Libraries and Pirates

[deralte]

Spent 4 hours in the national library today reading through a book on Port Royale for my underwater archaeology essay. 50 pages an hour with notes isn't bad. Then spent a half hour photo copying the national geographic article I needed since the library had everything, you just had to work up the courage to ask for it. The place was really odd with padded leather chairs and huge leather covered tables with old wooden book stands on top of it. Very turn of the century. They were in serious need of some comfy leather couches...

On the plus side, my pass lasts for an entire month, so I'm tempted to go back there and ask for really silly and obscure books just because I can. Unfortunately, am more likely to end up using it to do more research since honours curriculum books are not so common in the uni library.

Later, I had a really really quick dinner then ran to help out with the anime soc's showing of the first Kenshin OVA. Ended up staying to watch it because was too lazy to get up and go home, especially once the show caught me in it's thrall... I love that OVA. Helped bring the equipment back, then hit Tescos.

Someone remind me to never go to Tesco's that late on a Friday night again. It was surreal. Full of bickering couples, little old men, no real food since everything was out of stock and curiously helpful stock boys. Have what I need to have a nice omlette in the morning at least.

havenward made me explain the entire plot of my POTC fic in detail to her (over email... and it was three typed pages long with big paragraphs) so now I'm obsessing about the story and of course my research into Port Royale isnt' helping since I'm learning all these really obscure facts about the time period from the artefacts they found in the sunken city which are working themselves into the plot and, and... it's far too big a story and I shouldn't be writing it without having Disney paying me to write the back story to Jack Sparrows past, and, and... I'm going to go back to reading about pirates now...

Comments

[casfic.livejournal.com]

I love the National Library precisely because it is the way it is. But you're right about the having to pluck up courage to ask things - they're not terribly approachable are they? Because I never have very much time when I can use the place without taking time off work, I always try and do as much as possible while I'm there. I find there's never long enough.

[deralte.livejournal.com]

I felt like a kid hte first time I went into a library all over again. Having to ask for nearly every book you need there is quite intimidating. And just finding the time to go through a whole book like that is rather hard these days.

I've been wondering how you get to use the library if you're not at university? Since I wasn't allowed to use it for my first two years here. How did you get to do so, if you don't mind me asking?

[casfic.livejournal.com]

The National Library is open to any member of the public. Except that if you tell them you are anything other than a final year or post graduate student they won't let you in. The reason is so that the place isn't flooded with students and nobody else can get in, as they don't have that much reading space. I think if you're a final year student you can also borrow stuff from the Reference library bit of the George IV Bridge library opposite the NLS, but it was a while ago, and they might have changed the rules.

[ashfae.livejournal.com]

*now has a year-long reader's card for the national library--bhwahahhahahahaa!!!!*

*wants to read the pirate story!*

[deralte.livejournal.com]

*now has a year-long reader's card for the national library--bhwahahhahahahaa!!!!*

I hates you:P Lucky you;)

*wants to read the pirate story!*
I should have the first chapter finished soon, then will just need a beta before I put it online, though if not, you're free to read it when you come to visit:)

[ashfae.livejournal.com]

Er, it's not actually at all difficult to get one, y'know, particularly if you're a student. Just go in and ask for an application and fill it out. All the application is is "Where do you live? What ethnicity are you? Why do you want to use the library?" and a mess of checkboxes. Is easy. Go get!

Can I beta? You know I've got the grammar skills. *gryn* But seeing as my online-ness is spotty, that might not work if you need it done quickly.

[deralte.livejournal.com]

I may just do that...

Well, I'd like the first chapter done quickly just so I can get it out there, but the next chapters are sure to be very sporadic (since I really don't have the time to write in the first place and must work on Uric as well) so there's really no time limiting on the betaing. I have a sort of deadline of tuesday for writing this new chapter, so if I send it to you by then, do you think you could get it done for friday or saturday? (other than that, i'll never ask you for a deadline so the lack of internet shouldn't be a problem). So, yes, I'd love for you to beta, and even if you can't get it done by sat, I'd be willing to wait (I just like to put things up by then because people have time to read on weekends).

[ashfae.livejournal.com]

Do! The National Library is neat.

As for betaing, I could certainly have it done by Friday/Saturday so long as it isn't insanely long. Though be aware, I really will point out every little spelling/grammar thing, which drives some people insane.

[deralte.livejournal.com]

It won't be insanely long. I can't write that fast:) It'll be six to eight pages if I'm lucky (it being only two pages atm). I like having everything pointed out to me though I will occasionally over rule you if I need someting as it is for plot purposes, or in this case, writing Jack's or anyone elses dialogue since I doubt grammatical accuracy will come into that. Let me know if you'd like a look at the plot outline as well for purposes of betaing.

[ashfae.livejournal.com]

Woo! *does the I Get To Beta dance* I think I'd prefer just the first chapter without the outline, so I can look at it on its own merits. And yes, dialogue always has different rules, I know. =) People talk funny.

[deralte.livejournal.com]

Sounds good:) I'll send it when it's ready.