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A friend of mine, Moses, did an audio interview with paranormal romance writer, Sherrilyn Kenyon. And, I got to give an assist!!
Here is the link (look for the audio play link at the bottom). The interview with Sherrilyn starts near minute 20 and ends at minute 43.
It was so much fun, and Sherrilyn is the sweetest, coolest lady - not to mention one of my favorite authors. Enjoy...
http://www.adventuresinscifipublishing.com/2011/02/aisfp-116-sherrilyn-kenyon/
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
"The King's Speech"
I haven't seen a new movie in several weeks. I was feeling wicked deprived : (
Today I saw The King's Speech starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. It was as good or better than I'd heard and what I'd heard was awesome.
Small stuff first - Helena Bonham-Carter is wonderful as Firth's wife. Guy Pearce is perfect for the role of King Edward (who abdicated his throne so he could marry Wallace Simpson). Timothy Spall is a convincing Winston Churchill (gold stars for all who remember him as Wormtail in Harry Potter). The casting across the board is so good. The setting and costuming are wonderful. The music - let's just say this: During King George VI's 'big' speech, Beethoven's 7th played in the background to brilliant effect - It gave me goosebumps and I teared up (be quiet).
Big stuff next - Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush were brilliant. Really, truly, I'm-getting-chills-thinking-about-it-now brilliant. I was enthralled by this movie. Swept away and involved. And most importantly - inspired.
If you don't know, it's based on the true story of Bertie, the eventual King George VI (before and after he becomes King) trying to get over his stammer or stutter so he can give public speeches. Bertie is played by Firth and his speech therapist is played by Rush.
It made me want to fight any problem, tackle any quest, succeed at any venture - because anything is possible if you are brave and try. You will walk away a more motivated and inspired person for having seen this film. And there are quite a few very funny moments too - in case I was sounding too serious : )
Today I saw The King's Speech starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. It was as good or better than I'd heard and what I'd heard was awesome.
Small stuff first - Helena Bonham-Carter is wonderful as Firth's wife. Guy Pearce is perfect for the role of King Edward (who abdicated his throne so he could marry Wallace Simpson). Timothy Spall is a convincing Winston Churchill (gold stars for all who remember him as Wormtail in Harry Potter). The casting across the board is so good. The setting and costuming are wonderful. The music - let's just say this: During King George VI's 'big' speech, Beethoven's 7th played in the background to brilliant effect - It gave me goosebumps and I teared up (be quiet).
Big stuff next - Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush were brilliant. Really, truly, I'm-getting-chills-thinking-about-it-now brilliant. I was enthralled by this movie. Swept away and involved. And most importantly - inspired.
If you don't know, it's based on the true story of Bertie, the eventual King George VI (before and after he becomes King) trying to get over his stammer or stutter so he can give public speeches. Bertie is played by Firth and his speech therapist is played by Rush.
It made me want to fight any problem, tackle any quest, succeed at any venture - because anything is possible if you are brave and try. You will walk away a more motivated and inspired person for having seen this film. And there are quite a few very funny moments too - in case I was sounding too serious : )
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Classic goodness, "My Man Godfrey"
There are two versions of this wonderful movie - the 1936 b/w version with William Powell and Carole Lombard and the 1957 version with David Niven and June Allyson. I love both. I can't even tell you how many times I've seen both of them. It's a lot.
The stories are slightly different, but essentially both are about a man, Godfrey, found living as a bum, who is rescued by a wealthy socialite. She is one of the two daughters of a screwball family and Godfrey becomes their butler. Did I mention it's a screwball comedy? It is. The nice daughter who saves Godfrey falls for him and makes his life a little uncomfortable, the other daughter is a vindictive wretch who tries to make his life a misery. The other fun characters include the housekeeper who also has a crush on Godfrey, the dingbat mother, her talentless protege, and the beleaguered father who has to deal with the insanity.
The thing with both of them is that they are both wonderful (did I already say that?). They are both funny, both different enough to make both worth watching, and have sweet messages. Like you never know where you might find love, that people can change, that you shouldn't take people for granted, and other stuff like that. They are really funny if you like screwball comedies and their silly humor. I do. I love old classic comedies. I love all the actors who star in these two great films. So, if this is your thing, or you just want to watch a movie with a nice story and good acting that has no violence, sex, swearing or special effects, then here ya go.
SPOILER ALERT!! I'm about to tell you the ending. So, stop here if you don't want a general idea of how they end. You probably know anyway, but still...
We eventually find out Godfrey is actually from a wealthy family, but hiding out from his status and past. And at the end, Godfrey embraces who he is and his love for our rescuing heroine.
The stories are slightly different, but essentially both are about a man, Godfrey, found living as a bum, who is rescued by a wealthy socialite. She is one of the two daughters of a screwball family and Godfrey becomes their butler. Did I mention it's a screwball comedy? It is. The nice daughter who saves Godfrey falls for him and makes his life a little uncomfortable, the other daughter is a vindictive wretch who tries to make his life a misery. The other fun characters include the housekeeper who also has a crush on Godfrey, the dingbat mother, her talentless protege, and the beleaguered father who has to deal with the insanity.
The thing with both of them is that they are both wonderful (did I already say that?). They are both funny, both different enough to make both worth watching, and have sweet messages. Like you never know where you might find love, that people can change, that you shouldn't take people for granted, and other stuff like that. They are really funny if you like screwball comedies and their silly humor. I do. I love old classic comedies. I love all the actors who star in these two great films. So, if this is your thing, or you just want to watch a movie with a nice story and good acting that has no violence, sex, swearing or special effects, then here ya go.
SPOILER ALERT!! I'm about to tell you the ending. So, stop here if you don't want a general idea of how they end. You probably know anyway, but still...
We eventually find out Godfrey is actually from a wealthy family, but hiding out from his status and past. And at the end, Godfrey embraces who he is and his love for our rescuing heroine.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Books and First Lines
I just read ten blog articles on the importance of first lines in books. They're important. A lot of suggestions were thrown out. I liked many of the ones they named. I couldn't think of any that stuck in my mind, but I may not be paying attention.
If I'm ready to read your book based on the blurb or excerpt, then you pretty much have me committed for at least the first 30-50 pages (less if it really, really sucks). If it kind of blows, then I'll stop. But as long as I really like at least one character, or the premise, or the story, or the writer's voice - I'll finish it. Some get better as the book goes on, some don't. Some I end up loving after being dubious for the first 50 pages. You just never know. It's only a handful that I don't finish at all - but boy-o, if you are one of them, I will never - never ever - read your writing again. Period.
Back to topic... I read the back cover blurbs, I read the tag lines, but I have never read the first line or even the first few lines and thought, 'Boring, I'll move on'. Many people do, apparently. So, I see the importance. You don't want to lose those readers.
But in all honesty, the first line is important, the first page is important, the first and last lines of each chapter are important. They say that the last page/paragraph/line of your book sells your next book. Don't ask me who they are. So, what part of your book isn't important? You gotta love the characters. The setting can pull you in. The dialogue can be authentic or witty. It all has a place and the combination of these elements is what makes you great or not.
This was compared to pick-up lines in a bar. I get that - to some degree. If a guy walks up and says, 'what's your sign, doll?' - I may think he is a jerk, but if he's cute enough or smells good enough or is wearing the concert tee that I have too - then I may give him a few more moments to prove that perhaps he is just clueless about meeting girls, but has charm lurking somewhere.
I am not dismissing the important first line. I want mine to be great whether it is the basis by which my entire book is judged or not. So, what's the point of my musings? I dunno - maybe that's it, just thoughts. I wasn't consciously aware that first lines mean nothing to me as a reader until I started thinking about this. As a writer, well...that's a different story.
If I'm ready to read your book based on the blurb or excerpt, then you pretty much have me committed for at least the first 30-50 pages (less if it really, really sucks). If it kind of blows, then I'll stop. But as long as I really like at least one character, or the premise, or the story, or the writer's voice - I'll finish it. Some get better as the book goes on, some don't. Some I end up loving after being dubious for the first 50 pages. You just never know. It's only a handful that I don't finish at all - but boy-o, if you are one of them, I will never - never ever - read your writing again. Period.
Back to topic... I read the back cover blurbs, I read the tag lines, but I have never read the first line or even the first few lines and thought, 'Boring, I'll move on'. Many people do, apparently. So, I see the importance. You don't want to lose those readers.
But in all honesty, the first line is important, the first page is important, the first and last lines of each chapter are important. They say that the last page/paragraph/line of your book sells your next book. Don't ask me who they are. So, what part of your book isn't important? You gotta love the characters. The setting can pull you in. The dialogue can be authentic or witty. It all has a place and the combination of these elements is what makes you great or not.
This was compared to pick-up lines in a bar. I get that - to some degree. If a guy walks up and says, 'what's your sign, doll?' - I may think he is a jerk, but if he's cute enough or smells good enough or is wearing the concert tee that I have too - then I may give him a few more moments to prove that perhaps he is just clueless about meeting girls, but has charm lurking somewhere.
I am not dismissing the important first line. I want mine to be great whether it is the basis by which my entire book is judged or not. So, what's the point of my musings? I dunno - maybe that's it, just thoughts. I wasn't consciously aware that first lines mean nothing to me as a reader until I started thinking about this. As a writer, well...that's a different story.
Monday, January 31, 2011
"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest"
You may or may not remember when I blogged about how I sometimes get my hackles up about some 'trend' or another and then, often - but not always - get around to that trend myself and then love it. Examples of trends I love - The DaVinci Code, Harry Potter, the Wii Game System, and Salt & Vinegar potato chips (this one may be a push to qualify as a trend). Examples of trends I loathe - 'reality' shows.
I'm pretty sure I sounded off about the Swedish films made of Steig Larsson's trilogy.. or at least the first one or two I had seen. Loved them both. Last night I finally got to see the third movie, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest. Loved it! I had just finished a three movie marathon with girlfriend, J, when we noticed we could watch this one too. It was already 11 pm. Couldn't wait. Got home around 2 am. Couldn't be happier!
Get on with the love fest, you say? Okay! Michael Nyqvist plays Mikael Blomkvist and is terrific. He's not a traditional hottie, but there is something undeniably attractive about him. Now, before you think I only think in terms of looks, sexiness, hot-levels.... I don't... mostly. It's just a factor that is on my mind, so get over it. Blomkvist is an interesting character to me because he's a lady's man who mostly manages to stay friendly with all the ladies after the fact. That takes skill and genuinely being a nice guy. And he has a firm moral code he follows, which is not true of everyone. The actor does a great job of portraying Micke as a complex character, flaws and all. They are making American versions of the films with Daniel Craig as Blomkvist. I can see this. Good call, Hollywood.
The biggest love fest is with the character, Lisbeth Salander, and the actress, Noomi Rapace, who plays her. I have a major lady-crush on Noomi Rapace. Major. I also think the character Lisbeth is the coolest female character of all time. Seriously, she's got mad skills, a bad attitude and a stringent moral code. Her code may not follow the law, but it makes damn good sense. And she's smart - smarter than most. And Noomi Rapace plays her to perfection. Every nuance of this complicated, difficult character is nailed. Nothing against the actress cast in the American version (I'm sure she'll be great), but I will have a hard time seeing anyone else in this role.
The American movies start coming out this year and I'm jazzed to get to see them again. I have also been reading the books which are so rich with detail. I've finished the first one, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and I'm almost done with the second, The Girl Who Played with Fire. The third is waiting on my coffee table. The movies really do justice to the books, but the books just have so much more in them that the movies could never manage. So, my recommendation is read the books and watch the movies (Swedish with subtitles if you can, troops). And in my humble opinion, I'm not sure it matters in which order. I have seen all the movies before I read their book counterpart, and it has not diminished my enjoyment of either. Okay - if you're a patient person who can wait for the big payoff - read the books first. If you are an impatient type - watch the movies first. BUT DO BOTH! They are mega best sellers for a reason.
I'm pretty sure I sounded off about the Swedish films made of Steig Larsson's trilogy.. or at least the first one or two I had seen. Loved them both. Last night I finally got to see the third movie, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest. Loved it! I had just finished a three movie marathon with girlfriend, J, when we noticed we could watch this one too. It was already 11 pm. Couldn't wait. Got home around 2 am. Couldn't be happier!
Get on with the love fest, you say? Okay! Michael Nyqvist plays Mikael Blomkvist and is terrific. He's not a traditional hottie, but there is something undeniably attractive about him. Now, before you think I only think in terms of looks, sexiness, hot-levels.... I don't... mostly. It's just a factor that is on my mind, so get over it. Blomkvist is an interesting character to me because he's a lady's man who mostly manages to stay friendly with all the ladies after the fact. That takes skill and genuinely being a nice guy. And he has a firm moral code he follows, which is not true of everyone. The actor does a great job of portraying Micke as a complex character, flaws and all. They are making American versions of the films with Daniel Craig as Blomkvist. I can see this. Good call, Hollywood.
The biggest love fest is with the character, Lisbeth Salander, and the actress, Noomi Rapace, who plays her. I have a major lady-crush on Noomi Rapace. Major. I also think the character Lisbeth is the coolest female character of all time. Seriously, she's got mad skills, a bad attitude and a stringent moral code. Her code may not follow the law, but it makes damn good sense. And she's smart - smarter than most. And Noomi Rapace plays her to perfection. Every nuance of this complicated, difficult character is nailed. Nothing against the actress cast in the American version (I'm sure she'll be great), but I will have a hard time seeing anyone else in this role.
The American movies start coming out this year and I'm jazzed to get to see them again. I have also been reading the books which are so rich with detail. I've finished the first one, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and I'm almost done with the second, The Girl Who Played with Fire. The third is waiting on my coffee table. The movies really do justice to the books, but the books just have so much more in them that the movies could never manage. So, my recommendation is read the books and watch the movies (Swedish with subtitles if you can, troops). And in my humble opinion, I'm not sure it matters in which order. I have seen all the movies before I read their book counterpart, and it has not diminished my enjoyment of either. Okay - if you're a patient person who can wait for the big payoff - read the books first. If you are an impatient type - watch the movies first. BUT DO BOTH! They are mega best sellers for a reason.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
TV
It's been a different week. On the sad side, I went to my friend's memorial service. His family was awesome. On the productive side, I'm making great progress with my book and sent out some partials. On the NFL side, the Superbowl has been saved because the Green Bay Packers made it. When three of the last four teams playing for a slot were teams I dislike, I was seriously worried the Superbowl would be a total write off. Gratefully, the Packers won and I have a team I like playing.
So, lets talk some TV show frivolity here.
I haven't had a new episode of Supernatural in way too long, but there should be a new one this week. I miss my J's (Jared and Jensen) YAY
I think I only have one more week of Lie to Me before it's the end the season. I loooove Tim Roth, loooove the show, loooove all the characters. Okay, less than love the cop chick.
Human Target is taking its sweet time in giving me some new hunky man action (I count all three guys here), but it's so worth the wait, I forgive. I like the young chick - Ames, but not a fan of Ms. Pucci.
Finally got to see Castle and Beckett kiss on Castle. Yummy! And how delicious is it that Esposito and the M.E. are involved?
On Chase, I love seeing Cole Hauser as a good guy. Seems like he's played his fair share of questionable types in the past. And the gal, Kelli Giddish... big fan. She's hot, gonzo, fearless and whenever the cute bounty hunter dude is around, she's so adorable. I'm holding off on my latest episode since it's a two-parter and I want to watch both back to back.
Enjoying the new NCIS and NCIS:LA episodes. Seriously, what's to say ...they rock.
Soon, the new season of Justified and Memphis Beat will start, something to look forward to: Timothy Olyphant and Jason Lee, respectively.
And the new season of White Collar recently began.
The evenings between me and my DVR and DVDs is what keeps me sane from the intensive mental workout I get writing during the day... Don't judge. : )
So, lets talk some TV show frivolity here.
I haven't had a new episode of Supernatural in way too long, but there should be a new one this week. I miss my J's (Jared and Jensen) YAY
I think I only have one more week of Lie to Me before it's the end the season.
Human Target is taking its sweet time in giving me some new hunky man action (I count all three guys here), but it's so worth the wait, I forgive. I like the young chick - Ames, but not a fan of Ms. Pucci.
Finally got to see Castle and Beckett kiss on Castle. Yummy! And how delicious is it that Esposito and the M.E. are involved?
On Chase, I love seeing Cole Hauser as a good guy. Seems like he's played his fair share of questionable types in the past. And the gal, Kelli Giddish... big fan. She's hot, gonzo, fearless and whenever the cute bounty hunter dude is around, she's so adorable. I'm holding off on my latest episode since it's a two-parter and I want to watch both back to back.
Enjoying the new NCIS and NCIS:LA episodes. Seriously, what's to say ...they rock.
Soon, the new season of Justified and Memphis Beat will start, something to look forward to: Timothy Olyphant and Jason Lee, respectively.
And the new season of White Collar recently began.
The evenings between me and my DVR and DVDs is what keeps me sane from the intensive mental workout I get writing during the day... Don't judge. : )
Monday, January 17, 2011
"Adam" and a note that Authors are Rock Stars!
I was just going to do a whole blog about how authors are rock stars, but then I watched Adam and now I have to talk about that. But before I rave about the amazingness that is Adam, I will explain why authors are rock stars. And, possibly why I am being amazingly, positively redundant.
I was sitting in a bar recently with some best selling authors and low and behold - who was working in the bar... readers, uber-fans. Me and the best-selling authors I was privileged to be partying with had been in this bar the day prior, so this particular night, the uber-fans had books, pens and cameras at the ready. Personally, in the past - I have been feet away from Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith on a Chicago street (I was giddy). Let me assure you, never have I been more geeky-fan crazed than when I got to meet Sherrilyn Kenyon this last weekend (hint: she's an author). Seriously, just take it from me - Authors are ROCK STARS!!!
Now, onto Adam. This is a romantic dramedy about Adam (Hugh Dancy) who has Asperger's Syndrome and a gal he meets, Beth (Rose Byrne). It is about their relationship. I learned a lot about being human, about understanding, and about the stuff between the obvious. But additionally, what I took away from it was how brilliant Hugh Dancy was in this role. Rose Byrne was wonderful too and the chemistry between them was so tangible. But, Hugh was deeply emotional while having to act emotionally shut off. He was funny and charming and adorable while acting incapable of understanding others emotions. He was brilliant. Really brilliant. I watched the movie, watched every smidge of bonus material, and then ordered it online, so I can forever own and watch this moving movie about a man unable to be moved like the rest of us.
I'd also like to give a shout out to Annette Benning for winning a Golden Globe for The Kids Are Alright. And for the film winning Best Movie. It was a terrific film with a terrific cast who acted terrifically!
In answer to my redundancy, sometimes you just need to say the same things in the same and different ways over and over and over and over again. : )
I was sitting in a bar recently with some best selling authors and low and behold - who was working in the bar... readers, uber-fans. Me and the best-selling authors I was privileged to be partying with had been in this bar the day prior, so this particular night, the uber-fans had books, pens and cameras at the ready. Personally, in the past - I have been feet away from Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith on a Chicago street (I was giddy). Let me assure you, never have I been more geeky-fan crazed than when I got to meet Sherrilyn Kenyon this last weekend (hint: she's an author). Seriously, just take it from me - Authors are ROCK STARS!!!
Now, onto Adam. This is a romantic dramedy about Adam (Hugh Dancy) who has Asperger's Syndrome and a gal he meets, Beth (Rose Byrne). It is about their relationship. I learned a lot about being human, about understanding, and about the stuff between the obvious. But additionally, what I took away from it was how brilliant Hugh Dancy was in this role. Rose Byrne was wonderful too and the chemistry between them was so tangible. But, Hugh was deeply emotional while having to act emotionally shut off. He was funny and charming and adorable while acting incapable of understanding others emotions. He was brilliant. Really brilliant. I watched the movie, watched every smidge of bonus material, and then ordered it online, so I can forever own and watch this moving movie about a man unable to be moved like the rest of us.
I'd also like to give a shout out to Annette Benning for winning a Golden Globe for The Kids Are Alright. And for the film winning Best Movie. It was a terrific film with a terrific cast who acted terrifically!
In answer to my redundancy, sometimes you just need to say the same things in the same and different ways over and over and over and over again. : )
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