A Production Break And Some News

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Ileandra Young

Today would be an episode of Slippers & Chains, if I were keeping in line with the current posting schedule. However, I have some related news to share, so I thought I’d hold back on the next episode to share it with you. Don’t worry, we’ll crack on with the story shortly!

The ‘Other’ Alter Ego
Woman silhouette from Openclipart.comA year ago I talked about my other alter ego. I explained that my name is more than a pen name and that it has special significance for me. I also explained that I have another name/alter ego who handles some of the more racy writing that I do.

Since then, Raven Shadowhawk has been fairly quiet. Oh, I’ve let her loose long enough to write a few small pieces and to work on some of the finer (naughtier) details of Slippers & Chains, but I’ve not really taken advantage of her unique take on what is worth writing. So…! It’s time to make some changes, first and foremost, to give Raven more opportunity to speak.
 
 
Authors and Contributors
QuillUp until now, all posts and pages of this blog and site have been written by me, Ileandra Young. The same is true of the Slippers & Chains readings. However, from now, whenever Raven has something to say, I’m going to let her say it. Not through me, but via a post of her own, credited to her.

You’ll be able to see which posts are ‘Raven’s’ and which posts are ‘mine’ because from today, they’ll be labelled as such. WordPress has a function that shows which author has contributed to, or written a particular post. Until today I had no need to make use of that feature, but I’ve given Raven her own ‘author access’ to the blog. So, posts by me, will look as they always have. Posts by Raven will have a different look and feel and be labelled that way.
 
 
So keep a weather eye open for changes over the blog in the next couple of days, including an About page for Raven. Those of you who have enjoyed my about page, I’d hope, will enjoy her page just as much!
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Kids TV: For Me Or For Them

Posted on August 2, 2013 by Ileandra Young

I think it’s a very valid question. Very often I’ve waxed lyrical about the Cbeebies Channel and how it is perfect for keeping the boys entertained. The selection of programmes is bright, colourful, with lots of cheery voices and entertaining music. It’s also educational.

But is it really for the children, or is it for me?

Not too long ago I ended up in a Facebook conversation about some of the Cbeebies characters. Mr Bloom, Dr Ranj and Mr Tumble in particular. If you don’t know who these people are, then you might want to take a look at those links.

What we spoke about most was how desirable some of these characters are. It’s not unusual, I know. I’ve heard many conversations (mostly amongst male friends) about fanciable cartoon characters (Betty Rubble, Marge Simpson, Princess Jasmine), but I never thought I’d be part of a such a conversation myself.

One of the things I hated most while pregnant, was the idea that I’d end up watching a lot of daytime TV when caring for the boys. I never bargained for Cbeebies, nor anticipated how much I would enjoy the programming myself. Not just for it’s entertainment and educational value, but for it’s eye candy too. Seriously… take a look at Dr Ranj (who is a real paediatrician by the way) or Ben Faulks (who plays Mr Bloom). As much as the programmes are designed for children, the presenters are certainly there to make watching them easier for the mothers. And don’t forget about the dads either. What about Katy, Cerrie and Cat? All hotties and certainly worth watching, in spite of the mind boggling levels of pep.

I didn’t know this, but there are forums and sites dedicated to mummy-fandom; women who would chew their own legs off to spend some time with any and all of these presenters. I don’t think I’d go quite so far as that, but I have to say that having these men and women presenting the shows and working the fillers makes it a hell of a lot easier to watch every single freaking day.

And of course, when I saw Mr Bloom last week during the Big Day Out I thought I was going to break something inside my brain. The man is stupidly fit (I know that doesn’t make sense, but he is SUCH a hottie) and live he’s even better. Winning smile, twinkly eyes and a real passion for the show he helped create.

Sitting in the back row with Leon bouncing on my lap last Sunday was far more about me than him or Leon. Dave is so good. Soooooo good! I make no excuses, but he puts up with the gushing, drooling and panting like a real champ. Because he knows Ben is far, far away in Manchester, or because he knows I’m only interested him? A bit of both I supposed. 😉

Any of you guys have kids still young enough to be watching Cbeebies? What’s you’re favourite show? In fact, does Cbeebies even play across the pond? What’s your equivalent?

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#GoodThingsJar2013 July Update

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Ileandra Young

Good things jar at end of July

So, so, SO MANY GOOD THINGS!!!

July Has Been Great
I didn’t think I could top the months so far, but right at the end of July I attended two fantastic events that will cast a bright light far on into the rest of the year.

Culture and Cinema
The first of the mammoth events of the month, was an encore screening of Macbeth, starring Kenneth Branagh! For those of you who have been following this blog for a while, you’ll know that I have an unhealthy crush on the man. Those of you who are new… well, you’ll catch up. 😉

I saw the play via the local cinema which screened a stream from the live show in Manchester, which took place on 20 July. The only thing better would have been sitting in the gutted church they used. The fight scenes took place in mud and rain and the audience lined the stage close enough to reach out and touch. Touch! I was reading reviews a while ago and one woman got a faceful of spit from Ken. ^_^ She excused him because he was in the middle of a passionate speech, but if it had been me…? I doubt I’d ever be able to wash my face again.

Being A Kid Again
The second awesome thing – and I make NO excuses for this – took place the very next day. A visit, on a whim to the local park in which Cbeebies was holding what seems to be their annual Big Day Out. The boys got to watch RastaMouse live on stage, see one of the Cbeebies presenters (Alex, I believe) and, best yet, Mr Bloom! I haven’t talked much about this chap yet (that’s actually tomorrow’s post), but until then, I’ll just say that I’ve taken especial care to tell Dave how much he means to me since then, because my lingering reaction to seeing that chap on stage was almost just plain indecent.

Looking Ahead!
It’s the first of August and already have some wonderful things to add to the Jar like upcoming visits from my mum and sister and the Caribbean Carnival which takes place on Saturday. All being well, I should have some pictures of that. If you’re good, I’ll even share them.

I’ll be back in a month to check in and give you highlights from my latest amazing 31 days. 😀

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Slippers & Chains – Part Four

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Ileandra Young

Funny how something that just began as a bit of fun can be all consuming. ^_^

I liked this story before; now I’m full on in love with it! Karen and Daniel are becoming close friends of mine and I love the fact that I can share their lives and relationship with you.

I hope you’re enjoying the tale and that you’ll continue to join me as I release it bit by bit.

If you need a catch up, then take a look at these:
Part One
Part Two
Part Three

Today’s post continues the story with Part Four; Dan Says… ‘I’m embarrassed!!’

Thanks for joining me again and I hope to see you next week as I post the next episode! ^_^

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A New Method

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Ileandra Young

A few weeks ago, I bought On Writing by Mr Stephen King.
Stephen is not an author I put much stock in before now; I have read a couple of his books, but I’ve not been blow away as I have been with other authors in the same genre. However… I’ll have to rethink my original thoughts of Mr King, because On Writing is a brilliant book. Brilliant!

Admittedly, a lot of what he says is stuff I know – much love and thanks to the Phoenix Writers for that – but it’s comforting to see it repeated by such a well known and respected name. Reading it on other blogs, and talking about it during groups is great and as a result I’ve been able to apply the same ‘rules’ and ‘methods’ to my writing. As a result I’ve seen my writing style and voice blossom and evolve in ways I would have never thought possible when I first picked up a pen to scribble down stories at 14 years old.

So, what’s the point?
Well, with Slippers & Chains well and truly under way (in terms of sharing it with the public) I need a new project. I have decided to shelve SORB for a little bit longer (yes! Yes I know, it is a bit deal, but I’ll talk about that in a minute), so I need something new. Something fresh.

Looking at some of my earlier posts about writing and my plans, I have already had to make changes to the ‘release an ebook by July’ plan. Since… it IS July now and I’m still not quite ready. Slippers & Chains is the project that is going to end up as an ebook, and that should be by the end of the year, or early next year (subject to change :p).

spotted pink pants/knickers from openclipartIn light of this I’m looking into short stories. And this is where the New Method comes in (wooo, and we’ve come full circle and [finally] round to the point). Stephen King, from what I understand of ‘On Writing,’ approaches his stories the same way I do; with a question or a single idea. He then sits down, starts writing and sees where he ends up at the end.
This method has worked brilliantly for me in the past, but it does lead to long periods of editing and stretches of ‘writer’s block’ in which I flit about like a butterfly with half a wing missing because I don’t know what I’m doing. I like this method because of the freedom it gives me, but I won’t grow without testing myself and stretching myself and stepping out of my comfort zone, as it is so often said.

So I wanted to try planning something for once. Properly. With little cards and notes and a plan with regards to plot arc and tension peaks and growing threat and blah, blah blah. I want to know, before I start writing, where my story is going to end. Exactly. And I want to see how this feels compared to winging it and flying by the flaming seat of my spotty blue pants.

I haven’t decided exactly what to do yet. I’m still tweaking Slippers & Chains and SORB is far too well established (and close to my heart) to tinker with. I need something totally new, fresh, untouched and clean.

Hmm.

When I figure out what that is, I’ll let you know. o.O

How do you guys write? Are you seat-of-the-pants kinda people, or meticulously-planning-of-every-word-and-scene sort of folks? What works best for you?

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