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Remember to stay up to date with the world, listen to those facing atrocities and help spread awareness/donate where youโre able to.
When I was in primary school and for several years in secondary school, I loved to write little stories. Not many would be finished, because I am, as George R.R. Martin so cutely terms, a “Gardener”.
I do very little planning and just go where the wind takes me, which is normally how my writing turns to daydreams rather than being tangible words on a page. I get distracted easily and I’m overly critical of myself, which means I don’t ever finish anything, unsurprisingly.
In late October (I mean like on the 29th or 30th) I got it into my head that I should do NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) which is a writing challenge in which your goal is to write 50,000 words in November. I got to 2,752 words… not the best ๐
I do want to keep writing, as it is a hobby I would like to reignite. This gave me an idea to actually try some “Architect” techniques and actually have somewhat of a plan to make one of my story ideas become a novel in a year. Obviously, the one I want to explore is not the one I did for NaNoWriMo lol~
Which is were the challenge comes in!
In this post, I’ll be introducing you to the setting and some of my main characters, along with providing a blurb. And then at the end of every month, I’ll be sharing what I’ve written (or something relevant to my project dependent on if the writing process has gone well or not).
blurb:
Victoria and Rose know little about Ashton, but when their grandmother sends a member of her gang to bring them to the isolated and feared city, this all changes. Rose loves the vibrancy and thrill of the city, but it doesn’t take long for Victoria to become unenamoured with her new surroundings. Unwillingly thrown into gang politics, Victoria also struggles with the erratic nature of her powers that are exacerbated by the violence around her. Her grandmother has methods to help, but the answer could lie with a rival gang and rock the foundations of Ashton.
the setting/context:
Ashborn is an independent city that is gang run. There are three families: the Bray’s, Langdon’s and Anand’s.
The Bray and Langdon’s are rivals, but the Anand’s are neutral. The latter enjoy the arts and run most of the nightclubs, theatres and galleries. The Bray’s and Langdon’s are the more violent factions and run their boroughs with a tighter hand. Members of these families are called Highborn’s.
Highborn families, as well as other aristocratic families outside the city, have some members who have special powers, which concern nature and natural things. It is more likely for a Highborn child in Ashton to develop powers due to the city having a Goddess Spring.
The city has mostly 1930/1940 technological and visual elements. The “outside” world is the same, but the fashion is more lavish. Culturally, a lot of the advances and trends in Ashton become popular outside of it.
characters:
I made the picture profiles on Artbreeder where you can alter pictures. This is definitely not my own art, but it’s something to give me and you a feeling of what the characters look like.
Below I’m going to give some basic info on my main/important characters and I’ve given them each a life motto (you can find them and more on a conscious rethink).
Victoria Bray
Age: 25
Nicknames: Tori, Queenie (Rose), Princess (Dad), Sweetheart/Snow White (William)
Personality: Victoria loves pretty things, dancing and reading. She is patient and prefers to think things through before committing. She doesn’t like to argue, but she can be stubborn. Victoria is mostly quiet, but she knows how to use her voice.
Powers: Has power over shadows which are intertwined with negative emotions and death.
Life Motto: Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely. – Roy T. Bennett
Rose Bray
Age: 28
Nicknames: Rosie, Sunny (Victoria), Peach (Dad), Sugar/Beautiful (Lulu)
Personality: Rose is outgoing and adventurous. She loves meeting new people and the vibrant nightlife. Rose is also stubborn, but unlike her little sister, she loves an argument.
Powers: Gains energy from being in nature/outdoors.
Life Motto: Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it to happen, and take steps to make it happen.
William Langdon
Age: 25
Nicknames: Will, Prince/Little Prince (family), Biscuit (Lulu)
Personality: William is intelligent, but is quick to hold grudges. He’s somewhat judgmental and has a temper. He’s loyal to those he trusts, which are few. William enjoys reading and sweet foods.
Powers: Also has power over the shadows, but his own feelings fuel his strength.
Life Motto: Throw me to the wolves, and Iโll return leading the pack
Sebastian Osei
Age: 27
Nicknames: Seb, Little Seb (Mum/Aunties), Runway (Lulu)
Personality: Sebastian is smart and thoughtful. He’s outgoing, but tends to like quiet surroundings. His role is mostly as a messenger as he likes his clothes too much to get into fights. Sebastian is very loyal and loves his family dearly.
Powers: Has power over the air around him.
Life Motto: Feel the fear and do it anyway
Daphne Bray
Age: 73
Nicknames: Lady Bray, Lady Thorns
Personality: Daphne is not easy to get along with. She’s cold and selfish, but has a softness for her intimate family. Daphne enjoys grandeur of the theatre and hosts many extravagant balls.
Powers: Daphne does not posses any powers as she is a Highborn through marriage.
Life Motto: Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire
Thanks for reading!
I hope you’re having a lovely day and staying safe โฅ