What a year that was...
2014 saw the final part of my EPIC nine-book series reaching the shelves, and there was much rejoicing. It was a bit of a scramble to get it written in time, as it generally is, but this book achieved everything I wanted it to achieve, and so I remain immensely proud of it. The ninth book, and the events that transpire within it, had been a secret I'd been keeping for seven years, and it was such a relief to get it out there. Sure, I didn't tie up every last plot thread — in some cases I just ran out of time, in others I decided to be mean and simply not resolve stuff — but it was a fitting send-off, I think.
The publication saw another astonishing Tom Percival cover, plus a very limited black edition which, as it turned out, was an extraordinarily clever bit of marketing by yours truly. It meant that the excitement that first morning was ELECTRIC as everyone rushed to search through each shop. That wasn't my original intent — I just wanted a cool black book — but to follow the tweets that morning as each copy got snapped up... that was awesome.
The reaction to the book was exactly what I wanted, also. True, there was some confusion over the chapters that ended mid-sentence, but all in all, readers understood what I was doing. And then to catch you all out right at the end....
... glorious...
The Dying of the Light got me back touring, of course, and we fit in the Requiem Ball and the Theatre of Shadows, and I once again visited New Zealand and Australia and met loads of enthusiastic readers. If ever my ego was in need of a boost...
And then I got home, and got to work on the NEW book.
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«Oldest ‹Older 3601 – 3800 of 4884 Newer› Newest»(No problem Scarlet and okay, thank you for the tip *smiles* )
(Hello Clara, I'm Shannon and I'm good thank you,
How are you? )
*hugs Clara*
Hey!
*agrees that all that matters is she's on now*
I'm doing fine. How About you?
(Oh no, Clara, phone battery no...
XD hey, Clara!)
*pokes Clara*
You know me, just not with this name. Please stay!
*reluctantly gets hugged*
I'm doing quite well, thank you, Scarlet! I've got quite a lot of schoolwork to do today, but I'll march through it like a brave little soldier, and all that.
And it's a pleasure to meet you, Shannon.
*thinks for a second, frowning*
Ah! What if I cut off one of your arms? Then you won't need as much blood and I can drain you!
*smiles, nodding*
Tia, stop playing with my heart!
*clutches chest*
Your phone battery is such a cruel master!
(And you Clara (a pleasure ) )
*looks horrified at Tanya* no! I need my arms!
*mumbles*
Knew something like that was going to happen...
Good luck with it, Clara!!
(*plays with Clara's hair*
Something something your favourite vampire is plotting to kill you something something.)
Bbs.
Oh Tia, if my favorite vampire were NOT planning to kill me, I would assume something was terribly wrong.
*gently pries off Tia's hand*
Enjoying my ginger/apricot shampoo, are you?
(*hugs Scar*)
You'll still have an arm, calm down!
Hug?
*reaches to embrace Shannon*
(Massaging your head is so soothing... ahh...
Just watch out, ok? Sil can be dangerous.)
. . . If my well-being is of such importance to you, then of course I will watch my back.
But understand this: I am not afraid of her.
*hugs and gives Tanya a suspicious look as we do* I need both arms though...
(Okay Scarlet )
*purrs* Of course.
*sinks her fangs into Shannon's neck, drinking her blood as fast as she can*
*is back and wonders why Tia, seemingly at random, decided to hug her*
*hugs back*
My author is finally beginning to get my personality right. And we're both actually happy with this outcome.
*smiles quickly that disappears a moment later as she mumbles*
Sure took some time though.
Of course not.
But it would be a shame for your hotel business if someone were to publish an article with the headline "Guest killed at Midnight Hotel by crazed vampire. Customer service 0/10"
(That's good, Scar...)
*frowns*
Is that an ill-disguised threat, Tia, or a poke at my hotel security?
Clara, you have a hotel? Cool *smiles* )
(hello again Scarlet )
*shouts* hey! Get off my neck! *pulls out of the hug*
I do indeed, Shannon. I inherited it after The Incident.
*right eye twitches*
It is my hotel now, as chaotic as it may be at times.
Okay sounds cool, it must be fun running a hotel *nods* probably difficult at times though?)
*closes eyes and sighs heavily*
You have no idea.
What with my arch-nemesis constantly stopping by to slaughter my guests and/or myself, and the sentient towels that have to be caught and knocked unconscious before they can be used, it's quite a bit more trouble than it's worth. Honestly, some days I feel like just quitting my life and becoming a pirate instead.
*licks blood off her teeth*
Oh, you do taste wonderful. I'm afraid I can't stop now. Not after this.
*pulls out a dagger, and approaches Shannon slowly*
...
It can be both, Clara, or neither. It is not my place to tell you to tighten up your security, nor my place to threaten you, so I won't do it.
But if Silente steps one foot inside the hotel... you'll regret it.
Has there every been a time when she's set foot in my hotel and I haven't regretted it?
You seem very insistent that this time is far more important than all the other times. Have you perchance secreted some gold somewhere on my property that you're worried she's going to steal?
*ever
*hugs Tia again*
Just because MY personality is different, doesn't change the fact that my author is part of me... Just using a different way to show herself.
*adds quietly*
She's still here... But worried that she's not who she had been... She'll be okay. Hopefully soon...
No. But if someone gets killed in your hotel because you failed to protect said guest, you will be going to jail.
*crocodile smile* I haven't gone to jail yet, Tia.
Now, do you or do you not want a room?
Because if you don't, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave.
Promptly.
At once.
With great expediency.
(Yes... authors and characters and I'm not sure what I'm this is gibberish isn't it I'm sorry for gibberish, Scarlet.)
*wonders who this special 'guest' is*
*looks at the dagger and backs away slowly*
Yeah well, tough! No more blood for you!
(well have you ever considered killing your arch nemesis?
And sentient towels, they sound like nice things(?)
And pirates are cool *nods* so why not be a pirate, you know there's no restrictions on what you can do as a pirate )
I did kill my nemesis once.
It was on the deck of my pirate ship, and there was quite an awful lot of blood.
Fortunately, the towels cleaned it up for me. They can be quite accommodating when they try to be.
You're kicking me out unless I take a room? Really, Clara?
It's fine, Tia. Really.
To be honest, authors and characters kinda start to mix when it comes to me trying to role play. Sometimes I want to be different than myself, but then my character becomes me. Does that make sense?
*shakes her head*
Seems like I'm speaking gibberish too. :P
*pounces on her, trying to bite and suck out more blood*
I don't care to listen to you besmirching my honor any further, Tia. I assure you, no one will die on my watch. Besides . . .
*checks watch*
I have to relocate in a few minutes. And by relocate, I mean depart.
Yay for towels! *smiles* they're most helpful
Aw, does that mean you have to go, Clara? :(
Okay, I'll take a room so I'll stay with you for the foreseeable future.
*smiles*
How does your blood taste? Did Sil ever tell you?
Yes, would you like a towel? They make excellent pets, and I hear you can pit them against each other in the field of Pokémon battle.
Yes, Scarlet, I will have to go soon-ish.
And . . . no, Tia.
*swallows grimly*
*gives Tia the key to Room Io*
I remain ignorant of how my blood tastes.
(I was just about to say that you're all welcome to text me, but I no longer know my number.
My phone being bossy again :S)
*steps closer to her*
*purrs* Would you like to find out, Ms Crow?
Yes please Clara *nods* )
*is pounced upon* *pushes Tanya's fangs away from my neck*
Aww. *pouts at Clara* Well, it was good to talk to you for however brief it was! :)
*doesn't have a phone to text on anyway*
But there is skype, whenever I'm not busy. :)
I am . . . not eager, Tia.
*folds arms*
. . . And frankly, come to think of it, I don't believe Silente has ever tasted my blood either.
*looks Shannon in the eyes*
*laughs*
You don't even have magic do you?
*goes to subdue her arms*
*purrs* That's a shame. You probably taste as voluptuous as you look, Clara.
*raises an eyebrow*
I . . . I beg your pardon?
*sighs* you asked for it.... Thus bro dah! *blasts Tanya away from me*
I was hoping to stay until Clara leaves, but it seems that I must depart first.
Bye guys!
*hugs everyone and gives Shan another welcome cookie*
Farewell, Scarlet. You shall be missed.
Obviously, your good looks are not your defining characteristic, Clara, dear. You're a good thinker, one blessed with a... talented tongue.
(Bye, Scarlet! See you around!)
Goodbye Scarlet *hugs and accepts the cookie* )
*coughs*
Yes, well, um.
*turns furiously red*
*crosses arms*
*uncrosses them*
*crosses them again*
I, er, I have quite enough to deal with one vampire trying to seduce me, thank-you-very-much, I certainly don't need two, so if you please, er, I, um.
*coughs*
*adjusts glasses*
(*grins* Hello Tia, Clara, just the people I wanted to see...)
*is blasted halfway across the field, but lands on her feet in a very feline crouch*
*jogs back to Shannon*
Well done! You passed.
*throws a tiny first aid kit at Shannon*
I have a small amount of healing magic, if you'd trust me to use it. If not, you can use that.
*points to the first aid kit*
VELVET!
I mean, Velvet! Thank the stars you're here!
*anxiously wipes off hands with moist towelette*
(*frowns* What's up?)
(Hello Velvet, I'm Shannon *smiles* nice to meet you )
*looks confused* passed what? *picks up the first aid kit* and I'll patch myself up *nods*
NOTHING. Nothing's up! Nothing at all!
*adjusts glasses*
*nods at Tia*
Yes, well, thank you for your, um, kind words, Tia. Run along now. Shoo.
*waves hands vaguely*
(*smiles* You too, have you been welcomed properly yet?)
(Hey, Seirsha! How are you?)
Silente is taken, she won't be bothering you in this way.
*looks concerned as Clara coughs* You need a drink. Does this hotel have a bar?
(Yes I have, thank you Vel (can I call you that?) Kas did it *nods* )
Does this hotel have a bar?
Does it have a bar?
Honestly, it's like you don't even know me.
*gestures to the bar, which is over near the kitchen*
Help yourself.
(Great thanks Tia!
Shannon, call me Velvet, Velv, Vel, Flo, Kayleigh, Kay or Seirsha, your choice!)
(Email Tia!)
Then let's go! :3
*gently takes Clara's hand, and walks towards the bar*
*gently extricates hand from Tia's*
*wipes it off with another towelette*
(Okay Velv )
*returns unfazed with bottles of various drinks and a glass in each hand*
*pours Clara some whiskey*
:3
(Sorry for poofing, had to go onto the computer downstairs to change my profile picture, please have worked, please...?!)
. . .
*takes the whiskey*
Tia, are you attempting to get me drunk?
(YUSSS!!!)
Ah, Velvet, your new picture is lovely!
(Thanks Clara!
TIA, CHECK YOUR BEEPING EMAIL AND REPLY... please...)
(I like your new profile pic Velv )
(Thanks Shannon, I like yours, is it a kind of Celtic Knot?)
(Wonderful pictures, both of you.
I have no email, Seirsha. Re-send?)
(Got it.)
(Okay Tia...)
*checks watch*
I'm afraid I have only 15 minutes left before I must depart.
(Haha, okay, there were two...)
(Okay Clara! How is the documenting thing coming on?)
The documenting? You mean the Blogland Archive?
*looks horrified* No! I'd never- you wanted a drink! You- I- Water! Here, water, drink water *hands her a glass of water*
(Yes Clara...)
Much better, thank you.
*sips the water*
And I never wanted a drink; you offered one. Though if you're offering me a drink from my own bar, it's rather more like me getting myself a drink.
Yes it is *nods and smiles* )
(Who wants to play a game?)
Why, thank you for asking! The Archive going very well. I'm almost through with 2009 and 2010, and have done a few posts out-of-sync just to amuse myself. It takes an entire day of work to do one 5000-comment post filled to the brim with role-play, so I'm restricting myself, and am now allowed to do no more than 2500 comments per session. That being said, progress is going well. I've got many, many things archived, and have actually written several of the beginning chapters of the book, detailing the beginning and earliest days of Blogland.
(Ah, I thought so Shannon!)
(That's so cool! I would have thought it would take months to do one post! What will you do when you get to posts in 2012 which we have gone back to to fill up?)
So, Clara, *shuffles towards her* it must be a lonely job, running this hotel all by yourself...
I'm very careful to date all the notes that I take, so I can put them in the appropriate order when it comes time to write them up. The earlier posts don't have many instances of people going back to them because they've run out of room elsewhere, so it's very simple with those. However, the later posts are more complicated so it's doubly important that I accurately date them.
Yes, I suppose it is quite lonely.
*oblivious*
I've learned to make do, however. I've been alone for much of my life.
I need to poof for a minute (just changing device)
*shuffles closer to her* Am I correct to assume that you have... neglected some of your most primal needs?
(That sounds hard Clara, do you have any idea when it will be finished or do you need any help or anything?)
(Ok, Shannon.)
*nods thoughtfully, taking another sip of water*
Why yes, I do forget to eat some days. And I often forget to leave the hotel for a bit of sun.
(I too would like to help, if possible.)
(Does no one want to play a game then... *pretends to be upset*)
I have no earthly idea when I'll be finished, or even if I'll finish at all. But I intend to give it my best shot!
If you like, I could email you the little beginning bits that I've already written. I'd love the know if the style I'm approaching the project with works well. I'd prefer to know now, rather than months down the road when I've already written most of the book.
(YES YES YES CLARA PLEASE!!!)
Oh, Clara, that's not what I mean.
*smiles and looks Clara in the eyes*
(Game?)
Also, I'd like to know all of your opinions about me maybe starting a new blog, specifically for me to post bits of the Blogland Archive as they become available. Of course, it would be updated very sporadically, but I feel like it's a nice idea.
(Yes a game!)
Very well then, Velvet, I'll email you momentarily!
(THANKYOURHANKYOUTHANKYOUIMSOEXCITED!!!)
*frowns in genuine confusion*
Then what do you mean, Tia?
*sets down the empty glass of water*
The email on your profile page works, yes?
(Okay!)
(im back )
*clears her throat from behind Tia*
*smiles venemously*
Mine.
(GAHH I HATE POST PEOPLE! FIRST THEY FAIL TO DELIEVER MY PARCEL, THEN THEY HOLD IT AT RANSOM NOW THEY'VE SENT IT TO THE DAMN POST OFFICE WHICH IS CLOSED NOW. AND I HAVE TO BABY SIT TOMORROW! ALL I WANT IS THIS DAMNED PARCEL!!!)
(Yes it does!)
(*blinks*
Oh look. New person. I like New people.)
(Dag nabit!)
(HEY SHANNON AND SIL, JUST IN TIME FOR A GAME, ITS CALLED GUESS THE SP CHARACTER, ONLY YES OR NO QUESTIONS!)
(*sighs*
*lays face down on the floor*)
*shuffles about nervously*
Well, you know... not being in a relationship, not going on dates, not... well, you know...
(*squeezes Jai* What's wrong Jai?...)
(@VELVET OH I THOUGHT YOU WERE PLAYING SAW TYPE GAMES!)
*swallows grimly*
Ah.
Silente.
(What do you mean saw type games?)
Velvet, the email has been sent.
(YAAAY CLARA THANK YOOOU!)
(*cuddles S* I'm a bit loose cannon-y. My mood is fluctuating. That's such a cool word. Fluc-tu-at-ing.. fluuuuuuuctuuuuaaaaatiiiiiing.)
*smiles at Clara*
Hello.
(@S I mean saw as in the movie. Jigsaw. Awesome guy.)
*walks up to Silente*
*grips her hand*
*hisses* I am in the middle of something here. Why do you seek to ruin every single thing I have that makes me happy?
(Hello Silente, I'm Shannon *smiles* )
(*whispers* Why are you hugging me you hate hugs... *hugs slowly*)
*smiles and Tia*
*pulls her close and kisses her cheek*
*quietly whispers*
She's hung up on a guy called Sir. Good luck gaining her heart.
*quietly observes the two vampires*
*takes a step back, turning faintly pink*
Ladies . . . please . . .
(Fine I won't hug you!
*doesn't hug S*
Hello Shannon! Tanya beat me to the welcome -_-)
(Well no, not that kind of "first one to chop off their arm wins!" Or whatever games they play, who wants to play?)
(Nooo! *grabs Jai and strokes her hair*)
(yes she did *smiles* *offers handshake* will that do?)
oi oi! hows it going my friends? )
It's going strangely, quite strangely, thank you for asking.
(*hugs S* hmph. *nods*
Hey Rhossy!
*looks at Shannons hand*
No no. Half measures shall not do. Hmmm..)
*glares at Sil* Did I ever tell you it was never going to work out between you and Beth? No, I didn't.
Did I tell Viv you were cheating on him? No, I didn't.
But do you show up and try to ruin my- my...
*breaks down and starts crying, going to Clara and pulling her into a hug, sobbing into her neck*
S-she said it won't work out between us...
*stands there stiffly, being clung to by Tia*
. . .
*raises both eyebrows, watching Tia*
Ummm..
*smiles at Clara and exits the hotel, figuring that'll annoy her enough for now*
your welcome Clars
hey Jai! *hugs* and its Rhossie not Rhossy )
Hello Shannon, welcome to blogland)
*through gritted teeth* Confound it, Silente, don't leave me with a sobbing vampire girl . . .
(*hugs Rhossy* no. Rhossie is chloes name for you.)
(do you want a hug then Sil (can I call you Sil? ) if a handshake won't do... )
(Hey, Rhos.)
I'm so stupid.
*takes a few swings of the whiskey, and runs after Sil*
*turns back and smiles at Clara*
I'm sorry what was that? You want me to stay?
(oh yeah good point Jai *nods* )
(@Shannon yeah you can call me Sil. Althoight author me prefers Jai.)
*watches as Tia follows Silente out*
*stares blankly*
*blinks*
*pours a tall whiskey and walks dizzily back to the desk, wondering what on earth to make of the recent proceedings*
*tacklehugs Sil*
I'm sorry!
(CLARA THAT IS BLOODY BRILLIANT!)
(hey Kas how be you? )
(how be you all?)
You like it, Velvet! I'm so glad!
And yes, all the things about Dragona and the lake and the bears are all true.
Ahh!
*is tackledhugged*
*grunts*
No need to be sorry. Go, get the girl. Never give up on love.
(I'm... not great. How are you?)
(That's so cool, is that when rp first started?)
(Okay Jai it is *nods* )
(Hello Cypher, thank you for the welcome *smiles*
And I'm doing good thank you how are you?)
(Does no one want to play? Fine, I'll play myself!
I'm thinking of an SP character...)
(*nods back*
Hmm..
Okay. Idea reached. Shannon, I wonder, would you care to rp?)
*tacklehugs Clara, and kisses her* :3
Yes it is, Velvet. Fascinating stuff, eh?
*sits behind the desk*
*wearily drinking*
. . . I wonder what my blood tastes like.
Probably Earl Gray.
(@Velvet is ittttt....female!)
(do you wan to talk about it Kas?
and im alright thank you )
(as i said above Shan (can i call you that? ) im alright thanks )
(I told you I want to play.
Tanya thinks she knows who the character is.)
*is suddenly hugged*
*pushes Tia away*
Tia! What in the world!
*panicked expression*
Compose yourself!
*hurriedly flips up coat collar and buttons it up to the throat*
(Yes! Was Dragona the only one to rp?)
(Food..)
(Yes you can call me Shan (that goes for everyone ) )
Dragona was the first to really push it and take it seriously. He inspired a lot of people to get into it.
(How can Tanya possibly no, I haven't answered any questions yet!
And yes Sil, it is female.)
(That's cool Clara, how will you write it when we get to the present day, loads of people rp at the same time and it could get a bit confusing...)
I already have plans for that, Velvet, but I shan't divulge them now. Spoilers.
(Haha, okay!)
(I've got to go now,
I might be back later
Thank you all for a great first day )
Come back soon, my dear Shannon.
(Tanya thinks it's Tanith.
*hugs Seirsha*)
*looks at Clara*
You... you didn't like it?
(Bye, Shannon!)
*looks quite put-out*
*holding Tia at arm's length*
I . . . do not care for physical displays of affection. Or any displays of affection. I do not know how to deal with them.
I thought you needed this... you've been alone for so long...
( Your welcome Shan, see you soon!
Well Tanya is wrong... *leans in front of Tia's face* HA!)
I need nothing and no one Tia.
*lets go of Tia*
*brushes off coat and wipes off hands*
As flattered as I am by your . . . display, you would be far better off pursuing someone else.
(*tacklehugs Seirsha*
Is she in the first trilogy?)
(Bye Shan, and your welcome! )
(Vel, my guess at this Character is Valkyrie?)
*sags* You don't mean that...
(No Tia, she is not in the first trilogy.
Rhos, do you really think I would do someone that obvious?)
(i don't know Vel are you?)
(If her nationality is mentioned, is she Irish?)
I do, Tia.
I have no affections for you whatsoever.
. . .
I'm sorry . . ?
(Is it that Australian girl! The one who
***LSODM SPOILERS!!!***
Tries to kill Fletcher?)
*leans against the door, watching Tia and Clara*
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