Tales from the Publisher: Embarking on the Checkerboard - Guest Piece by Ben Ravensdale!

As a quick disclaimer- "mileage may vary". In other words, the information I'm presenting here is based on my unique combination of circumstances, opportunities, and happenstance. For some people, the information I share will not align with their experiences. In that case, I ask that you contact me directly and relay your stories and experiences, so that we can discuss the differences and maybe collaborate on another post highlighting the alternate outcomes or options!

I’ve been a gamer almost my whole life.  I’ve wanted to be a writer for longer than that, and recently I realized that I want to be in business for myself.  It was inevitable that I would start working on something that let me combine my creative energies and desire to live a comfortable life.

Creating a distinct logo is essential for new companies.

Early this year, I started up a very tiny publishing business, called Ravensdale Publishing, with the intent of publishing board games that my wife and I have designed.  Because I’ve talked to a lot of people that are trying to do the same thing, I figured sharing the lessons I’ve learned might help out some folks who like the idea of getting into board game design or publishing themselves!  To that end, this is the first installment in a series of blog posts about the process, and whatever information I’ve gathered so far.  First things first – let’s talk about the decision to open the business, then talk about the decision to focus on board games.

The first piece of advice I’d like to impart is: don’t start a business hoping that you’ll find a good product.  Create a product, and form your business around that.  Starting a business costs a few hundred dollars, so it’s not a decision to make lightly.  Even if you do have one good product, you might want to think twice about starting a business.  Are you planning on this being a full-time endeavor?  If so, will one product sustain the business?  You might be better off getting a couple of solid products on paper before moving forward to incorporate your own business.   If you don’t intend to devote significant time to designing and creating more products, consider speaking with an existing publisher or studio that might be interested in buying your idea from you.

My wife and I spent a few months refining our first game before we thought it might be ready to show off in public.  Then, we went to a local game convention to get feedback from people and see how well it was received.  Luckily, it went really well!  People liked the game, and from our first demo we gained a fan or two who have been keeping track of our updates over the last year.  We then started brainstorming ideas for other games that we thought would be easy to design and fun to play.  We ended up with a dozen ideas for various games, and had a couple gems that are currently in development behind the scenes.  Based on that, we decided that we wanted to go ahead and go into business for ourselves, so that we could control our ideas and products.

At that point, we had to create our company.  Creating a company is not as difficult as people might think.  Yes, there are regulations to consider, and laws to be aware of, and decisions to make regarding what kind of company you’re creating.  However, the process can be streamlined significantly by working with a law firm that specializes in incorporating business.  For example, I went through Spiegel & Utrera, a nationwide law firm that assists with a lot of the legal nuances and other aspects of creating a company.  They also offer long-term assistance for their members, which can be invaluable when you inevitably have questions about trademarking logos or copyrighting intellectual properties.


(For the record, I know their website looks sketchy.  They are legit, though, and very helpful!)

Creating Ravensdale Publishing was only the first step in starting a business, however.  We had to consider marketing, establishing fans/customers, selecting a manufacturer for products, and a ton of other decisions.  Most of these will require their own posts to cover in detail, but I want to stress that creating a company and starting a business are two different things, and we’ve only dipped our toes into the actual business side of things.  We’ll keep you updated as we go!

In Villains and Henchmen!, the players get to play
as bad guys, defeating heroes and obstacles
to break their super-villain boss out of prison!

Some of you may be asking, “Why is it called Ravensdale Publishing if you only make board games?”.  And that’s a fair question.  Ultimately, I plan to publish novels and maybe some comic books, so I wanted that goal to be part of my company’s “identity” from the beginning.  Also, don’t forget that board games get published too, just like novels and comic books.  I want to offer publishing services to other game designers who don’t have the desire to pursue self-publishing, but want to release their games to the market.  I’ve met several game designers like that in my local community, so I know there is potential for Ravensdale Publishing to expand its brand and services, even if it’s on a small scale.

In the meantime, I’ve decided to focus on games of my own design for a few reasons.  First, it’s cheaper.  I don’t have to pay a designer for their idea, and then pay for manufacturing, shipping, and marketing.  I get to design the game itself, test it, and decide what the theme and style of the game will be entirely without monetary cost.  Second, I have a number of ideas for games, and I’d rather have the final say in how they work, how they look, and how they are presented to customers.  Third, I feel like board games are easier to promote in person – they’re interactive, and people can decide if they enjoy it by playing a turn or two.  Offering demos of a game is more natural to me than trying to explain my favorite parts of a book in such a way that other people will want to buy said book.

The biggest reason, though, is that it allows me to keep my company’s focus small.  It is much less likely for the costs and effort to expand beyond my ability to manage it as long as I focus solely on my products, and as long as those products are exclusively board games.  Once I’ve got that foundation firmly set, I’ll start looking at publishing other people’s games, and will consider branching out into other print materials.


Thanks for reading!  I’ll be putting up another post sometime in the next few weeks, and I’ll try to follow it up with at least a post per month.  The next post will focus on one of the business elements of creating a board game – manufacturing quotes (exciting, right?)!  In the meantime, folks are welcome to email me if they have any specific questions or feedback!

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10 Book to Musical Adaptations

This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing a play I have never seen before. This is odd, considering I was one of the co-producers for it (being a producer in my community theatre is totally different from any kind of professional producer- essentially, I'm there for helping out wherever I am needed, so don't get any ideas about me being some kind of investor type).

The show was Big River. For those of you who don't know, that's a musical version of Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'. Now I love Mark Twain's works, and Huckleberry Finn is my favorite of his list. I never really thought about it being a musical before, but I have learned to keep an open mind anytime I see something is a musical that I did not think would make a good one.

Take, for instance, Robert Louis Stevenson's 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. I first heard of that musical when I was 14. I did not think it would make a good one, but I decided to see it anyway. I was so happy to be proven wrong!

So below is a list of some of the best, and rather surprising, book to musical adaptations. Enjoy!

Sorry, folks! You'll have to watch
for the next one!

1. Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

As I said before, I love the story of Huck. What I don't love is bluegrass music. Please, cut me some slack- my introduction to it was not a good one. This particular show's music and lyrics were written by Roger Miller, a prolific bluegrass musical artist who wrote and performed a whole host of songs, including Oo-De-Lally from Walt Disney's Robin Hood. I was struck by how the music captured the sound of the river (helped along by sound cues from the techies in the sound booth), but I was most struck by the way it communicated the beautiful loneliness that a life of traveling cultivates. I can't get enough of Leaving's Not the Only Way to Go. The haunting notes transport you to a different place. If you haven't heard this music, I urge you to go out and buy a copy of it, borrow it from a library, or listen to it online. If it doesn't sound like your usual cup of tea, give it a try anyway. It didn't seem like mine, either, and I loved every single song, especially the one mentioned above and Muddy Water.

Filmmakers certainly kept the integrity
of Shrek's original design.

2. Shrek

This one is special in that is went from a book by William Steig to movie to stage adaptation. Shrek started out as a children's book about an ogre that rescues an ugly princess. Because ogres like ugly things, he falls in love with her and they live happily ever after. Honestly, it's adorable, but the films inspired by it certainly added a lot of bulk to the plot line. Often that kind of thing fails spectacularly, in my opinion. This is the exception that proves the rule, though, and I think the first Shrek movie was wonderful. It's how I first heard about Shrek, and I didn't even know it was originally a children's book until my husband told me about it. I found out about Shrek the Musical when I saw the soundtrack at the public library. I am ashamed to admit that my first thought was "Lame!" I borrowed it, anyway, and by the fourth song in, I Know It's Today, I was convinced otherwise. Some amazing songs are in this show, and the set and costume designs are mind blowing. There is a dvd version of it, and it's on Netflix. If you want to see some truly amazing live stage designs, please watch it. You'll also get to see Sutton Foster in all her brilliance as Princess Fiona.

3. Little Women
Louisa May Alcott is a member of the famous Alcott family, where they bleed ink instead of blood. Seriously, it seems like they are all writers. Louisa, though, is certainly one of the most famous, and 'Little Women' is a book that defines her writing ability and style. It is no wonder that it's become several movies and a musical. Some of the songs are not my favorites, but some of them are. When you hear Marmie sing Here Alone or Days of Plenty, she will quickly become one of your favorite characters if she wasn't already.



4. Ragtime
The book, originally by E.L. Doctrow, is not for anyone younger than high school, in my opinion, and there are several differences from the book to the musical, like the relationship between Evelyn Nesbit and Younger Brother. Both contain lots of historical figures from 1902-1912 such as Henry Ford, Harry Houdini, and 'radical anarchist' Emma Goldman. It also contains heavy discussion of political unrest, poverty, rights of laborers, sexism, and racial and immigrant conflict. True to it's name, it contains a wonderful combination of music styles, relying heavily on ragtime. If you want to know a bit more about what's going on in the musical as well as the book, just give Prologue a listen.

5. The Man of La Mancha
Don Quixote, by Miquel de Cervantes, holds true to the book in many ways, though of course unable to contain all of the wonderful and delusional adventures this man had with his comrade, Sancho Panza. This musical discusses hopes and dreams, shows how others seek to stifle them because they are not right, usual, or considered sane. Don Quixote inspires Sancho and Aldonza, the woman he sees as his Dulcinea to live with hope. Yes, it sounds cliched, but the music is phenomenal. The songs that come to mind right away are Aldonza and The Impossible Dream. Listen to that last one and tell me you didn't get goosebumps. If you do, I probably won't believe you. Bonus: Linda Eder has a fantastic version of it on her album 'Broadway My Way'.

6. Jekyll & Hyde
Stevenson's 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is a novella. If you haven't read it, please do. Most adaptations to screen or stage leave out the fact that the narration is done by Dr. Jekyll's friend, Mr. John Utterson, and it is a masterfully done book, as nearly everything by Stevenson is. The musical does remove the narration done by Mr. Utterson, but he is still a largely important role. The musical explores the good and evil in each person, just in case the poster didn't give that away, but the music so perfectly haunts and lingers in the ears of the listener that is's hard not to replay the album as soon as it's over. Seriously, I can't pick a song to highlight for you, so just go look it up and listen to the whole thing. Really. No, what are you still doing here? Stop reading this and go listen to the music. You can finish this article after that.

7. Cats
I almost didn't include this one on the list, but I decided to do it because it came from a different type of book. 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' by T.S. Eliot is a collection of poems. About cats. That pretty much makes it amazing right there. When music is added to it, and then jaw-dropping dance numbers get tossed into the mix, it gives a whole new spin on the interpretation of poetry that has no end to fun. I know, some people find this show annoying and disjointed. To those people, I encourage you to drop the musical in your heads, and just go read the poetry. You might find that your own version of them makes them far more interesting.


8. The Color Purple
I have a confession. I have neither read this book nor have I seen or heard this musical. I am ashamed. This will be corrected, though, as I have every intention to completely change the status of that! The book, written by Alice Walker, was published in 1982, and became a musical in 2005. It won 11 Tony Awards in 2006. So it obviously has some amazing credentials. Since I have not experienced either of these pieces, though, I will move on and write more about them when I have finished my task. Onward!




9. The Secret Garden
By Frances Hodgson Burnett, this book is about Mary Lennox, a young girl who loses both of her parents to cholera while in India and has to go live with her disfigured Uncle who is still in mourning for the aunt that Mary resembles. While exploring the huge house, Mary discovers her cousin Collin, an invalid who hardly ever sees his father. If you don't know the rest of the story, I won't ruin it for you. Just make sure you read it or see one of the many movies. If you're not convinced that a musical version of this is a good idea, then listen to Winter's on the Wing.




10. Wicked
This is possibly one of the most popular musicals I have ever been exposed to. I haven't met a single person who doesn't love it. Everyone I know who has read the book has loved it. There are difference, so if you have not had the pleasure of reading, seeing, or hearing this story, do not be surprised. I think the book sticks more closely and honestly to the character of Elphaba (who was named for L. Frank Baum's initials, L.F.B.), but that doesn't mean I don't still enjoy both. This is supposed to be the true, behind the scenes story of the Witches of Oz, so don't expect to see too much of Dorothy.

These are just a sampling of the musicals out there that began as books. Books and literature influence so many different elements of the arts, and should certainly not be written off (Ha! Get it? Written off? Because they're books?). What book inspired musicals do you love? Are there any you wish I had included? Tell me in the comments!

2015 Reading Challenge Review - American Entertains by David Tutera

The second book I read for the Reading Challenge was actually number 49 on the list, the second to last one. I had just decided to read this book cover to cover, so I decided it was as good a candidate as any for the Challenge!

'America Entertains: A Year of Imaginative Parties' by David Tutera, a prestigious party planner, is a non-fiction book that discusses how Tutera coordinates the sophisticated events he puts on, from weddings, to house warming parties, to cookouts.

The television show I connected this one to is a show I watched on Netflix while planning my own wedding, 'My Fair Wedding', which later became 'My Fair Wedding: Unveiled'. The second incarnation made it more about the drama behind the scenes, which wasn't to my tastes, but the first incarnation gave great ideas on how to pick themes, choose colors, decide on tablescapes, and everything in between.

The television show focused on weddings, but this book expands on the types of soirees he plans. The book is broken down into twelve sections, one for each month, and each month shows us a reason to celebrate, from holidays, to anniversaries, to gallery openings, and each in a different city in the U.S. Each chapter discusses the first stages of inspiration and planning, the visuals and atmosphere, and the three E's: essentials, extras, and extravagances.

I love that he broke down the three E's. No one, not even Tutera, is pretending that we can all afford to get carved-ice shot glasses or caviar, but most of us can manage to put together wildflowers, terra-cotta pots for vases, or jazz music to inspire our guests. The three E's change for each event, too. Once the theme and location is chosen, what are the most important aspects that will define the essentials? Will it be flowers in a certain color scheme? Maybe it will be a particular kind of cocktail, or patriotic decoration. Extras are just to add a little splurge, like a decadent dessert. He includes chocolate-dipped rose petals in this section for a Valentine's Day party, and the recipe does not look as hard to make as it sounds! Extravagances are for those extra-special events when you can and want to go all out, like one a custom made velvet tablecloth.

Each chapter also contains recipes for the cocktails, meals, and hors d'oeuvres served, and I cannot wait to start cooking some of these up. I may have to come up with some party excuses just to give them a try!

Rank: A
I really enjoyed this book, as I love putting on parties and events, trying new recipes, and figuring out different ways to celebrate the love I have for my friends and family. This book is a perfect fit for anyone interested in event planning, It's appropriate for any age!

2015 Reading Challenge Review: Witches and Ghosts, Pirates and Thieves, Murder and Mayhem

Wow, it's been a while! I'm sorry for that, everyone. Illness and the passing of a family member put a hold on things, but we're back!

The first book I read for the 2015 Reading Challenge was 'Witches and Ghosts, Pirates and Thieves, Murder and Mayhem: Scary Tales from Colonial Williamsburg' from The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation of Williamsburg, Virginia, copyright 2007 and compiled by John P. Hunter.

It may seem odd that a historical society would publish a book of folk tales and ghost stories, but the stories told in this book were stories that were actually told eighteenth-century Virginia. Oral tradition is one of the best way to learn about a society, and offers many ways to better understand their morals and beliefs. After all, almost every fairy tale teaches a lesson to those who listen.

What I found most interesting about the book was that the stories are written as if someone is speaking them, sometimes writing phonetic dialect of the speaker. Nearly all of them are told in first person, and some of them even contain an introduction in the first sentence of the story.

While some of the stories are comical and others rather grim, they are all well researched and included for particular reasons, as the Sources section at the back of the book explains. Each story has a paragraph or two about where it came from, who told it, and any historical documentation that goes along with it. Dark Corners, Black Ink, and The Houseguest are some of my favorites. The Combustible Woman caused me to put the book down and step away from it for a few minutes. As that kind of reaction was probably the goal of the story, I have to say they succeeded.

Rank: A-
I love the stories, the historical significance, and the research done into them. The only thing that dropped it from an A was the writing phonetic writing style, which sometimes drew me out of the book. There is some mild violent content, so I recommend this book for ages 10 and up. If you enjoy scary stories, I highly recommend this book!

A Birthday and a Book

Today is the birthday of a good friend of mine, Carla.

Carla is one of the most avid readers I know. Remember the 2015 Reading Challenge? She's the one who got me started on it. When I was afraid no human being would have read 'Howl's Moving Castle' without me having to introduce them to it, she has read it. When we're talking about books, she'll introduce me to books I have never heard of, and make them sound fascinating.

Carla, with her new copy of 'Burned' by Moning,
seventh in the Fever series.

Really, she should do PR work for books. I bet sales would skyrocket.

I'm not the only one who thinks this, either. Toni Lancey has also found Carla's love for reading contagious.

"Carla is definitely the most dedicated reader I know. She has introduced me to not just several wonderful books and series', but whole genres I'd never heard of. And although I only read a small fraction of what she does (sadly), when we have read the same book it's so much fun to see a completely different take on the same words, or even gush about the hunkiest guys in the book. One of my favorites times with Carla was a road trip to New Orleans, we listened to 'Iced' by Karen Marie Moning. It was so awesome whenever I had an "Oh my gosh!" or "What the heck?!" moment, someone was right there with a comforting, "I know."

Reading is often viewed as a solitary act. Obviously, it doesn't have to be, but even when it is there are plenty of opportunities to bond with loved ones over books. Reading a book your friend loves gives you a deeper knowledge of that person, and shows you care enough about them to make an effort to understand what they love. It can be s frightening thing to do, as well, sometimes showing a vulnerable side.

Carla had this to say about books and how they have impacted her relationships.

"Books have had an interesting affect on my relationships. They have both isolated me and connected me at the same time. Some books can be emotional roller coasters and that can be hard to explain to non-readers. But it's a beautiful thing when I meet other book nerds like me. I have made friends in Canada, the UK, Romania, and New Zealand because of one book series. It's kind of awesome having that kind of connection with people. It's like we all shared an adventure together."

I'd like to thank Carla for being so brave to share her love of books with us, to inspire a passion for the page that has only made our relationship richer.

Happy birthday, Carla!

"I'll have a book with a side of..." 7 Things That Make Reading Even Better

When done right, reading can be akin to spa treatment. 

I'm not talking about reading at the bus stop, or finishing up that chapter on your lunch break. I'm talking about the times you have an afternoon free, or when you tell your friends "No, I can't, I have plans." All for the love of a book. A lot of people might think it strange to pass up being social for reading. For all of us introverts out there, though, moments like these are extremely important for our personal care. So check it out! See what can make your next reading session even better than ever!

Rainy days are amazing, second only to snowy days.

1. Rain
This one isn't really in your control, but that just adds to it's value. Some rainy days you just can't manage to get to yourself. You have to work, get to the grocery store, it's your turn to watch the kids, any number of things may come up that cause you to be out and about while the rain pours down.

Sometimes, though, everything aligns, and you can sit down for an hour or two to read while you listen to the pattering of the rain on your window. The ambient noise can help shut out distracting thoughts for people who can't seem to shut their brain off, like me, and that's essentially what white noise is supposed to do.

According to Dr. Ralph Pascualy, our brains crave input. If we are in a silent room, any small noise our brain will pick up on and cause distraction. Some people enjoy machines just for white noise when it comes to sleeping. For reading, my white noise of choice is, has been, and always will be rain.

2. Tea

If only I had a set of cute tea cups and saucers like that...

I would say that a nice cup of tea or coffee can really make me feel luxurious, especially when I'm trying to relax. I specifically enjoy Earl Grey. Something about that bergamot flavor and scent just makes me feel like my muscles are all unwinding. Yes, it's a black tea, and therefore slightly caffeinated, so I try not to drink it in the evening. The same goes for coffee in that respect, but there are plenty of decaffeinated hot beverages out there for you if your prime time reading happens in the evening.

Green tea is full of antioxidants and other health benefits. Supposedly, it improves brain function that can help make you smarter, which may help you notice that the murderer was the butler all along! If you don't want to have strokes of genius before the big plot twist, though... I'd just stick to Earl Grey.

3. Pets

Ember, with yarn on her head. She is such a patient feline.

I love my cats. I am looking forward to the day I can adopt a dog. Someday I want to have a rat and a snake (though not in the same cage). I love having little friends from other species' around. When I'm feeling ill, my cats cuddle around me and purr in an attempt to make me feel better. With all of the new research coming out showing the major impacts animals can have on their human friends who need some loving support, it's no wonder that the stress levels of humans lower when they have pets. This is one of the major reasons I'm so grateful to my cats, and why I try to show them how much I appreciate what they do. If that means letting one of them lie on my lap until my legs fall asleep while I read, so be it.

4. Blankets

Vivo on The Vivo Blanket, getting a belly rub

A couple years ago, my husband got me a fleecy blanket, patterned in a wide plaid with creams and browns. It has affectionately been dubbed "The Vivo Blanket", after our snowshoe Siamese cat of the same colors. He's been asleep on it many times when we've gotten concerned that we haven't seen him in a while and hunted everywhere for him. Camouflage techniques have not been lost on this domesticated kitty.

Anyway, that blanket, along with a quilt my grandmother made me when I was a teenager, are both common choices for me when it's time to curl up with my book of choice. The comfort offered by these blankets that are special to me help cultivate a sense of relaxation and safety, perfect for while I delve into the dangerous unknowns in the pages.

Your blankets don't have to be gifts from someone else, or even something brand new. It could be an old blanket that has offered you comfort, or simply one that you like looking at. Just get yourself comfortable, is my point.

5. A spot that's all your own

The Domestic Curator

This is one of the harder items on this list to manage. Not all of us have this kind of spot. When there are several people in a house, or several animals, or if you're constantly traveling around for work, it can feel like you don't have a comfortable space to be alone. If that's the case, try going someplace else. The local library, for instance, most likely has a comfortable spot to read. You can also try a coffee shop. Both of these places are likely to have people, but they mostly mind their own business. If none of these are available, maybe go sit under a tree you like, or a bench in the park. Just don't do that when it's raining. I'm not responsible if you go out and catch pneumonia because you didn't use common sense. Besides, the pages would get soggy.

Other spaces could include a chair or spot on the couch that is a regular spot for you to sit. It could be a window seat, something I dream about in the house I will someday own. It could be sitting on the ledge of a fireplace, or even on your bed. When you need time for yourself, it's important to have a spot you can go to. These spots can be anywhere and everywhere, anything to everything. It doesn't have to be conventional like these, at all! Maybe you like sitting with your feet in the pool or a creek. Maybe you enjoy sitting on a tree stump. Maybe you like to lounge on the roof. Just be safe, wherever you go.

6. Silence
I'm not meaning scary, total silence where you think a monster is going to jump out at you. I already discussed how helpful white noise can be. What I mean by silence is a lack of other people trying to talk to you. That's hard to avoid, with the modern expectation that people always be available. Between cell phones, Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Snapchat, and email, how exactly are you supposed to avoid people talking to you?

Simply turn your phone off. If you're expecting an important call, obviously, don't do that. But trust me, the world can go an hour or two without having you at it's beck and call. It's alright for you to disconnect and take time for yourself. If there are others in your house, let them know that you are going to read and need to be left alone. If it helps, designate a special time. For instance, every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-9:00, you read and need to be left alone. Give that a shot and see how effective it is for you.

7. Focus
Tell me if you've ever had this experience.

You're reading a book. Suddenly, you realize you don't know what's happened on the last page you read. You have to go back and reread it. I've read entire chapters that way. Or you suddenly realize you've read the same line over and over again. Also something I have done.

My point is, if you're tired, you need sleep. Not to read. Yes, we've all stayed up way past our bedtimes, maybe even all night, to finish that really entrancing book. I am familiar with that, and it's alright to do, but only every once in a while. If you're about to sit down to read a few chapters, though, and you've been exhausted all day, maybe what you need is a nap. The book will still be there when you wake up, and you'll be able to enjoy it even more.


If you can create a combination of these, or maybe even all of them, it would be practically perfect. Homogeneous to heaven. Simply supreme.

Ok, I'm done with the alliteration now. Is there anything I left out? What makes a perfect reading session for you? Comment below!

Short Story Contest - Magic Around Us

This is the first contest of No Wasted Words. How exciting!

A short story is defined by dictionary.com as "a piece of prose fiction, usually under 10,000 words." That is the intention of this contest, to write a short story and send it in to a panel of five judges that will read each story. There is only one winner this time, since it's the first contest. There may be second and third place prizes next time!

The prize: A copy of Diana Wynne Jone's 'Unexpected Magic', a collection of her short stories, as well as having your short story shared on the blog!

The Rules:

1. Word count: 2,000-4,000 
2. One entry per person
3. All entries must include the following contact information:
1. Name
2. Age
3. Email
4. No racism, homophobia, or hate speech of any kind will be tolerated.
5. No graphic gore or violence. No sexual content.
6. No plagiarism.
7. Entries must be in English
8. The judges' decision is final and no correspondence on this matter will be entered into. 
9. Not complying with these rules will result in disqualification.

Deadline for submission: July 31, 11:59 Central Time

The winner will be announced on September 1.

Now, I bet you want to know what it is you'll be writing about? The prompt is below!

Prompt:

Magic surrounds us every moment. Write a short story about magic that impacts our everyday lives, whether we see it or not, for better or worse.

Get writing! I can't wait to read the entries!

Insomnia + Illness + Several Days = Reading Marathon!

So I haven't written much lately, and that's because I've been very ill. Instead, I've been working on reading a variety of books for the reading challenge. The inability to sleep for nearly a week while I was sick left me with plenty of time to lie around in a daze without the energy to do a single thing, except turn pages. So that's what I did.

I have read several books in this time: 'The Crown of Dalemark', 'Ella Enchanted', 'To Kill A Mockingbird', 'Splintered', 'Shadow's Edge', 'Theodosia and the Last Pharoah', 'Conrad's Fate', and I am now trying to complete the gardening book for the nonfiction section of my reading challenge. The siren call of fiction keeps distracting me, but I am determined to complete this book.

I have intentions to write reviews for each of the books I'm reading for this challenge. I just have to do it. Now that I have my strength and sanity back, I can! But that's for later.

What I want to talk about now is how reading helped me get through those several days of being sick, and how it's done that several times in the past.

I remember the first time I finished a chapter book all in one day. I was in third or fourth grade and home from school. The book was one of the Animorph books, by K.A. Applegate. Did you ever read those? I had the entire collection at one point.

Anyway, I was up all the first night and trying not to dwell on how awful I felt, so I dove into 'The Crown of Dalemark' by Diana. It was in the category 'A book you started but never finished' for the reading challenge. I figured if I was going to be awake, I might as well be productive, right?

Thankfully, I had just gone to the library and gotten a stack of books to read. I hadn't intended to finish 'Dalemark' all in one sitting, but it happened. So then I moved on to 'Ella Enchanted' and finished that all at once.

You see what being sick does to me. I can't say that I mind much, though. It makes me think of Rainbow Dash in the episode of "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" when she is stuck in the hospital and begins reading the Daring Do books.

It took a while for me to start feeling better, so I just kept reading. The nice thing about reading is that you can take it as slowly or as quickly as you want. When my head was spinning, I read very slowly, sometimes out loud, to give me something else to focus on. If it got to be too energy sapping, such as  during dramatic points in the story, I would take a break and nap. When napping wasn't happening, my wonderful husband would read out loud from one of the books he was reading at the time. I had already read them, so it didn't matter if they were random chapters from various books, I still knew what was going on.

Reading helped me feel better by lifting my spirits, giving me something to do, and making me laugh. Laughter is supposed to be the best medicine. If that's the case, I hate to think of how much longer I would have been sick without it.

What books do you enjoy reading when you're ill? Do you have any fond memories despite being sick?

Guest piece: Enchanted by Ella Enchanted by Laura Hilton

Once a week, my mom would load me, my older sister, and a number of foster siblings into her white mini van for a trip to one of my favorite places in the world: the library. Being homeschooled, there were only so many times I was able to have so much freedom.

One particular day when I was visiting, I happened to read the "Children's Book Club Reading List." The book of the month was Ella  Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. I never actually attended the meetings, but upon reading the description on the flier for Ella Enchanted, I was enticed to check it out for myself. There was one lone copy in the small county library, and lucky for me, there were no holds. Score!

As soon as I got home, I began reading. And I never wanted to stop. I’m pretty sure I finished the  book that day, staying up past my bedtime under the covers with a flashlight to devour the final chapters. The story is a rather simple one, but it was love at first read. Ella Enchanted is a twist on the classic Cinderella story, but instead of the traditional “Woe is me,” oppressed female tale, it follows the story of an independent and feisty young lady (both qualities which I could easily relate to).

In the novel, Ella is “gifted” a curse upon being born. This curse makes her do whatever she is told, literally.

If someone told me to hop on one foot for a day and a half, I’d have to do it. And hopping on one foot wasn't the worst order I could be given. If you commanded me to cut off my own head, I’d have to do it. I was in danger at every moment.

Though she is cursed, Ella finds ways to rebel against those who want nothing to do but torture her and in the end, she is the hero. Of course, there is an evil stepmother, fairy godmother, extravagant balls, and a handsome prince, but the cliches of the story didn't stop me from hanging onto every last word.

After two weeks with the book passed, it was time to return it to the library. I insisted upon checking it out again and again. I did eventually return it, but the next year, when I was enrolled in public school, I ordered my very own paperback copy. I carried it with me everywhere. I read and re-read the book every few weeks. Anytime someone asked me if I recommended any books, I would enthusiastically suggest Ella Enchanted.

As I grew older, my fondness of the novel only grew. I finally handed over my copy to my little sister, who also seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. In fact, she hasn't been able to let go it of since. So if you have the time (and if you don’t, you should make some), pick up a copy of Ella Enchanted from your local used bookstore or library and get lost in Ella’s world of elves, ogres, fairies, and curses. You won’t regret it one bit.

My Ten Least Favorite Books

For me, not liking a book is most often about the situation in which I've read it. Where there are aspects of the books I generally dislike, what gets it into my least favorite books list is most often something beyond the control of the author or me. For whatever reasons, though, these are books that I seriously did not like:

1. 'Cold Sassy Tree' by Olive Ann Burns

I read this book as part of the curriculum for my Freshman year of high school. It takes place in Cold Sassy, Georgia in 1906. The book dragged, in my opinion, and it seemed as though it would never end. It's not even that long. Besides all of that, though, was that the teacher told us something happened that she did not want to hear anyone making fun of later. That was it. *SPOILER ALERT* As it turned out, one of the characters recounts a rape they went through as a child.

Some thing I can handle with no warning, others I can't. I find that kind of thing to be extremely disturbing, and I barely finished it after that. If there had been a proper warning, then I may have a different view of it, but being required to read something with such a scene without being told beforehand is not ok. Ever since, this book has been colored for me in a very negative light. Since I didn't enjoy it to begin with, I think I am doomed to never like this book.

2. 'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad

Have you ever read a book that you couldn't wait to stop reading? That was this one. Situation has very little to do with me disliking this book, I just really didn't like it. Interestingly, I read this book as part of the same class as 'Cold Sassy Tree'. We had been given a list of books to choose from, so I did this one to myself. I remember giving the book report and discussing the end to show that I had read it, but openly admitted how I couldn't stand the book and thus could hardly remember anything that had happened in it. Who knows, maybe if I read it again I would like it. But I doubt it.

3. '1984' by George Orwell, 'Slaughterhouse Five' by Kurt Vonnegut, 'Brave New World' Aldous Huxley

These three are grouped together for a reason, and I am sure that if I read them again I would have a totally different view on them. These I read for class in my Junior year of high school. We read them one after another in extremely quick succession. Now I can read quickly, and I did finish them and score well on the tests. This was a perfect example of having to memorize and regurgitate information, because looking back on them I honestly can't tell the three apart. They blend together in my head so I can't remember what book the part I'm thinking of happened in, or what character belongs to which book.

I know they are all very different and distinct books, but being rushed through them did me no favors as far as really learning from them goes. Like I said, I can read quickly, but I prefer not to. I prefer to go along at the pace that the book guides me along. Some books are quick reads, like Diana's 'Dark Lord of Derkholm', where you pick them up and unintentionally emerge severl hours later wondering what year it is. Other books are slower reads, meant to be savored, like anything by Dickens. These three books I really wanted to take my time with but couldn't due to assignment deadlines and test dates. I have every intention of reading these again to change my view on them. Until then, please forgive me if I start talking about aliens in a conversation about '1984'.

4. 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown

This is another book I intend to read again, though I don't know if it will change my viewpoint on it. This isn't a book I read for class. I picked it up on my own after I had read 'Angels and Demons', one of the books on my favorites list. I found 'The Da Vinci Code' to be nothing like 'Angels and Demons' in it's exciting pace and intrigue that swept me along it's rapids. Unfortunately, I found the sequel to be so tedious that I had to put it down.

I've heard several people say, since I've had this experience, that those who read 'The Da Vinci Code' first more often than not very much enjoyed both books. Those that read 'Angels and Demons' first found the sequel so slow moving that they could hardly finish it. It makes me regret reading 'Angels and Demons' first, but what can I do about that now? Maybe since it's been some time since I've read the first one, I can try the second one again and maybe find it more interesting.

5. 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold

This book was recommended to me by someone who ended up almost always suggesting something with some element of rape or brutal sexuality, things that are very much not what I enjoy reading. Where I didn't dislike this individual book, per se, it's more that I ended up disliking the string of books that were suggested to me because I thought this one was ok. So again, this one had more to do with the situation than with the actual content. I thought the difficult passages were done very tastefully, and I loved the part about the dog. 

6. 'Ghost Story' by Peter Straub

I went into this book expecting something very different. When it was suggested to me, it somehow came across that it was a collection of short stories. I guess I can see where the mistake was made. It jumped between times and told different stories about the same person that all came together in the end, I imagine. I didn't finish it. I would like to go back to it when I don't have a set of expectations for it to live up to. I bet it would be a much better book then, though I didn't get far enough to understand the significance of the title. I may check out the detailed plot before I pick it up again, though. just to be sure it I have a warning about any difficult material. If I have warning and I can prepare myself, I am normally alright.

7. 'Vamphyri' by Brian Lumley

This is the second installment in the 'Necroscope' series, of which I had read the first one at my husband's request when we first started dating. It was an exciting horror book, with plenty of action and intrigue. Anything that I wouldn't have been able to handle otherwise was done in a way that was clear but not overly graphic. When I started in on the second one, early in the book was a part that really upset me. I put it down an haven't picked it back up since. Some series that are horror based or have difficult material get more and more gritty as you go on, and it seems the 'Necroscope' series does this. I am really sad that I had this reaction, because this series is one of my husband's favorites. I imagine I will someday try to venture into it again for his sake, but not yet.

8. 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

I wanted to like this book so much. I really did. I have found other parodies of 'Pride and Prejudice' to be hilarious, and I really believed this one would be the same. Unfortunately I found the blending of cultures was choppy and poorly done, with overlaps that made no sense. It was so abrupt and jostling that I couldn't manage to stay focused and it seemed like the Jane Austen part of the book was just slapped on to a book that had previously been written. I was very disappointed in this one.

9. 'Audition' by Michael Shurtleff

This book is very valuable and helpful. It makes a lot of sense, and I would say to anyone studying acting to read it. I put it on this list because I had to read it SO MANY TIMES in high school theatre classes. It makes sense and is applicable, yes, but after a while it just started grating my nerves. Again, this one is more about situation than content.

10. 'Glengarry, Glen Ross' by David Mamet

This script is honestly just a bunch of unlikable characters screwing each other over, and yelling and swearing at each other. I have tried to like, I really have. I just don't. I know, I know, it's a great piece of theatrical literature, blah blah blah. I just don't like it. If none of the characters are decent people, if I don't feel any kind of emotional investment in them or their goals, then it's a bad script. Is that part of the point? Maybe. Some people have made that argument. I can accept that, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. Honestly, anything that has me wondering when it's just going to be over is not something I'm going to give anymore of my time to.


Do you love any of these books? Why? Don't let me own opinion stop you from reading them! I would love to hear from someone that enjoys these books!

2015 Reading Challenge - Always adding new books and updating!

I am doing a Reading Challenge that was shared with me by my good friend, Carla Day! I have had a very late start, but I'm working on it.

Here is the URL if you are interested in joining me on it! 2015 Reading Challenge

Below you will find the list of what I plan to read, what I have read, and what I have yet to choose for the category. Let me know if there are any you would suggest!

1. A book with more than 500 pages - 'Shogun' by James Clavell (recommended by Donna Kutlus and Jon Bryant)
2. A classic romance -  'Persuasion' by Jane Austen
3. A book that became a movie - 'Ella Enchanted' by Gail Carson Levine (recommended by Laura Hilton)
4. A book published this year - 'Go Set A Watchmen' by Harper Lee (recommended by Toni Lancey)
5. A book with a number in the title - 'Counting by Sevens' by Holly Goldberg Sloan (recommended by Melanie Barth and Mighty Girls)
6. A book written by someone under 30 - 'Hollow City' by Ransom Riggs
7. A book with non-human characters - 'The Wind in the Willows' by Kenneth Grahame
8. A funny book - 'Good Omens' by Terry Pratchett
9. A book by a female author - 'Goldie Blocks' by Debbie Sterling (This is a kids book and it comes with toys. I'm really psyched for this one.)
10. A mystery or thriller -
11. A book with a one word title - 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters (recommended by Lisa Ferguson)
12. A book of short stories - 'Witches and Ghosts, Pirates and Thieves, Murder and Mayhem' compiled by John P. Hunter
13. A book set in a different country - 'Bamboo People' by Mitali Perkins (recommended by Terry Doherty)
14. A nonfiction book - 'Indoor Kitchen Gardening' by Elizabeth Millard (I picked this one up at the Denton Public Library!)
15. A popular author's first book -
16. A book from an author you love but haven't read yet - 'Reflections' by Diana Wynne Jones
17. A book a friend recommended - 'Eyes of the Dragon' by Stephen King (recommended by Jon Bryant)
18. A Pulitzer Prize winning book -
19. A book based on a true story -
20. A book at the bottom of your to-read list -
21. A book your mom loves - 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens
22. A book that scares you - 'A Clockwork Orange' by 
23. A book more than 100 years old - 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas (published in 1844, recommended by Jon Bryant)
24. A book based entirely on the cover -
25. A book you were supposed to read in school but didn't - 'To Kill A Mockingbird' by Harper Lee (another recommended by Melanie Barth)
26. A memoir - 'Still Foolin' 'Em' by Billy Crystal (recommended by Jon Bryant)
27. A book you can finish in a day - 
28. A book with antonyms in the title -
29. A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit -
30. A book that came out the year you were born -
31. A book with bad reviews -
32. A trilogy - 'Inkheart', 'Inkspell', and 'Inkdeath' by Cornelia Funke
33. A book from your childhood - 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien
34. A book with a love triangle - 'Splintered' by A.G. Howard
35. A book set in the future - 'Old Man's War' by John Scalzi (recommended by Lisa Ferguson)
36. A book set in high school - 'Shadow's Edge' by Maureen Lipinski
37. A book with a color in the title - 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker
38. A book that made you cry - 'Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher' by Bruce Coville
39. A book with magic - 'Theodosia and the Last Pharaoh' by R.L. LaFevers (recommended by Deanna Easton)
40. A graphic novel - 'Fun Home' by Allison Bechdel (recommended by Tyler Murphy)
41. A book by an author you've never read before - 'Naked Lunch' by William Burroughs (recommended by David Pierce)
42. A book you own but have never read - 'The Man in the Iron Mask' by Alexandre Dumas (recommended by Eden Lakner)
43. A book that takes place in your hometown - 'Ghosts of Denton' by Shelly Tucker (Denton isn't technically my hometown, but I can't find any books set in Sharon Springs, NY. I wasn't born there, either, but I was 8 months old when we left Cleveland, Ohio, so I don't really count that as my hometown, either.)
44. A book that was originally written in a different language - 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupery (recommended by Donna Kutlus)
45. A book set during Christmas - 'The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus' by L. Frank Baum
46. A book written by an author with your same initials - 'Home from the Sea' by Mercedes Lackey
47. A play - 'The 39 Steps' by Patrick Barlow (recommended by Mike Strecher)
48. A banned book -
49. A book based on or turned into a tv show - 'America Entertains' by David Tutera
50. A book you started but never finished - 'The Crown of Dalemark' by Diana Wynne Jones

Red means I have read it! Blue means I am currently reading it. If it is black and followed by a blank, then I need recommendations. If it is black but filled in, then it is on my list. Comment with recommendations!

Terry Pratchett Passes On

I didn't know Terry Pratchett. I'm not a journalist. I am not even an avid reader of his books, as much as I wish I was. Though several of his books are on my "To Read" list, the only ones I've read at this point are 'Going Postal', and I am currently working on 'Making Money'. Two books in his extensive career are hardly enough for me to have a real sense of his work or appreciate it as much as it is due.

In that case, I don't think I should write an obituary for the man. There are plenty of them out there, and they can convey his colorful career and deep connections with friends and family better than I could. Instead, I'd like to discuss how people we have never met, often authors, actors, and others in the arts, leave such a lasting impression on us that when they pass, it feels as though a close friend has left us.

When I found out Diana Wynne Jones had passed away, I was inconsolable for days. I had never met the woman, hadn't written any fan mail to her, hadn't ever tried to contact her. We didn't even live in the same country. She had no idea I existed. But I was very aware that she did. Her books made such an impression on me that my taste in literature has been colored ever since. My writing style, and love of fantasy and fiction were cultivated by her books. I harbored a slight resentment at J.K. Rowling, at first, because I noticed so many similarities in the Harry Potter series as I did with Jones' novels, like Chrestomanci. I got over the very quickly, though, and read Rowling's books.

Jones' books have gotten me through difficult times by being a steady source of comfort and learning. There is always something new to find in her books, no matter how many times I've read them. I've probably read 'Howl's Moving Castle' 20 or 30 times, and I have every intention of reading it 20 or 30 times more.

So while I didn't have that kind of relationship with Pratchett's books, I absolutely understand the kind of grief that is being expressed over Pratchett's passing, especially at such a young age (only 66) from something has nefarious as Alzheimer's. Couple that with Leonard Nimoy's recent passing, and the passing of Robin Williams (who played one of my favorite versions of Peter Pan), Mickey Rooney (a regular voice actor as Santa Claus for the claymation Christmas specials) and Richard Attenborough, (another wonderful Santa Claus), it only makes sense that we should feel this passing so sharply.

When Diana passed, it seemed that no one understood why I should be so bereft and disconsolate over the passing of a woman I had never met. Some of these people are expressing a similar kind of sorrow over Pratchett's passing. Where I find myself irritated that they attempted to invalidate my grief that is so similarly present in themselves over Pratchett's passing, I also understand absolutely where they are coming from.

What I am saying is that it is perfectly fine to feel this sorrow. So what if others don't understand it? That doesn't matter. Your sadness is valid, and it matters. Pratchett, like so many other authors, touched so many lives with his books and left such lasting impressions. It's beautiful, really. So let yourself process the grief, and spread your love of his books around. That's one of the best ways you can honor his legacy.

How did Pratchett impact your life? What books of his do you love? Are there any other authors that have had a similar impact for you?

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month!

Endometriosis is a very nasty disease that impacts around 8.5 million North American women and 176 million women worldwide. It has a lot of awful symptoms, like infertility, pain with intercourse, painful urination and bowel movements, and extreme abdominal pain. It's hard to live with. It takes 8 to 11 years on average to diagnose. It's hard to treat. It can bring on depression and anxiety in the same way any chronic disease can. To be perfectly honest, endometriosis sucks.

When I first realized there was a problem and started having some major health concerns, I lost pretty much every friend I had. Whether it was because hey couldn't relate, or they didn't understand, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that when I was in the most need of support from them, they bailed. The sad part is, this seems to be pretty common.

You can't be as social as you used to be. It's no fun seeing someone you care about in pain. It's not like other diseases, with set treatments and cures, so it can often seem to someone on the outside that you aren't doing anything about this disease that they can't even see. The same can be said of the many doctors who still believe that women are just meant to feel pain, doctors that won't listen to us about our symptoms or our pain, that brush us off as drug addicts when we say we need help managing this pain that makes it difficult to live our lives.This isn't an excuse for their behavior at all. I say this to highlight just how difficult it can be to live with this disease. I say this to highlight how alone you can feel.

Thankfully, the Internet allows for plenty of resources to turn to. Online support groups, blogs about personal stories, informative articles, and research all exist out there in the ether of the Internet. They are there if you look for them, so even if the people in your physical life aren't there for you, I bet you can find the beginnings of a support structure online.

It's scary to go out looking for yourself when you feel out of touch, though. Maybe you don't know what this disease you're living with really is. Maybe you don't understand how medication impacts it. Maybe you don't get why you feel searing pain in your low abdomen when you walk by a heavily scented store. If you want to get more educated about endometriosis, the resources out there for it, different treatment options, and a whole gold mine of other knowledge, I'd say turn to these three books. They've helped me a lot, and when I can't seem to communicate with my family about what's going on, I can just hand them my copy and tell them what chapter I want them to read.


The first two come from the Endometriosis Association and Mary Lou Ballweg:

'The Endometriosis Sourcebook' and 'Endometriosis: The Complete Reference for Taking Charge of Your Health' are both books available for sale on Amazon.com. I have also seen the latter in stores such as Barnes and Noble, and they are affordable. Brand new, 'The Complete Reference...' is $18.95. They contain a collection of articles from various sources that discuss what endometriosis is, and the role of several variables on the disease, from hormones to nutrition to surgery. There are also resources and discussions of how depression can impact it, different medications and treatments, and even articles meant for spouses, family, and friends about how to be supportive. One of my favorite parts is a cartoon series called 'Joe with Endo', a comic that can help men understand the challenges of endo by having a male character, Joe, going through the challenges. Switching the roles can be a powerful tool in helping people put themselves into the shoes of others, and this cartoon does that very well.

The next book that I have found very helpful is 'The Endometriosis Natural Treatment Program: A Complete Self-Help Plan for Improving Health and Well-Being' by Valeria Ann Worwood and published in 2007. It goes in depth with helping women find ways to properly track their symptoms, and ideas on how to organize the information. There are lists of resources in the book, and also plenty of information about nutrition, supplements, exercise, and alternative methods of health care that include massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.

There are SEVERAL books on endometriosis, so this is by no means a comprehensive list. These are just the ones that I have used the most personally. There are others I would like to check out, but just haven't had a chance to yet.

If this is something you or a loved one is dealing with, do your research in alignment with working with your health care provider. Be open and honest with your symptoms and discussion of what you have found in your research and what you would like to talk about. Discuss methods of health care you're interested in, and be your own advocate. Look for support structures and support groups, either in person or online. Below is a list of different websites that can help:

The Endometriosis Association

Endo the Pain

Endometriosis: The Global Forum

There are also several groups on Facebook, so don't stop with just these three options above!

I believe we can find a cure within our lifetimes so that our daughters don't have to live with this horrible disease. Let's find a cure for all our EndoSisters!

The Ten Best Books to Read Out Loud

I love reading out loud.It's one of my favorite things to do. When my husband and I want to read the same book, we take turns reading chapters out loud to each other. If a friend or family member is in the hospital, I enjoy visiting them and reading out loud. Reading out loud to children is such fun for me, and I love imitating the voices of different characters. This is where my love of theatrics and acting comes out. I really love reading out loud.

As such, my favorite books are great to read out loud. To avoid being repetitive I will restrict myself to only one from my favorites book list to include in this list.

1. 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond
This book is such a sweet book that is so nostalgic for me. It's not only a book, but it's been performed on stage for children and is also available on CD. It's a wonderful book to read to your children and the children of friends and family. There is also a companion book called 'If You Give A Moose a Muffin', just in case the little ones in your life can't get enough of the exponential logic of silliness!

2. 'Fox in Socks' by Dr. Seuss
This book is such a fun read because it is meant to be read out loud. It's one giant tongue twister! Don't be discouraged if you stumble- that's part of the fun! My godson loves it when I stumble over the words and we always have a good laugh over it. It's even fun to challenge one of your friends to- have a tongue twister contest with it if you don't have a child to read it out loud to.

3. 'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones
This is my all-time favorite book. This book is my favorite book to read out loud to loved ones who are ill (or simply to get them interested in my favorite author). It is an exciting book that isn't too extreme or stressful. It is a fun book, with a lot of adventure and wonderful voices to imitate. My favorite voice, which took me a while to finally get the way I wanted it to sound, is the voice of Calcifer, the fire demon. It is a great book to read out loud to children and adults alike.

4. 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens
This book is one of my mother's favorite books, and very early on it became one of mine, too. This is one of Dickens' shorter books, and could easily be read through the month of December before the Christmas holidays to help get people in the spirit. Don't be intimidated by Dickens' language. it really isn't hard, and this particular book has a lot of humor in it. Interestingly, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a filmed version that makes good use of quotes from the book and I highly suggest that version if you want to watch a version to introduce young readers to the book.

5. 'Seasons' by Robert Frost
This is a book of poems by Robert Frost. I specify this particular collection because the poems are grouped together by season, and accompanied by gorgeous photos. Reading out loud isn't just about the words you're reading, but also about the visuals, and this book really transports you into the world Frost is writing about.

6. 'Inkheart' by Cornelia Funke
I first heard this book as a book on tape when I had an hour commute both ways while going to massage school in Florida. It's a longer book, and takes some time to read out loud because of the length. If you saw the movie, you might have a lighter impression of the book. This is the first in a trilogy, followed by 'Inkspell' and 'Inkdeath'. As you can imagine, it's a darker book than the movie might let on, but it's a beautiful story that really explores the depth of human emotion, love, ambition, and creativity. If you have a long road trip coming up, I suggest having a companion read it out loud or getting the audiobook.

7. 'The Horse and His Boy' by C.S. Lewis
This is my favorite book of the Narnia series, and the most underrated in my humble opinion. It takes place during 'The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe', and follows the story of a boy escaping his life of servitude into the northern country of Narnia on a Horse named Bree. I don't think it's ever been turned into a film, which I find to be a great tragedy.

8. 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' by J.K. Rowling
The Harry Potter series has arguable made a huge impact in encouraging young children to read, and has been doing so for many years. I love her books, and the fact that they age with her readers. I got to grow up with Harry, Hermione, and Ron, since I was 11 when the first one came out. It is such a wonderful book to read out loud, and I suggest it to anyone who wants to get their children into reading.

9. 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson
I adore Stevenson's books, 'Treasure Island' most of all. There have been so many adaptations of this book, into cartoons, movies, and stage plays. It is a well known story, but with several elements that are often left out of films, so there will be plenty of new material to experience. It is such an adventurous book with plenty of danger and intrigue, and a great book to read out loud to anyone.

10. 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien
This book is a great one to read for young adults. I've heard several people say that Tolkien's books are better left to adult, and I profoundly disagree with this statement. I read 'The Hobbit' when I was in elementary school. I think I was in 5th grade. It is a great book to read out loud, for many of the same reasons as 'Treasure Island', and is a great introduction to Tolkien's books.

Reading out loud is a wonderful way to introduce friends and family to your favorite books and authors, as well as encourage a love of reading in young people. Are there any books you enjoy reading out loud? Tell me in the comments!

Guest Piece - Masks of Watchmen by Jon Bryant

Here is the first guest piece! Jumping off from the discussion of masks earlier, Jon Bryant takes a closer look at three masks in Watchmen.

Warning! Contains content intended for mature audiences and spoilers!

Hello all! Welcome to the very first guest post here on No Wasted Words. I’m here to talk about an interesting subject regarding the literary world. Symbolism. Yes, I know, English classes throughout the world have crushed the desire to analyze symbolism in pretty much everybody. But today I’m talking about comics!

That’s right. Comics. Or for those of you that prefer this small dignity, Graphic Novels. My favorite graphic novel is Watchmen. Yes, I am aware of the atrocious movie but Marygail will be talking about that one later. Probably the most important symbol in the serial is the mask. I know it seems obvious that a comic book about superheroes would have masks be an important symbol, but trust me. It goes deeper than you think.

Hooded Justice

What basic purpose of a mask it to hide one’s true identity. That is where our first mask comes to play, with Hooded Justice, the first costumed hero in the Watchmen universe. All the basic rules of superheroing apply to good ol’ HJ. But did you know that the mask serves as a barrier between him and his sexuality? That’s right, HJ is not only the first superhero, he’s the first gay superhero as well. The mask is his method of staying within the metaphorical closet. He, along with Silhouette and Captain Metropolis, were homosexual and sought to keep this information secret due to the inevitable backlash that would arise if they were found out. In the sad case of Silhouette, her orientation was exposed and she was murdered because of it. Interestingly enough, Silhouette never wore a mask. Perhaps this is because she felt she shouldn't have to hide who she was, unlike her masculine compatriots.

The Comedian

Our second mask belongs to The Comedian. He has three masks throughout the course of the serial: his domino mask, his full face mask, and the mask of human society. The first two are basic superhero necessity, his domino mask concealed his identity and his full face mask offered more protection during his more violent escapades later in life. His third mask is purely metaphorical. His is a reflection of the society in which he lives- a society obsessed with violence and sex, that seeks to claw its way to the top, no matter who it has to crush underfoot to do so. Some would say he is a sociopath that simply enjoys inflicting pain on others and has the good sense to inflict it on people that the law says deserves it. Others would say that he is a cosmic joke. I tend to agree with the latter. He is a parody of the American way, pulling himself up by his bootstraps and trampling any and all that get in the way of his manifest destiny. Underneath it all, he is a broken human being that needs intensive psychiatric help. Though his name is The Comedian there is no one laughing, and that is the joke.

Rorschach

Our third and final mask belongs to Rorschach. His mask is not the swirling motes of black contained within that white cloth, it is what lies beneath that. Rorschach’s flesh and blood face is, in fact, his mask. It is what keeps his identity secret. You see, Rorschach lost all touch with his previous identity when he found the absolute lowest nature of humanity, a woman being raped and murdered while people watched and did nothing. He made the mask as a replacement for his face, in order to have something he could stand looking at in the mirror. He outright tells the police to give him back his face at one point while being arrested when the police remove it. Clearly he suffers from several mental disorders, but that is not what forms his new face. His new face is formed by his absolute disgust with humanity and the various lows to which they sink. His belief as a boy was that the ends justified the means. This is shown by his former admiration for president Truman dropping the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Later when Veigt’s plan is uncovered and put into action, he cannot abide by this mindset. He knows that the needs of the many do not, in fact, outweigh the needs of the few. Despite his various psychoses and disdain for the majority of human life, he ends up being the best human being in the serial.

There you have it: a mask that hides homosexuality from a homophobic world, a mask of cosmic parody, and a mask that serves as a true face. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Watchmen. We also have symbolism with clock faces, smiley faces, and pirate ships. What do you think of these masks? Was I off the mark? Are there more important masks? Answers to these questions and more can be found in the comments.

Note on images: Please follow the links in the captions for more information.