Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Can't ... Stop ... Reading ....

It started with "Green Rider". I hungrily devoured every word until all three books of the series were consumed. Then I moved on to "Hunger Games". Loved it!! I really need to write, but reading is one of my favorite things to do and it's been a while. So I'm going to take a break and read a few more books. Cindy Pon's "Silver Phoenix" is next on my list. It's waiting for me. Staring at me, in fact. I better go. :)

By the way, I'm on vacation so I might be absent for a while. Although, what's new? I've been pretty distant lately. Sorry.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Green Rider--A review



A non-spoiler review of Green Rider.

Summary from the back of the book:
On her long journey home from school after a fight which will surely lead to her expulsion, (16 year old) Karigan G'ladheon ponders her future as she trudges through the immense forest called Green Cloak. But before Karigan's ponderings can become a definite plan, her thoughts are interrupted by the clattering of hooves, as a galloping horse bursts from the woods, its rider slumped over his mount's neck, impaled by two black-shafted arrows. As the young rider lies dying on the road, he tells Karigan that he is a Green Rider, one of the legendary messengers of the king, and that he bears a "life and death" message for King Zachary. He begs Karigan to carry his message, warning her not to read it, and when she reluctantly agrees, he makes her swear on his sword to deliver the message "for love of her country." As he bestows upon her the golden winged-horse brooch which is the symbol of his office, he whispers with his last breath, "Beware the shadow man....."

My review:
This is a book for those who truly love fantasy. Kristen Britain plunges you deep into the forest of her world. Sometimes it was hard to see through the trees, especially in the first 100 pages. I found myself a little lost at first, perhaps receiving information before it was relevant. And with her attention to detail, I was a little weighed down. But someone recommended it to me, so I had patience with it even though several times in those first 100 pages I was tempted to put it down and pick up one of the other 2 books I had purchased that day. But, I was glad I hung on. The last 350 pages were amazing. Now, I'm dying to read the second book in the series. Her story and world had many layers and I often found myself surprised. Her main character was believable and lovable. I can't wait to read the next book. In fact, now I'm tempted to buy the next book before I read the other two books I already purchased. We'll see if my willpower holds out.

Update: I have no willpower. I am ashamed at my weakness. Oh well, I'll make myself feel better as I read "First Rider's Call". (book number 2). I'm so excited.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Why Mary Poppins ruined a whole generation of children

I won’t go into most of what I think about Mary Poppins*, like about the fact that she is one of the most pretentious characters of all time who doesn’t grow or change throughout the movie, who even admits right at the beginning that she is practically perfect in every way. I’m not going to talk about how the woman can’t even laugh and join the party on the ceiling when everyone around her is laughing. I’m not going to talk about how the whole entire movie everyone tries to make me like her by telling me that everybody loves Mary and how jolly of a holiday it is when Mary is around.

What I really want to talk about is the other message of Mary Poppins. Go with me if you will to the scene in the movie where Mary is singing the children to sleep. Feed the birds, tuppence a bag, tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag. Ahh, yes, you can imagine it—the sleepy eyes of the children, the hauntingly beautiful voice of Mary Poppins, the flashes to the bird lady. Why wouldn’t the children want to feed the birds after that? After all, the poor little things are starving, they have babies, their nests are empty! Oh no! The birds are going to die! Hurry feed them! The saints and apostles are looking down on you and they are smiling when you give your tuppence to feed the birds. 

.....Wait, are these birds wild? Has the bird lady made these birds dependant upon her by feeding them so much? Is Mary asking the children to waste their money on feeding birds that by nature can take care of themselves?

Cut to a few minutes later—Jane and Michael in the bank. Mr. Banks is trying to talk to his son about how smart it is to invest your money. Out walks the banks guys. Holy Cow, these guys are creepy. Long beards, hunched over, decrepit looking guys. Give us your money, is what Michael hears as they dance around like zombies. I remember as a kid being terrified of the bank guys. I always thought, run away Michael, run from those horrible people asking you to soundly invest your money. Hurry! Go find the bird lady who is asking you to throw away your money. Give her your tuppence before it is too late!

And we wonder why consumer debt is so high. We wonder why we never wanted to save and invest our money. We wonder why we want to spend it on frivolous things. It’s Mary Poppins fault. ☺

Now, my sister is in town and we are going to get on my boat and go tubing. LOL


*Mary Poppins was one of my favorite movies growing up.

Monday, June 8, 2009

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Okay, I really, really, really wanted to share this news with you on Friday, but it wasn't quite official yet. I had a decision to make. Well, it's official now: I HAVE AN AGENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The lovely Kirsten Manges from KM Literary Agency.

Yes, I still feel like I'm dreaming. (Speaking of which, I had the weirdest dream last night, but that's a different post)

I think the fact that I have an agent is the most exciting and interesting news, but I am informed by my friends that people will want to hear the story of exactly how it came to pass. So, let me share, in hopes of helping all of you who hope to be able to make the same announcement soon.

After writing in a reclusive state for almost a year, one of my only friends who knew about my serious aspirations of becoming a writer suggested we start blogging (she's a writer too--Candice). I thought, who would want to hear what I have to say, but went along with it anyway. It was through blogging that I realized the vast network of supportive and amazing writers in the blogosphere (is that an illegal way, according to Nathan Bransford [I know he did a post on it today] to use the word blog?). Well, I happened to meet a fun girl by the name of Jenni James who, along with many of you other writers, I felt a connection with. We chatted a lot and started exchanging books.

We also thought it would be fun to write a book together. I actually forget the order of these next two events. But one happened first and the other happened second. :) We wrote a book that her agent read (we're in the midst of edits on that one). AND Jenni read one of my books, "Captivated" that she fell in love with. She asked if she could recommend it to her agent. I said, "No, you may not." Just kidding. I said, "Are you kidding me??? Of course you can."

Her agent (now my agent--Eeeeeh!) read it and had some big edits for me that mainly had to do with world building. I took those edits, completed them and about 4 weeks ago, sent it back to her. She was really sweet about telling me every week or so that she still remembered I was waiting and would get to it as soon as her schedule permitted. So, last Friday, she got back to me and loved it!!!

Referrals work. Networking works. Surround yourself with writers. I have learned so much from not only my friends who have read and helped me edit, but from those who have given me the privilege of reading their books as well. Thanks, guys! You're awesome.

That's it, my story in a nutshell. To celebrate I'm going to go to the store to buy a pound of chocolate. Is that enough? If you want to celebrate with me, I give you permission to eat some chocolate today in my name. :) :)

Now on to the next stage where more anxious waiting will ensue. I'm not going to think about that stage right now. I'm going to celebrate!

Friday, June 5, 2009

Coming in June

Okay, I'm back. I'm so happy that me and my computer have been reunited. It's so true what they say: Absence does make the heart grow fonder. :) While we were apart I outlined the first ten chapters of my newest book and we (my computer and I) are now hard at work. I thought I'd just let you know a few posts I had in the works for this month.

*My computer woes.

*Why Mary Poppins ruined a whole generation of children (very controversial post so watch out). :)

*Another edition of "That's Gross"

*So you think you can dance? (I know I can't, but I'm addicted to the television series)

*Possibly some really, really, really good news. Mua ha ha.

Now I will go crazy by leaving comments at all of your sites. Wahoo, I love having my computer back.