Caitlyn’s Comments (group member since Feb 15, 2016)

Caitlyn’s comments from the Danielle L. Jensen's Reader Group group.

Danielle wrote: "Nicole wrote: "Danielle wrote: "Nicole wrote: "First of all, I'd like to say that the references to The Hobbit made me love Stolen Songbird even more, which I didn't think was possible! And the the..."

Thank you, Ms. Jensen!! I'm rather in awe of how thorough you've been with this choice, and must say that I love the inclusion of art/music in novels. I'm not entirely certain why, perhaps for the feel it gives a story, the dreamy atmosphere, the pressures creativity lends to (I am a perfectionist) and the sense of novelty it offers.

For me, art/music pull and twist a story to greater, more imaginative heights--writing is art, and words artists. (I've probably devolved into the nonsensical and meaningless by now.)

But this thread is actually a way for me to practice the notion of "not perfect", "not good enough", the idea that that's okay. I'd like to thank you for that again, Ms. Jensen, and as a writer, do you ever feel the pressure of perfectionism and "not being good enough"? And if you do, how do you quiet such urges and manage? :)

1. I don't truly imagine myself as characters but rather feel as though I'm along for the ride, tucked into some part of them as I watch the events unfold. A little like donning characters as coats? Maybe that is an awful simile, but there's a sense that they are the focal point of the story and I see as they see--and yet I am not them. I'm not entirely sure if that makes sense! :)

The last book I've mentally written fanfiction for is Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman, as the narrative leaves off at a rather sudden, dramatic event for which I'd love to see the resolution.

2. I'd probably pass on bonding. I think it better not to know all their emotions (particularly if they're directed at me!), white lies, etc. Everyone holds secrets, and I think them entitled to do so. :) Or perhaps it's the coward's way out, as I'd rather not chance the pain of knowing. :)

3. I'd likely wallow in self-pity and despair, and turn to crying myself to sleep in their twilit world! I admire Cecile's strength to plot and rebel in her jeweled cage--this, I know, I would not have been brave enough to try.

4. I love the part when Cecile sings in the glass garden while Tristan, lingering, listens in the shadows; I like to think of it as their first romantic scene, a prelude to those yet to come.

Yet my absolute favorite would have to fall to when Cecile is first presented to the King of Trollus and Tristan: I *love* Tristan's aloof, off-hand remarks! This, as Tristan played chess and Cecile stood dumbfounded in her shift, was when I first fell in love with the pair.

Danielle wrote: "Caitlyn wrote: "1. I'd say Tristan. His and Cecile's chemistry, their witty banter and shared scenes, are quite tangible/romantically charged; theirs is a romance which sparkles as bejeweled roses ..."

Yes!!! I'm so grateful that Anushka and even Tristan's father have glimpses of humanity beneath their twisted, callous villain-y-ness (obviously a word). :)

1. I'd say Tristan. His and Cecile's chemistry, their witty banter and shared scenes, are quite tangible/romantically charged; theirs is a romance which sparkles as bejeweled roses and flows as song. :) Marc, though he is kind and pensive, I've always viewed as a loyal friend.

2. I tend to prefer action, which pulls a reader head over heels and drowns them in a story before they can draw breath. Though a character's motivations are undoubtedly important, I'd like to be hooked before anything else.

3. Unsure? Not entirely learned in opera. :)

4. I suppose I expected a city of glitter and gold, wonder and beauty trapped beneath glass, spires and more magic doled out in vivid splashes of color, yet the cold, muted beauty of Trollus is marvelously apt for the trolls: beauty amidst monstrosity.

5. My favorite fantasy series would have to be The Young Elites by Marie Lu, as there is something quite tantalizing, deliciously dark, about a young girl's descent into villainy. A sort of beauty, I suppose, in ruin and ruination.

Thank you for this opportunity, Ms. Jensen!