The "Odes" of March : Characters that Inspire

In wrapping up, Characters that Inspire, I had to do an honorable mention page. Just a list of characters that inspire me spiritually and as an artist.

Not exhaustive, but a crazy list of characters that inspire:

The nominees for male character are:
Red Dawn - Jed
Young Guns - Josiah Gordon “Doc” Scurlock (Come on, he was a poet J)
The Patriot – Benjamin Martin
Luke Skywalker Star Wars

The nominees for 'based on real live people' are:
Luther - Luther
Joan of Arc - Joan of Arc
Rachel Saint - End of the Spear
Bordertown - Lauren Adrien
Out of Africa - Karen Blixen

The nominees from the tweens section:
Jo -Little Women
Nancy Drew
Peter Pan’s-Wendy
Enchanted - Giselle
(Okay, I didn’t really like this movie. It was a outrageous comedy. I mean it is waay out there. I am not a fan of these. It’s like when a nine year old has too much sugar and has been locked up in the house for a few days, he is bouncing uncontrollably off the walls. But somewhere amidst the dancing roaches and princes in man holes I found myself adoring the main character Giselle. She was over-the-top positive. Infectious.)

The females of speculative fiction:
Eowyn Lord of the Rings
Arwen Lord of the Rings
Hermoine Harry Potter

Random nominees:
Darby Shaw The Pelican Brief
Babe Dirty Dancing

The nominees for Classic Characters:
Anna The King and I
Rose Sayer The African Queen (1951) (Lori, I think you'd like this one :)

I started it, now you add some! Did it spark your memory? What got any inspiring characters to add?

Come back Wednesday and see my first ever published short story!

SARAH CONNOR : THE "ODES" OF MARCH

Sarah Connor : Couldn't resist a screenplay character. Saving the best for last.

I would be okay if my life were more like Sarah Connor’s. Weapons training. A new identity every once and a while. Constantly acquiring new survival techniques. Living my whole life as workout, so no need to go to the gym. True love dropping in from the future and changing my life.

I know she’s a little mental, but aren’t we all? Besides she has some endearing qualities. Her love and protectiveness for John Connor. Her compulsion to save the world. Her undying commitment to her cause. Definitely, I could handle a life more like Sara Connor’s.

I think I relate to her in some way, because aren’t we all living a life like Sarah’s, but more on a spiritual plane? We train with the weapons truth, love, joy, and self-control. We put on our spiritual armor daily. Our savior dropped in and changed our lives forever.

Our identity changes more often than we want it to, too. Sudden life changes prohibit us from continuing one path and force us to live another. The CEO suddenly becomes caregiver when his mom gets sick. The airline pilot must suddenly redefine herself; find another career, when she gets laid off. And we all must constantly acquire new survival techniques in order to beat the devil and his schemes.

Our endearing qualities are much like Sarah’s too. We love our children with a passion that brings us to our knees. We have a compulsion to tell the world that Jesus died for all of us, loves us more than we can comprehend. And we have an undying commitment to our cause, life eternal, breaking through the lie, loving our fellows as Jesus loved us and fighting for justice.

What do you think?

R. J. Anderson’s Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour

R. J. Anderson’s Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour

I read John W. Otte's post on the tour tonight. He really got me thinking about this cover. I love the picture, but John W. Otte made me think about it and, if it were on the shelf at B and B, I wouldn't have purchased it. I don't think I would have picked up the girlie girl from the shelves because  she calls out to a younger audience and  -reminds me of FernGully meets The Littles-

Now, this cover I might pick up. It is the same book sold in the UK with a different title and a different cover. I think the title helps too. Knife. Ever heard of a faery called Knife? I've got to hear her story.

So judge not this book by it's US cover, but its UK cover and head over to Amazon.
(Thanks again to John for sparking this discussion.)


Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON PURCHASE


Author Web site CLICK HERE

Author blog CLICK HERE

Twitter CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW RJ ON TWITTER
Participants’ links


Sally Apokedak

Brandon Barr

Amy Browning

Melissa Carswell

CSFF Blog Tour

Stacey Dale

D. G. D. Davidson

Jeff Draper

April Erwin

Timothy Hicks

Jason Isbell

Becky Jesse

Cris Jesse

Jason Joyner

Julie

Carol Keen

Krystine Kercher

Dawn King

Rebecca LuElla Miller

New Authors Fellowship

Nissa

John W. Otte

Donita K. Paul

Crista Richey

Chawna Schroeder

Andrea Schultz

James Somers

Steve Trower

Fred Warren

Phyllis Wheeler

KM Wilsher

R. J. Anderson’s Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour

More thoughts and ramblings regarding:

R. J. Anderson’s Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter

I've been reading blogsters around the tour and loving the discussions about this book. Seems Knife, the main character of Faery Rebels, is a rebel. A little on the edge.


There have been discussions about the motivation for her rebelling. Now, I haven't read the book, but anytime a book gets people talking it must be good.

The ones that no one talks about - we don't read, right?

Another subject of discussion has been the cover. It is nice, isn't it?

R.J. Anderson is a mother of three living in Stratford, Ontario. Looks like she shares the love for Lewis and Tolkien. She was born in Uganda, wow.

The next books in R.J.'s Faery Rebels series are: Wayfarer, Arrow and Swift. Great titles!




Purchase Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter 


Author Web site

Author blog

RJ on Twitter

*Participants’ links

Sally Apokedak

Brandon Barr

Amy Browning

Melissa Carswell

CSFF Blog Tour

Stacey Dale

D. G. D. Davidson

Jeff Draper

April Erwin

Timothy Hicks

Jason Isbell

Becky Jesse

Cris Jesse

Jason Joyner

Julie

Carol Keen

Krystine Kercher

Dawn King

Rebecca LuElla Miller

New Authors Fellowship

Nissa

John W. Otte

Donita K. Paul

Crista Richey

Chawna Schroeder

Andrea Schultz

James Somers

Steve Trower

Fred Warren

Phyllis Wheeler

KM Wilsher

R. J. Anderson’s Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter - Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour

The faeries have lost their magic and are moving toward extinction. A young faery named, Knife, is determined to recover her people's magic. Going against the Queen, she befriends a human named, Paul, and her quest turns dangerous. But Knife's endeavors may not be aiding her people but hurting them.

Okay, do you love this cover or what? Faery Rebels is R.J. Anderson's first published novel. From what I can tell she has been writing for a long time. Can't wait to read this book. Sounds like a cross between The Littles and FernGully. Might make a great film.

What do you think? Have you read it? Don't forget to check in with the other blogsters below and see what they have to say!

Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON PURCHASE 


Author Web site CLICK HERE

Author blog CLICK HERE

Twitter CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW RJ ON TWITTER

*Participants’ links

Sally Apokedak

Brandon Barr

Amy Browning

Melissa Carswell

CSFF Blog Tour

Stacey Dale

D. G. D. Davidson

Jeff Draper

April Erwin

Timothy Hicks

Jason Isbell

Becky Jesse

Cris Jesse

Jason Joyner

Julie

Carol Keen

Krystine Kercher

Dawn King

Rebecca LuElla Miller

New Authors Fellowship

Nissa

John W. Otte

Donita K. Paul

Crista Richey

Chawna Schroeder

Andrea Schultz

James Somers

Steve Trower

Fred Warren

Phyllis Wheeler

KM Wilsher

HERMIONE GRANGER THE "ODES' OF MARCH

CHARACTERS THAT INSPIRE ME

Many have agreed that Hermione Granger is one of their favorite characters. I have to say she runs a tight race with Ron Weasley but, at the finish line, who can argue that Hermione is one of the most enduring characters written.


Her weaknesses:

Insecurity. And she works from that base in all she does. Holding herself to the highest standards to make up for the fear that she may be inadequate. She is a little bossy in her efforts to help those around her be all that they can be.

These weaknesses make her strong. She has compassion for the less fortunate and is always aware of the helpless who stand in the wings i.e. Neville Longbottom, half-giants, and house elves. She is loyal, instinctive, intelligent, clever, brave and protective of those she loves.

Hermione is the most adorable character ever. She inspires me.
How about you?

Seth Borders The "Odes" of March Series

CHARACTERS THAT INSPIRE ME

Seth Borders in BLINK by TED DEKKER
A Saudi Arabian princess, Miriam, flees to America to avoid a horrific, arranged/forced marriage. Seth Borders, a genius grad student, discovers he has power to glimpse into the future. Seth and Miriam are suddenly forced together in a run for their lives. As two governments hunt them down, the couple’s only two hopes are Seth’s new power to glimpse the future, and their Faith.

Seth Border is one of my favorite characters because he comes to believe over the course of the hottest Bonnie-and-Clyde-like road trip ever to coax you to turn the page. I love this guy. He is fearless and in the beginning an Agonistic. Seth discovers he has power to glimpse the future and this power becomes his Faith-discovery journey-- all the while on the run from Saudi Arabian mobsters and the CIA. Seth's leap of faith is bold and bigger than life. His concern and compassion for his Muslim friend (who happens to be a princess LOL) is beautiful. Ted Dekker has written a brilliant book, BLINK, and one of the most inspiring, fun, charismatic characters ever, Seth Borders.





Have you read Blink? (If you haven't, its a must!)
                               What did you think of Seth?

Have any characters whose faith journey inspires you?
Oh and Happy St Patrick's Day!

MOVIE MONDAY Life on Mars

LIFE ON MARS
(R - I don't know how they allowed some of these scenes on television)

Episodes begin with this monologue:
My name is Sam Tyler. I had an accident and I woke up in 1973. Am I mad, in a coma, or back in time? Whatever's happened, it's like I've landed on a different planet. Now, maybe if I can work out the reason, I can get home.

Life on Mars was an original BBC Series remade for American TV. This fun show is a fresh mix of '70's police show and Science Fiction. Sam Tyler woke up in the past and has a spot at New York's 125 as a police detective. America is in its civil rights infancy and facing racism and prejudices against women. Sexual harassment runs wild and crime technology is basically nonexistent. Lots of classic '70's music in this series.

I have to admit there are some episodes that I do not recommend, especially the episode called: Coffee, tea, or Annie. Skip that one. The rest of the episodes are a fun ride; New York crimes, the mystery of Sam Tyler's past, future and why/how did he leave 2008 and end up in the year 1973? It will keep you hanging on to the very end to solve the case of: Life on Mars.

That '70's Show meets NCIS

Charles Ingalls The 'Odes' of March Series

CHARACTERS THAT INSPIRE ME


The "odes" of March are for my favorite characters. I almost didn't post this one, but this is one of my first favorite characters ever. When I was a little girl, my family sat around the coffee table together and watched LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE as a family. I have lots of good memories about this show. And, of course, every girl of my generation read the books.

I know this particular character was based upon a real man, but we all know that there had to be a fictional element to LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE, therefore, Charles Ingalls is one of my favorite characters.

Mr. Ingalls had some great traits like: Faith, being a great father, and a crazy hardworker.

However, his weaknesses were just as inspiring. Ingalls had a strong case of "wanderlust". (desire to wander, travel, explore the world) This fact is documented history. Pa also had a intermittent sense of macho -ism. He sometimes erred on the heavy side of standing up for his family and for what is right. One more "weakness" Charles Ingalls possessed was a workaholic nature. The man over worked himself from time to time.

As a girl, I always thought I'd grow up and marry a man like Charles Ingalls. Great father with deep Faith and love for his family. What a great example he would be to the gentlmen of this generation. Well, truthfully, he probably would not fit in anymore. Sadly, in life or in fiction.

But in this post I wanted to touch upon the fact that we readers like the weaknesses of characters sometimes just as well as their strengths.

What are some strengths and weaknesses that you value in your favorite characters? In your own writing or in what you've read?

Kahlan Amnell - The "Odes" of March Series

CHARACTERS THAT INSPIRE
I have trouble reading lately. I perform weekly crits and enjoy some of the authors that let me give them my thoughts, but truly, it has been a while since I've been glued to a book.

I traveled to a blog. I don't know how I got there, but the author had a few characters that inspire her running down the side. This inspired me to blog about some of my old favs! An "Ode", if you will. If I can't read about new characters, I will just reminisce about some of the characters I love. Maybe this series will tie me over until I find a book I can get lost in.

1. Terry Goodkind's

    Kahlan Amnell


The last Mother Confessor of the Midlands. Protector and lover to the one Seeker of Truth, Richard Cypher. You should see this girl fight with her dual daggers!


I think what I like about Kahlan is her passion for truth and justice. Yeah, she's in love with the one true Seeker, but it didn't start that way. Her first feelings for The Seeker developed when she traveled far from her home to find him. Kahlan had never met The Seeker, but prophecy told her what he would someday be. She sacrificed her home and comfort (and the life of her sister) to find the one true Seeker and protect him.






Why? She knew this man would bring justice to the Midlands. Prophecy fortold that the one true Seeker would save the lives of the human race. Kahlan’s faithfulness to the Seeker began long before she met him.






Later she falls for Richard Cypher. She falls deeply and madly in love with him (and they cannot consummate their love because her powers will destroy any man she is with -- so their love transcends the physical, its awesome) I would like to find a love like this one day. Alas, maybe a girl has to live in fiction to find it. Or maybe she has to be a beautiful Mother Confessor to find it.


I digress. The romance part of Kahlan Amnell's story is not why she inspires me. Not at all. Her strenth and passion and love for the needy inspire me. It is her faithfulness, her loyalty, her passion for the common man that keeps me turning pages.

Do you have some favorite characters?

Movie Monday

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO. . .

I didn't catch the entire thing, but even though I tuned in late, I think I caught all of this. I know it is Hollywood honoring themselves, but I like movies. . .

The winners were:
Best Animation: Up . . .I didn't think I would like this movie, but I did. You have to see UP!
Original Screenplay Winner: Hurt Locker. . .this really dominated the night.
Adapted Screenplay: Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire

Best Makeup: Star Trek. . .at least it was mentioned last night. Man, I loved this movie.
Supporting Actor Winner: Christoph Waltz for Inglorious Basterds
Supporting Actress Winner: Mo’Nique for Precious
Set Decoration: Avatar
Costumes Winner: The Young Victoria. . .I have to see this.


Best Sound Editing: Hurt Locker. . .my friend Lori said this was good. Gotta see it now.
Best Sound Mixingr: Hurt Locker

Cinematographer Winner: Avatar

Best Original Score: Up!. . .Nice. Well deserved.

Best Visual Effects: Avatar. . .no surprise. Truly deserved.

Best Film Editing: Hurt Locker

Best Actor: Jeff Bridges for Crazy Heart

Best Actress: Sandra Bullock. . .I was so pulling for her! But the others she was up against were great too.
Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow for Hurt Locker. . .first woman to win ever. (Barbra Striesand handed it to her, how surreal! And she was up against her exhusband. Kathryn was gracious)

And. . .
Best Picture Winner: The Hurt Locker. . .Wow. Didn't see that coming :0)
___________________________________
My awards:
Best dress:
Demi Moore. . .(and she wins Best shoes too!)

Awkward moment:
Sean Penn's delivery. . . what was he talking about?

Sweetest moment:
James Taylor's song. . .man his voice hasn't aged a bit.

Most elegant and eloquent:
Taylor Lautner

Best speech:
Sandra Bullock. . .she seems so humbled by her success and the fact that she has found such love.

Best speech Honorable mention:
Katherine Bigelow. . .she really tried to show that her film not only about soldiers but for them.
(How great to beat your exhusband out in this catagaory, the year he puts out Avatar, the monumentous of films to date)
Michelle Pfieffer. . .as she introduced Jeff Bridges nomination.

Funniest speech:
Tim Robbins when he introduced Morgan Freeman as a nominee.

Surprise?
Forest Whitaker looks lean, but not very well.

__________________________
Movies I have to see after watching the Acadamy Awards:
The Hurt Locker
The Secret of Kells
The Blind Side
Invictus
Crazy Heart
___________________

Did you watch? Tell me your thoughts :0)

WORD WEDNESDAY

This week I've posted a few words I wrote inspired by the Word.

Thunder vibrates the ground. Millions of drops shower, dripping down my neck and soaking my shirt. My jeans stick to my legs. Waves of water pour over my head and onto my icy hands, as I hammer the nails into the wood. Each nail holds a 2x4 that will eventually hold the walls around the homeless family we came all the way from the United States to help.

I smile as the saw obeys my arm, and the measurements really work -- Wish I'd paid more attention in algebra.



However, this 37 year old body's aching back, makes me wonder if I will be able to finish the 3 day build. The rain brings questions why I have come in the first place. And the loneliness. Loneliness?



Yep, an older single amongst teenagers building homes for those who don't have one. The youths in stylish t-shirts and Vans run around and laugh and jump, enjoying their adventure in Mexico. I don't fit in, totally. They are respectful, caring, even playful at times -- Of course they are, they are followers of Jesus Christ.


Sure there are people my age, but they are couples. I watch as one man lifts some 4x6's for his wife He deposits them closer so she won't have to bend. Another man in red, plaid flannel hands his keys to his girl so she can go and fetch them lunch. She trots off, wet pony tail bobbing, to the F150 with a heater.


We raise the walls and slap stucco on. I put in 110% shoveling mortar for cement, ignoring my aching back.



Pony tail girl returns with their food using her clear, plastic raincoat to shield their sandwiches.


Man, I'm hungry.


Plaid flannel man wrings out his under t-shirt and complains about the rain and the cold. Wet pony tail  girl encourages him. She says lovingly, "Sometimes God lets the rain come. He allows the storm to show us we can persevere - that He will help us persevere."

Tears sting my eyes and a lump forms in my throat as I look up to the sky -- something I do sometimes when my Heavenly Father amazes me. Rain drops tickle my cheeks, and my heart soars through the misty gray sky. Yes, He will help me persevere and tomorrow we will hand this family of four --the one that has eaten and slept on the ground of Sonora, Mexico all their lives-- the keys to their new home.

MOVIE MONDAY

SURROGATES 2009
Set in the future, most humans are living a virtual life through robots. They lay in a bed and hook up to a machine to live their lives through a human looking robot.
Someone is killing the virtual humans, and has found a way to kill the human behind it. A policeman, Tom Greer, must leave his home for the first time in years and investigate this crime in person.

Okay, I love Bruce Willis, the DIE HARD series and THE FIFTH ELEMENT. However, this movie is a big three thumbs down. Four thumbs? It was slow, the story is boring and cliche', the robots gave me the creeps. . . that's all I have to say.

My opinion of Bruce Willis hasn't changed. His acting kept we watching and made me finish the movie.

Have you seen this movie? What did you think?