Tag: london

Writing

Passport please

Alexandra Diane

What countries do you want to visit?

If I had all the money in the world and an unlimited amount of PTO so I could take vacations throughout the year and come back to work, oh the places I would go.

Scotland in the fall to experience the stunning autumn highlands wrapped in luxurious sweaters without breaking a sweat. Portugal in the spring, to dine on delicious seafood and amazing wine. I would love to drink Ginjinha while walking down the streets weaving in and out of the stunning architecture. Eventually I would love to explore Germany, although I’m unsure about the ideal time of year would be. I’d steer clear of October, there will be far too many drunk than I care to interact with. Summers would be saved for Ireland, so when it’s raining, cold, and chilly, there’s at least a bit of warmth. While I have been to London, I want to explore all of England. I have read so much about the history that I feel like I have already explored most of the country in my head.

It would be a dream to venture off to Tortosa, Spain. During the second week of July, the town recreates its Renaissance history. Neighborhoods fly their respective banners and colors while the town folk dress in lavish period costumes. The streets and storefronts are decorated with flaming torches and banner. Over 3,000 people partake in the 16th century extravaganza. Even restaurants prepare period recipes. Street performers do their best to encourage everyone to participate in the party.

But once I’m done with Europe and exploring all the castles in history that I have read about throughout my lifetime, I think I want to stay State side.

Our country is rich with history. Each state feels like their own country with different people and different ways of living. Most states of their own unique stores and food that you wouldn’t find over state lines. I can drive across my state of Florida and end up in different towns that are nothing like my own. I used to crave leaving the United States, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to appreciate what’s around me.

So hand me a passport or just some magical job with freedom and an unlimited traveling budget.

Lent

Day 14: Reworking the summary of Ravenmaster

Alexandra Diane

In the bustling city of London, phantoms haunt Maggie. She navigates a life filled with the dead. Maggie encounters the ghost of Anne Boleyn at the Tower of London. Together, they explore her hidden royal ancestry. Suspense builds as she grapples with a phantom encounter on the underground, finding solace in the unexpected company of her crush, Liam.

The budding couple strolls through the snowy city, reminiscing about their past. When they arrive at Liam’s townhouse, Maggie meets Liam’s mother, Eleanor, who is preparing Christmas dinner. Maggie discusses her unique path to becoming the Ravenmaster at the White Tower. During the car ride to midnight mass, Liam and Eleanor’s playful banter and teasing fill Maggie with a happiness that has been missing. As they head to a church, the romantic tension between Maggie and Liam unfolds. Maggie struggles to hold herself together during a church service, with Liam by her side. As a demonic being attacks her, and a spectral dispute unfolds, leaving Maggie in a perilous state. She must endure the chaos while navigating her own spiritual battle.

Liam’s troublesome brother, John, joins the joyful chaos as they gather for Christmas dinner. The family dynamics are playful as Eleanor pokes fun at both her adult sons. Even Anne Boleyn makes an appearance, as Liam’s French bulldog steals the spotlight. During the family dinner, amusing and embarrassing stories are revealed while everyone enjoys a delicious meal and plenty of wine. That is until a sinister figure appears in Liam’s garden.

Maggie and Liam encounter the corpse of a goblin; the chilling moment forces Maggie to reveal to Liam her ability to see and speak with ghosts. As they hide the body, a tower raven perches on the roof. Anne appears once more, revealing that the ravens are there to protect Maggie. The situation escalates, and Anne commands them to go to the tower.

In this thrilling and eventful tale, Maggie and Liam experience a series of unexpected and eerie events. Maggie tries to understand her feelings for Liam while also dealing with the supernatural and her own secrets.

In a harrowing journey to the Tower of London, Maggie and Liam encounter a string of supernatural events, ravens, a minotaur, and other demonic creatures. With the help of a phantom RAF Sergeant, they engage in a perilous protection spell. Maggie’s resilience is tested as she grapples with the repercussions of the spell.

Amidst a supernatural battle, a desperate plea is answered as Maggie and Liam invoke powerful forces. An intense struggle ensues with a minotaur, leading to a destructive blaze. Leaving the survivors in a hauntingly desolate setting.

Pick up  Ravenmaster: Book One in the Paranormal Defense series on Amazon

Lent

Day 3: Ravenmaster Plot work

Alexandra Diane
  • What is the incident that starts the journey? 

The Paranormal agencies use stone dolmens as portals to travel the world. As time has gone on mother nature and humans have destroyed or damaged the dolmens. The natural wear and tear on the dolmens has caused some malfunction and sends agents to the wrong location or to the Obsidian Realm. Agents from all over the world are being lost and trapped in the Obsidian Realm. Only those with Fae blood can return from the Obsidian Realm. The PDM decided that instead of losing more seasoned agents; they were going to send in green agents on what seems like a suicide mission. Once again, Agent Ansley seeks the help of Maggie and Liam. This time, they actually know they are being used by the agency. However, Caroline, Maggie’s sister, brokered a deal with Ansley. If they survive the mission, Ansley releases them and they can leave for America with Caroline. 

The Obsidian Realm is where The Morrgan was banished by Odin, the god of war and of the dead. In retaliation of being banished, The Morrgan’s have caused the Dolmens to be corrupted before in the past. Transporting the Picts and Vikings to the Obsidian Realm, feeding the Morrgan’s need for blood and battle. The vikings that have died in the Obsidian Realm cannot enter Valhalla. But since the portals have opened again, Badb has been released. She is relishing in the war that covers the earth. Odin wants his souls and Badb wants blood.

Badb delivers a prophecy that calls for the end of the world. 

Summer without blossoms,
Cattle will be without milk,

Women without modesty,
Men without valour.
Conquests without a king…

Woods without mast.
Sea without produce…

False judgements of old men.
False precedents of lawyers,

Every man
a betrayer.

Every son a reaver.
The son will go to the bed of his father,

The father
will go to the bed of his son.

Each his brother’s brother-in-law.
He will not seek any woman outside his house…

  • Magic: is it hidden? How does it affect humans? Who has it? Rules? Laws? How much do the MCs understand it? How much do the readers know?

The readers learn as Maggie and Liam discover more about the magical world. 

On earth, magical beings walk side by side with the humans. However, the humans are unaware of how much magic is in their world. The Paranormal Defence Agencies are spread throughout the world and, in contrast to other government agencies, collaborate to maintain and control the narrative. If you exhibit any sort of powers, you become an agent. You are allowed to have side gigs. However, the agency documents all magical beings and requires them to work in some capacity if they would like to maintain their freedom. There are some that live off the grid in isolated and secluded areas. IE BigFoot lore.  The only magical creatures not a part of any agency are the Fae, they are unable to be controlled and don’t trust the government.

Humans presidents, kings, queens, and even dictators have all collectively decided that the knowledge of such magical beings should never be revealed. Only top level scientists even know of their existence. 

The Obsidian Realm is where The Morrgan was banished by Odin, the god of war and of the dead, They are three sisters, Badb, Macha, and Nemain.

Macha – Goddess of land, fertility, kingship, war, and horses

Nemain – Goddess who personifies the frenzied havoc of war. 

Badb – Goddess of war. She takes the form of a raven or crow. Known as the battle crow. She causes confusion and fear among the soldiers to move the battle in favor of her side. She may appear prior to battle to foreshadow carnage to come or predict a notable death. Battle fields are called “The gardens of Badb.” She is known as rage, fury, or violence.