I'm sure you've noticed the gap in posts.
The reasons are varied:
1. Recently moved from the northern to the southern hemisphere
2. Did some major editing!
3. Made some big decisions on the format of my work (see post below this!)
Of course I'm still writing daily and thus have to structure my time for blogging, Authonomy (and others!), but here's to more frequent excerpts and updates from the universe of the Valla!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
A few words on my creative journey
Gathering of Rain is the first Tale from the Path of Shades and is about RAIN being gathered to become something greater than he initially suspects. His journey starts as an unwilling sorcerer forced into action by the manipulations of an ancient enemy. By the end of the first Tale every reader will know there is great potential in Rain...and great danger. We could label this heroic fantasy, for there is heroism, but as Rain possesses dark spaces, it places him firmly on the Path of Shades.
How did Rain’s journey come to light? A few years ago I paged through a book on Alchemy, a dictionary of terms. I wish I could now recall to mind the author, to thank her for the proverbial light bulb moment that sparked this creative process. I do, however, recall the 14 steps to alchemical perfection she listed that started it all.
Those 14 steps, tweaked of course to fit an epic tale, caused me to grab pen and paper...and they also form the basis of the quest for Rain in Gathering of Rain:
1. Find the sacred rhythms of Pyllanthos.
2. Enter the Square Pyramid. .
3. Solve the riddle of the Obelisk. .
4. Play chess in the Queen’s chessboard courtyard.
5. Open the Three Gates.
6. Pray in the Round Temple.
7. Activate the Seven-sided Fountain.
8. Survive the Graveyard of the Ancients.
9. Surmount the rivers to the Lifesource
10. Travel the Tunnels
11. Solve the Maze.
12. Solve the mystery of the Circular Mystic Island.
13. Pick from the sacred rose-garden of Moshesh.
14. Climb the Tower of Stairs.
To further add impetus to creativity, I had a dream a while before said light bulb moment. Content isn't important, but what is, is the fact I was convinced, upon waking, I possessed 10 books I had penned while on a dream mission...I simply had to find them...or write them. The Ancient Oracles we learn of in Gathering of Rain parallel this- 10 sacred volumes of history and sorcery, and, yes, I have subsequently ‘penned’ 10 Tales:
1. Gathering of Rain
2. Ancient Fire
3. Glittering Darkness
4. Walker of realms
5. Animated Spirit
6. Sacred Space
7. Shadowland
8. Time’s Timekeeper
9. Alhazen’s Bridge
10. Siren Stone
Most of the above forms part of my query letter and I would appreciate feedback.
There is more to this journey: At first there was the encompassing term ‘Tales of the Valla’ and five volumes. Those five volumes seemed too large re the word count etiquette given out by agents and publishers, and thus 5 volumes became 10. Subsequent work I labelled as something else...but, in reality, all is part of one giant tale. Much soul-searching and time later, I decided to follow my instincts and returned to ‘larger’ volumes and chose the Path of Shades as the umbrella.
Only the last three volumes are still works-in-progress and I’ll create pages for each as soon as I am happy with how they begin. Meanwhile, browse the other book pages for the Prologue and Chapter One of completed Tales.
Have fun!
Elaina
How did Rain’s journey come to light? A few years ago I paged through a book on Alchemy, a dictionary of terms. I wish I could now recall to mind the author, to thank her for the proverbial light bulb moment that sparked this creative process. I do, however, recall the 14 steps to alchemical perfection she listed that started it all.
Those 14 steps, tweaked of course to fit an epic tale, caused me to grab pen and paper...and they also form the basis of the quest for Rain in Gathering of Rain:
1. Find the sacred rhythms of Pyllanthos.
2. Enter the Square Pyramid. .
3. Solve the riddle of the Obelisk. .
4. Play chess in the Queen’s chessboard courtyard.
5. Open the Three Gates.
6. Pray in the Round Temple.
7. Activate the Seven-sided Fountain.
8. Survive the Graveyard of the Ancients.
9. Surmount the rivers to the Lifesource
10. Travel the Tunnels
11. Solve the Maze.
12. Solve the mystery of the Circular Mystic Island.
13. Pick from the sacred rose-garden of Moshesh.
14. Climb the Tower of Stairs.
To further add impetus to creativity, I had a dream a while before said light bulb moment. Content isn't important, but what is, is the fact I was convinced, upon waking, I possessed 10 books I had penned while on a dream mission...I simply had to find them...or write them. The Ancient Oracles we learn of in Gathering of Rain parallel this- 10 sacred volumes of history and sorcery, and, yes, I have subsequently ‘penned’ 10 Tales:
1. Gathering of Rain
2. Ancient Fire
3. Glittering Darkness
4. Walker of realms
5. Animated Spirit
6. Sacred Space
7. Shadowland
8. Time’s Timekeeper
9. Alhazen’s Bridge
10. Siren Stone
Most of the above forms part of my query letter and I would appreciate feedback.
There is more to this journey: At first there was the encompassing term ‘Tales of the Valla’ and five volumes. Those five volumes seemed too large re the word count etiquette given out by agents and publishers, and thus 5 volumes became 10. Subsequent work I labelled as something else...but, in reality, all is part of one giant tale. Much soul-searching and time later, I decided to follow my instincts and returned to ‘larger’ volumes and chose the Path of Shades as the umbrella.
Only the last three volumes are still works-in-progress and I’ll create pages for each as soon as I am happy with how they begin. Meanwhile, browse the other book pages for the Prologue and Chapter One of completed Tales.
Have fun!
Elaina
An encompassing phenomenon
Dear Reader
Nobody is perfect. Neither perfectly good nor perfectly bad, to use a rather clichéd set of opposites. Each of us slots in somewhere along the line that stretches from idealism to wickedness...as do the characters you are will meet.
That line is life’s journey and I call it the Path of Shades.
Nobody is perfect. Neither perfectly good nor perfectly bad, to use a rather clichéd set of opposites. Each of us slots in somewhere along the line that stretches from idealism to wickedness...as do the characters you are will meet.
That line is life’s journey and I call it the Path of Shades.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Space Lattice
A space lattice, in the three dimensions, is any of 14 possible geometric arrangements of points, at which, at the very least, the components of a crystal may form…this is why crystal propulsion is so clean and so very efficient, to name but one effect.
A space lattice, in the realm of sorcery, is all of 14 possible and impossible arrangements in the geotic fields, and include the laws of necromancy and the location of high magnetic energy points of sacred sites.
A space lattice, in the fourth dimension and those beyond, is the 14 impossible arrangements of will and thought, where the continuum is temporal and spacial simultaneously, at which point space-time unfolds and space-folds are beyond measurable time.
In this lattice lies all possibility, where not even imagination has ever been. This is Reaume, and Ariann…and, yes, lest you forget, Lethe. Watch yourself, friend.
A space lattice, in the realm of sorcery, is all of 14 possible and impossible arrangements in the geotic fields, and include the laws of necromancy and the location of high magnetic energy points of sacred sites.
A space lattice, in the fourth dimension and those beyond, is the 14 impossible arrangements of will and thought, where the continuum is temporal and spacial simultaneously, at which point space-time unfolds and space-folds are beyond measurable time.
In this lattice lies all possibility, where not even imagination has ever been. This is Reaume, and Ariann…and, yes, lest you forget, Lethe. Watch yourself, friend.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
December Moon
Have you tried taking a photo of the moon? Real hard, isn't it? Terrible results, usually (unless you have a brilliant lens...but I'm talking the standard digital camera here).
This was taken a nothing-special camera...seems the light was just right and I managed to capture a bit more of the moon than I usually am able to.
Like this one.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Fourteen, a magical number
‘Fourteen is the universal number upon which all magic is based…for the Valleur. It is true the rest of the universe also regards the number as important, but they essay various reasons. We build fourteen sacred sites per world in keeping with that philosophy, and that is also the first tradition. The second is the order in which these sites are erected; first the Lifesource, then the Throne-room and thereafter the rest. The third tradition is the passing of the Dragon from Vallorin to heir at the appointed time, although it is understood it is more than just symbolic tradition. The fourth is the safekeeping of the Oracles; the fifth, the scrying of a newborn’s name and the sixth is this ceremony of today. The seventh is the learning of sorcery beyond what we inherently know. The eighth is the absolute autonomy of the Vallorin; we are not, nor were we ever, a democracy. The Vallorin is the power. The ninth is Nemisin’s runes, to be known only to the House of Valla, and the tenth is our longevity both natural and enhanced through the ages by what we know. The eleventh is our total intolerance of evil…’ He stumbled there, but recovered well. ‘The twelfth is a belief in prophecy and the thirteenth…well, we regard ourselves as master-builders, and build with heart, soul and magic. And the fourteenth? For as long as one Valleur lives, we were first and will be last in all things.’
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Saturday's One Line (7)
An enemy could be seen in daylight; in the darkness of Lucan hearing counted for everything.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Universal Hour
Much can occur in an hour and did that final hour of that universal day, although the results would only be evident later. Big things, little things, all part of the whole.
In the Star Chamber there was no night or day, yet it felt like night with day awaiting. For Tristamil anyway; for all he knew it would always be dark now for Tymall. The twins continued to wrangle, although it was largely Tymall doing the talking, beseeching almost, attempting as he was to sway Tristamil to his path. Tris allowed him the voice, hoping hearing the futility of his imprecations his brother would hark to the disaster he was falling prey to. Despite all he’d seen and heard, Tris still wished his brother this final opportunity.
On Urac and Karakan it was deep night and, under cover of that darkness, armies mobilised. Vast numbers, Murs and Mysor would move out with the coming of daylight.
On Lucan tiny shadows flitted among the trees to stop and stare anxiously at the enormous traveller. At their head Thundor beckoned. He’d lead them aboard and hope for the return of the crew. Thundor was taking his people out of the Forbidden Zone.
The small Mysor force vacated Plural, recalled to Karakan.
Outside the Star Chamber, Kallanon paced, willing the hour gone so the next step could be taken. Watchers harked to the Murs and their movements.
The new day promised many things and foremost among those was change.
In the Star Chamber there was no night or day, yet it felt like night with day awaiting. For Tristamil anyway; for all he knew it would always be dark now for Tymall. The twins continued to wrangle, although it was largely Tymall doing the talking, beseeching almost, attempting as he was to sway Tristamil to his path. Tris allowed him the voice, hoping hearing the futility of his imprecations his brother would hark to the disaster he was falling prey to. Despite all he’d seen and heard, Tris still wished his brother this final opportunity.
On Urac and Karakan it was deep night and, under cover of that darkness, armies mobilised. Vast numbers, Murs and Mysor would move out with the coming of daylight.
On Lucan tiny shadows flitted among the trees to stop and stare anxiously at the enormous traveller. At their head Thundor beckoned. He’d lead them aboard and hope for the return of the crew. Thundor was taking his people out of the Forbidden Zone.
The small Mysor force vacated Plural, recalled to Karakan.
Outside the Star Chamber, Kallanon paced, willing the hour gone so the next step could be taken. Watchers harked to the Murs and their movements.
The new day promised many things and foremost among those was change.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tuesday's One Word (6)
impenetrable
- Permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Anonymous Elegy to the Reader – Hypnerotomachia Poliphili
Gentle reader, hear Poliphilo tells his dreams,
Dreams sent by the highest heaven.
You will not waste your labour, nor will listening irk you,
For this wonderful work abounds in so many things.
If, grave and dour, you despise love stories,
Know, I pray, that things are well ordered herein.
You refuse? But at least style, with its novel language,
Grave discourse and wisdom, commands attention.
If you refuse this, too, note the geometry,
The ancient things expressed in Nilotic signs...
Here you will see the perfect palaces of kings,
The worship of nymphs, fountains and rich banquets.
The guards dance, dressed in motley and the whole
Of human life is expressed in dark labyrinths.
Dreams sent by the highest heaven.
You will not waste your labour, nor will listening irk you,
For this wonderful work abounds in so many things.
If, grave and dour, you despise love stories,
Know, I pray, that things are well ordered herein.
You refuse? But at least style, with its novel language,
Grave discourse and wisdom, commands attention.
If you refuse this, too, note the geometry,
The ancient things expressed in Nilotic signs...
Here you will see the perfect palaces of kings,
The worship of nymphs, fountains and rich banquets.
The guards dance, dressed in motley and the whole
Of human life is expressed in dark labyrinths.
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