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Writing means different things to me. I'm a storyteller, a book editor, and a songwriter. For me, it's like breathing.
Showing posts with label Monday Musings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monday Musings. Show all posts

Monday, September 18, 2017

Monday Musings: Game of Thrones Season Seven Finale

This one fell a little flat for me, but maybe nothing could compare to the awesome season six finale. My expectations were too high. Anyway, there were still some bright moments in the final episode of season seven.

The Starks finally got to put an end to the person who started everything, the person who got their father executed. I kind of felt sorry for Littlefinger, but not too much. My only gripe is that it felt forced and rushed. The writers had the viewers thinking Arya and Sansa were going to go against each other and then, wham, Littlefinger is getting his throat slashed. I’m all for twists and surprises, but it seemed like we were deliberately misled. It could have been handled better.

This whole season, ever since Jon Snow and Daenarys met, I’ve been bothered by them getting together. At first I thought it was because of the incest factor, but I realized it’s because now that they’ve consummated their relationship, they are doomed—star-crossed lovers. There are no happy endings in Martin’s world. I like both of these characters and now I’m sure they will both die after they do what’s necessary to save the world. I get the feeling Daenarys is fated to die giving birth just like Jon’s mother. Jon will probably die in battle. I doubt they will live happily ever after. They are destined to save the world so others can live happy lives.



There’s a lot of talk online about the identity of Azor Ahai, The Prince Who Was Promised. Everyone thinks it’s either Dany or Jon, but I have a different theory. That’s too obvious. I think it’s Jaime Lannister. He’s not the obvious choice, but he’s gone through major changes since season one. I hated him when he pushed Bran out the tower window, but then the Starks captured him in battle and he lost his hand. With Brienne’s help, he changed, he grew a conscience. I’ve liked him ever since then. And now at the end of season seven, he finally had the balls to leave his treacherous harpy sister. It looks like he’s headed toward the North to fight the whitewalkers, which fits the prophecy. He’s is also probably fated to kill his coldhearted sister/lover Cersei. I know it’s a farfetched theory, but that’s what I’m going with. I’d like to see him become the hero. I’m a fan of redemption.

My other gripe is we only got to see one brief flashback of Rhaegar and Lyanna. It was cool seeing their secret wedding, but come on, I want more.


I sure hope the final season lives up to what we expect of Martin’s world. Please do not give us some cheesy happy ending. There must be sacrifices at the end of this tragic story, even if it means the death of some favorite characters.

Kelley Heckart
Otherworldly tales steeped in myth, magic & romance.

Monday, August 14, 2017

Monday Musings: Book review of Words Will Break Cement: The Passion of Pussy Riot

After reading this book, I am so grateful to live in a country where citizens are free to voice their political views. I think what frightened me the most about this story is that it’s true.

Three young women living in Russia, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova (Nadya), Maria Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, were found guilty of hooliganism and went to prison (one was finally given a suspended sentence) because they spoke out against Putin and his tyranny. One of the most horrific parts in this book described the conditions of these prisons. The “prisons” aren’t fit for animals let alone human beings. Atrocious is the word that pops in my head. Along with living in terrible conditions, inmates are subjected to mistreatment by guards for doing something like complaining about the horrible conditions. For example, if an inmate complained about lack of hot water, all the water would be shut off for all the inmates.

These women showed amazing strength throughout their ordeal. This book takes us from the beginning with backgrounds on the women, their foray into political activism, the emergence of Pussy Riot, their fateful performance that got them arrested, the harrowing trial (another example of human rights violations), and finally their imprisonment.

A quote from Maria’s court statement: “And I am not afraid of you. I am not afraid of lies and fictions and of poorly coded deception in the verdict of this so-called court, because all of you can take away my inner freedom, the only sort that exists in the Russian Federation. But no one can take away my inner freedom.” She closes with this: “I believe that openness and public speech and a hunger for the truth make us all a little bit freer.”

I greatly admire these women for their heroism and strength to fight for better conditions and rights for all. They had the courage to speak out against Putin’s atrocities, and they were successful in encouraging others to do the same. If they had failed, they wouldn’t have scared Putin into having them arrested.


Pussy Riot lives on as an example of feminine power and courage.


Kelley Heckart
Otherworldly tales steeped in myth, magic & romance.