I... I think I've just sent in the first draft of the new book...
It's rough around the edges, with some bits missing, some chapters blank... I don't mind this at all, because when my agent and me editor look at a first draft like this, they're focussing on the big picture, things like;
Does the story make sense?
Does the story work?
Are the characters consistent?
Is it as tense as it needs to be?
Does it have enough pace?
Is the book any GOOD?
These are all things I don't know, because when your head is down and you're working away, you can't look up and step back far enough to see how everything slots together. I hope they don't have any major issues with it. I hope they like it. I hope they think it's GOOD.
As I explained in a previous post, I scrapped most of what I'd written for this book at the end of December and started again. In the last month, I've had to average about twice my usual daily word amount to reach the deadline. It has been as HELLISH as it has been rewarding. I've barely been able to take any breaks, not even for twitter. The work isn't over, of course it's not, there's still a lot to do — and if my editor or agent find any major flaws in the book, that work will double.
But I managed it. I got the first draft done by writing twice as much per day as usual, and the only way I could do that was by having ridiculous amounts of fun. I wish I could tell you about it — I wish I could tell you the title that spun it off in this brand new direction — but all these things are yet to come.
Right now, though, we are gearing up to release the Armageddon Outta Here paperback in two days. As usual, I found myself in a Catch-22 position. I had a paperback coming out of a book most of you already bought in hardback (or trade paperback — the hardback-sized paperbacks), and I know a lot of you would want every edition available — because you're uber-geeks, just like me. So I wanted to give you an extra story or two (or three, as it turned out) to make it worthwhile. Of course, by including new stories, it kinda also makes people who were NOT intending to buy the paperback want to buy it, cuz they want the new stuff.
I don't like making my readers buy multiple copies of my books. If you want to, hey, go right ahead, I won't stop you, but I've never wanted anyone to feel left out if they don't buy every edition. There are some things, unfortunately, that I can't win no matter what I do. So apologies, for those who feel like they ARE missing out. That was not my intention.
But what ARE these new stories? Well, for those Billy-Ray fans out there, two of these stories are about him. They were sequences that just wouldn't fit in the last few books. Death and Texas throws our favourite hit man deluxe into a Texas Chainsaw Massacre situation, with a notable twist. Eye of the Beholder, meanwhile, explores some of his history — including how and why he lost his eyes.
And then there's Theatre of Shadows. The original version of this was written in an afternoon, behind the scenes at the roleplaying event in Dublin last year. It was at this time that I learned one very important lesson about writing — don't try to write and publish a story in the same day.
The original was flawed. This new version is radically different, and it takes the original's place in canon. So that story that was sent to everyone who took part is now a one-off, never to be reprinted.
There are some other, minor changes to one or two other stories in the collection. For instance, I noticed a mistake too late in Across a Dark Plain, which made a mess of where the story sits in continuity. This mistake is now fixed, as will be a corresponding mistake in one of the books. Remember when the Dead Men were talking about the war, and Shudder's birthday? There was a pretty significant typo that I hadn't spotted, which basically set that story a hundred years after I had meant it to take place. All that is now changed, and once again the stories make sense.
I think.
The paperback is out on Thursday, and right now I'm going to go shopping. The cupboards are bare. I won't be able to poke my head up for too long, though — I got work to do.
Good thing I love it.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
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«Oldest ‹Older 601 – 800 of 4750 Newer› Newest»(Hey Soph!)
Oh God..one sec!
*grabs a pan*
Okay...
Annabelle: *squeezes her eyes shut, hiding behind the other white wolf*
Cole; *smells wolves* shoot *changes and stealthily enters*
Annabelle: *flattens herself as much as possible, hiding behind Jesa, hoping it'll mask her, especially considering Jesa will have her scent on her..*
(*nudges Jesa's author*)
Jesa - *Jumps up at the sound of cole*
*Looks at Annabelle*
*Doesn't know what to do*
*It would be better if she went back to her family but she doesn't want to*
*Looks back at her*
Annabelle: *whines gently, watching Jesa*
(Dammit I have to go now
Sayonara)
(oh. Bye Chloe xD)
Bethany: *pods of peas start tumbling from her hands into the pan, until there are twenty*
*places the pan on the table*
Okay..I'll get some beef in a bit..
(Well that's that RP gone.
John isn't here so that's my other one gone.)
(*CUDDLES ARIA TIGHTLY*)
Bethany: *she nods and smiles* Are you alright?
(*Hugs Jai tightly*)
*smiles*
I am. It's just a LOT of cooking and I've never really..cooked much before.
(*whispers*
You're brilliant Aria.
*nudges and smile*
*awkwardly kisses her forehead*)
Bethany: Would you like me to do it? I'm fine. I could create the beef already cooked...
(*Mumbles about her being far from brilliant*
*Cuddles into Jaimie*)
*blinks*
That...would be very helpful..
(*cuddles back*
Shh. You're brilliant.)
(*hugs Aria and Jaimie*
*isn't here*)
Bethany: You can go and sit down. Let me do everything. I know how to cook.
(No I'm not...stop saying I am. It annoys me.
*Looks away from her*)
Okay..
*sighs and kisses her passionately, crushing their lips together*
*steps back, smiling*
You're a life saver Beth.
(oh..
*mumbles*
Sorry..)
Bethany: *kisses her passionately back* I'm a work saver, not a life saver. How long until Liliana will be here?
*smiles*
Life saver too. And maybe an hour? You never can know with her..I'll tell Claire to get dressed?
Bethany: *she nods* Okay. *she forms a knife in her hand, starting to peel the carrots*
*smiles and wanders off to find Claire*
Hey, where's the ninja hiding?
Claire: *she looks down at Silente, as she is walking upside down on the roof* Hm? Oh, sorry, I just wanted to know whether I could do this. Keeping myself upside down using telekinetic energy. Cool, right?
*looks up*
Wow. Yeah, cool. Try not to...fall. Or hurt yourself..any way little miss ninja needs to get dressed. Drop down?
*holds arms out to catch her, smiling*
Claire: *she sighs and drops*
(*is ghosting*)
*catches her gently, half cradling her*
*smiles at her, kissing her forehead before setting her down gently*
Get dressed. Liliana will probably be here soon.
Claire: What should I wear? I don't really have any clothes here...
Hmm..how about we go clothes shopping? We've got time if we're quick.
Claire: *she sighs* Okay. But you remember how that worked out last time?
Important question:
How compatible do you guys (my friends) think Garky is?
In other words
How shippable is it? )
(*hugs ARIA*)
Hopefully there won't be any bitches this time...how's Stacey anyway?
(@Rhos I think it's shippable. You're good together.)
(*Cuddles into Jai*
Very shippable, Rhossy.
You're so cute together...)
(*smiles, holding her close*
I'm glad you think your uni tests when well Sis.)
Claire: She's fine. We swapped phone numbers and she texts every few days but I haven't seen her since. So are we going?
What Aria said, Rhos. :)
*nods and opens a portal*
Good to know you have a friend. Oh! Wait. Money.
*holds her hand out pointedly*
I'm not letting you pay.
(Thanks Jai. I'm happy that I think they went well too.)
*huggles Jai, Gem and star tightly*
Thank you my lovelies,
Just thank you *smiles*
I loves you like I love any of my friends (so not proper love, but the love you give to friends,
My love is reserved for Chlo )
Claire: I have more money than you. I'm paying. They're my clothes.
Bethany: I hope you have a nice time.
Extremely shippable. You guys are so sweet together!
*whispers*
Beth and Sil made a deal...
They weren't supposed to no matter how unharmful it seemed... O.O Will anything bad happen? Find out next time!
(@Aria hey, you better not forget our plan ;)
*smiles*
Will do Beth!
*raises an eyebrow at Claire*
We'll see..
Claire: No, we won't. I'm paying. *she steps through the portal*
(thank you Dug *huggles you tightly* )
(hmm. I didn't notice that Dug xD)
Mhmm. Sure.
*steps through after her, to a large shopping centre*
That's what you think.
(Of course not. It's a 3 year course.)
(3 years? Hmm..not sure I'll even be there in threeyears D: )
*hugs Gar*
It's true.
I wonder if the deal is going to explode...!
(We'll figure something out Jai. Maybe i'll...go back for another course...
Or I could always take a gap year...)
(xD I doubt it'll explode Dug. What's the worst that could happen?
...actually that's a bad question...
Lil could lure Onwa out...
Min could show up with all four of them together...
Or Archeos...
Hmmm...)
(@Aria yeah...Maybe...what course are you taking anyway? :D )
Never, ever say that XD
*smiles* Dug you are a legend my friend
Gem
You are legend
Jai
You are a legend
Star
You are a legend
Chloe
You are a legend
Just everyone here is a legend okay (so basically you are all really awesome! )
So all of you
Stay awesome!
Or I'll find you and remind you in person! )
(...
*mutely disagrees with Rhos's view of her but otherwise agrees with his comment*
@Dug agreed. NEVER ask that question. Or say "it cant get any worse")
(Adult nursing.
You know, I was joking.
I didn't think you would actually put my life on hold just so we can go to university together.
We could still share a flat...)
(*nods*
Yeah, I get that. And maybe..if you still wanted to after you'd left uni..although you'd probably be wanting to move in with someone else by then..)
(No, I promised you.)
(*grunts* people break promises all the time. I'd hardly hold you to a promise you made with no prior planning.)
Claire: You're not paying! *she sighs* Right, where's a shop which sells nice clothes?
Who has the credit cards? Exactly.
*points at about 5 different shops*
Clothes.
Claire: *she pulls a wad of cash out from a pocket in her onesie* Who is the one who actually uses cash rather than cards which can be traced?
*she starts to walk towards the nearest one*
*frowns*
Ahem.
*casually opens her jacket as if to look in a pocket, opening a portal to her vault*
*which is full of £50 notes, wadded up*
That'd be me also.
YES. FIVE DIFFERENT CLOTHES SHOPS IN ONE VIEW.
MERCHANTS OF THE SAME TYPE LIKE TO CLUMP TOGETHER. I GUESS THEY'RE LIKE FISH. WHERE YOU FIND ONE, YOU'LL FIND OTHERS. THE SAME COULD BE SAID OF IDEAS.
*totally isn't paraphrasing the Stormlight Archive again*
*hugs Rhos*
We friendship-love you too. :)
Claire: You're mean. *she smiles, entering the shop* Right. Clothes. What do nice clothes look like?
(thank you jai for agreeing to my thoughts on you guys here
And you are a legend,
Trust me on that
If you aren't a legend
My name isn't Rhos
And the last them i looked
My name is Rhos
So yeah you can see where im going with this
Jai = legend )
*smiles smugly*
Yes I am. And who sleeps with money??
*shakes head*
Nice clothes look nice. Just shop around, pick what you like. May as well stock up a wardrobe for you. Oh, and at least one dress, formalish..
(I don't know for sure that your name IS Rhos. It could be Peter.)
Claire: That makes me sound horrible... You don't know when you'd need some money.
*she thinks for a moment, immediately moving to a long purple top* I like this. I think. How do I know if I like some clothes?
(awwww thank you Star )
Well trust me on that too jai
Me = Rhos
Jai = legend
Dead easy
*now ghosts because my point is made* )
Well, for example
*grabs a flowery blouse that wouldn't really flatter anyone*
Imagine yourself wearing this. How does that make you feel?
Claire: I would want to take off that blouse and push it into a blender, then incinerate it, then blow it up with a grenade, and then feed it to a donkey.
*tilts head*
Poor donkey. And imagine yourself wearing that
*nods at the purple top*
How does THAT make you feel?
Claire: I want to see if it fits?
Claire: How do I know if I like some clothes?
OHMYGOSH THAT'S TOTALLY HOW I FEEL
WHEN I GO SHOPPING WITH FRIENDS THEY ALL SEEM TO HAEV INNATE BUILT-IN FASHION SENSE THAT TELLS THEM WHAT'S NICE AND WHAT'S NOT, AND I'M JUST STANDING THERE LIKE "DID ONE OF MY GENES GET MISSED OUT?" :P
I just don't find shopping fun, as well. Like . . . you just wander around and look at a load of stuff. Fun, how? :/
When you're with your friends shopping is fun, but that's not beacuse of the shopping, that's beacuse you're with your friends.
I think I have more of a fashion sense than I did a few months ago, thinking about it, but still.
(Silente Tempest (Jai) said...
(*grunts* people break promises all the time.)
January 28, 2015 at 8:47 PM
Truer words have never been spoken.)
Hey
hey hey folks
What do you call those places you go to eat food that aren't restaurants but aren't cafés, they're sort of inbetween? I just call them 'places to eat' but idk how to translate that into German, so . . . :P
Then you like it. Grab it and keep browsing.
(*Hugs John*)
"Someone has to do what is right, BEACUSE it is right. If someone doesn't start, others cannot follow."
- Lirin, The Ways of Kings, the Stormlight Archive, Brandon Sanderson.
Just because people break promises all the time doesn't mean you should go and break them, necessarily, although I saw what Jai's point at the time and I would also say that it would be okay for Gemma to break her promise. :P
Oh I hate shopping.
Claire: But... I don't really feel anything? I want to try it on to see if it fits because I literally can see nothing else that I don't want to feed to a donkey. But I don't know if I like it or not... Normally I can tell if I do or I don't but I just don't know? There's nothing there. At the minute I'm thinking of other people and whether they would like it or not but... That's probably not right?
A diner, Ms. Inkbright?
(Hello Sir.)
Well...you can think of what others would think of it, or you can think about if its comfy, and if you'd WANT to wear it. I like tight fitting black clothes, that's generally my style. Some people like block colours, some like stripes, others floral
Claire: *she sighs, picking up the top in her size* Alright. I want to see if this fits... *she grasps a black leather jacket from a rack* Maybe one of these, too.
[Appears]
[Gives Sir a mop]
[Mutters something about walruses and balloons]
[Nods]
[Disappears]
*smiles*
The leather jacket I can imagine you wearing. Want to look at more tops or find trousers?
Claire: I'd like to find some jeans...
*nods, steering her towards jeans and underwear*
@Sir: We don't use that word in England.
. . .
But I geuss they might do in Germany. :P Thanks. :)
Claire: I definitely don't need any underwear. *she finds a rack of dark blue jeans and starts to look through them*
*glances at the underwear*
Ohh....Beth would like that..
*smiles at Claire*
Be right back.
*darts into the underwear section*
Claire: *she rolls her eyes, taking some jeans from the rack* *she decides she doesn't need to try them on - she can always return them* *she can also buy them whilst Silente is preoccupied* *she moves to the checkout, paying for her clothing with her cash* *she stands at the exit of the shop, waiting for Silente*
(Hello. Never did get that rant to you, Star. I'll write it now.)
*ends up buying way too much underwear*
*frowns where Claire isn't by the jeans anymore*
*sighs irritably*
Fine. I'm paying for the rest of her clothes. And I'm buying her something else...eventually.
*walks to the exit, scowling*
Claire: *she grins* And now we can go home.
Nope. You didn't get a dress. And just to spite you, I'm buying you a damn expensive dress. Or a suit, depending how much you hate the dresses. Plus you bought hardly anything. Come on, next shop.
Okay, Kas. :) :)
(Sil and Claire. :))
*can't seem to stop writing in French -_-* *nous avons, avec, je préférais, mais, donc, les magazines, beaucoup de, supermarché* *it's not worn off yet and it's getting really annoying because I can't remember a thing in German*
Ok. Supernatural is cool
Though my mom wouldn't like it.
(xD aww poor star! *was going to say German words but doesn't KNOW any German words..*)
Claire: I don't need any! I'm fine.
Mhmm. Too bad midget. Come on
*grins*
Or I'm buying you the floral blouse.
@Dugglyn: My friend B is OBSESSED with Supernatural.
She's about as obsessed with it as I am with the Stormglith Archive, put it that way. :P
@Sil: Yeah. :( :( :( :( :(
I've been writing in German for longer now than I was when I did my French homework yesteday (I've listened to about twice the amount of music), and I had an hour of German lesson today and no French, so I don't know why my head is still talking in French but :(.
they should have telepathic ninja owls in it.
Do you know if they do Star?
Claire: *she sighs* Fine... At least let me see your card? They're pretty.
(@Star :( bad French.
*is looking out of the skylight above her head trying to work out if its snowing*)
*raises an eyebrow*
You want to see my credit card, because it's 'pretty'?
(...okay I cant tell. Time for plan B, aka stick my head outside.)
(*runs back in and dives under the covers shivering*)
Claire: ... Yes, I like credit cards, okay?
*rolls her eyes*
I don't believe you in the slightest.
*hands her credit card over*
Claire: *she smiles, taking it* Pretty... I think I might keep it. *pockets the credit card*
(I will be back soon.)
*sighs and rolls her eyes*
That's called theft.
*shakes head*
Even if you do, it's still my money. And I still HAVE my money ready to use. Plus, you don't know the pin.
@Jai: :(
@Dugglyn: I don't think so. :P
(Okay. It HAS snowed however isn't doing so at the moment. But I THINK it's cloudy..)
(@Star email...)
(I am back.)
Claire: I have a pin decoder at my house. Ha!
(Welcome back!)
And I have at least five other cards. Please, feel free to keep that one.
*grins, pulling her into the next clothes shop*
Now. Shop, or I shop for you..
Claire: Fine... If you're paying, could I have some money? What am I looking for, again?
Clothes that you like. And a dress.
*opens her coat again, making the portal*
*reaches in, grabbing a wad of £50 notes that roughly adds up to £2500*
*hands it to Claire*
Claire: Thanks. *she pockets it* *she sighs, wandering over to a black dress* This?
*nods*
That's nice. You don't sound like you Like it though?
Claire: I don't like dresses... When you're a child, you can wear them. When you're like twenty, you can wear them. Because as a child you look childish, and as an adult you look sophisticated. But there's nothing for someone of my age... I'm fine with the clothes I have.
*nods*
Okay. Just find clothes you like.
Claire: I do have clothes at my house... I'm honestly fine with what I have.
*sighs*
Fine..but you're keeping that money. And the card. We'll pick up some of your clothes on the way. Oh, and I've something to show you.
*grins*
*opens a portal to Claire's old house*
Claire: Okay? *she walks through the portal* I really don't need any more money...
I know, but still.
*walks to Claire's wardrobe, carefully taking a few shirts, then some trousers*
..you can hold your own underwear..
Claire: Okay. *she takes some of her underwear from the wardrobe*
*nods*
Hmm..home then surprise.
*opens a portal back home, to Claire's room, stepping through*
Claire: *she places her clothes on her bed* Surprise now?
*places the clothes down and rolls her eyes*
Okay. But clothes straight after..unless it's tea time..
*shrugs*
Blind fold.
(@Aria A-W-K-W-A-R-D)
HEY GUYYYYYYS
I'D JUST LIKE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT SNOW IS A WEIRDO
OKAY
BYE NOW
<3
(Hi/bye and that is a very peculiar thought!)
THAT'S TRUE
SHE'S ALSO AWESOME
*gasps in shock*
I missed J!
(*cuddles Duggy and Danni*)
*cuddles Kas back*
(*smiles*
How are you two?)
I'm good. You should be asleep, though. How are you?
(I'll sleep later.)
*cuddles Kas and Danni*
Purple!
(I'm as well as I can be, after Sophia called me-
Anyways, I called Aria by accident and panicked and she called back and I answered and we talked for a few seconds and it was awkward so then we texted and that was good but I'm looking forward to calling her again once I overcome my shyness.
So... any plans for today?)
You should sleep now...
*cuddles Kas tighter*
Sleep...
Hay Dug!
(Purple! How are you doing, Duggy?)
Me? I've got to organise tomorrow's picnic by the lake, figure out what we're all eating, who's illergic to what, who is coming, how long it'll take, what we'll do after... All that stuff...
You?
Mine?!
(That sounds like fun... to someone who enjoys planning things like this. Do you enjoy planning things like the picnic?
I plan to sleep. *nods*)
(@Rhos typical thief! :)
Right I'll use this later!
Anyone steals this ded
I'll be very grump
And no one likes me grumpy....
So goodnight
And this better still be here tomorrow un used so I can use it!
You have been warned....
*disappears for sleep*
(Good night, Rhos!)
And Kas
I need this ded!
So no touchy!
I absolutely loathe planning things... However, this time calls for drastic measures... And no one else wanted to plan it...
Night Rhos!
Also, Kas, don't you dare listen to Sophia. She killed me once. She's bad.
(I thought Rose is over the whole Death thing?)
(Pun not intended.)
Hmmm... I believe that I have to go now...
*leaves hugs on a platinum platter and vanishes*
(*hugs and watches Danni leave*
Bye!)
(...
I'll probably disappear soon.
If I do, I wish you all a good night!)
I missed Rose....
By a hour... Damn...
No. I am here.
I simply have been ghosting every once in a while.
Hey :)
*smiles* Hey there. *hugs her close*
(*Suddenly appears*)
*hugs Loki back and waves to J*
Hi. Loki, can we talk for a moment? About us...?
Yes, if that is what you wish. *is slightly nervous*
((If I vanish I fell asleep, I am sorry in advanced. I swear tomorrow night I'll be on! I have off Friday.-Zaf))
*sighs*
Loki... I've been thinking about us a lot recently and I've come to realise something... You know how people talk about the spark or connection between people...? It's gone. I can't feel it anymore... It used to be there and now it's gone.
*pulls away and rubs her arms*
I appreciate all that you've done for me and the love and care you've shown me, but I don't think I can do this anymore...
*sighs* Of course. When I care for a person, I lose them. First Frigga, now you. I can't do a lot, and I do not want to lose another person. I've kept myself from doing things because I thought how you would feel, and I could not bear the thought of you upset. Yet, here I am, once again, losing someone I care for. I knew I was cursed. Odin said I was not....but I am. Destined to lose everyone I care for. Zanida, you, Frigga, the twins...I should have died that day Odin found me. He was right.
Loki, no. You're not cursed. I still care for you, and I always will. I just don't know if I can do this anymore. I appreciate that you have done so much for me and you've changed so much and you've done so many amazing things...
I never wanted to hurt you, and I still don't. I don't want to see you upset either... I just can't do this if there's no spark...
There hardly was a chance with me as king, but I am no longer. I will do anything to bring it back....I will. I cannot mess this up.
((He is rambling and i am sleepy. *hugs Rose* I need sleep, Aussie. Tomorrow my night time I'll be on.-Zaf
(*Pokes his head out of the bomb shelter*
Well that went well.)
Loki... I think it's been gone too long... I'm sorry...
(Goodnight, Zaf. I'll see you then if I'm not at the picnic)
(Surprisingly...
*hugs J*
I don't know what to do anymore...)
(*Hugs her tightly*
Who ever actually knows what they're doing? It'll be fine.
Kill me now, please.
*curls up*
(Nope.
*Curls up with her*
No dying for you.)
I hate you sometimes...
*curls into J's chest*
*Still deciding whether I am more excited or more terrified for the new series*
Hey Xyle! Been a while, eh?
(Nah, you love me.
*Boops his nose against hers*)
Hi there Kilandra, I don't think we've met..?
But I hate you right now....
*Scrunches up her nose*
Meanie...
(Because I'm not gonna let you die? Yup I sure am a big old meanie.
*Grins and boops her nose again*)
Yeah, not enough hours in the day I suppose. :)
Pleasure to make your acquaintance! You can call me Andra...or Kil...or Kilandra...or what ever you prefer really.
Exactly!
*Bops his nose back with hers*
Meanie.
Or J, you can be completely nonconformist say Xyle :)
In a small, suburban house, somewhere in the world where people speak English......
*the zombie is rummaging through the fridge, throwing everything on the floor*
*a jar of pickles bursts open with a CRASH, spreading everywhere*
BRAINS......!
Excuse me, sir. What are you doing in my kitchen?
(I'm going to be entirely nonconformist and just call you X. That okay?
*Scrunches up his nose in a playfully mocking manner*)
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