Literary Lovers

Valentine’s Day isn’t a holiday I usually pay much attention to, but I do like the idea of celebrating love. Last year, I celebrated by listing my favorite TV and movie couples (see My Favorite Meant To Be Couples), so I thought this Valentine’s Day should be dedicated to my favorite couples from the world of books.

Image from: ideachampions.com

Seeing as I read a number of different genres, this list is nothing if not eclectic!

1) Edward and Bella from Twilight

I can hear the groans now, but I remain a dedicated fan of this vampire/human couple. I love Edward’s old-fashioned sense of masculinity (without being a chauvinist) and Bella’s ability to challenge Edward. Despite the drama of teenage angst, through it all both are willing sacrifice everything for each other.

2) Christian and Ana from Fifty Shades of Grey

And the groans get louder. The Fifty Shades phenomenon gets a lot of attention for its erotic scenes, but my favorite elements of the book are rooted in the emotional evolution of both characters. Christian is damaged and broken, while Ana is on a journey to find her strength as a woman and individual. Together these two crackle with chemistry, but how they love one another is what sizzles.

3) Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice

I know, I know, this pair has been around forever. They are on everyone’s list, but it’s for a good reason. Their love story is timeless and beautiful. First impressions almost destroyed a perfect pair, but I love the idea that love can triumph over pride or prejudice if given a chance to breathe.

4) Mr. Rochester and Jane Eyre from Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre is my favorite book (ever), so naturally Jane and her love would make it onto my list. Mr. Rochester’s broken soul heals in the hands of an accepting and patient Jane. A plain girl finds her beauty thanks to the challenge of Mr. Rochester’s prickly personality.

5) Constance Chatterly and Oliver Mellors from Lady Chatterly’s Lover

A gruff groundskeeper and refined woman are an unexpected pair, but their need for one another is undeniable. In an interesting comparison, both suffer from inherent isolation and loneliness. While their backgrounds are world’s apart, they understand each other in a way no one else can. Constance and Oliver’s story is truly moving, not to mention very sensual. Fifty Shades could take a few lessons from D.H. Lawrence.

6) Clary and Jace from the The Mortal Instruments Series

They protect the world from demons, yet still find the time for a tender love affair. Clary is a strong-minded girl who doesn’t let anyone push her around, while Jace is a cocky, warm-hearted warrior. She’s got the backbone to stand up to him and he’s only got eyes for her.

7) Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth from Persuasion

With Wentworth for a pen name, it shouldn’t be a surprise that these two are on my list! Anne and Wentworth prove that true love can stand the test of time and separation. He loves her sensibility and compassion and she loves his kind heart whether he’s got money or not. And who doesn’t love a story of two star-crossed lovers defying social convention?

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Who are your favorite literary couples?

Happy Valentine’s Day! May your day be filled with love and joy!

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c.b.w. 2013

I’m A Guest Blogger!

Today, I am lucky enough to be a guest blogger over on change it up editing. Follow the link below for an in-depth look at my logic and philosophy for writing in first person and present tense for both of my novels. You’ll even get a little peek at the opening lines of Novel #1!

How I Used First Person and Present Tense to Wake Up My Story

While you’re there, take a look around for some great posts about writing and editing!

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c.b.w. 2013

Poetry Poll Update

Going on vacation is always fun, but so is coming home. As I get unpacked and adjusted to a three-hour time difference, I thought this would be a good time to do a quick update on the first three rounds of the Poetry Poll series.

Here are the current standings for all three polls:

Poll #1

Force of Nature – 10

Peaceful Respite – 4

The Guardians – 6

Moments of Light – 4

Poll #2

Gather Resilience – 3

Where Peace Resides – 12

Shattered – 4

Changing Hands -1

Poll #3

Lifewalk – 5

Secret Passage – 5

Kaleidoscope – 5

Where Dreams Wait – 2

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It’s all about the numbers, so the poems with the most votes overall across all polls will make it to the final four.  At this point these are the top three:

Where Peace Resides – 12

Force of Nature – 10

The Guardians – 6

Guess what?  All polls are still open and remain so until Poll #5 is posted with the finalists.  One vote can change everything! Thanks so much to everyone who has taken the time to participate! As I’ve said many times before, my readers are amazing.

Poll #4 will posted on Friday with the last batch of poems up for voting. Before it goes up, you can catch up on the first three rounds by following these links:

Poetry Poll #1

Poetry Poll #2

Poetry Poll #3

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c.b.w. 2012

Spreading Some Sunshine

One of these days someone is going to have to explain to me why I’ve been blessed with such wonderful readers. Seriously, you all blow me away with your kindness and encouragement.  While I’m still giddy from last week’s Versatile Blog Award and breaking all those rules, now I’m even giddier with another kind nomination from mywithershins.  To receive The Sunshine Award from such a talented and delightful blogger is really quite an honor.  Thank you for posting such beautiful words and inspiration every day.

Spread Some Sunshine!

I broke a few rules last week and I’m ready to break a few more seeing as I accepted the Sunshine Award a few weeks ago.  Once again, I’d like to give the spotlight to a few very deserving blogs, but it also seems like a good idea to spread some sunshine to every reader on every blog.  So how about trying something a little different?

If you’re feeing a little rebellious, take the spirit of the Sunshine Award to heart and post sunshine related quotes, images, and pieces of writing as a means of accepting the award.  Being the little rebel I am, I’m accepting my Sunshine Award under these guidelines!

My sunshine related quote comes right out of the first pages of my quote journal as Helen Keller’s words are among my favorite.

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.

- Helen Keller

With Vincent Van Gogh still very much on my mind, his brilliant painting of the sun seems a perfect partner for Keller’s words of wisdom.

Olive Trees with Yellow Sky and Sun by Vincent Van Gogh

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May the light of the sun find you today and always.

- c.b.w.

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Each of these bloggers lights up my day with fantastic posts and insights and I’m so excited to nominate them for The Sunshine Blog Award.  To claim it, you may go the traditional route of following the rules or try the alternative activity of posting a sunshine related quote or piece of writing on your blog. When passing the award to 10 more people, you may again go with tradition or be a rebel.  For the traditional rules and requirements, see Now You’re All Just Spoiling Me.

Wings of Wonder - Your paintings and fearless creativity make your blog an incredibly inspiring place to be.  Thank you for always having such a positive outlook and for using bright colors!

Rough Water John – My favorite pirate poet, you are either writing the most beautiful poetry imaginable or making me laugh with your brilliant sense of humor.  Thank you for always being so creative and unique.

The View Outside – Hee hee! I get to tag you back with an award.  I hope you’ll take the sunshine challenge and write something beautiful, (just as you always do).

Peach Farm Studios – What would I do without Wry the typewriter?  Or all the beautiful images and nuggets of inspiration? Peach Farm feeds my muse like no other!

Doodlemum - I wait each day for your wonderful sketches of kids doing kid things, dogs, cats, and so many wonderful other daily life scenes.  Thank you for making me laugh and giving the little things in life a moment in center stage.

1 Story A Week – I am always amazed by the depth and quality of the stories you post each week.  Your characters and plot lines are so original and always reach someplace deep.  Thank you for pasting amazing fiction.

A Trail of Breadcrumbs – I have loved your blog since my first visit.  Your travels, photos, and unparalleled creativity always inspired me, but what I enjoy most is your spirited personality.  Your zest for life comes through in all your posts.  Thank you for giving joy such a strong voice.

The Gratitude Garden – Your posts on gratitude highlight the very best life has to offer.  Each list inspires me to make one of my own each day.  Thank you for shedding light on the beauty of being grateful for what we have.

Crow River Writer – I recently started following your blog and it is such a joy to read.  Your sense of humor gets me laughing and your kindness is knows no bounds.  Thank you for writing with so much enthusiasm and reminding me why I love YA fiction so much.

Melissa Maygrove - Your blog always gets me thinking with engaging topics of discussion.  Its easy to to see your passion for writing and determination to make your dreams come true.  I find that very inspiring and motivating – Thank you for giving a such a strong voice to aspiring authors.

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c.b. 2012

Thinking of Wallace

The truth will set you free.  But not until it is finished with you.

- David Foster Wallace

As I sat with my cup of coffee this morning, this quote popped into my mind and hasn’t left since.  I suppose there is a reason for it, (my muse is behind it most likely), but for the moment I’m just going to enjoy the wisdom of Wallace’s words.

And then I’m going to laugh . . .

I do things like get in a taxi and say, “The library, and step on it.”

- David Foster Wallace

Perhaps Wallace is lingering in my mind because of a prompt in my writer’s group this week.  If you could meet someone who was dead, who it would be and why?  I immediately thought of Wallace, as I always wish he was still around dispensing his humor and wisdom.  I’d love to shake his hand and ask him about the ending of The Pale King. 

Who would you want to meet?

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c.b. 2012