Ann Benjamin's Blog, page 280
February 27, 2015
Smart words from Mark Twain.
To which I aspire. :)
February 25, 2015
Graphic Novel Review: Lady Mechanika (series)
In my quest for all things steampunk as research for my YA Queen series (yes, I have an idea for a sequel), I somehow came across the graphic novel, Lady Mechanika, by Joe Benitez. ��Although it took a bit of figuring out how to get my hands on a digital copy, I eventually went to Comixology, opened an account��and downloaded a short chapter (Episode #0) for free. ��What do you know? ��I was hooked! ��While I hadn’t ever specifically considered reading graphic novels or comics as part of research, for YA steampunk, the genre seems like a natural place to look. ��Three chapters (issues? ��I’m not sure what the correct vernacular is here) in, I’m enjoying the story, artwork and am excited to see what direction upcoming issues will take the plot. ��Additionally, I’m particularly enjoying how these comics read on my iPad mini – there is a really nice flow through the panels. ��Technology is pretty amazing! ��Also, the artwork is just fantastic to look at.
While Lady Mechanika and my protagonist do not share a lot in the way of a backstory, I’d like to think that my Queen is going to have the same kind of attitude – polite, intelligent, but also able to take care of herself. ��I’m definitely going to keep reading.
Recommend!
What say you, dear reader, do you read comics/graphic novels? ��Do you have any recommendations?
February 24, 2015
In which the author looks like herself.
So, it has occurred to me for some time that my author head shots were a tad out of date. ��And by ‘out of date’ I mean they were taken during the summer of 2008. ��As I’m now much closer to 35 than 28 years of age, I decided it was time to arrange a session to remedy this. ��Fortunately, I happen to know an AMAZING photographer and when I mentioned I was going to be stateside, she agreed to help me out. ��As Heidi had also taken my original session, I felt lucky to nab her again (she’s usually a wedding photographer).
My very first ‘professional picture’ circa age 24. ��The Brandt cheeks are strong with this one.
The author at 28 (from my original photo session). ��Photo by Heidi Ryder.
And on a fine Wednesday in February, the same group (Heidi and my husband) went out into the magic hour to get the below images. ��These were the best least awkward of the batch because I am terrible at being in pictures and missed that day at girl school. ��And yes, the looks below are a result of professional hair and make up – I do not possess these skills and am more than happy to pay for them. ��And yes, I did forget to wear an awesome necklace that I had packed, and now I also kind of wish I had painted my nails. ��Oh well, life goes on.
In which I like leaning on things.
So, why bother? ��I bother because I like to have a professional face to put forward into the world. ��It isn’t some sort of beauty contest – it’s more that, ‘hey – this is me, I am a real person and worth buying a book from.’ ��As I hope to put more effort into my writing career, I want to have an image ready to send that I feel confident about and now I have that photo. ��Thank you, Heidi!
What about you, do you have a professional picture of yourself? ��Do you find it useful?
All photos by Heidi Ryder.
February 12, 2015
On choices in writing lady characters…
���I have yet to read a novel in which female characters have menstrual cycles.���
�� –�� from Tumblr, because badass girls taking down a vague yet menacing government agency or riding dragons to glory still get their periods.
If this topic bothers you, don’t read – but it’s a fact of life that women menstruate (unless you’ve had a IUD for 10+ years and are living the dream).�� Thus, unless an author creates a world where women’s biology exists in some other fundamental way, this will be the case.�� Now, have I ever included this element of my character’s lives in a book (published or not)?�� No.�� I have not.�� As voracious a reader as I am, I can’t think of any book I’ve come across where someone is having ‘that time of the month.’�� Sure, there have been miscarriages, but never – ‘wow, I have to worry about bleeding everywhere.’�� Or, ‘oh shit, I have no control over my hormones.’
In my two most recent books, I could make mention of menstruation, but the topic never really occurred to me.�� I mean, is it something people really want to read about?�� Does it make my characters more ‘real’ that they could suffer through cramps?�� Or would a reader just think, ‘what does this add to the story?’�� Given that one of my characters is among the more powerful people in the world, I don’t want her to be seen as weak because of something all women live with.�� Giving her PMS and then taking out her grumpiness on France just seems irresponsible.
What say you, reader?�� More realistic female fiction, or just belongs in real life?
February 10, 2015
Anything I write would come from this .gif
Oh internets, never stop providing amusing things for us to look at!
February 5, 2015
Like an artist.
I saw this on Tumblr last night and it just spoke to me.�� Click the link to the original by artist JellyVampire to read the rest of the comic – you won’t be disappointed.�� (And for the record, I love the idea that the anthromorphic version of an artist’s soul is a little woodland creature).
Prepping for the third longest flight in the world.
This time next week I will STILL be on a plane – from a flight that started at (inshall’ah) 9:00AM local UAE time.�� That flight is AUH (Abu Dhabi) to LAX (Los Angeles) and it is listed at 16:45.�� I am VERY fortunate to be flying in business class and on a great airline, Etihad.
Still, it’s A LOT of time to fill for what is essentially a day time flight.�� Yes, some hours can be accounted for sleeping, but I’m guessing I won’t sleep much more than 3-4 hours at best.�� I could be wrong and get a few more, but being the planner that I am, here are the activities I’m looking at to keep me busy:
1. Reading!�� I have A Clockwork Heart, Karen Memory (super excited about this one) and a romance or two to have on hand.�� I’m also thinking of downloading The Girl on the Train.�� Do you have any recommendations?
2.�� Writing!�� If all goes to plan, I’ll have The Queen of England (my current WIP) in a better place to make some progress in moving towards 60K (about where I think the rough draft will finish up).�� I wouldn’t expect to write much, but 2K would be fantastic.�� Having had some luck in writing at the airport or on an airplane, I’m optimistic.
3.�� Watching!�� Some movies…�� Etihad isn’t nearly as good as Emirates when it comes to selection, but hopefully there will be a movie or three that looks good.�� I’m also considering downloading The Young Victoria to watch as research.
4.�� Editing!�� My friend and author Elena has sent me the sequel to her book.�� I’m hoping to help her make progress by making notes on her manuscript.
5.�� Eating and drinking!�� Hello, where there is champagne, I will be there…and asking for another glass.
I’m not sure if there will be internet on board…or if I will sign up, but who am I kidding, if the price is reasonable, I will totally go for it.�� And of course, I’ll be prepared as I would for a usual flight longer than an hour.
What about you, dear reader, what’s the longest flight you’ve been on?�� How did you pass the time?�� Any suggestions?
February 4, 2015
I should be working on something else…
…and get a better version of this, however, for now, I had fun messing around and making a Coat of Arms for my Queen Rosamund.�� For the like minded procrastinator, make you own here.
February 3, 2015
February 1, 2015
On Writing With A Day Job (Expectations Vs. Reality)
There have been a lot of great articles (here and here) recently about what it takes to ‘make it’ as a full time writer. ��As someone considering making the transition into full time writing, I’ve really appreciated a very real view into what it takes to make this happen.�� I’m under no illusions that I’m going to somehow magically start making a profit or enough to even remotely cover my current salary.�� However, maybe I don’t have to give up my day job completely.�� Maybe it’s okay to do both.�� Maybe that’s the reality of the modern author.
Here are some of my favorite takeaways from the article:
“For a while, I was in a bit of a funk, wrestling with the thought, I’m a writer. If I’m not making this my living, I’m a failure.��I cannot tell you how relieved I was to know that I wasn’t the only one who worked full time in spite of being able to find writing work on a regular basis.��It is okay if you keep a day job while you continue writing.”��
This is a real thing and I didn’t realize how much I needed to read it.�� Not that I could work full time as a writer, but yup, I get in the same funk.�� What’s the point of putting all this effort into something that doesn’t or potentially won’t ever support me?�� Keep reading.
“If you are working, and working at your craft, you are not a failure. The only people who are failures are the ones who give up.”
And while this statement could apply to anything creative, I do keep working and don’t see any signs of giving up anytime soon.
Do you have similar struggles?�� What do you do to stay positive?
