September is here, and so is are the holidays! Wait... that's not right... October is "the holidays" or November even, what's this about September? Yeah, you heard me. September, or at least, that's what modern marketing is trying to tell you. So what does that mean for readers and writers everywhere? It's time to start compiling that list of fire-side reads and hot teas!

Kids everywhere are headed back to school and with them, they are bringing the (hopefully) completed summer reading list. If you're little one is  on the younger side, they may have Little Golden Books on their list. I know I did. But what if these were the books on their list? Arthur Gackley has re-imagined our kiddy classics and their sure to make you giggle.

As promised in Monday’s blog, I’m back! Today’s review is of the latest Harry Potter “book” from J.K. Rowling. I place book in quotes just due to the format being a screenplay.  [goodreads]

First off, as stated above, The Cursed Child is NOT a novel. It is a two part screenplay and is written in such format. If you have trouble reading that format, or you find it jarring, this will be no different. Secondly, the story takes place eighteen years into the future and is centered around Albus, Harry’s middle child, and Scorpius, Malfoy’s only child. 

The story takes place in and out of Hogwarts, the Ministry of Magic, and various other locations we have come to know throughout the series. Thanks to the screenplay format, we experience Albus’ first day at Hogwarts, his sorting, and the next few years in rapid succession. This lends itself to a great play, quickly moving the audience along to the meaty bits of the story and to where the action is. Unfortunately, this also means that getting to know and love Albus feels forced and given only on the terms that we loved Harry. It didn’t help that Albus’ main conflict was his growing up in the shadow of his famous father, this made the youth come off as a moody teenager and his struggle pale in comparison to his father’s previous seven books.

Scorpius and Albus are an unlikely pair and are both sweet and entertaining to read and watch grow up. They are funny, kind-hearted, fiercely loyal, and complete doofuses. The interactions between the father’s and their sons are beautiful mirrored and my main enjoyment from the story; the action and magical aspects didn’t hold a candle.

Well, that hiatus was FAR longer than I expected, but no matter, I’M BACK!

Let’s catch up:
In early April, I started writing for Camp NaNoWriMo, concurrently I started house shopping. It quickly became apparent that I would not have time for both and since I need a house to write… that took priority. Rightfully so, but still saddening, I gave up camp for that session and set about house-hunting. Good news! We bought one!

In June, Everyday Adventures won a Channillo award; Best Adult Fiction Series - 2016. It also was the runner-up for Best Short Story Series. Both of those wouldn’t have been possible without your support over the last year. In August, Everyday Adventures hit another huge milestone, the $200 donations mark to Child’s Play! Here’s to $200 more!

I also have Keeper’s news! Keeper’s Conundrum has been renamed to “The Keeper Chronicles” and is now available for pre-order on Inkshares as part of the Geek and Sundry fantasy competition. Help me rise through the ranks by pre-ordering TKC. If we don’t win, don’t worry, you’ll get your money refunded, so what’s there to lose?

It’s been a crazy few months, and I’m glad to be back where I belong; behind a keyboard and chatting with you. Stay tuned for our regularly scheduled programs to resume as I regain my stride and make some changes.