~Drew's Sim Stories

SORRY WE'RE CLOSED~

2012-01-18T10:59:00.002-06:00

This is it folks, many thanks for 5+ years of sim stories. I will be continuing privately for my own pleasure and story-boarding purposes. I have completely withdrawn from the sims community, so all the best for your own stories and continued enjoyment with the medium~

CRIME STORY has been taken off-line and I thank everyone who has followed it these last couple of years and especially to those who commented. Your feedback has been invaluable and touched me more than you know. I was so glad I was able to complete it in a proper manner.

I don't like using the phrase 'I have moved on', it's more like I am taking a different road. My storytelling adventures continue as a published ROMANCE writer. Yes, I write romance and am proud of it.

This main blog will stay up for now, but could come down anytime in the next month or so.

For all my sims blog buddies, I hope this isn't good-bye, but understand if it is.

Stay in touch at www.karyngerrard.com I would love to hear from you once in a while! And I am also on Facebook under Karyn Gerrard as well.

All the best and it's been a hell of a ride!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A FINAL WORD~and SOLD ANOTHER~

2012-01-17T14:42:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I know. I wasn't going to post anything else. But I got word last night I sold Brogan's 1974 story to Silver Publishing.

This just cements the reason Crime Story has to come down and why I can't continue with the story on-line.

I sold a sims story. I had 15 chapters done of the 1974 part. One night I was looking it over and thought "Damn, Brogan's rock star journey is compelling, wonder if I could turn it into a novella?"

I did. Using the bare bones of plots I had worked out in the game, I slapped on some fresh meat, wrote a few new scenes and there you go. SOLD.

I know I have said this before, but I will say it one last time. For all you out there doing sims stories, if you want to be published someday, look to your stories. They are gold mines. REALLY. Out of the 5 manuscripts I have sold so far, 4 of them have some plot point that originated in sims stories.

2 Manuscripts sold in one week. Looks like I will be busy for a while.

Again, take care and cheers~

THIS IS THE END~ Conclusion of Crime Story~

2012-01-16T12:18:00.000-06:00

CONCLUSION click HERE

I want to thank everyone who ever read this long standing saga, especially those who took the time to comment. You gave me the feedback on characters and plots that gave me the incentive to actually write stories I could sell to publishers.

I have had a lot of fun doing sims stories the past 5+ years, and I will still be doing it privately for my own story boarding purposes Otherwise I am completely withdrawing from the sims community. Already left forums, sites, etc.
I wish everyone continued enjoyment with your own stories and any other writing endeavors you may have.

Cheers~ and stay in touch with me at my author site at karyngerrard.com if you are so inclined~

Chapter 75 CRIME STORY

2012-01-14T13:53:00.000-06:00

CHAPTER 75

click HERE

Can I say how much I love this character? So much so I am writing a novel using the basis of his character. Another reason these blogs must come down.

Also I use a facsimile of Joey Indelli in the novella I just sold, so I will try to leave the blogs up until the end of January but they may have to come down sooner.

Conclusion posted next week and I will include an epilogue to address any plots that were left hanging because I was going to address it in the now defunct 1974 part.

Cheers~

ANNOUCEMENT~

2012-01-12T17:19:00.000-06:00

Go to my author site for an announcement. I have a new book coming out!

CLICK HERE

and it is why the sims blogs have to come down. I will try to keep them up until the end of this month, Cheers~

CRIME STORY CHAPTER 74

2012-01-12T13:50:00.000-06:00

Chapter 74 now posted.

CLick HERE

Only 2 more to go!!

AND ANOTHER UPDATE CHAPTER 73

2012-01-10T12:49:00.001-06:00

CHAPTER 73 CLICK HERE

Hey, Nick and Veronica, remember them? They get a conclusion and by this shot, looks to be a happy one.

I will try and post another in a few days. I had over 2000 hits on Crime story in the last two days, I am blown away. thanks whoever you are for checking out this blog story.

Feeling a little sad about it all coming to and end, but am eager to travel down a new path.

Cheers!

CRIME STORY Chapter 72 posted~

2012-01-07T11:19:00.000-06:00

Chapter 72 now posted.

Click HERE

Hope to post the rest next week

A couple more Crime Story Updates~

2012-01-06T12:07:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

ADULT!!!

EVEN MORE CRIME STORY UPDATES

2012-01-01T11:50:00.000-06:00

CHAPTER 68

CHAPTER 69

WARNING: language, sex, yes, this is adult.

Happy New Year~

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

2011-12-28T20:25:00.001-06:00

It has been coming for some time and I have been putting it off for months. But the time has come for me to say the big good-bye to the Sims community and Sims stories.

I have been doing sim stories since the fall of 2006 when I posted a few feeble efforts at TSR, started my own blog in 2007. At one time I had three stories going at once. It was not only a hell of a lot of fun but I learned and grew as a writer and storyteller. I also met a lot of fantastic people in my travels.

Over the past few days and over the next week or two, I will post the rest of Crime Story as I wanted those who follow it to read it to the end of the 1970 part. *Chapter 76 is the last one* At the end of January, (or sooner, depends) I will be taking the Crime Story blog off the internet and will not be continuing.

I will leave this main sim stories blog public for now. I want to turn all my attention to my writing and continue to pursue my dreams in the published writing world. Three ebooks already published, I have plans for more~

I want to thank everyone who ever took the time to read and/or comment on anything I posted in sim stories over the past 5+ years. It was YOU who gave me the courage to spread my wings and actually submit something.

If you want to stay in contact, visit my author site at www.karyngerrard.com

Again, thanks everyone. All the best in your goals, dreams and endeavors.

Happy New Year~and cheers to everyone~

~Drew/Karyn

MORE CRIME STORY UPDATES!

2011-12-26T12:13:00.002-06:00

THREE more chapters posted!

CHAPTER 65

CHAPTER 66

CHAPTER 67

Just what in hell am I doing?

1. These chapters have been completed for months, it is not something I just whipped up.

2. I will be posting chapters as I upload them, until I reach the end at Chapter 76, so the next few weeks will be a flurry of activity.

3. I will acknowledge the few comments when I can, already addressed a few. Will not be on the computer much until after Jan 9th.

Happy New Year!

CRIME STORY UPDATES

2011-12-22T15:44:00.000-06:00

CHAPTER 62

CHAPTER 63

CHAPTER 64

The updates will be coming at a fast clip until I get to the last one, chapter 76.

Happy Holidays~

UPDATE CRIME STORY CHAPTER 61

2011-12-02T13:37:00.000-06:00

UPDATE!! Chapter 61

CLICK HERE

KEEPING BUSY~

2011-11-28T13:14:00.001-06:00

Yes,more shameless pictures of hunky guys. Makes you want to crawl in his lap and recline all over him.

I will try and update Crime Story this coming weekend. I have part uploaded already in the draft folder.

I just deleted all my sim sites links from my bookmarks, all sim sites that have downloads. I am just going to make do with the 7GB of downloads I already have, same with poseboxes, I have enough.

Also a heads up, nothing may come of this but just in case. I am working on a short novella that borrows heavily from plots from the 1974 of Crime Story. If the manuscript is accepted then the 1974 section of Crime Story will not see the light of day. What may happen is after I finish posting the 1970 part, the blog may go private (if MS sells). We will cross that bridge when or if we come to it. Just want to let you know how my thinking is going here.
I will be posting the rest of the 1970 part, promise.

I was in the game last week first time in a month and took a ton of shots! I also have MS plans for THIS guy. In fact, HIS WICKED CELTIC KISS is almost finished. Can I say I love that my sims stories are such a rich arena for characters and plots? I know, I have said it before many times, but it is true.

Hmmm. I wonder who these legs belong to? I still enjoy this, it is a great escape from everything. Fantastic way to storyboard and create characters. I can't see me ever stopping. However, I just may have to move it off stage.

I'll keep you posted. It all may come to nothing~

Have a good week~

CRIME STORY UPDATE: The Track of my Tears~

2011-11-14T15:39:00.003-06:00

Look at that, an update less than 10 days after the other~

Click HERE to get to update~CHAPTER 60

Domingo is above, he will be a prominent character in the last 15 chapters. And if I continue with the 1974 part, he will figure there as well. Love the look of this guy.

I see a few people updated, YAY! I will be there ASAP~ Cheers and have a good week~

P.S. I think the writing is on the wall, my author blog is now getting more hits than my sims ones. Trying to tell me something, perhaps?

CRIME STORY UPDATE #59~ It Ain't Me Babe~

2011-11-04T12:32:00.003-05:00

Crime Story Chapter 59 finally posted, sorry for the delay!

Click HERE to get to update

I commented on a few sim stories updates this morning, I will get to the rest on Monday. I feel a little more normal after a few days break and now the edits are done, I can breathe a bit.

The sign in the picture above was made by me, found a waste removal advertisement on-line, in photoshop, erased the company name, typed in my own. (along with Lorcan's name) TADA! Business sign.
It's the little details sometimes that give you a thrill. Cheers and have a good week!

STRUNG OUT~

2011-10-27T12:01:00.000-05:00

Hi~ Just a note to let you know I have been bogged down with two sets of edits at once and it has been eating up all my time at the moment. I was hoping to get the next chapter of Crime Story up, but that now looks as though it may not happen until perhaps end of next week. (I will try!)
I am also, again, behind in reading updates. I will get there, I swear. I am such a believer in support and I have been falling down on the job on my end.

There is other stuff going on as well to just add to the stress level. So after all the edits are done, I will be taking some time off away from the computer. Just me, popcorn, Coke Zero (with a splash of cherry brandy) and some BBC costume dramas. Maybe I will curl up with this guy. Or the hubs will do in a pinch.

Sounds like a plan.

Cheers everyone~

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES COVER ART IS IN~AND SAY HI!

2011-10-20T19:30:00.000-05:00

Stop by my Author site and meet the cover model that is on my Silver Publishing Dec 18th release, CHRISTMAS MEMORIES~yes, that's him above! *drool* And below~

Click HERE to see, let me know what you think of the cover art, and the model~Cheers, have a good week~

UPDATE CRIME STORY AND A FEW SHOTS~

2011-10-11T10:21:00.001-05:00

Chapter 58: You'll Never Walk Alone Click HERE

It is short and after this, we move on toward the conclusion.

Saturday The hubs had to take the car for some warranty work so I went in the game for the first time since July, YAY! I was in for 4 hours, everything went smooth, no crashes and glitches.
Here are a couple of shots.

I love how you can take the same sim and by using different skins and slight modifications make them completely different. That is Nevan in the blue leather, Brogan to the right (in his 5th different hair style) both made from the Lorcan sim base.
These guys look like brothers.

Another shot of the brothers, this time with Reese added (hand on shoulder) He looks the most like Lorcan, I really made no changes there. They all have the dimples!

Another example of using a sim, that is the Ronan sim with a different skin and eye change to make Rollie McCarthy, Ronan's younger brother.

I love these decorative store fronts, I forget where I got them, TSR maybe? They are under 'lighting' as they light up a night. Nice backdrop to this shot of Patrick Quinn...and Donna??? *snort, tease* Coming soon in the 1974 section~

ALSO: Sims 2 object site has been deleted. As I stated, I am no longer creating on any level. Also the Western blog Thunder Valley is gone for good. I will be mining that for plots. ~

Have a good couple of weeks. And yes, I still have a few stories to catch up on, as soon as I finish my edits, it is on my to-do list!

BIG BIRTHDAY WISHES~

2011-09-27T12:50:00.005-05:00

Brogan sings Happy Birthday to Crime Story 1969-70, which is two years old this week. Wow. I want to thanks everyone who ever commented and read this, especially those from the beginning who still stop by. I really, really appreciate it!

I haven't gone in the game yet. Kind of deep in the writing and editing cave at the moment. But I plan to. Hopefully next week~

Also one of my publishers is having a a birthday blog hop bash. The contest runs all week and is open internationally. A kindle, cash, gift certificates and more are up for grabs.

Go to my author site HERE to leave a comment to be entered. I know a lot of you already commented on my cover art, but do it again for a chance to win! More details at my site.

Again, thanks for all the good wishes in my publishing endeavors. It keeps me going. I am having fun and that is the main thing, I am certainly not in it for the money!

Cheers and have a good week, and the next update to Crime Story is very short and I hope to post it next week~

EDIT: the objects site has been deleted and Thunder Valley has been taken off-line, it is permanent. Sorry for any inconvenience~

BLACK LUST COVER ART

2011-09-21T20:42:00.000-05:00

YAY! I got my cover art for my December paranormal release, "Black Lust" from Evernight Publishing!

Click HERE to have a look!

I am still squeeing and flushed and happy. It doesn't take much to put me in this condition. THis cover is beyond all my expectations. Lucius...lives!

CRIME STORY UPDATE~Chapter 57 Reflections

2011-09-21T14:13:00.000-05:00

Hi there~

Chapter 57 is up click HERE for update.

I think I am caught up on all the stories I will be commenting on, I will double check in the next few days. Again, thanks for sticking with me on this, and letting me know what you think, I appreciate any feed back.

Have a good week~

Another Annoucement~ FYI

2011-09-14T18:39:00.001-05:00

I took this shot before I went on vacation in July. Haven't been in the game since. I love the emotion the Lorcan sim gives, no face overlays here.

I had this up briefly in another post but I thought it should be posted on its own. I am stepping back from the sims community a bit:

I deleted my Sims Livejournal Account. Never used it anyway. Also closed down my page at TSR and resigned as SA. I will be deleting my Sims 2 object site as I will not longer be creating in any form. It will stay up until the end of this month so if you want to grab any of the male sims or few objects I have there, now is the time. CLICK HERE

Will continue on with Crime Story and post the chapters already done. I am going to try and get in the game at least once a week just for fun and pick away at completing the 1974 part.

Things change. I am not leaving this behind. But I will not be as involved in the sims community as I was in the past. I want to thank those that still comment. I will reciprocate, I promise. Almost caught up on my back reading, just a few more story updates to go.

Have a good week.~

RIP SPARTACUS

2011-09-12T13:21:00.001-05:00

I usually do not get emotional over hearing of an actor/celebrity passing, I say ' how terrible' and move on with my own dramas.

However I actually did get upset over this, as in 'lump in the throat' deal. Andy Whitfield was only 39, he had a wife and two small children. He was diagnosed 18 months ago with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He thought he had it licked, he even began training for season 2 of Spartacus.
The cancer returned.
It was a losing battle.

He was virtually unknown when cast in this Starz series, but he brought such a fierce vulnerability to the role, that it stays with you past the viewing of the series. He also seemed like a genuinely nice guy.

Born in Wales, he moved to Australia in the '90's did some modeling and acting. Spartacus was his big break.

I think what caused the lump in the throat was this statement from his wife:

"On a beautiful sunny Sydney morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18-month battle with lymphoma cancer ... he passed peacefully surrounded by love," the statement said. "Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have helped carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was."

Damn. Guess I am just an old softie inside. It is a sad occasion when anyone passes away, celebrity or no and especially when it is someone who still had a lot of life to live.

If you ever get a chance to check out this series, you won't be disappointed. Season 2 will air January 2012 with a new actor in the role. I will watch. But I will miss Andy~

PS: Can I say it is creeping me out I am getting google searches 'Andy Whitfield nude' directed to this blog? Yuck, show some respect people~

BIG, BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!

2011-09-03T15:43:00.001-05:00

Please go to my Author website/blog for a huge announcement. CLICK HERE!!

I will tell you this, sim stories has made my dreams of being published come true. If you have dreams of being a published writer, look at your sims stories, they are gold. Use the wonderful characters you have created, use the intricate plots and narrative. It works.

I thank you for all your support. I could not have done this without you.

CRIME STORY UPDATE: Chapter 56~Turn, Turn, Turn

2011-09-02T14:33:00.002-05:00

Update HERE

It is not a long one~ and I can't resist a shirtless Lorcan whenever I can *shameless*

And hey, I actually got to read and comment on some updates today! I will do so more if not this weekend, then first of next week.

For those having a Labour/Labor Day Weekend, enjoy~

THE BYRDS ~Great song, timeless~

I'm back~

2011-08-27T11:28:00.000-05:00

Had a fine vacation and looking over my google reader I see there is not that much for me to catch up on. Kind of a quiet summer.

So what is the status with my Simming? I will be uploading the finished remaining 20 chapters of Crime Story but I will not be following any schedule. It will be just when I can find the time to upload. So an update maybe once a month, or twice or three times a month depending on my schedule, or it could be longer in between. Sorry about that but life has got real hectic.

As for the 1974 part, I want to finish it, I hate leaving things hanging as I did that with my vampire story. So I will be picking away at that, it won't be as long as the 1970 part. What comes after that, I have no idea. I am taking things as they come.

So for now, I will try to get the next chapter up (teaser pic above) in the next 2 weeks and start to catch up on my reading and answering comments. For now, it is back into the editing cave.

Hope you all had a relaxing summer~

Cheers and see you end of August~

2011-07-20T20:28:00.001-05:00

I am wrapping things up as I prepare to leave for my trip on Sunday. I have set aside some time tomorrow to get caught up on some sims reading and finish book reviews I have to do. I will be gone until Aug 25-26, so no updates until I get back.

Meanwhile, my captain awaits my arrival on the east coast, LOL!

All the best and keep reading, writing or whatever gives you peace and enjoyment~

CRIME STORY UPDATE: Nights in White Satin~ Chapter 55

2011-07-16T10:30:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE to get to update~

Warnings: violence, language

I LOVE this song by The Moody Blues, fits this chapter perfectly. This is a shorter chapter than usual, and at the first I kind of encapsulated a few weeks of plots into a summary.

I am leaving in about a week and will be gone until the end of August, so no further updates. If I don't get caught up on the stories I am following before I go, I certainly will when I return. I have a lot to do before I go. A LOT.

Moody Blues below at the Isle of Wright Festival 1970. Jesus, why isn't there songs like this anymore??

Everyone have a good safe summer, or what ever season it is for you! Relax, kick back, enjoy. And thanks for the fun, the support, the comments, you are all fantastic. Cheers~

A LITTLE FUN~ Sorry For The Spoiler~

2011-07-07T15:44:00.001-05:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking. Interest in sim stories seems to be on the down slide, and I wondered if I wanted to continue. I have no plans to buy Sims 3, not even for my own gaming pleasure. I made that much of a decision.

So I decided that yeah, I want to continue, because I still have fun. Losing yourself in the game-works. For me. Again, I had not been in the game for a few weeks. I marked tomorrow as a day to load up the game and have fun.

I had to read over the completed 13 chapters I have done for 1974, and made a few notes so I will know what shots I need to continue~

I made this cover with Big Huge Labs. First I took a shot of Brogan and in photoshop placed him in a generic concert shot. Then went to Bighugelabs and made this magazine cover, damn, it was fun! All the headlines I made up to fit the 1974 era.

Cheers~

EVERNIGHT AUTHOR BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY!

2011-07-06T13:20:00.000-05:00

Thought I would stick this up here in case anyone wants to play along, lots of e-books and other prizes up for grabs! Including, yeah, MINE! Timeless Heart♥ is part of the prize pack. Never done a blog Hop? Neither have I. Start HERE at the Evernight Blog, then click on the links there to go to the author sites. All you have to do is become a follower, leave a comment with email so you can be contacted if you are a winner. And Bonus!! I have gorgeous shots of beach guys at my author blog, stop by and drool!

Have fun, and have a good weekend~

Join the Authors of Evernight Publishing as we turn up the heat on summer.

Have your bikini ready, the perfect spot pool side,but wait nothing to read? We can remedy that. your chance to win is only a click of your mouse away. Starting Tuesday July 5th and going through to Friday July 8th Evernight's Author Blog Hop Giveaway is loaded with prizes sure to keep the sizzle going long after summer is gone.

Here is the list of the prizes you can win!

Shannan Albright - 1st prize: PDF of Dark Passion Rising PLUS $15.00 Amazon Gift Card 2nd prize: PDF of 'Twas A Dark and Delicious Christmas

Karyn Gerrard - PDF of Timeless Heart♥

Carolyn Rosewood- PDF of Hunted -Due for release in July

L Saint James- PDFof Master of Mine

D.F.Krieger-PDF of Sail My Oceans

Angelina Rain- PDF of Master Mine

Kelly Yerkle- PDF Timless

Emma Shortt- PDF of The Kiss or The Valentine's Fae (your choice)

Stacey Espino - Any 2 books from her backlist

Pepper Anthony - PDF Naked Treats

Claire Matthews - PDF Intimate Friends - Due to release in August

Alexandra O'Hurley- PDF The Lottery.

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy- PDF's Love Tattoo AND Love Scars

Delilah Hunt- PDF Riding the Storm

Fionn Jameson - 3 PDF's of Blood Wish and 2 PDF winners for her Blood Martyr Series 1-5
Avril Ashton - PDF Make Me Sweat

Just Released / Coming Soon!

Emma Shortt- Paying her Debt

Stacey Espino- Freya's Mates

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy - Love Scars

Carolyn Rosewood - Hunted

Alexandra O'Hurley- Night of the Dragon

Be sure to Follow these talented authors for the latest on release dates.

Sounds great doesn't it? All you have to do is follow the author's blog, comment with your email, and click the link to go on to the next blog, so easy and look at what you can win!

CLICK HERE to begin the hop! Open to all and runs until July 8th, have fun!

CRIME STORY UPDATE: Chapter 54~Something In The Air~

2011-07-04T14:05:00.001-05:00

I have this shot as the wallpaper on my iPod touch, *snort* Will always have a soft spot for this Sim.

CHapter 54 HERE

The usual warnings apply, this is ADULT.

There will be one more update before I leave on vacation the end of the month, will be gone most of August.

To those still commenting, thank you. I appreciate the input.

I will be getting caught up on other stories I am reading in the next day or two.

Happy July 4th to my neighbors to the south.

Have a good week~

THUNDER VALLEY REDUX

2011-06-30T21:43:00.003-05:00

I kind of forgot about this the last several months. Just posted a reworked Chapter Five. CLICK HERE

Again, I am doing this for fun, a rewrite from the 2008 version. Remember this was before poseboxes, and some of the early chapters have thought bubbles *eek*

~~Also I am using the current date for the updates, not the original publish dates, so if you want to 'follow' it will show up in reader now. I hope~(the feed needs to update, may take a day or two)~~

Long weekend here in Canada HAPPY CANADA DAY! So I will be not be around sims wise until next week sometime. Cheers~

The feed didn't update. Don't know why. Meh. Still saying 2 years ago. Oh well, I tried~

Crime Story coming soon.

SO LONG, GOODBYE~

2011-06-22T11:47:00.004-05:00

I want to thank EVERYONE who ever commented on this blog story, BLOOD BROTHERHOOD back from its very beginnings at TSR in late 2006. (The Van Helsing Chronicles) to Dracula's Diaries to it's latest incarnation, Blood Brotherhood.
I have been with these characters a long time, but everything must come to an end.
Fortunately, they will live on, with any luck.

I submitted a Halloween short story for an Anthology, while it was deemed not suitable for the Antho format, they said it had 'great potential' and to turn it into a novella or short novel and resubmit. Also they are interested in a possible series. While all this sounds great, it does not mean I have a contract.
Far from it.

But since I borrow heavily from this blog story in both plot, characters and mythology, I believe it should not be public any longer.

It falls into that gray area of "previously published" story, and since a publisher already looked at some of the material, I feel I should be cautious here and take it off the internet.

Again, many thanks for all the support for Blood Brotherhood. Who knows, maybe I will 'resurrect' this someday when I feel the need to 'revamp' my vamps. Sorry for the puns.

Cheers~

CRIME STORY WILL CONTINUE~!

UPDATE; CRIME STORY Chapter 53: Don't Bring Me Down~

2011-06-17T11:18:00.003-05:00

Chapter 53: CLICK HERE

Language of course, this story is ADULT.

NEWS: I am afraid Crime Story will be going to bi-weekly updates, or maybe longer going forward. Just the nature of the beast, with RL and other things. I did try to stick to weekly, but it just can't be done. Bi-weekly is looking like the new norm.

Crime Story will now be the only Sims story I will be doing. 74 chapters for 1970, and I am on chapter 13 for the 1974 part (it won't be as long, I swear!) So still having fun with it~

Have a good weekend~

CS PERFORMANCE: Brogan and Nevan~

2011-06-07T18:49:00.001-05:00

Brogan and Nevan Byrne have a little performance, music compliments of RED, Play the songs below. (click on read some more!) Nevan sings a little too, he provides backup and the piano. But Brogan has the voice. Micheal Barnes, lead singer of RED to me, is Brogan.

Yes, I am having fun in the game, damn, feels good. And Red captures the music I will want these two brothers to make, when do they get to this point however, is WAY off.

Have a good week~

CRIME STORY UPDATE Chapter 52: Won't Get Fooled Again

2011-06-03T13:28:00.000-05:00

Update CLICK HERE

usual warnings~

Love Domingo and Jimmy, hope you will too...soon.

Have a good weekend~

NEW LOOK FOR MY AUTHOR SITE!

2011-05-25T17:10:00.001-05:00

I will tell you, it pays to network. I know, I used to sneer about twitter and facebook, but, it has its uses. I started blogging about romance, doing reviews on books over a year ago, made some contacts. Again, it has paid off. A lovely lady who review books, also designs for webites/blogs, she offered to jazz up my author website/blog. I told her what colors, what I wanted, and bang. Done. I love it. (yes, I paid her, it was worth every dime) The almost kiss, just oozes romance, which is what I wanted the header to say. I also told Barbara I didn't want a strictly historical look, or paranormal, as I am writing in several subgenres. This graphic says it all. Perfect.

And how jazzed am I that Jimmy Thomas cover model/businessman,(also below) is in my header? (Hey, he follows me on facebook!) He not only appears on book covers, but sells his image (like the one above) to publishers, authors and designers.

Look Gayl, Navy Seal! *snort* have a look at www.karyngerrard.com and let me know what you think.
I did get a domain name, I just have to figure out how to get it changed in the address line. (it already forwards correctly) When I go to do it, it gets caught in a 'redirect' loop of death. As I see on the net, this is a common problem, so I will keep trying to figure it out. Google. Yeah.

Also since this is my blog, I am going to blow my horn. I managed to make a few lists for Time Travel/romance, As of this writing, I am 45 in the top 100 for Time travel at Amazon.UK, number 13 at Amazon.de (Germany) Also #18 for Time Travel at All for Romance (they sell ebooks) Not bad at all. Oh, and number 3 under fantasy at Evernight's site. My first review got a 4 out of 5 stars.
It will not all be roses. Not even close. But the past 24 hours has been pretty spinorkity. For once.

Cheers~

CRIME STORY UPDATE: CHAPTER 51~One

2011-05-20T18:16:00.001-05:00

Chapter 51: One Is The Loneliest Number (after the Three Dog Night song) Click HERE

A couple of new characters are introduced. They will factor big time in the remaining 25 chapters of the 1970 section.

Was in the game again this afternoon, loved it. Definitely setting aside time for this from now on!

FOR JENNIFER:

She requested a shot of Rollie McCarthy, Sloane's (and the late Ronan's) younger brother, here he is! See? Not Ronan. No dead eyes. This guy smiles a lot. Adorable.

Just how bad will he be? With those warm blue eyes and sweet smile, how bad CAN he be? Or is it deceiving? You will have to wait until the 1974 part!

Patrick Quinn's new look for 1974. Oh, am I having fun with him! I am trying not to juggle as many plots, will tie some up before moving on, not always easy.

Have a fine weekend~

I FORGOT...EVERYTHING.

2011-05-19T10:50:00.001-05:00

I took a break from writing and the internet yesterday and fired up the game for the first time since March. OMG, I forgot everything. I didn't know which neighborhood or sub hoods certain sims were, or what lots they were in. Where did I leave off in the story? I forgot how to use the camera mod. Cheat codes? Gone. Thankfully, I had a few written down in a notebook. Poseboxes? Totally fubared. Again, thankfully, I had notes. It must have taken me over an hour to get into the groove again.

Above is Ronan's brother Rollie, and Lorcan's brother Nevan. These two are nothing like their older brothers. But, they are up to no good. *rubs hands together*

I decided I am going to plan my time better, set aside time for losing myself in the game, damn, it is so relaxing and therapeutic to me, I had forgotten. So I managed to take a bunch of shots for chapter 12 of the 1974 part. I realized my sets suck. I am so envious of other decorating I have seen in my sim stories travels. I just don't have the patience, and ok, yeah, the time to linger on it. So some of my shots were pretty bare. I will let those go, and try in future to at least decorate where the camera is pointing.

Crime Story this Saturday, if all goes well. Cheers~

THE WINNER

2011-05-18T12:26:00.000-05:00

Draw done with Random.org, and the selected winner is

SILAKAS

Send me an email to karyngerrard@gmail.com to claim your PDF copy of Timeless Heart ♥
Thanks for the comments~

SORRY!

2011-05-13T20:10:00.002-05:00

As you can see my blog is a mess, Comments are missing, ~~the size of the format is way huge, it shouldn't be filling the screen like that, I tried to adjust widths, and nothing. Also some of the changes I made in fonts and colors are gone.~~

FIXED! Thanks for the comments! Was settings on my computer!

According to blogger as of 8 PM CST, they are still trying to get all posts and comments back from that 30 hour time frame where they had to roll it back to May 11. Not impressed.

I will give them until tomorrow morning to fix this. I think I have a few of the comments from the giveaway still in my email folder, but not sure. If you want to go ahead and leave another comment, please do.

The giveaway will continue.

Again, bummer.

No Crime Story update this weekend, things are still too up in the air. I think I have the missing comments from that as well, From Jennifer and Miss Leah in my email. I can cut and paste if I have to.

All my responses to comments are also gone. Meh, If worse comes to worse, I'll do them again.

Fun times~

YAY! RELEASE DAY AND A GIVEAWAY!

2011-05-10T23:20:00.004-05:00

FIRST REACTION!
IRON MUM: brilliant bloody brilliant. I loved it all. Great job Karyn and that Jerrod, oh my god where can I get a man like that.

We are thrilled to welcome debut author Karyn Gerrard to the blog today, her erotica/romance ebook novella release date is today, TIMELESS HEART with Evernight Publishing.
Karyn is generously offering a PDF copy of her novella to one lucky commenter. Contest will run until MAY 18 2011, Winner will be chosen by random.org

DREW: Welcome Karyn! Can you give us a little background on your story, and why a novella?

KARYN: Thanks for having me Drew, well, to be honest, it was a very vivid dream from decades ago that stayed with me. I always liked the concept of time travel, and how two people from different time periods could cross that chasm of time and find love, happiness.

As to why a novella, I did my research, I saw that ebooks were exploding, and are continuing to explode (up 211% in Feb over last Feb) And that Erotica outsells other romance genres in ebooks 10 to 1. So I turned to what WIP (work in progress)I had to see if any could be adapted to novella form (17,000-40,000 words, or there about) Instead, I had a look at my Sim Stories.

DREW: You recently 'came out' about your Sim Stories on your author blog, was that a hard decision?

KARYN: Not really, to me it is a legit form of storytelling and writing, and a fantastic tool for plotting/characterization. Also the comments you do get, you can gauge what characters and plots work, and what doesn't. I am so grateful for all the support and wonderful people I have met doing sim stories. I continue to learn from everyone. Only people who do sim stories and play the sims know the passion we feel about our sims and our stories. I have tried to talk to my family about it, and their eyes glaze over. Works for me though! I am very proud of all the writers I have met in the Sim Storytelling Community. Loads of talent.

DREW: So Timeless Heart was a Sims Story? Fascinating! Can we have a look at it?

KARYN: I made it private, and took it down from TSR,(The Sims Resource) and really, they are not the same. As I said at a buddy's blog, I took the skeleton of the story and packed different meat on the bones. Same frame, different meat suit. But I found it very easy to adapt it to a novella, the characters were already defined, the basic plot worked out. Just had to fill in the meat.

DREW: Are you going to use any other Sim Stories in future?

KARYN: Wow, good question. I do have a full length manuscript I did last year on two characters from Crime Story 1970, we could call it "The Biker and the Baker" if that gives you any hints. Takes place in the present, not 1970, and plots are different, though the characters stay somewhat intact. Also working on a paranormal novella that borrows heavily from Blood Brotherhood, so yes, I will continue to use Sim Stories as a spring board for plots. Some use post it notes, bulletin boards, etc. to storyboard their plots, I use the sims game.

DREW: Will you continue to do Sim Stories going forward?

KARYN: Been doing it since the fall of 2006 and I am not tired of it yet. Still get a ton of enjoyment out of it. I am home all day, lots of time to write, sim, the whole enchilada.

DREW: Can you tell us about Evernight Publishing, and how it came about that your novella was accepted?

KARYN: I sent Timeless Heart to four different ebook publishers, their submission times were anywhere from 2-16 weeks, so I didn't think I would hear anything for quite awhile. Evernight sent me an email offering me a contract in 24 hours. I was floored, certain this was a joke. I did my research before I submitted, as there are a lot of ebook publishers cropping up. I couldn't find anything negative about Evernight on the internet. I accepted the contract and am very pleased I did. They have been nothing but professional, supportive and welcoming, and so have the authors that publish there. I recommend them, they are accepting submissions click HERE to read the guidelines.

DREW: Tell us about Timeless Heart.

KARYN: It is a time travel romance/erotica. Evernight has heat levels of 1-4 on their releases, mine will be a 3. *sizzle* This from someone who used to wring her hands over describing a kiss between Sims! I have come a long way. LONG way. In fact, I shock myself at how easily I can write these scenes. But that isn't all that is in this story, it is about being lost, adrift, and finding that one person who can throw you a lifeline, it is a love story, old fashioned in a lot a ways, with some smokin' hot scenes. The hero is from 1821. How will be adjust to life in 2011? And his growing desire for the woman who found him, more importantly, how will he ever return to his time?

DREW: Thanks for dropping by Karyn! Any last words or questions?

KARYN: Yes, listen, if I can do this, anyone can. Luck plays a huge part in getting published, doesn't matter if it is print or a smaller ebook publisher. I lucked in. I had a story that interested someone. I am not the most polished writer, but the people at Evernight told me it was the story itself and the characters that sold them, (well, the hero anyway, LOL!) not my somewhat sloppy grammar. Thank God for editors, I had a good one.

I have a question, do you like time travel? Tell me why or why not! What books, movies etc about time travel appealed to you? One lucky commenter will win a free PDF copy of TIMELESS HEART!

DISCLOSURE: Yeah, Drew and Karyn Gerrard are the same person. Why not interview myself?

GIVEAWAY RULES: If you are anon commenter, leave some sort of name at the end of your comment so we can put a name to the winner. If no name, will not be entered.
Want extra chances to win? Become a follower of either Drew Sim Stories or Karyn Gerrard (site is HERE) will get you +3 chances. Already a follower? Tell me and you get +2 chances.

So in comment, put +3 new follower (for whichever blog, or both!) or +2 old follower. (for whichever blog, or both!) Winner will be chosen May 18 using Random.org. Good luck, and thanks!

TIMELESS HEART is available now at Evernight Publishing website, (and for the first two weeks at 15% off) CLICK HERE and in a week or so at Amazon US, Canada, UK and Germany. Bookstrand.com, All Romance Ebooks, 1Placefor Romance, Digibooks Cafe.
Also Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Apple, Sony, Chapters, KOBO, Deisel and more! Cool!

AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON.COM CLick HERE
AVAILABLE AT BOOKSTRAND: Click HERE

UPDATE: BLOOD BROTHERHOOD and news update~

2011-05-04T15:03:00.000-05:00

First off apologies this took almost 4 months to post, no excuse. Here is the conclusion of Aidan and Braden's story. The usual warnings, language, violence the whole thing. Blood, gore...*snort*

Click HERE Aidan and Braden Conclusion

Many, many thanks to my blog buddy, my light in dark places, Lachesis who helped with this storyline, and wrote Bagwell's scenes in this update and the others. It was loads of fun.

Also, this may be the swan song for Blood Brotherhood, it is now going on hiatus, long term temporary or perhaps permanent. I have the next story half written, but do not know if I will ever get back to it. Haven't been with these characters in months. If I had to chose between the two blog stories, I am sticking with Crime Story for now.

So to everyone who has followed this and especially commented, I am very grateful.

Also, apologies for my schzoid postings today. I took down the book trailer, then I put up the next Crime Story and took it down. Yeesh. So you may see them in google reader, but they are not on the blogs. I am still not well, let's chalk it up to that.
Will update Crime Story this weekend.

Thank you for your patience~

MONDAY MAN CANDY: Game of Thrones

2011-05-03T11:15:00.000-05:00

Just watched the first two episodes of HBO's Game of Thrones and I am hooked. I haven't read the books they are based on, but it seems I have a soft spot for medieval/fantasy thanks to LOTR. I also see Starz in the US has a rendering of Camelot on right now. I will be checking that out as well.

Above is Sean Bean. I love this guy, have for years, and I usually don't go for blonds. Granted, he is looking every inch his 52 years, but he is still damned sexy and can wield a huge honking sword. Playing Ned Stark, the patriarch of the Starks of Winterfell.

Speaking of blonds, this guy appeals. He looks like Denis Leary's cousin. He is actually a Danish actor
named Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. He plays Jaime Lannister. Yow. Bad boy in spades.

Above is a young cutie, Kit Harington playing Ned Starks's illegitimate son, Jon Snow. Should make the young hearts twitter, Okay, this old one too. Why not?

All right, I confess, this is the guy that had my jaw dropping. Jason Momoa playing the barbarian leader Khal. A man of few words. Tall, built and just they way I like it. Raw and sexy, LOL! He is part Hawaiian, and will be playing Conan the Barbarian in an upcoming movie, Perfect casting. Apparently he was also in Baywatch and Stargate Atlantis, I never watched those. Below is Jason in his Khal get up.

Lord almighty. He certainly has a presence. And I am an unabashed admirer of guys that are built. 6'4 of tightly packed muscle. Meh. It's a hobby.

This has already been renewed for a second season (!) so more to come. Someone on twitter who read the books told me not to get to attached to any of the characters, Oh oh. This looks great, and not just the man candy above, but a lush, stark look and great acting. With a compelling story. What more can you ask for? Also this is HBO, so lots of violence, sex etc.

Recommend!

Feeling a bit better today, still coughing and spewing, but I will try and read a few more updates. And thank you to all who left get well wishes, you know who your blog buddies are. Cheers~

X-posted at The Romanorum

EDITS, NYQUIL AND SUPPORT~

2011-04-28T12:58:00.001-05:00

Just popping in to tell you all I am extremely sick. Haven't felt this terrible in years. YEARS. I have to go back to the doctor tomorrow. So obviously this has put me even further behind in catching up on updates, I hate that. I really try to keep on top of it, because I know how wonderful it is to get feedback on an update as soon as possible. So, I am sorry for that, truly.

I seem to be becoming addicted to Nyquil, swilling this vile stuff is the only thing that helps me sleep. And in between the sporadic sleep, I have to get the second round of edits done on my ebook novella. By this weekend. Which is a challenge for I can barely sit upright in a chair.

So, I am sorry, no update this weekend on Crime Story. Don't even have it uploaded yet. I am behind in my book reviews as well. *sigh*
A teaser shot of Brogan appearing at 'The Beatnik' Club. Upcoming in Chapter 50.

And thanks for those who commented on the last update, and for sticking with me on this. We have a ways to go yet.
Cheers~

EDIT: I just got an email from someone who said they couldn't post anonymous comments. I checked my settings, they are fine, so I tried it, first logged in, and even though I selected 'anonymous' my user name came up. So I logged out and tried to leave anon comment, and it asked for a google log in name. I checked the help section, and people are complaining this is happening, but no answers yet. All I can suggest is until there is an answer, send me an email at drewsimstories@gmail.com and I will post the comment for you. Sorry about that!

CRIME STORY UPDATE Chapter 49 Ooo, Baby, Baby

2011-04-22T16:30:00.000-05:00

Click HERE for update

ADULT: language, sexual situations

Hope to post the conclusion of Adain's story at Blood Brotherhood in a couple of weeks, then I will reassess if I will be continuing with that blog.

Crime Story will be going forward.

And hey! I started reading and commenting on some people's updates! I think I will be doing it alphabetical, as it is listed in my google reader. But bear with me, it will take me a bit to get caught up.

Hell has frozen over, it was gently suggested I sign up on Facebook, so...I did. Under my pen name. 'friend me' or whatever it is called. I know, I know...I said I would never...what are you going to do? All this social networking stuff is expected, and damned if it doesn't work. Who knew? Not me! So never say never, LOL!

Happy Easter!

HOME SAFE, and a quick word about VSS~

2011-04-18T09:33:00.002-05:00

Made it home in one piece. Plane landed with no incidents. Sunday we had a nice greasy breakfast at Denny's, then off to Costco, Walmart and Sobeys to load up the car with foodstuffs.

Sometimes I feel like one of those pioneer women who loaded up the back of their wagon before heading up the mountain. Barrel of flour, bucket of Raisin Bran.

I think hubby was as happy to see me as Brogan is above, what a nice feeling. However, hubby changed the living room all around. I hate change. I will adapt.

This next bit is about my departure from the forum Valley Sun Sims, just skip over it if you don't have a clue what I am nattering about, or don't care, Just want to clarify a few points.

I did not join that forum because of Stacy/Medley Misty. I never read her story, don't really know her. Not really a fan on any level. Way to distant myself, eh? I joined because of the other people there, it was a friendly place to discuss sims, writing and everything in between. For a while, it was a neat place.
I deleted my account not because I was 'scared off' by the ramblings of anyone. Nor I am sure that is the reason others have left. However, glad to still have contact with a lot of people from VSS, and if someday, the forum is resuscitated, I can always reactivate my account. In the meantime, I will stick with blogging.

Moving on~ I will have to duck into the editing cave for a couple of days, I am on a deadline. But when I emerge and pass the edits in, I will begin to start catching up on people's updates. Looking forward to them, I need the escape. Got some bad news on a few family fronts that I won't go into. (just don't want to bore you all, or as SB put it, go into 'whiny cow' mode. (thanks for that! LOL!)
Also hope to update Crime Story this coming weekend.

Had a great time, but it is nice to be back in one's own comfort zone~ Cheers~

EDITS AND OTHER LIGHT CHATTER~

2011-04-10T20:04:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I am in my last week of my visit! Where did the time go? The weather has been fine, mostly sunny, but cooler than normal. Going to see a couple of movies this week before I leave April 16, The Lincoln Lawyer and Source Code. Hope I enjoy.

Got my edits for TIMELESS HEART Rec'd last Thursday, I have two weeks to work on this. So I have to start while I am here.

Things I learned? My punctuation sucks. And even though my story went through a few critiquing rinses, some grammar errors also slipped through. Thank God they do not accept these stories based on technical perfection, or I never would have passed muster. It is obvious I am going to have to brush up on basic skills in these areas.(Thank God I am married to a teacher!) It has been decades since I was in school, and I do not have degrees and courses in this stuff, so again, I am proof you don't need it, but dang, it helps!

Also I fell into the dreaded 'head-hopping' dark pit. So I have a few scenes to fix. More than a few.
Seems I can write sex scenes very well, no changes there, LOL! Also, my hero was a big hit. My heroine, not so much. Have to punch her up a bit. Female characters have always been my weakness, you can tell that by looking at my sim stories, I always focus on the guys. It is where I feel most comfortable.
The editor highlighted almost a page of writing and commented 'This does not work.'
After I got my feathers ruffled, I re-read it and realized she was right. Her other suggestions were very good as well. Luckily she corrected all the punctuation and grammar bits, I just have to address her comments, and yes, there were a few.
But I also liked they pointed out the strengths and certain lines they liked. So it wasn't a total bash fest.*snort*
I found the comments helpful and succinct and professional.

So, how am I doing? I started the edits, and already I am wringing my hands, wondering if the corrections I am making are any good. Sheesh. This still feels surreal.

I will be continuing to do sims stories and being involved in the sims arena, just not sure at what capacity.
Things are changing.
It is fun, exhilarating...and kinda weird.

I have loads to catch up when I return, but I promise I will!

Cheers~

COVER ART SQUEEEE!

2011-03-28T15:10:00.001-05:00

YAY!! Cover Art arrived (along with banner shown above) For my debut as a published author. Can I say how strange and weird and down right satisfying it is to see your name (ok, pen name) on a cover of a book? (ok, ebook) I am still in shock.

To see the full cover, click HERE to go to my author blog. And let me know what you think!

A little under three weeks left, am having a great time, flying high.

Take care! Until After April 16th...

WE INTERRUPT THIS BROADCAST....

2011-03-13T15:27:00.006-05:00

Hi! I have a cool Announcement~ Click www.karyngerrard.com to read what has happened.

This will take you to my author website/blog. It is a work in progress.

See Ya next month!

PLEASE STAND BY....bzzzzzst

2011-03-05T09:58:00.003-06:00

Don't know if anyone remembers the old TV test signals. When I was a kid, TV was not on 24 hours a day. They signed off, played the national anthem, showed shots of parading Mounties on horseback in full red uniform regalia, jets flying over the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. They used this static image until they came back on in the morning. They also had a lot more 'technical difficulties' problems.Ah, those were the days~

That's what I am doing, signing off, temporarily. Starting my break a little early. But please do stand by, I will return.
I had hoped to get another Crime Story update out there before I left, but my heart isn't in it at the moment. Don't even have it uploaded yet to the draft folder. Besides, I think that emotional ending with Liam and Keiran is a good place to take a break. So, regrets there.

I will be flitting in and out on the internet all next week, but sporadically. If I don't get to your update, I certainly will when I return. (after April 16th)
Got a lot to do before I leave March 15th, so I am going to pace myself.

So in the interim, take care and enjoy. Write.
And thanks for continuing to support/comment/read my stories.
Gratitude.

UPDATE CRIME STORY: Chapter 48~Playing With Fire

2011-03-03T18:42:00.000-06:00

The 'talk' between Liam and Keiran. Whoops. Doesn't look like it is going too smoothly. Yes, it hasn't quite been a week yet, but looking at the calendar I noticed I am running out of time. And I wanted to post this and maybe one more chapter before I go before March 15. I will not be back until after April 16th.

Frankly, I am looking forward to the break from a lot of things.

As for Blood Brotherhood, I cannot say it will be ready before I go, so the last part may be in April after I get back. The story will be going on hiatus after that until I work out what comes next. Sorry to those who follow BB.

So, CRIME STORY Chapter 48 Click HERE to get to update~ Playing With Fire from the Stones song.

ADULT: Language, sexual situations, violence

My writing progress? fantastic! The novella I was working on, did over 10,000 words this week, YAY!

New videos listed down the right hand side of this blog, 'MY DARKEST DAYS' Canadian group signed by Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, look for him in the 'Porn Star Dancing' video. The other video is static, song only. I love these guys. Been listening to them all week while I have been writing.

What else? I just want to say how much I have been enjoying everyone's updates the last couple of weeks. You guys all rock. I think we all just get better and better. Keep it going. Have fun with it. Fun doesn't have to be a dirty word~ Cheers and have a great week~

UPDATE CRIME STORY: Chapter 47~ Love Me Or Let Me Be Lonely

2011-02-25T13:46:00.001-06:00

What is going on here?? To get to Chapter 47 update, Click HERE

ADULT: Sexual situations, language. You know.

I have been quiet this week, I have had my head down, writing. I found a paranormal I had started last year, about 5600 words, decided to turn it into a paranormal/erotica of around 25,000 for ebook submission. At 12,353, so it has been a very productive week. Whether it is any good or not, meh. I am having fun. Filling my days.

Also hell has indeed frozen over, I am now on Twitter. I am using my pen name and focusing on romance authors/publishing/writers etc. No sims stuff, no personal stuff. Because who in hell cares what I had for supper? This move was inevitable, as it is now in some submission guidelines, they want to know if you have a 'presence' on the web. Good Lord. You will have to drag me kicking and screaming toward Facebook. Holding out there. But I know it is expected. Later. Much later, I hope.
Hey, I follow Russell Crowe on Twitter, he tweets a lot, and is funny! Also follow Bill Maher, that it is for me, celeb wise. Haven't tweeted much myself yet. I feel silly. Still getting used to it. http://twitter.com/#!/KarynGerrard

What else? Another week I have not been in the game. I hope to put up the final part of Blood Brotherhood before I go Mar 16th. Then, the story will be going on temp hiatus. I will make a final decision on that when I return in April. All I know for sure is that Crime Story will continue.

I have taken a step back from forums for awhile, ( I only hung around a couple anyway) may post updates, but that's it. Maybe I will feel like jumping back in after I return in April.*shrug*

Still snow on the ground, still cold.

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK:

Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.

- Groucho Marx

Cheers~

UPDATE CRIME STORY: Chapter 46~ Nothing But Heartaches

2011-02-18T10:51:00.001-06:00

Meet Domingo Espinosa. He debuts this update and become a main character going forward, and so far into the 1974 part. So because I will be introducing a few new characters, some others will fade over on that back burner. I can tell you Cindi and Devlin's story is winding down for example, but not quite yet.

Patrick Quinn is another character I didn't do much with this round, but, I do have plans for him in 1974.
And I am kind of sorry I married Joey off, because he is so bloody happy, not much to tell. However, there are some upcoming plot threads he will be involved with.

So, the usual warning, Language, etc Click HERE to get to update.

Also uploaded Chapter 4 of the THUNDER VALLEY REDUX re-write. Click HERE

Will be away all day Saturday (civilization!!) so I may not get to comments right away.

Cheers, and hang in there, spring is coming. So I hear.

UPLOADS, DOWNLOADS, MALE SIMS FOR SALE~

2011-02-16T14:15:00.001-06:00

A blog buddy asked for a secondary character from Crime Story, so I figured, why not? While I was in SimPE and body shop, I extracted a couple of others as well. I went to my sims 2 objects website, dusted off the cobwebs (Haven't been there in over a year, yikes!) And uploaded 4 guys for your gaming and/or storytelling pleasure.

Dr. Rod Watts (as shown above)
Teagan O'Dwyer
Sean McGregor
(All from CRIME STORY)

And Aidan Van Helsing from Blood Brotherhood.

To get to my little used website, click HERE

The menu along the top, select 'Male Sim Downloads' and click on the page of the sim you are interested in.

There are other male sims there as well, like Patrick Quinn from Crime story, and also the sims I used for Sully and Rory. Help yourself.

If any links do not work, or the files aren't extracted properly, let me know, it's been I while since I did this. And if you are going to use any of these guys in stories, let me know, I'd love to have a look!

Cheers~

P.S.: Michelle!! Go get Teagan, girl!

MORE TV HUNKS...AND SOME BABBLE~

2011-02-14T16:51:00.002-06:00

Yes it's that time again, time for me to slap up some shots of some TV hunks and drool and babble incessantly. Hey, it's the middle of February, boring as all hell, snow up to my ample thighs.

First up, Holt McCallany in the FX series "Lights Out". Oh, I love this show. Doesn't he look like The Terminator's younger, better looking brother? I swear I am waiting for him to say...'Sarah Connor?'

Holt plays a former heavy weight champion boxer called Patrick "Lights Out" Leary, (Yeah, LOVE that name!!) who just turned 40, and finds his fortune is all but gone (as it has happened with some real life boxers through the years) Married, with three daughters, a younger brother who is running the former boxer's empire into the ground with his gambling and sleazy dealings. Stacy Keach plays his dad, a trainer and former boxer himself. Great drama, mobsters are involved, well acted. And of course, it is not doing well in the ratings. After the 13 episode run, (which I hope it gets) I will bet it will be canceled, too bad. This is good TV, riveting. And Holt in boxing trunks is a wonder to behold. *drool*

I watch a lot less TV than I used to, and the shows I do watch, are not on network TV, but cable stations, or from the BBC. However, here is one new show I really took to, Detroit 1-8-7. on ABC. I feckin' love Michael Imperioli. He was "Kwis-ta-fur" in the Sopranos (Christopher Moltesanti) Tony's cousin/nephew, he headlines the cast in this gritty police drama that is very NYPD Blue in it's roots, to the music and opening shots of the city, to the camera work. This guy can ACT. And call me crazy, the man is not classically handsome by any stretch, but there is something about him. Maybe it is that great head of hair, those eyes. Whatever, Love him. For a standard cop show, this is all right.

I won't repeat myself about Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, click HERE to read my drooling about that.

Another show I am watching on ABC is 'V', yes, I watched the original back in the 80's. And I am caught up in this incarnation. Above is Australian actor Charles Mensure playing Kyle Hobbes, a mercenary/fugitive and member of the Fifth Column, the rebel group opposed to the Aliens. God, his accent, and he is tough, and built, and sexy.
Will they team him up with the heroine? As in, romance? They should!!

Also on V, Joel Gretsch, playing rebel priest, Father Landry, also a member of the Fifth Column. Dang, no priest from my childhood ever looked like this! Notice I am not posting shots of pretty boys here, I am in a 'older man, rugged mood' at the moment, and thank Joel for giving me inspiration to add a hunky priest to my sims story, Crime Story, but that is a ways off.
Landry also has a rapport with the heroine, played by Elizabeth Mitchell (formerly of 'Lost') The show itself? A wee bit campy, as was the original (OK, the original is WAY campy, and doesn't really hold up) But there are a lot of interesting elements at play here besides hunky rebels. The storylines are interesting and tense.

And since I am in a post-apocalyptic mood, I will throw AMC's The Walking Dead out there. God, this show is gross!!! But fascinating and riveting as hell! I am not some zombie freak, but I did love 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Zombieland', and while they were steeped in satire, this show, is not.

Based on a graphic novel (isn't everything lately?) This is very '28 Days Later' in tone, and they spare no expensive in the brain eating, rotting zombie scenes. If you can get past the gut churning grossness at times, there is another spellbinding drama here. Below is Andrew Lincoln as Sheriff Rick Grimes. Trying to keep his family, and guts, together.

And lastly, since we are talking rugged lawman types, Timothy Olyphant in FX's Justified is beginning it's second season, (Tim was in one of my all time fav shows, HBO's Deadwood)

Beginning to see a theme here? Tim is Raylan Givens, US Marshall, working out of Harlan, Kentucky. Witty, gritty and and again, great acting, I am so looking forward to Season 2. And no one can saunter sexily into a room like Timothy.

Thanks for letting me post some pics, I like doing this from time to time. A little mid winter fun. And really, if you love well acted drama, check any of these shows out, you won't be disappointed, and a little rugged man-meat on the side is always a plus.

As for other babble, Still not feeling 100%, but at least I can sit in front of the computer for a hour or so now without getting dizzy. Seems we are going away Saturday, all day, (civilization!) So I will be posting Crime Story Friday instead of Sat.
Haven't been in the game for over a week, so no spam shots this week.
Cheers~

UPDATE: CRIME STORY Chapter 45~ Be My Baby

2011-02-10T11:33:00.000-06:00

Sorry about the delay, only now just getting my bearings and getting back on track, so here is the Update: Be My Baby...after the Ronettes song.

Click HERE

ADULT: Language and sensitive topics. Standard 'giving birth' movie scene.

PIC SPAM FOR WEEK:

These guys just went ga-ga over the baby. Liam and Mike are now grandfathers. Wow. It is almost like I am doing some kind of legacy here, with the next gen starting to be born. But I am really not. I will be keeping these kind of life/transitions events to a minimum.

It continues, the obession. For now, until I move on to someone or something else. Makes me wonder how I have managed to stay married all these years. He really is quite lovely, is Brogan. (Ok, so is my hubby)
Brogan always looks so pensive.
Tortured. Gotta love it.

Mike's Legolas hair had to go Click here to see. I took shots with him in a particular scene and decided, nope, it doesn't work. Not sure this is much better, but it will do for now. Guess I shouldn't have changed his hair, but, I was never happy with Mike's hair in any incarnation.

"hey Mike, you got your hair cut!"

"Yeah, had it cut into shorter layers...."

Who cares? LOL!

UPDATE on the Google Ghost thing: Where my avatar would not change in friends connect or if I followed a new blog, I was that Gray head thing.
Well, I was on my laptop and went to click 'follow' at a blog, and *poof* my ~Drew google name popped up like magic. It was fixed. Either it was some google glitch or trying it on a different computer had anything to do with it, who knows? Anyway, the avatar changed under followers. So, no more ghost. *scratches head*

Have a good weekend~

MUSIC INSPIRATION FOR SIM STORIES...Does it work?

2011-02-08T13:24:00.002-06:00

Yes, I am at it again, clone stamping Brogan in concert shots, I won't be using this, kind of sloppy, but I am having fun.

But it's all well and good to put a guitar in your sims hands, clone him into concert shots, but what about the actual music? What will his voice sound like? What will the music be? Ok, Rock Monster...check. Early to mid-seventies sound. What would I go for? I toyed with the whole glam rock thing, but that wasn't Brogan to me. He is straight ahead hard rock in my mind, maybe on the experimental side. So I went with a Canadian group you may of heard of, April Wine. Their bigger hits were in the 80's with Roller, Sign Of the Gypsy Queen, Say Hello...to name a few. But the April Wine I love, was the mid-70's, I saw them in concert in 1976, hey, some of the band members are from Nova Scotia! (The province I grew up in)
Myles Goodwyn's voice is a little higher than I imagined for Brogan, but I mention Brogan is multi-octave, so it fits.

Below is some of the songs I can hear Brogan performing. Ooowhatanite, I love that damned song. It was at the concert, they had these huge feckin' train signals on stage clanging, the lights flashing, mist and ice fog all around...I have been in love with hard rock ever since. As you can tell, at 15, this was my first concert, and I was hooked. Rock and Roll, baby. Has putting a voice and sound to Brogan inspired the writing, the plot? Damn straight.
I also love "I'm On Fire For you, Baby" big song at the school dances. Brogan will be singing this to a special lady in the story I will be guessing. It's the romantic in me. Meh.

And you may have noticed, I use period song titles for each chapter of Crime Story, to me that is part of the fun, picking a song from the era that best reflects the chapter.

I see a lot of music playlists at sims blogs, so I would hazard to guess that music is a big part of this process for a lot of people.

Does music influence any of your writing, Sims or otherwise? Do you listen to music as you write or craft your shots? Does anyone besides yourself listen to those music playlists, I wonder? *snort*
If you give these songs a listen, tell me what you think! It has that hard driving 70's sound I was looking for!

I hope to update Crime Story on Thursday, since I missed last weekend. And hope to catch up on some people's updates tomorrow.
Cheers~
Good week, and all that.

DELAY IN UPDATE

2011-02-04T20:25:00.000-06:00

I like this pose box, Gui's Vertige Box. Get it HERE
And just because Brogan is posing with this lady, means nothing story wise. *snort*

And I am sorry, but no update this weekend, it isn't ready, plus some personal stuff has popped up and I will be in absentia. For a few days or maybe longer. Hard to say.

I did manage before the shit hit the fan to do a bio on Mike Leary. Now posted, read it HERE. Some backstory you may not have been aware of.

Also 3rd Redux chapter of Thunder Valley put up, even though I really didn't add that much to it. My mind wasn't in it. click HERE

Have a good week~

CRIME STORY Chapter 44 Update~

2011-01-29T09:28:00.000-06:00

Chapter 44 has been updated. Lorcan continues to bond with every male character in the story, this week, it's Liam's turn~

CLICK HERE to get to update "Stairway To Heaven" after the Zep song.

ADULT: Language, violent situations

PIC SPAM~1974

Brogan, brother of Lorcan. He is not having a good time of it so far in 1974, or is he? I am trying real hard to keep the focus on a few plot threads at a time in 1974, when they are resolved, I will move on to a few more characters.

Of course, some characters will be moving on, some will take a back seat, and some new ones introduced. This is Megan Byrne. All I did was take the Lorcan Sim, and press 'female', she certainly can pass as his sister.

Meet Roland "Rollie" McCarthy. Sloane and Ronan's younger brother. I assure you, he is more like Sloane than Ronan. I mean, we have been there, done that.

And Nevan Byrne, younger brother of Lorcan and Brogan. I took the Lorcan sim and made modifications of my own. This is a man of many secrets. Some may be shocking, or not.

OTHER BABBLE:

I finally am using 'new editor' for my blogs. Took me long enough. Am still getting used to it, but so far, I like it. Upload shots, click on the picture, select 'original size' and viola, no more messing with HTML code to re-size shots.

Also Chapter 2 of my fun re-write project is posted, ThunderValley Redux Click HERE

And I am afraid after the conclusion of Blood Brotherhood's Aidan/Braden thing is posted next month, the story is going on hiatus. I have hit that brick wall for Edward's story. At this rate, I may be down to one story~I am just not feeling it for my vamps at the moment.

Snowing here...again. All I can see outside is white and gray. My spring trip in March cannot come soon enough, I think I need the break~ Cheers, have a good week.

GODS OF THE ARENA...I am bloodthirsty~

2011-01-24T15:28:00.005-06:00

I know some months back in one of my numerous beefcake posts, I mentioned Spartacus: Blood and Sand. It is on the American Starz Channel (Movie Network here in Canada)I was caught up in the blood soaked story that was layered with major man meat on display all wrapped in not only hot sex scenes, but some really good characterizations and surprisingly deep emotions.

They announced a season 2, YAY~ only, sadly, Andy Whitfield, Spartacus, developed cancer. They came up with a 6 episode prequel, 'Gods of the Arena' to give Andy time to get treatment. All was going well, he was training for Season 2 when the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma returned. He stepped down, and was replaced with a little known Irish actor, Liam McIntyre ( looks yummy, but this man needs 6 hours of gym time a day, stat)

So there will be a season 2, eventually. In the meantime, we have the prequel. I watched the first episode. I didn't think it could get any more violent. Yep, it did. They still use those slightly annoying '300 slo-mo movements', as shown in the trailer below,but you get used to it.

A lot of the characters on Blood and Sand are back, but it is the new guy that caught my attention. Dustin Clare, shown below, A little known Australian actor. Are there any ugly guys down under, because I haven't seen any! (Illandyra? Jen?)

He is the rock-star gladiator, Gannicus. All smiling attitude and charm. The crowd loves him, and so do I. Something must happen to him, because he wasn't in Blood and Sand.

I am afraid, if we were back in ancient Rome, I would be in the crowd roaring for blood. What can I say? I find this entertaining. But I like most stuff to do with ancient Rome. From BBC's 'I, Claudius' from the 1970's to Ben-Hur to Gladiator to HBO's Rome.
Yes, it is over the top, but it is what makes it entertaining to me.

My rambling for the week~

I Am Now A Google 'Ghost'....

2011-01-24T11:46:00.004-06:00

I noticed when I pressed the 'friends connect' on someone's blog this weekend that my avatar and user name did not show up in the widget. When I clicked on the 'gray shadow' (the faceless gray silhouette) all the blogs I have and follow were listed, but myself did not exist.

I went to dashboard, and everything was there, name, photo. I selected a new photo, hit update profile, it did not change in the followers widget at that person's blog.

I searched for solutions, none of them worked. So I have to use my google profile now if I want to join a blog using 'friends connect'. I changed my google profile name to ~Drew to match my blogger profile name.

What does this mean? Not much. Any blogs I previously joined before I 'ghosted' as they call it, still shows my old avatar, it just won't change anymore. Any new ones I join using the followers widget will show my google profile picture. Your google profile and blogger profile are all linked, so any new blog you add will show up in your blogger dashboard/reader.

The new avatar I selected shows up in comments. Weird. No one can seem to explain it. Not even Google.

Has this happened to anyone else?
And am I making any sense? LOL!

Oh, caught up on some updates this morning, will do some more tomorrow~

SICK SHTICK...

2011-01-17T14:58:00.003-06:00

I am not one for those damned cute pet pictures, even though some of my relatives insist on sending me some on a steady basis.

But I think this sums up what is going on. Hubby is home sick from work, I am just as sick. So I will be taking a few days out here to nurse us both back to health. And maybe get in some serious cuddling. I am having cold chills.

I will respond to emails, comments later, if that is all right. I will also get caught up on story updates later in the week. Hopefully, I will feel better in a couple of days.

*WARNING* Old, sick lady rant ahead~

PET PEEVE FOR MONTH: Take this with a grain of salt, chalk it up to being grumpy, sick, etc.

I cannot for the life of me understand why people do not respond to comments made on their blogs. How hard is it to respond to any comment on any blog? A simple thank you is all that needed. It does not make me inclined to revisit the blog in future. And what really floors me, is some of these people complain no one visits/comments their blogs. Publicly. When I read that, it makes me even less inclined to visit/comment. People do come back and check to see if you respond to their comment. They took a chunk of their valuable time to read what you did, and go that extra step to leave a comment. The least we can all do is respond politely and in a timely manner as real life allows.
And I am not talking about anyone in particular, nor am I talking just about Sims blogs. (Really, I'm not, I do blog elsewhere besides sim blogs!) Just an observation on my blog travels the last few years, not based on any recent event!

*end of grumpy old lady rant*

Back to bed~

EDIT: Old lady rant continued: When in hell when I look in mirror, did I start looking like Mrs. Bridges (above) from Upstairs, Downstairs?

And why did Smuckers take Jif peanut butter off the shelves in Canada? Low Sales. Well, @$%&$ you Smuckers and take your jams and cram them!

End of second, feverish, old lady rant.

CRIME STORY UPDATE #43 and OTHER INFO

2011-01-15T10:00:00.001-06:00

God, I would KILL to be sitting on a beach right now, listening to the waves. My Conair sound therapy set on 'ocean waves' just ain't cutting it.

My mood? Reflective, confused, (about certain people and things) feverish (as in, cabin) Stuffy (as in sinuses, they are killing me)

Chapter 43 Groovy Situation Click HERE to get to update.

Language, sexual situations

OTHER UPDATE NEWS

Next Saturday (or Sunday, I might be away Saturday) I will finally be updating Blood Brotherhood. Yes I have been hemming and hawing and wringing those hands again, (I got over it fairly quickly) it may be too much, but I will post it anyway. If I lose readers, so be it.

And after a Google search with the words "muscle hunk torture" brought someone to Blood Brotherhood and Aidan and Braden's story, doesn't exactly fill me with a lot of confidence here.

Thunder Valley Redux-rewrite project Introduction Click HERE
Chapter One Click HERE

I figured I am far enough along in Crime Story to do some sort of summary. A blatant plug for more readers? LOL! Naw, not really. Just thought if anyone came across it, instead of reading from the beginning, they can get a feel for the characters and plots. Covers the first 40 chapters.

Click HERE

Have a good week~

THUNDER VALLEY REDUX

2011-01-13T13:33:00.004-06:00

Oh dear GOD, what is she doing now?

Well, I will be the first to admit I have been so schizoid over this story. It is almost 3 years to the day I posted this at a blog. I did it for TSR, but, I had my guy carrying a gun *shock* and they wouldn't allow it.
So I followed some others like Beth and Gayl, and started my own blog.

Back to the schizoid part. I merged, I made it private, I made it public, then private again. Then, yesterday, I almost deleted it. I have not been in this hood at all since Feb 2010.

So what in the name of eternal sanity am I doing?

A Redux.

I decided, wouldn't it be cool if as a writing exercise, I re-did these 3 year old, creaky chapters?
Like others, when you go back and look at older stuff, you cringe. I was curious, how much have I improved since I did this? What if I could do it, all over again?

So, that is what I am doing.

A few caveats:

1. This blog could go private again at anytime.

2. There will be no NEW updates on this for the foreseeable future.

3. Anything can change and can happen.

4. There will be no schedule for posting the re-writes, nor will they really be announced in a thread of their own.

Also please note these shots were taken in early 2008, no real pose-boxes were available at the time. Also, some of the really early shots are clumsy (thought bubbles, etc)

I don't expect anyone to even look at this. But I have been contacted by email and left comments lately on this story by a few people. Some want to re-read it, though I can't understand why.
This was the only way I felt comfortable making it public again.

So, I have re-written the intro and posted it. Click HERE if you want to check it.

I don't expect comments. If you have never read this before and would like to, you know I would love it. Or even if you have read it and commented before, feel free to do so again.
Or not. I am not bothered about it. Really!! LOL!

I will state again, this could disappear at my schizoid whims, but so far, I am liking tweaking the writing. The first version was sadly lacking in descriptive and some characterization. Something I need to work on anyway.

There is no use following it in Google reader, as I am using the original publishing dates for each chapter. It is so long ago, it doesn't show up. But I see more recent stuff is showing up in google reader. If you click on the title however, it says 'page not found', because everything is in the draft folder at the moment. Also listing it in a 'blog list' gadget is useless. It is only reading feeds from 2010, and they don't exist at the moment.

So, there it is. I will do this when I feel the need to write for writing's sake. If I do update, I will include a link when I post other updates at this blog.

Chatty this week, aren't I?
Thank you for your kind indulgence in my ever changing whims~

EDIT: CHAPTER ONE is HERE but that will be it for a while....

CRIME STORY UPDATE #42~A Well Respected Man

2011-01-08T11:20:00.000-06:00

Chapter 42: A Well Respected Man Click HERE to get to update

Nothing much happening this update, but some plot points needed fleshing out.
No warning except language maybe~

BABBLE FOR WEEK:

First off, thanks to those who left comments on my little interview/mosaic thing, it was much appreciated!

Seat Sale! Yes! I booked my ticket to Nova Scotia for my spring visit to family and friends. I will be gone from my computer from March 16-April 16. Too bad I won't be there for Easter, but I had to finish the travel by April 20th. I did get a good deal. Only....ewwww. Halifax has those body scanners! *furiously goes on a diet*
And good thing I read the fine print, Air Canada only allows one bag now. It is 20.00 each way for a second bag! Want to pre-select your seat? 22.00 extra. Want a dried out sandwich in a plastic bag? 7.00. I am waiting for surcharges for using the on-board toilet. It is coming, I'll bet.
Air travel is a major pain.

Game issues: I went into the main hood to move the last few sims I needed and the lots and...crash. That main hood for CS is indeed...toast. I have been using the game booster and moving around my urban sub hood with no problems. Hasn't crashed once. I think I will use Bluewater Village for CS suburban homes like Mike's and Liam's. Will see how it goes moving between the two sub hoods.
Before I installed game booster it was even crashing in the subhoods, randomly for no reason, I could have been saving the lot, or taking a shot...*crash* Now, since I installed Game booster, none of that is happening in the sub hood. I have no idea if it is the reason, but, I'll keep using it.

Guess that's it.

Have a good week~

MY MOSAIC and a Mini Interview with...me!

2011-01-04T11:53:00.005-06:00

Okay, this is the only time I am making one of these. I have NO patience. And it was kind of cool looking for shots, I soon lost patience trying to put it together.
I am not one for giving out private and personal info on the net, but if I am going to do it, I'd rather it was at my own blog where I can control the info, LOL!
Plus, a lot of my likes and dislikes are already on my blog profile, so why not?

1. Fav weather- Thunder and Lightening
2. Other Hobby-Following the Boston Red Sox
3. Currently Reading: Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward
4. Fav food-Popcorn (NOT microwave)
5. Fav actor- Humphrey Bogart-he is so cool.
6. Fav color- green- Duh, you think?
7. Fav Drink- Bailey's over shaved ice
8. One word that describes me-Certain (at least, today)
9. Dream Vacation-Ireland, again, Duh, you think?
10. Thing I wish I could do-play piano, passionately and proficiently
11. Fav childhood book-Black Beauty
12. Fav Disney Film-Lady and The Tramp, great romance.

A few other salient but useless facts.

I am not young. I have gone through enough angsty, depressive states in my 20's and early 30's. I don't go there anymore. I find as I have aged, I have mellowed. Like a good single malt whiskey. Things roll off my back more now. Thank God.

I am disgustingly healthy, except when I get sick. I have never broken a bone nor had to stay overnight in a hospital.
I do not have children, and that was NOT my choice. I accept it.
I have a loving husband and a close, tight, wonderful, immediate family. I am eternally grateful.

With regard to sim stories, I work very fast. I do not linger over shots, poses, lighting etc. and I know it shows, and I am fine with it. All ties in with the lack of patience thing. (same with decorating) I admire those so much who do take such care and passion in their shots.

I do it for me, my pleasure, my hobby. I don't think my sim stories are 'art' nor do I think of it as ' a body of work', but that is just me and my own thoughts and my own opinion. No insult to anyone who does think of their stories that way. I think it is great if you do! Wish I did.

I take the shots first, write the text later. Started doing it at TSR fall of 2006. Now entering my fifth year of doing this, and still enjoy it. When it stops being fun to me, I will no longer do it. Simple.

Thanks to Sim stories, it re-energized my love of writing, that went dark for quite a few years.

Also introduced me to the world of romance. I have always been a voracious reader, but never read romance. Now, it is my main genre, and also my focus in my writing. I know my strengths and weaknesses with regard to all my writing, and I struggle to overcome and/or improve.
I embrace romance, in real life and in my writing and stories.

I do have moments of self-doubt, but they go fairly quickly. And do not happen as often as they used to.
The last time I laid in a dark room in a fetal position was when I thought I lost all my writing and sims stuff when we installed Windows 7 (I didn't) Again, it was only for a couple of hours, LOL!

Not overly social, but I can be a fine friend if you get past my few defenses. I can be funny when I want to be. Or so my family tells me. I am also a good mimic. I can re-enact almost entire Looney Tunes cartoons, voices and all.

Also can be a good storyteller. At Girl Guide camp it was me making up stories out of my head, keeping the other girls enthralled around the campfire. Most of them were of a disturbing nature and had a horror bent, but I never lacked in imagination.

I am not perfect. I have many faults. But I won't go into them here.

Thing I learned doing sim stories/blogging/going around the net? To quote Jim Morrison-People are strange. And I throw myself in that pot. But I am trying to be more social, as I do have a habit of 'going turtle', ducking my head in my shell when the mood strikes.

What is upcoming story wise: I have just started taking shots for the 1974 part of Crime Story. It will not be as long as the 1970 part.
Blood Brotherhood isn't holding my interest much lately, but I did actually go into that hood and take a few shots for a story I have been thinking about for Edward Van Helsing.
Thunder Valley is done like last night's dinner. I made it private again, and...It is staying that way. I really don't like leaving something unfinished out there. If I ever get a burr under my saddle again, someday, I will continue. At this moment, No.

I have a couple of Manuscripts I tinker and work on, and hopefully this year I will actually submit something.
I am a 'pantser' when it comes to plotting, I just sit in a chair and write and see what comes to me, 'by the seat of my pants'.

And there you have it. How boring I am, LOL!

CRIME STORY UPDATE #41 And Happy New Year~

2010-12-31T13:28:00.005-06:00

Chapter 41 is posted. I know I said Saturday, but I think I will be tied up most of tomorrow, so thought I would do it now.

Click HERE to get to update.

ADULT: language, sexual situations, more prejudice. Drugs.

So, If I am not around tomorrow, (or tonight) Happy New Year. All the best for 2011. Continued fun and drama in our storytelling. To those who have supported me faithfully this past year, again, all the best.

Game Booster? Have only been in the game twice since my last post. Have not gone to the main hood, I basically moved everyone out of there anyway. But moving in and out of various lots and between two sub-hoods, no crashes. None. We will see if it continues, I will keep you posted. I noticed it said it shut down 19 Windows apps while I played the game. 19!!! Cripes. It is not a space issue, I have tons of room on my computer. I could have both Sims 2 and 3 installed with no problem. I am more convinced it was a Windows 7 issue. When it crashed, it had the Windows 'busy' icon spinning. Anyway, I am not holding my breath this is the solution, but how great to not have crashes come out of nowhere, for no reason. For now.

Hope to get a Blood Brotherhood posted in the next couple of weeks as well. And I almost have the first chapter done of the 1974 part! YAY! Have no idea what direction I am going, will just go where it takes me. So the 1969-70 part has 76 chapters. We will get there, LOL!

Take care, have a safe and happy new year celebration. We are under a snowfall warning tonight. Great. Hunker down time.

CRIME STORY 1974....and more babble~

2010-12-27T10:36:00.001-06:00

Hope everyone had a lovely, relaxing Christmas.

Above is a concert shot of Kid Rock. Thanks to photoshop, I erased Kid and clone stamped in Brogan Byrne (who you will meet in a couple of chapters) on stage and on the big screen.

No, I am not going to do a Rock Star story, I don't have the chops for that, but it will be a minor plot thread for the 1974 part. The name of his group? "Byrne 'N' Flame." *Groan* I know.

Domingo Espinosa will also be making his debut in a few chapters, I really, really enjoyed this character and where he took me. I liked him so much, he will be in the 1974 part as well. A few characters will not be focused on much in the 1974 section, I don't want to get bogged down with too many characters and plots.

I also decided I was aging the children. A bunch of kids were born in the 1970 part, I didn't want to deal with toddlers, so...I aged them all up to children. Meh.

Greg and Mike Leary, 1974. Yeesh. Greg looks older than Mike, I thought I removed all the Makeup CC, guess not. I better check the 'facial makeup' section. Or maybe I will let Greg keep that "I've-been-through-hell" look!
I am also liking Mike's new hair, I know it has that 'Legolas' look, but it isn't long. Only goes to the back of the neck.

I must have tried 10 different hairstyles on this guy, think I will settle on this one. Another new character for the 1974 part, Nevan Byrne. Yes, Another brother, LOL! Again, I took the Lorcan Sim and crafted another version in body shop. Looks enough like Lorcan to pass for a brother.
~~~~~~~
And what about my game? *sigh* It's a mess right now. Nothing in the 1974 part will look the same. I tore the neighbourhood apart, moved people out of their lots, I have to 'sort of' rebuild. Everyone will be in different residences, and I am not even going to address that in the story.

I did notice, that when the game froze/crashed, the Windows 7 'busy' icon was showing. Could it be a Windows 7 issue? Looking on the net, some people are having issues with the Sims 2 game and Windows 7, and some aren't. (The game was not made for Windows 7 in mind) Total crap shoot. Could I be one having those issues?
Granted, I still think the main hood is corrupted, obviously with that big white noise thing. (CLICK Here to see pic)
Now that I think about it, most of the crashes started after I installed Windows 7 in September.

So, thanks to hubby, I downloaded a utility called GAME BOOSTER click HERE to check it out.

It shuts down all Windows background apps when running your game. Last night while hubby watched the Junior Hockey Championships, I went into the sub-hoods of Crime Story, moved between many lots, then to the Vampire hood and back again, no crashes. For once. Coincidence? Maybe. I will keep you posted. I could be grasping for anything at this point.

Now, I think I will go and start to get caught up on people's updates.

Cheers~

Nollaig Shona Dhuit (Happy Christmas)

2010-12-21T10:52:00.000-06:00

A Christmas wish
May you never forget what is worth remembering
Or remember what is best forgotten

It has been one of those years for a lot of people, from what I can surmise visiting blogs, forums, etc. Here's hoping 2011 brings some changes, maybe even for the better. Wouldn't that be refreshing?
Continued enjoyment in our shared hobby. To those who read, I thank you. To those who comment, I am truly thankful. And grateful.
When I see on my map where visitors to my stories come from, I am truly blown away. We are talking global, and that is humbling.

May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.

Happy Holidays~

I will be taking a few days here for the holidays, I commented on a couple of updates this morning, will get to the rest on the other side later. Maybe I will have an update before New Year's day, it is always possible.

Until then~ all the best. Relax and reflect. And enjoy.

~Karen

CRIME STORY #40 UPDATE: And a little story babble

2010-12-18T11:48:00.002-06:00

Chapter 40 has been posted. Click HERE to get to update.

Ever start a storyline, and/or put two characters together and think...this is just not working for me? I had those feelings about Brianna and Sully almost from the first. They just didn't click for me personally.
I began to neglect Sully, because I didn't want to deal with the storyline. And if you read the first couple of chapters of this 1969-70 section, it was clear I was going to have Sully be a major part of this. What happened? Lorcan strode into the room in chapter two, and literally shoved Sully out of the way. I feel bad about that. And now, I can say going forward, Sully will be around more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, it is time for me to whine about the game. Yeah, I am having problems. Random crashes either going into lots or the main neighbourhood. Thankfully my game only takes a few minutes to reload, so I go back into the lot that crashed previous, and it's fine. So, it's not the lot. Check.
The game almost seems to hiccup, so I thought, maybe the graphics or sound card, since I installed Windows 7 this has been happening more and more.

Then I began to realize the crashes were only happening with my main Rockland neighbourhood, not the urban sub-hood. A couple of months ago, this happened, (See pic below. I already stripped this neighbourhood of all the decorative objects) I have never seen it before. Has anyone else? That 'white noise' covers two lots, click on it, the game crashes.

I sent the pic to a blog buddy, and she sent me a SimPE tutorial. I was grateful, but scared to death. The only other time I tried messing in SimPE a whole neighbourhood disappeared. I thought I could soldier on, as I really don't play the game, only go in to take shots.
But the crashes got worse as time went on. NO rhyme or reason to them.

So I decided to move entire lots with characters in them to the sub-hood, and create another sub-hood for the suburban houses. Seemed to work, put Sully and the Playpen lot in the urban hood. Did it for 4-5 more.
Except when I went back in the game later, into the urban sub hood, no lots, no characters. Gone. Completely. Thankfully, I learned my lesson, and backed up all the game files on my second hard drive, so I was able to get Sully and the others back. What happened? Damned if I know. Maybe I should have went into the lot first before exiting the game, that might be the reason. Regardless, I am taking no chances, I will move the lots and characters separately. Time consuming.

But it is now obvious the main hood is borked/corrupted. I was just in the game, in the urban sub hood, everything was fine, as soon as I clicked the arrow to go back to the main hood *crash*
Yeah. Hope this corruption does not carry over into the sub-hoods. Thankfully, I only need a few more shots to finish off the 1970 part, I hope I can manage it. 76 chapters.

Another bugaboo, I have a couple of lots stuck on winter, even though it shows 'autumn', what is that all about? What a pain. I even tried to force a season change with a cheat, no go.

Anyway, that is my ramble/babble for this week. If I have to build a whole new neighbourhood and sub hood and move everyone over later, I will. Doesn't matter to me if they forget previous relationships, as I said, I don't play. But I can't do that for a while because if I do, I will lose all the shots, stories etc I have now, as I use the in-game story album to keep my chapters separate.
Surprising, isn't it? I don't work in word or any other program. I downloaded a little utility a couple of years back (no longer available) that allows you to access the in-game XML files out of the game. So, I take the shots, arrange in order in storytelling mode, (each character in the game has the capability of having a story, hence the 'book' button. Even if you move him to another lot, the story goes with them)
Then anytime I want, I just use the utility to bring up all the shots out of game, and I type my text. Works for me. And that probably made no sense to anyone, LOL!

Anyway, no update next Saturday, as it is Christmas Day.
I will put up something Christmas-y later in the week~

~Cheers

CRIME STORY #39 UPDATE

2010-12-10T11:07:00.002-06:00

Ever have one of those days? I was doing some edits to this update, and hit publish instead of 'save now', so apologies if you have two copies of this in google reader.

I meant to publish this tomorrow, but since it is out there, meh.

ADULT language, racial slurs, racial stereotypes.

We finally are moving past all the grief. New character introduced, Sloane.

I am crawling back to my sick bed. Cheers, have a good weekend.

CLick HERE for update.

CRIME STORY BIOS AND OTHER NEWS...

2010-12-07T19:01:00.008-06:00

I guess I am not alone in being distracted and restless.

I posted something about Lorcan over at the VSS FORUM in a discussion about main characters. And it got me thinking. I did a bio of Liam almost a year ago, then decided I wasn't going to do any for Crime Story.

Well, after being restless and unable to write for the last couple of days, I labeled all the chapters of Crime Story (1964, and 1969-1970) by character name. 5 names came out of top with the most mentions, Liam, Keiran, Joey, Mike and Lorcan. I realized, yeah, they pretty much are the top five characters. Very telling there is no females in that list, yes, I am all about the guys. I make no excuses, LOL!

So I sat down and thought, what IS Lorcan's background, I mention it briefly maybe once in the story, ok, maybe twice. So, I wrote one up for him. Click HERE to read.
Also Liam's from almost a year ago is HERE.
There are no spoilers, I take the bio right up to the beginning of the 1969 part.

I will slowly work on the remaining three, Joey, Keiran and Mike as time goes on, but that is it. I just don't have the time to do every character, much as I would like to.

Also, I am almost finished 1969-1970. It looks like it will have around 75 chapters. Yes, I am that far ahead. How? It does come in fits and starts, but, I am home all day, and can go in the game and take shots for hours when the mood strikes. Then I just organize them and write the text.
I assure you I have other hobbies and real life stuff, LOL! I have it down to a science now, I pretty much know what I want when I go into the game, I don't linger over poses and such.

Will I continue with Crime Story? I honestly don't know. I would be lying if I said there were not already plots buzzing through my brain for the possible brief 1974 part. Will see how it goes. Am also toying with the idea of 1989, and the next gen. Toying, mind you.

And speaking of characters that you create to be a secondary character, but then just pushes their way in and takes hold...again, I introduce Jimmy Doyle. I created him for a couple of short scenes, he wound up sticking around as a major character in the last chapters.
I think he first appears in Chapter 50. Not sure. In this shot, he is looking up at a woman's apartment. I LOVE that look on his face. Almost a wistful yearning. And I didn't use face overlays~

I am going to try and do Saturday morning as my new update day for Crime Story. Hubby is busy every Sat morning for a couple of hours, so this is a perfect, disciplined update opportunity for me. Again, see how it goes. I want to update weekly, as I have enough chapters to take me into next summer.

I would love it if you came with me on the ride~well, some of you will be looks like!

Cheers~

NOVEMBER MUSCLE: Meet Jed Hill

2010-11-23T21:24:00.006-06:00

Remember this, from my June posting of beefcake?

This romance cover, from a book coming out in Feb 2011 has created MAJOR buzz on romance blogs.

I finally found out who this young man is. He is a former Penn State football player named Jed Hill. He specializes in 'sports modeling' as they call it, as seen by the pics I posted below. Slap a pair of boxing gloves around that thick, muscular neck and viola, a sports model.

Jed however, is also modeling for a few romance covers.
Ones specializing in those torso or muscular back shots.

I mentioned to a blog buddy I would post some of those back shots, just for you as a bonus, sword and everything, *snort* (see below)

Yes, I am afraid in my romance blogging, this is something us ladies do, drool over the cover models on various books.
Sigh. It's a hobby.

Oh sweet Jaysus!

I swear...

I never thought I would be one of those sick old broads who drool over men almost half my age, but, here we are.

Yes, Jed is only 25.

Those damned thighs...I defy you to look away.
UPS couldn't deliver a better package, *ahem*

I can't type.

I can't speak.

Gaaaa.

Moving on!

I will admit a fondness, alright, a weakness, for romance novels with Highlanders or Celtic Irish Warriors. From the past, present or future. I can't explain it, hell, I don't want to even try and figure out why! The accents? The kilts? The big ass, 'drag in the dirt' sword? And yes, I am talking about his actual weapon. (or not, *snort*) Ok, you know what I mean.

Here is one of those back shots with the obligatory sword.

I mention this, because I am truly envious of the muscle slider now available in Sims 3. I would KILL to have that in Sims 2.

Someone, anyone, A photoshoot please of Sims 3 muscles! Is there kilts in the Sims 3 game? Swords? Too bad if there isn't.

And no, this isn't Jed in this shot.

But you get my point!

Another genre of romance I have really taken to is Paranormal.

Another example of the back shots that seem to be popular lately, and just to give it a different look from the highlander thing, this hunky boyo is gripping a whip.

Bet he knows how to use it, these paranormal heroes are all tortured, chiseled, have WAY huge weapons *cough* and usually stand no shorter than 6"5.

Vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, you name it.

Hot reads too.

And lots of adventure, suspense and horror.

Hey, to close things out, I found another romance book with Jed Hill on the cover!! A romance\suspense. I don't read too many of those. Not my thing.

Can I express my annoyance for this trend of cutting off
the face of the model? But with a bod like that, who needs a face??
Slap a paper bag on his head.

I thank you for your kind indulgence for my drooling
shameless, male beef post here.

Oh, and for a couple of other blog buddies, who have read some of these 'Feral Warriors' romance paranormals same as I have, this is the cover for Pamela Palmer's newest book being released in Feb 2011.

It's all about Kougar, ladies.

Tortured, gorgeous shape shifters. I recommend this series.

Happy Thanksgiving to those down south in the US of A.

Have a fine week~

Oh, and don't forget! Crime Story update listed below, and Blood Brotherhood next week!!

CRIME STORY UPDATE: #37 Traces

2010-11-22T18:27:00.005-06:00

I was going to wait until Wednesday, but, since it was ready to go, I posted it.

Chapter 37 TRACES click HERE to get to update.

A wee bit of language. That's about it.

Cheers~

OMG...WINTER. But not of my discontent, at least, not this week...

2010-11-22T09:07:00.003-06:00

I am back, and I must time say, the time off...helped. And getting out of Moosetown.
However, winter arrived big time.

An Alberta Clipper (Canadian meteorology term for fast moving Prairie snowstorm) decided to roar across the Prairie provinces the very night we were driving to our big city destination, it hit us about an hour outside the city. Also getting around Friday for our appointments through the snow clogged city streets was not fun.

But, I was in civilization!! Shopping! People! Dinner out! Movie! No, I didn't see Harry Potter, the crowds were insane. Since we have to go back again this coming weekend, we will try then. Instead we saw 'Fair Game' with Sean Penn and Naomi Watts. Very enjoyable!
Shopping! Or did I say that??

We ran into more snow on our way back yesterday, a 4 hour drive turned into a 6 hour drive.
Stereotypes aside, not all of Canada is covered in snow. Where I grew up on the east coast, we usually had 'foggy' Christmases, instead of white ones.
But where I am living now? Oh yeah. Winter.
Hard to believe, over a week ago, it was 13 C, and sunny. It is like someone flicked a switch. That's how winter arrives here. And this snow is here to stay.

SO. I am behind in reading updates. I will get there, I promise.
Also, will be updating Crime Story this week, and Blood Brotherhood next week. At least, that is the plan.

Cheers, and have a fine week~

I'M PACKING MY ANGRY EYES...

2010-11-15T17:27:00.004-06:00

Hubby and I like to joke, the older we get, the more we are like Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head from Toy Story...in what way, well, 'nuff said.

Since we are leaving this Thursday and won't be back until Sunday night, I decided to tack a few extra days on it and take a blog break.
I need it.
Sometimes, it is just overwhelming the stuff that is out there, and most of it, I just can't relate to. Or want to. So, I am in future, not even going to try. Think I will just stick with writing. (for the most part) Solitary, I know, but it gives me peace.

So I thought it a good idea to pack my angry eyes, take them with me, so I won't be tempted to put them on, and do or say something I may regret later.

I know, you are scratching your head saying, 'what in the feck is she talking about?' Just the internet in general, and 'communities'. (Not just Sims) I reach a saturation point and feel I have to step back.
This is one of those times.

Will catch up when I return~see you next week!

Take care~

EDIT: Sorry to sound so blah, I am suffering from cabin fever, I live in a very small town in the middle of nowhere, moose are my next door neighbours. (Okay, not literally) so I need to get away. Only on line long enough to post a book review I had to do, now, I am pulling the plug for the rest of the week, take care~

*bizzzzz*

GUILTY PLEASURE: DOWNTON ABBEY

2010-11-09T14:41:00.007-06:00

I utterly adore those period British dramas, I can't get enough of them.

Growing up in Canada, we were often shown a myriad of British TV dramas, I gobbled up "The Onedin Line" "Poldark", "Upstairs Downstairs" and "I, Claudius", just to name a few,
and more recently, the British Mini-series like Pride and Prejudice", Vanity Fair, Bleak House, Little Dorritt, North and South, The Way We Live Now, Jane Eyre, just to name a very few.

I don't read the classics, I'd rather watch the British do it on the small screen. And they do it so well.

Downton Abbey just finished airing in Britain on ITV, Don't ask how I got to see it, *cough*, however it will be on in North America in January 2011 on PBS' Masterpiece Theater. Consisting of 7 episodes, I have never seen such lush production values. No wonder, it cost over a million pounds an episode, but hey, it is filmed at a real castle! (seen in background)

Not based on any classic novel of centuries past, think Upstairs, Downstairs and the movie Gosford Park thrown into a blender.

My husband is watching it with me, while he likes it, he is not as enamored as I am, 'bit of a soap opera' he said after we watched episode 3 last night.
Well, yes, it is.
It starts in 1912 with the sinking of the Titanic and how that affects the Earl of Grantham and his family and servants.

In this way, it is very much "Upstairs, Downstairs" as we are shown the lives of those above and below stairs.

Of course, you assume I would not be watching this if there were not some fine acting, and some fine looking men. *cough*

Dan Stevens, left, was also in a recent BBC rendering of Sense and Sensibility, he is playing the reluctant heir to the Earl in this TV show. Hard to tell from this black and white picture, but his eyes are stunning.

Rob James-Collier (right) plays the ambitious first footman. Former model and he also did a 2 years stint on Coronation Street (British soap) a few years back when I still used to watch it. Yummy. I love those dark looks.

Bit of a nasty piece in this, but deliciously so. It makes it all the better when a bad boy is handsome to boot.

But the most unlikely of heartthrobs from this program is Brendan Coyle as the valet, Mr. Bates.

The middle aged, lame valet has sent hearts a twitter in Britain.

According to an article in the London Standard:

Played by Brendan Coyle, 47 (a veteran of TV dramas such as True Dare Kiss, North and South and Lark Rise to Candleford), Mr Bates has become an Unlikely Crush Object. That soft Irish burr. That limp.

I would agree. Can't wait to watch more.

It rec'd big ratings in the U.K. and has been renewed for a second season.

If you get a chance to check this out by whatever means *cough* you will enjoy it. Especially if you love period dramas as I do.

~Cheers~

X-posted at my romance blog, The Romanorum~

CRIME STORY 35: Paint It Black and EDIT: A Bouquet~

2010-11-05T14:51:00.001-05:00

Chapter 35 posted click HERE

ADULT Slight sims nudity, sexual situations, language

Love Ang's Car Posebox, to see my post on this box click HERE
OMG. I took these shots in MARCH?? Wow.

Also added a pic to The Byrne Brothers post below, changed Nevan's hair, better, I think.

And finally, I have some RL stuff coming up. I will be unavailable, not sure on the dates yet, but will post when I am taking the brief hiatus.

Have a good rest of the week~

EDIT:

Yesterday, my hubby brought me home some flowers, similar to the ones in this picture. A gesture. A reminder. That it will not die, it will never end. As long as we breathe.
Even after close to three decades together, it endures.

So if my some of my hobbies seemed steeped in romance (sims stories, romance blogging, reading, writing and reviewing) it is because I embrace it fully, more so the older I get.

So a virtual 'Bouquet' to everyone out there, that RL has kicked in the head in one way or another lately, myself included.
Romance, lives.
Believe it.

ADDENDUM: I will try in future, to update every Thursday or second Thursday. Don't know if I can keep to this sort-of schedule, but I am willing to give it a try. I have so many chapters of Crime Story backed up, I have got to get them out sooner. So, next Thursday, hopefully, Chapter 36. Cheers.

THE BYRNE BROTHERS

2010-10-30T22:51:00.002-05:00

You knew I would not stop at one brother for Lorcan. He comes from a large family, 10 siblings back in Dublin. I already made Brogan, what else could I manage, using the Lorcan sim as a base?

First off, I changed Brogan's hair. The other hair mesh was disappearing into his muscles, plus, I wanted his constantly changing hair color to be part of his character.
For the moment, he dyed it back close to his own original color.

Again, I made Brogan from using the Lorcan Sim as a base. Different skin, eye color and lips, but the facial structure and dimples are still there. Yes, maybe I overdid it with the 'pretty looks', oh well, it appeals to me! LOL! Great expression on his face here~

Brogan performing at a club, trying to make a break into the business. He certainly has a stage presence. But then, put a guitar in any hunky sims hands, and viola...rock monster. In some cases. I tried the guitar posebox, and short of banging my head on the keyboard from frustration, for performing shots, you can't beat the in-game animations.

The posebox is fine, esp. if you want to show a sim sitting on the floor or on a stool, have fun lining up the guitar in his hands *hence the head-banging* At least, I had trouble with it. I have no patience anyway.

So, here are 4 of the 6 Byrne brothers. All were made, sculpted and chisled in bodyshop using the Lorcan Sim as a base.

From left to right, Brogan, age 27, Lorcan age 28, Reese age 23, Nevan age 25

Believe it or not, I am nearing the end of the 1970 part. I am at a crossroads and not sure what to do. I may have a very brief stop in 1974 before going to 1989, if I do go that far. After 70+ possible chapters of Crime Story, (obviously not yet posted) what plots haven't I done?
Bears thinking about. Of course, everything has been done before, whether we are talking books or movies or TV shows. Why not sim stories?

This is the brother who most looks like Lorcan, Reese, age 23. Same skin, but changed the eyes (made them larger) The lips a little smaller and thinner, nose thinner, other than that, nothing else different.
Reese may make a brief appearance at the end of the 1970 part. He is the only Bryne brother to graduate university.

Not sure I will be keeping this hair, hate the gap in the part. Nevan turned out quite...luscious.
Again, the Lorcan Sim with minor modifications and a different skin.
Nevan will not be...entirely nice. You can see it, can't you? Oh, the possibilities. So far, I plan for him to make an appearance in the 1974 section.

I will move forward, and if I am not 'feeling' it, I will not be going to the 1989 part. the 1970 part went on far longer than I originally planned. So who knows? Once you start doing it, sometimes, it all falls into place, and sometimes it doesn't.

Factoring in my decision to continue on with the next generation, is whether some of these babies being born will grow up to be...appealing. I know, sounds shallow. Here is Patrick and Joanne's son, looks like mom. Name will be Kevin. Looks wistfully cute.

Another thing that has me second guessing, when you move on to second gens, there are almost double the characters, the original people, and now, their spawn. How to keep track of them all?
Does one even try? Perhaps just focus only at a few at a time as the plot dictates? Yikes!~

Anyway, Happy Halloween~

EDIT: Think I will go with this hair for Nevan. The curly locks, besides the gap, looked medieval, not the look I was going for~

CRIME STORY #34 ~Julie, Do Ya Love Me?

2010-10-26T18:51:00.005-05:00

ADULT Sexual situations, slight Sims nudity, language, violent situations. Yep, all in this update.

Click HERE to get to Chapter 34. Julie, Do Ya Love Me. I couldn't resist using that song title, even though I don't care for the song. No, I was never a Bobby Sherman girl in 1970. (I was a little kid in 1970, but still had pin-ups on my wall, I was for David Cassidy)

I want to thank everyone who left comments or sent emails of support for my 'Announcement' post, and also the pat on the back for my 'Anniversary' post. I will not forget those of you who did, it means a lot. A LOT.

I have a new feature down the left hand side of my blog, SIM STORYTELLERS SHOWCASE. Using random.org, I will be choosing 2-3 stories a month to showcase. These are from a list of stories I follow in google reader.
Check them out if you can. Top drawer reading, I promise.

And don't be shy, leave comments, storytellers (including myself) love them!

Have a good week~

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

2010-10-22T13:00:00.001-05:00

I know, I have been a real attention wh*** lately, sorry about that! And I told hubby to take my soap box and put it out in the shed. For a while, at any rate.
I will shine the spotlight on myself a little, after all, it is my blog.
I published my first sims story at TSR (The Sims Resource) 4 years ago this fall. I can't believe it, 4 years??

I look at it now, and cringe, I had boolprops and thought bubbles in my shots, the writing was choppy and minimal. But, it seemed to strike a chord with people. Yes, it had a romance slant, as did the next 3 I did that fall of 2006. Why, I don't know, I never read romance novels.
But, I figured, I was on to something, and decided to start reading some. I am a voracious reader, but never in all my decades, read a romance.
Well, I have made up for it now!

Indian Love Song was short, and amateurish. I remember how nervous I was, uploading something for people to rate and comment on. Never liked ratings, still don't. There is always those weasels out there that down-rate on purpose.

Oct 2006, I uploaded my version of Bram Stoker's Dracula, sort of a mish mash of the classic tale, the Coppola movie and my own stuff.

It got a great response, and I fell in love with the characters. 4 years later, some of those characters and their offspring continue in Blood Brotherhood.

Regardless of my previous post, I have gone through the last 4 years relatively unscathed, I can count the criticisms on one hand really, I am lucky. I think the sharks can smell blood in the water, and I made damn sure the last four years I never bled publicly. Or at least, very rarely. The sharks and weasels feed on it. I won't give them the satisfaction. And if it ever happens to you, do the same. Wave it off and continue onward.

Anyway, I want to raise part of my glass to TSR. Yes, TSR. They are not what they used to be, maybe that is a good thing, but I never had any problem there. Didn't always agree with everything they did, but I went my own way. But what a great place to connect and share. To all the storytellers I have met at TSR, Beth, Gayl, Sandy, Emily, Cherie, Iron Mum, Michelle, Xtina, Illandrya, Soaz and Jennifer. (sorry if I missed anyone) We have all since left and started our own blogs, but I don't think any of us can deny TSR was a great platform to begin the journey of sims storytelling.

To all those from TSR that follow my stories and/or comment faithfully, Maxi King, Jaundyce, goldie, silakas, PenelopeT, Barb/Spitz, Fabrizoammello, to name a few. To all those who read faithfully, thank you.

To all those I have met after starting my blog in Jan 2008, So many to mention, readers and storytellers, some now off the grid, but a nod to Lachesis, I swear, we were separated at birth.

Overall, it has been fun. And I will continue as long as it remains fun. Some of us have been slammed by real life or the cretins that lurk about in the dark corners of the sims 'community', but always remember, doing sim stories is about YOU. Not to please anyone else, YOU.

So the rest of the glass, I raise, to YOU.

Cheers~ *clink*

I will update Crime Story middle of next week sometime. Have a good weekend~

Sneak peek: Ooooo, Mike! What IS he saying to Keiran? (again, the vampire posebox, great for leaning down and hissing a threat in someone's ear)

ANNOUCEMENT

2010-10-19T11:10:00.004-05:00

I will be taking a break for a while, few days at most, maybe rest of the week, see how it goes.

I need to distance myself from a lot of things. Frankly, maybe I am tired of defending myself, my stories, my characters.
I was told in no uncertain terms by email that I went 'too far' with this latest update. Well, if you are a person who wants sim stories to be all sunshine and daisies, and grilled cheese sandwiches, than checking out my stuff is not for you.

I am not going to rant, nor am I going to fold my tent and 'disappear', I have been criticized before, I can take it.
I just want to concern myself with other things for a few days.
If you have commented on the latest update of Crime Story, I really do appreciate it and will respond soon, I promise.
And I certainly understand if the latest update made anyone uncomfortable, but, the name of the story is CRIME story, yes, there will be random acts of violence and such. It is an adult story.
Same with Blood Brotherhood. BLOOD is in the title, it is about vampires and such. Adult. The next parts of BB are intense. I am not changing it.
Nor am I changing anything I already have completed for Crime Story.
Nor am I mad, or annoyed. I am not lying in a fetal position in a dark room twitching, either.
If I lose anyone as a reader and/or commenter, I can live with it. Sorry to see you go, but, that's the beauty of it.
Change the channel.

CRIME STORY UPDATE 33~Spirit In The Sky~

2010-10-17T15:12:00.003-05:00

I wasn't going to post this until Tuesday, but since it is so closely tied to the last chapter, and I had it uploaded, I figured, why not?

ADULT: Violence, language. OH yeah.

I am away all day tomorrow, so anyone's updates, I will get to when I am back at the computer on Tuesday. I will pop in a couple of times today if I can.

Again, I want to thank everyone that reads and especially takes the time to leave me a few kind words. It really does, keep me going.

♫ Goin' up to the spirit in the sky
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that's the best ♫

VERY COOL VIDEO AND SONG~

2010-10-15T19:17:00.008-05:00

FAMILIAR TASTE OF POISON by Halestorm

Wow, an actual video that tells a damned story, and the song is fantastic, I liked Halestorm from the first time I heard Elizabeth's Hale's vocals. Not too many groups out there now with women lead singers.

This video uses elements of film noir from the 1940's,as you can see from the still below of 1944's 'Laura'. With Dana Andrews as the smitten trench-coat wearing cop. (I LOVE Dana!)

If you ever come across this film, I highly recommend it. The dialogue just crackles, something I think is sorely lacking in most films today.

I am supposed to be doing some edits, I am easily distracted.

~Have a good weekend!

CRIME STORY UPDATE #32 and PIC SPAM!!

2010-10-11T15:41:00.001-05:00

On the computer long enough to post an update, what is this? Mike and Liam in the same room?
Can I say, I love face overlays?

to read more click HERE for Chapter 32 update 'How Can You Mend A Broken Heart'

PIC SPAMMAGE!!!!

Awww, Mike and Liam as kids, these guys were such good friends, can they find that again? Or are the scars too deep?

Sully, looking as fine as only Sully can look. His story gets juiced up some as we move along.

Domingo, who is still a ways off, (Chapter 40 something) just smolders. Yow.

Greg, at the clinic, he will be back in a chapter or so.

Brogan, Lorcan's brother, I wrote in the story he dyes his hair, I think I will be changing the color to be more brown like Lorcan's, Brogan is another gorgeous guy. I will see. Or I may leave it, who knows? LOL!

More beefcake, Rory's story picks up a bit soon. I want to assure you that when I focus on one storyline/character, another will go on the back burner. I will not be juggling too many plots, characters at once. Too insane, for me, anyway.

Oh, did I have fun creating this character, Jimmy Doyle, over from Dublin. Wish I could tell you more...but I can't, LOL!

The brothers have some 'issues' ahead, wonder what Keiran is so livid over? *tease*

I gotta go baste my turkey.

Have a great week!

STORY JITTTERS: How Far is 'Too Far'?

2010-09-30T11:08:00.006-05:00

It has been three months since I posted an update at Blood Brotherhood, granted, some of that was vacation and computer problems, but, in essence, I have been vacillating.
Aidan and Braden's story is intense. Maybe too intense. I have never done anything like it before. Yes, I am having jitters posting the 4 part thing.

I have stated before I do these stories for myself. Maybe that is a tad self-absorbed, but I don't do this to please other people. But, you can't help but worry before you press that 'publish post' button that you will 'offend' or 'upset' people, have them running and screaming for the exit.

I have looked at this for weeks, should I reign it back? Yes, I have been wringing my hands over it. I don't want to give too much away. I am sure this picture above will conjure up all sorts of scenarios. (Hey! Photoshopped vampire bites, cool!)

I just posted Braden's biography yesterday at Blood Brotherhood, you can read it HERE, that alone should tell you what may be in store.

So, how far is too far? Yes, there is an Adult warning, but they mean nothing. It's not my responsibility to govern people or their spawns. Yet, I am cognizant to concerns.

Someone a while back said, "I can't read your story, it has too much crime in it" (referring to Crime Story) Did I cut back the crime, hell no, if you saw the latest update, I kicked it up a notch.
Several notches.

I know vampires are not everyone's cup of tea. But I always thought my vampire tale was more about the tragedy of being a vampire, immortality, loves lost, regret. Pain. And ecstasy. To live forever, to see so much, feel so much. I find that utterly fascinating. I must, I have been playing around with these characters since 2007 back at TSR.
Aidan and Braden's story shows the seamier side, hence my apprehension. I know, I should just suck it up and post the damned thing. If people are squeamish, they don't have to read it.

Hopefully, I will find some guts and hit the publish button soon, hope I am not alone, I suppose we all feel a little nervous for one reason or another before we hit that button. Or maybe it is just me.
No, I guess it isn't.
Been visiting a couple of forums lately, and I found it's still not really my thing. I suck at offering opinions, I figure if I want to babble (like now!!) I will do it at my own blog. And the few times I did climb on a soap box, I felt raw, exposed. I didn't like the feeling.
But, I like visiting/lurking to see that people have the same concerns and anxieties I have.
I'm not alone. There is some comfort in that.

So if I don't join in on discussions either at people's blogs or on some forums, I am not anti-social, really! The truth is, I am old. I didn't grow up with computers, so I am uncomfortable laying my feelings/opinions out there. I don't care for chat or twitter. Nor facebook. See? I am old. Blogging is as far as I will go.

And to all of you out there that do hit the publish button time and again, Kudos. It takes guts, bravery, daring and spunk to lay it out there. Story-wise, or otherwise.

Excuse me while I go try and find my intestinal fortitude...and hopefully will post part one of Aidan and Braden's story soon. And I am still behind on people's updates, but, I am getting there.

Cheers~

CRIME STORY: Chapter 31~Laugh, I Almost Died...

2010-09-27T22:36:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: Click HERE to get to Chapter 31, Laugh, I Almost Died.

Language, sexual situations, big time violence. Yes. Adult.

I hope the next update I do is a Blood Brotherhood, I want to get Aidan and Braden's story going.
That too, will be intense as I plan to push the envelope on that.

SEPARATED AT BIRTH??

Warren Beatty from the 1975 film, Shampoo.

Joey, the resident hunk of Crime Story...must be the hair, LOL!

Have a good week~

CRIME STORY: Chapter 30 ~RIDERS ON THE STORM

2010-09-21T17:58:00.004-05:00

Well, I checked the draft folder and this chapter was all but uploaded, so, I posted it.

Language and Irish slang warning. And some violence. ADULT. Goes without saying.

And I feel bad I am so behind on everything, I will get there.
And thanks for the support and comments, means a lot, truly.

Never knew Tyler was such a beast...

Read on...click HERE to get to update.

cheers, have a great rest of the week~

RETURN, LESSONS LEARNED...A BREAK WELL EARNED.

2010-09-20T22:35:00.007-05:00

I have returned.

It's been awhile *knock knock* anyone out there?

The computer is back, I won't go into gory detail of what happened, or how much it cost to fix it, but I did learn a few lessons.

a. Don't install a new operating system unless you know what the feck you are doing. I didn't. I clicked 'custom install' for Windows 7 instead of 'upgrade from Vista', you only do that if you have reformatted your computer first, I didn't. Lucky thing, see next...

b. Do NOT back up mega important stuff like 20+ completed chapters of Crime Story (text and pics) on a rewritable DVD. Use a memory stick instead or back up TWICE. The disc I burned? Corrupted. I spent a few hours in a darkened room in a fetal position thinking I lost EVERYTHING. (I had a face like Lorcan, above)
I was heartsick. Then, I sat up, what was I doing? It's only a game. It's not life or death.
*Think.*
I did find the text on a separate disc, so all was not lost. Also, I called Grizzly Adams the computer geek who had my computer and asked him to check if my files might be still on the computer somewhere. He called. Yes. The EA games folder was still there. If I wasn't too old to procreate, I would have offered to have his first born.
Lesson learned? Oh yeah, I will become a fanatic about backing this stuff up in future. For a while I also thought I lost my manuscripts I am working on. It was a dark day.

If I HAD reformatted, those files would have been gone. Yikes.

c. Make sure you know exactly what is in your computer vis a vis, sound cards, etc. Apparently, when we ordered our computer built, the specs said we had a Creative Labs X-gamer whatever. So, we tried to download updated drivers, no go, no sound. Turns out there is a different sound card in there, actually a better one, but we had no idea because the spec sheet said X-gamer. OOOO-kay. No wonder we had no sound. Anyway, all fixed now.

After about 24 hours of twitching uncontrollably because the computer was gone, I actually found I didn't miss it! I did other things! And wow, did I write, before computer mishap, I had written 23,000 of new MS, now, I am at 44,000, in two weeks! I thoroughly enjoyed getting away from the computer/internet (well, not entirely, I still checked email 1-2 times a day on the Ipod touch, but other than that, was on the internet hardly at all, maybe twice in the two weeks.

I did this writing on the old 10 year old desk top (internet wouldn't work on it) And because I learned my lesson above, I backed up this writing every day on a memory stick. Good bloody thing, last Friday morning, the power pack blew on the old desk top.

So I feel refreshed, and a renewed vigor to continue with my new daily routine, plan my days better. Other stuff happened as well, RL stuff I will not go into, that also factor into my new plan.

So, I am further behind in catching up on people's updates, and checking out some people's blog/stories, but I will get there, I promise. I am going to take my time. Relax. And I have to reinstall a ton of stuff on the computer, including the sims game.

And I will have an update for Crime Story in a day or two, or three, whenever. Soon!

So, the world continues to spin on its axis, I didn't lose all that 'work' that is part of my hobbies, I had a nice break. See new video down left side of blog, it is what I did...♪ shout, shout...let it all out...♪

Everything is cool.

Cheers~

Windows 7 Clean Install...DISASTER

2010-09-05T09:14:00.009-05:00

Edit: sept 10 computer in shop, no Internet on old desk top, only have wireless on my Ipod Touch. Will try and fix the old desktop, if not, I won't be back until computer is returned in 7-10 days. Will catch up then. Take care!

Yeah...it was a disaster.

Everything is backed up, some stuff, more than once.

But as we clicked to do the clean install (meaning everything on the computer is wiped, including the previous installation of Vista)

No sound. Windows says we have no sound card at all, so even downloading updated drivers is futile, as it says we have no sound card.

Even though the Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-treme gamer card is in there. Great. Hours of frustrating web surfing, downloading patches, fixes, etc. Tearing out hair, almost throttling each other in sheer anger, Hubby called Microsoft. After 1.5 hours on the phone with some guy in Bangalore, (granted, he did try hard) The final solution was 'here is a 1-800 number, ask for a refund'. Thanks Mircosoft! I got to hand it to my hubby, he kept his cool on the phone.

So, we bit the bullet and decided to put Vista back on the computer. Guess what? No sound. All the same error messages. Now things are buggered up royally.

One thing hubby and I decided, we are through sweating blood. So what do we do sitting here in Scratchass, Ontario? It's not like we can run it down to the nearest Best Buy to the geek squad. And be damned if I am calling Creative Labs.

Call Marty the Moose? Surely, there must be some mountain man type computer geek living around here. So yes, in a few surrounding towns, there are a couple of computer places. Yippee.

Anywhere from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours drive away.

So, I guess we will call Grizzly Adams on Tuesday
and see if anything can be done. I just want my sound
back. Be it Vista or Windows 7, I don't care. Both suck
in my opinion.
So, I maybe without a computer for an indefinite period
of time, though, we do have the old one collecting cobwebs in the closet, we may hook that up so at least I will have internet.

So, again, I may disappear, or, if I have the old computer, maybe I can at least read some updates here and there. At least check my email. But no updates on stories. So the 'blog break' sort of continues~

Oh, and my apps suddenly stopped working on my Ipod Touch. And one of the sound cards is gone in our big screen TV, we can only get sound through the Home Theatre now. (Cost to replace said sound card? Which, by the way, already had to be replaced under warranty 2 years ago) $700.00. No way in hell. Watch out for LG TV's. Garbage.

Suddenly, I long for living in the Victorian Age. Unplugged.

Thanks for reading my rant~sorry to whine, I suppose in the scheme of things, I could have worse problems to concern myself with.
And I will try and enjoy what is left of my weekend~you do too.

BLOG BREAK...Again.

2010-09-02T12:51:00.003-05:00

I will be off in the wind until well after the long weekend, so until I return, everyone have a great Labor Day weekend, or equivalent thereof.

~Cheers

EDIT: Eeek! Hurricane Earl is heading toward Eastern Canada!! Fingers crossed for family and friends in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick!!

STORIES LEFT HANGING IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE...

2010-09-01T13:38:00.009-05:00

EDIT 01/01/11

THUNDER VALLEY IS CLOSED FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE

I know this has been discussed on other blogs and probably in various forums, (how or when or if to end stories) but, this is about ME. LOL!

After much discussion with myself, I merged the two Thunder Valley Blogs and made it public again.

I got an email from a reader asking about Thunder Valley, in all honesty, I had forgotten I had made it private before I left on vacation, as I was in a state of indecision over this story.

Well, it is on permanent hiatus.
And I feel really, really terrible about that.

I started it Jan 2008, it ended after 36 chapters. I had no intention of doing anymore, I should have went with my original gut instinct on that. *note to self, listen to gut*

But, I felt the characters still had more to say, so I started semi-individual stories on some of the characters. Whoops, slowly, it was turning into a multi-part serial again, No..no..NO! Not what I wanted to do! And, frankly, I was losing interest. As someone pointed out to me, it was apparent in the last couple of updates my interest was waning. It was. I was introducing too many plots and new characters. I lost my focus. It was no longer fun.

I know, it happens. But I like there to be some sort of ending, to my stories anyway.
Real Life can cut a story dead, and that is understandable. Real Life ALWAYS come first, as it should.
But that is not the case for me.

I can't even get up the gumption to do some quick summary tying up the threads.

So, to those people who read Thunder Valley, some exclusively, I want to say I am so, so sorry I left this hanging.

I haven't been in the neighborhood in months, haven't thought of this in months, There will be no updates in the near future. But, never say never, who knows when the old west muse will attack my brain again? After the 11 parts of Crime Story 1964, I never thought I would go back to it, and now look. It has consumed me.
Basically, Crime Story is Thunder Valley, multi characters, overlaying plot threads, drama, romance...Ok, a soap opera. 1969 GTO's instead of horses. Drug selling Irish hoods instead of Stage-coach robbing outlaws. Hard-bitten police captains instead of tough, gritty town marshals.

Anyway, here is the link to Thunder Valley Chronicles Some snowy/rainy night you are bored cross-eyed, you might want to take a look. I merged the old blog with Chronicles, so if you look in the linkbar you will find a page of links for the 36 chapters, or, there is a link to a summary of the 36 chapters. And take this early writing with a grain of salt. I am hoping I improved slightly since doing this.

And since we are discussing stories, and endings, I will no longer be posting any stories at TSR (The Sims Resource) Any short stories I may do will be posted here at this blog.

And Blood Brotherhood? That is sort of in the Twilight Zone as well, but hopefully not for long.

Again, my humble apologies for abandoning Thunder Valley. Please, no hounds, pitchforks or torches. *snort*

CRIME STORY UPDATE Chapter 29 FIRE

2010-08-30T12:03:00.005-05:00

Seems like I did this chapter ages ago...oh wait, I did! Lots of stuff crammed into this chapter, and it's appropriately called FIRE. Click HERE to get to update. ADULT, slight sims nudity, language, all that.

I know I mentioned this before, but, no photoshop used in the fire shots, used a fire hack, got the job done.

And I am still slowly getting caught up on people's updates from the summer. Plodding along.
Still haven't done the Windows 7/reformatting yet, other RL stuff keeps cropping up!

Anyway, cheers and have a good week!!

SIMS 2 or 3 STORIES....Preference?

2010-08-26T17:23:00.002-05:00

I don't want to start some debate on the pros and cons of Sims platforms for storytelling, both have good and bad things for or against. And it is all a personal preference. Subjective, like how you order your coffee. (or in my instance, tea)

For myself? It took YEARS for me to collect all the CC, hacks, pose-boxes, make the lots, characters etc, I couldn't abandon it all for Sims 3. I couldn't have recreated my stories in Sims 3 at all. (esp the old west story)

Now? Maybe, there certainly is more CC and such. But I am so firmly ensconced in my Sims 2 worlds, I can't see me abandoning it anytime soon.

I don't play the game anymore, haven't for a long time. Only use it for storytelling. So, again, buying the Sims 3 for 'just playing' doesn't appeal at this moment. Perhaps down the road, who knows?

But would I ever bash Sims 3? OoooKay...at first, I curled my lip at the fugly sims (esp the males) I have changed my opinion now there is better CC.
I knew eventually that would change, I mean, sims from the Sims 2 game without CC aren't exactly gorgeous. Goopy Gilscarbo, anyone?

Look at this guy above, picture courtesy of Lachesis. Sims 3, HOT guy. Wow. Mack Stone. Great name. *drool*

But, I never forgot what someone said to me a while back at TSR,

"I don't read Sims 2 stories anymore...only Sims 3."

HUH?? That thought never crossed my mind. As long as it's entertaining, I couldn't care less if someone used Popsicle stick puppets to visualize their story. I looked at my reading/google reader list, it is a mixture of both Sims 2 and 3, never gave it much thought. Is there a difference? Not so blatant to me anyway. Ok, Sims 2 has a few more things like poses and hacks, but surely that will come with Sim 3 eventually.
I am in awe that Sims 3 storytellers manage to tell a story so effectively without the use of hacks like face overlays.

I won't mention any names, call out any individual stories, I am always afraid I will forget someone or hurt someone's feelings. But there are some astounding stories in both 2 and 3 worth checking out.
To me, it isn't all about the pictures, (though I appreciate the effort it takes to get just the right shot) nor is it really about the writing. (everyone's style and level is different) As long as I am entertained. That to me, is all that matters.

So keep doing what you are doing everyone. I DARE you to entertain me!

A few things I will mention, Even though I don't have Sims 3, I like to look at shots, read about it.

Lachesis has a few downloads for the Sims 3, and some great shots from the game, you can find it HERE at Lachesis Presents. The hunk above is available, but not with the hair or skin.

Also, Michelle has an interesting blog, she does creations for both Sims 2 and 3, and takes requests. You can find it HERE at PTylo's This and That Sims Blog.

Just a couple of examples, I know there is more out there. I will mention more in another post sometime.

So in conclusion, do I have a preference story-wise? After some slight soul searching, I decided, No, not really. But, if someone does have a preference, I can't condemn them for it.
*Earl Grey tea...hot*

Cheers~

P.S. Getting ready for the big clean install/reformatting, so I may be in the wind for a few days.

Think I'm in Love...

2010-08-24T15:22:00.011-05:00

It happens. You go into Bodyshop, sculpt and pick away, create a male sim. (or download one) Give him a background, a personality. You begin to write, give the sim a distinct voice. He begins to enchant you, capture your imagination. Take over your thoughts. You begin to spin plots for this sim, to put him front and center, and hope, maybe, someone else will be touched by that same spark that ignited your imagination and thoughts.

Meet Brogan Byrne...

This will be Lorcan's 10 month younger brother. He will be a wanna-be musician. I had a blast setting up his backstory. I thrust a guitar in his hand. He took to it like a duck to water.

I realize he could look like another Sims 2 author's main character, *cough* Cooper *cough* but that was not my intention. Really Gayl, I swear, LOL!

He really did turn out quite beautiful. A look, I hope, that will drive some of those Sims ladies wild. There is a reason he turned out so well...

He is actually THIS sim, one I downloaded from Xtina (not sure if she still has it up for download, nope, went and looked, sim downloads coming soon) All I did was give Xtina's sim different hair, changed nothing else.
Gave him a voice, a personality. He had a firm grip on my imagination for quite a few chapters, just like Liam did. (Liam is a downloaded sim that I gave my own touches to)
I will admit, I can be fickle. Shifting focus on characters during a story works for me.

So I took this gorgeous sim and went into Bodyshop and began to chisel away, as I wanted Brogan to look somewhat like Lorcan, they would be brothers.

Amazing what even a different skin will accomplish. I love the detail on this one, you can swear you can almost see the pores it is so life-like. It always astounds me how certain sims can show such emotion in-game, and others...don't. The Lorcan sim always did. Probably their in-game personalities. And this is a point that makes Sim stories so enjoyable, bringing the visual emotion to life with the written word. I love that challenge.

I changed the eyes, different skin, changed the lips, thinned the nose ever so slightly. Looks different, but, you can see the similarities. Same face structure and shape, same dimples, same eyebrows, both...wow.

I love creating new characters. Do you? Or do you download ones, or maybe a combo of both?

I have read some people do character sheets on sims before they introduce into a story. I have never done that, I probably should, I usually create the story and personality as I go.

So, for the moment, Brogan fever it is, until the next male sim comes along to grab my interest.
Thing is, I mention Brogan and Lorcan have 10 siblings back in Dublin...if ever I should need another brother, LOL!

Oi! Don't get me started on THIS guy...fodder for a whole other post. I did use face overlays here, wonder why Joey looks so sad??

Anyway~

Again, have a good week *poof*

CRIME STORY UPDATE: Chapter 28: Since I've Been Loving You

2010-08-22T18:29:00.004-05:00

Julie, it seems, cannot stay away from the wickedly alluring Lorcan. Like a moth to flame. However, how long will this Irish hunk tolerate Julie coming over, in effect, teasing him with what he may never have, but so desperately wants?
The boyo is truly besotted, poor fool.
But even Lorcan, has his limits. When will his resolve...snap?

Click HERE to get to the update.

These were the two chapters sitting in my draft folder, it may be a bit before I update again, lots on my plate. But, hope you enjoy.

And I managed to find time to start catching up. I think I will use Google reader and go chronologically by date. So right now, I am in mid-July updates. I will get there, eventually.

Cheers and have a good week~

P.S. I think this is the reason I am reluctant to leave this era, I LOVE the retro CC, being able to decorate rooms with all this great, great stuff. The Beatles poster is my creation. Can't take credit for the rest.

Who is the young lady? Trevon's sister. Her debut is way off.
I want her room...

CRIME STORY UPDATE: Chapter 27 ~Run Through The Jungle

2010-08-19T15:58:00.003-05:00

Forgive any edit problems, I looked it over until my eyes crossed, decided to just post it.

Chapter 27 Run Through the Jungle, click HERE.

Again, Adult. Language, and all that.

I love these urban shots, such fun building this neighbourhood.

Another update in a few days.

Cheers~

~Drew's Sim Stories

SORRY WE'RE CLOSED~

A FINAL WORD~and SOLD ANOTHER~

THIS IS THE END~ Conclusion of Crime Story~

Chapter 75 CRIME STORY

ANNOUCEMENT~

CRIME STORY CHAPTER 74

AND ANOTHER UPDATE CHAPTER 73

CRIME STORY Chapter 72 posted~

A couple more Crime Story Updates~

EVEN MORE CRIME STORY UPDATES

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

MORE CRIME STORY UPDATES!

CRIME STORY UPDATES

UPDATE CRIME STORY CHAPTER 61

KEEPING BUSY~

CRIME STORY UPDATE: The Track of my Tears~

CRIME STORY UPDATE #59~ It Ain't Me Babe~

STRUNG OUT~

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES COVER ART IS IN~AND SAY HI!

UPDATE CRIME STORY AND A FEW SHOTS~

BIG BIRTHDAY WISHES~

BLACK LUST COVER ART

CRIME STORY UPDATE~Chapter 57 Reflections

Another Annoucement~ FYI

RIP SPARTACUS

BIG, BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!

CRIME STORY UPDATE: Chapter 56~Turn, Turn, Turn

I'm back~

Cheers and see you end of August~

CRIME STORY UPDATE: Nights in White Satin~ Chapter 55

A LITTLE FUN~ Sorry For The Spoiler~

EVERNIGHT AUTHOR BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY!

CRIME STORY UPDATE: Chapter 54~Something In The Air~

THUNDER VALLEY REDUX

SO LONG, GOODBYE~

UPDATE; CRIME STORY Chapter 53: Don't Bring Me Down~

CS PERFORMANCE: Brogan and Nevan~

CRIME STORY UPDATE Chapter 52: Won't Get Fooled Again

NEW LOOK FOR MY AUTHOR SITE!

CRIME STORY UPDATE: CHAPTER 51~One

I FORGOT...EVERYTHING.

THE WINNER

SORRY!

YAY! RELEASE DAY AND A GIVEAWAY!

UPDATE: BLOOD BROTHERHOOD and news update~

MONDAY MAN CANDY: Game of Thrones

EDITS, NYQUIL AND SUPPORT~

CRIME STORY UPDATE Chapter 49 Ooo, Baby, Baby

HOME SAFE, and a quick word about VSS~

EDITS AND OTHER LIGHT CHATTER~

COVER ART SQUEEEE!

WE INTERRUPT THIS BROADCAST....

PLEASE STAND BY....*bzzzzzst*

UPDATE CRIME STORY: Chapter 48~Playing With Fire

UPDATE CRIME STORY: Chapter 47~ Love Me Or Let Me Be Lonely

UPDATE CRIME STORY: Chapter 46~ Nothing But Heartaches

UPLOADS, DOWNLOADS, MALE SIMS FOR SALE~

MORE TV HUNKS...AND SOME BABBLE~

UPDATE: CRIME STORY Chapter 45~ Be My Baby

MUSIC INSPIRATION FOR SIM STORIES...Does it work?

DELAY IN UPDATE

CRIME STORY Chapter 44 Update~

GODS OF THE ARENA...I am bloodthirsty~

I Am Now A Google 'Ghost'....

SICK SHTICK...

CRIME STORY UPDATE #43 and OTHER INFO

THUNDER VALLEY REDUX

CRIME STORY UPDATE #42~A Well Respected Man

MY MOSAIC and a Mini Interview with...me!

CRIME STORY UPDATE #41 And Happy New Year~

CRIME STORY 1974....and more babble~

Nollaig Shona Dhuit (Happy Christmas)

CRIME STORY #40 UPDATE: And a little story babble

CRIME STORY #39 UPDATE

CRIME STORY BIOS AND OTHER NEWS...

NOVEMBER MUSCLE: Meet Jed Hill

CRIME STORY UPDATE: #37 Traces

OMG...WINTER. But not of my discontent, at least, not this week...

I'M PACKING MY ANGRY EYES...

PLEASE STAND BY....bzzzzzst