Stephanie Van Orman
Bio
I write novels like I am part-printer, part book factory, and a little girl running away with a balloon. I'm here as an experiment and I'm unsure if this is a place where I can fit in. We'll see.
Stories (75/0)
Two Star Review
"The first book's storyline was so unique I just had to read this one, but the sequel was even more roughly written than the first. Van Orman's writing style is overly simple and I had to ding them for their habit of 'telling not showing' every emotion and thought of every character despite it being a first-person POV. There was also no semblance of a struggle after she unlocked the second level. Everything was too easy. No plot twists. Every plan they came up with was executed without complications so it was just... boring unfortunately."
By Stephanie Van Orman16 days ago in Journal
Dune 2: Poor Chani
I have known all about Dune all my life, so when I saw Dune Part 2 in the theaters a few weeks ago, Chani's new character was a big surprise for me. Before I say anything more, I want to say that I can appreciate the need for changes to her character. The way Chani is written in the book is not very reflective of the ideologies of today's women. If they left her as she was it would have annoyed most women. I can see the need for a change, though I'm not positive I agree with the direction they took because it made me sad to see her reduced to a character of such limited understanding.
By Stephanie Van Orman2 months ago in Futurism
What My Mother-In-Law Gave Me
I knew my father-in-law liked me the moment he saw me. He was sitting at his computer desk when his son introduced me to him. He glanced at me over his shoulder and then dropped his mouse and swiveled around, giving me his full attention. Contrary-wise, my mother-in-law did not look at me. She looked at everything and everyone but me. It seemed like she was too preoccupied to notice that her son was trying to introduce a girl to her.
By Stephanie Van Orman3 months ago in Families
Writer's Groups
One time, I read a quote from Hemingway describing literary New York as a jar of tapeworms trying to eat each other and I thought, 'Yep.' Except, I don't think of literary New York specifically. Instead, I think of in-person writer's groups.
By Stephanie Van Orman4 months ago in Writers
AI Doesn't Swear Right
Like many authors, I have been getting notices that I should transform my novels into AI-read audiobooks on GooglePlay Books. Lately, I got an email explaining to me that the service is free right now and I should take advantage of it.
By Stephanie Van Orman4 months ago in Futurism
Full Closets and Nothing to Wear
Have you ever stared into your full closet and said the despairing words, "I have nothing to wear"? If you start complaining that you have nothing to wear, an enraged bunny wearing a tailored pantsuit will appear in your closet and start lecturing you about the benefits of a capsule wardrobe. Don't listen to her. Capsule wardrobes are for people going on vacation with limited packing space. It's impractical for a woman who doesn't want to wear the same theme every day.
By Stephanie Van Orman6 months ago in Styled
Why I Can't Join Book Club
Every so often, I have someone ask me to join their book club. I'd love to join their book club, but I can't. Actually, it's not even a good idea for me to explain to them why I can't join their club. That would take a solid three minutes and the person who's asking will be a content with a polite 'no, thank you' since that answers their question.
By Stephanie Van Orman6 months ago in Journal
The 'Blade Runner' Question
Something that I find very interesting whenever I read an article about Blade Runner film theory is that they never (and I do mean NEVER) mention the book the movie is based on. It's called Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick. Instead, everyone gets caught up in this question: Is Deckard a replicant?
By Stephanie Van Orman6 months ago in Futurism
The Books on a Shelf
My parents were not into home decorating. One time they went out to buy a piece of art to cover a bare bit of wall over a sofa. They went to the store and fought in front of the framed pictures for three hours. They came home with a water lily painting by Monet because that was the only thing they could agree on. This story kills me because I can't think of anything less style-neutral than a water lily painting by Monet. In any case, we owned four humongous bookcases which covered most of the rest of the available wall space.
By Stephanie Van Orman7 months ago in Confessions
Writers Exchange Reviews
I'm a novelist and I love getting reviews for my books. I like them because they say things like, 'I loved this book. I read it all night. I couldn't put it down.' Or, 'I don't usually read books like this, but I gave this one a shot and it surprised me over and over. It was a really great read.' Or, my absolute favorite, 'This is the best book I've read on this site.'
By Stephanie Van Orman7 months ago in Journal
It's Okay If You Don't Read My Book
"I'm sorry I haven't gotten around to reading your book! I've been so busy lately." That's one of my friends talking. It doesn't matter which one. A lot of them say that. I don't mind and I mean I REALLY don't mind when my friends don't get around to reading my books. Particularly the dudes. If you're a dude and you haven't gotten around to reading my books... it's all for the best. REALLY.
By Stephanie Van Orman8 months ago in Journal