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Nicole MacDonald's Blog, page 20
April 19, 2011
Tuesday Riddle! And endorphins are goooood.
I finally went for my first run in ages this morning. It felt so darn good and I forgot how much exercise inspires writing ideas. I 'saw' a couple of scenes this morning while running and wow one of them is the grossest I've ever written (or rather, I will write). Now I'm feeling pretty darn sleepy cause it's been a busy day but it's just been sooo productive. And pretty! Check out this snap below.
This was taken from my work place window and all those clouds cleared away to reveal a beautiful autumn day. Did you know New Zealand's other name is Aotearoa? It's commonly translated as 'Land of the Long White Cloud' but according to Michael King, an NZ historian, it is more properly rendered as Land of the Long Clear Day or Long White World. When you see that picture above you can see why! We frequently see long white clouds covering things *grin* And Aotearoa is a Maori word for those wondering. I think it's a beautiful name and there is always the possibility of our name being changed to it one day.
I'm fast realizing I bit off more than I could chew when it comes to weekly book reviews. Because I have to read it at my PC (no kindle and no I didn't win that contest *poop* ;p) I'm finding I just don't have the time. So I'll post reviews as I can and in the mean time pop the cover on my review spot so you can see what I'm reading.
I read through The Arrival over the last two days and experienced that wonderful feeling of 'TG I really can write' *lol*. I also spotted several typos which have me grinding my teeth in annoyance ;p and then one that made me face-palm… On the bright side e-books are super easy to re-upload so this weekend when I'm up the bush I'll print out a copy of it and try and get those niggling errors. Then I can re-upload on Tuesday. Part of me knows this is pointless as a couple of amazing friends are actually going over it for me so I can get it ready for the hardcopy version, but I don't care. It can't hurt making it more accurate till then.And otherwise I'm working away on my short story and then back onto Book 2 - YAY! Oooh I so can't wait to get away this weekend. While writing by hand can be horribly tedious (having to type it up sucks!) at least I can't get distracted by Twitter, or e-mails, or blogs *grin*
And after all that here is the riddle for today! First to solve it wins and I'll send a new copy through next week (with less typos ;p). Good luck peoples.
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
Take care all!Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
This was taken from my work place window and all those clouds cleared away to reveal a beautiful autumn day. Did you know New Zealand's other name is Aotearoa? It's commonly translated as 'Land of the Long White Cloud' but according to Michael King, an NZ historian, it is more properly rendered as Land of the Long Clear Day or Long White World. When you see that picture above you can see why! We frequently see long white clouds covering things *grin* And Aotearoa is a Maori word for those wondering. I think it's a beautiful name and there is always the possibility of our name being changed to it one day.
I'm fast realizing I bit off more than I could chew when it comes to weekly book reviews. Because I have to read it at my PC (no kindle and no I didn't win that contest *poop* ;p) I'm finding I just don't have the time. So I'll post reviews as I can and in the mean time pop the cover on my review spot so you can see what I'm reading.
I read through The Arrival over the last two days and experienced that wonderful feeling of 'TG I really can write' *lol*. I also spotted several typos which have me grinding my teeth in annoyance ;p and then one that made me face-palm… On the bright side e-books are super easy to re-upload so this weekend when I'm up the bush I'll print out a copy of it and try and get those niggling errors. Then I can re-upload on Tuesday. Part of me knows this is pointless as a couple of amazing friends are actually going over it for me so I can get it ready for the hardcopy version, but I don't care. It can't hurt making it more accurate till then.And otherwise I'm working away on my short story and then back onto Book 2 - YAY! Oooh I so can't wait to get away this weekend. While writing by hand can be horribly tedious (having to type it up sucks!) at least I can't get distracted by Twitter, or e-mails, or blogs *grin*
And after all that here is the riddle for today! First to solve it wins and I'll send a new copy through next week (with less typos ;p). Good luck peoples.
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
Take care all!Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
April 18, 2011
Character Monday - Introducing Daron
I've had this actor in mind from the beginning for Daron.
Dwayne Johnson - also known as the Rock. I wasn't a huge fan of him in The Scorpion King but when I saw him in Welcome to the Jungle and then Get Smart it cinched it for me. He has a very familiar look to me with his Samoan heritage and I adore the way he switches from 'bad/angry face' to 'cheesy happy face'. Makes me laugh every time.
Daron is a member of the Griffon Guard and he rides Nesha, a massive two ton Griffon with dark wings that have blue undertones. As a member of the Griffon Guard he is required to work with the General Guard and the Centaur Calvary when necessary and has been trained in various combat methods from a young age. Nesha is Daron's closest friend and when they have free time they often explore Elion together. Out of all the members of the Griffon Guard he is the most skilled on Griffon back and this is due to the long hours he spends with Nesha.
With a tendency to frown as he thinks Daron can appear quite stern but as anyone close to him knows he loves a good laugh. Being a member of the Griffon Guard can be very intense at times so he enjoys getting away from it all with his friends.
Life at the moment is a little tense as they work toward their ultimate goal of ridding Sytas of the Sorceress Jenviet. The Griffon Guard members are training daily, knowing that it's only a matter of time before Jenviet attacks. With only one heir to the Thalian line it makes the most sense to attack now. Elena, the Sorceress of Elion and regent to the throne is watching the Signs for they all suggest an ultimate weapon, soon to appear.
The arrival of the four women in Elion threatens the straight forward task of dealing with Jenviet. When Elena had said 'weapon' this wasn't what the men expected. And falling hard for the tiny blonde in the group is not a good idea but would you refuse your soulmate? And is it even possible?
The logical part of Daron's mind is unsure whether or not to risk a relationship. After all, Jenviet is a foe like no other and the chances of them both surviving the inevitable war is slim.
But from the first moment he set eyes on her, she had his heart and yet, when it comes to the final battle he will have to step back and allow her to defend his world.
Ugh! Trying to write these bloody things without giving away spoilers is freaking hard! I can't even fathom how I'm going to write the blurb for book two without giving away spoilers - so much happens in it!!
Happy Monday peoples : ) And yay for a short week! We're going bush (again) this weekend for Easter and our lovely friend Loi is house-sitting for us. So it's going to be the first dog/child/friend free bush weekend we've had in a LONG time. I can't wait!
Take care all!
Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
Dwayne Johnson - also known as the Rock. I wasn't a huge fan of him in The Scorpion King but when I saw him in Welcome to the Jungle and then Get Smart it cinched it for me. He has a very familiar look to me with his Samoan heritage and I adore the way he switches from 'bad/angry face' to 'cheesy happy face'. Makes me laugh every time.
Daron is a member of the Griffon Guard and he rides Nesha, a massive two ton Griffon with dark wings that have blue undertones. As a member of the Griffon Guard he is required to work with the General Guard and the Centaur Calvary when necessary and has been trained in various combat methods from a young age. Nesha is Daron's closest friend and when they have free time they often explore Elion together. Out of all the members of the Griffon Guard he is the most skilled on Griffon back and this is due to the long hours he spends with Nesha.
With a tendency to frown as he thinks Daron can appear quite stern but as anyone close to him knows he loves a good laugh. Being a member of the Griffon Guard can be very intense at times so he enjoys getting away from it all with his friends.
Life at the moment is a little tense as they work toward their ultimate goal of ridding Sytas of the Sorceress Jenviet. The Griffon Guard members are training daily, knowing that it's only a matter of time before Jenviet attacks. With only one heir to the Thalian line it makes the most sense to attack now. Elena, the Sorceress of Elion and regent to the throne is watching the Signs for they all suggest an ultimate weapon, soon to appear.
The arrival of the four women in Elion threatens the straight forward task of dealing with Jenviet. When Elena had said 'weapon' this wasn't what the men expected. And falling hard for the tiny blonde in the group is not a good idea but would you refuse your soulmate? And is it even possible?
The logical part of Daron's mind is unsure whether or not to risk a relationship. After all, Jenviet is a foe like no other and the chances of them both surviving the inevitable war is slim.
But from the first moment he set eyes on her, she had his heart and yet, when it comes to the final battle he will have to step back and allow her to defend his world.
Ugh! Trying to write these bloody things without giving away spoilers is freaking hard! I can't even fathom how I'm going to write the blurb for book two without giving away spoilers - so much happens in it!!
Happy Monday peoples : ) And yay for a short week! We're going bush (again) this weekend for Easter and our lovely friend Loi is house-sitting for us. So it's going to be the first dog/child/friend free bush weekend we've had in a LONG time. I can't wait!
Take care all!
Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
April 15, 2011
Friday funnies! Funny/cute etc pictures
I thought this video was SOOO cute so makes up for stackloads of pictures : ) Hope you enjoy!
Take care all!Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
April 14, 2011
Thursday's Writing Tip - avoiding repetition
It happens. We all do it. You get a favourite phrase or word and before you know it your MS is full of it. Mine when I first wrote The Arrival were grin, smile, neat and lots others *lol*. Those all being words I tend to use (or things I do) constantly. So how do you avoid ending up with those words that in the long run make your readers grit their teeth in annoyance..
There's lots of ways! Obviously a thesaurus is helpful but you do want to be careful that your readers don't need to use the dictionary when reading your work. It can be rather distracting - not that I'm suggesting you can't use unusual or challenging words but too many and a reader might get frustrated. Another favourite method of mine is to write down lines I think are clever when I'm reading. NOT for direct copying, (plagiarism is EVIL!) But I do find reading how someone else phrases something quite inspiring for my own work. Which is why reading a broad range of genres (even non-fiction) can be so helpful to a writer.The other thing I do is Google words to see what search results they bring up. Some are VERY blush worthy *lol*, others are completely useless but the odd gem turns up. And then when you're really stuck there's an awesome site called Descriptive Words. All these things also help me when I'm struck with writers block. Surprisingly enough I find reality T.V shows can help too.
So what's the word or phrase you catch yourself repeating? And how do you work through this?
Take care all! Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
There's lots of ways! Obviously a thesaurus is helpful but you do want to be careful that your readers don't need to use the dictionary when reading your work. It can be rather distracting - not that I'm suggesting you can't use unusual or challenging words but too many and a reader might get frustrated. Another favourite method of mine is to write down lines I think are clever when I'm reading. NOT for direct copying, (plagiarism is EVIL!) But I do find reading how someone else phrases something quite inspiring for my own work. Which is why reading a broad range of genres (even non-fiction) can be so helpful to a writer.The other thing I do is Google words to see what search results they bring up. Some are VERY blush worthy *lol*, others are completely useless but the odd gem turns up. And then when you're really stuck there's an awesome site called Descriptive Words. All these things also help me when I'm struck with writers block. Surprisingly enough I find reality T.V shows can help too.
So what's the word or phrase you catch yourself repeating? And how do you work through this?
Take care all! Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
April 13, 2011
Wednesday Review - not quite ready!
I'm actually in the process of reading The Bear with Two Shadows. But my asthma is still bothering me during the night so I'm only getting a very little reading time in the evenings. So here is the book I'm reviewing and a link to the author's blog, Writing in the Crosshairs, and I'll be posting the full review next week. I don't want to rush this!
Take care all!Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
Take care all!Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
April 12, 2011
Tuesday's Riddle! Solve it first and win a copy of The Arrival
And exciting stuff happening! I'm suddenly realising that my blog buddies (followers) has increased to almost 400!! Wowee when did that happen? I actually have a competition set up for when I hit 500 (I started it aagggeeess ago..) so I'm going to have to update about that soon : )
My gorgeous fan-trailer is getting a good amount of interest, BUT (and that's a big butt ;p) I need your help with this just a tad. Basically I need you to LIKE the trailer on YouTube - see the button below?
That's what it looks like, so I've popped the trailer on again and if you have a moment, you don't even have to watch it! Just hit the like button and zoom off if you've seen it. This might help me with getting my book up in the stakes so I really would appreciate it *grin* Also it gets attention to Miss B.E.T and as she is working rather rapidly toward publication.. well that can't be a bad thing *grin*
Speaking of B.E.T.. I've had a few people asking how the trailer was made as the transitions are so smooth. Well missie clever-pants herself is doing a couple of blog posts on trailers and how to do them!! I don't know about you all but after watching that one I'm already scripting one *grin* I LOVE it (had you noticed..? ;p) So click here to have a read and part two will be along tomorrow.
More exciting news and we haven't even got to the riddle yet! The fabulous Nancy. R. Williams is soon to be publishing a gorgeous quaint children's tale.... for FREE!
That's right! Nilch, nada, utterly and completely FREE, And it is really good (I was a beta reader ;p I know!) I really do hope she makes it the first in a series because the lead character is so adorable. And because I was so taken with the tale I made Nancy a cover. See below : )
How cute is this!! Not quite Keary's standard but compared to my last attempt at a cover this one ROCKS, even if I say it myself. Pop over to Nancy's site for more details.
And finally, we get to the riddle. Now if you don't now the drill here it goes. First to solve it wins a copy of The Arrival in their preferred soft format. Super duper easy... or is it? *mwahahahaha*
A man was to be sentenced, and the judge told him, "You may make a statement. If it is true, I'll sentence you to four years in prison. If it is false, I'll sentence you to six years in prison." After the man made his statement, the judge decided to let him go free. What did the man say?
Take care all!Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
My gorgeous fan-trailer is getting a good amount of interest, BUT (and that's a big butt ;p) I need your help with this just a tad. Basically I need you to LIKE the trailer on YouTube - see the button below?
That's what it looks like, so I've popped the trailer on again and if you have a moment, you don't even have to watch it! Just hit the like button and zoom off if you've seen it. This might help me with getting my book up in the stakes so I really would appreciate it *grin* Also it gets attention to Miss B.E.T and as she is working rather rapidly toward publication.. well that can't be a bad thing *grin*
Speaking of B.E.T.. I've had a few people asking how the trailer was made as the transitions are so smooth. Well missie clever-pants herself is doing a couple of blog posts on trailers and how to do them!! I don't know about you all but after watching that one I'm already scripting one *grin* I LOVE it (had you noticed..? ;p) So click here to have a read and part two will be along tomorrow.
More exciting news and we haven't even got to the riddle yet! The fabulous Nancy. R. Williams is soon to be publishing a gorgeous quaint children's tale.... for FREE!
That's right! Nilch, nada, utterly and completely FREE, And it is really good (I was a beta reader ;p I know!) I really do hope she makes it the first in a series because the lead character is so adorable. And because I was so taken with the tale I made Nancy a cover. See below : )
How cute is this!! Not quite Keary's standard but compared to my last attempt at a cover this one ROCKS, even if I say it myself. Pop over to Nancy's site for more details.
And finally, we get to the riddle. Now if you don't now the drill here it goes. First to solve it wins a copy of The Arrival in their preferred soft format. Super duper easy... or is it? *mwahahahaha*
A man was to be sentenced, and the judge told him, "You may make a statement. If it is true, I'll sentence you to four years in prison. If it is false, I'll sentence you to six years in prison." After the man made his statement, the judge decided to let him go free. What did the man say?
Take care all!Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
April 11, 2011
Character Monday - Introducing Yakov, the late King's advisor.
Okay so I'm not following any particular method for introducing characters. Basically as soon as I find the right actor for the 'role' I introduce them to you!
Today I'm introducing you to Yakov, he was King Nikias's advisor and now helps the heir to the throne and Elena who is the acting regent. I can't decide between these two actors for this role but hopefully it'll give you a good 'feel' for the character *grin*
Both Pierce Brosnan and George Clooney have the right mix. And I believe either of them could pull off the role spectacularly!
Yakov as the late King's advisor holds a high position in the Kingdom of Elion and is well respected. A very distinguished gentleman who still sets many of the court-ladies hearts a flutter. He was quite the flirt when he first came to court and did have a bit of a reputation when he was younger. Now however been older and wiser he has devoted himself to helping the heir to the Thalian throne, the last of the ancient lineage. A sharply intelligent man his opinion is sought and welcomed through out Sytas and he, of course, is on good terms with all diplomats' on Sytas. His close relationship with the Sorceress and regent, Elena, means he is in a somewhat precarious position.
Everyone knows that the best person to approach if wanting to get ahead is Yakov and yet he refuses to accept bribes, which leaves a bad taste in the mouths of the most ambitious.
Yakov is delighted to meet the four girls and enjoys his task of helping to acclimate them to life in Elion and on Sytas. He and Catherine develop a close bond and Cat sees him as a father figure, a replacement for her father on Earth whom she dearly misses. The arrival of the four girls sets in motion events which Yakov is pretty damn excited to be part of.. and I can't really say much more without giving away spoilers!
Take care all! Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
Today I'm introducing you to Yakov, he was King Nikias's advisor and now helps the heir to the throne and Elena who is the acting regent. I can't decide between these two actors for this role but hopefully it'll give you a good 'feel' for the character *grin*
Both Pierce Brosnan and George Clooney have the right mix. And I believe either of them could pull off the role spectacularly!
Yakov as the late King's advisor holds a high position in the Kingdom of Elion and is well respected. A very distinguished gentleman who still sets many of the court-ladies hearts a flutter. He was quite the flirt when he first came to court and did have a bit of a reputation when he was younger. Now however been older and wiser he has devoted himself to helping the heir to the Thalian throne, the last of the ancient lineage. A sharply intelligent man his opinion is sought and welcomed through out Sytas and he, of course, is on good terms with all diplomats' on Sytas. His close relationship with the Sorceress and regent, Elena, means he is in a somewhat precarious position.
Everyone knows that the best person to approach if wanting to get ahead is Yakov and yet he refuses to accept bribes, which leaves a bad taste in the mouths of the most ambitious.
Yakov is delighted to meet the four girls and enjoys his task of helping to acclimate them to life in Elion and on Sytas. He and Catherine develop a close bond and Cat sees him as a father figure, a replacement for her father on Earth whom she dearly misses. The arrival of the four girls sets in motion events which Yakov is pretty damn excited to be part of.. and I can't really say much more without giving away spoilers!
Take care all! Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
April 8, 2011
My first fan made BOOK TRAILER! And let me introduce you to the up and coming B.E.T
B.E.T is a blogging buddy who has a gorgeous blog called Brie the Cheese. There she reviews indie authors (myself included) and on Saturday's does sign language interpretations at your request! Not quite as random as it sounds, as B.E is a college student majoring in Sign Language Interpretation with a minor in Creative Writing. Like so many of us B.E is an aspiring writer and guess what….
SHE JUST GOT SIGNED WITH A PUBLISHER!
A huge CONGRATULATIONS B.E and I can't wait to read Faerie Games *eeeee*
And after that super exciting announcement I get to show you this!!!
This being the amazing fan trailer B.E made me. I have my first fan trailer!! WOOOHOOOOO!!! So click, watch (watch in full screen - enjoy the moment ;p) and like it please! I think it's the awesomest trailer EVER *grin*
Take care all!
Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
SHE JUST GOT SIGNED WITH A PUBLISHER!
A huge CONGRATULATIONS B.E and I can't wait to read Faerie Games *eeeee*And after that super exciting announcement I get to show you this!!!
This being the amazing fan trailer B.E made me. I have my first fan trailer!! WOOOHOOOOO!!! So click, watch (watch in full screen - enjoy the moment ;p) and like it please! I think it's the awesomest trailer EVER *grin*
Take care all!
Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
April 7, 2011
Friday funnies! Funny/cute etc pictures
I'm stuck at home with my horrid asthma playing up now thanks to the dumb cold *sigh*.. It's very frustrating when it's normally perfectly under control ;p You go from feeling fit and healthy to an utter invalid. Most annoying. I would fail the balloon test today when normally I'm the one you can rely on (lots of hot air *snigger*). The animals love it (me being sick) and are clustered around me. I got Glenn to bring in the small table from outside so I can have my computer in front of me on my comfy arm chair. I have a HP all in one computer and I LOVE it. Right now I can almost pretend it's a Kindle. The cat. Griffin, is spread across the top of my seat and I get the occasional loving brush from her paw. Which at first had me scratching my head, thinking a fly had landed *lol* The dogs are spread out on the couch and as soon as I go to snap a pic Sable gets camera shy and turns her back. We've run out of ibuprofen which sucks and I'm so not up to tottering across the road for some more.. I'll just go sleep it off instead.. So here's some cute pic's. They made me smile and I hope they do the same for you.
So this is Griff and she really is right behind my head. It's very cute ;p And then below are Sable (camera shy) and Otis (a bit hidden)
And below is my computer - super sleek all in one with a touch screen.. which really is just a novelty and not so amusing when Griff brushes her tail over it and the screen explodes with dozens of commands ;p but I love that I can carry it from room to room and it only needs 1 plug. Great for non techies like moi :) And on to the funnies!
Take care all!Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
So this is Griff and she really is right behind my head. It's very cute ;p And then below are Sable (camera shy) and Otis (a bit hidden)
And below is my computer - super sleek all in one with a touch screen.. which really is just a novelty and not so amusing when Griff brushes her tail over it and the screen explodes with dozens of commands ;p but I love that I can carry it from room to room and it only needs 1 plug. Great for non techies like moi :) And on to the funnies!
Take care all!Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
April 4, 2011
Not feeling so hot ...
So you'll have to forgive me but I may be flagging most my posts this week.. I promise to be back and full of beans next week but I've got all the beginnings of a meanie bug and I feel kinda gross. Cause I'm not dying..(yet ;p) I'm pushing through work but my brain really isn't up to blogging right at the moment. So take care everyone and I'll chat to you later.
Take care all!Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
Take care all!Nic The Arrival, only $3.99 on Amazon or UK Amazon or $3.99 on Smashwords Buy it today!
