Another alternative to having a pair of crime solvers would be to use my other character Adelaide (Addie) Jones. I don't know much about her yet, but I think she is a lot more like me.
Any thoughts?
Thursday, 17 May 2007
Monday, 14 May 2007
Question for everyone...
Which pair of characters would you most like to see in a crime story?
Female: average height; quite thin; long, wavy, red hair; reasonably good looking; would prefer a book to a gym; is the middle one of three sisters.
Male: Tall; regged looking; short, scruffy, blond hair; blue eyes; commonly found in flannel shirt, jeans and hiking boots; wears glasses and has an accent.
‘or’
Female: Plain to look at; brown, shoulder length hair; brown eyes; tall but thin; has a daughter; wears reading glasses; runs in the mornings; lives in a house overlooking a beach.
Male: Dark! Of Gypsy herratige; Olive skin; dark brown eyes; dark hair worn in a braid; has history with said female.
Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Female: average height; quite thin; long, wavy, red hair; reasonably good looking; would prefer a book to a gym; is the middle one of three sisters.
Male: Tall; regged looking; short, scruffy, blond hair; blue eyes; commonly found in flannel shirt, jeans and hiking boots; wears glasses and has an accent.
‘or’
Female: Plain to look at; brown, shoulder length hair; brown eyes; tall but thin; has a daughter; wears reading glasses; runs in the mornings; lives in a house overlooking a beach.
Male: Dark! Of Gypsy herratige; Olive skin; dark brown eyes; dark hair worn in a braid; has history with said female.
Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Crime Writing - Week 1
On Saturday I started a short course on Writing Crime Fiction and I promised my friends I would write my notes here so they can also have access to them.
Our teacher, who is a published crime writer, started by breaking down the areas that come under the umbrella term CRIME. They are as follows:
Mystery:
80,000 ish words
Police Procedural – any location, must have police officer/detective as main character.
PI – Private investigator (usually ex-cop or military police) – can’t investigate a current open case. Can go places that police can’t.
Amateur – Professional (Harry Dresden) or John/Jane Citizen (Miss Marple)
Our teacher, who is a published crime writer, started by breaking down the areas that come under the umbrella term CRIME. They are as follows:
Mystery:
80,000 ish words
Police Procedural – any location, must have police officer/detective as main character.
PI – Private investigator (usually ex-cop or military police) – can’t investigate a current open case. Can go places that police can’t.
Amateur – Professional (Harry Dresden) or John/Jane Citizen (Miss Marple)
Cozy/malice domestic – always has closed list of suspects and NO blood splatter type crimes. Always puzzle driven.
Capers/Heists/Kidnappings – bad guy perspective, possible comic or comic look at today’s society.
Suspense:
100,000 + words
Thriller
Legal
Medical
Political
Technological
Military
Spy
Suspense
Psychological
Romantic suspense
Female in Jeopardy
Action/Adventure – quest based, search for treasure
3 components to a crime story:
- The crime itself (always at the very heart of the story)
- The character/sleuth
- The Setting (can be an invented place)
Always start with a crime scene.
Victim
Place
Time
Weapon
Clues/Red Herrings
Set up a table of suspects. Suspects across the top and the following list down the side:
Relationship to victim
Alibi
Motive
Opportunity
Other Details
Whatever you do, don’t forget the victim.
Ask yourself what happened to make them the victim?
What could be left at the crime scene, be it deliberate or just overlooked by the criminal?
Till next week.
Medieval Fair 2007 - The Day
6th May 2007
Well the day started bright and early (7:30am) and the weather was showing some promising signs. Mum had been up slightly earlier than the rest of us finishing off the hem on my new surcote.
After getting ready (that’s 3 layers of clothing, doing something with my hair and finding my shoes), we headed off to pick up one of my best friends – Margaret – who was to be traveling with us to the event. Some may think us completely bonkers, but for the last couple of Medieval Fairs the two of us have made the effort to go in costume.
An hour and a bit later we arrived at Gumeracha (the town hosting this years event). Street parking was at a premium as the local footy club had pulled their support (use of the oval for parking) at the last minute. Something about not having their new roadway completed in time.
There was a definite market/fair like atmosphere that I don’t think I have felt at previous events. Must be something to do with the location.
I also successfully managed to avoid getting a rose (although they seemed to be going for the kids this year which is a really good thing). Thank Wassname!
Another friend, Nadia, managed to join us as we were having lunch, so the three of us headed for the market stalls and to watch the knights AGAIN!
On the whole a fun day was had by all. I managed to purchase a book on patterns for my Marudai. Its one that had been suggested to be by Margaret’s mum and cost me more than what it probably should have. It means that I can now attempt more patterns than the spiral one I have managed so far.
Till next time.
Guardian
Well the day started bright and early (7:30am) and the weather was showing some promising signs. Mum had been up slightly earlier than the rest of us finishing off the hem on my new surcote.
After getting ready (that’s 3 layers of clothing, doing something with my hair and finding my shoes), we headed off to pick up one of my best friends – Margaret – who was to be traveling with us to the event. Some may think us completely bonkers, but for the last couple of Medieval Fairs the two of us have made the effort to go in costume.
An hour and a bit later we arrived at Gumeracha (the town hosting this years event). Street parking was at a premium as the local footy club had pulled their support (use of the oval for parking) at the last minute. Something about not having their new roadway completed in time.
There was a definite market/fair like atmosphere that I don’t think I have felt at previous events. Must be something to do with the location.
I also successfully managed to avoid getting a rose (although they seemed to be going for the kids this year which is a really good thing). Thank Wassname!
Another friend, Nadia, managed to join us as we were having lunch, so the three of us headed for the market stalls and to watch the knights AGAIN!
On the whole a fun day was had by all. I managed to purchase a book on patterns for my Marudai. Its one that had been suggested to be by Margaret’s mum and cost me more than what it probably should have. It means that I can now attempt more patterns than the spiral one I have managed so far.
Till next time.
Guardian
Monday, 19 March 2007
Wedding project
No, Im not getting married!
As I said in my 'Bead Multitasking' post I have been working on something to wear to my cousins wedding at Easter.
I now have two possibilities in non-tarnish silver with green embelishments and am planning a third item that will possibly be non-tarnish brass with green/burgandy embelishments.
I wore the top I had bought for the occasion to a 21st party the other night and am not sure if Im happy wearing it to an event involving the whole family. Or I could always go the other extream and vamp it up a bit (just to annoy them). Its very earthy/elf like anyway, so I could easily do a collar type necklace to wear with it. Im also still trying to decide if I should wear it with jeans or a similar coloured skirt. The other problem with the top is that I can't really wear a jacket over it (due to the floaty wing-like sleaves) which I probably should do in Mt Gambier (one of the coldest places in South Australia).
I think Im going to need to go shopping on the wekend!
I did start to work on a brass and white pearl rosarie for one of my brother's girls last night, but I think I shall have to store that until after Easter.
I probably should go back to work now.
Until next time.
As I said in my 'Bead Multitasking' post I have been working on something to wear to my cousins wedding at Easter.
I now have two possibilities in non-tarnish silver with green embelishments and am planning a third item that will possibly be non-tarnish brass with green/burgandy embelishments.
I wore the top I had bought for the occasion to a 21st party the other night and am not sure if Im happy wearing it to an event involving the whole family. Or I could always go the other extream and vamp it up a bit (just to annoy them). Its very earthy/elf like anyway, so I could easily do a collar type necklace to wear with it. Im also still trying to decide if I should wear it with jeans or a similar coloured skirt. The other problem with the top is that I can't really wear a jacket over it (due to the floaty wing-like sleaves) which I probably should do in Mt Gambier (one of the coldest places in South Australia).
I think Im going to need to go shopping on the wekend!
I did start to work on a brass and white pearl rosarie for one of my brother's girls last night, but I think I shall have to store that until after Easter.
I probably should go back to work now.
Until next time.
Thursday, 15 March 2007
Worldbuilding
Of late I have been playing around with a spot of world building (or island building to be more precise).
As yet I havn't named the island itself but I have been working on some of the cities/towns etc found on it. What I have done so far is as follows:
Merlnec-Arden
Twin city located near the entrance to the River Merlnec at the top of the Inner Harbour.
Arden is the smaller of the two cities and sits on the higher side of the river. It is where the wealthier members of the population live and also contains the council hall.
Merlnec has a much higher concentration of people (mainly working class) but is much poorer. There is a large library here that is open to all (except books can't be borrowed). There is also a warf stretching into the Inner Harbour and many of the Crafts practiced on the island have CraftHalls here.
Emmerdale
Small village located at a bend in Chandley Creek.
The people here are noted for their superior hunting and archery skills.
While the main common buildings, such as craft and meeting halls, are at ground level these people are skilled at building their houses higher up in the trees.
Belfus Creek
Town located at the widest inland point of Belfus Creek. The area here and on the opposite bank of the creek are suitable for growing grapes for winemaking. The people here have darker skin tone due to prolonged exposure to the outdoors.
Gilead
Busteling city on the far side of the island. Located in a valley with a river running down its middle this city is noted for its use of terraces for housing and farming. The people here employ blimp like airships as a means of moving from one area of the valley to another. These have not proved useable outside the valley.
Pala
Small town located on an island at the entrance to the Inner Harbour. Originally set up as a fortified outpost it is now home to a temple and place of study. Students who study here are given a token key to wear which enables them free passage throughout the island and ensures them food and a place to sleep without question (during the years they are studying under the masters at Pala).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Info:
There are two calenders in use. The generally accepted one which is much like that which we use, and the harvest one which has 3 periods (sewing, growing and reaping).
The most striking feature of this island is the vast mountain range which runs along its centre. It is heavily forested in most areas but some sections have been terraced or cleared to make roads.
No person may carry a weapon here.
The island is governed by a matriarch (known as Kelda), her consort and a council of delagetes from each of the settlements.
The role of Kelda is usually passed from mother to daughter until there are no more suitable daughters in a family line. The council then seeks a suitable candidate from other families.
There is a fast for 3 days starting at midnight on the day the last of the harvest is brought in. This is followed by a 3 day celebration to give thanks for the harvest.
There is an Ox like animal used in the fields and for cartage between the various places on the island. There are also many varieties of bird and aquatic life.
Serious crimes include:
- Acts resulting in death or perminant disablement of another member of society.
- Damage to the general food stores of the land on which they are grown.
- Deliberate damage to wares or tooles produced or used by a member of one of the specialised crafts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am also toying with the idea that the island is housed entirely within a glass ball on a specially built stand on the mantle of some run down house in the suburbs (a sort of snowglobe) . The people on the island can't see out but we can see in.
Please if you have any suggestions for a name for this island do drop me an email. I was at first considering calling it Haven or Lyonesse but decided these had been overused.
Also if you have any other suggestions or find any fault with my island so far please let me know.
As yet I havn't named the island itself but I have been working on some of the cities/towns etc found on it. What I have done so far is as follows:
Merlnec-Arden
Twin city located near the entrance to the River Merlnec at the top of the Inner Harbour.
Arden is the smaller of the two cities and sits on the higher side of the river. It is where the wealthier members of the population live and also contains the council hall.
Merlnec has a much higher concentration of people (mainly working class) but is much poorer. There is a large library here that is open to all (except books can't be borrowed). There is also a warf stretching into the Inner Harbour and many of the Crafts practiced on the island have CraftHalls here.
Emmerdale
Small village located at a bend in Chandley Creek.
The people here are noted for their superior hunting and archery skills.
While the main common buildings, such as craft and meeting halls, are at ground level these people are skilled at building their houses higher up in the trees.
Belfus Creek
Town located at the widest inland point of Belfus Creek. The area here and on the opposite bank of the creek are suitable for growing grapes for winemaking. The people here have darker skin tone due to prolonged exposure to the outdoors.
Gilead
Busteling city on the far side of the island. Located in a valley with a river running down its middle this city is noted for its use of terraces for housing and farming. The people here employ blimp like airships as a means of moving from one area of the valley to another. These have not proved useable outside the valley.
Pala
Small town located on an island at the entrance to the Inner Harbour. Originally set up as a fortified outpost it is now home to a temple and place of study. Students who study here are given a token key to wear which enables them free passage throughout the island and ensures them food and a place to sleep without question (during the years they are studying under the masters at Pala).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Info:
There are two calenders in use. The generally accepted one which is much like that which we use, and the harvest one which has 3 periods (sewing, growing and reaping).
The most striking feature of this island is the vast mountain range which runs along its centre. It is heavily forested in most areas but some sections have been terraced or cleared to make roads.
No person may carry a weapon here.
The island is governed by a matriarch (known as Kelda), her consort and a council of delagetes from each of the settlements.
The role of Kelda is usually passed from mother to daughter until there are no more suitable daughters in a family line. The council then seeks a suitable candidate from other families.
There is a fast for 3 days starting at midnight on the day the last of the harvest is brought in. This is followed by a 3 day celebration to give thanks for the harvest.
There is an Ox like animal used in the fields and for cartage between the various places on the island. There are also many varieties of bird and aquatic life.
Serious crimes include:
- Acts resulting in death or perminant disablement of another member of society.
- Damage to the general food stores of the land on which they are grown.
- Deliberate damage to wares or tooles produced or used by a member of one of the specialised crafts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am also toying with the idea that the island is housed entirely within a glass ball on a specially built stand on the mantle of some run down house in the suburbs (a sort of snowglobe) . The people on the island can't see out but we can see in.
Please if you have any suggestions for a name for this island do drop me an email. I was at first considering calling it Haven or Lyonesse but decided these had been overused.
Also if you have any other suggestions or find any fault with my island so far please let me know.
Friday, 9 March 2007
I think Im slowly going nuts!!!!
Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. - Philip K. Dick
Even though im not really a fan of Philip K Dick I felt this quote was rather appropriate for the kind of day im having.
Im trying to get to the bottom of my pile of a hundred odd bank statements so that each and every one of them balance. At least I haven't had a great deal else that had to be done today.
Also today, ive got some things in my folder her at work that I need to transfer to my USB today. I couldn't at lunch because my boss didn't go out anyware. I have sent copies of all the relevant files to one of my other email addresses just in case I can't plug my USB in. I might print a couple of bits off to use tonight.
I really need to sleep in tomorrow morning.
After that I need to get some things ready to email (eg footy tipping sheets to Jannie, Graham and Auntie Val).
Probably should get back to work now.
May the grass be always greener
and the sky a sparkling blue.
May your friends be always at your side
and their love for you be true.
Even though im not really a fan of Philip K Dick I felt this quote was rather appropriate for the kind of day im having.
Im trying to get to the bottom of my pile of a hundred odd bank statements so that each and every one of them balance. At least I haven't had a great deal else that had to be done today.
Also today, ive got some things in my folder her at work that I need to transfer to my USB today. I couldn't at lunch because my boss didn't go out anyware. I have sent copies of all the relevant files to one of my other email addresses just in case I can't plug my USB in. I might print a couple of bits off to use tonight.
I really need to sleep in tomorrow morning.
After that I need to get some things ready to email (eg footy tipping sheets to Jannie, Graham and Auntie Val).
Probably should get back to work now.
May the grass be always greener
and the sky a sparkling blue.
May your friends be always at your side
and their love for you be true.
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