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.

Chapter Three Second Excerpt

It’s been an entire year since I posted more of the story. Here is a long excerpt for you to make up for that. I will do the excerpts probably once in a while. Even though I want this blog to represent my series. I want to do other things on here than just post snippets of the book. I have a lot of fun ideas and post in store. If you haven’t read all the other excerpts before this one… this scene won’t make much sense to you. So just click on the Excerpt Category and they will all be available to you. Happy Reading.
The twins walk down stairs and stand in front of the large mirror in the foyer. Ivy looks at Anna in the mirror with her blonde hair curled and pinned up. Mom outdid herself again with the dresses. Anna’s dress is bright lavender with hints of pale pink. The dress is corseted and ties in the front under her bust, while the dress ends at the knee with ruffles. It’s one sleeve hangs off the shoulder revealing her creamy skin. Her pale pink pumps have a lavender flower on the sides.
Ivy’s dress is corseted as well but it crisscross ties in the front. The sleeves are made of a sheer material and drape off her shoulders and down to her knees like a medieval chemise. The dress is floor length worn with green sheer laced pumps. Her strawberry blonde hair is curled beautifully around her shoulders.
“My girls! You look absolutely beautiful.” Jacob walks toward them. Kisses them both, and hands them their mask for their Medieval Masquerade party. Their mask had small white feathers attached on the right side. With crushed mosaic pieces on the mask matching their dresses.
As they open the sliding door everyone outside shouts “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” Anna’s friends are dressed in pastel colors and Ivy’s friends in earthy colors. A large tent is set up with a portable Vinyl tile dance floor in its center. The tables and chairs were covered with medieval decorations. There are about a hundred friends and family members standing outside with smiles on their faces.
The path leading to the tent for the birthday girls to walk through was a drawbridge. Among the activities around the tent, there were competitions being played for the hand of a lady; knights in armor; and a jester telling jokes. There was a small jousting tournament being held off on one side; and an apple-bobbing contest on the opposite side next to a horse and its trainer, giving rides to the party guests. There was lanterns strung up and great music blaring.
Anna looks at Ivy with surprise and shock in her eyes. “Our parents did an amazing job, they totally rock!”
“I know!” replies Ivy. “This is really cool!”
Lily walks over, gives them both a hug before telling them to go mingle. Ivy hugs her dad and grandmother, then tells them thank you before walking off to enjoy her party. Anna has already inserted herself as center of attention, as her cheerleading squad surrounds her. They all look breath taking wearing pastel colors. They each give Anna a hug and squeal in excitement.
“Anna! Your party looks great, It’s so cool that your parents planned something so… cool.” says a short blonde.
“Happy Birthday Anna, I can’t wait until you open my gift. You’re going to love it!” Hannah her perky best friends says. She has on a pale blue dress and her brown hair is up and curled, she looks flawless.
“Thanks guys, let’s dance.”
While there dancing several friends run over and hug Ivy.
“Hey Ivy, you look amazing. Thank you for inviting me.” She says as her dark cheeks flush. She is the only African-American person Ivy has met that blushes.
“Lisa, how could I not invite my best friend?”
Ivy and Lisa have been best friends since freshman year. She is the sweetest girl and is always looking out for Ivy. Her petite frame is encased in a midnight yellow dress that flows out around her. She had on a beautiful pair of yellow pumps by Blahnik. She steps aside so a few of Ivy’s other friends can squeeze in hugs and congratulations as well.
“So what do you want to do first, Ivy? Have you ever ridden a horse side-saddle? We could go do that first!”
“We? Lisa, since when do you ride horses?” Ivy asks.
“I would have tried it for your birthday. If you asked me!” She replies with her hands on her hips.
“I have had several birthdays with you being my best friend. Most of which I have wanted to go riding with you. All of those times you declined.”
“Well, I am an adult now. Things have changed.”
“I saw you a few days ago.” Ivy says looking her up and down. “Not much has changed.” Ivy says hugging Lisa as she laughs.
“I won’t give you a sarcastic remark because it’s your birthday. But if you call me tomorrow I promise not to let you down again.” she says smiling back. “Do you want to ride side saddle or not.”
“I can’t imagine it being very comfortable. But I guess I could give it a try.”
They head over to the horses and listen to the trainer instructing the girls how to sit on the horse. When Ivy’s turn comes, her cousin Derek helps her on the horse. She positions her legs into the stirrups, as the trainer walks the horses around by the reins. After the round, she gets off the horse and walks back over to a cheesing Lisa but is intercepted by Liam there stable overseer. He gives her a hug and wishes her a happy birthday. He has on a black suit with a blue cravat and cufflinks. The suit forms to his chiseled form. His green eyes light up in merit. His brown hair falls over his eyes and there is a bit of stubble on his dimpled cheek.
“Are you having fun? Poison Ivy,” he asks.
“I was Liam bean, until you came over.” she says poking him in the arm. “How is my good friend, who is unfortunately your beautiful wife, Aubrey doing?”
“She is doing fine. She’s somewhere with the kids. I wanted to make sure I gave you your gift in case we had to leave early.”
“What did you get me?” Ivy says.
“It’s a picture of the last time we hung out at the waterhole. You couldn’t have been more than thirteen years old. You were such a duckling back then poison Ivy.”
“Thank you for those kind words on my birthday Liam. They truly warm my heart.”
“Well, that’s what I’m here for. Aubrey gave you some girlie stuff. That you are going too totally love.” He says imitating his wife.

“The girls made you something as well. They have spent the last two weeks held up in their room making it. I’m sure I’ve never bought so much glitter at one time.”
“Well make sure you tell them thank you in case I don’t see them. I’m sure I’m going to love their gifts. Give them a hug and a kiss for me too. Now go have fun harassing someone else.” She says as she takes the shiny green gift bag he hands her and hugs him again.
Ivy walks over to Lisa, thankful that she has calmed her heart rate from the horse ride.
“So! How was it?”
“It was… awkward. I wasn’t comfortable at all; and hopefully I will never have to do that again.” Ivy responds.
“Let’s go dance, my favorite song just started.” Lisa says grabbing Ivy’s arm.
They rush over to the tent with the dance floor, and Lisa starts to dance. Her hips sway and her arms wave as she moves to the beat. Ivy on the other hand is a very graceful dancer, she moves very purposely. She allows the music to flow through her and tell its own story with her movements. She hears applause as the song ends, and Ivy realizes that she and Lisa were alone on the dance floor. She grabs Lisa’s arm, who is bowing as if she was just bestowed the greatest of honor and rushes off.
“Why didn’t you mention no one else was dancing? You know how I get when music comes on.”
“I told you I loved that song, I didn’t care about the lack of other people dancing. I preferred it that way, more room for my moves to have moves. Besides everyone loved you out there, you’re a great dancer. Let’s go eat I’m famished after all that hip thrusting I just did.”
They head to the dining tent to a long table that is set in front of a dozen others. Ivy and Anna were to sit at the middle of the table, Hannah sat next to Anna, and Lisa sat next to Ivy. Jacob and Lily sat at the end of the table. There were glasses full of sparkling cider or champagne at each seat. The rest of the party guest joined them and the food was served. After dinner, Ivy and Anna cut their three-tiered cake. It was a beautifully decorated red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, their favorite. At the top was little replicates of them with their dresses and mask on, standing on top of the words Happy Birthday.
After all their friends and family received their dessert. It was time to open their tower of gifts on a table with them neatly stacked up. The ones for Anna had pastel wrapping paper and the ones for Ivy had earthy wrapping paper. If it was for both of them it was wrapped with white paper. The girls received many gifts: Anna got the new dress and skirt she had been asking her mom to make, and Ivy got new paints, brushes and a new canvas from Sarah. From their dad they both received debit cards. Lily gave Ivy a new sketch book and a beautiful jewelry box, and she got Anna new CD’s. Hannah gave Anna the new Louboutin heels she had been wanting. Lisa gave Ivy a beautiful charm gold, bracelet with several charms on it already: a dancer, a lily and a rose, her favorite flowers, a paint brush, a book, and a charm with the words best friends forever.

Deep Thoughts with Sarah

Hi fellow bloggers,

I have working hard to come up with some ideas for the posting on the blog (thanks to my marketing you’re writing course… well I should say my Prof). Anyhow I have a ton of them floating around in my head and plan to execute those soon. I will try my best to post on her every week. I am even going to put this in my planer so that I will be held accountable by the planner gods. In due time I hope to have a pleasantly stocked blog that represents my books. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Sarah.

Elissa: Hi Sarah, how are things going?

Sarah: Hello, things are pleasant. I can’t complain. Life is too precious for that.

Elissa: I certainly agree with you on that end. Did you feel that way while you were sick?

Sarah: I did. I’ve felt that way since Ivy and Anna’s birth. I know that even without a curse life is unpredictable and sometimes it really… sucks.

Elissa: So before their births you didn’t feel that way.

Sarah: I had to work through a lot of anger.

Elissa: Because of the way Lily told you about the curse?

Sarah: Yeah, I just couldn’t understand why she would choose to have kids knowing about the curse. I just knew I was going to make better decisions. I looked down on my mother for a few years. Instead of admiring the strength she must have had to love and be loved.

Elissa: Where you worried about Ivy?

Sarah: That is a loaded question. I was worried that she would be frazzled without Anna. Outside of her lessons preparing her for her travel, and Anna’s cheerleading they were inseparable most of their lives. I didn’t think she would feel like she could do it without her sister.

Elissa: But she did, and she didn’t do a bad job either.

Sarah: She was much braver than I was on my journey. I think she gets that from my mother, and her father.

Elissa: I think you are downing yourself. It takes a lot of bravery to love. How has the curse strengthen you and Jacob’s relationship?

Sarah: It brought us closer. Although he has gotten even more protective of me. You’ll have to ask him how it affected him. I was unconscious most of the time.

Elissa: When you woke up what was the first thought that went through your mind?

Sarah: That my daughter was home safe. Then I wondered why Anna and Jacob looked so dishelved. After that I couldn’t think of anything but how hungry I was.

Elissa: How are things for you now?

Sarah: Different. I spent a good portion of my young adult life trying to solve the curse so that the girls wouldn’t have to suffer. No matter how fulfilling my life is/was I couldn’t get past that. Now I can totally devote myself to family and work. We have a bigger secret now, but at least we can allow more leeway now.

Elissa: All families have secrets. To most people yours would be totally awesome, and hard to keep.

Sarah: Well I have a fashion show to get to with Anna. So I have to go.

Elissa: Of course, thanks for chatting with me. Tell everyone I say hello.

Chapter Three First Excerpt

Chapter Three

       The twins’ rooms are very similar to each other. The door to Anna’s walk in closet is on the left wall of the room, along with her entertainment area. Which includes a large flat screen television propped on the wall, in front of a, half-moon leather couch. And a glass table propped on wooden legs between the couch and the wall. A Lavender multilevel stand containing all her favorite DVD’s and CDs next to her computer desk, angled on the far left corner of the room. There are two night stands on each side of the, queen-sized canopy bed centering the cream carpeted floor of her room. An elegant vanity table with a bench on the right wall. The door in her room leads to her adjacent bathroom, with a large full length mirror by the entrance. Everything in Anna’s room is pale pink or lavender with cream-colored undertones. There are a few exceptions between the architecture of the two rooms. Anna’s doesn’t have a window, whereas the right wall of Ivy’s room includes a window seat facing the house, with a beautiful view of their garden. Ivy Isn’t into watching television so there isn’t an entertainment area in here room. That space is used for her arts and craft supplies.

“Did you speak with Nana?” Anna says, as Ivy walks in.

“Yes, I spoke with her she said that she would talk with me later after the party.”

“So we will make plans tomorrow after you and her talk. I guess that’s a good thing. Are you excited about our party in a few hours?” I wonder what they planned. Do you think it’s themed? Who did they invite? I hope this is it up to our expectations.”

“Yes of course don’t we always have great birthdays, Anna? I’m sure everything will be perfect. It’s not as if dad planned it alone, Mom and Nana helped. If he did that’s when I would be frantic.”

“Yeah, our parties are usually amazing. Except for last year. That was an awful birthday spent in the emergency room. No one even knew it was my birthday too, it was all about Ivy! I mean how can you walk into a glass door, fall backwards and get a small concussion?”

Ivy ignores her sister’s complaints and goes into the bathroom. She searches under the counter for Anne’s curling wand, along with a comb; bobby pins; and products to hold the curls.

“Anne it’s already one o’clock. We should start getting ready. Do you want to wear your hair up or down?” Ivy asks.

“I want it curled then pinned up.”

“Okay. I think we should go show Mom how our dresses look on us once we are dressed.

“Yeah, sure. That’s a good idea.” Anna sits at her vanity mirror with her dress on; she has her make up laid out in front of her. “Letting the primping begin!”

There hours later, the girls emerge from Anna’s room and hear music blasting from downstairs. They head over to the guest bedroom near their room and Sarah is sitting up in the bed watching television.

“Girls you look beautiful.”

“Thanks Mom!” They reply together as they walk into the room towards the right side of the bed.

“I am sorry that I can’t make it to your birthday. Usually the curse doesn’t take effect so soon. I would have still been able to handle your party; I am just to weary to move.”

“We know Mom; we just want you to get better.”

“You remind me so much of myself Ivy. I wish you didn’t have to go on this journey.”

“I know Mom, but I will do whatever it takes to make you better.”

“Yes Dear. Anna you are just like your father, so charming and beautiful. So strong, much more suited for this journey in will but the curse chooses who it wishes.” Sarah lifts her hand toward Anna, who takes it in hers.

“Girls it’s time for your party. Your friends are showing up and you need to greet them,” Jacob hollers over the music.

“Bye Mom we love you.” They say as they kiss her cheeks.

***

Chapter Two Third Excerpt

The kitchen was probably her favorite place in the house. It was down stairs near Abbey’s room; she lived there with her husband Joshua, who kept the grounds while she took care of the house. Ivy peaked inside the kitchen to see what created delicious aromas wafting toward her from that direction.
“Good Morning Abbey” Ivy announces to an empty room.

She must be out in the vegetable garden picking veggies for the party. Ivy walks into the massive kitchen; there is food on every available surface for the party later. Platters of finger sandwiches, and lots of dishes which look like desserts. Their oven has delicious smells wafting out of it, making Ivy’s stomach grumble. She looked through the window above the sink and saw Abbey, crouched over, picking fresh vegetables and fruits from the garden. The Television is off a testament of how busy she must be, Abbey always had some sort of food show on. Ivy looks for a seat to eat breakfast without getting in Abbey’s way and tries to resist to taste anything.

She strolls over to the pantry to grab some cereal. Abbey comes back in with her a basket full of strawberries, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. Abby‘s fair skinned looking flushed after being outside so long. She has her brown straight hair in a bun. A white apron on over her peach colored dress, and “sensible” shoes on her feet. As she liked to call them. Abbey is one of the best cooks you’ll come across in this part of Tennessee.
“Why Miss Ivy! Why are you eating cereal on the day of your eighteenth birthday?” She asked  with her country twang. “You sit on down Miss and let me fix you a real breakfast ya hear.”
Ivy sits down at the breakfast table in the corner, which had been moved for the party preparations. Ivy smiles at Abbey, thinking about the years she’s been working here, and what a blessing and addition she has been to the family. In her early sixties like Lily, she loves to spoil the twins with warm gooey treats in the afternoon.
‘It’s really okay Abbey. I’ll just eat this. I don’t want to take you away from cooking for supper,” Ivy says.
Abbey wishes Ivy a happy birthday. She gives her tea to take up for Sarah, and then goes about her cooking. After finishing her breakfast, Ivy walks upstairs to the room her mom is occupying while she’s sick.
As Ivy enters the room, she sees a beautiful bouquet of red roses and white lilies. Sarah is in the bed, with the big bouquet in between her wrinkled hands, lying across her chest.
“Happy birthday Sweetheart!” She says with a soft smile.
“I had Abbey tell you to bring me tea up so I could give you these. Come over here and give me a hug,” she says.
Ivy walks over to the bed and embraces her mother, reminding herself not to squeeze too tight.
“I love you mom, thanks for the flowers.” She gives her mom a kiss on her cheek.
“As I love you dear,” she responds.
Still holding the tea Ivy asks her mom “Did you want this?”
“I guess it couldn’t hurt, you did bring it up for me after all.”
“Okay. Bye, Mom.”
Ivy leaves the room and heads to her dad’s office to get the dresses for the party. They were sent to the seamstress months ago when Sarah was feeling well and had first designed them. Sarah is a clothing designer and makes most of her daughter’s clothes. Ivy walks toward Jacob’s office, which is down the hall by their bedroom. As CEO of Grey’s Designs, his architectural company, he often works late hours. Ivy loves to see his buildings after he finishes them, he is always proud to show them the finished product. The dresses are laid out on the small leather couch. At his desk is a blueprint of the rough draft of his latest project.
Ivy puts the flowers down on the couch, walks over to get a closer look, and bumps into Jacob’s bookcase. She catches one of his large design books before it falls on her foot. That was a close one; it’s not fun being in the hospital on your birthday. Don’t be such a klutz. Looking at the blue print, her name on the screen catches her attention. The words Happy Birthday Ivy and Anna are scrolling across the screen. Ivy smiles at her father’s wishes, walks over, grabs the dresses in their bags, and heads to Anna’s room to get ready.

Deep Thoughts With Anna

Hey Anna I know Ivy probably told you that I was doing Forums with the family. She told me some very insightful things about love and her perspective on it. I just want to give the readers a chance to know you. Are you okay with me asking you questions?

I don’t think you are actually giving me a choice. Its like when Mom ask me to do something, but really she is telling me to go do it. She’ll be like: “Anna will you fix go to the grocery store for me and pick up a few things? You don’t have to go if you don’t want.” When really she’s saying you are going to the store even though its nine minutes to seven and we live two hours from the city. I need some ice cream and were all out. I think this forum is just like that. So I suppose we should get started on going to the store. Figuratively speaking of course.

Ivy was telling me that Lily has had such an impact on her growing up. Would you say that your relationship with her is as close?

I love Nana and I think we are pretty close. But there is something special about their relationship, when you are around them together it’s like you’re experiencing the same person at different walks of life. They are both into the same things and they are close because Nana is Ivy’s confidant. I am closer to my mother and not just because we both have a deep love for fashion. Although that doesn’t hurt. Mom just gets me more than anyone else. She has a way of saying I love you that makes everything wrong in my world see insignificant. It makes everything in my world better, It changes my perspective on things. Imagine what happens when she says more than that to me.

How is your relationship with Jacob?

Dad is awesome, he usually doesn’t say much. When he does there is a deep respect and authority that comes from him that no one questions. He is a man of a few words but they are always relevant and necessary to the situation. He doesn’t work to the point of where its impossible to spend time with him. But every now and then he has projects that he use to get so focused on that we wouldn’t see him as much.  When Ivy and I turned six he started a father and daughter day. Every Sunday since then we go do something together for a few hours.  It is the fondest memories I have with him and I truly cherish those moments.

So since we can clearly see that you love your family is there anyone else beside them that you love?

Ivy told me you were very nosy. Do you love anyone besides your family?

I love all people because God has loved me so completely. Once you experience his love it’s impossible not to love like he does.

Well I suppose I could be vague like Ivy was and tell you that I do love others beside my family. Like you I love all people. that love is different from the love I have for my family. The love I have for a spouse or a child. the love I have for extended family and friends. I do love several others beside my family. I love them to the point where they have become my family.

So are you telling me that you are married with children?

If that is what you walked away with from the reply I would not be able to change your mind. Would I? I do not want to give away spoilers, Aren’t the bloggers reading my family’s story?

Yes they are reading some of it. Are you ready to share your story with the world? To have everyone dissect and analysis your families choices and decisions.

I am as ready as anyone would be in this situation. I think the family can handle just about anything. We have been cursed for several generations. I have enjoyed talking to you but I have some loved ones to take care of.

Alright Anna, Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer a few of my questions. I hope all is well with the family. talk with you soon Anna.

Chapter Two second Excerpt

Content to see her sister happy, Ivy continues her search to find her Grandmother. Lily steps out of her room just as Ivy reaches it. She turns towards Ivy, wearing knee length light blue dress with black baby doll shoes. Her shoulder length hair is pulled down, with her bold curls randomly massed on her shoulders. I definitely see where Mom gets her looks, Ivy thinks, their hair-color reminding her of a Tennessee sunset. “I know why you’re here Ivyna” She says. We aren’t going to discuss anything until after your party.”
“What… what are you talking about Nana? I didn’t uh come to ask you any questions about yesterday,” Ivy stutters. I’m just a little scared… I mean all of a sudden I’m told there’s this quest I have to go on to find an herb for mom. No one is telling me facts, where am I supposed to get it? How long do I have? I’m not happy with these half-truths and I need you to tell me what’s going on. You have always told me I can come to you about anything… Well I’m here.”
“Ivy I know what you are going through. This happened to me as well, just like every other first born in our family since the curse. It is not something we can change or explain. We must follow our destiny. I knew earlier than you did because my Mother thought it would be best if she told me when I was younger. I was fourteen when she sat me down and explained our history. I promised myself that I would tell my daughter when she turned eighteen so that she could have a normal life. We are not telling you half-truths. Your father thought it would be best to wait until after your party to tell you everything you need to know. You deserve to have a wonderful time before everything changes.”
“So you will tell me everything later tonight?”
“Yes Ivy, there is much to prepare you for. For now go eat breakfast.”
“Yes Ma’am. I love you Nana, very much.”
“As I love you dear.”
Ivy embraces Lily and heads toward the kitchen downstairs for breakfast.

Deep Thoughts With Ivy

I saw something really cool on a authors website. She had a character forum. Where she would have conversations with her characters. It was interesting to get further insight into the character and it was always a really fun read. She would post them in between book releases so that the reader would have something to fill their time with as they waited. I want to try to do something similar to that on here. I will start with Ivy and see how everyone likes it.

Ivy why do you think your Mother gave you that name?

I have always wondered that very thing. Let me start by saying that I do love my Mother dearly. However I wish she had come up with something different for my name. I don’t mind Ivy as much. Although I truly see how fitting it is as I am going to look for an herb. But Ivyna is just pushing it. Not many friends are made with a name like that. I would tell you a few of the jokes from elementary but I think it would amuse you to much.

Alright I won’t bother you about it for now, but I will have a follow up question eventually. What is your favorite memory?

I have a few memories that always come to mind whenever people ask me that. During our spring breaks we would go somewhere special as a family. Once we went to Greece. Anna wanted to go swimming and I wanted to draw. My Mother was going to the shops to look at clothing for fashion ideas. While my father, Now that I think of it I’m not sure what Dad did that year. I went to the beach with Anna because lets face it, she’s very bossy and persuasive. I usually just go along with her plan because its easier that way. I was drawing my surrounding and watching anna swim. My Mother actually went to the food market and we had a bonfire on the beach. We were staying at my Uncle Vincent’s Villa on the beach. It was such a fun moment because Anna and I had just started high school and we were disconnecting. She was head cheerleader and I was the loner on campus. She spent most of her time with her cheerleader friends and we never spent time together. During that vacation we reconnected as we were when we were kids. She and I have the moments sometimes and them a situation like that happens and were best buds again.

How do you feel about love?

Love to me is something that you can’t truly explain. It is a word that is shown. You must not only tell someone you love them. It must be demonstrated in you actions. In the things you do for the one that holds your heart. I believe in love and I feel that everyone has that special person out there for them. Love is a gift from God and it much be respected and held sacred. God demonstrated the best example of love by giving his Son to die for us. I want to be able to demonstrate that sincere love to anyone I say that I love.

That is a very wonderful way to feel about love. I think that love is something special as well. Not only is it something that you must give sincerely but something you must earn that way as well. Love is intermingled with trust and you show a person that you are worthy of their love and affection. With all that being said, can we presume that their is someone you love?

You could presume many things from what I said. I will answer you by say that there are many that I love. There are many ways that I love. Mostly there are many that hold my heart. But only one reside in my soul.

Would you say that your family has shaped the way you see love?

Oh yes of course, I have two wonderful parents. Who love me unconditionally. despite the fable Anna would tell me as a child. I am very close with my parents. I know that I can share anything with them. Ask them anything and they will trust my decision in the matter. If I didn’t have their love I don’t think I would have such a positive perspective on things. Well of course there’s my Grandmother Lily, who has been a big part of my strong faith. She is such a great example of Love and positivity that you can’t help but be at peace around her. she has taught me that love goes beyond people who love you. That it reaches to all people. Sometimes showing you care makes a difference in a stranger’s life. She also taught me that love last beyond life. We still love those that pass on by remembering.

Who inspires you?

I get inspiration from my family, my parents, sister, grandmother and uncles. Even my niece has surprised me a few time with her inspirational mindset. Strangers inspire me. truly anything that gets me out of thinking only about myself creates inspiration. There is a thing we do in our family. Each month we give away old clothes. We drive to a shelter and we give the clothes to them. We also give care packages to the troops because they are a big part of keeping our country safe. These things inspire me. The people who need the clothes are so thankful and they are some of the sweetest people I have ever meet. I have filled up a few sketch pads drawing some of the things we have seen when we visit. To keep me aware of the struggle of others who don’t have it as easy as I do. The troops inspire me to fight for the things I believe in figuratively of course. These are a few of the things that truly inspire me.

I think that’s it for today Ivy I really enjoyed talking to you and getting to know you better. Tell Anna she maybe next.

I am sure she will have a lot of things to tell you. Anna isn’t one to hold her tongue. I do imagine there will be a few stories for you to share with your bloggers. I hope they don’t think I am boring.

I don’t think so Ivy, you are sweet young lady. I think that will be the thing that shines through the most from this. 

Chapter One of Forbidden Third Excerpt

This is the next excerpt to the books. I hope you enjoy. Tell me how you are feeling about it. If you have read so far I have blogged the prologue. As well as the entire first chapter, which ends in this posting.

Standing under the gazebo outside Ivy and Anna look at their home. There was so much information thrown at Ivy that she didn’t know what to do. She needed a walk. Nature always calmed and relaxed her, and she loved the garden behind her house. The garden was directly under her room, with a stone path leading to it close by. Ivy begins to walk in that direction, and passes by an old tire attached to a tree branch. It brought up memories of her and Anna swinging into the water when they were younger.
They built the pink and green tree house in the neighboring tree, with their Dad when they were seven, the paint chipping over time. They used to sit up there playing and acting out their favorite fairy tales for hours. Anna always wanted to be Rapunzel and Ivy had to climb up the tower to release her. Last time they went inside, Anna and Ivy carved their initials on the wall.
“Anna, do you remember us always playing here? This use to be our favorite spot.” Ivy says looking at the tire and tree house.
“Yes of course, back when we were best friends and shared everything with each other. What is going on Ivy? Why do I feel left out of something massively important?”
Ivy looks at her sister as her palms begin to sweat and her stomach knots up. Her heart beats faster and she breaths heavy as she looks at her sister.
“Nana and Mom want me to go on this quest to find a healing herb for mom. I’m not an adventurer; the ones I seek out are the ones in my novels. I don’t think I’m ready to take on such a challenge.”
“I could go in your place. I wouldn’t mind doing it. That way it gets done properly and mom doesn’t die. There’s probably only been a few women in the family whose mothers died in the past, doesn’t mean you’ll fail though. And besides, you can’t just let Mom die.”
“Why would you say something like that? I am trying to confide in you, and your being a jerk.”
Ivy storms off toward the water hole and plops down on the grass. The water looked cold and daunting, wanting to suck the life out of anyone who dared to enter. The wildflowers scattered around the water hole, looked dreary. As if at any moment they would be trampled and butchered.
She gazed up at the sky trying to find her inner resolve to follow her destiny. Anna comes and sits beside Ivy in the grass.
“I didn’t mean what I said Ivy, I’m just a little jealous you get to go on this great quest and I don’t.”
“It’s okay Anna, I’m just overwhelmed. If it makes you feel better I wish you could go instead too.”
“Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could both go? I mean we would get done faster and we could come up with a plan to show Nana that we’re prepared to go.”
“I don’t know if Nana would be alright with that, but it’s worth a try. I would much rather you are there with me than to go alone.”
“What we know is you need to travel to get the herb and it’s not somewhere close by. We also know that it needs to be done soon because Mom is really sick. We need a map and some facts to make this more effective. You can talk To Nana tomorrow and we can meet back here to start planning.” She says and pats her sister’s soft hand.
They sat there for several hours reminiscing about their childhood, and discussing what they hoped tomorrow would bring.