Miranda Atchley's Blog, page 51

14 Days of Halloween- Dark Shadows

Dark ShadowsBased on the 1960's soap opera, Dark Shadows is a reimagining of the Collins family.
After an estranged lover placed a spell on him, Barnabas Collins is now a vampire and has been sleeping in his grave for the last 200 years. He emerges from his tomb in 1972 to find some of his descendants now occupy his mansion in their lack-luster lives. Barnabas has plans of restoring the Collins family's good name, yet his old lover may put an end to it all.
Rating: PG-13Cast: Barnabas Collins- Johnny DeppElizabeth Collins Stoddard- Michelle PfeifferCarolyn Stoddard- Chloe Grace MoretzRoger Collins- Jonny Lee MillerDr. Julia Hoffman- Helena Bonham CarterAngelique- Eva GreenVictoria Winters- Bella Heathcorte
I have to admit, Dark Shadows isn't one of my favorites from Tim Burton. I enjoy the '70s setting, seeing the fashions and hearing the music of the time throughout the film. I think it's some of the characters that make me not like this film quite so much. Particularly Angelique and Helena. Angelique is so mean and just kind of gives me the creeps while Helena is quite cynical and depressing to watch. I suppose that's the effect they were going for, but it really just kind of ruined the movie for me. That and the whole introducing werewolves thing was quite reminiscent of Twilight, which I cannot stand.
This film is definitely not for young viewers. There's blood, death, drugs, drinking, sex, and inappropriate language. There are several scenes that even I am uncomfortable with and fast forward through.
All in all, Dark Shadows was not one of Tim Burton's best movies. It has a few good scenes and for those scenes I enjoy watching it on a rainy fall day, but there are plenty of things that I just skip over.
I give this film a 2 out 5.

14 Days of Halloween- Frankenweenie

FrankenweenieVictor's best friend is his dog Sparky. The two are inseparable, Sparky often starring in Victor's homemade movies and tagging along with Victor during his various science experiments. Yet one fateful day during a baseball game, Sparky is struck by an automobile, subsequently passing. Through promises of a new dog, Victor grieves, longing for his best friend. When his science teacher demonstrates the use of lightening in reviving the dead, Victor is inspired. Successfully he revives Sparky, yet not without some consequences.
Rating: PGCast:Victor Frankenstein- Charlie TahanSusan Frankenstein- Catherine O'HaraEdward Frankenstein- Martin ShortEdgar- Atticus ShafferElsa van Helsing- Winonna Ryder
This was a movie that I got really excited to see back in 2012. It looked so cute and fun and it did not disappoint. This was the last movie I actually saw in theatres (I'm not a huge fan of going to theatres). My mom and I went to see it in mid-October of 2012. I fell in love with it. I got a Frankenweenie journal and bracelet from Claire's for my birthday that year.
I think this is one of Tim Burton's best movies. It has elements of classic horror movies without being gory or scary. I love that it's black and white. It has all the makings of a great Tim Burton film. It's just a really good movie. In the 1980's, Tim Burton had directed a live action black and white short film named Frankenweenie. This film has only been released on the tenth anniversary edition of The Nightmare Before Christmas, which is the copy I own. I have, It's still black and white, which I think is really neat. It just has a heartwarming quality to it. This is a movie that the whole family could enjoy this time of year.
Note: It's kind of funny to me that the main character looks similar to the main character in Corpse Bride, and both are named Victor.
All in all, Frankenweenie is a delightful film that people of all ages will likely enjoy. I'd recommend it to anyone that enjoys Tim Burton movies or fun Halloween films.
I give this movie a 5 out of 5.

14 Days of Halloween- Coraline

CoralineAfter she and her parents have moved into The Pink Palace, Coraline finds herself bored. Her parents tell her to explore, go visit their eccentric neighbors, anything to keep her out of their hair. As she explores the house, she finds a door which leads to a world where everything is the opposite. Things seem like fun at first, but quickly take a turn for the worse.
Rating: PGCast:Coraline Jones- Dakota FanningMel Jones/Other Mother- Teri HatcherCharlie Jones/Other Father- John HodgmanWybie- Robert Bailey Jr.Miss April Spink-  Jennifer SaundersMiss Miriam Forcible- Dawn FrenchMr. Bobinski-  Ian McShane
I don't remember a whole lot about this movie coming out. I remember being intrigued, but I don't think it was advertised a ton. I suppose it wasn't expected to do so well. Though it has developed somewhat of a cult following over the years, I guess you could say. Despite popular believe, this movie was not directed by Tim Burton. In fact, he had nothing to do with the film. A few people that worked on The Nightmare Before Christmas did work on Coraline, though.
I think this is a really fun movie. It's a pretty typical movie that I would enjoy: imaginative, quirky, full of fantasy with a dash of Sci-Fi. I like that they kept the movie close to the book. The plot of the movie really does stick with the storyline of the book.
Coraline is the perfect movie for the Halloween season with the old Victorian house, eccentric neighbors, creepy other mothers with button eyes, and ghost children. I really enjoy this movie. I give Coraline a 5 out of 5.

14 Days of Halloween- James and the Giant Peach

James and the Giant Peach
After his parents die, James is sent to live with his aunts in their house atop a seaside hill. The two spinsters are quite impatient and hard on James, calling him names and ordering him to do endless chores. One day a man gives James magical beans, which he plants into the ground. Overnight the beans sprout into a tree, on which grows a peach that reaches an astonishing size. The beans also cause the surrounding insects to grow to human proportions and likewise give them the ability to speak. James joins the insects as they make a home inside the peach, cutting its stem and sending it down the hill and to New York City.
Rating- PGCast:James- Paul TerryMrs. Ladybug- Jane LeavesMr. Grasshopper- Simon CallowMiss Spider- Susan SarandonMr. Centipede- Richard DreyfussEarthworm-David ThewlisGlowworm-Miriam MargoylesAunt Sponge- Miriam MargoylesAunt Spiker- Joanna LumelyNarrator/ Magic Man- Pete Postlethwaite
This seems to be one of Tim Burton's lesser known works. Though a good deal of people recognize the film, they generally don't associate it with one of Burton's more well-known works, though it is a great movie. It contains a mixture of live action and Claymation, something not seen terribly often.
As someone who loves imaginative stories and movies, I can appreciate the works of both Roald Dahl and Tim Burton. I feel like the two are a great combination and this is not the only collaboration of the two.

James and the Giant Peach is a great and fun film to watch during the Halloween season. With talking insects, crabby old aunts living in a spooky old house and fruit that grows out of proportion, there's something quite magical about this movie and that makes it great for the Halloween season.

14 Days of Halloween- Alice In Wonderland

Every year in October, I pull out a few movies that are either centered around Halloween or movies that are on the quirky side and remind me of Halloween. This year I thought it would be fun to write a post for each film and feature it here on the blog for 14 days. I hope you'll have fun reading along and feel free to comment with your thoughts on each film.
Today's movie is the 2010 remaking of Alice In Wonderland. It's safe to say that there will be plenty of Tim Burton around here these next couple of weeks, though there will be few films that he didn't work on featured, of course. So grab some popcorn and join the fun!

Alice In Wonderland"I believe in six impossible things before breakfast."
Based on the beloved children's classic, Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland is full of adventure, humor, and beauty. Now grown, Alice is forced to attend a ball where Hamish Ascot is planning to propose marriage to her. Nerved by the prospect, Alice excuses herself from the party and wonders to the garden where she follows a rabbit down a hole. There she finds a world that's been awaiting her return for quite some time in the hopes that she'll slay the dreaded Jabberwocky. The only problem is, everyone seems to think she's the wrong Alice.
Rating: PGCast:Alice: Mia WasikowskaThe Mad Hatter: Johnny DeppThe Red Queen: Helena Bonham CarterThe White Queen: Anne HathawayThe Knave of Hearts: Crispin GloverMatt Lucas: Tweedledee and TweedledumAbsolem the Caterpillar: Alan RickmanThe Doormouse: Barbara WindsorThe White Rabbit: Michael SheenHamish Ascot: Leo Bill
I can remember being sooo excited for this movie to be released back in 2010. It looked so pretty and colorful in all the commercials and ads. And if Tim Burton is part of a movie, I'm in. This movie did not disappoint. Though it may not be one of my all-time favorites, I still enjoy it, especially during this time of year. I love all the animals, the action, the scenery. It's just a lovely movie.I remember a lot of people were upset that the movie focused a lot on The Mad Hatter, but anytime Johnny Depp is in a movie, it's to be expected that all eyes will be on him. Yet I think they still kept Alice the protagonist and did the movie well. And I must say that I think Johnny Depp did a very good job playing the cooky character of The Mad Hatter.
While the colorfulness of the film reminds me of springtime, I still think it's quite fitting for the Halloween season with all of its quirks and darker undertones. And who hasn't wanted to dress as either Alice, The Mad Hatter, or The Red Queen for Halloween!?
All in all, Alice In Wonderland is a fun film. It's pretty, funny and quirky. What's not to like?
I give this movie a 4 out of 5.

Sifting Through Sadness by Rising Fawn

Sifting Through Sadnessby Rising FawnSifting Through Sadness is the debut LP by Rising Fawn. It's preceded by the band's debut EP Everlasting Songs. I loved Everlasting Songs and so I was very excited to learn that Rising Fawn was releasing a new album on August 28, 2015.
My favorite lyrics from each song.....
ShadowsI'm sleeping through pages | Through ages
Cedar BranchesFor so long | You believed what they made of you | When you smiled | It was for them and not for you | I didn't know these words could reach that far to you | See how you can finally shed your tears | How you can finally say goodbye to your worst days
Jeremy EnigkI'm holding up my searching hands | I'm giving up my plans | To be a living tone | A stroke among the billions | A vessel in motion
Sifting Through SadnessWe get so far then we stop and give up
Specter(Instrumental- no lyrics)
Wake UpWhen the sunlight hits my window | I'm still warm without you here | If the rain falls through your window | I'm still warm without a care
Of All The CharmsLoveliest of all the charms | Come listen to the wisdom in her heart
Ours For TakingNot giving up | Not making a fuss | I fight for you | Hold tight to this love | When the going gets rough | Faithful and true
Forsaking CalamityWe climb up to the rooftops | Collaborating new things | Ropes for every tire swing | Celebrating young dreams
Hempstead(Instrumental- no lyrics)
My favorite songs on this album are: Cedar Branches, Jeremy Enigk, Sifting Through Sadness, Wake Up, and Forsaking Calamity
Sifting Through Sadness is a more experimental album than Everlasting Songs. There's still some of the basic sounds that can be found on Everlasting Songs, though on songs like Wake Up and Of All The Charms there's some '60's folk elements and Specter contains experimental guitar sounds that give off a sort of Sci-Fi feel, which is really neat. Hempstead compiles elements of most of the songs and is kind of all over the place, though it flows together well. Though Sifting Through Sadnessdoesn't quite contain the fairytale element that Everlasting Songs holds, it still has that whimsical, ethereal feel Rising Fawn is known for. I'm a fan of both albums for different reasons because they are different albums. If you're a fan of Chauntelle and have listened to her in Eisley and Rising Fawn, then you more than likely appreciate this album. I also liked hearing Sherri and Max on Forsaking Calamity. So fun.
All in all, Sifting Through Sadness is a good album that I already listen to often. I would recommend it to anyone who likes experimental/ indie music.
I give this album a 4 out of 5.

The Sweater Weather Tag

The Sweater Weather Tag
So, I haven't actually been tagged to do this post, but it sounds so much fun (seeing as fall is my favorite time of year and all) so I decided to just do it. I had a lot of fun doing this tag and I hope you'll have fun reading along.
Favorite candle scent?Cashmere Woods by Glade. Mmm; it's the best!
Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?I've gotten into Earl Grey tea lately and I really like it, but I also love hot chocolate.
What's the best fall memory you have?Being born (though my memory is a bit fuzzy on the actual event ;-)). In all seriousness, I love having a birthday in the fall; it's the best time of year to be born, in my opinion.
Best fragrance for fall?Not sure if this means perfume or what. I don't wear perfume much anymore, but if I were going to choose one for fall it would be Cashmere Glow by Bath and Body Works.
Favorite thanksgiving food?That's tough! I really like cranberry sauce, but I love sweet potatoes, too.
Most worn sweater?My red sweater that has black flowers on it. It's pretty and cozy; the perfect combination.
Football games or jumping in leaf piles?Jumping in leaf piles; no question.
Skinny jeans or leggings?Leggings for comfort, jeans for a better look.
Combat boots or Uggs?Combat boots most definitely.
Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?Yes. Yes it is.
Favorite fall TV show?Gilmore Girls! It screams fall. I would love to go to Connecticut in the fall sometime.
What do you want to be for Halloween?Elizabeth Bennet. I'm going to try to make my own dress, so we'll see how that goes.
Hats or scarves?Hats.
What's your number one favorite thing about fall?There are so many things I love about fall, but if I had to choose a favorite, I would say it's the leaves. I seriously love all the beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange. So amazing!
And that's that! I loved doing this tag. It was so much fun. I'd like to tag Amber Florenza as well as anyone else who wants to do this tag. If you participate in the Sweater Weather Tag, please leave a link to your post in the comments. I would love to read about your favorite things about fall!
-Miranda Atchley

Book of the Week #18- Akin To Anne

Akin To Anneby L.M. MontgomeryAkin to Anne is a charming collection of short stories. It contains stories about orphans in different stages of life, most coming from tragic backgrounds, yet all ending happily.
L.M. Montgomery is most famous for her beloved series Anne of Green Gables about orphan Anne Shirley. Yet many don't know that she wrote 20 novels, 530 short stories, 500poems and 30 essays. I've barely made a dent in that sum, though what I have read has been lovely. This past February on a trip to the library to stock up for cold weather reading, I picked this up, thinking it was a novel that would include Anne somewhere in the story. Yet I was surprised to find that Anne is not in this book, but that it is a collection of short stories about other orphans.
I enjoyed this collection. Almost all of the stories are very endearing with the splendidness of L.M. Montgomery's writing. While it doesn't contain the magic that the Anne series holds, I think most other Green Gables fans would enjoy it as well.
I give this book a 4 out of 5.

Marketing and Selling Self-Published Novels

Self-publishing might not offer the larger distribution opportunities that traditional publishing offers, yet that doesn't mean that you can't build a strong fan base or sell tons of books.
There are so many ways to market your self-published book. Social media is a great platform on which to promote your book. Tweet about your book. Create an author fan page and write posts about it on Facebook. Pin pictures of it on Pinterest. Post photos of it on Instagram. List it on Goodreads. Blog about it. When you do all these things, post little taglines that sum up the book; write about it in a way that really peaks the interest of potential readers. And don't forget to post links to a place where readers can purchase your book.
Another great way to sell your book is to distribute it locally. I usually order several copies and talk to local businesses about placing them in their shops. You can usually find at least a few shops that are more than happy to do so, especially if you agree on a price that allows them to make a profit. Putting an ad in your local newspaper is also a good idea. Write an ad that talks about your book and also includes information on where to buy. It's also a good idea to mention that you're a local author as that peaks the interest of many people.  Local events are also good outlets to sell books. For instance, the first Saturday of each month, the town I live in has what they call "Trade Days" where they block off Main Street and allow patrons to set up booths and sell stuff. I hold book signings at Trade Days. I set up a table on which I display my books with a sign that states I'm a local author and that I'm holding a book signing. It catches the eyes of passersby and they'll stop and talk to me, sometimes buying a book.
If I could go back and do one thing differently, I would definitely start building an audience before I published my first book. There were things I should have done before I published my first book. It's a good idea to start connecting with other writers and bloggers on social media before you publish your book. Start a blog and post about your progress. Talk to other writers and bloggers that have similar interests as you. In this you are building an audience.
You may not become a millionaire with self-publishing, but if you work at it and put in your best effort, things will start to happen eventually. I hope you've enjoyed reading about self-publishing with me. I may not be expert, but I hope I cleared some things up for you and helped you see things in a different light. Thank you for reading.
-Miranda Atchley

The Work That Goes Into Self-Publishing

The world of self-publishing is very D.I.Y. You're your own boss, and everything is up to you. It may sound scary, but if you do your homework you can make it work.
Cover design
 There are a few different options to choose from when you approach the cover design for your self-published book. One option is to use a premade cover. A lot of self-publishing companies offer premade covers that you can use for your book. Most companies also offer artist services to design a cover for you, though this can get costly. If you or someone you know is skilled in photography and Photoshop, then you can design a cover completely on your own. You can also purchase stock images and create a custom cover for your book. The latter two options are the best in my opinion as you will have a cover unique to your book for a much cheaper price.
Editing
When you self-publish your book, you have the option to hire an editor to read through your manuscript and edit it for you. I myself have never done this, though it is an option. I do a lot of editing myself and have family and friends read through my book, looking for mistakes and then I'll go through the book and fix them myself.
Printing

Once your book is ready to go, you'll upload the Word file and the cover file to your publisher's server. You'll fill out all of the required information and then they'll list it on their store (if they have one) and you can order copies to distribute yourself. They'll ship the copies to your home and then you can do what you want with them. Any money you make from these books is yours.
All in all, there is a quite a bit of work that goes into self-publishing a book, but if this is your dream, then it's worth it.
Come back tomorrow to read my tips on selling and marketing a self-published book!-Miranda Atchley