Make Good Art

Neil Gaiman gave a commencement speech back in May 2012 and I just listened to it in its entirety and I want to share it with all my creative friends out there. I love Gaiman’s writing, graphic novels, children’s books, etc, etc. In fact, I scare my small nieces with his Wolves in the Wall book…they love to be frightened. My sister hates me just a little for it because then she’s dealing with them waking up in the middle of the night with nightmares. Teehee. Auntie Lily is a bit naughty. Anyway, thought it would be a good inspirational piece for anyone who is having doubts about their creative life.  May this light a fire in your belly. 
Peace,
L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2013 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Les Misérables

I went to see Les Misérables last night and I bawled my eyes out through 2/3rds of that movie. Anne Hathaway emoted such despair that I could hardly breathe through “I Dreamed a Dream.” Hugh Jackman as Valjean was raw and heartbreaking singing “What Have I Done.” And then Eddie Redmayne as Marius singing “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” left me weeping into my tissue. Those songs were the highlights for me in this film. There were others of course but rather than list all the songs I thought I’d mention my favorites. Russell Crow was decent when he sang his songs on his own but harmonies he could not do…good try but singing opposite Jackman is no easy feat. At the end of the film, I was emotionally wiped out. I woke up with my eyes swollen and red from all the tears I shed during this movie, I looked like a bloated frog. I love being swept up and carried away by a musical in that way. It also shows me that the climax of my book needs to have more emotional investment. Right now it reads too bland. Too “eh.” It’s missing a beating heart and watching that movie last night reminded me of that fact. I think I’m going to buy the soundtrack and write the ending to my book while listening to it. Perhaps it will inspire a more glorious ending. * sigh *

OH MY GOSH-I completely forgot to mention Samantha Barks as Eponine singing "On My Own." I loved, loved, loved her rendition of the song.  :-)
Peace,

L~
All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2013 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Happy New Year!!

Okay so I’m a bit slow on the uptake. I’ve been hyper-focused on the novel these last couple of weeks. Three new chapters, 45 new pages and I’m almost done with my draft. I can see the end…I think I have two and a half more chapters to go and I will have reached completion of the story arc (I hope, eek). The revision process will probably be more intensive around these last five chapters but I’m feeling really good. Today, I managed another 1,775 words without too much drama. I’ve also made plans to meet up with someone to help me with some the technical aspects to give the language a little more authenticity next week. I fake it really well but I’d like just a bit more techie lingo from some computer savvy folks.

It’s funny I started my days trying to think of some new year goals and in procrastinating with the goals list I started working on my novel instead. Hehehe. So on top of my to-do list in 2013 goals.

Hope this New Year brings everyone blessings of health, serenity and abundance.
Peace,

L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2012 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.