Category: General Posts

I stumbled onto an awesome Twitter thread about internal monologues. I absolutely have an inner monologue. I love it. It’s one of the things that has kept me out of trouble, usually. Also, it’s great for fueling stories. “I won’t do [X] in this situation, but if my character did…Hmmm.”

I didn’t realize there was a more formal name for this phenomenon for quite a while. Also, I believed it was something everyone did. It seemed to help me imagine a variety of scenarios and pick the best option. Usually, that worked out well, though I sometimes wonder if I was too cautious and missed interesting opportunities. Regardless, it’s an ability I’m glad I have.

Finding that thread sparked a series of revelations. I recommend reading it. The conversation is fascinating and I always enjoy insights about how people think.

I’ve continued watching Attack on Titan, an action/dark fantasy/post-apocalyptic anime. While the series has many compelling characters, Eren Yeager is the center of attention. See my previous post.

The below video, by WordyBlerd, is an excellent analysis of Eren and how he handles Paradis. The Surveys Corps‘ largest mistake is not understanding Eren’s fundamental core. Much of that is typical in a militaristic structure. And, in general, even when you’re valuable to an organization, it can crush your spirit. As a result, you might cling to it and crave approval. That method of control, however, doesn’t work when someone has a strong compass, regardless of the person’s ultimate goals.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Here are some of my favorite romantic books, dramas, and movies that feature incredible and loving relationships.

Books:

• Drag Me Up – This is a bold and vivid retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, written by R.M. Virtues. See my full review here.
• Slippery Creatures – K.J. Charles, who writes historical romance, brings us Will Darling and Kim Secretan. See my full review here.

Drama Series:

• The Rebel Princess – Back in May 2021, I made a post about this fantastic drama. The couple in this show navigate daunting challenges where so many people around them are scheming.
• You Are My Glory – I’ve enjoyed other dramas with Dilraba Dilmurat and Yang Yang. Seeing them act together is sublime.

Movies:

• Love Jones – The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, even as their stubbornness threatens to derail their love.
• That Touch of Mink – This is a great romantic comedy starring Cary Grant and Doris Day. You really can’t beat a classic.

It’s 2022! I’m so excited about what I have planned:

• Publish The Agitator’s Code: Tildari Sunrises this fall.
• Finish revising The Architect’s Guardian: Awakening.
• Keep revising The Balance Series.
• Prepare other tidbits. 😉

I keep my yearly reading challenge between 20 to 30 books. That gives me time to enjoy quite a few stories, while also writing my own books. Here’s some of what I’ve read!