Thursday, October 30, 2008

Ghoulish Guilt.

I'm such a cheesy bastard.

New chapter is up.  Posting early due to guilt.  I feel like I keep bringing up the possibility of more than one update a week, but never deliver.  I don't like teasing, so I posted up what I had.  Put simply, that's about as good as it gets unless someone tells me different.

Some of you curious birdies, I'm sure, have seen that a few folks have been kind enough to leave me some good critiques on the site.  I took those suggestions and used them to help make the previous chapters better.  If anybody likes Eikasia, but feels the need to bring something up, I'll definitely hear you out.  This work is just one big exercise in writing.  I don't look at it as a "once posted it's a done deal" kind of thing.  I'll go back and edit as I see fit.

I'm also posting early as tomorrow I'll be gone all day for a trip with my friends.

♫♫ Happy Halloween!  ♫♫

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Contemplations.

The next installment is proving to be quite long. 'Aftermath' portions are always a little easier to write. I'm wondering if I should just split the thing into two smaller updates. One for tonight or tomorrow, and one for late Thursday or early Friday? I like to stick to my schedule--it gives a good sense of rhythm--but I also hate to sit on so much when it's practically done.

I guess I'll keep thinking about it...

Here's another little concept sketch of Nyx. She's a thousand times easier to draw than Elmiryn. I CAN do something more ambitious than these, I just haven't find one drawing worth the effort of coloring yet. Cleaning up scans can be annoying. I should really use my tablet more, I think it is collecting dust....

Friday, October 24, 2008

Stupid Sassafrackin...@#!?&

Chapter 3.2 is up.    

Tried adding "back" links on each chapter page.  Blogger's editor is driving me insane.  If it looks a little wacky, I blame this flaming site, but at least the damn things work. 

...Why am I awake at 6 in the morning?

SHOOT ME.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

"It seemed that way..."

"What seemed to be the truth to me, was just a lie to you.

I can't concieve the way you think, the way you are, and more."



I finished writing the next installment. It was a little weird for me.  I'd try and explain why but that would ruin things in more ways than one.

I'll edit it later. Here's a preview for you guys.  Remember, this may be subject to change:

The next few moments Elmiryn found hard to tell anyone in any certain terms. Fighting, at its most heatest, was always a visceral activity. The pull and shock of limbs, the guttural cries, the smell of sweat and dirt mingled...In truth, much of the details of the fight had to be procured from Nyx later, who recounted it with ashen expression and a voice so meek that it felt entirely appropriate to call her a kitten. When asked why it was she could not recall the exact details of the event, Elmiryn explained in irenic tones that the images of the battle had all ready faded and the only thing left was an aftertaste of emotions and sensations that tingled her body.

She could recall, for instance, the instantaneous pull of her stomach at the sound of Nyx's inhuman screech. She remembered the risk she took, turning her back on the two armed boys behind her and flinging the steel bolt at the father like it were a throwing knife. 
Pain--which shot down her arm from the deep cut she had recieved. She remembered the crunch of dirt tickling her ears as one of the brothers behind her started forward, a growl rumbling in his throat. When she saw Nyx escape, Elmiryn felt a brief moment of relief warming her otherwise cold skin before she reminded herself that her companion was still in danger. The warrior then, adrenaline pumping hot through her veins and a vicious grin spreading across her long lips, drew her knife, ducked low, then launched herself backward into the charging boy, stabbing back with both hands.

And I found this picture on Deviantart.  I sort of freaked out, because the person looks so much like how I imagined Nyx IRL.  Hair color is brown, and their nose is a bit different, but for the most part...oh yeah.  It's Nyx.

Going to go play more Shadowrun.  And then maybe read more ToMU (so sad that I was distracted most of the time by someone ELSE'S web serial.)  Then I'll clean my house.  Watch another bad horror movie....blah blah blah

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Link to Me!


 


It's nice helping other people out!

Save it to your computers please.  Sorry I didn't add dimensions.

If you feel like it, I'd love donated banners or buttons.

I'll do a link/banner exchange with you, but you need to tell me so I can add you.

REMEMBER:  Link to http://illisemontoya.blogspot.com/   not this site!

Thanks much!!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

When you stare into the abyss...




Mayday (feat. The Duke Spirit) - UNKLE

Did a new sketch for Elmiryn. She's looking a little short, her face is a bit too broad, and to be honest her boobs aren't as (ahem) generous as I envisioned them, but so far this seems to be the best sketch I've done of her. And this time, I did a bustier instead of a silly corset. I SUCK AT MEDIEVAL FASHION. Sue me.



Went to some haunted corn maze on Friday. This year the production at Scream Works was the best I've seen, even though there were a lot of squeaky voiced kids volunteering. Despite my feigned bravery, I managed to squeal and scream more than once. One of my friends managed to push me into one of the actors. Fortunately the guy knew it wasn't my fault so they didn't put a halt to things to report my ass. I socked my friend in the arm. Numerous times. After that we went to his house and I spent the night. Stayed up til 5 AM watching cheesy Italian horror movies. Zombi 2 (which I DID spell right) and Suspiria. We also saw this really ridiculous film called Hatchet. After that, I think we watched the first episode of True Blood, which makes me wish I had HBO so I could continue watching it.



I'm still on a quest to find a DVD copy of Hardware. I hear it is insane. The story (and I guess the acting) is apparently lacking but the cinematography, ideas, and overall atmosphere have kinda made it a cult favorite. Silent Hill was one of those movies that, despite a stupid story, still managed to actually scare and disturb me. They did a super job on the monsters. I had nightmares after I watched it last Wednesday.

I'm getting into all these creepy things because, well heck, it's October. I've been listening to bands like Slipknot, Disturbed, System of a Down, Bauhas, Horror Pops, Sisters of mercy, Koffin Kats, and Siouxsie and the Banshees like nobody's business. I'm in the mood for scary things and dystopian settings. I've downloaded a ROM of Shadowrun and have been considering running a game of Werewolf the Forsaken with my friends.

So if you see my writing at some point in time take on a dark or sinister tone, then you know why. @_@

Friday, October 17, 2008

Some more artwork and an update.

There are times when I feel I shouldn't try writing at all.

But then I reminded myself that I couldn't expect to get better if I quit, so that's when I posted.

Nyah...

Here's another drawing I did.  Originally it was to be added to the new chapter, but I decided it wasn't good enough--furthermore, it was supposed to accompany a scene but I ended up not writing that part yet:

I might've messed up the shading on Elmiryn...

Well, now I'm off to go watch horror movies of which will no doubt give me nightmares.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

I swear, I'm getting there...


I haven't worked much today on the new chapter, but I'm going to try and finish it tonight (if not then tomorrow morning.) I was feeling a little ill and depressed, so about all I managed today was to watch a bunch of stuff on my Netflix list and do some chores around the house here and there. I didn't have dance practice like I thought, so I took the time to do some quick drawings.



Here's one I did of Elmiryn with her hair down.


I did another drawing of her with her armor, but instead of drawing a bustier, I did a corset. Doh. I also couldn't figure out a reasonable way to draw the straps that keep her shoulder guards on. Debating on whether to post the image with the chapter or here. A silly thing to fuss about, maybe, but I want to keep the art featured in chapters to a certain standard.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The things that keep me up at night...

I did indeed start writing the next installment. Here's a quick preview of it. Remember, it may be liable to some changes later:

"Nyx." She shook the girl's shoulder lightly. "Nyx. Wake up."

A groan. Nyx shifted so that her face turned into the pillow, away from Elmiryn. "Mmmrph."

Elmiryn rolled her eyes to the ceiling. "How is it that I'm awake before you are?"

"You're right." Nyx mumbled, turning her head enough to offer a sleepy glare. "You should correct this grievous mistake and get back into bed. You ought to be hung over worse than a opossum."

"What does a opossum have to do with it?"

"Go back to sleep and I'll tell you."

"You can't tell me if I go back to sleep."

"That's the idea."

Elmiryn's shoulders shook with laughter as she tried to keep quiet. The battling suns had barely colored the sky with their blood. The streets were still delicate in quiet. There was not a person stirring in the inn. Elmiryn shook Nyx's shoulder again. "Hey, c'mon. Get up. Seriously. I'm not beyond dragging you out of here."

Nyx whined and hid her head under the blanket. "You always come with the same threat."

"I didn't know I was being judged on creativity."


I might've even finished the chapter last night if I hadn't gotten distracted doing this video:




I've become some sort of Xena Warrior Princess geek. When the hell did THAT happen?

Oh, and just to let you all know, I also did some editing to recent chapters. Again, like the first chapter, I was just trying to make it more streamlined. Less "telling" more "showing"...yadda, yadda, yadda. Before anyone points it out, I'd just like to say that I realize there's been a mistake in the recent chapter. I think I mentioned Nyx and Elmiryn's room only having one bed, but when they finally go there I suddenly say there are two. I'll be correcting this, don't worry.

Monday, October 13, 2008

First chapter edits and Inspiring tunes

Did some edits to the first chapter (hey--it IS the most important chapter) and I think I managed to clear up a lot of the muck. It probably still isn't perfect, but IMO it is more streamlined. I haven't started on the new chapter yet, but as always it is bounding about in my head quite eagerly!

Continued work for the project with my friend. Might post some previews of some of the work I did.

Bought a "Best Of" Siouxsie and the Banshees CD. I usually detest those sorts of things, but this band has become a rare delicacy in my area so I said, "What the hell." This song 'Peek-A-Boo' is curious but catchy. I'll be playing this over and over whilst writing the next chapter:

Peek-A-Boo - Siouxsie And The Banshees

Along with Puddle of Mudd's 'Psycho'. I don't normally listen to them, they are a little too common for me, but this one track was really infectious too. Something about it always makes me think of Elmiryn.

Psycho - Puddle Of Mudd

Friday, October 10, 2008

New chapter and some changes...

Posted the new installment a little early. I didn't feel like staying up till midnight, and at the same time didn't feel like posting it later in the morning on update day. I'm impatient!

Added a link to the first chapter at the top of the page, as well as made it so that only one post can be seen at a time. Hopefully that will make it easier for first time readers.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Swimming With Information

Started working on the new chapter. Sometimes I wish I had someone to critique my work and tell me if my characterizations and narrative choices make any flaming sense. Ah well...who isn't insecure about their work? It seems I'll have a disclaimer filled with excuses for just about every update I ever do, so I guess I'm doomed.

Here's a quick preview of the upcoming installment. Might be different when posted:

When she came outside of the inn, the air was cool and the sky had shifted to a glorious velvet. The merchants were long since packed and gone, only a small crowd of folk wandering here to there taking care of things before they were expected to retreat for the night. The warrior spotted Nyx across from the way, sitting on a basket with her head bowed down and something in her hands. She cantered towards her.


“Hullo there, my kitten in cutie's clothing. What is that you've got there?” Elmiryn chirped. She bent over and tilted her head to one side, her body swaying. “Is it because of what you are that you can read out here with so little light?” the woman asked.


Nyx sighed and stopped reading, her tawny eyes rolling up to glower at her companion.


Elmiryn pouted. “You're still mad at me.” she grumbled asininely.


“That's very astute of you, considering you're head's drowned in ale.” Nyx looked back at her book. “Step back, please. I've got a sensitive nose and you're making my eyes water.”


Elmiryn knelt down with a flop before the girl and blew wisps of hair away from her forehead. “My head isn't swimming just with ale, you know,” she said matter-of-factly. “It's also swimming with information.”


“Lovely. I can just imagine what that would look like.”

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Possible Project and the End to the Busiest Damn Weekend Since Highschool Graduation

How's that for a title?

No, no ladies n' germs, I haven't forgotten the story. I just haven't had a proper chance to work on it. The written pages still aren't typed up, but more ideas keep popping into my head--unrealized sentences, touching images, and humurous jokes galore. If not tonight, then tomorrow I'll try and work on the next installment.

Working up plans for a possible project, yes in relation to my story, that will hopefully serve as a treat for you all as much as it would for me. I'm not going to say much more than that in case this falls through. The friend I'm working with is a very talented guy, and I think you folks should check out some of his other work: http://sakket.deviantart.com/ I'm totally psyched! ^_^

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Fishy Injuries and Dubious Doodles


Just thought I'd showcase my newly gained injury--the cut was barely over a centimeter long, but the blade from the box-cutter I'd been handling cut in deep. I can't remember the last time I bled that much. How did the injury come about? I was selling fish for this roadshow that happens only once a month at the local commissary and was opening a box of snow crab when the box-cutter decided to bite me. It's all ready weird typing. It'll be a pain in the ass typing up the next chapter with this silly band aid. I can't bend my last knuckle.

Before that unfortunate incident, I did a drawing of Elmiryn in a sketchbook I had with me. I lose points for doing it on lined paper, but can't I gain points for doing a decent sketch? Along with this I've managed a few written pages for Chapter 2.4 which is shaping quite nicely, IMO. If all goes well, this coming week may see more than just one update!

Going to see How to Lose Friends & Alienate People today. I hope it isn't a disappointment like Burn After Reading...

Friday, October 3, 2008

New installment posted.

I'll slap general disclaimers on this one: I'm hungry, I'm PMSing, I've been busy, my muse is threatening to divorce me, I've got small breasts...blah blah blah. The end of the post I especially want to slap all over with disclaimers as I was half asleep when writing it. I'm half asleep now as a matter of fact.

The sketch of Nyx is just a concept thing, so if you want to imagine her as an old crone with one eye, be my guest. The drawing was really just a sad attempt on my part to get in touch with the character and maybe give my site a little more aesthetic...stuff.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

'Eikasia' definition and Chapter 2.3 preview

On the main site, some of you may have clicked on the 'What is eikasia' link at the top menu. This led to a poor definition of it in wikipedia, an unreliable source, but it was the only place that seemed to even come close to explaining it in simple terms. There are other sites and books out there that explain in greater detail the entire concept in very long texts that are ripe with academic jargon...but I find that to be irritating bullshit that prevents many from understanding what is otherwise very common in life around us. It was by chance that I found this website that not only breaks down 'eikasia', but the other types of human knowledge that Plato discussed as well. The best part I enjoyed about this article was how it used America's actions after 9/11 to illustrate the definitions. Regardless of the article's purpose, it manages to explain eikasia in a very concise and easy to understand way. That is why I chose to replace it with the wikipedia article.

I offer the definition of eikasia not because I don't think I can explain it well in the story--if I couldn't do that much, then I shouldn't even bother with the idea. I offer the definition because not everyone has taken a philosophy class and not everyone is familiar with Plato. I myself came across some of his ideas just by chance, really, so I'm no scholar. But by giving some the chance to understand the root of some of my thinking, I think they'll be better able to appreciate what I'll do with the story. That's the only reason I'm doing this.

Now if you're curious about the story's next installment, it's about eight pages long but still not finished. I've got a concept sketch of Nyx to add to it--I did one of Elmiryn too, but to put it plainly, it stinks on ice. This isn't much either but here's a quick graphic I did for fun while making new banners to advertise with. Guess who this is? ^_^



Here's a half-page preview of the next installment. Remember, since I'm posting this two days before the actual update, it is subject to change:

“What are your plans in Dame?” I asked Elmiryn as I pulled absently at the straps of my bag.


She glanced at me and smirked. “To ask some questions. Get information about the territory and what is going on here. I heard elsewhere that Meznik's trail led this way. I'm certain he's all ready done something to cause trouble. That's what I'm expecting to learn about.”


“Will it take us closer to him?”


“Hopefully. I'm working against him, so anything of his I can undo is something in my favor, but what I'm really seeking is a way to get to Meznik himself. He's an astral demon and exists on a different level than you or I. That means that taking a sword to him is about as effective as trying to cut shadows.”


I swiped absently at a daisy on the ground. “What sort of things did you do before you met me? What made Meznik curse you?”


“Oh...those are long stories. Complicated too. I get impatient telling them.”


“Can you tell me one thing, at least? If my job is to help you remember who you are and what you stand for, then maybe I should get an idea of the woman you were before Meznik?”



Elmiryn smiled, but the curl of her lip seemed a hair's breath away from a snarl. “I was a fool.” she said, and the conversation ended there.