Dream Big Blog Hop – Part 2

Yesterday, I posted my answers to the Dream Big Blog Hop.  Today, I am posting my  partner-in-crime’s answers.

I was invited to take part in the Dream Big Blog Hop.  I was originally scheduled to post on the 20th, but due to a car collision I was rather sedated and unable to attend to my blog, much less anything else for a short time.  Thankfully, I’ve been given a reprieve to go ahead and post this. 

Cody Martin was kind enough to invite me to participate in his Dream Big Blog Hop. Here are the questions and answers.

Writing is largely solitary, and sometimes a lonely endeavor. Sure, you talk to friends, experts for research, discuss what works and what doesn’t with your editor, and bounce ideas off of fellow writers. But in the end it’s one person pounding the keyboard or twirling the pencil. But what if it didn’t have to be completely alone? Who would YOU work with if you could work with anyone on your favorite project?

In this post, that’s what I’m asking. Choose a person for each category and tell why you want to work with them. If you want, feel free to post their picture, a piece of their work, or a link to something about them. The only rule is that the person must still be alive.

Writers dream. Now it’s time to dream BIG.

 

You have the opportunity to hire anybody as your cover artist. If you write children’s books or books that are heavily illustrated, who would you get for the interior artwork?

I really don’t know about artists to be honest, I mean I have always adored the work of Quentin Blake since given Dahl books as a child.I Think the Artisan series could justify a piece of his gorgeous sketch work.  As for Love Notes, I don’t know. I think Oleg Volk or Munger of Larue Tactical could do an amazing job with the weapons photography. I think so much would depend on the book really. I am also very fond of the artwork in Gail Simone’s reimagining of Batgirl post cure so it would really depend on the art style I and the publisher wanted. Although, I would be hugely tempted to contact my old friend Mark Holmes, who taught me what little I know about painting. The man can paint and draw amazingly well and make a painting look like a photo.

Obviously  we have different taste in art.  I’m sure we can come to some sort of agreement though, as long as I get my way.

 

Who would you co-write your next novel with? What genre? Why?

In many ways I have my dream writing partner working on Love Notes.  I mean, we work amazingly well together and Ellie Mack is amazing to write with, and for.   But gosh ,really I have to say other than Ellie, or Cecile Hardy who graciously covers on Storytime Trysts on occasion, I would have to go for Pratchett.  Because, well who wouldn’t want to spend time with an author who has so shaped their lives and their reading and writing style. Though I adore his work, I don’t think I am good enough to write satirical fantasy with him.  But hell, I would have a bloody good go.

Aww,  OK.  After saying such sweet things about me, maybe I’ll let him have a say in the cover art. (I have to agree, I’ve only read a few of Pratchett’s books but he would be amazing to work with.)

 

Your publisher wants to do an audiobook version of your novel and they’re not sparing any expense. Who do you think can narrate your masterpiece?

Oh God, I would love to send it to Fry but his voice is soothing and I would just drift off.

 

They’re really going all out! Your novel is getting a full soundtrack. Who should compose it? If your novel uses a lot of songs, list your compilation here.  

Um, I think it would be a mix of what I wrote it too really; Mitch Benn, the long blondes, Pulp, Voltaire, Avenue Q.   I would just go wild in the country or rather my record collection.

 

Congratulations! Your novel is being turned into a major motion picture. As the creator of the original work, you get to pick the director.

If I am being greedy, Tarantino or possibly Moffat.

Hmmm, again obvious difference of opinion here.  We’ll have to work on that.

 

The director has some ideas on who to cast, but you get to cast one character. What role/character is it and who portrays them?

Sir Oliver in Love Notes portrayed by Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo,  just this amazing, breathtaking comic but dark actor who could easily pull off the loved and lost motif I want, plus I could bag an autograph and a martini with him.

Dear Diary I would cast Laura; I’m not quite sure but I would want someone slighty larger than life, someone who makes Siam look small and waifish and who could carry the weight of being sexy and competent, caring and funny.   I have a friend I modeled her on, but I am not naming names, someone who can fill out combats as well as she can a strappy dress.

 

You’ve been hired to write a novel based on a preexisting character or franchise from another medium. Which character or franchise is it?

I think I would go for something in the warhammer 40K franchise.  There is now good no evil only war, a very dark setting for moral soul-searching, to what extent do actions and the ends justify the means, social soul-searching in scifi literature. Plus ,I am a huge fan of the games and books and would love to see my books being read and becoming part of the game world –  this world where everything is slanted and everything has a bias – everything you read could be propaganda.

 

It’s the anniversary of your favorite literary character’s debut. You’ve been hired (yay, work!) to write an anniversary novel. Who is the literary character?

Arsene Lupin – from a series by Maurice Leblanc.  He was the first counterpoint to the detective.  French, a criminal with real style, a gentleman thief.  The french raffles if you will.  He paid homage to another of my favourites the esteemed Sherlock Holmes and I would say, is the first real subversive literary anti-hero.  My love affair began reading a short story where when confronted with a notorious murderer on a train he robs him.  Leaves him bound and gagged for the constables with a note.  He was a subversive criminal but he had a line  and the frankness and charm of the character I found enthralling.  Mugging a notorious murderer and leaving the police a note of thanks and a bank account for the reward to be wired to,  all the while escorting and protecting the wife of a Prison governor that had imprisoned him.  The sheer joy of crime with elegance, with verve and beauty,  it is just a wow moment for a young boy.

Since I used his answer yesterday – as I was totally blank on this one, I shall field this one for you today.
Ramoth from Dragonriders of Pern.   I began Anne McAffrey’s Pern series when I was maybe 14.  I developed a love of her stories, an admiration for her world building before I understood what world building was.   Ramoth is the golden dragon. Ramoth was hatched from Nemorth’s last clutch, the last queen egg on Pern. She mauled two female candidates before Impressing F’lar’s choice, Ruathan-bred Lessa.

The dragons in the Pern world are western dragons, modeled after European legend and myths.  I think it would be intriguing to write things from Ramoth’s perspective.  Ramoth is  a hinge pin in the series.  To tell things from her species, from her perspective would be a challenge, but a delightfully interesting one.  Ruth of course would have to be mentioned, as he is the only white dragon and has some interesting powers of his own.

The Dreaming continues  with Abyrne Mostyn.  Don’t miss it.

Thank you Cody Martin, for including me in this!

(A little bonus blog from my co- conspirator.)

Write on my friends, write on!  When you dream, dream big!

Dream Big Blog Hop

I was invited to take part in the Dream Big Blog Hop.  I was originally scheduled to post on the 20th, but due to a car collision I was rather sedated and unable to attend to my blog, much less anything else for a short time.  Thankfully, I’ve been given a reprieve to go ahead and post this. 

I don’t know about you guys but so far this year has been horrible for me.  First the flu, then a week of drugged haze as the antibiotics and other meds affected every aspect of my life.  I played catch up for a short time then BAM!  Literally,  a head on collision.  My car is toast! See that picture up there?  Yeah, that was my baby.  It was a great little SUV.  It gave its life  for me, the paramedics said that in most head on collisions, the driver is usually seriously injured or dead.  I’m grateful to be alive and came out of it with minor injuries.  No broken bones.  Yeah, the Aztec was like a tank.  Ironically, the other ladie’s car is repairable.  RIP Aztec, or as my mother once said ” you know, one of those natural disasters” in referencing my car.  (She was thinking Avalanche but couldn’t remember that it was an Aztec.)

So, enough about that, moving onto the blog hop:

Cody Martin was kind enough to invite me to participate in his Dream Big Blog Hop. Here are the questions and answers.

Writing is largely solitary, and sometimes a lonely endeavor. Sure, you talk to friends, experts for research, discuss what works and what doesn’t with your editor, and bounce ideas off of fellow writers. But in the end it’s one person pounding the keyboard or twirling the pencil. But what if it didn’t have to be completely alone? Who would YOU work with if you could work with anyone on your favorite project?

In this post, that’s what I’m asking. Choose a person for each category and tell why you want to work with them. If you want, feel free to post their picture, a piece of their work, or a link to something about them. The only rule is that the person must still be alive.

Writers dream. Now it’s time to dream BIG.

You have the opportunity to hire anybody as your cover artist. If you write children’s books or books that are heavily illustrated, who would you get for the interior artwork?

I would choose Boris Vallejo for my cover art. When I was a teen I remember selecting my books based on the cover art.  Anything in the fantasy genre was better than the required readings of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dickens, or even the entire works of Edgar Allen Poe.  I read voraciously.  I still do, although lately I’ve spent far more time writing than reading.   Boris Vallejo’s art was always inspiring to me.  He did the covers to the Conan books before Arnold or Jason Momoa ever brought Conan to the big screen.

Dragon tattoo by Boris Vallejo

Boris Vallejo’s Art

Who would you co-write your next novel with? What genre? Why?

Katie McAlister. Because I love her sense of humor, love her writing style and have greatly enjoyed all of her books.  Mostly romance and paranormal romance, Katie tops the list of writers I would love to have a glimpse inside their heads.   Unfortunately most of the others are dead.

I don’t recall ever reading any interviews where Ms. McAlister stated whether she’s a pantser or planner but I would imagine she’s a pantser. If nothing else it would be a blast to work with her.

Your publisher wants to do an audiobook version of your novel and they’re not sparing any expense. Who do you think can narrate your masterpiece?

Wow!  This would be totally awesome.  OK, I’m going to cheat here  and give you two, first I will have to consult my co-conspirator for Love Notes.

For Kiss of the Dragon I would choose  Clive Owen to do the narrative because he has a very sexy voice.  It is deep, resonating, and purely awesome. If I was allowed two more to do the lines for characters – I would have Charlize Theron do the voice of Isabelle, and Patrick Stewart do the voice of Zane.

For Love Notes I would choose Kate Winslett to do the narrative.  I think her voice is sultry yet soothing.  The perfect mix of sexy yet innocent to convey Stephanie’s personality.   If allowed to do the lines I’d select Alex Kingston to do Stephanie’s voice, and Sean Bean to do Rob’s voice.

They’re really going all out! Your novel is getting a full soundtrack. Who should compose it? If your novel uses a lot of songs, list your compilation here.   (Hmm, Ben what do you think about this?  He offers no opinion here.)

For Kiss of the Dragon:  I would use various artists for the different chapters, or scenes.  Evenescence Bring Me To Life would be the theme song for Kiss of the Dragon. Linkin Park Burn It Down,  Skillet Monster, Katy Perry  Wide Awake, and Tiffany Thornton magic mirror.

For Love Notes:  I would choose Kings of Leon Use Somebody  for the theme song.  Other than that, I really hadn’t thought about much of a soundtrack for this one.

Congratulations! Your novel is being turned into a major motion picture. As the creator of the original work, you get to pick the director.

This has got to be every author’s dream.  I know when I write I see it playing in my head as if it were on the big screen.  I try to write it down before the scenes are forgotten.  I hate those intermissions, sometimes they last a long time.

I would hire Peter Jackson to direct  for Kiss of the Dragon, as I feel he would do my dragons justice. 

I would choose Doug Liman to direct Love Notes.   He did an outstanding job on Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Jumper.  I like his style and his visuals.

The director has some ideas on who to cast, but you get to cast one character. What role/character is it and who portrays them?

For Love Notes I would cast Michael Caine as Oliver Henry Winfield, the  head of the bureau; army buddy of Rob’s dad and godfather to Rob.  If we couldn’t get Caine for that role then Parker Posey to Play Danielle Vincenzi, Rob’s handler and spurned ex-lover.

For Kiss of the Dragon I would cast Sean Bean as Merryk, Zane’s friend and confidant.  (And the good thing is he won’t die!  Not only that he gets his own book (movie) later!)

You’ve been hired to write a novel based on a preexisting character or franchise from another medium. Which character or franchise is it?

Hehehe – I’d write a Richard Castle novel, based on his life before Beckett.  this is probably the only TV series that has captured my attention for a few years.  Since I don’t get to watch Game of Thrones, or True Blood.  *sigh*  There are aspects of living in the country that are less than stellar.

It’s the anniversary of your favorite literary character’s debut. You’ve been hired (yay, work!) to write an anniversary novel. Who is the literary character?

Hmmm,  I’ll let my co-conspirator field this one.  He’s been my consultant in certain areas, has added the male perception of Rob and has greatly improved my plot.

Arsene Lupin – from a series by Maurice Leblanc.  He was the first counterpoint to the detective.  French, a criminal with real style, a gentleman thief.  The french raffles if you will.  He paid homage to another of my favourites the esteemed Sherlock Holmes and I would say, is the first real subversive literary anti-hero.  My love affair began reading a short story where when confronted with a notorious murderer on a train he robs him.  Leaves him bound and gagged for the constables with a note.  He was a subversive criminal but he had a line  and the frankness and charm of the character I found enthralling.  Mugging a notorious murderer and leaving the police a note of thanks and a bank account for the reward to be wired to,  all the while escorting and protecting the wife of a Prison governor that had imprisoned him.  The sheer joy of crime with elegance, with verve and beauty,  it is just a wow moment for a young boy.

The Dreaming continues tomorrow with Colleen Rose.  Also, check out Abyrne Mostyn.  Don’t miss it.

Thank you Cody Martin, for including me in this!

Write on my friends, write on!  Never stop dreaming.

Illogical Thinking

Ever seen a strange phenomenon and heard someone exclaim “There’s got to be a logical explanation.” ?

There are things in this world and out of them, that confound scientific explanations.  There are glowing gaseous balls that hover over the ground in rural fields.  City slickers would freak out over this but  it’s got to do with the methane gasses emitted by the cows that were in that field earlier in the day.

There are lights in the night sky that we don’t know what they are.  Automatically our brains go “Ooh, what if that was a UFO?”
OK, well not everyone’s,  the more practical minded amongst us say “There’s a logical explanation for that.”

Carolyn Keene drew on these “mystical events” like the glowing gas balls to  confound her readers.  It added to the sense of mystery.  Creative people think of “magical” answers.  Logical analyticals think of the sensible scientific explanation.

So, being the perpetual pot stirrer that I am, I did a little scientific experiment at the last  “gathering”.   There was a recent “unexplained ” phenomenon on the news.  I wasn’t the one that brought the subject up but I was the one that perpetuated it.    At first there were sensible, logical explanations thrown out.  Government training maneuvers, top-secret aircraft, weather balloons.  (Really?  Why does everyone always say weather balloon?  Have you ever seen one?    NO, just no.)

I threw out an idea, it was off the wall ridiculous but it got things moving.  It’s amazing , when prompted how bizarre some of the explanations people can come up with.  One particular one by a very logical, rational, engineer type that  rarely  accepts anything  other than scientific proof came up with a rare species of owl that is illuminated by a chemical in its blood akin to a firefly, said chemical allowing him to hunt his prey by his own light.    Not too bad for a stoic engineer.  I could write a story around that! An owl with a glow-in-the-dark butt because lightning bugs are like chocolate to him – it could happen!

Sometimes the illogical is the logical route.  For any creative, we understand the truth in this.  The logical thinking produces the same old stuff that already exists.  But illogical thinking sparks new inventive ideas like the one I got today for a whole new story.  A mad scientist of sorts who has rather unconventional means of experimentation.  But that would be telling, so you’ll have to wait until it’s written so I can show you.

So how’s your Monday?  Who says Mondays are bad, huh?  They are new beginnings, fresh every week, a world of opportunity crammed into a 24 hour period.  What new horizons are in your Mondays?

Write on my friends, and CARPE DIEM!

If you’re anything like me and feeling stressed to the Nth degree as life overwhelms you, read this! It was a great reminder to me that I needed to unwind and destress!

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When was the last time you wondered like a kid? Not the crap we as adults wonder about: Fancy cars, a hot boyfriend or wife, huge house, money, run times … Are we forgetting anything? Today we challenge you to Wonder about creating a sense of perfection in whatever you choose to do. Just Wonder, nothing more. Creating daily experiences of Wonder can lead us to a sense of emotional and…

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