Michigan Book Signing Tour: Thursday–Leighton Township Library
Checking in quickly to post some pictures from the Leighton Township Library event we had this afternoon. We LOVE the Leighton Township Library and all of the wonderful ladies who work there, as well as their readers who turned out to meet us!
Book Tour Updates Are Coming!
I know I promised a bunch of people that I’d be posting updates daily this week—but the internet at the hotel has been down. We’re at the hotel next door for a quick fix (and to check e-mail and stuff), so I just wanted to drop by and let you know that as soon as the internet is back up at our hotel, I’ll get to posting those daily updates.
See ya then!
What to Do on a Book Signing
In a couple of hours, I’ll be boarding a plane bound for Grand Rapids, Michigan, for a week-long book signing tour with Barbour authors MaryLu Tyndall, Mary Connealy, and Christine Lynxwiler. Click here to see the list of all the places where we’ll be signing this week.
Even though I now have a (very successful) solo book signing under my belt, I sent out an e-mail to the ACFW group last week asking published authors for their best advice when it comes to doing a book signing so that I could share that here, since this is one of those areas of the author’s profession that I’m just now starting to learn.
I have one little phrase that thematically links to the book, and I just write that in every book. It might be a snippet from an actual line of text, or from a related Bible verse. Keep it to 4-5 words. I usually don’t go for highly personalized inscriptions, because while the one person you’re signing to might be a good friend from church, the lady behind her might be someone you barely know, and that can be awkward. The friend’s book can be made more personal with a simple “I love you, sister!”
Also, bring a friend to sit at the signing table with you. It gives you someone to talk to during those stretches of time when nobody’s there, and someone to talk you up to the people standing around while you’re busy signing!
~Allison Pittman
www.allisonpittman.com
This will sound strange, but I advise keeping expectations low. Book signings are so unpredictable. You never know–sometimes you’ll anticipate selling a bunch of books and you’ll only sell a few, and other times you think it will be a disaster, only it ends up being the best book signing you’ve ever had. Keeping expectations low helps stem the disappointment IF the signing isn’t a huge success. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do everything in your power to make it a success, but don’t expect every signing to be one.
One other thing–if you can sign with other authors, do it. Not only will you sell more books, you’ll also have a lot of fun with your writer friends. 🙂
~Kathleen Fuller
www.kathleenfuller.com
Don’t sit. Stand. You’re more approachable.
And of course, everyone will tell you this, but. . .BRING CHOCOLATE.
~Kim Sawyer
www.KimVogelSawyer.com
I always take Hershey Hugs and Hershey Kisses in a pretty basket and have a friendly, fun-loving person ask people as they come in the door, “Would you like a hug or a kiss?” That begins to build the fun atmosphere, and we take it from there with free bookmarks and signup for the book drawing. Then I have someone who does nothing but relate to the customers as they come in. Sometimes she prays with them, or listens, etc. Nothing spectacular, but the people leave with that loved feeling.
~Audrey Hebbert
www.audreyhebbert.com
Group book signings are great! From Karen Kingsbury I learned that it’s good to stand up and greet people. Introduce yourself and then the other authors with you. Have a one-sentence comment about your book ready and also for the other authors’ books. Promote them, and they can promote you. Be friendly. Ask readers what kind of books they like to read.
~Carrie Turansky
www.carrieturansky.com
I’ve done quite a few signing events with other authors. One thing I’ve noticed is that most people are shy about approaching a group of writers because they feel like they’re intruding. Find a way to connect with customers by making eye contact and focusing on potential readers rather than chatting with each other. Sometimes it helps to stand up and move away from behind the table.
~Debby Mayne
http://debbymayne.com
The best advice I can give is to have some kind of drawing for a giveaway at your table. I always have a basket of books, wrapped in clear cellophane, and slips for people to drop into a pretty bowl. Not only does it draw people to your table (everybody loves free books!) it adds to my mailing list! I’m careful not to abuse that list though. Wouldn’t want people to get sick of me mailing them stuff. 🙂
~Elizabeth Ludwig
www.elizabethludwig.com
My advice for any book signing? Don’t expect the Mongol hordes to descend on the bookstore. You may have a line out the door, you may have two people, you may only have someone looking for the place to buy license plates. Take what comes, and thank God for the opportunity. And it’s really a great chance to meet people.
~Richard L. Mabry, MD
www.rmabry.com
*Enjoy the event-no matter how many books you sell
*Have a bowl of chocolate
*Spell names correctly. Have your special good luck pen for signing.
*Have some kind of handout—bookmarks, postcards
*Wear something that makes you feel great
*Bring a small token gift for the store person
*Have someone walk around store passing out your card or whatever
*Have a sign in sheet (helps start your email clientele)
*Sometimes your laptop with your website up is fun
*Send a thank you to bookstore
*Take a picture for your blog,website~Jude Urbanski
judeurbanski.blogstream.com
Michigan Book Tour Featured Author: Christine Lynxwiler
If memory serves, I met Christine Lynxwiler at the first ACRW conference in Kansas City in 2002. If it wasn’t at that one, I know I met her at the Houston conference in 2003. While it seems like our paths have crossed often at conferences, I’ve never had the opportunity to get to know her as well as I’d like—which will change next week, I’m sure!
Enjoy a front row seat as two reluctant lovers take center stage in award-winning author Christine Lynxwiler’s latest riveting romance. New York actress Crystal McCord puts her career on hold to return home to Arkansas to help take care of her family’s ranch. When she meets cowboy neighbor Jeremy Buchanan, sparks fly. But when Jeremy’s never-before-mentioned family appears on the scene, he drops out of the picture. Will Crystal’s country road home turn out to be a dead end? Is it time for a U-turn back to the Big Apple? Or will Jeremy manage to book her for an unlimited engagement?
What do you like best about being a writer?
Getting reader feedback. 🙂 I love it when I finish a book and hear from a reader that my story entertained them a great deal but also touched them in some way.
What’s one thing you have to have within reach while writing?
My family. Seriously. I used to write at a desk in the back corner of my bedroom. The door was usually closed and my kids were growing up in the next room without me. A few years ago, I decided ENOUGH! I moved my desk into the middle of the living room and I’m not cut off anymore. I write while life goes on around me, stopping frequently to participate. It works really well for us. Of course, I have solitude while hubby is at work and the girls are at school.
Pop, Soda, or Coke? What do you call it, and what’s your favorite variety?
Sometimes soda, sometimes coke. We don’t keep them at home, but when we go out, I get a Dr. Pepper.
Describe your favorite pair of shoes.
Funny you should ask. A year or two ago, at a shoe store I can’t remember the name of, I found a pair of black flats with elastic straps criss-crossing the tops. They’re Jazzberry brand and are so comfortable that I wear them all the time, so now they’re a little worse for the wear. I’ve been looking online for the last month to find some Jazzberry black flats with elastic straps, certain that I’ll never last a whirlwind booksigning tour without new ones identical to my comfy old ones. But no luck until yesterday, I was at a store at the mall and one of the sales associates said to the one behind the counter, “Hey! She’s got on your shoes.” The girl walked out from behind the counter and sure enough. . .MY SHOES! I got so excited, it was embarrassing. She said she got them at PayLess, so I’m sure I did too. But when I went over to PayLess, the clerk said they never carried them. So. . .sniff. Back to square one. If you see me in Michigan, don’t look at my feet. My old standbys will have to do!
Many years ago, my niece wrote to ask me what I wear when I’m writing . . . because she was going to a career day for which she had to dress up as the occupation she wants to be when she grows up. How would you have answered her?
I refuse to answer this question on the grounds that people might not read my books if they knew how sloppily I dress while I write. LOL.
What’s the most fun/interesting/crazy/scary/unique hands-on research you’ve done for a book?
Horses. Before I started writing books about horses, I was terrified of them. My husband’s parents have a cattle ranch and I’m not crazy about cows either, but I’ve been dealing with them for 27 years and at least you don’t have to climb up on them. Horses are another story. In the spirit of furthering my writing career, when I was working on Along Came a Cowboy, my sweet hubby bought us three horses. And signed me up for riding lessons. The first day I did well to just sit up on the horse. (With sunglasses on, so my kids wouldn’t see the tears in my terror-filled eyes!) Now I ride a little, but it will probably never be my favorite thing. Still it was fun to overcome that huge fear in the name of research.
Candles. We all have them. But do you burn them? What scents are your favorite?
At the risk of being cliché, my family would probably tell you that I burn the candle at both ends all the time. Kidding aside, I burn them occasionally and my favorite scent is probably apple cinnamon. Reminds me of Mama’s house at Thanksgiving.
Have you ever re-gifted something someone’s given you?
What kind of question is that??!! I’ll never tell.
If you were to write a novel about what your life would have been like if you’d become what you wanted to be at eight years old, what kind of character would the story be about?
A singer, probably country, possibly pop, I don’t remember. Just remember wanting to be adored by the masses. It’s funny how much that’s changed. Now all I ask for is to be easy enough to live with that my husband never regrets the decision he made 27 years ago and fun enough to be around that when my daughters grow up, they’d choose me to be a close friend, even if I wasn’t “Mama.”
Have you ever gone on a book-signing tour before? What are you looking forward to next week? What makes you nervous?
I’ve had lots of booksignings, some back-to-back, but have never actually gone on “tour” before. I’m looking forward to meeting readers and readers-to-be. I LOVE getting to know people who read my books. When I write, it helps me to know who’s going to read it when I’m done. Nervous? Only one thing makes me nervous. The lurking fear that no one will show up. Or maybe worse, that they’ll show up for the other three authors and I’ll be sitting unnoticed in the corner, giving customers directions to the Bible aisle or the restroom.
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
Before I was published it was – Never give up. After – Write every day. Or at least five days a week.
What’s your biggest dream for the future?
Oh, wow. That’s a tough question. For my daughters to grow up to be the amazing women of God that I know they can be. For my husband and I to always be as much in love as we are now and have at least fifty more years together. And for our family to stay close during our time on earth and for us all be reunited in Heaven someday.
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Best-selling author Christine Lynxwiler sold her first story in 2001 to Barbour Publishing. Since then she’s written fifteen Christian romance novels and novellas. Her book Forever Christmas ranked number 12 on the Christian Bookseller’s Association Bestseller List in January 2009.
A four-time winner of the prestigious American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award, Lynxwiler recently signed a new six-book contract with Barbour Publishing of Uhrichsville, Ohio, bringing her total of contracted books to twenty. Besides Forever Christmas, her latest novels include Arkansas, Promise Me Always, and Along Came a Cowboy. She also writes mysteries with two of her sisters, Sandy Gaskin and Jan Reynolds. Their brand new release, Alibis in Arkansas, is currently available in Sam’s Clubs nationwide, as well as in many bookstores. In April, the first book in the McCord Sisters series, The Reluctant Cowgirl, will release nationwide. Romantic Times magazine gave The Reluctant Cowgirl 4½ stars and chose it as Top Pick for April.
When Christine isn’t writing or on Facebook, you’ll often find her cheering and coaching alongside her husband at one of their daughters’ softball games, kayaking down beautiful Spring River with her family, or getting together with friends from church. Drop her a note at Christine_Writes (at) yahoo (dot) com or visit her website at http://www.christinelynxwiler.com.
Michigan Book Tour Featured Author: Kaye Dacus
Okay, maybe featuring myself isn’t the must humble thing to do. But I’m one of the authors going on the book tour next week, and I did say that I’d be featuring all of the authors. 🙂
It’s the wedding of the century…will the real groom please stand up?
When wedding planner Anne Hawthorne meets George Laurence, she thinks she’s found the man of her dreams. But when he turns out to be a client, her “dream” quickly turns into a nightmare. Will Anne risk her heart and career on this engaging Englishman? George came to Louisiana to plan his employer’s wedding and pose as the groom. But how can he feign affection for a supposed fiancée when he’s so achingly attracted to the wedding planner? And what will happen when Anne discovers his role has been Stand-In Groom only? Will she ever trust George again? Can God help these two find a happy ending?
What do you like best about being a writer?
What I love best about being a writer is that I get to do what I love every single day, whether I like it or not. 🙂 I love writing stories that elicit emotion from others–especially laughter and joy–and that’s how I approach the work when I sit down to do it. Plus, one of my favorite things is when my writing makes me laugh when I go back and re-read it. When that happens, I know I’ve done what I was supposed to do.
What’s one thing you have to have within reach while writing?
Post-it Notes. I’m addicted to them. I have to have at least one pad of them nearby (usually the ones in the pop-up dispenser that stays right next to my computer—and I have an identical dispenser that sits on my nightstand, since I often write at night in bed). Most of the continuity notes that I need for the book I’m currently writing are all written on Post-its and stuck either to the perimeter of my computer monitor or on the wall behind it.
Pop, Soda, or Coke? What do you call it, and what’s your favorite variety?
I grew up saying coke (in New Mexico and Louisiana), but now usually call it soda, having picked that up when I lived in the Washington DC area. My favorite, which I can’t have anymore, is Dr. Pepper. Most of the time now, though, I drink fruit-flavored, sugar-free fizzy water, hot tea with lemon, or Diet Coke.
Describe your favorite pair of shoes.
I’m wearing them right now! They’re a pair of fabric “ballet slipper” flats that have a brown, gray, and off-white swirly pattern to them with a wide brown band that goes across the top of the foot. They’re so comfortable, they’re like wearing house-shoes!
Many years ago, my niece wrote to ask me what I wear when I’m writing . . . because she was going to a career day for which she had to dress up as the occupation she wants to be when she grows up. Here’s how I answered her:
It really depends on the day. Most of the time, I’m wearing jeans and a sweater or blouse, sometimes a pair of exercise pants and a T-shirt or sweatshirt. Sometimes, I’m all dressed up, because I can write no matter where I am!
What’s the most fun/interesting/crazy/scary/unique hands-on research you’ve done for a book?
To research my heroine’s job for A Case for Love (Book 3 of the Brides of Bonneterre series), I spend several hours one morning at the local CBS-affiliate TV station to watch them shoot their mid-day “Talk of the Town” program. The main host, Meryll Rose, was wonderful! She spent about twenty minutes before the program talking to me, explaining everything that she does. I got to watch part of the live-broadcast show from the control room and part of it from the studio.
Candles. We all have them. But do you burn them? What scents are your favorite?
Having grown up in a household full of people allergic to all different kinds of fragrances, I’ve never cared much for scented candles. However, by being picky about them, I have managed to find some over time that I’ve enjoyed. Right now, I have a large candle-in-a-jar on the shelf above my computer that’s “Flirty Fruits & Berry Bliss” scented. I also love the fragrances that come out in the Fall, like apple & cinnamon and pumpkin-pie spice.
Have you ever re-gifted something someone’s given you?
Yes–candles.
If you were to write a novel about what your life would have been like if you’d become what you wanted to be at eight years old, what kind of character would the story be about?
It would be about Princess Leia as a veterinarian. Yep, when I was eight, I wanted to be both Princess Leia and a veterinarian. Hmmm…actually, that idea has possibilities…
Have you ever gone on a book-signing tour before? What are you looking forward to next week? What makes you nervous?
I just did my first book signing this past weekend. While I was nervous going into it—especially since it was in a nontraditional setting of a clothing store—it was a wonderful experience. I sold 13 books and signed a few more that people brought in. In fact, one young lady who was in Nashville on spring break, from Alabama, saw the posters in the store window a few days ahead of time and made her parents bring her back just to have me sign her book! It was a wonderful experience that gave me just the confidence boost I needed going into this book signing tour. What I am still nervous about is that with three other stellar authors there, no one’s going to want my book because theirs are all so wonderful. So that’s a bit daunting to me.
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
“Above all else: FINISH YOUR FIRST DRAFT.” I heard that at the first professional writers’ conference I ever attended, and it transformed my entire approach to writing.
What’s your biggest dream for the future?
My biggest dream is to be able to continue writing, to continue doing what it is that I love doing above all else.
_____________________________
Kaye Dacus is an author and editor who has been writing fiction for more than twenty years. Pursuing her passion for writing, she earned a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She is a former Vice President and long-time member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is also a founding member of Middle Tennessee Christian Writers. Kaye lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and writes contemporary and historical romances.
Michigan Book Tour Featured Author: M.L. Tyndall
Today, I’m featuring another wonderful author with whom I’ll be on tour next week: MaryLu Tyndall. I first heard about MaryLu because of her “Pirate books”—a trilogy of historic romances featuring pirates as the main characters. And yes! They’re Christian fiction. And her new series just kicked off—this time set in coastal Carolina in the 18th century and featuring a female pirate in the first book. In recent months and years, I’ve started getting to know MaryLu and count myself very fortunate that I’ve been blessed by having a relationship with her. I’ve yet to meet her face-to-face, so that’s definitely one of the things I’m most looking forward to next week!
You’ll be swept away by this latest historical romance by bestselling author M. L. Tyndall. Faith Westcott is a lady by day and a pirate by night. Can she garner the riches she so desperately needs before her secret is revealed? Captain Dajon Waite is determined to catch the fiery redhead who has been pillaging the Carolina coast. When Faith invites his courtship, she hopes his infatuation will shield her true identity and keep other suitors at bay. Can the love of a godly captain win her heart, or will she be forced to marry Sir Wilhelm Carteret, a man obsessed with taking her to wife?
What do you like best about being a writer?
The actual writing! I love getting into my characters’ heads and transporting myself into another time and place. I put my headphones on with my favorite epic music playing and I dive right into a scene. Whether it’s dialogue or swashbuckling action, I feel like I’m right there. What better way to spend my day than in a fantasy world of my own creation.
What’s one thing you have to have within reach while writing?
My music and my Thesaurus, and maybe some chocolate if I’m having one of “those” days.
Pop, Soda, or Coke? What do you call it, and what’s your favorite variety?
Soda, and I don’t drink it, sorry. Health nut here.
Describe your favorite pair of shoes.
My brown hiking boots with black laces and thick soles. They keep my feet warm and are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. No spiked pumps for this girl.
Many years ago, my niece wrote to ask me what I wear when I’m writing . . . because she was going to a career day for which she had to dress up as the occupation she wants to be when she grows up. How would you have answered her?
Comfortable jeans, a plain shirt, and my hiking boots.
What’s the most fun/interesting/crazy/scary/unique hands-on research you’ve done for a book?
Sword fighting with my daugher! I needed to know what a sword feels like in my hands and sounds like when it swooshes through the air and clanks against another sword! So much fun!
Candles. We all have them. But do you burn them? What scents are your favorite?
I love the scent of vanilla! I have vanilla candles, perfume, oil, bubble bath, soap… you name it
Have you ever re-gifted something someone’s given you?
Absolutely! No sense in wasting a good gift!
If you were to write a novel about what your life would have been like if you’d become what you wanted to be at eight years old, what kind of character would the story be about?
An astronaut soaring through outer space discovering new worlds and conquering evil wherever I found it.
Have you ever gone on a book-signing tour before? What are you looking forward to next week? What makes you nervous?
I’ve been on book-signings, but not an entire tour. I’m looking foward to chatting with people about my books and the ministry of writing for God’s glory and being able to encourage them with a word from God or pray for them. Nervous? That I’ll put my big foot in my mouth (which usually happens at least once a day) or that nobody will even show up. 😦
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
Shut off your left brain (the logic, rule following, critical side) and write from your heart without censure.
What’s your biggest dream for the future?
To hear the words from God’s mouth when I enter Heaven, “Well done, good and faithful servant” I’m not saying I’m there yet, and I fail so often, but each day I strive to do God’s will and bring Him glory.
____________________________________________
M.L. Tyndall, a Christy Award Finalist and best-selling author of the Legacy of the King’s Pirates series is known for her adventurous historical romances filled with deep spiritual themes. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before testing the waters as a writer. MaryLu currently writes full time and makes her home on the California coast with her husband, six kids, and four cats.
Michigan Book Tour Featured Author: Mary Connealy
This week, I’ll be featuring interviews with the authors whom I’ll be on tour with in western Michigan next week. Today’s featured author is Mary Connealy. I’ve known about Mary for many years—judged at least one of her contest entries four or five years ago in the Genesis contest, as a matter of fact (and then just recently got to read it and make content edits on it for Barbour a couple of months ago—y’all are going to love it when it comes out!). I finally met her face-to-face at the ACFW conference in Minneapolis last year. Mary is fun-loving and a blast to hang out with!
All aboard for a delightful, suspense-filled romance, where a Texan is torn between his attraction to a meddlesome schoolmarm and the charms of a designing dressmaker. When Hannah Cartwright meets Grant, she’s determined to keep him from committing her orphans to hard labor on his ranch. How far will she go to ensure their welfare? Grant is determined to provide a home for the two kids brought in by the orphan train. Can he keep his ragtag family together while steering clear of love and marriage?
What do you like best about being a writer?
I love everything about being a writer but, I will always be a writer, no matter what, published or not, so my real favorite thing about being a writer is that I get money for something I’d be doing anyway.
Pop, Soda, or Coke? What do you call it, and what’s your favorite variety?
We call it pop in Nebraska and when my brother visits from New York State…his children call it pop and giggle. Like it’s the funniest thing in the world to talk like Nebraskans. I’m a huge Diet Coke freak. I really care, too, and I’m not proud of that. I love that stuff.
Describe your favorite pair of shoes.
I’ve got a pair of black boots that I wear almost constantly. Well not to shower in, but you know what I mean. Daily, for all occasions, except when they are absolutely wrong. They are getting battered but I can’t part with them. Low heels, non-skid soles and warm, my office at work is FREEZING. I keep looking for a new pair but they all have THREE INCH HEELS and a surface fit for ice skating. It’s like shoe designers HATE ME. It’s like that WANT me to die.
What’s the most fun/interesting/crazy/scary/unique hands-on research you’ve done for a book?
I had a fair amount of fun with my husband’s rifle recently. I was trying to describe how the heroine (yes, heroine) got her rifle into action fast. How would she wear it, strapped on her back, hanging from her shoulder? Did she grab it with both hands? Could she have managed with one? My husband, Quick-Draw and I fooled with that gun a long time. It’s heavy!
Candles. We all have them. But do you burn them? What scents are your favorite?
I am in love with some candles a local woman makes. They are seriously the very best. She has this cottage industry and a little shop in a nearby town full of these spectacular candles, that burn forever and so clean and smell so wonderful. I burn them constantly. My current favorite is a scent called Cinnamon Candy. But we just burned our last one of those and have a Citrus Splash burning and it’s fantastic, too. And I LOVE the holiday scents, Thanksgiving and Christmas and Halloween, lots of apple and pine and cinnamon, just wonderful. You can order through her website. Each candle is in a pint canning jar and has a raffia tie with a little sign on it with John 18:12. Jesus is the Light of the World. I talk about these candles every chance I get because Susie works so hard and makes such an extraordinary product.
Have you ever re-gifted something someone’s given you?
I do pass along books that people send me, but I think that’s a nice thing to do, a good way to share a new author with someone, it’s not re-gifting. Not that there’s anything wrong with re-gifting.
If you were to write a novel about what your life would have been like if you’d become what you wanted to be at eight years old, what kind of character would the story be about?
I don’t remember being eight. I hope this isn’t one of those repressed memory situations. Great, now I have to go into counseling, wonderful! This interview is going to cost me a fortune!
Have you ever gone on a book-signing tour before? What are you looking forward to next week? What makes you nervous?
I’ve been at book signings away from home before. The nervous part comes from hoping someone shows up. The great part is spending time with other authors and readers and the people who run book stores. They’re about the nicest people on earth.
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
Write 300 words a day. No excuses.
What’s your biggest dream for the future?
It was almost beyond my hopes that I’d ever even get one book published. So my biggest dream has come true, but now I’d love a career, a body of work. I’d like to see a shelf full of Mary Connealy books.
Mary Connealy
Fun Friday–A Battlestar Galactica Top 5 List
For those of you not hooked on the landmark SciFi Channel series Battlestar Galactica, it’s a reimagining (not a remake) of the popular, but short-lived, series from 1978. And it ends tonight after four long, harrowing seasons. (And I say harrowing after having watched the first three seasons on DVD, not strung out over three years the way everyone else has.) So I thought I’d pay a little tribute to this show that’s not only broken ground, but has raised questions about government and politics and the human race in a way no other show has. (Beware: if you haven’t watched the full series, there are spoilers contained below.)
5. Jamie Bamber as Lee “Apollo” Adama. While Jamie Bamber looks nothing like Edward James Olmos, who plays his father, Jamie shocked me in this role. Up until I watched BSG, the only role I’d ever seen him in was as Lt. Archie Kennedy, second-fiddle to Horatio in the Hornblower movies. Even though he got to sacrifice himself for Horatio in the Mutiny/Retribution “miniseries” (so my beloved Paul McGann’s character of William Bush could take over the position as best friend), I never saw much depth to Jamie’s acting. As Lee Adama, though, going from a hot-shot fighter pilot to legal assistant in the trial-of-the-galaxy to representative on the quorum to acting president, this role has not only pushed his ability to maintain an American accent, but it’s pushed him as an actor to show many different facets of his acting ability to be able to believably pull off the role.
4. Religion. Because of the experience of watching the Star Trek shows for so many years, I’ve gotten used to space-bound science-fiction shows either ignoring religion completely or giving it a nod and a wink by showing that only backwards, less-sophisticated cultures still believe in deities of any kind. In BSG, though, religion plays a major role in the storyline—it is the prophesies in their religious book that drive them on the search for Earth and the Thirteenth Tribe. There is also the controversy that arises between the human belief in the gods of Kobol (the Greek Pantheon, as a matter of fact) and the Cylon belief in only one god, very similar to Christianity. And once we learn that the Thirteenth Tribe was actually a tribe of Cylons, who settled on Earth, this split in beliefs makes very interesting sense. The belief in one god begins to take root in the subculture of the human race as well and begins to make a significant commentary on the split in the society—the haves and the have-nots—within the fleet.
3. Earth. While I hated it when it happened, as the end of the first half of the fourth season, the fact that Earth ended up not being the place of salvation for the fleet, that it’s a decimated wasteland proving that “all this has happened before, it will all happen again,” it served to add yet another layer of pathos to a show already laden with it. It’s also a great feat of storytelling—to take the characters (and the audience) to a state of euphoria when they finally arrive at Earth, believing all will now be well, and then to tear the rug out from under them.
2. Tahmoh Penikett as Karl “Helo” Agathon and Michael Trucco as Sam Anders. You knew I had to have eye-candy on this list! But even though I admire these two actors for their handsome faces and toned bodies, I also really enjoy the characters of Helo and Sam—especially once Sam broke free from Cara and discovered he’s a Cylon. I first began to admire Helo when he gave up his seat and stayed on Caprica so that Gaius Baltar could be saved, then spent months on the planet hiding from the Cylons and trying to escape, finally saving not only himself and “Sharon” but Starbuck as well. I know some viewers have lost their affinity for Helo over the seasons, but he’s remained one of my favorite characters. With Sam, once he lost the cockiness that he had as a freedom fighter on Caprica, once he got over Cara, he became an interesting character—now more than ever, since he appears to now be a key to not only what happened to the final five in the past, but to what can save our intrepid band of survivors now.
1. Laura Roslin and Bill Adama’s Romance. Two people isolated from the rest of their society by the necessities of their roles of leadership. Of course they’re perfect for each other. Though there have been plenty of other romance storylines in this show, this was the one that the writers not only took their time with, but built it up to such a point that by the time Laura finally admitted to herself that she was in love with Bill, it was an emotional release not just for the characters but for the audience when Laura finally said “I love you” to him. And he, of course, in his Han-Soloish way replied, “About time.” Perfect.
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