Common Villainous Mistakes

Sometimes people make huge mistakes when writing their villains and this is a terrible thing! Villains are nearly the most important character in your story. They might even come before the hero. So today I'm listing a few mistakes people often make when writing villains.

They forget the backstory

I have no idea why, but no one ever seems to pay attention the villain's background. What drove them to do what they do? You'd be surprised how many books forget this important question. So many authors just decide what the villain does and forgets his motive.

 

But to truly understand your villain you need even more than just this question. Ask yourself questions like: What was their childhood like? What was the big turning point for them? Even, how many siblings did they have?

 

You might not mention any of these things in your story, but having a good outline of your villain makes you understand them better. And once you understand them, you can properly get onto, what drove them to be who they are?

 

They don't mention the villain till the end

Not everyone feels the same about this. And it might be different in your book, but readers can't properly understand a villain until they've spent sometime around them.

 

Try to give whole scenes to the villain. See them in their element. Even before the hero arrives the villain can have their own bit. Think of them as another main character if you'd like. They needs that screen time to properly develop!

 

They make the villain all bad

I know a villain is supposed to be BAD, but just remember, they're still human. Please remember that. Readers don't want to hate the villain. In fact villains are nearly always my favourite characters.

 

Add something about your villain which people can like. It doesn't have to be big. It's the small things which people notice. Maybe he won't hurt women and children or maybe he can't bring himself to use a gun?

 

It's these small things which help to properly shape that villain. They're not the obvious things. They're well hidden and the villain won't want anyone to know about them, but they're there.

 

They don't give them a weakness

Come on, please! We all have weaknesses. And weaknesses in a villain make for a really interesting story. They can sure come in handy later on.

 

Weaknesses can go two ways. There they can be of a terrible variety. I like they can't stop drinking or it can be of the good variety, like a weakness for cats. Maybe not the last one, but you see my point.

 

Another thing to remember is that weakness can also do two different things to a villain. Either they can be made a worse person because they hate that weakness. Or it effects them.

 

Or it could make them a slightly better person. Give them a softer, more gentle side. Don't give me that look. Villains can have soft sides too. And don't you forget it!

 

There are so many other things I could talk about here, but I'll leave it at this. Do you agree with my thoughts? Do you have anything to add? I'd love to hear about it!

This is the first of a few writing post ideas I have. Working up to Camp NaNo I'd do a few posts like this. Just to work up the spirit!

 -Kat

So How Did Fan Week Really Go?

 

My Fan Week is over and now Heather @ Sometimes I'm a Story asking us all how we went. And so today I'm posting my results.

What statistics do you have to share?
Ok so I think I visited around twenty new blogs (is that enough), left TWO comments on each of those blogs, visited all the blogs I already follow and commented there. I also followed around five new blogs and unfollowed six.

I know it sounds like a really pore try. I seemed never have the time. Considering some days I didn't even get on to the computer, I'm rather proud of myself.

Did you find or learn anything new and exciting this week?

I actually did find out a few things. Book bloggers are the best!!! Most of the blogs I started reading are book bloggers. Which is really strange considering I used to read only life style bloggers.

Are there any blogs that made you want to make you change something about your own?

No one go crazy, but yes I have decided to make a few changes. For a while I've felt my blogging niche has been changing. But I've tried to keep it how it was, thinking people wouldn't like it if my content changed. But fan week has taught me not to worry about that and focus on what is really important, friends and doing what you want.

So from now on expect more book posts, religious and writing pieces. They're what I'm truly interested in at the moment and I'd really like to write more about them.

I've also realised that I could be doing more in the blogging community. So from now on I want to comment more and better on other people's blogs and actively seek out other blogs to follow.

What was your favourite part? Your least favourite part?

My favourite bit was seeing all these other blogs and what they did. Properly taking the time to read and enjoy what they're doing.

My least favourite part was not having enough time. Many days I had to go out and I missed visiting other blogs. In the end I held my Fan Week out over about a week and a half to make up.

Did you enjoy your experience? Would you do it again?

Yes! I had the best time ever. It was amazing. I want to do this again soon.

Look out for my blogging changes coming up soon. I'm looking forward to sharing them. I hope you're looking forward to them as well.

 -Kat

Guest Post: Dealing With Unfollowers

Everyone, please welcome Nicole Rose who has kindly agreed to guest post today for me. For ages I've looked up to her, so I'm really excited to see what she has to say!

So you're getting on your computer, pulling up Blogger (or any other social platform site you adore) with smile - until your eyes flicker to the side, and your expression melts into a frown. You could've sworn you had 53 readers. Now you only have 52.

I've experienced this multiple times over all aspects of my social media life. During the big Instagram spam account delete, I lost over 100 followers. This devastated me (even though they were inactive accounts anyway). And though that sort of touches on another topic and it doesn't quite apply to this, it still hurt. That's why I decided to organize this for you guys today. I know it's hard to lose followers - especially when you're feeling insecure, small or unheard. So please take your time in going through this post, and let me know in the comments if this was helpful. :)

It's not you. It's them.

This may seem like something people tell themselves to feel better about things, and it is. It truly is. But because of the truth that resonates through these words, it's calming. Someone unfollowed you. So what? It's truly their loss. You have great content to share, and if they can't see that, it's not your fault. They just didn't have the right set of eyes.

But this can only go so far. Up to a certain point, it may not just be them. It may be the connection you have.

You can't appeal to everyone.

Why do you think their are so many different categories and businesses and services offered around the same thing? Take graphic design for example. There are so many services out there that offer this, but people end up choosing one over the other. Why? Because of compatibility. The designer they choose may have the right work ethic or personality that appeals to them. They might have the right skill set or offerings. And there's always the factor of budget. Take all this into consideration and apply it to your website (or blog or social media account). Do you see what I'm saying now?

Some people just aren't compatible with others. And that's okay. Grand compatibility is boring anyway - enjoy your unique and small community. Because once your numbers start growing, you lose that personal touch and may begin to wander. Which leads to the next point.

Human beings are wanderers.

We stray from things all the time. Just watch the trends - one second, we're obsessing over Alex from Target, and in the next, we're fighting over the colors of a simple dress. It gets hectic. And due to this chaos, we're easily distracted. We wander. Which may be the case with your unfollower. He or she is heading down their own path, and you shouldn't take it personally when their path deviates from your own. That's just how life is.

Summary

All in all, the twisted gut feeling you got when you saw your numbers going down, is natural. Everyone has felt that. You're allowed to get upset over this. The best thing to do when you get this feeling is remind yourself of the points above. Take a deep breath, center yourself around your self-importance and remember that you're not defined by who follows you.

You're defined by who you choose to be.

Thank you for reading.

xx Nicole Rose

Nicole Rose is a teen blogger who believes creative expression and self-knowledge are important things every person needs to live a fulfilling life. She owns a web design shop and enjoys indulging herself with peanut butter cups as she pretends to get stuff done. She takes enjoyment in word experimentation, dancing to crazy teeny bopper tunes and laughing at her own jokes. Learn more about her here.

How Thankful Are You?

 

I was saying my evening prayers, asking God to help me through some tough times I've been having, when suddenly it struck me. How much do we ask God for? How many things to we beg him to help us with?

The answer is a lot. When you have a problem, you ask him to help you through it. And that's good. God will always help us and he enjoys doing so.

But after our problem is gone, we seem to forget about God. Let him slip straight back into background and just get back into life. As easy as that.

We're forgetting something though. How many times do you thank God for his help? For all your blessing? Even for just listening to you? HOW MANY?!

I know for me personally, sadly not many. Which I realise is wrong. Why should we expect help if we're not even thankful for it? We don't realise what a blessing we have.

So that's why I'm taking up a new practise before bed each night. I'm going to go through my day and pick out ten things which I'm thankful for. Just ten. And then I'll say a decade of the rosary, thanking God for those TEN things.

It's not that big a thing, but I believe it's one step in the right direction to being a more thankful person and truly recognising everything God has done for us.

I want to be grateful for my life and be closer to God. And I believe this will help me. Just doing the small things will make a huge difference.

So whose joining me? Can you think of anything to be grateful for today?

I don't often write religious posts. I realise not even a quarter of my readers are Catholics or even Christens. So I try not to offend those readers. But today I just felt like writing something close to my heart. Something that really stirs me. Sorry if this isn't what you expected, I just needed to say it!

 -Kat

It Doesn't Last

Riding in his car, I looked over at my man and smiled. So strong, so handsome, how could anything go wrong?

We were different, we were meant to be together. Nothing could get to us. We loved each too much!

But suddenly that's all gone! How did this happen? How did we stop talking? Why aren't we always around each other.

What happened to 'us'? Why can't things stay the same forever? Why did we have to be like everyone else? Why aren't can't we have a fairy tale?

Walking around a shop, I see him through the shelves. I look down, pretending I didn't notice him. A tear slips down my face. It's all so wrong. Why?

This is so rough, but I haven't written anything like it for ages. I just wanted to play around and see what would happen. So here you are. BTW, I've a post coming soon on Pixabay!

-Kat 

TMT #1 | So What Am I Reading?

Today for the first time EVER I'm joining with Tell Me Tuesday. It's a link up where we all get to tell everyone about the books we're reading and what we will be reading in the future. It's held by the amazing Please Feed The Bookworm and La La In The Library.

Currently I'm working my way through Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M Montgomery. It's not as famous as the Anne of Green Gables, but still amazing!

For as long as she could remember, Jane Stuart and her mother lived with her grandmother in a dreary mansion in Toronto. Jane always believed her father was dead—until she accidentally learned he was alive and well and living on Prince Edward Island. When Jane spends the summer at his cottage on Lantern Hill, doing all the wonderful things Grandmother deems unladylike, she dares to dream that there could be such a house back in Toronto...a house where she, Mother, and Father could live together without Grandmother directing their lives—a house that could be called home.






I've always been slightly iffy about Anne of Green Gables, but not so with Jane of Lantern Hill. I'm really enjoying this one. It's a nice change from those fantasy books I keep reading.

Once I've finished this book, I think I might  read The Three Musketeers.

One of my friends has been telling me I should read it for ages, so I'm finally getting around to following their advice.

So what about you? What are you reading? Is there anything you want to read in the near future? Have you read The Three Musketeers? Is it as good as everyone says?

Sometimes I feel as if my blogging life and my real life are totally different, but recently I've been realising that doesn't have to be the case. So I'm resolved to involve my real life more in my blogging one. A post is coming on this soon.

 -Kat

The Benfits of Doing Things Out of Your Comfort Zone

The other day I had this amazing idea, what if I created a series where I tell you about my life? What would people think of that? It could be weekly, bi-weekly or even monthly, depending on what you'd like. But would you like to hear about me?

 The other day, me and Carmen, a crazy friend of mine, decided we were going to go busking. So in case you didn't know, I don't sing very well, yet the plan was to go sing and play the guitar. Properly not the best idea.

 

"It'll be fun," is Carmen's way of making me agree to anything and for some reason it always works on me.

 

So there we were, heading into town on a hot summers day with our guitars and music. I must admit I was shaking in my sandals. I've never busked before or even sung and played in public, so I didn't know what to expect.

 

I was lucky though, because if there is one thing Carmen beats me in, it's preforming (she beats me in a lot of other places as well though).

 

Carmen's mum, waved us off as she left us to our music making. She, properly fearing that noise we'd create, had decided to go do a bit of shopping while waiting for us.

 

Together, we set ourselves up and opened our music. Terrified out of my wits I opened my mouth to sing and let me tell you, it wasn't half as scary as I thought it would be and it's taught me something.

 

I've learnt that always challenge yourself, even though it scares you, do it. Don't let your fears get the better of you. Because if you do, you'll miss out on so many great things!

 

To be honest, I'm glad I went busking with Cameron. I had a great time. Most likely I didn't sound any good, but I was with my friend, we were laughing and doing what we enjoy. That was all that matters. And I'll tell you another thing, I'm going to do it again. I've found out I enjoy busking and singing for people.

 

So that's the moral of this story. Just enjoy yourself and have fun!

 

What have you done that's scared you recently? Do you like doing things that aren't in your comfort zone?

 

-Kat

Month Round Off | Febuary

I've always felt something special for February. It's such a special, but short month of the year, don't you think. But sadly it's over for another year. Today I thought I'd go and recap what happened in that awesome month!

Interviews
I can't quite believe I had four special interviews this month. I'm almost out at the moment, but I've still got a few waiting to go up. So those should appear this month.

But for those of you who didn't see these posts, or would like to reread them, here's the links:

Emily @ Lynde Avenue
Eve @ Eve of Womanhood
Emily @ My Life as a Pre Teen Dork
Yasmine @ Cloudy Dreams
Morning @ The Ups and Downs of My Not-So-Average Life

Writing
Most months this is a massive area, but for some reason I didn't get quite so much published. Properly for the reason that I was working on a novel, but anyway, here are the posts I did end up sharing:

The Last Letter
Hero Embarrassed Herself...Twice!

Blogging
This area is surprisingly big. It turns out I have a lot to say on the subject of blogging. I wonder why as seeing as I don't think of myself as an expert. Far from it!

It's Time to Talk Blog Again
Let's Talk Blogging Breaks Once More!
Let's Talk Bloglovin'
A Lesson I've Learnt!

Other
Now let's take a look at the other posts I've written this month. Just those random bits and bobs which don't have a place in those other areas!

I'm Joining In
Let's Get Into the Itty Gritties About Me
What Comes of Me Writing
Does Anyone Else Have Trouble Picking Favourites?

So that's what I've been up to! It wasn't that many posts in all, but considering how busy my month has been, I'm rather proud of myself. How did your month go?

I missed this post last month, but I decided to jazz it up a bit this month. I hope you enjoy looking back on past posts!

 -Kat

Interview: Emily @ Lynde Avenue

Another interview is being aired today! Ya'll should know Emily @ Lynde Avenue who is one of me best blogging buds. Well today she's here with answers to my questions. I'm so excited!

How would you describe yourself and your blog?
Although it may not seem like it, I am first and foremost a super shy person. Some people often mistake that for arrogance or indifference or even rudeness lately, but trust me...that could not be farther from the truth. I started my blog as a way to express myself and show the world who I am, that I'm more than that shy girl who sits in the back and never raises her hand! Through blogging I've found an amazing community of people just like me, and I honestly could not imagine being without them.

How long have you been blogging for?
I'm a newbie to the blogging world, only having started back in May of 2014.

What would you say your biggest hobbies are?
Through my blog I've actually found that I find coding really fun! That was never something I thought would be "me," but I guess I was wrong. Aside from that, I also have a huge passion for writing and cooking.

Do you want to follow any of your hobbies up later in life as a career?
While my hobbies are one of the biggest parts of my life now...I'm going to have to say no. I would love to do something in medicine when I grow up, perhaps be a doctor! I have such a huge interest in human biology and psychology, I just haven't found any way to integrate those into hobbies.

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
As cliche as this is, I am inspired by people who are different. I'm inspired by those who take society's stereotypes about them and break them. The one who isn't afraid - rather, wants - to be different and stand out from the crowd.

What is your best blogging advice?
To not get too hung up on followers in the beginning. If you're dedicated to blogging and love it, they're going to inevitably come! Don't think that you're doing anything wrong, try to change the style of your blog, etc. Just comment on others' blogs, interact, and you'll find a community in no time!

Do you have a favourite author? If so, who?
I can't think of one single one in particular, but I was very impressed by Veronica Roth's Divergent. I was OBSESSED with that book for ages - it was amayyyzinggg! Perfection. Unfortunately I wasn't such a big fan of the movie though...

What’s your favourite TV show?
Ooh I've been loving a new show called "Open Heart!" You just may hear about it on le blog soon ;) It's not too late to get in on it - literally only 2 episodes have aired. It's about a girl who's been acting rebelliously since her father's disappearance, but when forced to do community service at the hospital he used to work at decides to start investigating on her own. She then befriends two other hospital volunteers and partners-in-crime, makes an enemy, spills saline solution all over him, and crashes into a cute doctor - all in episode one. And the ending...SUCH a cliffhanger!

Have you ever written a novel, if so was it published?
I love this question! I love love love love writing, but have actually never been able to finish a novel. It's weird, because I know reasonably well the process of publication and I know exactly what I want to say in a story. I just can't write it because I'm such a perfectionist and am convinced that my drafts are never good enough! Never say never though...to have a novel of mine published before I graduate is one of my biggest goals right now.

I'm Joining In!

 

Heather @ Sometimes I'm a Story is a holding a wonderful event called, Fan Month. So today I decided that I'd link up. P.S sorry if I'm late!

 

1. When do you plan on being a fan?
I think I'll take a fan week. First week of March. I'll still post and answer comments, because that's important, but my main focus will be on others.

2. What goals will you set for yourself?
I want to visit four new blogs everyday and leave a comment on all of them. I'll also try to share their links on my many social medias. I'm also going to try and visit and share old blogs I read as well.

3. Are you going to set any rules for yourself? Exceptions to those rules?
I must comment on every post I read, whether or not it's thrilling. If I enjoy a post, I have to post it on at least one social media. No exceptions except if I end up having a super busy day in real life.

4. Where do you plan on sharing the great posts you read?
I'm going to mainly try Facebook, because that's where I share such stuff. I might also great a pinterest board for it *thanks for the idea Heather*.


5. Where could you be a fan outside the blogosphere?
My friends and family. I could be so much better at encouraging them. I should try to drag myself away more often and give them more time.

So there you have it guys. Fan Month. I hope this is inspiring for you as it was for me.

In my last post, someone said they'd like to see more writing bits. If you'd also like to, please tell me. Because I'd love to share more.

-Kat

The Last Letter

via

The quill scratched the paper. He had been hunkered down over his letter for ages. He wanted it to be perfect. He would get another chance to say this. It had to be right.

"Hurry up," the guard that was watching him yelled. "What's so hard about writing a farewell note?" he asked.

The man glared at him. He looked back down at his letter. Tears started to flow clearly. He didn't care so much that he was going to be executed, but more that he'd never get a chance to see her again.

Why hadn't they gotten married when they had the chance? Why did they waste all that time? Why did he have to go and try to find his fortune. Instead all he'd done was gotten himself in trouble.

He signed the letter, it was far from perfect, but he realised he'd never get it right.

"Finished?" the guard asked.

He nodded. The guard took it from him.

"Let's get this over with," the guard nodded.

"Please make sure it reaches her," the man pleaded. "She needs to know what happened to me. She'll think the worst!"

The guard looked at him with pity. He suddenly didn't hate this man. He had a feeling that something was wrong.

"I'll make sure she get's it," he promised. "It's the least I can do."

The man smiled sadly, then headed out to his death!

 Depressing is my middle name. What would you do without me to give you these terrible thoughts to think about?

This is a weird, crazy bit I wrote, if you want me to share more like it, please tell me!

 -Kat

Let's Get Into The Itty Gritties About Me

 

Today's post will properly end up being super long knowing me. Sorry to anyone who does like long posts, but I'm posting my answers to all those FAQ which you asked in my survey. If you want to know more about me, READ THIS POST!!!

Anyhow, let's get into this before the intro takes up the whole post. Also, I'm dividing this up into different sections to help you guys out!

Personal
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the same house I live in now in a small town in Australia. It has plenty of more than friendly people and a lovely shop to go for coffee in. It's a truly lovely and peaceful place.

What's it like to live in Australia?
I've talked about this before several times, but for those of your who don't know, Australia is a brilliant place. It's full of bush, friends and fun, but sometimes it feels like you live in the middle of nowhere. Being the world's smallest content and having no one close to you, it makes like you're different from everyone else. But hey! We're a fun lot.

One when I was talking to someone on the internet though, I said I was from Australia and they replied, "Australia? Where is that? Do you speak English there or is my computer translating everything you're saying?" I thought it was highly amusing. It just shows what an unheard of lot we are!

Could you tell us about your family?
My family...I have two older brothers names Cameron and Leo. We're really close. There being no other girls in my family, I might just have picked up a few of my brothers' interests. Like watching motor racing or looking at cars (don't you find cars interesting?).

We're a weird family, always laughing at everything each other says, even if it isn't funny, and we love to tell jokes and sing out of key (this happens a lot). But honestly, most people would be confused if they saw what our house is normally like.

What are your hobbies?
I've got a lot, so I'll have to just list the ones on the top of my head. I  like reading MASSIVE books, writing (both flash fiction and novels), blogging (duh), chatting to internet friends, music (I play piano and guitar), and so many other things. I don't really want to overload ya'll!

Favourite books, movies, music artists and TV shows?
Books: I don't really have a favourite book. But if I can change it to series, I'd pick the Percy Jacksons. Both if I can stretch the rules even more! Because, hey Percy is awesome. BTW, I took a test and it turns out I'd be daughter of Athena. *thanks Cait for getting me to do this*

Movies: I'd once again change the rules to series and I'd once again pick two. The LOTR and Hobbits. Because who doesn't like hobbits? Sometimes I even get teased that I am a hobbit.

Music artists: Taylor Swift, Lindsey Stirling, William Joseph, Peter Hollens. I've got a lot. It's not my fault! Imogen @ Gossiping with Dragons keeps introducing me to new people, OK?

TV shows: this is an easy one, Doctor Who! I go on about this all the time. An alien travelling through time and space in a police box with human companions? Come on! Tell me if that doesn't sound awesome? If you haven't watch this TV show, do so now. And remember, Eccleston is the best!

Dreams for the future?
I have so many of these. How can I even begin to tell you them all. I want to be a world famous author. I want to live on the beach. I want to breed dogs. I want to eventually get married and have kids. I want to live a good life and enjoy myself. Does that help?

Favourites colours?
Green! I love this colour so much. That's the reason my past two blog designs have been GREEN!!!

What's your bucket list?
OK this is a bit long, so would you guys like me to create a separate page on this blog of my bucket list?

How old are you?
Now you may think I'm young for some things I spout, but I'm fifteen. Sixteen in a few months. Gosh I feel so old saying that! Help! I'll be able to get my license soon!

What's your favourite/least favourite foods?
My favourite is chocolate of course. What else would it be? You can't live without chocolate.

My least favourite is egg plant or aubergine. Use either name for it. It's still horribly disgusting.

What authors do you admire?
I like this question! Rick Riordan of course, Marissa Meyer (I'm obsessed with the Lunar Chronicles), John Flanagan, Jane Austen and so many others. I could list forever, but that might make this post a bit long, so I'll leave it here.

Are you in any fandoms?
Why yes I am. Doctor Who, Taylor Swift, Percy Jackson, Lunar Chronicles, Jane Austen and many others. Like the last question. I could go on forever. Mainly they're all books though. So that should give you a clue.

How did you learn to code?
This brilliant thing called the internet. It's really useful when you want to learn something and you have no idea where to start. But trust me, I'm terrible at coding, which is why Emily @ Lynde Avenue designed my blog for me. I had no patience, but people with more could do so much better than me.

What inspires you?
Life! Everything I see and do is inspiring. Going shopping, seeing a newly engaged woman flash her ring at people, listening to the radio.

Inspiration is around every corner, just take the time to look for it and it's there.

Blogging
What inspired you to create a blog?
I wanted to share what I write! As you properly know, most of my first post are just bits of flash fiction I wrote. But after a while I got inspired to try different kinds of posts and that's how (Almost) Completely Mad became the mixed up blog it is now!

How long have you been blogging?
Around nine months? I just checked and I think it's around that time.

What's the best way to follow your blog?
You can follow anyway you like. I have some links on my FOLLOW page if you want to take a look.

Do you have any tips for new bloggers?
Write consistently. Don't write everyday one week and then nothing for the next month. Schedule your posts to spread them out and make them last.

Edit your posts so that people can enjoy reading them. Make sure they're the best you can make them before hitting that 'publish' button.

Read, comment and follow other blogs. Make yourself known. It takes a while for this to start paying off, but in the end it does.

Your blog won't be a success overnight. Don't let it get you down. Keep working at it and one day it will be realised as the jewel it is.

Remember, be yourself and have fun. Keep true to what you believe and don't do things just because they're popular if you don't agree with them. There are people like you out there. You just have to go looking.

How on earth do you have time to be as active in the blogging community as you are?
Hahaha, I'm hardly that active, but I do try to get around. I've created a sort of pattern to help me do all I have to and still have time to read and do other things.

First I publish and answer all the comments I've been given, then I go and comment back on those people's blogs, then I go to Bloglovin' and read all the posts waiting there and comment. After that all I have to do is write a post and I'm done.

Remember it doesn't all have to be done at once. Just take it slowly. Use those spare moments of your day. When you don't have anything to do, just catch up on commenting.

Also, scheduling is a life saver. It really helps give you more time.

What equipment do you use?
My brain, a battered old notebook and my computer that looks like it will fall apart at any moment. That's all.

What's your favourite thing about blogging?
Meeting people who have the same interests as me. Who don't judge and will leave me feedback on my work. Sharing my writing with people like these is truly the best thing ever!

What are your favourite blogs?
I have so many and I hate picking favourites, so instead, go to my button swap page and check out all the blogs there.

Other
What other social medias do you have?
A lot. Some that may interest people is my Facebook page, my Twitter, Instagram (I'm so bad on this), Pinterest, Goodreads and Google +.

What camera do you use?
I have an older model Nikon DSLR. Not the best, but it was cheap and I needed something.

Thank you to anyone who read this whole post and made it here. You deserve a medal.

This is also being posted to a page, so if you ever want to reread this you can!

 -Kat

It's Time to Talk Blog Again

 

A few days ago, my friend, La La in the Library, suggested I write a post about blog fonts, print size, and readability. So that's what I'm doing!

Funnily enough, this is a subject I have more than enough to say on. I have so many feelings about these things. Let's get into it.

Blog Fonts

A common mistake for beginning blog designers and even some more experienced ones, is to give blogs super fancy fonts.

Unfortunately though, most fancy fonts are unreadable. They're too curly or loopy or whatever. Sadly this puts readers off what you're actually writing.

Your posts might be amazing, but people like me won't even attempt to read you blog if you have a too fancy font!
I do understand why you would want to use these fonts though, but instead of using them on your blog, trying using them on your pictures, in titles or special details of your blog, but not on the main part of your blog, because that's where you want people to read!

Print Size

 

So this is another very important part of designing your blog. It's not quite so badly misunderstood, but there are still those blogs out there who get this completely wrong.

 

When you're trying to pick the print size of your blog, there are too extremes: super small and super LARGE!!!

 

The problem with having a too small print size is that it get's far too dense and you need really good eyesight to read it. Isn't this much harder to read than what your were just reading? See my point?

 

On the other hand, don't make it too big. That way it takes up too much room on the page and readers have to scroll on forever. Can you imagine what it'd be like if I wrote a whole post like this? Reading a long post like that would take forever.

 

So try to get something in between, don't go too large and don't go too small. Try to remember what it'll look like on other computers as well. Everyone's screen is a different size and shape, just keep that in your mind.

 

Readability

 

There are only a few other things to think about when talking about readability is: paragraphing, image placing and abbreviations and editing.

 

Paragraphing: This is something that often seems to be thrown out the door, but is really super important in your blog. If you write everything with no paragraphs it's really dense and hard to read, where as if you wrote this paragraphs it turns into a nice light easy read.

 

Another thing to think about is how long your paragraphs are? The longer the paragraph, the harder to read. Ask yourself, could this be shorter? Should bits of it be in another paragraph?

 

Taking just a little bit more time will do a massive bit to help your blog!

 

Image placing: This always bugs me. It's something really simple, but no one seems to pay any attention to it.

 

When placing your images, try to leave some space in between it and the words. Also, when images straight after each other, make sure there is a gap, otherwise the images seem to blend into each other.

 

Abbreviations (i.e LOL, JK, OMG): You might think yourself super cool for using them, but please don't! Think about if future generations, way in the future read it. Do you think they'll understand all the abbreviations?

 

Everyone wants they're words to live on, so try to write everything so that they'll be able to understand it.

 

Also, even I have a hard time getting my head around some of the abbreviations, so not only will you puzzle the future, but also your readers.

 

Just keep that in mind. And while talking about this, can I mention emoji's (?). For some reason, finding these in posts really annoys me. It ruins the look of everything.

 

I use them while commenting and everything, but if you've noticed, never in my posts. I've thought about using them, but if people need them to know what you mean, there is something wrong with your writing.

 

You don't need them in a post and they ruin the look. You can use them, but I personally don't like to. I know some people do though, so it's personal preference.

 

 Editing: this one is short and simple. Reread posts at least three times before publishing, if not more. Make sure you've gotten it as close to perfect as you can.

 

There is a big difference between an edited post and one that isn't. So take that time!

 

Well that's all folks! I hope you enjoyed this and I didn't offend you. I'm so sorry if I did. And once again, I didn't mean to preach so if it came across like that, I'm sorry!

 

If there is a post you'd like me to write, please tell me either in a comment or over on twitter. I'll try to write it as best I can for you! For now, write strong.

 -Kat

Does Anyone Else Have Trouble With Picking Favourites?

 

After being out of town for a few days, I'm back! Whoopee (does anyone else eat these?)!!! And guess what I've come back to? I blog award. Thank you so much Lydia @ The Fashion Cheetah.

Rules:

1. Copy and paste these rules on to your award post.

2. Come up with at least 5 fun questions for your nominees to answer.

3. Nominate at least 5 people who you think are amazing and have an amazing blog.

4. List at least one reason why you appreciate the people you nominated.

5. Put this award on your sidebar or award/tag page if you were nominated.

6. Leave a comment on your nominees' blogs letting them know they've been nominated.

 

Questions:

 

1. How are you so fabulous?
By being utterly nuts and confusing everyone? Does this count?!

 

2. Are you currently writing anything?

I'm so glad you took the time to ask this question, because yes! As most of you properly have realised by now (if not you haven't read my last posts), I'm writing a novel.

 

I'm really excited about it. It's a fantasy world travelling book. If that helps ya at all. I have no idea how to sum it up. I did post some quotes from is though, so take a look at those. And if you'd like (or not like) I'd also love to post more of them!

 

3. Where do you find your inspiration?

Oh, the mundane things in life. I busy train, teens mucking around in the shops, a cup of coffee and scones.

 

There isn't really a set place I find my inspiration. More like I find it everywhere, in everything I see, do and hear. Inspiration doesn't just come from one place, but many!

 

4. Favourite drink?

Tea, tea, TEA!!! I'm a tea addict. You can't stop me from drinking it. Not the herbal tea, just plain, black tea with no sugar. Ah, heaven!

 

5. What inspired your blog name?

Well it's no unknown fact that I'm mad and crazy and bonkers. So I just though, 'how do you make that completely obvious from the first glance at my blog?' Well the answer was, put it in the title.

 

And then I thought that it might not be a great idea to scare people away, so I lied a bit and put an '(Almost)' in there. Yup, a big fat lie.

 

So that is how (Almost) Completely Mad got it's name. It didn't take much thinking. In fact I put no thought into what to call my blog at all. It was the first name I could think of and it's stuck.

 

Who I Nominate:

 

Imogen @ Gossiping with Dragons : For being a great friend, a constant inspiration, help and flow of ideas.

 

Stephanie @ Called His: For helping my faith and showing me that we're not all perfect. And for always making me smile.

 

Cait @ Paper Fury: For always giving me a constant stream of books to read and ruling over me. You're advice is always wanted.

 

 La La in the Library @ La La in the Library: For awesome posts, comments and suggestions and the best blog feature ever!

 

Paige @ The Joys of Being Paige: For the best advice and recipes. Your blog always inspires me to go and do something.

 

My Questions:

 

1. What's your favourite broken character in a book?

2. Who were the last characters you shipped? Were you right?

3. What instruments can you play and what kind of feel does it give you? (i.e romantic, jazzy, joyful, exciting)

4. What inspired the last thing you wrote and what was it?

5. On a scale of 1-10 how MAD are you?

 

So as you might have noticed, I'm really bad at awards. I hate picking favourites in friends. I don't like any of you more than the others. I hope you understand that.

What do you guys think? Should I follow the trend and have a Q & A. Would you be interested in having your questions answered? BTW, my FAQ page is being launched soon.

 -Kat

Interview: Yasmine @ Cloudy Dreams

 

Gosh I've been so bad about posting the last of these interviews, but never fear! I've remembered them all again. Here is another amazing one, with the beautiful Yasmine @ Cloudy Dreams!

 

How would you describe yourself and your blog?
Well, first of all, thank you so so much for interviewing me, Kat! I'm really excited: this is my first time!

I find it difficult to describe a person in general because people are always changing, and it seems unfair to pin their personality down to a few words, but I'd say that I'm a cheerful, but shy teenage girl who loves reading, writing and anything of the like. (I also enjoy learning about psychology, neuroscience and particle physics but that's something not many people know about me.) My blog is just the place where I talk about things and 'wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey stuff': honestly, you can expect anything to pop up. I've started a series where I post a list every month and that's been really popular, and I'm thinking of writing a continuing story, too.

How long have you been blogging for?
I've been blogging since 20/10/13, which is as I am writing this one year, four (?) months and six days ago. It feels like so long, but I've honestly loved every frustrating and wonderful second of it. :)

What would you say your biggest hobbies are?My biggest hobbies are writing, reading, jogging and drawing, although I enjoy a variety of different things. :)

Do you want to follow any of your hobbies up later in life as a career?
It would be an ideal-case scenario if I could combine my hobbies and career when I'm older. I'd love to earn money by writing novels or books (or blog posts ;D) and I'd love to work in the field of science as well. Although I'd have to be extremely lucky to become an author!

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
This is a question I face almost on a daily basis since I've started blogging, and I feel horrible every time I have to answer it because I don't have an idol or rolemodel. I am inspired by the things people do and say, but not by people themselves.

What is your best blogging advice?
My best blogging advice is to post original content that you'd be interested in too. Interact with your followers, and remember that you are writing for yourself and for them, so write something that they'll understand too. For example, if you're talking about your friends, they'll need some background information before they'll understand what you're trying to say. And being original is just really important because that's what makes a blog (and I confess to not being very good in this area, either... It's really difficult to have great ideas the whole time, but you'll know when you've got one)! x

Do you have a favourite author? If so, who?I find it really difficult to pick one, but if I were to recommend one author I'd pick Deborah Harkness because I'm now on the last book in her series and I love every bit of her books. She's an amazing writer and she's very detailed in descriptions. Her characters (despite being vampires, daemons and witches) are relatable and realistic, and she's managed to write an original book about the supernatural without being cliché, which I think deserves an applause in itself.

What’s your favourite TV show?Hands down, Doctor Who. I'm so excited for the ninth season! I also love the Big Bang Theory, Adventure Time and several animes. ^^

Have you ever written a novel, if so was it published?I have always loved writing and when I was really young (we're talking aged six and seven) I wrote several 'novels' but these were often not longer than ten pages, and were anyway not good enough to be published. ^^ Currently I'm writing a 'sci-fi styled' novel and I'm proud to announce that I've almost finished my first draft! At the moment I think it's quite okay, but obviously I'll find lots of mistakes and plot holes etc. when I read through it. It would be a dream come true to get it published, though (,however unlikely this may be... sheesh, let a girl have her dreams!!).

Do you like the new design? I'm totally in love with it. I just can't stop boasting about it. Thanks so much to Emily @ Lynde Avenue for it:)

 -Kat

Many Thanks to Emily @ Lynde Avenue

Look! Don't you just love my new blog design? I can't stop admiring it. The other day I finally admitted to myself that my old design just doesn't suit me. I've known it for a while, but I just wouldn't admit it.

Then Emily @ Lynde Avenue offered to give me a design. In case you don't know, Emily's designs are the best, so I was very thankful.

It only took Emily a little while to come up with this amazing design, isn't it beautiful? I can't believe it.

Is it bad that I've only been blogging eight months and yet this is my third design? I hope not! I think it's fun to swap it up every once in a while.

Anyway, this is a really short post just to say thank you Emily! I really love the design and I can't stop saying how amazing it is.

Due to changes that are happening around the blog, I haven't written a post for two days, but hopefully you'll like everything else that's been happening to make up for it.

-Kat

What Comes of Me Writing

 

I've been spending a lot of time writing my novel in the past two days. And I've found that nameberry.com is a great place to go for names of unplanned characters (um, I might just use baby name sites a lot when writing). 

While on the site, I got curious as to what my name might mean (I know what you're thinking, 'she doesn't know? How?').  So I typed in 'Katarina' and guess what it came up with! Meaning of Katarina: "pure"

This is too good to be true. I'm pure apparently. Well that is interesting. You know, I really don't feel like I live up to that. It's sort of like saying I'm perfect, but anyhow, there were several other interesting facts about the name on the site.

Apparently Katarina is the Czech variation of Katherine. I didn't know that one. Interesting...

Also, Katarina is a girls name! Why didn't I know this?! Just kidding around.

nameberry.com says that (quote): The Russian version of Katherine is usually Ekaterina, but this form is used throughout Eastern Europe and may be more friendly to the American ear.

So there you go. I have no idea if you knew this or not. But that was just a load of random stuff I found about my name.

What about your name? Do you have any useless information about that?

You can tell I'm writing. All my posts are really random, but don't worry! That just makes it all the more interesting. I wonder what is coming up tomorrow...

 -Kat

Hero Embarrasses Herself...Twice!

Earlier today I started writing my novel I've been planned! After a long time trying to decide on a first line, I'm finally back into the swing of it.
I've actually started writing my novel!!! #amwriting
— Kat Joyce (@almostmadkat) February 12, 2015

I'm really excited. So far several things have been coming up and surprising me. Like the backstory between my main characters. That wasn't planned in the slightest. Another that surprised me was the fact Hero is popular, but they're all good things, so I have nothing to complain about.

I thought that today I might share a few excerpt from my novel so far. Because you all seem interested in what I write and I've never share any of my novels with you before. So here we go!

...

“Something terrible is about to happen today,” Hero said to herself. She had no idea how she knew this, but every so often she got these armament about something that was going to happen. Sadly most of the time they came to be right. “Or something amazing,” Hero muttered. She already knew that was too good to hope for.

“Who you talking to, Hero?” Sneered Circe. Turning, Hero sighed. Circe loved picking on her. It hadn’t always been the way. When they’d been little they’d been best friends. But then Circe’s parents had gone missing. 

...

It was lunch break when things really started to heat up for Hero. She was just about to sit down at her table with Kaia and Arielle when she saw a boy and a girl beckoning her from across the room.

Ignoring them she turned her attention back to what Arielle was saying.

“… It’s going to be the biggest party that been held around here for years. You will be there, won’t you Hero?” she asked.

“Um, sure,” Hero said, shaking her head to clear it of her thoughts. “I’ll definitely be there. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” 

She looked across the room at where the couple had been moments before and saw they were gone. She wondered why they’d been beckoning at her. She shrugged. It couldn’t have been important, they were gone now.

“Hero! EARTH TO HERO!” Kaia shook her.

“What?” Hero said. She saw Kaia’s annoyed face.

“I was just asking if you’d like to come shopping tomorrow for our outfits,” Kaia repeated, trying to keeping her angry under control.

“Oh right, sorry,” Hero said, feeling rather stupid. That was the second time she’d let her mind drift like that. “I’d love to. It’s a date,” she agreed.

“Yay!” Kaia cried. “It’ll be fun.”

...

 

“How was school dear?” Hero’s mum, Kat asked as she entered the house. Hero sighed. She didn’t really want to talk to her mother at that moment.

“Fine,” she said shortly, hoping to be able to hurry into her room before her mother could say anything else, but luck was not with her.

“Did you get my text about picking some milk up on the way home?”

Hero thought back to the text she’d completely ignored so that she could go to the café with Arielle and Kaia on the way home.

“No sorry Mum,” she lied. “You wanted me to pick up milk?”

Kat sighed. “Never mind. I’ll see if the twins will get it for me.” Recently Hero had been avoiding her more and more and making out as if talking to family was a hardship.

“Ok then,” Hero said. Her tummy grumbled. “What’s for dinner?” Kat knew she’d get nothing out of Hero at day.

“Pizza. You’d better crack on with that homework before dinner,” she replied.

Hero growled. “I’m not a little kid. I know when I have to do my homework,” she stormed out of the kitchen and upstairs to her room.


 

...

 

Sorry, these are really random and unedited. But I hope that gives you a small taste of what my novel will be like.

 



Anyway, I'd like to thank Imogen @ Gossiping with Dragons for giving me this idea. I really enjoyed sharing all this.

 

If you'd like to hear other random bits and bobs from and about my novel. Be sure to follow me on twitter where I'm currently tweeting like crazy. Let's just say I'm really excited about this novel. I'll see you over there!

 -Kat

Let's Talk Blogging Breaks Once More

I've been thinking a lot about people's view on blogging breaks. What once used to seem to be a brilliant idea is now looked upon with a horrified glance.

Why is this? I think I've worked out the answer. All too often what people think of as a short blogging break stretches on and on until it's eternal and when you finally want to start back, you lack the discipline you used to have.

Now I'm not going to ramble on as to all the whys and hows and everything. But a while ago I did remember my post, How to Take a Good Blogging Break. That post was mainly about how to come back from a blogging break, well, today I've decided to go a write a post to go with that, What to do While on a Blogging Break.

All too often there is the thing that we just lazy around a do nothing while on our break. This makes it really hard to get back into everything, but this shouldn't be the case. A break shouldn't be for giving up all together. Use this time to usefully.

Brainstorm. One of the reasons you're taking your break might be because you're out of ideas. Even if it isn't some extra ideas for when you need something on the spur of the moment might me a good idea.

So in your free time, pull out a notebook. Write down all those blog post ideas that come to you. Get the inspiration racing!

Make plans for the blog. A break is a good time to put some changes into action. Are you tired of your currant design? Do you want a new posting schedule? How about starting a blogging series?

Think about a few good changes you could make. Every blog can be improved, so just work on yours over the break.

Write up some posts for later. Wouldn't you love to be ahead of writing posts? Well then now's your change to get there.

You don't have to spend your whole break writing. Especially as seeing as you're taking a break from writing. But writing posts when you have the time might help went you go back to your blog.

Catch up on the social media. I said this in my other post. But it's worth saying again. Keep on with your social medias. Don't loose all those readers and friends. Keep going.

All too often there isn't much time for social media around writing posts, so a break a perfect to time become more active on them. Just because you're not writing doesn't mean you don't have anything share.

Relax. The purpose of break is to recover so you can continue what you're doing. So RELAX! Just sit back and enjoy yourself.

Pick up a book you've been meaning to read, watch the Marvel movies again, get some new hobbies, take photos. Do whatever you need to. It's your break!

Good luck on your blogging break! I hope these tips help you. If you're interested, check out my other post. I'd mean the world to me.

Even though I'm thinking about blogging breaks, I'm actually really excited for all these things I'm hoping to do on my blog soon. I've got heaps of posts coming which I'm excited about. So don't worry, no blogging break coming for me yet.

 -Kat 

Interview: Eve @ Eve of Womanhood

 

Though I have posted an interview for a few days, I still have a few left, so today I'm posting Eve @ Eve of Womanhood's! Trust me, her answers are well worth reading:)

 

How would you describe yourself and your blog?That's a hard question. I'm a little shy when I meet new people, but after a while I come out of my shell and show them my random personality. ;) I feel like I'm a deep thinker too. Blogging is a great way to vent out my thoughts as well as show my faith and hobbies with you guys. :)

How long have you been blogging for?
I absolutely love to read, write, web design, and draw. Another one of my hobbies is photography. I truly enjoy capturing memories and nature through my camera lens. :)

What would you say your biggest hobbies are?
Definitely! I would love to one day be a photographer and/or a web/graphic designer. They're both hobbies I have done ever since I was little. I love capturing a person's true personality whether it be in a photograph or a blog design. I also would like to write a book someday. Of course I'm not sure if that will ever happen. A girl can dream, can't she? :)

Who/what is your biggest inspiration?With blogging I would have to say Acacia, Hannah, and Natalia. I've just found their blogs recently, and I really love the atmosphere they give their blogs.
A person that really inspires me is Katie Davis. She wrote a book about being a missionary in Uganda and how she became a mother to 13 unwanted African children.
“People tell me I am brave. People tell me I am strong. People tell me good job. Well here is the truth of it. I am really not that brave, I am not really that strong, and I am not doing anything spectacular. I am just doing what God called me to do as a follower of Him. Feed His sheep, do unto the least of His people.” -Katie Davis

What is your best blogging advice?
I know when I find a new blog, three things make me follow their blog:

A Nice Design: Even though it can be hard to first start designing your blog there are sooo many google resources out there that helped me so much. There is also the alternative of hiring a blog designer to help you out. I've done this many times, and absolutely loved how the captured my style and personality. Now I'm a web-designer myself and it's so fun to show a persons true personality throughout their design.

Pretty Photos: I love photography so of course I enjoy seeing other bloggers' photographs as well. Not everyone has a nice camera, but their are plenty of ways to make your blog have beautiful photos on them. I used a little digital camera through the first year of blogging until I purchased a DSLR. I would try to make my photos better with Picmonkey to edit and improve their appearance. Picmonkey is a life saver when you want to make your photos prettier. It's totally free and is super easy to use. You can also find commercial free images online that you don't have to give credit for someone else's image.

Unique Content: Be yourself when you post. Write what you feel, experience, and love from your life. It's what sets you apart from the sea of blogs and makes people enjoy reading your words, looking at your pictures, and marveling at your design.
Whoops, I didn't notice how long this answer was. ;)

Do you have a favourite author? If so, who?
Of course I do! The trouble is that I have sooo many favorite authors! I really love Ruta Sepetys though! I've read both of her books, and they were both such amazing reads. So far she has written Out of the Easy and Between Shades of Gray. I definitely recommend them. :)

What’s your favourite TV show?Downton Abbey, hands down.

Have you ever written a novel, if so was it published?No, haven't written a novel yet, but I've recently had an idea for one. I might share a bit of the story on my blog sometime. I've written some short stories though.

I'm currently putting my ideas into planning a novel, so if you have any blog post you'd like to see from me, please feel free to tell me!

 -Kat