Thursday, December 26, 2013

Guest Post: Book Deals

Here are 32 more reasons to $ave on this after-Christmas $ale! Thirty-one ebooks for 99¢ each. They will be on sale from December 24, 2013 through Tuesday, December 31, 2013. Click the links below the graphic to "look inside" each book on Amazon and download your digital copies!




CHILDREN’S BOOKS



The Camera Shy Monster by Susette Williams


Has your child ever hated to have their picture taken? Then you will enjoy reading The Camera Shy Monster as much as your child or grandchild will enjoy having this entertaining picture book read to them.

Brooke doesn’t want her picture taken. She runs away and meets Nessie, a friendly sea monster, who also hates having her picture taken. But how can Nessie take care of Brooke? Nessie comes up with a plan to rescue Brooke and get her to enjoy having her picture taken.



The Day My Parents Got Lost by Susette Williams


Has your child ever wandered off--or do you worry that they will?

'The Day My Parents Got Lost' is a fun story that gives parents and teachers the opportunity to talk with children about the importance of staying together when you go places, especially amusement parks, so that nobody gets lost.

I remember when my oldest daughter wandered off in a store when she was a toddler. She was so upset with us and blamed us for leaving her. Obviously we didn't leave her--but in her mind we were the ones who wandered off. All these years later, that fearful time, when she wandered away, is still in my mind. Unfortunately, in today's society, we have to teach our children about 'stranger danger' and staying with us in stores and crowds. This story is a fun way to convey the importance of staying together without scaring them about the possible dangers--that even we don't want to think about--that lurk out there in the real world.



Wacky Wishes by Susette Williams


What would you wish for if you could have anything you wanted?

Tommy and Suzie find a wishing well and like children do,
they begin making wishes. Imagine their surprise when their wishes start to
come true! Are spacesuits the new dress code at school? What's Tommy going to
do with three heads? You've heard of, "Be careful what you wish for, you just
might get it." When Tommy and Suzie's wishing gets out of hand, will they be
able to wish away the mess they've created before their wishes run out?



Sarge Gets a Timeout by Susette Williams


A boy and his dog’s friendship are tested when lies and betrayal come between them. Is revenge a viable teaching tool or can the two come to an understanding and regain their friendship?

It’s a battle of wits against boy and beast in which the two find out if a dog truly is man’s best friend.



Bubbles Day by Ally Nathaniel


Bubbles, a four years old girl, loves bubbles. She loves watching them, she loves touching them and she wants to learn how to blow them all by herself. Do you think it's easy? Will Bubbles be able to blow bubbles without any help?

http://amzn.to/IJn2qW" target="_blank">BUY Bubbles Day HERE



My Snow Day by Ally Nathaniel


The perfect Christmas book that will empower your child.

It’s the first day of snow and Gabbi and her siblings are about to get creative.

They have the most brilliant idea: they will build the best snow-woman ever!

This book will not only empower your child by sending the message that children can trust their own thinking and ideas, and implement them all by themselves, but will also emphasize the importance of team work.

http://amzn.to/1dvpM8R" target="_blank">BUY My Snow Day HERE



Terry Treetop and the Lost Egg by Tali Carmi


This fun children's picture book is about a boy with red hair and freckles named Terry, yet everybody calls him Terry Treetop because he loves climbing trees. Terry finds a small egg, and his quest is to bring it back home to its mom. But where is the egg's home? Does the egg belong to a turtle on the sand or a crocodile's spring water? Did it come from a frog in a pond or a chicken in the wild?



Terry Treetop Finds New Friends by Tali Carmi


Want to Help Your Kids Win Friends?
#1 Best seller in Children's Action & Adventure Books !
(Animal Habitats & Environment children's book collection)

This is a wonderful book about a boy named Terry, but everybody calls him Terry Treetop because he loves climbing trees. Terry was alone, so he went on a journey to find new friends to invite to his new tree house. He almost gives up when a new opportunity comes his way.

Will Terry use this opportunity to find new friends?

http://bit.ly/1axlycT" target="_blank">BUY Terry Treetop Finds New Friends HERE



Where is My Home? (Terry Treetop Series) by Tali Carmi


This fun children's picture book is about a boy with red hair and freckles named Terry, yet everybody calls him Terry Treetop because he loves climbing trees.

 

Terry is chasing a beautiful butterfly and wants to go back home.

 

But where is Terry's home?

And how can he find his way home?

Does the rabbit in the borrow know? Does the beaver in the lodge know?

Maybe the fawn's mother knows? Or can Susanne the squirrel help him?


http://bit.ly/1ahzDwS" target="_blank">BUY Where is My Home? (Terry Treetop Series) HERE



Just The Way I Am by Idan Hadari


This is a touching and funny story, about a young child that discovers that he has a birthmark on his hand. He learns how to deal with it right up to the surprising end.

A great deal of time and effort was invested in the illustrations of this book, as well as the idea behind the story, and binding it all together into a lovely children's story with great values.

If you would like that your child not misses out on opportunities in life because of his/her lack self-confidence; whether it be public speaking; taking on leadership roles, or asking someone for a date; then we should teach them the lessons of how to face the challenges and situations they may not be equipped to handle, while they are still young, and before it is too late. Self-esteem determines how successful they will become. Low self-esteem and confidence can affect even the most powerful men and women, no matter how smart, educated or "attractive" they are.



Andrew’s Claim to Fame by Idan Hadari


This children's book is a touching story, full with all sort of feelings & emotions that you can share with your child. They might have a problem in school/pre-school or any other social activity to win friends or to be noticed an accepted as "One of the group".

Would your children like to be famous as soon as possible?
Are they impatient about life in general (I want this and right now!)?
Are they unaware of their gifts?
Are they dreamers, but don't have enough faith?

This is a touching and funny story, about a young child that wants to be famous ASAP.
He learns how to deal with it right up to the surprising end. A great deal of time and effort was invested in the illustrations of this book, as well as the idea behind the story, and binding it all together into a lovely children's story with great values.




Noah’s Petting Zoo by Idan Hadari


This is a wonderful children's bedtime & dreaming story about an old house (Noah) in a new neighborhood,
which is about to be demolished to make way for a new building.
Andrew, a young child, who loves to play with his friends nearby, is doing everything he can to save the old house.

Will Andrew be able to save the old house Noah?

Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out what happened.

More about this Children's Zoo Book:
The short story demonstrates to children how to crusade for what they believe in; to be more environmental friendly;
how to help one's fellow man; what true friendship is; and of course, to like and to play with all of the adorable animals in the story.

Bonus - A FREE Video Book Inside

" target="_blank">BUY Noah’s Petting Zoo HERE


CHRISTIAN FICTION



Texas Fires by E.E. Kennedy


The jury has found the woman guilty of arson, but young teacher and jury foreman Amanda Rojas  wants to know more. While devastating prairie fires threaten the community, she investigates the tragic story of love and revenge. Someone is trying to prevent the truth from coming out, and soon Amanda realizes that she must decide where her heart lies while the fires come ever closer. A life depends on it.





The Gingerbread House by Jacqueline Hopper


Keren Joel has a phobia and, without realizing it, she's passed it on to her son, forcing her to seek professional help. What she doesn't expect to find is the man who'd been her best friend, twenty years earlier, and his shrine to a moment that forever changed the adults they became.



Shadows of Doubt by Susette Williams


Raffealle Gellermine has a very protective uncle and two protective brothers. They never like the men she brings home. Mathew Flannigan has a past, but for the life of her, she can’t figure out why her Uncle Rob and her brothers are trying to encourage a relationship between them. Could her brothers be right? Does she unconsciously choose the wrong type of men? Can she trust Mathew? Especially with her heart?

Will shadows of doubt keep Raffealle from finding true love? Or will Mathew steal more than her heart?



Falling in Love by Susette Williams


Katie Morgan has her future planned. It doesn't include becoming serious about anyone before she achieves her goals, not even her handsome boss. Just because she does not have time to date, doesn't mean her boss shouldn't. Her new mission...to make her boss happy, whether or not he wants to be.

Wade McAlester fell in love with Katie the first day she walked into his clinic looking for a job. He hired her, content to settle for friendship until she lives out her dream of becoming a vet. Against his better judgment, Wade allows her to fix him up with a couple of her friends. The dates are disastrous. He can't believe the kind of women Katie seems to think he'd enjoy spending his life with. However, when Wade's old colleague, Dr. Laura Redmond shows up, Katie is rethinking how happy she wants her boss to be, and with whom. Definitely not the gorgeous doctor.



Honorable Intentions by Susette Williams


Have you ever wished you had a second chance with someone?

Brand Stanford married Monica because she claimed to be carrying his child. Their marriage was one of convenience--for her. When they had finally become a happy family, Monica was killed in a skiing accident. Now, Brand is faced with having to raise their three-year-old daughter on his own.

Tessa Duggan's family had been lifelong friends with the Stanfords; and even remained in contact with them after moving out of state. Tessa kept secrets to herself for nearly ten years. She'd loved Brand for as long as she could remember.

Having raised a son on her own, Tessa knows what it's like to be a single parent. When Brand's wife dies in a skiing accident, Tessa agrees to help Brand's mother take care of his three-year-old daughter during the summer.

Is it a chance for them to start over again? Or will Brand break her heart the second time around?



Christmas in Nashville by http://elainelittau.com

" target="_blank">Elaine Littau


Bill and Betty Wall's popularity in the Country Music Scene is growing. Looking from the outside-in everything about her life seems perfect. Being a newlywed is nothing like she imagined and worry about Joey, her brother who is MIA from the Vietnam War, keeps her up at night.

Betty's parents had tried everything they could think of to get information about him only to find that he was released from a POW camp and sent to the USA. Where could he be? Why didn't he come home to Oklahoma?

After receiving a letter from a private investigator in regards to the child she put up for adoption over two years ago, Betty's life was further complicated. Her hopes were high that she might be able to mother the child she gave away only to be faced with court appearances and setbacks that stretched her faith in God to the limit.




Walk Slowly Through the Dark by http://elainelittau.com

" target="_blank">Elaine Littau


As soon as the wedding bells stopped ringing Roy and June Miller had to make adjustments in living as a married couple. Roy was a rough and gritty lawman who struggled to express emotions for his wife. June was a love-starved woman who had never heard words of endearment expressed in the way her heart needed. Would a separation make the marriage stronger or kill the love that had begun to grow? Set in the 1880s, Walk Slowly Through the Dark, takes the reader into the high altitude of a mountain top in Colorado. New characters are introduced and familiar characters face their own walk through the dark in hopes of reaching the light.




Capture the Wandering Heart by http://elainelittau.com

" target="_blank">Elaine Littau


In 1866 Palo Duro Canyon, Texas, a medicine woman's skills were put to the test as her little boy, Nobel, watched. A series of events began on that day and eventually drove him from the place that he loved until, years later, he returned to the canyon with his wife, Myrtle, and their children, There they fight against evil from the past and present.
Myrtle and her friend, Sally, were rescued from a brothel as children. Sally takes the arduous trip to Texas in search of the mother who sold her to the evil man who took the girls to the mining camps of Colorado.

Filled with romance, adventure, and history, Capture the Wandering Heart will hold you to the last page.




Time and Again by Deborah Heal


It’s like being there. . . only you can fast forward or rewind.

Abby thinks tutoring a “disadvantaged adolescent” as her college service project will be a snap. But the girl has been closed down ever since her parents’ divorce, especially since she was forced to move to a dilapidated old house. But then their crazy computer program invites them to “Take a Virtual Tour"…a tour of the past when the house was new and a girl named Charlotte Miles lived there 160 years before.




Unclaimed Legacy by Deborah Heal


The olden days aren’t all they’re cracked up to be . . .

Abby's time-surfing software comes in handy when she and her friends agree to help the "Old Dears" next door with their family tree. Except they learn more about one of the ladies’ ancestors than they ever wanted to know. Convicted in 1871 of murder and arson, Reuben Buchanan is a blight on the family’s reputation. But was he really guilty? Abby and John must get inside the mind of a murderer to find out.




Every Hill and Mountain by Deborah Heal


Visiting another century...not the summer vacation she had
planned.

Those who have read Time and Again and Unclaimed Legacy know that Abby Thomas is a college student on a summer service project.  And they know that she has discovered a strange computer program that lets her fast-forward and rewind life.  Not her own, of course, but those of the people who used to live in old houses.  But "time-surfing" in the Old Slave House is almost too much to bear.  Yet Abby and her friends are reminded that God is in the business of redemption--that one day he'll make all things new.




A Heart's Home by Laura J Marshall


S et in 1746, India

Born in England and raised in India by her father after her mother's untimely death, Asyra has been ostracized from her small village most of her life. News of her impending marriage arranged by her grandmother back in England only serves to confuse her further about who she is and where she fits in. When Madras is attacked by the French before Asyra's ship sails, she must pretend to be the wife of her grandmother's agent, who happens to be the elder brother of her intended. Can she move beyond prejudice to find her place in the world?



A Brother’s Vow by http://therisingmuse.com/

" target="_blank">Naty Matos


Randall Benson didn't think life could be any better. His job with the family business allowed him to travel and meet new people. His relationship with his girlfriend the model, gave his access to all the red carpet events and parties, yet there was no requirement for him to be faithful. Although his family doesn't approve of his careless lifestyle, they love him and do whatever they can to keep him from self-destructing. Yet Randall’s only concern is Randall.

Randall’s world begins to come undone after a series of unexpected events. As Randall tries to settle down and become more dependable , his twin brother Brian seems to be headed down a path that Randall is way too familiar. Brian makes an unusual request that nonchalantly he agrees to keep. He never thought that he would have to keep his word, but he does. As Randall struggles to fulfill his promise to his brother, he is confronted with challenges from his past. Will he succumb to his past and risk losing everything he’s worked so hard to accomplish?




Charlie’s Angel by Samantha Fury


Charlie's life in Northern Ohio is ordinary and consistent. When her dad loses his job, fighting becomes an everyday event. Moving in with her sister only makes matters worse. Her life is turned upside down. In a desperate attempt to find a safe haven,she ends up on the streets of Chicago.

Here she's introduced to a different kind of world. A place where crime lords and women of the night come out to play. Charlie finds herself at the mercy of Rico DeLusa, a local crime lord. When she begins having feelings for one of Rico's employees, Angel Blackwell, she wonders if she's out of her element. Is she being drawn into their world, instead of being a light in a dark place?

Blackmail, prostitution and drugs were never a part of her life, but they are now. Charlie finds herself in the middle of a fight between good and evil. She needs the strength to overcome, the wisdom to make the right choices, and the insight to follow what is right Instead of listening to her heart.




The Assumption of Guilt by Amanda Tru


Nobody stops to think what it would be like to be arrested. That just doesn't happen to normal people, right?

When a major theft happens at a party she's attending, Sophie James finds herself the prime suspect. Has she been framed or was she just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Now Sophie must convince the police, along with her cop boyfriend, that she's innocent. With no record, no motive, and no evidence, that shouldn't be difficult.

Then why does no one seem to believe her?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D40SYZQ " target="_blank">BUY The Assumption of Guilt HERE



Babel’s First Light by Sherry Chamblee


Her secret could doom the world. His honesty could save it.

Jaiyl had felt many things in her young life - betrayal, fear, loneliness, anger - but never the love of a family. She was trained only to keep the family's many secrets.

She was different, set apart, special they said - which really meant alone.
Until one day, everything changed.

Jaiyl must come to trust God, and those around her, or all was lost.

Van knew there was an entire world out there beyond his mountains, but he could never quite bring himself to get up and go see it. Then someone from out there came to him. He gets thrown into a fight he didn’t start, with powerful people who don’t want to be found. He has to figure out what really conquers all, before it’s too late.

Jaiyl is all secrets and fear, Van has nothing to hide, nothing to fear. Together they must fight for the freedom of those they love.



When a new guy comes to town, it’s time for the matchmaking to begin. Jack Adams came to Paradise because of a teaching job at the local Christian school, but he soon realizes that there are people in the church who have much bigger plans for him.

With at least two eligible, unattached young ladies in the church, Jack finds himself the gold medal prize in a matchmaking competition worthy of the Olympics. Can he avoid being handed over in the winner’s circle? Will love find him anyway?



NONFICTION



Words of Jesus Bible American Standard Version
edition prepared by http://growingthroughgracebookstore.com/?page_id=7140" target="_blank">Russell Sherrard

Words of Jesus Bible – American Standard Version. This Bible is NOT a complete Bible, it just contains the words of Jesus. Therefore, it does not contain any of the Old Testament. If you look at any Bible that has “a red letter edition” you will have a “Words of Jesus Bible”. Since the Kindle is in black, white, and shades of gray, you cannot easily tell what the Words of Jesus are. This edition puts the words of Jesus in Red. On the Kindle they appear a lighter gray than the rest of the text. Of course, on the Kindle apps for iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Kindle for PC, Kindle for Mac or the Kindle Fire these words appear in red. To try and keep the context the entire verse which Jesus speaks is included.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Y5VT8G" target="_blank">BUY Words of Jesus Bible American Standard Version
HERE


Words of Jesus Bible King James Version
edition prepared by http://growingthroughgracebookstore.com/?page_id=7140" target="_blank">Russell Sherrard

Words of Jesus Bible – King James Version. This Bible is NOT a complete Bible, it just contains the words of Jesus. Therefore, it does not contain any of the Old Testament. If you look at any Bible that has “a red letter edition” you will have a “Words of Jesus Bible”. Since the Kindle is in black, white, and shades of gray, you cannot easily tell what the Words of Jesus are. This edition puts the words of Jesus in Red. On the Kindle they appear a lighter grey than the rest of the text. Of course, on the Kindle apps for iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Kindle for PC, Kindle for Mac or the Kindle Fire these words appear in red. To try and keep the context the entire verse which Jesus speaks is included.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Y5VSTQ" target="_blank">BUY Words of Jesus Bible King James Version
HERE


Interactive Romans Road American Standard Version
edition prepared by http://growingthroughgracebookstore.com/?page_id=7140" target="_blank">Russell Sherrard

Long Ago, when the Roman Empire was at the height of its glory, a common saying was "All Roads Lead to Rome." I want to tell you about a very special road -- a road that existed then and still exists now. This road, now almost 2,000 years old, has never led to Rome. Yet, strangely enough, it is called the Romans Road.

This takes the reader to selected passages in the Book of Romans in the Bible to explain the plan of Salvation. This is the ideal way to share the gospel using your Kindle. The reader can also read the entire book of Romans un-interrupted.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FFTWFO" target="_blank">BUY Interactive Romans Road American Standard Version
HERE

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Review of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Yesterday I was going to try and do a blog post on one of my favorite Christmas stories. However I never got around to it. This post may be more to your liking because I saw another of the movies I wanted to see this year. Today I'm reviewing The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug!
I think many of you will be familiar with the story of The Hobbit, but the story in this film if you weren't clued in by its predecessor defers from the book. As I said on Twitter I daresay this is better than the book. We get to see more of other parts of Middle-Earth that were mentioned briefly in the book like Gandalf going to Dol Guldur to face the Necromancer. However there were also changes to the story that were in the book. However I will not say how so I don't ruin anything for you. I don't consider the Gandalf sentence ruining it because if you read the book you know that was mentioned, and you can tell he does that if you've seen the trailers.
The settings in this film are pretty amazing. I'd rather not say anything because I don't want to ruin anything for you. However I will say that getting lost in Mirkwood, according to the movie, is easier done than said. I know that seems odd to say, but when you see the movie you'll understand. I also enjoyed how they portrayed the Lonely Mountain and Erebor. If you have read your fantasy you know that dwarves are supposed to be expert builders. The mountain certainly goes above and beyond that expectation. However it also captures the feel of the emptiness and loneliness that I believe they were trying to give the dwarves.
I also enjoyed the styles they gave the different areas in the movie. Lake Town seemed like a place that one would expect to find in a people living under the hands (or wings) of a dragon: desperate. The people are clearly a shadow of the people of Dale and have had some attempt to reclaim that glory. However due to the few resources they have that is not entirely possible. The elves of Mirkwood forest also have a pretty cool design about them. If someone wanted to use a look that seemed both regal and wild about someone at the same time Peter Jackson and his design team accomplished it. The wood elves are dressed finely yet they are also capable of quick travel through the trees. Very nicely done.
All in all I really enjoyed this movie. I'm sorry if I seemed a little vague, but I didn't want to ruin the movie for anyone who has not seen it. If you haven't seen it and want to I would definitely recommend it.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

On publishing and Finals

Hi. The time's really been busy because finals are coming up next week and this weekend I plan to study hard to make sure I do good. It would be nice to get a really good grade. However even if I just pass the finals that'll be enough for me. It means I tried.
So what else to blog about? Oh yeah. Tonight in my Creative Writing class I learned about publishing what you write. I was told that getting a book agent is a good way to get your manuscript published. However there is something you should remember: agents don't get paid until after the book is published. If an agent asks for money beforehand, that's a good signal that you should probably try someone else. In trying to find an agent there are plenty of websites you can use. However specific agents are sometimes mentioned in the acknowledgments of a book. Conferences are also a good way to find an agent.
If you want to try to get published without an agent you can try self-publishing, but it means you'll have to work harder to get your book out there. One of the things you should do with writing is make sure your manuscript is ready. Especially if you have a series planned. Fans generally don't like to be kept waiting. I'm sorry that I wasn't patient enough in that department. Well now I know writing can be harder than we often think. However I really enjoy writing because I love the feeling I get with creating a new world and new adventures within, and being able to share that gift with others is truly a gratifying experience.
If you want to know how to get your manuscript really good what I was told was to find a critique group. A critique group is a group of people who read and give feedback on what they've written. It can be very helpful because weak areas can be spotted by others and you can get ideas for revision. One important thing to remember you don't need to use everything they say. You can consider their ideas and if you like them you could try to use them. If not, just remember they were giving their ideas. It's important to keep in mind it's your story and you are the one who is ultimately in charge.
One last thing, last night I learned of a group of students who are working on a company called The Dream Press. Basically people can submit their work and then people can read and vote on what they'd like to see published. If you have a novel you'd like to get published you can submit the first chapter as a hooker. You can even post your own covers or you can select the option of allowing someone else to create one for you, either in black and white or in color. Best part is it's not that expensive. Only around $20. Well I need to get back to writing so see you later. Oh, before I go here's a link to the website:
http://www.thedreampress.com/storyjam/

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

The Good Farmer

Hi. I meant to post this a few days ago. This was something I wrote last year for Christmas as a tale of forgiveness and brotherly love. I hope all of you enjoy it too.

Once there was a man who had a large farm and many animals. They all worked very hard for their master because he treated them well. The only one that didn’t was the mule. That animal was very stubborn and didn’t like doing anything. He kicked and bit the servants many times and laughed at those who worked. Still the man did what he could to help the donkey.
            One winter’s night the farmer was getting ready to travel to a friend’s house when he thought to check on his animals before he left. When he got to the stable he was horrified when he saw the mule was gone. Immediately he told one of his servants to go to his friend and tell him that he wouldn’t be coming because he had to go and find the animal that had run off.
            “Why do you want to find that mule?” The servant asked. “He was a stubborn beast and did nothing for your farm. He wouldn’t work; he mocked the other animals, and mistreated us. Look at your horses and your sheep and your camels and cattle. They all work and don’t complain about it. Let the mule suffer and stay with the animals that are loyal to you.”
            The farmer replied “I know that donkey was stubborn and lazy, but that does not mean anything to me. You know that I still have many animals that serve and do not complain, but the donkey needs my help the most because he wouldn’t do as he was supposed to. I cannot go and ignore him while he wanders alone and friendless. I must find him.” With that the farmer left in search of his animal.
            The cold air of the season bit into him and the wind tried to drive him back. Despite the cold and blackness of the night the farmer pressed on, determined to find the lost animal. He searched in the groves and hills and fields, but to no avail. Finally he did find the mule, caught in a trap and unable to get free. Without a delay the farmer freed the animal, bandaged his wounds, and led him back to the farm.
            “Why did you come and find me, Master?” The mule asked. “Have you forgotten that I was an idle beast and would not work for you? I mocked those who did work and would not hearken to your servants. I should have been left out to perish for all that I had done.”
            “I know you were not the kindest animal I have. I know you did not wish to work and sought to do what you wanted, and made fun of those who chose to be obedient. That does not change the way I feel. I love all of you as my own children, and to lose even one of you brings me more pain than I can bear.” The farmer replied.
Touched by his words, the donkey said, “Master, if there is anything I can do to make right all that I have done, I will do it. I will plow all of your fields alone; I will carry the heaviest provisions, or even give my hay to the others. Just say what I can do and I will do it.”

The farmer said, “All I ask is that you humble yourself and show others the kindness that I have shown you.”

Friday, November 29, 2013

Review of Frozen

Hi. Sorry this is so late. I kept getting distracted all day, and I also was eager to finish up Beyonders: Chasing the Prophecy. But enough of my excuses! You want to read a review I promised last night, so here it is.
Frozen is the next Disney animated film based off Hans Christian Anderson's classic tale of The Snow Queen. The story to me seems like a story that takes place before the events of the fairy tale we all know. It features Anna, one of the princesses of the kingdom of Arendelle, is excited because the castle is finally being opened in celebration of the coronation of her older sister Elsa. However following a little argument the two sisters have during the celebration Elsa reveals a secret she had been hiding for years: She has power over winter. Turns out Elsa hurt Anna during their childhood and had been fearing that she might hurt her again. Fear takes hold of Elsa, who is the Snow Queen if you haven't connected the dots yet, and she flees the kingdom. Anna goes off in search of Elsa firmly believing she can stop the winter she unintentionally brings upon the land. Along the way she makes several friends and learns many important lessons, including that love truly is one of the most powerful forces in existence.
I'll try to talk about some of the concepts of the film that I enjoyed without revealing any spoilers. I enjoyed how they gave a Norwegian feel to the setting of the film and its inhabitants. It serves to put everyone in a pretty far north locality which as we remember from the classic story was where the Snow Queen resided. The mountains definitely looked like they were cut by glaciers long ago and the architecture is definitely similar to what you would find in that area if you were able to take a tour. They even added some elements of the mythology of the area. I think I should stop there so I don't give away anything that might be fun.
Now let's talk a little about the characters. I still view this film as a good back story for the Snow Queen. We don't really have a clear understanding of who she is in the original tale and a lot has been left up to speculation. This may not be what Hans Christian Anderson would've gone for, but I think it does do the story justice because now, in Disney's version at least, she won't be written off as some evil sorceress as a result of what she did. Anna is also a very fun person because she's so innocent and understanding (and a little clumsy). She has the traditional feel of the Disney Princesses while still maintaining her individuality. Also she has plenty of moments in the movie where she isn't just standing around naively. She takes action and helps make some of the most important decisions. Kristoff was also a good friend in this tale. He may appear rugged and rough on the outside, but his mountain expertise and outdoor skills help out more than once and we see he does have a kind heart. Of course one person I can't leave without talking about is Olaf the snowman. He is truly a great Disney sidekick, not only because of his humor, which makes up some of the best moments in the film, but because he is also warm and loving despite being made of snow.
The animation for this film was pretty incredible. They were able to pull off some incredible feats with the ice and snow that I doubt would've been as good had they done this traditionally animated. I'm not saying traditional animation is bad because I've grown up with it and I still love it. I'm just saying a lot of the feel would've been really difficult to capture. In some moments you can still see some of the grooves in the ice and the individual snowflakes being caste up or blown in the wind would've been hard to do without the use of computers. There were plenty of moments where the light reflecting off the snow and ice really did a good job of capturing the emotions of the moment, from fear and anger to love and happiness.
The music and sound within this movie was also pretty cool. At times the music was just like traditional Norwegian melodies while other times the people at Disney were just doing their thing. Yes there are some pretty good songs in this movies which do help to establish more of the personalities of some of the characters. The wind blowing in this movie sound incredibly realistic, almost like they recorded actual winter winds. There's also plenty of convincing ice cracklings, freezings, and snow crunching throughout the movie.
While the movie isn't a one-hundred percent adaptation of the fairy tale there are still elements from the story in this movie. One thing I recognized a reference to was the splinter of ice that infected Kay's heart. I'm not saying Kay's in this movie. For all we know this could take place a while before Kay and Gerda come on the scene. However if you are familiar with the original story you'll know what I'm talking about. There are other moments when people do need to ride on Sven the reindeer, which I'm reminded of as something Gerda did in the original story. I'm glad they chose to include those references in this adaptation.
One thing I do want to talk about is the lessons we can walk away from this film with. Yes love is a big feature, but Disney breaks a lot of the cliches here. One of the biggest topics early on for Kristoff and Anna is about true love. Kristoff is saying that marrying a person you just met isn't a good idea, especially if you know next-to-nothing about them, while Anna firmly believes that you just know when you meet someone. I just realized one lesson that I didn't notice last night was to not judge others by appearances. Anyway, the biggest lesson, and one that I liked most was that they shared a lesson that love isn't just the attraction between a man and a woman shared with a short dance and brief kiss. Some of the characters explain that love is also helping others even when it's not convenient for us and giving up our wants for the needs of others.
All in all I have to say this was a well done story. I've been thinking for a while now that maybe film adaptations would be better off creating new stories set within the universe established within a book or a classic tale, and now we have another film as evidence of that. I hope I didn't bore you out with this review. I wanted to do a good job with actually analyzing it.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Holiday greetings and plans for this weekend

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. I don't have much to say here I'm afraid. However I did want to let you know I plan to see a movie this weekend to review so that's something to look forward to. Just a little FYI on where I am in writing I'm at a point where Josun might be making some new friends. Nothing like saving someone from a predator to form a friendship.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Clash of Powers

Hi everyone. I was going to do a post on Titanoboa, but I decided that since I've missed a few days that I should share something a little more entertaining. This is a short story I wrote for my creative writing class. I did it while I was waiting for a meeting and didn't expect it to be good. However this got very positive feedback. Most people have said that they saw this as an excerpt from a longer book and they would've loved to have read more. I am considering trying to expand this into a book now. We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, enjoy.
“You should’ve known better than to challenge me.”
            Malcolm glared at Horyct. This monster of a man had no idea just how strong he had become. Well soon he would update his information.
            “You should’ve known better than to destroy my home!” Malcolm retorted. The memory of that dark day burned deep into his mind. He had just been living his life along with his friends. Then Horyct showed up and began a spree of murder and terror. In a single day he had wiped out Malcolm’s town and his friends. Only he had been able to escape death.
            “What difference does it make whether I destroy a town or a planet? Eventually all things fade away. I was just hurrying things along.” Horyct said coldly, his green eyes devoid of emotion.
            “It makes a big difference to the people who call the places you destroy home! You have no right to decide when people should die or when towns should cease to exist! You may walk like a man Horyct, but deep down you’re a black-hearted demon!” Malcolm yelled. Without any warning he leapt at his foe, bringing his fist down on…the ground? The energy he released from his fists cracked the ground and left a shallow crater.
            “You have spirit, I admit.” Horyct said from behind him. “Impressive that you have awakened your gift. However that will not be enough to eliminate me. I have powers beyond any human-”
            “Zip it!” Malcolm yelled as he charged again. “You’re going down today!” Malcolm felt the power he had gained swell up in him. However there was only one way that he could unleash that power. Again he jumped into the air, ready to strike.
            Again his fists connected with the ground when he landed. Stone shards flew everywhere from the impact.
            “Have you really learned nothing from your travels? I cannot be defeated by such primitive methods. My powers of the night exceed anything your feeble mind can comprehend.” Horyct said, emerging from the shadows in front of him.
            Malcolm stood up. He had learned so much from his travels. He had gained a greater understanding of the world than he had back home. He had also learned that the old powers of legend still existed in everyone. Sadly many of those powers had become dormant. His had only awakened after he had trained with the priests.
            He had learned about Horyct and his fascination with the idea of natural selection. He wanted to know if the human race went extinct what would arise to take their place in life? To answer those questions he had gone to consorting with demons and monsters of the night. They had granted him powers over shadows and nightmares. He had become the avatar of everything the world regarded as evil.
            Malcolm on the other hand had walked down a different path. Ever since his home was destroyed he had sought out Horyct to make him pay for his crimes. That objective slowly changed to protecting others from suffering as he had suffered. That change of heart was what began to awaken his power from within. The priests of Evertime told him that the power only manifested its true potential when face with the certainty of defeat.
            “You can’t win.” Horyct gloated. “Soon the great extinction will occur and humanity will be wiped out. The time has come for them to step down and allow nature to create a better race.”
            “Like a demon race?” Malcolm said, building up the power within.
            “You may see them as nothing but demons. What I see is the truth. They have power. They have order. They have respect. What are humans? Savage, filthy, destructive parasites that live off the earth! They tear down and destroy everything they view as different. Even members of their own families! How does that sound like a higher race to you?”
            “Is that you felt when you left your home?”
            “I never had a home. I never had a family. Do you not understand? I am a clone, solely created so this pathetic species could survive! I was never regarded as a person, an individual. Just a tool to prevent extinction so the plague of humanity could continue.” Horyct snapped.
Pacing around the fiend continued, “Look at what they do! They do whatever it takes to satisfy their whims. If something unexpected comes along, they destroy it so they will not have to face the consequences! Everyone in the place where I came from had disbanded families and only select individuals were given the honor of having children. If you could call that an honor to create tools just to save a race that is slowly destroying itself. Well guess what? They can all go to the Deep Chasm for all I care! They deserve to be destroyed.”
            “And how does that make you better than them?” He was almost ready…
            A sharp pain to the head sent Malcolm across the room. How had Horyct struck without moving? What if he did move and he didn’t see it? He still felt the energy. His fists were burning, the power wanted to be released. All the people who were still living, still trying to survive this monster’s anger. He had to do it now. Horyct was moving now. Closer…closer…

            Malcolm struck.