Top 10: Songs that inspire my writing

Hello Bookworms!
I started writing this post...what, a month ago? Two? Yikes! This got out of hand. Oh well, let's jump into the topic! I'm talking about 10 of my favorite songs to listen to while writing. That's it. Nothing else. Enjoy!

#10: Footloose
There's something about this song that is just: fun. The tune is exciting, the words are slightly rebellious, and the general atmosphere of the song is that of an adventure I'd love to go on. I've never seen the movie it's from, but I don't think it's necessary to enjoy the song. This is usually what I listen to when I'm writing something fun, and not terribly depressing or tragic.

#9: Hold My Heart
This is a song by ZZ Ward and Lindsey Stirling on Lindsey's new album: Brave Enough. There were several songs on that album that I wanted to write about, but this one stood out to me. It has simple and easy to understand words, and is saying something great for writing strong female characters: just because they don't need the man to save them, doesn't mean they don't need the man. There's a fine line in writing between needy women and overly independent women. If you want to write one, fine, go ahead. Just know when that's what you're writing. (I think I got of track though. :) ) The music is very reminiscent of a 20s murder mystery, and has an air of class and mystery that I find excellent for writing complex dialogue. (All dialogue is complex, but sometimes there's a verbal sparing match happening between two characters, and you suddenly realize: wait, did he just say that?!)

#8: Pioneer
This song by The Band Perry inspires hope, adventure, and a sense of purpose. The first time I listened to it I was lost in the words and the music, but since then it has become a symbol of my wandering mind. This is the song for your dreamer character. This is a song that tells of determination and peaceful, blind hope. It's pretty calm, but near the end the music becomes very...emotion-awakening, and it still gives me goosebumps.

#7: Your Side of Town
By Maddie and Tae, this country song is full of threats of revenge, cheeky sass, and a fun sense of being fed up with people who betray us. I use this song as inspiration for one of my characters in TreasureHood, especially with the division between the pirates and the other people. (Yes, I'm working on a better name for them!)

#6: Lone Ranger
I recently watched the 2013 Lone Ranger movie, and found that the movie was excellent! (I'll be working on a post for that soon) This song I felt should have been in the movie, had it been written yet. Lone Ranger by Rachel Platten is an AMAZING song. It has a wandering sense, and feels like the Old West, but not in an overbearing manner. The song's an upbeat minor song, (which is actually not very common outside of soundtracks) and  I enjoy writing anything general. For example: if you have to write an essay. I know that's a terrible example, but seriously. This is the kind of song you listen to when writing a first draft, and just trying to get the words out there on the page. This could be for light dialogue, it could also be for scenery or history, or even a cute bunny trail like the ones I tend to write on here. Basically, this is what you listen to when you're writing what you already know, but just need to get out there actually onto paper.

#5: El Dorado
Named after the City of Gold from Aztec mythology, this song by Two Steps from Hell, (a trailer music group) lives up to its expectations. I've heard many people have different ideas from listening to this song, but I always imagine it starting out as a thief running through the streets of that ancient city, then slowly his life gets more and more complicated and entwined in the government of the city. Different people hear different things, but this song almost always wakes up a muse of mine. It's EPIC, and while all the songs by the group could be called epic, this song's quick and light pace, (At least to start with) has made itself stand out in my mind.

#4: World on Fire
Speaking of epic, this song is mostly used in fan videos on youtube, but it registers a level of despair, and forging ahead through that despair that gets to me. Most of my muses have responded to this song, but generally it's either an opening first act song, or a third act song. (Or, it's usually the 'moment where it becomes real' for the main character, or the moment of apparent defeat.) I like it, and it's very dark, and in minor.

#3: One Day More
No, I don't have to explain this one. Les Mis. Simple. If you don't know it, well, look it up. And I am very surprised at you. (also, I am very interested in learning just how you've gone so long without hearing one of the greatest songs EVER?!) So, I will talk about what this song has inspired. This song is like Pioneer, only with more desperate anger. It's inspired character who want to change the world, and it's inspired characters who want nothing to change. All in all, it's inspired a lot of dialogue. This is the song I listen to when trying to figure out the relationship between different people. So....yup.

#2: One Girl Revolution
So, Superchick has apparently disbanded, (so sad!) but I still LOVE this song by theirs. (I was in a 'women empowerment' mindset when I wrote this list, can you tell?) This is agressive, and about women being awesome even if they don't look like it. I use this song to inspire any character who does any kind of fighting: whether it's sword fighting, martial arts, kickboxing, verbal sparing, anything. This is a song for making a difference.

#1: Immortals
YES I love this song, it's awesome! My number one song for this list is by Fall Out Boy, and most people have heard it in Big Hero 6, (fascinating movie, also need to do a post about it. Let me know if that's interesting) I actually don't use this song for my immortal characters, (yes, I have a few.) but instead I use this song to inspire moments where my characters have to decide what exactly would be worth more to them than their lives. Interesting that I use a song called 'immortals' for when characters are faced with their own mortality. Huh. Maybe I need to examine my head for a sense of irony?

Anyway, please let me know what you thought, (and also if this was too long!) Seriously, other than the practice I get from writing these, I can't really get better without your comments! Positive or negative, just as long as it's constructive! I'll get back to you guys soon! Happy Fall! Scribe Ergo Quae Vidiste Vivere!

Top Ten: Crazy words

Hello Bookworms!
I haven't been blogging in a little while, so today I'm doing a very fun, very simple post. Basically, I'm writing 10 of my favorite words, and explaining why I love them. Simple, short, and it gets me back into the routine of blogging. Plus, who knows? Maybe they'll help expand your vocabulary!

#10: Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia
Despite what spellcheck says, this is a real word! It means fear of long words. I simply love saying it and wigging people out, but it's also ironic. People get scared because I can basically say it in one breath, but they generally end up laughing when I explain what it means. It's just something I like.

#9: Eclectic
This is a lot like eccentric, but eccentric implies a higher level of insanity. Eclectic simply means using a little of the best of everything. I think it's a beautiful word, and it describes my writing style beautifully.

#8: Abscond
DON'T ask me why I fell in love with this word, but I did. It means to run away with. I sometimes like to say that my muses have absconded with my sanity, and have been informed that only writers use words like that. Okay, so I know exactly why I fell in love with this word! It's one that I like. So...nothing else to say. Moving on.

#7: Catalyst
I have never seen this word used in normal writing, which really stinks. Science doesn't get to claim our words, people! So, according to the dictionary, a catalyst is someone or thing that precipitates an event or change. Basically, it makes things happen. In simpler terms, it's a plot device. But it makes me feel smart to say it. :)

#6: Asinine
Why do I love this word? To start off with Harry used it in The Flash. Wait, I need another reason to love it? Oh, all right. It's a great insult. There. You sound intelligent as you call someone an idiot.  Perfect reason to love the word.

#5: Photosynthesis
Another sciency thing. Wait, sciency isn't a word either? Wow, spellcheck is picky! Alright. I love photosynthesis because it's a very fun word to say. Photosynthesis. It sounds like someone likes taking pictures of themselves, while in actuality it has something to do with sunlight and plants. If you are interested in learning more: check out a book on plant biology. I'm a writer, not a scientist.

#4: Psychosomatic
I PROMISE I'M NOT A SCIENTIST! I really love the words psychosomatic, firstly because it's used in BBC's Sherlock. (Yup. I'm a fangirl. Hello everyone!) Secondly, because it's a fascinating principle. Someone can hear of symptoms and their neurological pathways will tell them that they're experiencing those symptoms? That's amazing!

#3: Harmony
Why do I love the word harmony? Because it is a very peaceful, calming word. It seems so calm, so simple. So easy to spell! Also, it's a very musical and respectful word. You can almost imagine yourself in a Gothic cathedral listening to the music of the Reformation whenever you hear the word. Harmony. (Yes. I have issues. Feel free to talk to me about it in the comments!)

#2: Tariff
Basically it's a fancy word for taxes.(Not entirely, Tariff has to do with a specific tax, but close enough.) Still, it sounds a lot better to say you're going to go do your tariffs than your taxes. Perhaps it's just me, but I feel more like I'm in Sherwood when I use the word Tariff. It's nice!

#1: Pity
Alright, so this one isn't complicated or anything, but his is one that I really want people to understand! All the time, in books, TV shows, and movies, these really strong characters say: "I don't want your pity." And we're supposed to like them for it. I looked up the definition. Pity is another word for showing compassion. WHAT IS WRONG WITH PITY?! Refusing pity doesn't make you stronger, or braver. It makes you a jerk and an idiot. What's wrong with letting someone look at you and say: your life is hard, I'm sorry you have to go through what you're going through. That is what pity is. So, reason I love this word: it's misunderstood. Please, oh writers out there who read my blog: show someone accepting pity and it NOT BEING SEEN AS A PATHETIC THING!

So, those are 10 words I really like. Please leave a comment, they really help me know what you're thinking! I hope I'm back to blogging, but I really don't know.
Scribe ergo quae vidiste vivere!

Top Ten Quotes About Writing (Right)

Hello Bookworms!
Today I am covering another top ten, this time about my personal favorite quotes about writing. These keep me writing and stave off that dreaded writers block. So, without further ado, let us begin!

#10:
"Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but and escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality. But, of course, only those who have personality and emotions know what it is to want to escape from these things."
~T.S. Eliot
I love this quote, because too often people write poetry just to express all their pent up emotions, and tell people what they think. This isn't poetry, it is a rambling on paper which happens to rhyme. I often use this quote to remind myself of the reason I write poetry.

#9:
"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm."
~Winston Churchill
This quote summarizes my view on my writing. I go through several mistakes in my writing, however I keep working, because writing, and the thrill of new adventures is what keeps me going in the morning. I use this quote to remember that success doesn't mean that I get something right the first time.

#8:
"A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd."
~Max Lucado
This quote serves as an excellent example of standing out, and leading something brand new. Yes, your writing could influence several people, it could be brilliant and amazing, but in order to do that you sometimes have to turn your back on most of society, and ignore what most people say; unless of course they are experts, but that's a different story.  I use this quote to uplift my spirits when I think my writing is so random people will never want to read it.

#7:
"If I had only one rule to live by, it would be this: Write to communicate, not to impress."
~Judy Bridges
  Shakespeare was a great author, and play-write. (I'm probably spelling that wrong). However, he often wrote to impress his audience, several times using words which he himself made up. He had every right to do so, however a reader should be able to follow the story. I use this quote as a reminder that it doesn't matter if you're a genius, if people cannot understand you, you have bigger issues.

# 6:
"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."
~Leo Tolstoy
 Often as writers we get this idea of how we will change everything, and everyone will be better off. I don't know who first started saying it, but someone started the saying "If I ruled the world, it would be a better place-for me." Something may be wrong, or it may just be our way of looking at it which is wrong. Make sure that you as a writer have thoroughly examined why you think something before you tell other people what you think. This quote reminds me that not every story needs to be told, and sometimes things are better kept secret.

#5: 
"There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" 
~Robert Kennedy
Sometimes, instead of looking at what is in the world and shouldn't be, I like to look at what isn't in the world and should be. Some concepts and ideas of several years ago have been lost, and some were never there to begin with. This quote reminds me that my writing is to bring things into the world, and explore the domino effect of the reactions.

#4: 
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."
~Scott Adams
To preface, the only thing I know about this guy is he writes a cartoon. I haven't actually read the cartoon, I don't think I would understand the humor. The point is, everyone makes mistakes. Sometimes we don't really understand why we made them, sometimes we read something we wrote late at night and think, "I call myself a writer?" And then sometimes we read something we read something we wrote late at night and think, "Maybe I should write more at night." This quote keeps me writing, realizing that maybe my mistakes actually aren't all that bad.

#3:
"Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself. It's as if they are showing you the way."
~Donal Miller
 Close to the Judy Bridges quote earlier, writing is about communicating, and sometimes writing is simply a tinted window, in which one person can be taught how someone else sees the world, and why things mean so much to them. This quote reminds me that writing is less of a planned movie, and move of an observation deck. You never know what's going to happen, but you have to see things differently in the end.

#2: 
"If you're willing to fail interestingly, you tend to succeed interstingly."
~Edward Albee, playwright
If you write enough, it's almost a guarantee that you will fail. So, don't write to succeed. Write to have fun. Instead of worrying about whether you will make the list of top one-hundred novels in the nation, instead write something that you could pull off your shelf after reading a hundred times, and still find funny, amusing, and entertaining. This one reminds me that I write not for a crowd of people, or for a generation of far off children, or even to be recognized as a great author; I write because at the end of the day, I want to be able to enjoy looking back over my work.

#1: 
"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please."
~Mark Twain
Alright, who didn't see me using a humorous quote as my last one. What can I say? This is how I work. Until I get all the facts, there is no way for me to know whether or not someone else has already used my ideas? Once I know how it happened, I can twist it around so that no one sees it coming, but I can drop clues as inside jokes to those who know the truth. (Yes, I'm talking about mystery novels, though it's really good for a parody novel as well:) ) This one reminds me, that in the end my writing is my writing, and no one can take that away from me.

Thank you for reading these, I really hope they helped! What are your favorite quotes? How do you stave off writers block? And what would you like me to talk about? My next post will be on small writing exercises which help me with stories, character development, and just experimenting with new writing styles. I will be posting it sometime next week, so keep a weather eye out!
dimidium facti qui coepit habet

Top Ten: available books

Hello Bookworms!
Busy life! It's been more than a week since I've been able to post, and so I have decided to write about my top ten books available to me. I have read too many excellent books to say my ultimate top ten, however I do know the top ten books that either I own or I am borrowing.

#10: The Aeneid. (Virgil)
Yes, it's old; yes, it's a poem; and yes, it's confusing; but there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. It follows a survivor of the Trojan war as he tries to find the 'New Troy'. Along the way, he has to deal with cyclops, harpies, a jealous goddess, a suicidal widow, and a journey to the underworld. Only after all of that does he arrive at his destination, to begin a war over a woman who rarely appears in the story at all. Besides telling a wondrous tale of adventure and romance, the Aeneid also gives a bit of sight into Virgil's dreams in life. Being the sequel to the Iliad, the Aeneid mirror's several writing devices which Homer used; revealing that Virgil wished his own writing to be admired as timelessly. (Of course most of this I learned in class, but still, it's a great book!) If you haven't read it and you like ancient mythology, you will love this book. I would estimate you would enjoy it the most anywhere from 10 to 30 years of age.
#9: The Tale of Despereaux. (Kate DiCamillo)
 Alright, this book has very short chapters, and a very simple plot. It's more the kind of book you would read if you had a cold, or wanted to just ignore the rest of the world and think about very little. It follows a mouse who doesn't want to do mouse-like things. Unfortunately, I haven't read it since I was really little myself, so I don't remember that much about it, other than the fact that it was really easy to read without looking like a toddler's plaything. I would estimate you would enjoy this book the most anywhere from 5 to 12 years of age.
#8: Martin the Warrior: A tale from Redwall. (Brian Jacques)
Martin the Warrior is a story on it's own. There is no need to look up any other books to figure out what's going on, there's no need to read it twice, it just fits together. Plenty of mystery, action, romance, and humor. Plus, the character development stands out as the characters try to figure out who they really are. And, if that weren't enough, there's not a human in sight. All mice and animals you would find in England. The plot follows a mouse who was captured at a young age, and escaped slavery in his relative teens to find help to free the other slaves from Marshank. I would estimate you would enjoy it most anywhere from 5 to 25 years of age.
#7: The Dragon King Trilogy: In the Hall of the Dragon King (Stephen R. Lawhead)
This book's writing style reminds me of medieval England. The plot follows a young acolyte (Apprentice priest) who takes a message for a fallen knight and finds his country in grave danger from a sorcerer. Unfortunately, there are no dragons in the who trilogy; just a king with the name of a dragon. The main traveler has to face assassins, pirates, an evil prince, all while trying to find the real god of that world. Though it can sometimes seem dry and dusty, the book as a whole is worth the time it takes to read. Although, if you get logged down, you can skim over the villain's lines. I would estimate you would get the most out of this book anywhere from 13 to 25 years of age.
#6:Mariel of Redwall: A tale of Redwall. (Brian Jacques)
Yes, Redwall again, but I was raised reading these books, and there are twenty some odd books in the series. Mariel of Redwall follows a young mouse maiden who looses her memory and wakes up on a beach with nothing but the memory of a storm and a knotted rope. Facing pirates, savage weasels, crazed lizards and an angry crab, this book is full of adventure, romance, mystery, and one of the best almost sequels ever written. Fighting the stereotype of helpless women while accepting the emotional weakness that creeps up in all women, this story defies and creates tradition. I would estimate you would get the most out of this anywhere from 7 to 23 years of age.
#5: Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony. (Eoin Colfer)
This is the fifth book in the series, however in my opinion the best. Focusing on Artemis's interactions with a hidden branch of the fairy family, this book involves a colony of demons that moved out of time and space to escape the war between fairies and humans. This book also introduces a worthy rival for the young mastermind Artemis. With arcane dialogue and clever plot twists, this book rivets you to the page. Be careful though, not everything ends as you think; and when all is over the main character must face a whole new world to what he knows. I would estimate you would enjoy this book the most from 10 to 25 years of age, and don't read it without knowing the back story.
#4: Pearls of Lutra: A tale of Redwall. (Brian Jacques)
Final Redwall book on this list, but this one was my first Redwall book. Pearls of Lutra is about six pink pearls that a pirate emperor wants to complete his crown and rule the paradise island of Sampetra. However, in order to get them, he murders a clan of otters and has his pirates bring them back. However, when two of his men abandon ship and flee to the abbey of Redwall, the emperor declares a war. And in order to save their friends, the heroes must solve the clues left behind as to the pearls location, as another set of warriors sails after the vessel carrying their friends. Defiantly one of the best in the series, Pearls of Lutra is enjoyed at most any age.
#3: Book one of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles: Dealing with Dragons (Patricia C. Wrede)
The attitude of the main character in Dealing with Dragons can be defined with three words: Sick of Proper. Cimorene is a princess who didn't want to do anything princess-like. She hated embroidery and dancing, so she studied fencing behind her parents back. When that stopped, she studied magic, Latin, cooking, economics, and juggling. Eventually, her parents arranged for her to get married, so she ran away to become a dragon's princess. Facing Wizards, a witch, and a stone prince, she stands up for women's rights. (Figuratively, there were no 'rights' back then.) I would estimate this book to be enjoyable from 7 to 35 years of age.
#2: The Hobbit. (J.R.R. Tolkien)
There is no introduction needed. Not really an explanation either. The hobbit was written for children before the lord of the rings was ever released. After seeing the movies, people are confused by the characters, and the back story, and all these things that weren't in the book. Small explanation, the writers did their best to explain Legolas, (Who wasn't a character when the hobbit was written) and include the appendices. Alright, so why is the hobbit one of the best books I've ever read? Well, because it has a bit of everything, and all of it is well done. The descriptions are precise, the characters are realistic, the plot is amazing, the character development is striking, and the word choice is clear. All in all, if I had to rate the book I would give it 9.5 out of ten for children's books. I would say this book is most enjoyable from 10 to 65.
#1: The Westing Game. (Ellen Raskin)
Ok, what can I say? I already posted about it yes, but this was one of the best books I had in my early years. The characters are realistic and developed, the descriptions paint a vivid portrait of the settings, and the mystery is so well developed it leaves you wanting to read it again and piece it all together. I could read this book ten times in one week and still not be tired of it. I would estimate the best age to read this book to be 10 to 33 years of age.

Alright, so that's my top ten! Please keep in mind, these are the books I would pull off a shelf and read for several hours. These are not the absolute best books in my opinion, but I don't have the best near at hand to read. If I did, you wouldn't hear from me for absolute weeks. I will be trying to post about each of these books this year, are there any you would like me to do first? Also, are there any books you have enjoyed reading over and over? If so, please let me know! Habent sua fata libelli!