#PennedPossibilities 223 — What brings your MC joy in life? (1/2)
Randall is simple: strong coffee, a delicious meal, a clean home, time with friends, reading, how exemplary The Hour is and will remain, etc. He isn't a man of many needs. Relaxing at home with Lix brings him joy. Doing ANYTHING with her has always given him joy. It's the simple things for him. Allowing her into his heart again would give him joy as well. If only he could just let it happen. Perhaps one day.
#PennedPossibilities 223 — What brings your MC joy in life? (2/2)
Lix is more complicated than Randall. She enjoys peace and quiet. Instead of being bothered at work, she appreciates time to herself. She's Head of the Foreign Desk. Basically, she IS the Foreign Desk for The Hour. She writes the news on politics and war. She needs the time to properly get her best work done. Being with Randall always makes her happy as well. He makes everything better. If only he could see it.
#PennedPossibilities 224 — Recently there have been a lot of conversations about music for writers. Do you have a specific playlist or mix for your current WIP?
I do! I have a mix that I made specifically for #ThePastIsAWound, and I love it to bits. I listen to it while I'm writing. I've always listened to 50's-60's music as well, so making this particular mix for Lix and Randall was rather easy for me.
Here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5v3xQlVEzzUp3FnlbbeWQq?si=53933aa121dc409e
#PennedPossibilities 225 — Does your MC or SC know how to swim?
Freddie actually can't swim. He never learned how to. Bel teases him about it, but she'll probably teach him one day soon. Marnie can't, but Hector can. I'm not sure about Sey and Sissy. Interesting thought. Let me think on that one. Both Randall and Lix can swim as well. This might come up in the story one day, but you'll never hear any spoilers from me. That's all that I'll say on the matter.
#PennedPossibilities 226 — How seriously does your MC take themselves? Do they prefer a solemn and intellectual atmosphere or do they delight in jokes and banter? (1/2)
Randall is a combination of the two. The latter is something he only indulges in with friends. Outwardly, he's rather serious, thoughtful, and awkward. He's always pensive, questioning everything, etc. He enjoys a good joke and lighthearted banter with close friends, though. He can be rather teasing as well.
#PennedPossibilities 226 — How seriously does your MC take themselves? Do they prefer a solemn and intellectual atmosphere or do they delight in jokes and banter? (2/2)
For all that Lix is, she's a serious woman as well. She hides behind an air of mystique, with her teasing comments and meaningless flirtation, but she's a serious journalist. She cares about the state of the world as it crumbles, same as Randall, and she wants to rage at the wars and lives lost. It's difficult.
#PennedPossibilities 227 — Is your SC receptive to warnings and advice given by others?
While Freddie sometimes HEARS it, the advice and warnings might just go in through one ear and out of the other. He almost died once due to a terrible beating that left him with scars, minor cognitive issues, a limp with a need for a cane, and sight issues that occasionally act up for him. It was all because he took a chance for The Hour. He needs to learn how to actually LISTEN to others.
#PennedPossibilities 228 — What is the most mundane action described in your WIP? (1/2)
Credit: @HeliaXyana
I love this.
Randall fussing and fidgeting are probably the most mundane actions, all of which I write an abundance of. He suffers from OCD. He's always moving things around, placing them where he sees fit. He has vocal and motor tics. Back in the 50's, OCD hadn't officially been "discovered" yet. People call Randall an odd and compulsive (but not impulsive) man.
#PennedPossibilities 228 — What is the most mundane action described in your WIP? (2/2)
Credit: @HeliaXyana
Also, addendum to my post:
I'm making an addition to my response here. The answer could also be smoking. Everyone smoked back in the day, and my story in particular takes place in the late 1950's.
Everyone. Bloody. Smoked.
This is no exaggeration. They drank in the workplace too, of course, so there's also that. My MC was once an alcoholic, so he quit years ago.
#PennedPossibilities 229 — How comfortable is your MC in their body? How do they feel about their height, weight, strength, and body type? How important is being attractive to them? (1/3)
Randall has issues with his body. He's older now, almost in his fifties, and he's grown far more comfortable with himself over the years. Still, his OCD brought with it anxiety, depression, and a deep hatred of himself. He's never satisfied and can be quite a self-loathing man at times.
#PennedPossibilities 229 — How comfortable is your MC in their body? How do they feel about their height, weight, strength, and body type? How important is being attractive to them? (2/3)
While Lix knows that she isn't quite the bombshell she was in her twenties, even if she's just as feisty, she knows she's a beautiful woman. Men still pursue her. It's all bravado and courage from her. She doesn't always like her body. She has wrinkles now and stretch marks from Sophia.
#PennedPossibilities 229 — How comfortable is your MC in their body? How do they feel about their height, weight, strength, and body type? How important is being attractive to them? (3/3)
While Lix and Randall know that beauty isn't success, they have mixed feelings on the subject. They know that for a woman, because it's the 50's, it's everything. It's the difference between having a job or not. They find one another incredibly attractive. Then again, everyone wants Lix.
#PennedPossibilities 230 — What characters in your WIP or your latest work are most similar to you or to people you know?
For me, it's Randall. He has OCD, as do I. My case is much "milder" than his. It's an isolating thing to suffer from. When it comes to verbal or motor tics, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and depression, only those who also deal with everything on a daily basis will ever be able to understand. No one can usually understand him. Lix is the only one.
#PennedPossibilities 231 — Has your MC or SC retained any friendships from their childhood or young adulthood?
Credit: @aperfectsong
(PS, that's my girlfriend, so please go follow her!)
Randall and Lix have. The pair both kept in contact with a lot of their friends (all of whom were fellow journalists and war photographers) from the Spanish Civil War.
Bel has a few a few friends from young adulthood but not many. She has new friends these days. Freddie, though? Not anymore.
#PennedPossibilities 232 — Does your MC’s reputation matter to them? (1/2)
Randall's reputation matters to him. To a point, really. He's a professional. He’s a journalist. He wants to be seen as the man that he is, the man whose hard work has gotten him this far. His "reputation" can also be something else as well. He's also known as a quirky, compulsive (but not professionally impulsive), obsessive man. He's quiet, thoughtful, and has OCD.
(This was before anyone ~ (cont.)
#PennedPossibilities 232 — Does your MC’s reputation matter to them? (2/2)
~ even really knew what OCD was or what it entailed. For context, it's the late 1950's.)
He suffers in silence. People know that he has a form of OCD, only they don't use (or know) that term. They call him quirky, odd, etc. Anything and everything you can imagine. He hates it. It DOES bother him. So, it goes both ways. The latter part of this is something that he doesn't want to be known for. At all.
#PennedPossibilities 233 — Does your MC or SC view themselves as virtuous and moral? What do these words mean to them?
Randall would never say it. He just isn't that sort of man. He wouldn't need to say it, but he's both of those things. Lix is as well. To them, it simply means: virtuous, good, upstanding, doing the right thing whenever, wherever, and however possible. They wouldn't be involved in the news if they weren't genuinely goodhearted people who care for others.
#PennedPossibilities 234 — What is your "kryptonite" as a writer?
My MS getting in the way of things would have to be a kryptonite of sorts for me. MS brain fog, neuropathy and nerve pain in my hands and feet (or anywhere else, really), my eye issues acting up, flare-ups (whether they're minor or major), etc. There are other things, though. Two examples: writer's block, or simply not having the time. Being a writer is difficult.
This article is really helpful: https://becomeawritertoday.com/writing-challenges/
#PennedPossibilities 235 — MC or SC POV: Did you have a childhood nickname?
Lix: I did, and it stuck all throughout childhood. Stormy was my nickname. My surname is Storm. I loved it, though. I found it was rather sweet. In reality, I can admit that I /am/ a bit of a storm, so the moniker suited me. My childhood friends understood that about me. I'm not to be trifled with. The neighborhood boys soon understood that as well. After only a few incidents, they left me alone.
#PennedPossibilities 236 — Does your SC have any allergies?
It's funny this should come up because Bel is allergic to peanuts. Freddie doesn't eat them anymore, just to be safe. You never can be too careful. He would rather not take the chance around her.
#PennedPossibilities 237 — How would you describe your WIP’s ideal reader?
My new WIP, an original novel named #TheCityOfOpulence, will be a fun one. It's a #SFF / #cyberpunk story. My intended audience would be science fiction and cyberpunk lovers, of course. Those who enjoy #LGBTQ+ stories are on the list as well because the MC turns out to be pansexual within the story. Anyone with an open mind will enjoy this wild tale. Any #CyberpunkRED and #Cyberpunk2020 players too, of course.
#PennedPossibilities 238 — How strong is your MC’s sense of intuition? Are they aware of it? Do they ever fear that it’s only paranoia?
Randall can read people's motivations so well. His sense of intuition, something of a sixth sense, is absolutely unparalleled. It all comes from experience. He wasn't always so excellent at his various news jobs. Whether he was a war photographer, a column writer, or a journalist — his life has led him to this point. He isn't paranoid at all.
#PennedPossibilities 239 — How does your MC feel about babies, children, and teenagers?
Lix and Randall like the purity of children, and will always feel protective over them, but it aches. They could have had a proper family twenty years ago... If only. Instead, they broke up. Afterward, Lix gave birth to their little girl and handed her over to a family that could care for her better than she could have as a single, unwed mother. The family later died. It's too painful.
#PennedPossibilities 240 — What inspired the idea for your latest WIP? (1/2)
My latest WIP? Let's choose my ovel, #TheCityOfOpulence. It was inspired by this phrase right here, which encapsulates the #cyberpunk genre perfectly: low life, high-tech. The allure of futuristic technological and scientific achievements, such as artificial intelligence and cyberware, juxtaposed with societal collapse and dystopia will always be too much for me. I always bring compassionate humanity to the genre.
#PennedPossibilities 240 — What inspired the idea for your latest WIP? (2/2)
The idea came to me because of the MC, Alexios Jace, who is a character that I've written into many a #TTRPG, #CyberpunkRED, and #Cyberpunk2020 game. I also love zombies... They feature in the story later. I loved it and ran with it, creating my own entire universe for the character. It's completely my own and original. I'm a Game Master, so worldbuilding has always come easily for me. I'm so happy with the product.
#PennedPossibilities 241 — MC POV: If you could relive one day of your life without changing anything that happened, which day would you choose?
Randall: The day Lix chose me, twenty years ago. That would be the day I'd relive. We were at our usual pub and she coxed me out onto the dance floor and wouldn't take no for an answer. I had no choice but drop the act, to stop ignoring her and dance with her. One thing led to another and we went home together. It was a special night.
#PennedPossibilities 242 — MC POV: If you could relive one day of your life and CHANGE its course of events, which day would you choose?
Randall: There's a few. I wouldn't have left Lix twenty years ago. Instead of following my orders, I would have begged to stay. Maybe we would have fixed things. Another day comes to mind... I was shot while in Spain. I never should have left the café where the journalists were all hiding. If I hadn't, I would have been fine. War is hell.
#PennedPossibilities 243 — Imagine, if you will, an alternate universe… Which of your characters is most likely to attempt karaoke?
This was inspired by a friend of mine on here! We could all use a silly question every so often.
For #ThePastIsAWound, my answer would most definitely have to be Lix. She would, with enough alcohol in her system, happily make a fool of herself in front of her friends and colleagues if they all needed a laugh!
#PennedPossibilities 244 — Do your characters have any co-workers they’re close with? Are there any they can’t stand?
The characters in my story are all co-workers. They're a tightly-knit group of journalists. They're close NOW, but they weren't always this way. There used to be a lot of tension for various different reasons. Circumstances changed them. Now, they all see eye to eye. They became close friends. Times change, and so have they right along with them.
#PennedPossibilities 245 — Where does your villain draw inspiration in life? What motivates them?
Various things: greed, rage, disgust, a need to shove people down, wanting obedient civilians, etc. That's how he was during the Spanish War and prior to said not-so-civil war. Nowadays, post-prison, it's just revenge. He won't stop until he finally gets it. Randall and Lix were the main reason (in his eyes) that he went to prison. He wants to murder them for what they did.
#PennedPossibilities 246 — On average, how many hours per day do you write?
It would depend on how I'm sleeping. Some weeks, I barely sleep, so I might spend a few hours (or at least an hour) every night writing. If I'm busy, maybe only 10-30 minutes. I'm consistent in my inconsistency. I might spend an hour every day writing roleplay stuff with my girlfriend and close friends, which is just collaborative writing. It's our favorite hobby. Sometimes, I'll be on a roll and we'll be writing a ton.
#PennedPossibilities 247 — Who does your MC or SC share their deepest secrets with?
It takes a while, but Randall (our MC) eventually does share his darkest, deepest secrets with Bel. Likewise, Bel (our SC) shares her secrets with Randall. They trust each other in a way that's very organic, pure, and wholesome. They're friends in such a special way. At first, they struggled but things slowly changed. It became a strong friendship. We all need someone like that in our lives.
#PennedPossibilities 248 — If your MC has an accent, does it affect their word choice? Was their dialect adopted from their relatives, or from the locals where they grew up?
Of course. Randall is Scottish. He has a Glaswegian accent. It softened ever so slightly over the years, if only so various English journalists that he's worked alongside could understand him. He chooses his words very carefully. Once he's back home with family or the locals again, the slang returns.
#PennedPossibilities 249 — MC POV: What is something you were insecure about when you were a child?
Lix: My family. They all acted like the disgustingly posh family that we were, and I wanted absolutely nothing to do with it.
Randall: Being different. I always knew that I was. I wasn't like everyone else. Things were... hard for me. Mental health was a taboo subject. It's still staunchly avoided.
(FYI, even though I've said it here before, Randall actually has severe OCD.)
#PennedPossibilities 250 — Does your SC have next-door neighbors? Who are they?
Bel and Freddie have a slew of next-door neighbors. Some are kind, and some aren't. The neighborhood has changed over the years. A few unsavory people have moved into the area: bigots, racists, etc. Freddie's home was once a house but was split up into flats. He rents the space out now. Immediately downstairs from their flat are Sissy and Sey. Sissy also works at The Hour. They're all very close.
#PennedPossibilities 251 — What clothing materials or outfits feel the most comfortable to your MC? (1/2)
While Randall might wear expensive suits to work, he often wears classy jumpers at home or simply skips a tie with his tops. Dressing is a calming routine for him. It's something that soothes him and offers comfort with his OCD. That truly is what he loves. He's very comfortable in his favorite clothing. He likes to look dashing. It makes him feel good — inside and out.
#PennedPossibilities 251 — What clothing materials or outfits feel the most comfortable to your MC? (2/2)
Never one to follow the norm, Lix chooses comfort over stereotypical and era-typical clothing for women. She prefers cotton trousers over skirts. She's comfortable in them. She wears silken blouses or button down tops as well, with her hair kept short and curly. She won't be judged. She doesn't care what others think. She loves her style of dress. Other women admire her.
#PennedPossibilities 252 — What is a memory that makes your MC swell with pride?
There's a small list for Randall. All of the things on said list involve HUGE news that he's covered.
Examples:
• 1941: Britain and the United States declared war on Japan. FDR announced Declaration of War against Japan. Japan invaded Malaya.
• 1945: WWII's end.
• All the news that's come out since he's been with BBC's The Hour. He's such a proud Head of News, and he admires his loyal team.
#PennedPossibilities 253 — What was the worst event of your SC's childhood?
Hector lost his mother at a very young age. That could explain a lot about him and the way he grew up. He didn't have that motherly love in his life as a young man. Either way, he turned things around. He and Marnie are very happy these days and have a daughter. But still, losing his mother was one of the worst memories for him. He still misses her.
#PennedPossibilities 254 — How do you use social media as an author? If you have a blog and / or a home for your writing, link whatever you have for others to see.
Being right here is how I use social media as a writer. I share my work on Mastodon. This place is my home now.
Everything about me and where my various stuff can be found is on my website.
Said website is here: https://floofpaldi.carrd.co/
My writing is here: https://archiveofourown.org/users/agoodtuckering
My podcast is also here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/radiopandabear
#PennedPossibilities 255 — What is something your MC is reluctant to tell people?
Lix doesn't like discussing her romantic life. It's a subject that's off-limits and her friends all know this very well, especially where Randall is concerned. She will weave and dodge around discussing it in a way you've never seen before. She prefers to remain mysterious.
#PennedPossibilities 256 — Do you have any other writers in your family?
I loved coming up with this question. I've never seen one like it before.
Yes, actually, I do. One of my cousins that I'm rather close to is also a published author. A lot of people in my family are creative individuals, though, and I imagine any one of them could probably be authors if they sat down to try their hand at it.
#PennedPossibilities 257 — Are there any significant memories that stick with your villain to this day?
The day he was caught and thrown into prison, all because of Lix and Randall's tireless efforts. Hearing about the photos, newspaper articles, etc. They needed to make an example of him. There was too much evidence against him. It couldn't be brushed under the rug. He wants his revenge now that he's out of prison. Perhaps it was blackmail or a similar avenue of bribery.
#PennedPossibilities 258 — Piggybacking off of the previous question: Are there any insignificant memories that stick with your villain to this day as well?
He missed a lot of things while he was in prison. Gazpacho, the smell of the earth after a rainstorm, etc. He had a lot of little memories that kept him sane. Well, I say sane... He's a murderous psychopath.
#PennedPossibilities 259 — Sum up your MC in three adjectives.
Lix: Enchanting, courageous, and fierce.
Randall: Faithful, weary, and stormy (or thoughtful, of course).
This was a tough one to answer but I loved working on it.
#PennedPossibilities 260 — What is the one thing your MC desires most in the world?
Peace. Randall wants peace. As for Lix, she wants a home. To each other, those two things mean one thing and one thing only: each other.
#PennedPossibilities 261 — Sum up your SC in three adjectives.
Marnie: Loyal, patient, and loving.
Hector: Changed, bright, and charming.
Freddie: Troubled, clever, and arrogant.
Bel: Kind, feisty, and tough (or protective).
#PennedPossibilities 262 — In what specific temperatures does your MC or SC feel most at home? What are considered uncomfortable temperatures?
Randall is a fan of warmer weather. He's rather thin, so the colder temperatures bother him. He bundles up in multiple layers. Fun fact: that's why he tends to wear waistcoats with his suits. Number one, yes, it's to look dashing. Number two, it's because he's always freezing. Lix is actually the same way as well. She prefers warmth.
#PennedPossibilities 263 — Who in your SC's family do they most resemble?
Freddie is the spitting image of his father as a young man. Bel, though, looks a great deal like her paternal grandmother. The resemblance is uncanny.
#PennedPossibilities 264 — What is your MC likely to take away from a painful experience?
The very idea that he (meaning Randall) should never repeat this particular experience. He learns from his mistakes. Let's talk emotional hurt here. The anguish and that feeling will stick with him. He has an excellent memory, which is both a blessing and a curse. It's especially a curse in moments such as these. He's neurodivergent, so he views the world differently than others do.
#PennedPossibilities 265 — Which of the four seasons suits your SC best, and why?
Summer suits Marnie the most, and that's meant in both a philosophical and literal sense. She's warm, sweet, and kind. She loves to bake a plethora of summer sweets. For the few days of warm (and not so rainy) weather that they tend to get in London or out in the country, she enjoys them immensely. Summer meals, baked goods, pastel colors and pretty dresses — it all just suits her perfectly.
#PennedPossibilities 266 — What are your favorite blogs or websites for writers? Share them for others to see.
I actually have a few and I'll absolutely share them here for curious eyes.
1. https://authority.pub/
2. https://www.dailywritingtips.com/
Authority Pub is one of my favorite sites. It's such a great (and helpful) read through.
#PennedPossibilities 267 — What brings your SC joy in life?
Bel is easy. Just give her a good story and work to do. It helps her feel needed and wanted in her field, which she most certainly is. In her downtime, though, you could give her a book to read, a cup of hot tea, and the radio playing softly in the background. She also enjoys films. Freddie often takes her to the cinema. They have such a passion for music as well. In fact, married or not, they still trade albums.
#PennedPossibilities 268 — Would you ever include a scene in your writing that violated the rules of your universe if the reader would never find out? (There is a follow-up question for tomorrow to this one.)
Credit: @NaraMoore
It honestly depends on what THAT SCENE could be and what rules it would be breaking. I don't mind bending the rules every so often but I'm not usually someone who breaks them when it comes to my own original universes. Now, when it comes to fanfiction, that's different.
#PennedPossibilities 269 — Would you include a scene in your writing that violates the rules the reader believes govern your universe even if you know it doesn't? (And if so, would you feel compelled to explain how things really work?)
Credit: @NaraMoore
I would never include a scene like that WITHOUT explanation, of course. Normally, I'd never include something in a story of mine that would fundamentally change the meat and potatoes of the tale unless there was a VERY good reason for it.
#PennedPossibilities 270 — Would your MC or SC consider themselves spiritual?
Not at all. Neither Randall nor Lix believe in a higher power or would ever consider the mere idea of spirituality when it comes to themselves. If there WAS a god or many gods, the atrocities that they've seen firsthand for the sake of sharing the news never would have happened. War would never take place. Peace is a wonderful concept but it seems unattainable. Bel and Freddie would absolutely agree.
#PennedPossibilities 271 — Sum up your MC in three nouns. (This might be tough.)
Randall: News, passion, and loss (or leadership).
Lix: Passion, loss, and dynamite.
Lix is like dynamite because she's just a fuse waiting to be lit.
Notice how loss and passion line up? They've lost their daughter. They recently learned that she died 18 years ago. Twenty years later now, back working together again, they've discovered that they still love one another. The passion is there.
#PennedPossibilities 272 — What does your MC believe the point of life is? What did their parents believe? How does their parents’ beliefs affect theirs? (1/2)
For both Lix and Randall, it's progressing humanity towards the path of good and peace. Maybe it's love as well.
Randall's mum and da believed in love, in doing good, and they would want him to be happy. Randall feels the same. Lix's father would have wanted her to be happy. Her mother doesn't care. ~ (cont.)
#PennedPossibilities 272 — What does your MC believe the point of life is? What did their parents believe? How does their parents’ beliefs affect theirs? (2/2)
~ As far as things affecting their beliefs, they both do and don't.
What Randall's parents felt and believed in are things that Randall knows to be true and believes in as well.
For Lix, it's a mixture. She knows that her father understood what the point of life was. Her mother, though? It doesn't affect her.
#PennedPossibilities 273 — What is something your SC is reluctant to tell people?
There are a few things for Freddie. Number one, he doesn't like telling people that he's on his second marriage. Number two, he doesn't like sharing information about his childhood. It wasn't an easy one. His friends know this about him nowadays.
For Bel, she's reluctant (at times) to introduce people to her mother or to explain their relationship because of how her mother can be. It's rough.
#PennedPossibilities 274 — What therapeutic practices help you get into the right headspace for writing? (1/2)
Music relaxes me. I write at the weirdest of times, so it's always a spur of the moment thing. I never just sit down with the intention to write at a certain time. I run to my computer to quickly type a billion words per minute and sweat it out! But seriously, listening to music, art or mood boards, making tea, etc. It all helps me to get into a writing zone and mood. It's therapeutic.
Spooky Panda 🏳️🌈
davey