Sunday, September 30, 2012

Amelia's Last Farewell


Anyone need a hug?

As the Angels take Manhattan, we say goodbye to poor old Rory and poor beautiful Amy. Yes, I am talking about Doctor Who again.

Yesterday I was in Northern Ireland- in Bangor for an event and in Belfast for a signing. Because of the Unionist parade, no one was quite sure how many people would actually turn up. As our car was being diverted further and further away from the shop, a thought struck me:

If no one turns up to this signing, I get to go home early and watch Doctor Who as it airs. Ooooh...

But then we got the call- there were already 150 people queuing up. Looks like my faithful Sky box will be on recording duties again.

So we leaped out of the car and sprinted through the crowded streets, barging past cops and marchers, knocking over little old ladies, and bursting through the parade lines. 30,000 marchers. Countless onlookers. Flags waving. I have to admit, I was a little humbled that they went to all this trouble just to welcome me to Belfast.


The signing was great fun. Lots of enthusiastic readers, some too excited to form coherent sentences, some actually apologising for bringing so many books to sign, some laughing at a pitch so high it does not register to human ears... And I was given things! Two glow-in-the-dark skulls! A bling skeleton necklace! A sparkly cardboard skeleton! Sweets! A tiara!

Er... anyway...

And I was given artwork, and letters, and notes, and as usual my bag began to bulge before the signing was halfway over. Just as I was finishing up, the lights in the shop dimmed, which is usually a sign that they're about to kick you out. But of course two girls, two of my regulars, Olivia and Rowan, had to come around for a SECOND time. See, here's what the lunatics do. They queue up. They stand. They wait. They're usually near the front of the queue. Then they get stuff signed, and we have a chat, and they take pictures, and they chat some more, and they don't stop chatting, and my publicist has to come over and try to gently move them on, and then she does it a little more forcefully, and they finally say goodbye and skip off, babbling amongst themselves.

And then?

Then they queue up again. They time it perfectly, so that they're always the last in line, and so they get a few more minutes of chatting as I pack up to leave. Ohhhh they're sneaky. And I'm not even going to TELL you what Rowan did when we were hugging. She is a bad, bad girl.

Then I was back on the road again, heading home. When I got back I had something to eat, laughed at my dogs, and settled down on my sofa. And I pressed play. And Doctor Who began.


We knew this was Amy and Rory's last episode. We all knew this going in. The fact was, we'd known it for months. I'm not sure how smart this is, to be honest. On one hand, I can see what the BBC are doing- they're making sure everyone tunes in. On the other hand, where's the surprise? Where's the shock?

If I'm going to get rid of a character, do I tell you before the book is even out? No. No I do not. I try my best to keep you from guessing for as long as I can... and then I snatch the character away from you as quickly and as viciously as possible.

So, all those Whovians out there, ask yourselves this: would the episode have been better, have been more shocking and more emotional, if that ending had taken you completely be surprise?

But hey... what an ending. Sad. Tragic. Romantic. Beautiful. I suppose there's something to be said for watching the thing and knowing that Amy and Rory will inevitably meet their end- it adds another layer to the experience. And just when you think it's all over and the day is saved, there is one surviving Angel...

Matt Smith was fantastic in this. When he's begging Amy not to go... heartbreaking. Rory, as a character, has grown on me so much. At the start, I viewed him as a third wheel, someone who was coming between Amy and the Doctor (a beautiful young lady and a charismatic genius centuries old... come on, how could you NOT ship that?). But thanks to great writing and the wonderful Arthur Darvill, Rory became an essential part of the show's dynamic. And Karen Gillan herself... She's been my favourite of the new companions so far, and I'll miss her pout, and her feistiness, and those skirts...

Hug? Anyone?


4,373 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 400 of 4373   Newer›   Newest»
Willow Storm said...

Hi, Robin!

Robin Snowscar said...

I'll dedicate this page to... Umm dedications. There.

Uilliam Kinsella said...

Hi Robin.

Robin Snowscar said...

Hi Adra, Willow, Maralie!

Luciana said...

If ill is alright, then yes. XD

How is everyone?

Robin Snowscar said...

And hello Eden

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Wheres the Golden God??

Maralie Lily Charm said...

*Dances*

Robin Snowscar said...

I'm good thanks ^^

*dances with Maralie*

Maralie Lily Charm said...

I think the Golden God is minding his cats and dogs. OMG I love cats now cause Derek AND Harry love them! *dances with Harry Styles doll*

Willow Storm said...

WHY IS THIS COP SO SLOW??

Uilliam Kinsella said...

I'm much more of a dog person.

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Derek, you seem to be thinking dirty minded. What did they do to you?!?!?!

COME ON DEREK COME TALK TO US WE DONT BITE

Robin Snowscar said...

I'm allergic to cats. And afraid of dogs. I like bunnies :D

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Bunnies they adorable!

Uilliam Kinsella said...

I admit they're quite cute but there's a disease in Ireland called mesmatosis that makes them go blind.
It's so sad.

Luciana said...

theinsignificanceofthisblogisunreal.blogspot.co.uk

C,:

I want to blog, but idk what to blog about. D:

Robin Snowscar said...

Myxomatosis? I know, we have it here too.

Maralie Lily Charm said...

@Eden - I KNOW :'( There was a bunny in my garden and it caught it and I could only sit there and watch it... D:

Uilliam Kinsella said...

Sorry, damn correct type.

Georgina Howlett said...

Derek dear where are you

I DEMAND THAT YOU TALK TO MEE

Robin Snowscar said...

Yeah, there's a nasty strand going round my neighbourhood --> They had their jabs though, they should be fine

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Derek i got cheese!!! Come here *beckons* now Derek I demand you i have to ask you this important question

Robin Snowscar said...

I HAVE APPLES

Uilliam Kinsella said...

It's starting around my area with wild rabbits.
So all the pets are getting it.
My cousins rabbit got it.

Flame Phoenix said...

ROBIN! Are you stiff, on your fan page?

Uilliam Kinsella said...

I have...
Nothing really.

Robin Snowscar said...

I know! It's spread by the evil mosquitoes!

Flame - Yeah, I am. Why?

Georgina Howlett said...

DEREK I DEMAN-

Okay fine you just sit there and don't talk, it's fine, I just thought you'd want a warning for what is to come but I guess not huh too bad

heh

hehehe

HOWLETT AND BEX ARE GONNA GET YOU, GOLDEN GOOOOD

Flame Phoenix said...

Jw which you were.

Flame Phoenix said...

It's sad no one would answer the SP quiz question :(

I just had too..

Maralie Lily Charm said...

DEREK I HAVE...........
................
.................
Um................
AN ICECREAM. COME GET THE NICE ICECREAM DEREK.


Haha, I sound like a stalker xD

Robin Snowscar said...

I know Flame! How did you know I was Stiff anyway?

Georgina Howlett said...

Gurl please for my sixteenth I get to go to Dublin and spend the entire time trying to find out where Derek lives

I have a few ideas

LOOK OUT DEREK

Loljk as if I will actually go to Ireland ever

Robin Snowscar said...

Pretty sure Val V does know where Derek lives *muses*

Anonymous said...

Probably.

Hi guys!

Derek, come on! Please!

Robin Snowscar said...

She said so before

Flame Phoenix said...

I guessed when you gave out about 'your' admins- then the SP question.


I was wonderin why there was sixty points awarded after saying it was 30?

Luciana said...

I'm going to go to bed. If I don't I fear I'll collapse, again. :P

I'm so glad you're all alive. *hugs everyone* I love you all!

Please read my blog - theinsignificanceofthisblogisunreal.blogspot.co.uk

Some of you might find it useful one day. (':

If you need me, e-mail me - lucianascath@gmail.com and I'll reply as soon as I can.

Derek, if you blogspeak, hello! Please answer my questions on the previous page! Thank you. :3

Uhm...Stay alive. Be brave. Don't lose hope. Don't die. And talk to Star about bubbles.

Keep smiling!

Night, all. (I know it's early, but I'm ill so shush!)

I hope you all sleep well.

Love you all. I'm glad you're all alive. Every single one of you. :3 <3

Bye!

Anonymous said...

What SP quiz is this?

Anonymous said...

Night L.!

Uilliam Kinsella said...

Yeah what quiz?
And night Luce.

Robin Snowscar said...

Bye L

Good deduction skills Flame. And because no one had answered it, it was left up for too long.

Star Inkbright said...

There has to be something wrong with my left wrist. It aches at random intervals. And my right hand goes weird occasionally, but I think that's only when I write too much. I think putting ink on my left hand/wrist/arm is what makes my left wrist ache, but I'm not 100% certain. Ah well. It isn't serious. Or at least, it won't be until I start thinking about Fear and Redvines and Penny and Cigar too much and get the peculiar urging to tear my veins out. This has happened to me in the past.

. . . Okay. Gotta stop thinking. Getting scared now.

I feel bad because I didn't cry one jolt at the last DW episode. XD

Uilliam Kinsella said...

What quiz are you talking about?

Anonymous said...

Star, you get an urge to tear your veins out?

Star Inkbright said...

TO HEAR IS TO OBEY, SEQUINTIAL! *starts talking to self about bubbles*

Anonymous said...

BUBBLES!

Maralie Lily Charm said...

DEREK PLEASE COME ON I WOULD DIE HAPPY.

Uilliam Kinsella said...

BUBBLES!

Star Inkbright said...

I did. Once. My wrist was aching and I couldn't stop thinking about Cigar and it just got to me. Scared myself to death.

*glares at wrist* STOP. ITCHING. Omg what if I hurt it, just now? :/

Argghhhhh. Damn overactive imaginations.

Willow Storm said...

Sorry, my arm was the new topic of discussion. SO, I was gone.

Maralie Lily Charm said...

*chases bubbles*

Anonymous said...

Yes Derek! And I have a question that I've been DYING to ask you!

Anonymous said...

*pops bubbles* MWAHAHAHAHA

Star Inkbright said...

BUBBLES!!!!!!!!

Yes guys. Talk to me about bubbles so I don't bite myself . . .

*laughs* I feel like a vampire now.

Robin Snowscar said...

Just a quiz on my facebook page Kestrel

Anonymous said...

Ah well. I haveth no facebook.

*blows bubbles and then immediately pops them*

Willow Storm said...

Ew, school tomorrow.

Star Inkbright said...

*blows bubbles*

I use the font they have on the Gone books pretty often now, y'know, for poster etc. at school. It's awesome AND relatively simple to draw. Not like the SP font. *shudders* So tricky.

Maralie Lily Charm said...

*cries* KESSIE I THOUGHT WE WERE FRIENDS D:


Must go to bed now. DEREK IF YOU COME ON WHILE I'M IN BED I WILL KILL YOU.

*clicks fingers and watches as yellow light flares up in my hand*

Watch your back... O.O

Haha, joking. I wouldn't kill you. THERE WOULD BE NO MORE BOOKS O.O NOOOOO...






























But seriously, DON'T COME ON NOW. Wait until 5:00 tomorrow.



















I'M WATCHING YOU...

Anonymous said...

I wish I could draw the SP font. Or the logo. I made an SP bookmark today.

Star Inkbright said...

:(

I want it to be half term NOW.

IIIIIIIIIII'm forever blowwwwwwwing bubbleeeeeees . . .

Anonymous said...

I want it to be Summer Vacation.

Robin Snowscar said...

Drawing wbd

Maralie Lily Charm said...

I want it to be Christmas holidays so I can get my 3DS and 1D tickets and SP top my dad bought online... :P

Anonymous said...

Alright.

ROBIN! *hugs*

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Derek just cone on!!!! Please! I wanna know if you got any letter from me and 2 others it was one giant letter

NOM Ominous said...

Hallo peoples...

Anonymous said...

Maralie, as in an SP shirt? Where did you find this amazing creation?! *pointedly ignores 1D mention*

NOM Ominous said...

Yeah, Derek Landy. I kinda want to know too...

Anonymous said...

Thrust! Hi!

Maralie Lily Charm said...

@Kessie - *laughs* No, some kid made it and put it up on Ebay.


EBAY! Put all your random and crappy stuff here and watch people buy them for rip offs! :D


Yep. €10 well spent.

Star Inkbright said...

Hi Thrust!

Of course. You Americans don't have holidays; you have vacation. :)

Anonymous said...

Zaf, you know that thing we were talking about where we were gonna fly to Ireland when Book 9 comes out together? And get a hotel room? I think ALL the Ameriminions and Canadiminions should go together and get 2-4 hotel rooms at the same hotel and split the cost.

Maralie Lily Charm said...

BYE GUISE. *waves*


DEREK DON'T YOU DARE COME ON NOW I SHALL KILL YOU WITH A GREAT BALL OF LIGHT.

Pretty light... *chases up to bed*

Anonymous said...

*laughs*

Star Lord said...

Hug. Needed. That Doctor Who episode was vicious.

They need more Scottish companions.

But, hey. we still need to see what the new one's like at Christmas.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sarthacus! I don't think we've met.

Kestrel LeStarre, master of torture and all manner of unpleasant deaths, at your service. *bows*

Star Inkbright said...

FOURS MARALIE!

Willow Storm said...

Goodbye, fellow minions.
Is breá liom tú go léir.
*husg everyone*
*leaves a banquet*

Anonymous said...

Bye Willow!

Anonymous said...

*disappears as well*

Flame Phoenix said...

WILLOW!


NO! No leavey!


NONONONONONONONO- NO!

Star Inkbright said...

FOURS WILLOW!

Willow Storm said...

I really hate math.

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Derek get on now

Willow Storm said...

I want to murder maths.

Litrin Dementoz said...

Hey

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Hi everyone

Willow Storm said...

LITRIN!
IS THAT REALLY YOU?

Litrin Dementoz said...

Ya

Star Inkbright said...

Hi Litrin!

Maths is so boring. Nearly everybody in the top set (well, one of them. We have two top sets) at my school thinks so, and seeing as they're good at it and don't like it, MATHS MUST BE HORRIBLE. :P

NOM Ominous said...

boo...

Willow Storm said...

TUMBLR I NEED YOU TO WORK!
WORK, CHILD, WORK!

NOM Ominous said...

It's so weird how you guys call it maths...
Math sounds better to you too, doesn't it??

Willow Storm said...

I call it, both.

Georgina Howlett said...

Well mathematics is plural hence maths but idk

Derek I swear

Robin Snowscar said...

MATHS

Robin Snowscar said...

Thrust!

Robin Snowscar said...

Valduggery! STOP BLOWING HOLES IN MY SHIP!

Willow Storm said...

KALLIEEE!
*hugs*
How are you, sweetie?

NOM Ominous said...

Robin!!!
*eyes widen stepping backward, falls over and scrambles back up and hides behind tree*
Hi!!

Robin Snowscar said...

*grins at Thrust*

My eagle has gone, as has my giraffe, I'm in a rather friendly mood. Provided you don't try to juggle me again *frowns*

NOM Ominous said...

that wasn't your eagle...
*steps slowly out from behind the tree*
I'm still not going to take any chances either...

Georgina Howlett said...

Derek went on Bebo

But not here

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

DEREK GET ON NOW BEFORE I DO SCREAM AND HUNT YOU DOWN WITH NINJAS WHO ARE GOING TO..EAT YOU

NOM Ominous said...

I'm on his bebo right now... Did he do anything? I can't tell...

NOM Ominous said...

Ah yes, I see...
"Fine. I'm back on. I'll be visiting this page occasionally- mainly because people who still have Bebo pages are nuts."

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Whats bebo?

I feel rejected there. He no visit us Bloglandians...hmph

Flame Phoenix said...

G'night y'all!

NOM Ominous said...

hi kal! *Waves back*

Robin Snowscar said...

*raises eyebrow at Thrust*

Bye Flame!

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Bye Flame!!

Willow Storm said...

Night, Flame..


Me is back!

NOM Ominous said...

Mind blow: WeB+log= Blog

Flame Phoenix said...

HEY HO HERE WE GO,

SHE's NO SELF OF STEAM AND VERTIGO YOU'D THINK SHE'S MADE OF CANNNDY!

Georgina Howlett said...

HELLO KALLISTA

HELLO EVERYONE ELSE

I wish Derek would come on

Willow Storm said...

I'm listening to Lana Del Rae too much.

Robin Snowscar said...

EUROPE WON THE GOLF! HAHAHAHAHAHA!

barmybex said...

Amy & Rory were definitely my favourite companions by far and Matt Smith is my favourite Doctor. I liked the 3 as a group dynamic and am sad they have now split.

I agree - I think the episode would have been more effective if we hadn't of known they were leaving before hand, as I spent most of the episode waiting for that final moment. Surprise & shock would have been better.
Oh well, it did still make me cry!

Flame Phoenix said...

Why did they leave?

Mayan said...

I haven't seen the episode yet and won't for another TWELVE WHOLE DAYS!!! *shakes fist* NEW ZEALAND!
But I'm already crying...

Willow Storm said...

*sighs*
I feel like not talking or smiling, anymore.

Willow Storm said...

Hi Maya..

Robin Snowscar said...

*dances happily*

Lady_Tamlynn said...

Hi Derek,

I was at the Belfast signing yesterday. I was the Valduggery fan who dragged her long suffering (but incredibly sweet) boyfriend along (we were also probably the oldest people in the line apart from the parents). Just wanted to say thank you for coming to Belfast. I hope you had a great time and if I was one of the people with a high pitched laugh, I apologise.

I've just watched yesterday's episode of Doctor Who on iplayer. It was truly heartbreaking for the Doctor but at least Amy and Rory got to spend the rest of their lives together. Given the choice, I'd have done exactly the same as her.

Mayan said...

I <3 "..."s. They're jepic

Jophiel said...

Hello all!

Jophiel said...

I'll be unnecessarily distant!

Robin Snowscar said...

Hi Death!

Lady_Tamlynn said...

Hi Derek,

I was at the Belfast signing yesterday. I was the Valduggery fan who dragged her long-suffering, but incredibly sweet, boyfriend along with her (we were also probably the oldest people in the queue, apart from the parents). Just wanted to thank you for coming to Belfast and I hope you enjoyed yourself.

I've just got to watch last nights episode of Doctor Who. It was heartbreaking for the poor Doctor but at least Amy and Rory got to spend the rest of their lives together. A 1000 year old Time Lord is all well and good but there's just no beating true love. Given the choice, I'd have done exactly the same as Amy.

Ashlene

Mayan said...

Helooo Tyler, Do you have Tumblr?

Jophiel said...

Hi Robin! Have we met?

Jophiel said...

No I don't Maya, I only have email and this... Sorry

Robin Snowscar said...

Yes, a few times.

Mayan said...

ok, just wondering :D
Cos I'm looking for bloglandians on Tumblr. We should make a bloglandian community on Tumblr. Like ClubNZ.

Jophiel said...

Really? Well, I can not recal the last/first time we have met... Sorry, I hasn't slept properly in about a month, I have tonsillitis and I am just stupid in general... So... Ya!

Willow Storm said...

It seems I've been locked out of my room. I guess it's another night on the couch.

Robin Snowscar said...

*nods* Death, I've met you quite a few times actually.


Why, Willow?

Mayan said...

GANGHAM STYLE!

Robin Snowscar said...

Ham?

Mayan said...

bad spelling :P
Sam I am
I do not like green eggs and ham.

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Hey Derek, an Engliminion I know from Facebook is having surgery tomorrow could you keep her in mind? Im like scared for her.

Mayan said...

Hello Kerias

Willow Storm said...

Cousins are over. Using my straighteners. I need them. My fringe needs straightening.

Robin Snowscar said...

No Kallie *innocent*

Ah, Willow.

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Im going to sit here scared...again

Mayan said...

HI Kastilla!!!!!!

Robin Snowscar said...

Why are you scared Zaf? Have hope!

Mayan said...

Signing out now. Byeeee!

Robin Snowscar said...

Au revoir!

Willow Storm said...

I'm goign to go now, bye.
Might stay on tumblr, don't know.
http://yourmindisallmineinhere.tumblr.com

Night!

Robin Snowscar said...

Night Willow!

*huggies Kallie*

Robin Snowscar said...

*giggles*

*is lifted off the floor* AHHH!

Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

I scared

Robin Snowscar said...

*is floating away*

Don't be Zaf!

Anonymous said...

HI guys! msd

Robin Snowscar said...

Oh God

Get
Me
Down

Ariana Shade said...

INEEDAHUGINEEDAHUINEEDAHUGINEEEDAHUGINEEDAHUGINEEDAHUGINEEDAHUGINEEDAHUG!@!!!!!!!!!!!

Robin Snowscar said...

*hugs Ariana*

Anonymous said...

*gets Robin down from the sky*

Ariana Shade said...

I needed that :)

Robin Snowscar said...

THANK YOU KESTREL


*smiles* Why?

Ariana Shade said...

Amy's gone. Rory's gone. Everyone's gone.

Anonymous said...

You is welcome. I think.

Ariana Shade said...

Did anyone else notice that Rory died three times in that episode. THREE TIMES.

Anonymous said...

How does that make any sense?

Robin Snowscar said...

*shakes head* Whovians

Ariana Shade said...

And come to think of it, Amy died twice.

Ariana Shade said...

*shakes head* Paradoxes.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kal!

Ana, I prefer oxymorons

Ariana Shade said...

Hello KAllistA! *waves back*

Anonymous said...

Is it even possible for jelly beans to rot?

Robin Snowscar said...

*dances around*

Ariana Shade said...

I wonder how Brian feels about this...

Ariana Shade said...

Got to go eat. Be back in a bit.

Anonymous said...

Brian?

Do any of you have a Quibblo?

Anonymous said...

Bye Ana!

LOVE them, Kal.

Zathract Mist said...

Hello!

Almost finished Battle For Blogland chapter... Almost there...

Zathract Mist said...

First is coming up. *nods to comment count*

Zathract Mist said...

...Damn it.

Hi Kal!

Anonymous said...

Hi Zath!

I want to change my last name... Something cool, preferably with an x somewhere in it...

Zathract Mist said...

I dedicate this page to Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, as well as all the bands who play these genres. They really are awesome.

And to all the other genres because without them, Metal wouldn't have competition. :P

Anonymous said...

Hear hear! *raises glass*

Zathract Mist said...

LeStarre is a great last name, I think. X's are also overrated.

Michelle said...

i could do with a hug. this post-pond depression is making me write in lower case and eat lots of dark chocolate.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

MIST, ARE YOU FINISHED WITH THE CHAPTER?

Robin Snowscar said...

HI ZATH

Zathract Mist said...

I AM, VAL. JUST FINISHED THEN.

HI ROBIN.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

*growls*

Someone read my notebook... I WILL GET THEM FOR THIS

Anonymous said...

Hi Val nd Robin!

Zath, or a Q. Yeah, I like LeStarre, but I'm beginning to think that it is just SLIGHTLY too girly. Ah well. *shrugs* Google won't let me change my name fir another few months anyway.

Anonymous said...

Val, is it a diary?

Zathract Mist said...

Q's are good too.

*goes searching for a theme for the chapter*

Ariana Shade said...

Ooo, diary???

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

Good God, no, it is not a diary. It's a story. The one I'm writing for Derek. I'm planning on just handing him the whole notebook.


AND SOMEONE WROTE A COMMENT ON MY STORY IN IT.

Anonymous said...

How dare they!

And ok Kal, I am kestrelstarr@gmail.com

Eve the ROCK said...

Hi! Here for a minute. Maybe less. I'm going all the way to Victor Harbour to get fish and chips. We're amazing.

Zathract Mist said...

Sure Kal.
zathiernone@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Eve!

«Oldest ‹Older   201 – 400 of 4373   Newer› Newest»