161,556 words. That's how long the book is right now. I wanted to have the edit done by tonight, but unfortunately that's not going to happen. I'm up at 6 in the morning to catch a plane to Leeds, so I'm about to hit the sack.
Oh, and for those of you who were pleading with me to keep LSODM as long as possible... you've got your wish. My editor Nick and my agent Michelle both got back to me, suggesting tiny changes here and there, but nothing that would shorten the book.
So the HUGE amount of characters stay in. The MASSIVE battles stay in. The HILARIOUS jokes and LIGHTNING-FAST wit stay in. Verily, it is a good day to be a Minion.
And I've just been chatting to Laura, who calls it the "deepest and darkest one yet". So I've got her all-important seal of approval, which makes me happy.
When it's out, when you've read it, I'll talk more about the writing of it, and the various problems I had to deal with in order to make it work. Everything from Book Two onwards has been leading up to LSODM, after all. Of all the books, this is the one I was certain about from the very beginning, in 2005, but it was one I was the most unsure about when I was actually writing it. So it comes as a relief to know it's actually good.
So... tomorrow I'm in Leeds— the tickets to which are now sold out— and on Saturday I'm signing in Waterstones in York at 11AM— and no tickets needed.
I'm been really quiet lately, on the Blog and on Twitter, and I do apologise for that, but I had to devote all my attention to the book. Now that it's (practically) done, I can get back to normal. Which'll be... er... nice.
I guess...
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«Oldest ‹Older 3401 – 3600 of 4986 Newer› Newest»BUNNY! *hugs Fabi* :D
I like the black one :3
Ais - I know :( some celebrations went on here, though :D
Bye! *hugs*
Trip - Hurling :)
*pokes* Trip?
#ChaseForBook9
I couldn't have tested it on anyone else, and you would've stopped me if I tried to do it out here. I know he specifically said /not/ to use it on ourselves, but it's my job to know. So yeah. I did that.
#ChaseForBook9
Oh hurling! I don't know the sport that well. I may have played it one time? God that stuff hurts.
#ChaseForBook9
I really want to hit you.
Remind me never to trust you with anything lethal and mysterious. It was still very stupid, Trip. Even if it was mildly scientific.
[hugs back] Same, Mara. Plus I'm stuck with this one. :-P
#ChaseForBook9
Go ahead. It's not as if I didn't just go through agony anyway.
#ChaseForBook9
Fabi, my /sword/ is lethal and mysterious. All the stuff in my little red box is lethal and mysterious. My discipline is lethal and mysterious. I'm afraid you're going to have to trust me with a few lethal and mysterious things.
#ChaseForBook9
*sighs and hands him a bottle of vodka*
Here's your medicine.
Works fast.
Not mysterious to you. I would hope. You do know your own discipline, don't you? Or do you have to test that on yourself as well?
I just won't be trusting you with my lethal and mysterious stuff.
And I don't have to do anything. Shut up.
(Sorry. I am going to tell at anyone who hurts my friends. That counts the friends themselves. Not sorry)
#ChaseForBook9
*yell
#ChaseForBook9
*throws vodka aside* What do you take me for? An alcoholic? I don't drink vodka! I do lie about how much vodka I drink, but that's besides the point! I think the pain is throwing my thoughts into dissaray... *pulls a pouch from coat* This is what I need. *drinks thing inside* Water! Oh do I love my h2o... *smiles*
#ChaseForBook9
Snap.
*rolls eyes* whatever you wanna do.
*takes the bottle and a strip of fabric, dipping the fabric into the lighter fluid*
Or simply lecture. [Shrugs]
[Is now very very distant]
#ChaseForBook9
HEY HEY YOU YOU I DON'T LIKE YOUR GIRLFRIEND
when you're gone, the pieces of my heart are missing you
SINGING RADIOHEAD AT THE TOP OF OUR LUNGS
why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?
ALL MY LIFE I'VE BEEN GOOD, BUT NOW, I'M THINKING WHAT THE HELL
:3
#ChaseForBook9
My discipline was lost for over 4000 years before I recovered it in circumstances I do not tell anyone! Even now, I am discovering new parts of it, it is as much of a mystery now as it was the day I first day I was blessed/cursed with it. Sure, I've discovered more, but only now am I discovering some of the most awesome of my abilities.
So no, it is very mysterious.
#ChaseForBook9
Whenever I hear that song (hey hey you you I don't like your girlfriend) I always think to myself; You don't know my girlfriend, how can you make such a judgement. I think you're just a massive b*** who needs to learn some boundaries.
You madame, are a moron, and I have half a mind to slap you across the face!
(Sorry, just something that went through my mind a while ago and never left)
#ChaseForBook9
*grimaces*
[Rolls eyes]
Just don't test any attack spells on yourself, moron.
So, who's got the box now? Adra?
#ChaseForBook9
~yes~
Spells? I don't use spells! But maybe I could...
Anyway, I do that on the local rabbits!
#ChaseForBook9
Good. [Nods]
#ChaseForBook9
Oh... I was kind of hoping to strike fear into you...
#ChaseForBook9
You know coz rabbits.. and you're a rabbit...
#ChaseForBook9
Like I'd leave it to him.
*looks forward* a lot of crap is going to go down tonight.
*manages to get up, hobbles over* Yeah...
#ChaseForBook9
Whatever you call it when you use your magic, then.
[Snorts] How subtle.
But seriously, are you trying to threaten me? Interesting.
#ChaseForBook9
Do you think Alistair is really changed? Or is this just another sick game?
#ChaseForBook9
*sighs* Yeah.
Not threaten... Just point out.
#ChaseForBook9
Changed? *shakes head* no. I'm afraid that my attempts were futile.
[Laughs]
Uh, you struck annoyance into me. Close enough?
I don't think he changed at all.
#ChaseForBook9
He seemed... kinder back at the hospital.
#ChaseForBook9
He was in shock. Shock does that, as does blood loss.
*sighs hopelessly* True...
So, are we gonna kill him?
#ChaseForBook9
*sighs hopelessly* True...
So, are we gonna kill him?
#ChaseForBook9
I don't think we'll have to.
Oh yeah... *energy coats body up to neck* AH, now I can move without my very joints aching.
#ChaseForBook9
*raises eyebrow* interesting.
What this? I call this section of channeling energy support frames. This is the most advanced form of it, the flying works on the same concept, my body isn't moving, the energy is.
#ChaseForBook9
I can do all sorts of useful things with it. Use broken limbs, superspeed, superstrength and other cool stuff!
#ChaseForBook9
*nods* that is interesting...
Gtg, bye.
#ChaseForBook9
You know, that must come in handy a lot, then
Bye Fabs!
Yeah, I don't like to use it too much tough. Not when I have lasers and energy ripples and countless other awesome things, it's just too boring.
#ChaseForBook9
Bye Fabi!
#ChaseForBook9
I only use it when I have to.
#ChaseForBook9
*muttering* only need the light when it's burning low.
Only miss the sun when it starts to snow. *frowns* I love the snow...
#ChaseForBook9
Too bad this was a dire situation. If only there was some way you could have avoided it..
Oh hardy har har har. I only meant during fights, my domestic use of channeling is completely different!
#ChaseForBook9
*raises hamds* of course. My bad.
So...
#ChaseForBook9
*puts hands in pockets, rocks from tiptoes to balls of feet and back again over and over. Breathes out and watches breath disappear into the air.* Cold out tonight. Blogland doesn't deem to obey the seasons.
#ChaseForBook9
*seem to obey the seasons
#ChaseForBook9
Adra?
#ChaseForBook9
I think it's because it's split between hemispheres around the world. Hot in The north, cold in the south, vice Versa. One day it's colder than the 9th circle of hell, and the next is a hot as Hollywood in the summer
(Sorry! Technical issues!)
Yeah...
*sits down on the grass*
What...
#ChaseForBook9
What's...
No, forget it...
#ChaseForBook9
Oh come on, spit it out.
Heh, just checked my ARCK, we really only met a month ago?
#ChaseForBook9
Well, almost a month ago.
#ChaseForBook9
Apparently... (ARCK?)
(A Random Comment of Kindness)
#ChaseForBook9
Gotcha.
Well, months go by fast, is all I can say
No, I just thought it was longer.
#ChaseForBook9
*shrugs* eh, time flies when you talk to international friends for hours on end
Yeah. So what are we gonna do about this whole Tadra thing? :P
#ChaseForBook9
*grins* I figure that's what this is about. *shrugs* I dunno
I didn't know there was anything to be done...
Because, I was reading back, and Alistair asked what was going on between us, and I had no idea. And I think we need something to tell crazed murderers who ask about our private lives. *laughs*
#ChaseForBook9
Lord, just tell him lol. For the craic
Yeah. *sits back runs hand through hair* Good to clear the air about it.
#ChaseForBook9
Adra? You okay?
#ChaseForBook9
Sorry! Gosh I'm sorry, our house just got hectic
Oh okay. *gets up* You want a drink? We always seem to gravitate towards the bar...
#ChaseForBook9
Yes please! I don't care, pick for me
Here, you seem to like this. *gives whisky*
#ChaseForBook9
Eh, it has it's perks. *nods*
*sits down at table, gestures for Adra to sit in other seat* So how do we plan to save Alexis then?
#ChaseForBook9
*sighs* I don't know... I mean... We could remove her but that would be bad...
Zaf would never forgive us if we let her die.
#ChaseForBook9
I dedicate this page to light and shadows, and pulling through whatever life hurls at us. You're strong people, all of you. Never give up. [hugs everyone]
I dedicate the one I got first on during the roleplay and never ended up dedicating to bunny rabbits, carrots, celery, Mycroft and his umbrella and rain. Also ice cream.
The page from over a week ago will be dedicated as soon as I figure out how to upload the video.
Just a little catching up. I'm rubbish at thinking of new dedications.
#ChaseForBook9
Zaf was talking about throwing her in a canyon when she thought it would break the connection with Alastair, remember.
#ChaseForBook9
Yeah... that wouldn't work. Partly because Alexis is a tree.
#ChaseForBook9
Brb! Sorry!
Bye Adra!
#ChaseForBook9
Yeah, I know, but since Zaf was suggesting that, she'd be willing to agree to something else, something dangerous.
That leaves more options.
#ChaseForBook9
I've been... researching. And well. There is a highly dangerous channeler technique similar to the one I used to save Rhydian. It allows you to attempt to trade the souls between two other beings.
#ChaseForBook9
However, there is a high likelihood that one or both of the souls will be lost in transit.
#ChaseForBook9
Back! Sorry! Surprise party for mom
*raises eyebrows and crosses arms* Then shouldn't you be there young lady?
#ChaseForBook9
See you, Adra.
If Ember's around, she may be able to do something similar, and hopefully less dangerous. Her discipline is actually souls. She can heal, raise the dead (sometimes), and she's transferred souls before.
#ChaseForBook9
Ah, wb Adra.
#ChaseForBook9
I am there!
IM OLDER THAN YOU!
I'm older than both of you! :-P
#ChaseForBook9
Hey! My discipline is souls. Look around the world, some channelers can heal souls, none can really raise the dead and I transfer souls-kinda-not-really! I also shoot people with souls, hit them with souls, explode them with souls, pick them up with souls, throw them down with souls AND MANY MORE!
#ChaseForBook9
...I think.
[Has forgotten Adra's age, if I ever knew]
#ChaseForBook9
Well, yes Adra, but Trip is older than Adra (possibly. He forgot) and I talk like that, like an old man!
#ChaseForBook9
Okay, okay. Apologies, didn't mean to insult your wonderful discipline. Also, I know you want to do this yourself. And I respect that, okay?
However, you're speaking of a high-risk plan that may blow up in everyone's faces. It is my instinct, my job even, to reduce risks wherever possible. And although Ember did have that minor incident with a potato, I have faith in her abilities. You've kept yours mysterious, so I can't judge the reliability of yours, but a major risk is a major risk. In some cases, it may be necessary to take major risks, but if there's a way to avoid that, then by all means, let us avoid it.
In the end, though, the choice is Zaf's.
#ChaseForBook9
Oh man.
Guys
Intense
Oh man.
Guys
Intense
I'm not saying we should /use/ my plan, I'm just saying. I use souls too. And I shoot lasers! And that's pretty cool.
My job is not to reduce risk, but to prevent it in the first place. So I've failed. Alistair... He's so good at making me seem bad at my job.
#ChaseForBook9
Trip, I am not doing a transmutation of souls again.
NO WAY.
Alastair's making us all look bad, btw.
Also, I don't keep mine mysterious, mine are mysterious. My fellow channelers and I have all only with our combined efforts scratched the surface of what's possible.
#ChaseForBook9
No! Not me and Alexis. Alexis and something else. A human, if we have a readily available body, but we'll probably have to settle for a deer or a rabbit or something.
#ChaseForBook9
[Raises eyebrow] I never said you didn't use souls, I said Ember did. That's her discipline, I think she calls herself a healer, but she can do a tad more than that.
If you don't think we should use your plan, why did you mention it?
Yes, you mentioned.
I thought you didn't believe in perfection? Everything we do involves risks, however small. [Cocks head] Oh, I get it actually. You just said that to sound superior. Okay, excellent. Nice job. Okay, then.
Should I just stop helping, guys? I have the ever-so-slight feeling I'm not wanted here. I could just stop doing the roleplay. [Shrugs] It's not like I'm helping anything.
#ChaseForBook9
A rabbit? How subtle.
Once again, I sarcastically congratulate you.
#ChaseForBook9
Okay.... Still dangerous.
And we're on a deadline
Literally
Fabi? Is there something wrong?? You're a bit... Antsy, you know what? Never mind. *hugs tightly*
No no no no no. I...
Och.
#ChaseForBook9
I don't believe in perfection. To sound superior? I didn't mean a rabbit as in you, they're just readily available. I was just stating an option when I mentioned my plan, and ooooh crap I've screwed up.
#ChaseForBook9
Listen, Fabi, I'm sorry. I just... I'm so sorry.
#ChaseForBook9
I guess you could say that. [hugs back]
It's nothing.
#ChaseForBook9
[Shrugs]
#ChaseForBook9
I figured you don't need to give me an explanation, just that *cuddles* LOVE CHU
I'm sorry. It's just...the weather. It's really hot outside and we don't have air conditioning. That's all. Sorry I lashed out.
#ChaseForBook9
[hugs again] You're amazing, Adra.
I should probably go...
#ChaseForBook9
I don't see how the but about souls would help. I haven't taken her soul, just her consciousness. You could take the soul out of her body which has been melded to a tree, but I don't see how that would help. Her mind would still die with mine.
Well look what the cat dragged in. Feeling deathly yet? Morbid urges? Feeling the need to rehearse a depressing ballad?
Just don't recite any poems.
And Fabi, it was my fault. I'm sorry.
#ChaseForBook9
Oh yeah. *backhand punches Alistair across the face* I'm done.
#ChaseForBook9
Actually I was just going to watch all of you scramble about seeking solutions, but I got bored. And it's somewhat irritating to listen to people come up with solutions that won't work, especially when they ought to know better.
I just thought Zaf would rather have her daughter die in her arms as a wolf than a tree.
#ChaseForBook9
This is true.. But it should be Zaf's decision...
Damn. I don't think she'll be here though. *paces*
Technically, her body/soul will still be alive and intact, but her mind will die. So Zafira will have a permanently comatose body- or tree- for a daughter.
We could punch him until he gives her back.
#ChaseForBook9
Trip, even you should know better than to think that would work.
I do, I just want to punch you some more before you die.
#ChaseForBook9
Zaf's going to kill us... *puts her head in her hands*
Adra, do you still have the box?
#ChaseForBook9
Ah, yes, the box. That's actually why I came. Rather, why Aretha sent me. I could have refused to come if I really wanted to, but honestly I don't mind not dying, so I didn't protest all that much. Well, actually, I wasn't going to come anyway, but it bothered me too much to hear you all going on about souls after I said so many times that it's a consciousness I've stolen.
If you're trying to stop us using the red stuff you've failed. Adra? Would you do the honours?
#ChaseForBook9
Yes, I have the box. And I still think that it'd be easier to get you a new body. You don't have to die, Alastair.
I don't mind the 'red stuff' in the slightest, but I wasn't going to show up just for that.
I hope Alexis' mind can stand it. The RedRays will affect her, too.
#ChaseForBook9
I'm rather ambivalent about dying, actually. I don't mind all that much either way. That goes for me in general, but in this situation I'm almost inclined to die, simply because of the effect it would have on Zafira.
Of course it wasn't Alastair. It rarely is
What wasn't?
She'll be fine! Alexis, endure the pain, I've been through it too. Sure, I've also been shot, had the red right hand used on me, been hung drawn and quartered (don't ask) and many others but it's manageable.
#ChaseForBook9
You would die to cause people pain. But then again, it is rather fitting for you. The man so hell-bent of wreaking havoc, is so obsessed that it leads to his own suicide.
Only one reason why you came.
*arches eyebrow* According to Star/Hunter it's 'beyond words'. I was rather excited, actually, until you took it so easily.
You've lost me...
Well, Ezmerelda once told me he liked to over dramatise things. Then again, it may be my resilient cells. Another benefit of channeling.
#ChaseForBook9
*shrugs* If you can compare it to being drawn and quartered, I'm disappointed.
What I don't understand is how you can be so cool about this. Shouldn't you be afraid? You're dying for Chrissakes! Feel something!
Oh no, be drawn and quartered was better. Much better. But still.
#ChaseForBook9
I guess, when you get to our ages, death doesn't phase you that much. Just dying in a good way I guess.
#ChaseForBook9
You know, I've tried. I honestly have. Last night, we were talking, and I thought if there was ever a time to try once more to feel compassion or even fear, it was right then. I would have enjoyed more watching you wince every time you moved your leg, but I healed it. I asked you to explain. I still just don't see how making people smile can be more fun than making them grimace. As for the fact that I don't much care that I'm dying, all I can say is that I've already done so twice, and it's not as big a deal as everyone seems to make it. Not to me, anyway.
Better as in less painful?
Less painful. More interesting. And being drawn really stretches the muscles, pops the joints.
#ChaseForBook9
*reels her arm back and swings it across his face* it's easier for you, isn't it? To say that you're angry or pretend that you care, than to allow yourself to feel and admit how sad you actually are.
There's something rotten in your heart, Alastair.
What is there to be sad about? With any luck I'll get to watch Zafira fret over Alexis. And then there's your friends who are flowers. It really just doesn't matter all that much.
When have I pretended to care?
Well at least I'm not the one being punched in the face for being heartless for once...
#ChaseForBook9
*don't care
Sorry.
It's a sad fate that's befallen you, Alastair. You've hardly an idea what it feels like to care for anyone, and you might not ever. You really could've been great.
He could've? I thought his discipline was blowing up cities? I don't know how he could ever have been great.
#ChaseForBook9
His discipline is basically everything. And the world needs anything- so....
His discipline is... everything? How does that work?
#ChaseForBook9
If he had been different, he wouldn't have even thought of murdering Niccolo's family. Croatoan wouldn't have eaten his true name, maybe would have a different name entirely. If he had been different, the whole world would be. It's a scary thought, actually...
#ChaseForBook9
So you're saying I should drop my sadistic agenda and try to improve the world? What would be the point of that?
Niccolo Croatoan could take people's true names and absorb their powers and parts of their personalities. Alastair was one of these. Now he's in control and has all the disciplines Niccolo ever stole.
#ChaseForBook9
You're bored so often. Why not try something new?
#ChaseForBook9
You just can't see it can you? You see yourself as a high and mighty revolutionary for all that is twisted and wrong, but really you just lack empathy. That is you're only difference to us. You can't empathise.
#ChaseForBook9
I'm saying that for some reason you need to hurt people. Even you don't know. But if you had been born different...
*shakes head*
What ifs won't help us...
No, but what did Alistair bring to the mix, I thought it was the city blowing up one.
#ChaseForBook9
Now that I don't know.
#ChaseForBook9
[Vanishes]
#ChaseForBook9
I don't blow cities up. All the buildings and objects stay perfectly intact. But every now and then, every single person in the city suddenly vanishes. No trace is left behind and none of them are ever found. Croatoan is ominously written on whatever is in the city's center. That's what I- rather, Niccolò- does to cities.
If you can convince me that there's any point in trying to make the world a batter place, I might do it.
But I can't, because you're broken.
#ChaseForBook9
You might not care, Alastair, but there are others. People who would die for the sake of others. People who follow their friends into war without the bat of an eyelash. People need to care and look after others because they see themselves in others.
If there's anything the world is worth for, it's us. It's our neighbors, our friends. It's because we help each other and love each other and it's beautiful. The creation of life is full of new possibilities and a chance for a greater good.
Destroying only denies you and other's opportunity of living...
I I can't explain it but please believe me, Alastair...
*better
Somehow 'batter' ended up in that sentence. It seems to me that regardless of what we do, the world will keep turning as it always does, and humans are no more important than any other thing on the planet. We're made of the same things as all the inanimate objects around us. But blood runs through our veins and we use our brains to wonder why we're here, or to focus on remedial everyday tasks, and we seem to think that makes us special. Humans just happen to be here, and I don't see how they really matter. 'They', of course, also includes myself. The way I see it, we don't really matter, and what we do doesn't really matter, and we're all going to die someday, so I might as well just enjoy myself as much as possible.
That which is broken, can be fixed, Trip. A 2,000 year old broken bowl can be put back together again.
But it cannot be used to hold soup.
#ChaseForBook9
But Alistair! Just because a human is made of the same things as a dog does not mean that we will not have more impact upon the world than one.
#ChaseForBook9
I'm fine with the introduction of new ideas and with trying new things, but I've never seen the point of helping other people.
What does it even matter what impact we may have on the world? I'm saying that life is, on the while, inconsequential. Even the planet is inconsequential. There's just no point to it.
I know. *wipes her eyes* It saddens me that you can't and it frustrates me that there isn't a way to describe what it feels like to care. I wish you could... I really wish you could.
Adra, lets shut him up. Use the powder. Even he will be screaming for a moment or two.
#ChaseForBook9
Why do you destroy people? Because you enjoy it.
Why do we exist? To enjoy it. Sometimes you're disappointed if something doesn't go your way, but that's okay because there will be more chances for us.
*looks at Trip, holding her head up.*
No.
Well, you've got 2 and a half hours before you have to, there's no better time than now.
#ChaseForBook9
Why would either of you want me to live longer, anyway?
[Runs past with emergency camping blanket]
#ChaseForBook9
That's long enough.
Because, Alastair...
We care about you. All of us. Every single one. We can't find it in ourselves to hate you, rather, we want to help you, and we don't think you should die.
*smiles* So I can punch you in the face some more. Nah! I'm just kidding. I have no desire to see you die, nor a particularly hugely driving one to see you live. But, because I don't want to see you dead more than I want you dead, I'll try and save you.
#ChaseForBook9
(Hello? Anyone still alive?)
#ChaseForBook9
This is ridiculous. You're all mad, you know that? I might decide to kill you all. I might decode to kill your families (those of you that have them). I might, on a whim, set put on a quest to destroy the world. And you think it's a good idea to keep me alive? Still? I'm fairly sure I understand you even less now. Honestly, of all the reckless things to waste your time d- *breaks into coughing fit* doing... I'm certain you've killed better people than me. The epitome of illogical is what this is.
[Raises hand slowly]
#ChaseForBook9
*eyes widen*
I've told you before, Alastair. Humans are stubborn.
I like annoying you, Alice! It's fun!
#ChaseForBook9
Fabienne, if you've got something to say, say it. Don't just stand there with your hand raised like a child in school.
I've killed the saintlyest of saints to some and the most devillish of sinners to others. Who is good and who is bad is subjective. I should not judge you by the belief that we both hold that you're crazy, but by what my heart says is right. Not my actual heart, my metaphorical one. My emotions not my good proper thinking thing.
#ChaseForBook9
Nope! :-P
#ChaseForBook9
Oh, by the way, I'm actually seven. I am a child in school! [Laughs] XD
#ChaseForBook9
*sighs* At this rate, emotions are likely to be the catalyst of the extinction of our species. Not that it matters to me, but the rest of you? *coughs* All of this seems hypocritical.
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