Immortal Relationships........why does it wound us so?

Though I know there are few who truly read this, I have a feeling that one day, people will in fact notice that I exist on the great World Wide Web :D And today, my dear class, our topic is immortality. Now, I'm sure you all know what it means--Hmmm? No Jimmy, I am not a vampire that sparkles.

But seriously, why is IMMORTALITY such a huge problem for writers, especially when it comes to relationships? Of course, if there is a race (such as vampires, or warlocks, etc) then indeed it is problematic. The result is most usually that the humanesk/mortal partner becomes immortal. If you are reading a book in which two of your most favourite characters just broke up, mainly because of one being immortal, I can see how that would upset a reader. Even though there is a high probability in them getting back together, you still never really know... The author could be evil.

As a side note, I am often one of those evil authors. If a character has no more use, I take my chance and kill them. But, I have faith that since they had no more use, the readers most likely won't really be too upset over the character's death. (Unless they are a pacifist, in which case you REALLY should not read anything of mine :P) But, if it is a major character, then yes, you would be extremely attached and worried for their future.

So why do authors do it? Why put their characters through such turmoil, and the readers along with it? Well, there is the first case: The author wants to evaluate the general public's reaction to such a break up, and possibly get ideas to how it could be solved without being cliche. Secondly, it may in fact be where the book was headed. Thirdly, the author may just need their characters depressed and vulnerable so that they realize how much more miserable life is without them together, or so that one (or both characters) can be all mopey and unaware, and will go get themselves into a dangerous situation in which the other will rescue them, and they get back together! Yay! (All is fair in love and war!) Or, perhaps the most well written, brilliant, and soul shattering explanation......the author.....has....a point to make. I KNOW! WHAT BS RIGHT??? Who needs points or well written, bitter sweet, righteous endings! Cliche romance with happy endings please!!!!!

But hey, the truth is, whether the relationship is immortal or not, there are always going to be breakups, and reunions, and love, and heartache, and angst, and....endings. Happy or sad, all relationships have one kind of ending or another. If you freak out because you can't control what happens in a relationship, then one: DO NOT READ!!!!! And two: you can't be prepared for life! If you are prepared, and you love reading, but STILLLL freak out over fictional relationships (immortal or otherwise), then do what I do:

WRITE! Because that way, you can make up whatever you want, and whether it's good or not, chances are it will be what you really want in a book. :P

Have a great week!
Long weekend coming up!!

I HAVE A CONFESSION!!!.......I hate pink....

Well, hate is a strong word. Allow me to rephrase: I dislike the colour pink. So, you can imagine my fear when I found myself designing costumes for a high school performance of LEGALLY BLONDE! For those of you who don't know what Legally Blonde is about (and believe me, I CERTAINLY DID NOT!!!!) I suggest you google it :) But, back to the point: Dear god, pink simply infected my life. And I don't mean affected, or effected. It IN-fected my life. Like some strange fluffy cotton candy disease that plagued my room and wardrobe and marker selection!! ....pink......Pink.....PINK! Since the beginning of January, pink has been the definition of my life. The very air I breathe is pink...and...scented!!

But, after all this hard work, pink, sweat, and pink, and more pink (did I say pink?) the costumes bring out the true essence of the characters. And now, I accept my life as the pink pompom it is. As a costume designer for any form of play, the most challenging thing is not really getting the credit that you are entitled to. For a while I struggled with my inner ego, wishing people realized how much work I did put into the thing that, for a time, had suffocated my perfect black and burgundy. As the days rolled on and rehearsals seemed to draw into the night, I realized that I was just happy to be a part of this, and to explore my creative boundaries.

Just yesterday, I was at rehearsal and something quite peculiar happened. A man approached the lead actress and began questioning her, jotting down things every so often on a spiral bound note book. I vainly wanted him to question me too, sure it was for a promotion flyer or pamphlet. But, of course, that never happened. And, I was okay with that.

Today, after just getting home from rehearsal, I saw the newspaper lying on my front porch (as it usually is) and wondered if I was going crazy. You see, I don't think I've ever seen any news paper sport so much pink on the front page, so clearly the pink was now also giving me head trauma. As I picked up the paper I felt my heart race. There was our two lead actors, snapped mid song, promoting the musical of Legally Blonde.

Now you see, most people would see the actors and read the article and go "Wow! That's great! I'll go get tickets!" Me? I looked at that picture and thought, "Holy crap! What a great pink power suit! I can't believe I got that at Value Village for $12!" And that, my dear readers, is what becoming a costume designer is all about. When it's for a high school performance, there is no money, no fame, no flowers. It's simply all good fuzzy feelings, great buys, perhaps your name at the back of the program, and a whole lot of pink.

And now, after all this, you must have guessed that pink isn't so bad now, right?

..........YOU ARE WRONG! But have a great night anyway ;P

Inspiration

Many people ask me where I get my inspirations from. I have revisited this topic probably hundreds of times, and my answer changes every single time, so I figured I would give you, dear reader, something of a slide show!!!

A long time ago (in a far away land -- aka England...and Scotland) my mother and I were on vacation! Whoohoo!!! (Hi Mom! :3) And of course while my mother took numerous photos of me standing beside important and historical sites... I snapped random shots of houses and cobble stones. Why? Because I knew that I could use it for inspiration for my novel!

Note: Here I have simply shown a picture and then posted a small comment on what it inspired me for.

This is a beautiful house...which then was described as the house of my character. (SO PRETTY!!)

This dress was used for a ball in the sequel.

CREEPY GRAVEYARD!!! See that broken tomb stone?? I'm positive a supernatural being came out of that! (This was used in an epilogue for a random short story :P)

This is the most beautiful fish I have ever seen, and was used as a character's pet. :3

As you can see, you can get inspiration from anywhere, and everywhere! And it's always good to be prepared:

I always have my note books and iPod with me :3

You never know when you might see something amazing!!!
So keep your eyes wide open!

Have a great Monday!

"DON'T TAKE MY PICTURE!!" -- my kitty cat Judah >^..^<

It Hasn't Really Been a Month...Has It??

I can't believe it's been a month!!! So sorry.

Sadly I have caught a nasty cold the first day of my week off, but I hope I'll be better before the end!!

There isn't really anything exciting going on. So I haven't posted anything. Here's a motivational quote to keep you going:

"It's okay to be

YOUnique"

--Unknown

I promise to be more exciting soon!! :D

Please comment, and request things you'd like me to talk about.

Have a great March Break! 

I'll Never Be Hungry Again

What you are about to read is not for the squeamish! Here is the trembling TERRIFYING story, of what happened when I had cereal...but no milk:

So, when I arrived home today, before I sat down to write, I was ambushed by a startling noise: The growling of my stomach! After much deliberation and perusal through the cupboards, I decided on....CEREAL! Since I have none of my most favourite cereal (Count Chocula) in my loverly home, I settled for the box of no design, that contained the clustered grains my tummy so desired. I figured that in order to sweeten things up I'd put in a few...(or a lot) of chocolate chips.

I looked to the cupboard once more to find the yellow bag, but I couldn't see it. After running up and down the stairs a few times I was back at the cupboards, determined to find the chocolaty goodness!!! I moved the jumbo box of granola bars and there they were...mocking me. >:( (death stare of doom) Since I had run up and down 16 stairs, three times, I justified that I could put in a few more chocolate chips than normal.

Now that I had my wonderful bowl of cereal, decked with a multitude of chocolate chips, it was time for.........THE MILK! I love milk. Milk is a wonderful creation, and i truly feel sorry for those who are lactose intolerant. So you can imagine my excitement when I opened the shining stainless steal fridge, spotted the glowing orange milk carton and saw.......THAT IT WAS EMPTY!!!!!!

But, with another hungry growl, my tummy told me that it was cereal or nothing! So, I had to think of an alternative. I filled the bowl with tap water...I was too afraid to try it. I grabbed a packet of Nescafe instant cappuccino. I gulped before ripping the package and pouring the powder into the soupy cereal concoction. All the powder floated in large unappealing clumps at the top... Quickly I stirred it as best as I could, though within 20seconds it began to foam.

I took a sip...

Shiver!!! Quick! Splenda!!! In the fake sugar went... I took a bite. Swallowed. It tasted like good cereal with bad coffee or vice versa. After another bite, I felt sick, and down the toilet it went. My taste buds may never recover...and I doubt I will ever make the mistake of being hungry again!

*Grumble...Rumble*

 Hmm? What's that tummy? Nutella you say? Oh, very well... Now where's the bread gone??

My love of milk can be shared by Tokidoki through......

I'm Reading a Book!

January is the time where emotions run high and most avid students are loosing sleep because of exams. I would be one of those people!! Still, I feel bad for not posting anything sooner so here are a few things to keep you occupied.

#1 -- Do not read if you have not seen Harry Potter (movie 1)

#2 -- This is really me when I'm interrupted when "I'm reading a book"

ENJOY!!! HAVE A GREAT JANUARY!

A New Chapter

Another year gone, and already we're on the doorstep of another. New Years is a time of celebration. Even Google's celebrating!!!! This year for me, has probably been one of the most eventful. Tears and cries of joy took over practically everyday. I'll admit, I didn't do everything I wanted, but you can't always. It's like at the end of a book, you're ready to start a new one.

A New Years tradition in my household is that we always have resolutions for next year. But, for some reason this year, I can't think of any! And I'm not sure whether it's because I've run out of hope, or I'm just lazy, or I don't know what I want yet to happen... Or maybe, it's because I am, and have done, and fulfilled everything I essentially wanted. I doubt it, but it's a very nice thought to believe in :D

So what are you doing this New Years?? I assure you, I will be wearing a very funny paper hat :p So go have a blast, and end the night / start tomorrow, with a bang!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!

The End...or The Beginning?

I have a friend, whose code name (because we all require a little privacy) is Sushi-Chan. Sushi and I were discussing various aspects of writing, when she asked me probably the best question I could ever think of. She said, "Gemma, as a writer do you think it's important to know when/where a story is meant to end?" And I couldn't help but think, wow, that is probably one of the most important things about writing.

Now, if you are someone who has read previous posts on my blog, you'll know that I have dedicated quite a few of them to the topic of difficult things to do, while creating a story. I mean, lets face it, writing isn't easy! Of course I have complained about how difficult it is to say good-bye to characters, and the world I created, and the villains it took so long to conquer over...but never did I really think about why I ended the story where I did, or why I wrote those specific words on the page!

So, Sushi, here is my answer: As a writer, I think probably the thing that makes your heart beat just a little bit faster, and ache just a little bit more, is knowing that you wont get frustrated with your characters when their locked up in some dungeon and you don't know how to set them free. You won't blush over those scenes that you had to delete in order to protect your innocence. You won't have any more sword fights, or battles, or deaths. And even though, a story never really ends, it's important to leave your reader with the satisfaction and conclusion that they so desire. And that makes you feel that, yes, it is alright to say goodbye. There will be other characters, and there will be other battles, and there will be other stories to write.

As a writer, you can end a story where ever and whenever you want. But a good ending, a great ending should always be a little sad, and a little hard to read. Why? Because that means that it was a story that was worth reading. And whenever something good ends, even if we weren't disappointed in the least, it's always a bit painful, to close the book, and move on.

So, writers, end your book wisely...and if you aren't quite ready to say goodbye at the end, then you can always write a sequel. :) Because no matter what the end is, it's always the beginning of something better.

Stay warm!

PS: Thank you for your brilliant question Sushi-Chan Rebekah Mihyun Chapchae Omu-Rice Deluxe!