"Anomaly" by Krista McGee {book review}

 

| Music listened to while writing this post:

Millennium - Audiomachine

Solar Sailor - Daft Punk

This Is Our Legacy - Zack Hemsey

Mind Heist - Zack Hemsey

Brian Boru's March - Celtic Moods

Great Deceiver - Danny Cocke

Tyven - Seven Lions  |

 

When I first saw the cover of Anomaly by Krista McGee, I was instantly intrigued. For one, the very title alone hooked me. "Anomaly" is a fabulous word and holds a steady place in my day-to-day vocabulary. I've always felt like an anomaly, in my own way.

 So I guess instinctively this fact made me feel drawn to the premise of this YA novel.

 

Not to mention, while we're on the topic of the cover, it is a gorgeous one. I love the subtle, femininely muted colors and then the bright pop of green in the girl's eyes.  It's stunning.

 

Question. Feel. Believe.

 

The back-cover blurb reads:

 

Thalli has fifteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to live. The toxic gas that will complete her annihilation is invading her bloodstream. But she is not afraid.

Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.

Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.

The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk—a scientist being groomed by The Ten—convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.

As her life ticks a way, she hears rumors of someone called the Designer—someone even more powerful than The Ten. What’s more, the parts of her that have always been an anomaly could in fact be part of a much larger plan. And the parts of her that she has always guarded could be the answer she’s been looking for all along.

Thalli must sort out what to believe and who to trust, before her time runs out.

 

-

Man, is that the beginnings of a thriller, or is it?!

 

On one hand, the whole "controlling government/higher power/leaders" thing is so predominant these days that the plot of Anomaly initially sounded a bit unoriginal. In some ways it can be compared closely to Aquifer, by Jonathan Friesen. Both books deal with a society that frowns on emotion and punishes those who have/indulge it. Both books have a set of domineering world-leaders referred to as a number - The Ten, etc.

Both books deal with fallen, corrupted future earths.

And fact is, just about every other book these days is written in first person, present tense.

 

But despite all this, Anomaly still held its own. It holds a distinct presence amid the ever-popular genre of dystopian YA fiction.  I flew through the pages and drank it all up as if it were a cup of chocolate milk - I love chocolate milk.

 

 

Plot:

The entire story of Anomaly revolves around Thalli learning who she truly is. At core, it's about her learning how to discern reality from fabrications/simulations; truth from lies. Ultimately, Anomaly is a story about a girl being subtly drawn to the knowledge of the Savior and Creator.

Yes, the initial draw is about a teen girl who's been doomed to a soon-approaching death sentence, and all because she can feel what 99% of everyone else can't. But deep down, the further you go, you realize it's about so much more.

 

There were a few mind-blowing plot twists, which, even though they wrecked havoc on ze feels, were quite ingenious. Thalli is constantly having to reevaluate her surroundings and the events taking place in her life because it's so hard to know what's real and what's not. This difficulty to perceive reality is equally hard for the reader. It's only made trickier by the plot twists.  As you all know, I soak up plot twists like a sponge. I loooove them.

 

 

Genre:

I've said this time and time again, so I'll spare you all and merely give a brief recap.

Dystopian YA fiction is super popular these days, and that means that a lot of stuff will be really unoriginal - Therefore, I personally will be less likely to want to read it. HOWEVER. For some reason I seem to gravitate toward post-apocalyptic stories like this. Perhaps because they make me appreciate the reality I'm living in now. They present stark contrasts, and a daunting idea of what man can become without God. They make me grateful that I live in 2014 and not 3014.

 

 

Characters:

Thalli is a very endearing personality, and I instantly felt a connection to her character.

For one, she's a musician. A musician. Need I say any more?! What got her in trouble was letting her emotions pour into a classical piano piece. For real, I can so relate with this. Give me a fictional character who is obsessed with playing the piano and instantly I'll love you - and the character. Thalli's obsession with asking questions also made me like her better. Questions are wonderful things, and there's nothing more boring than a person - or character, in this case - who doesn't ask them.

Okay, I'll admit I was frustrated when (SPOILERS) a certain character named Stone was never even real to begin with. That hurt. He seemed really cute and sweet. And his family, too. Of course, then again it seemed too good to be true at the time. And you know how stuff like that usually is.

 

I really liked John, an older man who'd been labeled insane. His strong Christian values and character really made me feel for his struggle and endurance. I loved the conversations he and Thalli had concerning God, love and marriage in particular.

 

 

Setting:

Thalli's world is a overly-sanitized underground place with dwellings called "pods". I have a difficulty imagining whether these things look like house-sized ball-structures as their name suggests, or if they look more like squarely-shaped, cement-block type buildings. There is however, grass. Fake grass, but still, at least they tried to replicate what they lost, right? It's implied that the world aboveground is desolate and toxic. (It's also implied that the world is actually still livable, if you have the guts and determination.) Inside the pods, Thalli and her friends (and enemies) abide within bleach-white walls with no furnishings or color. It's the classic, completely-hygienic dystopian nightmare.

 

 

Underlying Theme(s):

I love how blatantly the author speaks of God and His existence. It's such a refreshing thing in dystopian fiction, where most of the time all is so dark and bleak. It makes the story full of hope, even when terror, trauma and disaster are at the door. I don't like to call books, music or movies "Christian" because it's such a generic term and is so misused in such things already. But I do think Anomaly would appeal greatly to the Christ-following audience. I also hope that non-believers read it. It has some awesome spiritual discussions and some sequences are truly heart-rending. This is my favorite aspect of the book.

 

(On a 1 - 10 basis, 1 being the most mild and 10 the most extreme:)WARNING - SPOILERS!

Violence: 5. This isn't your shoot-em'-up deal where rebel alliances or guerilla warriors are fighting back against the government with physical force. It's 'hospital-violence,' which can be arguably far more disturbing. Characters are injected with all manner of drug and who-knows-what-else, made to go through simulations which are scarily real-looking, and countless are euthanized in a very subtle, hygienic manner. Thalli is operated on and doctors poke around in her brain. Basically, it's a classic nightmare. The reason I give it a five, is because to me "hospital violence" is a lot more perturbing than blatant cops-and-robbers violence. Nothing scares me more than brain surgeries involving the erasing of ones' memory. (Yes, I warned you already there were spoilers in this section.)

 

Sexual Content: 1. Berk and Thalli share romantic feelings, but thankfully we don't witness anything too intimate between them, other than a kiss, holding hands, etc. Thalli for a brief time becomes attached to a guy named Stone, and is conflicted about her feelings between him and Berk. And then it's revealed he never existed. Boom. (I sure hope you're not reading this if you haven't read the book yet.)

 

 

Overall:

Get yourself a copy and read Anomaly. Just do it, okay? Because there is so much you're missing out on if you don't.  So much drama, beautiful moments, suspense and times when you almost want to cry. The feeeeels, people. THE FEELS!

 

Anomaly is written in a simple, breathable manner. The word choices are raw and organic in feeling, which makes for a rich reading experience. Thalli is a masterfully-crafted character, and her emotions and experiences are told in a way that makes you feel like you're right there inside her head, living what she's living. The twisting labyrinth of a plotline is enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, and each event that unfolds sinks in deep, pulls on your heartstrings. In short, you will experience emotional traumatization.

 

Overall, I give it my seal of approval, even though I don't officially have...er...a literal seal of approval. Anyway, I really enjoyed this volume and I'm sure you will too. So read it. And then tell me so we can talk about all the spoilers together!

 

Krista McGee's Official Website | Buy Anomaly on Amazon

 

Note: I was provided a copy of Anomaly in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

Fly Me To the Moon {living radiantly, adventurously}

 

| Today's music playlist:

Why Do Fools Fall in Love - Frankie Lymon, The Teenagers

Fly Me to the Moon

Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino

Best Day of My Life - American Authors

I See Fire - Peter Hollens' version |

 

 

So I never got around to doing that traditional 'end of the year' post. Oh well. I was camping and trying to finish up The Rebels of Florida. (and yes - it's finally, finalllllyyyy done!) I'm sure you all can forgive me.

 

But seriously.

 

2014.

 

TWENTY-FOURTEEN, PEOPLES. We're still here!

 

This year is gonna be beyond fabulous, folks. Just sayin'. I sense huge things are going to happen this year. I thirst for adventure and somehow I feel that 2014 will be immersed in it.

Because, truth is, every year is an adventure in its own way. You don't have to go skydiving or travel the world to live adventurously.

 

 

This year, I'm striving to live radiantly, diving into adventure when it knocks at the door, embracing change and always on my toes. Never stagnating, never letting the grass grow under my feet.

Most of all, I want my being to overflow with the love of Christ. I want my eyes to sparkle with His joy and peace.

 

I want to be radiant.

 

I want to live in the moment, drink in the little details and notice every blessing, no matter how small it is. I want to remember how much God has done for me, and be in constant gratitude.

 

I want to be the kind of person who you see and think, "whoa, she's totally in love with the Savior."

 

Each new year we think of things we want to aspire towards, or accomplish. For most of my teen years I've made goals to accomplish things in the new year.

 

Things. Just marking stuff off a list.

 

Well maybe it's time for a change-up.

 

Yeah, I still have stuff I want to finish. I still have goals. Lists. But perhaps the most important things can't be marked off, they don't fit into a little box which you can cross out with ink.

 

Maybe the most important things aren't things at all. 

 

But, what about character qualities? Now we're getting somewhere! What if instead of long to-do lists I just aspired to be a different sort of person, a better sort of person?

 

What if I aspired to be more like Christ?

 

I don't know about you, but that sounds like a good plan to me. So that's what I'm going to do. 2014 will be amazing. And whatever happens, I know who's in charge. I know who I am, in Him. And I want the world to see what they're missing without Christ in their lives.

 

Okay, so another thing I've been musing. I want to write stuff down. Like, yeah I'm already a writer. I obviously am going to continue creating stories, and strange, tortured characters. That's not what I mean here. No, what I'm talking about is journaling. Describing little moments and blessings day to day. Even if it's just a few paragraphs, a few words.

 

Today for example, I'm drinking in everything. All the beautiful aromas, delicious tastes, and pleasant memories. Today I'm savoring...

 

| Buying French gifts for a French-loving friend. |

| A spritz of perfume from a little shop Mom and I went to in Micanopy. |

| A chilly, overcast January day, spent in a charming little town with my mommy. |

| The taste of an organic mocha and German chocolate brownie on your tongue. |

| Dancing around to 50's music. |

| Visiting the library. Nuff' said. |

| Getting a new Spanish book from the library. Me gusta! |

| Listening to your brothers' laughter/unintentional sound effects |

| Chances to explore and do new things. |

| Being weird. |

| Laughing. |

| Smiles. |

| Knowing that even tomboys like me can be feminine and hopeless romantics.|

 

 

So there's my little New Years' post. Random as usual, but how is that new? 

 

Y estoy frio. The temperature is dropping quickly...whoooo! I love Florida...at least, when we finally get to have a wintry moment here. For real, the rest of the country is getting warnings to stay inside so they won't freeze to death, and here we are running around outside and having a ball.

 

Esta bueno. Life is good.

 

Anyway! Adios queridas! Tell me what's new with you now, okay?

 

{Character Interviews } Amanda Wikoff's Zenon

 

| suggested music track of the day: "Vows" by Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning |

 

Well folks, I know I skipped last week's WriterlyWednesday post, which you'll have to forgive me for; but during this time of year I'm sure y'all will be able to empathize with me when I say these three words. MY, TIME FLIES!

Also, the schedule keeps getting crazier and crazier. I think this is just natural for December.

 

Anyhoo! Time for another character interview. Today we have one from Amanda Wikoff.

 

Handing it over to Amanda now, so give her and her charrie a warm welcome!

 

__

 

I’m interviewing Zenon, my MMC from my NaNoNovel. He really has no idea what’s going on as he’s not the detail oriented one. Lyssia listened to the instructions; Zenon not so much. ;)

 

What’s one cool thing about the world you come from?

Well, I’ve not really had anything to compare it to. It’s not special to anyone here anymore but I’m not really sure what it’s like where you’re from so I’ll just say it. Some people have powers; some would call it magic, though that term is frowned upon. Our people fear these powers and our history shows a good reason to; though I’m positive it could be used for good were it not outlawed. It seems as if only Lyssia still has the ability to do magic but we have been told there is another.

 

What does your bedroom look like?

My ceiling is the stars and my walls the air around me. I could have a home with brick walls and a stifling ceiling but I prefer to sleep under the canopy of the sky. It’s much more romantic that way, don’t you think?

 

Describe your personality.

My personality? I guess the best way to say it is that I like to be independent, though it gets me in trouble more often than not.

 

Describe your physical appearance.

Blonde hair, blue eyes. Not too different from the little Avanreili boys I’ve met. Most of the time our hair turns dark when we come of age but mine’s still the same old blonde it’s always been. I’ve got a pointy nose and my hair is unruly in the kindest of terms.

 

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

I’ve never heard those words before but I’ve just been informed of their meanings. I’d suppose that I’m an ext—no! It’s the other one. Definitely the other one, though I can’t remember what the word is. Where do you get those words anyway?

 

Do you approve of how your author treats you?

I suppose it’s alright though I do wish she wouldn’t harm my loved ones so much. I’d rather have all her wrath focused on me. That’d be far less painful than seeing everyone else hurt.

 

Do you have any physical or mental abnormalities/illnesses?  

I’m sure Eliza wouldn’t hesitate to tell you that I do but nothing has been medically proven or anything.

 

What do you think about right before falling asleep at night?

That’s a good question and the honest answer is I don’t remember. You know when you get an idea before falling asleep and when you wake up you can’t remember what it was? It’s quite like that I suppose. Though if I had to guess I would probably say I think about what the next day will hold.

 

You’re bored, and all you have is a blank piece of paper and pencil. What happens?

I’d sketch some inanimate object. It’d be the very first thing I saw and absolutely no thought would go into it. It would come out entirely better than anything I’ve ever put effort into and I would be left wondering how that happens.

 

Most prized possession?

My friends? I’d give anything to keep them safe, so I suppose they’re what I value above all else.

 

Hobbies?

Hunting is the hobby that’s been forced upon me. I don’t ever want to do it but when I get out there it’s actually quite relaxing.

 

One little known fact about yourself?

Let’s see… Something not many people know, correct? Oh! How about the fact that I belong to a race of people who despise me? I’m not actually Avanreili, though that’s where my father is from. My mother is Penthmessain, a race we didn’t know existed till not too long ago, and we just happen to be at war with them. But that’s a long story that we shouldn’t get into.

 

What’s something you really like about yourself?

That’s an odd question. I don’t generally think about my virtues. I guess my favorite thing about myself is that I can be independent, though it’s also one of my largest faults.

 

Do you have any special skills, talents or abilities?

Actually I’m quite inadequate. So inadequate in fact that I’m not sure how I’ve survived on my own this long. It must be the good Lord’s doing ‘cause it certainly isn’t my own.”

 

Would you go skydiving if you could? 

I assume you mean cliff jumping. That’s like diving into the sky. I think I would, if I could work up the courage. Lyssia went once and she said it was terrifying but I think it’d be exhilarating.

 

--

 

Check out Zenon's author's blog, here!

 

And...if you have a character you'd like interviewed, shoot me a note in the comments! Have a blessed Wednesday, y'all!

 

Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl Blog Tour & Book Review

(All images provided by Lydia Howe)

 

Hola amigos! Today we have something different! A guest post from Lydia Howe, author of Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl! And later, I'll be doing a review of her book!

 

First off, here's a little background info to get you acquainted with both book and author.

 

About the Book:

 

Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl: Traveling with her parents brings Lydia, daughter of explorer and singer Buddy Davis, plenty of adventure and mystery - from hidden clues in bookstores to cave paintings deep underground. 

About the Author: Whether she’s building life-sized models of dinosaurs with her adopted family, trying her hand at cooking at a private retreat, or living in a barn, author Aidyl Ewoh (aka Lydia Howe) seems to have adventures follow her wherever she goes. Check out her book, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl and find out more about her at her Blog, Facebook, and Twitter. 

 

 

Now, on with the guest post! *hands post over to Lydia*

_____

 

Answer to the last True or False Question:  False. I actually don't mind bats at all. ;) 

 

Why Creation? 

 

Hey, y’all! I want to tell you all a little about my book, and why I wrote it. You see, I’m extremely interested in Christian apologetics - which is kinda funny for me to say, because although it’s so true, I don’t think most people would guess that about me unless I brought up the subject first. Which I do, whenever I can. ;)

 

One thing I’ve learned about creation is that the ‘little things’ are so important because they lead up to the bigger issues. To some, the whole idea of how we got here doesn't seem like a big deal, I mean, at least we're here, right? And does a person have to believe in a literal six-day creation to be a Christian? No, they don't.

 

 So why does all of this even matter, you might ask? Well, lots of people - including Christians - believe in evolution and millions of years. God could have used evolution, right? Of course! He’s God, after all. But the point is that God told us in the Bible how He created the world, and evolution was not His tool. When we start taking man’s word and putting it above God’s Word, we are ultimately undermining what He says by saying that man knows better. It is so, so important to trust God’s word over man’s, after all, God has always been there and He's perfect. 

 

 And that, my friends, brings me to my book. Another thing I've learned is that many people have no idea how to deal with this stuff. I wanted to write a kids book about creation so they would have a fun and entertaining way to learn answers for the problems that stump many Christians. The answers are out there, peoples! The publisher for my book, Answers in Genesis, is one of my very favorite sites, they do an amazing job of researching the science behind all this.

 

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15 

 

There are so many amazing proofs for a literal-six-day creation, it’s mind boggling! I could share a dozen proofs with you right now, but in an effort to save space, I’ll just send y’all to Answers in Genesis and of course you can get my book, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl! ;) So why don't you check it out and let me know what y'all think! :)

 

 

To get the answer to the True or False question and find out more about my

adopted parents, Check out this blog tomorrow! 

To find out how you can get entered into a cool giveaway just by leaving a comment or sharing this post with others, click here!

 

 

Okay, it's me Leah again. I was sent a copy of this book, and closing up today's post, I'm going to give a review of CSotP!

Note: Since this is a little different than my typical fiction reviews, I'm going to write it a little differently, and use some different catagories. 

Anyway, let's get to it!

 

Plot:

This is a youth fiction piece, but it almost seems like nonfiction. It feels so real! It has two different plots. One, is Buddy Davis and two of his friends/partners and a caving adventure of theirs. This was quite fascinating, and towards the end in particular I was intrigued to find out what happened next!

The other of the two plots was Lydia and her family trying to solve a bookstore mystery. I enjoyed this one because it reminded me a little of my own siblings and I and our mysteries we try to solve sometimes. Only, this one had some amazing findings/results...and ours are usually more on the less than extraordinary side. xP

 

Genre:

This particular read actually reminded me of the reports I used to write for my family members. I like CSotP because it implements scientific fact and Creation into it, making it both informative and fun. 

 

Age Range/Targeted Audience:

With the simple, easy to read sentence structures and style of this book, I'd say it's a read best for kids/older kids and those in their early teens. My targeted age range? 9-13, roughly. I usually will go through heavier reads and prefer a heftier vocab use, but simplicity is still good, especially if the book is aimed at a younger audience., which this one is.

 

Setting:

Part of this book is set in a cave. How much more thrilling/fascinating can that get? The descriptions were bright and vivid, and I could almost feel the cold cave water and damp underground air.

 

Overall:

I enjoyed this book! It's a small volume, so a quick and easy read. It was really cool getting to learn more about the Davis family, and Lydia's life being their adopted daughter. Lydia has a straight-forward, bright writing style.  I would certainly recommend this book. Especially since it's produced by one of my favorite organizations, Answers in Genesis. For all you Creation Science loving people, you should check this out! Got some younger siblings interested in Creation Science/caves/adventure and mystery? This would be perfect for them! It even has a few charming illustrations.

Find the link to purchase it above!

 

Well that's it for today! Make sure you check out Lydia's blog and of course, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl!

More of My Music Available on Amazon!

 

That's right, folks! Two more of my piano compositions have gone up on Amazon for you to purchase if you wish!

 

Which songs exactly?

 

My medieval-novel inspired score, Apriorian Lore! (Click HERE to be redirected to the Amazon page for it.)

 

Annnnnd.....the Hobbit-inspired piece...

 

 

Pursuit of the Dragon! (Click HERE to see it on Amazon)

 

EEEP! I am so incredibly excited. I now have three pieces up on Amazon!

 

So. I'd REALLLY appreciate it if you checked these out and shared them with your friends, family, writing buddies, anybody you think would enjoy it! It would mean the world to me!

 

I know I've not been posting much on this blog lately. But, life has been so crazy busy. I hope you guys understand - I'm sure many of you have some pretty hectic schedules yourself!

 

Hope everyone's having a blessed winter so far! Keep an eye out for a blog tour this Wednesday, from Aidyl Ewoh and Answers in Genesis!

 

 

 

{Character Interviews} Hannah Stewart's Lucian

 

Hey y'all! Guess what we have starting today? Interviews with awesome fictional characters!

A number of my writing friends will be contributing weekly (every Wednesday) with answers to some questions which were asked of their characters!

Eventually, I might even do an interview of...*overly dramatic drum roll* my own characters. If they let me, which is highly doubtful.

 

But anyway! Today, I'm pleased to introduce to you Lucian, a character from Hannah Stewart's book "Outspoken." He's one of my personal favorites from this volume!

 

Soooo let's give him a warm welcome, and move on with the interview!

 

What’s one cool thing about the world you come from?

Well, I was going to say the mountainous districts, but my author
kindly informed me of the different connotations of the word "cool" in
your culture. The world I come from really isn't all that different
from yours, if a few thousand years behind. Medieval, I believe you
would call it. Perhaps you would call the Woods of Escaine a "cool"
feature of my world... the forest itself is a couple thousand years
old, with trees so large that the rogue knight Escaine and his band of
robbers were able to set up their camp inside them - they burnt out
what we call "holes" from the cores of the trunks, and turned them
into little houses. No one ever found them... at least, not until Finn
discovered the secret decades after the campsite had been abandoned.

 

What does your bedroom look like?

Usually, a dry patch of dirt or bed of grass with the stars overhead
will suffice. I've never had my own. My family was too poor when I was
little, not that I could remember it well enough to describe it now.
After that, it was whatever corner I could sequester away. Now Finn
has offered me one of the holes to myself, but I've been too busy
helping him to take him up on it.

Describe your personality.

That's a... difficult question. If I were in a joking mood, I'd have
to call myself the quiet type. I guess what I can say about myself is
that I care about my family and my friends. I'm a nobody... no one
important, no one special. I'm just a carpet to be walked over,
treated however the passing fads deem appropriate. But my family - by
blood or by loyalty - they mean everything to me. And anyone that
hurts them will have me to deal with.

 

Describe your physical appearance.
Appearance? Like I said, I'm nothing special. Average height, average
weight, average build. I have my father's red hair and beard with my
mother's curl. My cheekbones, I've been told, are my most striking
aspect. My eyes can't decide who's they are, sometimes they're blue
like my mother's, sometimes green, like my father's. Nothing
outstanding to reference, nothing at all.

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Years ago, I may have considered myself an extrovert, the head of the
pack. But every thing's changed since then. My circumstances make it
hard to be anything but an introvert, really, and I've accepted that.
Grown to like it. The horses are my companions now, and along with my
few friends, I have all I need.
Do you approve of how your author treats you?

I won't pretend not to be bitter about certain things, but who
wouldn't be? I can't really blame her though. Like she says, the story
has to come first, and I know it pains her to hurt us. I just have to
trust that whatever point she intends to make will be worth the
heartache.

 

What would you do if you needed to make dinner but the kitchen was inaccessible?

That's a... strange question. I'd do what I suppose any reasonable man
would do: build a fire and cook dinner in the open air. It most
definitely wouldn't be the first time.

Do you have any physical or mental abnormalities/illnesses?

As you may have picked up on from my author having to transcribe for
me, I have no voice of my own. My tongue was cut out when I was first
enslaved by Lord Sadach - I was ten, and mouthed off to him. He
thought I'd make a great servant, if I wasn't so spirited, and there's
more than one way to break a man. Since then, my nasty tendency of
becoming a heroic fool when the innocent are in trouble has left me
with more scars than flesh on my back.

What do you think about right before falling asleep at night?

Any number of things really. The things I regret, the people I've lost
- they tend to make appearances. A lot of appearances... But, these
days, I've been so busy. Now, it tends to be whatever I'm most anxious
about, be it a battle to come or bad news to deliver.

 



You’re bored, and all you have is a blank piece of paper and pencil.
What happens?

Most likely, I remain bored. I only recently learned how to write, and
it's still difficult. But, being away so often now, it wouldn't be
surprising if I wrote a letter for Caillte and Pip, or a report for
Finn.

Most prized possession?

I don't exactly have a lot of possessions, and though most people
would consider him one, I can't call what I would esteem my most
prized and object. Elisha, my horse. He's carried me through
atrocities no man should ever see, and remained by my side as a
friend, companion, and brother in arms.
Hobbies?

I don't have time for hobbies. But, when time does present itself, I
usually spend it in the stables or striking up a tune on my mandolin.

One little known fact about yourself?

Little known fact? Oh, I don't know... I guess not many people know
that, when I was young, before Muintir burned to the ground and I was
taken captive, I was an fairly accomplished dancer. My parents, as I
came to find out later, had both held positions in the royal palace
years before. They were favorites of the previous royal family. They
knew how to dance like the upper class, and thought it wise to teach
me. Mother said it would help me overcome my social position later in
life, and I suppose it has in ways.
What’s something you really like about yourself?

There's not much to like, but if forced to chose something, I guess it
would be my loyalty to those I love. It gets me in trouble, but I
deserve trouble. They don't.

Do you have any special skills, talents or abilities?

I train horses. My father taught me how, and I was good enough to
please Lord Sadach. I'm also very strong with the sword, and I can
play the mandolin, as I said before.
Would you go skydiving if you could?

My author informs me that skydiving is a modern sport in your world...
I don't see the appeal in leaping out of a giant hunk of metal hurling
through the sky, but I wouldn't be opposed to trying it if beckoned.
Stranger things have happened. 

 -

{Visit Lucian's author Hannah here.}

 

Join me next week for another interview with a fascinating book character you're sure to love!

Writing-Induced Depression? {WriterlyWednesday}

 

I never thought it was possible.

 

Non-writers won't have any idea about that which I speak of - and I'm confident even some writerly folks won't understand. Honestly, it is a bit mysterious and daunting to me myself.

 

Writing-induced depression. Is that already an official term? If not, I'm coining it. WID.

 

My friends, WID is real.

 

I experienced it at its full potential this last Monday.

 

See, I've been working in earnest on The Rebels lately due to the fact that my self-set deadline is fast approaching with the end of the year.

 

And, I happen to be in the midst of the most depressing part of the book.

 

Have you ever attempted writing a full-fledged Civil War battle scene?

 

If you haven't, don't bother trying to sympathize wit me. The only way for you to understand this sentiment would be to go through the experience yourself.

 

The trauma. The feels. The pain.

 

This chapter has torn my inner workings to pieces. I put myself in a literal depression all because of it.

 

"A cave of depression", to quote an awesome writing friend of mine.

 

The numbness was stifling.

As I poured my soul into the gore and sadness on the document before me, tears forced their way from my eyes.

 

My eyes sting even as I think of it. My poor characters. Damascus Hayden, the red-headed Rebel man who's distanced himself so far from his Creator.

 

 

All I wanted to do when writing that scene was climb into bed and sleep.

Wake up to a fresh start, the painful emotions wiped clean away.

 

Getting away from the book did a world of good.

 

I accompanied Mom to Micanopy to drop off and collect library books, (always fun, since it's the library of course!) and then we took a serendipitous stop at Mosswood, a delightfully charming little locally run shop across the street from the library. It's one of my favorites, and has been for ages.

The sound of vintage 30's music drifts the place, organic, handmade and locally grown products fill the store's shelves. Books on how to do things yourself - how to bake bread, how to bee keep, you name it.

 

The building itself is an old house, renovated into a cozy store. Wood is everywhere - wood floors, beautiful wood counters, walls, ahhh it's lovely. I love wood furnishings.

 

The best thing is that this place supplies heirloom seeds - something we value greatly for our gardens.

Upon purchasing a good quantity for this year's winter crops, we made the spontaneous decision to also buy mochas. Mmmm! So warm and deliciously rich and yummy.

 

We sat out on the porch for a good solid hour, just Mom and I. *happy sigh* I will treasure that afternoon. It was a special mother-daughter bonding time. So terribly thankful for my parents!

 

So that helped with the dark moment of WID I was having. It helped greatly. Mom is such a good listener, I wish I was more like her.

I'm melodramatic. Insane, obsessive, completely random and sporadic.

Entirely too emotional. But you know what? Somehow, my family puts up with all that.

Somehow my friends do. Somehow, God does. And that is most comforting of all.

His grace has never left me dry and wanting. I may act like an idiot, fall down and botch things up, but I can always run back to Him. He is my Rock, my Sword, my Shield.

 

He never leaves me.

 

Anyhoo. WID is real, bottom line. It's rough and it leaves scars. In short? Watch out, fellow writerly peoples. If you find yourself sitting at your computer, staring in angst at your novel with tears threatening to spill from your eyes, be careful. If you heart feels numb and emotionless, yet heavy and sore, tread with caution. If, even hours after you stopped writing, your entire demeanor hasn't changed one lick - yipes.

 

You might find yourself carried away -  lost in a severe case of writing induced depression.

 

Tread carefully for it's a hazard zone not to be taken lightly.