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Talking memories with Connie
Recently, I returned home from visiting my mom, Concepcion Santos or Connie to her family and friends. At age 86, she is fragile yes, and a little forgetful, but still funny and full of memories. Sitting in her room or taking a drive, we talked about those memories. She talked about how her and my…
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When you say, ‘Damn I wish I would have written that’
While preparing to take my morning walk before I hit the computer, I switched on TV and “Michael Clayton” was playing. As a writer I always proclaim, “Damn, I wish I would have written that.” Beautifully penned by Tony Gilroy, the film is one of my favorites and in my collection. As I walked, I thought…
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Bad endings wipe out a good story everytime
You’ve probably heard this before as writers, but it is so true–namely, a bad ending can ruin what you created. Bad endings can trash what came before. Here’s an example. I recently watched a film called “Skyline.” Another one of those bad aliens come to conquer earth type of stories. The premise was good, that…
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Need research books? Head to your local thrift store
I’m starting a new book and I’m in the middle of research. The floor in my office is already covered with library books, but they will have to be returned sooner or later (Or I pay a fine). However, I discovered the coolest places to find books for research — local thrift stores. They have shelves of books! All…
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Finding story ideas everywhere
Recently, I had lunch with my writing friend and her son and I was telling him about some of my writing projects. My friend laughed and said that no matter where we go, I always come back with stories. It is incredibly, irritatingly true. I collect story ideas like people collect plates, stamps or dolls. And it…
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Yes, Dead Poets Society still has something to say
This self-proclaimed movie nerd has an admission. I had never seen Dead Poets Society until this week. Lo and very much behold, it was a very good film–aside from Robin Williams doing his schtick every now and then. People may consider this another coming of age movie, where William’s teacher character encourages his young students to find their passion…
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Well worth the money and time…
This workshop was so good that I took it twice. Lance Thompson’s Screenplay Story Structure Workshop May 14 and 15 (Saturday & Sunday) 2011. 9:00 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. Boise, Idaho Nothing is more fundamental to a successful screenplay than sound story structure, yet nothing is more misunderstood. The three-act structure is as…
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Watching Water for Elephants – between book and movie
Our weekend movie was Water for Elephants based on the book by Sara Gruen and starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Hal Holbrook and the wonderful Christoph Waltz. My husband, usually a very tough critic, liked the movie. Our friends had a split decision. She didn’t like it much, but her husband did. As the credits rolled and…
