Electric train sets ... why didn't I think of that?! Me? I had to go outside into the cold and play football! 
451 2015-12-26 03:19:01
Re: Merry Christmas! (8 replies, posted in Romance Inc.)
452 2015-12-26 03:17:52
Re: Merry Christmas! (8 replies, posted in Romance Inc.)
Janet Taylor-Perry wrote:
Christmas is not about the presents. It's about the Presence--God's Presence among us. May the Presence of the Lord be with you all today and every day. Merry Christmas, my friends.
John 1:14-- And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 3: 16-17-- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Thanks Janet!
453 2015-12-26 02:42:54
Re: Northern Skies - Janet! (520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
You said this:
This is just a thought, but I think it is the Chamberlain. The bolt being Matthew's...staging the ambush in territory that only a native would know...Sending the message and speaking like a noble...It has to be him. The Chamberlain would also be able to move around the tower without being noticed (explaining why M heard a door close) While I could be wrong, there just aren't many other possible suspects who have been given screen-time. The only other one I can think of is the guy who was trying to buy horses.
BJ isn't a suspect because he was with M as C was injured and he was training when the scout arrived.
If I'm right, then you need to obscure the clues better and add a bigger cast list with more potential people who have a grudge going.
And I replied with this:
I actually like the idea to add more potential suspects to the list.
And would like to add, that I have since reconsidered after thinking about it for the following reasons:
If you had come out straight away and said, I (as in Amy) KNOW it's the steward or the guy that wants to buy horses (Peter) or the Scot that wasn't happy that his wife got caught being rejected by Matthew (the Scottish warden's nephew), I'd sit up and go: oh-oh, need more suspects. But so far it seems I have enough to cast sufficient doubt. You're not entirely sure. Isn't that good enough? And I really want readers to go at the end, "ha! I knew it!" or as a minimum "ha! that makes sense!"
You're not trying njc's tricks guessing who it could be every time a potential suspect or klew come up hoping I would tell, are you? mmmm? *glares un-approvingly at Amy and njc*
454 2015-12-26 02:28:38
Re: Northern Skies - Janet! (520 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
Ames ...
I said: Just when it seemed as if Aiden was about to capitulate ...
You said: we need to work on your fighting descriptions. Hit me up on the forums and I'll give you a few ideas
I'm hitting you.
The problem might be it's too telling rather than I need help with fighting descriptions ... i.e. Anthony could stumble, shift his sword awkwardly, have Black John score more hits/make more contact, etc. instead of just having Matthew noting his strength was deteriorating fast with every blow he deflected, his counterattacks were weak or as good as non-existing, or that it seems as if he is at the verge of giving-up?
To be honest, I can describe each blow blow by blow as per your suggestion or I can give readers a bit more freedom to imagine it for themselves - I think they have enough info to be able to do that. There's a reason that I don't want to give too much time/power to Black John or Anthony and it might not be so much that I don't 'know' how to describe fights (I would hope I proved this point when Matthew got involved with a fight or two during the raid). This is Matthew's book, the other two can wait for their turn book 2 and book 3 and by going into too much detail when Matthew isn't fighting, it could create a different (bigger/more undesirable) problem - leaving readers wondering who's the hero again? Oh, yes, the guy watching the awesome fight. Why is he the hero again?
When Black J and A fight against Matthew, and believe me, it's coming as sure as winter is coming in GOT, I'll give details. They will both be worthy opponents (given they're going to be the heros in the coming books and not to make it too easy for Matthew), but as I said, only when they fighting Matthew.
It could also be simply a problem that Matthew 'should' be the one fighting against Anthony to teach him the ropes. I don't want him to do that, that's what Black J is there for - to toughen them up and just when they think they're sliced bread, Matthew cuts them to size again.
Does this make any sense? Thoughts?
455 2015-12-26 00:58:18
Re: RM Matthew's thread (56 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
RM, I've reviewed Robbie's first two chapters ... take a deep breath before you read them. My intent is to help and support, so I hope that is clear despite the feedback that I think can be taken as pretty harsh. As I said, by all means, you can take my suggestions and throw them out! Hope some of it helps though! Janet
456 2015-12-26 00:53:52
Re: I saw SNOW!!!!! (48 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
amy s wrote:
I see your snowplow and raise you one ROTARY COMBO. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuX4G3znpDE Take a look at this! (Bounces in delight) There are two…only two of them in the United States. They are used once a DECADE (or for snowfall of 10 feet or more). They keep Donner pass open, which is the only freight line from Washington/ California and through the Sierra Nevada mountains.
It makes my inner geek howl with delight to see it throwing snow in excess of 300 feet. Don't stand close to this one, kiddies...
Okay, THAT is pretty spectacular!
457 2015-12-25 23:08:06
Re: I saw SNOW!!!!! (48 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
Not what I expected! Cute one though.
458 2015-12-25 23:06:43
Re: I saw SNOW!!!!! (48 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
LOL, only if you don't shake too much from the cold K! No blurry pictures/videos! 
Okay, so that explains the slopes away from the vertical cliffs then. Thanks K!
459 2015-12-25 22:45:11
Re: I saw SNOW!!!!! (48 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
For one, I won't drive on that road. They'll never find you in your car when those walls come down. For two, how do/did they clear that road? Only by pushing snow forward? I thought the whole principle is to push the snow out forward but mostly to the side ... Or it's a very short stretch of road?
Snow experts, make me a believer!
460 2015-12-25 01:52:26
Re: I saw SNOW!!!!! (48 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
amy s wrote:
I'm celebrating on the 26th. I hope God doesn't care. I did the same thing last year. I believe a new tradition is in order.
A
I doubt He would care. 24 hours is better than nothing! Are you working? If so, I hope it's quiet with NO excitement.
Have a great Christmas on the 26th!
461 2015-12-24 22:55:16
Re: Merry Christmas! (8 replies, posted in Romance Inc.)
Tom Oldman wrote:
You and yours have a good holidays time, too, Janet. My house is stuffed to the eaves with family. They're sleeping air mattresses on the floor. Wonderful times with both my kids and their kids.
~Tom
Thank you Tom, enjoy the chaos (although I don't think I have to tell you that!)!
We're staying in the States for this one - our first white Christmas, no ways I was going back to sun, sand, and awesome beaches this year - so it's just the four of us and the two dogs. We're making the best of it though - plan is to go sledding next week, snow fights, and building a snow man, all the 'normal' boring stuff for the locals! Had a good enough for us snow 'storm' last week, today we had a bit of snow rain, but not much or for too long. We're one hour's drive from Mt Baker in WA, so finding snow will not be too difficult!
But it would have been nice to have the family here. Hopefully we'll be able to convince them next year! It's sssoooo weird sitting around all layered up looking at FB pics where everyone else is wearing shorts, short sleeve shirts, and things (flip-flops)!
Oh well, at least I'll get some writing done! LOL
462 2015-12-24 22:10:44
Re: I saw SNOW!!!!! (48 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
Had a little bit of snow rain today, whoo-hoo. Not enough to leave evidence, just to get me excited again!
Hope you guys have a blessed and great Christmas! xx
463 2015-12-24 21:59:24
Re: pop up ads (5 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)
max keanu wrote:
I keep getting ads for inflatable love dolls and mule skinning 'how to' books.
Merry Christmas ya all.
Max, I've heard these ads are customised for everyone based on their internet searches and history?! 
Luckily, you have a brilliant excuse - you're a writer .... it was for research, really!!!
Merry Christmas to you too!
464 2015-12-24 21:56:10
Topic: Merry Christmas! (8 replies, posted in Romance Inc.)
I hope you have a blessed and wonderful Christmas! Eat too much, enjoy the time with friends and family (if need be, Tequila dulls emotional pain by giving you a headache to worry about instead! ) and Santa is real and on his way - whoo hoo!
Janet xx
465 2015-12-24 04:27:51
Re: The Colorless Dragon Thread (354 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
This is probably more something you should just ask njc!
466 2015-12-24 04:27:36
Re: The Colorless Dragon Thread (354 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
Elisheva Free wrote:
Is there a word to oppose "nocturnal"? I feel like there should be one.
-Elisheva
Diurnal?
467 2015-12-23 23:09:20
Re: RM Matthew's thread (56 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
njc wrote:
She's Amy, not Gram Ercy.
You can say that again!
468 2015-12-23 23:07:58
Re: Acts/ Dictates/ Mandates/ Mantle - Amy's Thread (1,905 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
njc wrote:
When you blame government, remember that one of the foundation rules of both economics and management is that people respond to incentives. Remember also that when you hire an agent to do or manage something for you, he acts for you until his own self-interest is endangered. (Economists call this the Agency Problem.)
These two things explain 90% of the problems we have with government doing things. (You need to add Riccardo's Law of comparative advantage, brilliantly explained in PJO'Rourke's =Eat the Rich=, and a few other things like specialization and economy of scale.)
It's also easier to spend someone else's money ...
469 2015-12-23 20:26:38
Re: RM Matthew's thread (56 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
RMMatthews wrote:
ps - thanks for the review Amy! I still appreciate it of course! Despite the lack of mercy ...
Now this part was funny Janet Reid
It was supposed to be ALL funny! LOL But I'll take this.
470 2015-12-23 20:24:31
Re: Acts/ Dictates/ Mandates/ Mantle - Amy's Thread (1,905 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
Washington allows the use of chains from Nov 1 to Mar 1. It tears up the road if there isn't snow, but given you can only drive max 30 mph with them, it's not a long term solution. Snow tires is probably the way to go it you drive daily in conditions that require them. But what do I know, right?
I do know that we have a couple of passes that require you have them in your car. And if you want to go to some national parks (Yosemite is one), they are also required. Given that we really don't know anything or what we're doing, to be honest, I'd rather have them than not. We've got stuck in mud a couple of times, and it's really not fun.
I've checked out snow tires and stud tires, but for our purposes, chains seem the optimum solution. You get nice ones that's really easy to put on - we've gone for mid range - some effort, but some comfort/ease as well although not the best/easiest there is.
NC better get with it. Why do they insist when there are a best practice out there that works? *shakes head, government right?*
471 2015-12-23 04:08:24
Re: Acts/ Dictates/ Mandates/ Mantle - Amy's Thread (1,905 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
njc wrote:
Even with front wheel drive, your rear wheels provide stability. If you spin out, it's not because your front wheels have lost traction; it's because your rear wheels have lost traction. And yes, I've spun out twice, once at about seven mph in snow over ice and once at highway speed when everyone hit what must have been an oily puddle. I almost recovered before someone else nearly sideswiped me trying to regain control himself--and that's when I overcontrolled and spun out.
Wow, that sounds not good at all. Okay, 2 sets of 2 chains it will be. Thanks njc. Or kitty litter ...
472 2015-12-23 04:06:59
Re: Acts/ Dictates/ Mandates/ Mantle - Amy's Thread (1,905 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
KHippolite wrote:
Why bother with chains? Do what we do... fill the trunk with kitty litter
But we don't have cats! hehehe
Someone has mentioned this, but now I can't remember if it was someone here or someone at work ... And when you say 'fill the trunk with kitty litter', the kitty litter is still in bags, yes? Just checking, you Canadians are a different species altogether! 
473 2015-12-23 01:17:00
Re: Acts/ Dictates/ Mandates/ Mantle - Amy's Thread (1,905 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
njc wrote:
Would you put Yaktrax on the shoes on half your feet, or on the shoes on all your feet?
If you're in an area that does snow clearance well, you don't need chains. In the NY/NJ area, you don't need them. In North Carolina, you do need them, because NC doesn't know how to deal with ice/snow mixes. They continue to rely on salt when salt alone will be overwhelmed and you need sand in the mix.
Depends, if I only use one foot for traction, why would I bother to put Yaktrax on both of them? Or not?
Where we planning to go, I've been told they clear the roads pretty well, but after heavy snow there might be a couple of days where they recommend you at least have chains with you. In general, this is what everyone told me too - have them rather than not. But it sounds like we need more chains either way ...
474 2015-12-22 22:06:10
Re: RM Matthew's thread (56 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
amy s wrote:
Did I say that Janet is so awesome that she even nitted me on making my poor character more wan and weak after he lost a couple liters of blood? Me...the one who picks on everyone for their choice of injuries?
I wish to state, categorically, to never, ever, ever, ever, correct Amy on injuries and the effect of injuries. That one moment of glory is not worth it! Being called awesome is not ... Nah, that's worth it! But 'tis best to ask or hint (MAYBE) rather after one has dug deep for wisdom and all the subtlety one can possibly master. Let's just say, it's a REALLY sensitive subject and a point (any point for that matter) SHALL be proven.
Amy never forgets. And we should never forget that Amy never forgets. 
ps - thanks for the review Amy! I still appreciate it of course! Despite the lack of mercy ...
475 2015-12-22 21:56:54
Re: Acts/ Dictates/ Mandates/ Mantle - Amy's Thread (1,905 replies, posted in Fantasy/Magic & Sci-Fi)
We are in full prep mode for sledding. Got tire chains too. I just need to revisit all the notes you and njc shared regarding driving and preparedness for cold conditions, but I think we've got it all covered. For the first trip we're not planning to go (whatever the American equivalent of the Outback is). So if we get into any trouble, we should get help pretty quick. I have to say, what I've experienced so far, we'll have more help than what we need. Folks around here are super friendly, nice, and helpful. I've also been told the accent works like a charm!
On the tire chains, we've only seen it used on two tires at a time, not all four. Is that enough or do we need a chain for each wheel? Thanks!!!!
