Write Stuff Wednesday 1/27/10

Well, Santa Claus was good to us and the surprising arrival of a Playstation 3 meant the additional bonus of a blu-ray dvd player. This meant the addition of yet another remote to our collection of devices necessary to watch tv, but I digress...

While my children did backflips over the 'amazing' gaming and graphics and RPG potential, I was more enamored with our first official blu-ray experience: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

This is a great chance to send kudos to the author, J. K. Rowling, as well as the director David Yates. The movies can't possibly be as rich and multi-layered as the books, but I feel they've done a great job with the adaptations in this mammoth series. It was a wonderful reminder of the best and worst edges of the teen experience (with an end-of-the-world complication, of course). The highs of falling in love and the lows of being pursued by a terrible evil. The performances in this film are excellent, as nearly more is said by what isn't spoken. The expressive actors make their point clear with merely a motion, scowl or smile.

The blu-ray experience may be a lower priority for my kids, but the crisp, clear picture was fabulous. I appreciate the technology that keeps us moving forward in home entertainment. Besides, the popcorn is more affordable at home. ;)

Regan

Director James Cameron says Avatar is his Star Wars- meaning that it's been in his head for many, many years, just waiting to come to life on the big screen. I'm intrigued by the colorful people and landscapes as well as the technology used in the film and to create the film.

Due to an injury, I had to miss this one, but my family saw the movie in IMAX 3D and commented that 'yes' the storyline was predictable - as it was supposed to be. The imaginative creatures were the impressive element in this epic feature film. None of them felt it was a waste of money - to the contrary, none of them want to own it until we get a better TV.

My son swears he's been spoiled - that no movie will ever have the same impact. Oh, poor baby.

Congrats, Mr. Cameron!
Regan

Come back next week for my thoughts on my first Blu Ray experience!

Write Stuff Wednesday 1/13/10

Today, as promised, I'll give the Write Stuff nod to the movie Sherlock Holmes!

What a wild ride, starting with a chase through London's foggy streets, this movie doesn't let up. I loved the choices made by director, Guy Ritchie. To me, the angles and cinematography tells so much of the story. Where is the spotlight, what is in focus, which details get emphasized, which ones shadowed.

Sherlock Holmes is another movie full of lessons for writers. Without spoiling it, I'll just say I loved the witty exchanges and the way the fight scenes were choreographed was inspired. The motivations and character development were wonderful and I was pleased to see a fresh take on the iconic characters.

Regan

Tune in next week for Avatar.

Monday Marvelous!

THIS JUST IN!!!

Invasion of Justice (Shadows of Justice book two) is now available on Kindle!

No, it's not really a young adult title, but it's soooooooo very exciting to have this additional way to enjoy books that I'm shouting it from every rooftop - er blog - that will let me post.

Currently, two of the four Hobbitville titles are available on Kindle and now both Shadows of Justice books full length books too!

Thanks for helping me celebrate! And if you've got a kindle, just click here for more info!

Happy reading!
Regan

Write Stuff Wednesday 1/6

My family enjoyed a few movies over the holidays, so those authors, screenwriters, and directors will be honored here over the January Write Stuff Wednesday.

First Blind Side...a football movie? NO WAY! At least not just a football movie. Having grown up in Nebraska, I understand the mentality of a football family, town, state even. But Blind Side was so much more.

What a story about doing your best regardless of circumstance! This is the ultimate no excuses movie. Michael Oher overcame impossible odds (and extreme negligence) to succeed in the classroom and on the football field.

The Touhy family made no excuses either. They offered the hospitality and support that was within their scope to empower a young man destined to otherwise be lost in the maze of 'the system'.

They all grow and benefit in this amazing, true story that exemplifies the best of the human spirit.

I thought the director did an excellent job choosing shots and angles to get the strongest, truest reactions from the audience. Dialogue, or facial expression, this movie was well edited so you felt for the decisions and success of all the characters.

Blind Side, directed by John Lee Hancock and written by Micheal Lewis, is packed with the Write Stuff! If you've only got time for one movie - make time for Blind Side!

Regan

Come back next Wednesday for Sherlock Holmes

2010 Has Arrived!

I'm excited about this new year. It's inevitable to ring in a new year and think about making positive changes - resolutions - for how this will be the best year ever!

I've tried to be careful about resolving too many things at once, but in general 'write more, whine less' is my motto for 2010.

Write more covers everything from my current work-in-progress to my promotional efforts.

Whine less, is pretty self explanatory and covers the rest of it. It's my less profound take on Nike's 'just do it' philosophy. I'm determined to do what needs done, when it needs done, regardless of circumstance or obstacle.

After all, we're only guaranteed the moment, and I want to be as effective as I can in the moments I have.

Happy 2010!
Regan