This mini-series (or rather, brief duet of posts – Part One is here) had its inspiration in a post back in April in which I suggested using the idea of blocking a stage production as a way of approaching outlining a book project. A few people indicated an interest in me pursuing this idea further, …
Film and Theatre Meet Writing: Part TWO, Thinking Like a Director Read More »
As I mentioned in last Monday’s post, today and on the 18th I will be taking a look at what writers can learn from film and theatre actors and directors in terms of crafting and presenting a story. Today we’re mainly looking at characters and characterization. I had hoped to also cover setting – or …
Film and Theatre meet Writing: Part One, Characters Read More »
When I got my first DVD player, I’m embarrassed to admit I hooked it up incorrectly. I could watch DVDs, but couldn’t access the extras. I just lived with that, and even when I finally got my wires uncrossed, I rarely even thought about the extras since I was so used to not seeing them. …
Seeing Through Film — Starting to Think Like a Director Read More »
It’s probably no surprise at all to readers who know me even slightly through this blog or my previous blog that I love musicals. The Sound of Music. Camelot. My Fair Lady. Annie Get Your Gun. The Music Man. Mame. Fiddler on the Roof. I also love a middle-grade novel called The Great American Mousical, …
Just before I get into the subject at hand, I want to let you know that my blog is being critiqued today by Laura of Laura B. Writer. (Thanks, Laura!) Pop over there and see what she has to say about By Word of Beth, leave a comment if there’s something you’d like to praise …
Have you read the picture book The Library by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by her husband, David Small? From the moment I saw the cover illustration, I knew I would love the book. I couldn’t resist that depiction of a young woman coming home from the library, her nose in a book and pulling a wagonload …
My Dad loved to tell a story about my cousin who, when he was in first grade, came downstairs one morning, set a copy of Black Beauty on the corner of the kitchen table, and said, “Nobody move that. We’re learning to read today and I’m going to read it when I get home.” Family …
Something writer, actor, arts advocate, literacy advocate Julie Andrews stresses, no matter who she’s talking to — aspiring writers, young people wanting to become involved in the arts, whoever — is that one must do one’s homework, be fully prepared, and be ready to recognize and seize opportunities when they come along. I find it …