P: The Princess Bride

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year is a mishmash of books, movies, writers and TV shows that have in one way or another taught me something about writing and helped me be a better writer. Some inspired my own stories and a few taught me what not to do. Each post is a one minute lesson on writing. And today I'm posting at the IWSG blog and reminding you to pamper yourself.

The Princess Bride proves that the best stories are actually love stories. The search for true love is filled with danger and adventure and over the top characters. If you haven't seen the movie, (are there people who haven't?) you owe to yourself to check it out. The movie doesn't take itself seriously which is what makes it so fun. And it have everything. a beautiful innocent peasant girl raised to princess, an arrogant villainous prince and his minions, a gifted swordsman committed to revenge, a kind-hearted giant, an evil genius, powerful wizards and a mysterious pirate and a story of true love. Hilarious dialogue and the hope for a happily-ever-after complete this film meant for adults and children alike.

Lesson: All great stories are love stories no matter how much action and adventure is mixed in. A novel or movie doesn't need a lot of kissing or sexual content to be romantic. Great movies are filled with quotable lines that live on forever. 

Do you have favorite quotes from this movie? Can you think of another movie that is a great romance with very little kissing or sexual content? Do you think you've written any great quotes into any of your book?

Quote and The Whole Shebang

Today I have the fortune to be a guest on The Whole Shebang Site. TWS has dedicated itself to promoting not just writers but other fields of creativity like music and art. When you visit, check out their archives and meet some very interesting people. I'll be talking about reading across genres and how it helps my own writing. I would love to hear your apinion on it. See you over there where you can get a first peek at my newest book cover for The Marine's Queen.

Today is make up day Movie Quote. I would laugh at Alex Cavanaugh for forgetting the romantic quote from last week except I totally forgot it also and I had it written down. Searching for this quote made me realize how few romantic flicks we own or even watch. So I had to go back to teh movie that explains everything in life.

From The Princess Bride, Wesley: "As you wish."

Which if you watch the movie, you know those words mean 'I love you.' Is there anything more romantic than a couple that has their own secret communication? Do you have that with your significant other? Do you understand what is beneath his or her words?

Thanks Alex for running this fun quote day. Thanks, Misty, for having me at Shebang.

Cheers, Cavanaugh Blogfest

It happens. You can famous and people want to take some shots at you. In my little world of blogging, there's no one more famous than Alex Cavanaugh. And thanks to Stephen Tremp, David King, Morgan Shamy and Mark Koopmans, today is the massive blogging roast of Alex Cavanaugh.

1. In twenty words or less, describe what Alex looks like.

2.In twenty words or less, who would play Alex in a documentary?
I'm going to cheat and combine my words to answer both these questions. Alex not only looks like Wesley, but Gary Elwes, in his youth will play Alex in the docu-drama. Oh, and there's Mrs. Alex. It is trueeeeee love.

3. In twenty words or less, who does Alex remind you of?
When it comes to blogging, Alex is Tony Stark, a generous genius, making everything look easy compared to us regular folks.

4. In a 100 word flash fiction, use these words: Cavanaugh, Ninja, IWSG, Cosbolt, Guitar For.
The word spread round the cyber kingdom, December 21st marked the end of the world. Nothing could save us except support of the Ninja Cavanaugh and his gang known as IWSG. Using a guitar for inspiration, the captain traveled like a Cosbolt and wove a power through the space time continuum some refer to as the internet. And the world survived, living to write another day.

5. In +/- 40 words, thank Mrs. Cavanaugh for loaning Alex to us.
Thank you, Mrs. C., for allowing us some quality time with dear Alex. We adore him nearly as much as he does you.

Thanks for joining. This is a blogfest and remember to visit the rest of the participants.

I Wanna Be a Movie Quote

If your family is like mine, they have an entire repertoire of movie quotes they spout when the situation calls for a clever come back. They seem to have entire movies memorized. A Few Good Men contributes a few the most common, "You can't handle the truth!"

Many of my personal favorites are gleaned from The Princess Bride. I won't insult my audience by reminding them since I know so many of you use them also. Well except for one I must mention. I have three sons, two stepsons and an active husband, I seem to constantly be telling them to enjoy themselves as they go off to play golf together or watch a sporting event. But I can't just say have fun, I usually tell them, "Have fun storming the castle, boys."

Independence Day produces lost of favorites. "Welcome to Earth." "Do your stuff, take them out, take them down...." "We will not go quietly into the night...."

My oldest son's teaching job during his first few years included being in charge of the In-School suspension room. He added a quote to his signature when he sent email around to other teachers. "I am the Law!" Judge Dredd.

What quotes fit into your family or your workplace? Do the people around you recognize them when you use them? Any you've picked up from recent movies?

Never Grows Old

I know I'm not alone in loving the movie, The Princess Bride.  It happened to be on TV while I was baking cookies.  Two of my sons, both in their twenties, drifted into the kitchen, drawn by the scent of fresh baking.  But the movie held them there to watch the last half hour with me.

We know the lines by heart and have our favorites.  Can such a relatively, silly movie be called a classic? It is for us.  I promised by boys I was going to buy the book for all my grandchildren if they ever get around to giving me any.  We watched together when my boys were small and still love it.  There are a few other movies we all like but not quite like The Princess Bride.  I can't wait to watch it with another generation.

What movies are 'classic's for your family?  Who is your favorite Princess Bride character or quote?  Mine is pictured above.