Tag: Books

Shopping in the Digital Age

Shopping in the Digital Age

It seems every time Amazon does something (including getting a little press), haters come out of the woodwork to lob disdain in their direction. Twitter exploded when they announced their market for published fanfiction. And while I have strong opinions on that issue, I’m not going to boycott Amazon over it. I get annoyed when …

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Words that Stay

Words that Stay

Words have always been an important part of my life. First as a reader, then as a writer. There are many different forms of expression, but for me, words have always held the most power. Putting the right combination of words in the right order has the potential to touch someone, to make them laugh …

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5 Myths About Video Games

5 Myths About Video Games

I think I’ve well established the fact that I’m a gamer. I like experiencing stories, whether it be puzzling it out through a point-and-click or making the tough choices thrown my way in an RPG. Despite the growing popularity of the gaming industry, people still cling to certain myths surrounding the media. 1. Violent Video …

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Under the Sun

Under the Sun

The saying goes that there’s nothing new under the sun (and maybe there isn’t). That’s why a truly original idea is worth it’s weight in gold. Why everyone and their brother will hurry to snap it up and why everyone who discovers it will instantly try to duplicate it. As a writer, originality is something …

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Should Have Walked Away

Should Have Walked Away

Lately, more and more movies derive their inspiration from the pages of books. Agents and publishers were quick to praise award winning movies based on books during last year’s award ceremonies. It’s always exciting to sit in front of the big screen prepared to see the words you’ve read jump to life, to witness the …

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Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure

My fall trip to Florida included my first trip to Universal studios. I’ve heard a lot about the parks from others who’ve visited, and I know a lot of the history, but I’d never experienced it myself. Of course, Universal’s newest and most popular attraction is the Harry Potter themed park where they recreated Hogwarts …

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Three by Three

Three by Three

Awhile back I wrote about my favorite books. I was careful to choose books which stood alone. Books in a series tend to have different qualities. And while they can stand tall on their own, most are stronger if taken in context, with the series treated as a whole. I’ve always intended to write about …

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Life-Shaping Experiences

Life-Shaping Experiences

I’m relatively young. I’m not sure if I’ll say the same in a few years, when I turn thirty, but at the moment I don’t feel old. I’m probably too young to write blogs including life-changing advice, but I’m going to attempt it anyway. Because I can. And because, though I’m still fairly young, a …

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Influence Maps

Influence Maps

Influence maps are a popular exercise among artists. The basic concept is to make a collage of all the art and artists who have influenced and inspired your work. A friend of mine made a book cover influence map to show the authors and series which have influenced her writing. I suppose an equivalent exercise …

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Lasers, Phasers and Blasters, oh my!

Lasers, Phasers and Blasters, oh my!

I recently wrote about my favorite magical doodads, which are a staple of fantasy fiction. My other favorite genre is science-fiction. I don’t need magic. If it gets me far enough away, or has interesting enough mechanics, sci-fi keeps me just as entertained. And hey, science! Bonus! Much like the fantasy genre, what you tend …

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