Cha

Let me know if I can help in any way.

@TaniHanes Thank you. Reading and music are cathartic for me. They certainly helped me cope this past year. I turned to old friends (fave books, physical ones) to help me find relief. For a while they didn't do as much as music had but eventually the tears subsided. You can imagine me bawling my eyes out anytime there was a mention of death in any book so yeah, it wasn't really that much helpful. LOL. At least now I can laugh again, though I feel any character's pain more acutely whenever there's death in the family. Thank you for your message, I appreciate it. I wasn't sure anyone will reply since I was away for a bit. ☺

I’m so sorry for your loss, and I hope reading brings you some measure of relief from your pain.

@xpiperx no thanks needed but you are quite welcome. i enjoy your stories so it's only right to show my appreciation. :)

HEY BACK! You are most welcome ;)

@maeve484 Well you were~ It's from Fate/Zero if you may recall. xP

@12Anne16
            
            :O wow, never thought I was remotely anywhere near correct. lol. good to know my memory is still working (not very specific, mind you, but still... xD )

It's my pleasure. I haven't actually read it yet but I thought it sounded interesting. I love to read so thank you for writing. :)

@maeve484 
            
            Exactly. Forming bonds actually shows strength in the character most of the time instead of weakness. And with the character in the discussion, she forms bonds with a character of another race which her kind was taught to hate for centuries.
            That is is show of extraordinary strength in character. Not up for debate at all.
            
            I'm glad that we have an agreement here. ^ ^

@12Anne16 Having feelings and showing them is not a flaw for a human, it is natural in fact. Unless the character belongs to another species altogether (one that has no feelings as characteristic of her species/race) then I'd say she's referirng to a robot or a freak of [human] nature. I'd go so far to say that forming bonds is essential to calling a character strong. Having feelings and acting on them doesn't make you weak, it makes you human.

As it happens, when I had a discussion with that friend I wasn't talking as an author, but rather as a viewer of a film. We are discussing a female character in a recently released film.
            
            The unusualness of the discussion comes from the fact that we both agree that the "damsel in distress" isn't desirable, and the female character should have strength. You were on the dot with "also human" there, because that's precisely what I was arguing about.
            
            My friend thinks that in order to be a strong character, she should display no flaws or weaknesses. The flawlessness is definitely an issue, but that aside, I had a problem with what she called a weakness. Apparently forming bonds with a male character is a weakness. Apparently refusing a male character is strength. Apparently that first weakness mentioned there takes away from her later displays of strength, and I'm talking about defying authority for her belief and undermining a prejudice that has been in place for centuries. I admire that courage and can't accpet the fact that having a soft spot for someone automatically makes her ineligible to be considered a strong female character.
            
            THAT, I had a huge problem with.

that's seriously the best reply. ever. you're lovely <3

It's my pleasure. I haven't read any of your books yet, save for their synopses. Someone recommended you and so I checked your profile (and your works). So far, I liked what I've read so expect me to comment and vote when I do get to read them (and I mean seriously read them, like finish one book in one day xD). Thank you for writing. It gives bookworms like me a purpose, lol. <3

BACK AT YOU, MARVELOUS STORYTELLER. ;)
            
            Thank you for leaving me a message here. It's starting to look sad with not even one. xD 
            
            I wasn't kidding when I said I was captivated by the first sentence. I wanted to know their story so I kept on reading. Currently on chapter 48 as of this message. I know I said a day but I don't think I can finish it...my eyes won't let me. hahaha. But I'll certainly do so tomorrow, since I have no work and all. I try not to forget to vote every chapter (if I do I go back to check, heh), I know you deserve them all :)