A Writer at the Movies and a Bit of Short Poetic Fiction

 

Writer’s Review of Films

While I am a big reader, I also enjoy movies. This week I am discussing my fandom of various recent reads and films this week at my Youtube channel The Truth About Storytelling and I don’t want to repeat all, but I thought I would give a short take on four films and why I will rewatch them as a writer.

1. Wonka, the Musical. A gorgeous, imaginative film from every aspect - storytelling, sound, visuals, acting, scripting, editing. As a writer, I want to rewatch this for the big heartbeat moments and apply what they did to my own writing. Good family film.

2. Boys in the Boat. A moving historical fiction narrative following a tighter story arc than the nonfiction book of the same name. As I write, I plan to re-read and rewatch for the way they wove history and narrative together for a satisfying story on an emotional level. Good family film.

3. Anyone But You. A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with references to the Kenneth Branaugh film of that play. There’s definitely skin and raunchiness (although Shakespeare’s plays translated well are incredibly raunchy) so there’s a reason for the R-rating, but I still enjoyed many aspects of it. I plan to rewatch it with a rewatch of the Branaugh film and a reread of the play, specifically looking at the humorous bits I enjoyed the most. Only for 18+ audiences.

4. The Beekeeper. An action thriller with Jason Statham that packs a good character arc, starting with a slow beginning and to a raising of stakes to a high-pitch series of events. Again, R-rated for a reason, but this time for the action scenes and some language. I plan to rewatch it as a writer for the way they layered the intrigue, character development, world-building, and action scenes. Only for 18+ audiences.

Normally, I do not see that many films in the theater in a month, but I went to see most on matinee or “member” night at the theater. Also, I don’t normally enjoy four films in a row as much as I did these, although with the latter two, I want to caution anyone who is easily offended or squeamish.

The longer rundown with more specifics is on my Youtube channel, but I did not give out any spoilers.

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Scifi Poems and Hint Fiction

Traffic

multilevel traffic

a grid on her eyes

she blinks - -

lights change

systems override

AI Art with Canva. Trying out a bit of this. This was try #8 for this image using the poem as a prompt. (I’ll be talking about AI here in March-April briefly, so this is a pre-cursor of that.)

Starry Horizon

starry horizon

beckoning us to come

play supernova

Major Tom

The coundown is on.

The chopper is waiting.

I glance back at the towers behind me and the wall of ocean behind them.

It’s time.

These were previously published in Dragonfold and Other Adventures and Flicker: A Collection of Short Stories and Poetry.

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Tiny News

Do you like free books of fantasy and science fiction? Check out New Year’s Quest for free books.

I had a great time at the Open Mic hosted by Creative Colloquy on Monday. I hope to read again, when I can.

My books are all in process - writing and revising.

BTW - I will be reposting this on my Website and Blog this Week… Trying to stretch the content. 

New Year's Post and IWSG Post for January 2024

 Happy New Year!!! 

I am filled with excitement for this year as a writer, as a woman, and as a believer. I know the world has sorrows and we have had our own grief as a family (we lost a few older loved ones last year), we also have shares of joys and I am determined to have the courage to seek out the joy, peace, and healing, while standing firm in faith and love for God and for all my fellow humans this next year. I have seen the ugliness of sexism hurt young women I know in the workplace over the last year, but I have hope that we will see more women standing up and standing firm in their equality for work and life. 

As a writer, I have plans to release some of the books I have been building on Kindle Vella as paperbacks, ebooks, and audibooks. I have a new Youtube channel I am working on for 2024 (and hopefully beyond), and I feel filled with gladness to turn the calendar page. 

I recently shared my Vision board in my newsletter on Substack, and I thought I would share it here again with a brief explanation of each image:

Images “explained”:

• Courage is a main theme for me and it’s time for me to recognize it and showcase it.
• The bridge is about making connections and having courage to cross deep chasms.
• The “healing” rocks image is about my quest for natural healing alongside medical help.
• The “exploding” book is about writing imaginative works that create space, refuge, and wonder for readers.
• The head-to-chalk drawing is about trusting myself as an artist.
• The Bible and prayer images is about staying in God’s word and keeping my faith alive.
• The collage/design table is about trusting my artistic side, but also seeking out other artists to work with or alongside.
• The compass is about seeing every day as an adventure/quest into life, and about traveling.
• The arms out in the woods image is there to remind me to get outside and praise God.

There are so many goals and ideas for resolutions, but these are my main ideas for the year. I do not like to call them goals or resolutions for they are a little more like the foundation under those. 

IWSG January 2024

I am posting a few days early, since IWSG runs on the first Wednesday of every month and today is a Monday, but I want to give a shout-out to all my IWSG buddies, and to say Happy New Year of Writing to you all!

If you are interested in IWSG, here's more about this group:

Insecure Writer's Support Group

A database resource site and support group for writers and authors. Featuring weekly guests and tips, a monthly blogfest gathering, a Facebook group, a book club, and thousands of links – all to benefit writers! #IWSG

Website / Facebook Group / Twitter / Book Club
Reedsy Discount / Past Issues

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!

Our original founder and current captain is Alex J. Cavanaugh. 

The awesome co-hosts for the January 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Olga Godim, Diedre Knight, and Natalie Aguirre!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional
January 3 question: Do you follow back your readers on BookBub or do you only follow back other authors?

Quick response for me: If I notice that readers have followed me, I sometimes follow them back. But it takes noticing, and sometimes, I am a little slow on that. 

NEWS

I participated in the New Year Indie Author Book Blitz hosted by Katherine D. Graham and loved it. Katherine is a rockstar and always spreads kindness to fellow indie authors. 

The Book Blitz is still viewable on Youtube if you want to check it out. 

I have a new Youtube Channel: The Truth About Storytelling. I did a bit of a different "goal" list on there because I was playing around with the idea of Achievable Goals. It was meant to be lighthearted, but of ourse, I was serious about it. 

I will be asking for help soon with book shout-outs this year, for more than one book. If you are interested, please comment below. You can always participate for one book or more than one book. I've been holding onto them for a while.