THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion
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Archives - Member Introductions
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PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO YOUR FELLOW JAMES MASON MEMBERS!
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Rick-Founder JM CM BOOK CLUB
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Feb 03, 2010 08:37PM
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Genealogy research can be both interesting and frustrating. There could be a lot of dead ends. One of the ladies I help is trying to find family in Poland and some were sent to concentration camps. She was trying to find out more about her grandmother's sister. It turns out she was in a concentration camp but we couldn't find out anything else. I told her to contact the Red Cross and they have found her grandmother's information and also that she had a brother they never knew about.I also found out the real cause of my great grandfather's death. Everyone thought he was hit by a train while mailing a letter. I found out he was actually working for the railroad in Chicago and died on the job.
Those are the ones I found recently.
I am many things:AUTHOR: I write exciting fantasies to capture the imagination and perplexing mysteries for children and Young Adults under the pen name LOOKMAN.
SCREENWRITER / CO-PRODUCER: I write screenplays for the cinema and have optioned two fantastic scripts Gilt Entertainment in Hollywood; Children from the Sea and Henrietta's Odyssey.
PRODUCER: My current project is to Produce a children's TV cartoon series script into a pilot. In the past I had three plays broadcast on BBC radio. I am an Angel in a small way and have made some investments in independent film. My favourite screen writers are Terry Gillaim and Caroline Thompson.
Good Morning Everyone,Thank you so much Rick for the invitation. As a long time lover of British literature, I am very excited to belong to such a well-read and knowledgeable group.
As many of you already know, my name is Dee-Marie, and I am the author of the Sons of Avalon saga.
My first novel in the series, Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy, deals with the adolescent years of Merlin, and his rise to infamy. The book has been well received by the Goodreads’ community, which I am eternally grateful.
I look forward to joining in, and being enlightened by, the discussions.
Wishing you all a most wonderful weekend,
Dee Marie
Lookman wrote: My favourite screen writers are Terry Gillaim and Caroline Thompson.Yes, Gilliam is terrific. Loved Brazil
Terry Gilliam is brilliant, but tends to be inconsistent. Python and Time Bandits excited audiences, but Tideland seems to have missed the mark. I think he just enjoys making interesting films.
I think it's a hot an cold thing. That's the way it's hit me in the past. Sometimes he approaches brilliance only to follow up with something that's slightly less than mundane. That's hot Python was. Leaves me with a feeling of what might have been.
That is well put, mike. So much is due to the ability to raise cash from grey suits. There has been a raging professional discussion on Linkedin about why there are so many film remakes.At a NPA meeting last week there was a talk on film production that gave an insight into British film production where there is an obsession with social realism and making prize winning books. Many producers and aspiring directors felt it overcautious and literature does not always make the best cinema.
I wonder what Time Bandits two would have been like. Despite the outstanding success of the first film in the US no money became available.
I can't speak to that really. I do find it odd at times when a book will be optioned and then just vanish, never being made. Some wonderful books either "probably" wouldn't lend themselves, or would require such a special touch that there won't ever be a good production. I mentioned (somewhere) before that I can't, off the top of my head think of a really good remake. There may be some, but they escape me.
What attracts producers to prize winning books and to remakes of old TV and films, is the public awareness of the product. Everything these days is branding. I do not see a close relationship between literary works and film. You can have great literature using description and metaphor, but this is a different thing from a great story. Books are mainly about getting inside the character's heads, while films about their actions.On is often puzzled by why some books get 'the treatment' - big marketing budgets - while others are tolerated or ignored by publishers and put on the slush pile. Film and literature are quite different things. My understanding of the situation is, as it was when I was a recruitment consultant. We looked for certain things above all others. It did not mean the rejected candidates were any less able to do the job. Harry Potter was one of those books that made it, and it should not have according to the way the industry operates. Film stage and publishing have the same frailties.
Many books drop out of sight after being optioned because of re-scripting. Someone is hired to write a screenplay from a book. It is edited umpteen times. Perhaps the screen writer is changed several times. One comment I found interesting, at the NPA it was suggested that once a screenwriter has written the script, others insist on alterations. The alterations are made and the script stops singing. The screenwriter interprets the script again with a new view - again it sings, etc... One observation I heard was, every other script us useless and the next is almost right. Often scripts do not reach production because there are so many versions that the book option runs out and the film is never made.
That's what I believe is going on with a well known science fiction book, Ender's game. I read (at least) that it expired and the author (Orson Scott Card) who'd never been happy with what was happening optioned it back.I don't know I'm one of those people who is almost never happy with a screen adaption of a book. The best I ever saw was To Kill a Mockingbird, and of course even it missed a big seminal point, you can only do so much.
In my saner moments I admit I'm probably being unreasonable.
Mike, I have heard that Orson Scott Card said that Ender's game would never work as a movie. Too much internal dialoge and all that. I'm not sure how they could make it into a movie without cutting out other major storylines and characters, and then, of course, it wouldn't be the same.
The last I read he was considering it but insisting on retaining control. I'd read that the sticking point then was the studio PTB (powers that be) kept trying to "age" Ender up and add a romantic interest. They had even gone so far as to bury contract clauses that would let it be slipped in. At that point I believe he was coming to the conclusion you mentioned, that it just might not be workable.
"Age" him up? Add a romantic interest?! Oh jeez... They'll destroy it.
That was Cards attitude on it. The last I read he has withheld control and no contract had been signed. I don't know if that's changed.
Hi, j guevara (lower case 'j' and 'g'. It helps remind me of my insignificance, and also helps goggle separate me from the other 600 who plagiarized my name). LOL musician/storyteller/soul food chef. Global citizen, incurable peregrinator. Have pen - Will travel.Last known address, 24n82w (I wish more would address this way. Think 'bout it.)
Stop by and say hi. Pot's on... KAWFEEE!
j guevara
http://www.jguevaranovels.com
Mod
thanks for making this into INTRODUCE YOURSELF again!
Mod
Thanks for inviting me into the group, Rick. I have read a bit of classic British literature, but right now I'm more interested in contemporary memoir. I am a writer and editor as well as a reader.In case you are interested and are not opposed to contests, WriterAdvice seeks flash fiction, memoir, and creative non-fiction that mesmerizes the reader in 750 words or less. DEADLINE: April 15, 2010. Entry fee: $10 per submission. First prize: $150. Former prizewinners are the judges. Complete guidelines, mailing address, and prizes at www.writeradvice.com.
B. Lynn Goodwin
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers
Hi! I'm Dawn and I live in Victoria, Australia. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rick for the invitation to join his group.
I have no idea what I can contribute to this group and I rarely participate in discussions.
I'm currently in my first year of a Bachelor of Arts degree at La Trobe University. I'm studying Literature, Religion, History and Sociology/Politics.
Thank you Rick for the invitation. My name is Mary. My fiction writing career began with the publication of a contemporary novel, Left in His Closet, opening the door of lesser defined experience of straight spouses after their loved ones come out of the closet. After years of her personal story being misunderstood, I embarked on an ambitious research journey to create a more realistic portrayal of the straight spouse experience. This unique politically and morally charged novel draws the reader into the heart of the debate and delves into the inner world of straight spouses in the aftermath of the coming out. Pre-release of the book is available from the publisher at: http://www.tatepublishing.com/booksto...
I am happy to have the opportunity to be part of a group of people who love reading and writing.
Mary
Mod
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rick for the invitation to join his group.
I have no idea what I can contribute to this group and I ..."
WELCOME TO THE GROUP DAWN- I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE YOU AS A MEMBER- AND HAVE NODOUBT YOU HAVE MUCH TO CONTRIBUTE!!
Mod
WELCOME MARY,
You might consider an AUTHOR FORUM in this Group as your subject matter is quite unique, and I really love the fact that our Group is open to all kinds of books!
Thanks Rick for the invite.Melisende - frustrated (and unpublished) writer.
Hi I'm Mary Verdick and new to Good Reads. I'd like to Thank James for the invite to join the group. I am a multi-published author and hope to participate in these lively discussions.Please feel free to check out my profile and be-friend me.
Check out my personal blog and website too!
http://maryverdick.com
http://maryverdick.blogspot.com
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/maryverdick
Thank you, Rick, for the invitation. I see many friends on this list. I am an avid mystery reader/reviewer and not-so-closet anglophile, as well s the coordinator of a mystery readers' group now in it's 17th year. Over the past couple years, I've realized that 2/3 of the mystery authors I read are outside the US and the vast majority at British. It will be interesting being here.
Welcome to B. Lynn, Dawn, Mary 1, Melisende, Mary 2 and LJ.
Thanks for the invite - I'm a "displaced" German in the UK, and my favourite author is probably Graham Greene (and William Faulkner, but he's American) :)I write gay fiction, most recently romances, and I love a good thriller, that includes spy thriller and action thrillers and psychological thrillers. I've just started www.gaythrillers.wordpress.com to share reviews.
My websites:
wwww.aleksandrvoinov.com
and
www.aleksandrvoinov.blogspot.com
Happy to be here :)
As a writer of over 200-published books, it's always a pleasure to find such oases as this of fellow authors -- writing sometimes such a solitary business. For anyone more interested in me and what I'm about, and who isn't up to GOOGLE-ing my name:http://www.williammaltese.com
http://www.myspace.com/williammaltese
http://www.myspace.com/draqual
http://www.myspace.com/flickerwarriors
http://www.myspace.com/maltesecandleg...
http://www.mxi.myvoffice.com/williamm...
http://www.theglutenfreewaymyway.com
Hi, I'm Jason and I feel very overwhelmed in this group. :) I'm a voracious reader, love great literature, and enjoy talk about books. I may listen more than comment since I feel in over my head.
Hi, I'm Michele and I'm going with what Jason said. Hi Jason! Let's see, besides reading, a lot, I'm a writer too. My first novel, River of Tearswas released this past August. I'm hard at work on my next story, which I'm hoping is ready by mid-summer. My website is www.michelelmontgomery.com. Nice to meet you all.
Hi, I'm Michele and I agree with Jason. I feel as if I'm in over my head here but here I am. My first book, River of Tears was released this past August and I'm busy at work on my next story. I hope it's ready to go by mid summer. Thank you for the invite.
Michele wrote: "Hi, I'm Michele and I agree with Jason. I feel as if I'm in over my head here but here I am. My first book, River of Tears was released this past August and I'm busy at work on my ne..."Oh my god! I know someone! ~clings~
Mod
The reason I formed this group is for ALL readers and writers to feel like they have a hone- a community- to express their thoughts- NEVER FEEL "OVERWHELMED"
All are welcome- all comments are valuable
Jason wrote: "Michele wrote: "Hi, I'm Michele and I agree with Jason. I feel as if I'm in over my head here but here I am. My first book, River of Tears was released this past August and I'm busy ..."
I got you, sweetie! I also grabbed the biggest bag of M&M's I could find for this.
I got you, sweetie! I also grabbed the biggest bag of M&M's I could find for this.
Well hello, as clearly stated above my name is Josh Murphy. I am quite young still but an avid reader none the less. I live in New York (not the city, contrary to popular belief we have many trees here, and mountains) but after college I hope to migrate to New Zealand, i went last spring and love the place. Not a big fan of the USA. Huge fan of classic literature, although a lot of what i've gotten to so far hasn't been british so I was weary about joining, but it looks as though the group is well rounded. I get very busy with school and a girlfriend so sometimes I forget about this website all together so if I go absent for a while, don't worry I'll be back; my apologies. I enjoy all kinds of lit., take a gander at the bookshelves, I like to own every book I read to annotate as I'm sure most of us do. I'm a big fan of many kinds of music as well. I'm versatile when it comes to conversation and I look forward to talking to you all!
I'm Ethan Day, a fairly new author with three books currently available through Loose Id (Self Preservation, Dreaming of You, and As You Are). And a short story called, Sno Ho in an anthology with William Maltese & Jason Edding titled, Melting the Slopes which is available from MLR Press. Most of what I’m writing is in the contemporary, romantic-comedy genre. I write about what I like to read about, Gay men who are looking for love. I think relationships are funny, so I guess my writing is tinged by that point of view. Some writers might take the subject of stalking your ex-boyfriend to a darker, scarier place. I tend to go for a slightly nutty, neurotic, I Love Lucy style. I'm not sure what that says about my own love life. : ) But if the individual reading my book winds up with an intense desire to get into a car with my character and help them stalk that ex-boyfriend…I consider that a successful story.
Please feel free to visit my goodreads author page(http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...) or my website: http://www.ethandayonline.com/ for more information about me. You can find excerpts and blurbs about my current and upcoming books as well as links to my Blog, Facebook, Twitter, & my Yahoo Group.
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read me. And thanks for the invite, Rick...finding a great party is always nice, but nothing beats being invited. : )
Ethan
Mod
QUITE WELCOME ETHAN!! GLAD TO HAVE YOU AS A MEMBER!!
Thanks Arch! And welcome to all the other newbies.
Thank you, Rick, for your invitation to join your group. I will explore it and look for a nice niche. I've already posted to Werner A. Lind's author topic here. He's one of my favorite Goodreads members and authors. You can learn more about me at my profile: ===>http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12...
Thanks for those kind words, Joy! (You're one of my favorite Goodreads members, too.)
Thank you, Werner. I think we both think a lot alike. We both love getting into the details of things. We love to get our teeth into interesting subjects, like dogs gnawing on bones. :)How's that for a simile! LOL I see that the expression is also an "idiom". See:
http://www.usingenglish.com/reference...
It says:
=====================================================
Idiom Definitions for 'Get your teeth into':
"If you get your teeth into something, you become involved in or do something that is intellectually challenging or satisfying.
('Dig you teeth into' and 'sink your teeth into' are also used.)"
=====================================================
Sounds like us!
PS-Werner, you probably knew I would follow up with this:DEFINITION OF AN IDIOM:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/defin...
(No cracks about idiots please.)
Thanks for the links, Joy! And folks, if you want to find links on the Internet, Joy's your go-to lady; if she'd gone into the field as a career, she'd have made an outstanding electronic resources librarian! (Actually, I think she'd make a pretty good one right now. :-))
Arch wrote: "Welcome Joy H."Thank you, Arch.
Werner wrote: "Thanks for the links, Joy! And folks, if you want to find links on the Internet, Joy's your go-to lady; if she'd gone into the field as a career, she'd have made an outstanding electronic resources librarian! ..."Werner, I'm like a kid in a candy store with so much information at my fingertips! I just love looking around for the best link available. Today I saw (somewhere-can't remember where) Clint Eastwood saying that he loves directing and that when he stops loving it, you won't see him doing it anymore. Well, it's the same with me. Now that I'm retired, I do the things I love to do. I follow my bliss.
"You've got to love what you're doing. If you love it, you can overcome any handicap or the soreness or all the aches & pains, and continue to play for a long, long time." -Gordie Howe
"Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for, and you will succeed." -Sydney Smith
"Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do this." -Eleanor Roosevelt
"It is nearly always a fatal mistake to go against one's nature, however unsatisfactory that nature proves to be. One must be authentic if one is to be anything at all." -Anita Brookner, _Brief Lives_
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THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
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