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Archives for May 2008

Random Hour #2: Books to Film?: It seems like just about every book is being made into a major Hollywood motion picture these days-- take Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, for example. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; it can encourage people to read more by increasing the popularity of the original book. It can also bring the story to life in a new, refreshing way for those who have already read the book.

But the "new, refreshing way" may not be so refreshing for everyone. I know more than a couple avid fans of the His Dark Materials trilogy who were disappointed with the film adaptation of The Golden Compass. And I have to admit I refused to see any of the Harry Potter films for fear of tainting the images that played through my head when I read the books. But at the same time, I always find it fascinating to see Hollywood take a piece of literature and breathe life into it.

What's your take on turning books into films? Are there any books you're absolutely dying to see made into feature films? Or, on the other hand, are there books you would rather remain as books?; Posted May 28, 2008 by je55 | 32 Comments | Share It; Filed under: Random Hour

Have you ever had that toe-curling, heart pounding, perfect kiss? The one where you think back and can't help but smile? If you haven't, that's ok. Evangeline Bianca Logan is on an epic quest to have the perfect kiss in Confessions of a Serial Kisser and you can read all about her funny encounters to getting that perfect kiss in Wendelin Van Draanen's new book.

In her quest to getting this perfect kiss, Evangeline has a few smooches that are less than stellar - the smash mouth, the ear licker, the "misser" just to name a few.

I often wonder what kind of kisser I am myself, do you? Go check out the really fun quiz for Confessions of a Serial Kisser to see what kind of kisser you are.

I took the quiz to kiss and tell - I hope you will share your results with us too!

Posted May 23, 2008 by HeadBuzzer | 9 Comments |

Filed under: Confessions of a Serial Kisser

Random Hour #1: Age-Old Question

A couple months ago, I had this wonderful fantasy of what my summer would be like: mornings in coffee shops spent furiously scribbling the next Great American Short Story, afternoons lazing in the park and reading books, and so on. I'm only about a week or so into summer, and so far it's been more like this: reading, reading, wondering what I can possibly write about, and more reading. I've read three books in the past week, but I haven't written much more than a few random, unrelated scenes here and there.

But not for lack of trying! I've been brainstorming nearly as much as I've been reading: listening to music, going for long walks and letting my mind wander, and repeatedly leafing through my personal "idea book" (a pocket-sized notebook I carry with me wherever I go, into which go all the wild and crazy ideas that randomly pop into my head). I now have a couple very basic ideas that, with a little work, could develop into several interesting short stories.

Although I've yet to actually start writing, this past brainstorming-intensive week has been an enlightening experience, to say the least. I normally don't have much time to search for story ideas--my creative writing classes only allow for several days at most before putting pen to paper--so I normally have to go with the first idea that I come up with. This past week has given me a lot of insight into my own mind: how I come up with ideas and choose the ones I want to develop. It's piqued my interest not only in how I personally write, but in the experience, shared by all writers, of coming up with that perfect idea.

So on that note, fellow Buzzers, I pose the age-old question: how do you get your ideas? Do you have to sit down and formally brainstorm, or are you lucky enough that ideas come to you, fully formed, all on their own? And then after you get the idea that has promise-- how do you turn it into a story?

See you next week!

Julia

Posted May 21, 2008 by je55 | 11 Comments |

Filed under: Random Hour

YOU In A Likely Story!

Have you ever wanted to be a fictionalized character in a story? How about one created by YOU? Random House is giving you the opportunity to be a fictional character in a future published book in the David Van Etten's Likely Story series! How neat is that?

If you haven't already, head on over to the Random Store to pick up your copy to read up on all the fun drama that Mallory encounters in her not so normal life. After you've had a chance to read a scene from Likely Story you can be well on your way to writing the ending of an episode and landing yourself a spot in one of the Likely Story series! Check out the contest to read complete details and rules.

Are you ready to be in a Likely Story?

Posted May 15, 2008 by HeadBuzzer | 11 Comments |

Filed under: David Van Etten Likely Story

Welcome to Random Hour!

Hey all you Buzzers! Welcome to the first installment of the "Random Hour," a weekly blog post where we get to know each other a little better and chat about reading, writing, and whatever's new in our busy Buzzer lives.

Let me start by introducing myself. You've probably seen me out and about throughout the site, and I've been lucky enough to become a part of the Random Buzzers crew. I'm entering my senior year at college in NYC this fall, but I'm still a sucker for YA lit. I remember all too fondly my favorite books growing up, which included the likes of The Babysitters Club, Sweet Valley High, The Giver, and the "His Dark Materials" trilogy.

I love to read (of course), and I've always wanted to be a novelist-- when I was in the sixth/seventh grade, I wrote a novella about a fourteen-year-old girl who traveled around the world (and, uh, outer space) with her best friend and her little brother. I re-read it a couple months ago, and needless to say, it was awful. But I'm still keeping at it! I hope to share some of my experiences--both the good and the bad--with all of you, and hear how your writing is going, too.

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Archives for May 2008