TV Shows & Writing

You know how I said I was going to go and read yesterday for my day off?

...Yeah that didn't end up happening.

I started watching a "new" show (new for me, but old for just about everyone else).  Having heard good things about it, and knowing the co-creator/producer of the show will be writing the screenplay for the Tiger's Curse movie, I just couldn't resist.

Yes, this show is The Vampire Diaries.

I know, I know.  Vampires are getting kind of old thanks to Twilight, but I have to admit that this show is pretty awesome and highly addictive.  I'm rather hooked.  In two days I have seen 16 episodes... that's a lot!!  I blame it on having Netflix.

The series is very different than the books (which I read several years ago), but in a good way.  However, it does make me wonder how the Tiger's Curse movie will play out.  Hopefully it won't be too different, but now having seen this show, I have trust in the screenwriter's ability to twist a story and make it into something interesting.  So we shall see what the movie will be like when it's released later down the road.

I am very impressed with the way the characters are portrayed in this series.  The way the creators have "showed" us who they are, as opposed to simply telling us.  It's been fun to watch each character change and come into their own so far.  It's funny, when I first saw pictures of this show, I immediately knew which of the brothers (Stephan and Damon) I would choose.  Can you guess?  Yep, the bad boy.  Damon.  But in the first several episodes... he's horrible.  I thoroughly hated him and was genuinely surprised by my reaction to him.  Normally I can see through the bad boys and can tell they have a purpose to their madness.  But Damon was different.  I'm still trying to warm up to him (even after 16 episodes) and I'm still not sure where things are going.  Granted, I understand his pain a little better, which softens my heart towards him.  But he's still... Damon.

I do sense a change in the wind coming for him though.  Obviously there must be some good in him, otherwise the series would not have continued as long as it has.  So we shall see what happens in the coming episodes.

Watching this show, as well as pondering my own stories, I had inspiration hit me yesterday.  Christopher Paolini once said that inspiration strikes him about every 3 months... Well, that's how it is for me.  What's so exciting, and why I feel it's even worth mentioning, is because it had nothing to do with my Destroyer Series that I'm currently working on.  For 3 years I have worked on my Destroyer story (granted, not every day), but I have lived in that world with my characters for 3 years... and then a little while back I had a random idea for another story.  But it was so small.  I've been trying to develop this idea but it simply wasn't coming together.  Until yesterday.  Having watched hours of Vampire Diaries, inspiration struck.  Funny thing is, it has nothing to do with the show.  In fact, I fail to see any connection between my idea and the TV series.  Yet somehow, seeing the creativity of others has inspired my own creativity once again.  The new story is in the extremely rough stages, but I'm excited about it.

It's something new, something different...

Something exciting.

And I can't wait to see how it all goes down.

Writing Goal Update

I set a goal last Sunday...

I used to set several goals on Sundays and then strive to achieve them during the week.  However, I think I expected too much of myself and would set too high of goals (or too many) and over the last several months, the habit has slowly faded.  But last week I made the goal to:

Write.Every.Day

I am please to announce that I was able to meet this goal.  Granted, some days it was only a blog entry (you may have noticed more activity on this blog like it's been reborn), other days I did a more creative venture.  I worked a little on my Destroyer Series--finally realizing that because I diverged from my original plotline, I have hit a major writer's block, therefore I will need to go back and change some things.  Aside from the Destroyer Series, I also worked on a new concept I came up with a while ago having to do with dreams and nightmares.  I've done more with my dream story than I had anticipated (since I ran into a stumbling block with Destroyer Series).

Nevertheless!  I have achieved my goal!  And as a reward (for all goals should have a reward) I ordered two things off Amazon (YAY for having giftcards!!):

"Story" by Robert McKee (Book)

Granted, it was Christopher Paolini's recommendation that triggered my initial interest.  When I found it on Amazon, the reviews were very positive.  The second thing that caught my eye, was the price.  $40 normal retail.  What book costs $40 (unless it's a textbook)?  I then realized it was a hardback and over 400 pages.  W-O-W.  Luckily, it was on sale for around $21.  Super excited to read this!  I looked over the content and it looks like a fantastic resource!  Even if it is directed at screenwriting, I bet there will be a lot of good material for the novel writer as well.

"Independence Day" by Frankie Negron (CD)

Random, right?  Well, I happened to stumble across a song of his on YouTube the other day (see below) and I fell in love with his voice and his sound (partly because he reminded me so much of David Cook's style).  On iTunes, the album was $9.99... on Amazon (for a hard copy) it was $9.98!  Now, seeing as I enjoy material things, I would much rather pay nearly the same price to have the actual CD in hand than a digital download.  This is only my preference, of course.  I look forward to listening to more of his songs.  They all sounded pretty good on the preview.

"Holding On To Love"

Frankie Negron

Now, as I look back on this last week, one thing is apparently clear: Writing helps me deal better with life.  I find I am happier if I can write--especially in the morning!  I find I have more energy, restored vitality, and an overall sense of well-being.  How is this possible?  I am honestly not sure, but I have my theories.  I just know that writing makes me happier and that is all that really matters.

Fall = Book Season!

As I was writing my last book review, it dawned on me how many books are being released this fall that I can't wait to read!  This list continues to grow!  Most of these books are out in September (nearly a new book every week).

Title: Tiger's Destiny
Author: Colleen Houck
Series: Tiger's Curse
Number in Series: #4 out of 5
Release Date: September 4, 2012

I cannot WAIT to read this book!!!  The Tiger's Curse series is stunning and it'll be interesting to see what the movie turns out to be like!  But I have enjoyed the journey with Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan very much and I look forward to this book with great anticipation.  I'm hoping to re-read the other three before its release to get everything fresh again.

On a side note, Colleen Houck has announced that this is the book that will break the curse, but there is still one more book left (Tiger's Dream).  Makes me wonder what that book will be about!

I am so happy I was able to meet Colleen and have my books autographed!  I have a feeling life will become very busy for her (especially after the movie's release) and she might not be able to do as much touring.

Title: After Hello
Author: Lisa Mangum
Series: N/A
Number in Series: N/A
Release Date: September 12, 2012

Lisa is my favorite author!  She wrote the Hourglass Door trilogy, which is stunning!  I have also met her in person (being a local author) and she is way nice and personable.

I look forward to this new adventure about Sara and Sam!  Here's the description available:

What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?

Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City.

Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadwa y show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.

When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of a seemingly elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate? This new novel from award-winning author Lisa Mangum explores what happens after hello.

Title: Entice
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters
Number in Series: #2
Release Date: September 18, 2012

A continuation of the book I just reviewed, Embrace.  I suspect I will read it... just to know what happens.

Title: Casual Vacancy
Author: J. K. Rowling
Series: N/A
Number in Series: N/A
Release Date: September 27, 2012

How can I pass up the amazing talent of J. K. Rowling?  The story sounds interesting, though definitely different.  We'll see how this turns out!

When Barry Fairbrother dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.

Seemingly an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.

Title: Finale
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Series: Hush, Hush Saga
Number in Series: #4 out of 4
Release Date: October 23, 2012

The final book of the Hush, Hush saga!  This has been a crazy emotional ride for me.  Hush, Hush was the first angel book I picked up three years ago!  One of the biggest things I love (and hate) about Becca's writing is the incredible cliff-hangers she leaves with every book.  I just about died with the cliff-hanger of book two, Crescendo.  I couldn't wait to read the next one!  And now, the stakes are even higher seeing as Nora has just become the leader of a Nephilim army and has to make decisions that will lead to a war between Nephilim, Archangels, and Fallen Angels.  Yep, it's going to be quite the ride!

Title: Inheritance
Author: Christopher Paolini
Series: Inheritance Cycle
Number in Series: #4 out of 4
Release Date: October 23, 2012

Yes, it is the paperback version.  But this is because the other books I own from this series are also in paperback, and me being my OCD self, have to have them matching.  I look forward to reading this final book (as I have not read it before).  I'm excited to see how everything ends for Eragon, Saphira, and Murtagh.









All in all, this fall will be quite busy!  Not only do I have several new books to read, but I will also be busy with school.  I suppose it's a good thing I'm trying to save my money this summer... for I will not have much of a paycheck come September...

On Writing

For the past several days, I have basically been home bound due to sickness. What exactly I have been sick with remains a mystery to me. However, being home all day, I have had some time on my hands. Sure, I could have done homework, but who honestly feels up to doing homework when all you want to do is watch the Big Bang Theory or read Brisingr?

Well, having spent a lot of time sleeping (hooray for naps and vivid dreams!), I found myself rather restless. I will admit that it would have been a good opportunity to at least start on my homework, but I chose to do something a bit more creative and which piqued my interests a bit more.

I watched videos on YouTube!!

What a great way to waste your life...

Not only did I watch hilarious animal videos, but I also was drawn to videos of Christopher Paolini. Since I've been reading his books, obviously he's been on my mind. And to be honest, I hadn't really seen any videos of him... Until the other day. Now, it doesn't matter if you love or hate his books, but you have to admit that he's one good public speaker for his age. Having taken a public speaking course in the Spring--learning how to speak in front of an audience--I was genuinely impressed by how he's able to command and maintain your attention. I watched several videos of book premiere's/signings and I've seen a handful of interviews; so can I just say, I have a serious crush on the guy? I mean, he's the perfect age and he doesn't live very far from me! (Who would have thought?). Not to mention how "down to earth" he seems. Dang smart, but down to earth.

You have to love those "celebrity" crushes, right? The kind you know would never work out in a million years, and you'll be lucky to even see the person (let alone actually meet them) in this lifetime! But, this is a vain wish of mine for the future. Perhaps one day will shall cross paths... But I kind of doubt that... Then again, where is my faith?! (LOL!) =P

Anyway, amongst all the interviews and all the fan-based questions he answered, the main repeated question was: "What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?" or "What has been the most difficult part of writing this series."

In answers to both questions, he tackled something that I have heard numerous authors say (including two of my favorites: Lisa Mangum and Colleen Houck). This is a problem I know that I struggle with terribly...
The answer to the questions?

Write.Every.Day.

Over and over again I have heard that those three words are the key to reaching success and being a good writer.

This is not something I have been very good at in the past. I tend to be a procrastinator, and therefore lack the self-control to get things completed. However--I will admit--when I was writing nearly everyday, I did feel more productive and had an overall sense of "well being".

Writing is one of my cures for life. If I'm struggling with a problem in my life, I write about it. If I'm happy and excited, I write about it. If I have a crazy idea for a story pop into my head, I write about it. I have come to realize that if I don't write about it then the idea/inspiration will slip away and I'll be left wondering what that crazy thought was all about in the first place. Also, if I don't write everyday (if I miss a day) my inspiration slowly slips away. I think this is why Paolini (as well as many others) really emphasize this point; if you don't write, you lose your motivation to write. This is certainly true in my case.

So lately I have been re-asking myself, "Why do I write?"

I originally thought it was because I had a story I wanted to tell and characters I wanted to share with the world. But if this was truly the case, why have I not made more progress on my stories?

Why do I write?

Is it an attempt to escape? Run far away from my current situation--whatever that situation may be?

Perhaps it is like what Paolini has said, "Writing is a way that you explain the world to yourself."

Or like I mentioned earlier, do I simply write to "cure" my life?

I will continue to ask myself this question as well as try to write at least something once a day. I think I will feel better emotionally (and creatively). Besides, who knows what may develop!

In the words of one of the heroes in my life who I greatly admire:

"I was made for more than this."

Inheritance & the Doctor

On May 28th I started reading a new book series. For years I had heard good things and the final book in the series was released last November. Well, being the last-to-get-into-anything-epic, I finally decided to start reading it.

I had purchased the first book for only $1.50 at the DI. It didn't take long for me to get lost in the mystical world of Alagaësia, with its beautiful landscape and vast array of characters. These characters told stories of when Dragon Riders once ruled the skies, the destruction and rise of the tyrannical Gallbatorix, the secretive Varden who opposed the new order, the magical elves of far away lands, and the dwarves who kept to themselves in the Beor Mountains.

Yes, this series is the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini.

I will admit, I finished the first book, Eragon, and was surprised by how different it was from the movie. I now know the main reason the movie flopped at the box office: It didn't follow the original story close enough. The book is SOOO much better!!! I easily became mesmerized by the story--especially when Murtagh entered. I will admit right now, he is my favorite character so far. I fell in love with him in the movie, and even more so in the book. I'm very excited to see where this journey will take him (I'm also scared in a lot of ways--NO SPOILERS PLEASE!!!)

Can you blame me?????





Anyways, I started reading Eldest (the second book) last week and I'm hopeful of finishing it tonight or tomorrow. I will admit, I struggled through the beginning of this book. For the first 120 pages or so, as Eragon is in the land of the dwarves, Paolini goes into incredible detail (not only just the physical, but all the history, etc.) and it almost overwhelms the senses (at least it did mine). On top of that, the story flips back and forth between Eragon's POV and his cousin Roran--who was left behind to essentially protect the village that Eragon fled in his haste to escape the Ra'zac. This is a new technique that was not used in the first book. For the most part, Paolini uses a limited third person POV... But it has expanded as the series continues. Paolini also has a habit of switching POVs at very critical moments, or "cliff hangers" if you will, and it reaches its intended effect: Drive the reader crazy and makes us keep reading!!

Needless to say, the book has grown on me and I am thoroughly enjoying it now. The amount of detail in this world that Paolini has created is simply amazing, and the way he entwines the history of the world into the story--revealing bits of it at a time--is simply awe-inspiring.

Now, obviously this post isn't JUST about the series; for I haven't finished it yet, therefore I cannot give my full review. Oh no. There is a reason for all this background detail...

I happened to glance at the end of Brisingr at the acknowledgements and I read the following statement (though it made no sense to me with regards to the story as of yet):

"Also, for those who understood the reference to a "lonely god" when Eragon and Arya are sitting around the campfire, my only excuse is that the Doctor can travel everywhere, even alternate realities. Hey, I'm a fan too!"

LOL!!!! How GREAT is that??? I never would have guessed Paolini--this AMAZING storyteller who is so incredibly young for a Bestselling author--was a Doctor Who fan!!! I suppose it is everywhere these days...

And I'm just fine with that.