1/08/15
Dear Electra,
After a super long separation from you, here I am sitting on my comfortable bed writing a new letter! Since term 3 had begun last week, I've had to study for my tests and complete assessments in subjects that weren't my strengths. It was extremely provoking to complete tasks that needed to be submitted or fully learned in a strict time frame. I have to admit, I threw a few tantrums due to the stress.
Speaking of tests, when I received my geometry grade yesterday, it only took five seconds for someone to appear in front of me and scream, "MARIAN, WHAT DID YOU GET?"
FIVE SECONDS after peering at my percentage. Oh, my gosh. It was awful and humiliating. I jumped and slammed my paper down on my desk, concealing it with my arms.
When you ask someone for their test result and they refuse, please leave them alone. Don't threaten them or snatch their test away from them. If you compare test scores with a classmate, that will make you more insecure if you're the one with the lower grade.
But if you're desperate to hear some of your classmate's grades, it's inevitable that at least three of them will proudly announce their grades over a loud speaker phone.
----
Now that rant is over, let's move on to a nice topic. Also yesterday, the friendship troupe (Gwen, Sera (previously Clara/Regina), Elaine (previously Mary), Charisma, Anjeline (previously Sakura) and me) were congregating at lunchtime as we do. There was an insightful conversation between Gwen and Charisma about Gwen's religion since Charisma had never heard of it. Since I had nothing much to do (HAAAA!) with the conversation, I borrowed Sakura's iPhone 6 and filmed them, because who
wouldn't film their friends having an informative chit-chat?
Gwen and Charisma maintained a calm composure as I filmed them, but Elaine, who was squashed in between the two pulled faces and managed to grab the phone from me and capture my shy, problematic, pimply face.
When I got the phone back Sera, who was fantasizing behind the conference with Anjeline, suddenly squealed of excitement. Outside the lens stood a lone girl filming five heads of black and brown on an iPhone 6. I didn't mind not seeing why Sera bursted. It was pretty entertaining to capture my friends spending a lunchtime together, all content and loose. Plus, it would be kept in a secure place until we uncover when we graduate high school.
I can picture it! My friends and I, ditching the graduation party to open a box of our year nine shenanigans. Yes Electra, we are a group of friends willing to uncover memories, rather than creating more.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Marian's 2015 Reads - 'Anne of Avonlea'
13/7/15
Title: Anne of Avonlea
Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery
Original Publisher: L.C. Page & Co.
Original Publication Date: 1909
Pages: 421 (Vintage Classics Edition)
Why, look at that cover! The artist has captured the natural essence of Anne's deep connection with Avonlea (the gorgeous landscape), Anne's ridiculous encounter with a jersey cow (the cow), and Anne's infatuation with literature (the book placed next to her). So much symbolism in one cover!
'Anne of Avonlea' is the second edition of L.M. Montgomery's fantastic and addictive book series. Anne Shirley is now 16 years of age and teaches at the local Avonlea school, simultaneously completing her studies in correspondence and being a secretary for the 'Avonlea Village Improvement Society'. Throughout the book, we meet new characters such as 'An Irate Neighbour', a pair of twins Marilla had adopted, and a new favourite pupil of Anne's named Paul Irving. Marilla Cuthbert, Diana Barry, and Gilbert Blythe return as supporting characters once again.
I took pleasure in reading this book because the main themes are love, individuality and decisions. Firstly, love is reflected upon because there is a rekindling of a romance between old lovers. Love also takes place when the twins are adopted -- Marilla and Anne now have young hearts to fulfill. Secondly, individuality is cogitated in 'Anne of Avonlea' through the meeting of one of the new characters, Miss Lavendar. Everybody in Avonlea thought of Miss Lavendar as a queer old lady, but when Anne and Diana met her there was a beautiful maiden concealed within her facade. Thirdly, decisions took place in this book through Anne's thoughts. It may not seem of it, but the whole plot represented Anne's risky decision of going to university and leaving Marilla alone with the twins.
'Anne of Avonlea' was a bit humdrum in a sense that nothing really happened in this book. As beautiful as this story is, not many opportunities ceased to affect Anne's character. But I shall remember all book series have at least one sequel that lacks an effective plot.
For the remainder of this book review, I will answer a questionnaire I found on Tumblr that accompanies this book very well. It may have more to do with my personal experiences.
Compared to the first book, how did you like Anne of Avonlea? Compared to the rest of the series (if you’ve read it)?
I perceived it as a 'feel-good' book. Nothing very tumultuous happened in 'Anne of Avonlea' compared to its predecessor, which I thought lacked empathy.
Anne begins teaching at age 16. When you were sixteen, would you have been able to handle a class of unruly pupils of all ages?
When I'm sixteen, I'd only be able to teach pupils also sixteen or younger. If I were in Anne's position, I'd induce a concussion from all the stress!
How do you feel about Davy and Dora? Love Davy? Love Dora? (Personally I’m like Anne: “Marilla, it may be a dreadful thing to say, but honestly, I like Davy better than Dora, for all she’s so good.”
Davy's character had more depth. I prefer rambunctious Davy over angelic Dora. It means that Anne could reform him and explore the interior of his disposition.
What about the other new characters? (Mr. & Mrs. Harrison, Paul Irving and his father, Lavender Lewis
and Charlotta the Fourth, also Fred because for some reason he was only introduced in this book)
Paul Irving was such a darling in this book. I never wanted him to grow up as in 'Anne's House of Dreams'. I could relate to Miss Lavendar by her peculiar reputation and her splendid imagination.
Speaking of Fred, how do you feel about Fred and Diana?
DIANA AND FRED! HAHA! Pardon, my colloquialism. It's strange to see Fred appear out of the unexpected. It makes me feel as if Fred's only goal in life were to marry Diana Barry.
Did you whisper, “It’s okay, Gilbert baby, you only have to wait six more years?” every time Gil showed up? Because I did.
Oh, poor Gilbert! I have to admit that I did. However, it was more: "ANNE, CAN YOU NOT?"
What did you think about Mr. Irving and Lavender’s romance? I thought it was the most romantic thing ever (coming together after years of separation), so maybe I’m like Anne in that respect.
Yes! It was oh, so romantic! Nevertheless, I wanted answers to why they fought. Did one of them need more time to understand themselves? Did either of them need to manage their career needs?
Speaking of romance: favorite Anne/Gilbert scene? Other than the ending, I mean. They didn’t have enough, it seemed.
EVERY MOMENT. Anne could just look at him and I'd swoon.
Do you think Anne grew up a lot in this book? Were you grown up at ages 16/17/18?
Anne could conquer the world at the ages of 16-18! Anne's age was considered "grown-up" because there wasn't much to study back then. When I reach the ages of 16-18, I'd be completing my NCEA levels and trying to enter university.
Finally, THAT ENDING. Best foreshadowing ever? Best depiction of romance ever? Best passage ever? SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.
Oh, my Gilbert. It was tragical but amorous. I wanted more, but the best stories end with an ethereal conclusion.
This closes my 'Anne of Avonlea' book review! The Tumblr discussion questions were written by the user avonleavignettes. I've written this review out of sincerity and I hope you've enjoyed reading this lengthy review!
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
 |
| via http://wattsalot.com/anne-of-avonlea |
Author: Lucy Maud Montgomery
Original Publisher: L.C. Page & Co.
Original Publication Date: 1909
Pages: 421 (Vintage Classics Edition)
Why, look at that cover! The artist has captured the natural essence of Anne's deep connection with Avonlea (the gorgeous landscape), Anne's ridiculous encounter with a jersey cow (the cow), and Anne's infatuation with literature (the book placed next to her). So much symbolism in one cover!
'Anne of Avonlea' is the second edition of L.M. Montgomery's fantastic and addictive book series. Anne Shirley is now 16 years of age and teaches at the local Avonlea school, simultaneously completing her studies in correspondence and being a secretary for the 'Avonlea Village Improvement Society'. Throughout the book, we meet new characters such as 'An Irate Neighbour', a pair of twins Marilla had adopted, and a new favourite pupil of Anne's named Paul Irving. Marilla Cuthbert, Diana Barry, and Gilbert Blythe return as supporting characters once again.
I took pleasure in reading this book because the main themes are love, individuality and decisions. Firstly, love is reflected upon because there is a rekindling of a romance between old lovers. Love also takes place when the twins are adopted -- Marilla and Anne now have young hearts to fulfill. Secondly, individuality is cogitated in 'Anne of Avonlea' through the meeting of one of the new characters, Miss Lavendar. Everybody in Avonlea thought of Miss Lavendar as a queer old lady, but when Anne and Diana met her there was a beautiful maiden concealed within her facade. Thirdly, decisions took place in this book through Anne's thoughts. It may not seem of it, but the whole plot represented Anne's risky decision of going to university and leaving Marilla alone with the twins.
'Anne of Avonlea' was a bit humdrum in a sense that nothing really happened in this book. As beautiful as this story is, not many opportunities ceased to affect Anne's character. But I shall remember all book series have at least one sequel that lacks an effective plot.
For the remainder of this book review, I will answer a questionnaire I found on Tumblr that accompanies this book very well. It may have more to do with my personal experiences.
Compared to the first book, how did you like Anne of Avonlea? Compared to the rest of the series (if you’ve read it)?
I perceived it as a 'feel-good' book. Nothing very tumultuous happened in 'Anne of Avonlea' compared to its predecessor, which I thought lacked empathy.
Anne begins teaching at age 16. When you were sixteen, would you have been able to handle a class of unruly pupils of all ages?
When I'm sixteen, I'd only be able to teach pupils also sixteen or younger. If I were in Anne's position, I'd induce a concussion from all the stress!
How do you feel about Davy and Dora? Love Davy? Love Dora? (Personally I’m like Anne: “Marilla, it may be a dreadful thing to say, but honestly, I like Davy better than Dora, for all she’s so good.”
Davy's character had more depth. I prefer rambunctious Davy over angelic Dora. It means that Anne could reform him and explore the interior of his disposition.
What about the other new characters? (Mr. & Mrs. Harrison, Paul Irving and his father, Lavender Lewis
and Charlotta the Fourth, also Fred because for some reason he was only introduced in this book)
Paul Irving was such a darling in this book. I never wanted him to grow up as in 'Anne's House of Dreams'. I could relate to Miss Lavendar by her peculiar reputation and her splendid imagination.
Speaking of Fred, how do you feel about Fred and Diana?
DIANA AND FRED! HAHA! Pardon, my colloquialism. It's strange to see Fred appear out of the unexpected. It makes me feel as if Fred's only goal in life were to marry Diana Barry.
Did you whisper, “It’s okay, Gilbert baby, you only have to wait six more years?” every time Gil showed up? Because I did.
Oh, poor Gilbert! I have to admit that I did. However, it was more: "ANNE, CAN YOU NOT?"
What did you think about Mr. Irving and Lavender’s romance? I thought it was the most romantic thing ever (coming together after years of separation), so maybe I’m like Anne in that respect.
Yes! It was oh, so romantic! Nevertheless, I wanted answers to why they fought. Did one of them need more time to understand themselves? Did either of them need to manage their career needs?
Speaking of romance: favorite Anne/Gilbert scene? Other than the ending, I mean. They didn’t have enough, it seemed.
EVERY MOMENT. Anne could just look at him and I'd swoon.
Do you think Anne grew up a lot in this book? Were you grown up at ages 16/17/18?
Anne could conquer the world at the ages of 16-18! Anne's age was considered "grown-up" because there wasn't much to study back then. When I reach the ages of 16-18, I'd be completing my NCEA levels and trying to enter university.
Finally, THAT ENDING. Best foreshadowing ever? Best depiction of romance ever? Best passage ever? SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.
Oh, my Gilbert. It was tragical but amorous. I wanted more, but the best stories end with an ethereal conclusion.
This closes my 'Anne of Avonlea' book review! The Tumblr discussion questions were written by the user avonleavignettes. I've written this review out of sincerity and I hope you've enjoyed reading this lengthy review!
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Letters to Electra - An Abstract Lesson in Friendship
3/07/15
Dear Electra,
Is it wrong to be mad at people who are smarter than you? I asked Gwen that question this week, and she advised me that it's fine. My other older peers may seem to consider this "a ridiculous form of jealousy." I wish I weren't able to possess this unbecoming characteristic, but I can't change that part of me! It's been part of me for so long that it's inevitable to appear whenever an intelligent classmate surpasses me.
For the first time in 2015, I cried at school. In music, we were assigned to write a piece which told a story, just like Peter and the Wolf. My group consisted of Gwen, Sakura, Charisma, two other girls and me. When I thought we had finished our work, our teacher sauntered towards us and uttered, "Let's hear it with narration." (by "it," he meant what we've done so far.)
When he sat down on the table, my jaw dropped and my eyes popped.
"But Sir, we don't have narration," I stammered and then turned around. "What are we going to do, Gwen?"
Gwen gave a silent shrug.
I guess I'll have to do this myself, I thought as I turned on the keyboard.
"There was a girl named... Cordelia! And, and... she was walking alone... to get some exercise?" I narrated vaguely.
Next, I pointed at the glockenspiel. The glockenspiel replied with delicate rings.
"And, and... behold her was an enchanted forest!"
The tubular pipes chimed after my signal.
"And then--"
"Instead of cueing them in, you all should know when to play," intervened Sir.
The whole operation failed miserably! Sir smiled at the end despite the tragic performance. With this, I excused myself to hide my crestfallen tears.
It was definitely better outside of the music suite. The bushes quivered in the refreshing breeze, all was at peace.
That is until Gwen came outside and attempted to cheer me up.
"Marian, you did well! If I were conducting this whole assignment, it would fall apart," confessed Gwen.
I remained silent.
"Although, if I were you, I'd lose it and burst into tears," she added.
My tears came to a halt a couple of moments later. I turned around and became surprised at the sight of Sakura. She had been there a few seconds after Gwen came to me. The former was as silent as a ninja which gave me a tiny fright.
"Thank you for cheering me up, guys," I thanked my friends as I walked with them after class. My swollen eyes and runny nose persisted at this point.
Gwen and Sakura smiled. I am delighted to have friends who can tolerate my naive emotions.
That concludes the last week of term 2! I wish that my schoolmates will remain safe and have a hedonistic time during the holidays. As usual, I will be taking a break from writing these letters during the upcoming two weeks, but 'Marian's 2015 Reads' will remain active. See you next week, Electra!
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Dear Electra,
Is it wrong to be mad at people who are smarter than you? I asked Gwen that question this week, and she advised me that it's fine. My other older peers may seem to consider this "a ridiculous form of jealousy." I wish I weren't able to possess this unbecoming characteristic, but I can't change that part of me! It's been part of me for so long that it's inevitable to appear whenever an intelligent classmate surpasses me.
For the first time in 2015, I cried at school. In music, we were assigned to write a piece which told a story, just like Peter and the Wolf. My group consisted of Gwen, Sakura, Charisma, two other girls and me. When I thought we had finished our work, our teacher sauntered towards us and uttered, "Let's hear it with narration." (by "it," he meant what we've done so far.)
When he sat down on the table, my jaw dropped and my eyes popped.
"But Sir, we don't have narration," I stammered and then turned around. "What are we going to do, Gwen?"
Gwen gave a silent shrug.
I guess I'll have to do this myself, I thought as I turned on the keyboard.
"There was a girl named... Cordelia! And, and... she was walking alone... to get some exercise?" I narrated vaguely.
Next, I pointed at the glockenspiel. The glockenspiel replied with delicate rings.
"And, and... behold her was an enchanted forest!"
The tubular pipes chimed after my signal.
"And then--"
"Instead of cueing them in, you all should know when to play," intervened Sir.
The whole operation failed miserably! Sir smiled at the end despite the tragic performance. With this, I excused myself to hide my crestfallen tears.
It was definitely better outside of the music suite. The bushes quivered in the refreshing breeze, all was at peace.
That is until Gwen came outside and attempted to cheer me up.
"Marian, you did well! If I were conducting this whole assignment, it would fall apart," confessed Gwen.
I remained silent.
"Although, if I were you, I'd lose it and burst into tears," she added.
My tears came to a halt a couple of moments later. I turned around and became surprised at the sight of Sakura. She had been there a few seconds after Gwen came to me. The former was as silent as a ninja which gave me a tiny fright.
"Thank you for cheering me up, guys," I thanked my friends as I walked with them after class. My swollen eyes and runny nose persisted at this point.
Gwen and Sakura smiled. I am delighted to have friends who can tolerate my naive emotions.
That concludes the last week of term 2! I wish that my schoolmates will remain safe and have a hedonistic time during the holidays. As usual, I will be taking a break from writing these letters during the upcoming two weeks, but 'Marian's 2015 Reads' will remain active. See you next week, Electra!
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Friday, June 26, 2015
Letters to Electra - Marian vs. Changes
26/6/15
Dear Electra,
So many things have happened this week that I cannot compress into one letter. If I were to rate the events of the past five days, I'd score it a 7.7/10. Meeting my friends and learning a great deal at school were two of the significant factors of this week.
My school will be competing in a speech and drama competition against other schools in a couple of months' time. Since I'm now a year nine, I plan to audition with 'The Highwayman' by Alfred Noyes. I chose that particular poem because Anne recites it beautifully in 'Anne of Green Gables' and also because it has such an exhilarating tone to it.
"The wind was a torrent among the gusty trees.
"The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas."
- Alfred Noyes, 'The Highway Man'
On Tuesday, before completing a Spanish exam, Gwen and her classmates entered the class while CHEWING ON GUM! This wasn't how I imagined Gwen to be! When I asked her why she and some of her classmates were eating, she replied: "Because I want to. People change, Marian."
Next, I began to taste the bitterness of tension. Ophelia, the girl sitting on the other side of me, patted me on the back to relieve the tension.
"HOW IN THE HECK DO I STAY CALM IN A STRESSFUL TIME LIKE THIS? We have to grow up," I exclaimed, "and CHANGE!"
Sentiments began to broaden. Inexplicably, Gwen then talked about how someday we will be mothers.
"I will never become a mother," I admitted.
"Oh, you will. I know it," Gwen stipulated. "I will, too. Someday."
Last year I've decided that I shall grow and die an old maid, or that I shall be married into the career of biochemistry and writing. I shall also shun the people who criticise my decision of remaining a bachelorette/spinster.
Before I close this letter, I'd like to greet Dr. Dad a splendid happy birthday for tomorrow! You may be growing older, but the flowers and the trees and your own children shall remind you of how youthful the world remains. Enjoy it as it lasts.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Dear Electra,
So many things have happened this week that I cannot compress into one letter. If I were to rate the events of the past five days, I'd score it a 7.7/10. Meeting my friends and learning a great deal at school were two of the significant factors of this week.
My school will be competing in a speech and drama competition against other schools in a couple of months' time. Since I'm now a year nine, I plan to audition with 'The Highwayman' by Alfred Noyes. I chose that particular poem because Anne recites it beautifully in 'Anne of Green Gables' and also because it has such an exhilarating tone to it.
"The wind was a torrent among the gusty trees.
"The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas."
- Alfred Noyes, 'The Highway Man'
On Tuesday, before completing a Spanish exam, Gwen and her classmates entered the class while CHEWING ON GUM! This wasn't how I imagined Gwen to be! When I asked her why she and some of her classmates were eating, she replied: "Because I want to. People change, Marian."
Next, I began to taste the bitterness of tension. Ophelia, the girl sitting on the other side of me, patted me on the back to relieve the tension.
"HOW IN THE HECK DO I STAY CALM IN A STRESSFUL TIME LIKE THIS? We have to grow up," I exclaimed, "and CHANGE!"
Sentiments began to broaden. Inexplicably, Gwen then talked about how someday we will be mothers.
"I will never become a mother," I admitted.
"Oh, you will. I know it," Gwen stipulated. "I will, too. Someday."
Last year I've decided that I shall grow and die an old maid, or that I shall be married into the career of biochemistry and writing. I shall also shun the people who criticise my decision of remaining a bachelorette/spinster.
Before I close this letter, I'd like to greet Dr. Dad a splendid happy birthday for tomorrow! You may be growing older, but the flowers and the trees and your own children shall remind you of how youthful the world remains. Enjoy it as it lasts.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Friday, June 19, 2015
Letters to Electra - Emotional Girls
17/6/15
Dear Electra,
Remember that Filipino shared lunch I wrote about in the past letter? While I was munching on some delicious viands, Giovanna, my classmate from last year, approached me and began a positive chat. Abruptly, in the midst of our conversation, she mentioned that the form class I am in is the best out of all the other form classes in year nine. When the words slipped into my ears I was appalled, astonished, and amazed! Giovanna is part of the accelerate class and she said that out of unforeseen circumstances. Look, Electra, I'm not trying to offend my class, but in this world of psychology the intelligent are more disciplined and well-rounded than many people. I adore my classmates as much as I adore school itself. We help each other out in times of despondency and plain, unromantic boredom.
I am currently in English class writing to you rather than completing my work. We are studying a marvellous topic named 'Curiosity Killed the Cat'. This strand encourages us to research events that took part on our birthdays. If nothing interesting happened on our birthdays, Ms. allowed us to research about people who share the same birthday as us. None of the events that took place on Sept. 13 captured my fascination. Instead, I chose to research about Roald Dahl (Fact of the day: my father doesn't know who in the world he is! What a kettle of fish!) because he created an extraordinary world when the bibliophiles thirsted for it most.
"Dear old world," she murmured, "you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you."
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Dear Electra,
Remember that Filipino shared lunch I wrote about in the past letter? While I was munching on some delicious viands, Giovanna, my classmate from last year, approached me and began a positive chat. Abruptly, in the midst of our conversation, she mentioned that the form class I am in is the best out of all the other form classes in year nine. When the words slipped into my ears I was appalled, astonished, and amazed! Giovanna is part of the accelerate class and she said that out of unforeseen circumstances. Look, Electra, I'm not trying to offend my class, but in this world of psychology the intelligent are more disciplined and well-rounded than many people. I adore my classmates as much as I adore school itself. We help each other out in times of despondency and plain, unromantic boredom.
I am currently in English class writing to you rather than completing my work. We are studying a marvellous topic named 'Curiosity Killed the Cat'. This strand encourages us to research events that took part on our birthdays. If nothing interesting happened on our birthdays, Ms. allowed us to research about people who share the same birthday as us. None of the events that took place on Sept. 13 captured my fascination. Instead, I chose to research about Roald Dahl (Fact of the day: my father doesn't know who in the world he is! What a kettle of fish!) because he created an extraordinary world when the bibliophiles thirsted for it most.
"Dear old world," she murmured, "you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you."
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Friday, June 12, 2015
Letters to Electra - "A Fresh Pair of Eyes"
12/6/15
Dear Electra,
It's FRIDAY! The day when all desolation is dismissed by delight. This day has been a mix between melancholy and merriment: firstly, I took a difficult exam on religion; secondly, I had social studies and English (two out of my five favourite subjects at school) today; thirdly, I gained the most frightening test score of my year nine career; fourthly, my school's Filipino group and I ate an appetizing shared lunch (or, as Kiwis tend to call it, a "free feed"); fifthly, Willow Pape lost a member; finally, Willow Pape and I had a marvellous lunchtime feasting on leftover cake (albeit losing said member).
Two days ago, I baked a pound cake (which was the main reason why this letter was not published two days ago - I was breathless!). The recipe I followed to make this cake was from the bonus section of Puffin Classic's edition of 'Anne of Green Gables'. I decorated the pound cake with saccharine vanilla icing and chocolate chips. I have modest virtues, but I shall say that I followed the recipe excellently and it was not a bit too dry nor too saturated. Even Charisma marvelled how soft the cake. You should've seen the astonished looks on Sierra, Gwen, and Charisma's faces when they took their first bite, Electra! (Sakura was not at school today and Sabrina is on a diet).
Once I announced my novel to Dr. Dad, he advised me to get a "fresh pair of eyes" to scan every chapter I've written so far. I needed someone who was intelligent, a close friend, and someone interested in what I do. Well, since my book is headed towards teenagers, Gwen would be the best candidate. She's been very supportive and enjoys where the story is going. She's also desperate to read chapter three, which I am currently planning. I remain in the hopes that you and Gwen will clutch onto a hardback copy of my book in a few months' time.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Dear Electra,
It's FRIDAY! The day when all desolation is dismissed by delight. This day has been a mix between melancholy and merriment: firstly, I took a difficult exam on religion; secondly, I had social studies and English (two out of my five favourite subjects at school) today; thirdly, I gained the most frightening test score of my year nine career; fourthly, my school's Filipino group and I ate an appetizing shared lunch (or, as Kiwis tend to call it, a "free feed"); fifthly, Willow Pape lost a member; finally, Willow Pape and I had a marvellous lunchtime feasting on leftover cake (albeit losing said member).
Two days ago, I baked a pound cake (which was the main reason why this letter was not published two days ago - I was breathless!). The recipe I followed to make this cake was from the bonus section of Puffin Classic's edition of 'Anne of Green Gables'. I decorated the pound cake with saccharine vanilla icing and chocolate chips. I have modest virtues, but I shall say that I followed the recipe excellently and it was not a bit too dry nor too saturated. Even Charisma marvelled how soft the cake. You should've seen the astonished looks on Sierra, Gwen, and Charisma's faces when they took their first bite, Electra! (Sakura was not at school today and Sabrina is on a diet).
Once I announced my novel to Dr. Dad, he advised me to get a "fresh pair of eyes" to scan every chapter I've written so far. I needed someone who was intelligent, a close friend, and someone interested in what I do. Well, since my book is headed towards teenagers, Gwen would be the best candidate. She's been very supportive and enjoys where the story is going. She's also desperate to read chapter three, which I am currently planning. I remain in the hopes that you and Gwen will clutch onto a hardback copy of my book in a few months' time.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Letters to Electra - What is Revealed Shall Remain Revealed
3/6/15
Dear Electra,
Remember that novel I mentioned to you about a few months ago? I am re-writing it because I have changed it from first-person to third-person. When I read 'Anne of Green Gables', I began to believe that first-person wouldn't describe the sceneries of my story well, and I want other characters' points-of-view to be included also. I began re-writing it after 'Beauty and the Beast' finished; and still writing the midst of chapter two. I took a risk and read the first chapter to Gwen in music yesterday, and now she's desperate to read what I've written so far in chapter two. Are writers allowed to reveal a whole chapter of their books to others? I wouldn't necessarily ask you since you're not a writer yourself, Electra. Oh well, if Gwen read it, she will never forget it.
This letter shall remain short since my life has been uneventful lately. I have mountainous stacks of homework to complete and upcoming tests to study for. A new 'Pictures Into Words' post will be released this week to ask for your forgiveness for the petite length of this novel.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Dear Electra,
Remember that novel I mentioned to you about a few months ago? I am re-writing it because I have changed it from first-person to third-person. When I read 'Anne of Green Gables', I began to believe that first-person wouldn't describe the sceneries of my story well, and I want other characters' points-of-view to be included also. I began re-writing it after 'Beauty and the Beast' finished; and still writing the midst of chapter two. I took a risk and read the first chapter to Gwen in music yesterday, and now she's desperate to read what I've written so far in chapter two. Are writers allowed to reveal a whole chapter of their books to others? I wouldn't necessarily ask you since you're not a writer yourself, Electra. Oh well, if Gwen read it, she will never forget it.
This letter shall remain short since my life has been uneventful lately. I have mountainous stacks of homework to complete and upcoming tests to study for. A new 'Pictures Into Words' post will be released this week to ask for your forgiveness for the petite length of this novel.
Stay powerful and beautiful as usual,
- M ★
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)