I'm going to be late....'-_-

Hey, sorry everyone but I'm not gonna be able to post the next part of the discussion today. I'm thinking I might save it for this coming Tuesday so I can take the time I need to write up a good discussion.

How To Save A Life Chapter 7 Discussion Part One:

How To Save A Life Chapter 7 Discussion Part One:

Okay, so we should start with some of the basics of this chapter. First off, the chapter was titled Caught because at the ending Roxas is ‘caught’ by his friends (who he had been avoiding for about two weeks prior).

The length of the chapter exceeded 3,000 words, and was a little over 8 pages on microsoftword. So, I was actually very pleased with the length. Normally, my chapters end up being a little over 1,000 words which in comparison is only about 3 or 4 pages. I was also pleased with my style in this chapter because, while looking at previous chapters, I’ve noticed it’s changed a little. However, I think a lot of the writing I did this year (in my AP English, AP US History, and Creative Writing classes) has helped me quite a bit in terms of improving my writing. I’m proud to say that I didn’t use a thesaurus for this entire chapter and was actually able to just think of good words.

Anyway, onto more details. During the first few sections (where I put breaks), I really wanted some good interaction between Naminé and Roxas. I mean, it really has only been in some of the more recent chapters that we see them together in lengthier conversations so I decided they needed to spend a little more together—especially if this a romance. The overall tone of the first few sections is a bit mixed, but what I mainly wanted people to pick up on is that things, while having moments of bliss and lightheartedness, are still very delicate and can easily shift to a tense atmosphere.
   
One of Naminé's eyes flickered over to my face lazily, "Is that so?" Naminé drew a notebook from her forest green backpack, "Hmm, I suppose I should be writing these useless tidbits down then, shouldn't I?"—Why is this important? One reason is because it helps to reveal Naminé’s character, showing her to be a bit careless when it comes to school—implying perhaps that she really isn’t like everyone else and has more significant things to be worrying herself about. Yet, it’s also important because it’s intentionally worded or rather a part is deliberately described with a certain adjective. Want a hint? It’s the forest. I know her backpack being a forest green might seem a bit…well insignificant, but it was a detail I put in, in order to keep in everyone’s mind the importance of the forest and how Naminé, even through her school gear, is connected to it. I would also like to point out that throughout the chapter the forest is mentioned quite frequently because it is a MAJOR part of the story. The forest is quiet, mysterious, and in this story, is the supernatural element's main setting—which is why I mention it often (*hint*hint*:).

I’m also hoping people are starting to notice a bit of a change in Roxas as well. It’s pretty subtle, so if you didn’t pick up on it I understand. But, in chapters prior to Caught, Roxas is constantly denying or rather reminding himself that, because he’s dying, he has to retain a strictly friendship related relationship with Naminé. However, in this chapter, not only do we see him lightening up a bit, but we can also see him starting to forget his original intent. After all, he had already befriended Naminé so why does he need to keep close to her and find out what’s wrong? Moreover, why does he need to spend so much time with her? He has other friends (even if he's avoiding them). Yet, that’s a bit of the irony I'm attempting to portray. He simply wants to let go of this old life, move on, and die without a struggle, but when Naminé comes into the picture things change. Even after essentially completing his concrete goal, Roxas is still clinging onto the life he had, in a sense, already forfeited.

 As for Naminé, she is quite the character in this story, isn’t she? But, that’s what I like about her. She's more aloof and even a bit bossy (especially when it comes to her drawings…). However, a lot of her character in this story (her reactions, interactions, and demeanor) is very deliberate. I wanted her to come across as cold and detached because it made her seem different. Her reactions to school and making friends (as I’ve stated earlier) is supposed to be careless because it gives the impression that she is somehow higher than them and has more important things to do. Even her bossiness has a purpose as it shows an air of authority (I mean she is royalty). Yet, what I liked in this chapter especially was that we could also see more of her soft and even slightly insecure side as she gives Roxas her drawing (of the forest :p).

 Well, this was part one of the discussion. I wanted to write more, but I don't think it will all fit in one posting. I'll post another part tomorrow along with perhaps a sneak peak from the next chapter of Half Alive. Also, if you guys could, I really would like some feedback on how you think this first part of the discussion went? I've honestly never done a blog before or anything like this so I don't know if you liked this or if something could be improved?

In part two though, we'll be talking about quite a few things including: a little more on Naminé’s character, important quotations (like Naminé’s final one), the theme of family, Sora's anger, and Roxas' dream and friends.

So...I hope everyone enjoyed the first part an will stay tuned for the next part!
--Sincerely, kinmoku2

P.S. The best time to check on new postings is at night because by then I'm usually done with it :).

Introduction

Hi everyone and welcome to my blog :) As I've mentioned to my readers in my story called How To Save A Life, this blog is dedicated to discussing each new chapter (from all of my stories) I've been writing on Fanfiction.net. So, essentially I'll be talking about themes in the story, why I did what I did in a chapter, explain things that I, perhaps, hadn't explained well in the chapter, how updates are coming, mention songs I've listened to while writing, sneak peeks of new chapters or stories, and of course trying to answer questions that you guys, whether through private messages, reviews, or comments on this blog, have about any of the stories.

Additionally, this blog will be updated on Tuesdays so if you're not sure when to check, your best bet is a Tuesday :)

Also, the first discussion on How To Save A Life Chapter 7 will be posted sometime tomorrow instead of today, so if you have any questions on this chapter (that don’t reveal a major part of the plot) than submit them by tomorrow. I’ll be working on the discussion throughout the day so if you have any thoughts or questions, send me a private message me on FF, post a comment here on my blog, or even leave a review to express your ideas. I’ll try to include them at the end of each discussion as well as any sneak peeks that I might decide to reveal! :D

Hope you guys enjoy the blog!
--Sincerely, kinmoku2