It's Kind of a Long Story | Chapter 2

In THIS post I wrote about how I plan to write a book. Simply put: for me. I'm writing myself a book. I, in turn, decided to document my book-writing journey with one or two posts a month about how it's going.

I'm currently (and feel like I will be for a while) jotting a lot. I've made a promise to myself that I will plan this book until I really feel like I don't need to anymore. It doesn't mean I won't write little paragraphs or fairly big chunks in the mean time. I have been writing down little notes, phrases, ideas and descriptions, but I've also written a couple of paragraphs here and there. I've just been writing down things and thoughts that have popped into my head.

I've really adored writing my main two characters down and imagining them and their ways; their quirks and the world through their eyes. I recently read The Unpredictable Consequences of Love by Jill Mansell and a character in it spoke about how they got to know the characters when they were writing and this is how I'm feeling. I feel like these two are my friends and they're telling me about themselves and I'm writing it down.

I've had the name of my book in my mind for a long time, and an idea that goes alongside it. It's built up as I've developed everything, and I really do love the idea of it. It my mind it's a delicate idea and I can't wait to put it to paper. I can really see it all in my mind and it makes me feel very excited. I've been really keeping it in mind while I've been plotting (sat excitedly at my laptop, grinning like it's Christmas Eve); it's been a vague guide to it all.

Developing the words I use and the way I wish to describe things to suit the kind of book I want to write is what is exciting me the most. Mostly because it has and will take a lot of thinking. This is the time I will be sat in my own little bubble formulating exciting sentences (oooo, I enjoy it so much!). I've enjoyed doing this a lot during this past month. If a phrase has popped to mind, I've written it down somewhere; I've sat and brainstormed phrases; got bubbles of excitement formulating sentences.

So far I've really enjoyed writing my story. I haven't had enough time to do as much as I wished to, but I've still been doing bits here and there, and I'm excited about it all. Like I've said many times before, this story is for me, and it's really making me gloriously happy.

Yellows & Greens,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

This Summer

Although I'm not nearing the end of my summer quite yet, I feel like the end of August should involve a summery sum up of happy, sunny things that have made me grin these past couple of months.

























I've adored a lot of things this summer; the things above not being a definitive list. There are a few I'd like to talk more about, though.

Memories

Of course all of the above have contributed to beautiful memories, but this summer has been so jam-packed with memories that have made my smile permanent. University is soon and I am more than grateful to know that while I'm at university, these memories will keep me warm. I have had lazy days with my brother, nights out with my friends, special trips and family treasures. I think I owe it to the people in my life to write down my gratitude; I really have some good'ns.

Books

It wouldn't be right if I didn't mention books, would it? I haven't read as much as I wished to this summer, but I have some lined up for the rest of summer and lots for university too. However, I have read some awesome reads this summer. Reviews will be up in the near and far future, but I just think it should be known that the written word is awesome. It really is.

Butterflies

I've had many a butterflies in the summer of 2014. About the future; about my results; about university; about people being awesome; about music; about special nights. I've come to really value and appreciate butterflies and their power to make a nervous smile strong and happy, and very worthwhile. They used to be underrated in my life, but now, when they're the happy butterflies I've been experiencing, I adore the little things.

Bracelets & Promises,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

P.S. I'm really struggling to keep up with my blogging schedule and so I will, from now on, be posting twice a week; on a Monday and on a Friday. I respect my blog too much to promote a schedule to myself that I, at the moment, can't fulfil. I hope to eventually be blogging three times a week again in a month or so, but I'm too busy at the moment and I feel that it won't slow down enough for a while.

A Bit of Book Chatter | August

It's a little early for me to post a book haul post, but I won't be buying any more this month and I'm so excited to talk about the delights I've bought in August!



The Dinosaur That Pooped The Past by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter

 

The third of their children's books, Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter from McFly have released The Dinosaur That Pooped The Past, following the adventure of Danny and his dinosaur. Funny and original, I, once again, adore their nugget of delight. Considering the silly-ness makes me giggle, it's clearly another funny read for children (and, well... not children too). I love these books and buy them for any baby I can!

 

The Unpredictable Consequences of Love by Jill Mansell

 

After reading An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell, I couldn't wait to get my hands on another one of her novels. Once again, I can't wait to be joined by the presence of another. I adored reading this and I can't wait to get my review up! Sweet and "Jill Mansell" (it's the only adjective that seems fitting), Mansell has written a novel that makes my heart glow, giving me fluffy feelings similar to what An Offer You Can't Refuse gave me, despite being very different!

 

Happily Ever After by Harriet Evans

 

For my Carrie Says series I will be reading Happily Ever After and I am more than excited. It follows Eleanor Bee who seems to be very cynical, but yet wishes to change this. As well as the fact that she loves books, I feel like I may relate to this character! I have adored reading other books that Carrie has suggested in her videos and I can't wait to get started on this one next!

 

Dinosaurs & Umbrellas,

 

The Girl in the Moonlight.

Thoughtful-ness

One of my favourite things is people being thoughtful.

I don't think I'm alone in adoring the act of someone being thoughtful, and it's why I try to remind myself to carry out the act myself. It's a lovely feeling that is even lovelier to watch being received.

The other day someone took the time to say something they needn't not say, but they did anyway, because, for whatever reason, they believed I deserved to hear it. And I liked hearing it. Not only because it felt nice to know something I'd done was appreciated, but it reminded me to always act in a way to produce this result, because it doesn't go unnoticed. The people that treat me in such a thoughtful way, like this person believes I treat them, deserve to know it's not just flying over my head; I really do notice it.

Not too long ago, I bought my mum a little gift that didn't cost me much, but - after the classic, "I assume you want something, then" - the smile she smiled made it more expensive in my heart. I love my mum and she deserves to know that I think of her when I'm not living in her house. It was clearly appreciated and another reminder to remember to be thoughtful.

Thoughtful-ness never has to be about money. It can be littlest things that I've experienced or given that can cause the loveliest of smiles: a picture that triggers laughs; someone remembering a little thing about someone; a moment of intended unity; an old joke; coming together when it may not be obviously needed; remembering something when it may not be needed to be remembered. Equally, it can involve a little bit of money; a text reminding someone of a memory; a letter or card through the letterbox; a pack of someone's favourite sweets. It all counts.

Thoughtful-ness is both easy and intricate, and it's the most wonderful act.

Do something thoughtful today.

Cards & Chocolate,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

A Windy Evening

I'm currently lying on my bed while the wind is singing loudly outside. I've got Paper Towns by John Green beside me, ready to re-read bits for the review I'm writing for it. I've missed this book since I read it last year so I'm excited to re-live Quentin's adventure. I've got Nina Nesbitt on in the background, and after having eaten a fair few angel slices (*grins charmingly and hopes you find me endearing... frowns*) I'm enjoying having a bit of reflection time (I feel like I'm back in infant school).

I've had the best summer so far and hope the rest of my weeks off are as fab as the last month and a bit have been. Thinking about this while the wind is angry is making me think about how lucky I am. I like thinking about the good things in my life because it gives me perspective and reminds me how fortunate I am compared to a lot, a lot of people. Considering this, I want to leave three links to some awesome charities because people suffer in this world and this is uncool:

♥ Cardiac Risk in the Young

♥ Post Pals

♥ Straight But Not Narrow

I was thinking about how much books mean to me earlier. They mean a lot to me for a lot of different reasons and these reasons can vary from work book to another. Yet, there's one thing that doesn't change from book to book. I always learn something. Me Before You taught me to live because life can change; Harry Potter taught me friendship and how courage can differ from person to person but each act of courage is beautiful; The Book Thief taught me how things like books can hold a lot of importance to someone. A book can hold a life lesson within the words on the page.

Life has been busy recently. It's been full of lots of good things, and I am a very grateful person. It has meant time really has flown and from all of these realisations, all I can gather is that life can be too short. Sometimes life won't be as good, but the whole "you can't have a rainbow without a little rain" comes to mind. It may be the longest thing we do but it means finding a way to enjoy the sucky things (wind, as much as I've enjoyed it tonight, isn't the most welcome thing), indulge in life's things you enjoy (the written word and the sound of Nina Nesbitt's voice), enjoy time (summer) and appreciate life lessons (the teachings of books).

I wrote this post two nights ago, without the knowledge of the wonderfully talented Robin William's death on my mind. Now, as I'm about to post this, it is reinforced to me how fragile life is. How we need to talk and remove stigma from things like mental illness. The thoughts attached to mental illness are so unbelievably cruel and we need to sort this. Mental illness is so common and it needs to be discussed so that we can all feel comfortable talking about it, and find ways to deal with it. It is awful that the death of someone brings this more to light than ever, but at least the importance of it is getting recognition. Rest in peace Robin Williams.

Live the life you love while staying safe and being nice. It seems obvious to me.

Birds & Polka Dots,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

The Box

~
Description:- brown; medium-sized; weathered; plain
Contents:- a book; a cinema ticket; a photograph of two hands; a drawing of a rose
Other details:- potentially lost items
Owner:- unknown

* * *

 

Sat on her bed she cries. She cries for her lost self. She swore this wouldn't be her; she would not be this girl. But then, was she really crying for her heart, or for her loss?

 

* * *

 



He was overly confident two years ago. She knew and he knew it. And he knew that wasn't the type of guy she was looking for. It was the type of guy she found, though.

She had looked down at the small piece of paper folded in half in her hands. Despite - as he was told later - being a little (a lot) put off by his cocky smile and talent of winking at her during class, she was too polite to be rude and responded, "This better not be your gum being deposited of in my hand."

"Would I do that to you?"

She unfolded it slowly, wary; sceptical. A smile, slowly but surely crept onto her lips. He was surprised. He was amazed too. That was one special smile. Full of honesty. "A rose," she said. "You drew a rose."

"I drew you a rose."

"But why?"

"A real one wouldn't last for ever. If a gift from me to you didn't last for ever, you'd forget me. The guy who's helplessly stood here, willing you to say yes to go on a date with him. At least this way, you have a memory of the guy whose heart you broke with that winning smile and polite rejection."

It's safe to say she said yes to that date. Eventually.

 

* * *

 

On the only October 3rd the two of them spent together, she cried to him. He listened, and held her hand, stroking her thumb softly, looking her in the eyes. She told him about how when her dad was dying, he told her to make memories and keep memories so that they never die.

That evening he unwrapped a paper bag and revealed a small and beautiful book of poetry she had marvelled over one Saturday afternoon in a bookshop hidden away in the quiet of a big town. "You remembered!" her face was full of excitement.

"Always."

* * *

 

She looked down at her hands; the hands that loved being stroked by him. His hands were always tender; loving. She remembered their third date. They'd grown awfully close and they just wanted to be together. They booked tickets to a film, and they spent the whole time comforted by their hands meeting once again. They looked only at each other and not at the screen.

 

At the end of the night, he couldn't bring himself to hold her hands again. He was nervous. "I feel like I should wait; act cool. But I can't. Can I see you tomorrow?"

He still couldn't bring himself to hold her hands.

 

* * *

 

A brown box that looked more than adored with its feathery skin and dents, sat on the top of the lost and found desk. A lady walked out the back and before she realised what she was doing, a young girl took it, and quickly scuffled outside, hoping no one saw. Her mother was going to be a while and she was intrigued, and her brother had gone to the toilet. She could easily take that box and quickly shuffle off. He told her to stay seated and not move under any circumstances, but the box was special. She could tell when she first saw it.

It might not have looked like anything beautiful; but that box was everything beautiful.

She opened it, revealing a picture of a rose, a cinema ticket and a book. Face down was a square white card. She turned it to realise it was a photograph. A photograph of two hands. A picture of everything beautiful in the world.

The box was in the hands of a girl who understood; worthy hands.

 

* * *

 

Memories will never die, but they can be lost.

~

 

A Cinema Ticket & A Drawn Rose,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

"You Can Be Anything You Want To Be," - My Mum

Although I've remembered this moment since it happened, I found a piece of paper today where I'd written down this thing I wanted to make sure I'd remember for ever, and today it got to me. "You can be anything you want to be," it said. My mum had said it to me, and I was, as I still am, so grateful for her words.

It's less than a week until results day for me (I'm really sorry if you keep hearing this and are trying to forget). The result of opening that envelope can determine a lot; it also doesn't have to.

You can be anything you want to be.

I want to take her saying this in a more literal sense and a less literal sense.

More literal sense

I really want a career in writing. In my head there are many obstacles, but my mum wouldn't see them if I voiced where I want my life to go. Position. Talent. Fear. These are my obstacles. If I thought more about it, there would be many more obstacles, but right now, I don't want to imagine any more.

In the more literal sense, my mum would tell me that these obstacles don't exist and when I really think about it, they don't. Ignoring big, big dreams, I'd love to be a plethora of different writers. My mum would even tell me my wish-on-a-star dream is possible. Why shouldn't it be? Ignoring my pessimistic side... Why can't I be anything I want to be?

Less literal sense

I think I'm (un-egotistically) going to consider myself a writer from now on.

My mum may not have meant this, but I don't see why I shouldn't. I adore writing with all of my heart. I write a lot, and I love writing a lot. It's one of my favourite things ever, and I don't think a career title should define something. I don't have the career title. I'm still a writer.

The point of this post

I'm many things. A friend; a sister; someone who laughs; someone who loves McFly; someone who reads. And as of today: an (un)official writer!

Be anything you want to be. Reach for the stars; whatever the stars you choose may be. We may as well, mightn't we?

Beach Walks & Old Photographs,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

Book Club | Lolito by Ben Brooks

Amanda (from the awesome Adventures from the Bookshelf) and I decided a while ago that we would choose a book that we both liked the look of, read it and write a review about it! I was so excited to do this because we picked Lolito by Ben Brooks, which we'd both heard of and wanted to read- me, personally, because it looked very different to anything I'd read before. HERE is Amanda's review!


























Lolito follows the life of Etgar, a 15 year old and his world. A world that changes a little when he meets a middle-aged woman on the internet.

Disturbingly wonderful, Lolito is a book I was entranced by. It has lingered on my mind since and did nothing but when I was reading it. It's a slightly haunting book, whilst it's also funny, honest and charming. As Etgar's thoughts throughout the novel are so full of truth, I did nothing but adore Etgar. Even though his thoughts can be somewhat dark a lot of the time, there is such a rawness in his mind, it made me think a lot about being a teenager.

I read a lot of praise about Ben Brooks before I even bought Lolito, and his praise is the furthest from undeserved that it could get. His writing is mesmerising. When I think about Lolito, the word "unforgiving" comes to mind, and I can't quite pinpoint why. Brooks doesn't hold back; Lolito is funny, because it's both simply humorous and because it's outrageous. But it is heart-breaking. It's subversive because it touches on a subversive subject.

In Lolito Brooks, through comedy and darkness, Brooks tackles the teenage mind. Seeing the naturally sensitive subject of a fifteen-year-old-and-middle-aged-person through the mind of a boy whose thoughts are both very disjointed and very in unison was heart-breaking and eye-opening for me. It made me sympathise for him and feel an unease that made me gripped to Etgar's story.

I really adored Etgar's courage and the portrayal of his teenage experience. It was definitely recognisable and made charming through his eyes. He is a character that, through the narrative, is honest about his life, and how he views himself, and as sad as it was to read sometimes, I think Etgar is a hero.

This novel affected me. It made me think a lot. I read THIS review, in the hope to answer why I felt so... weird and affected by it. It did answer it, I believe. In the review it says Lolito is "less subversive than it had the potential to be", and this is so true I wish I thought this thought! I don't want to ruin anything because I adore this novel, but it left me questioning a lot (not the obvious things considering the subject), especially because the message is not clear cut.

Lolito is a classic of right now, I believe. Very different to anything I've read before, Lolito is a darkly wonderful read.

I really enjoyed reading this and sharing my thoughts with Amanda and her share hers (HERE). I'd really love to do something like this again so if you're interested tweet me (HERE) or leave a comment below!

Companions & Thoughts,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

Eleven Years of McFly

McFly are eleven years old today.

I feel so excited for them and their success and growth and happiness, and seen as though last year I had a week dedicated to their ten year anniversary on my blog, it seems wrong for me not to mark this occasion with a blog post.

With my McFly Royal Albert Hall wristband round my wrist, next to my McBusted tour wristband, you can't ignore McFly's success and diversity and willingness to do what they want to do whilst making their fans happy. This is the reason I believe McFly have lasted (and will last until they are basically the age of dinosaurs). They do what they want to do.

I'm writing this with McFly on in the background (naturally). Songs from each of their studio albums have come and gone, still imprinting the same fangirl and natural smile on my heart. Each album is so different, so unlike each other, and yet so "McFly" all at the same time.

The last year has been a wonderfully awesome year for McFly: four incredibly awesome shows at Royal Albert Hall to mark ten years of being McFly; the birth of McBusted; Tom's baby Buzz; headlining Hyde Park; Danny and Georgia marrying.

These past few months have been so awesome to watch as McFly have been joined by Matt and James from Busted to make McBusted. You can't deny the happiness Tom, Danny, Dougie and Harry are enjoying. As always, they're in their element. It's just a different element. When I saw them on the McBusted tour, all six of the band looked so excited and so at home; I, in turn, felt the same!

Eleven years of McFly have brought eleven years of success. I'd write out all of their achievements, but I don't need to see them to know that they are the best and most happy and content band in the world. They know who they are, and we know how they are, and that's why they make me so happy. It's a band of four incredibly talented members who have so much friendship and love between them, that, teamed with the most amazing fans (well, what can I say?), makes a band that will last for ever!

'Cause I've got you to make me stronger, When the days are rough and an hour seems much longer.

McFly & The Fans,

The Girl in the Moonlight.

Some Summery Reads

I adore both books and summer. It, therefore, seems to make sense to write a blog post incorporating the two of them. Here are some reads that seem, to me, fitting for the lovely season!

♡ The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson by Paige Toon ♡

I could have picked any Paige Toon novel because they all make me giddy with sunshiny feelings, and although her novel One Perfect Summer initially came straight to mind, I've mentioned the lovely book a lot on my blog, and considering The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson made me feel like I was reading it in August back in February, the young adult book seemed pretty synonymous with summer! Following the life of Jessie, the novel is about the discovery of the identity of her real father. After the loss of her mother, Jessie spends time in sunny LA with her father and his family. I love this book.

♡ An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell ♡

This book is a bundle of sunshine. An Offer You Can't Refuse is about Lola and her confrontation with an offer of £10,000 from her boyfriend's mother. Funny, sweet and gorgeously gripping, An Offer You Can't Refuse is one of those books you not only don't want to put down, but physically don't without realising. Oh, it's such a lovely story. 

♡ Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella ♡

If you've never read a Sophie Kinsella book I'm not entirely sure where you've been, and this novel is one I am besotted with. After a car accident Lexi wakes up to a life very different to the one she remembered living before. I recommend this book to a lot of people, and even though I read it a long time ago - as did my mother -, my mum and I found ourselves in a long conversation about this novel yesterday! It's not only entertaining, but it's eye-opening too!

♡ The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks ♡
 

The Last Song is a Nicholas Sparks treasure that I read in the summer a few years ago. As well as this, the book is about Ronnie's summer spent with her father, who in her eyes betrayed her. The novel is so heart-warming, and would be my best friend on a rainy summer day. About forgiveness, love, sadness and learning, The Last Song makes me very happy.

  

 ♡  The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen ♡ 
 

I read this novel every single summer because I adore it so much, and it will always be one of my absolute favourite books. Honest and raw, The Truth About Forever also gives me summery feelings. Macy is a little lost, but no one seems to notice. Suddenly her life is a little different and she meets Wes, the clouds are lifted more and more.

What books that you have read that give you summery feelings?

Books & Sunshine,

The Girl in the Moonlight. 

It's Kind of a Long Story | Chapter 1

In THIS post I wrote about how one of my life wishes is to write a story; like a book-long story. Or rather, a complete story... that consists of many pages. For a post I've been so excited about to write, I can't seem to formulate the right words to create a sentence. (Good luck in the endeavour you're about to explain, sweetie.)

When I was younger, much of what I used to do was sit in my room on my computer and try to write a story... like a whole many-a-paged thing. (Not that a story isn't a story without many pages... I can't stop rambling today... hopefully my story won't be so long because I'm rambling...) I would write and write and write, producing thoughts that were as cohesive as my fairyland of thoughts would allow. I'd create these characters and I'd fall in love with them. I'd then throw them into this world that I dreamed up and I typed and typed and typed for pages (hundreds of pages) until I stopped.

Somewhere along the road that my brain full of fluffy clouds of words lead me, it always stopped.

Age, yes, was a factor. I was convinced I could create this book of my thoughts, but I couldn't.

I'd also find whatever I was writing lacklustre. I was just writing. It was getting nowhere and you know when you're told to plan in an exam? I think the planning was lacking in my twelve-year-old writing process.

So, yes, it stopped. My writing would stop once I'd be confronted with a wall. But it always, in that period of my life, would start again. I'd move on to new characters, new worlds.

Now, though... I shall plan! And hope that I won't stop. And if I do, I can start again until it works.

Why I am doing this is for purely selfish reasons... for me! I have always dreamed of writing a story. A story I love and want to read. Just for me. I've decided to document my writing journey! Once or twice a month I will write a post about how it's going. I want to document the process; the sunshiny things and the struggles too!

The decision itself was a big one and that's why this post, although without relating to the writing experience itself is exciting to me!

So, this post marks the official start. This is me staring at a metaphorical mountain whilst metaphorically deciding I'm going to climb it. I'm going to write me a book!

I am childishly excited.

*Draws bedroom curtains, takes a sip of milkshake, and leaves only for food. Turns to imaginary camera: "I am ready."*

Sunsets & Jelly Beans,

The Girl in the Moonlight.