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Erin Tettensor
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
89 Posts

Posted - 01 Sep 2005 :  17:51:40  Show Profile  Visit Erin Tettensor's Homepage Send Erin Tettensor a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Glad you enjoyed the anthology, Lord Rad. As to your question, the Uluu Thalongh does indeed exist in Realmslore. There is a text box in the FRCS (chapter on Chult) that describes this fearsome and mysterious creature. Whether it has appeared in other Realms fiction, I can't say for sure.
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader

USA
7106 Posts

Posted - 20 Sep 2005 :  23:00:34  Show Profile  Visit Rinonalyrna Fathomlin's Homepage Send Rinonalyrna Fathomlin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Faerie Ire

This was such a cute story. I love fairy dragons, and I think the comparisions to cats is appropriate (by the way, I like cats too). The last line, where the mist dragon feels he'll someday welcome back the little thing made me go "Awwww!". Adorable.

The Woman Who Drew Dragons

Although the payoff of this story isn't quite as satisfying the wonderful buildup, I loved this story as well, mainly because of how original it was. I've read plenty of stories about dragon hunters and dragon killers; imagine my delight at a character who follows dragons around simply to study and draw them rather than kill them and take their treasure. I was impressed, and the denouement was great too, considering the details on the sign.

The Hunting Game

I knew almost right away that Ryla was a dragon of some sort, but that isn't necessarily the author's fault, nor is it necessarily a bad thing. I've read several stories already (not all of them FR stories!) about mysterious people who show up in Inns looking for heroes, than later turning out to be dragons. Therefore, that plot device just doesn't really shock me anymore. Also, I didn't like Ryla much either, though again, that's not a bad thing, either. The way she stormed in the inn was a bit silly, because again, I've seen so many "grand entrances" by now that at this point they just make me roll my eyes more than anything else. She also acts very antisocial for someone who claims to need help and companionship to slay a dragon (so much for being a "legendary dragonslayer"--at one point she throws food in the cook's face and then accuses her companions of rudeness! What a spoiled brat! If I were in that party, I would have let the idiot bard stay with her and gone on my own way by then.

I was a bit puzzled at one the companions stayed with her so long. The words "suspicion" and "suspicious" are uttered so often in this story, I had to wonder why then didn't just leave the bard with his dearest love and been off again. Was he so great a bard that they needed him desperately, so much that they had to appease him? No, not as I could tell. He was pretty stupid, in fact. That said, here are the things I liked about the story...the image of the green dragon rising up suddenly in the Forest of Wyrms was spectacular. Also, the eventually payoff is splendid--I never expected that Ryla was actually "in league" with the dragon she was hunting. The ending was both surprising and chilling, but I'll be honest and say I hope the dragons catch, and eat, that bard.

The Road Home

I liked the tone of this story--light on action, and intensely personal. I am a big fan of character studies. However, I stopped liking the protagonist when she mused (or so it seemed to me) about conquering one of the Dalelands, out of principle. Also, the pseudodragon's role in this story was a bit odd, and didn't do much for me.

How Burlmarr Saved the Unseen Protector

Excellent story. Why? Because it's a story that affirms that you are a hero based on what you do, not who you are or what powers you have. In this story, a gnome with so little power saves a gold dragon at the cost of his life. Very touching, and I don't say that lightly.

A Tall Tale

I liked this story, but it kind of goes all over the place. Also, the Harper's admonishment that stealing a baby dragon is "stealing a life" might have been served more effectively if the dragons in the story had acted more like characters than just like speechless monsters. Still, the baby dragon was quite cute, and the story ended on a nice, humorous note.

The Book Dragon

A striking tale about a Red Wizard who is too stupid to live (so much for "the power of Red Ambition!"). The twist involving his apprentice was great, and in spite of her evil I could actually sympathize with her.

Freedom's Promise

This tale was effective in making me feel claustrophobic, and I mean that in a good way. I feel bad for those poor people stuck inside their town, with no one to help them. At the same time, the Blue Dragon actually makes some good points, and this story has some interesting things to say about the nature of power and those who seek to wield it. Excellent!

Possessions

I didn't really get this story until the very end, and it's possible I still missed something. I assume that Count Kelmar *was* the dragon the whole time (or vice versa), until "it" took on a new body. Nice creepy atmosphere, but it wasn't all that easy to follow.

Queen of the Mountain

This is another story I found hard to follow at times, and to be honest I didn't really see the point in it. Nevertheless, it was well really, and made me wonder if it's possible for dragons to communicate with the very mountains (?).

The Strength of the Jester

The strength of this story (no pun intended) is the ending. It is rather inevitable, but not in a predictable way, and it definitely tugged at my heart strings. Seeing good dragons lose their minds is sad thing, and this story uses that fact very effectively.

"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time)
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader

USA
7106 Posts

Posted - 20 Sep 2005 :  23:06:11  Show Profile  Visit Rinonalyrna Fathomlin's Homepage Send Rinonalyrna Fathomlin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad

quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie

Glad you enjoyed the differentiating dialogue. I cringe over the "ain't" that somehow ended up in there (I blame American culture, really), but generally I thought the dialogue flowed well.



Ya know, I never gave that a second thought. Looking at it, it flowed well with the dialog style of that character. I've seen worse Americanism's creep into books One which I personally dislike is the use of wind\wound, in the context of "you'll wind up dead", whereas it reads less American to say "you'll end up dead".



You know, not all Americans speak the same way. I'm an American and I dislike the idea that "Americanisms" are somehow a plague on language. I find it rather snooty and offensive.

Also, I have to agree that sometimes slang just fits certain characters, and it isn't always inappropriate. Not that slang only exists in American speech, right?

"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time)

Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 20 Sep 2005 23:06:34
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James P. Davis
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
244 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  06:49:22  Show Profile  Visit James P. Davis's Homepage Send James P. Davis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin posted:
quote:
Possessions

I didn't really get this story until the very end, and it's possible I still missed something. I assume that Count Kelmar *was* the dragon the whole time (or vice versa), until "it" took on a new body. Nice creepy atmosphere, but it wasn't all that easy to follow.

Vice versa, correct. Glad you liked the creepy and thanks for the comments!

--James

"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red."--Clive Barker

FR: RotD2:"Possessions"
Wizards:Bloodwalk
Citadels: The Shield of Weeping Ghosts
Wilds: The Restless Shore
Ed Greenwood Presents Waterdeep: Circle of Skulls (May 2010)
Book trailers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ska7ohVk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfvFdQ8bLp0
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EdGentry
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
175 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  14:41:58  Show Profile  Visit EdGentry's Homepage Send EdGentry a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Quoted from Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
quote:
Freedom's Promise

This tale was effective in making me feel claustrophobic, and I mean that in a good way. I feel bad for those poor people stuck inside their town, with no one to help them. At the same time, the Blue Dragon actually makes some good points, and this story has some interesting things to say about the nature of power and those who seek to wield it. Excellent!


Rin,

Thank you very much. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the story. I have not yet seen anyone else mention the claustrophobia factor in the story. The idea of being trapped in a small area for the rest of my life was certainly a large part of the inspiration for this story. Also, Gerinvioch would be pleased to know that his message has not gone unheeded. Thank you again.

http://www.edgentry.com

Edited by - EdGentry on 21 Sep 2005 14:42:57
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  16:51:52  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin

quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad

quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie

Glad you enjoyed the differentiating dialogue. I cringe over the "ain't" that somehow ended up in there (I blame American culture, really), but generally I thought the dialogue flowed well.



Ya know, I never gave that a second thought. Looking at it, it flowed well with the dialog style of that character. I've seen worse Americanism's creep into books One which I personally dislike is the use of wind\wound, in the context of "you'll wind up dead", whereas it reads less American to say "you'll end up dead".



You know, not all Americans speak the same way. I'm an American and I dislike the idea that "Americanisms" are somehow a plague on language. I find it rather snooty and offensive.

Also, I have to agree that sometimes slang just fits certain characters, and it isn't always inappropriate. Not that slang only exists in American speech, right?



If I seem to be defending such a point, my lady, my apologies. I only thought it sounded inappropriate to the actual character (something more like "in't" (isn't it) would've been better). My comment about "blaming American culture" really means that I have read and watched so much with "ain't" in it that I have come to see it as an intrinsic part of slang, which isn't really the case (as you so elegantly point out).

And just to clarify, this matter was originally pointed out to me by a Brit, not an American at all. So who knows?

Suffice it to say, I don't see it as a big deal.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  17:08:48  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
The Hunting Game

I knew almost right away that Ryla was a dragon of some sort, but that isn't necessarily the author's fault, nor is it necessarily a bad thing.


Glad you felt that way! It was halfway intentional, after all. The concept was that you'd see the dragon-thing coming from a mile away, and still be surprised.

quote:
Also, I didn't like Ryla much either, though again, that's not a bad thing, either. The way she stormed in the inn was a bit silly, because again, I've seen so many "grand entrances" by now that at this point they just make me roll my eyes more than anything else. She also acts very antisocial for someone who claims to need help and companionship to slay a dragon (so much for being a "legendary dragonslayer"--at one point she throws food in the cook's face and then accuses her companions of rudeness! What a spoiled brat! If I were in that party, I would have let the idiot bard stay with her and gone on my own way by then.


Yes indeed. I endeavored to make her act, for want of a better description, like a dragon -- snooty, arrogant, brash, passionate, and violent.

quote:
I was a bit puzzled at one the companions stayed with her so long. The words "suspicion" and "suspicious" are uttered so often in this story, I had to wonder why then didn't just leave the bard with his dearest love and been off again.


If you're curious, the concept was that the Moor Walkers were impressed with her strength and skill (well, more strength), in addition to being swayed by her charisma and force of personality (the DRAGON thing), and wanted to keep her around on those bases. They never trusted her, but they (good-hearted fools that they are, or, rather, were) gave her a chance. Oops.

quote:
Was he so great a bard that they needed him desperately, so much that they had to appease him? No, not as I could tell. He was pretty stupid, in fact.


Oh yes, you've got Alin's number! Even as I was writing, I asked myself, "Why is this nerd the main character?" It basically came down to a couple of things:

1) While not particularly bright (average intelligence), and really not sensible (low wisdom), Alin's very charming and good at getting people to like him (high charisma); e.g. the scene in which he meets Inri and Thard. He is, in modern terms, a good bulls****er. He "gets along" with everyone because he's naive enough to praise everyone, whether they deserve it (the Moor Walkers), or not (ahem).

2) The more pathetic the main character, the mightier the supporting characters will seem. This was Ryla's story, and it couldn't very well have been so with a strong, mysterious MC.

quote:
That said, here are the things I liked about the story...the image of the green dragon rising up suddenly in the Forest of Wyrms was spectacular. Also, the eventually payoff is splendid--I never expected that Ryla was actually "in league" with the dragon she was hunting.


My thanks for the kind words, and I'm glad you enjoyed!

quote:
The ending was both surprising and chilling, but I'll be honest and say I hope the dragons catch, and eat, that bard.


Well. . . mayhap we'll find out what happens to a certain insane bard who spends the rest of his life chased by draconic laughter and carnophobia (the fear of being eaten alive). I wonder if such a thing is a fate worse than death.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
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Murray Leeder
Forgotten Realms Author

Canada
228 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  18:35:32  Show Profile  Visit Murray Leeder's Homepage  Reply with Quote
I'm so pleased that so many people seem to like RotDII. I wonder if these happy readers could be convinced to post amazon.com reviews.
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EdGentry
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
175 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  19:50:49  Show Profile  Visit EdGentry's Homepage Send EdGentry a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Agreed, Murray. That would be terrific.

http://www.edgentry.com
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader

USA
7106 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  20:02:53  Show Profile  Visit Rinonalyrna Fathomlin's Homepage Send Rinonalyrna Fathomlin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by James P. Davis

Rinonalyrna Fathomlin posted:
quote:
Possessions

I didn't really get this story until the very end, and it's possible I still missed something. I assume that Count Kelmar *was* the dragon the whole time (or vice versa), until "it" took on a new body. Nice creepy atmosphere, but it wasn't all that easy to follow.

Vice versa, correct. Glad you liked the creepy and thanks for the comments!

--James



You're welcome!

"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time)
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader

USA
7106 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  20:06:28  Show Profile  Visit Rinonalyrna Fathomlin's Homepage Send Rinonalyrna Fathomlin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by EdGentry

Quoted from Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
quote:
Freedom's Promise

This tale was effective in making me feel claustrophobic, and I mean that in a good way. I feel bad for those poor people stuck inside their town, with no one to help them. At the same time, the Blue Dragon actually makes some good points, and this story has some interesting things to say about the nature of power and those who seek to wield it. Excellent!


Rin,

Thank you very much. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the story. I have not yet seen anyone else mention the claustrophobia factor in the story. The idea of being trapped in a small area for the rest of my life was certainly a large part of the inspiration for this story. Also, Gerinvioch would be pleased to know that his message has not gone unheeded. Thank you again.



You're welcome! I sometimes suffer from claustrophobia myself, so the idea of being trapped in one small place is definitely scary for me. Also, people have to die to bring in essential supplies, but at the same time that promotes heroism (that is, people dying for the benefit of others).

"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time)
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader

USA
7106 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  20:10:48  Show Profile  Visit Rinonalyrna Fathomlin's Homepage Send Rinonalyrna Fathomlin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie

quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin

quote:
Originally posted by Lord Rad

quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie

Glad you enjoyed the differentiating dialogue. I cringe over the "ain't" that somehow ended up in there (I blame American culture, really), but generally I thought the dialogue flowed well.



Ya know, I never gave that a second thought. Looking at it, it flowed well with the dialog style of that character. I've seen worse Americanism's creep into books One which I personally dislike is the use of wind\wound, in the context of "you'll wind up dead", whereas it reads less American to say "you'll end up dead".



You know, not all Americans speak the same way. I'm an American and I dislike the idea that "Americanisms" are somehow a plague on language. I find it rather snooty and offensive.

Also, I have to agree that sometimes slang just fits certain characters, and it isn't always inappropriate. Not that slang only exists in American speech, right?



If I seem to be defending such a point, my lady, my apologies. I only thought it sounded inappropriate to the actual character (something more like "in't" (isn't it) would've been better). My comment about "blaming American culture" really means that I have read and watched so much with "ain't" in it that I have come to see it as an intrinsic part of slang, which isn't really the case (as you so elegantly point out).

And just to clarify, this matter was originally pointed out to me by a Brit, not an American at all. So who knows?

Suffice it to say, I don't see it as a big deal.

Cheers



It really isn't, you're right. I don't mean to come across as rude, but in the past I've read some "snooty" comments from non-Americans about various types of slang and Americanisms as "pollutants" of language, and as a result I guess I've become a bit oversensitive. I suppose I just take pride in my country and its culture. My comments were directed at anyone who will read them (not specific individuals), but I hope I didn't offend you or anyone else, sorry if I did.

"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time)
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader

USA
7106 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  20:16:35  Show Profile  Visit Rinonalyrna Fathomlin's Homepage Send Rinonalyrna Fathomlin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie

Glad you felt that way! It was halfway intentional, after all. The concept was that you'd see the dragon-thing coming from a mile away, and still be surprised.


I certainly was.

quote:


Yes indeed. I endeavored to make her act, for want of a better description, like a dragon -- snooty, arrogant, brash, passionate, and violent.


Indeed, that was one of the things that cemented my suspicion.

quote:


If you're curious, the concept was that the Moor Walkers were impressed with her strength and skill (well, more strength), in addition to being swayed by her charisma and force of personality (the DRAGON thing), and wanted to keep her around on those bases. They never trusted her, but they (good-hearted fools that they are, or, rather, were) gave her a chance. Oops.


Oops, is right. It cost them their lives. Too bad they didn't temper their compassion with prudence.

quote:


Oh yes, you've got Alin's number! Even as I was writing, I asked myself, "Why is this nerd the main character?" It basically came down to a couple of things:

1) While not particularly bright (average intelligence), and really not sensible (low wisdom), Alin's very charming and good at getting people to like him (high charisma); e.g. the scene in which he meets Inri and Thard. He is, in modern terms, a good bulls****er. He "gets along" with everyone because he's naive enough to praise everyone, whether they deserve it (the Moor Walkers), or not (ahem).

2) The more pathetic the main character, the mightier the supporting characters will seem. This was Ryla's story, and it couldn't very well have been so with a strong, mysterious MC.


*nods* Ah, I see your reasoning now. I think it worked, because Ryla was definitely the person who stuck out in my mind (even though I didn't like her) not Alin.

quote:


My thanks for the kind words, and I'm glad you enjoyed!


You're welcome!

quote:


Well. . . mayhap we'll find out what happens to a certain insane bard who spends the rest of his life chased by draconic laughter and carnophobia (the fear of being eaten alive). I wonder if such a thing is a fate worse than death.



True! But I daresay a story about him being caught, and subsequently eaten, would make a fine sequel. O:)

"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time)
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Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  21:21:09  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
True! But I daresay a story about him being caught, and subsequently eaten, would make a fine sequel. O:)


Hmm. I would only add to that, "which would be especially appropriate seeing as how he has spent the entire work convincing people that dragons are after him, but they didn't believe him because he's a lunatic."

quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin

It really isn't, you're right. I don't mean to come across as rude, but in the past I've read some "snooty" comments from non-Americans about various types of slang and Americanisms as "pollutants" of language, and as a result I guess I've become a bit oversensitive. I suppose I just take pride in my country and its culture. My comments were directed at anyone who will read them (not specific individuals), but I hope I didn't offend you or anyone else, sorry if I did.



You truly did not, lady. I was worried that I had inadvertently offended you instead.

Perhaps by sounding, as my uncle would put it, "un-American." Rest assured, such is not the case.

quote:
I'm so pleased that so many people seem to like RotDII. I wonder if these happy readers could be convinced to post amazon.com reviews.


Murray has the right of it: Would you consider posting a review on Amazon, perhaps? Or Lord Rad, for that matter? Or anyone who's interested?

(And feel absolutely free to be as honest as you like, of course.)

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"

Edited by - Erik Scott de Bie on 21 Sep 2005 22:45:53
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Jaleigh J.
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
139 Posts

Posted - 21 Sep 2005 :  21:35:26  Show Profile  Visit Jaleigh J.'s Homepage Send Jaleigh J. a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Queen of the Mountain

This is another story I found hard to follow at times, and to be honest I didn't really see the point in it. Nevertheless, it was well really, and made me wonder if it's possible for dragons to communicate with the very mountains (?).



Sorry you didn't enjoy, Rinonalyrna, but thank you for your feedback. :) If it helps, there isn't an overreaching point, other than two old women wanting to die in peace. The fact that one of them is a dragon complicates things, and I wanted to show how dragons can--by their natures and sometimes just by their existence--affect the lives of ordinary people.

And I agree, post those Amazon reviews. :)

http://www.jaleighjohnson.com
http://www.livejournal.com/users/jaleigh_johnson
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J L Collins
Forgotten Realms Author

Canada
16 Posts

Posted - 22 Sep 2005 :  04:41:59  Show Profile  Visit J L Collins's Homepage Send J L Collins a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
A Tall Tale

I liked this story, but it kind of goes all over the place. Also, the Harper's admonishment that stealing a baby dragon is "stealing a life" might have been served more effectively if the dragons in the story had acted more like characters than just like speechless monsters. Still, the baby dragon was quite cute, and the story ended on a nice, humorous note.



Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts Rinonalyrna, it is appreciated. I am glad you liked the story, though I am curious what made the story seem it was "going all over the place..."

Your absolutely correct that a novice Forgotten Realms reader would not have understood that dragons in this world are highly intelligent, and not just another monster. I wanted to try and capture some of the raw emotion and rage of such powerful creatures however, and in these particular circumstances, conversing with the lesser races probably wouldn't have been too important. I hope I conveyed that the big brass at the end did communicate her feelings in one special way.

I'm glad the story made you smile when all was done.

Lord Rad, I should take this oppourtunity to say that I did read your review, but I did not reply in a timely manner. Thank you as well for your thoughts, and I was pleased to know you enjoyed the story.

Thank you both.

"Create, don't replicate... and remember, thinking is not doing."

www.jl-collins.com
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader

USA
7106 Posts

Posted - 26 Sep 2005 :  19:40:02  Show Profile  Visit Rinonalyrna Fathomlin's Homepage Send Rinonalyrna Fathomlin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Erik Scott de Bie


Hmm. I would only add to that, "which would be especially appropriate seeing as how he has spent the entire work convincing people that dragons are after him, but they didn't believe him because he's a lunatic."


I agree that it would be fertile ground for a story. Heaven knows I like reading about people getting into trouble and having to find a way back out.

quote:

You truly did not, lady. I was worried that I had inadvertently offended you instead.

Perhaps by sounding, as my uncle would put it, "un-American." Rest assured, such is not the case.


No offense taken!

quote:


Murray has the right of it: Would you consider posting a review on Amazon, perhaps? Or Lord Rad, for that matter? Or anyone who's interested?

(And feel absolutely free to be as honest as you like, of course.)

Cheers



Hmmm, perhaps I will. :)

Looking forward to Ghostwalker.

"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time)

Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 26 Sep 2005 19:51:18
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader

USA
7106 Posts

Posted - 26 Sep 2005 :  19:45:14  Show Profile  Visit Rinonalyrna Fathomlin's Homepage Send Rinonalyrna Fathomlin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Jaleigh J.

Sorry you didn't enjoy, Rinonalyrna, but thank you for your feedback. :)


You're welcome!

quote:
If it helps, there isn't an overreaching point, other than two old women wanting to die in peace. The fact that one of them is a dragon complicates things, and I wanted to show how dragons can--by their natures and sometimes just by their existence--affect the lives of ordinary people.



Point taken--in that way, the story was effective, and I had meant to say before that it the story was well-written (I didn't type it right). There were no actual bad stories in this anthology, but some grabbed me more than others. Anyway I look forward to reading your forth-coming FR work.

"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time)
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader

USA
7106 Posts

Posted - 26 Sep 2005 :  19:50:42  Show Profile  Visit Rinonalyrna Fathomlin's Homepage Send Rinonalyrna Fathomlin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by J L Collins

Thank you for taking the time to post your thoughts Rinonalyrna, it is appreciated. I am glad you liked the story, though I am curious what made the story seem it was "going all over the place..."


True, I should have been more clear: I just felt that the story changed viewpoints a lot, whereas less viewpoints might have felt more cohesive. There is no "right or wrong", here (and a lot depends on the author's intent), I just felt a little jarred when the story went from seemingly being about Nollo (sp?)--who was in my opinion a worthy character--to focusing on the half-elf and the quiet, sensible boy who liked her. Or was the baby dragon the center of the story, where none of the kids were?

quote:
Your absolutely correct that a novice Forgotten Realms reader would not have understood that dragons in this world are highly intelligent, and not just another monster. I wanted to try and capture some of the raw emotion and rage of such powerful creatures however, and in these particular circumstances, conversing with the lesser races probably wouldn't have been too important. I hope I conveyed that the big brass at the end did communicate her feelings in one special way.


You did. :) And surely enough, you showed that stealing a dragon's egg isn't the same as stealing and egg from a hen...

quote:
I'm glad the story made you smile when all was done.


Thank you both.



You're welcome!

"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time)
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