Eyes Like Stars.
A few weeks ago I was heading into town when low-and-behold I saw a figure waving from a horse-drawn carriage in front of me. The figure screamed out of the carriage something inaudible, from which I replied something equally unintelligible. I think I may have said "Ooh, horsies," but one cannot be too sure. After all, witnesses aren't usually around when such terrific events occur. However, It was at that moment in which the mysterious figure and I formed a shiny, new friendship.
Well, almost. The real story is slightly less exciting. The truth is, we stumbled upon each other's profiles on Twitter, no less, and both drooled over blue hair. Pretty barbaric, no? I was busy gawking at the cover of her recently released novel, which happens to depict a girl with blue hair, and Lisa quickly took a liking to my hair as well. Despite so much blue, the whole ordeal was actually quite merry. In fact, it called for serenading, feasting upon many sweets, and catapulting compliments back and forth. We're not sure if we damaged the green room (you'll be in-the-know later) or not, but the Management didn't seem too thrilled after our rendezvous.
In-between mouthfuls of gummy worms, Lisa asked me if I'd like a copy of her book. I'm fairly sure I said yes while still staring intently at the cover art. I must have, because not long after I received a shiny package on my doorstep. I hauled said shiny package inside the house, ripped it open, and introduced myself.
So far, my relationship with the book was off to a great start. Just as we were discussing ground rules for first dates, my friend arrived from out of town. Unfortunately, I had to bid farewell to the book temporarily. I promised I'd be back in a week, but I could practically hear the book's binding breaking as out-of-town-friend and I pulled out of the driveway. We drove through several states, and after many days of harmonizing to music in the car, visiting odd places, and sleeping in beds that were not our own, we arrived back where we started.
That was when I saw it. The book, perched on the shelf, hadn't moved from the spot I left it; that's true love right there. I finally had time to sit down and rekindle our spark. We quickly forgave one another, and not long afterward, I fell in love with it.
One of the reasons I was so quick to eat sweets with Lisa is for the mere fact she understands the art of creating a world. When a world is created, it demands attention and homage must be payed long afterward. Lisa takes her forms of art seriously, and it's apparent as it overflows onto her websites, her responses to fans, and, I'm sure, her daily life. Art cannot be stifled nor restricted to a simple entity -- in this case, a book. That is how magic is created.
If you appreciate an artist who eats and sleeps with their work, as I do, go pick up a copy of Eyes Like Stars. The content within is just as sweet as the packaging it presents itself with. Bertie, the main character, will lead you through a world that isn't always what it appears to be. Ultimately, in our world, we choose our own destinies. We are able to bend and shape the world that surrounds us, and Bertie finds herself with that very discovery looming overhead.
Good timing isn't generally one of my talents (I'm usually running around like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland), however Lisa just so happens to be hosting a contest on her Livejournal HERE. 10 hardcover copies of the book will be given away, and the only requirement is entailing creativity. It's a win/win situation. Tell her I said "Hi," and that next time I'd like to have the horse-drawn carriage.