Guess who Poetry

Hi Fellow Bloggers,
I seem to always have a bit of trouble deciding what to write for this blog. My other one is easier, because it involves my first love when it comes to writing: Poetry. I usually just do an update post where I express myself for that week. Then I write a poem that reflects that posting. This week for instances was about following ones dreams. I do a lot more free writing on that blog than this one. What I mean is it’s based on my feelings. Instead of based on my characters. It’s the best of both worlds for me.
SO this week I was sitting down again trying to determine what would be a fun post to read if I were on the other side reading in. I thought about a few things that I will probably work on in the future as this blog involves, but it wasn’t something I wanted to do at the moment. Then I thought about bringing some poetry to this page as a fun game. I thought perhaps I could write a poem about one of the characters from the book, and then you try to determine which one it is… I hope that is as intriguing as I thought it was when I first thought of it. If not I will discontinue it.

Mild as a lion,
sweet as a cub.
Nothing’s more dangerous than betraying the ones she loves.
Meek as a cheetah,
fierce like a bee.
She brings peace
when there is unease.

Old enough to fight for love.
Young enough to lose.
Conquered by the ones that failed her.
Championed for disuse.

She is strong of heart.
Weak in will.

Love is her weapon
She uses it well.

She wants for nothing,
but still she is in need,
of the very thing that can bring her peace.

Chapter Five Excerpt One

Hi Fellow Bloggers,
I jumped a bit ahead with the sequences of the books to give you this scene. Since I am posting about Hunter this week I thought I should introduce him in the books. This is where we first meet him. He is very reserved and manly (not to be offensive) but that’s just how men where during this time period. There wasn’t much room for debate when they had a particular mindset already in place. I really enjoyed the discovery I found in this first scene with him. I realized that just because you are royalty you are just as bound to the people as they are to you. I think the fact that Hunter spends his morning pouring over the betrothed conditions demonstrates where his feeling are towards Harmony. This scene is pretty short. It just gives you a glimpse into his life. I hope it’s enough for you to see him like I do.

Chapter Four
Hunter Owens sat at the massive wood table in his father’s study, going over the betrothed conditions between his family and the McLain’s. As heir to the throne it was his duty to marry and continue the line. His father’s childhood friend had a daughter around the time he was born and they have been betrothed ever since. Hunter frowns at the piece of paper that determined his destiny before he even had a say in it.
“Your highness, your presence is requested by the king in his chambers,” his valet announces.
Hunter walks out of his father’s study, and heads down the hallway toward the Great Stairs. His parents’ wing is on the second level of the castle. He races up the stairs, before he turns the corner to their room he straightens his attire.
“I hope this is going to be quick. I have plenty of matters to attend to this day.”
He reaches their door and knocks three times a childhood notion he hasn’t broken out of yet. His mother opens the door. She has her long curly brown hair down, and is wearing a peach colored dress. She grabs his hand and leads him into the room. The room is decorated in dark reds, gold’s and white. The ceiling holds a large golden double layered chandelier. The borders of the room are painted gold around the white flowered walls. The red and gold curtains that match the pillows in the seats cover the large window in the room. Preventing the sunlight from glaring in. On the table in their sitting area is the remains of their breakfast.
“Come in my son. Your Father has news regarding Lord McLain and your betrothed.”
He sits down in the large gold framed chair near the white couch. Hunter turns his head at the slight change in the air. King Xavier has a way of making his presence known even before he announces it. Hunter stands up to greet him, and walks over to embrace him. Hunter looks very much like his father, with the same strong jaw and stubborn chin. Both are very tall and imposing men, and they hover over most of their peers. The king’s black hair is gray in some areas. His hazel eyes light up when he sees his wife remains in the room.
“Father, you look well.”
The king waves the greeting away, and sits down in his chair. “I have news my son! My old friend, Lord McLain will be gone for several weeks in seven days. He wishes to marry Harmony off by then.”
“What say you?” Hunter ask his tan cheeks darkening and his eyes turning a deeper blue. “Have you agreed to this change?”
King Xavier looks at him perplexed. “Yes! What difference does it make Hunter? Now or in several weeks. You will still marry her! ” He said leaving no room for discussion. “As prince it is your duty to marry–”
“And continue the line, I know this Father. It should be my choice in regards to whom I wish to marry. You did not take my wishes into consideration on this matter. I have told you I have no feelings for Harmony. Why can I not decide whom to marry on my own?” He asks as he stands.
The king stands as well, “We have talked about this Hunter. We cannot break the betroth, because of the indenture.”
“Why is that so? When I never agreed to it?” Hunter responds.
“I am king, and you will obey me,” The king says.
“I bid you good morrow,” Hunter says and storms out of their room.

Anna? Who is She?

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

This week I am focused on Anna. If you want to get a good idea of who she is before you read this post I would check out my conversation with her in the character forum: Deep Thoughts with Anna  I think it will reveal a lot about her personality. She is very fun to be around.

While writing Forbidden I found myself (at certain scenes) wondering what Anna would say in that moment. She has a way of lightening things up. She’s good at having your attention, but making sure you are only seeing her on the surface. She’s the type of person who feels private things should be kept private. Which for her means her feelings. They are keep in a vault that not many have access to. Even me as the person telling her story had to spend time with her before she would reveal herself. As the books progresses she’ll opens up a bit then withdraw. A lot takes place that I don’t want to give away, but it causes her to question a lot about family and values. The very things she was raised being taught were being tested. She was pushing everyone around her to not give up, but inside herself she was kind of losing the same battle. I loved this energy and realness that she held within her. Despite this, the persona she put to was always so superficial. The same thing is seen with her strength.

In this book you can see her starting to crumble. Not only does she have to stay home and watch her mother get worse each passing day, but she has to feel that loss of connection with her twin. I learn to love Anna as much as I love Ivy. Not because they are twins, but because she feels relatable. She has such an honest perspective on life. One that invites you in, but keeps you at arms lengths too.

While she doesn’t get as much play in the first book she is still represented. However my favorite scene from her isn’t in any of the books from the trilogy, but in a short novella that I wrote about her. I will come back to that in a moment. The best scene that showcases who Anna in the Forbidden takes place when she finds out about the curse. You can find this scene in the excerpts category: Chapter One of Forbidden Second Excerpt. Out of everyone in the room I felt her emotions the strongest while writing that scene. They are also the thickest in the room as far as tension goes. She feels confused, then betrayed at being left out, then jealous… all in a matter of moments. It shows her love and dedication to her family. Even though the girls have two very different relationships with their mother they both love her very much. Which is why I think Anna was so jealous that Ivy got to go. She wanted to help her mother too.

When I first started writing the story I thought Anna was going to be this really mean, dense twin sister that tried to jeopardize her sister’s return with the herb. I had written the end already before I even really started getting into the story… she was going to steal the herb from Ivy and push her back into the dimension for her to remain there forever. As the book went along I realized that Anna isn’t a bad person she’s just guarded. She doesn’t have it in her to be mean. She can say rude things sometimes out of hurt, but she wasn’t capable of being my villain. I couldn’t see all that at first. I had to get pass her rough exterior.

So back to the Novella. I wish I could post a scene from it, but it’s on my flash drive. Which is still broken. So if you are interested like or comment on this post and as soon as I get it fixed I will do a part two. I hope this post helped you understand, appreciate, and or like Anna a little bit more.

Ivy? Who is She?

Lily looks at Ivy and grabs her hands in hers. “Ivy you must go now time is ticking, you must return in seven days at midnight or you will be stuck in that dimension forever.”

She kisses Ivy on the cheek and, steps back with tears sliding down her cheek.

Ivy looks frantic and scared, “can’t I say goodbye to everyone first Nana?”

“No sweetheart it makes it harder.”

Ivy walks a few steps away from her grandmother with her left hand around the star pendant. She looks back to see if her grandmother was going to tell her this was all a joke. Instead she hears her grandmother release a sob and sees her leaving the room. Ivy puts on the mantle and recites the words Lily told her.

 

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

The scene above is a familiar (recent one) that I have posted from the books. I could have found some more enthralling scenes, but I didn’t want to give too much of the book away ahead of time. This scene was included in the excerpt I just posted last week so if you want to read about this bit of information I suggestion reading that before you dive into this post. I don’t want to spoil any perceptions about Ivy’s personality or character traits for you.

I have worked with Ivy for a few years now. She has developed into a lovely girl. Much more outgoing… She was really guarded… even in her family dynamics. I think she was afraid to prove that she was less than her sister Anna. She didn’t realize the very thing that made her different from Anna is what made her special. They are two different girls.

In this scene Ivy is being prepared to leave to find the herb for her mother. She is given a rundown of her history and then she is kind of thrust into the unknown. This scene shows Ivy’s vulnerability the most throughout the beginning of the book. She is very distraught. She planned to go on this journey with her sister. She didn’t feel she was qualified by herself.

This scenes represents her innocence and loyalty to her family. It is the precept of events that pushed her into being the Ivy I love. The one who is strong and is willing to fight for her family. She still has weakness, but they are more sharpened. She knows that she has thicker skin. It’s just sometimes life really sucks and makes you test the thickness, and it really hurts. Ivy goes through a lot in this book and the next two that follow so she has to experience this life changing journey on her own to be prepared for the rest of it. Breaking a family curse isn’t easy.

As I reread over this post I am always brought back to the sheer disparity and fear she feels her. Her thoughts float through my mind and I can hear her second guessing herself. I can feel her extinct to run away from this. Her desire to pretend that she has another choice. I mean she just got sweep away from her birthday party to be told you have to leave. When all she really wanted to do was go sit with her mother and show her the pictures she took from the party. She wants to curl up beside her and feel the love they share. She was is mentally distraught. I mean Ivy is on the edge of a breakdown. Somehow in that moment of putting on the cloak, reciting the words of travel, and stepping through into the Hall of Doors. She finds her resolve. She finds the strength to follow her destiny.

I guess I choose this scene, because it is when I saw Ivy for who she really is. I saw her strength and I admired her for it. I wished for the same thing in my life. This is where I become a champion of her.

Early Morning Thoughts

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

As I lay awake this morning at 3:53am after finishing a book (that was research material for a book idea I have floating in my brain) my mind strayed back to my post for the blog this week. I have really be trying to find things to write about. Before my USB broke I had several blog post lined up and ideas. All of the information for the post and ideas are on there. So I kind of feel like a fish out of water. I am still trying to get myself together. I haven’t felt like writing on anything since then. Never have I ever experienced writers block but I imagine that this is pretty close to it.

I try to be very honest and transparent with you. If you are going to take the time out to read all my new post then I feel you are owed that respect. I never want this blog to seem like it is filled with the rants of an emotional distraught women. So I try to keep all the emotional stuff (poetry, rants, and short stories) on my other blog lisharvey.wordpress.com

This week I had a brilliant idea (a spark of inspiration if you will) for this blog. Those happen far and in-between so I try to capitalize on them when they do. This week I wanted to start a series of post where I introduced you to the characters in Forbidden through the book. I will pick out 1-3 scenes that I feel really represent that character. I will explain why they represent that character and perhaps give some background information. I just want these post to get you more and more familiar with Ivy and her family. Even Forbidden Love has loopholes ❤

 

Chapter Four Excerpt One

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

As I was trying to figure out what to post this week, besides updates I keep getting distracted. I have a ton of stuff going on writing wise and I wanted to start the year off right on this blog. I don’t know why you decide to subscribe to my blog, but I thank you. I am hear to give my books an audience and a voice. I want them to become your friend while I also build a relationship with you. I am going to try my hardest to post on here at least once a week. It might be on the same day every week, but it will happen. I am going to try and get more organized with this blog. I have several other book ideas floating around in my head. Thanks to my sister I have journals now to write them down in. I also am trying to get a job while helping my mom out at the restaurant. I just want you to know that I am dedicated to this blog, and making it into a success. I want to create something we both can be proud of and interested in.

Needless to say once I finally got myself together I thought what better way to start off this year with an excerpt from the book. That is why I am here after all. Like I have said previously my writing has changed a lot. I feel like it has matured and better something refined. It still needs work, but its getting to a good place. Well I will hold you no longer below is a short excerpt. It is the beginning of Chapter four. Ivy learns a lot about herself, and her family here. I hope you enjoy.

As the party whined down, most of their family members had returned home with younger cousins who fell asleep. Ivy walked off toward the garden and stood under the gazebo, thinking about her mother. Thanks mom for throwing the best birthday party ever. I wish you could have been here with me. Every time I smiled or laughed about something, I would look up. Wanting to share the moment with you. In the midst of her leaning against the gazebo to watch everyone cleaning up. Her grandmother comes and stands next to her. She wears a plain yellow dress that forms to her waist and flares out, her yellow sandals perfectly matching Tennessee’s sunflowers. She gently pats Ivy’s hand and smiles.

“I hope you had a good birthday Ivy. We need to go upstairs to my room to discuss things as I promised,” Lily says and they both leave to head upstairs.

Ivy stands in front of her grandmother’s door, waiting for her to take her key ring out. I always found it strange that she locked her door. Ivy can’t remember a time that she has actually gone into her grandmother’s room. As she opens the door, Ivy is assaulted by a scent uniquely Lily’s. It smells of fresh flowers, sunshine and chocolate chip cookies: her favorite guilty pleasure.

They walk in and there is a small sitting room with a couch and a table. She turns the light on and they enter her bedroom. Her bed is in the center of the room and there are two large windows on each side of the bed, because Lily loves sunlight. She walks over to her dresser and unlocks a small drawer; she pulls out a beautiful gold jewelry box and sets it on the dresser. Over her shoulder she beckons Ivy forward and tells her to sit on her bed.

“Ivy dear there are things that need to be told” She says shaking her head in regret. “I know that this is going to be difficult to understand but you must listen and focus,” Ivy nods her head and says okay.

Lily unlocks the jewelry box and sets it back in the dresser. From it she removes the most beautiful piece of jewelry Ivy has ever seen. Awestruck she just gazes at it trying to comprehend why her grandmother would give this to her.

“Ivy, our family is cursed. Centuries ago a woman, Haley fell in love with a man, Drake from another planet. This sort of thing is strictly forbidden between planets. Despite this rule they got married and had a baby girl. Her name was Smyrna which means forbidden love on his planet. That baby was born six generations ago. As punishment for their crimes Drake was banished, and Haley became very ill on the eve of her daughters eighteenth birthday. Before he left Drake made her this necklace and gave her his family’s mantle. The necklace combined with the mantle would take their daughter to a different dimension, to find this natural herb rarely grown, to heal her mom. Each day she was there her mother grew worst at home. That curse has been passed down to every first born daughter ever since. It is your turn now Ivy,” She says.

Ivy looks at her grandmother and her pale skin turns ash white, her green eyes get huge and she begins to shake. This can’t be right. Her hands are sweaty and she is frantic just from the thought of having such a task placed on her.

“Nana I can’t do this, I feel like David going up against Goliath. Why can’t Anna do this, she’s much more equipped for this task. We were trying to come up with a plan to go together.” Ivy says.

Lily grabs her hand “the necklace only works for the first born and the pure of heart. When you put it on you must have good intentions or it won’t work. You must allow your soul to operate in the fruits of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the things that will take you to the dimension and bring you home safely. You are much stronger than you know Ivy. Besides Anna cannot go with you.” she replies.

Lily pulls her up and places Ivy in the chair she was sitting in. She turns the chair around facing an empty wall near the window. She reaches around Ivy from behind with the necklace. She puts it on, and Ivy lifts up her hair so she can clasp it. Lily walks over to the wall and starts feeling around for something. Ivy hears a soft click and the wall opens, in the wall there is medium sized green box.

Lily pulls it out and the wall closes back on its own. She set’s the box on Ivy’s lap and motions for her to open it. She pulls the top off and removes the tissue paper from the box. Inside is a beautiful mantle resembling the necklace Ivy has on. The mantle is silver embroidered and has green vines intertwined around the entire cloak.

“Come Ivy there is much to tell you still” she says hurriedly.

Looking into her eyes she says “pay close attention to these instructions because if you forget one or skip a step your mother will die.” She grabs Ivy’s hands and pulls her directly in front of her. “Ivy you have seven days to find this herb. I cannot tell you what it’s called because it has different names in different dimensions. It has gray-green leaves, and large, showy, bright scarlet flowers. You must not cut the plant from the tree, pull it from the root. This necklace and mantle is the key to getting to the dimension you need, and back and must not be lost. Put the mantle on and recite these words.”

 

“Whosoever coverest thyself with light as a garment,

Will take this mantle upon thine self

To perform the task set before thee.”

 

         “The energy from your words will allow you to go through the portal for seven days. You will be transported to the Hall of Doors. Once you are in this room Ivy, you must think of what you need. The necklace will act as a guide to show you which door leads to the dimension you need to be in. The necklace won’t lead you to the herb, just the right dimension. Once you find the herb and are ready to return think of home and it will bring you back here,” she says.

Lily looks at Ivy and grabs her hands in hers. “Ivy you must go now time is ticking, you must return in seven days at midnight or you will be stuck in that dimension forever.”

She kisses Ivy on the cheek and, steps back with tears sliding down her cheek.

Ivy looks frantic and scared “can’t I say goodbye to everyone first Nana?”

“No sweetheart it makes it harder.”

This Year has Brought Me

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

Like I said in the previous post 2014 had brought on a lot of changes for me and my family. I wish I could say that everything was cheery and perfect, but it wasn’t. We had a huge transition from one small town to another two and a half hours away. We also bought a family restaurant. So you can imagine getting the restaurant ready and getting settled in a place. Through in going to school and you have some serious stress on your hands. I had to finish out my semester on campus since the transition was in the middle of it. So I was travel all that way to get to morning classes. Most days being late. Then trying to come back help out at the restaurant and do homework. I was overwhelmed most days. Things were drastically different from the peacefulness I was getting acquired to once my parents stopped doing foster care. It was just me, my parents and my younger sister. Things weren’t perfect, but they were better than some other times.
After I finished that semester I started to attend classes online. I had done it before. However if anyone has taken classes online you know that it is twice as much work has taken it on campus. Not only are you teaching yourself, but you have to be motivated to learn. You also have to be disciplines to make sure that you get your work done. At times my mom didn’t understand that just because I was able to be physical at the restaurant all the time now that I wasn’t always available. I needed more time to do assignments. It was very hard trying to wait tables, answer phone calls, fix food, and read fifty pages, do a ten page paper, write a short story, then take a timed test. I learned a lot about myself this year. I learned how much I could take. Just how far I could push myself mentally without having a breakdown. I learned that no matter how often or how much your cry there are always more tears. I learned that restaurant work is stress and tedious. I learned that it can make people really awful at times. That things will be said in the heat of the moment that can never be erased. I learned that not making money will make you lash out at the ones you love. It will cause separations and distance between families. Most importantly I learned that my family is strong enough to go through all of that and come out the other side sparkling.
This year my mentor/sister/friend moved very far away (Hawaii) to be stationed with her husband. This year I loss a few friends that were very close to me. This year I found out that I’m okay being alone. This year I learned so much about writing. This year I wrote a book. This year I got twenty rejections from my query letters. This year I graduated from college. This year I restarted this blog after neglecting it for an entire year. This year had brought me so many different things, and as I sit here writing this post I reflect on them. It had brought me a lot of sadness, and disappointments. Which have kind of sucked. So I am expecting something pretty awesome to happen in the one coming. Happy New Year’s Eve. I hope this year brings you peace, love, and happiness.

Bringing in Christmas Cheer… Late

Hi Fellow Bloggers,

So Christmas just pasted. I honestly can’t believe it’s been another year. 2014 has brought along so many changes for me and my family. Tough changes that at times don’t feel hopeful, but life is full of hope you just have to look in the right places.

Christmas was pretty awesome. This was the first year that we spent it without our parents. All though my sisters and I still had a blast… it just wasn’t the same. I thought about them often. They had a church event to attend. I know that when their music takes off there will be more holidays without them, but I hope they are few and far between. Since I’ve been adopted I have truly learned the meaning of Christmas. Even though Christ is the reason for the season we still give gifts and eat a lot. Every year we have had an abundance of gifts. I have received so many wonderful things on Christmas. None of that can come close to the memories we made, sharing laughs around the tree and table. Just being with each other. This year was very different. This year my older sister bought stuff we really wanted. I received a stack of journals. Which is the best gift for me. It’s how I write out all my books. I have several book ideas that I am going to be working on for the coming year.

I bought myself some stuff from Bath and Body Works, because they were having a huge sale. Some stuff was 40% off. You really can’t beat that. This year brought me back to what it really means to celebrate Christmas. The day is more than presents and cookies. Its love and laughter. I know from this year forward I will bring more to the table as I prepare for the holiday. I have so much love in my heart for people, and I want to be able to share that love. Next year I hope I am financial stable enough to do just that. I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas.

 

Deep thoughts with Harmony

Elissa: Hi Harmony, I have been talking to Ivy and her family. As well as Hunter and his. I wanted to get your side of the story. I know that you were betrothed to Hunter. What was that like?

Harmony: It was distant. We really didn’t know each other. Because of our father’s we were forced into it. The time that we did spend together was always very awkward.

Elissa: So why were you so upset when Ivy came along?

Harmony: Well I hated there easy comradery. The very thing I was being forced to feel with him came so easily between them. I was jealous.

Elissa: So do you feel that way with someone now?

Harmony: I do.

Elissa: Could that have been why it was so hard for you to love Hunter?

Harmony: I believe so. When I was with Hunter all I could think about was the other guy. I knew that I wasn’t being fair to myself or either one of them.

Elissa: So when did you realized that you would never love Hunter?

Harmony: I was sixteen years old. I had spent the day with Luke. He had this way of making me forget how bad things were at home. We were running through the forest and I tripped and fell. He raced back to my side. I was in so much pain, but he made me forget about it when he picked me up and carried me to my bedroom. He stayed by my side until the doctor came. Then he sat with me every day for several hours until it healed.

Elissa: Why do you think your father wanted you to be with Hunter so much?

Harmony: I really don’t know. I wish I could tell you that his behavior those few months where different from usual… but I can’t. I really didn’t know my father. The person I loved disappeared when my mother died.

Elissa: Do you agree with what he did to Ivy?

Harmony: Not at all. Like I said I was jealous of Ivy. I did things that I am absolutely ashamed of towards her. The worst was manipulation her to come to my room so my father could take her.

Elissa: Why didn’t you just tell your father you didn’t want to marry Hunter?

Harmony: I was afraid for a long time that if he knew about Luke he would do something awful to him. Then when I got enough courage to tell him he didn’t listen.

Elissa: Do you think he regrets what he did?

Harmony: I hope he is.

Elissa: So are you married now?

Harmony: Yes.

Elissa: Do you have children?

Harmony: Not yet, but I hope to someday.

Elissa: Well I wish you the best in life Harmony.

Harmony: Thank you.

 

 

Be Thankful during the Holiday’s

Hi WordPress Friends,

Thanksgiving just happened and Christmas is on the way. These Holiday’s are my favorite time of year. I enjoy the family, food, festivities, and traditions that come with them. I have experienced a lot of different Holiday’s with a lot of different people due to my years in foster care. I grew up with a lot of different religious backgrounds and Holiday preferences. I have to say that my favorite ones are/have been with my adopted family. Even though we argue and fuss sometimes there is always so much love and laughter flowing through the house that we get over it quickly. This year was PERFECT. Everyone was peaceable and the food was great. My mom is one of the best cooks I know. We have a Soulfood restaurant here and we get to eat good all the time. But she really shows out for Holiday’s. I felt the love with each bite I took. We always have a huge breakfast on these two morning. So that we can cook the rest of the day, and so we will be good until dinner. My sister always does a Red Velvet cake and this year it was really great. My mom does all of the food cooking, and she makes a pound cake and sweet potato pie. We are foodies in my family and we do these Holiday’s the justice they deserve.

With that being said I know that some people/family’s are not as privileged as I am. Some people/family’s didn’t eat on Thanksgiving. Some haven’t eaten at all that week or this one. I don’t say this to dampen anyones mood. I just want to make people aware of how thankful you should be all the time and not just on one specific day. I know how hard it is to not be with people you love. Or to have the things you need/desire to be happy around this time. These Holiday’s are about so much more than spending all your money. Its about love, and joy, family. These are the things that bring satisfaction to our lives. I hope that all of you found these things in your own lives this Holiday. If not I send my sincerest love your way.