Wanna Be a Ninja? (Plus, a Tag)

Hey, there, Everyone! NaNo went well. I finished one of my two goals so that's something, at least. I'm continuing with GOING SOMEWHERE over my Winter Break. For now, though, I thought I might tell you about something Arianna and I are doing.

It's called "Write a Novel with Cupid" (and if you're an aspiring writer and don't know Cupid, OHEMGEE--- go check her out NOW). Basically, instead of ONE month to write a novel, we're using the months of December AND January to get a first draft out of a brand new project. Then, we'll plan revisions and submission goals that we're aiming to get through by the end of this upcoming year. And if you want to be, you can get in on this, by becoming a part of our personal team--- The Pink Ninjas (OF DOOM). I put the "OF DOOM" part in parentheses because I, personally, am a fan of unicorns. But Aria is our Team Leader and the name is a kind of insider betwixt us (DANG TWITTER), so that is what we call ourselves. If you want to be a part of our team, just email me at desimcg@hotmail.com so we can start supporting one and another! ALSO, feel free to start your own teams and tell me about them! It'll be fun to have some competition. I promise to still love you all!!!

And now, onto the tag. Bethany Myers, an author Aria and I follow on Twitter (and who we found in a writing contest over at Mother Write! Bethany's awesome) tagged Arianna who then tagged me to do a tag called "The Next Big Thing." Aria wants me to talk about PW and therefore, I shall. Here we go!


What is your working title of your book?
PLANET WEIRD, or PW for shortsies.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
I honestly love telling this story, but I'll try to make it brief. Basically, my younger sister and I were waiting for a bus one day, and a girl I knew from school who was waiting at the bus stop too started talking with me to catch up on lost times and the what-not. Then she went into this completely dramatic and yet totally serious account of how she had met a vampire that day. The details are still fresh in my mind about that conversation, and the story she gave me was so hilarious, ridiculous, and true that I couldn't help but wonder, "What kind of a school admits a self-proclaimed VAMPIRE?" Forks High School. Ahhhhh-bviously. But also Planet Jr. High where all of "the kids were weird."  That was the first line that came to my head on the bus ride home. The idea that followed is one of my favorite storylines yet.

What genre does your book fall under?
I call it MG Sci-Fi, but at one point when I had doubts, I called it a MG Adventure.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
As long as the cast is diverse, I wouldn't care who played my characters! I hardly keep up with the youthful stars of the day. Can we pull people off the streets and say, "AY! Please be my main character, please?" Okay, thanks.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Disguised as a thirteen year old human named Drew Vardaman, an alien runaway attends Planet Jr. High in hopes of leaving behind her predestined responsibilities, but instead runs right into them when a parasitic shadow starts possessing her classmates.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I don't have the energy to self-publish professionally. It's my dream to be represented by an agency, but who knows if this is the project that'll get me there?

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Minus the time I spent procrastinating? A month. Plus the time I spent procrastinating? A year.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
The "destiny" part is what people tend to focus on, but to me, PW is about conformity and non-conformity, learning what it means to be yourself, power vs. responsibility, and things like that. Only, told in a light, fun setting--- a junior high school in the middle of nowhere. I haven't really been reading lately so I'm almost at a loss on this one, but it sort of has a hint of the themes in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and the sort of "right in front of your face, but you can't see it!" fantastical stuff reminds me of The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi and Percy Jackson by Rick Riordian. Plus, it's in that age range, so there you go. :)

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Sahara Blank. My sister, Kia. And our nephew, Chris. They all played their parts, believe me. :)

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Here is a list of the FIVE AWESOME THINGS ABOUT PW THAT YOU MIGHT NEVER GET TO KNOW (aka My Love List):
1. There are portals.
2. There's a story within the story.
3. ESTEBAN!!!
4. Drew is actually a person of color though in her Earth form, she doesn't appear to be.
5. It's a love story--- in a sense. PW's about learning to love yourself, and learning how to love others who may seem to be worlds apart from you. Shoot, PW's about A LOTTA THANGS. But that's one of them. :)

Include the link of who tagged you and this explanation for the people you have tagged.

I tag Talia, Prerna, and Nicole (because I hear you're writing again! Am I misinformed?). Basically, if you're writing something and you're a human being, you should do this tag. Please tell me if you do it! I'd love to check ya out! :)

Lots of love,
Deserae
P.S. This song is called "Simply Falling" by Iyeoka. Steal my heart like a ninja and join our team!

Toujou To You, Too!

Maya is a beautiful person. I need to remember to remember that more often. Lately, there's been a lot of unnecessary negativity floating around in my head, and one blog post (one little sentence from that blog post) can remind me instantaneously that I've purposed NOT to be the person who lets a little bit of darkness stand in the way of sharing her light.

I've been talking to myself really. About a lot of things I'd like to share one day. Today, though, I'm going to share some things about myself. We're doing a tag, Gang. We are doing a tag. 

And by we, I mean all of us--- any of us who want to. Maya has already tagged my most visited bloggers (and since she's done it already... you get the drift) and the only other person I can think of officially tagging is Prerna who you all know by now is a blogger I admire for being so personable. But really, we are a team you guys and I. Together, we do great things. We make magic happen, even if only for a second in our own hearts. So if you wanna do the tag, do it! Let me know about it and I'll check it out. If you don't that's cool. It's JK Rowling/ Harry Potter's birthday, my sister's wedding anniversary, and an all around wonderful July 31st so I promise you, you won't hurt my feelings. My little heart will a-beat all the same. 

I'll post the rules for those of you who want to keep the ball rolling. And then I'll answer some questions. I guess that's how tags work or something. 

ZE RULES:

1. If tagged you must tag five others, giving each a quick sentence as to why you ALWAYS read their posts, and tell them that you've tagged them.

2. If tagged you must post your five favourite words. I know, I know, most people do facts, but facts are hard to think of so...

3. If and only if you want to/can be bothered to/have time to you can put up five questions for the people you've tagged. If and only if you want to/can be bothered to/have time to you can ANSWER the five questions your tagger set. If you want to answer questions but your tagger left none, answer your own questions :)

So...

1. I tag all of thee because I can. I always read the posts of people who comment on my blog because you guys take the time to read my posts. Plain and simple. Lately I've been terrible at responding, but know that I always read. Always. That's how I know Nicole is up to no good by harassing her neighbors with that shuttering camera of hers (for SHAME, Girl!). That's how I know Maya's got some serious explaining to do--- did you say yes, Chickadee? Am I going to be a grandmother any time soon? YOU'RE MY OLDEST BABY DON'T LEAVE ME!!! (We'll talk for rizzle SOON, Honey. I know where you hang on Wednesdays.) That's how I know Sonal is back and better than ever (I have starred today's blog post. 10 ways to increase happiness? "Know Sonal." That should've been on the list). I tag all of you because I need to make a better effort and not just READ your blogs, but become part of YOUR blogger families as well.

2. In memory of Albus Dumbledore: Lemon drop! Ice-cream! Persnickety bookish hooligans!

3. (Because Maya answered two sets of questions, I'm answering a mix of both. I'll leave a second set of questions for you to answer or mix and match with these in a magical #4. Feel free to answer as many as you want. I always break tag rules. BECAUSE I LOVE YOU.)

Q: Favorite song lyrics?

A: It's a bit of a paragraph, want to hear it? Want to read it?

"When I was a boy of seventeen--- I know it's mean, but I

I told my friend to give up on her dream. She hated me, but I

I knew that dreams were for the best of us, not for the rest of us, and I

I didn't want to share with anyone...

I am a marathon runner. My legs are sore. And I'm anxious to see what I'm running for.

I am a hot air balloon on a sailboat. I would make this my home if I'd learned to float." 

Q: What is your guilty pleasure?
A: Have you ever heard of TIGER'S CURSE by Colleen Houck? There are major flaws in the writing. Major things I dislike about the characterization. Major "want to rip your hair out" things that aren't in a good kinda way. AND YET... I'm waiting for the fourth one to come out this September. FOR SHAME!!! But I love Colleen so I don't feel COMPLETELY guilty about it. 

Q: Name your three utter essentials. 

A: Fully stocked place to live (food and toiletries required), books, and chocolate.

Q: Which celebrity would you want to kiss?

A: At the moment? This exact one? Ryan Lochte counts. ...Right? 

Q: What colors appear most frequently in your wardrobe?

A: I kid you not--- black, blue, gray, white. No. I am not a downer, I promise. 

MAGICAL #4:

1. Who's your Olympic crush? (Or eye candy. :P)

2. Without naming this person, if you could say anything to a person you care about without fear, what would you say? (Think Post Secret. But public.)

3. What does summer mean to you?

4. What's your dream job?

5. When life hands you lemons... 

Lots of love you guys! 

Until next time,

Deserae

P.S. Thank you, Nicole, for also tagging me! I love ya!

P.P.S. Rose, honorary shout out to you for being awesome. That is all. 

Commenting on Comments

Sonal- So glad to see you at it again! I think I'll make the leap to a full-frontal pic once I return to school!

Nicole- I agree whole-heartedly regarding TFiOS. And you're welcome! My "wisdom" usually results in me rambling so feel free to stop me if and when that nonsense occurs. 

Maya- Again, thank you! I appreciate you tagging me and like I said, it was just what I needed. My sister and I recently had a mini-HP marathon. I immediately thought about the basilisk!
Nicole again- Haha! An extra thanks! Just in case you missed the first one. You're getting so great at your photography. Keep at it!

Tag! You're Late, I Know!

The rules are:

1) Post these rules

2) PICK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

-You must post 11 random things about you 

-Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post

3) Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer

4) Go to their blog and tell them they've been tagged

5) No stuff in the tagging section about "you're tagged if you are reading this/follow me" blah blah blah, you have to legitimately tag people

The questions: 

...That I'm Answering JUST BECAUSE...

1) Who is your favourite superhero?

I love that Maya said Harry Potter. Gosh, she's a smart kid. I'll go with an actual hero, though. Um... well... You know... IRON MAN. Without a doubt.

2) Why did you start a blog?

I had too much to say for my own good so when my friends started tuning me out, I decided to force you lot to listen to me. 

3) Who is your favourite artist?

I like lots and lots of musicians so I feel this is a low blow, you guys! But I can listen to four groups over and over again without wanting to puke and they are: Coldplay, The Fray, Two Door Cinema Club, and this guy I recently stumble upon called Josh Garrels. Check it.

4) What is the most important thing (to you) in a boyfriend/girlfriend?

The same qualities that are important to me in a friend. I want someone who likes me because of all the things that I am and despite the things that I'm not... If we can be friends, then I can trust you to be more than that, I suppose.

5) What is your favourite TV show?

ONCE UPON A TIME... O!O (<< Forgive me; I have no idea what that's even supposed to mean).

6) Are you an earlybird or a nightowl?

Night owl. Hoot, hoot! (NO.)

7) Do you enjoy shopping?

(PLEASE DON'T HURT ME) Not really.

8) Sweet or salty foods?

It depends, as Maya said, on what I'm in the mood for, but USUALLY you can't go wrong with handing me something sweet.

9) What is your favourite subject in school?

Currently, Greek, but I'm not doing a very good job at showing that, am I, Desi? *shakes head at self*

Ominous Voice Over: NO YOU ARE NOT... not... not... not...

10) What's on your bucket list?

Thing #1: Create Bucket List.

Thing #2: Purchase a new bucket.

11) Have you ever met anyone famous?

I consider authors to be famous and yes, I've met plenty of those. I also got to talk with Solange, Beyonce's sister, for a bit when I was younger, but my eldest sisters... They're really the ones who have celebrity encounters. Not I. 

...The ones my Tagger Assigned to Me...

1. What do you love most about your life?

I love everything about my life. Who told you otherwise? I should clock them... spreading rumors... grrrrrr...

2. If you could do anything spontaneous, what would it be?

Be spontaneous. That would be a miracle in itself.

3. What is your Zodiac sign?

I'm a Scorpio, yo.

4. Are you more of a reader or writer?

I'm a Wrider. Don't tell my mother.

5. Describe yourself in a sentence.

Caboobulaboobulabrawdlebam. I bet you like me now! 

*SIDEBAR! I just came back to this question. And after some thought, although I DO feel like I'm a caboobulaboobulabrawdlebam, as stated above, here is a sentence that I've thought up that explains how I see myself:

I'm a parenthetical aside--- nothing more and nothing less--- but if I'm written correctly, I'll shed a brighter light on this sentence, that is life.

As you can see, I've answered this question in multiple sentences. Try not to be a weirdo, like me.

6. What are your childhood favourites? ( T.V characters, foods, movies, toys.)

T.V.: Um... Out of the Box/ Bear in the Big Blue House

Characters: Barney, Bear, um... I can't remember... I think I liked Big Bird?

Foods: Oh gosh, well that hasn't changed--- burgers. I'm a Cali girl through and through.

Movies: There was a Barney adventure that went back to medeival times and you had to cross a bridge and play with ribbons. So yeah.

Toys: I was not actually a child. I played with calculators and protractors while the other children... I'm just kidding! My Barbie car, of course!

7. How many languages can you speak?

One and that's plenty. But I can read well enough in three. Woohoo! 

8. Favourite video game/ Song?

Don't play video games, but my current favorite song is Ulysses by Josh Garrels thank you for asking!

9. Have you ever met anyone famous?

Mmhmm! See above.

10. Which qualities do you look for in a boyfriend/girl friend?

See above. 

11. What is the best moment of your life/experience?

The next one. Not everyone gets one so, you know... it's a very momentous occasion.

AND THAT IS IT! Whew! I'm beat. So now that you know the new rules, you only have to answer ONE SET OF QUESTIONS and then assign a new one (because it's just too crazy to answer more than one and then try to make a new one, too). 

I'm tagging Yvonne, Nicole, and Poppy for this one but for THIS TAG! I'm interested in hearing what Arianna, Maya, and Talia have to say. I'll comment on your blogs to let you know you've been selected as the Chosen Ones. 

Yvonne, Nicole, and Poppy? Here are your questions from me should you choose to accept them:

1. What would you do(ooooo!) for a Klondike bar?

2. What's your stance on giving people second, third, fourth, and infinite amount of chances?

3. If you were an animal, which would you be and why?

4. What's the most recent book you've finished and do you recommend it?

5. If your house was on fire or was flooding and you had a backpack on hand, what would you put in it?

6. Who's the most important person in your life (real or fictional) and why?

7. When life hands you lemons, what are you going to do with them?* (*Trick question*)

8. How do you usually spend your day?

9. If you had to choose one book series to read for the rest of your life, what would it be?

10. What is your favorite day of the year?

11. What scene in a movie or book sums up your life pretty genuinely?

Adieu, mon amies! I'll comment on comments next post and feel free to answer any of the questions whether you're tagged or not in the comments below, or leave links to your answers in the comments so I can read them. 

Bye!
Deserae

The Name of the Game is Tag

I was extremely pleased to check my inbox this afternoon and:

1. ...have another very educational, insightful, and interesting conversation with Arianna about TFiOS (but trust me! You don't want to know the topic of said conversation. It was interesting, though. Let's go with that)... 

2. ...see that my billing statement for school has come in and I owe thousands of dollars for next quarter that I don't yet have and will actually never see...

3. ...read the following urgent message from a Miss Prerna Pickett: "Hey, Deserae, I gave you a few awards over at my blog. Stop by and get them!" 

You don't have to tell me twice, people. This is me collecting my bounty. 

But, though I'm not exactly sure WHICH of the awards I was awarded, I'm not going to worry. The idea that I was given some cool Blogger awards always makes me smile and it makes my entire day. The first thing I did when I saw my BritLit buddy, Carissa, was break the news that we wouldn't be living together next year, but THEN I told her, "And I won a Blogger award!" to which she looked at me and asked, "You have a blog?" 

So in honor of Carissa and Prerna and all of the people out there who put the effort into creating Blogger awards such as these, I'm going to participate in the tag! I hope it gives you even more insight into the wonder that is me.

1. What's your favorite book?

I wonder if my answer to this changes every time, but today I'm certain it's A LITTLE PRINCESS by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Correct me if I'm wrong.

2. What inspires your writing?

Fabulous questions such as these and fabulous people who don't know how awesome they really are. In truth, I'm inspired by everything. No lie. And that's probably why I have ten unfinished projects lurking around in drawers and things. Everything is wonderful. Why doesn't anyone believe me when I say these things!

3. Where's your favorite place to write?
I can write anywhere, but I like to write in a place that's either completely solitary or extremely crowded. Places in between don't do well for my creative juices (ooooooohhhhh yeeeeaaaahhhhh...)

4. If you could plan ahead, what would you want your last meal to be?

I don't know! Something DELICIOUS!!!!

5. If you had to participate in one extreme sport, what would it be?

Have you met me? Sports of any kind and I do not bode well. Why you gotta go and add an EXTREME for?!

6. What's your biggest fear?

Dying without having done all I was put on this Earth to do. 

7. Vampire or werewolf?

... Were... pire...? Where's Micheal when you need him?

8. Favorite writing snack?

It's gross, but sunflower seeds. I'm pretty clean with it, but yeah... too much info, huh? Either that or Wheat Thins. The idea is something I can eat A LOT OF without dying a glutton.

9. What's your favorite scary movie?

Again: have you met me?!

10. Why did you start writing?
Because I finished my math drills several minutes before all the other chitlins and was bored. True story.

11. Your favorite day of the year?

Christmas. How I love Christmas. Or the last day of school (sweet Jesus, hallelujah!). 

Big thanks to Prerna for tagging me! It's seriously an honor to be tagged by her because she's got a great group of followers who are very much devoted to the craft, to their writing, and to her so seriously, Prerna: thank you! 

Also, shout out to Maya who has tagged me in a super crazy tag-a-bonanza! I will be answering those questions tomorrow do get ready to know more things you were dying (not to) know about me! Tomorrow some of you will be tagged to do either this tag or the one I do then. So watch out world! It's your turn to shine like the light from the sun!

Lots of love,

Deserae

P.S. My Ticket Home and My Ticket Elsewhere love you, just saying, okay bye!

P.S.S. If I sound crazy here or Elsewhere, it's because I am sick. I don't feel sick but I keep coughing and sneezing so it must be true. Do forgive my crazies. I mean, you're used to them for the most part but JUST IN CASE... 

Commenting on Comments

Sonal- AGH! I knew I butchered it the second I tried to put it to the melody. But I am so glad you had such a wonderful fourteenth. Here is a song I hope you enjoyed on your very special day and continue to play throughout the year. I admit, it's not the most upbeat song in the world but hey! It's got "fourteen candles" in it, and the chorus rings, "And I love you, and I know you love me too," so that's got to count for something, right?

Nicole- I'm glad you, too, share my hatred for that terrible expression! Feel free to use or manipulate any of the other sayings. Because seriously... Lemons? Who thought of that?!

Prerna- Thank you so much! I appreciate you bunches!

You've Been Tagged!

I just got tagged by the wonderful Sonal to complete this questionnaire. So I'm going to, and then I'm going to tag three people, and then tomorrow (or later on tonight), I'll post a more writer-like post because... I like those. Hehe!

1) Do you like to read?
Mm-hmm! I love reading. Writers read, right? Right! So I'm an avid reader. I plan to read at least 10 books during my month off. 


2) Who are your favourite authors?
Lisi Harrison, Louise Rennison, Lemony Snicket, Trenton Lee Stewart, C.S. Lewis, Victoria Schwab, and way too many more to include here. 


3) What phone do you have/do you like it?
An Android something something... I, uh, don't know much about phones. I do know that it works though and that I can call people... so that's cool...


4) Favourite store?
Store, store or bookstore? I'll answer both. Fave store is Target and fave bookstore is Vromans.
 
5) Nickelodeon or Disney Channel?
Disney Channel. I'm always going to be a Disney girl and I have faith that Disney'll get better.


6) Pinkberry or Yoomoo?
I've never been to Yoomoo (nor have I ever heard of it!) so I'm going to go with Pinkberry. But have you ever had Wildberry? YUM!!!


7) Harry Potter or Twilight?
Blink, blink... AVADA KEDAVRA!
 
8) Cookies or cupcakes?
Depends on the cookie.


9) Do you have any allergies?
No, Ma'am. 


10) Do you believe in ghosts?
I believe in everything.


11) What are you wearing right now?
What are you wearing right now?!


12) What was the last song you heard?
"Kiss Me Slowly" -Parachute and Lady Antebellum. LOVE that song! 


13) If you were an animal what would you be?
Okay... are you saying I'm an animal? What kind of a questionnaire is this?! 


14) Have you ever been hang gliding/paragliding?
NO! I'm a big scaredy cat. But now that you mention it... Gosh, that sounds fun. Is Desi allowed to have fun? Fun does not compute @.@.


15) Favourite board game?
The bored game. Okay, that's... that's cheating. Life. I like Life. 


16) Favourite video game?
I am physically incapable of playing video games. I have absolutely no hand-eye coordination. 


17) Have you ever been on a plane?
Yep and I'll be on one a little later this week.
 
18) Do you like sports?
Do you even have to ask?


19) If you had £1000,000 what would you spend it on?
Well, first I'd have to move to Europe so I could spend it at all. And THEN I'd take care of my family and save whatever's left to support me while I write books and wait for them to get sold.


20) Favourite flower?
Is it weird to say I don't have one? I like lillies and orchids and cherry blossoms and roses, but only in pictures. I wouldn't like taking care of them. SO not my thing.


21) Favourite fruit?
Strawberries


22) Can you ride a bike?
Hehe! I should probably just clear this up: DESI DOES NOT PARTICIPATE IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. 


23) Do you believe in aliens?
I believe in everything.


24) Favourite kind of cake? (e.g. coffee, cheesecake, etc)
New York style cheesecake. Please and thank you. 


25) Have you ever been bungee jumping?
O.O Next question.


26) Have you ever completed a Where’s Wally book?
THOSE ARE REAL?!


27) Disneyland or Universal Studios?
Disneyland. I love Disney. 


28) Pirates or ninjas?
But they're both so awesome!!! 


29) Sweet or salty popcorn?
Sweet. Me loves kettle corn.


30) If you could visit any fictional place where would it be?
I write about so many places I'd love to see. So one or all of those. Oh, and Narnia. Let's go; RIGHT now.


And that's it for me! I tag Arianna, Bareha, and Maya. I'll talk to you guys later about the wonderful world of writing! And before I go I'd like to thank you all for your kind words. Believe me. That rejection was the first of many. But I'm determined not to give up on PW. That rejection was perfect in the sense that it was purely about taste. Not a reflection of my work or the story... but it was about the agent and how he wasn't feeling it. That doesn't mean someone else will feel the complete opposite. So Maya, Sonal, and Aria--- I'm holding on. :) 


Love you girls! 

Talk to you soon,
Deserae