The Addams Family Book Tag!

I saw this tag on YouTube last month ago (I think) and I knew - KNEW - I had to put this on my blog during this week! I had to! It looks like a fun, Halloween-y tag! So, if you don't know about this tag, it was created by Hannah from Hannah Books and Beauty (aka see the first video below!) 





Now, I am going to admit this now: I am not the biggest fan of Halloween and of Horror! So, this is a weird double-negative tag for me so... LET'S GO! 

1. Morticia Addams the mother and a witch. What is your favorite witch book? 
I can say Harry Potter for every one of these answers (though it is strongly TEMPTING!) but, technically, Harry isn't a witch. He's a wizard so I can't use that. So I should say Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Mrs Weasley, etc. But I won't. I am going to say Gabriel from the Half Bad series. I like him as he's such a sweetie but he's a badass witch as well. No, wait, I change my mind! MILDRED HUBBLE! If you don't know The Worst Witch series... *shakes his head*
2. Gomez Addams is a loving father. Who is your favorite fictional dad?
The thing about YA, I've noticed, is that father figures don't exactly exist. Parents seem to be non-exist in YA (though this is changing, thank goodness!). But I can't really think of one expect for those who are dead. But I am going to say the Abhorsen from Sabriel by Garth Nix. I always found him a fascinating character. 
3.Uncle Fester Addams can generate electricity. What books makes you light up so much that you cant stop yourself talking about it?
I have far too many books that I can do this with. Harry Potter, Twilight Saga, His Dark Materials, Half Bad, The Old Kingdom... there is far too many! When we meet in real life, dear reader, grab me and dare me to talk about books for five minutes straight.

4. Wednesday Addams is obsessed with death. If you could have killed off a character in any book who would it have been?
DOROLES UMBRIDGE!!! Need I say more?!

5. Pugsley Addams has a vicious nature and plays nasty pranks on everyone. Who is your favorite villain?
Now, this is a hard choice. I like villains that are either flawed or are just pure evil. So, while I could very easily picked Lord Voldemort or Bellatrix from the Harry Potter series, I am going to pick Kerrigor from Sabriel. He is just creepy! There is a few times that, when I first read the book, creeped me out.

6. Lurch is based on Frankenstein and a zombie. What is your favorite adaptation of a story?
Because I'm not a fan of horror, I haven't watched any real adaption of a "horror" novel so this might have to be a "Veto" from me. I always look at films and TV shows on books that I like and I will like them - but I will criticise them to hell and back.

7. Grandmama is an old classic witch. What is your favourite old classic horror book?
I mention it in my next question but am going to say The Woman in Black by Susan Hill. Ok, it's not a "old classic" but it's the oldest horror ghost story I have read. And I don't think my GCSE reading of Shakespeare's Macbeth counts, seeing as it's been a VERY long time since I read it and it was for school and nothing "scary" really happened if I remember the story right... 

8. Show us some of your horror books.
I could... but as this is a blog, I would have to hunt them down and take a photo. And I am a lazy so-and-so. So, let me tell you want I have. Like I said, I am not the biggest fan of horror, but I seem to own all of James Dawson's horror stories (I haven't read Say Her Name and Under My Skin... yet). I also have an ARC of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke (again, haven't read it yet). On my kindle, I do have The Small Hand and The Man In the Picture by Susan Hill (and I own The Woman in Black in audiobook form). 

Not sure if these counts as I haven't read these at the time of writing this post, but Welcome to Night Vale: A Novel by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, Monsters by Emerald Fennell, The Savages by Matt Whyman and The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo. 

Plus, I am pretty certain I own a copy of The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson. I remember reading this late a few nights and the idea of going to get a glass of water at gone midnight freaked me out. I feared that the ghost of Jack of Ripper was under my bed and grab my ankles. That old childhood fear came flooding back! 


9. What are you going as for Halloween this year?
I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween and Trick-and-Treating isn't my thing. So I will be staying in (or going out for food!), hiding behind my book.

10. Favorite Halloween films!!!
I am awful with horror films. I get myself freaked out (I watched The Woman in Black movie - starring Daniel Radcliffe - and I hated every second of it. Hiding my face into my other half's shoulder, going "THIS IS NOTHING LIKE THE BOOK!!!"). I like fun, silly movies. But I think I might watch The Nightmare Before Christmas - it's a Halloween/Christmas movie! If I can find a cheap copy, maybe Hocus Pocus. 

Brent Bailey Chats Snarky Knightley

Surprise! I have a guest post for you guys! And am a tad shocked this is happening, but am thrilled to welcome Brent Bailey to the blog.

Now, for those of you who aren't aware of him, Brent is an actor on TV and short films, but most of you guys should know him as Alex Knightley from the hit web series, Emma Approved (youtube.com/user/pemberleyDigital), which completed its run of August last year. Not catch the show? The first two episodes of Emma Approved at at the bottom of the post!

Not sure how I got Brent to agree on my blog, but a big thank you for Brent for taking time out of his busy life to answer these questions! Before I throw us all into the Q&A, if you want to follow Brent of Twitter, you can check him out at https://twitter.com/BrentMBailey. And now, with that out of the way, onto the Q&A!

Brent, thank you so much for answering some questions for my blog. As most people will know you from Emma Approved, could you explain about the series and your character, Alex Knightley, for those who aren’t aware of the show?

Emma Approved is a modern day adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma.”  The story is about Emma, (Joanna Sotomura) a matchmaker who has gone into business with her lifelong snarky friend, Alex Knightly.  Emma runs the matchmaking side and Alex runs the business side.   The story takes you on a journey through the difficulties of running a business as well as the complexity of love.  It’ll make you laugh and cry and then want to watch it all over again.  

Could you tell us how you got the role of Alex Knightley?

I had actually read for The Lizzie Bennett Diaries a couple of times, so Jenni Powell and Bernie Su (producer and executive producer) were aware that I existed. They were just trying to figure out what role I was best for.  When Knightley came around I went in and read, and it definitely felt right.  There was so much of my personality I was able to bring into the role, and I just felt really comfortable with the character.  The rest is history! 

Because Emma is such a well-loved story, did you feel any pressure on portray Knightley loyally, but make him your own character, different from other interpretation? 

Honestly I didn’t even think about it.  Emma has been redone so many times now that I didn’t feel there was a single iconic person that played it best.  Each adaptation has been different which has given the actors playing the roles some freedom to bring their own interpretation to it.  I just went in, had fun, and hoped that the fans of the show would enjoy what we were making. 

Were you surprised by how popular the show became? 

Since LBD was so successful I expected us to have a pretty decent amount of people tune in.  Bernie had called me when he was offering me the role and let me know what to expect.  So it did seem like we were prepared for what was to come.  The only thing I didn’t know was that the fans were going to be so amazing.  I am very grateful for those that have stuck with my career and me since the show has ended.  There are good things to come, I promise. ☺ 

What was it like to have your character and, to a point, yourself compared to the male “heartthrob” of another very popular web series, The Lizzie Bennett Diaries, of William Darcy, played by Daniel Vincent Gordh?

Flattering! Daniel is such a great guy and he did a fantastic job with Darcy.  So to be compared to him in any aspect is a compliment.  We’ve actually joked many times about doing a show together and having our characters be brothers.  Maybe one day! 

After you wrapped Emma Approved, you did two episodes of another web series, Classic Alice? What was it like jumping from one popular web series into another? Did you feel any pressure?

Classic Alice actually just felt like a bunch of friends getting together and having fun. It was such a quick and easy day on set for the Emma crew, and we all had a blast.  Our roles were really just fun additions to the show, so I didn’t feel any real pressure.  Cameos are great because you come in, get to make a bunch of new friends and then get to head on to the next job! 

Why do you think web series as a whole (such as Emma Approved as well as Lizzie Bennett Diaries, New Adventures of Peter and Wendy and Night School: The Web Series) are so popular? 

They had built-in fan bases. The books have been around for so long, and the stories have been told many times.  So instead of starting from scratch and having to introduce new characters and new storylines, you are rebuilding ones that have already been done.  They do the same thing with TV and Film, which is why you see reboots, remakes, etc.  The key is to make sure that when you are re-creating something, you do it well!  Bernie is great at that! So when you have a concept that already has mass appeal, and then you create a new version of it and do it well, it’s a recipe for success. 

You have acted on TV and short films. What was it like to go from working on a “traditional” medium to a “new” medium of a web series?

The biggest difference between TV and Web is the budget.  On TV shows you have a trailer, large crews, expensive equipment, fancy locations, etc.  With web it’s usually a bunch of awesome people getting around making something special without a lot of money.  I enjoy both, but my goal is to continue to transition further into TV and Film.  That being said, if a good web series comes along and my schedule allows it, I’d be interested for sure. 

Speaking on acting on TV, you have done acting jobs for Hart of Dixie, Palo Alto and Rizzoli and Isles. What was it like working on these hugely popular shows? 

It was a blast.  I had so much fun on all of those shows, and every time I am on set it’s a new experience.  My favorite part is to check Tumblr later to see how many gif’s got created of me trying to introduce Jaime King to my “mama.”

(Edit from Pewter Wolf: I can show you the gifs Brent means... I couldn't possibly... 

*tries to look innocent* Sorry, Brent, but I HAD TO! Anyway, moving along...)

As a fan of Rizzoli and Isles, I have to ask what it was like acting opposite Lorraine Bracco and Bruce McGill, who play Angela Rizzoli and Detective Vince Korsak respectively? 

Lorraine was incredible. She is so talented and makes it look so easy!  I really hope I get to work with her again on something else!  Bruce is also extremely talented and had lots of good tips and advice for us.  Both of them made the workday so easy and so wonderful.  

One last question: what are you currently working on, if you can tell us? If not, what was your last acting role and what information can you share?

I actually can’t say specifically what I have coming up yet!  It is really exciting though and will be my biggest big budget movie role yet!  I think I’ll be able to talk about it more in September, but what I can say is that it’s going to be a great movie and it’s got some huge actors in it that I really respect and can’t wait to work with!  Other than that I have a few more commercials that will be coming out soon, and hope to snag a few more TV credits before I leave in September to film the movie! 

Graham Kurtz Chats Neverland

Yes, I know. Am breaking my blog holiday. But I did warn you guys that I might. Well... today I am (and not for the first time this month, I fear). Why, I hear you ask? Because, I have a guest post! I would like to welcome Graham Kurtz to the blog.

Now, for those of you who don't know Graham, he's an actor that has appeared on TV and stage, but most of you will know him as John Darling in the hit web series, The New Adventures of Peter and Wendy (https://www.youtube.com/user/EpicRobotTV), which is in its second season. (Not heard of the show? There are teaser trailers of both seasons 1 and 2 at the bottom of the post for you to enjoy!)

Not sure how I managed to get Graham to agree to appear on the blog (tweet-begging?), but I am thrilled that he could spare a few moments of his time answering some questions. So, thank you Graham! Before I throw you over to the Q&A, you can check Graham out on Twitter at https://twitter.com/grahamkurtz or you can follow all the Peter and Wendy drama as season 2 unfolds at https://twitter.com/NewPeterWendy

Graham, thank you so much for answering some questions for my blog. Before we go any further, could you explain The New Adventures of Peter and Wendy and your character, John Darling, to people who aren’t aware of the show?
The New Adventures of Peter and Wendy is a modern day adaption of J. M. Barrie’s classic, PETER PAN, that has been shot in a “vlog-style” format and is released in brief, 5-minute episodes (or thereabouts). The “camera” through which the audience witnesses the action is either on a computer (character vlogs), security footage (as per season 2), or Tinkerbelle’s first-person (first-fairy, rather) POV. John is the uptight, OCD middle child of the Darling family who works at the family newspaper, The Kensington Chronicle, with his father.

Could you tell us how you got the role of John Darling?
I submitted my headshot/resume/reels via the breakdown Jenni [Powell - Producer and Casting Director] released on actorsaccess.com. I was invited to audition. I went in and made them laugh. Then they invited a couple of us to read with the other characters at the final callback. Then I went home and Kyle [Walters - Creator and actor playing Peter Pan] called me the following week to offer me the role. It was all very straightforward.

Because Peter Pan is such a well-loved story, did you feel any pressure on portray John loyally, but make him your own character, different from other interpretation?
I felt no pressure. I took the information given to me in Shawn’s [deLoache - Creator] script and coupled it with the prior knowledge I have of John and the Peter Pan canon. All that created a very specific vision in my head. Once we got on set, Matthew [Breault - Director] gave us very helpful, specific direction to fill in the final touches of the characters.

Were you surprised by how popular the first season of Peter and Wendy was? And were you just as surprised when the show decided to crowd-fund the second season, and hit its target amount?
I was not surprised. Jenni has a loyal fan base from her previous work and it made sense to me that they would want to see her next project. As for the crowd-funding, I knew our team was very committed to getting the story told and our fans are very ready to watch. Our creative team does all the leg work. I retweeted and showed up when I was requested.

You have acted on TV and on stage. What was it like to go from working on a “traditional” medium to a “new” medium of a web series?

The shooting schedule was very tight and we flew through the pages. I would compare it to that of a micro budget feature film. The main difference lies in the manner the content is released. While one could easily watch the first two seasons in a single sitting, releasing the project in 5-minute increments allows us to interact with our audience almost in realtime via transmedia (twitter/facebook/etc).

In the first season, John is very much a character that bought light relief, compared to the storylines of Peter and Wendy’s relationship and Tink’s plan to destroy it. But now, in season two, John has two meatier storylines of John’s work stress and catching the eye of Smee? Has these been challenging to film or did you thrive with these storylines?
They were challenging to film, but very welcome. It was juicier subject matter on a tighter schedule. Jim Beaver was with us very briefly, so we had to shoot all of our scenes with minimal time between shots. I also had that shirtless scene you saw in the preview the same day, so I annihilated the craft services table once we wrapped. Satya [Bhabha - actor playing John Smee] and I were given time to rehearse before the shoot began, so everything was wonderfully mapped out by the time we got to our scenes.

Speaking of a possible love interest with Smee, we saw in the season 2 trailer you being shirtless. How did you feel when you read this in the script and what did you do to prepare?
Like I said, I didn’t eat much until after it was shot (only for that one shoot day, as I normally eat constantly). Once we saw the response from my shirtless scene in the first season, we all knew it was happening again. The ultimate goal is humor, but I’m also a vain creature, so I made sure I put effort into the appearance. I take lots of yoga, which I am convinced was a huge factor in me book- ing this role. Not only does it give me physical definition, but it improves my mental focus and clari- ty. I also take pilates (I am a certified mat pilates instructor), so that helps with the abs.

Why do you think web series as a whole (such as New Adventures of Peter and Wendy, as well as others such as Lizzie Bennett Diaries, Emma Approved and Night School: The Web Series) are so popular?
They are immediately accessible and can be watched on pretty much any device with video capa- bilities. They can also be watched in very short increments or “binged.” There is a better flexibility for the viewer, especially for younger generations who don’t like being tethered to subscription- based programming. All they need is internet access. The series you mention are also based on very successful literature, so there is also a built-in audience.

Without giving away spoilers to the rest of season 2 and, hopefully, season 3what would you like to see happen to John and the other characters? Are there any storylines you wish to explore further?
Shawn has provided such thorough arcs for all the characters throughout the seasons that any character exploration I would like to see was either covered during our shoot, or at least hinted at for future possibilities. I’m being coy because I don’t want to give anything away (which I am prone to do). 

SMILE - The Friends Edition

SURPRISE!!! I thought a surprise SMILE post was in order! I thank the randomness of YouTube and Vine! You guys rock!!!

It's the Vine that gets me. EVERY TIME!!! It;s that evil glint in the eye...

SMILE - Reading In The Shower

My thanks to Christina at PolandBananasBOOKS for this! Dare we try this out in the near future...?

SMILE - Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer's Day?

My thanks goes to TheMarySue.com, and the video is in connect with the new app, Love Book, where 10% of the profits go to the charity, Save The Children.

But thought you guys might want to hear the voice-porn.

SMILE - You Spin Me Round

Not sure where I saw this (Russell Howard's Good News, maybe?) but wherever I saw this, THANK YOU!

BOOK TRAILER FOR THE NIGHT ITSELF

Of which, I took part in. Yes, I am cringing inside as I type this (but when Walker [aka Hannah and Sean] emailed me and other bloggers about this idea, I loved it and knew I had to be involved. I don't think I have seen any other publisher involve bloggers & vloggers in this way before!)

Anyway, here is the video. Watch (and laugh at our uncomfortableness!)



And for those of you wondering which blogs took part, here is the list for you!

http://www.mountainsofinstead.com/
http://www.flutteringbutterflies.com/
http://www.serendipityreviews.co.uk/
http://www.books4teens.co.uk/
http://www.readaraptor.co.uk/
http://yabluewater.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.bigbooklittlebook.com/
http://thepewterwolf.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.sisterspooky.co.uk/
http://www.ink-slingers.co.uk

SMILE - Trouble When You Walked In

I'm pretty certain all us fans understand this. We do, don't we?

My thanks to CassJayTuck on YouTube! 

The Book Sacrifice YouTube Tag

I saw this #Tag on YouTube as I follow GingerBookNerd (aka @JeffreyWest as I know him on Twitter), and after watching this video, I went and watched the original and a few of the people who replied (videos will be below this paragraph) and I knew I had to put this on my blog. I just knew. So, watch the videos to understand what I am about to do...

Watched them? Ok. So, basically, we all have books we hate. Yes, even us book bloggers. We are only human. So, we have 4 situations and we have to sacrifice a book to save ourselves.

Please note that this is meant to be fun and sharing our dislike over certain books as we ALL have a book that we CAN NOT STAND! So, please, don't take this serious and if I answer with a book you adore, don't bash me as this is MY OPINION.

We good? Ok. Let's do this!

1) An Over-Hyped book: Let's start this off with a Zombie Apocalypse! Let's say you're in a book store, just browsing, when BAM! ZOMBIE ATTACK! An announcement comes over the PA System saying that the military has discovered that the zombies' only weakness is over-hyped books. What book that everyone else says is amazing but you really hated do you start chucking at the zombies knowing that it will count as an over-hyped book and successfully wipe them out?!

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Just... I don't know how to explain why this book would save me from zombies. But it would. I mean, breathable gel. BREATHABLE GEL! And then, after the whole book, we don't get the answer to what the lost symbol/word is! (and all I have now in my head is a scene from the Waking Dead but in a library. ZOMBIES READING!)

2) A Sequel: Let's say you've just left the salon with a SMASHING new haircut and BOOM: Torrential downpour. What sequel are you willing to use as an umbrella to protect yourself?
Out of all the question, this is the toughie! I don't want to go to my Goodreads and look up sequels that I give only one or two stars over, because that's cheating and I want my answers to be my first answer. The book that pop into my head straight away. And, after a lot of thought, my answer to this is Drowned Wednesday by Garth Nix. This is the third book in the series and why I really like the series (I think my review of the final book in the series, Lord Sunday, is on the blog somewhere deep in the past when I was just making this up as I went along), I pick Drowned Wednesday because of one reason and one reason alone. I never finished the book. I got a few chapters in and I just lost interest. No idea why. I just fell out of it. I am planning to read it sometime this year but yeah.. this would be my choice. But I doubt it would save my new haircut as, the UK publication is quite small (that or I have a very fat head/brain). 

3) A Classic: Let's say you're in a lecture and your English teacher is going on and on about how this classic changed the world, how it revolutionized literature and you get so sick of it that you chuck the classic right at his face because you know what? This classic is stupid and it's worth detention just to show everyone how you feel! What Classic did you chuck?

As some of you are aware, I don't really read classics. And I have this "fear" of classics (let's not go there, shall we, dear reader?). So am torn over this answer between my answer and another classic I recent read a few months ago. But my answer for this is The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by CS Lewis. It's just the Christian overtones. It feels like it's been forced down your throat. And let's not go anywhere near the sexism issue I have...

4) Your least favourite book of life!: Let's say that you're hanging out at the library when BAM global warming explodes and the world outside becomes a frozen wasteland. You're trapped and your only chance for survival is to burn a book. What is the book you first run to, your least favourite book of all life, what book do you not fully regret lighting?

I don't even need to think about this one! Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell. I know this is a fairly thin book so this won't keep me warm for long (I really should grab The Complete Works of Shakespeare or Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke as they are THICK!) but oh, this book! The main issue I had with this book (as some of you are aware) is the overuse of the word says. He says this. She says that. There are other words than says!

That, in a weird twisted way, was fun. I think we should be more open about books we dislike or don't get along with (wihout bashing it to Kingdom come). If you want to do one of these your own, please do so. You can blog it or vlog it (I would say vlog it so we see your beautiful faces! I didn't as my camera scares me!) and link it to any of the vlogs above or my blogpost.

There's one other YouTube Tag I wanna do for you guys. Not sure when I'll do that, though, as it needs patience and time for it. I wanna show a LOT of photos in that one...

Farewell Lizzie Bennett

It's been over a week since The Lizzie Bennett Diaries came to a close. Most fans are still in shock. Most fans have gone nuts and demand a DVD (which is gonna happen - within 24 hours of the Kickstart, asking for $60,000, it got over $239,000 and had over 3,500 backers [at the time of writing this, there's 5,328 backers and a WHOOPING $358,938 has been donated!] The money will go towards the DVD production, future projects and towards everyone's salary) or for it to be aired on TV (oh, come out E4, BBC Three or 5Star! You should SO air it! And Doctor Horrible...).

And to think, this is a webshow which was made on a tiny budget and came out of a conversion between one of the creators, Hank Green (of Vlogbrothers fame), and his wife.

So... my story. I can into the series quite late. Episode 59 late. That's right. I came in when we saw Darcy. And after watching one or two episodes, I figured I had to watch the whole series as... well, why not. I "wasted" a weekend playing catch-up so, when episode 60 came out, I was up to speed and addicted. Twitter is dangerous to feeding my addiction. And while I sense some fans are curled up on the floor, going "NO! LIZZIE!", I'm going "Oh, Lizzie. The ride was fun!" So... let's throw some random videos at you. Enjoy!


"What if he's gay? What if he's a serial killer? What if he's a gay serial killer?"


"Excuse me, Lizzie..." (MY FIRST LIZZIE BENNETT VIDEO!)


"You were unaware?! Then why don't you watch my videos?!" (I have gifs for these here and here!)


"SHE TOUCHED HIS ARM!" screams the fandom while its flails!


"... and you guys didn't really think I would leave you hanging like that, did you?" (THE TIE GIF!)


"Lizzie? What are you and dear Charlotte doing in here?"

SMILE - This Is How I React When People Discover I Blog...

MINI PANIC ATTACK!!! 

Sorry, I had to blog these images! These images were taken from a youTube series, The Lizzie Bennett Diaries (a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice). Click here if you want to watch the episode where the above gifs are from. Or click here if you want to watch the first episode (do it! It's worth it!). 

Oh, my thanks is taken from CassJayTuck tumblr for the gifs! THANKS! 

PS - this better be released as a DVD or I will never forget the creators of this. And one of them was Hank Green, of VlogBrother fame... 

SMILE - I Wanna Read Like This!

I must thank Stevie from SableCaught for pointing this video out! Now, fill in ALL the blank notebooks to keep my brain safe...

And for those of you saying it's far too late to save my mind, RUDE!

SMILE - How You Read A Book

My thanks goes to CassJayTuck for this video. I totally get this as I do this ALL the time!!!

SMILE - Disney Sing-A-Long Anyone?

I discovered this randomly on Youtube and, well, I fell in love with them. ENJOY!

And she does an AMAZING cover of Adele's songs! Here you go, FYI!

 Thanks to HannahTraska from YouTube. These must have taken you AGES to make!!!

SMILE - Look At The Red Panda!

Makes all the bad things go away...

SMILE - Run, Sleeping Dog, Run!

We've all probably seen this. BUT STILL!!!

SMILE - Anyone Else Feel Like This When Grammar Is Used Incorrectly?

SMILE - Sometimes, You Need A Good Cry...

Thanks to whoever tweeted this! And yes... "Anyone with a heart and iTunes account does it..."

SMILE - I Want My Cat To Do This On My Birthday...

My thanks to ICanHasCheezburger.com