What Happened to February?!

Holy hamburgers, Batman, how is it already the last week of February? It seems like I was just here doing an update, but work, life and a little bit of vacay have kept me MIA for three whole weeks!

Good news is we have lots of stuff to catch up on. Here's a recap of the month:
  • If you missed the latest #4Writers, browse the summary for quick writing and editing tips from my CP group.
  • In the mood for some classic 80s fantasy? Goonies, anyone! Check out my list of favorites over at Fantasy Faction
  • Kudos to blog buddies David Powers King and Julie Dao for a great book launch and for signing with an agent respectively. Way to go, guys!!
  • I always try to do a bit of a "Writer's Travelogue" when I go anywhere. This time I  toured Ernest Hemingway's home and writing studio in Key West. Writing with windows open to the tropical breeze = not a bad life.
A 360 view of Hemingway's writing studio

On the writing front, I haven't had nearly as much time to jump into my steampunk YA as I'd hoped, but the good news is the ideas and characters are as strong as ever and still beating my brain to make it onto the page. Hopefully, March will free up a little so I can tackle it more.

I also have a fun blogging project rolling in the background that has me so, so excited! I'm hoping to share more soon, so stay tuned!!

How about you? What are you writing these days? Stuck on edits? Excited about a shiny new idea? I love hearing about it.

My Favorite Fantasy Speeches

We all have favorite speeches that make us stand up and cheer … or sniffle … or kiss three fingers and volunteer as Tribute. When we need the inspiration, they bring it in a big way. Here are my top seven. Be ready to be energized!!

6 & 7 – Princess Bride Mash-up
We start off with a duo of speeches from the most quotable movie of all time. Westley’s “To the Pain” speech, for when you need really creative ways to embarrass your villains, and the best less-than-15 vengeance speech ever written.





5 – Mikey’s Wishing Well Speech from Goonies
I have a thing for Sean Astin delivering speeches. I’m not sure what it is about them, but I love them! Goonies, Rudy, LOTR! This is the first of two appearances by his characters on this list, and it’s one I’ve had memorized since I was about seven. When Mikey says, “It’s our time down here,” I just want to run off on an adventure. Who’s with me?



4 – Mel Gibson in Braveheart
Okay, this isn’t really fantasy. But c’mon, it’s Mel Gibson! Speaking brogue! In a kilt on a horse! Besides, the world basically implodes if this one isn’t included in lists of top power speeches.



3 – Aragorn’s Battle Speech at the Black Gate
Heck yes, this would convince me to stand against Sauron!



2 – Sam’s “Holding On” Speech in the Two Towers
Sean Astin speech #2! Ah, guys, who hasn’t asked themselves similar questions or voiced similar doubts at low points in life? Sam says what we all wish we had the courage and stalwart belief to say, and he reminds us of what truly matters. Go Sam!!




1 – President Whitmore’s Speech from Independence Day
Game. Set. Match.