
(I had my hair cut at Twister at Hougang mall today!)
Sky scribble
While I was watching the cricket on at the Uni Oval, I lay back on the grass to look up at the sky, as the lovelorn often do, and realised there was a skywritten message in progress.
Some lovestruck bloke had hired the services of a skywriting pilot to scribble across the blue cloudless sky, the message, which was completed after 20 minutes, "Marry Me, Mel", followed by a heart struck by an arrow.
I was seriously hoping for a rival aeroplane to come and scribble in blood-red smoke-ink "NO!" and shoot down the bearer of the first fluffy message.
I'm heartily sick of people complaining about the death of a certain character. Readers weren't supposed to feel good about it, after all. I'm not aiming to write books in which everyone is alive, shacked up with their perfect match, rich and successful at the end (if you want that, read a romance novel). I write in order to move people. Sometimes people are so moved they come straight here after reading the last page of The High Lord to send me a wailing complaint. To them I say take a deep breath, stop and wait a day for the emotional effect of that book to wear off a little before you email me.
An entry in the author's guestbook:
Hi, just want to say how much I love your books. I very nearly failed my dissertation because of the Black Magician Trilogy, (my housemate had to hide the High Lord from me, so that I'd actually do some work - we're only just back on speaking terms - chuckle). I'm about to tuck into the Last of the Wilds, and so far this trilogy is every bit as exciting as the BMT. You rock x p.s. my friends all think i'm a big geek for being so obsessed with your books, but honestly - how can you not throw yourself completely into these new worlds?!?! I defy anybody to read your books and still manage to keep themselves grounded. It's impossible. I've been living in Kyralia for some time now....
I really love your books they are absolutly great. Yesterday I finished your Black Magician Triology and I will read it in the hollidays for a second time because that are so great books. But I musst say that I`ve cryed at the end of the story you certainly know why. I`ve still the hope that maybe that character will come back in one of your later books because I really really like him, he`s just so cool (I can`t think about Black Magician books without him). I can`t say names because of spoilers but I think you know wich character I mean. Best Wishes and a lot of respect from Germany (and sorry about my bad english)
I know, indeed, that any type of spoiler is fobidden, so I shall try and be quite ambiguous with the message of emotional distraught. Firstly, however, I would like mention you are an amazing and involving writer (and my great attachemnet and upset to one of the ehem..endings.. to one book is proof of that). I just wanted to mention that I am so very deeply saddened and in shock to one of your books I just finished (I hope that you will guess which one...) that I felt you should just know (and perhaps consider not having similar tragic endings in any other of your books (again not mentioning which one..) as I fear I shall be unable to deal with another quite as distressing. I know there is an aftermath of books to this saga - but I'm not sure it shall ever be the same. Even so, I wouldn't have minded if anything happened to all of the other characters, non exclusive, but to that one .....ahhh that really struck a cord. Also I felt that what occured in the eplilogue to this was no replacement :-(. I may perhaps now pic up the following saga - but fear that nothing will compare or fill the emptiness left by this book. Overall, I feel I may have come very close to the boundaries (or ruless) set for this guesbook, but hope I haven't breached them :-) I wish you well ^_^ Sabina
I am sorry if my previous comment seemed at all accusing. I really am in love with your books - I just feel a little depressed now is all *sobs* - (this is after 'The High Lord') - but again this just shows how involving your writing is and how great your character builing is that I am so attached. I would indeed not want to depreive myself of your great work and therfore shall see if I can get hold of ' The age of Five Trilogy' while I am abroad on my year out (as I currently am). I would eventually like to perhaps carry on with more Kyralia books, but currently the wounds are still fresh and the pains too raw. (I didn't expect to take this so hard - but I suppose then again, it just displays your skills as a writer). If you could perhaps, in some way, reassure me that nothing too similar shall happen in which ever other saga I shall feel much better while reading it (and may also pick it up a little sooner - without any nagging accompanied worry :-S) Wish you all the best - you perpetuating writer, you. (You do indeed have a way with words ^_^)
Your Power Element is Metal |
Your power colors: white, gold, and silver Your energy: contracting Your season: fall You are persistent (and maybe even a little bit stubborn). If you see something you want, you go for it. You have a lot of strength, and it's difficult to get you down. Very logical, you tend to analyze everything going on in your life. |
What Your Hands Say About You |
You are logical, analytical, and rational. You have good verbal skills. Bold and daring, you're not afraid to change your life if you think it needs an overhaul. Consistent and reliable, you like to count on structure and routine in your life. Your emotions tend to be nervous and potent. Your energy - both positive and negative - deeply impacts your life. |
You Are Spider-Man |
Quick and agile, you have killer instincts (literally). And that kind of makes up for the whole creepy spider thing. |
You Are 56% Control Freak |
Generally, you are in control but not a control freak. You life is usually in order. However, sometimes you get too obsessed with making everything in your life picture perfect. |
You Are Not a Cheapskate |
When it comes to money, you're very fair. You're generous when you can be, and you never cheat anyone out of what they deserve. If you have the money, you enjoy splurging. But you never overspend. |
You Are Paper |
Crafty and creative, you are able to adapt freely to almost any situation. People tend to underestimate you, unless they've truly seen what you are capable of. Deep down, you're always scheming and thinking up new plans. Your mind is constantly active. You are quite capable of anything you dream of. You can always figure out a way to get what you want. You can wrap a rock person up in your sheet of trickery. A scissor person can sneak up and cut you to pieces. When you fight: No one can anticipate your next move If someone makes you mad: You'll attack them mercilessly when they're unprepared |
You Are 44% Intuitive |
Your intuition is often right, and you use it more than you may realize. Your gut feelings are usually a good guide, but you need more to go on when making a decision. You'll often check to see if the facts back up your feelings. And when your intuition is wrong, you work to improve it for the future. |
Your Dominant Thinking Style: Exploring |
You thrive on the unknown and unpredictable. Novelty is your middle name. You are a challenger. You tend to challenge common assumptions and beliefs. An expert inventor and problem solver, you approach everything from new angles. You show people how to question their models of the world. |
What Your Face Says |
At first glance, people see you as driven and ambitious. Overall, your true self is moody and dynamic. With friends, you seem thoughtful and interested in ideas. In love, you seem mysterious and interesting. In stressful situations, you seem selfish and moody. |
What People Think of Your Mouth |
People see you both as reserved and sweet. You tend to be very sensitive and detail oriented. The smallest things can please or annoy you. You tend to be internally moody. Perceptive and intuitive, you understand people quickly - though you usually won't tell them. |
You Are 12% Happy |
You know that there's more to life than how you've been living it. Life can be rough at times, but most of your unhappiness is self-inflicted. |
Your Depression Level: 52% |
You seem to have mild depression. A lot of people fall into your range, and it's quite possible you don't need treatment. If you've been feeling this way for a while, you may want to seek help. |
'So how are we going to lure an Ichani away from the main group?' Zill asked.
'I hear Limek has a good tailor,' Cery said, giving the bushy-haired Thief a meaningful look.
'Fancy yourself in robes?' the man said in a deep voice.
'Oh, they'd never believe a magician could be so short,' Faran scoffed.
'Hai!' Cery protested. He pointed at Sonea. 'There are short magicians.'
Faran nodded. 'I suppose you might be convincing in novices' robes.'
We're crashing
Into the unknown
We're lost in this
But it feels like home