Jack Lewis Baillot's Blog, page 68

"You wouldn't hit a guy with glasses, would you?" *Smack* "You hit a guy...with glasses..."

 I'm never sure what to do with myself now that I have all my back post caught up. Should I post more snippets? (Haha, you all should know me better then that.) (In the words of Banner, "Sorry, that was mean of me. *Smirk*")
 I could do another movie review as I just got back from, FINALLY, watching Wreck-it Ralph. But I have seen many reviews on this already, and some much better then what I could come up with. (This is not to say I disliked it. I might not have liked it as much as Rise of the Guardians, but I did enjoy it. So did my dad if his almost-falling-out-of-his-chair-laughter was anything to go on.) (I didn't laugh as much as I did in Brave, but I would definitely watch it again.)
 But, I don't think I will do either. I think I might just sit here, wrapped up in my fuzzy shawl with my tea and bit of chocolate. *Sips quietly.*




 *Sips some more.*


 *Sips*
 Okay, fine, I can see this is going to get boring real fast.
 Let me try this instead.
 I've talked with my photographer and we are going to try and get the cover picture soon. (Maybe next week even.) Which means no last minuted editing it on my part. (Can I hear a round of HUZZAHS?) Keeping in mind all the trouble the first cover gave me, I am very excited to begin work on the second. I have some ideas to go off this time - being the first cover - and some new colours I want to work with. (Nope, no hints. Shocking you'd even think I'd give any!)
 I am also hoping to start filming bits of the trailer soon as well. (If we ever get any snow. And that, my friends, is a spoiler for you. Seeing as I need to shoot someone, in the snow. Scared you yet?) No actors will be harmed in the making of this trailer, hopefully.
 I had to go food shopping after work today which means I didn't get any writing done. (And I barely slept last night so I'm too tired to do any coherent writing right now.) However, I'm already on chapter 15, which means I'm nearly done. I was very surprised, I thought I had a lot further to go.
 Come to think of it, sleep sounds lovely about now. So, I think I am going to go. Or fall asleep typing.
 I'll make you guess where the quote is from.
 Allons-y!

"Looks like your true love loves someone else."

 So, this is kind of a day late - kind of. Because I said it might be up Sunday, but I was out of town on Saturday and didn't get back until 11:30 so didn't wish to stay up later to put a post up. So I went to bed. *Nods*
 Now, bear in mind I am still working on this. I don't know if I like this summery or not - so if any of you have suggestions I am open. But until then, here is The Broken Blade summery! (And I will introduce one of the characters Friday.)
 I'd say more, but I have to go. I got behind on comments and I have to get ready for work tomorrow. So, I hope you enjoy it!!
  Ryder-Adair cannot read or write his own name. He doesn't fit in in his village and is avoided by everyone but the fellow outcast boys - one who has a violent temper and twin brothers who's own mother cannot tell them a part.
 They live in a land which has been without a king for a hundred years. There is a legend, however, one the people cling to as their only hope. A legend of the king's broken blade - and the rumor that whoever finds it and re-forges it will be given the power to unite the land.
 Ryder-Adair isn't sure he believes the legend but a time in coming when he won't have much choice. His home is being invaded and it is now up to him, his friends, and a mysterious young man with no memory of who he is to save everyone.
 Again, if you have suggestions on how to make it better I'd love to hear them!

 Quote is from Howl's Moving Castle, the movie.

 Allons-y!!

"Help! Crazy lady with the shovel!"

 Those who have been following me for the past couple weeks know I read Howl's Moving Castle recently. A book I couldn't help but love. (All thanks to Howl. *Nods*)
 Anyhow, those of you who have read and watched the movie insisted I needed to watch the movie now that I'd read the book. And since those who insisted on it have been reliable sources before I determined to do so as soon as I had enough to rent said movie. (Turns out I CANNOT rent it in town - and you thought I was making up all the weird things about my town. I could buy it, but that would cost more and I wasn't sure I'd like it enough to buy it.) To cut the suspense  I found it at the library, sometimes my library surprises me. So I grabbed it before anyone else could, brought it home, and spent about two hours giggling no stop over it.
 I'm sure all of you know the movie was made by one of the Japan directors. (I've seen bits and pieces of their other work but sadly this is the first I've had a chance to watch all the way through.)
 I wasn't sure how I'd like seeing Howl drawn in this way. I do like this form of art, what I've seen, but this is Howl. I didn't think something like an English wizard tale and this form of art would mix. So I wasn't sure what I'd think of the movie.
 Also, I knew it was different from the book, which I was okay with. The author herself said she was okay with it so that meant there could be no problems, right? Nonetheless I was slightly worried. What if Howl wasn't done right? What if he was all odd and not himself?

 I shouldn't have worried. The world of the movie was much more Steampunk then the book - that wasn't a complaint. I loved their airships and tanks and the train! Also, the art was amazing. I loved the detail and colours and everything.

 The movie Sophie was just like book Sophie. A timid girl who thought little of herself because she wasn't pretty, who hid from everyone and liked to keep to herself. Until she becomes an old woman. Then she became sassy and didn't care who she made mad. (That's the best part of being 90, you can annoy people and get away with it.)

 Michael is much younger in the movie then the book but he is sooo cute and sweet I couldn't help but love this version just as much as I loved him in the book.

 Calsifier had me laughing almost every time he was on screen. They got him spot on. Panicky and whinny and brilliant.

 The Witch of the Waste was quite a bit different. She is this old, fat lady who really isn't that scary, but the way they did her was a lot of fun. And by the end of it I couldn't help but love her. "What a nice fire." "What a nice dog." "What a handsome man." Were I not already sitting down I would have fallen over laughing.

 They took out one of Sophie's sisters in the movie but I didn't really miss her. (I loved her in the book but in the movie she wasn't really needed.) Also, the other sister wasn't in it much but again it wasn't really noticed.

 The prince had the end had me laughing as well. "Your curse will be broken when your kissed by your true love. But it looks as if your true love has another true love."

 And lastly, there is Howl. Because really, all my fears over the movie had to do with him. First off, he is voiced by Christian Bale - in the original someone else voiced him but they dubbed over it when they did the English version. Christian Bale has a rather cool voice and he is one of my kind of favourite actors. (He'd be more favourite if he hadn't played Batman.)
 (On a random note, Michael is talked by that fellow who played in the Hunger Games. The bread boy. His voice was SO cute when he was younger!!)

 Anyhow, back to Howl. So, it helped that I knew who did his voice and he was an actor I liked. But it takes more then an actor I like to bring Howl to life. Before seeing it I worried they would leave the green slime bit out and his dying over his cold. Then I worried they would put them in...no pleasing me, right?

 Well, to put it simply, I shouldn't have worried. They did Howl brilliantly. He was just as charming, annoying, dashing, cowardly, and heroic as in the book. (And the green slime was in there and it fit in very well.)
 It was a bit odd seeing his hair flap all about and watching him smile and whine and sulk, but not enough so that it didn't seem like Howl. And I am glad I found it at the library because I shan't have to return it for awhile and can watch it again. (Like today.)

 I'm thinking of posting The Broken Blade's summery tomorrow so keep an eye out. if it isn't out tomorrow it will go up Monday.

 Quote is from the movie, when Sophie is moving Calcifer.

 Allons-y!

"Whatever you don't want me to clean, better hide it now!" " Save my room for last, OK?"

 Today is Friday, and Friday's keep sneaking up on me. I thought it was Thursday again so I was going to do my review of Howl's Moving Castle, but since it is Friday I guess I will have to do as I said I would and post a summery...eh?
 Before I do that though, I joined a link up from Grace's blog, found HERE. What I am supposed to do is post a bit from a book I'm working on that goes along with the prompt What If?
 I can't seem to find the words What If in any of my current projects, but I suppose this is a kind of what if snippet. What if this had happened instead of that. So I hope it counts.
 Resting his head against the rock, Peter again closed his eyes. For a moment the farm sounds filled his ears and he smiled. Maybe, he thought, he'd become a farmer. He would let Tony go on to London alone and he'd stay here, throwing slop to the pig every morning.“We could always start a farm.”For a second the voice sounded so real and close that Peter almost opened his eyes to see who was reading his mind. Then he realized it was nothing but a distant memory, buried deep in his mind and slowly coming back. The clucking and mowing faded and Peter saw before him a man and a woman. No, two men. One with dark hair the other with blondish white and the first signs of a beard.“You, a farmer?” the bearded man scoffed. “That I'd have to see to believe.”The memory was faded, as if shrouded in a fog. Peter knew if he opened his eyes he could chase it off, as he'd done so many times before. Yet, for some reason, this time he couldn't. He sat still, almost fearing it would fade.“I think we'd be good farmers,” the woman said with a giggle. “Noah gets along well with sheep.”The bearded man lost it and doubled over with laughter. He then looked at Peter, his blue eyes still shinning with merriment.“What do you think, Pete?” he asked.
 The snippet is from Abolished Impracticability. So kind of me to share a spoiler, don't you think? though it isn't much of a spoiler so those who  haven't read book one, I've given nothing away.

 Abolished ImpracticalityThe enemy draws close. Cities will fall. And few can stand in Morcoft's way.

Peter Jones has been betrayed by the man he trusted as his own father. Now he is forced to question everything he has ever been told, and learn the truth of his past. Isidore Thaddeus Reichmann has finally found the person he has hunted all over England for. Yet, not all is as it seems and he begins to fear he might be on the wrong side. Singur faces down his worst fear and comes out a victor, but the price of his triumph may put the last member of his family in grave danger.Choices now stand before all three young men and the paths they take will not only change their lives, but the whole world.

Battles are coming. Enemies are made. Friendships are questioned. When the only world you've ever known is a lie, where do you go?
 What do you all think? Got your interest? Or does it need more work? (Still working on The Broken Blade's summery. It is putting up a gallant fight, I shall have to outwit it somehow. Should have it up though, maybe by Sunday if all goes well and I win the battle.) Voting is still open, you can find the box on the side bar.
 Quote is from the movie of Howl's Moving Castle when Sophie is on her cleaning rampage and threatens to clean Michael's room.

 Allons-y!

"What's normal?" "What's home?" "What's a cow?"

 I'm an author, and as such people think I'm good with words. Aren't I supposed to be? I spend all day writing them, so doesn't that mean I'm a clever, intelligent person? I sometimes wonder if this is one of the reasons I took a pen name. If that maybe I don't wish to be known as an author - which is odd as I've wished to be one since I was very young.
 I sometimes feel I muff the image of author. Not only when I talk - though especially then - but when I post. Even in  my writing I feel I don't live up to the title.  In real life I stutter over my words, stammer, and am so slow in answering questions people usually answer them themselves. I am left alone, thought to be the sweet, shy girl who never does anything wrong. (By this I mean the usual stuff girls my age are thought to do.)
 When people who know me learn I write books I get an odd glance. Kind of like, "I find this bit of information hard to believe."
 And all this follows me about when I post or comment. After all, as an author, shouldn't I be writing witty posts which make my readers laugh and cry and beg for more? Shouldn't my comments be thought provoking, helpful, and full of wisdom? Usually my posts sound like a long ramble and my comments something like my real life stammers. Because, in spite of my love for words, I never know what to say.
 Maybe this has to do with my shyness. Maybe I spent too many years silently studying people and not enough learn how to carry on a simple conversation. (This is something I still do. I spend most of my time at work trying to deduce people. What can I say, Sherlock Holmes training.)
 If I were to be honest this fact worries me sometimes. I want to be an author, but how can I keep writing when I never know what to say? What if my posts start to get boring and I loose all my readers - and my new friends? What if I run out of things to put into books. (This is the part where my characters roll their eyes at me.) And, even more so, how am I ever to make friends in real life when the moment someone talks to me I start to babble like an idiot?
 Shouldn't I be better at this? Shouldn't I have the ability to answer someone without having a panic attack and my mind going blank while I rush about madly for something to say? Shouldn't I be able to comment on posts and sound like all those other wonderful authors? Must I be a misfit not only in the real world but in the writing one as well?
 And then, I have to remind myself what all this comes down to. Fear of man. Fear of what people think of me. This is a fear I've fought my whole life and one I coward behind for a long time. I thought everyone wished me to be a tomboy, to scoff at girly things, so I did just this.  I worried about working on publishing my book because of what others would think. I've not sought out a job I love because I didn't wish to annoy people I knew. (A rather miserable way to pass through life.)
 This is just another side effect of the fear I have to face. The author who cannot carry on a conversation, who isn't great at leaving comments full of wisdom. An author who writes posts about the kids books she reads. (And swallowing down my pride and admitting I like reading kid's books more then young adult or adult.)
 And now that I've left a rather pessimistic post (is that the word for it?) I shall brighten things up a little with a few announcements.

 I have been working on the summery for The Broken Blade which I'd like to have done before I introduce the first character. However, wherein summeries are tricky for me to write, The Broken Blade is proving to be ten times more tricky then any of the others before it.
 On better summery news, Abolished Impracticality's summery is done and ready to be released. Just have to pick a date...Actually, I have a date but I'm going to keep it secret till the end of this post.
 Lastly, I've a question for all of you. Which of the following stories sounds the most interesting to you?
 A tale about a dragon. A prince who must set out to save a princess in order to become king - with somewhat disastrous results. Or... A re-telling of Robin Hood?
 I'd love to know your thoughts! And right now I'm going to leave because I found the movie of Howl's Moving Castle at the library and want to watch it. 
 But, before I go, as I said... I will be posting the summery for Abolished Impracticality on Friday!  Also, don't forget to vote on which Broken Blade character you'd like to meet!
 Quote is from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. During this part Arthur and Trisha (the two main characters) are contemplating earth's destruction while the president of the Universe is contemplating...cows.
 Allons-y!

"A ghost you say, a ghost maybe she was just like a ghost to me. One minute there and then she was gone."

 I've been trying to write a review on Les Miserables, which I saw a week or so ago. For some reason I cannot manage it. It isn't that I disliked the movie. I love the story, though I've yet to read the book, and I loved the movie. I wasn't crazy about Lovely Ladies and Master of the House but compared to the two live musicals I went to these were ten times better.



 Also, if you figure in the fact I cried during most of it, and I don't cry during movies, then that should be some sign as to how much I liked it. Maybe that is the trouble. I liked it so much I cannot put it into words.

"And you will keep me close and rain, will make the flowers grow."
 One of my favourite book heroes is Valjean. His story, of how he allowed one act of mercy to change him forever, has always been one of the best I've ever heard. And the love he had for Cosette will always be my favourite father and daughter story. I liked all the other characters as well, Marius though and Enjoras were the only two that ever tied with Valjean for me. (I know, I spelt Enjoras' name wrong. French names are so tricky...8-P)

"Our darling Colette." "Cosette." "Whatever."
 Anyhow, I must confess, I never liked Cosette much. I couldn't understand how she could POSSIBLY not be happy to live with Valjean for the rest of her life. And she had to go and fall in love with Marius and have him fall in love with her and I never like it when the fellows I like go and fall in love. This movie shook up everything I thought I knew about the characters.

Javert's obsession with walking on the edge of tall things
 For the first time I understood Cosette. I realized she was a human girl, and like all natural humans she just wanted to go out and do things - and she wasn't able to understand why her dear papa had a panic attack every time she left the house.

 Marius I no longer viewed as a love struck boy after he met Cosette. Sure, he was love struck but he didn't loose any of his heroic coolness. (Barricade, barrel of powder...him with the torch. Really, need I say more? And when he sang Heart Full of Love I didn't cringe, like I do during the other ones. So he wins as my favourite Marius. Doubly so when he sang Empty Chairs and had me tearing up, yet again.)


 Enjoras, well, my thoughts haven't changed on him any. He's still cool and he should have lived and Epoine should have lived and they should have married and then I wouldn't have had to cry when they both died. (Though, his death...and his chum coming up next to him...aye, I could have cheered.)


 Javert is another I saw in a new light, though I never disliked him. I always kind of understood him. As far as he was concerned he was doing the right thing. Valjean had broken the law. Javert upheld the law and it was his duty to catch Valjean and lock him up. And then Valjean has the right to kill him. By law, Javert should have been shot. He was a spy and caught, and on top of all that, Valjean had every reason to kill him. And he lets him go. The sad part? This is something Javert cannot grasp, so ends up killing himself. (All the while before he jumped I was silently begging him not to.)

"Good evening dear inspector, lovely evening my dear! I know this man, I tell you, his name's inspector Javert!"
 Another thing I liked about the movie is one those who have seen it are likely able to guess. Though you might not know, one of my top favourite songs from the musical has always been the Confrontation. I never dreamed that song could get any cooler - until Javert pulls out his sword and Valjean grabbed that - whatever it was - and they had a sword fight before Valjean jumps out the window. Aye, that song is now the coolest song on earth.
 Another song which has become a fast favourite is Suddenly, which they wrote just for this movie. Wonderful song, and so sweet!

[image error] And for those wondering...Crowe did a pretty good stance. Jackman, not so much, but I think it was meant to look that way.
 I liked the other songs as well. I thought it would be odd, seeing them sing while they acted - okay, I thought it would be weird seeing Hugh Jackman sing and act along with Russel Crowe. Teach me to think too much. (I did have trouble getting used to their faces being inches from mine. For the first bit I kept leaning back in my seat to get away from Valjean who stood eye ball to eye ball with me. I am kind of glad I didn't go to a 3D one, if there is even one. I had enough trouble keeping back from him as it was.)

Cute, little Cosette
 Russel Crowe has a much deeper singing voice then I was expecting. I've never heard a Javert with that deep of a voice, it is always Valjean. I rather liked it, it fit him. (On a side note, another of Javert's parts I like was when he pinned his medal on Galrovche. I wanted to hug him - and tell him he had a heart but I'm not sure he would have liked that.)

They cut her hair while filming which makes me wonder...what about mistakes and retakes?
 This is another movie I plan to add to my collection, so I can bawl over it in peace without risk of my brothers and cousin seeing me. *Smirk* Especially the ending.

 I am hoping to go to it again before my theatre takes it out. But since they almost didn't show it, I'm not holding my breath.

Now stick your face next to the screen. That's kind of how I felt at the theatre.
 Have any of you seen it? What did you think?
 Also, the voting box is up on the side board, so don't forget to vote on which character you'd like to meet!
Valjean taking care of Javert
 Quote is from...I'll let you guess. Also, I was interviewed! You can find it HERE.

 Allons-y!

"Look on the bright side. You've still got me." "Is that supposed to cheer me up?" "Thought it might." "You really are a complete idiot."

 Since I published I've had a long list of posts written. I had book reviews, guest posts...so on and so forth. You were all here for it. This is the first post in about a month where I've sat down with no clue as to what I should write about.
 I do have an update as to what shall be coming up, writing wise.
 As I've mentioned, I should have the summery for Abolished Impracticality soon. I am working on it now, though since I always have trouble with summaries it is going slow.
 I am hoping to get William sometime soon - though not when the high is 6 degrees outside - so we can get the picture for the book cover. I want to get it VERY early this time so I won't be banging my head on the wall trying to get it done in time.
 Either coming with the summery or the cover - not such which yet - I will be revealing the release date for book two.
 Also, I am seriously considering releasing another project soon as well. I might need some second thoughts on this as I have three projects which could be published. I'm having trouble picking which I want to work on.
 I am now on chapter 12 of book two. It is likely to have the same amount of chapters as book one, maybe more though. (As always, I just write, my characters do whatever they fancy and I don't get much say in the matter.)
 Now, on to some Broken Blade news. I am thinking of introducing everyone to one of the characters this week. But I need some help on picking which one, which means you all get to vote again. (I know, haven't held one of those in months!) I will post the options at the end of this post, and see if I can get the voting box back up on the sidebar.
 Lastly, this completely unrelated to writing - okay not quite as I get inspiration from movies...I am on series two of Merlin. And, being the spoiler magnet I am, I know how series five ends. In fact, I know every spoiler in the show except for the one involving Gwen and Lancelot.  That said, I think I like the show as much as Doctor Who and Sherlock. It is re-enforcing my thoughts that I should move to England.
 I also watched Midnight, so I could again see Merlin as a random emo dude (as my friend so well put it.) Eh, it isn't every day you get to see a wizard wearing black nail polish and saying, "We've broke down...in the middle of NOWHERE!"
 Now I shall bid you all a Bonne Nuit! And leave my voting list.
 Striker BenArgon Lukeas
 Quote is from Merlin, after Arthur finds out Gwen loves Lancelot and Merlin tries to cheer him up. (As you can tell, he needs to work on it a bit more.)
 Don't forget to vote! Leave your votes in the comment box for now, I shall hopefully have the box up tomorrow. Too tired to hunt for it right now.
 Allons-y!

"Gwen says you're cooking..."

 I've been able to keep up on my reading - shocking, right? (The real shocking thing? I've been managing to do this in spite of all my writing, editing, publishing planning, and work. I'm talented, my friend.)

 My amazing talents aside though, I thought I'd share with you a list of some of the books I've been reading. (Reviews, only short ones so I can do three at once. *Nods*)
 Fever Crumb:


 I've probably said it before, but if you want to get me to read a book all you have to do is talk about the characters. That is how I came to pick up this book - also, it helped a lot that it was written by one of my favourite authors, Philip Reeve.

 Fever lives in a future London England where the most insulting thing you can say about a person is to call them a blogger. (I'm thinking of using this insult myself now.) Fever has been raised by engineers - think Spock with buddies. They think emotions are bad.

 One day Fever is sent to help an Archaeologist and while with him she begins to remember things - but these memories aren't her own. So she sets out to get answers, and finds ones she doesn't like very much.

 I loved all the characters in this, but especially Fever - I know! A main girl character I can love! - and the Archaeologist, Kit. I also loved his children, they were so cute!

 Unlike most future books, I didn't find this one confusing. It felt a tad rushed in some places but I didn't mind because it felt like a story which needed to be fast paced.

 Fever reminded me so much of Spock and Sherlock I couldn't help loving her.
 (This series is a prequel to Mr. Reeve's popular Mortal Engine Series. It got me very excited to read that series.)
 The Wide-Awake Princess:


 A fun, kid's re-telling of Sleeping Beauty. (As I've said, I like fairy tales when they are re-told.) Also, as I said, this is a kids book so the characters aren't as deep as young adult books. But it is a really fun book - something enjoyable to read when one needs a light hearted story.

 This author has re-written a lot of fairy tales. I plan to read her Frog Princess books if my library ever gets the first one in.
 The Lost Stories:


 The last in the Ranger's Apprentice books. It has a collection of short stories which take place through the other books. (It also has some wedding stories.)
 I think this was a nice way to end Will, though the last story made me sad - our little Ranger has grown up. *Sniff*
 Some of the best stories in this book had both Will and Tug in them. Who knew some of the best banter could take place between Ranger and horse? (Also, I became even more fond of Halt. I especially love the one with Will's speech in it. That is one of the best Ranger stories I've ever read, even more so then The Burning Bridge.)
***  Soon, maybe this week if I get things figured out, I plan to start an introduction on some of The Broken Blade characters. I just need to sit down and plan things out.

 Also, I should have more book two information soon - maybe even some this week. I'm at chapter 11 right now and the re-write has been going well so it should be done in a good amount of time.

 For now that is all my writing related news. And, since I've a slight case of the flu, I'm going to bed with a good book to sleep it off.

 Quote is from Merlin - of which I am on series two.

 Allons-y!

"Of course he's not the boy's father! Look at the turn-ups on his jeans!"

 Because I am a spy and shan't be making any appearances now that my book is published (let's just say that and leave out the real reason, which is me being a starving author and barely able to afford gas to travel to work) I decided I would to online appearances.

 Aye, that is right. Jack Lewis Baillot is here to do an online reading of her book. (Since we shan't be meeting at a coffee shoppe you can go get your own coffee - I always do tea personally. Besides, this way you don't have to leave the comfort of your bedroom, which is always not pleasant when it is just 12 degrees outside. Or is that just here?)

 Now, if you would all stop chatting about the Giant's attack last night and take your seats we shall begin...
 Bear in mind, the part I am reading is still a rough draft. Also keep in my this is the first video I've ever done, so pardon the awkwardness.
 Sorry it is a day late, it was supposed to come out on Friday but some how I got my days mixed up. (It is one of my rare talents.)


 What are your thoughts on it? (Book and video.) Do you prefer the old way of spoilers, where I just post them? I've been tossing about the idea of doing some videos, but I'm still not sure how I feel talking to my computer.
 P.S. To all who asked about my author picture, yes, I am sitting by a pool in the middle of winter. And aye, that is snow in the background. 
 Quote is from Sherlock. Not sure I completely get it, but my jeans are turned up, so it reminded me of it.

 Allons-y!

"That's why horses don't give speeches." "Horses don't have weddings either." "True. But we do have bridles."

 I've been unable to find book two in the Guardian books. I don't like reading books out of order but when my library got book three in I snatched it up and read the first bit carefully in case there were any spoilers from book two. I found one or two but not enough to ruin everything which happened in book two, so I read the rest of three.
 Toothiana: Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies.



 The best part of this book is that North was still in it. Still slightly reckless, he's now much wiser and compassionate, but he still has his wild moments (especially when it comes to Bunnymund.) I cannot WAIT for Bunnymund's book! I like him already. He's not used to humans and their emotions and prefers his chocolate to them. The arguments he gets into with Ombric and North are very funny. The best part is when the three get into an argument on how best to help Kathrine get to sleep.
 Toothiana is a fun character as well. Though wary of all grown ups, she adores children and joins up with the guardians so she can help save Kathrine. She's much like North. When things don't go the way she'd like, pull the swords out.
 I shan't say much about this book for the sake of spoilers, but it is just as good as North's book. And the best part? When I finished it I discovered that it book four Jack Frost will finally be showing up! HUZZAH!! That one cannot come out soon enough for me.
*** Now, about my new author picture. As I said, I had planned to sneak into my photographer's house, Mission Impossible style, to get it. Knowing how to do this is handy for one who plans to take over the world, and I was very successful in my mission. Sure, I nearly decapitated myself tripping over the cat, but we shall ignore that.

 But, I now have it!! (Thanks to William Knisley who took it for me, and emailed it to me. Remember, he has a site now for his photography, you can find him HERE!. He has a lot of amazing pictures up now, well worth checking out. Some rather amusing family portrait ones. He has a very strange, cool family.)
 Anyhow...moving on.

 So, as you might have noticed, when an author gets their first book published they will proudly take a picture of them holding said book. Being a new author, I couldn't turn down the irresistible urge to do the same. (There is just something about holding your own book!)

 You must pardon my hair of course. Pools have that effect on hair.

 And, here it is. Again, thanks to William for taking it for me.



 Don't forget, tomorrow I have a special spoiler for all of you.

 Quote is from the last Ranger's Apprentice books, The Lost Stories. A conversation between Will and Tug, his horse.

 Allons-y!