First blog

Okay, this is my first blog. First thing, I need a better picture. My other choices are dressed up for my town's Halloween parade or for Philcon. Dancing with the Stars? Star Trek? Evil Fairy?

Writing--I find that watching television can help with writing--the screen amplifies bad writing, and occasionally good. Right now I'm watching the movie "Lady in the Lake", it's a Philip Marlow mystery. It was mentioned in last week's episode of NCSI and is playing this week on TCM. What is interesting about this movie is how it's filmed. The camera acts as Marlowe, showing only what Marlowe see. The detective is visible only when he (the camera) looks at a mirror. This reminds me of writing in the second person--you. Reading a book written in second person can be unsettling. Watch "Lady in the Lake" and see what I mean. The actors talk directly to the audience, Marlowe speaks unseen for us--the you, second person. We watch Marlowe's hands pick up objects as if they are ours. Another character slaps at the camera, us. (sorry no 3 D glasses). The movie is good but I find the format jarring and occasionally getting in the way of the story. This is why they (other writers, teachers, your friends, etc.) tell you to write in third or first person. Second is for a genius to try.