The Wheel of Time Turns Once More

December 7, 2009 at 9:59 PM (Books, Writing)
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I was pleasantly surprised the other day when I walked into a high street book store to see the new Wheel of Time novel, complete in shiny hardback, sitting on the shelf by the door; The Gathering Storm.

The fact that the next installation to this epic series had completely slipped my mind, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it to discover the first part of the conclusion to this series. I have a little way to go before that, though, since I only recently finished the 8th book in the series, The Path of Daggers. (On checking my bookshelf for which book I’d finished, I realise that I don’t have it with me. It must be in America…)

I’m a reasonable newcomer to Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. About four years ago I was browsing the shelves in the shop for a new series to start, and the numerous, thick books in a line caught my eye. My first attempt at reading The Eye of the World only led me to read half of the novel, but I soon started it again, and devoured it. I’ve since digested another seven, and my cravings for the next are starting to resurface.

Whilst the series is criticised for its lengthy prose and multitude of characters and plots, I can’t help but love it. It calls out to the part of me that has always loved the fantasy genre, and I find it truly inspirational. Needless to say that I was shocked and upset when I heard that Robert Jordan had died in 2005.

Recently, however, I found news that his series would be continued and completed posthumously by Brandon Sanderson. I hadn’t heard of him before, but since Jordan’s wife had a large say in who would continue her husband’s work, then he must be a worthy candidate to complete the series. After all, she had edited Jordan’s work herself.

So, I will eventually go and buy the 9th book of the series, and work my way through them once again. Perhaps I can catch up with the series before it’s completed, but I won’t rush. The Wheel of Time is a series that must be thoroughly chewed and not gulped down.

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Looking Back and Forth

December 7, 2009 at 12:51 PM (University, Writing)
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I had my last lecture of my second year with Luke Kennard this morning. A very upsetting occasion; his lectures have always been entertaining. The chocolate was a welcome relief for the pain.

In all seriousness, the poetry module this year has been very rewarding. I’ve written quite a lot of poems that I’m reasonably pleased with, and some less successful ones that I can work on.

We covered many different forms, and it served to increase my interest and awareness of poetry as a whole, both in a historical and contemporary context. I’ve even been writing more poetry in my free time than I used to because of this module.

I’d like to buy some collections of contemporary poetry. Could anybody suggest any poets or collections that I ought to read?

I’ll have to wait until my third year to get lectures with Luke again. In the mean time, I’ll have to put up with a somewhat less interesting lecturer teaching what I hope will be an even more interesting module; Editing.

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Book Review: After Dark

November 26, 2009 at 5:45 PM (Review)
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After Dark, by Haruki Murakami

Title: After Dark

Author: Haruki Murakami, trans. Jay Rubin

ISBN: 978-0-099-50624-9

First Published: 2004 (English translation 2007)

Blurb: ‘The midnight hour approaches in an almost empty all-night diner. Mari sips her coffee and glances up from a book as a young man, a musician, intrudes on her solitude. Both have missed the last train home.

Later, Mari is interrupted again by a girl from the Alphaville Hotel; a Chinese prostitute has been hurt by a client, and she needs Mari’s help.

Meanwhile Mari’s beautiful sister Eri sleeps a deep, heavy sleep that is ‘too perfect, too pure’ to be normal; she has lain asleep for two months. But tonight as the digital clock displays 00:00, a hint of life flickers across the TV screen, though the television’s plug has been pulled out.

Strange nocturnal happenings, or a trick of the night?

Review:

After Dark was my first introduction to Haruki Murakami’s work, and I can safely say that I’d definitely read another of his books.

Set in a busy Japanese metropolis, Murakami breathes so much life and magic into his world that it is impossible not to be swept away by it. His characters are realistic and likeable, and the plot is fast and intriguing. A strong sense of the surreal permeates through the book in a way that will make you just have to read on.

The novel’s protagonist is Mari, a young Japanese girl studying Chinese at university. The story begins with her in a family diner at midnight reading a book until she is interrupted by Takahashi, a young and conversational musician. Takahashi apparently recognises Mari, and the two strike up a conversation. The endearing qualities of these two characters are immediately obvious, with Takahashi having a naive, brotherly aura, and Mari being reserved and secretive.

It is hard not to like any of the characters, from Mari and Takahashi, to Kaoru who works at a love hotel, and Eri, Mari’s Sleeping Beauty of a sister. Even the antagonist of the novel, businessman Shirakawa, is both realistic and intriguing. The dialogue between them feels natural.

The novel is reasonably short, being only 201 pages long. It could probably be read over the course of one night, which would perhaps be a good way to read it. The plot takes place entirely in one night from midnight to around 7am. Key points to the plot are placed at strategic points, and the reader always find both answers and new questions throughout, so picking it up again never feels like a chore. Whilst it might seem like not a lot happens, we are still swept along on this night of intrigue and self-discovery.

Murakami’s writing style is hypnotic and magical. After Dark is written in the present tense, which provides a sense of immediacy. The narrator is also as unware of the goings on as the reader, allowing both to make discoveries at the same time. Personally, I think it is Murakami’s writing style and voice that makes this novel so captivating. The novel’s style is also a testament to the skill of Jay Rubin’s translation.

The ending seems to finish with a few loose ends left untied, but it is still satisfactory. After finishing the book, I was filled with a sense of enlightenment and understanding, and put it down with a satisfied ‘ahh’.

After Dark is a fascinating read that is likely to haunt you for many hours, if not days, after finishing.

Ratings:

Character: 10/10

Plot: 8/10

Style: 10/10

Overall: 9/10

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Nanowri-FAIL, and November in General

November 26, 2009 at 9:16 AM (University, Writing)
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Well, it doesn’t come as much as a surprise, to be honest. I had a very productive weekend when I started Nano, but on the Tuesday after I stopped writing. The workload this month has been just too heavy to even write a few measly words for a novel. I think it’s something I can use in the future, and the opening of it is something I’m using as part of my creative writing assignment.

Ho hum. Next year, maybe. Or perhaps not. I imagine I’ll be in dissertation mode next year. The year after then. When I’m in a job, and have spare time at home without homework. I’m looking forward to a life where I can leave work at work, and make my time spent at home spent living (ie: eating, washing, housework, shopping, and [hopefully] relaxing).

It’s close to the end of November now, which is very scary. Christmas is now officially less than a month away. I’m going shopping with my family tomorrow, which I’m looking forward to, but it doesn’t make the impending doom of Christmas and the end of this semester any easier to accept. I just don’t understand where the time’s gone. November has vanished in a blur of essays, family flying in from the States, and illness.

Anyway, I’ll be posting another post later this evening. I’ve nearly finished a book (shock horror!). I’ve had so little time to read stuff I want to, and even this book is one I bought primarily for my course. But it’s good so I’ll write about it. And perhaps I’ll write a review of Pamela to vent my frustration as well.

Adios, amigos!

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Nanowrimo Update: 4,170

November 8, 2009 at 2:19 AM (Writing)
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I know, I know, this is my second post today. My second post in about two hours in fact. But I’ve made some good headway with my Nano novel.

I’m up to 4,170 words, which means I’ve done the equivalent to two days of regular nanowriting. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a lot more done tomorrow and be well on the way to 50K.

The story is coming well. I’ve attempted to start it a couple of times before, but I’ve thought about it and mulled it over for the past couple of weeks. I developed some momentum, and hopefully the steam will continue to keep it running through tomorrow and for the rest of November.

This is probably a very badly worded blog, but I’m very tired and I just wanted to give a quick update on my reasonably successful first Nanowrimo day.

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So I’ve Given into Pressure

November 7, 2009 at 8:17 PM (Writing)
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I’ve actually decided to start NaNoWriMo after all. I’m nearly a week late, but I couldn’t help myself.

I saw various blogs on here dedicated to the contest, and also did a search for #nanowrimo on Twitter. I guess I just got drawn in by the sense of community.

I might be a week later than everybody else, but I’ll definitely give it a good go. I’ve only been writing for about an hour and I’ve already got 2,226 words. I worked out how many I need to do per day if I started now, and it came to around 2,175, so I’m still on target. I’m going to leave it for today and hope that I can catch up further tomorrow.

The story is going strongly at the moment. I feel like I could write for longer, but I’m very aware that my housemate has just gone to bed and is literally just behind the wall that my desk is against. My typing must be a very irritating, very irregular tapping. Maybe I’ll move my laptop onto my bed so I can work for a little longer.

But anyway, here’s to starting Nano again! Albeit a bit late. Perhaps this novel will be something I can use in my creative writing classes. Two birds with one stone comes to mind.

A bit of information about the novel:

It’s a kind of fantasy, psychological, armageddon type thing that I can’t really place. One of the main themes is the difference (or lack thereof) between the real world and the world of dreams. My character is undergoing therapy, and the book is essentially her story about growing up differently to everybody else and becoming isolated. I think the general idea is strong enough to keep going for 50,000 words, despite the lack of preparation. It’s been mulling in my mind for a couple of weeks, though, if that counts.

I’ll keep you updated on how it’s going!

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November 3, 2009 at 7:12 PM (University)

Well, it’s two days into reading week and it’s going quite well so far.

I’ve managed to read The Rape of the Lock, which I know isn’t that long, but it’s one thing checked off my to-do list. I’ve also made good headway with Pamela, although her virtuousness is starting to annoy me. Honestly, she’s just too perfect and plain irritating. But I’m getting through it, which is a good thing.

I decided not to bother with Nanowrimo. I basically forgot about it until yesterday, where I wrote about 900 words of something which wasn’t really going anywhere. I really hadn’t put much thought into it. The next time I seriously try Nanowrimo, which may be 2010 or 2011, I’ll spend October planning my novel so I have a clear idea about where it’s heading. When a novel peters out only after 2 pages / 1000 words, you know you need to put some work in to get it running smoothly.

Talking of novels, I might actually get back to writing the one I started over the summer. It’s been sitting on my desktop for the past few months not doing anything, and there isn’t any harm writing a bit more of it occasionally.

What I really need to sit and think about is my Creative Writing assignment. We have to write the first 2000 words of a novel, and we should have a draft in for next Thursday. Now, I have no idea what my novel is going to be about. I know I have the one over the summer, but I get the feeling that a fantasy novel won’t get me quite as good marks. I believe they’re expecting us to write general fiction, which I think is a load of rubbish. All writing fits into some kind of genre, but we’re supposed to keep it as general as we can? Maybe I’ll e-mail my tutor to see if more genre-specific stuff can be submitted.

If not, I have a science-fiction/psychological thriller/based-on-current-affairs idea I could expand on. That should be general enough.

Anyway, I’m sure you’re bored of reading my random ramblings. If the number of views to my blog is anything to go by, everybody is bored of reading my random ramblings. So I’ll just sign off and wait for something interesting to happen so I can write about it.

Ciao!

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Half Way Done

October 29, 2009 at 5:59 PM (University, Writing)

It’s very scary to think this, but I’m already half way through my first semester of my second year. As of now, it’s reading week (oh, I love three day weekends), which means I get a week of no lectures. A chance to catch up on reading I’ve fallen behind on, I’m sure.

One other good thing about reading week is that I’ll have a lot more time to write and think about writing. Even though it’s my degree, doing my own stuff still feels a bit like a guilty pleasure. I guess I just haven’t got into the habit of showing the work I do under my own steam to my tutors; it’s not really needed, and I show them work they set anyway.

Related to that, today I had a poetry seminar, which was rather enjoyable. There were only a few of us there today for some reason, but it made it a little more intimate. My three poems I mentioned writing the other day were all well-received, which means I’ll be able to include them in my portfolio at the end of the year.

Nanowrimo starts in a couple of days, and I’m still not sure whether I should attempt it. I might do anyway, and anything that I produce I can use on my course. It’s quite exciting thinking about writing a new novel again, although I always seem to be writing new novels. But this is a completely new idea. I don’t really know where it’ll go, which brings back the old excitement about writing again.

It’s been a good week, and hopefully I’ll be fully rested at the end of reading week ready for another 5 weeks of hard work.

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October 27, 2009 at 6:56 AM (Uncategorized)

Wow, it’s been a long time since my last blog update. Is this my first this month? Terrible, truly terrible.

I’m back at university now, and loving it. This year is much better than first year. It simply has more bite to it, and I’m living in a much nicer place.

My creative writing course is going well so far. The poetry module has done very well for my productivity. Yesterday I wrote three poems. I was rather impressed. They’re not amazing, but I can work on them, and it’s more stuff to add to my portfolio.

The novel writing module is less thrilling. I’m surprised, since that’s what I want to write the most. We’ve had a guest lecturer for the past couple of weeks, and I’m not that impressed with her to be honest. I won’t name names, but she tends to spend the hour and a half just discussing her favourite books, her favourite characters and her favourite authors. I know we’re supposed to read as many novels as possible to help us write our own, but I was hoping for a little more insight into the process of getting published.

Anyway, I won’t turn my first blog in nearly two months into a rant. Sadly, the novel I was writing over the summer has come to a standstill at about 11,000 words. I think I could carry on writing it at some point, I just haven’t found the time. The steam that was keeping me going has petered out. But I think it’s a good start for a first, real attempt at writing my novel. 11,000 words is actually quite a lot.

Nanowrimo starts on Sunday. I’m half tempted to give it a go this year. I attempted a couple of years ago, but stopped after about 8000 words. Again, I just didn’t have the time, and I doubt I will this November. Although I’m only timetabled to be on campus for 7 hours a week, there’s a lot of independent reading and research I have to do. I’ll give it a go, but I won’t get too downheartened if I don’t manage it.

Well, I’ll leave it at that. I have been reading other novels, but I haven’t yet got around to thinking about reviewing them. There will be some in the near future, though.

Until then, happy reading and writing!

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Another milestone reached

August 6, 2009 at 6:41 PM (Writing)
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Just a short post to say that I have good news. Today I reached 10,000 words. I think I can safely say that I’ve finished my beginning (the first time ever) and I can now move onto the middle. Well, to be honest, I finished my beginning a few thousand words ago.

It’s all going well. I can tell where lots of my writing does need work, namely my last finished chapter. It’s a chapter full of explanation about what’s going on, and I can see it reading very slowly. When I edit I’ll find ways to split up this explanatory chapter and spread it throughout the novel rather than dumping so much information on the reader at once. In a way, this chapter acted as a conduit to get my ideas about the larger scale parts of the plot that are important to why things are happening.

I’ve never had so much fun writing as with this novel. When I write an action sequence, I come away from the keyboard a little short of breath as I realise that I had been holding it whilst writing. Naturally, some days are better than others, but I am up to speed on my targets, and am making good progress. Hopefully it will be done by mid-September.

Another milestone reached, and many more to come across along the way. Wish me luck!

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