Flashback Friday: Homage to Holiday Films

Welcome to Flashback Fridays where the old and new collide on everything from books to movies to first loves to favorite vacations. With a nip in the air and everyone decking the halls, it's the holiday time of year again. Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, you can't help but feel a little festive this time of year. So, this week on Flashback Fridays, I wanted to take a look back at some of my favorite holiday movies.

My favorite Christmas movie of all time is It's a Wonderful Life. Sure, you can argue that it isn't really a Christmas movie since only half of the movie takes place on Christmas Eve. However, if you feel that way, you really need to look deeper into the theme of the movie as well as its correlation to "He kept Christmas in his heart all year long" aspect of A Christmas Carol. I think we've all had disgruntled George Bailey moments *cough, cough, the writing biz* where it seems like the whole universe is conspiring against us. And then when things look their bleakest and all hope seems gone, if we can look to our family and friends, we are truly blessed. The last ten minutes of the film from the time George "lives again" up to the Auld Lang Syne ALWAYS has me weeping happy tears. It's just a beautiful movie. I am such a huge fan of the movie that I also have the It's A Wonderful Life Christmas villages that I put out every Christmas!!

A Christmas Story is one of my all-time favorites. I love, love Ralphie and his plight to get a Red Ryder BB gun. I think most of us have had that one gift that we desperately hoped we would get. What a great ensemble cast with the mom and Old Man, Flick and Schwartz and brother Randy who "Can't Put My Arms Down!" Plus, there's the great bully in Scut Farkus...with his red eyes! My viewing pleasure has been enhanced by watching the 24hrs of A Christmas Story on TBS even though I have the DVD at home!





I love the story of a Christmas Carol, and there are seriously a ton of versions out there. My favorite is a Muppet Christmas Carol. Sure, I love and grew up on the Muppet Show, but there are other reasons why it is such a great version. First, it has a great musical soundtrack. Songs like Bless Us All, Scrooge, One More Sleep Til' Christmas, and It Feels Like Christmas are so awesome I even downloaded them on my iPod to sing along to on the run! Plus, Rizzo the Rat and Gonzo as Dickens are hilarious as they narrate the story.


White Christmas--the movie that gave us one of the best Christmas songs also titled White Christmas! I really didn't gain an appreciation for this film until I got a little older and my appreciation for musical theater blossomed. The film has such a great post WWII message of everyone pulling together to help a deserving General down on his luck. There's other great songs like Sisters and Snow. The costumes are to DIE for too!





I think you'd have to have had your sense of humor removed if you do not find Christmas Vacation funny. After it debuted in 1989, it has wiggled its way into my family's lexicon in calling overly decorated neighbor's houses "the Grizzwald's". I was a fan of Vacation, but I have to say that Christmas Vacation is the funniest. There are too many great liners that I wouldn't be able to do the movie justice by quoting it!








And some great scenes from the Holiday movies, including the original Grinch! :)

Last Sacrifice: Are You Scared to Read?

Okay, everyone—this is it! The final installment of the amazing Vampire Academy series comes out tomorrow, December 7^th! That’s when Last Sacrifice, Richelle Mead’s 6^th book in the Rose/Lissa saga, hits a store or an e-reader near you!

Here’s the summary:

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait! Though I’m scared. Very, very scared. I’m scared that

a) something bad will happen to Adrian

b) something bad will happen to Dimitri

c) Rose will either end up with one or neither of them, and not with both of them in a slightly-unorthodox-YA-threesome.

*cough*

Okay, so maybe that last one is a tad unrealistic. But still. I just have this bad feeling that Dimitri is doomed—and that it has something to do with the title. I mean, hello---Last Sacrifice? It doesn’t really conjure up puppies and rainbows and happily-ever-afters, does it? And I’m both excited and terrified to find out if I’m right.

Does anyone else have any predictions for what might happen in Last Sacrifice? Seriously, we’d love to hear from you! (NO SPOILERS, PLEASE! I know some of you in other necks of the woods have probably already read this book—which, by the way, makes me insanely jealous—so if you have, please don’t ruin the surprise for others! Guesses only! Thank you!)

Childhood books

There are books from my childhood that I still remember after many years. Some because they influenced me and some because they solidified my love of reading. I grew up in Germany and still live there, so the books that got me reading and shaped my childhood are probably a bit different from the ones you grew up with. But there are some books that children all over the world love. Astrid Lindgren is one of those authors who gets kids reading in many countries. Who hasn't heard of Pippi Langstrumpf (Pippi Longstocking)?

What's not to love about a book whose MC's full name is Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim's Daughter Longstocking?

I wanted to have a cool name like Pippilotta Viktualia Rollgardina Pfefferminz Efraimstochter Langstrumpf (German)when I read the book and saw the movies on TV. Pippi led a life I and many kids dreamed and still dream about: Living in Villa Kunterbunt (Villa Villekulla) with her monkey Mr. Nilsson and her horse. Having adventures with her friends Tommy and Annika. Living without adults. Doing whatever she wants without an adult forbidding her anything. How great is that?

As a little girl I wanted to live like Pippi and of course to be as strong as her, so others wouldn't be mean to me anymore. I guess that's something many children want.

Ronia the Robber's Daughter (Ronja Räubertochter)
Another book by Astrid Lindgren with a strong female MC. Ronia is the daughter of a robber (duh) and tries to stop an old feud between two clans of robbers. Even as a child I loved reading about strong girls and I still do. Maybe books like Pippi Longstocking and Ronia the Robber's Daughter brought on my preference for independent and strong women and girls in books. I think it's important for young girls to read about strong female MCs.

Another author whose books were part of my childhood and that of many other kids is Michael Ende. I think he's also well known outside of Germany, especially for his book The Neverending Story.

What I really loved about this book is that Bastian, one of the MCs, becomes part of the Neverending Story by reading the book. He and Atreyu, the other boy MC, have to save Fantastica from the Nothing. And I loved Falkor, the luckdragon. What's wonderful about this book is that it brings magic into children's lives. Who hasn't wished to be sucked into a book, to become part of it?

(Though there are some books I wouldn't want to become a part of. Hunger Games for example. I wouldn't stand a chance.)

Der satanarchäolügenialkohöllische Wunschpunsch (The Night of Wishes)

Another book from Michael Ende. It's popular in Germany but not as known in the US or UK. I got it for Christmas when I was little. Books as a Christmas present are probably as popular as clothes, but I was happy when I detected the book among my presents. Though I have to admit that it didn't stand a chance against the Barbie horse with its movable joints. After I'd lost interest in playing with the horse, I read the book and loved it.

The German title is a real tongue-twister and the middle part doesn't even make sense, though it's fun to try to say it really fast. It always made me smile as a child. I love that it takes place in Villa Alptraum (Villa Nightmare!)

Eine Woche voller Samstage ( Could be translated as: A week full of Sams-days)

Paul Maar's books aren't that known outside of German speaking countries, but his books about Das Sams (the Sams) were some of my favorites as a child. Our elementary school teacher often read them to us. The book was even made into a movie and of course I loved that too. The Sams is a childlike creature with a pig-nose, blue dots all over its face and a red buzzcut. It can grant wishes, but for every wish one of its blue-dots disappears and when they're all gone it can't grant any more wishes. Most of the time the wish-granting ends in a mess though. So be careful what you wish for!

Some of you might have heard of Otfried Preußler. He's a very popular author of children's books in Germany. I've read his book Die Kleine Hexe (The Little Witch) over and over again when I was a little girl and the book is still on my shelf.

The beginning makes me smile every time I read it:
Once upon a time there was a little witch who was only a hundred and twenty-seven years old. That's not at all old for a witch.
She lived in a witch's house that stood all alone in the middle of a wood. As she was only a little witch, her witch's house was not particularly big either. But it was big enough for the little witch, who couldn't have wished for a better house. It had a funny crooked roof, and a twisted chimney, and rickety shutters. There was a baking oven built onto the back of the house. Of course there had to be an oven - a witch's house without one wouldn't be a proper witch's house.

The other witches look down on the The Little Witch because she's still so young. I think that's something many kids can relate to and it's told in a very cute way.

All this writing about my childhood books makes me want to read them again.

So do you know some of the books? What are the books that got you reading, the books from your childhood you still remember fondly?

Bella, Edward and Katniss Give Thanks

In honor of Thanksgiving weekend, we decided to give thanks…with a twist. Instead of telling you what we’re thankful for, we wanted to keep it YA related. And creative. And kinda goofy.

So instead of listening to us tell you how we’re thankful for our readers (though we really, really are), our health (because hey, everyone needs that) and the fact that one of us just found her $5 off at Target coupon that had been missing for awhile (it’s the little things, people!), we’re going to tell you about the touching "thanks" speeches we think some memorable YA characters would have uttered over the holiday. If they were, uh, real.

Edward: I’m glad Stephenie finally let me get some action. I was trying to play it cool and all, but being a 109-yr-old virgin? Yeah, it totally sucked.

Bella: I’m thankful S.M. turned me into a vampire. I thought Edward was never going to give it up, the big prude. Plus, I no longer sleep, which is cool because that whole watching me thing was starting to freak me out. I mean, what if I snored or something and scared him away? Also, majorly thankful for the sparklez. Duh.

Jacob: I’m thankful Renesmee is gonna grow up super fast. Girlfriends still in diapers are crazy expensive! Also? So glad Edward and Bella didn’t name me.

Katniss: Real or not real: Thanksgiving is an archaic tradition perpetuated by the government to lull us into a false sense of security. I refuse to take part in it. Besides, I’m afraid if I say I’m thankful for something, someone will snatch it away and beat it to death with a muttation.

However, I will say that having Peeta around doesn’t suck.

Peeta: I’m so, so thankful for Katniss, even though, if I’d realized sooner that I could risk my life for her time and time again and she’d still remain emotionally stunted, I might have just kept the damn bread.

Hope you all had a happy, happy Thanksgiving weekend! We’d love for you to leave a comment and tell us: what do you think YOUR favorite YA character is thankful for?

On the Wrong Side of the Finish Line

In less than a week, November will be over and NaNo 2010 will be a thing of the past. Congrats to this year’s winners!

To the rest of us, it’s okay.

Last year, I was one of the winners. On November 30^th, I looked at my 50k manuscript and smiled, dreaming of a bright future for the two of us. This year, I kicked off the month with those same stars in my eyes. I changed my idea after the first week. In the second week as I sat staring at a mountain of homework and my tiny 3k manuscript, I knew then I wasn’t going to make it. By the third week, I had officially decided that NaNo 2010 was not meant to be for me.

And I’m fine with that. Because I have two ideas and 3,000 words that will eventually turn into something grander.

Don’t get me wrong, winning NaNo is amazing. But the important thing is to have fun writing and to punch out those words like it’s 2012. Anyone who even attempts NaNo is incredible in my book. You tried and even if you didn’t finish, you DID start a novel. A lot of people can never say that. Does it really matter if you write “The End” on November 30^th or February 22^nd?

So instead of concentrating on “losing” NaNo, concentrate on learning something. Did you learn that paranormal space operas with a romantic twist aren’t really your thing? Did you learn that you are actually quite good with outlining? Did you learn a new way to approach character development, or how to pace the beginning of a story, or how to keep your middle from sagging? So, instead of worrying about winning, worry about learning and having fun.

Even if you’re 40,000 words behind, keep your chin up and keep writing. Because these words you’re writing may be the basis of your next novel, whether it’s your first or your twelfth.

Win or lose, what did you learn from NaNoWriMo 2010?

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 Review.

Three heroes. 

Seven books. 

Eight movies. 

Ten years. 

The end is almost here.

And it's never looked so good.

I was ten years old when I walked into the cinema to watch my very first Harry Potter film. I still remember the scene where they first showed Hogwarts. When I was first introduced to the magical world that is Harry Potter.

I walked into the cinema on Friday. I had my popcorn, my drink but I forgot one very important thing. A bucket, for my never ending tears. This movie had me on the brinks of tears from the very first scene. When Hermione removed her parents memory, when Harry saw his parents grave and when Dobby died. Seriously, I was either crying heavily or it was raining on my face.  

I personally think this is one of the best adaption from the book (my ultimate favourite will always be Prisoner of Azkaban). I love how close the film stayed to the book!  There were some things of about the pacing, but I’m really happy that the movie was split into two because we got a chance to see the friendship between the trios develop and crack under pressure.

The cinematography was absolutely breathtaking. So much of this movie was crisp and had a beautiful, grim tone which really reflects the book.  In a way, the setting felt like another character. Well done Yates.  The action scenes were all brilliant. Again, well done Yates. It really showed that the trio are no longer in Hogwarts and have grown up. Also, why is Hermione the most amazing female character of all time?

Also, the greatest tragedy is that Rupert Grint is not mine. I felt like he was amazing in this film. No, I did not scream out “RON BE MINE” in the fight scene in the tent. Nope. Not me.  I swear I am an adult. But, he really portrayed Ron’s jealousy and insecurities well. And the piano scene between Ron and Hermione was the cutest thing of all time. Of all time guys!

The kiss scene between Harry and Hermione was awkward and shall never be spoken about again. KTHANBAI. This may be an unpopular opinion but I loved the dance scene between Harry and Hermione. I think it showed that these characters share an amazing friendship, but ultimately it’s Ron that can give Hermione true happiness. 

I felt like everything was moved on to a whole new level. I was really taken back by Harry, Emma and Rupert (who I am deeply in love with) acting. I felt like they really showed how much the characters have matured and Rupert is amazing. Okay, I need to stop talking about Rupert.

Neville had 5 words in Part One, and let me tell you, they were the most bad ass words in the whole franchise. I LOVE YOU NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM, YOU GO NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM! 

I wished they showed Luna’s room, because it shows how much the trio meant to Luna. I need more Lupin!  The Weasley twins were amazing, and the kiss scene between Harry and Ginny was so cute, awkward and hilarious when her brother walks in drinking tea. I love you Weasley twins. And this may be the weirdest thing I’ve said (and I say really weird things), but I thought Scabior was really hot.  JUST ME? OKAY. I blame this on Nick Moran. 

This film felt like a huge tease for the epicness of epic that is Deathly Hallows Part 2. I will be in the film with my bucket! 

ACCIO PART 2!

Damn, I thought that would work.

Monday Guest Blogging: The Lovely & Talented Cory Jackson on Writer Friendships

Today GotYA is thrilled to have Cory Jackson with us today. Cory is a YA writer repped by Laura Bradford.


Friend of Writers

It’s not enough to Follow Friday them. It’s certainly not enough to give them a virtual pat on the back. Your friends have listened to you expound loudly and frequently on the hardships of publishing. They’ve commiserated when you didn’t hear back from that agent/editor like you wanted. They’ve talked you through plot problems and talked you into writing that story you weren’t sure about and talked you out of quitting when you thought you couldn’t keep on.

That’s an awful lot of talking and even more love. Especially if those Friends are not part of the publishing insanity. So have you thanked them lately for putting up with you?

Here are a few tips for giving back.

1. Send a handwritten note to say thank you, love you, or just thinking of you. We send dozens of emails a day and trade as many tweets. These things can’t possibly replace how it feels to open up the mailbox and see physical proof that someone cares about you.

2. Try not talking about your writing during a visit. If you are like me, you tend to obsess about your work. Maybe make it a point to share time with a friend when you don’t talk about writing, publishing, or any variance of either.

3. Buy your friend a coffee or a candy bar when they aren’t expecting it. People like to know you are thinking of them when you’re not together. Pick up their favorite treat and you’ll earn a smile.

4. Send an ecard for no reason at all. Don’t wait for an occasion to celebrate your friend. Ecards are a free, easy way to let your friend know you care.

5. Call. Has it been a while since you called for no reason at all? Try it. Let them know how much you appreciate them going on this journey with you.

And finally, when you get that deal, don’t forget who sat in the trenches with you, from eating ice cream in your flannel pajamas while watching Spongebob to celebrating that first big phone call from an agent/editor. Remember them, and appreciate how they jumped up and down with you when you got the news and didn’t act surprised in the least because they believed in you all along. And then send them another thank you.

*off to send an ecard to the Got YA ladies to thank them for having me*

Cory Jackson
corrinelj@gmail.com
www.corrinejackson.com