Why I love Big Cats

I visited the San Diego Zoo Safari Park this week and realized once again why I chose werecat shapeshifters for my novel. These large cats always amaze me. They're beautiful, exotic, and striking, yet so dangerously fierce and powerful.

I took these pictures at the park, and I felt obsessed clicking away at every move the the lions, tigers, and cheetahs made. The biggest crowds were usually around the cats, which makes me hope that people love these beautiful creatures as much as I do.



I’ve always imagined hugging a huge lion, tiger, or panther as if it would be my best friend. I know they could do so much damage with their teeth, claws, and serious strength, but there's something about them that's so loveable and endearing.

I remember seeing this video a couple of years ago and almost passing out with happiness. I can't even explain exactly why, but it always makes me cry.



Also, I saw Disney’s African Cats recently and was blown away. It was incredible. And it actually has a happy ending with few moments that make you cry (unlike War Horse which I couldn't bear to watch, it sucked all the happiness out of me). I would definitely encourage you to watch African Cats, it was done really well.



What about you, what are your favorite large cats?

Just For Fun

Mad as a Hatter

I’ve been getting really into Once Upon a Time lately, and I loved that recent episode with Sebastian Stan as the Mad Hatter.There was something so intriguing about getting the background story of his life. I liked watching how he came to be the way he was, even though I know ABC (Disney) did write it.

I had sympathy for the Mad Hatter learning about the events that had driven him to become crazy. And it was nice to have a character in Storybrooke that actually noticed the changes that happened to the town when Emma came. He picked up on the curse, which made him seem so much more aware than everyone else.

I hope his character returns for later episodes, or maybe in a whole movie of his own—or even better his own novel. So ABC if you are reading this, I would not be opposed to writing that novel for you!

I thought I liked Alice in Wonderland an appropriate amount, but as I’ve been decorating my house for spring, I can’t help but see a running theme going.



Who are your favorite fairy tale characters?

Made me smile...

I need teacups scattered around my house filled with miniature classic novels.




Toms made of book quotes? Okay, that's kind of awesome.


Thanks pinterest!

Creative Musings

Every writer has a unique method for they how receive, record, and develop their own inspiration. So just for fun, I’d thought I’d give you a glimpse of some of the writing habits that I do whenever I’m struck with an idea.

When I'm developing a story, I love writing in a notebook. Writing on a laptop is fine, but there’s something special about recording my thoughts with my favorite pen in one of my notebooks. You can see my striking collection of writing notebooks in this picture. I have my everyday-use ones, my tiny traveling one, and the ones that have been with me since the very beginning—they’re so very loyal. One of them even has a sketch of Julia from when I was in Jr. High (Although the picture only gives more evidence to the fact that I have absolutely no drawing skills).



The picture below may look like a scene from a scary movie, but it’s actually the result of my creative musings. Whenever I’m in the shower, ideas and characters develop in my head and I have to hurry and take notes before I forget. I end up jotting the ideas on my shower wall. Sometimes my husband will add in his own comments to my notes afterwards, which always throws me off when they appear the next day in the steam.



And lastly I thought I give a little acknowledgment to my writing buddies. They’ve stuck with me through it all, giving me so much inspiration. They may be a little demanding at times, but they’re my biggest fans. And they’re always there. Literally. They follow me around everywhere. I can't escape them...



What are your writing rituals? Do you have a favorite writing pen, notebook, or companion?

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