September Writing Challenge- Day 10

Prompt- Cast for the movie (or TV) adaptation of your novel

My ideal cast would only be if I had a time machine and could get their younger versions. So, this is truly a dream list because I'd never get a majority of these people.

Tara- Young Alyson Hannigan- I know she did the witch thing with Buffy but I just loved her in that role.

Marissa- a young Natalie Dormer: She played Anne Boleyn in the Tudors and will be Cresida in Mockingjay. But, I love her look. Dark hair, those wonderful blue eyes.

Gran- Karen Gillan: She would have to dress as an old woman but Gran is Scottish so she would be the first to come to mind.

Henry- Not sure. He's the one you start to like until his true colors are revealed later on. Maybe Channing Tatum? Because if you're going to hate him, may as well make him cute. He would have to grow out his hair, though.

Darien Moon- Jonathan Rhys Meyers: I was watching the Tudors the other day and I was captivated by his eyes. Also, he's scary when he has to do a scene where his character loses his temper.

Lilia Moon- Juliet Landau: Loved her as Drusilla in Buffy and I think she would just as enchanting as Lilia.

Nana- Florence Henderson? So far, Nana is the smallest role yet. But, that could change in coming books. I haven't figured it out yet. But, she was the only name to come to mind.

Michael- younger Nicolas Brendan- Michael is that kind of geeky adorable.

Christine- Emma Watson: Still another part I wish I could get a younger version. But, I think she would be so great in this part.

Mrs. Kavanagh- Bellamy Young: You know her as Mellie Grant on Scandal. Well, Mrs. Kavanagh can have that much of a bitch level. A small on screen role (so far) but her character is critical to the story.

Mr. Kavanagh- David Tennant- Mr. Kavanagh is my main character's father. So far a small role but that may change as the series goes on. And he's still a crucial part of the story. Plus, it's David Tennant!!!

So, that's a snippet of the primary cast of my first 2 books thus far. (Still outlining book 2) As I said, this is a complete dream because I envisioned younger versions of some of these actors as my characters.

September Writing Challenge- Day 9

Prompt- 5 things I would do if money were no object

Oh, I could have some fun with this. Having a minimum wage job and busting my bucket on a daily basis for less than enough, I have these dreams a lot. So, here is my list of things I would do if money were no object.

1) MOVE! As in, out of my parents' house! Yes, I still live with Mom and Dad. But, remember what I just said about minimum wage job? And, being off sick for over a month didn't exactly help my finances. Ideally, I'd like to move to another state. At least, temporarily. Just to have the experience. I have lived in Ohio my whole life. I'd live in or around DC but I would definitely need the cash for it and then some because the cost of living there is nearly triple what it is here. The Florida Keys are nice but... hurricanes. Don't think I could deal. If I could live anywhere, based only on my travels, it would have to be Oregon. When I visited there, I saw what a beautiful city it is. They people are so nice. There are tons of things to see and do. Only a two hour drive from Portland with even more exciting things to do and see and is one of the prettiest cities in the country. I could find all sorts of writing inspiration there. I'm sure my guy could find work in his field there, too. And, I'd be with that smiling adorable face in the photo above. Richard is one of my oldest and dearest friends and we wouldn't have to wait 6 years to see each other if I lived there!
I would be sad about missing my family but, we're talking money not being an object. So, I could either fly back to visit whenever or move them out west with me! Why not, right?

2) Have a huge library in my house. Yes, a library. I may even need a building separate from my house, but on the property, because I'm talking Beauty and the Beast style, multiple stories with rolling ladders, fireplace, and the lot. Then, I would not have to worry about space for my book collection. And, I'd even have a corner for my guy and his comic books. Ha! No, I'd have more than a corner for him because he has a LOT of comics. Some he's even gotten signed so I know he would want to keep those in good condition. And, I this could also double as my writing studio. I'd be surrounded by inspiration. Need an idea or my brain is burned out, just grab a book, read for an hour, and jump back into it. I'd also fill it with all kinds of fun seating. Couches, bean bag chairs, just piles of big, fluffy pillows. The ideas are endless for this one.

3) Travel. Look at that picture of Mallory Square in Key West and tell me that isn't gorgeous! I dare you! And that is just one place in one state in one country. There's so much in my own country that I have yet to see. I can only imagine what other treasures the world holds. Seeing it on TV is COMPLETELY different than experiencing it first hand. The few places I have had the pleasure to travel to is only a teeny tiny sample of what else is beyond the borders of my little hometown. When I get excited about traveling an hour or two away to visit a friend or to go to Comic Con, you know I've been cooped up here too long.

4) Help my family out. My parents want to fix up the house. My sister has student loans. My one amazing aunt needs a vacation. If I had the financial means, I'd take care of all these things for my family. They do so much for me. How can I not? My family does so much for me and supports me through everything I've ever wanted to do. They've stood by me and held my hand when I was scared and sick in the hospital. They have been my biggest cheerleaders when it comes to my writing. I've always said if I had the means I would help them out in any way I could. I would also host a big, destination family reunion. There are some relatives we only get to see a couple times a year, maybe. And, every time, we say "We need to get together more" or "We need to keep in touch better" but it never happens.

5) Find a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. This is definitely on my list of priorities. Having dealt with this awful condition for nearly 6 years and knowing so many people who are also in the fight themselves (I'm on several support groups on Facebook) I know the pain and frustration that comes along with it. Not being able to really enjoy yourself because you know the next day you'll be sore and paying for it. And, the fact that people younger than me are dealing with it. Children, even! And, I get discouraged at 30 not feeling my age. A poor little kid feeling like I do? I can't even imagine. I think when I establish my writing career more and have the means, I'll set up my own foundation for research funding. If I can't do that, I'll definitely donate to already existing ones.

So, that's my top 5. No particular order. What would you do if money were no object?

Carey

September Writing Challenge- Day 8

Prompt- Do you write about everything in your blog or is some stuff protected from publication? Where do you draw the line?

I try to be as open as I can when I write in my blog because I want my readers to know about my life... But, there are some things I try to protect. This is not my diary where I can be completely honest and unrestricted in my feelings. So, I'm open and honest about just about everything to a point.

I don't want people to know exactly where I live so I refrain from saying my exact city. I am proud to be Ohio and living near the beautiful city of Cleveland. So, that I will talk about.

Names I try to either not say at all or I'll create nicknames, especially for kids. Some of my friends have small children and I will not say their names. I refer to family members as "Sis" or "Mom" etc. Cousins, aunts, uncles, etc., I may use initials or nicknames.

I will post pictures on occasion but rarely. I'll never post pictures of my friends' kids. I usually post pictures when I'm referring to something. Like my day 2 post when I was talking about my mom's birthday.

I try to keep Day Job topics completely out of my blog unless absolutely necessary and I feel I need to vent but I will not name or even describe people I'm talking about. I don't want to get in trouble or make people think I'm trying to start drama.

So, there you have it.

Have a great day.

Carey

September Writing Challenge- Day 7

Prompt- What made today worthwhile?

Today was great for a number of reasons. First, I woke up. So, points. Second, it was one of those rare Sundays that I was able to have off work. And, that is a rarity in my day job. I work retail, specifically grocery. So, everyone and their grandmother shops on Sundays to prepare for the week. I had asked for it as soon as I was cleared to return. My manager accidentally scheduled me but she was really nice and took me off.

But, I had to have reason for the day off, right? Of course, and a very good one, too. Being born and raised in the Cleveland area, I have been surrounded my whole life with the Cleveland/Pittsburgh rivalry in football. It's kind of ingrained in us. Wait, what am I talking about? There is no 'kind of' about it. It's drilled into us from the moment we are born. (For most people) Cleveland good, Pittsburgh bad. This is not the case across the board. Back when the original Browns were moved to Baltimore to become the Ravens, people gravitated toward other teams. Some stayed on certain bandwagons, some returned to root for the home team when they returned in 1999. One of those bandwagons, unfortunately, was Pittsburgh. Why? Because they win. Sad truth, folks. They win championships and people love that. Or, there are people whose family came from Pittsburgh and that's all they know. Even if they were born and raised here.

So, in honor of that rivalry and the beginning of football season, my parish had a clam bake fund raiser and we aired the game. The food was amazing. I got to see an old friend of mine from when I worked in catering and, also, my former boss.

The game was intense and hard hitting and there were cheers and boos on both ends of the fanbase. And, while the good guys lost, it was a wonderful time nonetheless and the teasing and tormenting was all in good fun. Our pastor even is talking about making this a new tradition!

Hope you all had a great day today. Make every moment worthwhile. Find joy in the little things. The sunlight shining on the dew on a spiderweb, spending time with friends and loved-ones, a child's laughter.

Thanks for reading!
~Carey

September Writing Challenge- Day 6

Prompt- My life would be easier if...

This is a hard one. Do I really have to pick one reason? But, if I do make a list, would this turn readers off because I'm complaining too much? So, I'm just going to pick one.

My life would be easier if... I didn't have rheumatoid arthritis. I hate the fact that I am 30 years old but 5 out of 7 days of the week I feel like a miserable, 90 year old woman. If I go out with my friends and we go walking or dancing, I can't move the next day. To relieve the pain and slow down the damage on my joints, I have to take medication that can cause a bazillion other issues because of side effects. One of them is actually a medication used in higher doses as a chemo therapy. So, my hair is thinning to the point that it only looks decent if I keep it cut super short. And I love long hair. I miss long hair! But, now, I can't even put my hair in a pony tail anymore.

Another medication I'm on is a weekly injection that can destroy my immune system. So, I have to be really careful when I get sick. I even got a flu shot for the first time ever last winter and am getting it again this year. (At least I get it free through work) Bad enough I have a condition where my body is attacking itself. So, give me something that makes my immune system even weaker. What's the point of that? I almost hate to say that it does help me. But, it does. I just wish they could come up with something that didn't have such horrible side effects.

Another thing that drives me crazy is the attitudes I get from people. Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as an "invisible disease." It's not like getting the chicken pox. Okay, maybe that's a bad example but it's the first thing to pop into my brain. And, there are good days and bad. One thing I think that ruined it for me, at least at work, was a few years ago when I danced like crazy at a work Christmas party and then the next day could not move for almost a week. So, people see me hobble and think I was out partying or something and am just whining.

And, the once coworker who always gives me a hard time is just a bitch, which is the most likely scenario. This woman actually accused me (not to my face, of course, but to someone ten feet away) of faking being in pain and exhausted. One of the misconceptions is that people hear "arthritis" and think old people. But, there are other types. Osteoarthritis is, generally, the old people arthritis. Not saying younger people can't get it. If there are underlying causes, it is possible but it's rarer. Rheumatoid can effect anyone. Even children! I'm on a few Facebook groups where I can talk to other people and get their experiences and vent to people who understand and are in my situation or worse. And there are a number of parents who have children with this horrible condition and my heart just goes out to them.

There are ways to keep this condition in check. There is no cure but remission is a possibility. Watching your diet- I've been on a serious low sodium diet for a month now. I should have done it a long time ago but it took a blood clot and doctor's orders to get me to be serious about it. Salt increases inflammation. I can feel it whenever I have pepperoni pizza. Exercise can keep your muscles and joints strong. But, mostly low impact like light walking or swimming. Because heavy duty exercise can do more harm than good. I love swimming, though. After a long day, to go to the rec and jump in the pool feels so refreshing and wonderful. In the winter, I go to the rec after work, sit in the hot tub for ten minutes (the amount of time the jets last) and then jump into the pool. The temperature difference is a nice shock to the system and feels so good. I was able to walk around Key West after doing this last time I was in Florida.

I still miss the days when I could go all day long- shop, swim, walk, eat junk- and not end the day in pain. I never knew what the last half of my 20s was supposed to feel like! And 30 hasn't had an especially spectacular start.

But, I'm working on it. I have my days where I want someone to cut off my legs but my family supports me and keeps me going. I hope there are people out there with the same love and support I do.

September Writing Challenge- Day 5

Prompt- Have you ever met a celebrity?

Yes, as a matter of fact, I have. It was a dream come true to attend my first Ohio ComicCon in Columbus. My boyfriend and I went for just the day because I was cat sitting for a friend and was unable to go for the whole weekend. It was so much fun and there was so much to see.

The whole reason I really wanted to go was to meet one of my favorite actors since I was 9 years old. (Also, my first celebrity crush) Jason David Frank!

First thing we did when we arrived was get in line for autographs. I headed right for his table and was 3rd in line. I was bouncing up and down and fangirling and couldn't wait for him to come out and the autograph session to begin. He came to the table and jumped up and greeted everyone. Everyone was screaming and cheering and it was insane. Then, once it all calmed down, the signing began. I paid my $40, picked out the picture I wanted for him to sign and then it was my turn. He greeted me and I froze! I think I mumbled a "hi" and I became so nervous. He was really nice and just excited to be there as the fans were.

Later in the day, I attended a VIP meet and greet. He answered questions and talked and joked and poked fun and it was incredible. Then, for whoever wanted, people got in line and he took pictures and signed more things. A guy told him how he and his girlfriend had a shared love of the Power Rangers growing up and then proposed to his girlfriend right then and there. Jason even filmed it for his YouTube channel! We were all chanting "Say yes! Say yes!" to the girl and she said yes!

When it was my turn, I asked if he would sign my notebook that I had written a fanfiction in and then I gave him a copy of the story! I even printed it in green ink. I gave him the folder and he said, "Oh, is this for me to keep and read? Cool!" I was so excited. It was one of my favorite stories I had ever written. Since I had such a longtime love of the show, it was easy to write and I incorporated my novel character into the world which was also very easy to write. (And, just to get the show characters right, I watched MMPR again. Thank you, Netflix)

It was a dream I had had since I was 9 years old finally coming true.

My boyfriend and I are going back to Columbus Halloween weekend and this time we're staying the whole weekend! And, if I can get the money together (and it's not sold out) I want to attend another meet and greet. Going to try and drag the boy along, too. Even though he was never into Power Rangers. But, I don't want to go alone.

Thanks for reading! Did you ever meet a celebrity? Share your story in the comments below.

September Writing Challenge- Day 4

Prompt- Coffee or tea?

Both! This depends on the situation. For writing, coffee. When I can't get my hands on a cherry Pepsi, my go-to is coffee. Not black coffee, though. Bleh! I like the frappes and the coolatas and that kind of coffee that tastes like liquid candy. The one girl at Dunkin Donuts can recognize my car now and just has to ask me if I want my usual. Is that sad? I may have a problem...

Nah! ^^

When I'm out to dinner with my family, I get iced tea. But it has to be either flavored or really sweet or both. And, just enough ice to make it cold. I will drink hot tea but only when I'm sick and there is some form of alcohol mixed in. Just, regular black tea with a teaspoon of sugar and a shot of blackberry brandy. Cherry vodka is also good added in. And, since I am a lightweight already, the warmth from the tea and whatever alcohol makes me feel all warm and relaxed. I usually conk out within half an hour.

What about you? Coffee or tea?

September Writing Challenge- Day 3

Prompt- Worst movie you've ever seen (and how you would have made it better)

The worst movie I have ever seen is an adaptation of one of my favorite books. "The Other Boleyn Girl" (IMDB link) by Philippa Gregory is one of the books that got me interested in historical fiction, specifically about the Tudor era, and introduced me to one of my favorite authors. So, you can imagine my excitement when it was turned into a movie in 2008. It stars Scarlett Johansson as Mary Boleyn and Natalie Portman as her famous little sister, Anne.

I know that book adaptations are a hit-or-miss. Some are incredible and become classics, like To Kill A Mockingbird or Princess Bride. Some capture a generation. (The Harry Potter series) Some are just bleh. (Twilight) And then there's some that should have never been created in the first place. And, this turned out to be a prime example.

I also thought one of the reasons I didn't like it was the fact that I had just read the book so it was fresh in my head. And I know people do this with book to movie adaptations. (Harry Potter fans) They sit there and nit pick at all the differences or cuts. But, you have to kind of go into it with an open mind and chance the consequences of being disappointed later or end up being pleasantly surprised. Guess what happened.

I did think with the casting that it would be well done. I am not familiar with all of the works of the two leading ladies but I had seen enough to know they are quite talented. And, all done up in 16th century costuming, Natalie Portman looks like she could be Anne Boleyn. She's got the dark hair and eyes. And, she's gorgeous. Scarlett Johansson, also gorgeous. Mary Boleyn is described as pretty and fair. The sunny sister. Eric Bana, who played King Henry, I had never seen before but I think he is very good looking. Maybe not exactly how I pictured King Henry but sometimes you have to make exceptions. (Also, in looking at the IMDB cast list, Sherlock fans will be pleased to know that Benedict Cumberbatch is William Carey)

Acting was okay. This was a hit or miss situation. I did feel that some of the characters were portrayed differently than described in the book. Some either complete opposite or with not enough passion to their role. This was the case with Anne and Mary's parents. In the book, they're portrayed as really grasping and power hungry. They'll do anything to advance the family, even if it means throwing their own daughters under the carriage, so to speak, when something went wrong or accusations arose- however false they may have been. But, I didn't get that. It was more Mary and Anne and the parents were there to say "I told you not to" later on. It took away from the drama that was in the book. When I read the interactions between Mary and her parents or her uncle or Anne, or even Henry, I was glued to the page. But, I didn't get that same kind of emotion in the film. Almost wondered if any of the actors even read the book to get the right mood across. Apparently not. Henry was bleh. While he was incredibly good looking, he didn't have the fire and passion that I thought he should have. Now, this is after I've seen Jonathan Rhys Meyers play Henry in the Tudors and I fell in love with him, even when he was being an absolute creep. Because, he was so passionate in his portrayal. You wanted to love him when he was being tender. You were terrified when his temper flared. You wanted to slap him when he was being stupid. But, Eric Bana didn't do it for me.

Also, what was difficult was the idea of cramming a story that takes place over several years into a two hour film. If they wanted to really get the full impact of the story, I would have written it as a mini series. This was right around the time in pop culture when The Tudors was popular (a surprisingly good series, albeit highly inaccurate and over dramatized, but so are these books. That's the fun of historical fiction, though) so it might have worked in a similar fashion, just maybe tone down the sex because there is a LOT of it in the book. Not that I don't mind, sometimes. I primarily read YA, at least recently. But, I still like my steamy romance books. I've been reading them since I was 17. But, to get a broader audience, tone it down so it's still got the gist of the story but isn't as racy as the Tudors series was.

The story is completely twisted around. The whole point of the story is a view of the events of the court of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, but from Mary's point of view. She's the "other" one. The lesser known sister. But there is a lot of Anne. And, while she is a crucial part of the story, the book is about Mary's life and how she deals with being involved with Henry and then being cast aside for her ambitious sister. The one woman, up to that point, who wouldn't give the king what he wanted then and there until she got what she wanted. But, there are already so many versions of her story. I was excited to see another perspective and learn about another character in that world.

The biggest part of the story was completely glossed over. With some key players absent. Where was Cardinal Wolsey in all this? He was Henry's main adviser. And, I don't think he was in it barely at all. And then, the fact that Henry created his own Church just to grant himself a divorce. It was kind of "Oh, by the way, this happened." What? That is kind of important, you would think. It changed, not only English history, but the world in the long run.

On a few positives, I did like Scarlett Johansson as Mary. And, I liked Natalie Portman, although comparing, once again, to the Tudors series, I liked Natalie Dormer the best as Anne. But, you can't help shedding a tear or two at the end when she's executed. (And, that's not a spoiler, folks. It's history. Pick up a book.) The relationship between the two sisters, in terms of their acting, was very believable. Starting out sweet and they were close and having fun. And, over time, it sours. But, Mary still has that innocent outlook on the world that things will be okay, even when everything is falling apart.

So, maybe I'll take a screenwriting course someday and ask Philippa Gregory if I could turn the book into a mini series. Then you can get all the drama and the historical background that this film was sadly lacking.

I'd love to know your opinions. Do you agree/disagree with what I've said? Did you love this movie and think I'm insane for not liking it? What is the worst movie you've ever seen?

See you tomorrow!

September Writing Challenge- Day 2

Prompt- I threw a surprise party for... and this is what happened.

At Mom's party, December 2009
Family photo

A few years ago, I threw a surprise party for my mom's 50th birthday. My dad and my sister helped, of course. One of my aunts made the cake. And, overall, the party was a success.

The problem was keeping the secret from my mother for two whole months. I'm very close to my parents. I tell them just about everything. So, it was very difficult for me to keep this huge thing from my mom. And, as the time drew closer, I was beginning to panic about getting things done and worrying about people who were not replying as to whether or not they were coming which drives me insane. Also, people were asking me what to get Mom as a gift and I had no idea. Whenever I asked her, just casually, she would say things like "world peace" or "a cure for cancer." Totally not helping. And, when I am worried about things, it's hard to keep it contained.

So, the night before the party, my parents and I are eating dinner and I'm mentally going through all the things I have to do the next day to get ready. Mom could tell something was bothering me but every time she asked, I lied and said nothing. Finally, she says, "I know what I want for my birthday."

Without thinking, I blurt, "Oh, now you tell me."

"So you got me something," she says, curious now.

My eyes went wide, I probably went pale and in my head I'm saying, *Shit! Blabber mouth. Now what?* What I said was, "You're gonna have to wait and see."

"I bet you can't keep it til Tuesday," she said. (Her actual birthday was the Tuesday after. The party was on a Friday)

"You're gonna have to wait and see," I said again, thinking this is a vague enough reply. The whole time my dad is laughing and I was worried he was going to blab as well. But, he didn't. When my mom arrived at the party and got over her initial shock, she came over to me and said, "I knew you couldn't keep it til Tuesday."

As I said, overall, the party was a success. The people who meant most attended. We had it at the old catering hall I used to work at so some friends who were former coworkers served the food. Everything was great. I took lots of pictures and memories were made that my mom will never forget.

What about you? What are some of your surprise party experiences? Leave a comment below and share. I'd love to hear.

Thanks for reading!

Carey

September Writing Challenge Day 1

Prompt: A Current Picture and 5 Random Facts

1) I am now terrified of angel statues. I blame Steven Moffatt for this. Because he created the Weeping Angels on Doctor Who, possibly the most terrifying monster ever in the 50+ years of the series, I freak out when I see an angel statue now.

2) One of my favorite genres to read is historical fiction. For those who follow my YouTube channel, you will know that I love Philippa Gregory books. She is fantastic at historical fiction, especially her Tudor books. I'm waiting on the final of the Cousins Wars series and then going to have a massive marathon read. And, because the last book is a signed edition makes me all the more excited for it to arrive.
Also, my dad gave me an idea for my own historical fiction story. I'm tossing around some ideas for it but don't want too much of a distraction from my work-in-progress.

3) I have a beautiful, but insane, German Shepherd. A few months ago, we began fostering a dog. She's a 5 year old German Shepherd named Pepper. She's so cute and the biggest sweetie... until a small dog comes along then she goes psycho. As time went on, and we became more and more attached, we realized we couldn't let her go. So, we adopted her in late July. She's fun and sweet and bat crap crazy but we love her anyway.

4) I think I might be a teeny bit addicted to Pinterest. I could spend hours on that site! Looking at everything and anything. Whether it's ideas for when I get my own place, wedding ideas (even though I'm not even engaged yet. But, hey. Who says I can't look now?) tons of recipes and writing inspiration. I have had many a sleepless nights due to Pinterest. So, if you want to see some of the things I have found during the hours I should be sleeping, here's the link to my page.

5) I'm going to Ohio ComicCon next month!! SO excited about this! Now, granted, I'm going to have to be ridiculously stingy. I just got back to work after being on sick leave for over a month and I'm going to need every penny I can for this trip. My boyfriend is being super amazing and said he'd cover the hotel cost which helps a lot but there are two people I want to get autographs from and a meet and greet I want to attend SO badly I could cry. Unlike last year, we are going for the whole weekend. We learned that there is just too much there to see in a day and it was just too exhausting. So, we're going to take our time and look around and enjoy ourselves. This is, I guess, our first vacation together. Also exciting.