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Aug. 1st, 2011 11:51 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkatLovely weekend in the Poconos, but quite happy to be home in my own space again. Also, oddly, I missed the city. There's something to be said for living in a place in which you can go to the grocery store, the river, the park, the zoo, the library, shopping, movie theaters, church, etc - without ever having to sit in and/or drive a car. In short, I feel so isolated whenever I visit the country and so dependent, while in the city - I feel independent and there are so many opportunities.
Did a bit of swimming in the Poconos, in a pool and a very shallow lake. Also did some kayaking. Plus the Blues Festival - which included a trip up the mountain on a ski lift. Not really that tall a mountain though. I lived in Colorado, with Pike's Peak as my skyline, for four years - the Poconos look like the foothills to the Rocky Mountains. But it was great to get away. Spend time with my Aunts in Jim Thorpe, PA.
Started reading Ghost Story - book 13 of the Dresden Files. It's not as good as the previous book, or for that matter the Sergeant Murphy novella, which was a lot better. Way too much whining, and far too much explanation. The other stories were tighter. This may be the nature of the tale - I've read a lot of this particular narrative plot line - guy has to solve his own murder. My Dad wrote a book or tried to with the same theme. I think it was called Murder Games. But it is a rather popular noir trope - the protagonist is either dead or soon-to-be dead and has a limited time to solve his own murder. It's hard to do well, you end up with a lot of navel gazing by the protagonist, which largely consists of him blaming himself for everything that's happened. To the point in which you wish someone would slap him upside the head and say get over yourself all ready, other people get to make choices to, you are only responsible for yours. This is one of the pitfalls of writing in first person pov.
Other than that, and heck of a lot of boring action scenes, it's a compelling enough read and holding my attention.
Watched the end of The Wire on Thursday night - that was gut-wrenching. But effective. Interesting how each season of the Wire ends with a music vid montage of where each character has ended up and where they will go next, neatly wrapping up the season, but opening it up for the next season. This Season - the focus was on four-five kids, each pseudo-adopted by different cops and adults. You see what happens to each, and which cops succeed and which fail. Bunny Colvin has the most success, but that is largely due to Bunny's own background and his own standing in the community, of the adults that try to help - only those that have "power" succeed. Bunny and Chris Paltrow both get what they want, and they have the most power - both find ways to empower their charges. And the Wire is unpredictable in how it depicts Bunny helping the son (Damon) of hitman Wee-Bay, who is shown as a bully and having more money that the other kids, vs. Chris turning Michael, the sensitive kid that Bodie manages to convince to sell drugs, but is resisting getting more involved and who defends Duquane against Damon's bullying, into a hitman that rivals Damon's Dad. Hard. You even watch Cutty and Chris fighting each other on who will help the kid. Cutty tries kindness and tries giving Michael power in the form of his fists, but Michael who has been molested - fears kindness, Chris goes the opposite route and provides protection, kills the threat, and gives Michael power - in a gun. Switch over to Bubbles - who tries to save a boy and tutor him, but inadvertently ends up killing him with drugs - which devastates Bubbles to such a degree, Bubbles turns himself in, and then attempts suicide. Then there is Carver and McNulty who try to help two corner kids who are witnesses to murder, only to wind up either getting the kid killed or beaten. Finally Pryz who tries to save Duguane, but loses him to Michael...Michael who can give Duquane an actual home. The final scene of the season is a haunting one - of Damon looking out over Bunny's surburban hood, with the trees, and houses with their porches...birds tweeting in the trees. We end with hope...but we still see the corners looming in the distance.
The other stories, Omar, the cops, sort of take a back seat this season to those four -five kids. Their stories entwine with the kids. And we bring in S2, with the Greeks at the end. Will state of the various subplots, I found Omar's by far the most fun and entertaining, and Bubbles the most
tragic.
Saw True Blood last night. And it is such a soap opera. All these melo-dramatic threads.
The Sam/Tommy storyline has become creepy now. While the Jason storyline has become hilarious. The tv series is a lot better than the books, and makes a lot more sense. Particularly the Jason/Hotshot storyline, which didn't make a whit of sense in the books.
* Sookie to Debbie Pelt and Alcide: How do you make a were?
Pelt and Alicide: What do you mean? (they both look offended.)
Sookie: I mean...can you turn someone into a Were?
PElt and Alicide: No, you have to have be a child of two-full blooded weres. It's not a virus.
Sookie: Oh, thank you!
Yes, indeed. Thank you. The books made no sense regarding this particular storyline. I could not understand why Jason became a werepanther, but no one could be turned into a werewolf or weretiger.
It was inconsistent. And had a complicated explanation that did not work.
Also, you realize what this means, don't you ...NO MORE HOTSHOT! YAYYYY!!!
Jason to Jessica: Crystal and those Hotshot folks are even too stupid to know how to make a were.
*Poor rotting Pam. Her exchange with Eric is priceless. Not only is she rotting, she's lost her best-friend and daddy and lover, all in one swoop. He doesn't know her. Hates what she is and what he was. And is in love with Sookie. Plus she has to contend with him giving allegiance to Bill.
Pam to Eric: You are a bad ass Viking vampire.
Eric to Bill: I was a viking thug.
It's all in your perspective.
*Hee. I knew Bill couldn't kill Eric. Poor King Bill. He really really wants to kill Eric. But not Woobie!Eric, he wants to kill sarcastic/bad boy Eric. He can't kill this guy who says...yes, I should die, I'm a thug, but please release poor Pam who isn't really that dangerous and the fact she's rotting away - will do her in anyhow, and take care of poor Sookie, who I love, and want to be happy whomever it is with. Note - he doesn't see Sookie as his anymore, he just loves her, no possession.
But I wouldn't get too attached...also, I'm starting to miss sarcastic Eric. But I will give Skarsgard credit - he has managed to make himself look incredibly weak and kittenish - which can't be easy to do if you are 6'7 and have fangs.
*Pam going after Tara was freaking scary. Much as I like Pam? I like Tara more. So, hopefully, Tara wins that battle.
*Yep, Layfayette is the one with the power here, and most likely the one who will save everyone.
*King Bill may be over his head, now Antonia has possessed Marnie.
*Just in case I forgot the whole skin-walker bit, they reminded me with the previously, and then underlined who was going to turn into one. Tommy. Except with a huge price...what was that on the ground? Brains??? Does this mean Tommy is dead now...after turning into his brother Sam Merlott (the actor does a mean Tommy impression), having sex with Luna, and turning back again? (Nah, doubt it. I should be so lucky). Curious - was the shifting what made him sick or the sex with Luna??
And poor Luna.
*Not clear what is haunting/Terrozing Arlene and Terry. Baby, Renee, Voodoo Baby Doll, or the black woman ghost wandering about. It's a toss up at this point. Guessing black woman ghost wandering about, who blew kiss to Baby and/or Voodoo Baby Doll. (So, maybe Maxine isn't really the culprit?)
Enjoyable but not as funny as last weeks.
Did a bit of swimming in the Poconos, in a pool and a very shallow lake. Also did some kayaking. Plus the Blues Festival - which included a trip up the mountain on a ski lift. Not really that tall a mountain though. I lived in Colorado, with Pike's Peak as my skyline, for four years - the Poconos look like the foothills to the Rocky Mountains. But it was great to get away. Spend time with my Aunts in Jim Thorpe, PA.
Started reading Ghost Story - book 13 of the Dresden Files. It's not as good as the previous book, or for that matter the Sergeant Murphy novella, which was a lot better. Way too much whining, and far too much explanation. The other stories were tighter. This may be the nature of the tale - I've read a lot of this particular narrative plot line - guy has to solve his own murder. My Dad wrote a book or tried to with the same theme. I think it was called Murder Games. But it is a rather popular noir trope - the protagonist is either dead or soon-to-be dead and has a limited time to solve his own murder. It's hard to do well, you end up with a lot of navel gazing by the protagonist, which largely consists of him blaming himself for everything that's happened. To the point in which you wish someone would slap him upside the head and say get over yourself all ready, other people get to make choices to, you are only responsible for yours. This is one of the pitfalls of writing in first person pov.
Other than that, and heck of a lot of boring action scenes, it's a compelling enough read and holding my attention.
Watched the end of The Wire on Thursday night - that was gut-wrenching. But effective. Interesting how each season of the Wire ends with a music vid montage of where each character has ended up and where they will go next, neatly wrapping up the season, but opening it up for the next season. This Season - the focus was on four-five kids, each pseudo-adopted by different cops and adults. You see what happens to each, and which cops succeed and which fail. Bunny Colvin has the most success, but that is largely due to Bunny's own background and his own standing in the community, of the adults that try to help - only those that have "power" succeed. Bunny and Chris Paltrow both get what they want, and they have the most power - both find ways to empower their charges. And the Wire is unpredictable in how it depicts Bunny helping the son (Damon) of hitman Wee-Bay, who is shown as a bully and having more money that the other kids, vs. Chris turning Michael, the sensitive kid that Bodie manages to convince to sell drugs, but is resisting getting more involved and who defends Duquane against Damon's bullying, into a hitman that rivals Damon's Dad. Hard. You even watch Cutty and Chris fighting each other on who will help the kid. Cutty tries kindness and tries giving Michael power in the form of his fists, but Michael who has been molested - fears kindness, Chris goes the opposite route and provides protection, kills the threat, and gives Michael power - in a gun. Switch over to Bubbles - who tries to save a boy and tutor him, but inadvertently ends up killing him with drugs - which devastates Bubbles to such a degree, Bubbles turns himself in, and then attempts suicide. Then there is Carver and McNulty who try to help two corner kids who are witnesses to murder, only to wind up either getting the kid killed or beaten. Finally Pryz who tries to save Duguane, but loses him to Michael...Michael who can give Duquane an actual home. The final scene of the season is a haunting one - of Damon looking out over Bunny's surburban hood, with the trees, and houses with their porches...birds tweeting in the trees. We end with hope...but we still see the corners looming in the distance.
The other stories, Omar, the cops, sort of take a back seat this season to those four -five kids. Their stories entwine with the kids. And we bring in S2, with the Greeks at the end. Will state of the various subplots, I found Omar's by far the most fun and entertaining, and Bubbles the most
tragic.
Saw True Blood last night. And it is such a soap opera. All these melo-dramatic threads.
The Sam/Tommy storyline has become creepy now. While the Jason storyline has become hilarious. The tv series is a lot better than the books, and makes a lot more sense. Particularly the Jason/Hotshot storyline, which didn't make a whit of sense in the books.
* Sookie to Debbie Pelt and Alcide: How do you make a were?
Pelt and Alicide: What do you mean? (they both look offended.)
Sookie: I mean...can you turn someone into a Were?
PElt and Alicide: No, you have to have be a child of two-full blooded weres. It's not a virus.
Sookie: Oh, thank you!
Yes, indeed. Thank you. The books made no sense regarding this particular storyline. I could not understand why Jason became a werepanther, but no one could be turned into a werewolf or weretiger.
It was inconsistent. And had a complicated explanation that did not work.
Also, you realize what this means, don't you ...NO MORE HOTSHOT! YAYYYY!!!
Jason to Jessica: Crystal and those Hotshot folks are even too stupid to know how to make a were.
*Poor rotting Pam. Her exchange with Eric is priceless. Not only is she rotting, she's lost her best-friend and daddy and lover, all in one swoop. He doesn't know her. Hates what she is and what he was. And is in love with Sookie. Plus she has to contend with him giving allegiance to Bill.
Pam to Eric: You are a bad ass Viking vampire.
Eric to Bill: I was a viking thug.
It's all in your perspective.
*Hee. I knew Bill couldn't kill Eric. Poor King Bill. He really really wants to kill Eric. But not Woobie!Eric, he wants to kill sarcastic/bad boy Eric. He can't kill this guy who says...yes, I should die, I'm a thug, but please release poor Pam who isn't really that dangerous and the fact she's rotting away - will do her in anyhow, and take care of poor Sookie, who I love, and want to be happy whomever it is with. Note - he doesn't see Sookie as his anymore, he just loves her, no possession.
But I wouldn't get too attached...also, I'm starting to miss sarcastic Eric. But I will give Skarsgard credit - he has managed to make himself look incredibly weak and kittenish - which can't be easy to do if you are 6'7 and have fangs.
*Pam going after Tara was freaking scary. Much as I like Pam? I like Tara more. So, hopefully, Tara wins that battle.
*Yep, Layfayette is the one with the power here, and most likely the one who will save everyone.
*King Bill may be over his head, now Antonia has possessed Marnie.
*Just in case I forgot the whole skin-walker bit, they reminded me with the previously, and then underlined who was going to turn into one. Tommy. Except with a huge price...what was that on the ground? Brains??? Does this mean Tommy is dead now...after turning into his brother Sam Merlott (the actor does a mean Tommy impression), having sex with Luna, and turning back again? (Nah, doubt it. I should be so lucky). Curious - was the shifting what made him sick or the sex with Luna??
And poor Luna.
*Not clear what is haunting/Terrozing Arlene and Terry. Baby, Renee, Voodoo Baby Doll, or the black woman ghost wandering about. It's a toss up at this point. Guessing black woman ghost wandering about, who blew kiss to Baby and/or Voodoo Baby Doll. (So, maybe Maxine isn't really the culprit?)
Enjoyable but not as funny as last weeks.
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no subject
Date: 2011-08-01 05:23 pm (UTC)Yeah... I guess it would be hard to avoid having Harry feel guilty and impotent when he looks at Molly and Murphy in pain and struggling... they did make their own choices but I think his feeling pain about it was part of the territory.
I do agree that this is a much weaker book (of course Changes was one of his best ever), but I hope that we'll see a stronger more determined Harry in the next book (I suppose I should prepare myself for a two year wait? I hate waiting!).
no subject
Date: 2011-08-01 10:17 pm (UTC)It's a typical flaw in first person pov writing. Read four books that did the same thing. When you write in first person - you either talk about how great you are or how horrible you are. It's why most writing teachers advise against it. I didn't notice this in either the Murphy novella or the previous books...so I think Butcher just wrote himself a bit in a corner with this one and struggled with it. Probably why it took him so long to write it - he clearly struggled with it - I can tell. The writing is a bit off and sloppy in places. Far too much exposition and explaining, not enough showing - which means the writer ran into a few brick walls.
I should prepare myself for a two year wait
What? So, 1) we do have another Dresden novel coming, good to know - was thinking this was the finale. And 2) why two years??? Is he that blocked? Or is he busy with that horrid Fury series he's working on?
no subject
Date: 2011-08-01 11:08 pm (UTC)But he said at his Q&A (at my lj, I put some notes & photos I took there - no spoilers) that he plans on 20 Dresden novels, and he'd always planned on the 13th being where Harry has to solve his own murder. I actually piped up in the Q&A complaining about limiting it to 20, but he said every story needs an ending otherwise you end up with the last season of X-files (ie a sloppy mess).
I hope it isn't a spoiler that there will be another book!
no subject
Date: 2011-08-02 03:06 am (UTC)So true. So very, very true. It's best to end a story neatly and move on. But it is VERY difficult to do this in TV. Novels are actually easier.
Another example Janet Evanovich - she kept going and just recycling the same plots over and over again.
Eh...no one takes as long as George RR Martin. Neil Gaiman's famous post about the writer is not your bitch - was in response to a fan who was quite upset that Martin was taking seven years to write the next book to the Song of Ice and Fire Series. And Martin's books unlike Butcher's often end on cliff-hangers.
I hope it isn't a spoiler that there will be another book!
Well, yes and no. He could still be a ghost in the next book. I sincerely hope not. I don't think I can read five books about Harry the intangible spirit. About as annoying as Spike the intangible spirit in S5 Angel. This trope only works for so long, before it becomes grating.
Or they could continue the series with Harry's sidekicks...there's various possibilities.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-02 03:31 am (UTC)I hope you'll post when you finish so we can discuss what worked and what didn't....
I'm rereading it because I felt there were actually some things I missed in all the excitement.
And you (and Neil Gaiman) are right: the author has to decide what he wants to do next, and then it takes as long as it takes... Did you notice that he kind of failed to apologize in his forward because he couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't do it again? LOL
I really am a fan.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-02 04:44 pm (UTC)Eh. I'm of two minds regarding that. First off? This is the writer's JOB. He's provided a deadline.
He's gotten an advance. And the company who has the contract with him and gotten that deadline, has put advertising and marketing in place. It's one thing if you haven't sold the second book yet, don't have an advance, and haven't promised anything - no marketing dollars in place, no expectation (such as one gal on my flist who has a two-book option deal but is taking forever to get the second book written. To date the publisher hasn't expended any funds...if she never delivers...no big deal. No one
cares. But in the case of say Neil Gaiman, Jim Butcher or Martin - where actuall promises have been made, and an exchange in funds??? Then yeah, if I were their publisher? I'd make certain there was something in their contract...regarding that issue. Because publishers have been known to suffer huge losses based on writers who promised a product and didn't deliver. It's a business after all. It is supposed to be hard WORK.
That said? There are some things that you shouldn't rush - because they look well rushed. But, when I took creative writing in school and there was a deadline to turn in a story - I remember working an entire weekend, with a 105 degree fever in the computer room to hash it out. I turned it in Monday. Then checked myself into the health center and slept. The teacher, a professional writer, expected nothing less. You meet your deadlines. No excuses. That story? The best one I ever wrote - won a prize for it and everything. So imposed deadlines make writers perform well. Otherwise they pitter about on the internet.
So while the writer isn't necessarily the fan's bitch...(although fan's have a funky habit of losing interest and finding another writer to fawn over, I know I do.) He/She is at the mercy of whomever is paying to publish and/or market/sell his/her work. If he/she hates that? There's always self-publishing. Or blogging.
Did you notice that he kind of failed to apologize in his forward because he couldn't guarantee that he wouldn't do it again?
There's a forward??? Didn't notice it. Of course I have it on The Kindle...so that may explain it?
It was only 3-6 months, no big. Like I said, Martin made his publisher and fans wait 7 years.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-02 11:09 pm (UTC)However I'm guessing that after turning in 12 books on time you get a little lee way for having the 13th be late (at least Butcher only said that they were 'disappointed' w/him in his Q&A...). And as you say, it was only a few months late, not years!
no subject
Date: 2011-08-03 12:11 pm (UTC)No...the writers I'd kick if I were a publisher are Martin (although Martin also published various other books while writing that seventh novel), and in comic book land - Whedon (although comic book land is a different universe altogether with quite different rules -- so never mind.)
no subject
Date: 2011-08-01 07:16 pm (UTC)I agree this week's ep wasn't as funny as last week's. I don't miss sarcastic Eric, because I know he'll be back at season's end, so I'm making the most of Amnesia Eric while I can. Am very impressed by how AS manages to make him so soppy when he is, as you note, so tall and has these great big fangs.
I hope Pam doesn't kill Tara. I also hope vice versa. I hate what's happened to Pam, and miss sarcastic Eric most in relation to her.
Re: The Wire. Were you upset by what happened to Bodie? I was.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-01 08:05 pm (UTC)Re: The Wire. Were you upset by what happened to Bodie? I was.
Very much so. No tears. But I was upset. I knew they had to do something to push McNulty back into Major Crimes. So wasn't surprised by it. But it is painful and McNulty's arc in S5 is also painful.
Ugh. I hate Marlo, Chris and Snoop - and fear they'll never get it.
Agree...I know sarcastic Eric will be back...and only miss him to a degree in relation to Bill. Although Bill and Amensia Eric was sort of fun.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-02 04:37 pm (UTC)It was. Even Bill was sort of charmed. I know he was.
no subject
Date: 2011-08-02 07:08 pm (UTC)He was completely charmed. Woobie!Eric is what Bill wishes he could be. Remember Bill states to Portia in the first or second episode of the Season, that only someone who is completely innocent and pure of heart - can truly fall in love and love. That's Woobie/Amensia!Eric. LOL!
no subject
Date: 2011-08-01 11:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-08-02 03:08 am (UTC)Very sad. In some respects S4 makes S1-3 seem tame in comparison.