The Rabbit Hole

Did you get sorted into Hufflepuff? Have you been finding it hard to be proud of your House? Well, Megan Alms feels your pain and has written about her Hufflepuff-hardships.

7 Struggles of Being Hufflepuff

by Megan Alms

Being in the most overlooked Hogwarts house isn’t always easy. Hufflepuffs aren’t recognized enough for their contributions to the wizarding world. And there are certain struggles that only Hufflepuffs will understand. So whether you’re a proud Puff or a friend of one, this list of seven Hufflepuff struggles will help you understand the difficulties.

“Hufflepuffs are lame/boring/dumb.”

Maybe it’s because Hufflepuffs are underrepresented, or maybe it’s because their symbol is a badger, but Hufflepuffs have a reputation for being exceptionally un-extraordinary. Just because they value kindness to others over their own bravery, intelligence, and ambitions, people seem to think that they lack bravery, intelligence, and ambition.

People take advantage of Hufflepuffs.

Sometimes Hufflepuffs can be too kind for their own good. This makes it easy for others to manipulate them for their own gain. Because what more does a Hufflepuff want than to help others? And though Hufflepuffs hate having bad suspicions of anyone, they need to be wary of others stepping all over them.

Hufflepuffs are the reconcilers.

If there’s one thing Hufflepuffs hate, it’s when their friends are fighting. So Hufflepuffs often find themselves in the middle of other people’s drama for the sake of being the reconciler. Being surrounded by so much negativity can have a harsh effect on Hufflepuffs, but they are willing to jump in the middle of it in order to bring about peace.

Hufflepuffs can overwork themselves.

Hufflepuffs aren’t just defined by their kindness; they are “unafraid of toil” (according to the Sorting Hat). Hufflepuffs are exceptionally hard workers, and it can be easy for them to get so

caught up in a task that they don’t stop to take a break.  

There is no Hufflepuff merchandise.

Harry Potter merch is boundless. But Hufflepuff-specific merch? Not so much. It’s not uncommon to find a super cool pair of Gryffindor socks, only to discover that there is no Hufflepuff version. Often, Hufflepuffs must turn to homemade house gear if they want to celebrate their Puff side.

The Hufflepuff common room is right next to the kitchens.

This seems great at first, but it does make the temptation to snack much greater. And the eager-to-please House Elves don’t make it any easier. Adding this to three bottomless meals per day in the Great Hall, it can be difficult not to gain the “First-Year Fifteen”.

There are virtually no Hufflepuff characters.

Sure, there was Cedric, but he disappeared as quickly as he was introduced. Besides him, all of the other strong Hufflepuffs had already graduated by the time they were introduced. This makes it difficult to pinpoint a character and say, “This is what a Hufflepuff looks like.” Luckily, the Fantastic Beasts series introduced Newt Scamander, who is finally bringing some honor to Hufflepuff.

Being a Hufflepuff can be difficult. They tend to go all-in, even when it costs them. And their underrepresentation makes them easily misunderstood. But there are struggles in everything, and being in the house of Helga Hufflepuff is worth the struggle. Ask any Hufflepuff; they wouldn’t have it any other way.

I love this! Megan is also rather artsy! Harry Potter isn't her only passion!

Megan Alms is a partner of The Rabbit Hole and I am thrilled to have her contribution! Look for more of Meg's work as we go along! You can see her DeviantArt gallery at Lodakita.Deviantart.com !

It’s Time For Thirteen

For anyone who hasn’t seen Doctor Who, let me give a little explanation as to what is going on, and why the most recent announcement is a big deal. The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey. Their species is called Time Lords and they have the ability to travel through time and space. Time Lords regenerate when they become injured or sick and their appearance changes in doing so. This allows the show to continue on with this same character over a very long time span, using new actors every few seasons. When the show started in 1963, the Doctor was a slightly cranky old man travelling with his granddaughter, stuck on earth after their time machine, TARDIS, breaks down. After a time, they meet some humans, go for a ride, and the adventuring begins. (It’s obviously more complicated than that, but this is the simple version.) The Doctor enjoys showing the galaxy off to his friends and saving the world with little more than his wits & a screwdriver.

We’ve had young men & older men make this role their own for 50 years. The next actor to portray The Doctor has been announced: Jodie Whittaker!

Yes, a woman! This is pretty interesting news! Up to now, The Doctor has always been played by a man, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what Whittaker will bring to this well-known character! For 50 years the character has had a man’s face, but that’s all about to change.

“I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey - with Chris and with every Whovian on this planet. It’s more than an honour to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can’t wait.” Jodie Whittaker.

Jodie Whittaker was most recently in Broadchurch, to high acclaim. (I must admit, I’ve not yet seen it, but it’s on my list!) Anthony Wilcox directed Whittaker in Hello Carter (2013) and had this to say about her playing The Doctor;  “She is exactly the sort of person you would want to go on an adventure with, and who you would back to lead you out of trouble. You can imagine her getting the better of a Dalek and leaving a smile on your face at the same time, and those two things combined make it an ideal piece of casting.”.

Reading this made me even more excited about having her (!!!) play The Doctor! Jodie definitely looks like she could get into some trouble, but then grin at the thought of the adventure and how to get out of it alive! That’s what The Doctor is all about; adventure and friendship.

I look forward to learning about this new side to an old character in the next season, but I will miss Peter Capaldi. As with all the other Doctors, you don’t like them at first and then you hate to see them go.

To Jodie- Congratulations on your new role! I’ve no doubt you’ll be splendid.

To Whovians- Remember, this is a science fiction television show about an alien with 2 hearts. Yes, we are incredibly passionate about this show! However, we must give this actor a chance as we’ve given all others who replace the previous. What would The Doctor do? ❤❤

Kathryn Zeigler is an actress, director, casting agent, writer, producer, and mom! This gal does it all with grace and humility. I met her when I volunteered at a Doctor Who event south of Indianapolis. I sat next to the booth where she was sharing news of their Doctor Who play in Louisville. I listened to them as the actors went in and out of character, joked, laughed, and generally had a great time. I thought, “I want to be a part of that!” And while I haven’t been able to move to Louisville, I’ve stayed in touch and do whatever I can to support them.

When I approached Kathryn about conducting an interview, she was more than gracious! And so, here is my friend and I talking about her jobs, her life and her loves. Ladies & gents, Kathryn Zeigler!

 The Rabbit Hole: You did the Disney Intern Program, right? What was that like?

Yes, I did. I was in the WDW College Program in 1999. Absolutely one of the best experiences of my college days, and of my professional career. I worked at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the Kilimanjaro Safari’s attraction in the village of Harambe. Some of my deepest friendships (who I truly consider family) and professional connections stemmed from that experience. I learned a lot about myself and the world around me. I was also exposed to the best entertainment business practices on the planet.

TRH: What made you want to act? 

I always knew I wanted to perform and to make people happy. At a very young age, I “produced” shows in my basement and even made up tickets and charged for my family and neighbors to see the show. 25 cents. My two most requested shows (thank heavens for a family that humored me) were my magic show and my roller disco show to the Disco Mickey Mouse album. I’m not even really sure what in the world I did during the roller disco; except I do remember that one time I tried to jump over the couch and failed miserably. Ironically, it was to the tune “Watch Out For Goofy” right at the point in the song where Goofy falls and destroys everything in his path.  

TRH: What did you want to grow up to be as a kid? 

 I wanted to be an actor, an astronaut, and a writer. I was pretty serious about the astronaut and writing path. A friend of mine and I created a magazine called Shuttle Run, and interviewed pilots and scientists. I think we published two full magazines before summer and then we gave it up.

I don’t think it occurred to me how much of an entrepreneur I was until much later in life, but as someone who works full-time in the entertainment industry, I’ve discovered that you have to have that kind of spirit to make a living.

TRH: There are so many mediums, why choose theater? 

Theatre was the most accessible to me growing up. I did a lot of plays at church and my parents took me to see lots of shows around town. The one performance that changed my life was My Fair Lady at the Iroquois Amphitheater back in the 80’s. (I want to say maybe ’86?)

My grandmother worked very hard all year as a seamstress and saved up money to take me to that show. We sat in the sixth row, center seats. She even had enough for us to get some popcorn and candy, which was a big deal since she usually packed snacks for everything we went to.

From the first note the orchestra hit, I was hooked. And then, when Eliza walked into the room in her ball gown, I knew I had to do whatever it was that she was doing. I left that night feeling like I was flying and I’ve not looked back since.

It took years before film would come into my life, and although it’s exciting and I love it dearly, theatre will always be my home.

TRH:Could you tell us about about Acting For Your Life and your casting company AFYL Casting?

 Acting For Your Life actually has a neat story behind it. When I was living and working in NY and CT in 2005, I taught a series of acting classes. In one of my adult acting workshops in Manhattan, a student came in crying and saying that she was sorry but she’d just learned she had cancer and had no access to healthcare.

I couldn’t possibly teach technique at that moment. For about fifteen minutes, the entire class and I helped her with resources that might be able to help. She was able to rally and asked to remain in class so she could focus on what made her happy. The following week, another student came in with a major financial issue. As a unified group, we helped as much as we could.

After class that day, I did a lot of soul searching to figure out how to help students who obviously needed support with life skills while also trying to make a living as artists. Once they were able to deal with life (even just a tiny aspect of it) I found that the work was more quality. It was deep and truthful. So, it hit me. What if, in the same supportive atmosphere of an acting class, we could focus the first fifteen minutes on some kind of life skill before delving into the work? That way, we could address life issues that were facing the class, and then we could get into the work of acting?

The third week, I invited a financial advisor to speak to the class and take questions before warm-ups. The actors were timid speaking about financial issues, but after the presentation each of them took a business card. Our guest left, we made room for work, and it was one of the most successful acting classes I’ve ever taught. They were free, if only for those minutes, because they had faced something life related that they didn’t want to face. I learned that all but one of those students met with the financial advisor post-class and set up plans to help them deal with their personal finances.

Acting For Your Life (www.afylonline.com) was born and continues today as an educational platform for artists all over the world.

When Todd (my husband) joined Acting For Your Life in 2014, we were looking for a way to connect the artists we worked with to sustainable opportunities. In 2016, we opened AFYL Talent agency and represented actors. Although we loved that work, we saw a huge need for qualified casting directors in our area since the Kentucky film market is growing leaps and bounds. AFYL Talent closed in December of 2016, and immediately in January we opened AFYL Casting (www.afylcasting.com). We no longer represent talent, but instead we act as casting directors for film, television, commercials, industrials, voice over, and new media projects. We’re able to connect artists to paid opportunities by helping production companies connect to and cast them. I absolutely love it.

TRH: When it comes to helping new actors in their journey, what’s your favorite piece of advice to give?

 My favorite piece of advice is probably the advice I give most frequently. Acting isn’t about being famous. If you’re getting into this business for fame, you’re in it for the wrong reasons. Fame may come as a result of hard work, but it certainly won’t last if you don’t educate your talent and inform your life’s direction.

TRH: What is the biggest challenge when directing? What is your favorite part? 

That’s a hard one to nail down. Each show comes with its own unique set of challenges.

I would say the most common challenge is helping the actors to get out of their own way. So many artists come to a production (both stage and film) with preconceived notions about how each role should be played. And, although having an idea of which direction to go is paramount, allowing yourself to be flexible to the process of rehearsal is probably the most important.

I had an actor once who told me that he didn’t want to hear me use the word “organic” because he needed direction. He’d worked with another director who constantly used that word, and he felt it was lazy on the director’s part to use such a term. He wanted me to walk him through each step of the process and tell him exactly what I was looking for.

Although my goal is to be clear with the artistic vision of where the show is going, I don’t believe any actor should be blindly led through any production. When I use the term organic, it’s meant to be a growth experience; something that happens naturally over the course of a project. There has to be some work, some truth that comes directly from each actor’s experience while working with the other creative components of a show. If not, you end up with very measured moments and the audience knows the cast is “acting”. I never want an audience to think, “that’s an actor acting”. I always want them to be drawn in to the lives that are being lived before them. That’s what real acting is.

My favorite part is the community that is created with each cast. We really do become our own little unit, our own little family. And in that safe space, we can challenge one another to raise the stakes and raise the bar on the work we do together. And then you see someone have an ah-ha moment. The lightbulb goes off, and a character emerges. The actor melts away, and there is this new person, living and breathing the story that the writer has given them. There’s a special kind of magic in that.

TRH: What inspires you? 

People who give of themselves to their craft both professionally and passionately, whatever their craft might be.

TRH: You and your husband created a really wonderful play about Doctor Who; could you tell us a bit about it? 

 All The Whos In Whoville is a magical mingling of the worlds of Doctor Who and Doctor Seuss that Todd penned in 2013 in anticipation of the 50th Anniversary Special. Without giving too much away, the play is set in the town of Whoville many years after “the mean green one” has become an integral part of the community. Cindy Lou Who is now grown with a daughter of her own, however things with her own family aren’t all happy endings.

As events unfold, we learn that the Greench (yes, that’s how we refer to him in the script) has a past that once revealed, leads him to follow his instincts of causing chaos wherever he goes, including kidnapping Cindy Lou’s daughter Mary Sue.  

One of Santa’s helpers wielding a sonic screwdriver and flying a familiar time machine comes to the rescue, but along the way accidentally erases his own memory. Is he The Doctor or Santa? What happens when he decides to call on the only hero that can save the day?

You’ll have to see the show to find out.

TRH: When conducting auditions, how do you know when you’ve got the right actor? 

 I generally know within the first two minutes if the person standing in front of us is right for the part. There is a confidence and a “YES” feeling that happens in my gut. There is a rapport that happens almost instantly, even before they start the actual “audition” of the work.

It’s also very apparent who will be a pleasure to work with, and who might not be. I’ll hire someone with passion and potential over the person who gives the best reading any day. An actor might be oozing with talent, but the “it” factor is usually discovered in the moments when an actor is willing to push themselves, grow, and be pleasant on set.

 TRH: What are your favorite fandoms? 

Doctor Who is by far my favorite. However, I love all kinds of sci-fi worlds and tons of pop culture phenoms. Anything Disney is a close second, if not tied for first. I also love Marvel and DC, as well as anything and everything Godzilla.

TRH: What does the role of Director mean to you? 

A director leads the actors to their truth and the production to its artistic vision. It’s an honor to be trusted with the tradition of performance. But without a balance of give and take, any production will fall flat. It’s never a director’s show on its own.

It doesn’t mean that a director has to be a nice doormat, far from it. If you talk to any actor who I’ve worked with, they will tell you I have a very professional and direct way of getting the work I need for the show. However, it takes skills and understanding how artists think and process. It’s a lot like translation of a foreign language. How do I get what’s in my head in front of them so they can see that same vision? That’s always how I approach it.

I hear so many horror stories of people who believe that it’s okay for a director to belittle and berate their cast. I’ve had so many actors, especially in theater, tell me that they can’t produce good work unless they are pushed in that way. I’ve actually had someone quit because I wouldn’t yell at them. I don’t believe in that brand of leadership.

TRH: Is it a struggle balancing home & work? You are a busy mom of 3 lovely gals, with a little fella coming soon, right? Congrats!!

I’d be lying if I said no. In terms of time, finances, rest, and general consistency it can be a struggle. We work from home most days, and with a toddler, that can be it’s own kind of circus. However, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Our kids know that we love what we do, and it shows. My goal is, and will always be, to show them that they can do what they love and make a living. Especially for our three girls, showing them that a woman can be a leader along side an equally strong man is so important to us. And when our baby boy is born, showing him that balance in a home full of strong women will hopefully lead him toward his own bright path.

TRH: If you had unlimited resources, what story would you love to bring to the stage? 

 I’m in the VERY early stages of writing a show about Ethel Merman.

TRH: Do you have any upcoming projects you can share with us? 

All The Whos In Whoville will be making our 4th Seasonal appearance at the Iroquois Ampthitheater in November and December this year.

TRH: How can people follow you to learn more? 

Easiest way is through social media.

Facebook:     Facebook.com/actingforyourlife 

                       Facebook.com/limericklimited (for Whoville)

                       Facebook.com/afylcasting

Twitter:           @acting4yourlife

                       @limericklimited

                       @afylcasting

A heartfelt Thank You to Kathryn for taking the time. Keep doing you! I look forward to seeing what you & Todd come up with for this year’s “All The Whos in Whoville” this year! 

If you aren’t a fan of Harry Potter, you’re missing out on some awesome fantasy and wicked cool friends! Like Anna Snabl! She’s the photographer of the photos below! Not to mention a fabulous cosplayer! I’ve talked to Anna a bit, and here’s a little of what we talked about!

 How long have you been a photographer?

I’ve been a photographer “officially” for about 7 years, however I’ve always had an interest in it since high school! In college I studied graphic design, switched to photography part way through, and dabbled in theater production design. 

I cannot thank God enough for the gift He’s given me with my creative eye. I love showing people His creation through my photos and editing processes. High Dynamic Range (HDR) is one of my favorite editing processes! (It’s the editing I did with the Harry Potter World photos.) I enjoy challenging myself to be better at photography and learn new things. The next thing about photography I want to improve upon is external flash photography!

  Harry Potter books or movies? Or both?

Definitely Harry Potter books!  (…The movies are good too though) I love getting absolutely lost in a book 

  Do you photograph other people in their cosplays?

I have only photographed my friends in their cosplays a couple times and I found I enjoyed it immensely! I enjoy the challenge of making a photo tell a story and I love to help capture the personality of the characters they portray. The editing afterwards is always much more fun than normal portrait work! I get to add fun colors, filters, dramatic lighting, and a touch of magic!

What is it about Harry Potter, especially, that makes you love it so much?

The Harry Potter books are also just so wonderfully written. Each time I read them I catch something I hadn’t noticed before. You’d think a series would get old! 

Harry Potter is also so nostalgic for me, and I think that’s what keeps me drawn to the fandom.

I started reading and listening to the books in 2000 after I got the first book at a Scholastic book fair! Whenever I pick up one of the books to read and listen to Jim Dale it brings me back to my childhood. :)

Which Hogwarts House to you belong to?

My Hogwarts house is Gryffindor, and an extremely close second (sometimes a hatstall) is Ravenclaw. I think Gryffindor most suits me, I’m passionate, love adventure and travel, and pretty competitive. My strong Ravenclaw features would be my creativity and perfectionism.

 Do you agree with the Sorting Hat’s decision?

I am brave in my own way, constantly fighting against my anxiety to do things others might find mundane. I’m like Neville: his bravery was standing up to his friends and going to potions every day even though Snape was his worst fear. 

There are instances though I do things others would avoid. Oh, there’s a giant spider and no one wants to kill it? Yeah, give me a Swiffer mop and stand back. :P 

Do I have a favorite cosplay?

I like cosplaying Hermione, but I recently fell in love with cosplaying Tina Goldstein! Her costume is so cute and CLASSY! I loved wearing her hat* the most. Why can’t hats and 20s fashion be in style again?? 

*My beautiful hat was made by Wood Smoke and Words Cosplay!

She’s cool, right?! I love her photography! She definitely has a creative eye! Want more Anna? Instagram @annathegryffindor @annasnablphotography @nineandthreequarterscosplay

Facebook

annasnablphotography

www.annasnablphotography.com 

Which House is your House? *PSST* Ravenclaw rocks! 

Do you have any epic Harry Potter cosplays or other art you’d like to share? Send me your geekery! [email protected]

So, Harry Potter. Basically, everybody loves it, right? All the mega-fans out there have been to Pottermore.com and taken the Sorting Hat quiz and freaked out about how right it was, yes? I took the quiz twice (I forgot my first account info) and got Gryffindor and Ravenclaw...I’m not totally sure what that means. My husband is a Gryffindor.  When we took our honeymoon in Orlando, FL, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was a must! We rode the Hogwarts Express, let wands choose us, drank Butterbeer and tried to hide from You-Know-Who (well, I did, at least). It felt like we were really there, and I shed a tear or two. 

Stepping into this world is pure magic at every turn. Just as reading the books and watching the films brings a sense of magic around you, so does standing in front of a real Leaky Cauldron.  Anna Snabl is a Potterhead, too. And she’s got some marvelous images to share. She, her husband and a group of her friends have started a cosplay group called Nine and Three Quarters Cosplay. 

They’re still being inspired by the Wizarding World and have done some of the newer characters! Tina (that’s Anna), Queenie and Credence!

I love them! 

Anna has also been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And she took her camera! If you haven’t been there, you really should try to go!

I love seeing these images. It feels like I’m back standing, open-mouthed, in front of Hogwarts. Absolutely brilliant!

I’m going to talk to Anna about her love of Potter, photography and which House she belongs to, soon. For now, you can check out more of her stuff here:

http://www.annasnablphotography.com/ https://www.facebook.com/nineandthreequarterscosplay/ https://www.instagram.com/nineandthreequarterscosplay/ https://www.instagram.com/annathegryffindor/

Remember, I want to share your geekery, too! Send me an e-mail! [email protected]

Geek Out! 

Alright, everybody! You’ve seen her on our Cover, now let’s get to know Jacqueline! She is the VP of the Indiana Cosplay Association and she’s a wicked good Batgirl, just to name one! Say HELLO to Jacqueline and find out more about the awesomeness that is Cosplay!

 > How did you first get into cosplay? What was your first one?

I got into cosplay in 2013. I was asked to do a Dazzler cosplay for my Dazzler RP/Fanpage on Instagram and I thought, ‘mehhhh, why not?’ I did it, then went to New York Comic Con with a bunch of friends and fell in mass love. 

 > What is the Indiana Cosplay Association? What do you do? 

Indiana Cosplay Association is a group of big nerds who love their fandom so hard they spend hours/months/years trying to become that character at conventions and events. Big or small cosplayers, serious and not. We have everyone here. We're all about community and equality as best as we can be. We do charity events all over the state, we hold and host events inviting people of all ages to come out and hang out and dress up in costumes and forget their troubles for a little bit. 

 > If someone wanted to be a part of the Indiana Cosplay Association, how can they get started?

Get started any normal way you would cosplaying. Then jump on our webpage/Facebook page and join in on our events. We're at most of the conventions around Indiana- hosting hangouts and events. You can always jump on the comments or message us to see what's happening with ICA at any given time. 

 > What has been your favorite cosplay? Did you make it, or did you have help? 

My favorite cosplay always seems to be the one I did last! But right now it's just that--my last one. My Pinup Punk rock Sailor Moon cosplay. It's a big group of my favorite ladies doing cosplays of my ULTRA FAVE FANDOM!! 

 > Do you have a favorite Con? If so, why?

Sheesh. Putting me on the spot. I love anime conventions. Because I'm a big weeb. I love PopCon because of the time of year, and the variety and craziness of it. I love KokomoCon because it's so homegrown and getting bigger every year! I can't just pick one!!

> How would you suggest someone get into cosplay? 

I would suggest to go small. Or go big. But to do something you feel strongly about. People may not get your cosplay. Or someone may be eating a character that looks "bigger than life than yours" or you may get 900 pictures taken of you. But if it's a character you don't love and care for then it all means nothing. Just make sure you have fun. That's all any of this is for. 

 > How has cosplay changed/helped/inspired you?

When I first started cosplaying I had just had a baby. It was a year after that I started to try to feel a little more like myself, just a little. I was given the opportunity to go to a convention far away with my friends and I wanted to make it the time of my life. I lost 30lbs, colored my hair blonde--something I had wanted to do my whole life-- and finally found some REAL confidence. 

After going through some life, I realized it was cool to do those things, but wanted to give back and be able to show other people some good times and smiles like cosplaying had given me. Somewhere where people could have friends, or escape, or smile if they needed a laugh. That's what Cosplaying has done for me. 

 > What makes you Geek Out? 

Geeking out to me is when you can't hold back your inner fangirl. When you squeal with delight because you saw someone in the real world wearing a shirt of your fave anime. Or when you meet the creator of your ultimate go-to comic series. Or when you see someone else enjoying themselves in a way other people would probably make fun of them- but their passion is so intense you just sit back and admire them instead. 

 > What would you like people to know about cosplay? 

Cosplay is what you make it. That's just the easy way to put it. But if you make it about popularity and being the best- that's what you'll get from other people as well. They'll pick up on it and vibe from it. 

If you go into it to have fun and be silly--you silly may see those haters, but your core insides and people around you will be there for you to remind you the cool times too. 

If you want it to be all photoshoots and feeling glamourous. It's there. 

If you want it to be sleezy; it can be. Cosplay is whatever you make it to be. Just like anything else, you either work for it or have whatever comes at you come

 > Any words of advice for anyone wanting to get started doing a cosplay but aren't sure where to begin?

Just go for it! Best advice from the best xmutant From Xmen (aka Dazzler).

  > What is the best part about doing cosplay?

Being a nerd with other nerds is my fave, making kids smile is my fave. The friendships and he awesome times I've had, the cool opportunities I've had, EVERYTHING

 A HUGE Thank You to Jacqueline for her time. And, y’all, look at these photos! She’s got some great photographers helping her out, too. Shout out to Daxxor Studio, SpectraHD, and IndyGeekCorpsPix for helping Jacqueline look so awesome! If you want more info about Jacqueline, the ICA or just want to follow her, you can check her out here: Website: icacosplay.com Instagram: @Disco.Dazzler Facebook: DazzleCookies

Since we’re on the subject, I’d like to share some of the cosplays that have been shared with me. Ready, here we go!

First up; Buzz Lightyear?! Yeah, man. This is Cory. You can find Cory on Instagram turdlebutt ! 

Next up: Jane Watson as Hilda! You can check out her own nerd/geek Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/ReichenbachCosplay/ 

Alright, we’ve got Mavrick Watts, here. He calls himself a Video Artist for Nerds, which is awesome! His YouTube Channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEsfewxB2wScjifFyA2qS_g <Check him out!

So, that was fun, right?

We’ve also got Melinda Arthur as Female Hipster Link! (Some people are so darn clever!) Her Facebook is Rogue Sidhe. 

Sweet, right?

Thank you all for sharing your stuff! 

Do you have a cool cosplay you’d like us to feature? Send an e-mail to [email protected] !

Thanks, all!

Hello! Now that you’ve all seen what The Rabbit Hole has to offer, I thought I’d introduce myself. 

My name is Bethany. The Rabbit Hole has been something on my mind for a long time and I finally decided to just go for it! Going to a local Con, I noticed that there were tons of men AND women, but that women didn’t seem to be as heavily featured in the activities. I know that there are women out there that are just as geeky as I am, and much more that have even more geekiness in them! I wanted a place that would showcase those women. I wanted something that I could relate to, and anyone else! Even fellas. I think more people should embrace their inner geek and share their passions with the world, so I created a safe space to do so! 

I’ll be talking to a lot of people about what makes them Geek Out, but I’d like to share my list of geekery, too. In no particular order, of course! 1. Disney (old, new, animated films, theme parks, history, etc.) (I’ll talk a lot about this one, probably...) 2. Doctor Who 3. Star Wars (New & Old) 4. Star Trek (TV & Movies) 5. Harry Potter (Books & Movies) 6. Lord of the Rings (Books & Movies) 7. Film scores (John Williams is amazing!) 8. Theater (Musical or not) 9. Pokemon (TV & games)

Those are just a few things that bring out my fangirl squee! :D I’m always interested to read/watch/learn about new things, so if you’ve got a suggestion, please share! 

My hope is that I can share women’s stories about their life, love & pursuit of being a geek! I’m not excluding guys, though! The more, the merrier! If you have something to share, please share it! I want this to be a conversation!

Ok, enough about me! Share your geek-passions with me! Whatever you want me to share here, e-mail to [email protected] & we can chat about when/how you want your submission shared. 

Thank you all for joining me down this Rabbit Hole!

Elizabeth Dunlap is the author of a recently released novel titled Knight of the Hunted. Here is a synopsis: Lisbeth is 400 years old, born a vampire and lives in a castle. She is bound to keep the laws of her kind, but comes upon a young Lycan. Instead of killing it, as her laws demand, she sets it free. When a Hunter discovers her treachery she is immediately under severe threat and leaves her home. Traveling with another Lycan, they find a town with vampires and humans living together in peace. But soon, troubles begin for Lisbeth here, too. She knows she should leave, but that Hunter is still searching for her. Which bad option should she take? 

Well, I talked a bit with the Author of Knight of the Hunted, and here is what we talked about:

>Would you please start by introducing yourself and telling us a bit about you?

My name is Lizzie. Geek, writer, and mom!

>When did you start writing?

I started writing when I was 13. I’d always been making up stories before then, and I decided that I wanted to be a writer. I had to teach myself how to get better at it!

>Why do you write?

I like to imagine that when an artist sees something beautiful, they HAVE to paint it. A photographer HAS to take a picture when they see the perfect moment. Writing is the same way. A story comes into your head and you HAVE to write it down. I could never change careers even if I wanted to. I’m hardwired for writing.

>What inspires you?

Every story is inspired by different things, so what inspires me varies. A really good song, or a tv show, even other books. Inspiration hits you at the most random moments, like morning sickness.

>What is it about this story of Lisbeth that made you want to share it?

I wanted to show readers what a real vampire can be like. Not the scary Dracula, or the sparkly Cullen, something new and interesting. I wanted to take the vampire genre to a new place, with characters I think people will respond to.

>Do you feel it is hard to be a woman writer? Have you ever felt obstacles arise because of your gender?

Being a writer is difficult enough because hardly anyone takes you seriously if you’re not published. “I’m writing a novel” is something normal people say quite often, so when that’s all you say, it’s not viewed as genuine. The obstacle I try to overcome as a woman writer is writing books that appeal to both genders. Men and women write differently. I rarely read male writing because they write with less feeling and more information than women. Women write with more feeling, descriptions, and less intricacy than men. And that’s perfectly fine, but it means men and women look for different things when they read. So, if I can write books that appeal to everyone, I’m doing a good job!

>What makes you “geek out”?

The list, I fear, is very lengthy, as I’m geeky about many things! I’d have to say my most high pitched geeky noises are usually associated with Jessica Jones and Warehouse 13.

>Who are your favorite authors?

Gena Showalter, Rachel Caine, Cassandra Clare. Love their books so much!

>What kind of music do your listen to when you’re writing?

I try to pick songs for each story that inspire me. They all have their own playlist! But if I’m not listening to that, I listen to classical music when I write, like Beethoven or Vaughn Williams.

>What kind of advice would you give to an amateur artist wanting to get their work out into the world?

The strength of your determination is the cornerstone to getting your work out there. Know what you want, and don’t give up until it happens.

>Are you working on anything right now? Can you give us a sneak peek?

I have many novels in progress right now (I can’t say no when inspiration hits!) but I have a finished novel that I’m submitting to book agents! It’s about a grumpy fairy :D

>What do you wish there was more of in the world?

Generosity, instead of gain

>Where can one get “Knight of the Hunted”?

Knight of the Hunted is on Amazon!! Just search for it, and it’ll show up in the book section! It’s available for kindle, or paperback! 

>How can readers follow you?

You can find me on Facebook and Instagram @elizabethdunlapnifty. Or twitter @edunlapnifty!

This is gorgeous Lola as Catwoman! Photo credit to UMO Photo. Isn’t cosplay an amazing thing?

Thank you for sharing, Lola! Me-ow! Want to follow Lola?  -Facebook: lolalessthanthree  -Instagram: LolaLessThanThree -Twitter: @Lola_Hart

Lola sent a photo to our e-mail to share! Do you have a great cosplay you’d like to share with us? Send photos and any other info you want to give to [email protected] ! Can’t wait to see your stuff & share it with our readers! :) 

Something The Rabbit Hole is very interested in is sharing people’s works of art. Photos, fiction, drawings, poetry, films, music, and anything else someone made with love! So, here’s a poem I think many can relate to from Rob Burton titled Where are the Geeks? 

I hate my job I hate my desk I hate my office I need a rest

I hate my boss I hate the place I hate the smile Across her face

I hate her words I hate her tasks I hate the people Behind their masks

I hate the gossip I hate the smarm I hate the rules I might self harm

I hate this pencil I hate this pad I hate that mouse I might be mad

I hate my pc I hate my phone I hate my laptop Don’t leave me alone

I hate this morning I hate the wait I hate the support desk The geeks are late

I hate my keyboard I hate my water cup I hate them mixing My. Computers. Messed. Up!

You’ll be glad to know that Rob no longer works where he felt inclined to write this poem! He is now teaching English in China!

The Rabbit Hole is tasked with sharing their passions, and other’s, of all things geeky and featuring women that produce geekery. [It’s a word, now!] Everyone is welcome to follow down this nerdy Rabbit Hole. We’ll be glad to show you around!

Our current cover photo is from Jacqueline D of Indianapolis, IN! Doesn't she look fabulous?! 👍

Here is the entire photo:

Stay tuned as we officially begin on April 4!