Guess what feature that automatically saves documents periodically that I didn’t have enabled when the power dipped at the end of a productive writing day? Auto-Save is now enabled and it took about two hours to recreate what was lost.
Yeah, that’s what I learned today.
Recently several unrelated events confirmed my theories on writing.
1)Dean Koontz released a new novel titled Velocity. While annoying in one sense, I invested so much time trying to find a title that had never been used before, it demonstrates that my title selection is sound. Besides several trips to number one on all the best seller lists, Dean has been a consistent performer throughout a very long career. Personally, I don’t care much for his subject matter or themes, but he has good ideas and his wife markets them well. Confirmations can come in all shapes and sizes even where least expected. A new title is in the works which I won’t disclose until the check for the book is in my hands. Cause like now I’m superstitious. 😉
2) I crossed the halfway point for the book formerly known as Velocity. There’s no certainties in this process, yet an invisible marker is behind me. A stack of index cards with remaining plot points sits on my desk, and I don’t feel short on content or ideas. In fact, I may have too much, which in my opinion is a good problem. Slicing the excess away is easy for me, getting it down right the first time – difficult.
3) After a few people read the first 50 pages, I was surprised in a good way by their comments. For instance, to paraphrase: “The few issues with Velocity can all be addressed with light revisions, rather than rewriting. Burn the Ridge Runner, concentrate on Velocity and don’t look back.” OK, so that’s positive. Perhaps burning something that I spent two years working on seems harsh, but it’s expected. Many authors first, second or third attempts are not as good as their famous works. I’ll take this as a sign of progression. Other comments – “The weakest part of Velocity is better than the best part of the Ridge Runner.” Again, more progress.
4) I learned about the rule of three. In short, the precept states that it takes about three years of consistent effort to become proficient in a discipline. Mastery takes ten years. While it may be possible to compress that time period, I don’t think there’s a shortcut ultimately. Even those lucky few who are successful right out of the gate stumble about until they’ve paid the toll in full.
There’s something about a four thousand pound Hippopotamus in flight that says back away from the glass. An amazing animal, they are related to the pig, but are far less docile. Hippos, very territorial creatures when it comes to their food, kill more humans in Africa each year than any other animal. Yep, they even trump the mighty penguin when it comes to murder.
Penguins in Africa you ask? But don’t they live in cold climates? Not true. Only two of the three hundred species of penguins frolic in the snow.
All these tidbits are from a recent visit to the Camden Aquarium in Camden, NJ. Located just minutes from Philadelphia, PA at the shores of the Delaware River, the facility houses all sorts of cool aquatic exhibits and shows, with fun for kids of all ages.
If you’re in the southern NJ area check them out at: Adventure Aquarium
Side point – yes I know the site was inaccesible for a few hours. Thanks for asking. 😉
Here’s some pics…
For every generation, a hero rises. For every hero, there’s a story. This is the story of Batman.
Everything that was wrong with the franchise, including the director, production team and approach has been discarded. This is a fresh, clean look at one of DC Comics longest running, and most intriguing, characters.
Gone are the codpieces, the soap opera grade acting, the gratuitous butt shots and nipple rings. Goodbye Joel Schumacher, Tim Burton and George Clooney. Hello Dark Knight, we’ve been expecting you. Welcome darkness.
This is a serious look at the origins of Batman, the first film that answers questions like – How and where did he get all those wonderful toys? Who taught him to kick ass? Why is the bat his symbol? Patience, all is revealed in a stunning two hour and fourteen minute narrative.
What works about Batman:
1) Actors. Every actor is perfectly cast and directed properly. There’s no stiff delivery or overeager method crap here. Bravo, Christopher Nolan!
2) Narrative. The story flows, never drags, and always entertains. A sign of the narrative’s strength: based on what we’re shown, the plot is feasible. It’s not a question of wanting to believe in Batman and giving the movie the benefit of the doubt. Rather, this is Batman, check him out on the screen.
3) The Batmobile. Best bat transport vehicle yet.
4) Tone. This is not a soap opera drenched with glib jokes and carnival colors. Under the reign of Schumacher I thought everyone might break out in song and touch themselves ( and perhaps the audience too ). Instead, it’s a serious look at Batman’s origins, with the proper blend of humor and drama.
5) Gotham. A great looking Gotham, and the first that feels like a real city instead of a set. Real, but with an edge and tinge of comic book netherworld.
6) Score. We all love Danny Elfman, but it was time for a new sound. This classical themed backbeat is the finishing touch that takes the film to the next level.
Verdict: Theater full price. Buy the DVD and invite me over.