The thing is I have written a book. Yes, yes, I’m laughing myself. Nonetheless, please, do save your sense of humour for when you start reading it. Being a self-publishing writer, however – atrociously sad world, this one! – I am currently looking for several volunteers to proofread what my insolence considers as a work a merit. Don’t let the word “proofreading” scare you though. I don’t mean ‘editing’ it professionally, just seeing that the wording is in conformity with standard British English. I’ve got to tell you up front that, although my English is fluent enough, it is not my mother tongue. Hence this appeal for help. Otherwise, I would not bother anyone with it.
I hope my appeal does not hurt anybody’s feelings. If it does, I do sincerely apologise.
For the same reason of being a self-publishing comrade, the only remuneration I am able to offer will be a free copy of the book along with your name in its Special Thanks list. Not very much, I know. I would LOVE to pay for proofing services, but self-publishing means you put your money into having your work published, but you very seldom make profits. I haven’t been one of those lucky guys.
If you’re curious, intrigued and tickled by any other feeling, you are more than welcome to visit the homepage of the future book, ‘The Red Britain Chronicles, or 4891: Comrade Cat, the Macho Axe Effect and the Human Gramophone’ at
http://sites.google.com/site/theredbrit
where you can read sample chapters hereof and decide if you’d be tempted by my unappealing offer, or not really. I would even go as far as advising you to get acquainted with the sample chapters in the first place so that, one day soon, you do not find yourselves wondering how you could have accepted to proof a book which is poor or not exactly to your taste.
British English as your mother tongue would be sort of a plus in my case. (apologies if I sound in any way condescending or arrogant - I did not mean to sound this way at all!!!!!!!) Thank you for your patience and attention! And an excellent day to everyone!
Alexander
ps. May I ask you to respond to this post by sending me a private message (or ideally reply to my email - theredbritainchronicles@gmail.com ), instead of posting comments? I haven’t figured out yet how I can follow posts on this site. Thank you!
Originally published at Highmoon's Ponderings. You can comment here or there.
Today is El Dia de Reyes or El Dia de los Reyes Magos, Three Kings’ Day in English (also known as Epiphany). In the US this day means squat, it’s just another day as any, but in Puerto Rico today is a holiday, the culmination of the Christmas season, and a big day in our national culture. I’m not entirely sure how big of a deal Three Kings Day is in other Latin countries or in Spain, but I do know it is celebrated, as we get the custom from our Spanish ancestry. In Puerto Rico it has taken on a life of its own, with parties and feasts all over the island, none bigger than the celebration in the town of Juana Diaz.
Thing is, my Mom’s maternal family is from Juana Diaz, so that Fiesta de Reyes is not only a national celebration, it is also a family tradition, one that has gone unbroken for at least the last 50-60 years (and probably longer – I need to find out for sure). Every year, all of us living in the San Juan area, would jump into our cars early in the morning and trek down the 2 or so hours to the Ortiz household right on the town’s main street to the central plaza, and spend the day there, wandering the plaza, checking out all the artisans and their wares, and the various musical acts as well. Then we’d have tons of food over at the house, and go back at night, tired and stuffed and happy.
Obviously, not being Catholic anymore, Three Kings Day has no meaning for me, at least not religiously. I can honestly say the religious aspect of the day ceased to have any impact on me even before I moved from Puerto Rico, much more so now that I am Jewish, but the family tradition aspect of it, that still has a pull. It’s been about nine years since I last went to Juana Diaz, but every January 6 I would get a call from Mom from Juana Diaz and at least for a few moments I’d be a part of it.
This morning I was the one to make the call, to my Aunt, and at least for a couple of minutes I was a part of it again. I wish I was able to teleport, so I could be with my family for a little bit then return home for dinner. At least my sister is there with my nephews representing our family nucleus.
This is just a constant with which I live: the biggest drawback to having converted to Judaism was the rift it created regarding my family traditions. I mean, it’s not like I can’t ever go to a family celebration, but it is different. I can’t eat with everyone, for example, and food is one of those universal social glues that hold bonds together. Being that Puerto Rico is very much a Catholic country, the difference in religion is a big deal, especially during Christmas, when a huge part of Puerto Rican culture gets displayed (be it in food, holidays, celebrations, art, music, etc). The physical separation between PR and Miami offers a buffer but every so often emotions seep through, like today.
Like I said, it’s just a reality of my choice in life. I accept it and live with it, even if sometimes, for a little bit, I look with a small amount of longing at what was.
But in fact, they are two of the King of the Monsters contest finalists by Adam Daigle and Crystal Frasier, and they are rather damn good. Treacle and Spark, 8 PM, 9 Central.
Hat's Games, Tuscon, AZ
I'll be running demos all day. If you'd like to play Houses of the Blooded, Yesterday's Tomorrow, Blood & Honor (Samurai!), or anything else, I'll have a whole crew of folks willing to show you how to play any and all of my games.
January 14th-17th, 2010
DarkCon, Phoenix, AZ
I'll have a table in open gaming where I'll be running and selling all my books. Play Dirty Seminar and Blood & Tears larp, too. The larp will be on Saturday afternoon/evening.
January 23rd
Blood & Tears at Imperial OutpostGames, Phoenix, AZ
The regular Blood & Tears game returns after our holiday break! We'll have a full dinner (again, provided by Smitty) and costumes for those who need one. Our game is growing fast! Come join one of the largest live action games in Phoenix.
That wear gowd on your hair
To come or gae by Carterhaugh
For young Tam Lin is there.
Janet has just begun her first term at Blackstock College. After becoming acquainted with her roommates, she quickly finds herself falling in love with both the great literature she studies, and the charismatic Nick Tooley. Janet enjoys her time at college but can't help but feel that some things are a little strange. Her dorm room is haunted by a ghost that throws textbooks out of the window every Halloween, and there's something strange about the classics department, especially department head, Professor Medeous.
Tam Lin, a retelling of the Scottish ballad of the same name, is a book that has been recommended to me since high school. I didn't pick it up until now due to the range of opinions I've heard. Many people label Tam Lin as their favorite book, but there are plenty of people that couldn't finish it. After finally reading it myself, I can understand why some people may not like it. After all, it's a very irregular fantasy. If you're looking for a fast paced adventure filled with magic, this may not be for you. The pacing is rather slow, and the fantasy elements don't really kick in until the last fifty pages of the book. The majority of the novel is spent focusing on college life in the 1970s, and the inevitable relationship dramas that occur in a dorm setting. As a result, it's not a book for everyone.
That said, I found it to be quite enjoyable. For the most part, I didn't mind the slower pacing due to all of the neat foreshadowing sprinkled among the story. I connected with the college storyline quite well. Upon being introduced to Janet, who arrives at school with dozens of fantasy books and has to deal with the being suddenly attractive to boys, I immediately made a connection with my own freshman college experience. I could relate to her quite well, despite the fact that she was rather moody (granted, I probably wasn't much better at 18). At the same time, some of the elements did seem a little off to me. I enjoyed picking up on all of the Shakespeare references, but I don't know too many 18 to 21-year-olds that can quote dozens of quotes from Shakespeare, Keats, Milton, Homer, and other writers from memory. Although it made sense for two of the characters, I had a hard time buying into it for the rest of the cast.
Tam Lin is a book that really sucked me in. I found I spent a lot of time thinking about the story, when I wasn't reading it, and I even dreamed about the characters a little. The book was not perfect, but it's still something I enjoyed. For those looking for a slower paced fantasy novel that's very light on the fantasy, it would be a good book to look into.
Rating: four stars
Length: 468 pages
Source: Lewiston Public Library
Challenges: This book is part of the 2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge
Similar Books: Tam Lin is part of Terri Windling's Fairy Tale Series, which also includes Snow White and Rose Red by Patricia C Wrede (my review). Another solid retelling of Tam Lin would be Fire and Hemlock by Diane Wynne Jones.
Looking for more books about faeires? Check out my new column five on the fifth, over at temporaryworlds for my recommendations and to share your own!
Next up is Kitty's House of Horrors by Carrie Vaughn!
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temporaryworlds - Mood:happy
- Music:LOVE PSYCHEDELICO - Free World | Powered by Last.fm
One night, Jessie and a few friends went to a strip club. As usual, the ladies were very fond of Mr. Foster and his friends commented. A wager was put in place: whether or not Jessie could bring one of the strippers home with him.
Closing time found Jessie giving money to his friends. "Sorry boys," he said. "I'm not bringing a stripper home tonight."
He smiled. "I'm bringing home two."
I find drow skin tones very difficult. I'm not going to worry to much more about them until the whole painting is blocked in. Then I'll go back and tweak. Very difficult, but a blast to play with. Somehow working in that dark blue for someone's skin is a total hoot!
Well, here is the 1/2 or 1/3 point. Comments and critiques are welcome!
Title: Sisters
By Danelle Steel
Pages: 352
Rating: C
Summary: Four sisters, a Manhattan brownstone, and a tumultuous year of loss and courage are at the heart of Danielle Steel’s new novel about a remarkable family, a stunning tragedy—and what happens when four very different young women come together under one very lively roof
My Thoughts: ( Read more... )
- Location:a room
- Mood:awake
- Music:Cool by Gwen Stefani
Originally published at Deadly Fredly. You can comment here or there.
On Monday I posted the missing 8 months of sales data I’d been too busy most of this year to post. So, that’s done, bringing us up to the end of the year (save for a big chunk of sales reckoning from IPR — I don’t get confirmed, official reporting on that until the 15th of January, so expect a post on that when the time comes).
What’s to be said about it? Turns out I have a few short thoughts.
I am trying to decide whether or not to go to Dreamation this year.
Here are the factors:
1. Money: Always tight. (Though I have a line on some travel/lodging options.)
2. Time: My vacation time reloaded on the first of the year, but I need to make sure to spend it less profligately than I did in 2009.
3. Feeling a Little Burned Out: Going last year helped cheer me up quite a bit, so I don't know. It's sort of that "I hate going to the gym until I get there" feeling.
4. Origins: I'd really like to go to Origins this year, and don't know if I can swing two cons with regard to factors 1 and 2.
Anyone have any thoughts?
Also, anyone on my flist going? Would you be sad if I wasn't there?
Apologies to non-locals while I take care of some important business...
The demon of busy scheduling has struck again, leaving me regretting the departure of a recent but much appreciated addition to my Thursday night gaming group. As a result I am putting out an open call for one new recruit. In the past I’ve kept a waiting list, but it’s been many years since I’ve done a call and want to start from scratch. Apologies if you’ve contacted me in the past; please bear with me by getting in touch again.
To join the group, you’ll need to be reliably free on Thursday nights and able to get to the Bloor-Bathurst area in downtown Toronto. We meet from 7 pm to 10 pm.
You will also need a saintly tolerance for my playtesting needs. I run games I’m either designing or need to familiarize myself in order to do freelance work for. Lately we’ve had an unusually long run with a single campaign, which happens to be D&D4. Soon we’ll be switching to the as-yet-unnamed GUMSHOE space game. Often I’ll have to suddenly abandon a successful series in midstream to go on to the next thing. We usually play RPGs but there’s always the chance you may be asked to test-drive a card or board game along the way.
In the past I’ve accepted players on a first-come, first-served basis. This time, I’m looking to cast the new candidate a little more, with an eye to keeping our group dynamic fresh.
If you’re interested, leave a comment or private LJ message with a way of contacting me back. Or if you’re seeing this on the Facebook, leave a message in my inbox. Give me a quick sense of your gaming tastes.
Whether you jump in for the last few weeks of the D&D game or wait till Space GUMSHOE will be up to you.
This is simultaneously sweet and awesome and everything I've been working towards for the last two years since I quit my day job to have a go at writing for a living. It couldn't have come at a better time. I'm going to need the money, because I'm moving in with my girlfriend next month when we find a place of our own. My 2010 is going to have a lot less bogans in it and more sleep, as well as holiday pay and sick leave. I've never had a job with holiday pay and sick leave before. I am 30.
Hope your 2010 is shaping up nicely.
I probably won't be doing much tweeting, other than professional announcements--which you can also see here, or on my web site--but if you're interested, come on over and follow.
I'm a big fan of artists like Shag and Derek ... and I've got a bunch of sketches for doing some fantasy illustrations in a Stan!ish version of that hipster style. One of these days, I might actually get around to DRAWING them.
But for now, tiki-fying some well known characters is a good, fun start.
Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris is the second book in her best-selling series The Southern Vampire Mysteries. This novel focusses on two serperate mysteries -a murder in Bon Temps and the dissapearance of a vampire in Dallas. ( Read more... )
Page Summary
- sdharing : Demons [+0]
- wickedthought : It's So Hard Being a Christian... [+0]
- bookish :: alexscribbler : Volunteers wanted to read a book so that it could be published [+0]
- highmoonmedia : Three Kings Day [+0]
- bookish :: horrifically : Would anyone recommend... [+6]
- open_design : King of the Monsters: Treacle and Spark [+0]
- wickedthought : Busy January [+0]
- bookish :: temporaryworlds : #3 Tam Lin by Pamela Dean [+2]
- wickedthought : The Legend of Jessie Foster [+5]
- storn_cook : Oh, it has been too long... [+2]
- bookish :: lilithlee : (no subject) [+0]
- drivingblind : Evil Hat Sales: 2009 Observations [+0]
- chadu : To Dreamation 2010 or Not To Dreamation 2010: That is the Question. [+4]
- robin_d_laws : Recruitment Drive [+9]
- simonjrogers : Trail of Cthulhu [+0]
- cybertron :: particle_mann : Thomas The Tank Engine [+1]
- jody_macgregor : I'm Still Here [+1]
- mouseferatu : Okay, I've succumbed [+1]
- stannex : The Power Of Tiki [+2]
- bookish :: alishenai : (no subject) [+2]