Speaking Of Heroes . . .

My brain's been percolating with thoughts and ideologies on heroes for the last two months in preparation for my upcoming series. (Don't worry, a percolating brain is not as dangerous as it may sound :)

On Monday of this week, Pepper Basham, one of the fabulous ladies at The Writers Alley, blogged about why we bond with a flawed hero. I love her philosophy and thought the post could serve as an introduction for you guys, so your brains can start ruminating as well.

Once you've read, let me know--do you prefer your heroes flawed or not? And is there room in your heart for both? (I sure hope so ;)

P.S. Per Pepper's post, I'd watch a Cyclops movie . . . if he weren't dead. *shakes head* Still angry after all these years. Am I the only one?

YA Crush

If you were on the interwebs circa 2004, you're familiar with the Teen Girl Squad phrase, "I have a crush on every boy." Well, I have a crush on most everything YA. When I walk into a Barnes & Noble, I head straight for the YA section to see what's new. I have Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, and the Jonas Brothers on my iPod. I paid money to see High School Musical 3 in the theater, and I've been known to curl up and watch the Disney Channel on my sick days.

(Some judge this behavior, but I prefer to categorize it under quirky and market research :)

So, beginning next week, I'll be sharing my YA love with you through three new features: YA Author Crush, YA Book Crush, and YA Site Crush. These won't be just any recommendations; only the things I truly rave about will make the cut.

Coincidentally enough, NPR is showing their own YA love this week with their Best-Ever Teen Novels poll. Several of my newest loves like Matched and the Gallagher Girls series made the list. While beloved favorites such as the Christy Miller Series and the Chronicles of Narnia were robbed. I'm trying to decide if I should start a petition.

Just kidding :)

What about you? What's your favorite YA?  Did it make the list? Did you vote?

Update (8/7/2012): Voting is complete. You can view the Top 100 list here.

When My Brain Needs A Break...

I just finished seven weeks of devotional writing. Today, I'll jump into Noah and Maddison's world full-time. Don't get me wrong; I love these characters. If I wasn't a writer, the amount of time and attention these two imaginary friends receive would qualify me for some serious therapy. And, please, don't even get me started on Daniel.

Given my deep devotion to these characters, one might assume I can write and edit non-stop. Alas, this is not the case. At some point in the process, my brain muddies. My thoughts scramble. My eyes cross, and I have to step away.

Since napping is a "no-no" for those with CFS, I've found another way to let my brain rest. My solution? Delightfully mindless TV.

This is not to say that I don't enjoy well-produced television. White Collar returns July 10th at 9 p.m., and you can bet I have a date with my couch on that night!

Sometimes, however, you just need to turn off your brain. When I have that urge, I turn to a special host of shows that fit the bill. What Not To Wear, Food Network Star, and Good Luck Charlie are at the top of my list. I like to alternate between food/style reality shows and the Disney Channel. Don't blink. You read that sentence correctly. I admitted it. I am an adult Disney Channel viewer.  :)

After an hour, I'm usually re-energized and ready to jump back into whatever project requires all of my attention. What about you? What do you turn to when your brain feels like it might explode?

An Author Interview You Must Read

My BFF Erynn posted an interview with the completely awesome Katie Ganshert today. Find out about Katie's debut novel Wildflowers from Winter and the celebrity who comes close to looking like her hero Evan.

Also, Erynn invites you to play a virtual round of Marry, Date, or Dump with her and Katie and enter for a chance to win Wildflowers from Winter.

What are you waiting for? Check it out!

Nostalgic

This morning I was randomly reminded of the other blog I kept years ago. Going back through the old posts made me laugh and smile a good bit. Fun times!

Amidst the inside jokes and fun experiences from my first couple of years in this area are glimpses into what God was teaching me. It's comforting to know He's not grown weary of teaching me the same lesson over and over again: He is good.

If you need a good laugh at my expense or want to know just how mature I've become, lol, check it out. :)