Let's Party!

[wiseheart]

Two years ago we had great fun with this thing. So, I thought, why not give it another try?

It's called the Collapsed Threads Game, and the goal is to have so many comments that the individual threads would collapse. Deadline is October 9 (next Thursday), which is my 52nd birthday. Yes, I'm actually that old, at least on paper. *g*

Two years ago, we had 250+ comments. I aim to break the record this time. So, talk to me, ask questions, send people my way, have fun - the goal is to reach at least four pages. More were better, but four pages full of collapsed threads would be wonderful, too.

I won't have a birthday party in RL, so let's throw one in cyberspace and have a good time, eh?

Oh, and I'll bounce up the entry date each day till October 9, so that newcomers can join the party, too. The more, the merrier. *g*

Fazit:
Many heartfelt thanks to all those who came to my virtual party: those who generated interesting discussions, those who sent me virtual cake and those who just dropped by to brighten my day. I had great fun, I had inspiring discussions, and we have broken the record - thank you!

Special thanks to altariel and the_wild_iris who sent many new, lovely visitors to the party - I hope some of you will drop by from time to time later.

Thanks again, it was great fun... the best party I could have imagined.

Addendum:
And lookie, I got a wonderful birthday ficlet from Larner! Am so pleased! It has been forever since anyone gifted a birthday fic upon me. *is happy*

Comments

[katlinel.livejournal.com]

Here via altariel to wish you a very happy birthday for Thursday and collapsed threads!

BTW, I think I may have read some Cadfael fic with your lj name on it? If so, I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed it. (I am very bad at commenting on fics I have read and am trying to do better.)

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Welcome, welcome! Actually, the only Cadfael fic I've posted so far is Vox Angelica, to FF.Net as well as to hiddenrealms. Although I did discuss a few more story ideas somewhere. Either here or on my Otherworlds list.

I'm glad you liked the fic. I love Cadfael very much - my generous friends in the UK, the Netherlands and the USA helped me to hunt down the books I couldn't get here via the English bookshop, so I'm the proud owner of every single novel and the beautiful tome about Cadfael's herb garden, too. The only thing I'm still after is that Cadfael companion I read about somewhere. Perhaps another trip to the bookshop would be in order, soon.

[katlinel.livejournal.com]

I went to check and yes, Vox Angelica is the one I read. I am going to re-read it later, with pleasure.

Your Cadfael collection must give you great satisfaction. I have all the novels, but that's all, and periodically, I re-read them. I hope you find the Cadfael Companion as well. Cadfael is such a very engaging character, as are the supporting cast. I do enjoy re-visiting their world.

And the threads have collapsed on page 1 of the comments! Excellent!

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Yes, I so love Cadfael, and all the recurring characters, even that haughty Prior Robert. I intend to write several more Cadfael fics one day, including a couple that would take place in Wales. I also have an idea for a prequel to "A Morbid Taste of Bones" and for a sequel to "The Sanctuary Sparrow".

Which is your favourite Cadfael novel?

[katlinel.livejournal.com]

I shall look forward to seeing more of your Cadfael fic!

Oh gosh, I find it really hard to pick a favourite anything. I think if I have to name just one, it would be The Summer of the Danes, because I have a lot of affection for Brother Mark, and I like Brother Cadfael is his vagus mood, especially when that takes him to Wales. Mind you, in opposition to that, I also like scenes set in Cadfael's herbalist's hut too, which is yet another home for Cadfael. And if I'm doing a top three, maybe An Excellent Mystery would come in third.

Do you have a favourite Cadfael novel or two? Or even favourite moments?

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

My absolute favourite is "The Pilgrim of Hate" - the one with the miraculous healing of the later Brother Rhun, tightly followed by "A Sanctuary Sparrow" and "The Confession of Brother Haluin". I, too, love Brother Mark, especially when he's in St. Lazarus. And the stories set in Wales. I'm uite fond of Owain Gwynedd, actually.

[katlinel.livejournal.com]

My absolute favourite is "The Pilgrim of Hate" - the one with the miraculous healing of the later Brother Rhun

After I asked you the question, I was trying to think about some of my favourite moments and that was one of them! I also like it because it goes with Cadfael's vision of Winifred turning to look at him full face and smiling so that he knows for sure he has done the right thing by both her and all the pilgrims who come to Shrewsbury seeking her.

I think The Sanctuary Sparrow is very good for showing life on the edge. And I also feel sorry for Susanna as she's a complex figure in a difficult position, despite her choices to do the wrong things. There are lots of very different women in that story all trying to find their way in a man's world!

I find Brother Haluin a difficult one to read because I'm squeamish and the description of his accident and injuries get to me. But that's a sign of the good writing, that I can't just gloss over what happens to Haluin.

One of things I like about Brother Mark is that Ellis Peters makes it very clear very quickly that Cadfael has as much need of what Mark can give as Mark did of what Cadfael could give him. I do enjoy their interdependent relationship.

I don't know anything about the historical Owain Gwynedd but Ellis Peters makes a very vivid character of him, that always adds something to the stories set in Wales.

BTW, since you mentioned Robert, I just wanted to say that I think you've captured him exactly in the first chapter of Vox Angelica when you describe him as being torn between benevolent willingness and reluctance.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

What I also loved in "The Pilgrim of Hate" was the fact that Rhun actully never prayed for his own healing. When he says "What I have I can bear" is so touching.

RE: "The Sanctuary Sparrow" - I feel sorry for Susanna, too. I could have cheerfully murdered that stupid father of hers. But she really sacrificed her chance of happiness because of simple wealth. I could believe the Welsh lad when he said that he'd have taken her in her undershift.

I'm glad you find that I captured Prior Robert well. He's an interesting character to write.