Hello!

  Hey guys! It's been, like, forever, hasn't it? I'm sorry I couldn't be around much over the summer, and it's been far too long since I've been able to chat with many of you.
  Anyways, I've been nominated for the Liebster Award by Trista Vaporblade and Athelas Hale. (You should check out their blogs. ^_^ So awesome.)

So the rules:

• Thank the person who nominated you
• List 11 facts about yourself
• Answer the 11 questions from the person who nominated you
• Write 11 questions for the next person
• Nominate people

Here goes 11 facts about myself...

1. I haven't had a milkshake in years
2. I like blue
3. I enjoy drawing Anime
4. I enjoy watching it even more
5. I prefer long chapter books to short ones
6. I like being in orchestras
7. I recently began to develop a fondness for coffee
8. I like sour candy
9. I love chocolate
10. We have tadpoles in one of my classrooms
11. I ran more than I ever have in my life in the last couple months

Now answers to Trista's questions:

1. If you could write one book that would be a bestseller, what type of book would it be? 

Fantasy!!
2. For inspiration for some creatures for a fantasy world, you take two animals that are native to your state and kinda cross-combine them to make these creatures for the world. What would they be called and what would they look like? 

Tene-...or something along those lines... They'd be a cross between a Beaver and a Bunny. :D
3. What's the first sentence to your first chapter in your most recent writing project? (Or, of you don't write, the book you just finished?)

*classified information* Sorry, but I can't give that away, cause it kinda gives away the plot which is secret.

4. If you could go to one country to inspire a novel, where would you go? 

New Zealand!
5. Favorite song to write to?

Past Story or Charle no kokuhaku, both from Fairy Tail
6. Largest book, in pages, you've read is..?

??? Maybe 1000(?)
7. What was a bad experience that helped you either write a character or their ordeal? 

Um... Something that happened with a friend long, long ago (like LONG ago)
8. What's your least favorite book you read this past year (2014)? 

Guns, Germs and Steel. For AP World History.
9.What was the book and/or movie you reacted the most to?

The Winter Soldier or Frozen
10. What is your biggest distraction from writing?

The internet
11. What's the oddest place you've found character inspiration at or in? 
Seeing a leaf falling from our tree.

And Athelas:

1. Why did you start blogging?

I wanted to cause it looked fun and a lot of my friends blog.2. Who are your favorite three fictional characters?

Billy Bannister, Jason Masters, Nathan Shepherd (I have lots more favorites, but these were the first three to come to mind, all guys and all Bryan Davis characters)3. What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?

Either the Estes Park of Yellowstone.

4. If your home was going to burn to the ground and any people and animals were safe, what one thing would you grab?

My favorite stuffed horse.Do you prefer the sun or the moon?

Moon...much cooler and calmer.Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

Matthew 28:18-20 (right now, at least)Do you speak any second languages?

A little Chinese, but not really.What makes you cry in fiction? (Do you cry at fiction?)

The death of my favorite characters.Who is your favorite historical figure?

Um...history? Okay, does Peter count?(Just as a random question…) Describe your floor.

Wood. *nods* Or carpet with blue and red spots (real tiny ones)What is the skill you’re the most proud of?

My drawing.

Now questions for yousa...
1. Favorite writing music mix/genre?
2. Favorite LEGO line (if applicable)?
3. How would you respond to a fire?
4. Favorite state bird?
5. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
6. If you had three wishes, what would they be? (Besides more wishes and things along those lines)
7. What is you favorite instrument to listen to?
8. To hear?
9. What do you plan to do with your writing? (If you don't write, what's your dream career)
10. What is the proper noun name of your favorite pet? (fictional or real)
11. Favorite mythical creature?

And I nominate...
Ryebrynn
Raptor
And I don't have the time to do more. I'll try to start up blogging semi-regular again, but no guarantees right not.

Derby Results

Did anyone watch the Derby? It was awesome. A likkle colt, California Chrome, won, but I won't go through the race. Watch it for yourself cause it's only two minutes in length. Exact time was...uh, 3:03.66(?), I think.

So there.

The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the first race in a series of races for three year-old thoroughbreds across the world (Of course, since it's obviously held in Kentucky, USA, most contestants are from the US...).

Anyways, the first five winners are as follows:

• Aristides (1875)
• Vagrant (1876)
• Baden-Baden (1877)
• Day Star (1878)
• Lord Murphy (1879)

And the last five winners:

• Mine That Bird ('09)
• Super Saver ('10)
• Animal Kingdom ('11)
• I'll Have Another ('12)
• Orb ('13) 

Only three fillies have won the Derby:

• Regret (1915)
• Genuine Risk (1970)
• Winning Colors (1978)

This year, hundreds of horses struggle for the prestigious twenty spots in the starting gate on Derby day with prep-races. These are including but not limited to: The Louisiana Derby, Blue Grass Stakes, and Florida Derby. There are a bunch of others which I'm not going to list here.

I don't really want to go over the customs at Churchill Downs (where the race is run) on Derby Day, but I will take a moment to mention a couple of the most prominent. The Mint Julep is the traditional Derby drink (although you probably wouldn't want one of those cause they're alcoholic). Then there's the singing of My Old Kentucky Home as the horses go to the post.

And finally, all the training of three years is utilized in two intense minutes of mounding hooves and plunging horseflesh. Riders straining for a stab at making history. And in the end, there's only one winner. And the rest of the field? They've lost their chance. Never again will it be the first Saturday in May while they're three years old. Never again will they race in the Kentucky Derby.

And that about wraps up this post. Sorry about the kind of abrupt ending. I have issues with endings, okay?

A Quick Note

An addition to that How to Write protags thing (found here):

While perfection can be rather annoying, I believe we still need that type of character. In the midst of the messages we receive from the world (I believe you know what I mean), they're characters we can look up to they're role models, and they have a place in writing. Just as long as they're not overdone or too plentiful.

And there. *slinks back into oblivion*

Triple Crown!

You guys have no idea how long I've waited to make a post on this subject. *happysquealybounceoffwall*

Okay, first, what is the Triple Crown? It is a series of prestigious races, known around the world, for three year-old thoroughbred horses: The Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, abbreviated to the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont.

Only eleven of the horses who ran in the Derbies since 1875 have been given this honor:

• Sir Barton (1919)
• Gallant Fox (1930)
• Omaha (1935)
• War Admiral (1937)
• Whirlaway (1941)
• Count Fleet (1943)
• Assault (1946)
• Citation (1948)
• Secretariat (1973)
• Seattle Slew (1977)
• Affirmed (1978)

And I've been waiting in desperate hope for one a Triple Crown winner to make history in my lifetime...but alas, as of yet, no such luck.

There have been a number of horses who have won the Derby and Preakness only to come up short in the Belmont-the hardest, longest, most grueling leg of the races at 1 1/2 miles. And here is the list of horses who have done just that:

• Pensive (1944): second to Bounding Home
• Tim Tam (1958): second to Cavan
• Carry Back (1961): seventh to Sherluck
• Northern Dancer (1964): third to Quadrangle
• Kauai King (1966): fourth to Amberoid
• Forward Pass (1968): second to Stage Door Johnny
• Majestic Prince (1969): second to Arts and Letters
• Canonero II (1971): fourth to Pass Catcher
• Spectacular Bid (1979): third to Coastal
• Pleasant Colony (1980): third to Summing
• Alysheba (1987): fourth to Bet Twice
• Sunday Silence (1989): second to Easy Goer
• Silver Charm (1997): second to Touch Gold
• Real Quiet (1998): second to Victory Gallop
• Charismatic (1999): third to Lemon Drop Kid
• War Emblem (2002): eighth to Sarava
• Funny Cide (2003): third to Empire Maker
• Smarty Jones (2004): second to Birdstone
• Big Brown (2008): Did Not Finish to Da' Tara
• I'll Have Another (2012): Did Not Start to Union Rags

Perhaps the most devastating one of these for me was the 2012 run for the crown. The world watched as I'll Have Another overtook Bodemeister in the final lengths of the Derby to make history, than again in the Preakness. I'm usually quiet and reserved (Hard to believe, eh?), but after the Preakness, I was screaming with joy. For the first time since I'd started following thoroughbred racing, the Crown was still in sight.

Then, on the day of the Belmont, my friend was coming over to watch it with me, and her Dad comes up and says, "It's too bad that horse was scratched." (Insert sniff here.) Turns out, he had a hoof/lower leg problem, and his racing career ended. Too bad.

So this year, starting that first Saturday in May, I'll be watching again. Waiting again. Hoping again.

Well, that's a long post. Thanks for reading. Poke me if I need to cut down on the information amount...I didn't think there was too much, but...

Information from Two Minutes to Glory, Top 10 Kentucky Derbies, and Wikipedia: The Thoroughbred Triple Crown

Personality Test

As of April 14 (today) I'm an INTJ Personality type. It's evidently one of the rarest personality types, and it is the rarest among females. Special me! (Just kidding!)

But anyway, here be ze stats:

• Strong preference of Introversion over Extroversion (100%)
• Moderate preference of Intuition over Sensing (38%)
• Moderate preference of Thinking over Feeling (25%)
• Slight preference of Judging over Perceiving (11%)

We'll see what happens in a year. *thinks all of you should take one too*

[**NOTE**] That test was for me...Kya - the side of me you know - is ENFP. Funny that. They're pretty much opposites.[/**NOTE**]

Camp NaNo Update: The First!

Go there. To that tab that says "Writing Blog"

Camp NaNoWriMo April 2014

Hullo all!

It's time for Camp NaNo April. It begins in less than a week, and I'm really excited. First, an explanation of what it is for those of you who don't already know.

Camp NaNo is a writing challenge in the month of April. Unlike the one in November, you get to set your word count where you want it rather than being forced to do 50k. We get writing "cabins" if we so desire, made up of around twelve other writers.

My goal is something like 75k. I'll be entering my current book into the contest in an effort to finish it this month. The next step would be to send it off to proofies and get it published.

First cabin assignments were today, but I opted out of mine. I didn't know the people, so I've resubmitted my cabin preferences along with a few others who didn't get good cabins. (Or at least they didn't know the others.)

I kinda outlined my novel in November, but that was a little twisted and brief. But...that would be off topic and, knowing how I love to stay on topic, that'll be in another post. Okay, okay, I rarely ever stay on topic, but still, that will be in another post...hopefully sometime in the near future.

Until next time!
~Kya

Forever

I decided to share this short story with you because it's my birthday (or will be by the time you're reading this). It's more personal than Redemption, and it's not just for girls, just as Redemption isn't for guys. I just decided to use a female point of view for this one. I wrote this one with many sighs and a few tears. It's as much for myself as it is for those who inspired the story.
Yes, you may share it if you so desire, but in the occasion that you do, please link back to my blog. Thanks. I'd like to hear your feedback as always, so please, comment away.

....................................................

I'm huddled against a tree, hardly shelter from the pelting rain. He is coming, and I don't want to be in his presence.
He gave me my dress a long time ago, trusting that I would keep care of it. I can't face him now. It's stained with every kind of dross imaginable.
I know that He knows exactly where I am, but desperately I hope against hope that just this once He doesn't. It's no use.
His footsteps draw nearer, and I cry out in fear. "No," I gasp. "Stay away! You don't want me!"
He comes closer. "Dearest daughter," He says, "do you know what I did because I wanted you?" He asks gently.
"No, no! That wasn't for me!"
He smiles, grief emanating from His gaze, yet pure love shining from His eyes. "Yes, it was."
I shake my head, trembling. He doesn't know what I've done. All the shame. All the scars. If he did, he wouldn't be wanting me.
"You don't know who I am, what I've done. If you did, you would never want me. I'm wretched, worthless. I've spoiled all you've given me." I know he does know all that, but that doesn't register until after the words have left me.
His smile only grows brighter. "Yes, you've done and are all that you say, but I still love you. I know who you are, and I know everything you've done. I knew everything you would do before you were alive, and I smiled and said, 'I want that one!' I knew you would hurt me, yet I died for you. I was beaten, shamed, and murdered for your sake.
How could you love me after all I've done to you?" I sob. "After all the pain I inflicted upon you? After all I've done to what you gave to me to protect? Why don't you reject me like I deserve?"He reaches towards me, and I flinch, expecting Him to punish me. Instead, His hands are gentle, and the smile on His face hasn't faded an inch.
"My dear child, you were forgiven long before you stained you gown you were to protect. I saw all that, yet I still wanted you. I died so your sins could be washed away."
Walls break down, and I begin to sob uncontrollably. I'm vaguely aware of Him drawing me into a warm embrace. The stains on my garments fade away, and I'm left with a dress of brilliant white. A broken whisper escapes my lips. "If you knew all I'd do you, how could you love me?"
He smiles sadly at me. "You still don't understand," He murmurs. "Little one, I did all that because I already loved you. It's been forgiven. Paid for."
Light dawns as the sun lifts over the horizon, and I blink in the light of morning. I hadn't even noticed the rain stop.
His voice is calm and quiet as He strokes my hair. "I know you will stumble. I know you will doubt me. You're still being made; you're still growing. No matter how you fall, no matter what you do, I will always love you. I've cleansed you with My blood and you are new. You are my child, I will never let you go."

....................................................

So whatever you've done,

Whatever you'll do,

God knew it all yet he said,

"I want you!"

Now on this day, my birthday day,

I give a light to mark the way.

To my wonderful siblings in Christ,

A simple tool in a vic'try sure fight.

If you ever want a list'ning ear,

You've already found one: this soul right here.

This silly girl would love to help,

And she's totally not perfect herself!

I'll do my best and hear you out,

Together we can scout the route.

So shoot me an email, and we'll chatter away.

We'll fight together, come what may.

(kyalightwing@gmail.com)

Thanks for reading!

~Kya/Anala'ya/Hannah~

Sunday

Tune in on Sunday for a special treat. I won't be online, but I've scheduled something for you, and I want to hear what you think of it.

Redemption

This is a short story I wrote for a challenge. It's quite personal, but I decided to share it here anyway. :) Comments welcome and encouraged.

...........

I wander down the streets. The rain beats upon my back, and the cold seeps into my bones. I'm alone. There's nothing else to it. People crowd about me, but I'm invisible in their eyes. I'm alone.
Miserably I allow myself to be pushed about by the milling crowd. What's the point in resisting? It wouldn't do any good to try and resist. I'm not strong enough for that, and when you've gone along with the crowd all you life, it becomes an instinct.
Wait. Have I actually been on these streets for fifteen long years? Where has all the time gone? I shrug. Why care about the time anyway if nothing is ever going to change?
It's always dark here on these streets of...I'm not sure where. I was never taught where I lived, and I never cared to learn. But wherever this might be, the sun never shines. I'm not sure where I even learned the word "sun." It definitely shouldn't be in the vocabulary of a boy who's never seen it. Or maybe I have. Things get messed up with me. Just one day leading into the next until years are melded together into a seamless block of time.
As I trek down the asphalt, I notice a keyhole, a soft beam of light filtering out of it. Whenever I pass by this keyhole, something leaps withing me. I think some would call what I feel "hope." I just call it strange.
Today, something is different. The keyhole seemed to draw me to it. An odd feeling rushes over me. It's like I belong somewhere. I've never belonged anywhere, and I don't think I ever will.
Unable to resist it's draw, I approach the hole. I've seen it so many times before, but never have I seen it up close.
The light emanating from the keyhole is soft and warm. Although it's not much, it seems to wrap me in welcoming arms. I don't want to leave. If I step away, I fear the comforting sensation will dissipate, and I never want it to leave. Never in my young life have I felt such peace.
Suddenly, the light flickers. A voice is murmuring, and the door around the keyhole begins to move. More of the warm light floods out, now rushing through the opening between door and frame. But this time I'm scared. Terrified is more like it. I can't run. Can't move. My knees lock, and I stare in fear as a face appears in the crack.
Then the door is flung wide open and arms reach out for me. I give a strangled cry, choked by the crippling fright that overwhelms me.
A voice breaks through the haze of fear. It's gentle and calm. It tells me I have nothing to fear and that I'm safe. Can I trust it?
I choose to trust. I've never trusted someone before. Actually, maybe I have. I trusted that one person long ago. So long ago that I hardly remember it anymore. That was before all this happened. Everything before then is pretty much erased from memory. I’d trusted, and look where that got me.
Slowly, I reach my hand toward the one stretching toward me. It's strong and pulls me in with ease. The smile on my rescuer is broad and welcoming. He says something to me, but I don't comprehend it. I'm too enraptured by the sensation of human touch without the intent of just brushing me aside.
Now I notice the rest of the room, bathed in that wonderful light. There are boys and girls much like myself. Looking at them, I realize how dirty I am, and blush. The touch of warmth in my cheeks feels good, even if it's out of shame and embarrassment.
The man smiles at me, intense joy evident in his face. He leads me to a side room where a wooden basin stands, filled with bubbly water.
A shadow falls across the room, and a voice booms out. He's speaking to my rescuer, and I think he's asking why I'm so dirty. In shame, I shrink back, wishing desperately that I could disappear. I feel so dirty, so defiled. I could never live in the home of one whose very presence oozes purity.
My rescuer steps forward and stands over me. I can’t believe my ears as I hear him tell that beautiful figure that he wants me. That he’s going to take away my dross. How would someone want me? I’m nothing but a dirty child, left on his own to die. People aren’t supposed to care about me.
The words of my savior seem to work magic. The figure, once so terrifying in it’s purity now bends down to me. He - I’m pretty sure it’s a he - extends his hand and touches.
He doesn’t flinch as his skin comes in contact with me, but I do. He asks me why, and I reply, my voice quivering, that I’m filthy. That I’m going to stain his hands.
He shakes his head, a warm smile spreading across his features. Unbelieving, I listen to him say that I’m perfectly clean. Afraid that I’ll be disappointed, I let my gaze ease down to my clothes. I gasp. They’re perfectly white.
Then I realize that my rescuer is crouching beside me, and I’m surprised once again. He’s dirty. All the dust and soot from my clothing has somehow been transferred to him.
As he reaches out and hugs me, he whispers, "Welcome to the family." He goes on to tell me that he'd been drawing me to that keyhole for so long, and hoping I'd respond.
The holy man I learn now is the king, draws me into the next room. A table sits in the center, and around it are chairs, both empty and filled. He leads me to a chair with a name engraved on it. Is that my name carved in that wood? I think it was a long time ago, but I haven't ever been called by a name since...well that's longer than I can remember.
Awkwardly, I settle myself into my seat, head down. I'm too shy to look up. Eventually, however, curiosity gets the better of me, and I look up. All of the others seated at the table appear just as insecure as me, and some of my apprehension filters away.
Then we all stand as the door opens, blinding light flooding into the room. In the doorway stands a brilliant figure. I feel compelled to bow, and I bend low, even falling to my knees. I know instinctively that it's the King, and that he and my rescuer are one. His presence commands authority, and I think all of us in the room feel it.
As he lifts his hands, I realize he is my savior, only more beautiful. He's perfectly clean now, unlike the last time I saw him. Even though he's so bright, I mostly notice just one thing: the scars on his palms, and I know they're for me.

Sunflower Blogger Award

Hi all! I've been awarded this award by Rye. Thank you, Rye!

The Rules:

• Share 11 facts about yourself
• Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you
• Nominate 11 bloggers
• Make 11 questions for the nominated bloggers

So here we go. First, eleven things about me...

1. I was born in China

2. I'm in public school

3. I like salad

4. I enjoy singing

5. I have (long) black hair

6. I love email and Google Chat

7. I like painting

8. Anime is a new fascination

9. I hate iPads

10. Google Drive is one of the best things ever created

11. I like meta tags

Now for the questions I'm to answer:

1. What are you currently reading?

The Royal Ranger...after skipping a bunch of books.

2. What book coming out soon are you most excited about?

The Warden and the Wolf King by andrew Peterson!

3. Do you like Mountain Dew(if you don't, I'll still forgive you... maybe :P)

Not allowed to have it.

4. Who is your favorite author?

How can I say? Bryan Davis...maybe.

5. What is your favorite series?

Echoes from the Edge.

6. What is your favorite stand-alone novel?

Moccasin Trail.

7. Do you like cats?

Depends on the cat.

8. What is your opinion of dogs?

They're awesome!

9. What is your favorite state(In America)

Good ole MN.

10. Spicy food or sweet food?

Definitely sweet.

11. What is your favorite movie?

Uh...Return of the King.

Now I tag...

Trista

Dark Wolf

CN

Raptor

Jag

Hyper

Agent

Yeah...that's not eleven, but I don't know of any others who regularly check my blog.

Now for my questions:

1. What's your favorite food?

2. What's the strangest thing you've ever done while writing?

3. Favorite type of computer?

4. Favorite sport?

5. Horses or dogs?

6. Did you watch at least some of the Sochi Olympics?

7. Salt or sugar?

8. Snow?

9. Hot or cold?

10. Favorite genre to write?

11. Favorite horse? (by name)

Developing Effective Protagonists

First off, I'm working on a blogging schedule, and it's very likely that Wednesdays will turn out as days I blog on writing, but I still have a few things to figure out, so bear with me please.

Okay, onto the the subject. A LOT of people blog about this subject, I know, but I decided a give it a try as well. So, first I'm going to go through a few things that irritate me about many Christian Fiction protags.

Virtuous

These characters have every virtue we could ever imagine or want. They make us feel like we can never live up to their example. As much as I love Bryan Davis, his females seem to have this problem. Well, Kelly not so mucht, but Bonnie, Sapphira, Lauren, and Elyssa certainly do.

Attractive

They are often extremely attractive, especially if they're single, and they don't even know it. That makes them even more appealing to the other gender. Not to say you shouldn't give your characters good looks. Just try not to lay it on too thick. Abigail from The Seven Sleepers has this problem.

Knowledge of the Bible

This group knows the Bible cover to cover...and that's a good thing! It's when they start preaching it constantly that it becomes a problem. You see, it's not that they know the Bible well at all. If they're a Christian character, they probably should. However, we, as Christians, should not just go around talking about the Bible, they should be doing what the Bible tells us to do (James 1:22-23).

You might be saying, "Oh Kya (or whatever your preferred name for me is), I don't make any of my characters like that!" I'm not saying you do. I'm just giving a heads up on some of the problems fiction writers have with their characters.

Now I can start talking about what to include in their characters once I've got the don'ts out of the way.

Flaws

They. Need. Flaws. It's as simple as that. It could be any type of hindrance: a physical problem, a scar from the past that impedes spiritual growth, a character trait that causes them to stumble.

Inspirational

Another trait that makes a good protagonist is making them inspirational, unforgettable. By nature, we want heroes. We want a character in the story to go out and fight evil, both outside and inside. We want a character that will persevere and, in the end, conquer the evil. Our characters can be like this while having flaws. What makes a truly memorable character is them being inspirational, and at the same time have problems that will allow the reader to relate to them.

Some books I've read in which the characters seem real are the Echoes From the Edge Trilogy by Bryan Davis, The Dark Wolf by JM Christian*, and The Berinfell Prophecies by Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper.

Okay, I'm done ranting now, and as always I'd love to get comments from ya'll. If you take the time to read this, thanks so much.

*A review can be found here.

Randomosity. Yayz!

As denoted be the title, we have a entry made up of randomness today. =D
But first, Happy (late) Valentines Day!
Okay, now we can begin.

I was the only one in my Chinese class on Friday
I recovered a lost water bottle
School was released two hours early on Valentines Day
Black Hawk showed me the weirdest Valentine photos
I was obsessing over my blog (yes, this one)
Some of my characters hate me
Google misbehaves often
I like being glomped
Bad grammar is good-sometimes
Serving in Badminton is insanely hard
"Heart Week" at my school is obnoxious
My math teacher is awesome
So is math itself

Olympic Loyalties

This is a rather personal issue with me, but after much thought, I decided to post it. So here goes. *Takes a deep breath*.

So this Olympics posed a question for me: which country would I be competing for if I were in the games? Yeah, you might think I'm crazy for even considering competing for a country other than the US. Truth is, most of you are missing an important piece about me: I'm adopted from China. Yep, that brings up the question of whether I would be for China or the US.

I've always been a crazy Team USA fan, but this time I wondered what I'd actually choose. I mean, sure, I'm completely American, but I look Chinese, and that's also my origin. I really can't just ignore that.

I've seen Olympic athletes take both sides. There have been those who were adopted and chose to be with their home country. There have also been those who have gone for their birth country, even this year I know one who has chosen this.

I'm not going to tell you my decision right now, but I'd like to hear your opinions. Try seeing it from the eyes of an adoptee, and make a decision. If you don't want anyone to know, that's fine. I just want you to think on it a little at least. *shrugses* If you care to share, comment, and if you just want me to know, email me or put "private" in the comment. If I see that, I won't publish it.

Review: Quest for the Swords of Healing

They are caught in a storm while on set for a movie. During this storm, their studio is blown up. Eight teenagers find extraordinary things, both about themselves and about other, strange things. They are sent on a quest to find ancient items that can aid them in their new found war with the Dark Lord: the swords of healing. They have no idea of where they are or what they look like, so, forced to trust God with everything, they embark on this daring escapade. Through many trials and dangers, the teens grow and develop into young men and women who are warriors for God.

Quest for the Swords of Healing, by Trista Vaporblade is an riveting tale that will keep the readers on the edge of their seats the entire time. It includes humor and a variety of personalities to appeal to everyone. Trista Vaporblade does an excellent job showing the power of God throughout the story, and the reader is left with a reminder of His power at the end of the book. The characters come alive, and the reader must fall in love with at least one of them. The story is clean and a good read for all ages.

You can buy her book here

Character Tag

Lylyss from the Underground tagged my characters with a few questions, and I decided to answer them here instead of on my Underground writing thread.
Hank and Rachel are brother and sister, but they answered these questions without knowing each others answers.

First, some background for you:

What's your age?
Hank: Ten.
Rachel: Eleven

What's your favorite animal?
Hank: Horses.
Rachel: Can I just say all of them?

Favorite color?
Hank: Red-brown.
Rachel: Green

Favorite food?
Hank: Macaroni and Cheese.
Rachel: Lasagna.

Now, we get on to the interview:

1. What's your family like? How d'you feel about them?

Hank: I really don't know my dad, and my mom doesn't like me very much. I do love my sister. She's the only thing that keeps me from running away or...or worse.

Rachel: I haven't seen my dad for four years. I'm a little mad at him for not trying harder to win us in court. My mom is an alcoholic, and she's never around. I have to spend all my time with her around just trying to keep her calm.

2. What are your pet peeves?

Hank: One thing that really annoys me is small talk. I can't stand that, and another is when people try to engage me in conversation.

Rachel: Um, I guess people not telling me what's going on is a pet peeve. Especially when it's because they're trying to protect me. I mean, sure, I appreciate it, but I can take care of myself.

3. How would you like to be thought of by others?

Hank: I guess, just as a person. Most people think I'm a freak.

Rachel: Compassionate and caring mostly.

4. Any dreams or fears?

Hank: Dreams? Becoming a champion in horse showing. Fears: Uh, Never being loved by someone.

Rachel: Hopes. Well, I'd say having my parents get back together, and Mom and Hank could get along. Fears...hmm, I can't think of any right now.

5. What do other people immediately notice about you?

Hank: I'd say my eyes. Rachel's told me that when you look straight into my eyes, that it seems I can see rght through you.

Rachel: Um, I welcome new people.

6. What's your worst trait?

Hank: I guess I could be more social.

Rachel: I can be a little bossy at some times, and I don't take things seriously enough.

7. What's your best trait?

Hank: Discernment.

Rachel: Compassion.

8. What disturbs you?

Hank: Disturbs me? When people fall for a trap and to me it's obvious.

Rachel: When someone is left out.

9. What trait do you admire most?

Hank: Definitely courage.

Rachel: Loyalty.

10. What trait do you despise most?

Hank: Partiality.

Rachel: Backing out when you should stand alone.

Wow, Ly. Some of those questions really made me dive into their personalites. Good job :)

Review: The Dark Wolf

  My friend was published, and asked me to write a review for his book on Amazon. I'm still trying to figure Amazon out (707), so I'll just put it here until then. So yeah, I haven't forgotten about this

Darvir has no knowledge of who he is, and no memory of what happened before a fateful day in his life. He is plagued by wisps of information that leads to these lost memories, and as far back as he can remember, he has never known love. Elaine has a thirst for truth that has not been satisfied, and her searching has cost her nearly everything. Together, because of unexpected circumstances causing them to join forces, they discover the things they have always searched for. Something to fill what’s missing in both of them. Something to set them free.

JM Christian weaves together a masterful tale in The Dark Wolf. The reader feels and empathizes with what the characters feel as they go through their struggles. Christian’s development of his characters allows the everyday person to completely relate to them. The entire world comes to life with breathtaking realness. Prepare to be transported to another world by the magic only a skilled author can create...and there are not many of them.


The book can be found on Amazon.

5 Common Misconceptions About Homeschoolers

My apologies for being so unfaithful about blogging. Since my blog is read mostly by UGers I know I'm writing to a crowd of mainly homeschoolers...or at least people were at one time. =P As I was homeschooled for nine years, I know the ins and outs to being a homeschooler. Now, after transferring to public school, whenever I tell someone that I used to be homeschooled, I hear the things that they had always thought about homeschoolers.

Please note that this is NOT to put down those who have been or are public schooled, and by no means does every kid in public school think these things! And while these things may be what some homescholers do or are, for myself and the ones that I have known, they are not.


Homeschoolers don't have a social life
While talking to a mom whose child was in public school, she asked, upon hearing that I was homeschooled, "But don't homeschoolers have no social life?" Hmm, when I was homeschooled, I did get out of the house to be with other kids nearly every day :)

They are socially awkward
When I was shadowing at a high school last year, a girl said, "I heard that homeschoolers have no social skills." There are many homeschoolers that I know...and have been so for all their life, who are totally amazing with people. Just as much as the kids in public schools.

They are incapable of having a schedule
Another idea that has irritated me is the expectation that homeschoolers don't know how to or are unable to follow a schedule. When I was homeschooled, I had a schedule that I followed everyday...and with no trouble at all!

They get to wear pajamas to school
One misconception that always annoys me to no end is that, every day, homeschoolers go to school in their pajamas. Neither I nor any other homeschooler that I know have gone to school in our pajamas. If we ever have, certainly not every day!

They get to sleep until noon...whenever!
And finally, the most agitating saved for last: homeschoolers get to sleep till noon whenever they want to. Not I, nor my fellow homeschoolers, have slept till noon whenever we felt like it. On school days, I have almost always been up between six-thirty and seven-thirty. Now I know seven-thirty is late on a school day, but it's nowhere near noon, which is the thing that I'm discussing.



Hmm, I really need to blog more, but I never know what to blog about. If you guys have any requests or suggestions, feel free to ask...and yes, I'm willing to do some research. Some. Nothing too unknown to me. Please. XD