Curses and Cursed ones. (Iana #13)

Previously from Iana's Story.

From the travel journal of Crown Prince Roderick of Carentas


17th day before Kalends of June, year 217

Nearly a month has passed since the brief encounter we had. I would like to say I have put her fully from my mind. I cannot.


16th day before Kalends of June, year 217

A proper and fond farewell we gave to Catha and to Lord and Lady Hildegale. There is a lightness to my step having put their company behind me. Leric finally recovered enough to continue our travels. I have been impatient to go. Lady Hildegale was sorely disappointed that she had not managed to find me a bride, and I was leaving Catha still unattached. How I managed all these weeks to elude her matchmaking is miraculous indeed. It was almost as bad as a curse. Of course, while Lady Hildegale would see being unmatched as a curse, to me Lady Hildegale was the curse.

Woeful and Poor. Again. (Iana # 12)

 Earlier Events,  including a brief interruption, and now continuing from the journals of Iantheia, Princess of Winding, upon her return to the Kingdom.

It is unbelievable to me that I must be in such a place as Winding again. I just cannot abide it. I cannot. And yet, I must. What other choice do I have?

This morning Joli politely inquired whether I read back through my journals. I stared at her, then said. "No, why should I? I'm not writing some girlish diary just for amusement. It helps to organize my thoughts if I write them. I know what I've written and have no desire to look back."

"So, you can only move forward?" she asked, eyes dropping to the floor.

"Of course. What else is there?"

I didn't tell her how unbearable it would be, how it would break my heart if I had to relive my past and how wonderful my life was in Catha compared to here. I gave up too easily. I should have fought harder, begged Lady Hildegale on my knees, nevermind how foolish I would have looked in front of that man, Roddy.

Across the border I will be waiting (Iana # 11)

The previous events can be found here.
And now the final chapter of Joli's story from within Princess Ianthea's journals.

We have crossed the border into Winding, Sister. It is hard to believe we are almost home. I am one step closer to seeing him again. It has been much too long. It was harder than I realized for him to come see me in the Circle Kingdom, and rather than risk it, he told me he would wait for my return. "I will be waiting," he said, and I have waited too, soon it will be over.

I'm glad Olwen finally managed to get us a carriage, I don't even mind that it is an open one, since the air is so sunny and fresh. I am so joyful right now, You could push me into the Trade River right now and I'd come up smiling. Only a few more days. At least be glad you don't have to walk all the way home. Of course I'd be willing to do even that. Forgive my teasing dear Sister. I know you are unhappy with our situation, and you think the comforts of Winding do not compare to the Circle Kingdom. I have no such complaints. I would take Winding over Catha any day. Not just because he is in Winding. Each day we come closer and closer. It is so hard to wait quietly. When we reached the border, I could hardly contain myself.

Farewell, but not Forever (Iana #10)

Previously in Joli's story...

From the chime tower I could see everything. A bright orange bloom, not unlike the setting sun, except it was much too low and black smoke rose above it into the evening sky. From above I saw the castle's summer guards and stablemen scurrying out to the field like mice. Villagers poured out of their homes at the sound of the church bell. I heard shouts of "Fire! Fire in the fields!" And from behind me the chimes began to ring, the magic in them responding to the bell and the fearful shouting.

The noise startled me from my paralysis. Our grove was burning. If the trees were all lost I might not ever see him again. And what if he was there when the fire started!

I ran down the tower steps, the noise the chimes echoing all around me, heedless of the way I looked. My hair tore loose from its chignon and my dress flapping around my legs as I flew downward. I didn't care who saw me. I had to find him, nothing else mattered.

To Fall in love is like . . . (Iana #9)

Discovered previously in the journals of Iantheia, Princess of Winding: Joli's story continues . . .

Even though I didn't realize at the time how deeply I would fall in love with him, even at the beginning there was something about him that stuck with me and wouldn't let go. Perhaps it was his odd behavior when he learned my father was King, or how his touch changed the gelding I rode that day. Everyone at Ambress Manor noticed that, and thought I'd done something, but it wasn't me. After our brief encounter he didn't just fade from my mind, he grew larger and larger. I thought about him so often and wondered just just who he was.

Have you ever met anyone like that Iana? Someone who changed you just by appearing in your life. Perhaps you won't believe me, sister, I know I find it hard to believe myself, but this is how I fell in love with my Jack-of-the-Woods.

Jolianita - Beauty and Grace (Iana #8)

Previous Events in Iana's Journal

Jolianita's Story - discovered within the journals of Iantheia, Princess of Winding


It isn't what you think sister. I haven't forgotten myself, who I am, what I am. I know I am a Princess of Winding. I know my duties. But Iana . . . please try to understand. I know you won't want to listen, but please try. I know you will be so angry when you find out. That's why I've written this here to help you understand, because I can not speak the words. Here I will do my best to speak. Let me tell you about him.


Even though I know, sometimes I'm painfully aware that we can not be together, my heart still rejoices at the thought of seeing him again, after so many long months.


We first met last spring. Oh, has it been only a year. It feels like I have known him much longer, my whole life, or maybe I never lived before I met him.

NaNoWriMo - It's coming. Are you ready?

NaNoWriMo again. The insanity starts in 20 days.

I'm definitely participating again. I was a winner last year, I wrote over 50,000 words. Months later I even managed to somehow finish the story I began November 2010. I make no promises for this year, but I do have a simply goal. I'm going to have fun! I'd also like to finish the story within the month of November.

You see today I decided to review the rules and remember just what Nano is all about? I found this: "It's important to note that this is not a "write 50k" challenge... it's a "write a novel" challenge." Oh, does that mean I didn't win last year? No way, I won. I claimed my win. But  it is good to try and finish the story. To finish what you start is an excellent goal for a writer. That's a real challenge. Who knows how many words I'm going to have to write to reach that goal. 80k? 100k? But writing is just one part of Nano.

Vexation (Iana # 7)

Previously on Iana's Story. And before that.

Continuing from the journals of Iantheia, Princess of Winding

Never before, and hopefully never again, will I have to ride behind a carriage, clinging to the iron rails. A princess should ride inside a carriage. I can't remember how many times I nearly fell off. Olwen kept having to catch me and pull me back up.

Poor Joli, being so petite, rode up on top, packed in with the chests and bags, much like a pickle.

Had I realized this fate awaited me I'd have stayed in Catha. The journey home to Winding has been such a nightmare.

We left Castle Radiance so quickly, in a splendid carriage too. I recall velvet seats, and curtains made of silk drawn across tiny windows. At the time I didn't notice much else. I was out of sorts, sequestered in my thoughts, while Joli sat demurely to my side. She could sense my mood and left me alone. When we arrived at the edge of the city the carriage stopped. Olwen, the steward mother sent to fetch us, held open the door. Both Joli and I peered at him in confusion.

Woe is me- I am banned from commenting.

I've tried everything and the dratted blog still will not let me comment on it.  So, I'm making this a post, EVEN though it should really be a comment....

I wasn't sure if I was wrong or right with the comma thing....I still need to look at grammar for that. Sorry it looked scary!

The Rhea and Callon scene-- hmmm....does it enhance the plot?

If it does, then keep it.  I was just looking for ways to simplify it, but if you think it's essential to the plot of the story, then it needs to stay.

I think Rhea needs to put her with the geese-- that much is important.....

I'm going to look at it again tonight.

I think my next letter might be an interesting turning point......hmmmm...It's going off in this direction that's rather...interesting. I think.

Well, more for later.

dratted blog.

Progress, I think

I'm here today with a progress report. When I put together the first draft of the Goosey Manuscript I split it into two parts. Part one ended with my last letter, which I always felt was the half way point in the story. (Perhaps now, with the new developments in Mirth's story, the next letter is the half way point.)

But then I discovered this niffy progress meter.

Review: The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her Own Making

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Any book that features such marvelous things as the Leopard of Little Breezes and the Panther of Rough Storms, and a voyage across the Perverse and Perilous Sea must be read immediately.

This is one of my top ten of the year for sure.

Beware, this book also has witches and wairwulfs (the opposite of werewolves), wyvrens (not dragons), a Marquess with a very fine hat, fairies who ride wild bicycles, a changeling orchestra, alchemists, fairy food (edible, yet dangerous), half people, tsukumogami and a brave key.

"Where there is a key, there is yet hope."

I'm nominating this for a Gooseyness Award. I have much more to say on the subject, for now enjoy this mini review, and try to get your hands on this book as soon as you can. You won't regret it.


View all my reviews

From the Travel Journals of a Lonely Prince (Iana #6)

From the Travel Journals of Roderick, crown prince of Carentas

Magic is a marvel, or else the people who to desperate seek such trite enchantments. Spells do not come cheap, wizards in Catha are highly sought. A good thing, for how else could Leric and I survive, not without my seemingly inexhaustible connections or his entertainment.

Most wizards look haggard, their eyes mere slits from lack of sleep, and a queasy complexion. Not Leric. I suspect most of the time Leric's faking. Most people can't tell the difference between real magic and mere tricks anyway.

We head south tomorrow, leaving the outer circle to return to Catha's center, Castle Radiance.

I do not miss the crowds or the fine company, which Leric claims he cannot do without. Of course, I know he prefers a quick wit to a pretty face. I will be glad to see the last of the circle kingdom. Good lord there are far too many Princesses here and all of them seem to be eligible.


We will stay with Leric's friend, Lord Hildegale, again, I loathe the thought, but it can not be helped.


I did not come to the circle kingdom looking for a wife, despite my mother's declaration that I may not return to Carentas unless I bring home a suitable bride. I can only image the kind of woman she'd find suitable. I think I prefer exile.

--
Fifth day before the Ides of April, year 217


Wet and unrenlenting rain. We held up in a tavern, the Hurthog for the night. Leric entertained. That he can come up with such rowdy ridiculous songs on the spot still bogs my mind.
--
Fourth day before Ides of April, year 217


Having met Lord Hildegale earlier in the spring I can safely say he is a good scholarly man. Leric and Lord Hildegale can speak for hours on the odd customs and histories of this ancient land. They speak not of spellwork or curses, and I find it hard pay attention to their rambling. Lord Hildegale is no fool. But good lord his wife!


There is no escaping Lady Hildegale, though I try. You'd think being a Prince in a kingdom like Catha, overrun with too many of them, that I would not stand out. You'd be wrong.


Apparently, Carentas is far enough away and exotic sounding. Somehow Lady Hildegale knows that I cannot return home without a bride. She aims to remedy this.


I only came to Catha in the hopes to get as far away from Carentas and mother's schemes as I could. Perhaps I have not traveled far enough.
--

Third day, year 217


I started this recording keeping to track where I spent my coin, how to get from here to there, my destinations and travels throughout this ancient land, what I might see , the different climates and people I have encountered. It was never my intent here to scribe a diary like some school girl. Yet I can find no other place to put my thoughts. And I don't know what else I could do to drive this irritation from my mind. Perhaps if I describe her, the encounter, then I might free my thoughts from dwelling on her.


Lord Hildegale keeps several libraries. There is no escape from Lady Hildegale's constant attempts 'to secure my happiness', as she calls it, except to retreat to one of the libraries. I always attempt to find the one farthest away from the room where Lady Hildegale entertains. I didn't get far enough it seems, for I saw Lady Hildegale bring a young woman in to the very library where I was hiding. The girl appeared quite weak, stumbling on her feet, and Lady Hildegale was intent to make her sit still and remain in the room. And then she left without a backwards glance toward me.


Miraculously within moments of Lady Hildegale leaving whatever ailed the girl fled and she sat up again.


"That was quite the performance." I remarked.


She denied it, of course. But I have traveled far enough to know better than to believe what a woman claims. Next she would be upon me with her charms. But, in that it seems I was mistaken.


She headed toward the door, her head and shoulders squared in a most remarkable way. The light flittering in made her - you see, you see how she has caught hold of my mind. Even describing her is maddening.


I could see from her brief conversation with Lady Hildegale, the girl wanted something. Perhaps help in finding a husband. It only seemed right to warn her off, that throwing herself on Lady Hildegale's mercy was the worst possible idea ever. Even if she was another one of the women Lady Hildegale intended to throw in my direction.


So what happened next was only a little bit of self interest, you see, I didn't want to break another heart, or have to flee the city again.

I told her it wouldn't work out. "Even I can see what you're trying to do. It doesn't matter how good your acting is Lady Hildegale won't be swayed." Neither will I, I thought. "She has nothing to gain from taking in a girl like you." And using you so poorly. Surely you have more pride than that! It sickened me to see a beautiful young woman, or anyone else, forced to throw themselves at someone like Lady Hildegale, hoping for some measly advantage.

Even now the words stick in my mind. Yet, why didn't I speak that part aloud. My words failed me. And the look on her face as she turned to leave the room. It was deathly cold. It haunts me even as I write this.

I was bothered by our conversation, or my lack of it, but I couldn't bring myself to approach her again. Why do I not speak my mind sometimes?

Later I found out her name, Princess Iantheia. Iantheia. She's not one of Catha's Princesses it seems, there are enough of those, but Princess of the small Kingdom of Winding. I have seen that name on a map of Ancienia before, but heard nothing else. They have some ties to the circle kingdom, of course, why else would she be here? I will have to ask Leric about what he knows, after he recovers. Well, except his eye I'm told.

What happened was an unfortunate accident. His eye is gone. The healer did everything he could to save it. Leric is resting. It was an accident, and a stupid mistake on his part. The whole morning felt like a series of strange accidents, quite unnatural. I didn't see what exactly happened. I tried to leave, to escape before Lady Hildegale captured me for lunch, when I heard the commotion. The mayhem was almost amusing. Hard to believe one person could cause so much damage. Cups flying in the air, drinks spilled, custards and creams all over. I felt bad for her, for Iantheia.

Tomorrow perhaps, I can let her know about Leric, that she didn't cause his accident, that lute strings don't usually break that easily, unless you're a wizard like Leric, who mixes up his spells.
--
Second Day before the Ides of April, in the year 217

A mystery. It seems she has disappeared. Even Lady Hildegale is surprised. I am - perhaps the right word is - disappointed. I do not think I will see her again.


to be continued . . . .

I changed my mind, how did that happen?

Either I've changed my mind, or become indecisive. Let's put it up for a vote!

You may or may not have noticed, but I've posted another letter nine. Within this alternate Universe you will find Ange receiving some advise from a caterpillar and then growing and shrinking by eating his mushrooms and she learns the secret to how the little crocodile improves his shining tail. . . . just joking.

This alternate letter nine is actually Ange's next letter, the one I told you before I wasn't going to post yet, (the one I tried to postpone because I didn't think it fit in the manuscript right at this point in time.) Perhaps it does. I'd like your opinion about it. Terrwyn which one should we choose?

This Nine or the other one.

AH. What do we do? Which one do we pick? Hmmm. You're going to have to delete one when you want to post Letter Ten.

If you don't mind, can you also review the Alternate Number Nine letter, make your usual or unusual comments and any suggestions to improve it. If it isn't letter nine, then it will be pushed back to letter eleven.

I edited the letter somewhat. No big changes mind you, just grammar stuff, and cutting out unnecessary words like 'over', 'up', 'it matted little', 'out', 'so' 'at first', etc. Please feel free to cut out any redundant words you find. Chop chop them all away. I'll pay 25cents for each word you take out.

This letter is ridiculously long, my longest yet. It's less like a letter and more like a narrative in 1st person. Can you think of ways to shrink it down? Also I wonder what time of year it is in this letter. I may have to investigate, write down the timeline or something silly like that.

Next, Letter Nine

It's up. I've been thinking really hard about what to do and this is what I decided. The new letter number nine.

I decided to pass on this letter, well... at least postpone the dramatic stuff a little. I can't possibly put the original letter number nine up, because it just won't work... yet.

Terrwyn I love this new development you're working into Mirth story. It's so very exciting. I'm hoping you'll be willing to write the next bit of Mirth's story - and then I'll have Ange respond to that.

Right now, I can't have Ange responding to such a happy gleeful letter from Mirth with her own tale of doom and gloom and woe is me. I can't picture that at all. At least it doesn't fit the dramatic curve of the story, over all.

So, basically I'm passing the baton back to you rather quickly. I hope you don't mind.

Oh, and, I'm don't mean to be bothersome - but can you possibly somehow get Lackscroft and Roe into your the next letter (or the one after that would be ok too.) Because I must have them meet Mirth - so she can be their dark maiden. It's vital to a future letter.

Anyway, I hope this makes sense.

My Little Obsessions

As I work on the next letter, a puzzle to be sure, I'm finding myself obsessing over the same little things. I remember writing the first draft I was careful to make each greeting to Mirth different each time.

It makes sense, because when you're writing in strict form - i.e. letters, which have the same basic structure - you have to do something to mix it up a little. Having the 'envelopes' does that of course, but it wouldn't be good if each greeting was the same.

For instance, here are the greetings we've used so far:

1) Dear Cousin,

2) Sweet Coz,

3) Brave Cousin,

4) My dearest Ange,

5) Unfortunate cousin,

6) Oh my only true friend,

7) My poor troubled cousin,

8) Oh my beautiful Princess Angevine,

9) ???

And the closings:

1)Yours ever, Ange.

2) Ever keeping up appearances, Mirth

3) Ever hopeful, Ange

4) Horses whinny, yours forever, Mirth

5) ever yours, Ange

6) Your silly cousin, Mirth

7) Weary yours,Ange

8) Your frightfully LATE cousin, Mirthyane Anthaina of Carentas! 

I made a list of all greetings and closings. (I wonder where those notes went?) Crazy of me, I know. Still, sometimes it's the little things that make the difference, and this is something only an author should obsess over, not the reader.

It's important to be consistent too, especially with spelling of names, country, and any colloquialisms. I know I mention it in the notes of Letter 8, about the spelling of ladyes vs ladies. I did a search through the manuscript so far and I'm happy to let you know that Letter 8 is the first time we've used the word 'ladyes'. We use the word Lady several times, but not the plural. So, you can spell it however you want, we just have to remember to spell it the same way for the rest of the manuscript.

Still, for all my obsessing over the little things, right now I should maybe focus on making the story and the characters the best they can be. We can always go back and tweak the spelling of things. That's what Find and Replace is for.

Character comes first, and the story will follow. Now, on to Letter Nine.

(And then I can get back to Iana's story.)

Disaster strikes! (Iana #5)

continuing from the journals of Iantheia, Princess of Winding...


She was avoiding me. Lady Hildegale must have known my intentions, and I couldn't find a moment alone with her. After my brief rest in the library Lady Hildegale had welcomed me back to the circle, but there was no chance to get close to her.

Perhaps my distress at this made me careless, or the encounter in the library put me off, his words still drummed in my head 'She has nothing to gain from a girl like you.' I don't know how else to explain the disaster that happened next.

I stared at him across the room (Iana # 4)

Continuing from the journals of Princess Iantheia . . . .

"What is it now?" Lady Hildegale scuttled over to us. Prince Flairon swept her a low bow.

I lowered my face trying to hide my embarrassment at Prince Flairon's outburst. As I curtsied to Lady Hildegale I said, "I wished to speak to you Lady Hildegale, regarding a private, personal matter."

It was the wrong thing to say if I hoped to have a private conversation with Lady Hildegale, now everyone near us would want to listen in.

Lady Hildegale came closer to me. "My dear Iana, are you all right? What's wrong?"

"You see I - It's - " All of a sudden, to further my embarrassment, my throat seized up. I couldn't speak. I bit back tears. My chin wobbled.

I couldn't have planned it better if I'd tried. I'm sure I would have put everyone off bumbling around with words. As it was my near breakdown had a remarkable effect on Lady Hildegale.

"I became so desperate that..." (Iana's Story #3)

Continuing from the journals of Iantheia, Princess of Winding . . .

Finding Lady Hildegale was the easy part. Off season she practically lived in her sitting room. She was always entertaining; food and drinks at the ready, exotic fruits and delicate sweets. I could go to Lady Hildegale's any hour of the day and expect to see people there. Important people sometimes, the up and rising, the latest singing sensation or the brightest new poet. No one entertained more than Lady Hildegale, except maybe the King.

The hard part was getting to speak to her. Everyone wanted to speak to Lady Hildegale. She was exactly the kind of woman I wished was my godmother. She knew everyone, and could introduce you to anyone in the Circle Kingdom. Since we arrived in Catha I'd been trying to get Lady Hildegale to take me and Joli under her wing. Every day I got a little closer to her. Now would be my last chance.

I took a deep breath as the footman announced my name and I entered Lady Hildegale's sitting room.

My Life in the Circle Kingdom (Iana's Story #2)

From the journals of Ianathia, Princess of Winding...

"My life is over Joli, completely over." I dropped mother's letter to the round table. It didn't matter how many times I read it. It had ruined my life and I couldn't unread it.

I moved to the window, wishing we had a pleasant view to distract me.

"It's not over." Joli said from her cozy chair. She curled her feet underneath her and her hands were busy stitching a dress. "We just have to go home. At least its not a bethrothal."

"If it was a good match then I wouldn't mind a bethrothal." I said leaning my head on the window taking in the bleak view. The oval window looked out to a narrow stone stairwell, and the tall walls of the castle keep, only a small circle of sky was visible above them.

Hardly anyone used these stairs, no one important I might wish to see. Only distant relative of Catha's king were housed in this part of the castle, like us. We had no choice but to live here. We couldn't afford to rent rooms in town. Just as we couldn't afford a footman, or even a maid. Joli had taken on that role, and she served as my handmaiden whenever I needed one. We hadn't fooled anyone by it, it was plain to see  Joli and I were sisters, only a year apart in age.

"Extravagances." I muttered, looking back at Joli and our tiny room, with one bed in the corner, a wardrobe of minimal portortions and a cracked looking glass over the dressing table. Mother's letter said we had too many extravagances. I could pull my hair out. "What extravagances was she talking about? We live on breadcrumbs and sleep on box springs." I kicked at the bed we shared, sending a stabbing pain through my foot. "The only reason our clothes are half way decent is thanks to you."

A Family Chronicle Begins (1)

This letter has been enscribed by the Queen's own scribe, Olwen the Scribe, sealed by his hand and given to the head guardsman for his review.

Reviewed and stamped by Captain Olwen, head of security,  and taken on his patrol to the Postmaster.

Signed by Postmaster Olwen. Everything looks in order. This is merely a formaility, really. Taken by Postermaster Olwen to the local runners guild.

Armless Art, runner. Am writing wit teeth. Run from Windin Guildhall to Catha. In all good speed.

To the daughters of the Kingdom of Winding
Formal Greetings from the Queen and King of Winding


Ancienia, Spring Year 217

To our dearest, sweet divine daughters, my angels,

May this letter find you in good heath. It has been nine weeks, and four days since we last saw each other, and our time apart has left me and your father ample time to ourselves. The chimes do not ring as brightly without your shining faces. In fact they barely ring at all.

How I long to see you again, my dear darlings. I know your father feels the same way. Perhaps you do as well?

My girls, I shall be blunt. It is time to come home. You've had your fun, and your festivities, the fine food and late nights dancing, but enough is enough. Winding needs you. I apologize for my frankness, but the debt collectors knock at my chamber doors even now. We cannot afford your extravagances any longer.

I say again, time for you to come home.

Iantheia and Jolianita, my angels, how I do miss you. Come home to your mama. Come swiftly.

No detours Iantheia.

I'm serious.

your dearest, dearest mama



....to be continued.

The Very First

I've been thinking lately about the beginning of the story, how it begins, where it begins, that sort of thing. The beginning is important, for obvious reasons. I have to confess, but I'm a harsh judge of a book's cover and the first sentence. When I wander through a bookstore, normally heading straight for the fantasy or YA section, I glance over the spines and titles. I'm drawn to certain authors, but also certain colors catch my attention (in particular jewel tones, blues and greens, sparkles - what am I a bird?)

When I pick up a book, if I'm drawn in by how it looks, then I'll usually read the back or summary and thirdly I'll flip the pages to the first sentence. I'm looking for something particular. Will it be good enough? Will I like this book? What's it all about? Even though I'm ready to decide one way or the other, if I'll spend my time on this book or not, I'm also desperately searching for a really good read. Deep down I want the book to be shocking and wonderful and dazzling. I put quite a bit of pressure on the book, don't I? The first sentence needs to capture my attention immediately. Perhaps it will, with a bit of clever, catchy wording, or something shocking about death or being dead already.

Here are some I liked:

Speaking of Weddings.....

England is in for another fairy tale romance!!!!

Prince William and Kate Middleton will be getting married April 29th, at 11am. I am very excited about this wedding because it not only gives me ideas for my own, but also makes me feel so much better about my small, cozy Great Plains wedding.

For instance: The couple is inviting 1,900 guests! Yikes. I don't know if I even know that many people!
Kate has three wedding dresses in case the original is leaked! ( I now do not feel so guilty for having two wedding dresses.)
And the happy couple is forced to endure their faces being plastered all over shoddy mugs and bags and other cheap souvenir items.

( the love mug is particularly fabulous)


picture taken from http://williamkate.org/tag/william-and-kate-memorabilia/

But when all is said and done, it's pretty fabulous. And you have to admit, you kinda want a mug....:)

Though, I am curious to find out how all this planning is done! It is fabulous research for our own stories-- Ange off to marry a man not of her choosing and well, poor Mirth--  I'm sure she would have enjoyed a very lavishly royal wedding. And probably would have had five wedding dresses and worn them all...!

Wedding and whatnots

So, I've been Missing from all the Action at the blog spot. The nice part about this prolonged absence is that I have plenty of reading material for the long break!

The Tragedy-- I MISSED THE BAD POETRY SLAM!!!! AHHHH!!! LACKSCROFT AND ROE!!!!!

And now, I should probably say something of note. Perhaps explain my disappearance.

Well, it so happens that I am getting married. I was not quite aware, when I said yes to the wonderful man that I am marrying that a wedding would be part of this package deal.

Or I should say, I did not realize that a WEDDING is a vicious, ugly beast that I must battle on a day to day basis and hope to someday slay or be slain.

Do not be deceived by fluffy notions of romance. Weddings are vicious vicious creatures. My only hope is to survive the navigation of heinous details such as color scheme ( should the yellow be butter, bright, or pale---I must say this one IS hard as I have no idea what the difference between the three are...is there a "normal" yellow?), flaky or non flaky pie crust ( does it matter? It's pie crust? and why can't I sample?), and how to properly welcome the guests( usually hello suffices and a nice chat about what not, but apparently you need to do other things, like impress them with baskets of goodies and maps of the area and give them bathing supplies,)  and other things that seem to threaten my general sunny outlook of the world and wonder if I'm going insane....

Egads! Gadzooks! Where have I been?

I know not what has been done, but I think I might have been strangely magicked and...
Gasped! Spelled!

And now! What has happened?! What has happened indeed!? So many things. Many many glorious things.

But I have not been cognizant enough to have enjoyed them!

Ah me! and here I sit. Much aged and in a cave with nothing but a type writter and my loin cloth and a beard and a loss for words.

But yes. I should tell you who I am. Or should I?

Perhaps I should begin by saying I know the Seven Brother's of old...Of course, I do not know them from their young years. No no...I know them from their older years.

I know their daughters.

and I know their secrets.

but enough for now. I am hungry and must find myself a bit of something in this godforsaken cave to eat.

What? What? A letter? hmmmm...

And now of course, life begins to be interesting.....



This looks tasty! yum!!!! I should Eat IT!

I will try again and again.

I have discover something most unusual. It was on the top shelf, buried under a stack of old sheet music, in an obscure bookshop; wrapped in brown paper and twine - it appears to be a collection of letters written ages ago. The paper is badly stained and nearly crumbles beneath my fingers, but I'm determined to unravel its secrets. 

Success! I've figured out it is a correspondence between two cousins (and royalty no less) Princess Angevine of Winding and Princess Mirth of Carentas. The girls have both suffered some misfortune; Ange has been betrothed in a fatal alliance, while Mirth has lost her kingdom and must live as a peasant in a woodcutters cottage. This warrants further study...

The first seven letters have been translated and are presented here for everyone to read and make comments on. I must say, I'm curious to know what will happen when Ange finally reaches the Kingdom of Geyona, where someone intends of kill her. Will her disguise work or will tragedy prevail? And how will Mirth survive her new peasant's life with her two numskull brothers and a sick mother? This Stranger who follows her, he is not who he seems - I wonder.

As soon as I know more about their adventures, what the fates hold for Ange and Mirth, I will let you know.

Another thought about 'where my ideas come from' and Gooseyness Award Nominee

I found a wonderful post on-line about writing I wanted to share with you:

How to steal like an artist and 9 other things nobody told me.

The blog is by Austin Kleon, who has recently published a book of poems called Newspaper Blackout. His poems are created just like it sounds by taking a newspaper article and blacking out the other words around. It reminds me of a treasure hunt, or how a sculptor will take a block of marble/wood/soup and then carves out the excess to discover the beautiful sculpture inside.

Back to Kleon's advise list. I'm especially fond of the first one: "Steal like an Artist".  It really is a common question, one I ask myself, "Where do you get your ideas?" The truth is, not necessary that I steal them, steal is perhaps too harsh a word, but I collect them from everywhere and everything: the books I read, games I play, my dreams, walking around downtown, shopping, surfing on-line, vacations to Greece, Scotland, London, Italy.... and so much more.

Of course, since we are retelling fairy tales, the biggest influence on Goosey is the fairy tales they're based on. I love to think we take that basic story premise and run with it to crazy heights.

In other news, I have a new nomination for Gooseyness Award!! Yay! It is the beautiful, wonderful short video below called "Rain Town". I absolutely love this video. You have to watch it, then you will understand.

A Princess must be . . . (Princess Quotes part 2)

"But that's impossible, how could I marry a Prince, I'd have to be a . . . "
"A Princess, and you are, dear."
 Sleeping Beauty

I decided to continue our wonderful discussion about being a Princess. In Part 1 we discussed what it means to be a princess, how she is expected to act, and what she symbolizes in the fairy tale, goodness, salvation or truth. A Princess is all those things, but she is also just a young girl, trying to grow up and understand the world.


a dress like this jellyfish

I recently watched a show called Princess Jellyfish. You may remember I nominated the cast for a Gooseyness Award. While the show is set in modern day, there a Princess theme throughout it. The main character is a girl named Tsukimi who, as a child, believed "All girls can be beautiful Princesses when they grow up" and once her mother promised she would make Tsukimi's dress when she got married, a beautiful lacy white dress like the jellyfish pictured on the right, a fluttery dress that a Princess might wear. Her mother was always reminded of Princesses when she looked at jellyfish. Perhaps this explains Tsukimi's obsession with drawing them.

However, now that Tsukimi is older, she finds reality is very different, her childhood dreams have fluttered away. Her mother passed away when she was little, and she realizes ". . . I have some bad news. I'm not sure where I went wrong, but somewhere along the line, instead of becoming a Princess. I ended up a freak. Mom, I couldn't manage to become a beautiful Princess."

The show follows Tsukimi as she learns about love, as she discovers she may not be such a freak after all, and perhaps she can make that beautiful Princess Jellyfish dress just as her mother wanted, just like she has always dreamed. Don't give up on your dreams Tsukimi! You can do it!

What does a princess dreams about? Does she dream of an ordinary life, where she is not a royal princess? (I'd be curious to know if anyone has ever made a gender reversed Prince and the Pauper. Come to think of it, I've never actually read the original, I'll have to put that on my classical reading list.) Or does a Princess not dream at all, does she put those kind of dreams aside in order to serve her family, and her kingdom? Or, maybe she  is like Princess Jasmine who, when faced with marriage, shouts, "Then maybe I don't want to be a Princess anymore." Or perhaps like Princess Fiona, "I want what any Princess wants - to live happily every after . . . with the ogre I married."

I'm curious to know what Ange dreams about, I don't think she dreamed much, not seriously. I do think she dreamed about falling in love, and these dreams are crushed in the beginning when her mother tells her she is betrothed and must marry a man she has never met before. Terrwyn, what does Mirth dream about?

How many girls dream about being a Princess? In a more recent Disney movie, the Princess and the Frog, young Charlotte declares, "I would do it. I would kiss a frog. I would kiss a hundred frogs if I could marry a Prince and be a Princess."

I've been collecting Princess quotes for a while, so many interesting ones. There are so many more out there, but this next one is my favorite:

"Are you a Princess? I said and she said I'm much more than a Princess, but you don't have a name for it yet here on earth." Brian Andreas

That's right, we are so much more than just a Princess. We are sisters, we are friends, we are lovers, we are dreamers. We are magic makers. Ange and Mirth have so much to discover, their adventure has just begun. It will not be all roses and cupcakes, they will encounter ruffians and scoundrels, badly written poetry, curses that will make them cry and geese that will insult them and bit them. But that's life, it comes with some good and some bad and that's what makes it so interesting.

Goodness Even More

Oh dear, my dear,
who wrote this poetry here?
Why tis I!

Goodness me, yes I see.
Your hand must hurt, do your fingers ache?
Not a bit, I swear.
(No swearing.)
(Sorry.)

Oh good, I'm so relieved,
just a moment if you please,
let me read what you wrote

How many pages do you have?
Twenty Nine.
And, do they all rhyme?
Of course, my dear.
That's quite a lot.
Yes, I know.

If you prefer I will recite them for you my dear.
Oh no, that's quite all right, silently is better.
Then read on, read them all, if you would.
Yes, I shall, though it may take all day,
and what a splendid way to spend my day!

But,
oh no, oh woe
a sudden fear strikes my thoughts,
what if these are lost?
No worries, never fear
I will write you more, my dear.

In shorter form, sometimes rhyming

Oh woe, alack.
I broke my back
climbing up that tree
I just had to see
you.



Come weep by my bedside
Cry tears onto my pillow
and I will die a happy man
or maybe not at all.



Oh me, oh my my
when you stand up so high
I get dizzy.



She had beauty and a mirror
She loved herself the most I fear.

A poety extra-extra-extravaganza

Oh King of Caterpillars
might I have a word?
How do you wiggle your way
through every night and day?
Do you ever hang around upside down?
Or climb to the tallest branch,
to the tip top leaf?
When you are tired,
do you sleep on a mossy bed
with a leaf curling over your head?

Pleasing to see you poetry

Pretty girl, pretty girl
Do you want to dance and twirl?
You can stomp on my toes
I don't even care.
Or, we could sing, we could shout
why don't we try it out?

Spring cleaning, sorta

Just a bit of housekeeping.

We're getting to the point where our pages (the letters) are getting a bit crowded up there at the top.  I had a few ideas what we can do. How about if we make a page that summarizes the letters: "A Previously on Goosey....". Then we can keep the most recent letters, the ones we're currently working on, which right now appears to be letters 6 and 7, and will have no trouble posting new letters.

We just have to be careful about deleting the old pages before I've grab the newly revised material and saved it into manuscript #2. I'll work on that today, up through letter 5. We mustn't loose all our hardwork. So before anyone deletes anything we have to make an annoucement about it. A warning, incoming changes to the blog... that sorta thing.

Oh, and how about a project history page too, like an 'About' page.

What do you think?

The Romantic side of the story

"She generally gave herself very good advice (though she very seldom followed it), and sometimes she scolded herself so severely as to bring tears into her eyes; and once she remembered trying to box her own ears for having cheated herself in a game of croquet she was playing against herself, for this curious child was very fond of pretending to be two people." --from "Down the Rabbit Hole" Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

"Remind me in the future never to get in another relationship. If this is what relationships are like, I will happily drift into old age as a spinster. It's just not worth it." -- Lulu Dark by Bennett Madison  

I discovered a wonderful column online written by the author of The Princess and the Hound, a fairy tale book which I rather enjoyed. I wasn't a retelling of any particular fairy tale, but it had the setting of one.

 How to write Romance (In Fantasy) by Mette Ivie Harrison.

You should read it first, and then come back and read the rest of this post. Because then I wanted to discuss the elements of romance mentioned in her column and look at to Goosey.

Watch out for a good read - adventures in space ca. 1851

Mothstorm by Philip Reeve

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I enjoy a good story that doesn't take itself seriously. There are so many books out there with so much heavy drama, and doom & gloom, teenage angst and hopeless romance. Well, actually Mothstorm like the first two books in the series by Philip Reeve, (Larklight: a Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Farest Reaches of Space and Starcross: A Stirring Adventure of Spies, Time Travel and Curious Hats ), has plenty of drama too, what with the planning of a Daring Rescue, various space battles from one end of the solar system to the other, encounters with strange aliens and creatures like the mermaids from Uranus , I mean Georgium Sidus, the pudding worms and sun dogs, and, don't forget the very dangerous gigantic moths. There is the usual romantic entaglments of Myrtle and Jack Havock, made all the more vivid by Myrtle's diary. The story is told once again by Art Mumby, with footnotes scattered in various places throughout the book that are unreasonable amusing. It's all very delightful. It's not everyday I get to read a victorian space adventure.

It's almost tempting to nominate the book for a Gooseyness Award. Since it is a sequel though, and there are a few moments in Mothstorm where the narrative refers to the previous adventures of Art Mumby and family, so I shall just have to nomiate all three books. Huzzah!

Myrtle alone could also receive an award nomination. She is such a silly girl. So prim and proper and yet she declares "I do not intend to be left here all alone like some old maid. I shall show Mr Jack Havock that I am quite as daring and adventurous as he, even though I have somewhat more regard for the conventions of society."

Yes, she deserves a nomination, though her brother Art would probably complain about it, since he thinks she is an "absolute horror and looks like a loony fish." Myrle is just your typical Victorian girl living in space concerned about being a lady, swooning when necessary, and saving the universe from deadly creatures like spiders, giant moths, and the occasional alien.

View all my reviews

Review: The Disapperance of Haruhi Suzumiya

The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya by Nagaru Tanigawa

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is why I love Nagaru Tanigawa's Haruhi Suzumiya books: "Everything had been normal up until this point." and this, "Game over. If this was somebody's idea of a psychological attack, they'd certainly succeeded. A job well done. So, who was behind this experiment? Was it Haruhi, the Data Overmind, or a new enemy of this world . . ?" and, before I get too carried away, one more quote I loved was this one, "Obviously I had less imagination than a cave cricket."


There are many reasons to love Haruhi Suzumiya, and the fourth in the series did everything right for me. Sure, I'm familiar with the anime, seasons one and two, but I haven't seen the movie yet, so my only experience with The Disapperance of Hruhi Suzumiya is the book here. This was new material for me, so you can imagine my enthusiaum was pretty high and the book didn't disappoint.

If you want more of Kyon, Koizumi, Yuki Nagato, and Miss Asahina - all the SOS Brigage you have to get this book. This time around our main man Kyon gets to unravel a mystery by traveling through time. Where are you Haruhi?

By the way I've signed up at Goodreads.com. I'm keeping track of all the books I've read, and if I put up a review, then post the reviews here as well - when appropriate. I've set a pretty high goal for myself this year. I'm going to read 100 books! I've done 14 of 100 so far, so I have a long way to go.



View all my reviews

We have a winner (Sillyness is only the beginning)

In the spirit of the awards season, since the Oscars are coming up soon, I decided I should announce another winner of a Gooseyness Award. I finally, finally got my hands on The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. (Terrwyn nominated it last month : http://gooseyness.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-have-decided-i-have-dallied-enough.html )

It's wonderful, I bet the animated version is beautiful too, but I just read the book so I can only talk about that. This book completely deserves a gooseyness award. It does have simple illustrations, but the fact there are no words, just pictures is charming. Sometimes you don't need words; words just get in the way.

So, I found The Snowman at the library, along with a few other of Raymond Briggs graphic novels. I read Gentleman Jim, a somewhat dark comical story about a man sick of his day job, who gets an idea into his head about becoming a highway robber (you know the type who steal from the rich and give to the poor) and living a life full of romanticized adventure. It doesn't quite work out for him, as he runs into problems with the law and trying to keep a donkey in his backyard. I also found Briggs' The Man, which sounds like an odd name for a book, but I can't imagine what else you'd call it. It was almost a fairy tale about a boy and a man who is seven inches tall. The quote at the beginning captures the essence of the book "After three days, fish and visitors begin to stink" (a Chinese proverb). The book had some amusing moments, capturing how the the boy looks after his small house guest, the difficulties of life when you're that small. It's a book of conversations between the two.  Lastly, I read Briggs' Ethel and Ernest: a true story, an illustrated biography about his parents from the 1920s to 1970s. It was an intimate view of life in England, a family portrait in a very real way, through the struggles of day to day life during the war, the tragedies and a simple triumphs.

I enjoyed them all, though only The Snowman wins the Gooseyness Award, it was by far my favorite.

Part of the rules for the Gooseyness Awards, I believe it was number 5, went as follows:  If the other person isn't familiar with the nominee, then they should try to read, watch, etc in order to decide yay or nay. Actually, that rule may be the most important. The reason behind that rule was when we find a silly person/story/song, etc we needed to share that goofy, glee-inducing person/story/song etc. I'm know I'm always looking for a good story - something that inspires me, thrills me, makes me want to dance or run around outside under the stars. I sometimes think I write because I can't always find stories and somewhere in my subconscious mind I decide, well, if I can't find them I'll just write them myself.

This is how my brain works (yes I know it's weird)

After I posted Letter 7 something about it bothered me, but I couldn't put my finger on it. What was it? The poems, I realized, the poems were sticking out too much and ruining it. I decided to change it, so I striped the poems from the interior of the letter and just put them on the bottom.

It's a temporary solution. I have no idea what do with with them.

First, let me share with you my thoughts while I was revising Letter 7, they went as follows:

Today Success. And tomorrow?

Dear friends,

May I present for your reading pleasure --wait a minute . . . . what - what happened to letter # 7?? click here

Oh no, its been completely, and entirely taken over by poetry. When did that happen? Oh my. And it's so distracting. Heaven help us, for Lackcroft and Roe have officially arrived. I hope their scribbling all over the letter doesn't take away from the pleasure of reading Ange's latest misadventures. (And that glaring white background! Really miss webartist, can't you at least make the background tranparent? ...stoney silence --Apparently not.)

Well, enjoy.

Breaking the rules or why I don't understand grammer sometimes.

I just recently finished Salman Rushdie's newest book Luka and the Fire of Life. First, let me say, wow. It is an amazing book, the best I've read this year, in months actually. The book is set in the same world as his previous children's book, Haroun and the Sea of Stories. You must go read these two books immediately, Terrwyn. Haroun and the Sea of Stories is in my top books EVER list. Luka and the Fire of Life will probably join it.

Before I started reading Rushdie's new book I was prepared for a great story, and the possibility I might be reading one of my favorite books ever. That's a lot of expectation to put on a book, not to mention, since Luka and the Fire of Life is sorta a sequel, I'd probably compare it to the first book, Haroun and the Sea of Stories. (See, even the titles of both books are similar.) However, within the first sentence none of that stuff mattered, I dove right into the story and loved every minute of it. This was one of those books I wanted to read and read and never stop - and at the same time I didn't want to read, because I wanted the story to last forever.

Re: Revising and When is it good enough?

I'm starting to hate the endless revisions. I'm feeling really frustrated with them. It's a really terrible attitude to take. I know. I know. So I'm trying to give myself a positive outlook in this post. I will try anyway.

Regarding (or Re:) Revisions. Revising. Rewriting. Reworking.

Writing, and rewriting, it can go on and on and on. What drives me to do this to myself? I found this article about rewriting, called Writers on Rewriting . It has a collection of quotes from different writers about the subject, everyone from Earnest Hemingway, E.B. White, Vladimir Nabokov, Dorothy Parker and many others. It makes me both encouraged and discouraged to read them over.

Gooseynews: I find silly characters everywhere!

I discovered some new nominees for the Gooseyness Awards.
First, may I present to you:

Nodame









Her full name is Megumi Noda, age 20. She is the silliest, most lovable and adorable, highly enthusiastic, funny goof-ball I've meet in a long time.

You can find Nodame torturing her charming, talented neighbor Chiaki in the anime, and manga, called Nodame Cantabile. I'd recommend the anime over the manga in this case, because the story is about music. It's wonderful to hear the music, as opposed to imagining the sound. The first season is streaming free at Crackle.com. Here's the link to the first episode: Lesson 1

so...why isn't my letter showing up in the pages?

I wrote and posted letter number 6...sooo....where is it?

Letting the Wolf in: Storytelling Struggles

While I still haven't gotten my hands on Tolkien's 'On Fairy Stories', I did pick up another fairy tale research book called Inviting the Wolf In: Thinking About Difficult Stories by Loren Niemi and Elizabeth Ellis.

It covered topics from the traditional to historical stories, the emotional aspects involved and the structure of story. Some of the book was too philanthropic for me, but all the same there was some interesting ideas. My focus was entirely on the traditional story, but I gained something else as I read the book.

First I have to say how much I enjoy the title; Inviting the Wolf strikes an instant cord with me. It makes me think of the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale, though it that particular case the wolf was already inside when Red arrives. Werewolf and vampire stories seem to be everywhere lately. A movie came out last year called Let me In, about a boy who meets a girl and falls in love. The girl just happens to be a vampire. It's based on a Swedish movie called Let the Right One In. The titles relate to the fact the girl can't cross the threshold of a room unless she is invited inside.

Gooseyness award nominations continued!

I have decided I have dallied enough with my real world toil and labor , and it is now time for me to attend to those things I have neglected on the stove and stick my finger into this pot of Gooseyness and add some spice of my own.

First, I would like to bring Tolkien into the mix and suggest we read some of his essay " On Fairy Stories".  I think we have an idea what we think Fairy Tales are. It's always nice to see what other's have to add. Here is a link to a brief explanation of the essay: http://www.tolkien-online.com/on-fairy-stories.html

Angelbird set out on a quest. A Quest to find the silliest and most utterly ridiculous piece of artistic tomfoolery known to man, woman, child, small animal, and Caterpillar. ( I have heard these are very wise insects and so I am including them in my list of knowing persons. The reader will notice that I have excluded dolls, fairies, nymphs, and smallish magical creatures in this list as trying to find something ridiculous to them is much harder than finding it for the above mentioned characters as I only known a handful of fairies and dolls...well dolls tend to change their minds so often that, when all is said and done,  I am not sure I know them very well at all.)

To recap, I am recalling the guidelines through cut and paste that Angelbird so diligently set out:

A Gooseyness Award should be given to anyone or anything who is silly, scatterbrained, or acts in utterly ridiculous manner.
The nominee can be a movie, a book, a character, a picture, a song, etc.
The nominee should be highly entertaining, worth sharing with others.
Fairy-Tale related is a bonus.
After you nominate someone(something)you need to share a description about why they deserve a Gooseyness Award.
If the other person isn't familiar with the nominee, then they should try to read, watch, etc in order to decide yay or nay.


My nominations for the Gooseyness award are as follows:

The Sore Feet Song. I think this song is an excellent contender for the coveted prize of Gooseyness because it is a pretender song-- deceptively serious sounding, the ridiculous lyrics mock the whimsical melody. The irony makes the song ridiculously entertaining.

The next nominee, I think, is a little bit more in line with the fairy tale scheme of things.  It's what I would fondly dub " THE ULTIMATE RETELLING OF SNOW WHITE ( and other such tales):

A coming of age tale for a young woman, using all the elements of a fairy tale and playing with the tools of the trade ( magic mirrors are excellent ways to travel through worlds, and magic bean that grants you a surplus of wishes to name a couple), 10th kingdom blossoms in the art of the ridiculous while still telling a very engaging story.

I am very fond of my third nomination as my fiancé introduced it to me.  It was a childhood favorite of his and I think, a delightfully captivating story with lighthearted moments.  I experienced the animated medium instead of the book medium. Apparently, the animated version was an Oscar nominee!!!!! But the book and illustrations are also captivating in the simplicity.  And you are dying to know, aren't you?



http://www.thesnowman.co.uk/home.htm

Raymond Briggs also has a nice website and you can experience the spirit of the book and some of the fabulous music from the animated version. I have included the link for your viewing pleasure.

The final nomination includes two characters from the very quirky book by Martin Millar entitled  The Good Fairies of New York: Heather and Morag, two Scottish punk rock band fairies who, after a night of too much Whiskey, wake up to throw up in the apartment of an antisocial, overweight, unpleasant, slob, located in..... New York City. Yes. New York City.  Not...Scotland.

 What happens there can only end in the bizarre and happy as the fairies try to work good deeds which, inevitably lead to more trouble than good.



A Quirky read. The language is more fun to read than the story.  But Heather and Morag take the cake as characters,  and certainly are scatterbrained and silly enough for the award. I can't spoil the end, but how much more silly can you be as punk rock band scottish  fairies........

I don't know.

Unless you are a punk, rock band...cowboy.

Notable Fairy Tale books of 2010 and The Gooseyness Awards, Submit your Nominations Now!

Ah, the new year has begun, 2011. Are you as excited as I am?

By the end of the year I always begin a review of everything I've read and watched over the last year, then I make my top ten lists. I know, top tens lists pop up everywhere, but I enjoy looking back over the year, remembering which movie was the best, and which book captured me, inspired me, what was the best experience of last year.

 Though some years I barely watch enough movies to make a top ten list, I always have plenty of books to pick my favorites from. I also really enjoy checking other peoples top tens to see what I may have missed, what hidden gems I have yet to enjoy.