On Sekrit Project

So Blogger Buds,
I haz a Sekrit Project. Yup, it's so cool, it's not secret. It's Sekrit (with a capital S, too!).
I've heard people talk about their secret/sekrit projects, but I could never imagine writing something and not wanting to show it to the world.
And then it hit me. (And this time, I'm not referring to the Frisbee getting bigger and bigger.)
I got the idea that's total cliche, as well as contemporary (and remember, I wasn't known as the Fantasy Fanatic for nothing). It's a funny, romantic, full-out chic-lit which, in a way I can relate to.
I'll share it with you, because I don't care if everyone knows the idea, because you've heard it already, and the Sekrit part is how it's written, not the basic idea.

Take the biggest city you've ever been to, the craziest one. You've got it? Imagine how hectic it is and multiply it by ten. You're getting closer to NYC. And if that city you're thinking of is NYC, multiply by ten anyways. It's grown since last time you looked.
Our male MC comes from New York.
Now take the smallest town you've ever seen, and divide it by ten. Then you'll have the setting. And if the town you're thinking of is this setting, head to a doctor, because this place doesn't exist.
Our female MC lives here.

It's the story of big-city boy coming to small-town--um--town. And he pretty much gives FMC PTSD from meeting a New Yorker, rated the second-rudest city in the US, just behind LA.

And I've said enough ;-)

Good luck with your novels, too! Whether they be agented, unagented, going through ARCs, being edited, being drafted, being planned, or something else!
Or, if it's for you only, be it secret or Sekrit, good luck! And if you're trying to find a Sekrit Novel idea, good luck to you too! I hope the weird little clues stuck in here did some good!

Peace,
Riv

Current Mood: Not feeling well
Current Music: Taylor Swift by Tim McGraw (wait, that's not right...)

Boys in YA

(First links go to Amazon, second to Goodreads)
Hey Blogger Buds,
So. Boys in YA. To be blunt:
I hates them.
I find myself always rooting for the underdog, the one she's not going to pick, obviously. So, in the Hunger Games, I knew in my gut who she'd pick, because it's just the way YA books go, but I found myself rooting for the other one. In Firelight, I was hoping she'd turn around and return to Cassian. Cam had my vote in Fallen. And I was hoping that Bethany would turn around and walk away from Xavier in Halo.

Why?
Because they're all handsome, popular, funny, smart, caring, considerate, strong, and perfect. Plus, they all have a tendency to smell wonderfully without wearing cologne, even after they were sweating through a football game in which they were the quarterback that helped their team win. And they always have dark, haunted pasts. (Do all guys need baggage?)

Take my former examples:

• In the Hunger Games, the one she picked was sweet and caring and sensitive. I won't continue, for those of you who have yet to read Mockingjay, in which case, what's wrong with you?
• Sophie Jordan's Firelight had Cassian and Xander. Xander was perfect, and Jacinda had a "magnetic pull" towards him. But of course she doesn't care that he might kill her. It would be incredible stupid if she went for the safe, caring boy who doesn't want to kill who she is, and who likes her for being what she is.
• And then Lauren Kate's quartet. I have other problems with Fallen, but mostly the way Daniel acted right off the bat. He's so mean, and Cam is so nice. And then in Torment I was right beside Shelby rooting for Miles.
• Last up: Halo. Beth knows to stay away from him, but does she? Nope.

I can go on and on, but I'd rather make a pledge:

1. I will not give my male characters an irresistible smell. If they smell, they will smell of sweat and blood, and it will not be attractive.
2. When my female character sees my male character's scars, she will not find them 'hot'. At best, she will see him as strong and fearless. At worst, she will find him repulsive. But ideally, she will not care in the least.
3. My character will not fall head over heels for a boy as soon as he pushes his floppy hair out of his face and/or takes his shirt off to reveal his always muscled chest.
4. The leading male will not make my female character sizzle when he stares into her soul with his intense, beautiful eyes.
5. My male character will not have disturbing pasts, and if they do, they will be emotionally scarred for life, and won't just be sharing their story to get some pity.

Anyone else care to take the pledge?

Peace and Boys,

Riv

Hundreds of Dimly Lit Corridors...

Hello my bloggy friends,
I never knew that there were so many dimly lit corridors in the world. Did you? It seems that every time I read a fantasy/historical novel, or sometimes other types, there's at least one dimly lit corridor. I noticed this the other day when I was reading Mistwood by Leah Cypess. I saw the words "dimly lit" and then the word "corridor" was on the next line. I knew it would say "corridor" before I'd even read it.
There are some phrases that are overused. I mean, why are all corridors dimly lit? And why say corridor? Why not stick with "the dark hallway"? Dramatic effect?
I think we use too many cliche phrases without even realizing it. Because we all think that no one will use "dimly lit corridor" and it's the only thing that fits my dark hallway. I think we need to stop using other people's phrases and start using something basic.
I'm going to start a non-campaign. When you write, think; is this something another writer came up with? Or myself?
Remember: You're a good writer. You don't need to use any cliche's; you have your own phrases to use.

Rant over. *steps off soap box*

So who's with me? Am I write about our "dimly lit corridor" cliches? Or do you beg to differ?

Peace,

RR

Current Music: Still Love Drunk

Current Mood: Still with a cold

-Enter to win Forgive My Fins swag! Click here!-