Archives
The biggest chunk
of this site is
dedicated to
Wishes and
Regrets, the Buffy:
the Vampire Slayer
fan fiction I wrote
last year. The
process of writing
this story has been
amazing. I feel as
though Mr.
Whedon's wonderful
characters grabbed
me up by the collar,
smacked me around
and shouted at me
to write this story.
It's a
wholly-contained
novel-length story
with appearances by
characters from
Buffy and Angel.
And I did serious
research into the
various locales,
spells, myths and
the proper historic
time lines I used.
I took much liberty
(it is my story, after
all), but still hope to
have remained true
to the characters,
because they are
wholly unique,
dynamic and
unforgettable. All of
the characters, song
lyrics, photos and
pop culture
references therein
belong to their
various creators. I
humbly borrow them
for the purpose and
authenticity of the
story. If you choose
to read it, I am very
grateful. I hope you
enjoy reading it as
much as I did writing
it.
of this site is
dedicated to
Wishes and
Regrets, the Buffy:
the Vampire Slayer
fan fiction I wrote
last year. The
process of writing
this story has been
amazing. I feel as
though Mr.
Whedon's wonderful
characters grabbed
me up by the collar,
smacked me around
and shouted at me
to write this story.
It's a
wholly-contained
novel-length story
with appearances by
characters from
Buffy and Angel.
And I did serious
research into the
various locales,
spells, myths and
the proper historic
time lines I used.
I took much liberty
(it is my story, after
all), but still hope to
have remained true
to the characters,
because they are
wholly unique,
dynamic and
unforgettable. All of
the characters, song
lyrics, photos and
pop culture
references therein
belong to their
various creators. I
humbly borrow them
for the purpose and
authenticity of the
story. If you choose
to read it, I am very
grateful. I hope you
enjoy reading it as
much as I did writing
it.
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March 14, 2008
As promised, here is the second part of the two-chapter installment for Anywhere Out of This
World, titled Pursuit. In this one, Andrew runs into a little demon infestation on his way back
home. Dawn, in her search for Andrew, encounters similar demon issues.
In the B story, Thellian awakes in his new lair, and it's a good thing neither Spike nor Buffy are
around to see it. Thellian has new developments regarding Maya, but they are cut short by a
surprise visit from Connor, who still believes he's on a demon-smashing mission with his father.
All this plus very little silliness, here:
Pursuit, Chapter 48 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,550
Rating: PG-13 for cannibalistic demon references
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the mighty Joss.
March 11, 2008
I have the first of a two-chapter installment ready for posting today. This one, titled Double
Cross, mainly features Angel's crew and their decision to help Buffy get back to Sunnydale. Of
course, nothing is ever so simple, and really bad things happen. The B story focuses on Ed
Busby, an average bloke hired by Willow and Faith to help them move certain questionable
'cargo'.
Here's the latest:
Double Cross, Chapter 47 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Many, with reference to Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,100
Rating: PG-13 for gruesomeness
Summary: Team Angel takes on Sunnydale, but runs immediately into an ugly snare. Willow and
Faith arrive in London, but getting past Xander is... really no trouble at all.
March 9, 2008
Happy Anniversary website!
I had hopes of posting a new chapter in honor of the site's second birthday, but it's not ready.
Actually, it's only half-written and still must undergo the painful edit/re-write process. But, I do
have something to add, and that's a recommendation for a fantastic book: Ken Follet's The
Pillars of the Earth. It's an excrutiatingly beautiful story encompassing the lives of four
generations of two families as they witness and build Kingsbridge Cathedral. Go, read it!
I plan to have one if not two chapters in Anywhere Out of This World later this week. Keep
looking and I'll keep you posted.
March 3, 2008
Our beloved Uncle Eddie passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2008. He was 52. Our family is
feeling this profound loss as we celebrate his life and the impression he leaves in all of our
hearts.
I was quite honored to give the eulogy on behalf of our family. Several family members and
friends have asked me to post the eulogy and share it with those who were not able to attend
Uncle Eddie's funeral. I have created a memorial page to him here:
Edward T. Purkey
On this page, I have included links to the obituary from The Beaumont Enterprise, and the
condolences link from Farmer's Funeral Directors.
February 21, 2008
Happy Birthday to my brother, Chris!
And also, I have the latest chapter of to my long and winding Buffy tale, which draws closer to
its conclusion. It does, really. I promise...
Avenger, Chapter 46 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew
Word Count: 3,900
Rating: PG
Summary: Dawn learns of Xander's and Andrew's confrontation. After a confrontation of her
own, she goes out to find Andrew. Andrew, meanwhile, returns to the Temple of the Sisters,
where he meets up with Nighna's ghost. William returns to the Slayer School to find them
preparing for a trench war against demonkind. Finally, Connor is still trapped in Willow's web of
delusional fantasy.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
February 5, 2008
I have the latest chapter of Anywhere to post tonight. It's been through a few re-writes, partly
because I had written the Xander-Andrew bits much earlier, before the Andrew/Dawn pairing had
a lot of shape to it. Now, the Andrew/Dawn relationship is much more solid, which made parts of
Andrew's conversation with Xander irrelevant. Well, you'll see...
Bit of a warning, there will be some Xander bashing ahead. This is due in part to some held over
aggression I harbor toward him over his deplorable treatment of Anya and his double standard
treatment of Buffy and Spike in Season 6. He must pay for that some time. For me, that time is
now.
Here's the latest:
The Lovers, Chapter 45 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew
Word Count: 4175
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: While rummaging through Willow's books, Dawn finds a Tarot deck that holds her
transfixed. She cuts the cards and reveals The Lovers. She takes the image to heart. After a pre-
morning lovefest with Andrew, she learns that he takes their relationship with similar
seriousness. However, Xander has other plans and interferes, which will have disastrous
consequences to them all.
January 15, 2008
Just stopping by to update my book list and add the link to the Shelfari site, which has occupied
much of my free time in the last week. Shelfari - it's like a bookshelf safari. I have added the
numerous titles I've read over the last few years, plus the ones I can recall from grade school
on. It's also nifty because it's a book network. My brother's on there, as well as many literary-
minded friends, and they've all listed their books. The Internet is swell.
I'll be back soon with an update to Anywhere. It's nearing an end, I can feel it. The Buffyverse
that once crowded out all other creative vines and underbrush has grown to its full height,
where I can leave it to be beautiful and imperfect in its own measure of light.
January 5, 2008
Happy Birthday, Matt!
Yesterday, my beta celebrated his 32nd time around the sun. When I asked him what he wanted
for his birthday, he said 'a chapter.' Just so happens, I have a new one!
And so here it is:
Parallel Lives, Chapter 44 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew (implied)
Word Count: 3,700
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: After Spike's awakening, Dawn fills him in on a few things that have happened in his
absence. In the AU, Buffy awakes to an offer of help from Willow, and they discover that this
Dawn also has mysterious artistic ability.
December 27, 2007
Just stopping by to update Anywhere Out of This World tonight. I have the latest chapter, a
quick one, focusing on Lorne and Clem in the aftermath of Lorne's vision. I don't have much else
to say, as things in my 'normal' life have taken some frustrating turns. But there will be more
soon.
Here's the latest:
The Fall of Triumvirate, Chapter 43 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: None in this chapter
Word Count: 1,880
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: Lorne's vision spares Clem's life when the Big Bads come to town.
December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas, everyone! A friend told me earlier to count my blessings every night, for
we are most surely blessed. I want to share my gratitude to my family and friends, for their
love, support, and joy. We just had the most marvelous time together tonight. Christmases like
these build sweet memories in the hearts of our children, and those are priceless. Absolutely
priceless. Thank you!
I have one gift to offer tonight. It is a one-shot Christmas Spuffy set post-Anywhere, three years
into the future, with minor spoilers for that story. In it, Buffy and Spike have their hands full
with their regular lives and their three-year-old daughter Tara. It's difficult enough corralling
her, much less an unwelcome demon visitor.
This story was my submission for the Spuffy Solstice at Spuffy_Haven.
Title: Better To Give
Word Count: 4,353
Rating: PG
Pairings: Spike/Buffy & Andrew/Dawn
Disclaimers: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss. Also, this story is pure
indulgent fluff, like salt water taffy. For that, I humbly beg your forgiveness.
Many thanks to my beta for catching my errors, even though I opted to keep the decapitated
demon's ability to nod its approval.
December 10, 2007
I made it! Thirty books with two weeks to spare. I have them all chronicles on my Book List
2007. Soon, I'll move it to take the place of the incomplete list from 2006. I reached my goal of
20 books last year, too, but had to reconstruct the list from memory after the Lappy crash of
December 06. I'm knocking on wood and making plans to back up even as I type.
Next year, I'm going to be more ambitious in my goal: 36 books! Eventually, I'll be able to read
as many as my Mom, who read 56 books this year (so far...). I absolutely love reading.
In other news, we brought home our darling baby Logan this morning - a brand-new ginger kitten
with a rusty meow and an abundance of personality. Happy Christmas, Katya! And me, too.
December 1, 2007
In keeping with the practice that I subject myself to the assignments I give to my students, I
wrote a short story right along with them. And because I said they could choose any genre, I did
too... Naturally, I chose fanfic.
Three weeks and 10,000 words later, I present The Amazingly Invisible Andrew Wells.
Summary: During that wiggy time leading up to The Prom, Tucker Wells was busy plotting
himself into the path of Buffy Summers. All the while, little Andrew was trying desperately to
live up to the name of his brother. In Andrew's attempt to waylay Tucker's bestial plans to
ransack The Prom, and to win the favor of new girl Rebecca Kinsey, he gets drawn into a deal
with a devil that could ruin the school's production of Romeo and Juliet.
Word Count: 10,830
Rating: PG
Timeline: This is a one-shot set pre-Prom in Season 3, as seen from Andrew's perspective. There
are cameos from many of the Sunnydale alum as well.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Also....
On the first day of December, James Marsters gave to me... lovely pictures for the sharing.
Actually, it was the fabulous CaroMio who sent this link, with an Advent Calendar-like entry to
the website, www.jamesmarsterslive.com. Joy for the whole season!
November 21, 2007
Happy early Thanksgiving to all! I've been catching up today on LJ, and have been basking in
the well-wishing of my Flist, which has put me in an extremely festive mood. In addition to the
general relaxation and recuperation, I've been working on an update to Anywhere Out of This
World, titled Lost to Sand.
I also finished reading The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman, which I recommend, and added it
as #29 on my Book List for this year. It would be best to read it before the movie comes out the
December. It'll be like Harry Potter in that there is no way the film makers will be able to fit it
all in to less than two hours on-screen. I also wanted to recommend Memoirs of the Countess de
Fountaine by CaroMio to my fellow Spuffy lovers. She just recently updated this one, and it's
one of my favorites!
And here's the latest on mine:
Lost to Sand, Chapter 42 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew, Xander/OC (Maya), and Oz/Anjelica
Word Count: 2,000
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: Anya and Walter open the portal out of Hell for Oz and Anjelica, but nothing in Hell
happens without a sacrifice. Back in London, Dawn awakes from her drawing spell to the sound
of Andrew's screaming.
November 4, 2007
This has been a difficult week. Possibly the worst for us this year. As always, though, the
solitude and contemplation of writing provides the most welcome escape. I began this chapter
long ago, with the line, "Under these auspices, and with hope in her heart, Dawn began to
draw..."
I think writers can relate to this. Many times, we sit down at our notebooks and laptops with the
weights of every day on our shoulders. But the hope in our hearts helps us create a safe haven
in which our minds get to be free. I paired Patty Griffin's Icicles with this chapter, and I think it
fits Dawn and Andrew so well. In her lyrics, she says, 'we're just like/anyone else/ we just want
a little bit/ of sun for ourselves.' This is especially perfect given what lies ahead for them. But,
I'm getting ahead of myself.
Here's the latest:
Drawn Together, Chapter 41 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Buffy/Spike and Dawn/Andrew (though not at the same time. That would be weird)
Word Count: 2350
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: Dawn and Andrew think their Voodoo waking spell has failed. Silly them. Dawn, still
invigorated from the spell, leaves their bed to indulge her creative side, which she has
repressed due to her frightening first-time experience with Brody. As she becomes entranced
with her drawing, she unwittingly creates a kind of sanctuary into which Buffy and William are
drawn.
October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!!
With love, from Katrina and me. May you have a spooky, ghoul-filled evening of fun and, of
course, candy!
PS Working on the rough of the next chapter, now titled "Drawn Together". I expect to finish it
and post on Sunday or so.
October 17, 2007
Not so much a chapter as an interlude, this next installment of Anywhere Out of This World
touches base with Lorne, who has set himself up rather comfortably as the steward of
Triumvirate. In Nighna's absence, he has maintained the night club as a place of neutrality and
relative peace. That is, until his bartender sings the line of a song, and Lorne gets a peek at a
potentially violent incident in the very near future.
Here's the latest:
For Lorne, Chapter 40 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: None in this chapter
Word Count: 700
Rating: PG (for now)
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the mighty Joss.
As I'm nearing the climax of the story, the chapters are coming faster and faster. Which is good.
I think the beginning of the story taunted me a bit as I attempted to tease out its various
threads. I'm hoping to have another chapter, tentatively titled "Safe Haven", posted soon. This
one will deal with the after-effects of the portal Anya and Walter cast in Hell, as well as the
spell Dawn and Andrew cast. They believe it had no effect at all; boy, were they wrong!
Also, it seems that there is an over-arcing theme of Casablanca to this story, whereas the first
two, Wishes and Regrets, had Wizard of Oz references throughout. I never would have guessed
these movies had influenced me so much... But it is kinda cool.
October 12, 2007
Tonight, I have another chapter to offer. It's another Dawn/Andrew-centric chapter. I wrote the
first draft of this chapter last December, on the back of my car payment stub, so I'm really glad
to finally get to it in the storyline. I also have another chapter following soon after that
features Lorne and a special guest star...
Here's the latest:
That Old Black Magic, Chapter 39 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,630
Rating: Edging up to an R with some racy, graphic content
Summary: Dawn and Andrew cast a spell which sets certain events irrevocably into motion.
Also, Oz and Helli wait in increasing discomfort as Anya and Walter cast the portal home.
Author's Note:
I'm grateful tonight to my students, for working so hard this past week in our writing. Our focus
was on action verbs, editing to take out empty words, and imagery. I'm also thankful for my
daughter, who has been writing every day. Her diligence is inspiring, and I believe she has the
talent to one day be an author. Of course, I think she's brilliant enough to also be an astronaut,
a senator, and an enviro-biologist.
I also want to thank KimRae and Spikes_Heart for their encouraging words, and Mattallicarock,
my beta, for always being there. No matter what.
October 4, 2007
So this story is coming along despite the insanity of lesson planning, grading, more grading, and
let's see... real life stuff. Thank the heavens for writing. It helps me build partitions around the
creative parts of my brain, thereby protecting them from the overwhelmed parts of my brain.
I do have a new chapter to share. This one features Thellian and "his girls" as he has come to
view them, as they make their way across continents toward London. William also appears with
a cryptic-spouting spectre who continues to vex him.
Here's the Latest:
Not All Who Wander, Chapter 38 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Hints toward a possible Willow/Faith pairing
Word Count: 2,000
Rating: PG
Summary: Willow and Faith are like Thellian's Angels, only one of them is still reluctant.
William, still in his dream state induced by Succubus venom, is starting to realize that he is
comatose, and he's making the first efforts to try to wake himself. Will he be able to wake in
time to bring Buffy safely home?
September 23, 2007
Last week at was more trying than most. My students were subjected to a week long battery of
standardized testing. Naturally, by Friday, they felt quite restless and so things got a little
rough. However, I did find some time to write. Upside to everything!
And so, here's the latest:
Sweetness, Chapter 37 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 2,173
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Xander and Maya both have misgivings about each other, but neither voice them.
Dawn and Andrew take a morning off from research to spend some time together. With a Honey
Bear.
Author's Note: I began half of this one months ago when I first started entertaining the notion of
having Dawn and Andrew as a pairing. It started as a drabble, gained some strength and
adjectives, then swelled into a full-fledged chapter. I worried at first that I should cut it
because it does not advance the plot much, but it does show the growing bond between Dawn
and Andrew, as well as a glimpse into the not-as-peachy relationship between Xander and Maya.
My beta, Mattallicarock, reminded me that the joy of fanfic is that I don't have deadlines or
editors hovering over me. Therefore, I can write sweet little vignettes as I desire. That's why I
adore my beta.
Also, I realize I may have butchered the Italian that Andrew speaks to Dawn. My apologies if
that's so, and if anyone out there can correct me, I'd be most appreciative!
September 12, 2007
Great hairy legs of Hades, I finally finished this chapter. This one has been impeded by big-time
RL, but with every word I commit to the page, I am certain that these story lines are finally
winding together for a definite close. Therefore, thanks to you for your patience and continued
support!
Here's the latest:
Familiarity, Chapter 36 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,100
Rating: PG
Summary: This one picks up where the last chapter left off - with Buffy still torn about needing
a little help from Team Angel, and with Giles and Rachel Greenspan lost in the wilderness.
There's a sweet little bit at the end with Andrew and Dawn that serves as a recap for the action
(or lack thereof) at the Flat in London.
September 1, 2007
I'm swerving in today to report that I'm updating my Scottish List to include James McAvoy after
watching Becoming Jane this afternoon. Unfortunately, he's bumping John Hannah into an
alternate position, but I think James is well worthy as an addition.
I liked the movie. It's one of the handful of movies I've seen in the theater in which the
audience actually applauded at its end. It's one of those quiet and sweepingly epic British
movies I always go for.
I'm also here to add that in addition to grading 288 papers from my wonderful students, I am
working on an update for Anywhere Out of This World. I had a breakthrough in the plot on my
morning commute last week, so I will have a new chapter hopefully before the end of Monday.
This chapter, titled Familiarity (short for familiarity breeds contempt), will focus briefly on
Buffy, but will return to Giles and Rachel.
August 16, 2007
I've always liked the idea of a roguish Giles, a man at home in any terrain, kind of like a British
Indiana Jones. In the new chapter, that was what I was shooting for. I envision him part-Rupert,
part-Ripper, capable of killing, combat, and survival in even the most trying of circumstances.
Here's the latest:
Appearances Deceiving, Chapter 35 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Well, none. But there is a large ensemble scene in the Hyperion Hotel
Word Count: 3,400
Rating: PG
Summary: In the alternate-LA, Fred explains her theory for why the barriers between dimensions
have begun to break down. After Fred's presentation, Buffy succumbs to continued exhaustion.
Back in South America, Rachel Greenspan deals with Ethan's death, and Giles' part in it. Also,
Giles finds a photograph which leads him to believe that Rachel has a secret.
There's a lot of techno-babble in this chapter. Thanks to my Dad and brother for a life time of
Star Trek, Battletech and Arthur C. Clarke.
I'd also like to take a moment to those who have supported our online stores: The Chambered
Heart and Messages of Love. We are immensely grateful for your support. Katrina's postcards
and my bumper stickers are unexpectedly big sellers. So thank you so much! You are wonderful.
August 11, 2007
I have a new chapter to post for Anywhere Out of This World titled With A Little Help. With this
chapter I'd like to show gratitude to my daughter, Katrina, for holding our writing workshops
together. We get a lot of mother-daughter bonding and writing done during these sessions. I'd
also like to thank Spikes_Heart for her unflagging encouragement.
Here's the latest:
With A Little Help, Chapter 34 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 2,300
Rating: PG
Summary: Xander gets bent when he returns to London to find that Andrew has managed quite
well in Xander's absence. Also, Oz tries to comfort a shattered Anjelica while Anya and Walter
prepare for the ritual that will send them home.
Author's Note: I'm realizing more as I write Anywhere that I've been needing Xander to answer
for some of his actions in Seasons 6 & 7, as well as a few from earlier (The Pack, anyone?). He's
been Mr. Double Standard for a really long time, and I've been enjoying a little turnabout where
Xander has been concerned. I think Xander labors under the delusion that he's the white knight
of the Scoobies, the one who always sides with the greater good. It's from this position that he
sees fit to judge character and occasionally meddle (Willow says "kick his ass.") with the
group's decisions. What would happen, I wonder, if he was suddenly forced to examine some of
his past choices and to answer for them?
The hold up with this chapter was not lack of ideas or plot or pacing. No, this time it was the
bloody chapter title and one line of dialog toward the end that just would not fit. Even my betas
were at a loss, though I'm grateful as always for their suggestions and patience.
Silly, silly muse!
August 7, 2007
I wanted to share one of our passions with you: Star gazing, with particular emphasis on meteor
showers. I mean, who doesn't love optimizing your wish-making opportunities, right? Especially
if you have a starry-eyed 9-year-old daughter like mine. This is a yearly end-of-summer bonding
ritual for us. We take to the Hill Country with blankets and snacks and give our gratitude to the
wonder of the Universe.
Here's a link with information about all of the upcoming meteor showers, including phase of the
moon: http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/
For instance, the Perseids fall on next Monday, and there will be a New Moon; perfect for
viewing shooting stars. And making wishes.
August 5, 2007
This one's a big one for us!
I believe that my daughter is a very gifted young photographer. I believe it so much
that I have opened a CafePress storefront to support her work. Here is the link:
www.cafepress.com/chamberedheart
Please go, visit, admire... purchase! In addition to Katrina's photography, we have a
section for my artwork, and one called Message of Love, which has a lot of positive,
inspirational gifts representing what I think is a new, original point of view on
saving the world by making it a better place.
I'm currently writing a new chapter, as yet untitled, for Anywhere Out of This World. Xander has
returned to London thinking he's finally going to be the Alpha, only to discover that someone
else is taking charge. Also, there might be a bit with Oz and Anjelica. I'm looking to submit the
chapter to my beta tonight, so the new chapter could be up in a day or three.
July 24, 2007
A drive-by post... just to let everyone know that we'll be home Saturday morning. We're in
Alabama tonight, then back in Clinton, Louisiana, tomorrow. I have one Magic Kingdom desktop
to share:
Magic Kingdom by Night, 1024x768
This image was taken just after the SpectroMagic parade on my birthday, with the Night setting
of our camera. As part of the brilliant birthday extravaganza, we all got to BE in the parade,
which was absolutely unforgettable. I'll write more about all of that soon!
July 5, 2007
I have the new chapter of Anywhere Out of This World to post. In it, Connor has dreams. Very
vivid dreams. I'm working off the premise that the false memories of Connor's childhood has
made him susceptible to mental pitfalls, and Willow's spell to free him from the influence of the
Glass did not help matters.
Here's the latest:
Life Is..., Chapter 33 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Rating: PG-13 for some mild raciness, mostly implied
Word Count: 2960
Pairing: Connor/Dream-Dawn
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Author's Note #1: I borrowed a line from Jasmine in AtS: S4, but I promise I am not planning on
bringing Jasmine into this story at all. I just thought the line fit perfectly with Connor's motives
at the moment.
Author's Note #2: This may be my last post to this site for three weeks as we're leaving for
Disney World on Friday morning!
June 26, 2007
Today, I have the new chapter for Anywhere Out of This World, with the Giles/Rachel/Eathan
part in tact.
Here's the latest:
Ashes to Ashes, Chapter 32 of Anywhere Out of This World
Rating: PG-13 for some violence
Word Count: 2,993
Pairings: Andrew/Dawn
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
(Typos are my own, and so is the original character Rachel Greenspan.)
Summary: Dawn follows Andrew to the Watcher's Council to confront him about his feelings over
Nighna's death. In South America, Rachel Greenspan weathers a night on a Hellmouth with the
help of Rupert Giles. But in the morning, they have to decide what to do with their prisoner,
Ethan Rayne.
Just a silly pop culture note: The oft-repeated demon line "Ah, nu’ja nez blimbo jah, ha ha!” is
actually Klingon and comes from the Universal Studios Star Trek stage show my brother and I
were in when we were 11 and 15. The extra who played the Klingon in that show spoke little
English, but had such a great personality, he had us cracking up every time he delivered this
line. I put it in because I knew it'd make my little brother smile.
June 25, 2007
This amounts to less than half of the post I hoped to make today. My goal was to post the new
chapter of Anywhere Out of This World, titled Ashes to Ashes (still a working title). I have the
Andrew/Dawn part written and that's all fine and good. It's the Giles/Rachel/Eathan part that's
the challenge. However, I'm not backing down. I've decided to post the whole thing within the
next day or two.
Therefore, instead of a chapter, I'll post this wonderful recommendation for a Buffy/Pirates
crossover in which Norrington dimension hops right into the Summers' home in Sunnydale. This
story hits my kinks in the best ways, and I hope that you enjoy it.
Here's the link: Greedy Slayer's Rough Drabbling.
June 19, 2007
I stumbled across an unexpected source for artwork ideas from my Grannye. While at her house
last week, I found her subscription to Better Homes & Garden's Scrapbooks, etc. Magazine. There
is a whole wealth of tips and textures, not just for physical scrapbookers, but for digital artists,
too. Therefore, I've been in Photoshop bliss all weekend. I have three new desktops to offer:
two Spuffy, and one Pirates of the Caribbean.
Comfy
This was my first effort, and not my best. I never did get the quality I'd hoped from the
screencap. However, I did notice something I never had before, and that is the position of Buffy
and Spike's hands on the flashlight. This cap is from Potential, but their hands touching over the
flashlight harkens back to Beneath You. Interesting, I think, that Joss would choose that
moment for them to share that connection....
Brushes by touchstonesart.
Screencaps from Screencap-paradise.com.
Sweetest Downfall
This one was created for my soul-twin Classic Anne in Rochester, NY, who loves Regina Spektor,
too. I also owe a thanks to Andrew, for helping me to find the perfect script font: In this case,
AdineKirnberg, which is available at PC Fuentes. The lyrics, 'You are my sweetest downfall,'
come from Samson, by Regina Spektor.
Davy Jones
This one's also for Andrew, by request and as a thanks for being so helpful all last week.
Although I've been a busy Photoshopper, I haven't fully neglected my fanfic. I don't have a new
chapter for Anywhere Out of This World, but did manage to attend to several page glitches that
had been plaguing Regrets. They should all be fixed now.
I should have a new chapter for Anywhere by the beginning of next week. This one returns to
Andrew and Dawn as they deal with the news of Nighna's demise, as well as Giles and Rachel
Greenspan and their journey back to London.
June 10, 2007
Tonight I'm posting the new chapter, previously titled In Hell but changed to Salvage during the
final edit this afternoon. This chapter gave me nightmares, not so much for what I wrote, but for
what I did not write. The concept of Hell as a place of individual suffering is one that I find
terribly disturbing. This chapter has a secondary character based on Bruce Dern's creepy
outlander in
The Badlands, and one quip about kidney stones.
Here's the latest:
Salvage, Chapter 31 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2850
Rating: PG, for body parts
Pairing: Oz/Anjelica
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
I also wanted to say thank you to my fabulous beta, Mattallicrock2000, for all that he does,
including this lovely nod over at ForbiddenAwards.
Anywhere Out of This World has been nominated for the Aching For It Awards (Best WIP) and the
Viagra Award (Best Fic Which Has Never Won Before). Regrets was nominated for the Hot
Between The Sheets Award (Best Spuffy - Long).
Go visit the site! It's got a lot of quality fic there, and if you have a favorite, nominate it. The
categories are filling up quick.
June 8, 2007
A few things to add tonight, as I have updated my reading list and created another Pirates
desktop, this one of Captain Jack Sparrow.I also have a new chapter for Anywhere Out of This
World very nearly ready to post titled In Hell, and it focuses on Oz and Anjelica as they attempt
to escape from Hell. My second beta, Steven_h1971, is currently proofreading it. It should be
here on Sunday, so please check back for that.
June 5, 2007
As a warm up for writing tonight, I created a desktop of Commodore Norrington, my favorite
pirate - even more so than Captain Jack Sparrow (it never would have worked out between us). I
hope very much that you enjoy it. The original photo I nabbed from imdb.com, some brushes by
Zugma, and textures by me.
Long Live Norrington
1024x768
June 1, 2007
Two in one week! I have the next chapter to Anywhere Out of This World. In this one, Faith
finally catches up with Connor. In keeping with the theme of fire, this chapter is titled By Fire
Reborn, and focuses on Faith, Connor and Willow in Tokyo. There's a brief appearance by
Thellian, and a cameo by a small black kitten named Scout, who is based on my small black
kitten.
Here's the latest:
By Fire Reborn, Chapter 30 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 2,466
Rating: R, for a small amount of gore.
Pairings: Well, there is one kiss...
Feedback: Yes, Please!
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
May 30, 2007
Tonight I'm posting the latest chapter to Anywhere Out of This World. This is a turning point
chapter in that Buffy finally meets up with Team Angel in LA, where she gets some answers to
her questions, but not all of them.
Here's the latest:
Team Angel, Chapter 29 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 3170
Feedback: Yes, please!
Author's Note:
Either way, the coffee table gets it...
This latest chapter has been quite the creative struggle. It began as two versions of the same
chapter, with the same players but very different outcomes. Neither fit the mood that I was
seeking, so I enlisted the help of my beta for direction. He liked some aspects of each, and
guided and nudged as he is wonderful at doing, but pointed out that in one version, Buffy kills
the coffee table and in the other, Angel does the damage.
What have I against coffee tables? My ex-husband has twice attacked them, but claimed on both
occasions that the coffee table started it. Funny how things find their way into our stories.
The final third version contains bits of both, but is less bitter and aggressive than its previous
versions.
May 20, 2007
As the school year winds to a close this week, my creative energy has been a bit taxed. I've
written two-thirds of a new chapter for Anywhere, but it may be a while before it's published as
I have my kidney stone surgery tomorrow and the final week of school after that. However, I
have one creative endeavor I'd like to share. As a final for our Greek Mythology and Modern-day
Heroes unit, I created a fun and playable Greek Myth Jeopardy game!
The original PowerPoint template for the game came from this website: PowerPoints For
Teachers, The Jeopardy template can be customized to fit almost any subject. The website
contains many other teacher-created and shared PowerPoints that you can download and use in
classes - all free of charge. Pretty cool site!
May 4, 2007
As promised earlier this week, I have the new chapter of Anywhere Out of This World ready to
post. This chapter is written in three scenes. Two of them are Dawn/Andrew-centric and they
are among my favorite so far. I wrote the first scene, in which Dawn sketches Andrew, many
months ago, and it is what fostered the idea of their eventual pairing. In that scene, Dawn gets
a further glimpse into her powers. The middle scene, a dream sequence with Spike, I added over
the last week. He may be in a magically induced torpor, but he's not out by a long shot!
And so, here's the latest:
Drawn to You, Chapter 28 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 4,115
No warnings in this one. It's pretty PG. Many thanks to Mattallicarock, my beta, for his reading,
support and suggestions.
May 1, 2007
Here it is, finally! The latest chapter of Anywhere Out of This World. Since I'm having surgery
tomorrow, I'll keep the summary brief:
Here's the latest:
Smoke and Mirrors, Chapter 27 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 2791
In this one, Xander and Maya consummate their relationship, with a side effect neither is
thrilled about. Rachel Greenspan and Rupert Giles corner Eathan Raynes, and he pulls a little
magic trick that goes wrong. Finally, Buffy and Dawn leave Sunnydale, but something happens
on the road to Los Angeles.
It's all pretty PG. The next chapter, which could be published as early as tomorrow, is more
Dawn and Andrew. After that, it's more Oz and Anjelica. I still don't have much of a clue what is
going on with Willow, Faith and Connor in Japan... But, it will come. Summer's almost here.
So far, this latest version of the chapter's un-beta'd. He'll read this and the next chapter
tomorrow and I'll re-post any edits he makes. My apologies for typos. I wish I could always
blame my painkillers!
April 28, 2007
About a week ago I realized that the self-imposed deadline I'd set for myself for finishing
Anywhere Out of This World was fast approaching, and I haven't posted a new chapter since
St. Patrick's Day! Then it occurred to me that I have been writing in the fandom now for two
years
as of today. I can remember the car ride home from my friend Monroe's house when the idea for
Wishes began to form. It came to me like nothing ever had. It seemed to flow onto the pages in
one long piece.
Six weeks later, it was done and I started looking for ways to share it. I met Meghann, Crystal,
Lucy, Danielle and Lauren online and we founded the Sack Cloth Cult. Then, after posting Wishes
to Slayerfanfic.net, I met Mary.
Mary's been like a soul-mom to me - a creative guiding angel. She introduced me to the fandom
and to everyone on LiveJournal. Life has been so much the richer since.
I have been writing. I have many scenes written for Anywhere and an idea of how it will end.
Once I finish the chapter I'm working on now (it's still untitled), I will have another to follow it
within a day or so because it's almost done. Unraveling this third installment has been much,
much more labor-intensive than the other two, but I have said and will say again: I will finish
this story, dang it!
Even though it's not wrapping up by the deadline, I will publish the new chapter before Tuesday.
As always, thanks to you for reading, and for your patience.
Added April 9, 2007
While I have been unproductive and uninspired, my daughter has been creating things of beauty.
Here is a link to her newest set of Anime Icons, to use in LiveJournal, MySpace or anyplace nice.
Please credit to KatyaBeth if you'd like to use them.
In addition, I have finished Innocent Erendira by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Holy heck! What a
depressing piece of literature. I'm now beginning two new books: The House On Mango Street, by
Sandra Cisneros, which I will read with my students, and I Am Legend by Richard Matheson. I Am
Legend was a gift from my dear friend Jim. Many thanks for all of your support and wonderful
friendship.
Added March 24, 2007
In January, my Mom was diagnosed with emphysema. In response to the diagnosis, her doctor
put her on a very aggressive diet called The Paleo Diet. Also called the Hunter/Gatherer Diet,
the premise is that you shouldn't eat anything that can't be hunted or gathered from nature. My
co-workers tease me a lot on this, saying that they gather stuff from the vending machine all
the time.
I decided to go on the diet with her, because it would be easier for her to stick to it with a diet
buddy. At first, it looked like a difficult diet plan because it's all organic and excludes wheat,
potatoes, beans, sugar and most dairy. But it's been great, and I've been feeling wonderful!
Therefore, I've added a new section called Paleo Recipes so that I can share the recipes I've
used and liked. Hope you enjoy!
Added March 17, 2007
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
This week I have a new chapter to Anywhere Out of This World, titled Comes the Rain. In it,
Rupert Giles and Rachel Greenspan run out of land and luck in a South American seaside village.
To make matters worse, they have geography and an old nemesis against them.
Back in London, Andrew enlists Dawn's help, but both are feeling less than adequate to the task
in the absence of everyone they've relied on in the past.
Here's the latest:
Comes the Rain, Chapter 26 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 1636
No spoilers or warnings for this one. It's not as graphic as the previous chapter. I'd like to shout
out to KimRae for this chapter. She guessed what was coming a long time ago! Also, I know that
suggestably is not a word, but it should be.
Also, I wanted to include a word of thanks to those who've been with me on this story from its
first page almost two years ago. Wow! How my life has been changed for the better because of
you.
Added March 9, 2007
Happy Birthday to the Chambered Heart! This site has been up and running for one year
exactly today! Also, as an added surprise bonus, it is the One Year Anniversary of the
Sack Cloth Cult, a group dedicated to the sisterhood of the Jossverse, and to James. To
commemorate, I have two lovely stories to recommend and a new Andrew desktop image.
The Recs:
No Good Turn, by Spike's Heart
I asked Spike's Heart for something to read. I said I wanted dark, sad and erotic. This one has it
all and more. And the ending brought tears to my eyes. It's a one shot, set in Season 6 but goes
AU right after Giles leaves. Excellent story craft. Enjoy!
Memoirs of the Countess de Fountaine, by CaroMio
I don't have the link to this one yet, because *gasp* I've forgotten my password to Spuffy
Realm. But, I'll get the link in as soon as possible. She's written five chapters so far, and in my
opinion, it's her best. All of the characters are there, but in vastly different roles. However,
they remain true to their characterization. It's awesome! More soon on this one.
The Desktop:
Andrew: Man of International Mystery
1024x768. This one is dedicated to Roger Steele, the original International Man of Mystery.
Added March 4, 2007
After two years of meeting on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, plus endless studying for
high-stakes tests and online coursework, the 2005-2007 ECP cohort group finally finished out
Alternate Certification Program. The experience was life-changing, and I know that the
friendships we forged during our journey to become teachers will endure for a long time. Yay,
us! We did it!!
Voting is now open at the Shades of Grey Awards. Please go vote for Wishes, Regrets and
Anywhere Out of This World. As always I appreciate your support! Many thanks.
I also wanted to post a new Dawn/Andrew drabble. My daughter and I have decided to spend 30
minutes a day working as writing partners. We sit at the table with our composition notebooks
and we write, using Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down The Bones for inspiration. Today was our
fist session, and this is what it yielded for me.
Title: Maybe
Word Count: 125
Pairing: Dawn & Andrew
Spoiler: Set in Anywhere Out of This World
Finally, I visited a comic book convention this weekend called STAPLE, primarily for smaller
press books. One of the guys I met had this website that sends comic books to soldiers
overseas, particularly in Iraq. Well, I loved the idea, so here's the link if you're interested in
contributing.
http://heroes4heroes.org/
Added February 26, 2007
We have been home for four days due to illness, but we have not been idle. We spent a lot of
the time making a whole set of lovely new icons for LiveJournal. My lovely daughter made a
batch of Anime icons, and several Foodie icons. Here is a list of our new and very pretty icons
made to share with my wonderful f-list at LJ:
Anime Icons
Buffy/BtVS Icons
Seasonal Icons
Food & Mood Icons
Miscellaneous Icons
Take them, share them, love them if you wish! Please credit us, though. We love the love.
Added February 23, 2007
It's been a while, but I finally have a new chapter to post. The reason for the delay - this time -
has been the graphic subject matter in the chapter. Oz and Anjelica are in Hell, and I've had
quite a lot of difficulty making it hellish enough.
At WriterCon, a lot of us met and talked about the heartache we felt when we caused such pain
for our characters. The presenters reminded us that conflict is the heart of every good story.
That's really come to bear for me here, in this chapter. Here, the true villain is revealed. Here,
the hero loses her fight and succumbs to the Hell around her.
And so, here is the latest of Anywhere Out of This World:
Chapter 25: The Valley of the Shadow of Death
This chapter carries an NC-17 rating due to graphic images of violence and rape. In it, Oz
attempts to barter for Anjelica with the last thing he has left.
I also wanted to announce the launch of a new online community featuring all kinds of
Jossverse babyfics and kidfics: All Joss' Children. This community will feature babyfics from all
pairings in the Jossverse, from Mal and Inarra to Willow and Oz, as well as kidfics in which the
Scoobies, Team Angel, etc., have been turned into kids. It promises to be great fun!
Added February 21, 2007
Happy Birthday to my brother Chris!!!
You are they very best brother in the world, and we love you very much.
Added February 17, 2007
First, I want to wish happy birthdays to my Aunt Bebber, and to my friend Xionin.
Happy Birthday Y'all!!
Also, I've been nominated at the Shades of Grey Awards! Wishes and Regrets were nominated for
Best Het Romantic, and Anywhere Out of This World was nominated for Best Dark/Angst fic (the
first for this story!) This site was also nominated Favorite Fan Site, and I got a nod for
Outstanding Author, which makes me blush. Thanks ever so to the lovely person who nominated
my work, and this site. It keeps me moving forward.
Added February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's everyone!
I'm just stopping by tonight mainly to wish everyone well, and to update my book list. I've just
finished reading Night by Elie Wiesel, which I recommend for its unflinching first-person
narrative about the author's experiences in four concentration camps during World War II.
I also wanted to add that I'm in the re-write stage of my next chapter for Anywhere Out of This
World, titled The Valley of the Shadow of Death. In it, Oz attempts to rescue Anjelica with what
little he has left. After a first read, my beta said that I was letting Oz off too easy. Therefore,
I've gone back in and the result is some of the most graphic and grueling bits I've written. I'm
hoping to finish the chapter this weekend, in keeping with my schedule to get this story
completed by April 28th.
Finally, I'm updating my Book List to include the new books I'm reading, and the book that I've
just read. If you'd like to peruse what I'm perusing, you may find that list here.
Added February 2, 2007
First and most important, I wanted to wish Mary a very happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Mary!!! I hope that you've had a wonderful day.
Second, I wanted to do a little dance... this week the website hit 5000 clicks. Yay! I also added
the books I'm reading in the sidebar over there. And finally, my daughter's new favorite movie is
The Illusionist, with Edward Norton. I was so happy about that, I made her a desktop:
The Illusionist - 1024x768
Stock images from various Google searches.
Added January 29, 2007
My daughter was home sick from school today, and so we made desktops: This was our favorite.
Dawn: The Key - 1024x768
Brushes by Zugma (www.misplaced.co.uk/uglybusiness/). Textures by me. Stock images from
Dreamscapes. Special thanks to Katya for her keen eye on design and color.
Added January 27, 2007
Just a brief addition tonight: A new desktop of Connor titled Rule The World. This one's for my
daughter, who believes that Connor got an unfair rap in Seasons 4 & 5 of Angel.
Rule The World, 1024x768
Brushes by touchstonesart.com. Textures by me. Stock images from Dreamscapes.
Song lyrics to "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" by Wilco.
Also, a correction: I'd listed An Offer of Hope, by CaroMio as Catharsis, which was in fact an
earlier title. This is a completed Spike/OC fic set post-Dead Things. Being a Spuffy fan, I
generally don't go in for that sort of thing, but I did in this one. Very worth the read. Go enjoy it!
Added January 25, 2007
We have more reasons to celebrate this week! Last Saturday, my daughter Katya competed in
the UIL regional competition for creative writing. Each of the four elementary schools in San
Marcos sent their best entries to the competition and Katya's was one of the ones chosen. Then,
on Saturday, she participated in the UIL Creative Writing Meet, in which she took her comedic
personal narrative from rough draft to final publish.
And she won! First place!! She got a gold medal and her name and picture in the paper. My
daughter is a prize winning author at 8 years old! She is truly a dynamic, gifted and multi-
talented person. We're blessed to have her.
As soon as we have the story back from the judges, I'll post it on this site to share with
everyone.
In addition to our happy announcement, I have Spuffy art to share: Two song lyric themed
desktops -
Just Like Heaven 1024x768
Sunshower 1024x768
Song lyrics belong to Robert Smith of The Cure and Chris Cornell, respectively. Brushes and
textures by me. Scriptina and wm_designs fonts available at www.1001freefonts.com. Thanks,
and enjoy!
Added January 13, 2007
Many reasons to celebrate this chilly Sunday evening. Yesterday, 18 months of classes and
research culminated in a final research presentation titled "Interventions to Support Written
Expression for Students With Significant Gross-to-Fine Motor Skills Disabilities." The
presentation was a complete success, as were the presentations of my classmates. Their
students are thoroughly blessed. Congratulations, us! I'm uploading a link to the PowerPoint
presentation on the Teacher Resources page.
I also have a new chapter to Anywhere Out of This World, titled Outta Here. This one centers on
Buffy in the alternate Sunnydale, where things are finally starting to go her way. Sorta.
Finally, I've decided to start keeping my Book List here, online. That way, if the Lappy crashes
again (so hoping it won't) I won't have to reconstruct it again from memory. This year's goal is
the same as last year's: 30 books. Also, cool thing about the Internet (about which I am still
excited) I can put in an external link on the book for more information.
Added January 5, 2007
Happy Birthday Matt!
In honor of my best friend and roommate, I have written a short Dawn/Andrew fiction titled
Distraction as a birthday present. And he's said that I can share it, so I've posted the link here.
Happy birthday, Matt, and I hope that you enjoy the gift as well.
I've also added a new desktop to the Artwork page. This one, titled Boss of You, is in a bright,
candy-colored theme of the Andrew and Dawn world.
Finally, my friend Tina made a whole bunch of Fangirl/Fanboy banners for all of us on the
MySpace board. I adore them so much, and am so grateful, I just had to post them all here,
under a new page titled Banners.
Added January 1, 2007
Happy New Year!
I have a decent-sized update today, with two new Spuffy desktops to share and a pair of
Andrew/Dawn linked drabbles that I posted a few weeks ago and forgot to put here on The
Chambered Heart. Usually at this time of year, I post my lists as well. Unfortunately, I lost all
of my lists when the Lappy crashed, including my master list of my 100 Things To Do Before I
Die and my 2006 Booklist. The latter can be recreated because I know I read 30 books and can
almost remember them all. The 100 Things List will be a little more difficult to redo. Anyway, to
prevent much frustration, I'll just have to post all that at a later time.
I have included The List, the Live Shows List and a States List, because I'm neurotic and love
making lists. I've put them all on a page of their own here: The Lists.
Also, here are the links to the Spuffy artwork and the drabbles.
Desktops:
Spike and Buffy, Happy New Year 2007 1024x768
Spike and Buffy, Anywhere Out of This World 1024x768
Drabbles:
Child's Play and Territory, two linked drabbles for Andrew and Dawn, who have turned out to be
surprisingly inspirational as young lovers.
Enjoy, and may you have a lovely 2007!
Added December 28, 2006
Season's Greetings to everyone! As a belated Christmas present, I have a new chapter to
Anywhere Out of This World. In this one, we finally find out what Giles has been up to.
Here's the Latest:
Not Her Own, Chapter 23 of Anywhere Out of This World
Summary: While tracking down links to the Slayer legend, Giles enlists the help of a new
Watcher who has information on ancient petroglyphs that may set him on the path to finding
who might have taken Buffy and why.
I also wanted to take a moment to extend my gratitude to Brandon Bielstein, who managed to
recover this website most of my cherished documents, images and digital paintings when my
Lappy crashed at the beginning of this month. I thought it was done-for, but Mr. Bielstein had
skills and saved the day. I'm putting his link here, and on my links page. If you ever need
computer services, he's the guy to call. Or email... http://brandonbcs.com/
Added November 30, 2006
I have two new desktops today, both Dawn and Andrew. Actually, they are the same desktop
with color variations. My little girl and I created them today because she was out sick from
school. She wanted something vintage because we found all of these really neat, old postcards
from the 1940s. She's also very interested (as am I) in the beginnings of the Dawn/Andrew
friendship. In my interpretation of things, this began with Dawn and Buffy were living in Rome,
thus the title:
When in Rome (Color) 1024x768
When In Rome (Duotone) 1024x768
Thanks to touchstonesart.com and vered for the brushes.
I've also added a song to my Buffy Playlist to accompany the latest chapter of Anywhere Out of
This World, Blindsided. As my beta suggested, the new release, Into The Ocean by Blue October,
fits perfectly with Xander and Maya. I agree. The song suits Xander's frame of mind flawlessly.
As always, thanks to Mattallicarock for his keen insight. The lyrics and the chapter of posted
here.
As for the next chapter, it is underway and features Giles in Rapa Nui with a young woman who
may be his most formidable adversary yet. I'm also planning a brief bit with Anjelica and Oz in
Hell, but will have to see just how deep the sparring goes between old Mr. Giles and his new
nemesis.
Added November 25, 2006
Nineteen days since my last post...
Must do better in the future. I have the next chapter for my story ready (yay!) and two new
story recommendations, one for a new Buffy story by Anaross called Domino Effect and one for
CaroMio's story Choices. Both are WIPs, but they both are page-clickers start to finish. Of
particular note is CaroMio's original character, Charlotte. She's tough, observant and perfectly
human.
As for Anything Out of This World, here's the latest:
And, here's my latest:
Blindsided, Chapter 21 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: After losing Maya, Xander does some long-delayed introspection on the Galveston
seawall. Back in London, Andrew surprises Dawn by remaining cool as a blueberry when they
both realize that Bigger Bads are on the way and they are the front line defense to stop them.
Added November 6, 2006
I wanted to take the opportunity tonight to re-recommend one of my all-time favorite Spuffy
stories: Journeys by Mary. In truth, it is one of my most beloved stories ever. It put me in a
state for days, and when I met Mary at WriterCon in July, I gushed like a fangirl!
During a recent training, we were challenged to find our favorite stories online. I went to my
links page and found that I had Mary's PWP, Lost In You (also yum) but not Journeys. Well, here
is where I remedy that! Go, read Journeys. It's perfect.
I also have two Teacher's Links websites to add for the greater good. The first is www.lexile.
com. This allows educators to analyze electronic text for readability levels. It works on any
simple text file up to 5,000 characters. It also supplies a author and title search so that you can
find books to fit the needs of your students, no matter what their reading level. You have to
register to use the text analyzer, but it is a completely free and useful tool.
The second is www.interventioncentral.org. This is a Special Education website full of all kinds
of educator resources and interventions to help make a difference with students. I think I could
spend weeks browsing this site. And probably will...
As for story updates, I am working on a new chapter to Anywhere Out of This World that will be
a kind of table round with Xander, Anjelica and Oz, and Giles. It may be a while, though, as I'll
be spending the next weekend in Louisiana for a much-needed family reunion.
Added October 30, 2006
Tonight, I'm finally adding the latest chapter of Anywhere Out of This World. Writing Willow is a
lot of fun, but her inner monologue in this chapter required a little tweaking. I hope that you
see what I mean when you read it. I think Willow does a lot of internal monologuing. So much so,
she can sometimes get blindsided.
Starfall, Chapter 20 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Faith tells Willow not to follow in her pursuit of Connor, but Willow doesn't take
orders from Faith! Willow uses her link to The Looking Glass to get to Connor first, but someone
else finds Willow instead.
Han Solo could so beat up Mal Reynolds!
Who would win in a fight: Star Wars or Serenity? This article explores these questions and more.
The only thing I disagree with is the bit about Shepherd Book and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Don't you be
dissin' on my Obi-Wan! It's a very entertaining article, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Finally, I have one Teacher Link to share:
TheSchoolBell.com is a teacher-maintained site that can be a valuable resource to, erm,
resource language arts teachers. I went searching for Dolch word lists from my low-level reading
group and found this treasure. She has the Dolch lists, printable practice booklets, record-
keeping graphs and more.
Added October 22, 2006
I have a lot to post this weekend, including a few new useful Teacher Tools, a new Andrew-
Dawn desktop, some wonderful sketches by my friend Veronique Zehnder Hahn and new
nominations from the BurstIntoFlame Awards for Wishes! Many thanks to the reader who
nominated the story. That's the kind of love I live for!
In regards to the current chapter of Anywhere Out of This World, it is in the editing/revision
stage because my beta, Mattallicarock, asked some provocative questions about it. He is very
wise and correct in saying that I must address those issues before posting, no matter how much
I grumble about it. That said, the current chapter will be posted later this week. In it, Willow
ventures out into Tokyo to find Faith, who's looking for Connor, but someone else finds her
instead.
Here's the latest:
Teacher Links
Using Poetry to Teach Reading to Special Education Students
This website features four Language Arts lessons for a level range of about 3rd to 5th Grade.
Check out the Word Lists in the lessons; it's very interesting how the teacher builds multi-
syllabic words from smaller, more common ones.
Elementary Journalism
Don't be fooled by the title. This website contains useful tools that can be used all the way up
to high school aged students. Next six weeks, our class will be launching out online class
newsletter. The Online Writer is definitely a tool I plan to utilize.
Featured Artwork
My friend Veronique Zehnder Hahn, whose visually stunning abstract paintings may be viewed
here, sent me some lovely sketches she recently created. She's given me permission to feature
them on this site so that I might share them with you. Click here to view her latest creations.
Hopefully, she will send more!
New Desktop Image
Watchers (In Training) 1024x768. Andrew and Dawn together: Sooo cute!
One of the textures by Misplaced. Brushes by Touchstoneart and me.
And the nominations are...
Wishes was nominated for Best Long Fiction and Most Original Plot, and I received a nod for Best
New Author at the BurstIntoFlame Awards. Whee!! Thanks dearly for the support and
encouragement.
Added October 11, 2006
A quick rec tonight, and a birthday wish. The recommendation is for CaroMio's Buffyverse tale
titled What If I'm Not The Slayer? What if Buffy came back as a regular average girl after the
Master killed her and Xander revived her? I'd recommend this story on premise alone, which is
intriguing and fun, but the first-person diary entry intro is primo Buffy characterization.
CaroMio's posted six chapters and is still updating, so this one's definitely a WIP worth checking
out.
A very Happy Birthday to Kevin in New York. We love you, we miss you and we are supa-proud
of who you are! Hope you had a rockin' birthday. I had a glass of merlot and thought of you.
I also have two new Andrew-Dawn desktops here for those who are interested in that sort of
thing. I'm getting a lot of creative mileage out of this Dawn and Andrew pairing. Who'd have
thought? Hope you enjoy them.
Added October 8, 2006
At last, an update! I have a new chapter for Anywhere Out of This World, the promised Spuffy
chapter, with a bit of Jonathan and Andrew thrown into the Alternate Universe Sunnydale. I also
have a rec for an excellent Buffy story by Draconin titled Those Whom Moses Forgets. This is
what Sunnydale looks like to a member of Sunnydale PD. It's a brilliant, engaging, artful work.
While Buffy fans will enjoy it, I recommend it to anyone interested in something good to read.
And, here's my latest:
Two Roads Diverged, Chapter 19 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Buffy has a plan. It does not include Spike. It's all right though. Spike has plans of his
own. Plus, Buffy finally gets an answer to a very important question.
Apart from the Buffyverse, I've also rearranged the Teacher's Links page so that the Math
Resources are together, and the Literacy Links have their own space. I attended a Dyslexia
Conference on October 2, from which I gained tons of useful knowledge, including a great many
new links. The best of the bunch is www.readwritethink.net. This site contains hundreds of
quality lesson plans for all grade levels, plus student materials and web resources.
Finally, I presented a lecture to the San Marcos Art League last week about Digital Art. It turned
out really well, terrified though I was, and I wanted to upload the PowerPoint I used here. I've
also put in a link to the San Marcos Art League website on my Links page.
Added September 16, 2006
This is a long update, given that it's been a while since my last, and I've been unexpectedly
productive in the last two weeks. I have a new chapter for Anywhere Out of This World, which
has received some renewed attention on SlayerFanfic.com. Thanks to everyone who reads and
supports stories on this site. It makes us feel all tingly inside.
Here's the latest:
Empty Rooms, Chapter 18 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Andrew and Dawn are in the house alone. What could they be up to? Or, Dawn and
Andrew are in the house alone... but is Andrew in danger?
The next chapter, tentatively titled Reconnect, is a Spuffy (about time!) chapter. Surprisingly,
this story has been more about the struggles of the secondary characters and not just about
Spike and Buffy. This is true more here than in Wishes and Regrets. The only accounting for it is
that I've been drawn to examine the motivations of Andrew, Dawn, Connor, Willow and Faith
much more than I expected. The larger story continues to surprise and entertain me, so I'll
continue to write it until I'm bored!
The good thing about the Buffyverse is that it also helps satisfy my artistic yen. I've begun to
create digital cards for the characters in the story, specifically my original characters.
Dramatis Personae: If I were a casting director, these would be my players. Long ago, I used to
create Trumps for my Amberite characters. Now I've made similar digital images for the
characters in my fanfic. So far, I have one of Thellian Ventrusca and Nighna. In production are
pictures of Luxe and Maya, with the rest to follow as soon as I find good images of them.
Also, I have added a link to the site of a fantastic digital artist, Zugma. The site contains her
incomparably expressive digital work, plus Photoshop tutorials, resources, brushes, textures
and links. Here's the link to her site. www.misplaced.co.uk/uglybusiness/
Go, browse, be impressed!
And finally, I have added several sites to my Teacher Resources Links page. In fact, it's become
so extensive, I'll be reorganizing it into categories to make it more easily accessible over the
coming weeks.
Added September 4, 2006
I have finally done what I set out to do with Anywhere Out of This World. It's still in WIP status,
but I've accomplished one half of my original objective. A few month's ago, I had no clear idea
about which direction the story would take, but now I'm please to know that it does have a
destination in mind. And so, here's the latest:
Not A Chance In Hell, Chapter 17 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Things went bad for Anjelica in the Second Circle of Hell. They were worse for Oz.
After witnessing a traumatic event from Helli's past, Oz loses control of the wolf and blindly
attacks. Nighna arrives too late to prevent the damage. Realizing that they have failed in their
Hellish mission, Nighna gives Helli her last valuable possession right before they finally meet up
with Luxe in the Third Circle of Hell.
Many thanks to Mattallicarock for nudging me to write faster. Three weeks is a long time to
spend on one chapter. So sayeth the Beta.
I also wanted to thank the moderators at Spuffy Haven for the new award! The photo
manipulation I made for Moulin Rouge picked up a Mod's Choice Award at Spuffy Haven. *Squeee!
* This is the first ever award I've ever won for fanart. I am terribly grateful! Click here to see
the lovely Awards Plaque they created. Thanks y'all!
Added August 27, 2006
I've added an Online Reference Materials section to the Teacher Resource Links page, as well as
a few new sites that might be useful to teachers and their students. One is BookCrossing.com,
one of my favorite sites on the Internet. This site encourages people to tag and release books
into the wild. Afterward, you can go online and track them using their online tagging system. It's
great fun and very interesting. Excellent for teachers, students and bibliophiles all over the
world.
I've also added two new sites to my Links page: Hawke's Castle, which is the personal site to my
longtime friend Chris Altnau (a fellow Vidor escapee). Hawke's Castle contains quite a collection
of interesting information, including Amptgard, role playing, poetry and literature links and
more. I've also added SuperHeroHype.com, a place where I go when I need a fix on my favorite
comic book heroes and villains.
In the Recs and Reviews section, I updated the links to Lauren's Spuffy saga, Strange Days and
Homesick because she's now posting exclusively to the Spuffy Realm. I also saw that she's
begun to post some Dream fics there, so it's worth a visit to check those out!
Added August 21, 2006
Well, school's in. This year's looking to be scores better than last. I have nothing to contribute
to the Buffyverse yet. Everything seems to take twice as long as I think it should. But, I did
write a review for The Lake House, so I thought I'd include it here. I enjoyed the movie because
of its mystical realism elements and because of a lingering crush on Keanu Reeves. I saw it in
the theater, but am fairly certain - with trailers for Superman Returns and The Da Vinci Code as
indicators - that it will be heading to DVD land soon. It's definitely worth Netflixing.
Added August 12, 2006
Another gnarly twist to Anywhere Out of This World...
I'd like to begin by saying that I dislike writing flashbacks. I've read some that are so
beautifully effective, it's chilling. For me, I often feel like I'm taking the easy way out by
writing them. Therefore, as an experimental twist, this latest chapter features a flashback that
flashes back. This can only happen to Xander.
Here's the latest...
Flashback, Chapter 16 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Xander overturns the events that led him to be left out in the rain on Thanksgiving
night. While he's pondering, he learns some upsetting news.
Many thanks to my beta, Mattallicarock, who said that he could almost follow my original draft
(he's so polite!) and gently suggested a few helpful edits.
Added August 6, 2006
Part Two... argh!
This latest chapter of Anywhere Out of This World has been kicking me in the teeth. This is in
part because I struggle with writing Faith. It's also because the summer is drawing to a close
and I am no where near finishing this story, as I hoped I would be.
Nevertheless, I have decided two things: One, I will finish this story. Even though the plot is a
sprawling beast begging for a judicious rewrite, I am going to finish it! Two, I will continue to
write during the school year. It's therapy.
So, no matter how gnarly and twisted things get between now and December, and though posts
for this story may be far and farther between, I. Am. Going. To. Finish. (I hope the story is
listening and now feels threatened).
Here's the latest...
Burn, Chapter 15 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: While tracking Connor through the streets of Tokyo, Faith discovers the destruction
he's leaving in his wake.
The next two chapters for this story are almost completed, too. One is a Xander/Maya flashback
centered on Xander's Thanksgiving Day blunderfest. The other focuses on Andrew and Dawn in
the aftermath of Dawn's latest art experiment.
And finally, I have added my entries into the Spuffy Haven "Let's Go to the Movies" photo
manipulation challenge. I created faux movie posters for Moulin Rouge! and Bridget Jones's
Diary, starring Buffy, Spike, Angel and a surprise cameo from the Scoobies.
Added August 6, 2006
This should be a two-part post. I've got my fingers crossed...
I wanted to go ahead and get the Official Start of the Teacher Resources pages underway. I have
added a new button to the navigation panel, to make finding it a little easier. I've also added
seven Graphic Organizers to the archive.
Later today, I hope to add a few more documents to the Teacher's Resources pages (right in
time for school!) including some ice breaker games and a few more educator links.
I'm also planning to post the next chapter of Anywhere Out of This World. Titled Burn, this
chapter focuses on Faith's pursuit of Connor in Japan. I'll post two more Movie Poster
Manipulations into my Artwork Archive as well.
Added August 2, 2006
Just received news this afternoon that Wishes won some awards at Lost In Spike, for which I'm
ecstatic and grateful! Wishes won Runner Up for Best Written, Best Love Story, and Best Angst.
It won in the category for Best Spike Hero. Thank y'all so much for these.
I also wanted to congratulate Mary for Lost In You, which picked up Best Short Fiction, Best
Buffy POV, Sexiest Fic, Best PWP and Judge's Choice. Squee!
Also, as promised, I'm posting the first part of my Teacher's Resource Archive. Right now, I'm
posting a few 6th Grade Math Warm Ups. Over the weekend, I hope to begin posting Creative
Math Lessons and a few Graphic Organizers that can be used in many subject areas. I hope to
include a links page with many of the useful websites we've found to support teachers.
Added July 31, 2006
Happy Birthday to my daughter!
As part of an ongoing art project in honor of her birthday, I've created two Buffy-inspired
manipulations at her request. We made one each for The Princess Bride and The Lord of the
Rings.
I've also had the good fortune of meeting many, many very talented writers and artists at
WriterCon 2006. I have included new fanfiction links to my growing Buffy directory, as well as a
link for Carmen_Sandiego's Buffy Tarot. I've added Anaross, who wrote one of my favorite
Spuffy stories, Unspoken, and Barb C., whose short stories made my plane ride home from
Atlanta the shortest ever! She also has three novel-length AU Buffy works, all of which are of
the good.
More detailed reccs and Creative Math Lesson Plans are on the way, as are two chapters for
Anywhere Out of This World. No, seriously... I promise!
Added July 20, 2006
In less than 24 hours, I'll be winging my way to WriterCon in Atlanta! I've not finished... or
really, started, packing yet, but insomnia begets procrastination. Instead of filling my suitcases
(which would require me choosing which outfits stay and which ones go - truly painful) I'm
posting one new Icon and two new Desktops as a going away gift. The Icon's a Buffy one made
specially for WriterCon. For Desktops, I offer a Giles image and one of Spike (of course).
These I also offer in lieu of a finished chapter to Anywhere Out of This World. I am working on
Chapter 15, for which my beloved beta, Mattallicarock, is "anxiously awaiting." Chapter 15 -
titled Burn - will focus on Faith's pursuit of Connor in Japan.
I'm eager to meet everyone at the Con, as it will be nice to finally to put faces to the wonderful
books and stories I've read over the last year and a half. Hopefully I will return just bursting
with many new things to contribute to the Buffyverse.
Much Love and Many Thanks,
CelesteAvonne
Added July 16, 2006
I've finally re-vamped the interface to the site, making it, I hope, easier to read and access.
I've also added links and songs to the Playlist for Anywhere Out of This World and Regrets. As
for the story itself, many readers have said they are caught up and waiting for the next update,
and I hope to have something to offer very soon.
I also hope to include a section of Creative Math Lesson Plans that I borrowed, wrote, observed
and out-right stole from the fabulous teachers at Porter Middle School last year. I know this site
is an unlikely repository for such things, but we teachers must stick together. Sometimes you
never know where you might stumble across something that will strike that spark of excitement
in a student!
Finally,I learned this morning this morning, much to my great delight, that Wishes and Regrets
placed in four categories and won in one category at the SunnyD Awards. Wishes was Runner Up
for Best Comedy and Best Drama. Regrets won Runner Up for Best Angst and Best
Characterization for Andrew. But I'm most proud of winning the Best Original Character Pairing
for Xander and Maya in Regrets. The very best, most extra special part of this is that the
competition was voted on by my readers, so I owe you guys a debt of tremendous gratitude.
Thank you so much for your support.
Added July 1, 2006
Wishes was named
July's Fiction of
the Month by
the ladies at Dark Solace!
Many, many thanks to
Just_Sue for the
nomination, and to
everyone at the site for
their vote. Thanks also for
the lovely Spuffy banner.
Added June 28, 2006
Innocents Lost, Chapter 14 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Even though it opens with Lorne on the phone to an overwrought demon, this is a
short Spuffy-centric chapter in which Spike takes Buffy out for a night on the town in good old
Sunnydale, where she witnesses how bad things have gotten since her death on the tower.
I originally envisioned Spike as the villain in this piece, but as it happens in some cases (and in
my opinion, the best cases) the character chose to take an alternate path. I wrote versions for
both villain Spike and righteous rage Spike, but its seems that, for now, the latter has won out.
We're heading out to Alaska for two weeks tomorrow to see our darling baby nephew Elliot (oh,
and I guess Chris and Amy too *grin*...) so we'll be semi-offline but not updating. I'll miss y'all
very much. When we get back, we'll make sure to post all of Katya's pictures. She's a very
talented little photographer.
Much love and many thanks.
PS I corrected the image size for the Faith Desktop. The proper sized graphic can be found here.
Added June 26, 2006
Due to a fit of crazy insomnia, I have 14 new Icons to share. The All Hail King Xander icon was
created for my little girl and her best friend, who have bestowed the title upon their favorite
Buffy character. And, there's one of Captain Jack Sparrow, in honor of Pirates of the Caribbean
2: Dead Man's Chest, which comes out someday soon.
I also wanted to re-rec Lauren's immensely entertaining Buffyverse AU, Strange Days and
Homesick. Lauren has weaved a witty and action-packed post-NFA adventure that keeps her
readers on the edges of their seats.
Finally, I hope to have Innocents Lost, Chapter 15 of Anywhere Out of This World, posted before
we leave for Alaska on Thursday.
Added June 22, 2006
Seduced, Chapter 14 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: William goes out to ponder his various failings, but gets caught off guard. Dawn and
Brodie are drawn into a precarious situation when Dawn loses control. Nighna learns that
Anjelica has a secret. Oz learns it as well, but is too late to do anything about it.
This story just keeps getting weirder. The sex scenes are more racy than I'm used to writing,
and the angst continues to be angsty. But, I do hope you enjoy reading it. As always, I welcome
feedback and concrit. It's helped immensely throughout the creation of this story.
Added June 19, 2006
Holy Cats! Just learned this morning that Wishes and Regrets won three
Spuffy Awards:
Best General Saga, Best Original Plot and Judge's Choice for Best Original Character,
Maya Rose. Click here to look at the lovely plaques by Holly from the Spuffy Awards.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for this story. It means so very much to me.
Also added:
Three new Desktop Images. These are saved at full size 1024x768. I just fixed the problem from
before, where they were saving at a lower resolution.
Invite Me In
Passion
Connection
The first is inspired by the new and wonderful Photoshop brushes created by touchstoneart.com.
The second two are Spuffy scenes with a touch of Dave McKean thrown in.
I've also re-vamped the Artwork page to include separate pages for Desktops and Icons.
They were getting a little cramped.
Thanks to Sue, I fixed the link to the Sunnydale Fanart Awards. Thanks Sue!!
Added June 14, 2006
Thanksgiving, Chapter 13 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: This chapter's a brief look into Dawn's, Andrew's and William's crumbling lives.
William and Dawn have a shouting match, leaving Andrew to pick up the pieces. Xander calls to
check in, but gets a lot of static.
Also Added:
Two new Icons, one of Buffy and one of Willow.
One new Desktop Image. Another Spike, of course. I've gone mad over the new Photoshop
brushes by touchstonesart.com.
Added June 11, 2006
Also Added:
Enthralled, Chapter 12 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Faith tracks Connor to a Subako hive in the Tokyo Underground. The Gypsies of the
Second Circle of Hell catch up to Nighna, Oz and Anjelica - but they just want to party. And Buffy
has a dream turned nightmare about William's garden.
I now have Icons! Inspired by eyesthatslay, and everyone at LiveJournal, I've created a set of
Buffyverse icons including Buffy, Spike, Faith, Angel, Connor and Andrew. More to follow soon,
so check back often.
Added June 7, 2006
Lusty Wrong Feelings, Chapter 11 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Following a conversation with my Mom, who insists that good stories involve writers taking risks,
I bring you the latest installment of my Buffyverse tale. This one involves a risk-taking with
Dawn. As she grows into her own power and deals with her grief over her missing sister, she
starts down a path that will lead her to trouble.
Summary: Oz, Anjelica and Nighna enter the Second Circle of Hell, the place set aside for those
who commit acts of Lust. The forest turns out to be intoxicating in its luxuriance, and Nighna
fears that it may bring out the worst in at least one of them.
Back in London, Dawn engages in a little experimentation in a nearly desperate effort to get her
drawings to come to life again. In Spike's work-aholic absence from the house, Andrew sinks into
an obsessive hermitage to try and make order out of all the chaos.
Added May 31, 2006
Empty as Houses, Chapter 10 of Anywhere Out of This World
After much editing, and at the suggestion of my beta-reader Matt who said, 'Quit worrying about
how long the chapters are!', the next chapter is ready for posting.
Summary: Back in London, Giles learns about an inter-dimensional spell. He asks a grief-stricken
William to help out. And in Sunnydale, Buffy learns about an international corporation that has
set up shop over the Hellmouth. She also discovers that Dawn and Spike have been coping for a
long time without her. Two new characters enter the mix - a pair of witches who have a
connection to the Slayer.
Added May 29, 2006
In lieu of an actual chapter, I offer goodies and the promise of the new chapter for tomorrow.
The first is an Angel fanfiction recommendation. I've never rec'd Angel fanfic, but this one's
extra cool and worth reading. It's called Angel Season Five (Redux) by Kevin, and it features all
of the AtS characters we know and love, and some we know and hate. Good, crisp descriptions,
compelling action and great dialog.
Second, lovely Lauren (author of Strange Days and Homesick) has a new home on the web: www.
laurenchandler.com.
Artwork Added:
Nothing Left But Faith, a new desktop image of Faith, inspired in part by a Cure song and a
Vampire Willow desktop by connikins.
Prophecy Girl, a desktop image of Buffy. Special thanks to Christen for the extremely sexy
image of Sarah Michelle Gellar and to Mary for the inspiration.
And finally, the new chapter titled Empty as Houses will follow tomorrow once my darling beta-
reader Matt has had the chance to give it either the Yay or Nay vote. I had an epiphany about
the story today whilst watching X-Men 3. I have a better idea now where the story might be
heading, and I owe it all to Wolverine!
Added May 21, 2006
International Calls, Chapter 9 of Anywhere Out of This World
As promised, a chapter focusing on Willow, Connor and Faith in Tokyo. They meet Mr. Wayara,
the Watcher for the Tokyo Slayer School. He explains to them the difference between the
vampires of the East and West. Also, Xander reunites with Maya but dismisses his missed call
from Dawn.
Also added: Closer, a new desktop image of Spike. Thanks to Crystal for this lovely and up close
view of Mr. Marsters.
Added May 17, 2006
Added May 15, 2006
Voting Begins at The Spuffy Awards!
Wishes and Regrets was nominated at the Spuffy Awards, and the voting is officially open.
Please vote for me! It only takes a few minutes and makes my whole month. Actually, more than
just a month...
Please be sure to read the rules. And when you come to the box that says 'Have you read the
rules?' enter the words Smile Time.
I've been nominated in these categories:
Most Outstanding Original Character (Maya Rose), Best General Author (as CelesteAvonne)
Best General Saga, and Best General Most Original Plot.
Also, Just_Sue's story Buyer Beware is nominated for Best Angst. She's wonderful and I highly
recommend the story.
Many, many thanks again and wish us luck!
Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful Moms out there. You are much loved.
Matters of Time and Fishes, Chapter 8 of Anywhere Out of This World
My most surreal chapter yet: Oz, Anjelica and Nighna leave the cube farm of Limbo, cross
through the Wastelands and wind up on the banks of the Styx in their pursuit of Luxe. They are
met with peril on all sides as they learn that Hell's not a good place for the living. It's not a
great place for the dead either, come to think of it.
Also added: I've started linking the Playlist Tracks with the lyrics in their chapters. Been
meaning to do this for a while, but had not decided which songs would go where. There will be
more, eventually.
I've also included review from filmtheory, one of the Slayerfanfic.com staff. Thanks for reading
and sharing your thoughts! Filmtheory also has an interesting Connor and Dawn story, which I've
only just begun to read but already like: Campus Life.
And finally, a link Lauren's fantastic continuation of her post-AtS Spike and Buffy tale,
Strange Days. If you haven't read it, I think you'd really enjoy it. And then read Homesick.
It's a wild and fun adventure into another world from which magic and demons have been
banished.
Added May 7, 2006
Relative, Chapter 7 of Anywhere Out of This World
I must admit I'm having trouble with this one. Don't know yet where the story is taking me,
but I'm trying to trust that it will be like the other two and will unfold as I go. I'm posting it
tonight, but will return to it tomorrow to smooth and polish over the rougher edges.
Many thanks to Matt for his beta-reading, endless encouragement and assurances that
I have not yet completely lost my mind.
Added May 1, 2006:
Wishes took runner-up for Best Future Fic at the Love's Last Glimpse Awards!
I had been knocked right over by the nomination (nominator still remains a mystery, but I am
deeply grateful), so the award itself makes me terribly, over-bearingly happy. I'm wearing my
scary, toothy grin right now. So, thanks!
Also wanted to include Just_Sue's Buyer Beware in the Recommendations and Reviews section. I
just started reading it this weekend, and it is excellent! It's an AU tale with solid storytelling,
strong characterizations and page-turning plot. Congratulations are in order, too. Buyer Beware
won Best Saga and runner-up for Best Plot at Love's Last Glimpse. Yay us!!
Added April 29, 2006:
Welcome to Hell, Chapter 6 of Anywhere Out of This World
Added Links:
The Other Side of Starlight
New to the LJ, and what fun it is!
Special thanks to Mary and Just_Sue for friending me!
Added Review:
Wanted to thank Just_Sue for her very kind words about Wishes and Regrets.
This one made me cry.
Added April 26, 2006:
Two Fantastic Spuffy Recommendations on the re-vamped Recs and Reviews Page.
New Wallpapers:
Perfect Match
Added April 22, 2006:
Mourning Sickness, Chapter Five of Anywhere Out of This World
New Wallpapers:
The Garden of Good and Angel
Spike, Anywhere (Thanks to Crystal for this lovely image of James)
Added Reviews:
Many thanks to Mary, Tammy, StevenH, Lauren and Hannah for your kind words.
Added April 17, 2006:
All's Well, Chapter Three of Anywhere Out of This World.
Anywhere Out of This World Chapter Four of Anywhere Out of This World.
Added April 15, 2006:
New Wallpapers:
Buffy in Blue
Spike Redemption (Special thanks to Meghann for the lovely James Marsters' image)
Muse
Added April 14, 2006:
The Drawing Board, Chapter Two of Anywhere Out of This World.
Wishes & Regrets Playlist:
In keeping with BtVS tradition, I've included a list of the songs that provided background and
inspiration to the stories. There's a mix of Emo, Goth Rock and Alternative stuff, but all of it
seemed to fit the story so well.
As promised, here is the second part of the two-chapter installment for Anywhere Out of This
World, titled Pursuit. In this one, Andrew runs into a little demon infestation on his way back
home. Dawn, in her search for Andrew, encounters similar demon issues.
In the B story, Thellian awakes in his new lair, and it's a good thing neither Spike nor Buffy are
around to see it. Thellian has new developments regarding Maya, but they are cut short by a
surprise visit from Connor, who still believes he's on a demon-smashing mission with his father.
All this plus very little silliness, here:
Pursuit, Chapter 48 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,550
Rating: PG-13 for cannibalistic demon references
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the mighty Joss.
March 11, 2008
I have the first of a two-chapter installment ready for posting today. This one, titled Double
Cross, mainly features Angel's crew and their decision to help Buffy get back to Sunnydale. Of
course, nothing is ever so simple, and really bad things happen. The B story focuses on Ed
Busby, an average bloke hired by Willow and Faith to help them move certain questionable
'cargo'.
Here's the latest:
Double Cross, Chapter 47 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Many, with reference to Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,100
Rating: PG-13 for gruesomeness
Summary: Team Angel takes on Sunnydale, but runs immediately into an ugly snare. Willow and
Faith arrive in London, but getting past Xander is... really no trouble at all.
March 9, 2008
Happy Anniversary website!
I had hopes of posting a new chapter in honor of the site's second birthday, but it's not ready.
Actually, it's only half-written and still must undergo the painful edit/re-write process. But, I do
have something to add, and that's a recommendation for a fantastic book: Ken Follet's The
Pillars of the Earth. It's an excrutiatingly beautiful story encompassing the lives of four
generations of two families as they witness and build Kingsbridge Cathedral. Go, read it!
I plan to have one if not two chapters in Anywhere Out of This World later this week. Keep
looking and I'll keep you posted.
March 3, 2008
Our beloved Uncle Eddie passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2008. He was 52. Our family is
feeling this profound loss as we celebrate his life and the impression he leaves in all of our
hearts.
I was quite honored to give the eulogy on behalf of our family. Several family members and
friends have asked me to post the eulogy and share it with those who were not able to attend
Uncle Eddie's funeral. I have created a memorial page to him here:
Edward T. Purkey
On this page, I have included links to the obituary from The Beaumont Enterprise, and the
condolences link from Farmer's Funeral Directors.
February 21, 2008
Happy Birthday to my brother, Chris!
And also, I have the latest chapter of to my long and winding Buffy tale, which draws closer to
its conclusion. It does, really. I promise...
Avenger, Chapter 46 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew
Word Count: 3,900
Rating: PG
Summary: Dawn learns of Xander's and Andrew's confrontation. After a confrontation of her
own, she goes out to find Andrew. Andrew, meanwhile, returns to the Temple of the Sisters,
where he meets up with Nighna's ghost. William returns to the Slayer School to find them
preparing for a trench war against demonkind. Finally, Connor is still trapped in Willow's web of
delusional fantasy.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
February 5, 2008
I have the latest chapter of Anywhere to post tonight. It's been through a few re-writes, partly
because I had written the Xander-Andrew bits much earlier, before the Andrew/Dawn pairing had
a lot of shape to it. Now, the Andrew/Dawn relationship is much more solid, which made parts of
Andrew's conversation with Xander irrelevant. Well, you'll see...
Bit of a warning, there will be some Xander bashing ahead. This is due in part to some held over
aggression I harbor toward him over his deplorable treatment of Anya and his double standard
treatment of Buffy and Spike in Season 6. He must pay for that some time. For me, that time is
now.
Here's the latest:
The Lovers, Chapter 45 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew
Word Count: 4175
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: While rummaging through Willow's books, Dawn finds a Tarot deck that holds her
transfixed. She cuts the cards and reveals The Lovers. She takes the image to heart. After a pre-
morning lovefest with Andrew, she learns that he takes their relationship with similar
seriousness. However, Xander has other plans and interferes, which will have disastrous
consequences to them all.
January 15, 2008
Just stopping by to update my book list and add the link to the Shelfari site, which has occupied
much of my free time in the last week. Shelfari - it's like a bookshelf safari. I have added the
numerous titles I've read over the last few years, plus the ones I can recall from grade school
on. It's also nifty because it's a book network. My brother's on there, as well as many literary-
minded friends, and they've all listed their books. The Internet is swell.
I'll be back soon with an update to Anywhere. It's nearing an end, I can feel it. The Buffyverse
that once crowded out all other creative vines and underbrush has grown to its full height,
where I can leave it to be beautiful and imperfect in its own measure of light.
January 5, 2008
Happy Birthday, Matt!
Yesterday, my beta celebrated his 32nd time around the sun. When I asked him what he wanted
for his birthday, he said 'a chapter.' Just so happens, I have a new one!
And so here it is:
Parallel Lives, Chapter 44 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew (implied)
Word Count: 3,700
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: After Spike's awakening, Dawn fills him in on a few things that have happened in his
absence. In the AU, Buffy awakes to an offer of help from Willow, and they discover that this
Dawn also has mysterious artistic ability.
December 27, 2007
Just stopping by to update Anywhere Out of This World tonight. I have the latest chapter, a
quick one, focusing on Lorne and Clem in the aftermath of Lorne's vision. I don't have much else
to say, as things in my 'normal' life have taken some frustrating turns. But there will be more
soon.
Here's the latest:
The Fall of Triumvirate, Chapter 43 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: None in this chapter
Word Count: 1,880
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: Lorne's vision spares Clem's life when the Big Bads come to town.
December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas, everyone! A friend told me earlier to count my blessings every night, for
we are most surely blessed. I want to share my gratitude to my family and friends, for their
love, support, and joy. We just had the most marvelous time together tonight. Christmases like
these build sweet memories in the hearts of our children, and those are priceless. Absolutely
priceless. Thank you!
I have one gift to offer tonight. It is a one-shot Christmas Spuffy set post-Anywhere, three years
into the future, with minor spoilers for that story. In it, Buffy and Spike have their hands full
with their regular lives and their three-year-old daughter Tara. It's difficult enough corralling
her, much less an unwelcome demon visitor.
This story was my submission for the Spuffy Solstice at Spuffy_Haven.
Title: Better To Give
Word Count: 4,353
Rating: PG
Pairings: Spike/Buffy & Andrew/Dawn
Disclaimers: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss. Also, this story is pure
indulgent fluff, like salt water taffy. For that, I humbly beg your forgiveness.
Many thanks to my beta for catching my errors, even though I opted to keep the decapitated
demon's ability to nod its approval.
December 10, 2007
I made it! Thirty books with two weeks to spare. I have them all chronicles on my Book List
2007. Soon, I'll move it to take the place of the incomplete list from 2006. I reached my goal of
20 books last year, too, but had to reconstruct the list from memory after the Lappy crash of
December 06. I'm knocking on wood and making plans to back up even as I type.
Next year, I'm going to be more ambitious in my goal: 36 books! Eventually, I'll be able to read
as many as my Mom, who read 56 books this year (so far...). I absolutely love reading.
In other news, we brought home our darling baby Logan this morning - a brand-new ginger kitten
with a rusty meow and an abundance of personality. Happy Christmas, Katya! And me, too.
December 1, 2007
In keeping with the practice that I subject myself to the assignments I give to my students, I
wrote a short story right along with them. And because I said they could choose any genre, I did
too... Naturally, I chose fanfic.
Three weeks and 10,000 words later, I present The Amazingly Invisible Andrew Wells.
Summary: During that wiggy time leading up to The Prom, Tucker Wells was busy plotting
himself into the path of Buffy Summers. All the while, little Andrew was trying desperately to
live up to the name of his brother. In Andrew's attempt to waylay Tucker's bestial plans to
ransack The Prom, and to win the favor of new girl Rebecca Kinsey, he gets drawn into a deal
with a devil that could ruin the school's production of Romeo and Juliet.
Word Count: 10,830
Rating: PG
Timeline: This is a one-shot set pre-Prom in Season 3, as seen from Andrew's perspective. There
are cameos from many of the Sunnydale alum as well.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Also....
On the first day of December, James Marsters gave to me... lovely pictures for the sharing.
Actually, it was the fabulous CaroMio who sent this link, with an Advent Calendar-like entry to
the website, www.jamesmarsterslive.com. Joy for the whole season!
November 21, 2007
Happy early Thanksgiving to all! I've been catching up today on LJ, and have been basking in
the well-wishing of my Flist, which has put me in an extremely festive mood. In addition to the
general relaxation and recuperation, I've been working on an update to Anywhere Out of This
World, titled Lost to Sand.
I also finished reading The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman, which I recommend, and added it
as #29 on my Book List for this year. It would be best to read it before the movie comes out the
December. It'll be like Harry Potter in that there is no way the film makers will be able to fit it
all in to less than two hours on-screen. I also wanted to recommend Memoirs of the Countess de
Fountaine by CaroMio to my fellow Spuffy lovers. She just recently updated this one, and it's
one of my favorites!
And here's the latest on mine:
Lost to Sand, Chapter 42 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew, Xander/OC (Maya), and Oz/Anjelica
Word Count: 2,000
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: Anya and Walter open the portal out of Hell for Oz and Anjelica, but nothing in Hell
happens without a sacrifice. Back in London, Dawn awakes from her drawing spell to the sound
of Andrew's screaming.
November 4, 2007
This has been a difficult week. Possibly the worst for us this year. As always, though, the
solitude and contemplation of writing provides the most welcome escape. I began this chapter
long ago, with the line, "Under these auspices, and with hope in her heart, Dawn began to
draw..."
I think writers can relate to this. Many times, we sit down at our notebooks and laptops with the
weights of every day on our shoulders. But the hope in our hearts helps us create a safe haven
in which our minds get to be free. I paired Patty Griffin's Icicles with this chapter, and I think it
fits Dawn and Andrew so well. In her lyrics, she says, 'we're just like/anyone else/ we just want
a little bit/ of sun for ourselves.' This is especially perfect given what lies ahead for them. But,
I'm getting ahead of myself.
Here's the latest:
Drawn Together, Chapter 41 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Buffy/Spike and Dawn/Andrew (though not at the same time. That would be weird)
Word Count: 2350
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: Dawn and Andrew think their Voodoo waking spell has failed. Silly them. Dawn, still
invigorated from the spell, leaves their bed to indulge her creative side, which she has
repressed due to her frightening first-time experience with Brody. As she becomes entranced
with her drawing, she unwittingly creates a kind of sanctuary into which Buffy and William are
drawn.
October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!!
With love, from Katrina and me. May you have a spooky, ghoul-filled evening of fun and, of
course, candy!
PS Working on the rough of the next chapter, now titled "Drawn Together". I expect to finish it
and post on Sunday or so.
October 17, 2007
Not so much a chapter as an interlude, this next installment of Anywhere Out of This World
touches base with Lorne, who has set himself up rather comfortably as the steward of
Triumvirate. In Nighna's absence, he has maintained the night club as a place of neutrality and
relative peace. That is, until his bartender sings the line of a song, and Lorne gets a peek at a
potentially violent incident in the very near future.
Here's the latest:
For Lorne, Chapter 40 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: None in this chapter
Word Count: 700
Rating: PG (for now)
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the mighty Joss.
As I'm nearing the climax of the story, the chapters are coming faster and faster. Which is good.
I think the beginning of the story taunted me a bit as I attempted to tease out its various
threads. I'm hoping to have another chapter, tentatively titled "Safe Haven", posted soon. This
one will deal with the after-effects of the portal Anya and Walter cast in Hell, as well as the
spell Dawn and Andrew cast. They believe it had no effect at all; boy, were they wrong!
Also, it seems that there is an over-arcing theme of Casablanca to this story, whereas the first
two, Wishes and Regrets, had Wizard of Oz references throughout. I never would have guessed
these movies had influenced me so much... But it is kinda cool.
October 12, 2007
Tonight, I have another chapter to offer. It's another Dawn/Andrew-centric chapter. I wrote the
first draft of this chapter last December, on the back of my car payment stub, so I'm really glad
to finally get to it in the storyline. I also have another chapter following soon after that
features Lorne and a special guest star...
Here's the latest:
That Old Black Magic, Chapter 39 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,630
Rating: Edging up to an R with some racy, graphic content
Summary: Dawn and Andrew cast a spell which sets certain events irrevocably into motion.
Also, Oz and Helli wait in increasing discomfort as Anya and Walter cast the portal home.
Author's Note:
I'm grateful tonight to my students, for working so hard this past week in our writing. Our focus
was on action verbs, editing to take out empty words, and imagery. I'm also thankful for my
daughter, who has been writing every day. Her diligence is inspiring, and I believe she has the
talent to one day be an author. Of course, I think she's brilliant enough to also be an astronaut,
a senator, and an enviro-biologist.
I also want to thank KimRae and Spikes_Heart for their encouraging words, and Mattallicarock,
my beta, for always being there. No matter what.
October 4, 2007
So this story is coming along despite the insanity of lesson planning, grading, more grading, and
let's see... real life stuff. Thank the heavens for writing. It helps me build partitions around the
creative parts of my brain, thereby protecting them from the overwhelmed parts of my brain.
I do have a new chapter to share. This one features Thellian and "his girls" as he has come to
view them, as they make their way across continents toward London. William also appears with
a cryptic-spouting spectre who continues to vex him.
Here's the Latest:
Not All Who Wander, Chapter 38 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Hints toward a possible Willow/Faith pairing
Word Count: 2,000
Rating: PG
Summary: Willow and Faith are like Thellian's Angels, only one of them is still reluctant.
William, still in his dream state induced by Succubus venom, is starting to realize that he is
comatose, and he's making the first efforts to try to wake himself. Will he be able to wake in
time to bring Buffy safely home?
September 23, 2007
Last week at was more trying than most. My students were subjected to a week long battery of
standardized testing. Naturally, by Friday, they felt quite restless and so things got a little
rough. However, I did find some time to write. Upside to everything!
And so, here's the latest:
Sweetness, Chapter 37 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 2,173
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Xander and Maya both have misgivings about each other, but neither voice them.
Dawn and Andrew take a morning off from research to spend some time together. With a Honey
Bear.
Author's Note: I began half of this one months ago when I first started entertaining the notion of
having Dawn and Andrew as a pairing. It started as a drabble, gained some strength and
adjectives, then swelled into a full-fledged chapter. I worried at first that I should cut it
because it does not advance the plot much, but it does show the growing bond between Dawn
and Andrew, as well as a glimpse into the not-as-peachy relationship between Xander and Maya.
My beta, Mattallicarock, reminded me that the joy of fanfic is that I don't have deadlines or
editors hovering over me. Therefore, I can write sweet little vignettes as I desire. That's why I
adore my beta.
Also, I realize I may have butchered the Italian that Andrew speaks to Dawn. My apologies if
that's so, and if anyone out there can correct me, I'd be most appreciative!
September 12, 2007
Great hairy legs of Hades, I finally finished this chapter. This one has been impeded by big-time
RL, but with every word I commit to the page, I am certain that these story lines are finally
winding together for a definite close. Therefore, thanks to you for your patience and continued
support!
Here's the latest:
Familiarity, Chapter 36 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,100
Rating: PG
Summary: This one picks up where the last chapter left off - with Buffy still torn about needing
a little help from Team Angel, and with Giles and Rachel Greenspan lost in the wilderness.
There's a sweet little bit at the end with Andrew and Dawn that serves as a recap for the action
(or lack thereof) at the Flat in London.
September 1, 2007
I'm swerving in today to report that I'm updating my Scottish List to include James McAvoy after
watching Becoming Jane this afternoon. Unfortunately, he's bumping John Hannah into an
alternate position, but I think James is well worthy as an addition.
I liked the movie. It's one of the handful of movies I've seen in the theater in which the
audience actually applauded at its end. It's one of those quiet and sweepingly epic British
movies I always go for.
I'm also here to add that in addition to grading 288 papers from my wonderful students, I am
working on an update for Anywhere Out of This World. I had a breakthrough in the plot on my
morning commute last week, so I will have a new chapter hopefully before the end of Monday.
This chapter, titled Familiarity (short for familiarity breeds contempt), will focus briefly on
Buffy, but will return to Giles and Rachel.
August 16, 2007
I've always liked the idea of a roguish Giles, a man at home in any terrain, kind of like a British
Indiana Jones. In the new chapter, that was what I was shooting for. I envision him part-Rupert,
part-Ripper, capable of killing, combat, and survival in even the most trying of circumstances.
Here's the latest:
Appearances Deceiving, Chapter 35 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Well, none. But there is a large ensemble scene in the Hyperion Hotel
Word Count: 3,400
Rating: PG
Summary: In the alternate-LA, Fred explains her theory for why the barriers between dimensions
have begun to break down. After Fred's presentation, Buffy succumbs to continued exhaustion.
Back in South America, Rachel Greenspan deals with Ethan's death, and Giles' part in it. Also,
Giles finds a photograph which leads him to believe that Rachel has a secret.
There's a lot of techno-babble in this chapter. Thanks to my Dad and brother for a life time of
Star Trek, Battletech and Arthur C. Clarke.
I'd also like to take a moment to those who have supported our online stores: The Chambered
Heart and Messages of Love. We are immensely grateful for your support. Katrina's postcards
and my bumper stickers are unexpectedly big sellers. So thank you so much! You are wonderful.
August 11, 2007
I have a new chapter to post for Anywhere Out of This World titled With A Little Help. With this
chapter I'd like to show gratitude to my daughter, Katrina, for holding our writing workshops
together. We get a lot of mother-daughter bonding and writing done during these sessions. I'd
also like to thank Spikes_Heart for her unflagging encouragement.
Here's the latest:
With A Little Help, Chapter 34 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 2,300
Rating: PG
Summary: Xander gets bent when he returns to London to find that Andrew has managed quite
well in Xander's absence. Also, Oz tries to comfort a shattered Anjelica while Anya and Walter
prepare for the ritual that will send them home.
Author's Note: I'm realizing more as I write Anywhere that I've been needing Xander to answer
for some of his actions in Seasons 6 & 7, as well as a few from earlier (The Pack, anyone?). He's
been Mr. Double Standard for a really long time, and I've been enjoying a little turnabout where
Xander has been concerned. I think Xander labors under the delusion that he's the white knight
of the Scoobies, the one who always sides with the greater good. It's from this position that he
sees fit to judge character and occasionally meddle (Willow says "kick his ass.") with the
group's decisions. What would happen, I wonder, if he was suddenly forced to examine some of
his past choices and to answer for them?
The hold up with this chapter was not lack of ideas or plot or pacing. No, this time it was the
bloody chapter title and one line of dialog toward the end that just would not fit. Even my betas
were at a loss, though I'm grateful as always for their suggestions and patience.
Silly, silly muse!
August 7, 2007
I wanted to share one of our passions with you: Star gazing, with particular emphasis on meteor
showers. I mean, who doesn't love optimizing your wish-making opportunities, right? Especially
if you have a starry-eyed 9-year-old daughter like mine. This is a yearly end-of-summer bonding
ritual for us. We take to the Hill Country with blankets and snacks and give our gratitude to the
wonder of the Universe.
Here's a link with information about all of the upcoming meteor showers, including phase of the
moon: http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/
For instance, the Perseids fall on next Monday, and there will be a New Moon; perfect for
viewing shooting stars. And making wishes.
August 5, 2007
This one's a big one for us!
I believe that my daughter is a very gifted young photographer. I believe it so much
that I have opened a CafePress storefront to support her work. Here is the link:
www.cafepress.com/chamberedheart
Please go, visit, admire... purchase! In addition to Katrina's photography, we have a
section for my artwork, and one called Message of Love, which has a lot of positive,
inspirational gifts representing what I think is a new, original point of view on
saving the world by making it a better place.
I'm currently writing a new chapter, as yet untitled, for Anywhere Out of This World. Xander has
returned to London thinking he's finally going to be the Alpha, only to discover that someone
else is taking charge. Also, there might be a bit with Oz and Anjelica. I'm looking to submit the
chapter to my beta tonight, so the new chapter could be up in a day or three.
July 24, 2007
A drive-by post... just to let everyone know that we'll be home Saturday morning. We're in
Alabama tonight, then back in Clinton, Louisiana, tomorrow. I have one Magic Kingdom desktop
to share:
Magic Kingdom by Night, 1024x768
This image was taken just after the SpectroMagic parade on my birthday, with the Night setting
of our camera. As part of the brilliant birthday extravaganza, we all got to BE in the parade,
which was absolutely unforgettable. I'll write more about all of that soon!
July 5, 2007
I have the new chapter of Anywhere Out of This World to post. In it, Connor has dreams. Very
vivid dreams. I'm working off the premise that the false memories of Connor's childhood has
made him susceptible to mental pitfalls, and Willow's spell to free him from the influence of the
Glass did not help matters.
Here's the latest:
Life Is..., Chapter 33 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Rating: PG-13 for some mild raciness, mostly implied
Word Count: 2960
Pairing: Connor/Dream-Dawn
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Author's Note #1: I borrowed a line from Jasmine in AtS: S4, but I promise I am not planning on
bringing Jasmine into this story at all. I just thought the line fit perfectly with Connor's motives
at the moment.
Author's Note #2: This may be my last post to this site for three weeks as we're leaving for
Disney World on Friday morning!
June 26, 2007
Today, I have the new chapter for Anywhere Out of This World, with the Giles/Rachel/Eathan
part in tact.
Here's the latest:
Ashes to Ashes, Chapter 32 of Anywhere Out of This World
Rating: PG-13 for some violence
Word Count: 2,993
Pairings: Andrew/Dawn
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
(Typos are my own, and so is the original character Rachel Greenspan.)
Summary: Dawn follows Andrew to the Watcher's Council to confront him about his feelings over
Nighna's death. In South America, Rachel Greenspan weathers a night on a Hellmouth with the
help of Rupert Giles. But in the morning, they have to decide what to do with their prisoner,
Ethan Rayne.
Just a silly pop culture note: The oft-repeated demon line "Ah, nu’ja nez blimbo jah, ha ha!” is
actually Klingon and comes from the Universal Studios Star Trek stage show my brother and I
were in when we were 11 and 15. The extra who played the Klingon in that show spoke little
English, but had such a great personality, he had us cracking up every time he delivered this
line. I put it in because I knew it'd make my little brother smile.
June 25, 2007
This amounts to less than half of the post I hoped to make today. My goal was to post the new
chapter of Anywhere Out of This World, titled Ashes to Ashes (still a working title). I have the
Andrew/Dawn part written and that's all fine and good. It's the Giles/Rachel/Eathan part that's
the challenge. However, I'm not backing down. I've decided to post the whole thing within the
next day or two.
Therefore, instead of a chapter, I'll post this wonderful recommendation for a Buffy/Pirates
crossover in which Norrington dimension hops right into the Summers' home in Sunnydale. This
story hits my kinks in the best ways, and I hope that you enjoy it.
Here's the link: Greedy Slayer's Rough Drabbling.
June 19, 2007
I stumbled across an unexpected source for artwork ideas from my Grannye. While at her house
last week, I found her subscription to Better Homes & Garden's Scrapbooks, etc. Magazine. There
is a whole wealth of tips and textures, not just for physical scrapbookers, but for digital artists,
too. Therefore, I've been in Photoshop bliss all weekend. I have three new desktops to offer:
two Spuffy, and one Pirates of the Caribbean.
Comfy
This was my first effort, and not my best. I never did get the quality I'd hoped from the
screencap. However, I did notice something I never had before, and that is the position of Buffy
and Spike's hands on the flashlight. This cap is from Potential, but their hands touching over the
flashlight harkens back to Beneath You. Interesting, I think, that Joss would choose that
moment for them to share that connection....
Brushes by touchstonesart.
Screencaps from Screencap-paradise.com.
Sweetest Downfall
This one was created for my soul-twin Classic Anne in Rochester, NY, who loves Regina Spektor,
too. I also owe a thanks to Andrew, for helping me to find the perfect script font: In this case,
AdineKirnberg, which is available at PC Fuentes. The lyrics, 'You are my sweetest downfall,'
come from Samson, by Regina Spektor.
Davy Jones
This one's also for Andrew, by request and as a thanks for being so helpful all last week.
Although I've been a busy Photoshopper, I haven't fully neglected my fanfic. I don't have a new
chapter for Anywhere Out of This World, but did manage to attend to several page glitches that
had been plaguing Regrets. They should all be fixed now.
I should have a new chapter for Anywhere by the beginning of next week. This one returns to
Andrew and Dawn as they deal with the news of Nighna's demise, as well as Giles and Rachel
Greenspan and their journey back to London.
June 10, 2007
Tonight I'm posting the new chapter, previously titled In Hell but changed to Salvage during the
final edit this afternoon. This chapter gave me nightmares, not so much for what I wrote, but for
what I did not write. The concept of Hell as a place of individual suffering is one that I find
terribly disturbing. This chapter has a secondary character based on Bruce Dern's creepy
outlander in
The Badlands, and one quip about kidney stones.
Here's the latest:
Salvage, Chapter 31 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2850
Rating: PG, for body parts
Pairing: Oz/Anjelica
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
I also wanted to say thank you to my fabulous beta, Mattallicrock2000, for all that he does,
including this lovely nod over at ForbiddenAwards.
Anywhere Out of This World has been nominated for the Aching For It Awards (Best WIP) and the
Viagra Award (Best Fic Which Has Never Won Before). Regrets was nominated for the Hot
Between The Sheets Award (Best Spuffy - Long).
Go visit the site! It's got a lot of quality fic there, and if you have a favorite, nominate it. The
categories are filling up quick.
June 8, 2007
A few things to add tonight, as I have updated my reading list and created another Pirates
desktop, this one of Captain Jack Sparrow.I also have a new chapter for Anywhere Out of This
World very nearly ready to post titled In Hell, and it focuses on Oz and Anjelica as they attempt
to escape from Hell. My second beta, Steven_h1971, is currently proofreading it. It should be
here on Sunday, so please check back for that.
June 5, 2007
As a warm up for writing tonight, I created a desktop of Commodore Norrington, my favorite
pirate - even more so than Captain Jack Sparrow (it never would have worked out between us). I
hope very much that you enjoy it. The original photo I nabbed from imdb.com, some brushes by
Zugma, and textures by me.
Long Live Norrington
1024x768
June 1, 2007
Two in one week! I have the next chapter to Anywhere Out of This World. In this one, Faith
finally catches up with Connor. In keeping with the theme of fire, this chapter is titled By Fire
Reborn, and focuses on Faith, Connor and Willow in Tokyo. There's a brief appearance by
Thellian, and a cameo by a small black kitten named Scout, who is based on my small black
kitten.
Here's the latest:
By Fire Reborn, Chapter 30 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 2,466
Rating: R, for a small amount of gore.
Pairings: Well, there is one kiss...
Feedback: Yes, Please!
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
May 30, 2007
Tonight I'm posting the latest chapter to Anywhere Out of This World. This is a turning point
chapter in that Buffy finally meets up with Team Angel in LA, where she gets some answers to
her questions, but not all of them.
Here's the latest:
Team Angel, Chapter 29 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 3170
Feedback: Yes, please!
Author's Note:
Either way, the coffee table gets it...
This latest chapter has been quite the creative struggle. It began as two versions of the same
chapter, with the same players but very different outcomes. Neither fit the mood that I was
seeking, so I enlisted the help of my beta for direction. He liked some aspects of each, and
guided and nudged as he is wonderful at doing, but pointed out that in one version, Buffy kills
the coffee table and in the other, Angel does the damage.
What have I against coffee tables? My ex-husband has twice attacked them, but claimed on both
occasions that the coffee table started it. Funny how things find their way into our stories.
The final third version contains bits of both, but is less bitter and aggressive than its previous
versions.
May 20, 2007
As the school year winds to a close this week, my creative energy has been a bit taxed. I've
written two-thirds of a new chapter for Anywhere, but it may be a while before it's published as
I have my kidney stone surgery tomorrow and the final week of school after that. However, I
have one creative endeavor I'd like to share. As a final for our Greek Mythology and Modern-day
Heroes unit, I created a fun and playable Greek Myth Jeopardy game!
The original PowerPoint template for the game came from this website: PowerPoints For
Teachers, The Jeopardy template can be customized to fit almost any subject. The website
contains many other teacher-created and shared PowerPoints that you can download and use in
classes - all free of charge. Pretty cool site!
May 4, 2007
As promised earlier this week, I have the new chapter of Anywhere Out of This World ready to
post. This chapter is written in three scenes. Two of them are Dawn/Andrew-centric and they
are among my favorite so far. I wrote the first scene, in which Dawn sketches Andrew, many
months ago, and it is what fostered the idea of their eventual pairing. In that scene, Dawn gets
a further glimpse into her powers. The middle scene, a dream sequence with Spike, I added over
the last week. He may be in a magically induced torpor, but he's not out by a long shot!
And so, here's the latest:
Drawn to You, Chapter 28 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 4,115
No warnings in this one. It's pretty PG. Many thanks to Mattallicarock, my beta, for his reading,
support and suggestions.
May 1, 2007
Here it is, finally! The latest chapter of Anywhere Out of This World. Since I'm having surgery
tomorrow, I'll keep the summary brief:
Here's the latest:
Smoke and Mirrors, Chapter 27 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 2791
In this one, Xander and Maya consummate their relationship, with a side effect neither is
thrilled about. Rachel Greenspan and Rupert Giles corner Eathan Raynes, and he pulls a little
magic trick that goes wrong. Finally, Buffy and Dawn leave Sunnydale, but something happens
on the road to Los Angeles.
It's all pretty PG. The next chapter, which could be published as early as tomorrow, is more
Dawn and Andrew. After that, it's more Oz and Anjelica. I still don't have much of a clue what is
going on with Willow, Faith and Connor in Japan... But, it will come. Summer's almost here.
So far, this latest version of the chapter's un-beta'd. He'll read this and the next chapter
tomorrow and I'll re-post any edits he makes. My apologies for typos. I wish I could always
blame my painkillers!
April 28, 2007
About a week ago I realized that the self-imposed deadline I'd set for myself for finishing
Anywhere Out of This World was fast approaching, and I haven't posted a new chapter since
St. Patrick's Day! Then it occurred to me that I have been writing in the fandom now for two
years
as of today. I can remember the car ride home from my friend Monroe's house when the idea for
Wishes began to form. It came to me like nothing ever had. It seemed to flow onto the pages in
one long piece.
Six weeks later, it was done and I started looking for ways to share it. I met Meghann, Crystal,
Lucy, Danielle and Lauren online and we founded the Sack Cloth Cult. Then, after posting Wishes
to Slayerfanfic.net, I met Mary.
Mary's been like a soul-mom to me - a creative guiding angel. She introduced me to the fandom
and to everyone on LiveJournal. Life has been so much the richer since.
I have been writing. I have many scenes written for Anywhere and an idea of how it will end.
Once I finish the chapter I'm working on now (it's still untitled), I will have another to follow it
within a day or so because it's almost done. Unraveling this third installment has been much,
much more labor-intensive than the other two, but I have said and will say again: I will finish
this story, dang it!
Even though it's not wrapping up by the deadline, I will publish the new chapter before Tuesday.
As always, thanks to you for reading, and for your patience.
Added April 9, 2007
While I have been unproductive and uninspired, my daughter has been creating things of beauty.
Here is a link to her newest set of Anime Icons, to use in LiveJournal, MySpace or anyplace nice.
Please credit to KatyaBeth if you'd like to use them.
In addition, I have finished Innocent Erendira by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Holy heck! What a
depressing piece of literature. I'm now beginning two new books: The House On Mango Street, by
Sandra Cisneros, which I will read with my students, and I Am Legend by Richard Matheson. I Am
Legend was a gift from my dear friend Jim. Many thanks for all of your support and wonderful
friendship.
Added March 24, 2007
In January, my Mom was diagnosed with emphysema. In response to the diagnosis, her doctor
put her on a very aggressive diet called The Paleo Diet. Also called the Hunter/Gatherer Diet,
the premise is that you shouldn't eat anything that can't be hunted or gathered from nature. My
co-workers tease me a lot on this, saying that they gather stuff from the vending machine all
the time.
I decided to go on the diet with her, because it would be easier for her to stick to it with a diet
buddy. At first, it looked like a difficult diet plan because it's all organic and excludes wheat,
potatoes, beans, sugar and most dairy. But it's been great, and I've been feeling wonderful!
Therefore, I've added a new section called Paleo Recipes so that I can share the recipes I've
used and liked. Hope you enjoy!
Added March 17, 2007
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
This week I have a new chapter to Anywhere Out of This World, titled Comes the Rain. In it,
Rupert Giles and Rachel Greenspan run out of land and luck in a South American seaside village.
To make matters worse, they have geography and an old nemesis against them.
Back in London, Andrew enlists Dawn's help, but both are feeling less than adequate to the task
in the absence of everyone they've relied on in the past.
Here's the latest:
Comes the Rain, Chapter 26 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 1636
No spoilers or warnings for this one. It's not as graphic as the previous chapter. I'd like to shout
out to KimRae for this chapter. She guessed what was coming a long time ago! Also, I know that
suggestably is not a word, but it should be.
Also, I wanted to include a word of thanks to those who've been with me on this story from its
first page almost two years ago. Wow! How my life has been changed for the better because of
you.
Added March 9, 2007
Happy Birthday to the Chambered Heart! This site has been up and running for one year
exactly today! Also, as an added surprise bonus, it is the One Year Anniversary of the
Sack Cloth Cult, a group dedicated to the sisterhood of the Jossverse, and to James. To
commemorate, I have two lovely stories to recommend and a new Andrew desktop image.
The Recs:
No Good Turn, by Spike's Heart
I asked Spike's Heart for something to read. I said I wanted dark, sad and erotic. This one has it
all and more. And the ending brought tears to my eyes. It's a one shot, set in Season 6 but goes
AU right after Giles leaves. Excellent story craft. Enjoy!
Memoirs of the Countess de Fountaine, by CaroMio
I don't have the link to this one yet, because *gasp* I've forgotten my password to Spuffy
Realm. But, I'll get the link in as soon as possible. She's written five chapters so far, and in my
opinion, it's her best. All of the characters are there, but in vastly different roles. However,
they remain true to their characterization. It's awesome! More soon on this one.
The Desktop:
Andrew: Man of International Mystery
1024x768. This one is dedicated to Roger Steele, the original International Man of Mystery.
Added March 4, 2007
After two years of meeting on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, plus endless studying for
high-stakes tests and online coursework, the 2005-2007 ECP cohort group finally finished out
Alternate Certification Program. The experience was life-changing, and I know that the
friendships we forged during our journey to become teachers will endure for a long time. Yay,
us! We did it!!
Voting is now open at the Shades of Grey Awards. Please go vote for Wishes, Regrets and
Anywhere Out of This World. As always I appreciate your support! Many thanks.
I also wanted to post a new Dawn/Andrew drabble. My daughter and I have decided to spend 30
minutes a day working as writing partners. We sit at the table with our composition notebooks
and we write, using Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down The Bones for inspiration. Today was our
fist session, and this is what it yielded for me.
Title: Maybe
Word Count: 125
Pairing: Dawn & Andrew
Spoiler: Set in Anywhere Out of This World
Finally, I visited a comic book convention this weekend called STAPLE, primarily for smaller
press books. One of the guys I met had this website that sends comic books to soldiers
overseas, particularly in Iraq. Well, I loved the idea, so here's the link if you're interested in
contributing.
http://heroes4heroes.org/
Added February 26, 2007
We have been home for four days due to illness, but we have not been idle. We spent a lot of
the time making a whole set of lovely new icons for LiveJournal. My lovely daughter made a
batch of Anime icons, and several Foodie icons. Here is a list of our new and very pretty icons
made to share with my wonderful f-list at LJ:
Anime Icons
Buffy/BtVS Icons
Seasonal Icons
Food & Mood Icons
Miscellaneous Icons
Take them, share them, love them if you wish! Please credit us, though. We love the love.
Added February 23, 2007
It's been a while, but I finally have a new chapter to post. The reason for the delay - this time -
has been the graphic subject matter in the chapter. Oz and Anjelica are in Hell, and I've had
quite a lot of difficulty making it hellish enough.
At WriterCon, a lot of us met and talked about the heartache we felt when we caused such pain
for our characters. The presenters reminded us that conflict is the heart of every good story.
That's really come to bear for me here, in this chapter. Here, the true villain is revealed. Here,
the hero loses her fight and succumbs to the Hell around her.
And so, here is the latest of Anywhere Out of This World:
Chapter 25: The Valley of the Shadow of Death
This chapter carries an NC-17 rating due to graphic images of violence and rape. In it, Oz
attempts to barter for Anjelica with the last thing he has left.
I also wanted to announce the launch of a new online community featuring all kinds of
Jossverse babyfics and kidfics: All Joss' Children. This community will feature babyfics from all
pairings in the Jossverse, from Mal and Inarra to Willow and Oz, as well as kidfics in which the
Scoobies, Team Angel, etc., have been turned into kids. It promises to be great fun!
Added February 21, 2007
Happy Birthday to my brother Chris!!!
You are they very best brother in the world, and we love you very much.
Added February 17, 2007
First, I want to wish happy birthdays to my Aunt Bebber, and to my friend Xionin.
Happy Birthday Y'all!!
Also, I've been nominated at the Shades of Grey Awards! Wishes and Regrets were nominated for
Best Het Romantic, and Anywhere Out of This World was nominated for Best Dark/Angst fic (the
first for this story!) This site was also nominated Favorite Fan Site, and I got a nod for
Outstanding Author, which makes me blush. Thanks ever so to the lovely person who nominated
my work, and this site. It keeps me moving forward.
Added February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's everyone!
I'm just stopping by tonight mainly to wish everyone well, and to update my book list. I've just
finished reading Night by Elie Wiesel, which I recommend for its unflinching first-person
narrative about the author's experiences in four concentration camps during World War II.
I also wanted to add that I'm in the re-write stage of my next chapter for Anywhere Out of This
World, titled The Valley of the Shadow of Death. In it, Oz attempts to rescue Anjelica with what
little he has left. After a first read, my beta said that I was letting Oz off too easy. Therefore,
I've gone back in and the result is some of the most graphic and grueling bits I've written. I'm
hoping to finish the chapter this weekend, in keeping with my schedule to get this story
completed by April 28th.
Finally, I'm updating my Book List to include the new books I'm reading, and the book that I've
just read. If you'd like to peruse what I'm perusing, you may find that list here.
Added February 2, 2007
First and most important, I wanted to wish Mary a very happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Mary!!! I hope that you've had a wonderful day.
Second, I wanted to do a little dance... this week the website hit 5000 clicks. Yay! I also added
the books I'm reading in the sidebar over there. And finally, my daughter's new favorite movie is
The Illusionist, with Edward Norton. I was so happy about that, I made her a desktop:
The Illusionist - 1024x768
Stock images from various Google searches.
Added January 29, 2007
My daughter was home sick from school today, and so we made desktops: This was our favorite.
Dawn: The Key - 1024x768
Brushes by Zugma (www.misplaced.co.uk/uglybusiness/). Textures by me. Stock images from
Dreamscapes. Special thanks to Katya for her keen eye on design and color.
Added January 27, 2007
Just a brief addition tonight: A new desktop of Connor titled Rule The World. This one's for my
daughter, who believes that Connor got an unfair rap in Seasons 4 & 5 of Angel.
Rule The World, 1024x768
Brushes by touchstonesart.com. Textures by me. Stock images from Dreamscapes.
Song lyrics to "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" by Wilco.
Also, a correction: I'd listed An Offer of Hope, by CaroMio as Catharsis, which was in fact an
earlier title. This is a completed Spike/OC fic set post-Dead Things. Being a Spuffy fan, I
generally don't go in for that sort of thing, but I did in this one. Very worth the read. Go enjoy it!
Added January 25, 2007
We have more reasons to celebrate this week! Last Saturday, my daughter Katya competed in
the UIL regional competition for creative writing. Each of the four elementary schools in San
Marcos sent their best entries to the competition and Katya's was one of the ones chosen. Then,
on Saturday, she participated in the UIL Creative Writing Meet, in which she took her comedic
personal narrative from rough draft to final publish.
And she won! First place!! She got a gold medal and her name and picture in the paper. My
daughter is a prize winning author at 8 years old! She is truly a dynamic, gifted and multi-
talented person. We're blessed to have her.
As soon as we have the story back from the judges, I'll post it on this site to share with
everyone.
In addition to our happy announcement, I have Spuffy art to share: Two song lyric themed
desktops -
Just Like Heaven 1024x768
Sunshower 1024x768
Song lyrics belong to Robert Smith of The Cure and Chris Cornell, respectively. Brushes and
textures by me. Scriptina and wm_designs fonts available at www.1001freefonts.com. Thanks,
and enjoy!
Added January 13, 2007
Many reasons to celebrate this chilly Sunday evening. Yesterday, 18 months of classes and
research culminated in a final research presentation titled "Interventions to Support Written
Expression for Students With Significant Gross-to-Fine Motor Skills Disabilities." The
presentation was a complete success, as were the presentations of my classmates. Their
students are thoroughly blessed. Congratulations, us! I'm uploading a link to the PowerPoint
presentation on the Teacher Resources page.
I also have a new chapter to Anywhere Out of This World, titled Outta Here. This one centers on
Buffy in the alternate Sunnydale, where things are finally starting to go her way. Sorta.
Finally, I've decided to start keeping my Book List here, online. That way, if the Lappy crashes
again (so hoping it won't) I won't have to reconstruct it again from memory. This year's goal is
the same as last year's: 30 books. Also, cool thing about the Internet (about which I am still
excited) I can put in an external link on the book for more information.
Added January 5, 2007
Happy Birthday Matt!
In honor of my best friend and roommate, I have written a short Dawn/Andrew fiction titled
Distraction as a birthday present. And he's said that I can share it, so I've posted the link here.
Happy birthday, Matt, and I hope that you enjoy the gift as well.
I've also added a new desktop to the Artwork page. This one, titled Boss of You, is in a bright,
candy-colored theme of the Andrew and Dawn world.
Finally, my friend Tina made a whole bunch of Fangirl/Fanboy banners for all of us on the
MySpace board. I adore them so much, and am so grateful, I just had to post them all here,
under a new page titled Banners.
Added January 1, 2007
Happy New Year!
I have a decent-sized update today, with two new Spuffy desktops to share and a pair of
Andrew/Dawn linked drabbles that I posted a few weeks ago and forgot to put here on The
Chambered Heart. Usually at this time of year, I post my lists as well. Unfortunately, I lost all
of my lists when the Lappy crashed, including my master list of my 100 Things To Do Before I
Die and my 2006 Booklist. The latter can be recreated because I know I read 30 books and can
almost remember them all. The 100 Things List will be a little more difficult to redo. Anyway, to
prevent much frustration, I'll just have to post all that at a later time.
I have included The List, the Live Shows List and a States List, because I'm neurotic and love
making lists. I've put them all on a page of their own here: The Lists.
Also, here are the links to the Spuffy artwork and the drabbles.
Desktops:
Spike and Buffy, Happy New Year 2007 1024x768
Spike and Buffy, Anywhere Out of This World 1024x768
Drabbles:
Child's Play and Territory, two linked drabbles for Andrew and Dawn, who have turned out to be
surprisingly inspirational as young lovers.
Enjoy, and may you have a lovely 2007!
Added December 28, 2006
Season's Greetings to everyone! As a belated Christmas present, I have a new chapter to
Anywhere Out of This World. In this one, we finally find out what Giles has been up to.
Here's the Latest:
Not Her Own, Chapter 23 of Anywhere Out of This World
Summary: While tracking down links to the Slayer legend, Giles enlists the help of a new
Watcher who has information on ancient petroglyphs that may set him on the path to finding
who might have taken Buffy and why.
I also wanted to take a moment to extend my gratitude to Brandon Bielstein, who managed to
recover this website most of my cherished documents, images and digital paintings when my
Lappy crashed at the beginning of this month. I thought it was done-for, but Mr. Bielstein had
skills and saved the day. I'm putting his link here, and on my links page. If you ever need
computer services, he's the guy to call. Or email... http://brandonbcs.com/
Added November 30, 2006
I have two new desktops today, both Dawn and Andrew. Actually, they are the same desktop
with color variations. My little girl and I created them today because she was out sick from
school. She wanted something vintage because we found all of these really neat, old postcards
from the 1940s. She's also very interested (as am I) in the beginnings of the Dawn/Andrew
friendship. In my interpretation of things, this began with Dawn and Buffy were living in Rome,
thus the title:
When in Rome (Color) 1024x768
When In Rome (Duotone) 1024x768
Thanks to touchstonesart.com and vered for the brushes.
I've also added a song to my Buffy Playlist to accompany the latest chapter of Anywhere Out of
This World, Blindsided. As my beta suggested, the new release, Into The Ocean by Blue October,
fits perfectly with Xander and Maya. I agree. The song suits Xander's frame of mind flawlessly.
As always, thanks to Mattallicarock for his keen insight. The lyrics and the chapter of posted
here.
As for the next chapter, it is underway and features Giles in Rapa Nui with a young woman who
may be his most formidable adversary yet. I'm also planning a brief bit with Anjelica and Oz in
Hell, but will have to see just how deep the sparring goes between old Mr. Giles and his new
nemesis.
Added November 25, 2006
Nineteen days since my last post...
Must do better in the future. I have the next chapter for my story ready (yay!) and two new
story recommendations, one for a new Buffy story by Anaross called Domino Effect and one for
CaroMio's story Choices. Both are WIPs, but they both are page-clickers start to finish. Of
particular note is CaroMio's original character, Charlotte. She's tough, observant and perfectly
human.
As for Anything Out of This World, here's the latest:
And, here's my latest:
Blindsided, Chapter 21 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: After losing Maya, Xander does some long-delayed introspection on the Galveston
seawall. Back in London, Andrew surprises Dawn by remaining cool as a blueberry when they
both realize that Bigger Bads are on the way and they are the front line defense to stop them.
Added November 6, 2006
I wanted to take the opportunity tonight to re-recommend one of my all-time favorite Spuffy
stories: Journeys by Mary. In truth, it is one of my most beloved stories ever. It put me in a
state for days, and when I met Mary at WriterCon in July, I gushed like a fangirl!
During a recent training, we were challenged to find our favorite stories online. I went to my
links page and found that I had Mary's PWP, Lost In You (also yum) but not Journeys. Well, here
is where I remedy that! Go, read Journeys. It's perfect.
I also have two Teacher's Links websites to add for the greater good. The first is www.lexile.
com. This allows educators to analyze electronic text for readability levels. It works on any
simple text file up to 5,000 characters. It also supplies a author and title search so that you can
find books to fit the needs of your students, no matter what their reading level. You have to
register to use the text analyzer, but it is a completely free and useful tool.
The second is www.interventioncentral.org. This is a Special Education website full of all kinds
of educator resources and interventions to help make a difference with students. I think I could
spend weeks browsing this site. And probably will...
As for story updates, I am working on a new chapter to Anywhere Out of This World that will be
a kind of table round with Xander, Anjelica and Oz, and Giles. It may be a while, though, as I'll
be spending the next weekend in Louisiana for a much-needed family reunion.
Added October 30, 2006
Tonight, I'm finally adding the latest chapter of Anywhere Out of This World. Writing Willow is a
lot of fun, but her inner monologue in this chapter required a little tweaking. I hope that you
see what I mean when you read it. I think Willow does a lot of internal monologuing. So much so,
she can sometimes get blindsided.
Starfall, Chapter 20 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Faith tells Willow not to follow in her pursuit of Connor, but Willow doesn't take
orders from Faith! Willow uses her link to The Looking Glass to get to Connor first, but someone
else finds Willow instead.
Han Solo could so beat up Mal Reynolds!
Who would win in a fight: Star Wars or Serenity? This article explores these questions and more.
The only thing I disagree with is the bit about Shepherd Book and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Don't you be
dissin' on my Obi-Wan! It's a very entertaining article, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Finally, I have one Teacher Link to share:
TheSchoolBell.com is a teacher-maintained site that can be a valuable resource to, erm,
resource language arts teachers. I went searching for Dolch word lists from my low-level reading
group and found this treasure. She has the Dolch lists, printable practice booklets, record-
keeping graphs and more.
Added October 22, 2006
I have a lot to post this weekend, including a few new useful Teacher Tools, a new Andrew-
Dawn desktop, some wonderful sketches by my friend Veronique Zehnder Hahn and new
nominations from the BurstIntoFlame Awards for Wishes! Many thanks to the reader who
nominated the story. That's the kind of love I live for!
In regards to the current chapter of Anywhere Out of This World, it is in the editing/revision
stage because my beta, Mattallicarock, asked some provocative questions about it. He is very
wise and correct in saying that I must address those issues before posting, no matter how much
I grumble about it. That said, the current chapter will be posted later this week. In it, Willow
ventures out into Tokyo to find Faith, who's looking for Connor, but someone else finds her
instead.
Here's the latest:
Teacher Links
Using Poetry to Teach Reading to Special Education Students
This website features four Language Arts lessons for a level range of about 3rd to 5th Grade.
Check out the Word Lists in the lessons; it's very interesting how the teacher builds multi-
syllabic words from smaller, more common ones.
Elementary Journalism
Don't be fooled by the title. This website contains useful tools that can be used all the way up
to high school aged students. Next six weeks, our class will be launching out online class
newsletter. The Online Writer is definitely a tool I plan to utilize.
Featured Artwork
My friend Veronique Zehnder Hahn, whose visually stunning abstract paintings may be viewed
here, sent me some lovely sketches she recently created. She's given me permission to feature
them on this site so that I might share them with you. Click here to view her latest creations.
Hopefully, she will send more!
New Desktop Image
Watchers (In Training) 1024x768. Andrew and Dawn together: Sooo cute!
One of the textures by Misplaced. Brushes by Touchstoneart and me.
And the nominations are...
Wishes was nominated for Best Long Fiction and Most Original Plot, and I received a nod for Best
New Author at the BurstIntoFlame Awards. Whee!! Thanks dearly for the support and
encouragement.
Added October 11, 2006
A quick rec tonight, and a birthday wish. The recommendation is for CaroMio's Buffyverse tale
titled What If I'm Not The Slayer? What if Buffy came back as a regular average girl after the
Master killed her and Xander revived her? I'd recommend this story on premise alone, which is
intriguing and fun, but the first-person diary entry intro is primo Buffy characterization.
CaroMio's posted six chapters and is still updating, so this one's definitely a WIP worth checking
out.
A very Happy Birthday to Kevin in New York. We love you, we miss you and we are supa-proud
of who you are! Hope you had a rockin' birthday. I had a glass of merlot and thought of you.
I also have two new Andrew-Dawn desktops here for those who are interested in that sort of
thing. I'm getting a lot of creative mileage out of this Dawn and Andrew pairing. Who'd have
thought? Hope you enjoy them.
Added October 8, 2006
At last, an update! I have a new chapter for Anywhere Out of This World, the promised Spuffy
chapter, with a bit of Jonathan and Andrew thrown into the Alternate Universe Sunnydale. I also
have a rec for an excellent Buffy story by Draconin titled Those Whom Moses Forgets. This is
what Sunnydale looks like to a member of Sunnydale PD. It's a brilliant, engaging, artful work.
While Buffy fans will enjoy it, I recommend it to anyone interested in something good to read.
And, here's my latest:
Two Roads Diverged, Chapter 19 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Buffy has a plan. It does not include Spike. It's all right though. Spike has plans of his
own. Plus, Buffy finally gets an answer to a very important question.
Apart from the Buffyverse, I've also rearranged the Teacher's Links page so that the Math
Resources are together, and the Literacy Links have their own space. I attended a Dyslexia
Conference on October 2, from which I gained tons of useful knowledge, including a great many
new links. The best of the bunch is www.readwritethink.net. This site contains hundreds of
quality lesson plans for all grade levels, plus student materials and web resources.
Finally, I presented a lecture to the San Marcos Art League last week about Digital Art. It turned
out really well, terrified though I was, and I wanted to upload the PowerPoint I used here. I've
also put in a link to the San Marcos Art League website on my Links page.
Added September 16, 2006
This is a long update, given that it's been a while since my last, and I've been unexpectedly
productive in the last two weeks. I have a new chapter for Anywhere Out of This World, which
has received some renewed attention on SlayerFanfic.com. Thanks to everyone who reads and
supports stories on this site. It makes us feel all tingly inside.
Here's the latest:
Empty Rooms, Chapter 18 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Andrew and Dawn are in the house alone. What could they be up to? Or, Dawn and
Andrew are in the house alone... but is Andrew in danger?
The next chapter, tentatively titled Reconnect, is a Spuffy (about time!) chapter. Surprisingly,
this story has been more about the struggles of the secondary characters and not just about
Spike and Buffy. This is true more here than in Wishes and Regrets. The only accounting for it is
that I've been drawn to examine the motivations of Andrew, Dawn, Connor, Willow and Faith
much more than I expected. The larger story continues to surprise and entertain me, so I'll
continue to write it until I'm bored!
The good thing about the Buffyverse is that it also helps satisfy my artistic yen. I've begun to
create digital cards for the characters in the story, specifically my original characters.
Dramatis Personae: If I were a casting director, these would be my players. Long ago, I used to
create Trumps for my Amberite characters. Now I've made similar digital images for the
characters in my fanfic. So far, I have one of Thellian Ventrusca and Nighna. In production are
pictures of Luxe and Maya, with the rest to follow as soon as I find good images of them.
Also, I have added a link to the site of a fantastic digital artist, Zugma. The site contains her
incomparably expressive digital work, plus Photoshop tutorials, resources, brushes, textures
and links. Here's the link to her site. www.misplaced.co.uk/uglybusiness/
Go, browse, be impressed!
And finally, I have added several sites to my Teacher Resources Links page. In fact, it's become
so extensive, I'll be reorganizing it into categories to make it more easily accessible over the
coming weeks.
Added September 4, 2006
I have finally done what I set out to do with Anywhere Out of This World. It's still in WIP status,
but I've accomplished one half of my original objective. A few month's ago, I had no clear idea
about which direction the story would take, but now I'm please to know that it does have a
destination in mind. And so, here's the latest:
Not A Chance In Hell, Chapter 17 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Things went bad for Anjelica in the Second Circle of Hell. They were worse for Oz.
After witnessing a traumatic event from Helli's past, Oz loses control of the wolf and blindly
attacks. Nighna arrives too late to prevent the damage. Realizing that they have failed in their
Hellish mission, Nighna gives Helli her last valuable possession right before they finally meet up
with Luxe in the Third Circle of Hell.
Many thanks to Mattallicarock for nudging me to write faster. Three weeks is a long time to
spend on one chapter. So sayeth the Beta.
I also wanted to thank the moderators at Spuffy Haven for the new award! The photo
manipulation I made for Moulin Rouge picked up a Mod's Choice Award at Spuffy Haven. *Squeee!
* This is the first ever award I've ever won for fanart. I am terribly grateful! Click here to see
the lovely Awards Plaque they created. Thanks y'all!
Added August 27, 2006
I've added an Online Reference Materials section to the Teacher Resource Links page, as well as
a few new sites that might be useful to teachers and their students. One is BookCrossing.com,
one of my favorite sites on the Internet. This site encourages people to tag and release books
into the wild. Afterward, you can go online and track them using their online tagging system. It's
great fun and very interesting. Excellent for teachers, students and bibliophiles all over the
world.
I've also added two new sites to my Links page: Hawke's Castle, which is the personal site to my
longtime friend Chris Altnau (a fellow Vidor escapee). Hawke's Castle contains quite a collection
of interesting information, including Amptgard, role playing, poetry and literature links and
more. I've also added SuperHeroHype.com, a place where I go when I need a fix on my favorite
comic book heroes and villains.
In the Recs and Reviews section, I updated the links to Lauren's Spuffy saga, Strange Days and
Homesick because she's now posting exclusively to the Spuffy Realm. I also saw that she's
begun to post some Dream fics there, so it's worth a visit to check those out!
Added August 21, 2006
Well, school's in. This year's looking to be scores better than last. I have nothing to contribute
to the Buffyverse yet. Everything seems to take twice as long as I think it should. But, I did
write a review for The Lake House, so I thought I'd include it here. I enjoyed the movie because
of its mystical realism elements and because of a lingering crush on Keanu Reeves. I saw it in
the theater, but am fairly certain - with trailers for Superman Returns and The Da Vinci Code as
indicators - that it will be heading to DVD land soon. It's definitely worth Netflixing.
Added August 12, 2006
Another gnarly twist to Anywhere Out of This World...
I'd like to begin by saying that I dislike writing flashbacks. I've read some that are so
beautifully effective, it's chilling. For me, I often feel like I'm taking the easy way out by
writing them. Therefore, as an experimental twist, this latest chapter features a flashback that
flashes back. This can only happen to Xander.
Here's the latest...
Flashback, Chapter 16 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Xander overturns the events that led him to be left out in the rain on Thanksgiving
night. While he's pondering, he learns some upsetting news.
Many thanks to my beta, Mattallicarock, who said that he could almost follow my original draft
(he's so polite!) and gently suggested a few helpful edits.
Added August 6, 2006
Part Two... argh!
This latest chapter of Anywhere Out of This World has been kicking me in the teeth. This is in
part because I struggle with writing Faith. It's also because the summer is drawing to a close
and I am no where near finishing this story, as I hoped I would be.
Nevertheless, I have decided two things: One, I will finish this story. Even though the plot is a
sprawling beast begging for a judicious rewrite, I am going to finish it! Two, I will continue to
write during the school year. It's therapy.
So, no matter how gnarly and twisted things get between now and December, and though posts
for this story may be far and farther between, I. Am. Going. To. Finish. (I hope the story is
listening and now feels threatened).
Here's the latest...
Burn, Chapter 15 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: While tracking Connor through the streets of Tokyo, Faith discovers the destruction
he's leaving in his wake.
The next two chapters for this story are almost completed, too. One is a Xander/Maya flashback
centered on Xander's Thanksgiving Day blunderfest. The other focuses on Andrew and Dawn in
the aftermath of Dawn's latest art experiment.
And finally, I have added my entries into the Spuffy Haven "Let's Go to the Movies" photo
manipulation challenge. I created faux movie posters for Moulin Rouge! and Bridget Jones's
Diary, starring Buffy, Spike, Angel and a surprise cameo from the Scoobies.
Added August 6, 2006
This should be a two-part post. I've got my fingers crossed...
I wanted to go ahead and get the Official Start of the Teacher Resources pages underway. I have
added a new button to the navigation panel, to make finding it a little easier. I've also added
seven Graphic Organizers to the archive.
Later today, I hope to add a few more documents to the Teacher's Resources pages (right in
time for school!) including some ice breaker games and a few more educator links.
I'm also planning to post the next chapter of Anywhere Out of This World. Titled Burn, this
chapter focuses on Faith's pursuit of Connor in Japan. I'll post two more Movie Poster
Manipulations into my Artwork Archive as well.
Added August 2, 2006
Just received news this afternoon that Wishes won some awards at Lost In Spike, for which I'm
ecstatic and grateful! Wishes won Runner Up for Best Written, Best Love Story, and Best Angst.
It won in the category for Best Spike Hero. Thank y'all so much for these.
I also wanted to congratulate Mary for Lost In You, which picked up Best Short Fiction, Best
Buffy POV, Sexiest Fic, Best PWP and Judge's Choice. Squee!
Also, as promised, I'm posting the first part of my Teacher's Resource Archive. Right now, I'm
posting a few 6th Grade Math Warm Ups. Over the weekend, I hope to begin posting Creative
Math Lessons and a few Graphic Organizers that can be used in many subject areas. I hope to
include a links page with many of the useful websites we've found to support teachers.
Added July 31, 2006
Happy Birthday to my daughter!
As part of an ongoing art project in honor of her birthday, I've created two Buffy-inspired
manipulations at her request. We made one each for The Princess Bride and The Lord of the
Rings.
I've also had the good fortune of meeting many, many very talented writers and artists at
WriterCon 2006. I have included new fanfiction links to my growing Buffy directory, as well as a
link for Carmen_Sandiego's Buffy Tarot. I've added Anaross, who wrote one of my favorite
Spuffy stories, Unspoken, and Barb C., whose short stories made my plane ride home from
Atlanta the shortest ever! She also has three novel-length AU Buffy works, all of which are of
the good.
More detailed reccs and Creative Math Lesson Plans are on the way, as are two chapters for
Anywhere Out of This World. No, seriously... I promise!
Added July 20, 2006
In less than 24 hours, I'll be winging my way to WriterCon in Atlanta! I've not finished... or
really, started, packing yet, but insomnia begets procrastination. Instead of filling my suitcases
(which would require me choosing which outfits stay and which ones go - truly painful) I'm
posting one new Icon and two new Desktops as a going away gift. The Icon's a Buffy one made
specially for WriterCon. For Desktops, I offer a Giles image and one of Spike (of course).
These I also offer in lieu of a finished chapter to Anywhere Out of This World. I am working on
Chapter 15, for which my beloved beta, Mattallicarock, is "anxiously awaiting." Chapter 15 -
titled Burn - will focus on Faith's pursuit of Connor in Japan.
I'm eager to meet everyone at the Con, as it will be nice to finally to put faces to the wonderful
books and stories I've read over the last year and a half. Hopefully I will return just bursting
with many new things to contribute to the Buffyverse.
Much Love and Many Thanks,
CelesteAvonne
Added July 16, 2006
I've finally re-vamped the interface to the site, making it, I hope, easier to read and access.
I've also added links and songs to the Playlist for Anywhere Out of This World and Regrets. As
for the story itself, many readers have said they are caught up and waiting for the next update,
and I hope to have something to offer very soon.
I also hope to include a section of Creative Math Lesson Plans that I borrowed, wrote, observed
and out-right stole from the fabulous teachers at Porter Middle School last year. I know this site
is an unlikely repository for such things, but we teachers must stick together. Sometimes you
never know where you might stumble across something that will strike that spark of excitement
in a student!
Finally,I learned this morning this morning, much to my great delight, that Wishes and Regrets
placed in four categories and won in one category at the SunnyD Awards. Wishes was Runner Up
for Best Comedy and Best Drama. Regrets won Runner Up for Best Angst and Best
Characterization for Andrew. But I'm most proud of winning the Best Original Character Pairing
for Xander and Maya in Regrets. The very best, most extra special part of this is that the
competition was voted on by my readers, so I owe you guys a debt of tremendous gratitude.
Thank you so much for your support.
Added July 1, 2006
Wishes was named
July's Fiction of
the Month by
the ladies at Dark Solace!
Many, many thanks to
Just_Sue for the
nomination, and to
everyone at the site for
their vote. Thanks also for
the lovely Spuffy banner.
Added June 28, 2006
Innocents Lost, Chapter 14 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Even though it opens with Lorne on the phone to an overwrought demon, this is a
short Spuffy-centric chapter in which Spike takes Buffy out for a night on the town in good old
Sunnydale, where she witnesses how bad things have gotten since her death on the tower.
I originally envisioned Spike as the villain in this piece, but as it happens in some cases (and in
my opinion, the best cases) the character chose to take an alternate path. I wrote versions for
both villain Spike and righteous rage Spike, but its seems that, for now, the latter has won out.
We're heading out to Alaska for two weeks tomorrow to see our darling baby nephew Elliot (oh,
and I guess Chris and Amy too *grin*...) so we'll be semi-offline but not updating. I'll miss y'all
very much. When we get back, we'll make sure to post all of Katya's pictures. She's a very
talented little photographer.
Much love and many thanks.
PS I corrected the image size for the Faith Desktop. The proper sized graphic can be found here.
Added June 26, 2006
Due to a fit of crazy insomnia, I have 14 new Icons to share. The All Hail King Xander icon was
created for my little girl and her best friend, who have bestowed the title upon their favorite
Buffy character. And, there's one of Captain Jack Sparrow, in honor of Pirates of the Caribbean
2: Dead Man's Chest, which comes out someday soon.
I also wanted to re-rec Lauren's immensely entertaining Buffyverse AU, Strange Days and
Homesick. Lauren has weaved a witty and action-packed post-NFA adventure that keeps her
readers on the edges of their seats.
Finally, I hope to have Innocents Lost, Chapter 15 of Anywhere Out of This World, posted before
we leave for Alaska on Thursday.
Added June 22, 2006
Seduced, Chapter 14 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: William goes out to ponder his various failings, but gets caught off guard. Dawn and
Brodie are drawn into a precarious situation when Dawn loses control. Nighna learns that
Anjelica has a secret. Oz learns it as well, but is too late to do anything about it.
This story just keeps getting weirder. The sex scenes are more racy than I'm used to writing,
and the angst continues to be angsty. But, I do hope you enjoy reading it. As always, I welcome
feedback and concrit. It's helped immensely throughout the creation of this story.
Added June 19, 2006
Holy Cats! Just learned this morning that Wishes and Regrets won three
Spuffy Awards:
Best General Saga, Best Original Plot and Judge's Choice for Best Original Character,
Maya Rose. Click here to look at the lovely plaques by Holly from the Spuffy Awards.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for this story. It means so very much to me.
Also added:
Three new Desktop Images. These are saved at full size 1024x768. I just fixed the problem from
before, where they were saving at a lower resolution.
Invite Me In
Passion
Connection
The first is inspired by the new and wonderful Photoshop brushes created by touchstoneart.com.
The second two are Spuffy scenes with a touch of Dave McKean thrown in.
I've also re-vamped the Artwork page to include separate pages for Desktops and Icons.
They were getting a little cramped.
Thanks to Sue, I fixed the link to the Sunnydale Fanart Awards. Thanks Sue!!
Added June 14, 2006
Thanksgiving, Chapter 13 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: This chapter's a brief look into Dawn's, Andrew's and William's crumbling lives.
William and Dawn have a shouting match, leaving Andrew to pick up the pieces. Xander calls to
check in, but gets a lot of static.
Also Added:
Two new Icons, one of Buffy and one of Willow.
One new Desktop Image. Another Spike, of course. I've gone mad over the new Photoshop
brushes by touchstonesart.com.
Added June 11, 2006
Also Added:
Enthralled, Chapter 12 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Summary: Faith tracks Connor to a Subako hive in the Tokyo Underground. The Gypsies of the
Second Circle of Hell catch up to Nighna, Oz and Anjelica - but they just want to party. And Buffy
has a dream turned nightmare about William's garden.
I now have Icons! Inspired by eyesthatslay, and everyone at LiveJournal, I've created a set of
Buffyverse icons including Buffy, Spike, Faith, Angel, Connor and Andrew. More to follow soon,
so check back often.
Added June 7, 2006
Lusty Wrong Feelings, Chapter 11 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Following a conversation with my Mom, who insists that good stories involve writers taking risks,
I bring you the latest installment of my Buffyverse tale. This one involves a risk-taking with
Dawn. As she grows into her own power and deals with her grief over her missing sister, she
starts down a path that will lead her to trouble.
Summary: Oz, Anjelica and Nighna enter the Second Circle of Hell, the place set aside for those
who commit acts of Lust. The forest turns out to be intoxicating in its luxuriance, and Nighna
fears that it may bring out the worst in at least one of them.
Back in London, Dawn engages in a little experimentation in a nearly desperate effort to get her
drawings to come to life again. In Spike's work-aholic absence from the house, Andrew sinks into
an obsessive hermitage to try and make order out of all the chaos.
Added May 31, 2006
Empty as Houses, Chapter 10 of Anywhere Out of This World
After much editing, and at the suggestion of my beta-reader Matt who said, 'Quit worrying about
how long the chapters are!', the next chapter is ready for posting.
Summary: Back in London, Giles learns about an inter-dimensional spell. He asks a grief-stricken
William to help out. And in Sunnydale, Buffy learns about an international corporation that has
set up shop over the Hellmouth. She also discovers that Dawn and Spike have been coping for a
long time without her. Two new characters enter the mix - a pair of witches who have a
connection to the Slayer.
Added May 29, 2006
In lieu of an actual chapter, I offer goodies and the promise of the new chapter for tomorrow.
The first is an Angel fanfiction recommendation. I've never rec'd Angel fanfic, but this one's
extra cool and worth reading. It's called Angel Season Five (Redux) by Kevin, and it features all
of the AtS characters we know and love, and some we know and hate. Good, crisp descriptions,
compelling action and great dialog.
Second, lovely Lauren (author of Strange Days and Homesick) has a new home on the web: www.
laurenchandler.com.
Artwork Added:
Nothing Left But Faith, a new desktop image of Faith, inspired in part by a Cure song and a
Vampire Willow desktop by connikins.
Prophecy Girl, a desktop image of Buffy. Special thanks to Christen for the extremely sexy
image of Sarah Michelle Gellar and to Mary for the inspiration.
And finally, the new chapter titled Empty as Houses will follow tomorrow once my darling beta-
reader Matt has had the chance to give it either the Yay or Nay vote. I had an epiphany about
the story today whilst watching X-Men 3. I have a better idea now where the story might be
heading, and I owe it all to Wolverine!
Added May 21, 2006
International Calls, Chapter 9 of Anywhere Out of This World
As promised, a chapter focusing on Willow, Connor and Faith in Tokyo. They meet Mr. Wayara,
the Watcher for the Tokyo Slayer School. He explains to them the difference between the
vampires of the East and West. Also, Xander reunites with Maya but dismisses his missed call
from Dawn.
Also added: Closer, a new desktop image of Spike. Thanks to Crystal for this lovely and up close
view of Mr. Marsters.
Added May 17, 2006
Added May 15, 2006
Voting Begins at The Spuffy Awards!
Wishes and Regrets was nominated at the Spuffy Awards, and the voting is officially open.
Please vote for me! It only takes a few minutes and makes my whole month. Actually, more than
just a month...
Please be sure to read the rules. And when you come to the box that says 'Have you read the
rules?' enter the words Smile Time.
I've been nominated in these categories:
Most Outstanding Original Character (Maya Rose), Best General Author (as CelesteAvonne)
Best General Saga, and Best General Most Original Plot.
Also, Just_Sue's story Buyer Beware is nominated for Best Angst. She's wonderful and I highly
recommend the story.
Many, many thanks again and wish us luck!
Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful Moms out there. You are much loved.
Matters of Time and Fishes, Chapter 8 of Anywhere Out of This World
My most surreal chapter yet: Oz, Anjelica and Nighna leave the cube farm of Limbo, cross
through the Wastelands and wind up on the banks of the Styx in their pursuit of Luxe. They are
met with peril on all sides as they learn that Hell's not a good place for the living. It's not a
great place for the dead either, come to think of it.
Also added: I've started linking the Playlist Tracks with the lyrics in their chapters. Been
meaning to do this for a while, but had not decided which songs would go where. There will be
more, eventually.
I've also included review from filmtheory, one of the Slayerfanfic.com staff. Thanks for reading
and sharing your thoughts! Filmtheory also has an interesting Connor and Dawn story, which I've
only just begun to read but already like: Campus Life.
And finally, a link Lauren's fantastic continuation of her post-AtS Spike and Buffy tale,
Strange Days. If you haven't read it, I think you'd really enjoy it. And then read Homesick.
It's a wild and fun adventure into another world from which magic and demons have been
banished.
Added May 7, 2006
Relative, Chapter 7 of Anywhere Out of This World
I must admit I'm having trouble with this one. Don't know yet where the story is taking me,
but I'm trying to trust that it will be like the other two and will unfold as I go. I'm posting it
tonight, but will return to it tomorrow to smooth and polish over the rougher edges.
Many thanks to Matt for his beta-reading, endless encouragement and assurances that
I have not yet completely lost my mind.
Added May 1, 2006:
Wishes took runner-up for Best Future Fic at the Love's Last Glimpse Awards!
I had been knocked right over by the nomination (nominator still remains a mystery, but I am
deeply grateful), so the award itself makes me terribly, over-bearingly happy. I'm wearing my
scary, toothy grin right now. So, thanks!
Also wanted to include Just_Sue's Buyer Beware in the Recommendations and Reviews section. I
just started reading it this weekend, and it is excellent! It's an AU tale with solid storytelling,
strong characterizations and page-turning plot. Congratulations are in order, too. Buyer Beware
won Best Saga and runner-up for Best Plot at Love's Last Glimpse. Yay us!!
Added April 29, 2006:
Welcome to Hell, Chapter 6 of Anywhere Out of This World
Added Links:
The Other Side of Starlight
New to the LJ, and what fun it is!
Special thanks to Mary and Just_Sue for friending me!
Added Review:
Wanted to thank Just_Sue for her very kind words about Wishes and Regrets.
This one made me cry.
Added April 26, 2006:
Two Fantastic Spuffy Recommendations on the re-vamped Recs and Reviews Page.
New Wallpapers:
Perfect Match
Added April 22, 2006:
Mourning Sickness, Chapter Five of Anywhere Out of This World
New Wallpapers:
The Garden of Good and Angel
Spike, Anywhere (Thanks to Crystal for this lovely image of James)
Added Reviews:
Many thanks to Mary, Tammy, StevenH, Lauren and Hannah for your kind words.
Added April 17, 2006:
All's Well, Chapter Three of Anywhere Out of This World.
Anywhere Out of This World Chapter Four of Anywhere Out of This World.
Added April 15, 2006:
New Wallpapers:
Buffy in Blue
Spike Redemption (Special thanks to Meghann for the lovely James Marsters' image)
Muse
Added April 14, 2006:
The Drawing Board, Chapter Two of Anywhere Out of This World.
Wishes & Regrets Playlist:
In keeping with BtVS tradition, I've included a list of the songs that provided background and
inspiration to the stories. There's a mix of Emo, Goth Rock and Alternative stuff, but all of it
seemed to fit the story so well.
Hello and Welcome to Version 2 of The Chambered Heart. This is my home on
the web, where I can post stuff. And you can read it. I have lots.
the web, where I can post stuff. And you can read it. I have lots.