Life Lately // A Q+A IS COMING

the lake - camping in June

 GUYS. *waves* I have some big news. And an update. Shall we start with the news? *nods* Good idea.

I have a friend coming to visit next month. YES, SERIOUSLY. Mikayla, from Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father, is coming to visit me, all the way from sunny Texas to evergreen-loaded Washington. AND, since we both have blogs (and also because we've been wanting to do this for a while), we're going to do a Q&A together when she comes! SO, DROP US SOME QUESTIONS. However many you want, about whatever you want! We'll answer them all! (Really, we will.)

And life! Wow - life's been busy lately. And I did something c.r.a.z.y. last week (which I shall tell you about in a moment). I'm actually still finishing up some school *laughs* AND have barely been reading? There are so many books on currently-reading shelf right now! (Okay, so technically it's only four, because two of them I'm not "currently" reading, I just haven't finished them yet. O.O) 

Other things I've been doing? We went rock climbing the other day. Birthday shopping (my birthday, my older bro's, and my older sister's are all in the SAME week *phew*). Possibly going to see the Emoji Movie (I know it looks stupid, but it also looks funny XD). Going to see Cars 3 on July 4th. (GO WATCH IT. I like Cars so much, haha)

AND I GOT A URL FOR MY NEW BLOG. But I've done nothing with it yet so *wide eyes* it's not being shared yet.... XD

What I'm reading:

So, as some of you may know, I created a reading challenge for this year - and I'm slowly working through it. HERE ARE SOME BOOKS I'M USING:

Resistance by Jaye L. Knight - This is GOOD. So far, I like it. I see soooo much improvement in Miss Knight's writing from some of her earlier works, and this whole novel - the characters, the set-up, the writing style - is well-done. *thumbs up* (I actually haven't finished it yet but I asked for the sequel for my up-coming birthday, haha) - a book over 400 pages

War on the Waters by James M. McPherson - CHALLENGE MATERIAL - a history book. This book is really interesting (I'm a Civil War enthusiast), and there's so much good info! It's really cool to be reading and come across events that I know about - briefly - and then it goes into so much depth.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson - UM, this one is...interesting. I'm not sure about it, to be honest. Right now, it feels like a three star (maybe). I'm reading it aloud to my siblings, WHICH IS COOL. Also, I'm using it for the challenge - a book in my favorite genre.

The Bates Method for Better Eyesight Without Glasses by Dr. William Bates - YES, I am reading a scientific-y book. It's actually sort of interesting, because I like learning. Honestly, some of the info is slightly mind-blowing. 

it was gorgeous

The crazy thing I did last week:

My little brother likes playing football. Naturally, I play with him. We were at the orthodontist last month, and the lovely lady working on my braces got talking with my mom. And she told my mom that her son does flag-football with a church. And my little bro has been wanting to do football for a while now. So we checked it out. And decided to do it. 

AND SO EVALUATION DAY came around, and Jeremiah did fantastically (he can throw better than me now XD). On the drive home, I said something about playing football (because it's co-ed and also because I wouldn't want to do cheerleading ha), and my mom looked in the rear view mirror with the face of "do you want to do it?" I very vehemently said NOPE. (I was scared, guys, k.) But then we dropped the siblings off so we could pick up a birthday present, and we got to talking. And I admitted that if I wasn't so scared, I would want to do the evaluations. Because this could be my only chance to play the only sport I ever really wanted to play. And so my mom drove back to the church, went inside to talk to someone, and came out with an amazing gal who totally convinced me to try it. So I evaluated.

And ya know what, guys? I've decided to do it. I'm actually going to do flag-football. It took a lot of worry. And thought. And debating and talking and asking opinions. And thinking about my own opinion. On evaluation day, I was totally like "YES I'm playing" - but then a day passed, and then two, and it started to seem intimidating and scary all over again. But when I pushed past that I realized I wanted to do it, because hey, why not? This could be a lot of fun. 

Practice starts next month. *laughs nervously* BUT I'M DOING IT and I'm actually kind of excited now?! #weshallsee 

SO YEAH. CRAZY AND SUDDEN, I KNOW. Because I'd had no inkling weeks before, or days before, or even ON evaluation day that I'd be trying out. But then I felt like if I didn't do it, I'd regret it. 

ALSO, going camping again for my sister's birthday. Which is fantastic. Funny, cuz we got the same lot we had in June. XD #itwasnice

I'LL BE SEVENTEEN ON THURSDAY. *ahem* Yep. 

What I've been writing:

When NaNo rolled around, I was all in to write my WIP Chosen - a Christian, futuristic, dystopian mash-up (the idea for it came very randomly and I started it very suddenly). Plans changed, however - when I started Camp and did not like the words I was writing. It was frustrating - THANKFULLY, I had a backup. It's a "short story" I've titled Raindrops. I've been writing that the past few weeks- and it's going really well, methinks. I'm excited to finish it! (by the end of July) It was going to be a short story, but now it's a *cough* novelette. 

{ a basic summary }  

"A girl, a guy, a broken down Jeep, a rescue (attempt), a coffee shop, and...rain."

Raindrops was inspired by a Pinterest photo - which has never happened to me before. XD I saw the picture, and the beginnings of an idea took root. HERE I AM NOW. It's been fun to write, with the characters coming to life, humor seeping in effortlessly, and the idea of an epilogue of sorts - not too long ago, I was considering turning this into a full-blown novel, but it was only ever meant to be a short story - ya know what I mean? THEN the idea of an epilogue popped up, giving me the opportunity to take the story the way I wanted and tie up the potential loose ends. 

{ snippet }

 “Oh!” The guy’s voice was laughing. “Um...sorry.” The smirk on his face told her he was anything but.

“Sure,” she mumbled, half-laughing as she glanced around the interior of the Jeep. It was old. Really old. Maybe 90s? But she could tell he took good care of it. That didn’t stop her from asking… “Does it run?”

His eyes widened, and she thought she heard him suck in a breath. An awkward second scraped by. Then he grinned. “That’s the beauty of this old gal. It’s always a mystery to see if she’ll start or not.”

Sarah laughed, but when Joshua still started at her, she realized maybe he wasn’t joking. Now her eyes widened. “Wait...what? Is that…? Are you…?”

“Serious?” He finished for her. “Uh...well…” Joshua coughed, facing forward. “Sorta a bad joke, but…”

AND THAT IS ALL. 

What does your currently-reading shelf look like? Last crazy thing you did that took guts? What is your Camp NaNo project? AND DON'T BE SHY - ask all the questions you want for the Q&A!

Would You Rather (Book Tag Edition)

I found this tag sitting on my Blogger dashboard a long time ago from Plottinger Twist. I wasn't tagged, but I thought it looked fun, and I thought I should do it, and I can tag others and spread this around... So here I am, doin' it (regardless of being tag-less).

#1 Would you rather read only trilogies or stand-alones?

Oh... Stand-alones wrap up nicely, but trilogies give you more of a story for the adored characters. So, if the characters are fantastic and the plots are good, I'm going to go with trilogies. (I like series, actually, quite a bit.) 

#2 Would you rather read only male or female authors?

Can I just say both? Male and female authors bring different things to their stories, and both are amazing. I just would't want to live without either. (Especially Joanne Bischof. Or Ted Dekker. They. Are. Fantastic.)


#3 Would you rather shop at Barnes and Noble or Amazon?

Barnes and Noble, hands down. (I mean, I've got their membership... So COUPONS + FREE SHIPPING = BOOK LOVERS DREAM.) Besides, Barnes and Noble has physical stores! And cafes! Though the coffee is usually bad... But, on the upside, they have some pretty good blueberry muffins.


#4 Would you rather have books become T.V. shows or movies?

Movies, generally. But shows would be good too... (One chapter = one episode) It probably depends on the book.


#5 Would you rather read five pages a day or five books a week?

Five books a week - because five pages a day would be reader-misery, especially if the book was gripping. But I couldn't read five books a week for an extended period of time! No, siree. #bookcoma


#6 Would you rather be a professional reviewer or an author?

Author. No question about it. I want to write my own stories!


#7 Would you rather read your top 20 favorite books over and over again, or always read new ones you've never read before?

I choose new books. I really enjoy rereads of favorite books (I actually have reread Brothers at Arms six times now. Um. Yeah. *cough*), but new books bring a fresh excitement!


#8 Would you rather be a librarian or a bookseller?

Bookseller, definitely. Totally. And own my own bookstore? Yes, please. With a cafe (that has good coffee). <3


#9 Would you rather read only your favorite genre(s) or anything but your favorite? 

It would be my favorite genre (or genres) for a reason, so I'd rather read only my favorites. ;)

 
#10 Would you rather read only physical books or e-books?

 

Physical books all the way. Now, don't get me wrong, I own a Nook, but e-books don't have the special something that physical books do. Turning pages, finding space for them on your bookshelves, having a huge library one day... All those things would never happen with my poor Nook. (Though the Nook is great, because it slips soooo easily into my purse for road trips. Oh, and the edges don't turn up...or down? That's the only downside about physical books - that they can get worn or damaged. And the room they take up...if you have no room left. Which is me currently. :O)

 
That was fun. Because I like talking about books! It's just so enjoyable, for some reason. Ya know?

I am officially tagging: Michaila from Mic's Room, Mikayla from The Bubblegum Ballerina, Sarah from Trusting in the Lord, Julia from The Barefoot Gal, and Abigayle from The Left-Handed Typist. Enjoy, guys! And if anybody else thinks this looks like fun: go for it.

(Totally just reminded myself of that Sidewalk Prophet's song...)

What is your favorite thing about reading? Have YOU ever had a super-crumbly blueberry muffin from Barnes and Noble's cafe? ;)

WIP Snippet (Two Year Anniversary #2)

I mentioned in my anniversary-announcement post that I'd be sharing a snippet from my book. Here it is!

The name of my mysterious WIP (short for work-in-progress)? So far I'm calling it Trapped on the Islands of Panama, or Trapped for short.  

(And, actually, in a matter of days I'll be doing my first ever Camp NaNoWriMo! This novel is what I'll be working on. My word count goal? 12,000 words. It's not too much, but it's a start!)

I feel like the heroine is kinda seeming like me. I guess that's okay. I mean, we are suppose to infuse pieces of ourselves into our characters, right? Makes 'em more realistic. But her and I seem to be similar - just a bit, at least. The hair color, the eye color, the interests... Maybe it's just me. I don't know. If she seems like me, tell me so in the comment section. ;) (Though I'm not sure you can get a feel for her completely from this rather *cough* long snippet, but...) Either way, though, I think I am going to try to make a conscious effort to make her unique. (ahem. Not so much like me, if you get my drift. ;))

The set up? Madeline Williams, sixteen-years-old, lives in Civil War America. It's 1861 and the war is on the horizon (See? I guess I kinda do like the word horizon.). Her brother, Theodore, has been conscripted into the Confederate army, and she's being sent to her cousin's in England for the duration of the war. This is her, well, getting embarrassed on the days she's leaving. Happens to all of us sometimes, eh? ;) Also, just to let you know, some things in this aren't necessarily concrete for my novel. So, if you ever getta read the finished product, you've been forewarned.

I hope you enjoy. <3

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           I stood on the dock, my insides quivering. Here I was, about to take a weeks-long journey aboard an old-looking ship with an uncle I’d barely met once, and all I could think about was that I desperately wished I was staying home, was home, sitting atop my chestnut mare with Teddy by my side on his stallion.

          My eyes drifted to the deck of the ship I knew was my uncle’s, sailors running about, putting things in place for the voyage. The Atlantica was painted on her side. I tried to imagine my room within her bowels, what it would be like to sail on her for days on end. I couldn’t. I’d never sailed before, and, quite honestly, was nervous about doing so now. 

          But there was also a bit of excitement stirring within me that I couldn't place my finger on. Maybe it was the idea of wide open seas and the wind billowing the sail. Maybe it was the idea of something new and possibly... 

          My eyebrows pinched. What if I was prone to seasickness? What if I never developed ‘sea legs’, as I’d heard them called? I shook my head decidedly. It sounded ridiculous, that term seamen used. 
         
         My gaze fell to the water The Atlantica was anchored in. It looked filmy and green. I scrunched my nose and scanned the horizon. No dark clouds rested there. Only blue skies and a shining sun.
          
          I looked over my shoulder. Where was Tucker? Shouldn’t he have been here by now? I reassured myself with a shake of the head and the thought that he’d be along shortly, surely. I let my attention drift back towards the skyline.

         I heard the rolling of wheels on wood and suspected it was a cart laden with stores for the hold of an out-bound ship. Before I could turn to see, it had rammed into my back and I flew into the water, arms flailing and a scream erupting from my throat. Into the water I had thought so green and dirty just seconds before.

         I struggled when my legs caught in my skirts, clawing my way to the surface using my arms. I gasped in air and tried to open my eyes. Something solid grasped my arm and hauled me towards the dock. At least, I presumed it was towards the dock.

          I was on the wood in moments. But I couldn’t see. My face felt wet and slimy. I pulled stringy, green seaweed from my eyes. My stomach churned. That is disgusting, I thought.

          I must’ve said it out loud, because a laugh resonated from my rescuer.

          Turning, I saw a young man that looked no older than eighteen. He had golden brown hair and ocean blue eyes.

          I choked.

         “Um, hello, Miss…Williams, is it?”

          I managed to smile. Barely. “That’s me." 

         He nodded and helped me to my feet.

         “Thank you, Mr….um…”

         “Carter. Wynn Carter, Miss Williams.”

         This was Andrew Carter’s adventurous younger brother who couldn’t attend the New Year’s Eve ball at the Anderson’s? And I would be forced to see him every day of the coming voyage? After this meeting? I would never live this down.

        “You’re Wynn?” I said. 

        A slightly confused, almost guarded look overtook the young man’s face. “I am. Why?”

       “I’ve just…I met your brother. At a ball. He mentioned you would be here. On the ship, I mean.” I closed my eyes briefly and mentally kicked myself. Of all the times…

       Water trickled down my back from my hair and I shivered. Why was nothing going right these days?

        “You’ve met Andrew?”

        Oh, right, Wynn Carter.

        “I have.”

        “What ball?”

        “The Andersons'."

        Wynn snapped his fingers. “I remember. I was busy that night. Couldn’t attend.”

        I nodded. 

       Wynn glanced at my hair, a small grin dimpling his cheeks. But he just as quickly looked away, back down to my eyes.

       Self-consciousness clawed at me. I desperately wanted to make some escape…

       “How was Andy at the dance, Miss Williams?”

       A gusty wind blew over me and goosebumps rose on my skin. “Andrew was well.” I cleared my throat, tried again. “I mean, Andrew…he’s a wonderful dancer.

       “So he actually danced?”

        I laughed at the surprise on Wynn's face. It was a nice feeling, laughter, after having felt so solemn the past few weeks. Months, even. “Yes, he did.”

       Wynn grinned at me.  “I would’ve made him if I’d been there anyway. Found him a partner and everything.”

       “He said much of the same sort of thing. I have to tell you, though, that he only ever danced once, with me.”

       “He did?” Wynn shook his head, almost gravely. “Well, it’s a start at least. I’ve been trying to get him to dance. Never know when you might need to.”

       Wynn’s attention was captured by something behind me. He nodded that way. “Your uncle’s coming.”

       “Oh." I whipped around, saw my uncle threading through rough looking sailors and loaded carts and dashing servants. I turned quickly back to Wynn. "Thank you again, Mr. Carter, for helping me.”

        "It was no problem. Least I could do."

        Right. I nodded, attention grabbed by movement in my peripheral. I turned.

        Uncle Terry came to a halt in front of me, all six feet two inches of him, eyes roving from my dripping hem to my matted hair. His eyes remained on my drooping bun. 

        “Hello, Uncle,” I said, smiling awkwardly, secretly hoping there was no chance of seaweed in my teeth, though it was unlikely. Probably. Probably unlikely.

        But then my uncle did the most unexpected thing. He smiled broadly, laughed, even, and hugged me, wet clothes and all.

        After a few startled seconds, I wrapped my arms around his waist and propped my chin atop his shoulder.

       “Hello, Maddie, my girl.” He squeezed me gently and then drew away.

       “My appearance is…well, it’s…explainable…” I said, looking down at my slimy garments.

       Uncle Terry laughed again, and I joined in. A little. “You are a sight. What in the world happened to you?” His eyes shifted to Wynn, still standing behind me. “You’ve met my niece, Wynn?”

       I glanced back at Wynn, and a huge grin overspread his features. He winked at me. “I have, Captain. Pulled her from the water a few minutes ago. She was knocked in by a mad servant with a cart-load of bags. The brute didn’t even look back when she screamed.”

      “Well, Maddie, that’s unfortunate. Are you hurt?”

      “I believe I’m fine, Uncle. Just wet. And a little embarrassed, is all.” I frowned at Wynn’s ever-broadening smile. Apparently he found it humorous. I probably would too, had I not been the one getting the soaking.

      “Well, Captain, by your leave, I think I’ll check on the preparations for setting sail.”

      “’Course, Wynn. Make sure everyone’s aboard. Madeline and I will be along shortly.”

      Wynn bowed. A quick glance at my hair and he was gone. 

      Oh, no. There was something in my hair, wasn’t there?

      “You’ve some seaweed in your...” Uncle Terry said this solemnly, eyes directed at my hair. “I’ll remove it for you.”

      He pulled out a green mess, dropping it back in the water, and I cringed. “Thank you, Uncle." I smiled sarcastically. "I should probably be more careful when standing on the edge of a dock.”

      Uncle’s eyes twinkled. “Probably,” he said. He nodded in the direction of his ship. “Let’s get going, shall we?”

      “Of course.”

       Uncle Terry offered me his arm and I gently took it. Something about him was warm…kind. Like he’d seen a lot and been through much but come out a different, better person. He seemed someone I could warm to being around every day. I felt myself liking him already, having barely been around him.

       Sure, there was the time a few years back when he’d come to visit us at the plantation. But he was so subdued then… So broken. I could see it in his eyes, even when he was attempting to be happy. In some weird way, I thought I understood. But I couldn’t have. Losing your wife… That was a hard thing to have to go through.

       Uncle’s voice dislodged my thoughts. “How is everyone back home?” he asked. 

       Home. I sighed, but determined to be as cheerful sounding as I could. “Everyone is as well as can be expected, I think. Mama and Father are determined and holding up. Theodore… Well, he writes as often as he can, and says he’s in good spirits. He said that army life is much different than expected, and that he’s been posted in the division one of our cousins is in.”

       I breathed a prayer for the boys. I couldn’t imagine losing Lee and Teddy. Not now. Not ever.

       Uncle Terry seemed to understand. Clearly there would be no need for sugar-coating with him. “That’s good, Maddie. And…you? How are you doing these days?”

        I looked down, smiled briefly. “I am doing okay. Just okay, though.”

        Uncle Terry was smiling at me, very gently. “I wouldn’t expect anything more.”

Copyright Micaiah K. 2016

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I hope you enjoyed the peek inside my book! If you want to get a bit more 'insider news', so to speak, I'd be glad if you followed my Pinterest board dedicated to Trapped!

What do you think of the characters? Who's your favorite so far?

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