Reality TV

Reality TV represents what kind of story exactly? I'm not entirely sure. Our society has completly embraced the concept (at least, if the TV listings are any indication). I've seen my fair share, and I admit to enjoying many of them--Duck Dynasty yeehaw!

Anyway, I was thinking about how the stories are created. I'm guessing that there are a huge number of hours that get edited down into a single show. Just editing causes a story to form. My opinion is that most of these shows end up being harsh and antagonistic, or at least argumentative. Sure, that produces conflict, but is conflict good by itself? Apparently so, since these shows are everywhere.

So, what stories do these tell? It sure doesn't reflect "reality" in any way, despite the label. I think that what these shows do is tell the story the producers find the most snappy--something that they think is catchy, or hot, or so startling that people will tune in. It's a direct grab for the viewer's attention. But, what sort of entertainment is it? It's generally not teaching anything, and is voyeuristic instead.

Maybe that's why I like Duck Dynasty. As a viewer, I really get the impression that the cast is in on the whole thing and are doing comedy pieces for each show.

What do you all think? Feel free to post comments.

- M

July 4th

Happy Independence Day. July 4th. My greatest respects to those brave people in our past, and also to our fine servicemen and women. It is through the blood and sweat of patriots that this country remains free. I salute you all.

And July 4th brings up the subject of fireworks. The most awesome creation in the history of the world. Stuff that you can light legally and watch them go boom! They shoot up into the sky, or spin around on the ground, or just make noise. I love them, especially when it's dark.

But, where I live we can't use fireworks at all. Sheesh. I realize that dry stuff around makes fireworks use a bit dangerous. Sure. I understand, but I'm in a city. Not a whole lot of dry stuff other than concrete. Well, anyway, it's still fun to watch firework shows and enjoy the beauty and sound of such powerful explosions. Amazing how a collection of burning embers can bring such a smile to my face.

So, Happy Independence Day all!

- M

Planet of the Apes

Planet of the Apes. A classic science fiction series of movies. I adore science fiction, but I've never seen the classic movies. I know about them, of course, but they always seemed too cheesy for my tastes. They were from the time of stories where writers loved to use Earth as the ultimate punchline.

However, with that all said, I absolutely loved the new Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

The story is a prequel to the original. It serves to give the reasons for why Earth was taken over by intelligent apes. The ideas are pretty solid actually, with pretty plausible explanations for nearly everything (of course, plausible only if you take a few leaps of belief about science). Anyway, the characterizations of the two main characters are spot on, the chimp--Caesar--and the human scientist--Dr. William. I love how there is such actual chemistry between what is a totally CGI creation and the actors.

What I especially appreciate is how the plot moves unstoppably along. Sure, the story is predestined due to the subject, but I love that it's never forced. Everything that happens is because of what happened prior, and Caesar is amazingly tactical.

So, if you enjoy science fiction then check it out.

- M

Excitement

Excitement is a funny thing. I finished the rough draft of the sequel to The Faerie Legacy and was thrilled to high heaven. It was like graduating high school all over again. It's that way with every book completion. Anyway, that thrill lasted exactly two days. *sigh* It seems that we humans just don't like to stay excited.

Anyway, it's a bright new week and the world is our playground. "Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way!" (copyright Dr. Seuss)

I guess I'm still a bit giddy from finishing the rough draft after all. It's so wonderful to watch a story develop and blossom right before your eyes. And the most incredible thing is putting a scene together and watching the characters frolic through it. Of course it's all the writer's imagination, but sometimes it feels like watching your very own movie. Trust me, it's totally awesome.

So, excitement burns bright again. We humans love to bring joy back to the forefront, despite circumstances. So, I guess I'm just rambling today, but I hope nobody minds. All told, I've had a fine day today, and I wish you all the very best.

- M

Villains

Villains. They can be fun at how incredibly awful they are, or horrifying at how utterly evil they are. Unlike heroes, villains don't necessarily need anyone else in the story. Maybe it's because evil is storyworthy for it's own sake, but heroes show their heroism by fighting against something. Either way, villains enjoy themselves as they chew up the scenery.

I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out why classic villains are so classic. Darth Vader is a nice example, since he's part of Western culture, but also because he's barely in the original movies. He is just a thug in the first movie, then an enforcer in the second, and finally in the third he has a key part (but even that is as a second string to the massivly evil Emperor). Anyway, I find it amazing that we remember him so well despite his lesser role. Somehow that character touched something in us that made him more real than his surroundings. That, I think, is the common thread with these classic villains--they seem realistic and behave in realistic ways.

Then there are totally incomprehensible villains, and for that I point at the Joker (I love comics). A villain who is brilliant/diabolical/ruthless and without a shred of relatability to most people. Yet, his evil provides a stark relief against the various heroes he combats, even when the heroes are nearly as ruthless as he is.

Stories require conflict, and an obvious villain is typically the way to go. But, wow, some villains are just as spectacular as heroes.

Heroes

I've been thinking about heroes. What makes a hero (especially in literature) so special? Is it simply that they overcome obstacles? I don't think so, at least not entirely. It's easy to say that someone was heroic in a dangerous situation, but what about heroes that aren't ever faced with deadly circumstances? How about a hero at the end of their life? What if all their mighty deeds are over and done with? What then.

We all love heroes, and maybe it's because they do stuff that we can only hope to do. And, it's pure escapist fantasy. Now, real life heroes really show us what we are capable of, and perhaps point us to what we can aspire toward.

And one other thing that I've been considering lately is that a real literary hero needs something more than a fantastic story. They need an ending, a place where they set down their quest and pass on. That's not necessarily death, but it's more like the old western scene of the cowboy riding into the sunset. That image creates a lasting impression, and I think causes the legend of the hero to cement much more permanently than a hero without the "sunset" moment. My example would be the Dark Knight comics by Frank Miller, where Bruce Wayne/Batman is aged and almost human.

Anyway, interesting to think about.

Of course, what about the villains who oppose the heroes... ?

- M

The Lightning Thief

My kids finally got me to read The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. I've seen the movie several times, and it was entertaining, but I admit I was pretty surprised that the book has very little that actually made it into the movie. I've seen such things before, like with Jurassic Park. Still, I wonder why it is that a studio takes a successful story and then not only alters it, but completely rewrites it. I'm sure there is some sort of justification, but as a storyteller myself I find it hard to understand.

Anyway, the story was fast and good. I'm a fairly slow reader myself (I love to endulge myself in the words, imagery, and imagination of whatever I'm reading), but the book flew past really well. It was nice having short, snappy chapters, and especially a good deal of action. I tend not to analyze overly much as I read, but because I saw the movie first it was hard not to compare constantly. The movie definitely came up short on plot, but I found the characterization of Percy much stronger in the movie (mainly because of the visuals, which is tough to get through in a book). Still, I'm pulling up the second book on my Kindle and I'll read that one before the movie comes out.

Like many authors (and probably most if they're honest), I dream about my own books showing up in movie theaters. I wonder if they will keep the plot, or will they go crazy with rewrites? I hope my plots are strong enough to make it on their own, but it'll be fun to find out.

- M

On a side note, I'm still working on getting this blog looking good. I'm trying to get some links on the side to my author page on Amazon and my author page on Facebook. So, expect a few changes as I tinker :)