Oh look, I've actually done a Teaser Tuesday on time this week. ;-) I got a couple requests for more Ash, sooooo...
More Ash it is.
The crowd dispersed, slinking, stomping, or gliding from the throne room. I hesitated, trying to catch Ash's gaze, wondering if I was included in this conversation. After all, I knew about the Iron Fey, too. But the Winter prince gave me a bored, hostile glare and narrowed his eyes.
"Didn't you hear the queen, half-breed?" he asked coldly, and my heart contracted into a tiny ball.
That's this week's, now show me yours. :)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Sims3: First Love and First Kisses
Life continues in the lives of The Sims.
Ethan is no longer an infant but a toddler. He loves his big sister, Meghan.
And Meghan often spends time with him when her parents are busy.
Rowan continues to be a thorn in everybody's side.
Ash is not amused. And Rowan has declared him his nemesis as well as Puck, so will continue to make trouble for them both.
And Sage has a girlfriend now; a young lady named Emerald Greenwood.
And, finally...
Ash and Meghan had their first date. After a sunset picnic on the beach...
they talked for awhile.
And, as night fell, the talk grew more serious...
Until...
FIRST KISS.
And love blooms for the first time between the young Sims. Will it last? Will a certain redhead get in the way? Who knows? Only time will tell...
Ethan is no longer an infant but a toddler. He loves his big sister, Meghan.
And Meghan often spends time with him when her parents are busy.
Rowan continues to be a thorn in everybody's side.
Ash is not amused. And Rowan has declared him his nemesis as well as Puck, so will continue to make trouble for them both.
And Sage has a girlfriend now; a young lady named Emerald Greenwood.
And, finally...
Ash and Meghan had their first date. After a sunset picnic on the beach...
they talked for awhile.
And, as night fell, the talk grew more serious...
Until...
FIRST KISS.
And love blooms for the first time between the young Sims. Will it last? Will a certain redhead get in the way? Who knows? Only time will tell...
Friday, July 16, 2010
So long, farewell...
So, today I sent off my FINAL final proofs (Also known as AAs or Author Alterations in the publishing world) of THE IRON QUEEN to my wonderful editor. And, it hit me: The trilogy is done. Completed. Finis.
For me, Meghan's story has come to an end.
Its a bittersweet feeling, to be sure. On the one hand, I'm proud that I've written the best story I could at the time. That I've taken the characters from their humble beginnings, watched them grow and change, and finally face the destiny that couldn't end any other way. Completing the story arc is unbelievably satisfying, and I'm content with where I left Meghan. I can walk away knowing her journey is done.
For now. Because even though I'm glad the story is finished, I'm a little sad, too. Its almost like watching your kids grow up and leave for collage; you've spent years with them, getting to know them, watching them struggle and fail and triumph, and then you have to let them go and let them make it on their own. And even though I'll move on to a new series and get to know a whole new cast, Meghan and co. will always be special because they were my first, the first to get published and the first to venture into the world on their own.
Perhaps, someday I will return to their world and get to know them all over again, because quite frankly, I'm not quite ready to say goodbye.
For me, Meghan's story has come to an end.
Its a bittersweet feeling, to be sure. On the one hand, I'm proud that I've written the best story I could at the time. That I've taken the characters from their humble beginnings, watched them grow and change, and finally face the destiny that couldn't end any other way. Completing the story arc is unbelievably satisfying, and I'm content with where I left Meghan. I can walk away knowing her journey is done.
For now. Because even though I'm glad the story is finished, I'm a little sad, too. Its almost like watching your kids grow up and leave for collage; you've spent years with them, getting to know them, watching them struggle and fail and triumph, and then you have to let them go and let them make it on their own. And even though I'll move on to a new series and get to know a whole new cast, Meghan and co. will always be special because they were my first, the first to get published and the first to venture into the world on their own.
Perhaps, someday I will return to their world and get to know them all over again, because quite frankly, I'm not quite ready to say goodbye.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sims3: The gangs' all here
This will be a long post, so bear with me.
Well, the boys' birthdays came and went without any fanfare or parties, so everyone is a teenager, now. Here's a picture of the gang (minus Meghan), with Sage, Ash, Rowan, and Puck in the background.
Meghan and Puck are still best friends
Meghan and Ash have done a bit of flirting
And Ash and Puck are still good friends, too
Though they still act like teenagers sometimes.
Rowan has been his usual mean self
And Puck, true to form, isn't taking it
Of course this...
leads to another fight...
with Rowan taking his revenge.
Only this time, Ash steps in to stand up for his friend. (Check out the look on Puck's face. If that's not smug, I don't know what is.)
Rowan backs off, for now.
Except, this leads to a fight between him and Ash later that night.
Ah, brothers. So, here is a question for everyone who likes these crazy Sims posts. What (or who) would you like to see more of? Should I keep doing what I'm doing now, or is there something else I can show? More town, more houses, more Puck/Ash/Meg? What are your thoughts?
Check back next time for the continued, complex life of the Sims.
Well, the boys' birthdays came and went without any fanfare or parties, so everyone is a teenager, now. Here's a picture of the gang (minus Meghan), with Sage, Ash, Rowan, and Puck in the background.
Meghan and Puck are still best friends
Meghan and Ash have done a bit of flirting
And Ash and Puck are still good friends, too
Though they still act like teenagers sometimes.
Rowan has been his usual mean self
And Puck, true to form, isn't taking it
Of course this...
leads to another fight...
with Rowan taking his revenge.
Only this time, Ash steps in to stand up for his friend. (Check out the look on Puck's face. If that's not smug, I don't know what is.)
Rowan backs off, for now.
Except, this leads to a fight between him and Ash later that night.
Ah, brothers. So, here is a question for everyone who likes these crazy Sims posts. What (or who) would you like to see more of? Should I keep doing what I'm doing now, or is there something else I can show? More town, more houses, more Puck/Ash/Meg? What are your thoughts?
Check back next time for the continued, complex life of the Sims.
Teaser Tuesday (on a Wednesday)
Apologies for the late Iron Daughter teaser. Tuesdays have become hard for me because of Kung Fu class, but I shall try to keep up with it. Anyway, on to today's (slightly tardy) teaser...
"You saw what he did." Puck met my eyes, beseeching. "You saw what he IS now. I don't think I can fight him without holding back. If he attacks you again--"
*Evil laughter* Okay, that's it. Now its your turn. What's your favorite quote of the week?
"You saw what he did." Puck met my eyes, beseeching. "You saw what he IS now. I don't think I can fight him without holding back. If he attacks you again--"
*Evil laughter* Okay, that's it. Now its your turn. What's your favorite quote of the week?
Monday, July 12, 2010
Animals in fiction
-
Toto.
The Cheshire Cat.
The Black Stallion.
Heart's Blood.
What do all these have in common? 1.) They're all secondary characters in a novel, and 2.) they're all animals.
Furry, feathered, finned, or scaly creatures have been a popular device in many, many stories. From dogs and cats to wolves and horses, from dragons and snakes to bears, birds, even dolphins--animal cohorts have been loyal companions and guides for the hero since the dawn of story.
Animal as secondary characters play many roles in fiction. Let's examine a few of the popular examples:
The Loyal Companion (Most dogs, horses, and wolves): The loyal companion loves the hero completely and without reservation. He isn't there for his own gain or because he's being forced; he's there because he wouldn't be anywhere else. The unwavering loyalty of dogs and wolves make them popular loyal companions, and horses often fall into this category, too. They ask for nothing, and defend their person whenever they can, even at the cost of their own life.
The Mysterious One (Almost all cats): These animal cohorts are more aloof and independent then the Loyal Companion, keeping their own council and company. They are crafty and intelligent, and their motives are usually murky and unclear. Cats are almost always portrayed as mysterious creatures who think they are smarter then the hero, and are usually right.
The Bonded (Lyra's Daemon, the dragons of Pern, horses, wolves, cats): These creatures have some supernatural connection with their "chosen someone," allowing them to sense their emotions, hear their thoughts, share magic, and more. The bond is usually extremely powerful, overshadowing the pair's entire life, and if one partner dies the other usually pines away or perishes as well.
The Trickster (Small dogs, monkeys, foxes, rodents, birds, ferrets, ect.): These animal cohorts are usually too small to provide anything but comic relief and handy ways to escape seemingly impossible situations. Locked up in a jail cell? Send your feisty terrier to grab the key. Need to swipe something unseen? Your monkey can do that easily, or at least provide a useful distraction. Careful though, because small cute trickster cohorts often meet tragic ends, to show off their extreme loyalty and to pull at reader heartstrings. (Hedwig, anyone?)
The Protector (Dragons, bears, wolves, large cats): Large, powerful, noble creatures who are there to guard and protect the hero fall into this category. Sometimes, they can overlap into the Bonded category, as well, but all have the ability to fight alongside the hero, and often save him from untimely death on more then one occasion. Though, like the Trickster, sometimes they lose their own life to ensure the hero escapes safely, though they are always noble and self-sacrificing about it.
The Familiar (Cats, small furry creatures, tiny dragons): Similar to the Bonded, Familiars have a chosen someone, and might even be able to hear their thoughts and feel their emotions, but they are primarily there to assist the hero in magic. Sometimes teachers, sometimes assistants, Familiars are usually very knowledgeable in their craft, and when things blow up or go wrong, it is almost always the human's fault.
That's all I can think of right now. Who are some of you favorite animal companions in books and movies? And if you could have an animal cohort, what would you choose?
Toto.
The Cheshire Cat.
The Black Stallion.
Heart's Blood.
What do all these have in common? 1.) They're all secondary characters in a novel, and 2.) they're all animals.
Furry, feathered, finned, or scaly creatures have been a popular device in many, many stories. From dogs and cats to wolves and horses, from dragons and snakes to bears, birds, even dolphins--animal cohorts have been loyal companions and guides for the hero since the dawn of story.
Animal as secondary characters play many roles in fiction. Let's examine a few of the popular examples:
The Loyal Companion (Most dogs, horses, and wolves): The loyal companion loves the hero completely and without reservation. He isn't there for his own gain or because he's being forced; he's there because he wouldn't be anywhere else. The unwavering loyalty of dogs and wolves make them popular loyal companions, and horses often fall into this category, too. They ask for nothing, and defend their person whenever they can, even at the cost of their own life.
The Mysterious One (Almost all cats): These animal cohorts are more aloof and independent then the Loyal Companion, keeping their own council and company. They are crafty and intelligent, and their motives are usually murky and unclear. Cats are almost always portrayed as mysterious creatures who think they are smarter then the hero, and are usually right.
The Bonded (Lyra's Daemon, the dragons of Pern, horses, wolves, cats): These creatures have some supernatural connection with their "chosen someone," allowing them to sense their emotions, hear their thoughts, share magic, and more. The bond is usually extremely powerful, overshadowing the pair's entire life, and if one partner dies the other usually pines away or perishes as well.
The Trickster (Small dogs, monkeys, foxes, rodents, birds, ferrets, ect.): These animal cohorts are usually too small to provide anything but comic relief and handy ways to escape seemingly impossible situations. Locked up in a jail cell? Send your feisty terrier to grab the key. Need to swipe something unseen? Your monkey can do that easily, or at least provide a useful distraction. Careful though, because small cute trickster cohorts often meet tragic ends, to show off their extreme loyalty and to pull at reader heartstrings. (Hedwig, anyone?)
The Protector (Dragons, bears, wolves, large cats): Large, powerful, noble creatures who are there to guard and protect the hero fall into this category. Sometimes, they can overlap into the Bonded category, as well, but all have the ability to fight alongside the hero, and often save him from untimely death on more then one occasion. Though, like the Trickster, sometimes they lose their own life to ensure the hero escapes safely, though they are always noble and self-sacrificing about it.
The Familiar (Cats, small furry creatures, tiny dragons): Similar to the Bonded, Familiars have a chosen someone, and might even be able to hear their thoughts and feel their emotions, but they are primarily there to assist the hero in magic. Sometimes teachers, sometimes assistants, Familiars are usually very knowledgeable in their craft, and when things blow up or go wrong, it is almost always the human's fault.
That's all I can think of right now. Who are some of you favorite animal companions in books and movies? And if you could have an animal cohort, what would you choose?
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Happy Birthday Erica
Today is someone's birthday!
That someone is ERICA of The Bookcellar! HAAAAAAAAAAAPY BIRTHDAY, ERICA! *GLOMPS*
And, because it is your birthday (and because someone suggested I do this, glares at Nicole), I will give you a certain dark-haired faery prince for the day. (Do not tell me he is already yours, I do not accept that. :P )
Just return him by tomorrow, or I will send the killer unicorns after you. ;-)
Also, I now leave you with several pretty pictures, so you can look at them and sigh happy sighs. :)
That someone is ERICA of The Bookcellar! HAAAAAAAAAAAPY BIRTHDAY, ERICA! *GLOMPS*
And, because it is your birthday (and because someone suggested I do this, glares at Nicole), I will give you a certain dark-haired faery prince for the day. (Do not tell me he is already yours, I do not accept that. :P )
Just return him by tomorrow, or I will send the killer unicorns after you. ;-)
Also, I now leave you with several pretty pictures, so you can look at them and sigh happy sighs. :)
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