Musings about Geeky TV 2012-2013

                                    Geeky TV Returns! 

Here are the air dates, plot scenarios,promo trailers and a SciFi Chick Muses rating of some of the more popular and highly anticipated fall Fantasy/SciFi/Supernatural TV Shows.                       

Sunday Nights:

Once Upon A Time (Returning Season 2)

Network: ABC 

Airs: Premieres Sunday September 30th, 8/7c 

Where we left off: The action picks up with the Queen's curse broken and a purple cloud enveloping the town of Storybrook.

What to expect: Trouble begins right away! Snow and Emma will have their bravery and ability to persevere tested. Rumplestiltskin and Belle will be reunited. Rumple will continue his search for his son.(It is has been hinted that we may have met Rumple's son last season.) We will also meet Henry's father and learn his backstory with Emma. New characters will be introduced! Say hello, to Sir Lancelot, The Giant from Jack and the Beanstalk, Aurora and Prince Phillip and Mulan!
A SciFi Chick Muses Rating: 

Can't wait! This one is a "family" watch in our household. This ScFi Chick and her chicklets will be watching this one "live"!

Trailer:

Do No Harm (New Series)

Network: NBC
Airs: Premieres Midseason in January 9/8c 

The Plot: A variation on Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde which centers around a Philadelphia
neurosurgeon. From 7AM-9PM every day, Dr. Jason Cole is a conscientious doctor and good natured man who is in love with Dr. Solis. However, he can’t be with her, or anyone else, after 9PM, because that’s when he becomes his alter ego, Ian. Ian is a party animal with a violent streak. Jason has been keeping Ian under wraps for 5 years with a drug. When the series opens we discover the drug is no longer working and Ian is free to wreak havoc every night.

A SciFi Chick Muses Rating: 

Reserving judgement until I watch the pilot. However,the synopsis gives the impression that this is a show I'd watch on Netflix. I don't have the sense that I'll be waiting with bated breath each week to catch the next episode. 



Trailer:

666 Park Avenue (New Series)

Network: ABC
Airs:Premieres Sunday September 30th, 10/9c 
The Plot: Based on Gabriella Pierce's novel. This supernatural soap revolves around an apartment building run by the soul stealing Gavin and Olivia Drake. Lots of scares are in store for the tenants living on a hell-mouth.
A SciFi Chick Muses Rating: 

I dunno? It could go either way for me on this one. After watching the 1st episode of that other supernatural soap, American Horror Story I was like 'ewww'! But, by episode 2 I was hooked. But, I get the feeling this show may be a little too "LA Complex" for me. Does anyone else remember ABC's other venture into supernatural soaps, The Gates? I wasn't a fan of that show and my expectations are low for this one. I'll watch the first couple of episodes to get a better feel. 

Trailer:

Monday Nights:

Revolution (New Series)

Network: ABC
Already Airing:Premiered Monday September 17th, 10/9c 

Where to catch up on episodes: NBC.com, Hulu, iTunes

The Plot:  Set in a world where there is no electricity, communication, or transportation. The cause of the planet-wide blackout is unknown. The plot flashes back in forth in time a'la Lost style. The flash forwards find us in the world of the Monroe Republic which harkens back to a time when America was a colony fighting against an oppressive monarchy. The plot centers on Charlie Matheson and her brother Danny. Charlie and Danny's father is murdered by a Monroe Militia Capt. Tom Neville. Capt. Neville then kidnaps Danny to deliver to the leader of the Republic, Bass Monroe. Charlie searches for her bother with her swordsman fighting Uncle Miles. Unknown to Charlie her father had valuable knowledge about the blackout putting her and her loved ones at the "eye of the storm".

A SciFi Chick Muses Rating: 

This SciFi Chick and her “chick-lets” are already fans! Our family viewing schedule has added another show! The “chick-lets” love having a show centered on a brave, crossbow toting heroine. I enjoy the escapist fun. I'm not going to over think this one. I just want to enjoy. I love post apocalyptic settings! And there has been a hole in my apocalyptic lovin' heart ever since Jericho and Jeremiah were cancelled. And with Supernatural's Eric Kripke and Fringe/Lost J.J Abrams behind the wheel I am in for the long haul. The show also gets bonus points for hiring such directing talent as Jon Favreau (Ironman), and acting talent as Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, Once Upon a Time) and Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost). We are watching this show "live".

Trailer:

Wednesday Nights:

                   Supernatural (Returning Season 8)

Network: CW 

Airs: Premieres Wednesday October 3rd,9/8 Central

Where we left off: Dick Roman is dead. Leviathans still walk the earth. Cass and Dean are transported to Purgatory, which happens to be a dark and scary forest, with creatures lurking behind every tree. Kevin the prophet is missing and Sam is left alone to deal with Crowley.

What to expect: The show opens one year later. Dean has escaped Purgatory and Cass is missing. Eventually, Dean reunites with Sam and flashbacks will reveal how Dean survived and Sam’s journey without Dean. We will meet new characters. Amelia, who has a connection to Sam and a mysterious companion who traveled back with Dean. The Siblings will have to deal with the complications created by their new relationships and the year they spent a part.
A SciFi Chick Muses Rating: 

I'm a long time fan girl of Sam and Dean and their Impala. No question, I will be watching this show "live". 'cause I'd be an "idget" not too!

Trailer:
                         





                             Arrow (New Series)

Network:CW
Airs:Premieres Wednesday October 10th, 8/7c 

The Plot: CW's Green Arrow is based on Andy Diggle's "Green Arrow: Year One". If you are not familiar with the story, it goes something like this: Billion playboy Oliver Queen turns vigilante after spending five years as a castaway on an island. The shipwreck killed his lover and lead to his father's suicide. Queen goes back to Sterling City for revenge. The show will be using flashbacks to Queen's time on the island to develop his backstory. 
A SciFi Chick Muses Rating:

Ok, I'll have to admit it. I stuck through all 10 seasons of CW's Smallville. The good, the bad and Lana develops superpower years, too! While Arrow's producer Marc Guggenheim claims that Arrow will be more Dark Knight Rises than Samllville, I am skeptical that the CW is capable of making a show as dark as the Batman movies. The Green Arrow and the Black Canary are my favorite DC superheroes. So, will most definitely be "DVRing" Arrow and watching it when the chick-lets are at school. I am a sucker for a superhero!

Trailer:
                 



                      The Neighbors (A New Series)

Network:ABC
Airs: Premieres Wednesday Sept 26th 9:30/8:30c however, it's regular time is Wednesday at 8:30/7:30c the new time starts Oct. 3rd.

The Plot: The Weaver family moves to the community of Hidden Hills. They immediately notice that things are very different. The neighbors are all named after famous athletes, like Larry Bird and Mary Lou Retton. Other,odd encounters with the neighbors reveal that they are all aliens from plant Zabvron who have been stationed on Earth for 10 years.
A SciFi Chick Muses Rating:
I have a bad feeling. I am hoping for another 3rd Rock from the Sun but I'm afraid we might get an Alf. I'll check out the premiere before I pass judgement.

UPDATE: I did catch the Premiere. I found my self giggling a few times and hubs actually laughed. The show is still trying to find it's pacing and overall it felt very forced. The little kid alien was irritating and the  Dad alien, Larry Bird, is a little too kooky. But,there were some funny bits,the dinner scene and the toothpick sculpture are a few that pop to mind. However, they need to find their footing fast. Because, I can't see the network or the audience being patience with the show.

Trailer: 

                 American Horror Story (Returning Season 2)

Network: FX

Airs: Premieres Wednesday October 17th,10/9c

Where we left off: American Horror Story is an anthology series and last season it completely wrapped up it's storyline. We will be seeing some returning actors but the plot will be all new! 

What to expect: This season is set in a spooky Asylum in the 1960's! Expect high creep factor and NC-17 sex scenes. But, I've learned not to expect any ghosts this season.
A SciFi Chick Muses Rating: 

I watched the entire last season peaking through my fingers! A lot of "eww" and ton of jumping at the "bumps" in the night. I loved it! I will say this show isn't for everyone.  Gore, and explicit sex scenes may turn off the average viewer. But, if you like a truly good scare then show is for you! The first season reminded me of the movie The Shining. I am a little bummed about the "no ghost" announcement. However, I will be DVRing this show so I can watch it during the DAY! LOL!

Trailer: 

Thursday Nights:

               The Big Bang Theory (Returning Season 6)

Network: CBS

Airs: Premieres Thursday September 27th, 8/7c 

Where we left off: Season 5 finale saw Howard Wolowitz married to Bernadette in a romantic rooftop wedding and then he was skyrocketed off to the International Space Station. 

What to expect: Complications will arise with Howard and Bernadette's living situation. A strain will be put on Raj and Howard's relationship now that Howard is married. Sheldon and Amy celebrate the two-year anniversary of their first date.Penny and Leonard decide to hang out.
A SciFi Chick Muses Rating: 

Er, ahh... I guess it's time to for me to publicly admit I lost track of BBT in it's first season. I always meant to get back to watching it but now I find myself seasons behind! At this point, I am hoping it will show up on Netflix. I am so far behind it would cost me a small fortune on iTunes to watch all the seasons. So, I'll be skipping this season until I catch up. But, I know plenty of SciFi fans who will be watching this one "live".

Trailer: 

             The Vampire Dairies (Returning Season 4)

Network: CW

Airs: Premieres Thursday October 11th, 8/7c 

Where we left off: Doctor Fell has been using Vampire blood to heal patience's knowing that she risks them turning if they die. Alaric decides to to kill Klaus,tracks him down and stakes him. Damon, Stefan, Caroline and Tyler are puzzled as to why they didn't die. Unbeknownst to the gang, Bonnie cast a spell on Klaus that placed him in Tyler's body to save her friends and mother. In an act of revenge, Rebekah and Elijah try to kill Elena knowing her connection to Alaric will kill him too. Rebekah forces Elena and Matt's truck off the Wickery Bridge. As Stefan tries to save them Elena silently pleads for him to save Matt first,so he does. Elena downs. Alaric dies and Damon now knows Elena is dead too. When Damon gets to the hospital, Dr. Fell tells Damon she gave Elena vampire blood because she'd had a cerebral hemorrhage earlier. Stefan and Damon wait in the morgue as camera zooms in on Elena she opens her eyes...she now a vampire!

What to expect: Elena will struggle with the decision to feed in order to complete her transition. Of course Elena becoming a vampire will change the spin on her romantic tension with the brothers. Klaus will be taking full advantage of his possession of Tyler and cause much mischief. The season will focus on Elena's transition and Klaus'possession of Tyler.
A SciFi Chick Muses Rating: 

I've watched Vampire Dairies since season one. But I usually don't watch this show live. I DVR it and watch it when I want to indulge in a guilty pleasure. 





Trailer:

                 Beauty and the Beast (A New Series)

Network: CW

Airs: Premieres Thursday October 11th, 9/8c 

The Plot: Detective Catherine Chandler (the beauty) is rescued in the pilot by former army doctor, Vincent Koslow (the beast). He is a man with a mysterious past. Catherine will keep encountering Vincent as she investigates her "case of the week"

A SciFi Chick Muses Rating: 

A remake of the 1980's cult classic but, I think that is a loose comparison. In this version the Beast has a scar and his beastliness is an internal struggle. That sounds more like Jekyll and Hyde! Is this just a carbon copy of Smallville? Lana Lang, oops, I mean Catherine being continually rescued by a handsome stranger with secrets. How many times will she be conveniently knocked unconscious before she learns his identity? Don't get me wrong, I watched Smallville, but by the time that series wrapped up I was ready for it to be off the air! And if I have to choose between Smallville knock offs, I'm going to choose Arrow because at least I get a cool superhero.  I will not be watching this one live or DVRing. Maybe, when it goes to Netflix, I'll check it out. If any of my blog following peeps like it and you think I SERIOUSLY need to check it out! Post me a comment!

Trailer: 

Friday Nights:

                      Fringe ( 5th and Final Season)

Network: Fox

Airs: Premieres September 28th, 9/8c  

Where we left off:  The Fringe team has closed the bridge between the parellel universes to prevent David Robert Jones from collapsing both universes in order to create a third. It was revealed that David Robert Jones has been working for William Bell. Oliva discovered she has kinetic powers which helped save Peter's life in a deadly fight. Astrid takes a bullet while she and Walter try to track down Bell, she survies. Bell takes Walter to a ship at sea and reveals he's has been trying to create a new world. He claims the idea was originally Walter's. Oliva learns that she is the key to creating this new world because she is the power source that Bell needs collapse both universes. To stop Bell, Walter kills Olivia and Bell makes a hasty exit. Oliva is able to "resurrect" with Walter's help. While recovering in the hospital,Oliva, learns she is pregnant and the Fringe team share a happy moment. Later that night, the Observer, September, warns Walter "They're coming."
What to expect: The season opener picks up from the events from last season's "Letters of Transit". The episode that centers on events in year 2036 and the Observers rule. The Fringe team is now a rebel resistance and is on a mission to save the world from the Observers. The original Fringe team has been perserved in Amber and they are released to help the fight. Peter and Oliva are reunited with their daughter Etta.

A SciFi Chick Muses Rating: 

Big Fan! Love this show! Oliva is one of my favorite Kick-ass female leads. The 2036 storyline is fantastic! Can't wait! I will be watching this show "live"! I dare ya, to watch the trailer and not get excited! ;)

Trailer: 

                     

                      Grimm ( Returning Season2)

Network: NBC 

Already Airing. Premiered on Monday 8-13 and then took 2 weeks off now is airing on Fridays with new episodes starting on September 28th 9/8c
Where to catch up on episodes: ABC.com, Hulu, iTunes

Where we left off: When cop Nick Brukhardt's dying Aunt comes to town Nick learns he is a Grimm (He who hunts fairy tale creatures). He struggles to come to terms with his fate and quickly beings to hunt the evil creatures while leaving the less agressive creatures alone. Apparently, these creatures are not used to a Grimm who makes a distinction between good and evil creatures. In the last episode Nick finds a Wesen assassin trashing his house to find the coins just as the assassin gets the upper hand on him a mysterious woman shows up and rescues him. The woman is his Mother.

What to expect: Nick will cope with his Mother's return and search for a cure for Juliette.  Nick will also finally have to help Hank deal with his supernatural experiences.

A SciFi Chick Muses Rating: 

  I caught up with this series this summer. It's no Buffy, but I like it well enough. I can't watch it live because it competes with Fringe. Why they moved it to the Friday night death spot is beyond me! Fringe barely survived this spot! And to have it compete with Finge's final season gives me the impression that the network is trying to kill this series. I'll be watching this series on Hulu or NBC.com.

                       

                        Haven (Returning Season 3)

Network: SyFy 

Already Airing. Premieres Friday September 21st 10/9c
Where to catch up on episodes: Hulu and Syfy.com
Where we left off: I really don't know. I haven't been watching this one and researching it's plot was confusing. So, I just decided not too!

What to expect: It picks up immediately following the events of the season finale.
A SciFi Chick Muses Rating:

Well, one thing is for sure after reading up on this show I feel the need to start watching it! Sounds like it might have gotten better in Season 2! Looks like I can catch up on the other seasons at Amazon Prime or iTunes. They don't have it on Netflix streaming but they do have the discs. I only do the streaming. I don't like messing with discs. 




Trailer: 
                          

               
Saturday Nights:

Nothing!  Time to watch those show's on your DVR!



Sunday Nights:

                     Walking Dead (Returning Season 3)

Network: AMC

Airs:Premieres October 14th, 9/8c 

Where we left off: We learn after Shane's death that everyone is infected and that people will re-animate without being bitten. Meanwhile, a herd of walkers from Atlanta, destroy the farmhouse and kill Patricia and Jimmy.  The group flees and Andrea becomes separated from them. While in the forest Andrea is overtaken by walkers but, she is saved by a mysterious woman who can wield a machete and has two armless zombies chained to her. The rest of the gang make camp and the others questions Rick's ability to lead the group. Rick challenges everyone to  leave the group. When no one leaves he warns them that "If you're staying, this isn't a democracy anymore."  As the camera pans back a prison looms in the background.
What to expect: Rick discovers the prison and in order to make it a safe haven he must secure the premises, which pushes the gang to it's breaking point. 
A SciFi Chick Muses Rating:

Well as I stated in my Revolution muse. I am an apocalyptic lovin' nut! Put the word zombie in front of apocalypse and well, all I can say is..."you had me at zombie"! The Hubs and I love this one and will be watching this one live!

Trailer:

I would love to hear about the shows you plan on watching this season. And if you would like to add reviews or disagree with mine, I welcome your comments!

(Please play nice in the comments.)

Five by Five
The SciFi Chick

Coming Soon! PWSK Blog Tour!

I am excited to announce that I snagged a a spot on Rhiannon Frater's Blog Tour for her newest  urban fantasy book Pretty When She Kills .   My interview will be on September 30th.  Keep a look out for updates!


If you haven't had a chance to see the amazing cover art here it is!

Also, Pretty When She Dies  is now available in audio format! I posted a link  for the audiobooks at the top of my blog.  If you prefer book or ebook you can find both books at her Amazon.com page: Amazon's Rhiannon Frater Page

                                                        THE PWSK GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY
The grand prize is:

•  An autographed paperback of PRETTY WHEN SHE KILLS and the first book, PRETTY WHEN SHE DIES
• 6 bookmarks (2 autographed)
• Vampire fangs necklace and matching earrings 

The giveaway is being hosted by The Bookish Brunette. It contains the grand prize giveaway (including pictures), so please link to it to enter the giveaway!

http://www.bookish-brunette.com/pretty-when-she-kills-by-rhiannon-frater/

A Museview of Len Wiseman's Total Recall

Total Recall:

Living in the Shadow of 1990!

Director: Len Wiseman

Starring: Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel


I'll start by saying that this film has a hard act to follow, not because the original was a masterwork. But rather it is because many of us have fond memories of "Arnold's Recall" due to the fact it is a movie of our youth. Lets face it, the 1990 movie was a fun movie and I love it!  But, by no means do I consider it a "classic" that no one should attempt to remake. I'm not sure why many fans  of the original just want to see a rehash of a quirky film made in 1990. I didn't go to this movie hoping see the same thing I saw in 1990 but rather I went hoping to see a movie that would  bring new life to Philip K. Dick's original short story, "We Can Remember it for You Wholesale" (1966).   Did I get that? Well...no. Dick's story is about a man named Quail who goes to a company called Rekal, Inc. because he is obsessed with going Mars. When he goes to Rekal  for his fake memory implants things go awry since he actually is a government assassin who has had his memory erased. That is where both movies stop following Dick's storyline. But, as with the original film, I was ok with the straying from story.

 The updated version isn't as quirky as the original, it has more grit to the story and overall look to the film. It does, however, pay homage to Arnold's movie with many visual references which fans will recognize. Wiseman also throws in a few funny one liners in  "a la Schwarzenegger "style but, that is where they comparisons end. I went to this movie with rather low expectations, nevertheless, I left the movie a satisfied customer. I know that's not a glowing review but this movie hit my criteria for a good review from the SciFi Chick.  (For a detailed look at my criteria click on this link to read what to expect from a SciFi Chick review: A Museview. )

3 out of 5 SciFi Chicks would recommend Total Recall (2012)

So, I will quickly list a spoiler free list of why I liked Wiseman's version of Total Recall.

• Kick Ass Female Leads: Jessica Biel is a break out action hero and of course we get treated to the badassness of Kate Beckensale. 

• Special Effects: Wiseman goes out of his way to pay visual  homage to films based on Philip K. Dick short stories.  It has the techno-orientalism of Blade Runner based on Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968).  It also, has  the shiny, slick cars and the glass interfaces from  Minority Report (1956). This might have some audiences crying foul but I salute the "visual shout out " to the other  Philip K. Dick films.

• Outstanding Supporting cast:  Bryan Cranston, Billy Nighy  were fantastic and to my delight John Cho  makes an appearance as the Rekal, Inc. merchant, McClane.

• Overall, I stuck with the story and I had fun. Sure, I rolled my eyes a few times but I did the same in 1990.  So,  I didn't expect this film would be free of "cheese". If you decide to see the movie just go with the flow, don't expect to relive  the 1990 film.  Many of reviews I  read said they were "disappointed" because "it wasn't as good as the Schwarzenegger's". But, since I wasn't trying to compare, I wasn't disappointed. I had a good time! If you just want to see a remake of 1990 film, don't go and just wait for pay-per-view.  But, if need a day out for some fun escapist Scifi, I say "GO"!

Check out the Trailer:

The SciFi Chick's "Museview" Criteria.

Since I am about to write my first Museview, (movie review) for this blog, I will provide the  ratings criteria.

• Strong Female Leads. I am sure it's apparent to those who follow this blog that strong female character types rank very high on my list of must have in my fiction.
• FXs: Do the special effects enhance or distract my viewing experience.
• Do I find myself rolling my eyes? I go to the movies for escapism, and I do not expect it try to imitate real life. However, when sci-fi goes wrong it can go really wrong (Battlefield Earth anyone?). If I am rolling my eyes rather being involved in the plot then it's probably a "stinker".
• Am I having FUN? I don't expect every sci-fi film I attend to be the next Blade Runner or Lord of The Rings, I just want have a good time. If the movie is as good as a LOTR's then, that is when the 5 out 5 rating will happen!
• Preconceived Notions: I admit that "hype" about a film will affect my expectations. If I am told by the masses that a movie is..." going to be a sci-fi classic" or "it blew my mind" those kinds of statements tend to influence my opinions. It's always disappointing when someone oversell a film and then it doesn't live up to the hype.
• Source Material: If a movie is based on a short story or novel, I will judge the movie based on missing or changed storyline. That doesn't mean if it didn't follow the book exactly I hated it, sometimes the changes made in a story are for the better.

I am not trying to be a professional movie reviewer . I'm just a sci-fi fan sharing her musings about a film.

Below is my rating scale:

5 out 5 SciFi Chicks recommend = LOVE IT! It's a must see! New Classic!

4 out 5 SciFi Chicks recommend= Great Film.  It's a must see!

3 out 5 SciFi Chicks recommend= Fun film, more than likely fluff, but I enjoyed.

2 out 5 SciFi Chicks recommend= It was ok, wait for pay per view.

1 out 5 SciFi Chicks recommend= Not good enough pay for it, wait for it Netflix or HBO

0 out 5 SciFi Chicks recommend= STINKS, Skip it!

"The Beautiful Mind" of Rhiannon Frater

 "The Beautiful Mind of Rhiannon Frater:"
 The Next "It" Author in Supernatural/Urban Fantasy Fiction 

A few months ago, I was scouring list after list on the Goodreads website looking for something new to read. I had recently finished reading World W "Z" and The Hollows trilogy so, I was sorta on a zombie kick. I enjoyed all the books but I was getting tired of the genre. So, I thought it was time for something new. But, when I asked a friend with similar tastes in books for suggestions, she recommend the As The World Dies trilogy. So, I took her advice and picked up yet another zombie book, The First Days. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much. The mere fact that it was "just a zombie book" sorta had my expectations low. I imagined it would have some cool action scenes, but stereotypical heroes and I was sure to encounter some completely outlandish plot devices. After all, the last zombie book I read the heroine had a pet lion! Really, a pet lion...ah, right... (long awkward, pause). Boy, was I wrong!!! This book was... well bold. Yes, that is the best word to describe it... BOLD. It is so ground breaking for its genre, heck for any genre! The author wrote this book without fear! She has atypical heroines and true to life characters. She has heart stopping action and be careful which characters you grow fond because NO ONE is safe! She will "Joss Wheadon" their ass and you'll have grab the tissue box. But, don't get me wrong, she wasn't throwing characters "under the bus" just because it would create a wacky zombie bloodbath. It's that she lets her story move forward organically and wouldn't pull a deus ex machina. As a reader, I felt like it is a bold choice to take a chance that you might piss your fans off in order to stay true to character and circumstance. After all, the setting of this trilogy is the Zombie Apocalypse. On another note, as The SciFi Chick, I am always on the look out for strong female characters. The are three standout female characters in this trilogy, Katie, Jenni, and Nerit. These three ladies now hold a spot my top 10 list of favorite female "ass kickers". The author took three average women (and the men) and shows how extraordinary circumstances and the drive to save the last of your family and friends can bring out the hero in the ordinary and the meek! (I love Jenni, "Go crazy mama bear!!") Needless, to say, I tore right though all three books. When I had finished the trilogy I had to know who the author was. Yea, I know...I know her name was on the book. Plain as day it says...Rhiannon Frater. But, what I really wanted to know was who was Rhiannon Frater? This person that had me gasping out loud as I turned each page and cursing the sky when "crap" happened to good people! Who WAS this author? I soon discovered with a quick search on google that she was a Texan and happened to live right here in Austin! And not only did she live in Austin but was having a book signing in three days! I was like... "stop the insanity"! Really, what are the chances I would randomly pick up a book, love it, have a ton questions about the author and discover I could go and ask her all my questions, in person?! And so, I did. Meeting Rhiannon Frater was amazing. She was smart, funny and totally unique! After listening to her explain about her writing techniques it was clear to me that it takes a special talent to create excellent fiction, thus the "beautiful mind". When I asked her about her natural ability to pull a reader into a story she said, "I write what I see in my head." and that often these stories and characters "come into my dreams". She also, stated when she's not dreaming about these characters they often "just show up her head " and she can "hear their conversations". Ms. Frater said that sometimes a character will pop into her mind and she has to say "Who are you?" and then she beings the process of flushing out these "people" and their story. Ms. Frater commented that when she writes she is "not constructing set pieces" but rather "I'm observing them". I believe that this technique gives her books a cinematic feel. That rather than writing fiction she is just documenting the lives of these characters in her head. Giving her books, in my opinion, that true to life feel about them. Ms. Frater made the amusing statement; " I'm crazy. But, instead of putting me away for it they let me write." So, we can thank that "crazy, beautiful mind" for Ms. Frater's narrative style which allows us to become immersed in her world. Rhiannon Frater has recently released a new book called, The Last Bastion of the Living: A Futuristic Zombie Novel. Not into Zombie fiction? That's ok. Rhiannon Frater has Vampire novels too! And she posted on her Facebook page she's feeling the need to write a book about witches and personally I hope that those "witchy" characters get chatty in her head real soon! I can't wait to read The Last Bastion and all of Ms.Frater's novels and short stories! So, if you are into books with a supernatural/urban fantasy themes I can safely say that Rhiannon Frater is an author worth checking out! For a list of all her titles go to http://rhiannonfrater.com/?page_id=10

A Note to Self-publishing Authors:
One of the most interesting parts of attending Rhiannon Frater's book signing was hearing about her journey from writing short stories on the web for friends, family and fans, to self-published author, to an author who became sought after by the publishing companies! If you are an aspiring self publishing author I recommend following Ms. Frater on her blog: http://rhiannonfrater.blogspot.com/ Although, I am not a writer of fiction myself, I find her advice insightful and in my opinion it never hurts to get inside the mind of someone who has "been there, done that" and is willing to share those experiences.


Five by Five,
The SciFi Chick

Five by Five: Geeky Gleanings #2

I'm long over due for new blog post! I've been soaking up the sun in Maui, and admittedly I've been slacking on the blogging! I'll start my summer blog reboot with a new Five by Five Gleanings!  As promised it is chock full of nerdy stuff I've enjoyed and just want to share.

1. Book"Ready Player One"

If you grew up in the 1980's and enjoy dystopian novels then Ready Player One should be at the top of your reading list. This book is an action packed 1980's nostalgia love fest! Imagine a world that has depleted it's resources and most people live in a virtual reality. Within that virtual reality individuals known as "gunters" compete to complete three quests based on 1980's pop culture. Winning the quest will make you the wealthiest person in the world! 


Here is the book description from Amazon.com:

Publication Date: August 16, 2011

At once wildly original and stuffed with irresistible nostalgia, READY PLAYER ONE is a spectacularly genre-busting, ambitious, and charming debut—part quest novel, part love story, and part virtual space opera set in a universe where spell-slinging mages battle giant Japanese robots, entire planets are inspired by Blade Runner, and flying DeLoreans achieve light speed.


It’s the year 2044, and the real world is an ugly place.


Like most of humanity, Wade Watts escapes his grim surroundings by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia that lets you be anything you want to be, a place where you can live and play and fall in love on any of ten thousand planets.


And like most of humanity, Wade dreams of being the one to discover the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this virtual world. For somewhere inside this giant networked playground, OASIS creator James Halliday has hidden a series of fiendish puzzles that will yield massive fortune—and remarkable power—to whoever can unlock them.


For years, millions have struggled fruitlessly to attain this prize, knowing only that Halliday’s riddles are based in the pop culture he loved—that of the late twentieth century. And for years, millions have found in this quest another means of escape, retreating into happy, obsessive study of Halliday’s icons. Like many of his contemporaries, Wade is as comfortable debating the finer points of John Hughes’s oeuvre, playing Pac-Man, or reciting Devo lyrics as he is scrounging power to run his OASIS rig.


And then Wade stumbles upon the first puzzle.


Suddenly the whole world is watching, and thousands of competitors join the hunt—among them certain powerful players who are willing to commit very real murder to beat Wade to this prize. Now the only way for Wade to survive and preserve everything he knows is to win. But to do so, he may have to leave behind his oh-so-perfect virtual existence and face up to life—and love—in the real world he’s always been so desperate to escape.


A world at stake.
A quest for the ultimate prize.

Are you ready? 


I loved this book so much, that after I finished reading it, I picked it back up and read it again. I just wasn't ready to leave the world that Cline had created! Some you might  know the name Ernest Cline, he wrote the screenplay for the movie Fanboys.  So, if you have room in your summer reading list I suggest adding this book and moving it to the top of the list!      


A Side Note: Wil Wheaton narrates the audiobook version of Ready Player One  . It is a most excellent narration! So if you want to uber geek out I suggest picking up a copy!                                                                 

2. College Humor Show:

Looking for funniest videos on YouTube! Look no further then The College Humor Show! These are they guys who bring you Breaking Bad the RPG, the Jake and Admir videos (try IT Guy), the Hardcore Casual Gaming Rap and Batman Chooses His Voice.


My absolute favorite is Skyrim Hoarders. Skyrim Hoarders is a parody of the TV show Hoarders and mashes it up with the video game Skyrim! If you play Skyrim you know that it's almost impossible to depart with your "loot"after working so hard to "earn" it!!!! 
I laughed so hard during this video I cried! I've included it here on my Five by Five. 

Subscribe at:http://www.youtube.com/user/collegehumorfeature=watch 
or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CollegeHumor




3. Esty

As geek don't you sometimes think to yourself, "What I really need is a hat just like Janye Cobb on Firefly."?  I know I do! Well, guess what? If you can dream it you can find on Etsy! It's a practically a geek online shopping mall! Sure... I can find geeky products all over the web but, Etsy products are the most unique online! Often homemade and sometimes even vintage items can be found on Etsy! Click the link to check it out: http://www.etsy.com/

Here are just a few of my favorites shops:

Firefly Jayne Hat Replica custom made by Geek-A-Bye-Baby. This Shop specializes in items for geekn' out your baby! But, I have my eye on this Jayne hat that comes in adult sizes too!  










Justice League Sillouette Coasters jb2designs  This seller has a whole selection of these geek themed coasters. Game of Thrones, Star Trek, Battlestar, Lost, True Blood etc... Hmm...I wonder if I can mix and match???

 WWBD Pendant by Sterling Silver Geek Jewelry. What would Buffy Do? It's sorta my mantra! I so want this pendant! This seller also has rings, earrings, & brooches, all with geeky themes!


















4.Tower of the Hand

 Last year I plowed through George R.R. Martin's book series "A Song of Ice and Fire" .  If you are thinking of trying to wade these "tomes" as well, I highly recommend this website. It allows spoiler free browsing for each book.  When you arrive at the site you click on the box to indicate how far along in the series you are and all discussions, reviews and chapter summaries will be free of spoilers. They have recently added a section that allows spoiler free discussions on the HBO TV series! I know having this website to refer too while reading the Fire and Ice series enabled me to keep characters and events straight and connect with others who have read and enjoyed the series. 

Go to http://towerofthehand.com/ and check it out!

5. Comic Books 4 Girls:

Being the geeky gal that I am always looking for a community of like minded individuals with whom I can share my über geek tidbits with. Well, Comic Books 4 Girls is a community for women/girls who love comic books! It's a place for comic fans to meet and connect! If you are looking for a place to share information on Comic Books, Comic Book Art, Comic Book Movie trivia/updates and often just some random geeky goodness. Comic Book 4 Girls is a great place start! They are on Facebook and Pinterest.

To Follow on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/comics4girls/ 

To "Like" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comicbooks4girls

That's it for this round of gleanings. Blog at ya soon!

Five By Five 

The SciFi Chick