Thinking about this the other day and wondered if anyone else might feel the way I do. So- *cue drumroll*-
1. A good book costs between $6-$10 and can be read repeatedly. A movie sucks $10 for a ticket, $20 for popcorn/soda, and only lasts 1.5-3 hrs.
2. Books can be resold, traded, or loaned far longer than DVD or blu-ray or video (anyone still own a VCR?)
3. Icky scenes in a book are only subject to the creativity of MY imagination. Icky movie scenes make me watch someone else's twisted take on fantasy. And some things you just can't UNsee.
4. The pause feature of a book does not require me to learn fifty buttons on my stupid DVR remote which still seems to skip directly to the middle of a commercial when I try to rewind to catch missed dialog.
5. In a book, a character's accent does not mean I don't SEE what they are saying. In a movie, even the sexiest accent can leave me wondering if he really just called her booty call instead of beautiful.
6. When reading, I can get up and take my book into another room to avoid annoying noises. While watching a movie I am subject to everybody's commentary.
7. It is really simple to read the last chapter of a book just to make sure there's a HEA.
8. Thanks to ebook pubs, books offer a wider variety of material to read. With movies, Hollywood seems determined to be green- reuse/recycle.
9. While reading, I am free to imagine characters with any number of facial features or body types I find attractive. While watching a movie I am forced to see Tom Cruise age before my very eyes while playing the same role over and over again.
10. Book sequels related to each other and penned by the same author are called a series. Movie sequels are usually a cheap attempt to squeeze just a few more dollars out of the first film's few fans. "I know what you did last summer, and fall, and the spring before that, and that time during summer camp, and maybe once during Christmas break..."
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming...
So I don't normally do movie reviews because everybody does them, and really, there have been a LOT of sucky movies lately. That said, I took my kids to see the new Avengers movie yesterday after school and I have to say I'd recommend spending your ten plus dollars to see it.
First off, the idea that the studios have been working their way up to this film through Ironman, Ironman2, Thor & Captain America is intriguing. My kids have been making quite a study of it in the last 24 hrs. They've gone through these films tracking appearances by Shield Agents, Director Fury, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, as well as Stark's grandfather in the Captain America film. Not only that, but they've managed to pull all of those same actors together to reprise or expand their roles. That goes right along with my desire to see familiar characters pop up in novels. I like to see a familiar face or personality in a new flick. It makes you feel right at home.
Another great thing, FINALLY, Mark Ruffalo's portrayal of the conflicted Bruce Banner was fantastic. Whether its because CGI has finally come far enough for us to have a Hulk with real facial features and a personality, or it was Ruffalo's soft spoken hard edged take on the scientist who speaks so candidly about his alter ego--one of my all time favorite heroes had his day. The undeniable humor of the writing helped too. You can't help but enjoy a moment when Loki is waxing poetic about his superior intellect and Hulk picks him up and bashes him back and forth until he shuts up.
Truthfully, I'm certain no matter how much audiences enjoy it, The Avengers will earn some criticisms for a plot that could have been considered somewhat tired. But really, aren't all plots just a little tired? Films, like books, have been around for a long time. No idea is entirely new. Instead, the important thing is how a writer and a director use the chemistry and vitality of their cast and crew to mold that idea into something that just works. It isn't unlike writing a book.
I can take an idea which evolved from something else, twist it, mold it, shape it into something workable and then add layer upon layer of dialog, character, scene, setting, tone, and emotion until the end product takes my readers on a journey that leaves them with a satisfying feeling on the inside. That's what makes a great book.
So go and see the Avengers. Tell me what you think. Am I full of crap? Tell me! Or did you find it just as entertaining as I did?
First off, the idea that the studios have been working their way up to this film through Ironman, Ironman2, Thor & Captain America is intriguing. My kids have been making quite a study of it in the last 24 hrs. They've gone through these films tracking appearances by Shield Agents, Director Fury, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, as well as Stark's grandfather in the Captain America film. Not only that, but they've managed to pull all of those same actors together to reprise or expand their roles. That goes right along with my desire to see familiar characters pop up in novels. I like to see a familiar face or personality in a new flick. It makes you feel right at home.
Another great thing, FINALLY, Mark Ruffalo's portrayal of the conflicted Bruce Banner was fantastic. Whether its because CGI has finally come far enough for us to have a Hulk with real facial features and a personality, or it was Ruffalo's soft spoken hard edged take on the scientist who speaks so candidly about his alter ego--one of my all time favorite heroes had his day. The undeniable humor of the writing helped too. You can't help but enjoy a moment when Loki is waxing poetic about his superior intellect and Hulk picks him up and bashes him back and forth until he shuts up.
Truthfully, I'm certain no matter how much audiences enjoy it, The Avengers will earn some criticisms for a plot that could have been considered somewhat tired. But really, aren't all plots just a little tired? Films, like books, have been around for a long time. No idea is entirely new. Instead, the important thing is how a writer and a director use the chemistry and vitality of their cast and crew to mold that idea into something that just works. It isn't unlike writing a book.
I can take an idea which evolved from something else, twist it, mold it, shape it into something workable and then add layer upon layer of dialog, character, scene, setting, tone, and emotion until the end product takes my readers on a journey that leaves them with a satisfying feeling on the inside. That's what makes a great book.
So go and see the Avengers. Tell me what you think. Am I full of crap? Tell me! Or did you find it just as entertaining as I did?
Friday, May 4, 2012
When Words Fail...
Hans Christian Anderson once said, "where words fail - music speaks." We all know this to be true. Music is one of those things that fuels creativity. It is a refuge, a catalyst, and a muse, depending upon the day of the week and your mood.
With this is mind, I wanted to discuss a little bit about my Boston Avant Garde series. Unless you're blind (or I did something really wrong with my blogger dashboard) you can see the covers for two of my books from the series in the sidebar. One features a violin and the other a piano. No, its not one of those random, because it looks sexy, art decisions. The characters in all of these books have some affiliation, some attachment, something about them that involves music.
To me, music is the perfect ingredient in any romance novel. It's raw and earthy. It's arousing, and it can make even the most emotionally constipated person feel. So with that in mind, I thought I'd offer up a tidbit and give you a playlist for the newest member of the Avant Garde family. I suppose you might call it a soundtrack of sorts.
All of my books have soundtracks. Sometimes its a band or a style of music. Sometimes its a specific combination of work from several artists. For example- if you really want to experience Crescendo, pick up Once Upon a Red Moon by Secret Garden. Even if you don't particularly like classical music, it'll enhance your reading experience. And their version of Elegie is what I designed Leslie's Elegie around.
Now, for Impetuous. I'll group them by artist. The order doesn't really matter to me. The shuffle function on my iPhone is my fave thing to do. I reshuffle the playlist everyday. It just matters that these songs are running through my head as I write.
Machine Head-Darkness Within
Otherwise-Soldiers
Five Finger Deathpunch- Remember Everything
Avenged Sevenfold-Buried Alive
Far from Home
Fair to Midland-Dance of the Manatee
All That Remains-The Waiting One
Apocalyptica-Not Strong Enough
Volbeat-Light a Way
Shinedown-Diamond Eyes
Valora-I Waited for You
Chevelle-Letter from a Thief
Cold-Wicked World
See, what did I tell you? All over the place. And some of these come from other "soundtracks" too. That's the best way to start a new soundtrack. Just snag a few tunes that gave me the strongest sense of the characters that carried over from the previous book, and find their complements. All of these can be picked up on iTunes, btw. And I'd love to hear your comments about my playlist.
Remember, comment today-win free ebooks on May 22!
With this is mind, I wanted to discuss a little bit about my Boston Avant Garde series. Unless you're blind (or I did something really wrong with my blogger dashboard) you can see the covers for two of my books from the series in the sidebar. One features a violin and the other a piano. No, its not one of those random, because it looks sexy, art decisions. The characters in all of these books have some affiliation, some attachment, something about them that involves music.
To me, music is the perfect ingredient in any romance novel. It's raw and earthy. It's arousing, and it can make even the most emotionally constipated person feel. So with that in mind, I thought I'd offer up a tidbit and give you a playlist for the newest member of the Avant Garde family. I suppose you might call it a soundtrack of sorts.
All of my books have soundtracks. Sometimes its a band or a style of music. Sometimes its a specific combination of work from several artists. For example- if you really want to experience Crescendo, pick up Once Upon a Red Moon by Secret Garden. Even if you don't particularly like classical music, it'll enhance your reading experience. And their version of Elegie is what I designed Leslie's Elegie around.
Now, for Impetuous. I'll group them by artist. The order doesn't really matter to me. The shuffle function on my iPhone is my fave thing to do. I reshuffle the playlist everyday. It just matters that these songs are running through my head as I write.
Machine Head-Darkness Within
Otherwise-Soldiers
Five Finger Deathpunch- Remember Everything
Avenged Sevenfold-Buried Alive
Far from Home
Fair to Midland-Dance of the Manatee
All That Remains-The Waiting One
Apocalyptica-Not Strong Enough
Volbeat-Light a Way
Shinedown-Diamond Eyes
Valora-I Waited for You
Chevelle-Letter from a Thief
Cold-Wicked World
See, what did I tell you? All over the place. And some of these come from other "soundtracks" too. That's the best way to start a new soundtrack. Just snag a few tunes that gave me the strongest sense of the characters that carried over from the previous book, and find their complements. All of these can be picked up on iTunes, btw. And I'd love to hear your comments about my playlist.
Remember, comment today-win free ebooks on May 22!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Day Two...er maybe kind of 2.5
Ahh! One day and I've failed! Or more to the point, my internet failed--last night--when I could not sign on to save my life. Okay, so really that's just an excuse because I could have tried at any point during the day and probably managed to make the airwaves more agreeable.
Shhh, I'm going to pretend this never happened. And just move on with my topic for today--er--yesterday.
Anyone else ever had an imaginary friend? Please don't try and tell me I'm the only one! I promise I'm not still running around with my two early childhood pals, Betty & Bill. (And no, I cannot give any reason for the odd nursery rhyme names)
My point with all the reminiscing, was to say that when I'm writing something that really speaks to me, the characters become a little like imaginary friends. Both my Boston Avant Garde series and Phoenix Rising are examples of this. Its why I've grown so fond of writing series, its like hanging out with a bunch of comfortably familiar people.
I feel this way about reading too. Don't you just love to dive into a new book and meet new people while still keeping in touch with characters you've known before? Or, it's great to meet an interesting character and then finally get the 411 on their personal history and love life.
As I mentioned yesterday, Phoenix Rising is that kind of place. Connor Archuleta was a badass guy who had most of my readers almost wishing he were single. But, and if you haven't read it, I can't wait for the re release so you can--Connor's bartending friend Alex Dalesio is hot, single, and ready to charm your socks off.
Which is why I can't wait to get back to the bar and let everyone get a little more friendly with Alex. His story is going to introduce more of the downtown occupants who live their lives and run businesses in the quaint historic district where Phoenix Rising is located. For me, it was a chance to explore the neighborhood and create a little flower shop called Blooming Buds which is run by the most fascinating woman named Emory Banks. A woman who is going to change the way Alex Dalesio thinks about sex and long term attachments.
So tell me, for you--what's the best thing about a series? Do you like feeling as if you're hanging out with old friends? Does it feel satisfying when you get to find out what their stories are as each book unfolds? Or occasionally are you finding yourself outraged when something doesn't go the way your swore it should have? Funny thing about that--fictional characters are just like real people. They just don't always do what you think they're going to.
Remember- I want to hear your comments! And in 20 more days I'm going to pick some lucky smart ass to win a complete ebook set of my Boston Avant Garde series. So sound off people!
Shhh, I'm going to pretend this never happened. And just move on with my topic for today--er--yesterday.
Anyone else ever had an imaginary friend? Please don't try and tell me I'm the only one! I promise I'm not still running around with my two early childhood pals, Betty & Bill. (And no, I cannot give any reason for the odd nursery rhyme names)
My point with all the reminiscing, was to say that when I'm writing something that really speaks to me, the characters become a little like imaginary friends. Both my Boston Avant Garde series and Phoenix Rising are examples of this. Its why I've grown so fond of writing series, its like hanging out with a bunch of comfortably familiar people.
I feel this way about reading too. Don't you just love to dive into a new book and meet new people while still keeping in touch with characters you've known before? Or, it's great to meet an interesting character and then finally get the 411 on their personal history and love life.
As I mentioned yesterday, Phoenix Rising is that kind of place. Connor Archuleta was a badass guy who had most of my readers almost wishing he were single. But, and if you haven't read it, I can't wait for the re release so you can--Connor's bartending friend Alex Dalesio is hot, single, and ready to charm your socks off.
Which is why I can't wait to get back to the bar and let everyone get a little more friendly with Alex. His story is going to introduce more of the downtown occupants who live their lives and run businesses in the quaint historic district where Phoenix Rising is located. For me, it was a chance to explore the neighborhood and create a little flower shop called Blooming Buds which is run by the most fascinating woman named Emory Banks. A woman who is going to change the way Alex Dalesio thinks about sex and long term attachments.
So tell me, for you--what's the best thing about a series? Do you like feeling as if you're hanging out with old friends? Does it feel satisfying when you get to find out what their stories are as each book unfolds? Or occasionally are you finding yourself outraged when something doesn't go the way your swore it should have? Funny thing about that--fictional characters are just like real people. They just don't always do what you think they're going to.
Remember- I want to hear your comments! And in 20 more days I'm going to pick some lucky smart ass to win a complete ebook set of my Boston Avant Garde series. So sound off people!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
I'm Wide Awake and Ready to Go!
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not much for consistency with this whole blogging thing. I get it. I do. But let's face it, not every thought in my head is worth sharing. And blogging about stupid pet tricks or the stuff my kids do is not my style.
However, I do have something I want to talk about. A lot. In fact I'm just bursting with excitement about it. See, I believe that every author has a favorite book in their backlist. It's something that really spoke to them. Either it was deeply personal, or a voyage of self discovery, or blah blah blah. Whatever. We just have a fave. And me? I totally have a favorite book.
My very first published work, Phoenix Rising, has always been my baby. The bar where the story is set was a place that I felt as if I really travelled to, in my head of course, but it felt as real as any fictional setting can. And I know a lot of you readers felt the same because you TOLD me you did. You guys demanded I fess up and tell you where the place really was. Alas, the bar is just a figment of my imagination, but the stories and people that occupy it are fleshed out to perfection inside Phoenix Rising.
There's something about the idea of a bar where everyone not only knows your name, but where you can really let down your hair. Anything goes. And no judgement. You can explore those same sex fantasies, or experiment with group sex, play wild and crazy drinking games, or dance on the tables like a rock star. Not only that, but Phoenix Rising is owned by the biggest, baddest, sexiest guy on the planet. Connor Archuleta. Of course, Connor's taken, very taken, as anyone who's ever read Phoenix Rising can tell you. However, our down and dirty bartender Alex Dalesio is not. At least not yet. But more about that in my next blog post.
I've been revitalized, reawakened, and I want to kick it off with a bang. So I'm working with my editor at Etopia Press to re release Phoenix Rising with a new hot cover and some extra spice that will remind my readers exactly why they pick up one of my books. So don't be surprised if you find your air conditioner unable to keep up with the heat this June when Phoenix Rising scorches its way back to your TBR pile.
In the meantime, my next book in the contemporary series Boston Avant Garde, releases with Loose ID on May 22, that's right, only 21 days until Impetuous hits the ebook shelf. You can always check the book page on my website for a teaser.
And to celebrate this awesome return to writing, I'm going to give some stuff away. That's right. Who doesn't love free stuff? I'm making a commitment to blog everyday this month. You guys feel free to check up on me, I need the accountabilibuddies. I want to hear your comments. I want to know what you want to read about, what you like, what you hate, what you thought worked and what didn't. Hit me with it all! You never know what idea I might run with. And on May 22 when I'm dying with excitement to see Impetuous go on sale, you might just be the one hand picked to get free copies of all three books in the Boston Avant Garde series.
Yeah, you heard me. In 21 days I'm going to give away copies of Strung Out, Crescendo, & Impetuous in electronic format. All you gotta do to enter, is leave me some kind of comment. Although let's be honest here, the more creative comments are going to get my attention. That's just reality, folks. So talk to me readers!
However, I do have something I want to talk about. A lot. In fact I'm just bursting with excitement about it. See, I believe that every author has a favorite book in their backlist. It's something that really spoke to them. Either it was deeply personal, or a voyage of self discovery, or blah blah blah. Whatever. We just have a fave. And me? I totally have a favorite book.
My very first published work, Phoenix Rising, has always been my baby. The bar where the story is set was a place that I felt as if I really travelled to, in my head of course, but it felt as real as any fictional setting can. And I know a lot of you readers felt the same because you TOLD me you did. You guys demanded I fess up and tell you where the place really was. Alas, the bar is just a figment of my imagination, but the stories and people that occupy it are fleshed out to perfection inside Phoenix Rising.
There's something about the idea of a bar where everyone not only knows your name, but where you can really let down your hair. Anything goes. And no judgement. You can explore those same sex fantasies, or experiment with group sex, play wild and crazy drinking games, or dance on the tables like a rock star. Not only that, but Phoenix Rising is owned by the biggest, baddest, sexiest guy on the planet. Connor Archuleta. Of course, Connor's taken, very taken, as anyone who's ever read Phoenix Rising can tell you. However, our down and dirty bartender Alex Dalesio is not. At least not yet. But more about that in my next blog post.
I've been revitalized, reawakened, and I want to kick it off with a bang. So I'm working with my editor at Etopia Press to re release Phoenix Rising with a new hot cover and some extra spice that will remind my readers exactly why they pick up one of my books. So don't be surprised if you find your air conditioner unable to keep up with the heat this June when Phoenix Rising scorches its way back to your TBR pile.
In the meantime, my next book in the contemporary series Boston Avant Garde, releases with Loose ID on May 22, that's right, only 21 days until Impetuous hits the ebook shelf. You can always check the book page on my website for a teaser.
And to celebrate this awesome return to writing, I'm going to give some stuff away. That's right. Who doesn't love free stuff? I'm making a commitment to blog everyday this month. You guys feel free to check up on me, I need the accountabilibuddies. I want to hear your comments. I want to know what you want to read about, what you like, what you hate, what you thought worked and what didn't. Hit me with it all! You never know what idea I might run with. And on May 22 when I'm dying with excitement to see Impetuous go on sale, you might just be the one hand picked to get free copies of all three books in the Boston Avant Garde series.
Yeah, you heard me. In 21 days I'm going to give away copies of Strung Out, Crescendo, & Impetuous in electronic format. All you gotta do to enter, is leave me some kind of comment. Although let's be honest here, the more creative comments are going to get my attention. That's just reality, folks. So talk to me readers!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Full Exposure
I typically shy away from almost any situation that involves what my mother used to call "tooting your own horn". By this I mean that I don't walk into a room and announce to the world--by the way, I'm an author. So I have to admit that I've found myself in some pretty unfamiliar territory of late after exposing myself in a college classroom.
No, no, get your mind out of the gutter! I do not mean that I whipped up my shirt to get some new Mardi Gras beads. What I did was encourage several individuals to pay a visit to my website. This should not be a big deal. And it wouldn't have been. Except that several of those individuals are so far outside of my target market that I think I might have taken their literary virginity. If there is such a thing.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not ashamed of being a romance author, or writing romance, or reading it, or loving it. I'm not ashamed of being fascinated by human interpersonal relationships and how we screw them up, fix them, and then screw them up again just for kicks. I love people. I love to try and figure them out. And the only thing I love more is creating a whole cast of characters who stumble and bumble their way through love and life just like real people do on a daily basis. Of course, the great thing about a romance novel is the HEA. That's right- for those of you NOT in the know, the Happily Ever After.
Having said that, I also respect the fact that not everyone I meet has any interest in the romance genre. I'm not talking about the millions of people worldwide who read romance voraciously and then deny it either, I'm talking about those who find it offensive or uncomfortable or simply distasteful. I might not agree with them, I might try to convince them otherwise, but they are entitled to their opinions.
Now, I can't be certain what category the latest visitors to my website fall into. They don't particularly strike me as haters, but there were several comments made in regards to my apparent preoccupation with love and romance. And many many comments made about the heat level of the excerpts on my website. Which, to some, might seem excessive. To others, that's called a teaser. The lesson here is that you can't please everyone, no matter what you do.
I suppose my conundrum is not the exposure of my identity (sounds like an overly dramatic plot twist, doesn't it?) The conundrum is that I felt exposed in a forum where I wasn't comfortable enough to wear both hats. I'm a student in that class, which happens to be a Communications course for my BA. I've had a few past experiences where creative writing professors have been unfriendly or even overtly critical of my papers once discovering I'd been published. One professor in particular was very harsh on the romance industry as a whole, and very derogatory in her assessment of my involvement in it. As an adult, I might feel inclined to argue my point and stand up for myself. As a student I'm well aware of who has total control over my grades.
For now, I still have several weeks of this class left to navigate. And once the initial discomfort wore off, I started to feel kind of liberated. Romance has a long history of social relativity and cultural importance. I'm proud to be a part of that. Writers push the boundaries of social convention by asking controversial questions or presenting uncomfortable topics in a fictional form that makes a reader think. So I think I'm done hiding now. Time to go for full exposure...
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Crescendo by Kaitlin Maitland
New video trailer for Kaitlin's contemporary erotic romance, Crescendo, now available from Loose ID.
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