C.M. Simpson's Blog, page 130
October 20, 2017
Writing Life - Two New Short Stories Complete!
As exams approach, and I look down the barrel of life after uni, I've started writing the stories for next year's release schedule. I haven't shared my thoughts on that, because I haven't been able to work out what sort of approach to take, but I think I might have settled on one. We'll see. These things usually go to pieces the minute I start talking about them, so, fingers crossed this will work.
I'm going to write the schedule one writing head at a time. First up, I'll be my short-story self, and prep up a short story for each month. The first two were already done, which left 10. I've written two more in the last two days, which leaves me with just 8. I'd like to get those done by the end of next week, but I'll be realistic, and give myself a fortnight, because - EXAMS! Okay?
Anyhow, I thought I'd share the first few paragraphs from each just to round out the day, okay?
First up is Memory's Vampire , which I wrote yesterday:
They say it is an extinct race, a cabal of creatures that do not exist, if they ever did. Mythical is one word, legendary another, but I prefer the term ‘nightmares’. For they exist; I have seen them. I see them every night, when I am supposed to be asleep. I hunt them, for they do not just threaten the existential stuff of dreams. They threaten our very physical existence and we cannot touch them during the day when the sun shines bright.The portals to their lands lie, hidden deep in our waking minds. Few there are, who can travel those corridors while they are awake, and none can remain aware of the world around them when they do. It is ironic that the protectors need to be protected, even more ironic that some folk claim the vampires are a good thing, mercy killers, because there is no memory of any of the bad stuff that’s gone on, and people die in peace. But I say they are murderers, because if you don’t remember, then you don’t remember to resist, until the memories return.Because they will; they always do. Because memories are like blood, and, just as blood replenishes itself, so, too, do the memories grow back—if the vampires give them time.
And today's piece, Dreams of the Serpent , starts out like this:
The rocks rose around me, tall monoliths shaded a dull, rusty red with just a hint of orange. They gleamed with pink and touches of yellow, reflecting the sunrise in the first grey light of morning, and I shivered. The air was edged with frost, and I was making desperate white clouds as I panted for breath.Behind me, the alarm would have gone out, and the search begun. It wouldn’t take them long to find my trail—even without the dogs. I had slid into the morning dark, and walked quietly to the river bank, dreading the icy touch of the water, when I would have relished it later in the day. Using the current to carry me downstream as I’d crossed, I’d made it to Diamond Ford and cut over the rocks to where I’d stolen a change of clothes from the ferryman lodging there—and then I’d locked him in his hut.He wouldn’t be impressed when he woke, and he’d be even less impressed to find the batteries to his comms equipment in the river, but I didn’t care. He served the Rohani with a steadfast faith I refused to understand—and I couldn’t afford to have him calling for help, and ruining the little lead I had.
Also, for those of you following Babes , I'll write a chunk of that tomorrow morning and post it then, before I get into the day's study, okay? You aren't forgotten.
I'm going to write the schedule one writing head at a time. First up, I'll be my short-story self, and prep up a short story for each month. The first two were already done, which left 10. I've written two more in the last two days, which leaves me with just 8. I'd like to get those done by the end of next week, but I'll be realistic, and give myself a fortnight, because - EXAMS! Okay?
Anyhow, I thought I'd share the first few paragraphs from each just to round out the day, okay?
First up is Memory's Vampire , which I wrote yesterday:
They say it is an extinct race, a cabal of creatures that do not exist, if they ever did. Mythical is one word, legendary another, but I prefer the term ‘nightmares’. For they exist; I have seen them. I see them every night, when I am supposed to be asleep. I hunt them, for they do not just threaten the existential stuff of dreams. They threaten our very physical existence and we cannot touch them during the day when the sun shines bright.The portals to their lands lie, hidden deep in our waking minds. Few there are, who can travel those corridors while they are awake, and none can remain aware of the world around them when they do. It is ironic that the protectors need to be protected, even more ironic that some folk claim the vampires are a good thing, mercy killers, because there is no memory of any of the bad stuff that’s gone on, and people die in peace. But I say they are murderers, because if you don’t remember, then you don’t remember to resist, until the memories return.Because they will; they always do. Because memories are like blood, and, just as blood replenishes itself, so, too, do the memories grow back—if the vampires give them time.
And today's piece, Dreams of the Serpent , starts out like this:
The rocks rose around me, tall monoliths shaded a dull, rusty red with just a hint of orange. They gleamed with pink and touches of yellow, reflecting the sunrise in the first grey light of morning, and I shivered. The air was edged with frost, and I was making desperate white clouds as I panted for breath.Behind me, the alarm would have gone out, and the search begun. It wouldn’t take them long to find my trail—even without the dogs. I had slid into the morning dark, and walked quietly to the river bank, dreading the icy touch of the water, when I would have relished it later in the day. Using the current to carry me downstream as I’d crossed, I’d made it to Diamond Ford and cut over the rocks to where I’d stolen a change of clothes from the ferryman lodging there—and then I’d locked him in his hut.He wouldn’t be impressed when he woke, and he’d be even less impressed to find the batteries to his comms equipment in the river, but I didn’t care. He served the Rohani with a steadfast faith I refused to understand—and I couldn’t afford to have him calling for help, and ruining the little lead I had.
Also, for those of you following Babes , I'll write a chunk of that tomorrow morning and post it then, before I get into the day's study, okay? You aren't forgotten.
PokemonGo - Excitement Plus! Hoenn is almost here!
Well, I think Hoenn is almost here, I can see the medal for the region's pokemon on my pokemongo app. I am really looking forward to seeing some new pokemon!
Oh! And I levelled up while walking to the bus after class, yesterday, so, I have to be happy with that, right? :-)
And I completely forgot about finally catching that 200th electric-type pokemon, when I got off the bus. I'm studying for exams. It's only when I stop and look back that I see what happened in between.
Oh! And I levelled up while walking to the bus after class, yesterday, so, I have to be happy with that, right? :-)
And I completely forgot about finally catching that 200th electric-type pokemon, when I got off the bus. I'm studying for exams. It's only when I stop and look back that I see what happened in between.
Just Released: Army Boots & Stilettos as Carlie Simonsen
Today I released the first new novel in a young adult, science fiction series I'm writing as Carlie Simonsen. This one features Cord and Tobias in Army Boots & Stilettos. It like the rest of the books in this series is a stand-alone novel. This title is available from Smashwords, Amazon, DriveThruFiction, via Draft2Digital distribution, and as a print-on-demand volume through CreateSpace.
Cord thought boarding school was a long way from home—until she was chosen for a traineeship with Bluebirds Mining. After that, who knew where home might be? Or how to get back to it? Or even if she could. With her mind playing tricks on her, and her best friend in the same boat, Cord is in it, but deep. Now, all she has to do is find a way out.
Army Boots & Stilettos is the first book in the Space Adventures series, which is a series of science fiction adventures set in space, or on the colonies of newly discovered worlds. Each book is a stand-alone story that can be read without needing to read other books in the series.
October 16, 2017
Progress Report: Week 2 October 2017
This is the report for last week’s progress. It’s not great, but it’ll do. Life happens. We work through it, and we get on.
Week 2 ProgressNew words produced: 26Outlines and Notes: NilWorks completed: NilWorks edited: 1 ( Army Boots and Stilettos )Covers created: NilWorks published: 1Works submitted: NilCompetitions Entered: NilBloggery: 20University Prep and Assignments: 4,284 words, 23h 5m (recorded) study, 9h travelWriting News
Last week I got to Thursday and got gastro – and then my back went, and so did the week’s output plans. I managed inktober up to the 10th, and then didn’t get back to it until today, and I managed to complete the two top priorities that needed to be done: I finished my second essay-in-lieu-of-exam AND I finalised the upload and release of this fortnight’s novel, Army Boots & Stilettos . It’s now up for pre-order, and will be available on Friday.
June-July Challenge: Babes in London
No progress, but this week, I’ll be trying to finalise Friday’s ‘episode.’
NOTE: This adventure is not sanctioned in any way, shape or form by Fantasy Flight. It is not an official product, and I am in no way affiliated with them or they with me. There is no relationship between us. This adventure is mine, for fun, and for you, because some of you asked me to finish it.
Also, if you like this adventure and want to play it, please go buy the official rulebooks from somewhere where the original creators and publisher of the setting will be paid. I got mine from a Melbourne game store, but I’ve found PDF versions of the Player's Handbook and the Gamemaster's Handbook are now available from DriveThruFiction. If you enjoy their world, this is the best way to thank them.
Ingress Updates
Last week’s Ingress consisted of very little. I made the daily hacks and that was about it.
PokemonGo Updates
Last week’s PokemonGo consisted of very little. I had it open when I walked, made the daily spins and captures, and that was it. Nothing exciting.
Inktober 2017
I managed to get the following drawings done, but then things started going downhill. This week, I hope to do better (in more ways than one).
Priorities for Week 3, October 2017
This week’s priorities are as follows:Study for next week’s 4 language exams;Brush up the formatting for the first essay-in-lieu-of-exams and see if it needs more references;Inktober.
I’d like to write, too, but my back is still mending, so getting through the week without ending up in bed, when I need to be attending exams next week is the main goal.
Week 2 ProgressNew words produced: 26Outlines and Notes: NilWorks completed: NilWorks edited: 1 ( Army Boots and Stilettos )Covers created: NilWorks published: 1Works submitted: NilCompetitions Entered: NilBloggery: 20University Prep and Assignments: 4,284 words, 23h 5m (recorded) study, 9h travelWriting News
Last week I got to Thursday and got gastro – and then my back went, and so did the week’s output plans. I managed inktober up to the 10th, and then didn’t get back to it until today, and I managed to complete the two top priorities that needed to be done: I finished my second essay-in-lieu-of-exam AND I finalised the upload and release of this fortnight’s novel, Army Boots & Stilettos . It’s now up for pre-order, and will be available on Friday.
June-July Challenge: Babes in London
No progress, but this week, I’ll be trying to finalise Friday’s ‘episode.’
NOTE: This adventure is not sanctioned in any way, shape or form by Fantasy Flight. It is not an official product, and I am in no way affiliated with them or they with me. There is no relationship between us. This adventure is mine, for fun, and for you, because some of you asked me to finish it.
Also, if you like this adventure and want to play it, please go buy the official rulebooks from somewhere where the original creators and publisher of the setting will be paid. I got mine from a Melbourne game store, but I’ve found PDF versions of the Player's Handbook and the Gamemaster's Handbook are now available from DriveThruFiction. If you enjoy their world, this is the best way to thank them.
Ingress Updates
Last week’s Ingress consisted of very little. I made the daily hacks and that was about it.
PokemonGo Updates
Last week’s PokemonGo consisted of very little. I had it open when I walked, made the daily spins and captures, and that was it. Nothing exciting.
Inktober 2017
I managed to get the following drawings done, but then things started going downhill. This week, I hope to do better (in more ways than one).
Priorities for Week 3, October 2017
This week’s priorities are as follows:Study for next week’s 4 language exams;Brush up the formatting for the first essay-in-lieu-of-exams and see if it needs more references;Inktober.
I’d like to write, too, but my back is still mending, so getting through the week without ending up in bed, when I need to be attending exams next week is the main goal.
Today's New PokemonGo Hatchling: Welcome Snorlax
It's been a rough few days, and I haven't been able to get out and about much, but I had to make class for university, and I had to return books to the library, so some walking got done - and look who finally decided to hatch!
This was one ten-k egg worth waiting for - #139 for the Kanto region :-)
This was one ten-k egg worth waiting for - #139 for the Kanto region :-)
October 12, 2017
Babes in London: Act Four, Scene 2 (Part 1: The Unicorn Maid and the Lady of the Bower—The Battle)
Scene 2: The Unicorn Maid and the Lady of the Bower
You are needed. Your ally is in danger, and she is somewhere on the plains below, or ahead of you. You need to find her, and find her fast.
Allow the players to make Air (Senses) checks to spot the horse and rider ahead of them, then read, or paraphrase, the following:
You see her, just before you hear her, her cries urging you to hurry floating on the wind. If you weren’t so familiar with her voice, you might have thought it was birds calling. This time, your ally is dressed as an Erebean warrior maid, and she is pushing her mount at break-neck speed towards the dark line of trees marking the edge of the Arcadian forest.
Allow the players to make Air (Senses) checks to hear faint sounds of battle coming from within the forest. If they are successful, they can choose between following Anika into the forest, or travelling with her towards the sound. If they fail, they can follow her, or any brood mates that hurry towards the sound. When they reach the battle site, read, or paraphrase, the following, adapting the description of the Fomorians to suit:
It does not take you long to reach the battle, where you see that a dragon you recognise as having once been the Seer of Cathach. This time, you know her as the Lady of the Bower, and she is facing not one or two, but six, of the evil, twisted titan-kin known as Fomorians. These creatures are surrounded by the grey, appalling stench associated with areas of taint. They look like small giants, or really ugly titans, with skins of varying shades of grey, and black to white hair tainted by grey. One is facing down the Lady of the Bower, but two dragons that you recognise as Lewistrom the Smith, and the druidic Havram the Gardener, have managed to block the path of two more apiece. Standing back from the melee, is another Fomorian, looking for all the world as though he is going to cast a spell.
Roll TH2 Earth (Senses) tests for the Fomorians to notice the approaching characters. They are actively focussing on taking down their dragons and suffer a +3 modifier to the test, bring the TH to 5. Once, you know if the Fomorians have noticed the PCs, roll initiative. Each dragon continues to focus on the nearest opponent, and the Unicorn Maid goes directly to the aid of the Lady of the Bower.
Fomorian Tactics: The Fomorian wizard uses Coruscating Bolt on any target that is clear of the melee. Failing that, he is happy to use Grasp, Float, or Magefist, his bow, or his morningstar to good effect, trying to take down the weakest opposition fast, or to advantage his comrades. The Fomorian warriors have been tasked with destroying Anika’s brood. All the dragons are targets. The fact they have allies is neither here nor there. They attack with brute force, seeking to do as much damage as possible and to destroy their opponents as fast as possible.
Anika’s Brood Tactics: The Unicorn Maid and Lady of the Bower work together to take down the Fomorian attacking the Lady of the Bower. Once they are free of opponents, they circle the battle and try to take another Fomorian by surprise, aiding any ally that is hard-pressed. Lewistrom the Smith attacks the nearest Fomorian, and then the next nearest, and Havram the Gardener does the same. There is no sign of the fifth member of the brood, and PCs might recall that this member had been killed at this stage of the Epoch, and was reincarnating elsewhere.
Terrain: The battle is happening in a mature forest. The trees are spaced far enough apart to not hinder movement, and the site was chosen by the dragons for this reason. It is forested, and it is possible for the combatants to find cover behind large trees and at least one fallen log, or clump of bushes.
Time of Day: It is mid-afternoon at the start of the battle.
Fomorian Warriors (5)Era: MythicRace: Supernatural beingAPL: 6Aspects: Fire 6(5), Water 5(5), Air 5 (3), Earth 4 (2)Initiative: 10Health: 8m <8 / 8+ / 16+ / 24+ / 30+ / 36+ / 42+ / 47+Size/Reach: 2 / 10 ft.Armor: 11 (leather 4/5/12)Taint: 9Stride: 45 ft. (Moderate)Weapons: —Bite: 3/L—Fist: 5/L—Kick: 5/Mor—Forelimb (1d4): 10/L—Pincer (1d4): 15/M—Tail: 20/Hor—Hunting Knife: 4/L—Spear, Medium: 8/M—Sword, Broad: 12/M—Shield, Medium: (0/5/3)or—a combination of the above depending on form.Sequences: As for Titan Hunter in the Gamemaster’s Handbook Skills: Athletics 6, Melee 6, Quickness 5, Ranged 6, Stamina 6, Survival 6, Senses 6, Stealth 4, Will 5Edges: Brutal 3, Follow-Through 2, Karmic Release 3, Resilient 4, Survivor 2Powers: Clarity 4, Earthstride 1, Heir of the Storm 1, Instinct 5, Skin of Stone 3, Unseen 1Legacy: 25% chance of ShapeshifterTraits: Giant, TaintedWealth: 3A cross between the Dwellers and Titan Hunters, Fomorian Warriors are misshapen and deformed. They don’t just look like they’ve been hit with the ugly stick one too many times; they can have up to 4 arms or up to 4 legs, be armed with a tail, have a combination of normal limbs or pincers, and have tough hides. Some are able to wield at least one weapon, and some carry a shield. A Fomorian can either be randomly generated, or the GM can choose what features it has. To randomly generate a Fomorian, roll 1d6. Results are as follows:
1—almost human, or titan, in appearance, i.e. possessing two arms, two legs, recognisable physiology, capable of wielding a sword and shield, fights like an warrior, but might still bite you;2-3—humanoid in shape, but with 1d4 arms, 2 of which can wield weapons, the extras being used to deliver forearm strikes; roll again on this chart with results of 1-3 yielding no other changes;4-5—humanoid shaped but with a 50% chance of having a pincer and an arm, or having two pincers; roll again on this chart with results of 1-5 yielding no other changes;6—humanoid shaped but with a tail that it can use to strike opponents with; roll again on this chart, with results of 1 and 6 yielding no further changes.
Fomorian Wizard (1)Era: MythicRace: Supernatural beingAPL: 6Aspects: Fire 6(5), Water 5(2), Air 6 (5), Earth 6 (5)Initiative: 11Health: 8m <8 / 8+ / 16+ / 24+ / 30+ / 36+ / 42+ / 47+Size/Reach: 2 / 10 ft.Armor: 11 (leather 4/5/12)Taint: 24Stride: 45 ft. (Moderate)Weapons: —Bite: 3/L—Fist: 5/L—Kick: 5/Mor—Forelimb (1d4): 10/L—Pincer (1d4): 15/M—Tail: 20/Hor—Bow, Recurve: 10 ~ Range 200 ft. ~ Reload 1—Morningstar: 9/Mor—a combination of the above depending on form.Sequences: as for Titan Scribes in the Gamemaster’s Handbook. Skills: Athletics 5, Casting 6, Melee 5, Quickness 5, Ranged 4, Senses 6, Stealth 4Spells: Rank 1—Assumption, Grasp (A,B); Rank 2—Float (A,B), Magefist; Rank 3—Coruscating Bolt (A); Rank 4—Coruscating Ring (A)Edges: Aspect Affinity (Air) 4, Brutal 3, Casting 3, Deft 5, Karmic Release 4, Survivor 2Powers: Clarity 4, Crushing Will 3, Heir of the Storm 1, Instinct 2, Mind Tyrant 1, Skin of Stone 3, Unseen 1Legacy: 25% chance of Mind TyrantTraits: Giant, TaintedWealth: 3A cross between the Dwellers and Titan Scribes, Fomorian Wizards are as misshapen and deformed as Fomorian Warriors, and can be generated the same way. While spells may vary, Fomorian Wizards do not normally have the patience to learn something that does not have an immediate, and usually violent, application that can be used in battle. This does not mean they can’t, just they usually won’t. They also usually don’t learn ways of using up extra energy, unless they can see the benefit, such as being able to lift more, hit harder or cause more damage.
NOTE: This adventure is not sanctioned in any way, shape or form by Fantasy Flight. It is not an official product, and I am in no way affiliated with them or they with me. There is no relationship between us. This adventure is mine, for fun, and for you, because some of you asked me to finish it.
Also, if you like this adventure and want to play it, please go buy the official rulebooks from somewhere where the original creators and publisher of the setting will be paid. I got mine from a Melbourne game store, but I’ve found PDF versions of the Player's Handbook and the Gamemaster's Handbook are now available from DriveThruFiction. If you enjoy their world, this is the best way to thank them.
October 7, 2017
Progress Report: Week 1 October, 2017
This report is actually going out on time. It’s been a busy week, and, with exams approaching, it’s only going to get busier. This is what happened the week just gone.
Week 1 ProgressNew words produced: 67 + poetry and flash handwritten in notebookOutlines and Notes: NilWorks completed: 14 (7 poems, 7 flash fiction)Works edited: 1 (CS initial edit for Army Boots & Stilettos )Covers created: 0 (CS format done for Army Boots & Stilettos )Works published: 0Works submitted: 0Competitions Entered: 0Bloggery: 1,829University Prep and Assignments: 3,392Writing News
The week just gone saw me trying to complete a second assessment item. Unfortunately, it proved more complex than expected, so, although I completed the words required, with 30-40 references in place, I’m not completely happy with the result, and have decided to go over it this week to see if I can tweak it into something more satisfactory. I also completed the initial edit and format of Army Boots & Stilettos , but want to give it one more going over before I complete the upload to CreateSpace.
Of last week’s priorities, I completed all of them, but not to the level I wanted, so I’ll be tweaking the second assessment item this week, and also giving the CreateSpace version of Army Boots & Stilettos another going over before finalising the upload. I did complete seven pieces of flash fiction, seven poems, and seven drawings for Inktober, while keeping up with my lesson commitments for the week, so priorities completed.
June-July Challenge: Babes in London
No advances on this, this week, but I’ll be adding another instalment to it, soon.
NOTE: This adventure is not sanctioned in any way, shape or form by Fantasy Flight. It is not an official product, and I am in no way affiliated with them or they with me. There is no relationship between us. This adventure is mine, for fun, and for you, because some of you asked me to finish it.
Also, if you like this adventure and want to play it, please go buy the official rulebooks from somewhere where the original creators and publisher of the setting will be paid. I got mine from a Melbourne game store, but I’ve found PDF versions of the Player's Handbook and the Gamemaster's Handbook are now available from DriveThruFiction. If you enjoy their world, this is the best way to thank them.
Ingress Updates
This week’s Ingress consisted of what I could manage to get done on the way to and from university, and the absolute minimum on the weekend. I didn’t even keep up with my walking commitments this week, as I pushed to get assessment pieces done, before a family visit. Even so, I managed to complete 100 fields for the first tier of the EXO5 off-site medal. It’s going to be the only tier of this medal I achieve, but it’s done.
PokemonGo Updates
This week’s PokemonGo received even less attention than this week’s ingress. I evolved a new addition to the Johto region pokedex, and managed to keep up with the daily spin, but that was all.
Other News
In addition to everything else, I had a family visit to prep for, and a minor bout of gastro to deal with, but life goes on. My flash fiction and poetry pieces have been Inktober themed, and I was intending to post them each day, but it didn’t happen. I will try to do better this week. In the meantime, here are my #Inktober sketches - given I haven't picked up a pen, or done any sketches in years, they're not great, but they're not a bad start. There's a good reason I'm a writer :-)
And what did I learn? Well, I'm not an artist... yet, and maybe never - and I need a LOT of practice. Am I going to give up on Inktober? No - you have hours of laughter ahead.Priorities for Week 2, October 2017
This week’s priorities are as follows:Complete the second essay-in-lieu-of-examPrep for classesManage 1 hour of walking a dayComplete the CreateSpace edit and uploadWrite 1 piece of flash fiction each dayWrite 1 piece of poetry each day
Week 1 ProgressNew words produced: 67 + poetry and flash handwritten in notebookOutlines and Notes: NilWorks completed: 14 (7 poems, 7 flash fiction)Works edited: 1 (CS initial edit for Army Boots & Stilettos )Covers created: 0 (CS format done for Army Boots & Stilettos )Works published: 0Works submitted: 0Competitions Entered: 0Bloggery: 1,829University Prep and Assignments: 3,392Writing News
The week just gone saw me trying to complete a second assessment item. Unfortunately, it proved more complex than expected, so, although I completed the words required, with 30-40 references in place, I’m not completely happy with the result, and have decided to go over it this week to see if I can tweak it into something more satisfactory. I also completed the initial edit and format of Army Boots & Stilettos , but want to give it one more going over before I complete the upload to CreateSpace.
Of last week’s priorities, I completed all of them, but not to the level I wanted, so I’ll be tweaking the second assessment item this week, and also giving the CreateSpace version of Army Boots & Stilettos another going over before finalising the upload. I did complete seven pieces of flash fiction, seven poems, and seven drawings for Inktober, while keeping up with my lesson commitments for the week, so priorities completed.
June-July Challenge: Babes in London
No advances on this, this week, but I’ll be adding another instalment to it, soon.
NOTE: This adventure is not sanctioned in any way, shape or form by Fantasy Flight. It is not an official product, and I am in no way affiliated with them or they with me. There is no relationship between us. This adventure is mine, for fun, and for you, because some of you asked me to finish it.
Also, if you like this adventure and want to play it, please go buy the official rulebooks from somewhere where the original creators and publisher of the setting will be paid. I got mine from a Melbourne game store, but I’ve found PDF versions of the Player's Handbook and the Gamemaster's Handbook are now available from DriveThruFiction. If you enjoy their world, this is the best way to thank them.
Ingress Updates
This week’s Ingress consisted of what I could manage to get done on the way to and from university, and the absolute minimum on the weekend. I didn’t even keep up with my walking commitments this week, as I pushed to get assessment pieces done, before a family visit. Even so, I managed to complete 100 fields for the first tier of the EXO5 off-site medal. It’s going to be the only tier of this medal I achieve, but it’s done.
PokemonGo Updates
This week’s PokemonGo received even less attention than this week’s ingress. I evolved a new addition to the Johto region pokedex, and managed to keep up with the daily spin, but that was all.
Other News
In addition to everything else, I had a family visit to prep for, and a minor bout of gastro to deal with, but life goes on. My flash fiction and poetry pieces have been Inktober themed, and I was intending to post them each day, but it didn’t happen. I will try to do better this week. In the meantime, here are my #Inktober sketches - given I haven't picked up a pen, or done any sketches in years, they're not great, but they're not a bad start. There's a good reason I'm a writer :-)
And what did I learn? Well, I'm not an artist... yet, and maybe never - and I need a LOT of practice. Am I going to give up on Inktober? No - you have hours of laughter ahead.Priorities for Week 2, October 2017
This week’s priorities are as follows:Complete the second essay-in-lieu-of-examPrep for classesManage 1 hour of walking a dayComplete the CreateSpace edit and uploadWrite 1 piece of flash fiction each dayWrite 1 piece of poetry each day
October 6, 2017
Just Released: Fate in the Sun
Pleased to announce that
Fate in the Sun
, my dark science fiction short story, has just been released as an ebook. This short story will also be included in the collection of 2017's short works, due out mid- to late-next year. It is one of the forerunners for the novel
Sideshift
, which is currently being written.
On Canon V, the colonists live underground—those that can, anyway. Those that are born unable, I help guide to the surface, and then I try to warn them of the creatures that come from beyond the rifts. Some listen. Most run away screaming. With the creatures coming more often, now, the last thing any of us expected was for corporate intervention. Now, we just have to work out if they’re offering a deal worth taking, or if we’d be better off in the caves.
On Canon V, the colonists live underground—those that can, anyway. Those that are born unable, I help guide to the surface, and then I try to warn them of the creatures that come from beyond the rifts. Some listen. Most run away screaming. With the creatures coming more often, now, the last thing any of us expected was for corporate intervention. Now, we just have to work out if they’re offering a deal worth taking, or if we’d be better off in the caves.
October 5, 2017
Babes in London: Act Four, Scene 1B (Part 5: Kew Gardens—Other Options)
If PCs convince Anika and Leyila to go to Leyila’s house (but take Lewistrom home to his parents first):
Go to Act 5, Scene 1.
If PCs convince Anika and Leyila to go to Leyila’s house (with Lewistrom):
Go to Act 5, Scene 2, and modify it accordingly.
Note that Lewistrom’s father is outside Leyila’s house, and will confront them when they arrive. Anika refuses to give the boy up, and an argument ensues, unless the PCs can convince the father to come and talk inside. Both Leyila’s parents and the police, on hearing the commotion, come out to see what is going on. At this stage, Lewistrom’s father insists on calling his wife, and the DI sends a car with the PCs to collect her and Act 5, Scene 1 will play from there.
If the PCs have not mentioned the Setites yet:
The first time the Setites are mentioned, run the flashback in Act 4, Scene 2. When this occurs, read, or paraphrase, the following:
Setites. At the mention of their name, the world about you shudders and you find yourselves running, or winging your way, across a rolling landscape of grassland. Go to Scene 2.
NOTE: This adventure is not sanctioned in any way, shape or form by Fantasy Flight. It is not an official product, and I am in no way affiliated with them or they with me. There is no relationship between us. This adventure is mine, for fun, and for you, because some of you asked me to finish it.
Also, if you like this adventure and want to play it, please go buy the official rulebooks from somewhere where the original creators and publisher of the setting will be paid. I got mine from a Melbourne game store, but I’ve found PDF versions of the Player's Handbook and the Gamemaster's Handbook are now available from DriveThruFiction. If you enjoy their world, this is the best way to thank them.
October 4, 2017
Progress Report: September Overview 2017
This report sums up the writing and study progress for September 2017. It was a pretty busy month.
Overall Progress for September 2017New words produced: 30,988Outlines and Notes: 545Works completed: 3 (2 POLS2070 essays, 1 MEAS2004 essay)Works edited: 3Covers created: 1Works published: 0 (although Shades of Memory paperback was released)Works submitted: 2 (For assessment: POLS2070 essay, MEAS2004 essay)Competitions Entered: 0Bloggery: 10,894University Prep and Assignments: 14,648Study and Class Hours: 186 hours, 21 minutes – don’t ask me how many I forgot to put down, but it was a lot.
When Aggie Dormain arrives in Canberra to paint some old diggers, she does not expect to meet an out-of-work archaeologist investigating an alien conspiracy, much less to be pulled into an adventure that would give Indiana Jones a run for his money.
Cord thought boarding school was a long way from home—until she was chosen for a traineeship with Bluebirds Mining. After that, who knew where home might be? Or how to get back to it? Or even if she could. With her mind playing tricks on her, and her best friend in the same boat, Cord is in it, but deep. Now, all she has to do is find a way out.
