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Topic: Your Opinion?
Subject: Pretentious, Moi?
You know, guys, I look over this thread and my announcements, and I want you people to know that I don't mean to come off egotistical, conceited, and self-absorbed.
Actually, even though I'm excited abut a dream coming true, I have a tendency to drone on about myself and what's happening. I think this stems from some complex within my psyche to always search for approval.
Anyhow, understand that I am not out to make myself greater than what I am. So - if I do appear shallow - forgive my announcements and read them for what they are. I appreciate you guys for listening to me and taking me more seriously than you should! 
Posted on 2008-03-31 at 16:44:02.
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Topic: Your Opinion?
Subject: Hard Evidence?
Forgive me, I haven't answered this thread in some time. It's been busy at work (I work as a technical writer for Microsoft).
As for hard evidence - hmm - you, me, my agent, we're all waiting on word for a book deal. As soon as I get a contract, I'll move into getting an advance (hopefully good $$$).
After that, publishing times (that is, when a book is produced) takes about a year to actually see the novel in print. So, no, no hard evidence as of yet.
Most of my discourse with my agent is via email or cell phone (yes, I went ahead and got modern and bought a RAZR). And although I cannot disclose emails, I'll excerpt some blurbs from my agent:
"We’re getting many responses from editors about Mike D’Angelo’s urban fantasy. Why…? I think I can tell you: Artemus Dark is a great deal of fun. He’s a jivin’ bad boy. He teaches magic and the dark arts at Duke, but he’s a media freak, and he’s always conscious of what his PR person has on his calendar. He’s utterly hilarious, and there’s such a Johnny Depp feel to him that the #2 question (how is Dark Running timely?) really hits home. Nobody captures the “now” time as much as Mike does, while throwing us into a time that isn’t really now. Editors write us that “I’m swamped, but what the heck.” He’s got a handle."
and
"May I humbly present, Michael Cid D’Angelo, our agency bad boy, who delights us in every way. Somewhat reminiscent of the work of Jim Butcher, his writing takes urban fantasy to a new level. He has created a protagonist, Artemus Dark, who is Rhett Butler tossed into a slightly futuristic media society, but with a twist: Magic is a part of everyday life, and he’s a master magician with rock-star status. In a world where black magic is real, Artemus is a paranormal investigator without a gun, confronting demons, sorcerers and ghosts in a barrage of cases that often–literally are to die for. In Dark Running, he searches for the murderer of his sorcerer-brother, Philip, in a darkly-atmospheric New Orleans. Meeting a host of surreal characters-almost everyone a suspect – and exotic, beautiful women with powers beyond imagining, Artemus soon discovers that Philip was killed in his connection in the recovery of an ancient grimoire in Malta: the fabled Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus. Anyone possessing the artifact can control great powers; Artemus takes on the case and then discovers he’s been hexed to die-ripped to shreds by a faceless demon, summoned by the forces of the Tablet itself. At the end, confronted with death and dismemberment by his horrific nether-demon, Artemus discovers something startling about his own identity and his connection with the Tablet…a revelation that will change his life forever."
So, other than that, you are just gonna have to take my word for it!
Posted on 2008-03-27 at 16:19:39.
Edited on 2008-03-27 at 16:20:15 by GreyGrey
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Topic: Sojourn in Middle Earth
Subject: I Loved the Diplomacy
I enjoyed the diplomacy as a neutral in game 62. Everyone - DS and FP - were all very cordial and afraid to alienate the neutrals. It made it very difficult to declare.
A long time ago, in an earlier game I played, I was the Easterlings, and I remember that the neutrals were all angry becuae the Witch King suddenly, without warning, struck hard at Rhdaur to eliminate him from the game inthe first few turns.
Rhudaur, pissed, immediately declared for the FP and together with Arthedain and Cardolan, dsmembered the nazgul nation by turn 7!
Posted on 2008-03-27 at 15:38:13.
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Topic: A Literary Review Thread
Subject: Next on Duh List
Okay, so now, after having read Eco's dissertations on the modern world at large and how we are all contradictory one-dimensional oafs, I am now focused on reading a new novel.
Earlier this year, I watched the movie, "Atonement", which was up for a couple of Oscars and found it to be intriguing for those of us who enjoy some drama and literary plots. Although I would have probably read the book by Ian McEwen just for the story itself, I am in one of my "study" phases in which I dissect some author's work and learn from it.
Atonement is a story about a young teenage girl named Briony who is very literary and innocent. Due to her innocence perceiving adult relationships, she misunderstands the budding love affair between an older fellow she has a crush on and her older sister. Complications arise that influence the young girl to accuse the man of a crime he doesn't commit, and tearing apart a couple whose love was endearing and growing. It's one of those tear-jerkers.
So, I am studying McEwen so that I can complete a novel that I've been working on for some years, during the same time period (1940) and dealing with ... you guessed it ... love and realtionships.
Posted on 2008-03-19 at 19:45:39.
Edited on 2008-03-19 at 19:46:24 by GreyGrey
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Topic: Curse of the Tax Season
Subject: Floridians *sigh*
Heh - don't bait me, Darth Bobbo! Ever since you Floridians rigged the 2004 election ...
As for you for-ee-ners, your tax lament is borne upon socialist dictatorships! lol
Now that my taxes are taken care of (for now), I have other problems. It appears that my water heater was leaking last week, seeping into the ceiling of the people below me. Well, As soon as I get a plumber to fix the leak and clean up the mess, the old woman downstairs comes up and wants to know what I'm going to do about her damages.
I say, "hmm, I am liable, of course. What does your insurance say? I'll be glad to pay your deductable, since we are both victims of this, and buy you guys paint for your walls. Heck, I'll even paint it for you1"
This woman responds, "Is that all?"
I ask her what else does she want.
Her: "Well, I thought you would pay more than that."
Me: "Not likely. That's why we have insurance. Get me an itemized list of damages, and I'll work on getting you just compensation. I'm *not* going to give you guys a blank check just because you want to take advantage of a situation and try to garner a free paycheck."
She sniffs and tells me she'll call her insurance company. I tell her fine. Time is ticking ....
People in America are so greedy.
Posted on 2008-03-16 at 16:17:31.
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Topic: A Literary Review Thread
Subject: Non-Fiction Read
Okay, so now I have to read at least two non-fiction works this year as well as novels.
I've started by reading Umberto Eco's Turning Back the Clock: Hot Wars and Media Populism. This book is a series of articles Eco wrote concerning modern viewpoints, expecially when it comes to our global society and how things have changed in how we declare war and how we have peace nowadays. Very interesting, for the most part.
Eco touches upon how the war on terrorism is so very different from the World Wars and even the Cold War. He discusses racism and religious persecution and increasing liberalism in today's military. He argues about how the media has turned world events into a circus (for the good and for the bad). He discusses how modern wars are waged without boundaries and how the media brings it into our living rooms and makes everything almost every-day.
Posted on 2008-03-09 at 20:13:33.
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Topic: Shameless Plug for a Fantasy Book Author
Subject: Revisions
This topic, unfortunately, can only be summarized, but I hope to list some best practices to help you along with any of your work.
While writing your first draft, it is important to keep in mind where you are going and what you want to say. Every chapter needs to have a reason for existing, as well as every paragraph and sentence. The tighter you write, the better it comes off and you hold a reader's interest. If you are indecisive and drone on and on in directionless tangents, you scatter your focus on what you are trying to say. So keep your writing to the point!
When you are reading to begin your revisions and second drafting (and subsequent drafts), your first objective is not to worry so much on the mechanics of writing (proofing for misspellings, bad grammar, typos, etc.). Your first revision should focus on your style, theme, characterization, and plot. Keep asking yourself: "Is that point clear?" "Does this dialogue sound right?" "Do I need to include this, no matter how well it's written?" Etc. Be a harsh critic of yourself as you revise.
Read your passages out loud. If you can get someone to listen to you, all the better. If not, reading out loud can help you "listen" to your prose. If you can become a member of a local writers' group (check your library or school), you can usually have a group of strangers to read to and get honest feedback. Ask for honest feedback; be prepared to have people tell you that your work is not as good as you think it is. It is an EXCELLENT opportunity to have people tell you where you are not writing well; it hones your craft!
Set time aside for the completion of the work. That means, you must sacrifice playing KOTOR, hitting the club, golfing, what-have-you. If you've never exercised self-discipline before, learn to exercise it NOW! It pays off dividends in the end!
Other best practices in revisions:
1. Use a word processing program. I use Microsoft Word 2007. This is important; it will help you identify bad grammar and spelling, and allow you to move text around and delete without killing lots and lots of trees!
2. Constantly read! Not only your own work, but the works of established authors in as many genres as you can! Set up at least a summer reading program for yourself that has nothing to do with school assignments! To become one with the written word, you must learn from the masters.
3. Own grammar textbooks, style books, dictionaries and thesauruses. Keep them handy. If you want to be a successful best-selling author who makes high 6 figures in advances, you must learn and keep the rules! You can break them, but you must learn them before you know how to break them. Editors and literary agents do not like bad syntax!
4. Persevere; if you are a true artist, you will find this to be rather innate than learned. You will suffer rejections and cold receptions of your work. Don't be afraid of exposing your art to the world; writing is meant to be read, and it should belong to all people! It doesn't help anyone if you keep your work locked in a closet. Imagine if JK Rowlings had felt that she couldn't handle anyone reading Harry Potter only because she was afraid people might not like him.
NEXT: Preparation for market.
Posted on 2008-03-08 at 16:12:42.
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Topic: Where I've been
Subject: A Road ...
... we must all take, one day.
To misquote Shakespeare: "To die, to sleep, perchance to dream. For in such sleep of death, what dreams may come?"
We must never mourn those who go before us; it sounds that your grandfather lived a rich and good life. It was his, as we have ours. We must look back upon our memories of them not as something we now miss, but as something that remains with us forever.
Posted on 2008-03-05 at 18:04:59.
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Topic: Your Opinion?
Subject: Progress!! Success!!
My agent, Hali, called me last night to tell me a major editor at Penguin Books is keen on Dark Running! Yay! She sent off the whole kit and kaboodle last night via email (the editor wanted to get to it right away), so there is great elation and excitement!
Woo-hoo!
Posted on 2008-03-05 at 15:07:52.
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Topic: It's that time....
Subject: Old Folks Home
Geez, KoD, I'm 43 this year. We should make up a retirement home here at the Inn.
Posted on 2008-03-04 at 03:50:35.
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Topic: Curse of the Tax Season
Subject: Yeah, yeah, yeah
Well, the deal is, I gathered all my W-2s, my Schedule Ds, my 1099s, and took everything down to H&R Block. After about an hour, they told me there was nothing to fear after all, and that instead of having to pay $1000 in 2007 taxes, I was actually gaining an $800 refund due to the fact I used the 1040EZ form when I am a homeowner and have several major deductions.
Then they looked at my 2006 capital gains and told me that the only problem was that my last year tax accountant didn't inform the IRS of my scehdule D for cashing out my stock options and that taxes were paid. That came to $0.
Damn. I'm actually getting money this year! Viva America!
Posted on 2008-03-04 at 03:46:20.
Edited on 2008-03-04 at 03:47:27 by GreyGrey
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Topic: Shameless Plug for a Fantasy Book Author
Subject: The First Draft
Your work, whether it is short piece or a novel, is never ready for submission on it's first draft. Time is necessary to separate yourself from the work so when you return to it, you are fresh and can more easily determine what's wrong with it.
There's a myth that Mozart wrote only 1st drafts of his compositions and they were perfectly genius at their conception. That is wrong. Mozart labored over his work in many drafts, and what made his work genius was the fact he knew what absolutely sucked, and what needed to be cut out and redressed. As good as he was, Mozart never allowed his arrogance to persuade him that his work was perfect at conception.
Print out your draft, and don't read it. Prop it up next to your word processor or typewriter or your notepad or whatever you use and begin to rewrite it, word-for-word, sentence-for-sentence, paragraph-for-paragraph. Delete the first draft from your hard drive so you won't lazily go back and copy/paste old text into the new draft.
Constantly think about how words and sentences can be rewritten to read better; make certain that you write what you mean. Think about what you can do to enhance a scene, and whether to edit it out - no matter how elequently you think it's written - so that you're not bogged down with unneccessary tangents.
Redefine and clarify all characters. Don't add things that don't propel the story forward. There's a salesman phrase: PUSH FOR THE CLOSE. Many newer writers I've read at amateur critique groups often pen directionelss prose that goes nowhere for pages and pages. They introduce characters and stituations that do nothing for the story. the best works are those that are elquently written and precise, and are "pushing for a close."
If you're like me, it's been awhile since you've last stepped into an English classroom. We pick up bad habits and we can translate it into bad writing. My literary agent tore an earlier draft of my Dark Running novel up because I had literred it with "white-trash" writing. I used some pretty embarassing euphanisms and phrases that would sound better coming out of slap-dash scripts on MTV's reality shows.
Buy a set of reference books on grammar and syntax. Keep them handy next to your work zone, and use them often. My agent ORDERED me to go out and get The Chicago Manual of Style 15th Edition. It cost me some money ($50), but it was an excellent investment. Make certain you have dictionaries and a handy thesaurus.
NEXT: Revisions and Dog-work.
Posted on 2008-03-01 at 17:24:53.
Edited on 2008-03-01 at 17:25:46 by GreyGrey
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Topic: How geeky are you?
Subject: Hmm ... just about right
36% Geek
Posted on 2008-02-28 at 02:13:51.
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Topic: A Literary Review Thread
Subject: Inner-Resting
That Dies the Fires guy must be one of them thar "green" liberals who want technology to die! Viva Bush! Viva Oil! sarcasm intended
Heh. Almost finished with McEwen. Very interesting read; literary novels can be drudgery if you're not into them, but this British fellow does a good job in spinning the tale. It has a composer in it and I enjoy the "artistic" temperament the character has.
Posted on 2008-02-27 at 05:42:34.
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Topic: A Literary Review Thread
Subject: Onward
Well, I finished reading William Goldman's Marathon Man, and I found it to be a good literary read.
It has a dark premise, and an interesting twist, and if you like spy-thrillers, you would probably like it. A friend of mine, Robert Hawks, has been wanting me to read some of his new works about the Manson Family, and I had to beg off it because he is so vivid and detailed, and I no longer can stomach hefty violence. Hawks is a great writer, though; he has published several YA (young adult) novels early on.
At the moment I am reading Amsterdam, by Ian McEwen, a British author. Since I watched the movie, "Atonement", based on his novel, I've decided to read his works. Amsterdam is a literary novel that details the life of two men who shared a romance with a vivacious woman whi is dead at the beginning of the book. Yes, not a lot of action in it, but high literary elements.
Posted on 2008-02-25 at 00:16:33.
Edited on 2008-02-25 at 00:18:36 by GreyGrey
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Topic: Your Opinion?
Subject: Ah shucks ahhh...
Well thanks guys, for your good words.
Vilyamar - great news! It's good to hear you're moving on up. There's nothing like being a pro and getting recognition for it.
The arts are a hard career, though. You may be talentd, but you'll have to get recognized. Some artists were geniuses, and never got recognized, or, if they did, it wasn't until after they had shuffled off this mortal coil.
Art has to come from within - a calling. It's almost a religious experience. The paycheck isn't always steady, and no doubt you'll have to work several jobs before you make a penny at writing.
Anyhow, stay posted to my other thread (and feel free to post there any questions or exclamations). It's for anybody.
Posted on 2008-02-24 at 15:48:05.
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Topic: Shameless Plug for a Fantasy Book Author
Subject: First Advice from a Wise Fool
If you are, at the moment, an unpublished writer (that is, you haven't been paid under contract for an established market - magazine or book), there are some things you should know about the publishing world.
Sometimes it is easier to break in by selling your (short) work to a magazine or ezine. The best advice here is to acquire Writer's Digest Writers Market of which lists many different markets for many different types of works. A little more economical is to get the WD Novel & Short Story Writer's Market. You need to get the latest publication from Borders or Barnes and Noble, or Waldenbooks, or whatever local bookstore you have, or purchase them at Amazon. They are kinda/sorta important to get because they introduce you to the publishing markets and give you some advice on how to begin.
You may find it feasible to get a subsription to Writers Digest Magazine, Poets & Writers, or The Writer. These periodicals give a new writer much advice on the markets and what to expect in trying to get paid and published.
Ezines are scary. My last accepted work was accepted for publication by an ezine (CC&D), and they immediately blogged it on their website without contractural consent from me - the author - and without any term for compensation. I withdrew it.
NEVER GIVE YOUR ART AWAY FOR FREE
Short fiction and nonfiction were two of my first sells - and they can be the easiest to break into. If you are an aspiring novelist, you will need to jump through some hoops.
First of all, you must finish the first draft of your novel. This means, you have written it all the way to the end and can do no more to the plot in that draft.
My advice is to put it away for about 3 months. This allows you to refresh yourself for REVISIONS. You never send your first drafts on the market for selling!!!! While your manuscript is cooling, you can work on other stories.
No literary agent or acquiring editor at a publishing house will want to look at a work that isn't completed.
NEXT: What you should do with your first draft.
Posted on 2008-02-23 at 18:35:20.
Edited on 2008-02-23 at 18:38:56 by GreyGrey
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Topic: Shameless Plug for a Fantasy Book Author
Subject: Shameless Plug for a Fantasy Book Author
Since I've been a long-time resident of the RDINN (since Nov 2002), I wanted to take up the advantage and opportunity of plugging me and my upcoming books and short stories that are being published. Yes, it's a shameless plug, I know, but yooz jus' gots to take publicity when yooz can get it, dawg!
Anyhow, some of you know me quite well and my idiosyncrisies. Some of you have been beta testers for my RPG and wargame systems too. And, if you stay away from my political rantings, you'll know that actually I'm a well-seeming sort of fellow.
So, what's going on:
My latest novel is Dark Running, an "urban fantasy" (wow - my agent actually told me what genre it was; I hadn't a clue). I'll let the agents summarize their pitch to NY editors their take on my series:
" ... M.Cid D’Angelo, our agency bad boy, who delights us in every way. Somewhat reminiscent of the work of Jim Butcher, his writing takes urban fantasy to a new level. He has created a protagonist, Artemus Dark, who is Rhett Butler tossed into a slightly futuristic media society, but with a twist: Magic is a part of everyday life, and he’s a master magician with rock-star status."
Ha! Agency bad boy indeed!
Now, I hardly read fantasy works, and never heard of Jim Butcher. I had to google him and discovered that he's a best-selling author of The Dresden Files of which many of you no doubt have read. Hmm. How cool. I'm going to have to look for his titles now.
I'm already getting those dark looks from evangelicals, and when people are inquiring me about my works, I have to be careful with them. They think I'm some sort of Satanist! Sheez!
A friend of mine, Robert Hawks, a published YA (Young Adult) author, has been using me as a guinea pig to read the first drafts of some pretty disturbing yet excellent alternative realities that bend some historical murders back in the late 60s. I gotta tell you, the man is first rate, a Thomas Harris (Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal) William Goldman (Marathon Man, The Princess Bride)crossover. When I read his stuff, I become depressed because he's just so damn good and I don't think I'm up to his level. I told him I was surprised he wasn't tearing up the bestselling charts at the moment, but he told me he had some setbacks lately. His literary agent is Ruth Cohen. I'm hoping he'll get back on the lists. He's spectacular!
My agent is also pitching John Saxon, an up-and-coming UK author, alongside my works. I haven't read anything of his (yet), but the premise of his first novel, The Descendents gives me the chills. I can't get too much into that right now, but suffice to say, his works are along the lines of Dan Brown (The Da Vinci Code) and the Hellblazer graphic novels.
More to come to those who are interested! By the way, if you are a writer just getting your wings in the publishing world, I always say, watch that Billy Crystal movie, Throw Momma from the Train. That's a writer's life!
Posted on 2008-02-23 at 17:48:00.
Edited on 2008-02-23 at 18:07:32 by GreyGrey
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Topic: Curse of the Tax Season
Subject: *sigh*
I suppose our dear Addy is right. However, Mr. Bush and his party support tax cuts for the wealthy, and not the lower classes. They cut government programs that are necessary for lower income individuals and families, so that the wealthy elite are less obligated to "foot the bill."
Yet, the IRS - the major account and balance firm for the country - has to balance the books somehow when it comes to the excesses a political party in charge have done. The Republicans have put us in a quagmire of a war (on two fronts) that cost big time. Therefore the tax tables change, and therefore, these "tax cuts" the Republicans dish out favor only one side. The rest get slammed.
No, I don't believe that Dubya and his fellow cronies have done well after 9/11. That's hogwash. Osama bin Laden is free to do what he will; the Taliban is resurging in Afganistan; the overthrow of Saddam Hussein has caused widespread violence and instability in a country that had nothing to do with 9/11; the American dollar is now at its lowest ebb in decades; we are on the borders of recession ... need I go on?
Posted on 2008-02-23 at 16:22:25.
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Topic: Curse of the Tax Season
Subject: Oh Boy..
Dubya's just a GAWD, ain't he? I wouldn't assume I've done nothing but whine, my good friend.
Anyway - will have to cool my jets politically, because all I would do right now is list obscenities that would take up too much bandwidth and be useless in trying to make certain people understand that they have been caught in political-grinders and propaganda claptrap.
Suffice to say, that I was indeed venting. Peace out.
Posted on 2008-02-22 at 22:42:31.
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Topic: Curse of the Tax Season
Subject: Curse of the Tax Season
For many of you young people who have yet to actually make your own bread and butter, this ranting will mean nothing. Oh - but it will, in due time.
So, due to the fact I was unemployed for 4 months last year, I made less than $30,000. That's pretty poor - I don't think I qualify for middle-middle class. I'm a poor slob.
So, I do my taxes for last year and discover I owe $1,000! Now, hold on, my dependent status hasn't changed from year-to-year when I actually got a refund. So why am I having to pay? Because the REPUBLICANS decided to cut all the taxes for the $#%& richer classes and me and my poverty-stricken fellow slobs have to foot the bill for Dubya's illegal war!
So, yeah, that sux.
While I nurse that wound, suddenly I get another notice from the IRS telling me that since I cashed out on some stock options from 2006, I still owe another $1300 fromthe previous year! This is due to some significant "increase" the IRS has instated. Hey! I paid taxes on those capital gains you $#%& bast***s! But, now, since it was convenient to have an increase, the poor slob has to foot the bill.
Now, you know why I hate Republicans. Tax cuts, bah! For the wealthy! Not us poor slobs of the lower and middle classes. Think on that this election year. If you are not making over $100,000/year, you are not WEALTHY enough to have REPUBLICANS in office.
Posted on 2008-02-22 at 15:15:09.
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Topic: Sojourn in Middle Earth
Subject: One of my last acts...
...was to take the Sinda town on the southern coast of Gondor. Unfortunately, I was suddenly surrounded by South Gondor armies and Woodmen forces.
Now that my finances are stable once again, it's too late to take up the reins of the Corsairs in that particular game. The Haradwaith caused me much alarm in the south - and I made some very silly mistakes too. But that's why I wanted to be a neutral, so that I could make mistakes.
That game is very strategy-based and team-oriented. My advice, GF, is to coordinate fully with your team before acting. The Sinda are one of those 'character-based' nation, relying on good characters rather than armies.
Posted on 2008-02-18 at 15:18:35.
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Topic: Sojourn in Middle Earth
Subject: I Lurk, My Precious
I'm glad, because I love those PBeM games. I suffered a setback in my finances over the holidays, and unfortunately had to bow out of my Corsairs stint. That game was intense and even at a 2-week turnaround, I couldn't keep up with it both time-wise and financially.
They are affordable, but when you get in between jobs (I am now a tecnical writer for Microsoft), things can get lean.
Anyhow, I'll be lurking nearby to read this thread!
Posted on 2008-02-14 at 21:01:24.
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Topic: A Literary Review Thread
Subject: A Literary Review Thread
Since we have threads denoting movies we're watching, I would loike to install this thread on books we are all currently reading (or intend to read). Write down your reviews and comments on authors and titles for our great literary discussion! Eat - err, I mean - read a book!
First off this year for me:
I kicked off the new year reading two novels that I've read before. The first one is Dorothy MacArdles' The Uninvited. This was made into a movie way back in the 40s - and I own it - and is a sober ghost story about a bother and sister team trying to find out who's haunting their seaside house in England. The book is edgy and rich in characterization and atmosphere, but it is much more literary than what you'll read from the likes of Stephen King or even Anne Rice. It isn't so much "frightening" as it is just a good, literary read. If you find this one (I got it at the library), you have to be able to commit to reading it rather than it gripping you like a fast-paced thriller of today.
The next book I read again was one of my favorites: Sphinx, by Robin Cook. This too was made into a movie back around 1980 and starred Frank Langella and Lesley Downs. A good, archeological thriller about a young Egyptologist who gets mixed up with the black market dealing in antiquities.
I have just finished reading The Good Life, which is the autobiography of Tony Bennett. I was always curious about his life and his success as a "crooner", and found a bird's eye view of his life up until the time he won a Grammy for his acoustic singing on MTV's Unplugged back in 1994. He talks about his singing stints with many great musicians and songwriters of now and long ago. However, I think he whitewashes over his addiction to cocaine and alcohol, and somewhat has a tendency to blame his ex-wives for his marital problems rather than owning up to any of them himself. Still, remarkably good to discover the life of a famous singer and the world of recording and music.
I have just began reading William Goldman's Marathon Man which was another novel that became a motion picture and starred Dustin Hoffman. He made the phrase "Is it safe?" one of the most uncomfortable and painful questions in cinematic history! You'll never want to go to the dentist again. Most of you will know him as the author and screenwriter for The Princess Bride.
Posted on 2008-02-13 at 20:07:47.
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Topic: yet another movie thread...
Subject: Atonement
I just returned from seeing this movie today (it's been out awhile). It's very interesting - a tear-jerker.
A young girl lets her imagination get away with her and condemns a young man and separates him from the woman he loves (Keira Knightly). He ends up going to war during the big WWII, and being a British soldier with the BEF at the final days of France being invaded by the Nazis, is present at Dunkirk.
An interesting film, to be certain; heavy-handed though, and can get you misty-eyed in places. See it to expand your aesthetic sense.
Posted on 2008-02-10 at 21:56:40.
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