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!

Joust, by Mercedes Lackey

Ah, what a book! I have been waiting for this book for a while. Recently, I bought Robin McKinley's book 'Dragonhaven' and...much to my disappointment, I couldn't read it. (Never fear, though. I'm not giving up yet!) So, to ease my pangs over this book, I checked out 'Joust', another book about Dragons, from another beloved author.

Vetch is a serf. Which is worse than a slave. He is tied to the land that once belonged to his family, bound to serve the owners of the land. He is underfed and over worked. But one day, in the middle of a blazing hot afternoon, his life will change.

The land is protected by Jousters, riders of fierce dragons, loyal to the king. These Jousters fly patrols daily, searching the land and sky. Jouster Ari stops at the small farm where tala is grown specifically for help controlling the dragons one day for a drink of water, where he witnesses Vetch being beaten for something so small as the empty water bucket he had just drained to quench his own thirst. He then decides to take Vetch away, to be his Dragon boy.

Vetch doesn't know what to do with his new life. Compared to his old one, its easy, even though it does include taking care of Ari's dragon. His problem now, is how can he hate the Tians, that are being so kind to him? And how can he manage to get free and go back to his homeland, without feeling like he is betraying the people that are being good to him, and befriending him?

This is JUST the kind of book I have been itching to read. A familiar, beloved author, a beloved subject (I mean, come on. Who doesn't like dragons???) and a good plot, not too deep, but still really enjoyable. I've already checked out book two, 'Alta' and can't wait to get started!

Just a quick update...

Ah, my blog, how I have missed thee!

I have been remiss lately in my blogging...hopefully that will change, right....now! :)

I have a few reviews to write, when I get the chance, perhaps tomorrow. I've started reading the murder mystery series by J.D. Robb, aka Nora Roberts, and they are fab! Thanks T, for making me read the first one! Currently reading book 3 (out of 30...seems daunting, lol).

I am also reading a book by Mercedes Lackey, one that I have actually never ever ever read before, which is super exciting! It's called 'Joust' and its about...dragons! The setting seems to be almost ancient Egyptian, which is super awesome. As soon as I finish that, I will post about it...

With writing...ah. Well, life happens. I'm still working on Chapter 7, and am 2 weeks late on it! Sorry C! I know I'll finish it this week, possibly tonight, for it is open and waiting for me, calling my name...Hopefully I'll get Chapter 8 in the works as well. That would be wonderful.

So, yes. Here I sit, hurridly typing this, eating pretzels and drinking water. Time to get back to my chapter. So, for now, adieu.

Cheers!