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PLEASE NOTE: The contest portion of the Alayna Williams event is now over the winner will be chosen at a later date and contacted via email.
Character Profiling with Tarot Cards by Laura Bickle
Tarot cards are a fun and effective way to get past writer’s block. I wrote both Dark Oracle and Rogue Oracle with a deck of cards at hand – much like my heroine, Tara Sheridan, a criminal profiler who uses Tarot cards to solves crimes.
The cards are useful to draw at random to help build plots and sub-plots. Whenever I pull one, I free-associate a whole new set of paths for my characters to wander down. The images in the cards become settings, allies, and obstacles.
But my favorite way to use the cards is to profile my characters with them. And I’ll show you how to do a quick and dirty analysis of a character’s strengths and weaknesses.
Start with a deck of Tarot cards that you like. I’m using the classic Rider-Waite deck in this example, but you can use any deck that has symbolism that speaks to you. I do suggest using a deck that has pictures on the numbered Minor Arcana (pip) cards, rather than just numbers. Also, find a good book of Tarot card meanings. There are many out there – I’d suggest a separate book, because it will have more information than the short paragraphs usually contained in the small pamphlets that come with most Tarot decks.
Grab some paper and a pencil, too. All set?
Next, pick a significator for your character. In Tarot reading, a significator is chosen to represent the querant, to focus the reading and sometimes provide additional information about where a person is in life at the time. I know that my own significators have shifted over time as I’ve changed…and so have the ones for my characters. You can choose one at random, or select one that calls to you. I generally suggest choosing a card that has a person figuring prominently, like one of the twenty-two Major Arcana Tarot cards (the ones that show the Hero’s Journey) or one of the court cards (the Knights, Pages, Queens, and Kings). Many books have been written on the art of choosing a significator, and there are a lot of details for those who want to get deeply into the meanings of significators. But for now, just pick one that looks like your character or speaks to you in some way.
Here’s an example. I picked Strength to represent Tara Sheridan, the heroine of my story. The card shows a woman with flowers in her hair, wearing a long white dress. She has a calm, peaceful expression on her face as she leans down to close the jaws of a lion with only her hands. This isn’t a bloody battle of swords and fists. She’s accomplishing her goal with a certain amount of tenderness, a gentleness that we can almost see in her face as she looks upon the lion. The lion seems to submit to her willingly, without a struggle, in the face of her compassion.
Take a moment to free-associate about what you see in the card. Does the figure hold anything in her hands? What’s her expression? What does the landscape look like behind her? What do you suppose she’s thinking? Is she looking at something unseen off in the distance? You may wish to record your answers as they come to you.
Next, flip through your book of Tarot meanings to find your card. Read about the meanings and attributes of the card in the upright position. These will be your characters strengths or positive attributes. For Strength, the card symbolizes fortitude and control over our own animal instincts, discipline to accomplish one’s goals. It’s interesting to me that Strength subdues her opponent without bloodshed. By her pose, we can’t tell if she’s been holding the lion’s jaws for moments or hours. She is determined to achieve her goal, and she approaches it from a deep wellspring of courage and faith in her own power.
That sounds like Tara to me. I was accustomed to heroines who kicked down doors with guns blazing and asking questions later. But in creating Tara, I wanted her to be different. I wanted her to have the endurance to solve the cases she’s working, to be able to approach the lion in a thoughtful fashion. But I didn’t want her to face all of her problems with a gun. As I thought about this card, I wanted her to be powerful, and confident in her power.
But…all people have a dark side. They have weaknesses, challenges, and negative qualities about their personalities. To start to look into those aspects, take a look at your book of Tarot meanings. Search for the “Reversed” meaning for your card. Reversals in Tarot are usually read when a card appears upside down.. But reversals are also very helpful in exploring the shadow side of a character or situation.
In my example, I learn that Strength has some drawbacks. The reversed meaning of the card involves the inability to be in control, to harness one’s power or instincts. And this rings true for me…in Rogue Oracle, Tara’s powers with her cards are changing. The cards are coming to life in her dreams, and she’s wandering the surreal landscapes of the Tarot, encountering people she knows in the guise of the figures and symbols of the cards. This is a new development in her power, one that she’s struggling to control. She comes to question herself and her ability to put the pieces together. She second-guesses her instincts on the nuclear secret-smuggling case she’s working with and relationship with her sometime lover, federal investigator Harry Li.
Often, the cards open up more avenues for me to explore, make me wonder about the paths my characters are walking. Try it out sometime, and see where it takes you.
Don’t have your own deck? You can try it yourself online here:
online…
Here are meanings for all 78 cards:
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/meanings/
And their reversals: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/learn/reversals/
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About the Author:
Alayna Wiliams (a.k.a. Laura Bickle) has worked in the unholy trinity of politics, criminology, and technology for several years. She lives in the Midwestern U.S. with her chief muse, owned by four mostly-reformed feral cats. Writing as Laura Bickle, she’s the author of Embersand Sparksfor Pocket – Juno Books. Writing as Alayna Williams, she’s the author of Dark Oracle and Rogue Oracle. More info on her urban fantasy and general nerdiness is here: www.salamanderstales.com
–
About Rogue Oracle:
The more you know about the future, the more there may be to fear.
Tara Sheridan is the best criminal profiler around – and the most unconventional. Trained as a forensic psychologist, Tara also specializes in Tarot card reading. But she doesn’t need her divination skills to realize that the new assignment from her friend and sometime lover, Agent Harry Li, is a dangerous proposition in every way.
Former Cold War operatives, all linked to a top-secret operation tracking the disposal of nuclear weapons in Russia, are disappearing. There are no bodies, and no clues to their whereabouts. Harry suspects a conspiracy to sell arms to the highest bidder. The cards – and Tara’s increasingly ominous dreams – suggest something darker. Even as Tara sorts through her feelings for Harry and her fractured relationships with the mysterious order known as Delphi’s Daughters, a killer is growing more ruthless by the day. And a nightmare that began decades ago in Chernobyl will reach a terrifying endgame that not even Tara could have foreseen…
__
Questions for the Readers:
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them
for you?
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story?
3. For those of you with decks, try the above exercise. What did you
discover
about your character?
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Learn more about Alayna Williams here:
Read reviews of the author’s work here.
To visit the author’s website go here.
To visit the author’s blog go here.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurabickle
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CONTEST INFO: The contest portion of the event runs until 11:59 pm Central on 3/1/11. Open to readers WORLDWIDE
Prize 1: A $50.00 Electronic Amazon.com Gift Card
The Contest Entry rules have changed so read them carefully
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2. Answer the authors questions and ask some questions please make sure they aren’t duplicates. Good for 5 + points per question. (Max 3 good towards 15 points)
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4. Attend Maria V. Snyder’s event and $50.00 Gift Card event here today: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37040/author-maria-v…test-live-here/ + 10 Points
RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00
RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here:
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37002/author-dakota-…t-31-rsvp-here/ + 10 Points
RSVP and Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party and $100.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here:
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37003/author-nancy-h…t-31-rsvp-here/ + 10 Points
Tweet this event: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37011/author-alayna-…test-live-here/ + 10 Points
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Hi Alayna! Welcome back to BBB! I LOVED Rogue Oracle!
I never have had my cards read, but I’m sure it would be an interesting experience. I think it’s cool that you use them to call upon ideas for plots, etc.
Since my only writing involves reviews, I don’t use the visual method — or at least not consciously.
Alayna, what sorts of things do you enjoy doing for relaxation?
(USA, I did RSVP)
Hi, Carol!
I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed ROGUE ORACLE! That made my day.
The cards are a lot of fun…I wholeheartedly suggest them for writer’s block. I keep a deck on my desk, just in case!
Hrm…for relaxation…I’m a huge reader. And my husband and I are amateur astronomers. I’ve also been known to belly dance once in awhile, but never in public. Trust me, no one needs to see that.
Thanks so much to Bitten by Books for hosting me today!
Hi Laura! Wow, that’s a really interesting exercise! I’ve never done a Tarot card reading before, but it sounds like a very creative way to shape a story. How did you get into Tarot cards? Were you interested in them before you started writing Rogue Oracle or did your interest develop out of research for the book?
RSVP +25
Ask questions +10
RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party +10
RSVP and Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party +10
tweeted (@lesleyboogie) +10
tally points +1
Total + 66
Hi, Lesley!
I’ve been puttering with cards since I was a teenager…I saw a deck at my local bookstore and was really intrigued by the pictures. My first deck was Hanson-Roberts, which is a very gentle deck with fairytale-like images.
I’ve never been a professional card reader. I enjoy using them for my own readings and my own creative process, but I’m not sure that I would be very good at reading them for others.
I always wanted to write a story about them, and finally got the opportunity. The idea for Tara Sheridan’s character had been rattling around in my head for a few years, and am happy to finally be able to tell her story.
Hi Alayna
Dropping by to say Hi. I have tried my hadn at Tarot cards and a lot of other types of readings when I was teen- even palmistry but I wasn’t very good at it so I moved on to other things.
Hope you have a great day, I spread the word about your release party on Facebook and Twitter and will add the link to your tour page.
Thank you SO MUCH, Roxanne! *Hugs*
I don’t think that I’ll ever try to read professionally for other people…I’m comfortable with how they work for me, but am not sure how that would translate to other people…if that makes sense?
Hi Laura! I have a couple of decks, and tried my hand at reading them, but that was years ago. I don’t remember a thing. I’d like to pick it back up one day and really learn and get into it, but for now any free time I have is spent reading. Maybe when the little beast starts school. I haven’t tried to write anything in a while either, but I’m sure I would use a visual tool, like a map of the area I was creating or something like that. I’ve always been a very visual learner. I don’t think I could get into an audio book; I’d likely start to tune it out as my mind wandered to other things.
A lot of covers in series look similar to each other- do you know if there was a reason that the style changed so drastically (I think they both have stunning, unique qualities), or if you or the publisher just didn’t find it important to do so?
+15
RSVP’d +25
RSVP’D for Cassidy and Holder +20
tallying +1 =61
Hi, Bethany!
You know, there have been years in which I haven’t touched my cards, when I’ve been super-busy. But they are helpful as a road map in writing…especially since the Major Arcana is already a built-in Hero’s Journey!
All of my covers have been happy surprises from Pocket. I get an e-mail…and…boom! There’s the cover.
Hello Alayna,
~I bought my 1st set of Tarot cards Saturday, no I haven’t used them to do a reading yet.
Loved Rogue Oracle are we going to see more in the Delphi’s Daughters series? Is there a Title or date set for the next one?
Ruth T USA
+15 #2
+30 #4 Cassidy + Nancy + http://twitter.com/#!/zoombievampire/status/42297813970849792
+1 #6
+25 RSVP
Hi, Ruth! Hope you have fun with your cards – which deck did you get? And I’m so happy that you enjoyed ROGUE ORACLE!
No word yet on Pocket about a third book…I promise, you’ll be the first to know!
Rachel Flesher / Raonaid Luckwell – US
Rsvp 25+
Rsvp for Dakota Cassidy event 10
RSVP for Nancy Holder 10
http://twitter.com/raonaidluckwell 10
Tallying 1
Dang! I ordered my book Friday/Saturday from Amazon so it doesn’t count for this. Oh well!
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read them for you?
Yes, my first foray with Tarot cards was when I was sixteen or seventeen. An older friend of mine took me to Waldens to buy the Rider-White set. My mother disapproved, so I had to hide my deck for years. I only took it out when I walked down to visit my friend. She and I always tried to do each other’s readings. Sadly I am not very good with them.
I’ve been tempted to have my mother’s old boss to read my cards. She had done my astrological chart, and read my mothers’ cards several times over the years.
That friend often borrowed the deck to keep my mother from discovering them. Sadly, she lost them. *pouts* It took me many years, well until after I married until I purchased my neck deck. Are you waiting for this one! Dragon deck. When Borders finally got it, I pleaded with the hubby to let me buy them.
Peter Pracownik’s dragons are simply BEAUTIFUL!
I have had a friend on-line read my cards but that was five to six years ago.
Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story?
Yes! Mostly I have folders on my external harddrive with pictures that I stumbled across on the net-verse that sparked familiarity with me with characters and stories. Friend and I created a garden so we looked up exotic flowers, stoned pathways, and the like to keep whenever we write about this garden. I never bother with human pictures since the balk of my characters are elven.
2. For those of you with decks, try the above exercise. What did you discover about your character?
Will return back later to answer this. Damn house chores. I will try that exercise with the two characters in the story I am currently slaving on (they are changeling-human and drow) tonight when I have a bit more free time.
+15
My copy of Rogue Oracle is on its way. *pouts* I made my hubby go out Tuesday to look at Walmart to see if he could find it there. I’ve been a bit reluctant to go to our Borders due to all their trouble. Sadly he did not find it, and so I had to wait. When he ordered Alf series from Amazon, I inserted Rogue Oracle. LOL!
Have you ever heard of the cards: The Phoenix Cards?
I know this is nothing about Dark or Rogue Oracle, so what is the rascal Sparky up to?
When is the next installment of Anya’s book? Yes, I’m impatient much (and I always recommend your books whenever I’m in a book store)
15+
Total – 86
Hi, Raonaid! I’m so glad to hear from you…and thank you so much for picking up ROGUE ORACLE.
I do have Pracownik’s Dragons Tarot. I love the expressions on their faces. They always make me smile when I use that deck.
No word from Pocket on additional Anya books…keep your fingers crossed!
But I have a couple of new projects in the works. Will keep you posted!
And, Sparky, well…he’s insufferable during winter. Fire salamanders HATE the cold. He gets grumbly when Anya sends him out to melt the frost off the Dodge and scrape the windows.
Yay! Awesome!
I understand completely how Sparky feels. I hate the cold too. Must be my fire dragon spirit.
Me, too! I am SO DONE with winter. I am missing the sunshine and not being huddled over the space heater, LOL!
You’re not the only one. I huddled into my heating blanket. I’ve noticed now that it is starting to warm up my inspiration has been coming back in folds.
the most common phrase the hubby heard from me all winter was “Is it spring yet?” “No it’s not even christmas.” or “It’s not even your son’s birthday yet” which is January 20th. I was impatient.
Oops forgot to mention I attended the Maria Snyder event so that’s +10
86+10 = 96
For my changeling Kiirri – The Star. It is the only card the resonated with the character. The person is feeling hopeless, but that doesn’t mean there is no hope – they just can’t see it. This really speaks of her mentality.
For my Druii (kinda like a druid) Zion I kept getting drawn to The Hermit.
Mandor the knight – I kept going back to Knight of Wands
Rhaedayel the womanizing rogue and leader of bandits – King of Wands
Eriea the quarter elven empath moon-paladin – The High Priestess.
Just not getting anything for my drow mercenary mage Kheldin.
I love the cards you’ve drawn for your characters so far…especially the Star. Sometimes, we forget that the shadow side of the star is feeling very far away from the object or person we desire.
And your mercenary mage…it’ll come. Sometimes, if I set the cards down for a day or two, the right card will come up. Some thoughts, though…if he is a mercenary, he works for money. So perhaps one of the reversed cards in the pentacles suit…like the Knight or the King…might work?
Hey Alayna!
I admit I’ve always been curious about the Tarot cards, in several of my video games and a few of my manga/animes tarot cards play a large role and thus many characters ‘fit’ the card they portray quite well.
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read them for you?
–My friend enjoys reading the cards for me, though I don’t often ask her to see what they ‘say’. As a pre-teen a friend and I met with a tarot card reader at a festival (to see how long we’d remain friends XD) and she predicted his death within a year. He died about eight months later and it kind of freaked me out (even if it was coincidental).
I do own several sets however, because I love the images and artwork.
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story?
–Collages and food oddly enough. Once I have a character set down on paper with the basics (D&D style) I’ll then go about trying to figure out their ‘perfect meal’ because I was taught growing up that what a person will and won’t eat says a lot about their character.
For BBB:
+25 RSVP’ed
+10 attended MVS Party
+10 RSVP’ed Dakota Cassidy
+10 RSVP’ed Nancy Holder
+10 Answered Questions
+1 Tallied My own Points
total = 66pts (not ominous at all)
Lexie C. USA
Lexie, that’s a really good point…food does say a whole lot about a character!
And I love the idea of the D&D character sheet. I spent much time with that red box as a kid, LOL!
There’s a Tarot card reader I visit at my local Renaissance Fair. She’s very, very accurate…even when she tells me things I don’t want to hear. :-S
I’ve never tried Tarot cards or had a reading.
What kinds of books do you like to read?
rsvp’d
attended Maria’s event
rsvp’d for Nancy and Dakota’s events
total = 66
Hi, Sandy! Thanks for stopping by!
I read a lot of epic fantasy and UF. My favorites are Robin McKinley, Patricia McKillip, Peter S. Beagle, Ann Aguirre, MLN Hanover, Jeri Smith-Ready…I have a lot of favorites.
How about you? Who are your favorites?
Soem of my favorites are Patricia Briggs, C.E. Murphy, Jeri Smith-Ready, and Jim Butcher.
All fabulous picks!
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them
for you?– No to both, but I’ve always wanted to have them read to me
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story?– Sometimes. I go onto good ‘ole Photo Bucket.
Question: Since I’ve never read your series so don’t have anything book-reated to add, I will just ask random questions
Walk torwards the light or walk torwards the dark? Do you read to escape, or read to relax? What book do you wish would be made into a film? It was nice chatting with you!
I RSVP’d+ 25.
Asked three questions+ 15.
Went to Maria V. Snyder’s event+ 10.
I RSVP’d for Dakota Cassidy’s event+ 10.
I RSVP’d for Nancy Holder’s event+ 10.
Going to tally+ 1
Total= 71.
Chelsea B. USA.
Hi, Chelsea!
I personally like to walk toward the light, but I make my characters walk toward the dark. I like to throw obstacles and temptations in their paths.
I do most reading anymore for research. The ORACLE books required me to learn a lot about topics I don’t know much about: dark matter, astrology, Chernobyl. I tend to surround myself with research when I’m writing and don’t have much time left over to read for pleasure.
Hrmm…I love seeing old myths brought to life on the screen. I saw Starz’ pilot of CAMELOT last week on TV, and it was really, really good. I am eagerly awaiting the rest of the miniseries!
It was nice meeting you, too!
Hi Alayna,
I’ll be honest Tarot cards kind of scare me. I have known people who use them though I never have. +5
How did you get into them and how old were you the first time you picked them up? +5
Attend Maria V. Snyder’s event and $50.00 Gift Card event here today: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37040/author-maria-v…test-live-here/ + 10 Points
RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00
RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here:
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37002/author-dakota-…t-31-rsvp-here/ + 10 Points
RSVP and Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party and $100.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here:
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37003/author-nancy-h…t-31-rsvp-here/ + 10 Points
Tweet this event: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37011/author-alayna-…test-live-here/ http://twitter.com/#!/Jovial_1/status/42304922544377856
+ 10 Points
RSVP’d +25
Talley +1
Viki S. USA
Total =76 pts
Hi, Viki!
I’ve had a deck since I was…fifteen? They came from my local Waldenbooks, so you know how long ago that was.
The deck I started with, Hanson-Roberts, is a very gentle deck with fairytale images. I like the softer decks. I’m not a fan of some of the others that get dragged down in dark imagery.
I’ve used Tarot some, but I have to say that Laura/Alayna helped with with my own WIP using these techniques. She managed to illuminate for me what I was doing. A *tremendous* gift. She’s a wonderfully talented writer. ~pets copy of Rogue Oracle sitting on my desk~
Awwww…thank you so much, Jeffe! I’m glad to be of help. *Blushes*
1. No, i never tried tarot cards nor had any read them for me. I would like to try that one day though, sounds interesting.
2. I prefer to draw things out.
Question: Hi Ms. Williams,
I haven’t read this series yet but it sounds really interesting will be adding this to my to be read list!
My question is, will you be attending the RT book convention in L.A. in April, if so will you be at the big signing on saturday?
Van P., U.S.
+25 Rsvped
+15 answered 2 questions, and asked 1 question
+10 Rsvp for Dakota Cassidy event
+10 Rsvp for Nancy Holder
tally +1 = 61
Forgot to add
+10 attended Maria V synder’s event
**new tally score = 71 points**
Hi, Van!
Drawing is an amazing way to help structure a story. Thumbs up!
Unfortunately, I won’t be at RT this year. But I will be at RWA in NY this June.
Jessica S. from the USA
I actually recently bought the Rider-Waiter Tarot card deck because I was interested in learning more about them and maybe incorporate it into one of my novel ideas somehow. Nothing extensive really. I just found it to be interesting and intriguing!
I don’t really use collages or other visual methods when working on my (hopefully someday soon) to be published novels. But I sometimes get inspired somehow by little pieces of jewelry. I see one and think “so-and-so would sooo wear that!” So I end up buying it to wear for myself! And so I can study it in detail so my character will wear it as well and make up its own special meaning behind it to fit with said character!
Alayna, how did you get into Tarot? What attracted you to it?
+15 Questions
+25 RSVP
+10 Attend Maria’s event
+10 RSVP/Attend Nancy Holder
+1 Add
61 points total
Oooh! Jewelry! Very cool to draw inspiration from that. Do you also make jewelry?
I’ve been puttering with the cards since I was a teenager. Just was in a bookstore one day and saw a deck that was very pretty…and I was curious. I’ve been reading about them and experimenting with them ever since.
Maria D.- USA
Rsvp’d
Alayna’s questions:
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you? I have not had them read and have not really tried my hand at them yet but I do own a set that I was given with a book on how to use them.
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story? No, can’t say that I have ever done that
3. For those of you with decks, try the above exercise. What did you
discover about your character? Can’t try this now because at work but will try it tonight.
My Question for Alayna: Do you have any Mardi Gras plans? Do you celebrate it, re-read your tarot cards or have a special reading done?
Point Tally:
RSVP’d=+25
Questions=+15
RSVP’d and Attended Marie Snyder’s Party=+10
Point Tally=+1
Total Points= 51
Alas, I don’t have Mardi Gras plans. I’m working on a manuscript revision right now, so I’ll probably be curled up with hot chocolate, hunched over the laptop.
Do you have exciting plans for Mardi Gras?
Unfortunately not but I do plan to take a King Cake to work and maybe some other food items…Also put up my beads at my desk today
One of my bosses used to make a heavenly King cake. We also decorated with beads…I kind of miss that job. Our boss was like the office mom – she’d bring in a cake for every birthday and holiday.
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you? No, I haven’t.
RSVP=+25
RSVP’d and Attended Marie Snyder’s Party=+10
+10 RSVP’ed Nancy Holder
+10 RSVP’ed Dakota Cassidy
+5 answered question
+1 tallied points
61
Thanks for stopping by, Minna!
Hi Alayna
I have not read this series, but I have 2 Bickle books
1. I have tried, but dunno if I was any good at it, lol
for you?
2. Nope, well..actually yes I do. i never thought about it but all the pretty pics I have in a folder is inspiration for a book
3. …oh buu, my deck is in my old room
What kind of question could I ask now..which card is you?
Blodeuedd A
Finland
+15
+1
_16
Hi! And thanks for stopping by!
Hrm. I usually choose a card at random to be a significator for me. Lately, I’ve been winding up with the Knight of Wands a lot. It shows a knight riding away with a dragon on his helmet. He’s about momentum and fire.
Hi Laura!
Told you I’d drop by. Sorry I was confused (I really thought it was a live chat event, so when I saw the format I thought that meant I’d missed everything)!
Never have done Tarot, so I’m completely ignorant of the symbolism involved, although I’ve seen some beautiful illustrations. I do have a question, though: is any knowledge of Tarot necessary for the Oracle stories? [From that you may have deduced that I have -- shamefully -- only read Sparks & Embers so far.
]
Nice “seeing” you again! Maybe you’re doing another library event this year????
Take care!
David
Hi, David!
Thanks so much for dropping by!
Nope, no knowledge of the Tarot is needed for the ORACLE books. We just get to peer into Tara’s head as she uses the cards, watch as she makes connections between what she sees in her case and the symbolism in the cards.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed EMBERS and SPARKS!
I am doing more library events this year…some in your neck of the woods in April: http://www.salamanderstales.com/index_files/appearances.htm
Take care, and thanks so much for coming by! I appreciate it.
I’ll work on getting sprung for the day to come to T’burg.
Oh, YAY!
Donna N
USA
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them
No I haven’t been kind of scared too not sure why either
for you?
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story?
Well I haven’t but my friend who write have mainly with their banners the find pictures for their muses to give us a visual of what the characters would look like.
Hi Alayna, My question is I when you read the Tarot Cards has anything come up that frightened you?
+15 Questions
+25 RSVP’d
+10 Attended Maria V Snyder’s Event
+10 RSVP’d Dakota Cassidy’s Event
+10 RSVP’d Nancy Holder’s Event
+1 Tally
71
Hi, Donna N!
Gotta say that no, nothing came up that has scared me. The meanings of the cards are symbolic to me…the Death card rarely means literaly mortality, for instance. Usually, it just indicates the closure of one chapter of life and the movement into another.
I know that I’m ultimately in charge of (and to blame for) my own destiny. While cards may cause me to think more deeply on one aspect or another, I don’t believe that they control the user.
*81 points*
1. Yes, but I kept drawing the death card….
2. Yes usually I story board
3. Pointless struggles motivated by the vain pursuit of recognition, financial reward, or base desires. Disunity, chaos, and petty quarreling at a time of crisis. A stressful situation that brings out the worst in the participants.
I asked the deck if my dog will win in her show…. conformation show. Apparently she won’t be winning.
Ember J – I’ll be hoping that your cards were wrong at that your pup wins!
Hey Laura!
Thanks for the link on the fb page, I thought this was going to be a live chat room also, so glad I was able to make it.
1)I have my own deck [Dragon Tarot] but I have it packed away right now
I’ve had a reading done a few times by my boyfreinds mother..it’s fun
2)I’m not much of a writer, more of a reader
3)can’t really answer this one
Need to order the books, since I can’t find them anywhere in NYC
Sorry I dont have any q’s for this series, and the one I was going to ask about the othe series was asked already.
Just wanted to stop in and say hi, and if you dont mind, give Sparky a scratch for me
Danielle D [yes I RSVP'd]
NY USA
+25 RSVP
+1 for 3 q’s
tally = 26
Danielle D
Ny
Hi, Danielle! Thanks for stopping in.
And I will definitely give Sparky a scratch for you. He will love it!
Hi Laura! *waving*
Great to see you on Bitten By Books!!!
Congratulations on the new release! I took a class on using Tarot to help develop characters and I thought it was really interesting! I came up with 2 characters that I still hope I’ll someday write a book about…
We’ll see!
Fun blog! Hope the new release is a big hit for you!
Lisa
Hi, Lisa! *waves*
Fingers crossed that your book’s “someday” is soon!
Thanks so much for the good wishes and for stopping by.
Alayna, Congrats on the release! Do you have a favorite deck of tarot cards or one that is really unique?
I have many deck of tarot decks, but I don’t have patience to read the cards myself. Mostly, I just love looking at the images. My favorite deck is my Ferret Tarot. I love ferrets and was thrilled that someone made a deck with the little critters.
I usually have someone read my cards a couple of times a year. I find a reading gives me a different perspective on the events in my life.
Thanks!
Katie
Katie W – USA
+25 – RSVP
+5 – Asked a question
+5 – Answered a question
+500 – Purchased a copy of Rogue Oracle
+1 – Totaling
Total – 536
Hi, Katie!
Thank you so much for picking up a copy of ROGUE ORACLE! And I’m thrilled to meet a fellow card collector.
I had never seen the Ferret Tarot before…just looked it up. It’s adorable!
Thanks so much for making me aware of it. I will have to see if I can find a copy.
My favorite deck is probably Hanson-Roberts or Fantastical Creatures. I love animal-themed Tarot decks. My husband got me the Pagan Cats Tarot for Valentine’s Day, and I’m in love!
Not entering the giveaway as I’m not from the US, but dropping by to say hello to Alayna!
*waves*
I do not do tarot readings as such, but do have a medicine card deck (sort of a native american tarot) and have used it in the past by drawing a card and reading the description of the animal I drew and thinking on how that could be related to my life at that moment.
Sullivan! *Hugs* Thanks for coming by!
I am very curious about your medicine card deck…I’ve moved it to my wish list. You know how much I love animals!
Michelle S. – USA
+10 Attend Maria V Snyder event
+10 RSVP Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party
+10 RSVP Nancy Holder’s Release Party
+10 Tweet http://twitter.com/#!/Sticemichelle/status/42377834387349504
+1 Tally own points
=41
Thanks for stopping by and entering!
Lisa R smalltown, USA
I’ve never tried Tarot cards or had anyone do a reading for me.
I simply use my imagination and great books to create a visual of a story in my head.
What was the strangest reading you got from your Tarot cards that later came true?
+25 Rsvped #36
+15 Questions
+10 Attend Maria V. Snyder’s event #23
+10 RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party#54
+10 RSVP and Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party#28
+10 http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/42378079255007232
+1 total=81
Hi, Lisa!
Hm…probably the strangest predictions predictions I had were before I met my husband. I kept drawing the Two of Cups, which is a card about trust and partnership. I was very glad that it came true.
Hi Alayna,
+25 rsvp
+5 1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you? no
+10 Attend Maria V. Snyder’s event and $50.00 Gift Card event
+10 RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00
+10 RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party
+10 RSVP and Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party
+1 tally pts
—————————
71 pts
thanks
Dina S
dlsmilad@yahoo.com
forgot
USA
Thanks for stopping by, Dina!
Hi Alayna,
I have my eyes wide open for a copy of Rouge Oracle.
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you?
My mother had me and my sister’s cards read on a regular basis starting at age five.
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story?
Yes, I have always been better at creating with pictures than words.
3. For those of you with decks, try the above exercise. What did you
discover about your character?
Due to a house fire I lost both my Motherpeace and Royo Black decks. Until I can replace them I must go without.
I’ve seen the Motherpeace deck…those are the round ones, right? Very cool!
Yes, they are round and read a bit differently.
Kate Hensel from the USA.
I have never done anything with tarot cards though I have always been interested. I am a poor college student right now and they always seem to get shoved off somewhere in the “want” pile when I go shopping and have to decide if I want to feed myself for a week ahah
I have never made a story or any thing, but I love making collages and scrapbooks. I am actually working on a scrapbook right now that tells the story of a wild evening with my best friend
lets hope the kids never see this one…
So you base characters on their tarot drawings. Do you ever not like a drawing and start over? Or do you thin of that as cheating lol
+1 name
+25 RSVP
+15 Questions
+500 Purchased the Authors book
+10 RSVP for Dakota’s Event
+10Attending Maria’s event
+10 Rsvp for Nancy’s event
+10 Tweeted
+1 Tally
Total= 582
Hi, Kate! *Hugs* and thank you for trying my book!
Yeah, once in awhile, I’ll get a selection of cards that doesn’t fit. I feel no guilt whatsoever about stuffing them in the back of the pile, reshuffling, and starting over.
1. I rsvped and here I am Pamk from the usa +25
2.Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you? Nope but I’d like too
Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story? No.
If you were a fruit what would you be and why? +15
4.Attend Maria V. Snyder’s event and $50.00 Gift Card event here today: +10
RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here:+10
RSVP and Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party and $100.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here:+10
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/Pamk258/status/42388999591051264 +10
6. Tally your own points +1
81
Hi, Pamk! Thanks for coming by and entering.
Hrm. I was stumped and asked my husband. He said: “‘Something prickly and hard to eradicate,’ to quote Russell Crowe from MASTER & COMMANDER.”
Yep. True love.
roflmfao. Sounds a whole lot like my hubby. But he might not have phrased it as nicely lol.
I told my hubby he had to keep it clean for teh intertubes.
other contest stuff…
1.Koren C USA
2.answered 3 +15
4.participated in Maria’s event +10
rsvp’d for Dakota +10
rsvp’d for Nancy +10
6.tally own points +1
I RSVP’d +25
total 71
Thanks, Koren!
Mariska H, Indonesia
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you?
–> I haven’t tried my hand on tarot cards before but I had someone read for me. It was kindda scary for me when she read them. but it’s fun at the end
+25 rsvped
+1 name
+5 answered
+10 Attended Maria V. Snyder’s event and $50.00 Gift Card (#32)
+10 RSVP and (will) Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party (#60)
+10 RSVP and (will )Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party (#33)
+10 tweeted : http://twitter.com/#!/becunique/status/42405886202884096
+ 1 points total : 72 points
Hi, Mariska!
I’m glad your reading was fun. There’s nothing worse, I think, than getting a negative reading or a bad reader.
I usually get my cards read every year by a lady at our local Renaissance Festival. She’s very kind and knows how to put people at ease.
Debora L. Brazil
I always wanted to read my luck with cards, but I couldn’t find anyone to do that to me D: And no, I don’t use collages, I just use my imagination and a piece of paper. They’re very useful in boring classes XDDDD
Points: 10 for questions
20 for RSVP in the 2 events
10 for tweet (http://twitter.com/#!/petit_sayumi/status/42405975105347584)
10 for attending Maria Snyder event
25 for RSVP this event
1 for name
Total = 76
Hi, Debora L!
That sounds very familiar…that’s how I survived many boring classes.
2) (+15) – Hi!
Q1) Well, the only time you could say I tried anything like it was this one time watching the episode of I Love Lucy some years back where she thinks Ricky is trying to kill her; and Ethel is showing Lucy a trick she learned the night before with telling fortunes with a pack of playing cards. So, not tarot cards, and all I could do is pretend like I knew what I was doing! LOL
Q2) I’m not a writer, but I don’t think I could really do it that way, but plenty of writing down outlines or the like. At least that’s how I had to do it in school with papers and the like.
Q3) Saw in a reply that you did a favorite phrase – amateur astronomer.
Ah, how about as a question, what is your favorite planet? Me, Mars – wanted to go to is since I was five… which, ack, next year makes it 30 years ago since I uttered those words! LOL
4) other stuff –
(+25) RSVPed for this one
(+10) Maria V. Snyder
(+10) Dakota Cassidy
(+10) Nancy Holder
(+10) Twitter, OV_099
6) total should be = 1 + above = 81
Lois M., USA
Hi, Lois!
Yup, the husband and I trot around with the telescope and lenses. It’s a lot of fun, but it is kind of difficult to get away from the city light.
But we can often see Saturn from here. That was the first thing my husband found – no kidding – when I got him a telescope for his birthday. So Saturn always has a special place in my heart.
Are you an amateur astronomer? Mars is a very cool planet, but I often have trouble finding it. If you have tips, I’d love to know them.
I tried Tarot a couple of times when I was younger, but never since then.
Who’s your favorite author?
+10 Answered & asked a question
+25 RSVP
+10 Attend Maria V. Snyder event
+10 RSVP Dakota
+10 RSVP Nancy
+10 Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/marieimy/status/42414762516156416
+1 Tally points
= 76
Marie E.
USA
Hi, Mariee!
Hm…If I had to pick a favorite, I’d pick Robin McKinley. I’ve been hooked on fantasy since reading THE HERO AND THE CROWN as a teen.
How about you? Who’s your favorite?
1. Elaine R, USA
2. Answer the authors questions and ask some questions please make sure they aren’t duplicates.
a) Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you? – I have never done Tarot, palms or Ouiji board. While I don’t necessarily believe in it, I also don’t want to tempt fate.
4. Attend Maria V. Snyder’s event and $50.00 Gift Card event here today: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37040/author-maria-v…test-live-here/ = DONE
RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here:
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37002/author-dakota-…t-31-rsvp-here/ = DONE
RSVP and Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party and $100.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here:
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37003/author-nancy-h…t-31-rsvp-here/ – DONE
Tweet this event: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37011/author-alayna-…test-live-here/ – DONE, DrkCherry
RSVP’d – 25
6. Tally Your own points total = 71
Thanks for stopping by, Elaine!
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you?
I have a deck of tarot cards but have never invested the time in learning to do it myself, however, I’ve had my cards read a few times. It’s always pretty fitting as far as things going on.
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story? I’m a written word person, mostly because my talents in more artistic areas is severely lacking.
I’m definitely going to have to try your exercise! Thanks!
**
Mare S, USA
RSVP’d ahead + 25
questions + 10
Attended Maria V. Snyder’s event and $50.00 Gift Card event + 10 Points
RSVP’d and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest +10
RSVP’d and Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party and $100.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest + 10 Points
Tally points + 1
Total = 66
Thanks, Mare S! I hope that trying that exercise is helpful…it usually does a good job of explaining the flip side of most plot situations to me.
Hi Alayna,
I’ve never tried to read cards or have them read to me. Thanks for the links, though. I might try it out.
+25 RSVP Alayna’s event
+10 RSVP Maria V. Snyder’s event
+10 RSVP Dakota Cassidy event
+10 RSVP Nancy Holder event
+ 5 Answered question
+ 1 Total
=61
Thanks, Janet! I hope you give it a shot – it’s a lot of fun.
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you? No I have never wanted to.
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story? I don’t use a method , but sometimes I see something and my mind just starts flying. Do you get emotionaly envolved with your charactors ?
RSVP’d ahead + 25
questions + 10
10 RSVP Dakota
1 tally = 46
Hi, Peggy. Sure, I get emotionally involved with my characters. But that doesn’t stop me from throwing obstacles at ‘em. I find that I can’t get too worried about keeping them safe, because I sometimes have to kill my darlings (as they say).
I think there’s a fine line between being involved and caring about what you’ve created… versus caring too much and wanting to keep your characters in safe boxes so they don’t get hurt. I try not to do that, because that doesn’t serve the story. If characters don’t get hurt, they don’t evolve.
Hi Alayna
* One Time I Tried then but thay maid me Nerves.all I Did was pick one card to stand for me with out looking and picked the wheel made me fill nerves like my life was going to be ever changing or something so I never went farther with them I just don’t think I Want to know whats coming.+5
* I RSVPed to be here with alayna +25
* I Will be attending Maria V. Snyder After Im done here +10
* I RSVPed for Dakota Cassidy +10
* I RSVPed for Nancy Holder +10
* I Talledy my Points +1=61
* Stacey S USA
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi, Stacey! Sorry you had a bad experience. *Hugs* But thank you for stopping by!
1. Weng-Him C. / USA
2.1. No to both parts.
2.2. No.
2.3. Do the Tarot cards actually give you new ideas, or do you think they just make you aware of ideas that you already have?
4. Attended Maria V. Snyder’s event
6. 26 points
Hi, Weng-Him C.!
I think that they help generate new ideas. They’re very colorful, and have a lot of symbolism to them. I just let my imagination follow where the figures and symbols lead me. They aren’t always the traditional meanings, of course…bit it gives me a springboard.
Hi Alayna,
Congrats on the release!
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you?
-I did it online once, but Im thinking that doesnt work quite the same.
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story?
-I am not a creater but I do use visuals a lot when reading. I practically see the stories as movies in my head.
What is your least favorite part of being a writer?
Vampires, Shifters, Zombies, Angels – who wins the final ultimate battle?
If you could witness any historical event past, present or future what would it be and why?
Thanks!
Contest stuff:
+25 RSVP’d
+15 questions/answers above
+10 going to Maria’s event next
+10 RSVP’d for Dakota
+10 RSVP’d for Nancy
+10 tweet – http://twitter.com/#!/DonnaS1/status/42472144415891456
+1 total – 81
Thanks!
Donna S
USA
Hi, Donna S!
Hmmm…I think I’d like to be a fly on the wall and watch Joan of Arc, Cleopatra, or Eleanor of Aquitaine at work. They’re fascinating women, and I wonder about what part of what they did was myth and what was real.
Attended Maria V. Snyder’s event and $50.00 Gift Card event + 10 Points
RSVP’d and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest +10
RSVP’d and Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party and $100.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest + 10
tally – 1
total – 31
Hi, Stephanie! Thanks so much for coming by.
Great post. A lot of interesting things I never knew about. Mainly because I don’t own any tarot cards. I’m not sure why. Maybe its just because I never had anyone around to show me how to use them.
Answers to the Questions:
1. No, I’ve never tried doing tarot card readings or having them done for me.
2. Not really. When I write a story just comes to life in my mind as I write.
3. I don’t have tarot cards but it would be interesting to get a reading some time.
Question to the author:
What or who inspired you to become an author?
+15 for questions asked and answered.
+10 attending Maria V Snyder’s event
+10 RSVP and attend Dakota Cassidy’s release party
+10 RSVP and attend Nancy Holder’s release party
+10 Tweeting about this event (LadyVampire2u)
+1 tallying points
= 56
USA
LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com
Hi, April!
I just learned with books and the cards – no one actually taught me. I think that it would be a wonderful thing to have a teacher, though.
Hmmm. I think I’ve always been scribbling, since I was old enough to hold a crayon. It’s only in the last couple of years that I’m sharing what I wrote with other people. It’s kind of a scary process, but very exciting at the same time.
Hi Alayna,
I was on a womans retreat a few yrs ago, and one woman brought her tarot cards. She gave a bunch of us a reading. Mine?? It was totally right on.. to the point where some of it hurt quite a bit. I was amazed.
I was in a 2nd hand store not long ago and found a Fairie tarot book with cards. I haven’t spent too much time with them yet, just kinda scanned over stuff. But I love it. I intend to devote some time to learning more about this. It is so fascinating. I don’t write stories, I just journal, and I’m not very good at that. I tend to get sporadic. Does that ever happen to you? You kinda get slammed with so much story, that it’s hard to wade thru it and put it in order.
I wish you much continued success, and many blessings.
I rsvp’d & attend Dakota release party 10 pts
Rsvp’d & attend Nancy’s release party 10 pts
Answered & asked questions. 15 pts
Tally ho’d 1 pt.
USA
Hi, Joni! Your retreat sounds very interesting…I’ve always wanted to go on a women’s retreat or a writer’s retreat, but never seem to be in the right place (geographically) at the right time.
I absolutely go through some of the same issues. There are days when I feel stuck and days when it flows. The only solution I’ve found is keeping my butt in the chair. Eventually, that “stuckness” turns to “flow.”
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you?
I actually have done it myself. Oddly enough, now that I think about it though I’ve never had anyone do them for me.
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story?
Things seem to naturally take form in my head. So I don’t use physical visuals, but I suppose it is a visual of a sort.
3. For those of you with decks, try the above exercise. What did you
discover about your character?
I am currently attempting to make my own deck. It’s a slow process. And I mean slow. Especially since I can’t spend as much time on it as I’d like to. But I’ll get there.
Just curious, have you ever done an astrology chart for yourself or for your characters?
Thanks! That was a fun post.
Rae M., USA
RSVP’d +25
RSVP’d and attended Maria V. Snyder event +10
RSVP and attend Dakota Cassidy event +10
RSVP and attend Nancy Holder event +10
Answered questions +15
Tally Points +1
Total = 71
Hi, Rae! Wow – making your own deck is a HUGE undertaking. I admire you greatly for it. Can’t wait to see it in print.
Can you tell us anything about the theme, or is it sekrit?
Interestingly enough, I learned how to do rudimentary charts for ROGUE ORACLE, because one of the characters is an astrologer. I wanted to see what the stars were like at the time and place of the Chernobyl accident…and they truly were scary. Made me look at astrology in an entirely different way!
I’ve been sorta lazy in building my own chart. I’m about halfway done with it, but I keep getting distracted with writing.
How about you? Have you had your chart done, or do you do your own?
Don’t admire me for it yet because I’m not even close! I’ve conceptualized the deck, but I’ve only designed about 10 of the Major Arcana.
Well my deck is sort of a weird mixture. Which is why I was making it. I could finally get everything that I wanted into and out of the deck. It’s a mix of Celtic and Native American mythologies. I know they probably sound like two really strange concepts, but it works for me so far!
And yeah I did do my own chart, about 3 years ago. It definitely starts to creep you out when you see how accurate they can be.
And as selfish as this may sound, please please keep getting distracted with the writing!
*Hugs* I will attempt to keep getting distracted.
I love the idea of meshing Celtic symbols with Native American ideas! Very cool. I love the decks that I have that are animal spirit/shamanic based as much as the Celtic ones…can’t wait to see yours.
1. Yes I’ve had my cards read.
2. When I create a story, it usually comes from things that I have observed in life and how I felt and friends and family felt.
3. Did you go to college? What was your major?
Attended Maria V. Snyder’s event and $50.00 Gift Card event
I RSVP’d for this event, RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest and Nancy Holder’s Release Party and $100.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest
I tweeted at http:twitter.com/#!/purplepoodle55
Lisa D. USA
Total points = 81
Hi, Lisa!
I have an MA in criminology and a Master’s in Library in Information Science. I’ve worked in and around criminal justice for a long time, and just recently got the opportunity to work in a library. It’s a much happier career.
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you?
~~I’ve had them read for me at a psychic fair when I was stationed in Alaska. It was eye opening to say the least. I would like to try my hand at reading them or at learning how to read them. I believe in fate and unseen guiding hands and I believe that Tarot would help me not be so resistant and heed the guidance.
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story?
Clouds, people watching, color of the sky, everything is up for grabs.
+10
***********************************
I RSVPd + 25
Attend Maria V. Snyder’s event and $50.00 Gift Card event here today: + 10 Points
RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here: + 10 Points
RSVP and Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party and $100.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here:+ 10 Points
Tally Your own points total 1 + 65 = 66
I am really looking forward to reading this series. I am intrigued by the show of strength that isn’t all about roundhouse kicks and guns blazing.
Thanks, Vickie!
Wow, I’ve never been to Alaska, though I understand that it’s very beautiful.
The cards are really helpful, I think, for looking at issues from different angles. I know that they always see something I hadn’t thought of before when I use them.
Hi,
1) no, but I both tried to lay and had someone read the ordinary cards, for fun only.
2) Not initially. The first idea comes from my head, but later, in the planning stage, I like to make or look up some images just to remember what I had in mind without having to write it down.
I’d like to ask:
do you plan the end of a book before you start writing it, or you make it up as you write?
Thanks!
Dovile P., Lithuania
___
+25 RSVPed for this event
+15 for questions
+10 for attending Maria V. Snyder’s event
+20 RSVPed for Cassidy’s and Holder’s events and will definitely be there
+1 tallying
Total: 71
Hi, Dovile!
I’m a compulsive outliner. I don’t start writing until I have a skeleton of a story down on the page…and know the ending.
I’m also guilty of flipping to the last pages of books I’m reading. Just gotta know, LOL!
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you? —– No.
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story? —- Yes.
3. For those of you with decks, try the above exercise. What did you
discover about your character? I don’t have a deck!
Questions for author –
1. Do you have a special place or time that you write? like midnight? morning?
2. Do you listen to music while writing and if so, what kind?
3. Fun question, do you like to munch while brainstorming and if so, what’s your favorite food?
+15 three questions
+10 attended nancy holder event
+10 attended Dakota Cassidy’s event
+10 attended Maria V. Snyder’s event
Point tally –
45 + 1 = 46
Regina S.
USA
Hi, Regina! Thanks for stopping in.
Favorite munchies…definitely chocolate.
How about you?
Hi there, late to party! I love being here so much, I’m at my MOM’s on her laptop, pretty pathetic huh? To answer your ?’s, I have tried my hand at Tarot, but it’s been a while. (long while) I have been searching for my cards and cannot find them, I think someone hid them from me. I know the last place I go to look will be where they are. I use my mind to create a story, I picture it all there, altho I do try to find pics once in a while to make a collage. I can’t try the exercise since I can’t find my deck. Sorry.
I am looking forward to reading this one, will be getting to it soon.
Joani S from USA
rsvp’d
tally points=41
Hi, Joani! Thanks for stopping in!
I hope you find your cards soon. I lost my Robin Wood card deck a couple of years ago. I know that it’s around here somewhere, and that I’ll stumble across it when I FINALLY get around to organizing.
And thanks for putting ROGUE ORACLE on your TBR list.
Your book sounds interesting – can’t wait to read it!
Laurie N., USA
Attended Maria V. Snyder’s event 10 Points
RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00
RSVP and Attend Dakota Cassidy’s Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here:
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37002/author-dakota-…t-31-rsvp-here/ + 10 Points
RSVP and Attend Nancy Holder’s Release Party and $100.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest Here:
http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37003/author-nancy-h…t-31-rsvp-here/ + 10 Points
Tweet this event: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/37011/author-alayna-…test-live-here/ + 10 Points
5. Check out the awesome True Blood Jewelry Line here: when you buy something using this link http://cadsawan.com/collection-buy.shtml Email your receipt to the prize Goddess here bittenbybooks.contests @ gmail.com (no spaces). Not valid on past purchases. Good for + 200 points
6. Tally Your own points total 1 + Point
Hi, Laurie! Thanks for entering and tweeting!
Well that’s a total mess! Let me retry this!
Your book sounds interesting – can’t wait to read it!
Laurie N., USA
Attended Maria’s event 10 points
Attended Dakota’s event 10 points
Attended Nancy’s event 10 points
Tweeted 10 points
Tallied own points 1 point
TOTAL 41 points
Thanks, Laurie…no worries! Got your point tally now.
1. Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read
them for you? I have done them myself but it has been years since I did. I still have them somewhere. lol (5)
2. Do you use collages or other visual methods to create a story? I used what the book told me to when I bought the card. I think it was a cross or a t shape. (5)
3. For those of you with decks, try the above exercise. What did you
discover about your character? I haven’t tried this but I really want to now. I just need to find them. This is such a great idea. (5)
Do you have a routine that you follow before you sit down to write? (5)
I will attend Nancy Holder event (10)
I will attend Dakota Cassidy’s event (10)
I will attend Maria V. Snyder’s event (10)
Tally (1)
51
Hi, Katie! I hope the method is helpful. The cards are a big help to me in writing, and I hope they work for you, too!
Love Tarot! I own five decks, at last count, and quite a few books on the subject. I even own a book called Tarot for Writers. Very cool.
1. Yes to both! Very often.
2. Yes indeed. I find collages very helpful.
3. That they went off in directions and had inner resources I’d never imagined. That was fascinating, thanks.
Julie T., USA
RSVP and attend Maria V. Snyder event +10
RSVP and attend Dakota Cassidy event +10
RSVP and attend Nancy Holder event +10
Answered questions +15
Tally Points +1
Total = 46
Thanks for the tip, Julie! I’m gonna have to track TAROT FOR WRITERS down to add to my collection!
Do you have a favorite book or deck?
Hi, thanks for visiting BBB!
Elie N, USA
you asked: . Have you ever tried your hand at Tarot cards? Or had someone else read them for you?
NO, but I would love to. Actually, I am going to check out your link. I love this kind of thing, but never actually met anyone who does this.
I was wondering…your characters have really extraordinary lives. Would you want to live in their world?
rsvp/Attend Snyder
rspv/attend Cassidy
rsvp/attend Holder
tally
41 entries
Hi, Elie! The card are a lot of fun – I hope you find some inspiration in them.
About adventures…I’m not sure. I’ve had some, and enjoyed them, but I’m enjoying a much quieter phase right now: married, with cats, working in a library. I think that I’d rather write about adventures than experience them first-hand.