Tenth Muse Songs and Collages

I’ve been incredibly busy lately so this Friday Writing Post will be slightly shorter.

However, it’s still super awesome!

I’ve talked about my main characters for The Tenth Muse a few times, and even had some dream casting in this Q&A post. As follows are collages I made for the main three characters: Hypatia, Mel, and Calliope! I used song lyrics for the center which I originally thought somewhat matched their characters. I made them on Canva with pictures from Canva and Unsplash.

In addition to the pics, I listed several inspiration songs for the story and characters.

Hypatia

Songs that inspired Hypatia:

• A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman
• Whole Heart by Rachel Platten
• Scarecrow by Alex and Sierra
• Burning Gold by Christina Perri
• Chasing the Sun by Sara Bareilles

Melpomene

Songs that inspired Mel:

• Waving Through a Window from Dear Evan Hansen
• I Found by Amber Run
• Livewire by Oh Wonder
• East by Sleeping At Last
• Neptune by Sleeping At Last
• Paradise by Coldplay
• Army of Angels by The Script

Calliope

Songs that inspired Calliope:

• It’s Time by Imagine Dragons
• Good For You from Dear Evan Hansen
• Sign of the Times – cover by Jasmine Thompson and Sabrina Carpenter
• East by Sleeping At Last

The Tenth Muse

Songs that inspired the book:

• Larger Than Life by Pinkzebra
• Nothing Ever Happens by Rachel Platten
• Why – Acoustic specifically by Sabrina Carpenter
• How Would You Feel by Ed Sheeran
• You Are In Love by Taylor Swift
• Fight Song by Rachel Platten

What I’ve listed here is a good portion of my TTM playlist – as you can see, a lot of Sleeping At Last, a lot of Rachel Platten. Each story I write has a couple artists that I feel represent a lot of the book, and those two definitely are The Tenth Muse’s.

Hope you enjoyed!

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If you have any questions about The Tenth Muse, or writing in general, or ANYTHING AT ALL, feel free to ask below!!

Do you like the shorter posts better? Stick to longwinded ramblyness?

If you leave questions, I’ll either respond right away or maybe make a Q&A Post #2 including it! Have a wonderful weekend!

In Which I REFUSE TO CRY

I won’t. I refuse.

But so you all can get teary-eyed, here’s a link to Lindsey’s awesome playlist she made for Sherwood.

As you will see reflected in a few of the awards below, I wrote this book last minute. I guess I couldn’t get past the NaNoWriMo feeling of needing to write everything in an impossible time crunch.

But there were days when writing was the last thing I wanted to do. There were days when I hated myself and my story. I wanted to give up.

Lucky me, I hate failure. So I didn’t give up. And the success of being on the other side of all the toils is UNESTIMABLY WORTH IT.

I learned that I had more on my mind about trust than I thought I did.

I learned about using your gifts for a purpose, even if that purpose is making a little girl in a cobbler’s shop smile.

I learned that more people have confidence in my writing than I thought possible.

And that really leads me to the main event; listing the awards I received. Now, I don’t like boasting, but Ms. Gaines suggested we accept the awards as well as give them out, like I did in this post.

First of all: Thank you so so much. I’m going to miss each and every one of you. It’s been an honor to be read by you.

*applause and swelling award ceremony music*

From Teresa:

Most Likely to Break Your Heart with Tragic Character Backstories goes to… MR. FANTASTIC (aka Deborah Lehman) with her novel The Tenth Muse. Yes, there are normally only nine muses, but read it and you’ll understand.

Most Likely to Think Their Chapter Is Trash but It Is Actually AMAZING goes to… ALL THREE OF THEM (They are in serious need of confidence)

Runner-Up Wins:

Best Female Lead Character: Hypatia

• Because Hypatia is a flawed protagonist who is just trying her best and develops so much over the course of the story

Best Villain: Polyhymnia

• Because Polyhymnia is evil, manipulative, and annoying even without her powers

Best Opening Line: “The first thing I noticed is light.”

• Because it draws the reader in: “What is this light? Is it symbolic or actual light?”

Best Wins:

Best Male Lead Character: Melpomene

• Because Mel is an angel in disguise. Seriously though, Mel’s character has so many layers that drive his actions, and the reader gets to know more and more about him as the novel progresses

Best Supporting Female Character: Calliope

• Because everyone should have a friend like Calliope: someone who is strong, stands for what they believe in, and is not afraid to put you back in your place

Best Setting: Pierda and Pelladonia

• Because this entire world is so detailed, and I just want to go explore it

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From Madison: (nothing was better than hearing you read this yourself)

Best Layered Characters: Okay, but Mel? And Calliope? And of course Hypatia? And all the others? Like wow. I basically couldn’t believe these weren’t real people after reading your novel project.

Best Emotional Dialogue: Every. Single. Time. My heart aches, especially the conversations between Hypatia and Mel, oh my goodness, just let me crawl into a little ball and die now.

Most Stressful Climax: Spoiler-Free Version: I’m shattered. Just like… you know what. I don’t know if I’ll be fine again. Also the rising action coming up to the climax really helped it out as well. I have too many emotions over this.

Most Likely to Write Last Minute, but Still Have a Freakishly Amazing Chapter: I can’t remember the amount of times how last-minute you said you wrote yours, but wow you really couldn’t tell because each chapter was So! Good! Ahhh!

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From Katie:

Best Couple

This is not up for debate. MELPATIA FOREVER. Okay, but seriously. The way you make the characters grow and learn together while facing totally different challenges and inner-battles develops their relationship so naturally and so perfectly. Because man, Mel has some serious issues. But on the other hand, Hypatia is only like 69% grown up (she does become so much more thoughtful and wise by the end of the book).

Most Likely to Make Me Cry with a Tragic yet Entirely Believable Backstory

For Polyhymnia and her father who always saw her as a Muse and never as a daughter. For Mel, or should I say a tortured saint who deserves nothing less than the best the world has to offer him. I mean, from the start, I loved Mel and I thought to myself, “Sure, he’ll be a cool supporting character with an interesting take on the purpose of Hypatia’s powers. It’s whatever.” But BOY was I wrong. Mel is like the most conflicted, developed supporting character of all time that it seems a crime to not call him the main character. Okay, dramatic love letter to Mel aside, you consistently bring up reasons for character’s actions that provide depth to the characters, not just excuses for their actions.

Most Developed World

The world of the Muses is something unlike anything I’ve ever read about before. I mean, I sort of had a vague idea of what a Muse was before reading your story, but nothing could have prepared me for being hurled head-first into detailed and all-too-real world of war and very human struggles. But after just the first chapter of your story, the entire world of the Muses, their powers, their countries, their diplomacy, their own mini-tyrant (I’m looking at you, Polyhymnia), and even their conflicted goals as individuals brought the story to life in a way that can’t be competed with. Besides, I’m a sucker for magical powers, so you got me there.

Most Likely to Write the Longest Chapters, but Make Reading Them Freeze Time

Seriously, every time I sit down to read one of your chapters, I am immediately sucked into the Muse world and everything around me stops mattering until I read the last line. Your story is unique in that the tone is set so clearly at the beginning of the chapter that it feels like I never stopped reading about Hypatia. I love the way your chapters take their time to let the reader catch on to what’s going on, without spelling it all out. You let us stumble along with Hypatia as the Muses fly past in a confusing and sometimes frustrating world. (Hold on, I forgot it wasn’t real for a second. I’m good now.) It’s always exciting to sit down to a Deborah chapter and wonder where on earth it’s going to transport me to this time.

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From Micah:

Most Intriguing Character-

This one goes to Mel from Deborah’s The Tenth Muse. I didn’t realize till halfway through Deborah’s novella how intriguing Mel was, but once I got into it I was hooked. His dramatic story and unpredictability was incredibly entertaining, and I think he is very worthy of this award.

Most Developed Character-

This one goes to Deborah! The character of Hypatia has impressed me since I first began reading The Tenth Muse, but the amount of development that Deborah was able to do with her over 10 chapters is even more impressive. I could see a legitimate change in Hypatia throughout the story, and I loved the moral choices that Deborah skillfully molded into her story to develop Hypatia.

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From Greta:

Best Array of Powers

Had such a hard time choosing what award to give this amazing novella.  But I have to give credit for keeping up with all the Muses’ different powers and abilities, because I don’t think I could have done that.  I love how Deborah had her characters struggle with their powers, to control them and to learn how to use them. She didn’t just use the powers to further the plot.  There was real struggle about ethics and the affect every Muses’ power had on each of them.  Every Muse was so unique and different. Can’t wait to see this in print!

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From Hope:

Next, Deborah. Your pulled off a fantasy novel crazily well. I mean, muses and people getting wings randomly and awesome powers and amazing characters and… I could go on and on. I kept your blog open all the time in anticipation of the next chapter I was so into it. I happily award you the Best Procrastinated Upon Writing Award. Though you always were telling us you stayed up until the wee hours of the morning writing your story, it certainly didn’t show. You had amazing dialogue and I loved your characters (especially Mel. He was my favorite. =D). Sequel? *grins innocently*

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From Susana:

Best Opening Line: Deborah Lehman with the tenth Muse.

“the first thing I noticed is light,”

This sentence is so intriguing to me and just draws me into the story.

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From Victoria:

Best Character Development: Deborah Lehman — The Tenth Muse

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Finally, from Aislyn:

• Honestly, where do I begin Deborah? Well, let’s start out with you receiving the award for The Best Closing Line. I simply adored your closing line. It was subtle, and perfect, and fit your Novel quite nicely. If some crazy person out there doesn’t agree with me, then see for yourself: “To the west, the beautiful sunlight faded from the water. One of those ravens cawed in the distance as the three of us finally walked into the Palace.” We can all just sit back and ponder at the wonderfulness of this closing line now.

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Again, I can’t thank you guys enough. This class was more than I dreamed. Keep being awesome, and live great lives.

 

 

It’s not perfect, but here it is! From top to bottom, left to right: Fake Love, Brenin of Llyr, Broken Bishop, Vote Vladimir, Assassin’s Day, Great Dakota Writers Block, You, A Different Fairy Tale, And He Called Her Woman, His Eyes, Incandescence, Star Gazing, Broken, Vera: Lady of Steel, Ransom, Pending, The Tenth Muse, Heir of Diaíresi. (oh and this graphic consumed about three times as much of my day than writing this post did lol)

A Toast

 

I would like to propose a toast. A toast to everyone in this class. A toast to the Writers of Sherwood. I remember, back in the ye olde times of Semester One, Ms. Gaines told us “The Novel Project is what separates the men from the boys, and the women from the whiners, as they say.” And it’s true. This class has been a roller coaster. I’ve stressed more over CW homework than any other class this year–even debate, and that’s saying something. I’ve had more VERY late nights with these assignments than any others this year. I’ve nearly screamed, I have shouted, and I’ve practically cried. (Don’t worry, only over this story.)

But I don’t want it to end.

I’ve eaten like a robot through meals, eyes glazed, merely imagining how I’ll write the next scene. I’ve devoured my classmates’ novels, unable to stuff down that nagging feeling that “you’re the worst writer here.” I’ve gotten so nervous my heart has pounded and my hands have nearly shaken as I pressed the “publish” button.

Still don’t want it to end though.

I’d like to propose a toast to all the writers gathered here who got the chance to spill their brains to each other. Before I get too mushy gushy, I suppose we’ll continue to the fun part:

AWARDS.

To start out, my near and dear Fantastic Four.

For Katie, The Thing, author of Ransom:

Ransom is honored with the Best Female Lead in its midst: Beatrix. Beatrix is an artist (and an epic one at that). But she’s also inspiringly resourceful, no matter what crazy situation she’s thrown in. BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE: she decides things like this: “Beatrix started worrying less about this relaxed, almost bored, kid murdering her in her sleep and her eyes started getting heavier.” Yup, Bea, sleep is important.

I was going to try to diversify these awards but I can’t help but give Best Male Supporting Character in honor of Peter. I adored him throughout; his shapeshifting nature might daunt some writers in character development, but that certainly didn’t happen here! Peter’s lazy, hilarious, and yet remarkably strong character was one of my favorite parts of Ransom by far. If this is ever sequelfied, DON’T YOU DARE MURDER HIM.

Finally, (yes this is still about the characters) Best Power. Beatrix literally made a dragon, okay? Isn’t that enough said? But seriously, the ability of drawing things to life is so awesome and creative. I loved how the little details of it came into the story, such as her recognizing Peter for the first time. The power would make me the worst perfectionist though…

Madison, The Human Torch, author of Pending:

Best Setting. First, I love how you brought in the train tracks from good old CW11! Second…as if the Pender wasn’t amazing enough, you introduced your readers to Pending. A non-world. (A moment of respect for all Madison’s non-world-building.) This place didn’t have rules, sort of, but still operated in a fascinating way.

This is seriously a no brainer but Best Villain. I cannot get over how chilling and creepy and frightening and creepy and nervewracking and creepy The Pender is. All of your characters were amazing, but The Pender was his own little piece of work.

Speaking of characters…Best Character Introduction. From the unique and intriguing opening line, to the almost competition in how far Greg(ory) would climb, this introduction was incredibly well done. It showed the characters to the readers in a way as if we already knew them; they were relatable best friends with unique quirks, and an interaction that makes you love them so much.

Teresa, Invisible Woman, author of Heir of Diaíresi:

Your first award is that of Best Character That I Love but Can’t for the Life of Me Come Up With a Reason Why. Some of you may get where I’m going with this. This award is so well deserved of Despoina. At first I couldn’t stand her. Then I continued to not stand her. But after time, I grew to look forward to Despoina’s complaints; especially when read in your  perfect Despoina voice. I’m glad the whole class got to experience it at least once with the instant classic: “Shut up, Markus!”

The lovely lead, Rozelia earned the Best Inner Dialogue award. Rozelia’s narrative from day one was on point and hilarious. From epic things such as identifying threats in Chapter 1, to sassy remarks such as: “I don’t need to test you since I already know you’re susceptible to magic. So, I get to wipe that smirk off your face,” in Chapter 4.

For the third and final award, I give Best Dead-Not-Dead Explanation. I kind of raved about this when you read it, but without naming names, this was done so well. It actually made sense with both the world, and the precedent. Plus it gave my poor heart a break because SOMEONE DECIDED EVERY SHERWOOD STORY WOULD BE TRAGIC OR SOMETHING.

 

And now, the awards for the remainder of Sherwood:

 

Aislyn Steng gets the award of Best Title. When I first heard the title of Assassin’s Day, I imagined it as exactly something I’d pick out of a bookshelf. It’s just…SO COOL! Is there a better way to describe it? It’s just the type of epic title I could tell my friends and they’d instantly want to hear more.

To Ana Brent and Broken, I give the award Writing Most Likely to Prompt Questions of “Are You Okay” When One Makes the Mistake of Reading This in Public. That’s not a mouthful at all. But I started Chapter 1 in a hotel lobby the night before a debate tournament, and I completely zoned from the rest of my club there. Three people over the course of the evening came over to me and asked if I was okay–clearly concerned with my anger for Niko, my sorrow for Nino, and the when-can-I-give-you-a-hug-oh-and-also-a-good-life for Ren.

To Ethan Conley and Vote Vladimir, the award is Best Pictures Ever. I know this isn’t strictly novel related, but without fail you would provide a hilarious hamster picture for each chapter that would make me grin whenever I saw them.

Grace Aukerman with Star Gazing: Best Full Circle. I’m a fan of any light metaphor, but your usage of it is so excellently delivered. It begins with a single light and four people. The room is first described in a sort of empty way, but Star Gazing ends with anything but:

“A single light bulb hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow on the four faces around the table, and a warm glow was alight inside their souls.”

For Greta Renee, the author of the amazing poetry collected under And He Called Her Woman, the award of Hardest Worker. Not to dis everyone else…but I honestly don’t think anyone in Sherwood could deny this. You wrote 40 freaking poems, girl. I can’t even begin to imagine how draining that would be, but you made it through. Pretty much every other Sandbox assignment you were left to just figure something out, and you pulled through. Every. Single. Time. This one was my personal favorites: Sandbox 3, Moonglade Café. Oh yeah, before I forget, YOU ALSO WROTE A THESIS DURING THIS. And read 10 books repeatedly. Where can I find your time machine?

To Hope Hanson with The Great Dakota Writer’s Block, goes the award Best Film Score. The track you picked for your film score idea in Sandbox 8 was so lovely to listen to and incredibly fitting for your setting and story! Honestly, your Sandbox 8 was one of my favorites to read through, as everything worked so well with the stories.

James Dongilli, with Broken Bishop, gets Most Likely to Make Everyone Else Flail Around and Fail Try Their Best at Writing a Mystery. This award is in honor of our chaotic Round Robin *cough* Hood *cough* Story, Sandbox 10. Nothing like a time jump/flashback/narrative to kick off the wild ride!

For Katriana Danas Rivera, and her heartbreaker, Fake Love:

There are a lot of things I could say about Fake Love and how much I loved (ha) it. However, one thing really stood out about your story. Best Use of Formats. Maybe this isn’t strictly writing related either, but your formats never ceased to be great. The gifs of characters and attached songs really pieced the story together–especially for one set in such a visual culture as Hollywood.

For Lindsey Curtis, with A Different Fairy Tale: Best Twist Moment. Throughout the story I was laughing out loud, but this award took first for you because…that Chapter 9 ending. THAT CHAPTER NINE ENDING. I won’t spoil, but it gave me the best feeling of “wait whAT?!”

Micah Borger with Brenin of Llyr most definitely gets the award of Best Description. I don’t know how you do this, but the way you weave your words so effortlessly paints an amazingly clear picture. The extent of your ability really hit me in the perspective switching assignment, Sandbox 6. I used to be pretty good at Irish dance, and I had the feeling throughout that the dancing in the story was based on it to some extent. And then you actually said so! Irish dance isn’t the easiest to describe, but the rhythm and choice of your words gave me such a clear memory of it.

Oh, and I know this is a second award, and I’m only doing one per non-FF member, but I just had to: Most Likely to Inspire Us to Follow You to War. Most likely without question too.

Sela Mueller, Vera: Lady of Steel, for Best Closing Line:

“I feel cold.”

Once Upon A Time, I was happy. A naïve, careless, and free writer who knew not the pain of reality. And then Chapter 10 struck.

Okay I’ve been broken by books before, but Vera: Lady of Steel ended just so perfectly. Sometimes people end with tragedies for the sake of the tragedy. However, one of the most painful things of this ending was just how realistic it was. Not to mention how excellently it was written. You have my respect, Sela. :) And the pieces of my heart.

Susana Brucker, His Eyes: Best Quote. I ought to just let it speak for itself:

“The two girls hold each other for dear life, not caring about whoever watches, only knowing that if they let go they might fall apart.

They don’t fall apart. Life will always be a struggle but as long as they have each other holding the other one together they know they won’t fall apart.”

And last, but not even close to least: Victoria with You: Best Use of Something Technical for Something Heartbreaking. 2^nd person is really hard to get right, but we can all agree when I say that you pulled it off effortlessly. My heart was torn enough, but the narrative switch put the last nail through the coffin. It makes your already amazing ending that more powerful, with such a personal, up close narration style.

 

Okay, I was wrong. Victoria wasn’t last. I just had to save the best for last.

Ms. Gaines, what award would be better than Biggest Inspiration? Not many teachers get me excited to write two assignments per week, but even through the ridiculously hard things *cough* no E’s *cough* it was worth it. Whether it was encouraging us, giving us life advice, or sharing librarian jokes, you deserve every imaginary and real award we could give you. Thanks for the best class ever.

 

Well. That took a while. But I can’t say enough how glad I am to have been in all your company this year. Creative Writing, pineapple and/or green juice, Tuesday mornings in general, and yes. Cat Shaving. Even Cat Shaving has a place in my heart now. Don’t know how it got to be a proper noun all of a sudden, but what can I say. At least Sherwood Forest can be remembered for how…unique we are.

A toast to you, Robin Hood and the Merry Students. Until next time.

 

 

 

Round Robin Tale of Juice, Cats, and Detectives

As a next to last assignment, my fellows and I in the Sherwood Forest were to write a group story. A round robin of sorts, where we take turns adding to the tale.

It came out…rather…interestingly. I don’t really have a better word for it than that; I hope you enjoy (if you can). XD

With THAT GREAT RECOMMENDATION, here is the beautiful creation of the best class ever:

 

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“If I had known then what I know now, maybe things would have been different. (GAINES) In my mind, the blame rests solely upon the cat, and the cat alone. As I recall the series of events, it seems that perhaps the razor had a mind of its own, willing me from the start to sheer the beast. But who am I to say?” (DONGILLI)

“It was all a mess after that, an actual and literal mess; the cats fur was persistent on sticking to me. Luckily I had the antidote, pineapple juice. (STENG) But perhaps I am getting ahead of myself. Allow me to take you back to the beginning, to where this all began. Allow me to take you to San Francisco, 1874.” (DONGILLI)

Detective Shultz’s eyes rolled back into his head, recounting the memories to his partner, Mr. Dutton.

“The client and I knew not what we were getting into, Dutton. As we climbed the steps of the mansion, a low whirr could be heard on the highest floor. (CONLEY) She opened the door for me, and stifled a groan as we entered. The minute I stepped on the expensive hardwood entryway, I could tell something was wrong. Sure enough, the grandfather clock in the parlor was smashed, and everything was covered in green juice.” (LEHMAN)

Mr. Dutton frowned, staring down into his small glass of wine, “Green juice, Detective Shultz?… Were you able to deduct anything from such a peculiar incident?” (CONLEY)

“Well, yes actually,” the detective paused and licked his lips. “There was some sort of white substance all over the floor…flour methinks?” (STENG)

“Flour,” the detective’s assistant replied in thought. “Does the client’s mansion have a cook or a baker, by any chance? Although, whoever it was, what would he have to gain from knocking over a clock, and why was he carrying flour in the first place?” (CONLEY)

The detective let out a long and heavy sigh. “I was asking myself the same questions, when lo and behold, we spotted a maid standing among the catastrophe! It appeared that she was trying to cleanse the expensive carpet with pineapple juice…but she might’ve been trying to hide the evidence!” (LEHMAN)

“Quite peculiar, I must say!” Mr. Dutton replied. “Why should one use pineapple juice to clean a spill or hide the evidence? I don’t get it…” (CONLEY)

“Because the only thing to hide the evidence of the cat shavers…is pineapple juice!” The detective got excited as the idea clicked in his mind, his mind racing back to the time he, himself, had shaved a cat. (STENG)

It had been a portly tabby, quite puggy, and he had had to stiffen its fur with flour, and then wash it before he could shave it. It had been a difficult task, the poor thing scrabbled all over him and covered him with flour. However, in a few moments the deed was done and the floured cat had been stripped of its fur. (BORGER)

The detective’s thoughts refocused on the current conversation, and he glanced across at Mr. Dutton. “So, perhaps the maid was responsible for all of it– the mess and the cat shaving,” he paused and thought, muttering to himself, “But that still doesn’t explain the flour, does it? And why would the loud whirring sound be coming from upstairs if the cat shaving happened in the entryway?” (AUKERMAN)

“Detective, did you ask the maid why she was cleaning the carpet with pineapple juice? Wait, how did you know that it was pineapple juice, because that green juice couldn’t have been pineapple juice…?” Mr. Dutton paused, looking a little lost. (SLABACH)

“At that moment, the maid appeared at the top of the stairs holding in her hand, quite suspiciously, a small pair of scissors. There was an abundance of some fluffy substance stuck to the blades of the scissors. ‘This dumb pineapple juice,’ she muttered. ‘Makes everything stick.’ (HANSON)

“And then I had a thought,” the detective beamed as he remembered exactly what he had thought of. “I remember thinking that the whole she-bang was a ruse. A distraction from the real problem.” He paused and recounted the event in his head. (STENG)

“The maid looked up from her mumbling and a startled cry came from her mouth as I rushed forward. Dropping the scissors, she turned and fled suddenly towards me. I halted in surprise as her small figure barreled past me and ran into an open door that had appeared at the foot of the stairs, shimmering mysteriously. (HANSON)

“Dutton, I had no honest idea of what she was doing,” Shultz said, leaning back into his chair. “She just burst forward, screaming like mad. After standing there, dazed for a few seconds, I ran after her, lest I lose my only clues.” (CONLEY)

“Once I had managed to squeeze into the opening, it became drafty and the smell was just horrid, Dutton! It smelled like burned cat fur,” the detective leaned forward in his chair, an eyebrow arched. “That’s when I finally understood what was going on.” (STENG) Shultz paused for a moment, repainting the picture of the room in his head; a smile flitted across his lips.

“And? What was in the room?” Dutton prompted, leaning forward on the edge of his seat.

“Nothing,” Shultz laughed, “that’s the incredible thing: there was absolutely nothing in the room.” (RIEDEL)

Dutton sighed, leaning back again. “You get me every time! I get all excited and then…so, I know you want me to ask. What was so important about nothing?” (SLABACH)

Shultz shifted on his seat. “Well, nothing I suppose. Except for the all-important fact that the maid was gone as well.” (HANSON)

“What?” Dutton questioned. “Gone? Where could she have possibly run off to?” (DANAS RIVERA)

“I asked myself the same question,” the detective replied. “I found a door off to the side and when I opened it, the door only held darkness. I tried to step in, but the darkness was so thick, it was literally solid to the point where I physically could not enter.” (CONLEY)

Dutton simply leaned back to ponder this, his eyebrows knitting together in concentration. After a moment of silence he asked, “How is that even remotely possible?” (STENG)

“I asked myself the same question, until I touched it for the first time – it was pure, fluffy, dense, black cat hair. So dense, in fact, that I could scarcely press more than a few inches in. But as I stroked the fur, I heard – no, I felt a deep, throaty purr that shook the room. Somehow, a gigantic feline filled every inch of the room before me.” (DONGILLI)

“At this point troubling thoughts poked at my brain. Had I just awakened this frightful beast? Did I just step mindlessly into the dragon’s lair, and should I run?” (MUELLER) “But alas, before I even had the time to make up my mind, the midnight black feline was already prowling towards me, like a lion eyeing on its prey. As my eyes met the creature’s own icy blue pair of eyes, I felt my face turn pale and my hands began to tremble.” (TAN)

Something about the eyes reminded the Detective of something, something he had seen quite recently. His own eyes widened. It was the maid in cat form! (HANSON) He lurched back and stared at the cat taking up the entire room. Several thoughts raced through his head about what he had just discovered—how and why did the maid turn into a cat? Could he tame this humongous beast? (PHILLIPS)

Then an idea occurred to him: Robin Hood and his Merry Men could tame the cat, he was sure of it. Pulling a small trumpet out of his pocket, the detective blew a silver note on it and a loud rumbling was heard outside. Flour began floating down on him from somewhere above. (HANSON)

When the flour cleared, the detective looked around the room. Standing around him was Robin Hood himself along with Friar Tuck and a few others. They didn’t look the least bit surprised at their new surroundings. (VOS)

“This is crazy, Detective!” Dutton exclaimed, but there was some form of hidden amusement in his voice, as if societal pressures were the only reason why he felt compelled to speak. “And what about the green liquid or… ah, the pineapple juice? You have not explained that yet.” (BRENT)

“Oh yes, the pine…pineapple…” Shultz snorted awake, almost knocking over his glass of green juice. Observing the late hour on the clock and the wide open book on his desk, Shultz thought to himself, I must have fallen asleep while reading, but what an odd dream. (RIEDEL) I need to stop drinking pineapple juice before bed. (HANSON)

He rubbed his eyes sleepily before picking up his glass of pineapple juice and closing his book. Slowly he made his way to the door of his study and turned the knob, allowing it to creak open and reveal none other than Robin Hood in the flesh. Shultz jumped back, fully awake. (BRUCKER)

“Aha!” cried Robin, pulling an arrow from his quiver and setting it to the bowstring. “There’s the varlet! Seize him!” (CURTIS)

The ‘varlet’ leapt with fright, darting away in terror at the sight of Robin Hood. Before Robin could strike, a portly man brandishing a floured cudgel and a shaved cat burst upon the scene. Screaming “A Miller! A Miller! Death to all furred cats!” the man charged Shultz, simultaneously beating him and covering him with flour. (BORGER)

Thus, the remainder of the night was spent in Shultz being chased around his own home by Robin Hood and his Merry— or rather rambunctious— Men. The following morning consisted of sore legs, and a flour infested house. (STENG)

 

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The Best of Lines, The Worst of Lines

Hey everyone! Today’s a little different from the other Sandboxes this semester; we’re looking into 10 novels that aren’t our own!! To be specific: listing first and last sentences of each, and picking our favorite. I selected these books nearly randomly off my bookshelf, so the only pattern is books I really like! For some lines I’ve included a few extra sentences prior just so they make sense. Because last lines can often be game changers, the list below is of all the books I’ve picked from, so read at your own discretion.

There are SPOILERS AHEAD for (in this order):

• A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
• Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
• The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
• Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• Divergent by Veronica Roth
• Cinder by Marissa Meyer
• Crookedstar’s Promise by Erin Hunter
• Heartless by Marissa Meyer
• A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
• The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

Q&A #1 – The Tenth Muse

Hey everyone! For today’s post, I’ll be answering some character and filmy questions about The Tenth Muse, the novella I’m currently writing – found at this blog. This was a particularly well timed mental break from writing Chapter VIII and preparing for the climax, and I hope you enjoy!

Hypatia – Afraid

This Sandbox assignment was to write a speech delivered by your main character. I picked a moment that appears between Chapters VI and VII of The Tenth Muse, directly after the events of Chapter VI.

*Spoilers*

Melpomene – A New Fear

This week’s Sandbox is undoubtedly my favorite of what we’ve done! We were challenged to write a scene from our story so far, but from a different character’s perspective. I picked the last scene from Chapter II of my novel, The Tenth Muse. My new perspective character for this scene is Melpomene, and it picks up as Mel, Calliope, and Hypatia are approaching Titan Palace for the first time. Enjoy!

Photo by Mitchell Hollander on Unsplash

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Coming home was always strange to me. Titan Palace was the only home I remembered, yes. But every time I walked up the steep, rocky slope, I couldn’t fight off the apprehension of what will happen now? The strangeness was heightened as I brought Calliope and Hypatia up the path. I couldn’t help but call her Hypatia in my head, even if it was wrong. There were some parts of her that simply demanded to be heard. There was something in her that scared me, too. I shook my head. Crazy.

“Hello, Melpomene,” Urania called out to us, making me jump. “Which one of these lovely girls is Calliope?”

Hypatia thankfully replied first. Urania in turn asked who she was.

“Hypatia,” the girl said proudly. I shot her a swift look. She flushed and corrected herself. “Sorry, no. Polyhymnia.”

Urania’s gaze tore over to me, but I just shrugged.

“I don’t know, Urania, but…I found her. And she’s definitely Polyhymnia,” I added, wincing at my phrasing. Hypatia returned my chlamys and I nodded my thanks as I threw it over my shoulders once more. I felt safer under the cloak, even if it was filthy through and through. Urania, her wide smile still on her face, reached for Hypatia’s hands. I wondered if she was hoping for a vision, or merely to get a feel for our new Polyhymnia.

Urania yelped and jerked backwards, and I darted to her side.

“What is it, what did you see?” I demanded. Urania didn’t look at any of us as she demurely stepped away and straightened her hair.

“I’m confused,” Hypatia commented. I glanced back and forth between the two women. Hypatia sighed heavily and I fought the urge to explain. Why haven’t you explained it already? It’s not like you didn’t have the time, idiot.

Hypatia let out a huge gasp beside me and I moved to catch her, but she steadied herself in time. Her cream colored wings now spread behind her.

“Yes, you’re definitely Polyhymnia,” stated Urania, the shock obvious in her voice. Did you really not believe me? “Come, let’s get you two to the council room,” she continued. Calliope’s eyes flashed, and I took the lead, if only to avoid her accusatory stare. The minute my boots hit the marble floor I was more at ease. We quickly passed through the main hallway. Hypatia instantly slowed as we entered the council room, and I glanced sideways at her. She tipped her head backwards and her mouth gradually gaped open.

I let my gaze linger on her, perhaps too long. All the same, I couldn’t break my stare. This was to be my new Polyhymnia. What kind of replacement will she make? Her eyes shifted to the semi-circle of nine chairs, and they flashed with ambition. I narrowed my eyes. Perhaps I could see her filling her predecessor’s shoes. She glanced at me, and I raised my eyebrows expectantly.

I could tell she was nervous now, but she managed enough confidence to stride around the hearth. She reached her throne and smoothed her hand over the back. The other Muses filed in around and behind me. I shifted to the side to allow them in. I heard whispers, and I glanced over to locate the source. Calliope nudged Thalio, and pointed down the hallway. A small gasp tore from my throat, and I stepped further back.

Polyhymnia was here. The old one, the cruel one. Her gaze shifted from confused to murderous as she caught sight of Hypatia by her throne. She strode between the eight of us, and sent a sideways look suspicion at me before I could avert my gaze.

“Polyhymnia?” Hypatia asked.

“What are you?” Polyhymnia demanded, and I jerked my head back up to watch. Her voice was low, and almost urgent. Polyhymnia only used that voice when she was beyond angry, yet in control enough to plan something. I glanced helplessly between the two. My breath hitched when Hypatia’s gaze darted to me. Her eyes were panicked, but she squared her shoulders and focused on Polyhymnia before replying.

“I don’t know. I barely know what’s going on. I’m told I’m…a Muse.”

Polyhymnia pivoted on her heel.

“What is the meaning of this? Is this some trick?”

She mercifully didn’t stare us down for long; instead she reached for Hypatia and I flinched, instinctively bracing myself. I stopped as I realized she merely pulled Hypatia to the side to look at the roots of her wings.

“All due respect, Mina, you’re the only one with illusions here,” said Thalio to my left. His courage surprised me; it had been a long time since someone had spoken out in Titan Palace.

“Am I?” Polyhymnia demanded and started circling Hypatia. I dug my nails into my palms, biting down every instinct I had to help her. “I am Polyhymnia, understand?” She continued, and I could tell she was using her persuasion. The voice chilled me. It was strange to hear it, yet not feel its effects on myself.

“I was told the same thing,” Hypatia replied, voice quiet. Her hands were clenched too, but I could see them shake.

“Yes, I imagine you were. Tell me, where did you come from?”

“Verdegreen Forest, East Pelladonia,” Hypatia blurted out.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know.” Hypatia spoke in rushed, low tones, while Polyhymnia’s voice slowly rose in pitch and volume. “I don’t know who I am, not with these wings, not with these…not with these powers, not with this new name everyone is calling me, not—”

“What’s your real name? The one you had before?” Polyhymnia pressed. Hypatia glanced at me, as if for approval. I didn’t know what signal to send her, so I only folded my arms. Hypatia breathed in, breathed out, each new breath shaking her.  Her jaws ground together and she tilted her head, every part of her in concentration.

“Why don’t you tell me yours?” she blurted out. It looked like it physically hurt her to say so, but it had an even larger effect on Polyhymnia. She stumbled back a few paces, and for a few moments I felt the thickness in the room lighten as she dealt with her shock.

“My name is Polyhymnia, and you will tell me who you are,” she pressed back. The silent battle resumed, until Calliope strode forward. I put a hand on her arm, but she called,

“Hypatia!” Everyone in the room flinched at the outburst. Hypatia gasped for breath and supported herself with Polyhymnia’s throne.

“What?” Polyhymnia spat, staring Calliope down.

“Her name is Hypatia,” she explained. Hypatia pressed a hand to her face, and she swayed back and forth. I darted forward as she fell backwards, catching her just in time. I steadied her, and she opened her eyes. She stared Polyhymnia down, and a chill went up my spine. I saw fire and determination and defiance in her gaze. And in Polyhymnia’s?

Fear.

Uncertain, undeniable, beautiful fear.

I gently placed my hand on Hypatia’s neck.

“Thalio, her skin is burning,” I intervened, and he ran to her side.

“Come, let’s get her to—” Thalio began, uncertainly glancing at the fuming Polyhymnia.

“The guest chambers,” finished Urania. Hypatia swayed on her feet again, and I tipped her to the side to carry her, bridal style. She gasped and guilt shot through me.

“Your head hurts, doesn’t it?” I asked softly.  She mumbled a reply I knew would be affirmative, even if she didn’t say it clearly enough.

The eyes of the eight Muses were on me as I carried her towards the guest room. That was all right. Whether I liked it or not, I was used to it. But she wasn’t. I feared for Hypatia of Verdegreen Forest. I was nearly as scared for her as I was of her. Maybe that fear was a good thing, because I knew Polyhymnia felt it too. It was Hypatia’s defiance that made the Muses so uncertain.

Urania opened the door for me, and I strode across the dimly lit room. I laid Hypatia down on the bed and smiled.

Perhaps it was time for Pierda to fear someone else for a change.

 

 

 

 

A Little Attempt at Poetry – S5

This week’s Sanbox assignment was to ghost write one of my lovely classmate’s Week 5 homework. Because I am the leastest poetry expert in the history of poetry experts, I thought it a grand idea to try my hand at ghost writing Greta’s Week 5.

Her fifth topic is that of Joy/Happiness, (here’s the project outline) so that is what I had to write on as well. I avoided reading any of her Week 5 poems or list of sub-themes, so my poems would be as original as possible. However, because I am the previously noted NOT A POET, I wrote in some forms Greta has already used: free verse, nonet, and sonnet.

In the end…I’m glad I picked poetry, and I’m a little proud of what I wrote. I hope you can enjoy at least one of these attempts!

Mad Libs – S4

 

This week’s assignment was to create a Mad Libs from any of the creative writing assignments I’ve done so far. I chose last semester’s CW9…but don’t read it until you’re done!

Write down words corresponding to the following items on the word list below, and enjoy!

 

Word List:

• Noun
• Adjective
• Noun
• Noun
• Verb
• Adjective
• Plural Noun
• Verb
• Plural Noun
• Verb ending in -ed
• Noun