The Secret Adventures of WriterGirl

Current Theme Song (aka what's playing on my ipod right now): Only Superstition by Coldplay.


I know you have probably already seen this around the blogosphere (trust me, I know). But it really is just far too good not to feature on Feature Fun Friday. For the very few who don't know, Maggie Stiefvater did ALL the work for this trailer herself. Yes, all. Including the music, which made my jaw drop.

I am restless when it comes to the world. I am always wanting to try something new, to always be learning something. That is one of the reasons why I love being a writer so much. Every day is new. I need that. (Wow, I'm bearing my soul here when I really didn't expect to).

So Maggie Stiefvater is kind of an awe-inspiring force. Because yes, I have also been trying to write my own music for my novels (you won't be able to see them until after my publishing contract, of course. They wouldn't make sense).

So let's do the math... There are usually 24 fps (frames per second) in fluid film (HD has 30). But she doesn't use every frame (hence the slight "jerk" of the movements), so let's even take it down to 15 fps. The actual stop motion of the trailer runs for :51 seconds. *doodling in my head...* That is 765 individual photos that she had to take and string together. Wow. It makes me appreciate the video all over again. You go Ms. Stiefvater. You rock. Go ahead, give it another watch.





And here is what happens when a publisher pitches in to make one of their own. It looks very pretty as well, but I think there is more magic in the simplicity of Ms. Steifvater's stop motion trailer.





But I bet you haven't seen this. How about a PLAY-DOH version? Yeah, cool, right?




Okay, this woman is just too cool. Look at this animated story-board for her October 1, 2009 release of Ballad. And yes, she composed the music for this too. I'll be buying this one immediately too, I think. Have a fantastic weekend everyone. Go make an adventure of your own.

Current Theme Song (aka what's playing on my ipod right now): Cemeteries of London by Coldplay (look! I'm off my Christmas binge). ;)


Okay, these are just way too cool not to show right now.

Ben and Jerry's is considering a Library-flavored ice cream. Can I say "die and go to heaven" kind of joy? Some flavor names being considered include: Dusty Stacks, Li-berry Pie, and (my favorite) Gooey Decimal System. Doesn't that just sound like something amazing with fudge and caramel all wrapped up inside? Gimmie. ^_^

And to think it all started with a facebook group. (I'm joining right now).


And this has nothing to do with anything, but my little sister found it last night and I almost choked on an almond laughing so hard. It's Titanic - in 5 seconds. I think it tells it quite... succinctly.




Oh, and I must also mention that reviewabook123 has quite a contest going. She is planning on giving away (get this) either a bookshelf of your choice or a computer desk. Ends August 29th, with a maximum of three entries (one of which you have to tell her how to fix her blog. A worthy prospect, even without the reward). I would go check it out.

Current Theme Song (aka what's playing on my ipod right now): O Holy Night by Aled Jones (yes yes, I'm still listening to Christmas music. I'm binging). :)


Someone has raised a concern to me about the Once upon a time contest. There seems to be something unusual going on with the voting. If you have voted (and if you haven't, I totally think you should, nudge nudge), you will see that one particular choice is winning by a landslide. A very big landslide. I have checked the parameters of the voting system, and it is indeed accurately recording the choice you pick. So my conclusion is - this entrant has a lot of friends. Since the system is working properly, there is nothing I can do because I gave this contest over to you.

Go gather all your friends, family members, puppies, and voodoo dolls and tell them to vote for the one you think should win. You still have three days. This landslide does take some of the anticipation away, so I say, put it back in your court. It's all in your hands. Go out and have fun with it. Facebook, Twitter, bribe your neighbors with cookies, all those effective networking techniques you know (I'm particuarlly fond of the last one myself). You still have plenty of time. The "unnamed one" ;) received over 4/5 of their votes in a single day. You can do it! Go forth, and remember to have fun with it. This contest was only supposed to be fun. :)

Current Theme Song (aka what's playing on my ipod right now): Stille Nacht by the Vienna Boys' Choir (I've been listening to Christmas music all day so shhh).


I wonder how many "challenges" I can possibly take on... (I am feeling a bit like Marty McFly from the second Back to the Future right now). After having a themed month, I feel a little lost without one. However, there is something special going on this month that almost serves as a theme. Color Online has set up an interesting challenge, and (as you are quickly discovering) you know I can't resist a good challenge. *wicked grin* She has pointed out the weighted lack of non-white main characters in books. She has challenged all within hearing to take up the banner and try to review as many books of different ethnicity this month, and not just the token "McBook" of the month.

I found this to be quite a unique and engaging challenge, and as I looked over my repertoire of books I wanted to share with you, I see that several deal with a diverse range of ethnicities (I'm eclectic, I know). This got me stoked. I had wanted to spread them out over time, but now I think I will pick a few choice ones to share with you this month while this challenge is going on. I completely endorse broadening horizons, and I would love to see some of these books come to a more prominent light. Here is a sweet list of YA SF/F books of ethnicity to whet your palette on.

So I am going to try to do as many as I can. Reviewing is something a bit new to me (as you can tell from my one review so far *facepalm*). I won't tell you which book is first, but I may give you a hint. Think hot. Very hot (and a surprising bit of cold). I know, that's no clue at all, but hopefully I will have it up soon, so as to not keep you in suspense. I just have to hopefully nail an interview first.

I had another extreme adventure yesterday (hence why no post - sorry 'bout that). If I can get a picture of it, I'm totally showing you all my newest, latest, and most hot-awesome caper yet. >_< (can that be a scrunched-up face of happy joy?) :)

Current Theme Song (aka what's playing on my ipod right now): Stay With Me by LIBERA



Now we're onto the FINAL ROUND of voting. *cue fanfare* ^_^ Congratulations everyone, you have all done fantastic. I have been so excited for this contest and it seems you all were equally stoked. You made this contest and all of fairy tale month. Kudos and confetti to you all.

Here are the top 20 entries that made it into the final round, in no particular order. They're good. Some are more than a little hilarious. I don't think I need to describe too much. I trust you smart cookies to know what to do. All the basics are thus:

Voting begins: Now.

How many votes: Uno.

Voting ends: Saturday August 8th, 11:59 PM PST.

Should you vote?: Yes. Yes you should.


Good luck and I can't wait to see the winner!

Once there was... oh, forget it.

There was a beautiful princess that lived in a beautiful palace-- But this story is not about her it's about...

In a place between the light and dark...

Back before ninjas killed the fairies...

In and in-between...

It all started with a paper cut...

Frankly My Dear I don't give a Dam if you don't believe in Fairies...

If you're reading this now, it's probably too late...

When the land was still young and fresh...

Once upon a death...

According to your crazy Uncle Sal, God-rest-his-soul...

One day long ago...

It was a beautiful summer day and the zombies sat quietly decaying...

When you feel a soft touch on your skin or see a small babe smile then you have been near the faire...

The beginning of our tale started long ago...

When the days were old and the nights were cold and toilets were not yet invented...

Once upon a particular position in the space-time continuum...

Before silly girls threw themselves at bloodlusting vampires...

Hidden in the shadows of the earth...

In a world not unlike our own...

P.S Being just me, I mixed up my days again (I swear, it doesn't happen that often) ;) So there were actually 104 votes. Incredible. We broke the triple digits! This requires a Snoopy happy dance. You guys are so cool. Vote away!