Reading blog post 4

I have gotten very far in Clockwork angel. And I must say that I am extremely impressed.

This book is fantastic. It is the perfect blend of fantasy/mystery/romance/comedy. It is just fabulous.

I will have to strongly suggest it to ANYONE and EVERYONE who loves fantasy. It leans a little more towards a darker more horrorish type story. But I wouldn't call it scary, its more like thrilling.
It does involve vampires, warlocks, faeries, demons, and angels. So it is going to have more blood than a 'happy' fantasy.

This book is also a great pick for those of you who like steampunk. The title is a dead give away to its mechanical origins. But it is very steampunk, it takes place in victorian london and has a very 'clockwork' twist.

The characters are exquisitely structured. They are very lovable and relatable. They are all very exciting and amusing to read.

The storyline is awesome and full of action and excitement. For those of you who like the romance, there is definitely romance. Whether you mean 'love' or you mean the romance in adventure it has both.
It is stuffed full of the gentlemen that make you 'swoon'. But it also has the 'charming' cocky
gentleman'.

This story is completely fantastic...

I strongly recommend it to you all.

I look forward to finishing it and reading the rest of the series!

Code Of Cooperation

Academic Achievement, Environment, Responsibility and Accountability, Good Citizenship, Respect


Academic Achievement: Eddies are proud of their work and try their hardest. Students will realize that a good education is the first step to a good future. 

Thoughts: I think that we should be proud of what we accomplish no matter how impressive it is. And by achieving academically we can ensure that we will have the knowledge to support ourselves. 

Environment: Our surroundings are comfortable and helpful. Everyone has a good attitude for their work. 

Thoughts:  I think that it is very important to have a good learning environment, because it helps us focas and feel safe while we learn. 

Responsibility and accountability: Eddies are always ready, and paying attention when they are learning so they can do good in school and their lives. 

Thoughts: I think that have responsibility is important and accountability, to do what we should and when we don't to take responsibility for what we did. 

Good Citizenship: Eddies take part and are very good examples to others. They are always kind and helpful to each other and are proud of their school.

Thoughts: I think that we, the students of Edward Little are to be good role models for our younger people. We should be kind to everyone and cruel to no one. 

Respect: Eddies treat themselves and other well. This gives them a comfortable and safe place to learn.

Thoughts: Respect is so important. We should treat others well and ourselves  We shouldn't discourage anyone. Not even ourselves. 

Writers Notebook #6

Now I'll write like i'm a boy from the victorian era!

Dear Mother,

It so pains and embarrassed me to write this letter to you.

I know how disappointed you will be with me, but must tell you at any rate.

I seem to have found myself in jail...

Now, before you become completely furious, please, allow me to explain!

I had just arrived in London's port, when Ed found me.

He was so very excited, and he had a few chaps with him.

He convinced me into going out to drink with him.

I know, I know, I should have said no...But, He was the only person I was familiar with here.

I didn't want to be rude.

So, a few forced glasses later I had found myself in an arm wrestling match with the biggest fellow you could think of.

It was much like David and Goliath.

I will say that I had a magnificent victory, but, my large friend didn't exactly see it that way.

Well, to be curt. I got into a rather tedious fight with him and well, here I am.

Bloodied and bruised...

I do so apologize, mother.

I love you,

Your son,

Alexander.

Writers Notebook #5

I'm going to write a letter....As If I was a girl in the victorian age...

Dearest Mother and Father,

It is most delightful here in Mrs. Perch's boarding school for girls.

Though it was a strange shift, I seem to be fitting in well enough.

The girls here are nice enough. Though, there is someone who seems to think of me as someone who is below her.

She called me 'filthy farm girl'.

I ignored her...I thought it better than to sink to her level.

Why is it that people can be so very rude?

I hadn't barely said a word to her when she said it.

At any rate, I should talk about more happy things.

I joined the book club. It is magnificent!

We read anywhere from Edgar Allen Poe to Lewis Carroll. Oh his Alice's adventures in Wonderland is beautifully strange!

The flowers and animals can speak!

What an idea! Sometimes I think these authors must be mad! But, what a wonderful thing to be then. If this is what comes of madness.

Well, I do so look forward to seeing you next month.

Be safe,

Yours truly,

Caroline.

writers notebook #4

A list of things I don't like

Long lists

Waiting for rides at carnivals/fairs/amusement parks

Movies that are boring and really long

Sitting behind a tall person in a theater

Finding a hair in my food

Spiders

Mosquitoes

writers block

Forgetting the lyrics to a song you listen to every day

Walking into a room and forgetting what you came in for

When people walk 3 inches per a hour in front of me

People who are mean

Bullies

Having a word at the tip of my tongue

Having headphones in and then getting yelled at

Being proven wrong (hey, who doesn't?)

Grumpy people

Angry people

People who don't care about anything

Forgetting a password and where you wrote it down

Talking to someone on the internet and it says they are on but they wont reply to you

Asking someone something that you already know that and then they lie to you

Being lied to

Being alone

Sleeping in a house with no one else

Getting yelled at

Crying infront of people

Getting told to get away

Well, Thats it for now!!

Writers Notebook #3

I am going to make a list of things I like. In no particular order.

Music

Friends

Family

God

Food

Cats

Animals in general

Pizza

Pulled pork

Funny things

Cute animals

Loud music

Laptop

Books

Writing

Anime

Manga

Rain

Camping

Sleeping under the stars

Comfortable beds

Your bed after a really long day

Little forts or save havens from the rain

Forts in the woods

Japan

Face off (the television show)

Scary movies

Comedies

Musicals

Theater in general

Large churches

Victorian buildings

The victorian era

English (the class)

To sing

To play guitar

To play piano

To sleep

To have crazy awesome dreams

 

To have good reoccurring dreams with the same people in it.

To have a dream connected to a book or movie

To discuss things I strongly believe

To talk to people about things we both love

To cosplay (Costuming like characters from animes/mangas, books, movies ect.)

Texting

Long awkward conversations that always end in laughing or crying

Drawing

Being annoying and loud for no discernible reason

Making strange noises/faces just because I can

Staring at someone with the most horrifying face I can until they look at me and jump five feet

Hiding and jumping out at people

Making people laugh

Hugging people

Looking at old photos

Looking at old things I made or drew or wrote

realizing how far I've come and how far I can go if I just keep going.

Well, Thats the end of this....Maybe I'll add more to it later.

P.s. A preview to my next post

Things I don't like:

Long lists. 

Writers Notebook #2

A Poem. By Rhiannon Maxheimer

What is beauty?
That is the true question.
Is it from being born?
Or does it grow through progression?
Could someone explain?
I don't quite understand.
What is it that differentiates 'grand' from 'bland'?
I've always heard that beauty is in the eye of the beholder...But, then why is that some see it colder?
Some think beauty is only in ones hair.
But others think its what one would wear.
Some seem to think beauty is only a lie.
Does anyone really care whats on the inside?
Maybe I'm confused, because I find beauty in all things.
I find beauty in the rain and in broken wings.
I can see the beauty in someones sad smile, even when others would say they were vile.
I see the beauty in nothing but sand.
I can see the beauty in a older persons hand. All the work and things they've touched. Hands have a way of telling stories in a hush.
I can see the beauty in cracked paint. How many coats did it go through before it grew taint?
I can see beauty in a cat with a missing eye. They've come a longway to become so sly.
I can even see the beauty in a old grave stone. especially when their memories are shown. The beauty in the words of those who remember them. And the flowers they leave every now and then.
I can see the beauty in life, and death. The beauty of its first and final breath.
I can see the beauty in every day I'm alive. Because without all this beauty, I couldn't survive.
So what is beauty...?
Iv'e told you what my perspective is.
What do you think?
I challenge you to think about what you thought... About what beauty is...and what beauty should be sought.

Clockwork Angel

I went to the library today and picked out a book called Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. I haven't began to read it yet but I suppose I can discuss why I picked it. 

 I am always drawn to anything that has to do with vampires, demons, werewolves, angels fallen or not, or any strange and beautiful beings. So of course the title had allot to do with it. Also I have seen the book multiple times in many different stores. So it seemed like I should read it. 

The cover was also very appealing to me. It has a dark and, mysterious man on the cover tilting his top hat and in a light gray suit. It seemed interesting and romantic in a way. The story takes place in the victorian era time period that I enjoy thoroughly. 

The summary said something that peaked my interest due to what I had said about what I enjoy reading. It said, "The time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downward where vampires, warlocks, and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets." I mean that pretty much describes every single thing I wrote above, down the the time period. 

I also like the setting of this book, dark, mysterious, and romantic. Romantic like, Paris, or like the romance in tragedy, not romantic like mushy gooshy. 

So, I am excited to roam the streets of London with the characters and go on all the adventures that this book has to offer. 

I will update when I read some. :)

Vampire Crush - Book review

I have just recently finished the 'Vampire Crush' by A. M. Robinson. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It was a brilliant story about a girl who's ambitions were to become the editor in chief of her schools paper. Though her ambition turns into a fight to save the lives of the people around her and her own.
Sophie McGee finds herself with the boring job of interviewing the new students of her school. Only, the more she tried to accomplish her task, the more it seemed more of a rigorous labor.  The more she tried to interview them the more they seemed to veer away. She knew something was up with the strange new students. With there interesting style and antique lingo Sophie knew something was up. With their continuing strangeness and blood at the blood drive mysteriously disappearing, Sophie puts two and two together and decides that the group are none other than the bloodsucking creatures of 'fiction'. Vampires.

Sophie fully intends to investigate Vlad, now her sisters boyfriend, and his creepy crew when and old friend is living in his old house again.
Finding James, her childhood friend/enemy they were both at the same time; living in his old house again made Sophie both confused and strangely happy. The two begin to talk and grew closer for a while before Sophie discovers the grizzly truth behind why James was back and what he had become.

The two of them set off to figure out what ever sinister plan that Vlad was cooking up and put a stop to it. But little did either of them know what dangerous secrets would be revealed and just how different Sophie really is.

This book is full of quirky humor and deadly charm. It was the perfect mix of fantasy, horror, romance and comedy. I would strongly suggest it to any vampire loving readers. Its a story you love to sink your teeth into.

Explode the moment 2

Sentences from my own short story...

1# Once my heart rate became more or less stable, I pushed the hair out of my eyes and sighed. “First day of high-school...” I mumbled to myself half asleep.

Now the exploded version:  

    My heart was racing, my eyes darted across the room, searching every inch of it for any invaders that could possibly be in my room. My eyes rested in the floor, where my alarm-clock lay scattered in small pieces on my meshed carpet. I took a deep breath and brushed the light chestnut hair out of my eyes. I realized what day it was and sighed deeply, "First day of high-school...Great." I mumbled to myself dazed. 

2# I stood up and stepped over the stuffed animals and pillows that I had knocked off my bed in the night, and dragged my feet over to my bureau. 

Now the exploded version: 

    I pulled the dark green bed spread off of my lower half, it was tattered and faded. I had gotten it for my 9th birthday 6 years ago. I tossed my legs over the side of my bed and stood. I stepped over the dozens of stuffed rabbits and pillows covered the floor. I had a knack for pushing things off the bed in my sleep. Once I was clear of the stuffed mountain I dragged my feet across the carpet and made my way over to my old wooden bureau.

:)

Explode the moment

Lucy wiggled her toes free from the blanket of sand covering her body. She giggled at the feeling of the tiny rocks trickling down her toes. Her sister, Mary was observing her father who was scooping up large handfuls of sand on to her sisters feet. Her mother plopped large amounts of sand over Lucy’s arm; it never seemed to stay put. Always sliding down the sides of her arms, further packing the space between her arm and waist. Colorful buckets, shovels and sifters were scattered all around them. Little plastic molds were filed with sand and placed on top of the sand that was patted down atop little Lucy and Mary. They will never forget the time they went to the beach, or how long it took to get all the sand off of them. 

Writers notebook blog post 1#

I'm going to paint a character with words.

He sat on the windowsill, the drapes flowing wildly around him. His expression was that of pure relaxation. He wasn't one to smile, but the smallest hint tugged at the left corner of his mouth. His black hair swayed softly with the breeze. The jetblack mass went well below his ears. You could see his eyes for once. His shaggy bangs always hung over his eyes, that were a stunning emerald color. Long, black lashes lined the narrow gems.
His eyebrows where dark, well shaped, and set into such a position on him that no matter what he was feeling he always looked focused on something. His pale skin was like porcelain, smooth and without imperfection.
He was not athletic, but he was strong. You could just see the trace of muscles that lined his arms. He was sitting in a position that had him leaning against the side of the sill. The leg closest to the window was up so that his knee could support his arm that led up to his hand that was holding up his head. He had his hand placed to cup his chin and mouth. The opposite leg was draped over the sill and on the floor. His arm placed to rest his elbow on his leg and the rest of his arm and hand were where ever they landed.
His black T-shirt had his favorite band name written in big red letters that resembled paint splatters. His dark jeans were fitted to his legs. He wore no shoes on his feet. If it was up to him, he wouldn't wear shoes unless he wanted to for style.
He was beautiful.
 He was calm.
 And he was only a memory.
A picture, in the palm of my hand.

-Rhiannon Maxheimer
 Thank you!

Writing activity 3

My name is Felix Hawthorne. 

I am 19 years old 

I am a perfect 5.8 and toned in every which direction. I have stunning silver-blue eyes. My face is superiorly formed, it much resembles a sculpted masterpiece. I am the perfect tone, not to pale as to look frail, but not too tan as to look like I spend all my time in a crop field. I have dark brown hair that is softer than a raven’s feather. I could go on further, but this interview would become much to long. 

I live in a land (which I am ruler of) that is called Sherick. I would have named it after myself, but the fools I call my people didn’t think so highly of it. Its a land that is beautiful, it has rushing waterfalls, swaying fields, rock mountains...Ha. I am currently forming a plan to build a much bigger palace, who needs all the ‘beautiful views’ when you have me?

My family? My family consists of Me, Myself, and I. I do live with the two who gave birth to me...My ‘father’ is technically King. But his decisions are foolish and petite... If it was up to me, ever person would pay three times the taxes they pay now.  

I like to read. I know, why waste my time? But, there is something about going somewhere else than this damned place...being someone different that I find interesting. I can also play several instruments, but my favorite would be the violin.

What is different about me? Well, I am a Prince. Also, I have a curse set upon me by a disgusting hag. I become...Well, lets just say that I become a monster. It’s kind of a sensitive subject...

I care about me. What else is there to care about? I have myself, thats all I need.

Why would I have fears? What is there in the world that I should fear? 

Right now, I am smiling for the wonderful picture you are going to print for this interview...And you better make sure that I look good. Not that is possible for me not to. 

Writing activity 2

My name is Maggie Anderson.

I am 16 years old.

I have long dark brown hair that Is wavy towards the ends. I usually wear it in a ponytail. I have fair and pale skin. It is usually clear.

I live in a private school off the coast of Maine. My parents are traveling Journalists so I’m usually on my own.

My mom and my dad are usually away, but My brother, Dan is going to be famous someday. He has supported me up to three years ago, when he left to find a record deal.

I love to sing. I play the piano and my favorite thing to do is to write. I don’t like to write non-fictional things, I love to use my imagination to create adventurous stories. 

I have a long scar across my back. It was from an accident when I was three. I can’t sleep alone without someone in the house with me...I guess with a T.V. on it would work.

I care about my cat, Casper. And my brother Dan. You could say that I can about my parents, But I don’t see them more than Christmas and a few weekends around June.

I am afraid of being alone. I hate walking alone down a street, or being home alone without my Computer/T.V. I don’t want to be alone when I’m older, either.

Right now I am writing a story about a dark prince who’s thrown is taken from him because of his arrogance. It’s so cool! I also intend on sending it to a publishing contest. If I win, My story will be published!

My favorite color is Orange. Just like my favorite fruit, Oranges.

My favorite animal is a cat. Or a tiger, they both have whiskers!

I seem to have enemies in my school, they are a group of kids who alway hang around the park next to a rundown library.

The tone of Clockwork Fagin

The tone of clockwork Fagin is Dark, steampunk, rusty and at some times, cheerful.

Its takes place in the steampunk era when many children who are sent to work in factories get injured by all the big machines. And their missing limbs are replaced with metal. Once they are Handicapped they are sent to St. Agatha's.

Examples of tone:
"I remember my first night in the hole, a time that seemed to stretch to infinity, a darkness so deep I thought perhaps I had gone blind. And most of all, I remember the sound of the cellar door loosening, the bar being shifted, the ancient hinges squeaking, the blinding light stabbing into me above, and the silhouette of old Grinder, holding out one of his hairy, long fingered hands for me to catch hold of, like an angel come to rescue me fromt he pits of hades." (Doctorow, 57)

This emphasises how dark the story is. And how Grinder just breaks the children into loving him for saving them from the very thing that he did to them.

My first impression of Clockwork Fagin

First of all, the story 'clockwork fagin' is a short story in a book of short stories about the steampunk period called "Steampunk!"
        Before I began to read this book, I wasn't exactly sure what 'steampunk' was. I had heard it was a style of dress. But I wasn't really clear.
Now after reading the beginning of Clockwork Fagin I understand that its more of a time period in the future, or a time when all of the machines cause injury to the people, so they must use mechanical limbs or replacements for vital body parts.

I chose this book because I was just curious about the stories and how they would be different from every other fantasy story. Myself, being a writer, was fascinated in the new style of writing.

I think that some of the students in class would enjoy this book. It is adventurous and fascinating. With its pushing action, witty characters and fantastic story line.
I love the characterizations and tone in this story. They are very, dare I say, rusty. With its metal connections and its rundown setting.

I love this story so far.

The theme of Harrison Bergeron

The theme of Harrison Bergeron is very abstract and very simple all at once. It really depends on your view. 

But, I am going to stick with the theme being what the dangers of total or forced equality are.

If you force everyone to be equal, then what kind of a nation are we? If everyone is the same, then it is no different then someone standing in a house of mirrors. Everyone if the same in every way, no one is anyone but the one person they are. Everyone would be one person in the sense that there isn't even more than one person. Just copies of one. 

In Harrison Bergeron the beautiful must be masked, the strong must be weakened, and the smart must be desensitised. So, what would happen if someone was more ugly, weak, or stupid then everyone else?

In a world where there are no independent individuals, would everyone higher than them be dragged down to this one persons level? Can one person ever be exactly the same? 

If you are only as strong as your weakest link, where is the weakest link?

What is the basis of comparison for equality? I mean, what is normal? 

In the story, the higher officials weren't handicapped...They weren't masked, and they weren't desensitised. 

So, this also would bring in another theme, the theme of a dangerous government. If thous certain people who are extraordinarily excellent aren't made normal, then where is the equality?!

There is no equality, only restraint. Then the government is not only forcing thous of lesser power to be equal, it is forcing them to be slaves! To be denied their rights to be human! 

Because, Like the snowflakes, there are no two the same.

The Knife Of Never Letting Go- Blog 6

So as the action moves us forward at a heart-stopping speed, we find Todd and Manchee face to face with a girl. I believe that the way Todd reacts to this girl, never having seen one before, is a very realist and accurate comparison. An example would be when he first saw her:

"There it is, looking back at us, breathing heavy, crouched at the base of a tree, cowering from Manchee. its eyes practically dying from fright but still trying to offer up a pitiful threat with its arms. And I just stop. I hold my knife. "Spackle!" Manchee barks, tho he's too chicken to attach now that I've held back "Spackle! Spackle! Spackle!" "Shut up Manchee," I say. "Spackle!" "I said shut up!" I shout, which stops him. "Spackle?" Manchee says, unsure of things now. I swallow, trying to get rid of the pressure in my throat, the unbelievable sadness that come and comes as I look at it looking back at me. Knowledge is dangerous and men lie and the world keeps changing, whether I want it to or not. Cuz it ain't a Spackle. "It's a girl." I say. Its a girl." (Ness, 64)

I think the way he describes the surprise and the "pressure" is interesting. I would interpret it like, he feels the unbelievable loneliness and he is confused by how this girl makes him feel that it all comes crashing down on him.

The tone of this quote just allows me to feel the confusion and the heart stopping shock Todd felt in the moments of his discovery.

 I love how Patrick Ness creates his characterization of Todd just through the way he speaks and the way he thinks. Allowing the reader to literally hear is thoughts was a very great idea.

Plot Diagram.

The plot Diagram of Harrison Bergeron:

EXPOSITION: 1: George Bergeron Has flash backs of Harrison being taken away.
2: The news informs everyone that harrison has escaped from jail.

RISING ACTION: 3.Harrison appears in the theater and threatens everyone with a bomb.
4. Harrison breaks free of all his handicaps.
5. The police surround the building and try to disarm the bomb.
6. Harrison dances with a ballerina. The crowd is stunned.
7. The police disarm the bomb. the bomb was a distraction.
8. Harrison sets of the ral device and the tv's are turned on.

CLIMAX: 9: Harrison is killed.

FALLING ACTION: 10. The people are stunned.
11. George is stunned and so is hazel.

RESOLUTION: 12. They both forget.

Patrick Ness

Watching The London Book Fair's interview with Patrick Ness was actually an inspiration to me as a writer. I found Patrick Ness to be a very insightful and honest man. He had many very wise and interesting views on somethings. These were some of those things:

"Every book is about its writer." (Ness)

Mr. Ness said that a story is about its writer in the sense that we write from what we know. Who we are, how we feel and where we are. A very interesting quote that I agree with.

"I'm a real believer in, you absolutely listen to the story first and formost what its telling you it needs to be and the important things is not to be a snob. Its telling you it needs to be this, if thats the right thing then you've got to pay attention to it." (Ness)

This was a quote that I found greatly interesting. Mr. Ness talks about how a story writes itself. If you don't let the story develop the way it wants to then the story isn't how it should be. In a sense, he is saying that you can't leave things out because you don't think anyone will like it. You have to develop the story to how it should be or it won't be right.

"Writing can't be taught, it can be practiced." (Ness)

This is a wonderful quote. Mr. Ness really feels that you can only teach how you write, only give tips. Writing is a personalized and individual skill that is developed uniquely by the writer. One's style of writing is a unique and precious thing.

"Good books don't get written if their not written for the story themselves."

I love this quote. It really gives you a sense of how a story is developed. Mr. Ness goes on to say that if you don't write a story for the story itself than its not a story, its a product. I agree. If you write a story to fit inside a certain box than its not written for the story.

I enjoyed learning about this author and look to his with great respect as a mentor and role-model for my dream to become a writer.