Ann Benjamin's Blog, page 262
October 21, 2015
30 Day Art Challenge, Day 25: Fave Place in Your Home
We’ve lived in a number of places since moving overseas, and with another move planned for February, I think I define ‘home’ differently than someone else might. Essentially, where we are now is not a permanent anything, merely a place we are occupying. I know that sounds brutal, but that is the reality. I’m sure I will miss this place when we leave it, but other than it’s functionality and access to where I work, there is nothing memorable.
Having lived in a high rise previous to moving to Abu Dhabi, it’s nice to be on the first floor of an apartment and that our cat can enjoy the outdoor space practically all the time (you’ve already seen her this week). We’ve also been able to grow basil, mint, tomatoes, and limes.
This terrace is also a place where we’ve taught numerous people how to saber champagne (it’s my party trick).
Where’s your favorite place in your home?
Gender Bent: The Line by Courtney Brandt
With all of the recent hoopla with the ‘updated’ ‘version’ of Twilight swapping the genders of the two main characters in a strange attempt to make more money on a series that should be allowed to die, I had a quick think about my first book and what impact it would have if I switched the genders of my protagonist and the supporting cast.
My home field – true story!While The Line is not my best writing and there are definitely changes I would make, much of the reason Lucy struggles throughout the book is because of her gender. In a male dominated section (the drumline), there are situations where she doesn’t feel comfortable — where leaders within the group respond to her differently than they would if she was a male. In a male dominated section, her gender instantly sets her apart. It is her relationship with a rival drumline Captain that sets off tension within the entire group. Hypothetically, if another member of her section were to date a young woman in another (fictional) band, I’m certain it wouldn’t cause as much controversy.
Also, while percussion sections are definitely making progress, the idea of an all female drumline with only two young men in it would be an interesting book to read. An all lady line would certainly change all the usual dynamics – in how the section interacted with not only each other, but also the rest of the Forrest Hills marching band and other competitors. A predominantly female drumline would certainly draw fierce scrutiny and extra attention, simply because of their unusual gender balance in a traditionally male biased section.
I sort of looked into exploring this type of scenario in a novel that never was finished — one that put one of my other characters, Bronwyn (a very talented drummer) in an all female drum corps (the elite or ‘music’s major league‘). Unfortunately, I didn’t get that far with the manuscript and I fear poor Bronwyn will be stuck at the beginning of her season forever.
If anything, I think the bigger change and more interesting ‘gender’ swap, would be to have Lucy as a young man and in love with the same rival Captain. How would the Forrest Hills drumline respond to ‘Lucy’ coming out and falling for someone of the same sex? (They are a pretty evolved group, so I can tell you it would be less about the gender of the person and more about where her loyalties lie).
As a reality of being around fanfiction for so long, genderbending has been around for a long time, but until now, I had never considered it for my characters.
October 20, 2015
30 Day Art Challenge, Day 24: Celeb You Admire
There are some who continually use their celebrity for good use and I think one of the best examples of this is Angelina Jolie Pitt. She may do things in a way you don’t agree with, but for all that she has done on behalf of women, refugees, and others who don’t have a voice, I choose Ms. Jolie Pitt.
And she is also very pretty.
October 19, 2015
30 Day Art Challenge, Day 23: Favorite Animal
I took this picture this morning. I love cats. I love that they are aloof, personable, independent little creatures. I’ve been fortunate enough to have three wonderful cats in my life (RIP Rainbow Kitty and Brendan).
This is Nubbins, our 18 year old Japanese bobtail, although ‘our’ is a misnomer. Certainly no one ‘owns’ her, and while she loves is obsessed with Hubs, it’s simple toleration for me (other cat parents know the deal).
October 18, 2015
The Year of Saying Yes
Ever since my decision to quit the real world, I’ve been kicking around a few ideas of what exactly next year will look like. Other than publishing The Queen of England: Coronation and completing Book #2, at the top of the list is a concept I’m calling ‘The Year of Saying Yes.’ It’s mostly because, for unknown reasons, I find myself on the distribution list for a number of local events and invitations within the UAE. Given I (currently) have a full time job, it’s practically impossible to RSVP ‘yes’ to pretty much anything.
Next year, I want to change that.
It could happen.No matter how random the event, if it is within my ability to attend, I’m going to try and say ‘yes.’
And in the spirit of ‘yes,’ I tested the waters last night. There was an offer to attend a (free) film master class with Italian film director Alina Marazzi (yes, working on a campus like NYUAD can sometimes be a good thing). Although it’s not something I would usually attend, I decided it was time to make a change. So, I sent my RSVP and showed up at the appointed time.
Did the session change my life or creative direction? It did not.
Did I have some insight into two of my WIPs? I did.
Was it interesting to listen to another creative type discuss their work and process? It was.
Will I always sit next to the person making the most noise and creating the most distractions? I will.
Would I attend something similar if it was offered before I leave? Yes, I would.
This is my ‘yes’ face.
October 17, 2015
30 Day Art Challenge, Day 22: Something Green
As a St. Patrick’s Day baby, I had to go with a 4 leaf clover (and yup, I’ve got one permanently on my body).
Sunday Sentence.
So Matilda’s strong young mind continued to grow, nurtured by the voices of all those authors who had sent their books out into the world like ships on the sea. These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: You are not alone.
– Roald Dahl, Matilda
Growing up, I (of course) loved Roald Dahl’s books. I saw this quote recently and wanted to share.
October 16, 2015
30 Day Art Challenge, Day 21: Logo
I went looking in my Pinterest boards and came up with this one – an idea I had for a Pisces tattoo. It’s not exactly a logo, but I think it works.
30 Day Art Challenge, Day 20: Fave Lollipop
OK, sure. I’ve never given this particular question much thought… Instead, I’m just going to post the song Lollipop as covered by one of my favorite films, Pitch Perfect 2.
October 14, 2015
Faffing around with The Queen cover art.
Meh – these are all pretty, but none hit the particular YA steampunk tone I really want to project to my potential reader.
Things I should REALLY be doing instead:
Putting links into the back material of all my books.
Exercising.
Working on character development for the cast of The Queen of England.
