Writing Exercise 093

This week I got a prompt from my dear writing buddy Frankie, and a quite interesting one at that. So come with me on a journey and see what happens. :D

2017/09/18 – The teapot boils and you pour the hot water into the mug. Stir the teabag around in circles, creating a small vortex within the cup. As you keep stirring, you watch the vortex, staring at it dreamily, until you notice the vortex getting bigger and bigger and suddenly you are pulled into it. Down and down the spinning vortex, down and gone to another realm. Where do you land and how do you get back?

Breaching the surface she drew in huge gulps of air; gasping and panting she looked around to find herself in a lake surrounded by dark hills contrasting with the golds and violets of the setting sun. Still out of breath she swam to the banks and dragged her body out of the water, shivering with cold.

“What in the world happened? And where am I?” she wondered as she looked about the beautiful and perfectly calm landscape. Two pale moons were up, and the first stars became visible in the evening sky. So she instantly knew, this was not Earth anymore.

“This has to be one of my weird dreams,” she groaned. Then again she never realized she was dreaming when she did. But it couldn't be real either, could it?

The sun was low on the horizon and wouldn't be able to dry her clothes, so she decided to move and try to find people who might help her. Trudging along the banks of the lake she shivered; her flip-flops made a wet noise with every step she took. Her thoughts wandered home, wishing this really was just a dream and she was napping on her cosy sofa huddled in a fleece blanket and her tea was getting cold.

In the distance she saw a campfire burning in the semi-darkness, and she felt so relieved there were people out there she almost forgot to be afraid. Almost. For as she hurried towards the light in the dark she remembered that whoever was there might not be as friendly as she hoped. On her long way there images of ghastly monsters danced before her mind's eye, drinking blood and crunching bones with their sharp teeth – her bones. She shook her head and walked on. No, she needed help; she was in no position to fear for herself and conjure the worst persons possible. Maybe these monsters were nice and helpful monsters who offered her a change of clothes and a cup of tea.

Decidedly she approached the campfire. And when she arrived, she sighed a sigh of relief as she saw the creatures sitting there looked perfectly human. And yet her heart was pounding so hard she could feel it in her throat. It was still three men, at least one of them armed with a sword, against one frail and shivering woman. She gulped and halted as if rooted to the ground.

“Come, sit with us. You must be cold,” the man with the sword had noticed her and his dark eyes bore into her as if they could see past her flesh and bones and right into her soul.

The other men also looked her way now. “Oh, hey there. Didn't notice you there in the dark,” the dark blonde smiled at her and waved, while the other stern looking man only acknowledged her with a nod.

“Uh, thank you,” she hesitatingly smiled, “and hi.” These strangers seemed oddly familiar, though she was sure she'd never met them before. Carefully she sat and eyed them a bit warily. At least they seemed friendly and spoke her language. She rubbed her hands and held them close to the fire. The warmth did wonders to her shivering body, but her wet clothes still clung to her.

“May I offer you a cup of coffee? Or tea...” the stern man politely asked. In his three-pieced suit he seemed a bit out of place, much unlike the other two.

“Yes, please,” she nodded eagerly, the prospect of a hot beverage melted her mistrust away. “Either is fine. And thank you.” The man poured her a cup and she cradled it, warming her hands before taking a sip. The coffee was strong and bitter but it did the worlds of good. She smiled and sighed contentedly.

The dark blonde fetched a big towel from their tents. “Did you fall into the lake?” he asked sympathetically.

“Something like that,” she murmured a bit embarrassed. She didn't think they might believe her if she told them what really happened. Instead she huddled into the towel and dried herself. But she stopped when she felt the scrutinizing stare of the one who invited her to their campfire. “Uhm…?” she blinked at him questioningly.

“No, she didn't,” he stated, “she fell through a vortex in her tea cup and landed here.”

She startled, feeling embarrassed yet again. How did he know? Somehow she felt, she should know the answer already.

“A vortex in her tea cup? That sounds highly unlikely,” the dark blonde chuckled quietly.

“But it's true, isn't it? Asuka Ishimaru, author of two short story collections about our dear Neverbeen Universe,” the man who became creepier and creepier to her observed.

“How – how do you know my name?” she asked scared as hell.

“Indeed, how would I know if you didn't tell me and we'd never met? Well, you do know me – as you know all of us – and you know my powers even more than I do, don't you? Remember. Who am I?” he grinned, crafty as a cartload of monkeys.

She stared at him, utterly confused and even shaken. The coffee cup in her hands trembled as she clutched it. Her mind was in turmoil as it tried to make sense of what that man told her. She was sure, they'd never met. And yet she couldn't shake the feeling that – like he said – she did know them.

“How is that even possible, Raphael?” the dark blonde wondered as the stern gentleman cleared his throat and said with an apprehensive air: “If I may? Ishimaru-sensei may very well know us if her identity is confirmed. As I gather from your information on her, Ra-chin, she indeed may be the wisest entity in this whole Universe, and it is a wondrous incident that she is in fact here.”

She stared and outright gaped at the three men before her as finally it dawned on her who they were. At once everything made sense. Why they seemed so familiar, why the man called Raphael knew her name and what happened to her, why the gentleman behaved as he did. She etiolated and felt as though she might faint any minute. Could this really be happening?

“Oh my god,” she whispered, eyes still trained on the three men as if they had grown a second head. But this was even more miraculous. “Is this really real? Are – are you... real?” she blurted and almost dropped her cup of coffee.

Raphael crossed his arms and grinned: “As real as we possibly could.”

And the dark blonde – Gene – blinked, then nodded. “Sure. I feel very real.”

The gentlemanly Reaper agreed as well.

And she was very well gobsmacked. The more she realised the three of them were really there – she was really there and came face to face with them – the more a broad smile spread on her lips. “Awesome. This is totally awesome,” she breathed and stared at them dreamy-eyed. To meet the main characters of her novel in the making was a dream come true.

“Not at all,” Raphael glowered and knotted his brows. “Care to explain why the hell you do all these things to us in your new story? I don't care what happens to me, but I hope you have a damn good reason for what happens to my dear Gene,” he had a warning tone in his voice which spoke of the danger and power he contained. He stood and spread his black wings.

She gulped, her enthusiasm snuffed out in an instant and replaced by fear. For she very well knew what this Daemon was capable of – she had written it herself.

However, the Reaper came to her rescue and stood in Raphael's path. “Don't do something reckless, Ra-chin,” he solemnly said, “remember. Ishimaru-sensei is our creator. If you do her harm we won't be able to foresee the consequences to our own existence, nay, the existence of whole Neverbeen Universe.”

“I know that,” Raphael growled, “but that doesn't justify what she's doing to us. I can't let her get away with murder, even if it's just in a book.”

“Murder?” Gene echoed, and exclaimed shocked, “Someone's going to die? I don't want that.”

“It's just for dramatical purposes. And there is a happy end,” she promised, then turned to Raphael, “You know that, right? All is well in the end. You can prove it if you read my mind.”

Raphael crossed his arms and shook his head. “I don't like it. Rewrite the story!”

Again, Thanatos cleared his throat to get their attention: “If there is an agreeable ending, that may not be necessary. Be that as it may, there is a more concerning fact at hand. If Ishimaru-sensei is here in Nverbeen Universe, a world of her own creation, this may have serious consequences, possibly cataclysmic ones.”

Gene nodded. “I see. I get it now. But whatever happens when she is here?”

“Excuse me. That I can't possibly fathom,” Thanatos said. “However, I deem it an urgent matter to transport Ishimaru-sensei back to her own world so this world might not be endangered, nor pose a threat to her wellbeing.”

“Agreed,” Raphael relented, “I don't want this place to implode on us or whatever. So we have to get her back to wherever she came from.”

She nodded eagerly. As great and fascinating it might be to meet her own creations in the flesh, she knew how dangerous this world was and she certainly didn't want to die in an imaginary world. “Yes, please. I'd rather you visited me at home than something happened to me here,” she smiled lopsidedly.

“But how to get you there?” Gene asked. “Could one of those portals bring you there?”

Raphael thought for a moment until he concluded: “I don't think so. The portals may be connected to other places in Neverbeen Universe, but they won't lead outside. We have to think of something else.”

For a while pensive silence ensued until it was again Raphael who came up with something. “Let's have a look at the incident that brought you here: you were pouring yourself some tea, stirring the tea and creating a vortex. And as you stared at it the vortex sucked you in. My guess: this is all in your mind; the vortex hypnotized you somehow and you're still there where you belong. Otherwise you couldn't possibly enter a universe that is purely of your own creation.”

That somehow sounded plausible. “So what do I do to get… unhypnotized?” she asked, “Because that would bring me back, right?”

Raphael nodded. “I think so.” Again he thought for a moment, then suggested: “I could link our minds and see if I can wake you.”

Hesitatingly she nodded. She was pretty uncomfortable with someone poking around in her mind, especially someone of Raphael's calibre. But she wanted to return home as fast as possible and hopefully in one piece. “Alright. Please try,” she agreed.

She felt a tingle in the back of her head as Raphael's presence gently pushed inside her head, filled her thinking and a shiver ran down her spine when his calm and deep mental voice murmured: 'Relax. Think of your home. Remember, this is not real, this is but a daydream. Remember where you are and what you are doing. Good. Hold that thought.' She relaxed and did as he told, relished in the feel of his strong mind guiding hers.

'And on the count of three you open your eyes and are back where you belong. Ready? One… two… three.'

She opened her eyes and blinked. Gone was the campfire, and gone were the three protagonists of her novel in the making. She became aware she was still standing in the kitchen, staring forlornly into her mug. “That was the weirdest daydream I've ever had,” she mused. “Wish it was real though. Oh, well.” She shrugged and took a huge sip of her tea. It had become too strong and had already gone cold. She downed it nonetheless, put the teapot on again and flip-flopped back to her desk where she opened the manuscript to her novel in the making. This incident had really put her in the good mood to work on the story again…

Writing Exercise 060

This week I had to write a political speech. Sounds boring? You might never know. ;)
I set this thing in my dear Neverbeen Universe. Those who have read my short stories may know more about the person holding this speech.
But enough of a foreword. Here is my writing exercise:

2017/02/01 – political speech

Kadoma took a step forward and onto the balcony of Yponerotis palace. He breathed deeply, then the mighty Waterfairy let his voice carry through the water droplets in the air so everybody gathered below might hear him.

“People of the United Kingdom of Waterfairies and Thunderfairies,” he began, “King Kaikou Fuka Valtameri Shibuki di Kuningas, my father, is dead. According to the law the heritage to the throne befalls on his eldest son...me, crown prince Kadoma Valtameri Hidaki Etevà Suji di Kuningas, henceforth king. King Kaikou was a symbol for the old values, for traditions which had had a formative influence on this nation for thousands of years. Panta rei. Everything flows. This heraldic motto of my family stands for the whole people of this country. Water always finds its way. And just like water I will show this country new ways, now that after millennia of war we made peace with the Firefairies. This country is ready for peace, ready for a new generation of rulers.”

He waited for the cheers to subside.

“And my first official act as king is: I abdicate.” Shocked silence. “I abdicate and appoint my brother, prince Kershak Hellir Hikyuu Ólgusjór Shibuki di Kuningas as first interim-chancellor of the new parliamentary-democratic Republic of the United Fairypeople. In the following four years he will prepare this country legally for the very first free elections and officiate as head of government.”

Nobody had expected this surprise, not even Kershak himself as he watched Kadoma take off his crown and leave the balcony. But leave it to Kadoma to shock a whole nation.

Writing Exercise 051

This is my last writing exercise in November. It had been an eventful and exciting month full of writing, and thus my triple drabble is just about that. :)

2016/11/28 – NaNoWriMo 2016 (triple drabble)

Everything began with November 1^st; no, even before that ideas were forming, plotbunnies were jumping around and waiting to be released. This year was a year of beginnings, of progress and commitment. And NaNoWriMo was just the icing on the cake: fifty thousand words, thirty days, one goal – ready, set, go!

For a while the world passed me by and it was just me and my words. And a promise. Creativity blossomed, chapters sprang into creation, page by page, word by word, letter by letter. Characters came to life, inhabited my dear Neverbeen Universe and invited to come along on their wondrous adventures.

The write ins fuelled my motivation, propelled my wordcount forward. I made new acquaintances, found writing buddies to push through the hardest parts and cheer them on in turn. I truly enjoyed the excited and creative atmosphere and the notion of finding likened minds close to home.

The Dead Pete Society was crowded with bubbling creative heads; sprint after sprint we incited each other's enthusiasm. But I missed them. Separated by oceans, our hearts are reaching out to one another.

November 8^th, and I won, but I wasn't done yet. My novel wasn't finished, so I continued. Two days later the last word was written; 60,894 words crammed into 47 chapters, 60,894 words of ambition and accomplishment, 60,894 words… and I did it!

I celebrated that day.

But I didn't want NaNoWriMo to be over so soon. So I thought of what to do. Then I remembered my other works needed translation, too. Therefore I resumed writing, I continued the fun and the flow and the fantastic feelings. Days swept by, hours ticking beneath the clicking staccato of typing. Before I knew it the end of November is here.

Let's celebrate the finale of an awesome month!

NaNoWriMo is here!

NaNoWriMo has begun.
Three days in, I'm at over 33k words already. :o

On Tuesday I went to a kick off write in in Essen. There I met a bunch of other authors from the region. At some point we were about twenty people even! Everyone was so motivated, and with the exception of two breaks we wrote and wrote and wrote. It was awesome and amazing. I was totally in the zone, and the people I met were really fascinating and nice. Someone even brought muffins. :D

The location was great, too. You had to pay a low entrance fee, but all the drinks were free and there was a brunch buffet, which was tasty. We had a fireplace chamber all to ourselves and the atmosphere was really cozy and productive. There were even activities like yoga or art exhibitions in this building.

I'd like to go again and write together, but as the other write ins are scheduled for Saturday-Monday, I probably won't make it. Weekends are reserved for my beloved fiancé. <3

Anyway, the members of the Dead Pete Society are equally excited about NaNoWriMo. We're writing and cheering each other on, inciting and motivating. And it feels so good to be in the flow.
It's so much crazy fun, and November has just begun! :D

Writing Exercise 038

The last writing exercise of this month. But don't worry, there will be more next month. ;)
This time I had to write an epilogue to a book, movie or game. And since my book in the making hasn't got one yet, I chose 'Ravenous Adventures -- A Tale from Neverbeen Universe'. This epilogue also hints at another WIP I'm currently working on.
Enjoy. :D

2016/08/30 – write an epilogue to a book/movie/game (Ravenous Adventures)

Darkness. Utter darkness. It engulfed them completely as they trudged through the deepest of jungles. Two pale moons were up by now, tingeing the cloudy night sky in dark shades of blue and green. But it was not enough to see more than shadows amongst shadows. The air was hot and humid.

“I wish I still had Trébol's dagger,” Gene mused aloud as he stumbled through the gnarled thicket. The heavenly steel would at least have given off enough light to perceive where he was going. He was reminded of the horrible forest they had crossed at the beginning of their adventure. Despite the heat he shuddered.

“Where's it got to anyways?” Raphael asked, vaulting over an uprooted mangrove. Gene awkwardly climbed after him.

“Eh… I lost it back in the past,” he admitted and tried to close up on the Daemon, who had no problems seeing in the dark. Gene didn't want to get lost here.

“So it's just as gone as the Timechrystal. Pity,” Raphael concluded and took Gene's hand as the human struggled forward with outstretched hands. Gene sighed, relieved, and let himself be navigated through the jungle. He still occasionally stumbled over roots, but he felt much more safe when Raphael's warm hand lay in his and he led the way.

“Eh...why are we walking this hell again?” Gene wondered.

“Strictly speaking, the sixth Pandemonium is only a part of Hell. But I get you,” Raphael answered, “Since we can't stay at Lucifer's castle – well, actually, we could, but the 'Old Grump' wouldn't want us to – we have to find a place for us. But don't mind. There are seven Pandemoniae, so we should be able to do just that. You didn't like either the sand desert nor the ice desert, so I thought we'd try something different. And here we are.” He probably made a wide gesture but Gene couldn't see. “I must admit, I like it here. There are volcanoes and this jungle to explore, and the darkness agrees with me. The views are beautiful,” Raphael grinned.

“I can't see a thing,” Gene huffed and peered into the darkness. He wiped beads of sweat off his brow and sighed.

“Sorry,” his lover said. “Let's camp on that monticule. You'll be able to see more out in the open and with a campfire,” he promised and led Gene up the rise. Raphael was right. As soon as the flames cackled and cracked Gene felt much more comfortable. He could only see a small perimeter but the fire gave off a soothing light. And when Raphael cooked one of his hyperdelicious meals everything was okay again. Even the thought of not being able to return to Thisside was not as scary anymore.

'Do you miss Earth much?' Raphael linked their minds.

“I haven't had the time to miss my family. Just so much had happened so fast,” Gene admitted and sighed. “But now that you speak of it, I do.”

Raphael's mental presence surrounded him like a hug. “I'm sorry we have to stay on the Otherside. I don't even know why I still exist. When I gave my soul to save your life that should've been it. I'm not of the reincarnating kind.”

Gene's heart clenched at the thought of almost losing Raphael for good. He grabbed the older man's hand and squeezed it. “Don't you scare me again like that. I really thought I'd lost you,” his voice quivered and a heavy lump formed in his throat.

But the Daemon slightly smiled and kissed him. 'But you wished me back,' he telepathically whispered. Gene sighed into the kiss, relieved. They were together again, alive and kicking – well, not exactly alive, but it felt just like they were. Gene could get used to being undead. And he was just glad that Raphael was with him. He would go anywhere as long as they stayed together, even stay in this Pandemonium of darkness.

“Tell me about this place,” he was curious. Gene was sure Raphael had followed his thoughts.

Raphael nodded. “Alright. As I already mentioned, this Pandemonium is a world of volcanoes and jungles; it is a world of eternal night. Its new sovereign lives in the pyramid city at the foot of the highest volcano. I don't know his name, but he must be a mighty creature to defeat the former sovereign Hades.”

“Hades?” Gene interjected, “Funny. My father found a kitten and named it Hades.”

Raphael grinned craftily. “I doubt this Pandemonium used to be ruled by a kitten,” he snickered. Gene chuckled and comfortably leaned against a rock. “Probably not,” he agreed.

“Anyhow,” Raphael continued, “I thought you might want to see that pyramid city. So let's explore this world together and decide if this is a place for us.”

Gene agreed. Their adventure wasn't over yet.

Lend me your voice!

Today I want to talk about some of the characters from my book in the making 'Ravenous Adventures -- A Tale from Neverbeen Universe'. As I already told you in another blogpost I know them like the back of my hand.
I drew a couple of pictures for the novel, so you'll be able to see how I imagine them -- so they might come alive in your minds as you read my story. But what a book can't provide is a voice. And I have specific ideas how my characters sound like.

So let me introduce my characters and tell you who I envision to be their seiyuu (voice actors). :D

Raphael Raven is a 2482 years-old Daemon and the CEO of Raven Corp, which specializes in IT and computer games. He originally comes from a highly magical world, where humanity is almost extinct, but currently lives in Thuddington City on Earth. Calm and collected, Raphael is a natural leader and specializes in telepathy and teleportation. He might be reckless about his own health -- he has a weak heart condition --, but he cares deeply for the few persons dear to him. His hobbies are cooking and dragons.
I imagine his voice like Matthew Heafy's from the band Trivium. (A lot of their songs are very fitting to him and his situation also. :o)

Gene Hoffman is a 32 years-old human from Thuddington City. He is Raphael's lover of a good seven years. Gene is very laid-back and good-natured, he is compassionate and caring. Gene works as game tester for a games magazine and part-time voice actor. He is a foodie and a nerd. Raphael has taught him telepathy. Gene is a huge fan of Raven Corp, and he likes dragons. He would leave everything behind and follow his lover into his magical world.
His voice would be Ville Valo's from the band HIM.

Thanatos Vulture is the most gentlemanly Reaper there is. His species and age are unknown. He is Raphael's best friend. Reasonable and very polite, Thanatos is a workaholic who has a very deep fondness for coffee. He is a man of principles and high morale. His way of speech is old-fashioned and stiff; he uses Japanese suffixes to express respect appropriately. Always keeping his countenance he hardly shows emotions, but he worries for his best friend and for his former apprentice.
His seiyuu would be Toshiyuki Morikawa (voice actor, famous roles are Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children or Naraku from Inu Yasha).

Azrael is a new Reaper and used to be Thanatos's apprentice. Before he became Reaper he was a human named Jake Darjeeling, but passing the examination he gave up that identity with all of his memories and mannerisms. Azrael is like a blank canvas. He tries to fit in with the Reapers and finds himself in situations of questionable morale as he tries to figure out the right thing to do. Out of the Reapers he respects his former mentor, Thanatos, the most and he shares his fondness for coffee.
To me his voice actor is John Legend.

Phobos Morgenstern is Lucifer's youngest son and his heir. He lives at Lucifer's castle in Hell and tends to the twilight gardens and his spirit forge. He is Raphael's best rival and gives people insulting nicknames. (Phobos calls Raphael 'Bloody Frailtard' while he in turn is dubbed 'Old Grump'.) Choleric and foul mouthed, Phobos is an ingenious seal technician and expert exorcist. While he would deny any help, he in truth is very reliable and strong. He bakes the best chocolate cookies in all the Realms.
I imagine his voice is Alexander Spreng's from the band ASP.

Ayumu Nakashima is a human witch, who has so many seals and curses about her that her life expectancy is greatly enhanced. She is Phobos's girlfriend and lives with him in Hell; he nicknamed her 'Manipulative Hag'. Ayumu is very good at healing magic, she is kind but stands her ground. She is one of the very few people who can calm Phobos (as much a she can rile him up). Ayumu is witty and a good friend. She is a voice of reason.
Her voice would be Emilie Autumn's.

Sendrith is a shrewd demon, who has been abducted as a boy, brainwashed and formed into a wretched creature. At his lord's main fortress he is the master of dungeons. He is ruthless, cruel, clever and eager to please his lord. Due to his training and brainwash he likes to inflict pain as much as he likes to receive it. Sendrith would do anything for his master.
His voice actor should be Yoann Lemoine (Woodkid).

Number 463/Yumír is a young shadow devil, a magical creature who can transform into anyone his counterpart wishes to see most -- he creates a perfect carbon copy of that person. As he is very talented he can also transform into different things or people. Shadow devils are very dangerous creatures when the grow up and suffer from identity crisis. Number 463 is named after ther number on his collar, as he belongs to the same master as Sendrith. He is a lonely, sweet, shy boy who is so very grateful Sendrith does not shun him that he is willing to do almost anything for Sendrith. He is so glad to finally receive a name of his own -- Yumír.
I imagine his voice like Maggie Eckford's (Ruelle).

Writing Exercise 037

It's time for another writing exercise already. :)
Today I wrote a double drabble about one of my favourite places. Find out where that is and why!

 

2016/08/23 – at the book store (double drabble)

The book store is one of my favourite places to be. When I go window shopping it is hard not to stop by. I rather go book shopping than buy clothes. I also prefer paperbacks to ebooks; I want to feel and smell them and put them on my shelves.

But what do I look for in a good book?

Mostly I want a thrilling story, which captures me and holds me completely until I've gobbled it whole. But beautiful language and intriguing characters and interesting topics are just as important. What books I pick depends on my mood also. Sometimes I want dark and mysterious stories, sometimes I seek light entertainment, sometimes I crave deeper layers or knowledge or poetry.

I appreciate the written art, and I feel most comfortable being surrounded by it.

Now at the book store you would find me somewhere browsing whodunits, fantasy or sci fi sections, but I'll also peek at comics and mangas if I want a quick read.

I sometimes dream my books would one day be displayed there, too, and people would stop by, pick them up and think: “Oh, this looks interesting.” And I'd be right there smiling to myself...