Writing Challenge April 5

For yesterday's IG Challenge, we were to share two or three other characters in our WIP that we love. I shortened it for my calendar so I was really stressing about the third one I shared. She's not a character that I am really able to connect well with. But I like her for a couple of reasons. I'll share more under her inspiration board. If you are planning to read my first book, then stop here. I don't want to spoil anything further for you. I'm putting the "read more" button after this text for that reason.

Edrea

Edrea is my favorite supplemental character. Who doesn't love sentient trees? She's ancient and mysterious and wise. She can do things no living being has ever seen before. I say 'she' because that's how I think of her in my head but she's gender neutral. When she presents herself in a humanoid form, she does look slightly feminine but I think that's a defense mechanism, sort of like camouflage. This is the beginning of my inspiration board for Edrea on Pinterest. You can follow me there, if you like, by clicking the icon at the top or by clicking here. Right now, I have the boards for Surge Inspiration marked secret. When I have more items in them, I'll open them up for public viewing. All my other boards are open, though, and there are several.

Outh'n Durr

Outh'n Durr is my second favorite supporting character. He's one of my antagonists but I think he's a reluctant one. I can't wait to see how his character develops as the story progresses. He's kind of a jerk and kind of creepy at times. He's Shinnoahn and they seem to test the mettle of a person by how much goading they can take. While he can be lazy about some things, he takes his duty as a defender of Yacan seriously. He can be counted on for certain in that area. He's a DIY guy and creates artistic things with glass (or what passes for glass in the world of Y'Dahnndrya) bottles and vials. He also likes furry animals. He can't be all bad...can he? Again, this board is just a beginning. I spent so much time finding just a few pictures for these boards that I don't know when I'll be able to unlock them. I just think it's sad to do so now, when they don't yet convey the full essence of the characters. Also, seriously, if you don't like spoilers, do not continue reading. You have been warned. ;)

Mi'yat Akal'a

If you've read Ripples, my first book, (you can read it by clicking here) then the last name is familiar and you may have an inkling of what's coming. She is the mother of one of the supporting characters in my first book. And he believes she's dead. I'm torn about Mi'yat. I don't know if I could be strong enough to leave my family behind to serve a higher purpose, especially knowing I'd likely never see them again. And if I did, and I was offered the choice of keeping my memories of them or erasing them forever, I don't know if I'd be strong enough to say I'd keep them. Mi'yat is definitely strong, as is her sense of duty. I wouldn't have included her in this if I'd read the part about "TWO or three characters" on the original post. I don't hate her character. I just have a harder time relating to her. The D'Koruyin people are bone carvers and create beautiful jewelry and motifs. They're also a nomadic people, following the herds. I pulled from Native American peoples as the influence for this clan, but it's pretty loose. I haven't studied much about Native Americans lately and I'm sure what I pored over as a kid is pretty foggy in my memory now. I wouldn't want a carbon copy, anyway.

Newsletter Update:

For those of you who signed up for my newsletter, first let me say thank you. Sadly, I'm still locked out of Mail Chimp since my phone is out of commission and I don't know how long that will last. I have my account security set up so that I can't get in without my phone. <sigh> It was a good idea at the time... Anyway, live and learn. I hope you'll bear with me until I can get that going again. I'll work on something really nice to share with you all when I have access again, as a thanks for being patient.