There. I said it. Now you can judge me, point and laugh, try to tell me that I'm wrong and that I have to change my mind. I'm sorry, but it's not going to change.
I wanted to like the series. I really did. I listen to all my friends gushing about it and how wonderful it is. But I don't like it.
I don't get what all the fuss is about. Maybe I don't 'get' British television. Well, no, that can't be it - I've always liked Monty Python, so what gives? I've tried watching my friends' favorite episodes, but I can't get into it. I don't hate the program, mind you, I just don't see the point. All I see is lousy acting, mediocre writing, and special effects that look like something my younger siblings put together for the comedy tape they used to work on filming.
And I'm okay with campy acting and bad effects. Really! Army of Darkness is one of my favorite movies. But Army of Darkness is only an hour and a half of camp. Not 750+ episodes spanning the course of fifty years.
Right now, this is a difficult phase for me because Doctor Who is insanely popular. It's everywhere and everyone loves it, except for me. It's a bit like standing outside in the rain. I'd love to go inside, but inside doesn't interest me, and where else is there to go? I know it will eventually stop raining, but for now, wet jeans are very uncomfortable.
Exploring Influences: The Legend of Zelda
Thursday, June 13, 2013
I grew up with an NES in the house, and with that, the gold cartridge that any gamer worth their salt knows all about.
There's something special about Zelda games, see - Not just that the first wave of cartridges (and then later, CDs) released come in gold. Zelda was my first foray into a massive, immersive and interactive world.
With the exception of the latest release (I'm sorry, Skyward Sword, I just can't love you) I've spent countless hours enjoying being drawn into the world of Hyrule again and again. The story itself is straightforward, but each game approaches the same story from a slightly different angle. Time, too, is of an extreme importance to the series. All of the later games feature puzzles where time itself must be manipulated to solve them.
There is, of course, the small problem of the major time paradox created in Ocarina of Time, but it can be forgiven, since the game was otherwise just so darn good.
You see, Zelda does something I love, but you never see in books: Every game features the same cast of characters. There's always Link, who always has to rescue Zelda. There's a persistent bad guy, Ganon, who comes back time after time to try the same scheme. And yet, for all that the same characters are used, the story plays out differently in each setting.
And why can't authors re-use beloved characters? Why is it so unheard of in literature? Among roleplayers, it's not uncommon at all to take a favorite character and re-outfit them to fit into another world, another story, another version of themselves. Comic books delve into this, as well - We call it an Alternate Universe storyline. This particular type of story is almost unheard of in books, but for what reason?
I'd love to try it, someday. Take one of my characters from one story and give them a cameo in another, in a completely different setting. I don't think I could write them as the main character, but wouldn't that be something?
Of course, it won't be happening any time soon. I have too many other stories to write, first.
Last week: My Neighbor Totoro
Next week: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Book Review: Alphabet Of Thorn
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Several years ago, I moved from Illinois out to the very edge of North Carolina to settle into what would be me and my husband's first home together. It was a cozy little apartment with ridiculously high rent, but it came with a few special benefits that weren't the joy of living with the man of my dreams.
It was hard to get much more convenient than that little place. There was a K-Mart beside the apartment complex and a bead shop next door to the post office, which was about a mile and a half away, easily within walking distance. But the best feature of the property, hands down, was that the library was only a few blocks away.
I must admit that I did a terrible thing when I found this book in the library. I picked it up and took it home not because it sounded interesting, not because it had been recommended, but solely because it was pretty.
All of this author's books were pretty, in fact. Stunning artwork decorating a tiny hand-sized hardcover book. It was dainty. It was cute. I had a hard time choosing, probably because I didn't read the story descriptions, but this was the one I took home.
And what a choice it was. My only complaint is that the story is just so short, but what can you expect from a tiny book? Patricia A. McKillip's Alphabet of Thorn is a remarkably well-crafted novella that takes place in two timelines. One where a young translator becomes caught up in revealing the history of the legendary conqueror Axis and his sorcerer companion, Kane - And the other, following Kane through trials that happened centuries in the past.
The two timelines are connected through a twist that occurs perhaps a bit predictably, but the concept of time and its manipulation are portrayed in a manner that is top notch.
I didn't get a chance to read this author's other works before we left that cozy little apartment, but if presented to me, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another one of this author's books - Which are beautiful inside and out.
It was hard to get much more convenient than that little place. There was a K-Mart beside the apartment complex and a bead shop next door to the post office, which was about a mile and a half away, easily within walking distance. But the best feature of the property, hands down, was that the library was only a few blocks away.
I must admit that I did a terrible thing when I found this book in the library. I picked it up and took it home not because it sounded interesting, not because it had been recommended, but solely because it was pretty.
All of this author's books were pretty, in fact. Stunning artwork decorating a tiny hand-sized hardcover book. It was dainty. It was cute. I had a hard time choosing, probably because I didn't read the story descriptions, but this was the one I took home.
And what a choice it was. My only complaint is that the story is just so short, but what can you expect from a tiny book? Patricia A. McKillip's Alphabet of Thorn is a remarkably well-crafted novella that takes place in two timelines. One where a young translator becomes caught up in revealing the history of the legendary conqueror Axis and his sorcerer companion, Kane - And the other, following Kane through trials that happened centuries in the past.
The two timelines are connected through a twist that occurs perhaps a bit predictably, but the concept of time and its manipulation are portrayed in a manner that is top notch.
I didn't get a chance to read this author's other works before we left that cozy little apartment, but if presented to me, I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another one of this author's books - Which are beautiful inside and out.
Exploring Influences: My Neighbor Totoro
Thursday, June 6, 2013
This week, we're taking a look at one of my favorite movies: My Neighbor Totoro.
Hayao Miyazaki's movies often receive a lot of praise, and not without good reason. They're excellent films that appeal to a broad audience. With Disney's updated releases of a number of them, the fanbase only continues to grow.
Of course, when I first saw Totoro, it was back when VHS tapes were a thing. The movie was enchanting and endearing, presenting a sweet tale of the way children cope with troubling times.
It's a film that blurs the lines of fantasy and reality, something I've always enjoyed doing, but it does it while keeping the message easy to understand and child-friendly for those who watch as a family.
It's hard to say whether the Totoros, soot sprites or cat bus are real or just the imagination of two lonely girls, but the subtle hints that all of them might exist is what really creates a lot of the charm. Growing up, my mother always gave us reason to believe in gnomes and fairies, so seeing the same sort of whimsy presented with Asian flair is sure to do nothing but delight.
Last week: Dragonriders of Pern
Next week: The Legend of Zelda
Of course, when I first saw Totoro, it was back when VHS tapes were a thing. The movie was enchanting and endearing, presenting a sweet tale of the way children cope with troubling times.
It's a film that blurs the lines of fantasy and reality, something I've always enjoyed doing, but it does it while keeping the message easy to understand and child-friendly for those who watch as a family.
It's hard to say whether the Totoros, soot sprites or cat bus are real or just the imagination of two lonely girls, but the subtle hints that all of them might exist is what really creates a lot of the charm. Growing up, my mother always gave us reason to believe in gnomes and fairies, so seeing the same sort of whimsy presented with Asian flair is sure to do nothing but delight.
Last week: Dragonriders of Pern
Next week: The Legend of Zelda
It Runs In The Family
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
I was recently surprised to learn that my younger sister started a career as a writer. My oldest younger sister, that is, if that makes sense - I have several of them, and sometimes it's hard to clarify which one I mean.
In any case, it's sort of a strange feeling. I'm thrilled that she decided to pursue it. After all, writing sort of runs in the family. I got my start because my mother taught me to write. Personally, I think she did an excellent job of it. She's published poetry in books and has written for newspapers in the past, but she's never gotten around to the next great American novel.
My father has expressed interest in writing, though he's never really sat down to actually do it, and my younger brothers seem to take an interest as well. I'm not sure if my two youngest sisters will write, but they're still early in their lives, and there's time for them to cross that bridge when they come to it.
In reflection, it's very interesting to see the way all of us differ in our literary interests. The stories my sister is writing couldn't be more different from what I write, but that's a good thing. Each of us has established a definite flavor to our creative pursuits, even though we seem to share them.
For me, it's especially interesting to have been a sort of pioneer in the field, being the first to complete and publish a book. I know how difficult it can be and I know the challenges she'll face, so all I can do is wish my sister the absolute best, and be there to help her make the most out of this new stage of life.
I wonder which of my siblings will be next?
In any case, it's sort of a strange feeling. I'm thrilled that she decided to pursue it. After all, writing sort of runs in the family. I got my start because my mother taught me to write. Personally, I think she did an excellent job of it. She's published poetry in books and has written for newspapers in the past, but she's never gotten around to the next great American novel.
My father has expressed interest in writing, though he's never really sat down to actually do it, and my younger brothers seem to take an interest as well. I'm not sure if my two youngest sisters will write, but they're still early in their lives, and there's time for them to cross that bridge when they come to it.
In reflection, it's very interesting to see the way all of us differ in our literary interests. The stories my sister is writing couldn't be more different from what I write, but that's a good thing. Each of us has established a definite flavor to our creative pursuits, even though we seem to share them.
For me, it's especially interesting to have been a sort of pioneer in the field, being the first to complete and publish a book. I know how difficult it can be and I know the challenges she'll face, so all I can do is wish my sister the absolute best, and be there to help her make the most out of this new stage of life.
I wonder which of my siblings will be next?
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