I'm excited about SF 2012. I've put a badge on my blog, done some real work on my screenplay (some pre-work, anyway), and gone ahead and signed in to my SF account.
My fingers are itching to get to work -- literally.
I've been trying to decide how much pre-work to put into my screenplay -- I'm still a mix of panster/hyper-organizer. I am making "To Do" lists (movies to watch, playlists to make, a board on Pinterest for inspiration and information) while scribbling anything that comes to mind into a notebook while hoping it doesn't end up a mess by the end of the first week.
The thrill of Script Frenzy is almost tangible.
Less than two weeks and I will be tapping the keyboard to produce my first movie screenplay (I've done a graphic novel and TV scripts, plus some novels for NaNoWriMo).
Between my critiques of books (more are coming -- I'm currently reading a cookbook, a biography, an anthology, and several books that are first-in-their-series) I will be posting my progress (or lack thereof) in Script Frenzy, and maybe some things I've learned.
Today I wanted to mention something Chris Baty wrote about in his book No Plot? No Problem! which I've gone back to over and over again as I contemplate doing another year of NaNoWriMo or ScriptFrenzy and wonder just how crazy I am for doing this year after year.
He was talking about having references when you're writing -- most people think of the dictionary, a thesaurus, or maybe a style formatting book.
Mr. Baty recommends one of your favorite books (or movie scripts, or whatever you're writing). Why? Because a) you love it and b) it's properly formatted.
So when you want to check on where parentheses go, or where dialogue quotes get left out, you can find it in something you love.
That makes a lot of sense to me, and I'm going to treasure that little bit of info while I write.
What's your best tip for writing something in 30 days? Want to join the fun? Check out scriptfrenzy.org
Friday, March 16, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson
As a rule, I don't read much fiction if it isn't fantasy/sci-fi, for the simple reason that it bores me.
I love Madeleine L'Engle. But her stories about normal people? Don't interest me.
So I don't know why I picked up this book. Or continued reading it.
But I didn't dislike it.
Catalyst is a strong, well-written book about grief. Grief in different forms, and at different times. The process of grief, and how different a form it takes with different people.
It's a sad book. But it's a good book -- there is hope at the end. The hope that you can face your grief, live through it, and go on to do something with your life.
I also loved the fact that it showed people of different beliefs working together. In a world of cliques and religious factions, it's a breath of fresh air to read about people who help each other out no matter their skin tone, IQ level, salary, religious affiliations, or their inherited facial features.
It's not a cheesy-feel good story, either. There's real heartbreak, anger, and imperfect people. But the reminder that grief shared is halved and that life goes on is a great one.
What books have you read that reminded you of a truth you'd forgotten? Are there books that have remained in your memory a long time because of their message? What were they?
I love Madeleine L'Engle. But her stories about normal people? Don't interest me.
So I don't know why I picked up this book. Or continued reading it.
But I didn't dislike it.
Catalyst is a strong, well-written book about grief. Grief in different forms, and at different times. The process of grief, and how different a form it takes with different people.
It's a sad book. But it's a good book -- there is hope at the end. The hope that you can face your grief, live through it, and go on to do something with your life.
I also loved the fact that it showed people of different beliefs working together. In a world of cliques and religious factions, it's a breath of fresh air to read about people who help each other out no matter their skin tone, IQ level, salary, religious affiliations, or their inherited facial features.
It's not a cheesy-feel good story, either. There's real heartbreak, anger, and imperfect people. But the reminder that grief shared is halved and that life goes on is a great one.
What books have you read that reminded you of a truth you'd forgotten? Are there books that have remained in your memory a long time because of their message? What were they?
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
What-the-Dickens: The Story of A Rogue Tooth Fairy by Gregory Maguire
There's a writing exercise that my husband and I like to use when describing a story (whether it's one of our current projects, a movie we've seen, or a TV show we want to watch with someone) -- it has been used by countless writers, but it's a fun exercise and can tell you a lot about a story. What's the theme? What is the author trying to communicate through the story? Are the characters all struggling/dealing with this concept in some way?
The exercise consists of finding the one word that the entire story revolves around.
For example:
Harry Potter is about death. The death of friends and family, life after death, and the seeking for a way to escape death. Every character deals with it differently, but all of them experience it. (I'm avoiding spoilers just in case *someone* on this green earth has not read this amazing series)
The Thief (an incredible book by Megan Whalen Turner) is about deceit. The whole time, you think the story's going one way, and then you find out that the main characters were hiding something -- two or three of them hiding information from YOU! Just...brilliant.
Alice in Wonderland (the 2010 movie by Tim Burton) is about destiny. Alice struggles with the knowledge that she should be the White Queen's champion, even though she's struggling with the basics -- her name, who she is, and what life she wants. The Caterpillar's destiny is being a butterfly. Everyone has a destiny, but not everyone is alright with the outcome -- the Knave, the Red Queen, the Mad Hatter, Hamish, and Alice's mother/brother-in-law come to mind. This is what makes the story interesting -- those unhappy people fought against it with various results.
All that to explain what I disliked about "What-The-Dickens"...I couldn't figure out what it was about. I suppose you could say that it was about belief, but that isn't quite true. And it isn't really about identity, either. If a reader can't tell where you're going and doesn't get the message, maybe it needs to be made more clear. (I also didn't care for the tone -- it sounded like a bitter, sardonic individual was telling me that the world is a cold, hard place where I'll never fit in, but was somewhat wishy-washy in saying it, like they couldn't decide if I could take it or not. Now, I don't really like sappy happy endings. I like my share of bittersweet. But really?)
Have you read anything by Gregory Maguire? Are his other works like this? And if you've read What-the-Dickens, do you know what it's about?
The exercise consists of finding the one word that the entire story revolves around.
For example:
Harry Potter is about death. The death of friends and family, life after death, and the seeking for a way to escape death. Every character deals with it differently, but all of them experience it. (I'm avoiding spoilers just in case *someone* on this green earth has not read this amazing series)
The Thief (an incredible book by Megan Whalen Turner) is about deceit. The whole time, you think the story's going one way, and then you find out that the main characters were hiding something -- two or three of them hiding information from YOU! Just...brilliant.
Alice in Wonderland (the 2010 movie by Tim Burton) is about destiny. Alice struggles with the knowledge that she should be the White Queen's champion, even though she's struggling with the basics -- her name, who she is, and what life she wants. The Caterpillar's destiny is being a butterfly. Everyone has a destiny, but not everyone is alright with the outcome -- the Knave, the Red Queen, the Mad Hatter, Hamish, and Alice's mother/brother-in-law come to mind. This is what makes the story interesting -- those unhappy people fought against it with various results.
All that to explain what I disliked about "What-The-Dickens"...I couldn't figure out what it was about. I suppose you could say that it was about belief, but that isn't quite true. And it isn't really about identity, either. If a reader can't tell where you're going and doesn't get the message, maybe it needs to be made more clear. (I also didn't care for the tone -- it sounded like a bitter, sardonic individual was telling me that the world is a cold, hard place where I'll never fit in, but was somewhat wishy-washy in saying it, like they couldn't decide if I could take it or not. Now, I don't really like sappy happy endings. I like my share of bittersweet. But really?)
Have you read anything by Gregory Maguire? Are his other works like this? And if you've read What-the-Dickens, do you know what it's about?
Friday, March 9, 2012
Currently Reading, Goodreads, & ScriptFrenzy
Books I'm currently reading (and will write about next week):
Tuesdays at the Castle - Jessica Day George (already more engaging than her last two books)
How to Be A Movie Star: Elizabeth Taylor in Hollywood - William J. Mann (not the memoir I was hoping for -- it's very stiff at the moment)
What-The-Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy - Gregory Maguire (didn't realize it was by the man who wrote Wicked...it's a little condescending and rough but here's hoping)
I am still reading through the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson (CANNOT GET ENOUGH!), finished Fang (book six) and found out they did not have the Kindle edition for Angel (book seven) so will get the hard copy from the library. Also, I hate coming in at the end of a series -- I'd much rather wait until it is all OVER. The last book, Nevermore, comes out in August. Can I wait that long?!?!?!
I am poking around Goodreads, trying to find out how I can maximize its potential for my needs. So far I've made a list of to-reads, categorized probably 1/2 of what I've read in my entire life, and played some trivia. One of the book quizzes got me mad because I didn't agree with the question...had a lively discussion about who Voldemort's "Right Hand Man" would have been (who do you think it is?) with the husband and friends. So far, Goodreads is fun and mostly helpful...but besides saying what books I've read, and how good I think they are, what else can you use GoodReads for? I like it, don't get me wrong -- I'm just curious what other people like about it. (Maybe if I'm a published author someday I'll use it to garner stellar reviews -- ha!) You can find me here: SnapeFan4Life
And, ScriptFrenzy approaches! I promised myself I'd plot out my potential movie project (I still don't know whether I want to write a movie or a graphic novel) but so far, zilch. I am taking some days off during Spring Break (so helpful that everyone's gone! Taking time off is much easier when nobody needs you) and when I'm not watching Dollhouse (again) with my brother, I'll probably be plotting.
If you haven't ever participated in ScriptFrenzy or NaNoWriMo, I think you should. Not only is it a valuable learning experience (how well do you work under pressure? How do you plot/write most efficiently? What do you like to write? Still figuring out these questions, myself) but it connects you to people around the globe -- some will be great contacts in the literary world, some your cheerleaders, some may write your new favorite books, and some might become long-term pen pals. I've learned a TON from taking part in these events every year, and you should do it just once for the experience. And I also know a few authors who started out as NaNoWriMo participants who now have books on real bookstore-bookshelves...
Have a great weekend, everybody. Sorry this post is so jumpy/disorganized.
What are you reading these days? Have you read The Maximum Ride series? (If so, please don't give me spoilers. Just tell me if you liked it or not) And...have you participated in ScriptFrenzy/NaNoWriMo? What was your experience?
Tuesdays at the Castle - Jessica Day George (already more engaging than her last two books)
How to Be A Movie Star: Elizabeth Taylor in Hollywood - William J. Mann (not the memoir I was hoping for -- it's very stiff at the moment)
What-The-Dickens: The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy - Gregory Maguire (didn't realize it was by the man who wrote Wicked...it's a little condescending and rough but here's hoping)
I am still reading through the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson (CANNOT GET ENOUGH!), finished Fang (book six) and found out they did not have the Kindle edition for Angel (book seven) so will get the hard copy from the library. Also, I hate coming in at the end of a series -- I'd much rather wait until it is all OVER. The last book, Nevermore, comes out in August. Can I wait that long?!?!?!
I am poking around Goodreads, trying to find out how I can maximize its potential for my needs. So far I've made a list of to-reads, categorized probably 1/2 of what I've read in my entire life, and played some trivia. One of the book quizzes got me mad because I didn't agree with the question...had a lively discussion about who Voldemort's "Right Hand Man" would have been (who do you think it is?) with the husband and friends. So far, Goodreads is fun and mostly helpful...but besides saying what books I've read, and how good I think they are, what else can you use GoodReads for? I like it, don't get me wrong -- I'm just curious what other people like about it. (Maybe if I'm a published author someday I'll use it to garner stellar reviews -- ha!) You can find me here: SnapeFan4Life
And, ScriptFrenzy approaches! I promised myself I'd plot out my potential movie project (I still don't know whether I want to write a movie or a graphic novel) but so far, zilch. I am taking some days off during Spring Break (so helpful that everyone's gone! Taking time off is much easier when nobody needs you) and when I'm not watching Dollhouse (again) with my brother, I'll probably be plotting.
If you haven't ever participated in ScriptFrenzy or NaNoWriMo, I think you should. Not only is it a valuable learning experience (how well do you work under pressure? How do you plot/write most efficiently? What do you like to write? Still figuring out these questions, myself) but it connects you to people around the globe -- some will be great contacts in the literary world, some your cheerleaders, some may write your new favorite books, and some might become long-term pen pals. I've learned a TON from taking part in these events every year, and you should do it just once for the experience. And I also know a few authors who started out as NaNoWriMo participants who now have books on real bookstore-bookshelves...
Have a great weekend, everybody. Sorry this post is so jumpy/disorganized.
What are you reading these days? Have you read The Maximum Ride series? (If so, please don't give me spoilers. Just tell me if you liked it or not) And...have you participated in ScriptFrenzy/NaNoWriMo? What was your experience?
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Of Love And Evil: Song of the Seraphim, Book 2 by Anne Rice
After reading Anne Rice's lovely book "Angel Time," I wasn't sure how she was going to write a second one and make it just as good - but of course, she did!
There are (more than) a few things I really, really appreciate about her writing:
1. She has fully developed characters -- even if they're not doing anything, they feel like real people. I'm invested in the cast of characters as a whole, instead of just getting to know one or two characters.
2. She writes amazing, beautiful dialogue that makes you think. There was a more-to-the-point theme running through this book, more so than the last one, but it was just as gorgeous and I loved that she could take such serious, dense subject matter and create something you care about deeply.
Other things I appreciate are her sense of detail (including the ring of authenticity in her work) and her knowledge of the human condition. She can write male, female or spirit and it is done so well you forget, actually, that someone else wrote the story down.
I love being enveloped by the worlds Anne Rice creates.
This book brought to my attention, once again, the fullness of Rice as a story-teller.
There are (more than) a few things I really, really appreciate about her writing:
1. She has fully developed characters -- even if they're not doing anything, they feel like real people. I'm invested in the cast of characters as a whole, instead of just getting to know one or two characters.
2. She writes amazing, beautiful dialogue that makes you think. There was a more-to-the-point theme running through this book, more so than the last one, but it was just as gorgeous and I loved that she could take such serious, dense subject matter and create something you care about deeply.
Other things I appreciate are her sense of detail (including the ring of authenticity in her work) and her knowledge of the human condition. She can write male, female or spirit and it is done so well you forget, actually, that someone else wrote the story down.
I love being enveloped by the worlds Anne Rice creates.
This book brought to my attention, once again, the fullness of Rice as a story-teller.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Pegasus by Robin McKinley
There's a trend I've discovered whilst reading new books -- a detestable trend wherein you build to the climax and...STOP. No denouement. No wrap-up. No tying up of loose ends. Nothing. You simply build until you reach the most exciting part and then you leave off, making your readers wonder if you just got tired of the story or didn't know where it was going and decided to let the readers do the rest of the work (here's looking at you, Chuck and LOST).
Shame on you, Robin McKinley, for falling into this trap! Your book, Beauty, is the best re-telling of a fairytale anyone could ask for (besides Cameron Dokey's brilliant Golden and Beauty Sleep)...and then you had to go and buy in to this faddish lit trend of leaving off the resolution...
I admit, the beginning of this book was a slow burn. It took me so very long to get invested in the character -- three chapters! But then -- THEN, oh then! Chapter four took my breath away.
I was hooked. And I kept reading with astonishment. Beautiful, beautiful fantasy! Wondrous descriptions, taking me to another world.
WHY, then, for the love of ALL that is good, did you choose to end right at the point where everything comes crashing down around the characters? That is NOT an ending! It is the CLIMAX, which is then followed by THE DENOUEMENT. EVERYONE KNOWS THIS.
The sickening part? Robin doesn't write sequels (she has averred). So, we are left with a pile of ashes that began life as a masterpiece.
I am highly disappointed. I am outraged. I am hurt.
And seeing other readers' reviews has hardened my resolve.
I shan't read McKinley's other books (she has plenty of other fans who will buy and read -- she won't be missing out because of me) because I absolutely cannot BEAR to love a book so much only to see it poop out right at the crux of the matter.
I just can't.
Ever been cruelly disappointed by a book? Tell me which one so I can avoid another heartache.
Shame on you, Robin McKinley, for falling into this trap! Your book, Beauty, is the best re-telling of a fairytale anyone could ask for (besides Cameron Dokey's brilliant Golden and Beauty Sleep)...and then you had to go and buy in to this faddish lit trend of leaving off the resolution...
I admit, the beginning of this book was a slow burn. It took me so very long to get invested in the character -- three chapters! But then -- THEN, oh then! Chapter four took my breath away.
I was hooked. And I kept reading with astonishment. Beautiful, beautiful fantasy! Wondrous descriptions, taking me to another world.
WHY, then, for the love of ALL that is good, did you choose to end right at the point where everything comes crashing down around the characters? That is NOT an ending! It is the CLIMAX, which is then followed by THE DENOUEMENT. EVERYONE KNOWS THIS.
The sickening part? Robin doesn't write sequels (she has averred). So, we are left with a pile of ashes that began life as a masterpiece.
I am highly disappointed. I am outraged. I am hurt.
And seeing other readers' reviews has hardened my resolve.
I shan't read McKinley's other books (she has plenty of other fans who will buy and read -- she won't be missing out because of me) because I absolutely cannot BEAR to love a book so much only to see it poop out right at the crux of the matter.
I just can't.
Ever been cruelly disappointed by a book? Tell me which one so I can avoid another heartache.
Friday, March 2, 2012
The Shadows: The Books of Elsewhere, Book 1 by Jacqueline West
I believe in the power of editing. I think one of the most important things for a story is to be paired with a solid editor. There are several new and popular stories that could have been classics...if only they were in the hands of an editor for any (longer) period of time (certain Heroes and Vampires come to mind). Instead, they were rushed through the process because they were destined to be "hits" and instead of being classic literature, they were relegated to faddish, pop fiction.
I also think that no matter if it is your first book or your fifty-seventh, if you have a great editor, the quality will be high.
Such is the case with "The Shadows: The Books of Elsewhere" (Book One). I was astonished, upon finishing it, to discover it was the author's first novel. The quality of the work was much higher than most beginner novels.
There were other things going for it, of course: I was hooked from page one. (Although, again, that could have something to do with the editing) The thing that really stuck out to me, however, was the villain's monologue.
Most villain monologues are old hat by now -- I am here to destroy the world, yaddah, yaddah, yaddah...only you stand in my way, blah, blah, blah...the typical "I-am-so-powerful-until-you-stick-me-through-with-a-sword" nonsense.
THIS villain's monologue was BRILLIANT and made me think about my favorite villain monologues -- the ones that really ring true and hit home and make you more aware of what's going on.
A few key components:
1. Knowledge of the (heroic) main character's desires
2. Temptation (in order to gain said desires)
3. Intimate conversation (which makes the first two creepier, personal, and harder to say no to -- true colors come out when no one else is around to watch)
Way back in the garden of Eden, the greatest villain knew Eve's curiosity would get the better of her, and so he tempted her with fulfilling her own desires. Clever.
In The Shadows: The Books of Elsewhere, the confrontation between heroine and villain is intimate and scary as HECK because the villain draws out the feelings the heroine never knew were there. The dawning realization of her personal issue tied up with her desire and the villian's plan is incredible.
I loved this book with every fiber of my being. I was thrilled to find out there will be five volumes to complete the series, and the third will be coming out around my birthday this year!
Again -- I really think a great editor had something to do with how great this book was -- the author, of course, put in most of the work crafting the story, but the editor tightened it up so that it was pretty much flawless.
Have you ever read a book that thrilled you all the way down to your toes? What is your favorite villain/hero moment in a book? Got any recommendations for me?
I also think that no matter if it is your first book or your fifty-seventh, if you have a great editor, the quality will be high.
Such is the case with "The Shadows: The Books of Elsewhere" (Book One). I was astonished, upon finishing it, to discover it was the author's first novel. The quality of the work was much higher than most beginner novels.
There were other things going for it, of course: I was hooked from page one. (Although, again, that could have something to do with the editing) The thing that really stuck out to me, however, was the villain's monologue.
Most villain monologues are old hat by now -- I am here to destroy the world, yaddah, yaddah, yaddah...only you stand in my way, blah, blah, blah...the typical "I-am-so-powerful-until-you-stick-me-through-with-a-sword" nonsense.
THIS villain's monologue was BRILLIANT and made me think about my favorite villain monologues -- the ones that really ring true and hit home and make you more aware of what's going on.
A few key components:
1. Knowledge of the (heroic) main character's desires
2. Temptation (in order to gain said desires)
3. Intimate conversation (which makes the first two creepier, personal, and harder to say no to -- true colors come out when no one else is around to watch)
Way back in the garden of Eden, the greatest villain knew Eve's curiosity would get the better of her, and so he tempted her with fulfilling her own desires. Clever.
In The Shadows: The Books of Elsewhere, the confrontation between heroine and villain is intimate and scary as HECK because the villain draws out the feelings the heroine never knew were there. The dawning realization of her personal issue tied up with her desire and the villian's plan is incredible.
I loved this book with every fiber of my being. I was thrilled to find out there will be five volumes to complete the series, and the third will be coming out around my birthday this year!
Again -- I really think a great editor had something to do with how great this book was -- the author, of course, put in most of the work crafting the story, but the editor tightened it up so that it was pretty much flawless.
Have you ever read a book that thrilled you all the way down to your toes? What is your favorite villain/hero moment in a book? Got any recommendations for me?
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