Ten Musicals I've Never Seen In My Life (But Still Love The Music Of!)

Hallo! Today, I decided to try something 'new', and be random. ;) You see, I am huge on the performing arts. I love music. I love opera, I love ballet, and I love Shakespeare, but probably most of all, I love musical theater repertoire. I was going in my head through all the musicals I liked earlier, just to count, and I realized a good number of them I loved, I had never seen performed in my life. Hmm... Could there be something behind this? Who knows? But, I suppose I'll list this marvelous bunch of theatre musicals which I have never witnessed, but still obsess over.

Fiddler On The Roof
So, I am still not quite sure how I've never seen either movie or production of this thing up to now. My mom is totally obsessed with it, and has seen it both professionally performed and seen the movie of it. She even had a t-shirt of it when she was in high-school. So, why haven't I seen it? *shrugs* You tell me. But, I love the music so much! I like the song "Tradition", and am constantly getting "Sunrise, Sunset" stuck in my head. Not to mention, I have listened to/tried to sing "If I Were A Rich Man" countless times. I love the idea of Tevye's (is that how you spell it?) character, and the plot sounds good. And yet, I've never seen it. Oh well... A friend of mine will be in a play of it in the summer, so hopefully I will finally see it then.

Singing In The Rain

Ach, I wanna see this one soooooooo badly!!! Especially now that I'm beginning to love Gene Kelly movies. He's just so little-boyish and cute, and it's just adorable to see him make that little grin like a kid being taken to the playground. And then I am quite a fan of the songs "Good Morning", and "Make 'Em Laugh", and quite an immense fan at that. And then, the only scenes I've ever seen of it, for the most part, I loved. I love the actual "Singing In The Rain" scene so much, and the whole thing is so cute I might just have to take a few pointers from it for my Romantic Comedy, The Top-Hat Gang. In fact, I might have to invent a time machine to go back in time and grab Gene Kelly to be in the movie production of The Top-Hat Gang, if it ever happens. :) Next time I'm at the library, I'm definitely planning on taking home this one.

 Jersey Boys

Okay, so there's actually a reason with this one why I don't see it. There are certain aspects about the plot that may or may not be a bit off. I couldn't be sure, so I left it alone aside form the music. However, the music is mostly just redos of the original Four Seasons music, so I absolutely loved it! So, even though I won't watch until I can be sure about the plot, I will continue to listen over and over to "Sherry" and "Walk Like A Man".

South Pacific



This is another case of choosing not to see it as of yet. Because, unlike the simple uncertainty of Jersey Boys, I actually know for a fact that there are some rather distasteful things concerning the background plot of this story. Not the best Rodgers and Hammerstein there is. However, while I may wait a while to watch it, I am completely happy at the moment listening to my two favorite songs from it - "Some Enchanted Evening", and "Younger Than Springtime".

Newsies

Okay, this one is kind-of a cheat. I saw the movie version (which I loved!), but I have never seen the Broadway version. In fact, I've never seen it performed at all. Just the movie (which was still brilliant!). I have rare seen a movie with so many frustratingly catchy songs in it. For the movie version, there was "High Time, Hard Times", "King Of New York", and "Seize The Day". For the Broadway or movie, there was "Santa Fe", "The World Will Know", and "Carrying The Banner". For specifically the Broadway, there was "Something To Believe In" and "For Once And For All". It was sooooo awesome! Some friends went to go and see it premiere with the Broadway traveling cast, and they loved it... I want to see it so bad! :D Oh well... Back to listening to "The World Will Know" (my personal favorite from it) for the twentieth time...

Carousel

This was one I had the chance to see, but didn't because I knew it was depressing. I already knew the way the plot went, and was utterly depressed just thinking about watching it. I might muster up the courage to watch it someday, but until that day, I guess I will have to 'walk alone'. ;) My favorite songs from this one are "You'll Never Walk Alone", and "If I Loved You" (which is a duet, most beautifully sung in the cover by Josh Groban and Audra McDonald, btw. I almost liked that duet as much as "Anything You Can Do" from Annie Get Your Gun. Almost, that is). ;)

Les Miserables

Yes, I know. Marius and Eponine. Unfortunately it was the only really, truly good, picture I could find of my favorite cast.

This is probably the biggest one of all. I seriously obsess over the music in this one, but have never seen one second of movie or performance. I read the book, but, while it was very good to a certain extent, I personally found it very frustrating (so would anyone who loves Jean Valjean and reads it!). Besides the fact that Marius isn't as cool in the books. Okay, my thing about the not having seen even a second of it isn't totally true. I know some of the scenes in which the songs are, and have seen the actual full scenes of "Do You Hear The People Sing", and "A Heart Full Of Love", and various clips of my favorite cast, the one with Lea Salonga and Michael Ball in it. I love soooooo many songs from this! I like "Look Down" when it's done right, I love "The Trial", and the "Epilogue", I like "Stars", I absolutely love "Empty Chairs At Empty Tables", and I like "One Day More". However, my favorite song above all of them is also the one that I cannot stand any of the casts singing anymore. My favorite song in Les Mis is "Bring Him Home", one of the most beautiful, meaningful songs that was ever put into theatre, in my own opinion. However, like I said, I can't stand any Jean Valjean singing it anymore. Why? Because of this. A link to David Miller singing "Bring Him Home". David Miller, the American tenor member of Il Divo sang it so angelically, I felt as though it was really an angel in his form. I do warn you about listening to it, though. If you do, there will never be another version of "Bring Him Home". Never was anybody so God-blessed in skill and beauty of voice as was David Miller. And he definitely raises that gift back up when he sings this song. So beautiful...

Kiss Me Kate

I actually don't even know a whole lot of the numerous songs from this one. I have only heard  select few, but I loved each one of them. I have heard "Wunderbar" and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" most prominently among them. The first one was a brilliant, operatic duet between the singing couple of all musicals, Katherine Grayson (an insane soprano) and Howard Keel (remember Seven Brides For Seven Brothers?). "Wunderbar" was a splendiferous, German-cultured duet (I say German-cultured because it was very German-sounding, but it was actually sung in English except for the word "Wunderbar"). As for the second song.... *laughs* Well, I have rare heard such an amusing song that had to do with Shakespeare. Most of the Shakespeare I have had experience with was more to the dramatic and sad side, so I laughed and laughed when I heard this surprisingly amusing song. While I have never seen this show, I do hope to hear "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" again sometime soon. Not to mention the deliciously hilarious-sounding plot (which does not consist of any love triangles - don't be fooled by the above picture!), that plot being partially based off of "The Taming Of The Shrew". Maybe, just so I can see it and understand the play the characters in it are putting on  (which is The Taming Of The Shrew itself), I'll brush up my Shakespeare. ;)

Camelot

Oh, I love the music from this! I even have the original cast soundtrack to prove my obsession. :D Especially "Camelot" and "If Ever I Would Leave You". Although, I also love the hilarity of "You May Take Me To The Fair", "What Do The Simple Folk Do?", and "I Wonder What The King Is Doing Tonight". And "How To Handle A Woman" is also funny after a fashion, but very sad if you think of it in the light of the story. "C'est Moi" is pure frustrating laughter if you think of who the person singing it is (that being the arrogant and very flawed Lancelot himself). My only regret for never having seen this one, and not trying to, is that I can never see the only cast I would have ever wanted to see. I can never see Richard Burton as King Arthur, or Robert Goulet as the despicable but amazing-voiced Lancelot. I even somewhat regret never seeing Roddy McDowall (Mr. Creeps himself!) as Sir Mordred. I shall, however, never stop singing "Camelot" about the house, or being sad of the ending of that play which I've never seen.

Phantom Of The Opera

I never saw this because I have heard some rather unsavory things about scenes in the movie. And some rather disturbing things about the terrible quality of the singers in it. And obviously I don't see the Broadway traveling cast of it come my way every single day, so I have not yet had the chance to see it. But, I love songs "The Phantom Of The Opera", "Think Of Me", and "All I ask Of You" from it. And while I don't particularly like the lyrics to any of them, "Prima Donna", "Music Of The Night", and "Masquerade" get seriously stuck in my head. (Psst! The best version of "The Phantom Of The Opera" is by Sarah Brightman and Antonio Banderas!) I liked the story well enough when I read the book, but it was a little weird. And I am rather ashamed to say that, putting aside his rather edgy morals, which I decidedly do NOT support, I was always on the Phantom's side... :P I do not like Raoul! I guess that wraps it up. It's uncanny how many musicals I like that I have never even seen. I really want to see some of them. Then there are some others that are better left alone for the moment, at least. But, whether I am ever going to see them, or whether I plan on steering clear, I'll keep on listening to the beautiful music of these ten musicals.



What say you on the matter? Have you seen any of these? Do you like the music? Are you sighing over the fact that some of the best casts in these are no longer performing? Perhaps are you agreeing on my resolutions to watch some and not watch others? Maybe one of these is a beloved musical to you? Maybe you could give me recommendation for one...? Is any other blogger having these formatting problems with the spacing on posts?!

Movie Review: Captain America (The First Avenger)

Well, I said I'd start doing movie reviews, didn't I? ;) Well, here I am with one! And I did say I was going to try and keep it to better known ones, so I decided to start with a Marvel movie (which btw, is possibly the best one, and every Marvel person should see it). *to self* Shush! Don't give an opinion before you've even started the review! *clears throat innocently* Ahem. Anyways, I am reviewing Captain America: The First Avenger, the first Marvel movie I ever saw (I was going to just review Civil War, but I figured it would be best to review all of them in their proper order). I know most people here will have probably already seen it, but there must be at least one or two people who haven't and may be looking to, so I'll still go on. :) And for anyone who is at all looking to watch any Marvel movie, whether they mean to watch them all eventually, or just watch one, this is the one. For anyone at all wanting to see Marvel at its best, most touching, and most innocent age, see this movie.

Who were the characters? How were their relations in the plot?
First and foremost, there was Steve Rogers. A skinny kid from Brooklyn trying to enlist in the army to help in the war. While WWII raged, he was always seeing people everywhere give up their family, possessions, and lives to help. He didn't want to do any less. The only problem was that he was not altogether too healthy. He was a skinny, far too often ill guy, and every time he tried to get into the military one way or another, he got pushed out. No matter how many times he re-submitted his name, he just wasn't allowed to fight, and it was a cross for him.

Okay... I'm just realizing how long I was ranting about Steve... Uh, don't get the wrong impression... There were other characters too! :P There was Bucky Barnes. Steve's amazing, popular best friend. Bucky was the best, most back-you-up-when-it's-really-hard kinda friend there ever was. He was pretty handsome, and fairly strong, though, so it was another reminder to Steve of his own helplessness when Bucky was allowed to enlist in the army. Then there was Howard Stark. *sighs and shakes head smilingly* While I have never been a fan of his son,Tony Stark, also known as the Iron Man, Howard Stark was a lovable character. He was the plum-craziest, try-anything guy in the whole movie. He was very intelligent, and not remarkably and inconceivably childish and arrogant like his son. (so, am I reviewing the characters of Captain America, or of Avengers...?) The other character were Peggy Carter, an amazingly strong character (and not the typical, overhyped strong female character, but truly strong). She was one of the many bright spots in the movie to be sure. And also one of the reasons the ending is so sad... :( Ahem. Anyways, avoiding spoilers, there was also a general-guy whom I can never get the name of for the life of me. Very sarcastic, straight-to-the-point fellow. Frustrating at time, but mostly likeable. There's the cool German doctor Steve meets, whom I won't say much about on risk of spoilers. There was also Steve's amazing team later on, but I don't remember any of their names, really, and they weren't in it as much as the previously mentioned, so I'll leave it to a better reviewer with a better memory. :P Then there were the villains. Actually very formidable villains at that. Dr. Zola and the Red Skull. Nazi villains in movies are usually the most formidable, but the Red Skull even went above that standard. He was quite amazing at recovering from losses...in fact, uncannily so.

How was the plot?
The plot was absolutely amazing! Stupendous. And it revolved around Steve, a bit of super-soldier serum, and a war that needed won. Brilliant, huh? I'll elaborate a bit more, I suppose. ;) So, like I said before, Steve Rogers is this scrawny kid who wants to give his life to his country and the world's needs. So he tries to get again. And tries again. And tries again... Until, one time, before he tries, he and Bucky are having this conversation concerning how much Steve wants to help save lives by fighting in this war, and someone heard it. Not just anyone, either. A secret project military doctor who values heart and virtue in a soldier hears him. He gets chosen for a secret project, given the only existing super-soldier serum, a physically enhancing formula, so he can help win the war, and it all goes up from there. For fear of spoilers, I shan't say much more on that subject. ;)
Romance?
The romance was soooooooooo sweet and cute! And sad... :( But, the romance in it was amazingly clean. Especially for a modern movie. Really, the most that happened in it was when Howard Stark's show was shown, and he leaned over and kissed one of his chorus girls. But that was a very small moment, merely for the illustration of Mr. Stark's character, and it neither lasted long, nor was much elaborated on. Steve's romance was the best. Especially how he almost got jealous (not quite, because Steve is too good to get really jealous) of Howard. It was so funny. Especially when him and Howard became practically best friends (after Bucky, of course!). It was so funny how they would both puzzle over the ways of Steve's girl. And Steve was always waiting for someone. It was kind-of the thing for the romance in this movie. He was wanting to dance. Who was he waiting for? The right partner. And she came along. Unfortunately, well... I won't say any more there either.

Comedy?
The comic relief was, well, relieving when you think of the other Marvel movies. Marvel is notorious for very strained comic relief in movies, but this movie did not have it. The comedy was, for the most part, clean, clever, and even romantic at times. It was very fitting, and never put in a strained spot where it didn't belong. Sometimes it was cracks about Steve's height or build pre-serum. Sometimes it was cracks about how much bigger he was post-serum. Sometimes it was cracks about him in comparison to the villain, and sometimes it was just him and Howard being befuddled by the mysterious ways of women (a.k.a., the mysterious ways of Steve's eventual girl, Peggy). The comedy was decidedly not annoying, and the only problem I had with it at all was the occasional comic relief from Steve's team members, whom I didn't find quite as amusing as Steve, Bucky, Howard, or Peggy. But that was just me, I assure you.
Hidden gems?
 Well, for one, it had the rare gem of movies and books nowadays of having an incredibly virtuous and selfless hero. He was there, not for himself, or against the Germans, but for his country and the world. It displayed truly lovely romance, too. The kind that makes you sit back and wonder why any other type of romance is ever even portrayed in Marvel, or any action films at all, for that matter. I guess the greatest thing about the movie is that is was so innocent. Maybe a first-time watcher of it might not think so as much as me, but if you watch other Marvel movies, and then come back to Captain America, then it really is the top of innocence for superhero movies. Clean romance, clean humor mostly, clean plot, and mostly clean costumes too.
Not so great things?
Well, the only thing I can really think of in it that might particularly bother the watchers immediately is the whole part with Steve's show. He goes on this show for a while with a bunch of girls, and he tries to get people to buy war bonds while the girls sing, and it's a bit weird. I love the song personally, but the costumes the girls wear are typical forties showgirl outfits, and so not my favorite thing, but not the worst that comes, I suppose. But, other than the usual kicking line things, which are really dumb, they didn't do anything out of place for the innocence of the movie. They were just a little weird is all. Really, that's the only immediate thing I can think of that might bother someone. Oh, well, okay. The language is pretty mild in it, especially compared to other Marvel movies, but it is an action movie, and has a few swear words in it. Not too terrible, but just enough to notice it. Other than those things, the movie was amazing.

Costumes? Effects? Soundtrack?
The costumes were amazing. Very WWII-ish, and super awesome. Steve's Captain America outfit is super awesome, despite what the Allied soldiers in Italy may say. And of course, who couldn't love the olive drab of WWII? It's great, isn't it?! And then all of Peggy's outfits were relatively modest and very pretty and 40's-ish. The costumes were quite believably WWII. The effects I couldn't really care less about, frankly. As long as the video quality is good enough that I can see what's going on, I don't care. And it's not that old a movie, being only a few years old, so it's special effects and video quality were clear and very well-done. The soundtrack is sooooo American-sounding, it almost makes you feel like Captain America listening to it! It's so cool. It's super patriotic, and it really does enhance the movie even more.
Ending?
Sad, sad, sad!!! Very sad! :( Like, actually make you cry sad! I was so disappointed with the movie makers after this, my first Marvel movie, that I thought there was not even going to be another one. I thought, if they ended this one like this, there's no way they would make another. :( I was wrong. I won't give it away, in the unexpected case of there being someone in the audience who hasn't seen it, but will just tell you that it'll make you cry. :'(
Any other notes?
While I might not let, say, a six-year-old watch it (depending on the six-year-old) because of violence, there was no gore or inappropriate behavior/comedy, so I would allow a fairly large watching crowd with this one. My one note might be that your heart will die and your soul be smashed when you see the ending. That is all. :)
So, what do you think? You seen this movie? You planning on watching it if you haven't? Sound good at all? If you have seen it, do you think I did a good job reviewing it? Tell me Steve/Cap is your favorite character in it, please!!! :D

Interview Of Lord Percy De Blyrwen

Hallo! I'm back, with one of my pet characters, Percy, the brother of the heroine, Mina, in my book, Alomina. He is being interviewed, after being voted in from his book's introduction. If you want to read more about him, or missed the post explaining who he is, you can find his bio here, and his story (up to Chapter Thirteen) here. I got quite the lovely set of questions for him, so without further ado, I'll continue onto interviewing him. :)

Me. Hello, Percy! Would you answer some questions for me?






Percy. Of course, my lady. What have you to ask?










Me. First, from Anna R, what is your favorite thing to do with Mina?










Percy. I love riding with her. There's a forest on the estates, with a small glen in the midst of it, and we often ride there together. We've been doing for years... Father was the one who originally showed us the way to the glen.









Me. Alright, what would you do if you found out Mina was entering a courtship with someone?










Percy. *blinks dazedly a moment, and then shakes himself and laughs* I can't even imagine Mina doing so! I can't ever imagine her wanting for anything, or really going anywhere. Anytime she wants something, I am always there to get it for her, and I can't imagine not being able to. Or somebody else doing it for her. I guess I would try to befriend him, but if he wasn't one of the best men alive, you can be assured he'd have nothing to do with my sister in the first place! *smiles sheepishly* I guess I just only hope that I don't have to deal with that any time soon...










Me. Do you enjoy being a lord, Percy? Why or why not?










Percy. *shrugs* I suppose it's alright. I do like that I can actually make a difference in court and things, though. It is decidedly unusual to be in what used to be my father's position, though.






Me. Do you like you aunt, Perce?






Percy. Dricynnia? Why wouldn't I? I love her! She and my parents were the only family Mina and I had. After a certain point, Aunt Cynnia pretty much raised us. Mina and I have always been fond of Aunt Cynnia... *laughs* And I think vice-versa is true as well!






Me. What was your favorite childhood memory?






Percy. *looks thoughtful* I don't know... There are so many memories I have that would fit that... There are so many blessings we had when we were young, I don't know that I could choose but one. I suppose one of my favorites is the memory of my father and mother interacting. They always were so close, and, well, I think it made Mina and I the way we are now, seeing such an example. They acted so closely, and never seriously argued or anything. It makes me happier knowing how, well, good they were. It makes me strongly believe that they can look down to us now from Heaven.




Me. Does it ever get exhausting to carry the weight of being lord at such a young age?






Percy. Sometimes. Mostly I can deal with what is given me duty-wise, and if it gets out of hand, then Mina is always there to at least try to help. *laughs* Maybe she can't really help with the politics, but she makes it seems like it's barely any trouble at all, so helping my attitude towards the politics.

Me. Percy, now I have some questions from Lucy. Do you remember the first time seeing Mina?






Percy. *nods, smiling brightly* Oh, I do! I was out with Father riding when he told me that soon the sibling I had wanted would come. I had begged him tell me when for ages - it just seemed to long to wait. Then he told me, and I was still impatient. For a whole two days afterwards, I wasn't allowed to see Mother, and it made me temporarily forget my sibling in my missing of her. Then, the very next day, Father came to me and asked me if I wanted to see Mother. I went with him, and there I saw Mina. She was so small... I wondered how anybody could even be so small, and I was rather surprised. I'm still not quite sure to this day what exactly my thoughts were then besides confusion. But then, I was permitted to hold her. After that, I felt somehow like a guardian of the little one, and I grew closer to her than anyone else in this world as of yet. I forever after could rare be separated from her, even to this day. *smiles softly* I would never have traded even the memory of that day for anything.






Me. What is your greatest fear?






Percy. *hesitates* Well... I hope it doesn't sound arrogant, but, I'm not really afraid of much... Except one thing I can think of. I know there will come a day when Mina leaves, and it will be for a good reason, one that I cannot fight. I suppose that day is my greatest fear. I can't keep her forever, I know, so I dread the day when she knows it too. Once she chooses to leave for someone else, if he be worthy, I will just let her, I suppose. But I fear the time when such a thing would happen. I don't ever want her to leave... It's selfish, I know, but... I never really wanted there to be anyone else. I know, of course, that there will be someone better one day; someone she may prefer over me, but I don't treasure the thought of someone else taking her away.





Me. Supposing you were to look for a Lady de Blyrwen besides Mina, what qualities would she have to possess to catch your attention?






Percy. *smiles confusedly* I'm not really looking for anyone at the moment. I'm perfectly happy where I am, really.






Me. Yes, yes, I know, but if you were. It's all on that 'if', Percy.






Percy. Well, alright... She would have to be a very moral girl, otherwise there would be no question. What else...? *smiles* I really don't know! If she was good, then that is really all I would require.






Me. Yes, maybe that's all she would need to have, but what other things might catch your attention?






Percy. Well, I love dancing. It's one of my favorite activities. If she could preform the dance particularly well, or at least enjoyed it, then that might catch my attention. Also, intellect might catch my attention. If she was intelligent or clever, then that would be something.






Me. *laughs* So, basically, a good, intelligent girl who loves to dance?





Percy. *smiles sheepishly* That makes it sound very shallow. In my defense, I just put that together out of nothing, as I don't usually think about this, and am not really looking for anybody.






Me. Don't worry, Perce. Those are fine standards. Now, do you like to read? If so, what kind of books?






Percy. Yes, I do like to read. Particularly fairy-tales. I like to read them aloud to Mina sometimes, if we're both just sitting together.

Me. How do you feel about your horse?






Percy. *makes slightly quizzical face* My horse? My horse, Gartrius? I like him, I suppose. I ride
him when I go with Mina somewhere, or when I go to the palace, but, other than that, I don't really even think about the subject much.






Me. So, Percy, what do you believe your best quality is? Your worst flaw?






Percy. I really don't know... Maybe my will? I've always been very determined to finish when I start something, and when I do set my will to something, it's rare I give up.






Me. What about your worst flaw?






Percy. *frowns* Probably also my will. In being so iron-willed, the few times I set myself to something and it ended up being wrong, I was so stubborn that I waited until my last chance to change courses. It is both a help and a plague in a sense.

Me. If you were to being courting someone, how do you think Mina would take it?






Percy. I'm not really looking into courting, really, Miss Belle, I think I said so. *smiles* But, I actually sincerely think Mina would be delighted. *sighs* Mina is far more selfless than I am. If she started courting, I would be tempted to be sad. If I started courting, she would rejoice for me. Mina is such an angel...






Me. Are you very good at dancing?




Percy. *bursts into a hearty peal of laughter quite uncharacteristically* Well, Miss Belle, I'm not quite sure how to answer that one modestly. Let's just say I have been dancing a rather long time, and have gotten slightly touched-up on it.




Me. Do you enjoy balls and social escapades and such, or would you rather be at home doing something quiet with the people you're most comfortable with?


Percy. I like being out, but I enjoy my time at home with Mina the most. So the latter choice, I suppose.

Me. Alright, here's from Darin - have you any particularly sticky habit?


Percy. Yes, I have several. Like running my hands through my hair when I have something on my mind. *laughs* It used to bother Mina how I'd always mess up my own hair whenever I came back from court, back when I wasn't much used to politics. I still do it now sometimes, and I've never been able to quite drop the habit.


Me. Are you on the look for another Lady de Blyrwen at the moment?


Percy. *laughs* How many times, Miss Belle, do I have to say I'm happy where I am? I don't have my eye on anyone at the moment, and I don't have a particular intention to anytime soon. I really am quite content.


Me. *smiles slyly* For now, maybe... Alright, how do you usually dress?


Percy. Well, I usually dress pretty casually, I guess, for a lord. I have my white shirt and some kind of doublet, and then a cape if I go out, and that's about it. *smiles sheepishly* I guess I don't dress quite as nice as some courtiers.


Me. *laughs* You dress a lot better than most guys now, though. If they were to see even your casual, they'd think you were in some crazy costume.


Percy. It seems like you don't have a particularly high opinion of outfit in your time...


Me. *laughs* Not particularly. Now, last question, Perce. How do you envision the near future?


Percy. *shrugs* I guess I envision it to be a lot like now. Mina and me together, living simply, court being calm, and things just being as they are now. I hope that this will be the case, at least, and I am pretty sure things shouldn't change anytime soon.


Me. *smiles mysteriously* Well, you'll see if that's true or not soon, I suppose. That wraps it up, Percy, so you can go now.


Percy. Of course, my lady. Farewell!


Me. See ya, Perce.

There you go! Thus ends Percy's interview! Did you like it? The next interview will depend on how the votes stand between these four next candidates:

Lady Alomina (Mina) de Blyrwen - Percy's rather child-like sister, the selfless heroine of her similarly-titled story.

Princess Celeise - The crown heir of Tresinta (Percy and Mina's kingdom), and a haughty-seeming noblewoman.

King Edarian - Princess Celeise's father, and the king of Tresinta, struggling to do the right thing in a hard situation for his daughter.

Madam Dricynnia de Blyrwen - Percy and Mina's somewhat flustery aunt, with some slight eccentricities and an inclination to often spoil Percy and Mina.

Depending on who's voted in, I will post a bio soon to receive questions for that candidate.

A Few Announcements

I have a few announcements to make, mostly concerning the activities of this blog. Now, I don't have whole lot of time, unfortunately, so I'll get right to it.
First of all and foremost, I am going to be getting in on Miss Lucy Agnes' wonderful creation called Catholicism Explained. That link there will explain what exactly it is. You see, I have been rather disappointed with myself at how I have talked very little or not at all concerning faith. In the upcoming CE posts, I will explain/introduce/clarify Catholicism, the beautiful faith I am a part of. I will also welcome defense and debate in comments so long as it is civil. I will come in with a different subject on each post, on Sundays. For now, because of the short notice, this Sunday's may be absent. However, after that, I will be doing it every other Sunday for a small time (to ease into it), and then full-scale, on every Sunday. I hope it works out, because I've never done anything quite like it before, but I am hopeful that I won't get shot by Lucy if I do mess it up. :)

Secondly, the next Meet The Books post may be a bit delayed, due to backed-up blog to-do list. But I should get to it sooner or later.
Thirdly, I am going to start doing movie and book reviews on here pretty soon, for anyone who wants information on the ultra-obscure movies I watch and books I read (however, I will try to review some of the better-known ones, rather than obscurity of obscurities).
I am also going to be doing writing updates, as soon as all my current writing project are introduced via Meet The Books. And I hope to keep them nice and simple, just so my readers don't all die of boredom.

I also will be going on a hiatus soon, because - guess what? - I am going on the Pro-Life March! This will be the first time for me going on it since I was two years old, so it's very exciting. I will finally be able to join in on this amazing project for life to be permitted! And if there is anything more important than making sure of such a thing, I cannot think of it.

I will also be going onto new writing projects! I am going to try and put in a few poems from my poetry volume which is newly completed (or, at least, almost completed). I am, coincidentally, as Miss Lucy Agnes happens to be doing the same thing this year, coauthoring a story with a friend and fellow writer. I hope (with her allowance) to be able to introduce it, but I am not yet positive that I will. 

I think, that, for the most part, takes care of the announcements. I hope that the plans are not disagreeable, and hopefully are to my audience's liking. 

That's all! What do you think of the plans? Have you anything to add? Any ideas for this blog? Looking forward to Catholicism Explained? (Please wish me luck - I'm off to a piano lesson, and I haven't practiced for at least a week!)



Beautiful Books - In Greater Hands (Continuing Plans)

Hello again. :) I am here today with the last of the Beautiful Books link-up (Aww!) right before the first of this year's Beautiful People link-up (Yay!), from the lovely Cait and Sky. I am doing it for my long-neglected NaNo project, In Greater Hands (you know what, I think I'm beginning to get the hang of the whole title-thingy for stories...maybe). Anyways, I guess I'll get onto it rather than gabbing on longer.

What were your writing achievements last year?
Well... I guess this isn't with In Greater Hands, but my first recognizable story, Alomina, reached the 50k required word mark (and it's still going at 192 pages!), thus becoming an official novel. And I participated in NaNoWriMo for the first (and possibly last) time last year as well. And I also started at least two new books (In Greater Hands and The Second Brother). I also have made at least sixteen new characters (what, only sixteen?!) in various stories of 2016. I started a writing blog, and I got a group of little girls I knew in another state to start their own writing group. I researched more on writing techniques and different means of publishing, and I even may have picked up a few things. ;)
What's on your writerly "to-do" list for 2017?
Uh, well...I want to try to finish a book. I really, really want to finish Alomina before its anniversary in August, so I don't have to say I was working on it for three years before finishing it! I am pretty close, and I very highly hope I can indeed finish it soon (but it's probably not going to happen, knowing me). I also want to make it through the outlined part of In Greater Hands, so I can continue on my lovely little improvising way. Outlines. Are. So. Boring. Besides, everybody knows they're more what you'd call guidelines than actual rules. ;)

But, other than those above, I do plan to start another story, which shall as of the moment remain mysterious. Spoilers! :) I also plan to introduce more characters, at least a few, probably a few million. ;) And... sadly, I have to kill some characters too. I have at least five characters singled out, and I had hoped to get most of them done with before the end of 2016, so as to give a new start to the new year, but... no. I only took care of one, and set the stage for another three. I would give more detail, except I know that there are ears everywhere (meaning, among my blog-reading crowd, my novel-readers are there, and constantly alert for spoilers to tell them what happens). So, I guess my plan would be summed up thus - Finish book, throw rules in trash, kill off characters. ;)
Tell us about your top-priority writing projects this year!
Well, my main priority stories will be Alomina and In Greater Hands, but I also mean to try and straighten out the tangled labyrinths of plot that exist in Alagna and Anwynne's Adventures. Seriously. Alomina is a baby that desperately needs care. There's a whole character and sub-plot to match him that I haven't even added in yet more than a mention. There's a first chapter that is nothing but long and lovely description rather than any action or relevance. There's two characters that die (or at least come close to) and I've only gotten around to killing one of them. It is definitely my top-priority writing-wise.
How do you hope to improve as a writer? Where do you see yourself at the end of 2017?
Well, I hope to stop being such a wimp, for one thing. Every time I get even close to killing a character off, I chicken out, and either delay it or help them out. I just can't kill my ink-and-paper children! It's not right!!!! *sobs uncontrollably* Ahem. Anyways... I do need to toughen up about it, but I also need to get better on another count - villains. So, my villain in Alomina is well-developed and all, but I'm not really sure it shows in the actual writing. If everything I knew about him was in there, I think it might be a bit different. I made up a lot of stuff for him! It's just that... I don't quite know how to communicate all his development in the writing. And then there's the frustrating ultra-developed villains in slightly newer stories, which irritate me like nothing else because they're all Mister or Miss Perfect Really Cool Evil Villain. *sighs* Oh well. As for where I see myself at the end of 2017... I see myself with Alomina and The Top-Hat Gang book one both finished, and almost finished with Alagna and Anwynne's Adventures, and finally having the guts to have killed off some characters, and with a title for my heroine-titled books. Yeah... probably not happening... :P

The disbelieving voices in my head when they hear me thinking I can get two stories finished. :P

Describe your general editing process.
Well, I am one of those writers whom I call poeticists (basically people who write with poetic or classical descriptive styles, and so like to have just the right wording for every little tiny atom of that story). So I edit as I go. I edit very basely as I am writing, and then I edit even more when I type, and then when I add on new scenes to the typed document, I edit it and the old stuff even more. So, my editing process is kind-of just my writing process.
On a scale from 1 to 10, how do you think this draft turned out?
Well, I'm not as irritated with it as I was when I first finished NaNo (which was irritated enough to describe the story as "As horrid-sounding as kale with mayonnaise"). I actually almost think I might be able to look at it again soon. ;) On a scale of 1 to 10, I might say a six in comparison to my other stories, only because a) it was waaaaaay to intense for me because it actually had action in it, b) it had absolutely no romance or even grounds for such to speak of because the original intended romance may not work out so well now with the new character developments, and c) my favorite characters to write kept going missing or leaving. However, for itself, I might bump it up to a seven, only because if it was the only novel I'd ever written, it'd be good (plus I wrote it in terrible conditions, including stress, dizzy spells, and overall insane busy-ness without editing). But, like I said, in comparison to my other stories, it wasn't that great.
What aspect of your draft needs the most work?
Um, probably the fact that I have two different villains that I have no idea what to do with once they're vanquished, so to speak. I mean what do you really do with villains on such a large scale?! One of them is pretty much national level, so, I especially have no idea there. :P
What do you like most about your draft?
That can be summed up in three words. Bertie. Vance. Tsonja. The three characters that hit me like a subway train. Vance was expected to do so from the very beginning, but I thought he would be the only one taking the stage so much. Then Bertie came in. Bertie was just supposed to be some kind-of dry, funny Aussie special-force guy, but he walked in, and changed himself into one of the most delightful sights ever. He came in, and his mental image changed from a boring shortbread cookie to the most delicious 'smore you ever saw. He immediately became fascinating, and hilarious, and so amazingly sweet. He threatens to become my favorite after Vance (Wait, I'm their author, I'm not supposed to take favorites! *to self* Shush, you!). And then there was Tsonja. For the most part, my female characters never interest me very much. Sometimes there's a particularly interesting one here or there inserted at random, but they're not regularly competing for my favorite. Tsonja was. I heard her voice so clearly in my head... I had to force myself to write down her accent rather than just writing what she said, because my mind would hear her so well and then translate it, so to speak. She came through sooooo clearly, it was like writing down somebody I knew. She's natively Russian, so sometimes she uses very European-sounding phrases or has broken English (man, I wish I could speak Russian!). She's a bit sarcastic, very reclusive, characteristic, traditional, and Russian tough-lady to the very core. There are very few of my female characters that spoke to me as much as Tsonja Ristoff.




My rendition of Tsonja Ristoff, although, not entirely accurate looks-wise, as they didn't have a shade of blond hair light enough on this particular designing-site when I made it.

What are your plans for this novel once you finish editing? More edits? Finding beta readers? Querying? Self-publishing? Hiding it in a dark hole forever?
Well, finishing it is my current plan, and then finding beta-readers (which shouldn't be too hard). Although, I might consider the dark hole idea too. ;)
What is your main piece of advice for those just finishing a first draft?
Well, seeing as I'm always on my third or fourth draft before I ever finish the book (due to excessive editing habits) I can't really say much there. Especially since I have never finished a novel. My main advice might be more like a hyper-excited congratulations than advice, because they accomplished something I never have. :P Oh well. :)
Anyways, those're my plans for In Greater Hands (hey, a slant rhyme!). Hopefully, they don't get sidetracked too much. ;) But, writing rules are made to be bent a little anyways, so I think that it should be okay even if I do get sidetracked.
There you go! What did you think? Is there any chance that I have some potential beta-readers in my audience...? Is anybody else wishing that they could speak Russian?

Bio Of Percy De Blyrwen

Hallo, comrades, and welcome to the first character bio on this blog! The bio of one of my first recognizable characters, good ole Perce. :) In the comments, you can ask him any questions for his interview, and he will answer them all. :) Hopefully, we have plenty of questions for him, because he is a very good character about answering interview questions cooperatively (unlike some characters...). So, today, without further ado, we have the bio of the voted interview subject, Lord Percy de Blyrwen (voted in by two against one vote).

Name: Percy De Blyrwen. Age: 20. Nationality: Tresintan. Height: 6 ft. Hair Color: Brown. Eye Color: Bright Blue. Title(s): Lord. Family: Only living are an aunt and sister. Bio:

Percy de Blyrwen was born at the long-standing estates of the de Blyrwen family, a castle of sorts not far from the capital of Tresinta. He was born to a Tresintan nobleman of that clan, a Lord Stefan de Blyrwen, and Stefan's wife, Lady Regina de Blyrwen, also a Tresintan. He was their first child, and was received quite joyfully, an heir to the estates and the respected name of de Blyrwen. When Percy was almost three, a sister was born, little Alomina de Blyrwen. He took to her immediately. Nothing and no one in the world meant more to him from that day onwards. He was very fond of his family, and they were everything to him, but Alomina especially. His mother, in giving birth to Alomina, had become very weak, though, and contracted physical damage. For a time, it was uncertain whether she would live, but after some months, she was just barely able to be let up again. Even with his mother's suffering being a result of Alomina's birth, though, Percy loved his little sister most dearly. His family then consisted of his parents, his sister, and his father's younger sister, Dricynnia. When Percy was but four, and Mina (as he had come to affectionately call Alomina) only two, a small bout of disease came over Tresinta. The last sweep of it just barely reached them. Mina was affected by it, but overcame it eventually. Percy's mother, however, was already far too frail, and between her already overpowering illness and the infection, she was taken, and died. Barely three years later, there were political troubles concerning nearby countries. Percy's father, as a very trusted diplomat, was summoned to try and resolve them in Tresinta's name. So he went, hoping to return soon to his children, and in his absence their aunt took their care.The troubles faded seemingly very quickly, but before they did, both the foreign country's queen and Lord de Blyrwen were killed in a mobbing of the castle. After that, Percy and Mina were raised by their aunt, Dricynnia, who also took charge of the estates until Percy could be (more than nominally) the Lord de Blyrwen. From that time onward, as attached as Mina and Percy were to each other before, they became twice as much so. They were lights to each other in those years, and continued to be throughout their growing-up.

Mina and Percy were perfectly content together - he wishing only to keep her close, she only wishing to keep close to him. Percy in time became Lord of the household, and, being unmarried with no courtships even and no spouse in mind, he named Mina Lady de Blyrwen, at least until the occasion where he was married. He became a rather influential courtier of the king soon, due both to his long-respected family name and his own brilliance and efficiency for such a young person, but he still always made time for his Mina. After a time, their aunt no longer felt the need to look after them, and for the most part went out often to social gatherings and courts and things, though she still nominally lived at the de Blyrwen estates. Percy and Mina were now closer than they had ever been, and every day was one of bliss. Until of course, Percy and Mina went together to a ball of sorts at the royal palace. There, Percy met someone unexpected and started something he would never forget...

Thus is dear Percy's situation up into the beginning of the story. :) What do you think? Have any questions for him? Any requests for the improvement of character interviewing here? Are you looking forward to his interview? (I promise I'll get it in as soon as possible!)   

The Smashing And Dashing Character Awards

Hello, again! :) I'm back! And with a lovely, unexpected little tag started by Cait of Paperfury. I picked it up and decided, 'This looks fun... Even though I already have a bajillion other tags lined up... why not?'. :P So, now here I am... Anyways, the purpose of this tag (so I gather, and Miss Cait, please correct me if I'm wrong) is to rant about favorite book characters and award their lovely little ink-and-paper hearts. :) So, first award up -
Most Relatable Character -
Let's see... Probably Ani of The Goose Girl. She was resourceful and strong, but very fearful. She felt very real, and is to this day one of my favorite, if not my most favorite, non-classic female character. She was brilliant in that book. Granted the author completely changed her character and made her an absolute numbskull in the sequels, but, well, I try to pretend that never happened. :P

Most Pure And Precious Animal Companion -
Does Gurgi of The Chronicles Of Prydain  count? I mean, he was kind-of an animal... Granted I couldn't tell you exactly what animal he was, but he was an animal. ;) And he was definitely most lovable. Definitely most precious. Pure delight, the furry little dear. I usually dislike animal companions in stories. In fact, there was even a time in my life when I hated poor, dear Gurgi. But that was when I had never read the books. I started reading them, determined to go on hating Gurgi, with only a small hint of openness to him (due to a friend asking me to love him). But, I wasn't even done with the second book before it started to dawn on me completely that I loved Gurgi. I hated to admit it, but he really did grow on me. And very quickly, too. Now, I can without a second thought call Gurgi the most pure and precious animal companion of fiction.
Fiercest Fighter -
If I was talking mythology, I might have to say Mr. Jerk himself, Achilles. However, I will not revert to mythology. I will answer this another way. Another who may deserve this, while not being the best fighter, but definitely one of the fiercest, is Achren, also of Prydain Chronicles. She is extremely tough... And somewhat scary. And definitely twisted. But, I feel odd picking her out for this particular award, so... Maybe Faramir? He is pretty tough... I mean, if you look to the books, he is tough in character, and one of the bravest men in all Gondor, not to mention holder of the people's love and loyalty. And he is definitely a fierce fighter. And if you look to the movies, this determination to go on, both in character and battle strife, is very fierce. So, I think I'll hand this award to Captain Faramir, head steward of the renewed Gondor.

Most Amazing Sidekick -
Am I allowed to say Sancho Panza of Don Quixote? No? Fine... But he is pretty great... I think I'll refrain from giving Gurgi yet another award, and hand this one to Dr. John Watson of Sherlock Holmes. Unfortunately, his image has been rather stained by too many exaggerations and caricatures, so most here won't understand why I award him. Go read the original Sherlock Holmes Mysteries by Arthur Conan Doyle without thought of any movies or shows made, and you will know why.
One You're Surprise You Loved -
Really? This is yet another one Gurgi could be nominated for. Well, unfortunately, Gurgi already got an award, so I'll have to shove him out the door again (sorry, Gurgi!). I think this one goes to Dustfinger of Inkheart. While I've only ever read pieces of the book, and been watching the movie mostly, I was always confused and frustrated by how much I loved Dustfinger, when he was such a mercenary. But he's a lovable mercenary... *sighs happily* And also Farid of the same book (is that how you spell his name? I think it is...). I used to hate him, even though he always reminded me of a friend. Now I love him. I wish he hadn't been so pushed and shoved everywhere throughout the books and movie (and I only know he was because my sister is obsessed with Inkheart and tells me everything). So, let's consider this a joined Dustfinger-Farid award. I mean, they do everything together anyways! :)

Dustfinger and Farid... Aren't they the cutest, most unlikely friends?

Best Sassmaster -
Man, I wish I could tag unpublished characters for this, because this would be a great one for Christina Tenth of Lucy Agnes's space trilogy. Well, I'll say the award is unofficially for her. Officially, the award will go to, uh... (man, can't I award Dustfinger again?) Maybe... how's about Princess Eilonwy of Prydain Chronicles. She can hold the trophy for Christina. :)
Most Lovable Anti-Hero And Morally Grey Grape -
Um, so Dustfinger again...? Why are Gurgi and Dustfinger trying to take all the awards?! Seriously, they must be in league to smash this awards ceremony and become overlords of ink and paper (haha, I can't imagine either of them wanting to be an overlord, especially not Gurgi). Alright, I'll say somebody else. I always loved Boromir of LotR, but I guess he doesn't count. Does Bilbo Baggins of The Hobbit count as an anti-hero...? I mean, he was unwilling to come with them and everything... If he does, then he probably wins, but I'll pick someone else just in case. How about ... Oh, shame on me for picking one from these books, but he is the best character... I'll award Severus Snape Of Harry Potter, for being one of the only tolerable (and lovable) characters in the movies, and still being one of the best in the books. Oh, shame, shame, shame that I picked from Harry Potter... Oh well...
Best Worst Villain To Hate -
Oh, I know exactly 100% who this one goes to. A Monsieur Chauvelin of France, from The Scarlet Pimpernel. He's so despicable, and yet... Somehow in a sense admirable at the same time for his despicable-ness and evil determination. He is one of the greatest villains that ever lived in fiction history. Not to mention one of the cruelest, most infuriating, most determined, most clever ones as well. Seriously. I despised Saruman and Sauron and Smaug  and Arawn and everything, but as villainous as they were to my mind, Chauvelin earned twice as many villainy points. Not necessarily for being more villainous (as Sauron  and Arawn are like the symbols of all evil) but for seeming more villainous - for acting in a truly despicable manner that forces respect from you for his formidable villainousness. So, I take off my hat to you, Monsieur Chauvelin.
Truly Astounding Worst YA Parents -
Okay, here I shall say one thing that makes this hard - I don't usually read YA fiction. I usually peruse that Classics and Children's Books more. So, let me think of the few YA books I have read that I remember... Well, I'm sorry, but I am truly and absolutely unable to answer that one! All of the YA books I've read, well... there weren't any particularly bad parents in them, so, uh...
Truly Astounding Best YA Parents -
Now this I can answer. :) I will say here Geric's father in The Goose Girl. He was just so cool. A little hot-tempered granted, but he was great. Although, his greatness was for himself, not for his parenting, so, maybe not him... Okay, then how about... well, I can't unfortunately nominate Isi of The Goose Girl's amazing father without nominating her somewhat cold and indifferent mother, so, that doesn't work... And, I already said I was pretending that the sequels didn't exist (not that there were any particularly cool parents in that)... Is Inkheart YA Fiction...? I don't know... Okay, maybe I can't answer this one either... :P I'll just cheat and say Geric's father, even though I appreciate him more for his authoritative and characteristic values than his fatherly ones.
Best Ship Of Them All -
Can I say The Black Pearl...? No?! What do you mean it's not in a book?! Oh well... ;) Then I will say The Hispaniola of the lovely book Treasure Island because it's extra-special-awesome. :)

The Most In Need Of Protection -
If I hadn't already nominated somebody from Prydain, I'd say Taran of Caer Dallben, because in the beginning, he's a confident little sugar cookie who doesn't look where he's going... However, I did cheat on my principle of one-character-per-book-awarded with The Goose Girl, so why not The Prydain Chronicles too... No, no, no! I will stop only using my favoritest books and be diverse and creative here with the awards... even if it kills me. ;) So I'll say Dante from The Divine Comedy, because that's what I'm reading right now, and he does desperately need protection/guidance... Thankfully he gets it... :)
Most Boring As A Barnacle -
Oh, definitely Mo of Inkheart. He is sooooooo boring.... Although, I already nominated somebody (two people actually!) from Inkheart, so, maybe not him... Agh! I'm listening to Il Divo's debut first album as I type this, so I'm finding it hard to think of anything boring... or anything at all that isn't the most interesting and exotic and beautiful-sounding... :P Gwystyl from Prydain was really boring, but he was supposed to be, I guess, and I already nominated more than one person from Prydain. I'll say Black Beauty from Black Beauty. I mean, if there are boring and depressing people characters, a boring and depressing horse with a life like that has twice the right to be called most boring as a barnacle.
Best Little Royal -
Oh, there are sooooo many! :D But, I think I shall say Legolas of LotR. And for all ye doubters who are saying to me 'No way can you nominate him, he's not a royal!', then look again people. Prince of Mirkwood. Just because he doesn't wear a crown and bust about being called 'Your Highness' doesn't mean he's not one of the greatest princes in fiction that comes to mind. In fact, that probably is more proof that he is. :) So, I nominate my lovely pal, Prince Legolas.

Very Surprised You're Still Alive -
Uh, I'm guessing that means a character that should have died a million times already...? Well, Aragorn of LotR  fits that criteria, but I awarded a LotR character. How about Gwydion of Prydain...? There were a bajillion times he was missing and/or thought to be dead. But I did already nominate a Prydainian or two, unfortunately... I guess I'll say Nancy Drew, of the old 1940's - 1960's series, because my brain isn't working and I cannot think of another one. But seriously, I can't think of anyone who's gotten into more life-threatening situations and escaped, so I think she deserves the award. *claps for Nancy*
Best At Horrible Decision Making -
Ooh, I know a lot of characters who are bad at decision-making. Darn, I wish I could say Loki, but unfortunately he's from movies, not books... He is the master of being a loveable character who makes bad decisions... Well, this might be another good one for Taran... Although, if it were movie Aragorn, and not book Aragorn, he'd be another good one for this. Let's see... How's about we award this to Don Quixote, of his self-titled book. He was brilliant at making a decision which often unwittingly led him and Sancho Panza to getting beaten until they felt all their bones were broken. :) So, I think he merits it well enough. While there are worse decision-makers out there, they are mostly from books I would prefer not to mention or have already awarded. So, let's have a hand for Don Quixote! ;)
Cutest Dork -
Oh, I already love this award! :) Dorks are so awesome, especially the cute awkward ones. Man, I am wishing again that I could nominate unpublished characters, because Chase of Anna D.'s Dreamer book would get right in here. Oh well... I also wish I could say Ned Nickerson of Nancy Drew, but I already gave somebody there an award. So I will award Pierre of the Away Goes Sally series. While he didn't enter until the third(?) book, he's still in most of them. And while 'dork' isn't my first choice of a word for him, he was so adorably awkward when he first came to Sally's country. It was cute... I wish he had been a bigger character (not that he wasn't a large one).
The Cleverest -
Can I say Flambeaux of The Father Brown Mysteries? Okay, so I know he is a villain for a while, but he does convert later on, so he's good. And he is incredibly clever. The only one who can really outwit him is fumbling little Father Brown. Who doesn't really seem clever, in contrast to his burglar friend. So let's give this one to one of my favorite characters of all time, the atheist thief turned Catholic detective - Monsieur Flambeaux.
Most In Need Of Nap -
I'm guessing that means a particularly grumpy character...? Oh good. I love grumpy characters. There's just something frustratingly loveable about them, despite their contrary, stubborn I-got-up-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-bed-ness. So, I shall give this one to one of my favorite grumpy characters, a Mr. Edmund Pevensie of The Chronicles Of Narnia. He was so grumpy, but so loveable.... Actually, most people may dislike me for this, but Ed was always my favorite of the Narnian adventures (with Lucy very close behind). The others were not as cool. I liked Eustace only after his change, and Polly was just okay. I really Peter and Diggory, but not quite as much, and I never liked Susan at all. Edmund is possibly the only one I will award of them, for being my favorite, and most in need of a nap. ;)

Want To Read More About You -
Agh!!!! There are soooo many characters that I always wanted to read more of... Well, I guess I'll avoid naming one from a book I've already awarded, and name one of my single favorite fictional characters of all time - Laurie Laurence of Little Women. I just couldn't get enough of that guy. He is JUST SO LOVEABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, there are few characters in all fiction that I like as much as this guy. He is the cream of the cream, the tops in the whole book, the harlequin over all the circus act. I just love him... I can't think of a character before him who caused more emotion from me. Even when it was for a good reason, every time the poor boy was sad or got rejected my heart broke. Every time he made a joke or tease I almost died laughing. Every time he was happy, I had to sigh and smile in happiness too. :) He is one of the most addictive characters of all classical fiction of ever.  I can only think of a few other fictional persons that interest me close to as much (namely, the Blakeny duet from The Scarlet Pimpernel). So, I'll give this last award to one of my longest-standing favorite book characters, Mr. Laurie. :)
Well, that about wraps it up people. I've given awards to several different formidable characters, and talked about my favorite works of fiction (even though I cheated, because this award-thingy was mainly for YA characters...). So I'm happy now. :) If anyone else wants to do it, here are the awards to be given:
Most Relatable Character
Most Pure And Precious Animal Companion
Fiercest Fighter
Most Amazing Sidekick
One You're Surprise You Loved
Best Sassmaster
Most Lovable Anti-Hero And Morally Grey Grape
Best Worst Villain To Hate
Truly Astounding Worst YA Parents
Truly Astounding Best YA Parents
Best Ship Of Them All
The Most In Need Of Protection
Most Boring As A Barnacle
Best Little Royal
Very Surprised You're Still Alive
Best At Horrible Decision Making
Cutest Dork
The Cleverest
Most In Need Of Nap
Want To Read More About You
And that's it, people. :) So, with Ani, Gurgi, Faramir, Watson, Dustfinger, Farid, Eilonwy, Snape, Chauvelin, Dante, Legolas, Nancy Drew, Don Quixote, Pierre, Flambeaux, Edmund, and the lovely Laurie, I wave goodbye. :)
What did you think? Do you agree on the characters awarded? Do you want to take this tag up? Is Miss Cait regretting letting me take this up? ;) Is anybody else reading any of these books mentioned?