Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Swashbuckling

Tonight I went to my very first fencing lesson. I am very excited about this! We'll call it research for now . . . I mean, how can a self-respecting fantasy author not make every effort to learn at least something of swordplay?

Tonight I learned to stand en garde, to advance, and to lunge with a yellow foam noodle. I was supposed to learn to retreat as well, but I cannot honestly say that lesson has sunken in. I wasn't born to retreat! But I jolly well better learn, and fast, if I want to make any progress in this sport . . . .

My friend April, from Barnes and Noble, is taking the class with me, and it is actually being taught by one of our managers. See, didn't you always know there was something extra-wonderful about Barnes and Noble? The meek little booksellers you see scurrying around at your service by day are fencing masters by night! Or wanna-be fencing masters, like April and yours truly, which has to count for something.

Anyhow, April was matched up as my opponent for the evening, so we learned to "cut" each other on the head in proper fencing style. We are excited and planning to go purchase our own yellow foam noodles so we can practice outside of class!

And we've decided on our swashbuckler names for the time being. She is Louis Jourdan, the dashing Frenchman. I am Basil Rathbone, the long-nosed, somber villain. Tonight, I manage to tap her with the noodle more often than she tapped me . . . but I explained to her that it's the whole dichotomy of the Villain and Hero at work. The Villain always must appear to be winning at first so that the Hero has greater odds to overcome when at last he triumphs. Which means I, as Basil Rathbone, am bound for a dismal fate. Unless, for once, the tables are turned and destiny smiles upon my evil plan! Mwaaaa haaaa haaaa haaaa!

So what do you think, dear reader? Stay tuned for further swashbuckling adventures!

12 comments:

Erin H said...

Your new blog is LOVERLY, dearest.

Mish you. *BIG HUG*

Unknown said...

we're afollowin':-D

Unknown said...

Keep working on that cackle. It's the key to good villainy.

Kittie Howard said...

I took fencing years ago...really gives one a workout...but fun...good luck

Kittie Howard said...

Mentioned your blog to my neighbor...her son took a fencing course when he was a teen, fell in love with the sport and carried thru with it...went on to win some international tournaments...

Rebecca Herman said...

Heartless sounds wonderful - can't wait to read it!

Anne Elisabeth Stengl said...

Wow, I haven't checked this blog in so very long! You can see what a dedicated blogger I am . . . . (blush)
Kittie Howard, that is very cool about your neighbor's son! I am still only at the very beginning stages of fencing, but it is a fantastic sport.
Rebecca Herman, I'm pleased that you're excited about HEARTLESS. I thoroughly enjoyed writing that book, and Una's story will always hold a special place in my heart. Now I'm in the process of thoroughly enjoying the sequel, which I hope you will enjoy as well!

Barka said...

Thanks for writing Heartless. It took me a while to get into the book, but I'm glad I persevered. And the more I think about it, the more I like it. I hope you don't get so into fencing that you give up writing.

Anne Elisabeth Stengl said...

@ Barka: I'm pleased that you enjoyed my story. I had a lot of fun writing it as well as the upcoming sequels. Keep your eyes open for the next book, "Veiled Rose," which comes out summer 2011!

Elf said...

Your so lucky. I want to learn, too! Do you have any advice? Have fun.

Anne Elisabeth Stengl said...

need2read . . . oh, so sorry I didn't see this comment much sooner! I never get on this poor, neglected little blog.

As for learning fencing . . . really, the only advice I can give is find a class and plunge into it! I am not an athletic girl, but I have so enjoyed learning about this sport and slowly gaining skills. It helps to have a supportive club and encouraging teachers, of course!

Also, don't wait to start. Just DO IT! I kept procrasatinating thinking, "I'll get to it some day . . . ." but finally realized that "some day" wasn't going to happen. It needed to TODAY or never!

It's a lot of fun too! You won't regret it. :)

Elf said...

Wow, it has been so long since I first found your blog and posted my first comment! Sadly, I still haven't started taking lessons. Don't get me wrong, it has very high prioity, but my family has been having finacial issues and, while I have talked about wanting to start, I haven't really gotten up the courage to actually ask.

Maybe since I chose the history of swordplay as the topic for my English research report, I can convince my mom to let me take lessons to 'help me understand my topic better and get a higher grade'. If this doesn't work, I will have to stick with reading the books and watch ing the movies for a while.

Any advice?