Book Challenge Day 2: A book that you've read more than 3 times

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

I still remember how I was introduced to this book. A friend from High School told me about it, just before the Hayo Miazaki film came out to American theatres. I read the back, opened the first page and couldn't put the book down. I honestly can't even count how many times I've read this book. It has everything: adventure, humor, romance and of course the classic elements of a coming of age story. Sophie is an amazing protagonist, and Howl is one of the silliest and charming characters that I have read in fantasy literature. Just like Sophie, you grow to love him as the story progresses, learning the difference between the rumors and who Howl actually is. The sequels to this book are comical and magical. Castle in the Air seems inspired by the Middle East, while House of Many Doors seems to be a silly children's adventure. Of the series, this is my favorite book, and the one that I could relate to the most. It has a powerful message that involves believing in what you can do, and learning who you truly are. Sophie discovers that she is more than a Hatter's daughter, and more than a house maid. She becomes a hero, or heroine, who discovers that she can not only break her own curse, but save the people she cares for with courage and confidence. 

I have definately read this book more than three times. It is one of my favorite rereads.

Howls Moving Castle

This song seems to have been made for this story :)



Cosmic Love by Florence and the Machine

Lyrics:

A falling star fell from your heart 
And landed in my eyes  
I screamed aloud, as it tore through them 
And now it's left me blind
 
The stars, the moon, 
they have all been blown out 
You left me in the dark 
No dawn, no day, 
I'm always in this twilight 
In the shadow of your heart
 
And in the dark, 
I can hear your heartbeat 
I tried to find the sound 
But then it stopped 
and I was in the darkness 
 So darkness I became
 
The stars, the moon, 
they have all been blown out 
You left me in the dark 
No dawn, no day, 
I'm always in this twilight 
 In the shadow of your heart
 
I took the stars from my eyes
 and then I made a map
 And knew that somehow 
I could find my way back  
Then I heard your heart beating, 
you were in the darkness too  
So I stayed in the darkness with you
 
The stars, the moon,
they have all been blown out 
You left me in the dark 
 No dawn, no day,
 I'm always in this twilight 
In the shadow of your heart
 
The stars, the moon,
they have all been blown out
You left me in the dark  
No dawn, no day, 
I'm always in this twilight 
In the shadow of your heart

On Creating Worlds

I am currently reading Dune by Frank Herbert and I'm amazed by how vivid the world of the story is. As a writer, one of my goals is to do just that, create a world with its own magic, politics and religion. This is no easy task, but details make a story greater, and convince the reader that the world is probable. 

For examples, I turn to Tolkien, who created languages, histories, races and magic to make an epic story. J.K. Rowling invented her own system of magic, and a whole dimension of magic away from the "muggle" world. Diana Wynne Jones created a familiar yet different world related to the European countries.
After reading many  of these stories, I wonder what makes the world of a book seem real. Some would say the characters and their way of living life can reveal a world through human eyes. Others agree that the geography and history of the world makes it realistic to a reader. Magic and languages must be carefully crafted. Myth and folklore add a dimension to the world of a story and create an importance of their own.
Many of my inspiration for writing comes from stories with vivid and realistic worlds.The worlds of Final Fantasy with their elements of myth and folklore become very real while you learn their stories. Spira, from Final Fantasy X, was one of the most amazing and vivid worlds I have ever seen. Coccoon and Pulse from Final Fantasy XIII were also detailed worlds with Steam Punk flare. Another world I admire is the world of Avatar the Last Airbender. Not only did this world have it's own magic. It had its own myths, animals and a religion that played a key part of the story. In the Stravaganza Series by Mary Hoffman, she creates her own Italy with beautiful and intriguing detail, including important magical props.
My current story is a world I have created in the example of these stories. I don't have languages, but one of my stories does have a language I invented. 
I want to create the feeling of stepping into a new world. Like when Jake Sully becomes a Navi in the film Avatar. The vivid and memorable landscape, and the interesting culture of the Navi makes the world of Pandora an amazing element of the film.
Creating worlds, for a writer, is no easy task. Details must be added. A history invented, and characters introduced before a story can really feel like a journey.

What elements do you think create worlds in stories?

Writing Prompt 35: Top 10 Movies

Prompt: My Ten Favorite movies

I loved this movie when I was a kid. (Already a fan of epic adventures.) My aunt would put this on the TV whenever I came over and my eyes would be glued to the screen.

This story holds a special place in my heart. The film came on T.V. very often, and whenever it did, I couldn't change the channel. (Of course this is another epic quest film- starting to see a pattern here? he he)

Does this one even need explaining at this point? Favorite fairytale and a Disney Princess that loved books and adventures just as much as I do!

The book series I grew up with on the big screen. Priceless.

How I got through High School. These movies will always bring back memories of screenings with my Dad and my friends. A very epic saga. I also love the books ( of course).

 

I watched this movie so many times when it first came out, and read the book before I saw the movie. I love everything about this film and book (even though they are very different). Tristan's journey to move on from the past and build his own future will always be meaningful to me.

My favorite Hayao Miazaki movie. I love Howl. And, Sophie's journey to self confidence captures the magic of this film. Howl's return to humanity and Sophie's  newly found confidence help both characters find a home and give them courage to fight for what they believe in.

This movie really explores the inner and outer conflict of good vs evil. The story also revolves around the meaning of real strength. Steve Rodgers discovers the power of having a good character is stronger than brute strength.

Not only is this film beautiful, it is about living life instead of worrying about what will happen. Marlin's journey from a paranoid father to an understanding parent showed him that he could change his circumstances once he changed his perspective.

A modern reverse Beauty and the Beast story about changing your fate and breaking free.

        I love so many movies, and in general I love action packed, fun films. This was actually a very hard choice. But these films spoke to me the most. Each story taught me a different lesson. The Dark Crystal inspired many worlds in my imagination. The Last Unicorn taught me that sometimes stories have a bittersweet ending. Beauty and the Beast defines my idea of a relationship (getting to know each other and going at your own pace). Harry Potter brought magic into the real dramas of school life and adolescence. The Lord of the Rings inspired my first fantasy story with its memorable characters and epic plot. Star Dust taught me the lesson of how to heal a broken and deceived heart. Howl's Moving Castle gave me the courage to believe in myself and what I can do. Captain America showed the inner conflict of doing what is right without allowing others' judgement to control your life. Finding Nemo showed me that life will happen, so it's better to live it instead of worry all the time. And finally, Penelope taught me that sometimes the actual obstacle holding you back from your dreams is really just yourself.
        So there you have it. Ten movies that I don't get sick of, and remind me what life is about. This list may change over time. Different stories and characters are always influencing my life and my journey as a writer. But that's the beauty of stories and tales. They grow and change over time. The same message and meaning through a new lens and dream.

What movies make your top ten list? What have you learned from them?