Yes, my freak (and geek) flag are definitely waving when I say this, but "Happy birthday to Joel Hodgson creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000."
Best. Show. Ever.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Movies That Just Miss
Went to see There Will Be Blood on Friday night. I was really looking forward to seeing the movie. Heard nothing but good things about it and love Daniel Day Lewis. On one of her blogs, Ali talks about our walking out of the movie and going, "Well, then." And that is true.
The movie, if you haven't seen or read about it, is ostenibly about drilling for oil at the turn of the last century. It is also about family, greed, corruption and religion. Daniel Day Lewis is a self-made oil man, Daniel Plainview, who adopts a baby orphaned by an accident on one of his oil rigs. He finds a small, dirt-poor town sitting on top of a huge oil reserve and sets about duping the townsfolk in order to buy up the land. A local boy, a self-proclaimed profit, tries to oppose Daniel throughout. The movie follows the successes and tragedies that shape Daniel and everyone around him throughout the next dozen or so years.
I'm not sure exactly what didn't work for me. I thought the acting was superb. Daniel Day Lewis commands the screen. As does Paul Dano in a much quieter way as profit Eli Sunday. Paul Thomas Anderson adapted the screenplay from the book Oil by Upton Sinclair, and he directed the film. It seemed that at times he just started the camera, called "Action" and walked away for a while. And these are usually the same times when the score overwhelms the movie. I felt like "I get it, they're surveying" or "Yep, he's bonding with the baby."
When things do happen, they are usually gut wrenching. So I was left both hoping that something would happen and dreading it at the same time. There are things you see coming for a long time. Occasionally, the result of the event is different than what you expected, but not in a satisfying "Ah, I didn't see that coming" way. More of a "Hum, why that happen?" way.
Maybe it's because Anderson directed and wrote the screenplay so there was one place where an edit could have happened missing. I just don't know. Much of the dialogue seemed ad libbed, and not in a good way. Frankly, writers are paid for a reason, and much of it is to write good dialogue.
It was a movie that wanted to be great. I wanted it to be great. It just wasn't.
The movie, if you haven't seen or read about it, is ostenibly about drilling for oil at the turn of the last century. It is also about family, greed, corruption and religion. Daniel Day Lewis is a self-made oil man, Daniel Plainview, who adopts a baby orphaned by an accident on one of his oil rigs. He finds a small, dirt-poor town sitting on top of a huge oil reserve and sets about duping the townsfolk in order to buy up the land. A local boy, a self-proclaimed profit, tries to oppose Daniel throughout. The movie follows the successes and tragedies that shape Daniel and everyone around him throughout the next dozen or so years.
I'm not sure exactly what didn't work for me. I thought the acting was superb. Daniel Day Lewis commands the screen. As does Paul Dano in a much quieter way as profit Eli Sunday. Paul Thomas Anderson adapted the screenplay from the book Oil by Upton Sinclair, and he directed the film. It seemed that at times he just started the camera, called "Action" and walked away for a while. And these are usually the same times when the score overwhelms the movie. I felt like "I get it, they're surveying" or "Yep, he's bonding with the baby."
When things do happen, they are usually gut wrenching. So I was left both hoping that something would happen and dreading it at the same time. There are things you see coming for a long time. Occasionally, the result of the event is different than what you expected, but not in a satisfying "Ah, I didn't see that coming" way. More of a "Hum, why that happen?" way.
Maybe it's because Anderson directed and wrote the screenplay so there was one place where an edit could have happened missing. I just don't know. Much of the dialogue seemed ad libbed, and not in a good way. Frankly, writers are paid for a reason, and much of it is to write good dialogue.
It was a movie that wanted to be great. I wanted it to be great. It just wasn't.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Group Think? I Think Not
When a group of people spend a lot of time together, they may start to notice that they have more in common than the one or two things that brought them together as a group in the first place. I may have talked about it before, but many of the Pirates like Joss Whedon, Neil Gaiman, Lost, Heroes and chocolate. We originally met in another group, where we came together because we want to improve our writing. We became the Pirates, I think, partly because we have some of these things in common in addition to liking each other's writing and respecting each other's opinion.
After a group is together for a while, though, there may be a tendency to develop Group Think. If one member of the group likes something, then all members must like it too. I was a little worried that this might be happening when I got to the gathering last Thursday. DB, Ali and Nicole were already there. Now I know the Ali and Mary are experienced jewelry makers and that DB is learning. Nicole was asking Ali if she did any metalworking because Nicole was thinking of taking a class. DB piped up and said, "The one at Bemis? I'm thinking of taking that, too." So now we have 4 people making jewelry. Do I have to start making jewelry? No, of course, not. And the conversation shifted to another topic and no issue.
Would it be a bad thing if all the members started making jewelry? Probably not. As a matter of fact, I'd love to see what sorts of the things the guys came up with. But where there can be a problem is if the writing starts to homogenize and the feedback all sounds the same. I've seen this happen before to some extent, and it's not a good thing. After some objective thought, I really don't see that happening here. Everyone has a pretty strong personality and feels comfortable standing up for their own position. And there are very distinctive and different voices in the work. In some instances tastes vary dramatically.
Something that drove that home for me is something Jenny wrote me. The group has all pretty much signed up on one of those library social sites. You join, list all the books you've read or own or both and then rate them on a scale of 1-5. You make a list of friends that you want to share that information with. After about a week of listing and rating books, but not yet writing reviews on why I ranked them where I did, I got an email from Jenny. She said she thought it was funny that we had read so many of the same books, but ranked them differently.
We both liked Haunted by Chuck Palaniuk, but she gave it a 5 while I gave it a 3. I thought it was a well-written, provocative book. Funny and horrifying at the same time. And a real page turner. But I haven't sought out any of his other books. I didn't relate to any of the characters. Didn't mind putting the book down when I finished. So I liked it (3), but didn't think it was awesome (5). Jenny obviously felt differently
These differences are as important for the health of the group as the similarities. I think we'll continue as a group for a while. That makes me smile.
After a group is together for a while, though, there may be a tendency to develop Group Think. If one member of the group likes something, then all members must like it too. I was a little worried that this might be happening when I got to the gathering last Thursday. DB, Ali and Nicole were already there. Now I know the Ali and Mary are experienced jewelry makers and that DB is learning. Nicole was asking Ali if she did any metalworking because Nicole was thinking of taking a class. DB piped up and said, "The one at Bemis? I'm thinking of taking that, too." So now we have 4 people making jewelry. Do I have to start making jewelry? No, of course, not. And the conversation shifted to another topic and no issue.
Would it be a bad thing if all the members started making jewelry? Probably not. As a matter of fact, I'd love to see what sorts of the things the guys came up with. But where there can be a problem is if the writing starts to homogenize and the feedback all sounds the same. I've seen this happen before to some extent, and it's not a good thing. After some objective thought, I really don't see that happening here. Everyone has a pretty strong personality and feels comfortable standing up for their own position. And there are very distinctive and different voices in the work. In some instances tastes vary dramatically.
Something that drove that home for me is something Jenny wrote me. The group has all pretty much signed up on one of those library social sites. You join, list all the books you've read or own or both and then rate them on a scale of 1-5. You make a list of friends that you want to share that information with. After about a week of listing and rating books, but not yet writing reviews on why I ranked them where I did, I got an email from Jenny. She said she thought it was funny that we had read so many of the same books, but ranked them differently.
We both liked Haunted by Chuck Palaniuk, but she gave it a 5 while I gave it a 3. I thought it was a well-written, provocative book. Funny and horrifying at the same time. And a real page turner. But I haven't sought out any of his other books. I didn't relate to any of the characters. Didn't mind putting the book down when I finished. So I liked it (3), but didn't think it was awesome (5). Jenny obviously felt differently
These differences are as important for the health of the group as the similarities. I think we'll continue as a group for a while. That makes me smile.
Friday, February 8, 2008
This is Fresh Air, and This is Fresh Air, and
I am a big fan of Fresh Air with Terry Gross on NPR. It's where I first encountered a book called Bird by Bird that changed my thinking about writing lo these many years ago. It's also where I heard an intelligent, funny man with a great voice (and nifty Scottish/British/Midwestern accent) talk about Sandman and Coraline and American Gods. And because of many of her interviews, I've purchased other books and CDs and DVDs over the years.
The other day, I tuned in at the office. She started with an interview with a woman who is the primary caregiver for her husband. He has MS. She's written a book about the experience and heads up an organization that works to make people aware of the issues facing home caregivers. Very interesting and moving. They went to break with Terry saying, "We'll be back after the break with more from [whatever the woman's name was]."
The break, then Terry says, "We're back with Brian Cranston of the new AMC series, Breaking Bad." Huh? The final ten minutes of the interview. Talking about the character and how it differs from the father in Malcolm in the Middle. She thanked him at the end of the interview and said, "Up next Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new DVD collection of Ernst Lubitsch's operettas."
This time I waited with interest for the quick break to end.
They played an installment of an interview with Philip Shenon, who wrote a book about the shortcomings of the 9/11 Commission. Supposed to be followed by an interview about faith as a bipartisan issue, but really followed by the end of an interview with a guy who wrote a book about the failures of the Bush Administration.
Whew. What a weird ride. I have no idea what was going on. Was it a problem from WHYY in Boston or with KRCC locally? It was ultimately amusing in a baffling sort of way.
I've felt like that reading some published books. More often with critique submissions. They start out as one thing and then suddenly switch to something completely different. It's like the author can't figure out what they want to write so they do a little bit of everything. I'm not talking cross-genre here, or having a cool plot twist. I'm talking about an abrupt shift. Starting with Jane Eyre and ending with Hunt for Red October.
Has that every happened to you? Just start writing one thing and take a left turn somewhere? Do you keep going or stop and try to figure out why it's taking that turn?
My guess is that it's actually two different books, both wanting to be written at the same time. But I've been wrong once or twice before.
The other day, I tuned in at the office. She started with an interview with a woman who is the primary caregiver for her husband. He has MS. She's written a book about the experience and heads up an organization that works to make people aware of the issues facing home caregivers. Very interesting and moving. They went to break with Terry saying, "We'll be back after the break with more from [whatever the woman's name was]."
The break, then Terry says, "We're back with Brian Cranston of the new AMC series, Breaking Bad." Huh? The final ten minutes of the interview. Talking about the character and how it differs from the father in Malcolm in the Middle. She thanked him at the end of the interview and said, "Up next Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new DVD collection of Ernst Lubitsch's operettas."
This time I waited with interest for the quick break to end.
They played an installment of an interview with Philip Shenon, who wrote a book about the shortcomings of the 9/11 Commission. Supposed to be followed by an interview about faith as a bipartisan issue, but really followed by the end of an interview with a guy who wrote a book about the failures of the Bush Administration.
Whew. What a weird ride. I have no idea what was going on. Was it a problem from WHYY in Boston or with KRCC locally? It was ultimately amusing in a baffling sort of way.
I've felt like that reading some published books. More often with critique submissions. They start out as one thing and then suddenly switch to something completely different. It's like the author can't figure out what they want to write so they do a little bit of everything. I'm not talking cross-genre here, or having a cool plot twist. I'm talking about an abrupt shift. Starting with Jane Eyre and ending with Hunt for Red October.
Has that every happened to you? Just start writing one thing and take a left turn somewhere? Do you keep going or stop and try to figure out why it's taking that turn?
My guess is that it's actually two different books, both wanting to be written at the same time. But I've been wrong once or twice before.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A Post on Evil Editor
No, I didn't submit a query or the beginning of a story. I didn't have a continuation or a fake plot published. But one of my comments made it through the moderation process **addendum: Face-Lift 482**. And a subsequent comment said it was the best laugh the guy had that day.
Okay, I'm grasping here. Busy Monday and didn't post. Off sick yesterday. If you can catch things online, it's either John's or Courtney's fault. Busy again today because I was off yesterday. Do you detect a trend? And I didn't want to get the refresh of Shane shame.
Has anyone here ever actually submitted a query or beginning to EE? Thought about it? Worried that if you did, especially the query, his comments would freak you out? Not that I'm projecting, mind you. Okay, I'm projecting. Had all those thoughts. But it also might be invaluable feedback. Yeah, I'm thinnin' about whipping up a query when the rewrite is just about done and sending it in. Just to see what he says. May need an emergency Pirate gathering afterward.
Back to work.
Okay, I'm grasping here. Busy Monday and didn't post. Off sick yesterday. If you can catch things online, it's either John's or Courtney's fault. Busy again today because I was off yesterday. Do you detect a trend? And I didn't want to get the refresh of Shane shame.
Has anyone here ever actually submitted a query or beginning to EE? Thought about it? Worried that if you did, especially the query, his comments would freak you out? Not that I'm projecting, mind you. Okay, I'm projecting. Had all those thoughts. But it also might be invaluable feedback. Yeah, I'm thinnin' about whipping up a query when the rewrite is just about done and sending it in. Just to see what he says. May need an emergency Pirate gathering afterward.
Back to work.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Buh-bye January
Some months have a greater impact than others. January is supposed to be one of those overlooked months. The holidays are over and spring is still feeling a long way off. It's a blah month. Usually. For some reason this January has seemed to go on forever--and not in a good way. I've covered for coworkers on vacation or sick leave, had a monster head cold and spent way too much of my free time volunteering. It's been a month that felt very much out of my control.
Not that I think I have a lot of control over any particular time period. But I usually have more control over how I spend my time during whatever time frame. The question is: Can I take back that control in February? I certainly hope so.
Last February I tackled a self-imposed challenge. The anti-NaNo challenge. Every other day, I responded to a prompt, like "Describe your antagonist's pet." The other days were for new plot ideas. I got some good stuff out of that month. And some not-so-good stuff. It spurred me on, though. Set up the year as a creative one.
So, what about this February? Rewriting MMG is a biggie for me this time around. Had a bit of an ah-ha moment about it yesterday morning--which was still January, I know. But because it was January, I didn't get a chance to do anything about it. My theory about February being different should mean that I do get a chance to tackle the ah-ha idea today.
Bret made me an offer about Apollo's Lyre that I may not be able to refuse. Instead of editting--and, therefore, having to deal with authors (what a weird bunch they are)--I might do a regular column. Hmm. Four or five issues a year. Could I be the next Miss Snark? Ms. Snippy? Maybe I could be the Not So Very Nice Editor. Any ideas? What kind of column would you like to read?
And here's to a happy, productive, creative February for all of us. Well, we already know that Jenny's going to be productive, but you know what I meant.
Not that I think I have a lot of control over any particular time period. But I usually have more control over how I spend my time during whatever time frame. The question is: Can I take back that control in February? I certainly hope so.
Last February I tackled a self-imposed challenge. The anti-NaNo challenge. Every other day, I responded to a prompt, like "Describe your antagonist's pet." The other days were for new plot ideas. I got some good stuff out of that month. And some not-so-good stuff. It spurred me on, though. Set up the year as a creative one.
So, what about this February? Rewriting MMG is a biggie for me this time around. Had a bit of an ah-ha moment about it yesterday morning--which was still January, I know. But because it was January, I didn't get a chance to do anything about it. My theory about February being different should mean that I do get a chance to tackle the ah-ha idea today.
Bret made me an offer about Apollo's Lyre that I may not be able to refuse. Instead of editting--and, therefore, having to deal with authors (what a weird bunch they are)--I might do a regular column. Hmm. Four or five issues a year. Could I be the next Miss Snark? Ms. Snippy? Maybe I could be the Not So Very Nice Editor. Any ideas? What kind of column would you like to read?
And here's to a happy, productive, creative February for all of us. Well, we already know that Jenny's going to be productive, but you know what I meant.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Poor D.B.
She is really struggling with The Artist's Way right now. I tried to tell her that it took me three tries to get past the fourth week, but I don't think she's buying it. I had a lot of trouble with the "no reading" rule for week four. It stopped me cold the first time, along with all the emotions and issues that had been brought up in the first three weeks. The second time, too. Finally, I just said, "Screw it" or something like it the third time and ignored the rule.
D.B. has trouble ignoring rules. I'm afraid this week may break her. I hope she does continue. I think she could have fun with it. But she's got to want to do it so I'm backing off.
It's been an interesting 3 weeks for me, too. I pulled out my copy of the book and have been reading along with her. Some of the pages are falling out. The result of going over the first part so many times until I "got it right". I've also revisited some of the tasks and exercises. Interesting. I couldn't find the original notebook so I don't know exactly how my answers differ this time around, but I'd bet they do. Different place in my own journey.
Like D.B. I had started thinking too much about Morning Pages. I've been zipping along on them and getting better results. And I've been trying to do them before anything else in the morning. As the day starts to intrude, the tone of the pages changes. Maybe Afternoon Pages should be in a separate journal. That might help clean out for evening writing. Interesting thought. We'll see.
So, this week is all about revision. Re-vision. Seeing again. Looking at MMG with new eyes, but also seeing it for the umpteenth time. That should be an interesting journey, too. Let's hope it's a fun and productive one.
D.B. has trouble ignoring rules. I'm afraid this week may break her. I hope she does continue. I think she could have fun with it. But she's got to want to do it so I'm backing off.
It's been an interesting 3 weeks for me, too. I pulled out my copy of the book and have been reading along with her. Some of the pages are falling out. The result of going over the first part so many times until I "got it right". I've also revisited some of the tasks and exercises. Interesting. I couldn't find the original notebook so I don't know exactly how my answers differ this time around, but I'd bet they do. Different place in my own journey.
Like D.B. I had started thinking too much about Morning Pages. I've been zipping along on them and getting better results. And I've been trying to do them before anything else in the morning. As the day starts to intrude, the tone of the pages changes. Maybe Afternoon Pages should be in a separate journal. That might help clean out for evening writing. Interesting thought. We'll see.
So, this week is all about revision. Re-vision. Seeing again. Looking at MMG with new eyes, but also seeing it for the umpteenth time. That should be an interesting journey, too. Let's hope it's a fun and productive one.
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