Ha!
I cannot BELIEVE they've let me use that title!
Ladies and gentlemen, the collection I've been promising you, the book that scoops up all those little short stories and provides you with some brand new ones, has been unleashed. There won't be a Spoiler Zone post because it's not one of the "book" books, but even so, try to limit the amount you give away about the endings.
Of the new stories included, I'm finding it hard to pick a favourite. The Horror Writers' Halloween Ball is the most out-and-out comedy of the lot, but Across A Dark Plain is a WESTERN, for god's sake, and it was SO much fun changing my writing style slightly to convey that mood.
But I think Get Thee Behind Me, Bubba Moon is probably my favourite. Much like The End of the World (which is also collected here), it's told from the point of view of an outsider, in this case a middle-aged American man. I didn't mean it to be quite so long, but it grew from a short story to a novella before I knew what was happening. The tone of this one is different, too — until a certain pair of intrepid detectives wander in with their bickering and their jokes...
Anyway, I hope you like it. I hope you ALSO like the sample chapter from The Dying of the Light. It is VERY well written, if I do say so myself.
Oh, and speaking of TDOTL, tomorrow I shall be revealing an awesomely cool limited edition alternative cover.
And it ROCKS.
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«Oldest ‹Older 2201 – 2400 of 4344 Newer› Newest»(Welcome back Flick)
(Any time, kid.))
(whats happened since ive been gone?
)
Oh, gosh golly, they've begun to fight. How dandy.
*crouches beside Silente*
*quiet voice* Don't expect me to help you again. Had you entered my Hotel of your own accord, I would not have hesitated to bounce you right back out. As it is, it seems I'm protecting you for the time being. So while they're fighting, I suggest we take the opportunity to get you out of here.
James: *stiffens and roars in pain*
*the shadows turn sharper, become faster, as they dive at rose, the majority aiming to blind her but a few aiming to trip or pin her*
(Rose went after Silente to try and get he out of the Midnight Hotel because James was going to torture her.
I change sides... A lot.))
(kk thnx)
*murmurs*
someone...help
*nods at Clara*
*looks at her bound ankles and wrists*
*decides to hop*
((Indeed you do.))
(That's what makes you fun!
*hugs Death Rose*
I never know if I should expect compassion or psychotic murder!)
*A few shadows get her, in the shoulder, behind the knee, one to the cheek. She seems to take no notice and taps her wrist, healing herself. She sends puts more magic into the glare and approaches James, her head slowly raising*
I wonder how much it would pay to fix a broken wall..?
*She creates a gravitational repluse between her hand and James, sending him hurtling backwards, into, perhaps through, the wall*
*Adra stirs, and lays her head on Alastair*
There's no need for that. You look absurd. Anyways, since I can't undo the bindings . . .
*sighs heavily*
*picks Silente up*
Fangirls: *SCREAM LOUDLY*
Oh, shut up.
*takes Silente to the balcony on the second floor*
*sets her down*
There you go. Now roll off, or something.
(Thank you Alastair.
*Hugs Anni back* Haha...? Thank you...?))
*perks up at the sound of a wall smashing*
*grinds teeth furiously*
(There you go. Now roll off, or something.)
(*Dies of laughter*)
(It's Blogland. Take it as the highest of compliments.)
James: *crashes into the wall and large cracks appear all over it*
*sends more and more shadows at rose*
*smiles and says in a strained voice*
Thanks....for....the....lessons.
*glares and uses Rose's own power against her*
(Gawd, Annika. Rosie loves Anni!!!!))
*is still only about half conscious* *doesn't move*
(*showers Death Rose in rose petals*
*gasps in realization at what I've just done*
I'm sorry, it appears I've just showered you in the mangled remains of your slaughtered namesakes . . .
Welcome to Blogland.)
*on the verge of death*
going...going...
(*bursts out laughing as well* Roll off or something? Charming!)
*rolls her eyes at Clara*
*looks at the drop*
*narrows her eyes and starts positioning herself*
(Someone save Inky!)
*Whispers softly to him* Alastair...
Hello..dying people
*She stops, her breath caught in her throat as pain seizes her. Her eyes are wide, horrified. She had always been more sensitive to her own magic than any one else's. She finds her knees trembling, before slowly collapsing to the floor*
Oh for crying out loud.
*pushes Silente off*
*runs to investigate how bad the damage to the wall is*
Oh god damit!
(Alastair, Rose healed you when she was trying to convince Aretha she was good.
Just so you know!!)
(*Stares in horror at Anni as starts to shower her in multiples of Clara from Doctor Who, not really know what else to do... Heh... It rhymes...))
*screams against the gag as she falls*
*crashes to the ground in the completely wrong was*
*grits her teeth*
James: *grins and pulls himself free of the wall*
I'm leaving now.
*shadow walks to where Silente will have landed and grins at her*
(*screams*
It's raining women!
Not hallelujah!)
*stares in disbelief at the wall*
*clenches fists*
*She gasps and stands up, despite the pain in her body*
Bastard.
*She looks at the wall. It's pretty much destroyed anyway. She shrugs and runs through, leaping and smashing her shoulder against it. She reaches outside and catches herself, using that boring gravity stuff, and finds James*
Oi! Leave Silente out of this!
(Hey Chi....
BAD CLARA!)
*squeaks helplessly as the rest of the wall collapses*
*falls to my knees*
*hugs a broken piece of plaster*
(Sorry about the wall, Anni...))
(NOT!!))
((Yes, I recall it. But unless I am mistaken, healing of injuries does not undo exhaustion. If I am mistaken, you're welcome to correct me.))
*Aretha is keeping watch, for lack of a better term, at the edge of the cave* *she overhears some of the others' quarrel* *looks back at Adra and Alastair, then deeper into the woods* *Adra is already moving and speaking, so they'll probably be awake soon* ...I'll be right back. *runs off into the forest towards the sounds of fighting*
*stirs, pulling her slightly closer*
*weeps softly as I clutch the broken piece of plaster*
*I loved my Hotel more than I ever loved Silente*
*oh*
*oh snap*
*take that fangirls*
(Yep. Sorry. Right. Whoops. Sorry Alastair...
Oh, I have something that reminded me of you. Gimme a sec!!))
*swivels and glares at Death again*
YOU stay out of this.
*walks over to Silente, nudging her with a foot*
*awkwardly attempts to crawl away despite a broken arm and twisted ankle*
*slumps into the fetal position*
*Silente entirely forgotten in the wake of this new tragedy*
*I really am a horrible person*
*whimpers slightly*
(Clara, that can be twisted for the fangirls to say 'SHE ADMITTED THAT SHE LOVES SILENTE *SCREAMS*')
(It's from a pillow!!! -------->))
*She bares the pain, despite lettin out a small shriek. She looks at Silente and sighs, shaking her head. Se diversion and snatches Silente from the ground, taking off quickly into the trees*
I swear to God, kid. I'll kill you myself if I ever have to do that again.
*Valencia decides to keep watch of the two instead*
*Adra mumbles his name again* *Her body hurts* Alastair... I'm in so much pain...
((Alright then.))
(Oh, oh really?
Well . . .)
*silently stares at the broken wall*
*tears in my eyes*
*I loved my Hotel*
*so much*
*I wonder if I loved it more than I loved Sir*
*I wonder*
*and can't decide*
*breaks down in fresh weeping, clutching a piece of the wall*
*looks at Death*
*would say 'Thanks....and sorry.' If she wasn't gagged. As it is most people are probably HAPPY that she's gagged*
*runs after them, using gravity alteration to shoot after them quickly*
*staggers to my feet*
*runs to the edge of the balcony and looks out over the landscape, where Death Rose and Silente are fleeing from James*
*shakes fist, alive with electricity*
*shouts* CURSE YOU, DEATH ROSE THE PLATYPUS!
*feels heart beat slow down*
(Someone go save Inky!
Where is Inky anyways?)
*is starting to wake faster* *links himself with her so he'll feel pain in her stead*
(ANNI IM GONNA DIE BY HOLDING IN THIS LAUGHTER OMFG!!!))
*She curses and appears on the far side of the lake behind a large rock. She presses a small indentation, letting it read her fingerprint before a missile-proof door opens. She and Silente duck in and it closes right behind her. She takes to gag out of Silente's mouth and stares at her, a disapproving smile plastered on her face*
(Im by a tree somewhere)
*Aretha reaches Inky, and runs over to her* Um, hello? Are you alright?
(Anni. I'm literally crying with silent laughter...))
James: *sighs* fine. Fine then. I'll come back later. *teleports away*
*smiles at Death*
T-thank you?
*trys to open eyes, but cant*
hi...im..dy...
(. . . You're welcome?
*shrugs*)
*returns to the bowels of the hotel*
*glares dejectedly at the wall, wondering what to do about it*
I swear to God. You had to get messed up with him?! Who even was he?
*She runs a hand through her hair and looks sternly at Silente*
You do not know of this place. You will not touch anything in this place. You will not go around with people like him. If you do any of the above, I am going to kill you myself, understood?
*But they're already linked?*
*Sighs, and relaxes a little, moving against him*
(I'm dying because of you, Anni. I can't laugh because I will be deemed possessed and kicked out on the street with a pair of fresh jeans and my iPod charger.
And I want two pairs of fresh jeans!))
*doesn't know what to do*
*is confused, concerned, and scared*
*what would Anton do?*
*goes downstairs and makes tea*
*holds up hee bound hands in surrender*
Okay! I've no idea what this place is! It doesn't exist! I won't touch anything! I can't exactly stop him coming after me but I can defiantly do the other rules!
(Someone is dying?
My work here is done.
*wipes off hands with moist towelette*)
*pours a fresh cup of tea*
*lies on my back, on my desk*
*drinks tea*
*stares at the ceiling*
*and wonders what Anton would do in such a situation*
Hello everyone.
(Greeting, Vivanus.)
(Hiya Vivanus)
(Hey Viv...
Oh shoot I forgot to finish the emailing!)
Aretha: Oh, gosh... Should I call for help? *pulls out her cell phone and dials her Sanctuary*
*they're different kinds of links* *the other one only involves thoughts* *quietly* Please don't die.
(Do you have another cup of tea?)
*She nods quickly and looks at all the knick-knacks. In one corner, there is a soft blue blanket. In another, a long, dangerous looking weapon. Everything that holds a memory is here. She doesn't disclose that information to Silente, though*
Alright, get out,
*She grabs her cuffed hands and presses the red button by the door. It slides open and she hoists Silente out and then herself. She glares at the chains ad they break*
Now, if you don't mind me, I have a wall to pay for.
*She starts off to the Midnight Hotel, being out her wallet*
(I'm sorry, I should go.)
(Feel free to enter my Hotel at any time, unless I am taking a shower or in the middle of a torture session.)
(Which means yes, I do have more tea.)
(Hey Viv!))
(Heh... I almost killed Inky... Almost. I'll make sure I fully kill her next time! Jks!!))
(Death Rose is feeling particularly malicious today, as you can see.)
(*Hugs Adra tightly*)
Santuary! Right! I will be right over here, posing as a statue
*metal flows over his body, turning him into a resemblannce of a war statue*
I won't, my love. *Presses closer* I swear.
(Um, technically it was the past two days... It's 1:20am here now... ^.^ ))
*She enters the Midnight hotel*
Hello? Clara?
(ive been dying for over an hour)
((Alright, love.))
*breathes out, lightly kissing her hair* Thank you.
(*Fangirls over Aldra*
*Dies from cuteness overload*))
*leaps off the desk, tea in one hand, remote control in the other*
Ah, Death Rose, your arrival was completely unexpected, and by that I mean COMPLETELY EXPECTED!
*presses button on remote control*
*a tiny cage drops out of the ceiling and lands atop Death's head*
. . .
. . . Oh, sorry. That trap was platypus-sized.
*looks embarrassed*
What was it you wanted to discuss?
*a teleporter appears by Inky and Aretha, and moves them both back to the Sanctuary, to a medical bay* *Aretha calls for help, and a few people start to work on healing Inky*
*She keeps the cage over her head, seeing it as a suitable punishment*
I am here to discuss the um... The wall...?
*She grins sheepishly*
(Y'know, if your customers get cages dropped on their heads I might say no to that cuppa)
You mean the wall you so heartlessly destroyed?
Yes, I'll want payment for that.
*holds out hand expectantly*
(*Snickers*)
(My hotel is thoroughly booby trapped, as I have mentioned before. It's just a risk that goes with the territory.)
How much?
*She grins again, a small laugh escaping her lips*
It was fun. And it was already kind of destroyed. It's easier to fix now!
*raises eyebrows skeptically*
Uh-huh. You're a very destructive person, aren't you.
*flips open The Big Black Binder*
I dare say around . . . this much.
*scribbles down a figure*
*tears off the scrap of paper and passes it to Death Rose*
*walks back to blogland*
*shoots a glance at the hotel, at Death and Clara*
*keeps walking to the Viv statue*
*knocks on his head*
Wake up.
OW OW OW OW!
*pulls away the metal from his face*
I think you just burst my eardrums, Sil.
*grins*
Sorry. Easiest way to wake you up. You got any leaves?
*She looks at the figure, grateful of all those hit jobs she did in her younger years, and pulls outs her purse. She hads over the money easily, still having plenty more where it came from*
And before you ask, no, it is not odd that I carry near a million dollars on me at any one time. I might want to buy something.
*emerges fully healed from the medical bay* Thanks for rescueing me
*smiles*
*takes the money and shakes Death Rose's hand*
I understand completely. I certainly wish I were well-off enough to do the same. Sadly the hotel business isn't particularly lucrative, especially since walls keep falling down all over the place.
*She grins and then purses her lips. She runs her fingers through her cash, stopping half way. She pulls out half of the notes and puts them on the table*
Murdering and doing some rather... Unpleasant stuff... Can get you pretty well sorted. You didn't get it from me.
*She walks out, cage still atop her head, and waves to Clara over her shoulder*
No I do not. A certain person keeps eating up my stock!
*the metal flows away from the rest of his body*
*eyes widen in surprise*
*flips through the stack of bills*
*murmurs* I have always depended on the kindness of strangers . . .
*looks up*
*waves*
I hope to see you again, Death Rose!
*stares at the money* Definitely, DEFINITELY want to see you again.
(So sorry that I disappeared, I was busy)
-I look at Rose, shaking my head-
Loki, let her go.
*shrugs*
Okay then.
*hobblea to her teeehouses base*
*actives the sigil there and takes the easy way up*
*riffles around for her medical suplies*
(Guess I missed it all..)
*Snickers at Clara's reaction and keeps walking*
I wonder if Inky's died yet...
Hello, people.
~Iggy
( oh, nvm)
*She looks at Mårē, her eyes still that beautiful, odd shade of blue. She smiles briefly*
*follows her*
Why are you hobbling?
(I was taken to a medical ward, now im fully healed)
*Aretha smiles back at Inky* It's no problem. I love to help people out. May I ask what happened to you?
-I smile back at Rose, understanding what's wrong with her-
(Hi Iggy!! I'm Rose. I don't know if we've met... See, I'm usually asleep...
HI MÅRĒ!! *She kisses him quickly* You should be asleep...))
*points with her not broken arm at her ankle*
Twisted it.
*goes back to searching the box*
*pauses*
What do you put on a twisted ankle? I know an arm needs a cast but what do you put on an ankle...
*She walks up to Mårē, weary that Loki will suddenly pop in and kill him for not killing Adra*
Hi.
(Sorry but every time I see your name I want to call you Rat. Or Mårē which I keep thinking is Mary)
(I have a full bottle of diet coke, I'm good.)
Well, first of all, James broke both my legs, then, I got stabbed and thrown into a tree by Death
*sighs heavily*
*looks around at the Hotel*
*gently turns the hands on the clock*
*the Midnight Hotel sinks into the soil*
*goodbye*
(Well, I have water... And coffee... Heh...))
(Bye clara!)
(Bye Anni!!!))
*Aretha's eyes widen* James? You mean the one that keeps trying to kill Silente?
Hey, everybody just follow me.
I'm-a show you how to move like me.
Gonna get you all dancing.
Take off your clothes like Scarlett Johansson.
Hey, everybody just follow me.
I'm-a show you how to one-two-three.
Gonna get you all dancing.
Take off your clothes like Scarlett Johansson.
Whoa.
It's a fancy way to show
Those curves that rock your body.
Those pics you send are so naughty.
And I,
Well, I have to wonder why
You want them taken down.
Why you messin' round?
Tobuscus.
Hey, girl.
What you doin', girl?
Why you sendin' naked pictures, and surprised by all the press, girl?
You need to get your mind right.
I know you're kinda blindsided,
But sexting and texting those kinda pics is bad hindsight.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mean to offend,
But don't tell me you intend to show that picture to a friend, girl.
You were boostin' your career by displaying your rear.
You want pity from me, girl? You get outta here.
*Auto-tune Jesus*
Hey, everybody just follow me.
I'm-a show you how to move like me.
Gonna get you all dancing.
Take off your clothes like Scarlett Johansson.
favourite song ever tbh
*hands her a wrap*
Never mind, you have a broken arm
*wraps her leg himself*
Yep, that one
(MARABBY!!!!! I HAVENT SEEN YOU IN SO LONG!!! HOW ARE YOU BBY!???! *Cuddles*))
(Ah.)
(I have a confession to make)
*smiles at him*
Thanks.
*rides around in the box more*
*Finds one of the leaves and chews on it, relaxing quickly*
hey Death! *hugs*
i'm good, thanks :)
you?
(Yeah...)
*She raises her stump of a wrist to show Mårē*
This is what happens when you're gone.
-I process the people around me, understanding the situation, scanning all scenarios-
-I hold her arm, looking into her eyes-
Who did it?
(Confession....?)
(Yes Viv...?
MARA IM GREAT OMG I HAVENT SPOKEN TO YOU IN FOREVER!! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH OMFG!!))
(Rose, please accept my deepest apologies)
(Hey Mara!
I change my name all the idea, and have no clue what name I had when you were last around.
*She shrugs casually*
Eh, someone. I was trying to kill him. Guess!
*Her face fills in delight*
Alastair?
Hello, Rose. No we haven't. I'm usually not here, so...!
~Iggy
Oh.
Loki
(Oh, shit. What? Viv? What?))
(Why is Viv apollogising?)
No. It was Alastair. I almost died because of it.
*Another shrug*
Good guess!
i missed you too! haha i haven't been on in a while ://
hey Mårē! interesting name.
i think you were Aiden when i was last on. i'm probably wrong though :P
(GLAD TO MEET YOU IGGY!!! *Cuddles*))
(Be on more often, MARA! I loooooooooooooooooove you!!!!))
(No, Mara, I was Aiden!)
(Viv...?))
Hello.
(Hey Amethyst!))
(OMG AMETHYST ITS BEEN AGES I MISSED YOU HELLO AGAIN!)
Hello everyone!
Hello Maralie. :-)
Nice to meet you, too, Rose.
*Sort of hugs back nervously?*
~Iggy
(Hiya peoples who I haven't greeted)
Heya Amethyst. :-)
~Iggy
Hiya Inky.
~Iggy
(You'll get used to me, he did. *Nudges Mårē*))
(HOW ARE YOU WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!)
I was away on a trip for some time and couldn't access the blog or anything. I've missed a lot...
I got worried that you'd left for good....
(Holy flying poop, Viv, I ain't going to sleep of you don't tell me... And I accept you apologies. Why wouldn't I?))
So what happened while I was gone? What did I miss?
(ive got to go and get ready for kung fu, byii)
...a lot....
Well, Rose, I can fix it up for you.
-I pull off my glove, revealing a mechanical hand-
State of the art, carbon fibre and titanium alloy. Plus sensors, so you'll still be able to feel things.
I know some people, I'm sure I can retrieve a person who can fit one for you.
sorry i disappeared, i was watching pewdiepie and listening to 5sos and got distracted :c
Bye Flick
Alrighty then.
Hello anyone I didn't properly greet. It's not because I don't love you or anything, it's because I don't feel like greeting every single person individually because I'm just that lazy! Uh...sorry.
*offers hugs and handshakes to anyone who wants one*
~Iggy
(Bye Inky!)
*She looks at Mårē's hand and purses her lips. She touches his hand with her hand and interlocks her fingers with his*
Would... Would it hurt...?
(*Steals a second hug from Iggy*
I think we are going to be great friends.))
Hey Iggy. Wbd.
No, they'll put you under and surgically attach it to you.
These people know what they're doing, you'll be fine.
*She looks at his hand before wrapping her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly to herself*
Are you sure...?
(20 minutes, Viv?! I'm gonna die!!))
(Same here Death...)
(You're not the one she is apologising too!!
*Dies*))
(Sorry for poofing. Rose I'm sorry. I finally read Mårē's bio. All this time I thought youwere a two-timer. *hangs head in shame.)
(A two timer? With who...? *Cuddles Mårē* Mine. Only mine.))
(Ok now I am completely confused)
Mårē changed his name which confused me.
(Yep. Me too.
Lets just all know that I am not two timing on anybody and that I love Mårē, okay?))
(Oh. That makes sense.
Heh... *Snickers*))
(;-;)
(It's okay. I love you and only you, Mårē. *She pulls his head down low to kiss him*))
(I change my name a lot, and when I do, I try my best to get people to understand that i was who I was before.
Tricky, I know. Sorry about the confusion, Viv)
-I kiss her, rubbing her cheek-
Alastair is an asshole.
(For the rp, not in real life.)
Ok, all's good
He's fine. He was defending Adra and I needed to tell Liki where she was.
*She shrugs and kisses him again*
I've missed you...
*Loki))
*quietly sings Boulevard of Broken Dreams*
*looks at Silente bemusedly*
*pokes her arm*
(*Is suddenly feeling really awkward*)
(?)
*She pulls away from Mårē and squeezes his hand gently. When she speaks, her voice quivers with fear*
I'll do it... As long as you're there.
*sings The Story Of Us*
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