I thought of this video when the biggest boat of the year so far, The Queen Elizabeth (Cunards flagship) moored up in Monaco yesterday. It looked just ridiculously big for the small harbour, dwarfing even the most impressive luxury yachts.
Friday, 6 December 2013
More bigger boats
Before you call in the grammar police, let me explain the title. It was inspired by one of my favorite you-tube video's and if you like cats I would advice you to have a look at it. It is titled 'Many too small boxes and Maru' and features a cat trying to get inside a series of boxes that are too small for this portly but persistent kitty. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XID_W4neJo
I thought of this video when the biggest boat of the year so far, The Queen Elizabeth (Cunards flagship) moored up in Monaco yesterday. It looked just ridiculously big for the small harbour, dwarfing even the most impressive luxury yachts.
This was taken from the spot where I normally enjoy my lunch. This week we've been having just the best December weather, allowing me to strip down to a short sleeved blouse. Looking at this large cruise ship I was wondering if I could use it in the book. Vampire being stuck on a large boat with carefree holiday makers would make for a good story line. I'm sure Cameron would have a great time, drugging hapless victims and maybe even leaving a body or two in his and the Queen's wake.
I thought of this video when the biggest boat of the year so far, The Queen Elizabeth (Cunards flagship) moored up in Monaco yesterday. It looked just ridiculously big for the small harbour, dwarfing even the most impressive luxury yachts.
Monday, 2 December 2013
The internet part two
If you are writing a
book you will often turn to the internet to check facts or look up places. I’m
quite a lazy researcher as A. it takes a lot of time and I’d rather be getting
on with writing and B. the truth sometimes gets in the way of a good story. If
you are using historical facts they will have to be accurate. For book 2 I’ve
been turning to the internet again to get answers to some important questions
I’ve been asking myself:
Can vampires be tattooed?
Can vampires be recorded on audio tape?
Here are some answers
to the first question I found on: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081116184120AAOdO1Ti
(The typos and
misspellings etc. have nothing to do with me, I’ve copied these directly from
the site)
I do not believe they can. this question makes me
think of The Vampire Lestat, where Lestat's mom
Gabrielle wanted to cut her hair and look like a guy. but every day when she
slept, her hair would grow back to the length it was when she died. she was
very distraught about it. i imagine a tattoo would be the same, like an injury
to the body that is almost immediately healed. so heres your life lessons from
this: 1) make sure you properly groom yourself constantly in case you become a
vampire cause you'll never get the chance to change yourself afterwards lol and
2) go ahead and get a tattoo if you are a vampire cause if yo udont like it tomorrow,
it'll be gone lol
As usual there is a
bit of vitriol too:
Well duh...theyre not
real.There are however a lot vampires in literature,movies and surprise,
mythology and folklore.Hence why this question is here.If you have nothing to
contribute quite frankly don't waste your time or mine.
And the indignant souls who
take it all just a bit too seriously
Why wouldn't they be able to? The
pain will obviously fade away, but the ink is another thing. The ink is like
permanent skin paint, it itself is not pain and will not fade away like it
would if it WAS pain. That's all their is to it(Besides the fact that vampires
really DO exist).
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
When you read fantasy You
mind becomes filled with thought of fantasy... For there is no way that any
real vampire would expose itself to such danger.... And with you not really
knowing what a real demonic vampire is, I can understand your question... First
off there are some very serious vampire hunters that exist all over this world and
they take joy in the demised of vampires.... So I seriously doubt that they
would expose themselves in that manner...... When maintaining there secret is
on the top of every vampires list.......
that is a very good
argument. I would imagine the answer being no. But i'm not sure. I would think
since they are always so clean and beautiful(since they heal so easily) that it
would heal immediately but since it is ink idk? and don't some have piercings
so it probably just depends on the writer or imaginer.
awesome argument though!
awesome argument though!
This is probably why I
write fantasy, you can make up your own mind and do whatever you want! I’ve
decided that Cameron can have his arm tattooed with a Saltire and Scotland
underneath.
To my other question, I
found a good answer on:
No reflection (often because the vampire has no soul).
This sometimes extends to shadows. But it depends on the vampire apparently. In
one medium there are several types of vamps who have various weaknesses. In more recent
examples this has been 'modernised' in terms of the vampire not being able to
be picked up by audio or video recording or transmitting equipment.
Then this next snippet caught my eye. I thought this
was a really fun character flaw for a vampire to have and I’m certain I will do
something with that. I think that modern vampire stories sometimes take them
self too serious, I can’t imagine the vampires in twilight to get distracted by
having to absolutely count some spilled rice, but I would have maybe enjoyed twilight
if they did.
Occasionally suffer from severe OCD. One
folkloric method of dealing with Vampires was to drop thousands of grains of
rice in their coffin, the theory being they'd be compelled to count them all
when they awake, wasting the whole night instead of getting up and terrorizing
people.
- The folklore version also is told with sesame seeds, and may also extend to any small, numerous nut or grain, if not any particulate (handfuls of sawdust?). Fairies also have this problem.
- Dropping a bunch where you stand is a known way to escape the OCD variant of vampire.
- A similar folklore variant involves hanging a sieve, colander, or other household item that's full of holes outside your front door. That way, the vampire will stop and count all the holes, leaving them vulnerable at sunrise. ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FOUR GRAINS OF SAND! AH-HA-HA-HA!
- Apparently poppy seeds were used to great effect in Greece, as they had the additional benefit of putting the vampire to "sleep".
Also on the OCD theme, vampires
will, like fairies, be obsessed with out of place and messily-tied knots, and
must stop what they're doing to untie them.
The
internet, always wonderfully enlightening!
Friday, 29 November 2013
Feature and Follow Friday #1
Ths is is weekly meme hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee. It gives chances for blogger to connect with other blogger.
The meme rules
- (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
- (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
- Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
- Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
- If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
- Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
- If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
- If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!
This week's question is
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving Day food? If you’re not American or Canadian, what is your favorite holiday food?
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Sunday, 24 November 2013
Marina baie des Anges
In my book, Cameron finds himself in st.Paul de Vence at his friend Andrei's house overlooking the baie des Anges. They discus a rather bold piece of architecture and I thought I would add to this and show a picture. In 1969 they started building probably the most controversial building on the Côte D'Azur. Three massive apartment blocks constructed in the shapes of waves rose in the space of 24 years. It is hard to imagine looking at a photo of just how big these buildings are but I think this picture gives a rather good illustration.
Opinion is very much divided on this building; as it is massive, white and visible from miles around. Most people call it an eyesore. I've never met anyone who thought 'It's alright' , you love it or hate it.
I rather like it, I admire the bold scale of the building and walking around the buildings you get a different sensation from every angle, but to me it means more than that. When I come by plane into Nice airport after a holiday or a family visit, this building is very visible and as soon as it comes into view, I know I'm home.
Opinion is very much divided on this building; as it is massive, white and visible from miles around. Most people call it an eyesore. I've never met anyone who thought 'It's alright' , you love it or hate it.
I rather like it, I admire the bold scale of the building and walking around the buildings you get a different sensation from every angle, but to me it means more than that. When I come by plane into Nice airport after a holiday or a family visit, this building is very visible and as soon as it comes into view, I know I'm home.
Friday, 22 November 2013
Random
I've not had much time to dedicate to my blog, this might come as a surprise as I'm enjoying an extra day off this week. However I'm really hoping to get stuck into doing some writing on my book as it has been sadly neglected over the months. I've given my target audience (my husband) the book to read and according to my focus group; the first eight chapters were great but then it got really crap but the ending wasn't bad. Lots to work with there then, so I'll just give you some pictures of the wonderful place that is inspiring me; Monaco.
Monaco is one of the most densely populated place in Europe, I thought this picture demonstrates nicely the challenge builders face putting up another highrise.
The wonderful view to be had near the princes grace hospital, looking towards France; It must help the healing process having a view like this.
This made me giggle one morning and I found it to be very planet money; a wheel clamped limo.
It's often difficult to appreciate the town that surrounds you when you drag yourself there for a job you don't particularly enjoy. I run past the Monte-Carlo casino every day to catch my train home, but I've never set foot inside. I hope to remedy this soon as it seems a shame not to enjoy all the attractions this place offers. Now turn off the TV, the internet and get writing!!
It's often difficult to appreciate the town that surrounds you when you drag yourself there for a job you don't particularly enjoy. I run past the Monte-Carlo casino every day to catch my train home, but I've never set foot inside. I hope to remedy this soon as it seems a shame not to enjoy all the attractions this place offers. Now turn off the TV, the internet and get writing!!
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Fête du prince
Today the 19th
of November Monaco shuts down and celebrates its monarchy and national day. I
get to enjoy an extra paid day off and of course as sods law will have it, it’s
pishing doon with rain.(As we say in Scotland) Down by the port in Monaco there
has been a fair with all sorts of brightly lit attractions to entertain
children of all ages and all over town red and white flags have gone up. Shops
have decorated their windows with roses and little flags and Place du casino is
a sea of red and white.
I do believe that this
colourful out pouring of patriotism is genuine; Monegasques have a lot to be grateful
for. This tiny principality of 2.02² Kilometres has seen a huge improvement in
its economic fortunes in the last century. In a short time it has gone from
tiny place stuck between the rocks and the sea without any natural resources to
the planet money it is today.
The Royal family is
loved here and they’ve had a huge influence in making Monaco what it is today;
from building the casino in the late 19th century to attracting
major financial institutions. Some people might say that only a few families
have an awfully big say in what goes on in planet money, but today you will
hear no criticism. Being such a tiny place it is inevitable you bump into a
royal at some point and even I in my short period working here have met one of
Albert’s nephews. So the relationship the Monegasques have with their monarch
is often a personal one. I’m sure despite the rain Monegasques will turn out in
force to cheer on Albert&co.
So happy fête du
prince Monaco, may the good times last!
Friday, 15 November 2013
I was nominated for a Liebster award
Thanks Adrienne Reiter for nominating me for this award. check out her blog @ http://adriennereiter.blogspot.fr
I've done a bit of research on the internet.(Why wouldn't I, if it is online it must be true!) What I can find out about Liebster is that it works like a chain letter. It isn't an actual award you can win. (I'm sure my writings don't merit anything like that.) I normally discard chain letters but I have decided to take part in the Liebster award as it is said that it was created to recognize and/or
discover new bloggers and welcome them to the blogosphere. In the
digital world of the internet, this seems like a nice gesture, in my
opinion! So I'm going to nominate 10 that have less than a 100 followers. I also like the fact that I have to answer 10 random questions that will let you know me a bit more.
~Answer the questions they set for the blogs they nominated.
I hope you all accept the award and have fun with it.
Angela
~Rules For Accepting The Award~
~Link back to the blog that nominated you.
~Answer the questions they set for the blogs they nominated.
~Nominate 10 blogs of your own, and be sure to let them know, with a link to your post!
~Ask 10 questions for the blogs you nominate to answer in their post.
Here are my questions and answers
1. Cats or dogs? Cats definitely, this might come as a surprise to people that only know me from my book, as the main character hates cats. Cameron my vampire has a liking for small dogs, but I couldn't bring myself to letting him bite anything as adorable as a cat; so if you're a vampire, take heed; cats taste vile!
2. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I moved to the South of France a few years ago, and it is still a total dream but if I had to choose it would probably be Malaysia as I adore the food.
3. Psychology or sociology? I tossed a coin with this one; it's psychology:)
4. Which fictional world would you most want to visit? I know this world isn't too fictiony but I would love to walk into the Great Gatsby. I just love the jewellery, cars and airplanes of the 1920's an era of so much hope and exuberance.
5. Which fictional world would you least want to visit? I have to go off topic here as the fictional world is not in a book. The world I never hope to find myself in is in one of Hieronymus Bosch's paintings. His vision of hell would give anyone nightmares.
6. Fellas, boxers or briefs? Ladies, boy shorts or floss? Shorts.
7. What do you claim as your talent? Finding things, whether it is objects being misplaced or finding your way to a location.
8. What's the name of your first pet? (if you never had one I apologize and hope you were still hugged as a child.) Kiki a little black and white cat.
9. Have you now, or will you ever go back to Myspace? Never been on it, not likely to start now.
10. How many hours a day are you on the internet. (be honest!) Not enough, so much I want to do and read. Mostly just an hour before work but on my day off about 4 hours.
2. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I moved to the South of France a few years ago, and it is still a total dream but if I had to choose it would probably be Malaysia as I adore the food.
3. Psychology or sociology? I tossed a coin with this one; it's psychology:)
4. Which fictional world would you most want to visit? I know this world isn't too fictiony but I would love to walk into the Great Gatsby. I just love the jewellery, cars and airplanes of the 1920's an era of so much hope and exuberance.
5. Which fictional world would you least want to visit? I have to go off topic here as the fictional world is not in a book. The world I never hope to find myself in is in one of Hieronymus Bosch's paintings. His vision of hell would give anyone nightmares.
6. Fellas, boxers or briefs? Ladies, boy shorts or floss? Shorts.
7. What do you claim as your talent? Finding things, whether it is objects being misplaced or finding your way to a location.
8. What's the name of your first pet? (if you never had one I apologize and hope you were still hugged as a child.) Kiki a little black and white cat.
9. Have you now, or will you ever go back to Myspace? Never been on it, not likely to start now.
10. How many hours a day are you on the internet. (be honest!) Not enough, so much I want to do and read. Mostly just an hour before work but on my day off about 4 hours.
Here are my questions for the nominees:
1.Plane, train or automobile?
2.What would make you give up your computer for a month?
3.What is in your opinion the best film adaptation of a book?
4. to continue, what was the worst film adaptation of a book?
5.Fiction character you would most like to kiss?
6.Fictional character you would really like to kick up the backside?
7.Favorite food?
8.If you weren't a blogger or a writer what would your dream job be?
9.If you had a superpower, what would you like it to be?
10.A new planet has been discovered and you have the honour of naming it, what will it be?
Here are my nominated blogs:
http://almostfaemous.blogspot.fr
http://andreareadsandreviews.blogspot.fr
http://joydfanning.blogspot.fr
http://autopilotreviews.blogspot.fr
http://the-pleasure-of-reading.blogspot.fr
http://cantbeatagoodbook.blogspot.fr
http://gulp-fiction.blogspot.fr
http://bookeatereviews.blogspot.fr
http://fictionalcharacterswriting.blogspot.fr
http://pickyourpoisonbookreviews.blogspot.fr
Angela
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