I've upped the tech level a tiny bit for my alternate universe. I wanted a touch more fun stuff for my heroes and villains, though I have strictly dumbed down and limited the use of AI.

(This is a better world, after all 😁)

#FirstDraftFall #WeeknightWriters #HostageSituation #YA

Variance City is an alternate version of our world, with costumed heroes and villains who have Enhanced abilities.

The world is otherwise fairly comparable to ours.

#FirstDraftFall #WeeknightWriters #HostageSituation #YA

Caly compares herself to Trivia - both because he's her mentor and because he's proven successful without the backing of H.E.L., a rogue villain.

He's become a substitute father, and she wants to gain his approval.

#AwesomeCharacters #HostageSituation #YA

I think this shows how twisted I am, but I can't wait to start diving in to my villains scenes. 😈

They are such a monster, and I love every little twist and turn of their life.

#FirstDraftFall #WeeknightWriters #HostageSituation #YA

I usually DO have multiple POV characters in my novels, but this is an exception.

Caly is the only voice. However, due to her ability, she experiences a variety of POVs. (So I kind of kept to my usual pattern 😂)

#FirstDraftFall #WeeknightWriters #HostageSituation #YA

Caly is results-focused almost to the point of being blind - a major issue as the story goes along.

But I deliberately made her an antihero, so that makes sense. 😋

#AwesomeCharacters #HostageSituation #YA

I finished one character bio which equated to six pages of writing. Plus the start of the next one.

After this week, I need a break, so no plans to do more than rest this weekend.

#FirstDraftFall #WeeknightWriters #HostageSituation #YA

Caly feels nothing but contempt for her life.

Her fathers are dead. The Hostage Agreement is corrupt (though no one acknowledges it). And she has equal hatred for the villains and heroes responsible.

She's ready to break everything.

#FirstDraftFall #WeeknightWriters #HostageSituation #YA

Since her Enhanced ability awakened, Caly's been slipping away to learn burglary and stealth from Trivia. He's the one who suggested the creation of her alterego, Parody.

#LGBTQWriteAThon #HostageSituation #YA

An unseen presence stalks the streets of Variance City, claiming innocent lives. Only one person stands in its way. But is she the answer? Or merely a pawn of the monster?

#QueerPrompts #HostageSituation #YA

Caly is partial to her Parody costume: leggings, a tunic with a split tail in the back and an obi belt, and a masked cowl with a deep hood to disguise her face. All in fabrics that shift colors in the light

(I might be partial to it, too 😋)

#LGBTQWriteAThon #HostageSituation #YA

Caly wears her fathers' wedding bands on a chain around her neck.

It's her way to always keep them close, whether she's in costume or not.

#AwesomeCharacters #HostageSituation #YA

Caly lives with the other Rejects in an Underground (metaphorical and literal) safe house.

She works as a bakery assistant for a shop that funnels information to the Underground (and makes a wickedly good eclair).

At least until Testing Day.

#FirstDraftFall #WeeknightWriters #HostageSituation #YA

Downburst is a lesbian. Though she's a member of H.E.L., she does her best to keep her partner a secret.

#QueerPrompts #HostageSituation #YA

Caly would choose option 3 as that's her preferred hangout in Variance City.

Not only usually better food, but it means she doesn't have to worry about anyone spying on her or overhearing her conversations.

#AwesomeCharacters #HostageSituation #YA

Caly grew up in a quiet district of the city, "conveniently" located in the heart of the Underground.

Her fathers were both on the Roster, which meant every other year, they went into the raffle. When she was 12, they died the same night.

#FirstDraftFall #WeeknightWriters #HostageSituation #YA

A little.

Caly struggles to connect inner and outer beauty because of her ability to become someone else. And dealing direct with the H.E.L. members means she has to rethink how she perceives people.

Definitely can't judge the "book by the cover."

#QueerPrompts #HostageSituation #YA

Caly has two plans with carefully plotted stages: the Rejects' plan and her own revenge.

Neither goes according to plan, though, and she's not that great at improvising on the fly.

#AwesomeCharacters #HostageSituation #YA

Caly (also known as Parody) is sixteen - old enough to have her name pulled for Testing to be listed on the Roster.

Both of her fathers died due to their listing - one in front of her. That's what fully triggered her ability to activate.

#FirstDraftFall #HostageSituation #YA

Does a mentor qualify as a coach?

Trivia not only helps Caly understand her Enhanced ability, he walks her through creating her alter-ego of Parody. As he's unaffiliated with either H.E.L. or V.O.W., he's perfect for helping her stay "neutral."

#QueerPrompts #HostageSituation #YA