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Clefspeare
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Re: The Candlestone - Initial Thoughts
quote:
knightofhyn wrote:The scene that got me was when Billy said (page 379, if my memory doesn't fail me) "Walter, you kicked Excalibur." I don't know why, but I visualized a kind of dull monotone shock about it. Can you imagine kicking over one of the most well known historical objects? I'm sure that wasn't the intent, but it just got me laughing.
Actually, I did have that in mind. Walter's irreverence is part of his character. His kicking over Excalibur didn't phase him a bit. I enjoy that about Walter. He isn't pretentious in the slightest.
quote:
knightofhyn wrote:BTW, love the idea of writing to the characters...it adds to the realism of the books.
As you may have heard from other writers, when you work with characters for long enough, they come alive. Although it borders on insanity, my characters "talk" to me, telling me what they would do in given situations.
If I make one of them do something that is out of character, I literally have trouble sleeping at night. I have to change it as soon as possible.
That's why it's fun to answer questions in a character's voice. Not only does it give readers a feel for a character's personality, it helps me build depth in that character, perhaps for a future book.
I'm glad you like that feature.
---
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24)
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10/28/2004, 3:11 pm
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knightofhyn
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Re: The Candlestone - Initial Thoughts
I write a bit myself, though not on the published scale (I guess newspapers count, but I've left that world behind me). I remember one class I took online where they had you have a character of your choice introduce you. I always had fun with that. Hunter, the main character of my current project, was always fun to write through.
I know what you mean, though. They are, to an extent, alive and sometimes it feels like they are completely out of control and am at a flat run just to keep at their heels. I've always considered that writing is God's way of showing us who can't draw a straight line (or even those who can, I guess) what it felt like during the process of creation. We get to weave those little bits of letters and paper together until it forms a tiny world, held in the palm of our hand. Some people said that they think that that borders on sacreligious, but I think it makes it all the more special. My worlds can only exist in my mind. God made something in His mind exist...
Well, that's enough babbling.
---
Dreaming frees the soul, energizes the spirit and allows you to do things that would get you thrown in jail if you really tried them.
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10/28/2004, 3:25 pm
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Balehiriel
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Re: The Candlestone - Initial Thoughts
Wow! I just read the Candlestone yesterday (yes, all in one afternoon/evening) and I loved it, possibly even better than Raising Dragons. I would have read it as soon as it came but a) my younger sister got to it first, and b) I had sooo much homework that I really didn't have time.
If this is a topic about the Candlestone, then I'm not going to feel bad about spoilers. But to give anyone who hasn't read it yet fair warning. . . (wait--if you haven't read it, go pick it up and get off the internet!) *SPOILER*
I thought in raising dragons that Hartanna sounded like too neat of a character to kill off, and I lamented that we would never get to see her. Thanks for bringing her "back to life"!!!!
I loved Bonnie's prayer, Walter's antics,the pace of the book. . . well, pretty much everything. But I do have a question: why did you have Billy/the knights rescue the animals before all the people where out? It's not that I wanted the animals to be stuck there forever, but shouldn't human life come first?
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10/30/2004, 1:32 pm
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Clefspeare
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Re: The Candlestone - Initial Thoughts
Caution - MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
quote:
Balehiriel wrote:But I do have a question: why did you have Billy/the knights rescue the animals before all the people where out? It's not that I wanted the animals to be stuck there forever, but shouldn't human life come first?
Balehiriel,
I'm glad you enjoyed The Candlestone. I hope your sister liked it too and that you'll tell all your friends about it.
You ask an excellent question, and I'm glad you're reading with an analytical mind. I hope the story will raise important questions in the minds of all readers of this series.
I labored quite a bit over the animal issue when I wrote that section, and I rewrote it a number of times.
You probably noticed on page 327 that Billy wanted all the other knights to go first and just asked Newman to stay behind to gather the animals. Billy didn't want to risk any more lives than he had to, and he figured that he and Newman could gather the animals while the other knights were leaving in turn.
Also, Billy, although he loves animals and wanted to help them, was stalling. He wanted to be the last one to go, because he knew he had to obey the prophecies and face the slayer (top of page 326).
Thinking Devin was trapped in the candlestone, Billy assumed this would be his only chance to face him. He didn't know that he was really supposed to face Devin later (which he finally did, as you know).
So, to make a long answer even longer, you're exactly right, human life does come first. Billy wanted the other knights to go before the animals, but Newman, being chivalrous, insisted on all the knights helping.
I hope that answers your question satisfactorily. Thank you for asking.
---
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24)
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10/30/2004, 2:00 pm
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TracyC
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 Re: The Candlestone - Initial Thoughts
Hello,
My initial thoughts on The Candlestone? I don't know where to start. This book really struck my heart! I don't mean it in a bad way, but what I mean is that my heart has really been opened up so much. At this moment I don't feel like my old self, I feel newly refreshed, and wanting to open my life to the world. This would be me going outside my confort zone. Half of the book made me wonder what was going to happen next, like something really exciting. Then the other half made me cry with happy tears. The Candlestone has and I mean really touched my faith with God. I actually have stoped reading and then talked to God about stuff, like the book and then I would get straight back to reading it. This book took me one full week to read. I love your books so much, please keep up the wonderful work.  *Happy Tear Drop*
Some stuff that really struck me were Bonnie writing that prayer for Billy. When I read it, I know that is something that I would do for my friends. When I read the pray, I was crying cause it was so sweet and powerful. I have actually wrote a PRAY FOR CONFORT when my sweet little dog past away. I still read it and it still has the same powerful feeling that I put into it. Also another part was when Billy and Clesphere, and then Bonnie and Hartanna were all re-united. I had a felling that Hartanna would come back, but not as human. I just remembered back to the book Raising Dragons with Billy's father.
Your Sister in Christ,
Tracy
P.S. Here is the poem/prayer that I wrote from my heart.
PRAYER FOR CONFORT
God listen to my prayer,
I am miserable with unhappiness in my spirit.
While I was sleeping the night before it happened, I fear,
That I was going to lose my lovable pet.
Half the nighttime I cried in my sleep,
I had dreadful thoughts that I was right.
As I slept a scary dream came a peep,
My lovable dog and I were in danger that night.
Both of us got injured in my dream,
But in reality both of us were wounded in separate ways.
My dog, gone to another place from no harm,
And I was feeling the loss in my heart with weeping cries.
I’m still on earth missing her being by my side,
Not being able to feel her wet licks on my face,
Not being able to see her do tricks as she tried,
Plus not being able to walk her to any kind of place.
I never even got to say good-bye,
But at least I got to say I love you.
All mornings and nights, I sigh,
But how can I stop, without her I’m blue.
My sweet little dog passed away on August first,
Slowly and quietly without making a weeping sound.
I wish I went first,
Because it hurts to lose her, my lovable friend.
Then God you gave me a gift that made me thankful,
Instead of me moaning, every single day,
It was a dream with my special dog that was wonderful,
To have on my fifthteen birthday.
I could not ask for a greater present,
Cause You made it real.
There are still sometimes when I cry at night,
But that is because I still miss her dearly.
Corky my dog will never be ancient history,
She will stay forever in my heart.
To me she was worth more than anything,
So her life and my life will stay one part.
---
Spreading her lovely dragon wings of faith.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
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11/9/2004, 2:16 am
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Clefspeare
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Re: The Candlestone - Initial Thoughts
Tracy,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on The Candlestone. Thank you also for letting us read your lovely poem. Your loss must have brought you a great deal of pain, and I'm glad your faith in God brought you through it.
I hope Bonnie's prayer inspires many people to express their love for other people. Putting aside self for others is the way of Christ, and the more we show that in words and deeds, the more we will be like Him.
---
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24)
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11/9/2004, 9:44 pm
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BookJunkie
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Re: The Candlestone - Initial Thoughts
WOW! The Candlestone was EXCELLENT! One of the best books since the Deluxe Edition of Eragon. Do you think you might put out a Deluxe edition of Raising dragons or the Candlestone? It could have an appendix with more history, more background on the characters, etc. Anyway, I'll just be content dreaming about the next one until April. By the way, I just dropped you a 5-star review for the Candlestone and for Raising Dragons at Amazon.
One question: In the Fan Zone, does artwork have to be hand-drawn?
Anyway, great book, I especially liked that there were more normal humans around in this one, in comparison to Raising Dragons where the dragons and slayers were main characters. I liked seeing more of "Prof.", Walter and especially Mr. Foley.
Keep writing!
BookJunkie
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11/10/2004, 4:30 pm
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Clefspeare
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Re: The Candlestone - Initial Thoughts
quote:
BookJunkie wrote:
WOW! The Candlestone was EXCELLENT! One of the best books since the Deluxe Edition of Eragon.
Glad you liked it, BookJunkie!
quote:
BookJunkie wrote:
Do you think you might put out a Deluxe edition of Raising dragons or the Candlestone? It could have an appendix with more history, more background on the characters, etc.
That's a possibility. If the book sells well, I think my publisher would like to do that. I have lots of background info floating around in my head, so I'd like to get it down in a book.
quote:
BookJunkie wrote:
By the way, I just dropped you a 5-star review for the Candlestone and for Raising Dragons at Amazon.
Thank you! I'll look forward to seeing it.
quote:
BookJunkie wrote:
One question: In the Fan Zone, does artwork have to be hand-drawn?
Not at all. You can use your feet if you want . Seriously, send me any kind of art you want (within reason), and I'll put it up on the site.
quote:
BookJunkie wrote:
Anyway, great book, I especially liked that there were more normal humans around in this one, in comparison to Raising Dragons where the dragons and slayers were main characters. I liked seeing more of "Prof.", Walter and especially Mr. Foley.
I think everyone loves Walter and Prof, the "normal" ones. Unfortunately, Mr. Foley will take a hiatus in the third book, but he will come back strong in number four.
---
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24)
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11/10/2004, 6:20 pm
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knightofhyn
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Re: The Candlestone - Initial Thoughts
I'm not sure if this can qualify as an initial thought anymore, but I was looking at the section where Devin is describing the nature of the candlestone to Bonnie. The more he talk about the absorbing nature of the stone, I was thinking about the nature of creation itself, how the only objects that absorb light are black holes. Our moon, our planet, just about everything reflects light that is transmitted to it. You could almost see that the candlestone is a reflection of the corruption of creation by sin, that God made the world (and us) to reflect light (and, for us, His light). You could take it further and point out that sin (our corruption) traps us and how we needed a savior...but I'm still not sure if I'm on the right path.
What do you guys think?
---
Dreaming frees the soul, energizes the spirit and allows you to do things that would get you thrown in jail if you really tried them.
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11/12/2004, 9:16 am
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Clefspeare
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Re: The Candlestone - Initial Thoughts
quote:
knightofhyn wrote:
I'm not sure if this can qualify as an initial thought anymore, but I was looking at the section where Devin is describing the nature of the candlestone to Bonnie. The more he talk about the absorbing nature of the stone, I was thinking about the nature of creation itself, how the only objects that absorb light are black holes. Our moon, our planet, just about everything reflects light that is transmitted to it. You could almost see that the candlestone is a reflection of the corruption of creation by sin, that God made the world (and us) to reflect light (and, for us, His light). You could take it further and point out that sin (our corruption) traps us and how we needed a savior...but I'm still not sure if I'm on the right path.
What do you guys think?
Great! I'm so glad you brought this up. I've been hoping readers would delve into some of the deeper symbolism I put into these books. I hope others will respond. I'd like to see where readers take this discussion.
---
Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24)
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11/12/2004, 9:20 am
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