February 13, 2007
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Highs and Woes
The Highs–Much snow is coming down, Hunter is better, Wit is mostly better, I worked some on the novel today (preliminary stuff, not on the computer), TGD is bring home pizza and videos, last night’s Bible study went quite well
The Woes–Grinner woke up with full-blown stomach/regular flu, my computer won’t turn on at all (hence no story), no one can play in the snow as most are sickEDIT–When I finished posting this entry, TGD via phone said we should finally install the replacement power supply that we got for the computer. Hunter did it. I’m now typing on my own machine. Happy dance.
Since several of you asked, the new Dave Barry book is worth reading. It’s short–as in under an hour, maybe less, to read. It’s also free of swearing, which can’t be said for other Dave Barry novels (Ridley Pearson duos excepted). The novel is set in the 1960s. The hero, Doug, recounts some memories of Christmas and his life. Imagine A Christmas Story, but a girl wanted instead of a Red Rider BB gun and with much less intensity. Toss in a Christmas pageant, bat dung in the attic of the church, goofball friends, and a dying dog. Even the dying dog isn’t too sad in Barry’s hands.
Today, I was thrilled to figure out a pseudonym for the main character guy for the book. (The book will also need a new name, as The King of Peach Fuzz will not fly for a novel). In the play, King Christopher goes by the name “Fur” when he is acting the part of the peasant. (Fur/ChristoPHER and the whole peach fuzz idea) However, a romantic lead in a novel cannot be called “Fur.” I simply could not have it. But, what to name him? I thought I’d come to you to pick a good nickname, but I think I came up with one on my own. I took the letters of Christopher and wrote them in anagram fashion (in a circle) to make up a new name and came up with “Tris.” That’s not so bad, is it? Plus, it gives me the option of introducing a sister of Christopher who gave him the nickname when she couldn’t pronounce his name. Everybody don your sweetest baby accent and lisp, “Twis.” Awww. We should all be smacked with lollipops now.
If anyone has another nickname, by all means tell me!
I was also able to work out some details of who these people are. It’s all well and good to operate on stereotypes for a play, but the main characters have to be likeable in a book. (Okay, not always true (Lolita’s Humbert–eww!), but I want my characters to be likeable!) Why does Anna make fun of the suitors? Is she really such a brat? Why should anyone care about her? Should I have two beds in the bedroom or not even mention where everyone sleeps? (Still don’t have that detail worked out.) I am thinking that this book will be a young adult novel in the tradition of Shannon Hale and not a children’s nor an adult book.
So, what title should I give to this literary endeavor? (For those who do not know the story, read the general idea HERE.)
Comments (25)
Toph, Phriss, Stoe. That’s all I could come up with in 5 seconds or less, and don’t consider any to be “inspired”!!
Do you explain your book a bit more in another post? I may have missed that, as I can’t remember what the main gist of it is.
Glad your Bible study went well, and Pizza and a video sounds GREAT!! My husband is flying home late from Holland (MI) and dinner will probably be leftovers.
BUT! Lunch was tortilla chips and bean dip with sour cream, salsa & melted cheese on top, so that makes up for any dinner doldrums!! 
It’s been snowing here all day long! Ooooo! It’s so pretty out!! Have a fun night!
I just finished the Dave Barry book and greatly enjoyed it.
The reason you didn’t get my post in your subscriptions yesterday is, because I posted it “private” while I worked out all the “kinks” in it and forgot to post it “public” until later that night when I got the pictures downloaded, which was late!!
Wow! I had the honor of being your FIRST comment today!! I feel so special considering the 30-something you normally get!
Even *I* read the Dave Barry book (a guy who did *not* take Teacherperson’s speed reading test of several days ago because no one needs to tell me I read slowly!) and I loved the book. And it really is a very quick read. Even so, it touches the heart while being quite humorous at the same time. If you have the chance, read it!
Also, kudos to Teacherperson for her wonderful care of husband and kids during this family event we lovingly call the flu! (Proverbs 31:28)
that makes sense.. google prolly hits like fifty bajillion a day haha. but that still doesnt stop me from thinkin scery thoughts lol :-/ what if there are stalkers out there? lurking the shadows of xanga! hhahaa
Have a great day!
i really want to see cinderella three. and i see you were watching it. thats neat.
I like Tris. It’s a great story.
And thanks for your little spiritual insight on my post–you’re so right!
My family nickname growing up was Topher. My father gave it to me when I announce to all that I was was going to be a tomboy. He took my middle name Christine and turn it into Christopher and then, just Topher. (pronounced Tahfer). I also went to school with a guy whose nickname was “Topher” from Christopher.
Glad to hear Bible Study went well! Hope everyone is feeling well soon!
Thanks for the prayers.
Oh Mary,
Please send some snow our way, lol. God bless you.
c.
Glad you are better, hope the rest of the gang straightens up and “snaps out of it” as my grandma and mom, who were always convinced that any illness or pain were all in the head, would say!
Thanks for the recommendation. That looks good.
And yes, your lack of comments on a CERTAIN SUBJECT has been noticed! You know that no truly important blogging conversation can happen without you.
I’m sorry to hear about all the sickness at your house. Glad some are getting better.
I’m going to have to get Dave Berry’s book, it sounds like a nice read. I enjoy reading his column in the paper. It’s usually good for a laugh. I’ve always wanted to write a book. It interesting reading your progress.
I like your name for Christopher very well. I couldn’t come up with anything but “goat-y” i.e. goatee? Appropriate for a guy posing as a peasant, but not if he’s a type of Christ. I was also wondering about the sleeping arrangements. They are married… In Overboard, they handled this, (through most of the movie) by having her sleep on the couch.
I do enjoy Dave Barry. I’m still not over the fact that he divorced his first wife though. The same thing put me off Amy Grant. You actually READ Lolita? Have you ever read a Patrick McManus book. Try the Grasshopper Trap or one of the earlier ones if you do.
how does Hunter feel about the new name?
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
Love,
Me
aha! sly……
aaawww! twis!
You’re right about “choose your own adventure” books usually ending in your own demise.
Hopefully life for everyone can be about more than just surviving.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Mary! You know, all those smores you confessed to on Homefire’s post must have really had an affect on you, ‘cuz you’re really SWEET!!!!
(did I use “affect” properly? never could get that one in H.S. — an effect is an affect is an effect!!) Here’s a little ditty for you………..
Blueberries are round. Roses are pretty.
I’ve always found that you’re very witty!
o.k., another one….
Mary is pretty. She’s always kind.
She ever has a book on her mind!
or…..
Valentine’s Day is my favorite time,
To speak my fond thoughts of you in a rhyme!!
Today, we’re gonna make cookies, play in the snow, eat pasta with pink alfredo sauce, make V-Day cards, knit, write out scriptures about love, & watch a girly movie, …… is there enough time in the day for all that?? ;P Hope you have a GREAT DAY!!
Thanks, and the same to you, even though I have something of an aversion to Valentine’s Day–or rather the way it’s practised these days. I suppose it is rather amusing to see young men with nose rings, tattoos, and pants barely pulled above their knees shopping for flowers and teddy bears, but other than that I look at the whole thing as just another attempt at money snatching.
You’re welcome! (even though you were signed into LibbyK’s blog at the time — I understood!;)) I still like your pit bull poem! Quite clever!
Thanks you too! I hope you and your Fam feel better!
WOW! To be asked my opinion on a book your writing…I feel so honored…however- I’m also at a loss as how I could help. *sigh* I shall be thinking though.
Happy Valentines Day…Hearts and Hugs. Cass
Happy Valentines Day!! I am happy with my new sight. Although it is a little bright compared to my other backgrounds. I am glad you can see it!!
Libby =)
When you first mentioned the nickname and the little sister, I’d assumed that Tris came from his little sister calling him “Tristopher” instead of “Christopher”, hehe. Tris is a good name. I still like Fur though. It’s cute.
But maybe you’re right about it not working for a novel.
I had, and am having, a lovely Valentine’s Day. My sister and two of my friends got together at the Olive Garden for lunch and had a delightful time. So far I’ve only had one piece of chocolate all day, though. Scandalous! An error I must soon correct.
Glad to hear some of you, at least, are feeling better, and I hope you’re all completely better very quickly. Happy Valentine’s Day!
~Britt