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Category: General Posts

Drama: The Rebel Princess

When I’m not writing, I love watching dramas. One of my favorites this year is The Rebel Princess, a Chinese costume drama, starring Zhang Zi Yi and Zhou Yi Wei. I’d first seen Zhang Zi Yi in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Zhou Yi Wei was a new actor to me. Together they portrayed Awu and Xiao Qi, two individuals with strong convictions.

There were so many wonderful elements:

  • Acting – Stellar. The characters were complex. I found myself even feeling remorse for some of the villains.
  • Cinematography – Each episode was like a gorgeous movie.
  • Costumes – Detailed and exquisite. There are so many beautiful pieces.
  • Soundtrack- The intro alone is fantastic. Each part of the soundtrack is rich and memorable.
  • Writing – Incredible. I was often on the edge, eager to find out what would happen.

This was a spectacular drama. The competition was fierce. I could tell because by episode 65, so many characters featured in the intro had died. ??

Fortunately, the show wasn’t difficult to locate because all the episodes were officially on YouTube. While it consisted of 68 episodes, it was well-worth the time. Don’t worry. This drama had a happy ending.

Perfect Writing Playlists

While I’m writing, I listen to a little bit of everything. Check out my Soundcloud playlists!

Music for Chilling 1 – Electric Rock, Dream Pop

Music for Chilling 2 – Electric Rock, Ambient

Music for Chilling 3 – Trance, Progressive Trance

Music for Chilling 4 – Trip Hop, Ambient, Down Tempo

Attack on Titan: Eren and Gabi Analysis

As of today, I’ve watched all available episodes of Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin), an action/dark fantasy/post-apocalyptic anime. While the series has many interesting characters, the best discussions have taken place about Eren Yeager and Gabi Braun. The below video, by WordyBlerd, is an excellent analysis of Eren and Gabi. I understand why these two operate as they do but, in complicated circumstances like the ones in the series, the reasons for their actions matter.

My perspective is that, with all the horrors they’ve had to endure, Eren is more confident. Gabi, however, is brash and loud, which can look like confidence. Most societies cater to people who are extroverted and confuse being loud with being confident/informed/right.

In terms of strong character similarities, I believe Reiner Braun and Eren are the most alike and in more than superficial ways. Both Reiner and Eren are driven, but that doesn’t make them ignore the circumstances. They’re able to pivot and accept new truths. By the way, it’s interesting that Reiner’s name encompasses Eren. Maybe that’s an accident, but it still fascinates me.

At any rate, there are still more episodes in this fourth and final season. I’ve been watching the anime, but I’m planning on diving back into the manga. A show with this much conflict and depth must have more layers to explore in the books. When it’s all said and done, who knows how I’ll feel?

Happy New Year! It’s 2021!

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I cannot believe it’s 2021! I’m so excited about what I have planned:

  • Publish The Agitator’s Code: Ledani Moons this summer.
  • Finish revising The Architect’s Guardian: Awakening.
  • Keep revising The Balance Series.
  • Prepare other tidbits. 😉

Winter 2020 Story Updates

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Winter has arrived, tempting me to wrap myself in a thick blanket and continue writing. Here are my plans for this season.

Balance: This series is still a priority, but I’m shifting my focus to my other stories for a while.

The Architect’s Guardian: I’m almost ready for the next step with Awakening, book one of this series. That means sending it to an editor.

The Agitator’s Code: The first book in this series, Vaironian Tides, is available! Purchase an ebook or paperback at these retailers. I’m revising my manuscript for the second book, which is titled Ledani Moons.

Happy New Year! It's 2020!

I’m so excited about 2020! Here’s some of what I have in mind:

  • Publish Vaironian Tides this summer.
  • Continue working on its sequel.
  • Revise Balance.
Happy New Year, 2020, and the roaring twenty twenty in gold on a black background.

Happy Dragon Age Day!

It’s Dragon Age Day! When I’m not writing, one of the ways I relax is by playing video games. BioWare’s Dragon Age Series has become a favorite of mine. It has such rich lore that pulls you into the complicated realm of Thedas.

Since the first game was released in 2009, the series has grown in popularity. December 4th became the day for fans to celebrate these incredible role-playing games.

I’ve enjoyed the three releases, with “Dragon Age: Inquisition” being the most engaging for me. Why? It has my favorite romance options! Cullen Stanton Rutherford and Solas drew my attention the most. By the way, Solas stomped all over my Inquisitor’s heart. LOLSOB!

I look forward to the next game in the series. In the meantime, here’s one of my characters, Zahra Lavellan. She’s handling business, by kicking this clown out the window!

Zahra Lavellan, my elven Inquisitor

Happy New Year! It’s 2019!

I hope 2019 gets off to a great start and just keeps getting better. I’m excited about what’s ahead for me, like finishing the first draft of The Architect’s Guardian. 

There will be much more info too, including some fantastic publishing news later this year!

Mass Effect Andromeda: My Benefactor Fan Theory

BioWare released Mass Effect Andromeda one year ago. I have a fan theory about this wonderful game, which I’ve played multiple times. One of the most intriguing mysteries is about the Benefactor. That person hasn’t been identified. Could it be more than one person acting as an entity? I don’t know if we’ll get that question answered. Even if we find out more, I decided to have some fun and create a fan theory!

  • The Benefactor is a Rogue Reaper, who wanted to save the Milky Way species.
  • The Reaper contacted Liara T’Soni and convinced her to help.
  • Liara, as the Shadow Broker, recruited those who’d lead the Andromeda Initiative.

I’m not sure if there will be a sequel, but MEA has so much potential. I truly hope we get a chance to find out what happens.

My MEA Character

My MEA Character

Writing Resource: Scrivener

I use Scrivener to organize my writing. Recently, I took a webinar about Scrivener 3, for Mac OS. The updates I saw made me eager to get the newest version. I’m looking forward to the changes for the Windows OS.

Scrivener Software

Scrivener Software