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C S R Discussion Day: The Holly And The Ivy By Aditus

Cia

Entry posted by Cia in CSR- Can't Stop Reading

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Well it's the once in a four year event, Leap Day! For this special day, we have a special story a lot of readers on GA really like! Today we're featuring Aditus' story, The Holly and the Ivy. I hope you enjoyed reading it this month, and you're ready to share your thoughts and questions with Aditus. First, though, I'll share the interview questions I asked him.

 

If you were an animal, what would you be?
I’d like to be a large dog: cuddly, empathic, protective, and a great companion. But I asked around and it’s obvious I am a cat and not even a house cat.

 

What's your favorite room in your house? Do you plot or write there?
My favorite place isn’t really a room; it’s the roof terrace over my bedroom. I go there to read, listen to music, and yes, sometimes to plot too, but I write at my desk or at the kitchen table.

 

What’s something personal about you people might be surprised to know?
Haha. Some things come to mind… I hate pairing up my socks, that’s why I stuff them all into a drawer and just grab two of similar color in the morning. I do have emergency pairs though, just in case I have to make the wrong impression. Yep, I meant to write that.

 

What brought you to Gayauthors?
Who, actually. My very dear friend Lisa. I met her at another site. She helped me with the first story I published in English. We talked, became friends and eventually she told me about GA. I lurked around for a while, read your (Cia’s) Carthera stories and Andrew Q. Gordon’s Second Shot, and stayed.

 

Is there a literary character (in the whole universe of fiction) that you’ve read who you really identified with?
When I read a story/book and I’m really into it, I always identify with one of the characters, which makes me live through all their pain and joy, and I can become very emotional for the rest of the day–or week. So no, there is no single character I identify with, but I always loved Samwise Gamgee.

 

Is there anything you find particularly challenging when writing?
Yes. First, finding the time to write. I prefer writing in the morning and editing in the evening, which doesn’t always fit into my schedule. Second, not to bore my readers with too many details. I have pictures in my head when I write and tend to describe what I see up to the last crumble on the table. In the past, Zombie would always comment: ‘Do we really need to know this?’, or something along those lines. Oh yes, and all my commas… I think I make Lisa cry sometimes.

 

Is there any quote or saying about writing that resonates with you?
“I write because I must.”
There are some authors who have said that; Somerset Maugham is one of them.

 

When you wrote The Holly and the Ivy, did you plot the story first or just write it?
I wanted to write a holiday story but not a sappy one, as I already did that the previous year. The only idea I had was about a vampire who was waiting for his human mate to grow up. He was only allowed to see him once a year, at Christmas mass. While browsing Christmas songs, old Christmas songs to avoid copyright issues, I found ‘The Holly and the Ivy’. Something about the title intrigued me. From then on, I just started to write, which is my usual MO. I did a lot of research while the story was underway: the meaning of names, languages, (as I suddenly needed to invent a completely new species), plants and their meanings, Christmas songs, torture techniques… Research always helps me to plot; I look for one thing and suddenly I am on a different topic entirely. Not the most efficient way to write, I know.

 

How did you decide on the chapter titles? Was it before or after you wrote the chapters?
I always decide on chapter titles after I write the chapter. It has to be an intriguing title that doesn’t reveal too much. It takes me hours sometimes, and I always ask myself ‘Why am I doing this again. Next time I just use numbers….’

 

Did the decision to name your main character Noel come before or after deciding on his birth date?
I can’t really say. It feels as if it happened at the same time.

 

Your story has strong paranormal vibes with the mating and power themes, yet you made the non-humans aliens. Is this a set up for a later off-world theme for the series, or was it just the way you decide to create beings who were “other”?
I love mixing genres. That being said, this happens when I plot while I’m already writing a story. Maybe I can explain my thought process with an example: ‘Lonely vampire plus holiday story, but not a ‘normal’ vampire. Maybe a space vampire? What would he do on Earth? Maybe he was here this whole time; maybe he lives here. But not alone. He could be part of species living with us. But why would they do that?’ And so on and so on.

 

In the end, I was very pleased with my beings who were ‘other’, and I might elaborate some more about them in the next book.

 

When can readers expect the next story in The King’s Mate series?
I had planned to start writing Caesura this month (February), but then I had an idea for the Valentine’s Day and the anthology stories, so I’ll most likely start in March and post the first chapters in April.

 

Well, now you know more about Aditus, so it's time to share your story thoughts!

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19 Comments

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Puppilull

I really loved this story and followed it eagerly every update.

The following can contain spoilers for those of you who haven't read it, but I don't know how to put it and not give things away...


One thing I thought and commented about was the issue if Noel in fact had free choice of accepting his role as the King's mate. It was said over and over that it was his choice. However, the consequences of saying no would be dire to say the least... Add to that the fact that Noel seemed to be under the influence of two other souls and it got my mind spinning. Could Noel make his own choice for real?

Of course, you have to ask yourself why we choose the partners we choose IRL. Our background, family and position in society probably play a big role. So are any of us free to choose?

I think Noel made the right choice for him in the end, but I think he would have found it impossible to walk away. It's not his nature.

 

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Cia
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The way to put in a spoiler is below, but don't use any spaces after the word spoiler before you add the bracket. You don't have to do anything special; just type it into the text editor like regular text. You can do the same with quotes by using quote instead of spoiler.

 

[spoiler  ] Your text here [/spoiler  ]

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Valkyrie
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I have to laugh at the whole sock thing.  I am the same way...I very rarely actually pair up my socks.  If they're at least close in color, then I consider them matching.  :gikkle:  Although a lot of times I do find myself wearing vastly different sock colors because I'm out of ones that relatively match. Honestly, I'm happy if they don't have holes in them.  lol  My mom makes fun of me about my socks all the time.  She gave me a nice bag of socks once because she couldn't take it anymore.  I thanked her for the new socks and she laughed.  They were a bag of her 'old' socks.  LOL 

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Mikiesboy

I read The Holly and The Ivy when it was complete, I'm glad I did because I am not the most patient of people!

 

I thought it was original and very well written. I look forward to more. I like stories like this because though there are different species in it, I can still relate to them, and the characters were solid!

 

Socks? Three men live here...all prefer black socks... sorting nightmare! :)

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Aditus

I really loved this story and followed it eagerly every update.

 

The following can contain spoilers for those of you who haven't read it, but I don't know how to put it and not give things away...

 

First: Thank you, Puppi! :)

Second:

This really was  problem. How can he prove he wasn't influenced from the outside or the inside, but decided on his own, free will? It was the bonding ceremony. It wouldn't have worked if they hadn't loved each other.  So it was true love, obviously. There is still the question if falling in love can be influenced ? Of course it can, you said it already, but only certain amount. For it to be true love it comes from the people who fall in love. Yep, I'm a romantic. :P lol

 

 

@Cia: Thank you for the CSR feature and the nice questions. :)

 

@Val: Good. I'm not alone. Do you have emergency pairs too? lol 

 

@Tim: Thank you, Tim! That's high praise. In German I would be on cloud seven now.   Sorting nightmare indeed. 

  • Like 2
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Puppilull
The way to put in a spoiler is below, but don't use any spaces after the word spoiler before you add the bracket. You don't have to do anything special; just type it into the text editor like regular text. You can do the same with quotes by using quote instead of spoiler.

 

[spoiler  ] Your text here [/spoiler  ]

 

Oh thanks! I wondered about that and now I know! Little by little, you're teaching me the functions of GA. LOL

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Emi GS

Its too good to know more about the Authors here. Adi is a great writer and I'd love to read more of his stories.

 

And Adi, I don't even choose same color socks some time. Which will be result as white on right leg and black on left. :lol:

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Puppilull

Ok, I have to try the spoiler thing because I have another comment (and it's fun to try...)

 

 

But if Noel couldn't know until the bonding, he still had to say yes or no to bonding before that. So just because the ceremony showed they are true mates, he had already decided he wanted to give it a shot. At that time, he still thought it was all his choice, right? He still held the King's life in his hands. That's a tough situation to uphold your free will...

 

As I said, I loved the story and look forward to the sequel. I just felt sorry for Noel having such a burden placed on him.

 

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Cole Matthews

I have a question relating to your overall writing, but it also speaks to this story in particular.  Do you think your stories are more character driven or more plot driven?  I felt Noel sort of developed organically as the story unfolded.  

 

But, I have also noticed your story lines bend a little to keep true to the character. Granted, I  am lucky enough to get to read your stuff before it goes live, but I'm curious if this affects you.  I sometimes struggle I think.  

 

Also, you still haven't told me what your favorite cheese is.  I'm still curious!!!

 

;)

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Aditus

@Cole:Definitely character driven. When Tim said my characters are solid that's one of the greatest things someone can say IMO. I don't know if I bend the story line sometimes to keep true to them, but you're probably right. Something has to give, lol. If I do it, I do it unknowingly, though. Sometimes I think I see the story through their eyes and that affects me.

What do you mean you struggle? When it happens with your own stories or when you have to fight through my drafts. I can't thank you enough for that, btw.

 

@Puppi: We both learned something today. It certainly was a burden, and a way to show his strength. And he had you on his side.

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Northern Dutch Guy

Liked the story, especially the layers in it.

The normal world, the hidden (alien extra terrestial) vampire world and the strugle for power that went on in their 'colony'.

 

Certainly waiting for more  ... :D

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Northern Dutch Guy

I have to laugh at the whole sock thing.  I am the same way...I very rarely actually pair up my socks.   :gikkle: 

 

OMG. Has everyone this problem ? I buy at least several pairs of the same and only 4 different colors/types to make pairing up more simple and even then I/we have a drawer for lonely sox... until the lost sock is back. :lol:

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Timothy M.

I bet you're not surprised about this one: :lol:

A lot of your characters seem to be driven more by their emotions or feelings than rational or calculated thinking.

Are you the same way, or do you have fun letting your characters act in ways you wouldn't?

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Cole Matthews

 Sometimes I think I see the story through their eyes and that affects me.

What do you mean you struggle? When it happens with your own stories or when you have to fight through my drafts. I can't thank you enough for that, btw.

 

 

Your drafts are good, I'm talking about my own writing.  I sometimes struggle with purely character driven stories because occasionally I hit a brick wall or the situation seems to spin out  of control.  I found with the last two things I've worked on, using a model endpoint helps a little.  When, as you put it so well, I see it through the character's eyes, I can nudge them toward the goal while remaining true to form.  

 

Anyway, great job with this story.  It's fun to talk about the craft!!!

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Defiance19

I only have a little comment... 

I really enjoyed The Holly and The Ivy, and what was most remarkable was Noel's evolution and mine as a reader because of it. I was on the fence in the beginning about the choices that were thrust on Noel. It made me and others a little philosophical about his whole situation. But the way you handled, or had Noel handle himself in overcoming his own mistrust and dealing with what he faced, made me a believer in the end when his choice was made. It was a thrilling journey and I look forward to part two.. 

 

 

Now to all of you who don't match your socks.. :o   You're giving me agita just thinking about it.. Don't your toes rebel? Your feet protest? Do you even walk straight? OMG! :P

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Valkyrie
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Now to all of you who don't match your socks.. :o   You're giving me agita just thinking about it.. Don't your toes rebel? Your feet protest? Do you even walk straight? OMG! :P

No...I don't walk straight...lol but not because of my socks.  ;)

 

 

I have to agree with the comments about Noel's choice or apparent lack thereof.  I think the progression of his relationship with Diarmad was very natural, though.  The end result just felt right.

 

 

I'm glad you commented on your selection of names.  One thing I really like about your stories are the names.  I've always been fascinated by the meaning of names and take great care in my own stories when choosing names. 

 

Two other comments:  I love Sam Gamgee, too.  He's the definition of loyal friend.  :)  My other comment is that cats are pretty awesome, too.  ;)  Even non housecats ;)

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Lisa

Addy! Congrats on The Holly and the Ivy being featured for the CSR discussion! :)

 

It was a very interesting book, and yes, you made me cry -- towards the end of the book -- because of the book, not because of commas. :lol:

 

And I'm with Defiance on the sock issue; I think my OCD would act up if I didn't have two of the exact same socks on. lol  Although one of my kids will pick any two socks; he doesn't even care about the colors! Half of his sock drawer is filled with loose socks w/o their mate. :( I think the washing machine or the dryer keeps stealing them. :yes:

 

Addy, you are such a pleasure to work with, and as I've said many times in the past: I was totally amazed to find out (years and years ago), that your native language is NOT English! Your English is excellent, IMO! :)

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Headstall

It's a great story, Adi... As you know, I'm part way through it, and enjoying it immensely. Congrats on the feature. Cheers... Gary

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Aditus

 

Also, you still haven't told me what your favorite cheese is.  I'm still curious!!!

 

;)

I forgot to answer the most important question: My favorite cheese is Appenzeller cheese and the cream cheese I make with my elementary school science class.

Cole, you really made me think about my writing and I think I not only bend the plot, I build it around my characters. There are a few fix points I plan to reach in my story, but if the characters demand it, I change those too. Very bad form, huh?

 

@Northern Dutch Guy: Thank you! For liking my story and being a member of the chaos sock club. :)

 

 

 

I bet you're not surprised about this one: :lol:

A lot of your characters seem to be driven more by their emotions or feelings than rational or calculated thinking.

Are you the same way, or do you have fun letting your characters act in ways you wouldn't?

Nope, not surprised at all. I worked in a lab with highly infectious substances. That means rational and calculated thinking was required. There are people behind the blood samples. I learned to reign in my feelings and emotions. To answer your question: I have immense fun to let my characters act in ways I'd like, sometimes.

 

@Def: 'what was most remarkable was Noel's evolution and mine as a reader because of it' Wow! Just wow. Thank you so much! That's really not a little comment.

 

 

@Val: I'm glad you think so to all of what you said. *hug*

 

 

 

Addy! Congrats on The Holly and the Ivy being featured for the CSR discussion! :)

 

 

 

Thank you! You, Zombie and Val are part of it.

 

 

 

It was a very interesting book, and yes, you made me cry -- towards the end of the book -- because of the book, not because of commas. :lol:

 

 

Why am I not entirely convinced? lol I'm terrible with commas.

 

Socks without their mate? Just make them one big tribe!

 

 

 

Addy, you are such a pleasure to work with, and as I've said many times in the past: I was totally amazed to find out (years and years ago), that your native language is NOT English! Your English is excellent, IMO! :)

 

*blush* That's because you never heard me butchering your language. lol  Thank you! *hug*

 

@Headstall: Gary, as always I am looking forward to your amazing comments. :)

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