Writing with a Friend -- Road to Heaven or Destruction?

I welcomed a new writing buddy today. His name is Latte and he squeaks of delight when I get a good idea, or maybe when he is playful, I don't know yet.

Our arrangement soon got me thinking about collaborative writing in general. Can two authors pour their souls into one work or is it the best way to ruin a friendship?

David Levithan has written many collaborative fiction. His secret is alternating chapters, and making sure than each author has their own character voice. In an interview with Publishers Weekly Andrea Cremer, co-author of Invisibility, said that, "Levithan advised her to think of him as her intended audience and that they both kept their own personal projects on the side." Maybe collaborative fiction isn't so bad. What do you think?

       

Review: Scarlet

Marisa Meyer turns the spotlight on new characters in Scarlet, the second book of the Lunar Chronicles, which also happens to be the name of the female lead. Without a doubt, Scarlet proved to be loyal and hardworking. The basis of what makes a true heroine. So what went wrong?

Let's start with the recap. After months of reading the first book, I had forgotten all about Cinder. Meyer did give hints, here and there, but it took an extremely long time to puzzled it out due to the attention provided to Scarlet.  

Cinder just didn't do it for me this time. She spent most of her time travelling in a spaceship, reminiscing about Peony more than she did about Kai. Meanwhile Scarlet traveled by train. 

The male lead, Wolf, did have his moments. And I can see how many would find him swoon worthy.

I don't know exactly what Meyer is building up with all the new characters she brought to the story (yes, even after reading the whole book) but I feel like I owe it to the first book to find out. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Red Carpet

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP BOOK-TO-MOVIE ADAPTATION

Having a book you love turn into a movie is nerve wracking. What if they pick the wrong actress or a director that changes the ending? What if they ruin the book?

Here at my top adaptations that I believe made the book even better.

Little Women (1933) 

Katherine Hepburn gave us the most overly confident and boyish Jo March that I have seen in any of the remakes. And Amy didn't fall far behind. Joan Bennett played Amy to perfection despite being 23 at the time, and pregnant. 

The Shining (1980)

Praise Stanley Kubrick for changing the ending of the book. I never reveal endings  (because spoils aren't fun) but  if you've seen the film and read the book let me know which ending you preferred.

All the Potter Movies (2001-2011)

They did not change much of the story making them a perfect adaptation. The producer first marked the project as low-priority and set it aside. Tsk, tsk, tsk ... glad he gave it a second thought. 

My Sister's Keeper (2009)

Sorry Jodi Picoult, but the movie ending did not make me scream out of rage like the one in the book. In fact, this one made me cry. 

The Hunger Games (2012)
Great casting, great director, and quite faithful to the story. I loved this film, and keep waiting for Catching Fire to premiere.

Review: Beware, Princess Elizabeth

Sibling rivalry at its best. 

Mary wants to control her little sister Elizabeth's dating life, religion, and future. Hmm, sounds like an uber-strict parent. Of course, the difference is that Mary is Queen, and if Elizabeth doesn't comply to her every wish she might get beheaded.

Once again, Meyer used a young alert voice, making Elizabeth easy to relate with. One has to admire her struggle to choose her own marital status as she fights everyone by admitting she never wants to get married. Who could blame her after the numerous wives her father had? The book is short, but the tension constant. A great way to have fun and learn some history. 

Want more from Carolyn Meyer

Cleopatra Confesses

Review: My Beautiful Failure

Billy's home life is complicated. His Dad suffers from bipolar disorder but refuses to get help, thus convincing Billy to volunteer his free time at a helpline and provide aid to those who actually want it. And then he meets Jenney. Why isn't he allowed to date callers -- what could go wrong?

This book is definitely not a failure for Janet Ruth Young. Yes, Billy is a little geeky, with fears, hopes, and nervousness when it comes to love. But he has a kind heart and it's easy to relate to him. The battle between ethics and love was very well played. Particularly, because Jenney isn't well, and as the story progresses we see just how blind love can be.

I gave it a four star rating because the subplot about his Dad was inconclusive. I'm not too keen when characters drop out of the story line without reason.