Mystic Monday: In the pursuit of a trope

    Most works of fiction rely on the use of tropes to convey the story to readers. Whether it's a broad theme like "man vs. nature" or a specific characterization like "The Chosen One". These tropes play a crucial role. In my work in progress, Æther, I'm focusing on a few tropes that I'd like to explore.

    Let's start with Accismus, a rhetorical trope where someone pretends to refuse something they actually desire. While commonly found in fictional narratives, this trope can also be applied to real-life situations to add humor, playfulness, or intrigue to interactions. Here are a few examples:

1. Invitations: Instead of simply accepting a party invitation, you could employ Accismus by responding with a playful refusal, such as, "Oh, I don't know if I should go. Parties are usually so much fun, and I wouldn't want to have a great time with awesome people. But okay, I guess I'll make an exception this time!"

2. Compliments: When someone compliments you, you can respond with an Accismus-infused reply to downplay your achievements or appearance. For instance, if someone says, "You look stunning today," you could respond with a lighthearted refusal like, "Oh, stop it! I just happen to accidentally put together a decent outfit from time to time."

3. Gift-giving: If someone offers you a gift, you can show appreciation while employing Accismus. You might say, "Wow, this is amazing! I definitely don't need another snow globe. My house is just overflowing with snow globes, but I suppose I could make room for this one. Thank you so much!"

4. Requests for assistance: When someone asks for your help, you can playfully refuse using Accismus. For example, if a colleague asks for assistance with a project, you could say, "Oh, I'm not sure if I'm the right person for the job. I'm terrible at public speaking! I might accidentally make things worse. But if you're desperate, I'll give it a shot!"

    In my story, this last example serves as the jumping-off point. The main character resides in a town, knowing they have something more to offer the world. They yearn to be asked to venture forth but seek permission to break free. Through acts of refusal, they hope others will help them shed their chains. They search for support in their closest family and allies, seeking the confidence to accept their desires. The desire itself is a crucial aspect of Accismus. The manner of refusal carries significance—whether it's haughty, cocky, humble, lighthearted, or scared. Fear plays a significant role in the main character's denial, leading them to underestimate themselves and their abilities. This theme of wanting to do more while grappling with guilt over potentially abandoning those in need becomes the focal point of the first section of my book. I hope it resonates with readers who have experienced similar emotions and allows them to identify with the character.

    The overarching arc of the first part revolves around leaving home and discovering a shattered world. By emphasizing trepidation and fear in the main character, I aim to create a protagonist who doesn't immediately garner unwavering support from the audience. He will have to earn their affection and loyalty. I believe in the philosophy that readers shouldn't blindly side with a character simply because they are introduced first. Therefore, I plan to introduce this flaw at the beginning of the book, starting the main character with a negative balance. He will have to work hard to climb out of this character hole and earn his way into the readers' hearts.

 I'm excited to delve more in to tropes and character development in this blog and hope that my three pillars are able to keep people entertained and talking! Thanks for stopping in for writing exploration on Mondays!

The call of the sea!

     My inspiration for writing today came from the ocean itself. There's something about the sea that's both awe-inspiring and terrifying, offering the opportunity for adventure and freedom, but at the same time, it's so vast and open that it can be intimidating to find a place to start. The sea has always had a powerful impact on humanity, from inspiring seafarers to explore new lands and embark on epic voyages, to serving as a symbol of the unknown, the uncharted, and the mysterious.

    In many ways, the sea is a metaphor for life itself. Just like the ocean, life can be vast, unpredictable, and at times, overwhelming. But at the same time, it's full of possibilities and opportunities for growth and discovery. It's a reminder that we should never be afraid to set out on our own journey, even if the path ahead seems uncertain or intimidating.

    This theme of adventure and freedom is something that I've been exploring in my writing recently. In fact, it's the basis for the story I want to share with you today. It's a tale of three friends who, like many of us, find themselves at a crossroads in life. They're all facing different challenges and struggles, but they share a common desire for something more, something that can only be found by leaving behind the familiar and setting off into the unknown.

    And so, one day, under the catalyst of their once safe home losing it's protection, they make a decision. They decide to leave everything behind and embark on a journey across the sea. The chance to find a way to bring protection back to their now vulnerable home becomes a fire that is ever growing. At first, the sheer size of the ocean seems to hold them back, but eventually, they find their way, with a rag tag group of fallen mercenaries showing them the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

    As they journey across the sea, they encounter all sorts of challenges and obstacles, from treacherous storms to fierce sea creatures. But they also experience moments of wonder and awe, discovering new lands and cultures, and forming deep bonds with each other and the crew. Hope in the face of hopelessness and discovering why the land they live in is scarred becomes an epic that goes beyond just protecting their home.

    In the end, their journey across the sea represents a triumph of the human spirit. It's a testament to the power of adventure, the freedom to explore, and the courage to face the unknown. And it's a reminder that, just like the ocean, life is full of possibilities and opportunities, waiting for us to take that first step and set off on our own journey of discovery.

The next chapter!

    As I sit down to write this post, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. Yesterday marked the end of one chapter in my life and the beginning of a new one. After spending several years working at a bank, I decided it was time to leave and focus on what really matters to me - my family.

    It's not an easy decision, but it's one that I've been thinking about for a long time. The corporate world can be soul-sucking, and while I enjoyed my time at the bank and learned a lot about finance and corporate structure, the pay didn't match the amount of work I was doing. The cost of Daycare outpaced what I would earn. When that happens it just makes sense to spend the time with the kids instead of time barely making any money away from them. I am excited to spend more time with my kids and give my wife more flexibility with her free time. Being able to support my family and give everyone an amazing life; that's where my decision to become a stay-at-home dad comes in.

    As a father of two young kids, I've always wanted to be more present in their lives. However, with the demands of my job, I was spending nearly 50 hours a week away from home. %0 hours a week not getting to see the kids that I love so much. I would have them for an hour in the morning and barely two in the evening. The thought that most kids with two working parents barely get to see their parents breaks my heart. The care system in the states is broken, and it has really opened my eyes to how difficult it is to truly enjoy our lives when we are so beholden to the massive work week that eats our time. With all that in mind I took the leap and decided to quit my job to become a full-time dad. It's a scary decision, but I know it's the right one for me and my family.

    Of course, there are challenges that come with this decision. There will be days when I miss the structure and routine of a traditional job, or days when the kids are especially challenging. The loss of a set income will be one of the hardest but we plan to offset that with gig work and rideshare services. But I'm ready to face those challenges head-on, knowing that the rewards of being there for my family are well worth it. I also am not taking for granted one second that this is a blessing. Not many people in their 30's have an opportunity for someone to stay predominantly at home.

    My other hope is that this gives me an opportunity to work more on my book. Stealing a moment or two to write while the kids are down will be amazing! I'm beyond excited to finish this project and at some point this year I just might! In this next chapter of my life, I'll be sharing my experiences and insights as a stay-at-home dad. I'll talk about the joys and struggles of raising young children, the lessons I learn along the way, and the ways in which I'm able to continue pursuing my passions while taking care of my family. these learning experiences will help me make more human characters as I meet and talk with other parents and learn more about a side of life that I've never experienced before. It's a lot of fun opportunities to find something fun on the way to the book!

In to the unknown!

    As some one who is trying to be a writer, creating a vivid and engaging setting for your story can be a daunting task. Whether it's a fictional fantasy world or a familiar city street, the setting can make or break a reader's immersion in your story. That's why I've found searching out landscapes online from travel blogs to be an incredibly useful tool for inspiration. Social media algorithms work in such a way that once you start digging into travel and landscapes, you'll see more of it, so let the wormhole begin!

    The internet offers the ability to virtually explore places that you may never have the opportunity to visit in person. Travel blogs, social media, and photography websites offer a plethora of images and descriptions of stunning natural landscapes, bustling city streets, and quaint towns all over the world. Even if you're not planning on traveling, these resources can provide a wealth of inspiration for your writing. It's an inspiring journey to traverse the mountains on one page and then dip into the waters of a beach on the next.

    When trying to plot out the path of my book, I found myself struggling to create a vivid and engaging setting for the story's climax. I knew that I wanted it to take place in a natural landscape, but I wasn't sure what kind of environment would work best. That's when I turned to travel blogs and started browsing images of different landscapes. I was searching high and low for something that would spark a fun idea for a chase scene.

    That's when I came across a breathtaking photo of the Grand Canyon, with its winding river and towering red rock formations. Suddenly, I could picture my characters navigating the treacherous terrain, hiding from their pursuers behind towering rocks, and ultimately making their escape down the winding river. The landscape became a character in its own right, adding depth and complexity to the story. It painted a path to where I want my first book to end. Pairing a chase scene with the finale of a book creates a sense of accomplishment and success, leaving readers triumphant and wanting more.

    Using travel blogs for inspiration provides a variety of different types of landscapes to fit any story or mood. If you're writing a romantic story, you might search for images of beautiful beaches or quaint European towns. If you're writing a horror story, you might search for images of abandoned buildings or creepy forests. The possibilities are endless. For me, it's a lot of oceanside and mountains that are taking me on Nordic and Sicilian voyages!

    Of course, inspiration is not the same as imitation. While you may be inspired by a particular landscape or setting, it's important to make it your own and incorporate it in a way that fits your story. Use the images and descriptions as a jumping-off point, but don't be afraid to put your own spin on things. It'll be what makes your work have its own flavor and style.

    Searching out landscapes online from travel blogs can be an incredibly valuable tool for writers. It can help you create a vivid and engaging setting for your story and provide a wealth of inspiration for your imagination. So the next time you're feeling stuck on your setting, take a virtual trip around the world and see what landscapes inspire you!

The Gloose is loose

    Writers draw inspiration from a variety of sources, and animals have been a popular muse for countless artists, writers, and designers in the fantasy genre. From the beauty of their form to their unique features, animals have given us endless themes to play with. Sometimes, however, they can also lead to the creation of something strange and unusual, like the Gloose - a fantasy creature that is a cross between a goose and lizard.

    At first, the Gloose may seem like an unlikely combination. However, both geese and lizards have interesting traits that could make for an intriguing fantasy creature. Geese are known for being noisy, territorial, and sometimes aggressive. They are also intelligent and social animals, forming strong bonds with their mates and flock mates.

    On the other hand, lizards are known for their scaly skin, their ability to blend into their environment, and their unique movements. They can also have a fascinating range of colors and patterns, from bright greens and blues to earthy browns and grays.

    What would a creature that combines these traits look like? Perhaps it would have the annoying honking of a goose, but with the added ability to camouflage itself like a chameleon. Maybe it would have scaly skin, two arms instead of wings, and a long, sinuous tail for balance and agility. And imagine if it had the intelligence of a goose, but with the added ability to problem-solve and adapt like a lizard.

    The Gloose can teach us many things. We can be inspired by its unique features and the way it has adapted to its environment. Like the Gloose, we can learn to be resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges. We can also embrace our individuality, no matter how strange or unconventional it may seem. But mostly, we will learn about how obnoxious a goose can be if you give it arms and make it much, much faster.

    Regardless of how you interpret it, the Gloose is an excellent example of how animals can inspire us to think outside the box and push our creativity to new heights. Many writers create their own creatures by taking real-world animals and tweaking them a bit. How would this thing work in a tropical setting? What if this mammal had wings? What if I mixed the annoying birds on my lawn with the geckos that are always around? You never really know when inspiration will hit, so the next time you're stuck in a creative rut, take a look at the world around you and see what interesting creatures you can find - who knows what kind of inspiration they might spark!

The night is full of possibilities!

 Have you ever experienced that eerie feeling when you're alone in the dark? The quiet of the night can be unsettling, and it's not just your imagination playing tricks on you. As human beings, we are wired to be alert in the face of danger, and the darkness only heightens our sense of vulnerability.

    There's something about the nighttime that can be spooky. The lack of sound and movement can make even the bravest of us feel uneasy. When you're alone, the silence can be deafening, and it's easy for your mind to start playing tricks on you. Every creak and groan of the house can seem like a sinister presence lurking in the shadows.

    I remember one time when I was rocking my baby in the early hours of the morning. It was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. The stillness was so palpable that it felt like it was suffocating me. I couldn't help but think that something was about to jump out from the shadows and attack us. My skin was covered in goosebumps, and I had to remind myself that there was nothing to fear.

    This sense of suspense is what makes the nighttime so intriguing. It's a time when anything can happen, and our imaginations can run wild. It's why horror movies are often set in the dark, with characters stumbling around in the shadows, trying to evade some unknown menace.

    But it's not just in movies where the nighttime can be spooky. In real life, there have been countless tales of ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena that happen during the wee hours of the night. Some people believe that this is when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, and it's easier for spirits to make their presence known. Personally I don't believe, but that many tales do make you wonder.

    Of course, not everyone finds the nighttime scary. Some people find it peaceful and calming, a time for reflection and relaxation. But for those of us who get spooked by the silence and the shadows, there's no denying the thrill of the unknown. It's a reminder that even in our modern, well-lit world, there's still a bit of mystery and magic left to be discovered.

So the next time you find yourself alone in the dark, embrace the spookiness. Let your imagination run wild and enjoy the thrill of the unknown. And if you start to feel a little uneasy, just remember that there's nothing to fear but your own mind playing tricks on you.