So when was the last time that anybody read a good spy novel ?
I cannot even remember one author who has done anything remotely close to being suspenseful, which is why when I look at the novels popping up at the bookstore where I work (even in the Kids and Teens section of the store), I want to gag.
The worst concept that I read involving espionage was a teen novel where the idea revolved around a school that trains young teenagers into becoming spies, and the main character is falling in love (of course !) with a boy who does not go to the academy. The title - "I'd Tell You I Loved You : But I Would Have To Kill You" - says what she has to deal with.
Just like James Bond did, the espionage novel needs to be re-formatted to today's standards. Creativity should never be discounted - an academy that trains teenagers to be spies is not necessarily bad, but having everything revolving around a love-that-is-destined-not-to-be-type story does not allow what "A Gentleman's Game" should look like.
I think a spy in training is more focused on the events happening around the world and the events that the public doesn't know, rather than trying to figure out if he likes her or not.
Terrorism and arms dealing is something that would be more up her alley rather than making a secret rendezvous with some cute teenager from a "normal" school. (FYI - I had a peek at the book and not once do the characters even involve themselves with the day to day activities of a spy...the author Ally Carter assumes - and she assumes terribly wrong - that all spies do is crack codes, learn martial arts and weapons, and different languages...do a little research before writing something you don't know about, Carter...it's what every smart author does....)
...so, maybe I take it back - a spy about a teenage spy school is a horrible idea....
Keefer
Better Books That Involve Spies
"Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" by John LeCarre
"Once And Future Spy" by Robert Littell
"Casino Royale" by Ian Flemming
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
The Think-Twice-of-The-Month : "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne
The hype does not live up to it's name
Nothing is spectacular about this book. Nothing.
The revelation is something that has been around for thousands of years, as said in the movie and in the book....which means it takes one person to make millions off of it, and millions of people looking for a microwave answer to provide said millions.
Let's face it, the only reason why the book (and the movie) got any attention is because Oprah mentioned it on the show. Other than that, nobody would've given it a second look. The simplest way to explain the supposed "secret" is law of attraction - attract the good and you get it back; attract the bad and it follows you around.
The simplest way to explain it for literary folk ?
The book is useful for many who don't read enough.
I'm not saying that people who read plenty wouldn't get anything out of it, all I'm saying is that if you've read alot of books even talking about, or related to : Buddhism, Zen, Shinto, Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, Nietzsche, or any of the numerous self-help books already out there in the market - then you already know the "secret"....which doesn't seem so hush-hush anymore as everyone thought, nor as unique and new.
The concept of positive thinking and visualization has been around since psychology had been thought up by Freud and Jung. The concept even preceded them when Prince Siddartha (Buddha) began developing his thought of inner self underneath that tree thousands of years ago. This is an attempt to take concepts that already existed and was there for the whole world to see, and make something new and fancy for the twenty-first century.
How do you think the greatest thinkers in the world became who they were ?
Simple: they did what they always did, they sat there and thought.
Thinking is visualization in it's purest form, and Byrne just took a concept that she apparently discovered, and applied it to the way we see things in this day and age. Remember, that visualization and non-verbal communication is the strongest form of interaction we have - we are a visual generation. Which is why the "experts" in the book and movie are always encouraging a form of visualization in some way; we psychology students call it - Projection. But our society has dismissed the idea of thinking because of time and constraints. Seriously, when was the last time you sat still and thought about something you wanted to start or pursue ? Very few of us have the luxury, and very few of us have the time or will to do so.
How did these thinkers become so great ?
They worked for it. They worked hard, and long, and diligent.
Sure they thought positive, sure they set a goal for themselves, sure they visualized what they wanted...but sitting there thinking positive, setting goals for yourself, or visualizing won't get you anywhere. In the end, everybody in the movie and in the book had to work their asses off to be successful, which is how anybody gets anything they want. Work is something the "experts" don't mention too frequently.
...if you want more proof, the author Rhonda Byrne was a successful television producer who created three hit shows from her own creativity before she was given The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles (BTW, the title of the book is not mentioned in the movie, it's just mentioned as a book her daughter gave her....I guess it doesn't do the teachings that much justice when you hear what caused her to think about making the movie in the first place) ...she didn't need the secret to be successful or to make a film; she had the means and tools already.
...guess making more money can always help to ease a breakdown....
Nothing is spectacular about this book. Nothing.
The revelation is something that has been around for thousands of years, as said in the movie and in the book....which means it takes one person to make millions off of it, and millions of people looking for a microwave answer to provide said millions.
Let's face it, the only reason why the book (and the movie) got any attention is because Oprah mentioned it on the show. Other than that, nobody would've given it a second look. The simplest way to explain the supposed "secret" is law of attraction - attract the good and you get it back; attract the bad and it follows you around.
The simplest way to explain it for literary folk ?
The book is useful for many who don't read enough.
I'm not saying that people who read plenty wouldn't get anything out of it, all I'm saying is that if you've read alot of books even talking about, or related to : Buddhism, Zen, Shinto, Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, Nietzsche, or any of the numerous self-help books already out there in the market - then you already know the "secret"....which doesn't seem so hush-hush anymore as everyone thought, nor as unique and new.
The concept of positive thinking and visualization has been around since psychology had been thought up by Freud and Jung. The concept even preceded them when Prince Siddartha (Buddha) began developing his thought of inner self underneath that tree thousands of years ago. This is an attempt to take concepts that already existed and was there for the whole world to see, and make something new and fancy for the twenty-first century.
How do you think the greatest thinkers in the world became who they were ?
Simple: they did what they always did, they sat there and thought.
Thinking is visualization in it's purest form, and Byrne just took a concept that she apparently discovered, and applied it to the way we see things in this day and age. Remember, that visualization and non-verbal communication is the strongest form of interaction we have - we are a visual generation. Which is why the "experts" in the book and movie are always encouraging a form of visualization in some way; we psychology students call it - Projection. But our society has dismissed the idea of thinking because of time and constraints. Seriously, when was the last time you sat still and thought about something you wanted to start or pursue ? Very few of us have the luxury, and very few of us have the time or will to do so.
How did these thinkers become so great ?
They worked for it. They worked hard, and long, and diligent.
Sure they thought positive, sure they set a goal for themselves, sure they visualized what they wanted...but sitting there thinking positive, setting goals for yourself, or visualizing won't get you anywhere. In the end, everybody in the movie and in the book had to work their asses off to be successful, which is how anybody gets anything they want. Work is something the "experts" don't mention too frequently.
...if you want more proof, the author Rhonda Byrne was a successful television producer who created three hit shows from her own creativity before she was given The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles (BTW, the title of the book is not mentioned in the movie, it's just mentioned as a book her daughter gave her....I guess it doesn't do the teachings that much justice when you hear what caused her to think about making the movie in the first place) ...she didn't need the secret to be successful or to make a film; she had the means and tools already.
...guess making more money can always help to ease a breakdown....
Monday, March 19, 2007
Chapter 4 - Re-Writes Extraordinaire
I have finally begun to generate my script for my DH submission !
I was working on it free hand over the weekend, testing out the initial idea I had. But a re-write was definitely needed, and probably will be needed for this one. Ideas were never a problem for me, but I think as my partner told me a few days ago that I need to focus more on a single idea and move on once it's finished (thanks, hon !) And she is absolutely right.
Which is why I have so many re-writes for this one idea. The latest re-write I have in mind concerns who the main character should be. I have a great, classical hero for the part - protector and helper of the people. But I also have this even more spectacular villain - evil to the core and power hungry.
I have never written anything with the bad guy as the main focus, and I think it would be challenging. I think that would be the next re-write I'll try, even though I know it will be difficult. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
I was working on it free hand over the weekend, testing out the initial idea I had. But a re-write was definitely needed, and probably will be needed for this one. Ideas were never a problem for me, but I think as my partner told me a few days ago that I need to focus more on a single idea and move on once it's finished (thanks, hon !) And she is absolutely right.
Which is why I have so many re-writes for this one idea. The latest re-write I have in mind concerns who the main character should be. I have a great, classical hero for the part - protector and helper of the people. But I also have this even more spectacular villain - evil to the core and power hungry.
I have never written anything with the bad guy as the main focus, and I think it would be challenging. I think that would be the next re-write I'll try, even though I know it will be difficult. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
"The Confession"
The Grey Man wanted to know how this whole thing worked - was he supposed to talk about his life, now ?
"If you want to," replied Dr.Dennis Krutz. "There is no real way of doing this."
The Grey Man was named so because of his grey suit and black tie. His style was often commented by acquaintances as very Sean Connery in the movie From Russia With Love.
The Grey Man liked his clothes, and has kept the same suit with him on every important job he has had. His jacket was now draped across the chair facing the therapist, Dr.Krutz. He was lying down on the leather sofa, creaking and squeaking as he adjusted his position. He began by talking about his job.
The Grey Man was an adjuster - he was in charge of "cleaning up" companies who were not as productive as they should've been. He is given an assignment, which consisted of following a specific employee who a boss suspected was not meeting up to work standards. If the claim was true, then the Grey Man would intervene and give him his pink walking papers.
"And do you like your job ? As an adjuster ?" Dr.Krutz was scribbling away as he talked. The Grey Man had always wanted to know what therapists wrote whenever they held a session. He imagined they doodled and half-listened to their patients at the same time.
The Grey Man responded that he wasn't sure. His last assignment was questionable.
"Why is it questionable ?"
He didn't have enough proof. He needed to know if this employee was doing his job or not.
"What does he do ?"
The Grey Man told him he was in Human Resources. He spent his days handling the affairs of personnel. Only this one was crooked. He was taking advantage of the personnel he worked with, cheating them and abusing them. The Grey Man had followed him for weeks now, studying his movements and his patterns...but nothing.
"Were you expecting to find something ?"
He wasn't sure.
"Everybody keeps something of their bad habits. Smokers carry a lighter. Nailbiters chew gum.
Letting go is hard for people with compulsions".
The Grey Man thought for a second. That was a very excellent point.
"Do you have any compulsions ?"
He only had his job. Nothing more.
"Maybe that's a compulsion you never considered. Maybe that's why you don't feel so good doing your job."
The Grey Man and the doctor shook hands, and set up another meeting at the end of the week.
"Did you think about our last session ?" He had. Dr.Krutz asked this as he jotted down a note. The Grey Man was sitting on a chair in front of the doctor. He kept his jacket on because he felt cold. He responded "Yes" with a smile.
"You've certainly gotten yourself into a better mood since last time."
The last session had helped. He wanted to continue talking about his latest assignment. The doctor had been right - his job was a compulsion, and he wanted to see if there was someway out of it.
"There are always ways to get out of a compulsion or addiction...it just takes dedication and the desire for change."
What did he recommend ?
"You need to look at the things you're using to act on that compulsion and slowly eliminate them."
Quit his job ?
"Not necessarily...but you have to be willing to get rid of things that remind you of your compulsion."
Like maybe completing this assignment.
"Is that what's bothering you about your job ?"
The Grey Man explains that he's really good at his job, and for once something is preventing him from successfully completing it. The Grey Man asks if a bad compulsion was his need to finish his job.
"Do you think it's a problem ? I see it as perfectionism."
Is that bad ?
"Not at all. A perfectionist is a good thing."
Was that what he was ?
"I would like to think so. How many people would say that they didn't want to be perfect in everything they do ?"
They shook hands and agreed for one last session.
When Dr.Krutz walked into his office, he didn't think the Grey Man would be in there before him. His appointment with him wasn't until next week.
A television was set up beside the chairs that they would be sitting on, which gave them a perfect view of the screen with a turn of their heads. Dr. Krutz was startled, but held his composure and remained calm.
"Will we be watching a movie ?"
The Grey Man was staring at him silently. He motioned for the doctor to sit in the chair in front of him.
The Grey Man asked him if he remembered his last job.
"I do. The Human Resources employee. Have you completed that assignment ?"
The Grey Man said he did, and pressed a button on the remote control. Dr.Krutz watched the screen blip once and then show his office on the screen. At first he was confused, but then a sudden terror gripped him as he watched a young girl with long hair come into the picture. She sat on the couch and Dr.Krutz followed, sitting beside her. The doctor in the video began talking to her softly, laying her down onto the couch. He whispered and slowed his voice, the girl's eyes closed as if she was drifting off to sleep. When she finally nodded off into unconsciousness, that's when Dr.Krutz leaned in and began taking off her clothes.
The therapist turned to look at the Grey Man who was staring at him. The Grey Man's expression was blank, cold and unfeeling.
"Let me...let me explain."
The Grey Man told him he didn't have to.
He told him he knew about Sharon. He told him that he knew it had been going on for almost two weeks - the hypnotism's, the rape and sexual abuse....the Grey Man told him everything. And his idea of showing this video now, was inspired by the thought he had given him - Everybody keeps something of their bad habits...
So he decided to act on Dr.Krutz's advice.The Grey Man had broken in a few days earlier with a hunch that Dr.Krutz's job was his life and that there would be a trace of his bad habit in his office.
He found them in a hidden part of his filing cabinet.
He stole the tapes and reviewed them, feeling certain that they were real according to the description of the "dreams" Sharon had been having.
Everybody keeps something of their bad habits
"Why are you doing this ?" Dr.Krutz asked, his fear now highly visible in his trembling voice.
Simple, the Grey Man responded - you're my latest assignment...by the way, Sharon's father says hello....
With one swift movement the Grey Man raised his arm, and pulled the trigger of his Ruger .22 twice. The suppressor spit out a puff-puff, hitting the doctor once in the heart and once in the forehead. The body of Dr.Krutz slumped sideways on the chair, as the Grey Man ejected the tape and calmly closed the door behind him on his way out.
"If you want to," replied Dr.Dennis Krutz. "There is no real way of doing this."
The Grey Man was named so because of his grey suit and black tie. His style was often commented by acquaintances as very Sean Connery in the movie From Russia With Love.
The Grey Man liked his clothes, and has kept the same suit with him on every important job he has had. His jacket was now draped across the chair facing the therapist, Dr.Krutz. He was lying down on the leather sofa, creaking and squeaking as he adjusted his position. He began by talking about his job.
The Grey Man was an adjuster - he was in charge of "cleaning up" companies who were not as productive as they should've been. He is given an assignment, which consisted of following a specific employee who a boss suspected was not meeting up to work standards. If the claim was true, then the Grey Man would intervene and give him his pink walking papers.
"And do you like your job ? As an adjuster ?" Dr.Krutz was scribbling away as he talked. The Grey Man had always wanted to know what therapists wrote whenever they held a session. He imagined they doodled and half-listened to their patients at the same time.
The Grey Man responded that he wasn't sure. His last assignment was questionable.
"Why is it questionable ?"
He didn't have enough proof. He needed to know if this employee was doing his job or not.
"What does he do ?"
The Grey Man told him he was in Human Resources. He spent his days handling the affairs of personnel. Only this one was crooked. He was taking advantage of the personnel he worked with, cheating them and abusing them. The Grey Man had followed him for weeks now, studying his movements and his patterns...but nothing.
"Were you expecting to find something ?"
He wasn't sure.
"Everybody keeps something of their bad habits. Smokers carry a lighter. Nailbiters chew gum.
Letting go is hard for people with compulsions".
The Grey Man thought for a second. That was a very excellent point.
"Do you have any compulsions ?"
He only had his job. Nothing more.
"Maybe that's a compulsion you never considered. Maybe that's why you don't feel so good doing your job."
The Grey Man and the doctor shook hands, and set up another meeting at the end of the week.
"Did you think about our last session ?" He had. Dr.Krutz asked this as he jotted down a note. The Grey Man was sitting on a chair in front of the doctor. He kept his jacket on because he felt cold. He responded "Yes" with a smile.
"You've certainly gotten yourself into a better mood since last time."
The last session had helped. He wanted to continue talking about his latest assignment. The doctor had been right - his job was a compulsion, and he wanted to see if there was someway out of it.
"There are always ways to get out of a compulsion or addiction...it just takes dedication and the desire for change."
What did he recommend ?
"You need to look at the things you're using to act on that compulsion and slowly eliminate them."
Quit his job ?
"Not necessarily...but you have to be willing to get rid of things that remind you of your compulsion."
Like maybe completing this assignment.
"Is that what's bothering you about your job ?"
The Grey Man explains that he's really good at his job, and for once something is preventing him from successfully completing it. The Grey Man asks if a bad compulsion was his need to finish his job.
"Do you think it's a problem ? I see it as perfectionism."
Is that bad ?
"Not at all. A perfectionist is a good thing."
Was that what he was ?
"I would like to think so. How many people would say that they didn't want to be perfect in everything they do ?"
They shook hands and agreed for one last session.
When Dr.Krutz walked into his office, he didn't think the Grey Man would be in there before him. His appointment with him wasn't until next week.
A television was set up beside the chairs that they would be sitting on, which gave them a perfect view of the screen with a turn of their heads. Dr. Krutz was startled, but held his composure and remained calm.
"Will we be watching a movie ?"
The Grey Man was staring at him silently. He motioned for the doctor to sit in the chair in front of him.
The Grey Man asked him if he remembered his last job.
"I do. The Human Resources employee. Have you completed that assignment ?"
The Grey Man said he did, and pressed a button on the remote control. Dr.Krutz watched the screen blip once and then show his office on the screen. At first he was confused, but then a sudden terror gripped him as he watched a young girl with long hair come into the picture. She sat on the couch and Dr.Krutz followed, sitting beside her. The doctor in the video began talking to her softly, laying her down onto the couch. He whispered and slowed his voice, the girl's eyes closed as if she was drifting off to sleep. When she finally nodded off into unconsciousness, that's when Dr.Krutz leaned in and began taking off her clothes.
The therapist turned to look at the Grey Man who was staring at him. The Grey Man's expression was blank, cold and unfeeling.
"Let me...let me explain."
The Grey Man told him he didn't have to.
He told him he knew about Sharon. He told him that he knew it had been going on for almost two weeks - the hypnotism's, the rape and sexual abuse....the Grey Man told him everything. And his idea of showing this video now, was inspired by the thought he had given him - Everybody keeps something of their bad habits...
So he decided to act on Dr.Krutz's advice.The Grey Man had broken in a few days earlier with a hunch that Dr.Krutz's job was his life and that there would be a trace of his bad habit in his office.
He found them in a hidden part of his filing cabinet.
He stole the tapes and reviewed them, feeling certain that they were real according to the description of the "dreams" Sharon had been having.
Everybody keeps something of their bad habits
"Why are you doing this ?" Dr.Krutz asked, his fear now highly visible in his trembling voice.
Simple, the Grey Man responded - you're my latest assignment...by the way, Sharon's father says hello....
With one swift movement the Grey Man raised his arm, and pulled the trigger of his Ruger .22 twice. The suppressor spit out a puff-puff, hitting the doctor once in the heart and once in the forehead. The body of Dr.Krutz slumped sideways on the chair, as the Grey Man ejected the tape and calmly closed the door behind him on his way out.
Monday, March 12, 2007
" The Thief " by Megan Whalen Turner
Kid's Novel with a Twist
Gen is a thief of extraordinary ability, captured by the king of Sounis after bragging about his successful theft of the king's seal. This leads Gen and a party consisting of a soldier, a scholar, and two students on a quest for the mythical Hamiathes' Gift - which will grant the wearer eternal life and will act as a wedding proposal gift between the King of Sounis and Queen Attolia.
Gen is being used for his ability to steal, but there is more to the whole story than just a thief being paid his freedom.
Critique :
Megan Turner's novel moves as quickly as a tale for young ones should. It gives a detailed history of the three countries, as well as an easy enough plot involving the politics - something that is key to the story. Gen's character is brilliant, keeping a tension for the reader to suspect something, but not to the extent as it's finally revealed in the end.
Other Titles in The Series
The Queen of Attolia
The King of Attolia
Gen is a thief of extraordinary ability, captured by the king of Sounis after bragging about his successful theft of the king's seal. This leads Gen and a party consisting of a soldier, a scholar, and two students on a quest for the mythical Hamiathes' Gift - which will grant the wearer eternal life and will act as a wedding proposal gift between the King of Sounis and Queen Attolia.Gen is being used for his ability to steal, but there is more to the whole story than just a thief being paid his freedom.
Critique :
Megan Turner's novel moves as quickly as a tale for young ones should. It gives a detailed history of the three countries, as well as an easy enough plot involving the politics - something that is key to the story. Gen's character is brilliant, keeping a tension for the reader to suspect something, but not to the extent as it's finally revealed in the end.
Other Titles in The Series
The Queen of Attolia
The King of Attolia
Saturday, March 10, 2007
"The Keep" by Jennifer Egan
A novel of depth
Two cousins who have had a falling out with each other, reunite when one buys and renovates an old castle. As each cousin continues with the project, they begin to know each other more and start to confront the traumatic event that caused them to split apart. And buried within this tale of family, lies a prisoner that seems to be telling this tale that mirrors his own sad life.
Critique :
The story that Jennifer Egan tells pushes the limits of time and narration, and it is a very well done attempt at a difficult style of writing. The narration is quick and evenly paced, allowing switches from one story to the next, each getting quicker and more fevered as the climax of the novel quickly approaches. The ending is questionable, and feels as if it was rushed to get to the last page. But it's still captures the reader's attention and keeps it all the way.
More from the same author :
Look At Me
Two cousins who have had a falling out with each other, reunite when one buys and renovates an old castle. As each cousin continues with the project, they begin to know each other more and start to confront the traumatic event that caused them to split apart. And buried within this tale of family, lies a prisoner that seems to be telling this tale that mirrors his own sad life.Critique :
The story that Jennifer Egan tells pushes the limits of time and narration, and it is a very well done attempt at a difficult style of writing. The narration is quick and evenly paced, allowing switches from one story to the next, each getting quicker and more fevered as the climax of the novel quickly approaches. The ending is questionable, and feels as if it was rushed to get to the last page. But it's still captures the reader's attention and keeps it all the way.
More from the same author :
Look At Me
Chapter 3 : Finally ! A Chosen Project !
As the title says for this journal entry, I have finally agreed upon a project which I will be starting off on.
I will be writing up a pitch for Dark Horse comics on an idea I have for a graphic novel.
I haven't read too many titles from DH , but I know that they have a very realistic and gritty feel to their titles. I remember being younger and picking up a DH title here and there, and saying to myself : "These guys are hardcore..."
DH was (and sometimes still is) known for it's original story ideas, with more leeway in terms of the censors. I remember picking up a copy of Grendel : War Child and seeing Grendel chop off a guy's head with a makeshift lightsaber - gives Darth Vader a run for his money, huh ?
And with the idea I have, I think it will fit right in with DH's reputation....hopefully, they like the idea as much as I do.
I won't be posting the idea up on the blog (I think I need to keep this to myself for now....), but I will be updating so stay tuned...and don't worry - I haven't forgotten about Marvel. But I think the idea I have in my head wouldn't have suited them.
Keefer
I will be writing up a pitch for Dark Horse comics on an idea I have for a graphic novel.
I haven't read too many titles from DH , but I know that they have a very realistic and gritty feel to their titles. I remember being younger and picking up a DH title here and there, and saying to myself : "These guys are hardcore..."
DH was (and sometimes still is) known for it's original story ideas, with more leeway in terms of the censors. I remember picking up a copy of Grendel : War Child and seeing Grendel chop off a guy's head with a makeshift lightsaber - gives Darth Vader a run for his money, huh ?
And with the idea I have, I think it will fit right in with DH's reputation....hopefully, they like the idea as much as I do.
I won't be posting the idea up on the blog (I think I need to keep this to myself for now....), but I will be updating so stay tuned...and don't worry - I haven't forgotten about Marvel. But I think the idea I have in my head wouldn't have suited them.
Keefer
Friday, March 9, 2007
Graphic Novel of the Month : "Arkham Asylum - 15th Anniversary Edition" by Grant Morrison
If you haven't gotten a chance to even flip through this graphic, then you should be on your way to the nearest shop to pick it up.
The story revolves around the insane asylum that houses Gotham's deadliest supervillians. They have taken over the building and are threatening to kill the staff unless Batman gives himself to them. What happens afterwards is a hide and seek game where the inmates hunt down the man who was responsible for putting them away.
Grant Morrison and David Mckean conjure up a very hellish twist on Batman and his family of villains, bringing an almost psychological kinship with each enemy he faces.
The characters are warped and changed to suit a more violent - and in this day and age - more realistic view of the classic Batman rogues gallery. The story still has a detective quality to it (as any story featuring The World's Greatest Detective), and provides an ending that is just as twisted and messed up.
This graphic novel was originally published in 1989, and was the first that featured Batman. It was so popular, that it sold out quickly, becoming the most successful DC graphic in history. It was a title that it held onto until recently.
Now with the release of the 15th anniversary edition, new readers more schooled in the graphic novel genre can experience one of the best Batman tales ever spun.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Award for Generating Cash
The AAP has just designated ABC's "The View " the winner of this year's Association of American Publishers award for their apparent passion for reading and books.
...does anyone else see what's wrong with that, or am I the only one ?
"The View" has more to do with the love of reading and books, than I do trying to change the engine of an F-16 fighter plane.
If you have ever seen "The View" (post Meredith Viera who is a journalist), and one of their apparent "discussions" of literature, anybody would see that they come up to the same level as a box of crayons reading Faulkner. This is the same show that has Joy Behar admitting that she knows nothing about the Bible and the stories it contains - considering that the Bible is one of the most read books in the world, I question why the AAP would even give the award to a bunch of loud-mouthed women, who get their information from their own sub-par intellect.
And then it hit me - Money.
A book "reviewed" on the show generates popularity of that title, and boosts sales for the author.
Hence, the award. How did I come to this conclusion ? Look who was the previous year's winner - Oprah Winfrey.
When Oprah says a book is good, it flies off the shelves. But lets not get too hasty with Oprah's choices - she did choose James Frey's book, and has now since promoted "The Secret" (a book I will talk about later...) Even when she promoted Faulkner's works it seemed fake. Faulkner had existed, and was a genius in his writing - we didn't need Oprah telling us all of that.
But we can't blame the AAP for giving out the award, after all more money for authors is a good thing since it helps them make a living and promotes reading. But I can't possibly respect their decision, especially when it has someone as abrassive and obnoxiously uneducated as Rosie O'Donnell trying to talk about Hemingway to me....
...does anyone else see what's wrong with that, or am I the only one ?
"The View" has more to do with the love of reading and books, than I do trying to change the engine of an F-16 fighter plane.
If you have ever seen "The View" (post Meredith Viera who is a journalist), and one of their apparent "discussions" of literature, anybody would see that they come up to the same level as a box of crayons reading Faulkner. This is the same show that has Joy Behar admitting that she knows nothing about the Bible and the stories it contains - considering that the Bible is one of the most read books in the world, I question why the AAP would even give the award to a bunch of loud-mouthed women, who get their information from their own sub-par intellect.
And then it hit me - Money.
A book "reviewed" on the show generates popularity of that title, and boosts sales for the author.
Hence, the award. How did I come to this conclusion ? Look who was the previous year's winner - Oprah Winfrey.
When Oprah says a book is good, it flies off the shelves. But lets not get too hasty with Oprah's choices - she did choose James Frey's book, and has now since promoted "The Secret" (a book I will talk about later...) Even when she promoted Faulkner's works it seemed fake. Faulkner had existed, and was a genius in his writing - we didn't need Oprah telling us all of that.
But we can't blame the AAP for giving out the award, after all more money for authors is a good thing since it helps them make a living and promotes reading. But I can't possibly respect their decision, especially when it has someone as abrassive and obnoxiously uneducated as Rosie O'Donnell trying to talk about Hemingway to me....
Chapter 2 - Time As Effort
The greatest obstacle that a writer has is time.
I never seem to have enough time to do anything, especially write something. I find myself more and more writing whenever I can, which means places where writing is either difficult or distracting (trying writing an outline while sitting on a bouncing bus...)
But seriously, many of us struggling writers face a conundrum - we either get a job to support ourselves and write whenever and wherever we can, or write full time and wait for the deals to start coming in so that we can stop being poor...
I have a job, but it really is hard to write while working almost 40 hours a week...
As for Marvel, I've been trying to come up with an idea that would interest them, but it's proving more and more difficult as I think about it. How do you write a proposal that has some of the world's biggest icons as their main characters ? (I don't think they would appreciate a struggling writer pitching a story for Spider-Man...)
I wonder if it's even worth to try and get their attention...if I do impress them, then what sort of job will I get ? Will I guest write a regular character ? Will I write my own limited series ?
Keefer
I never seem to have enough time to do anything, especially write something. I find myself more and more writing whenever I can, which means places where writing is either difficult or distracting (trying writing an outline while sitting on a bouncing bus...)
But seriously, many of us struggling writers face a conundrum - we either get a job to support ourselves and write whenever and wherever we can, or write full time and wait for the deals to start coming in so that we can stop being poor...
I have a job, but it really is hard to write while working almost 40 hours a week...
As for Marvel, I've been trying to come up with an idea that would interest them, but it's proving more and more difficult as I think about it. How do you write a proposal that has some of the world's biggest icons as their main characters ? (I don't think they would appreciate a struggling writer pitching a story for Spider-Man...)
I wonder if it's even worth to try and get their attention...if I do impress them, then what sort of job will I get ? Will I guest write a regular character ? Will I write my own limited series ?
Keefer
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Chapter 1 - Marvel Comics
A part of my dream to write belongs to comic books. It's a medium that had captured my attention since I was a boy, and it has stayed with me ever since.
I had been recently reading the Marvel website keeping up to date with the stories that have been recently published, and I randomly checked the submission guidelines section of the site.
Normally the submissions for the site were closed, but they were accepting (and still are...)
I'm not certain whether or not I could even get a shot at pitching an idea, but I intend to find out.
There is one thing that bothers me about the submission rules : What the hell are we supposed to write when we have to describe why we want to write for the publisher ?
What else are we supposed to put - for money ? Glory ? Victory ? For my country ?
I guess pitching to a publisher as big as Marvel would be like heading for a job interview - Why do you want to work for us ?
Stay tuned for a Short Story section I will be starting in between my book reviews. It seems like many publishers - including Marvel - want some sort of sample/writing experience before agreeing to hear an idea pitch. What better place to do it, than here ?
Keefer
I had been recently reading the Marvel website keeping up to date with the stories that have been recently published, and I randomly checked the submission guidelines section of the site.
Normally the submissions for the site were closed, but they were accepting (and still are...)
I'm not certain whether or not I could even get a shot at pitching an idea, but I intend to find out.
There is one thing that bothers me about the submission rules : What the hell are we supposed to write when we have to describe why we want to write for the publisher ?
What else are we supposed to put - for money ? Glory ? Victory ? For my country ?
I guess pitching to a publisher as big as Marvel would be like heading for a job interview - Why do you want to work for us ?
Stay tuned for a Short Story section I will be starting in between my book reviews. It seems like many publishers - including Marvel - want some sort of sample/writing experience before agreeing to hear an idea pitch. What better place to do it, than here ?
Keefer
"The Amulet of Smarkand" By Jonathan Stroud
The Bartimaeus Trilogy - Book 1
When Nathaniel - a young aspiring magician - is humiliated by a much more powerful magician named Simon Lovelace, the only thing on his mind is revenge. He studies a powerful spell(something that is meant for magicians far more advanced), that summons a djinni named Bartimaeus to assist him in his plot for revenge against Lovelace. His mission : is to steal Lovelace's greatest treasure, The Amulet of Samarkand.
But Nathaniel finds out that controlling a djinni might be harder than it looks, especially when the more he and Bartimaeus dig into Lovelace's life, the deeper the get into trouble.
Critique :
Jonathan Stroud captivates the reader with his easily detailed words, and his changing perspectives of Narrator and Bartimaeus. Although the plot seems standard and predictable, Stroud's characterization of Bartimaeus is unfailing. The smart mouthed, quick thinking, djinni gives the novel the charm that makes young readers (this is a children's book recommended for ages 9 and up), want to be as clever and as powerful as he is. Baritmaeus carries the story and pushes forward the flow of the plot, supporting the supposed main protagonist Nathaniel.
"A darkly tantalizing tale." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
More Books in The Series :
"The Uses of Enchantment" By Heidi Julavits
The Psychological Maze of a Liar
In Julavits'
third novel, she once again continues to explore the intricacies of psychology and the human mind to tell the story of Mary Veal - a woman who was apparently abducted, and sexually abused as a teenager. Mary's mother - a cold woman, who does not believe her daughter's story - sends her to Dr.Hammer, a psychologist who believes Mary got her story from a novel she had read, projecting it outward as a cry for attention. Mary's mother allows Dr.Hammer to write a book based on the case, because she would rather have Mary be a liar than a real victim.
Fifteen years later, Mary comes home to Boston to bury her mother and finds a letter that gives Mary suspicion that her mother was planning to finally reconcile their animosities. This takes her down a path to relive the events and the people involved, and to deal with the aftershock of the traumatic event that took place years ago.
Critique
Heidi Julavits theme in the book is touchy, and realistic for the times. She has woven an intricate pattern of lies and the effect of telling them with areas so gray and vague (including the title "What Might Have Happened" when the events shift to Mary's ordeal), that the reader could only speculate what was true or not. The use of two perspectives gives a different view of the events that happened in both past and present (which Julavits works seamlessly together) and allows for the reader to determine what really happened fifteen years ago, and what affect it has on the character's life now.
"Potent and intoxicating; a dangerously seductive book." Kirkus Reviews
Similar Books to Check :
In Julavits'
third novel, she once again continues to explore the intricacies of psychology and the human mind to tell the story of Mary Veal - a woman who was apparently abducted, and sexually abused as a teenager. Mary's mother - a cold woman, who does not believe her daughter's story - sends her to Dr.Hammer, a psychologist who believes Mary got her story from a novel she had read, projecting it outward as a cry for attention. Mary's mother allows Dr.Hammer to write a book based on the case, because she would rather have Mary be a liar than a real victim.Fifteen years later, Mary comes home to Boston to bury her mother and finds a letter that gives Mary suspicion that her mother was planning to finally reconcile their animosities. This takes her down a path to relive the events and the people involved, and to deal with the aftershock of the traumatic event that took place years ago.
Critique
Heidi Julavits theme in the book is touchy, and realistic for the times. She has woven an intricate pattern of lies and the effect of telling them with areas so gray and vague (including the title "What Might Have Happened" when the events shift to Mary's ordeal), that the reader could only speculate what was true or not. The use of two perspectives gives a different view of the events that happened in both past and present (which Julavits works seamlessly together) and allows for the reader to determine what really happened fifteen years ago, and what affect it has on the character's life now.
"Potent and intoxicating; a dangerously seductive book." Kirkus Reviews
Similar Books to Check :
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