The final book.
The last Skulduggery.
I've been writing these books since 2005, so for me it's been nine years of living with these characters, in this world. I knew saying goodbye was not going to be easy...
But I haven't had to say goodbye yet. Not really. I wrote the book. I edited. I went through it again and again. I decided on covers, on approaches. I approved tour schedules and special events. I prepared. I tweeted. I blogged. I kept busy. I kept looking forward...
But now... now (most of) the preparation is done. I just have to turn up now, and talk, or sign, or talk and sign, and meet people and go places.
It's going to sink in NOW. I can feel it.
No more Skulduggery Pleasant.
I'm going to give my usual "No Spoilers" speech now. So, like, no spoilers, people. The comment section above is for spoilers, not this one.
But even outside of this blog, please be considerate of your fellow Minions. Don't go blasting spoilers on Facebook or Twitter or Tumblr. Be subtle about it, and if you can't be subtle, go LOUD with the spoiler warning.
And when I say spoiler I don't just mean" "Oh my god, I can't believe THIS CHARACTER did THAT to THAT OTHER CHARACTER!"
I also mean spoilers in a more general sense. For example, saying things like: "Derek, I can't believe you did that! I'll never forgive you! How could you?? That was my favourite character!!"
Or: "I'm so delighted! I loved it and the ending was just what I wanted!"
You have friends, Minions, who know your hopes and dreams. They know your favourite characters. They know what you're dreading. So don't confirm any of these things when you comment, even if you make sure not to get too specific. If you love the book, tell me. If you hate the book, tell me that too. But keep in mind that other people will be reading, and if you give away what kind of ending the book has, you've just cheated them out of finding out for themselves.
I love your enthusiasm. Your enthusiasm makes these books what they are. So while you're being considerate of your friends, be sure to revel in your enthusiasm, and your excitement, and your dread, and your horror, and your happiness and your despair.
I hope you like it.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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4,719 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 4601 – 4719 of 4719Manuel: That depends upon which time you would be talking about. Sometimes she curses your name. Occasionally she'll commend you. She respects you though. I know that.
Ashlea: *hugs her* ..just...don't do it unless you have to...
(brb food.)
Sophia: *laughs* Cursing sounds about right. Not sure about commending.
*hugs Ashlea back* ... I won't...
((Has John been on?))
(Not that I've seen.)
That's quite alright. Shall we join the others, merely for use of the ballroom, or seek out another?
Well.. *Looks around* Why not right here?
(Thanks Dragona...)
(back)
Manuel: Oh yes. Occasionally. Although usually it was slightly begrudgingly.
Ashlea: good.
Saphire Hunter. :)
Hunter is my main character now, but a few years ago I used to have a main character called Sapphire . . .
Wow, Chi, are you in my head? XD
My mum met a girl once (with work) and asked her what her name was, and she instantly replied "Saphire. With one P."
And my mum said that was just AWFUL because clearly her parents had just spelt the name wrong but she'd had to go through her entire life having to correct people . . .
WHat my mum didn't think of and I did was that maybe her parents had just preferred it with one 'p', but. :P
Sophia: What's the worst insult she said?
... Do you want to dance, Ashlea?
Sapphire/Saphire is a beautiful name, in any case . . . I love it. <3
(lol Star. I may be in your head. You never know :P)
Alright. What is your favorite dance?
*Blinks* I don't really have one. As I said, I'm not good at ballroom.
(i called my cat Sathron then later was told its spelt Saffron...I prefer Sathron.)
Manuel: The worst? *smiles* There have been many. A lot of them in French. Picking the worst would be hard. nd also I'd rather not offend you with her sat in the same room.
Ashlea: of course Leri..
Sophia: I didn't get to Commander by being unable to take an insult, Manuel. *continues dancing*
*holds hands with Ashlea*
(Lol. Khione - Saphire Hunter, Reader of Star Inkbrights Mind.)
Manuel: *spins Sophia* I know. However some of them seemed rather personal. Even miss Tempest herself regretted saying then afterwards.
Ashlea: *smiles and settles into a slow dance with Leri, staying close to her*
Sophia: Now I want to know even more than before. *moves back to him*
*puts her helmet on Ashlea's shoulder*
Hey
Chi, my head is kind of private. Get out of it. XD
. . . Actually, stay in there. You might be able to make it work better. :)
@Silente: XD You're good at thinking up titles.
And I prefer Sathron too . . . Saffron is too fluffy. Sathron is cool. :)
(hey flick! @Star mm. I dont even know WHY I came up with Sathron...)
Manuel: You do? *smiles when she comes back on her own before quickly snuffing it out back to the neutral look*
Ashlea: *smiles, kissing the top of Leri's helmet gently*
Which do you know, then?
what is everyone up to?
@Silente: It reminds me of Sauron. :)
Hey Inky!
Um, drawing. :)
Sophia: Of course. It isn't every day I get personally insulted. Well actually, it happens more than I'd like, but that still doesn't change the fact I want to know.
*moves as close as she can against Ashlea*
Cool Star, Im listening to music XD
got kung fu later
Manuel: You have many enemies then?
Ashlea: *smiles, pretty much just swaying as opposed to dancing* love you Ler...
Uh.... :/ *Shrugs* I don't really remember, it was a long time ago.
Sophia: *laughs* Yes. Yes, I do. So what was it Silente said?
*sways with her* ... I love you, too... So much...
(Hey Sil, just noticed ur ded
brilliant XD)
@Inky: I'm going to start listening to music with my drawing . . . I just keep getting distracted on the way. :P
Manuel: *smiles at her laughs and the fact his distraction didn't work* Hmmm..let my try think of one of the less bad ones...
Ashlea: I'm glad...I don't deserve you but I'm glad I have you...
I love drawing creepypasta
I drew eyeless jack eating a kidney sandwich, but in chibi form
Hey peeps!
I don't think I can draw chibis. :P
Hey Dugglyn! :)
(Being a Gentern in Repo...it'd be a compliment but It would be SOOOO weird... O_o)
(hey Duggie.)
Sophia: I want to know the worst.
... Of course you deserve me... You haven't done anything not to deserve me... I'm yours...
(you should totally watch it)
(hewwo Dugg)
(I want to Flick)
Manuel: The worst as it was said or the worst...watered down?
Ashlea: no, I really don't deserve you...but I'm glad you're mine. And I'm glad I'm yours too...
*walks over to Ashlea and Leri*
Hey guys, I just want to say I'm sorry. I have no idea what happened to me and I would never want to hurt you Ashlea. I don't even remember want happened. It's this blank spot in my memory. Almost as if someone messed with my emotions.
*she stops, her eyes widening*
My emotions......
*her eyes fill with fury*
Erica...
(has anyone seen the trailer for pride?)
Alright. *pulls her into frame, and leads her through a waltz step* How is this?
Sophia: As it was said. Word for word.
... You scared me, Dugglyn... And you hurt Ashlea...
... Erica? ... Erica did this? Bosh'tet...
(No I haven't Inky..)
Ashlea: its okay Dug...its...*shys away when her eyes fill with anger* D-Dug?
(Just wondering cos I saw it in the flicks today and it is set in wales...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZfFvsKDuUU)
*hangs her head*
I'm so sorry....
I understand if you don't forgive me but I had to say sorry and I want you to know I will help protect you guys from anyone who tries to hurt you.
*she looks up*
And yes, Erica makes sense...
Manuel: Okay...empty your mind please.
... I... I forgive you Dugglyn... It wasn't you who was doing it... It was Erica... Thank you...
Erica and James: *are at the food table*
Sophia: Why?
Ashlea: it was Erica?
Oh, Ash that wasn't for you! It was Erica. I'm pretty sure she was responsible for this....
Manuel: You said you wanted it word for word. The best way for me to do that would be to project it into your mind. That is if you aren't opposed to that?
I'm gonna talk to her....
*walks over to Erica*
*her voice is hard*
Hello Erica.
*bursts in* Hellloooo
Sophia: Yes, I'm opposed to it. If I wanted to get mindfucked, I'd go and get myself indoctrinated. I just want to know what she said.
Erica: Hello Dugglyn darling. You're looking well.
"I'm so sorry....
I understand if you don't forgive me but I had to say sorry and I want you to know I will help protect you guys from anyone who tries to hurt you."
That was a really good apology. :O
*Moves through it slowly with him, looking down at her feet to try to move correctly*
Manuel: *blinks* Oh. Forgive me. I..didn't mean to intrude. 'What does that worthless metal bitch know about me! She's even more screwed up. Why is she even fucking here no one wants her here! No one likes her! Not her boyfriend, i bet her parents were happy to get away from that trigger happy psycho of a failure!' That was one of her worst. *steps slightly away from Sophia, making the gap between then bigger*
*hiccups* s s soooo *slurs* w w whaaat isssss yooooouuuu tallllking aboooout?
(Thanks Star! :))))))
Oh yes, thanks Erica.
Especially for yesterday.
What was that all about?!
Why would you do that, disrupt the ball and make me hate Ashlea?!
And give me at least one good reason why I shouldn't kill you right. Now.
Sophia: Hm. I expected it to be a bit more insulting, if I'm honest. She called me metal?
Erica: *laughs* forgive me Dugglyn. I simply couldn't resist making a little drama.
Manuel: *is looking at his feet now, as if he needs to concentrate on his steps* I presume the ones in French are worse. And yes, she was referring to how you usually are in your armour.
Sophia: I've had worse. *moves closer to him again* Thanks for telling me.
I better get ready byii
Manuel: *looks up when she gets closer* Of course. You asked, what else was I to do? The information involved you. You had a right to know.
*is about to attack Erica when she stops*
I'll be right back...
*walks over to Sophia and Manuel*
Sorry for interrupting but Sophia, if someone lets just say Erica, were to make you really hate, and try to kill someone, let's just say Ashlea. Afterwards would you be allowed to kill Erica?
Sophia: Still.
*looks at Dugglyn* I'm not stupid. I was there last night. You don't have to speak theoretically. Of course I would be allowed to kill Erica.
Soy sauce, I felt like it. So can I do it? Or at least hurt her?
Manuel: *looks at Dugglyn, stepping slightly back from Sophia* We are at a ball remember. Not a brawl.
Sophia: Kill her. *rolls up her dress and draws one of her pistols, and gives it to Dugglyn*
Sophia: Manuel, are you scared of me?
Manuel: Of course not Sophia. Why do you ask?
*gives an apologetic to Manuel. She hadn't realized what had been happening*
I know, but she made me try to kill Ashlea and almost got me killed!
Sophia: You step away from me as soon as we mention violence.
*takes the gun*
Thanks!
(Brb breakfast!)
Manuel: No. I do not fear you. I was simply trying to be respectful.
*pulls her closer, so she can't look at her feet* Proper form is to look up and to the left, not down, love.
Sophia: It's no problem, Dugglyn. Just take her out as soon as you get chance. Don't mess around. Kill her before she has chance to manipulate you.
Sophia: Respectful, how?
Manuel: Respectful as in not intruding on personal space.
But I'll mess up if I don't look!
Sophia: Ah. Thank you.
Manuel: You're welcome. I meant no disrespect towards you.
Sophia: That's good. Shall we continue dancing?
Manuel: Indeed. *takes up position again and resumes the dance* Have you gotten used to the dress yet?
Sophia: I think so. *starts dancing again* I still would rather be in my armour. And I still don't like the back of it. But it isn't too bad.
Manuel: *nods* At least you are slightly more used to it now. That way it won't be a distraction should anything happen. *spins her*
Have faith in yourself. You won't have to look if you follow my cues. Step back when I lean forward, forward when I lean back, and to the side when I move you there. *leads her through a few basic steps, not letting her look at her feet*
Sophia: *moves back to him again* What kind of things would it distract me from?
*Stumbles a little through the steps, but tries her hardest; she's done this before, but it's always been hard to do*
Manuel: Any number of things that could happen. Even a slight distraction can be dangerous after all. And you are on guard are you not?
Sophia: I am. It's a reflex. I am always ready.
There, darling, you haven't messed up yet. *attempts to lead her through a turn*
Manuel: *nods* Not a bad reflect to have. Unless you allow it to prevent you from relaxing now and again.
(Back!)
*hides the gun in the folds of her skirt and skips over to Erica*
Hello! I'm back!
Sophia: I don't relax. I'm bad at relaxing.
(Food brb.)
(Kk Draggie! ^.^)
(Kk.)
Manuel: You should. Relaxing can sharpen your senses. Make you more aware and more focused. It's good for you.
*Does her absolute best to do it correctly, and likes to thing that she did it well, though she can't tell*
Erica: *pulls James close and whispers something to him*
*the both disappear, James returning a moment later without her*
(Forget that!)
(Back.)
*manually curses*
*smiles at James*
Where'd Erica go?
(Gtg. Going on a boat. Will be back in about 30 minutes (?)))
Sophia: How can relaxing make me more focused? Relaxing will make me less focused on what actually matters. I don't need a rest.
Manuel: Allowing your brain time to relax rejuvenates it. It's much like if you stay awake all night you are tired and struggle to focus in the morning. But if you allow yourself to sleep you aren't.
Sophia: I am fine. *continues to dance*
Manuel: If you insist. *spins her* although you should relax at some point.
Almost filled this post!
GHOST CHICKENS IN THE SKY!!!!!!!!!
I know you want to eat my mom and I don't know if you want it to be neighbors and friends house is not that I!
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