|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2010 19:35:03 GMT -5
So every October I think to myself: Oh man NaNo's coming up next month. I should participate this time. And then I never do. This year will be different. For one thing, I actually signed up. Officially. And, for another, I happen to have an idea this time. Um. It was inspired by a rather chaotic dream I thought was cool at the time. I kept thinking about it, and thus ideas started to come, things started to stick together until I had something that resembled an idea. So, here I am. I still don't have much of a plot on mind, just a handful of scenes, so I'll have to work on that. I've got the setting and the characters down pat, though. So, yeah. Let's see where this takes me. 
"Imagine: you are standing in the center of a room. There are no doors or windows in the room, only mirrors. Mirrors, mirrors, mirrors. Mirrors reflecting upon mirrors. Can you imagine it? Staring into your eyes a thousand times over? Now, the size of the room is difficult to decipher, because of all the mirrors. Now, without moving, would you be able to tell where you are?"
"In the center of the room."
"But how do you know that?"
"Because you told me: I'm standing in the center of the room."
"Ah, so I did. But - with all the mirrors, how can you be sure? How can you be sure where you are standing in the middle, when the reflections themselves have their own middles?"
"Because they're only reflections. They're not real."
"But how do you know that? How do you know you are not the one that's the reflection?"
*
"What about you? What would you do, if you were standing in a room full of mirrors? How would you know whether you were real or not? How would you tell the difference between reality and the reflections?"
"That's easy. I walk, fingers outstretched in front of me, until I find glass. And then I break it. The mirror crumbles, and I escape."
"And what if you are just a reflection?"
"Well, then. I guess I shatter along with the glass."
*
"There are so many worlds out there. Many, many, many. You've seen them, I've seen them. So tell me - how can you look me in the eye and tell me this is the only place that's real?"
*
There are many worlds out there. But only one is the center of it all.
They call it The Mirror, and they think it's ironic. Their little joke. After all, as far as they're concerned, it's the only world, the only real one. All the others are just reflections.
The citizens of The Mirror are the only ones who know of the existence of other worlds. The other worlds may theorize on the existence of multiple dimensions, but that's all they can do. Theorize. They have no way of accessing other worlds, traveling between the panes.
The Mirrordwellers do. However, they don't travel between worlds as much as they used to. Why? They just don't care anymore. As far as they're concerned, the Mirror is the only place worth living. That's why it's the center, the only real world. It has all the good qualities of the imitation worlds, and none of the negative. The Mirror is perfect. Magic and technology and wonder and beauty and and and - everything.
Why would anyone want to visit any other place, when they have paradise, here at their doorstep?
More later. I have all these ideas in my head, but I'm having difficulty putting it down into words. x) Basically: this will be a fantasy novel, and it will involve a lot of traveling between worlds. (Although it will mainly be two: Earth and The Mirror.) There will be magic and steampunk and rebellions and dorky magical teenagers who are too busy being awesome and stuff to realize how in love they are. Yeeeah. It's going to be great. |
|
|
|
Post by Shadaras on Oct 9, 2010 19:40:59 GMT -5
...lord of all heavens, this sounds awesome. Mirrors and reflections and all sorts of awesome things. =D Cannot wait to see more of this. ^_^
|
|
|
|
Post by Kathleen on Oct 9, 2010 19:42:19 GMT -5
Congrats on doing NaNo for the first time! =D I hope you love it as much as I did and come back and do it again, and again, and again, and...
This sounds fantastic. =D Reminds me of, well, lots of things, but the book Mirrormask by Neil Gaimain (even though, if I remember correctly, it didn't have so much to do with mirrors? D=).
With mirrors, and worlds, and steampunk, and magic, and rebellions, where can you possibly go wrong? =D You must post little bits so's I can stalk and read them. =D
|
|
|
|
Post by Zylaa on Oct 9, 2010 20:36:07 GMT -5
Ahhh this sounds wonderful. The opening exchange sounds pretty awesome from the side of the interrogated person-- I love the last line. "Well, then. I guess I shatter along with the glass."
Also I absolutely adore the descriptor "dorky magical teenagers who are too busy being awesome and stuff to realize how in love they are."
|
|
|
|
Post by Rikku on Oct 9, 2010 22:12:01 GMT -5
... This sounds so pretty. ^__^ Reflections and images and what-world-is-real. I agree with everything everyone else has said!
|
|
|
|
Post by Jayeee on Oct 9, 2010 23:17:02 GMT -5
I can only echo what everybody else has posted already! Sounds like an awesome, and very unique idea! I can't wait to read through more of your updates.
EDIT: Also, you join Friday and I in the ranks of NaNo first-timers. Go us! =D
|
|
|
|
Post by Amneiger on Oct 10, 2010 4:09:01 GMT -5
Magic worlds that connect to other world with one central world that's rather full of itself reminds me of Myst. xD Except that the other worlds in Myst aren't really mirrors. Random guess: the Mirror has all of the good stuff from the other universes and can also travel to each of them because they're the collective mirror for all of those worlds, and it turns out that they're a mirror that only reflects good things.  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2010 20:59:49 GMT -5
Thanks Shade. =D <3 Thanks Kathkitty. n__n I'm having fun with it so far. This is the first time I've seriously considered tackling a story this size... so if it continues like this then I'll definitely be coming back next year. =D Yay I has stalker! I'll be sure to post little bits here and there.  Aww thank you Zyzy. ^__^ I love reading about dorky teenagers who are totally oblivious to their INTENSE FEELINGS RE: ONE ANOTHER so I figured I might get a kick out of writing it. x) Thankies Rikku~ Thanks Jay. : D Yay fellow NaNo first timer! =D I hope we all have an epic experience this year~ I have never read Myst so I hope my prompt isn't something coincidently familiar? xD; Maybe, maybe not. I think I'm going to go down the route where each character has a different opinion on what's a reflection and what's a mirror, but never give a definite answer, and then let the reader decide who they want to believe. * Awww you guys. <33 Hearing you tell me all these things fills my soul with warm fuzzies a plenty, and makes me anticipate NaNo even more. ^___^ Why I never attempted this before I have no idea.
Now that I've decided to dwell into the details, I've realized that anything I might explain might be confusing if I don't introduce the ~*~ HEROES OF THE STORY ~*~ first.
the girl.
Sinder Malhoney
Fifteen and fearless, Sinder never really completed her "rebellious teenager" stage and seems to enjoy being openly defiant. She is of the tall, scrawny and pale variety, with freckles and dark, narrow eyes. She has beautiful hair (long, blond, feathery) that just makes you want to run your fingers through it and give her a bazillion ponytails and the like - but touch it and you will suffer. Despite her tomboyish attitude, Sinder is very vain when it comes to her hair.
You must never ever under any circumstances call her Sindy. Never. Unless you're looking for a deathwish. No one can get away with calling her that. ... unless you're her mom ... or her granny ... or one of her cheeky siblings ... or an adorably cousin ... or Pria (because really Pria can get away with anything) ... or you're Catch and she's feeling particularly lenient that day.
Sinder is aloof, or likes to think she is. She can be witty and charming, although she's not always as fascinating as she likes to think she is. A constant sceptic, she isn't easily fooled. She's usually the first to catch onto a lie or ruse, and is quick to act accordingly. (Sinder is a very good actress.) However, despite being quite observant, she is terrible when it comes to thinking ahead. And, unfortunately for Sindy, her Indy Ploys could use some work, as they have a tendency of failing quite terribly. Her short temper and impatience only add to the fire. She's more of a "live for the moment", "go with the flow" type of person, and her recklessness would cost her dearly if she didn't have Catch there to bail her out.
She wears her persona like a mask, hoping the distance will keep her from hurting and getting hurt. It doesn't work as well as she'd like it to. While it's quite difficult to gain her trust, once you do, you'll have it for life. She tries to keep everyone at an arms distance, but she'll do anything to protect the people she cares about. Her friends and family are the only things keeping her from leaving The Mirror altogether.
Sinder doesn't like The Mirror. She doesn't like the world or the attitude of its inhabitants. She considers herself something of a wayfarer, and travels between worlds as often as possible to avoid returning to The Mirror. She's particularly fond of Earth. Or, rather, she's fond of the cinema, something that doesn't exist in The Mirror. Sindy is addicted movies, and although she's quick to tell everyone its the big budget action movies that she enjoys, we all know the sappy chick flicks are her favorites.
Magic is not Sinder's thing. Guns are Sinder's thing. Since target practice for Sinder usually involves zombie shootout games in movie theatre lobbies, she often brings along a mechanical sword for backup. You know, just in case.
the guy.
Thomas "Catch" Walker
Catch is our endearing orphan. He's a typical blueblood: blue eyes, dark hair, pale skin. He's shorter than Sinder, and wears hightop shoes to cover for it. (He's sensitive about his height.) Catch likes hats and is constantly wearing hats. (He has very messy hair.) He also likes dressing sharp - tailored suits and the like. (Sinder thinks his wardrobe is ridiculous. Catch wrote a list titled '100 Ways A Tie Can Be Useful And Why One Should Always Wear A Tie So A Tie Will Be There When The Situation Requires It' to justify his clothes. Whatever. Sinder still thinks it's ridiculous.)
His foster mother is a gossiping maid who serves the Blue Queen, so he's grown up knowing everything and everyone.
He's the thinker of the duo, the one that comes up with the plans that save Sinder's skin and all, but despite that he is kind of a dork. He's not good at reading people, is somewhat naive, and thus is easily manipulated. (Often by Sinder, although she does so with a good heart.) He's a terrible liar, and because he doesn't lie, he is quick to believe that anyone says as he doesn't believe they would dare deceive him. He is rich in knowledge, poor in common sense.
Catch is quite honest, but can be quite blunt in his delivery of the truth. He is cheerful and optimistic, but tends to take things a little too personally. He's quite shy, and has a tendency to ramble when he gets nervous.
Catch is a dreamer, an idealist. He sees the best in everyone, and has trouble seeing the faults in people. He's trying to find a way to bridge the gap between the Red and the Blue Republics, but never tells anyone this, because he's afraid they'll tell him it can't be done. He is easily distracted by things like butterflies and changing traffic lights, and spaces out a lot. Sinder hates this, not only because it makes him less alert in battle, but his on-the-moon state prompts him to spout philosophical/inane questions that she finds annoying.
Catch is a magician of sorts. He calls himself a puppetmaster, and his ability consists of making things "come alive". He can animate statues and use them as temporary soldiers. He can also tear objects out of photographs, if needed, although such an act takes a great deal of effort.
In a place as vibrant with magic as The Mirror, sometimes magic has a tendency to escape. Monsters, too. Now, this can make things tricky, if magic escapes into a world where magic isn't supposed to exist. The Mirror cannot have other worlds getting wrapped in a sticky web of magic, or risk letting other worlds clue into the fact that they are not alone, so they often send mercenaries to deal with the renegade magic. Once, these mercenaries were called "exorcists", "demonslayers", "saviors", and they were privileged warriors. They were held in high-esteem by many, looked up to, some even called them heroes. Nowadays, the legendary warriors aren't really interested in fixing other worlds problems, despite said problems originating from The Mirror itself.
Since the arrival of technology, the use of magic and weaponry has become more widespread, and the majority of Mirrordwellers are trained in some sort of art, instead of just a select few. That being said, the mercenaries have more or less become bored kids with nothing better to do, eager for a little adrenaline rush, or a quick bag of cash.
Sinder and Catch are such mercenaries, although their motives differ from the pack. Sinder enjoys playing dragonslayer because such an activity has become frowned upon, and it gives her an excuse to visit places other than The Mirror. Catch accompanies for noble, old-fashioned - and in Sinder's honest opinion - boring reasons; he genuinely wants to help the people threatened by the runaway magic. (That and he's worried Sinder will do something stupid and dangerous if he isn't there. Dangerous, perhaps. Catch doesn't really aid her in the stupid department.)
/will introduce the side characters later
|
|
|
|
Post by Rikku on Oct 12, 2010 21:41:02 GMT -5
=D They sound awesome! I particularly like Catch, he has a cool name and awkwardness and suits, really what is not to like.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chao on Oct 13, 2010 13:56:52 GMT -5
Mirrors? Makes me wonder if every world including The Mirror will also have a reflection world...
Sounds wonderfully twisted and versatile.
And while currently I can relate better to Sinder, I simply adore Catch for the Tie-List ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2010 20:24:04 GMT -5
Mirrors? Makes me wonder if every world including The Mirror will also have a reflection world... Sounds wonderfully twisted and versatile. And while currently I can relate better to Sinder, I simply adore Catch for the Tie-List ;D Thank you. ^____^ Catch is big on writing lists. One day he hopes to publish a book about all the lists he's made. =D They sound awesome! I particularly like Catch, he has a cool name and awkwardness and suits, really what is not to like. It took me a while to characterize Catch in a way I found satisfying, so yay I am glad he is liked. =D So I totally stole this idea from a friend of mine. 1K Okay. You're allowed to take a break now. 5K Turn off the radio. You may now listen to your iPod. (MUSIC OF CHOICE!) Yay. 10K Crack the glowsticks! (Note: buy glowsticks.) 20K ICE CREAM. 25K DANCE AROUND THE ROOM BECAUSE YOU ARE HALF-WAY THERE! \o/ AND THEN HAVE A SUNDAE. 30K Relax. Unwind. Watch a movie! 40K Permission to buy that Broken Bells album = GRANTED! 50K SATISFACTION. BRAGGING RIGHTS. GO BUY YOURSELF SOMETHING NICE. LIKE A BOOK OR SOMETHING. IDK. I need to find something better for 20k/25k/30k. I am open to suggestions.
- write setting list (places are very important)
- complete character list
- explain "politics" of the mirrorworld
- think about making an outline
- come up with a better title (mirroir is tentative) |
|
|
|
Post by Sq on Oct 22, 2010 20:53:43 GMT -5
Ice cream SUNDAE. Your story sounds very cool. good luck with it~ |
|
|
|
Post by Chao on Oct 23, 2010 5:49:11 GMT -5
For 25k or 30k allow yourself to watch your favourite movie on DVD ^^
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2010 20:16:11 GMT -5
Ice cream SUNDAE. Your story sounds very cool. good luck with it~ Mmm. Sundaes. Thanks Squieshy. ^__^ I'll need it. <3 For 25k or 30k allow yourself to watch your favourite movie on DVD ^^ Ooh, that's a good one. Thanks. =D *adds* *
more like messy notes version yay.
In the good old days, the Mirror used to be governed by a monarchy called the Republic. (I'm quite aware of the contradiction, but that's still what they called it.) The Republic was pretty fair for a monarchy. You know, The Mirror being utopia and all. (The Republic is always governed by a queen, not king.) The Republic treated its citizens well, gently, just, and thus the people of The Mirror had no reason to revolt.
Those were also the days where traveling between worlds was a common thing. Everyone use to travel, back then. Not just to fight escaped beasties and calm runaway magic. They travelled for the thrill of it. The adventure. Then, the travelers started bringing things back. Not just souvenirs, but wildlife, magic, customs, languages, art... Bit by bit, The Mirror started to change, losing its original culture to become something superior, a collection of the only the best.
And then the other worlds started to invent technology. And the travelers brought that back to The Mirror. And while The Mirror was already changing, already changed... the technology is what many consider the true cataclysm.
Tensions began to arise between those who embraced the new additions to The Mirror, and those who preferred The Mirror to remain as it was. Even the seemingly incorruptible Republic was not immune to the debate.
So, the Republic imposed a ban on bringing things into The Mirror. (You cannot perfect perfection.)
So it split in two.
The Blue Republic is the original Republic. They believe in magic and the old ways, although what the old ways are exactly no one seems to know. (The culture-mixing had been happening long before the introduction of technology. It's just that the Blues found the machines sacrilegious, and only opposed the 'souveniring', as it came to be called, when the travelers brought in the technology.) Bluebloods, as they are called, all seem to share similar traits: tall, pale-skinned, dark hair and blue eyes. They live in the old kingdom - an impenetrable mountain fortress. They are very adept with magic.
The Red Republic are the radicals, those that embrace the introduction of technology. They only got their hands on the early technology, and after the ban weren't allowed to bring anything knew in, so they advanced on their own - a novelty for The Mirror, a paradise built with stolen things. (Blackmarkets sprung up like wildfires. For the most part, The Red Republic ignores them. As long as they don't draw attention to themselves, remain clandestine, it is fine. It is only when the Blue Republic becomes aware The desert dwelling Red Republic is the machine's paradise, a sprawling steampunk city. They're trying to find a way to bring electricity into The Mirror. So far all attempts have failed.
The Red Republic is multicultural, while the Blue Republic is rather close-knit (oh the gossip circles, small-town mindset, the neighbors know everything) and close-minded.
Some people want the Republics to come back together again. There's more people that don't want that to happen. (There's a prince that leads a revolution, but disappears because of it.) The Mirror has become a shadowy place, although it still pretends its the peaceful, idealistic world it's always been.
People smile, say everything's okay, but in whispers they say: war is coming. Rebellion is coming. Revolution is coming. The only question is who will throw the first stone.
Um. Stuff. I feel like I'm forgetting something but I don't really know what it is right now. Soyeah.
|
|
|
|
Post by Yuka on Oct 29, 2010 15:32:22 GMT -5
I <3 this idea, it sounds really fascinating.
I don't know what I'd do in a room full of mirrors, I think I'd be scared to break the glass. :<
Good luck with this!
|
|
