The Behind the Scenes Writing Tag

 Here we are with yet another tag. Goodness, there are quite a number of them circulating lately, aren't there? This one, however, gives you a behind the scenes peek into how I go about my writing process. I was tagged by the marvelous Annie of Curious Wren. And if you haven't heard me say it before, go thee hence and check out her blog and Twitter.

Now, to divulge my writerly secrets.

Is there a certain snack you like to eat while writing? Chocolate, anyone? *waves a bag of chocolate chips*

When do you normally write? Night, afternoon, or morning? I write whenever I can: morning, afternoon, and night. It really depends on when I actually have inspiration flowing through my veins and when I actually have enough time to focus down and write something good. I really do need to work on having a set aside time for writing, though. Having just started a new job and with the ever increasing busyness of life, I think it might help.

Where do you write? Due to some wrist problems that I really do not want to develop any further, I try to do my writing either at my desk or the kitchen table. I have been known to rebel from this strategy and write while lying on my stomach on the floor or my bed.

How often do you write a new novel? Yes, pour salt into my wounds! What do I care?! *recovers her composure* It is with much sadness that I admit to only having finished two novels during my entire 10+ years of writing. I finished a rather shabby western novel/novella during NaNoWriMo in 2010. That was my first fully completed work. I was so proud of it. *deep sigh* Sadly, it isn't as good as I used to think. Though, I still love the characters and general plot. Someday, I'm going revamp it and rewrite it. My second completed novel was finished this April. *happy sigh* I'm still rather pleased with it. It's actual novel length and, even though I know there are a number of things that need polishing and fixing up, I'm mostly pleased with it. I'm currently between novels. My plans for my WWI novel aren't mapping out how I want them to and I'm considering setting that aside for the time being. I'm drifting.... What was the actual question again? Oh, right. Well, since enforcing self control in this area last year, I try to wait to start my next novel until I've finished the one I'm working on. So, roughly about one novel a year would be my estimate, as long as I don't start wandering from project to project.

Do you listen to music while you write? I'm a pendulum when it comes to this subject. Some days, I can't listen to anything while I write. And then others, I have to be listening to something. It can be lyrical or instrumental, but it has to be something. I can remember one night, during Camp NaNoWriMo this April, where I only listened to "The Causeway" and "Natasha" from Henry Jackman's score from Captain America: The Winter Soldier on repeat. Thank you, Spotify.

What do you write on? Laptop or paper? My laptop. I started my writing career out on a really ancient PC and when that died, I transferred everything to the family laptop. My parents bought me my own laptop when I was about eleven so I could do school and my writing on there. I am on my third laptop since that day and I still do the bulk of my writing on it. I can write on paper. I just don't like having to type it up when I need to add it to what I have written on the computer, and then having to write out what I've written on my computer so I can continue it on paper. And my wrist isn't too fond of it either. But, I have great respect and admiration for people who write their entire manuscripts by hand. Three cheers for longhand writers! *passes out free chocolate*

Is there a special ritual you have before or after you write? *Olaf face* Nope!

What do you do to get into the mood to write? Well, considering I'm rarely in the mood not to write, I suppose a nice five minutes gazing at the Pinterest board for my story usually gets me inspired. "Wait, has it already been forty minutes? But... but I just logged in...."

What is always near the place you write? Food. Water. Paper and pens, in case I need to free write a character's backstory or something. Sweaters. *whispers* My phone.

Do you have a reward system for your word count? As of right now, no. Is it a good idea? Yes. Will I implement such a system? I should... BUT I LOVE MY CHOCOLATE!

Is there anything about your writing process that others might not know about? I'm a turtle writer. Who, tragically, rarely writes 1,000 words a day. *goes off and cries in a corner* This is why NaNoWriMo is good for me. I get motivated and determined to reach my daily word count so I keep going until all hours to get it done. Plus, I now have the added knowledge of having reached my goal word count for NaNo twice. "Way to add more pressure on yourself, girl."

 And now I shall go about tagging people. *happy smile*

I tag: Elisabeth Grace Foley @ The Second Sentence || Emily Ann Putzke @ Taking Dictation || Mara Jane Adams @ Storywind Bridge || Suzannah Rowntree @ Vintage Novels

 Oh, and even if I didn't tag you but you feel inclined to do the tag, do so by all means. :)

The Questions:

– Is there a certain snack you like to eat while writing?

– When do you normally write? Night, afternoon, or morning?

– Where do you write?

– How often do you write a new novel?

– Do you listen to music while you write?

– What do you write on? Laptop or paper?

– Is there a special ritual you have before or after you write?

– What do you do to get into the mood to write?

– What is always near the place you write?

– Do you have a reward system for your word count?

– Is there anything about your writing process that others might not know about?

So, what does your writing process involve? Are there any fellow turtle writers out there? Also, anyone participating in NaNoWriMo next month?

The 7/7/7 Challenge

images via Pinterest, collage put together by me

  So, way back in August Emily Ann Putzke of Taking Dictation tagged me for the 7/7/7 challenge and then in mid September Annie of Curious Wren tagged me for it as well. My original plan was to wait until I could do it for The Point of No Return (my WWI novel), but, because I've encountered some hiccups with that WIP, I'm just going to go ahead and do it for my western short story The Gunfighter.

  Briefly, the 7/7/7 challenge works like this: I go to the seventh page of my manuscript, count down seven lines, and then share the next seven below that here with you guys. Oh, and I'm also supposed to tag seven people. Fun, right?

The seven lines:

   I could feel the disapproving eyes of Mrs. Reilly on me even as my fingers curled around the handle. I ran a finger along the glistening barrel. I’d never held a gun like this before. Only on the rarest of occasions would Uncle Jem let me carry his rifle for him and then it wasn’t even loaded.

      “Don’t touch the trigger,” Holt warned.

   I shook my head. “No, sir, Mr. Trevor.”

      “How’d you find out my name?”

___

  I'm not entirely certain who to tag since most of the people I follow have already done the tag, so I have a different idea. Instead of choosing seven people, I tag all of you— the people who read this corner of the blogosphere and follow me by email, Google Friend Connect, or plain old fashioned bookmark. If you are a writer, you're tagged. Just make sure you leave a comment with the link to your post in the comment section on this post so I can go read your seven lines and check out your blog. Sound good? Excellent. I can't wait to read your seven lines!

Curious Wren Blog Party Tag

 My Twitter writing friend Annie Hawthorne set up shop in the blogosphere the other week. Curious Wren, her blog, promises to be filled with reading and writing chats of epic proportions and I heartily recommend that you hop over there and get acquainted. She gave away stuff- sorry, this didn't go up soon enough to advertise the giveaway- and has created this wonderful book-themed blog tag.

1. What was the last book you read, and would you recommend it? The last book I finished was It Took a War by Emily Ann Putzke— a Civil War story of growing up and family relationships. I would heartily recommend it to people of all ages. It's a good one.

2. Describe the perfect reading spot. Well... it all depends on the weather and amount of insects infesting my backyard. When it's warm out, there is nothing quite like sprawling out on a quilt in the backyard and burying yourself in a good book. But if insect and weather forbids, I will read pretty much anywhere inside the house— at my desk, on the floor, on the sofa, on my bed, on my parent's bed, or sitting on the kitchen counter.

3. Favorite book beverage? Tea? Coffee? Hot chocolate? Tears of your readers? Again, it really depends on the weather. I have been known to drink all of those while reading and writing. Well, except for that last one. ;)

4. Share favorite quotes from four books.
   "Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing." - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

   "They were right upon him, a thunder of hooves that seemed to fill the universe; black manes streaming against the sky; the team that he had called his brothers, only two days ago. He hurled his shield clanging among them, and side-stepped, looking up into the grey face of Cradoc, the charioteer. For one splinter of a time their eyes met in something that was almost a salute, a parting salute between two who might have been friends; then Marcus leapt in under the spearman's descending thrust, upward and sideways across the chariot bow." - The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff

   "He floated out, and I leaped three feet. A dashed difficult thing to do, when you're sitting in an armchair, but I managed it.
   "'Jeeves!' I yelled.
   "But he had gone, leaving not a wrack behind." - The Code of the Woosters by P. G. Wodehouse

   "We make art because we like art. We're drawn to certain kinds of work because we're inspired by people doing that work. All fiction, in fact, is fan fiction." - Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

5. What is your most loved fantasy read? Dystopia? Contemporary? Sci-fi? Classic? My favorite fantasy would definitely have to be The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis. I love that book. Dystopia? I don't think I've ever read anything that classifies in that genre. There are a few I am considering trying at some point, though. Contemporary? Excuse me, while I wrack my brain for a moment. Ummm... I don't think I have a favorite contemporary novel. I have only read a few and those didn't strike me well enough to become a favorite. Better read up on that genre too. Sic-fi? *raises hand* Does Freddy and the Flying Saucer Plans by Walter R. Brooks count? That is one of my favorites from the whole Freddy the Pig series. Classic? Dear me. There are too many to count. I recently finished Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens and that made my favorites list, so I'd like to mention it. I also have great affection for Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.

6. List three authors you’ve collected the most books from. First, without a shadow of doubt, is Agatha Christie. I have three volumes of five-in-one editions, a slew of old paperback editions, and a mix of reprints. Second, is Brock and Bodie Thoene. I own their WWII series and I'm missing only one book from their Zion Chronicles series. Third, would probably have to be Marguerite Henry.

7. What are your thoughts on magic in literature? I am still sorting my thoughts out on this. I was fine with the way C.S. Lewis handled magic in his Chronicles of Narnia. He was very definite about good and evil, and I like those lines to be very clear. Tolkien handled it pretty well, too. Overall, though, I don't run into magic a lot in literature because I mainly read historical fiction.

8. What types of book covers capture your imagination most strongly? Feel free to include images. Oh, I do love a good book cover! Anyone else go to Barnes & Noble to gape at the beautiful covers of the new releases? Or spend hours drooling on Goodreads? Well, I firmly believe a good cover is essential to any book's success. Let's face it, if you like the cover there is a higher chance you're going to pick it up and read the back cover blurb. I have enjoyed some of the newer covers I've spotted over the last year. There has been a trend towards minimalistic covers and I've loved a number of those. But, I'm usually pretty varied. I just cannot stand most book covers from the 1970s/80s/90s. Sorry. Just, no. Here are a few covers that have captured my attention. (Quick disclaimer: I haven't read two of these books and, therefore, can't say whether I would recommend or endorse them. If I've read it, I'll post the link to my review or Goodreads rating below.)

pictures via Goodreads

My review of The Prince of Fishes

My rating of The 39 Steps

9. Mention the first book character that comes to mind. Elaborate on this. Richard Hannay. I think this is heavily influenced by the fact that I just posted the cover of The 39 Steps above and my mother just finished reading the book. Anyhow, he was a good chap in that book and I am on the hunt for the second book in John Buchan's Richard Hannay Series.

10. Do you lend out your books? Or is that the equivalent to giving away your babies? I have only lent out a book to someone outside of my family once. Let's just say I anxiously awaited its safe return. Generally, I don't go around letting people borrow my books. Well, to be honest, I've only been asked if someone could borrow a book once. I prefer not to.

Wodehousian Medicine (aka The Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award)

A few weeks back Emily Ann Putzke of Taking Dictation tagged me with The Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. It has taken me far too long to put this together but here it is.

1. Post a paragraph or a stanza of your latest writing project. (I guess that wasn't really a question ... will you please post a paragraph or stanza?) My newest writing project is currently in the outlining stage of things and so I don't really have a nice juicy paragraph for you. I'll give you one from Lee Ames instead.
 Colin snatched a croissant off the a la carte tier of serving plates. “I am not scheduled to fly until tomorrow night. So, I thought I would hop on the train and spend today and tomorrow morning with my favorite people. Ropery Street is as dull as tombs when you are alone. There is no one to hear me play Minnie the Moocher.” He winked at Gilbert who giggled.


2. Do you prefer writing with pens or pencils? Probably pens, although I do like to pull out my mechanical pencils every now and again.

3. What is one blog/blogger that inspires you to write? Please share why and provide a link! I am going to have to go with Elisabeth Grace Foley of The Second Sentence. I have been following The Second Sentence since its first day and her previous blog before that. It is because of her I discovered some of my favorite movies and books. By the way, she writes wonderful books herself. You should go check them out. I wrote a review for one of them here.

4. Are you scared of spiders or do you think they are fun pets? I do not like spiders. The tiny ones don't scare me too much, but make them big and hairy... *shudders*

5. Would you prefer to own a dog or a cat better (if any)? A dog. Cats and I don't get along very well. Okay, okay, I'm terrified of them. I am definitely more of a dog person.

6. Do you know any languages besides English and are there any other languages you would like to learn? No, I don't. I took Latin during high school but I am not proficient in it enough to say I "know" Latin. I would like to learn French and German, though.

7. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert. I like being by myself, but when I need to be refueled I go hunt out people.

8. What’s your favorite part about today so far? Seeing the beautiful French scenery while watching the Tour de France and finishing The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse. If you need cheering or are ill and need a good read you should definitely pick it up. Nothing like a good dose of Wodehousian medicine to put a smile on your face.

9. What's one place and time in history that you'd love to travel back to? New York City in the 1950s. I would go see Judy Holliday in Bells Are Ringing on Broadway.

10. Which do you like better: Tea, Coffee, or Hot Chocolate? Of all the horrible questions to ask! How will I decide? I like tea, but I also really like my coffee with chocolate almond milk and there is nothing quite like a cup of hot chocolate during the cold days of winter. I'll choose coffee because that is what I have been drinking the most of lately.

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I know I have been very absent this month but I hope to remedy that next week during the Legends of Western Cinema Blog Week hosted by Emma of A Lantern in Her Hand and Olivia of Meanwhile, In Rivendell. Be warned, I have a feeling my western loving heart is going to show itself in unrestrained ways.

The Bookshelf Tag

 I learned about this delightful tag for book lovers when Elisabeth Grace Foley did it last week and knew I had to participate. Natalie at Raindrops On Roses and Whiskers On Kittens originally created the tag and there are no rules about having to tag people- whoever wishes to do it can.

Describe your bookshelf (or wherever it is you keep your books- it doesn't actually have to be a shelf!) and where you got it from: Well, some of my books are on five shelves of a six shelf bookshelf, my writing books are on the shelf on my desk, and the rest of them are stacked underneath my desk. I have five stacks underneath my desk. :) Both my bookshelf and my desk are from IKEA.

Do you have any special or different way of organizing your books? First, I have my nonfiction books on animals which transitions into books on plants. On the second shelf I have craft books, then art books, historical costume/fashion, travel/atlases, and the start of poetry. The third shelf houses the continuation of poetry, a book on synonyms, plays, non-fiction history books, and the beginning of my fiction books. The final two shelves also house fiction. As I said, my writing books are stored on my desk. Underneath my desk I have children's books, more travel, some Agatha Christies I did not have space for on my shelf, and more non-fiction. For simplicity I am going to focus more on the books on my actual bookshelf and the stack nearest it.

What's the thickest (most amount of pages) book on your shelf? The Complete Works of O.Henry Vol. II published by Doubleday in 1953 at 1,692 pages.

What's the thinnest (least amount of pages) book on your shelf? The Land Beyond the Setting Sun: The Story of Sacagewea by Trace Leininger Craven at 61 pages.

Is there a book you received as a birthday gift? I have received numerous books as gifts. Last year, I received The Mrs. Meade Mysteries Vol. I by Elisabeth Grace Foley and Revision and Self-Editing for Publication by James Scott Bell from my parents, while one of my sisters gave me Vienna Prelude and Prague Counterpoint by Bodie Thoene.

What's the smallest (height and width wise) book on your shelf? A book of poetry by Tennyson and Browning from 1925.

What's the biggest (height and width wise) book on your shelf? The largest book I own size-wise would have to be Birds of the World by Oliver L. Austin, Jr. It is massive.

Is there a book from a friend on your shelf? No, unless you count members of my family.

Most expensive book? I am guessing it might actually be the copy of Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and Sea that I picked up for $2 at a book sale. I found an identical copy of the book (a Book-of-the-Month edition with the marking W) on Amazon being sold for $150.00. I guess I know what book to sell if I need money.

The last book you read on your shelf? Wanderlust Creek and Other Stories by Elisabeth Grace Foley.

Of all the books on your shelf, which was the first you read? Moses by Leonard Everett Fisher.

Do you have more than one copy of a book? Yes. I have doubles of a Miss Marple mystery: 4:50 From Paddington (aka What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw!). I bought a single copy of the book and then it was also in a five-novels-in-one book I bought because I did not have the other four. I also have three individual copies of O.Henry (Strictly Business, Rolling Stones, and Options) that I need to take to a bookstore to sell because I now own a two volume set of his complete works.

Do you have the complete series of any book series? Yes, the complete Kathleen McKenzie Series by Tracy Leininger Craven.

What's the newest addition to your shelf? The two newest additions are Christopher Morley's Parnassus On Wheels and Henry Herbert Knibb's Sundown Slim.

What book has been on your shelf FOREVER? I am not sure. Maybe, Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne.

What's the most recently published book on your shelf? Wanderlust Creek and Other Stories.

The oldest book on your shelf (as in, the actual copy is old)? Cranford by Elisabeth Gaskell. My edition is from 1892.

A book you won? What a cruel question. I have never won a book in my life. Someday though ....

A book you'd hate to let out of your sight (aka a book you never let someone borrow)? Probably some of my older more fragile books and my edition of To Kill A Mockingbird. I payed more than I usually would for that book and it is one of the pricier reprints with the original cover.

Most beat up book? Events of the Great War, Volume VI: A.D. 1918 compiled by Charles F. Horne. The spine is coming off.

Most pristine book? All my books by Elisabeth Grace Foley, Fly Away Home by Rachel Heffington, To Kill A Mockingbird, Plenilune by Jennifer Freitag, and pretty much every other more modern book that I have bought in the past year.

A book from your childhood? Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales by Beatrix Potter.

A book that's not actually your book? All the books on my shelf are mine. On my desk though are a few books I am borrowing from my parents.

A book with a special/different cover (e.g. leather bound, soft fuzzy cover etc.)? The cover of Cranford is gorgeous, so are the pages inside. The cover it a whitish color with gold colored swirls and designs on it with green flowers.

A book that is your favorite color? I am not entirely sure. My book of Winslow Homer watercolors has one of his paintings on the cover that includes some of my favorite shades of blue.

Book that's been on your shelf the longest that you STILL haven't read? The Island Stallion's Fury by Walter Farley.

Any signed books? Nope.

The Fifth Annual Literary Heroine Blog Party Tag Questions

 It is that time of the year again! Kellie of Accordion to Kellie is hosting the Fifth Annual Literary Heroine Blog Party and I am finally showing my face again to participate in the questionnaire. I do apologize for the lack of posts. Hopefully I can remedy this unseemly habit and reinstate my one post a week goal in March. But, without further ado, the questionnaire:

1. Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!
 I am a homeschool graduate, aspiring novelist, and Christian. I enjoy good films, excellent books, and fantastic food.

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?
 Ultimately, a true heroine is a woman or girl willing to sacrifice her desires in order to put others before herself. She finds the courage to take a stand for her beliefs, even if it means making the uncomfortable choice. She is strong, yet vulnerable. 

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.
 1) Anne Shirley Blythe of the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery.
 2) Liesel Meminger of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
 3) Jo March of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.
 4) Abileen of The Help by Kathryn Stockett. 

4. Five of your favorite historical novels?

via Pinterest

 1) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

via Pinterest

 2) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

via Pinterest

 3) The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

via Pinterest

 4) Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace

via Pinterest

 5) The Help by Kathryn Stockett 

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite major character and why?
 Oh, that is a tough one! I am not exactly sure if I could name one as my ultimate favorite over the others, so I will select one of my favorites to showcase. Anyway, I will choose- drum roll please- Abileen from The Help. I really admire Abileen’s patience and courage. She makes a hard choice that endangers herself when she agrees to let Skeeter interview her about her life as a maid to white families in Jackson, Mississippi. 

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?
 Hans Hubermann from The Book Thief. After watching the film adaption and reading the novel, I really came to admire and appreciate Hans’s sometimes foolish insistence on doing what he believes is right. I plan on doing a post dedicated to Hans Hubermann and some of the reasons why he is such a good character in the near future.

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?
 I would travel to Europe. Bike through Ireland, explore London and the English countryside, and then visit the castles and historical landmarks of Scotland. I would like to explore Norway, and travel through the rest of continental Europe. I think I might top the whole trip off by visiting Kenya. :) What can I say, I have always wanted to visit the Serengeti. 

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
 It would the time period running from roughly about 1900 to the early 1960s.

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation, tap dancing… what is your act comprised of?
 It will be a singing duet with my sister. We will perform our duet arrangements of several Judy Garland classics.

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?
 Hmmm, I think Jo March would come the most naturally because we are quite similar. But then again, it would be quite likely that someone else would choose to portray her since she is such a well known heroine. With that in mind, I think it might be rather fun to go as Callie Harper from Rachel Heffington’s Fly Away Home. :)

11. Favorite author(s)?
 Agatha Christie, Charles Dickens, Douglas Bond, G.A. Henty, Elisabeth Grace Foley, C.S. Lewis, and I have also greatly enjoyed the few works I have read by Rosemary Sutcliff.

12. In which century were most of the books you read written?
 Looking over the books I read last year, they were mainly from the 20th century. I have always read a large amount of books from the 19th century, and have more recently been exposing myself to more modern authors (e.g. The Book Thief, The Zion Covenant Series by Brock and Bodie Thoene, etc.).

13. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in all literature is…
 This is a complicated question. I would vote for Mr. Knightley (aka Alex Knightley from Emma Approved), but technically I haven’t even read Emma. That all said, I am going to vote for Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird. There are few fictional heroes who I admire as much as I do Atticus Finch. He is a man willing to do the hard thing because he knows it is the right thing to do.

14. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...
 Currently, I have to cast my vote for the Dragon Priests in The Peleg Chronicles series by Matthew Christian Harding. They really freaked me out.

15. Describe your ideal dwelling place.
 A nice flat or townhouse in Boston, MA or a house overlooking the ocean either on the west coast, Maine, or Charleston, SC.

16. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.
 Eclectic, a bit preppy, a bit bohemian, and always include a leather jacket, high heels, or combat boots.

17. Three favorite Non-fiction books?
 War and Grace by Don Stephens, City Notebook by McCandlish Phillips, and How Should We Then Live by Francis Schaeffer

18. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
 Stretch out on a blanket in the back yard to read or go hiking and birdwatching at a park with trails.

19. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
 I mostly wear berets or a summery fedora-esque hat I own, but I have always wanted to own a cowgirl hat. In a lightish tan color, not to large in size or brim but something a bit like Dale Evans usually sported in her films with Roy Rogers. It would have a thin, dark leather strap knotted to hold it under the chin, but which always twinned itself as the hatband.

20. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.
 My graduation from high school.

21. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.
 James 5:13-18: "13Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit." (ESV)

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Be sure to go check out other participants' answers to the questionnaire via the link up at Kellie's blog and enter her giveaway to win a custom made tulle skirt from Kellie Falconer Design!

Literary Heroine Blog Party Tag Questions

  Kellie at Accordion to Kellie is hosting her annual Literary Heroine Blog Party. Here are my answers to her question tag, but do not forget to hop over to Kellie's blog to check out the incredible giveaway going on and the answers to the tag other party participants gave on their blogs.

1. Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

 I’m a sixteen-year-old Christian girl, aspiring novelist, and homeschool student.

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? 

 As a writer this is something I love to mull over from time to time. What is a true heroine like? When I think of a heroine I think of someone who, at least in the end, is willing to put others before herself and to sacrifice herself in the place of those she loves, someone who has the courage to forgive those who fight against her.

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. 

Jeanne de St. Caux of In the Reign of Terror by G.A. Henty

Lady Marguerite Blakeney of The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

Anne Shirley Blythe of The Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery

Molly Gibson of Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

4. Five of your favorite historical novels? 

 Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott

 A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

 Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace

 The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

 The Yearling by Margery Kinnan Rawlings

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why? 

 Hmm, my favorite main character would have to be Daniel from The Bronze Bow. I always liked Daniel, even though he annoyed me at times. He is a very loyal sort of person and in the end he realizes his mistakes and tries to correct them.

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?

One of my favorite secondary characters from those five novels is Mr. Lorry from A Tale of Two Cities. He’s kind old gentleman and a firm friend, who tries to look out for his friends interest. I nearly died of laughter when he and Miss Pross were taking apart Monsieur Manette’s shoemaking bench.

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? 

I would travel to Europe. I would tour England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland first, then cross the channel and tour France and Germany. After that I would journey to Italy and then go back up through Switzerland and back through Europe.

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?

My favorite time period and culture to read about changes a lot, but ever since early last year I’ve had a fascination with the First World War and that era. Unfortunately, we don’t have many novels that take place in that time period, but I’ve been reading non-fiction books on the time period.

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?

Singing.

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? 

I think I might go as Jo March of Little Women.

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? 

I love it and I am very, very thankful that I am not allergic to it.

12. Favorite author(s)? 

Charles Dickens, G.A. Henty, Douglas Bond, Kate Douglas Wiggin, Martha Finley, and Sir Walter Scott.

13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land? 

 A camera, a pen, paper, and a sketchbook- who know’s I might feel like attempting to draw what I saw.

14. In which century were most of the books you read written? 

Either the 19th or 20th century.

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… 

Sir Percy Blankeney from The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

16. Describe your ideal dwelling place.

A bright, cheerful cottage or cabin-like home with lots of windows and splendid views of either a garden, a skyline of mountains, or a beach. Or a renovated old plantation house outside of Charleston, SC, with a view overlooking the water, and a beautiful garden.

17. Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence. 

Comfy, somewhat preppy and still developing.

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?

Not especially.

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... 

Tom Jackson from The Elsie Dinsmore Series is quite dastardly, but I cannot think of the dastardly of the dastardly right now.

20. Three favorite Non-fiction books?

Aside from the Bible; War and Grace by Don Stephens, The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, and How Should We Then Live by Francis Schaeffer.

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? 

 I’d probably lay out a blanket in the backyard and either read a book or work on one of my novels.

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. 

A light tan cowgirl hat. It is not large, but smaller in brim and size. The dark thin leather that hold it under the chin also is twinned as the hatband.

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. 

Probably the realization that I’m growing up a lot faster than I’d like and I need to start figuring out what I want to do after high school, besides write novels.

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

“‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.’” - Zechariah 4:6

_________

Thank you so much for hosting this event, Kellie! I am so glad I was finally able to participate this year.

- Hanne-col

A Tag

 Well I have been tagged by the lovely Maria Elisabeth (is that not a beautiful name?) or also known as Miss Georgiana Darcy. I do not know about you, but I think tags are very fun and I am very thrilled whenever someone does tag me.

 Now, the first thing the list of rules says to do is to "post these rules."

1. Post these rules

2. Post 11 random things about yourself (optional)

3. Answer the questions the tagger posted for you in their post.

4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

5. Go to their blog and tell them that they have been tagged

 The second thing on the list is to post eleven random things about myself.

1. I love Judy Garland's music and movies.
2. I love to write novels and such.
3. One of my favorite books is Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
4. I'm not a big fan of Pride and Prejudice
5. Of all the P&P movie adaptions I've seen, I watch the 1940 version with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier the most.
6. I am a big fan of the Emma adaption with Romola Garai
7. One of my other favorite books is A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
8. And another of my favorite books is The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
9. I think I am probably boring you all with these eleven things
10. I love listening to old radio shows from the 1930s/40s/ and 50s
11. I love horses, but have yet to ride one

 If you all are still awake, the next thing on the list is to answer the questions the person who tagged me put together.

1: What is your favorite kind of tea?

 Well, actually, I usually do not drink tea. You see I have a great deal of food allergies and I tend to be allergic to things that are in teas. I usually enjoy English Breakfast Tea, though, and ice teas.

2: What are your five absolutely-most favorite movies?

 Maria, how could you be so cruel? How shall I ever decide? Oh, well, this list is subject to change.

1. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) - starring Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur

2. Cranford and Return to Cranford

3. Summer Stock (1950) - starring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly

4. Born Free (1966) - starring Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers

5. Seven Days in Utopia (2011)

3: What are some fashion trends - from the present or the past - that you love and actually wear?

wedge sandals = me love

tiered skirts = the story of my life

jean shirts = the thing I used to hate

4: What are three inspirational/devotional books that you love?
I am really liking the Proverbs family devotional book written by Kevin Swanson that my family is going through right now. I also liked the Millie Keith devotional/study guide book that A Life of Faith put out. I haven't actually read the Millie Keith books by A Life of Faith, but the original ones written by Martha Finley. While not a devotional, I really like The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.

5: What is your favorite artist or picture?

I really love Claude Monet's works and Norman Rockwell's, as well as so many others.

"Reveries" c.1913 by Maxfield Parrish

For some odd reason I really like this painting. I don't know why I just do.

"Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper

I've always liked this painting too, for some odd reason. Again I don't know why. Anyway, someday I want to write a story based on this particular one.

6: If you had to describe your own looks as a character in a novel, what would you write?  Or your own looks as you wish they were.  You can have an imagination, y'know.
 Bound to be the shortest in her family, she had blond hair that was more brown than blond. Her eyes, after much debate, were gray, but would still occasionally be described as blue. Her face was quite freckle-less and indeed had a tendency to be quite pale.
 I wouldn't put that paragraph in a novel, but it does work nicely.

7: What kind of music do you listen to most of the time?

I think I am going to bore you again, folks. Judy Garland, stuff from the 1940s, Janet Drew, Heather McCready, movie soundtracks, celtic, and hymns. Of course right now I am on a huge musical kick! You have to admit it, music from musicals is EPIC!

8: What literary secondary character are you most like?
 Oh, dear I don't know. While not secondary characters, I'm somewhat like Minnie and Daniel from the BBC TV series Lark Rise to Candleford.

9: What literary secondary hero-like characters do you love? (I know you can think of a million main characters.  So can I.  So I'm making it harder.)
 Well, let me see here.
Rab from Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, but he's not exactly a secondary character. I also rather love Jacob from For the Temple by G. A. Henty.

10: What are your opinions of the subject of poetry?

I love poetry, though I have difficulty writing it most of the time. I haven't started to read Tennyson until recently. Shows you how much Gilbert Blythe's opinion has influenced my tastes. Haha. Actually I didn't realize the connection until last year, but I really do think his opinion has unconsciously influenced me over the years. I like Sir Walter Scott's poetry and Roberts Burns and others.

11: Which author's writing styles do you admire the most?

 I was listening to a Johnny Tremain audio book several months back and really liked how it read and it's writing style. Others would be Douglas Bond, 

Okay, those were Maria Elisabeth's questions. Now onto Natasha's questions.

1.Which song has inspired you most at this time in your life?
 Hmmm, maybe "The Impossible Dream." It does leave you with that absolutely thrilling exhilarating feeling.

2. What are your sentiments on the subject of brussel sprouts?
I have never had any, to my knowledge.

3. Do you feel faint at the sight of blood?
 I don't feel faint, but if it starts to get kind of major in movies I feel kind of queasy.

4. Do you enjoy chatting on the phone or would you just as soon write an email or send a text or even write a letter?
I never really chat on the phone, I never do text anyone unless they won't be able to talk on the phone where they are. I do write emails and very rarely handwritten letters.

5. What if suddenly the sky was green and the grass was blue?  What would you think?
 What in the world happened?!

6. If you built a time machine, where would you go first? (let's just assume we're all capable of building a time machine, ok?;)
 Oh, hard decision! Maybe the 1940s.

7. If the powers that be suddenly decreed that everyone must wear a bright pink shirt with a chartreuse daisy adorning the front and bunny slippers on our feet, what would you do? (um...nope.  No idea where that one came from!)
Never ever, ever leave the house and not let anyone in.

8. If you could become a character from a book, who would it be?
 I think it would be rather fun to be Nancy Drew. Or wait! I do love Philippa Gordon, though, and it would be kind of interesting and fun to be her. 

9. Do you paint your nails?
 Yes, every once and a while.

10. Are you a perfectionist?
 Somewhat.

11. Do you unintentionally incorporate movie lines into your everyday conversations?
 All the time, all day long.


 There! Now I have fully completed all the tag questions after much delay. I apologize for the delay, but I have been rather busy.


 Now here are the eleven questions for the people I tag.


1. What is your opinion on The Scarlet Pimpernel? Are you a fan?
2. Aside from Anne and Gilbert, who is/are your favorite character/s in the Anne of Green Gables series?
3. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
4. Who is your favorite female singer?
5. Who is your favorite male singer?
6. If you could learn another language which one would you choose?
7. What are five of your favorite literary/or movie heroes?
8. What are five of your favorite literary/or movie heroines?
9. What is your favorite movie costume?
10. What is your current favorite song?
11. If you inherited a large old southern plantation home outside of Charleston, South Carolina and one million dollars, what would you do?


And I choose to tag:
Ashley of Bramblewood Fashion
Natasha of Day by Day
Kellie of Accordion to Kellie
Gabrielle of Gabrielle's Atelier
Maria Elisabeth of Miss Georgiana Darcy
and anyone else who might wish to do it.


~ Hanne-col