Allison Tebo's Blog, page 2

A Tolkien Blog Party 2020 – Tag Answers

Greetings Hobbitses!  It is I, Alli – coming at you with yet another Unexpected Party. Or rather, blog post.

 

I don’t know what it is about Rachel’s tags . I am utterly INCAPABLE of resisting them.  One look and I’m a goner.

 

 

Consequently, I end up throwing something together extemporaneously and tumbling into your inbox at the last minute –

 

 

– at a time when I should be working on ANYTHING but this blog post.
I am really having trouble prioritizing lately. Is it just me?  Please tell me it’s not only me and that this is just a phase we’re going through!

 

 

*sigh* ANYWAY, now that the prerequisite excuses are out of the way, it’s time to announce the party rules.  LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE.

 

 

“A Tolkien Blog Party” is a six-day long blog party hosted by the magnificent Rachel Kovaciny . You can contribute any Tolkien-related post to the party or you can answer the tag questions, like I did.
And be sure to enter the GIVEAWAY to nab some treasures that Smaug himself would love to hoard. Actually, don’t enter; I want to win. *greedy dragon grin*

 

And now, with that final bit of housekeeping out of the way – on to the party!

 

 

 

1. What Tolkien character do you think you’re the most like?

 

AWKWARD QUESTION RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE.
Ah, these sorts of questions make me ramble uncomfortably. . .  It always feels so narcissistic to examine my own character under a microscope.
It doesn’t seem like there’s a way do this and not sound like you’re tooting your own horn or being overly self-deprecating.
I shall make an attempt, hobbitses.

 

 

I would say that I’m kind of a combination of Kili, Gandalf, and Boromir. Especially Kili and Gandalf.

 

Kili:  Rambunctious, charming, extroverted, willing to love people and take chances on others.  Makes friends easily and quickly.  Feels things deeply.  Not afraid to put himself out there. A blend of fiery passion and easy-going high-jinks.
He’s also too eager, too easily distracted, and overestimates what he’s capable of doing.
And he’s NAUGHTY.

 

 

Boromir: A bit of a mother hen. Constantly worrying about others and always leaping to someone’s defense. Believes in swift and hard action. Conservative, but others think of him as an extremist. A combination of grizzly and teddy bear.  Quick to call people out when he thinks they need it, but just as swiftly comforts those around him.
And, I have to confess, I would have probably also been tempted to use the ring to obliterate the enemy.

 

 

Gandalf: Appears to be extroverted and open, but is really very private and is basically a Mystery to everyone around them. Has a tendency to very nicely push, pull, and “orchestrate” people.  Swings between titanic confrontations and charm and wit. Often low-key frustrated because few people appreciate his opinions and advice.

 

Very spiritual and wiser than many people might give him credit for. Might be more widely recognized as wise if he wasn’t so stubbornly weird. Not very in touch with his own state of being because he’s so busy helping others.

 

 

Actually, I feel like these three guys have a lot in common.
All three of them have a very strong moral code.
All of them are vehemently opposed to evil (or complacency) and ready for a fight.  They are quick to leap to the rescue . . . sometimes too quickly.

 

 

They consider the big picture, but don’t forget the little guys. They’re all willing to make tough decisions for the sake of the greater good. They’re a combination of soft tough-guy and steady wild man.
Also, all three kind of have a tendency to fall on their face. They get too excited, too involved, and too pushy.  Sometimes they just plain make donkeys out of themselves.

 

In a nutshell – what the three of these guys most share is tendency to be too hasty and to take on too much at once.

 

 

Ah, one more thing that is fundamentally like me. All three of them like parties.

 

 

2. What Tolkien character do you wish you were more like?
I wish I was like Thorin, so I could scare more people – possibly even beat them up.

 

 

JOKING. Ahem, sort of. It would be nice to be more intimidating, though. AND THAT MAJESTY.  I could always use a dose of that majesty.

 

In all seriousness. I would like to be more like Elrond – calmer, wiser, more immovable. More noble-minded and pure. More fully in the spiritual realm than the physical. More gracious and more patient. More willing to serve.
And yet still one awesome fighter that makes evil minions scream and beg for mercy.

 

3. What would your dream home in Middle-earth be like?

 

*wiggles down into chair to prepare for an epic day dream*
Okay, let’s assume I’m rich.

 

 

Since I largely identify as a dwarf, it’s a given that I got some of that loot from Erebor (it’s also a given that I was assisting Gloin in burying some of that lovely troll trove).

 

 

Now that you have been assured that I can cover taxes and afford a full staff – onto the details.
My MAIN home will be in the Laketown / Dale region. I really love the wild Northern feel of this region of Middle Earth and I ADORE the fact that it’s on a lake and in the center of the action, with plenty of foreigners and trade traveling through its streets.

 

I love the ancient color and rich palette of this area and it appeals to my artistic sensibilities.  It’s also right on the doorstep of the dwarvish kingdom.  My claustrophobia would prevent me from living in Erebor full time, but this way I can at least be close to it and visit my darling dwarves regularly.

 

 

I would have a second home in Rivendell – I think it would be a very relaxing and peaceful place to go there during winter time.  I can definitely see myself finishing the deadline on a book in Elrond’s library . . . and tormenting some Elves by throwing snowballs at them.

 

 

So, two thirds of the year in Laketown/Dale and a third in Rivendell, with occasional vacations to Erebor or the Shire.
I know. You’re probably thinking: “You don’t want to live in the Shire??? EVERYBODY wants to live in the Shire.”
Well, I don’t.
I’m half wizard. The Shire is nice, but it’s too tame for me to live there all the time.
More importantly. some of the people there are kind of IRRITATING. And dull. And they steal your spoons. And consider your home ripe for the picking when you’re not even dead.  Not very nice neighbors, no indeed.
In short, I like the holes, but not all of the hobbits.
Hence my alternative to Shire dwelling.
4. You get to make a movie of the story of Beren and Luthien!  Who do you cast as the leads?

 

 

Uh . . . no one? I haven’t read the book, so I don’t really have an opinion on this.

 

 

*Googles the story of Beren and Luthien*
Hmmm . . . well . . .  *silence*
I’m not really up on modern actors; I watch a lot of old films.  It’s basically like a version of Aragorn and Arwen’s love story, right? *isn’t a Tolkien aficionado*
Okay, I’m going to go with Sean Bean and Liv Tyler. They were the two I really shipped in Lord of the Rings, and this is their chance to finally be together!
Aragorn wasn’t good enough for Arwen, but Boromir was.
COME ON, YOU KNOW IT’S TRUE. I CAN SEE YOU ACCEPTING IT AT THIS VERY MOMENT.  BOROMIR SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE GIRL AND THE THRONE. DON’T RESIST THE RIGHTNESS OF IT.

 

 

I got off topic there, but that head cannon just slipped out.  

A Tolkien Blog Party 2020 – Tag Answers

Greetings Hobbitses!  It is I, Alli – coming at you with yet another Unexpected Party. Or rather, blog post.

 

I don’t know what it is about Rachel’s tags . I am utterly INCAPABLE of resisting them.  One look and I’m a goner.

 

 

Consequently, I end up throwing something together extemporaneously and tumbling into your inbox at the last minute –

 

 

– at a time when I should be working on ANYTHING but this blog post.
I am really having trouble prioritizing lately. Is it just me?  Please tell me it’s not only me and that this is just a phase we’re going through!

 

 

*sigh* ANYWAY, now that the prerequisite excuses are out of the way, it’s time to announce the party rules.  LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE.

 

 

“A Tolkien Blog Party” is a six-day long blog party hosted by the magnificent Rachel Kovaciny . You can contribute any Tolkien-related post to the party or you can answer the tag questions, like I did.
And be sure to enter the GIVEAWAY to nab some treasures that Smaug himself would love to hoard. Actually, don’t enter; I want to win. *greedy dragon grin*

 

And now, with that final bit of housekeeping out of the way – on to the party!

 

 

 

1. What Tolkien character do you think you’re the most like?

 

AWKWARD QUESTION RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE.
Ah, these sorts of questions make me ramble uncomfortably. . .  It always feels so narcissistic to examine my own character under a microscope.
It doesn’t seem like there’s a way do this and not sound like you’re tooting your own horn or being overly self-deprecating.
I shall make an attempt, hobbitses.

 

 

I would say that I’m kind of a combination of Kili, Gandalf, and Boromir. Especially Kili and Gandalf.

 

Kili:  Rambunctious, charming, extroverted, willing to love people and take chances on others.  Makes friends easily and quickly.  Feels things deeply.  Not afraid to put himself out there. A blend of fiery passion and easy-going high-jinks.
He’s also too eager, too easily distracted, and overestimates what he’s capable of doing.
And he’s NAUGHTY.

 

 

Boromir: A bit of a mother hen. Constantly worrying about others and always leaping to someone’s defense. Believes in swift and hard action. Conservative, but others think of him as an extremist. A combination of grizzly and teddy bear.  Quick to call people out when he thinks they need it, but just as swiftly comforts those around him.
And, I have to confess, I would have probably also been tempted to use the ring to obliterate the enemy.

 

 

Gandalf: Appears to be extroverted and open, but is really very private and is basically a Mystery to everyone around them. Has a tendency to very nicely push, pull, and “orchestrate” people.  Swings between titanic confrontations and charm and wit. Often low-key frustrated because few people appreciate his opinions and advice.

 

Very spiritual and wiser than many people might give him credit for. Might be more widely recognized as wise if he wasn’t so stubbornly weird. Not very in touch with his own state of being because he’s so busy helping others.

 

 

Actually, I feel like these three guys have a lot in common.
All three of them have a very strong moral code.
All of them are vehemently opposed to evil (or complacency) and ready for a fight.  They are quick to leap to the rescue . . . sometimes too quickly.

 

 

They consider the big picture, but don’t forget the little guys. They’re all willing to make tough decisions for the sake of the greater good. They’re a combination of soft tough-guy and steady wild man.
Also, all three kind of have a tendency to fall on their face. They get too excited, too involved, and too pushy.  Sometimes they just plain make donkeys out of themselves.

 

In a nutshell – what the three of these guys most share is tendency to be too hasty and to take on too much at once.

 

 

Ah, one more thing that is fundamentally like me. All three of them like parties.

 

 

2. What Tolkien character do you wish you were more like?
I wish I was like Thorin, so I could scare more people – possibly even beat them up.

 

 

JOKING. Ahem, sort of. It would be nice to be more intimidating, though. AND THAT MAJESTY.  I could always use a dose of that majesty.

 

In all seriousness. I would like to be more like Elrond – calmer, wiser, more immovable. More noble-minded and pure. More fully in the spiritual realm than the physical. More gracious and more patient. More willing to serve.
And yet still one awesome fighter that makes evil minions scream and beg for mercy.

 

3. What would your dream home in Middle-earth be like?

 

*wiggles down into chair to prepare for an epic day dream*
Okay, let’s assume I’m rich.

 

 

Since I largely identify as a dwarf, it’s a given that I got some of that loot from Erebor (it’s also a given that I was assisting Gloin in burying some of that lovely troll trove).

 

 

Now that you have been assured that I can cover taxes and afford a full staff – onto the details.
My MAIN home will be in the Laketown / Dale region. I really love the wild Northern feel of this region of Middle Earth and I ADORE the fact that it’s on a lake and in the center of the action, with plenty of foreigners and trade traveling through its streets.

 

I love the ancient color and rich palette of this area and it appeals to my artistic sensibilities.  It’s also right on the doorstep of the dwarvish kingdom.  My claustrophobia would prevent me from living in Erebor full time, but this way I can at least be close to it and visit my darling dwarves regularly.

 

 

I would have a second home in Rivendell – I think it would be a very relaxing and peaceful place to go there during winter time.  I can definitely see myself finishing the deadline on a book in Elrond’s library . . . and tormenting some Elves by throwing snowballs at them.

 

 

So, two thirds of the year in Laketown/Dale and a third in Rivendell, with occasional vacations to Erebor or the Shire.
I know. You’re probably thinking: “You don’t want to live in the Shire??? EVERYBODY wants to live in the Shire.”
Well, I don’t.
I’m half wizard. The Shire is nice, but it’s too tame for me to live there all the time.
More importantly. some of the people there are kind of IRRITATING. And dull. And they steal your spoons. And consider your home ripe for the picking when you’re not even dead.  Not very nice neighbors, no indeed.
In short, I like the holes, but not all of the hobbits.
Hence my alternative to Shire dwelling.
4. You get to make a movie of the story of Beren and Luthien!  Who do you cast as the leads?

 

 

Uh . . . no one? I haven’t read the book, so I don’t really have an opinion on this.

 

 

*Googles the story of Beren and Luthien*
Hmmm . . . well . . .  *silence*
I’m not really up on modern actors; I watch a lot of old films.  It’s basically like a version of Aragorn and Arwen’s love story, right? *isn’t a Tolkien aficionado*
Okay, I’m going to go with Sean Bean and Liv Tyler. They were the two I really shipped in Lord of the Rings, and this is their chance to finally be together!
Aragorn wasn’t good enough for Arwen, but Boromir was.
COME ON, YOU KNOW IT’S TRUE. I CAN SEE YOU ACCEPTING IT AT THIS VERY MOMENT.  BOROMIR SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE GIRL AND THE THRONE. DON’T RESIST THE RIGHTNESS OF IT.

 

 

I got off topic there, but that head cannon just slipped out.  

The Disney Prince Book Tag

 

 

Welcome fair maidens and kind sirs!  Happy Labor Day weekend!

 

Before we dive into today’s post, allow me to share a little bit about what inspired it.While scrolling through my blogs drafts, wondering what I would post next (I’m so organized, wow) I came across a tag that I had forgotten about: The Disney Princess Book Tag.

 

As I was reading over it, I thought: “I need to do this, but first, I need to do the Disney Prince version!”Why? Because, strangely enough, my post Disney Prince’s Ranked is one of my top posts of all time. A day doesn’t go by when I don’t get hits on that little post.  WHY???  WHY IS THIS? I HAVE NO IDEA.

 

 

Piqued by these stats, I decided to do a post in a similar vein – partially because I wanted to see if another Disney Prince post would get the same kind of traffic.  This is sheer curiosity, folks.

 

 

Plus, it looked like fun!

But the most important reason of all is this.

 

Looking at the Disney Princess version of this tag, I did some poking about on the Internet and I realized . . . there wasn’t a Disney Prince option.

 

It never even occurred to anyone to make one for the boys? *scratches head* Clearly, a fun opportunity had been wasted!

And it was just as clear that I had to do something about it.

 

 

Hence the tag.  Now pay close attention, because here come the rules!

 

 

 

# 1.  Use the prompts. 

# 2.  Link back to me. 

 

Optional Rules (but it would be terrific if you did them and I might cry if you don’t)

 

# 3.  Highlight your favorite male characters. (my OCD tendencies make me want a post with prince prompts to be about guy characters). People were doing female characters for the Princess version, so it makes sense to reverse it here!

 

# 4. Let me know when you do this tag! I would genuinely love to read your answers.

 

You can also use the graphic, if you want to, though I don’t think it’s very good.

The Disney Prince Book Tag

 

 

Welcome fair maidens and kind sirs!  Happy Labor Day weekend!

 

Before we dive into today’s post, allow me to share a little bit about what inspired it.While scrolling through my blogs drafts, wondering what I would post next (I’m so organized, wow) I came across a tag that I had forgotten about: The Disney Princess Book Tag.

 

As I was reading over it, I thought: “I need to do this, but first, I need to do the Disney Prince version!”Why? Because, strangely enough, my post Disney Prince’s Ranked is one of my top posts of all time. A day doesn’t go by when I don’t get hits on that little post.  WHY???  WHY IS THIS? I HAVE NO IDEA.

 

 

Piqued by these stats, I decided to do a post in a similar vein – partially because I wanted to see if another Disney Prince post would get the same kind of traffic.  This is sheer curiosity, folks.

 

 

Plus, it looked like fun!

But the most important reason of all is this.

 

Looking at the Disney Princess version of this tag, I did some poking about on the Internet and I realized . . . there wasn’t a Disney Prince option.

 

It never even occurred to anyone to make one for the boys? *scratches head* Clearly, a fun opportunity had been wasted!

And it was just as clear that I had to do something about it.

 

 

Hence the tag.  Now pay close attention, because here come the rules!

 

 

 

# 1.  Use the prompts. 

# 2.  Mention the creator of the tag and link back to the original post. Here’s the link. 

#AboutTheAuthor August Tag

Hey look! It’s yet another unplanned post from Allison!This seems to be my modus operandi these days. Blogging has definitely become rather “ad hoc” this year as I kind of lurch from one fit of inspiration or interest to another in a “schedule” that has become the definition of random. Technically, I should have been working on other blog posts at this moment buuuuut – this looked so fun that I had to participate. And really – WHO CARES? THE BLOGGING POLICE CAN’T PIN ANYTHING ON ME, SO I’M JUST GOING TO ENJOY MYSELF.

 

 

I took my cues from the amazing Christine Smith (always a safe bet, since she’s sensational). She did the Instagram Prompts below in a blog post format.

 

 

After you read my (hopefully) fascinating blog post, make sure you follow Christine, not to mention the CREATOR of this very cool tag  Jameson C Smith.   And don’t forget to check out her  Instagram account  too!

 

 

And now . . . *imitates drum roll and cymbal clash with nominal success* ON TO THE POST.

 

 

1.) Introduce yourself!

 

 

I feel like we’re going over tilled ground, here. However, it’s possible that you’re new here.
In which case, WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL YOUR LIFE?
WAITING FOR YOU TO JOIN THE ALLISON PARTY, THAT’S WHAT.

 

 

*cough* I’m joking, of course.
Anyway, I could ramble awkwardly about who I am, but I would suggest just browsing around on this blog post or on my social media links.
Right now I’m too lazy to do anything other than paste my official author bio.

 

Allison Tebo is a Christian writer committed to creating magical stories full of larger-than-life characters, a dash of grit, and plenty of laughs. She is the author of the Tales of Ambia, a series of romantic comedy retellings of popular fairy tales and her flash fiction and short stories have been published in Splickety, Spark, Inklings Press, and Rogue Blades Entertainment. Allison graduated with merit from  London Art College after studying cartooning and children’s illustration and, when not creating new worlds with words or paint, she enjoys reading, baking, and defending her championship title of Gif Master.  You can find out more about her work at www.allisonteboauthor.com or follow her on Facebook at Allison Tebo Author.

 

2.) Tell us about your work-in-progress and your August goals!

 

My August goals were basically just to start writing again . . . on anything. I burned out in July and the Big Bad WorldBlock Monster started beating my brains out.
So August was mostly devoted to unwilling rest and poking away at the block. Very slowly….

 

 

The WIP that I’m going to be talking about on this post is one of my main goals for September (possibly for the rest of 2020).
Which is (you probably guessed it) my infamous Little Red Riding Hood retelling.

 

 

I am also now using this opportunity to announce the story’s working title: A DEADLY DECEPTION.
I’m not entirely happy with it, but it will do for now!

 

3.) Introduce your characters!

 

Warning: The following descriptions or mood boards contain mild spoilers for past books and future ones. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.

 

 

Burndee:  An ISTP and an insensitive and cranky baker who is learning to be less insensitive and cranky and who is head-over-heels in love with his wife and enjoying his happily ever after.
A happily ever after that will be kind of ruined in this book.

 

 

Ella: Gentle and not-very-bright Ella is a sweet-natured ISFJ who is still rejoicing over the home that has been returned to her. The bride of Burndee, Ella is struggling to balance renovating a home, running a bakery, learning magic, and dealing with the overwhelming excitement of becoming an aunt.

 

 

Colin:  A happy-go-lucky and mischievous ESFP who is the prince of Ambia and an expectant father. He is learning to grow into his responsibilities as the future king, as well as changing in his relationships with those closest to him.

 

 

Cynthia:  Expecting her first child and soon to be crowned queen, Cynthia is a no-nonsense, down-to-earth ESTJ. Cynthia was a former medical student who failed to graduate when she abandoned her career as a doctor to marry and support Colin, as well as co-rule a kingdom.

 

 

Poppy:  Still recovering from a traumatic kidnapping, Poppy is a shy and sensitive INFP who is blossoming into a more adventurous and open person due to the new friendships she has developed. She is the former princess of Ambia’s southern neighbor, Radorria, and is now lady-in-waiting to Princess Cynthia.

 

 

Horace:  Secretly a closet ENFP and the former fiance of Poppy.  Unintentionally drawn into the inner circle of Ambia, Horace reveals surprising value and displays surprising talents to the group . . . and may even dare to call some of them friends.

 

 

Well, what do you think? And that’s just my main cast – there is a sizable allotment of side characters that I didn’t show here. But, hey, I have to keep some things a secret….

 

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4.) What are you currently reading?

 

 

I am usually reading about ten books at once (I know, it’s a problem), but the first three on my list are Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson, The Last Atlantean by Emily Hayse and Animal Farm by George Orwell. All of them are proving to be quite interesting!

 

5.) Favorite genre to read and write.

 

I’m really not particular about what genre I read. If it’s good, I’ll read it.  But, looking at my book case, the overwhelming indication is that I definitely prefer middle grade, no matter what the genre is.
As for what I love to write, my favorite genre is definitely speculative. Whether it is steampunk, science fiction, or a magical realism – I crave a little speculation in my storytelling.

 

6.) Three fun facts about your work-in-progress.

 

1)  It’s a novel, not a novella. That’s fun for my readers. Not so fun for me.

 

 

2)  This is the culmination of Burndee’s BIG ARC.  He thinks I’m killing him right now, but momma knows best. It’s going to be beautiful! Painful, but beautiful. Everything in the previous two books has brought Burndee to this moment of truth and he just has to deal with it.

 

 

3)  I’ve mixed and matched my spouses. Burndee and Cynthia are paired up in this novel and Colin and Ella hang out elsewhere. It was definitely fun to explore the sibling-like relationships between these respective in-laws.

 

7.) You get to spend the day in your story’s world. What do you do?

 

I’m definitely visiting The Magic Pumpkin Bakery so that I can eat myself silly by feasting on the delectable treats.  I would try writing there, but there’s no way I’m going to get any work done with Burndee yelling in the back.

After gorging myself, I would probably go hang out with Ella at Rose Hall and help her pick colors for her recent home renovations, then I’d swing by the palace to have tea with Poppy, Cynthia, and Meck (if he’ll come out of hiding long enough for me to give him a pat and a crumpet).
And (I might as well just admit it), I’d spend most of my day with Colin, raising a ruckus.

 

 

There’s also one thing I would do with Horace, but . . . I’m not going to say because of spoilers. *smirks*

 

8.) A favorite kind of character to write. 

 

Grumpy and sarcastic are always fun. I also adore writing characters that seem boring / dumb / annoying but are actually quite interesting and likeable if you are willing to look beyond the surface.
You’re going to see both of those in A Deadly Deception . . . just saying.

 

9.) What is your writing weakness? 

 

 

Oh boy, how to narrow this down?

#AboutTheAuthor August Tag

Hey look! It’s yet another unplanned post from Allison!This seems to be my modus operandi these days. Blogging has definitely become rather “ad hoc” this year as I kind of lurch from one fit of inspiration or interest to another in a “schedule” that has become the definition of random. Technically, I should have been working on other blog posts at this moment buuuuut – this looked so fun that I had to participate. And really – WHO CARES? THE BLOGGING POLICE CAN’T PIN ANYTHING ON ME, SO I’M JUST GOING TO ENJOY MYSELF.

 

 

I took my cues from the amazing Christine Smith (always a safe bet, since she’s sensational). She did the Instagram Prompts below in a blog post format.

 

 

After you read my (hopefully) fascinating blog post, make sure you follow Christine, not to mention the CREATOR of this very cool tag  Jameson C Smith.   And don’t forget to check out her  Instagram account  too!

 

 

And now . . . *imitates drum roll and cymbal clash with nominal success* ON TO THE POST.

 

 

1.) Introduce yourself!

 

 

I feel like we’re going over tilled ground, here. However, it’s possible that you’re new here.
In which case, WHERE HAVE I BEEN ALL YOUR LIFE?
WAITING FOR YOU TO JOIN THE ALLISON PARTY, THAT’S WHAT.

 

 

*cough* I’m joking, of course.
Anyway, I could ramble awkwardly about who I am, but I would suggest just browsing around on this blog post or on my social media links.
Right now I’m too lazy to do anything other than paste my official author bio.

 

Allison Tebo is a Christian writer committed to creating magical stories full of larger-than-life characters, a dash of grit, and plenty of laughs. She is the author of the Tales of Ambia, a series of romantic comedy retellings of popular fairy tales and her flash fiction and short stories have been published in Splickety, Spark, Inklings Press, and Rogue Blades Entertainment. Allison graduated with merit from  London Art College after studying cartooning and children’s illustration and, when not creating new worlds with words or paint, she enjoys reading, baking, and defending her championship title of Gif Master.  You can find out more about her work at www.allisonteboauthor.com or follow her on Facebook at Allison Tebo Author.

 

2.) Tell us about your work-in-progress and your August goals!

 

My August goals were basically just to start writing again . . . on anything. I burned out in July and the Big Bad WorldBlock Monster started beating my brains out.
So August was mostly devoted to unwilling rest and poking away at the block. Very slowly….

 

 

The WIP that I’m going to be talking about on this post is one of my main goals for September (possibly for the rest of 2020).
Which is (you probably guessed it) my infamous Little Red Riding Hood retelling.

 

 

I am also now using this opportunity to announce the story’s working title: A DEADLY DECEPTION.
I’m not entirely happy with it, but it will do for now!

 

3.) Introduce your characters!

 

Warning: The following descriptions or mood boards contain mild spoilers for past books and future ones. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.

 

 

Burndee:  An ISTP and an insensitive and cranky baker who is learning to be less insensitive and cranky and who is head-over-heels in love with his wife and enjoying his happily ever after.
A happily ever after that will be kind of ruined in this book.

 

 

Ella: Gentle and not-very-bright Ella is a sweet-natured ISFJ who is still rejoicing over the home that has been returned to her. The bride of Burndee, Ella is struggling to balance renovating a home, running a bakery, learning magic, and dealing with the overwhelming excitement of becoming an aunt.

 

 

Colin:  A happy-go-lucky and mischievous ESFP who is the prince of Ambia and an expectant father. He is learning to grow into his responsibilities as the future king, as well as changing in his relationships with those closest to him.

 

 

Cynthia:  Expecting her first child and soon to be crowned queen, Cynthia is a no-nonsense, down-to-earth ESTJ. Cynthia was a former medical student who failed to graduate when she abandoned her career as a doctor to marry and support Colin, as well as co-rule a kingdom.

 

 

Poppy:  Still recovering from a traumatic kidnapping, Poppy is a shy and sensitive INFP who is blossoming into a more adventurous and open person due to the new friendships she has developed. She is the former princess of Ambia’s southern neighbor, Radorria, and is now lady-in-waiting to Princess Cynthia.

 

 

Horace:  Secretly a closet ENFP and the former fiance of Poppy.  Unintentionally drawn into the inner circle of Ambia, Horace reveals surprising value and displays surprising talents to the group . . . and may even dare to call some of them friends.

 

 

Well, what do you think? And that’s just my main cast – there is a sizable allotment of side characters that I didn’t show here. But, hey, I have to keep some things a secret….

 

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4.) What are you currently reading?

 

 

I am usually reading about ten books at once (I know, it’s a problem), but the first three on my list are Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson, The Last Atlantean by Emily Hayse and Animal Farm by George Orwell. All of them are proving to be quite interesting!

 

5.) Favorite genre to read and write.

 

I’m really not particular about what genre I read. If it’s good, I’ll read it.  But, looking at my book case, the overwhelming indication is that I definitely prefer middle grade, no matter what the genre is.
As for what I love to write, my favorite genre is definitely speculative. Whether it is steampunk, science fiction, or a magical realism – I crave a little speculation in my storytelling.

 

6.) Three fun facts about your work-in-progress.

 

1)  It’s a novel, not a novella. That’s fun for my readers. Not so fun for me.

 

 

2)  This is the culmination of Burndee’s BIG ARC.  He thinks I’m killing him right now, but momma knows best. It’s going to be beautiful! Painful, but beautiful. Everything in the previous two books has brought Burndee to this moment of truth and he just has to deal with it.

 

 

3)  I’ve mixed and matched my spouses. Burndee and Cynthia are paired up in this novel and Colin and Ella hang out elsewhere. It was definitely fun to explore the sibling-like relationships between these respective in-laws.

 

7.) You get to spend the day in your story’s world. What do you do?

 

I’m definitely visiting The Magic Pumpkin Bakery so that I can eat myself silly by feasting on the delectable treats.  I would try writing there, but there’s no way I’m going to get any work done with Burndee yelling in the back.

After gorging myself, I would probably go hang out with Ella at Rose Hall and help her pick colors for her recent home renovations, then I’d swing by the palace to have tea with Poppy, Cynthia, and Meck (if he’ll come out of hiding long enough for me to give him a pat and a crumpet).
And (I might as well just admit it), I’d spend most of my day with Colin, raising a ruckus.

 

 

There’s also one thing I would do with Horace, but . . . I’m not going to say because of spoilers. *smirks*

 

8.) A favorite kind of character to write. 

 

Grumpy and sarcastic are always fun. I also adore writing characters that seem boring / dumb / annoying but are actually quite interesting and likeable if you are willing to look beyond the surface.
You’re going to see both of those in A Deadly Deception . . . just saying.

 

9.) What is your writing weakness? 

 

 

Oh boy, how to narrow this down?

Legends of Western Cinema – Tag Answers

Well, Rachel, you did it again!
I hadn’t intended to write a post about this, but then I saw your blog link up and it looked so fun I had to participate!  She pulled me in at the eleventh hour once more.

 

 

This post was doubly hard to produce at the last second because, as always, I had to track down the perfect gifs. Do you have any IDEA who hard it is to find Western gifs online???  VERY HARD.  I’m ashamed of the Internet for being so remiss.

 

 

Fortunately, the Gif Master was up to the challenge and managed to dig up some good ones. *grins*
This was a short post, but a fun one. Anytime there’s a party, you can bet that Allison will be there, getting into mischief and having fun.

 

Make sure you check out  Hamlette’s Soliloquy  to get in on the fun!
So are you ready for my contribution to this little round-up?  Good.   Let’s go!

 

 

1. What’s the last western you watched?

 

Um . . . I’m pretty sure it was scenes from Audie Murphy’s Ride Clear Of Diablo – my dad really likes one of the sidekicks in that film.

 

 

The guy above is hilarious. A lunatic, but hilarious.
As for the film itself (not to mention Audie) . . . . well.  I really can’t see how Audie Murphy got famous as an actor. *hides* Was he a great war hero? Absolutely. But he should have stuck with being a war hero, in my opinion.
2. A western of any stripe (happy or tragic) where you were highly satisfied by the ending?

The Shadow Riders had a highly satisfactory ending. Brothers and sisters riding off into the sunset (not to mention uncles and a future in-law) needs to be far more common in film!

 

 

3. The funniest western you’ve seen?

 

Hawmps! comes immediately to mind.  This movie is definitely one of a kind. Where else are you going to be able to find cowboy’s doing the jitterbug?

 

 

4. What similar elements/themes show up in your favorite westerns?

 

The bad guys getting just what’s coming to them.
Real Men doing what real men do.
Lawmen portrayed as the heroes that they are.
Snappy and laconic dialogue.
Right and wrong / black and white morality.
Stories that don’t follow the usual Western tropes (stranger rides into town and becomes sheriff or at least cleans it up, etc). They are genre-bending and are really escapes, heists, or epic generational story lines wrapped up in a Western setting.
Strong family themes.
Epic settings.
Lots of action.
Not one villain left standing. Not a one.

 

5. Favorite actress who made one or more westerns?

 

*scratches head* Well, Deanna Durbin is one of my favorite actresses and, as far as I know, she only made one Western Can’t Help Singing.

 

 

I haven’t watched it yet, because I have difficulty thinking of Deanna in full technicolor – to me she exists in a black and white alternate universe. It’s hard for me to realize that the heroine of this film is the same Deanna I know and love.
I have to admit, though – this is a pretty epic background for singing a solo!

 

 

6. Favorite western hero/sidekick pairing?

 

Roy Rogers and Trigger are pretty iconic.

 

 

Chris and Vin in The Magnificent Seven (the REAL Magnificent Seven, not that modern monstrosity) are also quite epic.

 

 

7. Scariest villain/antagonist in a Western?

 

Hmmm . . . I honestly can’t think of any villain in a Western who was scary.  I can think of plenty who were annoying, plenty who were jerks, and even a few interesting ones – but I was never unduly scared by any of them.
I suppose there were some movies with Indian attacks that freaked me out when I was little. It’s hard to beat a villain that chases you down with the intent of scalping you.  That would not be my preferred way of leaving this Earth, nossir.

 

 

8. Favorite romance in a western?

 

Hmm .  . . . I suppose the relationship in The Shadow Riders. It had the merit of being abbreviated (they never even kissed) and took a back seat to the rest of the story – which is always a plus.

 

 

9. Three of your favorite westerns?

 

Chisum.
The Shadow Riders.
Big Jake.

 

10. Share one (or several!) of your favorite quotes from a western.

 

The scenes and quotes below are used frequently in my house. Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And that’s a wrap.  Hopefully you enjoyed this little sip of silliness.

 

All right, compadres, let’s talk. Have you seen any of these films? What is one of your favorite Western stories? If Westerns aren’t really your thing, what is an element that would make them more appealing to you? (you can bet I’ll be taking notes).

 

If you want to read last year’s post centered around Legends Of Western Cinema Week, you can find it right here.
Until next time.

 

 

 

Legends of Western Cinema – Tag Answers

Well, Rachel, you did it again!
I hadn’t intended to write a post about this, but then I saw your blog link up and it looked so fun I had to participate!  She pulled me in at the eleventh hour once more.

 

 

This post was doubly hard to produce at the last second because, as always, I had to track down the perfect gifs. Do you have any IDEA who hard it is to find Western gifs online???  VERY HARD.  I’m ashamed of the Internet for being so remiss.

 

 

Fortunately, the Gif Master was up to the challenge and managed to dig up some good ones. *grins*
This was a short post, but a fun one. Anytime there’s a party, you can bet that Allison will be there, getting into mischief and having fun.

 

Make sure you check out  Hamlette’s Soliloquy  to get in on the fun!
So are you ready for my contribution to this little round-up?  Good.   Let’s go!

 

 

1. What’s the last western you watched?

 

Um . . . I’m pretty sure it was scenes from Audie Murphy’s Ride Clear Of Diablo – my dad really likes one of the sidekicks in that film.

 

 

The guy above is hilarious. A lunatic, but hilarious.
As for the film itself (not to mention Audie) . . . . well.  I really can’t see how Audie Murphy got famous as an actor. *hides* Was he a great war hero? Absolutely. But he should have stuck with being a war hero, in my opinion.
2. A western of any stripe (happy or tragic) where you were highly satisfied by the ending?

The Shadow Riders had a highly satisfactory ending. Brothers and sisters riding off into the sunset (not to mention uncles and a future in-law) needs to be far more common in film!

 

 

3. The funniest western you’ve seen?

 

Hawmps! comes immediately to mind.  This movie is definitely one of a kind. Where else are you going to be able to find cowboy’s doing the jitterbug?

 

 

4. What similar elements/themes show up in your favorite westerns?

 

The bad guys getting just what’s coming to them.
Real Men doing what real men do.
Lawmen portrayed as the heroes that they are.
Snappy and laconic dialogue.
Right and wrong / black and white morality.
Stories that don’t follow the usual Western tropes (stranger rides into town and becomes sheriff or at least cleans it up, etc). They are genre-bending and are really escapes, heists, or epic generational story lines wrapped up in a Western setting.
Strong family themes.
Epic settings.
Lots of action.
Not one villain left standing. Not a one.

 

5. Favorite actress who made one or more westerns?

 

*scratches head* Well, Deanna Durbin is one of my favorite actresses and, as far as I know, she only made one Western Can’t Help Singing.

 

 

I haven’t watched it yet, because I have difficulty thinking of Deanna in full technicolor – to me she exists in a black and white alternate universe. It’s hard for me to realize that the heroine of this film is the same Deanna I know and love.
I have to admit, though – this is a pretty epic background for singing a solo!

 

 

6. Favorite western hero/sidekick pairing?

 

Roy Rogers and Trigger are pretty iconic.

 

 

Chris and Vin in The Magnificent Seven (the REAL Magnificent Seven, not that modern monstrosity) are also quite epic.

 

 

7. Scariest villain/antagonist in a Western?

 

Hmmm . . . I honestly can’t think of any villain in a Western who was scary.  I can think of plenty who were annoying, plenty who were jerks, and even a few interesting ones – but I was never unduly scared by any of them.
I suppose there were some movies with Indian attacks that freaked me out when I was little. It’s hard to beat a villain that chases you down with the intent of scalping you.  That would not be my preferred way of leaving this Earth, nossir.

 

 

8. Favorite romance in a western?

 

Hmm .  . . . I suppose the relationship in The Shadow Riders. It had the merit of being abbreviated (they never even kissed) and took a back seat to the rest of the story – which is always a plus.

 

 

9. Three of your favorite westerns?

 

Chisum.
The Shadow Riders.
Big Jake.

 

10. Share one (or several!) of your favorite quotes from a western.

 

The scenes and quotes below are used frequently in my house. Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And that’s a wrap.  Hopefully you enjoyed this little sip of silliness.

 

All right, compadres, let’s talk. Have you seen any of these films? What is one of your favorite Western stories? If Westerns aren’t really your thing, what is an element that would make them more appealing to you? (you can bet I’ll be taking notes).

 

If you want to read last year’s post centered around Legends Of Western Cinema Week, you can find it right here.
Until next time.

 

 

 

Writing For All Eternity

 

Every writer (or ANY creative, for that matter) has struggled with the disappointment of not having the time or energy to write.

 

*hugs*  I know how hard it can be.

 

This post is for you. I hope it encourages you.

 

Note:  This blog post was inspired by my sweet friend, Joellen Kemper. I was talking with her about this subject last week. Every conversation with her leaves me filled with inspiration and insight. She is such a treasure. Go follow her!  And then read on. 

 

 

As a writer dealing with health issues, I’m not always able to write as much as I want to.


I am often frustrated and saddened because of this, and overwhelmed at the pent up feeling of stories bubbling inside me that can’t get out.


So how do we find peace about this? How do we find satisfaction and perspective?


We need a new mindset.

 

There are several practical ways that writers with chronic health issues (or writers who are strapped for time in any capacity) can embrace a better mindset towards their limited writing time.

 

Learn to Accept A Broader Definition of Storytelling.

 

I have a very bad habit of compartmentalizing my writing. If I’m not drafting on a fictional story, I don’t count it as progress. My Instagram posts, my blog posts, my newsletters, editing – I don’t count it as “real writing.”

 

This, obviously, is rather foolish and puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on me.

 

But I don’t just compartmentalize my writing, I compartmentalize my life. When I’m going about regular life, cleaning or eating or praying or whatever, I don’t count that as writing.

 

But I think I should. I think all of the parts of our life that we don’t think of as “real writing” should not be dismissed, but placed respectfully in the category of “experience.”

 

In the days or seasons when we’re not writing, we don’t stop living, we don’t stop learning and growing. All the things that are “distracting us” from what we really want to be doing, are actually part of the story we are going to tell. Life is the raw material, the mold, the classroom. The times when we aren’t writing are still shaping us as writers.

 

For instance, I have a story that I hope to publish in T Spec Fiction’s second issue that I consider the best thing I’ve ever written. It’s called Out of the Ashes and the heroine is struggling with wanting to give up on life. I never could have written such raw depression or hope if I hadn’t gone through some of the things that I have experienced.  I needed that “real life” to help me write that story – it was vital material that I could recall when I was finally ready to put that kind of pain on paper.

 

We aren’t losing time when we’re not drafting, we’re researching.

 

Another way we can stop compartmentalizing our writing is to embrace the idea of non-fiction and “micro fiction.”

 

A story doesn’t necessarily have to be fiction.

 

A story doesn’t have to be long or complicated to be powerful.

 

A story – simply put – is relating a truth beautifully, skillfully, and in a way that captures and impacts your audience.

 

A brief bedtime story whispered to a child. Telling a funny dream to a family member over breakfast. A blog post relating something wonderful. An Instagram post talking about a beautiful sunset.

 

They’re all stories.

 

Conversations and comments can change lives just as much as books. Words, in whatever way they are used, are powerful. We need to see ourselves not as writers, but as word warriors. Once we expand the definition of storyteller, we become less frustrated, gain a clearer vision of our calling, and become more satisfied with what we are able to accomplish.

 

 

But I know how hard it can be to hold on to satisfaction.  Most of the time, writers are never satisfied.
We abandon projects, we don’t really finish them. While struggling to wrangle one into submission, we are thinking yearningly of another. And, no matter how much we write, there is always more, beating at our backs and shouting in our ears for our attention.

 

But the sad fact is, I will never, ever, be able to write on all the ideas currently rattling around in my head. Nobody has that kind of time.

To gain peace about our limited writing time, it is imperative that we do the following.

 

We must pray about our work, and seek God’s guidance on what we should be working on while we’re here on Earth. AND, when we should be writing.

 

Let me put it this way.

 

We all need to eat, and God gave us a natural desire to do so. He gave us the sensation of hunger to let us know that our body requires more energy. Let’s call it the hunger drive.

 

Just as the desire to eat keeps us interested in eating, the endless imagination of a writer works as a sort of hunger drive, keeping us writers doing what we’re meant to do—write.

 

But natural drives and instincts can be bothersome if they’re not disciplined. Tthe crazed need to eat a Twinkie when we’re supposed to be fasting has to be conquered, at least for a time. The desire to overeat has to be overcome for the sake of our good health. In the same way, the story drive must be conquered, disciplined, corralled, and, at times, ignored.

 

Just as in eating, we need to be regular writers, to keep ourselves full of energy and life. We need to be disciplined writers, not given to gluttony (I want to write this, or I want to write now, or I want to write more, etc). And we must learn that, some times, there are more important things that temporarily supersede our desire to work on our stories.

 

Because writers are part of a bigger story. The Earth is a stage, and we are the ensemble cast in the most complicated epic that was ever written. We are part of a bigger story that encompasses far more than just our own goals or stories or imaginations. Though God designed us to enjoy telling stories, He had a purpose in mind for us when He gave us the gift of words, and it’s up to us to listen to Him and to obey His leading.

 

 

And that purpose is to tell the world about Him.

No matter how many times writers deny writing allegories, they can’t change the fact that every story IS an allegory. Every theme we’ve ever known is based off of some part of God’s character – redemption, justice, true love, etc.  All stories, in the end, are either about God Himself , or our relationship with Him.

 

As Christian storytellers, our task is to relate eternal truth through stories, whether they are fiction or non-fiction.

 

But that doesn’t have to cause fear or pressure. God knows exactly what words He wanted us to share when He dreamed us into existence. He already has a plan for our writing.  If we surrender to Him every day, if we seek His wisdom and ask Him for guidance on what we should be writing, and then obey when He answers us – then, we don’t have to be afraid of missing the mark.

 

We must believe and trust that whatever words God wants us to speak or write WILL be spoken or written in our lifetime. If we remain in His will, we will not die before our purpose in life has been accomplished.

 

It could be one single work of fiction. It could be a conversation or a blog post or even a live stream. It could a series of books or a devotional. Whatever words God ordained for me to speak, will be spoken, if I obey His leading.  He is the Giver of Words, and it is up to me to be an open channel, to ask and to want Him to speak through me.

 

 

“But what about that feeling of frustration of not being able to write everything?” you might ask.

 

I think, that too, will one day be taken care of.

 

I’m a writer now, but I believe that this is just the beginning of what it means to be a writer. I believe that what I do now is a mere reflection of some greater purpose and job reserved for me in the future.

 

I believe that our talents in life, the jobs that we are really good at, are what we will be doing in the new Heavens and the new Earth. Only it will be bigger and better than anything we know here.

 

A little frustration on Earth for a limited time can be endured when we know we shall one day be filled to the brim with stories. Our souls will finally be satisfied and satiated by perfect art and perfect creativity—because we are no longer separated from the Source of Creative Perfection.

 

One day, I shall tell perfect stories. They shall be unmarred by human sinfulness or ignorance. I will be relating things I’ve never dreamed of, perhaps even using words that I’ve never known before.

 

I shall finally be the writer I most want to be. There will be no more ambition, no more dreams about fame and fortune, no more neediness for an audience to like my work, and no more comparison with other storytellers.

 

What storytelling might look like in Heaven, no one can say, since “the eye has not seen nor ear heard what God has planned for those that love him.”

 

But, since I am a storyteller, I can’t resist speculating.

 

Perhaps we will be telling angels stories about our times of worship with God the Father.  The Bible tells us that “Even angels long to look into these things.” Will we be the living stories that angels eagerly watch; their only way of learning more of the mysteries of what it is to be a child of God?

 

Perhaps we will be the greeters at Heaven’s gates, urging the newcomers in and telling them about the wonders ahead, like the man in C.S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce.

 

Praise is a form of storytelling – our praise tells stories about our Creator and Savior. Sometimes praise is a communal form of storytelling, sometimes we’re telling the stories to ourselves, and sometimes we are telling the stories to God himself, for His glory. Perhaps we will be leading heavenly praise teams! –expressing truths to our fellow brothers and sisters in ways we never have before.

You never know. At least, not yet.

But we will.

 

 

Maybe today, right now, you have to wait, and it’s hard.  I know how heartbreaking it can be when the stories simply can’t get out due to our busy or difficult days.

 

But, ultimately, it doesn’t matter.  Whether I am agog with joy on a good writing day or learning to surrender on days when I can’t string a sentence together – I never want it to distract me from my ultimate career goal: a storyteller in the courts of Heaven or on God’s new Earth, finally telling the greatest story of all for His glory.

 

In the end, God is the one who gives us the words, and He is the one that allows us to write at all. And, ultimately, He wants my heart and soul, not just my words.God is the Ultimate Author, and He’s writing my story with a vision and a clarity that would put any plotter to shame. But, as the character, I don’t always see where it’s going, and sometimes it feels too fast or too slow. But God’s timing is the perfect pace.
Sometimes He’s outlining on me, carefully constructing a structure for my future. Sometimes He’s leading me through back story, making me pause and reflect on what He has already done in my life. Sometimes He’s word sprinting on me so fast I can’t keep up and sometimes He’s editing me, with a precision that can be painful.

 

Just look at the pages of the books besides you or the blinking cursor on your computer. It’s not easy for your main character, is it? We put them through all kinds of trials, because we are looking forward with delight to what this character will become at the end.

 

In the same way, Christ is leading us through a character arc to a happy ending, one of pure satisfaction and fulfillment, where we finally reach our true potential and become what He intended us to be.

 

If we are true children of Christ, who have humbled ourselves as sinners and clung to Jesus as our only Savior, then our stories never end, they are only ever “to be continued.”

 

Turn the page—and trust.

 

 

 

A Bit O’ Nutshell

*piano trill*

 

Allison is in the house, people!

 

I know what you’re thinking.
Wait, just a second, Alli! We just GOT a nutshell.
Yes, I do apologize for that. I was so late in publishing my last summary of My Life that this post (which IS on time) came right on the heels of the other.
Things are so crazy now I don’t even know what I’m doing, so I’m just going to be grateful that I’m blogging at all.

 

 

Bloggers Note: 
This nutshell is going to be a little different, guys.
After doing a social media fast recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about comparison.
I don’t know about you, but I struggle with comparison . . . so that got me thinking.
I want these posts to be fun, I don’t want anybody reading them to be comparing anything.
Every one of is in a different season, has different strengths and weaknesses, and different priorities and time restraints.
In light of that, I’m not going to be sharing a lot of “stats” from here on out.
Another words, instead of displaying how many books I read in a month, I’m just going to share about my recent favorites. Less images and more chatting about the things I loved!  Instead of talking about actual word counts, I’m going to be talking more about my writing projects in general.
Don’t you think that’s better? I think it’s better.

 

 

And now that the explanation for the new format has been dealt with – ONTO THE NUTSHELL!

 

 

– WATCHED –

 

 

Raiders of the Lost Ark (in theaters)
My dad saw this in theaters when it first came out, so it seemed fitting that his children should go see it in theaters.
But, really, we don’t need any incentive to watch Indiana Jones.
The Tebo’s are committed Indiana Jones super-fans; it really represents my family’s taste in fiction.  Indiana Jones is really the only super hero that I like (scratch that, LOVE) and it’s definitely my favorite Harrison Ford performance.
Watching it again (for the 100th time?) on a bigger screen, I was struck all over again at how masterful it really is. Everything from the music, the cinematography, the editing – every single shot is framed and lit like a page from an old-fashioned comic book.  It’s a piece of art, not just a part of pop culture.  Indiana Jones, my one true fandom.

 

The Empire Strikes Back (in theaters):
Define cool: An original Star Wars movie on the Big Screen with a bucket of popcorn in your lap and way too many Junior Mints.
What can I say? From the moment the probe droid is released from the Star Destroyer flying over your head to the heart-in-your-throat cinematography through the asteroid field to the most epic scene in movie history –

 

(