Jack Lewis Baillot's Blog, page 35
January 11, 2015
"Men of Rohan! Oaths you have taken!"
I am starting something new. At least trying to. I have decided, whenever possible, that after I finish a self or independent published book I will interview the Author.
To start off my new endeavor, I was given the chance to interview Emily, Author of the Civil War story It Took a War. My review can be found HERE!!!
And now, let me introduce you to Emily!!
1. Your book is historical fiction, what first sparked your interest in the Civil War time period? Has it been something you've always enjoyed studying and reading on or did you pick that period because it fit best with your plot?
I’ve been interested in the Civil War for quite a few years. The events that sparked my interest were participating in Civil War reenactments and frequent trips to Gettysburg! After spending a weekend in Gettysburg for the first time, I started coming up with story ideas. Those ideas eventually turned into It Took a War!
2. How much research did you do for your book? Did you learn anything about the Civil War you didn't know before you started to research?
I did so much research! Sometimes I would spend entire afternoons pouring over research books. I really wanted to make sure it was historically accurate, and I knew I needed to invest the time to make that happen. I learned so much about the daily life of Union soldiers, especially at training camps. I even visited where Camp Curtin used to be in downtown Harrisburg. This was the camp where my main characters trained in It Took a War.
3. Do you enjoy writing historical fiction? Do you plan on writing more? (Personally, I hope the answer is yes 8-D)
The answer is a hearty YES! Historical Fiction is my favorite thing to write. I’m planning on writing much more! At the moment, I’m working on a novel about Hans and Sophie Scholl, resistance leaders in Nazi Germany. I’m also hoping to write a book about the Newsboys strike of 1899 in NYC.
4. What was the hardest part about publishing?
It Took a War was my first self-published book so I was pretty clueless when it came to Createspace. I feel much more confident now for the next book I publish! It was definitely a learning experience. Also, promoting my book is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. It’s very time consuming for a writer who just wants to write!
5. What gave you the idea for the cover? Did you make it on your own or did someone do it for you? (As someone who makes covers for my books, I must add that I really loved yours and it was one of the things which first drew me to the book.)
I looked at other historical fiction covers to generate some ideas. I knew I wanted both characters on the cover and I started sketching some ideas. I hired Rachel Rossano to make the cover and she caught my vision immediately!
6. What was the hardest part about writing a historical novel? And the easiest?
The hardest part was knowing when to stop researching. It’s endless! I could still be here researching. I learned to do my research well, but then just write. I didn’t want to bog down the story with details, but I wanted the time period to shine through the story. That was a hard balance. The easiest part was coming up with the characters!
Thank you for your time!!! And your book!! I really enjoyed it.
Thank you for hosting me on your blog!!
You can purchase It Took a War through:
Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)CreatespaceSmashwords
Blog: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: Pinterest: Emily Ann Putzke is a 19 year old Christian, homeschool graduate and history lover. Besides writing historical fiction, she enjoys photography (especially photographing her nieces and nephew), reading, spending time with her family, Civil War reenacting, traveling and a good cup of coffee. She resides in New York State where she drinks in the beautiful autumns and tries to endure the long winters
Quote is from The Return of the King, but I have a bad feeling I have it mixed up with Aragorn's. (I meant to quote Eomer as the men were riding off to Gondor. If someone wishes to correct me, go for it.
ALLONS-Y!
To start off my new endeavor, I was given the chance to interview Emily, Author of the Civil War story It Took a War. My review can be found HERE!!!
And now, let me introduce you to Emily!!
1. Your book is historical fiction, what first sparked your interest in the Civil War time period? Has it been something you've always enjoyed studying and reading on or did you pick that period because it fit best with your plot?
I’ve been interested in the Civil War for quite a few years. The events that sparked my interest were participating in Civil War reenactments and frequent trips to Gettysburg! After spending a weekend in Gettysburg for the first time, I started coming up with story ideas. Those ideas eventually turned into It Took a War!
2. How much research did you do for your book? Did you learn anything about the Civil War you didn't know before you started to research?
I did so much research! Sometimes I would spend entire afternoons pouring over research books. I really wanted to make sure it was historically accurate, and I knew I needed to invest the time to make that happen. I learned so much about the daily life of Union soldiers, especially at training camps. I even visited where Camp Curtin used to be in downtown Harrisburg. This was the camp where my main characters trained in It Took a War.
3. Do you enjoy writing historical fiction? Do you plan on writing more? (Personally, I hope the answer is yes 8-D)
The answer is a hearty YES! Historical Fiction is my favorite thing to write. I’m planning on writing much more! At the moment, I’m working on a novel about Hans and Sophie Scholl, resistance leaders in Nazi Germany. I’m also hoping to write a book about the Newsboys strike of 1899 in NYC.
4. What was the hardest part about publishing?
It Took a War was my first self-published book so I was pretty clueless when it came to Createspace. I feel much more confident now for the next book I publish! It was definitely a learning experience. Also, promoting my book is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. It’s very time consuming for a writer who just wants to write!
5. What gave you the idea for the cover? Did you make it on your own or did someone do it for you? (As someone who makes covers for my books, I must add that I really loved yours and it was one of the things which first drew me to the book.)
I looked at other historical fiction covers to generate some ideas. I knew I wanted both characters on the cover and I started sketching some ideas. I hired Rachel Rossano to make the cover and she caught my vision immediately!
6. What was the hardest part about writing a historical novel? And the easiest?
The hardest part was knowing when to stop researching. It’s endless! I could still be here researching. I learned to do my research well, but then just write. I didn’t want to bog down the story with details, but I wanted the time period to shine through the story. That was a hard balance. The easiest part was coming up with the characters!
Thank you for your time!!! And your book!! I really enjoyed it.
Thank you for hosting me on your blog!!
You can purchase It Took a War through:
Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)CreatespaceSmashwords
Blog: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: Pinterest: Emily Ann Putzke is a 19 year old Christian, homeschool graduate and history lover. Besides writing historical fiction, she enjoys photography (especially photographing her nieces and nephew), reading, spending time with her family, Civil War reenacting, traveling and a good cup of coffee. She resides in New York State where she drinks in the beautiful autumns and tries to endure the long winters
Quote is from The Return of the King, but I have a bad feeling I have it mixed up with Aragorn's. (I meant to quote Eomer as the men were riding off to Gondor. If someone wishes to correct me, go for it.
ALLONS-Y!
January 9, 2015
"Yeah, just like Christmas."
I had a post planned for Wednesday. I went to Starbucks and got one of those fancy drinks and a cakepop and worked on it. Kind of. I was also editing Brothers-in-Arms at the time. I stopped functioning after spending an hour working through it.
I am not on part two in the book, and once again the tears have started. I didn't know, until this moment, that it was possible to love and hate a book with the same amount of feeling.
It didn't help that I went and saw Unbroken again last night.
This morning I worked on it while wrapped up in my TARDIS blanket, drinking tea, while sitting beside the fire. I don't think it really helped, as I worked on a part where a character dies, but I nearly disillusioned myself into thinking it made editing a little easier.
TARDIS blankets do make life a little better though.
I've also been working on the third Blade book. I am trying to get it completed this month. I never thought there would be a time where I'd consider that series fun and easy to write. Brothers-in-Arms has done something to me.
I've uploaded some new quotes to the Brothers-in-Arms pintrest board. HERE
Other than that I am keeping this post kind of short. I work today and need to get some more writing done before that.
Have a wonderful weekend. I shall return on Monday with...who knows. Maybe something to do with characters.
I used another Unbroken quote, from when Louie is bombing the Japanese and Phil is picking on him.
ALLONS-Y!
I am not on part two in the book, and once again the tears have started. I didn't know, until this moment, that it was possible to love and hate a book with the same amount of feeling.
It didn't help that I went and saw Unbroken again last night.
This morning I worked on it while wrapped up in my TARDIS blanket, drinking tea, while sitting beside the fire. I don't think it really helped, as I worked on a part where a character dies, but I nearly disillusioned myself into thinking it made editing a little easier.
TARDIS blankets do make life a little better though.
I've also been working on the third Blade book. I am trying to get it completed this month. I never thought there would be a time where I'd consider that series fun and easy to write. Brothers-in-Arms has done something to me.
I've uploaded some new quotes to the Brothers-in-Arms pintrest board. HERE
Other than that I am keeping this post kind of short. I work today and need to get some more writing done before that.
Have a wonderful weekend. I shall return on Monday with...who knows. Maybe something to do with characters.
I used another Unbroken quote, from when Louie is bombing the Japanese and Phil is picking on him.
ALLONS-Y!
January 4, 2015
"Get your own mother."
Wherein Jack wrote a story
Over the month of June two of my friends and myself had a Camp NaNo. We thought June was the official month and didn't find out until a week into it that it is July. Because we were having so much fun with our books we decided we would continue writing and be one month off.
Before the start of June I mentioned an idea I had had for years. I wasn't sure if I wanted to write it in June. I hadn't wanted to write it even though I'd had the basic plot for at least five years. I knew the idea would be hard to get on paper. However, when I mentioned it to my friend Anna she insisted I write it.
I have already posted about the plot. My WWII story about two German boys who are best friends and have their friendship tested because one is a Jew and the other becomes a Nazi.
I never talked about where the story came from however. Since coming to the decision that the book will be released sometime in 2015 I thought it might be time to give a little background history on where it came from.
I have had ideas for this book for about ten years, ever since I read a WWII story called While Mortals Sleep. The story is about a pastor living in Germany at the time of the war and the work he does to save four boys who are part of the Hitler's Youth, and later babies which are being killed because they aren't what Hitler views as perfect. Never before in hearing of WWII had I heard of Germans fighting against Hitler and not for him. The idea that there was more going on in Germany at the time of the war stuck with me and an idea for a series of books festered around in the back of my mind.
I never really planned to write the books. The original idea was to have a series, each book taking place during a different time and place of the war. I would have one book about an American solder, another of a spy in France, one of a Hollander who helped Jews escape, and so on. The idea that stood out above the others though was the one which would take place in Germany. At the time the story wasn't about two friends, in fact it had no plot, other than it being set in Germany and me knowing it would be the hardest of the books to write.
And that is why I never wrote it. For years I kept it at bay because I knew it would not be an easy book to write. WWII itself was a painful time in history and I couldn't imagine trying to tell a story which took place during it. The treatment of the Jews always staggered me and when I studied it briefly in history I wanted to cry. Writing about a Jew would be far from easy.
But the idea refused to go away, even though I did my best to ignore it. Years later I began writing Steampunk and decided I would stick with that, not even bothering with Historical Fiction. Then I got so busy writing and publishing the idea slipped even further away.
I don't really know what brought it back to the surface in June. My friend Phil probably had a lot to do with it, as she is my history buddy and we can spend hours talking about history. Us bringing up WWII and the idea resurfacing is very likely. (Considering she was watching Band of Brothers at the time.)
Whatever sparked it, the idea came back before Camp NaNo and I tossed it around in my mind. I had other books I could work on during the month and wasn't sure I should drop them for a new idea - even if it had been around for about ten years. For a few weeks I kept the idea to myself as it finally grew into a workable plot, the one of Japhet being a Jew and his best friend later becoming a Nazi. I wondered if I could write something like that and questions and doubts took races in my mind. How would the story be resolved? How could a Jew and a Nazi save their friendship? How could I possibly write something that would be so painful?
This kept going round and round and I didn't dare tell Phil the idea because I KNEW what she would say. The moment I mentioned WWII she'd insist I write the book and then I'd be stuck. I argued with myself, told myself I had too much work already, and had some long debates. Then one day the idea won out and a week or so before June I mentioned it to Phil.
The conversation went as I knew it would. The moment I WWII was out of my mouth she demanded I write it. I agreed, after - I think - I told her she had to keep me writing even when I was crying in the corner.
Of course, the book went as expected. I researched torture, concentration camps, Nazis, and all kinds of other things that could have gotten me arrested if my computer had been confiscated. I got my hands on all kinds of WWII stories and did my best to make the book believable as I wove in ideas which would have once been split into the WWII series. (It's unlikely the series will ever come into existence. If this book was this hard to write I don't think I can ever do another.)
And, of course, I cried through the whole thing. Page one to the end, then I cried while doing an editing job on it in July. I have never cried so much while writing a story before.
There were times I almost shoved the story in a folder and gave it up, but my two NaNo buddies wouldn't let me. (If this book ever amounts to anything it will be as much because of them as me.)
The end result was a 600 page novel, 110,000 something words, and a sobbing Author in the corner. After July I locked the book up and took a long break. I planned on hiding the book from the world for a few years until I could mount up the courage to edit it.
That didn't work out.
Word got out about it. I mentioned some of it on my blog, my NaNo buddies helped in spreading the news, and then I let my Reading Buddy get his hands on it. After that, I somehow came to decide it couldn't be put off for a few years.
And that is why it has been sent out to beta readers. And why I have begun editing it again, and crying over it again.
And basically, that is how Brothers-in-Arms came to be.
Annnnnd...now I'm not sure how to end this post. Other than...I have lots planned for this coming year. I will be talking more about this book and the characters. I might even hold some character interviews, if that interests anyone.
For now, I'm in the middle of planning everything and working on dates. You know, all that non fun stuff that goes along with being an Author.
So, Good bye
I shamelessly stole the quote from my friend Phil's book, because I've been getting warm fuzzy feelings from it all day. (Can't tell you the name of the book since it isn't out yet. But since she is my buddy, I get the honor of reading early snippets from it. Be envious, it is amazing.)
ALLONS-Y!
Over the month of June two of my friends and myself had a Camp NaNo. We thought June was the official month and didn't find out until a week into it that it is July. Because we were having so much fun with our books we decided we would continue writing and be one month off.
Before the start of June I mentioned an idea I had had for years. I wasn't sure if I wanted to write it in June. I hadn't wanted to write it even though I'd had the basic plot for at least five years. I knew the idea would be hard to get on paper. However, when I mentioned it to my friend Anna she insisted I write it.
I have already posted about the plot. My WWII story about two German boys who are best friends and have their friendship tested because one is a Jew and the other becomes a Nazi.
I never talked about where the story came from however. Since coming to the decision that the book will be released sometime in 2015 I thought it might be time to give a little background history on where it came from.
I have had ideas for this book for about ten years, ever since I read a WWII story called While Mortals Sleep. The story is about a pastor living in Germany at the time of the war and the work he does to save four boys who are part of the Hitler's Youth, and later babies which are being killed because they aren't what Hitler views as perfect. Never before in hearing of WWII had I heard of Germans fighting against Hitler and not for him. The idea that there was more going on in Germany at the time of the war stuck with me and an idea for a series of books festered around in the back of my mind.
I never really planned to write the books. The original idea was to have a series, each book taking place during a different time and place of the war. I would have one book about an American solder, another of a spy in France, one of a Hollander who helped Jews escape, and so on. The idea that stood out above the others though was the one which would take place in Germany. At the time the story wasn't about two friends, in fact it had no plot, other than it being set in Germany and me knowing it would be the hardest of the books to write.
And that is why I never wrote it. For years I kept it at bay because I knew it would not be an easy book to write. WWII itself was a painful time in history and I couldn't imagine trying to tell a story which took place during it. The treatment of the Jews always staggered me and when I studied it briefly in history I wanted to cry. Writing about a Jew would be far from easy.
But the idea refused to go away, even though I did my best to ignore it. Years later I began writing Steampunk and decided I would stick with that, not even bothering with Historical Fiction. Then I got so busy writing and publishing the idea slipped even further away.
I don't really know what brought it back to the surface in June. My friend Phil probably had a lot to do with it, as she is my history buddy and we can spend hours talking about history. Us bringing up WWII and the idea resurfacing is very likely. (Considering she was watching Band of Brothers at the time.)
Whatever sparked it, the idea came back before Camp NaNo and I tossed it around in my mind. I had other books I could work on during the month and wasn't sure I should drop them for a new idea - even if it had been around for about ten years. For a few weeks I kept the idea to myself as it finally grew into a workable plot, the one of Japhet being a Jew and his best friend later becoming a Nazi. I wondered if I could write something like that and questions and doubts took races in my mind. How would the story be resolved? How could a Jew and a Nazi save their friendship? How could I possibly write something that would be so painful?
This kept going round and round and I didn't dare tell Phil the idea because I KNEW what she would say. The moment I mentioned WWII she'd insist I write the book and then I'd be stuck. I argued with myself, told myself I had too much work already, and had some long debates. Then one day the idea won out and a week or so before June I mentioned it to Phil.
The conversation went as I knew it would. The moment I WWII was out of my mouth she demanded I write it. I agreed, after - I think - I told her she had to keep me writing even when I was crying in the corner.
Of course, the book went as expected. I researched torture, concentration camps, Nazis, and all kinds of other things that could have gotten me arrested if my computer had been confiscated. I got my hands on all kinds of WWII stories and did my best to make the book believable as I wove in ideas which would have once been split into the WWII series. (It's unlikely the series will ever come into existence. If this book was this hard to write I don't think I can ever do another.)
And, of course, I cried through the whole thing. Page one to the end, then I cried while doing an editing job on it in July. I have never cried so much while writing a story before.
There were times I almost shoved the story in a folder and gave it up, but my two NaNo buddies wouldn't let me. (If this book ever amounts to anything it will be as much because of them as me.)
The end result was a 600 page novel, 110,000 something words, and a sobbing Author in the corner. After July I locked the book up and took a long break. I planned on hiding the book from the world for a few years until I could mount up the courage to edit it.
That didn't work out.
Word got out about it. I mentioned some of it on my blog, my NaNo buddies helped in spreading the news, and then I let my Reading Buddy get his hands on it. After that, I somehow came to decide it couldn't be put off for a few years.
And that is why it has been sent out to beta readers. And why I have begun editing it again, and crying over it again.
And basically, that is how Brothers-in-Arms came to be.
Annnnnd...now I'm not sure how to end this post. Other than...I have lots planned for this coming year. I will be talking more about this book and the characters. I might even hold some character interviews, if that interests anyone.
For now, I'm in the middle of planning everything and working on dates. You know, all that non fun stuff that goes along with being an Author.
So, Good bye
I shamelessly stole the quote from my friend Phil's book, because I've been getting warm fuzzy feelings from it all day. (Can't tell you the name of the book since it isn't out yet. But since she is my buddy, I get the honor of reading early snippets from it. Be envious, it is amazing.)
ALLONS-Y!
January 2, 2015
"Wow, washed up at fourteen."
HAPPY NEW YEAR. I'm a day late, but oh well.
This is the time of year everyone I know is making New Year's Resolutions. I hardly ever join in. I'm too lazy to try and keep resolutions. The shocking truth of Jack Baillot.
I do have goals though.
One of them isn't as exciting. I have been giving it a lot of thought and have come to realize I need to cut back on my reading. I've been getting next to no writing done because I make my read lists too long. (One book a week is probably a little insane even for me.) I have decided to do one book every two weeks instead.
My biggest goal this year is publishing. Things have been, odd, in my life right now. Especially last year. I let things with my writing and editing slip and I really don't want to let that happen. I've put too much work into being a writer already to give up now, besides, I love it. While I've had to admit to myself that there are issues with the third Haphazard book, I have come up with plans to work on that and still continue my publishing.
I am determined to get the third Haphazard book written completely and edited completely this year. I am very hopeful publishing fits into all this - as I do feel bad for the last cliff hanger and leaving it unresolved for so long - but the trouble it has been giving me I'm not sure I can safely make promises of publishing. Right now getting it all ready would be a step in the right direction.
I have plans to finish the last Loyalty book and publish it as well. It has been going easier than number 3 Haphazard and making wonderful progress.
On top of that I intend to finish fleshing out the world the Loyalty books are set in, complete all of the Blade books, and begin the major editing on the first one. I don't know if I can publish it this year, but I want to start getting the Oleander series completed, as far as rough drafts go. Those shouldn't be too hard. I'm fairly fast at rough drafts. It is always editing that slows me down, and the daunting looming thought of publishing.
My biggest goal though is publishing Brothers-in-Arms. To be honest, this is one story I'm not jumping up and down with glee over, eager to get it into all of your hands. I have never written a more painful story in my life, Even thinking of going back over and editing it makes me tear up. I started work on it the other night and cried over the first page. (I have a feeling though, since it has been in the hands of so many beta readers already, I'd get things thrown at me if I gave up on it. The friends who kept me writing it the first time won't let me back out that easily.) Anyways, that said, I do want to get it out. Kind of. It's mixed feelings. But I plan to do a post on it alone and how it came to being to better explain why I am so leery about editing it.
I plan on coming up with some new marketing ideas as well. And there is, of course, my world domination schemes. Who knows, this year might be the year when I finally take over the world. (My biggest problem with world domination is laziness. I already have the plan for it and the minion army.)
There is also my goal of getting my book reviews written in better time then I have had been getting them out. This will probably last for a week or two and then I will get buried under Brothers-in-Arms editing and get behind again.
The last goal is more of a bet. Around midnight of New Years Eve I started crying over Louis Zamperini's autobiography. My best friend, who shall henceforth be called Phil on here, and I claimed 2015 couldn't possibly have more sobbing in it than 14. We'd already endured enough crying that we couldn't outdo it this year. However, since I started the year crying we decided to give up and hold a bet to see which of us could make the other cry more over 2015. So, I have plans to win a bet, which I'm not sure if it is a goal but might as well list it. After all, what better goal then trying to make your best friend cry, right? And winning involves doughnuts, so you can kind of see my determination behind winning.
Somewhere in the midst of all this I have the plans to watch all of Band of Brothers, since I finally own the DVD's, and complete the whole Avengers TV show. And then of course there are my planned attempts to make it through this year with less illnesses and pain then I went through 2014. Shouldn't be too hard, I don't have wisdom teeth anymore and I'm hoping it isn't possible to catch pneumonia two years in a row.
Quote is from Big Hero Six
ALLONS-Y
This is the time of year everyone I know is making New Year's Resolutions. I hardly ever join in. I'm too lazy to try and keep resolutions. The shocking truth of Jack Baillot.
I do have goals though.
One of them isn't as exciting. I have been giving it a lot of thought and have come to realize I need to cut back on my reading. I've been getting next to no writing done because I make my read lists too long. (One book a week is probably a little insane even for me.) I have decided to do one book every two weeks instead.
My biggest goal this year is publishing. Things have been, odd, in my life right now. Especially last year. I let things with my writing and editing slip and I really don't want to let that happen. I've put too much work into being a writer already to give up now, besides, I love it. While I've had to admit to myself that there are issues with the third Haphazard book, I have come up with plans to work on that and still continue my publishing.
I am determined to get the third Haphazard book written completely and edited completely this year. I am very hopeful publishing fits into all this - as I do feel bad for the last cliff hanger and leaving it unresolved for so long - but the trouble it has been giving me I'm not sure I can safely make promises of publishing. Right now getting it all ready would be a step in the right direction.
I have plans to finish the last Loyalty book and publish it as well. It has been going easier than number 3 Haphazard and making wonderful progress.
On top of that I intend to finish fleshing out the world the Loyalty books are set in, complete all of the Blade books, and begin the major editing on the first one. I don't know if I can publish it this year, but I want to start getting the Oleander series completed, as far as rough drafts go. Those shouldn't be too hard. I'm fairly fast at rough drafts. It is always editing that slows me down, and the daunting looming thought of publishing.
My biggest goal though is publishing Brothers-in-Arms. To be honest, this is one story I'm not jumping up and down with glee over, eager to get it into all of your hands. I have never written a more painful story in my life, Even thinking of going back over and editing it makes me tear up. I started work on it the other night and cried over the first page. (I have a feeling though, since it has been in the hands of so many beta readers already, I'd get things thrown at me if I gave up on it. The friends who kept me writing it the first time won't let me back out that easily.) Anyways, that said, I do want to get it out. Kind of. It's mixed feelings. But I plan to do a post on it alone and how it came to being to better explain why I am so leery about editing it.
I plan on coming up with some new marketing ideas as well. And there is, of course, my world domination schemes. Who knows, this year might be the year when I finally take over the world. (My biggest problem with world domination is laziness. I already have the plan for it and the minion army.)
There is also my goal of getting my book reviews written in better time then I have had been getting them out. This will probably last for a week or two and then I will get buried under Brothers-in-Arms editing and get behind again.
The last goal is more of a bet. Around midnight of New Years Eve I started crying over Louis Zamperini's autobiography. My best friend, who shall henceforth be called Phil on here, and I claimed 2015 couldn't possibly have more sobbing in it than 14. We'd already endured enough crying that we couldn't outdo it this year. However, since I started the year crying we decided to give up and hold a bet to see which of us could make the other cry more over 2015. So, I have plans to win a bet, which I'm not sure if it is a goal but might as well list it. After all, what better goal then trying to make your best friend cry, right? And winning involves doughnuts, so you can kind of see my determination behind winning.
Somewhere in the midst of all this I have the plans to watch all of Band of Brothers, since I finally own the DVD's, and complete the whole Avengers TV show. And then of course there are my planned attempts to make it through this year with less illnesses and pain then I went through 2014. Shouldn't be too hard, I don't have wisdom teeth anymore and I'm hoping it isn't possible to catch pneumonia two years in a row.
Quote is from Big Hero Six
ALLONS-Y
December 31, 2014
"Did He say anything?" "He said my bombardier's an idiot."
Today I am taking part in a cover reveal for Kendra A. Ardnek's book, My Kingdom for a Quest.
Back Cover Blurb:Arthur is the rightful king of Briton, but his Uncle Mordreth refuses to give up the regency. Arthur and Grandfather are now returning with allies to wrestle the kingdom from his uncle's grasp. But not all is as it seems among his allies, and everyone has secrets. New loves, old loves, lost loves, kingdoms conquered and kingdoms stolen. Who is the real "rightful heir" and will the nearly forgotten sword in the stone finally answer this question?
Author Person:
Kendra E. Ardnek loves fairy tales and twisting them in new and exciting ways. She's been practicing her skills on her dozen plus cousins and siblings for years, "Finish your story, Kendra", is frequently heard at family gatherings. Her sole life goal has always been to grow up and be an author of fantasy and children's tales that also glorify God and his Word. You can read more about her on her blog,knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com.
Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23563093-my-kingdom-for-a-questLinks to Previous books:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005G3ZFKGhttp://www.amazon.com/Take-This-Quest-Bookania-Quests-ebook/dp/B00CFDHFT4/
Now for the cover!!
TADA! Isn't it amazing? It is my favourite in the series so far.
It has also come to my knowledge, while I was looking through files, that I have made a grave error. I forgot a cover reveal I had made plans to join in back on the 21st. Or there abouts. I cannot believe I let it slip, and while it is too late to join in, I would like to help in announcing this book.
Blurb:
If you enjoyed the world of A Cinder’s Talein the Five Glass Slippers anthology, explore that universe further in The Cendrillon Cycle, a series of novellas recounting the past and future adventures of Elsa, Karl, Bruno, and the rest of the cinder crew.
Volume I, The Battle of Castle Nebula , makes worldfall on the first day of winter: December 21, 2014.She has nothing left, not even her dreams. But Elsa Vogel still has her duty, and she will do it, no matter the peril, no matter the anguish in her heart as she leaves her ravaged home planet, perhaps never to return.
And the same tragedy that tore Elsa’s life to pieces also transformed the lives of others. Others who may need a reason to go on living, after the cataclysmic Battle of Castle Nebula…The Battle of Castle Nebulaebook is available on Amazonand Barnes and Noble. Don’t have an e-reader? Not a problem. Amazon offers a free Kindle app for almost every device. Find out more by following Stephanie Ricker at her blog, Goodreads, Facebook, or Twitter.
Author Bio:
Stephanie Ricker is a writer, editor, and tree-climber. She adores the cold and the snow but lives in North Carolina anyway, where she enjoys archery, hiking, and exploring with friends. Stephanie’s first novella set in the Cendrillon universe, A Cinder’s Tale, was published in Five Glass Slippers , an anthology of Cinderella-themed stories. Stephanie’s fiction has also been published in Bull-Spec , a magazine of speculative fiction, and in four consecutive editions of The Lyricist, Campbell University’s annual literary magazine. Her senior thesis on Tolkien was published in the 2009 issue of Explorations: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity for the State of North Carolina .
This is one book you should definitely took into owning. I read the first story in Five Glass Slippers and I adore the characters.
Now I must be off. Editing is calling.
Quote is from Unbroken, the movie not the book. A conversation between Phil and Louis
ALLONS-Y
Back Cover Blurb:Arthur is the rightful king of Briton, but his Uncle Mordreth refuses to give up the regency. Arthur and Grandfather are now returning with allies to wrestle the kingdom from his uncle's grasp. But not all is as it seems among his allies, and everyone has secrets. New loves, old loves, lost loves, kingdoms conquered and kingdoms stolen. Who is the real "rightful heir" and will the nearly forgotten sword in the stone finally answer this question?
Author Person:
Kendra E. Ardnek loves fairy tales and twisting them in new and exciting ways. She's been practicing her skills on her dozen plus cousins and siblings for years, "Finish your story, Kendra", is frequently heard at family gatherings. Her sole life goal has always been to grow up and be an author of fantasy and children's tales that also glorify God and his Word. You can read more about her on her blog,knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com.
Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23563093-my-kingdom-for-a-questLinks to Previous books:http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005G3ZFKGhttp://www.amazon.com/Take-This-Quest-Bookania-Quests-ebook/dp/B00CFDHFT4/
Now for the cover!!
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TADA! Isn't it amazing? It is my favourite in the series so far. It has also come to my knowledge, while I was looking through files, that I have made a grave error. I forgot a cover reveal I had made plans to join in back on the 21st. Or there abouts. I cannot believe I let it slip, and while it is too late to join in, I would like to help in announcing this book.
Blurb:
If you enjoyed the world of A Cinder’s Talein the Five Glass Slippers anthology, explore that universe further in The Cendrillon Cycle, a series of novellas recounting the past and future adventures of Elsa, Karl, Bruno, and the rest of the cinder crew.
Volume I, The Battle of Castle Nebula , makes worldfall on the first day of winter: December 21, 2014.She has nothing left, not even her dreams. But Elsa Vogel still has her duty, and she will do it, no matter the peril, no matter the anguish in her heart as she leaves her ravaged home planet, perhaps never to return.
And the same tragedy that tore Elsa’s life to pieces also transformed the lives of others. Others who may need a reason to go on living, after the cataclysmic Battle of Castle Nebula…The Battle of Castle Nebulaebook is available on Amazonand Barnes and Noble. Don’t have an e-reader? Not a problem. Amazon offers a free Kindle app for almost every device. Find out more by following Stephanie Ricker at her blog, Goodreads, Facebook, or Twitter.
Author Bio:
Stephanie Ricker is a writer, editor, and tree-climber. She adores the cold and the snow but lives in North Carolina anyway, where she enjoys archery, hiking, and exploring with friends. Stephanie’s first novella set in the Cendrillon universe, A Cinder’s Tale, was published in Five Glass Slippers , an anthology of Cinderella-themed stories. Stephanie’s fiction has also been published in Bull-Spec , a magazine of speculative fiction, and in four consecutive editions of The Lyricist, Campbell University’s annual literary magazine. Her senior thesis on Tolkien was published in the 2009 issue of Explorations: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity for the State of North Carolina .
This is one book you should definitely took into owning. I read the first story in Five Glass Slippers and I adore the characters.
Now I must be off. Editing is calling.
Quote is from Unbroken, the movie not the book. A conversation between Phil and Louis
ALLONS-Y
December 28, 2014
"I'm glad it was you, Zamp."
This review will be going on my review blog, but I wanted to share my thoughts here as well. That and the post I had planned for today needs some more work before it goes live.
Over the Christmas break, like hopefully many others did, I went and saw Unbroken. I'm still trying to get all of my thoughts about it straight and hope to see it again soon. But for now, I thought I would write a review.
Summary: Louis (pronounced Louie) Zamperini was a trouble maker as a kid who started to fight back the many bullies who liked to beat him up. Later his brother Pete convinces him to run track in the hopes of keeping Louis from getting into real trouble. Pushing himself beyond what he thought were his limits, Louis becomes an Olympian runner but his dreams to win are crushed when Pearl Harbor is bombed and Louis is drafted and becomes a bombardier. During a rescue mission, his plane goes down, crashing into the ocean and leaving only three survivors. Louis, his best friend Phil, and fellow pilot Mac struggle to survive adrift in the ocean, only to be rescued by the Japanese and made Prisoners of War.
Louis' story is amazing. Many parts in the movie feel like they could be made up. Even the actors admitted to it, having to remind themselves over and over this was a true story. There were so many things Louis lived through and shouldn't have. The plane crash alone should have killed him, not to mention his time on the raft with Phil and Mac. As a POW he was singled out by a one of the officers - whom they nicknamed The Bird. The Bird beats Louis without mercy, even making all the other POW's line up and punch him in the face. (The movie toned down some of the things which happened to him.)
I won't call anyone in the cast characters, since they were playing real people. I'm just not sure what else to call them...other than people, which does sound a bit odd. But anyways.
The men in the story were amazing. I will start with Louis, since the story is about him, and just go down from there.
Louis, as I mentioned before, started out in life as a trouble maker. His earlier mishaps were funny, but then he became bitter about all the bullying and turned into a brat, to put it mildly. Later, thanks a lot to Pete refusing to give up on him, he changes and puts all his energy into running. During the time on the raft - 47 days - Louis fights to keep himself, Phil, and Mac alive. He fights to stay alive even when the Bird beats him over and over. And somehow, during a lot of this, he keeps his sense of humor. (Though it doesn't mention it in the movie, there is one scene where he catches a shark. In the book it explains he felt that he and the sharks had an agreement. So long as he stayed in the raft they couldn't attack him, but if he got in the water they had a right to. However, when the raft nearly sinks once the sharks begin to attack while he is still in the raft. He decides that since the sharks broke the pact and tried to eat him he was going to catch one and eat it.) There were other times, before the crash, when Louis would joke around to make the other men in the plane feel better. Louis was played by Jack O'Connell. I was really impressed with his acting. I don't remember him having a lot of lines in the movie, he seemed to do most of his acting with his eyes.
Russell Allen Phillips (Phil).Phil was Louis' best friend and the pilot. Phil was quieter and had this ability to stay calm during missions even while being fired at. Phil had a strong influence on Louis' life. They were quite a bit opposite but seemed to balance each other out. (I'm trying not to put in too much from the book as I plan on reviewing it as well, but there is one story about them I love. While on base they got bored and decided to take their mattresses - air ones - out on the ocean. Both nearly drowned trying to float on them.) Phil, in real life, was a strong Christian. There was one part in the movie I didn't like. During their time on the raft, Phil sang hymns and prayed every night. In the movie, while on the rafts, Phil gives a speech about how he believes we should try and live good lives and when we die there will be angles singing to us. That was one part where I didn't like what they had done to his character - not character as in fictional character but his personality. Other than that I think the actor did an amazing job portraying him.
Pete ZamperiniPete was Louis' older brother. He was the kind of big brother we probably all wish we had, unless some of you have that kind of big brother. In the movie, Louis tells one of his fellow POW's that Pete had always believed he could do impossible things, that he was better then he was. Pete pushed Louis hard, but always believed in him. In the book it mentions Pete telling their mother that - after Louis crashed - he was still alive and would survive anywhere even if all he had was a tooth brush and a knife. The actor who played Pete - I feel like I'm saying this a lot but the cast was AMAZING - did a wonderful job. The scene where Pete learns Louis is Missing in Action made me tear up. And the ending scene made me nearly cry. (I didn't cry in the movie, I was in a state of shock. I cried later when it sank in.)
There were many others but I want to mention just one more. Only because I was so impressed by his acting, and later found out he hasn't acted before. The man who played the Bird, the insane soldier who was Louis' main tormentor. He was so convincing, I'm still in shock this was his first movie.
Warnings.I'm not sure I really have any. There were some things I suppose. Phil and Louis are stripped in one scene, though it is only shown from the back. Also there is a lot of beatings and torture, and there might have been some language but I can't remember. But this is one movie I strongly recommend. Louis and Phil were both such amazing men and their story is one which I think everyone should hear. It is a painful story, but some of the best stories are like that. While I might not advice it for younger viewers, I would recommend it to everyone else. Also the book, because the movie can't be watched without the book being read before or after. Both are wonderful.
I took the quote from the book, which they put into the movie. (It made me happy) It is something Phil said to Louis after they crashed and Phil realized Louis was one of the survivors. (Zamp was the nickname he gave Louis)
ALLONS-Y!
Over the Christmas break, like hopefully many others did, I went and saw Unbroken. I'm still trying to get all of my thoughts about it straight and hope to see it again soon. But for now, I thought I would write a review.
Summary: Louis (pronounced Louie) Zamperini was a trouble maker as a kid who started to fight back the many bullies who liked to beat him up. Later his brother Pete convinces him to run track in the hopes of keeping Louis from getting into real trouble. Pushing himself beyond what he thought were his limits, Louis becomes an Olympian runner but his dreams to win are crushed when Pearl Harbor is bombed and Louis is drafted and becomes a bombardier. During a rescue mission, his plane goes down, crashing into the ocean and leaving only three survivors. Louis, his best friend Phil, and fellow pilot Mac struggle to survive adrift in the ocean, only to be rescued by the Japanese and made Prisoners of War.
Louis' story is amazing. Many parts in the movie feel like they could be made up. Even the actors admitted to it, having to remind themselves over and over this was a true story. There were so many things Louis lived through and shouldn't have. The plane crash alone should have killed him, not to mention his time on the raft with Phil and Mac. As a POW he was singled out by a one of the officers - whom they nicknamed The Bird. The Bird beats Louis without mercy, even making all the other POW's line up and punch him in the face. (The movie toned down some of the things which happened to him.)
I won't call anyone in the cast characters, since they were playing real people. I'm just not sure what else to call them...other than people, which does sound a bit odd. But anyways.
The men in the story were amazing. I will start with Louis, since the story is about him, and just go down from there.
Louis, as I mentioned before, started out in life as a trouble maker. His earlier mishaps were funny, but then he became bitter about all the bullying and turned into a brat, to put it mildly. Later, thanks a lot to Pete refusing to give up on him, he changes and puts all his energy into running. During the time on the raft - 47 days - Louis fights to keep himself, Phil, and Mac alive. He fights to stay alive even when the Bird beats him over and over. And somehow, during a lot of this, he keeps his sense of humor. (Though it doesn't mention it in the movie, there is one scene where he catches a shark. In the book it explains he felt that he and the sharks had an agreement. So long as he stayed in the raft they couldn't attack him, but if he got in the water they had a right to. However, when the raft nearly sinks once the sharks begin to attack while he is still in the raft. He decides that since the sharks broke the pact and tried to eat him he was going to catch one and eat it.) There were other times, before the crash, when Louis would joke around to make the other men in the plane feel better. Louis was played by Jack O'Connell. I was really impressed with his acting. I don't remember him having a lot of lines in the movie, he seemed to do most of his acting with his eyes.
Russell Allen Phillips (Phil).Phil was Louis' best friend and the pilot. Phil was quieter and had this ability to stay calm during missions even while being fired at. Phil had a strong influence on Louis' life. They were quite a bit opposite but seemed to balance each other out. (I'm trying not to put in too much from the book as I plan on reviewing it as well, but there is one story about them I love. While on base they got bored and decided to take their mattresses - air ones - out on the ocean. Both nearly drowned trying to float on them.) Phil, in real life, was a strong Christian. There was one part in the movie I didn't like. During their time on the raft, Phil sang hymns and prayed every night. In the movie, while on the rafts, Phil gives a speech about how he believes we should try and live good lives and when we die there will be angles singing to us. That was one part where I didn't like what they had done to his character - not character as in fictional character but his personality. Other than that I think the actor did an amazing job portraying him.
Pete ZamperiniPete was Louis' older brother. He was the kind of big brother we probably all wish we had, unless some of you have that kind of big brother. In the movie, Louis tells one of his fellow POW's that Pete had always believed he could do impossible things, that he was better then he was. Pete pushed Louis hard, but always believed in him. In the book it mentions Pete telling their mother that - after Louis crashed - he was still alive and would survive anywhere even if all he had was a tooth brush and a knife. The actor who played Pete - I feel like I'm saying this a lot but the cast was AMAZING - did a wonderful job. The scene where Pete learns Louis is Missing in Action made me tear up. And the ending scene made me nearly cry. (I didn't cry in the movie, I was in a state of shock. I cried later when it sank in.)
There were many others but I want to mention just one more. Only because I was so impressed by his acting, and later found out he hasn't acted before. The man who played the Bird, the insane soldier who was Louis' main tormentor. He was so convincing, I'm still in shock this was his first movie.
Warnings.I'm not sure I really have any. There were some things I suppose. Phil and Louis are stripped in one scene, though it is only shown from the back. Also there is a lot of beatings and torture, and there might have been some language but I can't remember. But this is one movie I strongly recommend. Louis and Phil were both such amazing men and their story is one which I think everyone should hear. It is a painful story, but some of the best stories are like that. While I might not advice it for younger viewers, I would recommend it to everyone else. Also the book, because the movie can't be watched without the book being read before or after. Both are wonderful.
I took the quote from the book, which they put into the movie. (It made me happy) It is something Phil said to Louis after they crashed and Phil realized Louis was one of the survivors. (Zamp was the nickname he gave Louis)
ALLONS-Y!
December 23, 2014
"Alfred, your slip is showing."
As you can see, my Christmas tag didn't happen.
Nor did the short Christmas story I had plans for. I've been overly relaxing 8-D
I did want to take a moment to wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
I shall return next week. Until then, enjoy the holiday!!!
Nor did the short Christmas story I had plans for. I've been overly relaxing 8-D
I did want to take a moment to wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
I shall return next week. Until then, enjoy the holiday!!!
December 18, 2014
"Not bad for a pointy-eared Elven princeling."
I was tagged. Twice. I am doing the non Christmas one today and the Christmas one on Monday. Then I will be disappearing the rest of the week.
This tag is from Ashley, who's blog is HERE
Start with three random facts about myself.
1. If I ever had to pick between Narnia and Middle Earth I would probably go to Narnia though I love both the same. Narnia just holds special memories.
2, When someone reads over my shoulder while I'm writing I get nervous and write stupid lines. Such as, "He smiled and waved his hand and walked down the road and didn't look back."
3. I am not emotionally ready to edit Brothers-in-Arms. That was a painful book to write.
Questions I answer.
1. Thinnest book on your self? I'm going with my self published shelf because it's right in front of me. It would be The Princess and the Sage. An adorable, fun book everyone should read.
2. The thickest? Resistance by Jaye L. Knight. Another must read.
3. Favourite classic book? Prisoners of the Sea. (It is the reason I call myself Baillot.)
4. Who is your ultimate all-time favourite character? I don't think this should be a legal question. Is it even possible to pick a favourite? I will do my favourite from a book I am reading right now. Peter, from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
5. What fandoms are you a part of? I don't think I really am part of fandoms. Fandoms are insane and ship people left and write and shout things from the roof tops. I just enjoy stories and story telling. I love characters and when I read it is to enjoy the book, not to look for characters to ship. And...that is all
I just realized I answered the wrong questions. Oh well, I don't really want to delete the hard work of the ones I did answer, so I will now answer the right ones.
1. What is your favourite book quote?
"You're not a hero and I'm not beautiful and we probably won't live happily ever after but we're alive and we're going to be all right."
2. Your favourite superhero?
Captain America
3. Cookies or pie?
John said I have to say cookies.
4. Any weird, funny, or touching movie stories?
You mean...like The Hobbit? (Not sure I get this one, blame my headache)
5. What is the price of bananas?
A blaster manipulator gun.
6. What song are you recently obsessed with and why?
This Isn't The End by Adam Young...it's a pretty song.
That is all.
ALLONS-Y!
This tag is from Ashley, who's blog is HERE
Start with three random facts about myself.
1. If I ever had to pick between Narnia and Middle Earth I would probably go to Narnia though I love both the same. Narnia just holds special memories.
2, When someone reads over my shoulder while I'm writing I get nervous and write stupid lines. Such as, "He smiled and waved his hand and walked down the road and didn't look back."
3. I am not emotionally ready to edit Brothers-in-Arms. That was a painful book to write.
Questions I answer.
1. Thinnest book on your self? I'm going with my self published shelf because it's right in front of me. It would be The Princess and the Sage. An adorable, fun book everyone should read.
2. The thickest? Resistance by Jaye L. Knight. Another must read.
3. Favourite classic book? Prisoners of the Sea. (It is the reason I call myself Baillot.)
4. Who is your ultimate all-time favourite character? I don't think this should be a legal question. Is it even possible to pick a favourite? I will do my favourite from a book I am reading right now. Peter, from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
5. What fandoms are you a part of? I don't think I really am part of fandoms. Fandoms are insane and ship people left and write and shout things from the roof tops. I just enjoy stories and story telling. I love characters and when I read it is to enjoy the book, not to look for characters to ship. And...that is all
I just realized I answered the wrong questions. Oh well, I don't really want to delete the hard work of the ones I did answer, so I will now answer the right ones.
1. What is your favourite book quote?
"You're not a hero and I'm not beautiful and we probably won't live happily ever after but we're alive and we're going to be all right."
2. Your favourite superhero?
Captain America
3. Cookies or pie?
John said I have to say cookies.
4. Any weird, funny, or touching movie stories?
You mean...like The Hobbit? (Not sure I get this one, blame my headache)
5. What is the price of bananas?
A blaster manipulator gun.
6. What song are you recently obsessed with and why?
This Isn't The End by Adam Young...it's a pretty song.
That is all.
ALLONS-Y!
December 15, 2014
"I freed his wretched head from his miserable body."
Things Nick Fury dislikes.
SHIELD agents who don't know where the south is without a navigation system.
Aliens who attack his planet and have bigger guns than he does.
Tony Stark
Aliens who destroy his big guns when they come to the planet
Aliens who kill his best agent
His missing eye
Aliens who are sassier than he is.
Ants.
Aliens who destroy New York and don't help clean up.
Tony Stark
People in higher command who make stupid decisions.
His missing eye
Hawkeye getting brainwashed.
Aliens who brainwash Hawkeye.
Certain agents betraying and trying to kill certain cute British agents.
Glow sticks of destiny.
Tony Stark
Tony Stark's nicknames for everyone.
Aliens who use his Hulk prison to try and kill their brother.
His missing eye.
Winter Soldiers who blow up his car.
A car that is sassier than him.
Steve Rogers not thinking of him as his friend
Not having a wife.
Tony Stark
Tony Stark having two eyes.
Getting shot.
Sometimes large green men with tempers.
His missing eye.
His helicarrier getting attacked
Tony Stark
Tony Stark being the only one who can save his helicarrier
Tony Stark being sassier than he is
HYDRA taking over SHIELD
The stupid HYDRA salute.
A 95-year-old WWII Captain war hero and legend telling him he has to shut down SHIELD.
A 95-year-old WWII Captain war hero who still doesn't think of him as a friend.
A 95-year-old WWII Captain war hero who thinks it is his fault all the Tony Starks in the world are going to be killed.
Tony Stark
His missing eye.
Things Nick Fury likes.
Phil Coulson.
ALLONS-Y!
SHIELD agents who don't know where the south is without a navigation system.
Aliens who attack his planet and have bigger guns than he does.
Tony Stark
Aliens who destroy his big guns when they come to the planet
Aliens who kill his best agent
His missing eye
Aliens who are sassier than he is.
Ants.
Aliens who destroy New York and don't help clean up.
Tony Stark
People in higher command who make stupid decisions.
His missing eye
Hawkeye getting brainwashed.
Aliens who brainwash Hawkeye.
Certain agents betraying and trying to kill certain cute British agents.
Glow sticks of destiny.
Tony Stark
Tony Stark's nicknames for everyone.
Aliens who use his Hulk prison to try and kill their brother.
His missing eye.
Winter Soldiers who blow up his car.
A car that is sassier than him.
Steve Rogers not thinking of him as his friend
Not having a wife.
Tony Stark
Tony Stark having two eyes.
Getting shot.
Sometimes large green men with tempers.
His missing eye.
His helicarrier getting attacked
Tony Stark
Tony Stark being the only one who can save his helicarrier
Tony Stark being sassier than he is
HYDRA taking over SHIELD
The stupid HYDRA salute.
A 95-year-old WWII Captain war hero and legend telling him he has to shut down SHIELD.
A 95-year-old WWII Captain war hero who still doesn't think of him as a friend.
A 95-year-old WWII Captain war hero who thinks it is his fault all the Tony Starks in the world are going to be killed.
Tony Stark
His missing eye.
Things Nick Fury likes.
Phil Coulson.
ALLONS-Y!
December 11, 2014
"Renewed shall be the blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king."
I have been doing some world building in my Blade books. This was forced on me while I was writing and it was relieved Trystan isn't just an Elf, he's a Dark Elf. I suffered that Author moment of panic when I realized I had no idea what a Dark Elf was. Everyone else in the book just went with it and accepted it, leaving me in the dark yet again. It took some forced interrogations, but they finally let me in on this new piece of information.
The Dark Elves are not from Nightshade. They are from an island near the dark country. (I have a name for this country I just need my notebook and it is across the room. I would get it, but I'm barefoot, and my floor is cold. So I will tell you the name later.)
The island is not part of the Eight Kingdoms. It is a small, but well cultured, island. The Dark Elves grow or hunt almost everything they need for survival. They do have various trades set up but are cautious with these as often they are taken by those they trade with and sold as slaves.
The slave trade was started by the reason the Dark Elves got their name. Very often in wars they allied themselves with the dark country, hiring out as mercenaries and assassins. This lead to the other kingdoms not trusting them and feeling they were well within their rights to raid their homes and sell them into slavery. However, since there have been no wars for so many years the Dark Elves lead peaceful lives and keep to themselves as much as possible. (This isn't to say their alliance no longer wavers. Even they admit that, were a war to arise, they would not turn back to their aid of the dark country.)
Another reason the Dark Elves were given their names is one I am nervous of attempting. Elves in all the stories told are fair and while it works sometimes to change images we have in our heads of mystical beings, it is risky and often doesn't work. (Look at Prince Caspian for example, though part of the reason I think the Centaurs didn't work wasn't the color of their skin but the dread lock type hair.) Either way, it is risky. Either way, I am attempting it. The Dark Elves all have black hair and various shades of brown eyes, though most have dark brown eyes. Their skin is something of a copper color, or chocolate brown. The best example I've been able to find is Indians - from India. They are still fair, only their skin and hair match their title.
Because of their time fighting with the dark country - I should have gotten my notebook, I feel like a bad writer using dark over and over - and the slave trade, they tend to trust few people. For someone who is not a Dark Elf to befriend one is a rare thing. And even if they do befriend them the Dark Elf is unlikely to ever completely trust their friend and might never tell them anything of their lives or past.
And there it is. My, thus far, knowledge of the Dark Elves and Trystan. (Knowing this, his grumpy mysterious makes more sense, but he is still hard to work with.)
I leave you now with a quote, as I head off to face the last battle in Middle Earth.
ALLONS-Y!
The Dark Elves are not from Nightshade. They are from an island near the dark country. (I have a name for this country I just need my notebook and it is across the room. I would get it, but I'm barefoot, and my floor is cold. So I will tell you the name later.)
The island is not part of the Eight Kingdoms. It is a small, but well cultured, island. The Dark Elves grow or hunt almost everything they need for survival. They do have various trades set up but are cautious with these as often they are taken by those they trade with and sold as slaves.
The slave trade was started by the reason the Dark Elves got their name. Very often in wars they allied themselves with the dark country, hiring out as mercenaries and assassins. This lead to the other kingdoms not trusting them and feeling they were well within their rights to raid their homes and sell them into slavery. However, since there have been no wars for so many years the Dark Elves lead peaceful lives and keep to themselves as much as possible. (This isn't to say their alliance no longer wavers. Even they admit that, were a war to arise, they would not turn back to their aid of the dark country.)
Another reason the Dark Elves were given their names is one I am nervous of attempting. Elves in all the stories told are fair and while it works sometimes to change images we have in our heads of mystical beings, it is risky and often doesn't work. (Look at Prince Caspian for example, though part of the reason I think the Centaurs didn't work wasn't the color of their skin but the dread lock type hair.) Either way, it is risky. Either way, I am attempting it. The Dark Elves all have black hair and various shades of brown eyes, though most have dark brown eyes. Their skin is something of a copper color, or chocolate brown. The best example I've been able to find is Indians - from India. They are still fair, only their skin and hair match their title.
Because of their time fighting with the dark country - I should have gotten my notebook, I feel like a bad writer using dark over and over - and the slave trade, they tend to trust few people. For someone who is not a Dark Elf to befriend one is a rare thing. And even if they do befriend them the Dark Elf is unlikely to ever completely trust their friend and might never tell them anything of their lives or past.
And there it is. My, thus far, knowledge of the Dark Elves and Trystan. (Knowing this, his grumpy mysterious makes more sense, but he is still hard to work with.)
I leave you now with a quote, as I head off to face the last battle in Middle Earth.
ALLONS-Y!
