I loved Xena. My favourite character though was Callisto, maybe because the first episode I ever saw was her introductory episode and the ladder fight. So here are 13 of my favourite Xena episodes.
1 - Callisto - First episode I ever saw, I think up ’til I saw it I was aware of the show but it wasn’t until I saw the ladder fight that I thought this might be a show worth getting into.
2 - Bitter Suite - the all singing episode, which starts with one of the most violent scenes of the series. The rift between Xena and Gabrielle is healed.
3 - Ides of March - My favourite part of the series were Seasons 4 and 5. Ides of March is the culmination of a story arc ending with the deaths of Xena and Gabrielle, beautifully shot and heartbreaking to watch.
4 - The Quill is Mightier - okay you’ve probably guessed that I prefer the more serious and dramatic episodes. So here’s one of my favourite comedy episodes. Gabrielle’s scroll becomes enchanted and anything she writes down comes true.
5 - Adventures in the Sin Trade Parts 1 and 2 - The first episodes of Season 4 and the beginning of my favourite story arc. The introduction of a new villainess - Alti and the discovery that Gabrielle isn’t as dead as was thought.
6 - Fallen Angel - First episode of Season 5. Xena, Gabrielle and Callisto as angels and demons.
7 - 10 Little Warlords - One of my favourite episodes, Xena in Callisto’s body must restore Ares to his godhood.
8 - Between the Lines - Second episode of the India trilogy and my favourite of the three. Xena and Gabrielle bring Alti back from the future to fight her where they are strongest - in the past. Very interesting to see Xena and Gabrielle’s future lives.
9 - Been There, Done That - the episode where Xena kills Joxer with her chakram, but it’s okay because time is going to be reset. Xena, Gabrielle and Joxer all die at least once.
10 - Remember Nothing - the episode where the Fates give Xena the opportunity to live her life over, a fresh start. We get to see what her life would be like if she hadn’t chosen to take up the sword. We also get to see what would have happened to Gabrielle. Very interesting to see how the lives of the characters would have been different.
11 - A Day in the Life - Very funny episode, which basically does what it says on the tin. Just follows a day in Xena’s life.
12 - The Quest / A Necessary Evil - Callisto becomes a God and falls into a lava pit. Guest actress Melinda Clarke chews the scenery as sadistic Velasca. Even though she only appeared in two episodes she was still one of the most memorable villains.
13 - When Fates Collide - IMO this should have been the last episode of the series. Julius Caesar rewrites time to avoid his fate and by doing so alters the destinies of those around him - Xena, Gabrielle and Alti. Shot in washed out tones and with an ambiguous ending, I always watch this after watching Friend in Need.
Thursday 29 January 2009
Tuesday 27 January 2009
WIP Update
The Bargain - Second Draft - currently working on Chapter 9
Word Count - 14,051
Chapter eight took quite a bit of work, added roughly 1000 words but deleted around 2000 words, added, deleted, added, deleted. Lol most of this trying to decide who should be in the shower.
Word Count - 14,051
Chapter eight took quite a bit of work, added roughly 1000 words but deleted around 2000 words, added, deleted, added, deleted. Lol most of this trying to decide who should be in the shower.
Thursday 22 January 2009
No Thursday 13 This Week...
Did I say last week I’d definitely do one?
Goes back to check…No…Phew!
I have an assignment due tomorrow so I am completing that tonight one way or the other - it’s on the inevitability of the tragedy in Romeo and Juliet.
And for next week I shall write my TT on Saturday so it’s ready to go.
As an aside, in a previous TT I think I wrote about the importance of keeping a notebook with you at all times to jot down ideas.
Note to self - take your own advice.
Luckily the brilliant end to the chapter that came to me just before I went to sleep last night, which vanished in the morning, came back to me in the shower half an hour later. And yep, I wrote it down.
Goes back to check…No…Phew!
I have an assignment due tomorrow so I am completing that tonight one way or the other - it’s on the inevitability of the tragedy in Romeo and Juliet.
And for next week I shall write my TT on Saturday so it’s ready to go.
As an aside, in a previous TT I think I wrote about the importance of keeping a notebook with you at all times to jot down ideas.
Note to self - take your own advice.
Luckily the brilliant end to the chapter that came to me just before I went to sleep last night, which vanished in the morning, came back to me in the shower half an hour later. And yep, I wrote it down.
Tuesday 20 January 2009
WIP Update
The Bargain - Second Draft currently up to Chapter 8.
Word count - 10,170 - actually a little higher than this at the moment, but I’m updating the count every 5000 words
Got the first love scene out of the way. I like the revamped version much better, still not completely happy with it, but I’m going to leave it as it is for the moment. I also have a feeling the second draft is going to go over the 50,000 word limit.
Word count - 10,170 - actually a little higher than this at the moment, but I’m updating the count every 5000 words
Got the first love scene out of the way. I like the revamped version much better, still not completely happy with it, but I’m going to leave it as it is for the moment. I also have a feeling the second draft is going to go over the 50,000 word limit.
Monday 19 January 2009
What I'm Reading
Still Pride and Prejudice at the moment and as I’m working hard on the WIP have only made it to page 32.
On the positive side have now clocked well over 10,000 words on The Bargain - more on that tomorrow.
So far in P&P - Mr.Bingley has moved into Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet would like Jane (one of her daughters) to get her hooks in him. There have been a couple of balls and Mr. Darcy has not endeared himself to the local population by apppearing to have a stick permanently lodged somewhere it shouldn’t be. Jane has visited Netherfield but got caught in the rain and became sick. Much to the delight of Mrs. Bennet this means she’s stuck at Netherfield. Elizabeth (Jane’s sister) has visited Netherfield to look after her sister where the Bingley females are polite to her face but rude behind her back, mainly it seems because she had the temerity to walk to Netherfield rather than take a coach.
Austen certainly manages to pack a lot in.
Posted in Reading | No Comments
On the positive side have now clocked well over 10,000 words on The Bargain - more on that tomorrow.
So far in P&P - Mr.Bingley has moved into Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet would like Jane (one of her daughters) to get her hooks in him. There have been a couple of balls and Mr. Darcy has not endeared himself to the local population by apppearing to have a stick permanently lodged somewhere it shouldn’t be. Jane has visited Netherfield but got caught in the rain and became sick. Much to the delight of Mrs. Bennet this means she’s stuck at Netherfield. Elizabeth (Jane’s sister) has visited Netherfield to look after her sister where the Bingley females are polite to her face but rude behind her back, mainly it seems because she had the temerity to walk to Netherfield rather than take a coach.
Austen certainly manages to pack a lot in.
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Sunday 18 January 2009
Poem for a Sunday
Currently watching Romeo and Juliet as I go through the second draft, so here’s the opening of Romeo and Juliet:-
Two households both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life…
Has to be one of the best beginnings ever.
Okay, back to work.
Two households both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life…
Has to be one of the best beginnings ever.
Okay, back to work.
Thursday 15 January 2009
No Thursday 13 Today...
…because I’ve got a new laptop and have had to spend the past two days* setting it up. And also renewing the anti-virus program on my PC. Deleting stuff I shouldn’t, panicking, then breathing a sigh of relief when I manage to get it back again with no serious losses.
Techno-savvy I am not.
But whilst I am feeling quite technicial lol, I’ve also added a books page for my books on my Wordpress blog, where hopefully you’ll be able to click on the cover and it will take you to Samhain.
*not two whole days, I’ve had to squeeze it in between going to work and other stuff, I’m not quite that bad.
Techno-savvy I am not.
But whilst I am feeling quite technicial lol, I’ve also added a books page for my books on my Wordpress blog, where hopefully you’ll be able to click on the cover and it will take you to Samhain.
*not two whole days, I’ve had to squeeze it in between going to work and other stuff, I’m not quite that bad.
Tuesday 13 January 2009
WIP Update
The Bargain - Second Draft currently up to Chapter 4.
Word count - 5034
Have written a short extra Chapter to add a little bit of a back story. It's possible this won't make it into the final draft and is more for me to use as an aid in getting the characters and their motivations fixed in my head. I expect to hear from the beta readers that I should probably delete it. :)
For my major characters especially, I always want to know exactly why they behave the way they do and I'll know far more about them than I'll probably ever use.
Word count - 5034
Have written a short extra Chapter to add a little bit of a back story. It's possible this won't make it into the final draft and is more for me to use as an aid in getting the characters and their motivations fixed in my head. I expect to hear from the beta readers that I should probably delete it. :)
For my major characters especially, I always want to know exactly why they behave the way they do and I'll know far more about them than I'll probably ever use.
Monday 12 January 2009
What I'm Reading
So I’ve made a start on Pride and Prejudice.
Currently at page 30 (remember I said I was a slow reader), and despite my misgivings before I started reading I’m quite enjoying it. It’s not heavy going which was a pleasant surprise and a lot of it is very witty and cleverly written. I’m particularly enjoying the conversations between Mr and Mrs Bennet which are laced with double meanings and little digs.
It’s interesting to note that there seems to be a lot of ‘telling’, quite frowned upon in modern writing where we are very much concerned with almost pulling the reader into the action and story of the book. Also the cast seems to increase every couple of pages, usually with a cast this large I’d expect there to be a list at the front of the book detailing how everyone relates to everyone else.
Even from the few pages I’ve read so far I can appreciate why for a lot of people this is their ultimate comfort read. I think I definitely lucked out on picking this one.
A couple of weekends ago there was a Pride & Prejudice (Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy) marathon on the television which I’ve recorded. I don’t want to watch it until after I’ve read the book, but it seemed too fortuitous not to take the opportunity. Maybe I will finally get to understand the attraction of a man going swimming with a shirt on. lol
Favourite line so far comes from Elizabeth to Mr. Darcy when he comments that he only knows six accomplished women and then proceeds to list the variety of skills and talents said accomplished woman should possess.
“I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.“
Currently at page 30 (remember I said I was a slow reader), and despite my misgivings before I started reading I’m quite enjoying it. It’s not heavy going which was a pleasant surprise and a lot of it is very witty and cleverly written. I’m particularly enjoying the conversations between Mr and Mrs Bennet which are laced with double meanings and little digs.
It’s interesting to note that there seems to be a lot of ‘telling’, quite frowned upon in modern writing where we are very much concerned with almost pulling the reader into the action and story of the book. Also the cast seems to increase every couple of pages, usually with a cast this large I’d expect there to be a list at the front of the book detailing how everyone relates to everyone else.
Even from the few pages I’ve read so far I can appreciate why for a lot of people this is their ultimate comfort read. I think I definitely lucked out on picking this one.
A couple of weekends ago there was a Pride & Prejudice (Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy) marathon on the television which I’ve recorded. I don’t want to watch it until after I’ve read the book, but it seemed too fortuitous not to take the opportunity. Maybe I will finally get to understand the attraction of a man going swimming with a shirt on. lol
Favourite line so far comes from Elizabeth to Mr. Darcy when he comments that he only knows six accomplished women and then proceeds to list the variety of skills and talents said accomplished woman should possess.
“I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.“
Sunday 11 January 2009
Poem for a Sunday
I've been watching repeats of Torchwood. :)
Because I could not stop for Death - Emily Dickinson
Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.
We slowly drove, he knew no haste,
And I had put away
My labour, and my leisure too,
For his civility.
We passed the school where children played,
Their lessons scarcely done;
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.
We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible,
The cornice but a mound.
Since then 'tis centuries; but each
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses' heads
Were toward eternity.
Because I could not stop for Death - Emily Dickinson
Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.
We slowly drove, he knew no haste,
And I had put away
My labour, and my leisure too,
For his civility.
We passed the school where children played,
Their lessons scarcely done;
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.
We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible,
The cornice but a mound.
Since then 'tis centuries; but each
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses' heads
Were toward eternity.
Thursday 8 January 2009
Thursday 13 #14 - Goals for 2009
So thanks again to Nicole at Book-Wyrm Knits, without whom I would often be stuck for Thursday 13 ideas. Except for the writing goals this is probably going to seem quite a light and fluffy list. But I feel in the need for light and fluffy at the moment.
Writing
1) Complete The Bargain - well on the way to accomplishing this one.
2) Complete Raven - Outline needs rewriting following feedback on the first draft. Will be starting this one once The Bargain is completed.
3) Complete at least one other project.
4) I almost hesitate to include this one. But THIS year I would like to get The Tithing revised. Maybe this could be my number 3.
5) Get my outlines and notes organized.
6) Win Nano this year
Reading
7) Read at least one book from the banned books lists, and if possible get my banned books total up to 13.
8. Read at least one ‘classic’. Well on my way to getting this one done already.
Misc.
9) As a birdwatcher I’d like to see one bird in the wild that I haven’t seen before.
10) Knit my next scarf. If I’m honest, knitting scarves is just about my skill level, and I have a great funky wool for the next one.
11) Start a quilt. I’ve wanted to try making an English pieced quilt for the past couple of years. Maybe 2009 is the year I’ll get it done.
12) See more films at the cinema because I never seem to get around to seeing them if I wait for the DVD.
13) Bake a cake. My culinary skills (like my knitting skills) are somewhat lacking. So I’d love to say I tried baking this year and what I produced was reasonably edible. Maybe, if not a cake then cupcakes or muffins.
I’ll try and remember to revisit this list at the end of the year and see how many of them I actually accomplished.
Tuesday 6 January 2009
WIP Update
The first rough draft of The Bargain is completed. Due to circumstances I've had very little online time, so a lot of it is written out longhand at the moment.
I'm now working on the second draft. You'll notice that the progress meter in the sidebar has changed. LOL - not sure if other writers go through such a long winded process as this, but so far this is the way that works for me. Some of the character motivations in the first part of the first draft need tweaking as they don't quite marry up with what happens in the second half of the book. I'm very pleased with the beginning and the end, but the middle needs quite a lot of work.
The Bargain - Second Draft - Up To Chapter 1
When I have a completed second draft I'll submit that to my crit group and if I'm very happy with it, possibly a beta reader and see what they have to say. At that time I'll start working on redrafting Raven.
More updates next week.
I'm now working on the second draft. You'll notice that the progress meter in the sidebar has changed. LOL - not sure if other writers go through such a long winded process as this, but so far this is the way that works for me. Some of the character motivations in the first part of the first draft need tweaking as they don't quite marry up with what happens in the second half of the book. I'm very pleased with the beginning and the end, but the middle needs quite a lot of work.
The Bargain - Second Draft - Up To Chapter 1
When I have a completed second draft I'll submit that to my crit group and if I'm very happy with it, possibly a beta reader and see what they have to say. At that time I'll start working on redrafting Raven.
More updates next week.
Monday 5 January 2009
What I'm Reading
Lol - it's reading Monday.
My reading aims for 2009 are to focus on three categories - bear in mind that it takes me quite a while to read anything - the classics, banned books and I'll probably sneak a little m/m in there. :)
Why these three? Well in 2008 during banned books week I realized I'd actually read very few of the banned books listed and wanted to rectify that. Hopefully by banned books week this year I'll be able to make it to 13 books read.
Also apart from the books I HAD to read at school I've read very few of what would be considered classic stories so I'm going to try and get in at least a couple of those and hope they aren't too heavy going.
And I couldn't possibly get through the year without reading and recommending some m/m.
So I'm starting out with a classic - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This is one of those books that has been made into television series and movies several times over. I admit I have watched none of them and have never read the book. So this should be interesting. I'll update you all next week with my progress (or lack of).
My reading aims for 2009 are to focus on three categories - bear in mind that it takes me quite a while to read anything - the classics, banned books and I'll probably sneak a little m/m in there. :)
Why these three? Well in 2008 during banned books week I realized I'd actually read very few of the banned books listed and wanted to rectify that. Hopefully by banned books week this year I'll be able to make it to 13 books read.
Also apart from the books I HAD to read at school I've read very few of what would be considered classic stories so I'm going to try and get in at least a couple of those and hope they aren't too heavy going.
And I couldn't possibly get through the year without reading and recommending some m/m.
So I'm starting out with a classic - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This is one of those books that has been made into television series and movies several times over. I admit I have watched none of them and have never read the book. So this should be interesting. I'll update you all next week with my progress (or lack of).
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