I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest Entry #1

I’m Hearing Voices Blogfest Entry #1 Monday’s Entry: Character on the Couch: Have one of your characters answer the following questions (to make this work to your benefit, choose a character who is the hardest for you to write.) Max 250 words (Not including the questions – only the answers).


On the Couch: Clara, my MC from The Crystal Sword. For some reason, I’ve been struggling with her in the third draft, and I just want to finish. It’s been like getting drilled at the dentist for what feels like an eternity – I know because I just had that happen just last week. (Must floss).


1. What is your biggest vulnerability? Do others know this or is it a secret?

Clara: That’s the issue right there. I have huge doubts about whether I can wield the crystal sword, even though I know I’m an awesome swordswoman. I found out that I really don’t like killing people, even when I’m defending my people from the Red Drinaii and Sihrqayya. Yet at the same time, when I was at my worst, most painful doubting moment, I received the crystal sword. It doesn’t make sense. Why would I be given such an honor, when I clearly don’t deserve it? And yes, everyone knows. Well, not everyone, but my closest friends and family know. My mentor, Master Dantor, thinks that the Maker gives us the swords we need to fill our weaknesses. But that still doesn’t make sense. If I have doubt when I’m wielding it, the sword might crack. I’ve seen it happen to other crystal swordsmen. If they lose faith, then they lose their sword. I’m expected to battle Sihrqayya and her Red Drinaii, or at least King Alexandros whose become a traitor to our people, and my sword will crack under the pressure if I don’t find a way to get rid of my doubt.



2. What do people believe about you that is false?

Clara: Other than my closest friends and mentors, and the student apprentices who escaped with me through the underground tunnels when our city was attacked, people believe that I’m a hero, a champion of light, truth, and faith. Those moments when I’ve been heroic I just surrender myself to the Maker, and I don’t feel like that’s anything that comes from me.

3. What would your best friend say is your fatal flaw? Why?

Clara: Salene would probably say I spend too much time alone, especially since my parents disappeared on a mission for the Triune Halls. She’s a wonderful friend, and I know out of everyone she probably understands best since her brother was killed five years ago by Sihrqayya’s agents. Her family is stuck in Skycliff, and they are probably prisoners of the King, or worse. She has to be hurting as much as I am, but it’s hard to start that conversation.

4. What would the same friend say is your one redeeming quality? Why?

Clara: She would say that I care deeply about my friends, family, and our people, the Septilians. Why? Well, once I was a sword apprentice because I wanted it. Now, I’m a swordswoman because my family, friends, and country need me to be one. She might have said once that I had a clear faith, but now . . . well, that's up for debate.


5. What do you want most? What will you do to get it?

Clara: Freedom for my friends, family, and people, freedom from evil and oppression, freedom to live and live with joy. When we're free, well, I might like to find someone like Salene has found Prince William, but for now I have too much to do. When those I love have that freedom, then I will be free. To get it, I will fight even when I feel doubts. I will push myself to keep going, and I will do everything I can to defeat King Alexandros, the Red Drinaii, and Sihrqayya.

If you want to join in on this awesome blogfest hosted by Angie at Live to Write, Edit When Necessary and Cassie Mae at Reading, Writing, and Loving It Or follow this link: I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest

In the midst of my interview with my character, I found the flaw in my story that I had been struggling with . . . and now I can fix it!!! Thank you Cassie Mae and Angie!