The Wicked Ingénue

On why memoirs are a lie

Kristen Brownell — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:39:38 +0000

As writers, we create memories – memories for our characters and memorable characters for our readers. Revisiting the past is an integral part of storytelling just as it is an integral part of life. Especially if you’re writing a memoir. I recently graduated from college, and instead of taking three months off before I start [...]

She

Kristen Brownell — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:19:05 +0000

She sits before the vanity in her dressing room. The twelve bulbs surrounding the mirror form a halo of imperfection around her image. They expose the mole on her cheek, the scar under her eyebrow, the lines around her mouth, the spider veins she inherited from her mother, the black roots snaking through the center [...]

On God, the Bible, and Spiritual Awakenings

Kristen Brownell — Fri, 07 May 2010 21:52:19 +0000

I’m about to confess something to you that I normally don’t like to admit: I am ignorant when it comes to the Bible. There, I said it. Man, that’s a bitter pill to swallow. Being as this is the most popular book of all time and being as it’s referenced constantly—at least in academic and [...]

Best Looks of the Academy Awards 2010

Kristen Brownell — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:33:56 +0000

These are my picks for the best looks of the 2010 Academy Awards. Sorry, everyone – I don’t critique the guys. To me, a suit is a suit is a suit (although proper tailoring and a tasteful tie is essential). 1. Charlize Theron Of course, I’m partial to this gown because it’s my favorite color. Fashion [...]

Unlock Your Heart

Kerry — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:13:02 +0000

(Today’s blog is brought to you by a VERY special person and one of the greatest friends a girl could ask for… To learn more about P.Q. check out her blog DC Princess at http://www.dcprincessq.com and enjoy!!) “Every woman has the exact love life she wants.” – The Wedding Date Prior to five months ago, I [...]

Methinks Valentine’s Day Doth Sucketh

Kristen Brownell — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:15:39 +0000

-start soapbox- Interestingly enough, the United States is the only country that celebrates Valentine’s Day with such deliberateness and fanfare. I think it’s a reflection of typical capitalistic Western ideologies, and it reiterates the fact that the almighty (although currently economically-challenged) dollar influences much of our cultural values and beliefs. I’m sure the individual(s) who suggested making [...]

7+ Tips on How to Survive the New Facebook Homepage – A guide if you hate it.

Kerry — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:52:34 +0000

Ok, a few things first. 1) I am not Kristen. I am her much less erudite friend Kerry and since today is her birthday, as her gift I graciously offered to write a blog for her. I know. My generosity is overwhelming. 2) I may not be skilled at anything more than tomfoolery, but if there’s one [...]

No Pun-Puns for Dum-Dums

Kristen Brownell — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:11:45 +0000

Check out my guest blog on my friend Jeff Deck’s website in which I discuss Shakespearean puns, the ridiculousness of wearing snow caps and mittens in 70-degree weather, and the degeneration of language in contemporary society. Click on the picture and allow ol’ WIll to whisk you away:

Milli Vanilli, Shakespeare Style

Kristen Brownell — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:03:47 +0000

I absolutely adore Shakespeare. Always have. He was a genius in every sense of the word. Reading “The Tempest” back in elementary school was what inspired me to become a writer. (Yes, I said elementary school. Hell, I read “The Divine Comedy” when I was practically in diapers) I’m enrolled in three Shakespeare courses this [...]

How To…Survive a Brutal Writing Workshop

Kristen Brownell — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:58:39 +0000

1. Write only what your instructor wants/likes to read. You can discern this by listening to her/his feeble compliments in workshop: “that was sort of well-done”; “this part was kind of okay”; “Well, I didn’t hate that character”, etc. 2. Treat yourself to a Kit-Kat bar before workshop starts. In China, it’s considered good [...]