Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Guest Blogger: Brittany Geragotelis

It's Halloween night and the perfect time for this guest post from Brittany Geragotelis, author of WHAT THE SPELL?, the first book in the young adult Life's a Witch series. Since Ms. Geragotelis writes about a teenage witch, she obviously knows a thing or two about the paranormal. She also happens to have some great ideas for costumes of famous literary characters!

The Best Literary Costumes for Halloween

                                                 
I love Halloween. Seriously, it's one of my favorite holidays. Not just because it’s a day that’s all about people going up to strangers and asking for (and getting) candy. It’s not even because—being the horror buff that I am—I enjoy the creepiness of it all. And I do (Hello?!?! It’s the only time of year when things that goes bump in the night aren’t just explained away with logical excuses!). But the threat of paranormal/supernatural/mystical/psychopathic danger isn’t even the main reason I love this holiday.

No, the real reason I'm such a sucker for Halloween is: I’m given a free pass—nay, I’m expected—to be someone else for the night.

And for someone whose mind is a constant imagination station, this is beyond exciting. One of the things I love about writing books, is the fact that I can create any character I want. By writing his or her story, I'm giving them life. And I get to control what they look like, how they act and even what they wear. In a way, I sort of get to be them. And sometimes, that can be incredibly freeing. And fun. 

This is why Halloween is so special. You get the chance to embody a different character, good or bad, sweet or sassy, supernatural or all natural. And what better place to look, then your local bookstore or library for inspiration? Whether it’s emulating a superhero or getting your tall, dark and creepy on, books can be a hotbed for costume ideas. Here are some of my faves this Halloween.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The film, The Hunger Games, became one of the most successful book to movies of all time this year, and rightfully so. Not only is the story equal parts horrifying and entertaining, but the outfits the characters wear in it are a futuristic fashionista’s dream.




Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Another successful franchise which began with a book. The thing that makes Bella such a hot Halloween costume choice this year is because in the upcoming movie, we’re finally introduced to Vampire Bella! And vamp Bella is a dangerous mamma bear, with some wicked red eyes and an animalistic energy. It’s about time this character came out from behind her male co-stars and took center stage!
Get Vampire Bella’s look: Brown wig or hair; jeans and a T-shirt; red contacts 


Pride & Prejudice & Zombies by Jane Austin and Seth Grahame-Smith
This classic got a horror remix when Seth Grahame-Smith decided to bring the undead to the party to meet Mr. Darcy. Between the pretty dresses and the oozing wounds, you get the best of both worlds with this classic horror costume.
Get Elizabeth Bennet’s look: Classic white dress; fake blood; rotten face makeup 
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
Housewives everywhere (and yes, even single ladies) are sneaking this popular read for its steamy scenes between the beautiful Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. Given the popularity of dressing sexy for Halloween (you can sexify any costume—apparently even Big Bird can be hot), taking on this book’s dominating couple won’t be painful at all.
Get the Fifty Shades look: 
Tie 


 Mask  


Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
This reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood paints a completely different picture of the cloak-wearing girl who goes to visit her grandmother. In this book, we’ve got two sisters who, after their grandmother is savagely killed by a werewolf, go on a lifelong quest to wipe out the creatures that tore their family apart. The elder sister, Scarlett, wields a hatchet, an eye patch and crazy scars, given to her by her grandmother’s killer. If you’re looking for a new twist on an old character, Scarlett’s your girl.
Get Scarlett’s look: Little Red Riding Hood costume or red cape; scar makeup; Tutorial onscar makeup; hatchet; eye patch


Nowhere But Up: The Story of Justin Bieber’s Mom by Pattie Mallette
I know this book is non-fiction and deals with a lot of serious subjects, but let’s be honest here: this costume is all about Bieber fever! You know you got choked up when you watched Never Say Never, you’re obsessed with Belena, and Justin’s changing hairstyles are nearly as famous as he is. So why not take a page from Pattie’s book and create a star this Halloween. 

Get Justin’s look: Wig; hoodie; all-access pass 


Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Since the prelude to Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, comes out in theaters in just a little over a month, I had to include this series in our round-up. Whether you’re into Tolkien’s hobbits, princesses or ghouls—there are plenty of mythological characters to choose from.


The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
I had to include a book from one of my favorite authors—and given its popularity, The Princess Diaries was an obvious choice. What girl doesn’t like dressing up like a Princess? The good news is, Princess Mia is anything but perfect, so you won’t have to worry if your tiara ends up a little askew. Pick this theme and give yourself the royal treatment this Halloween.

Get Princess Mia’s look: Ball gown; Tiara; Fat Louie 

What the Spell? by Brittany Geragotelis
Okay, I know the book’s not out yet—but that just means that no one will steal your costume idea! There are a ton of different, over-the-top characters in my new book What the Spell? that would be perfect to dress up as for Halloween. The book is about Brooklyn, a teen witch who wants to be popular and find love. After giving herself a magical makeover, she earns the attention of the popular group of kids—called The Elite—as well as the affection of the super-hot Asher. But it’s not long before she learns that you have to be careful what you witch for.


Or go as a group: The Elite


Get Eliza’s Look: Bright skirt; sexy,look-at-me top;  hair band 

Get Wheatley’s Look: Tight muscle tee; Jeans; baseball cap; menacing look

Get Rhodes’ Look: Smart-lookingsweater or cardigan; Slacks 

Get Camden’s Look: Clean-cut shirt; jeans 
Get Gigi’s Look: Dress; collar 

Summary of What the Spell?: Brooklyn Sparks is invisible. Because she’s not a popular kid or an ubernerd, Brooklyn is stuck somewhere in the middle of the high school food chain. But all of that is about to change.
     On the eve of her sixteenth birthday, Brooklyn comes of age as a witch. Her strict parents finally unbind her powers, and along with giving herself an instant makeover, Brooklyn discovers her true gift: She was born into a line of magical matchmakers.
     After spending so long being overlooked, Brooklyn’s getting exactly what she wants, including entrée into the elite crowd and her crush’s undivided attention. But there’s a price to pay. The use of her powers puts Brooklyn in the same dangerous position as her Salem ancestors—if anyone finds out who she really is and what she can do, her life is over. Now that she has everything she’s ever wanted, Brooklyn has everything to lose.
*****
About the Author: A former Olympic-bound gymnast and magazine editor, Brittany Geragotelis is a self-professed pop culture junkie turned author. Her paranormal action book, Life’s a Witch, received 19 million reads on the writing site Wattpad before being picked up by publisher Simon & Schuster. What the Spell? is her first published book in the Life’s a Witch series. Brittany currently lives in New York City with her beau, Matt, and two cats, Murray and Cohen. Visit her online:

2 comments:

bermudaonion said...

Literary costumes are the best! This is such a fun post.

Beth F said...

Fun, fun, fun! Loved the ideas the photos and the links.