Archive for the ‘Genre Savvy’ Category
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Pretty Pinterest and Writerly Interests
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
Ahem. ***CLEARS THROAT LOUDLY***
*taps website* Uh, is this thing on?
It is? Okay. Well, here goes.
For those of you who didn’t see my announcement last week……… Yes, I have officially joined the rabid fan girl ranks on Pinterest.
*blushes* I know, I know, I’m so behind on the rage, but I’ve only held off due to the issue of time. You know how it goes—spending time on one thing means having less to spend on another; it’s that whole wheel of time or circle of a busy life thing or whatever you want to call it.
But now that I’ve joined?
I’m wondering why in heck I waited so long. I was worried about time? Really? It took me like ten minutes to start a page. And as to the time it takes for browsing, well, now rather than looking up inspiring bookish stuff or foodish stuff or vintage stuff or steampunkish stuff or tattooish stuff every time I’m working a blog post or trying to hunt down my silly little internal muse to nudge her back to writing, I’ve already got the files right there on one simple little page. With a single mouse click. It’s writerly inspiration in loads. And for a bookish, writing, busy person, this is equivalent to a pot of gold. Or at least a really, really great latte.
(photo via stockvault)
As my friend Sara said, ”To me Pinterest is an online women’s magazine. Pretty pictures, recipes, and nifty ideas. And free. And doesn’t collect dust under my couch when I am done with it.”
Yes. That’s what it is. Exactly. (But with some steampunk tossed in. ;0))
So, here’s my Pinterest page if you’re interested.
And what about you? Are you on it? If you’ve got a page, feel free to leave us a comment below with a link so we can visit. And if you’ve been thinking of joining but aren’t sure how, you might check out this how to Set Up Your Pinterest Profile in 10 Easy Steps post by the fabulous AuthorMedia people (the post is aimed at authors, but the simple step-by-step info works for anyone.) And if you’re not on Pinterest and don’t plan to be, what do you think? Is Pinterest just a passing fad? Are we all insane? *gives you the quizzical eye*
:0)
What’s the mood noise of the moment? My lovely friend, Flo Paris
Tags: book tattoos, bookish things, Flo Paris, Flo Paris Oakes, food and drink, pinterest, steampunk
Posted in Book Nooks, Genre Savvy, Uncategorized | 12 Comments »
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In Which We Talk About THE HUNGER GAMES Movie
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
Okay, so if you’ve not seen THE HUNGER GAMES movie yet, you may want to skip reading this post as well as the comments section below since they’re likely to contain spoilers (or perhaps you’ll want to read them for the sake of seeing what you’re in for?). It’s up to you. :0) Also, for those of you who loved the books, but haven’t yet seen the movie—I hate to mention that your rabid-fan status may be slipping. Because, well, it’s been a WEEK since it hit theaters. *ahem*
So? What did you think of THE HUNGER GAMES movie? Loved? Confused? Too gory? Exceeded your expectations? Frustrated? Did it stick to the book enough? Did the theme(s)/struggles/issues presented in the book come through? And what about the characters—were they as you imagined?
Here are my own personal (quickly jotted) notes:
IMMEDIATE EMOTIONAL REACTION
- Chuckled
- Teary-eyed
- Nervous
- Annoyed (I think the Rabid-fan Opening Night Movie Rule should be that you can scream all you want beforehand—yay for anticipation!—but once the movie starts, do NOT drown out said movie with your half-crazed screams or I may eat your face off. Just a thought.)
- A sense of disgust and horror at the violence–I didn’t want to think about the fact that these were children killing each other (and in my opinion, such a realization/reaction is one of the main purposes of the book series–to expose our own irony and shallowness)
CHARACTERS
- Katniss—perfect (really, all around SO well done, and I especially appreciated how “normal” they made her)
- Gale—he brought the book character to life for me
- Peeta—totally enjoyed, although I found myself missing some of the interactions that established his and Katniss’ relationship in the book
- Haymitch—liked him, but then my sister mentioned she wished he’d been more “Dr. House”-like (from the show HOUSE), and well, now I have to agree darnit *shakes fist at sister*
- Effie—exactly as I imagined her
- Cinna—okay, so there wasn’t quite enough face-time/subtle defiance/interaction for me to fall for him like I did in the books, but I still hearted him
- Rue—perfect actor and perfectly played (although I wanted her and Katniss to start talking about their districts!)
SPECIAL EFFECTS
I specifically liked how they used the special effects (seemingly sparingly) to allow for a raw feel, interrupted by “glossy” aspects at the appropriate times (especially anything to do with the evil Capitol). I was surprised there wasn’t more goo-gore hallucinations from the tracker-jackers though. Not that I minded. Also, I confess that the wolves in the book creeped me out WAY more. Oh, but the scenes showing the operators controlling the arena were very awesome. Totally made that aspect of the book more real for me.
RATING
I was actually pretty impressed with the way they cut the scenes. I wondered how they’d keep a PG-13 rating with all the violence and such, but (in my humble opinion) they managed it.
SCREENPLAY
I praised the screenwriters and director the whole way through. Way to keep close to the story without boring or ignoring us. Thank you Hunger Games movie people.
DISTURBING
Realizing that, as I sat watching a giant screen showing youth fight to the death in the arena, I wasn’t so different from the Capitol citizens (oh Suzanne Collins, how brilliant/convicting/subtle you are).
And now it’s the Preciouses’ turns. What’d you guys think? We wants to know!
(from this Pinterest page)
Other posts you may enjoy: 8 Geek Items for the Hunger Games Fan and The Hunger Games (a book review)
;0)
Tags: Hunger Games characters, hunger games movie, Katniss + Peeta, reactions to the hunger games movie, reader opinions, Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games
Posted in Genre Savvy, Uncategorized | 21 Comments »
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Which HUNGER GAMES Character Are You? (plus a crazy-good recipe)
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012
Tomorrow is HUNGER GAMESSSSSSSS!!! *toots horn and tosses glitter and cupcakes and baby unicorns around the room*
Of course I’m going to stand in line for the midnight showing (tickets acquired, thank you my lovely Sarah Kathleen) with all the crazies. I was thinking of going as Haymitch since I’m old and sometimes grouchy when I’m up late, plus I like to throw things at people. Which means I’d be the awesomely fun person in line launching an arsenal of bread and meds at the Katniss look-a-likes. (Hmm…there’s possibility in this plan.)
BUT…
Alas, I cannot be Haymitch. I just took this HUNGER GAMES character quiz and, apparently, I am Cinna! (How very cool of me, I know. He was always my favorite. Even after he…you know—SPOILER CENSORED FOR THOSE WHO’VE NOT FINISHED THE SERIES—)
So now I have to rethink my plans, because for as awesome as Cinna is, how does one “be him” in a movie line? Does one walk around fixing the braids of the Katniss look-a-likes and trying to rip off their leg hair and measure them for clothing sizes? Uh, no thanks. This…I will have to think on.
In the meantime, I command you to rush over and take this quiz so we can see which HUNGER GAMES’ Character YOU ARE. Here’s the link:
HUNGER GAMES CHARACTER QUIZ <—and no cheating
As for the rest of you, Preciouses, I offer a pie recipe. An insanely good one that’s even better when you realize what’s in it. Or rather what’s NOT in it. It’s everything my kids (dairy-allergic) can eat, and what I (sugar-sensitive) prefer. The super sweet Vickie Motter introduced me to this amazing chocolaty pie (from Chocolate-Covered Katie’s healthy dessert blog), and now I have a slight addiction to it. (Read that as I have a serious addiction to it.) She also introduced me to this homemade, cane sugar-free, three-ingredient chocolate, which I used to make the pie (it gives a tasty coconut flavor). So if I need some sort of chocolate addiction intervention in the next few weeks, you’ll know who to blame. And while you’re at it, check out Vickie’s agenty blog space and book reviews. You’ll like her.
No cane sugar. No dairy. No gluten if you prefer (which I don’t, so I made mine with crust :0)). But you’d never know it was missing any of those. I swear. Oh, and per Vickie’s suggestion—let the pie refrigerate for 12 hours for best flavor. I tried a slice around six hours and then after 12 just to see what she meant, and I completely agree. After 12, the tofu had absorbed the flavor all the way. Also, I added a bit more agave than the recipe calls for and used almond milk for the non-dairy milk. So…yeah. Have at it:
THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE FUDGE PIE
Blend.
Fill.
Eat.
:0)
Tags: Agent Vickie Motter's blog, chocolate recipes, Chocolate-Covered Katie's blog, dessert recipes, homemade chocolate, Hunger Games character quiz, hunger games movie, Reading Recipes, Sarah Kathleen, ultimate chocolate fudge pie, Vickie Motter
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy, Reading Recipes | 18 Comments » -
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8 Geek Items for the HUNGER GAMES Fan
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
Okay, so yes I said I’d post pics of my writing retreat this week, but…really, this post is so much more necessary. Tomorrow kicks off HUNGER GAMES MONTH (yay the movie!!!), and, of course, I’ve got to do my rabid fangirl part to obsess celebrate. (Also, before I forget–in the completely boring line of business–just an FYI that Google is supposed to be pulling their Google Friend Connect button–that thing over to your right with one hundred-and-fifty-something pictures of happy people and their cats–from all non-blogger sites tomorrow **sniff, sniff, waaaail**, so you might want to consider following this blog via email. Do you see that cute little envelope icon at the top, right edge of this post? That’s the one. Go at it.)
And now on to our post.
Because what book do we adore more than almost any other on the planet???
THE HUNGER GAMES!!!
(Side note: If you don’t love it, then leave now. You’re not allowed to laugh, snort, or guffaw with us today. Also? I cast a shrinking curse upon your underwear drawer.)
And WHAT, my preciouses, do we adore almost just as much as THE HUNGER GAMES?
The rabid fan girls and boys! All drooling and crazy and running around in our their cute little camo, sticking arrows in people and making the Mockingjay sign into our their PB&J pita sandwiches. This post is for us them. The brave rabid souls who need more HUNGER GAMES items to maintain our their rabid geek status. To us thee I bequeath (in order of random awesomeness):
The Hunger Games lightbulb. (via Crushable)
And what better use for said lightbulb than to illuminate your desk as you write lovely emails texts letters to your family back home. Although, too bad this doesn’t come with President Snow stationary. I’d totally use that for my mean official correspondence, like bills and income taxes. (via Crushable)
And ooh, Katniss’ bow! How cool would it be to slink amongst the trees at the mommy-and-me park playdate, looking all Katniss-like, while the other moms talk pedicures and Jershey Shore? BEST. THING. EVER. (via Hot Topic)
Also, single guys? This would be cool on your car’s dashboard. Probably even get you chicks. Hot geek ones. (via Hunger Games Movie)
And if you’re worried girls won’t go for you because your man-beard hasn’t grown in yet. NO. WORRIES. Here’s a cutout of Seneca Crane’s beard! Just trim and paste onto desired scum-stache area. (Make sure to use Gorrilla Glue or cement paste since glue sticks will only give you about an hour’s worth of stickage. Also, duct tape is acceptable.) (via Pinterest)
And if you’re headed to the gym, don’t forget the Hunger Games water bottle. This baby’ll allow you to work out like a District Tribute while imagining Haymitch tossing croissants your way on the treadmill. (via The Mary Sue)
Of course, to go with that fancy dancy water bottle, you’ll need some fancy dancy food. And what could be more enticing than meals based upon the forages of the impoverished district residents. (via Think Geek)
And finally…
Wait for it…
Wait for iiiiiiiiiit…
The HUNGER GAMES snuggie!!! Hahahaha…heck yeah. (via Cafe Press)
Do you love them? If so, please take the Rabid Fan Girl Test so we can be warned to see how dangerous far your rabid fangirl status reaches. And not to brag or anything but…I’ve got movie tickets for HUNGER GAMES’ opening night. Do you?
;0)
“The Hunger But Mainly Death Games” parody (“May the odds let there be toilet paper in the arena”)
Tags: cafe press, Crushable, fan pics, geek items, hot topic, hunger games, hunger games loot, hunger games movie, Katniss, pinterest, rabid fan girls, Suzanne Collins, The Mary Sue, think geek
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy | 21 Comments »
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8 Literary Tattoos That Make My Heart Sigh
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
Last week we looked at three literary tattoos that my children thought were wonderful, AND I was delighted to find out so many of YOU have tattoos!
I also promised to give you my own list of personal favorites.
So, here they are along with the books that inspired them. I heart these more than I can say….
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien–the words at the base of her neck are elvish for “dream” (from TattooLit)
We wants it, Preciouses.
“I shall not live in vain” by Emily Dickinson (from Contrariwise & Pinterest)
An incredible poem. A dainty tattoo.
“Radiant as the sun” from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (from College Candy)
So simple. So lovely. So powerful.
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (from DeviantArt & Pinterest)
I’ve seen one like this with glow-in-the-dark ink. Awesome, no?
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (from Miyazaki: A Beautiful Mind)
My dearest, gorgeous, perfect Howl… *girly sigh*
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis (from Tumblr)
I want to tattoo this on my children…
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling (from Pinterest)
Um, seriously how adorable is that?
“And days went by like paper in the wind” (from Pinterest)
Okay, so this last one might be from Tom Petty, but still…fabulous, yes? Methinks I need the dress to go with it.
Well? What do you think, Preciouses? They are quite fancy dancy, yes???
Tags: book tattoos, c.s. lewis, emily dickinson, Harry Potter, Howls Moving Castle, hunger games, j.r.r. tolkien, literary tattoos, pinterest, tom petty, tumblr
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy, Uncategorized | 18 Comments » -
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Tattoo a Book Upon My Heart…
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012
TRUE CONFESSION: I have a tattoo.
Just a thin thread of an ivy strand I got when I was eighteen and away at college. It encircles my ankle and makes me smile whenever I notice it’s still there. They say that once you get a tattoo, it’s like an addiction and you want more, covering your skin with art and poetry and pictures of loved ones. But not me…
At least, not usually.
Every once in a while, though, I’ll come across a tattoo that charms my whimsical heart–such as my sister’s, which is written in pretty, elvish words and translates “Shall we dare the dragon?” (Are you thinking she’s awesome? Because, yes she is. In fact, ten points to whoever can tell me what book that’s based on…) And while I’m totally convinced my sister’s tattoo is the coolest ever, I came across a link from Publisher’s Weekly for some other literary tattoos yesterday when I was flitting around the internet kingdom. (Thanks to one of my Book Blog friends, Mary at Bookhounds!)
Check out these ones of The Little Prince, Alice in Wonderland, and Where the Wild Things Are (which my kids liked best)! What do you think, eh?
Next week I’ll give you MY best-of-the-best list of literary tattoos. But in the meantime—do any of YOU have tattoos? *stares intently until you ‘fess up*
And if not, have you ever wanted one? What would it be of???
What’s the mood noise of the moment? Christina Perri: The Lonely
Tags: Book Blogs, book tattoos, christina perri, literary tattoos, Mary BookHounds, publisher'sweekly, tattoo, the little prince, youtube video The Lonely
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy, Uncategorized | 13 Comments » -
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9 Bookish Things Wrapped in Ribbon and Pretty Strings
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
As with last year’s Christmas week post, I’ve collected an array of Christmasy pics and links and bits of bookish loveliness I think are heavenly. They’re perfect for you or me or any other book lovers in our lives who might be needing their “BookNerd” status affirmed. Go ahead, scroll on through (and click the green links to visit the sites).
You know you want these:
Book covers for the Kindle. Seriously, how adorable is this?!
Same with this Giving Tree iPad decal.
The next time you go camping, you can wave your BookNerd flag loud and proud with this Book Tent from Field Candy. It sleeps two. Perfect for the bookish canoodling pair.
Or you could just stay home and kick back with this creative bookshelf…
But if you DO go out, be sure to take this Hunger Games handbag.
Or this Alice in Wonderland tote.
Oh, and someone should buy me these BookNerd bookends from HolyCool for my desk.
Happy Christmas, everyone! May your holidays be peaceful and bright (and full of good reading)!
What’s the mood noise of the moment? Sixpence None the Richer
Tags: book links, book lovers gifts, book nerd, bookish things, books as trees, Christmas, christmas gifts, field candy, gift ideas, Hunger Games purse, iphone book cover, kindle book cover, the giving tree ipad cover, The Mary Sue
Posted in Book Nooks, Genre Savvy | 18 Comments » -
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Six Degrees of Interesting
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
While I rarely do roundups, bookish or otherwise, this week was all sorts of intriguing! So, I thought I should share and you could enjoy. (Just click the links as you please.) Because, seriously, how can we bypass the news that Jane Austen might’ve died from arsenic poisoning? I’m totally convinced.
And doesn’t it only seem appropriate that, in light of BREAKING DAWN hitting theaters this week, we read Sarah Blackwood’s fantastic post in defense of Bella Swan’s character? Yes, it does. (note: post includes some swear wordage)
Also coming out, in books not theaters (yet), is my friend Jay Asher and his coauthor Carolyn Mackler’s book, THE FUTURE OF US. It releases next week. You can read their silly interview here and my book review here.
And for those of us who obsess over the HUNGER GAMES more than coffee itself, the Examiner offers us a Hunger Games Holiday Suggestion list of dystopian books that fans might enjoy. Um, yes please!
Which leads us to the HUNGER GAMES MOVIE TRAILER!!! Good gracious it’s incredible! To the point that it exceeded all my expectations. Thank you Hunger Games movie people.
And finally…I had a birthday this week along with my son. Which we combined into a vacation last week. One of the perks of homeschooling is that you get to take time away in the off-season when hotels are cheap and theme parks are empty (plus, we had free tickets!). Here are a few of my favorite moments:
Yep, that’s me.
And that’s a giant Orca.
And that’s Mission Bay.
And that’s some strikingly handsome guy I have a rabid crush on.
And this is PubCakes.
And they make beer batter cupcakes.
And here is my favorite birthday gift from Wolverine.
Tags: books, books-to-movies, hunger games, Jay Asher, kid vacations, sea world, Twilight, vacation
Posted in Book Reviews, Genre Savvy, Uncategorized | 9 Comments » -
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In the Event of a Zombie Apocalypse…
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
Considering last week’s ROT & RUIN post, it would be remiss of me not to mention that you should really see the U.S. Government’s CDC website with their recommendations on how to respond in the event of a zombie apocalypse (just clickety-click the link to head over there). The site is legitimate. It’s awesome. It’s a good reminder that one always needs to be prepared for ANY emergency.
Also, you might want to avoid the oceans. Just in case sharks eat zombies and then become zombie sharks.
Good luck, everyone. And stay strong.
Tags: government websites, Rot & Ruin, surviving zombies, zombie survival guide, zombies
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy | 8 Comments »
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A Recipe for Autumn Breakfast Cake (plus The Princess Bride Monopoly)
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011
“- In the farthest corner of the Great Square -
- in the highest building in the land -
- deep in the deepest shadow -”
- lies The Princess Bride Monopoly Board Game – HUZZAH!I love the book. I heart the movie. And now, I must own this piece of inconceivable genius. Seriously. Check out those game pieces. Westley’s mustache? Who wouldn’t want to venture around the board with that?
Now that I’ve got you all hung up on the need for your own copy, I recall you to the fact that you should never get involved in a land war in Asia. Also? I owe you a recipe. Which is awesome because it means you can now play with Westley’s mustache while eating tasty cake. So, as you wish, this month’s delicacy comes from my dearest Sharla, who is as autumn obsessed as I am. It’s a perfect breakfast cake, all warm and flavorful with bananas and chocolate and mm…. You should try it with a caramel latte. While challenging your enemies to a duel. With swords. Or iocaine.
A Recipe for Autumn Breakfast Cake
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 1 t. baking soda
- ¾ t. salt
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 ½ cups smashed bananas (3 bananas)
- ½-3/4 cups semi sweet Chocolate Chips
Directions
- Turn on oven to 325 degrees
- Grease two bread pans or a fluted cake tube
- Stir: flour, baking soda & salt
- In another bowl, beat: eggs, oil and sugar
- Add bananas and beat again
- Add flour mixture
- Stir in Chocolate chips
- Bake: 45-50 minutes
And with that, my lovelies, I bid you all goodnight. Sleep well. I’ll most likely kill you in the morning.
What’s the mood noise of the moment? Sophie Zelmani
Tags: Autumn recipes, best book ever, cozy recipes, fairytale book review, Games, Reading Recipes, recipes, The Princess Bride
Posted in Games, Genre Savvy, Literary Classics | 13 Comments »
