Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 129

May 9, 2022: Baron’s Book Club Blab Blog!

Three New-in-2022 books I read last week…

The Night Shift by Alex Finlay (Release date: March 1, 2022)

It’s New Year’s Eve 1999. Y2K is expected to end in chaos: planes falling from the sky, elevators plunging to earth, world markets collapsing. A digital apocalypse. None of that happens. But at a Blockbuster Video in Linden, New Jersey, four teenage girls working the night shift are attacked. Only one survives. Police quickly identify a suspect who flees and is never seen again.

Fifteen years later, in the same town, four teenage employees working late at an ice cream store are attacked, and again only one makes it out alive.

Both surviving victims recall the killer speaking only a few final words… “Goodnight, pretty girl.”

In the aftermath, three lives intersect: the survivor of the Blockbuster massacre who’s forced to relive her tragedy; the brother of the original suspect, who’s convinced the police have it wrong; and the FBI agent, who’s determined to solve both cases. On a collision course toward the truth, all three lives will forever be changed, and not everyone will make it out alive.

My thoughts: Not a bad little thriller.  Some interesting twists and turns keep the reader engaged despite a narrative that, at times, plod along.  The characters are a little flat with the exception of our almost 9 month pregnant (with twins!) FBI investigator whose mere existence stretches credulity.  In the end, it all comes together in fairly satisfying fashion, but so far as entries in this genre go, it doesn’t really stand apart.  A solid B.

3/5

***

Haven by Emma Donoghue (Release date: August 23, 2022)

In seventh-century Ireland, a scholar and priest called Artt has a dream telling him to leave the sinful world behind. Taking two monks—young Trian and old Cormac—he rows down the river Shannon in search of an isolated spot on which to found a monastery. Drifting out into the Atlantic, the three men find an impossibly steep, bare island inhabited by tens of thousands of birds, and claim it for God. In such a place, what will survival mean?

My thoughts: There’s an eloquence to Donoghue’s prose, a remarkable deftness in its ability to immerse readers in her beautifully realized worlds and draw them into the lives of her unique and complex characters.  I just wish it was in service to a story that offered more than this curtailed journey.  The setting is wonderfully atmospheric and one can’t help but feel for this trio, sympathizing with their respective struggles, but the ending simply peters out rather than landing with an emotional resonance that pays off the hitherto fascinating build-up.  There’s a late twist that, while subtly set-up in hindsight, feels a little “out there” and disconnected to the standing narrative.   Overall, an engaging ride that comes up short.

3/5

***

Fossil Future by Alex Epstein (Release date: May 24, 2022)

What does the future hold? In Fossil Future, Epstein, applying his distinctive “human flourishing framework” to the latest evidence, comes to the shocking conclusion that the benefits of fossil fuels will continue to far outweigh their side effects–including climate impacts–for generations to come. The path to global human flourishing, Epstein argues, is a combination of using more fossil fuels, getting better at “climate mastery,” and establishing “energy freedom” policies that allow nuclear and other truly promising alternatives to reach their full long-term potential.

My thoughts: This interesting book makes a case for fossil fuels against the prevailing public sentiment and the growing ESG movement.  Epstein’s argument is fairly straight-forward and admittedly compelling, focusing first on the historical benefits of fossil fuels as a relatively cheap and reliable energy source and its potential to lift billions out of poverty. He then proceeds to break down the counter-arguments, covering everything from “climate catastrophizing” to unreliable alternative energy sources like solar and wind to the green movement’s bewildering dismissal of nuclear and hydro-electric power.  In the end, we’ll all pay (both literally and figuratively) in the mad rush to Net Zero, but the world’s poorest will pay the heaviest price of all.  A recommended read that presents a reasoned counter to the current narrative.

4/5

***

So, how goes your 2022 reading?

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May 8, 2022: Suji Sunday!

Spring has sprung!

We adopted a cat!

Zonked…

Suji’s morning routine….

She’s got her eye on you…

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May 7, 2022: Projects update!

Weekdays.  Weekends.  It’s al the same to me.  Such is the life of a freelance writer.

I sent my agents that feature script last week and am expecting them to read this weekend and get back to me next week with feedback and a possible preliminary game plan.  Their response – and turnaround time – will help me determine how I move forward on various fronts.

Switching gears to read an SF classic, one that may be on the verge of a screen adaptation.  By who?  THAT question is still up in the air and could well depend on my response to the book.

Speaking of adaptations, things continue apace on the Promise of Blood front.  An interesting development today that could add some wonderful complexity and heat to the project.

That sci-fi/kpop pilot has turned into a two script order.  Going to take a few days to deconstruct the story and add some more world building elements as well as more depth to the character backstories and journeys.  Had a terrific call on Thursday with someone very keyed into the metaverse and, with it, all things Kpop.  A potential great ally when the time comes to take the project out.

Following a discussion with a comic book company back in February, I put together three pitches for possible comic series.  Those went out last week and I look forward to which one of the wildly different arenas spark interest (if any): action adventure, horror, or science fiction.

Well, two months since I sent out a counter-counter-proposal to a production company’s counter-proposal.  I thought that, at the very least, it would engender a discussion but it’s been radio silence ever since.  This team has a habit of disappearing completely to the point I write them off only to pop up with a “Hey, sorry about.  Things’ve been crazy on this end.  Let’s talk!”.  IF they reach out 8+ weeks after the fact, this will mark the sixth time and – honestly.  As much as I like them on a personal level, I’m going to have to call an end to this professional relationship.  I have enough on my plate and don’t need the aggravation.

So, how’s your weekend going?

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May 6, 2022: Your wine & cheese recommendations!

Time-lapse of the creative process.  From the initial flourishing of the idea to the inevitable wait for good news

via: Neil Bromhall

How high can you go?

Raw and sliced, I usually tap out at Habanero.

Planning a wine and cheese party for Wednesday night.  Picked up a bottle of Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and planning to pick up a few of my favorite cheeses: Chateau de Bourgogne, Delice des Dieux, Mont D’Or, La Tur, and Adoray.

What wines and cheeses should I add to the mix?

Today’s Yes/No…

Beef Tongue & Bacon Pizza? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/keP2eKveFB pic.twitter.com/LhVQXE45WD

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 6, 2022

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May 5, 2022: Starstruck! Happy Birthday, Suji!

Check out the Birthday Gal!  17 today.  Old enough to drive, yet not quite old enough to drink or buy smokes.  Still, she had a pretty good day – two walks, special treats, apple slices, and some peanut butter and jelly ice cream.  Wishing her a very happy birthday – and, hopefully, no tummy issues later tonight. (Thanks to our friend, Lory for the special birthday video – IG: Lo.RY6845).

It’s hard to believe how many fans this gal has amassed over the years.  I’m impressed, not so much by the number of followers to her IG account, but people who will occasionally recognize her when we’re out and about.  A couple of years ago, we were actually taking a stroll down 4th Avenue in Vancouver when a salesperson popped out of a Lululemon and asked: “Is that Suji?!”.  She was absolutely starstruck.

I always find it interesting the types of celebrities who elicit starstricken responses from fans.  Take Akemi, for instance.  Over the course of the time we’ve been together, I’ve worked with some truly amazing actors, yet she was never starstruck by any of them.  In many instances, she was shy around them initially, but warmed up to them in time.  Many have became great friends.  Robert Picardo, for example, is sci-fi royalty to many, a venerable veteran of stage and screen whose mere presence will have passersby buzzing with excitement (I’ve seen it happen many times).  To Akemi, however, he’s just lovable Bob.

I’ve only seen Akemi get starstruck twice since I’ve known her.

The first time was when we met Yael Tygiel, co-host of the Dark Matter aftershow on AfterBuzz (alongside the amazing Tauri Jay Miller and Andrew Mean).  While the Dark Matter After Show was running, Akemi and I never missed an episode, so when Yael told us she’d be in town, we were, of course, thrilled to meet up with such an enthusiastic supporter of the series.  We ended up meeting her, and assorted others, for dinner and drinks – and Akemi was absolutely thrilled.

Over the years, Yael (along with Tauri Jay) have become good friends of ours – and Akemi still manages to get a little starstruck every time we get together.

The second time I saw Akemi starstruck was the day we came across vloggers Simon and Martina from the EatYourKimchee channel.

I noticed them in passing as we were walking in downtown Toronto and subtly pointed them out to Akemi who was all “OH MY GOOOOSH!”.  So we ended up stopping to talk.  Martina was absolutely lovely and made Akemi’s day.

As for me, despite my 20+ years in the biz, I don’t recall ever being starstruck.  And I can’t imagine anyone having that effect on me.  Certainly not any actors.  Or even any authors despite my reverence for them.  I don’t know.  Dreamcatcher maybe?

What about you?  Which celebrities would leave you starstruck?

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May 4, 2022: Amazing Covers!

A few that caught my eye this week…

Pantha #3 – cover art by Jorge Fornes

Vampirella/Dracula #5 – cover art by Shannon Maer

Batman #123 – cover art by Gabrielle Dell’Otto

Criminal Macabre: The Complete Cal McDonald Stories – cover art by E.M. Gist

Dogs of London #1 – cover art by Dave Johnson

Judge Dredd Magazine #436 – cover art by ???

Best of 2000 AD Issue Zero – cover art by Ian McQue

So, which were YOUR favorites?

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May 3, 2022: Captain’s Log, Blog Update #5,674!

Occasionally, Akemi when I’m trying to write…

Asamimichaan

Also…

Akemi wants to pitch a story where an embittered Plastic Man, now a social pariah as a result of the campaigning of environmental activists, turns dark side and must face the new people's champion: Silicon Man! pic.twitter.com/WtF8CukSJ9

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 3, 2022

 

Thinking of switching over to writing features for a while.  The last one was a positive experience that turned out better than I expected.

Now, all I require are some movie ideas.

"The first two seasons are kind of slow, but it really gets going in season three."
– #IWontBeWatching

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 2, 2022

How long do you give a show to win you over?

Today’s Yes/No…

Matcha Green Tea Curry? Yes/No
Introducing…instant Matcha Green Tea Curry (and yes, it’s green)! 【Taste Test】 https://t.co/2FTU3Qy84q via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 3, 2022

 

 

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May 2, 2022: Book Club Inhumed! Script work resumed! Donuts consumed!

Yozo!

No Baron’s Book Club Blab Blog entry today as I, sadly, was unable to read a book last week given that I was wholly focused on my first feature screenplay in, oh, roughly three years.  Still, I’m heartened by the fact that I have 73 books under my belt some four months into 2022 and my goal of 100 Books Read on the Year seems very doable.

I gave the script another polish today and have set it aside for now while I patiently await notes from my reader, Jeff, who is well-versed in the southern vernacular although, to be fair, probably not one rooted in the 1930’s.  Once I receive Jeff’s input, I’ll d one final pass and then it will be off to my agent.

The question then arises: When to send?  Obviously, I don’t want to send them a script on a Friday when they are decompressing after a long week.  Similarly, it would make sense to send it to them on the weekend as it will probably go ignored and then, possibly, forgotten.  Monday is out of the question as they will probably be inundated with top-of-the-week urgencies.  Which leaves Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The latter, frankly, is too close to Friday and it’s unlikely anyone is going to start reading so close to end of week.  So, Tuesday or Wednesday it is, preferably later in the day Eastern Time so that I can catch both by Canadian and U.S. reps at their dynamic best.

In a perfect world, following a protracted auction, the script sells for 7 figures, and eventually hits the big screen in 2024, starring Ryan Reynolds and  a scene-stealing young ingenue who earns an Oscar nomination for her first onscreen performance.  The movie will also receive an Oscar nom, of course, but I will not attend the ceremonies as they tend to run way past my bedtime.

Yosha!

Stopped by my favorite donut shop today – Isabella’s Donuts –  where I usually grab one of their weekly feature flavors (matcha on this day, of course) as well as an original glaze.  There’s nothing quite like a chewy mochi donut.

Today’s Yes/No…

Space Mackerel? Yes/No
We try a can of Space Mackerel, designed for eating on the ISS by high school students https://t.co/3H1oohxoWc via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) May 2, 2022

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May 1, 2022: Suji Sunday!

Ready to eat.

Out and about with mom.

Out and about with dad.

Featured at the Tokyo ARK @ Panasonic Adoption Fair in Ariake, Japan.

Living her best life.

Morning routine…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hi. I'm Sujiすじ子　来月17歳になるよ (@newoldpugsuji)

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April 30, 2022: The Saturday Report!

In the most unlikely event you missed it, here is a link to this afternoon’s Dial the Gate discussion of Stargate: Universe season 2, the last season of Stargate…for the time being.  With guest star me, and extra special guest star Paul Mullie…

Came across THIS article the other day…

Pettable Pokémon, transforming Mario ghost latte art made by amazing Japanese artist【Videos】

Which brought me to the artist’s amazing twitter account…

boing　boing ！！！！ pic.twitter.com/9zfXnzFnPu

— 加藤瑠菜@Latteart.◦*.＊。 (@RunaPocket) April 21, 2022

I started following her, and today THIS surprise awaited me…

@BaronDestructo Thank you for following me pic.twitter.com/CKSZLYNRke

— 加藤瑠菜@Latteart.◦*.＊。 (@RunaPocket) April 30, 2022

Awesome, no?

Today’s Yes/No…

Cream in a Can? Yes/No
Weird Japanese vending machine find of the day: Cream in cans? https://t.co/d7VSLiUdwb via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) April 30, 2022

 

Received a quick turnaround on notes for my script – which means it’s on track to go out to my agent later this week!

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