#WordWeavers 12.26 — If you had a personal muse, what would they be like?

I already have one, and she's lovely. You can find her here: @aperfectsong

(Maybe that was a silly answer, but hey.)

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#WordWeavers 12.27 — What does your SC or LI dislike most about your MC?

I can say this about most of the SCs... Alistair's a grumpy bastard when you let him fall into a mood. It's hard to pull him out of it as well.

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#WordWeavers 12.28 — In the end, do your characters stay together or go their separate ways?

Oooh, spoilers! *River Song voice*

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#WordWeavers 12.29 — Do you tend to write in a certain season or geographical location?

Not necessarily, but I will add something to this... My favorite time of year to write is definitely autumn. I'm always excited when it's a time of year that comes up in my stories. It's such a beautiful, colorful season, and I can't resist good descriptions to set the mood.

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#WordWeavers 12.30 — How has your writing been this year? Any achievements, wins, or lessons you want to celebrate?

It's gone *really* well, and I'm feeling very lucky for the people I surround myself with. My friends have helped me get here. I came in the top three (took 3rd place) in a huge writing contest and also published three stories in magazines over the last few months, two for original SFF work and one for #DoctorWho tales. I'm feeling pretty proud of myself for that.

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#WordWeavers 12.31 — Give another writer a New Year gift! Either buy their book or say something you like about them, their story, writing etc.

I try to do this on the blog for my podcast whenever I get the chance, but today's the day I mention a close friend of mine yet again. She's one of my favorite authors, and I've also talked about her work *so much* on my podcast's blog.

Everyone please go show some love to @QuokkaMocha! She deserves all of it and more. Her storytelling abilities are so refreshing, her writing is incredible, and I adore the characters she creates. She also writes fanfiction as well! Above all, she's also one of my best friends, one of the funniest people I know (don't take a sip of water around her if she's about to tell a joke), and I'm so thankful for all of our conversations and chats. If you do nothing else today or tonight, please take a peek at the link I'm posting as well. 💜

Please boost this post to bring in a wider audience for her and to gain more attention for her work.

Check out her amazing books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/J-M-Taylor/author/B0F6KFVBHL?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8f61dc7e-74cf-4c48-b9e4-fc07df67adec

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#WordWeavers 1.1 — What are your wildest (writing-related) dreams for this year?

*nervous chuckle*

It's just getting "Wings of Quiet Longing" done, I think. Let's start with that one, shall we?

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#WordWeavers 1.2 — How does your MC talk? Describe their voice and speech.

Both Alistair and Fenella are from Scotland. To say anything else regarding Alistair would be a major spoiler and I have readers here on Mastodon, so I can't elaborate. But yes, Scottish slang and all that, while it's normally written into my stories with Glaswegian characters, is gentler and more muted in this one for a wider audience. After all, it's not a story for The Thick of It featuring Malcolm Tucker, so I'm taking a different approach.

Alistair has a slower, deeper cadence. He's rather funny at times as well. Fenella hides behind an air of mystique, flirtatiousness, and witty cynicism. Their accents are rather thick as well, same as everyone in the area.

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#WordWeavers 1.3 — What does the way your MC talks reveal about them?

His age. You can tell by the some of the things that Alistair says that he's far older than he lets on to the mortals, for the obvious reasons.

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#WordWeavers 1.4 — Describe an uncomfortable situation a character experiences.

It's right about to happen in the next chapter I'll upload. I'll post a tiny spoiler here, and it's *very* uncomfortable for everyone.

(This is just an unedited / unfinished piece.)

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#WordWeavers 1.5 — Tell us about something funny that happens to a character.

Alistair gets frightened by Hati in the very first chapter, just as she's introduced and you learn that they're close friends. Also, I had to laugh as I was writing Fenella's return in a later chapter. His jaw was practically hanging on the floor in complete and utter shock. Fenella, after seeing Hati at the door, even assumed that they were a *couple* or lovers. Oh, boy. Hati was quick to shut that idea down and explain that they were just close friends. All funny moments.

The story: https://archiveofourown.org/works/71555861/chapters/186282006

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#WordWeavers 1.6 — If your antagonist played video games, what would be their favourite kind?

Horror games, no doubt. Duncan would love them if this story took place in the modern world. But it would only feed his evil mind. The rest of us just like playing horror games for the thrill of it, and because we like being scared. Meanwhile, he would be taking notes on what he could and couldn't use during the "hunt," and that's a terrifying thought all on its own.

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#WordWeavers 1.7 — What’s your MC’s family like?

They've been gone for a long time, but they were just fine. Sweet, even. Very supportive as well. Alistair thinks back on those days fondly.

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#WordWeavers 1.8 — Antagonist POV: What advice would you give to people 10 years younger than you?

Isma: Almost *everyone* is younger than I am. I would tell them to look out for themselves. Stop caring about others so much. Be more selfish. Other people don't really care about you. It's never genuine, anyway. They don't matter, but you do.

Duncan: I don't give advice, and I would never take it. I don't care for friendships or kindness. Why bother with any of that? It just isn't worth my time.

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#WordWeavers 1.9 — Have you invented any words, sayings, or swears for your story?

I have, actually. First and foremost, I'll talk about "bloodbound" and what it means.

When someone becomes "bloodbound," it means they've turned into a vampire, and they're now bound to the blood and to drinking it. That idea came to me randomly one day and I couldn't quite let go of it, so I had to use it.

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#WordWeavers 1.10 — Describe a perfect setting for you to relax.

It's my cozy desk. I do my all of writing, podcasting, reading, and gaming from here.

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#WordWeavers 1.11 — What does the opening chapter of your story reveal about the world it’s set in?

1. It's set sometime in the late 1800s (but the actual date is revealed later).
2. The supernatural exists.
3. Alistair is a vampire and an author, and is also close friends with a werewolf. That third one is a big taboo.
4. Alistair is still in love with a previous lover and it's a fact that Hati knows and yet hasn't said a word about until now.

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#WordWeavers 1.12 — Does your MC have a good support system?

Alistair does. So does Fenella as well, which she finds out as the story progresses. She's as much of a part of Dorcha Castle as Alistair is. It just takes some time for her to remember and understand that fact.

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#WordWeavers 1.13 — Where was your latest writing session? How did it go?

Right at my gaming, writing, and podcasting desk, my cozy spot, same as always, and it went really well. I've really been upping my writing game lately and pushing out chapters that will soon be published. I've been very proud of myself, which is a nice change for me. Writing is my escape from the chaos of life, which is the case for a lot of us in the community.

#AmWriting #WritingCommunity

#WordWeavers 1.14 — If your MC lived your antagonist’s life, what would they be like?

Evil and morally repugnant? My antagonists are corrupt and unhinged. They do things that are just plain wrong.

More to the point, being honest here, if Alistair was living the lives of either of the antagonists, he would turn things around and change his life. Here's the thing, he's a *good* man. He would live his life differently than Isma or Duncan.

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#WordWeavers 1.15 — MC POV: What’s the most exciting thing that ever happened to you?

Oooh, there's something I'd love to answer this prompt with but it would be the worst kind of spoiler given to readers, and I have quite a few here on Masto. I'll behave, instead.

Alistair: Meeting Fenella. We didn't care for each other in the beginning but there was something there, something inexplicable. I couldn't tell you what it was, but it was there for us. We became close friends not long after. It was the first exciting thing that happened to me in a long time.

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#WordWeavers 1.16 — If your MC had one photograph near where they sleep, what or who would it be?

It would be a small painting, instead. It would probably be one that he worked on for Fenella. In fact, I might have to write in this detail now.

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#WordWeavers 1.17 — If cost wasn’t an issue, what would your ideal setting be for you to write in?

To be completely honest, I already have my ideal setup/setting. The only thing I would change is having a much better computer. I'm a gamer, podcaster, and writer, and this is my cozy space.

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#WordWeavers 1.18 — Your antagonist gets a call or message from their mother. How do they respond?

Oof, okay, I can't answer this one. That's the first time that's ever happened. Not only does this story take place in 1890, but the majority of my cast are supernatural beings, either vampires or werewolves, and that means their families are loooooong dead, sorry to say. I will, however, say this: Duncan's mother would be so disappointed in him. Then again, she felt that very same way while she was alive and he was still a mortal as well, so let's keep that in mind.

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#WordWeavers 1.19 — Who is the most moral character in your story?

Oooh, a very good question. It's definitely Eleanor. She's a goodhearted woman, and one with scruples, strong moral principles, and a lot of love in her heart.

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#WordWeavers 1.20 — Do you make use of weather in your story? If so, how?

I do. For instance, rain can certainly set the mood for a particular chapter or scene. Weather creates mood, develops characters, and drives plot by acting as a metaphor, antagonist, or reflection of internal states, and it's a tool that I absolutely *love* using within my stories. It plays a key part in Wings of Quiet Longing at some points.

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#WordWeavers 1.21 — If in the middle of the book your MC discovered a foundling, what would they do with it?

This is such a fantastic question. Alistair would probably take the babe home and pray that Anna wouldn't mind adopting them. (For context, Anna is one his maids.) She has a daughter named Rose, and Alistair would hope she would take the child in, someone who could be an adopted sibling for little Rosie in the future.

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#WordWeavers 1.22 — Would you MC or antagonist be more successful at school?

Ooooh, good question. I'll break it down, instead. They're all so different. I would say that Alistair (MMC) would be the best at creative writing and English courses, Fenella (FMC) at drama club, and Isma (antagonist) at anything for mathematics. Duncan, though? (Another antagonist, of course.) He would have skipped school.

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#WordWeavers 1.23 — How satisfied are you with your current story? Why or why not?

Ironically, very. I'm satisfied with the way things are turning out. That usually isn't the case with me, only because I'm too hard on myself. I'm trying to *enjoy* myself with this story, though. It's working out well for me.

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#WordWeavers 1.24 — Your MC has to start a new business with their current skills. What do they do?

How about if he *joined* a business? In my mind, I can't imagine him starting a new business, but I *can* imagine him working for Caden's art business that he has. He would make paintings for him to sell, seeing as he's already an artist but it's only a hobby of his.

Hmmmm... I might have to find a way to add this plot point in someday now.

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#WordWeavers 1.25 — If traumatic events happen, do your characters process it on page for longer than a chapter?

Oh, traumatic events *do* happen within this story, and it takes far longer than just a page for them to process what has happened (or what is still happening) to them.

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#WordWeavers 1.26 — What is your current project teaching you, craft-wise or personally?

I love questions like this. I'm learning to trust myself when it comes to plot twists or random ideas that might come to me along the way. I'm *also* learning how to post on a schedule, twice-weekly, and get the damn thing done. I've never been capable of doing that. (Right now, however, I've been forced to take a wee break. The start of the new year is always insane for me.) I'm learning more about my craft, adding in as many "vivid verbs" as I can, better sentence structure, polishing my writing, etc. Even now, all these years on, I'm still learning. Writing is a never-ending journey.

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#WordWeavers 1.27 — Is it difficult for you if your partner or closest friends don’t enjoy books?

My partner writes and reads, same as me. That should answer the question right there, honestly. All of my closest friends are also heavy readers and writers. They're just the sort of people I surround myself with. I'm assuming it would be tough for me if the situation was different.

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#WordWeavers 1.28 — If your MC and SC each got 3 wishes from a genie, would any of their wishes cause problems for the other?

Ironically, things would be great. It wouldn't cause any issues. They're best friends.

Lord Alistair MacKay (MMC, a vampire):
1. Peace between immortal beings. (I.e. no matter fighting and bitterness between werewolves and vampires.)
2. Fenella's safety...
3. Duncan and Isma will forever leave them (he, Hati, Samuel, Fenella, and Caden) alone.

Mrs. Hati Kerr (FSC, a werewolf):
1. Again, peace between all immortals.
2. More money for she and Samuel to live on.
3. Happiness for Fenella and Alistair because they've earned and deserve it.

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#WordWeavers 1.29 — Have you ever written a pet into one of your stories?

I have. Many times. One story that comes to mind for me is with Murk, Elric's familiar. She's a black kitty that faithfully remains by his side. I'm talking about #TheScarletMirror right now.

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#WordWeavers 1.30 — If there was a party, would your MC be the center of it or hiding in the corner?

There actually *is* a party that takes place during this tale. It's an All Hallow's Eve ball at Alistair's castle. He doesn't *enjoy* being the center of attention but neither will he hide away from it. He'll gracefully take it on, despite how uncomfortable he might be inside.

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#WordWeavers 1.31 — What’s your MC’s relationship with food like?

It's non-existent in the human sense of the word. He's a vampire, and he only drinks blood.

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#WordWeavers 2.1 — Who is your most despicable character and how do you feel about them?

It's Duncan. There is absolutely nothing, and I mean *nothing* at all, redeemable about him. If I could, I'd end his miserable existence myself. He's a murderous vampire. Give me a stake and *I'll* take care of it, just so Fenella and Alistair don't have to worry about it.

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#WordWeavers 2.2 — Do you enjoy writing good, bad, or morally gray characters more? Why?

Let me share something from my own hashtag with my answer. It fits this prompt perfectly. 👌🏻

“As a writer, what is your favorite sort of character to write?”

This stems from a conversation. My girlfriend asked me this question the other night and I apparently gave her the answer she wasn’t necessarily seeking but already knew.

Give me a morally gray character. That’s my bread and butter. Now give me a morally gray character who’s more bad than good (or has a bit more evil in them than the good sort of righteousness) and now we’re cooking with gas.

I never write characters who have always just been “good guy” heroes and always will be. That’s boring. It’s blah. Give me pizzazz. I’d also never write a villain who’s evil without having a very good reason for it. Again, boring. Add substance, add flavor, and the story is better off.

My characters tap-dance on the line of being a hero and a bastard. One moment, they’re a good guy, and in the next, they’re a complete arsehole. (Or a douche canoe, as my girl said.)

From an array of my characters like the Doctor (Doctor Who, not mine but still), Alistair MacKay and Fenella (Wings of Quiet Longing), Father Kenneth Sweeney (The Final Rite), to Dr. Arcturius “Dante” Cason and Alexios “Ghost” Jace (The City of Opulence, Digital Dystopia Series), they’re all morally questionable MCs but good at heart in spite of it all.

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#WordWeavers 2.3 — Share a vivid sensory description from your story. What was writing it like?

Here we finally get to see Fenella through Alistair's eyes, and it's for the first time in nine years. It was tricky to write, trying to get it all down perfectly, but I loved the finished product.

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