I’m heading off to NYC and then up to Boston for Readercon. Looking at my calendar between now and September it looks like the longest stretch of time that I’m home is twelve days. So tonight, even though I had stuff to do, Rob and I went on a date. We went up to Ohana […]
A date with my husband Read More »
My column this week looks at the films of Roald Dahl. There are few authors who have had as profound an influence on the fantasy movie genre as Roald Dahl. It's not just that so many of his stories have been adapted for the screen, but also that he was himself a fantasy screenwriter. You
AMC – The Many Fantastic Flicks of Mr. Roald Dahl Read More »
It’s like I’m the Scrooge of Thanksgiving. Leftovers? Bah! Humbug. In America, nothing matches the archetype of “Feast” like the Thanksgiving dinner, which conjures images of tables groaning with food. But all that bounty comes with a price: leftovers. Sure, with that first turkey sandwich you're living the good life. But how long before the
AMC – Ten Fantasy Meals I Would Rather Eat Than Thanksgiving Leftovers Read More »
To give you plenty of time to prepare for Halloween, I cover ten costumes based on Fantasy characters, over at AMC. Swing by and check out Ten Costumes to Make Your Halloween Fantastic.
AMC – Ten Costumes to Make Your Halloween Fantastic Read More »
This week at AMC I take a look at the Fantasy career of David Bowie, who has done a surprising number of fantasy films. Actually, when you consider the actor, it shouldn’t be a surprise. Check it out. AMC – Blogs – SciFi Scanner – Mary Robinette Kowal – The Fantastic Stylings of David Bowie.
AMC – The Fantastic Stylings of David Bowie Read More »
Today Rob and I walked up to Alberta to Fuel, which was my favorite coffee shop when I was living here before, and had pastries and coffee while surfing apartment listings. Besides price, we have a very small list of hard and fast criteria. Gas range No carpet We’d like to be able to walk
Shopping for apartments Read More »
Have you ever had this nagging thing that you knew was wrong, but you couldn’t figure out what? For the last two years, I’ve known that the props work wasn’t satisfying, but I didn’t realize how much I missed the world of puppetry until coming down here this weekend. Some of it was performing, but
Orlando International Puppetry Festival Read More »
I’m off to Orlando today. While I’m in transit you can swing by AMC to check out my top 10 list of Fantasy Chick flicks. There are two films that I genuinely like, plus eight that for me range from “run-screaming” to “not my cup of tea.” Can you guess which is which?
Top 10 Fantasy Chick Flicks Read More »
For the film shoot last week I needed furniture to represent ten different scenic locations, all shot on greenscreen. Besides dealing with the usual greenscreen parameter of avoiding reflective surfaces I also had a fairly tight budget. This meant that some of the rental furniture I picked up wasn’t in stellar condition. You’ll notice that
Refurbishing a table Read More »
I signed up to do props for a film this week. It was only two days of work and looked like a fairly light load. I did a half day on Tuesday lining up furniture and planned another half day on Wednesday to pick up the hand props. Unfortunately, things imploded when the verbal bid
As an antidote to the entrails post, you can swing by AMC to take a look at my column on mothers in Fantasy film. I don’t know about you, but my mom is fantastic all on her own. Mother’s Day is here and lest you need reminding, none of us would exist were it not
AMC – Ten Movie Moms Too Fantastic to Be True Read More »
The first dragon I fell in love with was Smaug from The Hobbit. Both clever and fierce, he was a force to be reckoned with, and a character that endeared me to his species. But he’s hardly the only dragon that’s captured my imagination through the years. Fantasy skies are thick with the beasts, and
AMC – The Ten Fiercest Fantasy Dragons Read More »
Ever have one of those weeks where you just wanted to see carnage and bloodshed? I thought so. It turns out that epic fantasy has the perfect solution. Swing by and let me know what your favorite epic battles are..
AMC — The Ten Most Epic Fantasy Battles Read More »
I’ll be honest, Rob does our taxes. Why? Because he’s more likely to follow Rule #2 from my suggestions on how to survive tax season. What, you don’t think fantasy films can offer insight into taxes?
AMC – Five Fantasies to Navigate the Labyrinth of Tax Season Read More »
While I’m off building crows today, here’s a poignant short film. I’ll be back later with process shots. Forever’s Not So Long from garrettmurray on Vimeo.
Very nice End of the World short film Read More »