Eilis O'Neal's Blog, page 10

Book and Reading Report 2010

With one year finished and the new one just beginning, it's time to look back over my reading for 2010. It breaks down like this:

76 books read, broken down into the following categories:
(Though I have to say that trying to figure out which category some books fall into is tough, especially with paranormal and fantasy. I can't say that I have a strict dividing line on that, just more of a gut feeling. I tried to imagine what I would call it if recommending the book to someone, but those two categories in particular are a bit fluid.)

Fantasy: 22
YA Fantasy: 23
YA Science Fiction: 13
Paranormal: 5
YA Paranormal: 5
Short Fantasy Collections: 3
Nonfiction: 2
YA (non-genre): 2
Science Fiction: 1

Of those, re-reads account for 24 books.

Which compares to 2009 like this:

90 books read

YA Fantasy: 31
Fantasy: 14
Nonfiction: 13
YA Science Fiction: 7
Science Fiction: 6
YA Paranormal: 6
YA (non-genre): 5
YA Short Fantasy Collections: 3
Paranormal: 3
Short Fantasy Collections: 2

Re-Reads: 20

So, down a bit in total number of books read. Not quite sure why, except that this has been a rockier year than some. Some serious family medical issues, job stress, etc. So maybe I came home at night and did a little more of what many Americans do: sat down in front of the TV instead of reading. Not sure exactly.

In terms of categories, fantasy and YA fantasy lead the way, as I would have expected. It's interesting to me that nonfiction, which was third in 2009, was also non-existent in 2010. Also, YA science fiction got a bump up, while regular science fiction went down to almost nothing.

So, those are the numbers. But what books that I read this year did I like best? (I'm only going to list books that were new to me here, rather than favorite re-reads.)

Shalador's Lady by Anne Bishop. A continuation in her Black Jewels world, which I love. And a new main character who is great, even if my husband does kind of want to marry her. Older, darker fantasy.

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore. Dolamore did a great job with the tone of this book, which is set in Victorian England-like world. Throw in magical and clockwork men, and you have a winner.

Ash by Malinda Lo. At the very top of the list. I loved this retelling of “Cinderella”, which reminded me of Robin McKinley's Beauty. Can't wait for Huntress, which is set in the same world, to come out.

Naamah's Curse by Jacqueline Carey. The middle volume of Carey's latest trilogy. I love how she manages to get her characters all over the world, experiencing all sorts of world cultures twisted into a fantasy setting. Also more adult fantasy.

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher. I loved Fisher's blending of technology and old-world feel as she went between the prison setting of Incarceron and the outside world. Can't wait to read the sequel that is just now out!

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Though it seems like the final Hunger Games book divided some people, I came down firmly on the “this was an awesome, harrowing book, and the only way to end the series” end of the spectrum. Was really pleased with it.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. I actually liked this new series better than the Mortal Instruments, with its Victorian England setting.

Pegasus by Robin McKinley. One of McKinley's best recent books for me, which is saying a lot, seeing as she hasn't written a book I don't like.

Plain Kate by Erin Bow. Really liked this debut novel, which has a quiet feel than many, and a very original world.

Soulless by Gail Carriger. I was a bit behind the times with this Victorian paranormal series, seeing as the third book is already out, but I really got sucked in. It's funny, sexy, historical, steampunky, suspenseful—just about everything.

So those were my favorite new reads this last year. I'm always looking for more books, though, so what were yours?

 

Contest Winners

The points have been dallied and the names put in my steampunk tophat. And the winners of my first ever contest are . . .

breakdownslowly

and

auroraceleste

Congratulations to both of you! I'll get the books mailed out as soon as I can.

Thanks so much to everyone who entered and helped spread the word about the contest. Since the TFP release day is drawing closer, I'll probably have another contest or two here in the upcoming weeks. I have a few more ARCs to give away, and maybe even some other cool stuff of a magical or princess-y persuasion. So check back!

Sqeeee!

So, with Christmas and all, I didn't get around to posting this on the day it happened. But I got an early Christmas present on the 23rd. Like, the best, most awesome Christmas present ever. And since a picture is worth a thousand words:



15 finished copies of The False Princess on my doorstep! Insert happy/crazy laughing, smiling, sqeeing, hugging. A lot of it. I mean, whatever you're thinking, more than that.

They are so fabulous. So beautiful--the shininess of the title and the color of the actual book and just everything. And real. Really real. I'm not the kind of person who normally gets teary over happy things, but I did over this. It just felt so fantastic to finally hold my book in my hands. And to show the dedication to my mom, dad, and Matt, because I hadn't told them what it said yet.

And, best of all, I was at my parents' house, one of my best friends who now lives out of town in tow, when Matt called to tell me that the boxes had arrived.  So we took a field trip down to our house so that everyone could be there when I opened the boxes. The funny part is that it was freezing, because the heater had gone out the day before, and there was all this clanking from the heater repair men working outside. Randomly, we even had flowers to arrange them around (from my boss, who got them and hates gladiolas).



So, there was much rejoicing. Seriously, I'm so excited about this, and about the fact that it will be out in the world in less than a month.

And also about the fact that even the last minute, late November correction that I found made it in. Noisy to nosy. Page 162. It's there.

False Princess Launch Party!

Another brick just got laid in the “oh-my-gosh-my-book-is-actually-coming-out-for-real” wall.  Because there will officially be a launch party for The False Princess!

Booksmart Tulsa and the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa will host the event at Harwelden at 7:00 p.m. on January 25th. For those who don’t live in Tulsa, Harwelden is this big oil baron mansion, and basically where I wanted to live from the age of 13 (when my aunt and uncle got married there) to, well, now. The only more appropriate local for a TFP launch party would have been an actual castle, but, to my everlasting sadness, we’re a bit short on those in Oklahoma.

Seriously, though, I’m super excited about this. Over the last few weeks, more and more little things keep happening that make the This Is Really Real bells in my head go off. Bloggers posting that they’re looking forward to the book, small reviews coming out, word from my agent that he’d gotten his finished copies and mine ought to be on the way soon. But this has made a big churchbell of Really Real go off.

So, if you’re nearby, mark your calendar! We’ll have some food, a bit of reading from the book, a signing, and who knows what else, but, mostly, a whole lot of fun.  I really hope to see you there!

The False Princess Launch Party
January 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Harwelden Mansion
2210 S. Main St. in Tulsa, OK

World Domination, or, a Contest

It’s the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year. Obviously, this means it is the perfect day to start my quest for World Domination.

Don't worry. When I’m in charge, schools and work will be closed on every one of those winter days when you just want to snuggle up with a blanket, a book, and hot chocolate. There will be no lines to wait in, ever. Chocolate will become one of the food groups. Firefly will be brought back. And there will be baby unicorns. Lots of them.

But to successfully take over the world, I need followers. (And minions, but that’s probably a ways down the line.) So if the future I propose sounds good to you, follow me on Twitter (@EilisONeal) or here on my blog.

Or, if baby unicorns just aren’t your style, follow me to win one of two signed ARCs of The False Princess.

Contest Rules:

You will get a point for each of the following, provided that you leave a comment on this post telling me about it:

1) Becoming a follower on Twitter (current followers just mention that you already were one).

2) Becoming a follower of this blog (current followers just mention that you already were one).

3) Tweeting about the contest or retweeting one of my contest tweets. (Please link to your tweet in your comment.)

4) Linking to the contest on your blog. (Please link to your contest mention in your comment.)

The contest will run until 11:59 p.m. CST on December 25th, and then I’ll tally up everyone’s points and pick the winners. (For each point, you get your name put in the hat once, for up to 4 points.) Remember, you must leave a comment to enter!

Happy Solstice!

From the Bookshelf

A few quick book recs:



Pegasus by Robin McKinley. Though I'll freely admit that Robin McKinley has never written a book I didn't like, I really liked Pegasus. As in, I'm threw a small fit in my computer chair when I realized that the second book isn't coming out until 2012. Pegasus was just a delight. I loved Sylvie and Ebon's friendship, her relationship with her parents, and her at times exasperation with what's expected of a princess. But what was most skillful is the way McKinley portrays the relationship of the humans and the pegasi, whose cultures are so different and who can't speak to each other without extreme difficulty. Also, though when I first heard that the pegasi have hands in her world I felt a bit leery of the idea, it really worked out and made them very different than just winged horses. And the cover is gorgeous--wish I could have it as a painting.



The Scorch Trials by James Dasher. This is the sequel to The Maze Runner, and I gobbled it down with the same speed I did the first book. Zombie-like terrors, desert crossings, mysteries within mysteries, deceit and betrayals--this book has a lot going on. But for such an action-packed book, I love how Dashner never skimps on the emotional resonence or his characters inner lives. Like the first one, this book ends on a cliff-hanger, so I can't wait for the third book and, hopefully, the secrets it will reveal about WICKED and its plans.



Plain Kate by Erin Bow. I'm writing this literally thirty minutes after finishing Plain Kate. And I have dinner to eat and a TU/OSU basketball game to get to, so that ought to tell you something. This book was really a pleasure to read. Quiet and understated, it introduces its world without a lot of flash and bang, but it doesn't need it. I loved Kate with her stubbornness and her practicalness. And I ending up reading about half of her cat Taggle's lines aloud to Matt or my office mates. Just the language itself is really lovely and often unexpected. I can't wait to see what Bow writes next.

So that's what I loved recently. How about you?

The Atlantean Irregulars*

So, I’ve bared my geeky gamer soul and professed my newfound love for role-playing. And now, because I might mention what’s going on in my game from time to time, I need to sooth the Virgo part of me that insists that things much be organized and labeled and neat. Watch and be amazed as I try to explain the basics of 13 months of role-playing a) in a manner that makes sense, b) without writing a novella, and c) without boring anyone to death.**

Taking a deep breath and crossing fingers.

So, the year is 1889, and the British have discovered a rift in space or time (no one’s quite sure) to Atlantis. In true “the sun never sets on the British empire even if it might not be our sun” fashion, they have established a colony in Atlantis, and having been shipping over military men, certain types of skilled workers, and folks with a tendency toward magic. Most of these people will live there forever, as return to Britain is allowed only for the highest classes.

Enter Lady Victoria Sterling-Drake, a noblewoman who’s been called into Atlantis to search for her uncle, an explorer/scholar named Sir Walter Graves who has mysteriously gone missing. The British government wants him found, and soon a group has formed around Victoria to help search for him. They include Dougal Smeaton, a Scottish engineer and former soldier who doesn’t believe in magic; the nervous and bookish Thomas Gentry, Victoria’s secretary; Dr. Gordon Travis, who turns out to be a German spy and villain and is soon replaced by Strago, an Atlantean hunter and scout (long story that mainly involves Matt’s astonishing ability to get us all to hate Dr. Travis with such a flaming passion that he had to be retired as a character. But we like Strago, and he’s more helpful, so it’s all good.); and, finally, my character, Amice Belden. Amice initially works for the Office of Occult studies in Atlantis, having been brought through the rift because of an inborn talent for magic—in her case, mainly black magic.

So, the group begins the search for Sir Graves, who was apparently looking for the Throne of Ultima Thul—a source of unending power—when he went missing. And in true role-playing fashion, the search has been populated with monsters, demons, cities of ghuuls in the desert, Hydra goddesses, underwater tombs, and more. A few highlights: Mr. Smeaton has managed to rescue an imprisoned Atlantean princess from a tower and, at long last, built a submersible to further the search for Sir Graves. Victoria has improved her shooting skills until she can kill nearly anything as long as she has a gun in hand, acquired a sabertooth tiger as a pet, and married an Atlantean nobleman. Strago managed to keep from being sacrificed by a rival mage who wanted to gain his power by eating his heart. Mr. Gentry has stopped cringing and gotten downright scary with dynamite, and I have a feeling he’s about to come out of his shell entirely. Amice struck a deal with the Hydra goddess to get the party out of the ghuul city alive, one that may come back to bite her.

And, most recently, Amice has learned that she’s descended from Dath, an evil wizard who, centuries ago, helped cause the cataclysm that sank part of the Atlantean island. In fact, after visiting his underwater tomb, she now has the black jewel that holds the remnants of his essence. And last night (gaming having been moved for scheduling conflicts), during a critical battle, she went entirely evil, turning on her friends and their allies and helping Valfar, a seriously dark wizard, kidnap Victoria. At the end of the game, she was flying away on Valfar's giant airborn worm, finally having given into the jewel’s whisperings about world domination . . . .

There’s more, of course, but trying to lay it all out would be exhausting and, frankly, odd, because no one’s as interested in your role-playing game as you are. But now at least I feel like I can talk about the game if the mood strikes. Which it probably will, because Amice is changing pretty quickly, and that’s taking up a lot of my brain space lately . . . .

*Otherwise entitled "In Which You Must Bear With Me While I Go Very Geeky and Tell You More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About My Wednesday Nights"

**Apologies to our ever-vigilant GM about any misspellings or otherwise incorrect information. But at least I didn't call anyone Mr. Fancy Pants or That Tattoo Guy.

Gaming + Me

A well-bred, psychic Victorian lady on a search for her missing uncle. A nearly-giant Scotsman who doesn’t believe in the magic being cast all around him. A nervous librarian with a secret in his past. A back-woods Atlantean hunter with magical powers. And a sorceress with black magic who recently learned she’s the descendant of one of the most evil wizards in history. Plus a giant sabertooth tiger, underwater cities, desert tombs filled with the undead, roving ships of Gorgons, a rift in space/time, mad cultists, and more demons than you can shake a stick at.

Question: What do these things have in common? Answer: They’re the people and places of my weekly role-playing game.

This game (not actually D&D, but a role-playing system put together from several sources by the gamemaster and his wife) is one of the high points of my week. I look forward to it, and pine for if it happens to get canceled or moved. I talk about the characters and story with Matt during our dog walks or dinner, and sometimes end up blurting out things about it to people who don’t care about role-playing games and don't really understand what I'm talking about—like Matt’s mom. Matt and I have written two parody songs about various characters, and we recently made a 3-D d10 cake for our one-year gaming anniversary. I have, in short, become a little obsessed. And you know what? It’s fun and geeky and great, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But my level of obsession is also kind of funny to me, because it took a while to get me to this point.

Now, what you have to understand about me is that, unlike most of the people gaming with us, I did not grow up a gamer. I’d never even heard of Dungeons and Dragons until I was seventeen. (Still, maybe I should have known then that gaming was in my future, because I still can vividly recall sitting outside the Tower of London with Rosalyn, a girl on the Student Ambassador trip I took to the UK and Ireland, listening to her trying to explain about this thing she did that involved dice and role-playing and fantasy.) But even with that awesome setting for my first intro to gaming, though, I didn’t think about it again until I met my future husband, who had grown up playing D&D with his dad and brother. As a girlfriend trying to impress her new boyfriend, I dutifully joined him in two or three role-playing sessions with friends . . . and ended up bored out of my skull, testing how high I could stack various polyhedral dice and wondering how long I until I could slyly claim a headache as a reason to leave. And then, having established that I Didn’t Like Role-playing, I went back to not thinking about it except for keeping an eye out for geeky gaming shirts to get Matt for Christmas.

Fast forward six years to us making a new set of friends. Friends who game on a weekly basis (and even more often for some of them). Friends who know that Matt used to game. Friends who are wrapping up a year-long campaign and who invite us to join them in their new game. So, of course, we join, Matt joining eagerly and me (because of my previous experiences) joining with a little trepidation.

And it was trepidation that wasn't entirely ill-conceived, because during the first game we played, my character didn’t really speak. Not unless asked a direct and not-very-complex question by another player. I felt overwhelmed—not quite sure of who this person I was supposed to be was in the first place and scared of saying something stupid. And it stayed that way for a couple of months, which meant that my character became someone who was kind of timid and nervous by accident, because I was feeling timid and nervous myself. For a while, I both looked forward to gaming (because I liked the story and listening to everyone else’s characters talk and do cool things) and dreaded it (because I might have to talk).

But then, finally, something clicked. I don’t remember the precise day that I stopped half-dreading our gaming session, or the day that I started feeling sad because it would be an entire week until we could game again. Maybe it was getting cooler and cooler spells, or actually killing a chimera in a daring and self-endangering fashion. Maybe it was realizing that I needed to think like my character, think about what she felt, rather than just what she did. Maybe it was just me getting over not being perfect at something from the get-go, which I've always been bad about. I'm not sure. But, somewhere along the line, the shift happened, leaving me where I am now.

So, what do I love so much about a game that’s really just six people sitting around a table and rolling dice? I love the world our gamemaster has created for us, which, I’m given to understand, is much more complex than your average D&D world. I love that I can tell you what Atlantean dress looks like, or what style of architecture prevails, or what you might eat at a Triton feast. I love that there are these new people that I care about—never mind that they don’t actually exist. I even like worrying about them—I was a wreck for the whole week leading up to one particularly difficult battle.

But mostly, I love that I’m inside a story. As a writer and a reader, stories form the backbone of my life. But I’m always either looking at a story from the outside as a reader, or creating it from the ground up myself. Even while reading a great story, one that pulls me in and won’t let go, everything is already set, finished. But for three hours a week during our gaming session, I’m in the story. Making choices that affect it, having to react to what other people are doing. I love not knowing what’s going to happen, getting to see and feel the story unfold around me, not being in control of it all the way I am when I write something. In short, I love it all, because it’s as close as I’m ever going to get to being able to really cast spells, fight demons, and visit strange new worlds.

So, there's my geeky gamer cry from the rooftops. I'll also post a brief summary of the game so far soon. Not that most people care about someone else’s roleplaying game, I know, but I might want to talk about it occasionally, and I won’t be able to do that unless it’s laid out somewhere, so I won’t be worried about people getting confused. (I’m a Virgo—sue me.)

And then: instructions for our 3-D d10 cake of awesomeness!

New Interview Up

I recently got the chance to chat with Rissa from The AnaRissa Chronicles. A very nice interview, with some questions I haven't been asked before. (Not that I've been interviewed that much, but still, they were new to me, and I had fun answering them.) 

Check it out here for some tidbits about The False Princess and writing stuff in general.