Wednesday, November 29, 2017

How To Write Female Characters


In my book, The Prince of Pirates, I started writing the entire story from my main characters point of view. He's a strong, blunt/sarcastic, adult who is a man in every sense of the word. Towards the end, though, I realized that I needed to add in a girl's point of view so it would appeal to a broader range of readers, and bring more depth to the story. 
(I can't divulge any more because a Spoiler Alert would go off)
The difficulty came in creating a sharp characteristic contrast between the male and female. Because I can only step into the mindset of a man so far, I felt that I needed to make the contrast really evident. I've seen this struggle played out in many other books as well, and it usually ends with the girl being the typical Damsel-in-distress. A total sissy, in a less elegant choice of words. I hated that! Chiefly because that's not how most girls are.

So I changed the way I wrote. Instead of going off of what a man would do and making the girl do the opposite, I decided to pick female characters I admired and see exactly which traits I wanted to use. And guess what? Writing from my new female character's point of view has been loads of fun!

One was Tauriel from The Hobbit.
Image result for tauriel
I know she's not in the Hobbit book. And I'm sorry for the fans out there, but she and Legolas needed to scram. But, she's there, and I liked her character.
Personalities used:


  • Fighting spirit
  • Slightly Stubborn when she thought she was right
  • Speaking her mind
  • Acting, with or without approval, when she knew what the right thing to do was



My second was Sonora from Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.
Image result
If you haven't seen this movie, you should! (Especially if you love horses)

Personalities used:


  • Knows what she wants and fights for it.
  • Commitment
  • Strength (both in physical situations and mental)
  • Is willing to work hard for what she wants



Third (and forth) was Lucy and Susan Pevensie

Image result for susan and lucy pevensie
You didn't think I would make this post without mentioning Narnia did you? For the sake of content, I'm going to roll these two up into a ball.
  • Faith
  • Courage 
  • Willingness to fight
  • Protective of those they love
By taking these characteristics, I was able to create a female character that was still a girl, but wasn't going to stand by and let the man be the all-saving hero. Everybody has their strengths and weaknesses, and there are certainly times when men need to take a stand to protect the women, but the girl doesn't have to faint, or get sick, every time somebody is hurt, or burst into tears when something the least bit sad happens. (unless you're writing a wimpy female character. Then by all means, crank up the water works.) 


I'm going to throw in one caution. Sarcasm doesn't signify strength. All too often I see female characters trying to show off how strong they are by throwing out a few undermining, or sarcastic, lines. This actually shows a lack of security if they have to use words instead of actions. 
Image result for actions speak louder than words


Which female characters do you admire? What is it about them that catches your attention? Feel free to share! Maybe I'll weave it into a new character for my book!

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Top Five Fall Treats


Image result for fall trees
Once the temperature drops to the 60's, and the leaves begin to change into incredible shades of red and orange, it's time to bring out the cozy sweaters and fuzzy slippers.

But most of all...

Bring on the fall treats!!

And, by fall, I pretty much mean anything pumpkin. Fall and winter are the only two times when I will forego my chocolate go-to's for pumpkin and eggnog yummies. 
(proper English gets ditched as well)

Since the Fall weather is definitely here, that means it's time for all the yummy pumpkin flavors.

These are my absolute favorite Fall recipes that I only make this time of year!

How to make a pumpkin latte that's better than Starbucks PSL at home.
I don't normally drink coffee, but I will make several cups of this a week because it is SO good! (And I make it decaf or I would be writing this at 2 a.m. 

Image result for molasses cookiesPumpkin Dip

This is kind of a secret family tradition that needs to be known by every person on earth! And, if you want a healthier option, you can dip apples in the pumpkin dip. (But cookies are better!)

Image result for pumpkin scones
Because everybody needs something for a quick breakfast, right?
(Can anybody guess what I'm going to do as soon as I finish writing this post?)

Related image
If you love to bake, you should invest in a Spritz cookie press. They are so much fun, and taste amazing!

pumpkincheesecake
OK, I have only made these once because they are kind of labor intensive. But they were probably the best cookie I have ever had! So, if you ever find yourself stuck inside on a rainy fall day, have fun and try your hand at these. You won't be disappointed!

What are some of your favorite Fall treats to make? Have you made any Fall yummies yet? I would love to hear about it, so please share in the comments!


Monday, November 6, 2017

Prince of Pirates: Revealed

Loriens navigating the Murkwater Forest


My book The Prince of Pirates had an interesting beginning. I had with the idea for a pirate book when we were on a road trip. I guess the combination of penned up energy from being stuck in a car for five hours, consuming way to much sugar in snack food, and my overly active imagination took control. I wasn't about to argue with it anyway. There wasn't much else to do at the moment besides play the alphabet game with my siblings for the 1,000th time. So, with a tattered notebook and a pen I scrounged from underneath the sea of scattered belongings on the bottom of our van, I began writing the outline for my book. 
Not exactly the most noble beginning. But, meh!
BONUS: Candid/Behind the Scenes Gifs! | Community Post: These Are Not The 130 "Star Wars" GIFs You Are Looking For


The Prince of Pirates certainly didn't look anything like what it is now. My characters have grown, the story has changed, and I've learned a lot. It has been as much of an adventure for me as it has been for my characters.

But why on earth am I telling you all this? You can now read it for yourself!
Astrid looks like a fangirl after HTTYD 2. i was so excited that i was in tears though. XD

The first chapter of The Prince of Pirates is now officially available to the public on Wattpad, and I will be releasing a new chapter every week! (OK, that's more of a goal that I strive diligently to meet)

Follow this link to read



 If you enjoy reading The Prince of Pirates, please leave a vote and/or comment! It would be greatly appreciated!