Anya Violetta

It's hard to believe that in half an hour I'll no longer be a teenager.

I haven't been as bad as I could have been, but I certainly could have been better;
angst, depression, suicidal contemplation, many parental disputes, fanfiction (hah), smoking, drinking, (mild) pill abuse, snogging randoms, falling in love...

I wouldn't wish anyone to EVER lead the life I've left as a teenager. Most of it was very dark. I joke these days that I've gotten younger as I've become older, because I've become happier. I think it's very true. It's taken me 20 years, really, to accept that it's actually okay to be happy. That being a matyr doesn't necessarily lead to success, nor is it worth it.

But, save for one thing which I don't think I'll ever accept, I wouldn't change it. Every mistake I've made, every bout of depression I've come out of has made me stronger. I think it's also helped me empathise with people much better as well. For some reason, everyone comes to me with their problems. I may meet someone, and within hours they're pouring out to me their life problems.

I'm cautious when I say this (because a lot of you seem to be aspiring writers and I am in NO way suggesting you adopt the above list of things I've experimented with) but I also think it's helped me with my writing. I just wrote a personal reflection on each year of my life as a teenager, and only then did I truly realise how much of my younger teenage self I put into Helen's character.
Because TGM was originally meant to be a story which I was writing for myself only, I made Helen have all my problems. I made her suffer through the issues I had suffered (worse, in many cases) in a subconscious attempt to understand myself.

The strange thing is that, after I finished writing TGM, Helen was certainly her own character and not like me at all. But, once I had finished, I realised that I had finally accepted my earlier teenage years for what they were.
Through writing, I had unknowingly healed many deep wounds which I had been ignoring or knew not how to deal with.

When I finished writing TGM, whilst I was at peace with my past, I realised that I no longer knew who I was anymore- because I certainly wasn't who Helen turned out to be.
As crazy as it sounds, finishing TGM (and starting uni) launched me into a huge identity crisis. I spent much of my 18th year in a haze of denial.

When I turned 19, I forced myself to forget TGM. It's been a very long time since I last read it, and I think that's very healthy for me. For now, at least. VmM doesn't count. At 19, I started to let go. I started buying clothes I liked, instead of saving every cent. The boost in image really did a lot for my self-esteem.
I started smiling more, and found that I was the opposite of the introvert I had always thought myself to be.
But, of course, I had those few very dark and scary months where I developed a small habit, stopped going to uni, and sunk back into a depression similar to the frightening one I had when I was 13.

So no, I haven't been like one of those super cool and oh so romantically tortured teenagers of Skins, but I don't think that means that I've had any less issues than they have.

Whilst I was very apprehensive to leave my teenage years behind me, now I've come to embrace the opportunity for a fresh start; the chance to be happier, healthier, more organised... and generally have more fun.

If I've learnt anything from being a teenager, it's that life is short. I have no idea how long I have left here, or what Fate has in store for me.
And so, I'd like to try enjoying every day from now on. To find a reason to smile. To never return to those times of darkness which will always shadow my teenage years whenever I remember them.

Oh look. It's 12 am. Seems like it's time for that fresh start. If you're reading this, help me out by smiling.
I am.

<3

Depending on what's playing wherever you are in the world, this may not apply too well to you. I'm doing this because I realised today that I've seen a LOT of movies (in the cinema) over the summer. I'm definitely a cinephile.

Hopefully I'll remember them all!

1/ Dorian Gray
I love Ben Barnes and think he's the perfect Dorian, so I was biased from the beginning. I haven't read the book (shame on me, I know), but as a movie I loved it. It was captivating, sexy and... look, just watch it so you get to stare at Ben Barnes for the whole time, if nothing else.
I also loved the theme song. The music was very well done.
Favourite scene: When Dorian's having afternoon tea, and then flashes to him in the brothel. I found it very raw, but oh so delicious.
Rating: 9/10

2/ Julie & Julia
A lovely film to watch if you don't want to do any heavy thinking. Inspired my massive Christmas Eve cookup. All the food looks so amazing.
I also liked the ending.
Nice film. 7.5/10

3/ The Lovely Bones
I was apprehensive about seeing this one. Firstly, I hadn't read the book. Secondly... I knew what happened, and didn't want to torture myself unnecessarily. When I rocked up to the Jam Factory with my friend, however, it was either this movie, or Nine, which she didn't want to see. I, being the cinephile that I am, had seen everything else. Reluctantly, I gave in and we saw it.
I know I was sort of drunk at the time, but this film had me in suspense the entire time. Many scenes of excellent cinematography as well.
It also made me really contemplate life, and the other world.
Don't know how well it complied to the book, but as a movie it was definitely worth watching. Lovely to see Rachel Weisz again, but the father stood out for me in this one. And the murderer. 8/10

4/ Sherlock Holmes (twice!)
Now, now, this movie was eye candy the entire time, with excellent action scenes, a good soundtrack.... and brilliant plot. I loved the mystery of possible magic in this, and the dreariness of the set. Excellent!
And, if RDjnr wasn't on the screen, it was Jude Law, who isn't as lovely to look at, but not a bad compensation! And, if THEY weren't on screen, it was Rachel McAdams who I love.
Witty, clever... it seemed as though there will be a sequel and I'll be there!
9.9/10. Very nice work, Mr Ritchie.

5/ Avatar
Now, I was REALLY against seeing this. Mainly because there was all this hype about it, and I thought it was this silly sci/fi flik. I had no idea what it was about and didn't want to either.
As it happens, my brother and I were stuck because we had seen everything else. So, we decided to just give in and see what all the hype was about.
I was blown away.
I've seen many films about saving the planet etc, but this film really GOT to me. Cameron was so clever in how he spent time showing us all the beauty of Pandora. When the humans came in the destroy it, I was so angry.
And then I thought- don't we do this every day to our world? I've never been an environmentalist, but this movie really got me thinking.
Also, because I live in Australia, about the Lost Generation and what the Settlers did to the Aboriginal way of life.

I know the start was necessary, but it felt as though it dragged a bit. It took me a while to get into the film, but once I was in, there was no going back. I was on the edge of my seat. Would be interesting to see what 2D looks like, because I didn't feel it was that impressive as far as 3D goes (not a fan of 3D anyway).

9.5/10. And, as with Titanic, go to the toilet before. I was clever this time. My brother, unfortunately for him, wasn't.


6/ A Serious Man
Now that some time has passed between my seeing this film, I find myself a bit more forgiving towards it.
But, I'll say this- I had never, EVER, wanted to walk out on a film until this one. I loathed it. I thought it was a load of nonsensical crap about a man whose life was turning to shit.
What was the point of the beginning with the kibbuk? What was the point to the entire film?

The movie was saved, somewhat, by the red-haired son. Without him, I would have certainly left. He did a good job bringing some comic relief.
2/10. Wouldn't watch again if you paid me.
Having said that, if you've seen this film and can explain it to me- please do. Perhaps I'm just stupid and the message was lost on me.


7/ Nowhere Boy
This was good. I was quietly impressed by Aaron Johnson. He did a good job in this (we won't comment on his relationship with the director. None of my business). A lot of the acting was lovely- especially Kristen Scott-Thomas.
I felt it was a bit long... and did my first ever toilet run during a movie without missing anything important. I'm not a huge Beatles fan, so was nice to see a movie based not so much on the band, but on Lennon's earlier life.
7/10

8/ It's Complicated
I took my mum to see this and was laughing almost the entire time. Harvey (the to-be son in law), for me, stole the show. He was so hilarious and I felt so sorry for him being the secret keeper. Cute, as well. I couldn't ever imagine (if I had a) fiancee doing blowbacks with my father.

I thought the concept of having an affair with your ex was brilliant! You never hear of it (though I suppose TGM sort of went along these lines, come to think of it.... but that's not a comedy). I now know how everyone felt about Theo too! I just wanted Steve Martin to leave the film, because he was just getting in the way! And Baldwin and Streep had wonderful on-screen chemistry. I never thought a couple of mature age could make a film sexy... but was proved wrong!

As comedies go- 8.5/10

9/ Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
I rarely see animated (younger) films at the cinema, but this one was lovely! A very nice story, with a twist of love and a message of not being too greedy.
I was impressed- 7.5/10

10/ New Moon
As with anything related to that series, I went in with 0 expectations. I was quite glad that Edward had almost no screen time. When he did, he pretty much just got beaten up. Not very manly if you ask me, Mr Cullen.
I think it's just me, but the movies seem to bring out a lot of the corny parts of the book, and put a humorous spin on them- or make fun of them. I liked that. On second thoughts, that could be me reading into it too far...

If you haven't read the books, I think you could definitely get away with just watching the movies. They stick to the plot quite well and leave out all the unnecessary angst and embarrassing lines. I have to admit, I didn't mind Jacob in this one. As a character, I felt he was better for Bella than Edward was... from this film.

5/10. Very respectable


11/ Up In the Air
George Clooney is one fine looking man. I have to say, he seems to look better every year he ages.
This movie also had that girl from Twilight. Jessica, I think. Her acting could have been better, but I think she got the innocence/naivety of her character just right. She seemed very rigid, but I think that added to her character, so was good.
George and whoever the woman was were excellent. He did a brilliant job with his character. I also liked the ending of the movie. It made one think about what they think is important in life.
Oh, and I had a HUGE desire to go flying after watching this... first class, of course.
8/10

And now I've come to realise where all my money's gone...

♥

If there is one song which I have constantly listened to throughout my entire life, it has been 'Gloomy Sunday' by Sarah Mc Lachlan. Ever since I was 13 and first downloaded it, I have listened to this song every year until now- when I'm nearly 20. I remember putting it on cd and setting my (then, a discman) on repeat and falling asleep to this song.

It's certainly not a happy song. For those of you who don't know it, this song is infamous. It is said to have inspired mass suicides across the world where people would kill themselves to this song. It was originally written by the Hungarian pianist Rezso Seress who committed suicide himself. The song was made popular by Billie Holiday (and also banned by the BBC).

I first heard this song as sung by Sarah McLachlan and, probably because I'd already been listening to her rendition for years before I heard the Holiday version, prefer it. I find Holiday's version doesn't express the true sorrow of the narrator in the song as well as McLachlan's version. I find McLachlan's voice to be smoother- almost angelic-, and from the vocal range she uses in it, to the dynamics and guitar accompaniment... as soon as I heard that song (which was at a time when I was quite depressed), I felt a connection to it.

I can never listen to this song when the weather is nice. It gets its most plays during the winter months, or at least during the night. I might forget this song for months, but I always find myself drawn back to it. It's never made me feel the need to kill myself (as the legend will have you believe), but has always allowed me to properly feel any grief or sadness which I had been experiencing, but tried to fight. Sometimes, it's helped me cry when I've really just needed to let out my tears, and on other occaisons it's allowed me to reflect on my life and where it's going.
Or, on the odd occaison, the weather was simply so cold and rainy that I simply felt like curling up and listening to a sad, familiar song.

When it comes to writing, this song certainly received many plays when writing TGM- indeed, it was the title of the chapter in which Christina killed herself. Now that life for my characters in WbaP is getting more serious, I find I'm listening to this song more and more as I write.

Lately, my life has been very stressful. It hasn't been that busy, exactly, but with my new uni year looming in the near future (along with my 20th birthday), coupled with the pressure I've been feeling to get as much organised for the publishing of Stained Glass... as well as updating WbaP and VmM on a somewhat regular basis... I've taken to listening to this song a lot more than I have for a while.

Original Hungarian version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAzJ_7CeWbc

(I love this version even more than McLachlan's... but can't listen to it on repeat as I can hers. The first time I heard this, I cried.)

Sarah McLachlan's version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbsg_lqqKxk&feature=related

No suicides please!
<3

 
The book in its final state of editing ^


Me, in my state of post-editing ^ ;P

Love, Anya

This is a short little story I wrote in all of ten minutes. I can't write character stories when editing SG.... so this was the writing relief I needed whilst taking an editing break. 

19
Hazel eyes stare back.
What am I looking for, when I look in the mirror? What have I spent so much of my childhood trying to find in it?
How can I know the answer, when I don’t know the question?
And yet, every morning, mid-morning, lunch, mid-afternoon and evening I return.
Mirror, mirror on the wall.
But I’m not asking who is the fairest of them all.
Sometimes I have conversations with you. Completely one-sided, but practise for later should a second party be present.
Sometimes I cry to you. I ask ‘why me’, I pity myself, and you cry as well.
Truly loyal.
Sometimes I whisper my secrets to you. I know you won’t judge, you won’t tell.
The world’s best secret-keeper of my sorrows.
Sometimes I laugh, and you laugh with me. When you do, I know you’re genuinely as happy as I am.
Sometimes I simply stare, waiting for the miraculous answer to my elusive question.

Years pass. There are times when I turn my back on you. I try to forget you, to cover you up. Especially when I make mistakes.
Not the childish mistakes of my youth, but grave ones.
Ones that hurt.
I said you were my most loyal and trust-worthy friend, but I cover you up when I make these mistakes.
Why?
Everyone else blames me for my actions. There is no pity or forgiveness from them.
And if I lose your pity and forgiveness- my oldest friend- I will be lost.
Perhaps that’s why Narcissus decided to drown himself.

90
Hazel eyes stare back.
The hazel is the same, and yet everything else is completely foreign. It is as though the hazel is a migrant in a strange land.
Was there really a time when my nose was a problem? Did I truly worry that my lip could be slightly fuller?
Now, after my years of neglect, this is my punishment. I scorned you, dear friend, and now you are repaying me most cruelly.
Deep wrinkles, fading eyesight, grey hairs which were once lustrous brown, landslide sagging—
It’s as though I am a different person.
And yet, although you punish me most severely, I still see you are my one and only true friend.
Because you bear my punishment with me. You too have grey hairs; you too have my same wrinkles and scars.
And now I remember what a loyal friend you were to me. In my senility, you are the only one who listens. The only one who understands.
And now, when I look at you, I finally realise what I have been trying to find in you, all of these years—
They say the eyes are the windows to one’s soul. For all these years, I have been staring into your eyes, trying to find out who you really are.

Who I really am.

A/N: I was quite surprised by this, because its a lot more abstract than my usual writing style. I guess it's hard to do anything that isn't 'abstract' in less than 500 words, though.

I would really love your thoughts on this!

Much love,
Anya

 Was quite eventful, surprisingly. I mean, I had no expectations whatsoever. I thought it would be a very relaxed day driving up to my grandfather's farm, and then watching dvds, writing and reading for the rest of the day.

Whilst the above did occur, two extra events made the day a bit more interesting-

1/ My father and my grandfather (mum's dad) abducted an echidna who was subsequently named Enid
2/ I nearly drowned. 

( Read more... )

 So 2009 is ending. I can't believe how fast the year has gone. It seems like just yesterday I was getting ready for the countdown to 2009. 
Now I've had two complete decades of life. It's a scary thought!

2009 has been a year of ups and downs, and I don't think I'm alone in feeling this way about the year. When the times have been good- they've been really good. I have many very happy memories from this year. Conversely, when the times have been rough- they've been very bad. There have been times when I really thought it would be impossible for me to be happy ever again. But, somehow, I got through them and have survived the year.

Which brings me to you. You all have been an amazing support network for me- not only in my writing endeavours, but for my life in general. I know i have been prone to the angry LJ rant... and the fact that many of you respond with helpful advice means so much to me. 

But let's not forget the main reason for which you are still following me. I still find it so hard to believe that I'm a writer- or that I even write at all. I really have no one to credit for my continuing more than you, though. If I had never received those first few reviews when I accidentally uploaded TGM  on ff.net, I would never have continued to write... and certainly would never tried writing a novel, let alone dream of having one published!

Can you believe that it's been over two years since I started uploading TGM? I certainly can't. 

So, my darling readers, thank you so much for your support over these two years. I wish you all a very safe and happy New Year, and look forward to hearing from you in 2010!

Many hugs and kisses,

Anya
 

 That was George Bernard Shaw's quote, and I believe him. Men are grumpy when they're underfed, and women... well, I'm not sure. I think many of us have gone on a diet once or twice in our lifetimes, so perhaps we're a bit more used to it. Either way, after years and years of unsuccessful dieting, I realised, at 18,  how much happier I was when I didn't order the 'fat-free' option at a restaurant.

The funny thing, is that I haven't put on any weight at all since I started embracing food. In fact, if anything, I'd say I've lost a tiny bit of weight since I finished school. And let me tell you that there has been no extra exercise either. I think it's mainly due to the fact that- in ordering the big steak at the restaurant, I come home feeling full. Not only that, but having just eaten a delicious and flavoursome meal, the thought of eating junkfood to follow seems blasphemous.

As you all probably know by now, I rather like cooking. I enjoy it because, with relatively little time and effort, you have accomplished something almost straight away and, if cooking for others, get complimented as well!

Strangely, I'm finding that that cooking is becoming a rarity amongst my female friends, whilst many males seem to be embracing it. I think the lack of female cooking has something to do with feminism. I don't take it that far. I cook for enjoyment, not for males. But, it was once said that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach... and experience has taught me that this is very true.


Today, I'm giving you a lovely breakfast recipe. Believe me when I say that this recipe hardly even constitutes cooking- each and every one of you can do it. It makes for a very light breakfast, and I would say is better suited to a summer climate.

Anya's recipe for Peaches & Yoghurt:

( Read more... )

I have mixed feelings about this year's Christmas- It has been marvellous because of the presents, family, and my successful cooking. On the other hand, its brilliance has been hindered by the fact that I am harbouring a terrible cold and have been sneezing and sniffling all day. 
Not fun.

Nonetheless, here is a summary for you of how today has gone thus far (it's 4.24pm):
( Read more... )

 To get us all in the mood for Christmas, I thought I'd ask a few very simple Christmas questions:

1/ What is your favourite Christmas Carol/Song?

2/ Top of your Christmas list/Christmas wish (and be selfish with this one- don't need to say 'world peace' etc)

3/ In a perfect world, your perfect Christmas.

( Read more... )

Well, Ally, you have outdone yourself. Thank you SO much. Seriously, I was ridiculously happy yesterday night when I saw your Witchcraft by a Picture video, and now I'm just over the moon!
Everyone, here is Ally's 'The Good Morrow' fan video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PY1PDEwGvw&feature=sub

I should have done this ages ago (Sarah, will you ever forgive me?).
Sarah (Saciice), one of my oldest and most loyal readers, has a number of fanfictions which also incorporate characters and some plot elements from TGM and VmM:

FHP: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5038671/1/FHP

Violet (my favourite): http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5561094/1/Violet

Do go read and review them. They're awesome :)

Also, numerous other readers- BrokenHeartBiret, Casie, Pottermate and Saciice have created drawings of my characts, and made banners for my stories. The links to these banners can be accessed via my ff.net profile page:
http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1349857/anyavioletta

If you can review them, please do. I know you can for the banners on deviantART.

I just watched the film 'Julie and Julia'. Cooking aspect aside (I really want to cook up a storm now!), I really could relate to Julie in the movie at how excited and happy she felt after each comment she received on her blog. It's so wonderful to have one's work validated in that way.

So, long-short, I love you, my wonderful readers. Thank you SO much.

♥

p.s. Please do go watch and comment and rate Ally's videos, and review Sarah's stories. I'm sure it'll make their days- just like reviews make mine :)

 I have just received the best Christmas present ever. One of my wonderful readers, Ally, has made a youtube fanvideo for 'Witchcraft by a Picture', and I am in LOVE with it.
And her- Ally, I officially LOVE you.

It's SO good.  A while ago, Ally asked if she could try making a 'promotional' type trailer video for WbaP, and I said okay... and then she wanted to know what would happen later in the plot. I generally never tell, but she asked so nicely and was going to so much effort that I gave in.

And boy am I happy that I did, because she did a PHENOMENAL job. It's just amazing. I keep watching it, and now I have a job for you all:

You must all go watch, rate, and comment this video. I can only imagine how much work it took Ally to do this video (I have no idea how to make videos), and she did such a good job. Everything is absolutely spot on!

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOK16GOGL0k


Now off you go!

♥

p.s. A huge thank you to all of you, my readers, as well. You seriously have no idea how happy you all make me with your love and support :) 

This is my laptop.
I've had it since I was 15 and, with it, I have written all my IB assignments, all my uni assignments and notes, all of The Good Morrow, Voice Mail Morrow, all my other fanfics, and the several versions of Stained Glass (yes, that's the Prologue to Stained Glass onscreen in the picture).

As you can see, it definitely fits the definition "well-loved". The 'left' key is missing, the touch pad is worn down, and the paint on the bottom right corner has been worn down from excess use.

Everyone keeps telling me that it's time to upgrade, time to let go. But I'm unsure! I've been using this computer for so long that the thought of trading it in makes me feel as though I'd be trading in my best friend. It feels wrong.

I once read a story about a girl who was a beautiful artist. Every art work she did was with this blanket of hers. One day, her mum washed the blanket and she lost all her creativity and refused to paint again. What if that happens to me? I've only ever written on this laptop.
Might I lose my creativity by losing this laptop?

But, the thought of it irreversibly crashing makes me nervous, because pretty much my entire life is stored on this computer.

So I have a huge dilemma, and I'd be most grateful for your opinion-  to keep, or to upgrade?

Love, Anya

I hate that term. It sets my teeth on edge and makes me want to strangle anyone who uses that term.
It just so happens that most Australians have an intense fixation on making everything 'politically correct'... or 'PC' as they call it.
It's enough to make one sick. Well, me at least.

What constitutes being politically correct? Who defines it? Doesn't it change from country to country?
I don't think anyone actually is 'politically correct' at all times. I don't think it's possible. And, even if their behaviour is 'politically correct', their thoughts won't be. Unless even their thoughts are dishonest, that is.

Here's a definition from dictionary.com:
( Read more... )

Because I'm at work, and it's too early for my creative juices to be flowing for me to write, I thought I'd put a 'best and worst' questionnaire up for you all to do (and give you my answers as well)-
Best & Worst:
( Read more... )

Okay, I think I can start writing now. I'd love to hear your Best & Worsts, if you can be bothered :)

<3

As you all should know by now, I have quite an obsessive personality. A few days ago it was cooking.
But now it's makeup. I've discovered the wonderful Michelle Phan on youtube, and am now not only obsessed with watching her 'how to' vids, but trying them out.

Last night was quite funny, actually, because it was 11.30pm and my dad walked in my bathroom to see me putting on finishing my newest look--

Dad (frowning)- Are you going out?
Anya- No, why?
Dad- You're putting on lipstick
Anya- Yeah, I know.
Dad- But you're not going out.
Anya (looking at dad, and showing him the full outrageousness of my lipstick)- When have I ever gone out looking like this?
Dad (his favourite saying ever since I discovered makeup)- Why are you putting chemicals on your skin?
Anya- Because life's too short, I'm going to be a doctor one day anyway, and it's fun
Dad- But why are you putting on makeup if you're not going anywhere?
Anya- I'm experimenting. Be thankful it's only makeup and not something like heroin.
Dad left promptly at this, muttering under his breath.

I just find it so much fun getting dressed up, doing my hair and experimenting with makeup. I think that's one thing I find very attractive about being an opera singer- it really encompasses all these things, and yoou get to prance around the stage in front of an entire audience and be shameless in doing so!

Anyway, so I've been having a lot of fun lately in front of my mirror. And, to feed my shopping addiction, I've discovered that makeup can be bought quite cheaply on eBay and last night went a bit crazy buying gel eyeliners, a brush set, eyelash curler, and 88 shade eyeshadow palette.

But it's all necessary, right?

Okay, it might not all be completely necessary, but the day my YSL correction pen died was like D-Day. I can't live without that thing. And YSL have such pretty packaging for their makeup. Not to mention good quality...

So there you have it. My latest obsession.

♥

This evening, I sat down at my computer and started writing a bit more of the next WbaP chapter. I already had a blister on my middle finger from the stirring spoon because I made dinner.
But, I'll admit, my mind wasn't quite on writing at the time. I felt a bit too energetic to merely sit down at the kitchen table and write. I was also watching Top Gear at the time, and find that I can never write with the television on.

So I decided to put WbaP on hold, and go do something, because merely sitting down and watching the show felt too lazy. I was suddenly gripped with the desire to do a bit more cooking. I wanted to make a dessert pie of some sort.

Initially, I wanted to try making a mince pie, but then realised we had no sultanas/dried fruits etc.
So I settled for making a lemon meringue pie.

Now, I'm eating one of the mini lemon meringue pies I made, and waiting for my pavlova base to finish cooking.

And now I'm FINALLY going to get on to finishing the next WbaP chapter :)

♥

... on writing.

Before I get started on this post, I want to state very clearly that I don't feel as though I deserve to be giving advice on writing. I'm certainly no Austen, Archer or JK, for that matter. Until SG is out, I'm still an unpublished author and, even once it does comes out, there's no guarantee that it'll sell.
All I have to my pen name is a decent amount of reviews on my fanfiction stories. Whether this is enough to warrant me a worthy source, I'll leave for you to decide.

I'm only writing this post because I am constantly being sent messages asking for writing advice.
I have never taken any writing courses, read any books on writing fiction (or writing in general). I was extremely lazy in school when it came to creative writing pieces (every year I would submit the same poems which I had written when I was 12) and, as I've stated many times, had absolutely no interest in ever becoming a writer.

Writing, for me, is a completely accidental and natural exercise. I write things as I think, see and hear them in my mind. For this post, I'll use TGM as my main example, as none of you have read the current version of Stained Glass.

So here are a few pointers:

( Read more... )

I love the rain.

Well, not when it ruins my brand new patent leather flats; my perfectly styled hair; makes my legs go all icky when I'm not wearing stockings; and I've forgotten my umbrella....
But, when I'm inside the house, with a cup of tea, am snug in my grandma-esque quilted dressing gown, and have something good to read (Wuthering Heights is a lovely example) or a good movie, there is nothing better.
My favourite way to wake up is to the sound of rain.

It's been raining cats and dogs ever since yesterday evening. We need the water, what with water restrictions and all, so it's good environment-wise as well.

The rain can also be quite fun as well. Once I have a much more disposable income, I plan on acquiring the following to make me rain-ready:

Burberry trench coat: http://www.pinkhues.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/burberry-emma-watson.jpg

Gucci boots: http://cdn.is.bluefly.com/mgen/Bluefly/prodImage.ms?productCode=301995701&width=340&height=408

Oroton umbrella (which I already have. It's so much fun... but mine's way better cos it's red):
http://blogs.lasoo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/oroton-umbrella.jpg

On a different note, there is no Stained Glass news to report of yet. It's still getting edited. I'm still thinking of book cover designs and should really get onto contacting a professional designer and all, but I think first thing is first- getting it finished editing-wise is the biggest thing. After that, the rest will be relatively easy, I hope!

And now I'll actually read my VicRoads handbook. I keep putting it off, and it's 10.30pm already! Aghh. I had better not sleep through my test tomorrow morning.

<3

Get onto Twitter and add me, if you haven't already. I am, yes, once again trying to do the Twitter thing. Hopefully it will last...

My twitter page:

http://twitter.com/anyavioletta

Much love to you all!