[***] ISBN: 1932907351
I enjoyed the tone and perspective of this book and will be reading its predecessor, "Save the Cat!", in order to get a better understanding of how the plots can be broken down. The examples in this volume shed much light on how various sorts of films all share the same basic plot. Yet the book also shows how any basic outline, when done well, can be made fresh and alive. And when done really well, the same old plot becomes something new and unique. Recommended for any author, especially those writing screenplays. Warning: the plot breakdowns do contain spoilers (I skipped the ones for films I have not seen and plan to) and get a bit repetitive.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Fragile Things (Neil Gaiman)
[***] ISBN: 9780060515225
An uneven, but ultimately satisfying collection of short stories, poems, and a novella from the author of "Stardust" and "Mirrormask" (and others I haven't yet read). Even though several of the stories and most of the poems fell flat for me, all of the entries showcase Gaiman's gift for imagination and invention. My favorites were "A Study in Emerald" (which re-imagines Sherlock Holmes in the world of H.P. Lovecraft), "Goliath" (which is from the world of "The Matrix"), "The Day the Saucers Came" (the one poem I liked), and "The Monarch of the Glen".
An uneven, but ultimately satisfying collection of short stories, poems, and a novella from the author of "Stardust" and "Mirrormask" (and others I haven't yet read). Even though several of the stories and most of the poems fell flat for me, all of the entries showcase Gaiman's gift for imagination and invention. My favorites were "A Study in Emerald" (which re-imagines Sherlock Holmes in the world of H.P. Lovecraft), "Goliath" (which is from the world of "The Matrix"), "The Day the Saucers Came" (the one poem I liked), and "The Monarch of the Glen".
Labels:
***,
anthology,
fantasy,
sf,
short stories
Friday, February 15, 2008
How to Talk About Books You Haven't Read (Pierre Bayard)
[****] ISBN: 1433208016 (audio), 1551929627 (hardcover)
This is a very fun book. The (English) audio version, especially, reminded me at times of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. More to the point it helps one think about what it means to read (or not read) a book. The overall conclusion is that there is not that much difference, in the long run, between reading and not reading a book. I have to agree, to a point. Of all the books I have read, I probably have a distinct memory of only a few. And of those I probably have only a hazy impression.
This is a very fun book. The (English) audio version, especially, reminded me at times of the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. More to the point it helps one think about what it means to read (or not read) a book. The overall conclusion is that there is not that much difference, in the long run, between reading and not reading a book. I have to agree, to a point. Of all the books I have read, I probably have a distinct memory of only a few. And of those I probably have only a hazy impression.
Labels:
****,
audio,
literary criticism,
non-fiction
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author (Janet Evanovich with Ina Yalof)
[***] ISBN: 9780312354282
This is a fairly informative, pleasant, and entertaining look at how one working writer does it. As best she can, the author goes into her approach to character, plot, humor, adventure, outlining, storyboarding, drafting, and editing. This is how she keeps cranking out books that sell. There are some good tips here, including the rudimentary and common notion of keeping one's butt in one's chair and writing, everyday, no matter what.
This is a fairly informative, pleasant, and entertaining look at how one working writer does it. As best she can, the author goes into her approach to character, plot, humor, adventure, outlining, storyboarding, drafting, and editing. This is how she keeps cranking out books that sell. There are some good tips here, including the rudimentary and common notion of keeping one's butt in one's chair and writing, everyday, no matter what.
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