Steampunk Saturday, vol. 1

Hark! A new weekly blog post from yours truly (Okay really this is just an effort for me to be more committed to posting). Introducing Steampunk Saturday. A day devoted to all things Victorian, Steampunk, ultra-cool, gadgety, whimsical, and eclectic....just like me!


What I love and find most fascinating about the world of steampunk is the ability to find things that actually existed at the time period and twist into something fun in stories.

The above advertisement caught my eye, and there's even a blog post HERE at the Virtual Dime Museum that exposes the mystery.

It seems that one of the Whiton's novelties was a mysterious image that suddenly appeared out of thin air. According to the blog post, the mysterious image was a trick using "an ordinary silver print" minus the solution that would make it visible. One way to make the magic image appear was with smoke. Thus the magic pictures were placed in novelty cigars.

Now wouldn't that a be cool way for a secret agent to receive pictures meant for his or her eyes only.





 

I'm Getting A New Design...Soon

What's on the iPod : Ramble On (cover) from the Pickin' On Series



photo by D'Arcy Norman

If you've noticed, the main website has been down. The good news is that soon, very soon, I will have a new look!! I'm excited.

On the other hand, I'm a bit dismayed. See the thing is RWA has made some changes to their rules and bylaws and such. There's a huge debate going on at the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood website, HERE, and most likely all over the web.

I'm a member of RWA, my local chapter and the online chapter YARWA. I'm also a member of Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI for short).

I will admit I read the cliffnotes version of the announcements RWA made at Nationals this past July. Meaning, I read the posts on the above website and on the YARWA loop. The gist of the announcement is that RWA is changing the requirements or the judging criteria for both the Golden Heart contest and the RITA award. Golden Heart is for unpublished and RITA is for published works of fiction. The new emphasis is on the romance. They've even eliminated the Suspence with Romantic Elements category. In fact, RWA (supposedly) has asked chapter presidents to go through their member roster to determine who in the chapter does not "officially" write romance and ask those member to degrade their member status to associate. That means paying the same membership dues as the other members but losing the right to vote, hold office or enter the GH and Ritas.

I write YA and I'm a sucker for a good love story. All my YA manuscripts have a romance, but that's not the plot. In fact for YA it SHOULDN'T be the plot at all. Many other YARWAians are outraged by the changes, because the last thing that a good YA novel should focus on is a romantic relationship. Case in point - the trouble with Twilight. I loved Twilight, don't get me wrong, but it really is nothing more than girl meets boy, girl loses boy so he won't eat her, and then girl gets boy back. And a lot of sighing and lip biting.
But I've heard so many other YA authors say that their stories are not just a love story but a real plot with romance thrown in. And these days, publishers are rejecting those "just young adult romances" too.

At this time, we don't know where we stand. Two years ago, it seemed like RWA was out to count-out and condemn the e-published authors because of small to no advances. Now, it feels like the witch hunt has turned to those of us who write stories where it's more than just falling in love, but a good plot with a sexy hero and beautiful heroine that know that if they fall in love they face even more obstacles. And it's the plot of the story, the adventure, the goals that keep the hero and heroine apart. It's not just a romance but a something more, only complicated by the attractions of the opposite sex.
And it's not just YA but suspense and mysteries.

And ... That's all.

Music! Music! Music!

       

What's on the old skool CD player : Charlie's Angels Soundtrack

With one heck of a music week here in Nashvegas, aka Music City, winding down...if you didn't know, both the CMA music fest as well as Bonnaroo took place over the past five days...I've had music on the brain, a lot.

I didn't attend either festival. I'm not one to camp out in a farmer's field for four days with a gazillion ripe people in southern humidity and heat, not unless its for the Foo Fighters - who haven't played Bonnaroo EVER. And I (as a true Nashville Native) can say I do not like country music, but if I turn off the volume on the TV, I will stare at Luke Bryan ALL. DAY. LONG.

With music flowing around town like water, it's no surprise that I've been building my playlist for the new super seekret WIP, searching for just the right songs that capture both a rock beat but also lends to a wild west feel.

Obviously, this song is on my playlist...

***(Insert image of Jon Bon Jovi strumming guitar on desert rock outcropping with drive-in behind showing scenes from Young Guns II) 

If you don't know Blaze of Glory or have forgotten the Young Guns II anthem, you can listen to it HERE.
And I also dug up some old Richie Sambora solo stuff from the Red Shoe Diaries and a little Bad Company, tossed in Adele's Set Fire to the Rain as the hero and heroine's tortured love song and now I have an awesome playlist.......

Hope everyone has recovered from one heck of a rockin, jammin weekend.

Know of any other music festival you would die to attend, or would avoid at all costs...leave a post! Or know of a great western themed rock anthem.....

Finding Inspiration

What's on the iPod : Mystery of You by Red

I'm one of those strange birds that believes in destiny, fate, and signs...the conversation between the Oracle and Neo in the Matrix flaots through my mind about this time.....and liek the Oracle, I just smile.

It's challenging sometimes to find the next "right" project to work on, especially after the last one ended up shelved. It happens. But that fear settles in and you get half way through maybe two chapters and you start reguessing your ability. The voices in your head are no longer your characters but the evil naysayer who doubles as evil internal editor. So you put aside that project and hope to find one that is even better.

Three weeks ago, I flew into Chicago for the Romantic Times Conference, a little bummed about having to shelve the start of another project. But if I am always the pessimist in everything else I do, it is because ALL my optimism is in my writing and future goal to be a published, full-time writer. Sooooo, having the good luck to be surrounded by hundreds of like-minded people who wanted nothing more than to talk books, ideas, characters, and poor dead Mr. Pamuk (if you don't watch Downton Abbey - you should), I was determined to come up with an idea for my next project. I ended up with two....one safe and one treading dangerous territory. Well, dangerous for me. See I like happy, happy, joy, joy. I want romance, especially the heartwrenching will they-won't they kind. But to write a genre I've never ever read, no know nothing about....is a little dangerous for me.

So I toyed between "safe" idea and "dangerous" concept....I even wrote out the first few pages, a little plotting on the "safe" idea. I wanted to ignore "dangerous" concept...it scared me....but I kept thinking about it, even Googling some old "case files."

And then I saw this 

....and I knew!

So I may be quiet on online these days, just realize it is beacuse I have found inspiration and I am about to face the real fear of going into uncharted territory...hopefully for the best.

Lucky Charms

What's on the iPod : Sing by My Chemical Romance



As if you didn't already know, I am a huge GLEE fan, and this year even more than ever. One weekend a few months ago, I decided to take a writer's break (yes for insanity purposes I must do this every once in awhile) and spent all day watching Oxygen's Glee Project. They were doing the marathon thing leading up to that night's finally. By the second episode, I was hooked...and rooting for Team Damian!
And even though some of the other participants were better versed in both acting, dancing and singing, I just loved Damian because no matter what the challenge, he took it on with the biggest grin and willingingness to do and try anything. He got's charisma and the Irish accent only adds to the charm.
So what does the runner-up (he actually didn't win the Glee Project, but even the producer of Glee had to give him 7 episodes) have to do with writing Young Adult fiction...probably absolutely nothing, and possibily the fact I just wanted his adorable face on my blog today, OR... it's about having charisma and the willingness to do and try anything and do it with the biggest grin on your face. Because deep down you're saying to yourself 'it's going to be worth it.'
So when you get that big fat 'R' keep smiling. When you don't sell to your dream publisher (I'm not admitting I might have said I wanted kiss the Simon & Schuster building for luck while in NYC this summer), keep smiling. When you get those revision notes/line edits from your editor and your entire books changes, keep smiling.
IT'S WORTH IT.

The Bad Boy's Ride

What's on the iPod : Footloose by Blake Shelton

 

This week I thought I would continue talking about the Bad Boy. Why? Because I love a Bad Boy dressed in leather, a little bit longer hair, and rebellion oozing from them like too much Drakkar Noir.

Why not follow up with the Bad Boy's ride. He gets around, and I don't mean that in an innuedo kind of way, well okay, maybe. He's a guy that's driven by purpose and that purpose is usully dragging him some where. So how does he get from Point A to Point B? Let's examine those drool worthy modes of transportion becuase you'll find what the Bad Boy eases into says as much about him as his haircut (which maybe another post later down the line).

THE STOLEN MOTORCYCLE.

1.) Let's take a look first at Bo Brady's ride. Yes, it was a motorcycle.

Mr. Brady succeeded in kidnapping his future bride while she stood at the alter forced into marrying a man she didn't love and who was EVIL. Naturally, the rough-n-tough Bo on his brother's police motorcycle rescued Hope and took off with her on the bike, his mullet hair whipping in the wind and her veil trailing behind.

2.) At sixteen you'd think Jace Wayland would drive, well, something cool. But this shadowhunter is too busy killing demons and stuff and saving Clary to even remember to get his driver's license let alone have a car to drive. But he sure knows how to sweep a girl off her feet and off the roof of a vampire infested run-down hotel. In the Mortal Instruments City of Bones, Jace commandeer's a vampire motorcycle that can fly - all fueled by demon energy. And yes, it seems he's saving Clary's life as they plummet off the side of the building on the hot bike.


I DRIVE THIS TO HIDE MY ULTRA COOL. YOU SHOULD SEE MY GARAGE....

3.) After being seventeen for 101 years, you'd think Edward Cullen would drive that Astin Martin to school, but Noooooo. He drives the more sensible Stupid Shiny Volvo. But hey that Volvo says, please don't look at me, no look at me, now look away, I'm a ....teenage vampire, wanna be bad boy with a gold heart, cause you know it stopped beating at the beginning of the last century, but for you Bella I'd drive the Astin Martin to feel the thrum through my body the same way I would feel if my heart actually still pumped blood through my veins.

4.) It's no surprise that Stefan Salvatore also has a garage filled with shiny cars he could be driving but chooses not too. Granted he doesn't have to do much to impress Elena. He's a vampire too. And whether you're a fan of the TV show or the books, you know Stefan's at least 70 years older than Edward. Though, we rarely see Damon drive anything, maybe that's because he's really the Anti-Hero and they have their own set of transportation.

A HORSE OF COURSE

5.) I'm going to have to throw this in here, but James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser certainly falls into the Bad Boy category. He's an outlaw with a price on his head, he's got a pet name for his heroine(Sassenach), he's been a mercenary and he will lead men into battle. That being clarified, let's talk about that tall, red-headed Scotsman and his mode of gettting around. The horse of course. It's like the Eighteenth Century Motorcycle, though a little more smelly and tempramental. Jamie's horse is Donas, Gaelic for devil. And there's nothing more sexy than a burly Scotsman in a kilt astride a horse.

6.) I just finished reading the first Iron Fey book, and yes, the Winter Prince Ash is definitely a Bad Boy. For this ultra-cool, almost frosty, bad boy elf prince only a fey horse will do. In fact, not to spoil, but the first time we see Ash - and we all know that's who it is - he's out in the middle of a Louisiana bog astride a fey equine. And from that moment, we know it's all Team Ash!

THE WIND BLOWING THROUGH MY HAIR

As I consider this mode of transportation, I realize that the convertible may be reserved strictly for the Anti-Hero.

7.) My all time favorite, and perhaps the Godfather of Bad Boys, is James Dean. He only made three movies, but they were classics. In Giant, which is probably my favorite James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor movie, Dean drives an old convertible Model T. I think this picture says it all.

8.) One of my favorite characters in literature and film is Vicomte de Valmont. The unlitmate 18th Century French Aristocrat Bad Boy...goodness...he may even qualify as an Anti-Hero. But when he falls for Madame de Tourvel, he changes his ways, that is after he thoroughly destroys her because he can't handle his love for her. A couple of years ago, there was a modern version of Les Liaison Dangereuses that took place in an upscale Manhatten private school...Cruel Intentions. And befitting the suave lethario Sebatian Valmont was his exotic convertible classic Jag. Excuse me, can I get a ride...please!

9.) Back to Damon. Yes, Mr. I'm The Bad Vampire Brother does drive a convertible. And we know he is soooo devious when he pulls up in that baby blue- matches my eyes - convertible and smirks at Elena.

Those convertibles just say take my breath away, and my resolve because you're just soooo hot in that car!

Have any more Bad Boy Rides to add? Leave a comment!!

The Anti-Hero vs. The Bad Boy pt 2

 

What's on the iPod : Beat the Devil's Tattoo by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
 

Last Saturday I posted about one of our favorite characters, the Bad Boy, and what makes him tick, that undeniable list of qualities that just about any bad boy I can think of has. Today, I want to address the misunderstood Anti-Hero and the possibility that he may be way badder and perhaps closer to our hearts.

What got me thinking about the difference between these two character types was a google search for a Han Solo character analysis. In a great post HERE from Saga Journal dated 2007, I could definitely see the author's explanation that Han is great example of the Anti-Hero and his arcing journey, one that so many more everyday people can identify with. Then I started thinking about other characters that could be classified as the perfect, lovable Anti-Hero and Captain Jack Sparrow came to mind, and Sawyer from Lost and Damon Salvatore from the Vampire Diaries, even Sonny from General Hospital.

So what are the pre-requisites for the Anti-Hero, you ask, well.....
1.) He's a pirate - in some shape or form. I'd even go as far as to say that mobsters could be classified as modern pirates.
2.) He owns a ship, has stolen a ship, or has won or lost his ship in a game of chance.
3.) He's a betting man and you can bet he's probably lost more than he's won, though nine times out of ten he did win his ship by betting.
4.) He, like the bad boy, has a pet name for the heroine/love interest. Sawyer calls Kate Freckles, and as mentioned before Han has several names for Leia like Your Royal Highness, Princess, and Sweetheart (all said with that underscore of sarcasm).
5.) His heroic deeds are fueled by a need to save their neck, save their stuff, or get a reward.
6.) They only think of themselves first, except when it comes to a beautiful - most likely in distress- damsel.
7.) He doesn't believe in hokey religions and nothing compares to a good blaster, flintlock pistol, or glock by his side.
8.) He's only out for numero uno and Numero Uno needs cash...cold hard credits or gold or anything salvaged from that downed Aussie flight.
9.) He's usually caught in his own con - and it's usually by the heroine.
10.) If he's in a love triangle for the heroine's attention, his competition is the do-gooder doctor, or his own vegetarian vampire brother, or the heroine's secret half-brother that's a jedi-in-training, but don't worry WE want the anti-hero to claim the heroine because he's had to work extra hard against his own devious nature to win her heart.
11.) Mr. Anti-hero is so insecure and selfish that he can't admit how much he likes the heroine, but he will bait and goad her until she admits it first, and usually he does this with increasing sarcastic remarks laced with innuendo. "Careful with the goods, love." ~Jack Sparrow.
12.) He's got a "furry" sidekick, whether in the shape of one tall Wookie or a rum sipping first-mate, and this lovable fuzzball side-kick tends to be the Anti-Hero's conscious.
13.) Have I mentioned the smirk?

             
        

So is the Anti-Hero a Bad-Boy or the Bad Boy an Anti-Hero? My personal opinion is that the Anti-Hero can definitely be a bad boy, but I think, the difference is in these Anti-hero's motivations. They're selfish first and through a connection with the heroine, or hero and friends, they change and realize that their motivations to be heroic stem from their desire to put other's first and that the reward of friendship and love is better than the solitary journey they were once on.
As for the bad boy if he's the hero then his motivations are more altruistic from the start. He just has a jaded past that perhaps shadows his actions and reactions, but his heart is in the right place to begin with.

So what are your thoughts? Any other qualities you think the Anti-Hero has? Leave a comment!