Molly O'Keefe's Blog, page 10

What Dexter got wrong and Breaking Bad got right

I'm in the middle of my revisions on GLORY, the last book in my Dust Chronicles series. And it's stressful worrying about how to tie up all the loose ends and answer all the questions I planned to answer and not disappoint fans of the series...

But two big TV shows recently came to a close, and for me, one did it really well and one really badly.

I'll try not to get too spoilerish, but if you haven't yet seen and plan to watch the final episodes of Dexter or Breaking Bad... be warned. There may be spoilers on the horizon...

First, Dexter


I loved this show the first season. And mostly loved it the second. I also remember really liking the Julia Stiles season, and the John Lithgow stuff was interesting, but at some point the show got a bit annoying. I keep thinking I didn't watch a chunk of one season, (maybe the Colin Hanks one?) but then I realize, no, I saw it all.

I know a lot of people gave up on Dexter, but I kept watching. And I watched the entire final season. I even, for the most part, liked the final season.

Yes, I've heard some really valid criticisms about their adding the Dr. Vogel character, but I thought it added something interesting. And making her son the big bad, I thought mirrored nicely the stuff with Dexter's brother from the first season.

So, I was pretty happy with the final season right up to the last episode. Then WTF?

I don't think any of the resolutions rang true either logically or emotionally for me. Did anyone want to see Debra dead? Not me. And the way it happened didn't make sense either. It wasn't heartbreaking as much as frustrating. She has a stroke??? It felt like a cop out.

But then Dexter takes Debra's body out on his boat, in a hurricane... A super odd choice. Why not leave her body at the hospital???  Why is it better for her body to be with all of his horrible victims??? But I thought, okay... he's so upset about causing Debra's death that he's going to commit suicide.

But no. We're supposed to believe he somehow survives the storm. Even though his boat smashes to bits. Yes. Dexter survives a freaking hurricane. Without a boat. A mile off the coast. Made no sense.

And making even less sense, I didn't believe that once he did live, that he wouldn't go join Hannah and Harrison in Argentina. I HATED that the kid ended up with Hannah. I think I would have been okay if the three of them ended up together... Dexter and Hannah kind of keep each other in balance in an odd way. And Dexter would never let Harrison get hurt. But even if Dexter loves Hannah. Even if she proved she's good at taking care of his son, I do not buy -- for a second -- that he would leave his son with her forever and disappear! Even if he trusts her not to put Harrison directly in harms way (big if), she's a fugitive!  Why would she leave her son with him? Why not Aster and Cody's grandparents? Why not Angel and/or his sister? There were other WAY better and safer choices for Dexter to make for Harrison.

Plus, even if I could believe he made these choices and survived that storm... I didn't find the writers' choices emotionally satisfying. Okay, Dexter's a serial killer. But he's who we've been cheering for this whole series. And in this final season in particular, the writers went a long way toward redeeming him... And yet, after all that, after making me want Dexter to end up okay, he loses his sister, and his kid, and his love? Yuck. And Hannah, still clearly a killer, has custody of a sweet little boy. Double yuck. Clearly the writers believed that Dexter needed an unhappy ending.

On the other hand... Breaking Bad.

I thought the finale was perfection.


It's interesting... Dexter (the series) starts out with a serial killer for a protagonist and makes us empathize with him and justify what he's doing. They made me want Dexter (the character) to have a happy ending. Yet somehow the writers thought that they had to punish Dexter at the end and give him an unhappy ending...

Whereas, with Breaking Bad, we started out with a really sympathetic character, who gets worse and worse and worse -- and in the end gets his comeuppance, but only after taking down the even worse dudes. Perfect. And the people who deserve to live, get to. (Okay, some of them. But letting Jesse and Skyler and Walt's kids live was the right choice.) I'd even argue that the writers gave Walt a happy ending. I mean, he has terminal cancer. Saving Jesse's life and then dying in that lab was about as close to a happy ending as he could get.

Amazing how one series got it so right, and the other so wrong....

Agree? Disagree? Any other endings that got it really right or wrong?

Fall TV: Why am I laughing if it's so bad?

We've now watched two episodes of The Crazy Ones. News Flash: Robin Williams is super funny. He makes me laugh pretty much every time he's on screen. I'm also wondering if there will be actually be a third episode to watch because it is so terrible. I mean, really really terrible.

Yet, I'm still laughing. The set up that had the art guy cleaning duck butts? Stoopid. Robin Williams is raising ducklings for a pond. He is, of course, doing it in their gigantic advertising firm. Of course, it also provides a moment for a learning moment. I'm sorry. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Robin Williams and the art guy walking through the firm with the ducklings trailing after them? Adorable. Funny.

I sort of knew it was just going to be a showcase for Robin Williams' zaniness so I don't know why I'm disappointed that it's not something more. I think I thought that having Sarah Michelle Gellar in it meant it would have other substance.

Anybody else watching this? Anybody else watching something that they both hate and laugh at?

The randomness of the promotion engine

I've thought a lot about promotion in the last few years. And I've spent quite a bit of money. I don't know how successful ANYTHING I've done is - but I like that I feel like I'm doing SOMETHING. I think that's what every author is struggling with right now - what do I do so I'm not just screaming into the void? Contests, giveaways, facebook ads, blog tours - it's as consuming as the writing and for some of us even MORE SO. Because it doesn't feel natural and it brings to the surface every insecurity we might have about our work. I also feel like every time something really really works for me - the next time - not so much. Goodreads giveaways and ads worked like gangbusters for my Harlequin Superromances. Then the ads stopped working - no idea why.

But then something comes along that's so random, that's so freaking successful - it simply boggles the mind. Erin Thompson asked if I wanted to be a part of the Give Me Books Extreme Jock Giveaway. I said yes and donated a book and to be honest, forgot about it. A few days later the contest began to run and all the things that publishers want authors to do - started to happen. Facebook likes, twitter followers, engagement with new readers... at an amazing level.

So, not entirely sure what the takeaway is except that as an author, when those requests for donations for a hop or a giveaway come in - say yes. Always say yes.

If you are interested in the giveaway: follow this link




And because I am so grateful to the new likes and followers I am giving away a ton of books for one day only - including WILD CHILD. Check it out

Am I right to trust you with my time?

So I'm a third of the way into Night Film right now and the book is huge, it weighs a ton. I bought it based on some buzz, some positive reviews and because I wanted to read something different and if you read the back cover, this book is definitely different, part murder mystery, part horror novel and part literary.

It started really strong, the writing is great, but as I read it, I'm a little nervous. I'm not completely assured at this point that the book is going to meet my expectations. Will the ending match the awesome beginning? I don't have that sense of calm that you get with some books that the author is utterly in control, she/he knows what you want and they are going to ensure you get it.
(I know how ridiculous that sounds) but think of your favourite authors and how assured their writing is. The first that comes to mind is Sherry Thomas, I rarely have doubts when I read her book, because there is a sense from the first page that she is absolutely in control and this book will deliver on the promise. Or maybe it's my experience with her and that's me talking for the author when I open her books?

My best example is on the many singing shows there are out there. When someone comes out and they're calm and confident and the first note is awesome, you're more likely to follow them through the remaining song, but it also makes it worse if the last third of the song is an off-key mess.

Or have I had too much coffee this morning? I'm really hoping that this book is great, because I really want it to be. I need a new literary obsession.

I Hate This Part...

As everyone who follows the blog knows For the First Time is out now in stores and available on line. With any new release these are the things an author should feel about her book:             1. Over the moon excited. After months of hard work, revisions, edits, and promotion the day is finally here. 2. A sense of accomplishment. See above about the work. 3. Nervous anticipation. Will readers find it/buy it?  4. Nervous agitation. If they find it will they like it? Or hate it. Or really hate it… because that’s how author’s think. 5. Hopeful and eager. If readers find it, and like it, then maybe if you write another book they will like that too, so as an author it’s time to go back to work.  This is how I feel when a book is released:  1. Neurotic. It’s out there now. I can’t change it. Oh my God what have I done? 2. Morose.  I probably didn’t work hard enough. Maybe if I had worked harder it could have been better.  3. Like a loser and/or failure. I didn’t promote enough. Not enough giveaways/tweeting/facebooking/ads. No one will ever find this book. Everyone is going to want everyone else’s book more.  4. Embarrassed. Everyone on line is thinking will I PLEASE stop promoting my freaking book, it’s embarrassing already.  5. Hopeful and eager. Okay maybe if readers do find it, and they do like it, they might like the next one. So I should go back to work. I know. It’s pathetic. I’m the Eeyore of authors. Someone tweeted me congratulations on my release and I was like… uh… why?
I know this is not how it should be done. I should be celebrating my book. I should be talking it up. I should be developing a street team to champion my work. But here is the thing. It’s. Just. Not. Me.
After so many years in this business I have decided to let my writing and my stories determine my success. I like tweeting so I do it. I think having a facebook and webpage is important so I do that too. I will read my reviews (because I can’t not) and I am happy to guest blog or do giveaways when asked. But being my own cheerleader, not going to happen. And I have to accept it might mean my books don’t do as well as others, but I think I’ve gotten to the point where I’m ready to stop beating myself up for that. If people like my work they'll come back for more. If they like it, they will recommend it to others. If the book is good it will get some decent reviews. Or not.  I'm just going to let it all happen.  
So in the spirit of Eeyore… let me sell you on this giveaway. I guess, if you want a book, I’ll send you one, though you might not like it. But maybe you will. I don’t know….
No gimics. No tricks. No picking anyone from comments. I’ve got 5 copies of Act of Persuasion and 5 copies of For the First time (A few large print so state your preference.) If you want 1 or both, send me your address and I’ll mail them to you. You can contact me www.stephaniedoyle.net First come, first serve.  

In a World...

In the spirit of last week's discussion about Amy Pohler and Tina Fey's satire bit at the Emmy's, making fun of how women are objectified in the entertainment industry, I thought I'd tell you about a great film I saw last weekend.  (I just looked, and it's certified 91% fresh at Rotten Tomatoes. So I am not alone in loving this movie.)

It's not a "big" film and might be hard to find in theaters (I think it's been out here for 8 weeks...) but if you're not in a big city, you might find it on pay-per-view or Netflix or something.

It's called In a World. And I loved it. It's subtle satire. Funny but serious. Poking fun without going too far or getting too silly... Okay world, the set up--it's silly... but all of the actors/characters take it very seriously, so it doesn't come off as broad satire like the Anchorman movies, for example.

Overall, it's a great, well-written story about discrimination against women in the entertainment industry. (The tiny, and arguably ridiculous, part of the industry the film focuses on, is like a microcosm  of, or metaphor for the entire industry, arguably any industry...)

The movie is set in the world of voice-over artists--particularly those who specialize in narrating movie trailers. These movie-trailer narrators even have a big award show, a la the Oscars or the Emmys called the "Trailees" or something... I do remember that the trophy had a trailer-style camper-van on top. Ha! But no one points this out. You have to notice these little details, and I have a feeling that more funny bits like that would jump out at me on a second viewing.

The protagonist of the film is a struggling voice artist/vocal coach played by Lake Bell, who also wrote and directed the film. She's the daughter of one of the two most famous movie-trailer voice artists of all time. Her dad's main rival just died, and along with him died his signature line: In a world...  Apparently, this dead dude was so good at delivering that line, that no one else dared utter it.

The word goes out that the big new blockbuster quadrilogy soon to hit screens (The Amazon Games*) is going to bring the "in a world" opening line out of retirement with big fanfare, and everyone assumes the heir apparent to the trailer-narrator crown (a ridiculously pompous man) will get the gig. If it's not him, certainly it will be a man. "The industry does not crave a female sound. I'm not being sexist, that's just the truth."

* "it's about these fierce, mutated female Amazonian warriors battling clone prehistoric-cavemen hybrids.
It's all based on the Prussian War."  LOL And and of the Amazon warriors is played by Cameron Diaz in the fake trailer...
The protagonist's father laughs in her face (actually worse than that) when she tells him she has a chance to audition for what will be *the biggest thing* in their industry in decades.

Anyway, In a World is a really smart and funny story about a character who stands up to her dad and finds her voice (metaphorically as well as literally). Plus it's a sweet romance, with another nice marriage romance sub-plot, and some great family dynamics/tension. Also Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson) is in it, as well as Rob Corddry, and there are some great little cameos by other famous hollywood actors. (Eva Longoria, playing herself, is not afraid to look foolish...)

There were only about 7 or so people in the theater when I saw it (it had been out for 7 weeks...) but I wasn't the only one laughing.

And not only is it smart and sweet and funny, it makes you reflect on how people can be held back or belittled because of their gender, or their race, or their sexuality, etc. etc.

And it also sends a very important message to women about how much your tone of voice and manner of speaking can affect how you're perceived and whether you're taken seriously. And how some women are their own worst enemies in that regard...

I highly recommend this film.

WILD CHILD EXCERPT!!

October is a busy busy month for us! Stephanie's FANTASTIC For The First Time will be published at the beginning of the month. Honestly - go preorder right now. This is Steph's best book with Superromance. Amazing heroine, great hero, crackling dialogue and sexual tension. So good. Clink on the link above to read an excerpt if you don't believe me.

And at the end of the month my first book in the Boys of Bishop Series Wild Child comes out.

I've been doing little snippet excerpts over at Romance At Random

But here is a longer excerpt - the first two chapters of Wild Child - have a look!

http://www.scribd.com/doc/168980466/W...

How about you guys? How is your October shaping up?

Parks and Rec

I've been flirting with tv this past week. I haven't watched a lot, but there have been a couple of shows I've sort of watched to get a sense of whether they'll actually work or not.

Agents of SHIELD was ok, it had some Whedon hallmarks, but was a bit messy in execution, and other than that, I've watched a few minutes here and there of some of the new comedies.

Most of which have been painfully unfunny, loud, and bordering on annoying. So as a palate cleanser, last night, I gave into my Amy Poehler fangirling and watched Parks and Rec.

And it's awesome. It always surprises me that it doesn't do better, because it's so good and last night it struck me why. Aside from the great acting, it has such a great balance and so much heart. To balance off Leslie's sheer enthusiasm, there's Ann who rolls her eyes at everything. To balance off Tom's general crazy, there's Ron's gruff masculinity, and last night was such a great staging of all of the factors that go into making this show so great.

It's a show that's gotten better each season and one to need to go back and re-watch. And it hasn't helped my Poehler fangirling, and neither did this. Poehler and Jon Hamm held an Emmy's loser party, where winners could only get in if they paid a fee at the door, and all proceeds went to charity.

Anyone watched a really great new show this season? I've been largely disappointed.

Did you see Tina Fey and Amy Poehler at the Emmy's

It is without question these are two of the funniest women of my generation. They aren’t just funny though. They are brilliant and funny!
They rocked the Golden Globes and in tribute to that they were brought back for the Emmy’s to do a little skit. But if you were reading between the lines, which I do with these women because (see above) they are not just funny they are brilliant and funny, they were also making a statement.
Awhile back I blogged about Miley Cyrus and the epic TWERKING EVENT OF 2013. I commented that I felt sad a talented girl felt she needed to go to those lengths to get attention. Because in watching it I did feel she was degrading herself as a person by becoming solely a sexual object. Now there has been lots of back and forth on who is to blame. Some blame her, some the producers, some Robin Thicke. Heck some will say it’s because Billy Ray is a bad dad.
But Tina and Amy put the focus on where it should be. On the Double Standard. They showcased what it looked like to have two women heckling a man and telling him to take his pants off. Twerk, they told the host, Harris. They come to award shows for twerking! When Harris said he wouldn’t twerk because it would be degrading… their answer… “Yes, but we would be de-grateful.” When he asked them, why are you wearing 3D glasses, Tina’s response was… “Because I want to see your junk up close.” Amy’s quip… “Yeah, show America what you’re working with.”
They were lewd. They were crass. They were completely disgusting… and wasn’t it hilarious? From a comedic standpoint it works, because you’re getting the unexpected. How shocking of these women to say such things and isn’t that so funny. From a brilliant standpoint America just got schooled on why Cyrus’s show became a national talking point for so many and in essence who is really to blame.
US. Us for making a show like that okay. Us for accepting that it’s perfectly acceptable for girls to get as naked as they can on television for the entertainment of others. Tina and Amy put together a really funny skit, but Tina and Amy also gave us a look at ourselves that again, if we’re reading between the lines, maybe we didn’t like to see. Because frankly it’s not a pretty picture.
It’s not okay to put on a show that is going to be seen by a national audience and let a girl “degrade” herself just because it’s salacious and will boost ratings.  And if women ruled the world and men we’re forced to put on a sexual display to garner attention and they were only judged by the size of their “junk” I’m fairly certain they wouldn’t feel comfortable in that role either. Unless they are a stripper, in which case they know what they’re doing and what they are getting paid for.

I can’t change the fact that some people think what Cyrus did, including herself, was no big deal. I can’t change the fact that often girls will put themselves in bad situations because they think this kind of attention is the only attention they can get. I can’t change men/boys from taking advantage of women in these bad situations because hey, it was the girl’s choice to do that wasn’t it?

But Tina and Amy… maybe they did. Maybe they got through to some people… you know, once everyone stopped laughing.

When the Author is the Superstar

One of the more interesting and strange films I saw this year at TIFF was Horns. To say it was unusual is an understatement and while I'm glad I saw it, I'm not positive I'd widely recommend it.

But whether or not I loved it, isn't really what I want to talk about.

The film was showing in a relatively small venue for TIFF. Less than a thousand seat theatre for sure. And it's kind of an odd/awkward theatre where it's impossible/difficult to shield the film stars from the audience. And Daniel Radcliffe was in this movie. So... they had a bunch of uniformed police standing in the aisle--I've never seen that. Even for Brad Pitt, or Jennifer Lopez. I assume the cops were there ready to pounce on anyone who tried to pounce on Radcliffe.

Thing is... this wasn't the type of film that would draw a big Harry Potter fan club contingent. Nor would it draw the screaming teen girl types. Sure, people clapped for him when he came up on stage before and after the film...

But who did this crowd go gaga for? Joe Hill.

And Joe Hill is the author of the book on which the film is based. And at least half of the questions from the audience during the Q&A were directed at Hill. I thought this was kind of cool.

Juno Temple, Daniel Radcliffe, Joe Hill -- Q&A after world premiere of HornsNow, of course, I do wonder if he'd have such ardent fans if his dad wasn't Stephen King... (doesn't he look uncannily like him?) but still... It's not often that the writer gets the rockstar treatment at a film screening. Joss Whedon does. Stan Lee, I guess... But it's not that often that people get as excited about the writers as they do the actors.

Now, Horns... Hmmm.. How do I describe this film.

Radcliffe and the female lead, (Juno Temple), insisted it's a love story/romance, during the Q&A after the film. And I suppose that's true at it's core in the end. But to reveal that is a bit of a spoiler. And if someone goes expecting a romance... well, they're going to be shocked by a lot of other things in this movie.

The story starts with a young man, who's being hounded by the press and public, because he's been accused of the brutal murder of his girlfriend. But he can't remember the night in question at all. At first he thinks he didn't do it. But it's clear that even his mother thinks he's guilty, and he starts to crack up.

Soon, the audience starts to doubt him too, especially when, um, he starts to grow horns from the front of his forehead. And then other characters start confessing really terrible things to him and/or asking his permission to do unspeakable things. And I guess we're supposed to believe that he's the devil at this point? But that's the part of the story I never really understood in the end... Because, well, let's just say I didn't understand why or if he was the devil. The plot takes some twists and it's not as simple as that.

Okay, maybe I am recommending it. For the adventurous film goer, anyway.

Although, based on my quick glance at IMDB, it doesn't look like this film has a distributor yet, so you might never get the chance... :(

At least I got to see it, and to see an author being treated like a movie star.

And an addendum... Speaking of authors getting the star treatment: Here is a snap of our Miss Molly reading from Wild Child Monday night.



Is there an author or screenwriter or TV writer you'd give the movie star treatment to?