Freaky Friday: Hunger

HUNGER begins with a boy trapped in the passenger seat of a brutal car wreck. His mother is dead beside him and an 8-track plays classical music. The scene flashes, changing to a woman waking up in darkness. Dirt coats her nails and solid stone walls surround her. Another woman is screaming for help in the pitch black. Soon five strangers discover they're trapped together with no memory of how they ended up in this place.

As the fluorescent lights flicker to life, we learn a sadistic psychopath has left them with four barrels full of water and nothing else. They have to rely on each other for escape and...sanity. It doesn't look good as the kid with the broken nose has a short fuse and a serious chip on his shoulder. If you've got to be stuck with people...well...not my first choice.

Each day is marked for the audience with a black screen and the words, "DAY X". We're also treated to glimpses of the killer as he observes his victims and takes notes on them like a sick science experiment. It's a creepy voyeuristic viewpoint. Yet, the camera also focuses on the victims and we're given insight into their breakdowns, while still holding out for their rescue or escape.

When all hell breaks loose, and you just know it will, it is a steady decent into chaos and madness. The one question throughout the film...Will any shred of humanity last? A visceral look at what happens when faced with an impossible situation and fading hope. One of the better horror films I've seen in quite some time. But, fair warning, this is not for the faint of heart.

Rating: A-

What other horror films have you enjoyed that place people in a battle of morality vs. survival?

25 Ideas to Freshen Up That Query by Maya Prasad

We have a special guest on the blog for Writer Wednesday! It is rockin' YA Sci-fi writer, Maya Prasad. Today, she'll be discussing ways to enhance your query AND giving you a chance to enter her query critique giveaway!

25 Ideas to Freshen Up That Query

by Maya Prasad

So you've shopped around your query, and it's about as popular as Sunday night homework.  Maybe it's time to try a new angle—or twenty-five! 

Here are 25 ideas to help you kickstart your query with a fresh angle.  These aren't necessarily meant to be sent out, but are merely exercises to view your novel differently.  Share your different versions with your friends, and you might get a good idea of what really appeals to people.  I hope they'll help you understand what is truly unique and compelling about your book. 

1.      Write it in 1^st person

2.      Write it from a minor character's POV

3.      Write it from the POV of your MC's nosy neighbor

4.      Write it from the POV of your MC's pet

5.      Write from your MC's POV after her death

6.      Have your CP tell you her favorite chapter of the book, and focus on that

7.      Begin with your MC's taste in the opposite sex

8.      Begin with a joke that would make your MC snort her coffee

9.      Begin with the politics that will trap your MC

10.  Begin with the setting and why your MC is stuck there

11.  If sci-fi or fantasy, begin with the main technology or magic that is different from anything we've read

12.  If SFF, begin with a restriction of technology or magic that's a pain in your MC's behind

13.  Write the last line of the query first—full of conflict and suspense.  Then work your way backward.

14.  Begin with your MC's deepest, darkest fear or secret

15.  Begin with what your MC can't afford to lose, but she will anyway

16.  Reveal your biggest plot twist, and work your way backward

17.  Include 3 clues that foreshadow your climax

18.  Include 3 details about your society or cast of characters that are different from our normal perspective

19.  Use the same first and last line

20.  Begin with your MC's greatest skill, and why it won't help her

21.  Begin with your favorite line from your manuscript

22.  Begin with the first line from your manuscript

23.  Write your query in verse

24.  Write the version where your MC totally does not overcome the obstacle, and explain why she fails so miserably

25.  Write the query as if it were a different genre (e.g. write your romance query as a horror)

26.  BONUS: Enter my query critique giveaway.  Maybe I can help give you a new perspective!

About the Author:

Maya Prasad writes YA science-fiction, and is represented by Katelyn Detweiler at Jill Grinberg Literary.  Catch her on her blog mayaprasad.com or on twitter @mayaprasadwrite.  She loves discussing writing, publishing, and YA books.

The giveaway ends on May 20th, so be sure to get in those entries fast!

Please join me in saying a big THANK YOU to Maya for her excellent guest post! And if you have any questions about queries, please leave a comment.

Freaky Friday: Bandh Darwaza

Time for another Fearless Blogger review! This time with a campy horror flick straight from Bollywood, Bandh Darwaza.

"Sometimes, strange movies are my forte. Horror can be so versatile, and I have found that some of the most interesting examples are not American films. While most people are pretty familiar with Japanese horror and Italian horror, I stumbled across a gem a few years ago that is one of the first Indian horror films.

Yes, India does produce Bollywood horror films. And, I’ll freely admit, it is very odd to have a scene where someone gets killed suddenly cut to a song and dance number, but it is entertaining nonetheless.

Today, I’d like to talk about the Indian classic Bandh Darwaza (1990). We are introduced with the Indian version of Dracula, Neola. Neola is an evil vampire who preys on village girls. He seduces a particular girl, and she has his child. This woman later dies as the result of being poisoned and Neola goes to sleep for twenty years. When he wakes, his daughter is ready for the taking.

It may help to know that Bandh Darwaza loosely means “closed doorway”. In this case, it refers to teh location where Neloa’s coffin is hidden. Now, when watching this film, keep in mind that you can’t look at it as critically as American horror. There is a big cultural difference going on here. But, those of us that enjoy cheesy horror films love movies with heart. [Spoiler Alert: Highlight with mouse to see] Plus, who can really not watch a movie where the vampire is defeated with the Christian Bible, the Holy Quran, and “Ohm” on a stick. I kid you not.

Sadly, Mr. Vampire does not sing. Though, you can almost expect him to “Blah, Blah, Blah” in time with the music.

Rating: B-"

How do you like Bollywood films? I love the music, costumes, and over-the-top story; so a Bollywood horror flick? Why not?