Beautiful People: In Which We Pretend I Have An Ounce of Romance in My Soul (and Interview My Characters)

For clarification: I believe I have claimed to have exactly 2.5 ounces of romance in my soul. 

That's a reasonable estimate. I have felt palpitations of the heart (when I see tiny baby creatures - or a really cool pair of shoes), and I sometimes feel lightheaded when I see an expertly crafted piece of art (whether it's a hand forged knife or a Monet). I will even admit to swooning over babies or particularly amazing voices (Hong Kwang-ho, I'm looking at you). But to sort of paraphrase a fictional character I can relate to, "Romance is, tolerable, I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me."*

What's the point of this monologue, you ask? (Since you came here to read about my writing, not about me, I get it). Well, it's February, so the Beautiful People is, *you guessed it,* "Valentine's Edition." (Beautiful People is the Monthly Writing Meme hosted by Cait @ Paper Fury and Sky @ Further Up and Further In. To participate, click here.)

Anyhow, I love BP and really wanted to participate, so instead of digging up one of my unedited manuscripts with a romance,** I decided to go hunting one down in one of my WIP's.

Ironically, my NaNo from last year, The Butler Did It, starts off because of a bad romantic connection (the heroine's, to be precise). But for 5.7 thousand reasons, her story is about the polar opposite of romantic. So instead, I decided to interview a pair of sensational side characters who *official statement* "have nothing going on between them")

Confused? You can read more about The Butler Did It right here. And here's a tongue-in-cheek synopsis:

Ernestine Grey thought her life would be perfect when she disguised as a boy and ran away to the Citadel with her one true love, Lord Atlantis de Carrefour. But when Atlantis is (inconveniently) brutally murdered, Ernestine finds herself adrift in a world of manners, monsters, money, and under the thumb of Atlantis' unpredictable sister Sif. And what does the sinister yet efficient butler, Sydney Smith, have to do with everything?
Set in an alternate history where the continents never divided, and the outside world is overrun with monsters, The Butler Did It is currently a murder mystery that terribly subverts Cinderella and Victorian romances.

I didn't finish this project for NaNo, but I did make a good start. If I'm going to finish it (I intend to), I need to get to know every character and their motivations thoroughly. This is especially important as TBDI is trying to walk the line between absurd and authentic.

Today, I'm going to interview Sydney Smith (not his real name, exactly) and Pasifica de Carrefour (Sif). Since TBDI is in (MC) Ernestine's first-person perspective, I thought it would be fun to get more of the story from her more flamboyant companions' point of view, savvy?

Before we start - pictures and character descriptions! I actually managed to find some pics that looked like just what I was picturing for each of them (if you've never tried, then you don't know how difficult this is!!)

Sydney, in the flesh (actually it's Shota Matsuda, but whatever)

And his character description pilfered from a previous BP: 

Sydney Smith (?), Butler (?)- He is surprisingly young and scary. His spectacles seem to reflect rays of light into your soul. And he's so efficient, condescending, and capable that Ernestine sort-of hates him. However, his past is apparently linked in interesting ways to the de Carrefours, and Ernestine is determined to get to the bottom of it.

I picture Sif as having this dark , silent-film vibe (and looking a lot like Maude Fealy^)

Second pilfered description:

Pasifica (Sif) de Carrefour - Atlantis' scandalous and "wild" sister. She seems to be more irritated that her brother's murder put her in mourning seclusion than that he was murdered. She has a surprisingly crafty brain, and she daydreams about exploring lethal jungles and reporting her findings back to the Citadel.

And now, please humor me as I ask them these questions and "let"them answer for themselves.***

-Lady De Carrefour is a tall, imposing young woman with an inappropriately direct gaze. Though she is garbed toe to fingertips in impeccable mourning black, and quietly seated on the settee, something about her seems wild.

-Standing ramrod straight, somewhat to her left (the closest patch of shadow), is a pale, slim young man who appears to be of East Asian descent. Despite his youth, he's sporting a pair of spectacles that obscure his eyes and make his impassable face even harder to read. Based on his neat black suit and white gloves, he's probably a butler. He was introduced to you as "Mr. Smith," with no first name or title, so this seems a safe conclusion.

-R - Yours Truly, and my description is unnecessary (text in italics)

R-Shuffles notes, clears throat- "Good Afternoon, I hope you don't mind if we ask you two a few questions?"

Sif raises a brow, "I assumed that's why we're here?" Her tone is haughty, removed. Not very encouraging.

1. R-Clears throat again - "How did you first meet each other?"

Sif fans herself with an ebony-handled fan that has a pattern of skulls burned into it. "We met as children. Old Master Smith got himself a child in East Asia."

Sydney makes an intriguing, strangled sound, and Sif waves a hand. "Mr. Smith, you're part of this, did you wish to add something?"

"My mother was a diplomat," his voice is soft and low, so I have to lean in to hear. "She couldn't leave, and my father was the Head Butler to the de Carrefour house. He returned to the Citadel when I was young, and my mother remained behind. But they were married, and there was nothing untoward." His lip twists a bit, in scorn, perhaps?

2. I decide to address the next question to him first, "Mr. Smith, what was your first impression of her ladyship?"

Sif snorts (very unladylike), "Tell the truth, please. It won't leave this room."

Sydney shifts from foot to foot. It's the first unnecessary motion I've seen him make. "If my lady insists," there's a waspish hint to his voice now. "I thought she was a spoiled, wealthy brat. Like every other aristocratic child I had met. Rude, ill-bred, and too inclined to speaking her mind."

"What?" Sif's outraged shriek makes me jump. She finally turns to look at Sydney. "Excuse me?"

Sydney bows, but not before I catch the hint of a smirk, "You asked me to be frank."

"Not that frank,"mutters Sif, her cheeks flushing a bit. "Well, I suppose that's fair, if it's never leaving this room. It didn't even happen. And since none of this is happening, I want to you to come sit beside me, where I can see your face as you insult me."

Sydney sighs, "Due to our difference in station--"

Sif cuts him off, "Never leaving this room. As your superior in rank, breeding, privilege, position, etc, etc., I command you to come sit where I can see you."

Mr. Smith sighs heavily, but he comes round the settee and seats himself a proper foot away from her ladyship. And he refuses to look at her, focusing on me instead.

Sif gives him an irritated scowl, "Well, don't you want to know what I thought of you?"

"Not particularly."

Sif whacks his arm with her fan, and turns to face me. "I thought he was a girl. And once I realized my mistake, I thought he was a prissy, insufferable bore. And far too good at combat for a mere child."

Sydney's fingers clench a bit, but he remains silent.

3. "Well," I say, trying to smooth over the tension, "That seems like an inauspicious beginning. But you're friends now. More than friends, if Atlantis was ever to be believed. Which brings me to my next question - how long have you been a couple?"

Sif goggles at me, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly. Sydney starts, but he seems speechless as well.

Sif finds her voice first, but she sounds strangled, "What? I do not, do not perceive your meaning? Atlantis spread rumors about me? Why would he do that!?"

Sydney snorts now, "Why wouldn't he?"

Sif whacks him with her fan again, "Don't speak ill of the dead! Even if he was a pig, he was my brother!"

Sydney leans forward, clasping his gloved hands together and watching me over his spectacles. His eyes are extremely dark, nearly black, and his hair is inappropriately long for a butler. "Regardless of your source, it's all entirely unfounded. It's impossible for a lady and her butler to even be friends. And despite her lack of manners, my lady's reputation is without reproach. She has never committed the slightest romantic indiscretion, and she has a degree of restraint that her brother would have been wise to emulate." I know I'm not imagining the scorn now, though he is trying to hide it.

4. I decide to drop this line of questioning, but I note that the foot between them has decreased by about half. "How loyal are you to each other? Would you have a falling out over secrets or disagreements?"

Sif flicks her fan open and shut, almost as if she is nervous. "These are ridiculous questions, you know. No relationship is interesting without a few secrets. Otherwise I get bored too easily."

Sydney finally looks at her, and his mouth softens a touch, as if he wants to smile, "I am a butler to the honorable House de Carrefour. I am nothing, if not loyal. To the death."

Sif rolls her eyes. "Really, Sydney. You're so melodramatic. Of course he's loyal, it's the East Asian oath and loyalties and honor nonsense. I, however, am as fickle as the ocean and half as reliable."

"That's only part of the truth,"says Sydney. He drops his voice (as if I can't hear him), "My lady, don't use my first name."

Sif just swats him with the fan again, but this time, he stops it with a single finger.

Sydney continues, ignoring her frown, "I take pride in following the ways of my ancestors, true. But I have other loyalties that take precedence. And don't let her flippant tone fool you, My lady is at least as loyal to her house as I am. But to her ancestors . . ." Sydney steeples his fingers, and his expression is grim, "That depends on her ancestors. As might my loyalty."

Sif's eyes widen, and she goes a bit pale. 

5. I sense that there is an entire subject we are all just glossing over, and in the hope that this interview doesn't turn into a bloodbath, I continue to the next question. "Could stress put you two at odds? And if it came down to it, would you die for each other?"

Sydney's brows raise a hair. "Stress to dying for each other. That's quite a leap. I'd be appalled if my lady would die for a humble butler. And I'd also be appalled if something as commonplace as stress affected my professional or private relationships. That being said, I feel it would be my duty to place myself in harm's way, if my lady were in danger."

"Nonsense, Sif scowls at him, "You know full well that I can take care of myself. I'd be offended if you died for me."

"I didn't say anything about dying," muttered Sydney.

Sif continues to glare at him until he meets her gaze. "Well, I'm glad you don't intend to die yet,"she said at last. "I abhor serving tea, and no one is as efficient as you."

Sydney's lips twitched, "So glad to be appreciated, my lady."

Sif raises the fan, but Sydney grabs her wrist before she can smack him, "If you even try to do that again, I'm going to throw it out the window."

Sif tugs at her arm (not very hard) "How dare you lay a hand on me? And this is my favorite fan. If you touch it I'll cut holes in your shirts."

Sydney shakes his head, "Immaturity does not suit you."

6. I clear my throat, "Instead of squabbling, why don't you list five food or drink quirks that you know about each other. If you can."

Sif blinks at me, as if she had forgotten I was there. "Food . . . quirks?" She wrinkles her nose in thought, "Sydney has a lot of eccentricities. I've had many years to observe them. So I'll go first. He never eats with the other staff, ever. He abhors cold tea - and he takes it personally if we let it go cold. He always prepares tea himself, and never lets anyone else touch it. He is mildly obsessed with tea, and it's the only subject he ever becomes tiresome on. He hates boiled eggs, and steak and kidney pie." Sif leans back, looking self satisfied, "I could keep going for days."

Sydney (still has her by the wrist) clears his throat, "My turn." He looks at me, pointedly, his eyes narrowing over his spectacle frames, "If I'm eccentric, then I'm not half so eccentric as her. She will drink tea, regardless of the temperature, and she thinks nothing of it. She always takes cream and sugar in her tea, even if it ruins the delicacy of the flavor. She eats far more than is proper at parties, and then complains endlessly about being too full. She is overfond of wine and strong spirits, though she is much wiser about them than her late brother. Her favorite food is steak and kidney pie," his mouth curled in disgust at the last one.

Sif elbows him and frowns at me, "Whatever happened to discreet and honorable de Carrefours and all that?"

Sydney tugs her arm, pulling her against him, "What happens in this room, never happened."

Sif keeps her eyes on me, though she is blushing. "All men really are the same."

7. I decide that grinning is a bad idea and continue with a question, "Does anyone disapprove of your relationship?"

Sydney, expressionless and completely deadpan, "What relationship?"

Sif, almost at the same time, "He's the family butler. I'm the lady of the house. How is there anything reproachable about that?"

I note down that they are sitting completely next to each other and holding (gloved) hands.

Sif leans forward, looking suspicious, "You wrote down that Atlantis is full of . . . lies, correct? There is nothing going on here. It would be, practically illegal, not to mention impossible."

8."Yes, duly noted. Next question: what's your ideal date?"

They both look blank. Sif leans back, puzzled. "Day of the week, holiday, what do you mean?"

"No, a date, it's uhm, new slang for a 'romantic outing.'"

Sif's cheeks are burning again, but she looks angry. "Why on earth would we go on a 'romantic outing' if we're a butler and a lady?"

9. I put up my hands, "Hey, I didn't pick the questions! But just pretend, humor me. If you were in a relationship, what do you think would be a fun thing to do together?"

Sydney answers almost before I finish, "A week at the Hidden Sanctuary of the Brothers of Solitude. You have to take a week-long vow of silence, and time is spent in meditation, gardening, calligraphy, tea ceremonies, tending bees, that sort of thing. It's just what my lady needs after her trying last month."

Sif hits him with the fan, and this time she is successful, "No - that sounds like what you want to do. I don't want to go anywhere I can't talk!"

Sydney snatches the fan and tosses it behind the settee. "A place you can't talk sounds wonderful."

"But you still want her to come," I point out, afraid that this is going to derail again. "Lady de Carrefour, do you have a better suggestion?"

Sif freezes, "Monster hunting in the Amazonian wilds? That could be exciting. Or we could disguise as soldiers and explore the Siberian wastes. I love snow."

Sydney rolls his eyes, "I despise snow."

"Then don't come with me!"

Sydney smiles at last. "We aren't going anywhere. This is a pointless exercise in futility."

"Oh, yes,"says Sif, flushing and averting her eyes. "That's right."

Sydney sighs, and then kisses her gloved hand, "If you decided to go to Siberia, I'd have no choice but to follow, unfortunately. Your brother and father are both dead. I'd be highly irresponsible to let you go alone."

I glance from one to the other, "Don't go to Siberia just yet, please. I still have a few more questions."

Sydney looks at me, and I can see irritation behind the spectacles, "Hurry up then. They're tiresome."

10. "I think you've both displayed your personality dynamics - very opposite. And you fight plenty and do not mesh perfectly."

Sif frowns at me, "We're complementary. Like bitter and sweet. And we do not fight a lot."

Sydney snorts again, but he doesn't add anything.

11. "Well," I say, "Then what are your best and worst moments together?" I wisely decide to leave off "as a couple."

Sif shrugs, "None of the moments have been particularly notable. He's the butler."

"Likewise,"says Sydney, "She's Lady de Carrefour. Sometimes she is more reasonable, those are the good times. I suppose the past few months have been, trying."

Sif sighs heavily and leans into his shoulder. "My brother's murder has put a damper on things, and well . . . he was my brother." She looks at her lap.

12. I nod, trying to look understanding, "I see. That is difficult, I'm sure. So where do you see yourselves and your relationship in the next few years?"

Sydney frowns thoughtfully, silent a moment before he replies, "I suppose that one or both of us will probably be dead. Someone targeted Atlantis, there's been a slew of strange murders, the creatures outside the Citadel are proliferating and getting closer, and the earth has been full of tremors. Add Lady de Carrefours insane desire to go adventuring, and I'd give us, three years."

Sif straightens, "Excuse me? With our many skills, I think we could last at least five. Don't be such a wet blanket."

Sydney shakes his head, but he starts to smile, "With the amount of trouble you de Carrefours get into, I don't think that's likely."

Sif rolls her eyes and shoves him rudely, "Speak for yourself. But whatever is this relationship she keeps alluding to? As if we are, or have ever been, anything other than butler and lady." She scowls at me. "There is nothing inappropriate going on, except your bold and scandalous questions, ma'am."

Sydney pokes her, "Don't be rude, Sif."

"Don't use my name in public."

"We're not in public."

I decide to remove myself from the scene, and resist the temptation to peek back in the room after I shut the door. Let them think they can keep their secrets for a little while . . .

So there you have it. I enjoyed letting Sif (and Sydney) finally speak for themselves instead of being filtered through Ernestine (as fun as she is to write). And I feel like I learned a few things about their characters by the end (so this paid off).

What did you think? Would you want to read more about these characters? Should I just swear off Valentine's' Day posts and leave them to the pros? And for the last time, are they actually in a relationship? Sound off in the comments. (And applause if you made it all the way to the end - this is long!)

Footnotes:
*Despite the fact that I am not: handsome, rich, or male. Mr. Darcy and I can relate on a personality level (which is probably why I'm always confused at why most people I know think he's so dreamy, lol)
**I do have some books with romances - even a couple weddings. But as a writer, I tend to gravitate more toward unresolved sexual tension or attraction that's never acted on. You've been warned.
***I wrote this in a dash and only read over it once, so apologies for any roughness :P

I know brother, I know.

Monthly Rewind (January is OVER?) and TLCS

This says 2015. But I am too lazy to do anything about it.

I do know that it is the fifth of February. 

I'm just behind. Still. But I know what day it is, because it's the second day of the February Birthday Avalanche. My family (extended and immediate) have so many birthdays this month that I confuse them all. (Even mine, sometimes!)

But I digress. January is over. 

Yes. It is.

Bring on the villains

I survived the first month of 2016 without losing my mind, despite the crazy amount of things I had going on. I didn't blog very much, but I read several books! See the proof scattered over this post.

I also read quite a few books on the Korean language, but those covers just aren't as pretty, so I'm ignoring them.

Anyhow, I usually do the end of the month wrap-up hosted by Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction. I refuse to let the fact that I am a week late stop me from participating. If you want to join up late like me, click this link.

As I said, January wasn't a huge blogging month for me. I did compile several epic Best of 2015 lists - covering music, writing, books, and more:

• Year in Books. If you were interested in what I read, and seeing a lot of book covers, then this is the post for you.

• Year in Everything Else. Kpop, movies, and the other things I got around to in 2015.

• The only Top Ten Tuesday I managed to finish in January. Writing Resolutions for 2016. Gifs aboundeth.

• And behold, I wrote a writerly post! Tips for Better Dialogue are this way - - - ->

• January 2016 Beautiful People - Betas, queries, writing processes, ideas, and more. Click this for a peek into what I am (probably) writing in 2016.

• Another writerly post. How does music affect your writing? I shared specific examples, and a video that you must watch.

Fine, but a little light

• The aforementioned Emoji Mini Reviews

• I finished the first draft of my WIP, The Last Coffee Shop, took pictures of my food like a regular twenty-something, and went to a bookseller wonderland called Winter Institute. Read more about that here.

I liked this one way more than I thought I would

POOR KEN=Tokyo Ghoul

Counting back, I actually completed 9 posts, which is pretty good considering how busy I was!

Looking ahead, there's the February Beautiful People (I'll have to find a WIP with romance in it if I want to participate!), books to read and review, my birthday (I am trying to replicate the kimchi stew/kimchi jjigae I had in Denver), and a lot of work stuff to keep me busy. 

Also, I made the mistake of starting Kdrama You Who Came From the Stars, and I won't be able to rest until I finish the darn thing. (HOUR LONG EPISODES, PEOPLE. And there are 21 of them). I don't know why I do these things . . .

Ahem.

<3<3<3 Ishiguro

And speaking of TV, I forgot to mention something in my Denver recap - I discovered NHK World News (out of Japan). I turned on the hotel TV when I was way overtired (as you do), and was mesmerized (you read that right) by this glimpse into Japan and Asian politics from the inside. Fascinating. My favorite segments were on pop culture (exploring a manga studio!!) and going to lunch (not kidding).

As far as writing goes, I have to decide which WIP to work on next. I have several in progress, several in synopsis form, and several begging to be typed down right this minute.

I'm giving The Last Coffee Shop a month-long break, so I can come back to it in March with reinvigorated editor's eyes. To celebrate finishing the draft, I'm ending this post out with some random stats and facts.

Current Word Count on the Unholy Leviathan: 121,554

This is just to show you that I have a lot of work cut out for me.

Page Count (Size 11 font): 254

Fun Fact #1: It was supposed to be a novella.

Fun Fact #2: TLCS was originally structured as a (fractured) fairytale retelling. Any guesses as to which one? (Handy link to TLCS posts if you want to dig).

Fun Fact #3: I actually did finish this draft while listening to Let's Not Fall In Love in an endless loop, :0

Hey, whatever works, right?

First Sentence (from the Prologue): The first time that the boy died, he drowned.

Last Sentence: “Madeleine Capot,” said the figure, “Did you miss me?”

My Current Favorite Chapter Title: Chapter 17: You, Me, and Blood On the Dance Floor

Fun Fact #4: Despite the mammoth word count, I actually stuck much closer to my story outline with The Last Coffee Shop than most of my other manuscripts.

This gives me something to look forward to March for (March isn't Michigan's prettiest month . . .)

So that was my January. Am I the only one still surprised by the fact that it's February? What did you do last month? Read anything good? What are your plans for the shortest month of the year?

Discussion Time: How Does Music Affect Your Writing? (Or Does It?) with Sample Tracks

I had a whole lineup of posts to get to, and then . . . the muse struck. I have been feverishly trying to finish my draft of The Last Coffee Shop, and guys, I'm almost there! I was stuck in a giant writing rut (for TLCS) since October- I knew what I wanted to happen, it just wasn't, happening. If that makes sense? 

Also, I tend to get a little down at the beginning of the new year - I know, I know, that's stupid - but there it is. Instead of seeing potential or a fresh start, I get overwhelmed by all the things I need to do, plans to make, and everything I didn't accomplish the year before. Being buried by all the snow we didn't have in December did not help my energy levels (who wants to go to work in blizzards or freezing rain?)*

But you know what, things turn around so quickly when you're a writer. One minute you're afraid you'll never write another coherent sentence (this can't just be me), and the next, your fingers are flying to the moon and back with new ideas. 

As some of you might have guessed, I'm what I call a "musically affected"writer. I consume copious amounts of music while writing, and make extensive, elaborate playlists for every book, and major characters. Since I have an enormous amount of trouble concentrating on anything for long, the playlists really help to get me "in the zone,"and stay focused on my story and its world/characters.

Sometimes, getting through a difficult passage (writing wise) can be the difference between the "right"song and the "wrong" song. I have zero musical aptitude, but there is a lot of talent out there ( which is a boon for anyone in my boat). With a little digging, I can usually find just the musical cue that I need.

Which leads me to the overall theme of this post (sort-of): 

Have you ever noticed musical impact on your writing, and how so? 

I find this subject endlessly fascinating, and I'd like to hear from other writers. Has a particular song/cd ever influenced the way you wrote something, or given you a plot idea? 

I know that things work the other way around - one of my all-time favorite bands, Dutch symphonic metal greats Within Temptation, have songs (and whole cds) inspired by the novels they read. And they aren't alone (it does seem more prevalent with metal bands).

I have stumbled across bands inspired by everything from Lord of the Rings to fairytales to Batman. And if writers inspire musicians, you know that it goes both ways.

So what are some bands/songs that have inspired your writing (good or bad!).
How do certain songs/types of music influence your writing?
Has a song ever "saved" your plot, or pulled you through writer's block?

Now that I've asked you to weigh in - I'll share five diverse tracks that helped me through my recent writing slump. All of the songs are linked to the artist's websites, for more information. I also added explanations for why I picked each of the songs, and links to the character descriptions! (All images, songs, and lyrics are copyrighted to the linked artist, and posted here to share - no money is made from them or from this blog)

Note: If you read this post, you have to watch at least Exhibit B, or I will find you . . .**

Exhibit A: "Little Games" by The Colourist

I write character-driven novels, so the intricate relationships between people figure deeply in how my plot progresses. I love this California band's lush pop sound, and the clever, wry lyrics about a relationship gone sour. While I'm not writing about a romantic relationship, the lyrics are ambiguous enough to apply to other scenarios, and both the sound and the words fit the situation so well. It also has that dance-y feel that has shaped so much of TLCS's soundscape.

Exhibit B: "Hurricane" from the Korean production of Death Note: The Musical, performed by Hong Kwang-ho as "Light"

I found this video completely by accident (I was looking for stuff from an unrelated musical), and was intrigued - Death Note, a musical? Straaaange. But I watched it, and I couldn't have cared less if it was about space puppies or organic corn farmers - Hong Kwang-ho is. that. good.

The way his voice conveys the intensity of the lyrics (and Light's character arc, which makes more sense if you're familiar with Death Note) left me speechless. I attached the subbed video for that reason - just listen to how he manages to communicate, even if you don't understand a word.*** Good music (especially in theater) has no real language barriers, and this is a perfect example.

So how did it help? As I said above, the drama and power of the vocal made a perfect emotional background for writing some dynamic rising action. It's unrelated subject matter - but that's beside the point. Now if I could just buy a download somewhere . . . (growls faintly in frustration)

Exhibit C: "Roundtable Rival" by Lindsey Stirling

Lindsey Stirling has catapulted to popularity in the last year, and for good reason: her music is unique, and her personality is vibrant and fun. I love how this video is a steampunk showdown. The confrontational but playful nature of this piece worked very well for the constant tension between my main characters and their interests. It's a bit like a showdown every time Luc and Mads have a conversation!

Exhibit D: "Trade Mistakes" by Panic! At the Disco

Jupiter Jive, the elusive yet strangely pivotal dancing thief, could be summed up by Panic! at the Disco. To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of PatD (though I love Brendon Urie's voice and quirky sense of humor) - but for whatever reason, they quickly became JJ's voice throughout the writing of TLCS. And while many of their recent (ish) songs suit him well, Trade Mistakes is a song with intriguing lyrics and a beat you can dance to. Again, it's a song with a playful sound, but a very guilty note to the lyrics!

Exhibit E: "Let's Not Fall in Love" by BIGBANG

While there is a lot of K-pop on my Jupiter Jive playlist (in addition to pop-punk, Latin pop, and well, an abnormal amount of pop****), few bands ran away with my ears like BIGBANG. From their flamboyant on-screen image, to their intriguing songwriting and catchy music (and talent), they have quickly lent tracks to most of my playlists. However, it wasn't till I heard Let's Not Fall in Love that one of their songs clicked with what I was currently writing. About 30 repeats later, I found that I'd not only written past the part where I'd stalled, I was almost done. I feel like I owe someone a thank-you note - I was that stuck!

So there you have it: a mini taste of The Last Coffee Shop's writing soundtrack. While every song might not directly relate to the action, each piece did something for me while I was writing.

 Feel free to share some of your favorite current tracks in the comments, and don't forget to answer the questions (if you don't write books, do you listen to music while blogging or doing writing-related work?)

Footnotes:

*If I got to stay home during said weather, I wouldn't be so grumpy about it, I promise!

**Just humor me here.

***In related news, my Korean studies are . . . proceeding. I'm a very faithful student with zero natural aptitude, but that's never stopped me from trying things before!

****And hip hop. I don't normally do hip hop - but apparently Korean hip hop is an exception? And I don't have anything against pop music, per se, I just don't listen to the actual radio, so I'm not normally up on what's playing :P

Beautiful People #14 - Not A Repeat of My OTHER Writing Goals List

I was a tiny bit dismayed when I saw the Beautiful People theme for this month: Writerly Resolutions and Goals, since I'd already done a slightly similar post. However, when I skimmed the questions, I realized that I hadn't really answered any of those questions. So, naturally, I decided to tackle the challenge of a whole new list. Because, why not?

Beautiful People is a monthly meme for writers, hosted by Cait and Sky (click their names for their respective awesome blogs).

Writerly Resolutions and Goals for 2016 (Part II, Sort of)

1. What were your writing achievements last year?

Other than my book deal (see here), I amassed a large word count on three other projects, completed another year of steady reviews for a local publication, and picked up blogging again.

2. Tell us about your top priority writing project for this year?

Finishing The Last Coffee Shop. This has been my BP topic for most months. If you want to read about it, click here. I would also like to finish my draft of my NaNo project, The Butler Did It, and do some polish edits on some of my older, finished manuscripts.

3. List 5 areas you’d like to work the hardest to improve this year.

1. Organization (just in writing, I'm not asking for a miracle!)

2. Plotting. While I'm not as bad as Swiss cheese here, I tend to pay a lot more attention to my world and characters than, you know, the plot. And with a mystery like The Butler Did It, that doesn't work out so well. I'm planning to rework and chart that book's plot soon.

3. The quality of my blog and posts. Writing can always improve!

4. My editing. I just need to actually, you know, do it.

5. Focusing. Maybe not just in writing. I tend to jump from book to blog to book to another book and subject to subject. This makes research a little scattered, even though I love research. So I need to pick something to work on and Just. Work. On. That.

4. Are you participating in any writing challenges?

Other than (planned) NaNo, no. Does anyone have any suggestions? I love challenges!

5. What’s your critique partner/beta reader situation like and do you have plans to expand this year?

My beta/critique is nil right now, mainly because I have nothing I'm ready to show someone! However, I do have a few victims friends, and my long-suffering and loyal sister/bff Grace, who are intended readers when I have something that won't make me screech in embarrassment.

I am open to more betas - I just need something for them to read, that's all.

6. Do you have plans to read any writer-related books this year? Or are there specific books you want to read for research?

Erm, no? I am always doing research for something or other. I love nonfiction and have a tendency to pick up random books and head down pointless rabbit trails. I have two pet projects that I really want to get some preliminary research down for, so I'm reading a few books for those right now (hey, it's an excuse to read another book about samurai).

7. Pick one character you want to get to know better, and how are you going to achieve this?

I want to get to know most of the characters in The Butler Did It better, but especially the narrator/MC, Ernestine. I will probably do intensive character sheets, and maybe some Beautiful People posts :)

As I've said before, my characters are usually the part of a novel that I'm most confident about. They're also my favorite part.

8. Do you plan to edit or query, and what’s your plan of attack?

Edit. Edit. Edit. Since I have a book coming out this year, I'll be focusing on getting more manuscripts in publisher shape. My plan is discipline! Despite my distraction issues, I'm pretty good at making myself do things. So I plan to chart out an editing checklist and guide for the rest of the year (probably from February on, since my January is already pretty busy), and stick to it!

9. Toni Morrison once said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” What are the books that you want to see more of, and what “holes” do you think need filling in the literary world?

As a mad King Arthur buff, I can never see too many Arthurian novels. However, I am equally interested in world mythology. We need more fantasy/myth stories set in places like Zimbabwe or Malaysia, and rooted in their unique cultures. Also, more graphic novel - novel fusions, like The Graveyard Book or The Nest. I love manga and animation inspired art, and I'd love to see more books that fuse traditional novels with a more visual medium.

On that note, I am currently stewing over two novel projects set in a mythical variant of Korea, and rooted in actual Historical Japan, respectively. The latter is a retelling I've been wanting to do for ages. The only problem with it is that I want it to have illustrations. So, either more work for me, or I write the book and find an illustrator someday. (My dream is to team up with one of the amazingly talented artists on deviantart).

10. What do you hope to have achieved by the end of 2016?

While world domination would be my second option, I'd really just like to get my debut novel into as many readers' hands as possible. Also, to have a few rough manuscripts, and at least one that is publisher ready, that would be phenomenal.

If you didn't mean books - then progress with my Japanese and Korean studies. I am dreadful with languages, and I'm trying to learn two (in addition to my sorry Latin and bad French, and perfectly acceptable English).

So what are your writing (or other) goals for this year? Do you have any challenge suggestions for me?

2015 End of Year Book Survey

Well, any more year end posts will end up in January because . . . I managed to catch about 3 different viruses between Christmas and New Year's Eve - even though I haven't been sick in 4 or so years! While this was bad for working and blogging, I did manage to squeeze in a few more books before midnight on the 31st!

In the meantime, I found this survey through Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction, who does a monthly wrap up I participate in (coming soon!). The Year End Survey is hosted by Jamie @ The Perpetual Page Turner. Thanks Jamie for hosting, and you can join that link-up here.
(All gifs belong to respective copyright holders)

2015 Reading Stats

Number Of Books You Read: 127 according to Goodreads, but I forgot ( or just didn't add) quite a few. I tend to update Goodreads only when I remember :) I know I read a lot of research books as well.

Number of Re-Reads: 3! I reread The Perilous Gard, The Blue Sword, and The King of Attolia, three of my all-time favorite books.

Genre You Read The Most From: Easily Fantasy/Sci-Fi - with a whopping 69%. Nonfiction (20%) and Historical Fiction (8%) were next, and Contemporary Fiction was last at about 3%. Translated works made up about 50% of my total reading.

Best in Books

1. Best Book You Read In 2015?

I listed off my top 10 reads here, and that was hard enough.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Uprooted by Naomi Novik. I was really excited about this one, and prepped to love it. And I did love it until about 3/4's of the way through. From the awkward and uncomfortable (to me, anyhow) relationship developments on to the awkward finale (felt like I was reading a different book), it just didn't work for me.

3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?

The Silver Linings Playbook was absolutely charming - just the right amount of moving and funny. I am not a fan of most contemporaries, but I loved this book!

4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

Probably Thorn, by Intisar Khanani. I managed to convince friends on and offline that this book was worth the read. The ones who got back to me all agreed.

5. Best series you started in 2015? Best Sequel of 2015? Best Series Ender of 2015?

Best Series (novels): Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson (manga): Tokyo Ghoul
Best Sequel: Vision in Silver (the Others) by Anne Bishop
Best Series Ender (novels): Winter by Marissa Meyer (manga): NARUTO!

6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2015?

Intisar Khanani and Ryan Graudin

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone?

I read at least one book from basically every genre except Romance, and the closest thing I read to a romance was probably Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge. I loved that book, even though it was entirely written around a romantic relationship.

8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?

I'm going to have to mark this as a tie between Wolf by Wolf and Six of Crows. I read each of them in one sitting, and stayed up way too late to do so.

9. Book You Read In 2015 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

I don't reread many books (no time), so I'm not sure. But I will probably reread Jakob's Colors before I review it (since I read it in the summer, and it's only released here in January).

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2015?

I liked the cover for Wolf by Wolf, but I also loved this cover for Silver Swan by Elena Delbanco. While the book wasn't my favorite, the black and silver shades of this cover are beautiful and striking, and the overall composition is fabulous.

11. Most memorable character of 2015?

Another one I addressed elsewhere - you can see my favorite characters of 2015 list here.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2015?

Tie between Jakob's Colors and Where Women Are Kings by Christie Watson (also a contender for best cover).

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2015?

Between the World and Me was definitely one of the most thought-provoking books I read this year.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2015 to finally read?

Ross Poldark (Poldark Saga #1) by Winston Graham. It just seems like a book I would have read about ten years ago.

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2015?

“I've been thinking lately about immortality. What it means to be remembered, what I want to be remembered for, certain questions concerning memory and fame. I love watching old movies. I watch the faces of long-dead actors on the screen, and I think about how they'll never truly die. I know that's a cliché but it happens to be true. Not just the famous ones who everyone knows, the Clark Gables, the Ava Gardners, but the bit players, the maid carrying the tray, the butler, the cowboys in the bar, the third girl from the left in the nightclub. They're all immortal to me. First we only want to be seen, but once we're seen, that's not enough anymore. After that, we want to be remembered.”
― Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven

There were many beautiful passages, but a lot of Station Eleven stood out for its prose.

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2015?

Graphic courtesy of Goodreads.com

17. Book That Shocked You The Most

-Probably more shocked by T.O.P's hair-

I can't remember the last book that shocked me. I don't really get shocked, I guess.

18. OTP OF THE YEAR

I didn't even know what an OTP was until early summer (2015). (Google is a magical place - but how can it be your one true pairing if you have multiples?). So many questions. And I don't really care about pairings in the first place, so I don't know that I even have one. *thinks hard for a minute* Nope. Still not thinking of one.

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year

On the other hand, I have a TON of these. From Kelsier and Vin in Mistborn, to Val and Hitomi in Sunbolt, I have way too many to list. But the ones that moved me the most were the epic brother-bonds formed between these two duos:

1. Joseph and Jack from Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt
2. Naruto and Sasuke from Naruto by Kishimoto Masashi

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2015 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

Winter or Orbiting Jupiter. They're too different to pick between.

21. Best Book You Read In 2015 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

Despite my aversion to the cover (it's not a book I'd pick up based on the picture), The Winner's Curse came highly recommended by a lot of people I trust. I really did enjoy it (though the second cover is worse!).

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2015?

. . . . . . .

23. Best 2015 debut you read?

See #9. Also Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho. I read a couple more amazing debuts, but they aren't published at all until 2016, so I'll save them for later.

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. Her worldbuilding and settings are top notch.

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

The Silver Linings Playbook had me in stitches, but I also really enjoyed As You Wish, Cary Elwes' surprisingly charming memoir about making The Princess Bride.

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2015?

Orbiting Jupiter, and, don't laugh, volumes #62 and #72 of Naruto. And I can name all the books that have made me cry in my entire life, and there are less than ten of them. So this is pretty impressive, Schmidt and Kishimoto.

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year?

It's a novella, but Mourning Cloak is a fantasy gem with great worldbuilding and fascinating characters. And the author is really nice :) You can read my review here.

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul?

Orbiting Jupiter pulled my soul out, crushed it, shoved it back in, and then did it again. But it was a beautiful book all the same (read my review here).

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2015?

I still don't quite know what to make of The Nest, a strange little story by Kenneth Oppel. I definitely liked it, but still. (It's a contemporary mild fantasy a la Coraline, about a boy and his new baby brother). The themes were great - with the affirmation that all lives have value. But it was pretty weird, all the same.

30. Book That Made You The Angriest (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?*

*Rant Warning*

Gone Girl. I loathed it. I had the plot figured by chapter 3, and then spent the entire rest of the book with dreadfully unlikeable and foul characters just to find out that there really wasn't a shocker plot twist. I wanted to throw it off a cliff. Honestly, if I hadn't been supposed to read it for Book Club, I would have thrown it off a cliff before I finished it. *Thank you for letting me get that off my chest*

Your Blogging Life:

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2015?

Too many to choose from, and I'm bad at picking favorites.

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2015?

See Above ^ But if I have to pick, the first review I posted on the blog was for an old favorite, The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley. It was fun to revisit a book I've always loved, and pick it apart in new ways.

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog?

I am partial to my Tolkien Tribute here, and my Star Wars tribute from earlier this year.

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

Book Expo America! And my favorite signing was Marissa Meyer's for Winter.

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2015?

Getting the email from Neverland Publishing saying that they wanted to pick up my debut novel, Knight of the Blue Surcoat. I'll probably not believe it till I hold a printed copy in my hands!

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year?

TIME. Time is always a challenge. Between my job and other responsibilities, I am pretty busy. And I don't have internet, so that makes it complicated.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

My book announcement had the most views. My Top Ten Tuesdays have the most comments :)

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

I've never thought about it. Maybe book reviews, because if I review a book, it means that I really want to converse with someone about it!

9. Best bookish discovery (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Parnassus Books in Nashville, TN is a gem. But so was Book Expo!

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

YES! I more than doubled my goal of 50 books on Goodreads, and revamped my blog with more spirit and discipline.

Looking Ahead:

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2015 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2016?

The Lone Samurai: The Life of Miyamoto Musashi by William Scott Wilson. I've had this biography sitting on my desk for a week, and I can't wait to get to it. (I felt that I needed to finish at least one of the 7 books I was reading first!)

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2016 (non-debut)?

No idea. I already read Marked in Flesh, and I don't know if it's realistic to hope for a Wolf by Wolf sequel yet!

3. 2016 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

I am excited about promoting a lot of books - especially the 2016 debuts that I read earlier this year, such as The Mirror Thief and Born on a Tuesday. But I've already read them. As for new books . . .

Erm, is it bad if I say my own (assuming all things work as planned)?
But that aside, I am really intrigued by Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel. Giant robots and this review by author Sherwood Smith seal the deal.

4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2016?

I'm actually pretty excited about The Glass Sword. I'm intrigued to see where Victoria Aveyard takes the story. And I'm really looking forward to the Six of Crows sequel, Crooked Kingdom, but the projected date for that is in September, and I don't even want to think about September.

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2016?

Read and review more ARCs. It's not only helpful for my job, it utilizes the generous and invaluable resources available to a bookseller and blogger. I'm still pretty new at that aspect of things (though I've been selling books for over three years), and I have a tendency to bite off more than I can chew.

6. A 2016 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:

Other than Jakob's Colors, I think Born on a Tuesday, the story of a Muslim Nigerian boy, was a powerful, thought-provoking read that is more important and relevant now than ever before. It wasn't an easy read by any means, but it's a compelling story that was unlike anything I've read this year.

Well folks, that's it for the questions. Have some virtual cake if you made it the whole way through!! Have you read/do you want to read any of these books? If you did a year end book review, make sure to leave a link in the comments so I can check it out!

Footnotes;

*Normally I try to avoid ranting on the blog, but I had to get that one out.