This set pretty sums up my life for the past couple of days. It was made by my dear friend Tessa.

(She makes brilliant Polyvore sets. She has also just become aware of the awesomeness of Ireland and Celtic Thunder.)

Welcome to my world. I'll see you in Ireland. ;)

On a side note, I'm hoping to emerge from my blogging break pretty soon. Until then, happy 2012!

I've gone through a dry period in my writing lately when it comes to writing fantasy. I don't think I've written fantasy for the past couple of years. Looking back, I wonder why on earth I didn't.

Reese's Pieces was my first novel I finished, but it is certainly not fantasy. It contained a girl, coffee, her family, friends, and life. No swords or castles, definitely. (Also, I need to work on finding a better title for it. :P)

Before that, I had another work-in-progress. When I was 12, I started writing Talryn's Tale and continued it for at least 2 years until I hit a road block. Sadly, I stopped. I still have it in its entirety, but something has been stopping me from writing it. I'm not sure why.

Honestly, I think I didn't write fantasy because I started to doubt myself and my writing. I decided that my writing wasn't good enough to compare to C.S. Lewis or Tolkien. (Yeah, comparing a first draft to a masterpiece that has been edited and published is not a good idea.)



Enter NaNoWriMo this year. I've been thinking about fantasy again, and something stirred in my heart. I decided that, once again, I'd try my hand at fantasy. Just to see if I can.

I'm not sure if it's a mistake or a good idea to attempt a fantasy novel during NaNo. We shall see. But one thing I do know: my characters have been real again, more real than they have been for a long time.

Yes, my characters from Reese's Pieces were real, but there's something different this year. Something I can't quite put my finger on. I guess I'd call it inspiration. There's something more exciting about writing fantasy than anything else. Something exciting about creating your own worlds and molding them into whatever you want. I feel more free in my writing here. I can write freely. Yes, Riah can carry a sword if she wants, and she can also wear sneakers if she likes. There are no constraints.

Fantasy is typically set in a medieval type world. I have no problem with that - so is mine. However, I'm looking to add unique elements to this story, stuff that isn't normally in fantasy novels. I want my novel to be different, in a good way.

A couple of days ago, I was reading over some of my old blog posts at my Wordpress blog, and I came across this one. It was about Talryn and the other characters from that story, and I loved it. They were the backbone of the story, they were vivid, they were different. They were almost real.

I've been plotting my characters the past few days, since they're the most important element of the story, and they're coming alive in a way that hasn't happened since Talryn's Tale. I'm coming up with snappy bits of dialogue, even before I've set pen to paper. The characters are dictating the story. And that's the way I think it should be. Writing a novel is like growing a plant: You have to let it grow.

So, here they are: a few of my characters, complete with dialogue and outfits and personality.

Silver Tears - NaNo 2011

Tell me about your characters now. Are they coming alive yet? How is your inspiration-level this year?

The place? Last night. The time? One in the morning. I was trying to get myself off to the land of dreams, and it wasn't happening.



I don't know where I get this stuff.

We had a magical walk, and I don't know for sure, but it might have ended with splashing in the fountain. At any rate, I've always wanted to splash in a fountain, whether I'm wearing a Batman t-shirt or not.

This dream launched me into sleep. And when I woke up, I made it into a Polyvore set.

I really want a Batman t-shirt now, just so I can wear it on a magical walk by a fountain. And of course, if anything goes wrong, I know exactly what to do.

Keep calm. And call Batman.

Today, I'd like to bring to you TWO very beautiful people: Brian and Violet McGuire. They are a brother sister duo who live together on the planet of Emasis. They are in the story about Avary, and are two of the other main characters.

Speaking of Avary's story, I had a good chat with my Pip the other day, who helped me work out some kinks, and then later that night at 1 am came up with a full outline. This novel is coming along and I absolutely can't wait to write it. You'll be getting to hear more about this story and its characters over the next couple of months, starting with Violet and Brian. :)

[you and me] by mountainfireflower featuring cotton t shirts

[the real world] by mountainfireflower featuring a double breasted wool coat

What is his/her biggest secret?
Brian: His biggest secret is that he isn't as strong as he wishes he could be.
Violet: Her biggest secret is that she's afraid to love. She's afraid to get her heart broken again.

Has he/she ever been in love?
Brian: Nope... not yet. ;) However, he does feel a strange sort of attraction for his friend Avary. This may or may not prove to be love in time.
Violet: She thought she was once, but it only resulted in a broken heart and shattered hopes.

What is his/her comfort food?
Brian: His comfort food is a giant steak with a large tumbler full of Dr. Pepper, a full basket of fries, and a piece of chocolate cake.
Violet: Dark chocolate and a glass of milk.

Does he/she play a musical instrument? If so, what?
Brian: Indeed he does! He plays guitar.
Violet: She knows a little bit of piano, but she mostly prefers to sing.

What colour are his/her eyes? Hair?
Brian: Light brown, blue eyes.
Violet: Dark brown, blue eyes.

Does he/she have any pets?
Brian & Violet: They both own a long-haired collie named Fiona.

What is his/her favorite place to be?
Brian: He loves to take long walks in the forest.
Violet: She prefers to be snuggled up in front of her TV with a pair of slippers and a cup of hot tea.

What are some of his/her dreams or goals?
Brian: He would like to touch people with his music, settle down, and raise a family someday.
Violet: She'd like to survive high school.

Does he/she enjoy sports?
Brian: Heck yeah. He's a diehard football fan.
Violet: Not so much a football fan, but she has a secret addiction to major league tennis.

What is his/her favorite flower or plant?
Brian: He loves oak trees.
Violet: Well, what do you know? She loves violets! :P

I hope you enjoyed reading about Violet and Brian as much as I did - because now I love them all the more. :) And I feel like I know them a lot better, too! It appears as if Beautiful People is doing its job. ;) Toodles!

P.S. - don't forget to submit any questions you can think of to either Georgie or me so that we can use them in upcoming rounds of Beautiful People! Just leave a comment if you think of any. :)

First off, I have to say, it wasn't my birthday recently. That was back in April. :P The post about my frying pan was just a belated post about the experience I had upon turning another year older. A very belated post. :P

Secondly, this is another post about Owl City. Be forewarned.

Thirdly, Georgie Penn pre-ordered me Owl City's new album, All Things Bright and Beautiful.

It is... brilliant.

I saw the autumn leaves peel up off the street,
take wing on the balmy breeze and sweep you off your feet.

You blushed as they scooped you up on sugar maple wings,
to gaze down on the city below, ablaze with wondrous things.

Downy feathers kiss your face and flutter everywhere.
Reality is a lovely place but I wouldn’t want to live there.

My initial thoughts... well, when The Real World, the first track, started playing, I fell in love instantly. The piano chords and melodic feel made me endeared to the album, even if the rest of the songs stank.

They didn't.

Angels has a beautiful melody line. Deer in the Headlights made me laugh out loud the first time I heard it. Hospital Flowers is weird on first listen, and gorgeous on the second. And when January 28, 1986 played and then gave way to Galaxies, I had chills running up and down my spine.

There are a few songs I don't like as much as the others, Kamikaze being one of them. It's kind of strange, though I appreciate Adam Young's willingness to try new things. And I haven't listened to The Yacht Club or Plant Life a second time, mostly because when I get new music, I listen to a bunch of the songs more than the others. But I plan to give those two a second go later tonight.

Ocean Eyes, Owl City's first album, had more of an ocean-y feel - or at least that's how I interpreted. This album is very reminiscent of galaxies and the stars and space and astronauts and, well... all things bright and beautiful. :P It's inspiring me for Avary's story.

There's actually one more funny story I neglected to mention. On June 14th, I was excited because the CD came out. And because of the implication of "pre-ordered", I thought it would come immediately. (Good things usually never do.) So when I went to the mailbox, I was disappointed to find no package.

Yesterday, I ran to the mailbox, thinking that maybe, just maybe, today would be the day. I was sorely disappointed. But not for long. It turns out that our mail truck returned, bringing my package with it. :D

And yes, my earbuds have been in my ears ever since.

In addition to that, I realized today how many of my Polyvore sets are inspired by Owl City. So, I decided to showcase them all for you, oldest to most recent. Welcome... to Owl City.

Ever since I found out about Owl City's new CD, I've been awaiting it with anticipation. Then, when Alligator Sky was released off the new record, I thought it was weird.

It wasn't long before I fell in love with it.





I listened to it again tonight and could NOT stop hitting repeat. I couldn't understand why I liked it so much.

Then it hit me like a spaceship. (Pun thoroughly intended. :P)

I love this song because of Avary.

Where was I, when the rockets came to life?
And carried you away into the alligator sky?
Even though I'll never know what's up ahead
I'm never letting go
I'm never letting go!

In case you haven't met Avary yet... here's a glimpse of her style.


This probably won't make much sense unless you know what Avary's novel is about. I can't tell you all of it - since every author has her secrets - but I can tell you it has to do with spacecraft, stars, dear old scientists, and visiting other worlds. In other words, it's the essence of Alligator Sky. Imagination.

Remember to breathe
Because it'll take your breath away
When the engines cough
And you blast off
Ignite the night with a firecracker flash

Remember to live
Because you're gonna be thrilled to death
When the stars collide and your eyes grow wide
Take it in with your breath against the glass

Avary isn't the only character in this novel, either. There are others. Violet, Brian, Sawyer, Dr. Flanigan. They all make up this amazing novel that I call mine.

And believe it or not, I have started this novel. It's coming slowly, though. It's just one of those novels that's like soup. There are a whole bunch of ingredients that come together to make a whole. And it's going to have to simmer for a while until it's ready. But just like soup, you hope it comes out right. And somewhere, deep down, you know it probably will.

Roller coaster through the atmosphere
I'm drowning in this starry serenade
When ecstasy becomes cavalier
My imagination's taking me away

Reverie, whisper in my ear
I'm scared to death that I'll never be afraid
Roller coaster through the atmosphere
My imagination's taking me away!

Until then, I can only dream about stars and spaceships and dear old scientists. And until then, I feel like yelling this at the top of my lungs:


MY IMAGINATION'S TAKING ME AWAY!
Because... it really is. ;)

Alligator Sky by MountainFireflower on Polyvore.com

Beautiful People was formed one day when Georgie and I were talking and realized what a great thing it was to ask questions about your characters. I said to her, "We should start a blog meme-thing." And she said, "Okay."

Hence, Beautiful People was born.

If you haven't joined yet, you can do so here. I must confess that after reading all of your submissions (which are fanTASTIC, by the way), I feel a little insecure about sharing my character with you this month. She's not nearly as epic as your characters seem, but I love her anyway.

Meet Reese.

Reese is the main character of the first novel I ever finished, appropriately titled Reese's Pieces. She's pretty much based off of me, although there are some things that are different about her. She's one of the wackiest, most sarcastic, most hilarious characters I've ever written, if I do say so myself. (She's got my amount of sarcasm times a million.)

Her style looks a little like this:

[inspired by] Reese St. Clair by MountainFireflower featuring canvas lace up shoes

Let's do it!

1. How old is he/she?

16 in the first half of the book, 17 in the second. :P

2. What does he/she do with his/her spare time?

In her spare time, Reese likes to write poetry, daydream, hang out with her best friend Addi, go to the music store with her brother Justin, hang out with her pseudo-older brother Ben, and take road trips in her olive green van.

3. Does he/she see the big picture or live in the moment?

Reese is the type of person to live in the moment, but she wonders what the future is like. So in a way, she has a little bit of both. She does have the tendency to worry (who am I kidding? I do it too), but most of the time, she likes to embrace the present.

4. Is he/she a perfectionist?

Heh. Yeah. Probably.

5. What does her handwriting look like? (round, slanted, curly, skinny, sloppy, neat, decorative, etc.)

She uses a simple print style most of the time, but occasionally she'll use cursive. Her print style is round, neat, and curly. Her cursive is slanted, neat, and decorative. ;)

6. Favorite animal?

She likes baby tigers. A lot. As in, if they weren't so fierce, she'd have one as a pet.

7. Does he/she have any pets?

Reese doesn't have any pets in the first book, but this just gave me an idea for the sequel! Since she can't get a baby tiger, I think she'll get a tiny kitten named Mocha.

8. Does he/she have any siblings? How many? Where does he/she fit in?

Reese has two siblings - her older, married sister Laney, and her 20-something brother, Justin. Reese is the youngest, and is the only one still at home, although she and Justin have a close relationship. Her brother-in-law is named Chris. She also has an almost-brother named Ben, who is Justin's best friend. Then she has two almost-sisters - Janae, and Reese's best friend Addi.
...She has a lot of unbiological siblings. :P

9. Does he/she have a 'life verse' and if so what is it?

I know this is going to sound cliche and overused, but it truly is Jeremiah 29:11. I was learning the meaning of that verse around the time I was writing Reese's Pieces, so it kind of wove itself into my writing.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Reese doesn't know the future, but most of the time, she remembers that God has plans for her - good plans. And that's all she needs to know. Kind of like Owl City says...

"I don't need a telescope to see that there's hope, and that makes me feel brave."

(If only I could take that to heart more easily!)

10. Favorite writing utensil?

She loves black pens with really slick writing gel. I don't know what you call them. Gel pens, probably?

I had my moments today, but for the most part, I was ridiculously happy. Why?

Because I was wearing this:

[what i'm wearing today] by MountainFireflower

Purple tanktop, layered with a looser green one. Denim bermuda shorts. Gray shorts. And the best part? BARE FEET! :D
(and no, I didn't wear the stars. Those are decoration. ;)


For some reason, every time I put on a pair of shorts for the first time each year, it makes me SUPER-DUPER HAPPY. I guess that's because summer is my favorite season, and shorts remind me of summer. Never mind that it was freezing today, in the 40's. Never mind that it's only March. Never mind that in Colorado, spring doesn't arrive till late April or May.

It doesn't matter because when I wear shorts, I know one thing for sure.

Summer is on the way.

[and so is the post about Avary. Stay tuned! :D]

One of the woes of a writer is all the ideas floating around in their brains. One can't possibly write all of them; and yet we try anyway. The upside is that while these ideas are incessant, it's really nice when they're around because it means that inspiration is just around the corner.
Emily Grace commented on my Polyvore set, saying she wanted to know more about Avary. Well, the problem is... I don't know. I know she likes to wear green. She likes to hide away in the woods with her books and her journal. She has curly strawberry hair and green eyes. But other than that? I have no idea.

However, you can help. I want you to ask me questions. What do you want to know about Avary? Leave a comment on this post with one or more questions about my character. I'll figure out the answer and reply in a comment on this post, and hopefully it will help me figure out a little more about who she is.

So, what do you want to know? Post away! :)

I did! :)

*bounces up and down*

Last night, just after 1 am, the first draft of Reese's Pieces was completed.

This is quoted from my post on NarniaWeb in the Writer's World thread...

And now...

Drumroll please...

I finished my novel.

At 1 a.m. last night, I penned the last word of the story I've been working on since August of last year. It's been seven months of blood, sweat, and tears. And a whole lot of laughs. (Okay, kidding on the blood, sweat, and tears part. Although I'm sure you can agree that writing is hard work. )

It's kind of weird - it didn't feel as amazing as I expected it to. While I love this story, it hasn't caused me a whole lot of trouble, and the whole writing process felt really easy. I have had so many other problems with my other stories that are all sitting around on my hard drive, and they're the cause of the blood, sweat, and tears. So I guess I didn't feel as... victorious as I expected to. I was excited, yes. But I expected to be a lot more so... I don't know, maybe jump around the room or something?

Something did change in me, though. It was at that moment that I felt like a true author. Before, I liked to say "oh yeah, I'm a writer," but didn't have any finished work to show for it. Yes, I know I'm not published yet, and yes, I have a long way to go still before I can be published, but there's something about finishing your first novel. Anyone with me on that?

It's true. I really do feel like a "real" author. I'm still in shock that I've finished a novel. I had kind of given up hope on me being able to finish any story, much less a novel, and yet here I am. Thank you, God!

So, here are some stats:

Title: Reese's Pieces
First word in the story: You.
Last word in the story: Lap.
Length: Two whole notebooks, 141 pages, and approximately 65,000 words.

And just because, would you like to see what my characters wear? :) Click on the link below it and you'll get to see them bigger.

Inspired by Reese's Pieces {my novel}

Okay, so I'm not really that great in the kitchen. Mom would like to change that fact, but for now... I don't cook.

However, here's a recipe to have a day just like mine!

Here's what you'll need:

1 Polyvore account
1 Lazy Saturday afternoon
1 Dinner at Chipotle
1 Imagination
1 Blog

First step: Mix your Saturday afternoon, Polyvore account, and imagination together, which will create a set. Or two. Or five. In the end, it should look something like this:

Hayden & Tori's California Days

Inspired by Reese's Pieces

Violet Eyes by MountainFireflower on Polyvore.com
[^ this is probably one of my favorite sets. Ever. Even though I didn't make it today. Shh! Don't tell anyone!]

Step two: Once you have achieved the desired effect, go get a Chipotle dinner, sit down, and enjoy yourself.

Step three: After eating, go to your blog and post about it. I want to hear your recipes too! :)

Welcome: To a Conglomeration

con·glom·er·ate
v. con·glom·er·at·ed, con·glom·er·at·ing, con·glom·er·ates
v.intr.
1. To form or gather into a mass or whole.
2. To form into or merge with a corporate conglomerate.
v.tr.
To cause to form into a mass or whole.

 That's what this blog post is gonna be. ;)