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Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: Coraline, Most Recent at Top [Help]

Results 1 - 25 of 35

1. 12 Most Expensive Puppets Sold At The Laika Auction

By: Jerry Beck, on 2/17/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Auctions, Coraline, Laika, Stop Motion, Heritage Auctions, Paranorman, The BoxTrolls, Add a tag

An auction of artwork from "Coraline," "ParaNorman," and "The Boxtrolls" reached over $1 million in sales.

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2. A Peek Into ‘The Art of Coraline’ Book That Never Was (Gallery)

By: Jerry Beck, on 2/6/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Heritage Auctions, Tadahiro Uesugi, Aaron Sorenson, Bill Boes, Mike Cachuela, Henry Selick, Coraline, Animators, Laika, Add a tag

If there had been an art book for Henry Selick's "Coraline," this is some of the art that would have been in it.

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3. A Peek Into The Art of ‘Coraline’ Book That Never Was (Gallery)

By: Jerry Beck, on 2/6/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Heritage Auctions, Tadahiro Uesugi, Aaron Sorenson, Bill Boes, Mike Cachuela, Auctions, Henry Selick, Coraline, Laika, Add a tag

If there had been an art book for Henry Selick's "Coraline," this is some of the art that would have been in it.

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4. Neil Gaiman Live

By: [email protected], on 2/1/2015
Blog: Perpetually Adolescent (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: neil gaiman, Book News, Dave McKean, Stardust, coraline, Sandman, Odd and the Frost Giants, Graveyard Book, Signal to Noise, the rabbits, FourPlay, Mirrormask, Fortunately the Milk, Book Reviews - Childrens and Young Adult, Book Reviews - Fiction, Joy Lawn, The Sleeper and the Spindle, Hansel & Gretel, Ocean at the End of the Lane, SWF, Tragical Comedy, Wolves in the Walls, Add a tag

It was exciting to see Neil Gaiman live at the City Recital Hall in Sydney on the weekend. It was a satellite event of the Sydney Writers’ Festival (surely one of the world’s best writers’ festivals). As Jemma Birrell, Artistic Director, mentioned in her introduction, Neil has over 2 million twitter followers so no wonder […]

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5. Want to Own Coraline? Laika to Auction 250 Pieces From Its Films

By: Jerry Beck, on 1/6/2015
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Auctions, Coraline, Laika, Stop Motion, Heritage Auctions, Paranorman, The BoxTrolls, Add a tag

For the first time in its history, Laika will auction puppets, models and props from its stop motion films "Coraline," "ParaNorman," and "The Boxtrolls."

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6. Artist of the Day: Jon Klassen

By: Jerry Beck, on 11/10/2014
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Coraline, Jon Klassen, Kung Fu Panda, Windy Day, I Want My Hat Back, This Is Not My Hat, Artist of the Day, ATAP, Spotlight Stories, Buggy Night, Add a tag

Today we look at the work of Jon Klassen, Cartoon Brew's Artist of the Day!

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7. How Jon Klassen Leapt from Animation to Children’s Books

By: Jerry Beck, on 11/21/2011
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Kung Fu Panda 2, An Eye for an Annai, Cats' Night Out, The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, Interviews, Coraline, Jon Klassen, Add a tag

Welcome to a new column by Chris Arrant who is also the editor of CB Biz. In today’s inaugural column, he profiles artist Jon Klassen:

Jon Klassen might have made his first big splash as an animator, but in recent years he’s followed the path of animators like Mo Willems and Tony Fucile and applied his illustrative talents toward the picture book medium. After working as a concept artist and illustrator on films like Coraline and Kung Fu Panda 2, the Los Angeles-based artist is focusing the majority of his time on his burgeoning bibliography of illustrated children’s storybooks like Cats’ Night Out and The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series.

Klassen tells Cartoon Brew that making the leap to children’s book wasn’t as dramatic as it might have been in years past. “It’s pretty fantastic,” he said. “The tools to make illustration or film are merging closer together, and the more you jump back and forth, the more you see how they overlap even at the conceptual stage. I think that illustrators are finding themselves trying out more animation than they would’ve before, and people who are in animation are trying out more print stuff. Hopefully it leads to a lot of fresh work.”

Klassen has illustrated a number of print picture books over the years, but it’s his most recent, I Want My Hat Back, that holds a special place for him because it’s the first he wrote himself. Released in September by Candlewick Press, it was chosen a couple weeks ago as one of The New York Times Book Review’s Ten Best Illustrated Books of the Year.

“I’d never written anything for real before, and the formality of writing was really making me nervous, so it was a relief to try everything in dialog instead of narration,” Klassen explained. “The stiffness of everything in the book comes from my nervousness about the idea of trying a book, but it was fun to use that in the story itself. Also I wanted to do something that looked simple, and when you’re illustrating something for somebody else you get nervous about submitting something too simple for fear it’ll look lazy, so it was nice to give myself the excuse. The story really happened on its own once the tone was set. I got lucky there.”

Although picture books might seem like a long way from animation, the list of animators who have moonlighted as picture book illustrators is a who’s who of animation history: Tom McKimson, Pete Alvarado, Hawley Pratt, Al Dempster, Tony Rizzo, Eyvind Earle, Mary Blair, Paul Julian, Bob Dranko, Chris Jenkyns, and Campbell Grant, to name just a few Golden Age artists. Klassen came to work in picture books as an adult after realizing how much they influenced his early stabs at animation.

“After I got into the design and illustration end of animation, I realized how big a deal those books were and are to me. The amount of mood you remember from even pretty simple books is so cool,” he said. “I’ve wanted to do books since the beginning, probably, but it’s one of those things you sort of feel like you need to get invited to do.”

In a break from his drawing board, Klassen teaches a class at CalArts on Wednesdays ti

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8. Five Barnstorming Books-to-Movies: Gillian Philip

By: Gillian Philip, on 7/13/2010
Blog: An Awfully Big Blog Adventure (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Stardust, Coraline, Films, Peter Pan, Books-to-Movies, Nurse Matilda, Nanny McPhee, The Fellowship of the Ring, Add a tag

I know I’m going to get myself in hot water with this one. Books are so personal, and movies are so personal (but in a different way). There are films of children’s books that I should have seen but haven’t – The Secret of Moonacre (The Little White Horse) for instance, or How To Train Your Dragon (which I am desperate to see, but I’m having to wait for the DVD).

I think it’s harder with children’s books than it is with adults’ to find a movie that’s better than the book. Is that an indication of the higher quality of children’s books? I like to think so. At any rate, I can think straightaway of many adult movies that are better than the book – The Godfather, Jaws – but that very rarely applies to children’s books-to-movies.

I can, though, think of lots that are just as good but different. I actually think the different is important. I'm not crazy about films that are true to the book, which is why you won’t find any Harry Potter movies on my list – for me they are too faithful to the books and (with the exception of the third) don’t really have their own identity as films.

I don’t mind one bit when films take reasonable liberties with a book, because they need to be good in their own right, not just exact translations of page to screen. I want to be transported by movies and books in entirely different ways. I’m swept away far more by Inkheart the novel than Inkheart the movie. But (if I’m allowed to count abridged versions as children’s favourites) I’m far more enchanted by Last of the Mohicans (1992) and Tarzan (1999) as movies than as books.

I seem to have gone for five very recent movies (sorry, Bambi, I did want you). And I wanted more than five. I wanted Stuart Little, too, and Shrek, and Stormbreaker, and The Black Stallion, and I desperately wanted The (supremely quotable) Princess Bride, and... oh, that’s cheating. Get on with it.

Each of the five had to pass a simple test: do my children – one girl one boy – ask to watch it over and over again?

Peter Pan (2003)

A Peter who is ‘the personification of cockiness’ and whose American accent only makes him more otherworldly. Lost Boys you don’t want to throttle. Terrifying mermaids and thoroughly sinister pirates. A scheming, naughty, funny Tink. Jason Isaacs as a deliciously wicked and handsome Captain Hook - but ‘not wholly evil’. A soaring soundtrack. Scenes that make my spine tingle no matter how many times I watch them – Mr and Mrs Darling running home in slow motion, only just too late! Bankers and strict aunts and sleeping children chanting that they DO believe in fairies, they DO, they DO! Ah, I love this movie.

22 Comments on Five Barnstorming Books-to-Movies: Gillian Philip, last added: 7/15/2010
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Jo Treggiari said, on 7/13/2010 6:33:00 PM
Completely agree with Stardust, Coraline and that version of Peter Pan which came closest to capturing the relationships between Wendy, Pan and Tink.
Found Nanny McPhee awfully boring (despite Colin Firth) but will give it another go as you like it.
Also think Babe and The Nightmare Before Christmas should be on the list.
I enjoyed How To Train Your Dragon much more than the usual hollywood kid's fare though it annoyed me that the kid characters spoke with american accents and the rest of the Vikings were Hollywood Scotch, but it was a fun movie though not as quirky as the books.
I also liked the movie version of the Golden Compass though it is not even close to being in the same class as the novel. The brilliant story still shone though.
Rachel Ward said, on 7/13/2010 11:10:00 PM
Hi Gillian,

Totally with you on Stardust - it's a fabulous film. I would add the first Twilight film although I confess I've only read the first few pages of the book (over the shoulder of my daughter who then told me to go away). I found the setting and the way it was filmed terrifically atmospheric and then, of course, there's Robert Pattinson in all his brooding loveliness...
Elen Caldecott said, on 7/14/2010 12:20:00 AM
What about the Railway Children? Jenny Aguiter saying 'Daddy, my daddy...' Sob!
maryom said, on 7/14/2010 1:07:00 AM
I don't think you've missed much by not seeing The Secret of Moonacre. I read the book as a child and it was totally magical - the film just wasn't, for an adult.
I'd have to include The Secret Garden - the version with Maggie Smith as housekeeper. I think it might be the walled garden that fascinates me but Lizzie loved it too when younger.
Ben Horslen said, on 7/14/2010 1:34:00 AM
Gillian, I think we may have been separated at birth. Inkheart, check - the film was the cinematic equivalent of a five-year-old's repainting of the Mona Lisa. Peter Pan, check - whisper it quietly but I was never that fussed about the written version anyway. Stardust, check - the brilliance, deftness and economy of the plotting came over just as well, if not better, on screen (why can't more screenplays be like that?), and you're right about Bob de Niro too. Fellowship, check - the film captures and expands on the character dynamics that raise that book above the sequels, for all their epic derring do. However, as two out of five seems excessive, even for one of Mr Gaiman's godlike genius, I'd replace Coraline with Jurassic Park. Like LOTR, not a children's book, but not only did the film have dinosaurs (DINOSAURS!), it redefined kids' expectations of monster movies. Priceless.
Juliette said, on 7/14/2010 2:46:00 AM
I absolutely love both LOTR and Stardust, but I'm afraid the purist in me has to discount both of them as neither are children's books (check out the sex scene in Stardust - I hope that's not aimed at kids). Sooo...

1. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe - minor historical inaccuracy forgiven (the children would probably have been evacuated before the bombing actually started, but that scene is perfect, such a good way to explain their situation to children unfamiliar with the history and the whole theme of war is brillinatly handled)
2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - which I think is better than the book, having lost all the padding and focussed on the story. It's also my favourite Harry Potter film.
3. The Secret Garden (the one with Maggie Smith) - just perfect.
4. Disney's Alice in Wonderland
5. Hook. I know it's got a terrible reputation, but I saw it as a child and loved it.

Honourable mention to the Muppet's Christmas Carol, also ineligible as not based on a children's book!
Juliette said, on 7/14/2010 2:47:00 AM
Just looked at the comments and realised I forgot The Railway Children! Put that in the list instead of Hook!
hilary said, on 7/14/2010 2:53:00 AM
Ballet Shoes

Little Women

Cold Comfort Farm (not sure if that should really count. Teen, maybe?)

I loved the recreations of Hobbiton and Moria in The Fellowship of the Ring- perfect, and by far the best of the three films I agree. (Thought Rivendell looked a bit damp).
kathryn evans said, on 7/14/2010 3:25:00 AM
Oh oh oh! Loved Stardust - didn't know it was adapted by Gaimon - explains a lot - haven't seen Coraline am scared I'll hate it as I loved the book. Inkheart possibly the worst film I've ever seen - didn't even make it to the end was so irritated by it...this is a ll a bit unfair though because I know How to Train Your Dragon would be in your top 5 if you'd seen it - not at all like the book but brilliant none-the-less - and the black dragon in it is just like my dog ( only not as smelly)...Funny though - I hated the LOTR films. Bored senseless, too boring even to do the ironing too - I realise this means there is something wrong with me.

http://mrsbung.wordpress.com/
Nick Cross said, on 7/14/2010 3:50:00 AM
Kathy - I think the script for Stardust was written by Jane Goldman & Matthew Vaughan, but adapted from the Neil Gaiman book. Stardust is an interesting choice actually, because it is adapted quite liberally but works really well as a film. The climax in particular is a wonderful bit of imaginative action, but completely invented for the film.

Have to agree with Juliette's choice of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - a great film in it's own right and very likely to be my favourite Potter film unless David Yates pulls his finger out on the last two!
Nicky S (Absolute Vanilla) said, on 7/14/2010 4:15:00 AM
ha, watched Stardust AGAIN, last night. Love Nanny McPhee and Coraline and Stormbreaker. Would also have to add to the list: the Spiderwick Chronicles (I suspect a lot has to do with Freddy Highmore being so cute and who could not love Hogsqueal and Thimbletack!) and Matilda, Billy Elliot, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (though it took a while to get used to the Johnny Depp version) and Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Nicky S (Absolute Vanilla) said, on 7/14/2010 4:16:00 AM
and oh yes, have to add the Secret Garden too!
Lynda Waterhouse said, on 7/14/2010 4:29:00 AM
I enjoyed the film version of Holes which is a novel I really love.
Tracy said, on 7/14/2010 4:57:00 AM
I love the LOTR trilogy.

Coraline looks fantastic and I think I much preferred the film to the book.

Lynda's mentioned Holes and I have to say I enjoyed that too.

The Golden Compass - what the hell were they thinking!! I love the books but the film was a travesty IMO.

Stardust I enjoyed more on the second viewing but I'm not sure I believe it's really a kids film.

Nanny McPhee I found really quite dull and disappointing.

And the recent Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland was a sheer, visual pleasure.

And the Harry Potter films are generally really high-quality and entertaining.
bookwitch said, on 7/14/2010 5:36:00 AM
Glad to see some Stardust fans here. Had come to the conclusion it's a film people love to hate.
Becky said, on 7/14/2010 8:39:00 AM
I loved Stardust but then I haven't read the book. It is a film I can watch again and again.
I also loved Fellowship of the Ring. I love the whole hobbitness of it all.
I agree about Inkheart. The film was appalling. The book was good.
Same with City of Ember. I love the book but the film was at best mediocre. Again same with Percy Jackson but then I am a HUGE Camp Half Blood fan.
Katherine Langrish said, on 7/14/2010 11:25:00 AM
I liked Stardust! (And I've met the original of the star...)
Gillian Philip said, on 7/14/2010 11:35:00 AM
Wow, thanks for all the comments - I just knew they'd be interesting!

Jo, I forgot about Babe (how could I?) - yes, that has to be a contender. And Elen, same with The Railway Children - probably not in my top five but I do always blub at that ending.

Rachel, hi! Yes, I liked the Twilight movie much better than the book - I watched it on Keren David's recommendation and she was right, it had a nice dark indie feel.

Ben, good point about Jurassic Park - not a children's book at all, but with a lot of changes it made a terrific kids' movie (and that's another one my children watch over and over). It still looks good, years later!

Juliette - I know what you mean but I allowed Stardust in on the same grounds I allowed FOTR - it's an adult read that's easily & frequently enjoyed by quite young teens, and I think it's definitely a movie for children as well as adults. For that reason I'd definitely count Hilary's Cold Comfort Farm, too!

Tracy (and Juliette, unless you meant the earlier animation?) - Alice in Wonderland is one that seems to divide people down clear lines, isn't it? I have friends who absolutely adored it, but it left me completely cold and unmoved (especially Johnny Depp, which is definitely against all precedent). But it did look very beautiful.

Lynda - I would have liked to include Holes because I adore that book. It's one of my favourites. But (hides head in shame) - I have never seen the movie, so I couldn't. But I will, one of these days SOON.

Katherine - do you mean Claire Danes? WOW!! Seriously, I have an almost-crush on her!

Thanks again everybody, terrific comments!
Linda Strachan said, on 7/14/2010 2:09:00 PM
I loved Stardust, and FOTR, Matilda and Nanny McPhee. Not seen Coraline yet, but intend to and Loved the book Holes but like you Gillian, I've not seen the film.
Yes, must include Cold Comfort Farm 'cos there's something wicked in the woodshed...!
madwippitt said, on 7/15/2010 4:08:00 AM
How could you pass over on the sublime Princess Bride? And what a good argument it is for allowing authors to adapt their own books!
Gillian Philip said, on 7/15/2010 5:35:00 AM
I adore The Princess Bride, but it fell at that all-important hurdle of being one that my children want to watch over and over again. They enjoy it, but it isn't a favourite. I suspect it has a lot of 'adult' appeal.

And I do agree, it's an argument for authors adapting their own work - but there are so many other arguments for the opposite! Most authors are not screenwriters, and it shows. In saying this I am of course baiting fate, in the hope that someone will some day want to adapt one of mine... ;-)
Savita Kalhan said, on 7/15/2010 7:07:00 AM
Gillian, I love your choices, and for me I would include The Secret Garden, Holes, The Little Princess, The Railway Children, Jungle Book and The Wizard of Oz...
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9. Other Mother

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By: Sara O'Leary, on 2/21/2010
Blog: 123oleary (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Neil Gaiman, Coraline, Add a tag

You can now buy the original cast recording from the New York MCC production of Neil Gaiman's Coraline.

Which makes me very happy. Because after going to see the play without my nine-year-old, I was forced to try and re-enact it and explain all the choices made in the adaptation. Which made for a number of very interesting conversations, but it was very, very sad to hear me trying to sing the songs.

Here is David Greenspan, who not only wrote the book for the musical but was freaking brilliant as the Other Mother. (Why does listening to him singing Falling make me so happy? I don't know - it just does.)

Here's what it says on the Sh-K-Boom site, where you can purchase the album or link to the iTune store:

A musical like no other, Coraline sprang from the minds of three of the most wildly popular cult figures of our time. Adapted from the terrifying children’s book by Neil Gaiman (author of the international sensation Sandman), this tale of menace and mayhem is set to music and lyrics by smart-rock iconoclast Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields, and boasts a book by celebrated downtown actor/playwright, David Greenspan, who serves double-duty as the villainous Other Mother. Tony nominee Jayne Houdyshell (Well, The Receptionist) stars in the title role, and bringing it all together is acclaimed director Leigh Silverman (Yellowface, From Up Here,Well).

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10. Marvelous Monday: Holiday Giveaway!!!!!

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By: Shelli, on 12/21/2009
Blog: Faeriality (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: contest, Neil Gaiman, coraline, Monday, giveaway, ARC, Add a tag

In celebration of the ending of 2009, I want to thank all of you for making the Marvelous Marking Mondays a huge success. This time last year, I had no followers, hadn't yet kicked off the Marketing interviews series, and barely got one comment a day.

Today, I have 400 followers (and friends :), just had my 50,000th visitor, and have conducted 40 interviews with editors, agents, illustrators, and authors.

More importantly, over this last year, I've made friends, gathered followers, and hopefully helped some of you move toward your publishing goal.

To celebrate all this, I have a....... GIVEAWAY!!!!

1) All you have to do is comment and tell me one key lesson you have learned this year in relation to your writing journey. It can be about social networking, attending a conference, your writing craft, the submission process. Anything.

2) Oh yeah, and you have to be an OFFICIAL FOLLOWER of my blog (so i can see your lovely little square faces/icons on the left side.)

Only my loyal followers get prizes :).

If you have found my blog for the first time and aren't sure if you can follow, I do come with a 30 day guarantee. If I do not make you laugh, cry, or scream at least once in 30 days, you can unfollow and still claim the prize if you win. :) Am I confident or what?

oh! What is the Prize - you ask???

Drum roll please.........

Neil Gaiman's ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of Coraline!!!

The graphic novel adaptation illustrated by award winning artist P. Craig Russell.

You have until Midnight PST (3 am EST) tonight to enter.

Happy Holidays!

Also stay tuned because I have a holiday surprise for Wednesday!!!!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faeriality?alt=rss

32 Comments on Marvelous Monday: Holiday Giveaway!!!!!, last added: 12/22/2009
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Suzyhayze said, on 12/21/2009 7:11:00 AM
What I've learned... hmmmmm. How about EVERYTHING! Last year I submitted a first draft to an agent, I didn't have a blog, and my second novel wasn't even an idea. 2009 was hard, but wonderful. Great contest!
Steena Holmes said, on 12/21/2009 7:12:00 AM
I'm a fairly new follower but I've gone through some of your past posts. One thing remains fairly consistent to me ... keep writing. Don't give up, learn your craft, embrace it and keep writing.

So I am :) (Writing that is ... even when the time runs out but the words refuse to look at the clock ...)
Sandy Shin said, on 12/21/2009 7:35:00 AM
One thing I've learned this year is that I still have a long way to go with my writing, and it's all right to slow down to better my craft because this isn't a race. :>

And congrats! All of those are awesome accomplishments.
Patti said, on 12/21/2009 7:37:00 AM
I've learned about what to expect from agents and to always keep writing.

Your blog has been great and informative.
Tere Kirkland said, on 12/21/2009 7:38:00 AM
*puts eyes back in head*

Must. Win. Coraline.

LOL!

Shelli, purely for your own feedback, of course ;), I've learned more about the marketing aspect of being an author from your blog than anywhere else.

One of the most thought provoking things I've learned this year is the importance of branding, both book branding, and author branding. We all have to make a personal statement that sets us apart from our peers, and a consistent blog presence helps to accomplish that. Thanks!

Good luck to everyone who enters!
Alissa said, on 12/21/2009 7:50:00 AM
I learned that I have what it takes to be a published author, as my first novel was accepted by Flux.

I did learn a lot more than that, but that was my favorite lesson this year!
Karen said, on 12/21/2009 8:20:00 AM
Squee.

My big "year lesson" on this writing journey is that it is just that...a journey. I look back at where I was last year at this time, and I can't believe how much I've learned about the industry, marketing, craft, networking. I look back and wonder at my Pollyannaness, but not in a bad way. Here's to looking back at the end of 2010 and wondering how I ever survived without an agent. :) hee hee.
Heather said, on 12/21/2009 8:39:00 AM
Squee! What a great prize!!!!

I've learned a lot about using the Internet for marketing. I'm huge on Internet marketing, but things like blog tours and how to best use Twitter were kind of unknown to me. I also wasn't really sure if I needed to get into all of that right now since I'm not published yet, but I've definitely seen (both on your blog and on others) that the school of thought is divided.

I really enjoy this series! I think the best way to learn anything is from people who are in it.
Ami The Salami said, on 12/21/2009 8:46:00 AM
What I've learned... Hm...

I've learned that even though you might love your WIP with all your heart, it might not work out, and that's okay.
Sarah Campbell said, on 12/21/2009 8:47:00 AM
I've learned to write past the nagging critical voice so that I can build the story. There'll always be time for revision later.
Paul Greci said, on 12/21/2009 9:02:00 AM
I've learned that when you think something is finished often you have only just begun.
DL Hammons said, on 12/21/2009 9:07:00 AM
I must covet it!!

This year I learned that blogging wasn't just an exercise in vanity. For a writer, it is another way to hone your craft, and gain exposure to the writing community at the same time.

Happy Holidays!
RKCharron said, on 12/21/2009 9:41:00 AM
Hi :)
I've learned so much this year it is hard to decide upon just one thing. I've learned that persistence and dedication are key to a writing career and that it is important to write the story you want to read, not what you think is hot at the moment because it takes so long to get the book published that what is currently hot may not be hot when it is finally published - if that run-on sentence makes any sense. :)
Merry Christmas!
RKCharron
Larissa said, on 12/21/2009 9:49:00 AM
I've learned that writing a novel is both harder and more rewarding than I could have imagined.
Kat O'Keeffe said, on 12/21/2009 9:53:00 AM
I learned that, no matter how hard I try, I will never be able to create a perfect first draft.

kat-tastic(at)live.com
Solvang Sherrie said, on 12/21/2009 10:32:00 AM
I've learned how great virtual friends can be, especially when you get to meet them in person!

Congratulations on accomplishing so much this year, Shelli :)
Lisa and Laura said, on 12/21/2009 10:43:00 AM
We've learned that the waiting doesn't end after you get an agent or even after you have a book deal. In publishing EVERYONE waits. I'm actually starting to get used to it. I've read like 20 books since Thanksgiving. I guess sometimes you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride!
Heather Lane said, on 12/21/2009 10:44:00 AM
I have learned that writing is NOT a solitary endeavor. Thanks for the beautiful blog. I've really enjoyed it.
Rebecca Knight said, on 12/21/2009 11:01:00 AM
Oh my gosh!! I shrieked out loud when I saw what the prize was :D. Great contest, Shelli, and congrats on your successes this year!

The biggest thing I've learned this year is that you can query too soon, but you can *never* query too late. Polish your manuscript, and when you think it can't get any shinier, polish it again!

Good luck to everyone, and Merry Christmas!
Casey McCormick said, on 12/21/2009 11:17:00 AM
I learned that I've been a little too focused on pumping out words and lost sight of what really matters to me. I'm so ready to tackle 2010 with my new smarts!
Hardygirl said, on 12/21/2009 11:19:00 AM
I've learned to keep it fun--and to keep at it. Tenacity is the one thing in this biz that we can totally control!

sf
Robert McKay said, on 12/21/2009 11:52:00 AM
I've learned that Twitter is an invaluable tool for motivation and keeping tabs on the industry.
Shooting Stars Mag said, on 12/21/2009 12:25:00 PM
I have learned that you can't give up and you should always get help if you need it to look over the story.

-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com
Kelly said, on 12/21/2009 12:37:00 PM
Shelli, you have an amazing blog and I have learned lots from it!
Specifically, how to network through blogging plus the interviews with agents and editors don't hurt during submission time!
Thanks!
Kayeleen said, on 12/21/2009 2:32:00 PM
I'm only just getting into the world of publishing, marketing, and all that jazz, so I have learned so many things in those areas in just the last few weeks that it would be hard to list them all.

Most importantly for me, after finishing two different first drafts this year, I have learned that I can do it. I actually can write something of substance.
Kimberley Griffiths Little said, on 12/21/2009 2:36:00 PM
I didn't realize until today that I am not an *official* follower, Shelli, even though I've been reading you for months on Bloglines. :-D

I've learned that there's a right time and a right place (read agent/editor/contracts) for my writing career, and to be patient because God knows better than I do what is best for me and my life. And when it's finally your *time* it's better than you even imagined.
Meghan Ward said, on 12/21/2009 4:56:00 PM
The biggest lesson I've learned is not to follow all the rules. I read a lot of advice on agent blogs about how to get an agent (don't send ms twice unless they request it, etc.) and then I read all these stories about how writers got their agents on the Guide to Literary Agents blog, and they've all broken the rules!
Shellie Braeuner said, on 12/21/2009 8:02:00 PM
You've taught me a lot about branding myself and my work. Thanks!!
Danyelle said, on 12/21/2009 8:11:00 PM
Your blog has been the best resource I've ever come across for what a writer (published or not) needs to do to market herself. Thank you for all the time you put into your blog, and for sharing so many great tips!
Jennie Englund said, on 12/21/2009 9:04:00 PM
Per an editor's suggestion, I've tried to create an unreliable narrator, which was difficult. My 17 year-old male character needed to be likeable, but not completely trustworthy.

I started off slowly at first, as if the character even believed himself. By the end, he doesn't know who he is. His identity was at stake the whole time.

It was challenging, but I enjoyed trying something different.
ElanaJ said, on 12/21/2009 9:33:00 PM
I love that book. And that cover is haunting.

It's amazing what you can do in a year, isn't it? Congrats on all you've done, Shelli!

I've learned that if you want more friends, you have to be one first. More comments, be a commenter. More followers, be a follower.
Kelly H-Y said, on 12/22/2009 3:24:00 PM
Cool giveaway! I'm bummed I missed it!
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11. Ghost Children ....

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By: Tara Chang, on 10/30/2009
Blog: Silver Apples of the Moon (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Coraline, cemeteries, fairy nieces, Add a tag

I couldn't keep my camera off of fairy-niece #2 as she flitted about the cemetery -

(and as such, thought you should listen to Coraline's "The Ghost Children" as you go...)

(who was tapping on my shoulder? There's no one there...)

Don't you just want to pinch those rosy cheeks? Definitely not ghostly!

2 Comments on Ghost Children ...., last added: 10/31/2009
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Jeff M said, on 10/30/2009 7:58:00 PM
Very cool... I love your posts from Upstate.

Could you send me the full-size version of the last pic, when you have time?

Hug 'em all for me. :)
andrea pratt said, on 10/30/2009 9:04:00 PM
Great combination idea! And how nice to be with a little one at Halloween. (I have read Coraline but haven't seen it yet.)
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12. The Other Mother

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By: Jago, on 10/7/2009
Blog: Jago Illustration (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: othermother, coraline, Sketch, Add a tag

Quick sketch that turned into The Other Mother from Coraline...creepy

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13. Young Adults

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By: Sara O'Leary, on 5/22/2009
Blog: 123oleary (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Neil Gaiman, Coraline, Add a tag

I have bought tickets to see Stephen Merritt's Coraline and I am very excited. Very, very excited. Almost insufferably excited, in fact. You can go here to see what Betsy Bird at Fuse #8 has to say about the show. I do like the idea of the child Coraline being played by an adult, I must say.

My older son has been on a bit of a Neil Gaiman kick lately. He went from The Graveyard Book straight to Neverwhere. He asked if I thought there might be a sequel to The Graveyard Book and I said I doubted it because Bod would be an adult. "I'd still read it," he said. It made me think about the way we generalise about YA - that young readers want to read "up" in terms of age, but not too far up. The most recent Tim Wynne-Jones novel, The Uninvited is an interesting example of something that is categorized as Young Adult but is actually about adults (albeit young ones). It's also about the incest taboo, although I've yet to see that mentioned in reviews.

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14. Kid's Pick Review: Coraline

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By: Karen Cioffi, on 5/6/2009
Blog: Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Coraline, Kid's Pick Reviews, Neil Gailman, Add a tag

Coraline - A Review

Reviewed by Chris (4th grader)

Title: Coraline
Written By: Neil Gailman

I read a fascinating book called Coraline. It was awesome. It was scary with its freaky words of horrible noises and fearful things. It was by Neil Gailman.

A bored girl named Coraline goes into a little door in her new home. She finds two people with button eyes that say they are Coraline’s other mom and dad. She bravely tried to find a way out because the other mom has a strange way of love.

Hey, All, why not have a little one you know send in a review for our Kid's Pick.

See you in blog world,
Karen

2 Comments on Kid's Pick Review: Coraline, last added: 5/7/2009
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Liana said, on 5/7/2009 7:19:00 AM
Beautiful review!
Simple and clear, I enjoyed it!
Liana
Karen and Robyn - Writing for Children said, on 5/7/2009 8:43:00 PM
Thanks for stopping by, Liana.

It's funny how kids enjoy the idea of having their reviews posted.

I have so many that I'll have to start posting them more often.

Karen
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15. Jon Klassen

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By: Eric Orchard, on 3/9/2009
Blog: Eric Orchard (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: coraline, concept art, jon klassen, Add a tag

How the heck did I miss this guy's work? Jon Klassen is amazing, I first saw his work a couple of weeks ago and I feel like I've been run over by an art steam train.Beautiful,lyrical art balancing design,narrative and expressiveness. I really love this guy's work. I'm so glad he's getting attention for his Coraline design work.

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16. Borrowing From Mr.M

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By: Eric Orchard, on 2/27/2009
Blog: Eric Orchard (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: graveyardbook, squink, neil gaiman, dave mckean, coraline, pen and ink, watercolour, brushpen, Add a tag

Here's a sketch I did last week. It's heavily influenced by Dave McKean, an artist whose work I love and who I try and whose work I try and follow. And he does a lot of stuff and he keeps trying new things, he seems to reinvent himself every few months.
I recently ordered his book of ink drawings called Squink and it's my favorite collection of his work, I ended up ordering it from France and spending more then I should have but it was really worth it, it's one of the most inspired and inspiring art books I own. You might know Mckean's work from his illustrations in Coraline and The Graveyard Book. He's a frequent collaborator with Neil Gaiman. The odds that too such talents have met and worked together must be astronomical.
This drawing was done with pen and ink,brush and ink, watercolour and photoshop.

13 Comments on Borrowing From Mr.M, last added: 3/2/2009
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Jordi Solano said, on 2/27/2009 6:48:00 AM
hehehe, a very "mckeanish" look, indeed, but still one could tell it's yours, wich is actually a great thing.

I honestly think this recent works on your blog are raising your status from brilliant to over the top... amazing in every way i could tell.

Eric Orchard said, on 2/27/2009 7:00:00 AM
Thanks so much Jordi! I can't begin to tell you how much your comment means to me. I always feel so much uncertainty when trying something new.
Bojana Dimitrovski said, on 2/27/2009 7:12:00 AM
I like it allot, looks like your artwork 100%!:) One of my teachers said once: being influenced by another artist is good, but copying their style is not good...so no worries ;)

I think all artists feel the uncertainty when trying a new approach, regardless of their experience.

Eric Orchard said, on 2/27/2009 7:33:00 AM
Thanks so much Bojana! Wise words from your teacher.
Kalo Varea said, on 2/27/2009 8:45:00 AM
It´s a strange picture, like Mcean works...beautiful and strange.
I like it!
Eric Orchard said, on 2/27/2009 8:46:00 AM
Thanks Kalo!
LuisNCT said, on 2/27/2009 11:24:00 AM
very cool, in a McKean style but without losing your personality
Nathan Weber said, on 2/27/2009 2:15:00 PM
Your work is amazing. Borrowing from an admired influence (for practice) is all part of growing ones personal diversity within his own work; all art is an apprenticeship whether practiced consciously or subconsciously. Keep up the wonderful work.
Eric Orchard said, on 2/27/2009 2:51:00 PM
Thanks Luis!

wow! Thanks so much Nathan!

RAWLS said, on 2/27/2009 4:13:00 PM
Love it!!
Eric Orchard said, on 2/27/2009 4:23:00 PM
Thanks so much D R!
tlc illustration said, on 3/2/2009 12:58:00 AM
I agree with these comments - you can see McKean's influence, but it still totally feels like you. Your work has really bumped up a whole *bunch* of notches since your return from NYC. Congrats yet again.
Eric Orchard said, on 3/2/2009 6:46:00 AM
Thanks so much Tara!
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17. The Art of Coraline

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By: John, on 2/23/2009
Blog: DRAWN! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Chris Appelhans, Dan Krall, Illustration, coraline, Animation, Film + TV, laika, stop motion, Add a tag

No, it’s not the missed opportunity that’s currently being sold on the bookshelves. If you’ve had the unfortunate opportunity to thumb through that book, you would’ve surmised that the only artist that worked on pre-production for Coraline was Japanese illustrator Tadahiro Uesugi. While we know that Tadahiro’s work is brilliant, the ‘visual companion’ is a complete slap in the face to all the other artists who worked on the production. Have no fear, though. The best way to see pre-production art of Coraline is to view it online. Here, I’ve created a nice tour of sorts for you (click on each name for much more art):

First up, early character and conceptual work by Dan Krall. Ronald Searle is definitely an influence:

Next, we visit Chris Appelhans for some visual development and color studies. The artists’ were definitely using Tadahiro as a point of reference:

More visual development, color studies, & props by Jon Klassen. Beautiful work, with a great sense of space and color:

Now, check out the fantastic character designs by Shane Prigmore:

More great character development by Shannon Tindle:

Stef Choi also did some early concept sketches. Check out the cute, little garden characters. Here’s a shot of Coraline & her mom:

Finally, gorgeous sculptures of all the Coraline puppets by Damon Bard. Be sure to check out all his galleries while you’re visiting his site. Incredibly talented guy:

In fact, there was a great deal of other incredibly talented people who worked on the film, but were never mentioned in the book. Vera Brosgol, Graham Annable, and Andy Schuhler, among others. (UPDATE: Katy Wu is another vis-dev artist.) Shane Prigmore does a great job listing more of the artists responsible for the look & style of the film. Be sure and check out all their hard work.

UPDATE: Kevin Dart just informed me that Chris Turnham has started up a blog for Coraline production art. Chris did some extensive work on the Fantastic Garden sequence:

Hope you enjoyed the tour. Come back again soon.

Related:
Coraline Artist Panel at Nucleus
The Marketing of Coraline
Coraline Site Up

6 Comments on The Art of Coraline, last added: 2/24/2009
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S.britt said, on 2/23/2009 8:47:00 PM
Sheesh. I’m gonna go hang myself. Dan and Jon’s work is stupendous and it was nice to see Graham’s name in the credits. When I first saw the lovely second image (by Chris Appelhans), I instantly thought Ezra Jack Keats! Coraline was utterly fantastic and I feel fortunate to have seen it in all it’s 3D majesty. Thanks for the splendid tour, Ward!
rgnava said, on 2/23/2009 9:07:00 PM
Dave McKean did wonderful illustrations for the first version of the book. (http://www.mousecircus.com/bookdetails.aspx?BookID=2)
When I saw they were making the movie, and since Neil Gaiman and McKean are close friends, I thought that he was going to be involved in some way in the film. But unfortunately, he wasn’t.
parka said, on 2/23/2009 9:17:00 PM
Nice dude! I was thinking of creating a list like this but never got around to do so.

Linked it on my blog.

http://parkablogs.com/content/artists-of-coraline
fbuddha said, on 2/23/2009 9:46:00 PM
Great post ward! Certainly was some amazing talent on this flick!
vincentjuanes said, on 2/24/2009 5:48:00 AM
Very interesting works here!
jublin said, on 2/24/2009 5:37:00 PM
finally saw the movie last night. it was so amazing. it blew my mind into a million pieces!
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18. CORALINE

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By: Anita Mejía, on 2/12/2009
Blog: Monday Artday (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: traditional, black, white, Anita Mejia, fanart, inks, Pastel colors, illustration, movie, art, coraline, colors, acrylic, markers, Add a tag

CORALINE fanart
(acrylics, pastel colors, china ink, white ink, colored pencils, markers)
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5 Comments on CORALINE, last added: 2/17/2009
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Johanna said, on 2/13/2009 4:24:00 AM
I love all of your pictures!!! If I wasn´t so bad at english I would write something better:) Love it!
mike r. baker said, on 2/13/2009 11:32:00 AM
Super cute!!! I love it! I read Coraline to my daughter twice before we saw the movie and I must say, the movie did the book a world of justice. I recommend both.
André said, on 2/13/2009 4:16:00 PM
Great paint work!
Look forward to the movie...
Josh (musarter) said, on 2/16/2009 11:26:00 AM
Great interpretation of the book. Great illustration as usual.
Maria Madonna Davidoff said, on 2/17/2009 5:49:00 AM
Your colors make me happy.
http://mariamadonnadavidoffsblog.blogspot.com/
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19. The Marketing of Coraline

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By: John, on 2/10/2009
Blog: DRAWN! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: movies, film, coraline, Animation, Film + TV, ad campaign, Weiden + Kennedy, Add a tag

“Reinvent the way you market a movie.” - Phil Knight, Nike Founder/Laika CEO

And with those words, the folks at Weiden + Kennedy went right to work, creating a very curious marketing campaign for Coraline, the stop-motion animated, Henry Selick-directed film produced by Laika and distributed by Focus Features. They certainly had their work cut out for them. I’m thinking that this ugly poster (along with the ABC series of one-sheets featured below it) certainly couldn’t have been anything that W+K concocted. When you compare that garish poster with the one featured above, one has to wonder what’s going on. It looks like to me that W+K took over the campaign from a clueless film promotion team at Focus and then went a more subversive route by sending ‘mystery boxes’ to various bloggers (mentioned previously):

Of course, I’m speculating here. I really don’t know what happened. All I know is that the ad campaign took a decidedly different turn once I learned of those mystery boxes. And the official movie site, too. That was done by W+K as well. Be sure to check this post out, as there’s lots of talented people who worked on the campaign. With a $16.8M (USD) take for the first weekend, I think they succeeded (it wasn’t expected to do more than $10M for a movie like it). See video clips, too.

Also on W+K Portland’s blog: Coraline Premiere. (Look for a shot of the Joe Ranft puppet that has a cameo in the beginning of the film.)

One more thing: Cartoon Brew on the Ranft Bros. in Coraline.

6 Comments on The Marketing of Coraline, last added: 2/16/2009
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TM-Oliveira said, on 2/10/2009 4:48:00 PM
Henry Selick is a genius. And the work W+K did was outstanding.
monolithcreative said, on 2/11/2009 2:44:00 PM
i really hate the mentality of animated hollywood films where they think they HAVE to use big name actors to do voices.

hire voice talent to sell the reality of the characters not a face. now, unfortunately, when i see coraline i will see the actors and not the characters. and i HAAAAATE dakota fanning…effing hate her.

why do you think futurama is so awesome? if features the voice talent of billy west. why do you think looney toons work so well? mel blanc.
Ward said, on 2/11/2009 7:18:00 PM
I agree about the over usage of hollywood actors as voiceovers. But honestly, I forgot it was Dakota as the voice of Coraline while watching it. She was actually pretty decent. I would suggest seeing the film first before you go all off on it, ‘monolithcreative’.

Another thing, Futurerama is not ‘awesome’ just because of the voices. The writing and timing of the humor is king in my opinion.
SamD said, on 2/12/2009 8:14:00 AM
I also think that’s an over-reaction. The voice acting in Coraline is very well done, and works perfectly for the film.
TM-Oliveira said, on 2/12/2009 4:02:00 PM
Actually, it doesn’t matter who does the voices. If you watch a movie and completely forget who are the actors behind the characters, then it’s fine. I think Shark Tale is the perfect example of an animation that fails terribly at doing that.
Cory O'Brien said, on 2/16/2009 9:53:00 PM
Wow! The old and new posters are literally night and day! W+K definitely did a great job with transforming the way this movie was marketed, and the buzz obviously paid off with a stellar box office debut.

I loved the boxes too: http://thefutureofads.com/2009/02/09/coraline-raises-the-bar-for-influencer-outreach/

Great stuff!
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20. Coraline in 3-D!!

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By: Laini Taylor, on 2/8/2009
Blog: Grow Wings (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: coraline, Add a tag

Although Jim is absolutely mired in deadlines and isn't supposed to do anything but draw for the next two to three months (fun, noh?), we snuck out late last night to see Coraline in 3-D! First, I've been dying to see it since. . . well, since loving the book PLUS loving Henry Selick's previous movies (Nightmare Before Christmas and James & the Giant Peach), and I've especially been anxious to see it since a friend took us on a tour of Laika Studios, right here in Portland, where the movie was made. (Here's that post.)

So at last we've seen it, and it is so beautiful and fun. Great story, GREAT art! I love that little blue-haired girl. I'm not a movie-merch buyer usually, but I'm pretty sure I'll buy a Coraline doll if they're cool, and they freaking should be, since the whole movie is made with dolls.

I reallllllly hope the movie does well this weekend. Doesn't it seem like a movie either lives or dies by its opening weekend these days? I know some films can transcend that fate and slowly build a fan-following, a la Slumdog Millionaire, but in this case, a big juicy box-office would be swell, because: we here in Portland would LOVE to see Laika Studios succeed. I want Portland to become a city of animators! HERE is a good article on the studio's background; one HERE on the current state of things, including rumors of a stop-motion zombie action/romance/comedy in the works! You may not know that Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, is the force behind Laika. He envisions a new campus in the Portland suburbs, supporting some 1000 jobs, making a movie a year, and that would really be GREAT for the city, and the whole movie-viewing world. Also: the kind of skill involved in making a movie like this does not just grow on trees. These are highly specialized skills. These people are artisans, and these movies -- made entirely by HAND -- have soul in the way that sometimes CG lacks. Not to bash CG; I love me some Pixar too. But I love the hand-made quality of stop-motion.

This is all by way of saying: Hey you! Go see Coraline! Bring all your friends!

It's available in 3D in some theaters, and is the first feature-length animated movie ever in 3D. It's not super-dramatic jump-out-at-you effects; there's mostly just this subtle depth and dimensionality to it that showcases the fact that, in fact, the movie IS 3-D -- filmed on real sets, with real puppets, etc. So you can see more what it was really like, making the movie.

Here's a weird little featurette of Neil Gaiman talking about "koumpounophobia" -- the fear of buttons:

Seriously, it's a real phobia, yo. See HERE.

On an unrelated note: IF YOU HAVE EVER DREAMED OF TURNING YOUR BLOG INTO A BOOK. . . Here's something for you. The book-making site Blurb has software that can "slurp" your blog and format it as a book and then print it! Pretty cool, huh? Not that I think this site needs to be immortalized on paper, but yours might. Plus, I just like the term "blog slurp."

13 Comments on Coraline in 3-D!!, last added: 2/10/2009
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Stephanie Perkins said, on 2/8/2009 1:30:00 PM
Neil is so achingly cool. I wish he'd come over and read me bedtime stories, but I guess I'll settle for his audio books.

And yes yes YES! Go see Coraline, everyone! It's WONDERFUL (and deserves our support in a big splashy box office way).

Liana said, on 2/8/2009 2:11:00 PM
We saw Coraline in 3-D on Friday night!! We loved it. I just have to think about it and I feel all happy.
And it's caused me to find out more about Neil Gaiman-I already knew a bit about him (esp. his comics) but now I know a lot more about his books and I want them all!
That button-phobia video is...whoa.

And my husband Nate asks, re: koumpounophobia:"Is he (Neil) trying to raise awareness by making EVERYONE afraid of them??"

But we DID enjoy the movie. Yay Coraline! Yay for handmade! Yay for stop-motion! I, too, hope Laika succeeds. So cool! :)

violetismycolor said, on 2/8/2009 2:12:00 PM
I really want to see Coraline, too. We went out and saw Gran Torino last night at the Tigard Cinema...is that the UGLIEST movie theatre you've ever seen, or what?
Teri said, on 2/8/2009 3:31:00 PM
Hey and thanks for the Blog Slurp heads up, pretty exciting and reasonalbly priced.

I am a local film critic who has coveted Nightmare for years and was SO happy to see one of our theaters have Coraline in 3D.

This a great film, everyone should enjoy it!

Also very exciting about the Portland studio- thank you for the information. Teri

lizardek said, on 2/8/2009 4:11:00 PM
I sure hope it doesn't take to long for Coraline to get over here to Sweden!!

I PDF my journal via LJBook.com (it does other platforms, too, I believe), and then have them bound and printed really cheaply at lulu.com :)

Lainey said, on 2/8/2009 9:02:00 PM
*Pouts* I'm so excited to see Coraline! Sadly, I don't think I'll convince anyone to take me to go see it, seeing as I seem to be the only one in my family who appreciates the art of stop-motion with the exception of my sister, who is off to live the adventure of college. *Sigh* Thanks for the review though! Now I want to see it even more if that is at all possible!
myrna said, on 2/8/2009 11:50:00 PM
Cool. I'll have to see it.
Ann Vargas said, on 2/9/2009 2:23:00 AM
I just discovered your blog and I love your stuff!!! Saw your "ladies" at The Seven Muses in Tacoma. My favorite movies are also,among others, Firelight and The Fall. My daughter loves Coraline. Can't wait to hear your interview with Jamie. If you ever come to Tacoma ( or Puyallup) I would love to take you out for coffee. Now I can't wait to read your book.
persnickety_jen said, on 2/9/2009 8:02:00 AM
Hi Laini!

I'm so glad that you wrote about CORALINE in your blog. I read an article about all the artists who moved to the Portland area in hopes of more 'permanent' work; I've also been tirelessly pushing everyone I know to go see the movie. My friends and I caught it Friday night and I was blown away - it was so beautiful.

Jay Asher said, on 2/9/2009 1:49:00 PM
My wife and I saw CORALINE last night, but I'm such a stop-motion animation freak it almost wouldn't have mattered what the story was about so long as the animation rocked. And the animation did indeed rock! (Story was cool, too...)

And the 3-D? Unbelievable! I'm glad they didn't pull any "flying in your face" gimmicks. It simply made the world come alive so much more.

Christine Fletcher said, on 2/9/2009 3:03:00 PM
We often wait for films to come to the pub theaters...but THIS we definitely have to see on the big screen! I'm so excited that you and others have already seen it and are giving it huge kudos. Can't wait!
Katie said, on 2/9/2009 8:20:00 PM
I have GOT to find this movie! It didn't come to my tiny town (at least not yet...)

But I adore these movies. I wish I could write one. Maybe I will.

And that Neil guy is a stud. I wonder how he got the idea for this? Do you know?

Now who on earth is scared of buttons for pete's sake?!

etherealgraphics said, on 2/10/2009 8:28:00 PM
Hey Laini . . .
it is always just pure bliss when I stop by Grow Wings! I planned to get out and see a movie this afternoon but here on the Eastern side of the Cascades, it's been a-snowin' like mad and I lost my motivation! Great to hear your voice in this fab post! Maybe someday we'll get to meet! Cheers!
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21. Button

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By: Sara O'Leary, on 2/8/2009
Blog: 123oleary (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Neil Gaiman, Coraline, Add a tag

Lots of fun to be had over at the Coraline.com site.

Mr. E. and I have had a lovely morning hanging around the Pink Palace Apartments, watching videos and buttoning our eyes.

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22. Coraline crafts

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By: Trisha, Gayle, and Jolene, on 2/6/2009
Blog: The YA YA YAs (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Movies & TV, coraline, Crafty Librarian, Add a tag

I didn’t see any simple projects you could do with a group here, but if you knit, you can make your own Coraline sweater (PDF).

1 Comments on Coraline crafts, last added: 2/17/2009
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Jolene said, on 2/17/2009 6:04:00 PM
I saw this in 3-D and it’s the only way to see this movie! Simply awesome!
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23. Who Will See the Movie Version of Coraline and a New One From Brian Jacques!

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By: Carl, on 1/29/2009
Blog: Boys Rule Boys Read! (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Jedi vs. Sith, brian jacques, Neil Gaiman, Coraline, Add a tag

Sigh. Looks like there'll be another Sith/Jedi war on the blog. Well, OK, boys, go ahead--just don't slice each into so many pieces that you can't type. If it gets too bad, the Great and Powerful CARLMAN will step in once again and bring balance to the Force by getting us all to read another book together.

In the meantime, Anonymous has written to us again:

Are you planning on going to see the animated movie version of "Coraline";even though the main character is a girl?
AND what's wrong with a Sith liking puppies and kittens? They are probably shape shifters and are really wolves and tigers!

Well, I probably won't. Nothing against Coraline or Neil Gaiman, but I'm not a big fan of horror books or movies. (And I really am glad Mr. Gaiman won that award) My brother blogger and reader Rowdy Roddy at the SMS Guys Read blog says it well here. I mean, he literally SAYS it there because it's an audiofile. If you can't download it, check out the original post here.

Anonymous also turns us on to a new book by the great Brian Jacques:

New book review"Doomwyte" by Brian Jacques
Griv and her crow escort emerged into an immense cave. The sight resembled some infernal nightmare from the brain of a madman. High up in the poisonous, mist-wreathed recesses of the vast ceiling, water dripped from limestone stalactites. Heaps of protruding, decayed and yellowed bones were piled up against the lower walls. The centre of the cavern floor was dominated by a large lake. There was an island in the middle of the lake. The centre of this island was a limestone hill, surmounted by a monlithic statue of polished black obsidian. It was a monumental work, depicting a huge raven, with a snake draped about it's neck. Both the face of the raven and the snake above it, contained eyeless sockets.

This is the lair of Korvus Skurr, a huge raven. A smoothsnake named Sicariss serves as his adviser. They are the latest of their kind searching for the two rubies and two emeralds that originally were the "eyes" of the statue. Many, many, years ago Gonff, the mouse thief stole those jewels.Now Bisky, a young mouse, Samolus, his grandunk (grand uncle), Umfry Spikkle, a hedgehog, Dwink, a young squirrel, and various other Redwall characters work together to battle Korvus and his army of birds and reptiles including the dreaded Balissss, the adder.

Will they solve the riddles and find the treasure? In this the latest book in the "Redwall" series you will find adventure, interesting and sometimes frightening creatures, and above all a very enjoyable story. This is one of those "I just can't put the book down" sort of books. This book will appeal to both guys and girls. (In case you have a sister that likes to read.)

Thank you, Anonymous! I know there are a lot of Redwall fans out there. How about it--have any of you read this one?

The CARLMAN, who brings balance to the Force

0 Comments on Who Will See the Movie Version of Coraline and a New One From Brian Jacques! as of 1/29/2009 9:22:00 AM

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24. Snowbirds

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By: Neil Gaiman, on 1/13/2009
Blog: Neil Gaiman (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Coraline, cold [the extreme kind], Add a tag

posted by Neil
Cabal's left hind leg is shaved, and has a stitched-up incision. It's so cold outside that he's whimpering when I take him outside to pee; it's so cold outside that it hurts to breathe. And I'm way behind on deadlines. So I'm going to put him in the car and drive south, until I get somewhere it's warm enough for a sick dog and a grumpy author.

I think it's a good bet that I'll be off blogger, twitter, and probably even email for at least a few days.

In the meantime, a fully-browsable version of Coraline, for those of you who want to read the book before the movie comes out....

...and the School Library Journal has done an article on all the various versions of Coraline currently out there.
Labels: Coraline, cold [the extreme kind]

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25. Trailer Envy

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By: Sara O'Leary, on 11/5/2008
Blog: 123oleary (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Neil Gaiman, Coraline, Book trailer, Add a tag

Look at this gorgeous Italian book trailer for Neil Gaiman's Coraline....

Produced by Bonsaininja Studio of Milan. Whoever you are, I love you. Can you make a book trailer for me, pretty please?

Found this by accident when I was looking at a youtube link my brother sent for Tim Burton's first stop motion animation short, Vincent.

Oh look, a little boy in a striped shirt to add to my collection.

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