Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Serenity, The Movie

Last night I had the honor of seeing a prescreening of Serenity, the movie based on Joss Whedon's series, Firefly. True to his nature, Whedon delivers a story with high action, unexpected turns and great subtext. The characters are completely true to the original series and pretty much pick up where it left off. The effects were handled well and kept that wonderful mix of Sci-Fi meets western. Whedon gives you just enough info in the beginning that, if you're new to the Serenity gang, you won't have trouble catching up. Great use of backstory—cleverly placed—not the no-no variety us authors get nailed for doing.

As a die-hard fan of Firefly, I came away pleased, and judging by the audience's reaction, they did, too. Lots of cheers and laughter mixed with seat-gripping suspense. The humor is classic Whedon and if you've watched Firefly, you know what I mean.

What I really love about his shows though, is his subtext. I saw this in the Buffy, the Vampire Slayer series as well. One scene stands out above the rest where Mal asks Zoe a question about the ship, but he's not really asking about the ship. That was classic. I won't share anymore—don't want to ruin the scene.

Great movie. I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed with Whedon's newest addition or the cast performances. Very well done, very well acted, and very well written.

Hope you get a chance to check out this highly entertaining film.

Sunday, September 25, 2005

I'm A Slug...

Oh, Heather will just love this one! I title this blog in honor of our mutual sluggishness. We've come back from conference happy, but fried! And not the Kentucky variety.

Conference was fantastic. Made some great connections with some of the most fastastic people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I am truly honored. And I'm already planning for next year's ACFW conference. Best week of my life, guys!

So, now the challenge is coming down from the mountain back to everyday life. I don't want to! Just being in the midst of so many Christian writers, unified in worship and purpose—what a glimpse of heaven that was.

Now the wait begins. I would love for something to develop from this conference—an agent, a book contract—but mostly I think I'm pleased to see God moving ever so softly. I prayed He'd be at the center of all I did and do. He kept my focus on a Him all weekend and ever since.

I walked away with such confidence of the path I'm on, the assurance that God is working in me, and closer connections to people I'm proud to call friends.

My amazing crit group got solidified with the addition of one new member. Welcome to the nutty group, Ron! I am so deeply blessed to have Ronie, Robin, and Ron to work with. And, no, I stopped my plans to change my name so it would start with an R. I will just have to settle with being unique to the group.

Stay tuned for more. Things are just starting to heat up.

Ciao!

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Off To Conference

Well, happy campers, T-time is two days and counting. All the time spent getting ready for conference, and neglecting my blog, culminates early Monday morning as I catch a plane to Nashville. Please don't ask me if I'm packed yet.

I'm going a couple days early to catch some time with a friend in Memphis. Then I shoot back Nashville Wednesday for the ACFW Conference. If you're unfamilar with the ACFW, check out the link to the right. They're an awesome group of published and unpublished Christian writers. Over 700 of us, and growing. Such an awesome group.

So, I guess we get to see how much further my blood, sweat and tears take me to catching the eye of an agent or editor. In the end, I know it's all in God's hands and according to His plan. He's the one that put me on this path to begin with. My faith in that is what is keeping me from getting too worked up about it all. That and lots of prayer. LOL!

If you don't hear from me next week, you won't be surprised since I haven't been blogging very consistently. But, I hope to remedy that when I get back.

In the meantime, I'm tickled to get a short quote in Our Journey, formerly Soul Journey in the October edition. Didn't even know it until the copies showed up in today's mail! One step closer.

In the meantime, God's blessings to you. May He shine His light on you and give you peace.

Ciao!