Writing Wish-List

I heard of this super cool idea via Anne-girls blog, who said it was going around the blogosphere. And I can see why, because this is just the coolest thing ever. A writing wish-list. Just. What a great idea, peeps! What this is, is you're supposed to write down all the books you want to write in the future (but you haven't started yet). *rubs hands* Let's start!

 

 

A modern Little Dorrit

After writing a modern Anne of Green Gables and really enjoying that, I think I shall modernise more classics in the future. After I watched Little Dorrit, and thought I might, one day. It's a lovely story, but it would be a lot of work. But still, I really want to do that one day. 

 

A really sparkly, pinky, sugary book

I've once attempted this one, but it's really hard, and I only got past two paragraphs when I promptly gave up and started something different. One day I'd like to write a book where every sentence has a sparkly, sugary, pinky, fluffy word in it - where it simply drowns in gorgeousness. You know, a zizzy, zazzy blinky story with bling and glim and everything like that. And with loads of cakes. And luxury. And mirrors. And pink gown with furbelows. And lace frims, and all that.

Something like the screencaps of 'Marie Antoinette' (which I haven't seen, but it looks gorgeous):

 

A story where childhood friends fall in love

I've always loved that idea, you know. Especially after I watched Emma and Mr Knightley - which is just too adorable for words. Of course, I would need another plot on top of that one, but I'd like that idea in one of my future books somewhere. It's just ADORABLY SQUEEFUL. And then, they look back and remember their childish squabbles and giggle over that together in a romantic way... sigh, how lovely is that?!?

 

A story about the von Trapp children before Maria came by

Heehee, I've been wanting to do this for quite some time. I once started it, and made Louisa (who's for no particular reason my favourite von Trapp child) the main character. I started off by making her climb up into the current governesses bedroom with a jar of spiders in her hand, haha. Now I don't have that story anymore (lost on laptops - and besides it was very short and badly written) but it's always there, at the back of my head. I'd love to write a book about the von Trapp Children and all their pranks on the governesses.

"You were lucky. With Fraulein Hilda it was a snake."

"I haven't had this much fun since the day we put glue one Fraulein Ogla's toothbrush!"

 

 

Mr and Mrs Bennet's love story

THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE. I know it's impossible. Well, it sounds impossible, right? But still, I'd like to try that one day. Now, that would be fun challenge.

 

A story about a British girl who gets evacuated to America during the Second World War
I love evacuation stories. They really fascinate me. I once read a book which was about a girl who came back from America after being evacuated there for six years, coming home to British as a teenaged girl and finding her real family much different than she had remembered. The book wasn't that good, but the idea fascinates me. I'd love to write a book about an evacuee... firstly, how she copes with leaving, secondly how she copes with her new American Family, and thirdly about going back and coping with the changes in her real family, as an older and more mature girl. I'm going to do this one day, and make it as fat as Gone with the Wind. Wouldn't that be thrilling?

A story about a lady who falls in love with someone, not realising he's a prince
Alright, I must say this idea doesn't originally come from my brain - there's a Christmassy Hallmark movie with that same idea (starring Jane Seymour as the pince's mother, Emma), but still - I want to try this one day. I recently stayed up really late imagining how I would react if I suddenly were as famous as Kate Middleton, and I think it would be fun to write.

This one
I'm not writing this whole one in the title, because long subtitles look plain weird.
It's: 'a story about a young woman who's on her way to visit a random friend, loses her bag which had the money and phone and everything, and is completely lost in the city. She goes to a cold Church and spends the night there. In the morning a young man *cue squeals from the girls, because he looks like Dan Stevens* finds her, almost dead, carries her in his arms *I KNOW, RIGHT* and nurses her to health. He's a perfect gentleman, and she's a perfect lady, and they slowly fall in love.'
Don't steal this idea (or any of these others, thanks (unless it's a really unoriginal one, of course, like 'childhood friends who fall in love'), it's mine and I'm going to use it. Soon. It's just so sweet, even though I say so myself.

 

Just because.

 

Yeah.

My favourite Emma09 scenes

My posts 'favourite P&P95 scenes' seemed quite popular last week, and one of my lovely commenters suggested I'd do a post of my favourite Emma 2009 scenes. What a good idea, I said. :-)

 

As with Pride and Prejudice, I basically adore every single scene of this movie. But of course, there are some particularly personal favourites. Be warned though, I will gush a lot during this post. And mention the word 'love' a lot. Because yeah, I love Emma 2009.

 

Knightley: I've always thought it a bad friendship for you, Emma. But now that I think of it, I think it is worse for Miss Smith. Men of sense do not want silly wives. And most men of family will be afraid of the disgrace that they get caught up in if and when the mystery of her parentage is revealed. You let her marry Robert Martin, she's respectable and happy for ever. Set her sights higher, she may end up at Mrs Goddard's for the rest of her life.

Emma: We think so differently about this, I think we should stop talking about it. And as for my letting her marry Robert Martin, it is impossible. Harriet has refused him. She must abide by her decision. I do not pretend to have that much influence, just a little. But really, his appearance was so much against him and his manner so bad that if she ever were disposed to favour him, she certainly doesn't now.

Knightley: What nonsense.

Emma: I really think it is time for tea and yet it has not appeared. Do you think I should call Father in?

Knightley: Well, I suppose it is no great loss - for Mr Martin, that is. He will get over her soon, I hope. But I know that your love of matchmaking means that you are more to do with this than you so modestly deny.

Emma: That is the real reason you are annoyed.

Knightley: I gave my advice and you gave yours, but it was mine that prevailed and you do not want to admit it.

Emma: I am so pleased you have come back, for we will always be friends.

 

Knightley: I came back to say this, Emma. As you make no secret of your matchmaking, I assume that you would not have taken this drastic step unless you had another suitor in mind. And as a friend, I will just hint to you that if Elton is the chosen man, Elton will not do. He knows he is a very handsome young man and will never marry cheaply. I've heard him speak with great animation of a large family of young ladies who all have 20,000 apiece. Harriet and Robert are not your playthings, your dolls, to be told what to do and to marry under the table at your bidding. They're flesh and blood! And one day, you will bitterly regret your meddling.

 

The Argument scene. Why do I love this scene so much? Emma's beautiful dress? Partly. Mr Knightley so awesomely angry? Partly. The pretty wallpaper and flower bouquet? Partly. The fact that those two have such interesting arguments? Yes. Partly. This scene is just a joy to watch! I love it!!! :-D

 

 

Knightley: There you are!

Emma: Oh, you are angry with me?

Knightley: With you? No. Why would I be?

Emma: I thought you had a look about you to scold me, as you used to.

Knightley: Oh. Time, Emma, will heal the wound. Abominable scoundrel! They will soon be gone to Yorkshire. I feel sorry for her!

Emma: You are talking of Mr Churchill and Miss Fairfax?

Knightley: Mmm.

Emma: I, er I must put the record straight. You are mistaken if you feel I am in need of your compassion. No, honestly. I was blind to their attachment, and I blush when I think of some of the things that I said and did but please believe me when I say that I have no other reason to regret I did not know their secret earlier.

Knightley: I have to confess, I was not quite sure how far you were entangled. However small your regard, he did not deserve it. He is a disgrace to the name of man.

Emma: I am ashamed of my conduct. My vanity was flattered. When he first came back, I thought I was attracted to him, but I have been examining the workings of my heart and I can, truly, say this. He has taken advantage of me but he has not injured me.

Knightley: Frank Churchill is a fortunate man. He finds an ideal mate, his aunt is in the way, his aunt dies. He has used everybody badly, yet they are all desperate to forgive him.

Emma: You speak as though you envied him.

Knightley: I do envy him, Emma. His secret is out at least. You will not ask me my secret? Yes, you are wise, but I cannot be, - so I must tell you.

Emma: - No, please, don't tell me! Take a little time to think of what you are going to say. For once said, it cannot be unsaid!

Knightley: I will obey you.

Emma: Wait. Wait! Please, stop! I am sorry. We are old friends. I will hear anything you want about anyone. And I will tell you exactly what I think, as your friend.

Knightley: I don't – Friends indeed! I do want you to be honest. So, tell me. Have I no chance of succeeding? My dearest Emma! For that is what you always have been, and you always will be – My most beloved Emma. I cannot make speeches. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am. I have lectured you and scolded you and you have borne it as no other woman would have.

Emma: Can this be true?

Knightley: You'll get nothing but the truth from me. So tell me what you think.

Emma: I find I do not know what to think.

 

The Proposal scene // The AWESOMEST scene ever!!! I have to scream. I just have to. Let me scream. AHHHHH. There, I feel better now. This scene. is. just. SOOOO filled with gooey cuteness and adorbsness and... I have to scream again. I can't tell you how much I love this scene! I can quote it practically line by line. My favourite part is, of course, when Mr Knightley does his famous 'If I loved you less I might be able to talk about it more', and I also love when he says, 'Yes, I do envy him - Emma.' The way he adds her name to the end of the sentence makes me literally MELT. This couple is zee sweetest ever!!!

 

 

Harriet: Oh it is a riddle!

Emma: Exactly, a love poem. He said it was to add to our collection, but I think we can guess it relates to his regard for you. I must say, I do wonder it has taken him so long to make his feelings known.

"My first displays the wealth and pomp of kings."
"Another view of man, my second brings, the monarch of the seas."
"Thy ready wit the word will soon supply."
"Oh, dear, I can't decipher."

Well, well, look here. "The wealth and pomp of kings." "Kings", what does that suggest? Perhaps court? The monarch of the seas. "Seas"? Maybe a ship? Ship? Court?

Harriet: Ship-court! Is that it?

Emma: Try again. What might "ship" and "court" signify?

Harriet: No. Courtship!

Emma: Courtship. See here, and here.

 

Ship-court scene. It's just so funny. Harriet is seriously a little empty in the head, don't you think? But it makes a funny scene. I always have to giggle when I think about it!

 

 

Knightley: If only you were as sensible with those outside the family and not subject them to your fancy, we would never disagree.

Emma: Ah, of course, and I am always in the wrong.

Knightley: Well, I was your considerable superior in years when you were the age of little Emma here.

Emma: And I am sure that you were by far my superior in judgement when I was. But surely we have grown closer in judgement as the years have passed? Well, I had the advantage of not being a pretty woman and a spoilt child.

Knightley: Come, let's be friends, hmm? And say no more about it. Tell your aunt, little Emma, not to renew old grievances.

Emma: Very true, little one. Grow up to be a far better woman than your aunt. Be infinitely cleverer and not so conceited.

 

The baby scene is another Emma/Knightley one that just makes me melt. These two are just such an adorable couple!!! And I love how they both coo at their little niece... I have the feeling both of them are thinking of their own family in the future... you know, it's just so... ah love it.

 

 

Knightley: Who will you dance with?

Emma: Why, you, if you will ask me?

Knightley: Will you dance, dear Emma?

 

The Dance Scene. Again, absolutely overflowing with gorgeous sweetness, this scene is. 'Will you dance, dear Emma?' AWWWW. And then they dance... and you feel the tension between them. This is like their first romantic-ish scene and it's SO SWEET.

 

  

 Basically, all the scenes with Mr Knightley are my favourites... and all the other ones are my favourites too. Heehee. Yes, I love this movie sooo much!

 

What are your favourite Emma 2009 scenes?

Are they mentioned in in this post?

 

My favourite P&P95 scenes

*happy sigh*

 

Let's talk about Pride and Prejudice. The one version. The good one. Of course, you know me, I love all it's scenes to itty-bitty-bits, but some of them stand up in it's own particular way. Here are some of my favourite P&P95 scenes.

 

 

Mrs Bennet:  Jane! Jane! Oh, my dear Jane! 
Jane:   What is the matter? 
Mrs Bennet:  He is come! He is come! 
Jane:   Who is come? 
Mrs Bennet:  Mr Bingley, of course! Make haste, make haste, hurry down! Oh, gracious, you’re not half dressed! Hill! Hill! Oh, where is Hill? Never mind, Sarah. You must come to Miss Bennet this moment. Come along, girl, and help her on with her gown! Never mind Miss Lizzy’s hair! 
Kitty:   Mama! Mama! Where is my new locket that Lydia brought me from London? Mary, have you seen my new locket? 
Mary:   I shouldn't know it if I did see it; I care nothing for such baubles. 
Mrs Bennet:  Oh, never mind your locket, girl. Jane, stir yourself. He is here, he is here! 

Jane:   Mama, Lizzy and I will be down as soon as we can. Let Kitty go down, she is forwarder than any of us. 

Mrs Bennet:  Oh, hang Kitty, what has she to do with it? Jane, be quick! Oh, where is your muslin dress, dear? Oh, Hill! Hill! Where is Hill?

 

 

The Hall Scene. It's just so outroarously funny. Mrs Bennet in a panicky mood? Just a feast for the eye, haha. This scene really shows everyone's characters - Mrs Bennet yelling, Kitty talking about something entirely different, Jane trying to please her mother and help everywhere, Lizzy sensible, but on the background, and Mary sullen, as she always is.

 

She runs out. In the hall, Mr Collins steps briskly from his room, humming a merry tune to himself. He pulls up short with a startled gasp as Lydia runs out and they confront each other. Lydia gasps in shock as well, clutching her dress to her bosom. They juggle for space to pass one another. Mr Collins puts up a hand to avert his gaze. Lydia sees the funny side, and begins to giggle hysterically. She runs off to her room. Mr Collins regains his dignity as he descends the stairs, but is brought up short by sounds of unbridled mirth from the girls' bedroom - Lydia has evidently told Kitty. Outside Netherfield. The house is warmly lit and inviting. Carriages arrive briskly at the front steps. Music can be heard from within. The Bennet's carriage arrives. Mr Collins gets out first, and extends his hand to Lizzie.

 

 

The Lydia-Collins hall bump. Another hall scene! Is it wicked of me to enjoy this scene? Well, I do. I makes me Lydia-snort every time. I love Lydia's giggles, and I rather love seeing Mr Collins so appalled. So yeah. Secret is out, I suppose - I love this scene.

 

Elizabeth:  I believe we must have some conversation, Mr Darcy. A very little will suffice. You should say something about the dance, perhaps. I might remark on the number of couples. 
Darcy:   Do you talk by rule, then, when you're dancing? 
Elizabeth:  Yes, sometimes it is best. Then we may enjoy the advantage of saying as little as possible. 
Darcy:   Do you consult your own feelings in this case, or seek to gratify mine?               
Elizabeth:  Both, I imagine. We each have an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room. 
Darcy:   ’Tis no very striking resemblance of your own character, I'm sure. Uh, do you often walk into Meryton? 
Elizabeth:  Yes, quite often. When you met us the other day, we’d just been forming a new acquaintance. 
Darcy:   Mr Wickham has the happy manners that enable him to make friends. Whether he is equally capable of keeping them is less certain. 
Elizabeth:  He has been unlucky as to lose your friendship in a way he’s likely to suffer for all his life. 
Sir William:  Allow me to congratulate you, sir! Such superior dancing is rarely to be seen. I'm sure you’ll own your fair partner is well worthy of you. I hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event takes place, eh Miss Lizzy? What congratulations will then flow in! 
Elizabeth:  Sir, I . . . . 
Sir William:  Nay, nay, I understand. I'll not detain you one moment longer from your bewitching partner, sir. A pleasure, sir. Capital! Capital! 
Elizabeth:  I remember hearing you once say that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was implacable. You are very careful, are you not, in allowing your resentment to be created? 
Darcy:   I am. 
Elizabeth:  And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice? 
Darcy:   I hope not. May I ask to what these questions tend? 
Elizabeth:  Merely to the illustration of your character; I am trying to make it out. 
Darcy:   And what is your success? 
Elizabeth:  I cannot get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as to puzzle me exceedingly. 
Darcy:   I wish, Miss Bennet, that you would not attempt to sketch my character at the present moment. I fear the performance would reflect no credit on either of us. 
Elizabeth:  Bit if I don't take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity. 
Darcy:   I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours.

 

Lizzy and Darcy's dance. Of course! This is one of my absolute favourite scenes. Elizabeth and Darcy dance their first dance. What I love about this is that they didn't try to make it romantic. In P&P05 they had them look dreamily in each others eyes, as if they both knew they were destined to be together. I don't need that, thank you. Here, it's a rather march-y dance, and no lovey-dovey talk. Both talk shortly and tartly. But then... In the back of everyone's mind, there's a little feelsy tension between them... Gahh. Love this scene.

 

Mrs Bennet:  Oh, Mr Bennet! You are wanted immediately. We are all in uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr Collins, for she vows she will not have him, and if you do not make haste, Mr Collins will change his mind and he will not have her. 
Mr Bennet:  I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of, ah, what are you talking? 
Mrs Bennet:  Of Mr Collins and Lizzy! Lizzy declares she will not have Mr Collins, and Mr Collins begins to say he will not have Lizzy. 
Mr Bennet:  Well, what am I to do on the occasion? It seems a hopeless business. 
Mrs Bennet:  Speak to Lizzy about it yourself! Tell her you insist upon her marrying him! 
Mr Bennet:  Let her come in. 
Mrs Bennet:  Lizzy! Lizzy! Your father wishes to speak to you. 
Mr Bennet:  Come here, my child. I, ah, I understand Mr Collins has made you an offer of marriage. It is true? 
Elizabeth:  Yes, sir. 
Mr Bennet:  Very well. And, ah, this, ah, this offer of marriage you have refused. 
Elizabeth:  I have. 
Mr Bennet:  I see. Well we now come to the point. Your mother insists on your accepting him. Is it not so, Mrs Bennet? 
Mrs Bennet:  Yes, or I will never see her again! 
Mr Bennet:  An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr Collins, and, ah, I will never see you again if you do. 
Mrs Bennet:  Oh, Mr Bennet!

 

The Unhappy Alternative scene is my ALL TIME favourite. Not the end. I can't tell you how much I love this scene. Love the Daddy-daughter love, the Mrs Bennet hysteria, the funniness. It cracks me up evvvery single time. If you didn't laugh while watching this scene, there's something seriously wrong with you. I mean, seriously, just looking at these screencaps... I'm snickering.

 

Kitty:   Lizzy! Do you mind if I just run down the lane here to call on Maria Lucas? 
Elizabeth:  Uh, no, not at all. Mr Darcy, I can go no longer without thanking you for your kindness to my poor sister. Ever since I have known of it, I have been most anxious to tell you how grateful I am, for my family and for myself. You must not blame my aunt for telling me. Lydia betrayed it first, and then I couldn't rest till I knew everything. I know what trouble and what mortification it must have cost you. Please let me say this, please allow me to thank you, on behalf of all my family, since they don't know to whom they are indebted. 
Darcy:   If you will thank me, let it be for yourself alone. Your family owes me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you. You’re too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever. 
Elizabeth:  Oh, my feelings . . . my feelings are . . . I’m ashamed to remember what I said then. My feelings are so different. In fact, they are quite the opposite. 
Darcy:   Lady Catherine told me of her meeting with you. I may say that her disclosure had quite the opposite effect to the one she intended. It taught me to hope as I’d scarcely ever allowed myself to hope before. I knew that had you absolutely decided against me, you would have acknowledged it openly. 
Elizabeth:  Oh, yes, you know enough of my frankness to believe me capable of that! After abusing you so abominably to your face, I could have no scruple in abusing you to all your relations. 
Darcy:   And what did you say of me that I did not deserve? My behaviour to you at the time was unpardonable; I can hardly think of it without abhorrence. Your reproof I shall never forget: "Had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner." You know not how those words have tortured me. 
Elizabeth:  I had not the smallest idea of their ever being taken in such a way. 
Darcy:   I can easily believe it. You thought me devoid of every proper feeling, I’m sure you did. The turn of your countenance I shall never forget. You said that I could not have addressed you in any possible way that would induce you to accept me. 
Elizabeth:  Oh, do not repeat what I said then! 
Darcy:   No, I have been a selfish being all my life. As a child I was given good principles, but was left to follow them in pride and conceit. And such I might still have been but for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth.

 

The nicest scene. Or whatever. This scene is just so, so, so SWEET. It's so suitable, so romantic, so darling, so gaaaah. Looking at these screencaps makes me want to watch the movie all over again. I can't wait for my birthday - then I'm going to watch the movie. Anyway, long story short (well, ha. I haven't written a 'long story' have I?) this is the marvellous, darling, gooey scene there ever was. Love you, P&P95 makers.

 

Miss Bingley:  You are very quiet this evening, Mr Darcy. I sincerely hope you're not pining for the loss of Miss Eliza Bennet. 
Darcy:   What?
Excuse me.

 

The 'What' scene. Now, this is a very short, snippy little scene for which I have an extreme fondness for. For those of you who haven't scene this movie (pun intended), you won't understand why I enjoy this scene. It's the way Mr Darcy says 'what' - and Caroline's slighted face afterwards. Priceless scene.

 

 

I basically love all the scenes. Including... the Meryton Assembly scene, the 'Not handsome enough to tempt me' scene, the 'Lydia-bad-news' scene, Mr Darcy comforting Lizzy scene, the last wedding scene, the 'Mary, Grimstock!' scene, the 'Slumber dear Maid' scene, the 'six inches in the mud' scene... Yup, you definitely get the point. Loads of favourites. :-)

 

 

Now I'll close off with one last favourite scene:

 

Mr Bennet:  Are you out of your senses to be accepting this man, Lizzy? Have you not always hated him? 
Elizabeth:  Papa . . . .
Mr Bennet:  I, I've given him my consent. He's the kind of man, indeed, to whom I should never dare refuse anything. But let me advise you to think the better of it. I know your disposition, Lizzy. My child, let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to respect your partner in life. He’s rich to be sure, but will he make you happy? 
Elizabeth:  Have you any objections apart from your belief in my indifference? 
Mr Bennet:  None whatever. We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; but this would be nothing if you really liked him. 
Elizabeth:  I do. I do like him. I love him. Indeed he has no improper pride. He’s perfectly amiable. If you only knew his generous nature. I didn't always love him, but I love him now so very dearly. He is truly the best man I have ever known. 
Mr Bennet:  Well, my dear, if this be the case, he deserves you. I could not have parted with you to anyone less worthy, Lizzy.

 

Am I the only one who chokes up during that scene? It's just so sweet. :-)

 

What are some of your favourite P&P scenes?

Is it mentioned in this post?