A. Lee Martinez's Blog, page 72

Seriously

I'm beginning to think that people aren't taking me seriously, and I'll admit it kind of bugs me sometimes.  Not terribly.  I'm getting paid to make up stories, and there are about a billion people who would switch places with me in a heartbeat.  But still, terms like fluff and brain candy, well, sometimes they kind of piss me off.

It's not that I'm surprised by them.  Why would I be?  Almost everything I like and love is considered childish or slight.  I love giant monsters and robots and...

Fun VS Cool

Just got back from seeing the new CLASH OF THE TITANS.  It was good.  I wouldn't say great, but I enjoyed it.  Still, there was something that kept it from winning me over completely.  Considering that this is a movie with giant scorpions, a gorgon, harpies, and a kracken, that's saying something.

Let me preface this by repeating that Clash was good.  It is a solid adventure film with some cool monsters and a story that gets it to where it's going.  I liked the characters, and I did like it...

2D World

I don't like 3D.  It's stupid.  It's silly.  It's gimmicky.  Most importantly, it adds nothing of value to the entertainment experience.  I know that it's the future, and that it's probably here to stay.  But it's just plain dumb, and only serves to make the filmgoing experience more of a hassle for negligable gains.

Here's the thing, gang.  We are human beings, and we see things in 3D already.  Everything in real life is in 3D.  And it's so much a part of our world and perceptions that we...

Dragons and Hot Tub Time Machines

Regular blogging isn't easy.  Maybe for some folks, but I am an entertainer.  I can't just type any ol' thing on my computer and expect to get away with it.  No, I have to be engaging, clever, witty, insightful.  Maybe not all four at the same time, but at least one.  And probably two if I want to be taken seriously.

There's a lot of pressure being a world-renowned novelologist, gang, but, as the old saying goes, heavy is the Autobot that bears the Matrix.  But I carry on.  I give, and all I a...

On Writing: Surprises VS. Deception

I'm a professional novelologist.  So when I share my thoughts about writing, you have to at least pretend to believe I know what I'm talking about.  Although, for the record, that's a mighty big assumption.  People still tend to enjoy hearing these thoughts though, and since it's hard to come up with a topic for these blog posts, I'll go right ahead.

I like to be surprised by a story.  I don't like to be deceived.  The difference is subtle, but important.

Repo Men is a movie that deceived me.  ...

Movietime

Just some random thoughts about movies this post.

Saw Repo Men.  Eh, it was okay.  The "surprise" ending isn't really a surprise.

"Hey, you know that thing that I mentioned a couple of times for no clear reason?"

"Yes?  Why?"

"Oh, no reason.  Certainly not clumsy foreshadowing or anything like that."

"Oh, good.  For a second I was worried about . . . wait one second.  There's a commercial for that thing that keeps coming up.  Let's watch it then resume our more plot-oriented discussion."

"Sounds...

The Devil and Thomas Jefferson

Hey, hey, I'm back.  I said I'd be posting more, and so far so good.

First up, for those unaware, I'm participating in Borders.com Babel Clash for the next two weeks.  So drop on by and leave a comment if you feel like it.  Finding topics to post isn't always easy, and anything that makes my job easier is always appreciated.  http://bordersblog.com/scifi/

Also, I wrote a post for http://sfsignal.com/ that will be posted in about a week or so to coincide with the release of DIVINE MISFORTUNE...

The Sports Psychology of the Mushroom Kingdom

Hey, I'm back!  I said I'd be posting more, and I am indeed a Terran of my word.  Unless it's too inconvenient.  But this is pretty easy, so here I go.

I've been playing Mario Strikers Charged on Wii lately.  It's a great game.  I am not a sports guy in any sense.  I don't play sports.  I don't watch sports.  I don't even play sports video games.  Well, not normally.

Before the Wii, my two favorite sports games were Mutant League Football and Tiny Toon Sports.  Both were for Sega Genesis, so...

A Quick Admin Note! Divine Misfortune

Divine Misfortune is about to start shipping from Amazon, so if you want the book soon – get your order in now!

Fun, NOT Funny

Going to try blogging more regularly.  At least two or three times a week.  No promises, but we'll see what happens.

By the way, I'll be taking part in Borders.com's Babel Clash, a two week blogging exchange thing.  I'm not really sure how it works or what I'll be doing, but it's flattering to be asked to participate.  So I'll be doing it because any chance to meet new fans without forcing me to get up and leave my house is cool with me.  It'll start next Wednesday.  I'll keep you updated...