Deleted Scenes and Alternative Endings

Hi. I’m Sam and I’m a Special Feature Junkie.

It all started back when DVD players were twice as thick and ten times more expensive. I bought the Matrix Special Edition DVD Boxed Set and was promptly doomed.

I’ll never forget my first glimpse of The White Rabbit. It was a special feature that allowed you to sneak a peek at the special effects of selected scenes when a white rabbit icon appeared. Keanu Reeves. Trench coat. Wire harness. Awesome.

Since then, I’ve gotten my fix via The Princess Bride’s “As You Wish” Documentary, The Lord of the Ring’s “Abandoned Concept: Aragorn Battles Sauron” and Harry Potter’s “Conversations with the Cast.” The list goes on.

I’m the same way with books – which is why I was thrilled when I won the code to EVENFALL author, Liz Michalski’s hidden pages on her website through a contest over at Petit Fours and Hot Tamales. What can I say? I’m on a lucky streak.

http://petitfoursandhottamales.com/2011/02/guest-chef-author-liz-michalski/

I’d love to know how you feel about book “bonus features.” As a reader, does it spoil the magic if you discover what the Magician has under his sleeve or does it make you appreciate the illusion more? As a writer, do you enjoy sharing your secrets with the world or would you rather keep them close to your chest?

p.s. And speaking of bonus features, as promised, here are more photos from my Singapore trip. (For those of you who are snowed in, I hope this helps thaw you out :D )

Singapore Friday Field Trip from Sam Yambao on Vimeo.

Friday Field Trip: Ex-Nuns and Ghosts

Hey, Campers! I have two awesome places to take you today where you’ll get to meet two wonderful writer friends of mine. Their debut novels are hitting the shelves as we speak, so there's no time to waste.

Hurry! Hop on board and follow the red umbrella!

EVENFALL

February, 2011 (Berkley)

"In life, Frank could've had any woman he wanted.

In death, he'll try to win back the one that mattered...

Frank Wildermuth always regretted a mistake he made as a teenager: choosing Clara Murphy over her sister Gert. And like a true Murphy woman, Gert got on with her life, never admitting to heartbreak. Not even now, decades later, with Frank dead-dead, that is, but not quite gone. Now, Frank's niece, Andie Murphy, is back in town to settle his estate, and she sees that things have changed in Hartman, Connecticut. Aunt Gert still drives her crazy, but Cort, the wide-eyed farmboy she used to babysit, is all grown up-with a whole new definition for the word "sleepover." Even freakier are the whispers. Either Andie's losing her mind, or something she can't see is calling out to her-something that insists on putting right the past."

Meet Liz Michalski, author of EVENFALL.

FORCE OF HABIT

In stores now! (Midnight Ink)

"Ex-nun Giulia Falcone’s first case as Driscoll Investigations’ partner-in-training involves a gorgeous client, his fiancée, his five ex-girlfriends, and the Bible. When the ex who’s stalking the client targets Giulia, she’s sure her home is safe. But this time, home may be the last place she should run to."

Meet Alice Loweecy, author of FORCE OF HABIT.

Campers, enjoy the tour! Don't forget to stop and take pictures. Shall we meet back at the van, say, in an hour or so?