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:

1 – 200 of 4955   Newer›   Newest»
Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

FIRST DEREK GO ON

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

DEREK LANDY YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE ME YOU MUST ANSWER OMG YES YOU MUST DEREK LANDY THIS IS A DIRECT ORDER FROM AN ELDER

YOU. MUST.OBEY.

Jophiel said...

Love you Derek!!!

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

Nyaaaaaaaaaa

Alexis said...

The Golden God has spoken O.O

Alexis said...

That just made me smile Derek sir!

Alexis said...

Please come on Mr. Derek? I heard so many good things about you from my mother!

Jophiel said...

*Smiles* Derek, I made Sue Lawson read SP!!

Unknown said...

A world run by women? Well I guess Zafira kind of proved that its possible she is American Grand Mage

Jophiel said...

That's why I never let people save me... I dislike being saved... I AM STRONG!!!

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

BOB THE BUILDER CAN WE FIX IT

Jophiel said...

A WORLD RUN BY WOMEN IS TERRIBLE!! JULIA GILLARD SHOWED US AUSSIES!!!

ABK said...

Yes! I totally agree! I always used to wonder why Valkyrie was, at times, so disagreeable; even unlike able. That's what makes her though, because of those flaws she IS a character.

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

All we have to do is kill of Gillard. Then it would be perfect.
*brings out scythe* a hunting I will go a hunting I will go

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

I never EVER do things with help. And I also believe women can take charge because look at my own character! How many Elders in the entire SP world we know of are women? 3. Madame Mist, Morweena Crow, and Zafira Kerias. I bet if any of the three were Grand Mage that they would do well. Just because they are women does not mean they cannot lead their country. I'm honestly amazed Derek even let me be an Elder. And I doubt he's reading this mini speech.

Jophiel said...

*Brings out daggers* Wanna go a round, Luna?

Noelle said...

*claps* Gorgeous

Unknown said...

Derek, you are going to be astounded by the fact that I too, as a girl, do not get your mother's viewpoint either...now THAT'S sad! :-)

P.s. Looking forward to reading book eight way out here in the Evergreen state.

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

Nope I'd win

Jophiel said...

You're on! *Throws knives*

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

Byeya! *vanishes*

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

I truly and honestly want to KILL Valkyrie half the time. I really do. I am so hoping Derek had Zaf punch her because I would enjoy that. Punching Valkyrie really hard in the face would be a fun thing :)

Jophiel said...

Kay... Bye Luna...

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

*comes back, arms filled with bacon* NomNomNom

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

DEREK

Jophiel said...

Listen to Bethy!!!

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

okay bye

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

He never comments here guys

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

OMG DEREK!
Day after day all the prince ever does is practice practice practice!
Swan princesssssssssssssssssss

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

Also, I completely agree with this post. I love it. It's perfect. And it's accurate.

PLEASE COME ON, DEREK!

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

Hmmmm DEREK I WILL EXPLODE IRELAND IF YOU DONT COMMENT IN BLOGLAND

Jophiel said...

Derek, I won't give you a purple banana...

Noelle said...

DEREK, perhaps you could answer my questions?

*shrinks*
Pwetty pwease?

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

Yeah, and Valkyrie drives me nuts a lot!!

She's honestly a brat half the time!

But, then again, aren't we all?

And I think what makes characters so cool is that they have to have some good in them if they're bad and they have to have some bad in them if they're good.

*opens umbrella*

*flies away*

*unless Derek returns*

*then I shall stay*

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

Okay Zaf's BRILLIANT PLAN we all chant his name for a half hour everytime we comment we add: DEREK COME ON BLOGLAND

and if he doesnt come on we start a #DerekCommentOnBlogland i mean he'll HAVE to listen! If we Minions all revolt against the Golden God

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

Derek, if you answer us, I will give you a flamethrower umbrella.

You know you want one.

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

The only way he'll HAVE to listen is if we show up at his house with firearms.

And knowing our mental state, he'll probably die, and then WHO IS GOING TO WRITE THE NINTH BOOK?

Jophiel said...

DEREK COME ON BLOGLAND!

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

TO THE BARRICADES!!!


DEREK COME ON BLOGLAND

Jophiel said...

DEREK COME ON BLOGLAND!

Noelle said...

Ugh.
Might I DED to this?

It pisses me off that in a show, men are automatically assumed to be strong and brave- but it is different for a woman. Unfortunately, men still looks down upon women in our time- not all men- but a good number do.
How many women here have been told to stay in the kitchen or make a sandwich? Even as a joke. But it is the fact that it is a joke is what appals me. Women aren't jokes. And men who think they can walk around and are superior must have some microscopic dick to think that (Sorry).
But seriously.
If you think that it is okay to look down on women, or that we are weak, then remember:

SCIENTISTS HAVE FOUND A WAY TO MAKE CHILDREN USING BONE MARROW.
WE TECHNICALLY SHOULDN'T NEED MEN TO CREATE CHILDREN BY THE YEAT 2020.

MATRIMONY, YO.

*raises chalice*
HEAR
BLOODY
HEAR.

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

I JUST TWEETED HIM

DEREK COME ON BLOGLAND

Jophiel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Noelle said...

*YEAR

GOD DAMN SPELL CHECK

UGH

PEOPLE. ANNOY ME

Jophiel said...

HEAR BLOODY HEAR ADDY!!

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

YEAH!

Unfo, like I said, women will never be considered equal unless we all get together, plan a revolution, then gun all the men down with firearms.

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

I'm kinda in a firearmy mood right now :P

COME ON BLOGLAND DEREK

Jophiel said...

SCREW THE PAPER, LETS ALL GRAB GUNS!!!

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

*raises dynamite stick* HEAR HEAR ADRA HEAR BLOODY FUCKING HEAR!

Noelle said...

MATRIARCHY

FUCK

I'M SORRY MY MIND IS MELTING

LET'S GO START A REVOLUTION

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

COME ON BLOGLAND DEREK

*nods to dynamite tree forest* harvest dynamite guys we storm Rush tonight! TO THE BARRICADES!

Jophiel said...

*Sings*
I wanna start a revolution
A type of person no solution

Jophiel said...

DEREK COME ON BLOGLAND!

Noelle said...

*dons red colored clothing*
VIVE LA RESISTANCE!

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

*taps ipod*
Is this thing on?

Jophiel said...

*Cheers*
Revolution!!!!

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

A revolution against what?

Noelle said...

My time has come.
I know what I am Empress of.

THE AMAZONS!
*raises spear*

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

*dawns red outfit* EVERYONE GET A DYNAMITE STICK WE STORM DEREK'S HOUSE TONIGHT

Whose there? BLOGLAND REVOLUTION

DEREK COME ON BLOGLAND

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

*sings*
Daylight
See the dew on the sunflower
And a rose that is fading
Roses whither away
Like the sunflower
I yearn to turn my face to the dawn
I am waiting for the day . . .

Midnight
Not a sound from the pavement
Has the moon lost her memory?
She is smiling alone
In the lamplight
The withered leaves collect at my feet
And the wind begins to moan

Memory
All alone in the moonlight
I can smile at the old days
I was beautiful then
I remember the time I knew what happiness was
Let the memory live again

Every streetlamp
Seems to beat a fatalistic warning
Someone mutters
And the streetlamp gutters
And soon it will be morning

Daylight
I must wait for the sunrise
I must think of a new life
And I musn't give in
When the dawn comes
Tonight will be a memory too
And a new day will begin

Burnt out ends of smoky days
The stale cold smell of morning
The streetlamp dies, another night is over
Another day is dawning

Touch me
It's so easy to leave me
All alone with the memory
Of my days in the sun
If you touch me
You'll understand what happiness is

Look
A new day has begun

Noelle said...

AGAINST PEOPLE WHO ARE HUGE ARSES.
BUT NOT JUST TO WOMEN, NO. TO ASSHOLES EVERYWHERE

Jophiel said...

REVOLUTION!! *Grabs dynamite*

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

We are reolting because Derek will not comment here


DEREK COME ON BLOGLAND

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

What Adra said too!

*raises dynamite stick*

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

Maybe he is a ghost? And is ghosting around the blog?

Noelle said...

*grabs flare, shooting it in the sky*

NEVERMORE, MOTHER EARTH. NEVER MORE WILL YOUR DAUGHTERS STAND IN THE SHADOWS

WE WILL BURN WITH THE INTENSITY OF THE GODS!
*war cry*

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

He told me he feels 'awkward' on Blogland wnd he doesnt have time but oh he used to *nods* I am so screwed on the 29th I am being Skyped to meet Derek m


DEREK COME ON BLOGLAND

Jophiel said...

*Roars* WHAT ADRA DARK SAID!!!!

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

Your all going mad.... *turns into tiny fluffy kitten* Meww.......

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

I think Adra's rebelling for female rights and the rest of you are rebelling for Derek.

Jophiel said...

*Kicks kitten*

Noelle said...


MATRIARCHYYYYYY!!!!!!!
MATRIARCHYYYYYY!!!!!!!MATRIARCHYYYYYY!!!!!!!MATRIARCHYYYYYY!!!!!!!MATRIARCHYYYYYY!!!!!!!

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

HELL YEAH ITS TIME WOMEN TAKE ACTION IN THE WORLD

They say us women are weak? WEAK? We are not weak we are strong! Society is so bent on men dominant well guess what men? Not all of us women are little cowards we WILL FIGHT lets not forget who gave birth to the men who nutured them! WOMEN

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

And also, Adra, we prejudice against men as well.

Many people think of men when they think of rapists, pedophiles, murderers, and physical bullies. We also assume that men torment and cheat on their girlfriends more than we assume the other way round.

Noelle said...

I HAVE MY PRIORITES SET, EMBER

I DON'T NEED AN ARMY! I DON'T NEED WEAPONS WHEN MY TONGUE IS AS SHARP AS A SABRE AND CUTS THROUGH THE NORMS OF SOCIETY

Jophiel said...

Just one question... Can we kill Gillard? She annoys me...

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

Merow! *turns into demon form* HOW DARE YOU! *Skeletons rise grabbing Deathy tying her down. *turns back into human* *sits on Deathy under skeletons*

Noelle said...

*I don't*
*but there are assholes out there*
*but men aren't told that their place is in the kitchen and that they are all weak*
*not by everyone*
*but by enough*

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

*raises dynamite stick* Can we explode all the men?

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

GUYS

THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN WIN A REVOLUTION UNLESS YOU HARM PEOPLE.

IMAGES CANNOT CHANGE UNLESS WE LITERALLY TAKE OVER WITH FORCE.

It's the way we've been designed. The alpha male. What more can we do? You can't change what people think! Women can already vote, women can have tons of different jobs, men are not (normally) allowed to have more than one wife... what else can we do?

Jophiel said...

Damn you Luna! *Glares at skeletons and Luna* *Jumps up*

Lunaria Mist Shadows ~ the most Fabulous Entity ever to live said...

Bad deathy *adds more skeletons*

Jophiel said...

We are leaving!!

Noelle said...

Time, September.

A thousand years ago, people were sacrificed to gods in the sky. People need an example. You have to show them, not tell them

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

Men are called weak and they're teased if they're not wild and boisterous!

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

I dont care anymore! Its slowly changing even in a fiction book!

I asked to be an Elder now Derek could have easily denied it but he said yes. He actually put my female character in a position of power! I may not be head honcho but I got my character to be an Elder...third one in the SP universe people

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

You can only achieve things by force or by a deep and moving motivation.

(That sounded stupid.)

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

Guys

Putting a character in a book is not the same thing as CHANGING PEOPLE'S OPINIONS OF WOMEN.

YOU CANNOT CHANGE OPINIONS.

Noelle said...

You can't by force. But you can give them something to see- something to believe in- something to agree with.

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

Dont help Ember dont I see you are brainwashed by society

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

I am not brainwashed.

I am absolutely not brainwashed.

I just know that you can't have a goal like WE ARE GOING TO MAKE MEN RESPECT WOMEN.

You have to say, "WE ARE GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT WE LET WOMEN BE THE FIRST TO GO TO MARS".

Or "WE ARE GOING TO INSPIRE WOMEN TO BREAK RECORDS SET BY MEN."

Or "LET'S PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN TO GO TO IVY LEAGUES."

Or collect stories about women. Powerful women.

You have to be more specific.

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

Or, better yet, you can say, "I AM GOING TO GROW UP, BE SOMETHING SPECIAL, AND SHOW EVERYBODY THAT I AM A WOMAN AND YET I CAN SUCCEED."

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

*sees the explosive tree marked 'Ireland' about to go off* NOOOOOOOOOO *throws the bundles into the lake* *collapses against sand* phew! Almost exploded Ireland

Noelle said...

That was low, Zafira.
We all are victims of society, really. We are a collective, but that doesn't mean that we are the same.
Ember made a good point, but I stand by what I said. No, not all men are evil, no, not all women are good. Of course it will never fully be gone from society- because every tree has a few bad apples, but we can certainly clean up our act a bit.
The fact that there is even something called "feminism"appals me.
I blame the Dark Ages. Before then, WAAAY long ago, things were different- then everything dropped. Huzzah.
*glares at history*
But that doesn't matter. Sexism on both sides should be gone.

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

I mean we are pretty low on the totem pole! A free slave male could vote before a woman. Back then freedmen were low but even they could vote before a white woman! So when I am 18 I will exercise my right to vote because I sure as hell am lucky to have it

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

Where does Ari go? She'd be bloody useful on this topic

Noelle said...

When I'm eighteen I'm moving to Ireland, whatevs

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

Why would you move to IRELAND?! I could never...I couldnt leave family behind!

Noelle said...

Because I like it there. And my mom loves Scotland. One of my brothers is probably going to Seattle. As for the other... I'm not sure.

But I'm not afraid of change. I have never been at a school for longer than three years and I switches states. I started. At a new school six days ago.
I'm pretty indifferent.

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

Seriously....I would love to move to Ireland but...I doubt I could

Noelle said...

Val's coming with me :D

TRINITY COLLEGE
YUSSSS

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

Oh...*nods* I could never get a scholarship to a school in Ireland

Noelle said...

Oh... *shrugs* I'll certainly try! But I am getting there.

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

I don't know where I want to live.

Somewhere in a big city in a first-world country.

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

Not the same country as my family, definitely.

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

I dont have the brains to be honest I dont I probably would never be allowed to study abroad either *sighs*

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

Btw, I think my final point is just that if you want to do an anti-sexism-towards-females thing, you need to target the women themselves, not the men.

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

I'm sure you have the brains, Zaffy :)

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

☂Yay! I got the umbrellas back!☂

Noelle said...

That or, like..

I just want to travel. I love travelling!
*grins*

I have to sleep now.
Night lovelies! *hugs*

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

☂Goonight, my good and darling dear!☂

☂...☂

☂So, Zaf, did all of you get the Grand Mage thing sorted out?☂

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

Night Adra!

Meh I dont have the brains...*sighs* Aretha Tesla is so gonna be the first one i slap she is back but all day she hasnt been on and all yesterday night

Noelle said...

((I strongly disagree, but that is just me. Both sides need to be looked at, yeah. But not just completely females. Males can be very oppressive sometimes. Jus sayin.

Right.

Slumber!!))

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

☂The first one?☂

☂There are more??? XD☂

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

No I dont have Javier back yet. He hasnt been transferred and I just want my husband home

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

☂((fair enough. Opinions are opinions. Rest well!))☂

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

☂No, but seriously, outside all the roleplaying, are you actually annoyed that your husband is wherever he is?☂

Tanya said...

I have been worried for quite some time as to my feelings for Valkyrie, she lost my suppor the moment she cheated on Fletcher.

Vile girl.

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

I am actually still pretty mad. I mean now im left with no character who Zaf can talk to

Tanya I hated her from that moment on

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

Interesting...

I don't have the energy to come up with an intelligent reply of any kind.

#ChaseForBook9

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

☂Tanya, EXACTLY.☂

☂Hi Fabi!!!!☂

☂And thanks *hugs*☂

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

☂Please stay for a little, Fabi!☂

Noelle said...

((She did NOT just say 'Vile girl'))

OMFG I AM DEAD
*sleeps*

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

☂"Vile girl"☂

☂Suddenly I see a Lord Vile connection and I am just so happy☂

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

No problemo, Ember. [hugs back]

Val has her idiot moments and her good moments, like the rest of us. [shrugs]

Cheating on Fletcher was definitely one of the stupid ones.

#ChaseForBook9

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

*nods*

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

☂*nods*☂

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

And I was supposed to be off the computer twenty minutes ago, and I'm exhausted and angry, but I'll stay as long as I can.

#ChaseForBook9

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

☂So. Fabi. Where do you want to live once you can move out?☂

Mycroft Holmes (Ember) said...

☂Oh, why are you angry?☂

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

On the old computer, it doesn't recognize the existence of the umbrellas...

Out of curiosity, is this one?



#ChaseForBook9

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

Ooh not good Fabi

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

Thats an umbrella

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

I don't know... Not near my family. Except maybe my sister.

Somewhere wilderness-ish, but not too too far from civilization.

Like, a suburb. Of someplace that doesn't get ridiculously warm in the summer.

#ChaseForBook9

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

Heat scare you Fabi?

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

Okay... It's a little box with numbers in it on this computer...

Weird

#ChaseForBook9

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

No, I just don't like it.

It makes me really really irritable.

#ChaseForBook9

Fabi S. - Fashion-Conscious Fire Wraith said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Ah oka

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

I'm gone, sorry.

#ChaseForBook9

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

Bye

Jophiel said...

Hai?

Jophiel said...

Hai!! I haz a foreboding feeling like something had is going to happen... I don't know what.... Deathy scared...

Jophiel said...

*bad

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

I havent heard from Ari since yesterday...

Jophiel said...

I haven't heard from Ari for ages...

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

She emailed me breifly when on holiday and then yesterday i asked if she'd collab with me for Nameless she replied sure and i asked if i should start and i havent heard back

Jophiel said...

She's probably tired... *Hugs*

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

I hope I'm nervous about her its not like her to be so silent

Jophiel said...

What's the time for you?

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

11:39pm

Jophiel said...

Yeah, my guess is alseep. It's 1:39pm here!!

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

She hasnt been on all day today

Jophiel said...

Hmmm... *Tilts head* Wifi problems? Maybe getting ready for school? Simply forgot? It's okay. Nothing can keep Ari down... I'm slightly scared that she's after me...

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

Ari goes back next Monday *shrugs* I just worry Niccolo drove her insane because she says he's in her head....but she said he's been quiet

Fabi S. - Fashion-Conscious Fire Wraith said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Zanida Laufeydottir Queen of Asgard (Zafira Kerias) said...

Omg crying

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

Gonna go to bed...

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

[Waves to Zaf and hugs]

#ChaseForBook9

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

Never mind i shall stay up

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

Okay.

Hi then.

I have maybe an hour... I borrowed a cable from Mom for like twenty minutes, so there's a little bit of charge on my iPod now.

#ChaseForBook9

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

Yay! And omg I watched Toy Story 3...

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

Was it good?

I don't think I've even seen the first one... I don't watch much of anything.

#ChaseForBook9

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

It was! Sad....*nods* You know you can buy cables basically anywhere for iPods

Jophiel said...

Back...

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

Hey Death! *sighs* I hope Ari goes on tomorrow and when i get up i need someone to help break into the New Delhi Sanctuary

Jophiel said...

I can help with breaking in! *Tosses teleporting bracelet over* You type in where you want to go with the dial things on the side and you click the really big red button that says 'DON'T PUSH'!

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

Yeah, last time a cable broke, though, my dad was all like "I have plenty of extras, why did you buy a new one?"

So when we went to the store, I didn't get a cable, assuming that Dad had plenty of extras.

And he does...somewhere.

[Sigh]

We're going shopping again Wednesday.

Hi Death

#ChaseForBook9

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

*puts it on* thanks Deathy! *grins* I gotta break into New Delhi Sanctuary and luckily for me I saw it through Javier's eyes and im not one to do illegal stuff but eh whats a little bit of crime eh?

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

No offense, but I don't condone breaking and entering and as such did not hear any of this conversation.

[Yawns]

Sorry... A formality.

#ChaseForBook9

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

I have no problem breaking and entering if i get Javier back thats all i care about

MSD

Jophiel said...

*Sprints back to base and grabs her own teleporting bracelet* *Runs back to Zaffy and presses several buttons on both their bracelets*

And, just press the big button and I'll meet you there! *Presses button and teleports*

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

((I actually don't have a problem with breaking and entering for a good cause, but I don't really believe in this cause. Javier keeps torturing his family, I'm not helping to rescue him. The only reason I'm not trying to stop you is because Javier is your character and you keep getting annoyed irl, so it's really not worth it. Like I said before, I'm staying out of this one.))

#ChaseForBook9

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

Ah. You all appear to be busy.

I may just go then.

[Waves]

Until later.

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

I'm not busy!! I'm getting my nails painted (again) in the name of science!!

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

Well... I'm sort of here.

I'm writing, though.

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

And I'm doing a prac!!))

*Jumps into New Delhi and gasps* HOT!

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

Gtg, sorry.

Going to try to sleep...

#ChaseForBook9

Jophiel said...

Night Fabulous!!! *Hugs*)))

*Looks around quickly* Okay... Sanctuary... Sanctuary... *Walks around*

Jophiel said...

*Taps random person on the shoulder* Do you know where the Sanctuary is? *Man points to random direction* Thankies! *Hugs man and runs towards the way he pointed*

nights.raven said...

Awesome! A new post! :D
lol you never fail to crack me up, Derek, that last line was funny :P

Hi/bye everyone! I was just checking my usual stuff before I went to bed and saw that he had posted again and thought i'd say something real quick *hands whoever is still online cookies*


*hands Derek cookies too*


Night all!

Jophiel said...

*Takes cookie via RPDHM* Thank you raven!! *Sends hug via RPDHM*

ThinkChimerical said...

Hello Mr. Landy!
Your point about women is extremely valid. That said, I have noticed a distinct lack of POC, that is to say, People of Color in your work. The only one I can remember is Frightening Jones. Therefore, good sir, I challenge you! In your next major work, I challenge you to have a complex nonwhite character as your protagonist, with several minor characters being POC as well. If you are worried about misrepresentation, I advise you to research, and talk to people of that race. POC need to see positive and diverse representations of themselves in popular media, because it really, truly matters. Keep in mind that stereotypes are harmful. We don't want to be seen as maids, drug dealers, or the comedic sidekick. We want to be viewed as heroes too. Fantasy is a genre that really lacks POC, and this is an area that could be improved upon. You don't have to accept my challenge, but it would be nice if you thought about it. Thank you for your time, and keep writing your magical stories.

Valkyrie V. - Ivy said...

I personally like Valkyrie's character - not that anyone would find that surprising. I like how she acts, with all the stubbornness and the comebacks and not taking other people's crap even if it means punching them in the face to get to the point. I like that she's flawed because most main characters aren't. And even though she's done some bad stuff - cheating on Fletcher for a hot but annoying vampire, turning into Darquesse and shamelessly killing people for her amusement, etc. - she tries to do good, even if there's a bad side effect. But she's flawed, and she messes up, and I like her character for that. I can see why people would strongly dislike her too, though. I mean, she's not the nicest. And she likes things to go her way. And she's different than most characters. But I like her because, and I know it sounds cheesy, I can relate. I mean, hey, I'm easy to dislike. I'm really easy to dislike. I'm mean and annoying and obnoxious and I never do what I'm told simply for the sake of pissing off the people around me. But Valkyrie kind of does that too. And I like it. I think she's an awesome character. She's got issues, yeah, but she's still awesome.

And, quite frankly, I can't picture the world ruled by women either. To be honest, I think it could be just as worse, because in reality, women hate each other just as much, as if not more, than men hate each other. We just hide it better. It's just a rule - people hate each other.

Snow said...

huh... okay

hia!!

Jophiel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Snow said...

yeah... um, anyway, i feel like doing a rant i have been building u for a while and this post appears to be the one to do it in.

so here we go:

human beings are flawed.
we say we are brave, yet peaceful. but we aren't peaceful.
we say we would welcome aliens.
would wouldn't. if ET showed up, arms open for a hug, humans would shoot at him, saying he was threatening to strangle them.

my point here is, humans say they are peaceful, but they get scared so easily. they say "we wouldn't harm an alien" but if a spaceship appeared in the sky, we would shoot. this is because we get scared, and so, when we get scared, we make the peaceful thing seem scary, make it the enemy, so we have a good reason to shoot it.

what i am saying, really, is that when humans get scared, they shoot things.

this is an awful way to act.

rant over.

Snow said...

death??

Jophiel said...

*Looks up* I don't... I... I... *Cries harder*

Snow said...

death?? why are you crying???

Jophiel said...

*Shakes head and buries face in knees*

Snow said...

*hugs death*

tell me!!

Jophiel said...

*Shakes head*

Snow said...

death... *hugs again*

why? *hand apple cake* at least say something...

Jophiel said...

Gun... Head... *Huddles tighter*

Snow said...

??

death... *is worried*

Jophiel said...

(Seriously... I was held at gun point just before...))
*Tries to make self as small as possible*

Snow said...

*blinks*

are you okay???

Jophiel said...

Scared out of my mind... *Covers head* I don't want to be... I don't want to go anywhere... I want to disappear...

Snow said...

*hugs death*

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