Around the Circuit World // of sorts // life update

It's been ages, I know. But guess it! This week I will finish my final exams, and then summer vacation will be on!

I composed half of this post a long time ago, so here's some older reccomendations.

Some excellent Paper Fury posts are Unrealistic Happenings in YA Books. This made my day. Cait's posts always make me laugh. (Her metaphors are the best outrageous stuff of ever.) Also, Should Author's Agree With Everything They Write? Awesome discussion that!

I love iravenwings' instagram account.

Miriam's Motley Crew post talks about coordinating a large cast of characters and everyone's deep love for a quirky cast.

This Penslayer post called Is the Hook of a Great Novel Actually Criminal? is great!

And this instagram post by Maggie S. XD She's awesome.

I recently started follow Andrea's a surge of thunder and enjoyed her post on the ingredients of hype.

So I don't often recommend book review posts. They're not my favorite type of post. But poetree's is definitely worth mentioning. :)

This is my awesome and beautiful friend covering a Third Day song. [Check out her youtube channel.]

Wanderer's Pen has this awesome series called "So Your Character Is. . ." and the blank is filled in an ethnicity, mental illness, you get the idea. In this post, Victoria interviews someone who's blind.

Love, love this post about keeping your eyes on the horizon by Tim Foreman! [If you don't know, he's a Switchfoot band member. And if you don't know who Switchfoot is, then, friend, you've not been here long.Welcome and here's a good taste.]

I wish I could give you all the Switchfoot songs, but instead here's a video about how a theremin works. You know those weird, eerie sounds on old sci-fi movies? Yeah, that's a theremin.

For school, I've actually had a lot of non-book related internet wanderings (like the above theremin). Here's a crazy , but cool article about berserkers. There's a lot of weird theories out there about how they would go into battle rage [I don't fancy the mushroom theory; it's possible but a little far-fetched]. Some people have proposed that it could be some extreme case of something akin to PTSD [I lean toward this theory; it makes more sense]. But since there are no records found on how and why they'd go into battle rage, any possibility is probable since there's little to no way to rule anything out.

I took an ancient Germanic literature course, and we read books like Beowulf. I LOVE Beowulf, guys! If you've not, I definitely suggest reading it especially if you like fantasy.

We also read Icelandic sagas. Soooo much sass. Grettir's Saga had a lot of otherworldly beings like trolls, monsters, and ghosts. But Njal's Saga I think was my favorite. Lots of fate and foreshadowing. The Germanic and Icelandic cultures were revenge cultures, and revenge is fascinating to read about.

One of my friends let me borrow her book Stealing Like An Artist. It's a fun and creative book. It's full of quotes and just looks snazzy.

Also, Layers is a pretty cool blog with comics. Like this and that.

What have you been reading lately? Have you had any interesting internet wanderings? 

Around the Circiut World // Music Monday

 Currently, I'm at my parents for Christmas break. And it's rather nice. I have various friends to visit while I'm here. [Strangely, I do have non-internet friends.] But I also have things to get straightened out for spring semester, so not everything's fun and games, folks.

Today I'm linking up with Lauren @ Always Me for Music Monday. I recently discovered the Divergent movie score. I didn't really like the movie much? I mean, it wasn't awful. . . My loyalties lie with the book, okay? The score though is fantastic! Why didn't I listen to it sooner?

 A collection of posts

The fabulous Cait @ Paper Fury tells us about Australian bloggers and their habits. She also has a tutorial for origami stars! Lots of pictures [my kind of tutorial]. And I actually made one! Yes, one star and some mangled pentagons.

The Penslayer as usual is very helpful in offering this Simple Guide to Being Impossibly Awesome. Oh, and this other post about characters and prayer.

If you're into grammar, better yet, if you're not into grammar here's some grammar videos about various rules and breaking them. I love this guy and his articles. He's hilarious and against-the-grain.

This one by Nadine is about believing. I love how she chose a word to explore for the year instead of making a new years resolution.

I love, love Liz's @ Out of Coffee, Out of Mind post about a typical day during NaNoWriMo. If you only click on one link, make it this one. She also gives some awesome writing advice.

Miriam's I choose to be the moon is great and I love her various conversations with strangers.

Of course, I'm going to hand you another down by the willows post. How could I not?

And this book review by Emily @ Ink, Inc.? I really want to read The Secret History by Donna Tartt, guys.

[This is my new fav pin. If I randomly start giggling, it's probably because I'm thinking of this.]

Here's a thing I made from a series of photos for a bookstagram challenge. The prompt was candy canes and books, but I needed only one photo. So I thought I'd do something with the rest of the photos.

So recently, my brother wanted me to watch this movie called Prestige with him, and I loved it more than I thought I would. It's about magicians and REVENGE. [Don't look at me like. Revenge is a good theme.] Great stuff that. And now I kinda want to write a story about a magician.

 

And I recently saw the new Pete's Dragon which is so adorable! Just go watch it.

Oh, and I've been drawing lately. You know, because I took a drawing class this semester. I should've taken more photos of my portfolio for you, but I didn't think about it. 

 These shoes are from my sketchbook, but I drew a larger version for finals.

Sorry this one's so hard to see. I drew the kid with balloons after I finished finals. And I had more fun with it because I wasn't doing it for a grade. [Our professor was kinda harsh. . .]

So what have you been up to lately? Anything new with you? What have you been reading? Are you enjoying Christmas?

Starting Sparks August // All Around the Circuit World 4 // SURVEY!

Hello, everyone! So I thought I'd put a little more substance into your Starting Sparks posts. How about an All Around the Circuit World? It's been awhile, I know. Also, some of these links *might* be a little older. 

Over at the Wanderer's Pen, there's this awesome post, So Your Character's Mute. Victoria interviews Tyler Gray who has mutism and he is so, so honest. *salutes*

I do love Miriam's posts @ wishful thinking particularly two swedes on bicycles. If you don't read anything else, just read this one. She also wrote another one about your inner editor titled stop killing your friend. 

I purchased some new music finally! Two albums by Needtobreathe. I'm not really into country music, but Needtobreathe I love. And honestly, I don't know where they fit genre-wise. I've rather thought of them as folk rock. *shrugs* What do I know? Anyhow, someone recommend The Outsiders album to me [thanks Skye!] and I am loving it!

I know there's been a lot of disasters happening globally. It's really sad whenever it seems like every time I look at our flag, it's always at half mast. In the US there's been a lot of police- and racial-related shootings. It makes me so sad. It was the first thing the song The Outsiders made me think of.

Oh, and here's a Penslayer post [you knew this was coming]: 3 Ways Passion Will Make You a Fearless Blogger! Also, I really loved her 6 Expert Questions to Improve the Quality of Your Scenes.

As for poetry and photography I would suggest magpie by down by the willows and the simplicity of Fox in the Woodlands.

Cait @ Paper Fury is always very helpful. I adore her post on why everyone ought to read fantasy. She also has a guide on How to Appropriately and Effectively Recommend Books. Oh, and Cait also shares things that she had done or wants to do because of books.

Oh, and there's this fun quiz What Role Would You Play in a Fairytale. If you take it, tell me what you got! [Apparently, I'm the fairy? I feel mildly irked by this. Perhaps this quiz doesn't have the correct options because I'm a DRAGON!) 

In other news, I've been on a Teen Titans [the old one] and a Spectacular Spider-Man kick. If you care to know.

I'm reading Birthday Letters by Ted Hughes. Because somebody *cough* Emily *clears throat* insists that he's wonderful beyond wonderful and Birthday Letters is the only one of his books the library had.

I also started The Death Cure by James Dashner. I read the first sentence and thought, "You know, this book might actually make me cry. Lemme wait until I'm alone in the lair."

AND I went to a bookstore. I wasn't supposed to so, ssssh. But I couldn't help it, okay? I got three books from the clearnace shelf. Although I was very put off because there were none of Pierce Brown's or V E Schwab's books in the entire store. I try to console myself with the fact that it was a used bookstore and who in their right mind would sell back Red Rising? And if nobody is willing to sell back a Swchab book than that must mean she's amazing! (I've not read her yet.)

Moving onward.

Starting Sparks is a link up co-hosted by Emily @ Ink, Inc. and myself @ right here. We post a writing prompt for you every month. Hope you'll join us!

Here's your button:

Here's your prompt!

Write like a fiend!

Oh! And I made a survey for you about the blog and blah, blah. If it doesn't show up, try clicking here.

Online survey powered by Typeform

What are you currently reading? Have you bought any books your excited to read, recently? Oh, and did you get on the fairytale quiz?

All Around the Circuit World 3 // Music Monday

And we're back with a third round of blogging exploration. Hang on to your hats, nab some soda, and buckle up!

Cait @ Paper Fury wrote this awesome post that I think all you writers will appreciate. How to Write the Perfect Bestselling Novel of Ever. Obviously, this is your one ticket to success, all wrapped in one post. How easy does it get?!

Erin @ Designer Blogs Studios shares How to Backup a Blogger Blog. Very good information to know.

Oh, everyone. EVERYONE! Emily @ Ink, Inc. wrote a post, God and Magic. You should read it. Read it now! And she added some beautiful photos to go with.

Also, Jenny @ The Penslayer wrote this fantastic post on the same topic, The Truth About Magic in Your Fiction. Um, yes?! Go read it.

By the way, Jenny's post was inspired by Miriam's post @ wishful thinking. She has some very important and interesting points also.

Yes, I'm very helpful in all posts on magic today.

You're welcome.

I'm also linking up with Lauren @ Always me for Music Monday. It gives me a chance to shriek because  Switchfoot, my favoritest band that I never ever always mention, is coming out with their TENTH album this summer! And I'm ecstatic beyond ecstatic. So here's a release of the music video Float. Seriously loving the bass.

Here's this post by Nellie and Co, wherein we get some pros and cons of marathoning book series. I've never actually marathoned a book series before. But I've been considering rereading a favorite series, so maybe? Have you ever marathoned before?

I'm really loving all of Adelaide's posts and photos @ down by the willows. My recent favorite is probably this one. But then. . . well, they're all my favorites! Like from your millie. Ah, yes!

Sunny @ A Splash of Ink gives us some tips on selling used books. I know, I know. Some people are a little attached to their books. But you know those books you didn't enjoy might be enjoyed by someone else?

Tracey @ Adventure Awaits delves into the mildly controversial topic of swearing in books. It's a good, open discussion. Hop on over and see what she has to say!

Tori @ Wanderer's Pen wrote a post about how we can apply the King's Quest video game concepts to writing. It's all about deep POV! One of my favorite aspects of writing.

Guess what, everyone?! I get to be a part of a review blog train! Isn't that the coolest? I always like collaborating with fellow bloggers to bring awesome posts to you guys. So Brittany @ Space Between the Spines is hosting the 2016 Review Train. Lauren @ Always Me post her review today. But the review train was actually started yesterday with Genni's @ Ready, Set, Read! review of The Unexpected Everything. Go check it out!

If you're only going to read one of these, read CARMEL's What Are Your 'And's? because aldkfa;seofjk! This philosophy, can I call it a philosophy? I shall. This philosophy is something I'm fairly sure I was born with because I have too many 'and's. Writing. Reading. Music. Clogging. Editing. Blogging. JUST READ IT! (I do believe I've said that about nearly all of these posts, but then why else would I be recommending them?)

What are your 'and's? And pray tell, what is your process for writing a bestselling novel? Don't make excuses about how you're not published and who says you'll be bestselling. I SAY, okay? That's who. So humor me and I'll humor you. What's your "magic" novel formula?

All Around the Circuit World the Second // Music Monday

Yep, back again with my internet wanderings. 

I really like this Penslayer post about Masculinity & Femininity| Where They Overlap. This is some thought-provoking stuff and I love how she puts it. Hey, AND she also wrote this fabulous post about Strong Female Characters. Obviously, I think you should read it and it ought to be the first and last word on SFC okay? Okay. She also wrote this other post about encouraging bloggers, and if you haven't caught the drift yet, I'll say it outright. You SHOULD GO FOLLOW HER!

 By of way, my post is titled after this song. I've only heard Anthem Lights version though. I can't remember who originally sang it. . .

Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight talks about reposting/revamping old book review posts. I've actually never considered that.

Candice @ O Ye Scribes writes about some of the problems she recognizes in Christian fiction and points out that we still have to be careful of generalizing our judgments on them.

Aine from Writing on a Vintage Typewriter tells us how to get our friends to read that book we've been begging them to read. It's hilarious people! Just leave the book in the fridge, okay? Books aren't susceptible to freezer burn, right?

Last year, I got Needtobreathe's Rivers in the Wasteland album and am obsessed with it. (I do that. Collect copious small obsessions.) 

Gemma @ Chasing Daisies talks about the different types of punk. Just read it. You can thank me later.

Brent King has a different take Tolkien's orcs. This really fascinates me. As a Christian, I find a lot of parallels in fantasy but I never thought of this.

Victoria over @ Wanderer's Pen uses Iron Man to point out some awesome writing techniques and story concepts. Seriously digging these villain concepts!

This post here about Post-Feminist Fairy Tales is really interesting. It also makes the good point that sometimes these feminist stories go too far and end up committing sexism in reversed roles.  

 On that note, Cait @ Paper Fury wrote Do We Need Books That Don't Involve Discrimination? This post really made me think a lot. Especially since the topic of diversity is currently so popular. Oh, and she also wrote 10 Most Splendiferous Bookworm Moments. I love this post! May I just say that I agree that we ought to called book dragons instead of bookworms.

Let me make my case.

Dragons horde treasure. We book lovers horde/collect books/our treasure.

Dragons often sleep on their treasure. We fall asleep while reading a book or read before bed.

Dragons are sometimes buried in their treasure (think Smaug). How often do we whine that our TBR will crush us one day?





And as Cait also pointed out to me, dragons like shiny things. Who doesn't like a shiny book cover?!

Thank you.

source

While I love Rivers in the Wasteland, I have yet to listen to any of Needtobreathe's older albums. Do you listen to them? (Yes, I'm asking which is your favorite song/album.) All the same, I'm majorly excited for their new album. Here's one of the songs released from it.

Now try to tell me that isn't catchy. Just try. 

OH! And Cait also finished her Wattpad story, The Dead Boy and the Paper Cut. Obviously, I think you should go read it, before she takes it down. It's hilarious! It's sad. It's just awesome, okay? Hands down awesome.

I just recently started following this one blog called down by the willows. You should check it out. Very beautiful!

All Around the Circuit World // Music Monday

I don't normally do these kinds of posts, but recently since my computers been fixed I've been trying to  catch on blog reading, I've been coming up on some nice posts and articles. I'm also linking up with Lauren @ Always Me for Music Monday. Thanks for hosting Lauren!

One day I want to travel. There are some in my family who hyperventilate whenever I talk about going away to college. But one day I'll stretch what I think are my limits and go traveling. Long story short. Here's an cool blog post from Jess Mcghie about five traveling tips.

Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight has a discussion on How Much Science Do You Like in Your Science Fiction. I've been reading more sci-fi lately and found it very interesting. Some sci-fis make up the science of the world and keep on a toned down level while other sci-fis have the attitude of  "Give them ALL the science ALL the time and ALL once!"

(This is one of my favorite bands in a video that makes me smile every time. Just watch it!)

The Penslayer shared some awesome writing advice that I believe in wholeheartedly. Don't go with the flow, people. Go with your passion.

So everyone hates insta-love, and rather understandably. Emily @ Ink, Inc. wrote this awesome post on insta-love. Just go read it, okay? It will make you THINK!

Every now and then I follow a lifestyle blog. CARMEL is one of my favorites. She has fabulous outfits (her recent one, but I adore this one) and she's also a writer. She posts some of the best motivation speeches ever. You need to read "Why Do You Write Like You're Running Out of Time." Go on now. Oh, and this post. You know what? Why don't you just follow her?

Cait @ Paper Fury wrote this hilarious post Lies Writers Tell Themselves. So yeah, if you're a writer, she just revealed all your secret fears to the WHOLE WORLD. Better go read it. 

(Anthem Lights does an amazing cover of No by Meghan Trainor. I like their cover better than the original. It's also hilarious!)

Aimee @ To the Barricade always comes out with some good posts, like her recent one about writing the dark side as a Christian writer. But I also really like this one about reading comics, since that's something I'd kinda like to get into one day.

Here's a blogpost written by Switchfoot's Jon Foreman. I've read this post before but I love what Jon has to say in this honest post. What he says about songwriting, relates to me and writing. As I've been listening to their album Hello Hurricane (not their most recent album, just my recent obsession), I think about how, as a writer, I want to approach my stories the way Switchfoot, as a band, approaches their music. It's not about preaching, it's about honesty. About life and living. That honesty about what it is to be human is my worship. I want to write like they play. Maybe that sounds weird. One of my writing heroes is actually a band. I am a writer though; I didn't sign up for normal.

What have you been reading recently? Do you have a billion tabs open now? Tell me, who is your favorite band or recent music obsession!?