This year is the fiftieth anniversary of Doctor Who. To celebrate, Puffin Books asked eleven different authors to take a Doctor and write a story. When I was asked, I said I'd only do it if I could write for the tenth or eleventh incarnation. Puffin gave me Ten. I was a happy bunny.
It was such a joy to write this character. As you all know, I've been a fan of the show since I was a kid, and David Tennant holds joint top-spot with Matt Smith as my favourite Doctor. In my opinion, it was Tennant's era when the Doctor's love of dialogue really came out— that quick-fire patter that he does so well — and it was an absolute pleasure to channel that.
The Mystery of the Haunted Cottage will be released as an e-book on October 23rd (my birthday! Skulduggery's deathday!) and then it, along with the other stories, will be collected into a PHYSICAL book which will be out near the end of November.
There will be a video released in a week or two where I talk more about it, but in the meantime, here's a link to a snippet (which explains where the somewhat old-fashioned title comes from...)
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/interactive/2013/oct/01/doctor-who-mystery-haunted-cottage-derek-landy-extract
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Okay..
*Looks out of cell into crowd*
Well, that is excellent, Edward.
Honestly, Adrasdos? Why on earth would you go there?
((I would Adra I would Rhydian is on too))
Hey, it wasn't my idea- but I was cold. Pleaseeeeee?
((My thing is having trouble loading idk if I can))
*sigh*
Very well. Though I find Athenian philosophy to be highly overrated, I must warn you.
Yay! *nods happily* *calls* Edward, I hope you don't die!
I will try not to *Already knows fate*
*facepalms* *exasperatedly* Ed...
((Mine took a sec but i got on))
*Is taken to cave and released in*
I mean the whole program, Zafira.
Ed- I..
I hope you know, but there is no way I'm saving you
Hey guys
... Hm. Where would you prefer to go, Adrasdos? There are precious few truly great civilizations at this time, that you do not already know much of, I'd believe.
Greetings, Eden.
Ok Adra, I was just released though
Hello Eden
How do you mean, Sir?
Ay Eden
Well, Adrasdos, 3000 B.C. is hardly the golden age of culture and civilization. Certainly, the small, self-contained communities peppered about the world are fascinating, but there is no true, large link between them all, and I doubt you have time to explore them all satisfactorily.
Hello Edward I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you.
*Paints face blue and grabs spear*
By my own ethnic background I'd prefer to be a Celt now.
*Opens vortex to the present, walks through and closes it*
((You are soooooo dead Adra im gonna go into the lab just you fucking wait))
Hello Eden, nice to meet you.
...
I don't think that matters-
Because Edward just left us. *facepalms*
Either what rudimentary form of communities the celts had or the cities of Babylon, Nineveh or tyre.
((It was one chicken,
A CHICKEN))
*Walks to lake and starts fishing*
((MULTIPLE CHICKENS Em had to go kill them it kept freezing me....you're dead so is Trip))
((Oh boohoo it's a chicken it didn't do anything))
So how is everyone?
*Walks into Adras lab and starts mixing chemicals*
((Never nind i know what I'll do :) ))
I suppose I feel well enough, Eden. How do you fare?
EDWARD
Quite well
I'm taking part in a school production of The Pirates Of Penzance.
Chorus role of course.
*Bottle explodes*
Alright- yourself?
EDWARD GET RIGHT BACK HERE THIS INSTANT
((Gaaah im bored! Nothing to do I knew Ari poofed guarenteed she wot be back til late))
Fine thank you Eden
*Appears next to Adra* Yes?
*fixes him with a glare* Bring me back. And possibly Sir. I think he's still here
well? *Takes them to the stone age*
Edward, there is no need for such rudeness.
What's all this time travel lark?
Edward, I will hit you
Eden, my magic is timetravel and so we went on an adventure
*Appears in present again*
Adrasdos! There is no excuse for such conduct.
((Ugh if anybody cares im in boredville lost and bored out of my mine i have no characters to go as))
Oh, how interesting.
That must make things awkward, if you go back to the past does the version of you the exists in that time still exist.
Zaf, just join the rolrplay if you wish.
Yes there is, and you know it
Wait. This is... Pre-History, correct?
...
Blast, blast, BLAST.
WHAT DID I TELL YOU THIS IS ABSURD
yes sir, it is.
No, Adrasdos, you misread my meaning. I hope we remained geographically in a similar place, Edward?
If not...
@Zaf: Why don't you just appear with them? They've statefld multiple times that you're welcome, and at one point you and Adra were the only ones on and you could have started a new plot with her instead of wandering off bored. We're not leavimg you out. You're leaving yourself out.
Here for twenty minutes.
#ChaseForBookNine
((With what character?! Olivia is too young Zaf is in 1516 and Alexis wont leave Lorcan and Javier is dead SO you tell me who i can go as))
Greetings, Star!
Hello star
(Zaf, if you wish as a time travel ability. I could travel to 1516 and you could join the roleplay.)
Star! *hugs*
ugh
I need a time machine
Where's Trip when you need him UGH
*Brings Adra and sir to present*
((Or you could just, ya know, appear and when Ari gets back pretend like you were there the whole time instead of being melodramatic))
Yay!
@Zaf: Please try not to take these the wromg way, but do you think you have a mental disorder? One that makes you feel suspicious of other people all the time?
I'm not saying there's something wrong with you. Your brain just might work differently.
I know I have the tendancy to massively overreact to things, but I'm thinking it could be a possibility.
If you think I'm being mean to you by saying this, please understand that that's not my intention. I'm sorry. :(
#ChaseForBookNine
Thank you, Edward. Well, I am certainly glad we left THAT era to its own devices...
*nods*
*puts on a coat* Chitons...
Um.
*poofs to go metaphorically die*
#ChaseForBookNine
*hugs Star* omfg
((No I'm perfectly normal Star. My Mom works with kids who have disorders she knows if you do have one I certainly don't))
((No Ed because if ZafTC leaves 1516 when Ari gets on Niccolò will follow me and I'll never finish the plot. Because he'll join you guys and ill be left pretty upset that he did then when he can continue ours it'll be like midnight))
*eats popcorn*
*sighs*
Well then, I hope that is the extent of the day's excitement.
@Zaf: Okay. *nods* Sorry.
Seriously, I am really sorry. Because people can take that really really badly, and I coyld have been seen as reakly really imsulting therevalthough I wasn't trying to be, so, yes. :/
Also . . . Becaise of Hunter, mental disorders are quite far forward in the layers of thoughts in my head. :/
Yeah.
*hugs Zaf*
*hugs Adra back*
Leavimg in ten minutes. Msd.
#ChaseForBookNine
Hello :)
Greetings, Sykamere.
Sorry about typos - on my phone.
#ChaseForBookNine
Hi, Sykamere. :)
#ChaseForBookNine
A pleasure to meet you Sir Reingington. *Shakes hand*
Hi Star :)
Hi Syk
And it rarely ever is, though
It is indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sykamere.
(Ok Zaf)
Hello Sykamere, I dont believe we have met.
Hello Adra.
Greetings Edward *waves*.
((Im just gonna be bored until maybe she comes though she eont bot when im on she'll come when im offline))
Gtg now. Fours!
#ChaseForBookNine
Well... *goes back to magically being in her previous clothes* what now?
Bye Star
I suppose we, in what you called "1930's lingo", I believe, "unwind".
A brief intro on me (for the very last time, I refuse to do it again after this):
I am a necromancer. I like playing video games, burning stuff and exploding things.
I also like chillies.
Ok? My magic is time travel and I am king of the penguins. I also treasure hunt for antiques such as this *Holds poseidons trident*
And I have to go again.
I'm watching agents of shield :)
Bye Star!
...
Oh Sir- *laughs*
Bye Sykamere
Bye Syk-
I hope you have an enjoyable experience, Sykamere.
((Grrrr im bored minecraft is acting up im lonely here whats the meaning of life? Why do i go on here? Nobody needs me ever))
*looks at her nonexistent watch on her wrost* Hmm... Now that I think about it, I hope Trip's alright..
Zafira, the meaning of life currently resides within the Oxford English Dictionary. I quite enjoy your presence, and I am sure that others do as well. However, if you truly wish to have an enjoyable experience, sometimes you must initiate it, and not merely wait for it to appear.
gtg, bye
((Omg Minecraft froze i had this elaborate library layout of a shelf archway but the top would be glow stone and the books would be like the pillar so it was like hanging lights and omg it looks cool i just need to unfreeze))
Bye Ed-
I believe it's 42. Yup.
*stands on her tip toes*
((Idk what to do anymore....*hits head on wall* i dont i swear i plan things it never works i mean...oh im logging ofg idk what ill do i may go on as Alexis i may not come back it depends im a waste because i was told not to leave my spot yet Nicclò isnt back....))
Hmm. Silence. Fun.
Hmmm....
*awkwardly drinks tea*
((Zafira, please, there is no need for you to be so pessimistic.))
*returns after a few minutes with period appropriate clothing* We are currently in Florence, Italy, although I can easily teleport to another country if you so desire. What would you like to see?
#ChaseForBook9
... *pulls some food from her bag and slowly noms it* *sighs* We should have a Halloween party
... A party, on All Hallow's Eve? What an odd idea.
What an awesome idea, you mean. I mean, just for kicks. *shrugs*
I wonder....can we go to England?
((Sorry just....bad day))
*is somewhere in Blogland in 2013* Hello peoples? Silence.
Greetings, Alexis.
Hello Sir. I'm assuming you're in Athens? I'm in Blogland...*shrugs* I think my mother is in Italy.
Certainly. What would you like to see? What was so special about this year in particular?
#ChaseForBook9
No, we came back quite a bit ago..
Indeed, Adrasdos is correct.
Theres nothing special I just picked a random year in this time peiod Niccolò. *looks at him closely* Are...you worried about something? You keep asking me the same question and most normal people do that if they're anxious....what is going on? You know something I don't.
*murmurs into her teacup* I'm usually right
Oh...well ok. I want to...I dunno. I'm just drawing. *sits by lake drawing a picture very detailed* it's for Lorcan
Well... I don't know what to do- few things would be exciting, I suppose. *pulls out a crocheting needle and begins to weave the yarn*
*sighs* Of course I know something. I was alive in this year, Zafira. Alive and killing. I'm likely spreading smallpox as we speak. Do be careful not to catch it. And I ask because you said you were insistent upon this year. That makes it hard for me to believe your choice was entirely random.
#CahseForBook9
Would anyone like a scarf?
No thank you.
Oh...I didn't realize you were alive...okay what country would you have been in? I'll be careful to avoid it. I promise I didn't realize you were alive I'm sorry. Let's go to a place you would never have gone killing
Hmm.. Okay... *starts up a fire, pulling a blanket over herself and quietly crocheting while soft violin and piano music play*
*because they are beautiful in harmony together*
Sure Adra. *is still drawing*
I would've gone anywhere. In this year, though, I mostly kept to Spain and several regions of France, which was why I told you from the beginning we would avoid those places. You've done nothing wrong, Zafira, only know that that is the reason why I may seem, as you say, anxious. More to the point, where would you like to go? You asked to come to the renaissance- what were you hoping to see?
#ChaseForBook9
I wanted to see the lifestyle of a mage around this time. Okay let'sgo to England then because I have failed with Italian and can't speak it for my life. And Niccolò....lets hope I don't get smallpox my luck I will but we'll deal with it if I do.
*nods* Okay! *takes another sip of her drink, enjoying the music*
*laughs and continues her drawing* Hey ADra...why is it you didn't like my father?
I was thinking of an imteresting way to appear, and you know when you just thunk yourself backwards onto a soft surface, like a sofa or a bed? *does that*
All the nettle stings on my fingers are beimg all tingly. *giggles*
#ChaseForBookNine
If you do, I can heal you rather easily, just take care to avoid it anyway. I can assure you it is quite unpleasant. Where in England?
#ChaseForBook9
Back again.
Hi Syk-
Hi Star :3
Alexis, I-....
Who doesn't?
Hmm let's go to London. And also if we get questioned by anyone lets just assume we're cousins or something I doubt many women would have guy friends. Actually I am almost certain. Anyhow, to London!
You know, I'm never really here. I just sort of distantly drift out. The only time I'm fully here is when I have to go soon. I'm not really sure of my PURPOSE here, you know? I don't really DO anything.
I'm not leaving, I'm just being irrirated at my formlessness. :P
#ChaseForBookNine
Hi Adra.
Hi Niccolo.
Hi Star.
Hi Alexis.
:)
I liked my father. He's my father of course I would. What made Niccolo kill him is beyond me, I miss him. I guess Niccolo had his reasons though...he usually does. I mean he never lays a finger on anymore anymore, killing Dad meant he was pissed. I just hope Mom is okay with him in 1516, I know he'll be anxious if he's alive in that time...
Hi Zaf :)
((*waves* Hola!))
Well, I'm sure your mother was distinctly aware of his presence there. After all, she knows his exact age, yeah?
((*hugs Star* We still love you!))
And your da was just... an idiot.
*Waves*
*Finds tree, climbs up and sits on branch*
I like high places.
Nobody does....except for himself. She believes he's 531 but it could be just a name that is 531...though I think she realizes he was alive. 1516 for sure. Eh I kinda dont wanna see his insane self. Anyway....you and Trip gonna get married?
*spits out her tea*
Damn people are still screaming outside.
*starts muttering to himself*
Well? I heard a rumor you will
*lays a hand on Zafira's shoulder and they both appear in London* Cousins would be a fair alibi.
#ChaseForBook9
You know, I keep startimg things and then getting bored and not finishing them.
You know, the only things I really say on here are about my life or myself. When I speak to.people, I bring everything back to something related to me or an analysis of myself. I think I just have this complusion to tell people things. So I just tell tell tell, all the time. Like now. And I've just thought, I think I self-analyse because I analyse everyone and I see my thoughts and feelngs and reactions the mlst of anybody so I analyse myself more. Acruakly, that's probably only part of it.
I think you lot should just ignore me. :P
I actually have such crap people skills. When there's a group conversation, I keep spacing out and then realise I've done it and I don't reakpy have a clue what anyone's taljimg about anymore. And when I do talk to people, I just start going on about things related to me. It's so much easier to talk here, because I have the freedim to ramble on meaninglessly. Like now. Plus I have longer to respond, and I can read back and see things.
. . .
Yeah, gonna shut up now. XD
Ignore me.
#ChaseForBookNine
From who?!?
I wonder what kind of fairs they had in the past...
Oh... So Eden lives, does he?
Sorry I left when I did guys, mum caught me on my iPod... I think I may go back to sleep,..))
@Adra: *hugs* Thanks. :)
You're actually so nice, you know? :)
Hi Syk. :)
#ChaseForBookNine
*lets the dizziness pass and looks around* Okay I think I know where we are. I'm not entirely sure how to exactly live like someone here but I know the house we have here is still here, my mother left in 1515 so it'll be empty...good. Okay rambling...excuse my rambling. *looks towards where everyone is heading* is there something going on or is that a market place?
:/ I'm not sure how to help you Star... But you're still one of us, so- uh- don't be a stranger too much :3
Niccolo. ((love you too Coco I totes just threw you under the bus))
*hums Scream by Avenged Sevenfold*
@Syk: Listen to music to drown them out? :)
@Death: Hey! :) How are you now?
#ChaseForBookNine
((I would be surprised to hear that anyone here found you at all irritating, Star, if that helps.
Hello, Death. If you are tired, I would encourage you to sleep.))
It could be either one.
#ChaseForBook9
It's ok Star, I know how you feel...
Hi Death :)
*rolls her eyes* No you didn't, Alexis.
*cuddles Star*
Rose, go back to sleep. Sleeping in tayayasbksjs
Hmmm okay lets go find out....*follows the crowd and glances at Niccolò* your nephew, Cristofer is he alive now?
Nah, don't feel like it. Just going to try to ignore them. Or close my window as a last resort.
@Adra: :) Blogland is so nice.
I just realused, 'stranger' will derve from the word 'strange ' I'm eternally strange, but I'll trynot to add an r onti that. XD
*hums Scream by Avenged Sevenfold*
@Syk: Listen to music to drown them out? :)
@Death: Hey! :) How are you now?
#ChaseForBookNine
I swear he told me! *shrugs* just wait he'll pop the question soon enough
Shit! Just #ChaseForBookNine was meant to paste, not my previous comment!
#ChaseForBookNine
...why would that be a last-
Wait no
Nevermind
*sips tea* Rein, you still here?
Lol Star ;D *huggles*
Ahem.
If I do recall, I think it was me he said would have to propose, if I do.. *
@Syk: Yay. Thanks. :) *hugs*
@Niccolo: Thanks. :) *doesn't hug, coz he isn't that fond of hugs*
@Adra: Thanks. :) *hugs*
Brb, sorry. :(
#ChaseForBookNine
*sighs*
If I close the window it's going to get REALLY STUFFY.
*giggles drawing*
first?
Hell yes!
I dedicate this page to Derek. Exactly one year ago Derek commented firing Zafira telling her she was a rouge Grand Mage and being Zafira she went in shock and didn't know what he meant and she went to the football game and was totally confused and asked her dad who just merwely said Derek was right. So thank you Derek for confusing Zaf last year, it was funny as heck.
*gives Alexis a look* HEY- QUIT YER GIGGLING OVER THERE, YOUNG MISS
*Drops down from tree, pulls out sword, stabs it in the ground and sits down next to it*
I'm not being bad...*flips to new page trying to not pee laughinh*
Oh, God only knows. After I killed my sister I never bothered to find her children. I never saw any of my family, but to be perfectly honest, I doubt any of them have survived. Illness swept through the city where they lived. I imagine all of them died then. *follows her*
#ChaseForBook9
I need to get first at some point...
THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE
YOU'RE FOURTEEN NOW, YEAH? YOU PUGHT TO BE ABOVE THIS
((If Alexis is 14 now, should the rest of us alter our ages as well, for the sake of continuity?))
#ChaseForBook9
Well maybe he is alive. Think about it he was in the other dimension. That'd be cool if he was. *continues towards the crowd realizing where we are* Niccolò...this is Hyde Park...did they often hold public punishments? *has gone extremely pale as if remembering something unpleasant*
I'm watching Death Note so I'll be distant.
*Picks up sword and slips into the shadows*
((you can though it matters not for you Coco you don't age i just aged Olivia she's 3 now but its easier for me))
I've been to Hyde park :)
((Eh, I forget how old I am))
*throws popcorn at Alexis*
*catches* Hey Adra.....I have a dance at school....and we could bring someone from outside our school....should I ask Lorcan to come?
((Alright, I suppose Aretha and I would age accordingly. She would find it irksome if Alexis continued to age while she did not.))
Certainly. Public executions are meant to discourage crime. I would not be surprised if these people are gathered to witness just that.
#ChaseForBook9
Yolo- go for it sister. *sips more tea, crocheting*
Oh dear lord. I don't take to watching people die....*we reach Hyde Park and as Niccolò predicted its an execution but of a teenage boy no more then 16 who has the same eyes that Zafira does* Oh my god....no. I'm....Mother told me this happened but never when....that's my uncle...
*grins* I hope he agrees! *lays down watching clouds* I have a cat you know
What is he being executed for? We could save him if you wanted, you know.
#ChaseForBook9
Um...
Yes
They usually announce the crime before executing the suspect.
He was actually innocent. The person who killed the boy next door was already dead. The real culprit is James Hela. So actually he's being charged for murder. Yeah weird. I would like to save him...he shouldn't recgonize me as I'm not born yet
*her violin and piano music suddenly skip, cracklong* *gets up, leaving her blanket in a chair and going to it, hitting the radio* Damn..
Exactly. He won't recognize us. False accusations are commonplace in this era. ((How is he being executed, Zafira?))
#ChaseForBook9
How do they intend to execute him? Decapitation, hanging? There's another method as well if I recall correctly but not one I would like to go into detail about...
I figured it was. I rather save an innocent life ((i'm gonna say hanging I dont recall the more twisted ways of death in this era))
((Sykamere....Niccolò and I are nowere near you we're back in 1516 you're...in 2013 so...))
...*hits the radio again* Stupid thing. *the music starts up again and she sits*
*after a few minutes, hears a stick break before ehr*
*whips around, looking into the darkness*
*slowly turns around*
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