At first I dreaded the editing process, but I'm beginning to enjoy it, because I get to re-read, change and re-experiance my story all over again. It helps me to remain in love with it. With other people's work, I have to accept it as is, but with my own, the possibilities are endless.
I really love my characters in my novel. Magus, Sibyl-Claire & Azrael are like three of my children. I was there at their birth, and have watched and helped to nurture them into the characters they have become. Actually, they're much easier than my own children, because they don't argue back with me. My word is law.
Well, I'm having a blast going through this editing process. I've gotten some really good feedback from critiquer's and beta readers to help me fine tune it. It is turning into a wonderful story, and I'm very proud of it.
So, this morning before Thanksgiving, I give thanks for the gift that God has given me. I love my stories.
Thanks!
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Friday, November 18, 2005
Smallville Review 5:8 "Solitude"
Crazy4Smallville’s Weekly Review
Episode 8
“Solitude”
Wow, what an episode!
I love how the episodes start with the Daily Planet in Metropolis. It gives it a different feel… a more professional edge, unlike the laid back slow hum of the small town.
I love what they’re doing with Chloe. Not only is she dressing more professional and more grown up- but she’s acting that way too. I worry for her though. This was already a strong character, and the more they make her that way, yet not have her in Clark’s life as an adult, the more I fear for her. She plays such an essential part now, that it could only be her death that keeps her out of his life later.
I’ve grown to love the portrayal of Brainiac by James Marsters so much, that I hated to see him go. However, I loved the fight scene and the way that he went. But, you’d think for him to be so smart that it wouldn’t have been so easy for Clark to destroy him. I’m still trying to figure out how he had Kryptonian powers when he wasn’t a Kryptonian. Yes, he was made by a Kryptonian, but that still doesn’t make sense. It is not being Kryptonian that a Kryptonian has powers on earth. It is the fact that Kryptonians gain powers on earth because of the yellow sun of earth. But, on Krypton they didn’t have such powers, and were like us humans.
Clark’s suspicions of Jor-El are really starting to bother me now. We’ve already seen him go through his rebellion stage several times already, and you’d think that by now he would have learned what side Jor-El is on. But, Clark is being thick-headed yet again. How much more does he have to lose, and how many more mistakes does he have to make before it finally penetrates that steel head of his? He was quick to believe the evil reports of his father, yet it takes him years to believe the evil of Lex Luthor. What happened to the big speech he gave Jonathan a few years ago about always looking for the good in someone, and second chances? He hasn’t even given Jor-El the first chance. Also, if Clark thinks that all Kryptonians are bad, then why isn’t he? Shouldn’t he bad by ‘Kryptonian nature’? I’ve seen children of people, raised by others, yet still act a lot like the parents they’ve never known. Shouldn’t Clark look at himself, and make the first judgment on his parents. He doesn’t think his mother Lara was evil, yet he’s quick to think Jor-El is. Maybe NOW, he’ll get the picture, but I don’t hold out any hope. I still wish they would quit trying to make his so much more human than Kryptonian. He’s a superhero, not your average farm boy with a few special gifts.
Will the real Lex Luthor stand up, and while you’re at it, point out the real Lionel Luthor. I love the re-invention of both of these characters. I still hold on, even more, to the notion that Lex no longer lives, but Alexander. I believe that Lionel was referring to that notion as well, when he was talking about Lex splintering. The mystery that has always surrounded these two has been what exactly they know. I can tell you, it’s a lot more than they’re telling.
Lois is starting to realize there is more to this investigative reporting than sitting down in front of a computer. She’s starting to show her zest for uncovering the truth, and it won’t be long before she’s working side by side with her cousin at the Daily Planet to do it.
I absolutely loved her exchange with Lex Luthor. I thought she was being a judgmental little brat, and then Lex does his smooth attack and puts her right in her place. Where did her animosity come from? Wasn’t it Lex who didn’t press charges against her sister? Well, I guess she easily forgets like everyone else. Now, her pride’s been hurt. However, I think her attacks about his campaign comes more from her love for the Kent’s than being afraid of the Luthor control of the world. Yet, maybe not?
What really surprised me was Jonathan Kent. Did he never consider that Clark may have to give up his life in order to save Martha’s, yet without hesitation he told Clark to do what he had to, to save her? As a parent, I would have made sure that the child would be safe first, and then did what had to be done to save my spouse. But, maybe I’m the only one who viewed it that way.
I’m sure I’m leaving a lot out, but I have to save something for everyone else to talk about.
This has been Crazy4Smallville’s weekly review.
Until Next Time!
Episode 8
“Solitude”
Wow, what an episode!
I love how the episodes start with the Daily Planet in Metropolis. It gives it a different feel… a more professional edge, unlike the laid back slow hum of the small town.
I love what they’re doing with Chloe. Not only is she dressing more professional and more grown up- but she’s acting that way too. I worry for her though. This was already a strong character, and the more they make her that way, yet not have her in Clark’s life as an adult, the more I fear for her. She plays such an essential part now, that it could only be her death that keeps her out of his life later.
I’ve grown to love the portrayal of Brainiac by James Marsters so much, that I hated to see him go. However, I loved the fight scene and the way that he went. But, you’d think for him to be so smart that it wouldn’t have been so easy for Clark to destroy him. I’m still trying to figure out how he had Kryptonian powers when he wasn’t a Kryptonian. Yes, he was made by a Kryptonian, but that still doesn’t make sense. It is not being Kryptonian that a Kryptonian has powers on earth. It is the fact that Kryptonians gain powers on earth because of the yellow sun of earth. But, on Krypton they didn’t have such powers, and were like us humans.
Clark’s suspicions of Jor-El are really starting to bother me now. We’ve already seen him go through his rebellion stage several times already, and you’d think that by now he would have learned what side Jor-El is on. But, Clark is being thick-headed yet again. How much more does he have to lose, and how many more mistakes does he have to make before it finally penetrates that steel head of his? He was quick to believe the evil reports of his father, yet it takes him years to believe the evil of Lex Luthor. What happened to the big speech he gave Jonathan a few years ago about always looking for the good in someone, and second chances? He hasn’t even given Jor-El the first chance. Also, if Clark thinks that all Kryptonians are bad, then why isn’t he? Shouldn’t he bad by ‘Kryptonian nature’? I’ve seen children of people, raised by others, yet still act a lot like the parents they’ve never known. Shouldn’t Clark look at himself, and make the first judgment on his parents. He doesn’t think his mother Lara was evil, yet he’s quick to think Jor-El is. Maybe NOW, he’ll get the picture, but I don’t hold out any hope. I still wish they would quit trying to make his so much more human than Kryptonian. He’s a superhero, not your average farm boy with a few special gifts.
Will the real Lex Luthor stand up, and while you’re at it, point out the real Lionel Luthor. I love the re-invention of both of these characters. I still hold on, even more, to the notion that Lex no longer lives, but Alexander. I believe that Lionel was referring to that notion as well, when he was talking about Lex splintering. The mystery that has always surrounded these two has been what exactly they know. I can tell you, it’s a lot more than they’re telling.
Lois is starting to realize there is more to this investigative reporting than sitting down in front of a computer. She’s starting to show her zest for uncovering the truth, and it won’t be long before she’s working side by side with her cousin at the Daily Planet to do it.
I absolutely loved her exchange with Lex Luthor. I thought she was being a judgmental little brat, and then Lex does his smooth attack and puts her right in her place. Where did her animosity come from? Wasn’t it Lex who didn’t press charges against her sister? Well, I guess she easily forgets like everyone else. Now, her pride’s been hurt. However, I think her attacks about his campaign comes more from her love for the Kent’s than being afraid of the Luthor control of the world. Yet, maybe not?
What really surprised me was Jonathan Kent. Did he never consider that Clark may have to give up his life in order to save Martha’s, yet without hesitation he told Clark to do what he had to, to save her? As a parent, I would have made sure that the child would be safe first, and then did what had to be done to save my spouse. But, maybe I’m the only one who viewed it that way.
I’m sure I’m leaving a lot out, but I have to save something for everyone else to talk about.
This has been Crazy4Smallville’s weekly review.
Until Next Time!
Friday, November 11, 2005
Crazy4Smallville's Weekly Review 5:7 Splinter
Season 5
Episode 7
"Splinter”
I really enjoyed this episode. I think Welling did an excellent job sinking into the depths of the dark side. I loved how everything flipped – and the good guys were the bad guys and the bad guys were the heroes.
Clark/Dr. Fine – Wow, did he know how to manipulate Clark? He played every little card perfectly. He gave Clark the answer at the beginning with Judas/Christ, but Clark was thinking of the wrong person. He was thinking about Lex, instead of Dr. Fine himself. Twice Fine told him that he could trust him, I’m assuming there’s one more before a denial is given and a truth revealed.
Clark/Chloe – It’s obvious that Clark still has some reservations about Chloe, but hopefully her actions have put an end to those concerns. The look on his face when he hugged her said it all. I just hope they aren’t words of prophecy. I love the parent’s reaction to Chloe knowing. That was hilarious.
Clark/Kent’s – I think that Clark owes his parents a huge apology. He smacked his mother across the room and nearly killed his father. He’d be grounded for a very, very long time if he were my son, silver K or not.
Clark/Lex – At least we know that Clark is truly suspicious of Lex, and not just about finding out about him, but about Lana too. That’s just part of human nature – you know when someone’s after your mate – yet Clark isn’t human is he? It was good to see that Lex stood his ground, but how much more does he have to know about Clark? I’m pretty sure he knows enough to write a book by now. The tear that welled up in Lex’s eyes when he thought Clark killed Lana was priceless.
Clark/Lana – it is very clear that neither truly trusts each other. Lana keeps her secrets and Clark keeps his, and eventually those secrets will kill any relationship they have. I just wonder how much Lana already knows about Clark!
Does red or silver Kryptonite have any effect on humans, like green does?
This has been Crazy4Smallville’s weekly review. Till Next Time!
Episode 7
"Splinter”
I really enjoyed this episode. I think Welling did an excellent job sinking into the depths of the dark side. I loved how everything flipped – and the good guys were the bad guys and the bad guys were the heroes.
Clark/Dr. Fine – Wow, did he know how to manipulate Clark? He played every little card perfectly. He gave Clark the answer at the beginning with Judas/Christ, but Clark was thinking of the wrong person. He was thinking about Lex, instead of Dr. Fine himself. Twice Fine told him that he could trust him, I’m assuming there’s one more before a denial is given and a truth revealed.
Clark/Chloe – It’s obvious that Clark still has some reservations about Chloe, but hopefully her actions have put an end to those concerns. The look on his face when he hugged her said it all. I just hope they aren’t words of prophecy. I love the parent’s reaction to Chloe knowing. That was hilarious.
Clark/Kent’s – I think that Clark owes his parents a huge apology. He smacked his mother across the room and nearly killed his father. He’d be grounded for a very, very long time if he were my son, silver K or not.
Clark/Lex – At least we know that Clark is truly suspicious of Lex, and not just about finding out about him, but about Lana too. That’s just part of human nature – you know when someone’s after your mate – yet Clark isn’t human is he? It was good to see that Lex stood his ground, but how much more does he have to know about Clark? I’m pretty sure he knows enough to write a book by now. The tear that welled up in Lex’s eyes when he thought Clark killed Lana was priceless.
Clark/Lana – it is very clear that neither truly trusts each other. Lana keeps her secrets and Clark keeps his, and eventually those secrets will kill any relationship they have. I just wonder how much Lana already knows about Clark!
Does red or silver Kryptonite have any effect on humans, like green does?
This has been Crazy4Smallville’s weekly review. Till Next Time!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
The Masked Ranger Dies
A few years ago, I created this character on a messageboard, along with a few wonderful and talented women. They both brought out a beautiful balance to my writing and I enjoyed writing with them. We created some of the most hilarious stories and characters.
The Masked Ranger - the dashing and handsome hero, who always rushed in to help the Damsel in distress. He would swoop in, sweep her off her feet, but at the end of each day he would ride out alone into the sunset.
Ranidae Frog - Ranger's faithful amphibious sidekicked. Rani was smart and cute (with his slender green frog legs, red cape and mask.) He was always there for Ranger, even if he was little chicken. (Not that he just tasted like it!) But, Rani was a lot like Ranger, because he really, really loved the ladies.
Chawlie Ferret - Chawlie wasn't the brightest ferret to walk the earth, but he sure was cute. He was a bit on the paranoid side, but no matter what happened, he was always right next to his partner and best friend Rani. (Though Rani usually took advantage of Chawlie and made him to be his guinea pig.)
Then there were his Rangerettes - Sabrina and Willow.
Sabrina (Sabs) was the smart one - the more maternal one. She kept everyone in line, including Ranger. She held a special place in his heart. No matter how much he helped the Damsels, he always came back to Sabrina and her white leather outfit. White represented the pure at heart, and that was Sabrina.
Willow clad in her black leather and her extra pointy Xena bra, was not a woman you wanted to mess with. Chawlie however was obsessed with her, and she tolerated him. Willow never asked where or when - she was always there and ready to fight. Of course, she'd get mad if she broke a nail.
This was the perfect group of heros. Other came and went - but none were as good or blended together more than Ranger, Rani, Chawlie, Sabrina & Willow.
Tonna and her pink leather and obsession with shopping came later, along with Rocky the Racoon. But, the saga of the Masked Ranger wouldn't be complete without Jessica Rabbit. She was the artist and mysterious aide that would show up at just the right time.
Those days were good, but just like all other heroes, their time in the spotlight couldn't last forever.
The woman behind Sabrina is supposed to be writing down their exploits, and hopefully one day get them published. I really hope she does. But, for me - the person behind the mask - Ranger has died. His identity has been revealed and he has finally rode off into that sunset, never to be seen again.
For how could he survive without his Sabrina? How can he save the next damsel without Willow, Rani & Chawlie?
I will always remember the gang with fond memories, and miss them greatly. They touched my heart as much as Superman, Spiderman or King Arthur ever had.
You never know about the hero that lurkes somewhere deep inside of us. Sometimes it takes an angel (Celeste) in white to bring them out, and what is sad through the whole thing - is that none of these women will probably know how much they were loved and appreciated.
Until next time,
T.L. Gray
The Masked Ranger - the dashing and handsome hero, who always rushed in to help the Damsel in distress. He would swoop in, sweep her off her feet, but at the end of each day he would ride out alone into the sunset.
Ranidae Frog - Ranger's faithful amphibious sidekicked. Rani was smart and cute (with his slender green frog legs, red cape and mask.) He was always there for Ranger, even if he was little chicken. (Not that he just tasted like it!) But, Rani was a lot like Ranger, because he really, really loved the ladies.
Chawlie Ferret - Chawlie wasn't the brightest ferret to walk the earth, but he sure was cute. He was a bit on the paranoid side, but no matter what happened, he was always right next to his partner and best friend Rani. (Though Rani usually took advantage of Chawlie and made him to be his guinea pig.)
Then there were his Rangerettes - Sabrina and Willow.
Sabrina (Sabs) was the smart one - the more maternal one. She kept everyone in line, including Ranger. She held a special place in his heart. No matter how much he helped the Damsels, he always came back to Sabrina and her white leather outfit. White represented the pure at heart, and that was Sabrina.
Willow clad in her black leather and her extra pointy Xena bra, was not a woman you wanted to mess with. Chawlie however was obsessed with her, and she tolerated him. Willow never asked where or when - she was always there and ready to fight. Of course, she'd get mad if she broke a nail.
This was the perfect group of heros. Other came and went - but none were as good or blended together more than Ranger, Rani, Chawlie, Sabrina & Willow.
Tonna and her pink leather and obsession with shopping came later, along with Rocky the Racoon. But, the saga of the Masked Ranger wouldn't be complete without Jessica Rabbit. She was the artist and mysterious aide that would show up at just the right time.
Those days were good, but just like all other heroes, their time in the spotlight couldn't last forever.
The woman behind Sabrina is supposed to be writing down their exploits, and hopefully one day get them published. I really hope she does. But, for me - the person behind the mask - Ranger has died. His identity has been revealed and he has finally rode off into that sunset, never to be seen again.
For how could he survive without his Sabrina? How can he save the next damsel without Willow, Rani & Chawlie?
I will always remember the gang with fond memories, and miss them greatly. They touched my heart as much as Superman, Spiderman or King Arthur ever had.
You never know about the hero that lurkes somewhere deep inside of us. Sometimes it takes an angel (Celeste) in white to bring them out, and what is sad through the whole thing - is that none of these women will probably know how much they were loved and appreciated.
Until next time,
T.L. Gray
Monday, November 07, 2005
Masks - We All Wear Them
Isn't it funny that when we discover the mask of someone we thought was our friend, that we fail to see our own masks? Yet, we've always known they were there. Then, when your friend's mask is exposed, you begin to compare those masks. Is it searching for justification in our own mask, or are we looking for a level at which to convict our friend?
When we discover some really ugly traits hidden behind our friend's mask, it hurts. It always does, no matter what mask we put on our face. The tears still well up, because no matter what mask we wear, the eyes are always visible. The person we created in our minds doesn't exist anymore, because the truth is exposed. These are all just casualties of deception. But, what is our responsibilities... for we too wear our own masks. They're a different kind, but a mask nonetheless.
The answer is found in the truth. But, hearing the truth sometimes is hard. Telling it is even harder. For, who are we to tell someone else the truth, unless we are willing to hear it about ourselves?
Truth opens up a festered wound, to expose and excapulate the bacteria inside, in order for the wound to be able to close and heal properly. The one holding the scalpel must be very careful not to spread that bacteria to another, or cut the wrong part - which can cause more damage. Most of all - the surgeon must be able to recognize the bacteria, and discern what needs to be extrapulated and what needs to be saved.
I never wanted to be a surgeon - but it seems to be what I've been trained for. Nobody ever said it would be easy, but as long as I lean on my Father - and allow him to guide my hands - maybe we'll both come out of this better than we went in.
Till Next Time,
T.L. Gray
When we discover some really ugly traits hidden behind our friend's mask, it hurts. It always does, no matter what mask we put on our face. The tears still well up, because no matter what mask we wear, the eyes are always visible. The person we created in our minds doesn't exist anymore, because the truth is exposed. These are all just casualties of deception. But, what is our responsibilities... for we too wear our own masks. They're a different kind, but a mask nonetheless.
The answer is found in the truth. But, hearing the truth sometimes is hard. Telling it is even harder. For, who are we to tell someone else the truth, unless we are willing to hear it about ourselves?
Truth opens up a festered wound, to expose and excapulate the bacteria inside, in order for the wound to be able to close and heal properly. The one holding the scalpel must be very careful not to spread that bacteria to another, or cut the wrong part - which can cause more damage. Most of all - the surgeon must be able to recognize the bacteria, and discern what needs to be extrapulated and what needs to be saved.
I never wanted to be a surgeon - but it seems to be what I've been trained for. Nobody ever said it would be easy, but as long as I lean on my Father - and allow him to guide my hands - maybe we'll both come out of this better than we went in.
Till Next Time,
T.L. Gray
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Superheroes
Everyone who knows me, knows about my love for Superheroes. They know that I'm a sucker for a selfless hero, who uses their powers to serve the good and fight against the evil of our time. I guess deep down we all love a good hero, because it's been ingrained in our DNA to love good and hate evil. Yet, many of us wake up some mornings to realize that we are the bad guys, not the heroes.
I don't think anyone sets out to be a bad guy, but through the compromises that we make throughout our lives, it leads us down a path, that leads to the wrong road. As we walk down these small winding paths, that look harmless, we get so wrapped up in the scenery around us that we don't think about where that path is leading.
There is a final destination down every path we take, and only those who can get their eyes off of themselves, and their immediate surrounding, will think about where the path leads. They will either make a conscience effort to change their direction and seek a new path, or just blindly continue on the one they're on (mainly because its so familiar to them).
The one characteristic that all superheroes have in common is their selflessness. I've met many real Supermen in my life, who give all of themselves to fight for truth, justice and everything else. I'm sure they've considered the path they're walking on, and I'm proud to be walking with them.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
I don't think anyone sets out to be a bad guy, but through the compromises that we make throughout our lives, it leads us down a path, that leads to the wrong road. As we walk down these small winding paths, that look harmless, we get so wrapped up in the scenery around us that we don't think about where that path is leading.
There is a final destination down every path we take, and only those who can get their eyes off of themselves, and their immediate surrounding, will think about where the path leads. They will either make a conscience effort to change their direction and seek a new path, or just blindly continue on the one they're on (mainly because its so familiar to them).
The one characteristic that all superheroes have in common is their selflessness. I've met many real Supermen in my life, who give all of themselves to fight for truth, justice and everything else. I'm sure they've considered the path they're walking on, and I'm proud to be walking with them.
Till next time,
T.L. Gray
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