Monday, August 19, 2013

Strong Female Characters

My Twitter-wife Holly Smale has brought to the attention of her Twitter-followers, of which I am one, this here magazine article entitled "I Hate Strong Female Characters" — http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2013/08/i-hate-strong-female-characters — and I have to say I agree with it wholeheartedly.

For those of you too time-constricted/lazy to read it, it basically holds up a hand in the classroom and has the temerity to ask "Why are vibrant female characters called strong?" Why are they limited to such a thing? More to the point, however, is why is the word "strong" slung in there at all? If you take away the strong bit, that leaves "female character"— but isn't a female character just as inherently strong as a male character? Why do they need "strong" in there at all?

People say to me all the time "Derek, you're great," and I can't argue with them. They go on to say "I love your black shirt/blue jeans combo" and I nod wisely, agreeing with them but not needing to put it into words. Then they say "It's so cool that your books have strong female characters" and I shrug, and say "Hey, I'm a pretty awesome guy. Now go get me some Skittles."

Valkyrie is a strong female character. As in, she's strong, she's female, and she's a character. But she is not a Strong Female Character. She's not a role model — not really. She's deeply, DEEPLY flawed. Over the course of these eight books, she's done some outstandingly heroic things, but she's also done some downright mean and nasty and selfish things. She's hurt people. She's become arrogant (and not in the cool way that I am).

Here's what Holly has to Twitter-say about the subject:

"Strength" is one dimensional. It's saying "women can be strong like men", NOT "women are flawed, complex, brilliant, weak LIKE MEN."

 I love it when readers don't like Valkyrie. I love it when they actively dislike her for the things she's done and the way she's behaved. But it's like they're surprised. It's like they can't compute. "Okay, wait, so... she saves the world but... but she's cheating on her boyfriend?? How is that POSSIBLE?"

Valkyrie is a character. She's as messed up as any male character I could ever write. That's what makes her real to me.

Having a girl as the protagonist in an action/adventure/horror/fantasy/whatever means things are going to get physical, and you all know how much I love my fight scenes. But having her kick ass is not why she's a good character.

Years ago, I was yapping to my mother about Buffy and Xena and talking about how great it is that we now have these TV shows about such strong female characters. My mother, who admittedly has never watched either show, asked me if these really WERE strong female characters, or if they were merely male characters with boobs.

Having a blonde cheerleader save the world with her martial arts skills doesn't equal feminism, she said. That's a male tactic. How about her saving the day using tactics that aren't all about punching and kicking and killing?

I didn't have an answer for her then. I still don't, even now. There's a whole debate to be had that I'm just not ready for, that I may never be ready for. My mother is a pacifist. I am not. We see the world differently, we operate differently, even though we want the same things. We both want equality and peace. My mother is the sort to talk her way to equality and peace. I'm the sort to talk to the point where I reckon more talk won't do any good, and then smash my way through to an understanding. It is not an enlightened viewpoint I hold. It is a crass, brutish viewpoint — but in a crass, brutish world, I believe my way is the way to go. Mum believes otherwise.

And that's the difference, I think, between us. We live in a world carved by men, where fear and oppression and violence are a part of our lives. I can't even IMAGINE a world sculpted by women, where other values have taken hold. I'm limited in that way. I could try not to be, but I honestly wouldn't know where to start. That's kind of sad, when you think about it. For all my imagination, I can't even imagine that...

... (turns to stare hauntingly out the window).



4,955 comments:

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Jophiel said...

I don't care... I can't stand this anymore...

Zathract Mist said...

...Death, please...

Don't.

Ieni Lorarté-Strider said...

Death, please, suicide doesn't take away the pain: It just passes it on to others.

Please please please please please please. *hugs and doesn't let go*

Alastair Cruciatus said...

I won't survive, I need to know you hear me...

Keep breathing, my angel.

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

*Covers head* Go away...

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

@DerekLandy: @kerias_zafira No she's not, not when she has friends like you guys. Friends go a long way to easing someone back from the brink.

Derek said that Rose. Derek said that

Noelle said...

*hugs*
*in class*

Dau Sketch ~ Aussieminion (minus the funny accent) said...

Death. Look. Look how many people care for you. We would do anything to help you live. Please, I know that you feel like you don't have any options left but SUICIDE IS NOT AN OPTION. Please.

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

Adra post the questions to Derek on here if you can he wants us to

Jophiel said...

So...? I can't stand it...

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Death, you have to be here. I need you here. Just stay. Just keep talking to me. I'll get you through today, and tomorrow, and the next day, and you can just take it one breath at a time until you get better.

#ChaseForBook9

Noelle said...

OH:

Am I with Sult?
Do I get killed off in the books?
(If yes- then does Zaf die before me?)
Can I meet him when I go to Ireland?
Will he ever marry Holly?

Jophiel said...

I'm not going to get better any time soon...

Noelle said...

Class is starting- I'm sorry!
*hugs* I love you Rose

Noelle said...

((It takes more than a month, Rose. It may take years. It may take a whole life time. but you will)

Zathract Mist said...

Getting better isn't the point.

Hanging on is.

You have to hang on Death, for the people that care if not for yourself. Please, don't do this.

Jophiel said...

I've been in this mess for three years now...

Alastair Cruciatus said...

I'm trying my absolute hardest to give you another option, Death! You don't have to do anything but keep talking to me. Just keep responding. Keep breathing. Let me take you away from this.

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

Zath, I can't! I've tried!

Ieni Lorarté-Strider said...

If your life wasn't valuable, why do you think we're all in pain thinking about you being gone forever? Look how much we care about you: YOU did that. You made yourself a wonderful caring person that everyone loves. Please.

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

You will get better Death you cant end it all

Noelle said...

I have been in mine for Seven- it takes time. But we are here. But it will always hurt if you dig deep enough...

Alastair Cruciatus said...

I don't care if it isn't soon. I'll be here for you every day for the rest of my life if you need me to be. And I like what Zath said- you just have to get by. I'll help you. Just listen. Just stay.

#ChaseForBook9

Zathract Mist said...

You've tried and you've succeeded, Death! Just like so many others! They hang on because they have to, and you're still hanging on, even now. This is your strength, in the moment where it most matters.

You will pull through just like you've pulled through before, but you have to just let us help you. Just listen to us. You don't have to agree with us, just keep reading. Keep replying. Please.

Jophiel said...

I'd seriously be lying if I said I wasn't crying right now...

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

We are all here Death! Derek said it himself that with friends like us we will pull you through to safety Death hang in there Aussie ok? Hang on.

Jophiel said...

I can't...

Zathract Mist said...

Good! Crying is good! Crying means that you're still here, and replying means you're still reading. Just keep doing that, all you have to do is keep reading, and focus on nothing bit the words.

As Adra said, some of us have been there, for just as long a time as you, I'm sure more than a few of us know what you're going through right now. And you'll get through it, because you have to. You always do, no matter how hard things get, you WILL make it.

Alastair Cruciatus said...

That's ok. It's ok to cry. In fact, crying is good. It's a release, and it puts chemicals into your brain that make you happier. Crying is totally fine. Just keep talking to me.

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

Says who...?

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

Keep crying just keep crying its okay! Its fine!

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Says me. And Zath. You are going to get through this, Death. You have to.

#ChaseForBook9

Zathract Mist said...

Says me. And says you. Because the fact that you're here at all means that you HAVE pulled through everything, Death. You're living proof of your own achievements.

Zathract Mist said...

And also of your own strength.

Ieni Lorarté-Strider said...

Just keep replying. Just keep replying.

Jophiel said...

In the next 24 hours, 1,429 teens will attempt suicide. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be joining them...

Jophiel said...

You hugs are reminding me of Dory from Finding Nemo... Just keep swimming, just keep replying...

Alastair Cruciatus said...

No, you won't be joining them. I'm not letting you join them.

#ChaseForBook9

Alastair Cruciatus said...

That's a good think to think about, Death. Play Just Keep Replying in your head.Just keep replying, just keep replying, just keep replying, replying, replying...

#ChaseForBook9

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

Yup keep going Deathy keep going

Jophiel said...

*Bangs head against knees* This is pointless.

Zathract Mist said...

No, you won't. You're going to stay here, where you're cared for and loved and admired. Because you WILL get through this and you WILL hang on. Don't think for a second that this ends when you end it.
All that pain you're feeling, that doesn't stop there, it doesn't vanish - it passes on to us, Death. So just hang on, just keep replying.

Dau Sketch ~ Aussieminion (minus the funny accent) said...

This isn't pointless. Your life is not pointless.

Alastair Cruciatus said...

No it's not. It's your life. That is not pointless. And how much everyone here cares about you isn't pointless, either. None of this is pointless.

#ChaseForBook9

Derek Landy said...

My lunch is almost ready.. I'm twittering on Twitter... I have to call my agent... I have all these things going on but Rose, my dear, I am here to point at all your friends and make you look at them and see them and appreciate them, and heed their words.

It's all about friendship, when it comes down to it. Those with people who love them deserve to live in this world. Those without people who love them deserve the chance to find those people. If you have even one person who loves you, it means you a worthwhile human being, that you have something to contribute to the world, and you shouldn't deprive the world of your presence because of the darkness that threatens to drag us all down.

Rise above it, Rose. That's all I'm going to say on the subject. Rise above it and join your friends.

Lewis Ravenscroft / Rhydian Blake said...

Hi all! How are you? What's going on?

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

I find it pretty pointless... *Grabs a pen and rights on her wrists*

Dau Sketch ~ Aussieminion (minus the funny accent) said...

Thank you so much for coming on, Derek.

Death, listen to him. Listen to everyone here.

Just keep replying.

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

Omg Derek...i'm crying more

Jophiel said...

Derek... I can't... I really can't...

Dau Sketch ~ Aussieminion (minus the funny accent) said...

Death, please!
We love you. Your presence means so much. You are a living human being who is loved by so many.

Luciana said...

You'd probably never realise if you saw your double. You seem to be so pessimistic about everything, and that really hurts me.

You don't see what we see. You don't get the joy of reading the beautiful words of a gorgeous young girl I love to call my sister.

You seem incapable of comprehending how much you truly matter.

Losing you would make us lose ourselves, too. You're just a piece in the puzzle of the world, please don't let this jigsaw go unfinished forever. I can't stand leaving things unfinished.

You're perfect, and I'd do anything I could just to make you stay.

I'm sorry I'm so useless... Just know, I love you. Okay?

Ieni Lorarté-Strider said...

Derek came on for you, Death.
Derek came on for you.
Please listen to him and everyone else.

And just keep swimming.
*hugs*

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

*points to Derek's comment* That just made my day. Right there, Derek Landy, you just basically said what I believe.

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Derek Landy I love you so much...

See, Death? He writes the Skulduggery Pleasant books, and he cares. Listen to him. Listen to all of us! Just keep listening, and replying.

#ChaseForBook9

Lewis Ravenscroft / Rhydian Blake said...

What's going on? Tell me!

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

Luce, you're not useless. And I am not beautiful. See?

Georgina Howlett said...

Death Rose, your suicide would make the world a sadder place. Your friends and family would be heartbroken, and anyone who knew you would miss you. No matter what's happening in your life, no matter who threatens to drag you down, you WILL get through the tough times and live through millions of good ones.

Don't do anything rash because you're not a pointless human being. You're a human being who could do so much for so many people, so don't take away that opportunity! You're needed and loved.

Alastair Cruciatus said...

And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
Tell me what you want me to say


#ChaseForBook9

Dau Sketch ~ Aussieminion (minus the funny accent) said...

Rhydian - http://rosesofdeaths.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/sigh.html?m=1

Jophiel said...

*Hides head*

Lewis Ravenscroft / Rhydian Blake said...

Death...whatever's happening you WILL get through it. I promise *hugs Death tightly*

#ChaseForBook9

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

Look you got every Minion here telling you not to do it Derek NEVER comments here but guess what Death? He did, for you because he CARES it seems hard to believe Derek has a heart but he does and he obviously cares enough to comment and do it for YOU

Dau Sketch ~ Aussieminion (minus the funny accent) said...

I wish I had a better way with words.
But I don't.

We love you.

So much.

Ieni Lorarté-Strider said...

Did you just say you aren't beautiful?
What the hell.
You are beautiful, you are so pretty. I'm not just saying it you are so pretty.

Luciana said...

Shut up.

You're perfect to me.

You can't leave yet anyway, Death, *hugs* I need you to tell me how crap ITS is;)

I love you, okay. <3

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Hey. Keep your head up. We're all here for you, Death.

#ChaseForBook9

Lewis Ravenscroft / Rhydian Blake said...

Death please. Listen to us. Please don't put me through this. I won't get over this. Please

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

*Laughs* It won't be crap Luce!!

Lewis Ravenscroft / Rhydian Blake said...

Death...please don't go.

#ChaseForBook9

Alastair Cruciatus said...

You are beautiful, Death. Not that I really carry opinions on appearance. Your hair is gorgeous, though, and your eyes. But what matters is the way you are inside. You are a beautiful person, Death, and you will always look beautiful to me because of that.

#ChaseForBook9

Luciana said...

YOU'LL HAVE TO READ IT TO KNOW FOR SURE, DEATH!<3

I might even sign you a copy;)

Come on, gorgeous, I need my little sister. Because I'm a selfish bitch like that. You make me a better person, so... Please stay. <3
Else I'll turn into such an eeejit;)

I love you, so please stay<3

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

It matters on the inside not the outside

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Hey, Rhy. She's not going anywhere. Talk to her, and keep her listening.

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

You guys are crazy... *Writes Keep Breathing My Angel on wrists and arms*

Lewis Ravenscroft / Rhydian Blake said...

Death. You're not going to do this to us. I know it. Death look at me. You can't do this. Please

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

*Raises eyebrow at Rhy*

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

You stay ok Death? Stay. Before I ask Niccolo to teleport to Aussieland

Luciana said...

Death - Sanity is the ability to deny anything fun. So why have it...?

Stay with me before I send you a really crap video of ne singing very, very badly some weird song like Beautiful or Perfect;)<3

*pokes Death in the ribs* Don't make me steal an aeroplane and fly to Oz;)

Lewis Ravenscroft / Rhydian Blake said...

Death don't. I know what its like to want to kill yourself. I know that you're probably shit scared right now. Please.

#ChaseForBook9

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Rhydian, we are no longer in the "you can't do this" phase. We are now in the "just keep talking to me, I'll distract you" phase.

Yep! I'm crazy. Always have been, always will be.

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

*Smiles smugly* It's midnight in Aus. And it's cold. You Americans don't like cold.

*Pokes Lice back* No!! My planes!!

Jophiel said...

I don't think you're crazy enough to expect this... *Tackles Ari*

Noelle said...

*hugs* I love you

Dau Sketch ~ Aussieminion (minus the funny accent) said...

Keep breathing, my angel.

Noelle said...

I'll fly out there!

I AM THE WIZARD OF OZ, YOU ALL

Luciana said...

Then go get some sleep and talk to me in the morning! *pokes Death again*

Go on, I might be closer to finishing editing by tomorrow! Then you'll be the first to know the verdict regarding ITS being published, so we can scream/cry together. :P

Jophiel said...

*Is still speechless after seeing Dau's profile picture*

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

Ari you wanna send Coco to Aus? Death he isnt American

Alastair Cruciatus said...

*hugs tightly and doesn't let go* Nope, I did not expect that! It's fun though!

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

*Is definitely NOT crying right now*

Dau Sketch ~ Aussieminion (minus the funny accent) said...

I love you, Death! *hugs*
I won't wash it off tonight.
<3

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

I love you Death Rose

You're with me now, where you'll always be -Emma Carrew

Jophiel said...

Ah, shoot! *Tries to break free of Ari then stops* Warm... *Hugs Ari back* I can't regulate my body heat any more... I have five shirts, two pants, two jackets, a beanie, a glove, ugg boots and the water on 25 and I was still shivering...

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

Its warm in America come hither Aussie!

Jophiel said...

I love you all so freaking much... You even got Derek on... *Yep, totally isn't sobbing*

Luciana said...

Death, go get yourself some sleep, gorgeous. It'll do you some good, and then tomorrow will be a fresh day.

I'll always be here if you need me, beautiful. Don't lose hope, okay?<3

Jophiel said...

But I'm not sleepy!! And I'm freezing!! I can't sleep!!

*Smiles at Luce* No promises!

Dau Sketch ~ Aussieminion (minus the funny accent) said...

Right, I have to go do my homework, but I'm always here for you! <3

Save my profile picture to your computer - I love you!

Bexter Vex said...

Yo Death, I know I'm never on here and you don't know me, I'm pretty lame with words and a bunch of other junk, but I saw on Twitter and facebook that you're having a pretty rough time. So I came on to say that if all these guys love you as much as they clearly do, then you must be a pretty rad lady with a million and one reasons to live (the great guys on here being one of those reasons). Things get shitty, my friend, but things can get so much better once you rise back up (spoken from experience. Real talk). And whereas there'll always be low points, no matter how far down you get yanked, you have to focus on the great things! I know how difficult it can seem, and how far out of reach those things seem, but they're there. And you have some pretty cool friends to always help you up and push you towards them.

You'll pull through, gurl. :) x

Jophiel said...

I love you too, Dau...

Luciana said...

You're such a turnip, Death! *throws Skittles*

I'm going to go edit ITS, you've inspired me for my dedication for this book if it get published. You're stronger than you like to admit<3

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Writing on your hand with a fountain pen that's almost out of ink is hard... And I'm awful at pictures...

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

Thanks Becky...

Luce, I swear to God, if you're thinking what I'm thinking, I'm going to kill you. Just putting that out there... *Catches Skittles in mouth*

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

Omg Becky and Howlett and Derek....Death we Minions love you

Alastair Cruciatus said...

*hugs Death tighter and falls asleep on top of her so she can't leave* I really have to go now, but I'll be back, and back again, and back again, and here tonight, and I won't let you do anything bad to yourself. Keep breathing, my angel. I love you.

#ChaseForBook9

Ulcabhán Brave said...

Death...*hugs death* I love you ok? if you never came onto this blog then i would have quit because there would be no one to stand up for me.

Jophiel said...

Oh my God... Not you too Ari!! *Yep, totally sobbing now*

Zaf... *Hides face*

Jophiel said...

Bye Ari...

Brave, I live you too. You remind me of my little brother and I'm a slave to that kid's wishes. I live you too and would totally give you a hug if Ari didn't fall asleep on me...

Zaf... I am feeling rather loved...

Luciana said...

Nah, I won't dedicate it directly to you. You're safe;)<3

I'm Jubilance Glee / Occasional Haiku-er / And a dinosaur said...

HAAIII

Unknown said...

You don't know me either, Death, but I agree with Becky. I can relate. I can seriously relate. I've thought about suicide a lot before, and I used to self-harm. I'm also in a pretty rough place myself right now. But you know what, just when I start to think everything is hopeless, my wonderful friends come along with little loving comments, and I realize how much they care, and it makes me that little bit happier. Like Becky said, everyone on here loves you, hell, I love you, and I don't even really know you. If you ever need someone to talk to, I can give you my email, my Skype, /anything/, and I'll listen. You're not alone, you hear me? I can't promise things will get better any time soon, but you just have to hope. It's what has kept me going, that and my wonderful friends.

So yes...I really wish I could fix everything for you, but I can't, and all I can offer is an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on.

Just know that you are loved and would be sorely missed should you disappear <3 <3 <3 xxx

Jophiel said...

*Sighs in relief* Thank you. I would have killed you otherwise...

Okay, I think I shall now sleep... I'm really warm and comfy and sleepy and emotionally drained... Morning!!

Miss Cain; The Aussie Ninja Stalker said...

Death, never lose hope, okay?
And, I hope you get the comment I left on your blog. If you don't here it is:


Never be sorry for your existence
Ever

And I'm going to recite some bits of something we each had to write had to do in RE because I feel it is necessary. So here is a bit of mine:

The world would be a better place if we regretted nothing. By regretting nothing, we’d learn to accept it and move on and realise that thing or mistake has shaped us to be who we are.

The world would be a better place if we were able to teleport, but only in extreme situations. If someone is extremely close to committing suicide, someone that you love and care for, you can be there for the shoulder to cry on, or for the hug and advice they need.

The world would be a better place if we accepted no only others, but ourselves, our past, and our future. If only we learnt that there aren’t people like you, so who are they to say that you’re not perfect? Why aren’t some people capable of knowing that they don’t need to fit in? Why can’t people know that something’s aren’t worth self-harming? Actually, that nothing is worth self-harming? Nothing in this crazy world is worth putting the blade to skin. Why can’t people realise that?

The world would be a better place if we opened our eyes. If we opened them and realised the beauty of life, we’d be more serious at it, knowing that living is worth it, because no matter how bad the storm is, there will always be a rainbow in the end (and rainbows are fabulous).


If you feel no one loves you, never forget, I will always love you, to the end of the universe and back (and the universe never ends, remember <3)


I love you with all my heart Death
I really do
(I need to come on more often)

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

You are loved.

Bye Ari! Hope to see you on sooner rather then later

Jophiel said...

Aww... Thanks... And this is ever so slightly scary, with everyone jumping out of the blue to talk to me...

Zaf, you will be murdered.

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

Crisis averted thank the good lord. Okay I really need to type my Honors essay so WBVD typing but I am here

Eve the ROCK said...

*jumps out of blue paint, splashing everywhere* DEATH, YOUR PICTURE IS SO PRETTY!

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

Why will I be murdered? Zaffy no die! NICCOLO CROATOAN WILL BRING ME BACK

Miss Cain; The Aussie Ninja Stalker said...

I should be sleeping but sleeping is dumb :P

(I'm only here for five minutes)

*hugs Death*
Feel free to talk to me anytime. Anytime at all.

Jophiel said...

Yep!! I'm scared! *Looks at Eve and Cain* You should both be sleeping... And thanks Cain... Eve, I shall kill you when Ari wakes up... And when I wake up too...

Lewis Ravenscroft / Rhydian Blake said...

I'm going now. That's all I can take for one day. Bye!

#ChaseForBook9

Ulcabhán Brave said...

why wouldn't you want to live in this world when there is videos like this?

http://rosesofdeaths.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/sigh.html?m=1

Eve the ROCK said...

:O

:O

:O

Death, are you saying this is all a dream? Are you asleep? Are you dreaming?

Am I just a part of a dream?

*shrieks and becomes a mole*

Miss Cain; The Aussie Ninja Stalker said...

Death, I will not sleep if something like this is going on and I know about it, okay. I don't want this again. YOU HEAR ME? *tacklehugs*

Star Inkbright said...

Never fear, Star is here!

An annoyed Star.

I emailed an email detailing my annoyance and my hatred of the Coca-Cola company.

Although, I believe all big organisations are corrupt, so I shouldn't have really been surprised.

#ChaseForBookNine

I'm Jubilance Glee / Occasional Haiku-er / And a dinosaur said...

*Tacklehugs Death*
I'm never good at telling people how amazing they are because they're usually too amazing for me to find words to describe their amazingness... If that made any sense xD But Death, you really are amazing. And I SWEAR ON CLEMY'S LIFE that I'm not just saying that... *Tacklehugsagain*

I'm Jubilance Glee / Occasional Haiku-er / And a dinosaur said...

STAAARR!!!!!!!!!!! *supermegatacklehugofdoom*



HAAAII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU'RE BAACCKKK:D

Star Inkbright said...

*grins at people mentioning RedRays when I wasn't even there*

Thank you, Ari. :)

Sorry, wbd, reading comments.

I've just started on the ninth . . . :)

#ChaseForBookNine

Miss Cain; The Aussie Ninja Stalker said...

My eyes feel like they're burning behind my eyelids aND IT'S REALLY ANNOYING D:
So will sleep. But I should be able to find time tomorrow to pop in. Actually, I will find time. So I'll talk tomorrow peopleeeee
Night all!

I'm Jubilance Glee / Occasional Haiku-er / And a dinosaur said...

Well... Have Fun with that Star.. xD

I'm Jubilance Glee / Occasional Haiku-er / And a dinosaur said...

BAI BAI MISSYYY!!!!!!! *supermegagoodbyetacklehugsofdoom*

Luciana said...

Okay so I ended up not going to edit because I want to punch someone:l

Noelle said...

STAR!!


I've been keeping tabs on you guys, even though I'm in class- so I see you all, I just haven't been able to comment

I'm Jubilance Glee / Occasional Haiku-er / And a dinosaur said...

OH NOOO!!!

Don't punch me..

xP

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

*sighs* sorry Honors is confusing me

Star Inkbright said...

JUBIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! :) *tacklehugs*

And - none of us can ever sum up how amazing someone like Death is, because they are so unique and special that words haven't been invented to describe them, as nothing like them has existed before so there hasn't needed to be words for it.

That's my excuse for not being able to say how awesome people are. :)

Btw, I have no idea what is happening, because usually I read up all the comments up to now, but as it is I'm still reading comments from over a week ago. Eek!

#ChaseForBookNine

Noelle said...

*hits her head on a wall* Eighty. Minute. CLASSES.

*sobs*

Wait-
*screams inside* Derek actually came on! Thank. God.

Zaf, do you have any idea where he is answering our stuff.

I SHOULD HAVE ASKED IF HE WOULD COME TO THE REQUIEM BALL WITH HOLLY NOOOOOOOOOOOOo

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

He did go check Twitter i quoted his tweet to you

Star Inkbright said...

CAINNNNNNNNNNNNNN!

ADRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

MUSHROOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! :)

ZAFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF!

Yaaaaay, people! :)

It's so nice to see you all! :) :) :)

Ahhhh, I've missed here so much. I missed two things whilst I was away, and one was here.

The other one was music.

WHY DO YOU COMMENT SO FAST???

#ChaseForBookNine

Noelle said...

I GET WITH SULT?????

NO

Noelle said...

*hugs Star* Hai

NO
DEREK
WHY
NO
*sobs*

Luciana said...

Hey Star.

You going to any signings for LSODM?

Noelle said...

ZAF CAN YOU ASK HIM FOR ME WHAT MY MAGIC IS?
BECAUSE I HAVE CHANGED IT SOOOOO MANY TIMES

OH
MY
GOD
I'M DEAD

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

Sucker gets it on with Sult HAHAHAHA

Ieni Lorarté-Strider said...

Wb, Staaaaaaarrrr!!!! *ninjaeroplantacklehugs*

Uh, I probably shouldn't be here...I need to do some more editing for Luci xD
*sadly puts DS away*
I SHALL SOON BEAT THE ELITE FOUR AND EVERYTHING SHALL BE WELL.

Noelle said...

OH
MY
GOD
I am done with this book series. No. Just no.
*rolls around in the grass*
ARGH.

I REALLY HOPE HE DIDN'T MEAN "WITH WITH" SULT. AS IN RELATIONSHIP WISE.
I COULD NOT DO THAT TO TRIP

DEREK I AM NOT KIDDING

Star Inkbright said...

@Mushroom: Don't think so . . . :/

BUT I'M GOING TO IRELAND IN 2014.

SO IT'S ALL GOOD.

By the way, I'm only going to answer to some parts of the conversation, and maybe only speak if directl spoken to. If you feel I'm ignoring you, it's not intentional - I'm just aware that I have over ten days' of comments to read and so I'm staying distant.

#CHaseForBookNine

Noelle said...

*curls up in a rabbit hole* That's it. I'm done with popular culture today. DEREK HAS MADE ME HATE SOCIETY.

Luciana said...

IENI, I'M ON PAGE 98

Luciana said...

PAGE 99 NOW:3

Robin Snowscar said...

LA LA ALA ALA ALLAALALAL


That is all

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

Poor Adra *laughs* sucker

Noelle said...

ROBIN! *tackles* EVENING, GOVNUH!

Luce... Wat.

Noelle said...

HUSH, ZAF. YOU PROBABLY DIE FIRST. REMEMBER OUT BET? 5$ TO WHOEVER DIES SECOND, YEAH?

Robin Snowscar said...

Oh God, not with the English accents again, please

Ieni Lorarté-Strider said...

/and I shall just happily moo my way through page 17 if you do not mind/
Unless you want me to do another page...?

Wait, was that a
'IENI I'M ON PAGE 98 YAAAAY THIS IS GOOD'
or a
'IENI I'M ON PAGE 98 GET A MOVE ON YOU LAZY POTATO'

I'm Jubilance Glee / Occasional Haiku-er / And a dinosaur said...

HAAAIII
Sorry.. I poofed..

BUT I"M HERE NOW!!!

But I'm prone to poofing again

Octa said...

Hey Robin!

Hey Adra!

Hey Zaf!

*hugs*

Octa said...

Hey Jubi and leni!

Noelle said...

Sorry Robin ;D That was an awesome call though.

TEA AND CRUMPETS!
*pokes Octa* Hey there friend!

Robin Snowscar said...

Yo Octa.

I actually know the people here, this is very unusual

Robin Snowscar said...

It was funny. I need to skype more.

I'm Jubilance Glee / Occasional Haiku-er / And a dinosaur said...

OCTA!!!! ROBIN!!!! IENI!!!!! ADRA!!!!! ZAF!!!! LUCI!!!! STAR!!!! *Supermegatacklehugsofdoom*


HAAAIIII!!!!

Ieni Lorarté-Strider said...

Hey, Octa and Jubii!!!:) *ninjaeroplanetacklehugs*

Msd/wbd - internet has been very dodgy lately.

Octa said...

That's kind of the reason I came on tbh.

Tea and crumpets are awesome!

Robin Snowscar said...

There is a Ieni and a Jubi and a Zaf

Helloooo *throws glitter at all your faces*

Luciana said...

Nah, you can edit from wherever!:D

Make it page 100!
(I started some time last night and went out earlier so that's why it's not even a third of the way through editing!)

That was a YAY I'M EDITING FAST, WOOOO :P

Octa said...

Woo glitter!

I'm Jubilance Glee / Occasional Haiku-er / And a dinosaur said...

GLITTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAAAAAYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Noelle said...

WE do need to Skype more... We have so many minions on skype, it's insane... LITERALLY.

Robin Snowscar said...

*dances in the glitter rain*

Star Inkbright said...

HELLO OCTA AND ROBIN!

I'm distant, btw.

(Sorry if I kee saying it, it needs to be said every time someone else comes one)

YAAAAAAAAAAAY FOR EDITING!

#CHaseForBookNine

Star Inkbright said...



Ulcabhán Brave (I have changed my name so much times it's ridiculous) said...

Woah. Befor i go i just wanna say something.

Latley ive started being myself on this blog and i Owe it all to two people. I used to be so uptight and Non-funny and they have released the randomness inside me. So i wannna say a thanks to Dragona Pine and Star Inkbright They are some of y best friends on this blog.
August 9, 2013 at 7:01 PM

. . . Someone remind me to rxpress my gratitude to Brave when I see him.

#ChaseForBookNine

Robin Snowscar said...

Hellooo Staaaaar

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

I DONT DIE I ASKED SOMEONE WHO READ LSODM

I have finished the essay

Star Inkbright said...

HELLO ROBIN. :)

#ChaseForBookNine

I'm Jubilance Glee / Occasional Haiku-er / And a dinosaur said...

YAAAAAAY ZAFFYYYY

Octa said...

Hey Star! Hey Luce!

*hugs*

Ulcabhán Brave said...

STAR I HAVEN'T SAW YOU IN AGES


SAME WITH YOU ROBIN

I'm Jubilance Glee / Occasional Haiku-er / And a dinosaur said...

NEW PAAGGEEE!!!

Noelle said...

Muah.

I have to go now! I'll be back in 80- for about an hour. *hugs all*

I LOVE YOU ALL WITH THE PASSION OF A THOUSAND BURNING MOONS

Robin Snowscar said...

Ooooh Brave.

No, I have not been here, Blogland has become too... intense for me. I joined Roleplays instead

Ulcabhán Brave said...

I dedicate this page to Zafira Kerias. She has been a great friend to me over the last few weeks


and also to Death rose for being awesome

Ieni Lorarté-Strider said...

Adra - Hi! *ninjaeroplanetacklehugs* Btw, are you in LSODM or something? (idk, this is judging from what I've been reading) and that sounds awesome and also I'll be able to join in when my sister goes to uni:)

Hey, Robin!!:) *ninjaeroplanetacklehugs*

Bye, Adra!:( *hugs*

Phahahahaha, Zaf xD I hope I don't xD

Luciana said...

Oh, hey everyone I've not yet greeted.

I'm in a bad mood, because apparently I'm insensitive and can't handle delicate situations...

And this editing is doing my head in, because it's all going to be for nothing I bet, ffs.

Robin Snowscar said...

Ahhh Lucciiiiaaaaaaaaaaaana keep your head up my dear, people suck, generally, you do not.

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

Awww thanks Brave! :) that meant a lot to me

Noelle said...

ZAVE

*leaves*

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

Adra....I shall deal with her later *nods*

Ulcabhán Brave said...

Good.

Robin Snowscar said...

OOOOOOOOH A SHIP *points*

Octa said...

I am loved with the passion of a thousand burning moons?

That must be one of the nicest things someone has ever said to me.

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

Brave you want Alexis to come on?

Alastair Cruciatus said...

Back for a bit! But distant/msd! *motions to Star* Of course we mentioned RedRays! They're awesome! So is Hunter and so are you! And so are your abbreviations that I just used!

#ChaseForBook9

Star Inkbright said...

@Brave: THANK YOU. Being mentioned when I'm not online actually makes me feel pleased, and being mentioned positively when I'm not online makes me want to cry (in a good way). I'm honoured to be considored one of yor best friends on this blog. Thank you. :)
Also - YAY FOR BEING YOURSELF! You should have seen me when I was new. Actually, you shouldn't. I was all stupid and annoying. But the point is . . . the blog is awesome, and managing to be yourself is really yay.

And, no, you won't have seen me in a while. I've been in Germany for two weeks . . . :P

@Mushroom: *hugs*
It won't be for nothing, I promise. It'll make it better (I read the acknowledgements in the back of books. They always thank people who've helped them write their books and helped shape them), and it WILL get published. It WILL. And once it's published, it'll obviously be a success because it's awesome.

UNDENIABLE BUBBLE LOGIC. DON'T DENY IT. OR YOU WON'T EXIST. THERE IS NO DENIAL OF MY LOGIC, NO DENIAL OF IT EXISTS, SO IF YOU'RE DENIAL, YOU WON'T EXIST. :)

#CHaseForBookNine

Alexis said...

ARI TELL NICCOLO I SAID HI

Ulcabhán Brave said...

I don't mind Zafira/

Fabi S. - Fashion-Conscious Fire Wraith said...

[Hovers around somewhere near the edge of reality]

[Loud whisper]

You guys are amazing, did you know that? All of you.

[hugs]

[hugs Death an extra time]

[Not here]

#ChaseForBook9

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

Hey Ari and well ok Alexis hijacked the iPad so she's on

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