It's very hard not to write posts that will, at the very least cause me to be viewed as odd, and at the worst, declared certifiable (see my first entry). But I suppose I should give it a shot. This is important to me because writing is my one steadfast dream, and I've had a long dry spell full of banal plots, one dimensional characters and trite aphorisms. Hopefully this marks the beginning of a great first novel.

I'm working on a new new story idea, and it's begun to take on some very unique aspects. I posted a blog about Steampunk earlier and its taken root and grown into a steampunk bramble full of strange fruit and sharp thorns. Although Steampunk generally centers around a time period that looks mid to late 19th century-ish, there don't appear to be any hard and fast rules about that. I'm not sure whether anyone has done it before (probably -- I just haven't seen it yet) but my setting is taking on a distinctly mid-eighteenth century look. The clothing, mostly; and the way the airships are built reminds me more of tall ships than hot air balloons and blimps. I don't really care if that's "allowed" in Steampunk, I like it. So there.

I know I have something good when the characters begin to direct the plot. They're an interesting bunch, a bit rowdy, but very likable. They've taken permanent residence in by brain and are constantly whispering little details about themselves to me. The other day, Evie forcibly took my pen and showed me that she was a much more dangerous person than I had originally thought -- honestly, the girl is a menace! I already have a favorite, but I won't say who because the others might get jealous and wreck my plot.

My room mate suggested a new way of writing and it seems to be working very well, mostly because of the aggressive way these characters are telling their story. I'm writing a sort of summary of each of their lives from their viewpoints up to the movement where their lives intersect. Then I'll take it from there in the 3rd person. It helps to know how their minds work, and they've been very gracious about sharing their thoughts.

I don't want to post a description of the guys quite yet, nor am I going to divulge any plot details. Mostly, that's because it's not clear in my head, but it's also because I'm paranoid. If I was browsing a bookshop one day and discovered that someone had stolen my dear Linus Quinn, I would probably revert to my Viking roots and go berserk. Pity the thief, my people. It wouldn't be pretty.

So, if you see me in class writing furiously for no legitimate reason, tip of my tongue protruding shoulders tense, it's because they're talking to me again. If I don't pay attention they sulk, you see, and I can never recapture the phantom phrases.

I crave your indulgence mesdames et messieurs, and remain, as always,

Faithfully yours,

The Oddity

Note: For more information on everything Steampunk, visit brassgoggles.co.uk.

Not having read many blogs, I have absolutely no idea where to start. That is why the title up there includes the word “ramblings.” Luckily, I happen to be very good at rambling.

As she will very likely feature extensively in future posts of any honesty, I should introduce you all to Jack. Jack is my alter ego. She goes to auditions, tells people off, and flirts fluently. While you may rest assured that I suffer from absolutely no mental abnormalities, I have noticed that every now and then a very different aspect of myself surfaces. I have named this part of me “Jack.” For some incomprehensible reason, she is fascinated by Jack Merridew from William Golding’s wonderful book “The Lord of the Flies.” I thought I’d let her share his name because she also shares his primal spirit and love of knives, food, and dancing around fires. Jack is not evil, like her namesake, just free from many of the social constraints that I’m obligated to observe.

So, now that I’ve convinced you I’m completely off my gourd, I'll just add that if you expect deep philosophical musings, you should find another blog to read. No philosophers here. Nope.

What you can expect is bits of my scribblings, news articles and art projects. Maybe some disjointed flailing at actual thought. I appreciate comments, even constructive criticism, but please don't destroy my fragile self-regard completely, for the sake of mercy, my family and the universe at large.