“From the start — even before a young man I can now hardly comprehend started writing ‘The Long Walk’ in his college dormitory room — I felt that the best fiction was both propulsive and assaultive,” Stephen King writes in a chatty afterword to “Full Dark, No Stars,” his new collection of longish stories. “It gets in your face.” As if we didn’t know.

Please feel free to LINK back to this page / site from your own website to share the love and share the writing information!

Cheers 

Brian M

www.ThatAction.Guy.com

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Talk to anyone fairly high up in the publishing world and chances are they will tell you piracy is killing the business and driving down revenue. But you have to ask what evidence they have for such statements? Downloads do not directly correlate to lost sales and may actually increase them if this example gets repeated.

Artist Steve Lieber probably agreed with the publishing industry a few days ago, but now he sings a different tune. The Underground graphic novel he illustrated for Image Comics was scanned and uploaded to 4chan in its entirety a few days ago. Rather than getting upset Steve joined in the conversation about his comic and offered to answer questions about it. Here’s the important part of the post he made on the 4chan thread:

As for putting all the pages up here. What can I say? I get that this is how things go, and I’m trying to live in the same decade as everyone else. If nothing else, I’m flattered someone thought enough of the book to take the time to scan and post it.

Anyway, that’s that. If anyone has any questions about the book, post them here or ask me on twitter @steve_lieber

Steve describes the discussion that followed as “genuinely fascinating” but what he didn’t expect was the bump it gave to the sales of the novel. Here’s the image he posted showing exactly how engaging with the 4chan community can have a positive impact on your sales and therefore your income.

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE HERE:

Cheers!

Brian M

ThatActionGuy.com

Any writer who has ever dreamed of getting a book on the New York Times Best Seller List but didn’t have a major New York publishing house behind them, now is your chance!

All that’s left to do is that little matter of writing a great book and working out how to electronically market the hell out of it!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/11/books/11list.html?_r=2&ref=books

Cheers!

Brian M

ThatActionGuy.com

Enjoy

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=pe_105070_17497730_pe_greet/?docId=1000629121

Cheers!

Brian M

ThatActionGuy.com

(follow the link for the full list, it’s well worth it!):

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Finding an Epublisher and Checking Reputations (SAMPLE):

• Mary Wolf’s Guide to Electronic Publishers provides links to many epublishers.
• Another big list of epublishers from Lida Quillen.
• From author David Carnoy, a roundup of electronic self-publishing options, plus some advice.

General Resources (SAMPLE):

• A FAQ on ebook reading software and devices, from Fictionwise.
• TeleRead: news and views on ebooks and the ebook market. Be sure to check out the informative blog, especially the ebook primer, a guide for ebook novices.
• The eBook Community is a Yahoo group for the discussion of ebooks and the ebook industry.

Please feel free to LINK back to this page / site from your own website to share the love and share the writing information!

Cheers 

Brian M

www.ThatActionGuy.com

To read the rest please click HERE:

Cheers!

Brian M

ThatActionGuy.com

1. Go Into The Story: UNC-Chapel Hill and UCLA screenwriting professor Scott Myers updates several times a day with wonderfully diverse material suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
2. johnaugust.com: Any screenwriter looking for handy advice should read — if not submit to — the regular Q&As featured here. In addition to everything else, of course.
3. Complications Ensue: Screenwriting involves television programs and films, and this blog has been providing valuable advice on both paths since 2004.
4. The Thinking Writer: Stay on top of the latest conversations on the screenwriting industry and read over some nice insights into the creative process.
5. …by Ken Levine: This Emmy Award-winner thoughtfully dissects television and film with humor and more than a few great writing lessons.
6. Screamwriter: Aspirant screenwriters frustrated with the steady stream of rejections and minimal leads can certainly relate to the harrowing process of getting produced. Be sure to read the reviews and analyses of television shows and films as well!
7. ThatActionGuy.com: hundreds of articles on screenwriting, novel writing, filmmaking etc from some of the best writers in the world.
8. Screenwriting from Iowa: Scott W. Smith philosophically peers into screenwriting and the creative process that goes into the craft.
9. Running With My Eyes Closed: Three screenwriters voice their opinions on television, film, digital media and, of course, their art!
10. Screenwriting Basics: As the title promises, Screenwriting Basics offers up a comprehensive overview of what to do and what to expect when it comes to the film and television industry.
11. Sex in a Sub: The self-deprecating, humorous and intelligent William Martell pulls from his screenwriting and festival juror experience to
12. Creative Screenwriting Magazine: Jeff Goldman, senior editor at Creative Screenwriting, posts alerts about his latest podcasts discussing the craft with some of the industry’s top performers.
13. Screenwriter’s Corner: With podcasts, videos, articles reviews and more, Syd Field’s Screenwriter’s Corner blog has plenty to pique the interest of the pre-pro.
14. Marilyn’s Movie Candy: Visit this eclectic blog for some amazing tips and tricks on penning a rocking screenplay and stimulating the creative glands.
15. Just Effing Entertain Me.: Advertising itself as “for the passionate screenwriter,” consider this utterly engaging and valuable site a must-bookmark.
16. Script: Script magazine presents the latest news, views, people and trends shaping the screenwriting scene today.
17. Shouting into the Wind: One of the most detailed screenwriting blogs around, Shouting into the Wind provides plenty of great articles on a number of relevant subjects.
18. Bamboo Killers Emily Blake wants to break into screenwriting and production, and her experiences along the way make for some excellent lessons for anyone else hoping to pitch and sell their scripts.
19. Scriptshadow: Carefully read over the reviews of screenplays both obscure and well-known for some amazing tips on what to do and what to avoid.
20. Amanda the Aspiring Writer: A professional reader who hopes to someday write a screenplay of her own shares her thoughts on the different trends she routinely observes.
21. Screenwriting Tips…You Hack: Get daily pointers on how to write screenplays that aren’t entirely awful.

Filmmaking

1. Edgar Wright: Fans of Edgar Wright’s kinetic, humorous films can turn to his blog and learn all about his creative process.
2. Sheri Candler: This marketing and advertising professional specializes in helping independent filmmakers spread the word about their latest projects.
3. The New Adventures of Mr Stephen Fry: The beloved writer and performer and writers weighs in on his latest projects and oh-so-much more, granting readers some insight into how he approaches his projects.
4. Kid Sis in Hollywood: For independent filmmakers, most especially those who work in the thriller and horror genres, the president and CEO of Shero Media (who also writes, produces and directs) offers an incredibly handy resource.
5. Pulp 2.0: Another great blog largely targeting creative types with a passion for the cult and the pulpy.
6. Ricky Gervais…Obviously: Take a peek inside the acclaimed comedian’s head for insight into how successful movies and TV shows get made.
7. indieWIRE Blogs: Get perspectives from across the independent filmmaking scene through these exceptionally useful blogs courtesy of indieWIRE and Snag Films.
8. News: The Filmmaker Magazine Blog: Filmmaker Magazine is an essential resource for anyone desiring to shoot a short or a feature-length project.
9. The Art of the Title Sequence: Read some seriously cool interviews and analyses by filmmakers who delve into the details of their memorable and artistic title sequences.
10. Directors Notes: Independent and world cinema share the spotlight here as an eclectic selection of filmmakers provide perspectives on their chosen art.
11. Lights Film School: Between its technical and creative advice, interviews, equipment reviews, tutorials and competitions, Lights Film School makes for an essential read for the beginner moviemaker.
12. Blogs at Filmmaking Central: Read up on the latest product reviews and events of interest to both novice and seasoned filmmakers — and be sure to stop by the rest of the website as well!
13. Editor’s Blog at Fest21.com: Follow the latest filmmakers making splashes at festivals worldwide and their strategies for artistic success.
14. Film Directing and Film Making Tips for the Independent Filmmaker: Film Consultant Peter D. provides anyone aspiring to work in any aspect of moviemaking with sound advice.
15. Deb Patz’s F.I.L.M. Blog: Get tips on landing a job in the film and television industry from the author of Film Production Management 101.
16. All About Film School: Learn how to succeed both in and out of film school with this straightforward resource.
17. SynapticLight: Filmmaking and social media have begun blending together within the past decade, and this blog looks at how they inextricably intertwine.
18. Independent Lens: PBS provides an amazing forum for independent filmmakers to showcase their works and the creativity and labor that went into producing them.
19. Hope for Film: Award-winning producer Ted Hope weighs in on the professional, social, creative and political issues that impact filmmakers today.
20. 1001 Positively True Stories of a Writer/Director: Nearly every corner of filmmaking gets covered on Angelo Bell’s essential blog for the independent creator, so be sure to give him a bookmark!

Film/Television News and Reviews

1. CHUD.com: Members of the Cinematic Happenings Under Development community voice their opinions on all things related to movies and television. Be sure to read beyond the blogs as well!
2. Film Threat: Film Threat keeps readers updated on the latest movie and television news, with interviews, reviews, film festival overviews and much more.
3. /Film: Considered one of the best resources for all things related to the cinematic arts, /Film hosts plenty to keep moviemakers and their audiences interested.
4. GreenCine Daily: GreenCine mail-based rental service also offers a lovely film studies and commentary blog covering every genre imaginable.
5. IFC Now: The Independent Film Channel’s official blog may not update often, but be sure to visit the website as well as the archives for everything related to the movie scene outside of Hollywood.
6. Cinematical: Even Moviefone has gotten itself into the film blogging scene, keeping its news and reviews accessible to most audiences.
7. Pajiba: Pajiba’s unapologetic approach to reviewing stirs up some (comparatively) long, vibrant conversations in their comments sections!
8. Videogum: This extremely enjoyable blog also looks at viral videos and web series in addition to the usual films and TV programs.
9. Television Without Pity: Television Without Pity certainly delivers on the premise of its title, offering no-holds-barred insight into the best and worst of the small screen — in addition to news, interviews and musings on the medium as well.
10. Bright Lights After Dark: Stop by the Bright Lights Film Journal‘s official blog for razor-sharp insights and critiques of today’s film and television scene.
11. Film Blog at The Guardian: All of the contributors here at the oh-so-imaginatively titled Film Blog cover an interesting and eclectic mix of news, critiques, reviews, interviews and events from independent and mainstream sources worldwide. The Guardian also keeps the TV & Radio Blog as well.
12. Women and Hollywood: Save for actresses conforming to very strict, very arbitrary standards of beauty, the contributions of women in Hollywood go almost entirely ignored. Melissa Silverstein hopes to change that using her strong feminist voice.
13. Cartoon Brew: Explore the wonderful and oft-overlooked world of animation with Cartoon Brew’s fantastic selection of videos, commentary, news and insights.
14. The A.V. Club: Although a general pop culture resource, The A.V. Club plays host to some of the Internet’s sharpest interviewers, reviews and media insights. Everyone wanting to enter into film or television should archive binge their extensive offerings.
15. Ain’t It Cool News: The steady stream of DVD, movie, television and comic book news can get extremely overwhelming after a while, but this blog remains one of the most trusted and popular around.
16. UGO: Hit up UGO for the latest news and reviews from the movie, television and video game fronts, with almost all genres considered.
17. Category D: Dissect the media with an academic scalpel, courtesy of Temple University’s ever-insightful Chris Cagle.
18. Observations on film art: Aspirant screenwriters wanting to focus on creating experimental or art films should read Kristin Thompson and David Bordwell’s detailed, intelligent opinions and observations.
19. Movie Morlocks: Contributors at Turner Classic Movies’ Movie Morlocks blog absolutely love delving into the most niche, obscure films they can find — but they don’t ignore the assets of the well-known ones!
20. Blogs at Movie City News: Keep track of Hollywood above and below the metaphorical “ground” through this impressively thorough resource.

Please LINK back to this page / site from your own website to share the love and share the writing information!

Cheers

Brian M

www.ThatActionGuy.com

Seriously, what the hell is wrong with people?

The success of this ‘film’ (and I use the word in the loosest possible context imaginable) is indicative of everything that’s wrong with modern American cinema (there’s a lot right with Hollywood too, mind you, but that’s a topic for another post).

If  Hollywood makes utter sh*t and YOU pay to see it. They will in turn make MORE SH*T.  And so it will go, forever and a day, circling around the u-bend of our culture and stinking the place up.

Forget a compelling narrative.

Forget powerful direction.

Forget riveting performances.

Because before too long cinema will be plagued by this sort of ‘filmmaking’ in the same way as the small screen is plagued with ‘Reality TV’.

So the next time you’re at a multi-plex and trying to work out which film to watch: pay to see something written by a screenwriter, not thrown together by a bunch of idiots.

Cheers

Brian M

www.ThatActionGuy.com

Plot diversions (or novelists indulgently going off on needless sub-plots just to make their novel longer) are a pet peeve of mine.

As many of you know, screenwriting has a rule of thumb whereby one page is equivalent to one minute of screen time. So every script has to be 90 – 120 pages (one and a half to two hours – it’s all about popcorn breaks in film-land). This is a great training ground for all novelists I believe, as to write screenplays well you have to strip all indulgence out of your prose (stage / screen direction) and stick to the spine of the story. This combined with the need to enter each scene as late as you can, and exit as quickly as you can, helps make a screenplay sing.

Overwriting is a mistake so many novelist make (something that is, if anything, more true of experienced novelists than of newbies). Just because a writer can indulge in a dozen sub-plots in a novel, doesn’t mean they SHOULD. Or that the story will be better because of it. A longer book is not necessarily a better book, no matter how ‘impressive’ it may look on a bookshelf in your house once it’s finished. In fact in my opinion, the opposite is usually true of most books. Give me an 80,000 word novel that has me turning pages at breakneck speed, than a 140,000 word novel that has me skimming pages to get back to main plot that made me buy the book in the first place.

If great prose can perhaps be described as ‘The ability to cause the maximum emotional response in the reader in the minimum words’, then sticking to the spine of the story when writing a novel is the key to help the writer attain that. A writer should ask themselves: if this book was a film, how long would my lead actor / actress be ‘off screen’ before the audience gets bored and fast forwards? Stick to the spine of the story is my two cents on the subject, and remember the ‘ribs’ are there to support the spine, not the other way around.

Also, coming into scenes (chapters) late and leaving early is the ideal way to keep the pacing of a novel up, so trim the fat at both ends for best results and serve at room temperature.  :)

Cheers!

Brian M Logan

ThatActionGuy.com

Stumble It!

Good article by TERRENCE RAFFERTY from the always excellent, NY Times.

Enjoy!

ThatActionGuy.com

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When the strange, arresting, thoroughly frightening novel called “Frankenstein” was published in London on New Year’s Day, 1818, there was no author named on the title page, and readers and reviewers, almost to a person, assumed the book had been written by a man. They were mistaken. The creator of “Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus” was Mary Shelley, who was the daughter of the radical political thinker William Godwin (to whom it was dedicated) and the feminist Mary Wollstonecraft, and the wife of the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley — and who, when she finished the novel, a few months shy of her 20th birthday, became the mother of horror.

TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN FULL CLICK HERE

Cheers!
Brian M Logan
ThatActionGuy.com
EMAIL ME HERE