Migrating My Blog

Good day readers!

I have decided to centralise my online presence.  Since I am no longer using Google Sites for my website and Weebly has a blog function I will be posting new content on my Weebly website: http://katarinaclaire.weebly.com/

Also, there is a sign-up field on the Home page where you can apply to receive monthly updates about my projects and posts.  Newsletters will be sent at the beginning of a month for the previous one.

Thank you to everyone who has read this blog and I hope to see you at the new location!

Cheers!

Illustration of a lush, green beside skeletal leaf
© Katarina Claire.

Romance, Without the Romance

As more of my tales enter the world it will become apparent that romances play an important part in most of them. Perhaps it's because I'm a young woman for whom a fulfilling relationship is integral to her happiness yet another factor is the deep connections that can spring from such relationships. On a biological level nothing is more critical than the union of two individuals and subsequent rearing of offspring. On a personal level the experience of lust, love, affection, longing, regret – few emotions are more powerful than the ones elicited by romantic potential. One might say that all of life's complexities stem from the drive to seek out the pleasure of companionship, no matter how prolonged or fleeting.

I enjoy simple romances which focus on characters discovering themselves and each other on the course toward romantic fulfillment. Desire can but doesn't have to be a critical aspect. I have read stories that touched me with their intensity with very little lust and some with a good deal. Both, when done well, can be stunningly beautiful.

There's another type of romance I'd like to acknowledge here. It can live in any type of tale involving two characters who develop an attachment, but differs from more traditional love stories in its treatment of the circumstances surrounding the lovers. The stories I'm referring to are those that draw attention to the fact that the circumstances, more even than the couple, are the source of the romance. An example of this type of story is The Hunger Games trilogy. At the outset the reader does not doubt that, had there been no Hunger Game for Katniss or her sister, our heroine would have ended up with Gale. Although Peeta has harboured affection for her before them it's the Games that make them a couple, the unique circumstances ultimately leading to the two falling in love.

It's very reasonable to say that Peeta and Katniss have no choice in this development since no other person can relate to what they've been through, their emotions manipulated by the people and environments around them. This fact doesn't even particularly matter so long as they are happy together. The importance of circumstance is often overlooked in romances so I appreciate stories that draw attention to what is really the most critical aspect of relationships. You are far more likely to end up with someone who is familiar to you, similar background, ethnicity, physical location and upbringing, than not because it's easier to understand someone who shares these aspects. Yes, perhaps it's not very romantic but it is realistic. 

I commend stories that can weave good characters, intriguing plot, and realism since it is no easy task. Those that achieve it are worthy of recognition as truly great writers.

Image of a man's hand exchanging a flower with a woman's courtesy of Faylinn

Unfurling...

It's a magical moment when all the threads of a story begin coming together.  Characters you like but whose paths have been mindless and destinations whose map was only a figment start unfurling like new leaves, filling an author with the vigor only inspiration can bestow.  The wonder at discovering the promise of a whole narrative with depth and intrigue is a potent brew.  That is how I began to feel about the second installment in my 'Call of the Black Panther' universe yesterday, watching the landscape slip by on a trip to visit family.

If I wanted to get philosophical I suppose the connection makes some sense.  There are many concerns touched on in the Panther books but the notion of 'family' is perhaps one of the biggest.  Tension between creatures different from ourselves, as well as facets that are considered 'different' within a scientific classification, is not a new theme but which still lies at the heart of our struggles as a species.  Embedded in that struggle for balance is the risk of radicalisation, a topic the second book looks at in more detail.  Walking the line between security and freedom is of particular importance in our increasingly connected global society.  In both books I endeavour to show that neither Human branch is completely good or bad, only that individual choice is of paramount importance.  Whereas it is easy to simply 'go-along' with others that inaction can lead to unsettling consequences.  Every society benefits from questioning the perceived 'best course of action' and whose desires are met by making particular choices.

Ultimately, because I'm an optimist, I believe that people generally make good moral decisions.  Repression, stress, lack of education, lethargy all affect the moral quality of a decision but everyone has the capacity to recognise right from wrong and desire an ethical conclusion.  This universe is my own rendition of where such moral tensions can play out, particularly in the thorny area of inter-Human 'difference'.  Characters who are good will make bad decisions and have to live with the consequences.  The reverse will also be true, the actions of those around these characters constantly affecting their view of cause and effect.

One of an author's biggest challenges is capturing a semblance of life in their work, the complexity of interacting forces ensuring that sometimes even the creator will not fully understand where their words are coming from.  Stories are fundamentally lessons about life.  They range from the ordinary to grotesque, simultaneously examining and embodying the nebulous nature of our conscious reality.  This artistic form is at once a source of pleasure and introspection, enabling us to see what we've come to expect in new ways.  That is what I ultimately hope comes from others reading my stories - a new perspective on the world.  Perhaps even one that will help it become a better place.  As any artist will tell you, it doesn't hurt to dream.

Image of writing by after-the-party

Complexities of Life

I did not set myself a very ambitious writing goal for the April Camp NaNoWriMo but am pleased to say I am on schedule to achieve my word count goal.  This is the first time I've split my attention between two stories, the sequel to my 'Land and Sea' fanfiction, and a sequel to 'Call of the Black Panther'.  Although I have no idea how long it will take to finish the former I know that it will eventually find its way to the internet.  The latter sequel is still so new to me I'm not sure how it's going to pan out.  It's been many years since I initially wrote 'Call of the Black Panther' so me and my writing style have changed since the universe's inception.  I anticipate that this sequel will flow from multiple character perspectives more than its parent tale did.  Irene is an important part still but I am hoping to explore more of the 'gray' area that exists between the two human species.  Part of the reason it's difficult for me to discuss this project right now is because I'm still not sure where it's going to end-up.

Perhaps the main issue I've had as a mature author is trying to capture the essential complexity of life.  That is certainly what's been holding me up with the Rules Trilogy.  One has to have a destination in mind to know when they've reached it.  Selena's story grew very organically, thus was a perfect fit for previous NaNoWriMo projects.  The Panther sequel is also trying to take on some of that 'screw the plans' mentality.  Thankfully I am excited to follow these characters along as their story unfolds.  I suspect it is wise for me to simply follow the flow of inspiration and worry about the clean-up later.

Speaking of clean-up I'm fairly confident that 'Call of the Black Panther' is ready for the light of day.  I am still waiting on some feedback from my wonderful friends but it's basically the technicalities that remain to alter.  As I put the finishing touches on my Createspace account I am reminded of the obstacles that exist for a Canadian writer.  Since Amazon is a US-based company I am required to supply additional information (namely tax-related).  There is also the issue of compensation which, since direct deposit is available for only the US and Europe, restricts me to a payment option that depends on sales.  Thankfully I didn't go into writing to make money, although being able to support myself doing what I love is an ever-present dream.  Ultimately I am excited to see how the larger world feels about this little story and hope that it can provide some measure of enjoyment and insight.

Until the next update I leave you with an excerpt from my soon-to-be-published book (I still can't quite believe that's true1):

“Don’t go mad with the hate you feel!  Revenge only continues the cycle of violence.  We cannot avenge the dead, only attempt to save the living.”

Turning his gaze from within to her Arminius was ensnared by Irene's determined gaze.   Despite his best efforts to retain it, his anger steadily crumbled away, leaving in its place a strange sense of guilt.  He wanted so badly to crush all of the Creatures that had destroyed his home and friends – but what would doing so bring him in the end?  The thrill of glory and self-righteousness was a tempting brew yet he’d already tasted the shame associated with stooping to the tactics of those he hated.   Others might have considered it weakness to deny the ardor of vengeance but, looking down at the child clinging to Irene’s waist and then into her stead-fast eyes, Arminius knew that it was not fear or weakness to deny those tempting urges.  In this female’s eyes was compassion, compassion for the hate and pain he was feeling… and a stubborn refusal to give into rage.  Irene resolutely believed that only caring would allow peace to return and, given what violence had done for them, Arminius realised he was starting to share that belief."

© Katarina Claire E.R.

Image of a stream through a forest courtesy of Stauffer

Writing Sequels for April Camp NaNoWriMo

As I move towards April's edition of Camp NaNoWriMo the plans regarding what writing project I should work on begin to swirl around in my head.  Whereas in previous years the answer has been clear this time around I have several projects to choose from.  Below I will outline the three key ideas and a brief description of how likely I am to work on them.

1) The Rules Book 3: This book's rough draft is almost finished and it would be nice to complete my first series.  Despite this fact I would need to refresh myself by re-reading the book and am just not feeling it this NaNoWriMo.  I think there will be typing and editing of what I have before I finish it.

2) Land and Sea 2, Sinister Depths:  Sequel to my first Belle and Ariel fanfiction this story follows the two heroines five years after their marriage.  Children have been disappearing from the area where they're tutoring.  Uncovering why leads to the women discovering a variety of Europe's mythical creatures, both benign and sinister.  I've got a good portion of Chapter 1 completed so it's possible that more of this will get written this April.

3) Call of the Black Panther 2: Filled with rage after the events at the end of the first book Irene wanders the wilderness, her sole purpose the preservation of the lives growing within her.  I'm currently quite pumped to write this second installment.  Although not much is set in stone yet there's a great deal of possibility and I look forward to seeing where this narrative could take me.  It is the one I am most likely to work on.

Here is the link to my Camp NaNoWriMo page: http://campnanowrimo.org/campers/starfire-falcon/novels/cotbp2

Image of a bobcat and two kits.  

Source (Google search): http://fineartamerica.com/art/photographs/bobcat/all

Revolutionary Girl Utena: Episode 1

The intro features Anthy and Utena almost exclusively, drawing attention to the relationship between them as the focus of the story.  Given this attention it's understandable that some would automatically see it as a lesbian series.  I have no doubt that this is part of the reason I began watching it years ago since I had just discovered Fingersmith, a made for TV movie based on the book by Sarah Waters.  Fingersmith is an expertly crafted story whose central focus is the complex relationship and eventual romance between the two lead female characters and I was inspired to find more tales like it during my first year of University.

Utena and Anthy on horseback before a castle

Anthy and Utena being pulled apart

Back to the first installment of season 1.

Besides the lesbian under (or over) tones Fairytale tropes like castles, roses, horses and dueling feature throughout the intro, promising character development and action.  Given this opening discovering that the story takes place in a high school is rather disorienting.  A narrator explains that the main character,Utena, is raised out of grief by a prince, vowing to uphold the hope he gave her by making herself in his image.  In other words, by becoming a prince.  Hence the reason Utena attends what appears to be an extremely prestigious school in a boy's uniform (I love how short-shorts are apparently mandatory attire for the male students).

Utena brushing off the guidance counselor in her boy's uniform

Utena is athletic and the girls fawn over her yet she doesn't see herself as boyish.  She has flawlessly integrated this aspect into who she is despite what the larger society thinks (be it negative, in the case of the teacher, or positive, in the case of the fangirls).  The school itself is part university campus part cathedral, rose-symbols prevalent throughout its structure.  A rose-garden backdrop is how Utena first sees Anthy who is tending flowers in the green house.

Our heroine then witnesses Anthy being physically abused by someone she assumes to be the woman's boyfriend (which is disturbing) but the attack is interrupted and we learn that all three figures (Anthy, Touga and Saionji) are members of the Student Council.  Anthy is completely submissive in every scene and apparently no one likes her.

Touga stops Saionji from further abusing Anthy

Drifting away from Utena's perspective we learn that the Student Council is vying for 'ownership' of Anthy who is called 'The Rose Bride'.  Whoever possesses her gains the power to bring world revolution, although what that means is a mystery.  The Council does not condone Saionji's abuse of Anthy but cannot stop him from treating her how he wishes while they're 'engaged'.  Only a figure named 'End of the World', who oversees the rules of the game, can interfere.  Tying into the cruelty of this strange game is the emotional reality of high school.  Utena's apparently sole close friend, Wakaba, has written a love letter to Saionji who has posted it on the bulletin board where spectators are jeering at its sincerity.

To avenge her friend Utena challenges Saionji to a duel.  Little does she know that by challenging the current owner of the Rose Bride she enters herself into the game.  One crucial point I've thus far neglected to mention is that participants in this game where rings with a rose crest.  The prince that raises Utena out of grief gives her a ring identical to that of the duelists.  This is how she is able to enter the forbidden arena at the back of the school to fight Saionji.  The arena is located on the top of a dais raised high in the air and gotten to via a winding staircase.  Above the arena floats an upside-down castle.

Utena gazes up at the castle above the arena

Understandably awed by her surroundings Utena is also surprised to see that Anthy is part of the duel, Saionji pulling a real sword from her chest for the fight.  A winner is determined by whoever cuts the rose (which is placed in the shirt pocket of each duelist) off first.  Despite her lack of a proper weapon (Utena fights with a broken kendo sword) she manages to beat Saionji and becomes engaged to Anthy.  Touga, the Student Council president, watched the battle from afar and now has an interest in the new duelist.  Utena does not know what to think - and it's only the beginning of that state for her and the viewers.

Anthy meets Utena outside the arena as her Bride

All in all it's less cheesy than I thought it was, although there's no doubt that it's style is unique and takes some getting used to.  The visuals are stunning and heavy with symbolism we can only begin to guess at.  Although it seems simple and light there's something at the edges of my awareness suggesting that there's more to this little drama (and it's not just from what I remember of the initial viewing).

Future entries should not be as long since this episode establishes the set.  Nonetheless, I hope any who come across this entry enjoy it!

Images courtesy of  http://ohtori.nu/

Inspiration Series: Revolutionary Girl Utena

It's not all about lesbians I swear! 

Despite now being an old anime Revolutionary Girl Utena is touted as the Neon Genesis Evangelion of shoujo anime.  The incredibly complex story balances multiple characters, themes and symbols, weaving them into a fascinating and sometimes utterly unfathomable tapestry.   The series' director thought the series would be his last project so he threw everything in - the tension of self-expression in adolescence, tropes in fairytales, gender role critiscm, among others.  Many great essays and reviews have been written about it.  For my part, I am not in a position to effectively comment since I discovered and watched the series many years ago but recall being enormously inspired and struck by it.

I, therefore, wanted it to be the first installment in my Inspiration Series - a series of entries where I comment on books, movies, TV, and other media that I find interesting.  Since I've been meaning to re-watch this series for a while now I thought that including brief written comments about it as I go would provide both insight and perhaps even amusement for those reading this blog.

I leave you with a video that I saved during the height of my love for the series paired with an incredibly moving song.  Although the video features clips from the film version I recall appreciating the series far more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP675PT-Cro


Also, here's a review.
Nihon Review: http://www.nihonreview.com/anime/revolutionary-girl-utena/

Image of Anthy hiding her face, Utena being open and expressive and the princely ideal between them.