Lanen's Corner

[Lanen]

Welcome back, me dears!

Well, it looks like there's been a fire here - heavens, what a mess! I guess the old Corner is gone, never to return - but since it's just a corner of the Leaky Cauldron, and there are TONS of witches and wizards hereabouts -

OK, everybody, in chorus now -

***REPARO!***

There is a swift rush of air, and the burned and blackened bricks of the old retreat swirl up into the air, are magically cleaned, and come back down in perfect order. The chairs burn backwards, cloth and stuffing and springs replacing the burnt-out cinders...

There we are! The main pub is back intact, and this quiet corner of the Leaky Cauldron is full of comfy chairs, a sofa or two, and a lovely fireplace for winter afternoons. Here is a place to come for rest, relaxation, cheerful chat about books or the weather or whatever takes your fancy - oh, and in honour of the occasion, I have on my sparkly turquoise high-heeled shoes!

Lanen draws back the curtains, throws the shutters wide and opens the doors to her good-as-new Corner

Welcome back, everyone! :D

[Amberion]

Hi Lanen

Great spell that

You look after Rowen while she is over there

Any news on the new book:cool:

[Lanen]

Amberion -

Hello my dear! Lanen hugs Amberion First one back in the Corner - good to see you! It's been far too long.

I have every intention of taking good care of our Rowen while she's here. Can't wait to show her the sights, and there is SO much to see!

As for the book - I'm doing it, I'm doing it NOW!! ;)

[Kristin]

Hooray! :)

I'm so glad you were here to replace your corner this time, Lanen.

Kristin gives hugs to Lanen and Amb. :)

[Haldomere Banks]

Lanen,

Good to see you.

You need to get that book done though--I've started two friends at work down the fantasy path with your first and second and they are getting antsy for more.

Don't waste any time (except what you spend here, of course).

Hjal

[Fleur]

Hooray for the MI! Hooray for Lanen's Corner!

Hooray!

I am feeling mighty happy. :)

Apart from my 2000 posts being stolen away from me - sob, sob. ;)

But anyways.

Fleur gives Lanen, Amb, Kristin and Haldomere HUGE hugs!

[Swendula]

Indeed that was a nifty spell! Good to see this place again :)

Hugs Lanen, Amb, Kristin, Haldomere, and Fleur before curling up in an armchair with a think book and a glass of lemonade

[Lanen]

Lanen does a happy dance to celebrate the re-opening of her Corner and the reappearance of good friends, then slows, stops, and grins as she realises she's getting an audience...

Sorry, gang, I'm just so pleased to see you all again!

A positive orgy of hugs ensues, as Lanen hugs Kristin, Hal, Fleur, Swendula, and Amberion again just for good luck

Here ya go, Swen, have a plate of shortbread to go with the lemonade. ;)

And I'm working on it Hal, honest! Um - but I'm here, so I'm not working on it just now - oops... :o

I'm glad I managed it here too, Kristin, but your 'in honour of' made me smile every time I saw it, bless you!

Ok, gotta get back to it. Wish me luck and a following wind!

Lanen, still grinning, walks over to the fireplace, throws a pinch of floo powder on it, cries "My office!" and disappears

[Kristin]

I'm glad you liked the second corner. :)

I can't wait to read your next book. :)

Kristin settles into a chair to read while she waits for the books she's really eager to read.

[Swendula]

Thanks for the shortbread Lanen! And good luck with the next book :)

Y'know, Song in the Silence has been sitting on my shelf for a long while now, waiting patiently while I finish up the monster that is Wheel of Time. I think it's about time it stopped waiting and got read :D

Swen accios the book, and settles in for a good long read

[Cedric]

Awww, the corner, manya time I have spent here :)

Ced gives hugs to everyone who is in the room

Glad this place is back, missed you guys. Though I wish we could have gotten some warning, 'cause then I could have gotten down the amount of posts I had and stuff :) I must have had a few thousand.... Oh well, I guess I'll just have to rebuild.

Cedric

[Kristin]

We all have to rebuild. I don't think anybody is going to get their old post count back. And some people aren't able to have their old user names or titles. :(

[Fleurdelacour]

Fleurd hugs everyone insight!

I had about 2500 posts of complete nonsense.

Why can't most people get back their old usernames Kristin? :(

[Amberion]

There is a limit on the number of characters you can have in your title and name

Welcome Back Cedric

[hwicce]

Hwicce wanders into the Leaky Cauldron looking for a comforting mug of creamy beer, when he spots Lanen in the corner. He wanders over to greet her. :beer:

[Lanen]

How lovely to see so many old friends! Well, ok, less of the 'old' perhaps... ;)

Swen, happy reading, and thanks for giving my stuff a shot!

Ced! Lanen gives Ced a big hug Good to see you, kiddo! And don't worry about your post count - in the grand scheme of things, which would you rather have, a huge post count or a nice warm mug of butterbeer? :D

Welcome, Hwicce, good to see you! Have a butterbeer on the house - and there's homemade Harvest Soup if anybody wants any.

Me, I'm up for a butterbeer and a ginger cookie. There's a hint of Autumn in the air, tra la!

Lanen passes around a plate of ginger cookies, delighted to see her pals

[Swendula]

Swen takes a brief break from reading

Autumn?? Here it's 95 outside :eek: :mad: (this is me sunburned)

Sorry, can't talk much, must read. Lanen, your book is really good! :)

[Lanen]

Swen, good point - though I spoke too soon, it's been really hot and sunny here ever since. Yech! I must be the only human on th eplanet who *doesn't* like hot weather and sunshine! Bring on the cold and the wet and the long nights, say I! :D

And thanks for your kind words - oops, better get back to work! :eek:

[Moxie]

Actually, Lanen, spouse is with you on that one - we had temps in the 30s C until yesterday. We do need the rain (though there wasn't much yesterday) and I suppose I'd welcome the cooler temps as well if they weren't accompanied by stray winds from Hurricane Gustav :eek: We were hoping to travel a bit more while we're both on vacation but crosswinds on the highway can get pretty scary in my tiny car, and we had to take two detours around fallen trees/telephone poles just to get home last night.

[Amberion]

Amberion runs and hugs Moxie and Lanen

Originally posted by Lanen
Swen, good point - though I spoke too soon, it's been really hot and sunny here ever since. Yech! I must be the only human on th eplanet who *doesn't* like hot weather and sunshine! Bring on the cold and the wet and the long nights, say I! :D

And thanks for your kind words - oops, better get back to work! :eek:

I knew there was a reason I liked you so much. Kindred Spirits!!!!:cool: :kiss: :angel:

[Fleurdelacour]

We've had beautiful weather over the last week, minus that horrible rain earlier!

It's about 24c and the sky is crystal blue. There's nothing better then being in London in the sunshine. Walking down Blackheath common on a Friday afternoon... :) Lovely

I can't wait for the warmth of indoors when autumn finally takes over, and everywhere bar London is foot high in murky water... But the good things are the golden leaves, wrapping up in scarves and gloves, and arriving home to central heating, chocolate digestives and some orange juice :) And, of course, the anticipation of Christmas :)

[Fleur]

I know! Today is... erm... Fleur does a bit of quick thinking 102 days untill christmas. Hey shall I do that sig thing again? or maybe I should countdown untill TTT! 95 days!


I love autumn! And winter! In fact, I love every season. but once it starts to change I want it to hurry up and get on with it. I want to by a new coat.

Hey I'm making chocolat ecake. ANyone want a slice?

[Cedric]

That'd be great Fleur, thanks :)

It's been sooo hot here, I can't believe it, and I really can't stand it. It should, by all means, be cooling down, to around the mid 70's or high 60's, which would be sooo great! I do have something to look forward to though, because the news has been saying that it's gonna rain in the next couple of days :)

Lol, yeah, do that Fleur :D

-Cedric

[Fleur]

Fleur gives out mighty big pieces of her gooey chocolate ecake!

I think I might Knit everyone scaves for christmas this year. I made myself one last year and it was sooo great! Really fluffy and extra long. yey! Christmas!

Okay, I should really not be getting excited already. But it's so hard not to!

[Fleurdelacour]

It's still warm... Where's the rain?!

Chocolate ecake? Mmm yes please! :D

[qleap]

Originally posted by Fleurdelacour
It's still warm... Where's the rain?!
HERE :D
Auntum is definitely starting here. Crazy weather we had such an awful summer, hottest june, wettest july and coldest august since ages :eek:

Anyway, did anyone mention butterbeer? ;)


*hugs hugs hugs Lanen and all around, finds a big cosy armchair, wraps herself in a blanket and gets the book she's reading now, along with butterbeer and some of that chocolate ecake*
Thanks :D

--> WHAT WE'RE READING NOW: The Luneburg Variation (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1861590865/qid=1032256544/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_0_3/202-3792139-2694237)

[Lanen]

Lanen hugs Fleur
Fleur, that chocolate ecake is *fabulous* :swoon: (And the only kind I'm allowed at the moment - I have a dream - slim and gorgeous by Christmas. Now THAT is a gift I'm looking forward to!)

I know I keep repeating myself, but it is so good to see everybody!

Lanen hugs qleap
Haven't see you in ages, dear! Have a piping hot butterbeer, it'll go really well with Fleur's cake. :beer:

Lanen hugs FleurD
FleurD, I know, it's still warm for the time of year up here too, but the weather guessers are saying rain's on the way, and much cooler weather. Hallelujah! It has been cloudy for over a week, but no *rain*! Roll on the wet stuff, say I. And at least it's now in the low 60s (16C) rather than the low 70s! I can breathe again, my brain is working (well, better than it has been, anyway!), and I have a lot more energy.

Lanen hugs Amberion :kiss:
Ah, another cold wet weather soul! I can't wait to put on my coat and go walking, rain or wind or whatever - I adore the feel of autumn on my face!

Lanen hugs Ced
Howdy hon! Hang in there, it's got to cool down eventually!

Lanen hugs Moxie
Yike! That sounds worrying, to say the least. Hope things have calmed down since your adventure. Don't they say the definition of adventure is something awful happening to other people a long way away? Blech. Sorry it was you this time! And do tell spouse to hang in there! Where are you vacationing? May the weather be kinder!

I wonder - am I the only one who feels like the new year starts about now? Is this the result of many years of schooling, or just an old resonance with the pagan religions that mostly start their year about now, and have celebrations at the equinox (or soon thereafter, e.g. Halloween)? How do those of you Dahn Under feel about it, as you are coming into spring?

Ahhhhhh! Carrot and coriander soup on the hearth, bread baking in the oven, a warm mug of butterbeer in my hand and the company of friends. What more could a person want?

(ok, ok, yeah, fame and a few million bucks wouldn't go amiss, but just stay with the mood, ok? :D )

[Sars]

It's still warm... Where's the rain?!


Shhh! You'll jinx it!


Scarves? Somehow it's hard to picture you with your feet up in front of a warm fire, wool at the ready and knitting needles in hand.

Or maybe it isn't after all.

[Fleurdelacour]

*hugs Lanen back* :)

The weather's beenthe same all week. I'm scared. British weather is rainy and tempermental!

Laura... Come to think about it, I cant see myself sitting infront of a fire... We dont have one! 1930 houses dont come complete with fireplaces, just those electrical ones which you cover up with a throw or a radiator cover, or have removed and put candels and a vase with fake flowers there instead... and duting Christmas, a small pine tree... ;)

[Fleur]

Originally posted by Sars
Scarves? Somehow it's hard to picture you with your feet up in front of a warm fire, wool at the ready and knitting needles in hand.

Or maybe it isn't after all. [/B]

Is that a compliment or not?

:confused:

lol. We have a real fire. They are cool. I only kow how to do the most basic stitch of all, and I learnt that in textiles in year 7! But I fund this amazing wool in the lanes that is kinda like that amazing thick stuff some people use in their hair but not as thick. It makes awesome scarves - and really long, like the 60s. I'm doing Rosie's now which is this wool wich is a mixture of black and white.

Hugs Lanen and Laura and Carrie!

Eat as much choclate e cake as you want, everyone! I can knit and bake and if I'm not careful I will turn into a housewife! (I don't see that happening somehow.)

I had that plan for sumer, lanen. But it didn't really work. especially since the newsagents on my way home from school started selling reeses nutrageous bars. mmmmmmmmmmm

I like it getting colder. christmas is coming christmas is coming In america do you really hang your stckings up over the fire? I always have mine at the ed of my bed so when I wake up I can reach out and feel it all lumpy with your feet!

[Cedric]

Some people do Fleur, but because I don't have a fireplace, no. We just hang them on a bookcase or something. At the end of your bed?? That's not fare, then you could just fake being asleep untill it gets filled :D

Hugs for the last five ladies to post

-Cedric

[Fleurdelacour]

*hugs everyone in sight!*

CHRISTMAS! :D I have really cool stockings! I got them when I was about five, and they're red velvet and have little teddys stuck tot he top! haha, that was when I was a pre-teen. Then I found the ultamate stocking!

It's a metre long, and would fit hagrid! It's big, red, and velvet! So I can fit lots of pressies in it! haha!

We put it on the floor by the hole.

[qleap]

Originally posted by Lanen
Have a piping hot butterbeer...

Slàinte! :beer:

[Melkor]

Hello Lanen, glad to see you found us here. :)

I know I'm late but I can't hit every forum as much as I'd like

[Lanen]

Hi yourself, Melkor - believe me, I'm glad to be here. Missed this place!

Lanen hugs Melkor

And I'm glad you found your way into my little corner of the Leaky Cauldron. Have a butterbeer on the house! :D

[Melkor]

So when can we expect the next book??? :D

[Amberion]

I'd just like to see Lanen back:hug:

[Melkor]

Maybe if we keep this toward the top she will pay us a visit?

[swiftsnowmane]

I hope so.:)

I am REALLY looking forward to the next book.:D I read the first two earlier this past summer, and WOW! Some of the best reads I'd had in a while. Thanks, Lanen!:hug: I'm eagerly waiting to find out what happens to Lanen (the character;) ) and Co. next!:)

[Melkor]

I too wait for the continues adventure. :)

Plus I haven't forgotten about doing a site called Tales of Kolmar in appreciation of the books. ;)

[Amberion]

She was on site a couple of days ago:)

But she didn't pay us a visit:(

[Melkor]

Well we'll just keep posting here till she does. :D

[Amberion]

I think she is just protesting Scotlands non qualification for the World Cup cricket - they got knocked out of qualifying by Reba's mob;) :D

[Melkor]

Sounds like a silly sport, throwing crickets in a cup. :p

[Amberion]

Depends on the size of the cup
:rotfl:

[Melkor]

Originally posted by Amberion
Depends on the size of the cup
:rotfl:

And the speed of the man wearing it. ;) :D

[Melkor]

Inside source says we have about 4 months to wait now. ;)


Could be wrong but I think that is right. :)

[Amberion]

To the next book - or til Lanen makes her return

[Melkor]

I think it was when she palnned on finishing the first so she could do the second. :D

[Amberion]

Originally posted by Melkor
I think it was when she palnned on finishing the first so she could do the second. :D


All right - you have :confused: me now:notworthy

[Melkor]

I think she said the book would be in the publishers hands in about 4 months. She said once that is done she will be able to come out and play more. :D

[Amberion]

Perhaps we could give her, her own forum at the new MI, or at CofE

[Melkor]

I plan on givng her her own site :)

I just wanted to get CoE running smooth, MI up and runnig for you and imladris straightened out..........


Once MI is running smooth I'll set up the next on in our chain of fan sites :)

[Amberion]

if you need a volunteer to help out - I am available

[Lanen]

a gentle *poof* from the corner and Lanen appears, wand in hand, her hair dishevelled and her eyes a little wild.

Whew! That invisibility spell is a doozy!

Oh, my dears!

Lanen hugs :hug: Melkor and Amberion tight, and kisses each on the cheek :kiss:

It's been just AGES! I'm sorry I haven't been around, but - after 3 years of writer's block, I'm working on the book full-time again. My publisher has said it will probably come out between January and April 2004. Depends on how fast I finish and get the revisions done.

As for my own site - gracious! Melkor, you are far too kind! I can't thank you enough for the gracious compliment, but honestly, I don't think there would be nearly enough folk around to make it worth while! :o

As for cricket and cups and all that rot - I'm probably the only American you'll ever meet who actually enjoys cricket, and I would love to sit down with you both over several cases of lager and make non-PG cup jokes all day :devil: , but I really have to get back to work. I'm hoping to get the MS (rough) to my editor, complete, by the end of this month. The first 120+ pages are with her already.

Forgive my absence a little longer, my dears, please - and of your kindness, wish me perseverance, inspiration, and a following wind -

Lanen hugs Amberion and Melkor again, just for luck, and with a big smile, Disapparates. For now.

[Melkor]

Originally posted by Lanen

As for my own site - gracious! Melkor, you are far too kind! I can't thank you enough for the gracious compliment, but honestly, I don't think there would be nearly enough folk around to make it worth while! :o




If we build it they will come. ;)

[Lanen]

Lanen *poofs* in, looks around and shakes her head. Taking out her wand, she points it at the curtains and sings out "Finito hibernius!"

The dark and dusty winter curtains shake themselves out, fly away from the window, fold themselves neatly away and just miss colliding with the bright summer curtains that are flying towards the empty casement. They flap about a bit, shaking out the creases, and hang themselves on the vacant hooks.

A wind comes up in the usually quiet Corner, blowing all the dust off the tables and chairs, and as it blows itself out the door taking the dust with it, there are a series of thumps as clear crystal vases land on the little tables, and poseys of snowdrops appear.

There! That's ever so much better! Spring is here - well, nearly - time to open the shutters of our homes and hearts and let the rising sap of life inspire us to great things!

Whereupon Lanen, turning to go, trips on her long skirt, and falls headfirst into the cold ash in the grate.

[Amberion]

Yay for a early 2004 release

Something good to while away the hours between viewings of ROTK

:cool: :notworthy :cool: :notworthy

[Daisy]

Daisy wanders in and settles herself in the corner. A teensy poof of dust rises about her as sits.

Mayhap we need to dust more often. :o

:wave: to Lanen, Amby and Melk.

[Amberion]

A "little" dust never hurt anyone.

When it gets above the window sills we do something about it :LOL:

:wave: at Daisy

[Moxie]

...it'll open up a whole new can o' swoon threads! ;) :swoon:

[Daisy]

I :swoon: for dragons :D

[Melkor]

You do realise I made dragons ;)

:D

[Daisy]

Mais oui, most honored vala-in-law. :D

That's one of the reasons they be so swoonable. ;)

And Lanen's dragons be heros. Double :swoon:

[Amberion]

Actually the reason I first read Lanen's first book is because it was about Dragons


Amb :swoon:s for Lanen's Dragons

[Colli]

:) :hug: Hey Lanen! I hope you're doing well!

[Lanen]

With the usual *poof*, Lanen apparates into her favorite corner of the Leaky Cauldron.

Daisy!

Lanen runs to Daisy to give her a hug and stops cold when she sees the dust everywhere.

Deary me, this won't do at all!

Raising her wand, Lanen shouts "Accio potion!" Instantly a bottle of Madam Miggs' Magical Muckaway appears in her hand. She opens the top and squirts a large quantity of the liquid into the air. It magically attracts every dust particle in the place, gathers into a cloud, and floats out the window, leaving Lanen's Corner spotless.

That's better. As I was saying - Daisy! Lovely to see you! Lanen hugs Daisy tight And I'm SO glad you swoon for dragons. Me too, as it happens. I'd tell you who my favorite is, but that would make the others jealous! ;) :D

Melkor, my lamb, what do you mean you make dragons? I thought mommy and daddy dragons, who love each other very much, make dragons? :angel:

I am so pleased that the Kantri have made so many friends. Me, I'm still trying to get my head around the fact that my work has fans. It's - an amazing thing. And such *classy* fans as you folks! :D

Anyway - I am STILL not finished, though I am very very near. I am presently avoiding writing the last 2-3 chapters. I have until the end of the week. Wish me perseverance and a following wind.

Lanen hugs Colli, Daisy once again, Melkor and hugmeister Amberion, then turns to the fireplace. Taking a pinch of Floo Powder out of her pocket, she tosses it into the gentle flames, cries "My office!", steps into the fire and disappears.

[Amberion]

Originally posted by Lanen

Anyway - I am STILL not finished, though I am very very near. I am presently avoiding writing the last 2-3 chapters. I have until the end of the week. Wish me perseverance and a following wind.


OOOOOOOOOOOOoooooo So close

:clap: :clap: :clap:

Keep us posted Lanen

Cant wait to continue the journey:swoon:


Hey Melk if you gonna have a discussion board for Lanen we need a real :cool: name

Any suggestions

Amb :hug:s Lanen before she disappears

[Melkor]

Already have it in the stable there amberion.


Tales of Kolmar.


Once the squad finished with MI and take s a small break from the my slave driving...erm I mean work, we will start on it. :D

[Kristin]

Originally posted by Lanen
Me, I'm still trying to get my head around the fact that my work has fans.

Oh Lanen! You are so delightfully modest! :hug:

It's easy for me to understand why your work has fans. :) Excellent plot + wonderful writing style = fabulous books

I can't wait until 2004. :D (Even more so because you left us with such a cliffhanger!)

[Gil-Estel]

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Hullo All!

Stel huggles everyone :hug: :hug: :hug: then settles down with her book in the small chair behind everyone

[Amberion]

Hey Lanen - saw you had been over in lit dis

Hows the book coming and can we expect you her more often

:hug::cool:

[Lanen]

Lanen appears with a very discrete *kapoof* in a quiet corner of the room

Wow, it's old home week! Amberion! :hug: Melkor, Kristin, Gil-Estel - oh wow - wipes away a little tear of joy it has been far too long, my friends. How lovely to find you all here!

And yes, Amberion, I'll be here more, because my leg is chained to my desk, and I need breaks. Not done yet (arggh!!) because my editor has made a huge change in Ch. 5 and I have to re-write all the rest - but it'll make for a better book, honest!

Kristin, you sweetie, thanks for the compliments! :o It's lovely to e-see you again. How have you been, my dear?

Melkor - gosh - I wonder, should I keep my nose out of such a site? I mean, I can't give anything away (well, nothing *much*!), and one can only do so much 'mwah-ha-ha-ha!"-ing... :devil:

In the meantime, however, here on my break I'm sitting in my beloved Corner of the Leaky Cauldron, supping cool pumpkin juice, letting my mind wander, and will admit to anyone who asks that yes, I'm posessing my soul in patience until the postie comes on Saturday morning with my own private doorstop, er, sorry, copy of OotP.

As much as I enjoy JKR's work, I wish that woman would have some consideration for the wrists of the world. It is IMPOSSIBLE to read GoF in bed, and by all accounts OotP is going to be worse. Looks like I'm going to have to stretch out on the couch for this one! :D

Good to see you all, my dears - be back soon! :hug: all round!

Lanen stands resignedly, gives herself a shake, muttering 'come on now- once more, dear friends, unto the breach!', strides to the fire and throws in Floo powder, crying 'my office!', and disappears.

[Amberion]

Amb rushes in and gives Lanen a Huge :hug: just before she disappears

[Amberion]

Amb wanders in and starts to dust and clean, stokes the fire and settles back to await the coming of Lanens new book

(I just saw in her sig its due out June 1:notworthy :notworthy :swoon:

[Cedric]

A third one?? I haven't even started the second one... Although everything is pretty demanding right now as it is. Maybe over the summer :)

Cedric lounges on the couch, puts his feet on the coffee tabel, tips his cowboy hat (like I'd wear one...) down doozes off....

-Cedric

[ChianaWeasley]

There's going to be a third book?
Hurrah!
I've finally gotta chance to finish Song in the Silence and I'm hooked! I've only seen the second book, haven't read it yet though.
I'm tickled to hear that you're writing more Lanen :)
But take your time, we'll all willing to wait, so its perfect.

p.s. I pulled out 'SotS' in Physics and my one friend started jumping up and down saying "oh!Best book in the world!"
:D

[Amberion]

Is it published yet?





Is it published yet?





Is it published yet?

[Kristin]

June 1?! :eek: Why... that's almost here! Hooray! :D

I must reread the first two before it comes out.

I knew it was this year, but I didn't know when. *is very excited*

[ChianaWeasley]

We shall simply have to have a release party of our own, just for our Lanen :) It will be fabulous, nothing to top a real release party, but it'll be good just the same.

Good things earn good tidings

[Lanen]

Howdy folks!

hugs Ced, Amberion, Chiana and Kristin

heh heh heh - I know - only two weeks now! Wheeeee!

:o

Sigh. I bet *real* authors don't jump up and down and shout "Wheeeee!" when their books come out...

Oh yes they do!

jumps up and down

Wheeeeeee! :D

[Amberion]

Of course they do

I checked my local bookshop and the new book is in the computer just no available date as yet:(

[ChianaWeasley]

Patience is a virtue Amb ;)

I still have to finish the second book before I get the third...:o I know it's terrible of me to say...but my book list is soooo long :)

[Xazinon]

Xaz scuffs his foot against the floor and looks very ashamed.

I'm feeling very guilty and ashamed at the moment, because I haven't as of yet read any of your books, Lanen! :o :( ( feel better now, Chiana?)

Congratulations on the new one coming out, and I simply MUST get around to reading at least one of them very soon! Well, semester break is coming up for uni soon, maybe I can snare one to read then!

Xaz gets out a notepad and scrawls 'Song of the Silence' down.

I'm on it, don't you worry! And hey, if you still need that rope to keep the nasty abysses away Lanen, I'm your man!

Congratulations on the new book! Yay! :hug: :)

[ChianaWeasley]

Many of you are all in college, I'm sure Lanen can understand :)

I'm very curious to see if perhaps "he" will shape shift into a human....I hope so....can you give me a hint Lanen? I'm dying with anticipation over here!
:D

[Lanen]

WHEEEE!

IT'S OUT IT'S OUT IT'S OUT!!!!
:ROTFL:

Sorry, sorry, I'll stop the Happy Dance just for a second.

Nope, Chiana, no hints! Tee hee! Read the books! :devil:

Hey, Xaz, no problem. Just make sure you don't succumb to subliminal advertising...


read Lanen's books read Lanen's books read Lanen's books

It's out! Tra la! :D

[Kristin]

It's out! Hooray!

I went to buy it yesterday and at first I couldn't find it so I had to ask an employee for help. I was kind of annoyed when he said, "It's been out for a few days now." :rolleyes: Oh well. I couldn't have read it earlier anyway because I was on vacation.

I've started reading it already ... and I'm trying to pace myself. I've only read about 80 pages. I don't want to read it too fast. It's tough, though, because it's so good and I just want to gobble it up. I'm forcing myself to go slow and savor it. :)

[Amberion]

Originally posted by Lanen
WHEEEE!

IT'S OUT IT'S OUT IT'S OUT!!!!
:rotfl:

Sorry, sorry, I'll stop the Happy Dance just for a second.

Nope, Chiana, no hints! Tee hee! Read the books! :devil:

Hey, Xaz, no problem. Just make sure you don't succumb to subliminal advertising...


read Lanen's books read Lanen's books read Lanen's books

It's out! Tra la! :D

WoooooooooooHooooooooooooooooooo

[Xazinon]

Hey, congrats Lanen! Hope you make millions! :hug: :D

Ooh, subliminal huh? Okay, I'll be careful, thanks for the warning!

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go feed my goldfish, 'read Lanen's books 1' and 'read Lanen's books 2'. Hrm, how strange, I could have sworn they used to have different names, er, books, er, no, names, that was right!

Oh dear, I think I'm reading, er, losing, it....

;)

[ChianaWeasley]

Hurrah Lanen!!!

Smashing job!!!

:beer: :beer: :beer:

Now you can just lounge for abit eh? Do the occassional book signing ;)

[Melkor]

Now to read it and assemble my dream team for yet another project. ;)

[Kristin]

So I've finished reading it. :)

Now when's your next book coming out? ;) :D (Oh, and I know it was supposed to be a trilogy, but I want to know more!)

[~BH]

Wow, my very belated congrats Lanen. I'm sure it's great. My copy should arrive in a few days so watch this space for my impending worship of you. :D

[Lanen]

Not for a while, Kristin! ;) Thanks for reading!

And - um - did anybody in Redeeming the Lost look or sound - familiar? :devil:

It's lovely to feel so wicked...

[Kristin]

Originally posted by Lanen
And - um - did anybody in Redeeming the Lost look or sound - familiar? :devil:

It's lovely to feel so wicked...

Haha! You mean that certain new character with the interesting name? :D

[Amberion]

You didn't include Tim in the book did you :jawdrop:

Sorry but I havent been able to get a copy as yet

[Xazinon]

Hi Lanen!

Just wanted to let you know I'm feeling slightly less ashamed since I bought your first book this morning, Song In The Silence ! :D
Ooh, "a strong new voice" according to Jane Yolen, plus I have the full picture of your avatar now! ;) Haven't started reading it yet, but I'll get cracking on it forthwith: best of luck with the new book, hope it brings you a lot of success!!

:hug: :)

[ChianaWeasley]

Song in The Silence is excellent so far Xaz, I'm pretty sure you'll love it. Well done Lanen! :)

[Daisy]

Today I ordered Redeeming the Lost from Amazon.ca. :) I will have to wait a bit, but anticipation is a good thing.

Also ordered Song in the Silence and The Lesser Kindred. Reba will be packing hers up for the move to Melkor soon. I want my own to keep.

Will be reading the first books again before Redeeming arrives. Not because I've forgotten, but because I enjoy them.:)

[Xazinon]

Okay, it's official! I have now finished reading Lanen's first book, Song in the Silence, yay! :D

Great book Lanen, congratulations! :hug: I used to read a LOT of fantasy genre books before university well and truly got a hold of me, and I've got to say this one is significantly different and unique (in a good way!) to the kind of stuff that I used to read, not to mention being entertaining to boot! Yes, I know it sounds like I'm sucking up, but I mean it, I promise! I'd kind of drifted away from this genre over the last few years, so with all due respect to you Lanen , I was a little hesitant as to what I was expecting to find in the book and also get out of it. But I liked it, I really did: it honestly wasn't what I was expecting, and I loved that about it! :)

I suppose I could exploit you and ask you numerous questions about your writing process and so on, but if I'm going to ask you anything like that I think I may as well wait until the almighty Melkor puts together that site for you that he seems to be bent on doing, right? :D

Anyways, yeah, congratulations, and I hope Varien is treating you well, hehe! ;)

[Lanen]

~*ka-Poof*~

Lanen appears in her favorite corner of the Leaky Cauldron

Hi everybody! :hug: s all round!

First, many thanks for taking a chance on my work, Xaz. I know how scary it is to read the work of someone you know, either online or in RL. One of my best friends in the (real) world is Deborah Turner Harris, and the first time I read her work I was terrified that I wouldn't like it. I did, of course! But the first few chapters I was very aware of hearing her voice. Made it tricky.
So thanks for being brave, and I'm hugely relieved that you enjoyed Song in the Silence! :D As for Varien - ah, I wish I knew him! Though my husband Steven does, in fact, have the same true heart and kind spirit as my dear Varien... though I have to admit - Varien came first!

Yes, Kristin, there was that certain character with the rather curious name... :D You do realise that he hasn't read a WORD of my stuff? Rotten so-and-so. Still, I promised I'd put him in, so I did. And had fun doing it, what's more! :devil: What did you think?

Amberion, my dear - who could possibly fit Tim Benzedrine's Dreaminess into a book? :swoon: :LOL:

Thanks, Chiana, I'm glad you're enjoying Song in the Silence as well. Yayyy!

Aunty Daisy, I'm so flattered! Thanks for getting your own copies - you have no idea how exceedingly pleased that makes me. What a delightful compliment! Er - hang on, I must be behind the times - you say Reba is moving? To be with her own beloved Melkor?! YAYYY! :clap: YIPPEE!!!! :beer: Oh, thank GOODNESS for that!!

whew! After that orgy of congrats, I need a butterbeer!

[Daisy]

Well Lanen, have that butterbeer on me. :beer:

Until earlier this morning I thought I would have to wait weeks and weeks for Redeeming. Amazon.ca says can't ship yet.

Now, you may believe I am a true patient type hobbit who sits and waits while others... unh un. Nope. I can not wait to read what happens. So I ordered it from Amazon.com. There's is already in the mail. :)

I will give the "extra" to Reba.

Xaz, your review made me wish the US Postal Service were just a tad quicker.

Lanen, could you ~*ka-Poof*~ it here?

[Kristin]

Originally posted by Lanen
Yes, Kristin, there was that certain character with the rather curious name... :D You do realise that he hasn't read a WORD of my stuff? Rotten so-and-so. Still, I promised I'd put him in, so I did. And had fun doing it, what's more! :devil: What did you think?

Hee hee! :D What did I think of the name or the book? (I'll assume you meant book.)

In case there are spoilers:
Since I knew it was going to be a trilogy, I was expecting it to wrap up more. It ended at a good spot, but you're right: True stories never end. And I feel like I want more!

I knew something bad was going to happen to Shikrar, so I was kind of prepared for that, though it was still sad. I cried, though, when Varien turned back into a dragon. :( (Not a simple task, making me cry.) And I was so happy when it turned out all right. :)

Oh, and was I the only one who hoped Berys would use the demonline to Lanen's boots when she was flying with the Kantri? :D ;) (Well, I knew he wouldn't but that thought gave me a giggle.)

And, as always, I loved your characters so much. Yay for Lanen! And Varien! And Jamie, Rella, Maran, Idai, Kedra, Vilkas, Aral, Will, Shikrar and even Marik!

[Xazinon]

:o Shucks Lanen, that's okay!
You're exactly right in the way you explained the situation. Though we haven't actually chatted a whole lot, you seem perfectly lovely and I consider you a friend, so I was really hoping I'd be able to say that I liked the book without having to be disingenuous or anything! I mean, of course I'd want to give you my honest opinion, I'm sure that's what you'd like to hear, but I'd hate having to tell you that I didn't like it: luckily, that situation didn't arise in any case! :D I really enjoyed it, and I'll try and get round to reading your others sometime in the near future, I promise! Aww, your husband sounds like a sweetheart, he's quite the lucky guy! :)

Hehe, gosh, didn't realise my review was so compelling, I hope you enjoy reading the books Daisy! Darn, if I'd read the book earlier before you'd ordered the books and you had ordered them based on my sensational review, I could have tried to get some royalties off Lanen! ;) :LOL:

[Lanen]

Xaz wrote:
I could have tried to get some royalties off Lanen!

Xaz, hon, royalties (such as they are) are stuck to Lanen like superglue! :D

[Daisy]

Even if Lanen were able to share royalties, Daisy has been waiting for Book Three since she finsihed Book Two, two years ago. It seems like longer and just last week. :rolleyes:

Reba and I spent a few minutes last night admiring the purple dragon on the cover of Redeeming the Lost. :D

We like purple. ;)

[Xazinon]

Originally posted by Lanen
Xaz, hon, royalties (such as they are) are stuck to Lanen like superglue! :D


Hehe, and fair enough too, as long as they're not stuck to you WITH superglue! ;) You deserve all the money you can get out of them, authors can be pretty hard done by considering the heart and soul that they pour into their creations! People are always telling me that they think I'm going to be an author one day, but I can't see it happening... there's just so much work involved and I don't think I'd be able to come up with enough ideas to sustain a whole book in any case! I really admire the way you've been able to write not only one book but then go on and also write a few more: you're totally awesome, dear! :D

Oh, so you've read Lanen's first two books Daisy? I really am slow, it took me till this year to read the first one! Hopefully it won't take me quite as long to get around to purchasing and reading the other two, I gotta keep those royalties rolling in for Lanen! ;)

[ChianaWeasley]

What would Lanen's royalties be on my purchase of $7.99 + .06% taxes?????

Ya! I'm a devoted, donating fan for Lanen :o :p

Technically, I could have bought Lanen's cat food for the day, that is...if she has a cat. :D

[Lanen]

Chiana -

Yes, I do have a cat, but does cat food only cost $0.35 over there? That's about what I get per book... :p

However, thanks for supporting your not-at-all-local author! :cool:

[Amberion]

I have been able to order Redeeming the Lost finally :)

But its going to take about 8 weeks :eek: to get here:(

[Alatáriël]

:D I have finally read the first book! I found the Song in the Silence and Redeming the Lost but it took a few stores to find The Lesser Kindred. So I am now delightfully reading TLK! *dances*

Go LANEN! You are quite the role model for little controllable children such as I. I wanna be just like you when I grow up! :D Wait hold on- I have 4 years before I grow up, and then some. Hehe.

Lat

[Amberion]

Amb wanders into the corner ........

Cleans away the dust and cobwebs .......

Sits down and puts his feet up..........

Reaches down beside the comfy chair ........

Opens the book and starts to read ........

The prophecies are coming true, and the ancient race of the Kantri .......

Yep you guessed it - Lanens book arrived today:cool: :cool: :cool:

[Lanen]

My dear Amberion -

You have now had three, count 'em, THREE weeks to read Redeeming the Lost.

You finished yet? ;) :D :devil:

Hugs,

Lanen

[Lanen]

:rotfl:

Amberion, dear - I only just realised that I saw '9' and thought that was the day, not the month! (Am I firing on all cylinders? No, dear reader, I am not.)

So - you got it earlier today! :o Er - how do ya like it so far?

I'm gonna go and hide now... Lanen slinks sheepishly into the corner...

Hugs anyway, Amb!

Lanen

[Amberion]

Not finished yet but there is a public holiday on Monday so should be able to finish by then

I have read about 5 pages so far - no problems at this point

[Xazinon]

:LOL:

Hehe, methinks she is eager to hear your opinion Amb, you must be quite the reviewer!;) Glad to hear I have at least the first five pages to look forward to, woohoo! I'm sure they must have been the ones Lanen was most worried about... if the first five are okay, I can't see why the rest wouldn't be! As the proverb goes: "You mightn't be able to judge a book by its cover, but it's worth a shot after the first five pages!"

Well, I may have that slightly wrong, but I'm sure it's something to that effect. ;) :D Looking forward to tackling after I get a hold of and read your second one, Lanen! :)

[Lanen]

Dear Amberion and Xaz -

Yeah, yeah, Xaz, very funny. :p Actually, the first 5 pages might have hooked you... Hope you find Lesser Kindred and put us out of your misery! ;) :D

So, Amb - er - whaddaya reckon? :o

Lanen The Unaccountably Nervous

[Amberion]

I'm now up to page 165 and loving it a lot

You can stop being nervous now

So far I think it is better than Lesser Kindred but not as good as Song (one of my absolute favourite books - I have read it about 10 times)

If you like Dragon Stories a more than rewarding read

:hug:s for you Lanen

I snuck a look at the end of the story and was that an allusion to more than 3 books. I sure hope so.

[Amberion]

Well I have finished now

:rotfl: Chalmik

Great ending Lanen

I have promoted it to the equal of Song

[Lanen]

Amberion -
:hug:

Thanks! I'm so glad you liked it - oh wow... you have made my day, my dear.

:kiss:


I guarantee there are more stories to tell about Lanen and Co. - will have more news about that at the end of October. :devil: :D

Thanks for the great review! ;)

[Amberion]

Originally posted by Lanen


I guarantee there are more stories to tell about Lanen and Co. - will have more news about that at the end of October. :devil: :D



What a cruel heartless thing to do to make the fans wait that long ;)

[Lanen]

Cruel and heartless?! :rotfl:

I've always wanted to be thought cruel and heartless! :D Thanks, Amb! :hug: :kiss: ;)

Lanen

[Daisy]

It's the end of October......... what's the good news niece? ;)

[Amberion]

Amb :wave: to Mumma Daisy

I am waiting as well :)

[Daisy]

Seems Lanen is even more cruel and heartless than we thought, Amb.
:wave: back.

Where is that woman and what's her story?

[Amberion]

Where is that woman and what's her story?

Hope it is as good as the last one

[Amberion]

I guess I am still waiting for that news

or so I can use this smilie at least :wb:

[Daisy]

:wave: Amberion. Seems niece Lanen is off somewhere. Hopefully she's busy writing, :xfingers: I wish she were ready so I could be :reading: her next book. I need my Dragon fix. :D

[Amberion]

Looks like we are still being tortured :(

Its now 3 months of waiting

[Daisy]

Amberion -
I guarantee there are more stories to tell about Lanen and Co. - will have more news about that at the end of October. :devil: :D


Amberion, we may be waiting for quite a long while more. :( Dear Niece Lanen did not say "this October". Every year has an October. :rolleyes:

[Lanen]

SPOILER WARNING! SPOILER WARNING!

Howdy Auntie Daisy, and Amberion you old hug-meister! :grouphug2:

I'm so sorry I haven't been around lately - and I'm sorry to have kept you two waiting so long for what ended up being a fizzle!

I was going for a meeting with my editor at Tor, and was hoping to come back with a contract in my hot little hands. Sigh. No such luck, they want more Kolmar proposals before they will let me think about a different project I have in mind. So I'm madly working away at a Kolmar plot (SPOILER WARNING!) - after all, I've killed off the major baddies. My darling husband suggested something really AWFUL for the next book, and I may have to go with it. Well, you know the rules - to make a good story you chase your hero/heroine up a tree and throw rocks at them... :devil:

So I'm still working on coming up with a Kolmar book - part of the problem is that SO much has changed and I'm not sure where to start the story up again. Though I've got a few ideas - thinking of teenaged twins, yike! :scared:

Anyway - lovely to 'see' you both, hope all is well, and I'll see if I can't hang about here every now and then... the problem is that since November I've had a full-time job and I come home exhausted, and having been on a computer all day I tend not to sign on when I get back. Gonna try to fix that.
:D

Aloha!

Lanen

[Daisy]

Hi Lanen. :wave: Good to see you too. :D

Whatever tale you tell will be much enjoyed. The moreso if you enjoy the telling.
But teenaged twins?? :eek: Double yikes. :eek: That's one part of the family I will think twice about babysitting. :rolleyes:

However long it takes, m, dear, we'll wait. After all, the tale is not yet done.

:hug:

[Amberion]

We can wait I guess - but it is hard

Good Luck with the new job :hug:

[Xazinon]

Hehe, give em hell Lanen! ;) :D You sound like you're having fun with it even if it is a lot of work, best of luck, I'm sure it'll turn out great just like your other ones! :)

[ChianaWeasley]

Well, you know the rules - to make a good story you chase your hero/heroine up a tree and throw rocks at them...

We really hate iut when people do that to us! It hurts to have rocks thrown at you all the time, now honestly Lanen! ;) Us heroines have a tough job to begin with! Sheesshh!

Hope you get the contract your hoping for darling! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

[Kristin]

Well, you know the rules - to make a good story you chase your hero/heroine up a tree and throw rocks at them... :devil:

Silly, Lanen! You can't chase Lanen or Varien up a tree and throw rocks at them. They're way too tough to put up with that, and they could probably get rid of you pretty quickly.

Now if you'd created wimpy, uninteresting characters.... :girlp:

[Amberion]

Amb comes in and starts cleaning the corner

after checking that all is neat and tidy - he settles down and commences reading Lesser Kindred again, wonderinf when we will get more news

[Xazinon]

I've seen you poking around lately Lanen, so I thought I'd bring this back up, mwahahahaha! :devil: ;)

Xaz gives Amb a consoling pat on the back and taps his foot at Lanen.

Young lady, take a look at poor Amb, what a trooper! After patiently cleaning your corner and sitting so nicely and waiting for news, don't you have any little tidbits to offer him so that he can go on with his life? He's been sitting there waiting patiently for you for over two months, I think it's the least you can do, LOL! :LOL: :D

Hehe, nice to see you round again Lanen, exciting about the new HP book isn't it???? :wave: :hug: :cheer: :D

[Lanen]

Hey, Xaz! :hug:

Hey, Amberion! :kiss: ptooie!
bleccch! Lanen brushes dust off Amberion

There, that's better. glances around Honestly, this place looks deserted! Dusty, and in the summer sun I can see cobwebs - yeuch! that'll never do!

She gets out her trusty INHALE-O-MUCK anti-spray and pushes the button. Instantly there is the sound as of something taking a huge breath. Dust, grime, cobwebs, the odd spider, and bits of unidentifiable gunk fly through the air and are inhaled into the cylinder in Lanen's hand. Only when she sees Xaz and Amb being pulled inexorably towards the device does she let go.

That was step one - now for step two!
:wizard:

Raising her trusty wand, Lanen sings out "brilliantissimus!" A fresh scent flows through the room with a light breeze, and suddenly the table tops gleam, the crockery is clean and sparkly, the very air is fresh and clear.

That's more like it! Here, gents, let me get you something to drink. Cold pumpkin juice? Iced raspberry tea? :tea: Something nice and cool for the summer (or for Amberion, down under, how's about a mug of steaming butterbeer?)

Thanks for looking after the old place, fellahs. :grouphug2:

Lanen dances around in delight It's great to be back! :D

[ChianaWeasley]

We missed ya' around here Lanen!

For a while there I seemed to be one of few posting, I thought everyone had gone off and forgotten about us! Thankfully this is not so :).

Alas, here we all are again, in the blossoming of summer (and a few the winter) chatting like the good old times! Hurrah!

Pass some of the pumpkin juice puh-lease!

:beer:

[Kristin]

And it's great to have you back, Lanen!

Kristin sits in her favorite squashy chair and continues reading OotP in preparation for book 6.

[Amberion]

WooooooHooooooooo its Lanen

:hug: :hug: :hug: :cool:

[Melkor]

I haven't forgotten you either Lanen. :hug:

To say life has been a little crazy for me this year would be a huge understatement.

goes back to trying to get 36 hours in a day

[Moxie]

*waves to Lanen and returns to mending an antique black velvet suit... must have this ready to wear with my cloak at the book release party, hope it's a relatively cool summer evening so I don't roast in all this velvet...*

[ChianaWeasley]

Don't forget to take body heat into account Moxie!
I'm sure it'll be very packed for the release, being a mcuh anticipated release.
;)

[Xazinon]

Xaz admires himself in the mirror having been sucked squeaky clean by Lanen's high powered INHALE-O-MUCK.

Wow, lookit me, I've got sparkles where I never had sparkles before, so shiiiiny! Much obliged, maam! :tiphat:

Oooooh, iced raspberry tea, that sounds nice! Though like you said Lanen, it is winter over here, so maybe I'd be better off with a steaming butterbeer, hmmm...

Xaz scratches his head, thinking deeply, causing others to experience what could only be described as a slight burning smell.

Aha, I've got it, I'll have one of each and keep swapping! :cool: :D

Mmm, icy!

Mmm, steamy!

Mmm, icy!

Mmm, steamy!

;)

[Lanen]

Howdy folks! :grouphug2:

Kristin! I'm doing the very same thing :book: though I can't get into my fave chair just now (at work :p ) - man, Saturday is gonna be fun! :yay:

Moxie! Lovely to see you, and good luck with the velvet (whew!) - you're braver than I am, I can't take the heat and it's been scorching here in Scotland.

Xaz, you get the loony of the year award for that one! :)

Amberion! Woo hoo yourself, cutie! Lovely to see you. :kiss:

Melkor! Hiya hon. Ya know, I keep waiting to hear GOOD news from you, but to be honest it's just good to hear from you! How's everyone's favorite hobbit thrall? ;)

Chiana! Good on ya for keeping the faith, I know you and Xaz have been keeping this place going.

It's good to be back, and with just a few days to go. Don't be surprised at a bit of a silence over the weekend, as we all devour HBP... :D

[Reba]

Hi Lanen!

Melk and I have just been sitting around wondering when Redeeming the Lost will be available in paperback. I checked the publisher's website and they don't seem to have a release date posted. I keep searching for it tho!

Is it Saturday yet?

[Amberion]

Amb is still waiting for more news on Lanens next masterpiece

[Lanen]

Hey cousing Reba! :hug:

Just heard from my publisher that the paperback of Redeeming the Lost is coming out in December, tra la! And if we all keep our fingers crossed, there may be a reprint of the hardback. (this would be a seriously good thing in publishing)

Um, no, it's not Saturday yet, but it's not far off! :cheer:

[Reba]

December!? Just in time for the holidays I suppose? Well now Melkor knows what's going in his stocking ;)

And congratulations on the second printing of the hardback :clap: :yay: :grouphug: Will there ever be a boxed set released? :begging:

[Lanen]

Cousin Reba -

alas, a second printing of the hardback is only a possibility, not a reality as of now. but I can dream, can't I?

As for a boxed set - tra la! :biggrin: I'd LOVE that. I'm open to the possibility, certainly. I'd best get writing on that next book to warrant it!

Lovely to see you. :hug: It's been ages.

[Amberion]

Ahhh... Halfway through The Lesser Kindred again. I have Song in the Silence and Lesser Kindred in paperback and Redeeming the Lost in hard cover. I couldn't wait. But I'll pick up the soft cover in December. So I can line them up in the book case. Should they be re-released in hard cover, I'll buy books 1 and 2. No, I'm not obsessive. Really. :rolleyes:

This is Daisy BTW. At least I was Daisy when I left the Pony. checks self Yep, I'm still Daisy. :wink:

[Amberion]

Amb rushes around sweeping out all the dust and cobwebs

:wb::wb::wb:

Any dates for your next book yet

:wave::wave::wave: :hug:

[Haldomere Banks]

Lanen,

It's good to see you around (watch for the tumbleweed, though).

I see by your profile that you are less than a year away from reaching the Age of Reason. Do you have any plans to go walkabout, like Bilbo and Frodo did? (The real Frodo, of course, not the teen version.)

Just finish up the next little bit of stuff to keep us happy, then I'm sure a world tour in support of the new book and the boxed set would be in order.

Don't miss Willow Glen Books when you swing through California.

Hopefully,

Hjal

[Lanen]

Hello? :wave:

Lanen pokes her head in and instantly get covered in spiderwebs

Blegg! Yuck! brushes webs aside and peers into the depths

Helloooo? :helloo:

Mind you, I've got no room to talk, I haven't been here in ages. That, however, is changing as of now.

Hiya Amberion, if you're still out there and haven't been mugged by Mutant Tumbleweed. Hey, Hjal, greetings from Schotland.

I'm back in the saddle again, folks. Have a deadline of mid-July to send in proposal for next book :xfingers: and have some fun ideas (heh, heh) and am all excited. AND I have a good friend making me a new website, as the old one is moribund and I can't find my webmaster at all - no response to e-mail, no response to texts (can't phone him 'cause he's profoundly deaf), and he lives several hundred miles away. I'll let you folks know when the new one is up and running.

So how wags with world with you, my friends? Anything exciting going on? (And if you've been watching Wimbledon - GO ANDY MURRAY!!)

It's good to be back. Looks around That said, there's a lot of work to do. Wish this was the Muggle Informer so I could just... wave a magic wand and ... it IS the Muggle Informer!!

Lanen shoves back her sleeves and whips out her wand - with a complicated gesture, and a mutter of 'ablutio!', she manages to poke herself in the eye with the wand and get a jet of water pouring over her.

Hmm - I appear to be a bit rusty. Hang on...

with a much simpler gesture and rather more caution, Lanen says quietly 'ablutio, please?', and there is a lovely whirlwind effect in which all the dust of ages, and several guilty spiders, are whisked away. The Mutant Tumbleweed in the closet is hauled out and booted from the door with a shout of "and STAY out!". The ancient and out-of-date butterbeer in the cellar is replaced with the latest batch from the brewers, and Lanen runs out the back door, sounds of snipping are heard, and she returns with a great handful of sweet peas, which she divides into small vases and puts out on the tables. Disappearing into the kitchen, the sounds of chopping can be heard

Right - summer salads with nasturtium blossoms, cool iced tea or butterbeer, and a light lemon sorbet. Lanen's Corner is open again, all friends welcome! :D

[Elwen]

Elwen walks in, looking round curiously

Impressive place you have here, Lanen. Not sure whether I have ever been in here.... but really.... on my regular lonely walks through the dark streets of these boards it is always just lovely to see a light on somewhere... I really thought I had to look in! :)

great news about your next book proposal!!!! I hope it goes just as you'd like it! :)

and what lovely food... I'd love some of the salad, if you don't mind.... and some iced tea. But great to see that you also have some butterbeer. I guess I'll have that on a colder day :)

ANyway - ncie to see you back. :)

[Lanen]

Elwen! How lovely to see you! :hug:

Iced tea sounds nice - or it would if I didn't live in Eastern Scotland. We're having one of those summers. I'll have a nice warm butterbeer, thanks.

:D

Glad you like the place - it tends to get a bit tumbleweed-y. I haven't been around for ages, but as am now sitting with bum dutifully in chair, working on proposal, I'll be visiting rather more regularly.

How's life with you?

[Moxie]

Sounds like you're having one of those summers opposite one of these summers. I spent the US holiday weekend at an anime/gaming convention where half the rooms were over-airconditioned and the other half overheated from too many fanfolk packed in - aside from the day I wore a costume, my usual cloak over T-shirt and shorts worked fine for handling extremes, and I only noticed the outdoor world when I ventured out for meals...

brings out large quantities of yummy takeout Mexican food for all :yum:

...so now here I am with the fan going and the cats complaining because they like neither the heat nor the fans, though they're so glad to have people back that even our shy guy forgot to be afraid of our nephew and sprawled out all over the game table until we brought nephew the rest of his way home. Well, at least with the heat and the plentiful rain the herbs and a few vegetables are doing well, and now I'm home I can start to think of planting fall crops. And as usual, we got a few free promotional copies of starting packs for various card games and RPGs, even a nice-looking starter set for the D&D miniatures wargame - we might not use the wargame rules, but they're nice additions to our mostly old-fashioned metal game miniatures when the role-playing group finally starts meeting again. That won't be for a few weeks though, as most of us still have plans for actually getting out and enjoying swimming and silly touristy things (gas prices may cut travel back, but we live close to a lot of traditional tourist destinations.) Anyway, the convention was fun but it's good to be back home for now. :)

[Lanen]

Hiya Moxie! :hug:

Gosh, a gaming convention - brave soul! I used to be a dedicated gamer, years ago, until I realised that it was my only social outlet. I can get really focussed/ obsessive about things, so I had to give it up for my own sanity and in the interests of having a life! I understand that there are people like you, who can really enjoy a thing and yet not be consumed by it. It gives me hope... ;)

It looks like it might warm up a touch here, which would be nice for a change. unfortunately, just now it's nice and sunny which means I've got to go mow the lawn. Otherwise it'll take over the world - wait, what's that shadow - no, the grass, the grass is WALKING! Arrrrrrgggghh...

Curse. Still gotta go mow the lawn. :( ;)

[Elwen]

Elwen! How lovely to see you! :hug:

Iced tea sounds nice - or it would if I didn't live in Eastern Scotland. We're having one of those summers. I'll have a nice warm butterbeer, thanks.

:D

Glad you like the place - it tends to get a bit tumbleweed-y. I haven't been around for ages, but as am now sitting with bum dutifully in chair, working on proposal, I'll be visiting rather more regularly.

How's life with you?



Thanks for the welcome - yes, in South Wales we are having one of THOSE summers, too (although I think our climate is generally just a little milder than where you are).... but I am herocially trying to ignore the fact. I grew up in a more continental climate and I still DEMAND warm summers, and at least pretend if I can't have the real thing. That, and I try to go off to the continent in summer to get my dose of proper heat. This year I only get three weeks, and not as far south (Greece, Italy) as usual - so I hope I get lucky!


Otherwise, things are fine. Looking for a new job, but not expecting anything to happen anytime soon. :)

[Lanen]

Just came back from South Wales - met up with my husband's parents for their 50th anniversary in Porthcawl. The family kinda took over the wee hotel there. A good time was had by all.

What kind of a job are you looking for?

[Elwen]

University job as a (preferably senior) lecturer in Ancient History. This year's job season is over - it'll be some months before something new comes up, I expect. South Wales is nice to visit, no question - but it's not my idea of a place where I want to spend the rest of my life or, truth be told, even another few years. Ah well.

[Lanen]

Gosh, it must be tough looking for a new post at your level of ability. Still - hope something amazing comes up during the next round of looking.

Have you tried Edinburgh University? ;) St. Andrews is pretty amazing too, but I'm an alumna so feel obliged to say that! :D

[Amberion]

:hug: Hi Lanen :wave: :wb:

Yep still hanging around. Not saying much just lurking

Any thing extra you can tell us about the book (working title maybe ????? :please: )

I have been going OK - family all well

[Lanen]

Hiya Amberion! :hug:

It's good to be back and see a few familiar faces. :)

As for new book - hmmm - well, my editor hasn't even seen these yet, but - which would you find more intriguing?

The End of Old Songs

or

Rise of the Ta-Varien?

Though, of course, this plot might be two books long... :D

[Haldomere Banks]

I read all your books, but I had no idea what "Ta-Varien" meant until I found it in Google's version of RtL. (http://books.google.com/books?id=zsGMYvv2s9wC&pg=PA387&lpg=PA387&dq=%22Ta-Varien%22&source=web&ots=RLILoHYVKl&sig=K82M0gKW09v1yx7_s-5_IxTDeEQ&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA390,M1)

I would go with End of Old Songs or something else.

Hjal

[Lanen]

Hjal -

I didn't realise until now that Macmillan, who have taken over Tor, have put my books on 'read it online free' status. I'm - shall we say, seriously annoyed.

They are, alas, perfectly within their rights to do so. Never mind that nobody will have to buy them ever again...

:(

Lanen

I prefer End of Old Songs too, will have to wait on publisher unless I get a better/stronger feel for a title once I've written the thing.

[Haldomere Banks]

Let me know if you want me to delete the link I posted, and the text. If you want, we can change this into a little banter on something else.

I'm not surprised that it was news to you--another sign of corporate weasel decision-making--but I don't think that it will affect your sales. I could not copy text from the section that Google took me to (it's not any kind of html text), and the publishers usually don't allow entire books to be posted. You might want to see if you can page through it. For me, it's a nice search tool when I find something I'm looking for.

Anyway, good luck and let me know if we should edit these messages into some idle chatter about the best princess cleavage or haggis recipes or something.

Hjal

[Lanen]

Nah, Hjal - don't let us fall back from reality as she is. If this is my corner of the Leaky Cauldron, I'd rather keep the chat as it flows and the butterbeer on tap. (I'd say the fires burning as well, given the weather here, but I do understand that most of the Northern Hemisphere is having summer and it might not be appreciated...) And to be honest, I'd rather know than not.

I gather that this 'post it all online' approach has in fact (curiously) generated sales (read this in the SFWA Bulletin, fascinating mag, writers talking to other writers and sharing information) for other authors. I guess Macmillan just wanted to jump on the bandwagon, and alas, I can't stop them. I think I'm going to have to get an agent now, though. Online publishing is a minefield, which it wasn't when I started, and it's always best to have a guide in such situations!

15% kinda burns, though... :p

[Amberion]

Add one more vote for End of Old Songs

I still recommend your books to anyone who asks if I can recommend a good dragon book

I hope the online thing sparks an interest in your books

[Lanen]

Thanks Amb, I appreciate those recommendations - word of mouth has always been my best advertising, so thanks for leading the charge!

I rather like End of Old Songs myself - has more of a ring to it.

I hope the online thing works too, but at the moment I need to finish my proposal, and the centre of my plot is untenanted. Think I need more sleep - gonna go get some and then get back to work.

Good to hear from old friends - I've missed you lot. :grouphug2

[Lanen]

So, Amberion, what's new with you? :)

[Amberion]

So, Amberion, what's new with you? :)

Not a lot

Bought 3 new shirts this week :D

I have become addicted to Guild Wars - the online computer game

Still working for the same employer

[Xazinon]

Wow, there's folks in here, how are you all? :)

Nice to see everyone, sorry I haven't really visited in a long while :hug:

Good luck with the new book Lanen, sounds exciting!!!

And good luck to you too Elwen, with the job, they all must be crackers if they don't want to take you on! :)

And guild wars eh Amb? Haven't played that, but I am definitely enjoying Lord of the Rings Online, what a fun game! :)

Keep safe and happy all, I will try and pop by a bit more regularly when I remember to do so, glad to see everyone is doing okay! :hug: :D

[Lanen]

Hiya Xaz! :hug: Nice to see you again, it's been ages! :D

As for the book - I had a discussion with Jane Yolen (who has lately become a pal) and a long plotting session with Deborah Turner Harris, who has been a dear friend for (counts on fingers - oh dear) a very long time, and - we cracked it. I am SO excited! It won't be the story folk are expecting, I shouldn't think, but oh wow! :cheer: I am thrilled!

I can't, of course, divulge any details. :devil:

[Reba]

Hiya Moxie! :hug:

Gosh, a gaming convention - brave soul! I used to be a dedicated gamer, years ago, until I realised that it was my only social outlet. I can get really focussed/ obsessive about things, so I had to give it up for my own sanity and in the interests of having a life! I understand that there are people like you, who can really enjoy a thing and yet not be consumed by it. It gives me hope... ;)


curiously, Melkor and I were just talking about you Lanen, in context of conventions strangely enough.

As you know we're both hopeless geeks (he's moreso than me of course ;) ) and last year we attended Dragon*Con in Atlanta. Great fun it was, and we'd love to go back some time (funds pending of course, this joblessness here is killing our geekiness I tell ya!).

Anyhoo...our dear friend Carcharoth's girlfriend is author/artist of an on-line web comic called Weregeek (http://www.weregeek.com/), and they've said (funds pending as well) that they may at some time attend Dragon*Con too, with her as a guest, rather than attendee, if you follow.

And Melk and I pondered, wouldn't it be major coolness, if Carchy and Alina were there, and if we could talk cousin Lanen into going to appear on a Fantasy author panel too! (we get bored with the same ol same ol all the time. There's only so much one can listen to David Weber prattle on about his problems with the organisers and blah blah blah... :p )

Well...just thought you'd like to know we think of you :)

And we're having one of those completely opposite summers here in NC. Its hot and disgusting and we're still stuck in a drought, despite the record rainfalls in the Mid-West and back home in Ontario! GAH! its rather frustrating!

[Lanen]

Cousin Reba! :hug: Hey, girlfriend, how wonderful to see you here!

Thanks for the lovely idea - oooh, Dragon*con, Annie McCaffrey is going this year I think - but unless I (a) get a really lucrative contract or (b) find a local bank with really lousy security, I probably won't be at Dragon*con anytime soon, which is a darn shame because I'd love to go, have wanted to go for years.

Or maybe you could talk the Con organizers to make me enough of a Guest (note the capital letter) for them to pay my way? You never know, if this next book gets a good response, things might pick up! (Ha!)

In any case, I am flattered that you and Melkor still think of me. I think of you two quite fondly as well, and just wish I hadn't been working full time when you came to visit, as I tend to get odd when tied into the 9-5 thing. I felt such an idiot the whole time... I do hope we get a return gig so I can redeem myself!

Glad to hear you two are well, sorry to hear about the drought - hang in there and do a little rain dance - it can't hurt, eh? ;)

Love, Coz Lanen

[Reba]

Well, if you can get the book completed and on store shelves in time for next year's con, I will personally send a nomination to the organizers that they invite you and send you loads of money to get there!

I know that some Guests get paid to be there, and others have to foot their own bill and make money by selling authographs and photos and whatnot.

Melk and I can't get there this year either, but maybe next year, if we find some cash under a rock we haven't overturned yet. ;)

[Lanen]

Reba - even if the book were complete this minute, there would only be an even chance that it'd be on the shelves next year at this time! The processing time is really long, don't ask me why. However, it's a lovely thought! Maybe 2010...

[Reba]

I was being mostly facetious, I know it wouldn't be ready by this time next year anyhow.

But, I'm sure we could drum up enough interest for you so that you'd have lots of people show up to see you. I could easily just pass your books 'round to my Browncoat friends, most of whom go to D*C for a few days. :D

[Lanen]

I know you weren't being serious Reba, really... though I may take you up on that offer, when the time comes.

Er - Browncoat friends? Are we talking Firefly here?

[Xazinon]

Oooo, you cracked it, Lanen? How exciting!! :hug: :D

I'm sure 'it', whatever it was, was delighted to be cracked by such a long and dedicated planning session, hehe, I shall look forward to finding out more about it in the near future! Better keep my eyes peeled, eh? :reading: Perhaps I will see you on a famous Australian book tour, you never know! ;)

I have actually been very lax with reading for most of this year, I don't seem to have read much at all which isn't very good!! I should get down to the bookstore and pick up my act, hi ho, away!!!

:gallop: :D

[Lanen]

Hiya Xaz! :hug:

The 'it' that I've cracked is the plot for my next novel, so it may not enjoy being cracked, but I'm delighted!

and I couldn't meet you on a famous Australian book tour. I'm not Australian. :D

[Reba]

I know you weren't being serious Er - Browncoat friends? Are we talking Firefly here?

Yes, as well as our LoTR and HP obsessions, Melk and I are also members of the Charlotte chapter of the Browncoats, which yes, is the Firefly/Serenity fandom.

We hung out with them mostly at Dragon*Con last year. A whole group of them were there. They're going again this year, but we just don't have the money for it :( We didn't even get to go to the Serentiy screening this year, couldn't afford the gas to drive to Charlotte.

I hate livin' out on the rim :p

[Lanen]

Wa-hey, another mutual obsession! :D My other half doesn't share this one, but I'm well behind the idea of a Browncoat group. Sigh. No chance over here.

And I know what you mean about living on the rim. Try being on the wrong side of the ocean! :p Still, one can keep in touch. And Anne McCaffrey is going to be at Dragon*con this year, almost certainly her last year, and I can't make it. Grrr... :(

[Reba]

I'm sure there are Browncoats in your area, there were a few CSTS screenings in the UK this year. Mostly in England though I think, I didn't notice any listed for Scotland, but it doesn't mean there aren't any Browncoats there. They're everywhere!

Check out the website, maybe there's some there, but they just couldn't get a shindig organised http://www.cantstoptheserenity.com/

[Lanen]

Thanks for the link, Reba. Tried it, nothing in Scotland, alas. Still, it's worth keeping an eye out for any signs of life in that direction. I love that Joss Wheedon's brilliant series has sparked something so - human. So best of human.

[Reba]

Well you just never know. Maybe check Yahoo Groups.

[Lanen]

Did check groups, but didn't find anything particularly active. sigh. Guess folk here just don't do the 'agitate and hope for the best' thing...

[Reba]

That's too bad. We've always had a good time when we hang out with the Browncoats. And there's actually quite a lot of crossover. At Dragon*Con last year we ran into a few folks who had attended both the Tolkien party and the Whedon party. And the musical entertainment for the 2 evenings was the same band! :D

[Daisy]

Dropping in to the Cauldron looking for Lanen. It's been a while since the corner has been sat in (on?)
Got a lot of dusting to do ;)

I've just finished reading my "Lanen Trilogy" as I think of your books. Gushing Fan Girl I am not, but I have to let you know they still reach my heart.
Thanks Lanen.

[Hugh Kenrick]

I shall look for the trilogy, which I haven't read, being buried with other books at present, but, belated Congratulations!

[Haldomere Banks]

...Maybe 2010...

Just checked your website and see hopes for 2012 now. Is this some kind of strategy to let the whole vampire thing blow over?

;-)

I think that this was the first time I've been to your new site, http://elizabethkerner.org/news.html -- it's much fresher looking and easier to get around, if I'm remembering the old site correctly.

Hjal

[Haldomere Banks]

That which you do by act of will is yours forever - Rise of the Ta-Varien by Elizabeth Kerner

So, it looks like your editor's vote counted for more than Amberion's and mine. Humpf!

Is Summer 2012 still a possibility?

Hopeful Hjal

[Lanen]

Hiya Hjal - long time no post!

Er - that's actually only the working title. I wouldn't hold my breath for summer 2012, but it's possible. Other possibility is Autumn 2012. Have been having a lot of trouble with this one, plus two carpal tunnel surgeries (one each wrist!), and the Revised Version is coming slowly, but at least it's coming.

Glad you like the new website, it's lots better isn't it? I'm thrilled with it myself. The designer is Hans Van der Boom, a pal from the Netherlands, and I think he has done a great job. Thanks for the kind words.

Cheers,

Lanen

[Haldomere Banks]

Lanen,

Long time since you posted news on your website. I hope that your hands are doing OK.

Hjal