Monique Snyman's Blog, page 22

*CLOSED* Enter to Win a Hannahpad Take 5 Set! *South Africa ONLY

It’s giveaway time, so get ready to win, win, win!

Thanks to the kind folks at Hannahpad South Africa, my South African readers have the opportunity to enter the sweepstakes competition to win a lovely Hannahpad Take 5 Set, which includes 5 of their gorgeous 100% cotton, eco-friendly, reusable pads. The winner will also receive a Hannahpad pouch and a bar of Boerseep (this stuff works like nobody’s business when it comes to getting out fabric stains).

In case you’re wondering about my personal experience using Hannahpad, you’re welcome to read my very alternative horror-inspired lifestyle review here. (SPOILER ALERT: I love my Hannahpads.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter to Win a Hannahpad Take 5 Set! *South Africa ONLY

It’s giveaway time!

Thanks to the kind folks at Hannahpad South Africa, my South African readers have the opportunity to enter the sweepstakes competition to win a lovely Hannahpad Take 5 Set, which includes 5 of their gorgeous 100% cotton, eco-friendly, reusable pads. The winner will also receive a Hannahpad pouch and a bar of Boerseep (this stuff works like nobody’s business when it comes to getting out fabric stains).

In case you’re wondering about my personal experience using Hannahpad, you’re welcome to read my very alternative horror-inspired lifestyle review here. (SPOILER ALERT: I love my Hannahpads.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Once You See It: The Handmaid’s Tale

Drawing comparisons is part of the job for writers, editors, and publishers. Once you’ve done the job long enough, the skill automatically takes over every part of your life. Similarities pop up in the weirdest things—music, TV shows, movies, even political debates. Sometimes, drawing a comparison is easy. Other times, though, it could take you 3 seasons and 11 episodes to truly see a similarity.

In this case, I’m talking about last night’s episode (S03E11) of The Handmaid’s Tale, which kinda reminded me of an old BBC sitcom from the 80s, called ‘Allo ‘Allo! 

Now, if you haven’t ever watched ‘Allo ‘Allo!, you’re really missing out. The show was banned in Germany way back when, because of Nazis and swastikas and all that WWII stuff nobody wanted to be reminded of. The purpose of the comedy was to actually mock the German invasion of France during WWII, though, not to glorify it. That’s why it is often seen as a British classic comedy.

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Anyway, so how does ‘Allo ‘Allo! compare to The Handmaid’s Tale?

Well, first off, they both deal with oppression in some way or another. One (The Handmaid’s Tale) is simply filmed to showcase the theme in a much darker and way more explicit way. Where ‘Allo ‘Allo! dealt with the oppression of entire races and countries, The Handmaid’s Tale focuses on the oppression of women. See where I’m going with this?

Still, there are other resemblances to take note of other than themes:

[image error]Above: Herr Otto Flick and Helga (‘Allo ‘Allo!).
Below: Fred Waterford and Serena Joy Waterford (The Handmaid’s Tale)

Surely I can’t be the only one who sees the striking resemblance between Herr Otto Flick and Helga from ‘Allo ‘Allo! to Fred and Serena Waterford in The Handmaid’s Tale?

[image error]Left: June and the Marthas (The Handmaid’s Tale)
Right: The French Resistance (‘Allo ‘Allo!)

And we’ve known for quite some time that the Marthas in The Handmaid’s Tale isn’t exactly the meekest ladies in the world. They remind me a lot of the French Resistance ladies in ‘Allo ‘Allo!.

(There’s a small spoiler up ahead, so take note of that, please)

Of course, the final nail in the coffin for me in regards to whether there were comparisons to draw between these shows or not came last night when June went into Jezebels to have a chat with Billy the bartender. Now, I don’t usually rift on The Handmaid’s Tale, because the show is so freaking dark at times, but I couldn’t help myself when June said:

“Picassos, Cézannes, all the greats.”

In ‘Allo ‘Allo!’s later seasons, the entire plot revolves around “The Fallen Madonna with the big boobies”, which is a painting that the Gestapo wants badly. Hilarity ensues, of course. And that’s what popped into my head last night while June was in Jezebels.

(Spoiler Ends)

There are a few other comparisons that can be made, too. For example, the concentration camps during WWII is very much like the colonies in The Handmaid’s Tale. Though, I can’t recall if ‘Allo ‘Allo! truly handled that darkness in any way, I’m sure they eluded to it at some point. There’s also this force trying to get people out of areas that have been occupied—in The Handmaid’s Tale, women and children are trying to get out, whereas in ‘Allo ‘Allo! the British spies are trying to get out.

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I may be reaching in some way, yes, but now that it’s in my head, I can’t unsee it …

 

Friday Favorites: B-Movie Brilliance

I have an intense love of B-movies. When I’m sad, there’s nothing like a B-movie to help me feel better. When I’m angry, a B-movie totally helps me work through frustrations. When I’m happy … well, you get the idea. B-movies have a special place in my heart, because they are so out of the box and often ridiculous.

So, today’s Friday Favorites theme is … *drumroll … B-movies. Yay!

50 Must-Read Horror Books

Another list, you ask? Yes! I have a few of these lying around, the titles just waiting to be ticked off … Reading, I daresay, is one of my favorite pastimes, and making lists is another hobby, so it keeps me out of trouble. Believe me, I need all the help I can get in staying out of trouble. *wink*

Anywho, so technically my horror list changes often, and you’ll notice some titles are also on my “classic books” list, but currently I think these are the must-reads for those who are looking to have a comprehensive knowledge about the genre.

It should be noted that I tried not to add a single author twice (I think I succeeded), otherwise authors like Stephen King and Clive Barker would’ve dominated the list. I also didn’t add too many recent titles (apart from those I think have changed the genre for the better). In the future, I may make another must-read horror list that sports current titles, just in case. Like I said, it keeps me out of trouble.

What’s New Wednesday #7: Scientology, Harlots, and Cthulhu

It’s Wednesday and I’m pretty sure you’re wondering what’s new! I haven’t shared my current obsessions lately, mostly because I’ve been super busy trying to get out of a writing funk. It happens, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Sometimes, especially with me, though, it happens when I’m just at the end of a project. Why? No idea. I think it’s fear that keeps me from finishing. The constant worry of “Is it good enough?” pops into my head and yeah … It kind of puts a damper on my productivity.

Anyway, while I’ve been scratching my head with my current WiP, I thought I should start the research on another project, just so I can say to folks I am actually working. Weirdly enough, this tactic is actually helping me get some words down on paper.

Of course, you know what they say:

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So, without further ado, I present my current obsessions.

What’s New
TV / Films

 

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]If you follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed a few tweets regarding Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. Honestly, I had no idea how bad the “Church” of Scientology really was until I listened to the survivors’ stories (and yes, I use the word “survivor” on purpose). Then there’s the special on Jehovah’s Witnesses … phew, that kinda threw me. Definitely watch this if you have a chance, because it’s an eye-opener.

The new seasons of Harlots and Poldark started, too, in case you missed it. There’s nothing quite like some steamy, intriguing historical fiction to get me through the cold winter nights. Oh, and this season of The Handmaid’s Tale is probably my favorite yet. I can’t wait to see how June burns Gilead to the ground!

I’m actually starting my binge-watch of the latest season of Veronica Mars (screaming internally) tonight. This is a real treat to my inner-teen, who just so happens to be a bad-ass, witty P.I. that loves a good mystery.

What’s New Wednesday: Scientology, Harlots, and Cthulhu

It’s Wednesday! I haven’t shared my current obsessions lately, mostly because I’ve been super busy trying to get out of a writing funk. It happens, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Sometimes, especially with me, though, it happens when I’m just at the end of a project. Why? No idea. I think it’s fear that keeps me from finishing. The constant worry of “Is it good enough?” pops into my head and yeah … It kind of puts a damper on my productivity.

Anyway, while I’ve been scratching my head with my current WiP, I thought I should start the research on another project, just so I can say to folks I am actually working. Weirdly enough, this tactic is actually helping me get some words down on paper.

Of course, you know what they say:

[image error]

So, without further ado, I present my current obsessions.

TV / Films

 

[image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error] [image error]If you follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed a few tweets regarding Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath. Honestly, I had no idea how bad the “Church” of Scientology really was until I listened to the survivors’ stories (and yes, I use the word “survivor” on purpose). Then there’s the special on Jehovah’s Witnesses … phew, that kinda threw me. Definitely watch this if you have a chance, because it’s an eye-opener.

The new seasons of Harlots and Poldark started, too, in case you missed it. There’s nothing quite like some steamy, intriguing historical fiction to get me through the cold winter nights. Oh, and this season of The Handmaid’s Tale is probably my favorite yet. I can’t wait to see how June burns Gilead to the ground!

I’m actually starting my binge-watch of the latest season of Veronica Mars (screaming internally) tonight. This is a real treat to my inner-teen, who just so happens to be a bad-ass, witty P.I. that loves a good mystery.

Friday Favorites: Creepy Kids in Movies

There’s nothing quite as terrifying as seeing kids, preferably those who have sinister intentions, running amok on-screen and going ape on some unsuspecting victims. For some inexplicable reason, those little darlings keep me glued to my seat from beginning to end, and their adventures prickle my imagination in ways that no other trope can.

I love creepy kids in movies. There’s just something about them and their weird antics that feels … plausible.

So, this week I thought I’d share some of my favorite creepy movie kids with you.

Pre-Order Monique Snyman’s Bram Stoker® Nominated Novel Today!

After being out of print for a few months, Vesuvian Books fixed up The Night Weaver, and it is absolutely gorgeous! The cover art is done by highly acclaimed artist, Marcela Bolivar, while Michael J. Canales made sure the title is breathtakingly beautiful.

I mean, what’s not to love? Just look at this beauty:

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Print Pre-Order





eBook Pre-Order


But wait, that’s just the outside! After some extensive tweaking, without tampering with the story too much, and working alongside editor Holly Atkinson—who helped me get rid of all those pesky gremlins—I can honestly say this book is finally exactly how I wanted it.

And now, for a sneak peek of the interior:

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Just look at that formatting! Look at it … Don’t you just love the pretty-prettiness?

And if you think those are the only surprises in store for you, then you’re in for a little shock … After some extensive soul-searching and working alongside the incredible Vesuvian Books team, the series name also changed. It’s not exactly a secret (I changed my website’s menus almost a month ago), but here it goes anyway:

The Harrowsgate Series

Now, you’re probably saying: “Wait. What? What’s a ‘Harrowsgate’?”

Buy the book and find out.

101 Must-Read Classic Books

Wait, didn’t I already do one of these? Yes, but that was before my site blew up that one time and I lost all of my posts. Alas, my original 101 Must-Read Classic Books list is gone … forever lost in the vast space of the internet. Last night, however, I thought I’d retype my many—ever-changing—bookish lists and save them where they hopefully won’t simply vanish.

Why type these lists, though? For me, it’s somewhat cathartic. I like lists, and I like being able to tick things off those lists. Goodreads is great for reviewing the books I’ve read, but there’s something about being able to organize lists and books that just makes me oh so happy, and they don’t really offer that to me.

So, this is how I keep track of books I absolutely need to read before I die.

Thus far, I’ve read about 35 of these books, which means I’ve not exactly made a huge dent yet. I’m getting there, though. Slowly, but surely.