{RNW} Readers Weigh In

Ramblings of a Night Writer continues after one week off!  Last week was simply too hectic for me and life interrupted the writing in my neck of the woods.  I am slowly getting back on the horse this week on multiple levels, including {RNW}!  Last week, I had the opportunity to attend two very different author events, featuring Andrea Cremer and Thrity Umrigar.  Both were fascinating for very different reasons.  Then, earlier this week I was chatting with a friend about books, and a similar topic came up that was mentioned briefly in last week's events.  It really got me thinking about writing from a reader's perspective and wondering what a potential audience loves to read in books.  So today, I turn to all my fabulous readers to share your thoughts!

Tell Me:  What is it that hooks you to a book?  Is is well established characters?  Characters that you can relate to on multiple levels?  Or, is it the plot?  Does the story have to have tension to be a success in the reader's eyes?  Or, is it a fine balance of both?

As for me, I have come to truly love character development.  I have found myself reading a horrid book simply because I want to know what happens to a character that I have discovered some sort of connection with.  My case in point:  Anna Karenina!  I love to explore a character, his strengths and particularly, his flaws that make him that much more real to me.  Sometimes I care about the plot.  Sometimes tension can be important.  BUT, I find myself more invested if there is a character that stirs a strong emotion in me or feels familiar.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of the most delectable underdog stories of all time.  It follows the story of Charlie, a young boy that lives in poverty.  Every day, he walks past Willy Wonka's factory smelling the sweetness in the air and dreaming of what could be.  When he chances upon a priceless golden ticket to visit the factory that has been reclusive for years, he has the experience of a lifetime that could forever change his life.

Dahl's imagination takes the reader into scenes that leaves one hungering for more.  Who wouldn't want to drink from a chocolate river fed by a chocolate waterfall?  Can you imagine a diet plan that consists of full course meals ingested via one stick of gum?  Any young child (and maybe a few adults like myself!) would like lick-able wall paper!  Have I convinced you yet just how yummy this tale is?!?

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of my household's favorite reads!  My son requests this book on a regular basis and I happily oblige. Every.  Single.  Time!

Have you sampled Dahl's classic?  What would be one of your favorite treats from the tale?

Fables #2: Animal Farm by Bill Willingham

Not long ago, I discovered the first in the Fables series, Legends of Exile.  In Willingham's creation, the characters from our favorite fairy tales are exiled from their home lands to our's.  In the second installment, Animal Farm, we follow Snow White and Rose Red to the property that houses the non-human Fables.  Their routine visit turns into a fight for their lives and they must choose which side they will decide to fight for.

Willingham has once again awed me with his talent and creativity.  I am hooked on this world the author has drawn to life, the interpretation of the classic characters in our modern world, and the amazing illustrations that accompany the story.  I cannot wait to read the next installment!

WARNING:  This is a graphic novel meant for an older audience!

Have you stepped into the land of the Fables?  If so, who would you rank as your favorite character(s)?

Monday Maunder: January 23, 2012

According to dictionary.com, Monday is the second day of the week, but the first work day.  I have always really considered it the first day of the week.  I like to end on relaxation, then start the week off with a bang; however, it often starts out with me waking up on the wrong side of the bed and grumbling that I would rather stay home reading!  Even when I was a stay-at-home mom, I still had this experience on Monday mornings.  What really is the issue with this day that it is so ingrained in our brains that Mondays are horrible, mundane, or simply manic?  I have never understood it, but it continues over and over and over again.  And for that reason, I am going to leave you with a bit of "Manic Monday" by the fabulous Bangles . . . let it play over and over and over again in your mind, since I now have it playing in mine thanks to this random maunder!

ON READING

My reading stack is the same as last week:  The Count of Monte Cristo, audiobook of Wintergirls, and reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with my son. This will be the week that I complete at least one of these books, if not two!  I have more time for reading this week, so I'm really hoping to get through some of these amazing books, especially the one that weighs the same amount as my car!

On another reading front, I attended two amazing author events this last week:  Andrea Cremer, author of Nightshade and Thrity Umrigar, author of the new release The World We Found.  The two events were much different, but each left me inspired in different ways and I cannot wait to dive into both of these books.

ON WRITING

Writing was once again a complete failure this week.  With an event every night this last week, I did not have a lot of time for anything to be quite honest.  My evenings are back to being free this week and I look forward to writing ahead on the blog as well as getting a few personal projects done as well, including coverage of the two events mentioned above.

ON LIFE

Life has really not been that interesting beyond the usual book-ish chatter.  I completed the first week of my new meal plan and do believe that I can count that as a success.  Where I used to drink three to four regular sodas a day, I have now moved to one Pepsi Max (0 calories) a day!  I did decrease my carbs, which was very difficult, but I am overall feeling good about my current plan.  The plan this week is to ease back into a regular exercise routine, even if it may be walking on my lunch breaks.  As for the pounds shed ... I do not know!  I have yet to step on a scale and probably will not for a couple more weeks!

That's it for me!  Tell me ... What's on your mind for this Manic Monday?!?

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Interpreted by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young

Many of us know the story featuring the beloved Dorothy and her companions, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion.  When L. Frank Baum created the world of Oz, he also created a classic that will last for ages.  Spinoffs, including my personal favorite Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, are not uncommon and neither are devoted fans.  Eric Shanower is one of these fans, bringing out his love of the original story with the help of artist, Skottie Young in graphic novel form thanks to Marvel Classics.

When I saw this graphic novel at the library, I knew I had to bring it home and take a peek.  My peek revealed a tale that was true to the original, though the visuals did not completely match my own imagination.  Some character interpretations I absolutely loved; case in point was the Cowardly Lion.  One in particular left me unsettled:  the Scarecrow.  The others grew on me and the overall illustrations kept me staring at the pages long after reading the words printed on them.

Despite the difference in views, I still enjoyed this novel and the perspective presented by a true fan of Oz.  If you are one of these fans, you may enjoy getting lost in Shanower and Young's version, too!

What are some of your favorite interpretations or retellings of Baum's Oz?

Walrus Report: Quatrain by Sharon Shinn

Time for another check in with the Walrus!  Earlier this week, I reviewed Quatrain by Sharon Shinn over at Walrus Publishing.  This short story compilation is filled with angels, alternate worlds, princesses, and mystics, and serves as a quick introduction to Shinn's novels.  This first book of the year for me was a great way to start off the year.  You will not want to miss clicking over to read more, including which story was one of the favorites to write by the author!

Have you ever read Shinn before?  Would you recommend the next Shinn title for this new fan?

Monday Maunder: January 16, 2012

For today's Monday Maunder, we go straight to business . . .

ON READING

I am still reading The Count of Monte Cristo as I type this.  In fact, I am currently on page 1026 of 1462 pages. I am really enjoying this story, but I must tell you that the story is VERY detailed and I cannot wait to see how the story ends. Hopefully, by the time I maunder next week, this book will be complete!

I am also still listening to Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson.  I am about half-way through this one and all I can say is this author has an amazing way of writing!  She describes things in such an unique, yet beautiful way, even despite the topic.

Lastly, my son is loving Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone!  We are almost at the end of Chapter 3, but he is requesting to read this book every chance we get.  I love that he is asking questions, that I can give him a bit of hints of what is to come, and every conversation is accompanied by a twinkle in his eyes.  I only hope that it continues!

ON WRITING

This week, writing has been horrid!  I am not even going to go into further detail!

ON LIFE

Life has been busy this week, but in the little free time that I did have, I spent my time playing Words with Friends!  Being a lover of words, I have become addicted to this game!  It is so much fun!!  BUT, I do need to find a way to spend more time writing my own words instead of just playing them!

On another note, I also have signed up with some friends to do a Biggest Loser Challenge.  Today was my first day on my new menu plan, and it has already proven to be difficult.  I don't like to go drastic, so I am just working on cutting back on the soda and carbs (less breads and pastas) and increasing the greens.  I will also phase in an increased workout schedule (somewhere).  I'm not sure how it is going to go, but I do know that I'm ready to get rid of this baby weight and more!

What are you reading this week?  Did you have better luck in writing?  How about life in general?

{RNW}: Ideas & Inspiration

Welcome to another week of {RNW} ... Ramblings of a Night Writer!  Today, I would like to chat ideas and inspiration; in particular, where do your ideas and inspiration come from?  Are you inspired by another wizard of words?  Do you clip newspapers?  Do you collect pictures?  Do you keep an idea journal?

When I originally began exploring writing as a hobby, I really stuck to poetry and most of it was driven from emotion.  I would be angry, depressed, lonely, or moved in some way that words were my way of working through it all.  When I began writing here at Tif Talks Books, I did it to connect to others that would understand my love of books and the written word, but the writing continued to be cathartic for me during some difficult years.  In the past few years, story ideas, characters, and scenes began popping into my mind.  I began writing these ideas down in an idea journal.  These ideas would appear while playing with my children, while brushing my teeth in the morning, or on the ride to work.  I found my one idea journal was not always handy in these situations, so I began placing idea journals in random places around my home and carrying one with me.  I have begun sketching character traits, pasting newspaper clippings, adding pictures, and maybe even adding a few doodles here and there.  My ideas continue to grow.  I have begun connecting some of the ideas, but some still remain separate waiting to be built upon or connected someplace else.  And now, begins the task of actually putting all those ideas into words on a page and ultimately, I finished product ... but that discussion is for another day!

Tell Me:  Where do your ideas and inspiration come from?  Where do you keep them all in check?  Do you have any special tips or tricks behind the ideas and inspiration?

Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe

During the month of October, I had the pleasure of reading one my childhood classics with my son:  Bunnicula.  For those who are not familiar with the story, allow me to give you a brief synopsis:

Harold the dog and Chester the cat live comfortably with the Monroe family until a new furry member is introduced:  a rabbit with peculiar habits.  Chester begins suspecting that there is more than meets the eye with this quiet animal, particularly when the vegetables start showing up white and juiceless!  The feline is determined to expose the rabbit's secret, while Harold debates where his loyalties lie.

Bunnicula is a charming tale, perfect for the season of spooky for the younger crowd.  My son enjoyed the tale as evident by his pictures of rabbits that include fangs!  We recently discovered that Bunnicula's tale continues in a number of sequels, and they have already been added to our list of books to read together.

Have you read Bunnicula?  How about the sequels?

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol

Anya is not happy with her life.  She's embarrassed of her family, would rather ignore her heritage, and feels like she does not fit in no matter how hard she tries.  Then, she falls down a well, meets a new ghostly friend, and her world really gets weird.

Anya is a character reflective of many teens, worrying about how to conform but yet trying to also discover who she really is.  When she meets Emily in the well, Anya's life becomes more complicated, but in the end also becomes more clear.

Brosgol's debut graphic novel delivers bold illustrations, a likable character that teens (and even adults!) can relate to, and a story with a good message for those who read it.  I look forward to seeing what the author will bring us next.

Have you met Anya's ghost?  What were your thoughts?