Blog Posts

Character Art 1 - Vikings

10/5/2022

Hello everybody. I've been trying out some AI art sites, mostly working on settings and characters. At the moment I'm only using free services, and I'm definitely seeing that each site has it's strengths and weaknesses.

I've spent the most time so far on NightCafe and Artbreeder. The former is kind of hit-and-miss on what the tech puts out based on your prompts. The latter allows you to refine faces and features more, but also has limitations.

I'm going to try a Slideshow here. All of these images were made on NightCafe. I have a lot of trouble with eye color (request brown, get blue, etc). These are alphabetical, based on file names.

In order we have...

-Almost Lukkas. Should be about halfway between the shirtless wonder and the beefier, serious guy in attempt 2.
-Asgrid is an evolved version of an attempt at Birgit that finally got the eyes I wanted, but the face shape wasn't right.
-Birgit has blue eyeshadow. No idea why. It's just what the tech threw out.
-Princess A is going through a name change right now. I haven't learned how to control the close-up level, but the first pic does a good job illustrating her moody teen tendencies. The second shows her too young but gets the hair and eyes right.
-Harald was an attempt at another character, evolved into Harald. He's fun!
-Jorgen should be halfway between these two.
-Maja. I did not ask for fantasy. This is an evolved version of an attempt at her that ended up looking way too young.

Next, some work I've done on Artbreeder.

This Lukkas is much closer to what I see in my head The eyes still aren't right, and he's missing his cheeky grin, but it's not bad. Artbreeder doesn't give you a lot of control over eye color, but NightCafe gives you almost none, so it's a toss-up.

Of the three Birgits here, I'm kind of stuck between 3 and 4. I think 2 almost looks too innocent. Birgit is very innocent, but she has hidden depths. If I could combine those last two with the one from NightCafe, it would be just about perfect.

Note: on Artbreeder, all my attempts at Princess A have ended up looking too modern. Not sure why.

Note: on NightCafe, if you use the prompts "Viking" or "Viking Age" you are apt to get horns growing out of the person's head. Amusing, but not helpful.

I'll happily answer questions if you have any. Thank you for reading.

Kate

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Secret revealed. WeWriWa Oct1, 2022

10/1/2022

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Welcome back, and Happy October! This week I managed to enter my link correctly on the WeWriWa blog. To visit the blog, and thus all the awesome writers who participate, click the image below.

Last week Maja's aunt Asgrid told her she did not think it was necessary to keep hiding the truth, but would go along with it for a while longer. This week, the secret is revealed to readers, but the men from Hilvard will continue to be left in the dark.

This week's snippet:

Maja curled herself tighter under the furs and fought waves of grief. She had thought there would be more time to spend with Uncle Hjelmar, riding across the meadow, wailing like a banshee as she was never allowed to do in Lenuka where she was a representative of her father and the crown of Islak. In Hjelmar’s village, though everyone knew she was the princess, she had been allowed a few brief weeks each summer to be just a child.
Maja swallowed her tears and tried to clear her mind. Aunt Asgrid was right; she needed rest. On the morrow there would be a great many decisions to be made, and she knew her aunt would require her counsel. Her head hurt less, thanks to some herbs Lene had given her, but she could not quite settle and convince her body to rest.
Forcing her breathing to slow, Maja carefully did not think about home, her parents, her brother, or her uncle. She did not think of the village either. Instead, she found herself picturing a handsome yet dirty face and deep, dark eyes, the color of which she did not yet know.

The rest of the scene is below, if you'd like to read it. Thanks for stopping by.

Kate

There had not been enough light in the cave to see. Why Jorgen of Hilvard's face should intrude into her thoughts she could not say, nor why the memory of his eyes should be both frightening and comforting. He had not shown any sign of seeing her as anything other than an injured woman. No threat had been implied in his gaze, his questions, or his probing of her wound. Why then did she feel nervous thinking back to that brief moment when their gazes had met and locked? It had not been long, half a moment really, certainly not long enough to cause Maja any discomfort this much later.
Rather than fight the thoughts, she allowed herself to be soothed by them. She was not afraid of her feelings, only confused by them. It could not be attraction she felt, she was certain, for she had felt that before and it was a far more overwhelming set of emotions. Flutterings of the stomach, skipping of beats of her heart, and a feeling of lightness to almost giddiness. None of that did the thought of Jorgen Andriksson give her. And when her weary mind wondered how it would feel to have his strong arms around her, she paid it no mind at all, but rather snuggled deeper under her furs as if she truly was held and safe.

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WeWriWa Sept 24, 2022

9/24/2022

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What is WeWriWa, you ask? I'll tell you. It's a blog hop specifically for writers who want to share short snippets of their work. It stands for Weekend Writing Warriors. Click the image below to visit the home blog and discover your next favorite author.

We left Maja in a cave, snuggling her frightened little cousin. This week we meet her aunt Asgrid. They have learned that Asgrid's husband has was killed in the raid, and that Jorgen's men are helping to fix shelter for the survivors, as night is coming on.

“He has gone,” Lady Asgrid said, knowing her niece no longer slept.
     Maja opened her eyes but did not try to move. “Thank you, aunt.”
     “I do not agree that it is best to keep your identity a secret,” Asgrid chided gently. “But I will do so—for a time—because you ask it of me. Here, let me take her.” Bending to take the child from Maja, Asgrid pressed a light kiss to her niece’s head. “Now sleep. You will want all of your strength on the morrow.”
     Maja settled more comfortably now that she could move the arm which had gone numb from the slight weight of her little cousin.

More, if you like...a bit of Maja's thoughts as she tries to settle and sleep:

Tears came unbidden at the thought of her fierce yet kind uncle. Hjelmar had at first frightened her, but once he had caught her sneaking a treat and sneaked one along with her, a mischievous gleam in his eyes and a grin beneath his great red beard, she had known him for a kindred spirit and a powerful ally in any and all kitchen raids she might wish to conduct. He had even once allowed her to don his helm as they “pillaged” the larder. The only condition ever laid upon these ventures was that Maja not say a word to her Aunt Asgrid about them.

Hjelmar was brother to Maja's mother. He was jarl of the village, and leaves behind six children, the eldest of which is a girl of fifteen.

That's all for me this week. I'm looking forward to reading everybody's posts.

Kate

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WeWriWa Sept, 17, 2022

9/17/2022

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Weekend Writing Warriors is my favorite blog hop, maybe because it's the only one I've ever participated in. Click the image below to visit the WeWriWa blog and find links to all the authors who take part.

Last weekend we left off with a servant insisting that Maja had to rest, so Jorgen had to stop asking questions. This week we skip a bit to Maja's thoughts after Jorgen has left the cave.

If only she had thought as far as Morgyt looking for her in this village! If she had gone anywhere else, all these people might now be safe.
A voice in her head told her that she had saved lives, and that should count for something, but she could not help fearing that the entire village was a ruin now, and far more lives lost because of her presence. Her aunt and uncle would never have turned her away, but she might have found another place to hide, and they might live yet. Of course she did not know that they were dead. It only seemed likely. Her uncle would have fought, of that she had no doubt. Her aunt might have run to safety.
Maja beat her fists on the ground and let one tear fall down her cheek. If she had not stumbled over that root, she would at least be able to help search for others, and tend to the wounded.

The rest of the scene follows, if you would like to read it.

As it was, she could only lie by the fire and wait for news to be brought. Perhaps she would not have been of much help, but anything would be better than being forced to wait and watch, unable to even rise from the pile of furs in which she had been deposited.
     "Maja?" a small, thin voice called.
     "I am here, dumpling." She called back, reaching a hand out to the youngest of her cousins. "What news?"
     The little girl shook her head, but took the offered hand and sat near her. "None yet. Do you think Papa and mama..." she could not finish the question.
     "We must have hope, little one." Maja pulled her close and placed a kiss on her soft golden hair. "They will be found."
"What if they are not?" tears sparkled in Dagmar's eyes.
     Maja fought back a wave of grief; it was like her parents' deaths all over again. "Then you shall live with me, and I shall care for you." She snuggled the girl closer and prayed her aunt and uncle would be found alive.

That's my contribution for the weekend. See you around the 'hop.

Kate

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Weekend Writing Warriors, Sept 10, 2022

9/10/2022

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Welcome to my favorite blog hop, where writers around the net share 8-10 sentences from one of their works and go around visiting each other's websites because it's fun!

Last week, we left off with Jorgen having met Maja, a lady with a head injury and a secret. In the extra I posted it was revealed that Maja was not in the capital city when Morgyt the Wolf struck, but her immediate family was. Her husband and parents were killed.

This week's snippet picks up there:

“And your brother?” he asked, suspicions forming in his mind.
     “A band of men smuggled the prince out of the city.” Finally, she looked up. “My brother was with them.”
     “The prince—what of the princess?” Jorgen asked. “It has been nigh on six months. Have you no word of her?”
     “No more questions.” The servant nearly shouted. “My lady must rest.”

Nothing extra this time. Next weekend we'll switch to Maja's POV. Can't wait to read everyone else's snippets!

Kate

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Weekend Writing Warriors, Sept 3&4, 2022

9/3/2022

16 Comments

It's that time of weekend again, where writers can share 8-10 sentences of one of their works in a blog hop and support one another with insightful and encouraging comments. Click the banner below to visit the WeWriWa blog and find your new favorite authors.

Last week we met Jorgen from Hilvard. He and his men have been tracking their enemies from Berunia. Unfortunately for the people of Islak's coastal village of Lundrskag, the baddies are faster than the good guys from Hilvard. Skipping ahead a little, we're going to meet Maja, an Islaker woman with a secret.

The lady allowed Jorgen to examine her head and answered his questions as best she could: her name was Maja; she was in a village on the coast of Islak visiting family, but lived farther inland in the town of Lenuka. And while he held up three fingers, his companion was holding two up behind his head. That made her smile a bit, and had Jorgen turning to swat away the hand of the offending wretch. “Your head will ache for a few days, and you may bear a scar, but you shall live, Maja.”
     “Tell me, Jorgen Andriksson,” she began, “does my—does the jarl of this village live? Are the family safe?
     “I know not, lady. My men are searching for survivors.” Jorgen hastened to tell her. Looking at the people huddled in the cave he addressed them: “The Berunians are gone from this place. ..."

More of the scene, if you'd like to read...

"...If you wish to help in the search, you may do so without fear. None of my people will harm you.”
     An old woman came forward, grasped his hand, and kissed it. “Lord bless you, Jorgen Andriksson!”
     The people shuffled out, nodding in deference to the injured lady who lay still by the fire. Her servant bustled about her, tucking the blanket more firmly, offering a bit of broth which was refused.
     The lady fixed Jorgen with an intent stare. “What are your dealings with the Berunians?”
     “You waste no time.” Jorgen almost smiled. “I seek to put an end to Morgyt’s false dealings and ambitions. He has harassed my people, my lands too long. I am sorry that I could provide the people of this village with no warning, but I looked for him to attack elsewhere.”
     “Morgyt.” The woman spat out the name. “He has killed many, and knows no remorse. Any foe of Morgyt’s is an ally to me.” She declared boldly.
Jorgen’s gaze probed hers. “What has he done to you?”
Maja’s eyes dropped to her hands. “There are those I loved who have perished because of his schemes. I am an orphan and a widow, thanks to Morgyt. Of close family all that remains to me is a brother, and I know not where he is, or if he still lives.”
     Comprehension apparent in his eyes, Jorgen spoke again. “You were in Lenuka when he struck.” It was no question, and yet she answered him.
     “No. I was here. My family sent me to my uncle, fearing an open attack from Morgyt’s forces. I had word later of my parents’ deaths, and my husband’.” Still, she would not meet his gaze.

That's all for this week. I have posted the entire first chapter of my humor novel North Pole: Confidential on the Exclusive Excerpt page. I'd love some feedback on it if anyone has the time and the inclination.

I look forward to reading all my fellow-writer's posts this weekend. :)

Kate

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Weekend Writing Warriors 8/27/22

8/27/2022

10 Comments

WeWriWa is back, and so am I!

To read all the other excerpts from our wonderful group of writers, just click the button below.

This weekend's excerpt comes from my never-ending Viking saga, tentatively titled Against the Ashes, and since it's the first snippet to be posted from this work, I'm starting at the very beginning (a very good place to start).

"For more than a dozen years he had led them. Jorgen had proven his worth as a leader time and again, both in peace time and in battle. For this they respected him. Never would he ask the lowest of his warriors to do any task he would not willingly do himself. For this they loved him. And in all the years, and all the wars, not once had he failed to obtain victory, not once had an enemy evaded him for long, and not once had a betrayal gone unpunished. While no man might say he was unjust, Jorgen's men knew that his fury knew no bounds when he or his people had been wronged. For this, though they might not admit to as much, his men feared him. The combination of feelings he inspired created in the eyes of his men the stature of a legend, even a god--though never would any voice such a thought, fearing to displease the man who held such things as sacrilege.

Jorgen stood for a moment, watching his men as they looked into half-burned homes and called out to the air. Satisfied that his instructions were being obeyed, he strode to the edge of the village and began to help move timbers and stones from a doorway.

A shout heralded the first body found."

Context: Jorgen and his men had been tracking their enemies, and failed to anticipate them striking a coastal village; having arrived too late to warn the people of Lundrskag of the danger, Jorgen is determined to offer what aid he can.

Okay that wasn't the "very" beginning, but it's early in the first chapter and it introduces one of our heroes in a way that gives a good overview of his character.

Thank you for reading. I'll see you next weekend, if not before.

Kate

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In loving memory...

8/23/2022

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Don't know if anyone has been wondering why I disappeared this last time, but I actually have a good reason. Lost my father this spring (he would say I should have been more careful where I put him). Then we found out my mother's cancer is back. Been a rough several months for the family.

Anyway, about Dad...

He was nuts, in the very best way. Funny, creative, intelligent, and devoted to his family. I get my love of puns from him, as well as my eyes. He was everybody's rock, and we're all wobbling without him.

Things I miss: his smile; his laugh; his hugs; his bread (my dad baked the best bread in the world); his unique way of looking at things; stories from his Army days, and his theater days; talking through plot problems with him; recasting old movies together. There's more of course, but I can't remember all of it at the moment. Oh, him playing the guitar. He didn't do that as much in the last few years, but I remember Daddy and his guitar a lot more than Daddy and his harmonica. When I was a kid and the guitar came out we all knew it was time to sing. Not to rehearse for anything, but just to be together, sharing the music.

Wish I'd asked him more questions, about himself, about his life, about his childhood. Wish I'd hugged him more. Wish I'd told him how much his support has meant over the years. When things were bad with the boys, we never would have gotten through without "Grandpa."

I wish he'd read the first draft of North Pole: Confidential, but in a way it is oddly fitting that he didn't. Dad always talked about getting "around to it." At some point he and Mom decided "a round to-it" was some kind of furniture they were going to buy--most likely a small table. Back to the book though, he would have loved that crazy story, and I decided long ago to dedicate it to him.

There's really far too much in my heart for one blog post, but it didn't feel right to not write about this. Dad never liked a fuss, so there was no funeral, there's no cemetery plot to visit. In a way, this is my memorial to him. And for a writer, I am sadly unable to truly put into words how wonderful and how loved my father was, and how much he is missed. The world is better for his example, and dimmer without him in it.

Rest in peace, Daddy.

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New horizons.

1/25/2022

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I can't believe I'm typing this but...I'm still writing! Almost every day since the start of November I have been writing. The current WIP is going wonderfully, and I am enjoying the process instead of agonizing over it. Writing has become fun again. It's still work, but I'm enjoying it a lot more.

I'm also learning Norwegian. Took a break from that over the holidays, but I'm back to it. While I am nowhere near fluent, I have been working on it for about a year and can confidently say I speak the language at least as well as the average Norwegian one-year-old.

Trying to get back to blogging on a semi-regular basis. If you're reading this, please consider leaving a comment just to let me know. If you're not reading this, then I am talking to myself here.

Last bit. I will be putting up a brand new excerpt from one of my novels. It will either be from my humor novel North Pole: Confidential, or my current WIP Against the Ashes (working title). One is pre-pandemic modern and filled with the sort of wacky fun that one might encounter in a story that revolves around a missing elf case, and the other is set in/inspired by the late Viking Age. More info for both novels on the Bookshelf page.

Stay warm, friends.

Kate

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My Yearly Post

12/31/2021

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Why have I not been posting? Well it started out with severe depression and family issues, and then progressed to the same, but also having nothing to say. For the longest time I wasn't writing much of anything, and nobody wants to read about my trying new recipes or the tale of the broken floor joists.

On to why I'm posting now... I've been writing again! I'm also hoping 2022 will be better. Will everything magically improve overnight? Of course not. Will I keep making gradual improvements? Yes. Every step backward feels like a failure, but I will keep moving forward in spite of myself.

So, on the writing front, I finished a first draft. How's that for news? I haven't finished a draft since...okay that's embarrassing, I don't want to admit it. So next year I will start on draft two, and if all goes well I might even be able to publish North Pole: Confidential in time for the holidays. Don't hold me to that. Every time I try to establish a reasonable timeline, life smacks me in the face again and tells me to go to the back of the line.

I accidentally won NaNoWriMo this year. Had no intention of trying to reach 50K words, but for some reason they just started flowing. I've continued writing through this month. I will keep going as long as the groove holds, and hope to finish the first draft soon.

What is the new novel? Well it's a Viking-ish story. What does that mean? It means it is more inspired by than faithfully set in the Viking Age. Late Viking Age. Early enough for petty kingdoms to still exist, late enough that Christianity is taking hold but the old ways are not gone. Working title is Against the Ashes.

I'd add a question for my readers, but I'm not sure I have any anymore. If everyone gave up on me, I understand. For a while, I gave up on me too.

Not much else to say actually, other than I hope everyone stays safe and well, and has a peaceful 2022.

Kate

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