Cloverfield

Today we show you a sneak preview of a sci-fi, scary movie coming soon to a theater near you. Remember the writers who made this possible.

Support Writers

Check out fans4writers.com to see how you can support the writer's strike. You don't have to belong to the Writer's Guild to support the writer's cause. Its all about the creative pie and how its doled out. I record my favorite shows on my DVR. Lately I've noticed the list is getting shorter. I miss the new run shows. I don't even watch that much t.v., but I do enjoy a select few. I gravitate towards comedy and specialty type programming. I can still get my fill of the old classic movies and such.
I'm not sure how the powers that be can justify taking such a large percentage of money from the talent that creates it. Sure, I realize it's a symbiotic relationship. Since it is, the monies should be shared at an equitable rate. Let's see how the media can get along without writers who can make people laugh, cry and just watch something for more that twenty minutes. It isn't an easy task. With the new technologies getting the writer's work to millions of people, shouldn't the creators enjoy some of the benefits? The media mogul provided the means for the entertainment to get out there but the mogul did not create it. There would be nothing to distribute in the first place, hence no money in the mogul's pocket, if it had not been for the creators. The writer's brain is the source for all this media income, is it not?
I realize that the machine needs all its parts to work. Each part has a purpose and needs its share of the oil in order for the machine's optimum function.
Imagine Leonardo DaVinci paints a masterpiece. He sells it for money to an individual. Does he deserve a royalty if the new owner makes millions of prints off his painting and makes himself rich? In today's world, he sure would. Now, let's say that by some inter-dimensional fluke the Internet and i-pods were introduced into Leonardo's world. Would he deserve a share of the money made from the downloads of his prints? With any new technology, new precedents need to be made. If he deserved a royalty from his prints then it would only stand to reason he would deserve a royalty from the downloads. Now it gets complicated. What percentage would he deserve? That's where we need to call in King Solomon to help decide the matter. Hmmm, maybe he would tell the mediators to split the download in half and give each one an equal share.
That's where Leonardo would come in and exclaim, "No, wait! I cannot bear to see my beloved art destroyed. Give it all to the painting owner."
As Leonardo covers his tearful face with his hands, King Solomon would rise and say, "Since Leonardo is so passionate about this work of art, give him all of it."
And so it is done....in a perfect world.

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life

Steve Martin is not only a comedian but also a writer. He has written screen plays and produced his own movies. He has even created his own independent artsy films where he takes on dramatic roles. He is versatile and well known for his wild and crazy humor. Unlike many celebrity biographies, he writes his own insightful book. Only Martin could tell his story the way it should be told. He lets the reader know how he really feels. Being funny is not an easy task. He lived through the sixties and is able to relate historical events within the context of his own life. It is always interesting to read different perspectives of major events. Martin describes the Kennedy assassination and how it affected him. He lets the reader know that life is never easy and how you react to it makes all the difference. He refuses to deny the national controversies surrounding him. He has opinions and insights and conveys them eloquently. From his "King Tut" dance to his hosting of the Oscars in 2003, Steve Martin is and always will be one of the good ones. He has something to say, and say it he does. This book is fascinating, yet poignant. Here's to many more years of Martin's crazy, embracing humor!

Back with a list

Ok, we've compiled a list of book ideas that were submitted without accompanying graphics.

We've grouped these together due to the subject matter.
1001 things to do after a funeral. -Thanks Judy!
1001 foods to serve at a wake. -Thanks Ben!
1001 things to do at a funeral. -Thanks Dave!
uh, we're pretty sure that's an untapped market.

Dog tricks for lazy people and dogs. -Thanks Carl!
Like, "play dead" ?

Funny things to do at church. -Thanks Betty!
I can think of some unfunny things to do.

The book of yo-yo collecting. --Thanks Jason!
There are books for yo-yo tricks, not so sure about collecting.

The King Jame's Bible translated into hip hop -Thanks Tristan!
I see potential issues here due to the varying meanings of many hip hop slang. How about a pig latin translation? Ok, just joking, sheeesh.

Cooking for three. -Thanks Jared!
There are cooking for two books, but three? Interesting.

Funny things to write in a will. -Thanks Dexter!
Yes it's similar to the funeral genre, but unique nonetheless. I can't wait to read this one.

This is all for now. Keep the ideas coming. We won't be doing this forever. This is a book review blog, isn't it?

On track

We've been reading, researching and organizing. There are more book ideas and reviews coming soon. What have we been reading? This and that and the other thing.
Oh, and I couldn't forget Too Far From Home. A Story Of Life And Death In Space by Chris Jones. This true life adventure looks at space travel in today's world. It seems routine, at least until the shuttle Columbia disintegrated like the Challenger before it, reminding us, once again, that the dangers are all too real. Too Far from Home vividly captures the hazardous realities of space travel. Every time an astronaut makes the trip into space, he faces the possibility of death from the slightest mechanical error or instance of bad luck: a cracked O-ring, an errant piece of space junk, an oxygen leak ... There are a myriad of frighteningly probable events that would result in an astronaut's death. In fact, twenty-one people who have attempted the journey have been killed. This book comes from a humanistic view rather than a scientific one. It is written for the average reader who wants to know the story behind the story. Space has always fascinated mankind. Those who actually dare to embark on this mysterious territory become heroes. Its easy to forget how fragile life is and how dangerous space travel can be. The book is well written for all readers who wish to live vicariously through the brave astronauts who have journeyed beyond our pale blue orb. Unfortunately, astronauts are not invulnerable. We see them for what they truly are, heroes and adventurers who make the ultimate sacrifice to further our scientific knowledge.

What?

I guess you would have to buy the book to find out.
Thanks, Jude!

More books

I would like a home full of classic stained glass windows, wouldn't you?
Thanks Brenda!

We interupt this blog to bring you...

30 Second Tales of Terror (by famous writers no less)

Only a good writer can tell a 30 second scary story. So, for Halloween, listen to the petite tales in a darkened room with only the monitor's light for comfort.

Here's my contribution to really short scary stories:
It was a dark and stormy night as Mr. Collinsworth signed and concluded his will. He thought he heard the floor squeak but decided it was his over active imagination. Suddenly a quick and decisive blow to the head ended Mr. Collinsworth's life prematurely.
When I arrived at the Estate the next morning I felt a cold chill run down my spine. This was the room my unsuspecting Uncle had drew his last breath. There were still spots of blood on his desk. The butler was being interrogated by the police as I walked about the gloomy study. Just then a blood curdling scream came from the kitchen where the maid was found lying in a pool of blood. I ran back to the study only to find the, now murdered, butler lying limply across a divan. Being terrified by the sudden deaths, I began to panic. The detective told me, as I stood shaking in my shoes, that the maid and butler had been listed in the will my Uncle had just completed. The only other names listed were me and a long lost cousin! I had been studying my shoes in order to avoid the detective's insinuating glare. To my shock, when I looked up, no one was there. Where had the detective gone? For that matter where is everyone else? They had just been here. I could hear the floor squeak behind me and I ran to the now locked front door.

Guides for everything.

Crazy furniture, I like it.
Thanks, Robin!


Bizarre collections, yes there are.
Thanks, Mary!

We're filling in the literary void.
By the way, has anyone noticed how the publishing industry is cashing in on the "spawned from a blog" books?
Disapproving Rabbits, MySpace/Our Planet,
Post Secret
Hey, there's hope for the rest of us.

National Novel Writing Month

We still cover the latest in the written word whether it be fictional or non. This is a reminder that November is National Novel Writing Month. Check it out.
On November 1st you begin your novel and it must be finished by November 30th at midnight. You can submit it for recognition to NaNoWriMo . If you don't want to write they have NoNoWriMo celebrations all over or you can start one. Here's an excerpt from their site:

"National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.

Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.

Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.

Make no mistake: You will be writing a lot of crap. And that's a good thing. By forcing yourself to write so intensely, you are giving yourself permission to make mistakes. To forgo the endless tweaking and editing and just create. To build without tearing down."

So, they are looking for quantity vs quality huh? Looks like a chance for our submitted book ideas to get to work. Now we can make some of our best submitted ideas into real books. Let's get started! I eagerly await some of the best ideas to be put to paper in the form of real paragraphs. If you don't want to write your idea, let me know, I might make a go at it. I can just see it now, a real work about stick figure dancing or the secret life of gnomes. I challenge you all to contribute to this worthy cause.

Dancing with the sticks.

Thanks, Julie!

...and now on TV, Dancing with the Sticks! a
great new animated show featuring all your
favorite stick figures competing for the top
dance team. See Marie Stick faint on live TV.

Gnomes

Thanks Bob!

I've always wondered...

Don't get caught reading this at work.

Thanks, David!

If only.....

Who doesn't love sock monkeys?

I'm starting to see a pattern here.


Thanks Jeff!

Armadillos, oh my!

The book ideas are coming in!

Sounds like a conspiracy to me.









Thanks Jen!

Words from YOU!

OK, I know about the interesting literary items from the past and present. At least I know what I find interesting. Now here's the thing. What do you find interesting? What would you like to see as a book? See the link to my email? It's over there in the upper right hand corner. Yeah, that's it. Click on it and tell me what you want to see. I mean, what kind of book would you run out and buy? Maybe a picture book of people in strange places? No, how about a book about Pygmy Eskimos who emigrated to Australia? Well, whatever that secret dream book is, let me know about it and I will post it here. No pornography or illegal stuff...that's not my style, plus, its a cop out. That stuff is way too simple and crude. I'm talking about the creative, odd, unusual, fresh or unique books that would fill a hole in the literary world. It may take a bit to draw in the ideas. I will keep it all anonymous, I will post a first name if you give it to me. If you worry about your email address (don't worry I won't keep it) you can make a temporary one through mail.com or Yahoo. Now that you're off the hook I know you'll come up with some great ideas. If you want credit, that's ok too. Just create a mock up of your book cover. Use any simple graphic program. (you can download free ones like PhotoFiltre which is easy to use) Like its been said before, if you ask they will come....or was that build? Whatever it was, they shall come.

I'll start it off with my idea. How about a book about disgruntled kittens? It could be a nice coffee table book full of fluffy little disgruntled kittens. You say the idea's been taken by other animals? Do rabbits and bull dogs hold the license to bad moods? So what, kittens make great subject matter, so there!

October and the frightful tale

Macabre and dark literature reigns the month of October. Edward Gorey is right up there when it comes to the deep, soulful tale of gloom and doom. His house is open to the public as a shrine to his time on Earth. He wove his words into a poetic stance and paired them with his dreary inspired illustrations. Gorey was a master at depicting pessimistic fables with a hint of sarcastic humor. Like Poe, Gorey saw life's darker side and did not hesitate to utilize it in his writing. There's a difference between a pessimist and a misanthropist (one who hates humankind). Gorey was a bit of both and none. He put all the negative thoughts that whirled around in his head onto paper. Yet he lived his life in the public eye. He wrote and illustrated many books. His illustrations were also used for he PBS Mystery series.
Edward St. John Gorey (February 22, 1925-April 15, 2000) was a writer and artist noted for his wry, macabre illustrated books. Born in Chicago, he attended Harvard University from 1946 to 1950, where he studied French and roomed with future poet Frank O'Hara.
Although Gorey was not into television himself, he did become a Star Trek fan. As a result a fan gave tribute, in Gorey style, to the episode "Trouble With Tribbles", which can be seen here. Or Here
Its always interesting when you find out that an enigmatic icon, such as Gorey, turns out to be, well, dare I say it...human. So, he wasn't a minion of Mephistopheles portraying his master's deep philosophies. He was a man, like many, who had a passion and acted on it. He used his creative forces as an outlet for his inner cynic. Its a good thing too. Just think what might have become of him had he buried it inside?

He's not a foe, he's Edgar Allan Poe

So much for poetic titles. If you're ever roaming around the country and end up in Richmond Virginia, you might want to stop by the Poe Museum. If for no other reason than to satisfy a strange curiosity about the enigmatic writer. They even host an "unhappy hour" for guests on special dates. What a perfect way to honor this author of tragic tales!
Other places around the country lay claim to Poe, like Baltimore Maryland where they have a Poe house and the Poe Society. New York has their claim, like the others, a place where Mr. Poe once resided and even written, no less. Poe Cottage was his final residence where his wife passed away. However, Baltimore was where he died. Like George Washington, people want to know where he slept while he was alive. Once I've left this terrestrial plane no one will be marking my sleeping places I can be sure of that. No matter, Mr. Poe left his mark on the world of the macabre and rightly so.
At the Poe Museum, in person or online, you can buy the ever sought after Edgar Allan Poe action figure (see picture). Who wouldn't want to play with their own little Poe with his own tiny raven perched on his tiny shoulder? Or how about the Poe shot glass? When you feel the urge to imbibe on your favorite shot you can see Poe's etched face staring back at you. The Poe bobble head, of course, is a obligatory gift shop item. Everyone who's anyone has a bobble head made in their likeness.
Like most people. Poe had his ups and downs. Trying to get literary notice and still make a living took up much of his young life. Like any writer who toils away at the novels and poems floating around in his or her head, Poe kept writing. Try as he might he couldn't get the literary big wigs of his day to care about torture chambers, death and tell-tale hearts. But, eventually he won out and became a published author much to the delight of readers everywhere.
So, here's to the wonderful world of Edgar Allan Poe and his museum in Virginia. Check it out and wallow in its misery.

Disapproving Rabbits

A book about rabbits? Disapproving ones, no less. What could it be all about? I mean really, does anyone really care if rabbits approve of you or anything for that matter? Well, apparently people do care. Not to be left out, the powers that be at Harper Collins decided they wanted a piece of the disapproving action. They contacted a disapproving rabbit's owner and asked her to tell all.
Sharon Stiteler usually known as Birdchick has a rabbit named Cinnamon. She noticed that her endearing pet rabbit always had the countenance of disapproval on his little furry face. Not to be undaunted, she loved her furry friend unconditionally. Even when Cinnamon decided to take on the neighbor's cat by overpowering the annoying feline, she still supported him in all his fluffiness. Cinnamon has a blog where people who are interested or simply "not amused" can keep up with the rabbit's disapproval ratings. Believe it or not, Stiteler cares for rabbits, birds and even bees! I have to admire anyone who is able to care for other living things. I do well to care for myself and that isn't saying much.
Since we love the elusive literary works, Disapproving Rabbits is our kind of book. Sure, it is'nt out yet and sure, it's been published by a major publisher, but hey, that doesn't make it any less elusory. Ok, we haven't actually been sent a book to review (hear that Harper Collins?) but we do, nonetheless, eagerly await the book's debut on October 16th 2007. And yes, this blog is more elusive than the books it reviews, so there!

Shadows Of Medusa

Shadows of Medusa is a science fiction novel intended to be part of a series. It is written by space enthusiast Brian Enke. He writes about future Mars settlements sponsored by secret beneficiaries with a hidden agenda. The story intertwines real science with interpersonal human issues. It is a suspense and a mystery novel along with the intrigue of Mars. Being a space enthusiast, Enke appreciates the science involved in a Mars mission. It is frustrating when a science fiction story takes you on a trail of the improbable and downright impossible science behind the tale. It is acceptable when the story is supposed to be a fantasy. When the laws of physics are completely ignored without any reference to magic or anything like that, well, that makes the story laughable. Enke, understands what would actually work and uses it to his advantage. You don't have to shake your head in disbelief like so many do when watching the old Sci-fi movies. They, of course, are in a genre all their own. So, here's to real science fiction the way it should be.

The word for today is...

Minion
From dictionary.com:
–noun

1.	a servile follower or subordinate of a person in power.

2.	a favored or highly regarded person.

3.	a minor official.

4.	Printing. a 7-point type.

–adjective

5.	dainty; elegant; trim; pretty.

American Heritage dictionary says:

1. An obsequious follower or dependent; a sycophant.
2. A subordinate official, especially a servile one.
3. One who is highly esteemed or favored; a darling.

When thinking of the word minion, submissive followers with an evil over lord comes to mind. Little did I know that the word minion was one of the few words that can actually contradict itself. It is a dichotomy in the sense that its definitions have totally opposite meanings. Obviously, the average person who may read comic books or watch super hero shows, would probably think the more negative definition is the accurate one. A correct sentence might be: 'To the disciples, Jesus was their minion'. That may be correct using the more positive meaning, saying he was esteemed and favored. If a preacher said this to his congregation, the people might take offense thinking that the disciples led Jesus around like a puppet.
Language is a strange and wonderful art. Individuals are products of their upbringing. What will mean one thing to one person may have an entirely different meaning to someone else. So, kids, study semantics and language so you know whether or not, when someone calls you a minion, if it was a compliment or an insult.
Till next time, my minions of this blog, till next time.

Fairies in New York?! Who knew?

The Good Fairies Of New York
A fantasy is always a great backdrop for a tale. A good fantasy which comes from a mind that exists on a whole different level than most people is even better. Millar may not be Neil Gaiman but who is?
The Good Fairies of New York finds two Scottish thimble fairies transported to lower Manhattan. Morag and Heather, who didn't completely fit in back in the old country, are a bit bewildered by their new surroundings, but make do as best they can. They're not entirely alone-as it turns out, New York is heavily populated by fairies, including Italian, Chinese, and black ones.
They meet up with some humans; Morag joins Kerry, who suffers from Crohn's disease, while Heather hooks up with the asocial Dinnie. The humans aren't entirely enthralled by the fairies, with Dinnie telling Heather: "I've decided not to believe in you in the hope you'll disappear." His efforts are, of course, futile.
Neil Gaiman writes: "I owned this book for more than five years before reading it, then lent my copy to someone I thought should read it, and never got it back. Do not make either of my mistakes. Read it now, and then make your friends buy their own copies. You'll thank me one day."
Fairies make great subjects for stories if only to vindicate them. Sure, modern folklore puts them in the ranks of pretty little imps who playfully protect nature and only appear to those who really believe. Unfortunately, mythology has also painted a dark side to these tiny, mostly invisible pixies who bear no resemblance to Tinker Bell. Of course we all know that Tinker Bell had a murderous side to her being that she attempted to kill Wendy in a jealous rage. Does this book show their lighter side? Well, that would be telling, wouldn't it?

Krazy Kat

A study in the history of cartooning brings out the likes of Peanuts, Pogo, Dennis the Menace and the Laurel and Hardy like team of Krazy and Ignatz. The comic strip created by George Herriman appeared in U.S. newspapers between 1913 and 1944. The strip focuses on the curious "love" triangle between its title character, Krazy, a carefree and innocent cat of indeterminate gender (referred to as both male and female), her antagonist Ignatz Mouse, and the protective police dog, Officer Bull Pupp. Krazy nurses an unrequited love for the mouse, but Ignatz despises her and constantly schemes to throw a brick at her head; which Krazy takes as a sign of affection. Officer Pupp, as Coconino County's administrator of law and order, makes it his unwavering mission to interfere with Ignatz's brick-tossing plans and lock the mouse in the county jail.
It was the detailed characterization, combined with Herriman's visual and verbal creativity, that made Krazy Kat one of the first comics to be widely praised by intellectuals and treated as serious art. Gilbert Seldes, a noted art critic of the time, wrote in 1924, calling it "the most amusing and fantastic and satisfactory work of art produced in America today." Famed poet E. E. Cummings, as another Herriman admirer, wrote the introduction to the first collection of the strip in book form. In more recent years, many modern cartoonists have cited Krazy Kat as a major influence, including Calvin and Hobbes creator, Bill Watterson who deserves his own article.
Studying the history of graphic art and cartooning is important in order to learn the true history of story telling in its true form. So many talents throughout history deserve to be resurrected. Today's reader, for the most part, is ignorant of the treasures buried in the archives of old newspapers and books. Graphic novels are not a new art form and have their roots firmly planted in the Sunday newspapers.

Man Burns Books?!!!

A protest to those who don't read.
By M&C News May 29, 2007

Tom Wayne has collected thousands of books in a warehouse throughout the 10-year span of running his used book store- Prospero's Books. ...he found that libraries didn’t want them, and nor did thrift stores. All said they were full. So Wayne began burning his books in protest of what he sees as “society's diminishing support for the printed word.”

I understand why he feels the way he does. Reading is fast becoming a lost past time. The internet and television is monopolizing the time of the average brain. It is indeed a sad state of affairs. But burning unwanted books? Pleeeeze! Why not offer them for free to the public? Put up ads and signs in poor schools and libraries. I know I would be there! I'm sure he burned some antique books along with some great classics. Just because the charities did not want the books, surely there are those individual readers who would jump at the chance to enrich their library. According to the article, there was a turn out of people who paid to rescue some of the books. That in and of itself should have stopped him. For someone who seemingly loves books, it seems an odd way to protest the diminishing literary mind. I find it a ghastly way to make a scene for books.

Words from where?

This is a literary blog for new and old literature. We cover offbeat, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Philosophy, Poetry, comic and anything else that is noteworthy. Not every great work falls on the front page of Amazon or Time. Sometimes, there are wonderful literary masterpieces hiding in the aether. It is our job to expose these works for what they are. Interesting, entertaining or provocative reads. Not every book has to be picked up by a big publisher to be good. At the same time, there are great works within the big publishing industry. That is usually because they started out small and were noticed and later picked up by a bigger group. Or, an agent actually noticed or was lucky enough to discover the next great author. There are so many writers out there who deserve notice. For a myriad of reasons, they are over looked. There's big money in the publishing industry and books that appeal to the masses are sought out. There are as many readers as there are ideas. Not every reader can be pigeon-holed into a specific segment or market. This blog is for the rest of us. The discriminating reader who likes to escape now and then to another world. Then, sometimes, enjoys a short humorous piece to read during the ever lessening down time. From the bathroom reader to the library showcase, all readers and writers must connect...and connect they will. Here's to a bit of help now and then to those who deserve it!