Every Character is the Star of Their Show

Got a sidekick? I don't mean in real life! (although maybe you do. If so, I hope you also have a kickass soundtrack.) Writing secondary characters with depth and voice is often what separates a good story from a great one, and I have an example for you from a movie! (spoilers ahead) In The Life … Continue reading Every Character is the Star of Their Show

Superman Thoughts

I didn't know I had such strong opinions about Superman until we watched Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut this weekend. I'm not a comic book person. If you'd asked me two days ago which superhero I identified and cared most about, I probably wouldn't have picked Superman. But, I should have. When this movie … Continue reading Superman Thoughts

Compassionate Men in Media

I watched The Devil Wears Prada last week while my husband was on a business trip. As an escape. As something fun. But...I was furious by the end. Why was this intelligent, hard-working woman being pressured by her boyfriend to give less than her best to a job? What did he offer her other than … Continue reading Compassionate Men in Media

Marion Ravenwood

Part Three of my Patreon series on Raiders of the Lost Ark... I have to be honest. I crush on Marion just as much as Indy. They are both joys, but Marion is a subtle character profile compared to the rugged, determined, and focused leading Jones. You have to watch her. We first meet her … Continue reading Marion Ravenwood

Indiana Jones: Part Two

Continuing the series from my Patreon, here's Part Two. (A nod to Chuck Wendig's book Damn Fine Story for the but/therefore concept.) When I start a story, a scene, a whatever - I have to think about what's going to happen. Character Y wants something, BUT there's interference, and THEREFORE she has to deal with … Continue reading Indiana Jones: Part Two

Indiana Jones: Part One

We didn't own Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, and I found myself weekly wishing we did. Wishing to hear the music, see the sweaty faces and dirty khaki, and to dissect the tight writing. So, I bought it for like $6. Less than a movie ticket! I started out noticing … Continue reading Indiana Jones: Part One