Stop Motion Animation (and 150+ Free Fantasy Books)

I am a sucker for animation. I grew up during the Saturday morning cartoon heyday. Even as an adult, I tend to get more excited for Pixar releases than I do other blockbuster franchises. I'm also a big fan of video games, having started young with a ColecoVision as a kid (bonus points to anyone who gets the reference) and culminating in working as a project manager in the video industry for many years.

So you can imagine why finding a stop motion video with Nintendo's Kirby interacting with everyday objects got me super excited.

Who doesn't like a flying pink puffball? YouTube link here.

This video isn't just a cute clip (although it is). It also shows in great detail how the creator made the video, starting with opening the Kirby toy box. I found it a fascinating glimpse into how stop motion animation works, and how easy it is to create something fun with just a few objects.

(And because I have no willpower whatsoever, I also bought the toy featured in this video. Check Kirby ready to vacuum stuff off my bookshelf, in between my reference books and author copies of my last novel.)

Do you have a favorite cartoon or anime? Let me know at [email protected]. (And thanks to all the people have who been emailing me in response to newsletters. I love hearing from you guys!)

Need More Books in Your Life? (Who doesn't?)

The March Fantasy & SciFi Giveaway is running through March 31st! With 150+ free stories ranging from fairy tale retellings to space operas, there's something in here for everyone. There's also a free fantasy bestsellers giveaway you can opt into. Click here to browse the selection!

Go Dwarf Yourself, a hilarious new urban fantasy by Martha Carr and Michael Anderle, is free until March 7th. Johnny Walker was a good bounty hunter in his day, but when he couldn't catch his teenage daughter's murderer, he retired. Now a new case with a missing female shifter may bring him out of his swamp cabin to pick up where he left off years ago.

If you're looking for a great deal on a bundle, the Kat Drummond Box-Set (Books 1-4) might be up your alley. Kat is a small-fry monster hunter in a city full of magic, demons and indescribable horror. Her assets? Two swords she bought online and a ghost that gives her bad advice. Great for urban fantasy fans looking for an action-packed ride.

If you're craving a brand new series, Wyrmrider Ascending could fill that need. Anne McCaffery's The Dragonriders of Pern meets Jim Butcher's Dreseden Files meets Aquaman in this action-packed fantasy adventure.

If you're looking for more fantasy recommendations, I suggest checking out Urban Fantasy Reads, a new website devoted to connecting readers and authors. They conducted an in-depth interview with me last month about my life as a writer. Check it out: