Toi Thomas's Blog, page 89

Sara J. Pepper Presents: Top 3 Retellings of Alice in Wonderland

…and why they deserve to be mentioned.

I thought it would be fun to incorporate a few of the original Alice in Wonderland quotes to reference the most significant (to me) Wonderland retellings.

∞∞∞∞

From Pinterest, please do not copy. Click image to share on Pinterest.

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

―  Lewis Carroll ,  Alice in Wonderland

I’ve always been a little afraid of Alice’s story—okay, lame I know, but I blame Disney for my irrational fear of all things Wonderland. I watched the movie when I was a young girl, and being a food lover, I was petrified. Why? Because Alice ate some yummy food and then didn’t stop growing!! How could you hide the fact that you snuck a cupcake from Mom when you are ten feet tall? So eating a wondrous breakfast was out of the question. If a cupcake could make me a giant, then I wasn’t about to try the orange juice.

∞∞∞∞

From Pinterest, please do not copy. Click image to share on Pinterest.

 “You would have to be half mad to dream me up.”

― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Johnny Depp’s Alice in Wonderland would probably be my next favorite retelling. Any J.D. fan will love his performance. He gets so into his characters, becoming them through and through. Since Death of the Mad Hatter is focused mainly on the Mad Hatter, I was inspired by Depp and hope that is portrayed in the novel. Maybe I, me, and myself, am a little bit mad to dream up a character who is unapologetically insane.

 

∞∞∞∞

From GoodRead, click to add to your bookshelf.

“Off with their heads!”

―  Lewis Carroll ,  Alice in Wonderland

“Wonderland was an intoxicating, magical world where the most farfetched dreams could come true and the impossible was possible. Conversely, it was a realm where the most daunting nightmares could haunt us until the end of time”—Death of the Mad Hatter. To me, Wonderland is a beautiful haunting place (probably because I have mixed feelings about their food). But to another person, the food might be the best part about the fantasy world. I just love how far the imagination can take you, which is why Alice in Zombieland is my third favorite retelling. The author took us to a completely different Wonderland than what most people imagine. So off with their zombie heads!

∞∞∞∞

From GoodReads, click to add to your bookshelf.

Visit Sarah J. Pepper’s website to learn more about her unique retelling of the classic Wonderland tale, right here at: http://www.peppersreadingcorner.com/.

Also, check out her special Facebook interview here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Guest Posts Tagged: Alice In Wonderland, author, book, classic, dark, death, Death of the Mad Hatter, ebook, fantasy, fiction, giveaway, Mad Hatter, New Adult, promotion, quotes, reading, retelling, Sara J Pepper, YA

Penny Ross Interview

The Eternal Curse Series Blog Presents an interview with author: Penny Ross.

image provided by author

So tell me, who is Penny Ross?

I’m an author, Aboriginal educator, storyteller, mother to two grown sons, and wife to an amazing man. I’m a weekend/holiday writer as I have a full-time job. I’m also an avid reader and love to travel.

I’m so glad to be finally talking with you. I’m excited to learn about Aboriginal education. I too am a part-time write, but I unfortunately do it full-time while also working. I drive myself crazy. I hope I get to hear about some of your travels later on.

So whacha got for me today?

image provided by author
book pending release

I’m doing the final edit on my third and latest novel ‘Stolen Spirits.’ It will be published in January 2014. It’s a young adult murder mystery about stolen spirits taken from their loved ones. I’ve dedicated the novel to missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls of Canada and their families since one of the underlying themes in the novel is missing and murdered Aboriginal girls.

Wow, this sounds like a very deep and touching book. I must admit that I was unaware of the problems with missing Aboriginal Canadian women. Meeting you prompted me to do some research. I like and appreciate that you’re using narrative to inform adults and teens of this issue.

So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of Stolen Spirits?

My main character in ‘Stolen Spirits’ is Diane, a Métis teen who’s murdered in the first chapter. Through the voices of her friends we piece together who Diane was and how her murder impacts those close to her. Readers connect with Diane’s spirit, as she hasn’t crossed over yet. Marti is another major character in the novel. As an international author and amateur crime fighter, Marti is enlisted to assist the police in the investigation. ‘Stolen Spirits’ is a fast-paced novel as it takes place over the span of nine days.

Again, this story sounds very impressive. Face-paced and emotional, I’m sure this book will take off. I already like the sound of Marti.

Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?

I write on my couch most of the time with my laptop. I have background music on since it gets me in the zone. When the weather is nice I sit outside in my gazebo and gaze at my pool while I write. I love listening to the birds while I peck away at the keyboard. I find it restful yet inspirational.

I prefer a lap top for my novels and freehand for my children’s books. For my latest novel, ‘Stolen Spirits’ I sketched out chapter outlines freehand on recipe cards partway through the book. I have so many characters I got confused where some of them were during the murder. LOL.

I’m currently working on a story that combines all the elements I love…fantasy, time travel, adventure, a princess and giant animals. We’ll see where the characters take me.

I like the idea of using recipe cards to outline characters; I may have to try that myself. I love getting tips and ideas from other authors, thus my selfish reason for interviewing . I really like what I’m hearing about the next book you’re putting together. You’ll have to come back and tell me all about it.

What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?

I love Maeve Binchy. She was the ultimate storyteller. I wish I had one ounce of her talent. As I become immersed in one of her stories I find myself wanting to know the characters, get into their headspace and see who they are and what makes them tick. Her descriptions and settings make me want to travel to the locale she’s highlighted.

It is bad of me that the only reason I ever hear of this wonderful author is that her book, Circle of Friends, was turned into a movie. I hope not. I like to think that sometimes, film versions of books make people interested in the writing. I know some people just don’t read, but if the movie made me interested, why not someone else?

Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?

from IMDB

Temperance “Bones” Brennan from the TV series Bones. So I guess it would be the real life actress Emily Deschanel I would interview. I adore Temperance’s character and love the Kathy Reich’s novels. OK, now I’ve confused myself. Perhaps it’s Kathy Reich’s I’d interview since Temperance is the heroine of Reich’s crime novel series. I admire them both as they’re strong, smart, independent women. I guess I’d love to interview both of them. That would be totally awesome!

I’m with you on that. I stopped watching, but before I did, I really got into Bones. One day when I decide to take up the tube again, it’ll be waiting for me in my Netflix queue. Both the author and the actress are sure to have some amazing stories to tell. What a great answer!

Who is so you and why?

I’ve been compared to Angelina Jolie, not that I’m as beautiful as her though. I think it’s because we both have pouty lips, love children and support numerous causes. I admire how Angelina uses her wealth to support humanitarian efforts.

That’s pretty cool, to be compared to a pouty lipped humanitarian. You go girl!…Seriously, I like when celebrities try to give back, but sometime they go too far. Maybe being famous is really hard :/ .

What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?

I’m saving my next highly anticipated read for the beach. We’re off on a winter vacation soon since I’m a ‘fun in the sun’ kind of gal. My version of the perfect spot to read is on the beach or beside my pool. I love the sun! In the winter months as snow wraps around my house I curl up on the couch with the fire roaring and immerse myself in a paperback or ebook. During the cold months, which we have many of, I imagine myself reading outdoors, soaking up the sun’s rays again!

I like that, it sounds very cozy. I have trouble reading at the beach. It has to be a very exciting book to keep me alert, otherwise the sun and sea make me sleepy.

What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?

from Goodreads, 1972

I loved all the classics when I was young. Pippi Longstocking, by Astrid Lindgren, was one of my favorite books. I always longed to be free of rules like Pippi. I loved her adventures and hijinks. I took my boys to see a play about Pippi Longstocking years back at a nearby city. We couldn’t stop laughing. When I confessed I always wanted to be Pippi they weren’t surprised. Go figure?

I too was a fan of Pippi. I thought I had read all the books, but a few eluded me. Then they made TV movies about her and I watch them all…

There is more fun and insights to this interview, visit the Eternal Curse Series Blog for the full experience. For more information about this author, Penny Ross, please visit the links below.

Website: ButterflyDreamsPublishing.com/PennyRoss

GoodReads: Penny Ross

Facebook: Penny Ross

Twitter: @PennyRoss2

Author Central: Penny Ross (Kindle books available for $2.99 just in time for the Holidays)

Pending the release of Stolen Spirits, check out another Ross book Bird of Paradise… at ButterflyDreamsPublishing.com

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Interviews Tagged: author, books, character, ebook, fiction, interviews, life, links, movies, music, Penny Ross, process, reading, try this, writing, YA

Friday Forecast : 11/29/13

Highlighting interviewees, guest posters, my standard weekly posts, and whatever else I can think of, going into the next week.

So, here what’s happening next week:

It’s going to be a little crazy.

On Sunday: Sample Sunday & Death of the Mad Hatter Excerpt

Monday: My Geekdom, a special interview by author Sheila Deeth, & Death of the Mad Hatter Excerpt

Tuesday: Character Files & Big Book News!

Wednesday: WWW Wednesday & Insecure Writers Support Group

Thursday: WIP Update & 50 States of Pray

Friday: Friday Forecast & I may have an opportunity to interview author, Jim Musgrave; if not then, later.

Saturday: Because there is no much going on this week away from this blog, I’ll post the next Adventures in blogging next week, to go along with how busy things are on the blog next week.

–

Today I’ll post my interview of author, Penny Ross…

And some cool Alice in Wonderland quotes from, Sarah J. Pepper.

Next month I’ll be participating in 50 States of Pray, you can learn more by clicking the link above. #50StatesOfPray

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: author, blogging, interviews, life, reviews, sneak peak, try this, writing

A Day in My Life: Nov. ’13

You may or may not find this surprising, but as a writer I’ve never been much of a journaler (I like making up words). I’ve always kept writing, sketching, and poetry notebooks, but I’ve never really liked writing about myself. This monthly post is my attempt at rectifying that and is an opportunity for me to get a little personal, as I share a single event from my life.

******************************************************************************

November 16, 2013 – Color Blank Party

My husband and I did something totally crazy a few weeks ago…We had people over!

This may not seem like a big deal to you, but for a pair of loners, this is a big deal. Plus our place is small and we’re always leery of having people over and feeling cramped, but this event was a success. We served the best Apple Cider imaginable, a variety a sweet wines, fruit, and an array of cheeses and crackers. Then we sat around and randomly picked blank vinyl figures to decorate with Sharpies. I was a lot more fun than it probably sounds…We may actually have people over again…in a few months .

Click here to see pictures of the event.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: About Me Tagged: biography, family, holiday, life, social interaction, tradition

Happy Thanksgiving U.S.A. and a Few Other Places

I have no profound words today about origins and meanings. I’m ready for turkey, pie, and sleep. What’s your holiday tradition for today?

Oh, but here are some shameless plugs for you …

Tomorrow, I’ll post my interview of author Penny Ross…

And some cool quotes shared by author, Sara J. Pepper…

And don’t forget about my Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale and giveaway. A $10 gift card could be waiting for you. See side panel for details…

(whispers) I have big Eternal Curse news coming next Tuesday. If you hop over to the Eternal Curse Blog, it’ll be announced there on Sunday! Shhh! Don’t tell everyone you can possibly think of between now and then.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: holiday, life

Death of the Mad Hatter by Sarah J. Pepper

Book Title: Death of the Mad Hatter

Author Name: Sarah J. Pepper

Publisher: Independent

Reading Level : New Adult/Young Adult

Genre : Fantasy Romance

Content Rating: PG-13

Available Formats: ebook, paperback

Number of Pages: 321

Purchase Links: Amazon Paperback and Kindle Pre-order!

Release Day Party with Prizes! (Facebook virtual event)

GoodReads.com Giveaway!

Signed Book Giveaway- easy Rafflecopter

 

Book Blurb

If the king loses his head, then the Queen with a Bleeding Heart would rule the Red Court until Time ceased to move forward. When a second carried on for infinity, every creature in Wonderland would tip their Hat to the misfit girl with a Boy’s name (or was it a boy with a Girl’s name?) who’d end the Reign of Terror. However, it all hinged on the One-Eyed Hare being able to convince an uninspirable Heir that the impossible was indeed possible—like stopping time—and that Love was worth a Beheading.

Heads would Roll…

Hearts would Break…

In the end, would it matter who Reigned?

Author Bio

I specialize in dark, paranormal romance – think “happy ever after” but with a twisted, dark chocolate center. Real-life romance isn’t only filled with hugs, kisses, unicorns, and rainbows. True-love can be more thoroughly described in times of darkness and tribulation. It’s in those harsh moments where you see what a person is truly capable of – both the good and bad. Sometimes prince-charming isn’t always on time, and the glass slipper is a little snug. However, it doesn’t mean Charming is not Mr. Right, and who says every shoe is the perfect fit?

Author Links: www.peppersreadingcorner.com

To learn more about the wonderful author and her new book, check out her special Facebook interview here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Guest Posts Tagged: Alice In Wonderland, author, book, classic, dark, death, Death of the Mad Hatter, ebook, fantasy, fiction, giveaway, Mad Hatter, New Adult, promotion, reading, retelling, Sara J Pepper, YA

Review: Year Zero

Year Zero by Rob Reid

I give this book a 4.

This is a very entertaining read full of laughs and, oddly enough, a great deal of factual information I never knew. This story is so absurd that I’m not quite sure how to describe it.

Apparently advanced aliens, far across the galaxy, have been craving and downloading earth music because it’s the one thing the insufficient human race is actually good at (and the rest of the known universe is not). Then one day the superior aliens, through their mastery of legal principles, realize that they owe the people of earth an innumerous amount of royalties or something like that. While some aliens have decided to settle the matter in court, others have decided to just eliminate the problem all together. That’s where the intergalactic misadventures of lawyer Nick Carter (not to be confused with Backstreet Boy, Nick Carter) begin.

To say that the characters of this story are kooky would be an understatement. My favorite thing about the story isn’t technically apart of the story. I love the footnotes. The footnotes of this book are like a running commentary in a movie. They are informative, hilarious, and pleasantly distracting. Eventually I had to stop reading them to finish the story and then went back to read them in perspective. I guess if you’re not really a reader, this may not sound appealing.

All aliens aside, anyone who likes music will love this book. It’s also good for a laugh.

This review has been posted to GoodReads.

If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try these links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Reviews Tagged: aliens, being overwhelmed, books, break down, day job, drama, fantasy, fiction, friends, humor, legal system, marketing, music, reviews, sci-fi, space travel

Character Files from the ToiBox 37: Sheldon- Psych Test

Rorschach Test

This is not a real Rorschach test , but simply a fun little additive to the whole character profile motif.

Subject EC:B 2-Sheldon describe test image #1 as:

An evil warrior crushing the skulls of innocent victims under its feet and moving on apathetically.

Subject seems agitated and defensive. He’s also very scary which makes assessing quite difficult. He definitely has anger issues and seems to suffer from a vigilante complex.  He is considered to be dangerous.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Character Files, EC: Battleground Tagged: angels, being overwhelmed, character, cultural study, demons, fiction, profile, spec-fic

Mira’s Closet: 11/25/13

&

 are taking a nice holiday break. See you all next month.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Filed under: Mira's Closet Tagged: accessorizing, culture, fashion, life, links, try this

Sample Sunday 22

Here is approximately 100 – 150 words from a randomly selected original piece for your enjoyment. These samples can include excerpts from my all my WIPs and my Eternal Curse Series, but only as works in progress (not the final products). These samples of published and unpublished works are protected under the U.S. Copyright agreement.

It’s Like the Full Moon chapter 2.5 (wip)

Rebecca looked up for a moment to acknowledge the waiter as he brought her pasta and poured her wine. Just off to the side of the café, almost in the street, stood and elderly distinguished looking man looking terrible annoyed and confused. He wore an eggshell linen suite with a straw fedora hat and tan loafers. He leaned forward and looked from side to side keeping his hand pressed firmly on his bamboo arched cane. Rebecca tilted her head and leaned forward and began to speak to him, though she didn’t know why; even as an adult she never spoke to strangers, but she was in Milan and figured why not. “Excuse me sir, do you speak English? Do you need help with anything?” she called out sweetly. The old man turned slowly and leaned forward and squinted his behind his glasses and then removed them to get a better look at the young woman seeking his attention.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

 

Filed under: Full Moon, Samples Tagged: contemporary fiction, drama, fiction, friends, romance, wip