A Hope

I just want to go on record with something.

I’ve already expressed my appreciation for the incredible young talent Emily Bear. She’s been quite active since that last post. She’s even played at Carnegie Hall! She’s just been to Geneva, Switzerland for goodness’ sake! And this past holiday, Santa brought me her latest album, Hope. A soothing and wonderful treat, but of course.

Anyway, I’ve decided upon a certain dream scenario. Not just now - it’s been rattling around in my head for quite a long time, I’d venture even as far back as the post about her.

Should there ever come a time when a novel of mine will be adapted to the silver screen, it would be such an honor for me if Miss Emily Bear would compose the score. Or, if she is (understandably) not up to generating an entire soundtrack for a film... then my wish is that she creates the overall “theme song” to the story/film...and some other composer incorporates her song into the larger scope.

And who might that be? Oh, sure, I’ve got some favorite composers in mind. But for right now, I’ll just keep the focus on Miss Bear. She’s truly a marvel. And to have her notes as part of a tale of mine? (Happy Sigh) That would truly be a gift.  And so, until then, I shall hope...

*Picture at piano taken from her official Facebook page.  No infrigement intended.

IN TO HIS HEAD!

Just wanted to say that Tim Burton's Alice has yet to leave me. I listen to the enchaunting* theme by Danny Elfman at least once a week, if not a dozen times. I still want the Cheshire Cat to live with me. Bart still quotes some of his favorite lines from the Queen of Hearts.  I keep hearing one of Alice's speeches in my head.  Not so long ago Buttercup said she wanted to watch it again. I last saw it two weekends ago when my best friend Laughter had been in town. He'd only seen it once and took his kids, so his attention had been divided. How mesmerized he sat! Being a set designer, he takes a special interest in the artistry. I have now seen it seven times.

I've taken to saying "Fairfarren" as a salutation. I'd been getting bored with my usual "goodbye" words anyway.  Screenwriter Linda Woolverton coined Fairfarren. It means "May you travel far under fair skies." It fits perfectly into the world(s) of Lewis Carroll.

Note the paranthesis around the S there. Carroll brought Alice to two distinct places. The movie combines Wonderland and the Looking-Glass World. It seems like something that should ruffle my feathers. But I find myself loving it. Of course, I'd been warmed up to the idea by the "Mad Hatter and March Hare Connection" derived from Carroll's words and Tenniel's drawings. Plus, American McGee's Alice video game exploited this "through-hole" with expert ease. But in the case of Woolverton/Burton's, there is ever so much more interaction and intermingling of both places that it ultimately becomes one place, different regions.

In my last post love letter to this film, I mentioned that I'd been disappointed that the Mock Turtle and the Griffin had not been in the movie.  Technically they are in it - as a grand portrait and part of mural respectively.  Their fates are easily detemined, too.  The Griffin is shown fighting the Jabberwock.  Fairfarren, Griffin.  The Mock Turtle must have ended up as stew as per the Red Queen's statement of loving caviar.  My only "Aw, shucks" that prevents it from being 103% perfect for me comes in the scene of the White Queen's kitchen.  It seems a shame to have the March Hare be the one cooking.  Why not the use the character of the Cook here?  Although I do see the importance of showing the Hare having fled to the Queen.  An addendum to this is Alice remarking that it needs more salt.  Perhaps this is a nod to the There's certainly too much pepper in that soup! line in the original.  But I would have preferred she say "Needs more pepper" to have another indication of her grown-up tastes.  Other than that, just the title.

I've spoken to three people recently who were a little put off or confused by the title of the movie. As I mentioned in the other post, it is mis-titled. It's not a direct adaptation of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland nor even Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There.  All three of them had thought it would to be.  See?  It needs a different title.  (Watching the film should make you aware of that title.)

* Enchaunting - at once haunting & enchanting

Fairfarren, all.

I'm at It Again!

Well, it’s happened.
I’ve set to paper.
Yes, I have officially begun a new novel.
The third in a series of four is underway. Technically, it’s actually the “last” in the series. The fourth book, meant to be read fourth, serves as a prequel set thousands of years prior, shedding light on the events that shaped the era of the main story.

And so, Thom begins his final adventure.

Okay, he didn’t exactly “begin” his tale, as I am happy to be able to write out of order once again. There's an explanation in this post.

I know I "mean business" because I’ve also made a playlist for the songs and notes that will float around me as I delve into the words and world. My musical writing habits are talked about here. And I’m pleased to say that I’ve also selected some from Emily Bear. Looking forward to the inspiration.

I’ll still be working on the query letter for and submitting Midnight Chaser… yes, STILL honing that freaking query letter.

But here’s to Book 3… let the words flow!

A Honey of an Inspiration

In a previous post, I discuss how instrumental (pun noted) music is during my writing process. Well, I am happy to add a new name to my list of favorite inspirations. Emily Bear. Santa knew just what I wanted and gifted me with her CDs. If you don't know who she is, I hope you will take the time to find out. Suffice to say she is a pianist and composer - a magnificently talented young lady. She has played at Ravinia Fesitval in Chicago, with the Orlando Symphony Orchestra, the Thanksgiving Day Parade and at the White House. She has written some 130 songs. As of now, she is 7 years old. You can learn all about her, at her official site. Me? Like many others, I first encountered Miss Bear a year or so ago on Ellen. I can say for certain that her melodies will be played along with me plunking at my own keys. And yes, she is playing as I write these words. Perhaps I should start right now? In the meantime, enjoy Ellen's Song written and perfomred by Emily Bear.

When I Write...

I usually write with music playing. Generally motion picture scores. Often I will create a specific playlist from my selections. Songs which I feel will be most conducive to the piece I am working on at the time. Sometimes I have lyric’d tunes, too. Depends on the character’s preferences or the words contained with them. But mostly I can be found clacking away with a powerful score by the likes of Silvestri, Howard, Goldsmith, Williams, Gregson-Williams, Elfman…just to name a few. I almost always randomize song order, too. Thanks to all the composers out there who keep my words flowing over their notes.