Mundie Moms

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

TMI Movie News!


It's an exciting day for TMI fans! We not only found out who is cast as ALEC, we have an OFFICIAL TMI MOVIE SITE!!! This movie is real! It starts filming in 20 days and will be out in theaters next August! I know, I can't wait! Now we all have a place to go to keep up with all the latest casting news... check out this AWESOME site!

Here's what Cassie says about the site:


So I am excited to announce the launch of http://www.TheMortalInstrumentsMovie.com where you’ll be able to find up to date casting information, information on the characters themselves, bits and bobs about the world of the Mortal Instruments, and so forth. Right now it features mainly the characters — you can see who has been cast and who isn’t cast yet — and it’ll expand outward to feature more about the film as the production progresses.


I am especially excited because this means there’s a definitive site you can go to to check casting information that is NOT IMDB and is guaranteed to be correct. And that does not require you to go back through my tumblr and endure photos of my cat.


Also it feels, along with the casting, like HOLY CRAP THIS MOVIE IS REAL. Like we will have set photos and prop pictures and God only knows what else to look at in the upcoming year. It’s so cool!



Say hello to ALEC aka Kevin Zegers!  Let's right, the media sites that leaked this news last week were right, BUT regardless of who leaks it, I will never post news unless I hear it from Cassie first. I'm so excited we have ALEC!


Here's what Cassie said about his casting:

So yes, thank goodness, finally, all the paperwork is signed and I can tell you that YES IN FACT, YES ACTUALLY Alec is going to be Kevin Zegers. 


So in fact the gossip sites got it right but at the time there was no signed paperwork and he wasn’t actually cast yet so — there wasn’t anything I could say. Especially after we already had one Alec and lost him. So really I’ve been ripping out my hair since then. I think there are just pieces left.
Kevin was actually one of the first actors approached to play Alec but his schedule didn’t work with the filming originally so they went with someone else; then the scheduling changed once again and it didn’t work for Alec Mark Two, but did work for Kevin. Such are the vagaries of casting.


I’ve always liked Kevin, since Transamerica, and I had him on my website for Sebastian for ages which is funny in retrospect because now I’ve seen him play Alec so I think he’s much too nice for Sebastian. 


One of the things I really liked about Kevin was that one of Alec’s audition scenes was the scene where Alec shouts at Clary in City of Bones and tells her she endangered Jace’s life. And a lot of the actors who auditioned played it yelling and really mean so you just thought, boy, Alec. What a jerk that guy is. Kevin played it with a quiet sort of intensity that grew through the scene so you could see through the cracks of the anger and think: wow, this guy is really scared and vulnerable. Because that is the Alec people love.


Also he will not have to wear contacts to get Alec’s baby blues because he already has them. Which is just a fortunate plus.


So yes, welcome Kevin!

What do you guys think? I thought he looked a little old originally, but some of these pictures look ALECish to me. Either way, Cassie is thrilled by the casting choice and I'm excited to see what he brings to the big screen.

Cassie on the Casting of Alec: Rumor vs Truth


The recent rumors being reported by media outlets (not by Cassie or Sony), has quite a lot of confusion in regards to the casting of Alec. Is he cast? Who is he? What's going on with the casting? etc. Cassie took to Tumblr yesterday to answer fans burning questions and concerns over Alec's casting. This is quoted directly from her post:


Cassie when you´ll tell us who´s playing Alec? Please i´m dying to know”

“any good news for the casting of Alec yet”

“Any new idea when you’ll be able to announce Alec?(:”

“WE NEED ALEC :(“

“how much longer do we have to suffer without an actor for Alec?”

Sorry to bother again. Has Alec been casted yet. I keep hearing rumors abut im not supposed to trust IMDB
Well, yes, you shouldn’t trust IMDB. That much is given. (It’s not too bad at the moment though Aidan and CCH Pounder aren’t listed yet. Last week Valentine was listed as being played by someone named Jolene.)
As far as Alec goes, it’s more than just IMDB: rumors are all over. That also happened when Jace was cast. It took a while to separate out what was happening from what wasn’t.
I thought maybe it would help if there was a bit of a breakdown of how this works. Casting is a creative matter (the director, producers, etc. looking at auditions or readings or previous work and deciding) until an offer is made to someone. “Would you like to play Alec?” That does not mean that person is cast. They have to want to play Alec. They have to have their agent negotiate the terms of a deal that everyone is happy with because you do actually get paid to play Alec. Or anyone. :) And you have to promise not to run off in the middle of filming and whatnot. This requires paperwork to be signed by everyone.
The final bit of casting is the “confirmation letter” which everyone signs and once everyone signs it then Alec is cast. Now I generally know that they’re looking at specific people, even a specific someone, but that’s about all I know while the legal department churns through the paperwork. When the confirmation letter is signed, then the studio will generate a press release. When they generate the press release and send it out, THAT is when I am allowed to tell you who Alec is. Usually until the press release goes out, I DON’T ACTUALLY KNOW the answer to the question beyond “they’re in negotiations with someone.”
And I am absolutely and totally and completely not allowed to say who they are in negotiations with, because then I am betraying a trust that has been placed in me not to reveal that, not only by the studio but by the actor (not that they know who I am :D) — it really ought to be their decision, too, about what they want revealed about what they are doing in their career. I don’t, like, want the intimate details of my mortgage payments all over the ‘net, and it’s sort of the same thing. 
And it is a good idea to wait until things are confirmed, because false reports aren’t  helpful. I know Alec is sort of a sore point (and I still feel bad, believe me) because I said I could announce him and then it turned out I couldn’t: There was a mixup and it was thought the confirmation letter was signed but it wasn’t, because the movie schedule had changed (it changes with every new draft of the script) and suddenly the actor wasn’t sure the new dates would work.
And in fact they didn’t. That actor isn’t going to play Alec. The scheduling didn’t work out. So. It is indeed a good thing I didn’t announce it then, annoying as it was for everyone at the time. I want you to be able to trust me and so not giving you information that may not pan out is important to me.
As of this literal moment, I have not gotten the press release/go-ahead to say who Alec is, which means that the confirmation letter isn’t signed. Which means we do not have an official Alec. That could change any second. But I am not witholding information about who has been cast as Alec to be mean (seems pointless, and Variety would just carry the story anyway because they’d get the press release as it is meant for, well, the press). And I can’t tell you when Alec will be announced because it isn’t planned ahead like that: “We will announce Alec on the seventh of August, at nine am!” They wait for the confirmation letter to go through. Asking “When will we have Alec?” is like asking “When will it rain?” or “When will we have a car that runs on dandelions?” 
So basically in sum-up, I don’t have an answer to those questions — we will have an Alec, and soon, because they cannot make the movie without him — and I will, as I have always promised, tell you as soon as I am able, and I will give you only the information I know is definitely true. 

Innocent Darkness Blog Tour: Character Interview


I'm excited to be kicking off The Innocent Darkness Blog tour by Suzanne Lazear. This tour will feature a variety of posts and various blogs with posts ranging from spoiler free reviews, author interviews, guest posts, character interviews and more. Please be sure to follow the entire tour HERE.

Today I have Noli, the story's main character on the blog to answer a few of my questions. 



Thank you for stopping by MM's today Noli. How would you describe yourself in 5 words or less?

I appreciate you inviting me. Um, I like to fix things. That’s five words. I suppose you want adjectives. My best friend V always calls me unconventional. My brother Jeff always says I’m fearless, but I don’t really agree. My mother says I’m inquisitive, which she means as a bad thing, but V and I don’t really agree with that either, well, the whole curiosity as a bad thing. I mean, if people weren’t curious we wouldn’t have all the wondrous inventions we have today.

I enjoyed reading your story and found your world to be rather fascinating. What's one of your favorite past times?

There’s nothing quite like spending an afternoon working on something, whether it’s fixing the flying car or trying to build my mother a steam-powered sewing machine. Working in the garden—especially in the rose beds and hoverboarding with my friends V and James are close seconds.

It was so easy for me to understand your bond with your best friend Steven. What's one thing you admire about him?

I love that V has an answer for everything and that it’s usually tied to some random bit of knowledge. He loves learning about new things, just because, and because it has this incredible thirst for knowledge, it rubs off and makes learning interesting. If only my teachers at school were that exciting.

In what way(s) would you say you've changed from the beginning of your story to the end of it?

I learned that only when we lose something, do we truly realize what we had in the first place.

Without giving away any spoilers, what is one of your favorite moments in your story?

~blushes~ A lady doesn’t reveal her secrets.  Fortunately, I’m not a lady.  Much or often. ~grins~  Though I do have to say, the best part was when, finally, after all those trials and tribulations, I was able to return home to Los Angeles.

Can you tell us what we have to look forward to in your next adventure

V and I still have a lot to accomplish. Though I do have to say, now that I know my brother Jeff is an air pirate I’m a little curious about what his ship—and being an air pirate—is like. I’d still never be one, but I’m curious. Especially as to what class of ship he flies and how the engines work. I find Airship engines to be fascinating.
I really appreciate you letting me visit!
~Noli


Wish. Love. Desire. Live.

Sixteen-year-old Noli Braddock's hoyden ways land her in an abusive reform school far from home. On mid-summer's eve she wishes to be anyplace but that dreadful school. A mysterious man from the Realm of Faerie rescues her and brings her to the Otherworld, only to reveal that she must be sacrificed, otherwise, the entire Otherworld civilization will perish - quoted from Goodreads

You can read my 4 star review of Innocent Darkness here. Noli is an exciting character to read about, and I recommend picking up her story when it's out next week! Be sure to stop by the Innocent Darkness blog tour to see where the tour will be at tomorrow. 

Book Review: Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear


Published by: Flux Books
To Be Released on: August 8th, 2012
Source: ARC from publisher to review
4 stars: I Enjoyed It
Pre-Order from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Wish. Love. Desire. Live.

Sixteen-year-old Noli Braddock's hoyden ways land her in an abusive reform school far from home. On mid-summer's eve she wishes to be anyplace but that dreadful school. A mysterious man from the Realm of Faerie rescues her and brings her to the Otherworld, only to reveal that she must be sacrificed, otherwise, the entire Otherworld civilization will perish - quoted from Goodreads

A fascinating debut that's one part steampunk, and one part fantasy mixed with magic, fey lore and romance. 

Innocent Darkness was a fascinating read for me, because of the unique mix of elements and lore that Suzanne includes in her story. While Noli's story starts out feeling more Steampunkish, than fantasy, the story quickly takes a turn towards fantasy, and introduces readers into the faerie realm about a third of the way in, thus ending the story's ties to being a steampunk. Normally I would have been frustrated over the fact this story has been called a steampunk and in reality has very little steampunk feel to it compared to what most of this book offers readers. Suzanne has done such a superb job at introducing different elements to her story that she not only kept it fascinating, she kept her plot line moving at an engaging rate. Being that this is the first book in the series, it wouldn't surprised me if she brought in more steampunk elements into the rest of her series as it continues.

Character wise, there are some great characters in this book. Noli is a smart girl who's not afraid to chance, to be herself, and do whatever it takes to survive. One of the things I admire the most about her, is the fact that growing up in the Victorian-Era, she wasn't this proper young women who wanted to be married off, but instead loves doing things the boys do, like mechanics and fixing up her brother's old hoverboard. It's the hoverboard that ultimately lands Noli in a boarding school. Luckily this school's dark, abusive secret doesn't break Noli's spirit, and it's here that she's also introduced to a world full of magic, and faeries.  Noli is a resilient character and it's her toughness that saves her, keeping it spoiler free, but she goes from one dark setting to the next with her introduction to the fey world.

Aside from Noli, my favorite character is her best friend, V. This fabulous nerdy boy from next door is the side kick we all wish we had. He loved and did whatever he could to help Noli out. I loved seeing how Noli's and V's relationship developed as the story goes on. Then there's the sly faery huntsman, Kevighan, who takes Noli to the Otherword. This guy is completely opposite of V, also know as Steven. His deception, and dark secret could cost Noli her life. I seriously loved the character chemistry that each of these guys have with Noli. It's well written, a little hot, and totally believable. Their roles in Noli's story are well developed and keep the story entertaining, as well as a little swoon-worthy.

The thing I enjoyed about this book is the darker undertones that this story has. Both the human and Otherworld aren't pretty, and there's plenty of dark things that take place in both worlds. There's this great mix of steampunk, fantasy, romance, and danger found through out the book. While there were a few minor flaws I found in the ARC, it wasn't enough to make me not enjoy the book. Being that it's an ARC, I would except those to be fixed in the published book. Overall, this is a fantastic debut. I think it's one fans of faerie lore will enjoy most. 

With it's mix of action, danger, Victorian-Era feel, fairy lore, romance, betrayal, friendship, and the exciting plot twists that happen through out the book, I'd say there's a little bit of something for everyone in this book. It's one I'd recommend picking up. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book in this series, The Aether Chronicles. Check by later this morning for my interview with Noli!

Don't miss my interview with Noli and be sure to follow the Innocent Darkness Blog Tour that kicks off TODAY!

Chosen Ones Blog Tour: Author Interview


I am so excited to be stopping by today. I love Mundie Moms, and had a great deal of fun working with them through YALITCHAT.

How would you describe The Chosen Ones in 5 words or less?
Stark. Tense. Thought-provoking. Romantic. Thrilling.

Which of your characters did you relate to the most?
          It really depends on the day. I think all writers put a little of themselves in each of their characters. You write what you know. And, yes, that includes the villains. Writing is a great tool to explore those darker thoughts. No, I don’t need psychological help. I just think writers are pretty quirky people, and they, more than most, understand how complex humans are.

What was your favorite scene or chapter to write?
          Wow. That’s tough. I really love the opening chapter. It’s changed a lot through editing, but it still speaks volumes about the tone and themes I was striving for. Anyone who has submitted to agents and publishers knows the importance of a good opening chapter.

What got you interested in writing?
         Reading. I have always been an avid reader. If I really loved a book that didn’t have a sequel, I always made up one in my head. I wrote a ton of short horror stories in middle school, but stepped away from it in high school. It was during my second year of teaching middle school that I picked it back up. I had immersed myself in Young Adult literature, and I wanted to give it a shot. I never really intended on submitting it.

Who was your favorite author growing up?
         Yep, going for the clichéd answer here ---Jane Austen. There’s a reason she is beloved by so many.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
         Surround yourself with people who support you. Writing is a job. Sometimes you’re going to have to ditch friends and family. When the writing mood strikes you have to give into it. It’s a selfish art form. If you’re lucky enough to find someone who doesn’t hate you for it, hold onto them!

Thank you Tiffany for stopping by Mundie Moms today! 
Not familiar with Chosen Ones? Check out the info about the book below.


I pushed down a key. 
The hair on the back of my neck shot up, and my skin tingled.
I imagined this was what it felt like to fall in love.
In that moment, I was ready to fall.

Life is bleak but uncomplicated for Tess, living in a not-too-distant future where the government, faced with humanity’s extinction, created the Chosen Ones, artificial beings who are extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.
When Tess begins work at Templeton, a Chosen Ones training facility, she meets James, and the attraction is immediate in its intensity, overwhelming in its danger. But there is more to Templeton than Tess ever knew. Can she stand against her oppressors, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

The Lost Souls, book 1 available now from Entangled Publishing!
Order your copy of Chosen Ones at Amazon | B&N



Tiffany Truitt is an 8th grade English teacher in Suffolk, Virginia. When she’s not traveling the world, she enjoys reading, writing, and obsessing over coffee. Lost Souls: Chosen Ones is her first novel. 

Find out more about Tiffany Truitt at her Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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