Since March 9, 2006
All other non-BtVS poems,
short stories and digital
paintings have been published
elsewhere. I'm just giving
them a home here online.
I always welcome critiques,
suggestions, comments and
criticisms. I've added a
Review Form to make it that
much simpler. I love the
fluidity of the Internet as a
medium. All the lines blur,
the colors run, time bleeds
by. Things change quickly
online. It's so sci-fi.
Many thanks for stopping by.
Feel free to contact me at
celesteavonne@yahoo.com
for any of the aforementioned
comments and such.
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March 5, 2005
Days to France: 9
Books read this year: 9
Story submissions: 2
Rejections: 1/2*
Pounds yet to lose: 9
Playing Alice In Wonderland in the field behind the theater with my Katya: Priceless.
*Temporary Places was provisionally accepted to a literary magazine if I address a few key points the
editors suggested I take note of.
February 21, 2010
Happy Birthday, Chris!!
I didn't write a story for my brother this year. Instead, we bought him a Himalayan Salt Crystal lamp.
We're in Southeast Texas this weekend to visit him and his family. It's a gray morning, a February
morning, and the air outside smells of damp. Later, I hope we can go to Claiborne Park to walk the
nature trails like we did when we were kids.
I'm stopping in to update my Currently Reading list to include the new title, The Namesake, by
Jhumpa Lahiri, and move the book I recently finished reading, Connected, by Nicholas A. Christakis
and James Fowler, to the BookList. This is the seventh book I've completed this year, and the first
non-fiction on the list.
February 13, 2010
Stopping in this morning to update the booklists to include new titles that have been added to the
Currently Reading List (located on the sidebar), as well as the new addition to the BookList 2010,
Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse, which I finished reading this morning. Thanks to my wonderful friend
and writing partner, Robin, for this recommendation.
I've also decided to start keeping track of the various media used to read the books on the list. With
the addition of Stanza and Audible on my Ziggy (my iPod Touch... it has a name), I can listen to
books during my commute to work, and read many titles via the Stanza database, many of which are
free because they have lapsed into public domain.
I'm also adding a review for the dissatisfying movie experience of The Lightning Thief, adapted to
the screen by Chris Columbus from the beloved Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series by
Rick Riordan. You may read the review here: If you can't make it right, don't make it at all.
February 9, 2010
Good news on the writing front... I received a provisional acceptance from a literary magazine to
which I submitted "Temporary Places." While it's not an outright acceptance, it is encouraging,
especially since this is the first short story I have completed and submitted since 1998.
More on that as I fumble through revision. I'm learning that I need much practice in the arts of
refinement. But it's all good practice, as I'm always telling my students.
February 1, 2010
First off... Happy Birthday Aunt Bebber!!
Secondly, I finished writing a short story titled "Temporary Places", which I have sent off in various
directions in hopes of getting it published. I'm currently working on another story called "Sad Songs
Volume One", which I hope to finish by the end of this month, at which point I will send it off in
various directions, also in hopes of getting it published.
Still working on editing my novel, Reprieve. Still working toward writing and reading goals, too, which
is why I've stopped in to post tonight (in addition to Bebber's birthday well-wishing). I'm adding to the
list of completed books in my Book List: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith
and Jane Austen, and Personal Attention, by my friend and fellow writer Missy Maxim.
January 6, 2010
Stopping by today to update my new BookList for the year. I've finished reading one book thus far:
Robert Newton Peck's A Day No Pigs Would Die.
December 30, 2009
I have finally finished what is my last story in the Buffyverse. This story, titled Disembodied, was one
I began last December as a birthday present for my beta, Mattallicarock. It's a Connor/Faith story set
in the timeline following Anywhere Out of This World. I wanted to write a story about them because
they developed such a sweet, albeit strange, relationship during Anywhere, and I wanted to see
where it could go. They are truly hot together, but also cripplingly repressed in their personal
relationships. Add in Xander as the villainous mastermind, and both carnage and mayhem ensues.
The story is now almost a year overdue. It's possible I may have dragged my feet a little, as I had
reservations about leaving the fandom. Writing in the Buffyverse changed my life, and while I know
many have moved on to other fandoms, my intention is to focus now on writing in my own 'verse.
Writing fanfiction gave me the courage and experience to do just that.
Title: Disembodied
Word Count: 12,188
Pairing: Connor/Faith
Rating: R
Summary: Connor is trapped by an evil vampire mastermind (Xander) who wants the inter-dimensional
travel technology that only Connor possesses. Faith comes to the rescue, but she's really, really not
happy about it.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the mighty Joss. All characters belong to Mr. Whedon,
except Moe and Dr. Chapman, Timothy Deitsch, Maya Rose, Jim the bartender, Thellian Ventrusca,
and Morna.
Author's Note: Many of the characters in this short story have names borrowed from my RL friends.
Any resemblance to them is purely intentional and meant as a nod of thanks for their support and
friendship. As always, many thanks to my beta, Mattallicarock, who reads whatever drivel I write and
encourages me to please make more. Thank you and happy birthday, Matt - you really do rock.
December 21, 2009
Season's Greetings to everyone!
Just stopping by to update my BookList to include Naked, by David Sedaris - one of the funniest and
most depressing books I've ever read - and Escape to Shade, the novel written for NaNoWriMo by my
daughter, Katya. This brings my total for the year up to 36, two more than my goal for 2009.
November 29, 2009
Happy news first: I completed NaNoWriMo by writing 50,000 words of an original novel in 30 days.
Even more impressive, so did Katya. She wrote a short novel (25,000 words), also within the 30 day
time frame of NaNoWriMo. We are both winners! For everyone who participated, I would like to say,
"What the heck are we thinking?" and also "Wooohoo! Congratulations, all."
More happy news: On Saturday, I made one of my year's goals in completing 200 work-outs at Curves.
I've met my reading goal and my fitness goal, all with a month left in the year.
Less happy news third: Due to an error on one of the pages of the 80-chapter third installment of
my Buffy fanfiction trilogy, I had to un-post all of Anywhere Out of This World in order to continue
updating The Chambered Heart. It's heartbreaking to me because of the hours and hours of love and
labor put into that very, very long installment, but in the end, I decided it had to be done. The site
must go on even though it was founded originally as a home for my Buffy fanfiction.
I'm fairly certain that everyone who was reading or was going to read Anywhere Out of This World
has already done so. I know there wasn't any uproar when I unposted it, thankfully, so I'm hoping
that Mercy Claremont has finished reading the last three chapters and epilogue.
Right now, I have no plans of reposting Anywhere Out of This World. Unlike Wishes and Regrets, it
was never edited as a whole, and it requires far too much work to warrant a re-post, especially since
I have all but entirely left the Buffy fandom. That said, the Buffyverse will always hold a special spot
in my heart. It has made me the writer I am today, and even as I sit typing in this post, I am wearing
my Buffy the Vampire Slayer t-shirt. Long live Spuffy.
October 21, 2009
When I was your age, television was called books.
- Grandpa from The Princess Bride
On Friday, I reached this year's Reading Goal: 34 books read in the year 2009! If you're interested in
browsing my list of books, you can find it here: The Book List.
In other news, Katya and I are working on our novels as part of the National Novel Writing Month,
NaNoWriMo. Here is the link to my profile: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/607272
So far, the new book on which I'm working lacks form. It's like a whole bunch of disjointed scenes
smattered together with a spackling of narrative summary. Ah, well, the point is to write. I'll sort out
the story once I am certain there is one to tell. What it does have is a decent title (Dear Universe)
and a good opening paragraph. After that, well... the point is to write!
October 11, 2009
Still working on editing the manuscript for Reprieve. Katya and I have committed ourselves to
participating in the National Novel Writing Month in November. We''ve begun the writing exercises for
new books, and decided that we will aim for 2,000 words a day to reach our goal of 60,000 words in
November.
We have also made the purchase of our plane tickets for France. Katya and I will be spending 10 days
in Paris for Spring Break. We are so excited about this, we can hardly bear to even speak of it. It's
my lifelong dream - the Number One destination on my list of places to see. We'll be posting more, of
course, as the dates near and our preparations take more solid form. More soon...
September 20, 2009
Just stopping by to say hello this afternoon. I'm in writer's group, which has become my Sunday
tradition. Robin and I sit together, writing and talking about writing, past loves, angry cats and
chocolate while a blend of modern emo-rock and jazz play overhead. Robin is hilarious; she never
fails to lift my spirits with her wit and her way with words.
I wanted to say thanks to the recent messages of encouragement and support from Mercy Claremont
and A. E. Lee regarding the Buffy fanfiction stories. Thank you both for reading, and thanks to Mercy
for pointing out a few broken links in Regrets. Those links are fixed now, I'm happy to report.
Right now I'm counting down the days to my Writer's Retreat, in which I will spend a whole weekend
re-reading my book in preparation for the final edit. My goal is to have the final edit ready to send to
an agent by the start of the new year. In the meantime, I'm working on a collection of short stories
titled "Temporar Places". I'm hoping to write, edit, and submit a few of them this fall. We'll see how it
goes.
In addition to all that writing, I'm back to teaching school and being Mom to my brilliant daughter,
who is also writing a few epic-length fantasy stories, as well as writing and filming a web comic called
Blob Earth, with her best friend and her cousin.
I've also updated my Book List to include the recent titles. I'm almost to my goal already, thanks in
part to re-reading Writing Down the Bones and Wild Mind, by Natalie Goldberg, and Possession, by
A. S. Byatt.
August 12, 2009
We have arrived home this afternoon after a week on the West Coast! Katya and I went on a trip this
year to San Francisco and Yosemite with the San Marcos Girl Scouts, and it was an unbelievable
amount of fun and excitement. I'm updating my 100 Things List today, because we were able to do
four of the things on the list during this trip.
July 20, 2009
Stopping in today to update my booklist. I've just completed reading Childhood's End by Arthur C.
Clarke, an author truly light years ahead of his time. I've been hard at work all summer at my novel,
what I've called the work of my life. I am currently writing Chapter 33 of the book, and it is resting
close to 260 pages at the moment. The process continues to baffle me, and as I ended reading
Childhood's End, I thought about the Infinite, and how through writing, we touch something so
much larger than what we can otherwise comprehend. That spark, that ribbon of divinity curls
within us and connects us to the motion that winds the stars.
Oooh, my. A little esoteric. I'm off to munch some chocolate. Hopefully, I will be more attentive to
this website and its updates in the future.
May 13, 2009
Much happiness today, as I've learned that one of my poems, Porter Middle School, has been pulished
in Issue Magazine. The editor said he will also publish another one in the June isse of Issue, but he
has not yet made his decision about which. I'm thrilled because I've submitted six poems in recent
months, so to have two of them placed after so long with nothing published is encouragement to
keep submitting. Here is a link to the website for Issue Magazine, where you read the poem:
www.artstudio.org/issue.cfm
I've also updated my Book List to include The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, one of the grimmest
books I've read, as well as Pride and Prejudice, the classic by Jane Austen.
April 10, 2009
Happy Good Friday, everyone!
Today's post contains a newly-updated Book List, now with the links to each book added in from
Amazon.com. My reading goal for this year is 34 books; I've just finished the tenth.
I'm also finally getting around to posting the essay I wrote for my brother for his birthday. Titled
The Story of My Childhood, this essay is part of a series of stories I'm writing as a Christmas gift to
my family. Since I've been teaching Seventh Grade, I've had a lot of practice in the form of essay
writing. This is just one of the finished ones I have to offer right now.
In other writing news, I am still tinkering with the untitled Connor/Faith one-shot, which was
promised to my beta and roommate, Mattallica, as his birthday gift. However, I must admit the
passion has gone out of it since I have finished Anywhere Out of This World. My focus has shifted to
the novel project I've been working on for the last decade. Over Spring Break, my daughter and I
took a research trip to my hometown, which rekindled my desire to finally get this story written.
Thanks to the fandom, I know I can write something start to finish. Before Buffy, I never knew I had
it in me to follow-through.
With the school year in full fever, and the TAKS test hovering over us like an enormous storm cloud, I
feel painfully out of touch with the LJ community. But I wanted everyone to know that I miss you
and long for the summer, where I can fully indulge myself in your wonderfulness.
March 29, 2009
Happy late birthday to the Chambered Heart. This will be a quick post tonight, but I wanted
to drop by to say that Chambered Heart is now three years old. I also wanted to add a few titles to
my Book List, which is progressing nicely considering how busy we've been. Finally, I wanted to add
a note about various writing projects. One, the essay I've written for my brother is completed. Titled
The Story of My Childhood, I will be posting it under Other Fictions very soon. Two, the untitled
Connor/Faith project I've been working on has taken a back seat for many reasons. I'll keep
hammering away, but for now it's on hiatus until I can find me a bigger hammer.
More soon... Good night.
March 7, 2009
Wow, it has been a while since I've posted anything of substance. However, today, I am updating my
Book List and adding one small Andrew and Dawn desktop. I am still working on a Connor/Faith
one-shot, which began as a birthday gift for my beta, Mattallica. Yeah... his birthday was January
5th; I'm still a little behind.
Here is the link to the new desktop image, titled Watchers.
And here is the updated Book List 2009.
I hope to post more soon, especially since we are traveling to my hometown during spring break to
begin research on a true-life novel. This makes my Mom very happy. She still grumbles at every minor
mention of fanfiction. I also have a short essay titled The Story of My Childhood, which I wrote for
my brother's birthday in February. Once I have the final edit ready, I'll be posting that here as well.
January 10, 2009
It's cold outside today, and I've remained snuggled on my living room floor in front of the Lappy,
toying with the remaining sections of the epilogue to Anywhere Out of This World. Katya is still in
her night gown, the cats are sprawled lazily on the couches, and all of the housework remains piled
up, as it has since Christmas break. Katya has almost watched the entire series of Friends in the time
it's taken me to write the final 10,000 words of this story.
I have twice submitted the epilogue to my beta, but he's very gently and sagely suggested that I
hadn't tied up all of the loose ends yet. He was right, of course. I was pushing to finish, but I wasn't
done.
Here's the final part:
Answered Prayers, the Epilogue to Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 9,500
Pairings: Buffy/William, Dawn/Andrew, Faith/Connor, and Helli/Oz
Rating: PG-13 for graphic violence and some sexual situations.
Summary: I tried to leave everyone in a good place. That doesn't mean that they all have a happy
endings. Some end up in very lonely situations, which I know they will have to work through later. As
for Faith and Connor, I tried to write them a happy ending. Every revision that wasn't the final copy
rang false for them.
I have lived with and loved these characters for so long, it seems strange to me to have typed the
final words of the story. I'll miss them all so much.
To the people who read and encouraged me, who stayed with me even though at times I thought for
sure I had gone crazy - thank you dearly. This experience has enriched my life.
January 3, 2009 (Part 2)
I just returned from a walk around the neighorhood with my daughter. It's dusk and the sky was a
frosted blue, with a Cheshire cat moon smiling down on us. We were visiting one of her friends
whose family had just moved in to one of the new houses that have been built in my Mom's and Dad's
neighborhood. As we strolled along the freshly-minted sidewalks, listening to the birds and the
breeze in the cedars, I remembered walking through this area before the streets were paved,
dreaming of the night that Buffy made a wish to bring William to her.
It's unbelievable to me that after so long, I have finally reached the end of this story. Last night,
while sitting at my writing desk, typing up the rough draft of Chapter 71, I got teary-eyed more than
once. Not only because the characters had been through such a life-altering ordeal, but because I
am going to miss them. For four years, these characters have taken up residence in my head - and I
mean that in the non-crazy sense - and made my life somehow more special.
I also have been blessed to meet many new and lasting friends through the Buffyverse. So many
people have fostered and encouraged this story into existence, and I am grateful to you for helping
me keep my sanity over the last few years.
The epilogue remains, still, but tonight I'm posting the final chapter of Anywhere Out of This World.
I can't believe it. It's done.
Here's the latest:
The Angels Sing, Chapter 71 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,770
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Character Death
Summary: The world ends. Kinda.
January 3, 2009
Here is the next chapter of Anywhere Out of This World. This is the second to last chapter, which
for me is really hard to believe. The last chapter is also written, and I'm in the process of editing.
After it's done, I'll write the epilogue, and the whole story - representing four years of writing! - will
be complete.
More very soon...
Here's the latest:
Run, Chapter 70 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,400
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Character Death
Summary: In Sunnydale, Dawn has leapt into the portal, which has closed the gateways between
worlds, which foils Ripper's plan for summoning the Old One, but effectively traps Buffy there. With
the help of Jonathan and Andrew, Buffy takes down Ripper and the Coven, but with TriadCorp in the
process of imploding, getting out requires an even bigger cost.
January 1, 2009
Happy New Year, everyone!!
I have a new chapter to post, to ring in the New Year. My goal was to finish this story before the
end of Christmas break, which means I will have to keep working at this pace to complete it by
Sunday. But it will be done! I have a bit of creative tunnel vision right now. For the past four days, I
have done little else but write.
Here's the latest:
This Is How the World Will End, Chapter 69 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3,190
Rating: PG-13 for more blood and graphic violence.
Warnings: Character death.
Summary: Faith battles Luxe, who explains his role in the present Apocalypse. Triumvirate is still
overrun with destruction-bent demons, but the Slayers arrive to help level the field. Giles and Rachel
pay a high price for trying to help Andrew.
Author's Note: Special gratitude for my daughter, Katya, to my roomie, Matt, and to Spikes_Heart
and KimRae for being patient, supporting and encouraging. You've helped me keep my head,
especially in this last week!
December 30, 2008
So okay, moving right along now, I have the next chapter in Anywhere Out of This World. This will
be a to-the-point post, as I'm in the middle of working on the next one. The pressure to finish is still
on since I only have until this weekend to get it written.
Here's the latest:
Hopeless, Chapter 68 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3,100
Rating: PG-13 for more blood and graphic violence.
Warnings: Character death
Summary: Willow completes the ritual, letting in all manner of demonkind, including Luxe, who
commands his army right into what's left of Triumvirate. Meanwhile, three events occur
simultaneously that close the portals Dawn has opened.
December 28, 2008
Almost there. I'm figuratively panting right now. I've written and re-written this one, but it's ready
and the end is nigh, both for the story and for the characters. More very soon, too.
Here's the latest:
Primal, Chapter 67 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,775
Rating: PG-13, for lots of blood
Summary: All Hell breaks loose as Willow gets stabby on Dawn. William tries to her, but the portal is
growing out of control. As Connor and Faith continue to fight, Connor tips his hand but not before
someone gets killed.
December 20, 2008
Finally, we made it to Christmas break! My students deserve this well-earned time off after three
weeks of testing, and I think I deserve it, too, because I had to watch them take all of those horrible
tests.
In celebration of the first day off, I have a chapter to offer: the first in almost a month. I am
attempting to finish this story in the next two weeks. I know I've been attempting that for a year
now, but I believe this time it's going to be possible.
Here's the latest:
Time is Running Out, Chapter 66 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 1,900
Rating: PG
Summary: Dawn opens the portals between worlds, unleashing chaos all over the place, and Willow
has to make a difficult decision.
November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Katya and I wish happy holiday tidings to everyone! I have a new chapter to post today, and a
promise of one forthcoming. Last year, I was only 13 chapters in to Anywhere Out of This World.
I believed then that I could finish the tale by the end of the summer. Alas, what a silly dream!
Here is the latest:
Last Call, Chapter 65 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,550
Rating: PG13 for violence and destruction
Summary: William calls in the remaining Slayers to meet at Triumvirate for the final battle, but will
they make it in time? Also, with Connor defecting to the enemy, Dawn must begin the ritual to open
the doors between worlds on her own.
Author's Note: Last year, I was writing about Andrew, Dawn, and William being alone together on
Thanksgiving in London. They were all mourning Buffy's inexpicable disappearance. Andrew was still
lamenting his missing hand, and eating sweet potato pie filling from a can with a wooden spoon. Dawn
was acting out by dressing like a tramp, and William over-reacted in stern fatherlike fashion, causing
Dawn to run out and seduce Brodie. Time in the story has advanced only three weeks. To me, it's
hard to believe that I've spent a year's writing time to forward the plot by 21 days!
November 16, 2008
Heading into the holiday season now, which is always rush-a-boom. Just wanted to pop in to let you
know that I am writing, albeit slowly, and have 550 words toward the next chapter in Anywhere Out
of This World. I feel that if I can managed one whole weekend of silent, sequestered time, I can
finish this story off.
Many things have been happening of note lately - the most important being my daughter's big win.
She took first place in an essay contest about Family Traditions.
We are both buzzing with excitement and ideas, but we're also counting the days to Christmas break
so that we can write in peace! I'll have more to post very soon. Promise!
October 19, 2008
Back on schedule now, I have the next brief chapter of Anywhere Out of This World. Katya and I
went horseback riding this weekend, and even though we didn't get to stay as long as we originally
hoped, we did have a great time, and we used the rest of our weekend toward creative pursuits.
She's writing a new original fiction, and I've finished another chapter. If it keeps up like this... well,
I'm not going to say anything because I'll just wind up jinxing myself!
Here's the latest:
Eleventh Hour, Chapter 64 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 1,990
Rating: PG
Summary: Dawn draws a path between the Flat and Triumvirate, just in time to spare Lorne, Clem,
and Oz from a deadly rugby match against the Sulksquelawtna Demon Clan, but unexpectedly, their
Master turns up to level the playing field.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
October 12, 2008
Okay, so it's been well over a month since I posted last, and my feeling of connection to the world of
Buffy is like a stratospheric kite string keeping me tethered to my creative side. Thank the gods for
Buffy, and Buffy fans, and Buffy fanfic.
That said, I do have a new chapter to post. I'm now projecting a Christmas break deadline for this
story's completion as this year's schedule is way more labor-intensive than I imagined.
Anyway,I hope that you enjoy the new chapter, and can forgive my long absences. As I promised, I
will finish this story. It just may take longer than I thought.
Here's the latest:
Home Sweet Gone, Chapter 63 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,500
Rating: PG
Summary: Dawn begins to close the doors she's created, and bad things happen.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Special thanks to Spike's Heart, Kimmie, Mattallicarock, Steven_H for their continued support.
You keep me going, even when the coffee's run out.
September 7, 2008
It's been a while since my last post, but not a full month, which I'm taking as a good sign. I've
managed to stitch together enough scenes to equal a chapter, and after three re-writes, I have it to
offer. There's a lot going on in this chapter - many scenes linked together by the common theme of
having run out of time to say what really needs to be said.
Here's the latest:
Things Unsaid, Chapter 62 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3,000
Rating: PG-13 for profanity
Summary: William initiates the first part of his plan, which involves Andrew. In the hospital, he enlists
the help of the doctor who saved Andrew. Willow and Maya finish their spell preparations. Giles gives
Rachel an unsolicited gift, and Connor finally regains full consciousness.
August 22, 2008
Though I was doing well and making progress on Anywhere Out of This World, I did not meet my goal
for finishing this saga before the end of the summer. School begins on Monday, and as it always
happens, my (laughing even as I type) free time evaporates until mid-September. I have several scenes
sketched out, but right now they are scattered and incomplete.
I feel I should say something profound about summer's end, about how each new year brings an
opportunity to impart knowledge to a fresh batch of young minds, or about how I lament the coming
of autumn because it is the time when the partitions in my mind must be erected, dividing my
teacher-brain from the writer-brain. I should say something to that effect, but I've spent the last
week moving classrooms and hanging posters so I'm whiny and exhausted. Hopefully that won't set
the tone for the year!
I will try to have something new posted before the end of September. Sometimes really good things
spring from times of stress, and the start of a school year can hardly be called anything less.
Much love, and to my students, new and old: be kind to your teachers. We are, believe it or not,
regular human types just trying to live our lives.
August 11, 2008
Greatly endebted to Spikes_Heart for this one, because she pushed me to explore deeper. Like
Dawn says of Andrew in this chapter, she wouldn't let me give up.
Here's the latest:
Mea Culpa, Chapter 61 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 4,000
Rating: PG
Summary: Tara visits Dawn in a dream to let her know that Dawn's work will include closing doors she
inadvertently created. When she wakes, Dawn asks Xander to take her across town on a dangerous
errand. While they're at it, they finally have it out over Dawn's relationship with Andrew, which
Xander continues to misunderstand. Also, Giles and Rachel realize that the fabled Looking Glass is
actually a divinatory key.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss. Many thanks to Mattallicarock,
StevenH, KimRae, and Spikes_Heart. For everything.
August 6, 2008
This chapter brings us within hours of the final climax. I'm pushing to finish this story before school
begins, which gives me 19 days. We'll see how that goes! Prayers for expediency are much
appreciated.
Here's the latest:
Legends, Chapter 60 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3,500
Rating: PG
Pairing: implied Willow/Thellian and Connor/Faith
Summary: Willow goes with Xander to the Watcher's Council for supplies to find that the Council is
open for business. Rachel and Giles study Andrew's research and find a clue. Willow and Xander have
a small confrontation about Willow's relationship with Thellian. And Thellian needs blood.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the might Joss. OCs Thellian Ventrusca, Maya Rose and
Rachel Greenspan are mine, though.
Author's Note: This chapter, titled Legends, attempts to play on the multiple meanings of the word
legend. Giles is a legendary figure among the Watchers, and to a degree in the eyes of his new-found
daughter, Rachel. Thellian is a legendary vampire with powers of such subtlety even Willow has fallen
prey. But legends can also a key to a map or a passage. I had some thesaurus fun with this one.
July 31, 2008
First and foremost, Happy Birthday to my daughter, Katrina!!!
Sometimes you sit down to write, thinking you're going to write one thing, and something else comes
out. That's what happened with this latest chapter, originally titled She's The One. Instead of the
scene I'd planned in the AU-Sunnydale with Team Angel, Jonathan and Andrew turned up in the
sewer tunnels. I tried to tell them to scram; they didn't listen. It all works out in the end, when
Buffy enters the picture.
Here's the latest:
Rogue Squadron, Chapter 59 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,784
Rating: PG
Summary: Jonathan and Andrew realize something has gone wrong in Sunnydale. With Warren dead,
and Team Angel temporarily out of commission, it's up the them to save the day.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss. This chapter also pays much
homage to Star Wars, Star Trek, and one reference to Stargate, so thanks also to George Lucas,
Gene Roddenberry, and whoever created Stargate.
Special thanks to my wonderful beta Mattallicarock for reading this three times, and for suggesting
the chapter title, which fits just right.
July 24, 2008
Vilifying Xander is fun! Mainly because it's rarely done, but also because of the way he regards
himself as the Paladin of the Scooby gang. In this chapter, William has the little conversation with
Xander that I've wanted for quite some time. William points out that Xander can be short-sighted and
judgmental to further his own motives. Anyone remember that scene with Buffy in Season 2? Willow
says, kick his ass?
Xander's interference with Dawn's and Andrew's relationship has set off a chain of events that is
leading the Scoobies down a path they hoped to never consider. Dawn has a plan, but the price is
catastrophic.
Here's the latest:
Plans, Chapter 58 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,300
Rating: PG
Summary: Dawn shares her plan, to which the Scoobies reluctantly agree, except for Spike, who
vehemently disapproves, and who conspires with Faith to form a plan of their own.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss, creator of Buffy, and Firefly,
and Dr. Horrible. All OCs (Thellian, Maya, Rachel) belong to me, or vice versa.
July 21, 2008
Getting so close now to finishing this story. I might actually get it done before the new school year
begins, and I do have my fingers crossed on that. Much as I love to write, this story has been a
particular challenge with its dense plotlines and so very many characters!
Here's the latest:
Symmetry, Chapter 57 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,050
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All non-OCs belong to the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: Dawn's power enables her to visit Andrew's mind, where he extracts a promise from her
and helps her hatch a plan.
Special thanks to SakuraKat16 for saying, "I don't get it" after a first read-through, and to
Spikes_Heart for helping clear up the parts that were less than clear. Thanks also to Mattallicarock
for reading all three drafts and re-drafts of this chapter, and to kimrae1977 for constant support and
encouragement.
July 15, 2008
I have the next chapter of Anywhere Out of This World to post tonight. Years ago now, I posed a
question to the Flist on LJ about whether or not Spike could be a leader. In this chapter, Giles asks
the same question.
Here's the latest:
Fragmented, Chapter 56 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,540
Rating: Flat-out PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Author's Note: The thematic element in this chapter is passing the torch of leadership. It's been
hinted at with Andrew's proclamation that he and Dawn are the Scoobies: TNG, but in this one it's
formalized by a request from Giles to William. This chapter also touches on the theme that started
this whole story - if the Scooby gang and all they love are set apart from each other, will they
survive? Most of them have returned home, but it can't be said that they are together. Also, couldn't
have a chapter titled Fragmented without featuring some of Connor's present madness.
July 10, 2008
I have the new chapter to post today. During the drafting stage, I tried to focus on Dawn's needs and
motivations, and kept coming back to her uniqueness, her singularity. I knew I also had to address
Connor in this chapter, too, and realized (again) that they have similar thematic qualities - they are
alone in the world. This fact is exploited by Dawn in this chapter as she explores the possibilities of
her powers. It's also exploited for Connor by the Glass, which has preyed upon his fragmented past
to manipulate him.
Well, that's where I got the title, anyway. This chapter also features much chaos among the Scoobies
as William returns home to find Thellian there, and that Xander has thrown Andrew out, much like
they once did to Buffy.
So, here's the latest:
Singular, Chapter 55 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,600
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and powerful Joss. Original characters Thellian
Ventrusca, Maya Rose, and Rachel Greenspan are mine, however, they like to play in the Jossverse.
July 6, 2008
A mini-post! I have a few new links, a drabble, and a few icons to add today, just a prelude for the
new chapter, which will hopefully be ready next weekend. Tentatively titled Singular, the new
chapter will be about Dawn, William, Faith, and Connor getting back home after their misadventures
in a demon-infested London.
On Friday, we spent a few hours visiting a fellow teacher friend and his wife, and they are brilliant!
Got home and thought, Dang, I wanna be more like them. They are passionate, artistic, intellectual,
interested, and involved. I mean, they have an actual tree house in their backyard. In addition to all
they shared with us, they gave us the following links, which have consumed much of my time this
weekend! I hope you find them equally entertaining.
New Links:
del.icio.us Social bookmarking site - bookmark stuff online and share it.
www.goodreads.com A virtual bookshelf you can share with friends.
www.shelfari.com Another virtual bookshelf.
www.pandora.com The Music Genome Project - a free online radio station that tailors to your music
tastes. Sweet.
New Drabble:
Everyone Has One, exactly 100 words about Dawn's and Andrew's greatest fears.
Neither clever nor funny, but merely a springboard activity into the next chapter, this drabble is me
peeking into the brief and private time Andrew and Dawn might have shared. It's the kind of
pre-bedtime conversation new lovers might share when they are just discovering each other and
themselves.
New Icons:
Andrew and Tom Lenk Icons, here.
Feel free to snag any you desire, and of course, please credit. There are only four, and they are
largely alike, but I love this picture of him. He's the definition of adorkable!
July 3, 2008
If this chapter was an episode of Friends, it would be titled "The One With All the Exposition." There
had to be some plain old plot revealed at one point, and this chapter is it. The narrator of all this
exposition is Warren, voted Least Likely to be a Good Guy, and yet he is.
Here's the latest:
Human Hands, Chapter 54 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,730
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and might Joss. Also, Cthulhu belongs to H. P.
Lovecraft, and both are mentioned in this chapter.
Summary: Luxe finds an occupation for Oz's werewolf demon. Warren attempts to rescue Buffy from
prison, and explains some of Ripper's plans, from an insider's perspective.
June 28, 2008
I have the first of two chapters of Anywhere Out of This World written this week ready to post. The
first, titled Asunder, concerns Oz, Lorne and Clem as they attempt to deal with Sabnock, the demon
who has decided that Triumvirate should be his. Walter and Anya also have a small but important part
which segues into the next chapter. In the next chapter, which is still with the wonderful beta and
has no proper title yet, concerns Luxe as he prepares to make his final move for world domination.
These chapters are challenging because they are necessary to the plot and setting up the climax,
but they shouldn't be so busy that they detract from the overall action. Many special thanks to
Spikes_Heart for her gentle, kind direction in this regard.
Here's the latest:
Asunder, Chapter 53 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,080
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss, who owns all of the characters
except for Walter, Luxe, Helli, Maya, Sabnock, Rachel Greenspan and Thellian Ventrusca. They are
my pets and do my bidding. Usually. Sometimes they run off on their own, which is always fun.
June 20, 2008
Happy Summer Solstice, everyone!
I have much to offer on this, the longest day of the year, including a new chapter for Anywhere Out
of This World, updates to the 100 Things List, pages and photos to our New York City Travel
Journal, and an addition to The Book List.
Here's the latest:
Raveled Threads, Chapter 52 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,500
Rating: PG-13 for violence, language
Pairing: Connor/Faith (implied)
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Warnings: Possible character death.
Summary: Having just unknowingly rescued Andrew and Dawn from their rooftop standoff with the
Kostzchie demons, Connor must face a horde of the demons alone. When they prove to be too much
for him, Faith swings in - half to help out, and half to reclaim her birthright weapon, The Scythe.
After Connor is bitten by a Kostzchie, he begins to see reality for the first time in a long while. In
the B-story, Maya finally learns her part in Luxe's bid to destroy the world.
June 4, 2008
What time is it? Summer time! Our 2007-2008 school year ended today, with many laughs, some tears,
and a whole lotta love. To my students, I want to say congratulations for making it this year. You're
over the hump and on your way to graduation, class of 2013! Have a safe and fun summer, and make
sure you stop by to see us next year.
To my friends and co-workers, I want to say thank you so much for keeping me afloat and sane all
year long. You are angelic, and much beloved to me.
Last year, the final year of Porter Middle School, our class theme song, as chosen by my students,
was Canon in D by Zox, a funky-reggae style version of Pachelbel's classic.
This year, the theme songs are Where Is The Love? by The Black Eyed Peas, and There's Hope by
India.Aire. Close runner-up is All You Need Is Love by the Beatles. And by far, the theme soundtrack
has to be High School Musical 1 & 2.
My wish for my students branches out from my central philosophy about all people. My hope is that
they can one day see themselves the way we see them - as brilliant, beautiful, strong and full of
power. The power to make the world a better place exists in you.
Happy Summer, guys.
Love and Peace, Ms. Hollister
June 1, 2008
Today, I have the latest chapter of Anywhere Out of This World, titled Negative Space. This one
begins with Dawn's point of view, and hearkens back to episodes from Season Five, particularly The
Body. In this chapter, I have Dawn doing one of her most reviled actions - screaming Get Out! at the
top of her lungs. I only added this because it seemed only right for Dawn to regress slightly in her
distress.
Here's the latest:
Negative Space, Chapter 51 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,400
Rating: PG-13, for blood
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss. Lyrics from What Sarah Said
belong to Death Cab for Cutie.
Summary: In the A-story, Dawn refuses to believe that things are out of her hands. Then, once she
realizes that they are, her gift takes on a new meaning. In the B-story, Giles is injured and Rachel
meets the gang.
May 16, 2008
It's been a while since I posted a rec, but found this story through a couple of recs on the board
and wanted to share it:
Moving On, by Jedi Buttercup
This is an Illyria fic, brief and beautifully crafted. Go read it; even if you're not an Illyria fan, you're
sure to enjoy it!
May 7, 2008
I have finally arrived at the beginning of the climax now, with the latest chapter of Anywhere Out of
This World. I'll just get right to it, then...
Here's the latest:
Pandemonium, Chapter 50 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3,800
Rating: PG-13 for graphic images, blood, and squishiness
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: A mysterious explosion in London brings a fallout of new demons to the already
demon-infested city. William and the Slayers encounter them hand-to-hand and quickly realize they
are out-matched. The demons prove to be very little challenge to Connor. In the B-story, Andrew
and Dawn are nearly killed on their rooftop, but manage to escape only to land in more trouble.
April 28, 2008
Three years ago today, I sat at my Dad's computer and furiously typed out the first three pages of
Wishes. The experience was unlike any other I'd had with writing, because this time the whole story
flowed out like an uninterrupted ribbon of silver. I hadn't the slightest clue at that time what
changes that first night of writing would bring to my life. I've met many wonderful, generous, kind
and talented people in the fandom, and made lasting friendships, all fellow lovers of the craft.
Still writing now on the third installment of my Buffyverse saga, I have tonight the next chapter of
Anywhere Out of This World. This is chapter 49. I promised I would finish this story, and by the
heavens and all of the stars, I will! Eventually.
Here's the latest:
Ripper's Girl, Chapter 49 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3170
Rating: PG, this is one of those bridge chapters; it's fairly tame
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Maya Rose and Thellian Ventrusca are mine, though.
Summary: Ripper has Buffy, Angel has connections, Cordy gets sidetracked, and Giles returns home,
delaying Thellian's big news about Maya yet again. It's like a circle.
March 24, 2008
Upon finding this lovely brush set by Jason Gaylor called Japanese Foliage, I have opened Photoshop
for the first time since this past summer to create three new desktop images. The first two are
variations on the same theme: Springtime. The third is a bit darker, and is what I hope more a
reflection of the mood to the most recent chapters of Anywhere Out of This World.
Love In Springtime: Spuffy 1024x768
Love In Springtime: Buffy 1024x768
Through the Looking Glass: Buffy 1024x768
Archived Updates Here.
Days to France: 9
Books read this year: 9
Story submissions: 2
Rejections: 1/2*
Pounds yet to lose: 9
Playing Alice In Wonderland in the field behind the theater with my Katya: Priceless.
*Temporary Places was provisionally accepted to a literary magazine if I address a few key points the
editors suggested I take note of.
February 21, 2010
Happy Birthday, Chris!!
I didn't write a story for my brother this year. Instead, we bought him a Himalayan Salt Crystal lamp.
We're in Southeast Texas this weekend to visit him and his family. It's a gray morning, a February
morning, and the air outside smells of damp. Later, I hope we can go to Claiborne Park to walk the
nature trails like we did when we were kids.
I'm stopping in to update my Currently Reading list to include the new title, The Namesake, by
Jhumpa Lahiri, and move the book I recently finished reading, Connected, by Nicholas A. Christakis
and James Fowler, to the BookList. This is the seventh book I've completed this year, and the first
non-fiction on the list.
February 13, 2010
Stopping in this morning to update the booklists to include new titles that have been added to the
Currently Reading List (located on the sidebar), as well as the new addition to the BookList 2010,
Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse, which I finished reading this morning. Thanks to my wonderful friend
and writing partner, Robin, for this recommendation.
I've also decided to start keeping track of the various media used to read the books on the list. With
the addition of Stanza and Audible on my Ziggy (my iPod Touch... it has a name), I can listen to
books during my commute to work, and read many titles via the Stanza database, many of which are
free because they have lapsed into public domain.
I'm also adding a review for the dissatisfying movie experience of The Lightning Thief, adapted to
the screen by Chris Columbus from the beloved Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series by
Rick Riordan. You may read the review here: If you can't make it right, don't make it at all.
February 9, 2010
Good news on the writing front... I received a provisional acceptance from a literary magazine to
which I submitted "Temporary Places." While it's not an outright acceptance, it is encouraging,
especially since this is the first short story I have completed and submitted since 1998.
More on that as I fumble through revision. I'm learning that I need much practice in the arts of
refinement. But it's all good practice, as I'm always telling my students.
February 1, 2010
First off... Happy Birthday Aunt Bebber!!
Secondly, I finished writing a short story titled "Temporary Places", which I have sent off in various
directions in hopes of getting it published. I'm currently working on another story called "Sad Songs
Volume One", which I hope to finish by the end of this month, at which point I will send it off in
various directions, also in hopes of getting it published.
Still working on editing my novel, Reprieve. Still working toward writing and reading goals, too, which
is why I've stopped in to post tonight (in addition to Bebber's birthday well-wishing). I'm adding to the
list of completed books in my Book List: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith
and Jane Austen, and Personal Attention, by my friend and fellow writer Missy Maxim.
January 6, 2010
Stopping by today to update my new BookList for the year. I've finished reading one book thus far:
Robert Newton Peck's A Day No Pigs Would Die.
December 30, 2009
I have finally finished what is my last story in the Buffyverse. This story, titled Disembodied, was one
I began last December as a birthday present for my beta, Mattallicarock. It's a Connor/Faith story set
in the timeline following Anywhere Out of This World. I wanted to write a story about them because
they developed such a sweet, albeit strange, relationship during Anywhere, and I wanted to see
where it could go. They are truly hot together, but also cripplingly repressed in their personal
relationships. Add in Xander as the villainous mastermind, and both carnage and mayhem ensues.
The story is now almost a year overdue. It's possible I may have dragged my feet a little, as I had
reservations about leaving the fandom. Writing in the Buffyverse changed my life, and while I know
many have moved on to other fandoms, my intention is to focus now on writing in my own 'verse.
Writing fanfiction gave me the courage and experience to do just that.
Title: Disembodied
Word Count: 12,188
Pairing: Connor/Faith
Rating: R
Summary: Connor is trapped by an evil vampire mastermind (Xander) who wants the inter-dimensional
travel technology that only Connor possesses. Faith comes to the rescue, but she's really, really not
happy about it.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the mighty Joss. All characters belong to Mr. Whedon,
except Moe and Dr. Chapman, Timothy Deitsch, Maya Rose, Jim the bartender, Thellian Ventrusca,
and Morna.
Author's Note: Many of the characters in this short story have names borrowed from my RL friends.
Any resemblance to them is purely intentional and meant as a nod of thanks for their support and
friendship. As always, many thanks to my beta, Mattallicarock, who reads whatever drivel I write and
encourages me to please make more. Thank you and happy birthday, Matt - you really do rock.
December 21, 2009
Season's Greetings to everyone!
Just stopping by to update my BookList to include Naked, by David Sedaris - one of the funniest and
most depressing books I've ever read - and Escape to Shade, the novel written for NaNoWriMo by my
daughter, Katya. This brings my total for the year up to 36, two more than my goal for 2009.
November 29, 2009
Happy news first: I completed NaNoWriMo by writing 50,000 words of an original novel in 30 days.
Even more impressive, so did Katya. She wrote a short novel (25,000 words), also within the 30 day
time frame of NaNoWriMo. We are both winners! For everyone who participated, I would like to say,
"What the heck are we thinking?" and also "Wooohoo! Congratulations, all."
More happy news: On Saturday, I made one of my year's goals in completing 200 work-outs at Curves.
I've met my reading goal and my fitness goal, all with a month left in the year.
Less happy news third: Due to an error on one of the pages of the 80-chapter third installment of
my Buffy fanfiction trilogy, I had to un-post all of Anywhere Out of This World in order to continue
updating The Chambered Heart. It's heartbreaking to me because of the hours and hours of love and
labor put into that very, very long installment, but in the end, I decided it had to be done. The site
must go on even though it was founded originally as a home for my Buffy fanfiction.
I'm fairly certain that everyone who was reading or was going to read Anywhere Out of This World
has already done so. I know there wasn't any uproar when I unposted it, thankfully, so I'm hoping
that Mercy Claremont has finished reading the last three chapters and epilogue.
Right now, I have no plans of reposting Anywhere Out of This World. Unlike Wishes and Regrets, it
was never edited as a whole, and it requires far too much work to warrant a re-post, especially since
I have all but entirely left the Buffy fandom. That said, the Buffyverse will always hold a special spot
in my heart. It has made me the writer I am today, and even as I sit typing in this post, I am wearing
my Buffy the Vampire Slayer t-shirt. Long live Spuffy.
October 21, 2009
When I was your age, television was called books.
- Grandpa from The Princess Bride
On Friday, I reached this year's Reading Goal: 34 books read in the year 2009! If you're interested in
browsing my list of books, you can find it here: The Book List.
In other news, Katya and I are working on our novels as part of the National Novel Writing Month,
NaNoWriMo. Here is the link to my profile: http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/607272
So far, the new book on which I'm working lacks form. It's like a whole bunch of disjointed scenes
smattered together with a spackling of narrative summary. Ah, well, the point is to write. I'll sort out
the story once I am certain there is one to tell. What it does have is a decent title (Dear Universe)
and a good opening paragraph. After that, well... the point is to write!
October 11, 2009
Still working on editing the manuscript for Reprieve. Katya and I have committed ourselves to
participating in the National Novel Writing Month in November. We''ve begun the writing exercises for
new books, and decided that we will aim for 2,000 words a day to reach our goal of 60,000 words in
November.
We have also made the purchase of our plane tickets for France. Katya and I will be spending 10 days
in Paris for Spring Break. We are so excited about this, we can hardly bear to even speak of it. It's
my lifelong dream - the Number One destination on my list of places to see. We'll be posting more, of
course, as the dates near and our preparations take more solid form. More soon...
September 20, 2009
Just stopping by to say hello this afternoon. I'm in writer's group, which has become my Sunday
tradition. Robin and I sit together, writing and talking about writing, past loves, angry cats and
chocolate while a blend of modern emo-rock and jazz play overhead. Robin is hilarious; she never
fails to lift my spirits with her wit and her way with words.
I wanted to say thanks to the recent messages of encouragement and support from Mercy Claremont
and A. E. Lee regarding the Buffy fanfiction stories. Thank you both for reading, and thanks to Mercy
for pointing out a few broken links in Regrets. Those links are fixed now, I'm happy to report.
Right now I'm counting down the days to my Writer's Retreat, in which I will spend a whole weekend
re-reading my book in preparation for the final edit. My goal is to have the final edit ready to send to
an agent by the start of the new year. In the meantime, I'm working on a collection of short stories
titled "Temporar Places". I'm hoping to write, edit, and submit a few of them this fall. We'll see how it
goes.
In addition to all that writing, I'm back to teaching school and being Mom to my brilliant daughter,
who is also writing a few epic-length fantasy stories, as well as writing and filming a web comic called
Blob Earth, with her best friend and her cousin.
I've also updated my Book List to include the recent titles. I'm almost to my goal already, thanks in
part to re-reading Writing Down the Bones and Wild Mind, by Natalie Goldberg, and Possession, by
A. S. Byatt.
August 12, 2009
We have arrived home this afternoon after a week on the West Coast! Katya and I went on a trip this
year to San Francisco and Yosemite with the San Marcos Girl Scouts, and it was an unbelievable
amount of fun and excitement. I'm updating my 100 Things List today, because we were able to do
four of the things on the list during this trip.
July 20, 2009
Stopping in today to update my booklist. I've just completed reading Childhood's End by Arthur C.
Clarke, an author truly light years ahead of his time. I've been hard at work all summer at my novel,
what I've called the work of my life. I am currently writing Chapter 33 of the book, and it is resting
close to 260 pages at the moment. The process continues to baffle me, and as I ended reading
Childhood's End, I thought about the Infinite, and how through writing, we touch something so
much larger than what we can otherwise comprehend. That spark, that ribbon of divinity curls
within us and connects us to the motion that winds the stars.
Oooh, my. A little esoteric. I'm off to munch some chocolate. Hopefully, I will be more attentive to
this website and its updates in the future.
May 13, 2009
Much happiness today, as I've learned that one of my poems, Porter Middle School, has been pulished
in Issue Magazine. The editor said he will also publish another one in the June isse of Issue, but he
has not yet made his decision about which. I'm thrilled because I've submitted six poems in recent
months, so to have two of them placed after so long with nothing published is encouragement to
keep submitting. Here is a link to the website for Issue Magazine, where you read the poem:
www.artstudio.org/issue.cfm
I've also updated my Book List to include The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, one of the grimmest
books I've read, as well as Pride and Prejudice, the classic by Jane Austen.
April 10, 2009
Happy Good Friday, everyone!
Today's post contains a newly-updated Book List, now with the links to each book added in from
Amazon.com. My reading goal for this year is 34 books; I've just finished the tenth.
I'm also finally getting around to posting the essay I wrote for my brother for his birthday. Titled
The Story of My Childhood, this essay is part of a series of stories I'm writing as a Christmas gift to
my family. Since I've been teaching Seventh Grade, I've had a lot of practice in the form of essay
writing. This is just one of the finished ones I have to offer right now.
In other writing news, I am still tinkering with the untitled Connor/Faith one-shot, which was
promised to my beta and roommate, Mattallica, as his birthday gift. However, I must admit the
passion has gone out of it since I have finished Anywhere Out of This World. My focus has shifted to
the novel project I've been working on for the last decade. Over Spring Break, my daughter and I
took a research trip to my hometown, which rekindled my desire to finally get this story written.
Thanks to the fandom, I know I can write something start to finish. Before Buffy, I never knew I had
it in me to follow-through.
With the school year in full fever, and the TAKS test hovering over us like an enormous storm cloud, I
feel painfully out of touch with the LJ community. But I wanted everyone to know that I miss you
and long for the summer, where I can fully indulge myself in your wonderfulness.
March 29, 2009
Happy late birthday to the Chambered Heart. This will be a quick post tonight, but I wanted
to drop by to say that Chambered Heart is now three years old. I also wanted to add a few titles to
my Book List, which is progressing nicely considering how busy we've been. Finally, I wanted to add
a note about various writing projects. One, the essay I've written for my brother is completed. Titled
The Story of My Childhood, I will be posting it under Other Fictions very soon. Two, the untitled
Connor/Faith project I've been working on has taken a back seat for many reasons. I'll keep
hammering away, but for now it's on hiatus until I can find me a bigger hammer.
More soon... Good night.
March 7, 2009
Wow, it has been a while since I've posted anything of substance. However, today, I am updating my
Book List and adding one small Andrew and Dawn desktop. I am still working on a Connor/Faith
one-shot, which began as a birthday gift for my beta, Mattallica. Yeah... his birthday was January
5th; I'm still a little behind.
Here is the link to the new desktop image, titled Watchers.
And here is the updated Book List 2009.
I hope to post more soon, especially since we are traveling to my hometown during spring break to
begin research on a true-life novel. This makes my Mom very happy. She still grumbles at every minor
mention of fanfiction. I also have a short essay titled The Story of My Childhood, which I wrote for
my brother's birthday in February. Once I have the final edit ready, I'll be posting that here as well.
January 10, 2009
It's cold outside today, and I've remained snuggled on my living room floor in front of the Lappy,
toying with the remaining sections of the epilogue to Anywhere Out of This World. Katya is still in
her night gown, the cats are sprawled lazily on the couches, and all of the housework remains piled
up, as it has since Christmas break. Katya has almost watched the entire series of Friends in the time
it's taken me to write the final 10,000 words of this story.
I have twice submitted the epilogue to my beta, but he's very gently and sagely suggested that I
hadn't tied up all of the loose ends yet. He was right, of course. I was pushing to finish, but I wasn't
done.
Here's the final part:
Answered Prayers, the Epilogue to Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 9,500
Pairings: Buffy/William, Dawn/Andrew, Faith/Connor, and Helli/Oz
Rating: PG-13 for graphic violence and some sexual situations.
Summary: I tried to leave everyone in a good place. That doesn't mean that they all have a happy
endings. Some end up in very lonely situations, which I know they will have to work through later. As
for Faith and Connor, I tried to write them a happy ending. Every revision that wasn't the final copy
rang false for them.
I have lived with and loved these characters for so long, it seems strange to me to have typed the
final words of the story. I'll miss them all so much.
To the people who read and encouraged me, who stayed with me even though at times I thought for
sure I had gone crazy - thank you dearly. This experience has enriched my life.
January 3, 2009 (Part 2)
I just returned from a walk around the neighorhood with my daughter. It's dusk and the sky was a
frosted blue, with a Cheshire cat moon smiling down on us. We were visiting one of her friends
whose family had just moved in to one of the new houses that have been built in my Mom's and Dad's
neighborhood. As we strolled along the freshly-minted sidewalks, listening to the birds and the
breeze in the cedars, I remembered walking through this area before the streets were paved,
dreaming of the night that Buffy made a wish to bring William to her.
It's unbelievable to me that after so long, I have finally reached the end of this story. Last night,
while sitting at my writing desk, typing up the rough draft of Chapter 71, I got teary-eyed more than
once. Not only because the characters had been through such a life-altering ordeal, but because I
am going to miss them. For four years, these characters have taken up residence in my head - and I
mean that in the non-crazy sense - and made my life somehow more special.
I also have been blessed to meet many new and lasting friends through the Buffyverse. So many
people have fostered and encouraged this story into existence, and I am grateful to you for helping
me keep my sanity over the last few years.
The epilogue remains, still, but tonight I'm posting the final chapter of Anywhere Out of This World.
I can't believe it. It's done.
Here's the latest:
The Angels Sing, Chapter 71 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,770
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Character Death
Summary: The world ends. Kinda.
January 3, 2009
Here is the next chapter of Anywhere Out of This World. This is the second to last chapter, which
for me is really hard to believe. The last chapter is also written, and I'm in the process of editing.
After it's done, I'll write the epilogue, and the whole story - representing four years of writing! - will
be complete.
More very soon...
Here's the latest:
Run, Chapter 70 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,400
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Character Death
Summary: In Sunnydale, Dawn has leapt into the portal, which has closed the gateways between
worlds, which foils Ripper's plan for summoning the Old One, but effectively traps Buffy there. With
the help of Jonathan and Andrew, Buffy takes down Ripper and the Coven, but with TriadCorp in the
process of imploding, getting out requires an even bigger cost.
January 1, 2009
Happy New Year, everyone!!
I have a new chapter to post, to ring in the New Year. My goal was to finish this story before the
end of Christmas break, which means I will have to keep working at this pace to complete it by
Sunday. But it will be done! I have a bit of creative tunnel vision right now. For the past four days, I
have done little else but write.
Here's the latest:
This Is How the World Will End, Chapter 69 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3,190
Rating: PG-13 for more blood and graphic violence.
Warnings: Character death.
Summary: Faith battles Luxe, who explains his role in the present Apocalypse. Triumvirate is still
overrun with destruction-bent demons, but the Slayers arrive to help level the field. Giles and Rachel
pay a high price for trying to help Andrew.
Author's Note: Special gratitude for my daughter, Katya, to my roomie, Matt, and to Spikes_Heart
and KimRae for being patient, supporting and encouraging. You've helped me keep my head,
especially in this last week!
December 30, 2008
So okay, moving right along now, I have the next chapter in Anywhere Out of This World. This will
be a to-the-point post, as I'm in the middle of working on the next one. The pressure to finish is still
on since I only have until this weekend to get it written.
Here's the latest:
Hopeless, Chapter 68 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3,100
Rating: PG-13 for more blood and graphic violence.
Warnings: Character death
Summary: Willow completes the ritual, letting in all manner of demonkind, including Luxe, who
commands his army right into what's left of Triumvirate. Meanwhile, three events occur
simultaneously that close the portals Dawn has opened.
December 28, 2008
Almost there. I'm figuratively panting right now. I've written and re-written this one, but it's ready
and the end is nigh, both for the story and for the characters. More very soon, too.
Here's the latest:
Primal, Chapter 67 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,775
Rating: PG-13, for lots of blood
Summary: All Hell breaks loose as Willow gets stabby on Dawn. William tries to her, but the portal is
growing out of control. As Connor and Faith continue to fight, Connor tips his hand but not before
someone gets killed.
December 20, 2008
Finally, we made it to Christmas break! My students deserve this well-earned time off after three
weeks of testing, and I think I deserve it, too, because I had to watch them take all of those horrible
tests.
In celebration of the first day off, I have a chapter to offer: the first in almost a month. I am
attempting to finish this story in the next two weeks. I know I've been attempting that for a year
now, but I believe this time it's going to be possible.
Here's the latest:
Time is Running Out, Chapter 66 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 1,900
Rating: PG
Summary: Dawn opens the portals between worlds, unleashing chaos all over the place, and Willow
has to make a difficult decision.
November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
Katya and I wish happy holiday tidings to everyone! I have a new chapter to post today, and a
promise of one forthcoming. Last year, I was only 13 chapters in to Anywhere Out of This World.
I believed then that I could finish the tale by the end of the summer. Alas, what a silly dream!
Here is the latest:
Last Call, Chapter 65 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,550
Rating: PG13 for violence and destruction
Summary: William calls in the remaining Slayers to meet at Triumvirate for the final battle, but will
they make it in time? Also, with Connor defecting to the enemy, Dawn must begin the ritual to open
the doors between worlds on her own.
Author's Note: Last year, I was writing about Andrew, Dawn, and William being alone together on
Thanksgiving in London. They were all mourning Buffy's inexpicable disappearance. Andrew was still
lamenting his missing hand, and eating sweet potato pie filling from a can with a wooden spoon. Dawn
was acting out by dressing like a tramp, and William over-reacted in stern fatherlike fashion, causing
Dawn to run out and seduce Brodie. Time in the story has advanced only three weeks. To me, it's
hard to believe that I've spent a year's writing time to forward the plot by 21 days!
November 16, 2008
Heading into the holiday season now, which is always rush-a-boom. Just wanted to pop in to let you
know that I am writing, albeit slowly, and have 550 words toward the next chapter in Anywhere Out
of This World. I feel that if I can managed one whole weekend of silent, sequestered time, I can
finish this story off.
Many things have been happening of note lately - the most important being my daughter's big win.
She took first place in an essay contest about Family Traditions.
We are both buzzing with excitement and ideas, but we're also counting the days to Christmas break
so that we can write in peace! I'll have more to post very soon. Promise!
October 19, 2008
Back on schedule now, I have the next brief chapter of Anywhere Out of This World. Katya and I
went horseback riding this weekend, and even though we didn't get to stay as long as we originally
hoped, we did have a great time, and we used the rest of our weekend toward creative pursuits.
She's writing a new original fiction, and I've finished another chapter. If it keeps up like this... well,
I'm not going to say anything because I'll just wind up jinxing myself!
Here's the latest:
Eleventh Hour, Chapter 64 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 1,990
Rating: PG
Summary: Dawn draws a path between the Flat and Triumvirate, just in time to spare Lorne, Clem,
and Oz from a deadly rugby match against the Sulksquelawtna Demon Clan, but unexpectedly, their
Master turns up to level the playing field.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
October 12, 2008
Okay, so it's been well over a month since I posted last, and my feeling of connection to the world of
Buffy is like a stratospheric kite string keeping me tethered to my creative side. Thank the gods for
Buffy, and Buffy fans, and Buffy fanfic.
That said, I do have a new chapter to post. I'm now projecting a Christmas break deadline for this
story's completion as this year's schedule is way more labor-intensive than I imagined.
Anyway,I hope that you enjoy the new chapter, and can forgive my long absences. As I promised, I
will finish this story. It just may take longer than I thought.
Here's the latest:
Home Sweet Gone, Chapter 63 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,500
Rating: PG
Summary: Dawn begins to close the doors she's created, and bad things happen.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Special thanks to Spike's Heart, Kimmie, Mattallicarock, Steven_H for their continued support.
You keep me going, even when the coffee's run out.
September 7, 2008
It's been a while since my last post, but not a full month, which I'm taking as a good sign. I've
managed to stitch together enough scenes to equal a chapter, and after three re-writes, I have it to
offer. There's a lot going on in this chapter - many scenes linked together by the common theme of
having run out of time to say what really needs to be said.
Here's the latest:
Things Unsaid, Chapter 62 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3,000
Rating: PG-13 for profanity
Summary: William initiates the first part of his plan, which involves Andrew. In the hospital, he enlists
the help of the doctor who saved Andrew. Willow and Maya finish their spell preparations. Giles gives
Rachel an unsolicited gift, and Connor finally regains full consciousness.
August 22, 2008
Though I was doing well and making progress on Anywhere Out of This World, I did not meet my goal
for finishing this saga before the end of the summer. School begins on Monday, and as it always
happens, my (laughing even as I type) free time evaporates until mid-September. I have several scenes
sketched out, but right now they are scattered and incomplete.
I feel I should say something profound about summer's end, about how each new year brings an
opportunity to impart knowledge to a fresh batch of young minds, or about how I lament the coming
of autumn because it is the time when the partitions in my mind must be erected, dividing my
teacher-brain from the writer-brain. I should say something to that effect, but I've spent the last
week moving classrooms and hanging posters so I'm whiny and exhausted. Hopefully that won't set
the tone for the year!
I will try to have something new posted before the end of September. Sometimes really good things
spring from times of stress, and the start of a school year can hardly be called anything less.
Much love, and to my students, new and old: be kind to your teachers. We are, believe it or not,
regular human types just trying to live our lives.
August 11, 2008
Greatly endebted to Spikes_Heart for this one, because she pushed me to explore deeper. Like
Dawn says of Andrew in this chapter, she wouldn't let me give up.
Here's the latest:
Mea Culpa, Chapter 61 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 4,000
Rating: PG
Summary: Tara visits Dawn in a dream to let her know that Dawn's work will include closing doors she
inadvertently created. When she wakes, Dawn asks Xander to take her across town on a dangerous
errand. While they're at it, they finally have it out over Dawn's relationship with Andrew, which
Xander continues to misunderstand. Also, Giles and Rachel realize that the fabled Looking Glass is
actually a divinatory key.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss. Many thanks to Mattallicarock,
StevenH, KimRae, and Spikes_Heart. For everything.
August 6, 2008
This chapter brings us within hours of the final climax. I'm pushing to finish this story before school
begins, which gives me 19 days. We'll see how that goes! Prayers for expediency are much
appreciated.
Here's the latest:
Legends, Chapter 60 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3,500
Rating: PG
Pairing: implied Willow/Thellian and Connor/Faith
Summary: Willow goes with Xander to the Watcher's Council for supplies to find that the Council is
open for business. Rachel and Giles study Andrew's research and find a clue. Willow and Xander have
a small confrontation about Willow's relationship with Thellian. And Thellian needs blood.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the might Joss. OCs Thellian Ventrusca, Maya Rose and
Rachel Greenspan are mine, though.
Author's Note: This chapter, titled Legends, attempts to play on the multiple meanings of the word
legend. Giles is a legendary figure among the Watchers, and to a degree in the eyes of his new-found
daughter, Rachel. Thellian is a legendary vampire with powers of such subtlety even Willow has fallen
prey. But legends can also a key to a map or a passage. I had some thesaurus fun with this one.
July 31, 2008
First and foremost, Happy Birthday to my daughter, Katrina!!!
Sometimes you sit down to write, thinking you're going to write one thing, and something else comes
out. That's what happened with this latest chapter, originally titled She's The One. Instead of the
scene I'd planned in the AU-Sunnydale with Team Angel, Jonathan and Andrew turned up in the
sewer tunnels. I tried to tell them to scram; they didn't listen. It all works out in the end, when
Buffy enters the picture.
Here's the latest:
Rogue Squadron, Chapter 59 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,784
Rating: PG
Summary: Jonathan and Andrew realize something has gone wrong in Sunnydale. With Warren dead,
and Team Angel temporarily out of commission, it's up the them to save the day.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss. This chapter also pays much
homage to Star Wars, Star Trek, and one reference to Stargate, so thanks also to George Lucas,
Gene Roddenberry, and whoever created Stargate.
Special thanks to my wonderful beta Mattallicarock for reading this three times, and for suggesting
the chapter title, which fits just right.
July 24, 2008
Vilifying Xander is fun! Mainly because it's rarely done, but also because of the way he regards
himself as the Paladin of the Scooby gang. In this chapter, William has the little conversation with
Xander that I've wanted for quite some time. William points out that Xander can be short-sighted and
judgmental to further his own motives. Anyone remember that scene with Buffy in Season 2? Willow
says, kick his ass?
Xander's interference with Dawn's and Andrew's relationship has set off a chain of events that is
leading the Scoobies down a path they hoped to never consider. Dawn has a plan, but the price is
catastrophic.
Here's the latest:
Plans, Chapter 58 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,300
Rating: PG
Summary: Dawn shares her plan, to which the Scoobies reluctantly agree, except for Spike, who
vehemently disapproves, and who conspires with Faith to form a plan of their own.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss, creator of Buffy, and Firefly,
and Dr. Horrible. All OCs (Thellian, Maya, Rachel) belong to me, or vice versa.
July 21, 2008
Getting so close now to finishing this story. I might actually get it done before the new school year
begins, and I do have my fingers crossed on that. Much as I love to write, this story has been a
particular challenge with its dense plotlines and so very many characters!
Here's the latest:
Symmetry, Chapter 57 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,050
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All non-OCs belong to the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: Dawn's power enables her to visit Andrew's mind, where he extracts a promise from her
and helps her hatch a plan.
Special thanks to SakuraKat16 for saying, "I don't get it" after a first read-through, and to
Spikes_Heart for helping clear up the parts that were less than clear. Thanks also to Mattallicarock
for reading all three drafts and re-drafts of this chapter, and to kimrae1977 for constant support and
encouragement.
July 15, 2008
I have the next chapter of Anywhere Out of This World to post tonight. Years ago now, I posed a
question to the Flist on LJ about whether or not Spike could be a leader. In this chapter, Giles asks
the same question.
Here's the latest:
Fragmented, Chapter 56 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,540
Rating: Flat-out PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Author's Note: The thematic element in this chapter is passing the torch of leadership. It's been
hinted at with Andrew's proclamation that he and Dawn are the Scoobies: TNG, but in this one it's
formalized by a request from Giles to William. This chapter also touches on the theme that started
this whole story - if the Scooby gang and all they love are set apart from each other, will they
survive? Most of them have returned home, but it can't be said that they are together. Also, couldn't
have a chapter titled Fragmented without featuring some of Connor's present madness.
July 10, 2008
I have the new chapter to post today. During the drafting stage, I tried to focus on Dawn's needs and
motivations, and kept coming back to her uniqueness, her singularity. I knew I also had to address
Connor in this chapter, too, and realized (again) that they have similar thematic qualities - they are
alone in the world. This fact is exploited by Dawn in this chapter as she explores the possibilities of
her powers. It's also exploited for Connor by the Glass, which has preyed upon his fragmented past
to manipulate him.
Well, that's where I got the title, anyway. This chapter also features much chaos among the Scoobies
as William returns home to find Thellian there, and that Xander has thrown Andrew out, much like
they once did to Buffy.
So, here's the latest:
Singular, Chapter 55 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,600
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and powerful Joss. Original characters Thellian
Ventrusca, Maya Rose, and Rachel Greenspan are mine, however, they like to play in the Jossverse.
July 6, 2008
A mini-post! I have a few new links, a drabble, and a few icons to add today, just a prelude for the
new chapter, which will hopefully be ready next weekend. Tentatively titled Singular, the new
chapter will be about Dawn, William, Faith, and Connor getting back home after their misadventures
in a demon-infested London.
On Friday, we spent a few hours visiting a fellow teacher friend and his wife, and they are brilliant!
Got home and thought, Dang, I wanna be more like them. They are passionate, artistic, intellectual,
interested, and involved. I mean, they have an actual tree house in their backyard. In addition to all
they shared with us, they gave us the following links, which have consumed much of my time this
weekend! I hope you find them equally entertaining.
New Links:
del.icio.us Social bookmarking site - bookmark stuff online and share it.
www.goodreads.com A virtual bookshelf you can share with friends.
www.shelfari.com Another virtual bookshelf.
www.pandora.com The Music Genome Project - a free online radio station that tailors to your music
tastes. Sweet.
New Drabble:
Everyone Has One, exactly 100 words about Dawn's and Andrew's greatest fears.
Neither clever nor funny, but merely a springboard activity into the next chapter, this drabble is me
peeking into the brief and private time Andrew and Dawn might have shared. It's the kind of
pre-bedtime conversation new lovers might share when they are just discovering each other and
themselves.
New Icons:
Andrew and Tom Lenk Icons, here.
Feel free to snag any you desire, and of course, please credit. There are only four, and they are
largely alike, but I love this picture of him. He's the definition of adorkable!
July 3, 2008
If this chapter was an episode of Friends, it would be titled "The One With All the Exposition." There
had to be some plain old plot revealed at one point, and this chapter is it. The narrator of all this
exposition is Warren, voted Least Likely to be a Good Guy, and yet he is.
Here's the latest:
Human Hands, Chapter 54 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,730
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and might Joss. Also, Cthulhu belongs to H. P.
Lovecraft, and both are mentioned in this chapter.
Summary: Luxe finds an occupation for Oz's werewolf demon. Warren attempts to rescue Buffy from
prison, and explains some of Ripper's plans, from an insider's perspective.
June 28, 2008
I have the first of two chapters of Anywhere Out of This World written this week ready to post. The
first, titled Asunder, concerns Oz, Lorne and Clem as they attempt to deal with Sabnock, the demon
who has decided that Triumvirate should be his. Walter and Anya also have a small but important part
which segues into the next chapter. In the next chapter, which is still with the wonderful beta and
has no proper title yet, concerns Luxe as he prepares to make his final move for world domination.
These chapters are challenging because they are necessary to the plot and setting up the climax,
but they shouldn't be so busy that they detract from the overall action. Many special thanks to
Spikes_Heart for her gentle, kind direction in this regard.
Here's the latest:
Asunder, Chapter 53 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,080
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss, who owns all of the characters
except for Walter, Luxe, Helli, Maya, Sabnock, Rachel Greenspan and Thellian Ventrusca. They are
my pets and do my bidding. Usually. Sometimes they run off on their own, which is always fun.
June 20, 2008
Happy Summer Solstice, everyone!
I have much to offer on this, the longest day of the year, including a new chapter for Anywhere Out
of This World, updates to the 100 Things List, pages and photos to our New York City Travel
Journal, and an addition to The Book List.
Here's the latest:
Raveled Threads, Chapter 52 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,500
Rating: PG-13 for violence, language
Pairing: Connor/Faith (implied)
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Warnings: Possible character death.
Summary: Having just unknowingly rescued Andrew and Dawn from their rooftop standoff with the
Kostzchie demons, Connor must face a horde of the demons alone. When they prove to be too much
for him, Faith swings in - half to help out, and half to reclaim her birthright weapon, The Scythe.
After Connor is bitten by a Kostzchie, he begins to see reality for the first time in a long while. In
the B-story, Maya finally learns her part in Luxe's bid to destroy the world.
June 4, 2008
What time is it? Summer time! Our 2007-2008 school year ended today, with many laughs, some tears,
and a whole lotta love. To my students, I want to say congratulations for making it this year. You're
over the hump and on your way to graduation, class of 2013! Have a safe and fun summer, and make
sure you stop by to see us next year.
To my friends and co-workers, I want to say thank you so much for keeping me afloat and sane all
year long. You are angelic, and much beloved to me.
Last year, the final year of Porter Middle School, our class theme song, as chosen by my students,
was Canon in D by Zox, a funky-reggae style version of Pachelbel's classic.
This year, the theme songs are Where Is The Love? by The Black Eyed Peas, and There's Hope by
India.Aire. Close runner-up is All You Need Is Love by the Beatles. And by far, the theme soundtrack
has to be High School Musical 1 & 2.
My wish for my students branches out from my central philosophy about all people. My hope is that
they can one day see themselves the way we see them - as brilliant, beautiful, strong and full of
power. The power to make the world a better place exists in you.
Happy Summer, guys.
Love and Peace, Ms. Hollister
June 1, 2008
Today, I have the latest chapter of Anywhere Out of This World, titled Negative Space. This one
begins with Dawn's point of view, and hearkens back to episodes from Season Five, particularly The
Body. In this chapter, I have Dawn doing one of her most reviled actions - screaming Get Out! at the
top of her lungs. I only added this because it seemed only right for Dawn to regress slightly in her
distress.
Here's the latest:
Negative Space, Chapter 51 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2,400
Rating: PG-13, for blood
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss. Lyrics from What Sarah Said
belong to Death Cab for Cutie.
Summary: In the A-story, Dawn refuses to believe that things are out of her hands. Then, once she
realizes that they are, her gift takes on a new meaning. In the B-story, Giles is injured and Rachel
meets the gang.
May 16, 2008
It's been a while since I posted a rec, but found this story through a couple of recs on the board
and wanted to share it:
Moving On, by Jedi Buttercup
This is an Illyria fic, brief and beautifully crafted. Go read it; even if you're not an Illyria fan, you're
sure to enjoy it!
May 7, 2008
I have finally arrived at the beginning of the climax now, with the latest chapter of Anywhere Out of
This World. I'll just get right to it, then...
Here's the latest:
Pandemonium, Chapter 50 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3,800
Rating: PG-13 for graphic images, blood, and squishiness
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: A mysterious explosion in London brings a fallout of new demons to the already
demon-infested city. William and the Slayers encounter them hand-to-hand and quickly realize they
are out-matched. The demons prove to be very little challenge to Connor. In the B-story, Andrew
and Dawn are nearly killed on their rooftop, but manage to escape only to land in more trouble.
April 28, 2008
Three years ago today, I sat at my Dad's computer and furiously typed out the first three pages of
Wishes. The experience was unlike any other I'd had with writing, because this time the whole story
flowed out like an uninterrupted ribbon of silver. I hadn't the slightest clue at that time what
changes that first night of writing would bring to my life. I've met many wonderful, generous, kind
and talented people in the fandom, and made lasting friendships, all fellow lovers of the craft.
Still writing now on the third installment of my Buffyverse saga, I have tonight the next chapter of
Anywhere Out of This World. This is chapter 49. I promised I would finish this story, and by the
heavens and all of the stars, I will! Eventually.
Here's the latest:
Ripper's Girl, Chapter 49 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 3170
Rating: PG, this is one of those bridge chapters; it's fairly tame
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Maya Rose and Thellian Ventrusca are mine, though.
Summary: Ripper has Buffy, Angel has connections, Cordy gets sidetracked, and Giles returns home,
delaying Thellian's big news about Maya yet again. It's like a circle.
March 24, 2008
Upon finding this lovely brush set by Jason Gaylor called Japanese Foliage, I have opened Photoshop
for the first time since this past summer to create three new desktop images. The first two are
variations on the same theme: Springtime. The third is a bit darker, and is what I hope more a
reflection of the mood to the most recent chapters of Anywhere Out of This World.
Love In Springtime: Spuffy 1024x768
Love In Springtime: Buffy 1024x768
Through the Looking Glass: Buffy 1024x768
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Currently reading:
www.goodreads.com
www.shelfari.com
The Mark of the Cat, by Andre Norton
Persuasion, by Jane Austen (audiobook)
Jo's Boys, by Louisa May Alcott (Stanza)
Fanfiction:
Beloved, by Spike's Heart
Memoirs of the Countess de Fountaine,
by CaroMio
.Newly Added.
The List of 100 Things To Do In My Lifetime
Short Fiction: The Amazingly Invisible
Andrew Wells
Disembodied
Fictlet: Distraction
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Fanfiction Recommendations:
Moving On, by Jedi Buttercup
The Buffy Tarot
Anaross's www.unlifeonthedarkside.com
Domino Effect by Anaross
Barb C.'s http://sleepingjaguars.com/buffy/
Mary's Journeys
Mary's Lost In You
Chrislee's Buffy/Angel archive:
www.octavesoftheheart.com/sublime/
What Dreams May Bring by Spikes_Heart
WriterCon
Those Whom Moses Forgets, by Draconin
What If I'm Not The Slayer? by CaroMio
San Marcos Art League
Ugly Business, Zugma's digital fanart site.
New link to the Sunnydale Fan Art Awards.
Bookcrossing.com: Set your books free!
Chris Altnau's site: Hawke's Castle
Lauren Chandler's Spuffy fanfics at the Spuffy
Realm.
Review for The Lake House.
The Chambered Heart
Photography and Fine Art Store
Messages of Love: My very own
line of clothing & gifts
available at CafePress.com
www.goodreads.com
www.shelfari.com
The Mark of the Cat, by Andre Norton
Persuasion, by Jane Austen (audiobook)
Jo's Boys, by Louisa May Alcott (Stanza)
Fanfiction:
Beloved, by Spike's Heart
Memoirs of the Countess de Fountaine,
by CaroMio
.Newly Added.
The List of 100 Things To Do In My Lifetime
Short Fiction: The Amazingly Invisible
Andrew Wells
Disembodied
Fictlet: Distraction
Drabbles
Artwork
The Lists
Fanfiction Recommendations:
Moving On, by Jedi Buttercup
The Buffy Tarot
Anaross's www.unlifeonthedarkside.com
Domino Effect by Anaross
Barb C.'s http://sleepingjaguars.com/buffy/
Mary's Journeys
Mary's Lost In You
Chrislee's Buffy/Angel archive:
www.octavesoftheheart.com/sublime/
What Dreams May Bring by Spikes_Heart
WriterCon
Those Whom Moses Forgets, by Draconin
What If I'm Not The Slayer? by CaroMio
San Marcos Art League
Ugly Business, Zugma's digital fanart site.
New link to the Sunnydale Fan Art Awards.
Bookcrossing.com: Set your books free!
Chris Altnau's site: Hawke's Castle
Lauren Chandler's Spuffy fanfics at the Spuffy
Realm.
Review for The Lake House.
The Chambered Heart
Photography and Fine Art Store
Messages of Love: My very own
line of clothing & gifts
available at CafePress.com
Plus 8,200 before the Lappy
Crash of December 2007.
Crash of December 2007.