Melanie Nilles

We all do it in our writing, particularly when it comes to pronouns. Here is a list of some to beware of when you’re writing:

confusions

its, it’s — “its” is possessive of it while “it’s” is the contraction of “it is”

there, their, they’re — “there” is an adjective telling where while “their” is the possessive of “they” and “they’re” is the contraction of “they are”

to, too, two — “to” is a proposition, “too” is an adverb along similar lines to “very”, and “two” is the written form of the number “2″.

whose, who’s — “whose” is the possessive of “who” or “whom”, as in “Whose book is this?” “Who’s” is the contraction of “who is”.

your, you’re — “your” is the possessive of “you” while “you’re” is the contraction of “you are”

lay, lie — (my biggest problem) Let sleeping dogs lie. Okay, this one takes the award for the worst culprit for confusion. Here’s the breakdown: Lay - (verb) - basically to put something in a particular position. past tense-laid. Lie - to tell a falshood, or to be placed in a particular position. past tense-lay. There is the biggest confusion of these two. With “lay” the subject is doing something to an object; but with “lie”, the subject is having something done by an object. *sarcasm mode on* Perfectly sane English */sarcasm*

spelling typos

loose or lose — If something is loose, it is free, like a horse who breaks loose. If you lose something, it is lost and you must search to find it.

Now, I’ll have to add to the list as I think of more.  Care to add?  Post your comments.  (cross-posted to my Live Journal)

This is really weird.  Here I am, done with my series, except for all the publishing side of it, and all the stories I was writing, except for a couple of unfinished works I left hanging.  It’s always harder to get back to something after some time off it, so until the right inspiration hits, those may continue to collect dust.

I don’t know what to do with myself now.  I have a dozen Equus and Practical Horseman mags to catch up on, though.  That’s a project in and of itself.  It’ll keep me reading for the week, anyway.

It’s hard to concentrate on writing right now.  I’m waiting to hear from a shipper to move my new horse to his new home with me.  I’m also hoping to sell Star, but that hasn’t gone well.   There are far too many people who think they want to ride horse but who can’t.  They need a machine, not an animal.  they have no concept of balance–their own–much less what reins are really for.  Poor Star gets so pissy now when strangers are around.  She dreads what the next rider will do to cause her discomfort, and so do I.  If I can’t find the right rider, I suppose I’ll keep her until spring, when prices tend to go up again.  I don’t have much of a choice.  I’m not going to give her away.  She’s too good to go to just anyone.

Sorry, it’s a sore spot of late, after watching strangers jerk my horse’s mouth around because they tense up so bad she goes faster than they want.  She’s highly responsive–trained to be that way–to the lightest aids.  Please, if any of you ever get on a horse, don’t pretend you can ride anything.  Just because you can make it go and stop does not mean you can ride.  True riding produces harmony between horse and rider, because the rider is communicating invisibly to bystanders and the horse is picking up on the subtlest of cues.  It’s like dance partners–one leads and the other follows, but each makes miniscule adjustments on which the other instinctively picks up and makes adjustments.  A good rider knows this.  An insensitive rider will never achieve this.

Getting off my soapbox now.  Sorry to rant.  I hate selling horses, because I’ve encountered this many times throughout the years.  It never fails.

Now that I have only the interviews to occupy me, it’s time for something new.  I’m waiting for the right inspiration to write, but in the meantime, I need to read.  Besides magazines, I need a good adventure.  I’ve read reviews of many books in the last year, and now it’s time to pick one…or two…or a series, and sit down and read.  I think a trip to the bookstore is calling me.  I may have to stop there tonight, after another likely disappointment finding the right new owner for Star.

In the meantime, I’m bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, anxious for the new horse, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, wondering when the shipper will call back, bored, bored, bored, bored, praying for a good home for Star, bored, bored, bored, bored, watching Bo’s video again, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored…you get the point. Okay, I’m going to go read my magazines.

Welcome to another interview! Today we have Makleor from the upcoming Legend of the White Dragon series.

Thank you for joining us. Please, tell us something about yourself.

About me? What isn’t about me? *chuckles* Not any old man but the one who caused the problems.

I am Makleor, last of those known as the Great Magi, the children of Tahronen. Because of me the white dragon died, and I have sworn my life to aid his return. He made me immortal and set this task for me. I long to see it done. Too long have I lived while better men, and women, passed on.

What do you mean when you say, “Because of [you] the white dragon died”?

I was there, at the cave where he slept. Though I was not myself under Lusiradrol’s enchantment, I cast the spell that he sleep without notice of the soldier I led to him. It was…unfortunate, a terrible mistake. In that understanding, her spell broke. I knew I had wronged the world. A penance I now serve; yes, a penance. In my actions, I satisfied the future foreseen.

Why do you say that?

Some dragons have the power to foresee events. He knew his end would come before he could fulfill his purpose. My fate was chosen. I wronged the world, but I hope to make it right. Then, I may rest. Eternal rest.

What was his purpose?

To destroy Lusiradrol and the one who resides in her, her true self. That one we must not speak; to hear his name would break the magic binding them. That may yet come, if Gilthiel returns in time…before the other emerges.

What if he doesn’t, return in time, that is?

Then I failed. I’ve done what I can. The rest I leave to fate to bring the chosen one where she may best find guidance.

And, how will the white dragon return?

*shrugs* Unknown. He said no more than through another.

Going back to you again, tell us about before the white dragon, or Gilthiel.

Before…before…Not much. No, not much I remember. Too long ago that was. I should have passed more than two thousand years ago.

How old are you?

*one blue eye glints with amusement* Far older than you may expect.

Can you give us a number?

I no longer know. To guess, perhaps four thousand. It all blurs after a few hundred years.

Oh. That’s a long time. Do all the magi live so long?

No. My brothers and sisters all had long lives; an effect of having one of the immortal Majera as a mother. I was cursed by Gilthiel’s spirit the day he died, to watch for the day he would return and prepare the way for the chosen one.

You must have seen many events in four thousand years. What is the most significant, that you can remember?

Hmm… So many. Too many. Civilizations crumble and are rebuilt on the ruins of the old. The world has seen much change in that time. Perhaps the most significant is the one which I dare not speak, in fear she would discover the truth. Lusiradrol’s terrible Red Clan must stay dead.

I have a feeling we could go on all evening, but we’re out of time. Thank you for enlightening us, Makleor.

I am aware you will speak soon with a dragon. Wonderful! Much more will they explain. Yes, far more. Older, wiser, they have seen far more than me.

Two weeks. Now I will have no patience. Next week we will sit with the farmer’s, Eldred’s, sons, Ellead and Siannon. The week after that the first of at least two dragons will join us.

Good night!

With all the fuss about horses, I haven’t given much thought to what to write about. The deposit on the new horse has been sent and I’m waiting on a shipping quote, although I may end up going with a shipper that others I trust have given rave reviews, even if it costs more–at least I know the horse would get here safe and sound. Insurance is set up and I just need to send them a payment. And I’m hoping to find the right match of a new owner for Star. That’s the hardest part of all this.

Throughout it all, I have been working through the first draft of Dragon Child to send something decent off to my publisher in the next week. It’s a tedious process, but one that’s going well. I’ve gone through the first three stories, nitpicking about my writing and checking again for inconsistencies, of which I’ve found only a few minor ones. It will be nice to have it all done and submitted. And I have promised to post the map, which I will do soon.

I finally have a baby who has returned to a regular napping schedule coordinated with the others. YAY! After five weeks of her not wanting to sleep, she’s getting back to sleep. It is just a developmental phase with all the newly discovered mobility and realizing the world can go on without her. I have more time for writing now.

But after the latest edit of Dragon Child, I plan to take a short break from writing any new novels until the right story comes or until ideas on an abandoned story begin anew. I’ll probably spend time enjoying my new horse or maybe try my hand at writing a short or two *gasp!*. Honestly, I like writing novel-length stories better than shorts, but writing shorts would be a good exercise without the lengthy commitment. The market is tougher for shorts, however, than for novels. Nevertheless, as someone dedicated to writing, I always seek to improve my skills. Short stories are a quick, simple means to that end.

Better yet, maybe I’ll actually have time to read! Wow! It’s been so long since I sat and just read a book cover to cover (other than Harry Potter, which I wasn’t compelled to read in one sitting, except for my fear of reading spoilers before I finished it). That may be just what I do! I miss having time to read a good book. Now, to find a good book, or at least one that I would enjoy.

Okay, so I didn’t actually post about anything related to writing. I have…sort of. This is the life of a full-time mother, wife, horsewoman, early childhood education professional and business owner, writer, and science fiction and fantasy fan. It’s all the same package. Our real lives affect our writing lives. It is a part of writing. I just wear many other hats besides that of “Writer”.

Woohoo!

Here’s the video that helped me decide, although I already saw something I couldn’t resist

(I can’t embed the video. I’ve tried.)

Now, to find Star a new home! And in the meantime, I promise to get back on schedule, now that little Lexie’s starting to sleep for me again, and keep up my regular writing posts. Today or tomorrow. I have an interested buyer coming out to see Star tonight. Keep your fingers crossed!

I wish to thank my friend, Brian Sevart, for all the work he put into the map of the world of Legend of the White Dragon. He doesn’t usually draw such things and I didn’t notice some things to be changed until he had it pretty much finished. I appreciate the time he put into putting it together and for tolerating me, although I gave him a lot of leeway on the land borders, parchment texture, and topography.

I’ll post the color version on the website in the series section soon, while the books will have the black and white version. I like seeing a visual image of what I kept in my head for so many years!

Welcome back to our weekly sessions to meet the characters of the Legend of the White Dragon fantasy series! This week we have Gaispar, a shapeshifter, with us.

I’m interested in learning about shapeshifters. How did you gain that ability? Are there others? What else can you do?

I gained nothing. I was born with this…ability, though you’d not admire it to know what a curse it is. Few of us are born into every generation. The magic chooses us. It is the doing of the Unnamed One, the third o’ the Majera who has no shape but what he–it–desires. It is all around but takes form only when necessary. While Tahronen’s descendants inherited a portion o’ the Light, some cannot use it as others. We are chosen, as I’m told, to bear this burden. As the Unnamed One has no form, unlike Tahronen and Haiberuk, he has not the…ah…features of either man or woman. We are men and women but may not have children. We cannot pass on our abilities. It cannot be learned, nor can it be inherited. Many children o’ Light are born, but only occasionally does one come into this world whose connection to the Light is different. I am one o’ those.

Wow! I didn’t realize being a shapeshifter could be so…complicated.

Not easy is it. I hid my abilities from my family. My father was untrained and knew nothing of his ancestry. I was later told by others, but growing up believed all magic dark and said nothing, lest they kill me. My family had little and sold me to a man for a wife. I could bear no children. At his hands, I died, but first inside at failing to give him a child. I welcomed death, but as I lay bleeding, others came and offered me a choice– healing and immortality until Gilthiel returned to the world in exchange for my services to the dragons. Something in here *taps her fist on her chest* willed me to agree. They took me to Makleor, the old mage, who taught me to use my abilities and introduced me to the dragons. I’ve served them for more than three hundred years.

Okay. That’s a lot to consider. I’m sorry to hear about what you’ve suffered.

I’ve told few people but wish others would understand. Shapeshifting is not a gift. I cannot use any magic but mindspeech, the most basic. I have nothing else to give, but carry messages between the realms. The dragons can watch but cannot speak over such distances. I serve that purpose without regret.

You’ve done this messenger service for three hundred years for the dragons? You said you’re immortal, though…until Gilthiel’s return? Why? How long will that be?

Gilthiel’s spirit guards the chosen one. She will be his gateway to the corporeal world. His is the power to unite all against the darkness. I cannot say how long but when he comes, it will be when we need him. Without him, we have little chance. What worth is my life if not to insure the survival of our world? I would die as anyone in the end. I’ve a purpose by the dragons. It gives me hope. I’ll carry out my task for what is necessary.

You said this “chosen one” is guarded by his spirit. Who is she?

*shakes head* I’ve not the right to say. Makleor has warned me to say nothing of it. Understand that, were I certain the wrong persons had no access, I would gladly share that. She knows not her purpose yet, and the time is not right. Makleor has guided events to bring her to where she will find answers when the time is right.

When is that time?

Soon. I cannot know, but he has planned. You must speak to him, though I doubt he’ll say much.

Perhaps we will. Thank you for your time. We shall meet you again soon, in another setting.

Next week, we’ll try to sit down with Makleor, this mage we’ve heard about. And I’ve been promised that soon, one of the dragons will be ready to sit with us. That should be interesting.

Stay tuned for more revealing interviews with the characters of Legend of the White Dragon!

I will get to the next character interview.  This week has been busy with horse shopping.  My mind has been on horses and comparing their qualities, and prices.  I couldn’t focus on a writing post.

Things have slowed down now with the waiting for stuff from sellers.  I will get the next character interview posted tomorrow, as promised, and will update the PDF file I have linked from my website.

Argh! Shopping for a new horse is near impossible, at least when you live up here in the middle of nowhere. I deleted a post about finding a horse, because now I’m having second thoughts about that one, although he is pretty, because of one flaw that he may not grow out of; a flaw that could hinder how far he goes in dressage.  And his price would put a serious crimp on our efforts to put in a lawn next spring–we have sandy clay and scattered weeds.  Allen may be a great husband for tolerating my horse habit and letting me borrow money to get a horse I really like, but I’m starting to think I should stay with what I can afford to keep him happy.  Ah, well.  Even if I don’t get the yearling, I can save money for other things.
Now, I’m sitting here twiddling my thumbs, waiting for more information on each to help me make up my mind.

What I get for selling Star may influence the outcome too, WHEN I sell her.  Now is a bad time of year to sell a horse.
Oh, well! The only way to really get what I want would be to spend more than $10K, but if I had that kind of money, I wouldn’t have an unfinished basement. I will just have to make the best decision I can with what is available to me.

Yes, there is a double connotation in that name. Actually, you could say three in one. As it says on the Broad Universe website: “Broad Universe is an international organization with the primary goal of promoting science fiction, fantasy, and horror written by women.” I like their thinking, which doesn’t exclude men–or martians–from joining, but their membership is primarily women. I’ve joined their ranks after checking out their website. If you check out the statistics, you’ll see that women are grossly outnumbered by men in the genres by as much as 4 to 1.

Hey! What can I say? I won’t deny that I want to do what I can to help my chances as a writer. I agree with their purpose and will support that with my membership.