Interview with Jessica Day George

I recently had the honor of doing an interview with the wonderful Jessica Day George author of Dragon Spear, Princess of the Midnight Ball, Dragon Flight, Sun Moon, Ice and Snow, and Dragon Slippers. You can visit her website here.

Enjoy!

Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I've always loved writing stories, but when I was twelve it became a conscious decision.

In your opinion, once you get a book published does writing go from being fun to being a job?
Nope. It's even better, because now you're paid to do what you love!

Do you ever base your characters off of people you know?
Occasionally, and only minor characters, like cameos. Like one of my professors from college is the doctor in Midnight Ball, stuff like that.

When do you come up with your best story ideas?
You never know. Driving down the street, in the shower, making toast. They strike at any time!


Is there anyone who inspires you with your writing, someone you look up to?
I am a HUGE Robin McKinley geek. Also Diana Wynne Jones.

What is your advice for aspiring writers?
Please don't forget to read. And not just the type of book you're writing, but read everything you can get your hands on.


What do you think is the best way to get rid of writer's block?
Eat chocolate.

Teaser Tuesday

For this week's Teaser Tuesday (haha, yeah I know I haven't exactly made it an every week thing yet) I thought I would share the teaser trailer for Beastly starring Vanessa Hudgens. Beastly is based on the book by Alexandra Flinn. I haven't read it yet, but I have read her book A Kiss in Time and loved it so I'm sure this book is just as wonderful. Here you go people! Enjoy!!

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore 5 of 5 stars.
To be released January 2010

Nimira is a music-hall girl used to dancing for pennies. So when wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing accompaniment to a mysterious piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it will be the start of a better life. In Parry's world, long-buried secrets are about to stir. Unsettling rumors begin to swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming the halls, and Parry's involvement with a league of sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers that the spirit of a dashing fair gentleman is trapped within the automaton, she is determined to break the curse. But even as the two fall into a love that seems hopeless, breaking the curse becomes a perilous race against time. Because it's not just the future of these star-crossed lovers that's at stake, but the fate of the entire magical world.

Jaclyn Dolamore weaves a beautiful story of love, loss, lies and magic with the ease more seasoned authors envy. You will be sucked into the story as soon as you open the book. The characters are lovable and real with voices all their own. The mythology of the tale is told in a way that flows easily and seems utterly effortless. Nimira's magical and alluring world somewhat mirrors that of are own but holds its own distinctions with a solid base. I would definitely suggest this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy. There is plenty of action and intrigue. If you enjoy a fast-paced fairytale free of common cliches this is the book for you.
I look forward to seeing more from this talented author.

For fans of: The Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Gail Carson Levine, Faerie Path

New Moon- Movie Review

Twilight Saga: New Moon 5 of 5 stars

One girl, betrayed by her vampire love finds solice in the company of bestfriend and werewolf, Jacob Black. Bella finds herself going mad. Reckless actions result in an angry voice in her head, his voice.
She craves these moments of insanity and is willing to do what ever it takes to cause them. What could be more reckless than hanging out with a werewolf?
Bella needs Jacob. He's the light at the end of the tunnel for her, but what happens when Bella gets the chance to see Edward again? Can she have both?

I absolutely loved this movie. The best actors, the best music, and the best CGI all add to a wonderful script. I'll honestly be quoting this movie for the next few days. The only problem I see with it is the timeline. If you aren't a fan, and haven't read the books, I don't see how you could keep up. They go so quickly from one scene to the next, you hardly see a change. It was still wonderful though. Some things aren't exactly like the book, but it amounts to the same thing and gives the movie a bit more texture.
My favorite scene is the movie theatre scene with Bella, Jacob and Mike. But, I will say they did an awesome job casting the Volturi. The soft spoken thing was really creepy.
If you're crazy enough to think about not going to this movie, I suggest you give it a chance. Even if you aren't a fan it is enjoyable, but I think you get the most out of it if you've read the book.

Though I laughed the majority of the time, I'll admit it, I cried at the end. Bella is absolutely TOO mean to Jacob. =(

Updates

I officially deserve to be beat over the head with... something.
I am dreadfully sorry about not being on lately. I guess its just that time of year, everyone is busy. BUT I promise to make it up to you with plenty of interviews and contests between now and Christmas! =)
As for now, I am excited to say that I will be going to the midnight release of New Moon. Hooray, hooray! Really excited about that. I'm going into town early to hunt down a Team Jacob t-shirt.
I thought I would also let you all know that the wonderful HarperTeen site inkpop.com is now done with beta testing and is open to the public. It is an awesome site! Created by the publishers at HarperTeen, it takes a new view on YA publishing. Anyone can upload their novel for review by other authors. The project with the highest rank at the end of each month is sent to a review board at HarperTeen where they will decide whether or not to offer the author a publishing contract! You can find me and my Middle Grade novella Gabriela's Gift on there by looking me up. =)
I hope you all check that out and our enjoying the beginning of your holidays!

Much love,
Arya

The Struggle by L.J. Smith

The Struggle by L. J. Smith 4 of 5 stars.
A Love Triangle of Unspeakable Horror...

Damon
Determined to make Elena his queen of darkness, he'd kill his own brother to possess her.

Stefan
Desperate for the power to destroy Damon, he succumbs to his thirst for human blood.

Elena
Irresistibly drawn to both brothers, her choice will decide their fate.

The terrifying story of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them.


Again, no, I am not into vampires. I do love the Vampire Diaries TV show so, I decided to read the books. They are well written and enjoyable even if they aren't my usual thing. I'm learning that it is good to get out of your comfort zone. The Struggle ended just as abruptly as The Awakening, which was really annoying to me. L. J. Smith has certainly mastered the nail-biter. The Struggle is full of action and will keep you on the edge of your seat.