Merrie Destefano's Blog, page 14
December 15, 2010
December 14, 2010
My Top Ten Christmas Movies
This is a list of my favorite Christmas movies. I go on a mad mission in the month of December. I feel I must watch each and every one of these or I won't be able to get in the spirit of the holiday.
1. It's a Wonderful Life
I first saw this in a film class in college. First, we all heard the story behind the movie—how Jimmy Stewart wanted to quit acting, but the director convinced him to star in one more movie—then we saw the film. We all sat, crowded into it an auditorium, and I couldn't help but think that this was how movie-goers saw this for the film for the first time. I fell in love with the movie and have loved it ever since.
2. The Bishop's Wife
Who wouldn't enjoy watching Cary Grant bumble around as a dangerously handsome angel, falling in love with a woman he's supposed to be helping. Loretta Young glistens as the object of his affection, albeit always faithful to her husband, the bishop.
3. While You Were Sleeping
Sandra Bullock rescues the man she thinks she loves, although he falls immediately into a coma. In the process, she finds herself enchanted with his family—and his brother, played by Bill Pullman—and for the first time in years, she doesn't feel lonely on Christmas. This one melts my heart every single time I watch it.
4. Christmas in Connecticut
Did I love this movie because the main character was a writer? In retrospect, it's hard to say, but over the years this story of a columnist, Barbara Stanwyck, who must pretend she is a great cook and homemaker (I can relate to that dilemma) has become one of my favorites.
5. Home Alone
He's a brat and he needs a spanking and, yet, you find yourself rooting for Macaulay Culkin before his family even lands in Paris. Completely alone, unless you count that dastardly tarantula (shivers), Culkin sets a trap for holiday thieves that makes me laugh until my sides hurt. Every. Single. Time. I. Watch.
6. Meet Me in St. Louis
Judy Garland at her most charming. She sings, she dances, she falls in love—literally. Her director in this film was her future husband, Vincente Minelli, and this was the first time the two of them met. This tale of a family who lives in turn-of-the-century St. Louis captures al the romance of the era.
7. Scrooged
For some reason, this is my favorite version of A Christmas Carol. Starring Bill Murray and Karen Allen (remember her from Raider's of the Lost Ark?) star as lovers who went their separate ways years ago. Murray went on to become a lonely, wealthy TV executive, while Allen became a tender-hearted social worker who runs the local homeless shelter. Murray is given a second chance when their paths cross again.
8. Little Women
My favorite version of this movie stars Claire Danes, Winona Ryder, Christian Bale and Kirsten Dunst. Set during the Civil War, this tale of a young woman who wants to be a writer is heart-warming, to say the least. Of course, I never could figure out why Jo (Ryder) didn't fall in love with Laurie (Bale), but then I can't figure out why Bella doesn't love Jacob either.
9. Elf
Adorable. Simply adorable. Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel (one of my favorite actresses) are just so cute in this film about a real, live elf who leaves the North Pole to find his true father. By the end of the movie you just want to give Ferrell a big hug.
10. The Family Man
A little bit like A Christmas Carol, this film stars Nicholas Cage as a rich man who gets a chance to see what his life might have been like, if he had made different choices along the way. Also starring Tea Leoni, one reason I love this show is the fact that it adds that element of an alternate universe—and I do love alternate universes.
1. It's a Wonderful Life
I first saw this in a film class in college. First, we all heard the story behind the movie—how Jimmy Stewart wanted to quit acting, but the director convinced him to star in one more movie—then we saw the film. We all sat, crowded into it an auditorium, and I couldn't help but think that this was how movie-goers saw this for the film for the first time. I fell in love with the movie and have loved it ever since.
2. The Bishop's Wife
Who wouldn't enjoy watching Cary Grant bumble around as a dangerously handsome angel, falling in love with a woman he's supposed to be helping. Loretta Young glistens as the object of his affection, albeit always faithful to her husband, the bishop.
3. While You Were Sleeping
Sandra Bullock rescues the man she thinks she loves, although he falls immediately into a coma. In the process, she finds herself enchanted with his family—and his brother, played by Bill Pullman—and for the first time in years, she doesn't feel lonely on Christmas. This one melts my heart every single time I watch it.
4. Christmas in Connecticut
Did I love this movie because the main character was a writer? In retrospect, it's hard to say, but over the years this story of a columnist, Barbara Stanwyck, who must pretend she is a great cook and homemaker (I can relate to that dilemma) has become one of my favorites.
5. Home Alone
He's a brat and he needs a spanking and, yet, you find yourself rooting for Macaulay Culkin before his family even lands in Paris. Completely alone, unless you count that dastardly tarantula (shivers), Culkin sets a trap for holiday thieves that makes me laugh until my sides hurt. Every. Single. Time. I. Watch.
6. Meet Me in St. Louis
Judy Garland at her most charming. She sings, she dances, she falls in love—literally. Her director in this film was her future husband, Vincente Minelli, and this was the first time the two of them met. This tale of a family who lives in turn-of-the-century St. Louis captures al the romance of the era.
7. Scrooged
For some reason, this is my favorite version of A Christmas Carol. Starring Bill Murray and Karen Allen (remember her from Raider's of the Lost Ark?) star as lovers who went their separate ways years ago. Murray went on to become a lonely, wealthy TV executive, while Allen became a tender-hearted social worker who runs the local homeless shelter. Murray is given a second chance when their paths cross again.
8. Little Women
My favorite version of this movie stars Claire Danes, Winona Ryder, Christian Bale and Kirsten Dunst. Set during the Civil War, this tale of a young woman who wants to be a writer is heart-warming, to say the least. Of course, I never could figure out why Jo (Ryder) didn't fall in love with Laurie (Bale), but then I can't figure out why Bella doesn't love Jacob either.
9. Elf
Adorable. Simply adorable. Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel (one of my favorite actresses) are just so cute in this film about a real, live elf who leaves the North Pole to find his true father. By the end of the movie you just want to give Ferrell a big hug.
10. The Family Man
A little bit like A Christmas Carol, this film stars Nicholas Cage as a rich man who gets a chance to see what his life might have been like, if he had made different choices along the way. Also starring Tea Leoni, one reason I love this show is the fact that it adds that element of an alternate universe—and I do love alternate universes.
December 13, 2010
Magic runs deep during Harvest...
At long last, I have permission to share the back cover copy of my next novel. Titled Feast: Harvest of Dreams, it releases on June 28, 2010.
Here's the back cover copy:
Halloween is a bad time to return to the woods…
Madeline MacFadden ("Mad Mac" to fans of her bestselling magical stories) spent blissful childhood summers in Ticonderoga Falls. And this is where she wants to be now that her adult life is falling apart. The dense surrounding forest holds many memories, some joyous, some tantalizingly only half-remembered. And she's always believed there was something living in these wooded hills.
But Maddie doesn't remember the dark parts—and knows nothing of the mountain legend that holds the area's terrified residents captive. She has no recollection of Ash, the strange and magnificent creature who once saved her life as a child, even though it is the destiny of his kind to prey upon humanity. And soon it will be the Harvest…the time to feast.
Once again Maddie's dreams—and her soul—are in grave danger. But magic runs deep during Harvest. Even a spinner of enchanted tales has wondrous powers of her own…
-----------------------------
I can't wait to show you the cover. But for now, just imagine something REALLY awesome!
Here's the back cover copy:
Halloween is a bad time to return to the woods…
Madeline MacFadden ("Mad Mac" to fans of her bestselling magical stories) spent blissful childhood summers in Ticonderoga Falls. And this is where she wants to be now that her adult life is falling apart. The dense surrounding forest holds many memories, some joyous, some tantalizingly only half-remembered. And she's always believed there was something living in these wooded hills.
But Maddie doesn't remember the dark parts—and knows nothing of the mountain legend that holds the area's terrified residents captive. She has no recollection of Ash, the strange and magnificent creature who once saved her life as a child, even though it is the destiny of his kind to prey upon humanity. And soon it will be the Harvest…the time to feast.
Once again Maddie's dreams—and her soul—are in grave danger. But magic runs deep during Harvest. Even a spinner of enchanted tales has wondrous powers of her own…
-----------------------------
I can't wait to show you the cover. But for now, just imagine something REALLY awesome!
One of my favorite Christmas songs
This song began as a poem, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during the Civil War. Longfellow had suffered great loss at the time--the death of his wife by an accidental fire and the severe wounding of his son in the war. And yet, despite his own personal tragedy, Longfellow was able to still believe in the oft-used phrase, "Peace on Earth."
May you have peace and joy in this Christmas season.
The name of this song is, I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day, and this version is performed by Casting Crowns.
December 2, 2010
New Song by Coldplay
Just in time for Christmas, here's a new song by my favorite band. Christmas Lights by Coldplay, available on iTunes.
Enjoy!
October 27, 2010
The best cat video of the day
The best cat video of the day. Meow.
October 26, 2010
The best Afterlife party pack ever
The lovely folks over at the I Smell Sheep blog (Katie and Amber) posted an interview with Yours Truly [I know, I can't believe it either]. But maybe, even cooler than learning why I chose New Orleans for the location in Afterlife or what I think about writing from a male POV, is the awesome Afterlife Party Pack they are giving away.
Here's what they've got in their giveaway treasure chest:
Mardi Gras mask and beads
Zatarians red bean and rice
A jar of Liquid Light
An adorable, plush German shepherd puppy
AND a signed copy of AFTERLIFE: THE RESURRECTION CHRONICLES
Now that's what I call a party pack!
And all you have to do is post a comment on their blog to enter. So mosey on over to their fab blog. This contest ends on November 1.
Here's what they've got in their giveaway treasure chest:
Mardi Gras mask and beads
Zatarians red bean and rice
A jar of Liquid Light
An adorable, plush German shepherd puppy
AND a signed copy of AFTERLIFE: THE RESURRECTION CHRONICLES
Now that's what I call a party pack!
And all you have to do is post a comment on their blog to enter. So mosey on over to their fab blog. This contest ends on November 1.
October 22, 2010
Funny stuff for Freaky Friday
Just thought I'd post a few funny, yet weird things for Friday.
Here goes:
Who loves zombies? Apparently, Sears loves zombies!
And the funniest, yet somehow creepiest, video of a dog that will see today:
Here goes:
Who loves zombies? Apparently, Sears loves zombies!
And the funniest, yet somehow creepiest, video of a dog that will see today:
October 20, 2010
The Afterlife Evolution
I wish I was one of those people who could slam out a book in three months, whose first draft was pretty near perfect. Unfortunately, that's not the case. The truth of the matter is, I drive my writing group nuts. What book is this, they'll ask after I start reading a few pages for critique. Oh, it's the same book, I'll tell them, just completely different.
I have a tendency to write and rewrite and then write some more, changing names and moving characters around and slashing plot lines. While it might seem like I'm having a great time, throwing away thousands of words at a time, I'm not.
I'm driving everyone I know, me included, nuts. They probably all wish that I would take up something meaningful to do in my spare instead of write. Something like playing miniature golf. Or raising bonsai trees. Or studying organic chemistry.
Just in case you don't believe me, listen to the genesis of Afterlife: The Resurrection Chronicles.
In the first draft—under the title, White Burn—this story took place on Mars. (Do I hear snickers already?) It was a detective story, where the main character was tracking down a cult leader who had stolen a serum that could raise the dead. Besides falling into the hands of a dangerous cult leader, this serum also happened to be stolen by a gang leader, which led to one grisly gang war—a little bit like The Night of the Living Dead. Only on Mars.
Needless to say, that book didn't garner much attention from agents or editors.
In the second draft—under the title, Once to Die—the story was moved to Los Angeles. Here, I had a homicide detective, a woman named Addy, chasing a serial killer who could raise the dead. This story must have been tighter and better written, because at least a few editors talked to me at this point. They even smiled. Right before they told me, no way were they going to publish this book. One of them was even kind enough to give me a few pointers. He said something like, try setting it in the future and throw out everything except the resurrection drug.
I confess, I'm the brooding sort, so I mulled and groused over his well-meaning rejection. I thought about it for so long that I actually came up with a story idea based on that simple one-line suggestion.
In Afterlife, I built a future where the technology for resurrection has been around for awhile, long enough for it to have a serious impact on our culture, our major world religions, our family system, our judicial system, you name it. After working on the story for a month or so, I realized that if I removed this one small element—death—from our culture, it changed everything.
Writing the actual book took me about a year and a half, with the prerequisite three-to-four month period of writer's block tossed in the mix. Once I found my agent, Kimberley Cameron, she sold my book in a relatively short time period to Diana Gill of Eos/HarperCollins. I think we sold the book in August, 2009, and the book came out in September, 2010.
Afterlife is a Hydra of sorts: one part urban fantasy, one part romance, one part science fiction, one part mystery. It's a tale about a man who watches over people during that fragile first week after resurrection, when memories from previous lives are still sifting to the surface. And it's a story about the woman who has just resurrected, who holds a secret in her subconscious that could change the world.
But for me, it's a story that tells me that my wild and disorganized writing process somehow manages to work. Even though I drive a lot of people nutty along the way.
I have a tendency to write and rewrite and then write some more, changing names and moving characters around and slashing plot lines. While it might seem like I'm having a great time, throwing away thousands of words at a time, I'm not.
I'm driving everyone I know, me included, nuts. They probably all wish that I would take up something meaningful to do in my spare instead of write. Something like playing miniature golf. Or raising bonsai trees. Or studying organic chemistry.
Just in case you don't believe me, listen to the genesis of Afterlife: The Resurrection Chronicles.
In the first draft—under the title, White Burn—this story took place on Mars. (Do I hear snickers already?) It was a detective story, where the main character was tracking down a cult leader who had stolen a serum that could raise the dead. Besides falling into the hands of a dangerous cult leader, this serum also happened to be stolen by a gang leader, which led to one grisly gang war—a little bit like The Night of the Living Dead. Only on Mars.
Needless to say, that book didn't garner much attention from agents or editors.
In the second draft—under the title, Once to Die—the story was moved to Los Angeles. Here, I had a homicide detective, a woman named Addy, chasing a serial killer who could raise the dead. This story must have been tighter and better written, because at least a few editors talked to me at this point. They even smiled. Right before they told me, no way were they going to publish this book. One of them was even kind enough to give me a few pointers. He said something like, try setting it in the future and throw out everything except the resurrection drug.
I confess, I'm the brooding sort, so I mulled and groused over his well-meaning rejection. I thought about it for so long that I actually came up with a story idea based on that simple one-line suggestion.
In Afterlife, I built a future where the technology for resurrection has been around for awhile, long enough for it to have a serious impact on our culture, our major world religions, our family system, our judicial system, you name it. After working on the story for a month or so, I realized that if I removed this one small element—death—from our culture, it changed everything.
Writing the actual book took me about a year and a half, with the prerequisite three-to-four month period of writer's block tossed in the mix. Once I found my agent, Kimberley Cameron, she sold my book in a relatively short time period to Diana Gill of Eos/HarperCollins. I think we sold the book in August, 2009, and the book came out in September, 2010.
Afterlife is a Hydra of sorts: one part urban fantasy, one part romance, one part science fiction, one part mystery. It's a tale about a man who watches over people during that fragile first week after resurrection, when memories from previous lives are still sifting to the surface. And it's a story about the woman who has just resurrected, who holds a secret in her subconscious that could change the world.
But for me, it's a story that tells me that my wild and disorganized writing process somehow manages to work. Even though I drive a lot of people nutty along the way.
October 16, 2010
Getting in touch with your inner monster
If you haven't figured it out by now, I love monsters. I fell in love with them when I was just a kid. Vincent Price ruled the cinema in the '60s, and nearly every movie had some sort of creepy villain in it. So I was thrilled when artist, Jack Ruttan, offered to turn me into a vampire. I mean, isn't that every woman's secret desire? Immortality, eternal youth, an interesting dental plan.
Believe it or not, he didn't stop there. He made me a zombie too. Now I've got two new monster avatars. Look out, world. Monster Merrie is here.
Anyway, I'm not the kind to keep all the cool toys for myself. I like to share. So I asked Jack to tell us a little about himself. I wanted you to find out how you can get your own scary avatar.
Jack's interview is below:
MERRIE: What is your background as an artist?
JACK: I'm self-taught. My mom was a watercolorist.
MERRIE: Well, you are definitely talented. If anybody wants to take a peek at what Jack does when he's not drawing monsters, here's a link to his website. Jack, why did you decide to start drawing monster portraits?
JACK: I thought it would be fun for Halloween. Actually, twittering with you, hearing about your book, How to Draw Zombies, gave me the idea. Then I had the brainstorm of thinking wouldn't it be cool if a lot of people zombiefied or monster-ized themselves just for Halloween, and sensed a business opportunity.
MERRIE: I think it's a great idea! Everyone should get zombiefied. What's the next step for you?
JACK: I'm going to set up an online web store, and zombify people for a fee (see below). It's a little late, and I wish I had the idea earlier, but I wanted to do this eventually to try and sell my usual watercolors, and this was a good push to get me started.
Monsters are a challenge, because I normally try to draw cute and charming things. But I love monsters, even though my parents would take me to the student counselor when I drew them. So, I've censored myself a bit. It's fun to get back into them, because I love horror movies and comics, not to mention "Rat Fink," Topps Bubblegum cards, and those bizarre cartoons from the 1960s. I'm getting in touch with my inner monster.
But it's actually a bit of a challenge, cause I want it to look like the person, and be fun and scary at the same time. Also make sense when shrunk to a tiny twitter icon.
MERRIE: I've always loved monsters too. What type of monsters do you like to draw best?
JACK: Some of the ones I mentioned above. I like Orcs and alien beings. Also dinosaurs and cryptids. Godzilla and his friends. Almost anything really, because I'm really just getting into it.
MERRIE: Well, I'm glad you are! Where can people find out more about your art?
JACK: At my website, also my sketch blog, and now my tumblr, which is sort of like my giant version of twitter. I like the web obviously. See my webcomic done in collaboration with R. Gagnon: The Skinny Nameless Punk.
MERRIE: If someone wanted to get their own monster portrait, approximately how much would it cost and how long would it take?
JACK: I'm thinking $20, and give me a day or two. For $35.00 plus $3.00 postage and packing, I'll send them the watercolor original, which will measure 9 x 9 cm, and be prettily matted (that will take a little more time). I've also got a Paypal account. Not sure how that works!
Send me a shot you want zombified or vampirized. Pets, even. $30 if it's more than one person in the picture. Three or four, we'll talk. Also other commissions!
MERRIE: If someone wanted to get their own monster portrait, how should they contact you?
JACK: You can e-mail at: jack [dot] ruttan090 [at] sympatico [dot] ca. And you can visit my Twitter profile here.
Thanks SO much for stopping by today, Jack. These profile avatars are creepy and cool and beyond awesome! I hope I start seeing them all over the place soon. The world needs more monsters.
Believe it or not, he didn't stop there. He made me a zombie too. Now I've got two new monster avatars. Look out, world. Monster Merrie is here.
Anyway, I'm not the kind to keep all the cool toys for myself. I like to share. So I asked Jack to tell us a little about himself. I wanted you to find out how you can get your own scary avatar.
Jack's interview is below:
MERRIE: What is your background as an artist?
JACK: I'm self-taught. My mom was a watercolorist.
MERRIE: Well, you are definitely talented. If anybody wants to take a peek at what Jack does when he's not drawing monsters, here's a link to his website. Jack, why did you decide to start drawing monster portraits?
JACK: I thought it would be fun for Halloween. Actually, twittering with you, hearing about your book, How to Draw Zombies, gave me the idea. Then I had the brainstorm of thinking wouldn't it be cool if a lot of people zombiefied or monster-ized themselves just for Halloween, and sensed a business opportunity.
MERRIE: I think it's a great idea! Everyone should get zombiefied. What's the next step for you?
JACK: I'm going to set up an online web store, and zombify people for a fee (see below). It's a little late, and I wish I had the idea earlier, but I wanted to do this eventually to try and sell my usual watercolors, and this was a good push to get me started.
Monsters are a challenge, because I normally try to draw cute and charming things. But I love monsters, even though my parents would take me to the student counselor when I drew them. So, I've censored myself a bit. It's fun to get back into them, because I love horror movies and comics, not to mention "Rat Fink," Topps Bubblegum cards, and those bizarre cartoons from the 1960s. I'm getting in touch with my inner monster.
But it's actually a bit of a challenge, cause I want it to look like the person, and be fun and scary at the same time. Also make sense when shrunk to a tiny twitter icon.
MERRIE: I've always loved monsters too. What type of monsters do you like to draw best?
JACK: Some of the ones I mentioned above. I like Orcs and alien beings. Also dinosaurs and cryptids. Godzilla and his friends. Almost anything really, because I'm really just getting into it.
MERRIE: Well, I'm glad you are! Where can people find out more about your art?
JACK: At my website, also my sketch blog, and now my tumblr, which is sort of like my giant version of twitter. I like the web obviously. See my webcomic done in collaboration with R. Gagnon: The Skinny Nameless Punk.
MERRIE: If someone wanted to get their own monster portrait, approximately how much would it cost and how long would it take?
JACK: I'm thinking $20, and give me a day or two. For $35.00 plus $3.00 postage and packing, I'll send them the watercolor original, which will measure 9 x 9 cm, and be prettily matted (that will take a little more time). I've also got a Paypal account. Not sure how that works!
Send me a shot you want zombified or vampirized. Pets, even. $30 if it's more than one person in the picture. Three or four, we'll talk. Also other commissions!
MERRIE: If someone wanted to get their own monster portrait, how should they contact you?
JACK: You can e-mail at: jack [dot] ruttan090 [at] sympatico [dot] ca. And you can visit my Twitter profile here.
Thanks SO much for stopping by today, Jack. These profile avatars are creepy and cool and beyond awesome! I hope I start seeing them all over the place soon. The world needs more monsters.
