New Years Story -- Revenge of the Unwritten Part One

Kalleb Chyr-Ja bounded though the blustery air toward an open glade. Somewhere behind him, Perpetua was probably yelling at him to slow down, but he didn't care.

He needed this moment alone to run free.

After a minute, he was out of the creaking trees and in the open spot he had hoped to reach. There was a thin layer of ice in some patches in the grass, but after only seeing mud and dead sticks everywhere for sixteen years, he didn't mind the little dusting of frost. Actually, the world had been dead for closer to six hundred years, hadn't it?

Kalleb flopped down on the grass, closed his eyes, and released a loud, contented sigh. It was nice to catch a break from saving the world. Maybe he could catch a nap while waiting for Perpetua to catch up. That sounded nice. She had the food, after all.

Just as he started to drift off, though, a stray thought from an unfamiliar mind scrapped across his conscience. He jerked up, instantly reaching for the knife Perpetua had recently started to insist he wear.

"Calm down, feisty pants, I'm not gonna hurt you." A short girl with long blond hair and a flowing purple dress stepped out from behind a tree. "If I was, I wouldn't have alerted you to my presence."

Kalleb frowned as he tried to place her accent. It wasn't anything he'd ever heard before, but it was familiar in a sense to. "You know about my telepathy?" He was bad at keeping secrets, but she already seemed to know.

"I also know that you can shape-shift but can't right now because of your injured arm, so you rely mostly on turning invisible, but you've never let Pet Ar-Kan know."

Kalleb blinked twice and lowered his hand from his knife. "How do you know so much about me?"

"I was told all that," she responded, still leaning casually against the tree, "by your author."

"My... what?" Kalleb didn't think he'd ever been more confused than he was now. Was Perpetua secretly writing stuff? She wasn't really his... yet.

"Your author." The girl pushed away from her tree and stepped closer to him. "The Castle Lands are in danger, you are needed to help immediately."

Kalleb had never heard the term 'Castle Lands' before, but he somehow understood what he had to do. "How do we get there?" 

There was a strange urging to get to these Castle Lands, as if he always knew what they were and now was dying to get back. 

The girl nodded, as if she understood his thought process. "I'll take you through. To be honest, you've been the fastest to accept so far. The girl tried to shoot me and one of the boys set my hair on fire." She shifted her braid so Kalleb could see the scorched ends. "The third one just didn't believe me."

"I've been told I'm very trusting." Kalleb glanced back over his shoulder. He could see Perpetua in the distance, but something told him this was much more important than a picnic. Then he walked over to the girl. "Alright, let's go."

The girl nodded and thrust her hand into a circular motion, creating a whirlpool of light floating in the air. 

Kalleb felt his mouth drop open. "Well... that's quite the ability."

The girl laughed and pointed him toward the portal. "After you."

He hesitated one second, then stepped into the swirling light and felt himself get swept away from the small glade.

Giftie Giftie!!!!

 

Merry Christmas, y'all!!!!!!!

As it is a special holiday that is well known for giving out presents, I thought it could be fun if I give all of you loverly readers a little something as well. 

I think I've mentioned my novella The Last Phoenix? If not, I have now. I have a very short, about ten chapter long novella titled The Last Phoenix. I wrote it over Easter Break this year, and have not had a chance to edit it. So it is a very rough draft, and when you read it, please bear in mind it was written in five days.

Yes, your Christmas gift from me is the first draft version of The Last Phoenix. See? I'm a nice person.

Anyways, a little concept art to make y'all happy:

a concept cover drawn by moi

Kalleb Chyr-Ja, one of the protagonists

Perpetua Ar-Kan, the POV character

Now that we've gotten those out of the way, here's how this is gonna work. I have created a Google Form, and if you would like a TOTALLY free online copy of The Last Phoenix, you may simply send in your email and what format will be easiest for you to read, and I'll send you the story. 

NOTE: this is not signing up to be a beta-reader or anything like that. I simply wish to share my story with y'all. If you have any critics about something that makes the story TERRIBLE, then you may definitely tell me, but I'm not looking for any edits. Thanks!

Here's the Form

Enjoy, y'all.

Merry Christmas again!!!!!

End of the Year

 Wow, it's been quite a year, hasn't it? Just me? Hopefully not. 

Anyways, I decided I'd pop in and show a few little clues into what I've been doing this past year. This will include books I've written and read, new movies, music I've listened to, artwork, and a little bit of looking into the future. 

If there are no questions, let's dive right on in.

WRITING

Wow, I only just realized how much writing I've gotten done this year. I have fully finished FOUR whole novels/novellas. To be fair, one of them was mostly written last year, but I completed the first draft this spring. And one was a collab with a friend, but I think it still counts? Anyways, here's a brief blurb and word count for each finished story.

To Die is Gain

Wilson Tomas is doubting himself and the good he can actually do in the world. He's a Christian with lying as his number one hobby. Smuggling is the only thing he can think of to make himself feel like he matters, but bringing a few illegal books around seems so lame compared to the risk he's taking. But when a suspicious soldier grounds him with the people he was smuggling to, maybe he can find the answers he desperately needs. But the last he expected was... Ariel.

Ariel Johnson needs her brother back. And she will get him, no matter the cost. But when her dangerous and reckless plan backfires, she is forced to become something she is not. There is nothing about her that screams betrayer. But if it saves Israel, she'll do it. Until she meets the Underground church and meets the Savior. Her brother's fate lies solely in her hands, but how can she save him by betraying her new family?

As these two teens struggle through their new lives and issues, they try to understand what it truly means to live for Christ... and to die for him.

So I've talked a bit about the Martyr's Saga, and I'm probably going to continue to, because this is just my favorite series I've ever written. This next book is the third book in the series titled the Heroes Saga i dont like calling my series "something+saga" that's crazy  and it's VERY different than To Die is Gain. It's much lighter and more written for fun, and the series was started much earlier in my writing career. This is also the collab I wrote with my friend.

Heroes of the City

It has been at least three years since the heroes were in civilization. Since then, they have all developed their powers to something... well, powerful. And, in some cases, dangerous. All of them have been castaways in some way, shape, or fashion, but now that they're together, it's time to face the past.

Juli just wants to be normal, but with Rian's power becoming more and more random and dangerous, there's no way life can go back to the simple middle school days it had been. Ellysa is still struggling to understand how to cope with her family's death, and becoming the leader of this chaotic bunch is not the ticket. But she somehow forgets that she isn't the only one who lost family. Michael is still trying to navigate the unknowns of who he is now as maybe things with Emma are getting...complicated. The Grant sisters want to go home, but with the unknown kidnappers on the loose, it just isn't safe. 

As the gang struggles, rumors of the bandits's return start circulating. And when one of them goes missing, maybe it's time to accept outside help.

Like I said, it's a pretty simple and less mature story than some, but I still ADORE it with my whole heart and soul. It's just so FUN to write. Next up is one that is also pretty simple and probably more enjoyed by a younger audience, but I still love the characters.

The Last Phoenix

Perpetua Ar-Kan has only one mission: restore the nearly extinct race of phoenixes. She is ready. After all, she's been practicing for this moment for years. Bring back the phoenixes and heal the dying world she lives in. The only thing she's not ready for is-- Kalleb Chyr-Ja. 

A hooligan with crazy magic powers on her quest? No way. He just isn't someone she's willing to trust. But when the duo is attacked before the quest even starts, they are forced to put aside their differences and team up. Their journey is fraught with danger, fear, mistrust, and a menace as old as the phoenixes themselves, but Perpetua and Kalleb will stop at nothing to finish their quest.

After all, who can refuse the dying command of the last phoenix?

Hope it sounds interesting, because there's gonna be something more about it later ;} ;} Anyways, this last one is probably known by at least some of you regulars.

Take Up your Cross

Sienna desperately wants to prove herself as a smuggler but can't seem to stop getting caught. With the famous Wilson Tomas gone, this is her time to shine. But Wilson returns, defeated and heart-broken, with two new companions. And when the foursome gets sent on a mission to the missing Christians in a recently destroyed town, Sienna might finally have her chance to prove herself.

Keith just wants life to go back to normal. He wants to know that his parents are safe at home, not part of the many missing citizens of their city. But with that fateful raid, he has to protect his twin sister- but can he, when he doubts himself? When he doubts his faith?

When an unexpected and shockingly calculating villain reveals herself, Sienna, Keith, and their companions are forced to trust each other to survive. But with two of their company doubting themselves, can they find their way to safety... and rescue their captured friend?

So, that was the majority of my writing this year. I've started several stories that haven't been finished, some of them I just wasn't feeling and others are still in progress, but these are the ones I've finished! Tell me which one sounds the most intriguing to you, and I'll go more in depth on it next.

Reading

Okay, well, I am ashamed to say I have not done much reading at all this year... Way too much writing, I guess? But I have read some, so here are my favorites from this year:

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

With the exception of Stellarlune, I read all eight and a half other books. Now, this is definitely NOT my favorite series. Flashback and beyond was... I'm not going to say "trash" because there were some parts that were really good, but they were really boring in my opinion. I DID really enjoy Keeper of the Lost Cities, Everblaze, and Neverseen, and count those as some of my very favorites. Lodestar and Nightfall are very good too, but I like those three mentioned above better. 

And for any other KOTLC fans out there, I don't have a Sophie+anyone ship currently. In my opinion, it's highschool crushes being made into something really extensive. except Dexphie, which i truly loved with all my heart ANYWAYS. KOTLC. YAY. READ IT.

Ascendance Series by Jennifer Nielsen

I did the first three a few years ago, but I got the newest two this year for my birthday, and so I read them this year. And I gotta say, they were pretty good. I hadn't ever thought this was one of the series that needed continuation, but Jennifer Nielsen did a great job of it. The characters were very them, and I appreciated the villain that was closer to a match for Jaron than some of the others. One thing I didn't really like was the timing, the fact that it was between The Shadow Throne and that last paragraph in The Shadow Throne --not gonna say the paragraph or any of the events so as to not spoil anything-- because it just felt a bit too soon, but everything else was great.

Search for the Astral Dragon by Bryan Davis

I have to say I love this book. I was a little iffy with some of the other newer Bryan Davis books, so I went into this one very hesitantly, but it was great. It's definitely for younger audiences, but that didn't make it any less powerful for me. I don't really know how to explain what I like about it at this moment, but it is still amazing, and I recommend it.

Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan 

Um okay. I... am very mixed about this series. I've always been very alert about the Percy Jackson books, mainly because, well, Greek gods and demi-gods and stuffs. But... this one was different, because there were some things that weren't Greek/Roman mythology. I really didn't like how one of the side characters got a slightly LGBT arc. A lot of people say I'm over reacting about it, considering it's a modern, non-Christian book and it's only one character, but it's something that's all over everything, why would I want to seek it out farther? Also, the last book was VERY anticlimactic in my opinion, so... I don't really know what to say about it. The first two books were fine, but after that... nope. Not really. So I'll just say I don't like this series

Tales of Goldstone Wood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Yes, I have this series before. No, I didn't just get one of the books. Yes, I did a whole series re-read. Yes, I still love them. I STILL ADORE THEM OH MY FREAKIN' WORD THEY ARE INCREDIBLE.

Anyways. I think I'll stop myself right there and move out of reading into the next section. 

Movies

Ooh, what have I watched that's new this year... hm... wow, this was the year of lots of grown-up-ish movies.

Interstellar

I had forgotten that it was only this year I watched this movie. At least I think it was this year.... Well, it was this year I started listening to the soundtrack so we'll count that. 

Anna and the King

It was... interesting. Not my favorite style movie, but still very good.

I am Not Ashamed

~sniffles~ I- ~sniffles~ I just... ~sobs~ THIS MOVIE Y'ALL. One of the first ones that made me literally CRY watching it. I just... I just can't.

1917

TBH, this was one of the first WWI movies I have ever seen. I don't actually know

much about this time period... Anyways, the movie was interesting. I wasn't a fan of

the amount of language in it, but the style was pretty cool.

Godzilla 2014

I liked it. My sister thinks I'm a little crazy for that opinion, but I liked it. It, uh, is 

actually my first monster movie I've seen.

Kenobi

So, even though this is a series, I'm still counting it here. Technically I watched it in burst on Youtube, but... I did watch all of the first season in that fashion. It was okay, not my favorite Star Wars but alright nonetheless.

Music

Well, this was quite the music year for me... I heard lots of new songs and artists this year. This was probably my biggest Spotify wrapped year, at least so far. I guarantee some of the next years will have many more minutes listened to. 

Here's my top songs playlist

Yes, there was a lot of instrumentals. That's what I listen to while I do school and writing and stuff. Here are a couple of other favorite playlists:

Instrumentals  Favorites

Also, I got the chance to go to TWO concerts this year: For King and Country in April and Andrew Peterson last week.

I sadly do not have any photos from the For King and Country concert, but I do have plenty from Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God show.

  

 

Art

Yes, I am going to show off some of my artwork from this year. These are the pieces my family has dubbed my best works. Let me know what you think.

 

   

Alright, I think that's all for the moment! I hope y'all enjoyed this little year-end wrap up! 

A really fast look into the future, I've already mentioned the New Years story coming out soon. After that, I'm hoping to finish up Winera's story and go more in depth about some of my other stuff. If any of y'all have suggestions on what I should later, go ahead and let me know.

I'm planning on doing a Q and A some point soon, so if y'all want to start thinking about questions, I'd be very happy! 

Thank you for being a great part of my year!

New Years Introduction

 

Well, well, well.

Or maybe I should say ho, ho, ho?

I'm not certain...

But I do know that it has almost been a year since I hosted my last inter-novel character get-together. Is that a real term? If not, it is now.

Other than almost dying, it was a lot of fun. So like the big brainer I am, I'm gonna do another inter-novel character get-together.

This time, though, only one person from each story will be coming. AND these are characters you haven't met yet... most of you. But this will be a total of five characters in the same old log cabin NOT watching movies. 

Let's see who dies first...

I also thought I'd introduce you to the crew before the get-together, so you can decide who to root for before the NOT slaughter begins.

So here's a brief description of each character, described by a fellow character.

Kalleb Chyr-Ja --> The Last Phoenix

Kalleb is known as a slightly snarky, cocky, out-going guy, but anyone who ACTUALLY knows him will be able to tell he's the biggest softie around. And since I hate secrets, I can tell you he can shape-shift into different animals and he is a telepathhqwer KALLEB! THEY'RE GONNA FIND IT OUT EVENTUALLY. He just crossed out what I wrote, ugh. Fine, I'll leave it to be figured out during the chaos. He's fairly handsome --but don't tell him I said that. I'll never live it down. Kalleb is also very chivalrous, so I'm worried that if any of the girls try to punch him, he'll just take it. The only exception is me, because we kinda try to save the world together and sometimes that means we punch each other. I'm still trying to figure out if he'll manage to make it to the offense, or if he'll be stuck protecting someone. We'll see.        -Perpetua Ar-Kan

Wilson Tomas --> Martyrs Saga

What can I say. Wilson is great. Doubtful of himself at times, but all he needs is a push and a friend in trouble, and then he jumps right into smuggler mode. He is a strong believer in Jesus Christ, and is set on helping any and all his friends find Him as well. Once he decides to trust you, he's the most loyal friend you'll ever find. -Ariel Johnson

Wilson was my first and longest friend. Whatever happens to one of us happens to the other. As Ariel said, he's the most loyal friend ever. Even willing to die. He's watching me write this over my shoulder. Stop it, Wilson. I'm not gonna insult you. Just telling them about you. ___ He's saying we're complimenting him too much. Fine. He's also annoying and likes to get his way and has doubted the good his smuggling --which is superior to anyone else's that I know-- does. Happy now, Wilson? Okay, now that he's gone, I can add that he's the best smuggler in the teenage category, and he's usually pretty humble. -Sienna Wilder

Gemma Zildof --> Midnite Squadron

Okay, I hope everyone is ready to die. Gemma is something called a Mandalorian and something else called "I want to kill you." And she has weapons. Lots of them. Sy and I considered telling her to keep everyone sane... but no chance. No chance. Yes, I'm talking about you, shut up. She probably won't attack an innocent, but that depends on who she decides is innocent. So if you see the Gemma coming RUN. She will try to kill you if she gets the chance. She also uses verbal attacks. Just... tread carefully around the Mando girl. If she picks up her helmet, maybe quietly take out a weapon. I don't want you to kill her, she's a vital part of our team and basically my family. Just thought I'd give you a warning. -Heziky Char, not a Jedi Master and hot shot with a handsome face and fancy smirk. GEMMA! What? You described me, I described you!

Rian Tuffin --> Heroes Saga

He's the Fire-boy. That's all that needs to be said. Super villain matter in the form of an awkward teenage boy who tries to be the hero, although we all know I am the real hero. The fire power of the team, also the oldest. Seriously though. How is he dubbed the most epic on the team? -Ellysa White

Okay, Lyss, pleeeease calm down. Let me do this, okay? Hi. Rian is my older brother, and he is my favorite family member. He's pretty independent, but he does care for the others in our band. He's been hurt by so many people that it's a wonder he doesn't try to bully anyone back. I mean, he did try to scare Dion away, but after he saved my life, he did calm down. What? Yes, of course I'm being flattering. Anything you want me to add? Uh-huh... Seriously? That's not even about you! Ugh, fine. Michael is a better archer than Ellysa. Why does that matter? And why aren't you- Oh, whatever! So that's my brother for you. -Juli Tuffin

Audra Lodren --> A Jedi Story

She's beautiful. She's strong. She's awesome. She's- Who let Kel describe me?? Am I seriously the only one who knows he likes me and will say anything OVERLY flattering? Do someone else, how 'bout Lyrek? But-but... oh, fine. -Kel Maro

Um... Okay, I'm here now. Anyways, Audra is terrifying. She's been known to murder hundreds of people in five seconds. They were CLONES and they were trying to kill ME! Anyways, she's also the granddaughter of one of the most powerful and evil sorceresses. Gah! Ok, ok, I'll say it. Um, she isn't really as evil as her family? Ah, stop hitting me! -Lyrek Trebon

Okay, as the author here, I'm going to step in and do some explaining. When Audra comes into the Jedi Story, it has been many decades since Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi and company. All of that Empire nonsense hasn't happened, and the science is much more advanced. Several people have superpowers and are classified as Atolly. Audra's grandmother is one of the three main antagonists of this time period, called rather unimaginatively The Sisters of Magic. They have, well, magic and it passes on to their descendants, so Audra would already have super scary powerful magic, but her mother was an Atolly who had the ability to take strength/energy from other people, or give it back to them. Now, Audra's hereditary MAGIC magic combined with the hereditary Atolly magic, and became this super freaky ability to take people's powers and basically turn it into a super weapon. So yeah, she's pretty dangerous. But on a happier note, she is a Jedi and... USUALLY takes the Code seriously. So... yeah. -Kal Tomson

So that's the group! The only person I myself chose to include in this was Rian. Everyone else was voted for by some of my family members and the few friends I've let read the stories. So... I am very thankful to my mother and older sister for choosing Wilson. I needed someone mostly sane. 

Also, if you're wondering why I took the time to explain Audra's story line but no one else's, it's because her's is the most complicated and is kinda needed to understand her part in the story. If you're interested in anyone else's stories, let me know and I can elaborate a bit more.

I hope y'all are excited for the New Year! I surely am, and not just because of this story. This has been a crazy year, and I'm ready to see what the next holds. Anyone else think 2023 can't actually be real? 

Anyways, I want to give you a brief and very loose overview of what I'm planning for the rest of this month.

I am going to do an end of the year wrap-up post, where I talk about the measly amount of blogging I did this year, the other writing stuffs, what I've read, and other awesome stuffs I'm not sure about yet.

I'm going to be HOPEFULLY surviving a slumber party between five rascals :insert dying face here: and you'll get to join me :now insert devil face:

And finally... I'm going to be giving y'all a special Christmas gift! Hope y'all are excited.

I'd also love any feedback about what I should try doing more of next year.

TALK TO ME. I NEED WORDS.

Know the Novel -- part THREE

 yes, I switched the language for the number again... don't judge me.

WELL WE'RE BACK. 

Yes, I forgot to post again. BUUUUUT hopefully a little forgiveness? I've been rather busy the last month. 

Anyways, it's the month we've all been waiting for! At least, I've been waiting for it since school started... Happy December, y'all! I'm so excited for advent this year, as I have given myself a challenge that I will share in a later post, but I'm also pumped just for the holiday season. Anyone else? Just me? HOPE NOT.

But, I'm not here to fangirl about Advent, am I? not yet at least

I'm here to finish off the Know your Novel tag! And I have to say, I was waiting very eagerly for this one. I get to tell y'all all about the rest of Take Up your Cross, which has been AMAZING, just saying. So, thank you, Christine, for creating this wonderful idea.

ANYWAYS anyone else think i have a favorite word to start paragraphs with???

OFF WE GO

Know the Novel is a 3-part linkup series for writers, one for each of these last three months of the year. Each part will feature ten questions you can answer on your own blog (or anywhere else on social media, if you’d like!). The questions will be focusing on different parts of your novel and how the writing is going.

THE QUESTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. How did writing this novel go all around?

Um, it was fairly straight forward. The was a patch right in the middle I had a hard time wading through, but there wasn't much blockadge. Finding a good time to just WRITE was the hardest part. i blame school work Other than that, I had a fun time hanging out with the NOT chaotic crew. EMPHASIS ON NOT. THEY WERE NOT CHAOTIC IN THE SLIGHTEST. 

heh

MOVING ON

2. Did it turn out as you expected or completely different? How do you feel about the outcome?

Well, I wasn't expecting them to spend the whole book running like wild beasties through the forest. I also wasn't expecting part of the end climax to be basically the same thing as something that happens in To Die is Gain. I also wasn't expecting the person who died to be the one who actually DID die. I ALSO wasn't expecting the random character twist that sprung itself on me at the end. SO, let's just say the climax had me completely surprised. And I liked it! It was really good. I think...

3. What aspect of the story did you love writing about the most? (Characters, plot, setting, prose, etc.)

I always like writing stories in the forest. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I myself adore the woods? I really don't know. This one though... I might have given them a little too much woods. It was a big part of the plot, but I don't think I elaborated on the setting as much as I have in other stories. If it wasn't entirely critical to what was happening, it wasn't mentioned. 

I do love my characters, though. I've said it before, but some of these characters were the reason I decided to continue this series. I wasn't as able to go as in depth with some of them, since they weren't POV characters in this book, but I love my new cast. Sienna is a mix of one of my most generic characters, a lust for glory and recognition, and pure... Sienna-ness. I just love her. And I love my character arcs. I'm very happy with my characters.

4. What was your least favorite part?

Oh shoot, didn't I just answer this above? I don't like that I mostly ignored the setting. I mean, it WAS there, but it wasn't... really... there...? Also, I don't love that they were running the whole time. But, it is what it is... for now.

5. What do you feel needs the most work?

Wow, I should have read these questions before I started answering. I really need to work on... DUNDUHDUNAAA the setting and the setting. And the side characters. In To Die is Gain, I adored my side characters. They were strong and had more personality and explained reasons for why they were how they were. I did that in this one with some of my main-side characters...iiiiiish? But I kinda ignored some of the other less important folk. So.... probably those two things the most.

6. How do you feel about your characters now? Who’s your favorite? Least favorite? Anyone surprise you? Give us all the details!

Welp, anyone notice I am good at answering questions before they are asked? 

By now, I really love Sienna. She has a softer character arc than some of my other characters, but she's still delightful to write. She's just the right level of snarky, smart, and sweet, with a dash of recklessness thrown in. 

My least favorite..... ughhhhhhhhhh. I LOVE MY CHARACTERS. ALL OF THEM. I guess I'll say Wilson. Which is sad, since he's one of the ones who made me keep writing the series. But I've never really known what his inner conflict was, so he's always been a little dull, but I was hoping I'd manage to make him awesomely great in this one. I mean, the whole plot is basically what he does best! But, I was still trying to figure him out at times, so he's not as strong as I would have liked.

Well... the real character to surprise me is a biiiiig spoiler. But I was a little surprised with how Ethan turned out. He was originally one of the villains in the first book, and his side switcheroo surprised me then, but I thought, "Why not? This'll be fun! They can have a nice, mature chaperone." And he tried. Ethan tried very hard to keep everyone calm. But...you just can't control Lyra. Ever. No one can. So he ended up being the one who started most of my favorite quips and snarky one-liners. So, yeah.

7. What’s your next plan of action with this novel?

I'm gonna need to edit it at some point. That's a big number one plan. After that, probably a few hundred more rounds of edits. Then potential publishing. I don't really know where else it's gonna go. I will mention that there will be a book after this one, titled Follow the Son, and a... prequel? I guess...? I don't know what to call it, it's gonna be the book BEFORE To Die is Gain, but I'm.... you know, I don't even know how to explain it. The order is gonna be To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain, Take Up your Cross, Follow the Son.

And yes, the fact that they're all from Bible verses is intentional. Originally, they were going to be smaller series, but I decided to combine them.

8. If you could have your greatest dream realized for this novel, what would it be?

Traditionally published.

That's my biggest goal right now. My sister says I should edit it and then self-publish it, which I might do, but I want it to be traditionally published so bad.

9. Share some of your favorite snippets!

Uhh I already did most of my favorites last post........ Lemme see what I can scrounge up....

“I saw that, Enna!” Cody sang out. “Wilson, did you seriously not see that?”

“I did.” Wilson’s voice, right behind her.

Sienna turned and came face to face with him. She yelped, tried to scramble away, tripped over the box, and toppled to the ground. Somehow on the way down, her flailing legs managed to connect with Wilson’s kneecap, sending him to the ground as well. 

A snort echoed behind them. “That was possibly the highlight of all of your fails.”

Sienna pulled her legs out from under Wilson and stood up, rubbing a sore spot on her elbow. “What was the previous best?”

“Um, probably when you accidentally electrocuted yourself.” Lyra, Wilson’s other friend, was lounging on a nearby crate, her leg in a cast. “This one only tops it because you made Wilson fall over as well.”

~

“One last thing, boy. You’re not a Christain, are you?”

Keith’s heart froze. The melting ice down his back solidified into an icicle, tip sharp as a sword, ready to immobilize him with fear.

Tell the truth! One side of his heart yelled.

No! They’ll kill you! The other side protested.

It doesn’t matter, don’t be a coward! 

I don't even have to mean it, do I? I can lie.

Let these beasts see the truth. Be brave!

But Felicity. I have to take care of Felicity.

The argument ceased. Both sides loved Felicity.

He swallowed hard and shook his head. “No, sir. I’m not.”

~

“A trail.” Sienna rustled the leaves back across her etching and hopped to her feet. “What are we waiting for? Let’s find those fish!”

“Do we even know where to start?” Wilson’s eyes roved around the trees, his shoulders slumping wearily. “There are dozens of places they could be.”

A crack cut off anymore discussion.

The group turned to see Lyra on the ground again, the aspen now broken and at a crooked angle.

Nevertheless, Lyra pushed herself back up with a triumphant smirk and pointed to a small, light shape at the base of a tree across from them. “There’s one.”

~

Soldiers who had gone one direction came stampeding back under their oak to see what the fuss was.

“I saw one! Major, there was one of the smugglers, right over there!”

Just like little kids at an Easter egg hunt, Sienna thought, a mixture of amusement and fear slinking through her bones.

Wilson began descending from his perch. “Now we go.”

“You knew that would happen?” Felicity’s voice was skeptical.

“I knew Packer was going to cause his diversion soon. I just didn’t know when.”

~

Sienna let out a silent groan and tapped his shoulder, pulling him and Lyra into the shadows. She raised her hands toward Wilson’s face and signed, I have an idea.

“I’m guessing that means, ‘Lyra is a nitwit?’” Their companion mumbled. 

Wilson glared at her before signing back, Tell me it’s better than asking them out to dinner.

Sienna considered saying they offer Lyra in exchange, but decided this wasn’t the best time for such jests. I did think of that, but I have a better plan. And it involves fire.

“Fire?” Wilson whispered out loud, staring at her as if she had three heads. “Are you insane?”

Sienna smirked. “Tell me one person who ever answered yes to that question.”

Lyra crossed her arms. “Reading between the lines here, because no one is being decent enough to tell me what’s going on, I’m thinking you want to burn that place down.”

~

Sienna lifted her chin. “I’m not giving up.”

Wilson pushed himself to his feet and gave her a firm nod. “I won’t either.”

“It’s a death trap.” Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. “You two are insane.”

“Maybe.” Wilson turned to look at Lyra. She was curled up into a tiny ball, no longer crying, just staring at the leaves with a completely blank expression. “But I’m feeling a little… reckless right now, if ya know what I mean.”

Sienna studied the part of his face that she could see. The tear she’d seen earlier while in the tree was gone, concealed by layers of dirt and sweat. But as she stared at him, a thin line in the filth became apparent. She wasn’t certain if it was sweat or a tear, but it was in a place where it could be either. “You don’t have to do this,” she whispered.

He turned and met her gaze. “I’d never be able to live with myself if I didn’t,” he responded. 

Sienna blinked hard and shook her head to clear the memory. Maybe Wilson wasn’t ready, but she could be ready for the both of them.

~

Keith's legs crumpled under the sudden slam against the ground and he toppled over.

He lay there on his back, watching Wilson make his way down with a trained grace. Once the older boy was on the ground, Keith let out a groan and tried to force himself to sit up. 

Wilson snickered. “That looked painful.”

Keith managed to push himself to his feet and rubbed his aching knees. “What are you talking about, it was super fun.” The burns on his hands stung again, and he winced. “I could do without the pain though.”

“Like I said, painful.” Wilson shook his head and helped discard the rope. “Let’s go find the others.”

Keith took a half step, but stopped at Wilson’s quirked eyebrow. “Let me guess. We need to run.”

“Running is a smuggler’s number one hobby,” he agreed. 

Keith sighed and shook his aching legs until they felt a bit readier to run. “Then what are we waiting for?”

And anything after this point is spoilers. But, hope you enjoyed those tasty little nibbles.

10. Did you glean any new writing and/or life lessons from writing this novel?

I learned I could make myself cry. And hate my own villain. And I just managed to delve deeper into my faith. Seriously though. I forced myself to think so hard. I just... don't know how to describe any of it.

SO there you have it! My final post for Know the Novel. Make sure you check out Christine's blog to experience some other funzies. Thank you, Christine, for making this delightful experience. I think I said that already. I don't care.

Anyways, prepare yourself for chaos in the days coming when you visit this blog. 

Shoot, I almost made it the whole post without any gifs... :\

ANYWAYS THANKS FOR READING!