Table of Contents: Celeste Hollister, Buffy Fan Fiction, Buffy fanfic, Teacher Resources, Writing, Poetry, Spuffy, Fan Art

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

March 14, 2008

As promised, here is the second part of the two-chapter installment for Anywhere Out of This
World, titled Pursuit. In this one, Andrew runs into a little demon infestation on his way back
home. Dawn, in her search for Andrew, encounters similar demon issues.

In the B story, Thellian awakes in his new lair, and it's a good thing neither Spike nor Buffy are
around to see it. Thellian has new developments regarding Maya, but they are cut short by a
surprise visit from Connor, who still believes he's on a demon-smashing mission with his father.

All this plus very little silliness, here:
Pursuit, Chapter 48 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,550
Rating: PG-13 for cannibalistic demon references
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the mighty Joss.

March 11, 2008

I have the first of a two-chapter installment ready for posting today. This one, titled Double
Cross, mainly features Angel's crew and their decision to help Buffy get back to Sunnydale. Of
course, nothing is ever so simple, and really bad things happen. The B story focuses on Ed
Busby, an average bloke hired by Willow and Faith to help them move certain questionable
'cargo'.

Here's the latest:
Double Cross, Chapter 47 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Many, with reference to Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,100
Rating: PG-13 for gruesomeness
Summary: Team Angel takes on Sunnydale, but runs immediately into an ugly snare. Willow and
Faith arrive in London, but getting past Xander is... really no trouble at all.

March 9, 2008

Happy Anniversary website!

I had hopes of posting a new chapter in honor of the site's second birthday, but it's not ready.
Actually, it's only half-written and still must undergo the painful edit/re-write process. But, I do
have something to add, and that's a recommendation for a fantastic book: Ken Follet's The
Pillars of the Earth. It's an excrutiatingly beautiful story encompassing the lives of four
generations of two families as they witness and build Kingsbridge Cathedral. Go, read it!

I plan to have one if not two chapters in Anywhere Out of This World later this week. Keep
looking and I'll keep you posted.

March 3, 2008

Our beloved Uncle Eddie passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2008. He was 52. Our family is
feeling this profound loss as we celebrate his life and the impression he leaves in all of our
hearts.

I was quite honored to give the eulogy on behalf of our family. Several family members and
friends have asked me to post the eulogy and share it with those who were not able to attend
Uncle Eddie's funeral. I have created a memorial page to him here:

Edward T. Purkey

On this page, I have included links to the obituary from The Beaumont Enterprise, and the
condolences link from Farmer's Funeral Directors.

February 21, 2008

Happy Birthday to my brother, Chris!

And also, I have the latest chapter of to my long and winding Buffy tale, which draws closer to
its conclusion. It does, really. I promise...

Avenger, Chapter 46 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew
Word Count: 3,900
Rating: PG
Summary: Dawn learns of Xander's and Andrew's confrontation. After a confrontation of her
own, she goes out to find Andrew. Andrew, meanwhile, returns to the Temple of the Sisters,
where he meets up with Nighna's ghost. William returns to the Slayer School to find them
preparing for a trench war against demonkind. Finally, Connor is still trapped in Willow's web of
delusional fantasy.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.

February 5, 2008

I have the latest chapter of Anywhere to post tonight. It's been through a few re-writes, partly
because I had written the Xander-Andrew bits much earlier, before the Andrew/Dawn pairing had
a lot of shape to it. Now, the Andrew/Dawn relationship is much more solid, which made parts of
Andrew's conversation with Xander irrelevant. Well, you'll see...

Bit of a warning, there will be some Xander bashing ahead. This is due in part to some held over
aggression I harbor toward him over his deplorable treatment of Anya and his double standard
treatment of Buffy and Spike in Season 6. He must pay for that some time. For me, that time is
now.

Here's the latest:
The Lovers, Chapter 45 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew
Word Count: 4175
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: While rummaging through Willow's books, Dawn finds a Tarot deck that holds her
transfixed. She cuts the cards and reveals The Lovers. She takes the image to heart. After a pre-
morning lovefest with Andrew, she learns that he takes their relationship with similar
seriousness. However, Xander has other plans and interferes, which will have disastrous
consequences to them all.

January 15, 2008

Just stopping by to update my book list and add the link to the Shelfari site, which has occupied
much of my free time in the last week. Shelfari - it's like a bookshelf safari. I have added the
numerous titles I've read over the last few years, plus the ones I can recall from grade school
on. It's also nifty because it's a book network. My brother's on there, as well as many literary-
minded friends, and they've all listed their books. The Internet is swell.

I'll be back soon with an update to Anywhere. It's nearing an end, I can feel it. The Buffyverse
that once crowded out all other creative vines and underbrush has grown to its full height,
where I can leave it to be beautiful and imperfect in its own measure of light.

January 5, 2008

Happy Birthday, Matt!
Yesterday, my beta celebrated his 32nd time around the sun. When I asked him what he wanted
for his birthday, he said 'a chapter.' Just so happens, I have a new one!

And so here it is:
Parallel Lives, Chapter 44 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew (implied)
Word Count: 3,700
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: After Spike's awakening, Dawn fills him in on a few things that have happened in his
absence. In the AU, Buffy awakes to an offer of help from Willow, and they discover that this
Dawn also has mysterious artistic ability.

December 27, 2007

Just stopping by to update Anywhere Out of This World tonight. I have the latest chapter, a
quick one, focusing on Lorne and Clem in the aftermath of Lorne's vision. I don't have much else
to say, as things in my 'normal' life have taken some frustrating turns. But there will be more
soon.

Here's the latest:
The Fall of Triumvirate, Chapter 43 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: None in this chapter
Word Count: 1,880
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: Lorne's vision spares Clem's life when the Big Bads come to town.

December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas, everyone! A friend told me earlier to count my blessings every night, for
we are most surely blessed. I want to share my gratitude to my family and friends, for their
love, support, and joy. We just had the most marvelous time together tonight. Christmases like
these build sweet memories in the hearts of our children, and those are priceless. Absolutely
priceless. Thank you!

I have one gift to offer tonight. It is a one-shot Christmas Spuffy set post-Anywhere, three years
into the future, with minor spoilers for that story. In it, Buffy and Spike have their hands full
with their regular lives and their three-year-old daughter Tara. It's difficult enough corralling
her, much less an unwelcome demon visitor.

This story was my submission for the Spuffy Solstice at Spuffy_Haven.
Title: Better To Give
Word Count: 4,353
Rating: PG
Pairings: Spike/Buffy & Andrew/Dawn
Disclaimers: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss. Also, this story is pure
indulgent fluff, like salt water taffy. For that, I humbly beg your forgiveness.

Many thanks to my beta for catching my errors, even though I opted to keep the decapitated
demon's ability to nod its approval.

December 10, 2007

I made it! Thirty books with two weeks to spare. I have them all chronicles on my Book List
2007. Soon, I'll move it to take the place of the incomplete list from 2006. I reached my goal of
20 books last year, too, but had to reconstruct the list from memory after the Lappy crash of
December 06. I'm knocking on wood and making plans to back up even as I type.

Next year, I'm going to be more ambitious in my goal: 36 books! Eventually, I'll be able to read
as many as my Mom, who read 56 books this year (so far...). I absolutely love reading.

In other news, we brought home our darling baby Logan this morning - a brand-new ginger kitten
with a rusty meow and an abundance of personality. Happy Christmas, Katya! And me, too.

December 1, 2007

In keeping with the practice that I subject myself to the assignments I give to my students, I
wrote a short story right along with them. And because I said they could choose any genre, I did
too... Naturally, I chose fanfic.

Three weeks and 10,000 words later, I present The Amazingly Invisible Andrew Wells.
Summary: During that wiggy time leading up to The Prom, Tucker Wells was busy plotting
himself into the path of Buffy Summers. All the while, little Andrew was trying desperately to
live up to the name of his brother. In Andrew's attempt to waylay Tucker's bestial plans to
ransack The Prom, and to win the favor of new girl Rebecca Kinsey, he gets drawn into a deal
with a devil that could ruin the school's production of Romeo and Juliet.
Word Count: 10,830
Rating: PG
Timeline: This is a one-shot set pre-Prom in Season 3, as seen from Andrew's perspective. There
are cameos from many of the Sunnydale alum as well.
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.

Also....
On the first day of December, James Marsters gave to me... lovely pictures for the sharing.
Actually, it was the fabulous CaroMio who sent this link, with an Advent Calendar-like entry to
the website, www.jamesmarsterslive.com. Joy for the whole season!

November 21, 2007

Happy early Thanksgiving to all! I've been catching up today on LJ, and have been basking in
the well-wishing of my Flist, which has put me in an extremely festive mood. In addition to the
general relaxation and recuperation, I've been working on an update to Anywhere Out of This
World, titled Lost to Sand.

I also finished reading The Golden Compass by Phillip Pullman, which I recommend, and added it
as #29 on my Book List for this year. It would be best to read it before the movie comes out the
December. It'll be like Harry Potter in that there is no way the film makers will be able to fit it
all in to less than two hours on-screen. I also wanted to recommend Memoirs of the Countess de
Fountaine by CaroMio to my fellow Spuffy lovers. She just recently updated this one, and it's
one of my favorites!

And here's the latest on mine:
Lost to Sand, Chapter 42 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Dawn/Andrew, Xander/OC (Maya), and Oz/Anjelica
Word Count: 2,000
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: Anya and Walter open the portal out of Hell for Oz and Anjelica, but nothing in Hell
happens without a sacrifice. Back in London, Dawn awakes from her drawing spell to the sound
of Andrew's screaming.

November 4, 2007

This has been a difficult week. Possibly the worst for us this year. As always, though, the
solitude and contemplation of writing provides the most welcome escape. I began this chapter
long ago, with the line, "Under these auspices, and with hope in her heart, Dawn began to
draw..."

I think writers can relate to this. Many times, we sit down at our notebooks and laptops with the
weights of every day on our shoulders. But the hope in our hearts helps us create a safe haven
in which our minds get to be free. I paired Patty Griffin's Icicles with this chapter, and I think it
fits Dawn and Andrew so well. In her lyrics, she says, 'we're just like/anyone else/ we just want
a little bit/ of sun for ourselves.' This is especially perfect given what lies ahead for them. But,
I'm getting ahead of myself.

Here's the latest:
Drawn Together, Chapter 41 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Buffy/Spike and Dawn/Andrew (though not at the same time. That would be weird)
Word Count: 2350
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
Summary: Dawn and Andrew think their Voodoo waking spell has failed. Silly them. Dawn, still
invigorated from the spell, leaves their bed to indulge her creative side, which she has
repressed due to her frightening first-time experience with Brody. As she becomes entranced
with her drawing, she unwittingly creates a kind of sanctuary into which Buffy and William are
drawn.

October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween!!

With love, from Katrina and me. May you have a spooky, ghoul-filled evening of fun and, of
course, candy!

PS Working on the rough of the next chapter, now titled "Drawn Together". I expect to finish it
and post on Sunday or so.

October 17, 2007

Not so much a chapter as an interlude, this next installment of Anywhere Out of This World
touches base with Lorne, who has set himself up rather comfortably as the steward of
Triumvirate. In Nighna's absence, he has maintained the night club as a place of neutrality and
relative peace. That is, until his bartender sings the line of a song, and Lorne gets a peek at a
potentially violent incident in the very near future.

Here's the latest:
For Lorne, Chapter 40 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: None in this chapter
Word Count: 700
Rating: PG (for now)
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the mighty Joss.

As I'm nearing the climax of the story, the chapters are coming faster and faster. Which is good.
I think the beginning of the story taunted me a bit as I attempted to tease out its various
threads. I'm hoping to have another chapter, tentatively titled "Safe Haven", posted soon. This
one will deal with the after-effects of the portal Anya and Walter cast in Hell, as well as the
spell Dawn and Andrew cast. They believe it had no effect at all; boy, were they wrong!

Also, it seems that there is an over-arcing theme of Casablanca to this story, whereas the first
two, Wishes and Regrets, had Wizard of Oz references throughout. I never would have guessed
these movies had influenced me so much... But it is kinda cool.

October 12, 2007

Tonight, I have another chapter to offer. It's another Dawn/Andrew-centric chapter. I wrote the
first draft of this chapter last December, on the back of my car payment stub, so I'm really glad
to finally get to it in the storyline. I also have another chapter following soon after that
features Lorne and a special guest star...

Here's the latest:
That Old Black Magic, Chapter 39 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,630
Rating: Edging up to an R with some racy, graphic content
Summary: Dawn and Andrew cast a spell which sets certain events irrevocably into motion.
Also, Oz and Helli wait in increasing discomfort as Anya and Walter cast the portal home.

Author's Note:
I'm grateful tonight to my students, for working so hard this past week in our writing. Our focus
was on action verbs, editing to take out empty words, and imagery. I'm also thankful for my
daughter, who has been writing every day. Her diligence is inspiring, and I believe she has the
talent to one day be an author. Of course, I think she's brilliant enough to also be an astronaut,
a senator, and an enviro-biologist.

I also want to thank KimRae and Spikes_Heart for their encouraging words, and Mattallicarock,
my beta, for always being there. No matter what.

October 4, 2007

So this story is coming along despite the insanity of lesson planning, grading, more grading, and
let's see... real life stuff. Thank the heavens for writing. It helps me build partitions around the
creative parts of my brain, thereby protecting them from the overwhelmed parts of my brain.

I do have a new chapter to share. This one features Thellian and "his girls" as he has come to
view them, as they make their way across continents toward London. William also appears with
a cryptic-spouting spectre who continues to vex him.

Here's the Latest:
Not All Who Wander, Chapter 38 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Hints toward a possible Willow/Faith pairing
Word Count: 2,000
Rating: PG
Summary: Willow and Faith are like Thellian's Angels, only one of them is still reluctant.
William, still in his dream state induced by Succubus venom, is starting to realize that he is
comatose, and he's making the first efforts to try to wake himself. Will he be able to wake in
time to bring Buffy safely home?

September 23, 2007

Last week at was more trying than most. My students were subjected to a week long battery of
standardized testing. Naturally, by Friday, they felt quite restless and so things got a little
rough. However, I did find some time to write. Upside to everything!

And so, here's the latest:
Sweetness, Chapter 37 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 2,173
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Xander and Maya both have misgivings about each other, but neither voice them.
Dawn and Andrew take a morning off from research to spend some time together. With a Honey
Bear.

Author's Note: I began half of this one months ago when I first started entertaining the notion of
having Dawn and Andrew as a pairing. It started as a drabble, gained some strength and
adjectives, then swelled into a full-fledged chapter. I worried at first that I should cut it
because it does not advance the plot much, but it does show the growing bond between Dawn
and Andrew, as well as a glimpse into the not-as-peachy relationship between Xander and Maya.
My beta, Mattallicarock, reminded me that the joy of fanfic is that I don't have deadlines or
editors hovering over me. Therefore, I can write sweet little vignettes as I desire. That's why I
adore my beta.

Also, I realize I may have butchered the Italian that Andrew speaks to Dawn. My apologies if
that's so, and if anyone out there can correct me, I'd be most appreciative!

September 12, 2007

Great hairy legs of Hades, I finally finished this chapter. This one has been impeded by big-time
RL, but with every word I commit to the page, I am certain that these story lines are finally
winding together for a definite close. Therefore, thanks to you for your patience and continued
support!

Here's the latest:
Familiarity, Chapter 36 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 3,100
Rating: PG
Summary: This one picks up where the last chapter left off - with Buffy still torn about needing
a little help from Team Angel, and with Giles and Rachel Greenspan lost in the wilderness.
There's a sweet little bit at the end with Andrew and Dawn that serves as a recap for the action
(or lack thereof) at the Flat in London.

September 1, 2007

I'm swerving in today to report that I'm updating my Scottish List to include James McAvoy after
watching Becoming Jane this afternoon. Unfortunately, he's bumping John Hannah into an
alternate position, but I think James is well worthy as an addition.

I liked the movie. It's one of the handful of movies I've seen in the theater in which the
audience actually applauded at its end. It's one of those quiet and sweepingly epic British
movies I always go for.

I'm also here to add that in addition to grading 288 papers from my wonderful students, I am
working on an update for Anywhere Out of This World. I had a breakthrough in the plot on my
morning commute last week, so I will have a new chapter hopefully before the end of Monday.
This chapter, titled Familiarity (short for familiarity breeds contempt), will focus briefly on
Buffy, but will return to Giles and Rachel.

August 16, 2007

I've always liked the idea of a roguish Giles, a man at home in any terrain, kind of like a British
Indiana Jones. In the new chapter, that was what I was shooting for. I envision him part-Rupert,
part-Ripper, capable of killing, combat, and survival in even the most trying of circumstances.

Here's the latest:
Appearances Deceiving, Chapter 35 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Well, none. But there is a large ensemble scene in the Hyperion Hotel
Word Count: 3,400
Rating: PG
Summary: In the alternate-LA, Fred explains her theory for why the barriers between dimensions
have begun to break down. After Fred's presentation, Buffy succumbs to continued exhaustion.
Back in South America, Rachel Greenspan deals with Ethan's death, and Giles' part in it. Also,
Giles finds a photograph which leads him to believe that Rachel has a secret.

There's a lot of techno-babble in this chapter. Thanks to my Dad and brother for a life time of
Star Trek, Battletech and Arthur C. Clarke.

I'd also like to take a moment to those who have supported our online stores: The Chambered
Heart and Messages of Love. We are immensely grateful for your support. Katrina's postcards
and my bumper stickers are unexpectedly big sellers. So thank you so much! You are wonderful.

August 11, 2007

I have a new chapter to post for Anywhere Out of This World titled With A Little Help. With this
chapter I'd like to show gratitude to my daughter, Katrina, for holding our writing workshops
together. We get a lot of mother-daughter bonding and writing done during these sessions. I'd
also like to thank Spikes_Heart for her unflagging encouragement.

Here's the latest:
With A Little Help, Chapter 34 of Anywhere Out of This World
Pairing: Andrew/Dawn
Word Count: 2,300
Rating: PG
Summary: Xander gets bent when he returns to London to find that Andrew has managed quite
well in Xander's absence. Also, Oz tries to comfort a shattered Anjelica while Anya and Walter
prepare for the ritual that will send them home.

Author's Note: I'm realizing more as I write Anywhere that I've been needing Xander to answer
for some of his actions in Seasons 6 & 7, as well as a few from earlier (The Pack, anyone?). He's
been Mr. Double Standard for a really long time, and I've been enjoying a little turnabout where
Xander has been concerned. I think Xander labors under the delusion that he's the white knight
of the Scoobies, the one who always sides with the greater good. It's from this position that he
sees fit to judge character and occasionally meddle (Willow says "kick his ass.") with the
group's decisions. What would happen, I wonder, if he was suddenly forced to examine some of
his past choices and to answer for them?

The hold up with this chapter was not lack of ideas or plot or pacing. No, this time it was the
bloody chapter title and one line of dialog toward the end that just would not fit. Even my betas
were at a loss, though I'm grateful as always for their suggestions and patience.

Silly, silly muse!

August 7, 2007

I wanted to share one of our passions with you: Star gazing, with particular emphasis on meteor
showers. I mean, who doesn't love optimizing your wish-making opportunities, right? Especially
if you have a starry-eyed 9-year-old daughter like mine. This is a yearly end-of-summer bonding
ritual for us. We take to the Hill Country with blankets and snacks and give our gratitude to the
wonder of the Universe.

Here's a link with information about all of the upcoming meteor showers, including phase of the
moon: http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/

For instance, the Perseids fall on next Monday, and there will be a New Moon; perfect for
viewing shooting stars. And making wishes.

August 5, 2007

This one's a big one for us!
I believe that my daughter is a very gifted young photographer. I believe it so much
that I have opened a CafePress storefront to support her work. Here is the link:

www.cafepress.com/chamberedheart

Please go, visit, admire... purchase! In addition to Katrina's photography, we have a
section for my artwork, and one called Message of Love, which has a lot of positive,
inspirational gifts representing what I think is a new, original point of view on
saving the world by making it a better place.

I'm currently writing a new chapter, as yet untitled, for Anywhere Out of This World. Xander has
returned to London thinking he's finally going to be the Alpha, only to discover that someone
else is taking charge. Also, there might be a bit with Oz and Anjelica. I'm looking to submit the
chapter to my beta tonight, so the new chapter could be up in a day or three.

July 24, 2007

A drive-by post... just to let everyone know that we'll be home Saturday morning. We're in
Alabama tonight, then back in Clinton, Louisiana, tomorrow. I have one Magic Kingdom desktop
to share:

Magic Kingdom by Night, 1024x768
This image was taken just after the SpectroMagic parade on my birthday, with the Night setting
of our camera. As part of the brilliant birthday extravaganza, we all got to BE in the parade,
which was absolutely unforgettable. I'll write more about all of that soon!

July 5, 2007

I have the new chapter of Anywhere Out of This World to post. In it, Connor has dreams. Very
vivid dreams. I'm working off the premise that the false memories of Connor's childhood has
made him susceptible to mental pitfalls, and Willow's spell to free him from the influence of the
Glass did not help matters.

Here's the latest:
Life Is..., Chapter 33 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Rating: PG-13 for some mild raciness, mostly implied
Word Count: 2960
Pairing: Connor/Dream-Dawn
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.

Author's Note #1: I borrowed a line from Jasmine in AtS: S4, but I promise I am not planning on
bringing Jasmine into this story at all. I just thought the line fit perfectly with Connor's motives
at the moment.

Author's Note #2: This may be my last post to this site for three weeks as we're leaving for
Disney World on Friday morning!

June 26, 2007

Today, I have the new chapter for Anywhere Out of This World, with the Giles/Rachel/Eathan
part in tact.

Here's the latest:
Ashes to Ashes, Chapter 32 of Anywhere Out of This World
Rating: PG-13 for some violence
Word Count: 2,993
Pairings: Andrew/Dawn
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.
(Typos are my own, and so is the original character Rachel Greenspan.)

Summary: Dawn follows Andrew to the Watcher's Council to confront him about his feelings over
Nighna's death. In South America, Rachel Greenspan weathers a night on a Hellmouth with the
help of Rupert Giles. But in the morning, they have to decide what to do with their prisoner,
Ethan Rayne.

Just a silly pop culture note: The oft-repeated demon line "Ah, nu’ja nez blimbo jah, ha ha!” is
actually Klingon and comes from the Universal Studios Star Trek stage show my brother and I
were in when we were 11 and 15. The extra who played the Klingon in that show spoke little
English, but had such a great personality, he had us cracking up every time he delivered this
line. I put it in because I knew it'd make my little brother smile.

June 25, 2007

This amounts to less than half of the post I hoped to make today. My goal was to post the new
chapter of Anywhere Out of This World, titled Ashes to Ashes (still a working title). I have the
Andrew/Dawn part written and that's all fine and good. It's the Giles/Rachel/Eathan part that's
the challenge. However, I'm not backing down. I've decided to post the whole thing within the
next day or two.

Therefore, instead of a chapter, I'll post this wonderful recommendation for a Buffy/Pirates
crossover in which Norrington dimension hops right into the Summers' home in Sunnydale. This
story hits my kinks in the best ways, and I hope that you enjoy it.

Here's the link: Greedy Slayer's Rough Drabbling.

June 19, 2007

I stumbled across an unexpected source for artwork ideas from my Grannye. While at her house
last week, I found her subscription to Better Homes & Garden's Scrapbooks, etc. Magazine. There
is a whole wealth of tips and textures, not just for physical scrapbookers, but for digital artists,
too. Therefore, I've been in Photoshop bliss all weekend. I have three new desktops to offer:
two Spuffy, and one Pirates of the Caribbean.

Comfy
This was my first effort, and not my best. I never did get the quality I'd hoped from the
screencap. However, I did notice something I never had before, and that is the position of Buffy
and Spike's hands on the flashlight. This cap is from Potential, but their hands touching over the
flashlight harkens back to Beneath You. Interesting, I think, that Joss would choose that
moment for them to share that connection....

Brushes by touchstonesart.
Screencaps from Screencap-paradise.com.

Sweetest Downfall
This one was created for my soul-twin Classic Anne in Rochester, NY, who loves Regina Spektor,
too. I also owe a thanks to Andrew, for helping me to find the perfect script font: In this case,
AdineKirnberg, which is available at PC Fuentes. The lyrics, 'You are my sweetest downfall,'
come from Samson, by Regina Spektor.

Davy Jones
This one's also for Andrew, by request and as a thanks for being so helpful all last week.

Although I've been a busy Photoshopper, I haven't fully neglected my fanfic. I don't have a new
chapter for Anywhere Out of This World, but did manage to attend to several page glitches that
had been plaguing Regrets. They should all be fixed now.

I should have a new chapter for Anywhere by the beginning of next week. This one returns to
Andrew and Dawn as they deal with the news of Nighna's demise, as well as Giles and Rachel
Greenspan and their journey back to London.

June 10, 2007

Tonight I'm posting the new chapter, previously titled In Hell but changed to Salvage during the
final edit this afternoon. This chapter gave me nightmares, not so much for what I wrote, but for
what I did not write. The concept of Hell as a place of individual suffering is one that I find
terribly disturbing. This chapter has a secondary character based on Bruce Dern's creepy
outlander in
The Badlands, and one quip about kidney stones.

Here's the latest:
Salvage, Chapter 31 of Anywhere Out of This World
Word Count: 2850
Rating: PG, for body parts
Pairing: Oz/Anjelica
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.

I also wanted to say thank you to my fabulous beta, Mattallicrock2000, for all that he does,
including this lovely nod over at ForbiddenAwards.

Anywhere Out of This World has been nominated for the Aching For It Awards (Best WIP) and the
Viagra Award (Best Fic Which Has Never Won Before). Regrets was nominated for the Hot
Between The Sheets Award (Best Spuffy - Long).

Go visit the site! It's got a lot of quality fic there, and if you have a favorite, nominate it. The
categories are filling up quick.

June 8, 2007

A few things to add tonight, as I have updated my reading list and created another Pirates
desktop, this one of Captain Jack Sparrow.I also have a new chapter for Anywhere Out of This
World very nearly ready to post titled In Hell, and it focuses on Oz and Anjelica as they attempt
to escape from Hell. My second beta, Steven_h1971, is currently proofreading it. It should be
here on Sunday, so please check back for that.

June 5, 2007

As a warm up for writing tonight, I created a desktop of Commodore Norrington, my favorite
pirate - even more so than Captain Jack Sparrow (it never would have worked out between us). I
hope very much that you enjoy it. The original photo I nabbed from imdb.com, some brushes by
Zugma, and textures by me.

Long Live Norrington
1024x768

June 1, 2007

Two in one week! I have the next chapter to Anywhere Out of This World. In this one, Faith
finally catches up with Connor. In keeping with the theme of fire, this chapter is titled By Fire
Reborn, and focuses on Faith, Connor and Willow in Tokyo. There's a brief appearance by
Thellian, and a cameo by a small black kitten named Scout, who is based on my small black
kitten.

Here's the latest:
By Fire Reborn, Chapter 30 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 2,466
Rating: R, for a small amount of gore.
Pairings: Well, there is one kiss...
Feedback: Yes, Please!
Disclaimer: For fun and fun alone. All hail the great and mighty Joss.

May 30, 2007

Tonight I'm posting the latest chapter to Anywhere Out of This World. This is a turning point
chapter in that Buffy finally meets up with Team Angel in LA, where she gets some answers to
her questions, but not all of them.

Here's the latest:
Team Angel, Chapter 29 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 3170
Feedback: Yes, please!

Author's Note:
Either way, the coffee table gets it...
This latest chapter has been quite the creative struggle. It began as two versions of the same
chapter, with the same players but very different outcomes. Neither fit the mood that I was
seeking, so I enlisted the help of my beta for direction. He liked some aspects of each, and
guided and nudged as he is wonderful at doing, but pointed out that in one version, Buffy kills
the coffee table and in the other, Angel does the damage.

What have I against coffee tables? My ex-husband has twice attacked them, but claimed on both
occasions that the coffee table started it. Funny how things find their way into our stories.

The final third version contains bits of both, but is less bitter and aggressive than its previous
versions.

May 20, 2007

As the school year winds to a close this week, my creative energy has been a bit taxed. I've
written two-thirds of a new chapter for Anywhere, but it may be a while before it's published as
I have my kidney stone surgery tomorrow and the final week of school after that. However, I
have one creative endeavor I'd like to share. As a final for our Greek Mythology and Modern-day
Heroes unit, I created a fun and playable Greek Myth Jeopardy game!

The original PowerPoint template for the game came from this website: PowerPoints For
Teachers, The Jeopardy template can be customized to fit almost any subject. The website
contains many other teacher-created and shared PowerPoints that you can download and use in
classes - all free of charge. Pretty cool site!

May 4, 2007

As promised earlier this week, I have the new chapter of Anywhere Out of This World ready to
post. This chapter is written in three scenes. Two of them are Dawn/Andrew-centric and they
are among my favorite so far. I wrote the first scene, in which Dawn sketches Andrew, many
months ago, and it is what fostered the idea of their eventual pairing. In that scene, Dawn gets
a further glimpse into her powers. The middle scene, a dream sequence with Spike, I added over
the last week. He may be in a magically induced torpor, but he's not out by a long shot!

And so, here's the latest:
Drawn to You, Chapter 28 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 4,115
No warnings in this one. It's pretty PG. Many thanks to Mattallicarock, my beta, for his reading,
support and suggestions.

May 1, 2007

Here it is, finally! The latest chapter of Anywhere Out of This World. Since I'm having surgery
tomorrow, I'll keep the summary brief:

Here's the latest:
S moke and Mirrors, Chapter 27 of Anywhere Out of This World.
Word Count: 2791
In this one, Xander and Maya consummate their relationship, with a side effect neither is
thrilled about. Rachel Greenspan and Rupert Giles corner Eathan Raynes, and he pulls a little
magic trick that goes wrong. Finally, Buffy and Dawn leave Sunnydale, but something happens
on the road to Los Angeles.

It's all pretty PG. The next chapter, which could be published as early as tomorrow, is more
Dawn and Andrew. After that, it's more Oz and Anjelica. I still don't have much of a clue what is
going on with Willow, Faith and Connor in Japan... But, it will come. Summer's almost here.

So far, this latest version of the chapter's un-beta'd. He'll read this and the next chapter
tomorrow and I'll re-post any edits he makes. My apologies for typos. I wish I could always
blame my painkillers!

April 28, 2007

About a week ago I realized that the self-imposed deadline I'd set for myself for finishing
Anywhere Out of This World was fast approaching, and I haven't posted a new chapter since
St. Patrick's Day! Then it occurred to me that I have been writing in the fandom now for two
years
as of today. I can remember the car ride home from my friend Monroe's house when the idea for
Wishes began to form. It came to me like nothing ever had. It seemed to flow onto the pages in
one long piece.

Six weeks later, it was done and I started looking for ways to share it. I met Meghann, Crystal,
Lucy, Danielle and Lauren online and we founded the Sack Cloth Cult. Then, after posting Wishes
to Slayerfanfic.net, I met Mary.

Mary's been like a soul-mom to me - a creative guiding angel. She introduced me to the fandom
and to everyone on LiveJournal. Life has been so much the richer since.

I have been writing. I have many scenes written for Anywhere and an idea of how it will end.
Once I finish the chapter I'm working on now (it's still untitled), I will have another to follow it
within a day or so because it's almost done. Unraveling this third installment has been much,
much more labor-intensive than the other two, but I have said and will say again: I will finish
this story, dang it!

Even though it's not wrapping up by the deadline, I will publish the new chapter before Tuesday.
As always, thanks to you for reading, and for your patience.

Added April 9, 2007

While I have been unproductive and uninspired, my daughter has been creating things of beauty.
Here is a link to her newest set of Anime Icons, to use in LiveJournal, MySpace or anyplace nice.
Please credit to KatyaBeth if you'd like to use them.

In addition, I have finished Innocent Erendira by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Holy heck! What a
depressing piece of literature. I'm now beginning two new books: The House On Mango Street, by
Sandra Cisneros, which I will read with my students, and I Am Legend by Richard Matheson. I Am
Legend was a gift from my dear friend Jim. Many thanks for all of your support and wonderful
friendship.

Archived Updates Here.