One of my requirements before I can edit or even read my novel, is to read some other novels. After all, I pretty much went on a reading hiatus while I was writing my Nano to avoid becoming overly critical of my own work.
The books fall into three categories:
a. research (historical, literary, stylistically)
b. steampunk/victorian (so that I'll have a better grasp of the genre)
c. entertainment
It's my hope to learn from these books what works, what I like, etc. Then armed with this new knowledge, I should be able to apply it to my own novel.
THE LIST
This list will be updated as I read more and more. There will be links to each novel with notes/comments, etc.
1. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne [b]
2. Tales of Beedle and the Bard by J.K Rowling [c]
3. Amphigorey: Fifteen Books by Edward Gorey [b]
4. Larklight: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Farthest Reaches of Space by Philip Reeve [b]
5. Starcross by Philip Reeve [b]
6. Jacob's Ladder by Brian Keaney [a]
7. Of Paupers and Peers by Sheri Cobb South [b]
8. Mothstorm by Philip Reeve [b]
9. Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve [b]
10. Daily Life in Victorian England by Sally Mitchell [a]
11. The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England by Kristine Hugh [a]
Monday, January 18, 2010
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Larklight: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Farthest Reaches of Space
1/20/09
Title: Larklight: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Farthest Reaches of Space.
Author: Philip Reeve
Category: Steampunk/Victorian
Summary: "Arthur (Art) Mumby and his irritating sister Myrtle live with their father in a huge and rambling house called Larklight, that just happens to be traveling through outer space. When a visitor called Mr. Webster arrives for a visit, it is far from an innocent social call. Before long Art and Myrtle are off on an adventure to the furthest reaches of space, where they will do battle with evil forces in order to save each other and the universe. A fantastically original Victorian tale set in an outer space world that might have come from the imaginations of Jules Verne or L Frank Baum, but has a unique gravitational pull all its own."
Narrative style: First person
Technology:Alchemy, space travel, airships, anti-gravity,
Magic: None, although there are many "magical seeming things" like shapers, various forms of alien life and the fact that they can breath space air [and the overall lack of spacesuits].
Language:Very witty, humorous and aware of the reader. Because it's being told in past tense, the narrator takes advantage of that fact [guiding the reader and even skipping things at their leisure, leaving comments].
Characters/Dialogue:Really likeable characters (although some were a little stereotypical), quirky and hilarious dialogue. Truly loved the fact that there was a POC character--not to mention mixed race. Quick witted, lots of analogies and highly reflecting of the main character.
!!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!
Plot line:They start out at home, when a hostile visitor forces them to escape, stranding them on the moon. They fall into danger and are saved by a pirate crew. The crew tries to help them but they are attacked. So they leave to seek wisdom from a cloud entity, but are betrayed by their transport. So they are cast into space until they can be rescued by the crew. They go to a safe place, but are followed and one of their number is captured. They decide to go to the enemy and seek a trade, but it turns out to be a trap. Still, they manage to rescue the others and head back to their home (which is more than it seems). Meanwhile, the captured person learns they've been lied to and someone thinks they have something. When it's learned they don't have it, she escapes with the help of an undercover agent. Then rescued, they go to warn the Queen in London. However, they are too late and a giant robot spider starts attacking the city.
The crew all arrive back in London a bit later and have a final standoff with their enemy, who turned out to be using everyone involved to gain power/control. His allies turn on him and he is arrested. The allie is squashed by the giant spider. Everyone's reunited and all is safe.
Thoughts: Overall, I really enjoyed the story. Quite a bit happened despite it being a suitable length for the YA crowd. Key here was editing and only describing what was necessary. Some characters could have had more depth, but that is one of the negatives of a short book.
Title: Larklight: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Farthest Reaches of Space.
Author: Philip Reeve
Category: Steampunk/Victorian
Summary: "Arthur (Art) Mumby and his irritating sister Myrtle live with their father in a huge and rambling house called Larklight, that just happens to be traveling through outer space. When a visitor called Mr. Webster arrives for a visit, it is far from an innocent social call. Before long Art and Myrtle are off on an adventure to the furthest reaches of space, where they will do battle with evil forces in order to save each other and the universe. A fantastically original Victorian tale set in an outer space world that might have come from the imaginations of Jules Verne or L Frank Baum, but has a unique gravitational pull all its own."
Narrative style: First person
Technology:Alchemy, space travel, airships, anti-gravity,
Magic: None, although there are many "magical seeming things" like shapers, various forms of alien life and the fact that they can breath space air [and the overall lack of spacesuits].
Language:Very witty, humorous and aware of the reader. Because it's being told in past tense, the narrator takes advantage of that fact [guiding the reader and even skipping things at their leisure, leaving comments].
Characters/Dialogue:Really likeable characters (although some were a little stereotypical), quirky and hilarious dialogue. Truly loved the fact that there was a POC character--not to mention mixed race. Quick witted, lots of analogies and highly reflecting of the main character.
!!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!
Plot line:They start out at home, when a hostile visitor forces them to escape, stranding them on the moon. They fall into danger and are saved by a pirate crew. The crew tries to help them but they are attacked. So they leave to seek wisdom from a cloud entity, but are betrayed by their transport. So they are cast into space until they can be rescued by the crew. They go to a safe place, but are followed and one of their number is captured. They decide to go to the enemy and seek a trade, but it turns out to be a trap. Still, they manage to rescue the others and head back to their home (which is more than it seems). Meanwhile, the captured person learns they've been lied to and someone thinks they have something. When it's learned they don't have it, she escapes with the help of an undercover agent. Then rescued, they go to warn the Queen in London. However, they are too late and a giant robot spider starts attacking the city.
The crew all arrive back in London a bit later and have a final standoff with their enemy, who turned out to be using everyone involved to gain power/control. His allies turn on him and he is arrested. The allie is squashed by the giant spider. Everyone's reunited and all is safe.
Thoughts: Overall, I really enjoyed the story. Quite a bit happened despite it being a suitable length for the YA crowd. Key here was editing and only describing what was necessary. Some characters could have had more depth, but that is one of the negatives of a short book.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Amphigorey: Fifteen Books
1/18/09
Title: Amphigorey: Fifteen Books
Author: Edward Gorey
Category: Steampunk/Victorian and Entertainment
Summary: "The title of this deliciously creepy collection of Gorey's work stems from the word amphigory, meaning a nonsense verse or composition. As always, Gorey's painstakingly cross- hatched pen and ink drawings are perfectly suited to his oddball verse and prose. Many of Gorey's tales involve untimely deaths and dreadful mishaps, but much like tragic Irish ballads with their perky rhythms and melodies, they come off as strangely lighthearted. An eccentric, funny book for either the uninitiated or diehard Gorey fans."
Narrative style: Third person (for the most part)
Technology: Not technology focused at all.
Magic: Not really...although there is mention of ghosts and other paranormal things...like giant bugs.
Language: Poetic and usually in rhyme. When not in rhyme it is fairly morose, verbose and quite witty.
Characters/Dialogue: Your typical hapless folks, but particularly young children and women and older doddering men. Dialogue is fairly simple but most of it is narration.
Plot line: As this is a collection of books, it is pretty hard to talk about the plot lines. However, they usually begin or end with a tragic, dark or timely demise.
Thoughts: Edward Gorey is the master of making the morose and dark seem hilarious. He also knows how to tell an intriguing and interesting story in both pictures and words. Although my required reading has nothing to do with illustration, I am in love with the details of his work [perhaps inspiration for the look of my world?] Overall, I think if I were to learn anything from him, it would be how to tell a story in a concise manner and how to make the serious seem amusing. Very handy skills indeed.
Title: Amphigorey: Fifteen Books
Author: Edward Gorey
Category: Steampunk/Victorian and Entertainment
Summary: "The title of this deliciously creepy collection of Gorey's work stems from the word amphigory, meaning a nonsense verse or composition. As always, Gorey's painstakingly cross- hatched pen and ink drawings are perfectly suited to his oddball verse and prose. Many of Gorey's tales involve untimely deaths and dreadful mishaps, but much like tragic Irish ballads with their perky rhythms and melodies, they come off as strangely lighthearted. An eccentric, funny book for either the uninitiated or diehard Gorey fans."
Narrative style: Third person (for the most part)
Technology: Not technology focused at all.
Magic: Not really...although there is mention of ghosts and other paranormal things...like giant bugs.
Language: Poetic and usually in rhyme. When not in rhyme it is fairly morose, verbose and quite witty.
Characters/Dialogue: Your typical hapless folks, but particularly young children and women and older doddering men. Dialogue is fairly simple but most of it is narration.
Plot line: As this is a collection of books, it is pretty hard to talk about the plot lines. However, they usually begin or end with a tragic, dark or timely demise.
Thoughts: Edward Gorey is the master of making the morose and dark seem hilarious. He also knows how to tell an intriguing and interesting story in both pictures and words. Although my required reading has nothing to do with illustration, I am in love with the details of his work [perhaps inspiration for the look of my world?] Overall, I think if I were to learn anything from him, it would be how to tell a story in a concise manner and how to make the serious seem amusing. Very handy skills indeed.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
1/17/09
Title: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Author: Jules Verne
Category: Steampunk/Victorian
Summary: "French naturalist Dr. Aronnax embarks on an expedition to hunt down a sea monster, only to discover instead the Nautilus, a remarkable submarine built by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. Together Nemo and Aronnax explore the underwater marvels, but Nemo's mission is one of revenge-and his methods coldly efficient."
Narrative style: First person (told in past tense).
Technology: Not heavily technology focused except for the submarine itself. Quite a few terms thrown about. Not massively described except at the beginning so that terms are introduced and a basic understanding is given. It is Nemo who explains it to Dr. Aronnax. After that, the familiar terms are used with the rest of language.
Magic: N/A
Language: Very beautiful and verbose. Highly descriptive. References to literature and historical events[novel titles, scholars, dates, philosophers of the past, etc]. Classification of sea creatures along with measurements and vivid descriptions. Biased by nature of first person and while occasionally witty, it is fairly natural speech.
Characters/Dialogue: Overall, only four major characters. The extras are Nemo's crew and the original ship's crew. Extras speak very rarely or it's described--actual dialogue comes only when they say something important. I found Captain Nemo the most interesting.
!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!
Plot line: Starts with status quo with a bit of a mystery, which leads to an adventure to find it [first goal]. The major characters fall overboard and find out the sea creature is a ship. They go on board and learn they cannot leave [point of no return]. They stay on ship and go on various adventures. Then they decide to escape [new goal]. Their attempts are stopped many times until they finally have no choice and their time comes to leave. They escape [achieve the goal].
Thoughts: Quite an enjoyable story although it got a little bogged down with descriptions--but this is a Victorian novel. As I mention above, Nemo was the one character that stood out the most to me, but perhaps it was because we knew so little about him and he was shrouded in mystery. Plotwise, they do a lot of traveling and exploring and encounter quite a few obstacles, yet the novel avoids being overly long. [Perhaps there is hope for my novel then?] I really found the beginning and end to be the most exciting parts as they involved more action and intrigue. If the middle had used a similar momentum it probably would have not seemed as slow.
Title: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Author: Jules Verne
Category: Steampunk/Victorian
Summary: "French naturalist Dr. Aronnax embarks on an expedition to hunt down a sea monster, only to discover instead the Nautilus, a remarkable submarine built by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. Together Nemo and Aronnax explore the underwater marvels, but Nemo's mission is one of revenge-and his methods coldly efficient."
Narrative style: First person (told in past tense).
Technology: Not heavily technology focused except for the submarine itself. Quite a few terms thrown about. Not massively described except at the beginning so that terms are introduced and a basic understanding is given. It is Nemo who explains it to Dr. Aronnax. After that, the familiar terms are used with the rest of language.
Magic: N/A
Language: Very beautiful and verbose. Highly descriptive. References to literature and historical events[novel titles, scholars, dates, philosophers of the past, etc]. Classification of sea creatures along with measurements and vivid descriptions. Biased by nature of first person and while occasionally witty, it is fairly natural speech.
Characters/Dialogue: Overall, only four major characters. The extras are Nemo's crew and the original ship's crew. Extras speak very rarely or it's described--actual dialogue comes only when they say something important. I found Captain Nemo the most interesting.
!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!
Plot line: Starts with status quo with a bit of a mystery, which leads to an adventure to find it [first goal]. The major characters fall overboard and find out the sea creature is a ship. They go on board and learn they cannot leave [point of no return]. They stay on ship and go on various adventures. Then they decide to escape [new goal]. Their attempts are stopped many times until they finally have no choice and their time comes to leave. They escape [achieve the goal].
Thoughts: Quite an enjoyable story although it got a little bogged down with descriptions--but this is a Victorian novel. As I mention above, Nemo was the one character that stood out the most to me, but perhaps it was because we knew so little about him and he was shrouded in mystery. Plotwise, they do a lot of traveling and exploring and encounter quite a few obstacles, yet the novel avoids being overly long. [Perhaps there is hope for my novel then?] I really found the beginning and end to be the most exciting parts as they involved more action and intrigue. If the middle had used a similar momentum it probably would have not seemed as slow.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Ordinary Looking Man & His Associate
While talking about history of The Orvilles and The Wells [which I will post shortly], there is mention of a man. I like to see him as an ordinary looking man, who does not draw attention to himself. In fact, he seems rather harmless at first, but he someone who should never be crossed.
Mr. John Cromwell
Answers to: Mr. Cromwell / John / Cromwell
He is a man who works for a segment of the government. I am not sure in what capacity, but he is a liaison of sorts for particular government projects. He makes sure that things get completed and on time.
He is a fairly average looking man. Medium height. Clean cut black hair, pale skin and icy blue eyes. His features are also average. I imagine his appearance is similar to how some people see the Devil--not ostentatious but the average man you often overlook.
His theme song is Devil Went Down to Georgia by the Charlie Daniels Band:
Need I explain? This man is basically the devil looking to sell and steal souls--not literally, but when you sign a contract with him he owns you.
--------
Mr. Carlile
Answers to: Carlile (no one knows if its his first or last name)
A large hulking man who is often found in Mr. Cromwell's company. He is his a bodyguard and quite skilled with a gun along with a few other weapons. He is at least 6'2" and has a large muscular body. He has short brown hair, brown eyes. He often wears a bowler hat and a long black jacket.
He is a mysterious man therefore has no theme song.
Mr. John Cromwell
Answers to: Mr. Cromwell / John / Cromwell
He is a man who works for a segment of the government. I am not sure in what capacity, but he is a liaison of sorts for particular government projects. He makes sure that things get completed and on time.
He is a fairly average looking man. Medium height. Clean cut black hair, pale skin and icy blue eyes. His features are also average. I imagine his appearance is similar to how some people see the Devil--not ostentatious but the average man you often overlook.
His theme song is Devil Went Down to Georgia by the Charlie Daniels Band:
Need I explain? This man is basically the devil looking to sell and steal souls--not literally, but when you sign a contract with him he owns you.
--------
Mr. Carlile
Answers to: Carlile (no one knows if its his first or last name)
A large hulking man who is often found in Mr. Cromwell's company. He is his a bodyguard and quite skilled with a gun along with a few other weapons. He is at least 6'2" and has a large muscular body. He has short brown hair, brown eyes. He often wears a bowler hat and a long black jacket.
He is a mysterious man therefore has no theme song.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
The Orville Twins and their City of Gold
The Orville Twins and their City of Gold
The Orville Twins, Theodore and Thomas, were born into a life of luxury. Their family, which once held the title of dukedom, was still highly regarded by society even after titles became nothing more than just that due to the republic forming. So, although the boys were no longer being royalty, they were spoiled rotten. Of course, when they became young adults, the two men grew to resent having everything handed to them and went off to find themselves. This of course led them to university overseas and to Vincent Wells.
The young men, who were both fascinated by the growing technology that was revolutionizing their country decided, were not themselves inventors despite being able to acknowledge talent. So instead, they decided to foster it. While still in school, they encouraged their parents to update their city, host its own exposition and invite new, talented inventors from around the world.
Then they met Vincent Wells. The twins and the young man were both attending the same school and immediately became fast friends. Although, the closest friendship was formed between the "younger" brother Thomas and Vincent. Inspired by their new friend, they began various adventures to test the limits of science and technology--sometimes with cataclysmic results. But out of these very accidents they came up with discoveries that would change the world around them. However, the twins felt stifled by their homeland. It was too old that updating as they saw it, would be far more difficult than starting anew and so the city of gold was built.
Orville [until I find a better name] was meant to be the city of the future and the home of their new factory. Designed by Vincent Wells, they did their best to make it one of the most efficient cities as well as the safest. They invited inventors, fabricators, machinists of all sorts to take part in this living factory. And for quite some time the city thrived.
The first incident that caused a rift in the twins' friendship with Vincent Wells was with the death of his wife, Madeleine. Madeleine, who was a skilled biologist, decided to team up with her husband to work on a new project. For whatever reason, the experiment went wrong and Madeleine did not survive.
The second incident was when Vincent Wells and the Orvilles decided to revisit this project, which went successfully, but left Vincent feeling uneasy. When he finally learned what the twins intended the use the invention for, the men had an argument which ended with Vincent leaving in a hurry.
With Vincent gone the invention was lost to them in his laboratory, which was locked away. This meant that the major investment they had put into it, which involved some sinister investors [possibly from the government], practically bankrupted them. Also without their star inventor, who was basically running the factory, they had to compensate. But business did not go so well--especially now that they were in debt. Frustrated, the twins did the best they could by seeking out new talent and picking up where they left off, but without Vincent, it was nothing like it had been before.
For a few years, the Orvilles offered a reward for the return of any of the Wells, hoping that Vincent would come back. They saw many impostors and eventually gave up.
--------
Thomas Orville
The young of the two twins by five minutes. He is much softer spoken and optimistic than his brother. Distinguishable by his lack of mustache, he is identical in every other way. He was closest to Vincent and Olivia's godfather. He was also hurt the most by Vincent's disappearance and subsequent death.
He has wavy light brown hair, green eyes, moderate eyebrows, a square jaw and a wiry frame.
He is 5'11.
His favorite hobby is photography, which was encouraged by Vincent, who created a multiple exposure automatic camera for him. He keeps a photo book of their adventures.
Don't know what his theme song is...
--------
Theodore Orville
The elder of the two twins by five minutes. He is much more blunt and negative than his brother. Distinguishable by his mustache, he is identical in every other way. He has always been more interested in the business side of things than pure inventing for inventing sake, but like his brother he is quite the technophile. Although greatly affected by Vincent's death, he was not as devastated as his younger brother.
He has wavy light brown hair, green eyes, moderate eyebrows, a square jaw and a wiry frame.
He is 5'11.
Don't know what his theme song is...
--------
Avanishwari (av an eesh wuh ree) Dasari
Answers to: Ava / A.D.
The main woman in the twin's lives, Aggie is their girl friday. If it weren't for her, not much would get done, because she does nearly everything--which she never lets them forget. Bubbly and fiesty, the woman has more energy than most people.
She has dark brown hair and straight hair that is nearly down to her waist, but she wears in a bun. She has almond shaped brown eyes and light brown skin. There is a slight accent to her voice that hints she is not from this country.
She is 5'6" with a curvy/sturdy frame and oval face.
I bet she has a theme song, but can't think of it...
--------
Bertrand Dockson
A sour and stern looking man, who has been the butler to the Orvilles for years. He helped raise the twins since they were children and was not pleased when he learned that the two men would throw their Dukedom away. He prides himself on his job and does it well, as he still holds to high standards. He was not particularly fond of Vincent and his bizarre ways as he feels that his friendship led to the twins turning down their heritage.
He is a pale man with a gaunt face and greying brown hair that is slicked very neatly back, partly to cover his receding hairline.
He has a sharp nose but soft chin. His eyes are pale blue and often look icy.
He is 6' with a slightly paunchy figure.
No theme song now, but I bet it's a doozy.
The Orville Twins, Theodore and Thomas, were born into a life of luxury. Their family, which once held the title of dukedom, was still highly regarded by society even after titles became nothing more than just that due to the republic forming. So, although the boys were no longer being royalty, they were spoiled rotten. Of course, when they became young adults, the two men grew to resent having everything handed to them and went off to find themselves. This of course led them to university overseas and to Vincent Wells.
The young men, who were both fascinated by the growing technology that was revolutionizing their country decided, were not themselves inventors despite being able to acknowledge talent. So instead, they decided to foster it. While still in school, they encouraged their parents to update their city, host its own exposition and invite new, talented inventors from around the world.
Then they met Vincent Wells. The twins and the young man were both attending the same school and immediately became fast friends. Although, the closest friendship was formed between the "younger" brother Thomas and Vincent. Inspired by their new friend, they began various adventures to test the limits of science and technology--sometimes with cataclysmic results. But out of these very accidents they came up with discoveries that would change the world around them. However, the twins felt stifled by their homeland. It was too old that updating as they saw it, would be far more difficult than starting anew and so the city of gold was built.
Orville [until I find a better name] was meant to be the city of the future and the home of their new factory. Designed by Vincent Wells, they did their best to make it one of the most efficient cities as well as the safest. They invited inventors, fabricators, machinists of all sorts to take part in this living factory. And for quite some time the city thrived.
The first incident that caused a rift in the twins' friendship with Vincent Wells was with the death of his wife, Madeleine. Madeleine, who was a skilled biologist, decided to team up with her husband to work on a new project. For whatever reason, the experiment went wrong and Madeleine did not survive.
The second incident was when Vincent Wells and the Orvilles decided to revisit this project, which went successfully, but left Vincent feeling uneasy. When he finally learned what the twins intended the use the invention for, the men had an argument which ended with Vincent leaving in a hurry.
With Vincent gone the invention was lost to them in his laboratory, which was locked away. This meant that the major investment they had put into it, which involved some sinister investors [possibly from the government], practically bankrupted them. Also without their star inventor, who was basically running the factory, they had to compensate. But business did not go so well--especially now that they were in debt. Frustrated, the twins did the best they could by seeking out new talent and picking up where they left off, but without Vincent, it was nothing like it had been before.
For a few years, the Orvilles offered a reward for the return of any of the Wells, hoping that Vincent would come back. They saw many impostors and eventually gave up.
--------
Thomas Orville
The young of the two twins by five minutes. He is much softer spoken and optimistic than his brother. Distinguishable by his lack of mustache, he is identical in every other way. He was closest to Vincent and Olivia's godfather. He was also hurt the most by Vincent's disappearance and subsequent death.
He has wavy light brown hair, green eyes, moderate eyebrows, a square jaw and a wiry frame.
He is 5'11.
His favorite hobby is photography, which was encouraged by Vincent, who created a multiple exposure automatic camera for him. He keeps a photo book of their adventures.
Don't know what his theme song is...
--------
Theodore Orville
The elder of the two twins by five minutes. He is much more blunt and negative than his brother. Distinguishable by his mustache, he is identical in every other way. He has always been more interested in the business side of things than pure inventing for inventing sake, but like his brother he is quite the technophile. Although greatly affected by Vincent's death, he was not as devastated as his younger brother.
He has wavy light brown hair, green eyes, moderate eyebrows, a square jaw and a wiry frame.
He is 5'11.
Don't know what his theme song is...
--------
Avanishwari (av an eesh wuh ree) Dasari
Answers to: Ava / A.D.
The main woman in the twin's lives, Aggie is their girl friday. If it weren't for her, not much would get done, because she does nearly everything--which she never lets them forget. Bubbly and fiesty, the woman has more energy than most people.
She has dark brown hair and straight hair that is nearly down to her waist, but she wears in a bun. She has almond shaped brown eyes and light brown skin. There is a slight accent to her voice that hints she is not from this country.
She is 5'6" with a curvy/sturdy frame and oval face.
I bet she has a theme song, but can't think of it...
--------
Bertrand Dockson
A sour and stern looking man, who has been the butler to the Orvilles for years. He helped raise the twins since they were children and was not pleased when he learned that the two men would throw their Dukedom away. He prides himself on his job and does it well, as he still holds to high standards. He was not particularly fond of Vincent and his bizarre ways as he feels that his friendship led to the twins turning down their heritage.
He is a pale man with a gaunt face and greying brown hair that is slicked very neatly back, partly to cover his receding hairline.
He has a sharp nose but soft chin. His eyes are pale blue and often look icy.
He is 6' with a slightly paunchy figure.
No theme song now, but I bet it's a doozy.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Armstrongs & The Armstrong Flying Theatre
The Armstrong Flying Theatre
One of the few flying theatres in the country, it was created and operated by Felix and Victoria Armstrong. The two were once actors in a more traditional theatre, until they fell in love with flying [found it faster] and decided they wanted to combine that with their art. A loan, some investors and a few engineers later, the theatrical couple had their show up and running. They travel from city to city, often staying in various locations for at least a week as their shows are rather popular.
Realizing that a flying show had to be as up to date as their mode of transportation, they employ the latest technology in their performances as well. Their plays range from farce to more serious drama and their most popular plays are about the Orvilles and the Wells. They also do a lot of historical and socially relevant plays, poking fun at the current administration and other public figures.
Currently, the theatre is having financial issues and they are trying to be incredibly careful about taking on any unnecessary expenses.
--------
Felix Armstrong
He is an avid lover of history. He writes and acts in various plays and often plays Vincent Wells, who is one of his favorite inventors of all time. He also has an affinity for inventions, particularly stuff that his lie detector. There are some rumors that he may have been a spy before he turned to acting, but there is no real proof. He is fairly fond of jokes and has a good sense of humor.
His theme song is "Herr Drosselmyers Doll" by Abney Park
Short and sweet of it, the man is a performer. He often does not turn off the show, even when he's far away from the lights. He can sell ice to the eskimos and charm them into buying a iceberg as well. Although he doesn't understand it, he finds technology fascinating and can admire it, probably because it brings him closer to the inventor he portrays.
--------
Virginia Armstrong
Actress, manager and wife of Felix. She is all business and very strict with rules. In fact, if it weren't for her, their theatre would probably fall apart. She can seem like a b-tch, because she is brutally honest and doesn't like to be tricked, more or less get in trouble with the law for it. But if you get on her good side, she's actually a really nice person.
Don't know what her theme song is.
--------
The actors/performers/crew:
Felix Armstrong - Owner, Playwright/Historian and Actor
Virginia Armstrong - Manager/Finance and Actress
George Doyle - Stage Manager and Tech
Millie Doyle - Costumes and Makeup
Artemus Doyle - Tech and Lighting
Jonas Sullivan - Actor
James Sullivan - Actor
Lulu Sullivan [Jonas' wife] - Actress and Dancer
Peter - Actor and Announcer
Frederick - Actor
Ingrid - Actress and Stage Hand
Marlene Watson - Actress
John Watson- Tech and Props
Captain Rolph Smith - Airship Captain
Crewman Marshall Patterson - Crew
Crewman Olaf Dixon - Crew
Their kids:
Julien Armstrong
Sara Sullivan
Parker Sullivan
Jane Watson
Maggie Watson
Austin Watson
One of the few flying theatres in the country, it was created and operated by Felix and Victoria Armstrong. The two were once actors in a more traditional theatre, until they fell in love with flying [found it faster] and decided they wanted to combine that with their art. A loan, some investors and a few engineers later, the theatrical couple had their show up and running. They travel from city to city, often staying in various locations for at least a week as their shows are rather popular.
Realizing that a flying show had to be as up to date as their mode of transportation, they employ the latest technology in their performances as well. Their plays range from farce to more serious drama and their most popular plays are about the Orvilles and the Wells. They also do a lot of historical and socially relevant plays, poking fun at the current administration and other public figures.
Currently, the theatre is having financial issues and they are trying to be incredibly careful about taking on any unnecessary expenses.
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Felix Armstrong
He is an avid lover of history. He writes and acts in various plays and often plays Vincent Wells, who is one of his favorite inventors of all time. He also has an affinity for inventions, particularly stuff that his lie detector. There are some rumors that he may have been a spy before he turned to acting, but there is no real proof. He is fairly fond of jokes and has a good sense of humor.
His theme song is "Herr Drosselmyers Doll" by Abney Park
Short and sweet of it, the man is a performer. He often does not turn off the show, even when he's far away from the lights. He can sell ice to the eskimos and charm them into buying a iceberg as well. Although he doesn't understand it, he finds technology fascinating and can admire it, probably because it brings him closer to the inventor he portrays.
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Virginia Armstrong
Actress, manager and wife of Felix. She is all business and very strict with rules. In fact, if it weren't for her, their theatre would probably fall apart. She can seem like a b-tch, because she is brutally honest and doesn't like to be tricked, more or less get in trouble with the law for it. But if you get on her good side, she's actually a really nice person.
Don't know what her theme song is.
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The actors/performers/crew:
Felix Armstrong - Owner, Playwright/Historian and Actor
Virginia Armstrong - Manager/Finance and Actress
George Doyle - Stage Manager and Tech
Millie Doyle - Costumes and Makeup
Artemus Doyle - Tech and Lighting
Jonas Sullivan - Actor
James Sullivan - Actor
Lulu Sullivan [Jonas' wife] - Actress and Dancer
Peter - Actor and Announcer
Frederick - Actor
Ingrid - Actress and Stage Hand
Marlene Watson - Actress
John Watson- Tech and Props
Captain Rolph Smith - Airship Captain
Crewman Marshall Patterson - Crew
Crewman Olaf Dixon - Crew
Their kids:
Julien Armstrong
Sara Sullivan
Parker Sullivan
Jane Watson
Maggie Watson
Austin Watson
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