2012-02-29

After the lovely review Catti-brie wrote for "Beyond Time" by TKegl, here's a new fic I bet you'll enjoy! The story is complete!
Summary: Isabella Swan grew up as the best friend of Alice Cullen, younger sister of Edward Cullen, who was never nice to Bella despite her being an "honorary Cullen." Everything changes when Edward is sent to prison for the murder of Bella's mother. AU-Human
 
Don't miss it because...

Every time I stumbled upon this story, I was intrigued by the summary so one day I decided to give it a try. I was completely hooked since the very beginning and I couldn’t stop reading.
The story begins with a nine-year-old Bella who is spending the summer in Forks. She’s at the beach with Charlie when the Cullens appear: Carlisle, Esme and their three kids, Emmett, Edward and Alice. Alice immediately goes to talk to Bella and since that day they become best friends.
We learn very soon that Edward is not very nice to Bella and that he’s a troubled guy. The first chapter of the story covers several years. You’re not going to like Edward very much in this chapter (I didn’t) but don’t let that stop you from reading.
In the second chapter we see that some years have passed and we find Bella packing her things because she’s going back to Forks after graduating. We learn what the story’s summary told us: Edward was accused of Renee’s murder and he’s in prison. And Bella dreads her coming back to the place where everything happened:

Now she was concerned the nightmares would return. She hadn't had one in months. Once she got into a routine at school, everything about Forks and Renee's murder became easier to not think about. She sought counseling from the school's resource center at the encouragement of her adviser, but she eventually stopped going once the nightmares subsided.

She'd had nightmares for weeks. The Swan house was a crime scene, and neither Bella nor Charlie was allowed to be there. They stayed in La Push at Sue Clearwater's house, and every night, Sue or Charlie would rush into the room she was sharing with Leah and try to calm her down. Leah never complained about her new roommate, and Bella was glad to have the girl to lean on given that she no longer had Alice.

Alice.

Bella sighed as she walked across the street to the hotel. She missed Alice the most. It wasn't just Renee who Bella had lost, it was also Alice. Bella cried herself to sleep many nights after the initial shock wore off. She missed Alice, and Emmett, and Carlisle. She missed Esme, who had been like a mother to her on so many levels.

Immediately after the trial, Bella went back to school. She returned to Forks once for the sentencing, and then it was back to Berkeley, never to return. Until now.”

After having a glimpse of Bella’s life, we have a glimpse of Edward’s. He has changed a lot during his time in prison. His imprisonment tore the Cullens apart and his family has basically abandoned him. The only one who still visits him often is Emmett.
One day, Bella is arranging some things in the attic and she comes up with a box full of letters written by Edward that Charlie had kept from her. She decides to go visit him in person to tell him to stop writing her. She didn’t expect what he tells her:

"I'm surprised you came," he began.

"I wasn't going to," she interjected, perhaps a little more icily than she meant.

Edward frowned, his brows creasing. "Then why are you here?"

"I don't know," she said softly, studying a chip in the glass, as if someone had tried to break it to get to the other side. "Did you get my letter?"

He nodded. "I didn't think you were getting mine."

This conversation is going nowhere fast, he thought. I'm wasting time. She's really here and I'm screwing it up.

"I wasn't. Anyway, I guess that's why I'm here. To tell you to stop writing me. In person."

"Isabella, will you just listen to me? Please?"

She said nothing, lifting her eyes to his. There was a resigned sadness there, and it was easy to see that he was defeated. He looked ten years older, not like the youthful Edward she knew.

"I didn't know what else to do," he started. "I wrote to you every day. I didn't send every letter. Some of it was just rambling. But I wanted to reach out to you, to try and make you understand that I didn't kill your mother. You know me, Isabella. I know I treated you like shit, and you have no idea how sorry I am for that, but you have to know I could never kill someone. I don't know what the hell happened in Forks to make people think I did that, but something happened, and here I am."

Bella is a journalist and her curiosity has been piqued. What if Edward is telling the truth and he’s in prison for a crime he didn’t commit? She decides to start digging around and she soon notices that some things are highly suspicious. She gets help from Rosalie who is a detective.

This story is very well written and has a little bit of everything. The suspense is really good. It keeps you invested in the story and you really want to know what is going to happen next. The story alternates the present day with flashbacks of the past so we get to know what happened in a very detailed way. Another thing I love about this story is how the author has developed the characters. It’s really interesting to see how Edward and Bella get closer and how their relationship develops. Bella is the only person that has believed in him when his own family didn’t. Everyone’s lives were inevitably altered the moment Edward was accused and then sentence to life imprisonment. You keep wondering if there’s a way they will be able to fix all those broken relationships. I really love this story and I enjoyed it immensely. If you want to read an amazing mystery, check out ‘A Thousand Leaves’. You won’t regret it.

Thank you, Catti-brie!

If you read this fic, please don't forget to tell the author that "My Reading Lounge sent you" and say "Ciao!" from me! Thanks!  
 

2012-02-25

Would you follow Edward in disguise? Do you know the legend behind the Bridge of Sighs in Venice? The 12th chapter is up!
Summary: "There was a reason behind Edward's rebellious period – a reason that still holds true and brought him to Italy. His existence has been predicated on revenge for decades, to the point that forgiveness seems impossible. When Edward meets Bella, only a winter separates him from his last human prey and his own destruction." AU-Vampires.



Reviewers get a little gift (different for each chapter)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


This chapter's suggestion is 

La Locandiera, (The Innkeeper Woman) by Carlo Goldoni




Here (http://freshwaterseas.com/theater/mistress/mistress-excerpt.pdf) you can read an excerpt of the book, in its English translation.

Announcement time!

       
       

    2012-02-22

    Lissa Bryan's first lesson for the Writing Lab (Everything You Shouldn't Do and Why It Works for Me) has been the most read and discussed article of the entire blog history! Great news: Lissa is back!
    This time let's talk about...

    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

    The Religious Theme in Fiction
    By Lissa Bryan

    Religion is one of the most important aspects of human society, especially in earlier times when a person's faith was also a matter of political allegiance.
    Our beliefs, or lack thereof, have an impact on who we are as individuals, and I like exploring that, discovering what makes us "tick". My characters have run the gamut, from atheist Bella in "Compulsion" to conservative Catholic Mary Tudor in "The Selkie Wife." Even Dave the puppy shows a glimmer of religious experience when he thanks the Big Dog that Jane is smart enough not to cry out when he wakes her in "The Better Angels of Our Nature".

    One of the things that I wanted to explore in "Written in the Stars" was what a society might be like if their religious beliefs weren't in opposition to science, and if their faith was "flexible" enough to adapt as their society advances. As Bella notes in the story, their government has no concept separation of church and state. While their society is very tolerant of other faiths, their laws are based on the Volturi religion.

    Bella, in that story, faces the challenges of an agnostic. Amazing things happen in the story which have multiple possible explanations. The religious of their society see it as a miracle, while practical Bella lists all the reasons why it could just be coincidence or nature, etc. and ultimately, it's left up to the reader to decide. Edward faces the same crisis of faith that affects many here on Earth: "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Alice and Esme are Christians in the story, Esme a Catholic and Alice a Protestant.
    Alice believes her visions are a gift from God, and Esme finds comfort in the Rosary after her son his killed (and her husband, Carlisle, a Volturi high priest, recites it right along side of her, bringing them together in their sorrow.) Jasper has a mid-life crisis/conversion that almost costs him his marriage.

    If you write multiple characters, they're naturally going to have views and beliefs which vary from your own. An author needs to be able to step outside of their own viewpoint and write believably from another perspective.

    When I was in school, I had a debate teacher who lined us all up on the first day and asked our opinion on various issues. He listened to us for a while, and later I realized he was looking for an indication that a particular issue was something about which we were passionate and vehement in our beliefs. Afterwards, he assigned each of us to argue AGAINST those beliefs. (For example, a boy who loved sports had to argue why they were a negative influence on society or a waste of time/money in education.) And he wouldn't let us get away with flimsy arguments that our normal selves would easily shoot down. We had to put effort and concentration into it.

    What that taught me was the ability to look at an issue from another side. in "Written in the Stars," Edward has a lengthy debate with James over monarchy versus democracy. James isn't terribly intelligent, so the argument appeared to be "won" by Edward. Now, being an American, I'm not exactly in favor of monarchy and I show up to vote in every election to do my civic duty. But I had to be able to argue, with at least a modicum of sensibility, from Edward's point of view.

    Which, of course, brings me to the issue that you'll face from readers if you manage to do this convincingly: They're going to think it's your personal views and opinions which you're using your characters to voice. Some authors do that, of course, so cynical readers have come to rather expect it. (I once had a reader accuse me of using "Written in the Stars" as Mormon propaganda. I'm still shaking my head over that one.)

    If you can't step outside of your own viewpoint, you'll never be able to write a character that isn't you.
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

    Thank you, Lissa Bryan!
    I bet this new article will elicit many questions...as usual, your comments are welcome.

    Lissa's stories are posted on FF.net: http://www.fanfiction.net/u/3300533/Lissa_Bryan. I absolutely recommend them!

    2012-02-15


    Writers were required to create their best Craigslist ads with their favorite Twilight characters in mind. This was a two part, anonymous contest. The first part of the contest was looking for original Twilight Craigslist ads. The second part of the contest focused on one-shots based on Craigslist ads. 

    CONTEST WINNERS!


    1st Place Favorite Ad Popular Vote: Beautiful Girl with the Baseball Bat by ManderBetis
    2nd Place Best Canon/AU Ad Popular Vote: Infuriating Bookstore Jerk...wfm by badjujube
    2nd Place Most Romantic Ad Popular Vote: Abandoned Blue Barns by anonymous
    2nd Place Funniest Ad Popular Vote: (tie) Free Tofurkey and Beer! by MrsSpaceCowboy, and Beautiful Girl with the Baseball Bat by ManderBetis

    1st Place Favorite One-shot Popular Vote: Keep the Tofurkey Bring on the Beer by MrsSpaceCowboy
    1st Place One-shot Judges Vote: Lost and Found by albymangroves
    2nd Place Plummy's One-shot Choice: Lost and Found by albymangroves
    2nd Place Midsouthmama's One-shot Choice: Lost and Found by albymangroves
    2nd Place VampiresHaveLaws' One-shot Choice: Keep the Tofurkey Bring on the Beer by MrsSpaceCowboy
    2nd Place Nolebucgrl's One-shot Choice: Lost and Found by albymangroves
    3rd Place Best Canon/AU One-shot Popular Vote: Lovely Rust by greyskiesatdawn
    3rd Place Most Romantic One-shot Popular Vote: Lost and Found by albymangroves
    3rd Place Funniest One-shot Popular Vote: Keep the Tofurkey Bring on the Beer by MrsSpaceCowboy

    Congrats to all the winners on all your hard work! 

    Stay tuned! Reviews for winning stories (1st and 2nd place) and blinkies for 1st place winners will be posted on MyReadingLounge.

    2012-02-13

    Would you like a trip to Venice? And what about a new blinkie, with some hints about the upcoming chapters? The 11th chapter is up!
    Summary: "There was a reason behind Edward's rebellious period – a reason that still holds true and brought him to Italy. His existence has been predicated on revenge for decades, to the point that forgiveness seems impossible. When Edward meets Bella, only a winter separates him from his last human prey and his own destruction." AU-Vampires.



    Reviewers get a little gift (different for each chapter)
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    An Italian Winter - The blinkie!


    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


    This chapter's suggestion is 

    Death in Venice, by Thomas Mann


    Thomas Mann, Der Tod in Venedig (first edition)


    Here (http://www.polyglotproject.com/books/German/death_in_venice) you can read the book for free, in its German original version or in its English translation. The English translation is available here, too: http://www.scribd.com/mdoege/d/985179-Death-in-Venice

    Announcement time!

    • My entry for the Age of Edward contest is available! Go read "Little Dart" (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7795650/1/Little_Dart). Your feedback would be precious! Summary: "Crete, second millennium BCE. The Minoan Nobleman Eruthros has plans for his future and secrets he must keep. When he finds an intruder in his room, how will his destiny change?"

      2012-02-11

      "A Good Liar" and "Sun Ray" -- my entries for the Canon Tour, are now available!

      They have a banner. Enjoy!

      • "A Good Liar" - New Moon round's 3rd overall placement!
      Summary: "The first time the Grim Reaper visited Edward, it was in the form of the Spanish influenza. The second time, Death had the lovely face of Bella Swan."
      The story is going to be continued...stay tuned!


      • "Sun Ray" - WON BEST USE OF PROMPT!
      Summary: "Aro's take on New Moon. Why can't an old man enjoy some leisure time in peace?" If you leave a review, Aro will reply to it.

      2012-02-04

      Don't leave Edward alone in his sorrow. If you want to know more about his thoughts and his feelings, the 10th chapter is up!
      Summary: "There was a reason behind Edward's rebellious period – a reason that still holds true and brought him to Italy. His existence has been predicated on revenge for decades, to the point that forgiveness seems impossible. When Edward meets Bella, only a winter separates him from his last human prey and his own destruction." AU-Vampires.




      Reviewers get a little gift (different for each chapter)
      ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^



      This chapter's suggestion is 

      The Shadow Line, by Joseph Conrad

      Here (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/451/451-h/451-h.htm) you can read the book for free.
      An analysis of the novel is available here: http://modernism.research.yale.edu/wiki/index.php/The_Shadow-Line

      "The world of the living contains enough marvels and mysteries as it is."
      (Joseph Conrad)

      Announcement time!

      • I'm entering the Canon tour (New Moon round). The contest is anonymous...
      • My entry for the Age of Edward contest is now available! Go read "Little Dart" (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7795650/1/Little_Dart). Your feedback would be precious! Summary: "Crete, second millennium BCE. The Minoan Nobleman Eruthros has plans for his future and secrets he must keep. When he finds an intruder in his room, how will his destiny change?"


        2012-02-01

        I've posted my entry for the Age of Edward Contest 2012.

        http://www.fanfiction.net/s/7795650/1/Little_Dart

        Summary: "Crete, second millennium BCE. The Minoan Nobleman Eruthros has plans for his future and secrets he must keep. When he finds an intruder in his room, how will his destiny change?"

        Our Edward – or Minoanward – got an Ancient Greek name for this story. Meet Eruthros!
        About Bella's name: in Ancient Greek, Belos means "dart." Bela (or Bele, depending on the dialect) would be the plural form ("darts"). I added an "l" (call it creative license.) I hope Zeus' wrath won't descend on me for this.

        The story has a banner:


        Enjoy!
        Follow me on Twitter!