TWICE UPON: KNOW THE NOVEL PART ONE!

*slides in at the literal last minute* HI, GUYS. I definitely didn't wait until late on October 31st to post this. I would never. That would indicate unpreparedness for NaNoWriMo 2020, and of course I'm always 100% prepared for NaNoWriMo. 

Totally. 

SO. I'm finally sharing with you guys what I'm doing for NaNo! (Took long enough, I know.) And what better way to do that than to jump in on Christine's writers linkup, Know the Novel?? 

I'm so excited to be joining in on the KTN again this year! (Full details can be found HERE!) And without further ado, I bring you this year's NaNoWriMo novel: 

TWICE UPON!

YES, if you're wondering, that IS related to last year's NaNo novel, Once Upon! Which is about none other than my precious Trentley and Jynnia, first introduced in my series of short stories written around fairy tale-inspired writing prompts. Now they're not the main characters not only of those short stories, but of a full-length novel which is the first in a series. Twice Upon is book 2! ("Twice Upon" is also a very temporary title. So is Once Upon, most likely. xD)

Disclaimer: NaNo prepping has not happened this year. Therefore, I don't know this story well at all yet. Therefore, this post is going to be largely uneventful. But I hope you enjoy anyway. xD

And now I'm just gonna jump right into the questions!

1. What first sparked the idea for this novel? 

Well... book one. :P But originally, the idea for this series came from the writing prompts that Arielle of The Fairy Tale Central posts on her blog, Intuitive Writing Guide! These prompts went along with FTC's monthly fairy tale, and I created characters just for them. I loved the characters and the plot bunnies that started running around in my head so much, that I decided to make it a full-fledged series. 

2. Share a blurb (or just an overall summary if you’d prefer)!

Ha, yeah, *cough* so, uh... I barely have an idea of what this book is about myself. So, you're not going to get much in the way of a summary here. xD But basically, after the events of book 1- which included Trentley and Jynnia discovering that all the fairy tales they ever knew were actual events that had happened long ago-, Jynnia decides that she wants to revive magic and bring fairy tales back to light, whatever the cost. And that cost could be high, since even talking of magic was recently banned. Cue magical fairy tale chaos and shenanigans. Yeah. That's for real all I have. 

3. Where does the story take place? What are some of your favorite aspects about the setting? 

It takes place in a world where, as I mentioned, all the fairy tales actually happened in the past. But very few people are aware of that, and a lot of people don't even believe in magic. Fairy tales are just that to them- tales. So, the setting is basically a medieval-ish (?) world where magic is entirely possible but nobody uses it. xD 

What I love about the setting is the basic fairy tale-ness of it. The simple, cozy atmosphere could easily be the backdrop of just about any fairy tale out there. Because of that, pretty much anything is possible, yet I don't have to spend a whole lot of time worldbuilding. That sounds super lazy of me, but what I mean is that I'm basically using the worlds already created in fairy tales to tell this story; so I don't need to worry about creating magic systems and creatures and things like that to build a fantasy world. All I have to do is bring it all together and put my twists on it. (I really, really hope that made sense.)

4. Tell us about your protagonist(s). 

JYNNIA

Jynnia is our spunky, adventuresome fairy tale lover. She babysits for a living and loves nothing more than telling her kids colorful stories from her big book of fairy tales. She is easily amused, fiercely loyal, and stubborn to a fault. She thinks it's ridiculous and unfair that magic has been so strictly banned and would probably end up in jail if it weren't for her family and Trentley.

TRENTLEY

Trentley is our quiet and shy sweetheart with a smile that would light up the whole town. Move over Flynn Rider, if Trentley was in a Disney movie everyone would be swooning over him.  He balances Jynnia out, keeping her on minimal levels of rationality and being there for her when she doesn't listen to rationality. xD He doesn't feel as passionately about the magic situation as she does, but he knows how important it is to her and supports her all the way.

5. Who (or what) is the antagonist?

:) :)

wish I knew

6. What excites you the most about this novel?

Simple: getting back with Trentley and Jynnia! I've missed them so much and they're such a joy to write. I came across this from the end of the first book the other day: 

Um. I will shamelessly admit I did some hard fangirling over that. I mean, they're just straight-up dreamy. XD 

7. Is this going to be a series? standalone? something else?

This is the second book in a series! I have no idea how many books the series will have, though.

8. Are you plotting? pantsing? plansting?

Haha. Hahahaha. Haha. 

I AM GOING INTO THIS MORE UNPREPARED THAN EVER BEFORE AND ONLY MY PANTSING ROOTS CAN SAVE ME NOW. 

9. Name a few unique elements about this story.

Honestly, I think the most unique thing about this story is the fact that I'm depending solely on the original fairy tales. I'm intentionally not making any references to the way things happen in the Disney movies (which of course my brain defaults to). I really wanted to keep the fairy tales "pure", as a way to honor the original stories that so few people truly know.

Something else that I think is kind of unique is more toward the whole series than just one book. Instead of being a fairy tale "retelling" or even "reimagining", it's a fairy tale... "reawakening", maybe? (I feel like I used that word or a similar one last year to describe the first book?) Because the stories actually happened in the past, we're not quite retelling or reimagining, we're just bringing them back to life. Also, each book will not be focused on just one fairy tale. Rather, it's sort of a mashup of several. The first book had elements from Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Rose Red, and Rapunzel. This one, um... Well, I'll let you know as I find out. xD 

10. Share some fun “extras” of the story (a song or full playlist, some aesthetics, a collage, a Pinterest board, a map you’ve made, a special theme you’re going to incorporate, ANYTHING you want to share!). 

Here's my Spotify playlist!

Technically, I made that for book 1, but it works for 2, too. I hope to find some new music as the month goes on, so book 2 can have its own set of music. 

Also, if you want to have a look through my Pinterest board, HERE'S the link! 

I wish I had more information to give you guys... but I wish I had more information to give myself. xD Like, I'm not even kidding. This is MY BLINDEST, MOST PANTSINGEST NANOWRIMO I'VE EVER EMBARKED ON. I've had so little time to prepare (even the marginal amount I normally do), all I have is a general idea. Very, very general. So, we'll see how this goes. I feel (and really, really hope XD) that I'll get into the groove of it once I reunite with my characters. (Did I mention how much I love these characters? Because I really love these characters.)

Anyway. There you have it: a very late, very vague look at my NaNoWriMo 2020 project. Here's to a fantastic NaNo! GO FORTH AND WRITE!!

THE STORY BEHIND AFTER THE WAR// OR, THAT TIME I ACCIDENTALLY INSPIRED MYSELF WITH MY OWN WRITING

WARRIORS AGAINST THE STORM IS OUT IN THE WILD!

Yeah, I know. A totally not-chill intro to this post, but who cares?? Warriors Against the Storm is out!! (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, go read this post.)

To celebrate its release, I want to share a bit of backstory to my story in the anthology, After the War. 

A year and a half or so ago, I had this idea for a short story. I saw a guy, weary and broken from war, stumbling upon hope in the most unexpected of places. When all seemed lost, he found reason to believe it was worth it to fight on.

I wrote a couple of paragraphs of it (probably so I wouldn't forget the idea), then moved on to other things. That story went on the back burner, but stayed in my mind as something I definitely wanted to finish at some point. 

Fast forward to early this year, when Havok announced the Warriors Against the Storm anthology. They wanted stories in the category "overcoming the odds". As I was tossing back and forth ideas, I thought of that story, but I wasn't sure it quite fit in with the theme. The MC's journey is more emotional than anything, and I just wasn't sure it had the kind of punch they were looking for. 

But I also knew that this anthology was meant to benefit a family who had lost a lot and were figuring out a way to move forward. And that was what this story was about. 

And so the broken soldier came back out of hiding and his story came back to life.

Fast forward again to May. I was really discouraged. My job was getting to me (far from the first time), I was tired of my circumstances, and basically I just felt like one more day was too much to even attempt to get through. 

I woke up one Friday morning after a rough previous night. Getting up to go to work on Fridays after my day off has always been hard. That morning, I wanted nothing less than to leave my bed and endure the day. 

Amidst trying to wake up and feel somewhat alive, I checked my email and saw that my story had been accepted into Warriors Against the Storm. 

Cue immediate excitement. 

I hadn't even thought about it in a while. I'm sure y'all know how it is when you submit a piece of your writing somewhere and try not to wonder about it every second until you hear something. So, it had been pushed to the back of my mind and I had all but forgotten about it over the past few weeks. With that, and the doubts I had still had about it, I was simultaneously surprised and thrilled.

As I went about my day, excited about my news but still discouraged by work, I started thinking about the story's playlist. The songs I chose, though they acknowledged darkness and challenges, also spoke of hope and resilience, even when it's hard to keep going. They were songs of fighting on even when it's hard to believe it can get better. 

And with all of this fresh in my mind again, I remembered why I wrote After the War. 

It was written as a reminder that though things might look bleak right now, whatever you're going through, it gets better. Even if you can't see a light in the distance and feel like you're going to be where you are forever, you won't. Others before you have fought through to their "happy ending", and you can too. One day you'll find yourself standing on the other side, proud that you've stuck it out and wondering how it's possible that you're already here. 

This reminder, in the form of my own writing, came to me just in time. At a time when I was feeling discouraged and hopeless. A simple acceptance email early one morning served to remind me that the message I sought to send others through my writing, applied to me, too.

I'm still not okay. I'm not cured of hopelessness and have certainly felt it again and worse since then. But I've fought through, even though it might not have felt like I was being strong or brave. Fighting a battle doesn't mean you won't ever have to fight the same battle again. The victory is in believing there's a light at the end, though right now you can't see how it could possibly shine. 

So, no, it's not like this story has changed my life and taken away all my bad days. But sometimes when I'm discouraged I think about it and it helps me to believe in a light at the end of the tunnel. And I truly hope that when you all read it, it will do the same for you. 

I'm so grateful that this story gets to be told in the pages of this anthology. I knew it was a special idea from the moment I first had it, and it means so much to know that this concept so near to my heart is included in such a special labor of love. Knowing what Mary Weber and her family have been through, it warms my heart that this story gets to be a part of their lives in this small way. 

Friends, remember that a better day is coming. Maybe you will have to wait a while. But once you're there, it will all be worth it. Just trust God's plan and keep on fighting. 

I hope you'll all grab a copy of Warriors Against the Storm, not just for my story but all the others in it! I'm still waiting on my copy, so I haven't read it yet, but I know that there are a bunch of seriously talented authors in there and if you don't read it you are MISSING. OUT. And most importantly, we all want to support Mary Weber, right? HERE is the link to order on Amazon! (dooo ittt.) 

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend and is soaking up these wonderful days of fall! Until next time!

RAMBLINGS ABOUT DISNEY PRINCESSES AND STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS

 Hey everyone, and HAPPY OCTOBER!! 

*throws leaves everywhere*

I'm so excited that October is here! I'm readyyy for those cooler temperatures. I would like to wear sweaters every day, please and thank you. in case I've never mentioned it before fall is my favorite season and I like it a little okay a lot

So, today's post is probably going to be somewhat rambly and disjointed... but hey, that's how I roll so we'll go with it. It's sort of less like one post and more like two mini-posts in one, if that makes sense? XD

Basically, I had two ideas but didn't know if I wanted to expand them into two separate posts AND I also wanted to get all these thoughts out before I forgot them. So. Here you have it. xD

get ON with it emily what the heck is this post even about

I mentioned last week that I watched the live-action Aladdin for the first time, and also rewatched Cinderella. I also said I might write posts about them and, well, here you have it. Two posts in one. You're welcome.

When I watched Aladdin, the part that stood out to me the most was "Speechless". 

First of all, the song and scene are just downright awesome. Naomi Scott is a fantastic singer, the scene is visually gorgeous, and the song is so powerful. 

But what spoke to me in particular? 

To state the obvious, it's an inspiring song- whether it challenges you personally to speak out about your faith, or all the things happening in the world, or simply to stand up for yourself in a situation. Whatever it is you're facing, whatever you feel speechless about, the lyrics are an encouragement to find your voice and not be silent when it matters most. 

I won't be silenced

You can't keep me quiet

Won't tremble when you try it

All I know is I won't go speechless

'Cause I'll breathe

When they try to suffocate me

Don't you underestimate me

All I know is I won't go speechless

Your voice is important. Don't just sit back and watch other people do all the work and silently agree with them. You don't have to be loud. You don't even have to take every opportunity to speak. Not everyone is called to use their voice in the same way. But in a world where so many voices scream lies and corruption, I think it's important that we find the way God wants us to add our voice. This song was a fantastic reminder of that.  

But what stood out the most to me about this scene is what happened after the song. 

After such a powerful, triumphant anthem, you would expect something big to happen. Something worthy of fireworks and unfurling flags. But what actually happened was so much  more powerful than any of that would have been.

Jasmine didn't start a revolution. She didn't deliver a rousing freedom speech to a cheering crowd. She didn't even confront the enemy directly. She didn't kick Jafar's tail with her unexpected karate skills. All she did was speak up. To one man. To a friend. She asked her father's soldier to do what was right. 

She didn't singlehandedly take down Jafar. There was no screaming. No demanding. No showdown. Just a girl asking for help. 

*cue the feminists forming an angry mob to take me down* Say what you want, but I think that's incredibly powerful. Everybody wants to see that "strong female character" who don't need no man to save her. She can save herself and the world and look good doing it! But you know what?? Being strong does not mean never asking for help. And asking for help does not mean you're not strong. And I think it's extremely important to realize that, because what happens when the little girls who are looking up to all these "strong female characters", find themselves in a situation where they actually need help? The world and the media has told them that they can do anything, so they definitely shouldn't ask for help, right? I could go off on this for a while, but I won't. At least not today. But I loved that Jasmine's moment of triumph was quiet, subtle- but not any less strong.

And now for the not-so-smooth transition into Cinderella

After watching Aladdin, I watched this fanmade music video (I shared it last week but I'll put it here again in case you missed it):

   

I loved it, and every second was fantastic. But a couple things in particular stood out to me.  

First, during this line of the song: "Let the storm in// I cannot be broken...", we see Ella dancing around her attic in circles. This was such a beautiful moment, one that fills me with admiration and quiet honestly gives me chills. Though Ella was enduring awful circumstances, she still somehow found joy and didn't allow herself to be broken.

 After that, I wanted to see Cinderella again, so I watched it with my sisters. You know how it is when you watch a movie or something and you like it, but it doesn't quite strike a chord with you yet? Don't let me wrong, I always loved the movie. But I remember when it first came out, people talking about what an amazing character Ella was, and how she was unlike other "strong female characters" yet was one of the best. While I found no reason to disagree with these things, I just never found myself stirred in the same way. 

This time hit different, as the cool kids are saying. I was struck with how patient, and kind, and strong Ella was. "Have courage and be kind", indeed. Ella was treated so, so unfairly by her stepfamily, yet she always continued to be kind to them. Not once did she have an ugly attitude or stoop to their level. 

My other favorite part of that video? The ending. When Ella turns around, looks at her stepmother, and says, "I forgive you."

Another quiet moment of triumph and strength. Forgiveness isn't weakness, either. What makes me appreciate this moment so much was a book I read a year or so ago. It was sort of a reimagining/sequel for the Cinderella story, taking place after the traditional fairy tale ends. I liked the book but didn't love it, because I had a really hard time liking the main character Ella. She made it no secret how much she despised her stepfamily, and was pretty hateful to her stepmother in at least one scene. Listen, I get that they were hateful to her. I get that they deserved every bit of hatred she may have had for them. But reading that book, I just kept thinking, The Ella from the movie wouldn't have done that. Clearly this Ella's mother didn't share the "Have courage and be kind" memo with her. 

And so that one simple moment of forgiveness in the movie is so beautiful. The whole movie is so well done, and to be honest I kind of already want to watch it again. 

*takes a deep breath* Okay, so that was super all over the place and rambly. But stories that stir our hearts need to be talked about, right? And I've come forward from watching these movies inspired to use my voice, inspired to be kind and not lose my light in a world of darkness. 

Let's all be challenged to speak truth into a society that will discard us if we don't agree with it. Let's show kindness to those who don't deserve it. Let's use the love and joy that Jesus has given us to shine light when our circumstances suggest that it's impossible. 

Friends, I hope you can find encouragement in these words, too. This world needs people willing to have courage and be kind, and not remain speechless.