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.