That Which We Are Reading
Luke’s Reading List
Into the non-fiction this week. This one caught my eye at the library. I think some of the most interesting storytelling being done today is in TV and movies, and at least in the storytelling part there is a lot of overlap with other types of storytelling. This book is based on a TV series where screenwriters discuss the craft of writing. Over all the methods, ideas and discussions of storytelling are compelling and fascinating. The talk of process and formatting less so. But, overall it is worth a read.
One of my favorite websites is Brain Pickings (here) which has has excepts from both of these books before, and I finally decided to sit down and read them from end to end. I try not to indulge in navel gazing, I would rather focus on working harder, but as Scrooge McDuck said, “Work smarter not harder.” And sometimes I let myself think about how I can do things better. (And maybe sometimes I need a kick in the pants to keep on going…) I have loved the excerpts from the books I have read before and the books are actually better. Part quotes, part art, and part just really good idea. Not so much directive as instructive. The blackout art work style is pretty cool as well. Again, it is another book full of ideas about how to work, though this on is less about storytelling and instead the process of art in general.
On the comics front, Warren Ellis is taking on everyone’s favorite multiple personality afflicted hero, Moon Knight. Moon Knight is sort of like Batman, if rather than being a rich-boy with issues, he was a mercenary brought back from the dead by a dead Egyptian god, who is not just a little crazy, but full on bonkers. Still, he manages to be a hero, of sorts. Only the first issue is out, but looks like Ellis is not going to shy away from the problems of an actually demented super-hero. Get it now, it is great.
Shiri is reading:
Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan (2003). For our “adding mystery and tension” episode of the podcast. I know Luke is a huge fan; I, however, find myself struggling a bit. The sci-fi concepts are fascinating and I want to dig it, but the characters feel sort of flat and the mystery is… well, it’s dull. Dull and drawn out. Then again, while I do like tension, this may be why I don’t read many (or any) straight up mysteries. Just doesn’t fire my cortex. Ah well. Plugging away.
About to crack Black Moon by Kenneth Calhoun. Wherein there is a town. A town in which everyone is losing their minds to insomnia with the exception of one man. Who has to pretend to be an insomniac to survive The Threat. Whatever The Threat is. Like I said. About to crack.
Recent Comments