Sybil Nelson's Blog
May 30, 2013
Star Trek: Into Darkness. The Greatest Movie Ever … except for these few things (Okay, there are 12). A movie review from Priscilla the Great.
Star Trek: Into Darkness. The Greatest Movie Ever … except for these few things (Okay, there are 12). A movie review from Priscilla the Great.
Considering I’m just a fictional character I am by no means a movie expert. I’m not even a Star Trek expert. But since I am a science fiction character I kind of feel obligated to stay up to date with the Star Trek world.
Overall, Star Trek Into Darkness was an amazing movie, great action, awesome special effects, and some really funny moments. But there were a few things plot-wise that kind of annoyed me. So if you haven’t seen the movie, you might want to stop reading here because there are going to be some HUGE spoilers.
1. In the opening scene, why did Spock have to go into the volcano? Why couldn't they beam the bomb into the volcano from the comfort of the Enterprise?
2. Why did the Enterprise have to hide in the water? Why couldn't they stay in space and beam Spock into the volcano? And don’t say that is impossible because minutes later they beam him out.
3. While we are talking about cold fusion, it is not actually cold. I’m thirteen and I know that. But that could also be because my mother is a genetically enhanced superhuman and my father is a science genius. So, our dinner conversations are a tad bit advanced.
4. Why was it so important that the village people not see them? They make such a big deal over this that I expect it to be a major plot point later but then it never comes up again.
5. And now let's get to Khan. I might not be a Star Trek expert but I am kind of an expert in superhumans (see point 3). Let’s think about this logically, shall we? New Spock calls Old Spock and asks him about Khan. So we can assume that they are referring to the same Khan whom new Spock hasn’t met yet, but Old Spock has. That Khan was supposed to be Indian (though he was played by a Mexican). So the logical question is, when did Khan become white? Was it a side effect of freezing?6. Why would he hide his friends in explosives, which by definition, are designed to explode? If Kirk had gone through with his original plan, all of Khan’s friends would have been dead. He has the whole universe at his disposal considering that magic transporter thingy he has. He could have hid his friends anywhere.7. The female characters were useless and very underdeveloped. It was almost like JJ was like...oh, yeah, we have to have the women do something. As an advocate of “Girl Power” I can’t get on board with that. You have to make the women a bit more integral to the story.8. What was Khan's real objective here? To get his friends back? Because there were much easier ways and they have nothing to do with blowing up the archives and then subsequently attacking the Star Fleet dudes. It's almost as if at the beginning all he wants is revenge against Marcus and then suddenly all he wants is his friends back. If he wanted his friends back so much, why is he hiding out on Kronos? He has a magic transporter that can transport him to anywhere from anywhere. Why does he have to hide on Kronos? He could hide anywhere on Earth and just transport again if someone gets close.
9. Bringing in Old Spock was just lazy and cheap. Old Spock already vowed to never tell new Spock about anything but then he tells him all about what happened in Wrath of Khan apparently. And then Wrath of Khan happens again just in reverse.
10. How in the world did Bones get all those people out of those torpedoes that quickly? He didn't even do it the first time. His arm was stuck in the thing and then Carol just ripped out some wires. Now magically he knows how to get them open and detonate them all within minutes. (plus, I saw that coming a mile away)
11. The dead tribble coming back to life? Saw that coming a mile away as well. Plus, why is there a dead tribble on board? Sounds like a health hazard. And does Bones always inject things into dead tribbles? What kind of science is that? What did he expect to have happen and why does it suddenly happen right after Kirk dies? My dad is a scientist. I have never seen him keep dead animals around just so he can inject things into them later.
12. There are 72 other frozen super humans on board. Why is it suddenly so important to have Khan's blood. Why couldn't they just thaw out one of the other frozen dudes and use their blood?So those are the few questions I had about the movie. Don’t get me wrong I still liked it. Maybe I would have liked it more if I didn’t actually come from a science fiction book. Personally, I like my fake science explained a little better.
Considering I’m just a fictional character I am by no means a movie expert. I’m not even a Star Trek expert. But since I am a science fiction character I kind of feel obligated to stay up to date with the Star Trek world.
Overall, Star Trek Into Darkness was an amazing movie, great action, awesome special effects, and some really funny moments. But there were a few things plot-wise that kind of annoyed me. So if you haven’t seen the movie, you might want to stop reading here because there are going to be some HUGE spoilers.
1. In the opening scene, why did Spock have to go into the volcano? Why couldn't they beam the bomb into the volcano from the comfort of the Enterprise?
2. Why did the Enterprise have to hide in the water? Why couldn't they stay in space and beam Spock into the volcano? And don’t say that is impossible because minutes later they beam him out.
3. While we are talking about cold fusion, it is not actually cold. I’m thirteen and I know that. But that could also be because my mother is a genetically enhanced superhuman and my father is a science genius. So, our dinner conversations are a tad bit advanced.
4. Why was it so important that the village people not see them? They make such a big deal over this that I expect it to be a major plot point later but then it never comes up again.
5. And now let's get to Khan. I might not be a Star Trek expert but I am kind of an expert in superhumans (see point 3). Let’s think about this logically, shall we? New Spock calls Old Spock and asks him about Khan. So we can assume that they are referring to the same Khan whom new Spock hasn’t met yet, but Old Spock has. That Khan was supposed to be Indian (though he was played by a Mexican). So the logical question is, when did Khan become white? Was it a side effect of freezing?6. Why would he hide his friends in explosives, which by definition, are designed to explode? If Kirk had gone through with his original plan, all of Khan’s friends would have been dead. He has the whole universe at his disposal considering that magic transporter thingy he has. He could have hid his friends anywhere.7. The female characters were useless and very underdeveloped. It was almost like JJ was like...oh, yeah, we have to have the women do something. As an advocate of “Girl Power” I can’t get on board with that. You have to make the women a bit more integral to the story.8. What was Khan's real objective here? To get his friends back? Because there were much easier ways and they have nothing to do with blowing up the archives and then subsequently attacking the Star Fleet dudes. It's almost as if at the beginning all he wants is revenge against Marcus and then suddenly all he wants is his friends back. If he wanted his friends back so much, why is he hiding out on Kronos? He has a magic transporter that can transport him to anywhere from anywhere. Why does he have to hide on Kronos? He could hide anywhere on Earth and just transport again if someone gets close.
9. Bringing in Old Spock was just lazy and cheap. Old Spock already vowed to never tell new Spock about anything but then he tells him all about what happened in Wrath of Khan apparently. And then Wrath of Khan happens again just in reverse.
10. How in the world did Bones get all those people out of those torpedoes that quickly? He didn't even do it the first time. His arm was stuck in the thing and then Carol just ripped out some wires. Now magically he knows how to get them open and detonate them all within minutes. (plus, I saw that coming a mile away)
11. The dead tribble coming back to life? Saw that coming a mile away as well. Plus, why is there a dead tribble on board? Sounds like a health hazard. And does Bones always inject things into dead tribbles? What kind of science is that? What did he expect to have happen and why does it suddenly happen right after Kirk dies? My dad is a scientist. I have never seen him keep dead animals around just so he can inject things into them later.
12. There are 72 other frozen super humans on board. Why is it suddenly so important to have Khan's blood. Why couldn't they just thaw out one of the other frozen dudes and use their blood?So those are the few questions I had about the movie. Don’t get me wrong I still liked it. Maybe I would have liked it more if I didn’t actually come from a science fiction book. Personally, I like my fake science explained a little better.
December 14, 2012
And the winners are...
Congrats to the winners of the eReader and $25 giftcard. Be sure to check out my next giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway
December 7, 2012
Follow Friday
Q: Activity! Who do you want to be? If you could choose any character from a book. What do you think that character looks like and what do you have in common?**Update: I want to change my answer. I want to be Anne of Green Gables. I love that time period and I think being Gilbert Blythe's girlfriend would be amazing. (No offense Kyle or Marco!) Plus since we're both red heads, it would be an easy switch.**My old answer:
The easy answer would be to say myself since I happen to be a book character. But I will think a little harder and say Elizabeth Gonzales. If you don't know who she is, you'll have to read Priscilla the Great books two and five. Anyway, I guess I like her because even though she's the President's daughter she's still super cool. She's a master of disguise and really fun to hang out with. She also becomes President in the future. I think I would make an awesome President personally. Twizzlers for everyone!RULESTo join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}(Required) Follow our Featured BloggersPut your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followedFollow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followersIf you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!
December 6, 2012
Win an eReader
In order to publicize my $0.99 short story in the Tales for Tweens anthology, I'm giving away a free eReader! Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway Also, be sure to check out the anthology! 
November 21, 2012
Whedon Wednesday (4)
Straight from the mouth of Joss Whedon!
Of course you are familiar with the awesomeness that is the Avenger's movie. Well, when asked if there would be an Avengers 2, Joss gave the best answer ever! Check it out:
There's a business aspect to it and I would be disingenuous not to say that, but the question for me is, Do I have another story to tell about these people? So we worked on the business side of it and I didn't think it was going to happen — I was like 'I'm never going to do this again.' But once they worked on the business aspect of it I thought that seems fair and cool, so, the question was, Do I have another thing to say? I was in London and I went to a pub and had some fish and chips and a pint and started writing in my notebook. I'm writing if I was going to do this what would I say and 40 minutes later I filled the notebook. So I text my agent and said to make the deal. I'm so in love with that universe and the characters and the way they were played and I have so much more I want to do with them. I know I can't match the success of the first one but I can try to make a better film and that's what I'm excited about, that's the new room of fear I'm entering now.
Sigh. I love Joss Whedon.
Of course you are familiar with the awesomeness that is the Avenger's movie. Well, when asked if there would be an Avengers 2, Joss gave the best answer ever! Check it out:
There's a business aspect to it and I would be disingenuous not to say that, but the question for me is, Do I have another story to tell about these people? So we worked on the business side of it and I didn't think it was going to happen — I was like 'I'm never going to do this again.' But once they worked on the business aspect of it I thought that seems fair and cool, so, the question was, Do I have another thing to say? I was in London and I went to a pub and had some fish and chips and a pint and started writing in my notebook. I'm writing if I was going to do this what would I say and 40 minutes later I filled the notebook. So I text my agent and said to make the deal. I'm so in love with that universe and the characters and the way they were played and I have so much more I want to do with them. I know I can't match the success of the first one but I can try to make a better film and that's what I'm excited about, that's the new room of fear I'm entering now.
Sigh. I love Joss Whedon.
November 20, 2012
Guest Post from Sybil Nelson. Win an eReader!
50 Clean Tween Reads
I may be in my thirties but I still love a good Young Adult book. Now that I have children, however, I realize that there are many books that claim to be YA that I would never, ever, ever let my child read. It gets even harder when you have children who are in that in between age. They are not quite old enough to handle teenage topics, but they are well past Minnie’s Princess Tea Party books. (Although I still love princess themed tea parties.) And not everyone has time to read every single book before their child does. So I got together with a few other authors and decided to compile a list of 50 Clean Tween Reads. I hope this helps other parents in their search to provide wholesome but not simplistic entertainment for their children.
1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan (PG)
2. The Priscilla the Great series by Sybil Nelson Rated PG
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid By Jeff Kinney (G)
4. The Troubled Tweens: Jinnie Wishmaker By DD Roy (G)
5. The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy by Nikki Loftin (G)
6.The Eyes of Pharoah by Chris Eboch (G)
7. Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls series by Meg Cabot (G)
8. My Sparkling Misfortune by Laura Lond Rated G
9. Dark Marco Volume One by Sybil Nelson (PG)
10.Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell (G)
11. Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb by MJ Ware (G)
12. The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkein (PG)
13. The Mortal Enemy List by Tess Oliver (PG)
14. Enter Ten Tales for Tweens by Various (PG)
An added bonus to buying this books is that all the proceeds go to charity.
15. Wonder by R.J. Palacio (PG)
16. Big Nate by Lincoln Pierce (G)
17.The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (G)
18.Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper (PG)
19. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia (G)
20. Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham (PG)
21. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (PG)
22. Hoot by Carl Hiaasen (G)
23. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull (PG)
24. The Teashop Girls by Laura Schaeffer (PG)
25.Timekeepers: Civil Disturbance by J.Y. Harris (PG+)
26. Redwall series by Brian Jacques (PG)
27. Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep by Liz Kessler (G)
28. Warriors by Erin Hunter (PG)
29. Theodosia by RL Lafever (G)
30. The Castle Sisters by Jason Krumbine (PG)
31. Broken Shell by Dalya Moon (PG)
32. Emotionally Charged by Selina French (PG)
33. Floodland by Marcus Sedgwick (PG)
34. Gasparilla's Treasure by Scott Clement (PG)
35. Matt Archer: Monster Hunter by Kendra C Highley (P
I may be in my thirties but I still love a good Young Adult book. Now that I have children, however, I realize that there are many books that claim to be YA that I would never, ever, ever let my child read. It gets even harder when you have children who are in that in between age. They are not quite old enough to handle teenage topics, but they are well past Minnie’s Princess Tea Party books. (Although I still love princess themed tea parties.) And not everyone has time to read every single book before their child does. So I got together with a few other authors and decided to compile a list of 50 Clean Tween Reads. I hope this helps other parents in their search to provide wholesome but not simplistic entertainment for their children.1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan (PG)
2. The Priscilla the Great series by Sybil Nelson Rated PG
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid By Jeff Kinney (G)
4. The Troubled Tweens: Jinnie Wishmaker By DD Roy (G)
5. The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy by Nikki Loftin (G)
6.The Eyes of Pharoah by Chris Eboch (G)
7. Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls series by Meg Cabot (G)
8. My Sparkling Misfortune by Laura Lond Rated G
9. Dark Marco Volume One by Sybil Nelson (PG)
10.Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell (G)
11. Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb by MJ Ware (G)
12. The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkein (PG)
13. The Mortal Enemy List by Tess Oliver (PG)
14. Enter Ten Tales for Tweens by Various (PG)
An added bonus to buying this books is that all the proceeds go to charity.
15. Wonder by R.J. Palacio (PG)
16. Big Nate by Lincoln Pierce (G)
17.The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (G)
18.Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper (PG)
19. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia (G)
20. Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham (PG)
21. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (PG)
22. Hoot by Carl Hiaasen (G)
23. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull (PG)
24. The Teashop Girls by Laura Schaeffer (PG)
25.Timekeepers: Civil Disturbance by J.Y. Harris (PG+)
26. Redwall series by Brian Jacques (PG)
27. Emily Windsnap and the Monster from the Deep by Liz Kessler (G)
28. Warriors by Erin Hunter (PG)
29. Theodosia by RL Lafever (G)
30. The Castle Sisters by Jason Krumbine (PG)
31. Broken Shell by Dalya Moon (PG)
32. Emotionally Charged by Selina French (PG)
33. Floodland by Marcus Sedgwick (PG)
34. Gasparilla's Treasure by Scott Clement (PG)
35. Matt Archer: Monster Hunter by Kendra C Highley (P
November 15, 2012
Fan Mail Friday (2)
Today's adorable fan letter comes from Nicola!Hey I\'m your number 1 fan Sybil and i love the book. I have read the series 3
times! During the book I realised Priscilla and I could be sisters! I (am obviously)
online now and your character, Priscilla looks amazingly similar to me, well besides
hair colour (I\'m a brunette). So maybe as a dream come true (I am not blame you if
you don\'t but please please please) consider me to become Priscilla! I know every
thing about the book from Priss downing a gatorade from puking when Josh shows
Stephanie\'s ring to the fact that belly boob billy plays baseball.
I know you are usually very short of time but as your biggest fan again I love the
book. Please consider me to be in the film.
-Nicola
November 14, 2012
Whedon Wednesday (3)
Okay, so it occurred to me that some of you may be unfamiliar with the Whedon Awesomeness that is Firefly. Here is a trailer for the movie that the TV show inspired called Serenity. This is how I found out about the phenomenon. After I watched this movie, I went back and watched every episode of Firefly about 20 times. Enjoy your Wednesday Wheddie:
November 9, 2012
Fan Mail Friday
Here's a new addition to the blog rotation. Sybil and I get a lot of fan mail for the Priscilla the Great series. I want to start showing off what awesome fans we have. So each week, I'll post a letter from one of them. If you want your letter included, just use the contact form at Sybil's site or mine!Today's letter comes from Sandra S. in Washington D.C.
Hi. I live in Washington, DC, and i am a fan of your book series: Priscilla the Great. I read everyday on my kindle and I stumbled over your first series book. I do not usually contact authors of books I like, so this is special. I just wanted to say that these books are fantastic and you should get someone to make the movies. Hold open casting calls on the East Coast or something. I know you may have heard this before but I just felt like writing it. I know with a lot of work, a Priscilla the Great movie will attract many people. If they held open casting calls, I would audition for the part as Tai. Thanks for reading. Best wishes. Hope you make more books. Bye.
Thanks, Sandra. I hope there is a movie as well. I mean, I would look amazing on the big screen. And it would be so much fun if you were Tai. And there were definitely be more books. Keep your eyes open for Priscilla the Great: The Alien Chronicles coming in 2013.
November 7, 2012
Whedon Wednesday 2
Are you as excited as I am about the new Joss Whedon TV show S.H.I.E.L.D? Stupid question kind of. No one can be as excited as I am. Anyway, we now have the first Agent, Ming Na! Isn't she awesome?! Now, can I make a suggestion for another agent? I'm gonna go with La La Anthony. Mostly because I like her name. It makes me feel like I can sing.
