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If you know me, you know I’m very particular about what I consider exceptional media. Blue-Eyed Samurai, Blood of My Monster, and NF have all made my curated list and I’d love to dive a bit deeper into why. Perhaps you might even find yourself inspired.

A Plot I Couldn’t Predict 

Wow, what an amazing feeling to finally be immersed in a story I couldn’t predict.

Normally, books, movies, and TV shows have set beats following certain patterns. Blue-Eyed Samurai began with a typical revenge plot, but became very convoluted very quickly.

The writers created dissonance between potential endings. Taigen and Akemi were lovers torn apart by circumstance. Mizu and Taigen became reluctant allies. On one hand the tension between Mizu and Taigen was enticing, but if they end up together where is Akemi’s happy ending?

All three of their paths continuously crossed and the immediate stakes kept changing. Not to mention the violence and sexual scenes added depth to these characters.

The “pure” princess used sex to gain power and control her fate. Mizu killed and maimed in the most grotesque ways but agreed to a dual with Taigen because of honor.

This story has made me reevaluate my own process. How can I complicate the plot, not by adding elements for complication’s sake, but how can I take two separate storylines and weave them together? Two happy endings cannot be true at the same time unless the characters grow and what will make them happy changes as the story goes on. I love that concept and hopefully I’ll be able to create something using it soon.

Action is Addicting 

Blood of My Monster by Rina Kent is a dark mafia romance that was really unique. I’ve read so many books that they blur together. Not this one.

Sasha is undercover in the Russian military trying to find the official responsible for killing her family. She’s safer presenting as a boy, since her remaining family still has enemies. She ends up following her captain to New York and becomes one of his guards as he reenters his life in the mafia.

And you know what? I love Sasha. She tries to advance in the Russian military despite her physical disadvantage. She disobeys her uncle’s wishes and goes to New York to follow a lead. She fights for Kirill and supports the romance that blooms between them.

At every turn, she makes strides in her own life.

 

There’s still danger. There’s still tension. But Kirill lets Sasha be her own person while also managing to protect her. I cannot express how impactful it was to read a mafia series where the couple worked as a team (for the most part haha they had some mishaps along the way).

Enemies to lovers has its place, but a power couple holds down the house.

Humble Beginnings

Everyone starts somewhere, and I was lucky enough to know NF before he blew up. He’s been such an inspiration as a creator.

From the beginning, NF has been real with his journey, his emotions, his reactions, and his dreams. His earlier music comes from such raw transparency. And now? Now he’s selling out stadiums and he’s still honest about his insecurities.

No matter where my writing takes me, I want to strive to have that open relationship with my community. I want to be able to yap about my projects, dive into creative endeavors, and voice my concerns.

One day I hope someone will get that little giddy feeling in their heart knowing they knew Arquie before everyone else.

Chat soon, 

-Arquie