Mastodawn

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May 14

#PennedPossibilities 1014 — If it came down to it, would your SC choose to protect the MC in a dangerous situation?

100000000 percent, yes. Always. Hati (SC) and Alistair (MC) are ancient, caring friends. And they would die for each other, so the feeling *is* returned. They would *both* do whatever is necessary to keep the other one safe. Whoever said vampires and werewolves couldn’t be friends? Screw them.

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May 16

#PennedPossibilities 1015 — Were any of the scenes in your WIP inspired by your own experiences?

Not in this story, no. With others of mine, yes, occasionally. Our own experiences can inspire us. But that definitely isn’t the case with my current novel. It would actually be hilarious, considering the content and context.

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May 17

#PennedPossibilities 1016 — MC POV: Tell us about a time that you found a “skeleton in the closet,” but it doesn’t matter whose it was. It didn’t need to be yours.

Fenella: It wasn’t a skeleton from my own closet, that’s for sure. It was something from Alistair’s. Something huge as well. He isn’t who he says he is, and I’ll always love him regardless, but a bit of honesty is needed between us.

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May 18

#PennedPossibilities 1017 — Reveal a source of misery for your MC.

What he is. The creature that he is. It’s pure misery at times. Period, end of. He is an immortal, destined to live forever. To be alone. The walk the path of life, a very long one as well, and with so few who understand and/or will remain at his side for the duration. Being a vampire isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. It certainly isn’t how the mortals think it is.

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May 19

#PennedPossibilities 1018 — MC POV: Tell us about the first time you felt shame.

Alistair: It was the very first time I had to lie to her. It broke something inside of me. To this day, I’ve never truly recovered. It got worse. The lies, since then, have snowballed out of control. In the end, they’re really only meant to keep myself (and those I love) safe, but I’m afraid they might not understand, especially Fenella.

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May 20

#PennedPossibilities 1019 — Has your SC ever been bullied? By who, and for what reason?

Hati has been bullied, yes. By men. By patrons at the various pubs that she’s worked in. Drunks can be disgusting. She can handle herself, though. She’s a werewolf, after all.

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May 21

#PennedPossibilities 1020 — Does your MC consider themselves to be outdoorsy or do they prefer to stay inside?

Alistair prefers to be indoors, especially while ensconced in the safety of Dorcha Castle, although he has no issues with being outside, either. Scottish weather can be brutal during the various seasons. Even if he’s bloodbound (AKA a vampire), he still feels the bitter temperatures and loathes them all the same. Various types of immortals and mortals alike have that much in common.

May 22

#PennedPossibilities 1021 — Have you ever co-written a story before?

Many times. I’ve enjoyed writing stories with friends.

On another note, I enjoy collaborative writing (or writing roleplay stories), so co-written work will always be something I’ll love, no matter what genre or which characters. It’s also how and why I met my long-time girlfriend. It brought me straight to her. She and I still do a lot of writing together.

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May 23

#PennedPossibilities 1022 — How would your MC like to be remembered after their death? What sort of legacy would they want to leave?

One of kindness. Alistair wouldn’t want to be remembered for the bad things, only the good. He BECAME a better man over the centuries, someone kinder and more compassionate, and that’s certainly what he would want to be remembered for.

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May 24

#PennedPossibilities 1023 — Who would you personally trust the most out of your cast of characters?

Giiiirl, I love this question, and the answer is either Hati or Fenella. It’ll always be them. Hati is such an underdog, always fighting for what’s right. Fenella, on the other hand, never fails to fight for women. She’s such a girl’s girl (if girl’s girls also murdered toxic husbands, boyfriends, or exes and got away with it). She constantly fights for women’s rights in every single way. I would easily put my life in either of their hands, knowing full well that they’ll protect a mortal like me.

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May 24

#PennedPossibilities 1024 — MC POV: Name a time where you cried your eyes out.

Alistair: After she was gone, I unfortunately realized that I still loved her, and that it was too late for us. I could do nothing about it. There really isn’t much more to say on the subject, but I was never ashamed of the outpouring of emotion like most men are.

May 26

#PennedPossibilities 1025 — Would you or have you ever killed off a member of the main cast? How would or how did you feel afterward?

I have, of course, and I felt atrocious afterward. It was right for the story, it suited its ending, but that didn’t make it ache any less for the author AKA this softhearted panda bear.

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May 27

#PennedPossibilities 1026 — What is your MC’s biggest priority?

Fenella. Fenella, Fenella, Fenella. But it’s far more than that as well. He wants to keep those he loves safe. His friends, his servants, and the bloodbound “family” that he has. They all matter to him, and their safety is his main priority.

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May 28

#PennedPossibilities 1027 — SC POV: If you could master any skill, what would it be? How would you use it?

Caden: Lying. Small lies. I’ve been told that I’m awful at it. There is one thing, however, that I’ve been forced to lie about for centuries, something that I’ve had to hide from my fellow vampires. It was for the purpose of survival. It’s something huge. Little white lies, though, I am atrocious with. It makes no sense!

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May 30

#PennedPossibilities 1028 — MC POV: Do you feel like you belong somewhere? What does belonging mean to you?

Fenella: I belong right where I am, and beside Alistair, no less. Belonging means… far more than I could adequately put into words. Alistair, being the writer that he is, would be able to perfectly explain and describe the feeling. All I know is that I really do belong here at Dorcha Castle.

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May 31

#PennedPossibilities 1029 — Name something your MC has always wanted to learn.

Even the tiniest bit of self-preservation. Alistair is such a menace. He barely cares about his own survival and safety, although this fact really begins to show itself later in the novel. You never expect it at first.

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Jun 1

#PennedPossibilities 1030 — What assumptions did you make about one of your characters when you first created them?

That Alistair would be chill and easy, never keep secrets, be gentle and tender, and always support his friends and ex-lover/lover.

As for being supportive, yes, of course. He always is. He can also be gentle and tender as well. But the rest was wrong. Never make assumptions lol.

Jun 2

#PennedPossibilities 1031 — Are you satisfied with the genre(s) that you write?

Yes, absolutely. Then again, I’m also someone who shifts from genre to genre while writing various weird, whimsical, and wonderful tales. Now, someone who only writes within one or two genres, and consistently as well, might have a different answer from mine. There are, however, a few genres that I always return to while writing my Romance tales, and those are the ones that I’m referring to in my answer. It’s a yes for them. They are: Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, and even Science Fiction Fantasy AKA SFF (like with my Cyberpunk & SFF series). None of these genres are connected for my repertoire of work, of course, aside from the fact that I tend to write a bit of horror within every project, even if it's only just a splash or a smidge.

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Jun 3

#PennedPossibilities 1032 — MC POV: Tell us about the first time you felt shame.

Alistair: It was while I created another vampire. It hit me then, turning another soul bloodbound, just how horrific the act was. I was selfishly murdering someone, someone who would have otherwise died a mortal death moments later from natural causes, and then not unlike Dr. Frankenstein, I created something new. It was utterly shameful.

Fenella: Truly? It was when I left Alistair, despite knowing that it was certainly what I needed. And what he required as well. I could not change him, so in turn I had to release him. But I felt ashamed for lying to him — because I *did* still love him.

Jun 4

#PennedPossibilities 1033 — Would you or have ever considered writing a MC with mental illness? How would or did you approach the subject?

Of course, I have, and it was through careful consideration and research, unless it was also something I had my own personal experience in and understood well enough. Therapy works wonders lol.

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Jun 5

#PennedPossibilities 1034 — If one of your characters could visit any time period in the history of their world, which would they choose? Why is that?

Well, here’s the thing… The majority of the cast have lived through chunks of the world’s history, so the question is moot. Now, for the mortals, of course, the answers would be slightly different. Let’s take Eleanor for instance. She might say, “The creation of the world. That would be interesting!” No vampires would surely think of that one. Maybe they wouldn’t even *want* to know what it was like.

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Jun 6

#PennedPossibilities 1035 — How does your antagonist behave when they’re sick or injured?

There are three parts to this one for me, so I’ll break it all down. No one else needs to answer the prompt this way, but I plan to, and I’ll be discussing Duncan down below. He rarely ever gets injured, but it’s a mess whenever he does. He’s a strong vampire, a skilled fighter, and other immortals often leave him the f*ck alone.

• Is the character’s behavior different depending on the severity of the illness or injury?

It is, and the worse the injury is or becomes, the more Duncan will lash out with rage and fury.

• Has this character always been this way, or has their response to illness or injury changed over time?

Nothing has changed over the years. It’s been this way for Duncan. Whether alive or undead (AKA bloodbound), his personality, reactions, and responses have always been like this. He’s a bomb filled with fury, simply waiting to be detonated.

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Jun 7

#PennedPossibilities 1036 — Tell us about a landmark in your world. What is it most known for, and what does it look like?

For those who are curious or stumped, here’s some help.

Here is a possible list:
• Monument
• School
• Museum
• Building

The history could be:
• Modern
• Classic
• Ancient

Style:
• Ostentatious
• Welcoming
• Rustic
• Anachronistic
• Menacing

Now, onto my own answer. A landmark in Moray, Scotland, could actually be Dorcha Castle. It’s an ancient, archaic, beautiful thing. It has withstood the test of time and is known for just that. Terrifying but gorgeous. I’ll leave some of its description down below. Here’s a passage from the novel…

⸻

It happened that stormy evening. A wayfarer approached the castle. He came on foot, his body bent forward into the driving slant of the rain, his clinging jacket heavy and dark with wet. More than once, he slipped in the slick brown mud and fell, sliming himself from head to foot. But each time, he rose and clambered on, desperate to reach the castle, his eyes intent upon the great portcullis that barred his entry. At length, his vigor apparently spent, his chest heaving, he fell against the outer wall and tried to regain his breath. This done, he commenced to pound and shout, raising his voice high above the shriek of wind, demanding he be let inside.

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Jun 8

#PennedPossibilities 1037 — MC POV: Tell us about a time you didn’t feel “ready” for something.

There are two smaller options here, the first things that come to mind, but I won’t be using either of them as my answers. I’ll still mention them, though.

• When Fenella suggested ending things between them, Alistair wanted nothing more than to say no. He wasn’t ready to say goodbye. He eventually gave in, assuming she was right, and figuring perhaps the love was gone. After she left, and some time had passed, he realized how wrong he was. He wished he had never said yes. He wasn’t ready to lose her, but he already had.

• He wasn’t ready for Fenella to come barrelling back into his life, either. She has a way about her. If it was possible, he might have had a heart attack and expired on the spot. I will admit, writing her arrival gave me a thrill. There was confusion, humor, shock, horror, etc. I adore that chapter so much.

⸻

Instead, here’s my actual answer, and from Alistair’s POV, as promised.

Alistair: I wasn’t ready to become a vampire. When I was made bloodbound, I wasn’t taught a thing. No one gave me guidance. No one assisted me. No help came. I was left on my own. My maker didn’t care.

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Jun 9

#PennedPossibilities 1038 — What would your MC say their personal weaknesses or flaws are? Would other characters agree?

Alistair has many shortcomings, all of which he would readily, easily admit to, but there are a few that spring to mind for me before any of the others.

He would admit to:
• Low self-esteem and confidence
• Impulsiveness or recklessness
• Depression

His friends (and the rest of the cast) would absolutely agree with the assessment.

(For Alistair, it’s mental and emotional weaknesses that are the worst for him, the weaknesses that affect the mind.)

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Jun 10

#PennedPossibilities 1039 — Does your SC consider themself to be a professional? Of what?

She’s a professional skedaddler, if you will, a whimsical wench, and a lover of all things that bring her pleasure in life. Hati is a simple creature.

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Jun 11

#PennedPossibilities 1040 — Are there any factions or groups within your world? Are they good, bad, or somewhere in between?

Nothing is black and white within this fantasy universe. They’re neither good nor bad. They have their moments for either side of the pendulum, and yet it continues to swing. We have vampires, werewolves, spirits, etc. They all (for the most part) band together and shun the other types of immortals. It’s taboo to befriend others, and yet Alistair (vampire) and Hati (werewolf) broke those rules ages ago. They didn’t care for the norms. They’re creatures cut from a different cloth than all the rest. If they’re all immortals, none of it should matter. The discrimination, hatred, and disgust are pointless, same as it always is.

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Jun 12

#PennedPossibilities 1041 — What goal or prize is your MC chasing, even passively? What goal or prize have they abandoned, and why?

Alistair is chasing after safety. Not even for himself, necessarily, but for those he loves. He wants his friends to be left the f*ck alone. He discarded the mere *idea* of ever winning Fenella back again as well, as far as abandoning things goes. That would have been another goal or wish of his. Number one, in his eyes, she deserves better. And number two, he truly believes she no longer cares for him in that way. He’s somewhat content (or so he thinks) to love her from afar these days, now that she’s returned to Scotland and their home again.

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Jun 13

#PennedPossibilities 1042 — MC POV: What is something most people desire that you feel is more trouble than it’s worth?

Fenella: Money. I am tempted not to say anything more on the subject. It isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Happiness and less money are worth far more than more money and being utterly miserable and all alone. Then again, I say this as an immortal being, so I’m not the best judge. Perspective is everything, though. Do not listen to me, either way. However, I will add that I’m not paid much for working in a tavern, but I have the love of my life at home. He’s all I could ever ask for. We have just enough food and a roof over our heads.

Alistair: Immortal life.

Jun 15

#PennedPossibilities 1043 — How do you refuel your creativity?

I do a lot of things, honestly. Reading, enjoying shows and films, gaming, TTRPG stuff, etc. Anything like that will get me into the creative headspace, right along with nature walks and hiking, listening to music, and daydreaming. All of it helps.

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Jun 16

#PennedPossibilities 1044 — SC POV: What stupid question have you heard someone ask (or have asked yourself)?

Hati: Other immortals will constantly ask werewolves like myself if we’re blood drinkers as well… It makes me want to roll my eyes in disdain. The stupidity knows no bounds.

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Jun 16

#PennedPossibilities 1045 — When was a time that your MC had to say no but wanted to say yes?

It *will* happen soon in the story. Without giving away too much information or context, I’ll say that Fenella has to say “no” to Alistair in regards to rekindling their relationship after spending some time pretending to be back together in order to keep her safe. All she wants to do is say “yes” to him, wholeheartedly and without fear, but she can’t. There are valid reasons why she ended things between them almost a decade ago.

(Fear not, they’re going to end up together in the end. I’m a romance author, after all. I might write angst but it’s always with a happy ending.)

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Jun 18

#PennedPossibilities 1046 — Tell us about a time when one of your characters put their foot in their mouth.

Alistair does just this very thing in an upcoming chapter that will be published soon. He doesn’t often do something like this, but when he does, it’s monumentally stupid. He’ll never live this moment down, either. Fenella will be tempted to either fling him across the room or punch him square in the jaw, but she has neither of those reactions. She’s too stunned to even move.

It was a moment that I really enjoyed writing as well, so at least there’s that.

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Jun 18

#PennedPossibilities 1047 — What can you tell us about the conflict in your WIP?

There are a few things all at once.

1. Someone returns to Alistair and Fenella’s life that they never expected to see again. It becomes a problem, and it’s obvious that something is going on.
2. The MCs’ friend, Caden, was once a part of a vampire coven/cult that may or may not show up in Book 1. They’re all dreading the mere possibility of this taking place.
3. Speaking of things that might possibly happen, the group are terrified of their maker making an appearance as well. He could just about level the entirety of Scotland with his fury. (Not really, but you get the point. He strikes fear in the hearts of everyone.)
4. Another conflict in this tale is the ongoing state of Fenella and Alistair’s relationship, and what they mean to each other. They’re ex-lovers but still close friends. Why did they break up in the first place? Do they still love one another? Why can’t they get back together if they do? These are all questions that will be answered as Book 1 goes on.

All of these things tie together and will be a part of the main conflict within the story, so they aren’t separate issues at all, even if it feels that way in the beginning. Everything has a reason for happening when and how it does.

Much, much more will happen later on, but hey. That's enough for now.

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Jun 20

#PennedPossibilities 1048 — MC POV: When was a time that you “buried the hatchet,” so to speak?

Alistair: When Duncan suddenly reappeared in my life. I had to “let it go,” to move on, and like you said, “bury the hatchet” and all that. It was for the best, despite what a monster I know he is. Fenella knows as well. We *all* do. But I had to try and keep the peace, even in some small way. I let him return to Dorcha Castle, even if it was never supposed to be forever. We very nearly came to blows the night he appeared on my doorstep in the pouring rain.

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Jun 21

#PennedPossibilities 1049 — Does your antagonist have everything they want? If not, how do they plan on accomplishing getting it?

Duncan doesn’t have what he wants. He craves a certain someone, and he isn’t quite sure how to go about earning their love and desire yet.

Isma, on the other hand, does actually have everything he wanted in his younger years. I think this is what makes him so dangerous. He’s an ancient being, and he’s grown bored throughout the years. He has everything he could ever want and yet he’s miserable and just so tired of it all. (Lonely as well, but that’s his own damn fault.)

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Jun 22

#PennedPossibilities 1050 — Name a habit that your SC can’t seem to break.

Hati is a worrier, and a chronic worrier at that. It doesn’t show itself often, but whenever it does, it’s atrocious. Alistair and Samuel are the only ones who ever see it, and when that anxiety rears its ugly head, they’ll always be there for her. They might just be the only two beings who can *truly* calm her down. And now, as she gets to know Fenella as well, she’ll probably become the third being to be added to that list. The simple fact of the matter is that you *should* know your friends, what they need, when they’re feeling off, how to help, etc.

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Jun 23

#PennedPossibilities 1051 — MC POV: What, if any, superstitions do you keep? Do you feel compelled to impose them on others?

Alistair: *low chuckle* None. I’m a supernatural being. I’m a vampire, a creature of the night, and therefore *I* am the very thing that mortals often worry about late into the evenings. *They* are the superstitious ones, not me. They’re always superstitious about attracting my kind, or other immortal beings, such as werewolves.