Team Canada for the Win. Inspiration lost.

So, congratulations to Team Canada for winning gold in Men's Hockey today!! Whoo! Go Canada! 

Anyways, for the last couple of days- actually the last week- I've been suffering from major writers block. I am stuck stuck stuck. I've tried everything from watching movies, reading books, and even listening to music. But still no inspiration. Perhaps the weather has gotten me down. I haven't been feeling well lately, and I'm sort of trapped in the house right now (my nurse grounded me), so I haven't been out, and my desire to write has faded. I hate winter. If it was summer, or spring, I could go outside and write for a bit. But nope. Winter sucks.

Hoping this writers block ends soon, and again, congrats Team Canada!! 

My Favorite Baby (Girl) Names

IOkay, so this post has nothing to do with books or movies. Though names are actually important to both, so I suppose it sort of relates. I always pay attention to characters' names when I'm watching a movie or reading a book, because it's cool to pick up my baby name book and find out what it means later. Or save it for when I have kids (or cats, because I wouldn't call my daughter Katniss or Daenerys). It's also helpful when I'm naming characters, because I ALWAYS get stuck when I'm trying to name them. I always read these books or see these movies where the characters have totally awesome names, so I try to come up with an equally awesome name. If you're a writer, you've probably been there, and can probably agree with me when I say that it is really hard to come up with cool names. Especially when writing a fantasy.

So, below is a list of my FAVORITE baby names (be warned, this list is going to be super-long) and their meanings.

Girls:

Arya-- You probably recognize this one if you've watched or read Game of Thrones. I fell in love with this name the first time I heard it, and I love the spelling. Of course, it's a form of Aria, which in turn is a form of Ariel, which means "Lion of God" in Hebrew. Fitting, right?

Aaliyah/Aliyah/Aliya--So many different spellings, but either way the name is beautiful. It means "ascender" in Hebrew.

Alyssia/Elyssia-- So I'm not too sure on the pronunciation of this one. AL-E-SEE-A? Is that right? I think this name is beautiful, though. It means "Sweet, blissful' in Greek. It is derived from 'Elysium', which in Greek mythology was the dwelling place of happy souls.

Annika-- I'm actually using this name for one of my characters. I've always really loved this name. It's a form of Ann, which means gracious in English.

Ariane/Arianna-- I think there are a few different spellings of this name. It is a form of Ariana, which means 'Holy' in Greek. Beautiful.

Aridane-- I first heard this name in the book Wolfsbane, the Sequel to Nightshade by Andrea Cremer, and I really liked it. It also means 'holy' in Greek. In mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos of Crete.

Alisa/Alyssa/Ally-- Okay, I'll admit that I'm not too crazy about the name Alisa, maybe because it's really common, but it is really pretty. It is a form of Alice, which means 'truthful' in Greek, and noble in German. Either meaning is good.

Alessandra/Aleksandra/Alexandra-- Okay, so this is a name that has a lot of different spellings. Personally I like "Aleksandra" and "Alessandra", rather than "Alexandra". It's a form of Alexander, which means defender of humankind in Greek.

Anastasia-- Yes, I know this is the name of Cinderella's nicer stepsister. I like the name Anastasia, though. I always thought I'd name my cat this. It means Resurrection in Greek. (Another Greek name, I know. The Greeks seem to have all the prettiest names.)

Annabel-- Now, I would not name my child this in a million years, nor would I name a character this. I had a doll named Annabel when I was a little girl, though, so that's why it's on my list. According to my baby name book, it is a combination of Anna+Bel, and doesn't appear to have an actual meaning. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Annalise-- Like Annabel, this is combination of Anna+Lisa, and again doesn't appear to have a meaning. Again, correct me.

Athena-- It means wise in Greek. Obviously, since Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom. Also, Annabeth Chase's mother.

Alina/Alena/Elena-- Alina means 'bright' (Slavic) or fair (Scottish). Alena is a form of Helen, which means 'light' in Greek. Elena is a form of Eleanor, which means 'light' also in Greek.

Alana/Alaina-- Alana means 'offering' in Hawaiian. Alaina is a form of Alana.

Aurora-- Another Disney Princess name, I know, though some people forget that this is actually Sleeping Beauty's name. Aurora means 'dawn' in Latin. In mythology, Aurora was the goddess of dawn.

Avalon/Aveline/Ava-- Avalon means 'Island'. It is a legendary island featured in Arthurian legend, where Excalibur was forged and where Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds after the Battle of Camlann (otherwise known as Camelot). Aveline is, I think, a form of Avelina which, in Latin, means "she who was born in Avella." Ava is a form of Eva, which is a form of Evangelina, which means "bearer of good news" in Greek.

Aspen-- Aspen tree (English).

Azalea-- desert flower (Latin)

Brynn/Bree-- (Brynn; Latin) from the boundary line; (Welsh) mound. (Bree; English) broth.

Callie/Calea/Kalea/Chloe-- Callie is a familiar form of Cala, Calista. Calista means "most beautiful" in Greek. Calea/Kalea means "bright, clear" in Hawaiian. Chloe means "blooming, verdant" in Greek. In mythology, Chloe was another name for Demeter, the goddess of agriculture.

Clarissa/Claire/Clara-- Clarissa means "brilliant" in Greek. Claire is a form of Clara, which means "clear, bright" in Latin.

Charity/Chastity/Cassidy/-- Charity (Latin): charity, kindness. Chastity (Latin): pure. Cassidy (Irish): clever.

Catherine/Katherine/Katrina/Katerina/Kaitlyn/Caitlyn-- Catherine/Katherine (Greek): Pure. Katrina/Katerina: A form of Katheirne. Kaitlyn/Caitlyn (Irish): Pure.

Danica-- (Slavic) Morning star

Diana-- (Latin) divine. Mythology: the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and fertility.

Eden-- (Babylonian) a plain (Hebrew) delightful. Bible: the Earthly paradise

Emily-- (Latin) flatterer (German) industrious

Esme-- (French) a form of Esmeralda. A form of Amy. Amy (Latin) beloved. Esmeralda (Latiin) shining, standing out. radiates purity and hope.

Faith-- (English) faithful; fidelity.

Genesis-- (Latin) origin; birth

Gaea-- (Greek) planet earth. Mythology: the Greek goddess of Earth.

Gemma-- (Latin, Italian) jewel, precious stone

Grace-- (Latin) graceful

Hannah-- (Hebrew) gracious. Bible: the mother of Samuel.

Hermione-- (Greek) earthy.

Hope-- (English) hope

Isabel/Isabelle/Isabella-- (Spanish) consecrated to God.

Iris-- (Greek) rainbow. Mythology: the godess of the rainbow and messenger of the Gods.

Ivy-- (English) ivy tree

Jaya-- (Hindi) victory

Jalisa--(American) a combination of Jae+Lisa.

Julie/Julia/Juliet-- (Latin) youthful.

Jessamine/Jessica/Janessa-- (
Kylie/Kylee/Kyla-- (West Australian Aboriginal) curled stick; boomerang. Kyra (Greek) ladylike.

Kaia-- (Greek) Earth

Lalita-- (Greek) talkative. (Sanskrit) charming; candid

Liana-- (Latin) youth. (French) boun, rapped up; tree covered with vines. English (meadow).

Leah-- (Hebrew) weary. Bible: the first wife of Jacob.

Leila-- (Hebrew) dark beauty; night (Arabic) born at night.

Lena-- (Hebrew) dwelling or lodging.(Latin) temptress. (Norwegian) illustrious

Lucy/Lucinda/Luciana/Luna-- (Latin), light; bringer of light. Luna (Latin) moon.

Lily-- (Latin, Arabic) a familiar form of Lilith, Lillian, Lillyann

Mackenzie-- (Irish) child of the wise leader

Maia/Maya-- (Greek) mother; nurse (English) kinswoman, maiden.

Mia-- (Italian) mine.

Myla/Myra-- (Latin) fragrant ointment (Myla; English) merciful

Melanie/Melody-- (Greek) dark skinned (Melody; Greek) melody

Meghan/Megan-- (Greek) pearl; great

Morgan-- (Welsh) seashore. Literature: Morgan le Fay was the half sister of King Arthur

Malia-- (Hawaiian, Zuni) a form of Mary (Hebrew); bitter; sea of bitterness. Bible: the mother of Jesus

Nikita-- (Russian) victorious people

Nia-- (Irish) a familiar form of Neila (Spanish) yellow.

Nita-- (Hebrew) planter (Choctaw) bear

Natalie/Nathalie-- (Latin) born on Christmas.

Nora/Nova (Greek) light. (Nova; Latin) new.

Noelle-- (French) Christmas

Naomi-- (Hebrew) pleasant; beautiful. Bible: Ruth's mother in law

Olivia-- (Latin) a form of Olive (Latin) olive tree

Pia-- (Latin, Italian) devout

Priya-- (Hindi) beloved; sweet natured

Penelope-- (Greek) weaver. Mythology: the clever and loyal wife of Odysseus, a Greek hero

Peyton/Payton-- (Irish) a form of Patricia (Latin) noblewoman

Raisa-- (Russian) a form of Rose

Rose-- (Latin) rose

Renee-- (French) born again

Rea/Rhea-- (Greek) brook, stream. Mythology: the mother of Zeus

Shiloh-- (Hebrew) Gods gift. Bible: a sanctuary for the Israelites where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.

Zara/Sarah-- (Hebrew) Princess. Bible: the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac

Sophie/Sophia-- (Greek) wise

Skyler-- (Dutch) sheltering

Tameka-- (Aramaic) twin

Taliyah-- (Greek) a form of Talia (Greek) blooming. (Hebrew) dew from heaven. (Latin, French) birthday

Talisa-- (English) a form of Tallis. (French, English) forest

Tiana-- (Greek) Princess

Victoire/Victoria-- (Latin) victorious

Willow-- (English) willow tree

Zona-- (Latin) belt, sash

Zinnia-- (Latin) botany: a plant with beautiful, rayed colourful flowers.

Zoey-- (Greek) life

Okay, so that's all for now. I'll be making another post later this week featuring boy's names! It took me a while to write this post because my list is all sort of jumbled, and I wrote it A-Z on here, then I had my baby name book on my lap and I was constantly flipping through the pages, so it was actually pretty difficult to write it A-Z. The boys' names probably won't be as hard since there aren't nearly as many boy names as there are girl names. I definitely like the girl names more!! 

So, what do you think? Are there any names on this (huge!) list that you'd use for pets, babies or characters? Let me know! I know I didn't include all the possible baby girl names, just my favorites! But go ahead and tell me what YOUR favorites are, even if it's not mentioned on this list. Thanks for reading!

-Crysta

PS. I used 'The Very Best Baby Name Book' by Bruce Lansky to find the names.

Books That Will Be On the Big Screen in 2014

There have been many faults and many successes when it comes to books being made into movies, and in the last few years, this seems to be a trend. Books we love have been turned into movies that are very, very unlike the book (For example, Percy Jackson and Beautiful Creatures). For me, it is extremely nerve-wracking whenever I hear that a book I love deeply is being made into a movie, because I want it to be perfect, and it's disapointing when the movie is hardly anything like the book. The same thing happens with T.V. shows. Recently, Bitten, which is the first in a series called Women of the Otherworld by Canadian author Kelley Armstrong was made into a T.V. show, and so far, I love it. It has stuck very close to the book. Obviously they're doing something right.

Now, here's a list of Books that we'll be seeing on the Big Screen in 2014. I will add that this isn't a list of ALL the books, only the YA ones and a few others, depending on what it is.


#1 Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead 


I've mentioned this one in another blog post. Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters was recently released on February 7th. I was skeptical about this one, since the director/producer also did "Mean Girls", but trailers can often be misleading. I haven't seen this one yet (though I'm making plans to do so, as I'm not sure it will be in theatre for very long), but I am really excited. 

Movie Summary (From the Cineplex app) 


Rose Hathaway and Lissa Dragomir are two 17-year-old girls who attend a hidden boarding school for Moroi (Mortal, peaceful vampires) and Dhampirs (half-vampire/half-human guardians). Rose, a rebellious Guardian-in-training and her best friend Lissa, a royal vampire Princess, have been on the run when they are captured and returned to St. Vladimir's Academy, the very place where they believe their lives may be in most jeopardy. Thrust back into the perils of Moroi society and high school, Lissa struggles to reclaim her status while Rose trains with her mentor and love-interest, Dimitri, to guarantee her place as Lissa's guardian. Rose will sacrifice everything to protect Lissa from those who intend to exploit her within the Academy's walls and the Strigoi (immortal, evil vampires), who hunt her kind from outside its sanctuary.

Starring: Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry, and Danila Kozlovsky


#2: Divergent, by Veronica Roth 


While I was not a huge fan of the Divergent trilogy (I much preferred the sequels, to be honest), I am looking forward to seeing this one as well. It will be interesting to see how the Dystopian society is portrayed.

Movie summary (From Wikipedia) 

In a futuristic Chicago, people are divided into five distinct factions based on their personalities. Beatrice "Tris" Prior discovers that she is Divergent, meaning he does not fit into any one faction, and soon uncovers a sinister plot brewing in her seemingly perfect society.

Release date: March 21st 2014

Starring: Theo James, Shailene Woodley, Kate Winslet and Zoe Kravitz

#3: The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green 

I first read The Fault in Our Stars at Christmastime, and I will admit that I cried and became rather depressed after I finished it. If you've read the book, you'll know exactly why. I really related a lot to Hazel, as I have Tetrology of Fallot (a heart condition which requires me to be on oxygen 24/7, and to also use a wheelchair whenever I go out, limiting my ability to do most things). While our conditions are extremely different, I related to Hazel and really liked her. I've not read many books like this one, as I prefer to stick to the fantasy types, but I am so glad I finally decided to read it. Mind you, the ending was spoiled for me (thanks to Tumblr), but I quickly forgot about it when I was reading and I was still shocked and upset when I did finally get to the end. Anyways, I am extremely excited about this book. I laughed when I learned that Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort were to play Hazel (Shailene) and Gus (Ansel), as they also play brother-and-sister Caleb and Tris Prior in Divergent (above). I think Ansel was a good choice for Gus, and Shailene was also a good pick for Hazel.

Movie summary (From Wikipedia)  

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel Grace Lancaster has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Release date: June 6th, 2014

Starring: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort


#4: The Maze Runner, by James Dashner 


I will admit that I have not read this one. I have read a brief (very brief) glimpse of the first chapter, but it was a while ago and I completely forget it. I do not really know what it's about, but it looks interesting so I might go see it.

Movie summary (from Wikipedia) 

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is blank. But he's not alone. When the lift's doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as anyone can remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, for just as long, they've closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the Maze after dark. The Gladers were expecting Thomas's arrival. But the next day, a girl is sent up-- the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have been convinced if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they can find their way home... wherever that may be. But it's looking more and more as if the Maze is unsolvable. And something about the girl's arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he might just have some answers- if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.

Release date: September 19th, 2014

Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poutler, Aml Ameen, Jacob Latimore and Patricia Clarkson

#5: Mockingjay Part 1 

Now this one, I am soo excited to see. Actually, I'm a little terrified, especially having read the book and seen Catching Fire's classic cliffhanger ending. I'm actually likely going to be sitting at the edge of my seat, crying, the whole time. Also, I would like to raise a three-finger- tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died February 2nd. He was an amazing Plutarch, and will be missed.

Movie summary (From IMBD) 

Katniss Everdeen reluctantly becomes the symbol of a mass rebellion against the autocratic Capitol. (Short summary that spoils absolutely nothing.)

Release date: November 21st, 2014

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, and Willow Shields


#6: The Hobbit Part 3: There and Back Again 

Okay, so I've been watching the Lord of the Rings movies since I was like, five or six (Back then they gave me nightmares), and I am literally so excited for this movie, now that I actually understand what's going on. I have never read a single one of the books (don't hate me), and I tried reading The Hobbi before Part 1 came out, but I couldn't get into it. I will eventually read the books. But I am super-excited for the Hobbit Part Three!!

Movie summary (From IMBD) 

The company of Thorin has reached Smaug's lair; but, can Bilbo and the Dwarves reclaim Erebor, and the treasure? And if so, can they hold on to it?

Release date: December 17th, 2014

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Evangeline Lily, Aidan Turner, Orlando Bloom, and Cate Blanchett.



Well... I think that's all for now! If you have any suggestions that you would like me to add to the list, please tell me in the comments. Which movie are you excited for?

See you soon,
Crysta :)

Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters & More!!

Hi again! I am very late posting this, as the movie comes out on Friday, but below is the cast list (including some pictures) of Vampire Academy: Blood Sisters, which comes out on January 7th (14th for those of you who don't live in the U.S. or Canada) and is based on the series of best-selling novels by Seattle author Richelle Mead. The VA series has been one of my favorites for a couple years now, and when it got movie rights back in, like, 2010, I was soo excited. I started losing hope as the progress was very slow. I was also skeptical, especially when the first trailer came out. My skepticism was, of course, reasonable. After all, when you really love a book series and it becomes a movie, you want the producers/directors to get it right. It's very nerve-wracking to have a book series you have loved for a while become a movie, because it is very rare to get a movie based on a book that was even remotely similar to the book. It has happened a lot, that a movie based on a best-selling book is actually very different from the book it's supposedly based on. It's like the producers/directors just took the title, characters, and some of the plot and then morphed into something that's not at all what the fans wanted. I was very disappointed when the movie "Beautiful Creatures" (based on Beautiful Creatures" by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl" came out last Valentines' day. It was nothing like I thought it would be, even if the characters were kind of (KIND OF) how I pictured them. The same thing happened with The Hunger Games, which I thought was kind of a ripoff, even if I loved the cast and some of the things were actually OK. It was still lacking, and I think many fans will agree with me on this one. And again with the Percy Jackson movies. Ugh. UGH! Just don't even speak to me about this one. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (starring the famous 20-year-olds trying to be 16-year-olds) was... well, just sad. I mean, when I first saw it, I hadn't read the books, so I didn't know the difference and really did like it (sort of embarrassing to admit) but when I did read the books, I was like... wait a minute, this is like a totally different thing! I could go on and on, (and I likely will in a later post) but right now, I'm supposed to be talking VA: Blood Sisters. Ok, so here is the cast (though it's not all of them) and my HONEST opinions on them. I apologize beforehand if I offend anyone. I really didn't mean to.



Zoey Deutch as Rosemarie "Rose" Hathaway 

Rose has been a favorite character of mine for a while now. She is very funny and sarcastic, and she goes through a lot to protect her best friend, Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir. She is also sexy, and can totally kick ass. She's not afraid to tell people what she thinks, even if she knows it will get her in trouble. She strives to please her teachers, especially her gorgeous, Russian mentor Dimitri Belikov. She will go to the ends of the earth to protect Lissa and her other friends. So really, Rose would totally be the person I would want to befriend if I ever went to a super-cool, gothic Academy full of vampires... well, and half-vampires.
Rose describes herself as having "semi-exotic princess features" and I admit that I was a little skeptical when Zoey Deutch was cast. But that skepticism quickly went away, because Zoey totally has Rose's personality nailed down. I can't wait to see the movie. It's awesome that she played in "Beautiful Creatures" as Emily Asher, the b*tchy, stuck-up church girl who has a crush on Ethan Wate. I thought she was actually good at playing Emily, and I hope she'll be even better as Rose. Because I do love Zoey, and she's a really awesome person, but I'm still skeptical of how the movie will turn out.


Lucy Fry as Vasilisa "Lissa" Sabina Rhea Dragomir 

Isn't that name a mouthful? Ok, so Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir is a Moroi Princess (short explanation, Moroi are the mortal vampires who get weaker in the sunlight and wield the Earth's elements; they don't drink blood to kill.) and Rose's best friend. She's a smart, very gentle girl who lost her parents and brother, Andre, to a car crash. She and Rose were on the run for two years when the Academy finally caught up with them and dragged them back. Lissa's got a few issues that I won't say because it's sort of a spoiler, but she's very kind and tries to be nice to everyone. She has pale, platinum blond hair and jade green eyes that are a trademark of the Dragomir family. She loves Rose very much (in a sisterly kind of way; don't get the wrong idea) and wants to protect her as much as Rose wants to protect Lissa. She goes through a bit of emotional turmoil in the first book, learning some things that are pretty hard and I think her reactions are perfect. I was very happy when Lucy Fry was cast for the role, though I had never heard of the actress before. Lissa is one of those characters that are hard to cast. I actually wish she'd played Annabeth in the PJO movies. But I do like the casting of Lucy as Lissa. She seems very dedicated to the role. 

Danila Kozlovsky as Dimitri Belikov  

OK I will never be able to pronounce Danila's name. I had to include the picture of him in the infamous Death in a Cowboy duster picture. Okay, it's likely not from that scene, but I don't care. I just love Dimitri's duster. Like with Lucy, I had never previously heard of Danila, but I loved that he was actually Russian. He was the perfect Dimitri, even though I kinda thought he was old. He is supposed to be 27 after all, so that makes sense that he's not going to be as young as the rest of the cast. I was just glad Ben Barnes wasn't cast. I'd seen so many photos and fancasts with Ben Barnes as Dimitri I was almost (ALMOST) starting to picture him that way. Luckily Danila totally slapped the sense into me. Thank the Lord for that small blessing!
Anyways, Danila seems very sweet and he says nothing but good things about Zoey (Rose) and the rest of the cast. I haven't watched many interviews or anything, but from what I've heard, he's the "perfect" Dimitri. I actually squealed when I saw the picture above, and thought, yep, that's our Dimka. I was so happy they included the dusters! Small details are important! So yes, I was pleased with his casting. Dimitri is soo hard to put into details. He's tough, and the amount of self-control he has is bewildering sometimes, because if I were Dimitri, I wouldn't have been able to handle all the things he has with such poise. He is loyal and wise, and he always tries to do the right thing. He's just one of those characters whose personality you can't really describe. But his casting was perfect, and I am really excited to see the movie.




Dominic Sherwood as Christian Ozera 

So the sexy, sarcastic, smartass Christian Ozera is played by Dominic Sherwood, usually just called Dom. Christian's got a bit of a dark humor, and Rose distrusts him at first. He's one of those bad boys everyone can't help but love, even though he's not really "Bad". He's the school outcast, because they seem to think that he'll turn Strigoi at any minute and take everyone down with him (Strigoi are the evil, immolrtal vampires who live in darkness and have to drink blood to survive). His dark sense of humor doesn't really help things, either. Lissa relates to him because they both lost their parents. They balance each other out. Like Rose, Christian only wants Lissa to be happy and safe. Also like Rose, he doesn't care what people think of him.

_______________

Well, that's all for now folks! I'll probably finish this off, but I don't know when. Right now it's 10:45pm where I live (Canada) and I am exhausted. Check in again soon, and feel free to share your opinions on the cast. You can recommend a book (whether it's on Wattpad or if it's an actual book) and I'll be sure to check it out! Thanks! Have a great day/night!



-Crysta