The Naughty List Tag

Happy holidays, everyone! I thought I'd have a little fun and do Jenna Moreci's Naughty List writing tag. Thought of doing a video but I don't have time to edit it and get it up before Christmas. Maybe next year.

There are 3 rules for this tag.
1) You must use your current work in progress manuscript
2) Don't use a character more than twice
3) Provide a description of your story before the tag.

As I'm bouncing between 2 stories in the same series, I'm bending the rule slightly and using both if the questions apply. The first project is New Witch on Campus, the second book in my Witches of Coolersville series, currently editing. And I'm writing the 3rd book as yet untitled.
New Witch on Campus takes place at the start of a new school year. Tara and Marissa head off to Continental College for their freshman year. But, it's not all easy. People are going missing and, when one of those people is someone the girls care about, they have to get help from some unlikely allies otherwise the world is screwed.
My untitled story is right before Halloween and focuses on Marissa. Tara goes back home to visit her family. Marissa and Michael decide to take a bike ride in the park. When, suddenly, they're pulled into a fantasy realm that I haven't named yet. 😇 They have to find their way home. Marissa also has to hide the fact that she's a witch because magic is illegal and there's a kind of witch hunt hysteria going on.

So, let's get on with the tag!

1) Which character would get wasted and end up humping the Christmas tree?
This has to be Henry, Tara’s boyfriend. While he isn't of age yet, he is in a band and they make a point of seeking out the places that don't card very well or not at all. He thinks this is a great idea and he's so cool. But, he becomes a bumbling ass hole when he drinks, especially when he drinks bourbon which is his favorite.

2) Which character deserves to get the crap beaten out of them by Krampus?
This is an easy one. Abigail Tillman. She makes her first of many appearances in New Witch and I already hate her. She's the daughter of a really rich man who basically runs half the town, and is on the college board of directors. She’s had everything handed to her and has become an entitled little snot bag. She has grown up with Marissa and Henry and it's her life's mission to make Marissa’s life hell. She needs a swift kick in the ass.

3) Which character is the Grinch this year?
I'm gonna go with Lord Boris Fitzpatrick. He is a high ranking noble and the King's brother in the unnamed realm in book 3. He's the one implementing all the laws against magic. And, people are not happy about it. He'd ban all festivities in the Kingdom if he could.

4) Which character would try to get a little too friendly while sitting on Santa's lap?
Definitely Lilia Moon. While she and her husband have a very loving and loyal relationship, it hasn't always been this way. When you're together for almost 200 years, things tend to head south once in a while. And, there have been times in the past where they've separated. And, Lilia is a woman with strong passions and urges that need to be satisfied. And, she did. Although, not without some consequences by spurned lovers when she reconciled with Darien.

5) Who would your antagonist most like to tongue under the mistletoe?
Well, I haven't gotten that far into book 3 for an antagonist. And the one in book 2 is complicated and psycho, so I'll have to say Darien Moon. Now, again, he worships his wife. But, he's also a nut job and a bit of an ass hole. So, I think he'd get a little bit too frisky with either Tara or Marissa, hell maybe even Gran, just to get under their skin and freak them out a bit and then go back to Lilia and laugh at their expense.

6) Which character would accidentally tip the Menorah and light the house on fire?
Not gonna lie, Tara. Yes, she's my MC for a lot of this series. And, she's becoming a powerful witch. But, she's also human. And she's always been incredibly clumsy. The girl trips over her own feet... a lot.

7) Which character is most likely to bring magic brownies to the party?
Gonna have to say the lead singer in Henry’s band. He's a trouble maker. Doesn't have a huge role yet in the series but he is mentioned in New Witch. He's the one who seeks out all the clubs that allow under age drinking. He smokes, and not always cigarettes. He'd probably bring them just for himself but then, once good and buzzed, he'd offer them to people.

8) Which character is most likely to ring in the new year naked? And why the hell are they naked anyway?
My first reuse of this tag. And, that would be Lilia and Darien Moon. Why? Because they'd spend the night screwing like bunnies. It's how they celebrate New Years... and their anniversary... and birthdays... And... You get the point.

9) Which character is kidding themselves by insisting they belong on the nice list?
I have to go with Abigail again. Because I really can't think of anyone else who would fit it. Sorry. I know. Cop out answer. But, it's true.

10) Which character would your readers be shocked to find on the naught list?
Gran. Yeah, she's a sweet old lady and everyone loves her. But, she was a hell raiser at one point in her youth. I haven't developed that story yet and I really want to write a story about it one day. But, I want to get more into the stories with Tara and Marissa first.

So, that's the Naughty List Tag. I'm going to tag Sandy Windham to do this on her blog. And, anyone else who wants to do it either on their blog, social media, or YouTube channel.

Hope everyone has a very happy holiday, whatever it is you celebrate. Here's to a fantastic 2017 and I'll post again soon.

Bye!

Advice For Last Minute Holiday Shoppers

Let's change up the color of the text to get a little festive. It's that time! The week before Christmas. The time when people get together to celebrate the holidays with their family and friends. A time to reflect on the past year and hope for better in the new.

Unfortunately...

It is also a time that brings out the worst in people. I recently read a story about a woman in Tennessee who was beaten up by an older man because he was too impatient to wait for her to use her coupons. He became very belligerent and then grabbed the woman by the hair and smacked her face against her cart. He then took off without his groceries. So, really, it was his loss.

I know there's a week left before the holidays. I know tensions are high. But, that's no reason to get nasty with other people. Also, the weather is crap. At least where I live. So, that brings out the worst in people on the road. My fiancé and I made a stop near the mall on the way to his work party and people were just being really stupid. It was rainy and there was one car zipping through traffic without headlights on! What even! That's just asking for trouble. So, here are some tips if you still have to go out and shop for the coming festivities. Then, things won't be so stressful and you'll be able to enjoy the holidays without any problems.

1. Plan accordingly. This means for the weather and the crowds. And, the week before Christmas, there will be plenty of crowds. If the weather is slick, leave a little earlier to get to your destination. Be careful on the road and drive at a safe pace. Not all cities are the greatest when it comes to keeping up with plowing their roads so just keep that in mind while driving. When you get to your shopping destination, be prepared to walk for a while. The malls and shopping centers will likely be packed so finding that prime spot near the door probably won't happen.
2. Make it fun and go with a group. If you have a few friends or family members who are also last minute, make a day of it. Meet up or car pool to the mall together. They can give you ideas if you're stuck on something for someone on your list. Also, I find shopping with a group is fun anyway. Especially if it's someone you don't get to see very often.
3. Be patient. I've mentioned this in last year's holiday rant. Many stores, especially small places in the mall, have limits on how many people can work. Only so many registers and some workers become crowd control so no one gets stupid or tries to steal stuff. If they have employees under 18, there are limits on the number of hours they can work. There is no control over what they stock or when it's delivered. There's a reason people start shopping in September. They know they can get stuff. But, if you really have to go last minute, be prepared to have a plan B item for your list.
4. Maybe wait til after Christmas. If there are people on your gift list you're not going to see until after New Year, for example, maybe don't worry about them until after Christmas. Take care of who you know you're going to see Christmas Eve or Christmas Day or Hanukah, and then save up your funds again for afterward. You might find a bargain on those gifts, too, because there are some great post-holiday sales during this time. Your friends will never know.
5. When in doubt, gift cards. Some people are ridiculously hard to buy for. So, find a gift card to a store or restaurant they like and, boom, present! Some may argue this is a copout method but I disagree. My future father-in-law is impossible to buy for. But, I know he loves Bob Evans. So, I give him $25 for Bob Evans and he's a happy camper. I'm asking for gift cards myself this year. Trying to save for the wedding but I am in dire need of some new clothes. So, I asked for gift cards so I can go shopping for some cute clothes for events coming up in 2017, like my bridal shower.

So, those are a few tips to keep your sanity and holiday spirit in the coming days. I hope everyone is safe and happy during this time of celebration. Whatever holiday you celebrate, let it be a blessed one with family and friends. And here's to 2017 being the best year yet.