tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46935667105580198872024-03-13T14:53:54.439+00:00Writes of PassageDominic de Mattos
<br><br><br><br>
Journeying through the realms of Science Fiction and FantasyDominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-8812414987054538472013-12-05T20:00:00.000+00:002013-12-05T20:00:07.096+00:00Alpha and Beta Readers<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiChiQzOrIkWtgeZZ0iwK-MTP_rNo5_HcK96goUJi5Z02Cj_ew13O36AIUlpXjbWUuBadJ_Qaz6OUaw8zoRIz6SAs1jBpxGgkRaE57rPYeZ3KrIsKGGQ9D1G7QmFyGDlTqjMc1wftz/s400/reading11.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Step 1 - Find an avid reader!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, now you have a first draft – what to do with it? The
best advice is NOT to rush out and give it someone to read. Not someone you
care about anyway. There is some great advice here at <a href="http://tavenmoore.com/2011/alpha-readers-vs-beta-readers/" target="_blank">Taven Moore - the blog of Tami and Steven Moore</a> .
I found it very helpful. I know that there are those that say that the Alpha Reader
is the author and that anyone else who reads the manuscript is a beta reader,
but I agree with Tami, that there is a place for two distinct types of readers.
This is how I personally define the two.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alpha Readers<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are two stages to alpha readers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stage 1 alpha readers look at the shape of the story, its
pace and tension. They gauge their empathy with the characters and their
motivation. They judge the believability and integrity of the plot, and whether
they care what happens next. They notice whether characters grow in response to
the story, or whether they are simply inconsistent, and identify the strength
of the characters voices.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/48/43/b6/4843b664e37c55f552f1c0a50cb07404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/48/43/b6/4843b664e37c55f552f1c0a50cb07404.jpg" width="400" /></a><o:p> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.msoreadsbooks.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', メイリオ, Meiryo, 'MS Pゴシック', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Fab bookmarks thanks to Ms.O Reads Books.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stage 1 alpha readers do NOT:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Care about grammar or spelling or even typos</li>
<li>Worry about the passive voice or use of adverbs</li>
<li>Wonder if there was a better way of saying something</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why? Because there’s a fair chance that what they are
reading will end up being rewritten anyway, so who cares whether it is
grammatically sound?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stage 2 alpha readers do the hard slog of proof reading,
kicking grammar butts, and toning up the flabby prose. The story is a great
looker, but it needs to get fit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Beta Readers<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Readers are alpha until the manuscript is well-paced, has
light and shade, tension carefully interwoven with light relief. A manuscript where
characters have depth and tell their own stories with strong voices, where they
grow and develop and discover something about themselves and where the protagonist
draws empathy as the antagonist repels it. Unless the story demands a different
loyalty that is. There should be a clear story arc, about which the sub-plots weave and
dance, where characters act rationally according to their history and nature,
except for the insane ones, of course. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<img height="195" src="http://olson.mpls.k12.mn.us/uploads/hug-club-clip-art-720.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only then is the manuscript turned over to the beta readers.
They will instinctively do the same as the alpha readers, but because of all the
hard work that has gone before, they are less likely to be distracted by problems
with the big picture. Beta readers make a little mark in the margin when
something snags their attention away from the story and onto the words, but they
do not stop to wonder what was wrong. Beta readers follow the Neil Gaiman
principle – if a reader says that something is wrong, they are almost certainly
right. If they say what will put it right, they are almost certainly wrong.
Beta readers should not be proof reading – they are far too valuable for that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the process, the story should be silk smooth,
the words flowing seamlessly from page to consciousness. Except of course that
neither we nor our beloved alpha and beta readers are infallible, and that is
why a professional editor is essential. That passage which was so good before,
suddenly sparkles. The story sheds dead wood that had previously seemed
essential, and yet is all the stronger for it. All this is to make the story
the best that we can make it. It’s up to us to find the best story in the first
place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I hope to be looking for alpha readers towards the end of January. I will no doubt post about it again then, but do wave if you think you might be interested!</i></div>
Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-41909230225886634112013-12-02T15:42:00.000+00:002013-12-02T15:42:25.670+00:00End of Movember(or Back to Normality)<br />
<br />
For those of you who don't know Movember is about raising funds for research into men's health issues, principally Prostate and Testicular Cancer. (<a href="http://uk.movember.com/about/vision-goals" target="_blank">The goals of Movember in their own words</a>) The objective is to grow a moustache during the month of November. Yes, it's that hard. (if a little gender exclusive!)<br />
<br />
So here it is after 30 days of hard graft ... and blessed relief 5 minutes later!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXY7z7qq-lOnZ2WudtwjFrwO3Y0KW0xObfezbu7pJ1AZqMP9Yzf3M_igqX7fKC7l4WchshFklbe81pcvE0-0GQZtTRBET87Po41WIe1YpgCAfWs_Wt8DNit6phaZ6PSb8fgkF_o0hH8Bs/s1600/20131202_142531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXY7z7qq-lOnZ2WudtwjFrwO3Y0KW0xObfezbu7pJ1AZqMP9Yzf3M_igqX7fKC7l4WchshFklbe81pcvE0-0GQZtTRBET87Po41WIe1YpgCAfWs_Wt8DNit6phaZ6PSb8fgkF_o0hH8Bs/s320/20131202_142531.jpg" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQvH6BzkR1amW_H_lE-Sv6zn9fuL_d_gaHG-ACBOIpb8_3v9QIWfupLk1gK76EqKx2WLz8mYholWVCS38vY1mWhhk1tTVTdLSf85Z9FPNPdUr90DVnlqUQfSAGWF_sA6KcIKAbez7fPtR/s320/20131202_145025.jpg" width="240" /><br />
<br />
So that's it. Shaving is <i>so</i> worth it!Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-91011727535022109992013-12-01T22:18:00.002+00:002013-12-01T22:18:57.115+00:00So, I've written a NOVEL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbk9NPZUPGxMduBDUuxs9OJnTIs6xeCe_xjhrA9y51jfTHMpBGEyNe54NQ85ioVbuyYAkI5mIYQr4VsFqqCmmLR25z2KEtZ2M4KBBfzrydvGkasgN-VUIoUQ-KAC_N2aOK9hO7xZhh1Ac/s1600/2013-Winner-Facebook-Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbk9NPZUPGxMduBDUuxs9OJnTIs6xeCe_xjhrA9y51jfTHMpBGEyNe54NQ85ioVbuyYAkI5mIYQr4VsFqqCmmLR25z2KEtZ2M4KBBfzrydvGkasgN-VUIoUQ-KAC_N2aOK9hO7xZhh1Ac/s320/2013-Winner-Facebook-Cover.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
During November 2012 and November 2013 (combined) I have written 100,000 words, completing the first draft of an epic fantasy novel. As a first draft it is the skeleton, the underlying shape of the story. Now comes the hard graft of adding ligaments and sinews to hold it together, muscles to give it strength and flesh to make it attractive. (That is adding character depth, sub-plots, and world building environment enhancement!)<br />
<br />
I will probably now take two weeks off writing, to take care of the squillion things that I have steadfastly neglected over the last 30 days of totally focused writing. (Every spare moment has been given over to the writing effort). Then I shall use my Christmas break to kick start the whole editing process. The aim is to have a second draft (one which at least reads coherently) by the middle of January 2014.<br />
<br />
I would really like to get back to blogging regularly. I miss reading the great articles that my blogging friends write. I miss taking part in the blogfest writing competitions. I miss playing the meme games. I miss writing poetry. I stopped blogging because I needed to write. When I have my second draft I will be able to blog!<br />
<br />Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-20601539741809878422013-03-19T19:53:00.003+00:002013-03-19T19:53:42.331+00:00<h2>
<b><span style="color: #741b47;">Social Muddler</span></b></h2>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SfIcBiXyXcje79FO4jW956FPq-xtsbrVijVzi3w2Mjfo1g35icsczXmr8ilkwGRVsi5OoYV5JteqO-h4Z8Le84CKX4BDsMTRh76mkjnqMNft1Af9SLwaDiDwuAloI0c-gZl5wG5VigBw/s1600/facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SfIcBiXyXcje79FO4jW956FPq-xtsbrVijVzi3w2Mjfo1g35icsczXmr8ilkwGRVsi5OoYV5JteqO-h4Z8Le84CKX4BDsMTRh76mkjnqMNft1Af9SLwaDiDwuAloI0c-gZl5wG5VigBw/s1600/facebook.jpg" /></a>Apparently building a writers platform is crucial these days, and the social media in their many guises are the key. For me it started with this blog, in which I happily immersed myself. I really enjoyed visiting other blogs, interacting with loads of really interesting people, writing pieces for weekly memes and blogfests. Then I realised that I was so busy building a platform that I wasn't doing any serious writing. So I began to write short stories, microfiction and poetry. But all that blogging took its toll on my time and I had to step away from it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I opened a twitter account @dominicdemattos (<a href="https://twitter.com/DominicdeMattos">https://twitter.com/DominicdeMattos</a>). Something I could do in very little (140 character) bursts. So I discovered there are loads of really interesting people in the twitterverse and links to some great blog posts, which, oh dear, takes me back to the blogosphere!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now I have opened an author's facebook account (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/dominic.demattos">http://www.facebook.com/dominic.demattos</a>) and if you haven't received a friend invite it's only because I haven't found you yet! (Please do send me a friend invite). It took me a long while to work out why some people had a "like" button on their facebook and others didn't. I discovered pages, so I made an author's page (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dominic-de-Mattos-Author/595393503822938">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dominic-de-Mattos-Author/595393503822938</a>). Now I can't decide whether I should keep up my timeline or my page. One has friends and the other has likes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So this is a call to all you who use facebook, and who visit other authors. How do you / would you handle the timeline versus page issue? Do you keep both going or concentrate on just one? How do you make facebook work for you?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks!</div>
Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-20071885010086280272012-12-01T21:33:00.000+00:002012-12-02T14:39:45.839+00:00Winner 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6qKHIpLh2axrTIpibiczNf3lU0_SwsZn1V8Z2tzCSWjd53qaD37cLxA6x41YJrxtcMhziSoIt7-ePKOs6g7m0g-ZYR8x2Fj8_P9iRlkWPYpxz_AhV98dDLA-L1p310oo3qajpOAJqKiO/s1600/NanoWinner2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6qKHIpLh2axrTIpibiczNf3lU0_SwsZn1V8Z2tzCSWjd53qaD37cLxA6x41YJrxtcMhziSoIt7-ePKOs6g7m0g-ZYR8x2Fj8_P9iRlkWPYpxz_AhV98dDLA-L1p310oo3qajpOAJqKiO/s320/NanoWinner2012.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
So this is the (main) reason why I have been missing for the whole of November at least! For anyone who does not know, winning NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) means writing 50,000 words in one month. This is equivalent to a book of about 150 pages. Having achieved this, I am about halfway through my story (for the first book in the series that is!) My goal is to complete a further 50,000 words by the end of the first week in January and to complete my first edit by Easter. My first novel will then be ready for Beta reading, with a view to querying the manuscript in the Autumn. I hope you will all hold me to this plan of action!<br />
<br />
After struggling with an e-mail provider that seems intent on doing everything they can to get rid of me, I have finally decided to let them have their way. I am abandoning my old Supanet e-mail address and am now running with a parallel gmail address. I have suffered ignored e-mails, twice being put onto monthly charges for a service I do not receive, and to cap it all a draconian restriction on inbox capacity, 1000 times less than gmail allow. It's a shame when I have been with them for 12 years.
Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-7059827177149209232012-09-14T19:32:00.001+01:002012-09-14T19:32:52.236+01:00Work is good, right?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40bzbB0mv1gyCCQxzbn2gDrt4d22bE1fpJJswaN6TqMueR6SNDb6ISrBA9SMyfDH4BpOGd2lKFnI4tiGAdGwCTTd6tyHYaUFTCT9kHPGAoynM5R1V7SWT-fHuoS99nYDSW3Ojjb0r50o8/s1600/IHazWorkSkillz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40bzbB0mv1gyCCQxzbn2gDrt4d22bE1fpJJswaN6TqMueR6SNDb6ISrBA9SMyfDH4BpOGd2lKFnI4tiGAdGwCTTd6tyHYaUFTCT9kHPGAoynM5R1V7SWT-fHuoS99nYDSW3Ojjb0r50o8/s320/IHazWorkSkillz.jpg" width="240" /></a>How embarrassing! No sooner do I leap back onto the blogging stage than I am swept away by a white water torrent of deadlines which inundate my evenings and weekends. Not that I am complaining ... well, actually I suppose I am ... not that I should be complaining; this flood will, ironically, keep the company on a sure footing for the rest of the year. We are looking to recruit two new members of staff with more to follow next year. I haven't looked up the word recession recently, but I think it means a state of mind where you fool yourself into believing your future is no longer in your own hands. The real lesson of the last 12 months for me is that we can take back our future and beat the recession if we decide to.<br />
<br />
Foto curtzy of teh interwebs
<br />
<br />
So, what's new? I am getting a rather different birthday present next week. Free loft and cavity wall insulation. I know - lucky old me! This has meant that over the last three weeks we have had to empty the loft. Bear in mind that we have been accumulating loftware for 25 years, moving such cherished items as broken printers and other people's unwanted books from loft to loft. So time to tackle the dross and make a mega donation to charity shops and the local tip. Of course what was left had to go somewhere, so that meant clearing out and sorting the garage. Amazingly it all fitted in the garage except for the bikes, which had to go in the shed. So ... you guessed it ... that meant clearing out and sorting the shed. And the green house. And, for some inexplicable reason, the cupboard under the stairs. I think Sarah was just in sorting mode. So will we go back to hoarding in the loft? No comment!
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJdGmHE9Jb0FmyleibVwrkbJpRAdJeAN_Wp_z9BBEHwE5PKxlQ_LOVoSFP-ch-CmOY_dtKda84Xtc6L-HNOz5uYN7ptjK8i6FLchnCHGvcpLs49ImscAZcpOu6pbZ0Y4RGr3Rvsh-a0YV/s1600/IMAG0763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJdGmHE9Jb0FmyleibVwrkbJpRAdJeAN_Wp_z9BBEHwE5PKxlQ_LOVoSFP-ch-CmOY_dtKda84Xtc6L-HNOz5uYN7ptjK8i6FLchnCHGvcpLs49ImscAZcpOu6pbZ0Y4RGr3Rvsh-a0YV/s320/IMAG0763.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's worse than it looks - that wood is well above head height!</div>
<br />
Anyone else out there struggling to balance demands, or do you still find time to do the things you really want to do? Is anyone else an inveterate hoarder (and can therefore feel my pain!)?Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-46437094765296012512012-08-26T22:46:00.000+01:002012-08-27T20:27:04.504+01:00Too long gone!When I decided to step back from my blogging to concentrate on writing, I little thought that my day job would take over and consume my time in the way that it has. I am pleased to say that the efforts have borne fruit and my company is recovering from the recession very well, despite the fact that according to the doom-sayers the recession in the construction industry shows no sign of abating. My only regret is that my writing has been the 'collateral damage'.<br />
<br />
I have missed blogging, my friends that I made here, and visiting so many wonderful writers out there. I have missed learning so much from the wisdom of those who are travelling the path ahead of me, and I have missed the memes and blogfests too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOGBoOhe7WyutnhBARgbeUWsio7lShyphenhyphenfEfzGJbD2npFnQnKTqW8vQoB7oV70NIvXJSZvg3AFzBETAslJHQ75nXhavNFqZu2Y7cQ8gySarXddNrmgfXGkU9r5LLp12ea9RvVwg1l9wjeWo/s1600/flash-medallion-2012.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Winners Medal" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRt-aL4Jc9a74zjwzPRDEujGq-sdyATodoHcMX_M1gIe4FODYrCwY-vib_66W_lr8Y9BU8Vpq0o8Wvjwah98VUKDiBEtujKVOTR-mQYXxwD_B7fV-HydV2bJaBTkYFG6JdtedFlSfLY83/s1600/LASCAUXWINNER.jpg" title="" width="198" /></a>
So I have come back, and although I cannot be here every day, I am determined to blog once every week as an absolute minimum. <i>Surely</i> I can find something worthwhile to say in a week?!
<br />
<br />
This week I would like to share with you a flash fiction competition I stumbled across, with a prize of $250 and this rather snazzy winner's medal.<br />
<br />
The site is <a href="http://www.lascauxflash.com/">Lascaux Flash</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lascauxflash.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Competition Inspiration" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GvJys_6okVz8BCzV39HKHxwe94usRWrghGdtbEJDdZ7z10nMaTxbAkjoEc-aHBOSnLyBd8AHlxOqhOZOMx2MwNeOBYI6PJ6h9jIhul8ztZdUXvNc8UHh3E9-mbOgPSllgl2zVk6w1yhS/s400/cat+glass.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a>
The idea is to write 250 words (not including the title) inspired by this intriguing picture. The picture, it should be noted, is for inspiration only and the competition is not judged on its interpretation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The competition is hosted by the <a href="http://www.lascauxreview.com/">Lascaux Review</a> - an excellent on-line magazine, which is well worth a visit .<br />
<br />
As they say themselves: "<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Please spread the word. About the contest as well as the Review. We're new, but we're here to stay</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">."</span>Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-19621797837079652852011-11-12T12:04:00.000+00:002011-11-12T12:04:37.746+00:00Nano Week 2<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/Dominicdem/Participant2_180_180_white.png" width="200" /><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">NaNoWriMo Day 12</br>(as DominicSFF)</span></b></br>(Buddies welcome!)<br />
<br />
I have passed the 20,000 mark, which is a great psychological milestone and hope to break the half way point today (or maybe tomorrow because writing has slowed appreciably since the plot line got a bit more hazy!)<br />
<br />
Here is a tiny excerpt from the very latest bit of writing<br />
<br />
“Terrible things are happening at the hall, Mistress Tarvi.” <br />
The older woman clicked her tongue and gently laid her hand on Kari’s. “Mynah, dear.”<br />
Kari swallowed, how could she repay this woman’s kind and generous heart by breaking it?<br />
“The Magister Rector has been murdered, Mynah, and evil men seek to take control.”<br />
“You know this, do you, dear?” It was said kindly, but with not unreasonable scepticism, given that scullery maids are not known for being at the centre of power.<br />
“Sometimes people find themselves somewhere unexpected and hear things they shouldn’t. I was one and ...” She fought against the tears that pricked her eyes and the grief that seized her throat. “Rashad was another.”<br />
Mynah, grew still, her face pale.<br />
“I escaped,” Kari said. “The Power saved me; I don’t know why.” She couldn’t go on.<br />
“and Rashad?” Mynah voice was barely a whisper.<br />
Words fled and the tears that rolled silently down Kari’s cheeks spoke for her.<br />
<br />
This is just before she blows up the tavern.<br />
<br />
As you do.Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-29951226279815547652011-11-06T20:47:00.002+00:002011-11-07T17:43:48.937+00:00In Love with Nano<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/Dominicdem/Participant2_180_180_white.png" width="200" /><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">NaNoWriMo Day 6</br>(as DominicSFF)</span></b></br>(Buddies welcome!)<br />
<br />
Ok, it's official. I am addicted. I LOVE writing!<br />
<br />
I know everyone says, "just write don't edit", but I couldn't help myself. I just had to re-read everything I had written virtually every time I sat down to write. It's hardly surprising that I never got anywhere and my stories became tired and boring (to me at least). Now WriMo has set me free! I have no time for reading through once, let alone many times. No time for editing, I just have to write, and enjoy the story as it unfolds. I am absolutely loving it, and I just can't get enough of writing! I have reached the 16,000 word mark, so have a comfortable little margin for those days I won't be able to write.<br />
<br />
I'll share a little teaser with you - it's the excerpt on the NaNoWriMo site.<br />
<br />
“Kill her,” he said through clenched teeth.<br />
One of the guard raised his sword and lunged forward.<br />
“No!” Kari screamed and then she was free. The guards in front of her were hurled high into the air. A splintering behind her told her that Borsten had been flung backwards into the lectern. She did not wait to work out what had happened but ran like the wind towards the doors. She leapt over Rashad’s crumpled body, tears blinding her, anger seething in her heart. The Magisters were in uproar, but no-one unleashed the Power against her. The guards, scattered across the chamber floor, were struggling to their feet. She ran past the dining hall and past the stairs to the kitchens, she ran blindly and without thought. She ran into the great entrance hall and towards the great bronze doors of the entrance tower, the first and greatest part of the Loremaster’s Hall. She ran at the doors even though they were closed against her, and barely noticed the guards, tossed before her fury like autumn leaves. She screamed defiance at the doors, and they burst outwards in a shower of twisted shards. Half the tower wall blew out at the force of her will. She stood at the centre of a maelstrom of Power and felt it tearing her apart. Then with a massive groan the great tower above fell in upon itself and Kari looked up as a mountain of stone rained down upon her.<br />
<br />
A (hopefully) unexpected end to Chapter 5. Would I kill off my MC? How could she possibly survive?<br />
<br />
Remember that this is unpolished and unlikely to remain in this form through editingDominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-55587666614128066112011-10-30T16:36:00.000+00:002011-10-30T16:36:13.904+00:00NaNoPLOTAs part of my preparation for starting NaNoWriMo on Tuesday, I have sketched out an outline for my story. This seemed like a good place to share it! <br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/Dominicdem/ellapurnell3.jpg" width ="200" /><br />
Ella Purnell would make a good Kira - short and slim, pretty (but desperately trying to hide it) allowing her to blossom when she wins her freedom. When the story starts Kira is pretending to be several years younger than she really is.<br />
<br />
***SPOILER WARNING*** Well you never know - I might even finish it!<br />
<br />
<b>*Insert Title Here*</b><br />
<br />
Kira is nothing, the most lowly servant, overlooked and insignificant – until now. <br />
<br />
She has lived all her young life in fear of the abuse and corruption in the hall of the Loremasters, the (misogynist, arrogant and cruel) mages who rule Herendia. While the Lormasters’ greed plunges the country into the turmoil of war, an avalanche of events brings Kira to the unwanted attention of the Ruling Council. She resolves to flee, taking with her the Telling, the holy book and source of the Power of Herendia, in the hope that this would stop the war.<br />
<br />
She is caught in the attempt and is excommunicated; a punishment worse than death. She manages to escape but her world continues to unravel. The Power is lost to the Loremasters, and without it, Herendia’s armies are routed. With the neighbouring countries intent on obliterating the Loremasters and taking the people of Herendia into slavery, Kira is crushed by a feeling of responsibility. <br />
<br />
The only manifestation of the Power in the whole of Herendia seems to be from Kira herself, in the form of wild, uncontrollable bursts. She returns the Telling to the Lormasters, but they remain cut off from the power. In desperation she sets off to meet the advancing armies - one young woman against the hordes. Soon she discovers that the few who choose to follow her become emPowered. Together they re-take a castle captured by the enemies, in order to provide a refuge for the fleeing Herendian troops. As more and more soldiers join them and become emPowered, Kira finds herself with a small but formidable army. In a series of spectacular victories they beat back the invaders and forge a new treaty, sealed by the Power.<br />
<br />
The Ruling Council pretend to welcome Kira back and renounce the excommunication. The Loremasters regain their Power, but in so doing, Kira loses it. She is taken and handed over to the guard for execution. The guard however secretly want to be emPowered and pledge allegiance to Kira, helping her to escape. In a flash of inspiration, she realises that the Telling is not the source of the Power, but a corrupt leeching of it. In a daring raid, under the very noses of the Loremasters, she seizes and destroys the Telling. <br />
<br />
Kira realises too that the more people who are emPowered the weaker each person’s Power becomes. To prevent the Power ever being abused again, she encourages the whole population to pledge allegiance and to become emPowered. Without meaning to, Kira has become queen and we are left with a hint that life is not going to become any easier!<br />
<br />
So there you have it. Lots of detail omitted of course.<br />
<br />
My big problem right now is that a Title has not yet materialised out of the ether. How do you go about finding your book title?Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-3288997642551954772011-10-29T14:14:00.000+01:002011-10-29T14:14:20.179+01:00Getting ReadyI'm back after a six week sabbatical and have a lot of catching up to do!<br />
<br />
I find that I cannot spend a few hours a week each on a variety of different activities, such as blogging, contributing to forums, reading, writing, games, as well as the non-negotiable parts of my life, such as church commitments, family commitments, making a success of my business. So I rotate. I tend to pour all my spare time into one interest at a time and make a success of it, then when I start to miss the enjoyment I had in one of my other interests, I abandon the one interest in favour of the other. It's not an ideal way to live ones life, but I find that I cannot bear to be mediocre and that means dedication and practice.<br />
<br />
So am I returning to my passion for blogging? Well, yes and no. Actually I am returning to my passion for writing and have decided to give NaNowriMo a go this year. That means every spare moment will be dedicated to writing. I do however intend to post here regularly to update progress, perhaps share a few snippets, share some plot dilemmas or beg for inspiration for that elusive character name!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/Dominicdem/Participant2_180_180_white.png" width="240" /><br />
<br />
So wish me luck (I'll need it!) and if you are also taking part (or know someone who is), be sure to leave me a comment. I am looking for people to share this adventure and with whom I can encourage and commiserate.Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-31517829325397188132011-09-14T18:42:00.000+01:002011-09-14T18:42:49.772+01:00Watching Willow Watts Launch Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_KR-EqdR0QVS9RGZ7asQHIMVQ9dbAI1yp9cUVaJQ2vve2tInhBImlJqOZ8eX3G7-p36LZejZxk9Fn_pZXn7m4l9FO3zB3ObeS0LjBb6UWEng5ecjhf4P8btOcmwx-smtmamOYAghaxd0/s250/Watching+Willow+Watts+-+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="250" width="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_KR-EqdR0QVS9RGZ7asQHIMVQ9dbAI1yp9cUVaJQ2vve2tInhBImlJqOZ8eX3G7-p36LZejZxk9Fn_pZXn7m4l9FO3zB3ObeS0LjBb6UWEng5ecjhf4P8btOcmwx-smtmamOYAghaxd0/s250/Watching+Willow+Watts+-+small.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It's really great to see so many blogs out there celebrating the Launch of <a href="http://talliroland.blogspot.com/2011/09/yay-its-watching-willow-watts-launch.html">Talli Rolland's</a> Watching Willow Watts - her fabulous second novel.<br />
<br />
I have my copy already and if you're so inclined, you can buy a copy of Willow for yourself on <a href="http://amzn.to/nIygHP">Amazon UK for £1.71</a>, or on <a href="http://amzn.to/riMpmH">Amazon.com for $2.99.</a><br />
Paperback coming in November!<br />
<br />
So ... <b>If I could be anyone, who would I be?</b><br />
<br />
There are <i>so</i> many choices, as there are so many people that I admire (and envy just a little bit). But the person I'm going to choose is Bertie Wooster.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://withfriendship.com/images/h/36788/Jeeves-and-Wooster-picture.jpg" width="250" /><br />
<br />
Bertie Wooster was a fiction character created by the inimitable PG Wodehouse. He is a gentleman of independent means (in other words sufficiently wealthy that doesn't have to work for a living) and is looked after by the utterly brilliant Jeeves - his "gentleman's gentleman". If you ever get a chance to read any of the PG Wodehouse stories or watch any of the TV series episodes broadcast between 1990 and 1993, staring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry, take it with both hands.<br />
I can only hope I wouldn't be such a silly ass as poor old Bertie!<br />
<br />
Actually, if I were to give a more serious answer to this question, I would say that if I could be anyone, I would be me. For all the ups and downs of my life, I wouldn't want anyone else's, because I already have so much that I could not bear to let go.<br />
<br />
Good luck Talli with launch day - I hope that Willow is the huge success that you deserve it to be!Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-32453652874173899212011-09-05T21:22:00.000+01:002011-09-05T21:23:57.547+01:00The Pivotal PointLast week I awoke from a hectic dream where I was the central character at a moment of high drama. I was aware that the world was fully formed in the background and the moment of the dream was a wonderful plot twist where the villain tried to destroy me but instead empowered me. There were four basic facts I needed to remember and I repeated them over and over in the hope that I would still remember them when I woke in the morning. Fortunately it worked.<br />
<br />
As I re-imagined that scene from my dream, I realised that it was the key <b>pivotal</b> point in a much greater story. I could very easily trace backwards in time and see the steps that had to have occurred in order for me to arrive at that moment, indeed the pivotal moment practically dictated the starting point. I realised too that the rest of the story was simply playing out the inevitable consequences of that pivotal moment. I sat down for an hour and, seven pages later, I had mapped out the entire plot line for a high fantasy novel. The pivotal moment is not the climax, indeed it may not even be at a moment of crisis, neither is it just one of the key moments which joins a novel together like a dot to dot puzzle. It is the point to which the characters move from the beginning and from which the characters travel to the end.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.theargonath.cc/characters/frodo/pictures/ffotrcouncil3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.theargonath.cc/characters/frodo/pictures/ffotrcouncil3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
For me the pivotal moment of JRR Tolkein's "Lord of the Rings" was Frodo saying "I will take the ring to Mordor, though I do not know the way" Up to that moment the characters had been fleeing from a half understood evil, and were driven towards Rivendell. The rest of the novel related the consequences of that decision for each of the fellowship. Here the pivotal moment was comparatively early in the novel, but the pivotal moment could just as easily be nearer the end
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webspace.webring.com/people/lf/firthfan.geo/pp_index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webspace.webring.com/people/lf/firthfan.geo/pp_index.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Take an entirely different genre, say Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice". For me the pivotal moment was not Elizabeth's visit to Pemberley, even though that was arguably the point at which Elizabeth's feelings changed from contempt to admiration, it was, I believe, the moment when Darcy declared Elizabeth to be "handsome" after she and the Gardiners had dined at Pemberly. Up to that point the characters words and actions had been controlled by their pride and prejudice, but this was the point after which the characters actions are controlled by their hearts rather than their heads and the story unfolds as a natural consequence of this.
<br />
<br />
Can you identify a pivotal moment in your favourite book. Can you identify one in your own book? Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-45526143990713833912011-09-04T17:34:00.000+01:002011-09-04T17:34:50.592+01:00I'm Back!Hello everyone - nice to be back.<br />
<br />
We have just returned from a fortnight's holiday in the north of Wales in a little village called Llanaelhaearn (pronounced lan - eyel - hern apparantly) and am feeling much refreshed. The area we were staying in was essentially a farming area, as could be determined at the local newsagents - magazines about computers = 0, magazines about gaming = 0, magazines about knitting and stitching = 0, magazines about art = 0, magazines dedicated solely to tractors = 11!
The holiday was biased towards walking and visiting ruined castles (which doubled up as some superb research for my fantasy series - I found the perfect setting and the perfect example of castle, as well as the perfect layout of medieval house as the Foresters Hall. I have been inspired!). We managed a couple of visits to the beach, but my complexion blushes at the mere mention of the sun, so I end up taking an umbrella and embarrassing everyone!
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlH3RvDJhUMJrV1ecPiIcMRWMl93nKPvlvRiQi0sl0yyORRpUPbUcX-42CraMiLMohUpIGUNg0rPM7UJKUyMJYbhTnyXSvcX3jhWcyTMZ-QtLIUQ_IGiNi9V5z0FDuRmREAJ7aY9ne0A-/s1600/IMAG0181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlH3RvDJhUMJrV1ecPiIcMRWMl93nKPvlvRiQi0sl0yyORRpUPbUcX-42CraMiLMohUpIGUNg0rPM7UJKUyMJYbhTnyXSvcX3jhWcyTMZ-QtLIUQ_IGiNi9V5z0FDuRmREAJ7aY9ne0A-/s320/IMAG0181.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is the local beach with the almost mountain in the background which we climbed on our first day. I say 'almost mountain' because it is 50m shy of the official UK government definition of a mountain - ah well - you can't win 'em all.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/Dominicdem/IMAG0178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/Dominicdem/IMAG0178.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is another view of the local beach / harbour. We managed a bar-b-q here one evening - had to light three of the portable ones before we got one that worked!
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/Dominicdem/IMAG0198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/Dominicdem/IMAG0198.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We visited Harlech castle when they were hosting a tournament. The castle was wonderfully situated and absolutely worth the visit, but the tourney was frankly a bit naff! Admittedly they might get into trouble if they injured each other mortally, but the participants merely knocked the swords together ponderously until one of them decided to fall over. Ah well, at least the show kept all the visitors in one place while I wandered around! Anyway, that's enough of photos. Suffice it to say that we did lots of things in a beautiful corner of the country.
<br />
<br />
Now I'm back to the internet I can go visiting and find out what you have all been up to while I've been away.
Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-89124951293332391242011-08-19T21:08:00.001+01:002011-08-19T21:11:03.996+01:00Friday Book Blurb - Chill Winds<a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/snowpeache/DSC00885-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
The lovely Lisa at <a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/">Writing in the Buff</a> hosts Book Blurb Friday. Each week Lisa posts a pretend book cover to fire our imaginations. Our task is to write the book blurb for the back cover in 150 words or less.<br />
<br />
<table border="3" cellpadding="10" frame="BOX" rules="NONE"><tbody>
<tr><td><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Chill Winds</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl8mAcveB7kwAVc1K3rAV128_OkwsLHUErrtvjjy1QM_X5rBf-YxN0vcC0A_-co-6_Lm_gUhB4Eh69PQRJPP6SEImDfhMfmEHHWd64Em12L1kG05GZsRsk4embh8SRZhmDdiA_M5Y97bZ/s400/2007+pictures+snow+4+name.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br />
Meredith had grown up dreaming of raising cattle on her parents’ farm and marrying the boy next door. After ten years in the city, she realises it is still her dream. Arriving back home in the early morning, she finds her parents and her brother gone. Tracks in the snow lead away from the farm, and then simply vanish.<br />
<br />
Farms for miles around have been abandoned overnight and soon childhood friends, and enemies, arrive from across the country, having all quit their jobs to return to their family homes. Meredith brings them together, but when arguments erupt over radically conflicting childhood memories, Meredith must keep the group together if they are to find their families before the authorities jump to the wrong conclusions. <br />
<br />
Someone or something has tied their disparate realities together but to what end? As a ferocious snowstorm engulfs them, Meredith must make an impossible choice between realities.<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
150 words exactly<br />
<br />
We leave for a fortnight's holiday in Wales tomorrow morning and do not know yet whether we will have usable internet. I may or may not be blogging for the rest of the month!Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-83406723460731072142011-08-13T11:05:00.002+01:002011-08-13T12:58:01.464+01:00Friday Book Blurb - A Time in Paris<a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/snowpeache/DSC00885-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
The lovely Lisa at <a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/">Writing in the Buff</a> hosts Book Blurb Friday. Each week Lisa posts a pretend book cover to fire our imaginations. Our task is to write the book blurb for the back cover in 150 words or less.<br />
<br />
<table border="3" cellpadding="10" frame="BOX" rules="NONE"><tbody>
<tr><td><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">A Time in Paris</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaan3lYLy2s6MW1fcVRVNWCv5e9aXEiyCETJc00uYihnByCQTf26ZmWCzkr5GVmJrwAgN7aNYKqRrEUW7BXyEcFwTA31QyfuAfjfn3q8y-Ct0UX9FjQ4o6rDclmAMxEoyAbdQgXlvB1oNL/s400/IMG_1479+%25282%2529+name.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy', sans-serif;">Kate</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy', sans-serif;">12.08.11.14.18</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy', sans-serif;">Rue de Bouvier</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy', sans-serif;">m’aide</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Calligraphy', sans-serif;">Jacqui</span></div><br />
As children, the girls had giggled over the writing under the glaze of a genuine 18th century dish, and had wondered about their namesakes. But when Jacqui Bouvier disappears in Paris on 12th August 2011 sometime after 2pm, it is the only clue Kate has. <br />
<br />
Afraid the police would laugh at her, she hires a handsome young private detective to fly with her to Paris and help her investigate. Ryan has just inherited his father’s PI business and is way out of his depth, but he is all Kate could afford. Besides, he’s cute.<br />
<br />
In an apartment over the Rue de Bouvier, they find a high tech, illicit laboratory and are soon plunged into a world of industrial espionage and ruthless corporations searching for a maverick scientist. Somehow they must find him first, if they are to learn the truth about Jacqui.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
149 words<br />
<br />
I'm interested in how obscure you can be in a book blurb, but still give a general shape to the story. Is it obvious to you what's going on? Is it all a bit odd, but you'd be interested to find out? or is does it seem all too complicated, far fetched and too much effort to unravel?<br />
<br />
Oh and sorry it's not Friday - I got a bit behind this week!Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-24007921736869355492011-08-05T20:17:00.001+01:002011-08-05T21:37:10.805+01:00Friday Book Blurb - The Wrath of Storms<a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/snowpeache/DSC00885-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
The lovely Lisa at <a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/">Writing in the Buff</a> hosts Book Blurb Friday. Each week Lisa posts a pretend book cover to fire our imaginations. Our task is to write the book blurb for the back cover in 150 words or less.<br />
<br />
<table border="3" cellpadding="10" frame="BOX" rules="NONE"><tbody>
<tr><td><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">The Wrath of Storms</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRxw8fra6FxEUvj0kbmKA81x1ggnpbZmeSKL2XRLJ65LASirHviMrzJVy-B1v8Cb5f2J-gvwf5Mgo0LHStgpqqubCnENnDe0_Zvnrp0cWDoTwKSyRVDsL61vaRBkY2WqE6T1YPizfVK4/s400/DSC00730.JPG" width="350" /></a></div><br />
“Give her a chance, mother!”<br />
“She is mortal, you are forbidden to see her again.”<br />
“What are you going to do, rain at me?”<br />
<br />
Now his words are coming back to haunt Kairos.<br />
Ever since he stormed out of Olympus, his earthly home has been racked by torrential rain, and the mayhem is spreading. Should he tell his young love, Cassandra, that his mother is really Iris, the Goddess of Rain? <br />
<br />
But his mother’s wrath is the least of his worries. Under cover of the chaos, someone is waking the enemies of the Gods. Kai must find a way to stop them before the Gigantes walk the earth again, but he is fast losing his immortal powers. Kai faces a desperate choice: return to immortality, save humanity, or embrace love as a human. But Cassandra has a few surprises of her own and Kai is soon running to keep up... <br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
150 words exactly<br />
<br />
Better late than never!<br />
<br />
I managed to borrow a computer with a mouse - so at least I could fix my post!!Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-43988672993127450692011-08-03T14:33:00.000+01:002011-08-03T14:33:05.973+01:00Novel Films Blogfest<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-755HPdt6bUM/TiguhIk_nnI/AAAAAAAAB5c/fvffqc037NY/s1600/novelfilmsfest2.jpg" width="250" /><br />
<br />
Thanks to Madeleine at <a href="http://scribbleandedit.blogspot.com/2011/07/novel-films-blogfest-3.html">Scribble and Edit</a> for hosting this blogfest. It has been quite a journey through the memory banks, a little dim and dusty at times, but here are a few highlights. There are, I have no doubt, many many more that I could have added to the list, and indeed many more that really ought to be on the list, but these are the ones that I can bring to mind. If your favourites are not here, then do remind me of them in your comments!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Books I have read whose Films I have seen:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(I have discounted films that spawn a “book of the film”)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Here they are as they occur to me!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lord of the Rings JRR Tolkein<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Narnia series CS Lewis<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Stardust Neil Gaiman<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Harry Potter series JK Rowling<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Hogfather Terry Pratchett<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Colour of Magic Terry Pratchett<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Going Postal Terry Pratchett<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">James Bond Series Ian Fleming<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Watership Down Richard Adams<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Emma Jane Austen<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Northangar Abbey Jane Austen<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Persuasion Jane Austen<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Many Dickens Novels Charles Dickens<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Many Shakespeare Plays William Shakespeare<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Swallows and Amazons Arthur Ransome<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Moonfleet <span class="apple-style-span">J. Meade Falkner<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Wind in the Willows Kenneth Grahame<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">2001: A Space Odyssey Arthur C Clarke<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Ian Fleming<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sherlock Homes stories Sir Arthur Conan Doyle<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My Family and Other Animals Gerald Durrell<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I Robot Isaac Asimov<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">War of the Worlds HG Wells<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Time Machine HG Wells<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Many Agatha Christie crime novels Agatha Christie<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Many Alistair MacLean novels Alistair MacLean<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Books I have read (and loved) whose films I have not yet seen </b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lovely Bones Alice Sebold<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Hobbit (but soon, very soon!) JRR Tolkein<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Neverwhere Neil Gaiman<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hornblower series CS Forester<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Sword of Truth Series Terry Goodkind<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Books I would love to see made into a film / films</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Wheel of Time Series Robert Jordan / </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Brandon Sanderson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Mistborn series Brandon Sanderson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Quantum Gravity series Justina Robson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Black Magician series Trudi Canavan<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Vatta’s War series <span class="apple-style-span">Elizabeth Moon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Riftwar Cycle Raymond E Feist<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The rest of the Discworld Series Terry Pratchett<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Dragonriders series Anne McCaffrey<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Belgariad David Eddings<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Malorean David Eddings<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Elenium David Eddings<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ringworld Larry Niven<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tower on the Rift Series Ian Irvine<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The Player of Games Ian M Banks<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(and other culture novels)<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
It will be of no surprise to you that the novels listed here display a distinct lean towards the fantasy and science fiction spectrum, with a healthy nod towards the crime/mystery/suspense genre. I shall have a look around some of your lists later - perhaps I might get some ideas to broaden my horizons!Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-39654484082956138812011-07-30T20:45:00.000+01:002011-07-30T20:45:43.776+01:00Playing Catch-upWhat a whirl the last few months have been. The day job has required a somewhat sharper focus and that has meant emptying my head of the many worlds that filled it previously. We are not out of the woods just yet, but I am feeling encouraged to slowly ease myself back into the writing harness.<br />
<br />
This has been prompted by a few things.<br />
<br />
One is the wonderful news that the short story that I co-authored with <a href="http://spellmaking.blogspot.com/2011/07/bitter-end-accepted-by-jupiter-sf.html">Simon Kewin</a> has been accepted by <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgfzziX7xAQXZLTh0w31pVvf562lOzHfTpp3UYzHTE0vs5vG0gRjZ0lMCDqmdX97BGloyxXt5FG6CvIQAtv-y36pJBs6smKajhV_Lb12QpK95L7iW3VSUbFg1xxEh3FSEdexDCYXfTGo/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="70" width="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgfzziX7xAQXZLTh0w31pVvf562lOzHfTpp3UYzHTE0vs5vG0gRjZ0lMCDqmdX97BGloyxXt5FG6CvIQAtv-y36pJBs6smKajhV_Lb12QpK95L7iW3VSUbFg1xxEh3FSEdexDCYXfTGo/s1600/logo.png" /></a></div>for publication in October 2011.<br />
<br />
This piece is around 8400 words and I am delighted that it has found such a great home.<br />
<br />
I have also had a couple of micro-fictions published by Trapeze Magazine recently (see my Published Works page for links) and it is always encouraging to see your work recognised. It would be even more encouraging if you, my friends, felt like visiting Trapeze's website and perhaps leave a comment! :)<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK0W_Ek7rBTm9vDM9Sw8RsTacq6ufYojfgU0bn4nkCnfTMhcluvyFPf2vWNjDW2TxA5Cbtet6BoxlABZ88ylQPsbAD4WVCBXWJpCy-CH0pBTS9EwwgWyMzS9amEvC3V6DCD0GK4b2LIa9/s200/The+irresistibly+sweet+blog+award.png" width="200" /><br />
<br />
I was also delighted to receive an award from <a href="http://wordsworldandwings.blogspot.com/2011/07/blog-award-and-note-about-why-i-havent.html">Catherine Ensley</a> at <a href="http://wordsworldandwings.blogspot.com/2011/07/blog-award-and-note-about-why-i-havent.html">Words World and Wings</a>. Thank you so much Catherine, it was very sweet of you.<br />
<br />
One last thing - if you read yesterdays post and didn't twig that it was a mickey-take, I'm obviously hopeless! Take a look at my comment yesterday!Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-87322503970986029612011-07-29T22:11:00.000+01:002011-07-29T22:11:33.425+01:00Book Blurb Friday - Spellbound<a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/snowpeache/DSC00885-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
The lovely Lisa at <a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/">Writing in the Buff</a> hosts Book Blurb Friday. Each week Lisa posts a pretend book cover to fire our imaginations. Our task is to write the book blurb for the back cover in 150 words or less.<br />
<br />
<table border="3" cellpadding="10" frame="BOX" rules="NONE"><tbody>
<tr><td><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Spellbound</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1dYakXUZ1sqeNECRUotrMoveSEByJNEPwIb7VEV73sSDs4hxTAtCD07TBpDcEm_slnL60n9dt3t68MZVczhqDgb-S0xhcr7D_2MoA38OepX2NZy9pcxVB8yKntunXmTgdAYgqfGsbmyJS/s400/Blue+Eyes.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br />
Life is not easy for Garin as a trainee mage, not when his father is the arch-mage himself. Magic is serious business under the bushy eye-browed glower of the patriarch. But life takes an unexpected turn when a friend teaches Garin the Book of Faces spell which transforms his spell tablet into a communication portal.<br />
<br />
Scrolling through the faces the spell conjures up, Garin is captivated by a girl with startling blue eyes, who is apparently called Cami94. Garin is heartbroken to learn she lives a kingdom away, but when he learns that she is to be married off to some ancient grandee, he is determined to save her.<br />
<br />
Aided by his friends and pursued by his father’s mages, Garin must face fire, bogs and arachnids to reach his heart’s desire.<br />
<br />
But all is not as it seems in Ternet...<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
140 wordsDominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-46567105656721814272011-07-23T01:03:00.000+01:002011-07-23T01:03:55.746+01:00Book Blurb Friday - A Heart of Stone<a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/snowpeache/DSC00885-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
The lovely Lisa at <a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/">Writing in the Buff</a> hosts Book Blurb Friday. Each week Lisa posts a pretend book cover to fire our imaginations. Our task is to write the book blurb for the back cover in 150 words or less.<br />
<br />
<table border="3" cellpadding="10" frame="BOX" rules="NONE"><tbody>
<tr><td><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">A Heart of Stone</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9vZTW1VLl2XYwpvTVfDA0_1_k8FdEcunDPUjjPOmN_ZGRBSoZqYHTWULuR3P1IJJy7NwhyphenhyphenywGik6z4kyTGBVoVPJwOe1P9KNcgRRObEqwZTejz0Lx0cehnG9UchbPXVR0-AvRWF0vZZz/s400/IMG_3057+%25282%2529+with+name.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br />
Abi had not always been made of stone. Once she had been a young woman with a bright future ahead of her, but like too many before her, she had vanished and in her place some sick person had left a perfect statue. Or so everyone thinks, including the police. <br />
<br />
All too soon Abi is placed in a graveyard looking out over her own empty grave. From where she stands she can see a dozen or more victims, all frozen in a living death. Many friends come to Abi’s grave, but none break her heart more than Mike. She hadn’t even known he’d loved her. <br />
<br />
When she realises that Mike could be the next victim, she is determined to find a way to warn him. Soon Mike is drawn into a world of impossibilities, but is too late to save himself? Is it too late to save Abi?<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
148 wordsDominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-34544504143914480262011-07-17T22:23:00.002+01:002011-07-17T22:42:39.315+01:00Succinctly Yours - Water performanceMany thanks to <img src="http://grandmas-goulash.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/GrandmaSig1.gif" /> at <a href="http://grandmas-goulash.info/">Grandma's Goulash</a> for running the Monday Microfiction Meme. Grandma posts a photo and invites us to write a caption or story in either under 140 characters (tweet-length) or under 140 words. As an extra challenge we are given a word to insinuate into our offering.<br />
<br />
Todays word: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Obscure</span></b><br />
<br />
Today's inspiration:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://grandmas-goulash.info/2011/05/succinctly-yours-week-10/"><img src="http://grandmas-goulash.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/SY_July18_2011.png" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Hank stared in horror at Cheri's transformation into the <i>black creature from the lagoon</i>, unaware the piranhas had eaten his leg. Cert 18</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">---o'O'o---<br />
<br />
Hank didn't know the meaning of "a black look" until he told Cheri he'd left the picnic in the car.<br />
<br />
---o'O'o---<br />
<br />
Hiding from Voldemort, Harry and Hermione ended up in some obscure locations.<br />
"Can't you just put your glasses back on?" Hermione moaned<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-18117482896434760882011-07-17T08:00:00.001+01:002011-07-17T08:00:02.841+01:00Sunday Reflection - Wheat and TaresThe Parable of the Wheat and the Tares<br />
<br />
Today, I have the privilege of sharing a contemplative reflection on Matthew 13:24-30 36-43 at church, and thought I'd share it here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVx0wgUArkUxvMXCp1eZHsQ09keEpMeDuXtxSqdbXJqkf3BbdxzBXvDkiyKXuEEk41UJllLJfvz12laIMdHa2qx2i4-zPMwVv2Bsb-wW5KKb12EnKGyRvQvRaU-JvG9NtqPJPpus-D3Q/s320/wheat-and-tares.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVx0wgUArkUxvMXCp1eZHsQ09keEpMeDuXtxSqdbXJqkf3BbdxzBXvDkiyKXuEEk41UJllLJfvz12laIMdHa2qx2i4-zPMwVv2Bsb-wW5KKb12EnKGyRvQvRaU-JvG9NtqPJPpus-D3Q/s320/wheat-and-tares.gif" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Imagine, if you will, a field of wheat. Close your eyes if it helps. Perhaps you have stood in the past on the edge of a field and looked at acre after golden acre stretching out into the distance, waves of light and shadow chasing each other in the gentle breeze. But turn around in your mind's eye and look out at a different field. This one is not yet ready for harvest. It looks like any other field of young wheat, but actually it is full of tares, or Bearded Darnel. Looking at the field now, you wouldn’t know – wheat and Darnel are both grasses and look the same in the early stages. It is only when they are full grown and bear fruit that the difference is plain to see. For the seeds of the Darnel cause symptoms like drunkenness, and they are prone to corruption by a fungus, making them poisonous.<br />
<br />
Standing nearby is the Landowner, and around him his slaves are looking at the field. They are saddened by the state of the crop, and urge their master to allow them to clear the field of the tares. But with the wheat and tares looking so similar, many tares would be missed and much wheat would be destroyed, so their master says no, leave them be until the harvest.<br />
<br />
Look at the master’s face. You can see how much he cares for the crop. You can see his anger at the enemy for what has been done. You can see how much his heart grieves that crop must struggle for water, nutrients and light. And you can see his joy that despite everything the crop continues to grow.<br />
<br />
So he tells his slaves to wait, because he knows that there is always a chance that the stalks his slaves had dismissed as tares might yet turn out to be wheat. The master is patient and always hopeful, and always gives a second chance.<br />
<br />
Let us reflect on the fruit we bear, and let us look again at the field through our master’s eyes.Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-68928588502084351442011-07-08T20:08:00.000+01:002011-07-08T20:08:11.179+01:00Book Blurb Friday - Typecast<a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff464/snowpeache/DSC00885-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
The lovely Lisa at <a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/">Writing in the Buff</a> hosts Book Blurb Friday. Each week Lisa posts a pretend book cover to fire our imaginations. Our task is to write the book blurb for the back cover in 150 words or less.<br />
<br />
<table border="3" cellpadding="10" frame="BOX" rules="NONE"><tbody>
<tr><td><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Typecast</span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.writinginthebuff.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivz4HSwiNpmMveAck5HBfV1Dfb-qDuM_NSfWWURYpLM52DDD3LbfNadIhVWcLVrW70FwHNCCSahAX7rQ9WhpMEBMz9y_RatR6leK4gtxGrGGWMA7WqvilJDdXe-IYOMrQSBcKRjkdMZgos/s400/Typewriter+Lynn+Obermoeller+name.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><br />
When Cassie Drewe starts to decorate her dingy Victorian attic flat in Shoreditch, she is astonished to find a dusty old typewriter in a forgotten space, hidden behind decades of wallpaper.<br />
<br />
She hadn’t meant to write a story, but as her fingers stroke the keys, it springs to life unbidden. Word by word it draws her in, grips her, demands to be written. In breathless excitement, she types the struggle of a young man caught in a clash between modern London and the demonic secret in the ancient heart of the city.<br />
<br />
Listening to the news the next day, she is shocked to find it is all true. If her own, half written, story is to be believed, London is on the very brink of annihilation. Should she carry on typing, or enter the story and find the young man?<br />
<br />
Write or be written?<br />
<br />
London’s future is in her hands.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
150 words exactlyDominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4693566710558019887.post-12052970194493646392011-07-04T21:06:00.001+01:002011-07-04T22:12:34.011+01:00Succinctly Yours - On the FlyMany thanks to <img src="http://grandmas-goulash.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/GrandmaSig1.gif" /> at <a href="http://grandmas-goulash.info/">Grandma's Goulash</a> for running the Monday Microfiction Meme. Grandma posts a photo and invites us to write a caption or story in either under 140 characters (tweet-length) or under 140 words. As an extra challenge we are given a word to insinuate into our offering.<br />
<br />
Todays word: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Expedient</span></b><br />
<br />
Today's inspiration:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://grandmas-goulash.info/2011/05/succinctly-yours-week-10/"><img src="http://grandmas-goulash.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/July_04_2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Tom's venture into fly-on-the-wall peeping failed </div><div style="text-align: center;">to take account of the corresponding </div><div style="text-align: center;">reduction in brain power.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">---o'O'o---<br />
<br />
Jane's 1960 copy of the first spiderman comic<br />
was the most <b>expedient</b>, but how was<br />
Peter going to explain the messy cover?<br />
<br />
---o'O'o---<br />
<br />
"Pretty Fly!" exclaimed Joyce,<br />
adjusting her pince-nez<br />
"Why, thank you," replied Reggie,<br />
smoothing down his remaining hair.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Dominic de Mattoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05171145945316152596noreply@blogger.com12