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Saturday, December 8, 2012

It's December

So... it's December. I guess we all know what that means. It's Christmas time. Merry Christmas.



 (Isn't this little guy CUTE???)



Isn't this such a nice song?

Saturday, November 24, 2012

On Ideas

It's funny. A week or so ago, I was rather short on ideas for stories. I was stuck on my story about Amber and co.

Well, I'm not either of those things any longer.

Amber's story, I'm afraid, I'm still stuck on. I'm stuck at chapter four. I know what needs to happen... but I'm not sure how Amber's going to go about doing it. That and I'm working out some of the things about Amber's special ability.

However, I'm no longer short on ideas.

I currently have several ideas for a story rolling around in my head. Some of them have been around for a while, others just lately arrived.

One is for an Alex Rider/Gallagher Girls type story. Something like that. Don't have much in the way of a plot for the idea yet.

And then there's a fairytale retelling idea. This one's been around for ages, even starting writing it once, but never finished. This time, I have a better idea for it.

There are a few more, but I'm just letting them sit in my brain for a while.

As for Amber, I'm currently working through a few things, as I said. However, I have what I think is a pretty good idea for the chapter afterwards. Right now, Amber and her friends are looking for someone. Unfortunately, they don't know where she is, and have no real way of finding out. So, yeah, trying to figure out how they'd go about finding her. When they do find her, however, I have a few fun plans in mind.

Amber: Fun for you, anyhow.
Nicki T.: When did you enter this blog post? I don't recall inviting you to come along.
Amber: I'm in your head, remember?
Nicki T.: Yeah, you've made that reasonably clear over the last year or so. And you won't leave, either.
Amber: If I leave, you'll forget about me. And I've seen what happens to characters you forget about.
Nicki T.: I don't forget about them. They leave.
(Amber walks to the door and starts yelling for several of Nicki T.'s old characters. No response. Blaze walks in.)
Blaze: Selenda stopped by today with Aidenn. She said she might stop in for dinner with us sometime, if that's okay with you, Nicki.
Nicki T.:  Yeah, it's fine.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Nicki T.: Here are some pictures of animals in costumes for Halloween. I thought some of you might like these.
Amber: And you felt like you needed post.
Nicki T.: That too.

I really do need to post more often.

Jack o' Latern


Kittie in a Rice Krispie (I think)



Trick or Treater
 

Banana


Seal Pup


Dog in a thing from Star Wars that I don't know the name of due to the fact I've only seen one Star Wars movie and know really nothing about the others

Thursday, October 11, 2012

I've Been Tagged!!!!

I've been tagged by Micah at www.snippetsandslicesandscenes.blogspot.com. So, here it is. But, before I start, I would like to apologize for taking so long about it.

If you are tagged/nominated, you must post eleven facts about yourself.
- Then, you must answer the eleven questions the tagger has given you and make eleven questions for the people you are going to tag.
- Next, tag eleven more bloggers. (I probably won't tag quite this many.)
- Tell the people you tagged that you have tagged them.
- No tagging back.
- The person you tagged must have less than 200 followers.

Eleven facts about me

1. I like Doctor Who.

2. The worst injury I have ever inflicted on myself was a sprained arm. The worst injury I have inflicted on someone was a black eye. My sister was on the lower bunk of the bunk bed we used to share, and I was adjusting the boards that hold up the mattress on the top one. I told her to get out of the way. Unfortunately, she did not. And a board slipped.

3. I have a very territorial rabbit. Her name is Storm (NOT BRIDGET, despite what various members of my family will tell you) She once gave my dad a scratch several inches long that bled and was still visible several months later. She gave me one that's still a bit visible about three or four months later. She's so cute, though...

4. I enjoy video games. I don't play a lot of them at the moment (just never seem to) but I'm working through Portal 2 and I recently finish Metroid Prime: Corruption.

5. I don't really like chick flick or Jane Austen type movies all that much. I mean, I'll try to sit through one. I'll watch High School Musical or Camp Rock or something like that sometimes. I have nothing against them at all. But I definitely prefer action movies.

6. I take kickboxing.

7. The first day I went the see the Avengers in theaters, before we left, I went and turned on some music. The song I picked, as it turned out, was from the soundtrack.

8. I have a strange liking for sharks. No idea why. I just think they're cool. I probably wouldn't get into the water with one, but I like them. Same with poison. I wouldn't actually eat any, but I enjoy reading about them.

9. I really like the band Flyleaf. I just got their album Memento Mori. Love it. I'm listening to their song "Chasm" right now.

10. I don't care too much about graphics in a game or movie. They're nice, but not all that important to me.

11. I love the movie Princess Bride, but don't like the main character at all. Buttercup never seems to do anything to get out of her predicaments, aside from wait for Wesley to come get her.

Okay... eleven questions I am supposed to answer.

1. If you met a Boggart/found your room at the God Complex/were marched towards room 101 in the Ministry of Love, what would await you? If it's a too personal of a question, just tell us your favourite ice cream flavour. Unless, of course, your worst fear is ice cream. Then you can just leave this blank.

My favorite flavor of ice cream is probably mint chip.

2. How did Sherlock survive?

I've only seen the first two episodes of Sherlock. My cousin says it probably had something to do with Molly, though.

3. Which do you prefer - nice eyes or a nice smile?

I don't really know. Not something I pay a lot of attention to.

4. What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?

Math is not my strong point. The air speed velocity of an unladen swallow, I suppose.

5. What is the best smelling book you ever did sniff?

Not a book sniffer.

6. Are you the crying type? (The Fall, Doomsday, Toy Story 3?)

Yes.

7. Which fictional villain makes you the most frightened or angry?

I'm not particularly scared of any particular villain... however, the Vashta Nerada and the Weeping Angels from Dr. Who would be very terrifying if one was to meet them. Or Loki.

8. What would your dream room look like? ...Your dream house?

I would probably have different rooms with different "looks", for whatever mood I'm in. It would probably be reasonably big. Lots of bookshelves, though.

9. If you could only see everything in one font, from now on, what font would you pick?

Times new roman.

10. Mac or PC?

I don't really care. If it can access the internet and has something I can write with, I'm good.

11. You're a contestant in the Hunger Games. Detail this for us. What's your strategy? Training score? Do you win, or ... not? If you feel like it, give us even more. Outfits? Favourite thing about the Capital? District? What's the arena like this year?

I think my training score would be pretty low. Maybe...four or five? I don't really have anything impressive to show the Game Makers. I would probably climb a tree and wait for everyone to kill each other or for the Game Makers to throw something my way. Stay out everyone's way. Maybe try to follow Foxface's example

Okay... questions to ask....

1. If you could have any occupation, what would it be? (This means anything. Even if it's not an actual job, like a superhero or whatever.)

2. What is one popular book or series or author that you don't particularly enjoy?

3. If you could choose the way you die, what would it be?

4. Favorite Avenger? If you haven't seen the Avengers, then what's your favorite character from any movie? (If you have not seen it, go watch it when it comes out on DVD. You are missing out!!!!!!!)

5.  You can go one place. Anywhere in time and space, even places in stories. Where do you go?

6.If you could take up any sport, what would it be?

7. If you could only listen to one band for the rest of your life, what would it be?

8. If you were to be stranded on a desert with three fictional books, what would they be? (Assume that you have a Bible.)

9. What is one thing that turns you off a book? Not content-wise, but just story or character-wise?

10. What is the worst injury you've ever had?

11. You can meet one fictional character. Who is it, and what do you say to them?

Okay... people to tag. I will not be tagging eleven.

Book Blogger

Sprinkles

Running Free www.bleedbythepen.blogspot.com

...anyone else who wants to do this tag, I guess.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Nicki T. Rambles

Because that's what I do at times.

Okay. This post is probably going to turn out to be a whole bunch of unrelated stuff. Feel free to skip it if you don't want to read my ramblings. Then again, I guess I ramble most of the time, and this blog is called Random Writer's Ramblings, so I guess if you're reading it, you've been forewarned about all that, and will probably read it anyhow.

Amber: You sure do ramble a lot.
Nicki T.: This isn't a conversations with characters. Your presence isn't required since I know you probably don't want to be here anyhow.
Amber: I'm in your head, remember? I'm always there, whether I want to be or not.
Nicki T.: Good point.



Okay. Anyhow. First. Owl City is coming out with a new album soon. YAY!!!!!! I hope he goes on tour again. For some reason, I didn't go to any of his concerts while he last toured, and I have yet to come up with a decent excuse for that. Aside from the fact I had just gotten back from Newfoundland. But that's not really an excuse, so... yeah. Right now, I'm listening to his song "Gold".

Okay. Second. Went to see The Avengers. Twice. I actually wanted to see it three times, but didn't. I will be buying it when it comes out on DVD. I also went and watched Thor afterward. And Captain America. I will spare you the quotes for today, because I don't really want to do that right now. I do strongly suggest that, if you haven't seen it already, that you do so. My favorite avenger was probably Hawkeye.


He needs his own movie, him and the Black Widow. I've always wanted to do archery. I just haven't. (Well, I did try at camp. I didn't do so well.)

Amber: That's an understatement.
Nicki T.: Amber, you weren't even there!
Amber: I have access to your memories, since I live in your head, remember?
Nicki T.: Please, Amber. Just don't. Okay... next thing.

Maximum Ride. I absolutely LOVE these books. I highly recommend them.


Max is funny and tough and probably one of my favorite heroines ever. I cannot wait for the movie to come out next year, and for the last book in August. The only thing that annoys me about these books is Dylan, from the last few books. Fang and Max belong together. They've been through the whole series together, and then Dylan appears... I hope Fang and Max end up together in the last book.

I think that's about it for now.

Amber: Good. You should post more often.
Nicki T.: I know. I'll try to post sooner rather than later next time.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Conversations with Characters

Amber: So, you're finally doing one of your... what do you call them, again? 'Conversations with Characters'?
Nicki T.: Yes.
Amber: So, what do you want us to talk about?
Nicki T.: Your life.
Amber: I'm a genetic mistake. They were trying to experiment with telepathy when the scientists created me. Unfortunately, they didn't quite get it right. So now, I get severe headaches, can't control what goes on in my head, and have people chasing me in an attempt to get rid of all proof of their experiments.
Nicki T.: And you, Eric? Blaze?
Eric: Spoilers.
Nicki T.: Since when do you watch Dr. Who?
Eric: I'm in your mind. That means I see whatever you do, or hear whatever you do.
Nicki T.: And you, Blaze?
Blaze: I'll go with Eric.
Nicki T. (sighs): Well, come on.
Amber: I still don't see why you need us. Your last characters were good enough, weren't they?
Nicki T. (sighs again): I made you telepathic, Amber.
Blaze: Just because she's telepathic doesn't  mean she likes dipping inside people's heads whenever she needs an answer.
Eric: I hack computers with my mind, but that doesn't mean I research things when I'm doing a test and I don't know the answers.
(Amber and Nicki T. high-five.)
Amber: Told you that would work!
Nicki T. (laughing): Thanks. Got you, Eric.
(Eric groans.)
Blaze: You won't get it out of me!
Nicki T.: Not this time, no. But I'll do it, Blaze. (Laughs.)
Blaze (looking nervous): Why did I ever think this would be fun? "It's great!" Sunny said. "You can make some friends with old characters!" Sunny said. Sunny... why did I ever listen to you?
Sunny (enters room): Because I didn't actually leave you a choice.
Blaze: Oh, uh, hi.
Sunny (laughing): Hello, everyone. Am I too late to join the party, Nicki?
Nicki T.: No. Come on in!

(I promise to formally introduce my characters at some point in the future, with pictures and everything! But I don't have one of Eric at the moment.)

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Nicki Talks About the Flavia de Luce Series

Okay, everyone. I haven't really talked about books in a while. So I'm going to talk about the Flavia de Luce series, by Alan Bradley. It's one of my favorite series. There are four books out, and there are going to be a total of ten in the series.

Book 1: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie




Eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce's sister's have locked her in a closet. Since Flavia doesn't won't take that lying down, the aspiring young chemist adds poison ivy to her sister's lipstick. But soon she has other things on her mind. A dead bird shows up on the front porch, a stamp on its beak. Then a late night visitor appears, and Flavia finds a dying man alone in the cucumber patch at Buckshaw, Flavia's home. He breathes his last words to her - "Vale." Flavia finds this all thrilling and determines to find what who killed him. Or who. And find out who left a dead bird on the porch. Soon, she finds herself in the middle of a mystery involving stamps, a magician, and the death of a local schoolteacher years before.





Book 2 : The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag





When a puppet show comes to her home, Bishop's Lacey, Flavia is excited, like any other eleven-year-old would be. When the puppeteer becomes the victim of electrocution, during the middle of a production of Jack and the Beanstalk, Flavia decides to solve the murder. Relying on her knowledge of chemistry and Gladys, her trusty bicycle, she starts to uncover the mystery. Between her sister's attempts to convince her she's adopted and Flavia's attempts to poison them, she uncovers secrets concerning the death of a little boy many years ago.

Book 3: A Red Herring without Mustard










When Flavia finds a gypsy woman nearly dead inside her caravan, she does what she thinks best. She gets help, then decides to solve the mystery for herself. Again. She discovers that a local family suspects the woman of kidnapping their baby son years ago. And a body is discovered at her home, murdered. Again.





Book 4: I Am Half-Sick of Shadows




It's Christmas, and Flavia is determined to catch Saint Nick to prove he's real. But that's not all. A film is being shot at Buckshaw! Flavia instantly becomes friends with the lead actress, Phyllis Whyvern. After putting on a charity show, the actress is found in by Flavia her room, strangled, a ribbon tied around her neck in an elaborate knot. And the whole of Flavia's hometown is at Buckshaw, wintering a storm. The aspiring chemist must find the culprit for the murder, but, when she does, will she escape?





My thoughts on these books.

I really enjoy them. Flavia is great. Her fastination with poison got me interested in it enough to do a little research. (Hence, the posts on poisonous plants on www.factsrme.blogspot.com, which is my other blog.) I would love to spend some time in her lab with her. There are some people, though, who don't like her. My mom and sister, for example. I really like Flavia. I don't actually like chemistry all that much, but she makes it sound so interesting.

Friday, March 30, 2012

I SAW THE HUNGER GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!


My thoughts?

I was wondering how they would handle all the violence in the book, but it was okay. I liked Haymitch better in the movie than in the book. I really liked the movie. Katniss's outfit from the opening ceremonies is sooooooo cool!!!!



And her interview dresses are so beautiful. I wish I could find a picture of her twirling in it... ah, well, just go watch the movie! I think my jaw actually dropped a few times when I saw her girl on fire outfits, particularly the one where she started twirling.




And her last interview dress is pretty... so fairytale... so innocent... just like Cinna wanted. Wish I could find a better picture. Again, watch the movie to see it!


However, as much I hate to say it, as I was so looking forward to this movie... I was a bit disappointed. Just a little. The book was better. I really enjoyed the movie and all, and I want to get the DVD when it comes out. But the book had certain advantages over the movie, because the book could tell us what she was thinking and little things like that. And being able to know what she was thinking definitely helps the book.

Who is my favorite character in the Hunger Games? Actually, I like Clove, the career tribute. I'm not exactly sure why.


The girl who played her, Isabella, Fuhrman, learned to throw knives. She says, "I will say I do know how to throw a knife properly now, which is kind of creepy and a skill I probably won't use, but it's just fun to say, you know? 'What'd you learn this summer?' 'Oh, I learned to throw knives.' Just casually." (Myself, I think it would be fun to learn knife throwing.)

I really liked the bit in the movie, after Katniss shoots an arrow at the Gamemaker's pig, where Haymitch comes in and gives her a thumbs up for it. I liked Haymitch more in the movie than in the books. I also liked the bit where, at the training center, Cato's knife goes missing and he throws a fit. Then we see little Rue in the ceiling, holding it and smiling.

And the bit where Katniss is up a tree and the careers are shooting arrows at her, and none of them quite know how to shoot a bow. They can fight with swords and throw knives, yet their trainers completely forgot to teach them to use a bow. Oops.

And now, quotes!

Katniss Everdeen: Don't cry. Don't.

Effie Trinket: Two hundred miles per hour and you can barely feel a thing. I think it's one of the wonderful things about this opportunity, that even though you're here and even though it's just for a little while, you get to enjoy all of this.

Peeta Mellark: Okay. So, uh....so when do we start?
Haymitch Abernathy:Woh. Woh. You're so eager. Most of you aren't in such a hurry.
Peeta Mellark: Yeah, I wanna know what the plan is. You're our mentor, you're supposed to...
Haymitch Abernathy: Mentor?
Peeta Mellark: Yeah. Our mentor, you're supposed to tell us how to get sponsors and give us advice.
Haymitch Abernathy: Oh. Okay. Um...embrace the probability of your imminent death. And know, in your heart, that there's nothing I can do to save you.

Haymitch Abernathy: No, that's a good way to get killed.
[Katniss comes up behind them]
Katniss Everdeen: What's a good way to get killed?
Haymitch Abernathy: Oh, joy! Why don't you join us? I was just giving some life saving advice.
Katniss Everdeen: Like what?
Peeta Mellark: Oh, I was just asking about how to find shelter.
Haymitch Abernathy: Which would come in handy if in fact you were still alive.

Cinna: That was one of the bravest things I've ever seen, for your sister. My name is Cinna.
Katniss Everdeen: Katniss.
Cinna: I'm sorry that this happened to you and I'm here to help you in any way that I can. Katniss Everdeen: Most people just congratulate me.

Caesar Flickerman: Now see that! I love that! Two young people, holding their hands up, saying; 'I'm proud I come from district 12. We will not be overlooked.' Now I love that!

Katniss Everdeen: Thank you for your consideration.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Guess who is absolutely ECSTATIC????

I am. Guess why.

Two reasons? Number one. (Drumroll please...)

THE HUNGER GAMES IS GOING TO COME OUT AT TWELVE O'CLOCK THIS MORNING!

Of course, I won't be there at midnight. I wish.

And guess what number two is?

I'VE FOUND MY PICTURE OF AMBER!



The best picture of her is during the interview, but you'll have to see it for yourselves in the movie!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

More Writing Quotes

Okay, after posting that quote this morning, I decided to find some more quotes about writing! (Your quote, by the way, gave me the idea, Sprinkles.) Hope these make someone either smile or learn something.

I try to leave out the parts that people skip. ~Elmore Leonard

If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison

So very true. That is, I believe, one of the reasons I write.

When once the itch of literature comes over a man, nothing can cure it but the scratching of a pen. But if you have not a pen, I suppose you must scratch any way you can. ~Samuel Lover, Handy Andy, 1842

A synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the other one. ~Baltasar Gracián

The best time for planning a book is while you're doing the dishes. ~Agatha Christie

An old racetrack joke reminds you that your program contains all the winners' names. I stare at my typewriter keys with the same thought. ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960



The land of literature is a fairy land to those who view it at a distance, but, like all other landscapes, the charm fades on a nearer approach, and the thorns and briars become visible.
~Washington Irving

The pen is mighter than the sword. But a well aimed typewriter can also do the trick. - I have no idea who said this, though thanks to Sprinkles for telling me about it!
Here's a random quote I couldn't resist sharing with everyone.

“Don’t just make ‘em swim a river! Throw a few crocodiles in there! Put rapids above and a thundering cataract below, enemies behind and danger on the other side…” (Anonymous)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day



Aren't these so cute?




I have a sudden urge to post pictures of creatures with hearts on them. No particular reason. I got these off of cuteoverload.com. Love that website.





Happy Valentine's Day!

Monday, January 9, 2012

At Last

It has come to my attention that I have been neglecting this blog. Since I don't want to do that, I figure I should probably post something. I haven't actually started this story yet, since my laptop was so good as to start smoking while I was using it. (That stuff has a rather unpleasant electrical smell.) And my dad's efforts at repairing it are to no avail. Computers... ARG! I mean, you all heard me talking about my dysfuctional laptop, but this is beyond what I expected.

Hi everyone! Tag time! Amber is my character for today.

1. If the character's house burned down, and they were left with nothing but the clothes on their back, what would they do and where would they go?

Amber would make sure none of her friends were in the house. Then she would go over all her options and choose which one she felt was best.

2. Are they happy with where they are in life, or do they want to go further?

Amber wants to advance further in life by leaving the Academy.

3. Are they well-paid?

She doesn't have a job. She's a student at the Academy. (What is that, you ask me? You'll just have to read the book.

4. Can they read?

Amber can read, but she prefers more athletic pursuits. She is only allowed approved books at the Academy, and the approved books generally aren't that good.

5. What languages do they speak?

Amber speaks English, Spanish and a smattering of a few other languages.

6. What is their biggest mistake?

Amber feels that her biggest mistake was to believe everything that she was told at the Academy.

7. What did they play with most as a child?

Amber was never really into dolls or stuffed animals. The students at the Academy's main source of play is practical jokes. Ambers enjoys them, but prefers sports.

8. What are her thoughts on politics?

She doesn't generally pay attention. She is only fourteen.

9. What is her expected lifetime?

She doesn't know how long she'll live, but she hopes it's for a while.

10. If they were falsely accused of murder, what would they do? How would they react?

Amber would be very angry.

Alright. Now for another character, since I've kept you waiting for a long time. This time, it'll be Eric.

1. If the character's house burned down, leaving them with only the clothes on their back, what would they do and where would they go?

If Eric's house burned down, he would probably stare at the ashes, trying to make sense of everything.

2. Are they happy with where they are in life, or would they like to go further?

Eric is happy where he is. He's never been ambitious.

3. Are they well-paid?

He's a student.

4. Can they read?

Eric LOVES to read. He likes classics when it comes to stories. He prefers non-fiction, however. He absolutely loves science, particularly biology and chemistry.

5. What languages do they speak?

He speaks English, French, Spanish, and a mixture of other languages.

6. What is their biggest mistake?

Eric thinks his biggest mistake ever was to let his sister leave the Academy without him.

7. What did they play with most as a child?

Eric was never into "playing" or toys. He preferred studying. Still does.

8. What are their thoughts on politics?

He doesn't care.

9. What is their expected life span?

He doesn't know. He's hoping about the average age for humans, although he rather doubts it, since he's with Amber.

10. If they were falsely accused of murder, what would they do? How would they react?

He would put together a solid case as to why he couldn't have possibly murdered the victim.

And now for Blaze!

1. If the character's house burned down, leaving them with only the clothes on their back, what would they do and where would they go?

Blaze would stare at the wreckage and probably try to put a positive spin on what had happened, something like "You know, now I have a better view" or "I never liked the layout of the place anyhow".

2. Are they happy with their life, or would they like to move on?

At the Academy, where Blaze is, he can't go much higher, so he's happy. If he were at a lower level there, however, he would do his best to get to the top.

3. Are they well-paid?

He's a student at the Academy. Doesn't have a job.

4. What languages do they speak?

Blaze speaks English, Spanish, Russian, and a bit of several other languages. (In case you're wondering why so many of my characters speak so many languages, it's because it's an important subject at the Academy, and because there's scientists from all over the world there who they pick up bits and pieces from.)

5. Do they read?

Blaze will only read if forced. He prefers to play video games or work out. He prefers subjects that require more hands-on work and less research. He doesn't like novels much.

6. What is their biggest mistake?

Blaze feels his biggest mistake was to value his image too much.

7. What did they play with most as a child?

Blaze likes sports, particularly football and soccer. He also likes board games, to a certain extent.

8. What are their thoughts on politics?

Blaze doesn't care about politics.

9. What is their expected life time?

He has no idea how long he's going to live. No one does, really.

10. If they were falsely accused of murder, what would they do? How would they react?

Blaze would be very annoyed.