Someday, I am going to THIS. And it will be awesome. I suppose I should actually work on one of the stories I want to write where it would be useful, however, so I know what questions I need to ask... maybe I should attempt to make my own private NaNo in February or March or something, just to get myself going?
I need to play a Sentinel. Only a little over a month! So much less painful anticipation than DA:O's extended wait. *crosses fingers and hopes ME2 doesn't get delayed too.*
Somehow I only own one book from my favorite author's bestselling Urban Fantasy series. So, now I need my own copies of the first three, plus the new one due out next year. Which she's still writing. Have we established my lack of patience yet?
Then again, there are things I've wanted for years and never gotten around to getting... such as the classic (1980's) BBC versions of Austen. I particularly like Pride & Prejudice and Persuasion (Ciaran Hinds as Wentworth! *sighs happily*)... shocking huh? While I am slightly less enthralled with the rest, (Mansfield Park in particular), my desire to support Austen, the BBC, and PBS, overwhelms any slight misgivings attempting to wander past my consumer-lust to HAVE THEM ALL! I think the only real reason I've refrained is that I have an old yet-perfectly-functional copy of P&P, and just buying Persuasion would be cheaper. But so much less pretty than the nice box with a clean version of Darcy and Elizabeth...
Speaking of Darcy, Laurence Olivier makes a fine romantic hero, and I don't actually own this one either... *sighs* Such an Austen addict.
Just to solidify by Austen geekiness, I not only own all six of her novels, I have the collected juvenelia. But none of the versions of Sandition (her unfinished final novel) completed by someone else. Cause, really, not-Austen version of her work (includiing the myriad Pride and Prejudice sequels) have never appealed in the slightest.
Strangely enough, neither did the most recent round of Austen remakes from PBS last year. Though the only one I saw was Persuasion, I was highly unimpressed. It suffered from similar modern liberties as the Knightley/Macfayden P&P, without the same level of chemistry to make up for it. I'm thinking I'll skip the 2008 versions entirely, despite how adorable Kate Beckinsale looks on the Emma DVD cover.
And back to gaming! Seriously, I'm slightly obsessed. Pen and Paper this time, but still Dragon Age!
I also lust after a clean, organized house, but I don't think I'm going to do the work on that, and it's hard for any of my scattered friends and family to help with that one long distance. *sighs* Gaming, and reading, and playing in the snow with the kid... all more fun than housework. ;)
Speaking of reading, (and that's an awkward transition if ever there was one), I was going to put up a review for On Basilisk Station, since the_flax finally talked me into reading it. However, I can't think of anything really review-y to say about it. It's the first Honor Harrington book by David Weber, originally published in 1992 and I found it difficult to get into, but once I did, it was highly enjoyable. I liked the characters and they had some decent depth and development. The action was clearly written, the imaginary science seemed solid and plausible, and tree-cats are awesome. And Nimitz the tree-cat gets even better in the next one...
(And the first two are both in the Baen Free Library, so you have no excuse not to read them. ;) Love me Baen's free library. Should buy more of their books to prove how well it works... *laughs*)
Weber apparently routinely writes in "heroic" mode, so the good guys are especially virtuous, and the bad guys are especially villainous, but that's not really a complaint. It might get to be one by book eleven, but as it's a valid storytelling choice, I'll try not to let my personal inclination towards more "grey" character development get in the way of enjoying a hopefully well-paced and well-written series.
Also, if anyone can find a decent (not-cheap-plastic or excessively pink) toy kitchen, drop me a line? I would like to get one for the little dude, but I can't find anything that isn't horribly over-priced. Or that really exists, since I've found a few listings, only to discover that no one actually carries the one I wanted anymore. Very frustrating. Thanks all!
22 December 2009
11 December 2009
Broken Wing by Judith James
genre: book review
So, I belatedly came across KristieJ's Quest at least a year ago, and decided anything inspiring that level of glee was worth a read. And I discovered that, while I don't love it as much as she does, it was definitely a satisfyingly emotional experience. And then I misplaced the half a review I wrote right after I read it, and only just now rediscovered it. Let's see how much I remember, neh?
Just the Facts:
Broken Wing by Judith James
Published by Medallion Press in 2008; ISBN 9781933836447
Genre: Historical Romance
(Unofficially, it's also rather an epic coming of age tale. So if you're tired of that trope from too many YA novels, this might not do it for you. The subject matter is pretty adult, however, so I think it's worth a try.)
Highlights/Synopsis:
"Raised" in a brothel, Gabriel St. Croix becomes the protector of an innocent young boy, preventing Jamie from being used and abused by the Madame and her patrons as he was as a child. When Jamie's brother and sister manage to track him down and rescue him, Jamie insists that his friend Gabriel come along too. Luckily, Jamie's family, despite being 'Peers of the Realm', so to speak, are unconventional enough to realize just what Gabriel protected Jamie from, and thus agree to this demand; they even go so far as to 'hire' Gabriel to help Jamie's transition back to polite society.
Thus begins the love story between Gabriel and Jamie's sister Sarah, but despite the care of Jamie's family, Gabriel still has a lot to do to become a self-sufficent adult in the brand new world he discovers once he's free from the brothel. When his romance hits a snag, he leaves to prove himself a worthy suitor to Sarah's hand. But of course things go wrong, and as the blurb says:
Setting: Early Napoleonic Europe (and North Africa!)
While the quality of the historical setting didn't have the sparkle of Novik's Temeraire, (but that could just be awesome dragon sparkle, not setting sparkle, as I am crazy fond of the dragons), it was well done. No glaring idiosyncracies or modern touches threw me out of the time period, and the focus on pirates/privateers and the slave trade was a welcome fresh perspective. Having had some basic Spanish history back in High School when I worked my way up to Spanish 5, I am usually disappointed by the total lack of mention of the Islamic and North African influences in Europe in most historicals. James was remarkably ambitious with this setting, especially for what I believe is a first novel, but it worked for me, so congratulations are in order for the originality and enthusiasm.
On Romance:
I've gathered from reading about this book around the web that a lot of people have varying levels of issues with the second half of the book. People who liked all the characters didn't like that the romantic leads were separated for the entire second half. Others accepted the separation, but didn't feel the eventual reconciliation. Gabriel could physically have returned from his adventures long before he did, and some couldn't forgive him for staying away. However, I felt that James did a great job of showing how emotionally unready he was to accept his relationship.
I completely bought the personal journey Gabriel had to go through, and thus it worked for me. He wasn't ready to be a healthy adult when he and Sarah first fell in love, and getting lost again, even though it wasn't nearly as bad as his childhood, helped give him the perspective to finally CHOOSE to leave it all behind, rather than just letting Jamie's family rescue him. He had to rescue himself as well.
The final concern I came across a lot online was one of character, that Sarah was unbelievable as a love interest. She was just too perfect, too forgiving, an idealized woman as a contrast to Gabriel's wonderfully complex character. I rather see their point, as she understands Gabriel so well she can easily forgive him when he returns, and never seems to cause any conflict herself. I really liked her character, however, as I found her interesting, and unconventional enough to stand with Gabriel. I simply didn't have problems with her role in Gabriel's story. Cause that's what this book is: Gabriel's story. Even though it has a luscious love story, it's all about Gabriel, not Gabriel and Sarah. So, you see Sarah as Gabriel does, not as anyone else would, and he thinks she's perfect. Because she's perfect for him. (Insert "aww" or *rolled eyes @jillyfae's cheesiness* here depending on your personality.)
Conclusion:
If you like historical fiction, especially when it's not regency-lite, epic adventure, and/or romance, you should probably give this one a try. (Plus it has pirates!) I vaguely recall some loose plotting and awkward phrasing, but nothing that threw me out of the story, and it was highly (and effectively) emotional without resorting to cheap tear-jerker tricks. I found myself smiling and/or sniffling as intended throughout the story. (And this was well before the pregnancy, so I can't even blame the extra hormones.) With some polish earned from a couple more books under her belt, James will probably be quite the author to reckon with.
So, I belatedly came across KristieJ's Quest at least a year ago, and decided anything inspiring that level of glee was worth a read. And I discovered that, while I don't love it as much as she does, it was definitely a satisfyingly emotional experience. And then I misplaced the half a review I wrote right after I read it, and only just now rediscovered it. Let's see how much I remember, neh?
Just the Facts:
Broken Wing by Judith James
Published by Medallion Press in 2008; ISBN 9781933836447
Genre: Historical Romance
(Unofficially, it's also rather an epic coming of age tale. So if you're tired of that trope from too many YA novels, this might not do it for you. The subject matter is pretty adult, however, so I think it's worth a try.)
Highlights/Synopsis:
"Raised" in a brothel, Gabriel St. Croix becomes the protector of an innocent young boy, preventing Jamie from being used and abused by the Madame and her patrons as he was as a child. When Jamie's brother and sister manage to track him down and rescue him, Jamie insists that his friend Gabriel come along too. Luckily, Jamie's family, despite being 'Peers of the Realm', so to speak, are unconventional enough to realize just what Gabriel protected Jamie from, and thus agree to this demand; they even go so far as to 'hire' Gabriel to help Jamie's transition back to polite society.
Thus begins the love story between Gabriel and Jamie's sister Sarah, but despite the care of Jamie's family, Gabriel still has a lot to do to become a self-sufficent adult in the brand new world he discovers once he's free from the brothel. When his romance hits a snag, he leaves to prove himself a worthy suitor to Sarah's hand. But of course things go wrong, and as the blurb says:
"Becoming a mercenary, pirate and a professional gambler, Gabriel travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again and all he knows of love. On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey, and the greatest gamble of all, is within the darkest reaches of his own heart."
Setting: Early Napoleonic Europe (and North Africa!)
While the quality of the historical setting didn't have the sparkle of Novik's Temeraire, (but that could just be awesome dragon sparkle, not setting sparkle, as I am crazy fond of the dragons), it was well done. No glaring idiosyncracies or modern touches threw me out of the time period, and the focus on pirates/privateers and the slave trade was a welcome fresh perspective. Having had some basic Spanish history back in High School when I worked my way up to Spanish 5, I am usually disappointed by the total lack of mention of the Islamic and North African influences in Europe in most historicals. James was remarkably ambitious with this setting, especially for what I believe is a first novel, but it worked for me, so congratulations are in order for the originality and enthusiasm.
On Romance:
I've gathered from reading about this book around the web that a lot of people have varying levels of issues with the second half of the book. People who liked all the characters didn't like that the romantic leads were separated for the entire second half. Others accepted the separation, but didn't feel the eventual reconciliation. Gabriel could physically have returned from his adventures long before he did, and some couldn't forgive him for staying away. However, I felt that James did a great job of showing how emotionally unready he was to accept his relationship.
I completely bought the personal journey Gabriel had to go through, and thus it worked for me. He wasn't ready to be a healthy adult when he and Sarah first fell in love, and getting lost again, even though it wasn't nearly as bad as his childhood, helped give him the perspective to finally CHOOSE to leave it all behind, rather than just letting Jamie's family rescue him. He had to rescue himself as well.
The final concern I came across a lot online was one of character, that Sarah was unbelievable as a love interest. She was just too perfect, too forgiving, an idealized woman as a contrast to Gabriel's wonderfully complex character. I rather see their point, as she understands Gabriel so well she can easily forgive him when he returns, and never seems to cause any conflict herself. I really liked her character, however, as I found her interesting, and unconventional enough to stand with Gabriel. I simply didn't have problems with her role in Gabriel's story. Cause that's what this book is: Gabriel's story. Even though it has a luscious love story, it's all about Gabriel, not Gabriel and Sarah. So, you see Sarah as Gabriel does, not as anyone else would, and he thinks she's perfect. Because she's perfect for him. (Insert "aww" or *rolled eyes @jillyfae's cheesiness* here depending on your personality.)
Conclusion:
If you like historical fiction, especially when it's not regency-lite, epic adventure, and/or romance, you should probably give this one a try. (Plus it has pirates!) I vaguely recall some loose plotting and awkward phrasing, but nothing that threw me out of the story, and it was highly (and effectively) emotional without resorting to cheap tear-jerker tricks. I found myself smiling and/or sniffling as intended throughout the story. (And this was well before the pregnancy, so I can't even blame the extra hormones.) With some polish earned from a couple more books under her belt, James will probably be quite the author to reckon with.
Proof we, as parents, (mostly me but sometimes the husband), are not good enough at hiding our video games from the young child
When a nature magazine you’re reading mentions wolverines, he thinks they meant Balverines.
After singing Santa Clause is Coming to Town, he decides he needs to make his own Nice and Naughty lists, and informs you the Darkspawn are on the Naughty list.
(He is also worried that, in some epic tale he’s made up in his head, the Darkspawn have gotten Ahsoka. I don’t know if Darkspawn discovered spaceships, or Ahsoka traveled to Thedas. It’s quite possible they all went somewhere else entirely, however, since Slimer may have shown up somewhere in the story. And I think I might have heard mention of an Omnitrix as well. It’s rather hard to follow. I’m thinking he watches too much TV too.)
He recognizes a Mass Effect 2 trailer from the logo before it starts. He can clearly distinguish all the ME2 screenshots and trailers on the computer from the original ME game here at home.
(Though he only started calling it Mass Effect when he saw pictures of the second one. Before that it was just “mom’s space game”. Not sure why the distinction, since the only Star Wars game that gets any distinction is Lego Star Wars. The rest of them, from Force Unleashed, to KotOR, to Rogue Leader, are all just Star Wars. And he never wants me to play The Sith Lords, just KotOR I. I think he likes Mission.)
He knows Samus is a girl, and thinks she, her cannon, and anything the morph-ball does, is awesome. (Ok, that one’s not bad. Samus is awesome.)
Jade Empire is now called Tiger Claws, and Lost Planet is “the snow game”.
He dances a lot like a Minion.
Shooting lightening from his hands is his favorite ‘attack’ in epic storytelling/pretend mode. His favorite lightsaber color is red, too. (Though, he has various magic powers in these stories that let him turn bad guys into good guys so they can play too, in case anyone was worried he was sounding excessively bloodthirsty even for a little boy.)
And finally, he can put all the games back (in alphabetical order) on the shelf from memory, even though he can’t actually read yet.
Yeah, I'm starting to think we need to get out more. o_0;;
After singing Santa Clause is Coming to Town, he decides he needs to make his own Nice and Naughty lists, and informs you the Darkspawn are on the Naughty list.
(He is also worried that, in some epic tale he’s made up in his head, the Darkspawn have gotten Ahsoka. I don’t know if Darkspawn discovered spaceships, or Ahsoka traveled to Thedas. It’s quite possible they all went somewhere else entirely, however, since Slimer may have shown up somewhere in the story. And I think I might have heard mention of an Omnitrix as well. It’s rather hard to follow. I’m thinking he watches too much TV too.)
He recognizes a Mass Effect 2 trailer from the logo before it starts. He can clearly distinguish all the ME2 screenshots and trailers on the computer from the original ME game here at home.
(Though he only started calling it Mass Effect when he saw pictures of the second one. Before that it was just “mom’s space game”. Not sure why the distinction, since the only Star Wars game that gets any distinction is Lego Star Wars. The rest of them, from Force Unleashed, to KotOR, to Rogue Leader, are all just Star Wars. And he never wants me to play The Sith Lords, just KotOR I. I think he likes Mission.)
He knows Samus is a girl, and thinks she, her cannon, and anything the morph-ball does, is awesome. (Ok, that one’s not bad. Samus is awesome.)
Jade Empire is now called Tiger Claws, and Lost Planet is “the snow game”.
He dances a lot like a Minion.
Shooting lightening from his hands is his favorite ‘attack’ in epic storytelling/pretend mode. His favorite lightsaber color is red, too. (Though, he has various magic powers in these stories that let him turn bad guys into good guys so they can play too, in case anyone was worried he was sounding excessively bloodthirsty even for a little boy.)
And finally, he can put all the games back (in alphabetical order) on the shelf from memory, even though he can’t actually read yet.
Yeah, I'm starting to think we need to get out more. o_0;;
07 December 2009
more gaming obsessions aka I am such a girl sometimes.
So, I have spent much of my free time lately playing the greatest video game EVER. (Well, the bestest game that I've every played, anyways.) The lore and story are wonderfully in depth, the combat is never boring (though I played on super-baby-easy-level since I've never played a tactical RPG before and I didn't want to die), and the characters are SPECTACULAR. Even the side characters I run across on minor quests are generally interesting and well acted. The ones on major quests are usually well-developed, and the people who actually join me on my quest are highly engaging and entertaining.
I go to talk to a companion person in my game, and instead of just letting me interrogate them in the typical RPG manner, they interrupt and ask me stuff! The knight-templar asks me what I think of the rest of the group, the older mage asks me about my commitment to my duty, and the wild mage lady asks me about my mother. *laughs* My favorites are when some member of my in-game group is teasing my character mercilessly about her romance. Or teasing the object of my affection in the background while we're exploring somewhere. Hysterically funny. (Actual non-spoiler-y example: Wynne, an older-than-the-rest-of-us-younglings-mage actually ISN'T teasing Alistair, my romantic templar-knight fellow, but wishing us well, and he keeps waiting for the punchline. Which he is forced to provide himself when she doesn't say anything snarky.)
And the romance I played in the game is simply ADORABLE. Sweet, silly, and, well, romantic. Especially effective against the grim potential end-of-the-world story that is the main plot.
DRAGON AGE SPOILERS!
(don't know how to do spoiler tags in blogger, sorry. Should probably figure that out if I'm going to start reviewing books and games, neh?)
Of course, the first time I finished the game, Alistair sacrificed himself to save my character's life, and I CRIED. Buckets. I blame the pregnancy hormones, since it's vaguely embarrassing to lose it at a video game. ^_~ I grabbed an old save and figured out a way for him not to die, so that made me happier. I hear tell there's a way (through dialogue) to get a more romantic good-bye when he does die to save your life, but I'm not sure I'll ever actually put myself through that ending again to find out. (So I'm a wimp. At least I admit it.)
/END DRAGON AGE SPOILERS
I realized after finishing the game, that despite some of the weaknesses of format, (there are only a few ways reliably used for interaction in a VG after all... lots of dialogue and the periodic cut scene), it was one of the most endearing romantic storylines I've come across in quite awhile. Which is sad, since I tend to read romance/romantic novels. (Well, Nalini Singh's latest made me cry too, even though I had, what, five pages left and knew it was all going to work out? Those pregnancy hormones are getting a lot of flack lately.) Most of them seem to be missing some vital spark of actual romance lately in favor of angst or sex or drama. *sighs*
Maybe it was simply the quality of Alistair's voice acting, which one obviously doesn't get in a book, and completely got to me, pretty much no matter what he was saying. (Is it bad when an imaginary CGI character makes you swoon a bit?) Or the fact that he wasn't an alpha-male, which is generally how romantic leads in novels are written. (WHY? People are not only interested in uber-alpha-control-freaks! Especially since IRL they're usually not that like-able.)
I think what really sold me, however, is that since you have to PLAY the romance, you could screw it up. Or adapt it (a bit) to your preference. Which brings me back to why the good RPG's are so horribly addicting. They're like a choose-your-own-adventure book that's GOOD: today I'm going to retell one of my favorite stories, and see what new plot twist and/or character twist I can make happen. (Or combat/character build variety, if that floats your boat. Definitely secondary to me to the story/characters, but still fun.) How cool is that? Then again, I like to re-read and re-re-read books I really like. If I didn't, maybe replaying RPG's wouldn't be quite so entertaining...
And on that note... *insert your own interesting conclusion to rambling here* Bye all!
I go to talk to a companion person in my game, and instead of just letting me interrogate them in the typical RPG manner, they interrupt and ask me stuff! The knight-templar asks me what I think of the rest of the group, the older mage asks me about my commitment to my duty, and the wild mage lady asks me about my mother. *laughs* My favorites are when some member of my in-game group is teasing my character mercilessly about her romance. Or teasing the object of my affection in the background while we're exploring somewhere. Hysterically funny. (Actual non-spoiler-y example: Wynne, an older-than-the-rest-of-us-younglings-mage actually ISN'T teasing Alistair, my romantic templar-knight fellow, but wishing us well, and he keeps waiting for the punchline. Which he is forced to provide himself when she doesn't say anything snarky.)
And the romance I played in the game is simply ADORABLE. Sweet, silly, and, well, romantic. Especially effective against the grim potential end-of-the-world story that is the main plot.
DRAGON AGE SPOILERS!
(don't know how to do spoiler tags in blogger, sorry. Should probably figure that out if I'm going to start reviewing books and games, neh?)
Of course, the first time I finished the game, Alistair sacrificed himself to save my character's life, and I CRIED. Buckets. I blame the pregnancy hormones, since it's vaguely embarrassing to lose it at a video game. ^_~ I grabbed an old save and figured out a way for him not to die, so that made me happier. I hear tell there's a way (through dialogue) to get a more romantic good-bye when he does die to save your life, but I'm not sure I'll ever actually put myself through that ending again to find out. (So I'm a wimp. At least I admit it.)
/END DRAGON AGE SPOILERS
I realized after finishing the game, that despite some of the weaknesses of format, (there are only a few ways reliably used for interaction in a VG after all... lots of dialogue and the periodic cut scene), it was one of the most endearing romantic storylines I've come across in quite awhile. Which is sad, since I tend to read romance/romantic novels. (Well, Nalini Singh's latest made me cry too, even though I had, what, five pages left and knew it was all going to work out? Those pregnancy hormones are getting a lot of flack lately.) Most of them seem to be missing some vital spark of actual romance lately in favor of angst or sex or drama. *sighs*
Maybe it was simply the quality of Alistair's voice acting, which one obviously doesn't get in a book, and completely got to me, pretty much no matter what he was saying. (Is it bad when an imaginary CGI character makes you swoon a bit?) Or the fact that he wasn't an alpha-male, which is generally how romantic leads in novels are written. (WHY? People are not only interested in uber-alpha-control-freaks! Especially since IRL they're usually not that like-able.)
I think what really sold me, however, is that since you have to PLAY the romance, you could screw it up. Or adapt it (a bit) to your preference. Which brings me back to why the good RPG's are so horribly addicting. They're like a choose-your-own-adventure book that's GOOD: today I'm going to retell one of my favorite stories, and see what new plot twist and/or character twist I can make happen. (Or combat/character build variety, if that floats your boat. Definitely secondary to me to the story/characters, but still fun.) How cool is that? Then again, I like to re-read and re-re-read books I really like. If I didn't, maybe replaying RPG's wouldn't be quite so entertaining...
And on that note... *insert your own interesting conclusion to rambling here* Bye all!
05 December 2009
I am such a nerd. RPG FTW!
In other news, my online RP group has been wonderfully inspired this week. Just about everyone did some side-story writing and small group role-playing, including one big chunk that that I wrote up to post to the group adventure log. (In present tense, for no apparent reason. It reminded me of the Recluse books (though obviously not as polished/high-quality), as they're the only novels I've read in present tense. It is very bizarre, but every time I tried to write it in past tense, I'd suddenly revert for a few dialogue tags, and have to go back, so I gave up and switched the whole thing over. It confounded my poor proof-reader a bit, but he was quite good-natured about it.)
It is remarkably time consuming to translate a group chat into a remotely readable story format, even if all you do is clean up dialogue tags and add some slight descriptions. I am even more in awe of our GM now, who usually writes up our weekly gaming session for us all to peruse.
It was great fun, however, and I'm definitely going to have to work up some more side plots I can RP with some members of the group in the next few weeks before the baby is born and I devote all my spare time to napping. ^_~
And now I'm attempting to work on some back-story for my character again, as the rest of the group is making me feel like I'm falling behind. *laughs* (Mostly j/k, in case any of them run across this.) In reality, all the work everyone does is just making the inspiration bubble in the back of my mind, and I want to DO SOMETHING with it. (Anyone who gets the Wrede/Stevermer reference gets a cookie.) It's currently simply a niggling little character piece, about Naessa's brother Ninnion and his fiancee (sorry, I do not know how to do accent marks in blogger), which might display a bit of Naessa's opinion on romance and marriage, which weirdly enough might be important in game. Even if it's not important, it's interesting, (to me at least, being excessively romantic), so I hope I can get it to go somewhere.
Oh, and in reference to the previous character-writing bit way back in October, I ended up throwing out the old short story I was trying to write completely, and instead simply gave Naessa a really nasty nightmare. Which is actually worse than the memory I wrote out to explain it, but the character isn't ready to talk about it yet, so I have to wait until she feels like conversing with someone. Did that make any sense? At least I know what the actual nightmare is, so if I get a chance, I'll know where I need the conversation to go.
There are two people in the party in particular I think she might be motivated to share with, as she thinks they might need the insight, but she's also horribly embarrassed by the whole thing, so I'm not quite sure how that will work out, or what would be a good trigger event to make her search either of them out for a quiet conversation. Or she might talk to someone else completely, cause she already likes/trusts him. Or his wife. And it's really hard to talk about a game to people who aren't playing, as no one will have any idea what I'm talking about, unless they're in the game themselves. In which case, most of this would be redundant. *laughs*
All in all, I am loving this game, and the writing we've all been inspired to do for it. It is great fun, and helps me avoid the incipient brain-melting-out-my-ears sensation I usually suffer from around the end of the year, when I realize how long I've been a stay-at-home mom without a lot of outside interaction. (No work, no school, makes jillyfae feel brain-dead.)
However, no brain dead this year! I am still lousy at housework, and unprepared for a new baby in the house, but that's par for the course, so to speak. I'm hoping the little guy is late rather than early, so I have a bit more time to get my act together. A wish that almost guarantees he'll be early, I know, but I can't seem to help myself. *crosses fingers*
And now, back to the awkward-conversation-story I'm working on.
It is remarkably time consuming to translate a group chat into a remotely readable story format, even if all you do is clean up dialogue tags and add some slight descriptions. I am even more in awe of our GM now, who usually writes up our weekly gaming session for us all to peruse.
It was great fun, however, and I'm definitely going to have to work up some more side plots I can RP with some members of the group in the next few weeks before the baby is born and I devote all my spare time to napping. ^_~
And now I'm attempting to work on some back-story for my character again, as the rest of the group is making me feel like I'm falling behind. *laughs* (Mostly j/k, in case any of them run across this.) In reality, all the work everyone does is just making the inspiration bubble in the back of my mind, and I want to DO SOMETHING with it. (Anyone who gets the Wrede/Stevermer reference gets a cookie.) It's currently simply a niggling little character piece, about Naessa's brother Ninnion and his fiancee (sorry, I do not know how to do accent marks in blogger), which might display a bit of Naessa's opinion on romance and marriage, which weirdly enough might be important in game. Even if it's not important, it's interesting, (to me at least, being excessively romantic), so I hope I can get it to go somewhere.
Oh, and in reference to the previous character-writing bit way back in October, I ended up throwing out the old short story I was trying to write completely, and instead simply gave Naessa a really nasty nightmare. Which is actually worse than the memory I wrote out to explain it, but the character isn't ready to talk about it yet, so I have to wait until she feels like conversing with someone. Did that make any sense? At least I know what the actual nightmare is, so if I get a chance, I'll know where I need the conversation to go.
There are two people in the party in particular I think she might be motivated to share with, as she thinks they might need the insight, but she's also horribly embarrassed by the whole thing, so I'm not quite sure how that will work out, or what would be a good trigger event to make her search either of them out for a quiet conversation. Or she might talk to someone else completely, cause she already likes/trusts him. Or his wife. And it's really hard to talk about a game to people who aren't playing, as no one will have any idea what I'm talking about, unless they're in the game themselves. In which case, most of this would be redundant. *laughs*
All in all, I am loving this game, and the writing we've all been inspired to do for it. It is great fun, and helps me avoid the incipient brain-melting-out-my-ears sensation I usually suffer from around the end of the year, when I realize how long I've been a stay-at-home mom without a lot of outside interaction. (No work, no school, makes jillyfae feel brain-dead.)
However, no brain dead this year! I am still lousy at housework, and unprepared for a new baby in the house, but that's par for the course, so to speak. I'm hoping the little guy is late rather than early, so I have a bit more time to get my act together. A wish that almost guarantees he'll be early, I know, but I can't seem to help myself. *crosses fingers*
And now, back to the awkward-conversation-story I'm working on.
The First Snowfall of the Season. I love winter.
So, today was a truly lovely day. The child went downstairs when he woke up, running into the husband, so I got to sleep in! For, quite possibly, the first time in over a year. It was great. I woke up a few times, but I could slightly hear the boys downstairs, and no one was screaming, so I didn't have to get up.
And then, upon wandering downstairs and making coffee and looking out the window, I discovered it was snowing! So, the little dude and I went outside to play in the snow. He helped some neighbor children build a snow pile (it kept breaking, so they didn't quite get to snowman status) and a snow frog, interrupted by periodic snow ball fights. (Snow ball fights of the around five age group are quite amusing, as they really just stand about a foot apart and chuck bits of snow at each other, and only occasionally attempt some crazy concept like running away or dodging. *snickers*)
Unfortunately, the silly mom had brought the dog, (who was extra hyper cause of snow and little kids), and hadn't put snow pants on the four-year-old (who kept trying to play on the snowy slide in regular pants), so we didn't get to stay out too long. It was still after lunch time by the time we got back, however, so all in all, a pretty perfect morning. If it doesn't ice over too much tonight, we're going to try and build a little snow fort in the backyard tomorrow. :) (Very little, as there wasn't THAT much accumulation, but I don't think the four-year-old is likely to be too picky.)
Then we spent a quiet afternoon putzing around the house, followed by the wonderful husband braving the stupid-first-snowfall-drivers to pick up cheeseburgers for his pregnant wife who had a minor craving and REALLY didn't want to make anything. :D And now I'm watching him play Overlord (silly minions!) while I type, and I am remarkably satisfied and content with my day. I didn't do a thing, and I'm ok with that for once.
And I think now would be a good time to make some hot chocolate.
And then, upon wandering downstairs and making coffee and looking out the window, I discovered it was snowing! So, the little dude and I went outside to play in the snow. He helped some neighbor children build a snow pile (it kept breaking, so they didn't quite get to snowman status) and a snow frog, interrupted by periodic snow ball fights. (Snow ball fights of the around five age group are quite amusing, as they really just stand about a foot apart and chuck bits of snow at each other, and only occasionally attempt some crazy concept like running away or dodging. *snickers*)
Unfortunately, the silly mom had brought the dog, (who was extra hyper cause of snow and little kids), and hadn't put snow pants on the four-year-old (who kept trying to play on the snowy slide in regular pants), so we didn't get to stay out too long. It was still after lunch time by the time we got back, however, so all in all, a pretty perfect morning. If it doesn't ice over too much tonight, we're going to try and build a little snow fort in the backyard tomorrow. :) (Very little, as there wasn't THAT much accumulation, but I don't think the four-year-old is likely to be too picky.)
Then we spent a quiet afternoon putzing around the house, followed by the wonderful husband braving the stupid-first-snowfall-drivers to pick up cheeseburgers for his pregnant wife who had a minor craving and REALLY didn't want to make anything. :D And now I'm watching him play Overlord (silly minions!) while I type, and I am remarkably satisfied and content with my day. I didn't do a thing, and I'm ok with that for once.
And I think now would be a good time to make some hot chocolate.
22 October 2009
WIP update
So, I've been trying to get started on a short story for several weeks now. I write a bit, it doesn't go anywhere, I delete it all, and attempt to start over. Or, I just sit and stare at a blank screen mentally twiddling my thumbs. Very annoying.
HOWEVER!
It is almost November, and I'm attempting NaNo again, and I need a warm-up, so... I must write a short story before November. No choice. (I'm going to keep saying that until I believe it and actually finish.)
This particular short story is background for Naessa, my character in Silent Winter, the online PnP campaign I'm playing. I know where I want to start, and end for once, but have no idea what really happens in the middle. No plot. Some random characters. A really vague idea for happenings in another clan, but I'm not sure if it actually serves any purpose with the main story.
Main Points:
Conflict with travelling elves from "wild" clan (violence)
Unofficial status of Ninnion/Ashoa engagement (romance)
"weird" magic echoes in the Fade (mystery)
Receive mage staff from Keeper Darana at end (resolution)
Questionable side-plot:
problems with Elon and Keeper Zholon and their clan; poor Jatris, omens from Bringer of Nightmares?
So there, that didn't make any sense to anyone not me. Must try a slightly more in depth synopsis for next time. Which won't be for awhile, since now I need to clean, as people are coming over Saturday. *PANIC!*
HOWEVER!
It is almost November, and I'm attempting NaNo again, and I need a warm-up, so... I must write a short story before November. No choice. (I'm going to keep saying that until I believe it and actually finish.)
This particular short story is background for Naessa, my character in Silent Winter, the online PnP campaign I'm playing. I know where I want to start, and end for once, but have no idea what really happens in the middle. No plot. Some random characters. A really vague idea for happenings in another clan, but I'm not sure if it actually serves any purpose with the main story.
Main Points:
Conflict with travelling elves from "wild" clan (violence)
Unofficial status of Ninnion/Ashoa engagement (romance)
"weird" magic echoes in the Fade (mystery)
Receive mage staff from Keeper Darana at end (resolution)
Questionable side-plot:
problems with Elon and Keeper Zholon and their clan; poor Jatris, omens from Bringer of Nightmares?
So there, that didn't make any sense to anyone not me. Must try a slightly more in depth synopsis for next time. Which won't be for awhile, since now I need to clean, as people are coming over Saturday. *PANIC!*
14 October 2009
My Week in Gaming
Silent Winter:
So, I'm in an actual table-top style role-playing group. (We meet online, for those who wonder how I met people. I didn't!) While this was technically the second session, the first session was short 2 1/2 people, (1 late plus 2 no-shows, including me), so this was our first real group adventure. And wow, we are a bit disorganized with the talking. *grins* But I had a wonderful time, and my character is fun to play, so I'm really looking forward to next week.
We're running a system our GM previously made and adapted for the group, (she's an awesome GM btw, very good at multi-tasking and character-specific reactions), based on the Dragon Age: Origins world. That game needs to come out NOW. It's finally almost here, and I am going crazy with anticipation. Ever remotely considered playing a video-game RPG? Have a decent computer, XBox 360, and/or PS3? Don't mind some gore and mature storylines? It's out November 3rd, and early reviews plus my rabid fan-status promise it will be WONDERFUL. Really. I swear.
Fable II
blergh. I pre-ordered this, and picked it up the day it came out. (I almost went to the midnight release party.) I started right away, and then... *shrugs* Didn't like something I'd done, but the stupid game doesn't have multiple save points, and I didn't want to start over, so... *shrugs* It languished on the shelf for a year.
I loved the first game... Fable is actually what got me back into gaming. I used to play adventure games on the computer a la King's Quest and the RPG-style Quest for Glory. I even played a couple pen-and-paper/tabletop games in college, but that was it for YEARS. Then I was stuck in my brother-in-law's house, most of my stuff still in storage from a move, without even a CAR, so I sat down in front of his XBox and tried Fable. It was silly, engaging, with an actual plot, plus an appropriately sinister villain, and I didn't even insta-die from combat. Wow!
The sequel lost the fun of the first one, and had a much weaker plot and villain. Plus, while I did enjoy the revamped combat system, I have discovered I HATE sandbox endings. (I am glaring at you, now, ME2. Though, from all accounts/expectations, you'll actually have a decent story and villain to fight, so I guess I'll survive. BioWare > Lionhead.) There are not enough words to describe what a let-down it is (personally, imho, ymmv, etc. etc.) to have some theoretical grand "sacrifice" (cause there wasn't even an active battle or proper confrontation against the villain) followed by... wandering around decorating houses and looking for minor side-quests?!?
Then again, that was a problem I had with the entire game, and the reason I bought Fallout 3 used only to return it before the week was out. (Traded in the copy of Morrowind I got with the original XBox too.) I have no idea why I keep trying to play sandbox games, since I have never actually liked one. Yet for some reason, a new one comes out, I think it looks all pretty and shiny and entertaining, and I attempt to play it... *rolls eyes*
I even bought the Fable II DLC when I thought I'd really like the game. *sighs* The DLC was quite fun, actually, but the game as a whole required slogging to finish the story, and then it DIDN'T give me anything resembling a satisfying ending, and the only interesting characters all wandered off on their own. Of course, everyone else in the world knew this a year ago when the game actually came out, but I only just now got around to playing. Which was a pretty significant sign in and of itself, really. *sighs again* Definitely not getting Fable III whenever it shows up. Probably selling Fable II. Keeping Fable to re-play later.
So, I'm in an actual table-top style role-playing group. (We meet online, for those who wonder how I met people. I didn't!) While this was technically the second session, the first session was short 2 1/2 people, (1 late plus 2 no-shows, including me), so this was our first real group adventure. And wow, we are a bit disorganized with the talking. *grins* But I had a wonderful time, and my character is fun to play, so I'm really looking forward to next week.
We're running a system our GM previously made and adapted for the group, (she's an awesome GM btw, very good at multi-tasking and character-specific reactions), based on the Dragon Age: Origins world. That game needs to come out NOW. It's finally almost here, and I am going crazy with anticipation. Ever remotely considered playing a video-game RPG? Have a decent computer, XBox 360, and/or PS3? Don't mind some gore and mature storylines? It's out November 3rd, and early reviews plus my rabid fan-status promise it will be WONDERFUL. Really. I swear.
Fable II
blergh. I pre-ordered this, and picked it up the day it came out. (I almost went to the midnight release party.) I started right away, and then... *shrugs* Didn't like something I'd done, but the stupid game doesn't have multiple save points, and I didn't want to start over, so... *shrugs* It languished on the shelf for a year.
I loved the first game... Fable is actually what got me back into gaming. I used to play adventure games on the computer a la King's Quest and the RPG-style Quest for Glory. I even played a couple pen-and-paper/tabletop games in college, but that was it for YEARS. Then I was stuck in my brother-in-law's house, most of my stuff still in storage from a move, without even a CAR, so I sat down in front of his XBox and tried Fable. It was silly, engaging, with an actual plot, plus an appropriately sinister villain, and I didn't even insta-die from combat. Wow!
The sequel lost the fun of the first one, and had a much weaker plot and villain. Plus, while I did enjoy the revamped combat system, I have discovered I HATE sandbox endings. (I am glaring at you, now, ME2. Though, from all accounts/expectations, you'll actually have a decent story and villain to fight, so I guess I'll survive. BioWare > Lionhead.) There are not enough words to describe what a let-down it is (personally, imho, ymmv, etc. etc.) to have some theoretical grand "sacrifice" (cause there wasn't even an active battle or proper confrontation against the villain) followed by... wandering around decorating houses and looking for minor side-quests?!?
Then again, that was a problem I had with the entire game, and the reason I bought Fallout 3 used only to return it before the week was out. (Traded in the copy of Morrowind I got with the original XBox too.) I have no idea why I keep trying to play sandbox games, since I have never actually liked one. Yet for some reason, a new one comes out, I think it looks all pretty and shiny and entertaining, and I attempt to play it... *rolls eyes*
I even bought the Fable II DLC when I thought I'd really like the game. *sighs* The DLC was quite fun, actually, but the game as a whole required slogging to finish the story, and then it DIDN'T give me anything resembling a satisfying ending, and the only interesting characters all wandered off on their own. Of course, everyone else in the world knew this a year ago when the game actually came out, but I only just now got around to playing. Which was a pretty significant sign in and of itself, really. *sighs again* Definitely not getting Fable III whenever it shows up. Probably selling Fable II. Keeping Fable to re-play later.
13 October 2009
A new favorite author... how exciting.
Graceling by Kristin CashoreMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
A wonderful, engaging YA fantasy, this book is so lovely that I haven't read anything else in the last few days, as I don't want to leave the world Cashore created. Needless to say, Fire is on hold as we speak. I'm not sure if the individual elements of the book are the best I've ever read, in terms of characterization, world-building, etc., but they all worked together seamlessly for me. (I don't have specific examples for the sentence, just a vague feeling I got from the book. The main characters were perhaps all a touch overpowered, but I didn't mind while reading.) Not a perfect book, but perfectly engaging. Highly recommended for fantasy, YA, or anyone who likes strong, intriguing female leads in their books.
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