Sunday, December 16, 2012

UPDATED THE "BE NORMAL" TAB AND "THE PRINCESS TEST" TAB.
HOPE YOU LIKE IT.


Saturday, December 15, 2012

Normalcy, Normality, and Functionality

     The story line for the book "Be Normal" actually came about from a brain-storming session for American Princess ideas. "Be Normal" seemed like a novel idea (but not for "American Princess") so I put the idea aside for another day.
Thankfully, I got around to writing it.

     "Be Normal" is edgier than "American Princess". It goes into an array of different social areas. 

...To be or not to be normal... that is the pertinent question...

     This idea actually originated as a full scene (like a movie playing in my head) that would become the first chapter (only slightly altered from the original version). 
     This book is done in diary form. The main character's name is Zoë Abigail Cozy and her best friend is her tabby cat, Mr. Higgins. Obviously, she is not normal. She is a social outcast at school and at home. 
     This story allowed me to explore prejudices, complexities, stereotypes, and oddities, among my quirky cast. 
     This story involves life's pain. It is about choosing who you want to be and acknowledging what you really are.
    Life is not easy for anyone. Especially not for Zoë. The least anyone can do a be oneself along life's journey. Even so, it is not that easy.







Be Normal or Beware


Birth of a Princess

     I am a huge fan of juvenile stories, young adult stories, and of course tales about princessesI love fun unique stories that are enjoyable for all ages. 
    As far as princesses are concerned, in print and animated media, it felt like there was  an opening for something different and new. I wanted someone to fill this spot. This idea continually pulled at me until finally I it donned on me: I want to be a writer so why not write it myself. It was the easiest solution and why it took days to realize it is beyond me. I had a great opportunity. It was an opportunity for me to write about something I am very passionate about. And that is how the story was born. 

     It was a simple idea: reinvent the princess. I had no scenes, no lines, no characters. I knew what I wanted the story to be like mostly because I knew exactly what I didn't want it to be: ordinary, predictable, purely love-driven.
    
       I wanted to write about a princess that was contemporary Here, I explored the Modern ideal of a Princess. I formulated a character and took her out of the castle and placed her in the city that hummed quietly to a sweet melody (And you could hear it if you only dared to stop and listen for it). 
     "American Princess" is no fairy tale but it is filled with familiar elements like fun, whimsy, and adventure.

     For the first couple of months, I just focused on character development until finally I had the right mixture of zany, quirk, and harmony. Character development is very important. Once you have that aspect the adventure takes off from there. 


     For a while I thought I was a bit crazy to write a story about a modern princess. It turns out it was the best decision I made. I discovered myself as a writer and as a storyteller while I worked on "American Princess".