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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4,966 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 3601 – 3800 of 4966 Newer› Newest»I would quite like to know what exactly the function of the spleen is. Anybody here know?
Okay. The two people who knew the comment were... Me, obviously, and myself. I posted it. I wanted to do an Adra... *Glowers at Adra* But Sir took the final spot and I hate deding. It was only 'Heh... Evil time!! XD'
I'm brilliant.
*sighs, shutting her eyes and picking up her blanket, wrappit it around herself*
You can't pull a me, I can pull a me, and I do it flawlessly, might I add.
In any case.. *reclines her chair a bit*
Yes, we were certainly hoodwinked, Rose.
I know... You're evil...
Ah.. Okay Ari vanished bleh :/
I suppose I may go and search for some music to listen to. Fear not if I do not return, I merely will have been sucked into the unholy and infinite Void that is the Internet.
Well, it involved a lot of swearing... But thank you. *Bows and backflips away*
Zafira, you remind me of my friend Vicky. She lived with a guy—student housing, five of them all packed in- and this guy was called Sean. And she loved him. She did. She completely adored him. Spent all day long talking about him. But he never looked at her twice. I mean he liked her. That was it. And she wasted years pining after him. Years of her life. 'Cause while he was around she never looked at anyone else. And I told her, I always said to her, time and time again, I said, "Get out."
Now, that was mostly a quite from Doctor Who, but my point stands. You've got to get out.
#ChaseforBook9
Hello people
((My apologies for vanishing, Zafira.))
#ChaseForBook9
Greetings, Alexis.
I'm sorry. but I'm afraid I really do have to go now . . .
Okay Sir-
I know, Rose. I try not to deny it.
*sticks her feet closer towards the warmth of the flames*
Okay Anni- *hugs*
Very well, Ms. Annika. Good bye.
And what shall I do? I'm freakin....never mind, he hates me because I'm not Aretha. God knows what he'll do if she leaves him. Whatever. He has no idea how lucky he is to know someone actually cares for him besides Aretha. Good god he's clueless. Whatever I'm sick of....of heartbreak. He probably should give me to the soldiers its what'll keep him forever with Aretha. *sighs just walking towards a house and taps a sigil* My family's.
((Alright then. Goodbye, Precocious.))
#ChaseForBook9
Hi Sharky
*breathes out, relaxing and watching the sky*
Er, yes, Alexis.
MY SISTER GOT A SHIRT OF THE TARDIS BEING STOLEN BY THE MINIONS FROM DESPICABLE ME!!!!!!!
...
Er, congratulations, then, Duck...?
??
Yeah...
*drifts off into sleep*
((It did not totally go silent))
I am afraid it did indeed, Zafira.
I truly wish there was something I could add to the discussion, but I have run unfortunately low on noise-makers.
*sighs* You're doing that thing again. You know, that thing where you act like the hope you have of Niccolò maybe someday reciprocating your feelings is the only reason why you should live. No offense, but I think you seem pretty clueless yourself right about now. I mean, you know he doesn't hate you, and you know he's not all creepily only-Ari-forever, and you know that he knows exactly how lucky he is. Or, at the very least, you should know.
#ChaseForBook9
*reaches over and blows a fog horn*mmmm
((Goodnight, then, Adra.))
#ChaseForBook9
((Or perhaps not.))
#ChaseForBook9
*wraps tape around the handle, holding it down so it continues to make noise and throws it as far as she can*
Maybe I am clueless maybe I'm not. What do you want me to do? I really....okay change of subject I'm getting odd feelings around you now. I'm not comfortable around names and Justaria is driving me insane.
*winces at the loud sound*
Uh, Adrasdos...
Wat
Well then, I'll be off. I've got stuff to do and... even more stuff to do.
ALLONS-Y!
Names? He's one of them too, you know. We are our names. They're the purest form of who you are. But I guess I can get what you mean.
#ChaseForBook9
((Farewell, Duck.))
#ChaseForBook9
Bye Ducky
Well, that's quite the loud noise...
Good bye, Duck.
I don't know his true name but I know his taken so that's how I will call him. *shakes head* Why did he need to let you out?
Is it? Hmm. I didn't realise
He probably would've died of shock. See, because he knows and is at peace with his own name, and because he uses his own energy so much and because he has so many names in his body, he has unusually strong emotions. Kind of like Trip. Knowing Cris is alive is really affecting him. And that conversation we just had didn't exactly help.
#ChaseForBook9
I know he can hear me, I'm sorry Niccolò. Alright look how about we go back to 2013 and search for Cristofer? I'm not sure I want to be in the past if Niccolò happens to die as I probably would die bringing him back
Oh, he won't die. That's what I'm here for. But we can go back if you want.
#ChaseForBook9
*sighs*
*smiles sadly* I wish I had got to stay longer I was enjoying the time alone with him. But I'm thinking we should find Cristofer.
*shrugs* Your call. I don't much care either way.
#ChaseForBook9
Hello again...
#ChaseForBook9
Okay lets go to 2013 and find Cristofer
((Hello, Fabienne.))
#ChaseForBook9
I'm interrupting something, aren't I?
I'm always interrupting something.
Even when there's chocolate.
I'll be back sometime later, then.
#ChaseForBook9
*takes Zafira's hand and they return to Blogland in the year 2013, the day after they left* *is breathing noticeably harder* Whoo, that's a lot of years. We're a day late, but that should be fine.
#ChaseForBook9
*checks her watch* hmm.
((You've not interrupted anything, Fabienne. Please do not leave on my account.))
#ChaseForBook9
Okay. I want to find Cristofer but I'm not sure what country to look in. He could be anywhere
Hm... No, not anywhere... To call upon my more analytical names- there are only five... No, three places he could be. *thinks for a few seconds longer* Two.
#ChaseForBook9
Okay lets go to both and see what happens. Alright?
((Curious- are you two anywhere near me?))
((No we're a day behind....))
((Yep! We are now!)) Sure. I think Niccolò should do it, though, so I'll just go change again, if you don't mind. We can switch back when he needs it again.
#ChaseForBook9
((No, we should be where Adra is. We're a day behind where we came in, which is where Adra is now.))
#ChaseForBook9
((Oh))
*drinks tea*
Oh alright! I'll wait for Niccolò...
*vanishes*
#ChaseForBook9
Heya Zaf *sprinkles another painkilling leaf into her tea*
*switches back into my usual black outfit up in the treehouse and is back where Cynthia left me*
Hi...not talking I want to find who Niccolò and I need to find
Not taking? Cool, cool..*walks away from her, sipping more tea*
hello...?
*appears* You could accompany us if you like, Adra.
#ChaseForBook9
Hello, Snow.
#ChaseForBook9
(( pretend that hello was in brackets...))
Oh no- I wouldn't want to interfere. *sits down* Carry on.
Hello Snow
*looks up at Niccolò* oh good okay you're you.
[Leans against a (non-explosive) tree and watches from a distance]
[Pulls out a pen and carefully writes on the back of my hand]
[Tucks the pen away and resumes quietly watching]
#ChaseForBook9
(( adra, i am going to try to kill you now >:D ))
*emerges from the tree-line, a gun aiming straight at adra, tears streaming down my faces*
You wouldn't be interfering, Adra. We're hardly doing anything private.
#ChaseForBook9
*watches the fire again, sipping her tea calmly*
Hmm
Actually
Fuck that I'm coming with
WHOAAAAAAAA
what
Niccolò lets go okay? Look I really wanna do this because god knows when we'll be able to. And look she's occupied.
...Snow? What on Earth? Adra, you might consider moving...
#ChaseForBook9
No. Then I'm not going I dont want to go with her.
[Stands up, and reaches her hand towards Snow, closing fingers over the air]
[the gun begins to drop metal]
#ChaseForBook9
Zafira, there is no reason for her not to come. Live is too fleeting to be wasted on resentment.
#ChaseForBook9
(( stuff from my sub-plot thingy MWAHAHA))
*mutters* i'm sorry... *shakes head* Dusks threatend me, said if i dont shoot you and trip... he'll kill sherlock and i...
*is still aiming at adra*
Uh- Snow?
Then lets go! ((I mean it i have only less than 30min and I really am not in the mood to wait till tomorrow guarentee we wont go if i have to wait))
*drip
And that's really sweet of you. Really.
#ChaseForBook9
*drops to knees*
it's too hard to explain... *tears are streaming down my face*
...
*walks to her and kneels next to her* Snow- we can help you...
((Of course we will go. There is no need for such pessimism, Zafira.))
#ChaseForBook9
*sakes head* god, no you cant. he's a f***ing vampire, adra. i dont know why he has a grudge against you or why he's getting me to do it, but... i owe him so much... he's saved my life millions of times in this god forsaken universe...
We can help you, Snow. It was his decision to save you- you owe him nothing.
#ChaseForBook9
((Don't tell me we wil. Because now this is happening tomorrow another thing will happen and I won't go! I'm not stupid this is exactly what I didn't want, something else stopping me from having a sucessful night! I wont go tomorrow because someone will ask you to go tomorrow you'll go ill miss it end of story. So if we have Snow's thing as whats happening for all of us I give up I didnt want to go back to 2013 unless we wouldnt be bothered now i wish i stayed in 1516))
We're your friends, Snow...
[The gun melts into a metal puddle with the bits of other materials floating in it]
[Goes back to spectating, a sort of scary smile on her face]
#ChaseForBook9
try telling the goddamm vamp that.
besides, if i dont do it, he'll not only kill me but Ed too...
((Zaf...))
#ChaseForBook9
-I walk through the hazy forest, moving towards what I could hear-
(I'm not the asshole that destroys everything. Sorry about that)
*nods to Fabi*
Snow- we can help you- *hugs her* we can help you get out of this
no... i have to do this on my own...
*shoves adra away and teleports away*
-I end up finding Adra, pulling up my hood, which darkens my face, leaving me a mysterious figure, watching her-
*frowns* I don't know what to think of that...
((Ignore me just...look by 11:30 i just am going before i cause worse things...sorry))
((Zafira, please try to calm down. It is perfectly regular to have multiple plotlines going on at once. I may have to leave in a few minutes, anyway.
Hello, Trace.))
#ChaseForBook9
((Nic, just go with her-))
OMG OMG OMG!!! THE WORLD'S BEST AUTHOR AND THE WORLD'S BEST SHOW COMBINED!!!!!! THE ONLY WAY I COULD BE HAPPIER IS IF MYSTERY PROJECT 2 IS A STAR WARS BOOK!!!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!!!!!
(Hello Niccolo. It's me, Dylan, or Kai, or Isaac, or Jasper, or Connor, or John. But call me Trace)
AND it was posted on my birthday (I didn't see it cos I was away)!!! BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!!! THANK YOU DEREK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Oh, and guys, PewDiePie retweeted me. Ecstatic, I know.)
((I calmed down....just okay I was so excited then...look swear to me that tomorrow when we're both on no matter the plot going on we finish because we never do finish things if another plot is going on and I am not losing this. It was a good one.))
*appears at the bottom of a set of steps leading up to a seemingly average house on a seemingly random street*
*walks up steps and knocks*
Ed isn't helpless.
If he's anything like the Ed from my dimension, he's probably an idiot ((Um... Sorry Ed. ParaFabi actually considers most people, sorcerers, mages, etc. to be idiots. This statement is in character, and even then, not personal)), but he's a powerful idiot. Still really hard to kill. And there are the rest of us. [looks around with an edge of uncertainty]
#ChaseForBook9
((That's pretty awesome...0.0))
*picks up her tea, relishing with the painkillers* yay
((Zafira, I am heavily personally involved in this plot. It would make absolutely no sense for me to let it slide. Thank you for calming down. Although now that Snow has left, we may as well go now.))
#ChaseForBook9
-I stand behind Adra, a mysterious dark liquid writhing and clenching to my arm-
(Oh and I won't be a ruiner of the plot, like my other Trace was, but I hope I can at least join in.)
((Alright. Thank you. I'm sorry for losing my temper.))
*looks up at putting hand on Niccolò* lets go meet Cristofer eh?
*takes another sip, not noticing him*
((Trace, not to offend I don't really want to have you involved I dont get along well with you and I want this peaceful))
-I remain still, watching her as she drinks her tea-
[Turns and walks abruptly away]
#ChaseForBook9
*a man appears at the door and studies me carefully*
Man: Snow... this is... unexpected... to what do i owe this visit?
*slumps in the doorway, exhausted* Lea... i need some help...
*lea stands aside and helps me in*
We are the fallen angels!
((But you two are gone, so... It doesn't matter, does it Zaf?))
*sets it down, sitting back into her chair, rubbing her arm where she was shot* *reclines*
((Of course, Trace.))
...I am so not ready for that, but then again, I won't get any better with time.
#ChaseForBook9
-I move forward, so I am in Adra's periphal vision-
((It does matter because I dont get along with Trace and all))
I know *hugs* I'll be there for you I promise Niccolò. You can count on me. I'll talk to him mostly just try to remain calm.
*Lea helps Snow to a seat* can i ask again why you are here? why not go to any of your other friends for help?
because... they haven't taken on a pack of new vampires and won...
Lea: so this is a vampire problem?
*nods*
((Who don't you get along with though?))
*sighs* What do you want
((But tbc, I'm not having this conversation now so..))
((Zaf, could you please stop hating on people and telling them to go away? You're not the queen. Not that I am, but seriously. I keep trying to give you the benefit of the doubt, but you keep on behaving like a spoiled child. This time, you made the mistake (unless it was intentional) of acting like that when I was already off-balance, so I'm going to rant at you. Later, I'll probably apologize and act like a quiet little good-girl. That doesn't make what I'm saying any less true. Also, Trace, Ed, etc., they have ruined plots, but actually you've done that a lot too with all your complaining, and I've tried to give you all the benefit of the doubt, but I'm done. I'm just...done.
((Sorry, not sorry. I couldn't care less about a thing. I'll be back after a long rant on a meaningful topic of some sort.
#ChaseForBook9
-I smile, the black liquid swirling down my body and onto the ground, moving under Adra-
Who are you?
I guess I'll leave... When I'm on, people leave. I've got stuff to do anyway.))
*steps out of the way* I was about to say the same thing
((I just don't feel comfortable rping with Trace yet not after that argument and I dot trust myself to not go off on him. I'm trying to avoid conflict))
((Death, please do not go unless that is your personal desire. It does not sound like that is the case. If anyone leaves now, it has nothing to do with you.))
#ChaseForBook9
((Death... My temporary disappearance has absolutely nothing to do with you.
#ChaseForBook9
(It's not you Fabi... Anyway, I have to get ready for school tomorrow... Not that I really care...))
Lea: *raises an eyebrow at Snow* care to explain?
*sighs* Dusk. he has some... information... he can use against me...
Lea: and this information would be?
nothing of your business.
Lea: i can't help you if you won't give me all the information...
*sighs* fine... i... killed someone, and he was there to clean up after it, to take the blame...
Lea: *hugs* okay, i'll help...*hesitates* now might not be the best time to ask, but how are the scars healing from the fire?
*smiles slightly* well... thanks. it's good to see you've settled in in this universe/dimension/whatever...
((Im still here I'm not leaving yet))
((..bye ? *hug*))
*sips more of her tea*
Oh, I doubt I'll be calm. I doubt I'll even be able to breathe.
...I suppose we ought to go, then. First possibility. *the two of them appear in a very small, very old graveyard in France* *looks around* Not here.
#ChaseForBook9
(( *hugs all* ))
(( that was random, huh?))
(See? When I come on, he leaves.))
Right okay. He's not here lets try the next place? And I understand as I said I'll help in anyway possible so don't worry and I am willing to perform CPR on you if I must
*sits back down with her tea* yummmmm
((Oh, I understand. It likely has nothing to do with you personally, Death.))
I highly doubt that would help, Zafira. Perhaps I ought to go as someone else...
#ChaseForBook9
(( yeah... i have no plans where i am going with my RP plot now.... thats as far as i'd got... *shrugs* i'll think of something by the time i get on tomorrow.))
Niccolò, then go as John. He's calm and all but you need to be yourself at some point *takes his hand* look lets try focusing on small things Cristofer will be shocked too keep faith I believe in you. He's your nephew remember. Do as you wish but only if its to not die of shock.
(( SAPH!!! *tacklehuggles*))
Hi Saph-
*begins to nod off*
(( i am gonna be evil, adra!))
Dask: *appears behind adra*
*Dusk
(([hugs Saph]
((is still "not here" because if I was here I would probably kill someone, which would be bad.
#ChaseForBook9
*takes deep breath* You know, on second thought, I... I'll likely be fine. I nearly forgot that I have Aretha. She can ensure that I do not become too affected. ((Would you mind terribly if we finished this tomorrow? Aretha would very much like to sleep now, and I am inclined to let her.))
#ChaseForBook9
*sighs again* What now
((Hello and goodbye, Sapphire. Farewell to the rest of you, as well.))
#ChaseForBook9
Dusk: i just wanted to tell you: i shall kill you. even if my pathetic cousin Snow has no guts.... *curses* ignore that "cousin", would you?
((I'm fine with it Niccolò I'm gonna go too lets pick up tomorrow say...1? I should be back*))
Night guys
(( by zaf and nic))
(( *bye))
((Night those leaving!))
Dusk, let me ask you a question here- a serious question.
Have you ever heard of a concept of sleep?
Maybe not, being a vamp an all...
But I digress-
If you honestly think that you'll kill me, or Trip, as I've heard- guess again. Cuz boy, you have another thing coming
Dusk: *shrugs* i'll get you. just not today. *walks away*
*laughs* Have fun with that...
*sinks back into her chair*
((Serious MSD :3))
(( *laughs* that was a fail))
(( 1st? really? okay. well, since i got first with that comment...
i ded to epic fails. because they are fails and they are epic))
((Of course. *nods*?
Sorry in exhausted :/ ))
(( *laughs* i am in an.. odd... mood))
Sorry for disappearing! *is barely here*
You okay Snow?
I think our true names are the people we don't let ourselves be...
#ChaseForBook9
Or, like, the people that we are, but we don't want to be, but at the same time we do.
#ChaseForBook9
(( im fine, saph!!
what a great theory fab!))
((That's really deep, Fabi... Our true names are who we would hate to see purselves become... You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself be the villain))
Fabi; I agree :)
Now I gtg -_- Be back later! Bye :(
(( BYE SAPHY!!))
hai :)
(( i am obessesed with "Things We Lost In The Fire" by Bastille))
(( JUB JUB!!!!! HIAAAA!!!))
SNOWWY!!!!!!! *supermegatacklehugsofdoom*
HAAAIII!!
((Mm. [nods at what Adra said]
[hugs the Jubi-bean]
#ChaseForBook9
*Supermegatacklehugsofdoom the Fabi-bean*
HAI :D
I like the reference Adra xP
Things we lost to the flames
Things we'll never see again
All that we've amassed
Sits before us, shattered into ash
These are the things, the things we lost
The things we lost in the fire fire fire
These are the things, the things we lost
The things we lost in the fire fire fire
We sat and made a list
Of all the things that we had
Down the backs of table tops
Ticket stubs and your diaries
I read them all one day
When loneliness came and you were away
Oh they told me nothing new,
But I love to read the words you used
These are the things, the things we lost
The things we lost in the fire fire fire
These are the things, the things we lost
The things we lost in the fire fire fire
I was the match and you were the rock
Maybe we started this fire
We sat apart and watched
All we had burned on the pyre
You said we were born with nothing
And we sure as hell have nothing now
You said we were born with nothing
And we sure as hell have nothing now
These are the things, the things we lost
The things we lost in the fire fire fire
These are the things, the things we lost
The things we lost in the fire fire fire
Do you understand that we will never be the same again?
Do you understand that we will never be the same again?
The future's in our hands and we will never be the same again
The future's in our hands and we will never be the same again
These are the things, the things we lost
The things we lost in the fire fire fire
These are the things, the things we lost
The things we lost in the fire fire fire
These are the things, the things we lost
These are the things we lost in the fire fire fire
Flames they licked the walls
Tenderly they turned to dust all that I adore
HOW GOES IT :)
How hast thou been, good Jubilance? Civilizations have grown and crumbled since the time I saw thee last!
#ChaseForBook9
I hast been very well, Thank you dear Fabienne.
Indeed... I have not had the chance to greet you in a very long while
*shakes head* you two are odd
i am ditching the brackets for now, btw
I'M NOT ODD
I'M A PORCUPINE! :D
Not well, forsooth. And yet this world has not
Grown harsh enough to bring me to my knees
The boisterous gales bring sides I had forgot,
Uncovered many different sides of me
Though dismal life hath sharp and pointed spears
It hath also a spark that burns so bright
That keeps aside my ever-present fears
Though, I must admit I'm feeling strange tonight.
#ChaseForBook9
What, Snow? Thou declarest that as if 'twere the foulest insult that e'er was spoken. Dost thy temperament dislike that which maketh no sense in thine eyes, yea, though to me the words are clear as newly polished glass.
#ChaseForBook9
Oh dear me....
*grins* my friend and i were talking like that in cooking and people were looking at us odd... though not as odd as when i was singing "Don't You Want Me Baby" in cooking...
lol xD
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