Guest Post: Why One Style Won’t Fit All

Can you believe we're already almost halfway through the year? I've got a few blog post ideas in the works, so hopefully things will be a little more active here soon. Until then, I'm pleased to have this guest post from Ashley Lipman, who runs a blogger network called The Blog Frog!

Since A Nudge has evolved to cover topics outside writing/reading to include geek fashion, I thought it'd be appropriate to have Ashley write a little bit about personal style. So without further ado, here's Ashley on style.

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Why One Style Won’t Fit All

Photo credit/site- https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-casual-collection-fashion-296881/

It goes without saying that all people are different. Even people who wear the same size clothing wear them differently. This has been a challenge for fashion designers for generations. While they provide their styles with various options, it's up to the wearer to select the right style and size for them. Herein lies the problem.

How do you know if something doesn’t fit?

This sounds like a silly question, but it is a very real issue. People often go for style and comfort without stopping to see if the clothing fits them properly. The fact that you can put it on doesn’t mean you should.

The very first thing you must accept is that the size printed on the tag means nothing. Designers and brands are often sized differently. If you get hung up on the size on the label, you will miss out on some fantastic looks. Use the size printed simply as a starting point and nothing more.

The trick is using fashion to accent your best features and to camouflage your problem areas. Fashion is the tool you use. You do not conform to fashion; it works for you.

Below are some easy tips to help you determine if your clothing fits you well:

• You cannot hug someone with your jacket on. 
• Your shirt gaps open between the buttons. 
• The waistband of your pants or skirt is so tight that you cannot slip your fingers behind it. 
• Your shorts (or underwear) are continually riding up.
• There is never a time where your clothing should be overlapped with your flesh. 
• When you sit down, your skirt doesn’t cover your undies.
• If your skirt doesn’t cover your panties when you sit down, you need a larger size.
• Bra fit
• Your breast should not bulge over the cups of your bra or dig into your shoulders. 

Photo credit/site https://pixabay.com/en/jeans-tee-t-shirt-white-blue-1234687/

The World of T-Shirts

Everyone loves tee shirts. People collect them and wear them for years. They are great for branding and advertising. If you have a corporate event, family reunion, or charity happening, you should consider personalized shirts for your event.

Tee shirts are the one item of clothing you can wear in a size or two larger than you actually wear. People wear them casually and as cover-ups over swimwear, dancewear, and with just about anything. Even so, if your tee shirt will not stay tucked in it is too small.

In conclusion, you can wear fashions that are current and stylish. But you must be honest with yourself. Do not try to impress anyone with the size or cut of the latest trend. Instead, commit yourself to finding clothes that are fashionable and fit you well. If you do, you will always be stunning and beautiful. You are worth the effort.


About the author:
Ashley Lipman is a super-connector who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.

Guest Post: Sister's Questions About Divergent/Insurgent

As many of you know (or maybe not), I'm not really a reader. I don't usually read for fun and I'm not the type of person to go out searching for something new to read. But as of late, I have started to read more because I've got lots of free time. My main motivations for reading come in two forms:

1.) It's going to become a movie and I'm probably going to watch it so I might as well read it before and

2.) Krispy tells me it's a book about revenge, kids killing kids, people killing each other in general, or Nazis.

In the case of me finally picking up Divergent (even though Krispy and Alz made me take that test to see what faction I'd be in years ago), it's that it was going to be a movie. And mostly because the Greek God known as Theo James was cast in it. In light of the release of Allegiant, here are some questions I had after reading the first two novels.


*SPOILER WARNING BELOW FOR THE FIRST TWO BOOKS*


1.) Why didn't Tris just destroy the hard drive after she got it at the end of Divergent?

I mean yeah fine you had to escape after you secured the hard drive but uhh not very smart to whip it out on the train in front of evil Marcus and other not trustworthy people. In Insurgent, I was just waiting to see what would happen to the hard drive and she just ended up destroying it anyway. The hard drive didn't even serve any purpose.

2.) If the Erudite are so smart and make crazy serums that mind control people, how come they couldn't get something as simple as Four's eye color correct when they were testing new serums on Tris?

I spoke to Krispy about this one a lot and we both think that it isn't really anything wrong with the serum but more based on the fact that Tris has a special Divergent brain that gives her signals to let her know she's in a simulation. But when I read the scene, I took it as more of an Erudite fail. I think the problem with this is that we don't know the science behind this magic serum so I guess I'm just going to have to get over it and accept it for what it is.

3.) What happens if you're born factionless?

It's not your fault your parents are both factionless so are you also given the opportunity to partake in the Choosing Ceremony? Or do you have to just live out your life as sad sad factionless person? Cause you know, that really sucks. A lot.

4.) Why didn't the new Dauntless transfers just jump off of the train to get onto the roof?

I had an epiphany when I thought of this because at first I was just like "yeah they're scared because it's freaking stupid to just jump off of moving trains." But then I realized, the trains never stop. So if they ever used the train before the Choosing Ceremony, they would have had to jump off trains anyway. WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST JUMP OFF THE TRAIN THEN? Now you're factionless and life sucks.

Now that Allegiant is out, I can only hope that some of these questions will be answered (but I'm pretty sure they won't be.) But if you have any possible answers to my questions above, I'd love to hear them! In the meantime, Happy Allegiant reading! And if not, Happy Weekend!

Randomsity on Fridays: Fall Music Edition 2013

It's been a while since we had The Sister - and our resident music guru - write a post for us about the current music that she's into. Some of the bands she has talked up and been listening to for a while now are breaking onto the scene (e.g. Bastille; The Neighborhood; Lorde; 1975), and so she thought it was time to drop some more recommendations.

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Fall is a-comin' and that means FOOTBALL. But it also means new music and concerts galore (I'm already going to a show a week this month, so I'm a happy camper). After speaking to Krispy about music and realizing all these bands I should have posted about here earlier are now getting huge, we decided it was time for me to introduce you all to a new batch of artists so you can brag to people that you knew them first if they ever get huge. If they don't get huge, well, you can just bask in the glory of some sweet sweet tunes. Let's begin!

1. BANKS

Banks or Jillian Banks, is the mysterious brunette that everyone is about to know very soon. She just started releasing music this year and is already generating quite the buzz. Banks can currently be seen opening for The Weeknd, which is the perfect match.

If you're into moody R&B over hip hop beats and synth, then you'll love BANKS. Her voice sometimes reminds me a bit of Lana Del Rey but less quirky and she totally gives me Fionna Apple vibes on her song "Before I Ever Met You." She doesn't have a debut album out yet but she did just release the London EP this week.

Songs: Before I Ever Met You; Fall Over; Warm Water




2. London Grammar

London Grammar is a trio from England. I don't even know how I stumbled upon them, but I was immediately hooked after one listen. Hannah Reid has such an enchanting and haunting voice that it demands to be heard. She kind of reminds me a bit of Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine. London Grammar also gives off a The xx vibe as well.

They just released their debut album last week and it is beautiful. If you are into something a bit more mellow, definitely check them out.

Songs: When We Were Young; Flicker; Metal & Dust




3. Haim

Haim is probably the most well-known band on this list. I saw them a few years back when they opened for The xx. I thought they were a weird match since they are not like The xx at all. Haim is made up of three sisters and they are total rockers. They totally have this retro but modern feel to them. I am 100% sure you'll be hearing about these girls in no time. They're debut album drops later this month.

Songs: The Wire; Falling; Forever




4. Alpine

If you're into synthy-pop goodness then Alpine is the band for you. These dudes come from down under and definitely fit in with all the indie/synth pop that's out there today. Fronted by Phoebe Baker and Lou James, Alpine is as dreamy as dreamy can get. Baker and James' voices blend so perfectly together and the airy, breathy quality just puts you in a nice trance. It's like your head is in the clouds!

Songs: Hands; Gasoline; Villages




5. Last Dinosaurs

These dudes are not only made up of mostly Asian guys, but they're Australian too. I think that's pretty awesome. Last Dinosaurs sound like a mix of Phoenix and Two Door Cinema Club. They're fun and dance-y and you can't really go wrong with that. I mean just look at their latest tour poster. This band is pretty much flawless.

Songs: Weekend; Zoom; Honolulu





So these last two artists are as hipster as I can get. And I mean hipster in the sense that they only have either 1 or 2 songs out and are completely unsigned. No label, nada.

6. Bloom Twins

These twin beauties are from the Ukraine. To show that life really isn't fair, not only are they amazing singers but they're also models. HOW IS THAT FAIR? WHY LIFE? But let me get back to the point.

The Bloom Twins have such beautiful voices. They sound delicate but powerful, all wrapped up in this very eerie but enchanting vibe. They only have one song out and it's a cover but they do write their own songs as well.

Song: Fahrenheit




7. Hurricane Love

This sextet comes from Sweden and like some popular bands out here today (Of Monsters and Men & The Civil Wars), they have a male singer and female singer. They aren't as indie or folksy as the aforementioned bands, but they are great in their own right.

Hurricane Love definitely has a more accessible sound. They have about 3-4 songs out at the moment, but it won't be long before these guys get snatched up by a label.

Songs: Only Human; You Are the Sun; Free Ticket



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Hope you enjoy the new music! Got any to share with us?

Randomosity on Fridays: Fall Music Preview!

Hey all, I sort of didn't notice it was September already (I seriously dated something as August just yesterday) until I got slammed by Start of School Traffic this week while trying to get to work. You can't really tell by the weather; we're still cruising in the high 80s.

In any case, whether I like it or not, it's the start of the a new season and there are many exciting things afoot. Travels, shows, books, music!

So for this first weekend after Labor Day, we're bringing my Sister back in to give you a brief Fall Music Preview. Enjoy! (P.S. It's her birthday this weekend!)
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Now that it's September, all the little kiddies have gone back to school and I am left feeling old and wondering what the heck happened to summer. When late September comes along, I'll be crying in a corner realizing that I am not going back to school. But with a new school year comes new music.

From what I've learned from all my internships, Fall is actually the busy time for music vs. summer (which is actually our slow season). Lots of new albums from some of my favorite artists have come out or are coming out, so here is a brief fall music preview. Go buy these albums because they are amazing. Hope you enjoy!

First up is the new album from Two Door Cinema Club that just came out this past Tuesday! If you get it at Target its $7.99 or you can get a deluxe edition at Best Buy for $9.99 that includes the new album with another live CD. The new album is called BEACON, and though I've only listened to it all the way through twice, I enjoy it so far! It's a bit different from the 1st album and has more mid-tempo songs, but you can still tell that this is the same band. You can definitely hear the growth in this album.

Songs I'm feeling at the moment are "Someday" (which sounds like the Two Door we all know and love) and "The World Is Watching," which includes a nice guest vocal from Valentina.



Next album is from one of my new favorite bands, Imagine Dragons. I posted about them last time when they just had their EP out. Now their full-length, NIGHT VISIONS, is out. I was so impressed with their EP that I knew I would not be disappointed if I bought the full album, and I'm not! The only issue I have with the LP is that a lot of songs from the EP are on it, which is fine since I love those songs, but I'm not used to having so many EP songs on an LP. This full length album continues to show the versatility of the band which was showcased on the EP. And as the check-out lady at Best Buy told me when ringing me up, "I don't get bored listening to this album."

 One of my favorites from this album is actually a bonus song on the Best-Buy version called "Selene." "Tiptoe" is also another great one. Trust, the whole album is amazing.

 


Now I'm going to introduce you guys to two very lovely British ladies. Their albums dropped in the summer months of July and August, but their music just fits much better with Fall.

The first is Jesse Ware with her album DEVOTION. If you are into mod, electronic, "I'm in a fancy modern restaurant/store" type music then you will definitely like Jesse. Some of her songs also remind of that chill vibe The Weeknd has. It's hard to describe her style of music, but just know it is great! She has such an amazing voice, and I love the feel of her songs. Plus, she is friends with the goddess that is Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine, so ya know Ima bit biased.

Some songs to check out from this album are "Wildest Moments" and "110%." Grooveshark is lame and doesn't have any from this album but "Valentine: is a great song too!

 

The next artist is Lianne La Havas with her album IS YOUR LOVE BIG ENOUGH. Lianne is a soulful singer, and it's crazy to think this voice comes out of someone at the young age of 23! It's one of those voices that you just fall in love with.

What really made me fall for her was the version of "No Room For Doubt" that she did for La blogotheque. I'll leave you with the album version of it, but definitely check out that version on youtube! Another song to listen to is "Don't Wake Me Up."




And with that, I leave you all. Hope you enjoyed these! Also, make sure to get the new The xx album called COEXIST next week (it is currently streaming in full on their website)! I saw them in July and died. Besides, their first album was SO GOOD, so check that one out too if you haven't.

Q4U: What are you looking forward to this Fall?

Randomosity on Fridays: Summer Music

I'm all out of sorts from that holiday in the middle of the week. Thursday seriously felt like this:

Anyway, since we are well into summer now, I thought I'd have the Sister come back on and rec some fun jams for your long, bright days. Take it away, C!
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Disclaimer: I'm sorry if some of these songs are I guess in a way "non-legit," meaning they are very pop and not the normal type of music I listen to. However, it is summer and summer is all about fun! I can't help that I like catchy songs that happen to be pretty mainstream!! Also some of these songs come from some albums that were out a few years ago, but old songs are part of enjoying summer so whatevzz.

1. The Freedom Song - Jason Mraz

Love him. The end. But I will write that this is the first song the Mraz man has covered and put on his studio album. I just love the horns and the whole vibe of the song. Favorite part is when he starts singing "come on along..." I just can't help but start groovin at that point.




2. Bad Girls - M.I.A. Uhh who doesn't love a badass girl? I've never been a hardcore M.I.A. fan but all of the stuff I have heard from her has always made me wish I was as badass as her. I just love that she brings it. Plus the music video for this is pretty kickass.




3. Lucky Strike - Maroon 5 This whole new album is so pop that it's pretty weird but good. I still need a few more listens before I decide how I feel about the album but this song totally stood out to me when I listened. It's just so catchy and well the "ohhs" in the chorus I SWEAR ARE FROM ANOTHER SONG!!! If someone knows please tell me because it has been bothering me for a week now. The slow-down of the bridge in this song is my jam, no lieee. Also, it was tough for me to choose between this song or "One More Night" so check that song out too. The best part of that one is the way he sings those verses.

 


4. As Long As You Love Me - Justin Bieber Yes that's right. Justin Bieber has made it onto this list. I was never a Bieber fan/girl but when "Boyfriend" came out, man was I surprised. It was such a different sound from "Baby" and I just really wasn't expecting that from him. And well that song totally made me interested in what else he had up his sleeve. I've listened to his new album and well I actually enjoy some of the songs including this one. Yes Backstreet Boys will always have the superior song but Bieber does not disappoint with this. The staggering in the chorus is really what makes the song for me. Also, Big Sean's rap on this is so stupid so please ignore that first line. You'll understand when you hear it.



5. Fireworks - Polock Such an appropriate song considering it was the 4th two days ago but I found out about Polock sometime last year and instantly fell in love. If you are a fan of the band Phoenix, you will probably like Polock. They're pretty much the Spanish version of them since they're from Spain and the vibe of their songs just reminds me of Phoenix. Plus the first few lines of the song are "1 2 3 4 5 we are young and proud." 'Nuff said.




6. I Can't Get Enough - Rooney Rooney is such a Californian band and this song just screams California to me. I just wanna put on my shades, roll down my windows, and drive down to the beach with this song on. It's just so fun and summer-y!




7. Windows Down - Big Time Rush That's right, BTR is back on another one of my lists. What can I say, I just can't help myself. They're songs are so catchy!! Anyway, this is their new single and it was actually Ke$ha's song. She decided to sell it to BTR once a demo of her version was leaked. There is a mash-up of her verses in BTR's version somewhere online which is pretty awesome but the song without her is also pretty great as well. The little lead-up into the chorus is my favorite part. I've realized that I just like little slow-down moments in songs. It just begs you to get down and groooveee.




8. On Top of the World - Imagine Dragons One of my new favorite bands. They just released an EP titled "Continued Silence" and I definitely recommend that you guys check it out. It is so amazing. I literally listen to it on repeat every night when I'm playing with the puppy. I figure this song has more of a summery fun vibe but one of my favorites from the EP is "Radioactive" so check that out too if you're interested in this band! They're definitely one to watch.




9. Satellite - The Wanted So long story short, I pretty much was a Wanted hater for the longest time. When I first found out about them back in 2009-ish (when they first started out) I hated on them. Their first single was just horrible, and the music video was the most hilarious thing I had ever seen. Even with the other singles they had, I still could not get into them. They just didn't do it for me, and I even said "they will never make it here" (since they're British). Fast forward to now.

I gave in once fate allowed them to change their show from The Roxy to The El Rey, where I was interning at the time. Not only did I have a really fun time at the show, but I met them afterwards, and their kindness made me a fan. I can't hate when I got hugs and kisses on the cheek ok. That's just rude. Anyway, "Satellite" is a song I thoroughly enjoyed and liked off the bat (which is pretty crazy even since I've become a fan because some of their songs take time for them to grow on me). I found out that Ryan Tedder produced it later on and that was when it all made sense but frealzz it is a good song.



10. Sweater Weather - The Neighbourhood This is seriously my new favorite band. I basically got into them when I saw them open up for The Wombats (I think but I guess this detail doesn't really matter) when I was working a show. There were two openers that night and The Neighbourhood went first. The thing that impressed me about them was that they had so much energy and really got the crowd going even if they were the first opening band. It's always hard being an opener and to get the crowd that engaged takes some serious skill. And well I was also impressed with their overall musical style. They just have this dark, r&b vibe mixed in with some rock. It really is hard for me to explain exactly what it is that I like about them but all I know is that I like it. They just released an EP a few months ago called "I'm Sorry" and you can download it for free at their official site! They're currently working on a new album and I am pretty excited for it. Also check out "Female Robbery" off the EP. That is definitely one of my favorites.


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What are you jamming out to so far this summer? HAPPY WEEKEND!

APA Month Guest Post: Caroline Tung Richmond

Happy Wednesday, everyone! This post is up late because the puppy has been devouring my time. ALL OF MY TIME. So I got to formatting this thing late and couldn't finish before my own now-considerably-earlier bed time.

Luckily, today's post is a real treat! We're hosting freelance writer and YA/MG writer, Caroline Tung Richmond! We hit it off over Twitter and Pinterest (I don't even remember how), and she very graciously agreed to writing a guest post for us in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Caroline wearing her brother's hat from his traditional outfit.

Earlier this month, Caroline took a trip with her family to Taiwan to visit her brother and sister-in-law. It was her first trip back to her parents' homeland, and I asked her to share her thoughts about her experience.

Take it away, Caroline!
(All photos courtesy of Caroline)
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I hate to admit it but....

I haven't always been proud of my Chinese heritage.

Growing up, I wanted to be just like my friends, most of whom were white. I wanted long blond hair with freckles to match, like the most popular girls in school. I wanted to eat roast beef for dinner instead of steamed eggs over rice. And I wanted to have a "normal" last name like Jones or Carter instead of Tung, which no one could pronounce the first time around.

I didn't want to be different. I didn't want to be Chinese.

During my junior year in college, however, something inside of me shifted. Maybe it was because I was a little older. Or maybe it was because I felt more comfortable in my skin. Whatever it was, I started dipping my toes in my ethnicity. I signed up for Asian history classes and I took three semesters of Chinese language. After graduation, I was even lucky enough to take a week-long trip to Beijing. I had come a long way from the little girl who wanted blue eyes and a different last name. And yet...

I felt like I was missing the last puzzle piece.

Which was odd to me. After all, I had studied Chinese and I had visited China, where all four of my grandparents had hailed from. What else did I have to do to feel fully connected to my heritage?

Night view from Taipei 101

Alishan National Park

It took me a long time to figure out the answer. See, life got busy: I got married; I moved. I started a new career and we moved again. But a few months ago, my dad brought up the idea of visiting Taiwan as a family. Both he and my mom had grown up in Taipei, and my brother now lived there with his new Taiwanese wife. Wouldn't it be fun to see them and tour around the country a little?

Xiao Long Bao - soup-filled dumplings

So we packed our bags and, four weeks ago, my whole family flew to Taipei, Taiwan. I was giddy, of course. I have a bad case of the travel bug and I was ridiculously excited to explore a new country (the food! the sites! the photographic opportunities!). I was expecting a fun vacation with my family, with plenty of sunshine and touristy things to do. I wasn't expecting the trip to affect me the way that it did.

But after we spent our first full day in Taiwan, something simply clicked in my mind. Maybe it was visiting my grandfather's grave, who died before I was born. Or maybe it was touring my parent's alma mater. Or maybe it was as simple as eating a big bowl of noodle soup and thinking it was so much better than roast beef. Whatever it was---and as cliche as it sounds---I felt like I had come home. That sense of belonging I was searching for as a kid? It was here in Taiwan. This was the place where my parents had grown up. This was the place where my family was buried. And this was the place that had helped define who I was, even though I had never stepped foot in it until now.

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial

I feel lucky and fortunate and blessed to have visited Taiwan with my family. It was a homecoming of sorts, even though we don't have a home there. And I'm looking forward to my next visit.

Although I can do without the spiders!

No pics of giant spiders, but here is a size-of-my-hand snail!

Caroline Tung Richmond writes all sorts of things, from travel reviews to spacesuit articles to YA and MG novels. She is represented by Jim McCarthy of Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. A native of the Washington, DC area, Caroline likes cherry blossoms, cupcakes, and anything relating to Star Trek: The Next Generation. She is terrified of spiders.

You can find Caroline online at:
Blog: Adventures in Space
Twitter: @ctrichmond
Website: Caroline T Richmond

Narley Ninja Feature at ali's!

Just popping in to nudge you in the direction of ali cross's fabulous Writing Dojo. Today, Alz and I are the featured ninjas, and we're spilling our Deep Dark Secret when it comes to writing. (It's pretty shameful.)

So we do hope you'll check it out! Narley Ninjas: Krispy & Alz

Other than that, I'll see you all tomorrow with a shot of Randomosity and my 300-word Third Campaigner Challenge attempt! xoxo

GUEST POST: Putting the Fairy Back in Fairy Tales

Welcome to Day 5 of Danyelle Leafty’s Fairy Godmother Blog Tour.

I'm pleased to be a part of this new publication venture. Danyelle is making use of tech and paving a path into the woods of interactive reading/writing. You should definitely check this out. Danyelle explains the ins-and-outs on her blog: Let the Fairy Godmother Dilemma Commence!

The Fairy Godmother Dilemma is a novel that Danyelle is publishing in serial form on her website. Here’s the blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Breena doesn’t want to leave the faerie queen’s court, and she doesn’t want a fairy godmother. But if she has to choose between the two, she’d leave the Faerie Realm over getting bossed about by a faerie with a pointed stick any day. Unfortunately, her attempt to evade her fairy godmother gives her growing pains in the form of fur, whiskers, and a tail.

Turning into a cat is the least of her worries, though, because the potion wasn’t meant to bring out her inner feline, it was meant to put her to sleep. Forever. If Breena wants to make it to her Happily Ever After, she’ll have to accept that sometimes having a fairy godmother makes all the difference in the world.

Today, I'm undoubtedly a zombie from the epic times had at the Harry Potter midnight showing (yeah, I'm writing this beforehand). So I had the foresight to invite a very special guest to post at A Nudge.

Everyone, please welcome NERISSA, fairy godmother, class of the Silver Star!
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Greetings. I am Nerissa, fairy godmother, class of the Silver Star.

Something has been bothering me of late. It’s these stories you mortals have that masquerade as “fairy tales.” But regardless of what Misters Grimm, Madame d’Aulnoy, and Master Perrault may say, there were fairies in fairy tales. Or, at least, there used to be.

And most of the fairies weren’t the tall, splendiferous beings that oozed sophisticated evil, and neither were they cackling hags that enjoyed cursing clueless damsels. Because, let’s face it, the majority of Damsels in Distress—DIDs—aren’t the brightest chipmunks in the forest. Their talents lie in other directions, like being kind, bringing kingdoms to their knees just by fluttering their eyelashes, and managing to drudge all day and still look beautiful. Bless their hearts.

And that’s what your mortal fairy tales often say. And while that’s correct, in a highly abbreviated way, the tales leave out the fairies—the ones who bear the brunt of the work load.

Take Snow White, for instance. Beautiful girl with all the sense of a rabbit and a penchant for apples—poisoned or otherwise. Oh, sure, the dwarves helped hide her from the wicked queen. For a time. And yes, the prince came dashing in, and didn’t mind kissing a girl that appeared to be dead. But who do you think convinced the woodsman to let Snow White flee? (Hint: with a family of his own, he wasn’t likely to be influenced by a mere speck of a girl. In times like these, it *pays* to carry around a wand that comes to a very sharp point.) And who do you think led her to the dwarves and convinced them to let her stay even though she was hopeless at making anything but apple tarts. And who do you think got word to the prince about a very pretty, very eligible young maiden in the woods?

And then there’s the Little Mermaid. She would wish for legs and a life on land when she had a perfectly pleasant existence in the sea. So she fell in love with a prince. Her story just goes to prove that you should always be sure of your beloved’s level of affection before making permanent agreements with witches. A lot of people consider her story a tragedy, but that’s because most look at it with mortal eyes. A life with a prince who couldn’t even recognize you despite the fact that you saved his life or understand the depths of your love whenever you looked at him or, well, she couldn’t talk, but you get the idea. What kind of existence is that?

It wasn’t a fairy that talked her out of gutting the boy so she could return home. She did that all under her own power, which is why she was awarded a soul. She lost her prince, but gained a soul. Not a bad trade. Of course, the fairy godmother in charge of the Little Mermaid did her best to help the prince realize what he had in front of him, but some mortals have heads thicker than granite. And she did try to help by requesting the Little Mermaid’s sisters appeal to the sea witch, but how was she to know that the witch had been craving hearts at the moment? No one, not even a fairy godmother, can be perfect all the time.

And then there’s the story of Hansel and Gretel. Really, if they hadn’t had a fairy godmother fretting over them, they never would have made it out of the forest. She tried to convince them to move a few towns over, but would they listen? No. So she gave them the idea of using stones as markers, but Hansel had a short attention span and figured that bread would work just as well. Better, because it stood out against the landscape better. And do you really believe two small children could overcome a witch all on their own? If you do, I’ve got news for you.

Although I do have to say that the stories nearly got Cinderella correct. Except her fairy godmother didn’t just give her a night of dining and dancing with a strict curfew. She pitched in with the housework every so often, and arranged for the prince to find the slipper. She didn’t, however, account for the prince’s lack of attention to detail. Honestly, you’d think the boy would notice that the step-sisters didn’t look a thing like Cinderella. And if you want to blame his mistake on moonlight and music, then you’d think he’d notice if the girl he was riding off into the sunset with had a shoe full of blood. Especially considering that glass is fairly transparent. But what can you do. (Well, besides convincing the birds to tell him what was going on. That fairy godmother was lucky the prince was fluent in bluebird is all I can say.)

So next time you read a “fairy tale,” remember that the true fairy tales really did have fairies in them. They just happened to be in the background most of the time. Working. Because Happily Ever Afters don’t just happen on their own.
***



Thank you Danyelle and Nerissa for that enchanting post!

Intrigued? Check out Danyelle's website for the details on how you can subscribe to read. (There are different types of subscriptions too!)

OR you can leave a comment here (or at any of the tour stops) and WIN a FREE e-book subscription. I'll do a random drawing to see who wins, probably sometime next week, after I've recovered from all the Harry Potter madness.

For more chances to win & for more info/fun from the Fairy Godmother Dilemma, check out the rest of the Blog Tour Schedule!

GOOD LUCK and Happy Friday!

Danyelle Leafty writes MG and YA fantasy. In her spare time, she collects dragons, talking frogs, and fairy godmothers. She can be found discussing the art of turning one's characters into various animals, painting with words, and the best ways to avoid getting eaten by dragons on her blog. Her serial novel THE FAIRY GODMOTHER DILEMMA can be found here. You can contact her here.

GUEST POST: Using my powers for Good, not Emo

We have a SUPER SPECIAL post today. The adorably awesome and multi-talented Sophia of Sophia the Writer  (who we met in REAL LIFE last week, btw) wrote a stupendous somethin' somethin' for you all on MUSIC and WRITING and even music IN writing.

So without further ado, on to our first guest post! (Thanks, Sophia!)


How I Learned to Use My Powers for Good, Not Emo
By Sophia Chang

My trusty Casio with the broken C below middle. 

I call it an In The Body experience. Composing characters, that is.

Krispy and Alz asked me to guest blog about writing music for my novels. I'll take it, as they say, from the top.

Like thousands of other Chinese kids in America, I had to play the piano and violin as soon as I could tell my fingers apart.

I taught myself to play the guitar when I was 12 and started writing folksy songs that could give emo kids of today a run for their angst-soaked money. (Songs called, "When You Hate The One You Love." Hey, at least the title tells you what the song's about up front.)

Luckily, I grew out of the Courtney Love phase (even Courtney Love grew out of that - for a while at least) and now I use my music-writing for good, not emo.

I've continued to write songs, and to listen to music while I write novels. In my latest YA Fantasy WIP, I finally brought the two loves together.

My heroine sings a verse from a farm song she's known since childhood. The problem is, the world she lives in exists in my head. I reaaaalllly needed to hear that song in order to connect with her fully.

So I stood up from my computer chair, turned, took two steps, and sat on my piano chair. Cued up the keyboard to "old-fashioned" (actually "clavi") and wrote the song.

Now when I play it, I can instantly hook myself into the mood of that scene. I can picture her in it, feel her longing in my chest when I sing the melody.

You don't have to be a former angsty-girl-with-guitar to do the same. Just hum. Or get up and dance a few steps the way your character would. Maybe draw the way they would, order food and eat it like them. Dress like them. Look at websites they would visit. Covet the kind of boys or girls they would.

For this same heroine, when I wrote one of her character sheets (yes, I did more than one and almost died), I did it in her handwriting. I frickin' hate her handwriting (it's better than mine), but I sure learned a lot writing a page in her hand.

Any sort of embodiment you do for your character has the power to tug you out of your own vessel and into theirs so strongly and immediately it will steal your breath. And that's what you want to do for your reader.

So what angsty music does your character like?


ABOUT: Sophia Chang is a lifelong dancer and singer who has appeared in films including Across the Universe and First Daughter. She performs with the Harvard Yardbirds, an alumni a capella group and has recorded for Hepnova, a mixed media band. She now writes Young Adult fiction.