Reading Group DUE Nov 30, 2007

[lemurkat]

I have hosted a number of these sort of "pick-a-theme" style swaps with varying results. Here's the basic concept:

Five-six people join the group and each nominate a book. Each of us members then have several months to track down, read all the books (or at least glance through them) and design a card based on each of them, how we perceive it. The cards are then sent to me, and I shall divvy them out accordingly and post them back.

Because I am going to be away for most of September, the deadline would not be until November 30th. Your cards must be IN THE POST on this date. A week before this date, anyone whose cards are outstanding will be notified. If I receive no response, I shall give you exactly one week leeway (after the date) then trade out the cards I have received and return any others. If you are unable to complete your part of the trade for any reason, please let me know ASAP. If I receive all the cards BEFORE that date, I shall send out early ^^ And be a very happy Kat indeed!

I live in New Zealand, so post takes 7-10 days at least and you must be prepared to post internationally. I do not require stamps, ephemera etc, although International Reply Coupons, trading card sleeves, bonus atcs and Xeko cards will be gratefully appreciated, although definitely not compulsory! Please DO send an address label!

So here's the list of participants and their nominated titles:

LemurKat - "13 1/2 lives of Captain Bluebear" (http://www.amazon.com/13-2-Lives-Captain-Bluebear/dp/1585678449/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-0146687-8417576?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185787202&sr=8-1) by Walter Moer.
A weird and quirky read with strange and charming characters, bizarre events and concepts and obviously penned by a very imaginative mind!

EraserQueen - "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by JK Rowling
The closing tales of our favourite boy wizard. If anyone hasn't read this, I suggest you start on the first book!

Adriayna - "Septimus Heap: Magyk vol 1" by Angie Sage (received)
A young adult fantasy series (I'm currently reading the second one) that is kinda similar to Harry Potter.

Amerasu - "Game of Thrones" by George R Martin (received)
An epic fantasy novel.

Meran - "Abarat" by Clive Barker
Strange characters, quirky creatures and frightening situations abound in this colourful and creative fantasy novel for teens.

Klawzie - "The Black Swan" by Mercedes Lackey
A re-telling of "Swan Lake" with quite a few twists!

Abi - "Lilith" (http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0802860613/ref=s9_asin_title_1/104-0146687-8417576?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=1HMFT3KR8APB2W38TX73&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278240701&pf_rd_i=507846) by George MacDonald
A gothic sounding novel that comes across as a dark fantasy-fable and quite delightful.

Because we were basically filled up before I even posted it here, if anyone is interested in another one, I could start a second in late september, after I return from my holiday. i'm always looking for new books to read, after all!

[Amerasu]

Your book looks very funny, Kat! Definitely lots of material there.

I picked up the last Harry Potter on Sunday but my daughter has taken it to her room and hidden it away so she can read it first. I guess I'll have to wait for her though I'm sure she'll be done very soon :)

I haven't heard of Septimus Heap but it seems right up my alley.

[abi]

Oh, I didn't realize the thread had moved already. I posted on the old thread too, so please disregard the other note. My book is my very favoritest, Lilith by George MacDonald. I have been waiting for a good excuse to get back through it. It seems like it will fall right in with these.

[Meran]

are they to be children's books?
never mind, don't care
Abarat-Clive Barker is my pick.
don't get the paperback; hard cover or trade (larger) paperback
Meran

[abi]

Arabat was fabulous, good choice!

[adriayna]

Kat, are we just to make one card for each novel/book?

[lemurkat]

Not kids themed, Meran - but we seem to have a fantasy theme!

We make a card for everyone in the group based around their book, so yes, only one card per book (unless you're feeling particularly inspired, in which case, it might pay to contact that person via PM and let them choose). So you, Adriayna will receive 5 "Magyk" cards, Meran shall receive 5 "Abarat" cards, etc. If anyone is over-keen, we might be able to arrange trades of prints for the rest of us (say for example you, Adriayna wish to also get copies of the Bluebear cards).

Abarat is an AWESOME choice - I loved that book and it inspired me to want to draw like Clive Barker. But Meran's right - DON'T buy the paperback - get the one with the illustrations!

The only one of these that is going to take a while for me to acquire is "Lilith" as I own almost all the others (Except "Magyk" which is in the library). I bought it from abebooks.com for $1.70 US or so, plus postage. Now I just have to wait for it to arrive!

Anybody else having issues with books? Or any other questions?

Kat

[abi]

How like me to make it difficult, sorry :err: But it is really worth it.

[Klawzie]

Aw - drat my having to work! I missed out. XD I look forward to the next round and hopefully will be less busy around then too. :D I look forward to watching this one and will probably pick up most if not all of these books. (The only one I already have is Harry Potter. :O )

[lemurkat]

Hrm, my main reason for having limited numbers is that it takes a long time to track down and read books for some people (not me, I polish off 3-4 books a week usually). Since all of these are short novels or ones we have likely already read - would anyone be opposed to Klawzie squeezing in? Making us a lucky 7? Deadline is some 4 months away!

Kat

[Klawzie]

XD If it helps anyone decide, I read very quickly. XD; (No worries if anyone feels overwhelmed by the number of cards/books. XD; )

The book I'd suggest (to help!) would be: The Black Swan (http://www.amazon.com/Black-Swan-Daw-Book-Collectors/dp/0886778905/ref=sr_1_12/102-7129031-5431328?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185861788&sr=1-12) by Mercedes Lackey. (Anyone familiar with Misty's works will know there is a bit of smut in there, but easily skipped over.) - A re-telling of "Swan Lake" (which makes it easy to put at the end of your reading list, wouldn't it? :D ).

No harm done if you'd rather keep it at 6! :D

[lemurkat]

Hey Klawzie, I own that one too! And I've read it - some time ago now though. It was a good one!

I think seven is a lucky number. I have a good feeling about this swap - maybe if I'm lucky it'll be the first since my original Reading Group where everyone gets into it.

Kat

[EraserQueen]

LOL..I own that black swan book for Jody's cover art work! Never read it though! I'll have to hunt it down :D

Can make an addendum? Please don't just draw a portrait of Harry! ;_; I would like some indication that it's book seven! Thanks! :D

[Amerasu]

May I change my book please? I picked the Pullman series as I thought this would be another Young Readers swap but I do have a better choice for me. I'd like to choose George R.R. Martin's "A Game of Thrones." I've been collecting cards of the Lannister family and would love to get more. I don't expect anyone to read the entire series of course (though I highly recommend it) but there is plenty of info online about his books. Hope that's ok, Kat.

[lemurkat]

Sure Amerasu - Tim's been at me for ages to read those ones! Might take it to Madagascar with me (it's big enough). Although I'm not sure he actually *owns* it so I might have to buy it!

Kat

[abi]

I'm so excited, and in my excitement I looked to see if my library has any of the books, well technically they have 3 (I didn't check on Klawzie's or Amerasu's new pick). The problem is that they are closing today for the month to move to the brand new bigger library. So I rushed in at lunch and wouldn't you know since they have doubled everyone's check out capacity not one is available. Seriously the shelves are looking barren. None the less I was still able to pick up about 25 good books to read in August. I guess I will have to Barnes and Noble to read (does anyone else just go and read the book there, put it back on the shelf and come back to finish it there and never purchase the book? Maybe I am too cheap, but then why would they put the big over-stuffed chairs there for people to, assumingly, read?)

And so my saga of the search for the books continues... Really I don't think it should be a problem, but man it does throw a kink in things as far as getting a head start : )

[potbellyarts]

Totally OT...


does anyone else just go and read the book there, put it back on the shelf and come back to finish it there and never purchase the book?

My husband, Tim, does that all the time! He even leaves a tiny slip of paper buried near the page fold to mark his place, and counts how many books back he leaves "his" copy so he can find it again next time. We go there all the time, to sip coffee and read in parallel.

Abi... my sons are out of town with dad but if I can reach them in Tahoe to find out where they stashed it, I might be able to dig up their hardback of ABARAT, to loan, and possibly the MAGYK book as well. Let me know!

[lemurkat]

I work in a bookstore, we used to get readers all the time.

Now there's a Borders down the road and people go there to read instead, and come to us to buy - we don't have chairs, you see!

If you have trouble with Bluebear or Abarat I can suggest some cretures and characters you might like to draw. Bluebear is filled with weird ones - from minipirates to carnivorous islands, to a pteradactyl called Deus X Machine and oh so many more weird and quirky things. Or you could just draw a bluebear!

I think for Abarat I will draw Jimothy. And for Harry #7 I might do a family portrait of the Lupins. We'll see.

Kat

[EraserQueen]

Kat: OHHH!! Yes! The Lupin family would be awesome!

And Sal: I like you change :) I was never able to the into Pullman's HDM series..but then that WAS a while ago :)

[abi]

Thanks PB, I have read Abarat before, I think I actually enjoyed the second one more. For that one I will just have to puruse for a refresher as it was about 8 months ago I read it.

I may take you up on the Magyk if I can't find it soon :jiggy:

[EraserQueen]

I had a hard time finding lilith :( I think I found one library system that does have it though..., Fantasies and Lilith was the title given..I don't know if that means the book is a two novels in one?? Am I on the right track at all Abi??

[abi]

I'm not sure, Lilith is a stand alone work as far as I know. The author is George MacDonald. I know it is only $1.74 on Amazon.com. I hope this helps some

[Klawzie]

Have you guys heard of www.half.com ?

It's where I'm intending on getting most of these books. Quite a few of them (the ones I searched up, anyway!) were selling for less than two dollars! Of course, shipping comes into play, but I am going to try to order them all from one seller so shipping will go down.

I'm thinking I've been officially accepted? XD

[EraserQueen]

Klawzie: I think ya have :D

Damnit..I think this means I need to get a disposable credit card.. LOL *hates ordering anything online*

Thanks Abi!

[abi]

I just got a pay check I had forgotten was coming! I am off to go shopping online (which is about the only way I shop these days).

Thanks Klawzie for the great tip about half.com, your right they are really cheap!

[adriayna]

Amerasu, yay! I've read all of those--I just finished up the last book he wrote. Is it possible to expand the art to encompass any of the books? I don't remember where the story begins, or ends, but I would love to paint Danyeris with her dragons hatching :P

[Amerasu]

adriayna, oohhh.... yes! Sounds perfect to me :)

Any of the books is fine. I just picked the first one so people would know which one to buy if they want to read it. Fantastic fantasy series. I just wish I had waited til Mr. Martin had finished writing it before I started reading.

I've also been reading the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan for years. I don't think it's anywhere near as good as George Martin though. It really drags on. But I'm determined to finish it since I'm about 8 (long) books in.

[Meran]

I started reading A Song of Fire and Ice (what Martin calls the series) when he had 3 books done, figured it was done. Now he's holding off on finishing it all, because he had the board game out and now there's gonna be an online community. I figure he'll write the rest in about 10 yrs.
That said, they are excellent books.
And I could NOT get thru the snoozer that is wheel of time! you get points for staying power.. and I read pretty much anything. If those books had been mentioned I would have had to duck and run!
So, now we are doing one card per book that isn't ours, right? I think it'd be weird to do a partial listing...... 6 cards total.
And I have all but Abi's book.. and I never need an excuse to go get another book Abi, so don't feel bad! Have even read them, so just need to get a refresher.. I'm glad this is off a ways in time tho.
If we weren't remodelling, I'd loan mine out to those of you having problems finding them. Next time!
Meran

[lemurkat]

I've read the first of Wheel of Time, thanks to nicky nominating it for a former Fantasy. Won't read any more, not until he's finished the series at the very least - I don't think he ever will even if he lives another 50 years. And I hear he's ill? It was okay, nothing remarkable, however.

I've acquired "Magyk" from the library. Tim has unearthed his copy of "Game of Thrones" (I'm taking it to Madagascar) and the rest are on my shelf somewhere, except "Lilith" which is hopefully in the post.

And yes, Meran, we're making cards for everything that isn't ours.

Cheers all, and happy reading!

Kat

PS: remember, don't post anything to me until the end of September! Even if you're prompt!

[adriayna]

Cool beans. I went to find Lillith at the library but had no luck. I'll get it online if I can't Interlibrary loan it.

[Amerasu]

I just finished reading Harry Potter. Wow! Loved it! I've been a huge fan of the series so I would have read it anyway of course but I'm glad you picked it, EQ :)

I'll look for the other ones I haven't read this weekend.

[EraserQueen]

Sal: Yeah, having been in this group before, I tried to pick a book that was easy to find :D

[abi]

Sorry for the hard to find book, but it's worth it! I'll definately think about this in the future :spinny:

Oh and my sister brought home Harry Potter last night and lets just say I am about 100 pages short of finishing If I hadn't fallen asleep at 4:30 in the morning on the book, I would have finished it! The only problem I had was I had to call my sister and ask what book 6 was all about since it has been so long since I read it. I totally spaced and was rather lost to begin with, but it all came back. I hope to finish it at lunch!

[lemurkat]

I'm reading "Magyk" atm. It's quite delightful, in its own way. I'm tempted to draw Jenna with Petroc so far! Or Boy 412 in his ridiculous uniform.

Anyone else started reading the titles?

Kat

[Amerasu]

Just finished Harry Potter the other day. I'm heading out with my list to the bookstore tomorrow :)

[Meran]

lemurkat, Septimus Heap has been one of my faves for years.. there are 2 more books after that one..
And Harry Potter number 7 has been done for a week.
And other than that, I've been remodelling.. and catching up on stuff. AND cards.
meran

[lemurkat]

I've done my "Septimus Heap" card.

click here to see it - but it *may* contain spoilers or at least things to cause question!
http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=985

[Klawzie]

I've only just started Chapter 15, so I will leave the card to look at some time tomorrow. For I am off to bed to get in another few chapters before I sleep. :oooo

[EraserQueen]

I'm reading Lilith! Yay!

[abi]

Ok, so I finished Harry Potter last week, I am looking at doing a specific old dragon that may or may have not been located somewhere in a dark area

Oh and I couldn't read just one septimus heap, so I read all three. I am thinking chicken barge, really my mind has not been able to move past this crazy image in my head.

I am starting to read captain blue bear and it is great, huge but great.

[adriayna]

Oh, that is so fun Kat!

I haven't read the 3rd Septimus Heap book yet...waiting to get through a few more first. I've sketched out Amerasu's card, but other than that haven't accomplished much for the reading group yet .

[lemurkat]

My copy of Lilith arrived today - it looks good - pretty much new too! Great value for like $1.90.

Am reading "Flyte" atm. And enjoying it very much indeed!

Kat

[EraserQueen]

Still reading Lilith! Abarat came in..I love all the Pictures! The only books I''m waiting for now are Thrones and the Septimius one :)

[EraserQueen]

Okay!

How is everyone doing?

I finally got Game of Thrones from the library! I will admit that when I saw the uber thick fantasy paperback, I started getting "Wheel of Time" Flashbacks, and my throat began to constrict and the urge to run screaming into the night was truly overwhelming...

....but I started reading, and I REALLY LIKE IT..I'm now on page 177, and I have a question for Sal: HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY LIKE JAMMIE??????

Also, I got the first Septimus Heap book as well. Well, I wanted the book, but somehow managed to get the Book-On-CD *head-desk* but I can kill two birds with one stone by listening to it while I draw cards LOL! It's really good so far (even though I am nearly through with the second CD, and still no actual Septimus Heap has made an appearance...) I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series now!

How far have others gotten along? Anyone wanting to chat about the books with me without posting spoilers here, just send me a PM :D

[lemurkat]

I"m about to start designing my Abarat card and maybe I'll try for a Harry Potter one today too.

I have no other cards owing!

Kat

[abi]

I got my harry potter one done in ink *gasp*, still waiting to color

I have my magyk done in pencil, and I must say I crack myself up

I have started reading the black swan and captain bluebear at the same time and I am still waiting for the game of thrones to come in.

Oh and I have read abarat before so I am going to puruse it later for a great idea.

[lemurkat]

Jimothi is up in my gallery now.

Now I've fished out "black swans" and shall have to draw from it! I should re-read it first though - refresh my memories.

Kat

[Meran]

EQ

Keep reading. Jamie gets deeper. Everything gets deeper.. "the plot thickens" and turns to gravy, which is made into stew... with dumplings! I knew you'd like it.. I love it, and hate Wheel of Time.. that should tell you something right there...

And Magyk. You HAVE met him. lol

go look again.
Meran

[Meran]

Wow. you ALL are blowing right past me. I guess I'll know what you all have done and so won't do THOSE scenes, lol
Meran

[lemurkat]

Yeh Meran, that's the advantage of being the host - I get to see all of the cards! Usually I wait until they've arrived before I draw the ones specific to the artist (that way I don't end up making cards for "no shows") but since I'm away for so long and since I have very few other commitments, art wise, and since I trust you lot, I'm just going for it as I'm inspired!

Trying to sketch the Lupin family now. I can't draw babies...

Kat

[lemurkat]

"Black Swan" inspired card has been uploaded. If you want to see it, go and look now, as it will not be a permanent feature in the gallery.

Cheers,

Kat

[Amerasu]

EQ, I know Jaime seems like the evilest character ever right now, and yeah, he's pretty nasty. I don't want to spoil things for anyone in case they move on to read the other books but I do like him for a few reasons that become apparent in later books :)

[Caroline]

I really love this idea for a swap although it is far too much of a commitment for me even if there were spaces left! It's only in the summer holidays that I really get time to read but it would be great to make a visual response to a book I've just read.

So Lemurkat, if you'd be kind enough to organise another of these to start next July, that would be great!!!!!!!!!! :wub:

[lemurkat]

Right, I've done the Black Swans one again cos it was pretty much trash, and I've finished the Harry Potter one. Such as they are. Will be in my gallery shortly, as usual, for only a limited time! Don't wanna clutter up the galleries with my scribblings ^~

I'll likely run another reading group early next year, if this one goes well, Caroline.

Cheers,

Kat

[lemurkat]

Right, am reading "Lilith" at the moment - it reminds me a little of "The Little Prince" and I'm sure half the messages are washing over me (it didn't help that last night Tim kept reading me bits from his Economist mag and distracting me) but it's pretty nifty and has some way cool imagery.

I shall be reading "Game of thrones" on my plane trip.

Kat

[Meran]

I've read The Black Swan, not too bad of a book, a bit predictable at times (my biggest complaint about most modern books and movies). Have worked out but not done the card yet. May actually do several, and so, have some more CAFT.
Had already read Harry, tho am thinking over what the card should be.
And have started Lilith.. Liking it a lot so far.. love the old authors! Who suggested this book? Thanks! Many ideas for cards. We'll see what I come up with. and I'm sure I'll have many CAFT, then too.
Meran

[lemurkat]

Yeh "Black Swan" is a nice read, but it is a bit predictable and "happily ever after". Then again, it IS a fairy tale (just finished re-reading it recently).

Argh, too much sinpiration in "Lilith" already! I'm thinking I might draw the raven flinging up the worms. Anyone else planning on that scene?

Kat

[EraserQueen]

I think the hardest aspect of this swap is WHAT to draw from the books..there is SO MUCH material.

Personally: If some folks do the same scene in my book, I am dandy with that, love to see different interpretations!

[Amerasu]

I bought Abarat and Septimus Heap but I haven't been able to find the others yet. I'll probably end up ordering them online this week if I can't find them elsewhere.

[Klawzie]

I'd already read Harry Potter 7 and (so I don't forget), I'm drawing [slight spoiler - highlight to read] Snape battling Prof. McG in the hallway of Hogwarts, what with the suits of armor and flying spells and wot!

I loved Septimus Heap enough to buy the second one immediately. I'm in the midst of reading that. >_>

I'll be hitting up Half.com soon to get more of the others. :3 Neither of my local public libraries have any of the books. At all. :o And it's almost as expensive for me to buy them used off the internet as it is to use the interlibrary loan. So I'd rather have the book than worry about returning it. :3

[Meran]

Amerasu, half.com had all the ones I didn't already have.
Klawzie: that's why I started buying the books. My fines were enough that I could have owned it, and many of them, I like to reread.
Cat, that'd be a great card. Go ahead and get that image down. We'll not run out of things to draw!
Meran

[abi]

Ok, here is my Harry Potter for EQ, I don't know how to do that cool spoiler thing if you highlight text so if you are really curious and unable to make the connection when you read the book pm me and I will clue you in.

[Amerasu]

That's great Abi! He's really cool!

I've been reading Abarat these past couple of days. I'm loving it so far, especially all of the paintings and art in the book done by Clive Barker. Very cool stuff.

[lemurkat]

RIght, finished with "Game of Thrones". Talk about epic! I like Bran, Arya and Snow. Love the wolvies!

Btw, did anyone else hear the sad news? Robert Jordan died a couple of days ago.

And you can post to me when you're done now.

Kat

[adriayna]

I guess the Wheel of Time won't ever be finished. That is sad.

The Game of Thrones series gets...harder to read as time goes on. You'll see what I mean if you keep reading it.

[EraserQueen]

I have ideas for all of my cards now and have finished two! I'll post them here after class :)

[Amerasu]

I've finished reading book 1 of both Abarat and Septimus Heap. I loved them!!

Septimus Heap was very easy reading and definitely for a young reader but it was a great deal of fun and I will be buying whatever other books she has out in the series. I can think of a zillion cards to do for this book. So many characters and places. Do you have any preferences, adriayna?

Abarat - I really really want to do Johnny Mischief or Lord Midnight on an ATC. Creepy stuff. Loved this book a lot. Turns out that my daughter's class will be reading this one for school in Grade 7 this year. Pretty cool.

Just a couple more books to go. Still have to find them but no worries. I'll check the library on the weekend.

[EraserQueen]

I LOVED Mr. Raven in Lillth, and will do something of him asking "Who are you??" Maybe in a zetti kind of gothic style :)

And Sal, I'm doing Jamie and his sister at "the window" That part of the book had such an impact on me.. Plus I get to draw Jamie again LOL

[Amerasu]

Cool EQ!! I love Jaime cards and one with his creepy, nasty sister is even better!

[Lagaz]

Oh man....you know I have to actually read these swap threads sometime. It looks like I missed a really good one! And you all have some of my fave books!

Lemurkat, if you host another one I'd like to get in on it too. Probably in the summer time would be best, as that's when I have unlimited time to read.

:sad: *can't believe missed a good swap!*

I can't wait to see your cards in the gallery, everyone!! :)

[adriayna]

Oh yes, I do. I LOOOVEEE the dragon boat! And the swap! And the boggart :)

[Amerasu]

Ok, I'm going to attempt the dragon boat then! Lots of description in the book so this should be a great one to do.

[Klawzie]

You'll deffinately be getting a dragon boat from me as well. XD I loved that thing. XD There's a very particular moment re: the boat that I want to do as well, so mine and Amerasu's will be different, no doubt. :D

[lemurkat]

Right, I've finished up my reading and now it's time to draw.

"Lilith" was rather a weird one, wasn't it? Lots of visual stimulus though - so much I'm tempted to draw - might see what other people have to offer first!

Here's my views on the books:

"Magyk" by Angie Sage
A good fun kid's fantasy novel with tongue-in-cheek humour and quite a few surprisises, also endearing characters. A delightful read.

"Abarat" by Clive Barker
Colourful tapestry of a novel, suited for young adults - 12+. With its strange and quirky characters, and highly original setting this is a wonderful and highly fresh fantasy adventure in a saturated market.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by JK Rowling
A satisfying conclusion to the adventures of our favourite boy wizard. Revelations will be made! Hard to put down once picked up.

"The Black Swan" by Mercedes Lackey
Has a nice fairytale feel but is a little sentimental to do more than just entertain. That it does, however, very well indeed.

"Lilith" by George MacDonald
A strange but lyrical fable set in a fantastical world. Although it does have fairly strong religious conotations, it is neither preachy nor corny. Elaborate and colourful if rather unusual.

"Game of Thrones" by George RR Martin
A grand epic of a fantasy novel, with villains you loathe and heroes you love. George RR Martin's characters get under your skin and into your hearts, making you feel their pain and joy with them. Much better than say, Robert Jordan.

Other people's verdicts?

Kat

[Klawzie]

Hahaa - XD I chose "Black Swan" since it was rather "light" reading with good (I hope) visuals. There were some seriously thick books in this group. :D And (I suspect, as I haven't read some of them yet), some of them are "denser" in language than others. XD

(ie: Plz do not judge my reading material by the book I chose. XD; )

Have obtained but not yet read some of these books... Might duck out of the house early before work to see if the bookstore has Bluebear and Abarat. And that's where I am. XD;

[abi]

Just finished bluebear! Great book! I loved it, too much to choose from :spinny: I am checking game of thrones out this week and have finished everything else. Yay!

[EraserQueen]

Loved Lillith. I actually read it before going to sleep, and it made me sleep 9NOT in a bored way, just the language use..A good Dante's Inferno translation puts me to sleep as well LOL)

I chose to do an Oil Pastel of thr Raven because I took a History class from a Philosophy teacher (so it was more like a Philosophical take on history course :eek: but the "Who are you" question that the raven asked struk me, so that's what I depicted. i want to add text to the card, but I am afraid of where to put it. Abi, if you want to add the words somewhere, that might be cool! :D

I made Sal's card, as I mentioned

I made Dana's I loved the dumb name of Petroc Trelawney (sorry if I spelled that wrong, I actually listened to the audio book version!) So the card is a Jenna and her pet rock :D

I haven't thought of what I want to do for the Captain Bluebear book, I read it a while back, and there's so much good material in it!

Still reading Abarat, and I don't care for Mercedes Lackey (but I don't hold that against your taste Klawzie! I've read your writing and like it!) So I am going through it slowly :)

[abi]

EQ - Yay, oil pastel with the possibilty of text is awesome!!! I must say I love text used in repetition as a textural background, but anything anywhere is fabulous. I am trusting you to play at will and I will be happy with anything you do :jiggy:

[Amerasu]

I still haven't found Lillith.

[Klawzie]

http://www.mrrena.com/misc/Lilith.shtml

This is my copy of Lilith. XD Hope it helps!

[EraserQueen]

Woah, that is an AWESOME book cover O_o

[Amerasu]

Super cool!! Thanks Klawzie! :)

[Meran]

Amerasu, if that is not good enough (hard to read in the bathtub, yes? ) I'd be glad to loan you mine.
Meran

[lemurkat]

Right, one month (and a bit) to go! How's everyone doing with their reading?

I've just finished my third Walter Moers book and I LOVE him! Can't wait to see what you fine folks have come up with.

Kat

[EraserQueen]

I just finished Klawzie's card! Yay :D

[Meran]

I finished the books long ago, and most cards are designed. I just have other card obligations before it! lol
I'm fairly confident about the cards and loved doing this swap. (I actually will be generating more cards than necessary from the books-always a plus!) Would love to see more of these!

[Klawzie]

I have two more books to read. :3 I have the cards from the others already uploaded. (But I think most of you have seen them. XD)

[abi]

Ok so my enthusiasm for the chicken barge has sailed. I may or may not finish that card, but the boggart is calling my name.

I am planning on getting to the black swan card soon, possibly today.

I have ideas for abarat and 13 1/2 lives, but I have not started game of thrones yet as I just finally got it from the library. It is my last I think.

Just updating. I plan on sending these by the middle of Nov. Is that enough time to get to you, Lemurkat?

[EraserQueen]

I have these finiashed compeletly, and the others are half done :)

For Klawzie:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/SongBird/1769630318_db620f5012.jpg

For Abi:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/SongBird/1779755801_97811e3b0f.jpg

[adriayna]

Beautiful Annie!

I've been reading and working on mine. These have been some awesome book selections! I should have something to post later this week :)

[lemurkat]

I require them to be in the post by the 30th Nov - I won't expect to receive them all before the 7th December and will send them out about then. If that's alright by everyone?

Kat

[lemurkat]

Yours look awesome, Annie! Love the swan maiden.

Kat

[Klawzie]

It's all right with me to expect the cards around Christmas. XD I'll try to get my cards into the mail so they arrive before Nov. 30, but with the holidays and international mail, who knows what'll happen? I'll treat myself for being awesomely lucky and on-time if they make it to your mailbox by the 30th. :D (I think that means I get to buy myself something. \o/ )

[Meran]

Oh! I had the date wrong!1 So glad!
I'm done totally with 3, 1 ready to 'color', 1 in sketchout, and one left to figure out what the heck!
I'll try to scan and post what's done now, for advance lookies.

[adriayna]

I've got mine mostly done...just putting on some finishing touches today and will send out tomorrow.. These were some FANTASTIC reads!

[abi]

I am so behind, well only with Amerasu's pick, I am trying to make it through her book, everyone else is in progress :)

[Meran]

Oh! I had the date wrong!1 So glad!
I'm done totally with 3, 1 ready to 'color', 1 in sketchout, and one left to figure out what the heck!
I'll try to scan and post what's done now, for advance lookies.

[abi]

Ok so I'm halfway done! Here are my first three submissions :)

The dragon is for EQ

The woman and fish "Beautiful Woman" for Meran

Bluebear "My Earliest Memory" for Lemurkat

I have Klawzie's and Adriayna's planned, and am still reading Amerasu's book

[lemurkat]

Aww, bluebear is so darned cute! I love the woman and fish too. Great book!

Kat

[Meran]

So you liked Abarat, Lemurkat? I'm so glad to show you a new, good book!
And yes, Abi, all three are very lovely cards, but mine is the best! Tho Bluebear is an awfully close second.
I'll be posting 4 of my 6 prob on Monday.. This weekend has been planned out for me, as usual.

[lemurkat]

Sorry Meran but I've had it for yers. I love "Abarat" and all of Clive Barker's work from the outset. But thanks for giving me the opportunity to re-read it!

Kat

[Meran]

Well, then, that's a GOOD thing! lol
I thought Abarat to be such a departure from his 'usual' work (Pinhead and all those), and quite refreshing... I love horror also, and have read most of his books.. some of the later ones I found boring tho. The love story one, I just can't remember the name, bored me almost to tears.
I check up on his site now and then; (have any of you gone out and SEEN Abarat's site yet? If not, go LOOK. It's more than fun and lovely), but he seems to be 'blocked'. He's 'still working on the Abarat books' (there'll be at least 3 more I think; the second one has been out for a while) ... He DOES do all the artwork for his books first, but at last update, some time ago, he was mostly done with it. So, now I guess he's writing them. All of them.
But what a body of work he has, hmm?

[Meran]

I've posted 4 of my 6 cards (the ones that are done) in the gallery for all to see. There's even a host card.. :)

[abi]

Here are the next two, I was hoping to be more productive today, but so goes life...

The mouse/sparrow is for Klawzie titled Odile's Creation. It is where she is trying to practice for her dad.

The Boggart is for Adriayna titled Boggart (really original I know).

Off to go read Amerasu's book :)

[Meran]

damn! that's what I get for waiting too long.. I wanted to do the boggart! Now, I'll have to pick something else.. :&

[abi]

I don't think she will mind more than one ;) and I thought I had procrastinated sufficiently, but you win this round...

[lemurkat]

I am absolutely stoked to see everyone working hard on their pieces! I've had really bad luck with Reading groups in the past - with members vanishing or just never getting around to send their art. This time I have very positive, high hopes for a most succesful group ^^

Kat

PS: the boggart rocks!

[Klawzie]

XDD As I recall, there will be several Dragon Boats, so why not several Boggarts? XD

I have my sketch, speaking of, of the Dragon Boat. Still waffling on Abarat (probably a portrait of Candy 'cause I love mis-matched eyes). Waiting for Blue Bear to come in. :x (I'm not particularly worried about it coming in in time to get a nice picture done, though. XD But it may be earlier in the book. XD )

Mmm. Was meant to be in bed a half hour ago and my brain is shot.....

OH. I know what I was going to say - sorry. XD;

I really love seeing what has come in for the swap - and not just for me. :3 These are so interesting to see what parts or characters get selected for illustration. :3

[adriayna]

I LOVED Abarat too. I read it a bit quickly in order to get enough ideas for the card, so I'd like ot go back and read it again :)

[Meran]

Okay, now for a bit of soul cleansing.....
My name since birth is Candace, known normally as Candy.
So, Candy is good! lol
(officially, as soon as we can get enough money together, Candace will become my middle name.. I will be the Meran you all know, to the IRS too. :) )

[EraserQueen]

I always liked the name Candace! :D

I think the only card I haven't figured out yet is the one for Abarat. I really tried a few times and am just not happy..I may go with my gut and draw Johnny Mischief, even though he's been done....

[Meran]

Now see? I didn't. And the teasing I always got over the name Candy!! First the kids, then as an adult, the men...
Johnny Mischief is good. But I always _wanted_ a Malingo... hint. LOL
Anything you want to do, dear. I'll be fine with it. :D
btw, has anyone gone to http://www.booksofabarat.com yet?

[EraserQueen]

Well, I did it. I made a Malingo. And you know what?? I REALLY LIKE IT. I tried really hard to make him look sweet, and I think it worked.

I'll upload soon...

[Meran]

YAY! thanks so much ... going out to see if he's in the gallery yet.
thanks dearie!!!!!!!!!!!!

[EraserQueen]

Im scanning a bunch right now, so it will be there soon :D

[lemurkat]

Oooh I love Malingo! can't wait to see and comment on it ^^

Kat

[EraserQueen]

They are there now!

[abi]

Oh so I am officially on ATC time out until I finish reading Game of Thrones, just under 300 pages to go, I think I will be finished by this weekend, which will be important as I have some other swaps that have been put on hold but are due soon. *inserts only motivational phrase can think of at the moment, equal to get off your lazy @$$ and get reading* SPARTA!!!!!

[Meran]

Abi, you prob should have an idea for a card by now.. there are, oh, maybe not yet... lol
the black robed guys up north could be a good one..
*trying hard not to give anything away*

[Amerasu]

I'm almost done! I plan to finish this weekend, along with the Chimera creatures and send both out to you on Monday.

[Klawzie]

Once I've had some sleep, I intend to finish up all the Reading Group cards and probably also all the Chimera cards too. :3 I have linework for most of them. :o

[abi]

must finish book... feel guilty picking image before finishing... only 150 pages to go... need sleep...

[Klawzie]

Aw... I don't know why you would feel bad about picking an image before finishing. XD There were a few cards I did that way, just because the image that hit me was so strong I had to do it right then. XD

It also allowed me to just enjoy the rest of the book without worrying about whether one scene would be 'better' to display... concentrating more on the imagery than what was going on. @_@

I'll probably do more cards based off the books from this swap. XD But I think by not repressing the artistic urge, I'm pretty happy. *ramble*

[lemurkat]

Cards received today from Adriayna - and I shall let you folks know, they're GREAT!

Kat

[lemurkat]

Btw, Klawzie, if your Bluebear doesn't arrive, I can recommend some good scenes to draw - the terradactyl would be awesome ^^

Kat

[Klawzie]

XD; I forgot to say that I'd got it! >_>

I say upfront that if anyone is unhappy with their card, pleaseplease let me know because I do have time to do something in addition for you! But I do hope you like them. XD;

Magyk: http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=2834
Bluebear: http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=2833
Abarat: http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=2832
Harry Potter: http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=2264
Lilith: http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=2245
Game of Thrones: http://www.illustratedatcs.com/forum/gallery/index.php?n=2244

*little flail*

*runs off to work on Chimeras*

[Meran]

Oh, I just *hate* mine.. I think 2 more would do it!
lol
just kidding of course, I love Candy.. :D

[Amerasu]

Ready with this swap and am posting in the morning.

Thanks for sharing your book choices everyone. I've had many good reads and a couple of great new series to continue with :)

[abi]

Oh, finally I got my idea, card and junk altogether so here the last and final installment of my set.

Titled - Tyrion (The Imp)

They will be going postal Monday!

[lemurkat]

Man, another beautiful card! I am in envy - of both your talents and the fact that I canna keep them all :(

Kat

[lemurkat]

Stunning cards received today from Amerasu! You guys are gonna swoon over them, I tell ya ^^ And my Bluebear page looks awesome opposite my Mortal Engines Reading Group one (Which Amerasu was also in).

Kat

[lemurkat]

HUGE package received from Annie just as I'm about to head out for work! I've poked through it and glanced at the lovely, beautiful contents, but not had a chance to fully enjoy them - or I'll be late for work! Just thought you'd like to know they're here ^^ AND I LOVE 'EM!

Kat

PS: thanks for the extra prints of the RG and CC cards for my own collection.

GREAT BIG LEMUR HUGS TO YOU Annie!

[Meran]

I finally finished my last 2. I don't know why but Harry Potter and Septimus Heap had me stumped. they're drying now, glue wise. Tonight I'll scan and post and then tomorrow they'll be in the mail. Whoohoo!

[EraserQueen]

*Dances* :jiggy: YAY!!!! I am SO GLAD it got to you safe and sound!!! W00T!111!!! And am glad you like the stuff :D BIG Eraser HUGS to you too :D

[adriayna]

Yay! The cards are looking great!

[lemurkat]

REceived yours today Abi! They're beautiful! Thanks for the stamps too, I'm sure I shall find them useful.

Cheers,
Kat

[abi]

yay they made it!!!

[lemurkat]

And I've finally made my "Lilith" card. It wasn't through lack of inspiration, but rather through too much! I didn't know what part to illsutrate, so I chose a conglomerate of images.

Hope you like it Abi - I even tried to incoporate text cos I know you like that ^^

Kat

[abi]

Yay!!! It is fabulous! REALLY WONDERFUL! Thanks so much! I am looking forward to seeing it in person!

[lemurkat]

REceived today from Meran - only one left to go!

Your cards are beautiful, btw - this has been a spectacular swap - thanks to all of you for making it work so wonderfully. You've completely motivated me to run another one next year ^^

But what book to nominate?

Returns will go out likely post-christmas, since noone seems to mind (and klawzie's are still in transit).

Kat

[Meran]

Kat, it was a very challenging but fun swap, I think.
It took only 10 days for my cards to arrive? good... was there enough in stamps on it?

[lemurkat]

I guess so, cos noone complained!

I shall scan cards tomorrow night, I reckon - esp if Klawzie's come in. Then you can see how they all look together.

Kat

[Amerasu]

I'd love to see them all together.

[lemurkat]

Can everyone please tell me their favourite 2-3 colours? Thanks!

Kat

[EraserQueen]

I love Orange and Blue combined together :D

Also red, white and black :)

[lemurkat]

Right, as klawzie's are still in transit (should be here any day now), she gets to have the privilege of seeing all six of her cards first.

If these can be transferred into the "swaps" gallery, that would rock. Thank you!

Kat

[EraserQueen]

WOW! That looks so cool!

[adriayna]

Kat, my favorite colors are blues, greens, and purples. Especially purples :)

[Meran]

mine are green, orange, and um, yellow, I guess.
I like them all.. it's more like what I DON'T like.. which is pink, but even some of those are cool (I do like coral, of the pinks)

The Black Swan cards: they are so different aren't they? Who did the mouse-bird? Very dramatic lighting!

[lemurkat]

The cards are by:
Meran, Amerasu
Adriayna, LemurKat
EraserQueen, Abi

I had to lighten up the mouse for the scan. It's really awesome!

Kat

[abi]

Favorite colors either light blue/lime-ish green or magenta/orange/golden yellow

Meran, what you couldn't tell the the mouse/swallow was mine? Didn't you see the text? As for the lighting I was trying to show moonlight revealing what the creature truly is supposed to be as opposed to the magic bird that it was turned into.

[Meran]

No abi, I didn't see text. I wondered if it was yours. It's done very nicely, dramatically.

[Meran]

oh! there it is! Text! you did a marvelous job.. at first, I didn't remember the scene... but your card brought it back.
I had trouble, a bit, during this swap, but the rewards are great.. really quite fine!

[lemurkat]

Still waiting on Klawzie's I'm afraid... I shall be PMing her shortly to see if I should be starting to get concerned! Rest assured, these cards will be posted soon!

Kat

[lemurkat]

AT what point do I give up? klawzie emailled me ages ago saying she'd have them in the post in a few days and I said "no real rush as I didn't want to post them out until after Christmas" but it is now the new year and I've been waiting and waiting and still no sign of them... I've emailled her and PMed her and no response. But if they're in the post and just delayed - then as soon as I send out the returns, I can be sure they'll arrive - but if they're not in the post then I want to send out the returns pronto! I don't want to get negative feedback just cos one person is holding up the entire swap!

Has anyone heard hide nor hair from her since the 4th december? Can anyone contact her?

I've mailled Zamurai's cards out (chimera) - he was the only person not affected by Klawzie's absense in some way or another, whether it be by being in this group or also in a chimera Group with her.

I'm starting to get stressed and anxious here! I don't want to wait forever... but I don't want to fork out two lots of postage for a dozen people either!

Kat

[abi]

I am content to wait, but I am in no real rush for anything as far as returns go. Oh and I couldn't dream of leaving you negative feedback for being nice and waiting, really or even neutral for that matter, you have been great!

I guess if they are not in the mail I don't know. I do know that I had an overnight package lost before Christmas that was only going to Maryland, so anything is possible.

[Meran]

Kat, I think we're all fine, waiting. You're being communicative, that's what we usually worry about.
Does anyone live near Klawzie? If she lived with her mom, maybe we can contact her mom, at the old address? Just to make sure she's fine. I'll bet she thought she'd mailed them, then lost them in the move, and is frantic looking for them!

[adriayna]

I'm ok waiting :). We know you and trust you! I dont' really know Klawzie, unfortunately, so I can't be of more help.

[EraserQueen]

I do not mind waiting a little longer. I am going to what I can do about contacting Chella. At this point I am kind of worried about her...

[Amerasu]

Kat, I'd give up and mail out. Klawzie has been missing since Dec. 3 and is not responding to PMs, emails or updating her swap threads (she's currrently hosting 2). It doesn't look like her cards are going to arrive anytime soon.

I'm going to try and phone her tomorrow though we're guessing as to whether or not the number we have is correct. I'll try though. But just go ahead and mail out whenever you're ready. There's no need to wait on this any longer as the swap is going on 6 weeks overdue.

I hope she's alright too. She's a nice girl and we miss her funny posts but we can't wait around indefinitely. :)

[adriayna]

She has an etsy store...has it been updated?

[Amerasu]

No, nothing of hers has been updated. I've checked a few sites.

[lemurkat]

I'll give her one more week - then I'll return all her cards to the appropriate artists. *sighs* and I had such high hopes this time for a 100% return rate...

Kat

[Amerasu]

Klawzie has sent me an email. She is ok but life was really stressful and busy for her with work and moving over the last month. She feels really bad about everything. Here is her email for Kat:

"To Lemurkat - (I would email her directly but it bounced twice?)
My mom was meant to post those out by express, but she apparently got her wires crossed with me. I have NO IDEA where the package is now because it can be in any number of the unpacked boxes. If I can get the addresses for the people I owe cards to (Chimerical Critters and Readers Group) I will send them out individually to their homes or to some sort of central location to go out with another host's cards. I do not mind bad feedback (not neutral - bad) because I should have sent them out early when I had the time. *sigh*"


I am going to send Klawzie everyone's mailing address so she can send the cards direct to you.

[lemurkat]

Thanks Amerasu. I'll be posting these out either today or tomorrow - today is sunday, so I may not be able to buy stamps, but definitely tomorrow! They're all packaged and ready to go. And have been for the last week.

Kat

[Meran]

Got my cards today, Whoo HOO!
awesome stuff.. was puzzled as to why I got one of them back, tho I like it a lot.. then I realized it was Klawzie's.. so that's okay. We'll handle that when we cross the bridge.
Thanks Kat, for the fun and glory of these cards and books. I want to do another... Have you put any thought into that?
;)

ps. I stupidly forgot to thank you for the bookmark you gave us/me.. it's a good one, and I'll be using it!

[lemurkat]

For sure Meran! I love these things. And you folks deserve the bookmarks after how long you've had to wait.

I sent the cards you all did for Klawzie back to you - she's going to distribute them out seperately and you can work it out with her.

Btw, the reason your envelope was slit and retaped, Meran, was because I got over zealous at preparing them early, then realised I meant to draw Grendel. Amerasu's suffered similarly because I forgot to slip in the pic I had done of her hubby. I hope neither of you thought your mail'd been tampered with!

Kat

[Meran]

Um, I was so excited to see the envie that I didn't notice the retaping.. it was hard to open because of it, but ,,, um,, prob just thought you wanted to make sure it wasn't gonna spill in some post office somewhere.
:embarrassed:

and I love my Grendel card. Sometime today I should be able to leave you a RAK point for it. Thanks so much!

And I figured out the Klawzie thing.. anybody hear from her yet? Officially? Must be hard for her; frustration at not being able to find the cards, or ANYTHING.. ("where's that favorite skirt of mine?") Thanks for dealing with all this Lemurkat!

[abi]

Yay! My cards came in yesterday! I will be leaving feedback soon! Thanks again everyone and a special thanks to our wonderful hostess!