#Medallion Heist Novella

[maskedemerald]

NaNoWriMo Approaches

Time to announce my projects! Yes that's right, projects. I may be being foolish but this NaNo I'll be working on two projects at once. One I wanted to write and the other I wanted to write but realized I needed to do it earlier. So I thought do both! That way even if I don't reach the goal I have words on both!

A Curiosity Piqued - The Medallion Heist

Genre: Mystery/ Fantasy/ Action

Set in an alternate magic as a science version of our world A Curiosity Piqued is a series of mystery Novella's following the lives of characters and exploring the world's worldbuilding.

There is an interesting exhibit opening at a museum in Newcastle, unfortunately during the opening night celebrations an item is stolen and they are coming back for the centrepiece... the very cursed centrepiece.

Expect: confident thieves, chases, intrigue, off the books investigation, museum heists, cursed artefacts

Magic Act

Genre: YA Romance/ Mystery/ Fantasy/ Horror

Magic Act is a mix of mystery and romance set in a magical hidden world. Its a story about a trans kid who sees something they shouldn't have seen and while escaping they end up falling into the hidden away magical pocket dimension home to fae and other folklore beings. Unfortunately the being they were running from is also there, they have to fake magic to keep up the act of belonging in the city and the magical academy. Its a hard job to trick the fae but they have help… but can they trust that help?

Expect: Fae, blue orange morality, awkward first crush, questionable trust, I'm terrified and can't trust you to awkward crush I'm not sure I should have, magic tricks, pretending to be a fae, fish out of water

Please feel free to send any asks about these projects my way! I will happily answer them!

#writing #writeblr community #creative writing #amwriting #mystery #writeblr #magic act novel #writer #A Curiosity Piqued Series #Medallion Heist Novella

[maskedemerald]

15 Questions Tag Game

I'm finally getting to catching up on the tags I've gotten while I was ill. You'll be seeing a lot more of me now!

Tagged by @the-down-upside-finch and @taveren-writing because I got tagged twice I'll do this for my OCs from both my upcoming NaNoWriMo projects: Blue is A Curiosity Piqued's current and upcoming protagonists Aelfraed and Arnvalr. Red is Magic Act's protagonists Magician and Night. Sorry this is going to be a long one but hey you get some Fae shenanigans and some detective vs thief shenanigans.

Rules: Answer the 15 questions as your OC or yourself. Tag up to 15 people.

Tagging: @card-queen @pb-dot @thetruearchmagos @dogmomwrites @i-rove-rock-n-roll @stesierra @guessillcallitart @sparrow-orion-writes @ashwithapen @cat-esper @jasperygrace @sam-glade @alnaperera @amaiguri @akiwitch

I'm curious to learn more about you and your characters!

Are you named after anyone?

Aelfraed: I was named after my grandfather... though I was almost named after my father. Very glad that didn't happen its bad enough sharing a lastname. Arnvaldr: Dunno, never met my folks and never bothered to ask my sister Vigdis. Don't really care they were all probably shitty.

Magician: That's actually pretty hard to answer when I don't remember what it was. Night: Wouldn't you like to know human. You can't trick what is mine so easily. You are not that clever. Though the attempt is amusing.

When was the last time you cried?

Aelfraed: A couple of weeks ago now, its been a good thing to have gotten away from the university in the long run despite everything else that happened. Arnvaldr: pft, poor detective. Dunno the last time I did.

Magician: After Night threw me in the deep end. They left me to trick some fae into believing I wasn't human by myself, specifically one that I'm sure was planning to kill me. Night: I apologized for that Magician, you seemed to be fine at the time. You had them convinced. Magician: You called that an apology? Ugh you make absolutely no sense. Do fae even cry? You thought I was ill. Night: Correction, I thought you were ill because you kept sleeping for more time than you were awake. Fae do cry, I have cried. Magician: When? Night: I would rather not talk about it Magician.

Do you have kids?

Aelfraed: I've never really considered it. Arnvaldr: Never, nope. Not happening.

Do you use sarcasm?

Aelfraed: Its not really something I use, I would rather state things clearly. Arnvaldr: Figured you'd pick the boring answer Detective. Life's more fun with a good dose of sarcasm.

Night: Me? Never, I only ever say exactly what I mean. Magician: Uh-huh, sure you do Night. There has to be some sarcasm in all that cryptic stuff you end up saying. Wait... stop laughing its not my fault you manage to say that with a completely straight face!

What’s the first thing you notice about others?

Aelfraed: Their mood probably. The expression on their face. Arnvaldr: Really, doesn't the au... never mind. I guess we have something in common Detective, well sort of.

What’s your eye color?

Aelfraed: They're gray the same as my father's, not a nice kind. They always seem so cold and judging. Arnvaldr: Huh I thought they were darker than that, probably just the lighting. Running across rooftops at night isn't the best way to get a good look at someone. Mine are green in case you missed it. Aelfraed: Are you trying to make finding you easier? Arnvaldr: I'll say again, catch me if you can Detective.

Magician: Mine are a redish brown... Night? What did you do to my eyes! Why are they more red! Night: Pft, you didn't notice Magician? I thought you would have noticed before now. You didn't really think you'd fit in with such ordinary eyes, you've seen mine. I am sure humans do not have this shade of purple. Magician: I was a bit distracted with the ears. Also that's more than just purple.

Scary stories or happy endings?

Aelfraed: I would rather see a happy ending, life is bad enough without adding horror stories to it. Arnvaldr: Wuss, give me horror any day. Happy endings just aren't realistic.

Night: Horror, without a doubt. The more disturbing the better. Magician: That tracks, living with you is like being in a horror story and I've had enough of that. Happy endings please, hopefully I'll get one.

Any special talents?

Arnvaldr: Does thievery count, or maybe my nack for escaping. Aelfraed: I would say no. With what you steal I'm rather surprised you're still alive.

Magician: I'm pretty good with my magic tricks by this point, as long as I have my gear there is a lot I can pull off. Night's is probably being terrifying. Night: ah haha, funny. You are just easy to scare Magician.

Where were you born?

Aelfraed: A smaller town outside of Edinburgh. Arnvaldr: I don't really know, don't really care.

Magician: I was technically born in the city. Mum had to go to the hospital and we didn't have one nearer but I grew up in a small town that's practically countryside. Night: One of the many fae realm pockets. I believe the mirror to Magician's small town though according to Magician the two are quite different.

What are your hobbies?

Aelfraed: Reading, give me a good book and I'll be happy for hours. Even better if I'm learning something. Arnvaldr please don't say theft, please tell me you have something else to do. Arnvaldr: Oh come on, the theft is fun! But if you insist, running... specifically over rooftops.

Magician: Magic tricks, cycling and video games. Night: For me gardening, my blue roses are quite well kept. Though also the stars and my experiments. Magician: Don't give them any ideas, you don't want to be one of their experiments. Its a nightmare. Night: Shhh, you're scaring them away.

Do you have any pets?

Arnvaldr: Hmm I'd like one, not really able to look after one though. Don't tell the Detective I feed the strays when I can, I don't want him getting the wrong idea.

Night: I have Nyx, he's a crow I found near the lake portal. Magician: Wait so Nyx looks like a normal crow because he is?

What sports do you play/have played?

Magician: A little football with my friends, its fun but I'm not serious about it like some of them. Night: I would explain but we would be here for some time, I doubt humans have fae sports.

How tall are you?

Aelfraed: Quite tall, I think I got most of the height in the family. Only my father is taller and that's not by much. Arnvaldr: 5ft 3, less height really helps with the whole thief thing.

Night: You think I am constrained to a specific height? No, though I do prefer to remain on the taller end of things. Magician: A little jealous that you can just choose. I'm 5ft I'm hoping to get a bit more as I get older.

Favorite subject in school?

Aelfraed: Everything, I missed the variety of subjects once I started at University.

Magician: Science, it gave me so many ideas for tricks. Its not really school but I really like the theatre club at the community theatre across town too.

Dream job?

Aelfraed: I don't know right now, I've left university and haven't worked out what I want to do now. What about you Arnvaldr? If you didn't need to steal what would you do? Arnvaldr: Come on, I'd probably still pocket things. Maybe a Focus Engineer or Archeologist. Aelfraed: I didn't know you were interested in history. Arnvaldr: I'm not, but that's where the interesting treasures come from so where better to pocket them. Aelfraed: There's no changing you is there.

Magician: I want to be a magician but I think that's obvious, maybe a stage actor too.

Woooo! Thank you for reading to the end! If you're curious about the projects I'm going to be working on both during NaNoWriMo next month and will be posting more about them!

#writing #writeblr community #creative writing #amwriting #writeblr #magic act novel #writer #mystery #A Curiostity Piqued Series #Medallion Heist Novella

[maskedemerald]

KNOCK KNOCK IZ TRICK OR TREAT TIME

Yay! Hi!

Treat Time!

I was thinking about what to share then I remembered that I made sim versions of my Medallion Heist main characters that I never actually showed anyone! (maybe I'll let them loose on a save and see how much trouble they both get into)

I like making sims of my characters because it helps me get a good idea of what they look like. Sadly I have to also compromise a bit for not having the perfect CC.

First introducing Aelfraed Agmundrson! The protagonist and almost detective (he's getting there) His hair was meant to be lighter and his face longer but I think this turned out pretty well (I'm still getting used to the drag sliders, I miss sims 2 but it takes so long to load).

Below the cut I have a spoilery character. Arnvaldr is the thief behind the title's heist. That bit isn't the spoiler because he won't be using his real name but appearance might be.

Little rant why are all the sims waistcoats combo-ed with rolled up sleeves? He'd be trying to cover up his scars as much as possible. He may be a bit of a thrill seeker but his sister would kill him if he was that stupid to make himself that identifiable!

#writeblr #trick or treat #writeblr community #Medallion Heist Novella #A Curiosity Piqued Series #my ocs #sims 4

[maskedemerald]

Incorrect Quotes Tag Game

Once again I was tagged twice! Which is great because that means I get to play with both my WIPs characters! Thanks for the tag @the-down-upside-finch and @card-queen as always right now with these tags we're going colour coded. A Curiosity Piqued is in Blue and Magic Act is in Red.

Rules: Use this link to generate incorrect quotes for your OCs!

Tagging: @pb-dot @sam-glade @ashwithapen @callahanscorner @cat-esper @taveren-writing and anyone else who feels like doing it! Its really fun and you should do it!

Arnvaldr: I need you to come meet me, and I need you to come alone. Aelfraed: And I need you to be less vague and weird.

(This about sums up any time these two are going to have to work together.)

Aelfraed: Your problem is that you’ve got no common sense. Arnvaldr: I’ve got plenty of common sense! Arnvaldr: I just choose to ignore it.

(Perfect Arnvaldr)

Aelfraed: What the fuck is wrong with you?? Arnvaldr: What? No good morning? Aelfraed: Good morning, what the fuck is wrong with you??

(Aelfraed wouldn't say fuck but this! Like Aelfraed is going to be like this at some point in the story after Arnvaldr handles cursed items irresponsibly.)

Arnvaldr: I was arrested for being too cool. Aelfraed: The charges were dropped due to a lack of supporting evidence.

Arnvaldr: Pardon the intrusion, but- Aelfraed: On this moment or just my life in general?

(Too polite for Arnvaldr unless he's being sarcastic but yeah Aelfraed I'd be lying if I said sorry for the continued Arnvaldr encounters.)

Arnvaldr: A banker? Me? Aelfraed: Yes, Arnvaldr. Arnvaldr: But I don’t know anything about running a bank! Aelfraed: Good. No preconceived ideas. Arnvaldr: I’ve robbed banks! Aelfraed: Capital! Just reverse your thinking. The money should be on the inside.

(The working together scenario but this time its Aelfraed who needs help lol. I can really see something like this happening later on in the series.)

Arnvaldr: My head hurts. Aelfraed: That’s your brain trying to comprehend its own stupidity.

Arnvaldr: I got an idea! Aelfraed: Does it involve breaking the law? Arnvaldr: By now don’t you think that’s a given? Aelfraed: I was just trying to be optimistic. Arnvaldr: Don’t bother.

Okay that's it for Medallion Heist now on to Magic Act! If you want to see Aelfraed in his first outing you can pre-order the book here: A Curiosity Piqued – The Last Straw Novella – Masked Emerald

And if you want to see more Medallion Heist I'm writing it for NaNoWriMo so follow and you'll see more!

Night: Go big or go home! Magician: Please, for once in your life just go home. I'm begging you. Go. Home. Night: I'm going big!

(Night the ultimate cause of chaos, Magician wishes they wouldn't lol)

Night: What are you talking about Magician? You love it here! Magician: I'm not sure I do, I think I've just developed Stockholm syndrome.

Night: So… what would you do if you were in bed with me? Magician: Depends. Is your bed comfortable? Night: Yes. Magician: I'd sleep.

(That moment when I remember that technically this story has the one bed problem... Night is hiding Magician in their room and Magician just wants to sleep... well technically some of it is passing out.)

Magician: I still have no idea how I’m attracted to you… Night: Yeah, well, you’re stuck with me, and no take backs, honey.

(More second book dynamic but yes!)

Night: Magician, I sense hostility. Magician: Good, because I hate you.

(Definitely more the first book dynamic)

Night: Magician and I are no longer friends. Magician: NIGHT THAT IS THE WORST WAY TO TELL PEOPLE THAT WE’RE DATING!

(Depending on who they're telling the response might be "Wait when did you two even meet!")

Magician: Night, are you drinking… drinking hydrogen peroxide?! Night: It says H2O2! That means it’s the sequel to water!

(This made me laugh, I world built that my fae have poison as a spice so maybe Night could really drink that. Magician really needs to be careful about what he eats.)

Night: Hey, Magician. What kind of flowers do you prefer? Magician: I like sunflowers. Night, pulling out a bouquet of Venus Flytraps: Well, shit-

(I love this, Night trying so hard but not really getting how humans do things!)

I'm also working on Magic Act during NaNoWriMo so expect more awkward crush shenanigans and some creepy fae and Night chaos being shared.

#writing #writeblr community #creative writing #writeblr #writer #magic act novel #Medallion Heist Novella #A Curiosity Piqued Series #wip #current wip

[maskedemerald]

NaNoWriMo day 1 down

Spoons were low today so stream didn't happen. Things have been a bit chaotic with family and health issues but hopefully I'll feel up to streaming tomorrow now that I've gotten started!

Today I've written:

Medallion Heist: 1677

Magic Act: 1702

I'd say at the moment Magic Act is proving easier to write but once I get further in Medallion Heist will get easier than it was today. While once I have a plan I do like to jump about I like to get some sort of beginning done to set things up before I start jumping which is where this threw me because I didn't want to start already at the Museum that is the main setting of Medallion Heist.

Have some favourite lines from the day! As always red is Magic act and blue is Medallion Heist.

Wheels bit into the soft uneven dirt track, kicking up a splatter of mud as they bounced through puddles unaffected by the earlier frost of the morning. My gloved hands held tight onto the handle bars, every twist, turn and bump vibrating in my wrists.

A warm cup of tea with a comforting smell and curled up on the arm chair with a good book. One he had been waiting to read. In some ways it made him glad that his father had sent his things in an attempt to be the one that kicked him out rather than him having been the one that chose to leave.

#writing #writeblr community #writeblr #magic act novel #nanowrimo #Medallion Heist Novella #amwriting #mystery

[maskedemerald]

WIP Mood Boards

Medallion Heist

Mood boards are hard, I really struggle to find the images and think what to include. I might remake this after a trip to the museum the one in the story is actually based on but for now these give the right feel... well except for the one of the cases, finding copyright free images of what I wanted was hard.

A lot of this one is going to happen in the museum and on the city streets, especially at night. There's going to be a chase through the city and around the museum. Add magic and that's going to be very actiony.

"Catch me if you can, Detective." Arnvaldr is a snarky character and loves a challenge. This quote is sticking around from the discovery draft. Don't worry about spoilers to the mystery there though. He's not going to just go shouting his name so there is still going to be the question of who Arnvaldr is.

Magic Act

I've shown most of this mood board before, I've only changed out one thing really but the meanings are a bit more solid now that I've worked on the discovery draft.

The blue roses have become an actual thing in the story. I like the idea that the nature in the fae pocket dimension looks odd. Odd colours, shapes and textures, etc. The roses are actually involved in Night and Magician's first meeting.

The lake under the moon is meant to be the portal between Magician's home town and the fae pocket dimension. This is maybe more the weirdness of the fae side of the lake.

"Do we have a deal, Magician?" - This is the big new thing! Yes deals and fae are kind of a given but during the discovery draft I found a deal that Night convinced Magician into a deal that ends up a major part of the story and seriously impacts the ending! No spoilers for that but trust me I love the ending!

Generally I was trying to go for creepy vibes to inspire the horror aspect of the story.

Next job in my last minute NaNoWriMo prep is playlists! I've already got one for Magic Act but I want to add some more romance vibes and I'm hoping to make some stream safe versions so I can use the playlist while writing on stream.

#writing #writeblr community #creative writing #writeblr #mystery #magic act novel #writer #amwriting #Medallion Heist Novella #A Curiosity Piqued Series #nanowrimo