"Walks Like a Sniff, Talks Like a Sniff..." FANFICTION

Tonight I went to the premiere of the last six episodes of season one of "Epic Heroes" (formerly "Ghost Sniffers") and you guys... it was totally epic. Unbelievably epic. I can't wait for the eps to be uploaded to Youtube so I can watch them again.

The excitement of the show brought me back to a project I did a few months ago to get used to writing in script format and to give me a break from my more serious projects. "Walks Like a Sniff, Talks Like a Sniff" is a fanfiction episode script meant to go right after episode six in season one of "Epic Heroes." It's the first of a two episode arc and I decided to share it with the entire internet :D

***WARNING*** THIS IS A FANFICTION. IT'S IN NO WAY OFFICIAL, APPROVED BY THE CREW OF "EPIC HEROES" OR CANON. That being said, it was meant to go after episode six, so not only will you have to have some working knowledge of the "Epic Heroes" universe to understand everything going on, there are some SPOILERS in the story for the sixth episode. Read at your own risk ;) ***END WARNING***

If you want to catch up on the first six episodes, check out the "Epic Heroes" Youtube!

Also, please note that this was just a fun project for me. I didn't do a ton of editing or a table read or anything. It's all just good fun. Don't judge me :D

“Walks Like a Sniff, Talks Like a Sniff…”

FANFICTION

By Launa Sorensen

SCENE 0: COLD OPEN

INT. ABANDONED HOUSE -- NIGHT

FORGE makes her way alone through an abandoned house, a flashlight in her hand. The place is trashed with obvious signs of partying. Graffiti covers the walls. Windows and doors are broken. Forge is un-amused.

Forge points her EMF detector at an acorn. Nothing happens. Forge sniffs and grunts.

FORGE
When I was called in by a real estate agent I assumed the house would be livable. I would think fixing holes in the walls would take precedence over a rumor about ghost squirrels.

Forge explores the house. She sniffs a few times. The vibe is dark and creepy.

FORGE
Unless the sniff vacations in a dumpster, there’s nothing here.

Forge’s phone goes off. It’s on vibrate. It’s Maxo.

Forge hesitates, then cancels the call. She looks guilty.

Forge continues looking around the house. She turns toward a window with her flashlight.

A teenage girl is suddenly standing outside the window in the yard. We will learn this is MARIA. She’s wearing jeans and a sweater. She’s looking directly at Forge. She’s serious and unblinking.

Forge leans further out the window and sniffs. She’s obviously surprised.

FORGE
Hello?

Maria looks at Forge a moment longer, then disappears.

Forge looks down at her EMF detector. It doesn’t go off. Forge sniffs. She looks back out the window.

FORGE
Question: What looks like a sniff, disappears like a sniff, but doesn’t smell like a sniff?

SCENE 1: TITLE SEQUENCE

Standard title sequence from Season 1 plays.

SCENE 2

EXT. SLEW -- DAY

Forge leans against a bridge railing, staring out at the slew. She’s deep in thought.

Forge’s phone goes off. It’s Maxo. Forge answers. We can’t hear Maxo’s side of the conversation.

FORGE
Hey Maxo. Yeah, I got it, I was in the middle of an investigation. No… no, I didn’t find anything. I’ll see you soon? Yeah. Yeah, we can make voices. See you.

Forge hangs up. She sighs.

FORGE
Maxo heard about my case. He knows I should have taken him with me. His Chihuahua morph would have found any ghostly rodentia in an instant. Plus he’s been obsessed with the idea of phantom squirrels since the conservatory investigation.

Forge walks away from the bridge toward the water. She kicks at the rocks as she walks along the bank.

FORGE
But I didn’t want Maxo with me.

Flashback of the fight with the bunny. Maxo getting knocked down. The bunny escaping.

FORGE
I always knew there was more to Sniffs than what I‘d found in past investigations. I didn’t bat an eye when Peter told me about the existence of monster dimensions. I wasn’t even surprised when I was kidnapped. But I didn’t think the monsters would attack my brother.

Forge stops and looks down at the water. She sees her reflection.

FORGE
I don’t know what that girl was. I’ve never sniffed anything like her before. She was a surprise and I don’t want to be surprised again.

SCENE 3: THE BRIEFING

INT. MAXO’S ROOM -- DAY

Forge and MAXO sit on Maxo’s bed ad-libbing a voice game centered around Baby Squirrel. Maxo is in his squirrel morph. They’re both happy.

SCENE 4

INT. MAXO’S ROOM -- NIGHT

Maxo has fallen asleep. He’s still in squirrel morph.

Forge knocks his books and toys aside and pulls his feet up onto the bed. She covers him with a blanket. She looks down at him in silence.

SCENE 5

INT. FORGE’S FRONT HALLWAY -- NIGHT

Forge creeps down the stairs in burglar gear. She has her bag of holding.

MAXAMILLIAN steps out of the darkness of the kitchen. He’s holding a mug of tea, his ipad under his arm.

MAXAMILLIAN
Mother would have a myocardial infraction if she knew you were sneaking out.


FORGE
She would if she knew the damage to your floorboards was caused by a kraken under your bed, too.

MAXAMILLIAN
Your threat is useless. I moved him into the koi pond in the back yard.

Forge turns to the door.

FORGE
Whatever.

MAXAMILLIAN
Forge…

Maxamillian‘s demeanor changes, betraying his worry. Forge softens as well.

FORGE
I promise to be careful. I won’t go missing again.

Maxamillian regains arrogance. He talks while he walks up the stairs.

MAXAMILLIAN
Well, personally I don’t care where you go. You can’t keep me awake with your insufferable snoring when you’re gone.

Forge
(whispering after him)
I don’t snore!

SCENE 6

EXT. ABANDONED HOUSE -- NIGHT

Forge rolls up to the house on her scooter. She puts it back in her bag and starts investigating the grounds.

Forge reaches the front door and pauses. Maria is standing in the doorway wearing the same outfit from before. Forge shines the light right at her and sniffs.

FORGE
Well, the light doesn’t go through you. Who are you?

Maria glances away. She looks sad and anxious.

FORGE
Do you need help?

Maria looks back at Forge. She’s suddenly wearing a hospital gown. A moment later she changes back.

FORGE
Were you a patient somewhere?

Maria walks away from the house and directly through Forge. She turns and beckons Forge, who follows cautiously. Not far from the house, Maria pauses, looks to the side as if hearing something we can‘t, looks at Forge and disappears.

Forge stares at where Maria disappeared for a moment.

FORGE
I’m on the case.

SCENE 7: THE ASSISTANT

Forge sits on her front porch writing in a notebook. She glances at the driveway expectantly.

FORGE (V.O.)
I spent all day looking for information on sniffs that wouldn’t smell like sniffs. But all I’ve got is a girl in a hospital gown and an abandoned house.

Forge pulls Marian’s assistant sheet out of her bag.

FORGE (V.O.)
I need public records. Inside information. I know just the assistant to call.

Marian (V.O.)
Marian Praafectus Tabularii. Age: 32. Height: 67 inches. Weight: 145 pounds. Strength: 3. Dexterity: 6. Endurance: 5. Intelligence: 9. Charisma: 5. Faith: 7. Skills: Master librarian. Exploring. Photography. Annoying Maxamillian. Quirks: Hyper-observative. Class A hoarder. Idolizes British librarians and super hero reporters. Weaknesses: Can’t see without her glasses. Riddles. Tweed.

FORGE (V.O.)
Marian manages an enormous secret library somewhere under the Forest Primeval. She collects everything: books, newspapers, artifacts… it’s like a 3D wiki. If there are records about the abandoned house, Marian will have them.

Maxo exits the house and sits next to Forge.

MAXO
Is she here yet?

FORGE
She wouldn’t leave without saying hi.

Maxo shifts uncomfortably.

MAXO
Forge… can I go with you? I might be able to help.

Forge opens her mouth to respond, looking guilty, but a car pulls into the driveway before she can speak.

Marian steps out. She looks like a preppy librarian, complete with fitted tweed jacket, equestrian boots and a pair of glasses on a beaded chain. She also wears a tweed newsboy cap and carries a large camera case.

Marian
Hi Forge. Maxo.

MAXO
Hi Marian. Do you have the books?

Marian pulls a stack of books out of her car. Maxo runs to the car and talks to Marian. Forge can’t hear them.

FORGE
I bet Maxo traded her video files of my investigations for the books. She’s been hounding me to narrate my experiences for her collection. As much as I love the sound of my voice, I’m saving that trade for when I need something really useful.

Marian and Maxo walk toward Forge as Maxamillian exits the house.

MAXAMILLIAN
Marian, I have a business proposition for you.

MARIAN
I’m not giving you access to my records.

MAXAMILLIAN
I don’t need to see all of them. Just a few of the celebrity variety.

MARIAN
My archive is for information, not exploitation.

MAXAMILLIAN
I’d give you exclusive access to my forthcoming autobiography. It will be very valuable when I become Supreme Ruler of All.

MARIAN
I’m a librarian. Not TMZ.

Maxamillian scowls and points to Maxo.

MAXAMILLIAN
You let Maxo see your records and he‘s a hacker.

MAXO
I respect celebrity privacy.

MARIAN
He’s also very handsome. And he pays all his library fines.

Maxamillian is indignant.

MAXAMILLIAN
We look exactly the same.

MARIAN
Maybe on the outside.

Maxamillian huffs and turns away.

MAXAMILLIAN
Fine. I don’t even need your help. Digital will destroy paper soon anyway.

Maxamillian retreats back into the house.

MARIAN
He should have offered me time to study his kraken.

MAXO
I can get you an exclusive.

FORGE
That filthy kraken can wait. I need information now.

Marian pulls two blindfolds out of her camera case.

MARIAN
Let’s go.

FORGE
You can trust us. We don’t need to be blindfolded anymore.

MARIAN
Nobody knows how to enter my library but me and I intend to keep it that way.

Maxo grabs a blindfold and looks anxiously at Forge.

FORGE
Fine.

Maxo smiles and runs to the car. Forge talks softly to Marian.

FORGE
I don’t want Maxo involved in this case. It could be dangerous.

MARIAN
Have you thought of just talking to him? He saved you, Forge. He entered monster dimensions and battled krakens and faced down an epic evil to save you. Maybe you should give him more credit. He’s strong.

FORGE
I know he’s strong. But he shouldn’t have to face these things. I’m here. It’s my job to find the sniffs. I don’t want him getting hurt.

Marian reads Forge’s face, hesitating before answering.

MARIAN
I recently received a collection of zoological texts. He’ll be so busy learning new morphs you should have some privacy. But I still think you should talk to him.

Forge grabs her blindfold.

FORGE
Perfect.

SCENE 8: THE SNIFF

INT. SECRET LIBRARY -- DAY

Forge sits at a large table covered in books and newspapers. She’s surrounded by shelves overflowing with books, scrolls, and artifacts.

Maxo is nearby, sitting in a nest of open books. He’s regularly morphing into new animals as he reads to himself.

Marian approaches Forge and lays a collection of pictures of the abandoned house in front of her.

MARIAN
I went to the address you gave me. I don’t see any paranormal activity, but you’re the expert. I did find a jello recipe from the 1980s behind the refrigerator. I now have the largest collection of jello paraphernalia in the western hemisphere.

Forge looks through the pictures as Marian talks, barely paying attention. She huffs and tosses them back on the table.

FORGE
Nothing. And the real estate records show that the house has never been used as anything where people would wear hospital gowns. No one died on the grounds. In fact, there are no records of a young girl ever living there.

MARIAN
Maybe she has some other bond to the place. Spirits don’t always haunt where they lived.

Forge thinks.

FORGE
Maybe. Would you come back to the house with me? I want to do a little more foot work.

Marian smiles and holds up her camera.

MARIAN
I love a good, old-fashioned investigation.

Forge walks to Maxo.

FORGE
How’s your new arsenal of morphs?
MAXO
Growing. I’ll be ready for whatever you need, Forge.

FORGE
Good. Hey Maxo? Marian and I will be right back. We’re… we’re going to one of the back rooms to look up something. You okay here?

Maxo continues reading.

MAXO
Marian’s making jigglers.

Forge relaxes a bit.

FORGE
Save me a tiki jiggler?

MAXO
Sure.

Forge returns to Marian.

FORGE
Let’s go.

SCENE 9

INT. SECRET LIBRARY -- DAY

Marian and Forge reach the end of the library. Marian hands Forge a blindfold, but as Forge is putting it on she sees a flash of something running near the stacks. Forge puts the blindfold aside.

FORGE
There’s something there.

Forge walks toward where she saw the movement.

MARIAN
Impossible. No one can get in without me.

Forge sees the movement again and continues tracking it through the stacks.

FORGE
Everything’s impossible until someone does it.

MARIAN
I’ve studied the camouflaging techniques of the Aztecs. The mazes of Greece And Egypt. The underground temples and cities in Europe and China. I even know what makes your right shoe and your car keys disappear. It’s impossible to sneak in here.

Forge freezes. Marian nearly runs into her. Maria stands in front of them.

FORGE
Not if you don‘t have a body.

Maria smiles, her hands in her pockets.

MARIAN
If she can get in here, then she’s not tied to the house.

FORGE (to Maria)
I wasted a whole day researching that house. It doesn’t even matter, does it?

Maria smiles wider and shakes her head.

FORGE
That’s extremely annoying.

MARIAN
Who are you? This is my library and I demand an answer.

Maria looks questioningly and a bit defiantly at Marian. She then looks at Forge.

FORGE
You aren’t bound to answer her questions, then. What are you? You’re not a ghost, are you?

Maria looks down and her clothes flash back into the hospital gown.

Marian raises her camera and snaps a picture.

MARIAN
Can you talk at all?

Maria looks up almost sadly and shakes her head.

FORGE
Even more annoying.

Marian snaps another picture.

MARIAN
What about other forms of communication. Can you send messages telepathically?

Maria gives Marian an annoyed look.

FORGE
Marian, I don’t think she likes being interviewed.

MARIAN
Did she tell you that telepathically?

FORGE
No. I make that face when Maxamillian won’t shut up about tie couture.

Maria looks over her shoulder.

MARIAN
Do you hear something?

FORGE
Shh.

Maria looks back at Forge.

FORGE
What do you want?

Maria beckons Forge forward. Forge takes a few steps toward her. Maria disappears.

Forge huffs.

Marian puts her camera back in her camera bag. She’s serious.

MARIAN
I wish she’d told us what she wanted.

FORGE
She did. She wants me to find her.

MARIAN
Do you think she was being followed? She kept looking over her shoulder.

FORGE
I don’t know. I don’t like not knowing.

MARIAN
Then you came to the right place. Nothing cures ignorance like a library.

SCENE 10

INT. SECRET LIBRARY -- DAY

Marian and Forge are back at the table near Maxo. Maxo is still reading and eating a jello jiggler.

MARIAN
Okay. Facts. We know she’s not a ghost and she’s not tied to the house.

FORGE
Which means it’s me. She’s following me.

MARIAN
She probably needs your help.

FORGE
Or she’s a trap.

Marian sits next to Forge and leans in closer to her.

MARIAN
Forge, are you okay? I’ve never seen you quite so withdrawn.

FORGE
You missed my emo phase. It involved dancing skeletons.

MARIAN
I’m serious. You’re brilliant. One of the bright stars of your time. That always comes with fear and loneliness.

FORGE
I’ve already had this conversation.

MARIAN
Not post-bunny.

Forge sighs and glances back at Maxo.

FORGE
I just don’t want him to get hurt. I don’t want to go after this girl until I know what she is.

MARIAN
Knowledge is power. But you’ll always have to face the unexpected.

FORGE
I hate the unexpected.

MARIAN
The unexpected can be wonderful.

FORGE
Or a nightmare.

MARIAN
You’ll never know until it happens. Better to meet it head on.

Forge gathers her courage and takes a deep breath.

FORGE
We know she probably can’t communicate vocally. And there’s something important about her hospital gown.

Marian smiles and sits back.

MARIAN
Maybe that’s where we should start, then. Hospitals. There’s only one nearby.

Forge thinks.

FORGE
She’s not old. She was wearing Seven jeans. That company opened in 2000.

MARIAN
I have copies of most of the medical records since the hospital‘s founding. I’m missing the last couple years, but hopefully we’ll find what we need.

FORGE
You have copies of personal medical records? Isn’t that illegal?

MARIAN
It’s for education. Think of it as an archeological dig done a century in advance.

Forge smiles.

FORGE
You’re a thief.

MARIAN
I’m a librarian.

FORGE
I’m still adding “theft” to your skills section.

SCENE 11

INT. SECRET LIBRARY -- DAY

Marian carries in another box of files, placing it on top of a large stack. Forge is looking through a folder. She continues going through files while she talks.

MARIAN
I organized information by the patient. If there were newspaper articles, yearbook photos, anything about the subject, I put them in the folder.

FORGE
How do you have the time to do all of this?

MARIAN
Oompa Loompas, clones, magic elves.

FORGE
Fine, keep your secrets.

Marian winks.

Maxo laughs and holds up a book he’s reading.

MAXO
Hey look! He’s like me.

Forge puts down the folder and walks to her brother. The book depicts a Navajo skin-walker.

Marian crouches down beside him.

MAXO
(addressing Marian)
It’s about spiritual powers in different Native American tribes.

FORGE
That’s great, Maxo.

Marian looks thoughtful. She stands up slowly.

MARIAN
Forge? You might have to take a point out of my “intelligence” column.

Marian races back into the library and returns with a book. She flips through it quickly and hands it to Forge.

FORGE
Astral projection?

Marian removes a box and searches through it.

MARIAN
It’s the ability to separate your spirit from your body. It’s why you couldn’t sniff her like a ghost.

Marian pulls out a file, looks through it and smiles. She hands it to Forge. Forge pulls out a newspaper clipping. Maria is in the picture, lying in a hospital bed.

FORGE
That’s her.

MARIAN
Keep reading.

Forge reviews the file.

FORGE
Her name is Maria. She was in an accident a few years ago that left her a quadriplegic. But…

MARIAN
Yes.

Forge looks up in surprise.

FORGE
She’s still alive.

SCENE 12

EXT. HOSPITAL -- DAY

Forge stands in front of the hospital. Marian stands next to her.

FORGE (V.O.)
I sent Maxo home. He didn’t fight too hard to come with me. He doesn’t like hospitals. Neither of us do.

MARIAN
She’s on the fourth floor. She practically lives here.

Forge doesn’t respond, just continues to look up at the hospital.

MARIAN
You okay?

FORGE
Yeah.

MARIAN
I’m here with you, you know.

FORGE
That’s what worries me.

Forge walks into the hospital.

SCENE 13

INT. HOSPITAL -- MARIA’S ROOM -- DAY

Forge and Marian enter Maria’s room. Maria is lying in bed asleep. Forge walks right up to her. She looks around. She sniffs.

FORGE
Maria.

Maria stays asleep.

FORGE
(Shouting louder)
Maria!

Maria gasps and wakes up. She turns to Forge in surprise.

MARIA
It’s you.

FORGE
Glad to see you found your voice.

Maria smiles.

MARIA
I knew you’d find me.

FORGE
Why were you following me?

MARIA
How much do you know about me?

FORGE
I know you can astral project. I know you wanted me to find you.

MARIA nods.

MARIA
I’ve been able to leave my body since the accident. I can’t move anything below my neck, but I guess my soul was restless. As long as I’m asleep I can go anywhere I want. Anywhere in this world… and others.

Forge gets suspicious.

FORGE
I’ve had bad experiences with other worlds.

MARIA
You’ve had good ones, too. You’re famous all over the monster dimensions. A hero. You and your brother sent the bunny away. You put the souls of entire worlds to rest. You’re a legend.

FORGE
So what, you spirit-stalked me for an autograph?

MARIAN
Forge. She’s being sincere.

Forge huffs and tries to mellow out.

FORGE
Fine. But if you know about the Bunny, then you know I’m a bit uptight about being followed.

MARIA
I understand and I’m sorry. But as you can see, I didn’t have a lot of ways to reach you.

FORGE
Do you need help?

MARIA
I didn’t bring you here for me. My ability to travel freely and without fear of physical injury in the other worlds lends to some interesting job opportunities. You’re not the only one who can make a successful business out of her powers.

FORGE
What do you mean?

MARIA
I was hired to find you by a client in a monster dimension. I’ve got a job for you, Ghost Sniffer.

SCENE 14: THE SCENT

INT. Forge’s OFFICE -- DAY

Forge sits at her desk, filling out an investigation report.

FORGE (V.O.)
I didn’t give Maria an answer. Marian thinks she’s sincere, but Marian’s biased. She wants an interview. And maybe a junior investigator.

The whiteboard on Forge’s wall reads “Never trust a librarian.“

Forge finishes the report and labels it “Scented. Kind of.”

FORGE (V.O.)
Still, this investigation would get me into a monster dimension. And nothing says “facing your fears head on“ like showing up on the unknown‘s doorstep.

Forge looks up at Maxo‘s empty bed.

FORGE (V.O.)
Maxo wasn’t afraid to walk into a monster café for me.

Forge opens the chest near her desk where Maxo got his Rainy Day warrior costume in episode six. She pulls out the umbrella.

FORGE (V.O.)
Time to go back on offense.

Forge stands.

FORGE
Maria!

Maria’s astral form appears in Forge’s room.

FORGE
I get paid in USD. Not monster cash.

Maria smiles.

FORGE
What’s the sniff?

SCENE 15: FIRST HALF OF END CREDITS

SCENE 16: EPILOGUE

Marian sits on the couch, filming the kraken, who is sitting in front of her. We see the kraken through the lens of Marian’s camera.

MARIAN
(Off Camera)
So you originate from the depths of the pacific, but made your way into the Puget Sound under direction of the Bunny to capture Forge?

KRAKEN
Uh huh.

MARIAN
(Off Camera)
How does that make you feel now that you’re free of the Bunny’s thrall?

The kraken bows its head.

KRAKEN
Bad.

MARIAN
(Off Camera)
Fascinating. You have a way with words.

Forge stomps into view. She pushes the kraken to the ground.

FORGE
Off the couch!

MARIAN
Forge, you have an upcoming investigation in another world. Do you think you’ll find it in your heart to forgive the kraken before your journey?

Forge is still cranky from interaction with the kraken. She scowls and walks away.

FORGE
No more tuba!

Maxo peers out of the kitchen.

MAXO
Where’s Forge going?

Marian sighs off camera. The camera shakes a bit as she puts it down.

MARIAN
(Off Camera)
Come on, Maxo. Let’s talk.

Cut to black.

SCENE 17: FINISH END CREDITS

And now for something completely different...

**WARNING: This project is for adults only. Please be aware that even the preview includes disturbing images and some nudity.**

So have you seen my latest project I'm producing? Check it out:

"Some Families Are Better Off Shattered"

Diving into a dystopian near-future where metaphysics, literature and science collide, this animated feature for adults is a dark drama that juggles neglect, addiction, rivalry and power dynamics set against a firestorm of world religion and the politics of desire. With layers of dysfunction that unravel unexpectedly, unknown horrors  behind every door, and a reality twisted by personal perception, "Jericho House" mirrors  "American Horror Story" and "Dream House,"  with a world mythology as rich with conflicting religions, morality plays, sensuality and politics as the compelling "Caprica."

But here's why you should care: "Jericho House" is the first animated film to feature a gay woman. And if that weren't enough, it also features a trans* love interest and a brother in a polyamorous household all wrapped up in a fascinating, twisting plot that ACTUALLY TELLS A GOOD STORY! This is record-breaking stuff, people. Check it out. AND DONATE!

Success!!!

It was a month of begging, pleading, bake sales, garage sales, more begging and a side of super-cool rewards, but we did it! Season one of "Epic Heroes" is funded in full, including the Kickstarter fees. Thank you so much to everyone who helped. Look forward to the rest of the episodes posting in September!

Launa

$660 in one weekend???

You guys! $335 in just a few hours for "Ghost Sniffers" (Recently renamed "Epic Little Heroes")? $335 (*besides* the $325 made at the yard sale this weekend)?! You're all rocking major socks!!


How about this? The reward for reaching $2,000 was many of the kids in the cast of the show singing "Wish Maker" for Youtube. If we reach $2,500 by 11:59pm, *I'll* sing "Wish Maker" and put it on Youtube. And you all know singing in public is my biggest fear. If these kiddos can face their fears, so can I. Let's make this song (and campaign!) go viral.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dimarco/epic-little-heroes-season-1

Breaking Down the Math... with Kristie!

Dear internet,

Please take a moment to read this blog by Kristie, who plays "Sirius Spark" on "Ghost Sniffers." She breaks down the math way better than I ever could. Did you know that for just 67 cents a day you could save our show?!

http://kristiegblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/breaking-it-down-with-mathematics.html

Also, if you haven't heard, "Ghost Sniffers" is running a deal. If I can get just four people to donate $5 to the campaign by Monday I GET A HANDMADE SNIFF HAT! I want it, internet. Like you wouldn't believe. I promise to post pictures if I get it. Help me out? Or, even better, get four of your friends to donate and get one of your own!

Take the challenge. Save our sniffs!

Launa

Save our Sniffs! Or How Ghost Sniffers Changed the World... And You Can, Too

It's not a surprise to my frequent readers that I help produce (and even made an appearance in) a web show called "Ghost Sniffers." This hilarious, touching, often dramatic, silly and unbelievably imaginative series unfolds under the premise "What if our kids with disabilities had super powers as a trade-off?" The cast is made up of spunky, brilliant, heartwarming kiddos, all with different disabilities or a passion to help kids with disabilities. The main character, Faith Forge, has Type 1 Diabetes. She also has the ability to smell ghosts, which she calls "sniffs." Faith's adventures unfold, twisting seemingly simple storylines into complex, poignant adventures to defeat the Monster Bunny, a creature from another dimension bent on taking over our world.

From day 1 "Ghost Sniffers" has meant the world to me. The idea of presenting these kids, who are often overlooked, under-represented and made by society and even other people to feel less than, and turning them into a new brand of super heroes is awe-inspiring at least. I've watched the cast and crew of "Ghost Sniffers" transform, becoming a little more outspoken, a little stronger, with every episode. But that's not all.

"Ghost Sniffers" inspired me to take my production company public and really buckle down about creating my own films. It also gave me my purpose to become a film maker: to help give voices to people often silenced or misrepresented in society. To help tell more of our stories so the world can become a better place, just like "Ghost Sniffers" made my world a better place.

"Ghost Sniffers" cured my little niece of her fear of ghosts. She went from crying in her room to sniffing around her house. She wants "to be brave like Faith Forge!" She's three-years-old. She has budding plans to start her own business.

"Ghost Sniffers" broke more than a handful of my friends out of their shells. Through acting or helping promote the series, I've seen many of my friends find their voices and start projects of their own, all aimed at making a positive change in the world.

"Ghost Sniffers" is spreading the word about Type 1 Diabetes, Autism, Osteogenesis Imperfecta and more. I've never seen a show that felt more inclusive and so *sincere* in its attempt to give our kids with disabilities people like them to look up to. To give kids who may not know what these diseases look like background information that doesn't inspire pity or caution but might even make them envious! At its heart, whether it's about kiddos with disabilities, egotistical brothers who blog, secret agents, sea captains who sail ship play structures, single moms who homeschool and protest or sea goddesses who can crow like roosters, "Ghost Sniffers" delivers the message that different is beautiful, fun and necessary. It's not a PSA or preachy. It presents a complex, thoroughly enjoyable tale that will catch kids with its stories and silently teach them how to love people that may be different. It's the best anti-bullying campaign I've ever seen.

"Ghost Sniffers" is necessary. "Ghost Sniffers" is changing the world.

And "Ghost Sniffers" needs your help.

If you want to help support this show, if you want to help send the message that everyone should be included and these kids deserve to be visible in society, please consider donating to our Kickstarter campaign to release the last five episodes of Season 1. We only need $2,000 and we have 23 days to make it. Skip a latte, save a sniff. Even $1 helps.

From the bottom of my heart, and I'm sure from the hearts of everyone who has fought to make "Ghost Sniffers" what it is today, thank you. You're helping to make the world a better place for everyone.

Launa

If you'd like to read more blogs from people involved with "Ghost Sniffers," check these out:

Kristie Gronberg's (Sirius Spark on "Ghost Sniffers") Blog
From Jennifer DiMarco, the writer and director for "Ghost Sniffers"

Update!

Hey y'all! Update time again. Sometimes when my life gets insane the first thing that ends up falling behind are my blogs. I know it. It's a bad habit. But I've learned to accept it. Still, I have some major updates to announce that I think you'll love!

First off, I'm about to openly launch my production company "Beginning of Heaven Studios." I started the company a while ago and have been helping support other projects, but I finally have the equipment and the screenplays to start producing my own work. Are you excited? You should be! I sure am. As more updates happen, I'll post them here.

In the meantime, want to check out the projects I've been working on since founding the studio?

"Ghost Sniffers": A TV-style, ghost-hunting dramedy on the web and on DVD that asks: "What if our kids with disabilities have super powers as a trade off?" These are the adventures of new superheroes -- those with and without medical challenges. 

"Ghost Sniffers is currently holding a Kickstarter campaign to finish funding season 1. Got an extra $5 to shoot our way? Wanna skip a latte and save a sniff? Head on over. There are tons of cool prizes, great people, and an even better cause.

"Jericho House": "Some Families Are Better Off Shattered"

Diving into a dystopian near-future where metaphysics, literature and science collide, this animated feature for adults is a dark drama that juggles neglect, addiction, rivalry and power dynamics set against a firestorm of world religion and the politics of desire. With layers of dysfunction that unravel unexpectedly, unknown horrors  behind every door, and a reality twisted by personal perception, "Jericho House" mirrors  "American Horror Story" and "Dream House,"  with a world mythology as rich with conflicting religions, morality plays, sensuality and politics as the compelling "Caprica."

One big success so far for "Jericho House" was attracting P.J. Corvus as the film's composer. P.J. is best known for his original soundtracks for "12," "Kisses and Swords," and "American Goth," as well as his work as an audio technician on  "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," "Tower Heist" and "Premium Rush."

Want to help fund "Jericho House?" Check this out.

Sounds fantastic, doesn't it? Stay tuned, internet. It'll only get better from now on.
Launa

A Camp!

I promised a long time ago, and now I'll deliver. Videos from my experiences at camp!

My camera didn't work the whole time, so I wasn't able to keep a full video diary, but I got a lot of my favorite moments and I'm stealing a few videos from friends to flesh the whole thing out. This camp really, truly changed my life and I'm so grateful I was able to go. Enjoy!

NOTE: If you're reading my blog or know me at all, my lesbian-ness shouldn't surprise you. If you didn't know and are offended, please don't watch the videos. "lesbian" is used pretty frequently.

A letter from some of the amazing people I met at camp specifically to the unbelievably generous friends who foot most of the bill to allow me to go to camp. Thank you so much.

That's right. I met Hannah Hart. Be jealous. :P This was made for three of my friends who are madly in love with Ms. Hart and Hannah was nice enough to play that up.

This is one of my cabin mates, Vanessa. I was just collecting "hello"s from new friends and instead we got to talking and she gave this amazing response. **WARNING** Language. **WARNING**

Pure fun. The girls found out I teach exotic dance at a pole studio and Lizz was able to goad Brittani into learning a couple moves right out in the open. Before we knew it, we had a huge crowd. It was a blast :D

I didn't do this video, but I adored it. This was during the talent show, when one cabin decided to give A-Camp a theme song to the tune of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin' " Can you tell this was an amazing bunch of girls?

Another video I didn't take, but more proof of how cool these ladies were. Katrina (the one who sings the rap) was one of my counselors! **WARNING** A bit of more mature dialogue is in this video. Tread lightly. Don't complain ;D **WARNING**

There are more videos at my youtube page. Take a look! And while you're there, subscribe! You never know when I'll start uploading more fun stuff!

Launa

My Computer is Finally Fixed... Ready For A Launa Info Dump?

Welcome back, internet! I missed you! *tight hug*! The pesky DC input jack in my computer decided to snap and, after an ebay seller issue, I finally got the part I needed and taught myself to fix the computer. Ready to find out what I've been doing all this time?

The last book in the Areane Journals, "The Thief's Last Battle" has been released! For everyone whose been waiting to marathon read them all in a row, now's your chance. Check it out!

I'm going to camp!!!!! Four days in California. I wouldn't have been able to go without the help and support of some amazing friends and so, as a gift back to them, I'm going to keep a video diary of the whole event. Expect pictures and videos when I get back! (I might add some special effects, since my video editing software came in recently. Also, I know I promised videos to some people tonight... but I want some sleep before heading out.)

Have you seen my vYou account? You can ask me questions and get video answers! It rocks.

I'm starting an etsy shop for my art soon, so look out for that! In the meantime, check out my art gallery.

Want some of my stuff? I started a Facebook Yard Sale. Check that out, too.

Finally, I've been told a few times to start an advice column, and after a particularly horrible, pull-my-heart-through-my-nose-mummy-style couple days I'm really thinking about doing it. Watch out for more information when I get back from camp. For now, you can send any questions about life, love, and more that you want me to answer to my account here at blogger or to any of my social accounts on my website.

And with that I'll see you in a few days! Wish me luck!

Ghost Sniffers Episode 6 Launches!

It's finally here! The 6th episode of "Ghost Sniffers" has launched. It's amazing! Watch it! (Can you find me? I'm hard to miss!)

"Ghost Sniffers" Premiere!

Want to know what I did tonight?

I was at a theatrical premiere. For I show I produced and acted in. I'm surprised my head didn't explode.

The place was packed, everyone looked great and I was in awe of the actors and crew. There was something unbelievably amazing about seeing a show you helped create on a big screen in a theater. Everyone, especially Jennifer, Maxwell, Faith and the rest of the crew should be so proud of themselves.

The night started walking down a red carpet and taking pictures and interviews for the documentary being filmed about the creation of the show. It was raining so hard it was practically flooding. Thank goodness the walkway up to the theater was covered.

There was a table filled with scripts, DVDs, posters and other trinkets. If you want to get any of them for yourself, you can buy them here. We sat in the theater and director (and writer and cinematographer) Jennifer DiMarco gave everyone a heartfelt welcome and a summary about the show. Her adoration for the work, for the stories that give strength and heroes to kids everywhere, especially those with special needs.

The episodes were shortened so we could watch them all in four hours, but the world premiere of episode six was uncut. I'm not exaggerating when I say episode six was *amazing*. Ghost Sniffers' first foray into special effects was creepy and fantastic. I'm definitely going to watch it a few more times. And not just because I'm in it!

Ready to come along on a visual tour with me? (more will be coming when the official pictures from the event are released.) Let's go!

First, a shout out to my hair. You can't see the rainbow bits in the back (It's super hard taking pictures of yourself) but all I did here was twist it up and put in a hair stick. No hairspray or anything. I'm not very vain, but I love my hair.

And, since it's so hard to take a pic of myself with my phone, here's one angle of my outfit.

My corset top. Which I adore... but could *not* wait to take off at the end of the night. It think my ribs may be more narrow now than they were at the start of the night.

My dress.

The stars of "Ghost Sniffers" Faith and her brother Maxwell DiMarco. These kids are *incredible!*

My buddy Amanda. Remember her from when we shot a scene in the show together?

The theater. It was only half full at this point, but the place was packed! All the seats sold!

My mom and brother. Mom was shocked by the flash. I'm posting the pic anyway ;)

The sweet basket I won at the silent auction! Tons of popcorn and the first six episodes on DVD! Amanda won a basket with all the scripts for the first six episodes. I'll have to steal them sometime.

My Sniff pin. Flash makes it hard to see the little cookie smile monster. I love it!

A poster for episode six. See anyone familiar?

That's right! That's me right at the bottom (last row in the middle) as Fey surrounded by Aubrey as Bre and Amanda as Ama.

The premiere poster.

 See my name eight lines up from the bottom on the cast list? :D

Little goodies from my goodie bag.

And finally, a few shout outs!

If you watch the show, you'd know how important bees are. I'm a huge fan of bees. This is all a way of saying that I really want this necklace and would have worn it tonight if I could afford it.

 Finally, a huge shout out for "Lust" by "Lush," my new perfume. I've been looking for an undiluted Jasmine scent for *ages* and I finally found it! I think it will become my signature scent. If you have a chance to smell it, you'll know what I smelled like tonight, LOL!

I Have "My Little Pony" Hair

I'm so excited, you guys. Seriously.

Later today (Thursday) is the the theatrical premiere of "Ghost Sniffers," the show I've been producing since October and recently appeared in as an actor. I'll post pictures of the event later, but for now I want to focus on part of my preparation.

I decided to dye my hair for the very first time.

If you watch the show (which you totally should!) you'd know that rainbows are Faith Forge's thing. Paranormal creatures, or "sniffs", are often very colorful and, in honor of the sniff, I had my friend Aubrey dye a rainbow into the bottom of my hair. Check it out!

Step 1: Bleach the ends. This was the most traumatic part for me. I have hair commitment issues, and there's no going back with bleach.

Add the rainbow!

The hair right after drying... I about had a heart attack it looked so dry. Thankfully, it smoothed out :D

Not the best angle to see all the blue and purple (my favorite!) but here's the ends as of yesterday. I know I'll never be fully butch, because the first thing I did was squeal "I have 'My Little Pony' Hair!"

I'll post more pics of the event when I have them. Be prepared!

Launa

My Thoughts on "The Hunger Games" *POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING*

Alright, I'm jumping on the band wagon. I usually don't blog about movies, but reading some of the reactions to "The Hunger Games" have given me so many feelings I'm breaking my rule. Here are my top 5 *feelings*.

*I'm going to try to talk about this without spoilers, but I can't make any promises. Read at your own risk!*

1.) The first thing weighing on my mind (and what finally made me decide to write this blog) was the internet's reaction to Rue.

I thought Amandla Stenberg did an excellent job as Rue. In fact, she was exactly as I imagined her: cute, quite, shy, terrified at having to compete in the games. I just wanted to hug her the moment she stepped on screen. I don't usually cry in movies, but the main scene with Rue (you know what I'm talking about if you've read the book or seen the movie) made me weep.

But apparently there's a ton of people who are super offended that she's not a white, blonde (or redheaded) girl despite the fact that she's explicitly described in the book as having dark brown skin and brown eyes. Adults who have no problem calling this little girl all sorts of ugly names just because of the color of her skin. I'm not the first to go on a rant about this, but it made me shake I was so mad. And the thought that so many people suddenly didn't care about what happened to her or didn't feel as bad for her because she wasn't white? That says something horribly scary about our society, people. It's a big deal.

2.) Cinna. I loved Cinna. I've always loved Cinna. He was one of if not my very favorite character in the books and, despite the fact that he has limited screen time in the movie, in many ways he stole the show. I've gotten a lot of odd looks over the last year or so because when asked if I'm "Team Peeta" or "Team Gale" I always claim I'm team Cinna. I could write a whole blog about why, in my mind, Katniss could easily have ended up with him in the long run, but I won't here.

I know a lot of people were also upset that he wasn't white and a lot of people imagined him as gay and he's not obviously gay in the movie (btw, he was never obviously any orientation in the books. People assumed he was gay because he's a stylist, which is kind of messed up. Not all guys who are into fashion are gay. Cinna was the boldest of the revolutionaries in the way he stood up to the capitol, was described as insanely low-key in both appearance and demeanor when compared to the other people in the Capitol and he's the only one who never treated Katniss like a child that had to be coddled and kept ignorant. His orientation was never important or even alluded to. Get over the fact that he was played by a very straight, strong actor.) I loved the casting of Lenny Kravitz. I think he did an awesome job and turned stereotypes on their heads. It was perfect.

3.) Jennifer Lawrence was awesome. I know there's controversy about her acting, but I love characters who are reserved with their emotions and Jennifer's ability to act with just her eyes, not her face, was exceptional. Despite the fact that I imagined her darker, Jennifer was very much the embodiment of Katniss to me and, dare I say it, she actually made me like Katniss more. She seemed more in control, more driven and more mature than I imagined Katniss in the books.And I liked that.

That being said, her casting is a tiny bit of an issue for me. I'm glad they cast her. Her acting skills are excellent. But the fact that they didn't even attempt to cast an olive-skinned, black-haired girl (as Katniss is described in the book) unsettled me. Hollywood is infamous for whitewashing. Reading the comments people made about Rue and Thresh (who I also loved) taught me why. A tan is not olive skin. But it seems the United States wants its romantic leads and innocent kids to be white. It's part of the reason I got into film. I want to change that.

I hope they keep playing with race in the future movies. How about a dark Johanna Mason in Catching Fire? (I love Johanna. Seriously. I'm so excited.) Or how about a dark Finnick? The man described as one of the most handsome in the Hunger Games universe not being white? People's heads would explode. And I'd love every second of it.

Personally, I would prefer a mixed cast. Especially a non-white lead. It's more interesting to me. Going back and editing my own books I wrote in high school (which are just now getting published) I realized how predominantly white it is and how much whiter my fans have thought it is. (Especially in regards to Brianne. I always imagined her and all the Mahtarians as darker, but a lot of people consistently describe them as white.) If they're ever made into movies, I almost hope some of the characters are reimagined more diversely, especially the characters who have never been described as a particular race.

4.) Now to the details of my feelings about the movie itself: I thought it was good. For a lot of people, I think it could have even been great. I thought the cinematography was excellent. I didn't mind the shaky cam, especially since it was obviously used during the action scenes to convey the brutality of the games while keeping a PG-13 rating. And I think the rating being low enough that teens could see the film was more important than seeing every bloody detail. I loved the color palettes. I loved the music.

But the movie wasn't perfect. I wish they'd been able to spend more time building the emotions of the characters and certain moments from the book. I wish Haymitch had been explored more (though I think this may happen more in the second movie) because the severe PTSD and emotional aftermath of being a victor was powerful in the books.

I wish the nature of the romantic relationship between Peeta and Katniss was more clear. One thing I found very powerful about the books was that Katniss *isn't* in love with Peeta. That she was playing for the crowd to get sponsors. That, in reality, she's really not interested in love or even emotionally ready for it. She's more interested in feeding her family and surviving. If I hadn't read the books, I don't know how clear this would have been in the movies. I wish there had been more scenes with them getting parachutes with notes from Haymitch obviously directing her about how to look like she's in love. I wish Katniss had told Peeta she was playing while they were in the train at the end both to get the point across, but also to garner more sympathy for Peeta. For some reason (though I think he was excellently cast) I didn't feel for Peeta like I did in the books. I think the depth of his love for Katniss just wasn't as clear and the movie didn't give us enough moments with him for us to become more emotionally attached. A moment where we could really attach some tragedy to him would have helped.

All in all, however, I was very pleased and the movie made people think. President Snow's speech about how a little hope is a powerful way to control people was chilling and very real. Hopefully the movie can help wake a few people up to the realities of the world we live in. In my dream world, it would scare everyone away from reality TV and we'd go back to quality, scripted shows but that's just a foolish dream.

5.) Finally, and this just may be me, but the movie (and especially the book) said a lot to me about the realities of our TV and movie industry. The way the tributes are treated isn't so different than the way we treat our current celebrities. These kids are about to get thrown into an arena to brutally massacre each other and they're dressed up, made socially acceptable, interviewed, paraded around the city and romanticized. People pick favorites and make bets and watch like it's American Idol. They're not human. They're not kids. They're part of a game and it's totally cool to ask deeply personal questions, exploit emotions and change them to fit societal norms (yes, I noticed the hypocracy of white-washing district 12 in this movie). The inner workings of Hollywood today isn't so different. People are whitewashed, made up, rewritten and mistreated all the time. I immediately thought "Suzanne Collins must work in the television industry" when I read how the stylists and crew treated the tributes and the behind-the-scenes inner-workings of the games that were in the book but didn't appear in the movie. And guess what? She started as a television writer. Something to think about.

What did you think about the movie? Have any strong *feelings* like I did? Or are you just happy it beat out Twilight: New Moon for the record of highest-grossing non-summer opening weekend ever?

Inspiration from Music

Lately my main goal has been editing and releasing all the Areane books and the books in Areane's sequel series, the Bright Knight Chronicles. I originally wrote the books in high school and, while I love the story lines, they've all needed a lot of work. The hardest part of the process has been getting back into the mindset I was in when I first wrote them. I've changed a lot as a writer in the past seven years. What inspires me now is very different than what inspired me then and I can't always remember what kind of emotion I was trying to portray. The only way I've been able to do it is by obsessively listening to the same music that inspired the books in the first place.

Just the other day I was asked how music inspires my work. It really got me thinking, because I don't know if I use music the same way other writers do. I mean, I wrote an entire backstory to four major characters in the Areane Journals by accepting a challenge to write a novella musical to the soundtrack of the Broadway play "Wicked." (Meaning the story could have been turned into a musical using the the Wicked soundtrack and the scenes had to appear in the same order the songs did on the CD.)

Depending on the kind of book I'm writing, music can create entire characters or plot points. A single line in a song has inspired an entire series. But everything has to be in place: the lyrics, the tempo, the singer's voice. It's like when I dance or choreograph. If something's missing, I move on. However, when it does all come together, it's the perfect muse. When I can find a group or CD that creates a kind of soundtrack for my series, it's magic.

When I was writing the Areane Journals and the Bright Knight Chronicles I was absolutely obsessed with Evanescence (am I revealing just how angsty I was back then?) I used a lot of other songs to write, but for the purpose of this blog, I'll keep to one group. There was something dark, poetic and tragic in Amy Lee's voice that really spoke to me. When I listened to some of her songs, entire scenes would unfold. The Bright Knight Chronicles wouldn't even have existed without a handful of Evanescence songs. I'll break them down one by one to illustrate exactly how I used them. If you want to listen to the songs, I included a playlist at the bottom of the blog.

First, my top three rules of using music for inspiration:

1.) It doesn't matter what anyone says the song is about. All that matters is what I imagine.

2.) The gender of the singer is often irrelevant. A song sung by a woman could easily be about a male character and vice versa. This also means that a song sung by a single person could become a duet in my mind.

3.) Use an entire CD or list of songs by the same group whenever possible. Strangely, it will keep a desired vibe consistent throughout the book series.

The songs are listed in order of when I used them in my books. I'll try hard to avoid spoilers.

"The Paladin's Choice" (Book 2 in the Areane Journals)

My Immortal:

This song spoke to me the instant it first came out. There was something haunting and tragic about it that I immediately knew I wanted to capture in one of my characters. I'm a total sadist as an author. I adore putting my characters through the emotional wringer. When I heard this song, I instantly thought of a woman whose lover has died. A few lines, however, caught my attention, in particular: "I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone. But though you're still with me, I've been alone..." Now, I know this line is probably supposed to be alluding to a break up, but that's not what I wanted. I'd already decided in my mind that the lover was dead. Now, how can someone who's dead still be with her? This thought ended up creating a major plot line for one of my main characters in the Areane series.

"The Dark Sorcerer's Return" (Book 3 in the Areane Journals)

Whisper:

Totally different vibe than "My Immortal." This song had everything I needed when writing my first torture scene. My favorite things to write: tragic love, angry mobs, crazy people and mental torture (I'm a sadist of an author, remember?) so it makes sense that my first torture scene, which happened to take place in an illusionist's castle, would be mental. "Whisper" plays like a running mental monologue for the character being tortured. And I know the latin at the end is actually a prayer, but it sounds like evil chanting. It was just exactly what I needed.

"The Enemy's Vow" (Book 4 in the Areane Journals)

Hello:

Sometimes, when a song really speaks to me, I create plotlines and characters purely to add the vibe of the song into the series. This practice has led to some of my favorite writing. I heard this song and, like "My Immortal," I immediately knew I wanted it somewhere in my series. It is so beautiful and tragic (with a bit of mental delusion mixed in, which I adore) but it didn't fit any of the characters I'd already written. I ended up creating a character to fit the song and that character launched an entire sequel series.

"The Thief's Last Battle" (Book 5 in the Areane Journals)

Bring Me to Life:

The song that launched a series. Seriously. The Bright Knight Chronicles would never have existed without this song. I can't say much more without spoiling the plotline in the book, but every single line in this song unraveled a different aspect of two main characters and created my books' take on the afterlife. In fact, there was a scene in "The Thief's Last Battle" that I had to edit quite a bit because it basically quoted lyrics in the song.

My Last Breath:

Another song that inspired a scene in my fifth Areane book. There's a section in the book that reveals backstories for a lot of characters, so I could create a playlist for that handful of chapters alone. This one became particularly important and also led to major plot points in the Bright Knight Chronicles. This is another song where random lines became extremely important, particularly "Look for me in the white forest hiding in a hollow tree." It's also incredibly tragic, so of course it had a place in my writing.

Going Under:

This scene ended up filling in a major hole in my plot. I needed to better understand one of the big bad's powers and the way he manipulated people. Enter "Going Under." I didn't dissect this song as much as the others. The first verse alone gave me everything I needed.

The Bright Knight Chronicles

Snow White Queen:

This song was crucial to creating the entire sequel series to the Areane Journals. Unlike the Areane Journals, The Bright Knight Chronicles only features one narrator and the storyline flows continuously through each book. At the heart of the main plotline is the relationship between the hero and the big bad (you'll have to read the books to find out who ;D ). To me this song is a duet. Their relationship is complicated. The hero both loves and hates the big bad. They're drawn to each other. An excerpt of how the song breaks down in my head:

Big Bad:

Stoplight, lock the door.

Don't look back.

Undress in the dark,

And hide from you,

All of you.

Hero:

You'll never know the way your words have haunted me.

I can't believe you'd ask these things of me.

You don't know me.

Big Bad:

You belong to me,

Hero:

My snow white queen.

Big Bad:

There's nowhere to run

Hero:

so let's just get it over.

Big Bad:

Soon I know you'll see,

You're just like me.

Don't scream anymore my love, 'cause all I want is you.

Yeah. I'm an odd duck. I create musical duets between my characters in my head. That's why this blog is called the life of an *insane* author :)

"Child of Him Who Ran" (Book 1 in the Bright Knight Chronicles)

Haunted:

I love the Reds in my Areane books. I have always been a big fan of vampire fiction and it was fun reinterpreting the myth my own way. Naturally, I wanted to feature a Red more prominently in the Areane sequel series, but I didn't want to do the same old thing. This song was obviously a vampire song. "Hunting you I can smell you: alive. Your heart pounding in my head." It's dark, hard and a little scary. Exactly the vibe I used when I originally created the Red's Island in the Areane Journals. But there's another major element to this song: the hunter being hunted. I liked the idea of putting one of my predatory, powerful, immortal Reds in the position of being prey. A major plot point of "Child of Him Who Ran" was born.

The rest of the songs on the list are still evolving in my mind. One of the major changes I made to the last book in the Areane Journals and the Bright Knight Chronicles was adding a brand new character. I'm still getting to know her, so naturally I turned to Evanescence songs I love but have yet to use in any of the books. Hopefully, drawing inspiration from the same sources that inspired the series in the first place will help the character fit in naturally. Perhaps one day, when you're reading through the second or third book in the Bright Knight Chronicles, you'll recognize where these songs fit in. Then again, maybe you won't :)

Launa