Like the cake on a birthday party.

Or the dreams of disco dancing for one who has no rhythm.

Or the raps of foolish men who have nothing better to do than

brag into a microphone with drums pounding in their ears.

It is so strange why someone would want to do that.

But I digress.

Even as my mind wanders for perhaps the final time

I wonder...

Why?

Why is there so much turmoil in my nostrils?

Mucus runs as if they were have a mucus Olympic race.

Down my throat. Out my nose.

Throbbing in the cavities that are my sinuses.

How dreadful.

“You should have ended this poem two stanzas ago”, you may say.

But should I have?

Really?

Or are you enjoying the pain of my sickness?

Are you?

Are you?

Are you?

Perhaps not. Or perhaps so!

For illness is nothing but horror.

Sleepless nights.

Painful extremities.

Medication.

DEATH.

Here I go. Falling...once more, do I fall...

Into the slumber of one who is but a breath away from demise.

So long, says I, for the last time.

Finally...

Finally!

I rest.

PIANOTHON 2014

Art copyright Anastasia Cross

"Music can change the world."

Saturday, March 8, 2014, is the date of this year's Joel Pace PIANOTHON!!!

PIANOTHON will take place at:

Northside Presbyterian Church
1901 Leonid Road
Jacksonville, FL  32218



This year is sure to be a blast! Some of the fun things lined up for the event:

• Piano/vocal/clarinet/flute performances from all ages of Joel Pace's students
• FOOD!!!
• Book signings by Anastasia Cross (that's me), author of The Cycle of Time: The Journey and Olivia Taylor, author of The Road Back to Esrever
• X-Box 360 raffle giveaway
• The anticipated appearance of Hot Dog Man and El Macho Nacho Man
• Balloon creations by Hayden
• All proceeds will go to Northside Christian Service Center Food Pantry
• The opportunity to donate to multiple Jacksonville charities

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Bring canned food or money as admission to PIANOTHON (proceeds go to charity)
• Date: Saturday, March 8, 2014
• Place: 

Northside Presbyterian Church
1901 Leonid Road
Jacksonville, FL  32218

So excited about this year's PIANOTHON! I am scheduled to sing a few pieces (if I can get over this nasty cold by then...I will be so upset if I'm not) and I will be signing copies of my novel, The Cycle of Time: The Journey. As of today, this is the only opportunity to get a copy of my novel. Though I am revising it fervently for a competition in Florida, and will probably publish it again after I am through giving it a final polishing. So if you want to wait for the revised edition, go ahead! :)

I can't help but give you a sneak peek of this: Me and my sister and best friend will be preforming a parody of "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" and "Let it Go" from the hit movie Disney's Frozen! It will be encouraging the buying of snacks and the donating of money to the NCSC food pantry. Also, the first appearance of the legendary Hot Dog Man and El Macho Nacho Man will be held at PIANOTHON 2014. You do not want to miss this.

Have a great week, meanwhile!

Wrandom Writing Tip #7: Perfectionism and why it DOESN'T help a writer.

"Hey."

*ignore*

"Hey!"

*ignore harder*

"HEEEYYY!!!"

*finally look over* "WHAT?!"

"You spelled that wrong."

*look back* "OH, you're right, I did! Let me just change that." *flow of writing is totally broken as goes back to fix problem*

"Oh, but there's another problem!"

"Oh, and another!"

"Did you or your four year old brother write this?!"

"OH MAN, I AM A COMPLETE DUNCE FOR WRITING THIS TRASHY GRAMMAR!!"

Does this conversation sound familiar? You've probably had it with yourself over four hundred times, or so a new study says (study does not exist). Who am I, you're wondering? Oh, let me explain.

My name is perfectionism. I am the heart and soul of Anastasia Cross.

You see, Ana here is a severe perfectionist. She is all about grammar, spelling, right sentence structure, engaging prose, etc. You may be like, "So? I am too!" Then you are also one of my victims.

Perfectionism is a deadly disease to writers, up there with Writer's Block and Character Limpage. I cause people to be acutely aware of their faults as writers, and all of their annoying writing habits that have to be corrected eventually. And the worst part is...I DO IT ALL THE TIME. Even during the rough draft!

*spooky music*

Why am I such a problem? Well, you see, rough drafts are supposed to be rough, by definition. Unfortunately, I force writers to try and make their first draft perfect, thus causing Writer's Block, Character Limpage, Prose Dullogos, and Mybookstinkititus. So really, I could possibly be the cause behind EVERY WRITER PROBLEM IN THE WORLD (for some).

I know I am for Anastasia.

How do you get rid of me, you wonder? I don't think you can. I penetrate your very personality. And truthfully, I am not wholly bad. In some cases I can be good—but not for writing. I am a terrible companion for a writer.

But there are ways to suppress or even ignore me.

So, how do you do it? Well, it's a learned habit. You must push past me as you write, forcing yourself not to care if the beginning doesn't set the right 'aura' or if your grammar reeks or if your character is being naughty. You just have to write. That's all that matters right now is that you get words on the paper. As soon as you start ignoring me, I'll get less and less noticeable, until you manage to suppress me to the very back of your mind. As you do keep ignoring, I'll get smaller and smaller and less pushy until I seem to disappear completely. I will get easier and easier to ignore, but you have to start right now!

Sometimes I may come back. Don't let me. Just keep ignoring me, keep writing no matter what. I don't care if your bad guy becomes your good guy and everyone goes crazy in the end, that's what revisions are for. First drafts are for IDEAS and WRITING, not PERFECTION.

/\/\/\That is a very important fact.

So, have I given you something to do? Ignore me? Go ahead. I won't be around forever. Soon, you'll be able to snap your fingers and get rid of me just like that.

(Anastasia is still working on this. Isn't it funny how much she loves and hates me?)

So you're welcome. I just gave you my greatest weakness—ignoring. Ignore me and I'll be gone before you know it.

Sincerely,

Perfectionism