The Creative Mind

     Recently as I was driving my whole family to the store (whole family meaning my parents and sister and kids), I saw a beautiful spectacle of clouds engulfing mountainous peaks with crimson, blue, and yellow flourishes playing through the layers of air. To put it plainly, it was inspiring. I wanted to take a picture. I wanted to keep that moment to write about or paint later. When I shared my idea with my family, my father stated "Why would you want a picture of that? It is plain." I was shocked. Plain! Plain! That was amazing!
     He explained to me that how he saw it was there are many sunsets like that. There are always clouds covering mountains. There is always a blue sky and with the man-made buildings in the picture, this is nothing special.
     I couldn't believe it. This was an amazing beautiful landscape! Buildings and all. The rest of the week I was pointing out other awe inspiring scenes, attempting to convince my father that even in the most mundane, beauty lurks. He never managed to see it.
     My dad did give me a bunch of books on photography. He said he tried to become a good photographer, but he never had the creative eye it required. He told me that from what I was saying, referring to my week's endeavors, I had what he did not. So now I am instructed by him to complete his photography instructions. I suppose I asked for it.
     Now, back to my post. The creative mind. Some may say creativity is a gift and it is only given to a few individuals. I highly disagree. I believe everyone is creative. Or at least they start out that way. Imagine an infant. What sort of thoughts do you suppose they have? Perhaps thinking of a way to get our attention? Well, from what YouTube will show you, babies make some pretty interesting faces and sounds. Yeah there may be babies all over the world making that same sound. But, to one little baby, that sound was completely and utterly his own invention. And his Mommy and Daddy loved it!
     Fast forward. Have any of you watched a toddler playing with toys on the floor? They have their own rhyme and reason for everything they do. They come up with their own stories. They are creative. In fact, I think children stay creative up to the age of four or five. And this is my own opinion, but I believe they will stay that way if their creativity is encouraged and noticed.
     So what sort of things can we do to bring about our own creative mind? I suggest looking at things from a fresh perspective. Look closely at that stapler. What if you didn't know what that stapler was? What could it be? What are it's functions? How can they be used? What are those little things inside it, and why are they bent the way they are when they come out? Could it be a device of torcher? Maybe it was once used as a Tracking mechanism. Someone would have one of those placed in their skin to show they belonged to some group of secret, pain loving, people. What do you think?
     Think of other objects, items, or places.  Tell me your story in the comments below, or send me an e-mail. I would love to hear from you.

Character Tid-Bits

     Character development is an interesting thing. I find that it is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding steps you can take in writing a story. Some characters are easier for me to understand and develop (Nero Kelldonis, Pyralis, Mr. Burswood), whereas some are so difficult to portray (Claire, Invidia, Devin). I believe it has something to do with my own personality and similar/different characteristics I share with each character. Sad to say, but I understand the demons much better than I understand the humans or angels. So if I am ever asked if I am an Angel or Demon supporter. The answer will be clear. As much as I love my steamy Angel, Demon, and Human love triangle. I will forever and always be a lover of the Bad Boy (Shout out to my Reformed Bad Boy Husband!)
     I will now share some little secrets to how I do my character development. I think to myself, and pretend I am a news reporter/TV interviewer, and my characters are doing an exclusive on themselves. Naturally, the most embarrassing, frustrating, down to basics questions will be asked.
What is your name, and what does it mean?
Where and when were you born? (A very interesting question to ask an Angel and a Demon)
What is one of your favorite childhood memories? Why?
What is one of your least favorite childhood memories? Why?
What is your family like? How many people are in your family? What are their names, ages, characteristics? (Again a good one for the A & D crowd)
What is your favorite color? Why?
How would you describe yourself? How you look? (An interesting take on what they look like)
What are your hobbies?
What are your favorite foods? Why?
What are your least favorite foods? Why?
If you could be anyone, who would you be? Why?
Describe your perfect date.
What do you look for in your significant other? Why?
What is your favorite season? Why?
What is your least favorite season? Why?
What would you like to accomplish in your life?
     I really get into any and every question I can think of to answer for these. And then once I have my "Official Reporter Question List" complete. I swap my role for one of my characters. For example.... I will use Nero Kelldonis. Since he really wants attention right now.
" I am Nero Kelldonis. Meaning in your human tongue, Strongest Lord of Lust. This should be plain to see, but because you are merely a human I will look past your idiocy.
  I can see you know nothing of Demons, or you would know this question already. Demons were born from a selfish decision. A choice presented, and a choice made. Damning you to the Darkness.
  I have no childhood. But I have memories. Dark tormented memories. Visions of evil corruption that a human like you couldn't bare to witness. I could share them with you. And it would bring me great pleasure to see you writhe in sheer agony, however, I will not. For I have no time for the likes of you.
  There is no family for me. Not in the past world. Not in this world. Not in the worlds to come. Families are not creations for the dark world.
  It has only been recently that I have seen colors. But to choose one that I fancy. I still like the dark. Dark Blue, Dark Grey, Black. I am comfortable with these colors. They have been around me since I can remember. Besides, I look good in them.
  I am Nero Kelldonis. I am the most beautiful, attractive man you will ever encounter. To see me is to experience ecstasy. I am perfection itself. You will never find another as my equal.
  Hobbies? I am not familiar with this word. However, if you are asking me what I do for pleasure. That is easy. I seduce Man, for that is why I am. I Nero Kelldonis was created for the destruction of Human kind through the Mighty Sin Lust. And I like what I do.
  My dear human. You are my food. Your deepest darkest desires. Your carnal energy. I crave it. I need it. But I must admit, to be forever bound to disgusting humans repulses me to the core. Such a detestable race.
  Am I to laugh? Such a question as this. Who would I like to be? It is very clear. There is no one better than myself. I should think this will be everyone's answer to this question. If not they are highly confused and should be slain.
  A date? As in those ridiculous excuses for humans to pair up and succumb to my tempting? Intertwining each other for my enjoyment. I would never participate in such foolish actions. Though, I am willing to give you any such evening if it would mean a tasty snack for me.
  I see no reason to have a significant other. Why would I trap myself in a relationship where there are so many delicious morsels falling at my feet, dying for my taste.
  Seasons? Don't be ridiculous.
  I, Nero Kelldonis, am what I am, and that is all I will ever be. For there is nothing greater than myself."
     Now. There is yet another trick to this development thing. As "straight forward" as Nero Kelldonis may say he is. As the Author and Creator of him, I know some things about him that he would never admit to anyone. Especially a nosy reporter (like me). So Step Two for the "Character Development Question List"... Give the real answer. Yes, some of the answers are as real as you can get, but some are not. For example, again I will use Nero Kelldonis. He states in his answers that he has no desire for dates. The real answer to the question is, Kelldonis has always wanted to go on a date that has NOT ended in Lust. He has watched them as he tried to tempt, and was always thoroughly interested in dates that contained wholesome activities and little to no physical/sexual interaction.
     Also, he says "Seasons are ridiculous." Well, don't tell him I said this, but he absolutely loves Fall. Something about how the trees change colors, the air grows cold, and the world prepares for a new stage of existence. Give him the belief that he can change. That despite his past, there is a way to make the changes to become something new and fresh. Yeah I know, he is a real romantic.
     And finally, the real answer to his significant other. I actually don't know. You see. I may know him better than anyone else. But that doesn't mean I know ALL of his secrets. And that is okay. What is a romantic Demon bad boy without his mystery?
     The point is to know most everything about them. Just like you do your best friend. You don't know everything. But you do know most. Know their past. Did something tragic happen to them as a kid? Do they not like dogs because they were bitten when they were three? I know that this is about your character in a book, but if you know them as well as you should, even if you don't put all that in your story, it will be easier to write your story. You will know the moment a choice comes in your book, which way your character will go. Why they went that way. It will be that much easier. Instead of trying to figure them out as you go.
     I hope that this was informative. If not for the advice, then you at least got a little sneak peek into Nero Kelldonis. Trust me. When he is a famous movie star you will be so glad you read this.

Slacker

     I have to admit. I have been a big time slacker lately.
     I mentioned how I was having hauntings from my book that kept me up. Well, I wrote about a paragraph just to get them to stop. And I haven't written since. If I keep this up; my book will never be finished, and I will be haunted again. I don't want either of those to happen. So I really need to step up my game.
     Also, I need to really work on my time management skills. It is so difficult running a home with two rambunctious kids and be my creative self. Google here I come! I have to find a better way to plan my life or it is going to plan itself without me.
     Lets see. I really don't know quite what to say at this moment. My kids are going crazy. And I am concerned about the life of the couch if they continue their sofa-harassment. So I am going to leave you all with a short little story. Just to appease you and keep you wanting more.

    

Black Velvet

It wasn't like it would last forever. There were only twenty three beautifully luring masterpieces to fasten my sights upon for hours on end. So why do I feel so low and ashamed of my true state of being? Am I really that pathetic in nature that I would stoop to dwelling on or in some other dreamer's fantasy? I recall a day when my life was full of adventure. There were some that claimed I was loco and should be contained. If only I remained so wild and free that I could live in some world beyond my own reality all my days. Yet it is beaten out of you when you are still young and helpless. That world slips away. Leaving despair and misery in its absence. At times I still find a small part of that world lingers, clinging to my soul like frail fibers of a silky web weaved by a mist dwelling delicate spider. He comes from that world. And he will always stay by my side. I can feel his presence, and sometimes his warmth. Though he is not, well, real... in a tangible sense. But he is there calling to me, soothing me, stirring feelings in my heart, and placing never ending wishes in my mind. My breath catches in my chest when I feel his presence about me. I shiver with his non-existing breath on the nape of my neck. Bumps caress my skin when he speaks in his slow whisper. Fantasies can be dangerous. They make you want things. They make you crazy with want. And what do you do with those feelings unquenchable and overpowering. Feelings so hot you get a fever for nights. Feelings so deep you feel your lungs struggle for air. Feelings so perfect. It is all you can do to close your eyes and let him take over. For once your eyes close and your body, mind, and soul soften to the dark stage that awaits, you are his. He controls you. Your feelings, rage, passion, fear, sadness, lust, determination, anything you feel belong to him. You are his puppet, a toy he grasps with his powerful but enticing grip. A doll that he talks to, dresses, undresses, plays with, and touches, that is what you are. But there could be worse things. He gives you a world of fantastical sensations. Would you rather the life you live? The weight of too many fast food meals, the pale blemished body you are caged in, the raspy voice, the difficult hair, the uncontrollably painful memory of your past. You would give up Him, for that? No, I say. He is everything, and he can have me. And I freely say, take me into your arms and never let me go. And my eyelids will forever drape me in black velvet.

Contemplating Things

     Today I was thinking about music and the influences it has on my mood. Yeah, I know that is a really deep thing to be thinking about, but what can I say. Sometimes I can be deep. Sometimes. Anyways, music.
     I listen to music a lot during the day. When I am writing I have a special playlist I listen too. It contains some of the most epic songs I can think of (soundtracks to movies like: X-Men First Class, Pirates of the Caribbean, I am Legend.) and songs that are from amazing videogames. Ultimately it is awesome! There are a lot of classical pieces sprinkled in there as well. That list shot-puts my imagination into hyper drive. I can't help but write masterfully while listening to it.
     I have a playlist that I listen to when I am angry, a playlist for romantic, and a playlist for active dance.
     Music is amazing in it's ability to transform moods. I tried to explain this to my mother one day. She was upset with something I was listening to on YouTube because of the "scary evil monster" depiction the soundtrack had on the video. My headphones were in, so she only had the picture to go by and that alone branded the song as evil. I took my headphones out of the computer to let my mom hear the evil music, and she liked the soft tender sounds she heard. I then sat down with her explaining I was looking for a mood I needed for my book. She didn't understand. So I played different songs for her with different feelings. She felt sad, happy, scared, excited, and calm in a rapid succession along with the music. I told her this is how I write. If I know there is a battle brewing in my novel, I put on a heavy beat and a trumpeting exciting theme. If there  is a romantic sad parting. I know which songs to turn to. Music is truly amazing.
     Yet another thing I want to be involved in when my novel is a movie. I want my book, my movie to be as epic as the ones I chose to add to my playlist. When someone hears the theme, I want an instant light bulb to ignite, and the people will shout out my novel's name. And the crowd will cheer!
     Yeah. I get excited thinking about it. Okay. this is short. And there is no story involved, but I will assure you. If you explore the different types of music in this world. There are so many different ways to feel. Good luck with your explorations.

Day two of this adventure

     Last night I was haunted by my novel. This happens when I don't write in it for a long period of time, say, like two weeks. My characters tend to frequent my dreams and disrupt them. They like to be center of attention. So they visit me to remind me how much the world needs them. It is humorous really. I think I would get more sleep if I stayed up all night writing than if I try to sleep with their hauntings. Today I wasn't able to write any, so I am sure tonight will be a sleepless one.
     I did manage a nap today, however, so maybe I can write some while the little ones are sleeping.
     A few more facts about me. I like to watch reality shows. Some of my frequently visited shows would be: America's Next Top Model (I like to watch the photo shoots, I could live without the drama), Face Off (I would love to dapple in that. When my books are movies I will get that chance. Naturally I want to be apart of bringing my characters to life in a different media.), Project Runway (Some of the outfits I would love to buy and wear. What can I say? They are up my ally.). I also watch some paranormal shows. I started that for my novel, but it is really interesting. I must say I like the shows that don't have background music to bring suspense. I like it more when I can listen really carefully and hear what they hear before they bring your attention to it. One of the shows I enjoy is Ghost Adventures. I have thought about going to an actual "Ghost Hunt" but I have a few qualms about it. First. I have no one that wants to go with me. They all don't like "scary" things. Second. I am almost certain something would come home with me. I am just that likeable. But as much as I would like having some clinging spirits tormenting me, I would rather not submit my children to that. Besides Nero Kelldonis is enough demon for me right now. Having him in my head is such a great joy.
     I know I sound like all I do is watch shows. It is a lie. I actually don't watch TV at all, and if I watch a show, it is on hulu or youtube. But that is rare.
     I do read a lot. I don't ever want to have no time to read. So I make time for it. And to add to that. I like to physically read books. Yeah, I will read the occasional book on the computer, my phone, or some electronic device. But nothing will replace the feeling I get sitting in a chair or on the couch flipping page after page. Reading a whole novel in one day. Picking up another. Sigh. Good times.
     For those of you concerned about my husband. He is doing fine. He was on guard duty today so he was really tired. Had to stay up all night. I don't know what he was guarding. He didn't say. And I don't ask. I do like to imagine that he is one of those secret agent types. The ones that are always in great danger, but will simply say their day was tough when they talk to their spouse. Yes, that is what my man would actually say to me. He would be this situation and say that.

"Tell us. Where can we find the Emery Chip?"
     His body ached from the torcher it had endured the last three days. Eyes swollen from beatings. He could taste iron from his own blood in his crippled mouth. They expected an answer today. But he knew it would go with him to his grave. Foggy though it was, his mind slipped back to his family. They would never see him again. If he could have cried he might have, but then, he wouldn't. It would do no good. What lie would they send with the news of his death? All his wife knew about his "job", was he worked on army vehicles and filled them with gas. He chucked then grimaced at the thought of men in uniform explaining he was crushed in some accident with a large backhoe.
     A heavy muscular hand slammed against his temple, shattering his thoughts and shaking his stomach with writhing nausea. "You think this is funny?" furious, Vagner Houghvandorm, was loosing patience. Something he claimed to have in spades when they had captured him a few nights ago. "I am through with this game. It is obvious you are simply a simpleton and know nothing of what I am seeking. Thus you are of no use to me anymore." The stately man stood from his cushioned chair adjacent to the soldier. "Dispose of him." Houghvandorm was through playing with his mouse. The game was over.
     He sunk his head sending a prayer to his family and his friends. Wishing them to be happy and safe. Hoping his actions would never find them.
     In this state he could distinctly hear something. A ringing besides the familiar one he had had from the last few strikes. A beep. A second beep. Rapid beeping. A bomb!
     With his last strength he flipped his chair over tossing himself to the floor away from the soon to be blast. Befuddled the tormenters had no time to act when the bomb blasted through a wall sending debris slicing through the room. A virtual onslaught of death.
     Someone walked through the makeshift door. Stepping hard on the rumble cluttering the floor. "Always saving your butt." it was Claymore, the devil himself. "You look awful."
"Yeah, well, you took your sweet time getting here."
"Always do."
     More footfalls, and another familiar voice. "You ladies going to patty cake all day, or are we going to blast our way out of this rat hole?" Agent  Gould was testy as always. You'd think that woman would love her job. Blowing things up for fun.
     Claymore swept the soldier up in his strong arms quickly. "Okay, lets get you out'a here princess."
"Remind me to wipe that grin off your face when we are done with this." he gritted the words out. It was all he could do for the meantime to not faint from the pain. That would be all this group of mercenaries would need. He would be ruined in the field forever.
     Later in the infirmary. He dialed his wife's number from memory into the hospital cell. She wouldn't be able to call him back with this number, but she knew that she couldn't call him. Her phone didn't work over seas anyways.
     It rang. He sighed when he heard her voice she uses for strangers. He liked to tease her about it. Heaven help her she sounded like a sex hotline girl when she talked to strangers on the phone. It wasn't her fault. She tried to disguise it when he brought it to her attention, but it only made it worse. She turned him on. "Hey honey. It's me."
     The stranger voice was gone. Replaced with the sweet natured concerned voice he loved just as much. She missed him. She loved him. The kids were fine. Everything at home was good. She wanted to know how he was. How was he? He looked at his busted ribs and fractured arm. He chuckled into the phone. She was concerned. She knew that chuckle. "Yeah, I had a hard day. The soldiers I am in charge of were misbehaving again. And kept breaking things. I am in the hospital now because of some minor thing. Don't worry. I am fine." The conversation had to be short, but he could hear the kids in the background getting rambunctious anyways. His wife would have to take care of them anyways. "I love you. Talk to you soon. Bye" Again he wanted to cry. But that would never happen.

     Okay, so I don't wish that on my husband. Though he does bring about a lot of ideas. I tell him about some of them, and he often laughs about it. Who knows, he might just be covering up.
     Well, I am going to end this here. Hope you enjoyed my story.

About Me

     I am just starting this blog. Thanks to some well needed advice, from an amazing author (Miss Jenni James). I will be in her debt.
     I don't know if what I have to say will mean anything to anyone besides me, but I will never know until I try.
     A little about me. I was born in California, however, my family shortly afterwards moved to a small town called Nephi in Utah. I graduated High School as a Wasp from Juab High. Went to College at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. Graduated with an Associates Degree majoring in Fine Arts. I got married to an amazing man in the Manti LDS Temple. And we have two beautiful children. At the moment, my husband is stationed in South Korea with the Army. My kids and I are staying with my parents. Since my husband has been gone, I went to school at Collor My Nails Institute of Nail Technology in SLC, Utah. I graduated and followed up by getting licensed with the state of Utah as a Certified Nail Technician. Which means I can give manicures, pedicures, and do acrylic nails. I always liked to paint nails, and so I decided to become licensed in it. Other than that, I paint acrylic, oil, and watercolor paintings, read a lot of books, and am writing my own novel.
     If you ask what my novel is about, I tend to go overboard in defining it. I just get a little zealous in my explanation. To put it in a simple way. My novel is based after the Apocalypse. It is a story of love and lust, war and peace, and angels and demons. Sounds exciting huh. Well it is. I intend to publish this book. And I know it will stand it's own against some of those great names out there. Trust me. My characters will settle for nothing less than the best.
     I have other story ideas as well. Most of my ideas, including my novel Apocalypse: Usifrim, came from dreams I have had. Every time I have a dream that really gets my heart pumping or my mind racing, begging for more, I write it down. I find it is best to do it right when I wake up, or the dream is gone. Yes, some of them are complete ridiculous fluff, but I still write them down. Who knows. Ridiculous fluff might be the thing someday. And I will be ready for it with a great story.
     I will end this now. Though maybe I will give you a taste of some of my book. Just to spark your interest.

Apocalypse: Usifrim- Excerpt from Chapter 2

'I didn't want to see, I didn't want them to see. I turned from the group to face the wall behind me. What was this feeling? An overpowering emotion filled with delight for the misfortune of our class representative. No. This was not my emotion. It was something else, someone else. Get out of my head. I thought, trying to place as much emphasis on each word that I could muster. Get out!
     You wanted me here. It replied. You feel left out because your so called friends hear only one of us. You hear us all. You are special. Don't push us away; we want to stay with you forever. The voice grew louder, no, there were multiples. I couldn't think. My mind was being taken over. The voices placed such hatred and pain inside of me. I had to shake them. I had to get away.
"Claire." A hand was placed on my shoulder. It was hot and cold at the same time. I know that hand. "Claire. They cannot control you without your permission. They have no ability to manifest in this place without being sanctioned." It was Pyralis. His flaming power filled me giving my mind light to see the falsehoods being implanted by wayward demons. I grew strong with a flaming glow and stood from a crouched position I had not noticed I was in. "Send them out." His words burned. I could almost see the multitudes of shadows being scorched from my consciousness. Go. Go now!'