Been fucked up for the last week and a half. I think I'm all right now.
Lessee, I missed out on a BBQ, a poker night, and episodes of LOST and American Inventor. Although, the payoff has been that I'm getting a lot of research and reading done during those quiet nights. Books on dialogue, pacing and narrative have been taking up the bulk of my time. I'm pretty confident with the plot of my book, I just need to brush up on other mechanics of the story or else it'll flop into ambiguity. Also, been reading this book called The Question of God. It's basically, Freud and Lewis indirectly debating the existence of a higher being. It's been... interesting. Whether you're religious or not I recommend picking it up. Gives good food for thought from both perspectives.
So, yeah, American Inventor. It echoes the audition process of American Idol in that you get genuine talent and also the crazies. Makes for pitty laughter. There hasn't been an invention that's wowed me yet but it's entertaining enough. Although, one thing I find weathering with the show is it's total "rah rah go USA and american dream" bullshit. I understand it's post 9-11 and peeps need reassurance that things will be alright and be uplifted and all but the amount of times they repeat the words "American Dream" wears a bit thin. Also, ever notice all those commercials that thank the Man? Who's sponsoring this? Bush?
Anyway, that's my rant for the day.
TAK
Lessee, I missed out on a BBQ, a poker night, and episodes of LOST and American Inventor. Although, the payoff has been that I'm getting a lot of research and reading done during those quiet nights. Books on dialogue, pacing and narrative have been taking up the bulk of my time. I'm pretty confident with the plot of my book, I just need to brush up on other mechanics of the story or else it'll flop into ambiguity. Also, been reading this book called The Question of God. It's basically, Freud and Lewis indirectly debating the existence of a higher being. It's been... interesting. Whether you're religious or not I recommend picking it up. Gives good food for thought from both perspectives.
So, yeah, American Inventor. It echoes the audition process of American Idol in that you get genuine talent and also the crazies. Makes for pitty laughter. There hasn't been an invention that's wowed me yet but it's entertaining enough. Although, one thing I find weathering with the show is it's total "rah rah go USA and american dream" bullshit. I understand it's post 9-11 and peeps need reassurance that things will be alright and be uplifted and all but the amount of times they repeat the words "American Dream" wears a bit thin. Also, ever notice all those commercials that thank the Man? Who's sponsoring this? Bush?
Anyway, that's my rant for the day.
TAK
6 Comment(s):
Keith Cunningham said...
The thing that I've always loved about C.S. Lewis is his ability to explain things clearly, rationally, and with great wit and class. Great stuff.
This book . . . is it a comic or a novel?
Keith Cunningham said...
I mean to say, this book of *yours* that you're doing research for.
TAK said...
Hot damn. Freud vs. Lewis comicbook!? That would rule...
Yeah, been hard at work writing this graphic novel of mine. The sketches you see below are snaps of development art for it. It's been sort of a bumpy ride with all this pressure I'm putting on myself. I'm forgetting this is supposed to be fun. Anyway, I'm still sorting out a publisher and the ending for this beast. Will post more on it once things take shape.
Keith Cunningham said...
Freud vs. Lewis bareknuckled boxing comic!
Sounds like a cool idea. . . what's the premise?
Have you heard of cellar door publishing . . . they seem like a new startup and might be a good place to consider as a publisher.
adam said...
good to hear you've been active lately. if you don't mind telling, what books have you been reading on dialogue and pacing? i wouldn't mind picking one or two up myself.
by the way, i caught part of The Question of God on PBS about two years back and i really enjoyed it. definitely a good intellectual debate for the religious and the non-religious. it does make you think about things. sure, i may fall into freud's camp, however i didn't agree with everything the man thought on the subject. that's one of the perks of having shades of grey. you don't have to completely take a side.
TAK said...
keith - F v. L bareknuckle plus projectiles. Yes. Yes, indeed.
It's looking to be a quiet quest type work. Mixed in with a lot of experimental storytelling and panel work as well. Hopefully it'll be something different.
hey, thanks for that publisher ref. Looks pretty cool. If things don't come together currently I may consider it.
adam - I bought and read "Story" by Robert McKee back in uni. He's a notable screenwriter and explains the process of constructing a script from beginning to end. I've seen other comic creators use the same reference. Recently, I've picked up material that's more indepth. There are 2 book series' that I find helpful "write great fiction" and "elements of fiction writing". They both have books covering everything from character development, understanding conflict, action and suspense to writing quality dialogue. I'm sure you can find them in the reference section of any Barnes & Noble or Chapters here in Canada. They have a black spine and are published by Writer's Digest Books.
Yeah, I heard C.S. Lewis used to do many programs on BBS and stuff. Would be intersting to search that stuff out.