Update 19/12/12
Hello,
As usual, let me start by apologising for my lengthy absence from the site. I really should be contributing a little more to the site, but as things stand now with... work for the Institution, applications to another, higher institution and various issues that have been pulling me back, I've not been able to do anything else. I hope that's fine by you.
Now, on with the news:
News: White Apples
Due to recent epiphanies, I have been working hard on rebuilding the plot. 'Why?', I hear you ask? Because there are loop holes in the current one, things to elaborate on, things that must be taken advantage of for the sake of the plot and the quality, and it is my duty as the author to take advantage of all I can for the good of my work. So, in true Ruin Takada style, I have taken to making important notes from the current plan on bus journeys, to use for the new plan. So far, from November 9th to present day, I have gotten up to chapter 16 on the notes, and chapter 3 on the new plan. I'd go right ahead and say that you shouldn't expect anything until June 2013, but then we all know what happens when I do that...
As I've always been one for research, I've been reading one or two things that you may find interesting, in particular 'We Need To Talk About Kevin' by Lionel Shriver. In case you didn't already know, this is the documentation through letters (a method used by one or two other famous classics) of a woman's Big Question. The woman is mother of Gladstone High Shooter 'KK', Eva Khatchadourian. Her Big Question? Did her total incapability when it comes to parenting shape her first born into the monster he became, or was he always a monster, and she the victim of her own spawn? To answer this question, you will have to read the book yourself, but let me tell you now: This is a beautifully written work of literary art, at a level I would personally strive for. If you are happy with the rather biting, raw first person account of a surprisingly cold woman, and material that I wouldn't recommend to anyone under the age of 18 or to men who find themselves squeamish and faint when confronted with feminine mysteries, then this is the book for you.
(Note: I understand that, due to the events of Friday 14th December 2012, for which we all mourn, this is probably a poorly-timed recommendation, considering that this book has quite a bit to say about Kevin's 'colleagues' and their crimes. As inconsiderate as this sounds, I make no excuse for quality, nor was this really intentional - I had only finished reading this book on Thursday 13th. In any case, i hope you find the time to read and enjoy this work as I did.)
I'd tell you about the 2011 film of the book released by Artificial Eye, starring Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly (who some of you may remember from the Darren Shan film 'The Vampire's Assistant') and Ezra Miller as the terror himself, but I haven't watched it yet. I plan to at the weekend, though.
As you can see, a lot of time and dedication is going into this fic, so expect brilliance... eventually.
News: General
As you may or may not know, this Saturday, December 22nd, is when I celebrate another year writing fanfiction. Believe it or not, this year, 2012, is going to be the 5th Anniversary of the start of my fanfic writing career.
So, what will I be doing to celebrate?
Well, if we all survive the 21/12/12 prediction and enter B'ak'tun 13 without incident, I will gift you all with an excerpt of the up-and-coming Death Note crossover fic, Ave Maria. As I plan to have the first chapter published online at some point in January 2013 (on the 28th at the very latest), I feel this is the best time to show you what I have in store for you.
Now, before you read it on Saturday, there're just two things you should know:
1) This fic is something of a tie-in with my fic CoffinSide, so I suggest you read this fic before you read the excerpt. Really. This excerpt will shed a whole new light on everything.
2) This fic is a crossover with the stand-alone novel Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin. Now, let me get this straight: This is a wonderful piece of literary art that you must at least once in your lifetime. It won't take you very long to read it, but regardless of this fact you MUST read it. It doesn't matter how old you are, whether you are a boy, a girl or just awaiting surgery - this is the most important book you will ever read. What is more, this is getting crossed over with Death Note here, so you KNOW it's important!
All in all, you do not want to miss this excerpt for the world.
Yes, I know I've used a lot of space for this, but it's actually been quite a scant news update. Don't worry; I'm going to make up for this with the celebration excerpt on Saturday, and some sporking in due time.
Thank you all for being patient, and being wonderful as always. If you have anything to say about today's news update, then please just use the comment function as usual.
Thanks again,
Ruin Takada XXX