The Fandoms

When I plunged into the cyber world, I wasn't sure what to expect. What kind of freaks inhabited such a place? What kind of emotionally abused shut-in preferred a virtual life to an actual one?

I was unprepared for the rare collection of individuals I would encounter. 

Yes, there were the weirdo stalker types who read my profile and found me a little too interesting, those who only saw me as a big dollar sign (because kindergarten teachers are known for their vast reserves?), and of course there were the lonelies who just wanted to talk and/or vent about their crappy, crappy lives to anyone who would listen. By far, the largest group I've encountered were good people who are in the business of sharing, helping others, and making personal connections. These are the wonderful souls keep me going with kind words of encouragement and fabulous advice.

But, hold the phone! I forgot to mention the group that makes me feel the most at home: The Fandoms. 

Because only rubbing elbows with those who are equally obsessed with books, movies, starlets, fanfic, quirky TV shows, and fairytale madness could bring out the geek girl in me. And I love it! I think we can learn a little something special from each one.

The Sherlockians: Talk about dedication! They wait years for a measly THREE episodes. Granted it's three episodes of awesomeness featuring the best actors ever, but that's neither here nor there. (Cumberbaaaaaaaatch!!!!!!!)

The Whovians: Doo-wee-dooooo! Please don't ask them to explain the show. Terms like time vortex, TARDIS, timey-wimey, and regeneration will pop into the conversation willy nilly. They are certifiably nutty, but they are the coolest, most accepting, tightest group of crazies you'll ever meet.  Allonsy!

The Potterheads: Magic wands, invisibility capes, wizards & witches. Let's throw in some amazing storytelling and movie-making that empower young people. And now there's Pottermore to keep things alive. Just awesome. (Yep, I'm still waiting for my Hogwarts letter...)

The Psych-os: The fandom's name says it all. Those who appreciate the antics of a fake psychic detective and his pharmaceutical salesman sidekick are a little special themselves. That won't stop us from laughing. Or fist bumping. Who wouldn't feel that their life isn't worthwhile after a bout of the Psych-induced giggles?

News Flash: I know so much about them because I'm a member of all four fandoms. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Fangirl and proud! 

And yes, I can rock Geek Chic!

I'd love to hear about your (possibly embarrasing) fandom affiliations and/or obsessions. Belonging to something passionate, interesting, and a little bit nutso is quite freeing. Leave me a comment and tell me all the geekiness.

My Boyfriend, The BBC

It probably started with my love of Shakespeare and Jane Austen. Something about reading and/or watching either one always made me feel smarter and more cultured. Years of Pride & Prejudice parties on Super Bowl Sunday (same snacks, just fancier) and you have the makings of a girl who was bound to fall in love with British television.

So today, I'm sharing my love of the BBC and my vast appreciation for Netflix. Without them, I'd probably have more of a social life! Anyway, here are a few of my favorites:

Doctor Who

Doo-wee-doo! There's something about a man who's seen so much horror and continues to value human life and fight for what's right. And the fact that he's quirky, brilliant, and hilarious? Well, that just makes him more appealing. Matt Smith incarnation of the Doctor with his affinity for bow ties, fezzes, Stetsons, and dressing like a substitute science teacher will always be my Doctor. I will forever be listening for the TARDIS and hoping he's the one nabbing me for an adventure. 

Sherlock

Admittedly the first time I saw Sherlock, I thought, There's sure a lot of nudity... (It was Scandal In Belgravia, which was my favorite until the antics of Drunk Sherlock.) I was quick to learn that nudity and profanity weren't a staple for the show, because Sherlock is all about the brains.

I blame my Sherlock obsession on a dad who read mysteries to his children and introduced us to Columbo and Poirot during our formative years. Who dunnits still draw me in. And really, do I have to say it? I'm a little bit in love with Mr. Cumberbatch. I just want him to read me bedtime stories I his sexy, low voice. Or, you know, recipe cards.

Downton Abbey

My love for period dramas and romance attracted me to Downton, though not initially. I watched the first episode and thought, I don't get it. What's all the fuss about? Weeks later on a lazy Sunday afternoon I thought I'd give it another try. I still haven't turned it off. The unique upstairs/downstairs interactions, the stunning fashions, and the ooey gooey romance keep me coming back. As my friend explained to someone who's apparently been living under a rock and knows nothing about it, Downton is a period soap opera. 

Too true. And we eat it up.

Call the Midwife

A friend brought Call the Midwife to my attention. She was intrigued by the ins and outs of midwifery portrayed in the show and she's absolutely addicted to the 40s. However, the videos of childbirth from my Human Development courses were as close as I wanted to come to live birth, at least from that angle. But, when I had a moment free from Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Downton (yes, I did fly through them all in a matter of months) I pulled up Call the Midwife and watched a couple of episodes. Here's what I love about it: the cadence, the heart, and the class. It's as beautifully choreographed as a dance. Give it a try. Maybe you'll love it. And maybe you'll learn to do your hair in victory rolls too.

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I'm pretty sure I could go on. I haven't even mentioned The Paradise, Merlin, or Robin Hood, which are fantastic examples of what I love about British TV. Classic literature, myths, and legends revamped with the perfect blending of drama, comedy, and humor. As a writer and/or couch potato I can get behind that. 

And hey, who doesn't love a good accent? Tom Hiddleston is also more than welcome to read me bedtime stories. Or the ingredients on the back of the cereal box.

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Anything else I should check out? Leave me a comment and tell me what you're obsessed with! As always, for reading! If you'd like to learn more about my geeky tendencies, revisit Fan Fiction & Fairytales or Geek Chic. 

Geek Chic

I've always been a geek.  In high school I felt at home with the drama/choir crowd, was scarily knowledgeable about musical theater, and burned through books like they were going out of style. Later, my wacky sense of humor, bizarre tastes, and growing lack of concern about what other people thought only made matters worse. It started with shows like Psych, Monk, Bones, and NCIS. Then, I discovered Glee, Harry Potter, and The Pirates of the Caribbean. I was just getting warmed up when I found the BBC and fell in love with Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, Merlin, Robin Hood, and Sherlock. By that time I was completely enamored with the entire Marvel Universe and fully addicted to Netflix. It was too late to hide my fanaticism. My bookshelves, DVD collection, and crazy tee-shirts plainly declared my mania.

When I stumbled into the online fandoms and acquired a new vocabulary (fangirling, shipping, canon, etc.) I felt like I'd found the mother ship. And it turns out I can rock geek chic.

So, when I saw this title at Barnes and Noble, it was only a matter of time before I devoured it.  In Fangirl, Cath is embarking on the new and frightening world of college.  For a twin, it's a weird sensation to be delving into new experiences all on her own, so she pours all of her stresses, social anxieties, and pent up frustrations into her fanfiction. As well-followed fanfic writer Magicath, Cath's love for spinning new scenarios for her favorite characters and the magical world they inhabit opens the door for new friendships, life experiences, and, if she's lucky, romance.

Though this story may seem sweet and silly, Rainbow Rowell ties in plenty of reality to ground the tale. I enjoyed following Cath's journey from damaged girlhood to finding herself and learning what she is capable of.  A truly fun story, but word to the wise, Fangirl is a more mature read, featuring both adult themes and language.

However, for the clean read crew, let me introduce Geek Girl:

Jen Jones is a high school student who's been bounced from one foster home to another. Still suffering from the tragedies of her childhood, Jen has her eye on nothing more than the next party and the next high. Until Trevor catches her attention. A geek to the core, Trevor is the most attractive of his sci-fi obsessed posse. Jen bets her friends that she can turn him into a bad boy and is certain she'll succeed. But while coming to know him, like geek makeover flicks10 Things I Hate About You, She's All That, and Drive Me Crazy, she is more altered by the experience than he is.  Facing her past seems like the hardest thing Jen will ever have do until Trevor discovers her secret and she faces losing the geeky boy she's fallen in love with.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of self-discovery.  Like Jen, I am certainly a Geek Girl at heart. Enjoy, my friends!  Both of these books are full of wonderfully written characters, fun adventures, and geeky goodness.  Find them at Amazon:
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Geek Girl by Cindy C. Bennett

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For more of my fangirl mania, check out Fanfiction & Fairtales, Embracing the Fangirl Within, The Con, and Embrace the Geek by fellow Geek Girl Raylynn. Thanks for stopping by!

The Con

We shall call it research!

I've always been a fangirl. Even when I didn't know what a fangirl was. After establishing an online presence this year, I settled happily into my place among the Whovians, Sherlockians, and whatever you call the people addicted to Downton Abbey. Like Dorothy with her ruby slippers, I realized there's no place like home.

With panels featuring amazing actors and a convention full of colorful characters, it's the perfect setting for a kindergarten teacher to unwind and a writer to gather new ideas. (But yes, a character based on John Barrowman would be larger than life.)

Some words of wisdom from my first Con:

Do good things just to make the world a better place. (Stephen Amell)

Smile when you feel down and choose a happy life. (John Barrowman)

If you haven't found the part that's made for you, keep looking. (Stephen Amell)

People don't love you? Why should you care? (John Barrowman)

The overall message of the Con is clear:

Whatever your passion, let your geek flag proudly and loudly! 

And just to prove I take my own advice...

And yes, I can use the Con experience, the wisdom of talented artists, and my own fangirl passions to inspire future projects. Don't be surprised if a future character is a hunky bow and arrow toting hero. 

Yes, that is Stephen Amell. And yes, appreciating his smoking hot abs does count as research.

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For more on my fangirl tendencies and/or using what you love to fuel your writing, try out Fan Fiction & Fairytales or Embracing the Fangirl Within.  I think you'll enjoy them!

Captain Obvious

Toppling entire scenes with a single eyeroll!

Collapsing important dialogue with an exaggerated yawn!

And obliterating everyone's best intentions (along with a healthy dose of plot) with a disapproving ahem.

(Look at him.  He doesn't even have to comment on how boring he finds all of this. So irritating.)

That's right!  He's Captain Obvious, the guy we all want to punch in the face the second he opens his big mouth. Quite frankly, he's been making writers look like idiots for years.  There's nothing worse than readers, reviewers, and editors summoning their inner Captain Obvious and permanently shelving your novel.

Since my niche is twisted fairytales--my take on stories that have been around so long we've ceased wondering where they came from--Captain Obvious could have a field day with my work. So, I'm as eager as you to discover how we get him to put a cork in it.

Make 'em Laugh:  Tickling Captain Obvious' funny bone is an excellent way to shut him up (as long as he doesn't see the jokes coming from a mile away). Laughter draws people out of their ordinary lives and dramas while simultaneously shushing their inner Captain Obvious.  A good joke, a nod to your audience, or a good ol' pratfall debilitates ill-humor as effectively as it lifts spirits.

The Element of Surprise:  Action, twists and turns, cliffhangers, and unexpected betrayal keep Captain Obvious from guessing what's coming next.  As my dad taught me at a young age, even if you think you know what's happening next, if the story's good enough, you'll keep reading to see if you're right. My dad's Dun-dun-dun! always ensured a rapt audience.

Activate the Senses:  If the writing is rich enough, if it literally pulls the reader into the author's world, Captain Obvious doesn't stand a chance.  I know this because I'm the nit-picky reader who considered sending published authors notes on improvements for subsequent printings. However, my Grammar Nazi soul shuts her cakehole when the writing is fantastic.Without making your prose so description-heavy it's in danger of drowning, titillate as many senses as possible (including memory) throughout your projects. Just as golden late afternoon light makes everything more alluring, so do scenes that draw the reader in and make them live in that moment.

Make 'em Cry:  This may seem odd given the fact that the first tip is Make 'em Laugh, but the truth is characters who struggle, fail, suffer set-backs, and deal with regret, sorrow, or doubt are more believable and lovable. If you can get Captain Obvious to emote along with your dynamic characters, you have him just where you want him, on your side.

Then, with your newly drafted manuscript and sense of empowerment, you can face Captain Obvious and proudly say:

All right, some of us, like Matt Smith, can't pull that off.  However, we can stand tall in the knowledge that we've done our best to send Captain Obvious packing.

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For more on making 'em laugh and creating dynamic characters, revisit Plot Twist! and Tragically Flawed...or Not.