It all ends next week. Or at least that's what the posters and trailers have been telling me for months. I have extremely mixed emotions about the final Harry Potter film premiering next Friday. As excited as I am to see it (and it looks AMAZING), I'm also pretty emotional about it, to be honest. Harry Potter has been a big part of my life for the past 10 years and knowing that this is the last time I'll be gathering a bunch of friends to go stand in line for a couple of hours just so we can see it on opening night...well, that makes me sad. "It's the end of an era," as Monica Gellar once so poignantly said.
I like the movies a lot and I think that, for the most part, they have been beautifully cast. I especially love that they were always cast with British actors and filmed in the UK. I think that really added to the feel of them.
But out of the cast of hundreds, there were a few roles that I could see being played by someone other than who WB picked. So here it is, my dream Harry Potter casting. And if you don't see someone on this list, assume it's because I think they were perfect (even though Emma Watson is way too gorgeous to match book Hermione, but I'll forgive her that one transgression).
Dumbledore
So Richard Harris? He was perfect. Michael Gambon...um. Look, I've seen him in other things and I think he's a fine actor. But I also think he was trying too hard to "make this part his own." The resulting somewhat volatile portrayal of Dumbledore is just not the beloved headmaster I have in my head. And it changed how I felt at the end of movie 6 (and I'm sure how I'll feel about one of my favorite scenes that'll be in the final film). In other words, I just didn't care as much as I should have. If we tragically couldn't have Richard Harris, I think I would've liked to see Ian McKellen take it on. (I understand why he might not have wanted to do it, what with all the Gandalf/Dumbledore comparisons. But I think he would have been amazing regardless.)
Lupin
I love this character in the books and I just don't think he comes across quite as likeable in the movies. I would cast David Tennant. He was actually cast as Barty Crouch, Jr. but I think his natural affability and exuberance would have been better fitted for this role as the best D.A.D.A. teacher Harry every had.
Lockhart
I ADORE Kenneth Branagh. I mean it. And he was totally great in this role. But a few years ago I found out that the part almost went to Hugh Grant and, honestly, I think he would have been just a smidge more perfect as the arrogant, periwinkle-clad professor.
Tonks
Granted this character was basically a non-entity in the movies, so maybe I would have just wanted her to be more present instead of differently cast. But I also kind of see her as a version of Kate Winslet's character in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It's too tiny a part for the great Kate, but, hey, it's a dream-casting, right?
What about you? Is there anyone who would be in your dream cast of Harry Potter who is not in the original films? Also, am I alone in expecting to sob throughout this entire 2 1/2 hour movie?
Friday, July 8, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
5 MG Reads I Recommend
Yesterday, I wrote about why I write MG, but today I want to talk about reading MG. I know if you're not used to it, it might seem a little odd as an adult to go pick up books for yourself in the children's section. But, if you're willing to give it a go, here are 5 top-notch Middle Grade books I recommend. Remember what I said about magic and humor and epic conflict? I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Miranda finds mysterious notes everywhere telling her that to save her best friend's life, she must do what they say.
It won the Newbery last year, so there's a much bigger endorsement than I could ever give. But, really, this book is complex and beautiful and a page-turner to boot. Fans of the subtly mysterious should really love it.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
An orphan boy grows up in a graveyard and is raised by ghosts.
Which won the Newbery a couple years ago. I'm a big fan of Gaiman's and I love that his books for children are just as dark and complex as his books for adults. He based this one on The Jungle Book but, in actuality, the story itself is pure Gaiman. In other words, mysterious, grim and just a little bit spooky.
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
An extremely odd group of people all move into a building at the same time and find they are heirs to a fortune: as long as they can solve the murder of their benefactor.
One of my absolute faves as a kid. I read it again a few years ago and the most wonderful thing is that it still holds up. It's funny and a perfectly crafted mystery. I dare you to try and guess the solution!
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Wayside School was supposed to be 30 side-by-side classrooms built as one story; unfortunately, there was a little mix-up and its classrooms were built one on top of the other as 30 stories.
Louis Sachar is also one of my very favorites and I really debated whether to put this one or Holes on this list (another excellent read). Ultimately, this won out solely because I adore the humor so much. It takes me right back to the wacky, hilarious world of elementary school.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Two kids sneak in and spend a night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Um, yes. That is an awesome premise and the whole book lives up to it.
If you haven't read them already, any of these books pique your interest? Or are there any MG books you'd recommend?
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Miranda finds mysterious notes everywhere telling her that to save her best friend's life, she must do what they say.
It won the Newbery last year, so there's a much bigger endorsement than I could ever give. But, really, this book is complex and beautiful and a page-turner to boot. Fans of the subtly mysterious should really love it.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
An orphan boy grows up in a graveyard and is raised by ghosts.
Which won the Newbery a couple years ago. I'm a big fan of Gaiman's and I love that his books for children are just as dark and complex as his books for adults. He based this one on The Jungle Book but, in actuality, the story itself is pure Gaiman. In other words, mysterious, grim and just a little bit spooky.
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
An extremely odd group of people all move into a building at the same time and find they are heirs to a fortune: as long as they can solve the murder of their benefactor.
One of my absolute faves as a kid. I read it again a few years ago and the most wonderful thing is that it still holds up. It's funny and a perfectly crafted mystery. I dare you to try and guess the solution!
Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Wayside School was supposed to be 30 side-by-side classrooms built as one story; unfortunately, there was a little mix-up and its classrooms were built one on top of the other as 30 stories.
Louis Sachar is also one of my very favorites and I really debated whether to put this one or Holes on this list (another excellent read). Ultimately, this won out solely because I adore the humor so much. It takes me right back to the wacky, hilarious world of elementary school.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Two kids sneak in and spend a night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Um, yes. That is an awesome premise and the whole book lives up to it.
If you haven't read them already, any of these books pique your interest? Or are there any MG books you'd recommend?
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Why I Write Middle Grade
My fellow 2012 debut author Leigh Bardugo wrote this wonderful blog post last week in response to some recent hullabaloo regarding a Slate article. You should read Leigh's post about what compels her to write YA...I'll wait.
That post got me thinking about why I write what I do. I haven't written any YA (Young Adult) books yet and the next couple of manuscripts I have in the works are both Middle Grade. This doesn't mean I'll never write a YA novel...in fact, I very much hope I will and that I'll write an Adult novel someday too. But for now, I'm extremely happy writing MG.
Why, you may ask (because that is the title of this blog post and therefore, must be what is FOREMOST in your thoughts). I shall enumerate!
For one, I first fell in love with books when I started reading Middle Grade. Roald Dahl, Beverly Cleary, Ellen Raskin and Ann M. Martin come clearly to mind whenever I stop and reminisce about my childhood. You know how they say you never get over your first love? I believe that to be true of many things. For me, that includes reading.
I adore writing from the point-of-view of kids, especially kids that are anywhere from 7 to 13 years old. I think it's a magical time, but one that is also rife with conflicts: conflicts that can seem thoroughly epic to someone with limited life experience (and sometimes even thoroughly epic to anybody).
Speaking of magic...ah, magic. I really enjoy writing about fantastical things. The Mapmaker and the Ghost has touches of fantasy but the latest book I'm working on takes place in a whole fantastical world. And let me tell you: it's been SO fun to write. I'm pretty sure I'm going to try writing contemporary MGs at some point too (in fact, the next one I just started thinking about is), but--for me--MG lends itself to fantasy so wonderfully. I think it's because the MG audience still believes in bits of magic. The secret is...I do too. I think there are touches of magic all around us and being able to expand upon that in a story...well, I'm not sure how many other audiences will give you the same leeway to do so.
Humor. I love writing it and I never laughed harder as a child than I did when reading a really funny book. I'm not sure I ever lost that silly/slightly mischievous sense of humor. In other words, the average 8-year-old will probably find me funnier than the average 38-year-old. I have accepted this to be true.
The great Madeleine L'Engle once said, "You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."
And I love writing for children. I really do.
If you're a writer, what do you think compels you to work in the genre you work in?
That post got me thinking about why I write what I do. I haven't written any YA (Young Adult) books yet and the next couple of manuscripts I have in the works are both Middle Grade. This doesn't mean I'll never write a YA novel...in fact, I very much hope I will and that I'll write an Adult novel someday too. But for now, I'm extremely happy writing MG.
Why, you may ask (because that is the title of this blog post and therefore, must be what is FOREMOST in your thoughts). I shall enumerate!
For one, I first fell in love with books when I started reading Middle Grade. Roald Dahl, Beverly Cleary, Ellen Raskin and Ann M. Martin come clearly to mind whenever I stop and reminisce about my childhood. You know how they say you never get over your first love? I believe that to be true of many things. For me, that includes reading.
I adore writing from the point-of-view of kids, especially kids that are anywhere from 7 to 13 years old. I think it's a magical time, but one that is also rife with conflicts: conflicts that can seem thoroughly epic to someone with limited life experience (and sometimes even thoroughly epic to anybody).
Speaking of magic...ah, magic. I really enjoy writing about fantastical things. The Mapmaker and the Ghost has touches of fantasy but the latest book I'm working on takes place in a whole fantastical world. And let me tell you: it's been SO fun to write. I'm pretty sure I'm going to try writing contemporary MGs at some point too (in fact, the next one I just started thinking about is), but--for me--MG lends itself to fantasy so wonderfully. I think it's because the MG audience still believes in bits of magic. The secret is...I do too. I think there are touches of magic all around us and being able to expand upon that in a story...well, I'm not sure how many other audiences will give you the same leeway to do so.
Humor. I love writing it and I never laughed harder as a child than I did when reading a really funny book. I'm not sure I ever lost that silly/slightly mischievous sense of humor. In other words, the average 8-year-old will probably find me funnier than the average 38-year-old. I have accepted this to be true.
The great Madeleine L'Engle once said, "You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."
And I love writing for children. I really do.
If you're a writer, what do you think compels you to work in the genre you work in?
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Butterfly in the Sky...
...if you're humming a certain theme song based on my blog title, then we're probably on the same page (ha! See what I did there?).
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a children's book author (true!). I also wanted my book featured on TV as part of Reading Rainbow.
Reading Rainbow was a PBS show hosted by the amazing LeVar Burton. Every episode, he would be walking around, talking in his soothing voice about some sort of theme (for some reason, I particularly remember one where he was in San Francisco). Then there would be two picture books read aloud, usually by a celebrity. The screen would pan across the illustrations (sometimes, I think, they were even slightly animated). Basically, like a visual audio book.
At the very end of the show, there would be three book reviews...given by kids. It was awesome. But then again, you don't have to take my word for it...actually, unless you've seen it, you do. The show's been off the air for a while.
I would get really excited when I owned a book that was featured on the show because this would mean I could play one of my favorite games: read the book aloud as it was done on Reading Rainbow.
I was a huge dork.
When I was in college, the creator of Reading Rainbow, Twila Liggett, came to speak at one of my classes. I kid you not, I was starstruck.
I was a huge dork.
Now that I'm a little older, I wonder what the logistics of getting a book on that show were. Was it done through the publishing house's marketing department? Was it sought out by the producers of Reading Rainbow? If anyone has any idea, I would love to know.
Oh, and this whole blog post was brought about because my friend, Jenny, forwarded me this link: http://thereadingrainbowflashmob.com/. Apparently, this Reading Rainbow flash mob movement would involve singing the Reading Rainbow theme song with LeVar Burton and I think I even read something somewhere about choreography. Um, yes. Sign me up.
I am a huge dork.
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a children's book author (true!). I also wanted my book featured on TV as part of Reading Rainbow.
Reading Rainbow was a PBS show hosted by the amazing LeVar Burton. Every episode, he would be walking around, talking in his soothing voice about some sort of theme (for some reason, I particularly remember one where he was in San Francisco). Then there would be two picture books read aloud, usually by a celebrity. The screen would pan across the illustrations (sometimes, I think, they were even slightly animated). Basically, like a visual audio book.
At the very end of the show, there would be three book reviews...given by kids. It was awesome. But then again, you don't have to take my word for it...actually, unless you've seen it, you do. The show's been off the air for a while.
I would get really excited when I owned a book that was featured on the show because this would mean I could play one of my favorite games: read the book aloud as it was done on Reading Rainbow.
I was a huge dork.
When I was in college, the creator of Reading Rainbow, Twila Liggett, came to speak at one of my classes. I kid you not, I was starstruck.
I was a huge dork.
Now that I'm a little older, I wonder what the logistics of getting a book on that show were. Was it done through the publishing house's marketing department? Was it sought out by the producers of Reading Rainbow? If anyone has any idea, I would love to know.
Oh, and this whole blog post was brought about because my friend, Jenny, forwarded me this link: http://thereadingrainbowflashmob.com/. Apparently, this Reading Rainbow flash mob movement would involve singing the Reading Rainbow theme song with LeVar Burton and I think I even read something somewhere about choreography. Um, yes. Sign me up.
I am a huge dork.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Calm
You know those moments where you can--just for a tiny span of time--step outside yourself, look around at what's happening to you, and just feel grateful and content? I had one of those last week.
I'm definitely a worrier and a fretter and a Type-A personality, so those rare moments of serenity really stick out for me. Nothing particularly spectacular or unusual happened last week, but I was just able to see the extraordinary things I'm lucky to have:
- my cover was on Goodreads, and suddenly, it looked like a real book, just like the thousands of other books I've read and admired. (Plus no one has read or reviewed it yet, and I really appreciated not having to worry about clicking on to any 1-star reviews--like I said, fretter!)
- a few of my beta readers had finished my WIP and they loved it. It needs work, of course, but the validation that it wasn't a book only its author could love is always a relief (and doesn't always happen to me, either).
- I love my apartment and I love living in New York--and a very important state law was finally passed that re-affirmed that.
- I got to spend time with some amazing friends. We played board games and we laughed a lot. What more could you ask for?
I'm back in the ebb and flow of everyday life again this week, getting caught up on little things, perhaps more caught up than I should be. But I'm looking forward to my next moment of calm, whenever it may come.
I'm definitely a worrier and a fretter and a Type-A personality, so those rare moments of serenity really stick out for me. Nothing particularly spectacular or unusual happened last week, but I was just able to see the extraordinary things I'm lucky to have:
- my cover was on Goodreads, and suddenly, it looked like a real book, just like the thousands of other books I've read and admired. (Plus no one has read or reviewed it yet, and I really appreciated not having to worry about clicking on to any 1-star reviews--like I said, fretter!)
- a few of my beta readers had finished my WIP and they loved it. It needs work, of course, but the validation that it wasn't a book only its author could love is always a relief (and doesn't always happen to me, either).
- I love my apartment and I love living in New York--and a very important state law was finally passed that re-affirmed that.
- I got to spend time with some amazing friends. We played board games and we laughed a lot. What more could you ask for?
I'm back in the ebb and flow of everyday life again this week, getting caught up on little things, perhaps more caught up than I should be. But I'm looking forward to my next moment of calm, whenever it may come.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Book's Cover: Thumbnail Sketches and a Giveaway!
We've reached the end of Cover Blitz Week!
To celebrate, first I'm going to share with you something my editor just shared with me this week: the thumbnail sketches. These were the very first pieces of work the illustrator sent over for this project. They were used to figure out composition, before he created the more detailed sketches found here.
As you can probably tell, they went with composition number 4. Emphasis was taken off of the rose, however, so that it didn't look too girly...something I wholeheartedly agree with because I very specifically wanted to write a book, with a female protagonist, that was still gender neutral.
So, there you have it! If you put all 5 of the Cover Blitz posts together, completely out of order (not sure why I did that, but there you are), you should have a basic anatomy of how a cover gets made.
And now for the other part of the celebration: I'm running a Cover Blitz Week Giveaway!
And the prizes are:
Two books of your choosing from the Bloomsbury/Walker catalogue (to celebrate the extraordinary work they do there).
These are just examples of some of my favorite covers. But the winner can choose any two books found at BloomsburyKids.com
One copy of this new UK re-edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (the reasoning behind this is trifold: to celebrate the newly-minted Pottermore announcement; because I think it's utterly gorgeous; and because I (not-so-secretly) daydream about Bloomsbury UK publishing my book too. )
One signed copy of The Mapmaker and the Ghost when it's released (because...well because it would be weird for me to sign someone else's book!)
I'll send it out as soon as I have copies which means you will be one of the first on the block to have it.
There are three easy ways to enter:
First, answer this question: If you could meet any famous ghost (or famous person's ghost), who would it be?
Then:
- Leave a comment on this blog with your answer or
- Tweet me your answer or
- Write your answer on my Facebook wall
Everyone can enter once per method (three max).
The contest ends Monday, June 27th, 2011 at 8 PM EST at which point the winner will be chosen at random. One winner will win all four prizes.
Good luck and thanks everyone for indulging me all week!
Update: The contest is now closed. Congratulations to the winner (chosen via random.org)...[drumroll please] Bryan!
To celebrate, first I'm going to share with you something my editor just shared with me this week: the thumbnail sketches. These were the very first pieces of work the illustrator sent over for this project. They were used to figure out composition, before he created the more detailed sketches found here.
As you can probably tell, they went with composition number 4. Emphasis was taken off of the rose, however, so that it didn't look too girly...something I wholeheartedly agree with because I very specifically wanted to write a book, with a female protagonist, that was still gender neutral.
So, there you have it! If you put all 5 of the Cover Blitz posts together, completely out of order (not sure why I did that, but there you are), you should have a basic anatomy of how a cover gets made.
And now for the other part of the celebration: I'm running a Cover Blitz Week Giveaway!
And the prizes are:
Two books of your choosing from the Bloomsbury/Walker catalogue (to celebrate the extraordinary work they do there).
These are just examples of some of my favorite covers. But the winner can choose any two books found at BloomsburyKids.com
One copy of this new UK re-edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (the reasoning behind this is trifold: to celebrate the newly-minted Pottermore announcement; because I think it's utterly gorgeous; and because I (not-so-secretly) daydream about Bloomsbury UK publishing my book too. )
One signed copy of The Mapmaker and the Ghost when it's released (because...well because it would be weird for me to sign someone else's book!)
I'll send it out as soon as I have copies which means you will be one of the first on the block to have it.
There are three easy ways to enter:
First, answer this question: If you could meet any famous ghost (or famous person's ghost), who would it be?
Then:
- Leave a comment on this blog with your answer or
- Tweet me your answer or
- Write your answer on my Facebook wall
Everyone can enter once per method (three max).
The contest ends Monday, June 27th, 2011 at 8 PM EST at which point the winner will be chosen at random. One winner will win all four prizes.
Good luck and thanks everyone for indulging me all week!
Update: The contest is now closed. Congratulations to the winner (chosen via random.org)...[drumroll please] Bryan!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Book's Cover: An Interview with Walker Senior Designer Nicole Gastonguay!
Cover Blitz Week continues!
I know I, for one, have always been very curious about the mysterious world of book publishing. How does a cover come together? Who picks the title font? Who decides what the words look like in the very beginning of a chapter?
When I got my first pass pages last month, it was the first time they actually looked like a book and not like a printout from Word. And that was owed almost entirely to Nicole Gastonguay, the senior designer at Walker who was responsible for all of the above as well as matching up illustrator Gerald Guerlais to my book's cover.
Here is some insight into her process from the talented (and funny) Nicole Gastonguay herself!
What's your background? How did you become a senior designer at Bloomsbury/Walker?
I went to Ringling College of Art and majored in illustration. Upon graduation, I moved to NYC with delusions of being an artist. After being a cashier/artist, among other things, I got my first “real” job at Walker in 2000. Now I’m a designer/artist which is much cooler sounding. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have my fine art shown in galleries around New York and Los Angeles.
Tell us a little bit about your workflow. Do you read the books you're art directing? If so, what are you usually looking for?
I read as much as I can, but with the amount of books I do a year, there just isn’t time to read everything. I do my best to get the flavor of the writing style and then work very closely with the books’ editors and publishers to determine the best vision for the cover.
How did you find Gerald and what made you think he'd be a good match for The Mapmaker and the Ghost?
Gerald is represented by an agent who we work with often. He was the perfect fit because one of the main “characters” in the story is the woods itself, and we really like how Gerald treats his forest and background compositions. He’s also amazing at kids and expressions and this story is definitely overflowing with zany kids.
It it hard jumping around from designing for Picture Books vs. Middle Grade vs. YA?
I’m grateful that I get to work on so many different kinds of projects. It keeps me from getting bored or stale in my design.
What's your favorite part about your job?
Lunchtime.
And after that, I just love books. I always have. It’s very satisfying after putting so many hours into a project that you have an object that you can hold in your hand. Even better is when you see a kid on the subway reading one of them.
You can find Nicole and more of her fabulous work at her website, which you will be magically beamed to by clicking on the carton of shrimp lo mein found below.
I know I, for one, have always been very curious about the mysterious world of book publishing. How does a cover come together? Who picks the title font? Who decides what the words look like in the very beginning of a chapter?
When I got my first pass pages last month, it was the first time they actually looked like a book and not like a printout from Word. And that was owed almost entirely to Nicole Gastonguay, the senior designer at Walker who was responsible for all of the above as well as matching up illustrator Gerald Guerlais to my book's cover.
Here is some insight into her process from the talented (and funny) Nicole Gastonguay herself!
What's your background? How did you become a senior designer at Bloomsbury/Walker?
I went to Ringling College of Art and majored in illustration. Upon graduation, I moved to NYC with delusions of being an artist. After being a cashier/artist, among other things, I got my first “real” job at Walker in 2000. Now I’m a designer/artist which is much cooler sounding. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have my fine art shown in galleries around New York and Los Angeles.
 |
| When Nicole's not busy doing awesome design work for books, she's creating these awesome art pieces instead. |
Tell us a little bit about your workflow. Do you read the books you're art directing? If so, what are you usually looking for?
I read as much as I can, but with the amount of books I do a year, there just isn’t time to read everything. I do my best to get the flavor of the writing style and then work very closely with the books’ editors and publishers to determine the best vision for the cover.
How did you find Gerald and what made you think he'd be a good match for The Mapmaker and the Ghost?
Gerald is represented by an agent who we work with often. He was the perfect fit because one of the main “characters” in the story is the woods itself, and we really like how Gerald treats his forest and background compositions. He’s also amazing at kids and expressions and this story is definitely overflowing with zany kids.
It it hard jumping around from designing for Picture Books vs. Middle Grade vs. YA?
I’m grateful that I get to work on so many different kinds of projects. It keeps me from getting bored or stale in my design.
What's your favorite part about your job?
Lunchtime.
And after that, I just love books. I always have. It’s very satisfying after putting so many hours into a project that you have an object that you can hold in your hand. Even better is when you see a kid on the subway reading one of them.
You can find Nicole and more of her fabulous work at her website, which you will be magically beamed to by clicking on the carton of shrimp lo mein found below.
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