I'm Back!

So, as you can see there's a lot of changes!

First of all (something you might have noticed right away) is that I renamed my blog. Now, even though some people do that every three months or so and there's nothing wrong with it, I've never liked changing my blog's name unless I was really tired of the old one. This new name is a bit more to the point.

I've also redone the tabs, so check those out as well!

Finally, I chose an autumn theme for the blog. Red and orange are some of my favorite colors. =) Ya like it?

I still might be posting only once a week or so, but I'll make an effort to put greater meaning in my posts!

Izori

A Special Birthday and the Name Guessing!

Today I would like to wish a very Happy 12th Birthday to my brother Erestor! His friend came over today, and we went out to Foster's Grill[e?]. Then we had cream puffs. =)

Now, about the name guessing!

First off, don't let me make you all feel guilty on not commenting on certain posts. I know that everyone is terrifyingly busy, including myself. I am guilty of not commenting because I don't have the time, too. =)

Okay, NOW we can go to the name guessing. Here are all the guesses so far:

1. Brandy
2. Jenny/Jenine/Jennifer
3. Carly
4. Angela (a couple of them)
5. Emma (a couple of those too, I believe)
6. Sarah
7. Nichole

No one has guessed my name so far. Noelle, Angela actually is another 'alias' (...evil laugh...) for me. My mom and dad don't let me show my name on the internet at all, not just this blog. Smart guess, though! And I love the name Angela. :o)

And I really love the names you imagine me by! Some of my favorite names are among your guesses--Nichole, Emma, Angela, Jennifer, Sarah.

Another question:

Do you want me to change the names that I have given my siblings, Erestor, Luthien, and Galdor? Someone has told me that they're kind of confusing. I would love to hear everyone's opinion!

And thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU so much for the comments on the last post! I love comments. =) They make my day/week/month/year/century!

Oh, and I am so sorry to foil your evil plans, igirl. *innocent smile*

And now I'm off to study for my completely wonderful, amazing, fun, Spanish test that is such a blessing to me! Adios, everyone, and a good night to all and to all a good night! Or whatever.

Starting Over

Before I begin, I have to apologize for completely missing Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which was yesterday. I cannot believe I did that, seeing as I was studying that in history! Let's all take a moment to pray for our courageous soldiers who fight and pay the price so we can all be free.

Now...last post, I asked you all a question, and I am going to pretend that every reader gave me their opinion. In reality, it was only my BBFF (best blogging friend forever) igirl who did, but that's okay. Maybe everyone else didn't have the time, and I'm completely sympathetic to you. I'm just being sarcastic because I have a raging headache, so don't mind me. *smiles and winces in pain*

Anyway, she gave me some very good advice, so I am going to start over again. I'm definitely still going to post some writing-related things on this blog, but it's going to be a bit more about yours truly...like I'm sure you all want to hear about me. I think I get igirl's point; a lot of writing tips isn't very personal. Now that we have Traveling Tales, I don't really need to get my writing advice out on this blog.

So. I have another question, just out of my crazy curiosity. Have you ever tried to guess my real first name? Tried to picture me dancing with a turtle? Ignore that last one--that's just my headache talking. What do you think is my real name?

Anyway, I'd be interested in your answer. =) Of course, I won't tell you if you get my name right, because I'm not allowed. Oh, and igirl, it's not fair if you do it because you DO know my name! :o)

That question has another reason than just curiosity. I really would like to know if you guys can guess my real name because you're not supposed to know my real name, and if you guys were able to guess my real name...I'd have to change something around. If your average, teenage, normal blogger could guess my name, a stalker could probably guess a lot more. Sorry to scare anyone there. I'm not really paranoid, it's just that I want to be sure.

I don't think you'll be able to guess, anyway. =)

Oh! That reminds me. Which smiley face do you like better?

a. =)

b. :)

c. :o)

d. :-)

e. :]

God Bless, and Merry 8th of December!

What on Earth is Wrong With Nyjer Morgan?

Good grief. Did you hear about what Nyjer Morgan did? (For any of you non-sportsy people, he's a baseball player on the Nationals team) He used to be my favorite player just because of his awesome attitude. Now he's called baseball's newest villain. All in the course of one week!

*Sigh*. I just can't understand it. From such a great guy to starting a brawl and throwing a baseball at a fan. Sheesh...now I have to pick a new favorite baseball player. Okay...how about Adam Dunn?

Summer

Yesterday we (Mom, Erestor, Luthien, and I) biked all the way up to Chick-fil-A. All the way up along a busy road with the sun pouring down on us. No shade. Sweating all over the place. My arms are now salmon pink. The perfect summer memory!

What do you associate with summer? Languid. Hazy. Golden. Freedom. Fireflies. Watermelon. Laughter. Sweat. Misty mornings. Fresh sunrises and glorious sunsets. Stars. Swimming. Lemonade. Wind. The creek. Friends. Walks in the evenings. Peaches. Brown, parched yards. The Farmer's Market. Picnics. Fireworks. Blackberries. Blueberries. Frozen treats. Pickle ice cream. Boating. Fishing. Grilling. Cold showers. Family.

And then you snap your finger, and it's all gone.

What have y'all been doing for your summer? Have you smiled at someone who needed it? Made a new friend? Gone on a mission trip? Gotten to know God better? Composed a song? Did something for someone else? Improved your swimming? Taught someone something? Gotten in shape?

I've found a new favorite Bible verse:

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20

Don't you love it? It's so punchy, and I love the paradox. Our God is a God of peace, but woe betide anyone who hurts his children!

I've also found a new favorite boys name. Shaun. It means 'God's Grace'.

Today, we're going blackberry picking with a friend's family.

I hope y'all are having a memorable summer! Enjoy what's left of it, and spend it in a way you won't regret when it's all over.

Hugs & Blessings,

Izori

My Summer Schedule and Blog Wishlist

Whew! It's really hot out today!

I am going to be very busy when school starts up this fall. Well, maybe 'busy' is an understatement. Let's try "exhaustively rushing hither and thither until my hair turns frizzy". Let me count the ways...

1. I'm going to be starting high school, which means extra school work for a longer time.
2. I'm going to be participating in one co-op,
3. Not to mention another smaller one.
3. I'm going to be taking on 45 minute piano lessons,
4. And 30 minute voice lessons.
4. I'll be teaching at least one student, maybe more.
5. I'll still work on my books.
6. I'll be playing soccer.
7. I'm considering playing in another league of soccer as well.
8. Hopefully, I'll be published/in the process.
9. Of course I'll be blogging.
10. And I'll be a docent at a local historic sight.

Yeah. That's scratching the surface.

I figured that I would desperately have to make a schedule for my life so that I can actually do all of that listed above. And I decided that summer would be the perfect time to learn how to be on a schedule.

IZORI'S SUMMER SCHEDULE

6:00-6:30--Exercise
6:30-7:00--Shower, get prepared for the day
7:00-7:10--Bible reading
7:15-7:30--Craft and memorization
7:30-8:00--'Before Breakfast Chores'
8:00-8:30--Eat
8:30-8:45--Brush teeth and straighten room
8:45-9:00--Piano/Tin Whistle practice
9:00-9:20--Latin
9:20-9:30-Weed and other yard work
9:30-9:40--Piano practice
9:40-10:30--Script
10:30-11:00--Craft/cooking
11:00-11:15--Spanish brush-up
11:15-11:25--Bible reading
11:25-12:00--Creative writing
12:00-12:20--Latin
12:20-1:00--Reading
1:00-1:45--Before lunch chores and lunch
1:45-2:00--Woods
2:00-2:30--Research of J.R.R. Tolkien/C.S. Lewis
2:30-2:40--Piano practice
2:40-3:00--Soccer practice
3:00-3:20--Latin
3:20-4:00-Chores and cleaning
4:00-4:10--Bible reading
4:10-onward--Relaxation time

Yeah, I have a bad feeling that this will last all of two days. But I'm really hoping that I can get my life on schedule, because it will be SO less confusing in the fall when things REALLY start up. After all, our God is a God of order!

This next thing is an idea that I got from igirl, the Blog Wishlist! Sweet idea, igirl! I hope you don't mind if I borrow it. =)

1. To have at least 3 comments on each post
2. To have 80 followers by fall
3. To write meaningful, God-honoring posts
4. To be able to encourage other starting writers
5. To get to know other people
6. To make my blog a safe place where everyone knows no trash will ever be posted
7. To make people laugh, or sometimes even cry
8. To have fun!

Oh, BTW, in less then a week I'm going on vacation! Does anyone want a book excerpt while I'm gone? Tell me quick, because if more than two people say yes I'll put up a poll to decide which book I'll take the excerpt from!

See y'all!

Izori

To delete or not to delete, that is the question.

It's so often that you hear someone tell you to keep on going if you find yourself in a writing rut. If a sentence, paragraph, whole chapter, etc. seems awkward, just don't worry about it and move on. This has been repeated so often that you (or I, at least) assume that this advice goes for all times.

But does it?

I have found more than once that deleting whole pages of awkward writing has taken care of the 'bothered perfectionist writer's block'. But does that mean that once I write a single awkward word, I can feel free to go heavy on the backspace button?

Not necessarily. In fact, not at all!

My theory is that the backspace method works if your plot is getting awkward. If your prose is getting awkward, then I would agree with popular advice (if you're on the 1st draft)--work past it, and then sweat about it.

Awkward prose, at the most, will just keep on nagging your mind that you have to go back and fix it. But that's okay. You can fix it later, and in the meantime make sure it doesn't get in the way of your writing. However, awkward plot not only nags you, but it will most likely begin to lead the rest of your book into the mire of awkwardness.

What are y'all's thoughts?

Izori

2nd Amendment

Is this just a rumor? I heard that some politician doesn't believe that the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution gives people the right to bear arms.

Excuse me for a moment. I hope I don't offend anyone, but...

How could this be interpreted to get to that conclusion?

2nd Amendment:

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Now, unless this part is talking about 'arms', as in the limbs attached to your torso, I think it's pretty clear.

Does anyone agree/disagree?

Izori

Wee Random Thoughts

It's kind of interesting to read an author's books after you've read their biography. If you look hard enough, you can see little pieces of their lives written into their work, and it adds so much more insight.

Take 'The Magician's Nephew' by C.S. Lewis for example. Digory's mother is very sick, and there doesn't seem to be much hope for her until (WARNING: SPOILER FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T READ 'TMN' YET--WHO HASN'T?) Digory brings her a magic apple. (END OF SPOILER) C.S. Lewis' mother died of cancer when he was at a fairly young age. Could he have written that wishing that he could have been in Digory's situation?

Just a little thought that I had--tell me what y'all think!

Izori

Planning!

Guess, what! It's getting kinda close to the first anniversary of this blog!

These are all of my ideas for the celebration. Tell me what you think! (I'm not going to put up a poll)

1. Have a Caption Contest

2. Post 50 things about me that you may or may not know

3. Post a chapter or two of the first book that I wrote on here

4. Reveal my face for the first time! Well, maybe not the first, but ever since this blog became popular.

5. Make a quiz to see how much you guys know about me

6. Write a story involving a rather crazy sea captain, a dignified dragon, and a modern girl who are trying to rescue a prince who is put under a spell that makes him think he's a kangaroo. And post the first draft on my blog.

7. All of the above! (it'll be spread out over the space of one week if this is picked)

Tell me what you guys think!

Izori

I think I'm going to take on a new look here...

I love this background, but I think it's time that I get another. Many thanks to Meilin Blog Designs--check 'em out if you haven't already.

So what do you think of my new look? Too grungy? Too swirly? Just perfect?

Izori

Help!?!?!?!

Okay, this is sort of weird...but my Blogger Dashboard says that I'm not following any blogs. I know that I follow at least fifty of them. Also, it doesn't show that I have any followers, although I can still see on the Followers gadget on my blog that I do have followers...37 of them.

Has anyone else had this problem? More importantly, does anyone know how to fix it?

Thanks so much!

Izori

EDIT: Now it shows the blogs that I follow *whew!*, but I'd still like advice in case it happens again and doesn't come back up.

Sunsets or Sunrises?

Okay...I know that this has little to do with fantasy, but do you like sunsets or sunrises?

I like sunsets. They're so pretty, with all the red and gold. Go up to Cape Cod and see the sunset there...it's gorgeous! But it's soooooooo fast! You can actually see the sun sinking toward the horizon. I also think sunrises are pretty, though.

Personalities

What are your guys' favorite personalities for characters? I have a lot.

The easiest to write, I think, is the chatty twit. One of my characters, Aera, turned into that on accident (whoops!). It actually turned out great! I had at first thought of her as the brilliant, beautiful and strategic girl who does everything right and that my main character, Ehra, was slightly jealous of her. Well, she turned out to be a bit of a klutz, although she was still pretty. The reason why I was okay with that was the beautiful and brainy Aera would have been no use further in the plot, whereas the not-so-brainy Aera fit in perfectly!

Another easy one is the shy, greatly skilled character. Leela is that, which was sorta of what I thought her to be. Reserved, quiet and gentle at first glance, shrewd and insightful on the inside.

Yet another commonly-used one is the bitter person. Maybe something happened to them, and they blame somebody(s) for it, whether they really caused it or not. They're usually proud. I think that this is a tiny, tiny bit like Ehra, the main girl. That is not how I thought she would turn out...AT ALL! I thought she would be an optimistic, happy-go-lucky kind of person, sort of like what Aera turned out to be. But as we have observed, authors have a hard time controlling that stuff.

Probably another good one is the hovering guide, an older person, steering, protecting, and advising the main character (especially if he is young). This is played by Gnomi, the old 'peddler' in my book. And that is what I expected him to be like.

One of the reasons why I like all these personalities is because they all have faults and strengths. A faultless character is a very boring one, you know. A strength-less one can be a little boring, too.

The first personality--the cheerful twit--is vulnerable to walk into a trap because they don't use their brains much. They also have a habit of being dependent and annoying to the other characters. However, this character can easily spot a glimmer of light when everyone else is ready to give up. Sometimes they are even dumb enough to be smart, helping solve things by thinking up really crazy solutions that actually work...only everyone else at first dismisses them because they're too silly and impossible.

The shy but skilled character often has the fault of being very observant of their surrounding and yet hesitant to speak up. They are often rather serious, but they are smart enough to help, when they talk.

The bitter person--a lot of faults, there! Often blinded by their anger and pride, un-bending and un-forgiving, these characters are often very good warriors. On a positive note, they are useful for fitting some good virtues into your story by having them finally soften.

Finally we get to the hovering guide. This character can be overly protective, yet he also serves an important purpose--making sure your main character can survive their early days in the book! :) An interesting thing about these guides is that the author usually kills them off when the main character has become mature enough to live on their own. An example of this is Brom from the Inheritance Cycle.

What are y'all's thoughts?

Elves vs. Dwarves

At soccer practice today, I realized that I forgot to schedule the weekly debate! Whoops!

Soooooo...Elves or Dwarves? Which one do you like better?

My opinion...I don't have one. I mean, I really like Elves (dude, I am one! Just look at my profile and you'll see it--occupation: Elven-Scribe!), but in FotR (Fellowship of the Ring) I really liked Gimli...and I can't let him down. So it's tied for me!





P.S. Thank you to Tatiana, who gave me the idea for this debate. I was clueless about what I should debate about, but then she came up with our subject! Thanks again, Ta.

Izori

What makes bad guys good?

It is so hard to make your bad guy convincingly bad and not sappy and cliche (Don't say it, Rin). I'm sure most people want their readers to be staring at the page in fascinated horror as they read about your main baddie, and not rolling their eyes.

So, how do you make your bad guy good?

(You do know that I mean, when I say 'make your bad guy good', to make your bad guy convincing? This isn't about how to get your baddie to turn to the good side.)

First, don't cackle. Cackling is probably one of the most cliche things your baddie can do.

Second, make him truly evil and cruel. Maybe a few...interesting...torturing devices lining his throne room or something.

Third, he doesn't have to look evil. Think of Feragho (I think I spelled that right) in Salamandastron, by Brian Jacques. He's handsome and has baby blue eyes, and yet he is a really, really evil bad guy.

One of the hardest parts for me is when the bad guy speaks. You know what I mean? It's then that my bad guys are most vulnerable to looking rather fake. I've actually considered having a bad guy who doesn't talk at all. But that would be a little hard.

Any other advice for bad guys?

Should I name my chapters, or shouldn't I?

Just for the sake of debate...

Which is better, named chapters or unnamed chapters?

My opinion...

I like named chapters. The names give you a small hint, not to big but enough to get you hooked, and adds to the suspense. But then again, unnamed chapters add to the suspense too, because they don't give you any hints.

So, what do y'all think?



P.S. If I get a lot of opinions, I might do a weekly (or monthly) debate.

Answers to some questions that were asked:

Eldarwen: I love Fellowship of the Ring, but I think my overall favorite (talking books) is The Two Towers, too! Also, for the band-thing, we sing mostly Celtic or Contemporary Christian music (that also answers part of Saerwen's question also)

The other half on answering Saerwen's question: Yep, we're planning on a CD. I'm so excited!

Character Personalities and Praise

I asked my dad (who is the editor for Dun Zarum) once he had finished the book if he could tell me my characters' personalities. I wanted to make sure I got their personalities across well, and whether or not they were strong, memorable characters. He described some to me, and one or two weren't as I had expected. For example: I had thought that Ehra (my main character) was quiet, a little reserved, and not very brave. Dad said that she was not quiet, but not loud, and brave, with a witty, drier sense of humor.

I was wondering: what exactly are Ben, Kaela, Josh, Lindsey, Lisa (as far as you can tell) and the other characters of Elandai's personalities? I find it hard for me to figure them out, because I made them up, after all, and I sort of have a set image of what they're supposed to be. So can y'all tell me? Thanks.

Also, we found out exactly what day Dad's chemo and radiation will start up: September 14. And also, the doses will (this isn't set in stone yet, but this is what we thing) be light enough for Dad to drive himself there and home. This is a biggie, because none of us kids are old enough to drive, so that would mean Mom would have to drive him, everyday, for six weeks, back and forth. And that would mean Wallace and I would be in charge, which means chaos. But he'll hopefully be feeling good enough to drive!

Izori

Question

I'm up early--it's 6:15 AM where I live right now. Anyway, can anyone give me some suggestions for curing writers block? I could use them right now.

Thanks,

Izori