Samantha Oehley is a 20 year old undergraduate at the Wanganui School of Design in New Zealand. Her interests include the 1960s and 1910s, the Beatles, politics, reading, music and drawing. She has a thing for Priests and Authority figures, and has the habit of always exaggerating things to a more dramatic scale read more_
The 4 Power’s is finally out in New Zealand and Australia! Depending on its success it may appear in other countries. Who knows? But it deserves the chance for the world to know it. It’s such a great book. But as the author’s sister, I have to argue why it’s such a good book.
So I will!
Please bear in mind that it has been 7 years in the making, and this is the first time I am allowed to say anything about the story to the public. Which is weird!
REASONS WHY THE 4 POWERS DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION
The plot is original—Someone tell me a story of an advanced race of people stuck on a starship with no destination and no idea where they are from, and a boy who manages to travel back in time because of a strange jewel to an age where their race is still on their planet and have elemental powers? No?
The entire story is intriguing—the above comment was about the first book. (No more comment about that!) Nah, I like the world better than Harry Potter (which seems really unoriginal in comparison to be honest. Despite it being such an addictive series itself)
The characters are loveable—all stories should have this quality, and the 4 Powers nails it. You have to be able to want to be the main character, despite their failures and also you have to ‘love to hate’ the bad guy, not just hate him.
The back story is extensive—Michael has actually created this entire race of people, the world, the language and stories behind all the characters. It’s not a piece of fluff. He takes this story very seriously and most of it hasn’t even been shown … yet
It’s addictive—It actually is. I’m 20 years old and despite the level of reading, I love it.
It’s a smart and funny book—if the extensive amount of work behind the creation of the story’s world wasn’t enough for you, and least I can argue that the Robot Toy Superia the Magnificent is a hoot. And I suppose Sir Asutab in brain form too ha ha
The writing—I thought I should throw this in, despite my lack of knowledge on the subject. I think it’s well written. It has twists, unpredictable outcomes and a way of really making you wish you were from that world instead of Earth
Boron Delaxid—there I’ve said it. I love Boron Delaxid. Now the world knows. (Yes this counts as a point. You know it’s great when you have sad fangirls crushing on a ficticious character [the difference however, between me and say, a Twilight fangirl? I love the character platonically]).
I know I shouldn’t have been hinting about a sequel when there is no chance yet of it being published. But I just really want this series to run through (because Michael has barely told me 5% of what happens and I am dying to know!)
Oh yeah, and that thing called Semi-Permanent I went to? Amazing. I haven’t enough photos for a blog update yet, but one day! I particularly want to mention how I was in a STORM THORGERSON photo [called F*** Avatar]. For those who don’t know, Storm is a famous graphic designer known for the album cover design The Darker Side of the Moon (and other Pink Floyd album covers), Muse’s album designs and many more. It was an honourable experience.
Buuut…my bro’s book takes priority now anyway. For those interested in buying a copy but don’t have it at their local book dealer, visit Michael’s website.
I’m very busy getting into my final degree project [sneak peeks will be coming in over the next 10-12 weeks] and sorting out my 21st but this coming weekend is going to be pretty epic for me. Here’s why…
August 20 + 21st Aotea Center, Auckland
Semi-Permanent Design Conference 2010!
August 22nd, Aotea Center, Auckland (same location as above)
My brother’s first book launch at Storylines Festival!
Talk about coincidence. And I only found out this week that the design conference and book launch were on same weekend and same location! Bonus, because I could BE THERE for my brother, instead of being stuck 6 hours drive south, in a town that nobody cares about.
Anyway, it’s all very exciting—Semi Permanent is going to be AMAZING and if any NZ readers are going to be going, let me know! I’m also very very very excited for the release of The 4 Powers of Daren Saner, which is creeping up fast! It’s all still so surreal. I mean, I didn’t write the story, that’s all my brothers creation (although I like to claim that I helped in some small ways) but it’s been such a big part of my life and I’m so happy for him. He’s going to go far (not that he hasn’t already!). :)
My brother’s book, which I have mentioned about on this blog like, no fewer than 100 times, is available for order online. It’s not officially out yet, but you can pre-order it. This is the only option for overseas readers (outside New Zealand and Australia), so heck—why NOT do it.
There is a sample chapter available to read (check out www.MichaelOehley.com). You’ll be able to see what it’s like—kinda?
I’m so excited. Michael’s saved me one of the first edition copies, but frankly I want a few more copies. One is never enough.
PS: I’ve got the printed copy of the first draft manuscript of the sequel. My little secret. Michael hasn’t even thought of asking for it back. Don’t think I’ll give it to him. Heh heh heh
My twenty-first birthday party is rapidly approaching!
And the planning couldn’t be going any worse at the moment.
I do not intend this blog entry to be a rant, although the stress is mounting. With my Dad superbusy back in Hamilton, my Mum overseas, and The Twin being anything but helpful or diligent, all the planning is resting on my shoulders. And this week, seven weeks prior to the event and subsequent to the invites being sent out, I am told that my venue hosts double booked, and having not paid and handing in my contract yet (I have been out of town for 4 weeks) the other people get the venue. Luckily I found a new one—more expensive but at least more trustworthy than the original. What a pain. And this is not the first headache I’ve been getting from this whole party.
This is not my wedding, just a 21st. My friends know how tough it’s going for me and for what reasons. It’s not nice to share why on this blog. I can’t call it off now either. Besides, I want to do this. I just wish it was more perfect. More me. If I had it my way, it’d be the most happy and pretty event ever. Unfortunately when a creative, but naive and girly weakling (as I like to call myself) has an arrogant and academic, booze-loving boy for a twin….
Anyway, I would however, like some ideas from people out there for decorating a hall. It’s green and black theme on a budget. Any cool ideas? Particularly for wall decorating!
Have to go now—Semester B is getting warmed up and this being my graduating year it’s going to be a big one. Not a fine time to have a 21st that is making me suicidal. (Just kidding.. bad sense of humour, I know)
My friend, who has just completed her Honours, has allowed me to showcase her project (which I had the honour of being involved in) here. I think it’s really fantastic—and hope that her idea soon becomes a reality for more people around the globe. We need more companies thinking like her!
So, Anna’s thesis abstract:
In today’s society we are bombarded with T-shirt designs (walking billboards) that have no other purpose than to look cool. This implementation is based on the voice of New Zealand’s 14-25 year olds; everything from the design style, the T-shirt messages, right through to the colour/neck shape of the T-shirt.
FTSOO means ‘For the Sake of Others’. The clothing label places importance on PEOPLE, GIVING, JUSTICE, and HOPE. This will be launched within the next year or two.
And her work, in short:
Promo Poster
Zine: Created to be a update/promo item for FTSOO; covering what fair trade is, what the label is about etc.
Inside Zine: Shows new range of T-shirt designs
The promo video:
To see further, and more detailed versions of her illustrations and photographs, visit her portfolio at Behance!
My mid year holidays are half way through, and yet I find that I have nothing very significant to share with you… unless you count watching Pride and Prejudice (1995) as significant. Which you could, it’s AMAZING… Colin Firth or Matthew McFadyen as Mr. Darcy? I’d choose brooding Matthew, but no woman on earth can not love Colin, so they’re equal.
Anyway, perhaps my trip to Auckland the other day with my bestie, Shahana, was worthwhile to share? I spent a lot of money for a poor student, but I got some great finds! Let me share with you a snippet of our trip:
We decided we’d have an overnight trip – booked a cheap hotel (not the highlight, but yet it’s still somewhat exciting at our age to be staying in a hotel) to insure more time for splurging.
Number one priority in Auckland? TOPSHOP.
Going there was a bit of a disappointment. Don’t get me wrong, the clothes are great and the interior design was lovely (of course, I would notice) but the range was rather small and we were unfortunate enough to miss the new arrivals (weekly, straight from London) that afternoon. Nevertheless, I bagged myself a cute cropped tee, with abstract angles and a rough texture for NZ$70:
I almost bought an $25 belt too – I should have got it, it was dirt cheap for topshop!
My other finds included:
A knit dress (reminded me of Sergeant Pepper’s) from a small boutique I cannot remember the name of (NZ$65 – probably a rip off, but it was discounted from 85). May I add it looks HOT when worn.
A cropped blazer and rip off Chanel-esque shirt from Valleygirl (I never like that store, but this particular shop had some good finds) (NZ$45 in total!)
Plus some cute underwear and jewellery from other particular chain stores. No photos of the underwear goodies, but here’s some of the jewellery – I’m especially loving the puff lace earrings:
Shahana and I planned to go out to the town, but didn’t really get there. Auckland’s road system and parking is shocking, so once we managed to get an overnight park we simply walked everywhere. We went up to the Sky Tower (didn’t go up it, way too expensive for us. I’ve gone up before but never at night—one day!) but had a looksee and walked over town before heading to the harbour. It was beautiful at night time!
The pair of us agreed that we had to do one naughty thing that night. I decided I was going to write Shahana’s number on a sugar sachet (it said something along the lines of – “call me sweet” on it – I couldn’t resist) and give it to some hot stranger. Then she agreed to do the same for me (unfortunately). Fortunately(?) we didn’t see anyone worthy for the rest of the night (we’re picky, but even in Auckland it was a strange occurance not to bump into at least one hottie*). So while I was relieved, both of us were crestfallen not to have been able to do our lil naughty task. And perhaps, meet the love of our lives.
*—I lie, there were a few men I had my eye on but they were a lot older. Shahana did not approve.
Auckland is great, but too expensive for us at the moment. When we can afford it, we’re going to go back and actually live Auckland properly. And by properly, I mean stay in at LEAST a four star hotel, sightsee, go up the Sky tower and have dessert on the rotating level, and shop till we drop without worrying about our bank balances.
For now, no more shopping till December. I’m saving up for NY! (U-S-A! U-S-A!)
PS: My brother received the very first copy of his book. It looks beautiful printed out. Can’t wait for my own!
Two worlds, thousands of years apart in time, are in crisis. The Starship Sūperia’s Master Computer is gone rogue, and young Daren Sāner is all that stands in the way of total destruction.
Flames and riots are devastating the ancient city of Periapōlī. Thrown back in time, Daren learns he has four strange powers and two destinies—to save the worlds of his future and past…
- Blurb for The 4 Powers
It’s funny, but I haven’t read this book for about 2 years now. I’m double the age of the target market, but I still love it. Despite it’s reading level, the story (the series, not just this book) is absolutely fantastic. I’d really be surprised if this isn’t a success. But at the end of the day, it’s the luck of the draw. There are so many great books out there that don’t get the credit they deserve. And even some that get credit they don’t deserve.
I’m so excited for the release of this book though. I’ve read the draft of the second novel and it is so good!
September! Hurry up! I want to FINALLY hold the book not the manuscript!
One of my friends studying Fashion, recently exhibited some of her work at the university and I was so impressed, I just had to blog about it. She designs for her own label Albie—all handmade and unique garments, and this collection is a mighty fine addition! (I wonder if she’s selling it…^ ^)
This was her statement for her project:
Mystical Dreams in an Unconcious World
In 1930 after 16 years alone in a psychotic state, Carl Jung published a dream book informally known as the “Red book”. This book has been a mystery to all but 12 until 2009 where it was displayed in the Rubin Museum of art in New York.
In this book Jung describes his principal theory of the seven dream archetypes or symbols.
Dreams including these symbols tend to happen at transitional periods in life and often have a cosmic quality, element of impossibility and stay in your mind long after.
Using these archetypes, I have created my own dream book titled “Mystical dreams in an unconscious world”. This combines elements of what I feel are my dream symbols mixed with colours and textures of my own unconscious dreams.
Using this book as a base for my collection inspiration I have also combined subtle bed wear silhouettes from the 1930’s, the era in which Jung’s book was published.
These bed wear silhouettes when worn in reality resemble boned bustiers, silk sateen petticoats and knitted bodysuits.
Once in bed dreaming these outfits enter a mystical world of the unconscious, where elements impossibility become the norm.
Above are her own photos from this collection, below are photos taken from the exhibition care of Lily.
Her whole class had done an amazing job but her layout in particular was totally beautiful. I wish there were clearer pictures (these were taken on a phone). It was obvious she had gone through a lot of effort to make her presentation look good and she definitely has an eye for colour and style. And I want that vintage side table please!
More excitement! You can visit her etsy here and have a look/buy some of her gorgeous garments!. Otherwise, go on and visit her blog Albie hearts
Nostalgia is a file that removes the rough edges from the good old days.
- Doug Larson
Nostalgia is such a beautiful word. Do you sometimes feel nostalgic? Like, do you miss the life you had when you were younger? Do you wish you’d be able to get up ridiculously early on a saturday morning just to watch cartoons? Be able to spend hours outdoors imagining another world and never getting bored of the sights, the smells and the adventures? Have one particular friend you’d share anything and everything with? I miss that life. Being a kid was awesome.
Let me introduce the first of what will be many Sundays worth of Portraiture Sundays, where I will post one or two inspirational photos with a theme. This week I’ve been reading the first draft of a sequel to my brother’s book coming out in September, and it’s really inspired me, so I thought I’d share my feelings about stories. So, without further ado…
Tell me a fact and I’ll learn. Tell me a truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.
- Indian Proverb
It’s wonderful. I’ve had such a busy week, with so many issues going through my head—ie, all my school work was lost due to my pendrive not reading on any computer, family and friend issues, and due dates and stress stress stress…. then I get a first draft manuscript of my brother’s second novel in the mail. I read it.. and then I’m lost in this magical world where even their problems are better than mine because it’s not in this dull, predictable (yet unpredictable) world. I’m glad I have God to trust in that things will be OK, but I’m glad I have my brother’s stories to get lost in as well.
Samantha Oehley is a 20 year old undergraduate at the Wanganui School of Design in New Zealand. Her interests include the 1960s and 1910s, the Beatles, politics, reading, music and drawing. She has a thing for Priests and Authority figures, and has the habit of always exaggerating things to a more dramatic scale 
