Going to Hell in a Handbasket

Evening lovely readers 🙂

First off has anyone else heard the saying in my title? I was always positive it existed but everyone around me looked at me like I’d grown a second head and started breathing purple fire. “What? Never heard of it…” “you must have made it up…” lol. Well now I can officially say that it does exist and it means that circumstances are being led to disaster. Nuh ny nuh to all those doubters lol 🙂 Anyhoo slightly off topic…

This saying does in fact relate, at least partially, to what I am doing now. I have to think of a new title for my novel. I know right? I’d rather rewrite the damn thing than rethink the title solely because my brain seems to have taken on writer’s brain block. Okay, so it’s all not going to disaster but my brain is definitely hurting right now… As some will know my novel is currently called I Cast Magic Into the Darkness. I originally chose this title to show the confusion my protagonist feels at the circumstances she finds herself in. Now I have no idea how to pick one. How the heck do I avoid falling into a stereotypical fantasy trap of a title?

Some of my favourite authors have adopted varied techniques when naming their own works. Christine Feehan opted for the more repetitive option with her Dark Carpathian series as, for example, she starts the series with Dark Prince and each book that follows begins with dark in the title. For the way the series develops this is inspired as it really adds to the effect of the darkness that each protagonist must fight against. In contrast, The Belgariad and The Mallorean series written by the exceptional David Eddings chooses a fantastical title to encompass what happens in the books in general. For example, the first book of the Belgariad series is entitled Pawn of Prophecy which aptly describes what Garion is and what his journey will be through the two series and beyond. It’s with examples like these that I wish I had the the type of genius to come up with equally epic titles.

You see my problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Love to you all. Thank you 🙂

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Coming Soooonnnnnnnnn

Evening lovely readers 🙂

This is just a quick post to say I do have two posts ready to be published for your enjoyment. However, rather stupidly, I have embibed too much cider (mmmm, cider) and I want to check the posts when sober to make sure I don’t sound too much like a plonker 🙂 It’s that bad I’ve checked and rechecked this post several times. So thank you for your patience and see you tomorrow 🙂

Fantasy or Sci-Fi? Literature That Tears You in Two

Hello lovely readers 🙂

Yep, to answer your unspoken question I am going to harp on about genre again 🙂 As many will know I like to think of myself as a bona fide fantasy nut. Any time I write I will get in something fantastical be it magic, mythical creatures or a bloody great two handed broad sword. With fantasy you’re only limited by your imagination and you can incorporate all you can think of. Although, saying that, isn’t sci fi just the same? Now I know you have set conventions for sci fi but surely they could be tweaked, okay not to add in another genre specifically but to at least draw out more from the narrative?

Now I don’t pretend to be an authority on sci fi, heaven knows I could really do with reading more of it, but I could see the potential of developing sci fi in ingenious ways (although what I’m spouting is probably sacrilage in and of itself lol). Why couldn’t there be magic amid space ships, aliens and intergalactic war? A bit of sword and sorcery amongst LAZORSSS and robotic megalomaniacal narcissistic assassins? No? Must just be my fantastical streak rearing it’s head then 🙂

I will openly admit that my experience of sci fi stems from only Anne McCaffrey’s Rowan series to J.S. Collyer‘s Zero (both exceptional by the way.) Though I will hold my hands up and say I do love Star Trek The Next Generation. What red blooded woman doesn’t have some form of crush on Patrick Stewart? That sexy voiced bald man 🙂 … anyway I digress. Though my knowledge is limited both stories drew me in in their own individual ways. With The Rowan, I was particularly drawn because a certain aspect of the narrative appealed to my fantastical side. Rowan, and others throughout the galaxies, have telepathic and telekinetic skills which allows them to operate within their own spheres. Now I can see this from the scientific side as it being the human mind progressing, developing and evolving until we are capable of such feats however these skills can be predominant in fantasy also and manifest as magic or innate skill or even demonic power.

However, I must also say Zero is written very well. J.S has pulled forth an amazing tale of adventure, intrigue, abject grief and camaraderie using so many of the intense sci fi conventions that to me it’s very reminiscent of Joss Whedon’s Firefly (see? My knowledge is limited.) It also serves to show how different writer’s minds work. J.S writes of life and adventure aboard a deceptively battered spaceship having to deal with deception, betrayal and self realisation. As she is writing she clearly paints the scene before you and expertly provides you with the scientific know how to enjoy the narrative. I personally feel overwhelmed with most sci fi but not with Zero as the balance between scientific description and the story is very well upheld. It is obvious that with the aspects of sci fi that J.S has chosen to write about it is clear that she at least has moulded them to her desire to create a thoroughly entertaining, exceptional masterpiece. I know J.S and I are into two different genre’s so shouldn’t be compared but man I wish I could write more like her 🙂

In hindsight, each person is entitled to their own love of literature and I think maybe I should just stick to my fantasy, though don’t get me wrong I’m not adverse to a little challenge and would love to at least try to write other genres 🙂 I love having my mind work to create new World’s. But don’t let my likes for fantasy persuade you, both genre’s have their own merits and are both very good 🙂

Thank you 🙂

Do You See Me?

Hello lovely readers 🙂

As some may know I suffer with psoriatic and osteo arthritis. It’s a complicated thing. I know some will ask what’s the difference and here’s the best way I can explain; psoriatic arthritis inflames the tendons around the joints while osteo arthritis eats away at the soft bit in them.

Can you understand the plight? I am thirty years old but feel more often than not that I’m about ninety. Now I’m not one to complain as I’d rather soldier on through with a smile on my face and the love I have shining; most sufferers are pretty much as I am. We can’t change what fate and crappy health gave us so why waste energy complaining lol 🙂 However, I felt the need to write something that will give others a better insight into the daily struggles 🙂

Remember, you can’t change what you have but you can be that happy person that always helps others. Just keep yourself in mind too 🙂

Do you see me?

Do you see me?
I’m the one that smiles in the morning,
The one that makes your breakfast,
The one that never complains.
I’m the one that will strive to clean,
To make you happy beyond compare,
To put you above all others.
Need help? Come to me I’ll never say no.

Do you see me?
My smile dims but I will still ask about your day,
Make your tea,
Wash up, dry up, washing, cooking….dying….drying….
I shouldn’t complain really.
You’ve had a busy day of course you should complain that I’ve missed something.
Heaven knows my days are empty enough…

Do you see me?
Not once do you ask about my day.
You sit in your own World and miss I now walk with a limp,
I struggle up the stairs,
My hands have no strength left,
The cracks of my joints my only company.
I didn’t ask for my little friend,
The one eating away at that which helps me bend.
I am an old lady disguised as young… Yes of course I’ll get right on with cleaning,
Sorry for taking a quick break.

Do you see me?
No…. no…. you really don’t…