Stories from a Certain Point of View

A young hero from a desolate and isolated region, torn from that life by the evil machinations of an oppressive regime, mentored by a wise-yet-weary warrior, forced into new alliances and a rebellion, a singular life-defining shot that hits its mark… I bet you thought I was talking about Star Wars.

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Star Wars, The Hunger Games, and the Storytelling Power of Thematic Resonance

Good stories always have great characters. The great stories always have something more. What sets them apart are themes that resonate deeply with the reader, viewer, or audience. Great stories don’t just entertain – they make us think, challenge our assumptions or beliefs, or inspire us to do great things ourselves.

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Everyday Heroes – Muses, Passion Projects, and Changing the Status Quo

While it’s important that some people choose to challenge the system directly, sometimes just making the most of the opportunities given can make a difference, as well. I can’t thank my grandparents enough for giving me the inspiration to face those challenges. In the end, it was their examples that reminded me that the only person that can let you believe you’re not worthy is yourself.

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The Magic of Star Wars – A Sith Witch and the Nightsisters Take Center Stage

Ever since Uncle Owen dismissed Kenobi as a crazy old wizard and Tarkin discounted Darth Vader’s mastery of the ways of the Force as an anachronistic ancient religion, Star Wars has drawn just as heavily on elements of magical fantasy stories as the physical trappings of science fiction. Mind control, telekinesis, clairvoyance, and summoned lightning came to define the Jedi and Sith as much as their lightsabers. With good and evil mages duking it out for the fate of the galaxy, it was only a matter of time before another iconic figure made her way into Star Wars, as well – the witch.

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Looking Forward to the New Year – 2012 Preview Fangirl-style

Last week I looked back at the top ten moments of 2011 for the blog and for me as a fan. This week, I thought I’d kick off the year with a list of the top ten events I’m most anticipating for 2012. If 2011 is any indication, though, I think it’s a safe bet that my year-end list twelve months from now won’t just be a repeat of this one.

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Fanboys, Feminism, and Frank Talk About Wonder Woman

I’ve blogged previously about Wonder Woman, and the struggles of the entertainment industry in its current state to get her back on the screen, whether small or silver. So I was intrigued yesterday to see this tweet from Geoff Boucher of the Los Angeles Times Hero Complex…

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