Willie Handler's Blog, page 22
February 3, 2017
Weekly Update
This week was spent editing the chapters written over the past two weeks. Editing can be as time consuming as writing. Once you’ve read over your first effort, you invariably want to make all types of changes beyond just correcting typos and grammar. It can take several attempts before you are relatively satisfied. Though, if I was to reread the same chapters in two weeks, I’m sure I would start the editing process all over again.
An interesting opportunity has arisen. This week I’ve been in contact with the Producer of a new Rogers community cable Current Event show. I met with her today and it appears that I will be on one of the first shows to air. I’ll be talking politics and The Road Ahead. As things move forward, I’ll post information about my appearance.
January 27, 2017
Weekly Update
This past week, the Kindle version of THE ROAD AHEAD has been on sale to coincide with the Trump inauguration. Really, how often do fiction and reality align this well? Not that Rick Tompkins is really like Donald Trump. But THE ROAD AHEAD provides a humourous insight on government policy making, media relations and what draws people to enter politics.
Some of you may have received my debut newsletter (you need to sign up to get it). It contains Chapter 1 of my next novel, LOVED MARS, HATED THE FOOD. If you read it, I would love to get your feedback.
This week, I completed Chapters 14 and 15. I’ve now hit 30,000 words. My first novel was 75,000 words so judging by THE ROAD AHEAD, I am approaching the midpoint of the book. I would love to complete draft #1 by the end of the spring.
January 22, 2017
The Plot Against America – Philp Roth
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Philip Roth is one of my favourite authors. He has an interesting story telling approach that blurs the line between fiction and reality. He will use real people and actual events to build his fictional stories. His novels also tend to be very autobiographical and usually take place in Newark which is where he was born.
Recently, I decided to finally read The Plot Against America, which was released in 2004. The timing isn’t a coincidence. The story is takes place between the 1940 presidential election and the U.S. entering WWII. It was a period, during which, some Americans were sympathetic to the facists in Europe and many opposed entering the war. Many people have accused Donald Trump of being a facist and a racist. With many progressive voters apprehensive about the next four years in America, I thought there were some eerie similarities to what was portrayed in the novel.
The Plot Against America is an alternative history, in which Franklin Delano Roosevelt is defeated in the presidential election of 1940 by Charles Lindbergh. The novel follows the fortunes of the Roth family during the Lindbergh presidency, as anti-Smitism becomes more accepted in American life and Jewish-American families like the Roths are persecuted on various levels. The narrator and central character in the novel is the young Philip, and the care with which his confusion and terror are rendered makes the novel as much about the mysteries of growing up as about American politics. Roth based his novel on the isolationist ideas espoused by Lindbergh in real life as a spokesman for the America First Committee. So when President Trump made reference to America First on a number of occasions in his inauguration speech, I found it disturbing and an unfortunate coincidence. Personally, I don’t consider the President to be anti-Semetic yet he has made many racist and racial insensitive remarks during the past two years.
Lindbergh’s first act as President is to sign a treaty with Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler promising that the United States will not interfere with German expansion in Europe, and with Imperial Japan, promising non-interference with Japanese expansion in Asia. A new government act is instituted relocating whole Jewish families to neighborhoods out west. In protest against the new act, radio broadcaster Walter Winchell (an actual popular Jewish radio personality at the time) openly criticizes the Lindbergh administration and is fired from his station. He then decides to run for President and begins a speaking tour. His candidacy causes anger and antisemitic rioting in southern and Midwestern states, and mobs begin targeting him. Again, the similarities between these mobs some of the racist and sexist demonstrations at Trump rallies is just a little distrubing. The story ends with Roosevelt returned to the presidency under some unusual circumstances and the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Plot Against America deals with a very difficult time in American history. The question of how involved the United States should become in the European war deeply divided the country. On the one hand, Roosevelt and the so-called “internationalists” claimed that a program of aid to Great Britain and other countries fighting against Germany would make actual U.S. participation in the war unnecessary. On the other side stood those who were called “isolationists,” who believed that the president’s policies were making it increasingly likely that the country would end up in another disastrous foreign war. At times, Trump’s attitude towards America’s European allies resembles an isolationist position. Also, during this period, the German American Bund emerged and looked to Nazism for their inspiration. Jews were quite nervous at the time just as Muslims today are apprehensive about how the U.S. under President Trump will treat them.
Roth is a gifted author and this novel is an interesting read with the new Pharoah in D.C.
January 13, 2017
It’s Willie Handler, Not Willy Handler
I think everyone hates having their name misspelled. People have given up on Starbucks where even spelling Bob becomes an adventure. Strangers are going to make mistakes, in particular, if your name is spelt slightly different than what you commonly see, such as Karyn, Caryn or Caron. Some names have more than one common version, such Steven and Stephen. I realize that’s the case with Willie and Willy. But once you get to know a person, shouldn’t you learn to spell their name correctly?
I know I’m up against two well known literary characters – Willy Wonka in Roald Dahl’s 1964 children’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s 1949 award winning play Death of a Salesman. It’s frustrating when you send an email from the account “williehandler@gmail.com” and sign off with Willie only to get a response that starts off with “Hi Willy”. The last person I corrected just continued using Willy so I gave up correcting people.
But I’m neither Willy Loman or Willy Wonka. Just Willie Handler. 
January 6, 2017
Weekly Update
It’s a new year and with it a new frame of mind. Completed chapters 12 and 13 of my new novel this week. I’m pretty sure that exceeds my output for the month of December. I also began drafting the debut issue of my Newsletter so it’s been a productive week.
My writing group also met this week. In my new novel, LOVED MARS, HATED THE FOOD, the Martians do not speak but rather communicate through telepathy. They also communicate with the book’s protagonist, Dix, (who is from Earth) also using telepathy. The group once again challenged the premise that Dix and the Martians would understand each other since Dix spoke English and the Martians did not. First you need to believe that telepathy is possible. There has been some scientific research and it may be a legitimate form of communications. Perhaps more prevalent in the Animal Kingdom. Scientist have been able to conclude whether language exists when communicating through telepathy. If that was the case, why wouldn’t communication between humans and aliens be possible without language?
Remember I’m including a Chapter 1 of LOVED MARS, HATED THE FOOD with my first Newsletter later this month. Don’t forget to sign up if you’re interested.
December 31, 2016
Weekly Update
The final update for 2016. There haven’t been many updates the past few weeks. To be frank, I haven’t been able to get much writing done. It’s been an extended run of writer’s block. It’s a terrible feeling. The passion is still there but you feel as though you the creative flow has disappeared and with it, your novel. You put it aside and try again another day but it’s the same. Everything you write seems poor quality. This past month I’ve rewritten the first 12 chapters of my manuscript several times and I still hate it. I would like to finish my first draft of the manuscript by July but that target is now questionable.
However, it’s been a productive year. I did get my first novel completed and published. Got this website/blog up and running. Next will be the launch of my newsletter. Let’s hope new inspiration arrives with 2017.
Thank you everyone for your support and good wishes. Have a happy and healthy 2017.
Willie
December 29, 2016
Here’s Hoping For A Good 2017
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Like everyone else, I had my share of ups and downs in 2016. Hey there were some wonderful moments for me. I released my debut novel and my first grandchild was born. Not too shabby. But I’m also glad 2016 coming to an end. There was too much negativity for me.
We lost many iconic figures, political titans and sports giants, famous musicians and Hollywood greats in 2016. More than you would expect for one calendar year. I just want to touch on a few that were most meaningful for me.
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, was probably the most famous global athlete we have ever seen. More so than even Usain Bolt. I never enjoyed boxing. Too brutal of a sport for me. Yet, Ali drew me and many others to the sport. Not only was he an incredible athlete but he had a magnetic personality. He was a better promoter than any professional. He was also a polarizing figure with his anti-war stance, his conversion to Islam, and his activities in civil rights movement. Sadly, MS forced him to withdraw from public life. He deserved the title of the greatest athlete of the 20th Century.
I was never a fan of Fidel Castro. I could never understand Pierre Trudeau’s (and his son’s) attraction to Castro. He was a despot. He clung to Marxist-Leninist model of Communism well after it was abandoned by the Russians. Many of his programs failed. But he was the last of the great revolutionaries. The 1962 Cuban missile crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Although quite young at the time, I remember it was a scary time. We had drills at school in the event of a nuclear attack. Castro was also responsible for fomenting communist revolutions in countries around the world.
Harper Lee was an author who shunned the spotlight. But her novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” was one of the classics of the 20th Century. It was published in 1960 and that was pretty much all we heard from her for 55 years until her second novel, “Go Set a Watchman” was released shortly before her death. I recently reread “To Kill a Mockingbird” and it still stands out as a great work.
Gordie Howe, many argue, was the all-time greatest hockey player. My sentimental favourite will always be Bobby Orr. It’s so difficult to compare players from different eras since the game continually evolves. He was certainly the most complete hockey player to have played the game. He was a prolific scorer, a leader on the ice, a ferocious checker and a feared fighter. His strength and longevity were legendary. The man played over five decades to the age 52. Along the way he won four Stanley Cups, six Art Ross Trophies as the league’s top scorer, six Hart Trophies as the league’s MVP, and twenty-three All-Star team selections.
David Bowie was a musician who defied categorization. He was always redefining himself and his music, continually experimenting with new musical styles and looks. Bowie liked to keep fans and critics guessing. He claimed he was gay and then introduced the pop world to Ziggy Stardust. Then he suddenly abandoned the garish costumes and makeup. In addition to his twenty-five studio albums, he also appeared in twenty-four films. My favourite Bowie song is “Space Oddity” which is mentioned in my next novel, “Loved Mars, Hated The Food”.
There was quite a reaction to the death of Carrie Fisher. Her role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars series made her a huge star. And her metal bikini in “Return of the Jedi” made her a sex symbol as well. But the passing of Gene Wilder (born Jerome Silberman) was a bigger loss for me. He appeared in my favourite film, the 1968 “The Producers” written by Mel Brooks and co-starring Zero Mostel. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Leo Bloom in that film. Comedy is tougher gig than drama. Some of his films were duds but in most cases he pulled it off. He calaborated with Mel Brooks and in several films then worked with Richard Pryor in a number of other ones. He starred in three films with his third wife Gilda Radner until she sadly passed away at a young age. But I will always remember Wilder as Leo Bloom.
Have a healthy, safe and happy new year!
Willie
December 21, 2016
Twas The Night Before Christmas …On Mars
Below is an excerpt from Chapter 15 of my next novel. Yes, it’s Christmas on Mars! The story reflects characters and events in previous chapters.
Twas the nocturnal period before Christmas, when under the roof,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a Poof.
Hosiery was meticulously suspended by hooks on the wall,
In anticipation of visitation from St Nicholas would soon befall.
The offspring were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of bousou spread danced in their heads.
And Seepa with her dangly bracelets, Bleeker in his cap,
Had just settled their cerebrums for a long Martian nap.
When out in the laneway there arose such a cacophony of dissonance,
I tripped over the bed to see what was outside the residence.
I stumbled to the entrance though I intended to march,
Threw open the latches and stooped under the arch.
The glow from the lighting on new-fallen Red Planet dust,
Gave the lustre to objects that were being corroded by rust.
When, to my optical sensory organs should appear an apparition,
But a miniature transporter, and eight tiny Blue Martians.
With a little Red operator, so lively and thick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
As rapid as sling players his diminutive helpers they came,
And he relied on telepathy when addressing them by name!
“Now, Steeto! now, Prinko! now, Deela and Prakin!
On, Cooma! On, Breema! on, Gonomo and Ranen!
To the top of the abode! to the top of the wall!
Now scurry away! Scurry away! Scurry away all!”
As crystalline particles that before the wild dust storms fly,
When they meet with an impediment, ascending to the sky.
So up to the structure-top the miniature aides they flew,
Transporter glowing like a ngono, and St Nicholas too.
And then, I heard them above us, but how did he,
The waddling, stomping and shuffling of each little tootsie.
As I retracted my cranium, and pivoted around to see,
Through the rear passage, St Nicholas leaped towards me.
He was dressed in shimmering garments, including his feet,
And he accessorized with flashy stones so his outfit would be complete.
A bundle of gifts were carried by his Blue assistants,
And he looked like an important person, at least from a distance.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his nose non existent!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose quite insistent!
His coppery skin had so many wrinkles,
And the top of his cranium was hairless, not even sprinkles.
He clenched between his incisors what appeared to be a medical device,
From the look on his face, he must have bought it at a bargain price.
His visage was wider that it was high for a reason,
His abdominal region make think it was basketball season!
He was plump for a Martian, a jovial multigenerational gnome,
And I laughed when I saw him, he was nothing like what I knew back home!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He transferred no thoughts, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the hosiery, then looked at me with quite a smirk.
And laying his finger in front of his face,
And giving a nod, disappeared without a trace!
He boarded his transporter, to his team gave a sign,
And away they all flew towards the next shrine.
But my mind picked up a thought, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
Twas Night Before Christmas …On Mars
Below is an excerpt from Chapter 15 of my next novel. Yes, it’s Christmas on Mars! The story reflects characters and events in previous chapters.
Twas the nocturnal period before Christmas, when under the roof,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a Poof.
Hosiery was meticulously suspended by hooks on the wall,
In anticipation of visitation from St Nicholas would soon befall.
The offspring were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of bousou spread danced in their heads.
And Seepa with her dangly bracelets, Bleeker in his cap,
Had just settled their cerebrums for a long Martian nap.
When out in the laneway there arose such a cacophony of dissonance,
I tripped over the bed to see what was outside the residence.
I stumbled to the entrance though I intended to march,
Threw open the latches and stooped under the arch.
The glow from the lighting on new-fallen Red Planet dust,
Gave the lustre to objects that were being corroded by rust.
When, to my optical sensory organs should appear an apparition,
But a miniature transporter, and eight tiny Blue Martians.
With a little Red operator, so lively and thick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
As rapid as sling players his diminutive helpers they came,
And he relied on telepathy when addressing them by name!
“Now, Steeto! now, Prinko! now, Deela and Prakin!
On, Cooma! On, Breema! on, Gonomo and Ranen!
To the top of the abode! to the top of the wall!
Now scurry away! Scurry away! Scurry away all!”
As crystalline particles that before the wild dust storms fly,
When they meet with an impediment, ascending to the sky.
So up to the structure-top the miniature aides they flew,
Transporter glowing like a ngono, and St Nicholas too.
And then, I heard them above us, but how did he,
The waddling, stomping and shuffling of each little tootsie.
As I retracted my cranium, and pivoted around to see,
Through the rear passage, St Nicholas leaped towards me.
He was dressed in shimmering garments, including his feet,
And he accessorized with flashy stones so his outfit would be complete.
A bundle of gifts were carried by his Blue assistants,
And he looked like an important person, at least from a distance.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his nose non existent!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose quite insistent!
His coppery skin had so many wrinkles,
And the top of his cranium was hairless, not even sprinkles.
He clenched between his incisors what appeared to be a medical device,
From the look on his face, he must have bought it at a bargain price.
His visage was wider that it was high for a reason,
His abdominal region make think it was basketball season!
He was plump for a Martian, a jovial multigenerational gnome,
And I laughed when I saw him, he was nothing like what I knew back home!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He transferred no thoughts, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the hosiery, then looked at me with quite a smirk.
And laying his finger in front of his face,
And giving a nod, disappeared without a trace!
He boarded his transporter, to his team gave a sign,
And away they all flew towards the next shrine.
But my mind picked up a thought, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
December 16, 2016
Where Do My Characters Come From?
The most common question I’m asked about my debut novel, THE ROAD AHEAD, is where do the characters come from? Who is Rick Tompkins? I’m pretty sure I recognize. Are you Jerry? I know there has to have been a real Kitty.
Over my public sector career, I’ve worked with hundreds of politicians, political staff and bureaucrats. The characters in THE ROAD AHEAD reflect a compilation of interactions I’ve had with many of those people. However, none of them ended up as characters in the novel. Rick Tompkins represents a broad range of people I’ve met. Some were opportunistic who happened to get swept into office by the success their party. Some were unprepared for life in the spotlight. More than few were bombastic, impatient and bad-tempered. And yes a couple said inappropriate things.
Certain lines and events stuck in my head and ended up in the book. The late Peter Kormos, who represented Welland for many years, often repeated the line “insurance companies have deep pockets and short arms”. I loved that line and had to use it. However, Rick is clearly not based on Peter Kormos.
Some actual events did provide some inspiration. There have been more than one politician caught having a melt down at an airport or being drunk in public. There was even a former Ontario Cabinet minister who resigned after having a “non-sexual affair”. Though, I have yet to uncover a Muse working in a Minister’s off ice.
I actually tried to base two characters on real people. It didn’t work. The characters were shallow and didn’t feel real. One character was rewritten. The other was completely removed from the book.
And no, I am not Jerry in the book.
My next novel is more of a fantasy with lots of Martians. Still, I suspect that people will still be asking me who the characters are based on.
