09/03/05
http://lastescapade.livejournal.com
Bonjour! Que pasa? You have reached Kal’s Author Page. Unfortunately, Kal is busy collecting fly embryos til 7 tonight, so you’ll have to put up with me. Where to start with Kal? Well, as you may have guessed, she’s the unfortunate slave of a Drosophila geneticist and is fondly known as “the little one” of the lab. Her notorious sweet tooth makes her quite energetic, but there are also times when she’s very introvert-ish and would prefer to curl up with a book instead of dancing the night away in a hot and sweaty room.
Kal enjoys…many things. Bollywood films, for one (as should be obvious to anyone familiar with Bollywood). She is also your stereotypical Indian geek who is fascinated by genetics and neuroscience. She adores the Steelers and likes playing piano, running, badminton and bharatanatyam.
General and Dark/Angst are Kal’s favorite categories. She loves the Weasleys (especially Ron), though she has recently taken up writing some of those “darker” characters. Her OTP is R/Hr, and other favorite ships include Rowena/Salazar, Ted/Andromeda, Fred/Angelina, and L/J. Kal’s writing process is rather long. She takes her time with her one-shots, allowing them to fester (lovely word) for a few months before actually writing them. (She’s also a manic reviser and paranoid perfectionist who harbors OCD-like symptoms). Therefore, don’t be surprised by how few fics she has published.
MNFF is most likely Kal’s favorite haunt. She hearts the friends and skills she’s acquired here. She loves being an Alpha member of the Bannermaker’s Association and running the Susan Bones’ Book Club. She has, and always will be, a loyal badger.
(She also enjoys e-mails and questions, so please don’t hesitate to contact).
Firecracker
I heart Sentinelle to death for making it (won the excerpts challenge, folks)!!
P.S. SilverrKiss - my favorite person of all time and my partner in crime. And, if you're wondering, she is by far immensely superior in writing talent to my measly skills - so go check out The Silver Vial immediately. ;)
[Report This]
Date: 03/19/06 Title: None
*is commenting on how absolutely brilliant this is*
I love it. It was simple, eloquent, and eveything in between. The emotions were powerful, and the fact that such thoughts are so universal makes them all the more so. Despair, the urge to give up, to walk away from his cruel destiny were all presented so well. And I think that the fact that he chooses his destiny anyway really gives us more insight into the nobility that is Harry.
I must me the 2367549th person to tell you this, but the imagery just blew me off my feet. It really enhanced the emotions that he felt. I never felt like I was Harry, but I could clearly see what he was going through, like I was standing on the outside and looking in at him and his little room. I especially love the grace in which you write details I would never have thought of, like For a moment, he wondered how far back in the pipe the water waited. If he never had need of it, would it be stuck, hiding just behind the bend of the shower head? Would it, too, be stuck for all eternity? And the impact of the second to last line was incredible.
Quite a thought-provoking and enjoyable read. *runs to binge on more of Lex's stories*
A Road of Shattered Glass by Ennalee
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Three years after Voldemort’s first fall, Tonks and Ninette, a metamorphmagus and a dancer, each struggle to find their own identities apart from the deceptions of mirrors. Meanwhile, in the caves underneath Hogwarts, someone may be searching for things better left lost.
Date: 01/08/06 Title: Chapter 6: Dreams of Spun Sugar
I've put off reading this story for a while, but I'm so glad I did it now!! You have exceptional talent! Your characters are perfect and Tonks and Ninette seem so real and tangible and I can relate to them (Ninette especially). I could rave for hours about everything! You have a wonderful view into a dancer's life and everything is so plausible. Your characters are very well fleshed out...I can't express how completely real it feels when I'm reading this! Wow. I just - wow, it's just amazing. Can you tell that you've made me speechless?
Beautiful story! I'm bouncing on my seat, waiting to read more!
Author's Response: *blushes* Thank you very much! I\'m delighted that you enjoy my characters, and that it seems real - those are just about the best compliments you could give me.
Date: 09/03/05 Title: None
Rabies
its moi again i changed my penname cause I forgot the password and i didn't like it anyways...just letting you kno...
Keep writing!!
- - - saddam
Author's Response: Thanks for the review...and I figured out who you are, i dunno how...I mean, come on, I know I'm not the smartest person but I'm not a troll!! Sure, you can beta for me! That would be great...I could sure use one of those. Anyway, for everyone else, i haven't yet started chapter 3! *cringes and dodges flying objects* I know, I know, I'm a slacker...i'm trying to get some time to make it really good, so bear with me! Oh, and saddam, if you ever decide to submit a story, lemme know!
Where Memories Are Lost by Ella Norman
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: *one-shot* One question has plagued the Wizarding world for years. Why did Sirius Black laugh? Some have come up with their own answers, and others are content to sit and speculate. When Prophet reporter, Tom Wilkes goes to speak with Sirius Black, he gets an inscrutable and long-awaited answer from the notorious criminal. Sometimes you have to laugh, just to keep from crying.
Date: 01/11/06 Title: Chapter 1: Azkaban Fortress
This was a really wonderful read! I like how you tied i all into the books. Everything seemed very plausible, especially Sirius's desperation to talk to someone. With only a little description, you managed to paint a very vivid picture of everything.
I really (like everyone else) love the quote. Is it original or has someone said it? It's very poignant and meaningful and I read your story and all I can see now is Sirius forcing himself not to cry that night when he blasted the street open.
You've done a wonderful job of writing this! I truly enjoyed it!
Author's Response: It was originally a quote from a challenge in the forums, but the story got out of hand and overflowed the word count limit thing. (Love that author language!) So, unwilling to sacrifice my story, I moved it over here. Sorry to disappoint you -- the quote isn\'t mine. I don\'t really know its origin.
Harry Potter and the Spirits of the Storm by QueenHal
Rated: 6th-7th Years •
Summary: A Post-HBP fiction.
When Harry’s quest for the horcruxes turns desperate, he leaves the security of his homeland to seek out the advice of an ancient and most unusual Council – one whose allegiance is only to themselves but whose knowledge is so vast it may be his only chance. What Harry discovers there will change everything. Soon, he comes to see that this is all so much bigger than just he and Dark Lord – his role, though pivotal, is terribly minute compared to the challenges the Wizarding World must now face.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic Ocean, a young witch uncovers the truth about her bloodline. But only when catastrophic events begin to unfold, does she realise her importance in the greater scheme of things...
It is a tale of epic proportions: bringing in the truth behind Slytherin's betrayal, and the choices the Founders had to make to ensure the longevity of their world. Enemies must unite, lines must be crossed, and children must forgo their innocence. And behind it all, fly the Spirits of the Storm, waiting, watching, scheming. Welcome to the greatest epic war the Wizarding World has ever seen.
Chapter 11 is posted.
Date: 02/08/06 Title: Chapter 9: Chapter 9 - Chosen By Fate
Ah, Haley, I finally managed to read your fic in all its published entirety today since I got to stay home, seeing as my knee has oddly been hurting worse than ever and I got sick *fakes a cough*
I’ll admit, this is one of the few chaptered fics that I’ve gotten through reading, so feel a bit special that you’ve managed to capture my rather sorry attention span with your imaginative writing. I’ll be a loyal follower from now on. =)
Anyway, this is a bit of a cumulative review. I love your writing style; it reminds me of a Persian rug, or even a tapestry – thick and ornate, but in all the right places. Your descriptions are wonderful; when Harry was taking a bath, I was ready to go jump in the tub myself! The wordings are fantabulous; you really know how to make me melt, yell at my computer, and smile happily.
I am dazzled by the way you effortlessly tie good and bad moments together in a chapter, especially The Menagerie chapter (the Crumple Horned Snorkack!!) and the Ron/Hermione scene in Chapter 9. I’m a bit partial to that ship, but you never heard me say that ;)
On a note of constructive criticism, you might want to check some typos in Chapter 7, I believe.
Also, with this chapter, I think you should’ve kept our illusions that the Council wasn’t so bad despite Hermione’s research, but nonetheless, it was an incredibly well-done scene and things are definitely starting to get messy.
The one thing I really love about your story is the ending of each chapter. They have just the right amount of mystery and finality in them. They are great transitions because you can anticipate the events of the next chapter through them, but not so clearly as to give away the whole story.
I also enjoy how well thought-out your plot is. You seem to know exactly in which direction you are taking this fic, and that’s always a good sign.
So I am anxiously awaiting Chapter 10, and I wonder what misfortune will befall poor Harry if Hermione doesn’t send the letter in time (which I doubt she will be able to). Ah, the pertinence of timing! I’m intrigued by how far he says he’s willing to go and how much he will sacrifice to get what he needs. I’m also hoping to hear more about Ginny, her coma, and Harry’s vision. And I really enjoy the Lanette chapters and wonder what role Idel will play throughout the rest of the story. Your characters are wonderful; very multifaceted and original.
Best,
Kal
P.S. – Any hopes of seeing Chapter 2 of [i]Ivory Tower[/i] soon? I know you’ve got your hands full with the BA (which I’m rather addicted to) but you’ve got a truly well-written start and I would never want to see you give up on it.
Date: 03/27/06 Title: Chapter 10: Chapter 10 - Reflection
Wonderful chapter, Hal! Not as action packed as some others, but you have a knack for balance in that aspect.
I really liked Lanette’s revelation of her own loneliness and the way you introduced it. And Deirdre…Deirdre is quite an interesting character, no matter that we’ve only heard a few lines from her at best. I was worried when she came in, that for some reason Lanette would “make a friend” and everything would be all happy-go-lucky. Congratulations on disproving my fears. I simply loved her characterization and the way that she was friendly, terse, and mysetious.
I also enjoyed seeing more of a mischievous side to Lannette, and laughed during her battle with the storm. The last part, with the satchel and the toady-girl, was my favorite. You just know how to pick up on those tiny details that happen all the time but are rarely found in writing. Another thing that stands out with your style is your choice of words. They really work well in conveying the images. Sometimes, however, I feel like the characters talk with a little more maturity than we see in the books. But fear not, I do it as well.
And you’ve gone and done it again with the ending. I am satisfied for now, but as you’ve made a bit of a fangirl out of me, do expect some prodding for more soon. ;)
Saying Goodbye by potterfan226
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: One late night, Hermione receives a letter that changes her life forever. However, when it finally sinks in, she realizes that saying goodbye to the two people who she loved the most, isn't as easy as it was made out to be.
Date: 12/13/05 Title: Chapter 1: Saying Goodbye
That was a very well written story. I think you captured the emotion there very well. She bawled her eyes out and then she went numb; personally, that's nearly exactly how I felt after my grandmother passed away. I thought it was a tad rushed, but considering it's a one-shot, I suppose that's alright. Anyways, great writing! It was a touching read.
Author's Response: Thank you. Yes I felt the same way when my grandpa died. I was just bawling my eyes out and after a while, there was like nothing left to cry. And yes it was a tad bit rushed. When I wrote it down at first (on pen & paper) it ws really rushed. I tried to slow it down as slow as I could by adding the journal entry and other parts etc etc, but it only made a slight difference.
Paradise by ravenclawslion17
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: She saw all of the destruction. She lived in tortured pain. She wallowed in what could have been. All she wanted to do was give up. One-shot.
Date: 02/23/06 Title: Chapter 1: Paradise
Did I like it? Katie, that was incredible. It was so utterly powerful, I'm just...wow.
*sits back, stunned* *blinks and shakes head*
I would never have guessed it was your first attempt at angst! That was exceptional writing, that was! The imagery was so harsh, portrayed pictures of such horror, that I had to stop and look away in the first paragraph, once at the "pink umbrella" part and again further on. I couldn't stand it. I was hating you, for killing everyone off. No survivors was just too much. It was odd how no one was left but her, and yet they were still victorious, but this was overshadowed by Hermione being really, truly alone. The fact that she is still feeling such strong emotions captures how attached she was to the people she fought beside.
The transition from her dream to reality was very abrupt and jarring, and completely sealed the "jolted from sleep" effect. Loved it.
The R/Hr moment - *smiles* - was very surreal, but almost to the point of being unreal. I suppose that's all right, as it's Hermione's memory, and she's not going to remember anything bad about that moment at this time. So, I guess that sums "Paradise." Proves that your fic really takes in-depth analysis to understand the tiny nuances. Very good =).
Overall, what I liked most was how rushed everything was, especially her memories of her comrades falling. I don't know if you did it deliberately, but it captures the "life slips by too fast" feeling. As well as enhancing Hermione's desperation to return to the past.
I am still amazed with this! The emotions truly shown through the words - by the way, your word choices were wonderful! Excellent and very deep one-shot!
Author's Response: *sits back, stunned* *blinks and shakes head*
Kal, I love you. That COMPLETELY made my day. *hugs*
Anamnesis: All That Now Remains by Barabbas
Rated: 1st-2nd Years • Summary: Always he had been there. To cry, and to bear witness. He survived them all. Two centuries after the final battle, a solitary figure searches for solace in all that remains of his past; the shattered memories of yesteryears.
Date: 12/28/05 Title: Chapter 1: One-Shot
It had me crying again! As always, excellent job on your writing! I really loved your idea and you captured Dobby's character very well. I'm truly sorry I couldn't get the last part to you in time, but you did an amazing, wonderful, fantabulous, [insert adjective here] job!
Secrets by GringottsVault711
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Ron's guardian angel comforts his grief with secrets of hope and love. Written for my dear Patrick, aka TheVanishingAct
Date: 10/22/06 Title: Chapter 1: Secrets
...
Jenna, this fic...this fic has left me completely breathless.
*pauses to steady self*
It just glows with the essence of Luna. The way you’ve written her, her character is still so very Luna-esque but no longer as kooky. She’s matured, for lack of a better word, and it’s good to see that those years change everyone.
I love the juxtaposition of this ethereal Luna with the night and the way you seamlessly fit Ron and Luna together. The fact that Ron doesn’t want to remember the war and Luna is forcing him too, it just solidifies their relationship at that moment.
Every word here is perfection. This is just so simple but intricate that…I really, really don’t have the slightest idea as to what to say except that Secrets is one of the most gentle, touching stories I have ever read.
Scratch that. It’s the most. And I heart you eternally for writing it.
-Kal
P.S. Sorry for the utter lack of coherence. ;]
Elysium by Noldo
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: In death, Sirius finds memories, and meetings, and closure.
Mild language.
Date: 06/06/06 Title: Chapter 1: Elysium
*sighs*
Wow, just wow. Again. You will never, ever, ever fail to astonish me. Ever. I always love the poetic grace of your writing, the little glimpses of consonance and assonance and alliteration and the wonderfully different way in which you structure things. I pulled so many inspiring lines from here. And while I love Seven and Reverberate more than any of your fics, this one too has latched onto me. Perhaps because it is lighter and there is hope, and a sort of freedom for Sirius. I don't know. I adore your take on his relationship with Regulus in this one - it's pleasing, like a long, lazy summer day - in fact, the entire fic carries that feeling - , and yet those moments between brothers were strangely haunting. Regulus was haunting.
The thing I enjoyed the most was how memories and remembering were both painful and wonderful. I was amazed at the different emotions that Sirius was sandwiched between as he met each person.
In short, I loved it. Quietly descriptive, a shimmering hope, redemption, perhaps, in the distance. And the lifting of guilt. Yay. *hugs Sirius*
After The Summer Ended by sand_dollar
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary: Harry swore to go after Voldemort by himself. Ron and Hermione have promised to help him, even if it means not going back to Hogwarts. But can three underqualified wizards stop the Dark Lord alone? My version of Book 7...
Date: 11/12/06 Title: Chapter 8: Chapter 8: A Visit From An Auror
*squee*
*double squee*
I can't help it!! I love the Ron/Hermione to pieces!! *dies*
Yes, so anyway, I'm Kal, and I've just discovered your little treasure here and have to say that it's absolutely marvelous. I couldn't stop reading to leave a review until just now. I have an odd penchant for Year 7 fics, but I can rarely find one that meets my standards. Yours, wll, is very much in the spirit of Jo's installments, and I am thoroughly enoying it. It's got a lovely unique plot - the rendez-vous with Malfoy was ingenius (though I was a bit skeptical about him fancying Hermione and how Ron could have picked up on that).
That's another thing I love about your fic. Ron. I love Ron in general, but I especially love a well-written Ron, and it seems to me that you have him down pat. He's got brains, for one, but he still endearingly despises looking through books, and yet, when it comes to something he's passionate about, he's very motivated. I love the Ron/Hermione moments, and the fact that they're not perfect and do leave Harry feeling a bit out-of-the-loop at times. Your characters in general are very well-balanced and they really contribute to your fic.
Thank you so much for writing this!! I'm excited to continue reading!
Kal ;)