Jack Lewis Baillot's Blog, page 54

"Why is he smiling at me?"

 Last night I was feeling very unaccomplished, so I put on my Enya CDs, curled on my comfy chair - "I got him to say comfy chairs!" - and spent two hours editing Abolished Impracticality. (Though by the second hour I was dozing on and off.)

 I set myself editing goals, which I should have done a long while ago because I wouldn't be working on it all now if I had done some in the summer. (As I've mentioned, I work better with editing when I have a dead line and it is looming over my head.)
 Right now I am doing my own personal read through of the book, making notes to myself, and scolding myself for a cruddy scene I wrote. Once I have this round done, which should take a week or so, I plan to add in the edits my beta readers have been sending me while I read the first book again to make sure I repeated nothing in book two from book one. (I even got myself a handy little board I can write notes on and erase them as I don't need them. I've hung it above my desk so I won't risk forgetting any said notes. But at this rate, I will need a bigger board soon.)

 So, all of that is the reason I am not doing a world building post today but am babbling about nonsense and other great facts of life.

 I am hoping to have most of my editing - if not all - done by November. I don't want to have to try and editing and do NaNo this year - that was SUCH a bad idea last year. Instead, I will polish up the formatting and work on the cover. (Anyone want to pose for a tall, lanky Italian with almost white hair?)
 I don't mind formatting, now that I know what I am doing, but I am not crazy about formatting with pictures. It takes a lot of time and work to get the pictures to look right in the book, I can't just stick them into their proper place and move on. I have to size them and adjust them so they will be in the best viewing position for the reader. (And, the same with Clair, you will want these in the best viewing position because they are great pictures.)
 The closer it gets to the release date, I am thinking of doing another set of picture reveals like I did with book one. But I need to get in contact with my artist first, and get closer to the release date - which really isn't that far away if one is editing. (If you're waiting for the book I am sure it is longer.)

 Anyways, NaNo this year. I am very excited for it even though I'll have to share my computer with John again because he wants to join in again like last year.
 I've been playing around with two ideas, trying to pick one. One idea is a book I've written ten times already and now that I have a great plot - thanks to the efforts of my dear Mycroft - I would like to get it written for the final time. (FINAL!!! Here me, characters?! FINAL!!)
 But, I also have a new, shinny idea running around in my head which...well, it is new and shinny. All of you authors out there know how hard it is to turn down something new and shinny, especially when it is a plot.
 And then, of course, there is book two to last years NaNo. So, once again, too many choices. (I could even work on The Broken Blade some more even though it is considered naughty to write a book which is already being worked on.) Maybe I will save The Broken Blade for next summer and finish the whole rough drafts of the series while I don't have other things looming over my head.
 Oh yes, and then there is book three in the Loyalty trilogy which needs written. And now I am going to shut up before I undust even more ideas which I put aside until I got The Broken Blade done.

 And that is my life summed up at the moment. Well, most of my life. There is all of the other things going on as well, but they are not really worth mentioning right now.

 But I did mean to ask in my last post. Did all of you get in your last minute summer plans last month? Did you do anything grand and epic - or even something which seems less grand and epic but was still fun?

 The website is still in the works. My dear kindred spirit has been offering me all kinds of help and tips and I am slowly inching towards getting it all set up. So, maybe soon I shall be very official. Or maybe it won't be soon, because this is computer related and I am not the fastest when it comes to things like this.
 I am trying to decide on colours though, does anyone have any thoughts on this? (Something which would maybe be a mix between Steampunk and Fantasy - the two main genres I write.) Any opinions or thoughts would be a huge help right now.

 And now I will end this and get up and eat breakfast because my stomach is growling loud enough to wake the dead.

 Quote is from Tangled.

 Allons-y!

"Merlin, what happened in the tent...speak of it again and I will kill you."

 Wherein Jack Bids Summer Good Bye

 I had my doubts about this summer. Things had happened during the winter which left me with a certainty that it would be the worse I ever faced. I was not looking forward to it. But once upon a time, a friend told me that even if I have to spend a day, week, or year alone, I should not sit around waiting for someone to show up to make everything better. If I have to be alone, I might as well find something grand to do. (I paraphrased. She worded it different, but that was the jest of it.)

 By spring I had managed to subdue my sadness and was determined to make this summer one of the best, even if I had to do so alone. I didn't succeed. (It didn't pass the summer I spent with a friend of mine, rolling down grassy hills, walking in fountains, dressing up, and watching movies.) But it turned out much better than I thought it would.

 I did things I never did before. I went hiking with friends, I played in the river - something I've been wanting to do for years but was too chicken - I laid out on our swing in the sun (this needs to be done every summer, it isn't summer without it), I competed in and won my first Camp NaNo (though I didn't enjoy it as much as the November NaNo), I made new friends (SHOCKER!), and I read twenty-eight books. (And I published my second book and made huge progress on The Broken Blade!)

 I've not spent a summer just reading since I was about fifteen. It was a lot of fun and I don't regret one moment of it. Which is why I thought I would share the titles of the books I read, a kind of farewell to summer since this is now the First of September and I must now put aside most of the fun reading I've been doing and replace it with text books 8-P.

 Anyways, following is my summer reading list and a brief overview of my thoughts about each book. They are not listed in any kind of order, just listed.

 CassaStar by Alex Cavanaugh
 The book which made me cry. And I don't mean a couple of tears, I mean a good half hour or more of bawling.

 King's Warrior by Jenelle Leann Schmidt, my new found kindred spirit
 This book has about everything you could ask for in fantasy. Dragons, swords, quests, Nymphs, and the mysterious, grumpy type hero which you cannot help but fall in love with.

 Destiny's Son by Katrina DeLallo
 Even though it says in the beginning how this book will end I was still sad. It isn't a very long book, but it is an amazing story.

 Champion in the Darkness by Tyrean Martinson
 I was shocked at how much I loved this book. I didn't think I'd end up loving it as much as I did.

 Star Wars: A New Hope by George Lucas
 A novelization of the movie, but still a lot of fun to read. There were a few more details which couldn't be fit into the movie

 Annabeth's War by Jessica Grayson
 A new favourite of mine and one I will never get tired of reading or ranting about. RANSOM!!!! I want more by Jessica. "I like it! ANOTHER!" There are no words to sum up how much I love this book

 Truth by Molly Evangeline
 Packed full of Elves, gallant heroes, and well depicted battles, this is a fast paced allegory which left me wanting more. (Thankfully, there was more!) Halandor became my favourite out of the book

 The Destiny of One by Sarah Holman
 I have no shame in confessing I fell in love with Quint. What is not to love about him? Australian space smuggler. He is like Han Solo but without the walking carpet buddy (This whole series is basically one of those king stories I love, only in space!)

 Peter's Angel by Aubery Hansen
 I didn't review this book like I did all of the others. To be honest, I didn't like the two main characters, though I LOVED the plot and all of the side characters. It is set during the Revolutionary War, though Miss Hansen put a new twist on a time period in history we all know. (I want to give the book a proper review someday, but I don't like picking apart another author's hard work unless I can do so without sounding rotten about it.) I do plan to read book two when it is out, because the plot is really, really wonderful and I'm dying to find out what happens to all the side characters.

 Firmament: Radialloy by J. Grace Pennington
 This is a book about doctors and is told in first person by a girl. Just about everything I dislike in a story. I was taking by surprise how much I loved this book and I had a hard time putting it down. I want the second one!!

 Horse Charmer by Angelia Almos
 I didn't enjoy this book, but only because I don't like horse stories. They just aren't my thing. But it is a great book, and I know all horse lovers would really like it. So if you love those kinds of books, read this one!

 The Shadow Things by Jennifer Freitag
 One of the few Historical Fiction, Dark Ages books I actually like. It wasn't packed full of boring facts I didn't care about, and the characters felt very real. I cared about what happened to them, and the ending was nice and left my heart intact.

 The Princess and The Sage by Anneliese Blakeney
 A fun book which had me rolling on the floor in a fit of giggles.

 The Destiny of a Few by Sarah Holman
 While I didn't enjoy it as much as book one I did love the plot development and how things moved forward toward the climax

 Monster by Mirriam Neal
 Set in the future after an illness has killed many people, this book answers a question which is being debated about a lot right now. Not only that, the characters in it felt very real and the plot was exciting, I had trouble putting the book down

 Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Stewart
 A fantasy story with a Steampunk feel to it, it is very hard not to root for Twig as he finds himself alone, looking for answers as to where he belongs in a world which has a hard time accepting him

 Predator's Gold by Philip Reeve
 Tom and Hester, more hungry cities, and a lot of ice and snow. While it had a couple things I didn't like, I enjoyed spending another adventure with two characters I've come to love

 A Hero for WondLa by Tony DiTerlizzi
 While I like Eva, and I had a lot of fun discovering new things about a very different earth, the real reason I read these books is for Rovee.

 Courage by Molly Evangeline
 Another Fantasy adventure with Makilien and her friends. This book, unlike the first, ends in a cliff hanger so have book three ready

 The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
 I read this one to John, not that he had to ask too many times. I never get tired of returning to Narnia

 Tintin in America by Herge
 Another John and I read together. He read it for Snowy, I read it for Tintin

 The Invaders by John Flanagan
 A slow start, but it is worth it! As always, the middle was edge of seat exciting - though I can't say I like Hal more than Will. Will has a special place in my heart

 The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen
 Finished in two days, it is equal to The False Prince and left me sulking because book three isn't out yet. This series made it to my Have to Buy list.

 The Destiny of a Galaxy by Sarah Holman
 This was the only series I finished over the summer. While it didn't end as I thought it would, I was very happy with the ending and went away feeling satisfied. No unanswered questions, nothing left hanging open, but there was enough to show that the characters went on to have many more adventures

 The Ankulen by Kendra E. Ardnek
 One of the books I beta read. A story about an author who is able to get into her own world, only to learn that her imagination is being eaten. This book will be out soon! If it isn't on your to read list you should consider putting it there.

 After the Twelfth Night by Abbey (I don't know what last name she is going to use yet)
 This has a Tintin feel to it which I LOVED! It was a fast read, where the impossible happens, but it didn't matter because it was so much fun. Another book I beta read and which is coming out soon ish. If you like the Tintin books you will enjoy this one.

 (Then, of course, I read two of my books while I edited them, so I counted them because they are books and I read them.)

 And that is the end of it. Right now I am reading Trust, the final book in the Makilien trilogy, but I'm not making fast progress in it with school and editing Abolished Impracticality - which is coming along well for anyone who might be wondering. I just need to get to work on the cover.

 That is about all I have. Except for today's quote, which is from Merlin, after Gwen kisses Arthur to break a spell he is under - and of course, Merlin sees and cannot pass up the chance to remind Arthur that he really does love Gwen and should  marry her even though he's the prince and she's a servant girl.

 Allons-y!

"Destiny...and Chicken."

 After my last World Building post someone requested I do the next one on the Elves in Nightshade. 
 I'm not sure if I mentioned before, but I had not planned on adding so many fantasy elements into these books. But, they are about a quest in a Fantasy world, and what makes Fantasy more fun but Dragons, Elves, Dwarves, and all of those other mystical beings?
 The Elves live in the South of Nightshade, where it is a warmer climate. (Kind of like a marsh land almost, very humid though not muggy like humid places which might come to mind.) It is very green in the South and the winters are very mild. Mostly it just rains a lot. The falls there are lovely, very much like the falls in the East in the States. (Where all the leaves turn bright colours and carpet the ground. At least that is how I hope it looks, I've never actually SEEN an Eastern fall, which is tragic.) Spring is probably the best season in the South as it isn't too humid and all the flowers and trees are in bloom. The flowers alone would be worth going to see.
 The Elves are kind of a cross between Farmers, Gardeners, and Shepherds. Since their home is located in the most fertile part of Nightshade, they can grow a lot of things which cannot be grown in other parts of the country. They trade a lot with the Dragons, giving them fruits and veggies - yes, Dragons eat their broccoli like good mystical beings - in exchange for rare stones which they use in building their homes.
 Sheep have lived in the South for as long as anyone can remember. They are safe there for the most part, except for boors which go there for the sole purpose of goring sheep. (Because sheep and boors don't like each other. "And you wonder why we don't like you.") The boors are very dangerous and when a herd begins to cause trouble the Elvish men will get together a hunting party and go after them, then they will all live off pork, sausages, and bacon for awhile. (See, not even Elves can turn down bacon.)
 There are two different...I can't think of the word. Kinds? of Elves. (Not counting, say, the Wood Elves, the Water Elves, and so forth. I will get to them in a minute.)
 First I will do what are commonly called the Pixie Elves. (They don't really like this name, but no one knows what their proper title is so they were stuck with it and cannot shake it.)
 Unlike Pixies, who naturally can fly, the Elves cannot. Also, they are taller than Pixies. They stand about Three feet at the tallest, most are two feet, or two feet, six inches. Something like that.  They are not as fair as the other Elves. They are browner, for one thing, and their hair has the tendency to look like twigs, though it isn't wise to tell them this. They dress in a lot of browns or very earthy greens and they can vanish from sight faster than a deer in the woods. They do not use long bows like the others, but sling shots and short, re-curve bows. The older men grow bushy beards which always have a slight, greenish tint to them. All of the Pixie Elves have green eyes and brown hair. They are slightly round in the mid-section but this does nothing to slow their speed or agility. 
 Most of them live in the forests, in little hallows in the trees or in caves. A few live along the water front in little homes which look a lot like beaver dams. They are not overly friendly and if they see a stranger like to sit up in their trees and sling shot acorns at them. They have nasty tempers if you anger them. If they are not angry they act like spoiled children. They don't really care about anyone else but themselves, that and eating. They love roasting nuts and eating berries on their own special, homemade bread.
 If you can befriend a Pixie Elf you will have an alley for life, one who will come to your aid whenever you might need them - but befriending one is almost unheard of.
 Now, on the other hand, the other Elves are very dignified. They are hard working, too serious at times, and some of them have forgotten how to laugh.  The Elves do live for hundreds of years, but this isn't due to magic. More of a healthy immune system and eating all their veggies. They have pointed ears, very nice hair, and are nice looking in general. (The men do not have long hair, though I don't exactly know how they style it yet. I'm sure they will tell me soon as they are a rather vain people.)
 Since they can live so long, they've seen a good many sad things which has made them into the solemn race they are. They've given up on men, actually, they've given up on every race but the Dragons. They firmly believe every other race is rash and foolish and won't last long.
 The Elves are ruled by a king - the Pixie Elves have a king, but every week they trade off so they all get to be king. Even the women get to be king. (They've never heard of queens.) The king rules along side his sister, whom he made a queen as he valued her wisdom and wished her to rule beside him when their father died. (The two are very opposite each other, but both love each other dearly.)
 Since breaking off alliance with the men, the Elves have given up on fighting and try and live a peaceful life - as peaceful as it can get with the Pixie Elves living in the same place. 
 They spend a lot of time building up their capitol city where the king and queen live. The buildings are designed to look like the mountains, trees, rivers, and forests. They are embedded with rare stones from the Dragons, but are done in such a manner they don't look over bearing or flashy. 
 There is only one Elven city. There are small villages scattered through the South, but only one city, and it isn't easy to find. 
 Since a lot of the Elves are Shepherds, all of their clothing is made from wool. However, the weavers have come up with ways to keep it from being course, heavy, and uncomfortable. (Pretty much, it is like Narnia. Not only nice to look at, nice to wear.) The women's dresses are long and flowy, very graceful but also endurable. The men dress in loose fitting trousers, shirts - naturally - and soft boots. (I need to work more on the designs themselves.)
 While Elves know how to use swords, daggers, and other weapons, they prefer the long bow. They are deadly aims even though their bows don't look all that threatening. Don't make an Elf mad if he has a bow. Their swords are shorter than what is used by the men. They are thin as well, and when an Elf draws his sword, if you haven't got an arrow in you, you are pretty much done for.
 And that is about all I have on them right now. I am still working on meeting everyone, especially the king and queen as they play an important part in the books.
 Right now though, I have a few pages to write, and then I am going to bed.
 Quote is from Merlin, when Arthur is brain washed into falling in love with a spoiled David Tennent's wife. (He goes to win her love, with chicken.)
 Allons-y! 

"You're mad!" "Thank goodness for that, because if I wasn't this would probably never work."

 I missed two days of posting, as I'm sure was noticed. Monday I was busy visiting with a friend who was passing through. (I've never had a friend pass through my hometown and neither of us could pass up the chance to meet!) We went to what my brother calls a hippy cafe, one he claims I will end up going to every day. (It serves coffee, plays low music, and is full of writers and other artist type people. They have some yummy things, but I doubt I will end up there as often as he claims.)
 It was a good deal of fun getting to meet her - it was Abbey by the way to all those who know her - and getting to talk to her.

 Yesterday I was too on edge to even think of writing a post. I tried it a couple times, but I was as high strung as a cat and couldn't sit still long enough to do anything of the sort.
 I've been debating for awhile now if I was going to mention this or not. It didn't seem relative to my writing or anything on this blog, but then I got there today and was slapped with a reading pile which is bigger than my summer reading list. I realized there is no way my schedule can stay the same. I also found that it does relate to my writing in a way, so, I shall announce partly what my secret project is - the one I've mentioned before.

 I am going to college. What does this mean and how will it effect everything? Well, to start, it means I will be learning some cool writing things! I have this fat English book which looks like it is going to be a big help with my books. I was very happy when I got to English class today and discovered what I'd be learning there.
 It also means I need to rethink my posting schedule. I'm going to cut down days to just Monday, Wednesday, and Friday that way I won't get behind on the massive reading pile that was dropped on me. (Good thing I like reading. Even better that I got every single book on my summer reading list done when I did!)
 There is a good chance I will vanish somedays. On these days I will likely be digging my way out of school books. But, I am determined to keep up on my books. They are still a huge part of my life and I don't want to get behind on my writing, editing, and publishing.
 I will be dividing blogs I read so that I only read so many a day. Which means I only get to read everyone's blog once a week 8-( But at least I will get to read everyone's. 8-)

 This is a huge change in my life, and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. I was so freaked out over it I was sick to my stomach when I walked in the classroom this morning. I don't like the idea of sitting beside strangers for the next few months, having to TALK to them and study with them. (On a better note, I keep telling myself that maybe I will make a friend.)
 This is something I feel I should do and I know God will help me through it, but I still am not too keen on the idea at the moment.

 I don't know how I am going to balance everything and given the option I'd drop out work, but that is one of those things normal people frown on. (You know, and those people who want your money, they don't like it so much when you suddenly can't give it to them. I don't know why....)

 BUT that isn't the only news I have!! (I know, right?!) This news does relate directly to my writing and publishing. I've been looking into getting a website - one of those professional ones which will help with promoting my books. (I say looking because I am VERY lost when it comes to these areas. In fact, if anyone has tips or ideas or anything I'd welcome it like....eh, let's go with an over used one here. Like rain in the desert.) I know I am not going with one of those free ones. I want to buy a dominan name because from what I've researched it helps a lot with marketing.

 And now....I will be making my grand exit with a swirl of my cloak while I try not to trip over my boots.
 By the way, this is more Wednesday's post than Tuesday's even though it is going up on Tuesday. I'm going to see Planes!!!!!!!!! And when I come home I have homework, so I won't have time to post it. This also means Wednesday's World Building is moved to Friday, but just for this week. Next week it will be back where it belongs.

 Now, I have to put on my shoes and dash before all those little kids get in line ahead of me. (Well, Peter and I. It is hard to keep a pilot away from these kinds of movies.)

 Quote is from Jack Sparrow. *Nods*

 Allons-y!

"It comes in pints? I'm getting one!"

 Wherein Jack forgets to breathe
 I am going to try and keep this post civilized, to limit the amount of squealing and doing jigs. I don't promise this plan will carry though, but know I am planning on it, which counts for something.
 I've been reading since I was...okay, I don't know my exact age, but I was young. I love books, but I don't think I've ever looked forward to books coming out, and if I ever did it wasn't like it is at this moment. Yesterday, this hit a whole new level so I decided it would be fun to post about the books I am going to rush out and buy the moment they are out, tripping over myself as a go - and I also will be sneaking in recommendations. Basically it will be like, "GO! READ ALL OF THESE BOOKS!" There, I recommended them all, now this post has purpose on my writing blog and isn't just a geeky rant while I try and breathe normally.
 (None of these books are in order because I want them at the same level.)
 Captive of Raven Castle by Jessica Greyson.  You know how you read a great book and grow to love the author as much as the characters and story and decide that you will buy every single book by said author? Well, that is me with Jessica. Only she doesn't have any more books out but Annabeth's War, so I have to wait impatiently for her new one. (I've given up on trying to be patient. It's a lost cause.) You can find out about Annabeth's War HERE There is no release date yet. (This is both good and bad news. Bad that I can't count down to a day, good because it will be a surprise when it comes out. I like surprises.)
 Shadowscale by Rachel Hartman. This is the squeal to Seraphina. I loved the first book, it was one of those rare occurrences where I loved the girl character as much as the boy. I'm missing Phina and Kiggs so much I am going to check out book one at the library and re-read it. Book Two can not come out fast enough! Release Date: Feburary 25th 2014. (MORE THAN A YEAR!!!)
 The Shadow Throne by Jennifer Nielson The last book in The False Prince trilogy. I know it only takes me a day to get through these books. I know I will set it down and want more, but I don't care. I want this book, and I don't really want to wait for it. I'll take it now, read it now, and regret not savoring it later. (Then I will re-read all three of them until I have them memorized.) The second book ending on a bit of a cliff hanger, but I don't want the third to end the cliff hanger, I want the third because I. Miss. Sage!! Release Date: March 1st 2014. (These release dates are depressing.)
 The third and final, as of yet, untitled WondLa book by Tony DiTerilzzi Yes, I want it. A lot. I want it for Rovee, I want to know what happens, I want Eva to win the last battle. I just want it. No release date yet, not even a title or hint at it. This does not bode well.
 The Whatnot by Stefan Bachmann The squeal to The Peculiar. This is the only book I've read which has a good mix of fantasy and Steampunk and characters who befriended me and then left me without more. I want to spend more time with them, I must!  Release Date September 24th 2013 (This is such a nice release date. This is why I like the author.)
 The House of Hades by Rick Rordian I have mixed feelings about this book. I want it because Percy is in it and I love Percy. But I don't want it because as an author, I saw things in Mark of Athena which got me very worried for a certain someone I like.  Release Date: October 8th 2013
 Second Son by Jenelle Schmidt Book Two to King's Warrior, only this time it is about my favourite character from King's Warrior. Also, it is a king story, set in one of the coolest fantasy worlds I've ever read, and did I mention it is about my favourite character from the first book? No Release Date yet. (It is like Captive, I don't know if I should be happy or sad.)
 The Sandman and the War of Dreams by William Joyce Book 4 in the Guardian series. (A delightful series about familiar myths with new twists added. If you haven't read them, do so. Now.) I REALLY want this one because Jack Frost is in it! Need I say more? Release Date: Possible December 31st 2013. (Possible? Possible?! 8-( )
 And now...to the one which inspired this post...
 The Royal Ranger by John Flanagan This book made me choke on my cereal, forget how to breathe, and almost caused my eyes to pop out of my head. Let me explain. I loved the Ranger's Apprentice books, I still do. When I finished The Lost Stories I said good bye to Will and sulked over it because I knew I'd miss him. That was it, the end of the series. I didn't expect anymore. Then I was reading a friend's blog and discovered there is to be a 12th book, the one which will wrap the series up. And I almost fell over. ONE MORE BOOK!!! One last adventure with Will!!!! A chance to see Halt again - PLEASE!!! - and return to the forest and the cabin and fight bad guys and watch Will be his cool self.  I've been in a state of disbelief and delight since discovering the news. And I wants this book! "I wants it! Give it to me!" Sure, from the summery, something sad happens. But I still want it.  Release Date: October 3rd 2013. (That is for everyone living in Australia. Us poor Americans have to wait till November.)
 And now I have to end this and go because I am supposed to be doing other things, not talking about all my friends who are taking their time visiting me. 
 Quote from The Lord of the Rings movie
 Allons-y!

"I'm telling you, man, every third blink is slower." "The 60's weren't good to you, were they?"

 Wherein Jack wonders if watching TV series are really worth it.

 Once upon a time I had no idea about cliff hangers and season finales. I was happily living my life watching TV shows like The Dick Van Dyke show and I Love Lucy. Shows that had all of their seasons out. I didn't have to worry about waiting for a new season or anything like that. I didn't even want to watch anything new because none of it caught my attention. Then, one day, I began hearing of things like BBC. Sherlock. Doctor Who. And even American TV shows. Thankfully, I was many series behind in Doctor Who, Monk was completed by the time I began, and Sherlock - okay, Sherlock is in a place all by itself and we shan't even go there at the moment. But then I heard of another show called Grimm. And then I began to reach the end of Doctor Who. And then Sherlock....if you need a summery of the Sherlock fandom summed up check out Tumblr and Pintrest. Or google Sherlock fandom. It was during these points that I began to realize something. Season finales....they are one of the deepest forms of evil.
 I've been watching Grimm since it came out. It was one of the few shows I like the moment I began it. (Others take me an episode or two.) I got a bit behind on season two, but I finally finished it tonight. And now I will be sharing my overview of it all, spoiler free, Sweetie.
 Show summery: The show follows Nick, a police detective who lives in Portland with his girlfriend. Nick is a pretty normal guy, for the most part. He was orphaned as a little boy and raised by his aunt whom he loves as a mother. But what he doesn't know is that his aunt, his whole family, had a secret. Nick is part of the Grimms, a long bloodline which has dedicated their lives to fighting Wesen - they are like people, but they can transform into things like werewolves, witches, dragons. Basically all of the fairy tale creatures. In fact, Nick learns that the Brothers Grimm were really his ancestors and the stories they wrote were all true. Nick had been unaware of his gift his whole life, but when his aunt dies, her ability to see the Wesen is passed on to him. It also means they can now tell he is a Grimm - and they don't like Grimms because most of them take off Wesen heads. They don't quite get the fact that Nick is a policeman and doesn't just go around beheading people because. To make things more complex in Nick's life - because, let's face it, it isn't enough that he has to fight shape shifting people - he becomes best friends with Monroe who is in fact one of the grumpiest of the Wesen creatures. (At least, Monroe's kind are. Think of those burly men with bad tempers you sometimes run into, or angry women who seem to try to start a fight no matter what you say and you have it.) Monroe is reformed though. He is trying to live a normal life - as normal as he can. He doesn't hunt anymore, he is content to live alone with his cloaks. All this changes when he begins to help Nick, which is hugely naughty. Basically, all Wesen either think he's lost his mind or he is a traitor. And, as happens in all TV shows, things just keep getting worse. Being a Grimm and a policeman basically contradict each other so often Nick has to get creative - most times with Monroe's help. And then a family known as the Royals discover Nick has something they want, and they are determined to take it from him, mostly by using a Reaper. (Grimm Reaper, get it?)
 In short, the show is a detective show with fairy tales thrown in. And it has wonderful characters.
 Nick: The quieter sort, he has a strong sense of justice and always abides by the law - at least in the early part of the show. Later he realizes how impossible this is, but even then he has trouble burying his training. He would gladly die if it meant saving someone he loves. When things go bad for him he usually withdraws or goes to Monroe. (In the beginning Monroe is the only one who knows of his secret so Nick grows to trust him with a lot of things that he doesn't understand.) He likes being a policeman, mostly I think because he doesn't like to see innocent people get hurt by other people's ill moods, recklessness, or anger. (Or whatever else might cause them to hurt someone.) He does have a temper but it isn't easy to find. You have to do something REALLY bad to get him mad.
 Monroe: Monroe is nearly six feet tall, I'm sure of it. He is not a small man and on first appearance looks like someone you would not want to cross paths with. However, in reality, he is very quiet, likes to keep to himself, and is a walking history book. He has a very bad temper and has to fight it back a lot - sometimes he doesn't bother though and just beats people up, usually the bad guys. Monroe also acts like a chicken, though not in the hide under his bed way. Whenever Nick drags him into a dark, creepy building or some other situation where they might die he usually asks something like, "There's a good chance we will die, remind me why we're doing this again?" But nothing ever stops him from helping Nick or others who might need him. (He and Nick have a cool friendship. It is very unusual because they weren't supposed to be friends. They are supposed to be mortal enemies and hate each other, but it didn't quite work out.) Also, Monroe is trying to bury a past he doesn't like. Sometimes it comes back to haunt him, but he's determined not to return to it.
 Renard: Nick's boss who has a good many secrets of his own. He is very cool, but one of those characters were you keep going, "I want to like you. I want to trust you. Don't break my trust. I'm not sure I can trust you. Can I trust you?" Even now I'm not sure what he will end up doing in the end.
 Adalind: One of the witch creatures who is a spoiled brat with the attitude of a five year old stuck in a woman's body. Adalind always gets what she wants, and when she doesn't she pouts.
 Juliette: Nick's girlfriend. I didn't like her in season one, but she grew on me by the end of season two. She is a strange character, but overall a nice one.
 Rosalee: Rosalee keeps a spice shoppe in Portland - a special Spice shoppe for Wesen. She is quiet, sweet, and plays the doctor a lot of time. She is always trying to heal people and mixing up things to cure her friends of spells and such. I really like her, its not often one finds sweet, quiet girl characters who aren't always hiding under the bed when things get scary.
 Hank: Nick's partner, Hank is used to things not going well and often expects the worse to happen. He's also good friends with Nick and saves his life a good many times.
 Wu: Wu is one of my favourites. He is this little Chinese policeman who works with Nick and Hank sometimes. He has a dry sense of humor. No matter what is going on, he will sneak in snide remarks or comments. He is very laid back, nothing ever seems to bother him. He sees a lot of strange things, blinks, and goes to look up past records and stuff for Nick. He takes everything in stride and when he feels like he's been left out of something he makes sure someone knows - or tries to - not that he ever sounds as if he cares, he just likes them to know. Every time I watch it and he is around where the fighting is I have mini heart attacks because I'm so certain they will end up killing him. I spend more time shouting, "LEAVE WU ALONE!" Then worrying about Nick. But this is American TV, they don't kill the main characters. Right?....
 I will warn, the show is gory. Not all the time, but it does have its moments. (I watched one tonight where it shows all of the insides of a cow on the outside.) So, there is that. And Nick and Juliette do live together though not married - and it sometimes does mention, rather hint at, characters sleeping together. Nothing is ever shown though - though in the very last episodes, one of them, Adalind is shown in nothing but her under clothes for a moment or two. Overall, it is a clean show though and if you can handle the insides being on the wrong end bit then it is worth watching. (At least, I think so. Few people share my thoughts, it isn't very popular from what I've heard.)
 Another warning before I close. Season two ends in a cliff hanger. But, as it says before the credits, "Did you REALLY expect any different?" I didn't, but it still wasn't nice. 
 And now I will go to bed, because it is late, even more so since I stayed up later than usual finishing season two. 
 Quote is from Cars. If you don't know which two cars it is between you don't get a cookie. 
 Allons-y!

"Take a look at yourself. Oh wait! You can't, I forgot, your eyes are sucked inside your head. What was that, Flat Face?"

 Last week I got two requests to do another World Building post on the Haphazardly books. I've decided to do a little bit on something I had a lot of fun with.
 I wanted to do something fun with each of the countries, but when it came to America I couldn't think of anything. (Or maybe I thought of too many things.) Either way, it took me a long time to settle on something. For awhile I tossed around the idea of doing something like Mr. Westerfeld did in Goliath. I'd fill America with nosy reporters, reckless people, and gangsters. (He just did the nosy reporters and recklessness. But reporters make me think of gangsters and I couldn't do one without the other.)
 However, a long time ago, I nearly wrote an American Western about a doctor, a sheriff, and a girl who went from being an orphan to a reformed salon girl. I never made it far with this story, but the characters refused to leave and stayed in the back of my mind waiting for the book they knew they belonged in. When they learned of my debates with the Haphazard book they began giving me suggestions, and slowly, America began to take shape.
 The first thing I did was I divided it. I decided to keep the Civil War, but instead of it being fought between the South and North it was fought between the East and the West - and nothing was ever resolved. Therefore, America was divided with each side making their own government. (I won't go too much into that as it is explained in the book and would give away some spoilers.)
 In the East, it is more of the gangster era - or the time period when Newses was set. (If you haven't seen that movie go watch it. Now.) In the West it is very Cowboy-ish. (Very Old West, think Western movie and you have it.) Of course, making it like this meant I needed a train - so that the outlaws could rob it. But, since it is Steampunk, I wanted to come up with something other than the trains one finds in the history books.
 To begin with, I gave the train a caterpillar design. Instead of being cars hooked together by latches, it is all connected but is jointed all throughout the cars. (Kind of like an accordion.) It doesn't run straight on a track but snakes over it - exactly like a snake moves as a matter of fact. The train, likewise, isn't straight but weaves through the land.  The train holds on to the track by thousands of feet. (Again, think caterpillar.) These shuffle over the tracks, moving the train forward.
 There are other inventions in the Americas as well, but the train was the one I had the most fun creating. In fact, it is the machine I like the most, next to the airships and the Marchers. And the parts in the book where it appears were a great deal of fun to write.
 And that is about all I have - my attempt at a spoiler free sneak peak. 
 For next Wednesday, which book would you like to heat about? And what is something you'd like to hear about from said book? (People, land, or some other thing?) 
 Also, I am going to try and answer comments tomorrow. I don't want all of you to think I've been ignoring you, things are very busy here, but I love hearing from all of you and I love reading your blogs and have been disappointed I've gotten behind again.
 The quote is from Epic, another time when the slug is insulting Nod. 
 Allons-y!

"Ugly says what?"

 Wherein Jack Reviews A Movie

 I love animated movies, but whenever one comes out which I think looks really good I have warnings go off in the back of my mind. What if it isn't all the trailer implies it is going to be? What if I wait and wait for it and it is a huge disappointment? How will I get over that kind of betrayal?
 Thankfully, this doesn't happen all that often. Right now I can only recall about two movies I was looking forward to that I came away disliking.

 When I saw the trailer for Epic I wanted to see it the next day, even though I had a lot of doubts about it. It had all of the elements for a great story, but it also had a slightly over used plot and therefore there was the likely chance that it would flop. (Fairy type being living in the trees, fighting off evil with their happiness and ability to grow things, and the human who gets sucked into it all and has to save everything. Toss in some glitter which spins magically around the queen for good measure.)

 This movie has a lot of stereotypes which are best avoided, usually, in story telling. (Mostly because they are over used and the issues are never really resolved - a post for another time.)

 For example. Nod, the hero of the story, is arrogant, thinks he knows better than anyone else, and doesn't work with the other soldiers. He wants to do everything on his own, and hates taking orders.
 In the same way, M.K. - the heroine - is going to visit the dad she barely knows. Her parents divorced and now her mum is dead - I think. It never said, but it was implied. But, anyways, her dad is absentminded, pays no attention to her, and M.K. figures she would be better off on her own. All of this screams over used main character syndrome. But there were some twists which kept the story exciting.

 First off, Nod and M.K. themselves. Both of them make a lot of mistakes. They do things which endanger not only themselves but many other lives. But, when this happens, they admit to their mistakes. They don't push the blame on others, they take rebukes and determine to fix everything they can.
 Also, with M.K. and her dad. It wasn't the typical when they have a chance to fix things were one puts all the blame on the other. Instead, both see where they went wrong and they apologize, not trying to make the other say it was all their fault. I've not seen this a lot in story telling and it was nice for a change.

 And now that I've established that I loved that element of the story I can move on to all the other things I liked.

 First, the queen. Why can't there be more queens like her? She was completely unexpected. She made jokes at random times and kept telling her body guard to lighten up. But, she was also very brave and - in short - just really cool.

 Her body guard. He was kind of like the tiny leaf man of Nick Fury...only without the grumpiness. (In all fairness, I think Fury deserved his moments of grumpiness, look who he had to put up with.) Also...during the battles. He was VERY cool during the battles. And he was the kind of character who won't put up with much. If you annoy him, he will leave you behind - at least, he will do his best.

 And, I cannot do a review without mentioning the slug and snail - even though I've forgotten their names. The slug was the funniest part of the whole movie and now my brother goes around using his insults. (The title is one of them.) The best part was when he tried flirting with M.K.

 The battles were the type that had me scooting closer and closer to the edge of my seat. (I like a good battle. Throw in humming birds and bats and swords and you have a winner on your hands.)

 For awhile I was certain I was going to hate the ending. I was ready to sulk out of the theatre and go home to pout. But, it turned out to be a great ending, so I went away happy.

 Of course, it did have the glitter and was close to boarding a couple Barbie movies. *Cough* I don't know HOW I could possibly know something like that! *Cough, cough* But the battles and characters and bad guys made up for it. (For those wondering, yes, there was a part where glitter surrounds someone, lifts them off the ground, and drops them back in a whole new outfit.)

 Now all I have to do is wait for it to come to DVD so I can watch it again. And again. And again. And if you have yet to watch it you should. The End. I'm going to bed. "I wash my hands of this weirdness."

 I already told you where the quote is from, but if you were wondering, it is the slug insulting Nod.

 Allons-y!

"Parade. Fun. Smile."

 So, this is an out of order post, but my friend Amy is having a Disney party - I've already done the tag - and it looks like such fun I want to do the rest of the party. For this part all one has to do is post about a Disney movie.  To be honest, I wanted to do Epic, which I just got back from seeing, but it isn't Disney so I can't. I'll save that one for a review for later.
 I must admit, I kind of put this off for the last moment. Part of the reason is I work best under pressure, another reason is I've been busy all weekend and haven't had a chance before. The main reason is because I didn't know which movie I was going to do. I felt I should do The Lion King, because it was my favourite first - but I always wanted to do Tangled because of the cool plot and characters. Basically, I can't pick one from the other, so I am going to go with another favourite instead.
 The Sword in the Stone.
 I saw this when I was very young and liked it, but since I didn't see it as much as other movies I couldn't remember the name. It wasn't until I found it a few years later and watched it again and again that I came to realize how much I liked it.
 The story is about young Arthur who is destined to become the legendary King Arthur. Of course, before he becomes king, he has to learn what being a king means and who better to teach him then the wise old wizard Merlin. (I know, Merlin is old in it, with a grey beard and everything and while my view of him has changed since watching a certain TV show, I shall still always like the old Merlin as well as the young one.)
 Merlin takes Arthur on all kinds of adventures, turning him into a squirrel - why does that word have to be so hard to spell?! - and a frog. At least I think it is a frog, it has been far too long since I've seen in. I always loved the squirrel part best, the girl squirrel cracked me up.
 I don't really remember the ending, other then loving the part where Arthur pulls the sword from the stone. I sat there laughing at the one chap - see, I've even forgotten who the other boy was. "Haha, Arthur gets to be king and you don't! Haha!"
 This movie is what got me interested in the Arthur legends, and while I have yet to find one of the books to read - I am looking for the one written by Howard Pyle - I've enjoyed watching other movies about the legends. (For those of you who like the legends as well, try watching The Last Legion sometime. *Nods*)
 Anyways though, there be my thoughts on the movie. Now I have to add it to old Disney movies I need to re-watch, along with The Great Mouse Detective. 
 You can find the link for the Disney party HERE!
 Quote is from Epic, the queen while addressing one of her cool body guards. (See, that's how much I want to review the movie, I'm using quotes early.)
 Allons-y!

"Bye, bye, boys! Have fun storming the castle!"

 I am taking part today in a book cover reveal. I've been pondering for almost a week now how to lead up to the reveal - because, being me, I can't just SHOW it to you. Actually, I have few plans at the moment. I'm kind of in the middle of doing ten things at once and not getting very far in any of them. 
 The cover is for The Ankulen, a book I've been talking a lot about lately, mostly because it is one I'm in the middle of beta reading and therefore am spending a lot of time with. As I've mentioned, the author Kendra is holding a giveaway for this book, and to enter all one has to do is do a post about a fictional world. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to give all of you a sneak peak into the world of The Ankulen before I show all of you the cover. I will not talk about it much as I don't want to give things away from a book that is not yet published - but it is an enjoyable book, so a sneak peak to get you more interested in it can't hurt.
 The book is set in an imaginary world - I know, a lot of books are set in such worlds - but this is a literal imaginary world. Jen, the heroine of the story, has the chance to actually enter her imagination. But not is all as it should be.
 Things are falling apart and everything is turning grey and dying. Nonetheless, we get to see glimpses of what her imagination was like before it started to die. There are Water Babies, children who live in the trees, a wise Old Woman - have I mentioned how much I love random, wise old women in stories? I don't know why, I think part of it might have to do with The Princess Bride.  There are also brave knights, fair maidens, and dragons, because all good stories need a dragon or two. So far, I think my favourite part have been the frogs - but you must needs read the book to find out about them.
 So, in many ways, it has all of the delightful fairy tale elements one might expect to find in such a story, but it also has lots of new twists to keep the reader on their toes.
 And now, I give you the official summery of the book.
 Blurb: Fifteen-year-old Jen can't remember her imagination. She knows she had one once, though, and honestly, she'd like it back. It's been eight years. One day she finds a young boy who claims to be one of her imaginary friends and that her imaginary world is being eaten by a hydra-like monster called the Polystoikhedron. He helps her find the Ankulen, a special bracelet that had given the ability to bring her imagination to life and together they embark on a quest to find friendship, healing, and perhaps even some family.
 And...The Cover!!


 Author Bio: Kendra E. Ardnek  is the eldest daughter in a homeschooling family of four. She has been making up stories since an early age and published her first book, Sew, It's a Quest, when she was sixteen.
When she isn't writing, she's usually knitting, crocheting,  making swords out of paint-stir sticks, or looking up random facts. You can follow her writing adventures on her blog, Knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com.
 And you can find the book on goodreads.  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18331720-the-ankulen



 Now I shall leave all of you. Quote is from The Princess Bride, because once one mentions the movie one has to quote it.
 Allons-y!