It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these.

To be honest, it’s been a while since I’ve gotten a book idea that grew into a potential novel. But here it is, the plot bunny that quickly grew past the bunny stage. It is now my plot cow. Meet When the Stars Align…

The Cover

Quick disclaimer: I am by no means a cover designer. I just do this for fun.

The cover doesn’t quite give off any sci-fi/futuristic vibes. But the story is a very light sci-fi, so that doesn’t bother me too much.

The Blurb

(note: probably not the final blurb)

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“You’re nothing. That’s why everyone will leave you.”

For Sora, the only thing constant in her life is the stars. Every night they return to keep her company. They don’t judge her for crying herself to sleep or covering every inch of her room with art or painting stars on her cheeks.

But Sora dreams. Every night she dreams, hopes that somewhere under the canopy of lights she has a family somewhere. Parents who will love her for being her. Every night brings the comfort of the stars’ company, but also the cold loneliness.

So Sora combats the ache with her art. Giving away her canvases, decorating drab buildings, selling her pieces. But it draws attention from government that wants the people subdued, not hopeful because of a girl’s sketches. When her art gets her in deeper trouble, she’s saved by the mysterious resistance group and brought to safety. With them, she meets Ruka, the mother of Taro, the hardened boy who saved her. Ruka is everything Sora dreamed a mother should be. Maybe her dream will come true.

But her hopeful joy is replaced by gripping fear. Is she good enough to be accepted into a family? Or will she be left alone once again, confirming those biting words that have haunted her for years? “You’re nothing. That’s why everyone will leave you.”

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The Characters

AHH my favorite part! I had so much fun creating these character aesthetics. They’re probably my favorites over all the ones I’ve made…

sora otami

Our adorable protagonist. The most INFP that ever INFPed. She loves night skies, dreaming, and letting her imagination loose through her many art forms. This soft 16-year-old Japanese-American is an orphan and longs for a loving family in contrast to her rough past.

taro kono

Grumpy boi (buy maybe soft on the inside??). This 20-year-old resistance fighter is just as hard as the dystopian city this story is set in. But he may or may not have his own artistic flair (but he’d never admit it).

ruka kono

Loving mother to Taro. I’ve never had a parent as a major side character before, so this’ll be interesting. But so far I’m really enjoying developing her character. She’s warm and kind and gentle and will do anything to help others and make them feel better (but sometimes neglects the grief in her own soul).

Q&A

Q: What’s the genre?

A: Light sci-fi (/fururistic)

Q: How did you come up with the concept?

A: It’s hard to say exactly what sparked this idea, but I’ve always wanted to write a story that was more poetic and artistic and deep, and I feel that’s what this story is. I just got this image of a girl with short blue hair with an obsession with the night skies and stars painted on her cheeks. Thus Sora was born, and her story just unfolded from there.

Q: “Blank” meets “blank”?

A: Ooh, I’m not sure… I’ll have to think about that one…

Q: How much do you have planned?

A: I’m currently in the outlining stage. I’ve just finished setting out the plot points, and now I’m working on scene outlines.

Q: Give a brief definition of your favorite character.

A: See Sora above. 😉

Q: What’s your favorite scene so far?

A: The particular scene I have in mind would be kinda spoilery, so let’s just say it’s a scene that changes Sora’s life forever. 😉

Q: What inspired it?

A: Maybe my want to write a character that reflects some of my own INFP/artistic side? XD

Q: Who is your favorite character?

A: See Sora above again.

Q: What family themes do you hope to write?

A: I want to include some themes of adoption, but also touch on the importance of art and self-worth.

Q: Any romance?

A: Not as of yet. 😉

Q: Why did you call it When the Stars Align?

A: Because there’s a moment (that favorite scene I was hinting at) that the protagonist feels like the stars have aligned for her in that special moment. And it just fits because her love of stars is a big part of this story.

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So that’s my plot cow! Though maybe I should stop calling it a plot cow because it’s actually a WIP now. But I’m super excited about this story and can’t wait to see how it’ll grow. If you want to get a look at all my works-in-progress, just hop over here. And if you want more updates about what I’m working on, join the club here. 🙂

Who’s your favorite character of When the Stars Align?