Writing's hard. To be more specific, trying to write an original story that doesn't come off as trite, cliched or otherwise unoriginal is difficult. I'm also trying to avoid a common trope that annoys me to no end, and that is turning the lead character into a sexpot. Bond is the best example I can think of, but he's been doing it for years, so I can kind of forgive him that. For example, based on an Amazon recommendation and buzz I've heard, I started reading the Iron Druid series. I'm about, oh, 6 or so chapters in, and the main character has been accosted by one naked goddess, slept with another, and flirted with another supernatural girl, all of which are described in overtly sexual descriptions. Now, I know, it's fantasy, but please, it's just kind of ridiculous to beat us over the head with the author's fantasy sex objects.
Another issue I have with the book is the overabundance of the supernatural in it thus far. Yes, urban fantasy is about the mundane and the supernatural existing together, but again, 6 chapters in and we've met a couple of werewolves, a vampire, 2 goddesses, a group of fae, and a coven of witches, all in the same small town. That's not even including the main character. They're supposed to be "hiding" but none of them seem to take pains to hide what they are. At least the Sookie Stackhouse and Anita Blake books have the excuse "supernaturals have made themselves known to the world at large" in their favor, but even then they don't scream "Ooh, isn't this cool, look at all the supernatural critters!" Maybe I'm just spoiled by the subtlety of Charles de Lint (and if you have no idea who he is and you consider yourself a fan of fantasy, or even writing as a whole, stop reading this and go find one of his short story collections to read. Dreams Underfoot is a good place to start) who incorporates the mystical into the urban in a flawless manner while still keeping it mysterious. Or even the Dresden Files, where each book we're shown a little more of the supernatural world, until by book 13 or so, we understand why there are so many supernaturals.
Needless to say, I won't be reading any more books in this series.
It's not the only culprit of these sort of mistakes though. For every Stackhouse or Dresden, there are dozens of wannabes that just don't get why these books worked. Hell, even the writer for the show True Blood doesn't seem to always grasp why the books worked. (Seriously, wtf is up with Tara and why must we be tortured by her every season?)
I'll also admit, perhaps there's a bias on my end. I'm painfully aware that most of my generation and younger just aren't familiar with classic literature in the way they should be. Nor are they as well versed in the English language as they should be. I know I'm not perfect but I at least attempt to use proper grammar and even will check a dictionary or thesaurus from time to time. So yes, perhaps my high standards are to blame for my dislike of trite, unimaginative rehashes. But here's the thing, you won't find me trashing the Twilight novels. It's an interesting plot, and it got young adults reading, something I consider extremely valuable. I'm perfectly willing to look at something, and say "It's just not for me" without having to make up reasons to condemn it. However, if there are valid reasons, then I will share them. If I haven't read it, as is the case with Twilight, then I clearly can't condemn it.
Well, that's my rant for today. I will mention that I'm scrapping the serialized story through blog idea, as it would raise too many copyright issues, but that doesn't mean I won't be writing. I am discarding the idea I was working on though. I don't want to be lumped in with books like Hounded. So now, onto idea . . . well, I lost count, but it should be fun. For me at least.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
And one more leading nowhere, just for show
I think we can all sympathize with Tevye. At least, those of us who know who he is.
You may have noticed that I haven't posted in a bit. Maybe not. It's not like I get a lot of traffic. Which suits me fine, since this is very much a vanity project. But, at the very least, I should explain my absence. I've been going through a burnout period with my games, and I haven't watched any movies/shows worth blogging about, and as I want to keep this focused on entertainment, well, if you got nothing to blog about, kind of hard to blog.
Another factor though, is that I've been trying to dive back into creative writing again. I think I may have struck upon something that will work, at least so far as my being able to write it consistently. I'm going to be starting a serial. It's brilliant (for me) for a number of reasons.
First, I suck at finishing a story. I get caught up in re-editing, tweaking, going back and re-writing until I get so burnt out on the first 30 pages that I just walk away.
Second, serialized storytelling is THE medium of this generation, and has been for some time. Comic books, soap operas, prime time television, all of these mediums use serialization in one form or another to tell stories. A properly done serial will leave you with a longing for more of the story.
Finally, my goal is not to seek a profit. If, by some chance, it's deemed good enough to publish, then great, but storytelling, to me, is something that should be shared with the world anyways. It's one of the reasons I'm pursuing a degree in Information and Library Services.
So, right now I'm wrapping up the first part of my story, trying to think of a name for the serial, trying to decide how I want to go about publishing it (I'm thinking a secondary blog devoted to just the serial would be best), and if I want to try for some advertising. My goal is to have everything in place by the end of the month, and start posting bi-weekly beginning in April. I'm actually extremely excited about it, and I hope those of you who do follow me will enjoy it as well.
You may have noticed that I haven't posted in a bit. Maybe not. It's not like I get a lot of traffic. Which suits me fine, since this is very much a vanity project. But, at the very least, I should explain my absence. I've been going through a burnout period with my games, and I haven't watched any movies/shows worth blogging about, and as I want to keep this focused on entertainment, well, if you got nothing to blog about, kind of hard to blog.
Another factor though, is that I've been trying to dive back into creative writing again. I think I may have struck upon something that will work, at least so far as my being able to write it consistently. I'm going to be starting a serial. It's brilliant (for me) for a number of reasons.
First, I suck at finishing a story. I get caught up in re-editing, tweaking, going back and re-writing until I get so burnt out on the first 30 pages that I just walk away.
Second, serialized storytelling is THE medium of this generation, and has been for some time. Comic books, soap operas, prime time television, all of these mediums use serialization in one form or another to tell stories. A properly done serial will leave you with a longing for more of the story.
Finally, my goal is not to seek a profit. If, by some chance, it's deemed good enough to publish, then great, but storytelling, to me, is something that should be shared with the world anyways. It's one of the reasons I'm pursuing a degree in Information and Library Services.
So, right now I'm wrapping up the first part of my story, trying to think of a name for the serial, trying to decide how I want to go about publishing it (I'm thinking a secondary blog devoted to just the serial would be best), and if I want to try for some advertising. My goal is to have everything in place by the end of the month, and start posting bi-weekly beginning in April. I'm actually extremely excited about it, and I hope those of you who do follow me will enjoy it as well.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen
I have to be careful not to get too distracted, or I may end up forgetting about this project altogether. So, here are my thoughts on some of the events of the week, at least the ones I deem noteworthy.
Playstation 4: I'm disappointed. I have been a devout Sony supporter for years. I don't own an Xbox 360. I use my PS3 for everything from movies to games to streaming media. I have spent hundreds of dollars on the PSN on games, DLC and add-ons. I even owned a PSP for the longest time. But if what they are saying is indeed true, I will not be purchasing a PS4. It's not the lack of backwards compatibility. I get that, gotta try and keep the cost low. It's not the push for everything to be connected to social media. I'm OK with that, because if I'm being very, very honest with myself, most of my social interactions are through media.
No, the biggest issue for me is that it will be able to stream PS1, PS2, and PS3 games. I take issue with this, not because I think it's a bad idea, but because, according to Sony, I will have to re-purchase all of the PS1, PS2 and PS3 games I already bought on the PSN if I want to play them on the PS4. I'm not talking physical media. Digital media. I'm sorry, in a world where Steam exists, I fully expect my digital purchases to carry over to all the devices that are compatible. I can load up Steam on ANY computer and access my library of games. Why the hell shouldn't I be able to start up a PS4, put my username and password in, and access my library of PSN games? Between this, and the Vita last year, I almost think Sony doesn't want to be in the game business anymore.
1UP and Gamespy are no more: I have mixed feelings about this. Frankly, IGN having 3 different sites dedicated to gaming was a bit much, so I get the downsizing. Neither site has been worth reading in ages, as they're too obsessed with pageviews and keeping the corporate people happy to properly do games journalism. I do think the respective editors farewell letter shines a light on maybe why it's a good thing they're going. Gamespy's is a self-congratulatory piece of shit that goes on about how awesome they were, and then points out why they were awesome, completely ignoring the legacy of the original staff. Fuck them, and good riddance. 1UP's is a different beast altogether. Not surprising, since I've always respected Parish's writing, even if I abhored the pageview, ad obsessed site he ran. He all but admits that the site has been crap for a while, primarily because of the issues I've been going on about. He mentions some of 1UP's history, and gives credit where credit is due. It's sad for the people employed by these sites, but maybe games journalism might benefit from learning that pageviews aren't everything if you're putting out shoddy material.
Playstation 4: I'm disappointed. I have been a devout Sony supporter for years. I don't own an Xbox 360. I use my PS3 for everything from movies to games to streaming media. I have spent hundreds of dollars on the PSN on games, DLC and add-ons. I even owned a PSP for the longest time. But if what they are saying is indeed true, I will not be purchasing a PS4. It's not the lack of backwards compatibility. I get that, gotta try and keep the cost low. It's not the push for everything to be connected to social media. I'm OK with that, because if I'm being very, very honest with myself, most of my social interactions are through media.
No, the biggest issue for me is that it will be able to stream PS1, PS2, and PS3 games. I take issue with this, not because I think it's a bad idea, but because, according to Sony, I will have to re-purchase all of the PS1, PS2 and PS3 games I already bought on the PSN if I want to play them on the PS4. I'm not talking physical media. Digital media. I'm sorry, in a world where Steam exists, I fully expect my digital purchases to carry over to all the devices that are compatible. I can load up Steam on ANY computer and access my library of games. Why the hell shouldn't I be able to start up a PS4, put my username and password in, and access my library of PSN games? Between this, and the Vita last year, I almost think Sony doesn't want to be in the game business anymore.
1UP and Gamespy are no more: I have mixed feelings about this. Frankly, IGN having 3 different sites dedicated to gaming was a bit much, so I get the downsizing. Neither site has been worth reading in ages, as they're too obsessed with pageviews and keeping the corporate people happy to properly do games journalism. I do think the respective editors farewell letter shines a light on maybe why it's a good thing they're going. Gamespy's is a self-congratulatory piece of shit that goes on about how awesome they were, and then points out why they were awesome, completely ignoring the legacy of the original staff. Fuck them, and good riddance. 1UP's is a different beast altogether. Not surprising, since I've always respected Parish's writing, even if I abhored the pageview, ad obsessed site he ran. He all but admits that the site has been crap for a while, primarily because of the issues I've been going on about. He mentions some of 1UP's history, and gives credit where credit is due. It's sad for the people employed by these sites, but maybe games journalism might benefit from learning that pageviews aren't everything if you're putting out shoddy material.
Monday, February 11, 2013
You've already won me over, in spite of me
Yeah, I went with Alanis for this one. It fits.
I spent the weekend with the Wii U. I truly wasn't prepared for how much I love it. I don't own a Wii. Never really had an interest, and the majority of the games released for it just didn't appeal to me. I thought it was an interesting novelty, and I completely understood it's mass appeal, I just didn't feel the need to own one. It's not that I dislike Nintendo. Far from it. I have owned every single handheld system they've released, and I still have a working Gamecube kicking around somewhere.
The Wii U has an impressive line-up of games, and the developer support being tossed behind it bodes well for the future. The ability to purchase full games online through the console is a blessing in a rural area, where it can be hard at times to find physical copies of games, especially when one refuses to shop at Gamestop.
The online functionality is interesting. When constantly connected to the internet, the initial screen (dubbed Waruwaru Plaza I believe) shows what games are popular, little Mii's from other people, comments about some of the games that are updated seemingly daily, and overall just gives the appearance that I am part of a larger community of gaming. Netflix capability means that this has a very good chance of replacing my PS3 as our entertainment device of choice. If only it had a Blu-ray player.
My favorite function though, is the ability to play most Wii U (and some Virtual Console) games on the gamepad screen, sans television. As a parent who shares the TV with 5 other people, this function is worth the price of admission alone. Let's say I really want to play Tekken Tag Tournament 2, but my kids want to watch My Little Pony. Well, with a couple of button pushes, they can watch their show on the TV, and I can continue my losing streak on the pad as if it were a high-powered handheld system. It even has a headphone jack and volume control built right in. This functionality now guarantees that any cross-platform title that comes out will be bought for the Wii U over the PS3 or computer.
It's also backwards compatible with the Wii, so now my kids and wife are thrilled to have access to all the casual and family titles that are on the Wii, and I can finally play some new Zelda games, as I did not care for the control scheme on the DS ones.
Overall, I'm completely thrilled with my new system, and it's the perfect start to the new console generation.
I spent the weekend with the Wii U. I truly wasn't prepared for how much I love it. I don't own a Wii. Never really had an interest, and the majority of the games released for it just didn't appeal to me. I thought it was an interesting novelty, and I completely understood it's mass appeal, I just didn't feel the need to own one. It's not that I dislike Nintendo. Far from it. I have owned every single handheld system they've released, and I still have a working Gamecube kicking around somewhere.
The Wii U has an impressive line-up of games, and the developer support being tossed behind it bodes well for the future. The ability to purchase full games online through the console is a blessing in a rural area, where it can be hard at times to find physical copies of games, especially when one refuses to shop at Gamestop.
The online functionality is interesting. When constantly connected to the internet, the initial screen (dubbed Waruwaru Plaza I believe) shows what games are popular, little Mii's from other people, comments about some of the games that are updated seemingly daily, and overall just gives the appearance that I am part of a larger community of gaming. Netflix capability means that this has a very good chance of replacing my PS3 as our entertainment device of choice. If only it had a Blu-ray player.
My favorite function though, is the ability to play most Wii U (and some Virtual Console) games on the gamepad screen, sans television. As a parent who shares the TV with 5 other people, this function is worth the price of admission alone. Let's say I really want to play Tekken Tag Tournament 2, but my kids want to watch My Little Pony. Well, with a couple of button pushes, they can watch their show on the TV, and I can continue my losing streak on the pad as if it were a high-powered handheld system. It even has a headphone jack and volume control built right in. This functionality now guarantees that any cross-platform title that comes out will be bought for the Wii U over the PS3 or computer.
It's also backwards compatible with the Wii, so now my kids and wife are thrilled to have access to all the casual and family titles that are on the Wii, and I can finally play some new Zelda games, as I did not care for the control scheme on the DS ones.
Overall, I'm completely thrilled with my new system, and it's the perfect start to the new console generation.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
If I'm a Muppet, I'm a very manly Muppet
Banshee. It's a new show on Cinemax, and I can't seem to stop watching it. It's an awful, horrible show though. I mean, I've read better fan-fic written by a tween.
The series is written by a man.
I don't need to go check imdb.com to know this, nor do I have to pay attention to the credits. Everything about the series screams "This is how men should live!". The main character has had sex with a different woman in every episode thus far. Random, irresponsible, unexplainable sex with strangers with no visible effort spent on his part to get the women, they just throw themselves upon his dick. There is a gratuitous female masturbation scene, interposed with flashbacks of her receiving a necklace from her ex-boyfriend. I could be completely off base here, but is that seriously what you women think about when you feel the urge to self-abuse?
The action, if you can call it that, is similarly ridiculous. Genuinely unbelievable violence, like a bus coming out of nowhere to flip and slide down the road in the pilot. It feels like it's there simply because the writer (who in my mind at this point is either a teen frat boy, or some pathetic simp trying to overcompensate) put it in because "Hurr, hurr, that was cool." The physical acts alone that the lead performs stretch the boundaries of belief, especially since we're supposed to believe he's been in prison for 15 years.
The plot, God help me, is just convoluted. The premise alone is hard enough to swallow in the Information Age (ex-con impersonates sheriff), and the plot never seems to coalesce properly around the concept. The twists are either broadcast well in advance, or take you completely by surprise because there is no plausible reason for the twist to exist beyond the writer trying to prove he's smarter then the viewer. With the exception of the main character (who's so 2 dimensional it's impossible to screw up), the characters are inconsistent from one episode to the next, which just further adds to the confusion. This is painfully clear in the female lead, who swings between terrified mother and wife trying to stay in hiding and hardened ex-con with full use of her skills over the course of each episode.
Somehow, even after listing it's flaws, I just can't bring myself to stop watching though. It's reached train wreck status for me, where I just have to see how much worse it can possibly get.
The series is written by a man.
I don't need to go check imdb.com to know this, nor do I have to pay attention to the credits. Everything about the series screams "This is how men should live!". The main character has had sex with a different woman in every episode thus far. Random, irresponsible, unexplainable sex with strangers with no visible effort spent on his part to get the women, they just throw themselves upon his dick. There is a gratuitous female masturbation scene, interposed with flashbacks of her receiving a necklace from her ex-boyfriend. I could be completely off base here, but is that seriously what you women think about when you feel the urge to self-abuse?
The action, if you can call it that, is similarly ridiculous. Genuinely unbelievable violence, like a bus coming out of nowhere to flip and slide down the road in the pilot. It feels like it's there simply because the writer (who in my mind at this point is either a teen frat boy, or some pathetic simp trying to overcompensate) put it in because "Hurr, hurr, that was cool." The physical acts alone that the lead performs stretch the boundaries of belief, especially since we're supposed to believe he's been in prison for 15 years.
The plot, God help me, is just convoluted. The premise alone is hard enough to swallow in the Information Age (ex-con impersonates sheriff), and the plot never seems to coalesce properly around the concept. The twists are either broadcast well in advance, or take you completely by surprise because there is no plausible reason for the twist to exist beyond the writer trying to prove he's smarter then the viewer. With the exception of the main character (who's so 2 dimensional it's impossible to screw up), the characters are inconsistent from one episode to the next, which just further adds to the confusion. This is painfully clear in the female lead, who swings between terrified mother and wife trying to stay in hiding and hardened ex-con with full use of her skills over the course of each episode.
Somehow, even after listing it's flaws, I just can't bring myself to stop watching though. It's reached train wreck status for me, where I just have to see how much worse it can possibly get.
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