Tuesday, July 2, 2013

It's Fun Being a Writer

I get to create stories for a living. I get to daydream for a job. I also, fair enough, have to work extremely hard and cocoon myself in solitude until the book is finished, but that's beside the point. The point is, I get to be a writer, which is something so few people who ALSO want to be writers get to do.

I've just made the very last changes to LSODM I can possibly make. We're in the final type-setting stage now— that is when they take the words you've written in the manuscript and arrange them onto a book page, ready to be printed. And I now know how many pages there are going to be...

KOTW was 607 pages in the hardback version. LSODM, which is a little under 30,000 words longer, will be... ready for this?... it will be...

604 pages.

Woohooo!!!!!

Now, wait a moment, before you scratch your heads and ask how does that work, it is quite simple. If they had continued to use the same font size as they used from the very start, my publishers would be releasing a book of, according to my vague and approximate mathematical skills, 900 pages. Which is a tad BIG.

So instead they've just reduced the size of the font, to squeeze more words in. Yay! You'll be able to lift up the book when you read it! Result!

Anyway, where was I?

Yes, now that I have approved the type-setting pages, and sent in the dedication and the author biography, I can now get back to the business of being a writer. Which is, y'know, to write... and stuff...

Coming up very soon, I have a non-Skulduggery short story to write, I have to start planning out Book Nine in greater detail (and actually get started on it), and I need to write a load of Skulduggery mini-adventures for the short story collection, in 2014.

But right NOW, my main focus is on another non-Skulduggery short story, for a collection that'll be coming out in the winter of next year. I've been thinking about this for a while now, trying to figure out what to write. It can be any genre, any style... My options are unlimited. But, see, that's where the problem lies.

Limitations are useful. If I'd been told that my story had to be, say, dystopian future sci fi, then I'd have nodded and gone off and written a great dystopian future sic fi story. But because it CAN be a dystopian future sci fi OR a modern day fantasy OR a comedy about a kettle shop OR a first person narrative about a boy who has lost his dog... I now have too many options. How can I settle on one idea if I might find a better one in a different genre?

Before I wrote Skulduggery Pleasant, I embarked upon a hundred half-finished and abandoned stories, books and scripts. Any of you who write will know what I'm talking about. We flit from story to story because we get bored or we get a better idea or this one we're writing now is just not working, or it's too hard, or it's not coming out like we wanted... We flit because our imaginations are running too wild. Our creativity will not settle down.

But of course it won't. It's imagination. It's creativity. Their whole purpose is to go crazy. Their whole purpose is to run wild. But we, as writers, need to get on our horses and gallop after them, lasso them, pull them back, slow them down and herd them into a pen (and this is where the metaphor gets extravagant, as this is both a livestock pen AND an author's pen). We don't want them tame, of course we don't. We want them rearing and kicking— but we want them to do it in that enclosure, within those boundaries and those limitations. That's the only way we'll be able to use that creativity to write a story.

So, that's what I'm doing now. I'm thinking about limitations, and boundaries, and genres. What do I WANT to write about? What style do I WANT to write in? What genre? Once I know all that I'll be able to think of a story and a character and sit down and write the damn thing.




4,991 comments:

  1. Yey! I'm the third one! (Actually the second one but I was too slow)

    (still: I never believed that this would happen)

    I write too and could only nod at any word you've written.
    They're really true words.
    So I really enjoyed your blog post.

    And a new font? I'm curious.
    I think without this warning many of the SP readers would be kicked out of their chairs when they open their copies.

    ReplyDelete
  2. YES THANK YOU DEREK OH MY GOLDEN GOD THIS WAS THE PERFECT GOODBYE PRESENT BEFORE I GO ON HOLIDAY AND I'M GOING TO TRY AND FIND TMS IN THE SINGAPORE AIRPORT BOOKSTORE AND PLEASE COME ON I'M LEAVING IN 40 MINUTES <3

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would have been totally fine with a book I couldn't lift, by the way :) It would just be impressive to lug around.

    GAH I'm SO EXCITED FOR LSODM TO COME OUT AND LOOK AT THAT I'M TALKING IN CAPS AGAIN!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. shit son I'm excited for both of these. good luck trapping your majestic metahorse in that enclosure man

    ReplyDelete
  5. He's evil! Zaffy didn't lie! HE'S EVIL!!!

    *explodes Derek*

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  6. He seriously went to eat?

    WEEEEEEE!!!!

    DEREK COME VISIT?!

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  7. *plays with the explosives*

    OOOH EXPLOSIVE TREE!!!

    *picks up Ireland bundle*

    Zaf says no. I say yes I AM IN CHARGE!

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  8. 12! Or something! Never been this close to the top

    ReplyDelete
  9. Derek, I understand what you mean about the flitting from story to story. It does my bloody head in sometimes, when I need to write a certain thing and my imagination goes, "Aw hell naw, let's give Mara an idea for her MC chapter which is about 2 weeks later than it should be."

    So, uh. Yeah.

    COME VISIT BLOGLAND! YOU CAN COME INTO MY 1DHOUSE AND HAVE COOKIES AND TEA WITH HARRY AND I *nods*

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey guys! How dare you make the book have less pages! How dare you Derek! If I had a book as big as that one should have been then my bookcase would look even MORE awesome and like I'd be happy! Who cares about being able to hold the book? I don't

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  11. 8th? 9th? i dunno


    you should so wirite a comedy about a kettle shop!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. He doesnt come here! Evef!

    *throws dynamite at him*

    I can overpower a god!!

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  13. [THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE BLOG POSTS, I DECIDED. :)

    Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Btw, THIS IS STAR. HUNTER IS NOT HERE. HE WILL BE HERE WHEN REMNANTIFYED ARRA ARRIVES AND WE START FIGHTING HER. IF THAT HAS NOT ALREADY HAPPENED. I HAVEN'T READ THE COMMENTS FROM LAST NIGHT YET, SO. BUT ANYWAY. I AM LAZY. SO MY DISPLAY NAME IS A LIE UNTIL ARRA POPS UP. I AM STAR.

    Yay. :)

    Hi.

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  14. [Ooh no, I HAVE read the comments from last night. I did it this morning. Yay! :)

    So now all I have to read are the comments from this morning. :)

    Yarza!

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  15. DEREK, DARLING! IT'S BEEN FOREVER

    ReplyDelete
  16. ....And you have managed to capture my writing emotions in one post. I applaud you. *applauds*
    *gives skulcake*
    *ruffles hair*

    ReplyDelete
  17. Derek, you never come on Blogland anymore :(

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  18. [Laughs] Random crazy ideas! XD

    904 pages! Woohoo! [cheers]

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  19. [*waits patiently for everyone to start bowing*

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  20. *pokes Derek through the screen* Oi, man! You've still got to answer those questions!
    And I'm going to forever keep reminding you to! It'll only take but three minutes. IDK about Zaf, however. I don't know what she wrote....

    OH, and since I'm going to Washington to see Val, expect a boatload of tweets

    ReplyDelete
  21. Everything in that post was what I'm going through...I get bored of my stories too... me and Derek think alike...*cries cos is happy*

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  22. [BLOGLAND DOES INDEED. :(


    DEREK IS SO AWESOME.

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  23. Derek please come to Blogland! PLEASE!!!

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  24. DEREK COME ON BLOGLAND!

    *does the Golden God summoning dance*

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  25. [Looks like I;m not the only one who thought this post was awesome. :)

    Plus there weren't enough comments so I forgot about it. I keep doing that. I read the post, have in my head things to say, then read all the comments and forget all about it and just start chatting. Whoops. :P

    Aw dammit, I can't stop thinking in an American accent. *glares*
    *is doing Of Mice and Men -related English homework*

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  26. I CAN'T STOP THINKING IN AN AMERICAN ACCENT EITHER

    WHOA

    ReplyDelete
  27. *cries*

    @DerekLandy: @kerias_zafira I rarely have time- it takes about 2 hrs of solid tweeting to reach the limit, which is enough commenting, methinks...!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I saw that as well. He keeps forgetting our questions. Then again, he is busy. then again, it is three minutes. Then again, i AM rather impatient.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I also think in an American accent! O.O

    :-( [Kills Twitter] [is attacked by angry Twitter-y people] [Scowls and raises Twitter back from the dead.]

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  30. [@Adra: REALLY?????????????? IT MUST BE SPREADING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :O

    *locks us up in a cage, beacuse quarantine*

    (LOL, btw. :) :) :))

    @Fabi: HOW DARE YOU???????????? BLASHPHEMY!!!! *tries to attack her* *can't, because cage*
    IT'S LIKE IN THE MORGANVILLE VAMPIRES AND MYRNINNNNNNNNNNNNNN. :'(
    MYRNIN IS JUST SO AWESOME.

    I NEED TO GO TO WATERSTONES. THERE ARE BOOKS I NEED. MY FRIEND SAYS SO AND MY FRIEND IS AWESOME AND YES.

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  31. [@Fabi: REALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?

    *drags her inside the cage with us* Ahaha, now I can attack you! *tries to attack* *bumps gently against her head*

    Hmm. It's hard to attack when you're very light, have no arms, have no legs, and have no teeth.

    Well . . . um . . . *bumps against Fabi again* MWAHAHAHAHA I'M MAKING YOU WETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!

    slightly

    ATTACK OF THE BUBBLE MIXTURE! *screams*

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  32. @Hunter- I'm American. It was a joke :3

    ReplyDelete
  33. "One Direction Biography

    - Over 30 million records sold worldwide

    - Latest album, Take Me Home: No. 1 in 37 countries

    - BRIT Awards winners in 2012 and 2013, including the Global Success award

    - Winner of three MTV Europe Music awards, including Best New Act

    - Over 14 million Facebook fans and 58 cumulative followers on Twitter

    - Performed at the London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony

    When Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson auditioned for the X Factor in the summer of 2010, no one could have predicted the success they would achieve as One Direction. Just three years on, these five talented boys from across the UK and Ireland have become global superstars, selling over 30 million records across the world and picking up a string of awards as they go - including their latest win of Global Success at the BRIT Awards 2013.
    In the last year, they have embarked on a world tour, playing not only the UK, but also America, Australia and New Zealand - meeting fans who have loyally supported them from their first single release. They even became the first British band to reach No. 1 in the US with their debut album Up All Night."


    Reading this makes me fall in love with my boys even more - I never even knew that was possible <3

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hello everyone!~

    How are you all on this beautiful day?<3

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh, no, I'm wet! [pretends to panic]

    Out of curiosity, are the bars of this cage made of metal?

    I'm American as well. :-P

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi Mara. [hugs]

    I'm okay, we're packing to leave Place One and go to Bad Vampire Place today, so... Annoyed.

    Also I'm still working on the very very late ded. :-/ Sorry...

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  37. [@Adra: I'm Starrrrrrrrrr. Hunter isn't here. I just can't be bothered to change my display name back seeing as I'm being him as soon as Arra pops up (Hunter's my character, in case you didn't know).
    I know you're American. :P

    @Fabi: No. They're made of . . .


    um . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    . . .

    Plastic!

    Which is, uh, painted to look like metal.
    YEAH.

    What no of course I'm not lying HOW DARE YOU SUGGEST THAT.

    @Fabi: You're AMERICAN!!!!!!!!! D:

    THE AMERICAN DISEASE HAS PENETRATED YOU RIGHT THROUGH TO YOUR DNA!!! WE MUST PERATED IMMEDIATELY!!!

    *stabs her in head with knife*

    Adra doesn't need sugery because Empresses are allowed to be horribly diseased. :)

    WAIT WHAT DO YOU MEAN I'M JUST LOOKING FOR AN EXCUSE TO KILL FABI WHAT YOU HORRIBLE LYING PERSON.

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  38. Adra! *hugs* How are you? :)

    Aw *hugs Fabi* That sucks :(
    Bad vampire place? I think I know what you're talking about. *hugs*
    I'm sure the ded will be amazayn! :)

    Hey Star! *hugs* How are you?:)

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  39. [*OPERATE

    NOT PERATED. :P

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  40. [Melts knife out of head and flings it at Star]

    [collapses to the ground]

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  41. DNA!

    ZAYN APPROVES! :P

    (nobody will get what I'm on about. Probably.)

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  42. [@Mara: I'M DYING OF AMERICAN DISEASE!!! D:

    But other than that, I'm good. :)

    HOW BE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU?

    @Fabi: Well, if you're lucky, you could die in the operation and not have to go! :)

    (That sucks. *hugs* Evil vampire place. But it could be cool in other ways, hey? :) Maybe.
    Plus, life moves so quickkkkkkkkkkk. :( Yoi'll be gone in a flash. :))

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hey Justaria! (or Zaf, whichever XD) *hugs* How're you? :)


    You know who's amazing?
    Niall. Niall is amazing.
    Niall is amazayn.
    Niall is phenomiNiall.
    Niall is amazing!<3

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  44. It's in his DNA
    D-D-D-DNA
    It's in his DNA
    And he just takes my breath away
    B-b-b-breath away
    I feel it every day,
    And that's what makes a man
    Not hard to understand
    Perfect in every way
    I see it in his face
    Nothing more to say
    It's in his D-D-D-DNA

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  45. Omg wait it would have been 900 pages, that's like, 50% longer than the last book!!! Omg its sk big! Can't wait! And Derek wrote something that long. I bow down to you golden god *bows* I can't even write a book 200 pages long, never mind 900! I CANT WAIT! *Curls up in a ball and starts rocking forwards and backwards* ICANTWAITICANTWAITICANTWAITICANTWAITICANTWAITITSGOINGTOBESOOOOOOICANTWAIT!!!

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  46. [hugs back] Uh, it'll be wet. I can say that much.

    Yeah, we're mainly going there because it's close to the Hoh Rainforest and a bunch of beaches, so...

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  47. AMERICAN DISEASE? D:

    MY BOYS ARE IN AMERICA! WHAT IF THEY CATCH IT? D:

    Little Mix were in America toooooo!~

    I'm so happy!:D
    For many reasons, but I just I can't I don't even *does a Niall jump*
    That should express my feelings!<3

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  48. [*is popped by knife* Oh. *is dead*

    Um. Would anyone mind scooping up my bubble-mixture remains and blowing them back out a bubble wand? :) *tries to look pleading* *looks like a puddle on the floor*

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  49. [@Maraness: *hugs* SO HAPPY YOU'RE HAPPY! :) :) :)

    And, um, if they catch it . . .

    Then, um, operate? :)

    @Rhydian: HI! :)

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hello Rhydian! *hugs* How are you today?:)

    *blows bubble* STAR? ARE YOU ALIVE? :P

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  51. They were nowhere near me! D:

    Nope, Star, I can't. There's a really big hole in my head. :-P

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  52. Uhm... have you all been trying to kill each other? Why? What's going on here?

    By the way, I'm new here, I just found out, that the Golden God is writing a blog and I had to read it ;)

    ReplyDelete
  53. @ Justaria
    don't you dare explore Ireland! If you do you'll kill Derek and then we'll never know how the Skulduggery story ends!

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  54. Your name is Dragona... *nods*

    And *slinks into the background but not before tossing Dragona a skulcake*
    Enjoy.... They're trademarked.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hey dragona! I'm newish here too! I was so exited when I found out the Golden God wrote a blog!

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  56. We do this every day here in Blogland! [takes a bow]

    [bleeds a lot from head]

    [dies dramatically]

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'm sorry, i forgot to say "Hello!"... so, uh, hello!
    Thank's Adra (may I call you Adra?)

    ReplyDelete
  58. [HELLO DRAGONA!

    My name's Star, btw. Or Ink. Not Hunter. :)

    WELCOME TO BLOGLAND!

    And, we're roleplaying. We do that a lot. We love each other really. *tries to hugs everyone* *has to turn into the shape of one of those long balloons to do so*
    Oh yeah, btw - I'M A BUBBLE! :)

    @Mara: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! *pobiunbtblleesshugs* THANK YOU! :) :) :)

    I'M ALIVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! :)

    @Fabi: *passes her masking tape* TAPE IT UP WITH THAT!

    HI KILLER KITTY!

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  59. [Aw, Fabi's dead. What a tragic loss. *tries very hard not to smile*

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  60. Yes, my name beith Adra. Actually the full name is Adrasdos Dark, but it was shortened by Val V to Adra....
    *shakes hand*

    Welcome to your demise

    ReplyDelete
  61. [EW I JUST REALISED I'M IN A CAGE WITH A DEAD BODY.

    *floats out through the bars of the cage* SCREW QUARANTINE.

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hi Dragona! I'm Rhydian. Star's right. We roleplay a lot

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  63. really oh more roleplaying sorry

    #chaseforbook9

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hey star! Hey Fabi and every one else! Sorry don't know all your names :-/
    Careful star, you don't wanna pop! Then omeone would have to re-inflate you! They might not inflate you intine for LSODM!!! *FAINTS DRAMQTICLY AT THE THOUGHT OF MISSING LSODM*

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  65. Justaria how did you discover your true name?

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  66. Wow... you all seem to be a little bit... crazy... Good people! I will like you! Please tell me if I make any mistakes, I am a Germinion, so I'm afraid my English isn't perfect...

    ReplyDelete
  67. or in time for book9

    #chaseforbook9

    ReplyDelete
  68. [NO NO NO, RHYDIAN, STAR IS LEFTTTTTTTTTTTT. :)

    I may be slightly hyper. :P

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  69. A lot of research and a good friend who was a Sensitive

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  70. Oh, and when I 'died' I actually had to pack the laptop, so...

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  71. Yeah*hands dragona a cookie* well don't know about the others but I'm crazy.

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  72. NIALL

    BBY

    STAHP

    THE FEELS

    WHY
    WHY
    WHY

    WHY ARE YOU SO IRISH?

    ily Nialler<3

    omg guys i love being in this fandom.
    I love being in fandoms, my golden god.
    I am now currently a Skuttlebug, Directioner, Mixer, Brat, Sheerio and a FAYZian (apparently that's what they're called) :)
    Becky G doesn't have a fandom yet :/
    Well, she has fans, obviously, but she just doesn't have a fandom. Which sucks.

    #ChaseForBook9

    Msd :/

    ReplyDelete
  73. Val V being me, of course, as Adra referenced to shortening her name... I can be a lazy typer.

    ReplyDelete
  74. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  75. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  76. I HATE IT WHEN DEREK REACHES THE TWITTER LIMIT. AGH! IT'S. SO. ANNOYING.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Hello Val! *hugs* How're you? :)

    Hello to all the newbies!~
    I'm Maralie Lily Charm, Teleporter, Lighter and die-hard Mixectionerbug (:P), but you can call me Mara!<3

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  78. [@Dragona: Your English is AWESOME. We English people are so bad at languages, I swear. In the Netherlands they speak English just like English people except more hesitant. IT'S INCREDIBLE. We are such a pathetic country. :P

    And, yes, I'm English. :)

    And, we're very crazy.

    Let out your inner lunatic, fun times guaranteed. :)

    @Kitty: WELL THEN I WOULD LOCK UP ALL THE LSODM COPIES IN MY AWESOME CAGE UNTIL I GOT BUBBLE-IFYED AGAIN. :)

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  79. And now I have to drive from mountain-ocean place to bad vampire place, so goodbye for now.

    (Star, I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE!)

    Hello new people, I'm Fabi, nice to meet you.

    GOODBYE NOW. [tacklehugs everyone]

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  80. Wait I can't just give one person a cookie! *hands everyone a cookie* *nods* there we go sorted.

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  81. Really.
    And lol Derek.
    hi Val. Derek's excited for the skulcakes..
    Hes probably watching us.

    DEREK!. THOSE QUESTIONS!

    ReplyDelete
  82. ' eats cookie' hits broken keyboard

    #chaseforbook9

    ReplyDelete
  83. [@Rhydian: No, it's Star. Hunter is insaner than me, but in a different way to me.

    Damn. Brb.

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  84. Oh, and Derek - thanks for the page number!


    I was right, by the way. I guessed it was AROUND 868 pages or so, using very exact ways to solve it, and you said approximately 900 or so.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Hey, dalekwho! *hugs* How are you?:)


    I'm so happy, it's hysterical. I'm shaking and it's... I love... asdfghjkl <3

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  86. Brb. I'll be about ten or fifteen minutes.

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  87. Bye Fabigail! *huggles* :(

    Bye, Rhydian! *hugs* :(

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  88. @ Hunter: Thank you! I just wanted to make sure that you understand what I want to say ;)

    And I love crazy people, all my friends are said to be crazy and I am said to be crazy as well... I think they are right...

    ReplyDelete
  89. @Star your right English people ARE crazy. But that's what makes us FUN! Im English! And I'm crazy. Also dontt lock them ALL away, then I won't have one to read! That's just mean!

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  90. I dunno if you English people are as crazy as us Americans... I mean, I'm INSANE. Ask anyone. Although, that could be part of being Irish, too. Take Derek for example.

    ReplyDelete
  91. wHY THE HELL DID FRENCH AND PHILOSOPHY BEG ME TO CHOOSE THEIR SUBJECTS EARLIER

    SYLVIE AND JENNY LOVED ME, AND BOTH WANT ME BACK IN SEPTEMBER BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO, HELP

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  92. Irish people are nutcases(;

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  93. Derek!
    Get down here at once and answer our questions!

    ReplyDelete
  94. @ Valkyrie V: If being insane would mean being Irish, Ireland had to be much bigger...

    ReplyDelete
  95. @Dragona: Well, if you're crazy, then you're awesome. :)

    @Ivy: It depends on which English people and which Americans you're judging on. :)

    HI MUSHROOM!

    FOURS FABI! :( GOOD LUCK IN BAD VAMPIRE PLACE!

    *is back, in a slightly saner mood*

    #ChaseForBookNIne

    ReplyDelete
  96. [That last comment was meant to be in square brackets. -_-

    OH WHAT THE HELL. *clicks on display name*

    #ChaseForBookNine]

    ReplyDelete
  97. it's not the nationality that makes a crazy person (◡‿◡✿)

    it's the person (◕‿◕✿)

    ReplyDelete
  98. Yarza, now I'm mne again. :)

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  99. Stupid question: What do these square brackets mean?

    ReplyDelete
  100. yo homies i have arrived bow down

    ReplyDelete
  101. @Dragona: Well, it was saying that I wasn't Hunter. I'm not sure what they're meant to mean. :P

    But now I'm not Hunter, so I don't need them. :)

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  102. :( FOURS IVY!

    Hi Andrew!

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  103. I'M IN SUCH A GOOD MOOD AFTER COLLEGE, GUYS! It was amazing!

    I even quoted Derek and recommended Skulduggery Pleasant to an entire class whilst delivering an argument in a Debate - BECAUSE I AM THAT SKILLED;)

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  104. THE VIDEO DIARIES ARE COMING BACK OKAY THAT IS WHY I'M HERDE ON MY BED CLUTCHING MY 1D MERCH AND ON REALPLAYER WATCHING THE OLD VIDEO DIARIES AND CRYING<3

    niall's laugh though it's like an angel laughing he's so adorable

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  105. @ Star: Now I'm a bit puzzeled... you were Hunter (or you weren't?), now your're Star...

    ReplyDelete
  106. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  107. hey is anyone scottish here
    where ma home dogs at

    ReplyDelete
  108. *HERE

    Hi Becky! *hugs* :) How're you?

    LUCIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII *tacklehugs*
    Yay for collage!:D
    Oooh, skillage XD

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  109. Back. Hello people who appeared.

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  110. Wbd, I'm writing ---'s funeral, and even I ship ----/---- as bros, atm. I think my friend ships them as bros, too... So, it's all cool C:

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  111. @BeckY: I DON'T KNOW. :P

    I was Hunter, now I'm Star.

    Sorry.

    Hmm. Brb again. Sorry.

    #ChaseForBookNine

    ReplyDelete
  112. LUCE! *hugs * oh no...who's funeral?

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  113. living in my own world
    didn't understand
    that anything can happen
    when you take a chaaance

    ReplyDelete
  114. living in my own world
    didn't understand
    that anything can happen
    when you take a chaaance

    ReplyDelete
  115. Hi Becky! Don't think we've met...hi anyway!

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  116. Can we all try to remember to put "#ChaseForBook9" at the end of our comments, please. <3


    Also, I might get to do a counselling course next year, so I can help you guys properly c:

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  117. Oh... *hugs everyone*

    HELLO MARA! HOW ARE YOU MY BEAUTIFUL LITTLE SISTER?! <3

    RHYDIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN! *huggles* How's things?
    And it's a secret;)

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  118. i never believed in

    what i couldnt see

    i never opened my heart

    /to all the possibilities/

    ReplyDelete
  119. Damn you Luce! I really want to know! And I'm fine-ish. You?

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  120. Another stupid question: What is that #ChaseForBook9 for?

    ReplyDelete
  121. Good to know I'm not the only person with this 'no limitations' problem *phew* you're definitely right about having to reign in your imagination sometimes, too bad I'm so suckish at that... Can't wait for the book! XD

    ReplyDelete
  122. #ChaseForBook9 is our attempt at getting Chase into book 9. He lives on in our hearts, as a man that battled so many foes, but was beaten down by cancer. He changed not only Blogland, but us Bloglandians also.
    He was(/is) Emerald Melody's husband, and we lost him earlier this year.

    Myself, Star, Flora and Mel went to Leeds tags on our arms (and I had it on my face) to make sure Derek sees it.

    We want Chase to live forever, because we know we won't, but put someone into literature... And they're immortal, in a way.


    *laughs* Rhydian, you don't even read ItS, do you? haha.
    And I'm great, thanks! <3

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  123. that something has changed
    never felt this way

    ReplyDelete
  124. @ Luce: I'm afraid I don't even know who Chase is...

    ReplyDelete
  125. I’m broken, do you hear me?
    I’m blinded, ‘cause I've just gone and hurt my knee
    I’m dancin’ alone, I'm prayin'
    That my knee will get better soon

    And as I walk up to your door,
    My knee hurts me even more,
    ‘Cause I can’t look you in the eyes and say,


    When he opens his arms and holds you close tonight,
    It just won’t feel right,
    ‘Cause his knee hurts him more than this, yeah,
    When he lays you down,
    I might just die inside,
    It just don’t feel right,
    ‘Cause his knee hurts him more than this,
    It hurts him more than this


    [Niall]
    If I’m louder, would you see me?
    Would you lay down
    In my arms and rescue me?
    ‘Cause we are the same
    You save me,
    When you leave it’s gone again,

    [Louis]
    And then I see you on the street,
    In his arms, I get weak,
    I've just gone and hurt my knee,
    Prayin'

    *sob-laughs hysterically because the concert and Louis' knee and lyric changes*

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  126. In the Shadows, Rhydian. :P


    Chase is a Bloglandian. He died in January, of lung cancer. He changed so much, and he means a lot to past and present Bloglandians.
    Even if you don't know him, it'd mean a lot to me for you to end your comments with it... <3


    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  127. EVERYBODYS ALWAYS TALKING AT ME
    EVERYBODY IS TRYING TO GET IN MY HEAD
    I WANNA LISTEN TO MY OWN HEART TALKING
    I NEED TO COUNT ON MYSELF INSTEAD

    ReplyDelete
  128. I'M ABSOLUTELY BREAKING DOWN, BECAUSE OF NIALL GODDAMN HORAN AND HIS FREAKING GODDAMN PERSUASIVENESS TO GET THE VIDEO DIARIES BACK. HOW'S MY BEAUTIFUL OLDER SISTER?<3

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  129. I wish I met Chase. Sounds like a great person...I just didn't come to Blogland in time.

    #ChaseForBook9 #ChaseForBook9 #ChaseForBook9 #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  130. Oh... now I don't know what to say... But of course I'll do that!

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  131. Yeah *sighs*

    I wonder are we having the Requim Ball in September? If so we should start planning!

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  132. *hugs Rhydian* He was a great man. You'd have gotten along well with him...

    And Dragona, thank you. *hugs* It means a lot to me that you're willing to. <3

    Every time I see someone ending their comment with "#ChaseForBook9" I can't help but smile. It was originally my idea to end comments with something, and for an idea to become an action... It's truly amazing. Thank you all. <3

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  133. DID YOU EVER
    LOSE YOURSELF TO GET WHAT YOU WANT
    DID YOU EVER
    GET ON A ROAD AND NEVER GET OFF
    I WILL NEVER
    TRY TO LIVE THAT LIFE AGAIN
    I DON WANNA PLAY THIS GAME IF I CANT PLAY IT MY WAY

    (wrong lyrics from memory)

    ReplyDelete
  134. IM NOT GONNA STOP THATS WHO I AM
    I'LL GIVE IT ALL I GOT THAT IS MY PLAN
    WILL I FIND WHAT I LOST
    YOU KNOW YOU CAN
    BET ON IT
    BET ON IT

    ReplyDelete
  135. Luce, if it means that much to you, then I'll never forget to end my comments like that! :)

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  136. I WANNA MAKE IT RIGHT THAT IS THE WAY
    TO TURN MY LIFE AROUND TODAY IS THE DAY
    AM I THE TYPE OF GUY WHO MEANS WHAT I SAY?
    BET ON IT
    BET ON IT
    BET ON IT
    BET ON IT

    ReplyDelete
  137. (Dragona knows whaz goin on)
    Luce, I NEVER remember to end my comments. It's implied, however.

    ReplyDelete
  138. Omg

    FABULOUS

    This wont do that's a bore
    That's insulting i need more
    I need i need i need i need
    Fabulous!

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  139. I hate Fabulous... HUMA HUMA NUKU NUKU APOOAHAH

    ReplyDelete
  140. Have to go now... but I'll be back! Sometime... xD

    ReplyDelete
  141. i always choke on my water, unfortunately. WE ought to all go to Kerry and see sam and die with THEIR water

    ReplyDelete
  142. Sorry I poofed! Dinner!

    Might poof again... Meh.

    YOU HAD A HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL SING SONG WITHOUT ME?! WHAT. EVERYONE KNOWS I AM THE QUEEN OF HSM SING SONGS.

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  143. ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    ONE OF US
    *ominous chanting*

    ReplyDelete
  144. I'm back! *waves around*

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  145. Damn you emotions! Why do I not feel hate? Or anger? I never thought inner-peace would be so troubling...
    *walks in in before described armour*

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  146. Why do you want to feel hate or anger?

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  147. So get out get out get out of my head
    And fall into my arms instead
    I don't I don't don't know what it is
    But I need that one thing
    And you've got that one thing!~


    HOLY MOTHER OF NANDO'S
    WHAT IF
    BEST SONG EVER
    IS
    OUT
    FOR
    MY
    BIRTHDAY
    BUT
    IT'LL BE OUT
    ON 22 JULY
    WHICH IS BEFORE
    26 AUGUST
    SO THEREFORE
    I CAN DOWNLOAD IT
    FOR MY BIRTHDAY

    problem solved.

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  148. The inner peace is based off of balance and without balance there is chaos

    ReplyDelete
  149. Not nesacerily, (forgot how to spell it), it's more the troubling lack of them. Every human experiences these feelings every once in a while, but I've forgotten the last time I felt hate. And anger... It disapears so quickly it hardly counts.

    #ChaseFprBook9

    ReplyDelete
  150. I wonder what time Arra's coming?

    Then I can get back to Harralie again!:3

    Omgg, Louis. The Killers sang Mr Brightside, right? You just reunited me with an awesome song. Ily bby <3

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  151. I'm fine, it's just...
    I don't want to lose my humanity by losing negative emotions.

    #ChasForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  152. But is that necessarily bad? I think, that's a good thing!

    ReplyDelete
  153. That came a bit strange... uh... I mean, losing negative emotions is not a good thing, it would be strange without them... Wow, now I'm confused...

    ReplyDelete
  154. When is Arra coming? We need to save her...

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  155. Aren't negative emotions what help define you? They show you have a conscience and an opinion. And quite frankly, I think life would be a bit boring if we were happy all the time. Otherwise, would we ever progress?

    ReplyDelete
  156. Adra, I think, you're right.

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete
  157. *nods* Although, an opinion is an opinion and no one has to share the same as I. Likewise, no one needs to have a concrete definition of this. I'm just putting that out there for the benefit of others.

    ReplyDelete
  158. Hey, how ya doin'?
    Sorry you can't get through,
    Why dontcha leave your
    Name and your number
    And we'll get back to you,
    Ooh ooh ooh~


    Little Mix!:3 <3

    #ChaseForBook9

    ReplyDelete