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What has my attention this week?
Book: The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley
Writing buddy Holly Heisey put me onto Kearsley a year or two ago. She’s often touted as being a modern-day Daphne Du Maurier (of Rebecca fame), and I definitely recognize the (much gentler) touches of Du Maurier’s supernatural influences throughout Kearsley’s works. All three of the books I’ve read have incorporated modern-day stories into a deft weave with earnestly researched historical stories–all with a thread of sweet romance throughout. This one is a tale of modern-day, reluctant psychics revisiting the past of a Scottish emigre to early 18th century Russia. Kearsley is nothing if not leisurely, but her characters are lovely and her attention to detail is superb.
Movie: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. directed by Guy Ritchie
I never saw the original TV show with Robert Vaughn, but this one had me smiling all the way through. It’s not the best movie you’re ever going to see and it grows a little flat in its Third Act, but it’s a lot of fun. Armie Hammer as a semi-psychotic Russian resisting love is worth the price of admission alone. It gets extra points for being super stylish as well.
Music: My Head Is an Animal by Of Monsters and Men
I love Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men. Who doesn’t, right? They’ve got that “light” indie sound, but there’s also a surprising depth to both their lyrics and their haunting music. I think just about every one of their songs has ended up on a playlist for one of my works-in-progress.
Food: Charlie’s Chocolates
Okay. Now I get to tell you about what is, I think, the most fabulous chocolate on the face of the planet. The Charles of Charlie’s Chocolate was incredibly kind enough to send me a box of his amazing creations. Honestly: I salivate just thinking about them. The truffles–especially the raspberry–are out of this world. His ingredients are top-notch, and you can totally taste the quality. Try them. You’ll never be the same.
Cool Invention: Hoodie Pillowcase
My nose gets cold when I sleep, okay? I used to sleep on my side with the covers over my head, but my bad neck finally precluded that. And trust me, it’s really not fun sleeping on your back with the covers over your head. So I thought this was the most brilliant invention ever.
Cute Animal I Want This Week
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I have read The Darker Shade of Magic by V.E Schwab and already have a feeling it will remain in my top fav list of books read this year. The world and magic is so awesome, and the characters soo good. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.
Movie has to be Star Wars, I have watched the previous ones for the first time recently. Have yet to watch the new one. But I really loved the others.
😀
I’m just rewatching original Star Wars trilogy now myself. I grew up with them, so there’s a lot of nostalgia there.
Darker Shade of Magic sounds good. I’ll go check it out right now…
That must be great. Seeing the movies on those times when the technology was not that good. It must be a dear memory to you guys who watched it then. 😀
Definitely!
well Im reading freekonomics, eating chocolate with licorish inside(Lovely!) I just watched “now you can see me” and at this moment I want a goat.
A goat. Don’t hear that one wished for very often. :p Of course, baby goats *are* adorable.
Yey! Score!!
I’ve always loved otters. Adorable! I’ve read most of Kearsley’s books and while some are better than others, she’s one of my favorite authors. I’ll have to check out Of Monsters and Men. I’ve been listening to jazz this week. Nothing new, just smooth jazz stuff. I’ve (finally) given up sugar 99%, (still eat apples and bananas) which is HARD but I’m so glad I did. I feel so much better! Have a great week!
Which is your favorite Kearsley book?
I adore Kearsley’s works. There’s a magic about the way she writes. I especially loved The Winter Sea & Mariana. I still haven’t read the Firebird but it’s on my list for 2016!
Of Monsters and Men have such a great sound to them. So unique and so inspiring. I love listening to them while writing! Have you listened to their new album yet? Some amazing songs on that one as well!
I haven’t got to Mariana yet, but I’m looking forward to it. The “Horses” one with Rob from Firebird looks good too.
And, yes, I enjoyed Of Monsters and Men’s second album too. Did a happy dance in my seat when I saw it was out!
Last sunday I went to see Star Wars a second time with my brother my father, but he complained about the noisy sound effects. There was a guy behind us who was snoring like a Snorlax, thankfully the explosions woke him up.
I’m also re-watching Mad Max Fury Road and really appreciating the subtle characterization and dialogue writing. Lines are very simple and to the point which makes sense in a fallen world. There is also a lot of funny lines I missed in the cinema (“Fukushima! Kamakrazee!” and “Moo.”)I’d kill to get my hands on the script.
Speaking of scripts, I’m reading the script of The Last of Us and it’s extremely natural-sounding, crisp, subtle and other praises.
So those are the things having my attention this week. I’m really into studying dialogue recently.
Sometimes you can find scripts on IMBd. If you just google “Mad Max script,” you might come up with the original.
Grimes’s Art Angels just came out on December, but it’s my #1 Album of the year. Elle King #2. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. – did you like Kingsmen?
Thanks! I’ll have to check out Grimes and Elle King. Haven’t seen Kingsmen yet.
It’s never a good idea to fall asleep while sleeping on your back with the sheet pulled up over your head… People get the wrong idea and suddenly you wake up wearing a toe-tag… Uh, or so I’ve heard.
Ah, that explains the weird toe jewelry I’ve been waking up with lately. Hmm…
Howdy!
How’s everyone? Thanks for the post KM.
That book Firebird looks very enticing. I would put it on my reading list but I’d probably wouldn’t get to it unless I shuffle some reference books around.
The Man called U.N.C.L.E. looks great! I just watched Agent 47 which was better than expected but the ending could’ve been better. But you’re right U.N.C.L.E does look like it has a nice flair to it and I love espionage movies anyways. Hmph. Maybe I could be a secret agent huh?
Don’t stone me, but I’m not much of a chocolate lover but I’d definitely try one. The dogs are very cute.
Not dogs, otters. 😉
Whoops
Not necessarily new, but anything by Halford or Bruce Dickinson (solo project, but yea his Maiden stuff never hurts) is coffee for my brain. High Energy, awesome melodies, all around getting out frustrations. Definitely helps a sluggish brain to get creative again.
Anything that’s “coffee for the brain” must be good! Speaking of which, I need some coffee…
Really perfect site, thanks very much for spending your time in writing the post. Once again: Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for stopping by!