Allison Tebo's Blog

June 16, 2022

MY BOOK IS AN AWARD FINALIST!

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that my book, The Goblin and the Dancer, is a finalist for the Realm Maker’s Reader’s Choice Award!I cannot believe it.My book is a Realm Makers’ finalist.Hundreds of readers and over a thousand nominations . . . and my book made it to the top five. None of this would have happened without you. There are no words to describe how grateful I am to you for getting me this far (I’m not going to lie, I’m tearing up just writing this).Your generosity, support, and enthusiasm have blessed me so deeply and given me a gift I cannot repay. Every time I look at this list – at the honored company my little goblin is keeping – I have to pinch myself. Seeing my name alongside superstars such as Kara Swanson or Morgan Busse is the most surreal experience. I’m truly gobsmacked and speechless. The voting is now open to decide the winner of the award. If you would take a moment to click on the link and  vote for The Goblin and the Dancer once more , I will thank you from the bottom of my heart!To celebrate The Goblin and the Dancer being a finalist, I’m going to do something I’ve never done before . . . I’m going to host a read-along! I will be doing three separate live streams to discuss this book with you, respond to your comments, and answer questions!The first discussion was this past Monday, but the replay is still available and there is still time to join the read-along and chime in on the discussion this Friday if you haven’t joined already! I’d love to see you over on Instagram . Once more, thank you so much for helping my shy little goblin to get this far. I am more grateful than I can possibly say.
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Published on June 16, 2022 17:19

August 31, 2021

Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag (2021 Edition)

As you’ve probably guessed, Allison’s Well is, sadly, being phased out, gradually replaced with my author newsletter and blog. I do LOVE blogging, and I would like to see the amazing people I have known and loved here on Allison’s Well sojourn over to my author blog, where I hope to post more regularly. Things were pretty staid over there for a while, since I was trying to keep things more “professional.” But it’s not just me. I’ve started letting my goofy GIF-loving self slip out of the business suit and embraced more fun and faith on both the newsletter and the blog – just like what you used to see here!I had a lot of fun participating in the Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag. Head over to my author blog if you want to read my answers to these bookish questions!

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Published on August 31, 2021 09:13

July 5, 2021

INTRODUCING . . . MY NEW BOOK

So, let’s keep this short and to the point. Newsletter subscribers will already know all about this, BUT WHEN DID I EVER HESITATE TO REPEAT MYSELF?

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngI’M RELEASING A NEW BOOK!!!!This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngAs some of you already know, I am collaborating with eleven other fairy tale authors in an exciting series called A VILLAIN’S EVER AFTER: new twists on classic fairy tales.This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.png~ Here’s the official series blurb! ~This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.png What if the Enchantress fell in love with the Beast? Or the Sea Witch wasn’t so evil? Suppose the sorcerer won the swan princess’s heart? “A Villain’s Ever After” will take you to places where wishes really do come true . . . from a certain point of view. Expect the unexpected as we fall in love with the villains who might not be the “bad guy” after all.​
Featuring twelve short novels full of magic, romance, and adventure, you’ll see villains in a whole new light.​Who said villains can’t have happily-ever-afters? This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is divide.pngMy contribution to this collaboration is a retelling of The Steadfast Tin Soldier, and I can’t wait for you to read it!And now . . . at long last . . . I can finally reveal the cover!This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngScroll…This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngScroll…This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngJust a bit more…This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngAND HERE WE GO!This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.png*SQUEALING* ISN’T IT PRETTY???? WE LOVES IT, PRECIOUS. YES, WE DO. And just LOOK at the little goblin on the left hand side peeking out from behind the curtain. He’s so cute.While I go in the corner and scream, why don’t you go ahead and read the back blurb again?This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.png~ THE SYNOPSIS ~This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngGrik the goblin spends his days as a janitor cleaning the Metropolitan Dance Hall, drawn to the Elvish world and tired of the darkness of his underground home. He secretly pines for the ballet company’s lead dancer, Rosanna, but his own ugliness and shyness stands in the way of confessing his love.When a handsome soldier named Paul appears on the scene to make a bid for Rosanna’s affections, Grik’s jealousy bubbles over and he commits the unthinkable, plunging all of them into a river and down into the depths of the earth.Determined to redeem himself, Grik leads Rosanna and Paul through the place he calls home: but even a goblin can’t be prepared for everything that is found underground. Trapped in the dark, nightmares both within and without rise to the surface, threatening to destroy them all.A magical and heartfelt retelling of The Steadfast Tin Soldier about finding your worth.This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngPREORDER BOOK NOW Add It On Goodreads This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngGuys, this is the biggest release I’ve ever done, so I’m trying and hoping to spread the word as much as possible! Which means . . . This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngI am organizing a week long BLOG TOUR for my book’s release month, September. We’ve got openings for –* Book Spotlights* Author Guest Posts (up to 2)* Author Interviews* And Book Reviews (for street team members only – join the street team here!)If you are a blogger, I would deeply appreciate every bit of help in spreading the news of my little goblin child! JOIN THE BLOG TOUR TEAM (and select you kind of post you would like to do) RIGHT HERE! This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.png*takes a deep breath* Oh my goodness, I can’t wait till September! But there’s still so much to DO. And, naturally, I’ve left a great deal of it till the last minute.This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngSince that is the case, I guess I’d be hurry off and start attending to those various tasks. But I have one more thing to share before I leave you.This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngIt’s more than likely that you’ve seen me plastering these all over social media, but they look SO pretty together, I can’t resist sharing all the covers for A VILLAIN’S EVER AFTER one more time!This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngFIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE VILLAIN’S EVER AFTER SERIES!This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is divide.pngWell, that wraps up today’s post! SO, ARE YOU AS EXCITED AS I AM? WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE COVER? WHICH RETELLING ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR? I’d love to chat in the comments. Until then –This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.png

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Published on July 05, 2021 09:09

April 27, 2021

The Door To Another World Is Open

Greetings, magical beings! I know it’s been a long time. *tries very hard not to look at the date of my last post* As you’ve probably guessed, I’m here to talk about one of the reasons I’ve been AWOL on this blog – namely, Patreon! I’m reassessing where I spend my time and the places I’ve been able to be most consistent in engaging is my author newsletter , Instagram , and Patreon . If you guys miss me here on Allison’s Well, you can always find me over there! And now, I’m going to get a little salesy.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngLet’s talk about Patreon.You know why I want to share about Patreon? Because it’s basically a PARTY and, being an extrovert, I simply cannot resist inviting as many people as possible and reminding them constantly that there’s a good time going on right over yonder. I adore my patrons and we’re having such a good time, you can’t blame me for extending another invitation, can you? This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngOf course not. But first, a little backstory about what started it all! My book. SYNOPSIS: Burndee is a young and cantankerous fairy godfather, who would rather bake cakes than help humans. A disgrace to the fairy order, Burndee has only two wards entrusted to his care…a cinder girl and a charming prince.A royal ball presents Burndee with the brilliant solution of how to make his wards happy with the least amount of effort. He’ll arrange a meeting and hope the two fall in love.For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved fractured fairy tales, so it was natural that I should start writing my own by creating a faraway kingdom known as Ambia.This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngAmbia is the central country of a magical world where you can find fairy tales as you’ve probably never seen them before.I drew a lot of inspiration from Disney, of course, because I wanted to create vivid and heartfelt stories appropriate for the whole family. But I also loved old black and white screwball comedies and 90s rom-coms, and I turned to them for inspiration too. That’s what makes my fairy tales unique. Instead of straight romance, you’ll find a greater emphasis on family and friends. The structure is a comedy with romance, not the other way around.There is romance – but of the sweet and quirky kind. And you certainly won’t be forced to read page-long descriptions of the hero and heroine’s kiss. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngAmbia has more fun things to focus on. It’s a world where a fairy godparent who wants to bake cakes is constantly harassed by the bureaucracy of the Fairy Order. It’s a world where nothing turns out quite as you expected, where people are turned into skunks at odd moments, sword fights break out in the middle of wedding rehearsals, spells can be sealed up in letters with a bit of sealing wax, and magic is around every corner. Here’s what some people are saying about it. The Reluctant Godfather is the most uncliché portrayal of one of the most cliché stories that I have ever read. And I love it! It’s witty, unexpected, and delightful.The Reluctant Godfather is a light, rollicking adventure seasoned with a generous helping of humor and a sweet dash of heart. “There is a deeper wisdom which radiates from this story, more precious than the original version. But, still, first of all it is really witty and charming love story. I saved this sweet little book for a rainy day when I was feeling down, and it delivered in spades.Though the Cinderella story is one that has been revisited countless times over the years, Tebo’s version adds fresh and unexpected twists.”This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is divide.pngSo, with that bit of background under our belts, let’s get cozy for a second and take a look at what Patreon has to offer. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is f52ceb0076dce4cb7bf213ab49e4106b.gifAnd so the Door To Another World Opens . . . This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngTIER 1: $3.00 a month. Monthly short stories featuring the Tales of Ambia crew, plus Disney watch parties where me and my Patrons watch fairy tale films together and discuss them in a group chat. Patrons also get access to a special Instagram account where I discuss behind-the-scenes details on my Patreon posts. Here is the backlog of the stories that you can access as soon as you sign up!A letter from Ella with some sweet gossip about the never-before-seen details of what happened between the final chapter of The Reluctant Godfather and the epilogue – specifically, details of her wedding!A letter From Burndee featuring the Crank Master himself, Mistress Fey (the head of the Fairy Order), and one obnoxious businesswoman that Burndee is supposed to be looking after.A letter from Cynthia, that medical student / princess relating the story of how she and Prince Colin first met at college. Naturally, it was chaos and charm, right off the bat.A letter from Princess Poppy about her first winter in Ambia, featuring a hilarious first look at one of Ambia’s peculiar sporting events. I had a lot of fun writing these letters and adding to the backstories, lore, and world building of Ambia. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is bd7c18862b6fc65fa2a84ed48217e114.gifThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngTIER 2: $6.00 a month.Everything in the tier above PLUS the monthly book club. Every month my patrons get to vote on what fairy tale retelling they want to read and then, at the end of the month, we all come together for a two hour video call where there is much reflection, laughter, and bookish fangirling. So far we have discussed The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye, Dancing and Doughnuts by Rachel Kovaciny, The Enchanted Sonata by Heather Wallwork Dixon, and Fairest Son by H.S.J. Williams. The book club is a real highlight for my patrons – and for me!This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is rapunzel.gifThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngTIER 3: $9.00 a month.Everything in the two tiers above PLUS two extra fairy-tale themed posts a month. Here’s a good idea of what kind of posts I’m talking about, as well as a glimpse at the backlog you’ll be able to access immediately after signing up. A replay of the live stream where I talked about why Pocahontas is my FAVORITE Disney Princess. An essay about the Wizard of Oz on how fairy tales teach us to fight back against evil. A replay of the live stream where I reviewed the live-action version of Cinderella. Yes, I finally watched it. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngA replay of my review of Mulan 2, with a particular emphasis on the spiritual themes of following our duty when life is hard. An essay on the themes of The Snow Queen, and how the story of a boy getting a shard of glass in his eye teaches us about the dangers of clouded thinking. Recipes for Burndee’s Cocoa Powder Cake AND his Vanilla Pound Cake WITH mini stories in front of each recipe where Burndee himself walks you through a baking class. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngA replay of my review of Beauty and the Beast’s direct to video sequel, The Enchanted Christmas, with an emphasis on the spiritual themes of holding onto hope even when things look impossible. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is divide.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngLet’s talk about goals and rewards!Once we hit 20 subscribers, you will unlock the first stretch goal . . . an EXCLUSIVE Tales of Ambia novella.The Captive Cottage is a retelling of Hansel and Gretel. When Colin comes down with a virulent form of flu while on vacation, Burndee, Ella, and Cynthia are forced to quarantine with him! Tempers are stretched and mysteries abound in this madcap and feverish romp. I had a lot of fun writing this one and I can’t wait for you guys to read it!This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.png

Okay, so why am I pushing Patreon so hard? I’ll tell you.Here’s a very brief recap of something I confessed to my newsletter subscribers.I am recommitting myself to my original goal of becoming a hybrid author, which means focusing my attention for the time being on drafting a novel with the aim of getting an agent and getting traditionally published. Which means, Tales of Ambia releases are going to be quite intermittent: for how long I’m not sure.Let’s just say 2021 might be the year where I don’t have any paperback releases for my beloved series. But what to do? I have quite a number of people telling me they want more Ambia and that they’re anxious for the next installment. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is disney-do-the-magic-gif.gifThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngYour eagerness means the world to me and your excitement makes me excited. It is because of you that I started Patreon in the first place. I don’t like making you wait, and I don’t like waiting either. I adore Ambia and it’s a series that is very close to my heart. Patreon posts are the one way I can ensure that both of us get our regular dose of Ambian fairy tales. Ambia is where I first found my audience, and where I met my favorite readers. Patreon has made the experience even more intimate and special.Every person that signs up allows me to keep the fairy tale going. Patronage helps me justify the time I set aside to keep Ambia alive. And that’s why I’m constantly talking about it to you. I can’t help it. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngPatreon is my happy place. I LOVE the platform and the tight-knit feeling of community. I love the feeling that I am a magician with a weekly audience, a fairy godmother providing magical gifts for her friends and fans. It’s the ideal platform for me, and I dearly hope that it will grow. YOU CAN JOIN THE FUN AND COMMUNITY ON PATREON RIGHT HERE. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngDon’t forget, families can always share the cost. One of my patrons is actually three siblings who are all fans and who are pooling their resources. Things are quite flexible over there and the more families I see enjoying Ambia the happier I am. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.png

Nevertheless, If a Tales of Ambia Patreon is something you’re not interested in, or aren’t able to budget right now – I get it! I still wanted to take a moment to share with you how important it is to me, and why it has taken up so much of my attention.A thousand thank yous to everyone who has signed up to my street team , shared my posts, encouraged me, prayed for me, and read my book. I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful I am. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngThis image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.pngTalk to you soon, friends! Until next time. This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Untitled.png
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Published on April 27, 2021 14:55

March 27, 2021

Clean Fiction – A Door To Community: The Clean Fiction Blog Tour

WELL LOOK WHO’S ACTUALLY POSTING ON HER BLOG.Explanation?

That’s good news, right?The not-so-good-news is that this isn’t really a post for Allison’s Well, it’s an advertisement for my author website’s blog! I just posted there this morning all about CLEAN FICTION. Want a little snippet? Here’s the hook. For as long as I can remember, my family has enjoyed stories together.The bulk of these stories have been, by and large, clean fiction.For us, clean opened the door to community. Clean meant that both parents and children could enjoy a story together, instead of being separated into individual reading experiences by the barrier of content. If you want to read the rest of the post, JUST CLICK ON THE LINK.

Also, while you’re over there, you’re going to want to subscribe to THAT blog, because that’s more than likely the place you’re going to find me blogging in the future. SO, ARE YOU SUBSCRIBING OR WHAT?

SEE YOU OVER THERE, CHUM.

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Published on March 27, 2021 16:54

December 15, 2020

Burndee and Co. Are Now On Patreon!










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Hey gang! I’ve got a big announcement and, for once, in my life, I’m going to cut to the chase and come right out and reiterate the title of this blog post.



I started a patreon page just for my Tales of Ambia fans.















Oh my goodness, I am soooooooo excited, you guys. I have been planning this for over seven months now – possibly a year? Anyway, one thing after another kept delaying me but now, at long last, I have finally launched on patreon.















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Here’s the backstory.



Back in March, my day job started drying up. What was bad in some ways turned into an incredible opportunity to focus on my writing career with the goal of monetizing it because, you know, that’s what we all need and want.



I have been working on a lot of different ideas, but Patreon is so far my absolute favorite.



As I pursue the goal of becoming a full-time author, I am unable to spend as much time on my beloved Tales of Ambia as I would like.



But I always feel bad that my Tales of Ambia readers (who are the best readers in the world) have to wait so long between book releases. Plus, I miss Ambia deeply whenever I’m not working on it.



So I conceived the idea of a Tales of Ambia Patreon to tide us over in the interim between book releases!



This patreon has opened up a whole new aspect of the Tales of Ambia. My patrons get access to monthly flash fiction, behind the scenes, sneak peeks, recipes, live streams, an author book club, and more. 



And, once I hit 20 patrons, a retelling of Hansel and Gretel that was written JUST for patrons will be unlocked.



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Here’s the blurb for the patron-only novelette!



In this madcap retelling of Hansel and Gretel, a honeymoon vacation goes terribly wrong, Burndee finds himself quarantined in a cottage with far too many people and no chance of escaping. Tempers flare, relationships are strained and, in the midst of the chaos, a curious mystery begins to surface.







I am really, really anxious for you to read this one, guys. *squeaks*























Just in case I haven’t convinced you this is pretty cool, here is a quick look at what’s been happening over there this December.



A piece of holiday flash fiction involving Burndee, Poppy, and a bunch of reindeer.



A baking class with Burndee where he revealed the recipe for his Cocoa Powder Cake.



An author book club with me and my patrons buddy reading a holiday retelling of The Nutcracker and discussing our thoughts on Zoom.



A special live stream featuring art and my review and reflections on Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.



Exclusive access to a special Instagram account where my patrons can get to know one another and I share behind-the-scenes on my patreon posts.



SOUND GOOD? I think so. *grins*











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But wait, I’m not done yet.















Just in case you are a new subscriber and are not yet familiar with the world of Ambia, the first book in my series, The Reluctant Godfather, is on sale for $0.99, and will be until after New Years – so now there’s nothing stopping you from diving right in to the fairy tale adventure! 



























Guys . . . I just cannot begin to tell you how much I have been loving Patreon.



I love interacting with my readers in such a cozy and intimate way. I love getting being able to listen to your requests and make those suggestions come true. And I love this special space and the people in it. Every interaction and relationship has been pure joy. 



The community on the  Tales of Ambia Patreon  has already turned into something truly special and I have been alternately teary and dancing around the room from sheer happiness. The camaraderie and the creativity between me and my patrons is such a gift. This is the beginning of a dream come true. Creating this group is one of the best things I’ve done this year. I love my readers so much!



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SO WHO’S EXCITED?















*bounces up and down* Thank you so much for being a part of this journey and being a part of that wonderful group that makes this venture possible – my dear readers. You guys are the best of the best.







CLOSING NOTES:



As me and my patrons work towards the stretch goal of 20 supporters, it’s very important to me to keep hearing from you guys on what does and doesn’t work for them with this new venture.



Whether you are a patron or not, if you could take a moment to fill out THIS FORM very quickly, I would deeply appreciate it.



By the way, don’t forget to add The Captive Cottage to your Goodreads shelf. And while you’re there you can add A Flash Of Magic: A Collection Of Tales of Ambia Short Fiction to your Goodreads shelf, too.















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Published on December 15, 2020 16:09

November 14, 2020

A Late Nutshell

 
*Allison blasts into the room with a toot of trumpets*
 

 
Hola boys and girls! How’s it going?
It seems the time has come for another nutshell from yours truly.
A very tiny nutshell. August and September were pretty slow and distracted months for me. Even painful, at times. 
As usual, numerous circumstances contributed to this post being HORRIBLY LATE. But that’s a trend here. *grins* 

 


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And now, without further ado (who am I kidding, there’s always ado on Allison’s Well) . . . ONTO THE NUTSHELL. 

 


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– WATCHED –

 


LITTLE WOMEN


 


 
*cracks knuckles* I’ll try to keep this on the short side.

 


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If you can’t stand criticism of this film, you may want to skip some of the sections below.
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Published on November 14, 2020 18:27

A Late Nutshell

 
*Allison blasts into the room with a toot of trumpets*
 

 
Hola boys and girls! How’s it going?
It seems the time has come for another nutshell from yours truly.
A very tiny nutshell. August and September were pretty slow and distracted months for me. Even painful, at times. 
As usual, numerous circumstances contributed to this post being HORRIBLY LATE. But that’s a trend here. *grins* 

 


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And now, without further ado (who am I kidding, there’s always ado on Allison’s Well) . . . ONTO THE NUTSHELL. 

 


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– WATCHED –

 


LITTLE WOMEN


 


 
*cracks knuckles* I’ll try to keep this on the short side.

 


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If you can’t stand criticism of this film, you may want to skip some of the sections below.
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Published on November 14, 2020 13:27

October 16, 2020

The Star Wars No One Else Knows

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Hello Padawans!  Today I am participating in the EVERYTHING STAR WARS BLOGATHON hosted by Eva Joy at Coffee, Classics, and Craziness and Katie Hanna at I’m Charles Baker Harris And I Can Read.

 


 

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My contribution to this event is a post very dear to me called . . . “The Star Wars No One Else Knows.”
 
All right, so maybe that title wasn’t wholly accurate. I’m sure, somewhere out there in the universe, there is somebody who knows about the Star Wars shows and films I will be blogging about today. It just FEELS like I’m the only one who knows about them.

 


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So I was exaggerating. So that was a click bait title. I DO WHAT I WANT, OKAY?

 



 


The point is, it FEELS as if I’m one of the few people in the galaxy who know about these Star Wars stories.  And that is VERY SAD INDEED.

 


My solution is to ram the knowledge of these little-known series down your throats so that you can fangirl with me.

 


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In addition, I knew everyone was going to be talking about the popular stuff – The Original Series, The Prequels, The TV Shows . . . . The Supposed Sequel Trilogy (Which, In My Opinion Should Have Been Stricken From The Record). #ButIDigress 
 
Anyway,  I wanted to do something a little different from everyone else. Whoops, my Rebel’s showing…
So are you ready to dive into The Star Wars no one else knows? Let’s go!

 



 


 


The Star Wars gem that I will be highlighting today is . . .
 
THE FREEMAKER ADVENTURES!

 






 
 
Official Blurb:
The Freemaker siblings head out into space in search of debris that they can use to design and build new vehicles. Spunky 12-year-old Rowan has a thirst for adventure, older sister Kordi keeps the family together while managing the family business, and oldest brother Zander is an ace pilot, who is the clan’s self-proclaimed star ship connoisseur. When Rowan discovers an ancient artifact with a connection to the Force, the siblings are thrown into an epic battle with the Empire to restore peace to the galaxy. During the clash, the Freemakers learn the true value of family and the importance of sticking together through difficult times.

 










 
A RATHER INCOHERENT LIST OF THINGS THAT I LOVE ABOUT THE FREEMAKER’S

 


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It’s a LEGO movie.
Maybe you didn’t grow up with Legos, but I did, and they were an extremely formative part of my childhood. Legos were essentially our LIFE. They were one of the first forms of storytelling that my siblings and I engaged in and I can remember countless happy hours building and playing with those fabulous toys.
In consequence, the four of us never really got over our affection for Legos. Just say the word “Lego” to us and we’ll be all over it, “oohing” and “aahing” and sharing special memories.

 


It’s a show for families and about families. And, for once, in our benighted existence, we actually get to see a HAPPY family.
HAS THE WORLD ENDED??? A FAMILY THAT ACTUALLY LOVES AND LIKES EACH OTHER. WHAT IS THIS MADNESS?????

 


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Even in some of the prequel shorts to this series, their parents are shown as having a very loving and healthy relationship.

 



 


Aren’t they cute???  LOOKIT THE LITTLE ZANDER AND KORDI. *squeezes babies*  The Freemakers are the sweetest family.
 
This show isn’t JUST about siblings, it’s about siblings who all work together in a family business. For once in my life, I’ve been represented!!! IT’S THE TEBO’S IN LEGO FORM!!!
I have been waiting for YEARS to see a show like this. Finding fictional siblings that love one another and work together in the same business is as special and rare as a Bigfoot sighting!
 

 


Age diversity. There are no words to express my passionate dislike for the way society splits all of us up into little groups. Retirees this way, middle-aged people this way, college-age people that-a-way, high-schoolers here, middle grade there, kindergarten there, and all babies tossed into the nursery!
I. Don’t. Like. That.
In real life, or in fiction.

 


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I think it’s damaging to families and society as a whole to spread the idea around that people of different age groups can’t spend time with one another. I think it’s very narrow-minded indeed to spread the lie that we can only fully communicate or feel completely comfortable with people who are in our exact age bracket. And that was what I loved about The Freemaker Adventures – they show siblings of very different ages enjoying one another’s company and appreciating what each age can contribute to the complete unit.

 



 


When my oldest sibling had just entered their twenties, I had just entered my teens.  But we still hung out, we still talked, we still played together and explored together.
Age difference doesn’t really matter to the Freemaker’s: they still like one another, each member still has something unique and valuable to contribute.

 


One of the things I love most about the Freemaker’s is that it has a certain energy that can only come when a family loves one another and works together towards the same goal. When that happens, there is a buoyant quality – as if everything has become possible.

 


The stories are precisely my cup of bantha milk. Basically, if the Tebo siblings had gotten loose in the Star Wars board room and created a series: this would be it. They’re the perfect blend of adventure, heart, zaniness, and inventiveness. I can’t get enough of them. 

 



 


Despite the crazy high-jinks and tongue-in-cheek references there is a surprisingly deep quality to the stories. There were parts in this series that made me choke up considerably. I’m not kidding, there were a few scenes that genuinely made me misty.

 



 


While there’s all of the maturity of themes and feeling (our characters deal with sadness, loss, injustice, sacrifice, loneliness) the creators kept the physical content down. Our three heroes (who are pretty young) are never really seen shooting at other characters, merely using other methods to overcome villains. Pilots inside of star fighters are seen floating away to live another day when their ships are blown apart.
The zaniness of the show keeps it from being intense but, at the same time, it enables the creators to embrace rambunctious adventure. It’s a unique dynamic.

 


To my mind, ever since the Original Series, Star Wars installments have a tendency to be either to hung up on political correctness to even bother with a cohesive story line, or too anxious to make something cool that they forget Star Wars was supposed to be fun. The Freemaker Adventure captures the same lively romplish quality of the Original Series. Star Wars was always meant to be a larger-than-life adventure about good versus evil, and the Freemaker show nails the core principles.
 
Awesome cameos! We get to see Leia, Luke, Admiral Ackbar, Vader, The Emporer, Dengar, Boba Fett, Lando, Jabba, and more!  Even Han . . . sort of.

 


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Strong moral codes. Unlike the rather dubious excuses of immoral behavior that can sometimes crop up in other Star Wars stories (*cough cough* Kylo Ren) there is a definite sense of right and wrong in the Freemaker’s. The main character’s are heroes because of their strength of character, not just their guts. It also shows that a strong family is imperative for creating this kind of noble framework. Rowan’s bravery and strong moral compass are one of the main aspects of the show. Where did he get those attributes? From his family!  Kordi and Zander work hard to raise Rowan correctly and often council him. And where did they get that wisdom from? From their parents! Even though Pace and Lena Freemaker have passed away, their presence is felt in the show as we see the kids making good decisions and choosing right over wrong again and again.

 



 


IT’S CUTE. “Cute” seems to be a four letter word to most creatives these days. By all implications, they would rather die a torturous death than create a story that is anywhere close to cute.
It is one of the many reasons I loved George Lucas’s boldness as a creative. He wasn’t afraid of being cute!  He knew that just because something is cute, it doesn’t mean it can’t also be serious. He knew that cuteness is a part of our daily lives and can be easily juxtaposed against sorrow or heroism. After all cute creatures and cute people – surround you every day.
And while we’re on the subject – CAN YOU PLEASE WATCH THIS SHORT?  It’s one of my new favorite things.

 


 


 
Being relentlessly pursued by a friendly baby Ewok has now become my favorite mental fantasy. I WISH I HAD PROBLEMS LIKE THIS.

 


DID I MENTION THE CUTENESS OVERLOAD? And in Lego form – EVERYTHING is cute.  I mean JUST LOOK AT THESE GUYS. 

 



 


Baby Wampas!

 



 


Baby Ewoks!

 



 


Wee Jawas!

 


The humor is so funny it will make you laugh till you cry. Trust me, it’s hilarious. 

 








 


I could go on and on, but this post is already getting quite long – so on to the next topic!

 



 


 – THE CHARACTERS –

 


ROWAN FREEMAKER

 



 


Ah, Rowan! You cutie. Rowan could have very easily been the selfish and annoying little Brat of a baby brother. But he isn’t.
I absolutely loved that Rowan is the one who is Force-sensitive. In a way, Rowan sort of redeemed what was attempted in The Phantom Menace. They captured the childlike cuteness of the concept while still infusing a wonderful and relatable character arc. 
Rowan is adventurous and curious, with a knack for getting himself and his family into trouble.
When he discovers that he is Force-Sensitive, Rowan is catapulted into a series of events that he feels unprepared for. His naturally noble heart is often afraid that his impatience and inability to focus will cause him to fail. Indeed, his trust and impressionability get him into numerous scraps.
He has a deep sense of loyalty and commitment to his family. He is naturally brave and a strong moral compass.
And he’s very enthusiastic, maybe a little TOO enthusiastic.
 
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Rowan has the power to sense pieces of the Kyber Saber. He can also communicate with animals among other skills.
As he trains, he begins to acquire the other Jedi skills we are familiar with, force throwing, jumping, levitation, etc.

 



 


Rowan also has some piloting skills and is also a budding mechanic and skilled scavenger.
He also uses his natural positivity to keep things light in the trio.  To quote Kordi and Zander: he’s an awesome little brother!
 
KORDI FREEMAKER

 



 


As the manager of the Freemaker Garage, Kordi brings her management and administrative skills to bear. while she can defend herself and get in on the action, Kordi is primarily a talker. Whether she’s acting as the Garge’s main salesperson or frantically wheeling and dealing for her life, Kordi has a talent for negotiating. Essentially, she could sell sand to Jawas and walk off with their sand crawler. And she doesn’t take guff from nobody. 

 



 


Ah Kordi. She’s hilarious! Finally, a female character I CAN relate to, even if it’s only a little. She is a wheeler and dealer who just doesn’t stop talking. If she can’t convince someone into doing what she wants with her smooth explosion of wordplay, she’ll overwhelm them with sheer personality. And, if worst comes to worst, she’ll belt them in the head. Her courage, intelligence, and frugality keep her family out of many scraps and keeps them afloat through tough times.

 



 


Even though Zander is the oldest, it is often Kordi who assumes the role of Most responsible in many ways. And yet, unlike other modern female characters, she is never too obnoxious and she never demeans her brothers. She is confidant, smart, and (best of all) caring. Beneath that sassy exterior is a warm heart that want to care for those around her and earn the trust of those she respects. 

 


ZANDER FREEMAKER

 



 


Zander could have very easily fallen into the hole that every other poor beleaguered male character falls into these days. You know what I’m talking about. Stupid, useless, effeminate, and there solely to make the “Strong Female character” look good since she’s incapable of looking good under her own steam.
But Zander – bless his dimples – isn’t like that. Even though he’s often content to let Kordi make quite a few of the business decisions and is often lacking in common sense, Zander contributes so much to the trio.

 



 


He’s charming, silly, confident – but also warm-hearted, kind, and talented. His multi-layered character perfectly blends together smoothness and goofiness. However, Zander isn’t a total goof-off. No one is more protective than him when his siblings are in serious trouble.  He is quick to encourage and comfort his family and he doesn’t hesitate to sacrifice himself for them or to leap into action when action is needed.

 



 


Zander Freemaker is also a skilled starship mechanic who could even repair things while blindfolded and he often uses his building skills to invent entirely new ships and vehicles.
 

 
He’s also a “super star pilot guy” who can pilot just about anything.  He has kept the family’s ship, The Star Scavenger, running for years, even though it was built before the Clone Wars. And if you ever need a getaway driver – Zander’s your man.
Lastly, there is just something so safe and comforting about Zander. Whether you’re a baby Wampa who has lost track of your mom, or a twelve year old struggling to learn the Force – Zander is the one you turn to for a hug and words of comfort. 
 
 
ROGER THE DROID

 



 


We always knew the battle droids from The Phantom Menace would have been destined for comedic greatness if they had just been put in the proper format!  Well, stick a rehabilitated battle droid in a Lego series and we have something truly hilarious. RO-GR used to be a soldier who was killed by Jedi multiple times (he remembers each encounter with some trauma) but he is now a full-time Freemaker, lending his skills as a slicer, mechanic, pilot, fighter, and even a chef (blue milk pancakes and sweet sand cookies, anyone?).
Though he TRIES to be helpful with his dubious skill-sets, Roger has an overinflated idea of his abilities and can be dangerously cocky.
When he’s not creating problems for his charges, he’s writing his memoirs: “From Trenches To Wrenches.” 
Poor Roger! Continually aggravating, friendly and entertaining and not good at reading social cues.
In consequence, he also never shuts up. NEVER.
He can also be grumpy, pessimistic, and prone to panic in just about any given situation.
 


 
But he’s still adorable and he makes sweet sand cookies and he is very loyal to the kids and regards them as family. While he recognizes that he is a droid, Roger identifies firstly as a Freemaker.
And I’m just going to slip a little clip of him in here for your viewing pleasure . . . 

 



 


And now, a little highlight on a few of the villains.
 

 


GRABALLA THE HUTT

 



 


Jabba the Hutt’s incompetent young cousin manages a mining facility . . .  but he’s not very good at that, with his operating costs exceeding his profits.
Perhaps it’s because he’s just not too interested in his current line of corrupt work. This whiny businessman has big dreams. He yearns to create his own beach-side resort and grill. After all, at a mere 400 years old, he’s in his prime. He wants to live it up!
To be honest, words fail me when it comes to describing Graballa. He is, no question, one of my favorite villains of all time. Albeit, a rather useless and pathetic villain.  He’s just stressed enough that we feel a little sorry for him, but never so nice that we don’t cheer when he gets his comeuppance. 
You know what? Just watch a few of his scenes. You’ll get the idea.

 



 


The Emperor

 



 


I can guess what you’re thinking. Really, Allison? You like the Emperor?
Believe me when I saw this is not your usual Emperor. But this is definitely the Emperor I’ve been looking for.
Essentially, he’s my evil alter ego.  Look at the gif below. Have you ever seen a more Allison-esque quote? My siblings have confirmed that this is very me. 

 



 
Once again, the villains of this show are so hilarious and witty (and, in this case, slightly relatable) that it’s hard to describe. And, once again, I’ll let you discover the gleefully wicked Palpatine for yourself with the handy little clip below! 

 



 



 


Oh boy, this turned into a thesis. 

 



 
But I was trying to convince you that this show is worth trying! Did I convince you?

 


The Freemaker Adventures represented me and my siblings in a way I rarely see. Sometimes these siblings argue, sometimes they even hit each other.  But they’re always a team.

 


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They’re each other’s better halves. They’re best friends, sounding boards, role models, comrade-in-arms, and cheerleaders all rolled up into one person.
They need each other, and they’re not afraid to show it. They’re actively interested in one another and enjoy being together.
They’re not perfect, but together they are fabulous.
Maybe you’re looking at this post right now and thinking, “But this is still kids stuff. Why are you raving about it so much?” 
I suppose it’s because there is a part of my heart that is still childlike – where adventure is not only exciting, but funny. It’s a heart where physics and logic don’t interfere with fun – and even small people who feel weak can do incredible things. It’s a heart where fun is infinite and family is the best crew in the world. 
 

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Well?  What did you think?  I am now accepting accolades for helping you take your first step into a larger world.

 



 


Seriously, though, did I convince you to watch these series???  THAT’S WHAT I REALLY WANT TO KNOW.

 


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I have some good news for you. At this time, the first season is FREE on YouTube! *squeals and claps hands* I’ll just go ahead and embed the first episode right here. Go ahead, click it, watch it, you know you want to.  YOU CANNOT RESIST THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE. Uh, I mean, the Legos. 
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Published on October 16, 2020 13:04

The Star Wars No One Else Knows

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Hello Padawans!  Today I am participating in the EVERYTHING STAR WARS BLOGATHON hosted by Eva Joy at Coffee, Classics, and Craziness and Katie Hanna at I’m Charles Baker Harris And I Can Read.

 


 

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My contribution to this event is a post very dear to me called . . . “The Star Wars No One Else Knows.”
 
All right, so maybe that title wasn’t wholly accurate. I’m sure, somewhere out there in the universe, there is somebody who knows about the Star Wars shows and films I will be blogging about today. It just FEELS like I’m the only one who knows about them.

 



 


So I was exaggerating. So that was a click bait title. I DO WHAT I WANT, OKAY?

 



 


The point is, it FEELS as if I’m one of the few people in the galaxy who know about these Star Wars stories.  And that is VERY SAD INDEED.

 


My solution is to ram the knowledge of these little-known series down your throats so that you can fangirl with me.

 



 


In addition, I knew everyone was going to be talking about the popular stuff – The Original Series, The Prequels, The TV Shows . . . . The Supposed Sequel Trilogy (Which, In My Opinion Should Have Been Stricken From The Record). #ButIDigress 
 
Anyway,  I wanted to do something a little different from everyone else. Whoops, my Rebel’s showing…
So are you ready to dive into The Star Wars know one else knows? Let’s go!

 



 


 


The Star Wars gem that I will be highlighting today is . . .
 
THE FREEMAKER ADVENTURES!

 






 
 
Official Blurb:
The Freemaker siblings head out into space in search of debris that they can use to design and build new vehicles. Spunky 12-year-old Rowan has a thirst for adventure, older sister Kordi keeps the family together while managing the family business, and oldest brother Zander is an ace pilot, who is the clan’s self-proclaimed star ship connoisseur. When Rowan discovers an ancient artifact with a connection to the Force, the siblings are thrown into an epic battle with the Empire to restore peace to the galaxy. During the clash, the Freemakers learn the true value of family and the importance of sticking together through difficult times.

 










 
A RATHER INCOHERENT LIST OF THINGS THAT I LOVE ABOUT THE FREEMAKER’S

 


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It’s a LEGO movie.
Maybe you didn’t grow up with Legos, but I did, and they were an extremely formative part of my childhood. Legos were essentially our LIFE. They were one of the first forms of storytelling that my siblings and I engaged in and I can remember countless happy hours building and playing with those fabulous toys.
In consequence, the four of us never really got over our affection for Legos. Just say the word “Lego” to us and we’ll be all over it, “oohing” and “aahing” and sharing special memories.

 


It’s a show for families and about families. And, for once, in our benighted existence, we actually get to see a HAPPY family.
HAS THE WORLD ENDED??? A FAMILY THAT ACTUALLY LOVES AND LIKES EACH OTHER. WHAT IS THIS MADNESS?????

 



 


Even in some of the prequel shorts to this series, their parents are shown as having a very loving and healthy relationship.

 



 


Aren’t they cute???  LOOKIT THE LITTLE ZANDER AND KORDI. *squeezes babies*  The Freemakers are the sweetest family.
 
This show isn’t JUST about siblings, it’s about siblings who all work together in a family business. For once in my life, I’ve been represented!!! IT’S THE TEBO’S IN LEGO FORM!!!
I have been waiting for YEARS to see a show like this. Finding fictional siblings that love one another and work together in the same business is as special and rare as a Bigfoot sighting!
 

 


Age diversity. There are no words to express my passionate dislike for the way society splits all of us up into little groups. Retirees this way, middle-aged people this way, college-age people that-a-way, high-schoolers here, middle grade there, kindergarten there, and all babies tossed into the nursery!
I. Don’t. Like. That.
In real life, or in fiction.

 



 


I think it’s damaging to families and society as a whole to spread the idea around that people of different age groups can’t spend time with one another. I think it’s very narrow-minded indeed to spread the lie that we can only fully communicate or feel completely comfortable with people who are in our exact age bracket. And that was what I loved about The Freemaker Adventures – they show siblings of very different ages enjoying one another’s company and appreciating what each age can contribute to the complete unit.

 



 


When my oldest sibling had just entered their twenties, I had just entered my teens.  But we still hung out, we still talked, we still played together and explored together.
Age difference doesn’t really matter to the Freemaker’s: they still like one another, each member still has something unique and valuable to contribute.

 


One of the things I love most about the Freemaker’s is that it has a certain energy that can only come when a family loves one another and works together towards the same goal. When that happens, there is a buoyant quality – as if everything has become possible.

 


The stories are precisely my cup of bantha milk. Basically, if the Tebo siblings had gotten loose in the Star Wars board room and created a series: this would be it. They’re the perfect blend of adventure, heart, zaniness, and inventiveness. I can’t get enough of them. 

 



 


Despite the crazy high-jinks and tongue-in-cheek references there is a surprisingly deep quality to the stories. There were parts in this series that made me choke up considerably. I’m not kidding, there were a few scenes that genuinely made me misty.

 



 


While there’s all of the maturity of themes and feeling (our characters deal with sadness, loss, injustice, sacrifice, loneliness) but the creators kept the physical content down. Our three heroes (who are pretty young) are never really seen shooting at other characters, merely using other methods to overcome villains. Pilots inside of star fighters are seen floating away to live another day when their ships are blown apart.
The zaniness of the show keeps it from being intense but, at the same time, it enables the creators to embrace rambunctious adventure. It’s a unique dynamic.

 


To my mind, ever since the Original Series, Star Wars installments have a tendency to be either to hung up on political correctness to even bother with a cohesive story line, or too anxious to make something cool that they forget Star Wars was supposed to be fun. The Freemaker Adventure captures the same lively romplish quality of the Original Series. Star Wars was always meant to be a larger-than-life adventure about good versus evil, and the Freemaker show nails the core principles.
 
Awesome cameos! We get to see Leia, Luke, Admiral Ackbar, Vader, The Emporer, Dengar, Boba Fett, Lando, Jabba, and more!  Even Han . . . sort of.

 


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Strong moral codes. Unlike the rather dubious excuses of immoral behavior that can sometimes crop up in other Star Wars stories (*cough cough* Kylo Ren) there is a definite sense of right and wrong in the Freemaker’s. The main character’s are heroes because of their strength of character, not just their guts. It also shows that a strong family is imperative for creating this kind of noble framework. Rowan’s bravery and strong moral compass are one of the main aspects of the show. Where did he get those attributes? From his family!  Kordi and Zander work hard to raise Rowan correctly and often council him. And where did they get that wisdom from? From their parents? Even though Pace and Lena Freemaker have passed away, their presence is felt in the show as we see the kids making good decisions and choosing right over wrong again and again.

 



 


IT’S CUTE. “Cute” seems to be a four letter word to most creatives these days. By all implications, they would rather die a torturous death than create a story that is anywhere close to cute.
It is one of the many reasons I loved George Lucas’s boldness as a creative. He wasn’t afraid of being cute!  He knew that just because something is cute, it doesn’t mean it can’t also be serious. He knew that cuteness is a part of our daily lives and can be easily juxtaposed against sorrow or heroism. After all cute creatures and cute people – surround you every day.
And while we’re on the subject – CAN YOU PLEASE WATCH THIS SHORT?  It’s one of my new favorite things.

 


 


 
Being relentlessly pursued by a friendly baby Ewok has now become my favorite mental fantasy. I WISH I HAD PROBLEMS LIKE THIS.

 


DID I MENTION THE CUTENESS OVERLOAD? And in Lego form – EVERYTHING is cute.  I mean JUST LOOK AT THESE GUYS. 

 



 


Baby Wampas!

 



 


Baby Ewoks!

 



 


Wee Jawas!

 


The humor is so funny it will make you laugh till you cry. Trust me, it’s hilarious. 

 








 


I could go on and on, but this post is already getting quite long – so on to the next topic!

 



 


 – THE CHARACTERS –

 


ROWAN FREEMAKER

 



 


Ah, Rowan! You cutie. Rowan could have very easily been the selfish and annoying little Brat of a baby brother. But he isn’t.
I absolutely loved that Rowan is the one who is Force-sensitive. In a way, Rowan sort of redeemed what was attempted in The Phantom Menace. They captured the childlike cuteness of the concept while still infusing a wonderful and relatable character arc. 
Rowan is adventurous and curious, with a knack for getting himself and his family into trouble.
When he discovers that he is Force-Sensitive, Rowan is catapulted into a series of events that he feels unprepared for. His naturally noble heart is often afraid that his impatience and inability to focus will cause him to fail. Indeed, his trust and impressionability get him into numerous scraps.
He has a deep sense of loyalty and commitment to his family. He is naturally brave and a strong moral compass.
And he’s very enthusiastic, maybe a little TOO enthusiastic.
 
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Rowan has the power to sense pieces of the Kyber Saber. He can also communicate with animals among other skills.
As he trains, he begins to acquire the other Jedi skills we are familiar with, force throwing, jumping, levitation, etc.

 



 


Rowan also has some piloting skills and is also a budding mechanic and skilled scavenger.
He also uses his natural positivity to keep things light in the trio.  To quote Kordi and Zander: he’s an awesome little brother!
 
KORDI FREEMAKER

 



 


As the manager of the Freemaker Garage, Kordi brings her management and administrative skills to bear. while she can defend herself and get in on the action, Kordi is primarily a talker. Whether she’s acting as the Garge’s main salesperson or frantically wheeling and dealing for her life, Kordi has a talent for negotiating. Essentially, she could sell sand to Jawas and walk off with their sand crawler. And she doesn’t take guff from nobody. 

 



 


Ah Kordi. She’s hilarious! Finally, a female character I CAN relate to, even if it’s only a little. She is a wheeler and dealer who just doesn’t stop talking. If she can’t convince someone into doing what she wants with her smooth explosion of wordplay, she’ll overwhelm them with sheer personality. And, if worst comes to worst, she’ll belt them in the head. Her courage, intelligence, and frugality keep her family out of many scraps and keeps them afloat through tough times.

 



 


Even though Zander is the oldest, it is often Kordi who assumes the role of Most responsible in many ways. And yet, unlike other modern female characters, she is never too obnoxious and she never demeans her brothers. She is confidant, smart, and (best of all) caring. Beneath that sassy exterior is a warm heart that want to care for those around her and earn the trust of those she respects. 

 


ZANDER FREEMAKER

 



 


Zander could have very easily fallen into the hole that every other poor beleaguered male character falls into these days. You know what I’m talking about. Stupid, useless, effeminate, and there solely to make the “Strong Female character” look good since she’s incapable of looking good under her own steam.
But Zander – bless his dimples – isn’t like that. Even though he’s often content to let Kordi make quite a few of the business decisions and is often lacking in common sense, Zander contributes so much to the trio.

 



 


He’s charming, silly, confident – but also warm-hearted, kind, and talented. His multi-layered character perfectly blends together smoothness and goofiness. However, Zander isn’t a total goof-off. No one is more protective than him when his siblings are in serious trouble.  He is quick to encourage and comfort his family and he doesn’t hesitate to sacrifice himself for them or to leap into action when action is needed.

 



 


Zander Freemaker is also a skilled starship mechanic who could even repair things while blindfolded and he often uses his building skills to invent entirely new ships and vehicles.
 

 
He’s also a “super star pilot guy” who can pilot just about anything.  He has kept the family’s ship, The Star Scavenger, running for years, even though it was built before the Clone Wars. And if you ever need a getaway driver – Zander’s your man.
Lastly, there is just something so safe and comforting about Zander. Whether you’re a baby Wampa who has lost track of your mom, or a twelve year old struggling to learn the Force – Zander is the one you turn to for a hug and words of comfort. 
 
 
ROGER THE DROID

 



 


We always knew the battle droids from The Phantom Menace would have been destined for comedic greatness if they had just been put in the proper format!  Well, stick a rehabilitated battle droid in a Lego series and we have something truly hilarious. RO-GR used to be a soldier who was killed by Jedi multiple times (he remembers each encounter with some trauma) but he is now a full-time Freemaker, lending his skills as a slicer, mechanic, pilot, fighter, and even a chef (blue milk pancakes and sweet sand cookies, anyone?).
Though he TRIES to be helpful with his dubious skill-sets, Roger has an overinflated idea of his abilities and can be dangerously cocky.
When he’s not creating problems for his charges, he’s writing his memoirs: “From Trenches To Wrenches.” 
Poor Roger! Continually aggravating, friendly and entertaining and not good at reading social cues.
In consequence, he also never shuts up. NEVER.
He can also be grumpy, pessimistic, and prone to panic in just about any given situation.
 


 
But he’s still adorable and he makes sweet sand cookies and he is very loyal to the kids and regards them as family. While he recognizes that he is a droid, Roger identifies firstly as a Freemaker.
And I’m just going to slip a little clip of him in here for your viewing pleasure . . . 

 



 


And now, a little highlight on a few of the villains.
 

 


GRABALLA THE HUTT

 



 


Jabba the Hutt’s incompetent young cousin manages a mining facility . . .  but he’s not very good at that, with his operating costs exceeding his profits.
Perhaps it’s because he’s just not too interested in his current line of corrupt work. This whiny businessman has big dreams. He yearns to create his own beach-side resort and grill. After all, at a mere 400 years old, he’s in his prime. He wants to live it up!
To be honest, words fail me when it comes to describing Graballa. He is, no question, one of my favorite villains of all time. Albeit, a rather useless and pathetic villain.  He’s just stressed enough that we feel a little sorry for him, but never so nice that we don’t cheer when he gets his comeuppance. 
You know what? Just watch a few of his scenes. You’ll get the idea.

 



 


The Emperor

 



 


I can guess what you’re thinking. Really, Allison? You like the Emperor?
Believe me when I saw this is not your usual Emperor. But this is definitely the Emperor I’ve been looking for.
Essentially, he’s my evil alter ego.  Look at the gif below. Have you ever seen a more Allison-esque quote? My siblings have confirmed that this is very me. 

 



 
Once again, the villains of this show are so hilarious and witty (and, in this case, slightly relatable) that it’s hard to describe. And, once again, I’ll let you discover the gleefully wicked Palpatine for yourself with the handy little clip below! 

 



 



 


Oh boy, this turned into a thesis. 

 



 
But I was trying to convince you that this show is worth trying! Did I convince you?

 


The Freemaker Adventures represented me and my siblings in a way I rarely see. Sometimes these siblings argue, sometimes they even hit each other.  But they’re always a team.

 


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They’re each other’s better halves. They’re best friends, sounding boards, role models, comrade-in-arms, and cheerleaders all rolled up into one person.
They need each other, and they’re not afraid to show it. They’re actively interested in one another and enjoy being together.
They’re not perfect, but together they are fabulous.
Maybe you’re looking at this post right now and thinking, “But this is still kids stuff. Why are you raving about it so much?” 
I suppose it’s because there is a part of my heart that is still childlike – where adventure is not only exciting, but funny. It’s a heart where physics and logic don’t interfere with fun – and even small people who feel weak can do incredible things. It’s a heart where fun is infinite and family is the best crew in the world. 
 

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Well?  What did you think?  I am now accepting accolades for helping you take your first step into a larger world.

 



 


Seriously, though, did I convince you to watch these series???  THAT’S WHAT I REALLY WANT TO KNOW.

 



 


I have some good news for you. At this time, the first season is FREE on YouTube! *squeals and claps hands* I’ll just go ahead and embed the first episode right here. Go ahead, click it, watch it, you know you want to.  YOU CANNOT RESIST THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE. Uh, I mean, the Legos. 
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Published on October 16, 2020 08:04