Challenges and Libraries.

I quite liked the outcome of my first self-imposed challenge. In fact, I liked it so much that I'd like to impose a challenge on myself frequently. Perhaps once a week? Sounds reasonable to me!

Today, my 'challenge' (not official!) is to finish Eragon. Its taken me far too long to read it. Now, it is a long book, and I have been trying to get a plot line together and keep a house clean...but still, no excuse! I'll probably have another picnic outside with the Tornado today, and finish it then.

Anyway, sort of a short post today. I have a million and one things I'd like to get done today, including going to the library! Ours has been under construction for some time...They built a new addition, which is super exciting...only problem? They opened the new addition, then closed the main part to work on that...and, while they did, they put 95% of the books in storage!!!!!

Isn't that sad? All of the movies were kept out...because, sadly, those are the most popular items that get the most circulation. This is sort of hard to grasp for a bibliophile like myself...but, oh well. Hopefully they bring back my lovely books soon.

Ta, for now.

Concerning writing. And little boys.

Last night was a rare night. I was home alone. Now, I know that eventually I'll be home alone more, because that's just the way of the military...however! Last night I was able to do quite a lot of brainstorming! Which is exciting!

I found several very interesting articles on writing fantasy, chock full of lovely advice and tips. Which, I'll have to admit, made me quite happy. Its always good to find blogs from other aspiring writers. Its encouraging.

I read about the importance of a good name, about horses, and about making maps. I read about horrible (and some are, indeed, horrible) fantasy cliches. I even played around with fantasy name generators for fun and found out that my fairy name is:

Moth Willowwand. She is a caster of weird dreams. She lives close to crystal caverns and stalagtite grotto's. She is only seen when the seer holds a four-leafed clover.
She collects crystals to wear on her dresses. She has delicate green coloured wings like a cicada.

Doesn't it sound just like me? ;) I also have Elf, dwarf, and a Hobbit name as well, but those aren't nearly as...colorful.

So! Back to the brainstorming. And...other literary topics.

Normally, during the day (and indeed, right now, as I type this), I can't brainstorm, research, or do any sort of writing. A little (or not so little anymore) toddler boy constantly gets in the way! I'm lucky if I can get in a little reading while he plays with trucks and whatnot. Yesterday happened to be one of those days!

Yesterday I got to sit outside on the porch, in the glorious sunshine, and read!

It was so nice...me and the boyo sat in the sun with our books (to be fair, he had a truck too...) and read together. I read Eragon. He 'read' Peek a Who?. T'was lovely.

I'm hoping to finish Eragon today, during nap time. I've never read it before and am finding it fascinating. I always have a soft spot for a book with Dragons...

Anyway. I need to bid adieu...and keep the Tornado from climbing into the oven. With the broom in tow. Ta, for now!

Eragon

I'm slightly ashamed to admit that I've had this book for a long...long...time. And only just recently found the desire to actually read it. Which is strange for me...Usually when I buy a book, its because I want to read it. For some reason, I bought this one just to have it.

My 13 year old sister will be proud of me for finally picking it up :)

Eragon is a farm boy who lives with his Uncle Garrow and cousin Roran. He has lived with them all his life, never knowing any other family. One winters day, while hunting, Eragon discovers a blue stone, unlike anything he's ever seen before. Unsuccessful in his hunt, he takes the beautiful stone home in hopes of trading it for some meat. When the butcher won't trade him, Eragon brings the stone home, hoping to trade it off at a later time.

Except, of course, it's no stone. With the help of the village storyteller Brom, who is more than he seems, Eragon goes on a journey. Its a journey of discovery, of searching, of fear and of hope. Its full of everything a good adventure should be. Along with Brom and Saphirra, his dragon, Eragon begins to learn what it means to be a Dragon Rider, and a man.

Eragon is a wonderful story, full of good guys, bad guys, swords, elves, myths and dragons. I am quite delighted with it!

I watched the movie first, and LOVED it, and so I knew I would like the book. What a delight to discover new characters! Solembum is definitely one of my new literary favorites! I loved learning the deeper plots and intricacies of the characters. The way they learn together, work together, fight together, and in the case of Eragon and Saphirra, grow together. I can't wait to read book two, Eldest.