Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Sunday, February 26, 2012

A Hollywood Inspiration or Two














Spam belongs in a can and certainly not on my blog, your blog, or anywhere else. However, given that the current word verification on Blogger has become so darn hard to see, I'm taking a chance and removing it. If all goes well, Critter Alley will remain WV free. 

Meanwhile, like many of you, tonight I've been watching the Academy Awards. It's an ultra-glam event and a lot of fun to see even if I haven't viewed most of the movies. I have, however, read many of the books.

That's right, books. It's amazing how many films come into being as a result of a book or short story. This year's nominees from various categories are "picture-perfect" examples...

The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs (Short story) by George Moore
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John LaCarre

Tales that get noticed by Hollywood may not necessarily be the best example of writing in the technical sense. But they must be compelling. The kind of stories that draw people in and keep them up at night because they can't wait to see what happens next. It's all about being a good storyteller. And that skill, my friends, is truly what makes a writer someone that Hollywood races to snatch up like a flower in spring.

Good stories can bring the world inspiration, thought provoking ideas, and entertainment. If you can't see the movie, do yourself a favor and put the above tales on your reading list. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

And whether your story makes it to Hollywood or not, I hope the power of your words will transport readers to another place and another time...giving them a mini-vacation of the mind.

How awesome is that?




















Shhhh, Mom. Enough already. I'm trying to read.

18 comments:

Two French Bulldogs said...

We did the same, let's keep our paws crossed
Benny & Lily

Winston said...

I read the Help (loved it) and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is next on my list. I will add the others, thanks!
Shawn

bichonpawz said...

Totally loved The Help!! Sure wish it had won Best Picture...I believe it should have!!

haopee said...

Some books are simply amazing. I've had a couple of them read myself. Some of which have been real page turners, like the ones by Iris Johansen or even Robin Cook.

I didn't watch Academy Awards Night. But I can't wait to see The Help.

They say it's pretty good.

Huggies and Cheese,

Haopee

Linda O'Connell said...

I love a book that I can't put down.

Sketching with Dogs said...

We did the same thing with the WV, sometimes I have to try about 4 times before I get it right!
I loved reading the help and can't wait to see the film.
Lynne x

Lassiter Chase and Benjamin said...

SPAM in a can -- yummy!

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

I hope that you have no SPAM troubles. I have Not had any difficulties in all the time I have had mine off. THANKS fur giving it a try.

Mariodacat said...

My blog has been getting lots of spam since we took off the word verification thing. I'm about ready to put it back on.

Helen P. said...

What is up with the new word verification?? I moderate comments that are older than a day. Haven't gotten any spam yet, but I'm waiting!

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

So glad about the WV... I often wonder if blogs get spammed...Mine hasn't.

Debbie said...

We are also wv free now...and we love spam, lol

Lynn said...

Yes, I had to turn off that thing too and have gotten a little spam, but it actually goes into the spam area and not on my blog! That's good news. Yes, love a good story!

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

With few exceptions, books are always better than the movies they spawn; but sometimes the movies are great, too. :)

Oh, I'm so glad you're removing that verification thing. I can't read the darn things either. I took the word verification off my comments last April and have only had one bit of spam sneak through. Google catches 99.9%.

Camille said...

That's such a funny photo of your pup reading "The Help!" Makes me laugh. I didn't realize so many of these movies were based on books. Loved the movie "The Help" but I definitely have to read it, too. I miss my Saturday Writers :(

Tammy said...

I knew that dog was talented. Looks like he has good taste in books, too.

reviews said...

the help is really a very nice read=)

Donna Volkenannt said...

I loved "The Help." Just finished reading "The Healing" by another Mississippi writer. It's a lovely work of Southern fiction about midwives and the power of healing of mind and body.
Donna