Protagonist or Hero?

I talk a lot about books and writing in general here on my blog, but I realized that I very rarely talk about my own writing. Sometimes I’ll update you with general ideas I’m working on, but I don’t often discuss the details.

Well that changes today!

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Book Review: Alara’s Call

I’m honored to be a part of the blog tour for the release of Kristen Stieffel’s debut novel, Alara’s Call. It’s the first book in The Prophet’s Chronicle and I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of the book to read and review!

So what’s it about?

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The Myth of True Love’s Kiss

When you think about fairy tales, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind when it comes to breaking curses?

If you’re anything like me (or if you read the title of this post), your mind immediately went to the magical cure-all: true love’s kiss.

Think about it. According to the stories, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty were both woken by true love’s kiss and even the Little Mermaid had to get a smooch in order to remain human and regain her voice.

But if you look a little closer, you’ll find that’s not exactly true.

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Conference Week

It seems like just a few weeks ago I was getting an invitation to teach at the Taylor University’s Professional Writing Conference. And yet, in just a few days, that’s where I’ll be.

I’ve been preparing in earnest for the last few weeks. I’m teaching a workshop on writing for kids, sitting on a panel to answer questions about the writing industry, and meeting one-on-one with attendees.

That last one is probably the one I’m most worried about, just because there isn’t really a way for me to prepare. People could ask me anything. So, expect the unexpected and all that.

In all honesty, I’m so beyond excited about this opportunity! That’s why this week’s post is a little disjointed and short. I can’t really focus on anything else.

So no post this weekend, but I’m sure you can expect at least one post (and video) detailing my experiences. And for those interested in what to expect as someone attending a conference, you can check out a post I wrote a few years back.

Literary Agents: What Are They?

I said I’m back and I meant it! That means videos again! For all those who have asked me “What exactly is a literary agent?”

Sadly, there won’t be a video next week as I’ll be at a conference being all professional and whatnot.

Until next time, word nerds!

Why Does the Slipper Stay?

I did mention in my last post that I’ve been watching a lot (and I do mean a lot) of fairy tales lately, right?

There’s something that’s always bothered me about Cinderella. In every version I’ve read or seen (except Ella Enchanted and maybe Ever After) it’s made very clear that the magic allowing Cinderella to attend the ball will only last until midnight. And as soon as the clock strikes twelve, poof! Everything is turned back to it’s original form.

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What Fairy Tales Teach Adults

I’m back!

I’m so sorry for being gone for months. As you may know, I was recently in a play, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I’ve always loved that play and I finally got to be in it! I played the role of Helena and after weeks of memorization, a rather intense and frantic rehearsal schedule, and making my own costume in my free time, we opened to great success!

But that’s not why you’re here. You’re here to hear about fairy tales! Or you’re here because you know me or are related to me and like to support me. Either way, I’m grateful you’re here.

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