Ann Benjamin's Blog, page 273
July 23, 2015
Go Book Yourself: Life After Joe
Inspired by this Tumblr, I decided to make a post out of it. Of course, I realize I’m kind of working in backwards order, because most people will have heard of the other books, but I am nothing if not optimistic. (Have you picked up your copy of Life After Joe yet?)
Like this? (I hope you did (or will)!)You might want to try these (many of which were novels I read as research for writing Life After Joe):
Casting couch: Life After Joe
In case you missed the news, Life After Joe is now available! I had a lot of fun writing it, and am more than ready to start getting the word out via my attempts at marketing (hopefully you won’t get sick of me in the coming month, but a self published author has to hustle now and then #pimpingainteasy).
Having worked in the entertainment industry, and even being accepted to USC for my MFA in Directing once upon a time, I’ve always thought cinematically about my novels. Many of the images are taken from the Pinterest board I have for the book (if you’re interested).
Liz McNeil (Emily Blunt)
I love Emily Blunt as an actress and think she would be perfect as the protagonist. Sure, she’s British and my characters are American, but she’s really who I’ve pictured while writing Life After Joe. What do you say, Ms. Blunt? Any interest in taking on this project?
Dr. Joseph ‘Joe’ McNeil (Adam Kaufman)
Although Joe is not technically alive in the book, I’d like to think a film adaptation would have room for flashbacks, etc. and for that, I’d need an actor. Furthermore, my hope is the representation of Joe is a fairly developed one, such that he feels like a ‘real’ character in the book.
Adrian Boudreaux (Theo James)
I don’t want to have too many spoilers, so let’s just say he’s an important-ish character and leave things there, shall we?
Dr. Stephen Schwartz (Logan Marshall-Green)
This is Joe’s best friend and source of great support to Liz during her trip.
And finally, in the role of lead supporting character is Apollo – Liz and Joe’s beloved mutt.
There’s actually a fairly large cast in the book due to all the stops Liz makes on her trip, but these are who I see in the principal roles. Anyway, I’d be curious to hear who you pictured!
July 22, 2015
Reflection for the day.
Based on some good conversation yesterday.
July 20, 2015
Book Review: Rebel Mechanics, All is Fair in Love and Revolution
Finally! I’ve been long searching for an exciting YA steampunk novel and at long last have a good one to share. As ongoing research for my Queen series (I’ve just started working on book #2 of the trilogy over the weekend), I was glad to settle down with an inspiring novel. Author Shanna Swendson imagines an alternate reality where the American Revolution did not happen, and through magic, the British Empire remains strong. Like Gail Carriger, the world building is strong and the supernatural elements quite easy to accept. As I look at my own draft, there are a lot of similarities and plot devices Ms. Swendson does quite well, many that I would like to involve in my own novel. The book is an easy read, balancing a solid cast, romance, steampunk elements and revolution. I have to imagine there will be a sequel and I would definitely pick it up.
Recommend!
July 17, 2015
Today.
For someone who is doing something almost every day, today seems like this. Motivation can be hard to come by, but I’ll take the notes I started for the pilot I need to write as some form of progress. And for tomorrow, either publishing a book or working on another one.
1 day off is okay, right?
July 16, 2015
July 15, 2015
Probably more of this…
It’s summer. All the big shots at work are away. While I’m not saying I dress up every day, during the semester I at least make a little bit more of an effort. Perhaps I needed a reminder… Side note: I’m not even sure who I would consider my worst enemy. I don’t know if I have one!
July 14, 2015
Sonder.
I ran across this word (where else? Tumblr) and it really spoke to me. Given both of my manuscripts explore facets of this spectrum – in Room 702, the many people who visit the hotel suite and in the upcoming Life After Joe, the many people who my protagonist interacts with – that this ‘slice of life’ concept actually has a name really hit home for me. Have you uncovered any good vocabulary words recently?
July 11, 2015
July 10, 2015
This is why we edit.
Look, there were no major flaws in my manuscript, but seeing how each page had some minor change or edit needed really makes me appreciate paying someone to take a hard look at my book before it’s published. I love my story and characters, but grammar is not a strength. Surprisingly, I’m getting very close to saving the final version of Life After Joe. I’ll need to add in a chapter, but it’s more or less ready to be formatted and ta da! uploaded into Amazon, etc. For some reason, I thought this would take longer, so saving today kind of crept up on me (in a good way).
I still need the final cover, but whatevs.
