Thursday, December 31, 2015

A Year in Review

Ah, 2015. What a year you've been.

A lot of people would take this opportunity to compile a Best Of list... and I am no different. And so, without further ado...

Best New Horror: It Follows



Jaw-droppingly good. A wickedly smart throwback to horror movies from the 80s. Bliss.

Best New Addition to a Franchise From Far, Far Away: The Force Awakens



Good GOD I loved this. It has heart, soul, warmth and grit — a huge departure from the prequels and a wonderful continuation from the original trilogy. I couldn't have done it better myself.

(Well, I could have, but they didn't ask, so...)

Best TV Show: The Walking Dead



This was a close one, with Game of Thrones running a tight second, but its White Walker mayhem was matched by episode upon episode of zombie thrills. And unlike GoT, I didn't know where The Walking Dead was going to end up...

Creepiest Horror Seen on Blu-Ray: Sinister



Oh I love a good creepy horror, and this hit the spot.

Most Disappointing Horror:  The Babadook



I don't get it. I just don't.

Best New Addition to a Franchise Thought Long Dead: Fury Road



A car chase that lasts an entire movie. How awesome is that? Not as feminist as I'd been led to believe, but still a thousand times more awesome than most other movies.

Best YA novel: The Rest of Us Just Live Here, by Patrick Ness



Get this book. Read this book. Love this book.

I didn't get to see all the movies I wanted to, didn't get to watch all the TV I wanted to (Ash Vs The Evil Dead and Jessica Jones being top of my To Watch list), and definitely didn't get to read all the books I wanted to, but all in all 2015 was a good year.


Next year is going to be busy. I've got the second Demon Road book out at the very end of March and the third and final one out in September. But I've learned my lesson, oh yes. No more six month publication schedules for ME, boy howdy. A lot of things have suffered as a result  of this workload (that still isn't over, by the way) and I want to get back to a nice and healthy communication routine with you, my lovely Minions.

2016 is going to be FUN.



3,912 comments:

  1. Happy New Year Derek! Don't work too hard this year; take it easy man.

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  2. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

    I love walking dead too!! And I've been watching GoT veeeeery slooooowly cause I'm struggling to get into it

    I've seen The Rest of Us Just Live Here everywhere and haven't had the chance to read it but I'm definitely going to, I've only heard good reviews!!

    I'm really looking forward to book number 2 Derek!!! Thanks for working so hard! I'm so glad you do because if you didn't we wouldn't get these books so quickly!!!

    Have a good year everyone!!!

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  3. HAPPY NEW YEAR DEREK! Very happy to know that you love the walking dead too. I'm so excited for your next book, I'm not a stalker at all... and I totally don't check your blog three times a day for new updates...

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  4. Happy new year.
    And Derek just pause writing for one day and watch Jessica Jones. It really awesome
    Thanks for all the awesome books you gave us and will give us.

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  5. Happy new year.
    And Derek just pause writing for one day and watch Jessica Jones. It really awesome
    Thanks for all the awesome books you gave us and will give us.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Happy new year.
    And Derek just pause writing for one day and watch Jessica Jones. It really awesome
    Thanks for all the awesome books you gave us and will give us.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Happy new year.
    And Derek just pause writing for one day and watch Jessica Jones. It really awesome
    Thanks for all the awesome books you gave us and will give us.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Happy Hogmany and new year, when it comes, and lang may yer lum reek!
    (I swear, that's a genuine saying and not some sort of obscenity)

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  9. (*sneaks up on Jack and screams* boo!)

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  10. (Im sowwy *persuades you to forgive me*)

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  11. Hello all! I hope you all have the very best of evenings, and an even better year. on the stroke of twelve, be sure to open the doors and make some noise to drive out the old year, and welcome in the new.
    I wish all of you wealth, health and happiness for the year ahead,
    and now, I'm afraid I must depart to see what I can do about obtaining a bodrahn, a beer, and latterly, a hangover. Cheery bye!

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  12. I was watching the babadook at school with my friend and the teacher was sitting behind us and she screamed when there was a jump scare, lol, it was hilarious and the whole class was watching 0.0

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  13. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKIcSlwRz1A

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  14. ( jigsaw... That's what I done with my last minutes of 2015 *sigh*)

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  15. (I am writing and speaking to Jack)

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  16. Bringing in the new year with Pitch Perfect cause that's how amazing my life is (not even being sarcastic...... Maybe a little)

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    Replies
    1. You're good. Rebel Wilson is appropriate for any ocassion. <3 Except perhaps when she references her asshole at a tween awards show. But that joke was gold, damn it!

      Delete
  17. *hugs back* how is everyone???

    Might watch the second one after the bells.....

    So excited for book 2!!!!!! It looks soooo good!!

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  18. I'm usually up at this time during the holidays anyway
    So not looking forward to going back to school....

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  19. (I wish I was back in school.,. *starts belong out the song 'memories*)

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  20. I can't wait to leave

    And this is when someone says 'oh these are the best days of your life!' And 'you'll miss it when you're gone' but I really can't see that happening.....

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    Replies
    1. Those sayings are bullshit. As long as you make decent life choices it only gets better.

      Delete
  21. Happy early new year. 20 minutes left.

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  22. (Hi Kal and Gem!!

    I have uni /hopefully/ next year... Then I'll start missing school....)

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  23. I have no idea what I'm going to do, I had it all planned out and then I just lost the passion I had for the thing I wanted to do

    Now I'm like..... What now?

    I really want to write, but that isn't exactly well paying straight away is it? Even if I can do something with it and earn money with it

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  24. (Wait till college, that's where I found my love of psychology

    I too want to write, I have stories in the works and I do plan on publishing them some day
    Don't give up!)

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  25. I want to get stuff published too, just worried about rejection and worried what I've written is actually crap..... I'll get over it soon though, I've started showing people what I'm writing after keeping it secret for so long...

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  26. (I'm sure you're a talented writer
    One story I hope to publish, is called school of the wicked... I have started writing it as a blog *is so not self advertising*)

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  27. I hope I am haha

    I'm using this app called 20Lines? I don't think it's very popular but it's something

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  28. (I haven't ears of that

    Have you heard of watt pad?)

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  29. It's literally for people to post things they write, it's not the best but I've never shown anything and it gives me a chance to post anonymously and see what people think

    And no I haven't, what is it?

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  30. (You can follow people and add their stories to your library

    I think it's the same concept, you write stories on there that people can view)

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  31. Yeah it sounds similar, I'll have to look for it

    5 minutes till new year!!

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  32. (I know!

    It is good, there are different categories too... I write *surprise surprise * werewolf stories XD)

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  33. Same!! One of my ideas is a werewolf anyway, but it's not all to do with the werewolf stuff so I think it's a little different?

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  34. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

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  35. (* cuddles* welcome to 2016!!! May your year be eyed than the years before

    Nos da!)

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  36. (have the 2016 you deserve, good or bad, it's up to you)

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  37. (Happy New year for everyone who it's a new year for)

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  38. END OF MARCH????

    OMLI YESSSSS

    AMAZON SAID 7TH OF APRIL AND I DIED BECAUSE IM GONNA BE IN LONDON AT THE END OF MARCH BUT OMLI NOW I CAN GO TO A WATERSTONES AND BUY THE BOOK OMLI SO HAPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPYYYY

    but if there happened to be a signing? That'd be amazing!! (*hint hint* *if you can*)

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  39. Also, HAPPY NEW YEARS FIR THOSE WHO ARE IN 2016!!!

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  40. Just wondering, are the next two books in the demon road trilogy going to be hardback too? Because then they'll look really good on my shelf... (Hint Hint)

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  41. They usually are hardback first

    Granted as an American I can only order off Amazon.

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  42. Happy 2016!

    Wow, Derek, you've definitely got your plate full with TWO book releases this year. You are one psychotic Golden God. But that's why we love you! Mwah.

    Fabulous list. I adored the Rest of Us Just Lived Here. The wit was amazing.

    By the way, just keep doing your thing and writing magic. That is the best love you can shower upon us lowly minions. ;)

    P.S. Hola y'all! What is on your playlist for New Years? I just discovered Moon by Brika and it is hypnotically seductive.

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  43. At KirstenTeven: if you are wanting an honest review of your writing I'm available. I've been reading since I was four. I hope that 24 years of reading experience qualifies. ;)

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  44. HAPPY NEW YEAR and oh my God please watch Jessica Jones*

    *although I must admit, seeing David Tennant as an absolute creep is. Well. It's strange.

    I hope y'all have an amazing year :)

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  45. (Thank you Jewel for looking at my story and giving me advice! I want to get right into it but I have college work first -_-)

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    Replies
    1. No worries. It's always difficult to juggle writing with life comitments.

      One of the hardest parts of the writing process is when you want to make it better but you're not sure how to do it. I love outside feedback.

      Delete
  46. Jewel R: that might be good actually..... I'll see if I can put something together? Do you have an email or something or....?

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    Replies
    1. Sure! You can send it to jewel.Lee.robbins@gmail.com.

      Delete
  47. I'm so tired xD stayed up till half 7 then woke up at like 10.
    Had a nice nap when i got home though :)

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  48. I've never successfully pulled an all-nighter haha, I usually fall asleep at like 7-8 ish

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  49. That totally counts as an all-nighter
    ..

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  50. I suppose, but to me it doesn't feel like one

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  51. Well to me it felt like it. I w9ke up and Gordon was like 'it's 2' and i totally believed him cause i was so tired. I could have slept in till 2 easily

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  52. Haha my mum usually wakes me up before then, she'd be horrified if I slept so late hahaha

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  53. ( feels weird having pulled 5 days with no sleep and 7days with 7hrs for the week before)

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  54. Leaving to go see Sherlock!!!!!!! SO EXCITED!!!!!

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  55. ( got a while to go)

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  56. Ooooooo this is good!!!!!! Such an interesting case. And Molly posting as a guy cause women couldn't work as that in those days.

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  57. I just keep watching Supernatural. 9/22 on season 2. I'll get halfway through before dinner and hope to be up to or almost up to season 4 when I go back to school.

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  58. I loved that. I love supernatural too it's pissing me off though, waited 32 days for a good ep and next one is in Feb but they all continue on, not a new season)

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  59. See I am now on episode 10 of season 2 so I figured I have a better shot at them coming on Netflix, I can see whatever was the last season. I can't see the newest season yet, I assume it'll be on Netflix soon or later or online.

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  60. I mean I sure as hell won't be done with 10 seasons by the next one. I'm not on break much longer, I mean three day weekends and snow days I can do stuff, but....it'll be done

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  61. ( took me two weeks. For 9 seasons and I had exams on, also latest season is up on coutchtuner if you catch up, latest episode within hours of release)

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  62. Wait, I'm behind...

    SHERLOCK WAS SO GOOD!!! I had to do the thing though where I sit and think about it for a while afterwards to really understand what happened but it was so good and cause we were at the cinema we got to see like little extra bits and interviews with the cast. I loved Molly in it and I loved how they went into more detail about Sherlocks drug usage

    I'm on season 2 of Supernatural now, I can't remember what episode it is. I'm just waiting for Crowley and Cas!!!!

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  63. Cas isn't til season 4 I googled it

    I'm bad. I can't help it! I had to!

    Sam is my favorite though.

    Hai Emmy if you're around!

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  64. I know, I've seen it before but watching it from the beginning. So frustrating but I can wait! CAS is my favourite I think but I love Sam and Dean equally, they're both amazing! Moose and squirrel!!

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  65. I feel like mine is always too fast? Like I'll write something and look back at it then think maybe a certain event happened too quickly but I don't know how to make it seem slower?

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  66. I just find well get this?

    Sam is the youngest

    Sam was a pre-law student

    Sam was a damn good student

    I'm the youngest

    I'm going into pre-law

    I'm Honors/AP high GPA like Sam

    I find that freaky.

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  67. Now you just need an older brother to come and say:

    'Dads out on a hunting trip and hasn't been home in a few days'

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  68. Oh if my brother could, he would. Trust me.

    I have an older brother though.

    It is so weird! I watched the first episode and connected with Sam instantly then I found out everything we share and freaked.

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  69. The characters are amazing, but the actors are even better. They're so involved with the fans and have helped so many people, I love them soooo much

    You've lost me Jewel

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  70. I so want to say that to whoever plays Sam...

    But I'm only on episode 18 of season 2....I feel like I'll sound stupid.

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  71. Jared is amazing, they've both gone through so much and helped their fans go through the same thing

    I've just finished season 2 and watched the gag reel and they're just such brilliant guys and they're best friends in real life which I love

    I watch a load of TV shows but I've never noticed so much in any other shows the actors do so much to help fans and.... Yeah, I love 'em

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  72. It just....the episode Dean was arrested and the detective was really the killer...

    That episode was almost the exact same thing that happened to one of my siblings.

    The corrupt detectives needing to go after someone...

    It made me so happy that this episode showed that because half of what I went through with this....it was accurate

    My friend warned me....warned me how it would upset me

    It did but.....I was so happy too. I wanted to just freakin hug the two....

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  73. I can't wait to get season 3, I ordered it a few dad ago and I'm probably going to watch it as fast as I did last two seasons haha

    But I've said it before and I'll say it again.... I'm can't wait for Castiel!!!!

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  74. Gabriel is great too, you've already met him *wink wink* spoilers!!

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  75. I have it on Netflix. 12 hours of Supernatural....not even kidding. Started on episode 2 I'm about to finish episode 18 and then I'm gonna call it a night and do it tomorrow. So close to season 3.....

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  76. You're going to pass me if I don't get season 3 soon!!! Cas is start of season 4? I remember what happens for him to come in now cause I had forgotten but it's gooooood

    I'm watching the amazing Spider-Man

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  77. Probably will. This episode is just weird

    The Hollywood one.

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  78. With the girl who can't scream properly at the start?? Dean is soooo funny in that one haha

    You're nearly done then?? I hope I get S3 soon!! I want to watch mooooore!!

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  79. Yup that one!

    I am I mean 12 hours and like 17 episodes it was good I just need to sleep because well I'm starting to get to that point where you mush together what happened to who.

    Goddamn Sam Winchester is hot.

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  80. I'm dozing off haha

    But they both are!!! I love love love them!!!!! Oh my god okay im starting to go into fan girl mode and I'm too tired for it so I'm going to stop thinking about them or I'll be wide awake again

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  81. I've got Andrew Garfield right now :) :)

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  82. The rebel Wilson bit, I don't know if that was meant for me or not? But that's where is sort of got lost

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  83. The weirdest thing to happen is this:

    Everytime a demon has appeared on screen, right before they do our wind chimes outside make noise. Now I never hear them, not until I watched Supernatural.

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  84. It might be because you're on edge? Like you're tuned in to the show and picking up everything, I kind of get the same thing if I'm really paying attention I hear all the little creaks and things in my house

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  85. Must be. I nearly fainted the first time. I was home alone and the damn wind chimes were going madly but it wasn't windy and it was the one where John was summoning whatever the yellow eyed demon's name is (dont tell me if irs found out later on)

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  86. I get really freaked out too ahha, I hate watching it alone

    I can't remember what the yellow eyed demons name is if you do find out, he's the first real villain though, it just gets better and bette haha

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  87. I know something is up with Sam, I just can't get why the visions are a thing for whatever that demon wants.

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  88. You'll get everything later on.... Maybe not the visions though... I think the abilities are just a side effect?

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  89. Well see all I know is it's a war this demon is building an army of humans for, people like Sam.

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  90. Yeah I know whatever they know. I mean I could google it but half the fun is finding out as the characters do. Sam is just still my favorite I don't think Castiel will beat that.

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  91. Castiel is just so funny. He's so clueless and naive haha, he's great. They're all my favourite, and I totally ship Destiel, if Destiel actually happened if cry for weeks out of happiness they're just brilliant when they're together

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  92. I have yet to meet him.

    Sometime this week probably. I mean everyone keeps talking I can't look at anything Supernatural until I get caught up. It's so hard!

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  93. What happens after 12+ hours of Supernatural

    You have a nightmare involvong demons from the one episode

    You then have a dream about Sam Winchester dating you

    Damn good dream!

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  94. It probably isn't me you're looking for. Doesn't hurt to ask though, eh?

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  95. What's up Zaf?
    Something bad in Supernatural?

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  96. Turns out i only did like 2 things out of my new years resolutions from last year so i'm going to keep them.

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  97. -Tumbleweed rolls by-
    -tries to cartwheels with it and fails cause she can't cartwheel-
    -does rolly-poleys after it-

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  98. -Kicks the tumbleweed up and punches it over the horizon-

    ReplyDelete
  99. ...Well fuck you too. Asshole.
    -flicks her hair in his face and walks in the other direction-

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  100. (what did you do and what do you want to do?)

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  101. If you really want to.
    -Flicks his hair as well-

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  102. They're personal, Keiron. Can't tell anyone.

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  103. Ah, and now we enter season 3! It all gets better!! Sort of... Not really....

    Enjoy!

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  104. I'm going clubbing with Keiron on Friday. So excited. Got new heels and purse for it.

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  105. (Yay Gemmy! :3

    Hmm, to sort and categorise stuff, or to watch TV? Hmm....

    Nothing to watch, so... let's sort stuff and chat?)

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  106. (can't wait baby :3 <3)

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  107. I KNOW SOMEONE IS NOT ON SEASON 3 SO KINDLY STOP READING





    Damn did Dean father a son?!

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  108. No? It's not Dean's son is it? I thought they decided it wasn't? I haven't watched it in ages but from memory I would say it's not....

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  109. One of the best episodes!! Wait till he says 'I've lost my shoe' it's the cutest, funniest thing ever

    Also, has anyone read Code Name: Verity? I'm crying my eyes out

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  110. I just love Sam

    I lost my shoe

    The air conditioner goes boom

    I laughed my head off because Sam is so innocent sometimes.

    The one episode where he walks in on Dean getting funky and asks Dean for his knife to gauge his eyes out.

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  111. I love the evil dead it is soo frikin good!

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  112. Well that just ruined Christmas for me

    *nods*

    *goes back to her happy world*

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  113. Happy new year everyone. On a random note, What color do you think Tanith low's "leathers" are? I'm making a short film...

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  114. Happy new year everyone. On a random note, What color do you think Tanith low's "leathers" are? I'm making a short film...

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  115. Thanks! That is what I thought. I needed to double check.

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  116. (*wraps self up in blanket and lays on settee *
    *dog jumps up and buries himself against my stomach and falls asleep*
    *like a little hot water bottle*)

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  117. -cuddles up with Chloe-
    -Starts to fall back asleep-

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  118. (-purrs and rubs his head against her -)

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  119. (-Cuddles him tightly-
    I love you so much...
    -nuzzles his neck-)

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  120. (When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie
    That's a more)

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  121. What was wrong with the turkey at the talk-talk Christmas party?


    it was hacked!

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  122. (awwwwwww....... :3 <3. I love you so much toooo :D -cuddles her- - smiles when nuzzled and kisses her- )

    ReplyDelete
  123. (Awww. My baby <3
    I think cause my laptop is broken i'll do singing videos for youtube...maybe. although i have a cold right now. I won't post any that are terrible so i might end up posting none of them.)

    ReplyDelete
  124. ( mhmm :) my baby too.

    You'll be posting all then, you're a brilliant singer


    Hey Chloe)

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  125. ( Fantastic you? )

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  126. (Also, are we carrying on with the rp when soph returns or...?)

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  127. (I'm okay
    Gutted I have college tomorrow though
    But at least I can wear my new bowler hat and get everyone to question my fashion sense)

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  128. ( I'm back Wednesday... At least I hope I'm not in tomorrow)

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  129. (I miss the college's chips and curry sauce...)

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  130. (Hey, Bach. How are you? Ready for college?)

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  131. (I is okay, you?

    I am sort of ready, preparing some last minute work )

    ReplyDelete
  132. (Did someone mention another SP community a while back? Like a rp forum or something? I'd like to go over and see how those guys are doing.)

    ReplyDelete
  133. (I'm not that great, in a terrible mood since the evening of the 31st. But I did put up two new posters today, so that's good.

    Ah, okay. Are you heading to a comic con this or next year? I am hoping to attend a comic con before the next Star Wars film (with a costume, hopefully!))

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  134. (I think when that person ranted about this not being a place to rp and John went to scout out one such forem)

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  135. (I haven't organised anything... I don't know if I'll have the money, but if my plans change you'll be the first to know

    What's wrong?)

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  136. (Okay!

    Nothing, just parents. No big deal.)

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  137. (Awww thanks guys.

    -Laughs at everyone who's back soon-
    I'm not back till February muhahahaha!
    Kidding...i shouldn't be happy. I'm going to be so lonely :( -sighs-

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  138. (Remember you have my number, so text me anytime Kas...


    Lucky Gem!! I can't wait to have all that time off in uni!)

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  139. (Don't be lonely, you've got us, Gemmy!)

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  140. (No but you guys are all going back to school and college and i'm not going back for another month ;-; i'll have no one to talk to now during the day.)

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  141. (@Chloe :///

    @Gem Text me maybe? I will hopefully be less busy than Chloe and be on more often.)

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  142. (After this week, which is a pretty hectic week, I'm going to be revising for an hour a night...)

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