Beautiful People (March Edition)

Beautiful People is a writers' linkup hosted by Sky @ Further Up and Further In and Cait @ Paper Fury! It’s a character building tool for writers. The writer answers a set of questions about his or her novel and characters within the novel. I've done it a few times before and really enjoyed it, so here's March's edition.

Oh! And if you're interested, here is my novel's blurb: Fed up with the mounting death toll and civil unrest, Prince Ari and his companions must embark on a quest to stop Albni--a radical anti-magic alliance--before the group eradicates magic forever.

Me: This time, I'm interviewing Prince Arius of Siderea, my precious cinnamon roll. He's a character in my Anima series (I've finished the first book, which is undergoing the Beta Reader stage). Farrah and Kai (two of his closest friends) will have a chance to answer Ari's questions for him. Then, Ari will have a turn.

Ari: Wait--What?

Me: Let us begin. *evil cackle*

What’s their favorite book/movie/play/etc?

Farrah: Oh! I adore any kind of book. All kinds of books. Especially ones that deal in history and culture. There's so much to learn that--

Me: Um, Farrah, we ARE interviewing Ari, so what do you think he'd like to read?

Farrah: *blushes* Of course. I got a bit too excited there. But this one's easy. Go ahead, Ari.

Ari: *smiles* Fairy tales, especially tales from Gens, the place where I was born.

Gens, covered mostly in a deep, dark forest

Is there anything they regret doing?

Kai: What? Why are you guys looking at me? This isn't MY interview. Okay, okay. I'd say he regrets meeting me.

Ari: Kai. *rolls his eyes*

Kai: Fine. Hm, maybe going to that ball last year. I mean, we shouldn't have gone, brother. Your father really wanted you to go, and I understand your constant need to impress him, but when a horde of women chases after us, all for the wrong reasons and while we're wearing those official, close-fitting pants (gods, that material doesn't breathe)...well, you should have just avoided the situation from the beginning.

Farrah: Weren't they chasing you because you doused them in wine?

Kai: By mistake!

Ari: Yeah, then I had to save you. You know, I do have a regret, not knowing you sooner.

Kai: Huh?

Ari: You're just always making things interesting.

If they were sick or wounded, who would take care of them and how?

Kai/Ari: Farrah! 

Farrah: Aw, Ari, of course I'd take care of you. 

Kai: Yeah, because there's no way I'd be any help. Farrah has been trained in the art of healing. 

Ari: If Kai would try, it wouldn't be pleasant. I'd break a leg and that would somehow end with me losing both arms. 

Is there an object they can’t bear to part with and why?

Ari: My--

Everyone: His swords

Ari: Whoa, it's that obvious...

(source)

What are 5 ways to win their heart (or friendship)?

Farrah: Trust, understanding, and someone who isn't afraid to be kind.

Kai: What Farrah said, but also, if you bring him food, preferably something sweet.

Describe a typical outfit for them from top to bottom.

Farrah/Kai: Bl--

Ari: All right. Can I answer this?

Farrah: We were only going to say that you'd wear anything as long as it was black.

Kai: Right. Doesn't matter what you wear, so long as you pair it with your boots. Still don't know how you keep them so tidy. They don't have a single scratch on them! Unless...wait, did you go to an Anima tailor? That fabric is magically-infused, isn't it?

Something like this! The hood is a nice touch.

What’s their favorite type of weather?

Ari: Those days when it's only partially raining. You know, the only time you're able to see a rainbow. When the sun JUST peaks out from a slightly grey rain cloud.

What’s the worst fight they’ve ever been in?

Ari: Physical fights or arguments?

Me: Hm, both!

Ari: physically, I'd probably have to say any fight with Kai.

Kai: Damn right.

Ari As for the worst argument...yeah, same answer for that one too.

Kai: Damn right.

What names or nicknames have they been called throughout their life?

Kai: OH! Let me do this one!! Please!!

Ari: Go ahead.

Kai: As I'm a genius, I've come up with calling my dear Arius here, Ari.

Farrah: And his mother would sometimes call him meu lunus.

Me: Can you tell us what that means?

Ari: *smiles* My Moon.

What makes their heart feel alive?

Farrah: What doesn't? Ari has a heart that appreciates the light in everything. I remember when Kai, Ari, and I were watching the sunrise, and when the sun rose, of course it's a spectacle, but Ari...he couldn't help but enjoy it. Really enjoy it.

Kai: You can tell how he enjoys it just by that light in his eyes and that crooked smile, the one he shows when he's least expecting you to notice. I've known him since we were small. Since then, the time when he lights up most is during acts of kindness or for everyday beauty, things people normally take for granted.

Ari: You're both wrong.

Farrah: What do you mean?

Ari: What truly makes me feel alive are friends like you. When I sat atop that hilltop, when I smiled at the rising sun, it was because I was there with you two. As for the acts of kindness, it was the way in which I appreciated how people should treat each other. And whether you noticed it or not, most of those acts of kindness were done by you. I enjoy everyday beauty, the things most people take for granted, because it's usually something that reminds me of you guys and I can't help but smile.

Kai and Ari

Farrah and Ari

Thank you. Hope everyone is having fun with this. Let me know what you're writing below! 

Beautiful Books: Of Darkness and Disorder

Today I'm linking up with Beautiful Books to highlight my novel Of Darkness and Disorder! I thought this would be a great opportunity to introduce the characters, the setting, and everything in between.

1. What inspired the idea for your novel, and how long have you had the idea?

My inspiration came from many places, but a lot of how I brought it all together was due to a dream I had about a boy who *spoilers* but didn't want to be. It began with Ari. It always has. In fact, he's haunted my life for years, ever since I was a teenager. Only recently have I had the time and a decent amount of experience to feel like I could write his story.

Although, I had written part of the book when I was younger, that part doesn't happen until much later (years after Of Darkness and Disorder). 

2. Describe what your novel is about!

In a world torn between those who see magic as a convenience and those who view magic as a curse, a radical group calling themselves Albni has been murdering an increasing number of magic users–Anima.

Fed up with the mounting death toll and civil unrest, Prince Ari and his companions must embark on a quest to stop Albni before they eradicate magic forever. But is Albni the true enemy or is there something much more sinister at play? 

3. What is your book’s aesthetic? Use words or photos or whatever you like!

Twin moons, the night sky, glistening stars. Hungry magic and contorted creatures.

The colors red and white.

But also shadows, and sunrises, and reluctant heroes.

And friendship. Always friendship. 

4. Introduce us to each of your characters!

Ari

Prince Arius of Siderea (or just Ari) has been one of my oldest characters. Quiet, serious, driven by duty, and the most loyal friend you'll ever have! There's something that he feels is off about him lately, though he can't quite place it. He has dirty blond hair and different colored eyes (one blue and one hazel). 

He's my baby and I adore him.

Kai

Kai is Ari's closest friend. The prince found him many years ago when Sir Soren, the royal guard, and Ari were traveling through a Southern mountain pass. Since Ari stumbled across him, they've been friends ever since. He's crass, unafraid, and (truthfully) a player. But he has a heart of gold, if only for his friends.

Also, he's an Anima with the power to create illusions, effortlessly weaving wild fantasies into reality.

Farrah

Princess of Caelus and a descendent of Lady Liora (founder of Caelus), Farrah possess a great celestial essence with the power to heal others. Sweet, innocent, and strong-willed, she can be stubborn when it comes to protecting others, especially her friends and family. 

She's known Ari and Kai for most of her life but hasn't seen them in two years (due to Kai's banishment from her kingdom).

Rin

Rin is Farrah's best friend and ambassador in training. Also...Farrah's stepmother's sister. She's from the island of Kasai and is also an Anima with the power to control fire. Though, she's been having trouble controlling her Anima lately, which could spell disaster for her later on.

How do you prepare to write? (Outline, research, stocking up on chocolate, howling, etc.?)

Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

I don't outline...at first, anyway. I let the world shape itself, then I go back and organize myself.

What are you most looking forward to about this novel?

Can I say everything? I mean, life is all about the journey, right? But I do have a few scenes that keep replaying in my head.

When listening to music, does anyone else create mental movies?

What I'm looking forward to: Tattoos, more masks, a wedding kiss, sacrifices, glowing flowers, tears, and terrible/beautiful things. 

List 3 things about your novel’s setting.

Torn
Diverse
Miraculous 

What’s your character’s goal and who (or what) stands in the way?

As mentioned above, Prince Ari is on a quest to take down Albni. But there are players in the game that haven't been revealed yet. They might play just as sinister a role.

How does your protagonist change by the end of the novel?

Whether for better or worse, Ari is already going through a transition. He's to be become king soon, so the journey is all about establishing who he is out from under his father's shadow.  In ways, he makes drastic (and honestly, tragic) changes to his character. He transforms from someone who (as a child) was all wonder and whimsy to that of a character who exudes a much more complicated (and fractured) view of the world.

What are your book’s themes? How do you want readers to feel when the story is over?

Love in the face of adversity.

I want the reader to come away from this novel with a feeling that regardless of blood relation, family means many things. Loyalty to brothers, fathers, mothers, sisters, etc.

Ari and Kai's bromance is too much for me to take!

That everything is not always black and white. That there exists gray in this world, which is ultimately and strikingly beautiful.

That though love doesn't always bring happiness, it paves the way for hope and understanding. And through love (whether that be for one's lover, friend, family, or even enemy) all things are worth it.

Don't let go.

Need Something to Watch?

Check out my Fangirl Initiative post about must-see 2016 movies.

(source)

Beautiful People (September Edition) Princess Farrah of Caelus

Beautiful People is a linkup hosted by Sky @ Further Up and Further In and Cait @ Paper Fury! It’s a character building tool for writers. The writer answers a set of questions about his or her novel and characters within the novel.

This month had an assortment of character questions, so I decided to interview Princess Liora or just Farrah (a nickname given to her by Kai). She's a character in my Anima series.

How did you come up with this character?

Me: Farrah has resided in my heart for about 11 years. Since then, she’s changed both in function to the story and how her character relates to Ari. She is still an important figure to Ari but in a much different way. She’s always been close to Ari’s heart and though Ari came first, Farrah was not far behind, which is very true to their relationship.

Have they ever been starving? Why? And what did they eat to break the fast?

Farrah: In what sense? I can think of a few instances. I’ve starved my Anima, refusing to use its power until I had to. I’ve starved my wanderlust, to please my father. I’ve even starved socially, to the point where I wouldn’t talk to anyone after Kai’s and Ari’s banishment from Caelus.

And sure, I've starved physically. I frequently perform fasts for spiritual reasons, which brings me closer to understanding my Anima, my self, and others around me. As for what I ate to break the fast, I usually help myself to sky scallops. Ari and I both relish in their sweetness.

Farrah "touching" her Anima (check out Charlie-Bowater's DeviantArt)

Do they have a talent or skill that they’re proud of?

Farrah: I can heal both with and without my Anima. By using my Anima, I can cure severe wounds. Though, I try to heal by using medical practices. I also enjoy archery, thanks to Kai.

Me: Yeah, she's getting pretty good at it.

List 3 things that would make them lose their temper.

Farrah: Oh, I don't typically lose my temper, so let's see: *counts on her fingers* those who intentionally hurt others, injustice, and laziness.

What is their favorite type of weather? Least favorite?

Farrah: I adore the sun! I think sunshine is the most powerful mood enhancer.

Me: What about your least favorite?

Farrah: Oh, hmm...I like rain and thunderstorms, so they're not my least favorite. I think that would have to be fog. There’s just something unnerving about not being able to see in front of you.

What is their Hogwarts house and/or MBTI personality?

Me: Hogwarts House...she’d be Hufflepuff, all the way. And before you groan and say, that’s the worst house ever, I will tell you that it most definitely is not. Even J.K. Rowling thinks Hufflepuffs are awesome! They are caring, considerate, and welcoming. Though Farrah is brave in the face of danger, she is most brave when acting on behalf of her friends.

Her MBTI personality would be INFP since she’s more reserved, focusing on her innermost thoughts and feelings. She’s intuitive and acts on instincts as she imagines the possibilities. She’s warm and empathetic, and is quite flexible, enjoying surprises.

Farrah practicing archery

Are they more likely to worry about present problems, or freak out about the unknown future?

Farrah: Though I can imagine the future, I would truly prefer to focus on the present. There is just so much going on right now that I need to focus on my country before I focus on what may come, even though I worry about that from time to time.

What is their favorite thing to drink?

Farrah: Milk! Or Tea with milk!

What is their favorite color? Least favorite?

Farrah: Hm, probably pink or any pastel color, really. I don’t think I have a least favorite color.

What is a book that changed their life?

Farrah: I love books! It’s hard to choose just one. Hm, but I think I’d have to say the two that Kai gave me on my ninth birthday.  One was a Northern history book he’d picked up in Trevi and the other was a Southern history book. It was fascinating because I discovered how information and even history can be skewed depending on where you are. That’s why I want to see the world, to find my own perspective.

Anyway, thank you so much for interviewing me!

Farrah

Thank you for reading! What kind of genre do you like to read/write?

A Novel Idea (8/9/16) Etna

Once again, I'm doing a writing link up courtesy of Sky and Ashley. I'm featuring a character in my completed novel (a book in the Anima series) that you don't meet until the end of the first book. Her name is Etna and she's second in command of the Rubra rebel group.

A Novel Idea is a weekly link up to keep a writer's creativity flowing. This particular prompt is to make a list of 20 things about your character. They can be simple or unique facts, but ultimately, the goal is to learn something new about the character and his/her backstory.

1. She's Ibastan, meaning she hails from the large Western continent of Ibasta, which has a collection of loosely formed countries or tribes. She's from the southern tip of Ibasta, from a tribe that worships Anima (magic users) to the point that they view them as gods.

2. Her Anima ability is special, but for a reason that I won't disclose here. She's able to sense where anyone is in the world, just by thinking of that person's essence or his/her soul (Anima are easier to see, humans harder). The more she knows a person, the easier it is to find them. Her mother (also Anima), for instance, would be extremely easy to find.

3. She's part of the radical group, Rubra (a following advocating for the right and protection of Anima).

4. She thinks Ari is utterly adorable and once made out with him during a festival in Chana (kingdom in Ibasta).

5. But, ultimately, she is completely devoted to the Rubran leader known simply as Liege. She secretly would like to call him lover but knows he doesn't feel the same for her. 

6. She was once pregnant but her child was lost because of the stress she experienced during an Albni (another rebel group whose sole purpose is to wipe Anima from this earth) attack on her village. 

7. She had never left her country until she met Liege, who assigns her to accompany him on a mission. 

8. She was one of the first to attempt the contentus (something that becomes increasing important, especially in later books) with Liege. 

9. Etna's astrology sign is Leo. She's fierce, driven, loyal, headstrong, and (a tad) egotistical. 

10. That being said, she was born (oddly enough) on August 16. Happy Birthday, Etna!! 

11. Her favorite food is her tribe's delicacy, Metma. It's skewered Spicy chicken flavored with nuts and usually paired with any available fruit.

12.  Her favorite colors are the colors of Ibastan sand (which is a little different from what we typically think sand should look like). Ibastan sand can be gray, black, pink, burnt yellow, even an ashy blue. Her favorite would be her tribe's color sand: black. 

13. She thinks mice are cute. 

14. She likes to hand make traditional clothing because it was something her mother taught her how to do. 

15. She's respected by the majority of Rubra, not because she's close with Liege but because she can hold her own. 

16. She has 7 siblings. She's the third youngest. 

17. She has always dreamed of visiting Caelus, the city in the sky and safe haven for Anima. 

18. She never knew her father because he was killed by a group of human soldiers when she was only a baby. But her older siblings have told her the terrible tale. 

19. A true extrovert, she thrives on the company of others and hates to be alone. 

20. If she were in Avatar: The Last Airbender, her element would be fire. 

Tell me about your writing in the comments! What do you like to read? Who's your favorite character to write?

Side Note

I also write for the Fangirl Initiative! So, if you're curious, here's a link to some of my posts.

My interests are all over the place, FYI! (Video games, books, superheroes, anime, mythical critters, etc.)

It doesn't hurt to love all the things, right?

Beautiful People (July Edition) Kaiden of Trevi

So, recently heard about Beautiful People, a linkup hosted by Sky @ Further Up and Further In and Cait @ Paper Fury! It’s a character building tool for writers. The writer answers a set of questions about his or her novel and characters within the novel. I decided what a lovely idea that would be and thus, here I am.

This month didn't have a specific theme, so I'm randomly interviewing Kaiden/Kai of Trevi*, my sweet, Siderean outcast. He's a character in my Anima series (I've finished the first book. It's in Beta Reader stage, guys! Whoop).

My Kaiden collage

Kai decided to bring his dearest friend along, the crown prince of Siderea (Arius/Ari), but questions will be focused on Kai. Enjoy! 

*capital city of the country Siderea

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

Kai: Children? I’m 18, I don’t have the time for that. As for marriage, there are too many lovely ladies in the world to choose just one. *winks*

2. What is their weapon of choice? (It doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical weapon.)

Kai: All the blades! Oh, and my Anima ability, I suppose. Although, that is quite the “double-edged sword”. Eh! Get it?

Me: Well, these people haven't read the book. I'm sure they don't get it.

Kai: Oh. Well, trust me, Kaiden Fanclub, magic is just as harmful as it is helpful.

Ari: And yet you continue to use it.

Me: Wait, did anyone catch the fact that he already thinks he has fans?

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

Kai: Probably let Ari have my strawberry jelly pastry.

Me: Uh, isn’t Ari allergic to strawberries?

Ari: Correct. He didn’t tell me it was strawberry filled, and I nearly die.

Kai: I just wanted to see your reaction.

Ari: Kai, I’m highly allergic. What did you expect would happen?

Me: Um, Anything else you can think of, Kai? (Gah, I'm trying to avoid an argument)

Kai: Oh, I agreed to save the world. I suppose that’s somewhat “nice” *shrugs*

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

Kai: Is that a joke?

Me: No.

Kai: Let’s see, *starts silently counting off on his fingers*. Eh, Don’t have enough fingers for that.

Me: So, yes then. And what instigated these instances?

Kai: Most of the time it was because I had slept with their lover.

Me: So, you instigated it.

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

Kai: *Looks at Ari, looks back at me*

Ari: We all know this answer. Why bother?

Kai: Well, someone has to rebel. Keeps things interesting.

Ari: Excuse me? Not all of us can be careless. If I even so much as think about stepping out of line, I’d destroy the entire world in the process and--

Me: Eep! Moving along.

6. Are they organized or messy?

Kai: The epitome of spotless

Ari: *snorts*

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

Kai: What do you mean by 'feeling loved', because I can tell you a few stories about *CONTENT CENSORED*

8. What do they eat for breakfast?

Kai: Eggs, spinach on the side with ham, and Courian cheese, and a stack of hot sweetbreads, and spiced oats.

Ari: And whatever I’m having. His stomach is bottomless.

Kai: *glares*

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

Kai: I...well, I’d rather not talk about that. We’re currently *glances at Ari before fidgeting and tapping the side of his seat* we’re currently...

Ari: We’re done here. Next Question.

10. What’s their treat of choice? (Or, if not food, how else do they reward themselves?)

Kai: Blondes

Ari: Kai!

Kai: Fine! Twin moons, Ari. *grumbles* Food-wise? Let's see, melons, peaches, cherries,--

Ari: Pervert…

Kai: At least my "reward" isn't weapon training or lecturing best friends. *voice takes on upper class Trevian accent* Do this, do that. Kai, what the Desin do you think you’re doing now? Get up. Get dressed. Why are you always naked?

Ari: Why are you always naked?

Kai:

Thanks, guys! Hope everyone's summer is going well. Writing anything interesting lately?