Tips for Trips (Part III)

Packing and Peparation

About a week ago, I got a ride with my two friends Lexie and Jessie for home--school-bound in Oxford, Mississippi. The weather back home in New Orleans, Louisiana, was moderately warm. (Why are we not suprised). Although, the day we were leaving New Orleans was when the weather started getting chilly. So mid-way through the car ride, Jessie checks her phone, and gives the weather report. Lexie quickly dubble checks her phone too. My phone doesn't have internet access, so I had no way of checking.
Jessie: Oh, my. God. GUYS it's going to be freezing in Oxford. [Reads the temperature]. Oh, and there's going to be a ninety percent chance of snow.
[Lexie and Jessie freeze as the the cold winter air has already passed over them.] Lexie and Jessie: IT'S GOING TO SNOW--WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO!? WE DON'T HAVE ANY CLOTHES!!
Staying a week in New Orleans where it's hot and humid for most the year, did not occur to us that it could be cold elsewhere and packing winter gear would be wise. Thankful I did not bring home many clothes, and gave Lexia and Jessie the offer of barrowing anything if needed.

So word of advice: Always check the weather (if you can) and make sure you come prepared. You never know how bipolar the weather can be. And who knows what life will throw at us.

WRITE ON!
- Legend

CONTEST WINNER!!!

Due to some technical difficulty, a few more names were added to the contest entry. Of course, those people have notified me before hand about wanting to enter the contest and being unable.
Well, the name was drawn out of the hat this morning, and here is the result......
CONGRATULATIONS TO BILLIE!!
Billie, congratulations--your DESTINY awaits you.
Thank you everyone, and I hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving.

WRITE ON!

- Legend

Time is Running Out

Hey, anyone still interested in entering the contest has until midnight. Follow or comment. Notify me if you can about any issues as far as commenting or joining the site.
Winner will be annouced tomorrow.
Good Luck to All, and Happy Thanksgiving Early
WRITE ON!

- Legend

Correction

*Sometimes

Quote of the Week

"Sometime's it's best jus' t' let thin's go."
- Ivy

REMINDER!!

Heads up folks: Everyone has until Thanks giving for their chance to enter and win a FREE AUTOGRAPHED copy of DESTINY! Turkey Day is growing near.

WRITE ON!

- Legend

WRITE ON! (More or Less)

Well, it is NANOWRIMO time. Sadly, I've chosen to drop a bit from the competition to focus more on school work. However, I've attended a meeting tonight. Ah, it felt so good to write again. I'm still so very far behind. My word count is pretty embarassing actually. (Please do not find me on Nanowrimo) Besides none of you probably will unless you knew my user name--good luck with that. Basically, I'm trying to work on my latest project whenever I can. Although, my insane goal to have it done my the end of the month isn't going to happen. According to Nanowrimo at this rate the book could be finished around March 2, 2012. Oh, how Nanowrimo mocks me so. Apparently not all of us can be like my dear friend Ginny Geddie, who is said to be, and I quote, "a relentless remorse robot" for her outstanding current word count of 34,005. I don't believe see is a robot only an insanely fast typer and great writer. Please, keep writing, Ginny! Well, all of you Nanowrimo folk out there I wish all of you the best of luck.
WRITE ON!
- Legend

Reminder!

Don't forget: Anyone who is interested in the contest, you have until 12:00am on the 24th of November to join spillsfromthequill, or comment stating you want to enter. The contest is a raffle, and winner gets a FREE signed copy of my book DESTINY!
Good Luck.

WRITE ON!

- Legend

Nanowrimo update

So right now I currently have 881 words. Only 49,119 more to go.

Correction (Sorry Folks)

Curse my horrible hearing. Apparently I've been getting the name wrong all this time. Thanks Ginny for pointing out that the correct name is Nanowrimo. My bad, people.

WRITE ON!

- Legend

Nanoramo Starts Tomorrow

Yep, the countdown is near its end. November is tomorrow, meaning not only do we fill our tummies with food on turkey day but words on the page. All of you out there going--WHAT!!?? It's Nanoramo time! For those of you that don't know, Nanoramo is this online contest where you start at the beginning of November and have until the end of the month to write a 50,000 word story. I'll be continuing on something I'm already working on, yet none of my 11,000 words or so can be counted--that's cheating. Well, wish us luck. If anyone is interested you have until tomorrow to join. Note: this is not a Spillsfromthequill contest.
My contest is a raffle, and the deadline is 12:00am on Thankgiving day.
WRITE ON!

- Legend

Tips for Trips (Part II)

Transportation:
So I'm hanging out a bit with my friends before they head out to a party. (No, this wasn't the Lion's Den).
Everyone was discussing how to get to the party.
Dori: Why don't we just take a taxi?
Melissia: We can get a taxi?
Emily: Yeah, that's what we did last time.
Melissa: (smiles and nods).
Me: Hey, if you guys wanna do something really crazy I have a pair of roller blades back in my room. You guys can jsut skate around campus. I got to warn you though going down those hills... yeah, good luck with the brake.
Melissa: (Looks at me like I'm crazy and laughs). I'm pretty sure that'll count towards a DWI.
I've heard of getting pulled over on a bike, but never roller blades. Hmmm... I'm debating whether or not to try this experiment. Guess I'm gonna need my lience and registration. Oh, and I better bring my head lamp.

Tips on Trips (Part 1)

Hey, Legend here. So there's only matter of time before we get a break from school (yay), then will we resume (ugh). Well, wether we are leaving school or entering once again there is usually something that occurs in both--travel.
And what can help us plan ahead than knowing some helpful tips.
If you are planning to take any new classes next year, or you are just trying to decide where to hang out. Here's something to keep in mind. If you are like Ivy, who has a fear of heights, then I suggest to stay away from buildings that are raised. For an example the science build on campus. Heights fearers stay far away from Shoemaker--if possible.
How do I know this.
A good friend of mine and I were dropping something off at the building. Shoemaking is raised up on a very large, very wide incline ramp with rails along the side, and there's an over path below.
Me, being like my character Daisy, having no fear of height began walking down the large steep ramp with ease. My friend on the other hand is terrified of heights just like Ivy.
She said, "I'm so thankful I don't have to take class here because I think I might die."
Me: Why it's not that hard. The lab is actually one of my favorite classes.
Friend: No, it's not that. It just occured to me where we are, and I'm trying not to look down. (Begins looking anywhere but the ground.)
Me: (Finally catching on) Oh--Oh... you mean heights.
Friend nods.
Me: I got it.
I told her to just look straight.... well, I mainly forced her considering I put my hands on the side of her head to block her peripheral vision. Hey, it works for horses, so why not. It actually did work.
So, yes, if you fear height stay away from buildings that are raised.
WRITE ON!
- Legend
  

Countdown to Nanoramo

Joined Nanoramo. Only 2 days left.
WRITE ON!

Change in the Contest

Hey, everyone.
Some of you may be aware of the contest I'm currently hosting, in which the 100th follower gets a free paperback signed copy of my book DESTINY. I am very pleased that people are taking an interest; however, this is also how problems can begin. Apparently there are a number of people who are competing to be the 100th follower, which evidently results to no one wanting to follow and risk the chance of not being the 100th follower. For this reason I've decided to change the contest. Starting now the contest is now officially a raffle.
Everyone who is interested has from Now until the 24th of November by 12:00am Eastern Time. You MUST put your name down on SpillsFromtheQuill in order to be eligible for a chance to win. For this to happen you MUST either follow or comment stating: I want to enter the contest.
On the 24th of November a.k.a. Thanksgiving, I am going to draw a name at random. The name drawn will be the winner of the contest, and will recieved a paperback signed copy of DESTINY.
Good Luck and WRITE ON!
- Legend

Surprise!!

Hey, Legend, here. Well, today I got a surprise that not even Oliver could see coming. Tomorrow is my birthday, so I'm getting ready to head out to catch a film with some friends. Suddenly I am called down the hall by a number of girls. Lauren even said she wanted to ask me something. I just it is the same usual hall fun and craziness. Well, that was only half of it because what I didn't know was that I was in for a treat. I am lead down the hall, and when the door of a "sleeping area" is opened, at once there is a chior of my floormates singing "Happy Birthday." I was so surprised, and I thought I was gonna cry I was so happy. Roommate gets out her phone and starts filming to capture the moment. My floormates present cupcakes with a ring of fire, a.k.a. candles, including the big 19 candle. I bein to make a wish and start blowing the candles out. Apparently my floor had given me trick candles, so of course they kept relighting. Suddenly there is loads of smoke from the candles, and we aren't really supposed to have candles in the dorm. This isn't looking good. We think of the smoke detector, and immidately start to panic.
"What do we do!? What do we do!?" We shout as all of us are frantically trying to put out the candles. Then Courtney takes the cupcake tray and trys blowing them out on the way to the bathroom while a few of us assist. Once we reach the bathroo Courtney wets her hands with water and puts them on the candles, then thows them in the sink to extinguish them. Thanks for saving the floor, Courtney.
Well, this is my last night of being eighteen. I wonder what other "sweet" surprises will come my way.
WRITE ON!

Shout Out!

DESTINY is all about Daisy coming home. Here in the States we are holding elections at my school. So, VOTE MAGGIE DAY for HOMECOMING QUEEN!

Shout Out

If anyone has been following Billie's tips on remembering dreams and strengthening your dreamcatcher, please continue to do so. I'm telling you it works. I've been able to remember my dreams for the past few days.
Also remember to keep a dream journal and write down your dreams. It may come in handy as well.
Thanks again for the tips, Billie.

WRITE ON!

Reminder

If anyone is interested in joining the journey on SpillfromtheQuill, now is your chance. You could win a FREE SIGNED paperback copy of my book DESTINY.
WRITE ON!

"This is a book."

Last Saturday I'm hanging out with my floor and Gamma Chis Kristen and Madison Bell after Pref Night. Our other Gamma Chi, Kate, went down the hall to hang out with the girls on the other side.
I say something, and one of them goes, "Oh, you're the the girl that wrote the book."
Me: yep that's me. I have a few copies in my room, be right back.
(Grap book and come back.)
Me: This is my book, and that's my sophomore year book picture.
Gamma Chi (Kristen): (Dumfounded and in shock. Stares at the book). This is a book.
(Brief laugher)
Madison Bell: Well, yeah.
(Madison and Kristen flip through the book.)
Kristen (still is shock): There's words in here.
(Book gets passed around)
Gamma Chis and Floormates: How long did it take you to write this.
Me: about a year and a half.
Floormates: Legend, your hair was really long then.
Me: That's actually the longest I had my hair. I was trying to grow it out for Locks of Love--One inch off.
Floormates: you should try to grow it out again.
Me: Well, I don't exactly look good with long hair because I have a small face. When my hair gets too long my dad starts giving me a hard time.
Taylor: Legend, how old were you in this picture.
Me: Well, I was a sophomore, so sixteen--no, fifteen. It was in the beginning of the year, so I couldn't have been sixteen yet.

Billie's Helpful Tips for Dreamers

If you think about your day and what you achieved, then think about what you will be doing tomorrow it will helps you remember your dreams better. Remembering dreams helps make the dreamcatcher stronger. The stronger the dreamcatcher the stornger the protection against the spirit creatures is, and you will have better dreams.

Daily Quote

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."
- Unknown

And Now For Something Completely Different

Daisy: "Many say that when you run, you let your mind wander or you tend to concentrate on whoever's in front of you" (91).

Okay, Legend, here. Excellent point, Daisy, very true. I ran Cross Country in high school, and I did those exact things. What really helped me though was singing songs to myself. What kind of songs do you say? Well, I love writing parodies, so here's one of my favorites. It's a rap styling in the tune of "Lip Gloss" by 'Lil Mama. Hope ya'll enjoy. It may be a little long, but keep in mind I'm singing this to myself as I'm running long distance.

Say: Give me the beat

         You know, I gotta eat

            Do I like it—I think I know

            All right—here we go

(Beat Box) 

It cracklin’, it’s snappin’, it’s poppin’, it’s poppin’

(Beat box)

Whatcha like about it? What—whatcha like about it? Whatcha like about it? Whatcha whatca like?

My Rice Krispies poppin’, my Rice Krispies’s good

Delicious, somewhat nutritious, a tasty kinda food

Breakfast lunch and dinner, three meals a day

Anytime, anywhere I have ‘em my way

(Beat box)

I eat ‘em for breakfast, or an early lunch

Which is commonly referred to as a brunch

11 o’clock, 12 o’clock noon

I put it in my bowl and I add the/da milk an’ spoon

Riiiiice Krispieees…… It cracklin’, it’s snappin’, it’s poppin’, it’s poppin’ (Reapeat)

[My Rice Krispies, my, my Rice Krispies (Repeat)]

(Beat box)

Listen closely to the/da musical beat

And if you/ ya ask anyone they’ll admit it’s kinda neat

Corn flake taste or marshmallow coatin’

I take one bite an’ my taste bud explodin’

Hear it cracklin’, snappin’, and poppin’

The fun ‘lil taste that never’s stoppin’

Riiiiice Krispieees…… It cracklin’, it’s snappin’, it’s poppin’, it’s poppin’ (Reapeat)

Munchin’ and a cruchin’ an’ sometime a smackin’

Grab some t’ go for some later time snackin’

Just so hungry so I feed my face

Pilin’ and stackin’ all over my plate

 I just love Rice Krispies so what can I say

Chowin’ on down like a big buffet

 Riiiiice Krispieees…… It cracklin’, it’s snappin’, it’s poppin’, it’s poppin’ (Reapeat)

I’m lovin’ it, I’m—I’m lovin’ it (Repeat)

Oh, Oh, my Rice Krispies jus’ so tasty

I like ‘em almost better than the average pastry

Riiiice Krispieees….

No matter on the food pyramid they’re on top

Like big time celebrities: Snap, Crackle, and Pop

And ev’ry commercial—ev’ry time they advertize

I take one glance and gain weight in my thighs

And if I had to thank someone it’s my pal—my Dawg

Ev’rybody give it up for Big Daddy Kellogg

My—my—my Rice Krispies they’re so good and they’re tasty

Riiiice Krispies…. (Repeat)

Follow Your Heart (Quote of the Week!)

"Anyway, I wasn't sure if I wanted t' tell Mom what was on my mind, but I figured it might help [...] I remember cryin' an' her tellin' me she knew how I felt. Then she told me to follow my heart. I didn't understand what she meant at first."
- Ivy

CONTEST!

Hope everyone is ready to join the journey and follow DESTINY. For the first time Spillsfromthequill is hosting a contest. The first 100th follower will recieve a FREE paper back signed copy of DESTINY. This is your chance to get the latest 411 on all the inside information as well as a chance to win.
Come join the adventure now--your DESTINY awaits.
Good luck and enjoy.

WRITE ON!

- Legend

"I'll think I'll make what the humans call a salad for lunch."

Hey, Daisy, it's Legend. So I remembered in Chapter 7 Fight and Flight how you decided to make a banana sald. I actually never had that. Thus, I decided to make one myself. Oh, and yes, a salad is what the humans would call it. The salad was actually quite tasty. You can tell Sadie, Dean, and Brad that the banana salad tops a dead mouse and a few beetles any day.
Thanks for the tip.

WRITE ON!
- Legend

Your Destiny Awaits

Hey, I have a few paper back copies of DESTINY for anyone who wants one. They are $15. Just let me know A.S.A.P. If anyone wants theirs signed I will do that, too.
I only have paper back right now. If any of you want hard backs you'll have to go on my website: http://www.leighmartinauthor.com/ or off any other website online such as (Amazon, Barns and Noble, ect.) DESTINY is even on Kindle, but personally I'm against Kindle and pretty much any other form of e-book.
WRITE ON!

- Legend

DANCING in the Rain

Hey, Sadie, it's Legend. Remember how last night I gave you and the pride a play-by-play of what we humans were doing, and remember how I mentioned a dance party? Well, I guess they were doing an African Rain Dance after all because it's about to POUR down rain here.
I guess I really do need dance lessons... maybe that way I'll know what everyone else around me is doing and what I'm supposed to do.
Hey, if you can teach me that Reverse African Rain Dance of yours (found on page twenty-two in Chapter 5 Connecting the Spots) that'd be great.
There's some human redhead girl, who must be a legend herself or something with the talent of either predicting the future or controlling the weather because she keeps saying, "The sun will come out tomorrow." I know what you're thinking: how the heck does this human know this stuff!?
WRITE ON!
- Legend

In the Lion 's Den

So, Daisy, Ivy, and the whole gang are always wondering what humans do. Well, we are going to answer their questions.
(Saturday night: what to do? Answer: Hanging out with HUMAN friends in the LION'S DEN!)
Legend here. Alright so I'm with Lil, Caroline, Annie, Roommate, Warrior, The Panther, and Susanna.
Annie: Hey, Legend, let's blog.
Me: right now.
Annie: Yeah.
Me: Okay, I'll get my computer. (Leave and come back.) Okay, so this is the LION'S DEN! (Turn to Susanna) You're the lion.
Susanna: Why do I have to be the lion?
Me: It's your room.
Lil: So why is it the Lion's den.
(Mary Van and Emma just walked in--SWEET!)Me: Becasue we are suppose to be in Africa.
Caroline: How are we in Africa.
Me: (Long pause) I...don't really know.
(Friends start talking about tracking a phone. Daisy, Ivy, and the rest of you characters, that does not mean we humans hunt for phones--that'd just be weird.)
Warrior: Look at my baby toe. (Holds up wound).
Susanna: What'd you do?
Warior: Wearing heels (human form of shoes that make them taller). And look at my baby big toe.
The Panther: OMG, look at my foot--what is that! (Shows foot that appears to have some strange marking that look like ink or stripes.)
(The Panther's October 2 by the way. Sudden talk about cake hunting.) I want an Bailey's Irish Cream.
Susanna: (Turns to Roommate) Hey, did Billie call?
Annie: (Picks up my book DESTINY. Then spots my baby name book.) You have a baby?
 Me: No, no. I just like the find the meaning of names. When I name characters they have to have meaning behind it. I can't just go, "Okay, you're Bob, Jim, and Joe."
(Lilla just walks in SWEET!)
Lilla: (Calls other humans down the hall.)
Me: Hey, Abby wanna be in blog.
Abby: Yeah.
Susanna: (just brings in more humans. Peacock walks in)
legend: omg dance party? im totes crazy and wanna join
(legend runs down the hall and trips on animal fur in all the excitement.)
ME: (Sees Lilla on the floor motionless.) Ohmygoodness, is she dead. (Pokes Lilla).
Lilla: (Jumps up and exclaims with joy.) I'M ALIVE!! WOOO!!
I think Sadie is gonna like this. There's a wild dance party going on, and it's no African Rain Dance.
(The party is migrating, and it's time for all the humans to get some sleep.)
Write On!
- Legend

First Ever Nightly Quote!

Only a dream, it was only a dream. No, it was a nightmare, a horrible horrible nightmare.
- Daisy

My Bad

Sorry, everyone, it's actually Billie.

Are You Guarded From the Evil Spirit Creatures

About a week or so ago, I had some visitors come in my room. They noticed my dream catcher and imediately launch into a conversation.
"They actually help remember your dreams better," my roommate's friend Billy comments. "So what's that?" he asked, pinting at my glow-in-the-dark ball hanging from the wall.
Me: Oh, that's just a ball I think is pretty neat--it glows in the dark.
My roommate turns out the lights so everyone can see it glow.
"WHOA!"
Billy: So you are afraid of the dark.
I laugh, "No, I just think the ball is cool."
Now, if I was asked about the evil spirit creatures of the night I would have said this:
When you hear the eerie sound of sand
Run away as fast as you can
Do not be fooled by a mirage
From this evil you must dodge
They show no mercy, for they are cruel
They'll bury you alive in their pool
Like the sun they scorch and burn
Night or day, they do return
Sheild yourself, shelid your eyes
And hopefully you can survive
Some say they are only a myth
The deadly creatures we call
Heck, no am I gonna give away this!
If you're interested, and I've got you hooked
You'll find out more if you read my book.
WRITE ON!

Spread the Word

Legend here. Ah, Friday's approaching and we all know what that means... THE WEEKEND!! Ah, I remember what happened last weekend. Mostly everyone had left campus for an away game or to just go home, but I stayed behind. The place was literally a ghost town. Some people were like, "I love it." I was just like, Am I on the right campus? So, it's about 7:30... maybe eight o'clock on Saturday night, I'm having a picnic out by a foutain, when this group of kids spot me as I'm finishing up.
"Hey, you," they call.
My first thought is, I'm not littering, or putting any of my food in the fountain.
It turns out they were high school kids here for a debate and just wanted directions. I make an atempt to explain, but then we all figured it'd be easier if I jsut showed them.
So I guide them around campus, like Daisy does with Ivy.
 "So what year are you?" One of them asked me.
Me: Oh, I'm a freshman.
Debate Team: Ah, cool, so what's your major.
Me: I'm an English major. I'm an author--published actually.
Debate Team: (Normal response) Wait, what?
Me: Yeah, my book is DESTINY. It's an epic fantasy novel. You can check it out on my website: http://www.leighmartinauhtor.com/
Debate Team: Cool, so have you sold a lot of copies.
Me: Well, I'm not national yet, so no one really knows who I am.
Debate Team: I wanna read your book. We're gonna make you famous. Yeah, we're gonna spread the word.
I drop the debate team off, but a few minutes later I come out of a building and hear, "There she is!" as someone points at me, which I reconize as one of the members of the debate team.
Sweet, they're already spreading the word--wow, these kids, weren't kidding.
I meet a few new faces, and a Q and A session begins as they start pulling up my website on their phones.
Debate Member: Daisy is a lion-like creature with a pale face, yellow spots, and a green vine-like tail with a bud at the end instead of fur.
Me: Yeah, basically she's a freak of nature. I can't tell you what she is because that will give away the book.
The kids get really excited and suddenly want pictures. "We want proof we met you." I love pictures and I'm finding this pretty funny actually. Besides the kids were awesome--so friendly and sweet. Moments before they had to leave for the award ceremony, I was lucky enough to get one of the members of the group and ask if they have a Facebook, and sent a request to the moment I got back to my dorm.
There are four things I hope happens:
1) That these kids read my book.
2) That they give an honest oppinion on my book.
3) That they spread the word.
4) That they won their debate becuase these guys were just plain awesome.
WRITE ON!

"WAKA WAKA"

Hey, Legend here. I forgot to mention my sister is curently in South Africa. I actually never been despite most the book takes place there. Not necessarily South Africa, but the continent of Africa, yes. (I'm not Daisy. Daisy is my character that does not mean she is or is based off me). Anyway, I'm super jealous. She sent me an e-mail on her first day saying, she's even penguins and baboons (Shiver. Oh, sweet Lord I hope she wasn't in a mob when she saw those baboons.), riden a camel (There's your proof, Daisy, humans do ride those shaggy, humped, spit-loving creatures), played soccer, and went shopping. I told her she better not bring me back anything that says "MADE IN CHINA." After reading her e-mail all I can say is, "TAKE ME!!"
Man, my characters have it made.

WRITE ON!

"The Leap of Faith"

Hey, Legend here. Okay, so within my short time here I come across this Challenge Course poster. For any of you who don’t know what I’m talking about, it is EPIC. Basically it’s this place off campus that has high and low rope course. Now, I’m not an extreme skilled climber like some of my friends such as Nina (and, girl, if you’re reading this I miss you like crazy), but I love it. I blame my home town. Yeah, when you’re in Louisiana the only thing you can climb that isn’t man-made is a tree. Anyway, I’ve been dying to go to this adventure course, and last Friday I finally got to go.

            I remember the most challenging course was one that I liked to call “The Leap of Faith.” (I honestly have no clue what it’s really called). In this course, I’m in a helmet and strapped in a harness and hooked up to a carabineer and rope, which someone belays me on the other side. The object is to climb up this pole, which I forgot the exact measurement to how high, then you get to the top and try to keep your balance. Once you are balanced, or when you are ready, you have to leap five feet across in mid-air to try and catch this trapeze. Just me people it is not as easy as it looks. It isn’t the leaping and trying to catch the trapeze that’s difficult, it’s the keeping the balance part. Two things came to mind when I’m getting ready for my turn, or three if you count, “OMG, THIS IS SO COOL!”

1)      Whoa, it’s just like the circus.

2)      Wow, this is kinda like what Daisy does when she’s being chased by the mob of baboons.

Immediately, I’m placed in Daisy’s situation. Of course, there weren’t any angry baboons after me only friendly adrenaline junkies. Keep in mind I’m jumping five feet to a bar whereas Daisy practically flies about twenty feet to a branch that’s much larger than the bar. Daisy merely jumps up a tree with ease, whereas I go the baboon way and climb up. Before I go I wanted to break out singing “Defying Gravity;” however I can’t carry a tune even if it was place in a bucket. I get near the top, and already I’m finding it hard to keep balance. I decide I’m just going to jump where I am and believe I can still make it.

“Going to jump,” I call. “1… 2… 3…” I leap off the pole, and for about a faction of a second I’m in the air, then I drop like a rock and freefall. “Aaaahhhh!”

I am not afraid of height, but suddenly I wanted to be back on the ground. A sudden rush goes through me. I’m falling and pretty except to go splat. I flail madly, not wanting to splatter. “Where’s the ground!? How do I get back on the ground!?” I shriek in both panic and half laughter because I probably looked as ridiculous as I felt. I finally get back on the ground, the sweet merciful ground. That was definitely a rush. Now, I can’t help thinking, And… this is why Daisy and Ivy and the rest of my characters think we humans are suicidal.   

“Don’t, worry, Ivy, I’m not going to bungee jump any time soon. “Leap of Faith,” on the other hand—paw in your case, probably so. Yeah, Ivy, I don’t recommend most the challenge course for you.”

WRITE ON,

Legend

Quote of the Week

I smiled back at those two pairs of antelope eyes watching both of us. But somehow I saw another pair. Two stars stood out from the rest. They looked bright, but darker than the others, like tiny little sparks in the sky. I stared at these tiny sparkling eyes, and smiled back. These were the eyes I knew from somewhere. A glowing torch was blazing inside me. Somewhere out there was my guardian angel, watching over me. Inside my head, my voice whispered, Don't worry, I'm coming.
- Daisy

(Inside scoop: When I was writing DESTINY, I wanted to put a quote from the book on the back cover. I was debating between this quote, or a piece of it, and "There's a lot you don't know about me, Ivy. There's a lot I don't even know about myself." I'm sure you know which one made the back.)

Quote of the Day

"Sometimes it's best to beat the sun if ya wanna have some fun."
- Ivy

Quote of the Day

A storm, now?! Can't Mother Nature just give me a break for once?!
- Daisy

Quote of the Day

"There's a lot you don't know about me, Ivy. There's a lot I don't even know about myself."
- Daisy

Alone

Hey, Legend here. Finding and discovering who you are in the world is never easy. And if anyone claims it is, then they're most likely lying. Life is a journey. Confucius once said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Life's journey wasn't meant to be completed in a day. If that was the case, then we'd have an extremely short life span. It takes time to get things right, so baby steps. Life has its obstacles and it can be harsh at times. Just remember you're not alone--no matter how bad things may seem sometimes.
Even Daisy struggles in different phases of her journey. Take a look at her confession found in Chapter 9 Guilt of DESTINY.

It was the first day of my journey, and I'd never been alone this long before. I wanted Ivy, I wanted my family, and I wanted my home. Tears were streaming down my face.

What good was it, wishing and thinking the way I did back at my rock? I curled up on my side and began to sob even harder, but my sobs were barly audible over the rain. I wondered how long it would be before I found company. What if I'm the only--whatever I am--out there?

"Rain, Rain, Go Away--That's Really All I Have To Say."

Hey, Daisy here. Just another rainy day here in Africa. It's been going on most the day--oh, how I'm beginning to miss the sun. Rainy days usually seem endless and quite since we're stuck inside the den. We li--creatures need to stretch our legs too once in a while, too. I have no idea how Camden can take sleeping most the day... Anyway, right now Sadie, Ivy, and I are playing in a circle with a manago to keep ourselves occupied.

Suddenly, Dean said, "I'm bored."

We were so used to the silence that the sound of his voice startled us, but who could blame him?

"Well, think of something to do," said Brad, who was lying on his back, staring at the ceiling.

"I just wish it would stop," Dean said as he continued sitting, watching the rain by the den's entrance.

"Rain, Rain, go away so Dean can go out and play," Sadie sang, swaying slightly, and we all burst out laughing.

Dean turned around, his face full of annoyance. "Oh, real mature, Sadie."

"Hey, I was just trying to help."

"Yeah, right," Dean said as he came a little closer.

"Well, what did you want me to do? Say 'Let there be sun'?"

"I was thinking more like an African rain dance, but in reverse," I said.

"Oh, like this?" Sadie got up and tried to do somewhat a dance, and ended up falling over. The den was filled with laughter again.

Dean seemed even more annoyed now. "No, I was hoping you'd keep your mouth shut!"

"All right you two, break it up. Enough bickering," Brad said as he began to step between them. "Dean, do you have anything in mind you would like to do? Something maybe that we can all play nicely?" 

I'm not bound to give away what happened next. If you want to find out please respond below, or check out my DESTINY. Go to http://www.leighmartinauthor.com/ or Google DESTINY by Leigh Martin for more information.
Hey, It's Legend. Daisy, I'm totally with you and Dean on this one. It's been pouring everyday this week in the states. As you might put it, I "feel" you guys.

Quest to Followers

If you were adopted would you consider finding your biological parents?

Over the Edge

Ah, it's the middle of summer--only so many more weeks before some of us have to head back to school. Most of us are crazy kids who are dying to do something thrilling and worth talking about before heading back to school. I mean, like anyone wants to hear a summer vacation spent sitting around like a bump on the log. Instead we want something a bit "over the top" perhaps. Recently, I've been talking to good friends of mine about their experiences cliff diving this summer. Everyone knows that amazing rush and thrill cliff diving brings. But that's not to say it's completely painless. My friends told me how they witnessed maga wedgies and bruises from the impact, but despite the pain they say it's totally worth it.
Oh, the crazy things we humans do. Taking this in a non-human perspective and we might as well be mad. At least that's what Daisy and Ivy think before they unwillingly go over the edge of a cliff. But their experience is far from what is expected. Here's a sneak peek of a part in Chapter 12 Leap. You might want to hold on tight--it's a real "cliff hanger."

"Oh, c'mon, Daisy, it's an ocean. Nothin' but very big water, an' unless there's some beach down there that goes for miles, I don't see any way aroun' it except goin' left. An' even if there is some beach down there, how would we get t' it, jump?"

I finally took my eyes off the ocean to look at Ivy with a huge grin stretched across my face.

"What?"
I said nothing. My eyes flickered to him and back to the ocean as I continued to grin.
"Why are ya--Oh, no, there is no way I'm gonna jump."
My grin began to slip. "Aw, why not?"
"Uh, yeah, I'm not sure if ya noticed, but we're kinda on a cliff!"
"I know, but you haven't seen me jump the way I did with the baboons were trying to kill me. Besides, I'll make sure my tail catches us, just in case."
"Oh, sure, Daisy, let's do what the humans do. I bet it's a lot safer," Ivy said sarcastically.
"Ivy, c'mon I promise everything will be just fine."
"I'm sure that's what the last human said b'fore they went splat like a bug!"
"Ivy, I'm ninety-nine point nine nine percent sure this is the way to get to this place. Why else would my spotted map tell me to go this way?"
"Daisy, if this spotted map of yer's told ya t' jump off a cliff, would ya do it?"
I wasn't sure if this was a rhetorical question. "Well, yeah."
"Daisy, it's suicide."
"Don't you think you're overreacting, just a little?"
"No."
"Ivy, I can feel it. It's telling me to go that way."
"Well, I'm tellin' ya t' go this way." He motioned his head to the left. "An' my way doesn't involve b'comin' some fish-flake feline fillet on an all-ya-can-eat barracuda buffet!"
"Okay, fine! Have it your way." I got up and began walking slowly with him. We were a little more than ten feet away from where we were. I turned back to look at the ocean. I wasn't going to give up this easy, even if this was Ivy I was dealing with. I felt like that obediant dog again. This time my master was pulling hard on my chain, drawing me toward the water. I felt as if someone were calling--no shouting--my name nonstop. I couldn't take it any more!
Ivy was totally oblivious to my behavior, but then, of course, he had no idea what was going on in my head.
"See," Ivy said in a voice almost as cheerful as Sadie's. "Isn't this a lot better than bein' close t' guppy gummies?"
I couldn't take it any more. The invisible chain tried to tug me back so hard I felt I was choking. Then there was the constant name calling that nearly gave me a splitting headache. It was so much that I was surprised my fur wasn't rippling as it had earlier. Suddenly, I no longer felt like Daisy. It was as if my instincts had completely taken over. "No," I replied simply, then pulled Ivy onto my back before he could even seen it coming. It was as if I were in a trance. My instincts completely took over. I wasn't fully aware of what was going on except that I was running.
It wasn't until I heard Ivy shout, "Are you crazy!?" that I became fully aware of what was about to happen.
I couldn't believe it, I was actually going to jump. I was going too fast, and it was too late to stop. Ivy and I were going over the edge, no matter what.
What was I thinking!? Oh, yeah. I wasn't.
This was it. Ivy and I were going to end up like the humans. I closed my eyes and braced myself for a life-flashing, splattering death that awaited us. I wasn't sure how long I had to say my prayers, or any last words. I knew the only thing I could do now was jump.
My eyes were still tightly shut as I leaped off the cliff. I only hoped my tail would act as a rope again, saving us both. I was too afraid to look. I prepared to hit the water, prepared for death. I knew not even my tail could save us now.
I was ready to hit the water any second, but I felt nothing except Ivy on my back. I didn't even hear a splash. Everything was silent. Death was a lot quicker and painless than I could've imagined.
"How are you doing this!?" I heard Ivy's shocked voice say close to my ear.
I wondered how I could hear Ivy so clearly, and what exactly was happening. We're dead, aren't we?

To find out what happens to Daisy and Ivy and more check out DESTINY at http://www.leighmartinauthor.com/ or Google: Destiny by Leigh Martin.

Tonight's Special

Ah, Sunday night and it's time once again for our family dinner, which means Mom's cooking. Mmm, nothing like Mom's delicious home cooked meals. Now, I don't mean to brag, but my mom is an amazing cook. She'd probably have her own resturant with only the best gourmet food, but she's not too keen on that idea. Adding another dish would literally drive her crazy figuring at least once a week she cooks two separate dishes. This especially happens on Sunday--Fish Night. I live in one of the best places to get seafood--New Orleans, Louisiana. You'd have to be crazy to live in New Orleans and not eat seafood. Well, call me crazy beacuse I hate it. Despite my mom's cooking I wouldn't touch seafood with a ten foot pole. The smell is repulsive to me and taste isn't much better, which is why I have pasta instead while everyone else has fish. I guess it's like living among a family of lions and refusing to eat meat much like Daisy, a creature who is half plant-half animal, in my newest novel Destiny. Check it out. Oh, and for the record, just because a mom brings home a live dinner guest doesn't quite mean they won't stay alive, or are actually considered guest. Apparently lobsters are goners once they "wash up" up for dinner--yeah, it doesn't end well for them.

 Daisy: I kept my distance as I watched them bring in Paka's kill. I couldn't help wondering why my mother couldn't just brign home a live dinner guest every now and then. Once the antelopes were placed on the hard cold floor we crowed around for our evening meal.

(About halfway through the meal) Paka: "Daisy are you feeling okay? You haven't each touched your antelope. And will you please stop eating that fruit!?"

Daisy: I stopped as I looked up.

Dean (Daisy's older adopted brother): "I wouldn't bother. You know Daisy never eats meat."

Daisy: It was true, I never did eat meat. "Mom can I please just eat this fruit? After all Ivy found them for me."

Paka: "Well, I found you these antelopes, and they weren't very easy to find. So I would appriciate it if you'd at least try it."

Daisy: I knew like any mother, Paka was going to force me against my will to try the antelope. This made me sick to the pit of my stomach. The whole idea of eating meat was like cannibalism. Ugh, how can they force something like that down their throats? Why not just gnaw our forelegs off like some mad hyena!? 

Everyday questions

When I was a freshman, I remember reading The Catcher in the Rye. I will never forget one of the famous lines as well as the perspective and interesting life lessons: "Life is a game that one plays according to the rules." Okay, you win, you lose, you try again and again--life's a game all right. But who would've thought it's a game of 20 Questions. I highly doubt there isn't any person out there who hasn't ever wondered and asked themselves who they are, what the future holds, and what is the purpose of life itself. Common universal questions that everyone strives to know and comprehend. If you do not know all these answers that's fine because there isn't always one direct answer. All I have left to say is let the game begin. Are you ready to take it to the next level?