Killing Characters "Support Group"

[Shadowsong]

I hate it! Grrr! But you know how sometimes that's the only way things can be? Kind of frightening... I mean, being an author can be sort of like playing god, so to speak, eh? Like, you've got the 'lives' of people in your hands, and you can do whatever you want with them. *sniffles* But this character... was my favorite... she was SO incredibly cool... but I think the funeral's going to be harder to write... I dunno.
Um anyway, y'all probably think I'm insanely weird (odd, eccentric, enigmatic, etc...) for posting something like this, but:
Rally, all ye authors of fiction who despise writing off characters but have no other choice! It sucks, we all know it... but perhaps we can come to terms with it, eh? :lol:
Hmm... maybe Mereki can come back as te'mahn (spirit-guide in the language of her people--although I have too many characters doing that). This is sad. Anyway, feel free to call me a dork--I'm used to it!
But anyone else dealt with this? Or am I just... strange?

[argento_occhi]

You ain't strange! I hate killing off characters too, but sometimes, it's necesary. I was writing this scene a while ago in this WIP fanfic where a dearly loved and departed character comes back to visit the survivors (it's a tragic, ardous story), and I was nearly crying as I was typing. I could feel how happy they were to have him back, cos they hadn't seen him for 15 years... *sniffle* And he'd died, along with a few other characters (high death toll this WIP), and it was just so moving... Gah, I'm getting sad now. :( He's killed in the heat of battle and the survivors are forced to flee, so I don't even know if he'll get a burial at all -- I haven't gotten that far yet! And if they have a burial, Gods, I can already sense their distress and sadness... *tries not to start crying*

Argent

[Shadowsong]

I know! I didn't cry when I wrote her death but I KNOW I'm going to cry when I write about Mereki's funeral... there's a special... I don't know, prayer I guess that they all say in their language, and then her ashes being scattered in the four directions at dawn... *cries* I wuv Mereki! Dang it, she's just so awesome... especially because she's like the glue that binds everyone together, even people who hate each other.
Oh, and did I mention she's pregnant, and in love with a guy she's not supposed to love (he's form an enemy tribe) but they really care for each other and so it's his and my main character's grief over her death that brings about this huge, monumental truce?? Oh, geez... *blubbers like a baby* Waaaaah!!!!

[Jenne]

It's funny--I read a lot about what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle went through when he killed off Sherlock Holmes. He was eager to do it, and looked forward to it--Holmes and his stories had taken over the author's life! So the day he submitted (or was it wrote?) Holmes's death scene, he had a single entry in his journal "Holmes is dead."

But when that story hit the public, there was such a vitriolic reaction that The Strand Magazine that published the stories *begged* SACD to bring Holmes "back to life." And, he did, and hated Holmes all the more afterward, lol.

I get sad when reading about characters dying--esp ones that have gone through a catharsis, where they were sort of bad but then became heroic. Sigh. But I guess that sort of plotline mimics reality much more than keeping "all the good guys" alive forever...

[argento_occhi]

Since there's not gonna be time for a proper funeral, it's going to have to be quick before the world comes down against the survivors and they're forced to flee. Everyone loved Tom, and I was quite alright with his rather heroic death in sacrificing his life for his best friend's, but to write a quick (and unworthy) funeral ... I'm having trouble bringing myself to do it. i don't want to do it, but I know it has to be done.

It won't do his death justice, but there's no room in the story for a proper funeral. They'll just have to say their goodbyes, wrap him in something and bury him in th Egyptian sand. That's all there'll be time for before their enemies attack. It's not worthy, but it's all I can do for him. Maybe they can have a memorial for him when they finally reach freedom in Pangaea (the land I made up). *gets sad just thinking about it*

Argent

[argento_occhi]

It's funny--I read a lot about what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle went through when he killed off Sherlock Holmes. He was eager to do it, and looked forward to it--Holmes and his stories had taken over the author's life! So the day he submitted (or was it wrote?) Holmes's death scene, he had a single entry in his journal "Holmes is dead."

But when that story hit the public, there was such a vitriolic reaction that The Strand Magazine that published the stories *begged* SACD to bring Holmes "back to life." And, he did, and hated Holmes all the more afterward, lol.

I get sad when reading about characters dying--esp ones that have gone through a catharsis, where they were sort of bad but then became heroic. Sigh. But I guess that sort of plotline mimics reality much more than keeping "all the good guys" alive forever...

I remember hearing about that with Holmes. It takes a lot of effort to kill off a character, especially one that is well-loved. Not that my characters are ever good or bad. They just are. Some are more 'good' than others, but no one's purely good or bad. There's no fun in those characters, and they're inherently fake to me. You can't relate to them. But, that's another rant altogether.

Argent

[Jenne]

. Not that my characters are ever good or bad. They just are. Some are more 'good' than others, but no one's purely good or bad.
Argent

I guess that's what I was meaning--that the characters are straddling that good/bad like we all do--their struggles mimic ours, and when they do finally triumph, only to expire, it makes it all the more depressing, lol.

[argento_occhi]

It certainly does. In my current WIP, at least four characters die, though getting that far has been a huge effort in the plot. I don't kill characters off lightly. But, the plot has evolved to that point, so it would be too weird for them not to die. I go where it takes me.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Wow, guys, this is fascinating!
Let's see, how many people die? Hmm.... Thorkell, Halldora, all of the Taggerion tribe (save for two people), maybe Kjaran and Arnkatla (screw Raksha, she deserves it) Mereki and her baby, Kaiya, and finally Ardan, my main character... maybe more but I haven't figured it out yet.
But I'm about to write the funeral... ugh. So help me.

[argento_occhi]

Poor you. At least you've got room for a descent funeral. All Tom's getting is a hurried burial and a few prayers said over his body before the others are forced to flee. It's not worthy of him. It's just not. But the plot won't be able to accept anything else. They've got to escape, and they can't do that carrying his body around. They'll just have to ask the Gods to watch over his grave for them.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Naw, poor you! And poor Tom!
Actually, one character muses that it's sort of a paradox, and an unfitting one at that: traditionally the tribe cremates the dead and then buries them, but Mereki wanted her ashes scattered in the four directions. He realizes that for one as peaceful as she, would a burial not be a more peaceful way than to be consumed by flames? That was probably the most difficult part of the funeral to write, when he realizes that because there's nothing he can do.

[argento_occhi]

that sort of helplessness is awful, hey? But, we can't have characters not acting like they should act. Hence. Tom dies and everyone's sad about it.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Yea, but sometimes the reactions are hard to write. There's one character who's very stoic about everything, she never shows her emotions, but Mereki was her best friend (correction: her ONLY friend) and so it's a crushing blow, but Taworri being Taworri she won't let on that she's sad.
But at least I managed to write the funeral without too many tears... yet. The end is going to be worse, when my main character dies.
How's your fanfic coming, Argent?

[Fyre_Nymph]

well,i'm writing a vampire book, so a bunch of people kick the bucket, but I had to kill of a really nice demon.I miss him

[Shadowsong]

Oh, yeah, I'd forgotten about missing characters. I don't miss anyone now, except for one character who's been a spirit-guide of sorts... he just sort of siddled out of the picture, if you will. I need to find some way to bring him back. Oh, and now that I think of it there's a little girl who I just love to write about! But she's not dead, thankfully. I couldn't bear to kill her.

[argento_occhi]

Yeah, the fanfic's coming along. I'm working on fleshing out the ending and filling in the last few details that I haven't written yet. It's far from being finished yet, though. There's a lot to go through, and I'm going to have to restrain myself from making the escape a drawn out thing, but also not making it too short and easy. That'll be the tricky part. Avoiding detection, while still not making it too hard. And I have a drunken suicide attempt to write as well, which won't be pretty. On Tom's birthday too, which'll make it even worse. Must do cyanide research (icky but intriguing -- can you smell cyanide? I can't remember.) So yeah. Fun all round. :D *groans* This ain't gonna be pretty. Have fun with your tale.

Argent

[argento_occhi]

*does quick google search*

Right. Almond smell. Now I remember. Not many people can smell it. Genetic trait and such. Well, we'll have to make a decision about whether we'll give Tom that ability or not. Unless it's strong enough to smell... *thinks* Hmm... This will require further thought.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Wow, that sounds complicated. Thank goodness mine's back in 'ancient' times; the only thing I have to research is stuff like battle tactics and methods of fighting and all.
Hope yours is going well; I'm having a little writer's block but once I finish this chapter I'm on I'll be 2/3 of the way done!

[argento_occhi]

Well, it's sort of mordern, but sort of not. It's very weird. I pride myself on never creating 'normal' environments for my characters to live in. :D

It's actually coming along quite well. The more I learn about ancient Egypt, and the more stories set there that I read, the better it becomes. It is in no way a 'traditional' Stargate narrative, and I've sort of morphed the Goa'uld with their God identities (and Angel/Buffy-esque demons in some cases) to create some form of divine human demon with worm inside dealio. Weird. But, they can shoot lightning bolts and such! Besides how else could I manage to have a vampire who's got a Tok'ra symbiote being First Prime to a Goa'uld System Lord? Talk about messed up. :D

Yeah, things are interesting. The Goa'uld are taking on more of their God personalities (hope that's clear) and I'm trying to keep them separate but together, if you know what I mean. It's all very complicated, but a lot of fun to write.

Good on you for being 2/3 done! Mine's about that, maybe 3/4. There's still bits that need fleshing out. Now, if only I could stop fleshing out what's already written, I might make more progress, but eh, you write what you write. But, it'll get finished eventually. Good luck with your story too!

Argent

[Shadowsong]

I'm still trying to straighten out the main details of the death of my main character. It's sad but only to a point, because he dies but not in spirit (it sounds cliched, I know, but believe me, it's different.)
By the way, Argent, since you like Stargate, which do you like better, SG-1 or Atlantis? (I prefer the latter, personally.)

[argento_occhi]

I like them both, though we're only getting Atlantis now (except I haven't seen it for a fortnight since they decided to show the cricket instead! :wah:)

When the first ep showed, there was a storm outside, and it cut the power halfway through it, so seeing the ep after it the next week, I was a little confused, but it grew on me and now I love it! I want to slap McKay something awful, but apart from that, I love it.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Oh, see I like McKay, because he's... a jerk... but then he really pulls through when stuff needs to get done. Now granted if I ever had to work with someone like that I think then I'd want to do something--but only because I have a tendancy to be the same way myself.
Sadly I'm going to be gone for the first ep of the second season of Atlantis. Oh well.

[argento_occhi]

Poor you. We haven't finished seaon one yet. Knowing how the channel that broadcasts it here works, it may not finish until Christmas. *groans* They just love spreading it out as long as possible. Silly people.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Oh yea, I hate it when they do that.
I also hate writer's block, particularly when I know where it's going but don't know how to get it there.
Is there anyway I can read some of your fanfic, Argent? Even if it's not finished?

[argento_occhi]

*blinks* You wanna read it? Well, it is 1*checks*56 pages long. Actually, that might be a good idea. i've been having thoughts on changing the point of view, and I don't want to needlessly complicate it. You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to get best friends to read your epic these days. All important stuff and nothing. *shakes head*

OK, basically what's happened is that it's evolved from being a straight narrative (as straight as it could be considered anyway) to a story where the main story is being told to another character, who admittedly is only a child when the main narrative is going on. And this happens about 15 years after it's all over and they've escaped to Pangaea, that marvelous fantasy world I've created, so the poor kid's practically grown up Pangaea, coping with memories of event he doesn't really remember. Hence, he forces his dad and his friends into telling him the whole story.

Now, this got me thinking as to how I might create a conversational feel to the narrative, and my brain decided (possibly stupidly) to break the story up into scene by character and have all of them tell each bit from their perspective. I have no idea how well it'd work or whether it'd complicate things needlessly. I'm already toying with a small semi-important slash angle that I'm slowly imcorporating into the tale. It serves to define the relationship between Tom and Tony and helps explain why Tom ends up sacrificing himself for Ton.

it most certainly isn't for children. It's a very dark tale, and I should warn you about that before I let you read it. You should check out my other fiction at my site to get a feel for what I write. Most of my fanfics are there, as well as other non-fan fiction. The link's in my sig.

Um, sorry to get all defensive there, but I know not everyone wants to read that sort of gruesome, violent stuff. I've written that kind of stuff since I was 12. Yes, I have a very interesting mind.

But, yeah, PM me if you want to read it or discuss it further. I just don't want to derail what I know is more of less our thread. This is about killing characters, not my enormous fanfic. Let me know, ok? It might be good to have objective eyes read through it. You might be able to pick up things I've missed or are unclear about. I've already got about 5 pages of character and story notes, and I think they're already on my site, though I may need to update them. Yeah.

bright blessings,
Argent

[Shadowsong]

Ooh, sounds good! My stuff can be dark, violent... stuff my dad gets wigged out while he reads it, I can just see him thinking, "My little girl's writing *this*?!" (Ha! I'm 15, bloody heck...) Anyway, if you want to read mine you're welcome to. Feel free to give me a PM if you want to discuss. I'll just post the whole thing... the 23rd chapter isn't finished, so ignore that... and typos.
PS. It's LONG. :floating:

[argento_occhi]

Don'y talk to me about LONG. I know all about LONG. I'll give it a read tomorrow. I have to go to bed now. It's nearly 4 am.

Argent

[argento_occhi]

OK, since I'm paranoid about my fanfic being in public so soon, I'll email it to you, if tha's ok with you. I thought I'd ask first. Let me know where you'd like me to send it, and it'll be on it's way to you.

bright blessings,
Argent

[RubyRose]

I've only written one death scene that made me cry. Actually the story will be worked in a circular plot, so a lot more of the death scene will come out at the end than has done in the beginning.

[argento_occhi]

Sounds intriguing, Ruby. Circular plots are fun, aren't they?

Argent

[Shadowsong]

I like plots that you have to unravel, or that leave you sitting there like, "Whoa..." If all works out that's how mine'll be, but we'll see.
I'll PM you with my e-mail, if you want. And thanks a million for asking! :)

[argento_occhi]

That's cool. I don't mind. Now we just have to wait for it to be uploaded, cos Outlook's being crappy tonight and won't send. OK, so it might be partly my ISP's fault, but I'm happier to blame Outlook. It'll be on its way soon, I promise.

Argent

EDIT: Ok, I sent it now. Enjoy!

[Shadowsong]

Sounds good! I haven't gotten too far into it yet, but so far it is GOOD!!! *nods lots* I like the characters, you create pathos really well, and the dialogue is excellent (I always struggle with dialogue, but I guess it depends on the situation...) I don't think it's confusing at all, but it's super nice to be reading something in present-tense, as most stuff is written in past. Yeah. I'll post more or PM you or something when I finally have time to sit my bum down and read more.

[argento_occhi]

I'm flattered. It's taken me only about 9 years of constant writing to be that good. Plus, I read like mad, which also helps.

The whole present/past tense thing. I go through phases with that. It depends on the story, sometimes it's better in the past, sometimes better in the present. If it's first person, sometimes it can be better in the past, especially since in this case, it's being retold, but sometimes, present works as well.

The experimental first person bit covers the first 40 pages of the actual narrative (as in, when they begin telling the actual story, not from the beginning in Pangaea, covering pages 13-41). I hope it's not too confusing, what with me changing the narrator every so often. The copius headings will help, I suppose, but still.

As for yours, I've gotten up to chapter 10, and I'm loving it! I had to tell myself to stop reading it and go to bed. I only found a few typos and fixed them, but the story reads well, there's enough detail to keep me interested, and the story seems believable (which I think is important). Let me clarify believable. When I say it's believable, I mean it's *tries to find the right words* the storyline doesn't follow illogical or unbelieveable steps -- like, your hero doesn't suddenly grow wings and fly if he needs to get out of a situation and just happens to land right outside his home where he's safe if he's never had that abilty before. That might not be the best example, but I hope you get what I'm trying to say. The characters are good, interesting. I was intrigued by the story told of the White Oak. I had figured some sort of transformation would be a part of it, and I liked the story you created for it. You actually surprised me with it, as I was expecting a different type of transformation. Good work! I'll have to sit down -- oh, not tonight, good TV is on tonight. :D At some point in the next couple of days, I'll finish it, but I'm loving what I've read so far!

Bright blessings,
Argent

[Shadowsong]

Can I just say that you're incredibly awesome??!! Maybe that's just what I needed to hear this morning... but thank you so much for the feedback! I'm sorry it's taking me so long to get to yours but things have been a tad haywire lately.
As for the White Oak--you're the first person who's really _understood_ the transformation bit. No one else does, or they just shake their heads and say, "Ok..." In a voice that tells you they're trying really hard not to laugh.
But you say your flattered? well, so am I, lol! No, really, what you said... just makes me feel so much better (even about stuff that isn't relevant, which gives you a good idea of how much I love to write, and obsess over it...)
One question: what do you think of the dialogue? Like I said I struggle with dialogue, particularly with what Ardan says; he's always so formal, and that makes it really hard to write without sounding awkward. Thanks again though!!

[argento_occhi]

I thought the dialogue was just right. If it was too colloquial, it would've wrecked the mood. It helped create the 'otherworld' atmosphere, as did the language you created. It helps take you to their world, cos they don't talk the same way we do. You did well with it. The balance, I suppose is to create dialogue that's different enough to create that 'otherworldly' sence, while still being able to be understood. It's a fine line, and not easy to do. I think you'll be fine with it, really. You've got a handle on the characters and how they'd react and the language -- I see no problems with it. You have a skill with words, I can tell that from your writing. The words flow, and you're not left wondering what's going on. You'll be fine. :D

As for mine, don't worry about it. Get to it when you can. I've just got a lot of spare time at the moment. I understand that not everyone is in the same situation as me. So, don't worry about it. As long as you get back to me, I don't care how long it takes. Thanks for the praise, I don't appreciate my gifts as often as I think I should. Sometimes I need to hear that I'm doing somehting well. :hugz: Thankyee.

I'm not sure why I got the White Oak. I just did. It made sense, the transformation of one consciousness into another.

How long have you been writing this, if I may ask?

Bright blessings,
Argent

[Shadowsong]

Um, well it's a funny story, actually. I started a first draft of a different story about a year ago, and then 1/2 way through the summer my computer deleted it. Ardan was actually a character in it, but in a completely different context. So I thought, "This first bit isn't making sense, it isn't worth it, let's start over." But I realized as nothing made sense perhaps I should try something else, and so since about... what, August or September of this year I've been writing it. How long have you worked on yours?

[argento_occhi]

Since January last year. Mid January. On a lovely Saturday morning in Albany in the summer. Watching TV, Video Hits or rage, I can't remember which. Music videos at the very least. No Doubt's "It's My Life" clip comes on, and the rest is history. Chronic inspiration. No wonder I failed a few units last year. *oops*

Bright blessings,
Argent

[argento_occhi]

It's been through several incarnations before reaching the state it's now in, though the gegeral storyline has basically remained unchanged and has grown over the 18 months I've been writing it.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Wow. Do you plan what you're going to write or are you a 'pantser' like I am--that is, do you write by the seat of your pants? I prefer this method, I think it gives me a better idea of what the reader'll think as I don't know what's going to happen myself. Well, except for a few bits... heheh.

[argento_occhi]

I had a vague idea at first, and I've only really set out an order of events for the bits I haven't written yet. I like to go where it takes me, but it's good to have a vague idea first, cos it helps you stay on track, or at least, you don't end up somewhere completely illogical. Sometimes, it's good just to let go and see where the muse takes you.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Yepyep! Yea, there were a couple things I had planned out--the ending, for one--and then I just built off of what I thought could possibly happen. Occasionally I'll write down notes (I created a list in the beginning of all the characters I could think of who would play a role and sketched them) but other than that I really don't plan much. Certain important quotes are the only other things I write out beforehand.

[argento_occhi]

Wow, I don't get as far as planning quotes. My cast of characters is set (and kinda limited, but that's not a bad thing, right?) so I don't usually need to work on them. Some of them I've known for years, almost since I started writing. I have drawn my characters out, and I've written out what thir character's like. It's always helpful to know how they might react to a certain situation. I must admit, I'm not great at creating male characters. But, I try my best. I'm getting better at it. But, now I'm talking about characters again. See what happens when I just let myself write. :D Not that I'm sure you'd mind.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Haha! Actually I don't go so far as to write out what happens in my characters' lives, but as far as the quotes go... well, really important stuff; for example what Ivarr said at the ceremony. Little things that I need to remember. References to characters who aren't playing a role but will if I ever write a sequel (which honestly I think I'll have to because... well, when it ends you'll see what I mean.)
Have you ever thought of publishing yours?

[argento_occhi]

No, I haven't. I'm not motivated in my writing to eventually be published. I don't write for other people primarily. I write for myself first. I have a few friends -- close friends -- whom I go to for advice or to read through stories. Basically, I don't write for other people. I write because I feel like I have to write. It's a compulsion. I have to get these down. I don't want to persue it as a career as it's a tricky world to break into and hard to make money out of, especially in the genre I work in. It sounds selfish, I know, but I'd rather have the nice paying job and come home later to write. Maybe later on in life I might change my mind, but not at the moment. I have a feeling my style of writing wouldn't bring in enough readers to make a profit.

Speaking of my style, I did warn you that my tale is rather graphic in parts, didn't I? I'll completely understand if you chose to skip them when you come across them. Sorry to get all defensive on you for a minute. I shouldn't assume things like that. Enjoy it!

Argent

[Shadowsong]

No troubles; you're right it does get a little graphic but we're all mature people here, aren't we?
Like you I write for myself... it's like theraphy almost... say I'm having a shoddy day, I'll take a character and put them in a situation, and depending on my mood either get them out of it or--I know this sounds bad--let the worst happen if I really just need to vent or get over something. But then there's this part in me that says, "That would be so cool, though, to walk into City High's library and see a book there with your name on it."
By the way I've never taken your warnings to be defensive at all; I completely understand. I know how it goes to have people freak out about my stuff; my dad about hit the roof when he figured out what happened to Kitosime, and then the whole thing with Raksha.

[argento_occhi]

Thanks. I know my work isn't for everyone, and I know it sometimes gets rather graphic. It wasn't my intention, but I don't like having to imply things in my writing. Maybe that's just me. I don't like using euphemisms or devices like that as to me, i feel it's like deception, so I lay it out raw, and sometimes, people don't like it. But, I can understand that. But, I've never been one for pleasantries in my writing, least not often. maybe it's therapy. Maybe it isn't. I dunno. I've written this sort of thing since I was 12, so maybe it's always been a part of me. Who knows?

bright blessings,
argent

[Shadowsong]

Yea, the "who knows" bit is what I always think of when it hits me that I wrote something most people wouldn't like. But you know... people criticized Lucas for making the third Star Wars so graphic for a PG-13 rating here in the States, and he claimed he was just an artist perfecting his work. Sometimes things of a graphic nature are necessary; again, back to Star Wars, the burning scene was necessary, but not really pleasant to watch.
Wow. I'm rambling--sorry!

[argento_occhi]

Nah, that's cool. I like rambling. I do it all the time. Yeah, as you said, sometimes, a graphic description is necessary. OK, so maybe some of mine isn't quite always necessary, but I think I wrote it more to see if I could write it convincingly, and not make it sound weird. Make it appropriate. Knowing what is an appropriate level of graphicness, I suppose, knowing when it just becomes senseless. Eh, i'm rambling now!

Argent

[Shadowsong]

If you want to read me rambling, see my post in the thread about the Neanderthal genome project. That's about as close to rambling as I've gotten in a while.
But I'm liking your story a lot. I really am. The switching perspectives thing works well, and for once I don't find it annoying (usually do, which still perplexes me then why I like to read Jo Clayton...) And I think the graphicness was handled well, in a sense that it actually makes a difference to the story and doesn't (pardon me for being blunt) turn it into a senseless porno flick or something. Same with the swearing--the curse words are fitted in well, they really make it clear what peoples' moods are, and I like that simply because some people write and have their characters swear a lot for no reason.
Yea. Still really good; keep up the good work!
Oh, by the way, how should we exchange newly written stuff? Like, should I post the end of chapter 23 when I get it done or should I wait until I've written more, and vice versa?

[argento_occhi]

Whatever you feel like. I haven't added anything terribly interesting to mine, just a few sentences ere and there. When I add something major, I'll let you know. If you want to post it, fine. Whatever you feel like doing.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm glad you're enjoying it. I've worked hard on learning when swearing is appropriate and how much is appropriate. Some of my earlier work (not published on my site because it's BAD) is so littered with bad characters, too much swearing and just bad plot lines. But, you have to start somewhere, don't you?

As for the graphicness, I wasn't originally gonna expand the sex scenes, but I wanted some practice at making it look and sound realistic, hence why it's in there now. It's always a good skill to kow how to write a sex scene well. I do try and keep it not fully explicit, but appropriate to the characters and what they'd likely do in such a situation. I don't see porno sex as 'natural' sex, so I don't try and write that way. it's probabl because there's no connection between the 'characters', no bond bringing them together into this act. But, I have to get dresse so i can go shopping to buy groceries with mum, so I'll leave this here. I did have a chance to quickly read your post in the Neaderthal thread, but I'll have to reply later.

Bright blessings,
Argent

[Shadowsong]

Have fun buying groceries... lol.
Like there's one scene that's going to happen later that frankly I don't know how to write. Between Ardan and Joharrahn upon their reunion, once she comes to terms with everything that's happened to her in captivity of the Rahmoahl. And it's hard because I know they love each other but frankly I've never written something like that... any ideas? (Sorry I'm asking for so many suggestions, but you seem to know what you're doing along this line of thought, if you don't mind my saying.)

[argento_occhi]

Ok, now the first place to start is whether she Saw that she had to go through this ordeal. And if she did, did she have time to prepare herself for what she maybe couldn't imagine happening to her? How did she get captured by them in the first place? Was she surprised? Did she know anything in advance? That's the first part to be worked out.

Ok, now we have to work out how badly she was treated and what she went through. I know this seems to be a lot to get through, and you've said that women are treated badly besides. What I want to know is whether she was 'favoured' in any way or just treated as any other woman. Did they know she was an Amber-Eyed? And if so, would they have even bothered to consider using her in that way? Lots of questions, I know.

Then we need to work out how she's going to deal with being in that situation and how she might try and explain it. And by that I mean, how would she rationalise her capture and treatment? Obviously, they're going to mess with her mind, and she's going to end up afraid and without hope.

How does she win her freedom? Is it after the final battle with the Jaydion and the Rahmoahl? Or does she somehow escape? How does she get to be in a situation where she has time to ingest and deal with those memories? Do te Rahmoahl just end up dumping her somewhere if they consider her useless? Or would they more likely kill her first?

Would she be afraid of human contact? Would she even remember who she is? Or only answer to the name they gave her?

I might just leave it there. That's a lot to digest for the moment.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Holy crap thanks... that helped a lot!
You know that's an interesting point. I mean, I don't know how she's going to be able to trust *any* man after what they've put her through--even Ardan. Dunno how I'm going to work that one out... hm. Thanks again though! :)

[argento_occhi]

No problem. Always fun to discuss! Ask any other questions you want. I'm in a chatty mood tonight.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

I think I must be too. Or maybe I just need a distraction. Or maybe I'm depressed. Who knows?

[Windigo]

I hate it! Grrr! But you know how sometimes that's the only way things can be? Kind of frightening... I mean, being an author can be sort of like playing god, so to speak, eh? Like, you've got the 'lives' of people in your hands, and you can do whatever you want with them. *sniffles* But this character... was my favorite... she was SO incredibly cool... but I think the funeral's going to be harder to write... I dunno.
Um anyway, y'all probably think I'm insanely weird (odd, eccentric, enigmatic, etc...) for posting something like this, but:
Rally, all ye authors of fiction who despise writing off characters but have no other choice! It sucks, we all know it... but perhaps we can come to terms with it, eh? :lol:
Hmm... maybe Mereki can come back as te'mahn (spirit-guide in the language of her people--although I have too many characters doing that). This is sad. Anyway, feel free to call me a dork--I'm used to it!
But anyone else dealt with this? Or am I just... strange?

I accidentally killed one of my Sims, I felt incredibly guilty about it. Then I felt silly for feeling guilty about a computer created character. So I guess I can relate 8O

[Shadowsong]

HAHAHAHAH!
Ugh, sorry I haven't gotten the chance to read much Argent. I've just finished stuff for AP World History and now I think I've landed myself in deep doodoo, so you know... may be a bit longer than I expect.

[argento_occhi]

Hey, I don't want you to ignore your studies for a story. Take your time. Use it as a break between work if you like. Be glad it ain't as long as yours. :D but, seriously, don't stress over it. Get it read when you can. I'm about to start uni again next Monday, so I know how work can get in the way. I'm not fussed how long it takes you, just so long as you do read it, ok? :) That's all that matters.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Cool, thanks for understanding! :)

[argento_occhi]

No problem. :) I understand.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Thanks again! I should have some free time soon, so I should be able to get some stuff read! Yours may not be as long as mine, but it's certainly darker, which makes it a really interesting read. *nods*

[argento_occhi]

Well, I pride myself on my dark fiction. I've never been one for light and fluffy cutesy stories. Sickening. I'm glad you're finding it interesting. I'd have hated for it to be a boring read. :D

Argent

[Shadowsong]

I think I shoot for middle ground as far as light/dark goes; from what you've read, what do you think? That's how life is, I guess, there's good and bad and you've got to deal with both. That's what everyone keeps trying to teach Ardan, and in the end he'll realize it.
What's sad is I haven't worked on mine in a very long time. One of those parts where you don't know how to connect two major scenes.

[argento_occhi]

I think I shoot for middle ground as far as light/dark goes; from what you've read, what do you think? That's how life is, I guess, there's good and bad and you've got to deal with both. That's what everyone keeps trying to teach Ardan, and in the end he'll realize it.


I felt the need to quote this one, just because. I think you've done well to keep that dark/light balance. Mine tend to say in the dark, but that's just how I write. Yours is great. it's dark when it needs to be, with enough light in it to keep it balanced. With mine, I'm trying to instill a bit of lightness to it in places where it's necessary to do so, like having Bennu start pecking Tony during a serious meeting inb Verona while everyone else cracks up laughing at a heron trying to keep his footing in the snow while pecking at someone at the same time. It's finny because in my head, it was the funniest thing I could've imagined, a heron in the snow, pecking at someone while trying to stay standing. So, everyone bursts out laughing. That's further in the story, but it's one of the lighter moments. It is a dark tale I've written, with well-placed moments of lightness too. Yours is more evenly balanced as far as light/dark goes. And it works for your tale.


What's sad is I haven't worked on mine in a very long time. One of those parts where you don't know how to connect two major scenes.

Ah yes, segues. They can be damned annying to sort out. I work on mine fairly regularly. It's changed significantly since the one I sent you. Well, ok, so I added a scene and a bit more to the ending, but hey, it's change.

I've actually been working on a couple of other fanfics aside from that one for the last couple of weeks. i've been fleshing out The Final Attempt, making it more realistic, I suppose, in the aftermath of that whole situation. That's up on my site on the fanfics page if you haven't read it.

Also, the By The Way My Sweet Prince series has a sixth installment in the works, probably the last one (chronologically speaking, mind). it's where Tom and Tony leave the mansion forever, and Tom finally gets to ask her why she doesn't love him anymore. I've wanted to have a chance for him to ask her that for a while now, and then the idea came to me in a dream (don't they all). I felt it was a fitting time to ask it then. Nowhere else seemed right. Still contemplating whether I'll get Stefan to walk out with them in protest. We'll see how this one develops.

As you can see, the muse has bitten me rather hard this week. And this is a rather verbose post. Ah well. I finally had things to say. I hope that's helpful.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

STUPID WRITER'S BLOCK!!! *snarls*

[argento_occhi]

I know how ya feel. Writer's block sucks. :hugz: Inspiration will come, don't you worry about that.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Oh, I know it will. It's just this one part that's so difficult... I mean to be honest it's filler, it's small talk until the big stuff comes, I mean you know you can't just jump from one big thing to another without any explanation, unless it really fits into place. This doesn't. So now I just have to figure out how to get from Point A to C. Right now I'm stuck at B...

[argento_occhi]

Yep. I can sympathise. I have a plan. (which is a first -- I don't usually do plans) It's getting the few bits that need to be put in that are taking the time to write now. See, first I have to get them into the mansion that is currently in another dimension (trust me to complicate things, hey?) because Gwen wanted to hide it. *sigh* It was just gonna be hidden in a rock face, but no, it had to involve a trip into the Underworld and a set of huge wooden doors to make the mansion hidden right under their noses. *sighs again* It makes sense with the plot, but I sure didn't want it to be that complicated. and I haven't even worked out HOW they are going to get into this other-dimensional invisible mansion and get out of it again with three other people. This will take some planning, cos nothing can happen until that bits done, cos that shapes up the ending (and I've given myself less time in the story to get it done before they end up in Egypt, so who knows how long this will all take?)

Eh, things are as complicated as they always are. Nothing's changed in that regard. It's just the whole, 'how to get into invisible mansion' that's keeping me from continuing.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Wow. Kudos to you, you write stuff that's far more complex than I ever could _dream_ of writing. I think I shoot for more of the main-character-figuring-things-out genre. Although this is 'officially' (heh) the longest thing I've ever written! :woot:

[argento_occhi]

Well, it wasn't supposed to be this complex! It just turned out that way. And now I'm thinking a portal or something to get to the invisible mansion. I can see them wandering around the church yard where the mansion is hidden, looking fo a portal. Well, you're not gonna hide a mansion and not include a way to get in and out, are you?

And I've been doing a million things at once that I've lost my train of thought on this one. Oh well.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

I like the idea of a portal. Oh, here's an idea: I read a book once where there were portals into other "worlds"--the summerlands, the forever isles, and chaos, etc.--but the only way to find such a portal was to strike a deal with the Trickster Lord, a half-fox, half-man god named Fellgair. Maybe you should include something like that, you know? Just a thought.
And I know about complexity. I hadn't thought half the characters in my tale would be there, and lo and behold, here they are! Lol!

[argento_occhi]

Hmm.. a deal... that could work. since it's getting close to 2 am and I have to be at work tomorrow, I'll have to think about it later (and stop playing with Google Earth). Thanks for the suggestion. I'll definitely consider that.

Anyway, gotta go to bed now. Seeya later.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Nighty night!
The book, by the way, was Heartwood by Barbara Campbell. Brilliant read--and it's her first novel!

[Shadowsong]

Yay, beat my writer's block!
Nothing like listening to Oceano by Josh Groban to get the muses singing.... heh!
YAYAYAYAYAY!!!! *does a happy dance*

[argento_occhi]

Hey, good on ya! I didn't think it'd last! Now, get writing!

Oh, and I'll keep an eye out for that book too.

Argent/Rex

[Shadowsong]

Be sure to read it if you can, it's great!
Now why is it that everything else just keeps piling up so now I'm in such a shoddy mood I can't even write??? Grrrr....

[argento_occhi]

Oh, I hate it when that happens. The only thing to do really, is try to relax and not let it pile up so much. With a clear head, comes the ability to sort through things that once seemed impossible. Then you can sit back and focus on the writing.

Argent/Rex

[Shadowsong]

I try. I told myself I'd sit down and write today... didn't happen. Heh. But when it gets dark out I think it'll get easier, I write better in the dark. Heh.
Shadow

[Shadowsong]

My goal for Sunday, August 21:
To finish Chapter (what is it) 23, give it a title... and yea just finish it cause that takes care of the one-chapter-a-month goal, lol. Which then means I can move onto other projects temorarily. wOOt! And then come September I'll write another chapter... and in October another... and so on. heehee so fun!!!

[Shadowsong]

O MISTRESS ARGENT!!!
Chapter 23 is complete and so I shalt pass it unto thee. Enjoy! :hugz:

[argento_occhi]

Aye, thankye miss. I've printed it out and I'll read it on the way to uni tonight. Looks good. And I'll work on that *ahem* request of yours, alright? ;) :D

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Thee is most welcome, Mistress--and thank thee much for acquiesing (ugh, sp?) my request! *hugs* heeheehee.
It seems that my "muse" *winks* is speaking to me this night for I have completely another chapter.... *blinks* Two in... what?... two, three days..... *shakes head*

[argento_occhi]

Well, you have been busy, haven't you? I've been busy too. BTWMSP book six (arbitrary number -- call it the finale) is rapidly taking shape. Is looking to be the longest of them all.

I liked ch. 23. Very good stuff.

Er, I was probably going to say something more but since I started writing this post and kinda forgot about it, I'll just leave it here.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

*grins* Glad you liked it. The ending... *shakes head* Bloody hell don't know how that's gonna get resolved. *goes bug-eyed*

[argento_occhi]

Correction: Book six, well, the ending anyway, is looking to be in at least two parts, though I have a feeling it'll be longer as I have a LOT to cover. Book six is done. Yes, I know book 5 isn't, but I got stuck on that one. Book 6 is up on my website: Through The Years: Leaving The Dragon's Keep pt1 (http://www.angelfire.com/nd2/weboflies/thrutheyears.html)

I was on a writing binge. I had to finish it before I went to bed and get it up on my site. Oh, and that reminds me that there's a few small changes I have to make to it, cos I can't type on this keyboard and a few things need rewording. This is what happens when I rush through and type it. I only noticed the errors when I read over it this morning. So that needs to be fixed.

Now, I'm waiting for the rain to go away so I can go to class, cos I ain't going anywhere in torrential rain (possibly a slight exaggeration there, but still). if I'm going on buses and trains and the like, I'm not going when it's pouring down with rain. I'd rather stay in and read my textbooks and work on my assignments. One of which I need to have done for Friday but won't get a chance to hand in then. Might just save the rambling for later.

I get my computer back today! Woot! The motherboard died! O.O Which kinda explains a lot, hey? Just thought I'd mention that. I can get my beautiful, fast, pentium 4 back. This pentium 3 I'm on is so slow. *sighs*

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Hope you're puter's all better soon! :hugz: And very nicely written, btw! :hugz: again!

[argento_occhi]

Thanks, hon :hugz: Yay, my computer's back and all better now, so I'm all happy now. Poor baby. *hugs computer* Ah, well, he's all better now. Glad you liked the story. Stil not sure exactly how many books that whle thing will end up having. But, there's inspiration for book 5, which I'll aim to finish in the next week. That should be good. Once I've got that one done, the ending shouldn't be too long off. Eh, and I need to do my assignment for stats. I know it's due tomorrow, but it'll just have to be handed in monday. I can't get to uni tomorrow. Oh well.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Yay I'm glad you're puter's better! How come you can't get to uni tomorrow?

[argento_occhi]

cos I was working today. Work is opposite direction to uni, hence she'll get it Monday.

Anyway, how's your week been? I got a full weekend ahead of me, so I'll be right happy once I've got to Sunday night.

Argent

Edit: And I've got a feeling how BTWMSP will end, and, sadly, it ain't a happy one. Might be what kept me from falling asleep, pondering such a sad ending. It doesn't help that I've got the firm impression that that's how it'll end, and nothing else could possibly eventuate. *sigh* :wah: I hadn't intended for such a asad ending, but oh well. It'll be hard to write, but maybe I'll feel at peace once it's all done. Will be the end of something, I know. Maybe it'll bring Tom some peace, anyway.

[Shadowsong]

Awwww hon. :hugz: That's one reason I don't want to finish Dawn--the ending... OMFG.... I'd say but I can't cause it'd spoil the whole thing.... oh man but it's such a sniffler (for me anyway)....

[argento_occhi]

It sucks, cos I don't want it to end like that... but at the same time, it's the only way it can end... and I hate that. It will be difficult to write, but I won't focus on that today. I'm going to the zoo! Woot! Yay for human evolution and primates!

Argent

[aluokaloo]

I know! I didn't cry when I wrote her death but I KNOW I'm going to cry when I write about Mereki's funeral... there's a special... I don't know, prayer I guess that they all say in their language, and then her ashes being scattered in the four directions at dawn... *cries* I wuv Mereki! Dang it, she's just so awesome... especially because she's like the glue that binds everyone together, even people who hate each other.
Oh, and did I mention she's pregnant, and in love with a guy she's not supposed to love (he's form an enemy tribe) but they really care for each other and so it's his and my main character's grief over her death that brings about this huge, monumental truce?? Oh, geez... *blubbers like a baby* Waaaaah!!!!


Its not strange at all, I did not like killing off Joey Forrester in my book Novuak's Champions, but I did it, and I made last minute changes to the elven cleric wynhorn where he was saved by the horn of Sachre the unicorn. If you can put your emotion and your expression into a much beloved character, that just shows what an excellent writer you are. I dread having to kill Nicomedus in my fourth book. :hugz: :reading: .

[Shadowsong]

It sucks, cos I don't want it to end like that... but at the same time, it's the only way it can end... and I hate that.
That's EXACTLY how Dawn's gonna have to be.... *sniffs*

[Fyre_Nymph]

so, how is the character kiling??

[argento_occhi]

It's hard. Bloody hard. It's like killing your best friend. Every inch of you doesn't want to do it, but you're trapped cos there's no other way to proceed. And when it's over, you mourn with the rest of them.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

I could not have said it better dear friend. :hugz:

[argento_occhi]

Thanks hon. :hugz: I'm hating this ending, but I know there's no way around it. It's what happens. And it aches and stings because it's not fair. Mistress sent them out into the world knowing what would happen, I'm sure. Not killing them was the worst punishment she could think of, leaving them alive to deal with almost 20 years' worth of memories they didn't want to have. *cries* I wish she'd just killed them. Then I wouldn't be avoiding the ending.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Hell Mereki was bad enough... but this... the ending... oh man... *bawls* He gets to see Roarke and Abia (his folks) in the Haven and then it's Kaiya (oh yeah she dies) who tells him he's the Rhan-theah.... and then Taworri and Ivarr's grief... oh yeah and he and Joharrahn had a daughter as well... Morrighan (lol)... and the hard part's gonna be when he has to say goodbye to Joharrahn and Morrighan before the final battle.... *snuffles*

[argento_occhi]

Aww, man, that's tough! :hugz: I hate sad goodbyes. *thinks* It still pains me that they don't get to say a proper goodbye to Tom in IML cos they have to flee. It only delays the grieving process, plus with what happens once they get to Pangaea... It just drives them apart. Relationships become much harder to repair after that. That forced isolation isn't good for them, but their guilt holds them back. *sighs* Tis not a happy ending.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

*snuffles and huggles* Meh this is gonna be hard to write that's for sure. Oh and whilst we're spilling here Cian gets a chance to redeem himself. Oh yeah and Joharrahn Sees the Rahmoahl burning the White Oak of E'irdaiwyn--she can tell what's coming in a symbolic sense. *sniffs*
A-yi Madar arra kurru cai... Ardan, dear Mereki, screw you Eylaugr cause you deserve it, Kaiya, Anevay, Halldora (screw you, you deserve it too) Thorkell... who else?... Kanoa...Paedhair... Heulwen... think that's it for now.... but then if I count all the members of the Taggerion tribe... the death toll would skyrocket. *sighs*

[argento_occhi]

*sees BTWMSP ending again* Aye, that one will be tough to write, but at least I have some idea of what happens to them once Mistress kicks them out. They end up at this homeless hostel with nothing to their names. 6 months in, Tony gets sick and there's little they can do but sit and watch him suffer. Tony asks him to take him to his parents, if he still has any, since he hasn't seen them for night on 20 years. Through a few contacts, they manage to trace them and they leave, finally managing to get all the way from one end of California (where the mansion is. Did I tell you I'd seen more of the mansion? It's on the Fanfics page at my site if you're interested) to the coast, finally collapsing at their doorstep... And then there's the ending I told you about. I don't know how much later it is from that point, but later. In an old wooden hut, I think. *cries* *doesn't want to think about that final scene*

Argent

[Shadowsong]

*HUGS LOTS*
Before I rant about killing characters maybe I should get off meh butt and WRITE first, lol. Yeah, I've been slacking A LOT... not too proud of it, lol.

[argento_occhi]

Might be a good idea, hon. Once you've written all their deaths, then we'll talk, hey? Nah, only kidding. I still haven't written the ending for mine either cos it's too sad. That and I have work to do, uni-wise and stuff. But, I should get to bed now, I promised mum I'd go to work with her tomorrow to stuff envelopes and do boring mailout type stuff. hey, at least I get paid! Woot!

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Yeah the work is loading up like.... well it's a lot. And it'll take me a little while to kill people ya know.... *draws sword* heheh *snuffles*

[argento_occhi]

Oh, I'm sure you'll find plenty of ways to draw it out, hehehe. I mean, I have all this study to do, and then there's all the other writing I have to do as well... I'm in no way avoiding writing the ending! I swear! hehehe

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Me either! *winks* Actually even though I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel it hits me that I still have a ways to go... I mean being on the last third of the story itself doesn't mean it can be wrapped up in a chapter, lol!

[argento_occhi]

Of course not. I mean, I started the next story after Through The Years last night. It's only a few paragraphs at the moment, but at least I know where it's going. That's probably cover the bit where they get kicked out. Life after Mistress will make up other books, and then there's the *sniff* ending that I don't want to write. Ah, well. I'll get there. I was predominantly working on IML last night anyway. Tom's birthday, see, had to do something special. Twill be a mostly happy day for once. Until the early hours of the morning. *sighs* Vodka and silence make bad memories worse. *nodsnods*

Argent

[Shadowsong]

:hugz: Sad endings suck... and killing peoples sucks too. Mereki's was soooo painful to write... actually the funeral was worse... but the end... *bawls* But you know writing in general rules, lol, so at least it kinda balances itself out! :)

[abrakus]

I hate it when you've had a character for so long, you've written their whole life and their good times and sad times. I usually get really upset when i have to say good bye to them.

[Shadowsong]

I know... I really haven't "known" Mereki for too long but she's always, always been there... her archetype... as some character or another... (maybe they're her "reincarnation", ROFL)... and it was so heartwrenching to say good-bye to her because no one else like her will ever tread the Highlands (the setting of meh leedle tidbit, lol)
Oh just for fun: my friend refers to my story as "the monster", lol

[argento_occhi]

I feel like I've known mine for ages... Cos they all feel different, you see? Tom and Tony and Nathalya and Rebbekkah and everyone. They all feel different. Nathalya is the scariest, probably because she's the craziest and the most power-hungry. She's... frightening... no, really, she is. She has so much hatred and anger in her. It's scary to have her hanging around. Stefanja's bad, but she's not insane. Nathalya's insane. And angry. So very angry. And she abuses the power gifted her because she knows not else how to use it other than to repress and oppress and abuse others. And she gets away with it. Tracey was never so sad or abused until she was taken by Nathalya. It's... not a happy story for her. For either of them. Nathalya was abused half her life, then she became the abuser. I almost, almost, feel sorry for her.

As for IML, it doesn't really have another name, since it's not really known to my friends, but it's referred to as either my main fanfic, my gigantic fanfic, or something else along those lines. Actually, I've been working on the part about Tom's birthday, as they're in Cairo and they decide to have a party and such. One happy day among so many more of sadness. Until Ton gets all upset in the early hours of the morning and tries to take his life again.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

:hugz: :hugz: :hugz: Most of my characters feel different but I've noticed that a few archetypes always, always hang around and appear as someone else in a story later or something. Mereki definitely, Ivarr, and Eylaugr would be the typical villian but like he doesn't see what he's doing as wrong, he thinks it's right... as all people do I guess.. they think they're doing well even though no one else sees it that way, even if it is horridly wrong...

[argento_occhi]

...like he doesn't see what he's doing as wrong, he thinks it's right... as all people do I guess.. they think they're doing well even though no one else sees it that way, even if it is horridly wrong...

That's Nathalya to a T. She sees nothing wrong with her behaviour. Everyone else can see otherwise. But they're all so afraid of her that they won't say anything, considering the power she wields. Lauryhn and Gillian are the only two who will bother standing up to her. Lauryhn... is a lot like Sekhmet, in appearance and personality. She is the one always fighting for justice, trying to correct all the horrible wrongs that happen at JSC a lot of the time. She tries to bring about justice and her righteous anger extends to a lot of things. She's angry about a lot of things, Nathalya and Tracey being the most important. She's not perfect, she's had a few bad times in her past, but Gillian stabilises her. Gilly helps keep her normal, relatively speaking. Gods, I haven't written about those characters for ages. I've been obsessing over fanfiction for the last 21 months or so. Ah well. I have new characters to love.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

I think if I could I would go explore Eylaugr's character more... I mean he's one freaky dude... but like I think it would be interesting to see what's driven him to be this way, you know? Man that'd be... well certainly not fun... but interesting methinks.

[argento_occhi]

Yeah, my characters seem to have a habit of being rather ... how to put this? complex and multi-layered. There's never just one side to them, good and bad, light and dark, etc. Tom's character started off rather simplistic, and he still is to some degree, but he's more complex, there's more to his actions than there was before.

I think I mentioned the amulets he gives them all (in IML) on his birthday. He gives Mieke an ankh, and Tony a heart, as she's his life and he's his heart. Tis another triad thingy, complicating the whole story. It was oly supposed to be Gwen-Tony-Erin, but now there's another triad that pulls Tony another direction, and he goes willingly.

*sighs* But, I'd better get to bed before I realise it's dawn out there. *hugs*

Argent

[Shadowsong]

*hugs back* Happy writing! Yeah this whole thing now with Ardan/Taworri is really messing things up... and the whole think with Thorkell suddenly showing up again and trying to pull Kitosime and Joharrahn back into this and ..... ugh... headache!!! And like there's this part of me that doesn't want him to do with Taworri what he did... cause in a way it's rather pointless... but then as I'm writing it now it leads up to him "finding" Joharrahn and Kitosime again... and what the hey it's a complication, lol... which may be good for the readers but is a complete pain in the @$$ for the author, aye?

[argento_occhi]

Aye, pain in the butt it is. Ah well. Who'd want a simple plot line anyway? :D

Argent
(keeping it short as I just got up and need food)

[Shadowsong]

Yeah simple plots don't work, lol. If it works it'll be cool though!

[argento_occhi]

Yeah, we'll run with it and see what happens. I think it will be interesting to see what happens, as Erin dies and Gwen and Tony continue to fall further apart, there's the possibility that triad will be torn apart and the other will be strengthened. But, then again, Tom dies in the end so who knows? Gwen and Tony remain separated after the battle. That I know. There's no going back after that. And then he and Mieke grow close (eventually). And then there's Brian, etc and what to do with them. I'm thinking of adding another attempt on Tony's life, but it gets interrupted and Tony leaves. Then there's the repercussions of that failed attempt. Ah, yes. Tis all good, now. Must dash, must go write. Ideas are running through my head now. *evil grin* Plot secrets and all.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Let's see if Cian can kind of.... hmmm.... "gain brownie points"... *shakes head* So he's a murderer and then he helps them escape?! Meh we'll see, lol

[Shadowsong]

Wait I've got it: what if... in this "dream" or whatever it is... let's just call it a dream for simplicity's sake... Ardan sees what happens through someone else's eyes? Like he, in spirit, sort of... hmmm... "shares" their body... and bears witness to things that way? *shrugs* Meh I'm throwing em out, tell me what ya think! :hugz:

[argento_occhi]

Could work. Go with it and see if it 'feels' right. You won't know til you have it written. As for me, I'm working on the whole Placebo thing, trying to make their inclusion feasible. I have ideas. *sinister grin* This could get interesting. :) I like your idea though. Maybe you could like have him see bits and pieces, or not have him share the wole thing, and if so, who's allowing that kind of connection? Is it a conscious decision by whoever's rescuing them, allowed by someone else, what? :hugz:

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Like... maybe he could "see" Cian sneaking into the camp... so he knows he's there right? and then... The thing that popped into my head last night was him witnessing things through Kitosime's eyes (gah, poor child, so much happens to her! :( ) Hmmmm.... yeah I think I'm just gonna have to write this and see where my muse takes me. ;) :hugz:
HAPPY WRITING!

[argento_occhi]

Aye, you too! I'm working on Placebo's involvement, and it looks like they'll be going to Pangaea too, as they failed to carry out their orders to kill Tony so Fracno's baying for their blood. So, they'll have to escape too. Ah well. Won't be so bad, really. :)

Argent

[Shadowsong]

I feel so bad cause I've realized I haven't been reading IML as much as I should... and idk if it's an excuse or what but just... with everything that's going on... it's so dark and emotionally difficult for me to get through.... I promise I'll read it.... just... is it all right if it takes a while? :(

[argento_occhi]

Take as long as you need. I understand. It isn't the most pleasant of fics to read. I know one of my best friends won't read it because she'll find it too disturbing. She doesn't read many of my fics. Too dark for her.I'll say to you what I told her, that you're welcome to skip parts that are too dark for you, if you find it necessary to do so. I won't feel offended. :hugz: Take as long as you need, hon.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Thank you hon :hugz: Just... yeah it's dark as it is which normally I can handle (huge emphasis on the _normally_ bit) but now... well now it's sort of a harder blow if you know what I mean. More disturbing than just unsettling if that makes sense. :hugz:
Grrr I'm still stuck in this same stupid place.... *sighs* I need motivation. I need plot ideas!

[Shadowsong]

Cross yer fingers that I can actually sit down and write this weekend! Midterms are CRAZY! But I think I've got a wee break now--and I plan to use it! My characters are calling to me again (if that makes sense)

[argento_occhi]

Oh, I know what you mean, darling. When they call, you have to write. :) :hugz: Good luck with those midterms. Don't stress!

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Yeah well we'll see, Spanish is sucking big time.... Back on topic: I'm gonna write it. I'm gonna get it done. I swear. With Djehuty's help, if He's willing to help that is. ;)

[Fyre_Nymph]

I killed someone!! fanfiction, of course.I have officially killed off Lucius Amlfoy!And, personally, I feel quite good about it!

[argento_occhi]

Yeah, it all depends on how close you feel to your characters and how much you like them whether or not you'll cry about their deaths. How'd you kill Malfoy, if I may ask? I'm always interested in how characters die. If you don't wanna tell, I'll understand. :)

Argent

[Fyre_Nymph]

Easy! He was tormenting Draco, and Draco fought back!!

[Shadowsong]

*bawls* Poor Anevay! And Kitosime! Oh Gods.... I friggin hate this... I can't have her die... I... no way in hell...

[argento_occhi]

:hugz: Oh, hon, I know it's hard. Some things just have to be done. When the time's right, the words will just come and it'll be written. If we manage to bump into each other online, we'll talk, ok? :hugz:

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Sounds good hon. :hugz: Wanna hear irony? I ALMOST had the part done when my puter crashed and deleted all of it--not the story (gods I would DIE) but just that section. *goes crazy* I can't write it again, I really can't...

[argento_occhi]

Aww, man that sucks. I had that happen to the latest story. Lost a darn good bit of dialogue I had to write again. *sighs* Ah well. Tis better now. You may just have to try write it again. It's part of the story, you can't just ignore it. :hugz:

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Yeah will have to write it again. But hey thanks (again) for you know... pushing me to start something else to. I think it'll help break the tension. :hugz:

[argento_occhi]

Yeah, always a good thing. :hugz: You'll get there.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

*sighs* Or maybe not.... Gods, why does he have to be such an a-hole? So cruel? To children? To women? and why... does it have to be the way it is? .... ugh.....

[Fyre_Nymph]

dearie, i know how you feel. I had to kill off my fave character's lover. He was just about to propose the night she left. It'll all be ok

[Shadowsong]

I'll be freaking happy when Eylaugr dies, I HATE HIM! It's just when he's alive that i can't stand it... *growls* Evil stinking bastard..... grrr! He's so... HORRID... but then of course he doesn't see what he does as wrong, you know? Ooohh happy will be the day when he's dead I can tell you that right now... *grins evilly*

[Fyre_Nymph]

lol. well, I'm in the middle of writing a book where my main girl, a vamp, has the preacher's son after her, along with this really hot bounty hunter. Well, she's gonna fall in luv with the bounty hunter, but this guy won't leave her alon, and he's getting on mym nerves

[Shadowsong]

*hugs* Have him die! LOL
Ugh and Anevay dies... and she's like the only mother Kitosime's ever known... and hell what's gonna happen when Ardan kicks the bucket? Then the two people who were the closest to "parents" she's ever had are gone.... *bawls*

[Fyre_Nymph]

live on her own??

[Shadowsong]

She's six! O.O Plus, given what she's been through... no way would I send her off on her own. No way. *shudders*
Why is it the characters I love the most always get things the hardest?

[Fyre_Nymph]

base it off Annie. that would be interesting

[Shadowsong]

*ponders* Hmmm.... or maybe she could just stay with the Jaydion lol... or oooh she could get shunned by them... and adopted into the Whar'ray.... oh crap but Ivarr ends up caring about her... :sighs:

[Fyre_Nymph]

controversy, so much controversy

[Shadowsong]

Most definitely there is. How I wish this would have stayed simple! O.O Although what kind of story would it be then? A horrid one IMO.

[Fyre_Nymph]

yep

[Shadowsong]

Keep your fingers crossed, it's perfect writing weather, all cloudy and cold... I'm really really hoping to get something down today, cause I haven't had the heart/motivation to for the last few days.... *sniffs* Even that's eluding me now... my writing... my lifeline...

[Fyre_Nymph]

hey, don't feel bad. I'm stuck writing fanfic until my mind gets itself in order, and I find my half- finished vamp book...

[Shadowsong]

Heheheh. I think I need more than two projects then, one I'm co-authoring with someone, lol, they still have to chip in their bit so I'm waiting for that...
Still haven't written yet. O.o *sighs* Ask me every day if I've written and drill it into my head that I need to cause I have been slacking SO badly.... k? heheheh ;)

[Fyre_Nymph]

All I wirte, except for my fanfic, I do with my co-authour Chaz. She's really gifted

[Shadowsong]

Nice! Never co-authored anything before. It's quite fun. Still, there's something being said for solitary, too--namely, the story pretty much goes wherever your mind takes it. Sometimes two authors' minds don't agree.

[Fyre_Nymph]

ergh, don't remind me

[Shadowsong]

*pokes* Too bad I just did.
Odd, I could write stuff which has implications that are just as dark as this one passage I'm stuck on, and I didn't feel anything then. Now when I go back and read it, not realizing it's as dark as it is, I just start crying. Strange, huh?

[Fyre_Nymph]

I was watching Van Helsing, and the last bit with the whole spirit thingy has never effected me before, but just sitting here, back turned to the V, I begin vrying! I didn't even do that when I saw it th theaters. And then of couurse, I was watching Sleepy Holow after school and durring the part where the headless horseman drags stepmom to hell, I am holding back fits of laughter as blood spurts EVERYWHERE! WTF is wrong with me??LOL

[Shadowsong]

:hugz: Nothing's wrong hun. Your body just reacts oddly sometimes.
*grumbles* Maybe... well.... ugh this is getting sooo complicated, I'll shut up, I just don't know how everythings gonna come full circle or resolve itself in the next story. *sighs*

[Shadowsong]

It is written.
Thank the Gods.
*goes off to cry*

[argento_occhi]

Wow. That's ... I can't find words to describe it. Certainly well-written. only one nitpicky little point I have to make.

"Feel her heartbeat, rapider than my own, her shallow breathing, the beads of sweat which trickle down her brow?"
-- Re this line. Either faster or more rapid would be better. Rapider isn't a word.

Seriously, that was the only issue I had with it. Otherwise, amazing stuff. I almost cried at the end. *sniff* You can definitely have lots of candy for that!

Argent

[Shadowsong]

*giggles* Well Word's spell check said it was a word! *pokes out tongue*
ah well, I will change that line. THank you hon. Now see why it was hell to write? *sniffles* This doesn't get easier, let me tell you; so he wakes up and Samhain's there cause he's freaking out and she's trying to figure out what's wrong and needless to say this has completely f***ed him up... ugh. *sniffs again*
Keep the candy. I don't need the caffiene.
PS. Changed rapider (IT SAYS IT IS A WORD MISTRESS!) to faster. *giggles again* Naw but oh well, it's changed, there we have it aye?

[argento_occhi]

It may be a word, but rapider didn't sound right. :) It sounded out of place. Hence, I brought it up.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Gotcha. Well it sounds better changed anyways. :hugz:
If you don't want to do an outline you don't have to hon, it's up to you.

Shadow

[Fyre_Nymph]

that so freakin rox!!

[argento_occhi]

Oh, don't worry. I already have ideas swimming around in my head. You'll have an outline soon enough, alright?

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Well hey I'll plug along on my end and maybe we'll meet in the middle.
:hugz: Thanks again hon, it means a lot to me. I can't bear to do this to my characters... not with everything else going on. But then I can't not write either so... *shrugs* Ach you are wonderful hon, you and Beaky! :D
(you know I'm wondering if that's why He hugged me, cause He knew this was so hard to write? *giggles* Ah well He has His reasons.)

Shadow

[SilverAnnie]

oh my... does it make me sick and twisted if i say i LOVE to kill off characters...the characters who are born to die, at least? i tend to use people i dont like in real life as models for my antagonists... i kill them off with glee and much malice aforethought.... <cackling maniacally>....

[argento_occhi]

Characters who have to die, have to die. Those that don't I try my hardest to save. Just the way I write. Everyone's different though. I do have one horrible character who refuses to die. Her name's Nathalya. That bugs me, cos she's dangerous. She has a mad, deluded, crazy mind coupled with well, a generally sadistic and psychotic nature, and a lust for power and revenge. No, she ain't nice. Not at all. She won't die, either. One day... One day I'll kill her off for good.

Shadow, hon, I'll see what I can do. Stll have Stats assignment to do, but I'll get that done, and what I can get done for yours as well. You'll get there, hon. I know you will. Djehuty has His reasons for doing lots of things. Maybe our friendship is His doing as well, hey?

Argent

[Fyre_Nymph]

ooooooooookkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[Shadowsong]

You know, that's a good point Sis. *giggles* Argent. Yeah I'll get there, I've got some more tragically heroic music to listen to, I think now that I've recovered from the shock I may be able to get through this. And hon if you're too busy I can wholly understand--the end of the tri is coming up in a few weeks here and I can see the snowball begin to roll. *stares* So help meh!

Shadow

[Fyre_Nymph]

You know, that's a good point Sis. *giggles* Argent. Yeah I'll get there, I've got some more tragically heroic music to listen to, I think now that I've recovered from the shock I may be able to get through this. And hon if you're too busy I can wholly understand--the end of the tri is coming up in a few weeks here and I can see the snowball begin to roll. *stares* So help meh!

Shadow
AVALANCH!!!

[Shadowsong]

RUN!!!!
*dies laughing* Ah but this scene is no laughing matter--WHY does Kitosime ALWAYS have it so hard??? *sniffs* She's practically a baby--well not in mind... but still....

Shadow

[Fyre_Nymph]

make her outta pillows. then she won't be hard

[argento_occhi]

:lol:

*has sudden great mental image of Kitosime in pillow armour*

*giggles*

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Oh dear Gods... *tries to stop from giggling and fails miserably*
Heheheheh. Ah well. Still though... it's like every single time things are halfway decent for her they get worse, all over again...

Shadow

[Fyre_Nymph]

*plays broken record* like that?

[Shadowsong]

Well... in a way yes, in a way no. She was born into a savage nation, escaped, and was caught again. And for... well being abandoned on the battlefield she's basically considered a deserter by these people (very militaristic, see) so as if things weren't bad for her as it is (women--even girls--are treated like shyte btw in that culture if you didn't get the gist of it from at least Ch. 25) now she's got it doubly worse because their leader then sees this as an opportunity to... hmm... be harsher than usual.
*shrugs* Or maybe I just love her character way too much.

Shadow

[argento_occhi]

she is only a child. Things like that happening to children I find the hardest to deal with. Adults can usually take care of themselves, but children can't. I think that might be why ti hurts so much. I should know, there's some things about Nine Lives I don't want to write about either. Poor kids.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

*huggleses*
Yeah. And for Kitosime, to have her still be who she is... as wonderful as she is... *sniffs* And her age definitely factors into it, too; it's horrid in any case but for a six year old girl to go through it .... numerous times... it's so hard to understand how she still manages to stay sane. But from the moment she walked into my mind, she's been as she is now: kind, gentle, able to see light when others only see darkness, able to see beyond her years.
Gods I lover her. *sighs*

Shadow

[argento_occhi]

An old soul, aye? She is a wonderful character. :hugz:

Argent

[Shadowsong]

:hugz: Yours are wonderful as well!
Oh btw poke me tomorrow morning and ask me if I've written; I have no homework but then I'm addicted to KOTOR and I really need to write and.... yeah. I needs pokles! O.O
*busts out laughing*

Shadow

[argento_occhi]

Well, you know how good I am at poking! :lol:

Actually, I'm going out tonight, so I may not be home til around midnight. But, I'll be around after that, alright? I can poke you then.

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Sounds good! Have a fun time okies? And be safe--no drinking and driving, got that? ;)

Shadow

[argento_occhi]

Good thing I don't drive hey? Nah, we had fun, twas all good. :D

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Ah yesh, that is a good thing then! And now that I know it was an orchestra concert I'm laughing meh @$$ off cause the idea of getting drunk at an orchestra concert is just freaking hilarous. LOL

Shadow
PS. You gonna poke me to write yet?

[argento_occhi]

Oh, well, mum and dad did have a gin and tonic before the concert. :)

Argent

[Shadowsong]

Ah, well, still. Heheheheheheh.
*grumbles* So now I've got lots of ideas just no... motivation. Damn. *pouts*
See if you bribed me with chocolate then maybe...oh wait we've got a bowl in the kitchen, I don't have to do any work for that. Hmmm. Wanna poke me again? *hugs*

Shadow