Open Thread

[mhalachai]

Open Thread!

Definitions of Open thread on the Web:

• An open thread is a post on a blog or frequently updated website where readers may comment and discuss any topic that they choose.
  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_thread

So, as mentioned, this is an open thread on all things Mhalachai. Ask anything you want. I'll answer anything. Except how I plan to end Inevitable, but anything else.

I even have some suggestions:

• So what's with this whole writer's block, huh?


• What's with your crazy fascination in the Anita Blake world?


• Did you ever know that you're my hero?


• What the hell motivated you to start writing *insert name of fic here*


• You are the wind beneath my wings

Ask away! Something, anything. Or else I'll be all :(.......

eta: Have we all seen Alanis Morrisette cover "My Humps" yet?

"Alanis Morissette - My Humps" (Watch on YouTube)

Comments

[cissasghost.livejournal.com]

- so do you want to get back to writing Anitaverse (apart from wanting to finish WsIP), or is the magic utterly gone?

- based purely on your understanding of the character, and unrelated to where you think canon may be going, do you think Anita should/would ever take the 4th Mark from JC? (This counts as a "you" question 'cause I'm asking for your take on it! Really, it counts!)

- what sort of music do you like? What sort of art?

- what manner of bribes are you accepting to get you to read/review something long-ish and incomplete? ;)

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I don't know if I want to get back to the Anita-verse. I said I was going to stop reading LKH's stuff, but I fell for it, reading the preview for the next book, and something in me seriously died. I don't know if you've read it, but the Anita in that book was *not* the Anita I fell in love with. Because really, to have this much dedication for a series, there was serious emotion. I can't see that Anita in what is coming out now, and it hurts, in a way. That said, I can't see stopping the AB fics. I have the endings in mind... but I can't find the energy to reconcile my Anita with the canon Anita.

I think Anita has to take the fourth mark. To not do so puts everyone in danger (the whole Belle Morte issue) and as far as I can tell she doesn't actively want to kill everyone... anyway, without giving away the ending of various fics I'm writing, I'm in favour.

Music... god. Almost all of it? Jazz sparks out as Joshua Redman, and classical, anything Rachmaninoff and/or Yo Yo Ma... as for the "pop" "culture", stuff that's not stupid. As in, I'm not a Holla Back Girl. I'm 28 and cranky.

Bribes? Can you find someone to take over the position of head administrator and/or secretary at my office so I don't have to do those two positions plus my own job? As in, for serious? Then I may have some time.
[/drama]

[az-anneliese.livejournal.com]

I know you must get sick of this question/topic/etc but I must ask. Candlelight. It's beautious. Wonderful. Do you see anything coming for it this year? If not, can ya just email me a summary of what you thought you'd do for it just so I can get some closure cuz you're killin' me here, Mhal!!!!

Just kidding. No real death or anything. :D

And the other thing ... would you consider joining Team:SGC at the btvs_sg comm? *insert cheesy grin here*

Sorry, gotta pimp my team though, yanno?

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Candlelight has an ending. And it's a good one, in four parts... but. But I'm a spaz, and can't seem to finish anything to save my life. Tell you what. If I can't get another chapter done on Candlelight by... May 22, I'll send you the ending.

For reals.

So what's this comm? Share with the crowd :D

and I know :)

[satyrnfive.livejournal.com]

If you could have any car in the world regardless of cost to buy and cost of upkeep what would it be?

How did you choose your penname/username thingy?

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Funny how you mention that. I am buying a new Toyota Corolla on Saturday. Black as sin and twice as moon-roofy :D

As for Mhalachai... see, I was in a bible phase, and since Malachai is the last Old Testament prophet, who went all bat-shit insane on the populace, I was all "I have to be Malachai!" and that was the day I was going to sign up on LJ.

Then I came to LJ and found that Malachai was taken.

And I died a little inside.

So I added an "H" and was Mhalachai.

How's that for an answer?

[ktoth04.livejournal.com]

hmmm... what do you do for a living/what industry do you work in?

(trying to phrase neutrally) whats your take on religion?

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I works hard for the money
so hard for it honey

I'm a magazine editor and website manager for a scientific institute. I also do everything else, but that's what happens in a small office like ours :) I get to go on my very first business trip in June to cover the board meeting. Flying to Regina, party on.

Religion -- I haven't any, believing as I do that morality, civility and compassion can exist independent of religion. I respect the religion (or lack thereof) of others, so long as that is kept separate from the state and education. Living in Canada as I do, it seems to work that way. How's that? :D

[shadow-in-eden.livejournal.com]

- Where did you get that image of mini!Dawn you use on your icon? This (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/KaraLeeDeak/My%20Drawings/DSCN5628.jpg) is the picture so far. I know she had a face last time you saw it, but it got damaged and I had to rub it out. Only to find I lost the link to her face. DDD:

- Did you ever know you were my hero?

- Have you ever thought of writing original stuff and publishing?

- Are you intrested in any other urban fantasy books, by authors like Patricia Briggs or Kim Harrison, or was LKH just a fluke?

-You are the wind beneath my wings

-What book are you reading at the moment/was the last book you read?

-*tackleglomps*

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I don't know where I got the image, but I have it saved to my HD. I can email it to you if you want.

Hee.

I have thought about writing stuff, but the characters see contrived to me. I have to get over that block and get something out... I have good ideas.

LKH was a fluke at the time. Now, I read two other authors in the genre, namely Tanya Huff (andpuff) and Charlaine Harris. Nothing else has grabbed me recently, tho.

The last book I read was by Agatha Christie, Ordeal by Innocence. (http://uk.agathachristie.com/site/find_a_story/stories/Ordeal_By_Innocence.php?pagetype=find) I love a good mystery book :)

QUESTIONS! YAY!

[crimsonrage.livejournal.com]

- What IS up with the writer's block? I've been checking your journal for updates on Inevitable and Dawning Light but my addiction has gone unfed for too long.

- Are there any fandom that you haven't written for that you thought about writting for?

Re: QUESTIONS! YAY!

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Not sure what's with the writer's block. Work has been very stressful in past months, and adding to this my increasing disillusionment with the Anita Blake books. And I already know how all the stories end, so I'm in the doldrums about that.

As for fandoms I haven't written -- I have some books and shows I follow, but can't carry on the story on my own. Either I'm not that interested, or the story's already been told. Ya know?

[plsteward.livejournal.com]

I've been out of the HP writing thing for about a year and I've gotten like 110 reveiws at ff.net on a one chapter wip au that I sorta liked... the question- Should I give in and give them more, or should I hold out and go back to my sga icons and fanart?

You wanna bitch about the job?

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

While some day that we must give the people what they want, I say "give them what I want". Such is life. Otherwise, I get bitter.

And bitching about the job... not really. It's just crazy busy and takes up a lot of attention. :)

[penyn-1600.livejournal.com]

What fandom are you most in love with right now?

Will there be any more Riley Finn/Lorelei fics? [You've got me hooked!]

How extensive/detailed are your outlines for fics?

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

No fandom really speaks to me right now. It's all dull and boring. Which, come to think of it, may be a reason for the Writer's Block.

I had an idea for some more in the story of Riley/Lorelai... I just can't see an end to it, sadly.

My fics don'thave outlines, per say, other than living in my head. I tend to have the major plot lines in my brain, and get down to the nitty-gritty when writing. For example, I've had Inevitable in my head for two years and the basic plot points havent changed. Which may mean I'm crazy.

[jaydeyn-sitari.livejournal.com]

Hee! Will there be a continuation of Balancing Act? :)

How's about Ancient Blood?

Have you gotten into Heroes at all? *awaits with GREAT antici....... pation*

How are you generally? Except for that nasty writers block, how's work going and all that? *hugs*

And also, you are my hero. :)

:)
Jaydeyn

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I think Balancing Act is done at this point. The story's been told :)

Ancient Blood... dunno. There's more wiggle room on that one. I'm not saying no, but at this point there's nothing really coming to me on that one.

I'm waiting for Heroes to come out on DVD.

Other than That Horrible Writer's Block (THWB), work is too busy, I'm getting a new car this week, and ZOMG I have no time for anything. And all TV sucks these days. And movies too. And I'm really cheerful.

Thanks so much :)

[thymidinekinase.livejournal.com]

The theme of getting to do one's life over again with knowledge of one's earlier "mistakes" pops up from time to time in TV and movies (Quantum Leap, Mini-Jack in SG1, Butterfly Effect), dealing with paradox issues in various ways, but I've never seen it in books. (Anyone?) I have, however, seen this notion in fanfic. Starting with the forever-in-progess "Mirror of Maybe", then "Switchback", and now I'm reading the addictive "Harry Potter and Nightmares of Futures Past". The common element, is that people get to *fix* things. Very escapist. Except for "Switchback". So, what made you decide to write "Switchback" and what made you decide to take it in the dark direction it's going? (I'm not complaining, just interested.)

In other questions, what *is* up with the writer's block, anyhow?

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I had just re-read Circus of the Damned, and it was so different from the more recent books... the story-line about Anita betraying Jean-Claude, about Alejandro giving her all four marks, then her killing him... to me, it was a very difficult journey of someone who had both been violated and had had done the violating (of Jean-Claude's trust) and it was such a great book.

And I started to wonder what might happen if Anita's violation hadn't been metaphysical, but physical, how she would deal with it, as it's the only thing that hasn't happened to her in the series (she's even died twice). It's not fun, hell, I get depressed whenever I think about it, but it's a stronger story because Anita knows what she's lost, and she's both stronger person, and also so close to breaking apart, because of it.

what *is* up with the writer's block, anyhow?

God, I wish I knew. I'm overwhelmed with the weight of work, and the idea of writing seems similarly whelming.

[dotty8608.livejournal.com]

Hmm... I had all these questions and now... nothing. Crap. *thinkthinkthink* Ah Ha! Got some:

Okay, this is kind of a strange question, but what is your writing process? Do you write linearly (as in, plot everything out, outline, and then write in sequence) or do you write whatever scene comes to you at the time? Or something completely different? (I'm in the beginning stages of writing a book [very beginning stages] and so am curious to see how actual good writers do it.)

Also, you mentioned upthread that you work in magazine editing; do you like your job? And how did you get in to editing? (I'd like to be a trade editor one day, so it'd be neat to see how you got into the biz.)

What is your favorite book of all time? Movie? Song? TV Show?

Have you read the Women of the Otherworld seriesby Kelley Armstrong? If so, do you like them and have you written/considered writing fic about them? (If you haven't read them, I totally recommend them, they're very, very good.)

I think that's all... for now. I'll have more fic-related questions later, but I'm at work at the moment, so gotta actually go do something. *grumblegrumble*

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I plot in groups (ie when stuff comes to me, I will mentally explore it and fit things into place mentally, but I have to write it out linearly. I cannot go back and write a missing scene to a story if I've moved on. It's like my mind says, "Okay, bored with this! Moving on!"

But it is *beyond* vital to have the plot outlined, on paper or in your head, and have that ending clear. That's how I manage to maintain the stories I write -- I know the ending and how everything has to tie together.

My job... today is hell. But that's because of the other stuff, like HR, that I have to do. When I'm editing, and writing and doing layout and all that jazz, I'm a happy camper. I got into this position sort of sideways -- I used to be a financial reporter and so knew writing, and had a background as editor of my school undergrad paper. So I have lots of strange bits of experience. The volunteer work helped me the most -- it got me in the door.

Book: And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie
Movie: His Girl Friday
Song: Dunno?
TV Show: Firefly, first three seasons of Gilmore Girls, certain Buffy eps, Profiler, and Babylon 5

Not read those books. I tried some Kelley Armstrong and it didn't really appeal to me, actually. May have been the story.

And I'm at work too, isn't it fun? LJ is my best work friend.

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

So tell me why I keep letting Gilmore Girls jerk me around?

Oh, and I was telling my roommate on the phone last night what happened in this week's episode, and she said she was suddenly thinking of your GG/SPN crossover [g]

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Because you remember how good it used to be. And you, like I, think that there's still a small chance that it might go back to that.

Which it won't.

Which GG/SPN crossover? The one with Sam/Lorelai or the one with possessed!Rory?

[iamabee-buzz.livejournal.com]

I was going to ask if you knew you were my hero, but then you went and preempted that question. So now I will think of new questions. Starting...now.

Don't you think it would be the coolest thing ever if someone started a FanVision channel on TV where all the original cast members from various shows filmed crossover episodes with scripts based on your stories? Because I sure do. If such a thing did exist, which stories do you think would make the best shows/movies?

Do you find typing or writing by hand to be more conducive to creative writing? (disregarding the issue of speediness)?

What kind and colour of pen is your favourite?

Which are better: kittens, cats, puppies, dogs, or ferrets?

Shaken or stirred?

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Oh man. If *anyone* did crossovers on tv, I would die happy. And not contrived crap for sweeps week, but real stuff. ZOMG what a dream.

In that vein, I think that the most unlikely shows would fun. Off the top of my head, Gilmore Girls/Supernatural, House/anything. Ooh, Harry Potter/Pirates of the Caribbean!

I can't write by hand. My handwriting is horrible and I can't write fast enough to get the flow of the story. Plus then I have to type it out again and it's boring. I skip the middle man and have learned to type it all out :)

Black fine ball-point. The current pen is a Pilot. I loves it.

Kittens.

Shaken.

But not shaken kittens.

[autumnus]

my questions in addition to first one.

Will we see more dawning light chapters?

Will there be a sequel to it? :)

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

More Dawning Light? Absolutely. Just not sure when.

And no sequel. The whole tale will be told in the story. And yes, it's a story that will have many chapters to come :)

[sparrowsverse.livejournal.com]

I've learned to take what updates when they're up with writer's, they got writer's block, send more purple sparkly plot bunnies of doooooooooom!!!! XD

But book rec here. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dresden_Files) Awsome series, love it, am devouring it, no words to express it completely except maybe a dash of the Anita Blake world you fell in love with and Harry Potter. :)

As for questions Dawning Light: SPN style, anymore of that coming? 'Cause I would really like to see more of mini!Dawn with Dean and Sam. XD I think we all need more happiness after this latest ep of SPN.

I don't know why, even tho there's only like 2 fics of it, but Xander and RPIT, I love it for some reason, it's a crazy wacky universe where Asher is Xander's friend. Hee!

Yes, but purple sparkly plot bunnies of doom have been sent, when fic comes it will be excellent, 'cause you know, we can't rush genius! ;)

[fufumira.livejournal.com]

Seriously, Dresden books are like the crackiest crack known to mankind!!!!

Why have I not seen fic in Dresden!Verse yet... hmm I should go look.

My question is... why have you not read Dresden yet? You'd love Murphy. Yup. Total love.

[(Anonymous)]

What have you been watching lately, besides Gilmore Girls?

And, what's on the horizon, fic-wise? Not counting the long WIPs you're already working on. That's if you can see anything past the writer's block currently taking up residence in your brain, of course =)

-- Guile

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Not watching much these days... Supernatural when it's on. I plan to get the Heroes DVDs when they're out, but until then, it's crappy tv on DVD reruns.

Nothing's really striking me at this point, writing-wise. No new fandoms, no really good ideas. Such is life, I suppose.

Q&A

[sierraphoenix.livejournal.com]

What is your writing space like? Do you write at a desk, in a comfy chair, outdoors, at a café? Do you need quiet when you write or some background noise? Or do you listen to music, and if so, what kind? Do you find it easier to write at a particular time of day or night?

Do you think the creators of Gilmore Girls found a way to administer crack by television? Because I can't figure out what possessed me to go out and rent seasons 1-6 of GG. Actually, scratch that last statement. I remember now that it was entirely Jared Padalecki's fault that I started watching, I just couldn't get enough of him in SPN. Still doesn't explain why I continued watching when he was no longer in the episodes. I haven't seen any of season 7 yet, would you say I have something to look forward to or should I put it off for as long as possible?

Re: Q&A

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I tend to pack up Mr. Laptop and go to Mr. Coffee shop (usually Starbucks -- there is one a block from my house.) I like a little confusion around me, but no internets. Otherwise I get distracted by the Shiny Things. And I like to write earlier in the day... otherwise my brain shuts down and I stare at things. Drool optional.

GG is total crack. I'm watching season 1 again and again... but seriously, the later seasons, seven included, isn't like the first few. But still, I have to watch to see what's up with Rory and her bad relationships, and this week's mess with Luke and Lorelai. I wish I could cut myself off... but anyway, only one more show ever. Then I can concetrate on that GG/SPN crossover I want to write.

[periskyye.livejournal.com]

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

If you won a million dollars (tax free!), what would you do with it?

If you find you can't finish a WiP, would you post how you had thought it would end?

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I would live all over. Mostly in Vancouver, but also Santa Barbara, Banff, New York... I'd travel.

The fun part about the Canadian lottery system is that lotto winnings are considered windfall, and therefore tax free. It's a dream of mine to win one of those. I tell myself that when I buy lotto tix 3xweek. But I'd pay off all the debt, get a passport and travel for months on end.

I wouldn't post an ending to a WIP; I would try and finish it. All the WIPs have endings, if only their author would get her butt in gear and finish them.

[ranlynn.livejournal.com]

Hi Mhal, just out of curiousity are you familiar with the 'Dresden Files' series by Jim Butcher? Not the recent TV show (a little uneven but showed promise) that was on SciFi but the books themselves?

"The Dresden Files are set in a "alternate" Chicago where magic is real, but only a few actually believe in it; it's a first-person tale told by an irascible wizard named Harry Dresden, who regularly gives the magical establishment indigestion — and the police, the same. Take Sam Spade, your Average Joe Underdog Action Star, and toss in some spellcraft, and you get Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Heck of a guy."

or as Harry puts it:

HARRY DRESDEN — WIZARD
Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations.
Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties or Other Entertainment

Jim Butcher has put his own interesting spin on the supernatural (his vampires comes in 3 different flavors for example) and has created a very rich & detailed world.

If you're interested, his website has sample chapters under each book heading: http://jim-butcher.com/books/dresden/1/

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Hey there. Actually, I tried the first Dresden book, but I didn't really get into the story at all. Maybe it was the timing and all that :) Maybe there's only room for one wizard Harry in my life :)

[deepfishy.livejournal.com]

Randomness for the writer's block, specifically Inevitable: you put together a soundtrack for the story - have you listened to it lately? Maybe it would help kick-start your interest again?

Alternately (and this is unmitigated timewasting, only not), you could put together soundtracks for other WIPs to help recapture the love.

Oh, and you *are* the wind beneath my wings :).

[crimsonrage.livejournal.com]

There's a Inevitable soundtrack?

More questions.

[crimsonrage.livejournal.com]

- What inspired you to start writing fanfiction in general and what was the first fanfiction that you wrote?

- Do have any pets?

- If I told you that I've skectched out some fanart for some of your stories, would it be alright (when I finished them) to post them on the internet? Linking them to your stories, of course.

- What other hobbies do you have other than writing?

Re: More questions.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

-Not sure what started this whole thing. I remember thinking up alternate stories to 'Little House On the Prairie' when I was in first grade. I think that was the start. And as for the first fanfic... it was an embarassing Star Trek:TNG thing when I was 12. I wrote it out by hand. Then I burned it.

-No pets. My flat is barely big enough for me... and I can't even remember to water my plants some weeks.

-Dude! All right? I'd be over the moon! Post them and paper the neighbourhood :) If I may ask, which stories?

-I try to run, but I'm lazy. I like to take photographs, I like to read, DVDs, etc. I also like long walks on the beach and frisky women. I was into watercolours for a while, but then I took a class and had all my creative joy sucked out. But the photographs are still fun.