Beautiful People // Oddball

Beautiful People is back! I know it's been forever, but I'm linking up with Cait @ Paper Fury and Sky @ Further Up and Further In.

If it's important that you know, I'm editing Oddball the First (aka the first book in the Oddball trilogy). But for today, Oddball will answer these for us.

Oddball: Don't act like I do as you say.

me: Do it or I'll tell them what a cute, angsty wittle baby you were.

Oddball: *makes face* If I don't snap out of it in 132 pages, I'll go back and strangle myself.

me: Don't bother. If you don't, I'll knock it out of you in 132 pages.

Oddball: Gee, thanks. Why don't you just get it over with on page 1, huh?

me: Character arc.

Oddball: Whatever. Let's get this over with.

me: *whispers* not too much has changed though.

Oddball: *shouts* I'm sorry, what?! It's seems I can't hear you over the sound of your losing your leverage over my answering these questions.

me: *mutters* just answer the stupid questions.

1) What's their favortie place they've visited?

I really can't say.


2) What's one mistake they made that they learned from?


Just because people hurt you, doesn't mean you ought to hurt others.


3) What was their favorite subject in school? Or favorite thing to learn about?

Yeah, never attended school.

But I loved reading about different cultures and kingdoms. It's fascinating how we're all so different and yet the same.


4) What's their favorite flower/growing thing?

Trees. Trees are good. They give us oxygen to breathe, and they're great for climbing.





5) Have they ever made someone cry? What happened?

Have I made someone cry? Uh, not that I can remember of? If I did, then they didn't cry in front of me. 


6) Would you consider them a reliable or unreliable narrator?

Who are you calling unreliable? I think you might be confusing me with Rocky. He always turns our map upside-down.





7) What do they dream about at night?

I don't really dream, ok? There might be a few nightmares, but . . .

*rolls eyes* Don't "Aaaw, Oddball" me.


8) They've gone out for a "special meal." What would they eat?

Can I just have some chocolate chip cookies? That's good enough for me, right now.





9) What's at least one thing they want to do before they die?

Are you trying to tell me something? Why just one? I don't plan to die anytime soon.

Uh, leave the Border, I guess. Check that. And not come back. Uncheck that.


10) Do they have any distinguishing or unique talents?

I'm spectacular at running away from things. And keeping Rocky pointed in the right direction. I'm also pretty good at pretending to be fascinated with something else when Rocky and Sky kiss. :P  It's better if Peril's around because then I can pretend to pick on her.

But she starts it.

No, really! Promise, she does. 



Have you done Beautiful People? 

Beautiful People: What Does Oddball Look Like

Today I'm linking up for Beautiful People with Cait @ Paper Fury and Skye @ Further Up and Further In. I'm sure you can guess we're talking about Oddball, and, who knows, maybe I'll thrown in something about the other three also.

1) Give a brief overview of their looks.

Oddball's kind of a dirty blonde. If you care about eye color, he has brown eyes. I not sure if I've mentioned that in the book though?

Haircolor for the others:

Skyler: black

Rocky: dark brown

Peril: red

2) Share a snippet that involves a description of their appearance.

I pulled the mirror trick. Oops. I wrote this six years ago, and it's awful. Don't even tell me it's not, because *headdesk* I know it is.

     -- He strolled up to the mirror, clasped his hands behind his back, and looked himself up and down. From head to toe he was one color: mud brown, a predictable look for someone who had just fallen into a muck pool. Oddball made a funny face. His eyes were hollow and tired, and his thin lips looked in ill-humor. He turned on his heel and walked away. He looked over his shoulder. The tall image peered back at him. Oddball faced forward again. Okay, enough messing around. Someone might see him. --

3) What is the first thing people might notice about them?

Probably his height. Oddball's very tall. I think only Hawk's Wing is taller than him. 

Also. . .

 *clears throat*

 #4, that's your cue!

4) What are their unique features?

His hair is always a mess. It sticks up in all directions and Oddball never bothers to fix it. Rocky pokes fun at him about it

5) How tall are they? What is their build?

I've never actually measured him. Oddball is just lanky, and very tall because I haven't mentioned that yet.

Height scale of the Foursome from tallest to shortest:

Oddball

Rocky

Skyler
[R and S are about the same height.]

Peril

6) What is their posture like? How do they usually carry themselves?

For a tall person, Oddball doesn't hunch much, unless he's sitting. He tends to lounge around when sitting. His arms will be sprawled over the back of the chair, and his feet most likely will kicked up in an adjacent chair, especially if he's comfortable with those around him. He does hunch over his food though.

7) Your character has been on a "lazy day." What are they wearing and how do they look?

Oddball's probably just in jeans and his favorite T-shirt. And barefoot. He's most likely sitting in some tree with his sketch book. Unless he's at the Post where he might be helping this guy named Ratchet fix stuff. And, you know, sometimes he doesn't mind hanging around the other three. ;)

The others' lazy days:

 Rocky: He looks the same as usual: jeans, hiking boots, and plaid shirt. Unlike Oddball though, Rocky's hair is combed. He's probably off telling stories or wild jokes to anyone, following Skyler around, maybe playing pranks with Peril. Sometimes he annoys Oddball and Ratchet while they try to fix things.

Skyler: She's in jeans with hooded shirt. She's probably with Bolt, with a book, or with her friends. Sometimes Rocky might persuade her to tag along with him and be social with. . . strangers.

Peril: Again, she looks like normal minus a few weapons. She's barefoot, another usual for her. Her hair might be completely down. She's either doing archery, throwing knives, reading a book, chatting with Sky, playing pranks with Rocky, or annoying Oddball. She gets around.

8. Do they wear glasses or accessories? Do they have any article of clothing or accessory that could be consider their trademark?

Skyler tends to get frizzy hair and will smell like a dragon from being around Bolt. She also wears fingerless gloves and has a preference for hooded shirts.

Rocky is sometimes bruised because, well, for some reason he thinks he needs to fight his way out of everything. And there's the plaid.

Somehow, Peril is the one who walks away seemingly unscathed. Her hair tends to be a mess. It's cut to cover one of her eyes. She has a leather string tying it back, although most of it just falls out, and another leather string around her head to keep the mess in place as if it works.

Oddball though is a bit bumbling. He doesn't intentionally wear any sort of accessory, but, um. . . He always seems to have some part of their surrounding terrain on him, be it a smudge of dirt on his arm, leaf litter stuck to his shirt, or twigs in his hair from ducking under trees.
Also, his hair, but we've discussed this haven't we?

9) Have they ever been bullied or shamed because of their looks?

Sort of? Oddball is from the Border. The Border is comprised of the two kingdoms Bal and Od, that are on the brink of war. Oddball just so happens to be a from both kingdoms.

The Balen are tall and dark-haired. The Oddish are short and fair-haired. Oddball is tall and fair-haired. So who he is, is very obvious. He doesn't get shamed because of his looks, but his looks do give him away, not that he's ever really thought about it that way.

10) Are they happy with how they look? If they could change anything about their appearance, what would it be?

From the state of his hair, I don't think he cares enough to give it much thought.

Oh, also if you haven't take the survey I made and want to, definitely feel free to do so soon. I want to do a follow up post because, I guess, you might? interested in the results (and in who said they were a strawberry croissant *cough*)? I won't put your name with the answers you gave though.

Have you done Beautiful People?

Beautiful People: Rayne

Hello, hello! I'm linking up again with Beautiful People hosted by Cait @ Paper Fury and Sky @ Further Up and Further In.

Today, I thought we'd talk with Rayne from the weird idea. [the weird idea is a WIP and there's a summary of it here.]

1. Do they want to get married and have children? Why or why not?

I've never really considered this. Things are a too turbulent to plan the future as if it could be a stable possibility.

2. What is their weapon of choice?

Hand-to-hand combat, unless, of course I'm up against something like super strength or some other. . . power. I do know my way around a gun if necessary.

I've been informed that my words cut a little deeper though. I have no idea what that person was talking about.

3. What is the nicest thing they've done for someone else and why did they do it?

 I'm not given to random acts of niceness. Unless I'm friends with a person. Or relate to their situation. I do go on voluntary rescue missions if that amounts.

4. Have they ever been physically violent with someone, and what instigated it?

Um, yes. Often. Usually, it's out of self-preservation. Or I was on a rescue mission. Or on a mission in general. I've never counted the times, and I don't care to start.

5. Are they a rule-follower or a rebel?

A rebel. Although I am using your definition of 'rebel.' The word will mean something different by my time.

6. Are they organized or messy?

I don't own much to keep organized. But in my mind, I have to keep everything tidy or else my memories will bombarded me 24/7. Everything is were it belongs in my 'mind palace' as you would most likely call it.

[Rayne has a photographic memory.] 

7. What makes them feel loved and who was the last person to make them feel that way?

When a person knows everything about you, the good and the bad, and they still don't leave. When you can trust them and they can trust you. When you don't even need words.

 I refuse further answers to this question.

8. What [inserts did] they eat for breakfast?

 Six impossible things. I run on impossibility.

But really?

Stale peanut butter on half burnt toast. The coffee though was excellent. Two sugars and just enough cream. Quite the luxury to have cream.

9. Have they ever lost someone close to them? What happened?

Yes. And again I use my right to refuse answers.

10. What's their treat of choice? (and if not food, then how do they reward themselves?)

 

I do love Alice in Wonderland. Anytime I can read some Lewis Carroll is nice. Or The Princess Bride. Any leisure time I get to read or watch old books or movies is a treat. As for food? Savannah has kind of hooked me on take-out. But honestly, anything that isn't stale or hasn't come out of a can will do. 

 

Have you written a Beautiful People post?

Beautiful People: Oddball's Childhood

Thank you so much Cait @ Paper Fury and Skye @ Further Up and Further In for hosting Beautiful People!

Oddball refuse to answer these. *glares at him* It seems he'd rather run the risk of me answering for him. So here we go.

1. What are their first childhood memories?

His mom singing. His father throwing him in the air.

2. What were their best and worst childhood experiences?

After 'they' burned his family's house and his dad, Cat, recovered from a gunshot wound from 'them,' his family lived in the huge sludge trees and survived on whatever they could find. But his dad still told jokes and his mom, crazy though she was, still sang songs. His family was still his family and they were still together. Nothing had really changed. Even though everything had gone wrong, 'they' couldn't do anything to him or his family. The best experience was the strange invincibility that comes with loving and being loved.

The worst experience was when 'they' did kill his family. Strange thing though, the invincibility of love remains.

3. What was their childhood home like?

Small. Cozy. Singing in the air. Drawings and pencils on the floor.

4. What's something that scared them as a child?

Being eaten by prackles. Losing his parents. Never belonging. The dark. Being caught by 'them.'

5. Who did they look up to most?

Dad

6. Favorite and least favorite childhood foods?

His mom, Sera, made a good tree mussel stew.

The least favorite is of course swamp spinach. Esin would make him eat it because, "It's good for you. It'll make you run faster." Oddball never bought that.

7. If they had their childhood again, would they change anything?

He couldn't change anything despite wanting to. So no, he doesn't want it back. He just wants his parents back and that's not going to happen either. So there's no use, is there?

8. What kind of child were they? Curious? Wild? Quiet? Devious?

Mature. His mom had leftligger, so she wasn't all there. He had to look after her when his dad was away finding food or work. Sera wasn't bedridden or incapable. She could cook and clean, and she did have moments of clarity. But her mind was like a child's, an easily frightened two year old who couldn't comprehend everything.  So I would say Oddball was mature.

He was curious also. Esin Trik, his father's only friend, would bring him books from a big city library Esin traveled to from time to time.  Oddball loved learning about different kingdoms and cultures. When he lived with Esin later, Esin taught him many things like mapmaking and science. Oddball would sit around in trees reading books. (So yeah, he was a homeschooler.)

9. What was their relationship to their parents and siblings like?

For a time he was angry with his mom for being unable to be his mom, but his anger didn't last too long. He knew it wasn't her fault. He just loves her and wishes he knew her before she became sick. His dad and Esin always said she was amazing.

His dad is like his hero. Oddball could be a kid around Dad. Also, Dad would take him seriously. He never opened up to anyone the way he would to Dad.

10. What did they want to be when they grew up and what did they actually become?

An explorer (all those books got to his head ;). And safe. The former happens, but the latter? Probably never.

I've realized while writing Oddball the Sequel, that Oddball is the only one in the Foursome who actually has good childhood memories. Rocky never knew his parents and his brother betrayed him. Both Peril and Skyler have been sorely affected by their parents' influence. The thing that sets Oddball apart is that he had a real family who taught him what family and love is. He doesn't have a mentor figure. He truly treasures the memories of his parents (sometimes he kind of idealizes them). I think that's why he didn't want to talk about it. For him, talking about it is like giving it away. 

I actually wrote five or seven versions of this BP with different characters. Peril, Skyler, Rayne, Eelistelle, etc. Maybe I'll post others later if you're interested.

Apologies for Oddball's absence on this one. Perhaps I can persuade him to come around some other time. Hope you liked this! 

Have you done a Beautiful People post?

Beautiful People: Rocky

I'm linking up with Beautiful People hosted by the ever fabulous Cait and Sky. So today we have Rocky.

Say 'hi' Rocky.

Hey, people!

1. How often do they smile? Would they smile at a stranger?

Always. All the time. *grins*

Unless of course they make some nasty comment to Skyler.

Or Oddball.

Or Peril.

Then I feel more like punching them in the face.

But you know, diplomacy and all. Or something Sky said once.

2. What is the cruelest thing they've ever been told? What was their reaction?

It wasn't really something I was told, I guess. More like a look. A treacherous look from. . . okay, yeah. It was told to me.

He used to call me brother. And, yes, that's cruel. It's worse cause he still calls me "brother." That backstabbing, little--

I sliced his face with a piece of glass.

3.  What is the kindest thing they've ever been told? And what was their reaction?

Oh, gosh it. I don't know. It was probably Skyler. She calls me idiot sometimes, you know? 

Skyler: *punches his arm*

Affectionately, of course. *grins*

4. What is a strong memory that has stuck with your character? Why is it so powerful and lasting?

Well, I kinda already talked about one. Sort of. Um, I'm sure there's something else.

There was that time I met Sky. Not sure why I'd remember that.

Skyler: Yeah, that's slipped my mind too.

5. What book (a real actual published book!) do you think that your character would benefit from reading?

Me: *laughs* I don't know. Perhaps a dictionary? 

Skyler: *nods* Yes, please. Get the man a dictionary!

6. Have they ever been seriously injured? How severely? How did they react?

Oh, yeah. Plenty of times. Like there was that one time I fell off a cliff. I wasn't too high up though. Just broke my collar bone. Lots of bruises. And I got poisoned once. In the Labyrinth. I was very unconscious after that. Uh, and then that one time I got shot because, well. . .

Skyler: Because he wouldn't listen to the person aiming a gun at him. 

So maybe that was dumb.

Skyler: Idiot.

7. Do they like and get along with their neighbors?

Uh, I don't really have neighbors. There was once when I did have some and they were all rotten.

8. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being easy and 10 being difficult) how easy are they to get along with?

I would say a 1. I don't cause a lot of trouble--

Skyler: Unless someone makes you angry then you're more like an 8.

Oh, an 8? Not a 10?

Skyler: I'm being nice. And if you're injured your absolutely incorrigible. 

Someone get me that dictionary.

9. If they could travel anywhere in the world, where would they go?

Don't really know. I've been to a lot of places. I guess it doesn't matter as long as my friends are with me and we're all safe, and we're on the top of a mountain or rock climbing. You know, some place high. Give me friends and something to climb and I'll be happy.

10. Who is the last person they held hands with? 

Why is this a question? Skyler, duh. 

Me: Eh, yeah. We'll go with that.

 So thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed a Rocky post. Have you done BP?

Beautiful People: Two for One // Peril and Keth

Today I'm linking up with Sky @ further up and further in and Cait @ Paper Fury for Beautiful People. In the last post I asked what character you all wanted to read about.

I had a halfway answer for Peril (from the Oddball Trilogy) and the other half for a character from the weird idea. Being indecisive me, I'll comply with both. (There was also a Rocky request which I intend to fulfill in April.) So I'm going to split these questions in half, and mix them up. The first set will be for Peril. The second set will be for Keth.

Peril

(That's not Peril. But she makes me think of her. One day, I'll get the gumption to draw her for you.)

Describe their daily routine.

Her routine is rarely, uh, routine? She's on the move a lot. She works as a Postal Traveler and is usually, well, traveling in order to deliver things. She also happens to be secretly on the run from. . .  her homeland's military. Routine would make her predicatable. Also, Peril bores with routine.

But she does wake early. If she's traveling with people, she prefers to be the first awake. Also, she'll most likely be the last to sleep. Aka: most people never see Peril sleep.

 Write a list of things they merely tolerate.

Bullies

Superstition

Oddball, at times

not Oddball, at other times (he's hit-and-miss irritating)

Sappy, sentimental stuff

Rocky's singing

people who are slow to "get it"

Herself

Can they swim? If so, how did they learn?

Once upon a time, she was part of this clan. Really it was just a bunch of misfit kids like herself. Anyhow, they were goofing around, as kids do, and with a playful push she was submerged underwater. Peril didn't panic at the notion that oh, she doesn't know how to swim. She managed and reached the surface, uh, clumsily, half choking, half laughing. They all spent the day in the water. So Peril taught herself. She never actually had a fear of the water as her friends and her were having too grand a time tackling, splashing, and dunking each other. Drowning never entered their young minds.

How do they react to awkward silences?

Most normally, Peril will fill these silences with some wild wandering of her mind. But that's usually her mask. Her mask has no reverence for a silence that's awkward for an important reason.

If by chance, it is an important sort of awkward silence (say someone died) and she's not pretending, then she'll keep quiet or find something that'll release the tension.

 Your character is having a rough day. . . what things do they do to make them happy again? Is there anyone they talk/interact with to get in a better mood?

She would probably talk to Skyler. Skyler and her are besties. Also, Skyler kind of has this therapeutic aurora about her. She's a good listener and very understanding. She's probably the easiest to talk to as well as the easiest going of the four. If Skyler wasn't so shy, everyone and their dog would confide in her.

Peril might, maybe just be around Oddball. You know. If they're on friendly terms and Oddball isn't' angry with her.

Oddball's presence is very calming. It also tends to make her more herself so. . . sometimes she actually avoids him when she'd rather be with him. No, it doesn't make sense. Peril tends to complicate things.

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Peril might also throw her knife. At a target. Not a human. Sometimes she goes off hunting. She'll go for a walk in the woods. Or even a run if nobody's around to watch. ANYTHING to move. 

Keth

So I took an unforgivable amount of time trying to find a Keth look alike. Pinterest, you have failed me.

Keth looks kinda like this guy and Andrew Garfield. But not. (Don't you love how much sense that makes?)

His hair is black (he might have dyed a lock of it some outlandish color). He wears glasses and a black leather jacket. Keth also smirks a lot, because he thinks he's cool and charismatic (no, Keth, geeky and charismatic). He kind of has this tech/hacker vibe.

Have I talked about Keth at all? I haven't talked about the weird idea though (ssh, I'm not supposed to be thinking about it). But if you don't know what the weird idea is, it's the last book listed under The Lunacies page.

Rayne is the protagonist, and Keth is her older brother, her only blood relation. They grew up taking care of each other on the streets. This caption is Rayne's thoughts on their early days.

I love Keth. I could tell you so much about Keth.

What first inspired this character? Is there a person/ actor you based them off?

Don't laugh too much, okay?

Keth was originally based on Loki. His character really took on a more three dimensional shape after I saw the first Thor movie. Keth was a mix of Loki and some other character whom I feel like a completely idiot for forgetting. But he's not much like Loki anymore. Keth is not half as angry as Loki.

Loki is always this seething ball of rage. He's a coiled snake poised to strike.

Keth appears like a, oh. . . hm.

Keth might have been taken from The Mentalist? I think he was also based off Patrick Jane. So think.

 If you mashed Loki 

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and Jane together,

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 then BAM!

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You have a tangle of arms and legs.

Uh, you would have Keth.

But now he's a little more like Keth than anyone else.

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 If they joined your local high school, what clique would they fall into?

Ahaha. I am so stealing Skye's @ Ink Castles answer.

The geeks and freaks.

 What is one major event that helped shape who they are?

Being a drama queen (yeah, he's one of those) Keth would tell you every little moment was a major event that shaped his life, but sheesh, ignore him. Please. He thinks all the world is his stage. Don't give him an audience too.

So I'll say the day that he and Rayne separated.

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8. What things do they value most in life?

I actually have to think about this answer. Which isn't a good thing because this is an important question here!

Uh, uuuuuuuuuuuuum. A list?

1) People

Keth cares about people.

2) Humanity

More like he cares about being humane.

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3) His grand master plan

Yeah, he's got one of those. He is a drama queen. Do you think he wouldn't have one?

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(That's the status of Keth's self esteem. There's no arrogance going on over here. Never.)

4) Becoming a stronger telepath

Oh, hello. Hi. Did I mention that the weird idea has superpowers? And Keth is totally not one of the most powerful and capable telepaths in the whole of the book series. *cough* At all. Don't even let the thought enter your mind.

5) Rayne

 Rayne is very important to him. Basically, they are not twins, but they have the same kind of bond. He's kind of possessive of her, despite that they have a heart crushing past and are separated for most of the series.

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(If you watch The Mentalist, you'll understand. If you don't watch The Mentalist, why ever not?!)

6) Norse myth

He has a thing for Norse myth. *shrugs* What can I say? The awesome part about writing a futuristic world is referencing the past world, right? 

Keth is a little twisted (half Loki, half Jane; what else would he be?). He has a strange way of showing he cares. Therefore you might never realize he cares about this stuff. Except, you know, I just wrote a list for you. . .

Do they believe in giving people second chances? Do they have any trust issues?

Second chances, oh yes. *grins*

Watch out though. His idea of second chances may not be what you have in mind.

Does he have trust issues? I've never really thought of that. Rayne is the one with trust issues galore. But Keth? Yeah. I guess he does have a few of those hiding under that charismatic smile. The dude has control issues, so a few trust issues might be a side effect, right?

Have you done Beautiful People? OH and, if YOU HAD A SUPERPOWER, what would you want it to be?! I'd want to be telekinetic and invisible, please and thank you.

Beautiful People: laying down the guidelines

"Goals" has always been a word I dislike. It goes hand-in-hand with "deadlines" and "schedules" and alludes to "organized."

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I stink at all the above. So yeah. Not my favorite topic. 

But I have realized that having an idea about where you want to be and when, helps you actually get there. So I'm linking up with Beautiful People hosted by Cait @ Paper Fury and Sky @ further up and further in.

Mind you, these are just guidelines.

1. What were your writing achievements last year?

Erm, I don't remember.

That was a year ago.

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(You have no idea how relative that gif is to. . . everything.)

2. Tell us about your top priorty writing project this year?

Oddball, Oddball, Oddball.

I'm going to finish the first draft of Oddball the Sequel. Then I'll work on revising Oddball the First and will hopefully tackle Oddball the Last.

 I'm learning interesting things about trilogies.

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3. List 5 areas you'd like to work the hardest to improve this year.

Five? But, wha- That's a lot!

 I really don't like this commitment thing you're making me do. It's disturbing my peace of mind.

*pouts*

1) Short story writing. 

I stink at it. End of story.

2) This originally read : 

"Being more organized?"

But let's be realistic. That ain't gonna happen. 

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3) Writing more. 

I know every writer says that. But I don't even write once a day. I'll write 8,000-10,000 words in the span of a day/week. And then not write for the rest of the month. This is not an okay thing.

4) Read more. 

That does correlate with writing. Promises.

5) Journal more. 

Just 'cause.

4. Are you participating in any writing challenges?

1) You know I mentioned short stories? Beginning November of the 2015, I challenged myself to write one short story a month. November went well.

But December's short story is not turning out so short. It's leaked into January, and I kind of just want to shred it to bits at this point. I'll finish it. And afterward banish it too a dark dungeon where no one will ever, ever see it.

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But hey, if you want to buddy up and we can challenge each other to write a short story a month that would be cool.

2)  I'll be doing the Starting Sparks link up as the norm.

3) Does this link up count as a writing challenge?

Because I'm doing it. . .

5. What's you critique partner/beta reader situation like and do you have plans to expand this year?

I did send one short story out to be beta read. And I thank you all who so graciously read it and helped so very much with it (there shall be a smallish announcement of mild importance and great excitement on Jan. 29th).

Really, though people. I feel so ignorant. What do CPs even do? Do they look at each other's first drafts? Do they talk about character development, world-building, help solve plot problems? I have no clue.

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When people give me their writing to beta read, I only hope I'm doing it right.

I don't even know what word wars are. SOMEBODY HELP ME!

Recently, Skye let me read a first draft of hers. Which I happen to think is rather brave. Pretty much nobody sees my first drafts. They are hidden in dark places behind many locked doors. I'm a bit of an edit freak at times, and last year I tried to work on letting a bit of that go. But STILL!

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(So I can't come up with a single reason for this gif. Other then, it cracks me up beyond reasoning.)

6. Do you have plans to read any writer-related books this year? Or are there specific books you want to read for research?

I read The Fire in Fiction by Donald Maas somewhere in my past history. It was really good, but it's way more useful if you're revising/editing, and I was a wee little writer with half a working first draft. So when I revise Oddball the First I plan on going through The Fire in Fiction again.

7. Pick one character you want to get to know better, and how are you going to achieve this?

For once, I'm going to say no to characters. I'm all about characters and tend to get lost in their development. Since I've been working on Oddball since 2010 (way too long), I have a fairly good handle on the Foursome. So I'm going to focus more on actually writing.

Actually, I should just work on focusing. In general.

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8. Do you plan to edit or query, and what's your plan of attack?

Toss the plan. Just attack.  

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9. Toni Morrison once said, "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." What are the book that you want to see more of, and what "holes" do you think need filling in the literary world?

This question calls for three answers. Yeah, you're in for it.

1) Once upon a time I was a young human child (I hope most of you were, otherwise it begs the questions, what were you exactly?). At that time, any book or movie with magic was banded from our house. But I loved fantasy and it was near impossible for me to find non-magical fantasy books. Or maybe I was just looking in the wrong places? Anyhow, this is kind of why the Oddball Trilogy has no magic element. 

(Someone asked if Oddball could even be a fantasy if there's no magic. *shrugs* Maybe not? I don't really care what you call it. To me, it is complexly Oddball.)

2) There are books with great writing, amazing characters, excellent plot. I respect and admire that. But in a lot of the books I've read (or DNF) last year, some of the content did not please me. It makes me sad that today's standards are so low that society thinks some of these things are okay (sex before marriage, drunkness, etc.). I understand that it happens in today's society. I'm not necessarily saying books should not show these things. But--

Why are books celebrating and glorifying it? Why is it portrayed in a good light?

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I guess, what I'm trying to say is that I want my books to depict right as right and wrong as wrong. I hope that doesn't sound snobbish, because I sincerely do not mean it that way. You are free to think what you will (as if you need my permission *rolls eyes*). You can call me what you want. I will not judge.

But I will not apologize for what I think.
 

3) Think. A book that features a cute couple, yes? They both acknowledge that they like each other. The book may not necessarily center on their relationship, but it is a part of the story still, and--

And!

They never do so much as kiss on page. Not even kiss.

IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?

Obviously, I think 'yes' since it's on my list.

"Why?"

1) Because I can.

2) Because love is not physical.

 

Have you ever seen this in a book? (I might want to read such a book.)

10. What do you hope to have achieved by the end of 2016?

Nearing the completion of the Oddball trilogy.

Getting better at writing short stories.

I think I'm done with commitments for the rest the year now. 

source

Do you have a CP? What in the world do CPs DO?! What are some areas you hope to improve on during this year?

Beautiful People: Peril

I have so many posts on back file! I don't know what to do with them all. But I missed the deadline for the last BP so I decided I'd better do this one now before it's too late. . . 

Cait @ Paper Fury and Sky @ Further Up and Further In host the Beautiful People link up. You get to talk about your characters and explore who they are so you should totally join! It is the epitome of awesome. ;)

A couple people requested Peril. So here's for you. Just to let you know, you'll be talking to/ reading the calm, logical, and honest Peril. Not her mask. That doesn't happen often.

1. They're in a crisis: who would they really like to see right now?

Em, I don't know. Nobody really. If I'm in trouble, seeing anyone I love would only mean they're in trouble with me.

I bring enough trouble into the world without having to wish for it.

2. Are they easy to get along with?

*laughs* I'm not sure. But most likely, no.

3. Who is the last person they had a deep conversation with?

I try not to get deep with people. It's not safe letting them that close to me.

But more than likely it was Oddball. Or Skyler.

4. They're in the middle of a huge crowd of people: how do they feel?

Invisible. Safe. Absolute bliss.

5. Do they believe in luck or miracles?

Oh, this question. *rolls eyes* My parents never got to "officially" name me although a few people dubbed me Lucky Peril. . .

So let's just say I don't believe in luck.

But miracles are quite plausible.

6. Do they like or get along with their neighbors?

Define "neighbors."

My countrymen have a price on my head. I'm not sure if that counts though. My only offense is being born, an event that wasn't my fault exactly.

7.  If they could travel anywhere in the world, where would they go?

Anywhere. Nowhere. I don't care anymore. I just know where I would not go.

8. How do they feel about their body?

I've not given it much thought. Well. . .

Except I do have two different color eyes. Which is kind of weird. Not too keen on that.

9. What is the cruelest thing someone has ever said to them? How did they react?

Probably something along the lines of:

"You always cause trouble."

I kind of just took it. It hurt because it's true.

10. What's the kindest thing someone has ever said to them? How did they react?

I think that was:

"It's me, Peril. We're friends."

To whomever I probably blinked at, to be sure I was awake and not dreaming.

The Fellowship of the Four: a late Beautiful People

Cait @ Paper Fury and Sky @ Further Up and Further In do this awesome character link up. So I missed last month's link up. But I'm doing it anyways. 

Because. . . I'm a rebel. I guess. 

You get to meet the whole Oddball foursome today! I'm unsure if I should call you lucky or warn you.

Oddball

Rocky

Skyler

Peril

1. How long have they known each other and how close are they?

Rocky: *looks at Oddball* About a year?

Oddball: Yeah, something like that.

Rocky: And I've known Peril about the same time. *grins at Skyler* What you think?

Skyler *shrugs* Oh, I don't know. It's been too long. Does it matter?

 

2. What's their earliest memory of being best friends?

Rocky: Oddball helped Skyler and me get Bolt out of a collasping building.

Skyler: Yeah, it was rather wild.

 

 Oddball: Peril tried to chop off our heads.

Peril: Did not!

Skyler: That's not how I met Peril.

Rocky: How did that happen exactly?

Skyler: Books.

Peril: *grins* Yeah, books.

3. Do they fight? How long do they typically fight for?

 Peril: We fight off villains! *raises sword*

Oddball: *rolls eyes* That's not what the question meant.

Peril: But it's true.

Rocky: I guess, Oddball and I have had a few words. But those two.

Oddball and Peril glance at each other and make innocent faces.

Rocky: *shakes head* One day they might kill each other. 

Skyler: Wait, does that mean Oddball's the troublemaker?

Oddball: What? I don't make trouble.

Skyler: But you're the one involved in both situations. 

Oddball: But that- That doesn't mean anything. *looks around* Does it?

Peril: *laughs* And you say I cause all the trouble!

Oddball: *sighs* It's not my fault I have to put up with you two. But I will say that Skyler gets along with all of us.

Rocky: Yeah, Sky's the most easy going.

4. Are their personalities similar or do they compliment each other?

 Peril: Similar? What is that supposed to mean?

Oddball: Just say no. 

Skyler: *laughs* Yeah, there's not many connections here.

 

5. Who is the leader of their friendship (if anyone)?

*all look at Rocky*

Rocky: What. . . Oh. *waves* Yeah, that's me, I guess.

6. Do they have any secrets from each other?

Oddball: *fidgets*

Skyler: *studies the ground*

Peril: *looks over shoulder* Hey, what's that over there?

Rocky: *rubs back of neck*

me: *whispers* Are you kidding me?! Secrets MAKE the second book. If they didn't keep secrets, we'd have a well wrapped-up stand alone. But, no, these guys had to make it difficult.

7. How well do they know each others' quirks and habits?

Peril: Oddball is always SO moody.

Rocky: That's actually well known, Peril.

Skyler: Yeah, it's not really a quirk for him, more like a state of being.

Oddball: Whatever. Rocky always insists on, on making noise.

Rocky: It's called singing!

Skyler: Uh, yeah. Oddball's kind of right.

Peril: He's not a morning person either.

Rocky: I tried to introduce Oddball to a comb. But they don't get along.

Oddball: Brushing your hair is not all it's cracked up to be, okay?

Peril: *raises hand* What is this COMB you speak of? I want to know!

Skyler: Yeah, no comb and no shoes, for either of them.

Peril: I don't think Skyler has quirks.

Rocky: *smirks* She smells like a dragon. 

Skyler: That can't count as a quirk if I'm around dragons.

Oddball: But your best friend is a dragon. And I think we'll all agree that's rather quirky. Also, Peril is a Shamdram.

Peril: That's not a quirk! That's my kingdom.

Oddball: Quirk enough for anyone.

8. What kind of things do they like to do together?

Rocky: Oh, you know. The usual.

Skyler: Flying dragons?

Rocky: You're the only one who does that. I was thinking more like rock climbing. Mountaineering. Stuff like that?

Peril: Saving people's lives!

Skyler: Going against Jaykin's "don't list'?

Oddball: Meaning, narrowly escaping death. Every. Time.

Peril: Yay!

 

9. Describe each characters' fashion (use pictures if you like!). How are their styles different/similar?

Oddball: Did I say Peril was a Shamdram? I distinctly remember-

Rocky: Oddball thinks mud is a fashion statement.

Oddball: Fashion, what?

Skyler: It's okay. Rocky thinks his leather jacket goes with everything.

Rocky: What? You don't like it?

Skyler: Well, when you wear it 24/7 so that it never gets washed. . .

Rocky: You can't wash the luck out of it?!

Me: 'Scuse me. *clears throat* As this lot seems incompetent at the moment, I'll probably do my own post for you guys on this later. I'll make it fun. Promise.

10. How would their lives be different without each other?

Me again, I'll just answer this one. It would be impossible to get a real answer out of them anyhow. Bunch of kidders. 

Rocky would be. . . in trouble. He really would. He would be a mess of volatile anger with no direction. He'd be getting himself into a lot of fights.

Skyler would be silent. When she and Rocky met, she didn't speak. To anyone. She would be afraid. She would shut out the whole world and live inside herself and never come out again.

Peril would be running and alone and angry and bitter (seriously, she a wreck and I don't know if I can completely clear her up by the end of it all). She would be so, so tired of always running. She would have no one to be herself with. She would be forever misunderstood. She would have no one in the world at all. She would be making inside jokes to herself for the rest of her life.

Oddball would be alone. He would be sad. He'd almost never laugh or smile. He'd have little reason. He would never have a home. He wouldn't belong anywhere.

So was that thoroughly confusing? Did the highlighting help at all or did it make it worse? Also, one last question:

This month's BP, I'm going to do it on time. Who do you want to read about? Should the next BP be about:

Oddball

Rocky

Skyler

or

Peril

?

Let me know in the comments!