tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73736256674997421392024-02-20T08:24:26.826-08:00Random Musings of a Fledgling WriterMonica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-62042018204103856982016-10-15T12:25:00.000-07:002016-10-15T12:25:06.156-07:00GHOSTS: TO BELIEVE OR NOT TO BELIEVE
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As I’ve been preparing for the
release of my newest cozy mystery, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Tis the Witching Time</i></b>, I’ve asked
my Facebook readers if they believe in ghosts. I’ve received some fascinating
responses. I also promised to answer this question myself: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
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I do believe in ghosts. As one
commenter, who is a believer, said, “The proof is in the pudding.”</div>
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My tale begins almost three years
ago…</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have no idea why I
decided to start reading an Anne Rice book just before my husband had three
business trips over the course of three weeks. When I’m home alone this big old
house does a lot of settling and creaking, and things tend to go bump in the
night. Reading a scary book at night when you’re alone in the house is not a
good idea. One night, after two hours of reading in bed, I was sure that there
was some kind of entity in my house and it was going to do something during the
night. Maybe just your basic minor destruction—I was fairly confident that it
didn’t want to hurt me.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The next morning I
discovered the first of what would become a series of strange occurrences that
would take place over the next several weeks. It turns out that SOME entity knocked
my high school graduation picture off the shelf where it had happily sat for
many years, shattering the glass in the frame all over the floor. The following
week I was alone in the house and felt something tug on the hood of my
sweatshirt. Sometime later my husband came home from one of those business
trips. Shortly after getting home he walked into his office downstairs. A
minute later he called upstairs to me, “What happened to my desk? Why is
everything shoved to one side?” There were a few other odd happenings as well,
but these are good examples of what was going on in my house.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our ‘ghost’ became a
running joke. And, by the way, a ghost is much preferable to some rodent in my
house, and we never found any evidence that there was one. But we did come to
the conclusion that if we did have a ghost it was acting up because we were
doing some work on the house to prepare it for sale. We thought it didn’t like
the idea of us leaving. We never did put it on the market…the Portland market
became too crazy.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fast forward several
months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
November, we had family members (names will not be used to protect the
innocent) staying with us for ten days while they waited for their dead furnace
to be replaced. One member of the family slept downstairs on the couch in the
family room, along with their family dog. I HAD NEVER TOLD THEM ANYTHING ABOUT
OUR POSSIBLE GHOST. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On
Thanksgiving morning, a week after they had moved back home, we were all doing
the local Turkey Trot Walk. While we were going up a steep hill, the family
member who had slept downstairs said to me, “Is your house haunted?” Or maybe
she said, “Did you know your house is haunted?” I really can’t remember now. I
laughed and told her that we had been having some strange things happen, and
were starting to wonder. But in a HaHa sort of way. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">She
went on to say, “Well, one night while I was downstairs, I saw a ghost. And
felt it.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">About
this time, I started to think if the steep hill didn’t kill me, this news just
might.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Subsequent
questioning revealed that one night she saw a foggy cloud that had formed not
far from where she was sitting. There was no form to it, so she couldn’t say
whether it was male or female. She said again that she could feel
something—something not normal, something ghostly. She showed me exactly where
it had been. It was less than two feet from where my picture had flung itself
to the floor. Remember, she knew nothing about that prior to this discussion.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once
the minor remodeling was finished, the ghost became quiet again. From what I've read this is common behavior for ghosts. ;-)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘Tis
the Witching Time</i></b> I describe a possible ghost exactly as my family
member described what she saw. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This
blog post includes parts of two previous posts I wrote when these things were
occurring. Just now I saw how I ended the last post I wrote two years ago, and
it made me smile.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now, I just need to channel this into a good ghost story book…</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I had forgotten I’d written
that. But, YAY, I did write my ghost story book!!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFIY_CTsGbey3PiuOSfkLGiDbuD_I7is_OoGMPZ8R7W9IV9PM8NgJeeBLisBgjcRCLQh6w9cIxRLJmRPOjAGoNh2GINB5m0S-Gs9rTV1kvnbjB5Jc3cmBI7scTRGircBLQ0iIZxMmcqgw/s1600/WitchingTime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFIY_CTsGbey3PiuOSfkLGiDbuD_I7is_OoGMPZ8R7W9IV9PM8NgJeeBLisBgjcRCLQh6w9cIxRLJmRPOjAGoNh2GINB5m0S-Gs9rTV1kvnbjB5Jc3cmBI7scTRGircBLQ0iIZxMmcqgw/s320/WitchingTime.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘Tis the Witching Time</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> will be available as an ebook from Amazon, on Tuesday, October 18<sup>th</sup>.
Here’s a little bit about this fun new STRATFORD UPON AVONDALE mystery:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cochin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s the Samhain Harvest Festival in Stratford Upon Avondale! A time
for all things magical and mysterious. And maybe a little…murderous. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cochin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When a self-proclaimed psychic comes to town for Samhain, her tarot
card readings become the talk of the village. But when the readings start
coming true is it just luck, or something a bit more supernatural? And how
could she have correctly predicted the murder that shocks the town during the
festivities? Unless she had something to do with it…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: .5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Cochin;">Tea room owner and amateur sleuth, Maggie O’Flynn, finds herself
questioning her lack of belief in the supernatural when the uncle of a friend
is murdered, and the visiting psychic and her niece become mixed-up in the
investigation. Clairvoyance, ghosts, things that go bump in the night—how much
of it is real?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-43397218668334361892016-07-28T11:12:00.001-07:002016-07-28T11:12:57.895-07:00Stepping Out of the Pages...
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A few weeks ago, while greeting
people at my mother-in-law’s memorial service, I experienced a moment when I
felt as if I’d just stepped into a Stephen King novel. Or a Twilight Zone
episode. Whichever it was, I was absolutely unprepared for it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A character from my STRATFORD UPON
AVONDALE mysteries stepped up to me and offered her condolences! </div>
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<br /></div>
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I know my face certainly must have
shown my shock, but the woman handled the situation just as my character would
have done. She graciously pretended my jaw hadn’t dropped, my eyes weren’t
bugging right out of their sockets, and I wasn’t stammering words that didn’t
make any sense.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Ruth Williams. I’d just met one of
my favorite characters from Stratford. When I created this cozy mystery series
I knew I wanted the series to continue through several books, so I made sure I
created characters with which I’d enjoy spending lots of time. Villains aside,
each character is someone I could be friends with. Yes, their personalities run
the usual human gamut, from charming to sassy, to eccentric or quirky. But I
like them. Some more than others, but I feel affection for each and every one. </div>
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<br /></div>
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However, some are in a class by
themselves. Ruth Williams is one of those. As I describe her in book three—in
progress—Ruth is an elegant yet warm and friendly African American woman, with
kind eyes that let a person know she’s always there to listen. In her
mid-sixties, Ruth quickly became a surrogate mother to my protagonist, Maggie
O’Flynn, when Maggie moved into the village. </div>
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And here I was in the vestibule of
the church, making a fool of myself in front of my dear Ruth Williams. Or Mrs.
Johnson, as it happened. Though I immediately recognized Mrs. Johnson as my
Ruth, this was a Ruth twenty years into the future, as the sweet woman standing
before me was in her late eighties. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But she wore a flowered dress right
from Ruth’s closet, a hat that Ruth had just worn in Maggie’s tea room in COME,
BITTER POISON, and pumps with heels I wouldn’t dare try to wear, but Mrs.
Johnson moved so gracefully in those high heels, just as Ruth would have done.
Most importantly, her smile was warm and welcoming and she kindly ignored all of
my apparent stroke symptoms.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Time for a confession. I had a hard
time paying attention during the service. All I could think about was that
somewhere in the pews behind me sat the living embodiment of a person I had
made up! Ruth Williams, as much as I love her, is not real. But there in that
church this lovely woman sat, remembering my mother-in-law.</div>
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<br /></div>
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While chatting with family and
friends during the reception I tried to remember if I’d ever met Mrs. Johnson,
and had somehow brought that image to mind when I was writing Ruth. I asked one
of my husband’s cousins about her and learned that she had been their
grandmother’s next-door neighbor. Wheels started turning in my head—had I met
her years earlier while visiting with my husband’s adorable grandmother? Grandma
Mary died twenty-five years ago. So if I had met Mrs. Johnson, and I was
starting to think I had, she would have been about Ruth William’s age at the
time. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I steeled myself and set out for
the table where Mrs. Johnson sat with our cousins. I gushed, and giggled, and
finally came clean with her. I told her all about how I was a mystery writer
and that she was the living embodiment of one of my favorite characters. I
feared her reaction so much I nearly bumped over someone’s lemonade that sat
near me. Her smile lit up the room! She couldn’t have been more pleased. I went
on to tell her that I might have met her at Grandma Mary’s house and just maybe
my subconscious put her in my books. I told her about all of Ruth’s lovely
qualities and she was tickled pink.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My dear mother-in-law, Dorothy,
never got to read any of my books, and I know she would have enjoyed the
cozies. But I can’t help but wonder if Mrs. Johnson was a little gift from
Dorothy. A seal of approval for my writing. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Because she couldn’t have picked a
better character to bring to life for me.</div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-4704019390239744712016-04-20T18:42:00.000-07:002016-04-20T18:42:47.915-07:00MY RELATIONSHIP WITH SHAKESPEARE—400 YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI398N8uKDWmg4w6uzulO6tjiyHIcOVksiCEg7sNc6uwuNEwAur3B2xwabWwNT7fx-tzP0GfTS03DifwO_ahHE34bGCOv-tzim9_eAayYtnCIRulA8lb7_-DqWN9MPaQ0XQvaj3b4liFR/s1600/468px-Shakespeare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWI398N8uKDWmg4w6uzulO6tjiyHIcOVksiCEg7sNc6uwuNEwAur3B2xwabWwNT7fx-tzP0GfTS03DifwO_ahHE34bGCOv-tzim9_eAayYtnCIRulA8lb7_-DqWN9MPaQ0XQvaj3b4liFR/s320/468px-Shakespeare.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I’ve got a thing going on…with
William Shakespeare.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Yes, I’ve been spending quite a bit
of time with the Bard recently. I’ve always had a special affinity for Will,
but over the past six months it has become a more intimate relationship. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
As in, I’ve been borrowing his
words, his lines, even the superstitions surrounding at least one of his plays.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
And, like people all over the
world, I’m celebrating William Shakespeare this month. This Saturday it will be
400 years since he died—April 23, 1616. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
My love for Shakespeare’s work led
me to set my new cozy mystery series in a fictional American small town
renowned for its Shakespeare Festival. I’m borrowing the Bard’s words for my
titles, and am having a wonderful time weaving Shakespeare’s words and quite a
bit of Bard trivia throughout the books. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
But when I set out to write this
series I had missed the fact that this month, the month the first two books in
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stratford Upon Avondale Mysteries </i>were
released, was also the month the world would be celebrating the 400<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. So, I can’t help but celebrate along with
the world. I mean, I’m taking my titles straight from him, I’m quoting his
sonnets and plays in my books, I owe him a little celebration!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
However, if I’m celebrating the
great writer’s life because I’ve been quoting him left and right, then you,
dear reader, should too. You quote him daily. Have you been feeling a little <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">generous
</i></b>lately? Gone on a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rant</i></b> about something? Taken the kids
out to watch for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shooting stars</i></b>? Are you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fashionable,</i></b> or maybe instead, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">frugal</i></b>?
Ever given into the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">green-eyed</i></b> monster? Tempted to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">elbow</i></b> your way to the
front of the line at Starbucks? Have any <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">misgivings</i></b> about a decision you
made? Written a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">love letter</i></b>? There are hundreds of words and phrases
Shakespeare added to our language. We don’t go a day without borrowing some of
his words.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
As a mystery writer, I’m also borrowing
from some of the curses associated with Will. In the second book in my series, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">COME, BITTER POISON, </i>the famous <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Macbeth</i> curse plays a role. In
researching it and its ‘remedies’, I knew my sleuth, Maggie O’Flynn, would have
to have a little run-in with this curse and its ramifications. Ever since Macbeth’s
opening night on August 7, 1606 when the young actor playing Lady Macbeth died
backstage before the show, the play has been haunted by superstitions and
rumors of curses. To this day, no one is to say the word Macbeth in a theater
except during the performance or rehearsal, otherwise tragedy is supposed to
befall someone associated with the speaker. The play may only be referred to as
‘the Scottish play,’ or ‘the Bard’s play.’ If someone does say Macbeth there
are remedies that must be performed to ward off evil, as Maggie unfortunately
discovers. The fact that the play contains scenes with witches performing
curses and spells most likely led to the superstitions that plague the play to
this day. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Double, double toil and
trouble…</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
There have certainly been no curses
on William Shakespeare’s legacy. What is remarkable is that 400 years after
Shakespeare’s death we are still enamored with the glorious words and turns of
phrase he wrote. His plays are still produced the world over. Students still
study his work. We still speak the words he coined. And a little-known mystery
writer is using the words he wrote to title her books, and to flavor those
books. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
So as we celebrate William
Shakespeare this month, let us raise a toast. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Heaven give you many, many merry days!”</i> (The Merry Wives of
Windsor)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“All the world’s a stage, and all
the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances;
and one man in his time plays many parts…”</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">As You Like It</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-58853878800319145082016-04-06T09:39:00.000-07:002016-04-06T09:39:51.773-07:00It's a Mystery!
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
YES, I’ve been AWOL for a while!!
But there’s been a good reason…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I’ve recently been spending a
significant amount of time in a charming little faux-English village, drinking
tea, discussing Shakespeare, getting to know the inhabitants, and dreaming up
ways those people can kill one another. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
After a lifetime of reading
mysteries I decided it was time to try my hand at writing one. I had a few
requirements, though, going into this adventure. It had to be a series so I
could enjoy building my world and developing characters my readers and I would
care about over time. But more importantly, the books needed to be cozy
mysteries. (Cozy mystery: a mystery subgenre in which the violence takes place
‘off stage’ or is downplayed, and there is little or no sexual content. They
often take place in charming, small communities.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Now, when it comes to reading mysteries,
I read all the subgenres: traditional, cozy, police procedural, psychological
thriller, etc. While I don’t mind <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">reading</i>
the more gory stuff, I know I wouldn’t enjoy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">writing</i> it. Cozies fit the bill perfectly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Once I conceived of the general
premise for the series I spent a delightful afternoon building my world. If I
was going to be spending a lot of time there it had to be a place I’d enjoy. As
an Anglophile, the setting of my series is as English as it can be without
actually being set in England. STRATFORD UPON AVONDALE is nestled into a
bucolic corner of a Western state of the U.S. It’s claim to fame is its
renowned Shakespeare Festival and the über-faux English look of the charming
village. It is in this delightful setting that Maggie O’Flynn, ex-novice nun
turned steamy romance writer tries out her burgeoning amateur sleuth skills.
And she has to do so while running her shop, the Merry Wives Tea Room. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
This project has been so much fun
so far, that I liken it to playing with paper dolls when I try to explain it to
non-writer friends. Books one and two come out in ebook form on Tuesday, April
12<sup>th</sup>. Book three is waiting, rather impatiently, to be written. It’s
been shouting at me a lot, as I’ve been busy on the final touches on one and
two. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Here’s a bit more about the first
two books in the STRATFORD UPON AVONDALE MYSTERY series. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh_M82frH2zaxlw6o_bLg2f4RpErDnfuJC-NxW8tEH0voidCBHOxFphFkataFfltYfJMLVDtChE9Bxp-kdzWI2K1oO8fOjwYs-t7t1uoXGWzKdQLkCguGdQrIvwNqvOpiXlCZ3X4re4Yg/s1600/Alas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh_M82frH2zaxlw6o_bLg2f4RpErDnfuJC-NxW8tEH0voidCBHOxFphFkataFfltYfJMLVDtChE9Bxp-kdzWI2K1oO8fOjwYs-t7t1uoXGWzKdQLkCguGdQrIvwNqvOpiXlCZ3X4re4Yg/s320/Alas.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><b>ALAS, SHE DROWNED</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
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Murder. Betrayal. Duplicity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When ex-novice nun, turned steamy romance writer, Maggie
O’Flynn moves to the charming village of Stratford Upon Avondale to open a tea
room she expects plenty of murders, betrayal, and duplicity. On the stages of
the town’s renowned Shakespeare Festival. But when a theater critic is found
murdered on the town’s riverbank and the prime suspect turns out to be the sexy
bookshop owner Maggie has had her eye on, she takes matters into her own hands.
Will she be able to dig through the layers of betrayal and duplicity to find
the true murderer before that handsome bookseller, Nate Larimer, finds himself
behind bars? With the help of her loud, brash, spitfire of a friend, Gina
Mattucci, Maggie plans to do just that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a bit of Shakespeare, copious amounts of tea, and a faux-English
setting to rival anything the real England has to offer, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ALAS, SHE DROWNED</i></b> is the
first book in THE STRATFORD UPON AVONDALE mystery series. Lovers of cozy
mysteries will find a cozy home in Stratford Upon Avondale. <b>Available April 12th from Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Monica-Knightley/e/B00JKOAGZG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1459960548&sr=8-1" target="_blank"> http://amzn.to/1mnU2Ii</a></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>COME, BITTER POISON </b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sexy film star. Long-held secrets. Murder by poison.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When international stage and film star Miles Elliot comes to
Stratford Upon Avondale to play MacBeth, Maggie O’Flynn is thrilled. He’s been
her actor crush for years. But when Miles ends up at the center of a murder
investigation Maggie finds herself slipping back into the role of amateur
sleuth. Before long many of her friends become suspects in not just one murder,
but two. Maggie must discover who’s poisoning people associated with the
Shakespeare Festival before one of her friends gets slapped with a murder
charge. And she must do so while dodging paparazzi that are stalking her due to
a supposed love affair she’s having with Miles Elliot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With a bit of Shakespeare, copious amounts of tea, and a
faux-English setting to rival anything the real England has to offer, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">COME,
BITTER POISON</i></b> is the second book in THE STRATFORD UPON AVONDALE mystery
series. Though part of a series, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">COME, BITTER POISON </i></b>can be read and
enjoyed as a standalone. Lovers of cozy mysteries will find a cozy home in
Stratford Upon Avondale.</div>
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<b>Available April 12th from Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Monica-Knightley/e/B00JKOAGZG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1459960548&sr=8-1" target="_blank"> http://amzn.to/1mnU2Ii</a></b> </div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-60172715367774467982015-05-05T09:56:00.000-07:002015-05-05T09:56:42.169-07:00OUTLANDER Season 1, Episode 13: The Watch
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iCwTVQrtymOEFDcwQvudJR_FND6kWSCFkW_KlAzigW29zqwVZ4R-KJ-yWp95dcjWMoSAaibvXFF9UXo3HMoFAoz8fNuZ2gBS5ElUcCNG_9LuYulxrFaw8uTVWeS_MwttKzzqrHnwl8LZ/s1600/Outlander--The-Watch_article_story_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iCwTVQrtymOEFDcwQvudJR_FND6kWSCFkW_KlAzigW29zqwVZ4R-KJ-yWp95dcjWMoSAaibvXFF9UXo3HMoFAoz8fNuZ2gBS5ElUcCNG_9LuYulxrFaw8uTVWeS_MwttKzzqrHnwl8LZ/s400/Outlander--The-Watch_article_story_large.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARZ OUTLANDER</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
initial reaction to “The Watch” was ‘meh’. But I’ve changed my mind. All in
all, I think it was actually rather good. In this episode we get to know more
about Jenny and Ian, understand the constant threat of capture that’s been
hanging over Jamie’s head for years, and see Jenny and Claire bonding over
childbirth and worry for their husbands. But most importantly, we see Jamie NOT
come home. That last point sets up the rest of the series. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">By
the way, I read the other day that some of “The Watch” came from a companion
novella Diana Gabaldon wrote, rather than from the book, which would explain
why I don’t remember ever reading some bits. This made the episode feel fresh,
new.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">THINGS I LIKED IN ‘THE
WATCH’:</span></b></div>
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<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jenny</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. She’s quickly becoming a favorite
of mine. And, oh my goodness, that labor lasted for days! I could almost
feel each contraction with her. She’s smart, feisty, courageous, and
witty. In other words, I want her to be my friend! </span></li>
</ol>
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<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The scenes with the Watch</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. I almost put this in the ‘Not
Like” column, but after thinking about it I can better appreciate why we
had to see so much of them. They carried with them such a threat of
violence it was almost palpable. This is what the Highlanders had to put
up with if they wanted any protection against the British. This is what
Jenny, Ian, and Jamie have had to put up with all their lives. And this
could be a mortal danger to Jamie with the price on his head. I swear I
could smell their stench. Kudos to the actors and the make-up and wardrobe
people. </span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARZ OUTLANDER</td></tr>
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<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Labor, Jenny and Claire scenes.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Claire and Jenny are too similar to
ever be BFF’s, but the scenes in this episode showed a growing respect for
one another. I was thankful that Jamie and Ian were sent off with the
Watch so that we could have time watching these two interact and bond.
Also, we got some nice backstory about the Fraser family, especially
Willie. </span></li>
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<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was surprised!</i></b>
Usually I don’t like it when the series writers change things up from the
book, but this time I was happy to be surprised with how Jamie got caught
by the British. I was waiting for that nasty McNab man to turn him over,
and I actually prefer this version.</span></li>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">THE ONE THING I DIDN’T LIKE
ABOUT THE WATCH:</span></b></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jamie and Claire’s last scene
together. </span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
was FINE, but not great. Okay, I admit it, I would have liked some more
melodrama, maybe more melodramatic, tension-filled music. Claire shows
little emotion even though she knows her husband is going off to do a
dangerous task—I would have liked seeing some concern in her eyes. Maybe a
more emotional farewell. If I had never read the book the only clue I
would have had that maybe they wouldn’t see each other for a while was
that it went to slow motion as Jamie stepped away from Claire. Arggh. </span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
finally there’s this. Once again I find myself wondering about the development
of Jamie’s character. I still don’t think the viewing audience has gotten so
much as a glimpse of the Jamie the readers know from the books. Little has been
done to develop the HERO character. The villain has been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">well</i> developed. The heroine has been adequately developed. But I
fear Jamie, AS A HERO has been woefully underdeveloped. There’s a reason why
women readers all over the world are in love with Jamie Fraser. I doubt viewers
who haven’t read the books are feeling that emotion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gird
your loins for the upcoming episodes!</span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slàinte mhath!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-15826165550482182942015-04-27T06:29:00.000-07:002015-04-27T06:29:25.463-07:00OUTLANDER Season 1 Episode 12: Lallybroch
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB8naaAlBxUc4IJ7XIWhVqrlB4zaH34z-jjhOHc0H201aLWhGP7J_pPeLqk4nz7ovqWCaUyYhSVL3i99qBJz-b_bXf4injcocHbe8mRza-AcYVjm6lSsSUuWK4VDAPrOICKdfA4e8iiKF/s1600/jamie-and-claire-at-lallybroch-3-1-outlander-888x456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB8naaAlBxUc4IJ7XIWhVqrlB4zaH34z-jjhOHc0H201aLWhGP7J_pPeLqk4nz7ovqWCaUyYhSVL3i99qBJz-b_bXf4injcocHbe8mRza-AcYVjm6lSsSUuWK4VDAPrOICKdfA4e8iiKF/s1600/jamie-and-claire-at-lallybroch-3-1-outlander-888x456.jpg" height="205" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARZ OUTLANDER</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
much more can we hate Black Jack Randall? Isn’t he the most despicable
character ever? Yes, but we may have only scratched the surface of his evil.
Shudder. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
this episode felt like we had turned the page into a new chapter of a book,
it’s because we have. And because of that transition, this episode felt like we
were reorienting ourselves. Jamie and Claire have arrived at his family home,
Lallybroch. We are introduced not only to this home, but also to the family he
hasn’t seen in years, as he has had a price on his head. And just like with
most any family that has been separated for years, the reunion doesn’t go very
smoothly…at first. We also learn a little about his role as laird and we see
some of his tenants, including the McNab family who will soon become more
important. This was an ‘orientation to Lallybroch’ episode.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">JENNY!!
Jamie’s sister is superbly played by Laura Donnelly. Jenny is just as feisty
and irascible as she is in the book. Jenny and Jamie’s prickly relationship has
been written beautifully for the series. I’m happy all the way around with Jenny
and the occasionally difficult sibling relationship.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ujJxRREKl1_jb7XuvKdPuKJpfiWr7kIo9riYBxLj6CjiP5IVOL3B3bV2DmBTSrkx1dY4p83rXlOlFaZ2vSN4E4U06VlnEJwcE4IJig9qczCcT2y_UpOMb-iw_SYrODljEZ-VrXm9P2PG/s1600/OUT_112-web_Jenny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ujJxRREKl1_jb7XuvKdPuKJpfiWr7kIo9riYBxLj6CjiP5IVOL3B3bV2DmBTSrkx1dY4p83rXlOlFaZ2vSN4E4U06VlnEJwcE4IJig9qczCcT2y_UpOMb-iw_SYrODljEZ-VrXm9P2PG/s1600/OUT_112-web_Jenny.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARZ OUTLANDER</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ian.
I’m not one to whine about a character not looking like they are supposed to as
described in a book, but if I wanted to complain about Ian’s appearance I
could. In the books he is tall and painfully thin. But forgetting that, I like
the character he is, as it is being acted in this episode. Book Ian is a wise
man, calm, kind, and strong. I could see hints of those characteristics in this
episode, and hope to see more of them in the future. Ian is a favorite
character of mine, and I suspect of many a reader, so it is important to get
him right. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lallybroch,
the house. In the books, this house, and its land, is a character as much as a
setting, so I was very anxious to see it—to see if it looked like I saw it in
my mind’s eye. Before I say anything, I should say Diana Gabaldon has addressed
this very topic, and she gives everything her blessing, so it is really not up
to me to say otherwise. But I will. Lallybroch is a house that was supposed to be
built in the 18<sup>th</sup> Century, but this house is obviously a few
centuries older. To the casual viewer that probably doesn’t sound important,
but I think it is, especially as the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">book
series</i> continues. I can’t say more than that without major spoilers, but let’s
just say it should probably have been a more ‘modern’ house. It’s gorgeous
though, and I love the look of it, especially Jamie’s and Claire’s room, and
the tapestries downstairs. Sumptuous. Perhaps a little too sumptuous??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now
back to Randall for a moment. First, we had the horrifying scene of his
attempted rape of Jenny. While all of it was awful, as it should have been, the
part where he’s putting his finger that’s covered with Jamie’s blood into her
mouth was truly stomach-turning. And very well played by both actors. The
tension was palpable. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
then there’s Randall’s role in Brian Fraser’s death. Worse than the scars that
Jamie carries on his back is the scar that will always haunt him—his father’s
death. It’s hard to read about, but it was so much harder to watch. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
was time for some comic relief by the time Jamie went up to the mill to repair
it. Jamie in the icy water, Claire and Jenny acting nonchalant while the
British soldiers stop by, forcing Jamie to stay under water far too long. Played
with a light hand, it was a fun scene, despite the feeling that there was some
dark foreshadowing going on. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We’ve
turned the page, and we have a wild ride ahead of us.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slàinte mhath!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-2499874671634490952015-04-20T17:46:00.001-07:002015-04-20T17:46:25.243-07:00OUTLANDER: Season 1, Episode 11 The Devil's Mark<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGyouiEZ9o4GA7-hBU88fEE2OVxpUT2vEy0WP-1ByfHQw66qoaBB0aJniUqDH4-4DgVR7_-MUgMQmL_h2sSg-bl6jj4QvcQWriO7GCnSVrrmKdG60LrqsGqSOJxPB1pP0v0Q0s08-4H5_/s1600/Oulander-Season-1-Episode-11-The-Devils-Mark-Television-Review-Tom-Lorenzo-Site-TLO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGyouiEZ9o4GA7-hBU88fEE2OVxpUT2vEy0WP-1ByfHQw66qoaBB0aJniUqDH4-4DgVR7_-MUgMQmL_h2sSg-bl6jj4QvcQWriO7GCnSVrrmKdG60LrqsGqSOJxPB1pP0v0Q0s08-4H5_/s1600/Oulander-Season-1-Episode-11-The-Devils-Mark-Television-Review-Tom-Lorenzo-Site-TLO.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARZ OUTLANDER</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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[This post comes with all the usual
Spoiler Alerts—proceed with caution if you haven’t seen this episode.]</div>
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If you can get through some
tiresome courtroom scenes, this episode holds many little, special gems and
some big emotional moments. This is an episode some of us <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Outlander</i> readers have been waiting for—for a couple of reasons:</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TWO BIG REVELATIONS </b>and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ONE
GIGANTIC TURNING POINT IN THE STORY</b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. First Revelation: </b>Geillis isn’t a witch, she is a time traveler.
</div>
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The episode opens with Claire and
Geillis in the Thieves’ Hole, a lovely little place with wet, slimy walls,
rats, and hard jagged rocks to rest upon. Their time in the Hole becomes a
bonding opportunity for the falsely accused women. I don’t remember that being
quite the case in the book, nor do I remember Geillis being so kind and
compassionate. Ever. In any scene. Though she obviously isn’t a witch, she kind
of is…in that she has a streak of evil in her. Other than confessing to
murdering her husband, she comes across as a lovely person. NO!!</div>
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Throughout their time in the hole,
Geillis is trying to get Claire to admit to something that Geillis has
suspected pretty much since they first met. When Claire, horrified at their
prospects, quotes Nathan Hale’s “I only regret I have but one life to lose for
my country,” which was said in 1776, Geillis needs no further proof. She knows
what Claire is. But I don’t think the audience knew what Geillis was
thinking—not the ones who hadn’t read the book, anyway. It was played coolly
and ambiguously by Lotte Verbeek. </div>
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Though I quickly tired of the trial
scenes, I loved Ned Gowan, and cheered when he made his way into the courtroom.
Yay, Ned! He tries valiantly, but with a crowd hungry for a witch burning,
there is little he can do. In the end the best he can come up with is for
Claire to blame Geillis for everything. When the two women are alone, Geillis,
knowing her time is short, asks Claire, “WHY are you here?” meaning HERE in
Scotland, HERE in this time. Claire, being a little thicker than usual, hasn’t fully
caught on to Geillis’ implied meaning, and tells her it was an accident, that
she doesn’t think it is possible for her to get back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you were unfamiliar with this story and
hadn’t caught on to the fact that Geillis was also a time traveler, you
probably did right about now. Geillis, frustrated and despondent, says, “You
don’t want to change things. It was all for nothing.” We found out in the hole
that Geillis is a Jacobite—she is in that time because she wants to change the
political outcome. That someone just landed there by accident is a sad waste in
her mind. </div>
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Claire refuses to blame Geillis—all
that bonding and everything. Just before Claire gets a pre-burning flogging,
Geillis tells Claire, “I think it IS possible.” Claire looks confused, then
Geillis says, “1968.” Again Claire isn’t as quick on the uptake as she normally
is, and still this means nothing to her. Fortunately Jamie arrives in the nick
of time to rescue Claire from the burning. Geillis very bravely chooses this
opportunity to take the blame, pronounce that she is carrying Satan’s spawn,
and clear the way for Claire to get to leave. As she makes the ludicrous
statements, she shows her “Devil’s Mark” which Claire recognizes as a small pox
vaccine scar. FINALLY Claire realizes that Geillis is a time traveler as she
puts together the vaccine with the ‘1968’. She knows Geillis traveled from
1968. And now the audience does too.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. Second Revelation: </b>Claire reveals to Jamie that she is from the
future.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This scene is one of my very favorite
from all of the books in this series. And for the most part I was pleased with
how it was brought to life. </div>
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<br /></div>
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After rescuing Claire and tending
to her injuries from the flogging, Jamie asks her to tell him the truth: is she
a witch? He asks because he has seen the mark on Claire’s arm, the same kind
that Geillis said was the Devil’s Mark. She explains that she isn’t, but that
after he hears what she has to say he may wonder about that. She tells him what
the mark is, how she can never catch small pox because of it, that she knew
about Randall and when he will die, about the doomed Jacobite cause, etc. “I am
from the future…I was born in 1918.” Jamie looks a little stunned. He tells her
he believes her because he trusts her, but that he does not yet understand what
she’s said. She goes on to tell him everything—about how she was a combat nurse
and the war all the way to how she came through the stones. Jamie is nicely
devastated about his actions after she tried to run away, now that he knows WHY
she did it. Loving, tender moments ensue.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77yh16OhQubv9Jnjm9tCJy_5O18lCHIXKmqXiUlrIRlBqCkwR4VY1PsLL3jFACJtDka0idJ7TlqKCzAw9xzVHaRH2m0-ayRfyZKwc5y6P8ieWA8su_CLkYnoWfACjV2GOIZ4ptbw97Os1/s1600/outlander-devils-mark-jamie-claire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77yh16OhQubv9Jnjm9tCJy_5O18lCHIXKmqXiUlrIRlBqCkwR4VY1PsLL3jFACJtDka0idJ7TlqKCzAw9xzVHaRH2m0-ayRfyZKwc5y6P8ieWA8su_CLkYnoWfACjV2GOIZ4ptbw97Os1/s1600/outlander-devils-mark-jamie-claire.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>STARZ OUTLANDER</b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. One gigantic turning point in the story: </b>Claire makes a choice.</div>
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<br /></div>
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After Claire’s revelations, she and
Jamie travel for several days to get far from the witch hunters. Throughout
this time he tells her all about his home, Lallybroch. She’s a little
ambivalent about settling there. When they finally, after days of travel, reach
a crest of a hill, Jamie asks her if she’s ready to go home. Still ambivalent
about Lallybroch, she looks over the hill and sees the stone circle. Jamie’s
brought her to the place that will allow her to go home, to her time, to her
husband. Their farewell is heartbreaking, there are tears, maybe mine too, and
Jamie tells her he will stay nearby until he knows she’s safe. </div>
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We see her approach the stone, and
then we hear the noise that means she’s traveled, or maybe it’s the noise that
means the episode is over, and the screen goes black. What a horrible place for
it to end! But NO! There’s more. Jamie is asleep next to a campfire. It is now
night. Claire is there. She wakes him. She tells him to “Take me home to
Lallybroch.” Yeah, I was crying now.</div>
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CLAIRE HAS MADE A CHOICE! She had
two choices: Frank and the 20<sup>th</sup> century, or Jamie and the 18<sup>th</sup>
century. We have always known she loved Frank, all we heard about for MANY
episodes was how much she wanted to get back to the stones and Frank. But she
has a greater love now, and she can’t bring herself to leave him. Jamie.
TURNING POINT—Claire has turned her back on her 20<sup>th</sup> century life,
and has decided to embrace her 18<sup>th</sup> century life. This is a game
changer, and it makes the rest of the story possible.</div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slàinte mhath!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-79650557591983846632015-04-16T03:00:00.000-07:002015-04-16T03:00:03.348-07:00COUNTDOWN CONTEST TO MISS AUSTEN'S VAMPIRE: Day 4<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVyZaOxJ0ulmZYJrgyOPRQKmPIbrD1g4dW7qD-1ZjtMpQ0VctjdlWC3LJFvTiLyWOG2-9UWNd7HGJSMxiSpyYLa0kt1R_-m0hWikcu9gywemUbwzLGXu6sDpdA5DnATWTsDIprilEU5IK/s1600/MissAustensVampire400.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVyZaOxJ0ulmZYJrgyOPRQKmPIbrD1g4dW7qD-1ZjtMpQ0VctjdlWC3LJFvTiLyWOG2-9UWNd7HGJSMxiSpyYLa0kt1R_-m0hWikcu9gywemUbwzLGXu6sDpdA5DnATWTsDIprilEU5IK/s1600/MissAustensVampire400.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOW AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
WELCOME to my contest to celebrate
the release of <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss Austen’s Vampire</i></b>,
the standalone prequel novella to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Vampire’s Passion</i>!! THE BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON!! <b>Enter for a chance to win $20 Amazon Gift Card or beautiful set of Jane Austen Note Cards!! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b> </b>Each day from April 13th to April 16th, I will post a quote from one of Jane Austen’s novels. I
chose these particular quotes because each one happens to be something one of
my characters, Jane Austen or Gabriel Augustine, might say. You just
have to correctly identify which book I took that quote from. All of the
how-tos and rules can be found below. Good luck, and have fun playing! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><b>***DAILY QUOTE: </b></i>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“To love is to burn, to be on fire.” </span></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>MISS AUSTEN'S VAMPIRE:</i></b></span><b><i> </i></b></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><i>
</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When Jane
Austen meets the handsome, intriguing Gabriel Augustine, she finds herself
falling in love with this magnificent man even she could not have invented.
Gabriel is entranced by the clever, celebrated author, but harbors a secret—one
that could end the love affair just as it is beginning. As a newly turned
vampire Gabriel finds himself struggling with new untamed appetites—appetites
he knows could kill Jane, the only woman he has ever loved. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This
standalone prequel to THE VAMPIRE’S PASSION gives Jane Austen a romantic,
passionate last two years of her life—passion that real life never gave her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Contest Rules:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Identify the Austen book that the
Daily Quote has been taken from. Write your answer in the Comments section. You
may leave one comment each day of the contest; in fact doing so will increase
your chances of winning! On April 17th</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> , I will randomly draw 2
winners, taken from all of the correct answers. One winner will be awarded a
$20 Amazon Gift Card, and the second will receive a beautiful set of Jane
Austen/Pride and Prejudice Note Cards. Winners will be posted here on Friday, April 17th <sup></sup>, and I will also Tweet it: @monicaknightley</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_8PIEpcayf-Vl4odojqWLLoTnGksk2jLwm0rg7HFkdoyaGKI7ONhk7-cMZQ3RoI0qNVyUkGyL7TItdoTFWQx78WzwmAdqb8GvqDRwRncF0O27VytG0zGbdZjD9oYCfRbqgmsx8e-lRXm/s1600/Amazon-Gift-Card-GEN85358.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_8PIEpcayf-Vl4odojqWLLoTnGksk2jLwm0rg7HFkdoyaGKI7ONhk7-cMZQ3RoI0qNVyUkGyL7TItdoTFWQx78WzwmAdqb8GvqDRwRncF0O27VytG0zGbdZjD9oYCfRbqgmsx8e-lRXm/s1600/Amazon-Gift-Card-GEN85358.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnt89dxtEYo6afrTskwBj0aLZ7g_gozNopnecwCcPlZAM5oM3VDHYXIPXNCuh7zni4N4uFnfoSAyJJb9KmRpUmHi-d4Zt30rZbgEmYJjEE7LCRj5hKBOW5iOkOFX4w_7Szoas-fHKLU9r/s1600/index.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnt89dxtEYo6afrTskwBj0aLZ7g_gozNopnecwCcPlZAM5oM3VDHYXIPXNCuh7zni4N4uFnfoSAyJJb9KmRpUmHi-d4Zt30rZbgEmYJjEE7LCRj5hKBOW5iOkOFX4w_7Szoas-fHKLU9r/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><b>ENTER TO WIN $20 AMAZON GIFT CARD OR A BEAUTIFUL SET OF JANE AUSTEN NOTE CARDS!!</b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-40563908474986762132015-04-15T03:00:00.000-07:002015-04-15T06:48:51.870-07:00COUNTDOWN CONTEST TO MISS AUSTEN'S VAMPIRE: Day 3 RELEASE DAY!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B00VD946CU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVyZaOxJ0ulmZYJrgyOPRQKmPIbrD1g4dW7qD-1ZjtMpQ0VctjdlWC3LJFvTiLyWOG2-9UWNd7HGJSMxiSpyYLa0kt1R_-m0hWikcu9gywemUbwzLGXu6sDpdA5DnATWTsDIprilEU5IK/s1600/MissAustensVampire400.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B00VD946CU" target="_blank">NOW AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
WELCOME to my contest to celebrate
the release of <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss Austen’s Vampire</i></b>,
the standalone prequel novella to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Vampire’s Passion</i>!! RELEASE DAY IS TODAY!! <b>Enter for a chance to win $20 Amazon Gift Card or beautiful set of Jane Austen Note Cards!! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b> </b>Each day from April 13th to April 16th, I will post a quote from one of Jane Austen’s novels. I
chose these particular quotes because each one happens to be something one of
my characters, Jane Austen or Gabriel Augustine, might say. You just
have to correctly identify which book I took that quote from. All of the
how-tos and rules can be found below. Good luck, and have fun playing! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><b>***DAILY QUOTE: </b></i>
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve.” </span></span></b><style>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>MISS AUSTEN'S VAMPIRE:</i></b></span><b><i> </i></b></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><i>
</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When Jane
Austen meets the handsome, intriguing Gabriel Augustine, she finds herself
falling in love with this magnificent man even she could not have invented.
Gabriel is entranced by the clever, celebrated author, but harbors a secret—one
that could end the love affair just as it is beginning. As a newly turned
vampire Gabriel finds himself struggling with new untamed appetites—appetites
he knows could kill Jane, the only woman he has ever loved. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This
standalone prequel to THE VAMPIRE’S PASSION gives Jane Austen a romantic,
passionate last two years of her life—passion that real life never gave her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Contest Rules:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Identify the Austen book that the
Daily Quote has been taken from. Write your answer in the Comments section. You
may leave one comment each day of the contest; in fact doing so will increase
your chances of winning! On April 17th , I will randomly draw 2
winners, taken from all of the correct answers. One winner will be awarded a
$20 Amazon Gift Card, and the second will receive a beautiful set of Jane
Austen/Pride and Prejudice Note Cards. Winners will be posted here on Friday, April 17th, <sup></sup> and I will also Tweet it: @monicaknightley</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_8PIEpcayf-Vl4odojqWLLoTnGksk2jLwm0rg7HFkdoyaGKI7ONhk7-cMZQ3RoI0qNVyUkGyL7TItdoTFWQx78WzwmAdqb8GvqDRwRncF0O27VytG0zGbdZjD9oYCfRbqgmsx8e-lRXm/s1600/Amazon-Gift-Card-GEN85358.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_8PIEpcayf-Vl4odojqWLLoTnGksk2jLwm0rg7HFkdoyaGKI7ONhk7-cMZQ3RoI0qNVyUkGyL7TItdoTFWQx78WzwmAdqb8GvqDRwRncF0O27VytG0zGbdZjD9oYCfRbqgmsx8e-lRXm/s1600/Amazon-Gift-Card-GEN85358.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnt89dxtEYo6afrTskwBj0aLZ7g_gozNopnecwCcPlZAM5oM3VDHYXIPXNCuh7zni4N4uFnfoSAyJJb9KmRpUmHi-d4Zt30rZbgEmYJjEE7LCRj5hKBOW5iOkOFX4w_7Szoas-fHKLU9r/s1600/index.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnt89dxtEYo6afrTskwBj0aLZ7g_gozNopnecwCcPlZAM5oM3VDHYXIPXNCuh7zni4N4uFnfoSAyJJb9KmRpUmHi-d4Zt30rZbgEmYJjEE7LCRj5hKBOW5iOkOFX4w_7Szoas-fHKLU9r/s1600/index.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><b>ENTER TO WIN $20 AMAZON GIFT CARD OR A BEAUTIFUL SET OF JANE AUSTEN NOTE CARDS!!</b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-50079776082575623102015-04-14T03:00:00.000-07:002015-04-14T03:00:07.814-07:00COUNTDOWN CONTEST TO MISS AUSTEN'S VAMPIRE: Day 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B00VD946CU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVyZaOxJ0ulmZYJrgyOPRQKmPIbrD1g4dW7qD-1ZjtMpQ0VctjdlWC3LJFvTiLyWOG2-9UWNd7HGJSMxiSpyYLa0kt1R_-m0hWikcu9gywemUbwzLGXu6sDpdA5DnATWTsDIprilEU5IK/s1600/MissAustensVampire400.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B00VD946CU" target="_blank">AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER FROM AMAZON </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
WELCOME to my contest to celebrate
the release of <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss Austen’s Vampire</i></b>,
the standalone prequel novella to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Vampire’s Passion</i>!! RELEASE DAY IS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15th!! <b>Enter for a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card or a beautiful set of Jane Austen Note Cards!! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b> </b>Each day from April 13th to April 16th, I will post a quote from one of Jane Austen’s novels. I
chose these particular quotes because each one happens to be something one of
my characters, Jane Austen or Gabriel Augustine, might say. You just
have to correctly identify which book I took that quote from. All of the
how-tos and rules can be found below. Good luck, and have fun playing! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<i><b>***DAILY QUOTE: </b></i>
<style>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has
not pleasure in a good novel must be intolerably stupid.”</span></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>MISS AUSTEN'S VAMPIRE:</i></b></span><b><i> </i></b></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b><i>
</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When Jane
Austen meets the handsome, intriguing Gabriel Augustine, she finds herself
falling in love with this magnificent man even she could not have invented.
Gabriel is entranced by the clever, celebrated author, but harbors a secret—one
that could end the love affair just as it is beginning. As a newly turned
vampire Gabriel finds himself struggling with new untamed appetites—appetites
he knows could kill Jane, the only woman he has ever loved. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This
standalone prequel to THE VAMPIRE’S PASSION gives Jane Austen a romantic,
passionate last two years of her life—passion that real life never gave her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Contest Rules:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Identify the Austen book that the
Daily Quote has been taken from. Write your answer in the Comments section. You
may leave one comment each day of the contest; in fact doing so will increase
your chances of winning! On April 17th, I will randomly draw 2
winners, taken from all of the correct answers. One winner will be awarded a
$20 Amazon Gift Card, and the second will receive a beautiful set of Jane
Austen/Pride and Prejudice Note Cards. Winners will be posted here on April 17th, and I will also Tweet it: @monicaknightley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><b>ENTER TO WIN $20 AMAZON GIFT CARD OR A BEAUTIFUL SET OF JANE AUSTEN NOTE CARDS!!</b></span></span></div>
<br />
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Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-91169587427388451212015-04-13T03:00:00.000-07:002015-04-13T03:00:00.085-07:00COUNTDOWN CONTEST to MISS AUSTEN'S VAMPIRE: DAY 1<style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B00VD946CU" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVyZaOxJ0ulmZYJrgyOPRQKmPIbrD1g4dW7qD-1ZjtMpQ0VctjdlWC3LJFvTiLyWOG2-9UWNd7HGJSMxiSpyYLa0kt1R_-m0hWikcu9gywemUbwzLGXu6sDpdA5DnATWTsDIprilEU5IK/s1600/MissAustensVampire400.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.com/B00VD946CU" target="_blank">AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER FROM AMAZON </a></td></tr>
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WELCOME to my contest to celebrate
the release of <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss Austen’s Vampire</i></b>,
the standalone prequel novella to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Vampire’s Passion</i>!! RELEASE DAY IS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15th!! <b>Enter for a chance to win $20 Amazon Gift Card or beautiful set of Jane Austen Note Cards!! </b></div>
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<b> </b>Each day from April 13th through <sup></sup>April 16th I will post a quote from one of Jane Austen’s novels. I
chose these particular quotes because each one happens to be something one of
my characters, Jane Austen or Gabriel Augustine, might say. You just
have to correctly identify which book I took that quote from. All of the
how-tos and rules can be found below. Good luck, and have fun playing! </div>
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<i><b>***DAILY QUOTE: </b></i>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“I suppose there may be a hundred different ways
of being in love.”</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>MISS AUSTEN'S VAMPIRE:</i></b></span><b><i> </i></b><br /><b><i></i></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When Jane
Austen meets the handsome, intriguing Gabriel Augustine, she finds herself
falling in love with this magnificent man even she could not have invented.
Gabriel is entranced by the clever, celebrated author, but harbors a secret—one
that could end the love affair just as it is beginning. As a newly turned
vampire Gabriel finds himself struggling with new untamed appetites—appetites
he knows could kill Jane, the only woman he has ever loved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This
standalone prequel to THE VAMPIRE’S PASSION gives Jane Austen a romantic,
passionate last two years of her life—passion that real life never gave her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Contest Rules:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Identify the Austen book that the
Daily Quote has been taken from. Write your answer in the Comments section. You
may leave one comment each day of the contest; in fact doing so will increase
your chances of winning! On Friday, April 17th, I will randomly draw 2
winners, taken from all of the correct answers. One winner will be awarded a
$20 Amazon Gift Card, and the second will receive a beautiful set of Jane
Austen/Pride and Prejudice Note Cards. Winners will be posted here on April 17th <sup></sup>, and I will also Tweet it: @monicaknightley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><b>ENTER TO WIN $20 AMAZON GIFT CARD OR A BEAUTIFUL SET OF JANE AUSTEN NOTE CARDS!!</b></span></span></div>
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Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-23592021758503084422015-04-12T16:22:00.002-07:002015-04-12T16:22:44.624-07:00OUTLANDER: Season 1 Episode 10: By the Pricking of My Thumbs
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJJLr07NQEW6mTM5iLBs8EWoOnerBjYskb5aTLAmztbEDUUWUhZnc0iNWLTyaPHjLoUfd4KqNVQ1Wl8FqXZ3GBNOXZkdKWYvWvMtuyBDkJ682yWoeOGr3ZX-Im5THPcqmzHW75iOn0uhN/s1600/Outlander1B-Press-Kit-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJJLr07NQEW6mTM5iLBs8EWoOnerBjYskb5aTLAmztbEDUUWUhZnc0iNWLTyaPHjLoUfd4KqNVQ1Wl8FqXZ3GBNOXZkdKWYvWvMtuyBDkJ682yWoeOGr3ZX-Im5THPcqmzHW75iOn0uhN/s1600/Outlander1B-Press-Kit-13.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARZ TV</td></tr>
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I think it’s safe to say that in
this second half of the first season, Outlander has hit its stride. For this
viewer/reader this episode has everything you could want: sex, intrigue, sword
fights, duels, anger, murder, betrayal, lust, longing, and forgiveness. Pretty
much everything in a storyteller’s bag of tricks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Warning: this review is full of spoilers, so
proceed at your own risk if you haven’t watched this episode yet.</div>
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In the opening scene Jamie gets his
first hint—if he were paying attention—that Claire possesses knowledge that she
cannot account for, when she tells him damning information about the Duke of
Sandringham. He simply accepts her “trust me, but I can’t tell you how I know,”
and doesn’t question her. Of course the knowledge helps Jamie prepare to ask
for the Duke’s help in getting Randall’s charges against him dropped. But,
there is a quid pro quo that the Duke asks for—one that will get Jamie in
trouble with his uncle, Colum. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Meanwhile, we learn a lot more
about Geillis Duncan in this episode. First, she is pregnant with Dougal
MacKenzie’s baby. Second, she can murder a husband without batting an eye.
Third, Jamie is smart enough to know that Claire should stay away from Geillis,
that she’s dangerous, but Claire is lured to Geillis’ side by a junior high
type prank. Lotte Verbeek is doing a wonderful job bringing the evil but
fascinating Geillis to life. I look forward to watching her in coming
episodes—and seasons.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
But this episode belongs to Simon
Callow who was nothing less than fabulous as the Duke of Sandringham! I love
Callow in everything I’ve ever seen in him, so I knew he would do a great job
as the Duke, but he truly brought the character to life. He was perfect. And so
much fun to watch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Simon Callow and his Duke have to
share the honors in this episode with Graham McTavish and his Dougal, however.
The scene where Dougal is reacting to the news that his wife—who has been
sequestered away at their home far from Leoch—has died was stunning. “She
deserved better than me.” I think I was actually mesmerized as he came apart. It
was so very physical and heartwrenching. Bravo Mr. McTavish!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMkEAczijikTRU1b5qRCV9p1cm4rNRkYoSTYxmc6NDwSyGsHXy63hDJHbtriY2dZbywredGaMdUat2nGFlIbZCSBbV-7hqCSuiTjmVoTh-jMy5Ra8M6EISTbvAp7Jk-yl04gNdKh-tV9b/s1600/Outlander-By-The-Pricking-Of-My-Thumbs-Season-1-Episode-10-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMkEAczijikTRU1b5qRCV9p1cm4rNRkYoSTYxmc6NDwSyGsHXy63hDJHbtriY2dZbywredGaMdUat2nGFlIbZCSBbV-7hqCSuiTjmVoTh-jMy5Ra8M6EISTbvAp7Jk-yl04gNdKh-tV9b/s1600/Outlander-By-The-Pricking-Of-My-Thumbs-Season-1-Episode-10-03.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARZ TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Shortly after being so utterly
heartbroken, he smiles a wry little smile at Geillis as he watches her husband
die on the floor of the great hall in Castle Leoch during a celebration for the
Duke. Later, Colum calls him on it and Dougal proclaims his love for Geillis,
which gets him banished when Colum sends him to his own home. Angry at Jamie
for his part in a duel against an enemy clan, Colum sends him along with
Dougal. Claire’s and Jamie’s parting was sweet and sad as once again their love
is becoming more and more evident. And of course that parting opens the way
for…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQL4z5zqg-evSKqOv8g8ok30ujs_WDb_05VO0HbVy4EuARejZGl-inFDxBxcxFephvW_wvGcHHNsXEtAbwtGNZzrwcUpLc4RZ5eoYuBDPcddZhWuQEzIunj9i-nH5_WfL5fk_IwUCoCLL/s1600/3125fe7e0fe743d0c3fc21893db0d984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQL4z5zqg-evSKqOv8g8ok30ujs_WDb_05VO0HbVy4EuARejZGl-inFDxBxcxFephvW_wvGcHHNsXEtAbwtGNZzrwcUpLc4RZ5eoYuBDPcddZhWuQEzIunj9i-nH5_WfL5fk_IwUCoCLL/s1600/3125fe7e0fe743d0c3fc21893db0d984.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARZ TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Geillis and Claire getting arrested
for witchcraft. If only Claire had listened to Jamie and stayed away. If only
Laoghaire hadn’t hated Claire so much that she tricked her into rushing to
Geillis. If only…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That arrest sets up
the next episode or two and paves the way for much of what is to come. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode.
I have nothing to rant about. I learned today that I love watching a good sword
fight—even ones where there is no opponent. (Dougal) I also know that there
will be plenty of opportunities for more sword fighting scenes in this series. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
The next episode promises to be
very revealing. It’s one of those parts of the book that I loved and hated in
equal measures. I’m excited to see it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slàinte mhath!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-79506506315391235172015-04-07T09:53:00.000-07:002015-04-07T11:14:29.721-07:00OUTLANDER Season 1 Episode 9: THE RECKONING<style>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kH7Owxo6HM7c0naIDUE3tLY7X2nf7p0otzZpn2hQt6Fg1aPiAgs3HGt8XQl0aw_MbFlwRZdH3XdoSzfbyTXnZTbSMMr3pfsidrmfF4YwtghI8QsfXNYaECb4iiVWH2Jee2znKfpmUTt4/s1600/MV5BMTcwMjA0NTUwMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODA4MzY3MzE@._V1_SY317_CR130,0,214,317_AL_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kH7Owxo6HM7c0naIDUE3tLY7X2nf7p0otzZpn2hQt6Fg1aPiAgs3HGt8XQl0aw_MbFlwRZdH3XdoSzfbyTXnZTbSMMr3pfsidrmfF4YwtghI8QsfXNYaECb4iiVWH2Jee2znKfpmUTt4/s1600/MV5BMTcwMjA0NTUwMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODA4MzY3MzE@._V1_SY317_CR130,0,214,317_AL_.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARZ TV</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">OUTLANDER is back!!
And that was a LONG wait, but oh, so worth it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
think I’d like, first, to address the elephant in the room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">While
I’ve been excited for months to see this particular episode, I’ve also been nervous
about it. I knew that even if it were handled as sensitively as possible, the
scene where Jamie ‘disciplines’ Claire for putting the group in mortal danger
would upset many viewers. It certainly has upset many readers over the years,
and I’ve had more than one discussion with other Outlander readers about that
scene. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
my opinion the scene was handled very well. It is a difficult scene whether
you’re reading it, or watching it. I’ve read this book multiple times and knew
exactly what to expect but it didn’t make the apprehension any less. But what
occurs is true to the historical times in which the story is set, and while our
Twenty-First sensibilities and (rightfully held) beliefs make us want to yell
at the TV or the book, it doesn’t change that this behavior is historically
accurate. Claire put everyone in danger when she wandered off, thus allowing
herself to be captured by the English soldiers. For Diana Gabaldon to have
handled it any differently would have been an anachronism. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_eDlfmTsYgacqynEc-hHhKTCzkKc1bTZ5o0OibCXXhWlwz2G8jsxM-2L3rQZaTNu0ABUhziQ5JBdNB_67E5jmjtGRkAqYebd_B4oZfXBYFPigzwHoc3I8A5s_k2d6pkJ-xWEUoCoPo2h/s1600/109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_eDlfmTsYgacqynEc-hHhKTCzkKc1bTZ5o0OibCXXhWlwz2G8jsxM-2L3rQZaTNu0ABUhziQ5JBdNB_67E5jmjtGRkAqYebd_B4oZfXBYFPigzwHoc3I8A5s_k2d6pkJ-xWEUoCoPo2h/s1600/109.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARZ TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Having
said that, and more on it will be addressed in a moment, the rescue was fun to
watch. Black Jack was dripping with evil. He asked Jamie how his “handiwork is
looking,” referring of course to the horrendous scarring on Jamie’s back.
Jamie’s simple answer, “Fine,” was perfect, as he refused to play into his hands.
As Randall is poised to rape Claire, he says to her, “We have an audience,”
then asks Jamie if he’d like to join them. Jamie doesn’t respond to these
taunts as he manipulates the situation so that he can get Claire out of there.
While this scene is in itself a great plot point, it also shows more of the
evil that is Jonathan Randall. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once
Jamie and his merry men have rescued Claire from the clutches of the evil man,
we see the vicious argument between Jamie and Claire, the one that leads us to
the later spanking. After each hurls at the other every nasty word possible,
there is a moment of clarity and we can see the intense pain in their faces.
Neither can believe the words that were thrown at one another. They both
tearfully apologize and forgive one another. <span style="font-size: large;">It is at this point that I think
their growing love for one another is revealed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Poor
Claire. At the tavern everyone talks right over her, no one listens to her
words of gratitude for her rescue. She will be invisible until Jamie metes out
the expected punishment. <span style="font-size: large;">"She doesn’t understand what she may have cost
us,”</span> Murtagh tells Jamie, who agrees and answers, “Aye and she needs to.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrElSZOZZ5x0KFMvURv93LKTW5whRT-Kz3P_cLV47gGxm1Ef5co4Vd0M_y6h-aEKyBtfCfATcPZ17ESFGjtC3zElVS0NbvuJFOKZkiRMX0GLM9bPOnpYOGBnphs6cyG-Ofr0orsRegvgkU/s1600/OUT_109-20140301-EM_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrElSZOZZ5x0KFMvURv93LKTW5whRT-Kz3P_cLV47gGxm1Ef5co4Vd0M_y6h-aEKyBtfCfATcPZ17ESFGjtC3zElVS0NbvuJFOKZkiRMX0GLM9bPOnpYOGBnphs6cyG-Ofr0orsRegvgkU/s1600/OUT_109-20140301-EM_0003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STARZ TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Before
Jamie does what he feels he must do he tells Claire, “Your actions put all the
men in jeopardy.”</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">No one more than Jamie, who is in much
greater danger from Randall now that he knows where he is. Then, “If a man
among us had put the rest of us in danger as you did they likely would have...
been flogged, if not killed outright.” But as his wife, it is his duty to mete
out the punishment. There’s that uncomfortable bit of historical accuracy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">An
icy fall-out follows the punishment, with Jamie spending some nights on the
floor. But after he brokers a peace between Colum and Dougal, following Colum’s
anger about the men raising money for the Jacobites, Jamie takes their example
back to his marriage. In a beautiful scene he tells Claire that just because
something has always been done a certain way, eg. husband disciplining wife, it
doesn’t mean it always must be that way. He gets down on his knees and pledges
his fealty to her, and in a heart wrenching moment she reaches out to him,
laying her hand on his heart, and forgives him. The looks on their faces right
here!! Many viewers say it was lust, but the way they looked at one another
wasn’t lust, it was love. <span style="font-size: large;">It takes a strong love to be able to forgive what
happened</span>, and here we have the first signs of a profound love that carries
through eight (and counting) books. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">BUT,
it is at this point in the book, and TV series, that in many ways Claire truly
becomes one of them. Each time I read the book, it isn’t until the after all of
this and their reuniting that I feel Claire really feels connected to Jamie and
loyal to not only him but the people of the place and time. It’s definitely a
turning point. A huge one.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jamie
and Claire will need that strong love to get them through all that still awaits
them. This second half of the season promises to be quite a ride.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
week’s rant: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That scene by the river
with </span><span class="st"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Laoghaire</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> isn’t in the book, and I wasn’t pleased
by its addition. To show Jamie as tempted by her at this stage of his marriage
is wrong, because he wouldn’t have been tempted. The look of lust and wanting
on his face isn’t in line with his character nor where his character is by this
time in the story. He is in love with Claire and committed to her. I wish they
hadn’t felt the need to add this new scene. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slàinte mhath!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-82128046600080378462015-02-09T07:51:00.000-08:002015-02-09T07:51:44.127-08:00COVER REVEAL TIME!!
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
COVER REVEAL time! And BLURB time! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m
very excited to share with you the beautiful cover for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss Austen’s Vampire</i></b>. My
publisher, Soul Mate Publishing, has scheduled the prequel novella to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Vampire’s Passion</i> to be released in
April. This book has two of my favorite things: Jane Austen, and the smexy
vampire Gabriel Augustine!! Swoon. So, without further ado, the cover and the blurb!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2TDa22msYoQw04syTua76FVQwLJtCerRMTmrTKOsK9Su7RXYxcP4yKLNnVOn6YqHgrDcZ-KAgRlRMWArxl0h3KQqCmIKzWovaGRaXhyphenhyphenu3QkkaWp9FE0d8h3haxbM-tnLEfVPJUQ0nSeI/s1600/MissAustensVampire600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2TDa22msYoQw04syTua76FVQwLJtCerRMTmrTKOsK9Su7RXYxcP4yKLNnVOn6YqHgrDcZ-KAgRlRMWArxl0h3KQqCmIKzWovaGRaXhyphenhyphenu3QkkaWp9FE0d8h3haxbM-tnLEfVPJUQ0nSeI/s1600/MissAustensVampire600.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
Jane Austen meets the handsome, intriguing Gabriel Augustine, she finds herself
falling in love with this magnificent man even she could not have invented.
Gabriel is entranced by the clever, celebrated author, but harbors a secret—one
that could end the love affair just as it is beginning. As a newly turned
vampire Gabriel finds himself struggling with new untamed appetites—appetites
he knows could kill Jane, the only woman he has ever loved. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
standalone prequel to THE VAMPIRE’S PASSION gives Jane Austen a romantic,
passionate last two years of her life—passion that real life never gave her. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ll
keep you updated as Release Day approaches—in the meantime I have some happy
dances to enjoy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">HAPPY
VALENTINE’S DAY!! </span></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-1465639045593117932015-01-29T03:00:00.000-08:002015-01-29T06:15:54.571-08:00Battling Writer's Block<style>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">[Note: This post originally appeared on my alter ego's Young Adult blog. Since Writer's Block is an obstacle we all face from time to time I decided to share this with my friends here, as well.]</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every
writer knows that panicky feeling when all they can do is stare at the
blinking cursor and beg it to tell them what to type next. Nothing comes.
Blank. No ideas. Check Twitter. Look at email. Go back to document and stare at
cursor—yep, it’s still blinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make a
cup of tea. Look out the window and see if there’s anything untoward going on
out there. Check the cursor again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5duE-r9_GSYa7AtO9-o2KP4q6WTFce1HXEoMcEP9q_Vq-NWbq5_gQh7yp_-3LkKuch_bYBB9inD7Pt7oNDZDCOiMR-YJDZofEkl2JBvxd6hwcqwlJ_O08k98cJ2DI4sOQtskNgfuOMee/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5duE-r9_GSYa7AtO9-o2KP4q6WTFce1HXEoMcEP9q_Vq-NWbq5_gQh7yp_-3LkKuch_bYBB9inD7Pt7oNDZDCOiMR-YJDZofEkl2JBvxd6hwcqwlJ_O08k98cJ2DI4sOQtskNgfuOMee/s1600/photo.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Writer’s
Block. Whether you believe in it or not (there are some who don’t, more on that
later) the above paragraph undoubtedly sounds familiar. I’m sure everyone has
their ways of handling it, but these are a few I’ve found work fairly well. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Go
take a walk. Leave the ipod at home—your mind needs to be allowed to wander.
Don’t focus on the problem with your story; instead just try to be mindful of everything
you see along the way, and let your heart pump lots of oxygen to your brain. If
you have an ‘ah-ha’ moment that’s great. Work it through on your way back home
and zip back to the computer and have at it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Go
someplace with people, whether it’s a grocery store, coffee shop, library, or
whatever. Now pick one or two people and imagine a backstory for them. Let your
imagination go wild. This infusion of creativity will spark the creativity you
need in your story. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Work
on a different project. I know, not everyone works on more than one WIP at a
time, and there are many out there who will tell you to do so is breaking a
Writing Cardinal Rule. But if you allow your mind to act creatively on something
else it will also spark that creativity with the problem WIP. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
you aren’t working on another WIP, then open a new document and have a
character write a letter to you, or another character, or your Great Aunt Joan.
Give your character free rein—you’ll be surprised by what you discover. It may
solve the block. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
all else fails go take a long, hot shower. Almost a sure thing for unblocking
the dreaded Writer’s Block.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leave
it for the day. Have a good night’s sleep, and most likely it will have
untangled itself by morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">By
the way, all of these ideas work because the brain is a miraculous creation.
Even when it isn’t consciously working on something, it continues to work on it
in the subconscious. Often times that subconscious level knows more than the
conscious one.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since
starting this post I experienced one more thing that I must share! This wasn’t
so much a case of Writer’s Block, but more one of not being sure HOW the
current WIP was going to resolve itself. Last night I was reading Anne Lamott’s
fabulous <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bird by Bird</i>. This book is
classified as a ‘writing craft’ book, but it is so much more. It’s more like
you are sitting and having tea with Ms. Lamott while she shares her wisdom with
you. After reading the following passage, my answer came to me fully formed and
perfect and I wanted to hit myself upside the head for not seeing it before.
From <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bird by Bird </i>by Anne Lamott:
“Let your human beings follow the music they hear, and let it take them where
it will. Then you may discover…that your characters had something in mind all
along that was brighter and much more meaningful than what you wanted to impose
on them.” YES!!! That was what my brain needed to hear to unlock my characters’
plan. I’m not exactly sure <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what </i>it
was in that passage that did the trick, but it worked! So, this last bullet
point would be: Pick up a book on writing and read a bit—on any topic, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> on Writer’s Block—and things may
just fall into place. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now I said at the
top that not everyone believes in Writer’s Block. A couple of years ago I heard
a panel of YA authors speak, and during the question-taking part of the
presentation, an audience member asked how to battle Writer’s Block. Author
Barry Lyga spoke up and said he wanted to take this question. He went on to say
there is no such thing: if you get to a place where you’re stuck it is because
you went the wrong way with your story. Go back to the last place things were
working and go in a different direction. Ever since I heard this advice I’ve
been a big believer in it. Here’s why. Let’s say you force the issue when you
get stuck and write something just to write. This is going to invariably take
you to yet another place you don’t want to be, you get stuck, you’re watching
that dang cursor again, only this time it’s a lot worse because the problem is
compounded. Yes, I will first try one or more of the above ideas, but if no
viable answer comes to me, I follow Barry Lyga’s sage advice. I strongly
suggest you try it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whether we call
it Writer’s Block or not, we’ve all experienced that moment when we find
ourselves staring at a blank screen and blinking cursor. These are but a few of
the ways you might be able to battle this curse, and I hope you find at least
one that works for you!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Happy Writing!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-33921967545567671702014-12-31T12:24:00.000-08:002014-12-31T12:42:00.876-08:002015 Writing Resolutions<style>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Happy New Year!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I’m happy because I’m looking over
my 2014 Writing Resolutions I wrote and posted a year ago, and all of them have
been accomplished!! Yay!! Okay, a couple of them were accomplished in a
slightly different way than I anticipated, but I can still check them off.
Ticking off each from my list of resolutions, I…</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Finished that YA novel and sent it out on
submission. Still waiting to hear from a couple of publishers.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Completed the edits for the debut novel, set up
promotions, and had a successful release. Yay!!! <b><i>Lifelong dream
accomplished</i></b>—CHECK!</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Did some <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">major</i>
rewriting on the prequel for the debut, finished it, submitted it to my
publisher, signed a contract for it, and have a Spring release date to prepare
for.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Started working on a new YA novel, though it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> the book of my heart, as I said in
my resolutions—it’s a new one that snuck up on me and said, “ME, ME, ME, write
ME first!” I should be finished with it by now, but for one reason and another
I have a ways to go yet. So, yes, I feel like I can check off ‘start new YA
novel’—it just isn’t the one I thought it would be.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Have a lovely website, up and working and
looking very official. This one was only accomplished due to the hard work of
my talented techie friend, but hey, it is done, so CHECK!</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Had moderate success with the personal stuff
that supports my writing: <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">time management, exercise,
relationships, and reading. This is the one that was the hardest, and will
continue to be a focus in 2015. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Time
management</i>: I sucked—Really need to work on this. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Exercise</i>: Did well but not showing much for it. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Relationships</i>: A passing grade, but
still a focus. Need more time with friends. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reading</i>:
A+++ I read so many wonderful books this year! Looking over this report card,
it looks an awful lot like the ones I got in grade school! Haha!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
So now it’s time to turn to 2015
and ask myself what I want from my writing life this coming year. Last year my
list was nine resolutions long, and it looked and felt very daunting after I wrote
it. This year’s feels even more overwhelming—not sure what I’m thinking. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But here goes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I will:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Have a successful release of the prequel
novella, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss Austen’s Vampire</i>, with
the right promotions all in place prior to publication.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Finish the current YA WIP. This means finish the
first draft, rewrite, polish and prepare for submissions. This time I may try
the agent route.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Begin the YA novel of my heart. Really. This
year. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Try to concurrently write an adult romance while
writing the YA. I have two paragraphs of the romance written at this moment. It’s
a story I’ve been wanting to write for at least three years. Might as well give
it a try now. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Dabble in writing short stories. This is an area
I know nothing about, but I think learning to write short would be good for my
overall writing. I have one story in mind, and would like to try my hand at it.
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Keep up with this blog, as well as the YA blog
my critique partners and I write. (<a href="http://yatriplescoop.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">YA Triple Scoop—Reading, Writing, andReviewing YA Fiction)</a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Focus, focus, focus on time management. The only
way all of the above will ever be accomplished is to manage my time much better
than I have this past year. Writing time must be a priority, and I must
organize myself in such a way that it really is a priority. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>Keep up the other things that support my
writing: exercise, relationships, and reading. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
In addition to this ridiculous
list, I will continue to attend workshops and conferences, as I’ve done each
year since I started writing. Also, I’ll continue my active memberships in two
national writing organizations, and one local one. Plus there will always be a
craft book with a bookmark in it, waiting for me to read a bit before I put
fingers to keyboard each day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Phew. That’s a lot, so I’d better
get to work now. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
P.S. I’d love to hear some of your
writing resolutions! Please add a comment to share with readers—it may be
something we all need to work on. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">:-) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HAPPY WRITING!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-37071222463242598532014-12-01T19:48:00.000-08:002014-12-01T19:48:03.748-08:00Who Am I Going To Call? Ghostbusters?
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
official.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
house is haunted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
no longer just about pictures throwing themselves to the floor, after happily
sitting on shelves for years. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
no longer just about someone tugging on my sweatshirt—when no one else is at home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
no longer just about someone pushing aside everything on my husband’s desk—and
it wasn’t me. (For my humorous take on these events, see my earlier blog post <a href="http://knightleymusings.blogspot.com/2014/02/its-anne-rices-fault.html" target="_blank">here.</a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">No.
There has been a sighting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">During
the middle of November, we had family members (names will not be used to
protect the innocent) staying with us for ten days while they waited for their
dead furnace to be replaced. One member of the family slept downstairs on the
couch in the family room, along with their family dog. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">On
Thanksgiving morning, a week after they had moved back home, we were all doing
the local Turkey Trot Walk. While we were going up a steep hill, the family
member who had slept downstairs said to me, “Is your house haunted?” Or maybe
she said, “Did you know your house is haunted?” I really can’t remember now. I
laughed and told her that we had been having some strange things happen, and
were starting to wonder. But in a Ha Ha sort of way. Prior to this, I had never
told her about the strange occurrences we had experienced.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
went on to say, “Well, one night while I was downstairs, I saw a ghost. And
felt it.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">About
this time, I started to think if the steep hill didn’t kill me, this news just
might.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Subsequent
questioning revealed that one night she saw a foggy cloud that had formed not
far from where she was sitting. There was no form to it, so she couldn’t say
whether it was male or female. She said again that she could feel
something—something not normal, something ghostly. She showed me exactly where
it had been. It was less than two feet from where my picture had flung itself
to the floor. Remember, she knew nothing about that prior to this discussion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
tend to believe that we do indeed have a ghost/entity sharing our house with
us. Today, I took measures to come to grips with this new reality. First, I
Googled ‘how to live with a ghost.’ I can’t believe how many excellent,
well-written sites there are on this topic. Interesting ghost facts: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">9 out of 10 ghosts are benign. It is
thought that if the person was nice in life, they are also nice in death.
Let’s hope so. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ghosts can reside in a house for any
one of a number of reasons. They might have died in the house. They might
have lived there and been attached to the house, and chose to come back to
it to spend some of their death in the house. They might be attached to a
person currently living in the house. Under this scenario, moving doesn’t
usually end the haunting, as the ghost moves along with the person. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ghosts usually leave if you tell
them in a forceful voice that they must leave. Some sites say that this
must be followed up by a command to never come back. Seems ghosts can be sneaky
about those little loopholes, and use them to their advantage.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ghosts often become active when
there is remodeling going on in the house. Our ghost’s activities began
shortly after we started some minor remodeling jobs. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ghostbusters really exist, and there
is an unwritten code that they NOT charge for their services. These are
people who find the ‘science’ behind hauntings so fascinating that they
will help you free of charge. I don’t think they promise to get rid of the
ghost; they just help to verify whether or not a ghost has taken up
residence in a house. All those cool gadgets you see on TV and in movies
really exist. There seems to be a lot of measurement of temperatures
involved.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Second,
I met up with a friend who is exceptionally comfortable with the paranormal in
order to discuss the situation in a very matter of fact way. We could have been
discussing a school fundraiser for all the emotion in our chat. She wasn’t at
all surprised about the sighting since she was already sure we had a ghost or
other entity residing with us. After going through the various types of ghostly
attachment, she thinks it’s probably a family member of mine unrelated to the
house, not some stranger who happened to die here. That would be okay. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
carefully reviewed the ‘happenings’ and concluded that the ghost doesn’t stay
downstairs, and I would prefer that it did. So my friend suggested burning a
sage candle upstairs—sage is supposed to keep the spirits away. Can’t hurt to
give it a try.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today
was the first day I’ve been alone in the house since the news of the sighting
was shared with me. The power company probably loves me—I’ve had just about
every light in every room turned on today. But I hope that as time goes on I
will be able to go back to a non-ghostcentric existence, where life continues
on without a thought about the other member of the household.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now,
I just need to channel this into a good ghost story book…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-23320129750951150882014-11-17T15:27:00.002-08:002014-11-17T15:27:45.465-08:00All-Time Favorite Books on the Writing CraftI'm cheating!!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once upon
a time, back in the days when I was just starting to write, I thought I knew
all there was to know about the writing craft. HAHAHA! When the dark
realization hit me that I didn't know squat, I started devouring books on how
to write fiction. I've posted my all time favorite craft books over at my alter
ego's blog, in case you'd like to find a fantastic book on writing!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #0000e9;"><a href="http://yatriplescoop.blogspot.com/2014/11/favorite-books-on-writing-craft.html">http://yatriplescoop.blogspot.com/2014/11/favorite-books-on-writing-craft.html</a></span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 150%;">This list, and its </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">accompanying commentary, is something I've wanted to post here at Random Musings for a long time. With NaNoWriMo in full swing, now seemed like a good time. But it found its way to the other blog I'm involved with, YA Triple Scoop--all things related to Young Adult fiction. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">If you're looking for a great book on the craft, these are some of the BEST out there! I hope you'll take a moment to check them out. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Happy Writing!</span></span></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-87620683002028301842014-09-29T20:28:00.000-07:002014-09-29T20:28:35.429-07:00OUTLANDER: Season 1 Episode 8: Both Sides Now
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNJStgdOC2V2rLfzFXbJ9ytcMsEorEmJMlb0IXCUUNBw9Y3ReI-O6fMgs87s6Zy4aGfoWHE4VuDzu6bi0mX3bI8ZkKFB0Nd-_ZX3-DqAQmh21wNHyW82X26Mn8OQ7jlLmz04SUcf0JYbO/s1600/OUT_108-20140430-ND_0243_900x506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNJStgdOC2V2rLfzFXbJ9ytcMsEorEmJMlb0IXCUUNBw9Y3ReI-O6fMgs87s6Zy4aGfoWHE4VuDzu6bi0mX3bI8ZkKFB0Nd-_ZX3-DqAQmh21wNHyW82X26Mn8OQ7jlLmz04SUcf0JYbO/s1600/OUT_108-20140430-ND_0243_900x506.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUTLANDER STARZ TV</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">First
off, purists take a deep, cleansing breath! Yes, this episode took some
liberties with the book, but all liberties were taken with the blessing of the
creator herself, Diana Gabaldon. More on that as we go through the episode.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
episode, liberties and all, worked for me, and by the end it felt like the
right place to put the midseason break. Though I may have wailed a bit when the
credits rolled because I now have to wait until April for the story to
continue. At least that gives us time to re-read the first book and maybe one
or two more!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NbvlSW3b72N7S1tA7OiPhyfSw7k8Y7ULc8mqSOEiAtTDzEWGTtseuO55fondhKM3hMjj-4gIn2p5PzzZYMG1kWcawBTzw5LRyQCUc_YUMDR9d0JuoWxNNdel3hTVKFrsKW7R3Txswzcb/s1600/OUT_108-20140509-ND_0135_900x506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NbvlSW3b72N7S1tA7OiPhyfSw7k8Y7ULc8mqSOEiAtTDzEWGTtseuO55fondhKM3hMjj-4gIn2p5PzzZYMG1kWcawBTzw5LRyQCUc_YUMDR9d0JuoWxNNdel3hTVKFrsKW7R3Txswzcb/s1600/OUT_108-20140509-ND_0135_900x506.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie, we hardly know ye. OUTLANDER STARZ TV</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jamie
and Claire and their growing love and affection for one another were sweet, but
there wasn’t enough of it. I still worry that there hasn’t been enough for the
non-reader audience to understand Claire’s increasing love for Jamie. Since
this great love is the basis for the entire series of books, it is imperative
that the audience knows that though she loves Frank, her true, forever love
will be Jamie. That needs to be built up a bit more. As I said in my post on
episode 6: By this point in the book the reader knows Jamie Fraser to be an
excellent man, loyal, brave, strong yet gentle, intelligent, and a man of his
convictions. As readers we cheered when Claire was ‘forced’ to marry him. (My
friend, Anne Hartley, who also has strong feelings about this, has written a
short guest post that I’m including with this one. You will find it at the end.
I agree with her wholeheartedly.)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Frank’s
search for Claire is what has the purists in an uproar. But as Diana Gabaldon
has said, since the book is told from Claire’s perspective the reading audience
couldn’t have seen what Frank must have been doing while she was missing. I
liked seeing that part of this episode! And while the two of them going to the
stones was pretty melodramatic, and made for a midseason cliffhanger, it was still
fun. Fairly sure he wouldn’t have heard her calling his name, however. And did
you see a little of Black Jack in Frank a few times in this episode? That was
chilling. First, in the police station as he coldly put the detective in his
place, and later with the con artists in the alley where he lost control and
nearly killed the man. And Black Jack was just as vile as ever in this one. He makes your skin crawl. Again, hats off to Tobias Menzies for amazing
acting in both roles in this episode!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
is concern that all these Frank scenes are making viewers feel a certain
sympathy for him and that people are tending to be more Team Frank than Team
Jamie. Again, a little problem with the screen version that isn’t there in the
book version. Book readers are always Team Jamie, as if there could be another
team!! Ha ha! And it ISN’T just the sex!! (See above comments re the character
development of Jamie.)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
loved seeing Claire learning to defend herself with a knife—one of my favorite
parts of the book, too. In that scene we not only get the feeling that she’s
now fully accepted by the men of the party, but that she, too, is comfortable
with them and truly feels like she belongs. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of
course that knife lesson comes in handy very soon after. The attempted rape was
handled well. We also get that much needed glimpse of Jamie gently caring for
Claire afterward. She’s pissed as hell at him for his inability to keep her
safe—an emotion she’ll pay for soon. But it’s a passing emotion—dinna fash
yeselves. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What will you do, Claire? OUTLANDER STARZ TV</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As mentioned earlier, the BIG moment in the episode, aside from the very last moment of the very last scene, is when Claire finally makes it back to the stones and the hope that she can travel back to the 20th century. After weeks of trying to get to them she finally sees the hill and its stones, and suddenly she isn't so sure what she wants to do. A decision is made and she runs for the stones only to have her hopes dashed once more. A lot of melodrama here, but it works. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
if Claire facing one attempted rape in the episode isn’t enough, she gets the
attempt by Randall, who dripped with evil throughout that scene. Ms. Balfe’s
Claire must be growing on me because I could actually feel her fear and
revulsion. But fear not, sweet Claire, your knight in shining armor will swing
in through that window and save you from the mustache twirling bad guy!! Oops,
wrong story. But, uh, same staging! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always LOVED
Jamie’s rescue of Claire, but that was a little too Errol Flynn for me. Funny
that she had mentioned him earlier in the episode!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">While
this midseason ending episode was oozing with drama and romance, and that touch
or two of melodrama, my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE moment was when we finally got to see
wee Roger Wakefield!! How adorable is he?! I know many of us were disappointed
when there was no mention of wee Roger in the first episode, so YAY for letting
him appear in this last episode of the first half of the season! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">LONG
wait until Outlander returns for the second half. If you’ve never read the
book, this would be a great time to do so. It is a rich and thoroughly
enjoyable reading experience. If you have read it, time to revisit it. Until
April then…</span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slàinte mhath!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anne Hartley’s thoughts on Jamie’s
character development:</span></i></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the
first eight episodes of STARZ adaptation of Outlander I have loved the lush
Scottish scenery, the comradery of the MacKenzie Highlanders and the absolutely
perfect casting of Ned Gowan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where I
think the series has fallen short, to date, is portraying the character of
James Alexander Malcom MacKenzie Fraser. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The casting
of Sam Heughan is not the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel
he embodies the character as I envisioned but the show has given Mr. Heughan
little more to do than look good in a kilt (which he does indeed) and make love
to Claire(also accomplished admirably). Jamie Fraser is more than that though
and it is the depth of this man as written in the books that the series has
lost. The lack of development of the Jamie Fraser character places viewers who
are unfamiliar with the books firmly in the Frank Randall camp believing<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> he</i> is the great love of Claire’s life
while readers of the books at this point were clearly routing for Claire to
stay with Jamie because they had already come to know him as a character. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Jamie Fraser’s character- his morality, strength, passion,
and heart- are what endear him in the book and what viewers have yet to see in
the series. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dougal, Claire, Frank, Black
Jack all have more of a presence so far and I’m hoping the viewer finally gets
to meet the real Jamie Fraser in the second eight episodes. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you, Anne!! I agree!!!</div>
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Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-2334453960080987382014-09-22T20:22:00.000-07:002014-09-22T20:22:08.721-07:00OUTLANDER: Season 1 Episode 7: The Wedding
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoXPMiA0CJsx-cNi9zlxpAqSZdj7jyU62S1G0bnf21PypoGjq-9eu1Rp2fnZUzlLN_x1tojVX3vh7vVz9_klmoRq6dR3AEhZoNfL_TReFvBzZdCfXCzHi2tz-wNKFroQ1ckL_4fHtuH9O/s1600/Claire-Randall-Caitriona-Balfe-and-Jamie-Fraser-Sam-Heughan-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoXPMiA0CJsx-cNi9zlxpAqSZdj7jyU62S1G0bnf21PypoGjq-9eu1Rp2fnZUzlLN_x1tojVX3vh7vVz9_klmoRq6dR3AEhZoNfL_TReFvBzZdCfXCzHi2tz-wNKFroQ1ckL_4fHtuH9O/s1600/Claire-Randall-Caitriona-Balfe-and-Jamie-Fraser-Sam-Heughan-2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUTLANDER STARZ TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Has
everyone’s breathing returned to normal? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Wedding episode was everything I could have hoped for: romantic, sensual,
emotional, dramatic, even humorous at times…it had it all! Though book purists
may not have been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">completely</i> happy,
due to some changes that were made from book to screen, (okay, I’m one of those
dreaded people), I have to say those changes didn’t ruin the experience. And
this is an experience for which I’ve been waiting for nearly twenty years! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
think this particular episode lends itself to lists—of the highs and lows as I
see them. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
LOVED:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
wedding</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. It was
lush, and romantic with the hundreds of candles and gorgeous, rich
cinematography. Exactly what this scene required. YAY!! The exchange of vows and
blood vow, and the kiss were absolutely perfect. I admit to a few tears.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
wedding night nerves</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
Poor, virginal Jamie. Poor morally conflicted but lusting Claire. Both enter
that chamber knowing what needs to transpire, and both are terrified in their
own ways. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jamie
telling Claire that he remembers every moment, every second of the wedding
ceremony</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. That isn’t
something a man being forced into a loveless marriage says. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_S9xdJXKc-6BzfDsX-lvPY1loYLcZg8pqjbnrT2-E5glTUhlONIm9zlqGgoPbV6vZUzO4-5XdXOrIIVu55ilZmRSLujNvvTYLIB-Oz9nb7PrrEzRrF5adiB6OOfJJKyJjJxqW48585O8/s1600/Claire-Randall-Caitriona-Balfe-and-Jamie-Fraser-Sam-Heughan-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_S9xdJXKc-6BzfDsX-lvPY1loYLcZg8pqjbnrT2-E5glTUhlONIm9zlqGgoPbV6vZUzO4-5XdXOrIIVu55ilZmRSLujNvvTYLIB-Oz9nb7PrrEzRrF5adiB6OOfJJKyJjJxqW48585O8/s1600/Claire-Randall-Caitriona-Balfe-and-Jamie-Fraser-Sam-Heughan-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUTLANDER STARZ TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Claire
is charmed by Jamie</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">
as he tells his stories of his family, and as the night progresses she’s
surprised by how much she enjoys him and his stories. Leading to…</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Claire’s
suggestion that they go to bed, but not to sleep</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Which brings us to…</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
undressing</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> How sexy and sensual was that?! My favorite part of the
undressing was when he gently untied the ribbon at her neck and his fingers
softly brushed her skin. Ahhhh…</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Claire’s
breathing</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">as they approached <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the
</i>moment wasn’t fear, but full on desire. She’s deeply concerned that she’s
cheating on Frank, but at the same time knows that this must happen. And she's experiencing stirrings of true affection for Jamie.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jamie’s
confusion as to how humans do it.</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Poor Jamie. He was going to consummate
his marriage the way ‘horses’ do it, and after the quickly over coupling his
‘huh?’s and ‘hmmm’s were verra endearing. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Afterwards,
when Jamie asks if she liked it</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Her initial reaction saddens Jamie, but
moments later in a moment of uncomfortable self-awareness, she tells him, “I
did enjoy it, Jamie.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Their
subsequent lovemaking</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> When Claire is clearly enjoying herself, Jamie is
surprised. Pleasantly surprised. I could see the beginnings of a true and
enduring love in these moments when she introduces him to all the joys of the
marriage bed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
comedy relief</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> As Rupert and Angus and Ned were all going about their
assigned tasks to get the wedding together, we were treated to some very
humorous moments, the best of which was, hands down, Ned in the brothel!! A
favorite scene!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">THINGS I DIDN’T
LOVE, BUT COULD LIVE WITH: (all because I’m a bit of a book purist, don’t you
ken)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Claire’s
and Frank’s wedding</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">They were NOT married at a registrar’s office! They were
married in the same ‘kirk’ that Claire and Jamie celebrate their wedding.
Claire faints when she sees the church she’s led to for her marriage to Jamie
Fraser, because she recognizes it as the very place where she exchanged vows
with Frank, thus increasing her guilt over cheating on him. I loved this in the
book, and found it verra moving. So of course I missed it in the screen
version.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
was no need for the banns</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Dougal took care of getting a special license for their
wedding to avoid the need to wait three weeks for the banns to be read.
(Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are married by a special license in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pride and Prejudice </i>as well, so there is
a literary precedence here.)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
ring</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">!</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The ring is supposed to come quite a while later, and the
manner in which it happens is lovely and special and now it won’t happen!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CiD1S1nS59g5uXn1FNbABLr_5khJ9ePIjZFuuUPaJkRXHcEvgZ8ivA8NMsWGJrLAXRX2UKydKeX9fdCqTHo9atpwrdW48lmMO7qyOcnF0gQxsmck3S2P6CcvfsAemIH3QkW8wwqiQKMO/s1600/OUT_107-20140716-ND_0718_6x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0CiD1S1nS59g5uXn1FNbABLr_5khJ9ePIjZFuuUPaJkRXHcEvgZ8ivA8NMsWGJrLAXRX2UKydKeX9fdCqTHo9atpwrdW48lmMO7qyOcnF0gQxsmck3S2P6CcvfsAemIH3QkW8wwqiQKMO/s1600/OUT_107-20140716-ND_0718_6x4.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUTLANDER STARZ TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
pearls</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">!! </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ugh. First, that type of long strand of pearls wasn’t in
vogue until the 1920’s. He gives her his mother’s treasured <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">choker</i> of Scottish freshwater pearls
BEFORE THE WEDDING, as a tribute to his mother and her memory. Not a long
strand during sex like some sex prop! NO NO NO!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dougal’s
suggestion</span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">To be honest, I have mixed feelings about this. A purist
will tell you his suggestion that she now sample some other pleasures never
happened. But, I think by this point in the book, readers have an idea that
Dougal is a bit jealous of Jamie as he fancies Claire himself, and this scene
is a device to let the viewers in on that. It felt right to me, but I know
there are a lot of book readers who are verra unhappy with this scene. And by
the way, I loved the way he came in to the inn and told Claire he had ALREADY
visited Randall and told him of the wedding. Very chivalrous, so it kind of offsets
his lewd suggestion that follows it. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">All in all a
wonderful episode! I’ve watched it twice, so far, and loved it more the second
time than the first. It’s a keeper. And I look forward to the last episode
before the midseason break. I just hope we get more of the honeymooners!</span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slàinte mhath!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-55742745186858476382014-09-15T17:09:00.000-07:002014-09-15T17:09:22.296-07:00OUTLANDER: Season 1 Episode 6: The Garrison Commander
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-eqQDtF314inr0Ngt5HHjrGBYastfVdILVMotacBtGEzxs7aBYNWbSzX7_-sp23XxVuEOfaDsNzvEb9vzIX9fP2vdquz10e-_TrfrsKQjE7CExo6P8atfAcUsvdoqv_BzRkOTR8kWY-a/s1600/OUT_106-20140414-ND_0187_900x506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-eqQDtF314inr0Ngt5HHjrGBYastfVdILVMotacBtGEzxs7aBYNWbSzX7_-sp23XxVuEOfaDsNzvEb9vzIX9fP2vdquz10e-_TrfrsKQjE7CExo6P8atfAcUsvdoqv_BzRkOTR8kWY-a/s1600/OUT_106-20140414-ND_0187_900x506.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Jack Randall: the stuff of nightmares OUTLANDER STARZ TV</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m
reading the tealeaves, as Mrs. Graham taught me of course, and I see Emmy and
Golden Globe awards in Tobias Menzies’ future. His performance in The Garrison
Commander, was one of the most chilling I’ve ever seen. As a long time fan of
the books, I had a well-formed vision of just how evil Black Jack Randall was,
but my imagination didn’t come close to the evil that dripped from Menzies’
every word. He terrified me. And I hate to imagine how well he will perform in
episodes we will see in the future. He could bring on nightmares.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Claire’s
story arc in this episode takes her from ill-advised glee when she comments
that she is at last with her familiar British army, albeit two centuries
earlier, —people who ‘look upon her with respect rather than suspicion’—, to
fear and loathing as she listens to Randall recount his flogging of Jamie, to
shock and despair when she learns she is to marry a man she hardly knows. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Claire
is escorted by the army, to Fort William. There, enjoying a lovely, civilized,
mannerly dinner with the British officers—like something right out of an Austen
movie—the temperature in the room drops precipitously when Black Jack Randall
enters it. As her eyes lock with his, she sees her chances of escape to the
standing stones disappearing. And yet, she stays loyal to Dougal and the
Mackenzies during the dinner conversation/questioning—which I liked, but really
wasn’t a wise move on her part. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
fact, throughout that dinner party I was shouting at Claire a lot. Why can’t
she be more circumspect about what she chooses to say? This isn’t just a
problem with the TV rendering of the book, it is a problem Claire has in the
book as well. She’s a smart character, well educated with a lot of worldly
experiences under her belt. Why does she say things that can so easily be used
against her? A wise person would keep their mouth shut and quietly watch what’s
going on, and keep all incendiary thoughts to themselves. Claire is too smart
to be acting so stupid.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though
Claire knew that Randall was a bad guy prior to arriving at the fort, watching
her dawning realization that she was sitting with a sadist, a truly evil and
sick man, was painful. Silent tears ran down her face as she was forced to
listen to him graphically recount how he had tortured Jamie. This wonderfully
acted, but horrible to watch scene will be an important foundation for much
that is to come. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Favorite
moments in this episode: Dougal coming into the room as Claire lies on the
floor, beaten and battered, and he shoots a look at that poor corporal that
could stop a person’s heart. Dougal as the avenging angel—I liked it. Then
there was the lovely scene where Claire and Jamie first speak after learning
that they must marry in order to keep her safe from Randall and the English
army:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I
reckon one of us should ken what they’re doing,” </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">he says after Claire asks if he minds
that she’s not a virgin and he answers by confessing that he is one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRAaHT5c98OPwxHPSlNjI34A1hMTlgNk2vRQLXvtvJWzg7D1ltQfWy64MfuYdw_M_ikQsCPAgQoOUPw2D9heRd7BA1B4N4qdOf7EgWAxK98XY9p89Npm9E00oh8d-wdNI7qLRqtwLtz0d/s1600/OUT_106-20140402-EM_0190_0003_COMP_900x506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRAaHT5c98OPwxHPSlNjI34A1hMTlgNk2vRQLXvtvJWzg7D1ltQfWy64MfuYdw_M_ikQsCPAgQoOUPw2D9heRd7BA1B4N4qdOf7EgWAxK98XY9p89Npm9E00oh8d-wdNI7qLRqtwLtz0d/s1600/OUT_106-20140402-EM_0190_0003_COMP_900x506.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUTLANDER STARZ TV</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
every Outlander book fan out there is doing, I’m cheering that we’ve finally
arrived at that most wonderful part of the book. However, for those viewers who
have never read the book, these next two episodes could fall flat. Why? Because
very little time has been spent on developing the character of Jamie. By this
point in the book the reader knows Jamie Fraser to be an excellent man, loyal,
brave, strong yet gentle, intelligent, and a man of his convictions. As readers
we cheered when Claire was ‘forced’ to marry him. But viewers do not fully know
the man that Jamie is, so may feel neither here nor there about their marriage.
Also, a few more hints of growing chemistry would have helped. Thank you to my
dear friend and fellow Outlander fan, Anne, for pointing this out to me. I hope
we see much more of Jamie’s true <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">character</i>
in the next two episodes. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m
taking this week off from my regularly scheduled rant about Claire’s wardrobe.
But by the looks of some of the message boards, I’m not alone in my concerns. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
next two episodes are what I’ve been waiting for—I see multiple viewings in my
future, as I again read those tealeaves. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slàinte mhath!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-75786559251158409022014-09-08T16:10:00.001-07:002014-09-08T16:29:16.938-07:00OUTLANDER: Season 1, Episode 5: Rent<style>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“It
doesn’t matter where you come from. You’re here now.”</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
episode is a pivotal one. Some important, long-ranging themes are introduced in
this episode, and if you haven’t read the books before watching the series you
had better have been watching carefully.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pHP1hrCQnsTdFOb0D6V_Qj01ucRB8OjHSG6AqJD1mVOPMwT0wORJDmrUoYslIpJ1uB07WvHLJ2mqY9RLqqOGgNnfiITADrNk3S8Zyy1kVnJUu1QYUR9AYecJu4WuvzmJdByToTnm3lt1/s1600/OUT_105-20140404-EM_0744_900x506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pHP1hrCQnsTdFOb0D6V_Qj01ucRB8OjHSG6AqJD1mVOPMwT0wORJDmrUoYslIpJ1uB07WvHLJ2mqY9RLqqOGgNnfiITADrNk3S8Zyy1kVnJUu1QYUR9AYecJu4WuvzmJdByToTnm3lt1/s1600/OUT_105-20140404-EM_0744_900x506.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUTLANDER: STARZ TV</td></tr>
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</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rent</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">, the episode and the payment, belonged to Dougal. He’s
quickly becoming my favorite character and his scenes in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rent </i>were mesmerizing. We see all sides of his character, and learn
a lot about him—he’s easily the most complex character in the series. The first
time I read the book I thought he was going to be Claire’s love interest, and
right now part of me wishes he were going to be. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
were given a good dose of Scottish history, and every bit of it will be
important to the storyline and the characters not only in this first season,
but also in seasons to come. The Jacobite Rising of 1745 colors much of
Claire’s story. And in this episode we see her dawning realization that she is
not on the road with a bunch of criminals, but with Jacobites. Rebels. Men who
are ready to fight for a cause they deeply believe in, but which Claire knows
is doomed to fail. Just two years into the future, thousands of Scottish men
will die in the horrendous Battle of Culloden. Surely some of the men she’s
traveling with will be among those killed.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
knowledge presents Claire with the first of many quandaries that will present
themselves to a time traveler. Does she tell them? If she does, does that
change history? Perhaps not for the better? We see her try to warn Dougal, and
then later very openly tell Ned Gowan, though he, of course, assumes she’s
speaking from a political belief. Well, she tried.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scotland!
Some of the actors tweeted before the show that the star of this episode was
Scotland, and they weren’t kidding. We were treated to one spectacular view
after another. But the scenery was juxtaposed against the hardscrabble lives of
those living within Clan MacKenzie, and the dreadful treatment they deal with
from both the British soldiers and The Watch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2ckrilPNEGArvuHO7hu36QWxui33VAgDTaDGm1T0scGoV5pAwIoUXacgvQbIeIu4NElViZ1FVr6G9lKxutDHRykfZH1s70TRNLiVUVnHfSakxryJxgp7VQznCNscxFICyt-8AzEEhM9-/s1600/OUT_105-20140403-EM_0449_900x506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2ckrilPNEGArvuHO7hu36QWxui33VAgDTaDGm1T0scGoV5pAwIoUXacgvQbIeIu4NElViZ1FVr6G9lKxutDHRykfZH1s70TRNLiVUVnHfSakxryJxgp7VQznCNscxFICyt-8AzEEhM9-/s1600/OUT_105-20140403-EM_0449_900x506.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUTLANDER: STARZ TV</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
get to see Jamie beginning to watch out for Claire. Yay!! There were lots of
lingering, almost smoldering, looks he gave her. I’m not alone when I say the
scene in the book where she discovers Jamie sleeping outside her door—to
protect her—was one of my very favorite, and the scene in the show did not
disappoint. He is so gallant, and yummy, and you can just see a flicker of
interest in Claire’s face as the scene unfolds. It’s becoming apparent that she
isn’t entirely immune to Jamie’s charms.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ned
Gowan!! Rarely have I seen such perfect, spot-on casting. The actor IS Ned
Gowan. My friends and I have been eagerly awaiting his arrival to the show
(he’s a favorite of most if not all readers!), and as we watched on Saturday
night we all cheered that he is the personification of the character as written
in the books. Yay!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">TODAY’S
REGULARLY SCHEDULED RANT ON CLAIRE’S WARDROBE:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
woman is on the road! She is sleeping outdoors most nights! Conditions are
dirty and unpleasant. But she is dressed like she’s on her way to Camelot for
her marriage to King Arthur! No, no, no. She should be dressed like the various
village women are dressed—in simple, well-worn clothes that can take the
beating living on the road is surely going to give them. And she should be
dirty. With plant matter often stuck in her hair. Which is how she’s depicted
in the book. END OF RANT. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Only
three more episodes this half-season! Next week’s will be a painful one, but
the outcome of it is what we are all looking forward to. From what I have read
we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> get to see, before the
mid-season break, what we are all eagerly awaiting! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slàinte mhath!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-40196005894474333172014-09-04T07:39:00.000-07:002014-09-04T07:39:35.483-07:00The List: Celebrity Crushes and Free Passes
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The List</u></b>: that compilation of celebrity crushes for whom
your spouse must give you a free pass in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">extremely unlikely*</i></b> event
that you should meet a celebrity crush who wants to take you to bed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
*It would be more likely that you
would win the lottery and get hit by lightning at the same time. That kind of
extreme unlikeliness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Don’t we all have a List? I was
chatting with a dear friend, whom I thought I knew as well as I know myself,
and was shocked to discover she did not have a List! This led to a full
explanation of the workings of The List, how many people can be on it, how it
can be updated, how someone can get cut or another person can be inducted. The
List is dynamic by definition—never static. This friend is an excellent
learner, and in no time she had compiled a rather lengthy and diverse List. I
was so proud of her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
When girlfriends and I share with
one another who makes up our Lists, I try not to be judgmental. Everyone has
her own tastes. (Except for a friend who lusts for Pitbull—I’m sorry, I really
don’t get that!!) But when it comes to my husband’s List, I feel the need to
persuade him that certain choices are not worthy of his List. Or that his taste
and judgment are poor. Yes, I like to tell him who should and should not be on
his List. Isn’t that what a good wife does?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
My List, of course, shows excellent
taste. Being the anglophile I am, 90% of The List is made of men from the U.K.
and Ireland. Recent inductees include the very fine Michael Fassbender and
Idris Elba. Richard Armitage made the list a couple of years ago when I
discovered that he IS my vampire, Gabriel Augustine. (from my novel) Since then
Mr. Armitage has held a Top Five position, along with the likes of Colin Firth
and Liam Neeson. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Fantasy is a wonderful thing.
Writers, who spend so much of their lives living in imaginary worlds they have
created, tend to have rich fantasy lives. Do YOU have a List? Please feel free
to share who might be on it—as long as it isn’t Pitbull. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-2655825142861657652014-09-03T16:43:00.000-07:002014-09-03T16:43:01.990-07:00OUTLANDER: Season 1, Episode 4: The Gathering
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsr1FLWwmS7l8W0Dl7pGNbZlodQPKHzc8H3gpIIyQ6Xckt56cXNxgSXHDF6Qt6Z1ONfiP9tDsZSPmk-_FgkGpiQ50kK8DXjLm4Uv9A8um_El7ZlYnxXiS7hNZDPwZslFonwLzgYrI3L4d/s1600/OUT_104-20140207-EM_1139_900x506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsr1FLWwmS7l8W0Dl7pGNbZlodQPKHzc8H3gpIIyQ6Xckt56cXNxgSXHDF6Qt6Z1ONfiP9tDsZSPmk-_FgkGpiQ50kK8DXjLm4Uv9A8um_El7ZlYnxXiS7hNZDPwZslFonwLzgYrI3L4d/s1600/OUT_104-20140207-EM_1139_900x506.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUTLANDER: STARZ TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">First,
let me say I love this series, have waited for it or some version of it for
nearly 20 years, am still entranced by the story, and will forever love Jamie
Fraser. However, having said that, this particular episode was not
spectacular—overall. There were bits that were good and necessary to the
telling of the story, but there were quite a few things I didn’t care for. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
before I begin on any of the specifics of this episode, I feel it necessary to
address a larger problem about which some faithful <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Outlander</i> readers have their panties in a wad. Especially a friend
of mine, who first brought it to my attention. The problem: the time of year in
which the story in set. In the book, Claire travels through time on Beltane,
May 1<sup>st</sup>, not Samhain, October 31<sup>st</sup>, as in the TV series.
Scottish clan gatherings traditionally took place in the summer, and the lairds
went on the road to collect taxes during the summer as well. The summer season
and its better weather were the reason why, of course. That the TV series has flipped
the timing and seasons has some people a little ticked off. But as I suspected,
and told my friend, the producers got the okay to begin production at a time
that would have meant waiting several months before beginning filming if they
were to keep to the book’s timing, and that wasn’t acceptable. And I for one,
am glad they didn’t wait. We would still be waiting for Outlander to begin. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now,
for this episode specifically—there was way too much fluff and padding. The
oath taking ceremony was fun to see, but the long, lingering camera shots of
the crowd were unnecessary. Ditto the hurling game with Dougal and Jamie
fighting it out. The boar hunt and Geordie’s death are important to the character
building of Dougal and his relationship with Claire, but it could have been
tightened up. As I watched this episode I found myself worrying that the
viewers who had never read the book would be getting bored and tune out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">From
my perspective, the goal of this episode was to show the growing respect that
Dougal and Claire have for one another. It did that well. There’s a lot of
change in their relationship in this episode, beginning with the drunken Dougal
trying to have his way with Claire, to the almost tender moment at the end when
he’s thanking her for her kindness to the dying Geordie. During Geordie’s death
scene, we get Dougal’s ‘save the cat’ moment, as we see a caring, gentle side
of him. Claire’s impression of him changes a little right there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, when Dougal says to Claire, “You’ve
seen men die before—and by violence,” and she answers, “Yes, many of them,” we
know they have a new understanding of one another, and a new respect. It is due
to this understanding and respect that Claire now feels safe to travel with
Dougal when he tells her she will be going on the road with him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Very
little of Jamie in this episode, but some nice chemistry was evident during the
stable scene. And my heart melts a little every time he calls her Sassenach. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJAliovT5NfZERJqqTgpCTZUgv42sIXEC7hfVK0VIZyKGQAWF-mc0tBe_dJqD4oBX_1vsMMAwA-DXeG5epBvGxJHVdgrNe8b__F01GnAPv55dlOgv0hrUEWUoBlLUJytjTIaok_Ldw5r3/s1600/OUT_104-20131111-ND_0364_b_900x506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJAliovT5NfZERJqqTgpCTZUgv42sIXEC7hfVK0VIZyKGQAWF-mc0tBe_dJqD4oBX_1vsMMAwA-DXeG5epBvGxJHVdgrNe8b__F01GnAPv55dlOgv0hrUEWUoBlLUJytjTIaok_Ldw5r3/s1600/OUT_104-20131111-ND_0364_b_900x506.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUTLANDER: STARZ TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Claire’s
looking for this road trip to finally give her the opportunity to make her
escape and find her way to the stones and back to the twentieth century. I’ve
been looking forward to the road trip because I think it’s where the story
really begins! I can’t wait for the next few episdoes!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
BRIEF CONTINUATION OF AN EARLIER RANT: What is with the spectacular wardrobe
Claire is wearing? She’s supposed to be wearing a couple of old cast-off
dresses, not a new dress every day, let alone an elegant gown to the oath
taking ceremony!! She looked regal at the ceremony! That is just wrong. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Note:
Did everyone catch Diana Gabaldon’s very brief cameo? I loved Mrs. Fitz’s
snarky remarks to her!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slàinte mhath!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7373625667499742139.post-24064856852451636852014-08-26T03:00:00.000-07:002014-08-26T03:00:03.795-07:00OUTLANDER: Season 1, Episode 3: The Way Out
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
While there are plenty of things I
loved about this episode, there are also a few things that didn’t sit right
with me. Having said that though, I’m still loving this ride. I feel like,
through some Gabaldon magic, I’ve stepped inside the pages of her book and I’m
getting to live it out myself. And after multiple readings of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Outlander</i>, that is some ride!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKEI4AJiYaaOCp1Mz30RQGPocwVb6TFMeW3Q9uRY80Xx5UftVlfHl5vfIdikG8zPRDDxseEOLJ84y8rfnt4EBXSZblAT_kt5RoglvIJ54Alp5HwKqruOagxxk2fOdBNz5QRwkhPJ8OMn5/s1600/934820_734345629957982_8447167575434281911_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKEI4AJiYaaOCp1Mz30RQGPocwVb6TFMeW3Q9uRY80Xx5UftVlfHl5vfIdikG8zPRDDxseEOLJ84y8rfnt4EBXSZblAT_kt5RoglvIJ54Alp5HwKqruOagxxk2fOdBNz5QRwkhPJ8OMn5/s1600/934820_734345629957982_8447167575434281911_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OUTLANDER Starz TV</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
When I heard Diana Gabaldon speak
about the difference between the book and the filmed version, she said more
than once that there are scenes in the series that do not appear in the book,
but that they could have. I wasn’t sure what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">exactly</i> she meant by that until I saw the lovely scene of Frank and
Claire at the train station. What a beautiful and poignant way to remind the
viewer that Claire has a 20<sup>th</sup> Century husband she still loves very
much. I’m a sucker for World War II partings, so that scene tugged at my heartstrings.
The scene nicely wove in some foreshadowing, as in when Frank tells her he
loves her “stubbornness” and finally says, “Promise that you’ll return to me.”
That opening scene is reflected back nicely at the end of the episode as Claire
is listening to the ballad about the woman who goes through the stones. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
I’m not a fan of dream sequences,
be they sleeping dreams or daydreams, so I did not like the fake scene with
Claire confessing her truth to Mrs. Fitz. I kept saying out loud, much to the
annoyance of my dear husband who is patiently watching these with me, that that
never happened! Of course it didn’t, and that does annoy me, but it did begin
an important theme that is developed throughout this episode: Claire’s dawning
awareness that she could be thought to be a witch. Later, when we see her
fighting against the backward, evil priest to save the life of a young boy, we
see her marked as a witch when Father Bain says to her, “I can smell the vapors
of hell in you.” Witches did not have happily-ever-afters during that time
period. You’d better watch yourself, Claire!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
Oh, and by the way, that ‘saving
the poisoned boy’ scene isn’t in the book. I’m assuming it was placed there to
help with pacing, which is something that is proving to be a slight problem as
the book is re-interpreted as a screenplay. Yes, I love the books, but I’m the
first to admit that pacing is an issue in some of them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
As a reader I never cared much for
Laoghaire, but I found myself feeling quite sorry for her in the humorous
scenes in the hall with Claire and Jamie. Poor thing. Jamie is so oblivious and
dismissive of her. Not only does Jamie ignore Laoghaire as if she isn’t even
present, but he tells her he has no memory of her as a young lass and then goes
on to tell Claire that when he was sixteen he wouldn’t have had anything to do
with snot-nosed children! Yow! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
No, Jamie can see little but
Claire. And Claire, despite her best intentions, is obviously attracted to
Jamie. Once again she has a wee bit too much Rhenish, but this time it leads to
a flirtatious exchange with Jamie in the surgery where she sits on The Table!
The same table she sat on (ETC.) while visiting the castle with Frank in 1945.
I have no doubt she knew exactly what she was doing when she sat there with
Jamie. Later, seeing Jamie with Laoghaire evokes some feelings of jealousy,
though the voice-over tells us it is because she misses the intimacy with her
husband. Yes, she misses Frank. Terribly. But as we know, she is a red-blooded
woman who is comfortable with her sexuality. Surely, she’s picking up on the
sexual tension emanating from Jamie.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the episode we have the gorgeous
scene in the hall, with Claire listening to the ballad as translated by Jamie,
that is the perfect reflection of the opening train station scene. Not only a
roadmap of sorts for Claire to find her way back, but a heavy dose of
foreshadowing is present in the lyrics. SPOILER ALERT!!! “…strangers who became
lovers…,” “…back through the stones…,” “…took up with the man she’d left
behind…”. </div>
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How many days until the next
episode!?</div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slàinte mhath!</span></div>
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Monica Knightleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16424870404774900117noreply@blogger.com0