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It’s a Jane Austen World After All (Part 2)

Posted in Books, News, Recommendations on October 14, 2011| 4 Comments »

Here is the next list of modern-day writers who, in their own way, have paid homage to Jane Austen’s legendary stories. Each of these authors have written one book either inspired by Austen’s characters or based on the author herself.

They appear in alphabetical order:

Affinity and Affection by Susan Adriani

SUSAN ADRIANI
“Affinity and Affection”
Released on November 20, 2008

What if Mr. Darcy did not simply ride away in anger when he met with Mr. Wickham that day in Meryton? What if he had actually warned Elizabeth Bennet of that gentleman’s despicable character? This book explores the possibility of what might have happened had the proud and haughty Mr. Darcy decided to come down off his high horse to lay his personal dealings with his childhood friend and father’s former favorite open before the eyes of the bewitching Elizabeth Bennet.

A Jane Austen Education by William Deresiewicz

WILLIAM DERESIEWICZ
“A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and the Things That Really Matter”
Released on April 28, 2011

The novel reveals the remarkable life lessons hidden within, employing the author’s own experiences to demonstrate the enduring power of Austen’s teachings. Progressing from his days as an immature student to a happily married man, the book is the story of one man’s discovery of the world outside himself.

Vanity and Vexation by Kate Fenton

KATE FENTON
“Vanity and Vexation: A Novel of Pride and Prejudice”
Released on June 16, 2005

What happens when the BBC descends on the quiet North Yorkshire town of Maltstone to make a new version of Pride and Prejudice? For one thing, it upends the life of writer Nick Bevan, who’s holed up in Maltstone to work on a novel. In this gender-bending retelling of Jane Austen’s classic, Nick and his neighbor and best friend John stand in for Elizabeth Bennett and her sister, Jane, while the parts of Darcy and Mr. Bingley are taken by Mary Dance, the film’s formidable director, and Candia Bingham, the leading lady. Both romances are beset with difficulties similar to the ones Austen devised. Is the romance between John and Candia a mere fling? Will Nick and Mary overcome their initial dislike and give in to mutual attraction? It’s fun to look for parallels with the original, but though Fenton borrows freely from Austen’s plot, she also adds her own twists. The result is brisk and entertaining, a good choice for readers looking for something clever, with an English accent.

NOTE: This book was originally released as Lions and Liqorice in 1995.

An Arranged Marriages by Jan Hahn

JAN HAHN
“An Arranged Marriage”
Released on June 7, 2011

Can a marriage of convenience ever lead to true love? Immediately after Elizabeth Bennet refuses Mr. Darcy’s proposal at Hunsford, her father dies, leaving Longbourn entailed away and little fortune to sustain his widow and daughters. Six months later, the Bennet family receives a visitor with a most unusual offer that promises to save the family from financial and social ruin. Elizabeth’s sense of duty forces her to enter into an arranged marriage with a man she does not even like.

Austenland by Shannon Hale

SHANNON HALE
“Austenland: A Novel”
Released on August 10, 2010

The book is about a thirty-something Jane, who fantasizes about Jane Austen’s heroes (particularly Mr. Darcy) while her real-life relationships flounder. She gets the tantalizing chance for a two-week holiday at an exclusive English estate where guests can experience Regency England, complete with Austenesque actors to romance them.

NOTE: Shannon has another Austenland book coming out in January called “Midnight in Austenland”.

Mr. Darcy Presents His Bride by Helen Halstead

HELEN HALSTEAD
“Mr. Darcy Presents His Bride: A Sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice”
Released on March 23, 2007

This book continues the story of the newlyweds as they enter London’s glamorous high society, finding Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy entangled in the frivolity and ferocity of social intrigues. Although Elizabeth makes a powerful friend in the Marchioness of Englebury, the rivalry and jealousy among her ladyship’s prestigious clique threatens to destroy the success of her new marriage.

NOTE: This book was originally published under the title “A Private Performance: A Sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice” in 2005.

Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman by Maria Hamilton

MARIA HAMILTON
“Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman”
Released May 1, 2011

When Elizabeth Bennet refuses his hand, Darcy is devastated and makes it his mission to change. By every civility in his power, Darcy slowly tries to win her affections, but Elizabeth is not easily swayed. Darcy vows to unlock the secrets that will make her his. He curses himself for his social awkwardness and appearance of pride, and sets out to right the wrongs he’s done her family. Elizabeth’s family and friends misunderstand his intentions, and being in Elizabeth’s presence proves to be both excruciating for the shy Darcy and a dream come true. For the first time in his life, he must please a woman worth having, and the transformation leads him to a depth of understanding and love that he never could have imagined.

Beloved by P. M. Harding

P. M. HARDING
“Beloved”
Released on September 29, 2010

Elizabeth Bennet is the surviving twin daughter of the Bennets of Longbourn. For her own safety, she was taken as a newborn to Staffordshire and raised as the true daughter of a wealthy family. She grew up knowing the Darcys of Pemberley, forming a crush on Fitzwilliam Darcy as a child, and sharing with them all the joys and tragedies that struck their families. Darcy was always fascinated with Elizabeth and her violet-colored eyes, even when she was just a newborn baby. This is their love story.

I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend by Cora Harrison

CORA HARRISON
“I Was Jane Austen’s Best Friend”
Released on September 28, 2010

When shy Jenny Cooper goes to stay with her cousin Jane Austen, she knows nothing of the world of beautiful dresses, dances, secrets, gossip, and romance that Jane inhabits. At fifteen, Jane is already a sharp observer of the customs of courtship. So when Jenny falls utterly in love with Captain Thomas Williams, who better than Jane to help her win the heart of this dashing man? But is that even possible? After all, Jenny’s been harboring a most desperate secret. Should it become known, it would bring scandal not only to her, but also to the wonderful Austen family.

Jane Austen’s Guide to Dating by Lauren Henderson

LAUREN HENDERSON
“Jane Austen’s Guide to Dating”
Released on January 12, 2005

Utilizing wisdom inspired by Jane Austen’s novels, this guide creates an indispensable guide for navigating the all-too-mystifying dating scene. Harnessing the triumphs and pitfalls of Austen’s classic characters, the book shows how qualities like honesty, self-awareness, and forthrightness always win the right man — and still let you respect yourself in the morning.

Longbourn’s Unexpected Matchmaker by Emma Hox

EMMA HOX
“Longbourn’s Unexpected Matchmaker”
Released on April 15, 2010

Elizabeth Bennet, the second of five daughters to Mr. Thomas Bennet has caught the attention of the rich and handsome Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy almost from the moment he laid eyes on her, but when he purposefully misinterprets her families expectation of her marrying well and slights her in a way unknown to those who have always loved Jane Austen’s acclaimed Pride and Prejudice, he must leave forever or make amends. Sulking in the library he determines to leave the place and give her up, but is waylaid by a member of the Meryton neighborhood who claims an intimate acquaintance with the Bennet family and offers up advice on how to win Elizabeth’s heart. Longbourn’s Unexpected Matchmaker puts a spin on Pride and Prejudice that no one would ever expect as Colonel Fitzwilliam attends Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to Netherfield, Elizabeth Bennet is witty enough to detect the motives of Mr. Darcy’s long time enemy Lieutenant Wickham and Georgiana Darcy is bold enough to defy her brother and cousin and comes to Meryton in the midst of a storm. Not to mention Caroline Bingley, Lieutenant Wickham and Lady Catherine are all working against our hero and heroine ever finding their own happily ever after.

My Jane Austen Summer by Cindy S. Jones

CINDY S. JONES
“My Jane Austen Summer: A Season in Mansfield Park”
Released on March 29, 2011

A down on her luck woman goes on an Austen-inspired journey of self-discovery. After Lily Berry loses her mother, gets dumped by her boyfriend, and is fired, she finds in her passion for all things Jane Austen (Jane, indeed, is Lily’s imaginary friend) an escape route: she travels to England to participate in a Jane Austen re-enacting festival. Full of enthusiasm—but not acting talent—Lily is not embraced by many of the Janeites, but this doesn’t prevent her from meeting a charismatic actor, contending with an impossible roommate, and struggling with dark family secrets, all while trying to find the courage to be the protagonist of her own story.

Darcy and the Duchess by Mary Anne Mushatt

MARY ANNE MUSHATT
“Darcy and the Duchess”
Released on August 28, 2010

A historical romance what-if story where before meeting Fitzwilliam Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet meets and marries Rafael Gainsbridge, the Duke of Deronshire. At only eighteen her life takes a very different turn, yet many of the same characters, adventures and villains accompany her as she journeys through her life as wife, mother and widow. As her heart heals from the premature death of her husband, she learns to love again finding the strength to protect her family and win the love of her lost husband’s best friend, Fitzwilliam Darcy. But can their growing and often thwarted understanding survive the villainous plotting of George Wickham.

Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter

ALEXANDRA POTTER
“Me and Mr. Darcy: A Novel”
Released on June 12, 2007

Emily Albright is a 29-year old New York bookstore manager, who half-seriously blames Jane Austen’s Fitzwilliam Darcy for her abysmal dating life: Darcy sets the bar too high. As Christmas approaches, Emily, to avoid a holiday with co-worker Stella, signs up for a tour of Darcy territory, lighting out, amusingly, with a gaggle of gray-haired Darcy maniacs. As the tour group weaves in and out of Darcy locales, Emily butts heads with Spike Hargreaves, a handsome young journalist interviewing the group. Soon, the jet-lagged, drink-laden Emily finds herself, time traveling and meeting Mr. Darcy himself, complete with frock coat. As her acquaintance with Darcy deepens, Emily, to her great surprise, finds herself thinking about Spike.

A Noteworthy Companion by Laura Sanchez

LAURA SANCHEZ
“A Noteworthy Courtship”
Released on December 21, 2009

What if the Netherfield party had not left Hertfordshire immediately following the Netherfield Ball, and what if Mr. Darcy in particular had given himself inducement to remain? Comical entanglements and exploits thicken the familiar plot as various characters break their canon form. Two are repeatedly drawn to the bookshop in Meryton with little explanation, and a gentleman from Kent is not so easily dissuaded as he might otherwise have been. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are as lackadaisical and troublesome as ever, and Mr. Bingley and Miss Jane Bennet are left to their own inclination without the untimely interference of their friends. A new set of characters allow the escapades to continue before finally a resolution can be reached, with much the same happily ever after as Jane Austen intended.

Promises by Wendi Sotis

WENDI SOTIS
“Promises”
Released on July 8, 2011

Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy meet as children. Over the years, their feelings for each other grow, but what will happen when unfortunate circumstances and interfering family members seek to keep them apart?

The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Mary Street

MARY STREET
“The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy”
Released on March 4, 2008

This book tells the true motives and mysteries of Elizabeth Bennet’s enigmatic suitor. Through Darcy’s eyes we discover the reality of his relationships with his sister Georgiana, his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam, the dastardly Wickham, his friend Bingley, and his formidable aunt, Lady Catherine. And of course, all his memorable encounters with Elizabeth, from that first view of her fine eyes to his disastrous proposal, and then to a pride and arrogance tempered by an unquenchable love.

Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man by Brenda Webb

BRENDA WEBB
“Fitzwilliam Darcy An Honourable Man”
Released on April 15, 2011

This is another variation on the familiar story with Darcy leaving England after his disastrous proposal was refused at Hunsford. He spent two lonely years in Scotland and Ireland before returning home to face Elizabeth Bennet, certain that he could regard her as an indifferent acquaintance. Events that transpired in his absence have left Elizabeth a changed woman. The victim of a marriage by deception to Count Stefano, she has suffered greatly at his hands. Will Mr. Darcy rescue the woman he vowed to forget?

The Darcys of Pemberley by Shannon Winslow

SHANNON WINSLOW
“The Darcys of Pemberley: The Continuing Story of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice”
Released on July 30, 2011

Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy have been married for almost a year, and their heated arguments are a thing of the past. All that passion is now directed into more satisfying pursuits. But how long can the honeymoon last? The couple’s idyllic life together at Pemberley is jeopardized by the secrets they begin keeping from each other, the troubles of their closest friends, and the threat of a villain in their midst.

More lists coming soon…

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It’s a Jane Austen World After All (Part 1)

Posted in Books, News, Recommendations on October 11, 2011| 2 Comments »

As any avid reader of classic literature will tell you, Jane Austen is the Holy Grail – especially to women (and even some men although I’m sure they wouldn’t proclaim it as loudly as the millions of female readers do on a regular basis).

Being a relatively new Jane Austen convert – I was a little behind the ball compared to many, but I came around quickly – her novels are a beautiful work of fiction that have been immortalized not only in their original book form but also in countless films, telling and retelling the story of the vivid characters for which she created.

Even after several centuries her published works inspire people all over the globe many of whom have sought fit to pay tribute – in their own – by writing books that are variations on the original stories or developing their own stories based on characters from Jane Austen’s world or, in some instances, inspired the legendary writer herself.

In light of the countless authors who have paid homage to Jane Austen’s world, I am starting a series of articles about them so the connoisseurs of her writing can enjoy the multitude of wonderful stories that have evolved.

The modern-day writers featured below, appearing in alphabetical order, have each written one book either inspired by Austen’s characters or based on the author herself:

First Impressions: Alexa Adams

ALEXA ADAMS
“First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice”
Released on March 30, 2010

This book explores how the events of Jane Austen’s beloved novel (Pride & Prejudice) would have transpired if Darcy and Elizabeth had danced together at the Meryton Assembly. Jane and Bingley’s relationship blossoms unimpeded, Mary makes a most fortunate match, and Lydia never sets a foot in Brighton.

Expectations: Samantha Jayne Adkins

SAMANTHA JAYNE ADKINS
“Expectations: A Continuation of Pride & Prejudice”
Released on October 5, 2010

This book is a sequel to the timeless romance of Pride & Prejudice. Many have wondered if Darcy and Elizabeth would find a way to a happily ever after with a traditional family as well. The answer here comes in an unexpected way, along a circuitous route that leaves the reader guessing… and turning pages. The book begins six months after Pride and Prejudice ends, as a newly married woman, Elizabeth Darcy, agrees to throw her first ball as mistress of a large and prosperous household. At the same time, she receives a letter from her father encouraging her to produce an heir for her husband, welcomes several visitors to her home and tries to mend broken family relationships via letter. Georgiana Darcy remains unmarried, but feels the pressure to find a suitable mate. Georgiana fights off several marriage proposals while she tries not to fall in love with an old friend.

Trials of Honorable F Darcy: Sara Angelini

SARA ANGELINI
“The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy”
Released on October 1, 2009

Judge Fitzwilliam Darcy, a legal expert on both sides of the Atlantic, is ready to hang up his black robe and return to the life of a country gentleman until he meets Elizabeth Bennet, a fresh-faced attorney with a hectic schedule and no time for the sexy but haughty judge. Tempers and sparks fly in Judge Darcy’s courtroom and outside, in a series of chance encounters that give each of them pause, as the two match wits and try to fight their overwhelming attraction. When they meet up in England at an international law conference, they embark on a hot, heavy affair. Back in the States, though, ethical considerations intrude, and each is subjected to a torturous period of soul-searching before they can find their way back to each other.

A Little Bit Psychic: Aimee Avery

AIMEE AVERY
“A Little Bit Psychic” (Pride & Prejudice with a modern twist)
Released on April 24, 2009

If Jane Austen lived in the 21st Century, who knows how Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet would overcome their false impressions, mistaken pride and unfounded prejudices. Here is a possible answer. This book takes a humorous journey with post-graduate student Elizabeth Bennet as she travels to London to study for her PhD. Will her strange dreams of princesses and knights hold her back or will being just “A Little Bit Psychic” aid her in discovering that William Darcy is the love of her life?

Pemberley Shades: D.A. Bonavia-Hunt

DOROTHEA (D.A.) BONAVIA-HUNT
“Pemberley Shades”
Released on September 1, 2008

Originally published in 1949, the unusual plot takes the Darcys into the realm of the Gothic. Mr. Darcy must appoint a new rector at Pemberley, which affords the author the opportunity to introduce a host of new characters to mingle with the beloved and familiar ones of Jane Austen. A delightfully witty plot, full of surprises:-Who could have foretold that Dr. Robinson, who had done nothing of note in all his lifetime should, by the common and natural act of dying, set in motion a train of events so strange, so startling, so far removed from probability as to emulate the riotous fancies of a disordered mind?

What Would Jane Austen Do?: Laurie Brown

LAURIE BROWN
“What Would Jane Austen Do”
Released on May 5, 2009

Modern-day Regency fashion expert Eleanor Pottinger consorts with ghosts and travels in time when she discovers her hotel room is haunted by sisters Mina and Deirdre Cracklebury, and she agrees to a deal: she will save their brother, Teddy, from a deadly duel by keeping the wicked Lord Shermont from seducing one of the sisters, in trade for meeting Jane Austen. Eleanor wakes up in 1814, meets smarmy Teddy and is instantly attracted to Lord Shermont, who is not all he seems.

Pemberley Ranch: Jack Caldwell

JACK CALDWELL
“Pemberley Ranch”
Released on December 1, 2010

This book reimagines Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as a heart-pounding western romance. The Civil War is over, but the scars remain. The Bennets leave the family farm in Ohio and move to the plains of Texas. Beth loves the open land, but clings to her Union loyalties. When she meets Confederate officer Will Darcy, the reclusive owner of neighboring Pemberley Ranch, she declares him arrogant. George Whitehead, a decorated Union officer, reinforces her opinions with his lies and insinuations. Over time, Beth re-evaluates her opinions and learns some hard truths about the Civil War.

Twilight of the Abyss: Casey Childers

CASEY CHILDERS
“Twilight of the Abyss”
Released on April 5, 2010

When Elizabeth and Darcy meet in Hertfordshire, insults are avoided and they fall in love together. However, when Darcy’s family experiences a scandal, he is forced to choose between love and honor. This Pride and Prejudice variation explores an alternative path for Jane Austen’s beloved novel.

Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge: J. Marie Croft

J. MARIE CROFT
“Mr. Darcy Takes the Plunge”
Released on November 1, 2010

A pun-filled tale featuring Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice characters with some added or addled, missing or missish, modified or mortified, healthier, wealthier, or wiser. Impeccable comportment is mandatory in Regency England, a society governed by strict rules of conduct. The immaculate image of perfectionist Fitzwilliam Darcy is somewhat tarnished when he and his traveling companions arrive, hot and sweaty, at Pemberley and decide to take a fateful plunge into a scummy pond. An embarrassing encounter on the estate’s lawn leaves a long-lasting impression on Jane and Elizabeth Bennet, who are new acquaintances of Georgiana and Anna Darcy. With both families in London for the Little Season, Darcy finds himself thrown again into the path of perky Elizabeth Bennet, but a handsome army officer just might blockade further advances.

More lists coming soon…

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Geek Girls Unite: Read All About It and Join In

Posted in Books, Causes, Geekdom, News, Recommendations on October 7, 2011| Leave a Comment »

It is a call to arms: Geek Girls Unite!

And, its the name of a book by Leslie Simon that is “a literary celebration of all the fangirls, fashionistas, bookworms, indie chicks, craft mavens, and other female misfits out there”.

The full name of the book is Geek Girls Unite: How Fangirls, Bookworms, Indie Chicks, and Other Misfits Are Taking Over the World and is described as follows:

What do Amy Poehler, Bjork, Felicia Day, Martha Stewart, Miranda July, and Zooey Deschanel have in common? They’re just a few of the amazing women proving that “geek” is no longer a four-letter word.

In recent years, male geeks have taken the world by storm. But what about their female counterparts? After all, fangirls are just like fanboys—they put on their Imperial Stormtrooper Lycra pants one leg at a time.

Geek Girls Unite is a call to arms for every girl who has ever obsessed over music, comics, film, comedy, books, crafts, fashion, or anything else under the Death Star. Music geek girl Leslie Simon offers an overview of the geek elite by covering groundbreaking women, hall-of-famers, ultimate love matches, and potential frenemies, along with her top picks for playlists, books, movies, and websites. This smart and hilarious tour through girl geekdom is a must-have for any woman who has ever wondered where her sassy rebel sisters have been hiding.

Simon is the Senior Creative Director for Warner Bros. Records and is also the author of two other books: Wish You Were Here: An Essential Guide to Your Favorite Music Scenes and co-author of Everybody Hurts: An Essential Guide to Emo Culture.

You can also learn more about Geek Girls Unite here.

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Delve Into the World of Ghosts with Stacey Kade

Posted in Books, Interview, News, Recommendations, Spotlight on September 28, 2011| 1 Comment »

Young adult fiction. Those are three of the hottest words in the publication world especially given the box office successes stemming from the Twilight Saga novels and the Harry Potter juggernaut as well as the worlds of The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars that have been turned into TV gold.

In what I hope will become a regular feature here at Rueben’s Ramblings, I will shine a well-deserved spotlight not only on well-established writers but exciting up-and-coming novelists in the world of young adult fiction and delve into the interesting worlds for which they have created.

Stacey Kade

Entering into this wonderful world of young adult fiction is author Stacey Kade, an award-winning corporate copywriter, who has written about everything from backhoe loaders to breast pumps; but now she has turned her writing toward a more interesting subject: ghosts

Her current series consists of the books The Ghost and the Goth and Queen of the Dead (both available through Hyperion Books). But, why don’t we find out what Stacey has to say about her career and how she became a young adult novelist in her own words:

Question: What inspired you to write your books?

Stacey: I guess I write the stories I want to read. I love young adult novels, and I was intrigued by the idea of a romance between people who are total opposites, in every way, including life/death status.

Question: How long was the story in development and how long did it take you to write each book?

Stacey: I don’t outline in any kind of formal way, but it takes me about a month or so to kind of wrap my head around the characters and the story and where it’s going. I need to know the end before I can start. Each one took between three and four months to write.

Question: What inspired you to become a writer? Did you always know or did the interest come at a later time in your life?

Stacey: I’ve always been interested in storytelling (but) it took me awhile to realize that it was something I could try in book form, though. I didn’t seriously start trying to write a book until after I graduated from college.

Question: What was the most difficult scene to write in either book?

Stacey: Oh, I think the end of Queen of the Dead was tough. It was emotionally difficult for the characters (and for me) and just a tricky scene to manage for a lot of different reasons. I can’t explain too much more without spoilers!

The Ghost and the Goth

Question: Can you please provide a general premise for each book?

Stacey: The overall premise of the series revolves around two characters: Alona Dare and Will Killian. Alona Dare is part of the popular crowd, the girl everyone wants to be: Captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen, and kind of a mean girl. And then she dies in a rather abrupt fashion–death by school bus. So, now she’s a ghost, trying to figure out why she’s still here instead of moving on to the light.

Will Killian is a ghost-talker, someone who can see, hear and touch ghosts, and it makes his life miserable. He’s a social outcast, the school weirdo. He’s just trying to make it through high school without being kicked out or locked away in a mental institution because everyone thinks he’s crazy.

The first book, The Ghost and the Goth, is about Alona discovering that she is, indeed, a ghost and she’s stuck in a place in between the living and the dead. Will is just trying to get by. His principal is out to get him, and his psychiatrist thinks he should be locked up. The last thing he needs is another ghost–particularly a very persistent one–pestering him. But Alona is in danger of disappearing for good, and he’s the only one who can help.

So the two of them, with all their bickering and name-calling, have to figure out a way to work together.

In the second book, Queen of the Dead, Will and Alona have figured out how to work together and they’re both struggling a little with feeling more for each other than they should. Then a new ghost-talker, Mina, shows up on the scene, claiming to have more information about Will’s dad, who died years before. Alona doesn’t trust her, but Will is intrigued. And Alona has her own problems with her still living family–they’re moving on with their lives without her. All of this sets Will and Alona more at odds with each other than ever. And when they’re not working well together…well, it causes all kinds of problems, some of which cannot be easily remedied.

Question: Do you have a favorite character?

Stacey: That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child, but I will say that, in terms of writing, Alona is a lot of fun because she has a very distinct voice and she doesn’t hold back. And as a writer, sometimes it’s fun to really let loose!

Question: Will you be writing more books in the series?

Stacey: One more book in this series, and then I have a new series starting in 2013 with The Rules. It’s about a girl who was raised as a genetic experiment hiding from her creators under the guise of being a “normal” sixteen-year-old, and the boy who tempts her to break the rules that confine her existence and keep her safe.

Question: If a movie were adapted from the book, which actors/actresses would you like to see play the primary characters?

Stacey: The models on the cover are pretty much exactly how I pictured Will and Alona, so I’d love for that to be the case with a movie as well. Readers have suggested actors for Will (Landon Liboiron from Terra Nova or Jeremy Sumpter from Friday Night Lights), but I haven’t heard any suggestions for Alona yet.

SECRET REVEALED: Here’s a little behind-the-scenes trivia: Alona is named for the wonderful actress Alona Tal, after I saw her in (the TV series) Veronica Mars as Meg.

Queen of the Dead

Question: When is your next book coming out and will it be a continuation of the first two books?

Stacey: The third and final book (to be called Body & Soul) in the trilogy will be out in May of 2012, and it’s definitely a continuation of the first two books.

Question: Do you have a favorite story arch or favorite character?

Stacey: You know, Liesel and Eric (secondary characters in the first two books) were so much fun to write especially in the scenes where Liesel and Alona argue. Actually, thinking about it, I really loved writing all of the ghosts. It was fun coming up with their individual backgrounds and deaths.

Question: Were any of the characters modeled after you or anyone you know?

Stacey: Every character, I think, always has a piece of the writer in him or her. But, no, the characters aren’t based on anyone in real life.

Question: Are there any story arcs that you ended up not using in the book?

Stacey: I toyed with the idea of Will’s father’s death being murder, but it added an unnecessary layer of complication and I felt it didn’t resonate with the rest of the story as well.

Question: Do you have any advice for new writers?

Stacey: Don’t give up. It’s really easy to begin doubting yourself, but believe in the story and your passion for telling it.

Question: If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing?

Stacey: Assuming my non-existent training wasn’t an issue? I’ve always been interested in archeology; however, the dirt and sleeping in tents aspect does not appeal to me.

Question: What book(s) are you currently reading?

Stacey: Right at this very second, I’m reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton; but when I’m not deep in writing mode, I often go through two or three books a week.

Question: Who is your personal favorite writer?

Stacey: Oh, that’s a tough one. I have so many! My mentor and critique partner is SF/F author Linnea Sinclair. I’ve learned so much from her. I also greatly admire Meg Cabot, Jennifer Echols, and Suzanne Collins. Jane Austen is my all-time favorite.

Question: If anyone would like to get in touch with you both, where should they write, email, tweet and do you have a website dedicated to the book (or any of your other work)?

Stacey: I’m on Twitter (waaaay too much) and you can find me there as @staceykade. I’m also on Facebook (facebook.com/staceykade), and I have a personal website with an email/contact form here.

Stacey Kade lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Greg, and their three retired racing greyhounds, Joezooka (Joe), Tall Walker (Walker) and SheWearsThePants (Pansy). When she’s not reading or writing, you’ll likely find her parked in front of the television with her Roswell DVDs, staring rapturously at Jason Behr. [EDITOR’S NOTE: A woman with good taste!]

Make sure to check out Stacey Kade’s books the next time you are at your local bookstore, visiting Amazon or whatever book outlet you prefer; and make sure to pick up the third book in her trilogy (Body & Soul) when it is released on May 29, 2012 and be on the look-out for new trilogy The Rules in 2013.

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Take a Journey Into Dark Territory with Authors J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel (Conclusion)

Posted in Books, News, Spotlight on August 16, 2011| 2 Comments »

Charlene Keel

Here is Part 2 of my Q&A with “Dark Territory” Authors J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel:

Question: Do you have a favorite character?

Gates: I have a lot of love for every character I write. They all have their admirable qualities. I love Raphael for his heart and his determination, Zhai for his patience and his discipline, Aimee for her headstrong desire for freedom, Master Chin for the love he bears his students, Ignacio for his loyalty and his sense of humor, Dalton for her strength. That’s one great thing about this series; you really have a broad family of characters with whom you want to spend time.

Keel: I’m partial to the misfits and miscreants—the anti-hero heroes like Maggie, the popular cheerleader and resident bitch who’s dating Rick, the local football star, but she wants Raphael and would love to see him and Aimee break up. We get under her skin and explore the reasons for her behavior (like having to parent an agoraphobic mother for most of her life)…I also like Maggie’s mom, Violet, who’s not as crazy as one would first think, and Ignacio (Nass) is fun and full of surprises.

Question: Is there room for a sequel?

Gates: Absolutely! The Tracks Book 2 is called “Ghost Crown”. We’re putting the final touches on it now, and it comes out in January (of 2012). Char and I both think it’s even better than “Dark Territory”, so we’re excited for it to get out into the world.

Keel: The Tracks has always been envisioned as a series, both by myself and Jacob, and by HCI Books. With rave reviews coming in on almost a daily basis, we are more eager than ever to keep going with the series. (I should also mention that it took) about the same amount of time to write “Ghost Crown” (as it did “Dark Territory”).

Ghost Crown

Question: Can you share a little about “Ghost Crown”?

Keel: We introduce a new character, with whom I’m totally in love. Orias is the son of a fallen angel and a human woman. He goes to Middleburg with a plan to take Aimee away from Raphael for his own devious purposes. He is the ultimate bad boy, doomed to a living hell through no fault of his own—and he’s so supernaturally gorgeous it melts your heart just to look at him. That’s a pretty hot combination. As for Maggie, her character has the greatest developmental arc, going from resident bitch in (book one) to spiritual warrior in the second book.

Question: If a movie were adapted from the book, which actors/actresses would you like to see play the primary characters?

Gates: The characters in my books are such individuals in my mind that it’s difficult for me to imagine them in any other way. But I will say this: whoever plays Raphael and Zhai had better be genuinely good at Kung Fu, so you Hollywood teen actors had better get down to the nearest Kwoon and start practicing now!

Keel: For the younger characters, I’ve already consulted with my very own minion of teen readers (my granddaughter Allie and her friends) and they think Emma Roberts (Nancy Drew) should play Aimee and Dakota Fanning (The Twilight Saga) should be Maggie. Thomas McDonnell (Prom) or Avan Jogia (Victorious) – both who have been compared to Johnny Depp – should play Raphael, and Channing Tatum (Dear John) should be Rick. I’d love to see sexy John Barrowman (Torchwood) as Oberon and either Gary Cole (Office Space) or Joel Gretsch (The 4400), both of them intense and compelling actors, as nasty Jack (Aimee’s father), and multi-talented Philece Sampler (Another World) as Violet, Maggie’s agoraphobic mom. Blair Redford (Switched at Birth and The Lying Game) should play Orias.

Question: Do you have a favorite story arc or favorite character?

Gates: There are lots of pieces of the story that I love, but I find Raphael’s back story particularly haunting. I’m a big fan of Dostoevsky; he was such a master of creating these terribly heartbreaking situations for his characters to rise above, and that’s what I think of when I think of Raphael’s life: he can either take his circumstances as an excuse to be a troublemaker, or he can buckle down and be a force for good. I think that’s a relatable situation for a lot of teens.

Keel: One of my favorite story arcs is the mystery of what Violet has locked down in her basement. How did it get there? What’s going to happen to Middleburg if it gets out? This thread runs through several books and is key to the mystery of Middleburg.

Question: Were any of the characters modeled after either of you or anyone you know?

Gates: Nope. They are all real individuals – they just happen to live in my (and Charlene’s) mind!

Keel: Probably. Specifically (and on purpose), Lily Rose, the housekeeper for a few of the wealthy Topper families. She is a magical creature and is modeled after the wonderful African American woman who took care of me for the first 12 years of my life. Her name was Lugene Lewis, and any goodness and compassion in me she, along with my Aunt Daisy, is responsible for. I’m a great fan of Stephen King and in some of his books (like “The Shining” and my favorite, The Talisman, which he wrote with Peter Straub); old black guys with humble occupations have magical qualities. So I guess that’s a nod to Stephen King. And Dalton is a compilation of a couple of my friends.

Question: Are there any story arcs that you ended up not using in the book?

Gates: There’s a moment near the beginning when Raphael considers stealing a video camera. In an earlier draft, I wrote that he actually took it. It was the first big battle of our collaboration. I saw that act of theft as a mistake Raphael would have to rise above and learn from, but Char adamantly opposed it as a “non-heroic” action. Ultimately, I think it was a good cut. It would have been a violation of Raphael’s Wu-de (martial arts code of conduct) and anyway, it wasn’t necessary to the main story. Charlene was right.

Keel: Some will carry over to other books, like Violet’s “deal with the devil” and how she got to be agoraphobic. (And, of course), our creative conflict (over) whether or not to let Raphael steal (the camera). I just couldn’t believe that the character we created would go so totally against his philosophical beliefs. That’s why it’s so important for a writer to get to know his/her characters, to get inside their heads and live, eat, sleep, breathe, play, work and walk with them every day. When I’m writing, I even dream about my characters and become submerged in their world.

Question: Do you have any advice for new writers?

Gates: Write daily, read daily! Don’t start by writing a novel – start with short stories and make sure they have all the necessary dramatic elements: a beginning, a middle, an ending, rising action, conflict, character development, etc. Hone your craft on short projects then move to longer ones. Above all, be patient. There are no shortcuts. Getting good takes years, and once you’re good, getting published takes even longer. Ultimately, writing has to be a lifestyle. And what a wonderful lifestyle it can be!

Keel: Yes—write, write, write. Also read, read, read. When I’m asked for advice by aspiring writers who tell me they don’t have time to read, or that they don’t want any outside influences sneaking into their work, I wish them well and suggest they at least read Stephen King’s “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft“. You can’t write good fiction unless you read good fiction (and even bad fiction, since it shows you what not to do). Writing is a process and it’s long, tedious and usually lonely, so be willing to listen to successful writers and don’t think that (as one novice writer told me), “It’s perfect the way I first spew it out. I don’t believe in re-writing.”

If you would like to learn more about J. Gabriel Gates, please visit his website here.  And, if you would like to learn more about Charlene Keel, you may visit her website here. They would love to hear from readers about The Tracks series.

Again, the first book in The Tracks series – “Dark Territory” is now on bookshelves and the second book – “Ghost Crown” – will be released in January of next year. You can also visit HCI Books here for downloads of posters, wallpaper, ringtones or information on the book series.

Get out there and buy a copy of “Dark Territory” for yourself (and for your friends and family too) and mark your calendars for the release of its sequel “Ghost Crown” in the new year!

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Take a Journey Into “Dark Territory” with Authors J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel (Part 1 of 2)

Posted in Books, News, Spotlight on August 15, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Since the novels of Harry Potter and the Twilight franchise have made young adult fiction the hot “it” brand in the world of the written word, countless books centered on teens and young adults have been published or, in some cases, been rediscovered by readers of every age.

J. Gabriel Gates

One such new series of novels that readers should be on the look-out for is The Tracks series of books by J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel, the co-authors of the recently released book entitled “Dark Territory,” published by the Teen division of HCI Books – best known for the life-changing “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series of novels. “Dark Territory” was released nationwide on July 1 of this year.

“Dark Territory” has been described as ‘West Side Story meets Twilight’ and author Gates has been hailed as the ‘best new supernatural fiction writer on Earth’. It has also been said that his latest book ‘combines the perfect blend of star-crossed love, kung fu and magic in a story that has all the makings of becoming a box-office smash hit.‘

The story contained inside the cover of this exciting new book series is about a young man from the back streets of Los Angeles who never expected to find himself in the middle of a gang war when he moved to a small, quiet town. But these are no ordinary gangs nor is this an ordinary town. When an awesome power is discovered at work in the tunnels under the railroad tracks, the two gangs set out on a terrifying mystical quest to fight a force that not only threatens their town, but possibly the whole world.

Dark Territory

To delve more into “Dark Territory” let’s take a look at a more in-depth explanation about the story:

In the quaint town of Middleburg, an abandoned train yard and old railroad tracks form the dividing line between two rival gangs – the wealthy, preppy Toppers and the working-class Flatliners. When Raphael, the leader of the Flatliners, falls in love with Aimee, a Topper girl, the rival gangs prepare to do battle . . . but not with guns and knives. Their martial arts’ training dictates a strict code of honor, which all of the gang members adhere to. The only hope for peace between the rival gangs lies within the giant X formed where the railroad tracks cross. The awesome power contained in the X sends the Flatliners and the Toppers on a mystical quest to fight against malevolent forces that threaten the existence of Middleburg—and maybe the world.

I recently had the opportunity to interview the co-authors on what inspired them to create the unique world of The Tracks series among many other subjects. Here is what these talented writers had to share with me:

Question: What inspired you to write this story?

Gates: The initial inspiration came when I was taking a Wing Chun kung fu class and my girlfriend at the time and her friends were watching teen dramas and I thought: “wouldn’t it be cool to make a teen drama with kung fu?” The initial idea was for The Tracks to be a TV show, but Char had the idea to make a book series out of it. Aside from that, though, it has a lot of themes that are interesting and important to me: class relations, conflict resolution, spiritual growth and meditation.

Keel: For me, I guess the short answer is ambition, possible financial reward, and the creative urge to spin a great yarn.

Question: How long was the story in development and how long did it take you to write “Dark Territory”?

Gates: This one spent a long time in the hopper! I came up with the TV show idea and Char and I wrote a treatment for it back in 2005 or so. It was in about 2010 that she came to me and suggested that we pitch it to publishers as a teen series. But sometimes ideas are like fine wine – the longer they sit on the shelf, they more they mature. I think this story benefitted from its long gestation period.

Keel: Jacob came to me with a great premise…it grabbed me right away but I thought it needed something else. When I ran it by my best friend and spiritual brother, Christian Osborne, he listened quietly and said one thing: ‘Make it magic.’…Jake liked the idea, and we went to work on a treatment for a TV series, which took maybe two weeks to write. (Unfortunately), circumstances took me back to Florida and it (wasn’t until) six years later, thanks to my friend Herman Rush introducing me to Peter Vegso, that we pitched it to HCI Books. All we had at that point was the TV treatment, which we had turned into a book proposal. It took us about 5 months to write “Dark Territory”.

Question: How did you come together to work on this book?

Gates: Back in 2005, I was living in LA. I had just finished writing my second novel and was trying to figure out how to get a literary agent. Like all young writers, I was getting nothing but rejections from the loads of query letters I sent out, so I put an ad on Craigslist titled: “Young Author Seeks Mentor” (and) Char answered. It was her idea that we should come up with TV show ideas and pitch them to the studios together. (But then she) moved back to Florida before we ever got around to pitching any of our TV ideas. Years later, she called me up about pitching The Tracks as a book series that we would write together. I agreed, she pitched the idea to HCI, and here we are.

Keel: (Yes), we met through (the ad) on Craigslist. I already had many TV credits (under my belt, but) I’d reached that certain age where women start to become sort of invisible in Tinseltown. I had no problem getting pitch meetings…but more and more I was pitching to very young studio executives. I was getting really annoyed with the stunned looks on their faces when someone their mother’s age walked in…(ironically) I was about to place a notice on Craigslist…when I saw Jake’s ad, looking for a mentor. I got in touch, we met for lunch and hit it off—and I was delighted to find that his writing talent is awesome.

Question:  What was the most difficult scene to write?

Gates: I wouldn’t say that any of it was too difficult – when you have a story and characters this great, it really just flows. But Char was definitely the expert on writing the romantic sections, especially from the female point of view. It’s hard for a guy author to get excited about how alluring his hero’s cologne smells! I think the story really benefitted from having both our perspectives, the Yin and the Yang.

Keel: For me, the battle scenes, so Jake took those on and I did very little tweaking on them. I have absolutely no training in martial arts, so I happily bow to his expertise.

Question: Can you provide a general premise for the book beyond the (general) description?

Gates: It truly is something new: a modern literary soap opera. It has something for everyone. You have a gang war, forbidden love, magic, Eastern mysticism, humor, teen shenanigans, popularity anxiety, looming catastrophic evil, and lots and lots of action. I loved the idea all along, but the more great feedback I get from readers, the more excited I am about “Dark Territory”.

Keel: Jake pretty much nailed it with his answer. I also like the way one reviewer describes it: “When Ignacio Torrez moves from the rough streets of Los Angeles to a small town dead smack in the middle of nowhere, he never expects to find himself in the midst of a gang war.” I think that kind of grabs a reader.

(Part 2 of this article will be posted tomorrow at 12 Noon.)

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The Leader in Teen Entertainment: Alloy Entertainment

Posted in Books, Movies, News, Television on July 12, 2011| 1 Comment »

Were you a fan of the TV series Roswell when it aired on the WB and then on UPN for 3 years over the late 1990s and early 2000’s? Do you watch The Vampire Diaries on the CW? Did you read the novel series The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares or see the film adaptations of this novel series when it was in the box office? Are you looking forward to the fall debut on the CW of the new drama The Secret Circle?

You might be wondering what all of these projects have to do with each other, right? Well, they are all owned by Alloy Entertainment, which according to their official website is a fully integrated entertainment company that develops and produces original books, television series and feature films. The company originates entertainment properties and then partners with leading publishers, television networks and movie studios to deliver those properties to the world.

According to an article in the July 1 issue of Entertainment Weekly, Alloy Entertainment is currently producing seven series on The CW, ABC Family and Nickelodeon – such as the aforementioned The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle as well as Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl and The Nine Lives of Chloe King. And Alloy Entertainment isn’t stopping there – they have more projects in development, such as the upcoming ABC Family drama The Lying Game that is to air starting August 15.

Alloy Entertainment specializes in young adult stories; they are the most successful producer of fiction in the world, publishing up to forty books every year in over thirty languages. Between 2005 and 2007, they had approximately fifty titles achieve New York Times best-seller status. And, considering how popular that genre has become over the last decade and a half – given the success of the Harry Potter franchise and the Twilight saga books – that is quite an impressive feat.

Walk into any bookstore in your neighborhood and take a good look around. What genre has the largest selection of titles? You might just be surprised to learn that it is actually young adult fiction. YA fiction may specialize in stories for readers between the ages of 14 to 21, but their appeal can far outreach that limited age group. Again, the titles from Alloy Entertainment as well as the other books mentioned above are perfect examples of the popularity of young adult fiction.

As you are watching TV over the summer and into the new fall TV season, be on the look-out for Alloy Entertainment’s logo at the end of the credits, and keep in mind you are watching one of the most influential entertainment companies at work.

Enjoy!

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The End of Harry Potter

Posted in Books, Geekdom, Movies, News on July 11, 2011| 1 Comment »

On July 15, the end of a pop culture phenomenon unlike any other will come to an end: Harry Potter.

Book: Sorcerer

The unprecedented success of the seven novels by British author J. K. Rowling took the world by storm on June 30, 1997 when the first book – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (also known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone here in the United States) – was released.

Book: Chamber of Secrets

Since then, the book series has gone on to sell about 450 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages. The last four books have also consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history. Meanwhile, the films have gone on to gross over $6 billion dollars and all seven of the films are on the list of the 30 top-grossing films worldwide.

Book: Prisoner of Azkaban

That is quite a statement when you consider that author J. K. Rowling was living on state welfare support when she completed the first book in 1995; but within five years of the release of the books, she skyrocketed to multi-millionaire status.

But back to the world of Harry Potter…

Book: Goblet of Fire

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past 14 years, you know about the books which chronicle the adventures of young wizard Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Grainger, who are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Poster: 1st Film

As explained in the first book, Harry Potter’s parents were killed by Voldemort, the most powerful Dark wizard in history, and infant Harry was placed in the safety of his uncaring aunt, uncle and cousin for 10 years by Professor Dumbledore, the headmaster of the wizarding school. Upon his 11th birthday, however, Harry is told the truth about what he really is – a wizard – by Rubeus Hagrid, the gamekeeper of the wizarding school.

Emma, Daniel & Rupert as Children

On the way to school on the Hogwarts Express (the train that transports all students to the wizarding school), Harry meets Hermione and Ron and they eventually land right in the middle of a scary adventure, searching for the Sorcerer’s Stone that is guarded by a three-headed dog and which is highly desired by the lingering remnants of Voldermort, who is using a new teacher as a conduit for his nefarious means.

Harry is able to defeat Voldermort at the end of the book and with the school year at a close he and his friends board the Hogwarts Express to head home for the summer.

Book: Order of the Phoenix

The second book – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – was released in July of 1998 and chronicled the investigation that Harry, Ron and Hermione undertook in order to discover the identity of the heir of Slytherin before the Chamber of Secrets could be opened.

Once again, Harry must battle Voldermort, who used his old diary as a way to infiltrate the wizarding school through Ron’s sister Ginny; but the Dark Lord – as Voldermort is known to his minions – is defeated again by the ingenuity of Harry.

Poster: 2nd Film

One year later, in July of 1999, the third book in the series – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – was released. The main story behind this book was the escape of Azkaban prisoner Sirius Black, who was convicted of killing in the name of Voldermort and who the wizarding world was convinced had killed Harry’s parents.

Poster: 3rd Film

Throughout this book, not only does Harry learn that Sirius did not kill his parents, but also that Sirius was his godfather. And, Hermione reveals to Harry that she has a Time-Turner, a magical device that allows the wearer to travel back in time; which they used to save Sirius’ life. Unlike the preceding two books, Harry does not have a one-on-one battle with Voldermort, but he was still a driving force between the over-arching stories.

Book: Half-Blood Prince

In what became almost tradition, the next book – Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – was released in July of 2000. The general storylines in this book were centered on two other wizarding schools coming to Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament, a grueling competition reserved for students over the age of 17 where only one can be crowned the champion. Mysteriously, Harry’s name is released from the Goblet of Fire (despite his being under the age of 17) along with one other student from each of the three schools – an oddity that has never happened before.

Facing almost unbelievable odds, including a battle with a full-sized dragon and treacherous mermaids as well as a disastrous battle with Voldermort, Harry is crowned the champion but at the expense of fellow student Cedric Diggory who is killed at the hands of the Dark Lord.

Poster: 4th Film

It was then in 2001 that things started to change in the world of Harry Potter. First, J. K. Rowling did not release a new book in July – that would happen two years later (but more on that shortly). Second, the first book was adapted into a box office film that was released in November of that year. And third, that movie went on to earn, in the United States alone, $90 million, making household names out of its young British actors – Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.

Book: The Deathly Hallows

The film adaptation of the second book came out in November of 2002 and made a whopping $879 million worldwide, making it the 2nd highest-grossing film of that year and earning the film three BAFTA Film Award nominations.

Poster: 5th Film

Then in June of 2003 the next book – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – was released. With Harry and his friends now in their 5th year at Hogwarts, the stories began to take on an even darker tone with Voldermort affecting Harry’s dreams and the students creating Dumbledore’s Army because their new Defense of the Dark Arts teacher was not willing to teach them how to defend themselves.

Poster: 6th Film

This training became imperative when a showdown occurred between Dumbledore’s Army and Voldermort and his minions inside the Ministry of Magic that resulted in the tragic death of Sirius Black along with most of the magical world finally accepting that Voldermort was truly back.

In June of 2004, the film adaptation of the third book was released in theatres in the United States, grossing $796 million worldwide and earning the highest critical acclaim of all the films to date. It was also in this film that, due to the unfortunate death of legendary actor Richard Harris in 2002, that British actor Michael Gambon was chosen to portray Headmaster Dumbledore.

Poster: 7th Film (Part 1)

The next year – 2005 – was a big year for Harry Potter fans as not only was the sixth book – Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – released in July but also the fourth film adaptation was released in theatres in November. That film earned $895 million worldwide, making it the highest grossing film of that year.

The basic stories behind the sixth book were that Harry received a used Potions text book belonging to “the half-blood Prince”, which allowed him to excel in Potions and was later revealed to have belonged to Professor Snape and that Harry and his friends learned that Voldermort had separated his soul into six different Horcruxes, allowing him to have eternal life, but also held the key to destroying the evil wizard once and for all.

The most tragic moment in the book, however, was the death of Dumbledore at the hands of Snape, which precipitated Harry to decide to leave Hogwarts on a mission to track down the Horcruxes with Hermione and Ron agreeing to help him.

Poster: 7th Film (Part 2)

Two years later – in 2007 – the final book in the novel series – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows – was released in July while the film adaptation of the fifth book was also released in theatres in July. That film earned $939 million and was the second highest grossing film for 2007.

The final book chronicled Harry, Hermione and Ron finding the final Horcruxes and the enormous battle between Voldermort and his minions and Harry and all those on his side, ending in the epic fight at Hogwarts that took the lives of many on both sides including Ron’s brother Fred and Professor Snape among others as well as Harry finally defeating Voldermort, allowing the wizarding world to live in peace.

[SPOILER ALERT: For those who haven’t read the last book or read any of the countless articles written about the final scenes.] 

The epilogue of the book, set 19 years in the future, showed Ron and Hermione as a married couple with two children and Harry married to Ron’s sister Ginny and their being the parents of three children.

The sixth book was then adapted to film in July of 2009, earning $934 million worldwide, becoming the 8th highest grossing film of all time and once again being the second highest grossing film for that year.

Daniel, Emma and Rupert Grown Up

The final book was actually divided into two motion pictures with the first film being released in November of last year, earning $954 million worldwide and becoming the second highest grossing film out of all the Harry Potter movies.

As stated before, part two of the final film will be released in theatres this Friday (July 15) with much anticipation from the worldwide fans. How well this final installment will perform at the box office is anyone’s guess, but given the track record for this pop culture phenomenon it is a virtual guarantee that it will surpass all the other films in the collection.

While there won’t be any more Harry Potter books or movies, fans can visit the newly created website Pottermore, which is a free website that builds an exciting online experience around the reading of the Harry Potter books. You can learn more about Pottermore via a video from J. K. Rowling herself.

With the end of the Harry Potter legacy nearly upon us, please share your favorite moments from the books and/or the films. And make sure you mark your calendars for July 15 when the final film makes its way onto the big screen.

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Pottermore: The Online Experience

Posted in Books, Geekdom, Movies, News, Online Series, Video on June 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »

The following is a verbatim article from Noelene Clark at the LA Times regarding the secretive, yet much buzzed about “Potermore” website from Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling:

Magically minded muggles will be able to experience the “Harry Potter” wizarding world through a new “online reading experience” called “Pottermore,” author J.K. Rowling said Thursday.

The Pottermore website will allow users to journey through the story lines of the books, starting with “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in October, according to a statement from Rowling’s media team.

“It’s the same story with a few crucial additions, the most important of which is you,” Rowling said in her YouTube announcement. “Just as the experience of reading requires that the imaginations of the author and the reader work together to create the story, so Pottermore will be built, in part, by you, the reader. The digital generation will be able to enjoy a safe, unique online reading experience built around the ‘Harry Potter’ books. Pottermore will be the place where fans of any age can share, participate in, and rediscover the stories.”

Rowling’s announcement, which came on Pottermore partner Sony’s website and at a news conference in London as well as on YouTube, came after weeks of speculation about Pottermore, with guesses ranging from a massively multi-player online role-playing game (like World of Warcraft) to a treasure hunt to a sequel.

Though no sequel is on the way, Rowling said the seven “Harry Potter” books would be available for the first time as e-books — in five languages and more on the way — and as audiobooks in an online store on the Pottermore website.

The website will also boast new content that Rowling said she has been “hoarding for years” about the Harry Potter universe.

“The storyline will be brought to life with sumptuous newly-commissioned illustrations and interactive ‘Moments’ through which you can navigate,” the media statement said. “As you move through the chapters, you can read and share exclusive writing from J.K. Rowling, and, just as Harry joins Hogwarts, so can you. You visit Diagon Alley, get sorted into a house, cast spells and mix potions to help your house compete for the House Cup.”

At the news conference at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Rowling also revealed that the website will bring to life the Sorting Hat, which places new users into their Hogwarts houses (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin) according to their characteristics, and Ollivanders Wand Shop, which helps users find the right wand from more than 33,000 possible combinations.

Pottermore will open to all users in October, but fans can register on July 31 — Harry Potter’s birthday — and compete in an online challenge to be in the first million people who will gain early entry into the website. Registration follows the release of ”Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” the final installment in the eight-part movie franchise, which hits theaters July 15.

“I wanted to give something back to the fans that have followed Harry so devotedly over the years, and to bring the stories to a new digital generation,” Rowling said in the statement. “I hope fans and those new to Harry will have as much fun helping to shape Pottermore as I have. Just as I have contributed to the website, everyone else will be able to join in by submitting their own comments, drawings and other content in a safe and friendly environment — Pottermore has been designed as a place to share the stories with your friends as you journey through the site.”

You can see the video from J.K. Rowling where she discusses “Pottermore” here.

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Looking for the Next Twilight and Harry Potter

Posted in Books, Geekdom, Movies on June 13, 2011| 2 Comments »

Back in February, I posted an article that provided a list of books that have been optioned by various movie studios or influential individuals within the industry for adaptation from the written word to film all in the name of trying to find a successor to The Twilight Saga and the Harry Potter series of novels that launched the worldwide phenomenon.

I am back with more books that are being touted by their respective studios as “the next big thing” – that movie adaptation that will bring wealth to the studios, turn their casts into household names and project the creative team onto even bigger projects in the future.

Here, in no particular order, are more books to film that you can anticipate in the near future:

Beautiful Creatures

Over at Warner Bros. they are hoping the novel series “Beautiful Creatures” by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl will do the trick. The novels are set in South Carolina and revolve around Ethan Wate, a high schooler who falls in love with a girl who appears in his dreams. There are currently two books in the planned five-book series on the bookshelves right now – “Beautiful Creatures” and “Beautiful Darkness” with the third book – “Beautiful Chaos” planned for an October 18, 2011 release.

You can learn more about the books here.

The Mortal Instruments

The book series “Mortal Instruments” by Cassandra Clare is being touted by Screen Gems as the hopeful “next big thing” at the box office. The series currently consists of “City of Bones”, “City of Ashes”, “City of Glass” and the recently released “City of Fallen Angels”. There are 6 books planned for the series that follows teenager Clary Fray who discovers she can see supernatural beings that no one else can see, which draws her into the world of the Shadowhunters (teens who kill demons and monsters) and Jace Wayland (one of the Shadowhunters). She also learns that her mother is somehow mysteriously connected to all the strange happenings around her.

The cast already includes new “It” girl Lily Collins (The Blind Side and Priest) as Clary and Jamie Campbell Bower (the TV series Camelot and The Twilight Saga) as Jace.

You can learn more about the books here.

Delirium

Next up is the book “Delirium” by Lauren Oliver, which has been optioned by 20th Century Fox. The book tells the story of Lena Haloway, who lives in a government-managed society in Portland, Maine where her husband and career will be decided once she turns 18 and is cured of deliria (aka love). But, 95 days before her cure, she meets Alex, a confident mysterious young man who makes her heart flutter and her skin turn red-hot. As their romance blossoms, Lena begins to doubt the intentions of those in power, and fears that her world will turn gray should she submit to the procedure. The planed sequel called Pandemonium will be released in March 2012.

You can learn more about the book here.

Pure

Also over at 20th Century Fox, there is the book trilogy “Pure” by Julianna Baggott, which won’t actually be on the bookstands until February 2012. The book chronicles what happens when an apocalyptic event divides the world into two castes – the Pures, who live under a protective dome, and the scarred survivors, who live in an ash-filled wilderness.

You can learn more about the author here.

Divergent

Summit Entertainment – the home of The Twilight Saga – has optioned two different book series. The first is “Divergent” from Veronica Roth and “Warm Bodies” from Isaac Marion.

The Divergent trilogy focuses on Beatrice Prior who lives in a dystopian Chicago where the society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue – Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. A second book in the series is planned for release in May of 2012.

You can learn more about the books here.

Warm Bodies

Meanwhile, “Warm Bodies” is – simply put – The Walking Dead combined with The Twilight Saga. R is a young man with an existential crisis–he is a zombie. He shuffles through an America destroyed by war, social collapse, and the mindless hunger of his undead comrades, but he craves something more than blood and brains. He can speak just a few grunted syllables, but his inner life is deep, full of wonder and longing. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he has dreams. After experiencing a teenage boy’s memories while consuming his brain, R makes an unexpected choice that begins a tense, awkward, and strangely sweet relationship with the victim’s human girlfriend. Julie is a blast of color in the otherwise dreary and gray landscape that surrounds R. His decision to protect her will transform not only R, but his fellow Dead, and perhaps their whole lifeless world.

Actor Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy and X-Men: First Class) has been cast in the lead role with a director already on board; but there is no sequel planned by the author.

You can learn more about the book here.

Earthseed

Next is the “Earthseed” trilogy by Pamela Sargent, which has been picked up by Paramount. Here is the official description of the book: Ship hurtles through space. Deep within its core, it carries the seed of humankind. Launched by the people of a dying Earth over a century ago, its mission is to find a habitable world for the children–fifteen-year-old Zoheret and her shipmates–whom it has created from its genetic banks. To Zoheret and her shipmates, Ship has been mother, father, and loving teacher, preparing them for their biggest challenge: to survive on their own, on an uninhabited planet, without Ship’s protection. Now that day is almost upon them…but are they ready to leave Ship? Ship devises a test. And suddenly, instincts that have been latent for over a hundred years take over. Zoheret watches as friends become strangers–and enemies. Can Zoheret and her companions overcome the biggest obstacle to the survival of the human race–themselves?

The other books in the trilogy include “Farseed” and “Seed Seeker”.  Melissa Rosenberg, the screenwriter for The Twilight Saga is producing and adapting this “Earthseed” trilogy.

You can learn more about the author here.

Legend

Lastly, there is the book “Legend” by Marie Lu, which has been picked up by CBS Films, but doesn’t hit the bookstands until November of this year. The story takes place in a dark future where North America is split into two warring nations; and focuses on 15-year old June, born into an elite family in one of the wealthiest districts who has been groomed for success in the highest military circles and 15-year old day, who is the most wanted criminal in the country, but his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. They have no reason to cross paths, until June’s brother is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. After a shocking turn of events, they uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

You can learn more about the book here.

It is anyone’s guess which of these books turned film adaptations or the ones listed here will succeed with the movie-going audience; but did anyone expect The Twilight Saga to take off as it did or anticipate the global domination of Harry Potter? Are you interested in seeing any of these movies when they come out? Or, is there a particular book that you would love to see adapted into a film? Please share.

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