Rewriting

I like writing stories. I don't like rewriting stories. At least, not that much. When I write the first draft, I feel like I'm accomplishing something. New pages of story flow with ease from my mind to the page. My friends are happy to see what happens next. I am happy to see what happens next!

Not so rewriting--especially for the sixth time. I'm dealing with storylines and descriptions that I've worked iwth before. Nothing seems fresh or new. My progress is slow. I have to resist the urge to scrap everything and start over. Sometimes I don't resist and new chapters result.

But then, when I look at what I rewrote as compared to the original, I am happy. Plot holes--even nearly invisible ones--are mended, new threads are woven in, adding richness to the tapestry of story, old threads that trailed off in ragged ends are clipped. All in all, it is a more rewarding read.

So I will keep rewriting. It is not pleasant now but the reward is far greater in the end. A bit like God's working in our lives, I suppose. "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Heb 12:11). God's always working on our lives, bringing us to a closer likeness of Himself. It isn't fun. Sometimes--oftentimes--its the same lessons that we were working on last week, last month, last year. But each time, the lesson is deeper, more profound, shaving away more of our sinful nature. And we become more like Christ. Sounds good to me!

New Purpose

In the beginning, this blog contained updates on Rien and Tel's progress toward winning the prize set forth in the Isle of Fire contest sponsered by Wayne Thomas Batson. That contest is long since over and we await the time when we can reap the fruits of our labors. Now I (Rien) intend to take this blog in a new direction. From this day forth it will contain the occasional update on my writing journey. And, of course, Tel's opinion of said journey and whatever else he wants to say. For now, I leave with this summary of the first book in the Narratives of Nartanis, Sword Aflame

Draw me only in the right
Against my foes the Hosts of Night
Only then, behold my light
And strike at evil with thy might

For years, the cryptic verse inscribed along his sword’s blade and strange dreams and visions have haunted Conrad Edricson’s mind and heart. Now, with the Hosts of Night on the move and the king’s army assembling, it seems that he may finally have the chance to find answers to his many questions. And so Conrad sets out on his journey—despite the fact that he knows nothing of swordplay.

But in the land of Nartanis things are not always what they seem and even the most ordinary looking objects may contain hidden power. When the battle begins, Conrad’s sword reveals itself as one of the legendary Eliorc blades, powerful weapons against the Hosts of Night. Nothing can ever be the same for the former farmer as he his plunged into a world even he never dreamed would be his.

Winner!

That's right, by virtue of hard work and helpful friends, victory is ours! Technically, it's mine since I was the official entrant and Tel didn't actually do the work. But without him pestering me constantly to get things done and then helping me post all the reviews, there is no way I could have won. So we are the victors! To see the official blog post detailing our victory click here.

Congratulations also to the others who worked hard to claim one of the top five spots. It was a pleasure "warring" against you!

We're going with "Ril Taniel" for our name in Batson's future series. What do you think?

Rien

Oh Ya its over!!! Thanks to all ya'll who helped out. Ya'll were Grrreat.


ps. Ahhhem!! I did work! I actually was the mastermind of the whole thing.

Tel

To Wait

It is October 16. The Isle of Fire Contest has come to an end. Tel and I were up until after midnight on the 14th making sure we got all our posts made and points in. My thanks to the following people who wrote reviews for Isle of Fire and Isle of Swords for me:

• Tel Maethanru
• Erain Thayleon
• mom o' 6

I really appreciate it!

Now all that remains is to wait. The Door Within blog is now my home page. I eagerly look forward to seeing who emerges the victor from this quest!

Rien

YEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

First!!!! By 10 points!!!
Woooo Hoooo Ya!!!!! :)

One Very Exited Guy,

Tel

The Day

September 9 has come and gone and with it, the official release of Isle of Fire. Tel and I ordered a copy for ourselves and several more for our friends. We are both looking forward to the books arrival. One advantage of ordering multiple copies is that we'll both be able to read it when they arrive!

In addition to purchasing Isle of Fire we put together a poster for all of Batson's books. Isn't it great!? That's Tel on the left and me (Rien) on the right.

I also got to go to our local Lifeway store and got a picture with the books and Kuhrt, one of the employees. He thought the contest was pretty cool--especially the prize--and was quite willing to pose with me despite his laughter. The manager of the store even took the picture for us!

That's all for now!

Rien Takhid

August 27, 2008

Yikes!!!!!!!! We are spending a lot of money. we started out thinking we were only going to buy 2 books then we decided to get 3 now we are ending up getting 6 Isle of Swords, the Door Within Trilogy books, The Wilderking Trilogy by Jonathan Rogers, Ryann Watters and the King's Sword by Eric Reinhold, and one of the White Lion Chronicles by Christopher Hopper. all told we are buying 14 books. So that will total all our points up to 4530 Treasure Points and maybe a lot more.

From My last post I said we were trying to recruit people to join and some are now seriously considering joining (if you want to join please go here (Wayne Thomas Batson's blog) and also many are buying Mr. Batson's books which is good news. So the hunt is going great and we would appreciate if you prayed for Rien and I that we won't tear each other up before the Quest is over. :)


Oh almost forgot, Please Please comment on this blog! we would really appreciate that.


Tel