Jack Lewis Baillot's Blog, page 40
August 5, 2014
"As you wish."
Wherein Jack speaks her mind.
Yes, that should probably worry you
But first, the last day of my Book Release Celebration will be the 11th, so be sure and come back for that!
While I was away, visiting the land of evil ants and wet air, I came across people who - like most people I come across - were not used to me and my...oddness and prolonged silence. I was continually being asked if I was okay and what I was thinking. Both answers always turned out the same. "Good." And "Nothing." These, I realized while there, have become my default answers. I never intended them to be lies, but maybe they had become. Or maybe it is the only explanation for what continually goes on inside my head.
For some reason, while there, I took time to consider both the questions and my answers, and I realized why I cannot simply put into words how I am feeling and what I am thinking. I believe this is something all creative people will understand, though maybe they too cannot put words to them.
The thing is, I am never - at one time - thinking or feeling just one thing. I see the world different then most people. (Again, creative people probably see what I do.) While someone might walk through the park and see children playing and trees blocking the sun, I see possible different lives. I can look at a person and see a hundred possibilities of what their life might be like. What they are suffering, what they love, why they are looking the way they are. I walk under trees and see a billion stories hidden in the bark. I watch the sun play tag and whisper secrets to the leaves. I lay in the grass and watch the clouds make up their own stories to tell the flowers. I sit by rivers and listen to past adventures the water has had and ones they plan on having.
All of that sounds fantastical I know, but I don't think I can rightly call myself an Author and not have a fantastical, whimsical, childish side of me. I wouldn't be able to make up new worlds and lives if I didn't see the worlds hidden in our own. If I didn't see things that no one else pays attention to I wouldn't be able to write about them.
This can apply to the answer of how I am feeling. The same way I am seeing a billion things at once I am feeling them too. I feel all of my characters all the time, all at once. Every emotion I pour into them follows me each and every day. Somedays I might be giddy and mischievous. Others I can be melancholy and withdrawn. All because of the lives I spin with letters on white pages of paper. They are as real to me as the person standing in front of me, as the one who lays a hand on my back, who hugs me, as the friend who greets me in passing. The only difference is these lives are always there, always with me.
So when someone comes up to me and asks me how I am doing and what I am thinking, it is impossible for me to take everything and put them into words. Therefore when I say I am well and thinking nothing, there is so much more behind those words. There are things I cannot express and saying nothing is just because it would be strange to say everything.
And as sentimental and sappy as this post sounds, it is me attempting a reminder for those who don't see and feel so much so often. If you do ask someone those two questions, and you get those two answers in reply, just keep in mind they aren't trying to block you out or keep you at bay - they just aren't sure how to let you into their worlds.
If you don't know the quote you need to move out from under your rock.
P.S. Brothers-in-Arms got its first review!!! Find it HERE!!!!!!!!!! (And tell her hi while you're there. She is my very dear friend and she is fantastic.) (If anyone else has done reviews for my books, if you want to send me the link I would love to post it here as well! Also, I'd love to read reviews of how you all like - hopefully like, liking makes me happy, but if you don't like them I won't hate you - my books.)
ALLONS-Y!
Yes, that should probably worry you
But first, the last day of my Book Release Celebration will be the 11th, so be sure and come back for that!
While I was away, visiting the land of evil ants and wet air, I came across people who - like most people I come across - were not used to me and my...oddness and prolonged silence. I was continually being asked if I was okay and what I was thinking. Both answers always turned out the same. "Good." And "Nothing." These, I realized while there, have become my default answers. I never intended them to be lies, but maybe they had become. Or maybe it is the only explanation for what continually goes on inside my head.
For some reason, while there, I took time to consider both the questions and my answers, and I realized why I cannot simply put into words how I am feeling and what I am thinking. I believe this is something all creative people will understand, though maybe they too cannot put words to them.
The thing is, I am never - at one time - thinking or feeling just one thing. I see the world different then most people. (Again, creative people probably see what I do.) While someone might walk through the park and see children playing and trees blocking the sun, I see possible different lives. I can look at a person and see a hundred possibilities of what their life might be like. What they are suffering, what they love, why they are looking the way they are. I walk under trees and see a billion stories hidden in the bark. I watch the sun play tag and whisper secrets to the leaves. I lay in the grass and watch the clouds make up their own stories to tell the flowers. I sit by rivers and listen to past adventures the water has had and ones they plan on having.
All of that sounds fantastical I know, but I don't think I can rightly call myself an Author and not have a fantastical, whimsical, childish side of me. I wouldn't be able to make up new worlds and lives if I didn't see the worlds hidden in our own. If I didn't see things that no one else pays attention to I wouldn't be able to write about them.
This can apply to the answer of how I am feeling. The same way I am seeing a billion things at once I am feeling them too. I feel all of my characters all the time, all at once. Every emotion I pour into them follows me each and every day. Somedays I might be giddy and mischievous. Others I can be melancholy and withdrawn. All because of the lives I spin with letters on white pages of paper. They are as real to me as the person standing in front of me, as the one who lays a hand on my back, who hugs me, as the friend who greets me in passing. The only difference is these lives are always there, always with me.
So when someone comes up to me and asks me how I am doing and what I am thinking, it is impossible for me to take everything and put them into words. Therefore when I say I am well and thinking nothing, there is so much more behind those words. There are things I cannot express and saying nothing is just because it would be strange to say everything.
And as sentimental and sappy as this post sounds, it is me attempting a reminder for those who don't see and feel so much so often. If you do ask someone those two questions, and you get those two answers in reply, just keep in mind they aren't trying to block you out or keep you at bay - they just aren't sure how to let you into their worlds.
If you don't know the quote you need to move out from under your rock.
P.S. Brothers-in-Arms got its first review!!! Find it HERE!!!!!!!!!! (And tell her hi while you're there. She is my very dear friend and she is fantastic.) (If anyone else has done reviews for my books, if you want to send me the link I would love to post it here as well! Also, I'd love to read reviews of how you all like - hopefully like, liking makes me happy, but if you don't like them I won't hate you - my books.)
ALLONS-Y!
August 4, 2014
"Just this once, just because, let me save you."
Today I am honoured to introduce you to my friend Melody, who will be interviewing Magda, the girl who kind of started the quest.
When does Stefan annoy you the most?
When he is especially hermit - y. He hasn't been as quiet and doesn't keep to himself as much as he did when we first met, but he still has days were he can go without saying a word to anyone and that annoys me. And I also always worry that maybe he is mad. It is hard to tell, his hermit expression and his mad expression are the same. He just sets his jaw and glowers at anything he looks at and it is hard to know if he is going to shove you in a snowbank or just ignore you.
What is your least favourite animal? I - I don't think I know. Maybe bears, because they might eat me. Out of everyone in our company, I think I would be high on the dinner list. Unless Ennion is above me. I am sure Elves taste delicious. Though if it comes when Stefan is cooking it would ignore us all because his cooking is better then Elf and girl.
Do you like to watch thunderstorms? Yes. But I like them better if I am inside. I don't like the idea of getting struck by lightening because I am outside watching a storm.
Have you ever danced? Um...yes. A little. I don't know if it is real dancing though. I attempted it. But, I spent more time on my partner's feet then my own.
Does Ennion ever say or do things that make you angry? Not really. He is easy to get along with and it takes a lot of work to get angry with him. I guess I do sometimes because it is hard to be around someone as much as I am around him and NOT become angry. But there is no particular thing he does that upsets me.
If you weren't on this quest to keep Lachlan safe, what would you be doing? I would be with my mother, sewing, dreaming of the day I met a dashing prince and got married. (Kind of funny, now that I look back on it. All of my childhood dreams were of marrying a prince, now I am running away from three of them who would like nothing better then to stab me in the back. I think I am done with princes and I'd rather marry a.....Hm, I don't know. What is the opposite of a prince?)
If you had known about all the dangers you would face on this quest, would you still have chosen to undertake it? I'd like to say yes...but to be honest, I don't think I would have.
When do you like Golon and Cordon the most? When they are tormenting each other, or Ennion. Or Stefan. Just any time they are trying to make everything better by insulting someone else in our company.
Thank you, Melody!
Before I go, I am pleased to announce A Test of Loyalty is now available on Kindle! You can find it HERE!!!!!!!!! It should be on Nook sometime this week. I just have to find out why it hates all the files I try and upload. Windows 8 issues.
Quote is from the 11th Doctor when he goes in to save Clara.
When does Stefan annoy you the most?
When he is especially hermit - y. He hasn't been as quiet and doesn't keep to himself as much as he did when we first met, but he still has days were he can go without saying a word to anyone and that annoys me. And I also always worry that maybe he is mad. It is hard to tell, his hermit expression and his mad expression are the same. He just sets his jaw and glowers at anything he looks at and it is hard to know if he is going to shove you in a snowbank or just ignore you.
What is your least favourite animal? I - I don't think I know. Maybe bears, because they might eat me. Out of everyone in our company, I think I would be high on the dinner list. Unless Ennion is above me. I am sure Elves taste delicious. Though if it comes when Stefan is cooking it would ignore us all because his cooking is better then Elf and girl.
Do you like to watch thunderstorms? Yes. But I like them better if I am inside. I don't like the idea of getting struck by lightening because I am outside watching a storm.
Have you ever danced? Um...yes. A little. I don't know if it is real dancing though. I attempted it. But, I spent more time on my partner's feet then my own.
Does Ennion ever say or do things that make you angry? Not really. He is easy to get along with and it takes a lot of work to get angry with him. I guess I do sometimes because it is hard to be around someone as much as I am around him and NOT become angry. But there is no particular thing he does that upsets me.
If you weren't on this quest to keep Lachlan safe, what would you be doing? I would be with my mother, sewing, dreaming of the day I met a dashing prince and got married. (Kind of funny, now that I look back on it. All of my childhood dreams were of marrying a prince, now I am running away from three of them who would like nothing better then to stab me in the back. I think I am done with princes and I'd rather marry a.....Hm, I don't know. What is the opposite of a prince?)
If you had known about all the dangers you would face on this quest, would you still have chosen to undertake it? I'd like to say yes...but to be honest, I don't think I would have.
When do you like Golon and Cordon the most? When they are tormenting each other, or Ennion. Or Stefan. Just any time they are trying to make everything better by insulting someone else in our company.
Thank you, Melody!
Before I go, I am pleased to announce A Test of Loyalty is now available on Kindle! You can find it HERE!!!!!!!!! It should be on Nook sometime this week. I just have to find out why it hates all the files I try and upload. Windows 8 issues.
Quote is from the 11th Doctor when he goes in to save Clara.
"Tea, but the strong stuff. Leave the bag in the cup."
Today I have the honour of interviewing Prince Lachlan. I didn't think he should be left out, considering he is the reason everyone else is running for their lives. So, without further ado, I present to you Prince Lachlan of the Southern Kingdom
Welcome, I am glad you were able to make it today. Me too....I think. Hi. Hi. Would you like to tell us a little about yourself? My name is Lachlan, which I guess everyone already knows. I am seven and the youngest son of King Garolds. I lived in the castle with him for seven years and never knew he was my father. I lived with my mother, she worked there, and we were happy enough. But then my father died and my half brothers decided to kill me and I had to leave and go on the run with my friends. I know that has been hard on you - I am your Author after all - but has it all been horrible? Are there certain things you have enjoyed during your journeys? I suppose so. I've liked getting to meet nearly everyone we have met. Not all of them have been nice, but there have been those who help us and are friendly. I have made plenty of new friends. And there are Magda, Stefan, Golon, Cordon, and Ennion. I still miss my mother, but they have become family to me. I'm sure it pleases Golon to know you think of him and Ennion belonging in the same family. What are some of your favourite pastimes? Stefan has been teaching me how to fence. I really like that. Someday I want to be as good a swordsman as he is. Time and practice and I am sure you will be. What is your favourite kind of animal? This is a better question then anyone else got I think. I like dogs. I want one, someday. I'll keep that in mind. Do you like snowmen? Yes. So does Ennion. Because Ennion is a hundred year old kid. What do you hope to do when you grow up? I don't think I know. Everyone wants me to be king or be dead, so I haven't had a lot of time to think about what I would like to do. Maybe eat sweet rolls for breakfast and go horse back riding once a day. You and me both. Last one. What do you think of Dragons? Everyone is always talking about Dragons lately? I didn't think they existed but I am not sure anymore. I don't know what I think of them. I've never met one. Thank you for coming by. And have a nice break while I try and work out your plot....and if you get bored, just, send me some hints on the plot. Just an idea.
Welcome, I am glad you were able to make it today. Me too....I think. Hi. Hi. Would you like to tell us a little about yourself? My name is Lachlan, which I guess everyone already knows. I am seven and the youngest son of King Garolds. I lived in the castle with him for seven years and never knew he was my father. I lived with my mother, she worked there, and we were happy enough. But then my father died and my half brothers decided to kill me and I had to leave and go on the run with my friends. I know that has been hard on you - I am your Author after all - but has it all been horrible? Are there certain things you have enjoyed during your journeys? I suppose so. I've liked getting to meet nearly everyone we have met. Not all of them have been nice, but there have been those who help us and are friendly. I have made plenty of new friends. And there are Magda, Stefan, Golon, Cordon, and Ennion. I still miss my mother, but they have become family to me. I'm sure it pleases Golon to know you think of him and Ennion belonging in the same family. What are some of your favourite pastimes? Stefan has been teaching me how to fence. I really like that. Someday I want to be as good a swordsman as he is. Time and practice and I am sure you will be. What is your favourite kind of animal? This is a better question then anyone else got I think. I like dogs. I want one, someday. I'll keep that in mind. Do you like snowmen? Yes. So does Ennion. Because Ennion is a hundred year old kid. What do you hope to do when you grow up? I don't think I know. Everyone wants me to be king or be dead, so I haven't had a lot of time to think about what I would like to do. Maybe eat sweet rolls for breakfast and go horse back riding once a day. You and me both. Last one. What do you think of Dragons? Everyone is always talking about Dragons lately? I didn't think they existed but I am not sure anymore. I don't know what I think of them. I've never met one. Thank you for coming by. And have a nice break while I try and work out your plot....and if you get bored, just, send me some hints on the plot. Just an idea.
August 2, 2014
"I am Groot."
This is later then it should be. I've had a busy day and wasn't online till now. But this one will be staying up till Monday so you all will have plenty of chances to get to know the Princes - also known as Lachlan's older half-brothers. They were interviewed by my good friend ABBEY.
1. Hello, princes! Would you please introduce yourselves and tell us how old you are? Igor: You're...asking us all this, at once? I have to do this with THEM? Valdimar: You whine a lot for being the oldest. Damian: Well, you two can bicker, I am going to answer this kind lady's questions. Valdimar: *Snort* No one is going to fall for your kind pretenses. Damian: I am Prince Damian, second youngest son of King Garolds of the Southern Kingdom and I am seventeen years of age. Igor: Reasons like this is why I want to kill you first. I am Igor and the oldest son of King Garolds. I turned twenty seven on my last birthday. Valdimar: And I am Valdimar. I am twenty three.
2. Before he died, your father, King Garolds, left instructions that the last of his four sons left alive would be the next king. How did you feel when your father made this announcement? Igor: I felt cheated out of my birthright. I am the oldest son and therefore the rightful heir to the throne! Valdimar: I wasn't surprised. I always thought my father knew Igor would make a terrible ruler and I believe he did this so I would have a legitimate excuse to become king. Damian: Don't listen to ether of them. Father just wanted to make them feel like they had a chance at being king. He knew all along the throne should go to me but I was the youngest, so he had to give me a reason to become king - a lawful one. Igor: Lachlan is the youngest. Damian: He doesn't count
3. Before your father's announcement, were you three brothers close to one another, or has there always been competition between you? Igor: My brothers are and have always been nuisances. They are the reason we have a bad reputation in the kingdom. There has never been a chance of us getting along because Valdimar and Damian are impossible to form any kind of relationship outside of milk tolerance. Valdimar: Competition is putting it nicely. Try loathing. Damian: They've always been envious because our father favoured me over them.
4. You three are currently hunting down your youngest brother, Prince Lachlan, in an attempt to kill him and rid yourselves of 1/4th of the competition. What will happen after you kill Lachlan? Igor: You make me sound horrible. I am doing this for the good of my people. It is me being king - and I will be a fair king who will actually care about them - or one of my brothers. They will only ruin the kingdom and cost lives of those we are sworn to protect- Valdimar: Shut up, no one cares. You're a horrible prince and you'd be a worse king. I'd kill anyone if it means stopping you. Damian: I don't know where you are getting these rumors...I don't want to kill anyone.
5. Why is it important to each of you to become king? Igor: Like I said, my brothers would only ruin the Southern Kingdom and I, as the eldest, have a responsibility to keep that from happening. Valdimar: There is little point in answering this. It is clear to all I would make a better king then any of my brothers and it is my duty to do so. Damian: What both of them said, only about me.
6. Obviously, you haven't spent your whole lives fighting amongst yourselves for the throne. What are your hobbies and enjoyments? Igor: I enjoy hunting. I have done falconing in my younger days and it was one of the more pleasant pastimes I have found in a long while. Valdimar: Sword play. I also enjoy archery. Damian: Horse back riding and any chance I have t scale rocks I take it.
7. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three objects (including food and people) would you choose to be stranded with? Igor: What an odd question, fair maid. I...suppose my sword and my bows and arrows so that I might be able to hunt for my own food. Valdimar: My sword. A servant to cook for me. And a chicken, so that I might have eggs. Damian: My horse, a dog for companionship, and my bow and arrows.
And there they are, Lachlan's not very nice siblings.
Quote is from Guardians of the Galaxy...more on that later.
Have a fantastic rest of your Saturday!
ALLONS-Y!
1. Hello, princes! Would you please introduce yourselves and tell us how old you are? Igor: You're...asking us all this, at once? I have to do this with THEM? Valdimar: You whine a lot for being the oldest. Damian: Well, you two can bicker, I am going to answer this kind lady's questions. Valdimar: *Snort* No one is going to fall for your kind pretenses. Damian: I am Prince Damian, second youngest son of King Garolds of the Southern Kingdom and I am seventeen years of age. Igor: Reasons like this is why I want to kill you first. I am Igor and the oldest son of King Garolds. I turned twenty seven on my last birthday. Valdimar: And I am Valdimar. I am twenty three.
2. Before he died, your father, King Garolds, left instructions that the last of his four sons left alive would be the next king. How did you feel when your father made this announcement? Igor: I felt cheated out of my birthright. I am the oldest son and therefore the rightful heir to the throne! Valdimar: I wasn't surprised. I always thought my father knew Igor would make a terrible ruler and I believe he did this so I would have a legitimate excuse to become king. Damian: Don't listen to ether of them. Father just wanted to make them feel like they had a chance at being king. He knew all along the throne should go to me but I was the youngest, so he had to give me a reason to become king - a lawful one. Igor: Lachlan is the youngest. Damian: He doesn't count
3. Before your father's announcement, were you three brothers close to one another, or has there always been competition between you? Igor: My brothers are and have always been nuisances. They are the reason we have a bad reputation in the kingdom. There has never been a chance of us getting along because Valdimar and Damian are impossible to form any kind of relationship outside of milk tolerance. Valdimar: Competition is putting it nicely. Try loathing. Damian: They've always been envious because our father favoured me over them.
4. You three are currently hunting down your youngest brother, Prince Lachlan, in an attempt to kill him and rid yourselves of 1/4th of the competition. What will happen after you kill Lachlan? Igor: You make me sound horrible. I am doing this for the good of my people. It is me being king - and I will be a fair king who will actually care about them - or one of my brothers. They will only ruin the kingdom and cost lives of those we are sworn to protect- Valdimar: Shut up, no one cares. You're a horrible prince and you'd be a worse king. I'd kill anyone if it means stopping you. Damian: I don't know where you are getting these rumors...I don't want to kill anyone.
5. Why is it important to each of you to become king? Igor: Like I said, my brothers would only ruin the Southern Kingdom and I, as the eldest, have a responsibility to keep that from happening. Valdimar: There is little point in answering this. It is clear to all I would make a better king then any of my brothers and it is my duty to do so. Damian: What both of them said, only about me.
6. Obviously, you haven't spent your whole lives fighting amongst yourselves for the throne. What are your hobbies and enjoyments? Igor: I enjoy hunting. I have done falconing in my younger days and it was one of the more pleasant pastimes I have found in a long while. Valdimar: Sword play. I also enjoy archery. Damian: Horse back riding and any chance I have t scale rocks I take it.
7. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three objects (including food and people) would you choose to be stranded with? Igor: What an odd question, fair maid. I...suppose my sword and my bows and arrows so that I might be able to hunt for my own food. Valdimar: My sword. A servant to cook for me. And a chicken, so that I might have eggs. Damian: My horse, a dog for companionship, and my bow and arrows.
And there they are, Lachlan's not very nice siblings.
Quote is from Guardians of the Galaxy...more on that later.
Have a fantastic rest of your Saturday!
ALLONS-Y!
August 1, 2014
"Guys, I want a castle."
Sometimes life happens to the best of us. Today's interview did not work out, but I didn't want to let Stefan get away with things this easily. (Not that you still shouldn't stop by and read Bella;s blog, she always has wonderful posts) Therefore, I am handing my blog over to him and giving him the chance to talk a little about himself. (Because I have that kind of sense of humor and like to put a hermit in extrovert situations.)
Here you go, Stefan! Have fun!
Well...this is awkward. I'm not even sure what I am supposed to do. Leave it to Jack to just throw me in the middle of this with no explanation or any rules to follow.
Hello. My name is Stefan. I am a one handed hermit who was snatched out of the hermit life and thrown in the middle of a game of cat and mouse. (I and my friends being the mice.) Since leaving home I have run all over the Nations, trying to keep my head on my shoulders. Does that work for introduction?
I'd leave but Jack has just informed me I have to say more. About myself. She loves tormenting me.
I am not a very interesting person. I know, that makes you want to really read the book I am in, right? But it is the truth. Compared to...Ennion, or Magda, I am kind of boring. (Compared to Magda everyone is kind of boring.) I don't think it helps my lack of personality any that I love to cook. A lot. I taught myself because I was tired of eating meat cooked on sticks and raw veggies. A man gets desperate after a year of the same things, three meals a day.
What else can I say? I have learned from personal experience that Elves are extremely strange, more so then they appear in any of the stories one commonly hears about them. For that matter, Dwarves are much the same. And Dwarves tend to be grumpy on top of that. Especially when one doesn't feed them often. (Something to keep in mind if one ever finds oneself traveling with Dwarves.)
I really have little of interest I can add to this. Not that you should ignore this book because my hermit tendencies kicked in when randomly thrust Jack's device and told to write. I assure you, my companions are worth spending time with the book. I do not know many as heroic as those I have had the honour to travel with. (Just, please do not tell all of them I have said this. Magda you can tell, she is in constant need of the reminder. Lachlan you may tell as well. But the others? That would end with much jibbing and then I would likely lose my temper and pitch them into a harbor. You can surely see how this would end badly for all involved.)
But there, that is the extent of what I have to say, and what I care to say. If you wish for more, you came to the wrong hermit.
I shall bid all of you a fond faire well, however. It was a pleasure to....say hello to all of you.
Here you go, Stefan! Have fun!
Well...this is awkward. I'm not even sure what I am supposed to do. Leave it to Jack to just throw me in the middle of this with no explanation or any rules to follow.
Hello. My name is Stefan. I am a one handed hermit who was snatched out of the hermit life and thrown in the middle of a game of cat and mouse. (I and my friends being the mice.) Since leaving home I have run all over the Nations, trying to keep my head on my shoulders. Does that work for introduction?
I'd leave but Jack has just informed me I have to say more. About myself. She loves tormenting me.
I am not a very interesting person. I know, that makes you want to really read the book I am in, right? But it is the truth. Compared to...Ennion, or Magda, I am kind of boring. (Compared to Magda everyone is kind of boring.) I don't think it helps my lack of personality any that I love to cook. A lot. I taught myself because I was tired of eating meat cooked on sticks and raw veggies. A man gets desperate after a year of the same things, three meals a day.
What else can I say? I have learned from personal experience that Elves are extremely strange, more so then they appear in any of the stories one commonly hears about them. For that matter, Dwarves are much the same. And Dwarves tend to be grumpy on top of that. Especially when one doesn't feed them often. (Something to keep in mind if one ever finds oneself traveling with Dwarves.)
I really have little of interest I can add to this. Not that you should ignore this book because my hermit tendencies kicked in when randomly thrust Jack's device and told to write. I assure you, my companions are worth spending time with the book. I do not know many as heroic as those I have had the honour to travel with. (Just, please do not tell all of them I have said this. Magda you can tell, she is in constant need of the reminder. Lachlan you may tell as well. But the others? That would end with much jibbing and then I would likely lose my temper and pitch them into a harbor. You can surely see how this would end badly for all involved.)
But there, that is the extent of what I have to say, and what I care to say. If you wish for more, you came to the wrong hermit.
I shall bid all of you a fond faire well, however. It was a pleasure to....say hello to all of you.
July 31, 2014
"I would have followed you, into the very fires of Mordor."
Today is the first day in my Book Release Tour. For the next week I will be holding interviews for the main characters from The Loyalty Trilogy.
Today's interview is from Ennion from Kiri, You can find her blog here.
And without further rambling....
1. Any special significance about your name? Probably not. You see, I wasn't supposed to be in the book for more then one chapter. I - had to dig deep into my unlimited source of charm to convince Jack to let me stay. She was really mad about it for about a year afterward and she kept threatening to kill me off. So for future reference, having an amazing about of charm can really be life saving.
2. What is your favourite memory? Probably the day I was walking through the forest and I met this young man who later introduced me to a girl and a runaway prince. Because that was what lead me to finding the friends who have become my family.
3. What song do you think sums up your life? Dante's Prayer. (I forget the name of the lady who sings it. Jack said it is going to come out more, somethings about my past and how the song might fit me, in book three. I just nod when she talks and pretends she is making sense, you can do the same.)
4 If you knew you were to die tomorrow, what would you do today? What would be your biggest regret? Oh, now we're getting to serious questions, are we? I thought you liked me, now you want me dead? I am getting mixed emotions here. If I was going to die anyways I would confront the princes - Lachlan's brothers - and make sure they were never able to do anything to hurt him. My biggest regret? I have to just narrow it down to one? Well, there is this thing, with my cousin....but, we can save that for later.
5. What's the greatest life your friends may believe? This is getting a little awkward. Um....the lie that I am always happy.
6. What's the best way to spend a slow summer evening? Okay, this is better. Sitting out by the river that runs past my home. My cousin and I used to swim there almost every day in the summer when we were younger.
7. Favourite colour, and why it's your favourite? Orange, because it reminds me of fall and I love fall. Simple enough.
8. Your opinion on books? One can never have too many. And there need to be more new ones, because I keep running out.
9. Do you have any special pets? You mean besides Golon? I am going to pay for that later.
10. What's the most foolish thing you've ever done? The hardest thing you've ever done? They are the same, and they go along with the best thing I've ever done. Following an amazing girl all around the Nation and trying not to strangle a Dwarf.
I suppose that is it. Thanks for the questions, Kiri!
Today's interview is from Ennion from Kiri, You can find her blog here.
And without further rambling....
1. Any special significance about your name? Probably not. You see, I wasn't supposed to be in the book for more then one chapter. I - had to dig deep into my unlimited source of charm to convince Jack to let me stay. She was really mad about it for about a year afterward and she kept threatening to kill me off. So for future reference, having an amazing about of charm can really be life saving.
2. What is your favourite memory? Probably the day I was walking through the forest and I met this young man who later introduced me to a girl and a runaway prince. Because that was what lead me to finding the friends who have become my family.
3. What song do you think sums up your life? Dante's Prayer. (I forget the name of the lady who sings it. Jack said it is going to come out more, somethings about my past and how the song might fit me, in book three. I just nod when she talks and pretends she is making sense, you can do the same.)
4 If you knew you were to die tomorrow, what would you do today? What would be your biggest regret? Oh, now we're getting to serious questions, are we? I thought you liked me, now you want me dead? I am getting mixed emotions here. If I was going to die anyways I would confront the princes - Lachlan's brothers - and make sure they were never able to do anything to hurt him. My biggest regret? I have to just narrow it down to one? Well, there is this thing, with my cousin....but, we can save that for later.
5. What's the greatest life your friends may believe? This is getting a little awkward. Um....the lie that I am always happy.
6. What's the best way to spend a slow summer evening? Okay, this is better. Sitting out by the river that runs past my home. My cousin and I used to swim there almost every day in the summer when we were younger.
7. Favourite colour, and why it's your favourite? Orange, because it reminds me of fall and I love fall. Simple enough.
8. Your opinion on books? One can never have too many. And there need to be more new ones, because I keep running out.
9. Do you have any special pets? You mean besides Golon? I am going to pay for that later.
10. What's the most foolish thing you've ever done? The hardest thing you've ever done? They are the same, and they go along with the best thing I've ever done. Following an amazing girl all around the Nation and trying not to strangle a Dwarf.
I suppose that is it. Thanks for the questions, Kiri!
July 28, 2014
"If you haven't got a brain how can you talk?" "Plenty of people without brains talk."
Wherein Jack is eating cranberries and contemplating life.
That's a bit deep for a Monday. But I am finally awake enough that I feel I can attempt to explain what has been going on.
Leaving the West for a month and throwing myself into the South and trying to adjust to how completely different it is gave me a chance to step back and see everything in a new light - mostly my writing and my life in general. It gave me some time to think...kind of. When I wasn't running around working and carrying things and trying not to get eaten alive by fire ants. (Southerns, you have my life long admiration for putting up with those fellas.)
I've been giving a lot of serious thought to my writing over the month. (No. I am not giving up on it. I've told a few people I have spent a lot of time thinking about it and that is the first thing they ask me. It is kind of hard to stop doing something with certain someone's kidnap me and hold me at sword point until I have their stories done.)
Up to this point I have been very pleased with how my books have been doing. I haven't sold enough to move to Scotland, but I have been doing okay with them. I have readers, that in itself is a point I never thought I would reach. I even reached the point where I've been getting - what I have been told is termed fan art. I even was sent a headcannon. I am not really sure what a headcannon is, but I've seen them done on other books so I was rather pleased. (Fan art and headcannons, I am going places!) I have even been sent messages in the fan girl language. (Again, I've just been told this, I don't really know if that is the proper name for it.)
I now have my fourth book published, but I hit a brick wall with the other two in both series. The Loyalty Trilogy is my biggest problem right now as I have very little idea of what the plot is now, since it was so drastically changed on me because a certain hermit and Elf were bored and had nothing better to do with their time. I honestly have no idea why the third Haphazard plot isn't working. I've been staring at it all month trying to find the problem.
My biggest thing right now is trying to figure out where I want to go from here. My marketing ideas got me this far but I need to keep going, and I've kind of hit a brick wall as were to go next. Part of my brick wall is me having too much going on right now. I think I reached the point where I realized I have to step back and take some time to find out where I am going next - which is perfect because with two plots which need work I can take time to sit down and figure them out while I am planning.
I think that explains where I am right now with my writing. I should probably say more, but I am still not fully awake and I have this big fat book calling my name which I've been wanting to read for a while now. Therefore, I am going to leave you with this.
Allons-y!
That's a bit deep for a Monday. But I am finally awake enough that I feel I can attempt to explain what has been going on.
Leaving the West for a month and throwing myself into the South and trying to adjust to how completely different it is gave me a chance to step back and see everything in a new light - mostly my writing and my life in general. It gave me some time to think...kind of. When I wasn't running around working and carrying things and trying not to get eaten alive by fire ants. (Southerns, you have my life long admiration for putting up with those fellas.)
I've been giving a lot of serious thought to my writing over the month. (No. I am not giving up on it. I've told a few people I have spent a lot of time thinking about it and that is the first thing they ask me. It is kind of hard to stop doing something with certain someone's kidnap me and hold me at sword point until I have their stories done.)
Up to this point I have been very pleased with how my books have been doing. I haven't sold enough to move to Scotland, but I have been doing okay with them. I have readers, that in itself is a point I never thought I would reach. I even reached the point where I've been getting - what I have been told is termed fan art. I even was sent a headcannon. I am not really sure what a headcannon is, but I've seen them done on other books so I was rather pleased. (Fan art and headcannons, I am going places!) I have even been sent messages in the fan girl language. (Again, I've just been told this, I don't really know if that is the proper name for it.)
I now have my fourth book published, but I hit a brick wall with the other two in both series. The Loyalty Trilogy is my biggest problem right now as I have very little idea of what the plot is now, since it was so drastically changed on me because a certain hermit and Elf were bored and had nothing better to do with their time. I honestly have no idea why the third Haphazard plot isn't working. I've been staring at it all month trying to find the problem.
My biggest thing right now is trying to figure out where I want to go from here. My marketing ideas got me this far but I need to keep going, and I've kind of hit a brick wall as were to go next. Part of my brick wall is me having too much going on right now. I think I reached the point where I realized I have to step back and take some time to find out where I am going next - which is perfect because with two plots which need work I can take time to sit down and figure them out while I am planning.
I think that explains where I am right now with my writing. I should probably say more, but I am still not fully awake and I have this big fat book calling my name which I've been wanting to read for a while now. Therefore, I am going to leave you with this.
Allons-y!
July 24, 2014
"It seems to run on some form of electricity."
Wherein Jack is back
Ha, I rhymed.
I made it back home last night. I had a seven and a half hour flight - because we are always happy to let people leave Wyoming but letting them back in, not so much. Even if they were born and raised here. It was an interesting flight home. I couldn't sleep because I was too excited so I got horrible air sickness because we took off and landed six times. Then when I thought I could sleep I was next to a lady who kept flipping her hair into my face. I came close to grabbing it a couple times and braiding it. I got home at one thirty last night and woke up at six. So I got about four and a half hours sleep, not a huge difference from my usual six, but if I get any less then six I have a tendency to stare off into space and laugh at everything .That is how I have been all morning. When I wasn't doing all the laundry because I had an insane amount of energy for a little while.
I did want to explain my book release party.
From the 31st of July to the 7th of August (and one on the 11th since he was unable to do it before that) I will be hosting interview for some of the Loyalty characters. The links to when each interview will be and who will be doing it is on my sidebar along with dates. Each interviewer can post the questions on their blogs and on the same day I will have them up on mine. (As you can see, not everyone has been claimed and there are still dates open. If anyone is interested in joining in, please email me or leave a comment.) I am hoping this turns out to be a lot of fun and gives everyone a chance to get to know all the characters better.
That said, I now come to the next big announcement of the day before I curl up on MY BED (which I am very happy to have back) and attempt to sleep for an hour.
A Test of Loyalty, after all the trouble it has been given me, IS OUT TODAY!!!!!
I am very excited, mostly because it was such a pain trying to get it published, so far the worst I've done, but now it is OUT!!!! You can buy it HERE in paperback form. I am hoping to have it on Kindle and Nook by this weekend but it might be the beginning of next week since I have a lot going on this weekend again.
Quote is from The Avengers
Allons-y!!!!!!!!!!
Ha, I rhymed.
I made it back home last night. I had a seven and a half hour flight - because we are always happy to let people leave Wyoming but letting them back in, not so much. Even if they were born and raised here. It was an interesting flight home. I couldn't sleep because I was too excited so I got horrible air sickness because we took off and landed six times. Then when I thought I could sleep I was next to a lady who kept flipping her hair into my face. I came close to grabbing it a couple times and braiding it. I got home at one thirty last night and woke up at six. So I got about four and a half hours sleep, not a huge difference from my usual six, but if I get any less then six I have a tendency to stare off into space and laugh at everything .That is how I have been all morning. When I wasn't doing all the laundry because I had an insane amount of energy for a little while.
I did want to explain my book release party.
From the 31st of July to the 7th of August (and one on the 11th since he was unable to do it before that) I will be hosting interview for some of the Loyalty characters. The links to when each interview will be and who will be doing it is on my sidebar along with dates. Each interviewer can post the questions on their blogs and on the same day I will have them up on mine. (As you can see, not everyone has been claimed and there are still dates open. If anyone is interested in joining in, please email me or leave a comment.) I am hoping this turns out to be a lot of fun and gives everyone a chance to get to know all the characters better.
That said, I now come to the next big announcement of the day before I curl up on MY BED (which I am very happy to have back) and attempt to sleep for an hour.
A Test of Loyalty, after all the trouble it has been given me, IS OUT TODAY!!!!!
I am very excited, mostly because it was such a pain trying to get it published, so far the worst I've done, but now it is OUT!!!! You can buy it HERE in paperback form. I am hoping to have it on Kindle and Nook by this weekend but it might be the beginning of next week since I have a lot going on this weekend again.
Quote is from The Avengers
Allons-y!!!!!!!!!!
July 20, 2014
"Public displays of affection make people uncomfortable." "Yes they do!"
Last day of the challenge
This is going to be my last post until Thursday. (Which is when I should have A Test of Loyalty published.) I know I said I would have some details about the party thing up on Monday but I am too tired to even try and think of it right now. I've been getting massive headaches off and on all last week and they have gotten worse over the weekend. I am hoping if I just take a couple days off writing and trying to get my brain to function it might help. I will be back on Thursday, which is when I get back home, and will hopefully have gotten enough sleep between now and then that I can make sense of any posts I attempt.
Right now everything has just shut down and I crashed this weekend.
So, sorry to go AWOL again. I miss you all, and this isn't me trying to run away screaming from you. (Well, not too much. Some of you are pretty insane...) I'll be back to my normal, bazaar self when I get back home and then I will start up on reading all of your wonderful blogs again.
Today is Favourite Hero, which is NOT going to be easy. At. All.
TV Show:
Okay, this one isn't AS hard.
The Doctor. Because who can't help but love an Alien hero with two hearts, a sassy personality - most of the time - and a sonic screw driver?
Movie:
This is impossible. I have a long list. It goes from Peter in the Chronicles of Narnia to Klaus in A Series of Unfortunate Events to Steve in the Captain America movies. And everyone in between. I guess I will just say Joe from Sky Captain, because no one else is likely to pick him and I don't want him feeling unloved.
Book:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Ha. ha.
Pick one? Really? That is impossible. I can give my top favourites though.
Tintin
Jaron
Jace
Brant
Peter
Edmund
Eustice
Howl
Kiggs
Travis and Ross
RANSOM
Bartholomew
Mr. Jeilliby
Pikey
Hail
Coal
Taleon
Oreayn
Nat and Seb
The fellas in a book I am editing
To name a few. All of these books have been reviewed - all but Narnia, Nat and Seb's, and the one with all the brilliant fellas - have been reviewed and you can find them on my recommended reading list to find out more about them.
That is all. I'll see you all again on Thursday.
ALLONS-Y!
This is going to be my last post until Thursday. (Which is when I should have A Test of Loyalty published.) I know I said I would have some details about the party thing up on Monday but I am too tired to even try and think of it right now. I've been getting massive headaches off and on all last week and they have gotten worse over the weekend. I am hoping if I just take a couple days off writing and trying to get my brain to function it might help. I will be back on Thursday, which is when I get back home, and will hopefully have gotten enough sleep between now and then that I can make sense of any posts I attempt.
Right now everything has just shut down and I crashed this weekend.
So, sorry to go AWOL again. I miss you all, and this isn't me trying to run away screaming from you. (Well, not too much. Some of you are pretty insane...) I'll be back to my normal, bazaar self when I get back home and then I will start up on reading all of your wonderful blogs again.
Today is Favourite Hero, which is NOT going to be easy. At. All.
TV Show:
Okay, this one isn't AS hard.
The Doctor. Because who can't help but love an Alien hero with two hearts, a sassy personality - most of the time - and a sonic screw driver?
Movie:
This is impossible. I have a long list. It goes from Peter in the Chronicles of Narnia to Klaus in A Series of Unfortunate Events to Steve in the Captain America movies. And everyone in between. I guess I will just say Joe from Sky Captain, because no one else is likely to pick him and I don't want him feeling unloved.
Book:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Ha. ha.
Pick one? Really? That is impossible. I can give my top favourites though.
Tintin
Jaron
Jace
Brant
Peter
Edmund
Eustice
Howl
Kiggs
Travis and Ross
RANSOM
Bartholomew
Mr. Jeilliby
Pikey
Hail
Coal
Taleon
Oreayn
Nat and Seb
The fellas in a book I am editing
To name a few. All of these books have been reviewed - all but Narnia, Nat and Seb's, and the one with all the brilliant fellas - have been reviewed and you can find them on my recommended reading list to find out more about them.
That is all. I'll see you all again on Thursday.
ALLONS-Y!
July 19, 2014
"At this point I don't think anything would surprise me." "Ten bucks says you're wrong."
Wherein Jack emerges from editing.
*Waves aside smoke covering. Blinks and looks around. Feels lost and confused.*
Who are you people and why are you staring at me?
Okay, so anyways. I spent 12 hours yesterday editing and finished around nine last night. I slept in this morning, after going to bed earlier then usually last night, and am starting to feel a little more human then I have all week. A little. Not completely. Reading a nearly 600 page book in a week was probably the dumbest idea I've had to date.
But now you know why I got behind on the challenge. I wanted to finish it this week so I could fall over and do nothing for most of next week. When I get back home I really need to sit down and figure some plots out.
More on that when my head isn't aching.
Today I am going to do the three days of the challenge I got behind on.
First is my least favourite paring.
TV Show: Merlin and Morgana. No, I haven't finished the show yet. Yes, I know they aren't an actual paring. I know everything that happens in that show. I also know a lot of people pare them up in spite of her going completely insane and wanting to kill everyone and forgetting how to brush her hair. So this is more my least favourite paring which as never actual a paring. Because, really, Merlin with an insane girl who sits and grins evilly every chance she gets? I don't think that would work out too well.
Movie: Buttercup and Humperdink from The Princess Bride. (I know, but come on, I don't watch a lot of romantic movies. My paring options are kind of limited here.) I don't think they count either because everyone was paring her with Westley, unless it was Max and he just wanted a sandwich, but I think everyone else in the movie wanted her to end up with Westley. So it is obvious her time pared with Humperdink was a bad call all around.
Book: Peter and...I forget her name, the main girl though...from Peter's Angel. I think they belonged together, but I just didn't care for them.
Second challenge question is My Favourite Friendship
I am taking a cue from my friend with this one. I have so many friendships I love I am going with the newest ones because trying to pick one out of all of them would be impossible.
TV Show: Nick and Monroe from Grimm. I love these two. Ever since Monroe first tried to kill Nick and I knew they were going to have some kind of insane and fun friendship. They are one of the main reasons I watch the show. I've loved watching their friendship change from tolerance because Nick just really needed help learning how to be a Grimm to a willingness to die for each other.
Movie: Bucky and Steve. (Shocker, right?) I think this is the best movie friendship I've ever seen. It got even better in The Winter Soldier, because we got to see Steve and Bucky taken out of everything they had ever known and forced to go through changes they can never turn back from. And still, after all that, they somehow managed to save their friendship, even if it did take Bucky almost killing Steve for that to happen.
Book: Okay, this one is hard so I am doing three. The first is a little older and it is Jaron, Tobias, and Roden. Like the other friendships I listed, theirs is more complex and not the typical sort, but by the end of the series it is obvious they all three would be willing to do anything for each other. The newest one though is from my friend Bella's book - which I have the extreme honour of getting to help edit. I have two favourite pairs from her book. Tyson and Michael Peregrine and Dimitri. And I want to go on and on about how fantastic these fellas are but Bella has been trying to avoid spoilers so I don't think she'd like me spilling them all. But just take my word for it, they're amazing and if she ever publishes you will want to get this book.
Third day - today's challenge - is Favourite Villain
TV Show: The Daleks. Because they are annoying, they look like salt and pepper shakers, they refuse to die, and they are still evil enough that every time they show up you can't help but feel sorry for the Doctor.
Movie: Alexander Pierce from The Winter Soldier I could go into lots of details, but I think I will skip. Those of you who have seen the movie probably already know all the details I could go into. Those who don't....go and see the movie.
Book: James Moriarty. I really have no good reason why, but the first time I read about him, I knew he would always be my favourite. Someday I will have a good explanation as to why...someday. WAIT! I have a new one too. There is someone in Bella's book who makes me so mad I can't even say his name. I had to nick name him so I could talk about him. HE might not be my favourite villain, but he is my favourite to slam doors over.
I am working out details of my Loyalty release party and will have them up for sure on Monday.
For now, I am going to pretend the world has stopped and there is nothing for me to do the rest of the weekend. Except banish my headache.
Quote is from The Avengers.
ALLONS-Y!
*Waves aside smoke covering. Blinks and looks around. Feels lost and confused.*
Who are you people and why are you staring at me?
Okay, so anyways. I spent 12 hours yesterday editing and finished around nine last night. I slept in this morning, after going to bed earlier then usually last night, and am starting to feel a little more human then I have all week. A little. Not completely. Reading a nearly 600 page book in a week was probably the dumbest idea I've had to date.
But now you know why I got behind on the challenge. I wanted to finish it this week so I could fall over and do nothing for most of next week. When I get back home I really need to sit down and figure some plots out.
More on that when my head isn't aching.
Today I am going to do the three days of the challenge I got behind on.
First is my least favourite paring.
TV Show: Merlin and Morgana. No, I haven't finished the show yet. Yes, I know they aren't an actual paring. I know everything that happens in that show. I also know a lot of people pare them up in spite of her going completely insane and wanting to kill everyone and forgetting how to brush her hair. So this is more my least favourite paring which as never actual a paring. Because, really, Merlin with an insane girl who sits and grins evilly every chance she gets? I don't think that would work out too well.
Movie: Buttercup and Humperdink from The Princess Bride. (I know, but come on, I don't watch a lot of romantic movies. My paring options are kind of limited here.) I don't think they count either because everyone was paring her with Westley, unless it was Max and he just wanted a sandwich, but I think everyone else in the movie wanted her to end up with Westley. So it is obvious her time pared with Humperdink was a bad call all around.
Book: Peter and...I forget her name, the main girl though...from Peter's Angel. I think they belonged together, but I just didn't care for them.
Second challenge question is My Favourite Friendship
I am taking a cue from my friend with this one. I have so many friendships I love I am going with the newest ones because trying to pick one out of all of them would be impossible.
TV Show: Nick and Monroe from Grimm. I love these two. Ever since Monroe first tried to kill Nick and I knew they were going to have some kind of insane and fun friendship. They are one of the main reasons I watch the show. I've loved watching their friendship change from tolerance because Nick just really needed help learning how to be a Grimm to a willingness to die for each other.
Movie: Bucky and Steve. (Shocker, right?) I think this is the best movie friendship I've ever seen. It got even better in The Winter Soldier, because we got to see Steve and Bucky taken out of everything they had ever known and forced to go through changes they can never turn back from. And still, after all that, they somehow managed to save their friendship, even if it did take Bucky almost killing Steve for that to happen.
Book: Okay, this one is hard so I am doing three. The first is a little older and it is Jaron, Tobias, and Roden. Like the other friendships I listed, theirs is more complex and not the typical sort, but by the end of the series it is obvious they all three would be willing to do anything for each other. The newest one though is from my friend Bella's book - which I have the extreme honour of getting to help edit. I have two favourite pairs from her book. Tyson and Michael Peregrine and Dimitri. And I want to go on and on about how fantastic these fellas are but Bella has been trying to avoid spoilers so I don't think she'd like me spilling them all. But just take my word for it, they're amazing and if she ever publishes you will want to get this book.
Third day - today's challenge - is Favourite Villain
TV Show: The Daleks. Because they are annoying, they look like salt and pepper shakers, they refuse to die, and they are still evil enough that every time they show up you can't help but feel sorry for the Doctor.
Movie: Alexander Pierce from The Winter Soldier I could go into lots of details, but I think I will skip. Those of you who have seen the movie probably already know all the details I could go into. Those who don't....go and see the movie.
Book: James Moriarty. I really have no good reason why, but the first time I read about him, I knew he would always be my favourite. Someday I will have a good explanation as to why...someday. WAIT! I have a new one too. There is someone in Bella's book who makes me so mad I can't even say his name. I had to nick name him so I could talk about him. HE might not be my favourite villain, but he is my favourite to slam doors over.
I am working out details of my Loyalty release party and will have them up for sure on Monday.
For now, I am going to pretend the world has stopped and there is nothing for me to do the rest of the weekend. Except banish my headache.
Quote is from The Avengers.
ALLONS-Y!
