lilansui

The separation will be tough, I've worked up to it so hard, can't believe it's finally time. Thank you Stephen for reading and reviewing through it all.

I'll cry for my Joshua when he goes back to school in September....Congrats to your Josh, I'm sure there's a lot of excitement for him, and sad moments for you. Congrats to you too, coz you've led him to this point in his life. Wow, As for Alexi and Josh, theirs will be tough, its not easy to leave those you love behind. . Thank you, Lisa for a wonderful review and for the welcome back...

Your thoughts are so heartwarming. Alexi has certainly become stronger from having Joshua in his life. It's been quite a summer for him I think. Change is hard, you're right, they're both strong in their own way. Thank you so much for your lovely review. Made me smile.

Chapter 22 Rain poured that Friday evening. Large drops pounded the pavements forcing Joshua to take a cab to Alexi’s building. He walked into the building determined to take Alicia’s advice. He and Alexi were going to talk about their future tonight. Alexi’s parents were flying in on Monday evening; Lily had planned an ambitious itinerary. He’d read the schedule yesterday and felt overwhelmed. The Kotaru family was in town for business as well as pleasure. Lily had Alexi slotted into th

Romance coming soon,. Thanks for your review sacred, as always.

Levin the menace. Thanks for your review.

Chapter Six Haje tried not to tremble as he stood staring at the town car standing too close to the library. Their accident had attracted spectators, kids and parents stood peering at him, Vincent and the police. He answered questions and suffered a paramedic. Through it all, he couldn’t stop feeling the panic that had raced through his those few minutes before the car stopped. His gaze searched and found Vincent’s assuring figure. If it weren’t for Vincent’s capable reaction, they’d have

Thank you! I'm happy you had some Puerh, it so delicious isn't it. Thank you for reading The Precious Teahouse.

Thank you Suvitar for reading. I'm so happy you liked my story. I'm working on the next part and hopefully Alexi and Joshua's happy ending will make everyone smile..lol Thanks again.

Joann! You're so right! Thank you for always coming to read my story. Mwah!!...lol

So sorry for your loss, Dark. He'll watch over you always.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Mann!!!, Happy Birthday to you!! :wizard:

Thank you so much, kisses...lol.

I'm still learning with each story, and most of my writing firmly stays away from fantasy/paranormal, but I hope I can add on something to this. My character development starts with all of the above, sitting down and really getting to know my characters, how they look, what they eat, or don't e.t.c. Understanding your characters makes it easier for the story to flow out of you. Also research on towns- locations where my characters are going to be. This is where you involve online friends, family and friends, strangers if need be, just to understand what a certain place looks like or what traditions are known around a certain area. I once wrote out a scene on one of my stories, and I sent it to my editor and he goes like, "That scene is amazing, and all, but that's just not New York. It works great with the characters getting closer, but for someone who lives there, the location is just not believable." So, at that moment, you get back to the drawing board and learn more about your location as much as you can. The scene worked out, and if you really can't get it right, visiting the place makes all the difference. I'd imagine when creating your own world, some of this rules might change, but there's always that certain thing that is known about a certain city. I've been watching way too much game of thrones, but when Daenerys Targaryen joined the Dothraki tribe, the girls kept repeating this line 'It is known' about certain aspects of their tribe. I try to find out what is known about certain cities and make sure not to ignore that otherwise you might get a reader who goes like, that story was great but there is no way that location is right. So, when creating a world, make sure to add what your characters would say 'It is known' to about a certain city or culture aspect of your world. Also, sometimes stories come from people you know or know of. We all have one reality and there are scenes that wouldn't happen to you on any given day, but would happen to your neighbor, people you know or know of. Reading newspapers, life histories and old war stories can spark inspiration. And I don't mean people like Gandhi although it's good to know such things, I like to listen to my grandma tell me stories of her life and what she saw or did. That kind of source gives you so much to work with, when you're writing and suddenly get stuck, that is a great way to get you jump started again. Learning about political and economic struggles in your country and what's on the news and why, if there's an election going on, think of your character and what side they'd be on and why, that helps build your plot, and add more color. There is no such thing as knowing too much information about your character, mostly because you're acting as his creator, and even though what you know about your main character doesn't show up in the story, the reason why he made certain decisions will make more sense. With a clear picture of your setting and what is going on politically, economically or socially in your world, a reader will also understand your character's decision. Up to now, I've tried them all, writing on paper, software like dramatica pro, word. I can only tell you that your best tool is the one you're most comfortable with, the one allowing you to create the best. Sometimes in meetings at work, instead of listening to my boss, I write out dialogue on a scrap piece of paper, later on word, using that dialogue, I'll flesh out the scene, sometime in the next week, I'll get on Dramatica and try to fit that scene in to the big scheme of things. Sadly, a month later, that scene could face the chopping block if a better scene is inspired by another conference meeting. What works for you, is what you're most comfortable with, I think. I've known writer friends who won't create without peace and quiet in a closed room with only a laptop. Another one who hangs out at a library. By the end of this, filling out the form on Cia's answer can be so easy once you've done your research, it becomes fun. I'd also advice to get a friend who won't mind reading your million and one drafts. One who won't be afraid to tell you the truth and one who you won't hate too much when they tell you, what you've spent the last week working on is not so good and could be better. Also, writing is a learning process, what worked for your last story might not work for your next one. Read and learn about plot, how to plan it, the different aspects of point of view, why it matters, language how to use less words to describe a scene, dialogue, and all that fun stuff, learning never ends, but it should always be fun.

Levin, every one is so suspicious of him...poor guy lol

Lol, Mean Sui, plotting and planning, lol. TLC from Vincent coming up soon.

I panic alot when I'm driving normally, I'm with you on scream and run in the bus or the sidewalk. But, I have a friend who is pretty good with driving, he tutors...lol. Thanks glad the suspense is full on.

I'm a twit...lol find me at @LeeSuilan, I'll follow back.

A lot of excitement for Haje, someone is determined to get him.

Chapter Five They walked into the doctor’s plaza thirty minutes later. Haje clutched the briefcase against his chest when they entered the elevator. Vincent punched in the fifth floor button and the elevator lurched into motion. Haje kept his gaze on the ground well aware that Vincent was watching him keenly. “How is the pain in your leg?” Seol asked him. “If the pain is better, we can ask the doctor to reduce your meds because they’re messing with your appetite.” He’d always hated meds,

Happy Birthday Layla!!! :wizard:

Kevin is starting to piss me off! And I was so on his side,...goodness, you weave a tale, Sacred. I too missed Edward, this is a hard one to tell what happens next, both Kevin and Edward and even Zune have wronged each other, and kept secrets with each other. What a mess, can't wait to read the next chapter. (Man, that little guy must be tired of swinging on that wooden pole! - Lisa, that little guy is like the energizer bunny, he never stops...lol )

Happy Birthday Renee!! Belated but not too late.!!

Lol Sacred, I feel your frustration, and raise you a promise to update soon. Josh and Alexi have some tough times ahead, they'll make it through, I know. Stick with me...thank you for your review and your patience. Always, Sui.

Josh and Alexi's reality sets them on opposite sides at the moment. I'm excited and a little nervous about the next two chapters, so many decisions to make for both of them. Thank you for your review, Lisa, and for your patience with EB&C. Cheers.