Not on my post! + News

Is there a phrase or word that you overuse when reviewing, especially when you can't think of anything to say, but as soon as you do use it you gag at your own predictability? Whenever I'm struggling, and sometimes when I'm not, the phrase "peppered with" spills from my fingertips and onto the page. E.g. "The narrative is peppered with allusions to mallards." (Now wouldn't that be an interesting narrative?) I'm gagging right now just thinking about it. I don't think I've even used the phrase "peppered with" in a review--I'm just unreasonably loathsome of doing so.

Conversely, is there a word or phrase that you are particularly fond of including in a review? I was reading over at Nathan Bransford's blog that he has a friend who insists on the phrase "veritable cornucopia" in all his writings. It does sound rather pleasant on the tongue.

This post was inspired by Bib-Laura-graphy and her review of Liar by Justine Larbalestier, in which she uses the word "machinations". And she definitely deserves props for such a fabulous word. I don't have a favourite review word myself, but I do have, as you can see, a phrase I abhor.

***

If you hadn't heard already (and I didn't know until yesterday) John Marsden's Tomorrow, When the War Began is being made into a film! Thereby proving that dystopian is so hot right now--due to, amongst other things, The Hunger Games (including the movie adaptation) North Korea, the global financial crisis and Britney's worldwide tour. (Okay maybe not that last one.) It's being directed by Stuart Beattie, a screenwriter making its directorial debut (30 Days of Night and Australia fame). May I just voice my reservations now about the choice of director? Please, movie-gods, I want no corn for Tomorrow. Can you hear me, Beattie? No corn. And Australian actors, please. No handful of up-and-coming Americans to play the key roles to give the movie "international appeal", with locals filling in the second-rate parts.

***

I re-installed Creative Suite and made my Dystopia Challenge button. Here 'tis:

Spooky and unsettling, right? Unfortunately whoever posted the image didn't say where they got it/where it was taken. But I'm guessing it's China after a quake, sometime between now and 1970. If you want to put it on your blog (just like Theresa at Fantasy & Sci-Fi Lovin' News & Reviews) and participate in the challenge, please do! You can read the challenge details here. Also, I've got one guest dystopian review lined up for August, but I'd love to have more of you! If your keen to do a book on my list or any other of your choosing, just let me know in the comments.
sxu6ezpjw7