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Fic Talk => Featured Story of the Month => Topic started by: mare on October 31, 2007, 09:03:06 PM

Title: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on October 31, 2007, 09:03:06 PM
Howdy!

I know it's not technically November yet (for me anyway) but I know I have a crazy day tomorrow and I wanted to make sure I got this up on the first.  ;D

So, I had this story picked out a long time ago for this month because it's a popular one and a few people have mentioned it as something they'd like to discuss. That's why I thought it was ironic that the topic of more 'adult' fiction was brought up last month. lol

I am once again here to be your Oprah Teri and hopefully all of you who have read and loved this story will jump in this month and tell us what makes it so special.

Feel free to post your comments and questions to Teri in this thread and i'm sure she would be happy to answer them for you!

So congrats Teri!! I hope you enjoy your month!

Here is the link to the story:

http://absolutechaos.net/viewstory.php?sid=7955&warning=4

This one is a sequel so if you want to discuss it's predecessor Accidentally in Love in here as well, feel free!

The link to that one:

http://absolutechaos.net/viewstory.php?sid=7928

Have fun and enjoy!!



Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on October 31, 2007, 09:03:56 PM
1) Tell us one thing about your story that no one else knows?

2) How long did it take you to write this entire story?

3) Give us a summary different from the one you have posted on AC, with a few more spoilers to make people tune in.

4) If you could cast this story as a movie who would play the main roles and why?

5) Have you ever thought of giving up on the story and if you did what made you continue to work on it?

6) What was your writing process? (Outline, make it up as you go along, the characters wrote it, I am Tonja and plagerized lol)

7) Who was your favorite character in this story and why?

8 ) You had to know this was coming, who was your least favorite?

9) Are all the boys in this one? If not why did you choose to exclude them?

10) If we like this story...then we'd love what story? (Could be by you or someone else) and obviously tell us why lol
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: starbeamz on October 31, 2007, 09:04:32 PM
Congrats Teri!!! *throws confetti* Enjoy your limelight!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on October 31, 2007, 09:42:55 PM
YAY!!! *mimic sally field* you like me you really really like me! LOL Thank you!

1) Tell us one thing about your story that no one else knows?

Oooh. When I began writing SWIB the sequel to Accidentally In Love, I never ever expected it to become as long as it had. Or as dramatic. And spoiler alert....Brand on, I hadn't expected to evolve him into the character he became it was quite surprising. But then again my characters love to pull crap like that. Ali is really a complex girl, she's smart yet does stupid stuff sometimes, she's pretty but doesn't think she's anything really, has a good career and a man who loves her dearly lol. Okay that was a big tangent but I guess one thing no one knows is that I didn't realize how complex my characters were UNTIL my awesome Beta Tri pointed that out.


2) How long did it take you to write this entire story?

About a year, I was really sick during the chapters of 15-25 so it took a while to get it all out there. But I'm glad it did. I think AS is going to take even longer!

3) Give us a summary different from the one you have posted on AC, with a few more spoilers to make people tune in.


Oooh ok...

Hot on the heels of a breakup Alyssa Monroe strives to prove to everyone and most importantly Nick that she can take care of herself, but what happens when she meets someone who she can have the same type of friendship she had with Nick way back when? Will she falter when she's faced with the hardest test of trust with her relationship with Nick?


Horrid I know but if I say much more lol it'll give everything away!

4) If you could cast this story as a movie who would play the main roles and why?

Alyssa: Kim Smith, a model/actress (known for being in Bye Bye Bye and other music videos) is the actual physical inspiration for my Alyssa and personality wise I would choose Rachel McAdams or Jennifer Garner (she's a lil too old though lol!)

The boys as themselves OF course!

Kellie: Kate Bosworth because she just reminds me of that classy Hollywood fashionista type that Kellie embodies.

Lori: Alyson Hannigan cause she's HILARIOUS

Mary: Susan Sarandon! Cause I totally love her and she'd be the ultimate Mary.

Clark and Olivia: Josh Duhamel and Charisma Carpenter, they sorta look like they could be Alyssa's siblings and I can totally see them having the types of conversations they do!


5) Have you ever thought of giving up on the story and if you did what made you continue to work on it?

I got really sick in October/November of 2006 so like I was giving up everything but less than a month later I was back writing it again I couldn't part with the storyline. I love it too much!

6) What was your writing process? (Outline, make it up as you go along, the characters wrote it, I am Tonja and plagerized lol)


*Sigh* Tonja how we don't miss thee! LOL I normally have an outline in my head but lately I've been writing it out and I think that's what making AS into the long story it will be.

7) Who was your favorite character in this story and why?

I'd say Alyssa, but really it's Nick he's just the perfect guy in this not really perfect he definitely has flaws but I love how he and Alyssa fit together perfectly LOL They fight, they argue, they screw around with each other lol but at the end of the day they love each other through and through.

8 ) You had to know this was coming, who was your least favorite?

BRANDON LOL! Ya'll will understand he was hard to write and he out ranked Aaron which lets face it Aaron is super duper hard to write too!

9) Are all the boys in this one? If not why did you choose to exclude them?

All the boys make appearances because well they are a huge part of Nick's life and showing them hanging out, outside of recording or just goofing off in the studio is the things I love to write about, I really truly think they are a family and so it's important to me to include them!

10) If we like this story...then we'd love what story? (Could be by you or someone else) and obviously tell us why lol


Ohh I'm gonna say since mine is a series Nothing's Impossible you may like the other stories in it but the main one not written by me that most of my readers also read are Hearts Don't Lie series by Tri and UMS by Mel. They're both amazing stories and writers and I'm lucky to have them both as my betas!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on October 31, 2007, 09:59:39 PM
Congratulation s on being featured this month, Teri!  Honestly, you deserve it SOOO much.  It takes a lot for me to read ANYTHING, much less a whole series in less than a week.  Your characters are very well-developed, your plot is well-planned chronologicall y and event-wise, and it's just a good story.  I love reading about Nick and Ali.  They're both so human.  They have strengths, weaknesses, triumphs, and failures.  It's so rare that I can understand and relate so well with a character.  It feels like they're real you've done such a good job.  And as far as the plot...  This one was a lot more dramatic than AIL and it showed a lot more about their relationship.  I definitely enjoyed it, but I still can't pick a favorite out of the series.  lol.

Teri knows I could go on and on all day, so I'll just leave it at this...  Anyone that hasn't read this story yet (or Accidentally in Love or Always Something), check it out!  Seriously, you won't be disappointed.  ;D
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on October 31, 2007, 10:03:47 PM
*giggles* and there's my cheerleader! ROFL lol sorry tri, cheerleader trina just ran through my head haha! But yes, I try for the most part to keep it chronologicall y sound, it just works better for me than just going off on random tangents and skipping years and glossing over events. Although HOC will not have a second season it does in AS because yeah lol I started writing it when there was confusion over whether there would be a new one or not. Anyways SWIB is definitely dramatic I won't lie hehe. I think though the best part was writing the funny moments in the story, the parts that made me laugh as I wrote them. Then again I have an odd sense of humor!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on October 31, 2007, 10:14:36 PM
Haha!  Cheerleader Trina...  Well, I TOLD you that she's based on me...  lol.

And I must have an odd sense of humor as well.  Of course, we have the whole freaky twin thing going on, so I might be biased.  LOL.  Something that I forgot to mention in my previous blurb was all of the emotions covered in this story.  You reminded me with the whole humor thing.  I think one of the judges of a good story (for me personally, at least) is if it CAN make you crack up laughing or if it can make you cry...  Or even just get really attached to the characters so much that you're going, "Nick, don't do that, you idiot!" or "Yeah, yeah... Do that now!"  I think that's why I got through the story so quickly...  It was just like a book that I couldn't put down.  And when I had to (stupid things called college... lol, jk), I was wondering what was going to happen next.

Okay, so I'm addicted.  LOL.  The first step is admitting you have a problem, though, so I'm halfway there...
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: MellzBellz on October 31, 2007, 10:15:29 PM
Congrats Teri! I know how much this means to you to be a featured story and I'm very proud of you. I'm honored to have helped you along with this story and to be able to contribute such great ideas. You've come a long way as a writer and I think out of the entire Nothing's Impossible series, SWIB has got to be my fav!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on October 31, 2007, 10:20:01 PM
YAY! lol I'm happy *does happy dance hehe* SWIB is my personal fave too right now, let's see how AS progresses before I make a final decision LOL!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: MellzBellz on October 31, 2007, 10:23:41 PM
YAY! lol I'm happy *does happy dance hehe* SWIB is my personal fave too right now, let's see how AS progresses before I make a final decision LOL!

Yea I can't say AS because its still a little early to judge although I'm sure it'll be wonderful with everything that you have planned for it.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on October 31, 2007, 10:26:30 PM
Yeah it has twice the drama and length of SWIB so it better be good! LOL!!!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on October 31, 2007, 10:40:16 PM
Yeah it has twice the drama and length of SWIB so it better be good! LOL!!!
Haha, it will be...  You're freakin Yoda!  :D
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on October 31, 2007, 11:07:10 PM
LMAO How did I know you were gonna post something about that? For those of you that don't know apparently I'm the yoda of character development (in Tri's words). I'd like to be an egotist and say yes but...that'd be totally against type so hehe I'm glad someone enjoys it!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on October 31, 2007, 11:11:03 PM
LMAO How did I know you were gonna post something about that? For those of you that don't know apparently I'm the yoda of character development (in Tri's words). I'd like to be an egotist and say yes but...that'd be totally against type so hehe I'm glad someone enjoys it!

Haha, she really is!  I just posted a thing in the Favorite Female Leads thread about Alyssa Monroe.  And I wouldn't know that much about Ali unless Teri really was Yoda.

Haha, calling you Yoda makes me a geek, doesn't it?  :P
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: honey on October 31, 2007, 11:11:52 PM
Awww! YAY TERI!!! I'm a little nervous because I want to read this one but I am so busy in November and somehow have to write an entire novel... so I may not get any reading done this month. BUT, I love you and will try my hardest because i have heard nothing but wonderful about this entire series!!!  Congrats hun and enjoy your month!!!!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on October 31, 2007, 11:20:20 PM
*HUGS!* I heart you Kelly! And a new novel eh? Sweet!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: honey on October 31, 2007, 11:21:35 PM
eh, maybe not so sweet if I really churn it out in a month. lol we'll see. but congrats again! I heart you too!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on October 31, 2007, 11:32:07 PM
hehe thank you! i love this, let's just hope i can get some major inspiration for AS
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Nijntje on November 01, 2007, 12:26:35 PM
Congrats! I'm trying to do the 'writing a novel in a month'-thingy as well.. so I might not manage to read yours, but I sure will try!

Owh and my first question: Is it necessary to read the first one first or can I just start off reading SIB?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 01, 2007, 01:02:34 PM
It's not COMPLETELY necessary to read AIL, it does help alot but I try to explain as best I can why something's happened because of previous events. ie Alyssa's dad, and lol a certain "graphic" chapter (totally comes back to bite Alyssa in the ass too)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: honey on November 01, 2007, 02:21:46 PM

Owh and my first question: Is it necessary to read the first one first or can I just start off reading SIB?

oo, good question I was wondering that too. I have this horrible problem with never being able to get into sequels no matter how much I loved the first one. I don't know why? I'm psycho. so, my question would be, just in case I only can ever read one, which would you recommend?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 01, 2007, 02:36:35 PM
Somewhere I Belong, most definitely, lol ask Tri she's like my lil cheerleader hehe, so for her to read both stories and the 14 chapters i have posted of AS so far within the span of less than a week when normally she doesn't really get into series' so much is saying somethign I guess BUT I wrote each story with the intention of paralleling each other HOWEVER letting them stand apart from one another in their style and subject matter, AS is most definitely going to be the darkest one to write for me next to the prequels I have planned (two in fact lol). You can always do it star wars style like I'm doing and read the later story in SWIB and always go back to AIL. I like to provide a good solid stand alone story in each let's say volume of the series. Hence why I've been having so much trouble with KDL the Aaron spin-off.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 01, 2007, 02:41:56 PM
wow I ramble! LOL but yeah it's why I'm so happy that SWIB got chosen to be featured story, because it can stand apart from it's predecessor (and I'm quite proud of it!)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 01, 2007, 03:01:17 PM
As a reader, I'll answer the question Teri already did as far as reading SWIB before AIL.  I feel that they're definitely stand alone stories because Teri does a great job of providing references to events that took place in Accidentally In Love. 

And, honestly, if you DO decide to read the whole series, it goes by a lot faster than you'd think.  Teri knows that it took me FOREVER to actually sit down and start reading because I was thinking, "Oh God... A whole series?!"  But it went by SO quickly because it was so intriguing and kept me wondering what was coming after every chapter. 
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 01, 2007, 05:13:18 PM
Wow it's only the first of the month and you're already on the second page lol

I have a question for you :)

Did you always intend to write a sequel for Accidentally in Love or did that evolve some other way?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 01, 2007, 05:17:03 PM
Oooh good one! Actually no I didn't intend on it when I started writing AIL, but as the story progressed I was like hmmm what if they (SPOILER ALERT) broke up. And then bam SWIB like evolved quickly in my head. Mainly inspired by the Linkin Park song of the same name, if you listen to it before or after you read SWIB you can totally get how Alyssa feels throughout the whole story!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: julilly on November 01, 2007, 07:33:14 PM
woot woot! Congrats Teri!

I absolutely love both of these stories, they are WAY up there on my list of favs from AC! Definitely deserving! Hopefully a lot more people will take the plunge and read!

My question... Are there any chapters, or plot points where a few chapters down the road you think 'damn I should have done _ _ _ instead?' or had any regrets later on?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 01, 2007, 07:41:07 PM
AWW!!! I love you Julilly!! That's a HUGE compliment coming from you!!! And AWESOME question!! (lol being a journalism major questions are sorta my game LOL)


Sometimes in SWIB I was like maybe I shouldn't have made the whole Brandon thing into a really big issue. However with that said it's become such an integral part of the plot that I'm like hmmm that's cool!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: julilly on November 01, 2007, 07:46:34 PM
AWW!!! I love you Julilly!! That's a HUGE compliment coming from you!!! And AWESOME question!! (lol being a journalism major questions are sorta my game LOL)


Sometimes in SWIB I was like maybe I shouldn't have made the whole Brandon thing into a really big issue. However with that said it's become such an integral part of the plot that I'm like hmmm that's cool!

ILOVEYOUTOO *tear*

Oh! *points to self* Broadcast journalism. I also like questions! lol

I think you made a good call in what went on with Brandon. It really gave them something to work past, and has shown since then that you can forgive but you don't necessarily always forget - I think that is an important point.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 01, 2007, 07:49:58 PM
LOL i'm print journalism lol aren't we supposed to be odds? LOL I did do two years of campus radio which i LOOOOVVVVEED. Yeah Brandon, he was written in as a total fluke, I saw Superman Returns and was like OOOH PRETTY! lmao.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: julilly on November 01, 2007, 07:54:09 PM
Yeah he's totally pretty!! I was actually kind of happy when I was reading and saw you were using him because I was so glad other people liked him, and liked the movie, and wanted to pretty up pages of fic with his presence lol not that Nick doesn't pretty them up but... ya know :P

I think we are supposed to be at odds, though in my school they kept us in a different building than the print journalism students, so we found other people to fight with like animation, and horticulture lol There was even an article in the school newspaper about how the radio students kept making enemies with everyone and they interviewed us asking us why we didn't like the other programs lol
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 01, 2007, 08:50:05 PM
LOL yeah i have a ton of broadcast friends, i switched to media analysis and criticism so i could graduate on time (thanks to getting sick and having to drop 301 reporting)


And yes Brandon Routh is muy pretty. And I loved his voice I was like ooh sexy! LOL So if I'm attracted, Alyssa would be, we're attracted to the same type.

As it is in the prequel when Collin comes in I'm having Drew Fuller (Chris Perry on Charmed *rawr!!*) play him cuz yeah....pppprr rreeeeettttyyy y lol Nick is pretty but so are those two!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 02, 2007, 02:55:23 PM
So I was just thinking and I came up with a question!! 

I know that you started AIL out with an already-developed friendship between Nick and Ali.  You did a really good job filling in the readers with Nick and Ali's past together, which is one of the reasons I feel like they're such real characters.  You know everything about their past and I feel like I could ask you something about their friendship and you'd be able to fill it in.  However, my question is... 

In the beginning, did you ever think you would go back and write a prequel (as I know you're planning now)? 
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 02, 2007, 02:57:56 PM
Actually yes I did plan on actually starting AIL from when they met in June of 1996. However I was thinking  "you know there are millions of fics where you see when they first meet, why don't I let the readers get to know them as the older more mature "them" and then go back and cover how they grew that way."
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 02, 2007, 03:03:56 PM
That definitely makes sense!  Plus, considering they were friends for a long time, the romance readers might get impatient reading the story up until the "couple" steps out of the friend zone and into the dating zone.  To tell you truth, the way you did it makes me want to read about their friendship all the more to discover the details of events that took place and just to see the way Nick and Ali interact with each other.  :)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 02, 2007, 03:06:13 PM
Here's a lil spoiler of the two prequels I have planned


Waiting In The Wings - 1995-1996 (in the prologue) then 1999-2002
Everything But Mine - 2002-2004

They'll be long but it'll really show a contrast to where they begin as to where they grow to by the end of AS.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Jamanda on November 02, 2007, 07:19:24 PM
Teri, congrats on being Featured Story of the Month! I can only imagine how excited you must be. Enjoy your month of fame. :D

Haha, I'm reading your answers on the first page still. I love reading these things.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 02, 2007, 07:25:01 PM
hehe Aren't they fun? I loved reading everyone elses too! So I was like super excited when I learned it was my turn! hehe ok I need to lay off the halloween candy lol I am almost done with chapter 15 of AS
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: julilly on November 03, 2007, 02:37:39 PM
hehe Aren't they fun? I loved reading everyone elses too! So I was like super excited when I learned it was my turn! hehe ok I need to lay off the halloween candy lol I am almost done with chapter 15 of AS

New chapters are good, they give me a reason to avoid writing my own stuff... though that gets me in trouble with Mare...

What kind of candy?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 03, 2007, 03:25:37 PM
LOL Reese cups and snickers bites
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 03, 2007, 03:27:34 PM
And I updated last night, and wrote a scene in chapter 16. I warn everyone AS is going to be the most emotionally intense of the three stories thus far
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 03, 2007, 03:28:06 PM
Do you know I haven't had one single candy form Halloween? What is up with that? I even teach!! lol

And as far as your stories. I love when stories are so thought out they have prequels and sequels and back stories etc...

Here's a hard question for you now. If you absolutely had to kill off one of the characters in your story, which would one it be and how would you do it? (And for some reason if this has happened already in the story, pick another character besides the one you killed off lol)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 03, 2007, 03:54:13 PM
LOL good question Mare!!! I did kill off Jamie in AIL (totally ruined it I know right? *snicker*) but if i had to do it again, I'd choose Olivia...becau se she's so close with Ali and they are sisters. And I'd have her get gaybashed. Because I don't think people really get that there are tons of homophobic assholes in this world. And so if Olivia were to be killed it'd be at least socially relevant.

However that won't happen although spoilerhehe there is going to be someone who dies in AS there is a warning of death and it's going to look like one person and then end up being another. It'll be so intense and rock the Nick and Ali world I've created. Tri knows what I'm talking about and believe me ya'll are in for some pretty intense cliffies. AS as I have it planned right now has about 2 climaxes within ten chapters of each other. So it's gonna be interesting and hard to write/read but it'll only make or break the bonds I've built between my characters. And ya'll thought swib was full of drama *evil laugh*
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 03, 2007, 04:00:23 PM
Yeah, I know what Teri has planned and it's gonna blow your minds.  Like she said, you thought SWIB was intense...  She's got SO much great stuff planned.  And I don't know about you, but when I read Teri's stuff, I get surprises all the time.  Usually, I hate reading fan fiction *ducks and covers* because I get bored with it after a few chapters and I get annoyed with the characters.  But I don't with Teri's and AS is no exception.  I KNOW what's going to happen and I still can't wait to read each new chapter.  :D
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 03, 2007, 04:06:08 PM
well i try to plan things out for a reason, i want things that happen in real life to happen to my characters, miscarriages happen, unexpected pregnancies happen, family members die, friendships change, people mess up and seeing how they react to it all is half the fun of writing it.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 03, 2007, 04:18:32 PM
Yeah, that's another one of your great strengths.  You have realistic events take place.  There's none of this cheating all the time or the main characters constantly being miserable.  They have happy moments and sad moments, but it's relatively balanced (yes, I understand that some people don't have a very balanced life, but for the most part, people CAN be happy and sad).  Since you obviously have a firm grasp on human nature and psychology and sociology, it shows in your writing and it changes the characters.

I read somewhere that the best character isn't the one you liked the most in the story, but the one that changed the most in the story.  And if that's the way you see it, too, then your characters are just peachy.  :)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 03, 2007, 04:22:40 PM
*blushes* I try hehe. It's hard I'm not going to lie any of us writers on here know that making a story is a difficult thing. And I really had NO idea that so many people held mine in such high regard. And really I thank each and everyone for reading and being there through the drama. Cuz really these are very personal stories to me. Alot of what happens has happened in some form or another to me in real life at least symbollically (is that even a word? LOL)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 03, 2007, 04:31:31 PM
Yeah, I understand that it's difficult to be totally happy with your own work.  I mean, I remember when I started posting mine this summer and I was REALLY nervous.  My goal was 20 chapters and 10 reviews by September.  LOL.  Four months later, I'm nearly two-thirds of the way through my sequel... 

But anyways, I'm not trying to make you feel like you're never going to live up to what you've already written (cause sometimes that can totally happen if you hear too much praise).  I'm just saying that you've really got something here and I'm excited to see it continue!  And the fact that you've lived or can at least relate to the events in your plot show.  Your characters are so consistent with their thinking and actions...  Hence, YODA.  ;D
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 03, 2007, 04:55:30 PM
ROFL omg I'm never living down that name am I? LOL Although he is the coolest character in star wars. And by far the smartest hehe! So it's an honor.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 04, 2007, 04:39:41 PM
So yeah I just totally updated, second time this weekend! WOO! lol I'm excited, although not much else is going to get written til next saturday shamefully I'm horrendously backed up with school this week yuck!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 04, 2007, 06:11:41 PM
You're on such a roll!!  I loved the chapter!  I know I already left a review and gushed about it, but seriously!  Y'all need to read SWIB and move on to AS!  :D
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 04, 2007, 06:16:32 PM
LOL trina trina trina....you're so cute! I'm nuts but I'm trying to study and all I can think about is my next chapter!!! How effing sad is that? LOL Okay it's productive yes, but still I'm having academic ADD!!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 04, 2007, 06:33:55 PM
Haha...  Join the club.  I have MAJOR senioritis this semester.  I'm always distracted!! 
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 06, 2007, 06:08:05 PM
Another question for you Teri lol

If you could pick one song for each of your main characters that best describes them and their personalities which songs would you choose and why?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 06, 2007, 08:19:03 PM
OOOH! I loooovvveee questions like this!


Ali: One In A Million by BSB cuz yeah the line "why don't you know just how beautiful you are" and all that jazz! And it describes her modesty and that she's just a normal girl.

Nick: Smile Like You Mean It by the Killers, because when I hear it I think of the lil boy that's still in him that makes him so endearing LOL

Olivia: Any song by Melissa Etheridge

Lori: Jaded by Aerosmith, cuz she is a really jaded person who gets mad at the drop of a hat, but it's for a reason she didn't have a good relationship with her parents growing up so she's like really jealous of Alyssa and her bond with her family.

Kellie: Buttons by PCD just because she's a smart, fun and sexy woman who knows when a man wants her but makes him work for it.

Clark: Yellow by Cold Play, he's just mellow and cool.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 10, 2007, 12:25:33 PM
I'm trying to think of more clever questions for you but my brain isn't working properly lol I need to turn it in and get myself a new one. :P

So i'm going to steal some of my questions I have asked other people lol

For someone like me who isn't big on the romance side of fiction, tell me some things that would draw me in into your story.  Plot points that don't have to do with a romantic aspect.

Or for people who live for that sort of thing, what has been your favorite scene to write concerning the relationship between Nick and Ali?
(I hope I got that right?)and why?

Also give us some of your favorite quotes from your story (either the first or the sequel) and this one is for anyone who is reading or has read both of these stories. I have a feeling Tri has a few favorites she can share.

You can tell us who said it or you can just put the quote and have people guess. :)

Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 10, 2007, 01:47:05 PM
LOL hmmm all good questions I shall ponder these as I drive to the library and answer once I get there!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 10, 2007, 02:00:15 PM
Ooo, Mare, you're right...  I have some to share!  I know there have been some killer lines that I've loved, so I gotta go back and look at my reviews to find which ones I really liked.  I'll post em later tonight!  :)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 10, 2007, 02:12:29 PM
Okay, I found ONE quote that I like from Accidentally In Love that I remember laughing about...  (I'm starting with AIL, but I promise I'll go to SWIB after that.  lol.)

"I can’t think about that, I won’t survive without her I know that. And losing her that’d kill me. I know, I know what’s with the melodrama. Yep I said melodrama. Bet you didn’t think I knew that huh? Well I do. I own a dictionary, and I use it damnit. Just because I act like a dumb blonde in front of the media doesn’t mean I’m actually a dumb blonde. But I know I’m never going to live down certain things I’ve said in the past. Resign, reside…whatever everyone knew what I meant. How many people have screwed up a word in their lives, I bet you that everyone has at least once. Even the winner of the spelling bee."

I think it's things like that, especially in Nick's narrations, that show that Teri captures Nick's personality SO well and manages to add little quirks to him.  That's why I feel like he's really real. 
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 10, 2007, 02:21:37 PM
Okay, another favorite line of mine... 

"That was going to suck, going home and not seeing her there, the house was going to be so empty without her. Nick had gotten used to seeing her stuff lying everywhere, bras, thigh highs, shoes, girlie magazines, soccer cleats and now he wasn’t going to see that anymore."

To me, it showed that Nick cared more about Ali than just sex.  It was the presence of her in his life that he would miss when she wasn't around.  :)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 10, 2007, 02:27:06 PM
Okay, ONE more, then I need to start getting ready to skedaddle...

"It’s going to hurt to find out if she actually did what I think she did. But I will not let her take the easy way out. She’s going to want me to hate her and break up with her so she can punish herself over and over. I’m not going to let her do that, she’s going to deal with it, we’re going to deal with it. I love her with all my heart and I’m not giving up on her. Alyssa may want me to, however she can’t get what she wants right now."

With Paris or Amanda or any other girl, Nick would've just dumped her and moved on to the next girl.  With Alyssa, he's taking a more mature approach, realizing that people make mistakes, but he can't throw away the best relationship he's ever had because of one big bump in the road.  He's also acknowledging the fact that it's Ali...  She's the one for him and always has been.  So regardless of what happened, he wants to try to work their problems out and overcome them.  It's also part of his stubbornness that I love oh so much.  lol.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 10, 2007, 04:08:31 PM
aww I liked the first one. Like Tri said, you did a great job of capturiing Nick's personality in that one.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 10, 2007, 04:12:12 PM
LOL he's a dork so I try to capture it as much as possible
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 10, 2007, 04:15:07 PM
it's always fun to capture a dorky Nick lol
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 10, 2007, 04:27:53 PM
I'm trying to think of more clever questions for you but my brain isn't working properly lol I need to turn it in and get myself a new one. :P

So i'm going to steal some of my questions I have asked other people lol

For someone like me who isn't big on the romance side of fiction, tell me some things that would draw me in into your story.  Plot points that don't have to do with a romantic aspect.

Or for people who live for that sort of thing, what has been your favorite scene to write concerning the relationship between Nick and Ali?
(I hope I got that right?)and why?

Also give us some of your favorite quotes from your story (either the first or the sequel) and this one is for anyone who is reading or has read both of these stories. I have a feeling Tri has a few favorites she can share.

You can tell us who said it or you can just put the quote and have people guess. :)




For the non-romance lovers: It's not so much about the relationship and petty lil drama, it's well it deals with real life and a girl who just wants acceptance and works really hard to get it. Once she gets it she's like working twice as hard to keep it. As far as her relationships they tend to suffer as a result because she hasn't quite learned there's a balance to things and  in AS it's becoming GLARINGLY clear how it's effecting her relationships. And Nick...where do i begin with that boy.

It just really deep down deals with friendship. Nick and Ali are friends first, and lovers second, and they've sorta lost that along the way and AS is really going to show them returning to that. SWIB is the mid point, the height of their intimacy and love and making sacrifices when one messes up.

For the romance lovers: My favorite scene between them to write aside from any sex scene (cuz those are a lot of fun to write I must say) is the proposal. It was just something I knew I'd die if a man did that much for me. So I needed it to be absolutely perfect and drawn out. And according to Tri it was. LOL.

Favorite quotes:

Hmmm I love it when Nick like makes fun of himself, I don't particularly have any personal favorites I love all my quotes cuz I'm just that dorky. I love reading what everyone else thinks so please let me know what your favorite quotes are!!

I have favorite scenes, like the dream sequence about Brandon, it was effing hysterical to write. The threesome was another, I was so worried about it but then I wrote it and afterwards I was like damn that's actually pretty good. My most favorite scene has to be the proposal and anytime there's an anniversary between Nick and Ali, the cutesy stuff that shows HOW MUCH they know each other is just things I love to write. Which is why i'm like trying so hard to get through to CH 31 of AS cuz then some nice stuff will happen more often.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 10, 2007, 07:09:31 PM
WOO just updated AS with chapter 18 and Julilly just for you I put in a journalism joke, hehe knew you'd get it!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 13, 2007, 12:29:35 AM
Hehe... Since I think it's an okay question, I'm gonna post it here...  Even though I asked you on IM.

As a writer of a number of stories, but a MAJOR series, do you ever get ideas for one story, but decide to save them for your series because you're attached to the well-developed and comfortable characters of Nick and Ali in the NI Series?

Basically, how attached to your characters are you?  And do you ever think of something for another story or get inspiration while writing something else and make it fit into AS just because you want it to happen between Nick and Ali?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 13, 2007, 11:59:41 AM
Awesome question, If while writing something else which can happen I'll get an idea for what I want Nick and Ali to do in a similar situation I'll go write that after I've written for another story. I love my Nick and Ali characters but not everything fits into their personality and their relationship.. ..like for instance in UIA the whole concept of touring on two separate tours and only going a max of 10 days without seeing each other. That's distinctly Nick and Evan. But if it deals with something that can work for Nick and Ali then they get first crack at it. If it doesn't work I scrap it and save it for another story that it'll work with.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 14, 2007, 08:57:12 PM
Oh that was a good question!

Another series type question for you, how do you know when it's time to put a series to bed? Do you find yourself writing another story to a series mainly because you don't want to let your characters go or is it because readers want more?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 14, 2007, 09:29:51 PM
Well a series for me is done when all that I have planned is completed. Like with NI it's like i planned this whole thing out. And figured that once I've done all that I've planned I'll be done with it. Which is true, originally it was going to be ONE LONG story, but then I just broke everything down and into separate stories with separate themes. And so far I have 6 stories planned in total.

1. Waiting In The Wings (the early years of the friendship)
2. Everything But Mine - 2002-2004
3. Accidentally In Love
4. Somewhere I Belong
5. Kisses Don't lie - Spin-off story
6. Always Something

All in all you could read AIL through AS and then go and read the two prequels I have planned, that's sort of how I have it designed, however, you could go star wars style and read them all straight through once they're all completed which if I know Tri she'll be the one doing that LMAO!

 
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 14, 2007, 09:38:43 PM
Well a series for me is done when all that I have planned is completed. Like with NI it's like i planned this whole thing out. And figured that once I've done all that I've planned I'll be done with it. Which is true, originally it was going to be ONE LONG story, but then I just broke everything down and into separate stories with separate themes. And so far I have 6 stories planned in total.

1. Waiting In The Wings (the early years of the friendship)
2. Everything But Mine - 2002-2004
3. Accidentally In Love
4. Somewhere I Belong
5. Kisses Don't lie - Spin-off story
6. Always Something

All in all you could read AIL through AS and then go and read the two prequels I have planned, that's sort of how I have it designed, however, you could go star wars style and read them all straight through once they're all completed which if I know Tri she'll be the one doing that LMAO!

 

You make me sound like a loser.  :P  Just cause I will be doing that...  In one weekend, too!

I'm just happy that you mentioned Star Wars.  Ya know, since you're Yoda and all.  :D
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 14, 2007, 11:23:07 PM
ROFL! ok u need to explain to everyone WHY you think I'm yoda (i'm not short i swear!)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 15, 2007, 12:39:54 PM
LOL.  No, it's not about Teri's height that she's Yoda.  For those of you unfamiliar with Star Wars (or if you just need a refresher), Yoda is the all powerful and very wise Jedi master.  He has also trained notable Jedi throughout his life, like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker.  Yoda is really positive and he does have a playful, joking side to him, too.  Overall, he's just super cool.  (God, I'm a dork...  I blame the fact that I only have brothers, mostly male cousins, and mostly male friends.  haha.)

Now...  You may be asking...  What does this have to do with Teri?  Well!  I will tell you.  Don't you worry!  lol.

When I first started reading Teri's series, I realized how well each and every one of her characters were developed.  Not only Nick and Ali, but Nick's band mates, Nick's family members, Alyssa's friends, and Alyssa's family members.  To be honest, the only character I feel that I don't know a TON about (in comparison with the others, I mean) is Lori.  And even with her, I could list plenty of things I know about her.  lol.  Then Teri and I started sharing character development exercises with each other and we analyzed each other's main characters in-depth.  When we started talking about each other's stuff, I found myself writing a LOT better as far as the emotional connection my characters have (see chapters 40 and on in What the Heart Wants).  Sooo...  I started calling Teri the "Yoda of character development" because not only is SHE a character development master, but she can transfer her skill to others!  lol.  (Actually, I believe it was the "Yoda of Character Developmental Sex" because of her knack for writing really great sex scenes, too...  Which tie into the emotional connection between her characters, too.)

Anyway...  That's the story!  So when I call her Yoda, you can understand now.  :)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 15, 2007, 12:42:07 PM
Oh!  And one more thing...  Let's all be thankful that Teri doesn't talk or write like Yoda.  I know I'd be confused!  :D
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 15, 2007, 02:09:49 PM
LMAO is it sad that I can talk like yoda though? LOL A Life I need ROFL! okay i'm a major dork
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 15, 2007, 02:12:34 PM
LMAO is it sad that I can talk like yoda though? LOL A Life I need ROFL! okay i'm a major dork

Haha!  Okay, I'm totally cracking up over here.  And of course, my latest nickname is "Dork," so we needn't discuss my dorkiness!  ;D
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 18, 2007, 11:41:32 AM
LOL I love Yoda speak.

I don't think I asked this one yet, but then again this is the time of the month where I start repeating myself without realizing it, so if I did already ask this I apologize lol

If you could change anything about either one of your stories what would it be? Whether it be plot, or character development or anything at all.

Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 18, 2007, 05:35:33 PM
I would have made AIL and SWIB about 10-20 chapters longer each. cuz like AS is gonna be 75 chapters, and the prequels each 50+ soooo yeah i feel like I could have done a lot more with them.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 19, 2007, 03:03:22 PM
Here's a question...  From being a beta of yours for a while now, I know that you have your series VERY well planned out and you know everything about your characters.  Buuut...  Do you ever wait to see how your readers react to something and tweak it accordingly?  Or do you pretty much stick to your plan and do what you originally wanted to? 
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 19, 2007, 03:26:46 PM
I tweak things slightly, like this next chapter....the res some major plot things that MUST happen, and all that may lose me some readers, but it needs to happen for my characters. and well i normally stick to my plan pretty much, just if something is TOO off the wall to begin with i'd probably end up changing it anyways.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 19, 2007, 03:28:16 PM
That is a great quesiton Tri, I was actually going to ask you something very smiliar to that Teri. I was going to ask you if you ever let your fan feedback influence your decisions in your stories.

Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 19, 2007, 03:39:57 PM
Sometimes I do, but only slightly. I value my beta's opinions too, so like if they told me not to do what I'm doing with the story then I'd change it, but since they're supportive of where I'm going with it...*evil look* it's staying lol! But it's hard these chapters i've written for AS 20-23 so far have been the hardest to write and honestly i think they're pivotal to the story and how it's going to completely change the dynamic of AS that was building.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 19, 2007, 03:52:16 PM
^ so does that scare you? When you have a big pivotal part in a story or a big change coming, does it ever scare you that it'll turn your fans off?

yay this feels like a live interview lol
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 19, 2007, 07:21:10 PM
yes it does scare me, like tonight i had a major freak out, just ask tri and mel. cuz this chapter is so huge and important and there's something that happens that sets the tone for the next almost ten chapters before things start to get better. and well it's just huge and tri and mel had to talk me out of quitting completely.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 19, 2007, 07:51:03 PM
Eek! That's the worst feeling lol i'm glad they managed to talk you out of quitting and I hope you get the reaction you are hoping for.

Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 19, 2007, 09:15:52 PM
oh i'm pretty sure i'm gonna get reactions liek "OMG HOW COULD YOU!" and stuff like that but it comes with the territory, i went off on sarah when i thought she was gonna kill Nick in PTW so it comes with the territory.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: julilly on November 19, 2007, 09:29:30 PM
oh i'm pretty sure i'm gonna get reactions liek "OMG HOW COULD YOU!" and stuff like that but it comes with the territory, i went off on sarah when i thought she was gonna kill Nick in PTW so it comes with the territory.

You just opened yourself up for a comment of how could you from me lol
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 19, 2007, 10:11:02 PM
well I just updated with chapter 23 sooooo go check it out!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 20, 2007, 12:00:12 PM
So how has the feedback been so far? Positive?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 20, 2007, 12:26:52 PM
alot of OMG THAT'S SO SAD! but I figured that would happen. It's the tragedy they need right now!!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: julilly on November 20, 2007, 03:33:02 PM
alot of OMG THAT'S SO SAD! but I figured that would happen. It's the tragedy they need right now!!

Well, like every story, something has to happen that is dramatic and unexpected, the climax, otherwise it would just be the same thing chapter after chapter (of course there are some fics out there like that but... yeah lol) it's just a matter of knowing how to do it without being unrealistic or over the top, and being able to write it and I think you did both those things very well!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: MellzBellz on November 20, 2007, 03:54:09 PM
yes it does scare me, like tonight i had a major freak out, just ask tri and mel. cuz this chapter is so huge and important and there's something that happens that sets the tone for the next almost ten chapters before things start to get better. and well it's just huge and tri and mel had to talk me out of quitting completely.

It's true lol Last night I had to shake a little sense into her and remind her that she chose the path the story was going down for a reason and if she backed down from it, the story would definitely not have the same poignant effect that it was meant to have and I think in her alternate option it definitely would've hit a wall at some point or another. So although it was definitely hard writing a scene as emotional as the one she just did was, the pay off will be greater in the longer run.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 20, 2007, 04:31:31 PM
yes it does scare me, like tonight i had a major freak out, just ask tri and mel. cuz this chapter is so huge and important and there's something that happens that sets the tone for the next almost ten chapters before things start to get better. and well it's just huge and tri and mel had to talk me out of quitting completely.

Yeah, I am SOOO glad you didn't quit.  If you would've, I don't know what I would've done.  (Hence, my freak attack all last night...)  Anyway, I know that I didn't support what you wrote and I'm glad I got to explain why, but I know what you have planned and it's going to be great.  Just remember that what you write is ultimately up to you...  What you feel in your gut.  So it's good that you stuck to your guns.  If you enjoy what you write and you're confident in it, your readers will hopefully realize that and love it, too.  :) 

I should know better than to question Yoda in the future.  :-X
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 20, 2007, 05:15:05 PM
Wow....just wow...I didn't realize all of you thought it was that great or powerful a message. That's just....whoa.. .it means so much to me. I was up crying most of the night because I was like "great I just ruined my entire story!" but hearing all of your opinions, different though they may be. Have just reinforced my confidence in my writing...than k you so so much.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: MellzBellz on November 20, 2007, 05:19:19 PM
You DEFINITELY didn't ruin AS Teri. It takes SOOOO much to completely ruin a story. I mean I can definitely relate cuz I felt that way (to a much lesser degree cuz yea it definitely wasn't as emotional as your dilemma) with the end of UMS, but sometimes stories have to go to dark places to go to happy places. Like I said before unfortunately stories can't always be butterflies and sunshine all the time and I think the most memorable and sucessful stories are the ones that aren't afraid to go to painful places.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 20, 2007, 05:24:53 PM
Well let's hope that I didn't do too badly with the fall out then lol.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 20, 2007, 05:26:21 PM
Is it bad that this series...at it's funniest moments makes me crack up while writing it, at it's darkest like now makes me all weepy and crying as I write?? Or am I just too emotionally attached?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 20, 2007, 05:40:24 PM
Wow....just wow...I didn't realize all of you thought it was that great or powerful a message. That's just....whoa.. .it means so much to me. I was up crying most of the night because I was like "great I just ruined my entire story!" but hearing all of your opinions, different though they may be. Have just reinforced my confidence in my writing...than k you so so much.

I wasn't up crying half the night because I thought you ruined your story.  I was really feeling for what Nick and Ali are going through.  Seriously, that's why I always tell you how well your characters are written.  I feel like they're real.  And when they're going through personal tragedy, I feel for them.  You have an amazing gift of demonstrating emotion through your characters.  It's truly powerful how you write and how you make your readers feel (at least me, and I know from reading all of your teary reviews that others must feel the same).
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 20, 2007, 05:41:41 PM
Is it bad that this series...at it's funniest moments makes me crack up while writing it, at it's darkest like now makes me all weepy and crying as I write?? Or am I just too emotionally attached?

I wouldn't call it emotionally attached in a bad way, but you definitely know your characters inside and out and I can imagine it would be extremely difficult writing what you're writing lately.  It's not bad.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 20, 2007, 05:47:51 PM
Aww thanks sweets. Seriously I feel like you do right now, and writing chapter 24 is hard but it's good therapy getting it out.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: MellzBellz on November 20, 2007, 05:49:48 PM
Is it bad that this series...at it's funniest moments makes me crack up while writing it, at it's darkest like now makes me all weepy and crying as I write?? Or am I just too emotionally attached?

Nope not at all! I think all writers do that. I know I have. When they're happy I'm happy and when they're going through something emotional I've found myself with tears streaming down my face as I write. I think that a good writer is someone who really forces themselves to feel what their characters are going through and the only unfortunate part is that at parts like this it can be emotionally draining
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 20, 2007, 05:51:17 PM
Oh yeah it's gonna be soooo hard the next few chapters, but it'll get better as they get better.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 20, 2007, 05:52:15 PM
Nope not at all! I think all writers do that. I know I have. When they're happy I'm happy and when they're going through something emotional I've found myself with tears streaming down my face as I write. I think that a good writer is someone who really forces themselves to feel what their characters are going through and the only unfortunate part is that at parts like this it can be emotionally draining

I totally agree.  When I made the decision to kill Tammy, I was off for a while.  I had to remove myself from it for a while and just plow through it because I was taking it way too seriously.  I can't imagine what you're going through, Teri.  I'm not strong enough to write what you are how well you are.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: MellzBellz on November 20, 2007, 06:00:17 PM
I totally agree.  When I made the decision to kill Tammy, I was off for a while.  I had to remove myself from it for a while and just plow through it because I was taking it way too seriously.  I can't imagine what you're going through, Teri.  I'm not strong enough to write what you are how well you are.

Tri has a point there. Again to a lesser degree, but during the whole destruction of Alyssa and Nick towards the end of UMS I definitely slowed down my writing and I was kind of in a bad mood now that I think of it lol. Maybe what we write really does carry over to our personal lifes in a way.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 20, 2007, 06:04:12 PM
*blushes* Katrina Marie! You flatter me too much! I'm not all that great, and you can protest all you want I'll never see it lol. I just love to write terribly romantic, angstydramatic with humorous moments in my stories. Call me great but I guess I just like and really need that balance of emotions. One of the GREATEST movie quotes is from Ali's favorite movie: Miami Rhapsody

"No I think that somedays are shit and others are spectacular and if the good days out number the bad ones then that's what marriage is about" and every story I write, I sorta use that as a monicker I guess lol.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 20, 2007, 06:09:21 PM
*blushes* Katrina Marie! You flatter me too much! I'm not all that great, and you can protest all you want I'll never see it lol. I just love to write terribly romantic, angstydramatic with humorous moments in my stories. Call me great but I guess I just like and really need that balance of emotions. One of the GREATEST movie quotes is from Ali's favorite movie: Miami Rhapsody

"No I think that somedays are shit and others are spectacular and if the good days out number the bad ones then that's what marriage is about" and every story I write, I sorta use that as a monicker I guess lol.

You deserve it...  Shush.  lol. 

Haha, the quote I use for Nick and Trina's marriage is from Strawberry Shortcake.  Okay, not really, but it might as well be. 

I just can't wait till Nick and Ali get better again.  That's why I loved AIL and SWIB so much.  :)  And I know they're not perfect and never will be, but yeah.  I'm looking forward to when the positive outweighs the negative.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 20, 2007, 06:33:16 PM
lol, okay, so now this song is in my head...

You've got to accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch on to the affirmative
Don't mess with Mister In-Between

I'm such a dork.  :P
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 20, 2007, 07:00:16 PM
u are a dork but i luff u anyways. this part in my story is really theraputic for me. i've been going through so much and the grief Nick and Ali are going through is reminscent of what i'm going through at the moment.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 20, 2007, 07:10:48 PM
u are a dork but i luff u anyways. this part in my story is really theraputic for me. i've been going through so much and the grief Nick and Ali are going through is reminscent of what i'm going through at the moment.

That's good.  Working things out through writing is a good idea.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 20, 2007, 07:52:36 PM
Yes it is even though it makes one or both of my betas cry.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: starbeamz on November 20, 2007, 08:16:36 PM
Is it bad that this series...at it's funniest moments makes me crack up while writing it, at it's darkest like now makes me all weepy and crying as I write?? Or am I just too emotionally attached?

Awww, I think it's great that, as a writer, you can be that emotionally involved with your characters! I don't think I've ever cried, but I've definitely said their words aloud in my room (by myself, of course LOL) in the tone that I would expect them to say it, or I've gasped at certain moments as I write. There are times when I wake up in the middle of the night with an epiphany for a story, and, if it's a sad part, I get that funny feeling in my chest, like the kind when you're about to cry. So, no, I definitely think it makes for better writing when you can semi-experience what your characters are experiencing. Plus, it just means you're that much more involved and know them that much better. Ali and Nick aren't flat for you, Teri. Like you told me, they're alive in your head, so it's awesome that you feel for them like that ;D
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 20, 2007, 08:53:16 PM
Aww thanks Sarah! You pretty much summed up what Tri's been trying to drill into my head hehe!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: starbeamz on November 20, 2007, 09:01:23 PM
Aww thanks Sarah! You pretty much summed up what Tri's been trying to drill into my head hehe!

I try, I try. Although, I bet Tri's probably better at the drilling than I am LOL But I definitely found myself "acting out" Nick and Autumn's expressions and what they'd say and their facial expressions even (the last one I didn't realize I did until I caught myself LOL) as I wrote, especially the last three chapters of the story. I think it helped my writing definitely because I got to convey just the right amount of emotions for them, especially their BIG showdown scene in the last chapter.  I guess writing fanfic must certainly be like writing a screenplay for a movie...I'm sure those writers stare at themselves in the mirror, trying to picture how they want the characters to appear. If it works for them, then it definitely can work for us, too!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 20, 2007, 09:08:21 PM
Yeah Tri is AWESOME at drilling things into my head. She's by far one of my best betas ever! And personally a really close friend so it's good that I can go to her for an honest opinion about my story. And I act it out too. To the point where I'll blast music in my room and literally act out the dialogue between the characters. I'm weird yes but oh well it works for me apparently LOL.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 21, 2007, 12:03:21 AM
Yeah Tri is AWESOME at drilling things into my head. She's by far one of my best betas ever! And personally a really close friend so it's good that I can go to her for an honest opinion about my story. And I act it out too. To the point where I'll blast music in my room and literally act out the dialogue between the characters. I'm weird yes but oh well it works for me apparently LOL.

*blushes*  Aww, shucks...  Thanks, Teri.  I always tell you that you deserve all of the recognition in the world because you do!  I'm glad other people are saying it now so I don't have to get my pom-poms out!  I'm sorry that I haven't understood everything lately like I usually do, but I'm getting it now.  And it's going to be great.  For the characters and their relationship.  I truly believe that now.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 21, 2007, 01:15:09 AM
And updated!!!!!! Chapter 24 is up!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 21, 2007, 10:19:19 AM
And updated!!!!!! Chapter 24 is up!

And it is A-MAZ-ING.  lol.  Dude, I don't like to admit when I'm wrong.  (So I'm not going to. LOL)  But I am gonna say that you totally won me over to what you're doing with that last chapter.  I can't wait till you wake up so I can gush about it!!  ;D
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 21, 2007, 04:14:09 PM
*blushes* awww shucks hehe I worked really hard on that chapter, it was so rough to get it all out. and 25 is just as emotional but it's working out quite well i think
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: julilly on November 21, 2007, 09:23:45 PM
I got misty and I'm not a getting misty kind of person! lol Now you've got me all emotional!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 21, 2007, 11:00:13 PM
awww julia!!! well if it makes u feel any better through writing the last five chapters, i cried uncontrollably while writing all of them. lots of inner demons coming out
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 22, 2007, 05:08:30 AM
I really have to say this because I was presented with some conflicting ideas about beta-reading and my work and I just would like to get things off my chest. Thank you to my betas, for all your help in developing my ideas into what you see on AC. I had all the basic ideas and plotpoints and character development in my head and discussing it all with you the past year or so (some shorter and more recent like Tri but none the less still extremely important) sometimes it's so helpful for me to just spout off ideas and go on random tangents for hours at a time just to organize my thoughts and that's what I truly appreciate about my betas.

And as far as feedback from them goes I love hearing their opinions on my ideas and my work even though I may have my own ideas of where my story should go, I still value your opinions especially when they stray from the stock "oo it's good!" monicker.

I guess what I'm saying is thank you for your help, though I would have been able to get the same result without your beta-ing, it would have taken me much longer to do so, and for some things that have come from having betas (like awesome character development brainstorms) it's been able to help my characters really grow and evolve into almost real people in my mind and the minds of at least a few of my readers that I've spoken to.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 22, 2007, 06:38:21 AM
Aww that was sweet. I feel the same way about mine :)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 22, 2007, 10:22:23 AM
Sweetie, I LOVE reading your story and I find it a total honor to be one of your betas.  Okay, so forgive me while I go a little "after school special" on you.  I approach reading your story like it's classic literature and I love dissecting every little part of it literarily.  I know that I've said it repeatedly, but I'm going to say it again.  You're extremely talented.  Your characters are stunning, your plots are well-developed - SO well thought out (I can ask you what Ali and Nick talked about on such a such a date and you KNOW!), and it shows how much you love your characters through your writing.  I love that you're finally getting recognized for your work because I know it's been a long time coming.  You know that I don't read much fan fiction so the whole idea that I can read yours completely without skimming, enjoy analyzing it, and then love beta reading for you is really unique.  And it's simply because of your talent and the way you approach it.

Beta reading for you hasn't been difficult because through the time that I have been, we've been getting closer and closer.  I think that through our character development exercises, we've gotten to know each other because we put ourselves into our characters.  We work issues out in our writing.  If you understand Nick and Trina in HDL, you understand me, and I feel as if it is the same with Nick and Ali in NI.  While other things are happening outside of our friendship - minor disagreements, interference from other people, and various other stress from family/school/work - we've managed to get closer.  You can call it a "freaky twin thing" (which is SO is because it's CREEPY how much we're alike sometimes), but whatever it is, I'm glad that we both managed to find it because I think we're really good for each other.  I hope that, while I in no way take credit for your ideas, I help get you excited about writing.  I know that you get me excited about my work and that you've really helped develop my ideas and my characters.  I only hope I can help you in the way you've helped me.

I'm not going to sit here and talk about what beta-reading your story has done for me because I can't really explain it fully.  I know that I've found an amazing beta reader that fully understands me, respects me, and values what I have to say.  And I have never been able to open up like I open up to you with have anyone else (as far as our literature AND as far as life in general).  I'm aware that this connection doesn't take place with everyone and that's why it's even more special.  It's not the type of thing you can force.  I can't fake excitement for things and it wouldn't be fair if I did.  We're really close now and I love it.  Because, throughout all of this, I've found a best friend.  To me, a best friend should be everything that you are to me.  You honestly just make me happier and you make me believe in myself and my decisions.  I love knowing that there's someone else on this earth that can actually understand me.  And I really hope that when you've expressed the same type of thing, you were being honest.  I've never had a completely mutually friendship and I love that I've seemed to have found it with you. 

I don't want to say that any of my reviewers or the betas that I've had have been any less important than you are because everyone has managed to influence me (whether positively or negatively), but our connection is definitely once in a lifetime in all aspects.  I appreciate you so much and I love hearing what you think about my writing because I adore yours so much. 

I couldn't have thought of a better time to say this, but here we are on Thanksgiving.  And when I think of all of the things and the people that I'm thankful for, you come at the top of the list this year.  And I hope it'll continue on like that for many years to come!  (Next year, we're gonna be roomies at this time!!!  :))
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 22, 2007, 12:45:12 PM
^ WOW! See this is WHY I talk to you Tri. You made me feel about 100 times better than last night, urgh I was just so upset dealing with so many things. And it's actually given me quite a bit of inspiration for chapter 26, and how though Ali just had a breakdown, it's not the end of emotional rollercoaster
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 22, 2007, 02:24:56 PM
^ WOW! See this is WHY I talk to you Tri. You made me feel about 100 times better than last night, urgh I was just so upset dealing with so many things. And it's actually given me quite a bit of inspiration for chapter 26, and how though Ali just had a breakdown, it's not the end of emotional rollercoaster

I'm glad I could make you feel better!  It was all true, honey.  And hooray for working things out in your writing.  I can't wait to see how it turns out...
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 22, 2007, 09:38:26 PM
wow so much love in here I just want to hug something. :)

Very awesome!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 22, 2007, 11:33:35 PM
yeah i've needed it lately with everything going on in my life it's been nuts! to say the least and i'm glad i have people like tri in my life to help me through it and really see things in a real perspective. That and it's helping my writing immensely.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 23, 2007, 12:06:17 PM
Aww, I'm glad to have you in my life, too, hun!  :D  I think we're great for each other AND for our writing.  So yay!

(Did I mention I'm really giggly this morning?)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 23, 2007, 05:42:39 PM
woo 26 is up! lol and november's almost over *boooo!* lol i'll have to go back to updating in my own thread LOL!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 23, 2007, 06:15:11 PM
woo 26 is up! lol and november's almost over *boooo!* lol i'll have to go back to updating in my own thread LOL!

Dude, awesome chapter!  And I'm totally gonna miss this thread.  LOL.  I think we should start a new thread called "The Yoda & Obi-Wan Character Development Thread" and talk about characters and analyze them!  All are welcome.  :D
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 23, 2007, 06:22:47 PM
you know ladies this thread isn't going anywhere lol you can still use it after your month is over, it's just that your story won't be the featured one anymore, that's all. 
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 23, 2007, 06:51:58 PM
lol true. But usually I just move onto the next featured thread and focus on that new story lol i'm weird yes! lol. But I'm really happy right now, and will be oh so happy to see who gets featured next hehe. I'm sure everyone whose been featured can totally understand that it's MAJORLY inspiring. hell this month alone I've written I think about 10-15 chapters. soo it's really awesome. And yes we need to start that thread tri!
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 23, 2007, 06:58:57 PM
lol true. But usually I just move onto the next featured thread and focus on that new story lol i'm weird yes! lol. But I'm really happy right now, and will be oh so happy to see who gets featured next hehe. I'm sure everyone whose been featured can totally understand that it's MAJORLY inspiring. hell this month alone I've written I think about 10-15 chapters. soo it's really awesome. And yes we need to start that thread tri!

I totally think we should start the thread, too!  I mean, we could discuss our characters how we do on IM and maybe help other people dissect their characters like we do!  It could be a lot of fun.  People could form little cohorts with their betas and they could analyze their characters like we do for each other.  Not to sound cocky, but I think we've really helped each other with our writing because of how in-depth we talk about our stuff!!  :D  And it'd be great to spread that motivation and excitement to other writers through an open forum.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 25, 2007, 10:54:28 AM
I've decided I'm seriously on a roll lately geez, I'm already on chapter 29!! I hope to finish it up tonight after I get back from work (grrr if they don't make me stay which I'm not allowed to according to my doctor)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 26, 2007, 05:39:12 PM
Well as we head into the home stretch for this one, is there anyone else who has any questions for Teri? Or thoughts about this series?

I'm so happy to see you on a roll with your updates Teri, that's excellent!

Another question for you

I know you had a lot of anxiety about one of the most recent chapters you have posted, are there any other pivitol huge defining chapters coming up that have you a little worried?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 26, 2007, 08:03:59 PM
OOH! that's a good question. And yes these next few chapters are pivotal too. I'm most concerned with the realism of it all. Yeah they may be getting better but it's not gonna be a quick recovery period. And that's the hard part.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 29, 2007, 09:43:42 PM
Okay, so I'm a huge dork, but your month is almost up and I wanted to post this...  :D

(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b209/oldhabitsdiehard86/Yoda.jpg)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 29, 2007, 11:21:01 PM
If Nick and Ali were cereals, what types would they be and why?
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 30, 2007, 10:41:52 AM
LMAO! ummmm Nick would be cookie crisp cuz apparently it's his favorite and Alyssa would be fruit loops cuz she's sweet, colorful and a lil crazy LOL.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 30, 2007, 03:31:29 PM
If Nick and Ali were animals (wild, domesticated, fantastical, or extinct), which animals would they be?


...I allowed the options of extinct and fantastical so Nick could be a DoDo bird or a unicorn if you so chose.

Speaking of unicorns, Pat made me watch this yesterday... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQJD1ura7G4

LOL
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 30, 2007, 07:17:38 PM
LMAO, Nick would actually a boxer dog. He's loyal to a fault, always there and loving, playful and funny (yes boxers have a sense of humor) Alyssa hmmm...probabl y something like a cat cuz she has mood swings like a cat can lol.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Tri on November 30, 2007, 09:51:35 PM
If Nick and Ali were pieces of furniture, what kind of furniture would they be?

(Man, I should've been doing this every day this month.  LOL.)
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on November 30, 2007, 09:54:52 PM
LOL, hmmm Ali would be chaise lounge on the patio, comfy cuz you wanna sit and relax on it, yet at the same time it's slim and trim yet stylish. Nick...that comfy armchair or couch that you love to lay on or curl up with a good book cuz he's comfy looking! LMAO.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: mare on November 30, 2007, 11:30:17 PM
Hope you had a great time as featured story Teri :)

I enjoyed reading the comments in your thread.
Title: Re: Featured Story of the month for November 2007 - Somewhere I Belong by Teri
Post by: Teri on December 01, 2007, 06:34:31 AM
I did and yay happy december everyone!