Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Morgan Shamy - Knight of the Cosmic Table!


We at The Cosmic Laire have pulled up a chair to a very special guest today. She's a powerful blogger who, I kid you not, makes flowers grow and bloom wherever she walks.

Encouragement can be hard to come by at times, but I tell you, this woman is literally an encouragement factory. Anything she says is sure to lighten the mood and give empowerment the soul, no matter what state one's spirits may lie. And so, for being such a positive influence throughout the Blogosphere, it's only fitting that I should dub thee, Lady Morgan Shamy - Knight of the Cosmic Table!

MS: Holy crap! Encouragement factory? It only seems that way because I align myself with people who will be successful regardless, so it gives me a good image. (It’s all about knowing your camera angles) But I do have to say, becoming a Knight of the Cosmic thingy has been my dream since I heard about it. I’m absolutely honored, though worried I might get an ego after all of those lovely compliments! (Look what happened to MadMan Koopmans)

DPK: Oh, there's plenty of de-motivational techniques I can tell you about after our interview, to keep that ego in check. ;)

The first time I met you in person was at a tavern (or what people these days call "bar and grill"). Red Rock, right? Fun gathering! I know the group planned to go somewhere else, but, c'est la vie. What do you like best about getting together with other writers?

MS: Och! Aye, ye dinna need to remind me of that supper fiasco. Er… *clears throat* Sorry, I was getting into the whole Knight thing. Though apparently I’m a Scottish Knight. ;-)

It’s amazing to connect with other writers because I think all our brains co-exist on a different plane. We “get” it, without having to even talk. Though there’s nothing better than writer’s talk. Writing can be a very lonely occupation, because really, it’s up to us to get it done. But having support and associating with other writers really can make the difference in making it or not. (And it’s fun to connect the voice to the online friend. It’s so weird!)

DPK: Absolutely. I spent a good part of my life with most people not "getting" me because I have always been a storyteller, in one form or another. Starting a blog and tapping into that is beyond wonderful and very helpful.

I understand you landed an agent after sending only ten queries (please correct me if I'm wrong), with a story about dancing! Congratulations, for one. What is this wonderful book of yours called? What can you tell us about it?

MS: Oooo… my favorite thing to talk about! And yes, I only sent out ten queries for this last book. I was pretty set on one particular agent and when I got an offer from her I was beyond delighted.

The book is titled, Danse Macabre, and it’s pitched as a YA Black Swan with Paranormal elements. The whole story stemmed from the idea of wanting to create something very Phantom of the Opera-esque, but with a ballet twist. I was a ballerina my whole life, so it’s a world I’m very familiar with!

DPK: A YA Black Swan? Paranormal? ... Where do I pre-order!

Now that you are a Cosmic Knight, what does being a "knight" mean to you, in real life, the blogosphere, or elsewhere?

MS: Gosh, aside from feeling beyond special that I get to be numbered among the Cosmic elite?

I think being a Knight means you’re brave. It means that even though you’re afraid—that you have doubts whether you really can attain what you hope to achieve—you go ahead and try anyway. You sit down at the computer night after night even though the words on the screen are a jumbled mess and you don’t know if they’ll amount to anything—you do it anyway.

A Knight takes the leap and puts himself/herself out there, even if it means some hardship along the way. This whole writing process really is about facing your fears. Facing yourself head on and pushing yourself beyond the limit.

DPK: Absolutely! It's not something I had thought of when I started the writing journey, but it does indeed take bravery to keep at it. Just think of those moments of doubt as random encounters that need vanishing.

If you could go to any place, real or fictional, where would that be? Why?

MS: Hmm… I would definitely go back to Nova Scotia. I spent a couple weeks there when I was nineteen. That place seriously has magic in the air—a kind I haven’t felt in any of my other travels. (And I’ve traveled a ton!) There was this little town called Peggy’s Cove, and I can picture myself spending the rest of my days there with a pen in my hand while overlooking the ocean.

DPK: Excellent choice! Haven't been there myself, but I can picture it by the way you described it. That's effective writing in action, right there!

Jedi, Sith, or Scoundrel?

MS: Scoundrel, for sure! (And by "for sure" it's purely because of their outfits). I had to google what they were... did you know there's something called Wookieepedia?!?!

DPK: You know, I've tried to use Wookieepedia before, but that place is a little hairy. *courtesy laugh*

In all your travelings, what's the most exotic (different) meal you've ever eaten?

MS: Blast! I wish I had a really cool answer for this. I have done the snail and octopus thing. Snail? Yum. Octopus? Not so much. Though I can tell you that I did crave dirt and laundry detergent pretty bad during one of my pregnancies...

DPK: I'd definitely put that under exotic! And snails, yum? You're braver than me, I think.

Last question: of all the writerly advice you've heard, what's had the greatest impact on improving your writing, and do you remember where you picked up this advice?

MS: Yes, there was a time right after I shelved my first novel that I was really down. And it was a friend of mine, Ryan Greenspan, who told me something that’s never left me. He said, “Rejection should only be an invitation to get better and try again. All rejection should do is validate that our passion is writing, that writing is our calling. If it doesn’t, then it isn’t.”

I’m so grateful for his words. They gave me the clarity I needed to keep pushing. Because it really is about the journey. There are no short cuts. It’s one word at a time, over and over and over again. And though the process can be agonizing at times, it’s soooo worth it when we finish that book, or nail that sentence, or even find the perfect word. Writing is magic. I’ve found that when I’m really struggling, when I’m having to *really* dig deep to pull the words out of me, is when my best work emerges.

DPK: Exactly how I think of rejection! Kudos for Ryan and his wise words. As we can all see, they've more than helped you along your journey.

Thank you again for stopping by for an interview, Morgan. As proof of your valor, I present this fine badge that you may paste on your blog or make a flag out of it and hang it over your house ... whatever you want to do with it. And welcome to the Cosmic Table!

MS: I'm absolutely honored, DPK! *raises glass to the other Knights* It's a privilege to be among such great noblemen!

 *     *     *

What did I tell you? Isn't she something? The hard part is waiting for her book to come out. When it does, it's going to be all the rage. Now, we have three at our table, but we need more, so I'll be on the lookout for another candidate and present them at the end of April.

Thank you for celebrating Morgan's knighthood with me! Although April will be a busy month with the AtoZ Challenge, I'll still have posts up, starting April 1st (that's no joke). Until then, keep your armor polished and those laser swords charged. Awesomeness is coming!

I'm David, and who's ready to jump through that gate?

Friday, March 22, 2013

Aspiring Advice: Titles: The Embodiment of Stories


I'm going to touch on something a little close to home this week.

For some of us writers, titles are a bane to our existence. We have this super cool idea, want to make it into a story (and even start writing the first few chapters), but what on earth are we going to call this story? It can be a really tough choice to make sometimes.

For one, we want to avoid a title that's already been used, or is widely known (I don't think  anyone can get away with titling their book Twilight anytime soon ...). Secondly, if there is a unique match, what does it say about the story? I know some who don't stress the title-making part. They may simply slap something on the cover because the story needs one, which is fine ... and that can totally work.

For me, title-making runs a little deeper. It stems from something I learned in my aspiring animation days: "Your title should embody the story - someone should be able to look at the title and know exactly what the story is about before the (book, movie, show) starts."

Wise words from a great mentor, although I'd like to add to that. You may not have to know exactly what the story's about before it starts, but it should be crystal clear why it's called that by the time it's over.

Earlier this week, we had the Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest. I decided to do an all-animation list. While reading through the fest, I noticed a mention of Brave, that people had "given the film grief," and that they did not understand why. I can explain that, more for what happened behind the scenes (Pixar did, after all, fire Brenda Chapman from the production ... who created the story ... and was Pixar's first female director, and, in my opinion, was given the Oscar as a means of damage control), but I'm only going to talk about it's bold title.


It looks nice, but for me, this doesn't work. Why's that, you ask?

I'll go over a few other Pixar titles and explain why they do work.

(Before I go on, let me quickly clarify that I did enjoy Brave's story and it's message - we really are in serious need of stories like this).

Toy Story ... it's a story about toys. It works!

Monsters, Inc. ... a cooperation run by monsters. It works!

Finding Nemo ... a father searches for his son, Nemo. It works!

The Incredibles ... a superhero famliy (Mr. Incredible marries Elastigirl, becomes Mrs. Incredible, and the kids are Incredibles). It works!

Cars ... it's a story about ... cars. Simple enough, and it works!

Ratatouille ... it's a French word, and the film takes place in Paris. Ratatouille is a dish - the film is about cooking. The protagonist is ... a rat, hence Ratatouille. A TRIPLE meaning ... it totally works!

Brave ... it's about a mother and daughter relationship.

Wait, what does "brave" have anything to do with that?

For me, in short, nothing at all.

In fact, if you watch the film again, pay attention to when the word "brave" is used. Four times. The first instance when the father spoke of the falls in the beginning, "They say only the Ancient Kings were brave enough to drink the fire," then, during a flashback, "Brave little girl," then during Merida's speech to the men, "Yours was an alliance forged in bravery and friendship and it lives to this day," and again, at the end, "Our fate lives within us, you only have to be brave enough to see it." Kinda feels like a thrown-in sentiment rather than the theme of the story. Let's be honest. Was Brave about bravery?

I don't think so. The film is about a mother/daughter relationship.

But did you know that Brave wasn't always called that?

THIS the original title, and might I say, it's a much more fitting title. The Bear is the mother and the Bow is the daughter. The story is about the relationship between a mother and daughter, and it works! Why the title change, I have no idea, but it would not surprise me if it had a part in the "creative differences" that eventually sacked Brenda.


I could go on about Hollywood politics and what some friends of mine in the industry have said about what happened over Brave (more livid than I was), but that's not why I'm here. This is only an example. I would also like to say that I am especially proud of Brenda for how she handled the situation. She's an excellent example of how to be when a situation goes beyond our control. Much applause, Brenda.

Now wait just a second, Dave! Didn't Disney also change "Rapunzel" to "Tangled?" Weren't you at all upset about that title change?

 
 vs.

I was at first. Why mess with a classic and break from the norm of all the other Disney fairy tales? However, in the first minute of the film, it's clear the story is told by Flynn. We've got a retelling here, about two characters, with their own arcs, which means this isn't all about Rapunzel anymore. It's about a thief who gets "tangled," literally and figuratively, in Rapunzel's plan to see the floating lights. It works!

Let's shift back to books. The same principle applies. If we struggle to come up with a title, then let me ask you this: "Do you know what your story is about?" Maybe we have an idea, but we haven't sat down and thought it through yet. If I like an idea enough, I'll stew over it, find the story's "center" and name it accordingly, and hope that the title isn't already taken. If it has been used, I would take the idea and look at it from another angle until something else works.

This is not the rule, just my thoughts on the matter. A title is like the ultimate short synopsis, a short word or line that represents the entire story, the embodiment to the message you wish to present. Like notes on a music sheet or words on the page, there are endless possibilities for titles, but if we know what our story is about, and the story is unique, coming up with a title may be that much easier.

*     *     *

That concludes my posts for March. I know the April A to Z Challenge is upon us, and I wish you all luck to those who are participating. If I didn't have so many goals to take care of on my end, I would join, so here's looking to next year. Thanks again for another great month!

Be sure to visit back on the 27th, when I will interview our 3rd Knight of the Cosmic Table. You won't want to miss this "fiery" exchange!

What are your thoughts on titles? Which ones have really worked for you? Which ones haven't? What is your title-making process?

I'm David, and THIS is what I call, "es-car-go!"

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Thursday Scores: Ice Dance


Music has the power to haunt the soul. With the right tone and vocal accompaniment, this feeling can be achieved with evoking effect. One such composer is masterful at this, which is why his music brings a lasting quality to the films that he writes music for, in my opinion.

Ice Dance: by Danny Elfman
From the film: Edward Scissorhands


Doesn't that thrust you right into a wonderland feeling? Even the music sounds like it's at night, with snow falling, and someone is looking around in awe at the sight of it - which is precisely what happens in the scene this music plays with. And this week, I'm tagging Alexandra Lanc to this track, since she has this amazing presence that calmly enters any blog she visits - haunting, even.

May this wield your emotions as you tackle those words today!

I'm David, and now I'm in the mood for some cocoa ... 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Everyday Heroes Blogfest: A Hero's Reward


Today, I'm participating in P. T. Dilloway's Everyday Heroes Blogfest. The point is to share a 500 (or so) word short story about the problem of violence, and how to stop it, in light of the tragic event that happened in Newtown a few months ago. Here we go!

A Hero's Reward 

It was a Tuesday, like any other Tuesday, and I was on my way to school. Homework done. Lines rehearsed for the audition later on. Things were going my way for once.

Or so I thought ...

I usually take the back way into school—less crowded—but not this morning. Two kids were in each other’s faces, both arguing about something. I learned long ago to stay out of confrontations, if I could get away from them, so I tried to slip by. Then, to my surprise, the smaller student reached under his shirt, and pulled out a gun.

The other students backed away. I would have, but my mind swirled instead, my thoughts taken over by the recent shootings that had happened in other schools and a theater. I was behind the assailant. He didn’t know I was there—I simply had to do something.

Not in my school …

I sprang at the armed student. He turned toward me, but he was too late to do anything about it. I grabbed his wrist first, and pointed it down, to make sure the gun was pointed at the ground. My other arm went around his neck. As I wrestled the student to the ground, he let go of the weapon, just in time. A couple teachers showed up. One of them took the weapon, holding it daintily like a discarded tissue. The other took out his smartphone and dialed the police.

As the officers took the gunman into custody, I lost track of how many handshakes and pats on the back my peers gave me. Is this what it feels like to be a hero? If I had stood anywhere else, I couldn't have done what I did—I could've ended up shot instead.

I was excused from class to answer a few questions and fill out a report. When that was finally over, I headed for the doors to start my "any-other" Tuesday, until the principle stopped me.

"Come to my office,” he said.

Cool. I bet he wanted to thank me personally for stopping someone from getting hurt—or worse. He gestured at a seat. I took it, as he sat down in his own.

“I’ll be frank with you,” he said. “I’m going to have to suspend you."

All my warm feels flushed away. “You're suspending me? Why?”

“I know you were trying to help,” said the principle, “but you’ve become a part of the altercation now. You should have stayed out of it and let the authorities take care of the situation.”

“You can’t be serious!” I said. “No teachers showed up until after I took him down. No cops showed up for, I don’t know … a couple minutes? The other student would've been killed if I hadn't—”

“I’m sorry, but we have policy to follow.” The principle stood up and excused me from the school—until further notice. “If there happens to be a next time,” he added, “leave it to the professionals.”

*     *     *

Now, I wish this story were complete fiction, but a situation like this actually happened not too long ago (see the story here). While I don't know the complete story, I am surprised that a student was punished for stopping a potential shooting. If I were in his shoes, and the opportunity showed itself, I would have done the same thing.

I salute him. We seriously need more people like that in the world.

What would you do if you were in a situation where you could do something to stop a violent act? Would you take the leap?

I'm David, and every day is another chance to be a hero!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Tuesday Tropes: You Must Be Cold


Prom night, an occasion that all teens look forward to ... except for Josh and Kate, for their special date has ended with a busted car on the side of the road - and it's cold. Knowing that Kate's dress won't sustain her for long, Josh takes off his tuxedo jacket and wraps it around Kate's shoulders. +10 chivalry points earned tonight, Josh!

 
You Must Be Cold - The act of a character who sacrifices their personal comfort for someone else, usually in the form of clothing or blankets in the event of cold weather, but it can also extend to other items. This could either be used as a ploy to win the affection of another or a simple act of genuine kindness, or for other, more nefarious reasons ...

Of course we know that it was Cal who gave Rose his jacket in Titanic, not Jack, but Rose wouldn't have possessed that special gem without it. 

This trope tends to favor guys giving their jackets to girls. Perhaps a difference in muscle mass has something to do with that ... either that or the giver is undead and doesn't need it in the first place.

"Why didn't you give this to me sooner? Jerk ..."

More often than not, this trope finds a way of bringing a feuding couple together, and can add a sincere, touching moment to an otherwise slapstick-filled adventure in space. Right, Lone Starr?

"The cold never bothers me ..." *shiver*

What if the villain offers his coat to his captive beauty? There's all kinds of creep factor that can be used here, not to mention "that awkward moment" when the hero comes to save the day ...

"Looks like you'd rather NOT freeze ... eh, Jenny?"

This trope should not be confused with The Comforting Comforter, as that usually involves a character tucking in or laying a coat or blanket on someone while they're asleep. Like any trope, the trick is knowing when to use it, or how to subvert it. Bundle up. It's cold out there.

When have your characters shed an article of clothing to comfort another? Where else have you seen this trope in action?

I'm David, and you can have my hoodie ... if you catch me!

Monday, March 18, 2013

Post: Zombify Winners, Sky Jumpers, Poison, Silent Orchids, and Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest!


Welcome back! Now, which of you is ready to become a zombie?

For those of you who want to skip to the blogfest, scroll on down!

As promised, for those of you who volunteered since last Monday, I will now randomly select one of you to become, not only a character in my Undead Road story, but a bonified, full-fledged zombie! I'm at the edge of my seat! The lucky victim is ...


Condolences Congratulations, Ilima!

I'll be in touch with you shortly to discuss the nitty-groady. I might even let you have a say in your demise. Choose your own, right?

 Oh, and let's not forget the random winners of these three books!

      Aurora Smith!       Alex J. Cavanaugh!     Melissa Maygrove!

Email me here with an address or an email to your eReader.

Thank you all for making this 4th Blogoversary a killer! I'll be sure to calender next year's 5th, because that's just asking for a party!

*     *     *

Like pie in the sky, I am so excited to share the cover reveal for Sky Jumpers, the debut novel from my critique partner Peggy Eddleman that is sure to take the MG world by storm this Fall. Check it out!

Coming September 24, 2013
Congratulations, my friend!

*     *     *

I just recently heard of this awesome-sounding book, but when I heard the story behind it, I was sincerely heartbroken. I am behind the times, but I'd like to spread the word. Bridget Zinn, the author of Poison, battled with cancer and ultimately left us, before her debut novel became available. It is now, and I sure can't wait to read it!

Available now!
Thank you for giving us Rosie, Bridget!

*     *     *

One more cover reveal before we move on to the movie blogfest. This stunning art for Morgan Wylie's Silent Orchids should excite you!

Coming May 9th, 2013
 Looking great, Morgan - congrats!

*     *     *

I told myself, the next time Alex J. Canavaugh does a blogfest, I was going to do it. And here I am. Doing it. How about that? And you know something else? I love movies. I grew up near Hollywood. Heck, I was born across the street from Disney Studios. Pretty much sealed my fate in wanting to create fiction. Now, I love movies so much, I can't possibly rank them unless they're broken up into their own categories. And so, I'm going to let me animation nerd out and share with you my personal Top Ten Animated Films!

This is more than just me liking it, but the impact these films had and the contributions they made to the industry. (In other words, this list is fact mingling with personal opinion). Enjoy the countdown!

#10: Shrek - This film really got the ball rolling for Dreamworks Animation, and it also set a new standard in satire, which is evident in animated films to this day. Taking all things fairytale and spinning it on its head, no one knew what to expect, and we left with happy tears. Not to mention, Shrek also won the very first Academy Award for Best Animated Film.

"Better out than in, I always say."


#9: Toy Story - Ah, yes ... the decorated feature debut from Pixar Animation! While I don't exactly have a very high opinion of what came after, those haven't sullied what made the original a great film. Toy Story paved the way for computer animated features and proved how powerful nostalgia can be in the box office, which led to an industry-wide marketing revolution.


#8: Fantasia - The 3rd feature from Walt Disney himself deserves a great deal of merit. Because it was meant to be a "concert feature," theaters had to upgrade their sound systems in order for the audio to work. That, and it was a hard-earned test of synchronizing music and moving pictures, the most ambitious and successfully executed achievement for animation in its time. Again, another standard setter.

#7: Ratatouille - I'm sure to get a mixed reaction here, as I've heard some say that this film is "boring," but for me, this film really struck a cord, and it also showed me a great and valuable example of properly applied research. The film's director knew nothing about what happens in the kitchen of a 5 star restaurant, so he went to them, took notes, and gave us a most convincing portrayal of one, and with a rat protagonist, no less!


#6: Gulliver's Travels - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is credited for being the first animated feature film - ever - but sadly, that's not enough to make it on this list. Shortly after Snow White, Gulliver's Travels was released by Paramount Pictures and, at the time, was more successful at the box office and more critically appraised for its copious animation sequences and the invention of Rotoscoping. Sadly, Gulliver fell into studio absorption and has been in obscurity since.


#5: How To Train Your Dragon - When the ads for this March release had my attention, I didn't think much about it. I mean, what great movies come out in March, right? But then, when I saw this, I had my mind blown. The story, music, setting, stylistic choices, art, consequences ... I have yet to spot a single flaw in this film, to which other studios have rushed to capitalize on what made this work. This set a standard for 3D in animated films.



#4: Beauty and the Beast - This film is the crowning jewel of the Disney Renaissance era, and the first animated motion picture to ever be nominated for Best Picture. Some previous experimentation with CGI led to the famous ballroom scene, and also paved the way for a new generation of animation leaders, like Chris Sanders, Kelly Asbury and Brenda Chapman. This tale as old as time has passed the test of time. Now, if Disney would stop adding to it ...


 
#3: Princess Mononoke - I was not a fan of Japanese Animation growing up, not sure if it was the bad dubbing or how the characters always summoned balls of energy from their hands, but it was this film that changed my perspective, and turned Studio Ghibli into the animation juggernaut that it is today. This is a compelling storytelling done right, with a great score and fluid detail. In my opinion, this is the very best of all the Hayao Miyazaki's films.

 
#2: Pinocchio - This was Disney's response to Gulliver's Travels, outdoing Snow White in every visual and technical aspect, and it also secured Walt Disney's title of "Top Animation Leader" in the world for decades to come. The fact that Walt Disney' Studio's promo theme is still "When You Wish Upon a Star" is telling you something. On many levels, it speaks to my inner child and ancestral roots. That's no lie!

And now ... 

My #1 favorite animated film of all time is ...

  
#1: The Secret of NIMH - Up until this film came out, little stood in the way of Disney's reign, even during it's fizzling late 70's. NIMH was a game changer, and a rare example of a film that outdoes its source material. NIMH caused a revolution, led by Don Bluth, breaking the mold and broadening the overall animation audience, and that scene with the cement block at the end gives me "warm chills" to this day. This also came out when I was born. Destiny!


*     *     *

Before I forget, let's have a warm welcome to the latest members of our Cosmic Crew! Happy to have you aboard. Grab a virtual cruller!

and


I'd like to thank Al Diaz for tagging the Creepy Baby Sunshine Award onto me! It's been going around lately! I get to answer questions and pass this on to a few others. You ready for this, Creepy Baby?

 "You will serve me pie ... in the sky!"

Okay then ...

What inspired you to start blogging? - James Dashner told me to.

How did you come up with the name of your blog? - I wanted a place for all things sci fi and fantasy - the name was up for grabs.

What is your favorite blog to read? - Too many to name!

Tell about your dream job. - Starfighter Pilot or Dragon Rider.

Is your glass half full or half empty? - I'm too thirsty to tell.

If you could go anywhere for a week’s vacation, where would you go?
- Any place where I'm still at the top of the food chain.

What food can you positively not eat? - Shellfish - I love it, but it doesn't love me.

Dark chocolate or milk chocolate? - Shut up and take my money!

How much time do you spend blogging? -
5 hours a week, maybe? 

Do you watch t.v. and if so, what are your favorite shows? - Only what we get through Netflix - Psych, Walking Dead, choice Animes.

And now, I'm passing this along to my last few commenters ...


*     *     *

Update: Have you noticed the word meter for Undead? It's finally moved a little. A small setback made me look at a few chapters again, but this time, I promise it's new material from here on out until this thing is done. Our map is almost finished for Woven, and if all goes well, we may have a reveal (for the map - no cover yet). We're also looking into producing a trailer in July. Exciting things are coming your way, my friends, so stay tuned. Get ready for a week of cool posts!

I'm David, and who else is seeing The Croods this weekend?

Friday, March 15, 2013

"Got Green" Blogfest 2.0: "Comb'n For Me Clovers"


As yiou can see by the lucky badge to your left, I'm participate'n in the second annual "Got Green" Blogfest, thanks to our Hawaiian O'Irish host Mark Koopmans. The trick of this little game is to tell an Irish story, imagined or real. Last year, I shared a story about Cassidy's Deal with Desmond O'Neil, but this time, I'm plowing into new territory, about two young lasses who be a'search'n for a good luck charm. There's a dance tonight, to be sure, and they need all the luck they can get, if they are to win the eyes of a handsome lad.

But it's not luck they'll be get'n ... and here we go!


Comb'n For Me Clovers


"What are you search'n for, Christy?"

"Just comb'n for me clover, Fiona."

"What business have you to be comb'n for that little weed?"

"You mean you don't remember? Tonight is the 'Got Green' Blogo'hop dance, and I don't plan on leaving it unless I find an escort home."

"It's luck to find an escort for you then, is it?"

"Aye!"

"You have a smarter head on your shoulders than that, Christy. No plant is going to guarantee a man who will offer you his arm."

"At least I'm not search'n for leprechauns, as we did as children."

"True, be that gold is more useful than luck ... Who are you want'n at the dance? I saw the Linky Link. It'll be mostly other girls there, you know ... I take it those few men have already been spoke'n for."

"Who are they, Fiona?"

"Stephen Tremp, David Powers King, and the host, Mark Koopmans."

"Saint's have mercy! That leaves me out in the cold, now doesn't it?"

"Aye. I hear David's wife is one fiery red head. Best not be mess'n."

"And that Mark is said to run in the streets, wear'n a cape ..."

"They mean well, Christy, but no measure of luck will help you."

"What a cry'n shame ... oh, look! I just found meself one."

"Good catch, Christy! Listen ... do you hear that?"

"What is it that you're hear'n, Fiona?"

"Sounds like someone's sing'n, over by the river."

"I'd better be sure there's no shenanigans about."

"Good idea. Don't be forget'n your basket, Christy!"

"Thank you, Fiona. Escort or no, I'll be see'n you tonight ... What on earth can that sing'n be come'n from? Must be around this bend ..."


Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm David, and Sean Connery can sing!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Thursday Scores: The Land Race


As a preemptive measure, knowing that our goodly glorified holiday of green (St. Patrick's Day) is happening this weekend, this week's track comes to you from one of my favorite Irish-ish movies of all time! It almost makes me want to run the famous Oklahoma land race, right?

The Land Race: by John Williams
From the film: Far and Away



I remember seeing this movie in theaters as a kid. Yes. I went to movies like this as a kid (not always by choice, thanks to the older sisters), but every now and then, one would strike a cord with me. In fact, the relationship they set up for Joseph and Shannon isn't too distant from how we set our leads for Woven. Who can I not tag for this track than Mark Koopmans, host of tomorrow's Blogo'hop!

Here's hoping that your weekend is both good and green, and that this track will help you race to the WiP finish line.

I'm David, and I'm not wearing a hat ... tell me you like my hat!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

I Read This: The Inventor's Secret - by Chad Morris


 Abby and Derick have been accepted to the most prestigious secondary school in the world Cragbridge Hall. Due to the inventions of their grandfather, Oscar Cragbridge, they will be able to experience history in 3D, use their minds to literally project visual interpretations of classic literature, and become animal avatars for zoology.

But when their grandfather and parents go missing, Abby and Derick must follow clues Oscar left for them that will reveal a dangerous secret. Along the way, they discover there is much more to one of their grandfather s inventions than anyone has ever dreamed. Saving their family will take all of Derick s mind and Abby s heart as they come face to face with a crazed scientist who desperately seeks to change the past. If they fail, the world past and future will never be the same.


 *     *     *

I'm going to come right out and say it - Cragbridge Hall, Book 1: The Inventor's Secret, is the most fun I've had reading about a school since Harry Potter. Not because of magic. No. Mr. Chad Morris (who happens to be an awesome friend of mine - I'm not just saying this because of that) has knocked this MG debut out of the park with a futuristic school, wild technology, and (can I fan-squeal?) Time Travel!

Secrets abound indeed in this exciting start to a great MG series!

Chad sent me an ARC, and my boy was curious about the cover, which is why it's taken a while to get this review up - he wanted me to read it to him at bedtime, and guess what? This story was able to keep the attention of a six-year-old, mind you, and now he imagines holographic pirate ships sailing into his room, among other things.

Reading is supposed to put him to sleep ... come on!

The strength of this story lies heavily on the main characters, as any good story should. Having Abby and Derick as a twin-duo, with their own strengths and weaknesses, made me care about them right away. The supporting characters are also a lot of fun, be they nice or mean. Be sure to watch out for Jacqueline ... *shiver* Not just the characters. The plot is engaging, never lets up, and it took me where I least expected it - always a plus when I dig my nose into a book.

I will likely let a few spoilers slip if I continue raving, but rest assured, the folks over at Shadow Mountain (The 13th Reality, Fablehaven, Farworld) have done it again. They know great MG when they see it, and you can find a copy of what will be their next big series here.

Thanks for the ARC, Chad! My boy and I look forward to Book 2!

I'm David, and where can I get a set of those history rings?


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Tuesday Tropes: The Dangerous Sixteenth Birthday


Allison has never been so excited about her birthday. She's turning sixteen. The party is almost ready. Her guests never arrive. Instead, she is greeted by strangers who claim that she is the key to saving the world. Couldn't saving the world wait until after some cake?

The Dangerous Sixteenth Birthday - a reveal trope that manifests itself on a character's sixteenth birthday. This doesn't exactly mean that the character is suddenly thrust into danger, but because of new powers or a secret that could not be told until then tends to shatter the character's world as they know it.

Take Disney's version of Sleeping Beauty, for example. Technically, her sixteenth birthday is the last day she can be cursed - maybe they should've waited until the day after.

If you've read Beautiful Creatures, you will know that "Casters" are deemed to be either Light or Dark upon their sixteenth birthday ...

 "No ... we do not use Sorting Hats ..."

This trope is in the Percy Jackson series as well, with a prophecy that could have an effect on one of three kids when they turn sixteen.

 
"Funny ... we already look sixteen, don't we?"

In a most curious retelling of Romeo and Juliet, the Capulets are completely wiped out by the Moniques, except for Juliet, who is raised in secret and told about her family's fate on her sweet sixteenth.

And it's a rainy sixteenth birthday - what a downer ...

One of the draws to using this trope is because turning sixteen is a magical moment in a teen's life, especially for girls - a rite of passage, if you will, and amping the occasion with adventure or an unfortunate circumstance has a way of making the occasion even more important. Be honest. You wanted to discover being part of some conspiracy or wanted special powers when you turned sixteen, right ... right? ...

Where else have you seen The Dangerous Sixteenth Birthday? Have you used this in your YA adventures? How did your 16th go?

I'm David, and I wish I was 16 again ... then again, maybe not ...