Book Review: Organic Screenwriting: Writing for film, Naturally

Organic Screenwriting: Writing for film, Naturally by: Mark David Gerson is a free-flowing stream of consciousness and information unlike anything else I’ve seen in other books on screenwriting. Gerson takes his readers on an engaging and almost meditative journey in his approach to writing a movie.

Ideas aren’t so much conceived as they are revealed to authors. Everything from characters to plot intricacies can easily be made available but first, the storyteller must be willing to bend to the forces of the ever elusive and fluidly moving “muse stream”. Antiquated rules about what one should and should not do while composing a creative work are all but an enemy to the very creative energy a writer is trying to channel.

In an inspired line that I plan to quote often, the author states honestly “You’re a storyteller, not an engineer.”

Mark David Gerson proudly admits that he’s relatively new to the screenwriting process but, is a highly accomplished fantasy novelist and writing coach. Despite its title, this particular book has valuable lessons in it for all writers – not just those working on movies. New writers will likely develop a deeper appreciation of the importance (and inherent freedom) of getting all ideas out in the open before even giving the remotest of considerations to the editing process.

Scarlett Flame's "Bound for Passion" Blog Tour:

Editor’s note: In the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, I thought it only fitting to reach out to one of the many romance/erotica writers that have supported my podcast and blog to whip together a little something in fitting with the theme.

As luck would have it, Scarlett Flame (who last year wrote a massively popular piece for me on steampunk) is currently on the “Blog Tour” trail and asked if The Cutting Room Floor could be one of her stops. I’d never hosted such a stop so of course I was more than happy to help. Below, you’ll find some thoughts on her anthology “Bound for Passion”. I’ve also included some additional information as to where you can buy the book and even read some reviews. Also look for a live interview with the author herself on my show in early March.

Scarlett, once again the floor is yours…
CJR

 

 

What the book is about:

The debut novel is composed partially of stories that were published initially on my blog over the last six months or so, and a new story created especially for the book. Individually these stories are hot, but together they are sizzling.

When Vivienne sits inconsolable in the hospital chapel, the last encounter she expects is a fervent entanglement with an otherworldly being, as passions increase she learns for the first time in her life the true meaning of out of this world. In the second, Sarah meets a new lover after telling him all her intimate fantasies in an internet chat room. And, the final story concerns the journey a young woman takes, as a Dominant offers to show her the ropes, in exchange for her submission via BDSM.

Here is a link for a short excerpt from The Stranger which is the first story in the book, read by myself on audioboo.

Cover art & graphics:

The cover of the book is from a painting by an artist friend of mine that is based in Cork, Ireland. His name is Alan Hurley. I have had only fabulously positive comments about the cover and hope to use Alan again in future. The picture is also available to buy as a print from his gallery. Alan has some absolutely beautiful paintings please visit his page and choose some for yourself.

 

I have two signed prints gracing my living room walls, an original watercolour taken from my avi photograph on Twitter and this hangs in pride of place on my bedroom wall.

Alan also has a Blog here so please visit him here and see how his work progresses from an outline drawing to a full blown picture

The graphics were supplied by another good friend of mine, who is also an author Jon Fletcher who I did an interview for last year about my next book and a current WIP. Jon writes Science fiction and I believe I own ALL of his books. Check out Jon's blog and his author page to see more.

The blog tour:

In celebration and to let the public know about my new book there are a series of blogs being hosted by a number of bloggers across the world. Here they are and the dates they will be hosted:

Commencing on 5th of February via John Satisfy

6th of February via Karena Marie

7th February via Shaun Allan

8th February via Seumas Gallacher

9th of February via Suzy Ayers

10th of February via Taylor Fulks

11th of February via Casey Ryan

12th of February via Skelat

13th of February via Francis Potts

and finally but not least on Valentine's Day

14th of February via AfterDark Online

Reviews and other Links:

Reviews

Author's page on Amazon

Follow Scarlett on Twitter

Keep up with Scarlett on Facebook

Author's page on Goodreads

The Book promotion is set to run alongside offers and promotions on Goodreads and Facebook with 4 copies of the book available to win on Goodreads through their giveaway deal.

A Grave Call: By guest: Leslie A. Borghini

Editor’s Note:

Today actually being Halloween, I thought it would be fun to share a good old fashioned ghost story which today’s guest author assures me is based on actual events that happened to her.

I met Leslie A. Borghini aka "The Angel of Horror" by way of a referral from mutual friend (and CRF guest) C.K. Webb. In addition to the post you’re about to read, Leslie has also agreed to be a guest on my show to discuss her novel “Angel Heat”. Be on the lookout for that interview a little later this winter.

Leslie, the floor is yours…

CJR

A Grave Call:  

I see dead people, they see me, and sometimes we talk. This is an account of one of those times. The names have been changed to protect the privacy of the living and to respect those that have passed on.

July 23, 2012:  

I had run some errands and stopped at the grocery store. When I arrived home, I was in a hurry to put the frozen food away. I noticed the phone message light was blinking, but I was sweating and wanted to take a shower. The message could wait. If it was important, they would have called my cell.

In the shower, something kept nagging me to listen to the message. It became so hard to dismiss that I got out of the shower and grabbed the phone. I hit the playback button. There was an eerie dead silence followed by a sound I could only compare to the noise I heard when I put a seashell up to my ear. I was cold, dripping wet, and kicking myself for bothering. Then the static started. Not a little static, but a thunderous static that forced me to jerk the phone from my ear. It softened slightly, and I heard an elderly male voice.

“Johnny, it’s me. I’m trying to leave, and I can’t get my ticket. Please call me back. I need my ticket. Thanks, I love you son.”

I thought I should call him and let him know he had dialed the wrong number. This poor old man was probably stuck at some airport and missed his flight, so I checked the caller ID and hit redial. After a few rings, an older woman answered.

“Hello.”

“Hi, my name is Leslie. I just listened to my answering machine, and I think someone may have dialed my number by mistake. An elderly gentleman left a message. He’s trying to call his son. He can’t get his ticket. I just wanted to make sure the message gets to the right person.”

After a substantial pause the woman said, “How did you get this number?”

I explained, “I called the number on my caller ID.”

“You must have dialed the wrong number.” The woman sounded worried.

“I hit redial, but I apologize for bothering you. There must be a glitch with the phone. I was concerned for the old man. Thank you, anyway. Goodbye.”

As I was about to hang up, I heard her yell, “Wait, please!”

“Yes?”

The woman’s voice sounded nervous. “What did the message say, exactly? Please, tell me.”

“Are you alright?” I thought I had somehow freaked out the old lady.

“I’m not sure. What did the man say? Please, it’s important.”

I related the message verbatim. I heard a clang as she dropped the phone. I yelled, “Are you alright, ma’am? Are you there? Lady, answer me!”  Shit! Now I had caused this woman to have a heart attack. After a few seconds, I could hear her picking up the phone.

Crying, the woman said, “I’m sorry. This is such a shock to me.”

“Is he your husband, ma’am? Do you have a son named Johnny?”

“Please, call me Julie.”

“Okay, Julie, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No, you didn’t. Well, I guess you did, but that’s alright. It’s just that my husband has been dead for two weeks, and our son is named Johnny.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss. Please don’t think I’m a crackpot. I really did get the message on my answering machine.”

“No, dear, I believe you. Are you a psychic?”

I explained that I had certain gifts, but this was only the second time I had received a phone call from beyond the grave.

She found solace telling me about her wonderful marriage. We were on the phone for almost an hour because I didn’t have the heart to stop her. We exchanged goodbyes, and she asked me to please call her if her husband John called again.

“I will,” I agreed, not thinking it would happen.

July 25, 2012: 

While I was preparing dinner, the phone rang. I answered it. There was silence followed by the sound of rushing air and then blaring static. I knew who it was.

“Hello, John, is that you?”

“Yes.”

“I talked to Julie. She misses you.”

“You have to tell Johnny it wasn’t his fault. It’s not his time. He can’t come yet. Tell him I love him, and we will dig for treasure again, but not now.”

The line went dead. I looked at the caller ID. It was the same number as before. I hit redial.

I didn’t even let her speak when she picked up the phone. “Julie, your husband just called.”

“What? Leslie, is that you?”

“Yes, listen, he said you have to tell Johnny it wasn’t his fault. He said it’s not his time and that he loves him. They will dig for treasure again. Does this make sense to you?”

“Yes, it does. When Johnny was a young child, his father would take him on treasure hunts in the woods. Oh, my God, Leslie, it really is John! Two weeks ago, they had a huge fight, and Johnny stormed out of the house. That night, my husband died of a massive heart attack. Johnny blames himself. He has been very depressed and talked to his wife about suicide. She called me, hysterical. I got on the phone with him and tried to convince him that his dad had a bad heart, and it wasn’t his fault. But he kept insisting he killed his dad.”

“How is Johnny now?”

“His wife Mary and I had him hospitalized for seventy-two hours. They sent him home with a lot of anti-depressants. They said he was no longer a threat to himself, but he’s still very depressed. He took a leave of absence from his job and stays at home.”

“You must call him and tell him what his father said.”

“Leslie, I can’t thank you enough. I’ll call him right now. Can I call you after I get off the phone with Johnny?”

“Yes, of course.”

After a while, Julie called.

“Oh Leslie, he was so relieved that he didn’t kill his father, he cried like a baby. The part about digging for treasure was the key. He knew you were telling the truth. Only Johnny, his dad, and I knew about that. He never told Mary. He was so young when they did it, he’d forgotten all about it. I can’t thank you enough. You saved my son.”

“I didn’t do anything except relay a message. Your husband saved your son.”

We hung up with Julie shedding tears of joy.

July 25, 2012 (about 2 a.m.):

The phone rang.

My husband rolled over and said, “Who the hell is calling at this hour?”

I stumbled out of bed and answered the phone. “Hello.”

By the sound I heard on the other end, I knew it was John.

“Thank you.”

The line went dead. He had his ticket to leave. Rest in peace, John.

 

 

 

Author's main website:

Angel Heat for Kindle (Amazon):

 

Angel Heat on Barnes & Noble (Digital & Paperback):

 

Follow Leslie on Twitter:

 

What is copyright? By guest: Casey Sheridan

Editor's note:

Back in May, erotica author and friend Casey Sheridan and I experimented with a fun little "Casey Crossover" concept by drafting guest posts for each other's blogs and posting them on the same day. You can read Casey's post on the disappearance of sex scenes in the movies by clicking here.

The idea proved to be well received by both of our readerships so, it only made sense that the two of us work on a sequel. Knowing Casey, she's also probably giggling at the fact that I used the word "experimented".

A large part of what I do on my radio show is enablement and sharing best practices so, I was very happy when she told me she'd written a post to provide authors with some advice on copyright issues.

Once you're done, I invite you to hop over to Casey's blog to read my own piece on "chick flicks" that I actually enjoyed.

Casey, once again, the floor is yours...

CJR

I leaned in closer to my monitor and gasped as I stared wide-eyed at the screen. A rush of adrenaline coursed through me and turned into a knot that settled as an ache in the pit of my stomach.

“What is this? Why is this on here?” I whispered. I sat frozen, unable to think.

What do I do now? Who do I contact? These questions, and many others, scrambled through my head the first time I saw one of my books being offered as a free download on a site notorious for illegal free downloads of books and music. Dozens and dozens of books. And now one of those books was mine.

If you’ve never experienced copyright infringement, let me tell you, it’s not fun. I felt violated. It’s unnerving, it’s infuriating, it’s frustrating, and it’s misunderstood.

(Just so we're clear, I'm not a lawyer. If you need an in-depth discussion of copyright, I suggest you contact an attorney).

What is copyright? Generally speaking, copyright is a form of intellectual property law that legally protects original works of authorship and artistic works such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. As an author/writer copyright protects my writing, the contents of my books.

Now that I have a book/story written and finished, stored on my computer and/or printed out and sitting on my desk, when does the copyright take effect? Immediately. The moment I created my story, it was under copyright protection. It DOES need to be registered with the U. S. Copyright Office if I want to file a lawsuit against anyone for infringement, but registration is voluntary. Even so, I gained legal rights at the exact instant my story was created.

Okay, so my work is copyright protected, big deal, right? That doesn’t affect you, the reader. Or does it? Should you, the reader, care? I hope so. To quote Marilyn Byerly, “Protecting and respecting the author’s copyright is the right thing to do.

If an author doesn’t make money by selling books, she will probably stop writing, and you will have lost some great reads.

If the author doesn’t sell enough books because of ILLEGAL books, the publisher won’t buy the next book.”

“Stealing or misusing copyright is not a way to thank an author for giving you pleasure.” (A Reader’s Guide to Copyright blog post by Marilyn Byerly)

I don’t make a lot of money on my writing. I wish I did. Actually, I make very little. I’d love to quit my day job and spend the time writing and creating more stories, more books. Many other authors, musicians, etc., are in the same situation.

Now you’re probably asking, “Okay, Casey, you’ve cleared up what copyright is (sort of) and how illegal books can affect us all, but I’ve got an e-reader loaded with eBooks. Can I sell some of my used copies of copyrighted eBooks?”

As of now, the US Government, along with most other governments, says no. This falls under the “first sale doctrine”. To keep this post brief (ha!), and to keep you from falling asleep, I’m not going to discuss First Sale Doctrine. If you would like to learn more about it please click here.

Who owns my copyright? I do! I’m the author. Under copyright law the creator of the original work (book, story, song, etc.) is the author. So, I own my copyright unless I have a written agreement that assigns it to another person (or entity). In other words, my publisher doesn’t own the copyright to my story unless I sign an agreement that assigns it to them.

Offering my books for free, in part or as a whole, without my permission, is illegal. It’s a violation of my right as an author, a violation of my copyright. Many authors, including me, have free reads available. Stories that you don't have to pay for so you can get a taste of my writing. Reviews and excerpts from my books are also available.

There's plenty of excuses that digital thieves offer for what they do, but not one of those excuses is legitimate, nor are any of those excuses reasons for "stealing" an author's work.

What can you do if someone infringed your copyright? First, DON’T send them an angry email, calling them every name in the book, and demand they remove your work from their sight. Be professional. Let yourself calm down first. That’s not easy to do. Trust me.

Always check with your publisher before doing anything in case they are running some special somewhere that you aren’t up on because you were too lazy to read your email. Hopefully, they’ll be able to help if your work is being made available illegally. They may have a department that handles infringements. If not, they should be able to provide you with a sample Takedown Notice and provide you with any other tips or information you need to move on this.

If your self-published, you should be keeping excellent records on where your works are available, if there free, or need to be paid for. You’ll have to send a Takedown Notice to the site your infringed work appears on.

Samples of Takedown Notices are available at Romance Writers of America (if you’re a member), and, here, at EPIC.

You’ll have to provide the exact URL where the infringed work appears and follow the sites directions on how and where to send your request.

Above all, BE PROFESSIONAL.

That’s it for me. I know this was a very brief discussion of copyright; it’s a subject that could go on forever. I encourage you to read all of Marilyn Byerly’s blog posts on the subject and follow the links she provides. You can find her posts using this link.

She has an excellent post about what would happen to books, movies, music, and more, if copyright were to end. Her post is titled, The Death of Copyright.

You can also find more information here.

I’d like to thank Marilyn Byerly for giving me permission to quote her blog and for giving me so many links loaded with information.

And I’d like to thank Casey Ryan, my gracious host, for allowing me to take over his blog for the day. Casey is a wonderful supporter of Indie talent and I'm honored to be. Thanks Casey!

FYI: Blog posts are copyrighted too, but feel free to spread this one around, if it’s okay with Mr. Ryan.

(CJR: By all means – share away!)

Bio:

Casey Sheridan is the author of playful erotic fiction. Like most authors, she began writing when she was very young. Later in life she read her first piece of erotica and it was on a dare that she wrote her first erotic story.

Casey’s work has been published by Breathless Press and Cobblestone Press, and her short fiction has appeared on various erotic web­sites.


Casey's main website:
Casey's facebook page:
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Brass, Leather, and Ingenuity: A Steampunk primer by guest: Scarlett Flame

Editor’s Note:

One of the highlights of 2013 is definitely having met and worked with Manchester’s enigmatic and charismatic blogger and soon to be first time novelist, Scarlett Flame. Though her area of expertise is erotic stories, she also knows more than her fair share about pop-culture in general.

She’s also a bit of a Steampunk expert – a genre that I have an appreciation for but, know very little about. As such, I thought it would be fun to invite Scarlett to jot down a few thoughts about the wild celebration of vintage-yet-modern art, technology, and eye-candy that is Steampunk. As an added bonus, you’re also going to get a sneak peek into her upcoming novel.

Scarlett, the floor is yours...

CJR  

Brass, Leather, and Ingenuity: A Steampunk primer by guest: Scarlett Flame:

 

Hello everybody. My name is Scarlett Flame and I have been asked to write as a guest blogger for Casey. This is in order to let you know a little more about an interesting genre called Steampunk. Although Steampunk has actually been referred to as a sub-genre of fantasy and Sci Fi, and not a stand-alone genre itself!

Steampunk has been described as modern technology but, powered by steam. Try to think of computers powered by steam or even steam powered cars. This genre is usually set in the late Victorian, early Edwardian era. It often includes clockwork, automatons and fantasy. Within this umbrella there are books, music, clothing, jewellery and much, much more.

The term Steampunk was coined by Kevin Wayne Jeter commonly know as K. W. Jeter the author. He used the word in a letter sent to Locus Magazine In April 1987 as a way to describe a number of works published by Jeter and his friends. This described his retro technological and alternative history that Steampunk now embodies. Jeter wrote Morlock Night and Infernal Devices, Other works include a number of Bladerunner sequels and Star Wars books.

The first written works that are now considered to be Steampunk include the works of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells i.e. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Time Machine. Where we see many extraordinary machines such as the time machine itself, as featured in the book and films of the same name These epitomise this genre. My own writing is considered Steampunk but more of that later. There a number of new written works within this sub-genre such as Steampunk Rat A Boston Metaphysical Story by Madeleine Holly-Rosing , The Warlord of the Air by Michael Moorcock on up to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore.

The timeline for Steampunk is suggested as having arisen due to an alternative timeline occurring, whereby the Industrial Revolution resulted in steam being used as the main source of energy. Steampunk is increasingly becoming an ever more popular genre.

There are a number of films that can be described as being Steampunk including Wild Wild West from 1999 starring Will Smith, Mysterious Island (1961), Metropolis (1927) the Captain Nemo films and the Golden Compass (2007) to name but a few. All of these have elements of Steampunk evident. In them Wild Wild West has a major scene features a large spider like device that the villain uses to chase the main protagonists.

As for Steampunk music a number of artists have been classed as this. These include the likes of Thomas Dolby, Darcy James Argue, The Clockwork Caberet and my own particular favourite Abney Park. Abney Park named themselves after a famous London cemetery and began originally as a Goth band. My favourite track of theirs being Steampunk Revolution. They also market games and books under the Steampunk guise.

Clothing evocative of this genre is usually either late Victorian or early Edwardian, with the addition of cogs, brass, flywheels etc. Of course no outfit would be complete without some goggles. The colours used are commonly neutral colours such as brown, beige, black, gold and bronze -therefore earthy colours. Other popular accessories include parasols,top hats and tail coats. Victoriana and Steampunk have become synonymous.

Steampunk writing quite often includes automatons, dirigibles, fantasy, dragons, magic and the like. There is usually an antagonist of sorts and an array of minions possibly in the form of a Golum or robotic machine (think the spider in Wild Wild West!)

Currently there are a number of clubs and societies that follow Steampunk fashion and a number of annual events centred on this genre. Recently in Britain there was such an event at Doncaster. Events like these occur all over the world. The Steampunk Chronicle has listings of these events in the United States and Steampunk Canada has listings, for well dare I say Canada. So don't be shy! you just might enjoy these events yourself.

My WIP (work in progress), that is currently in the throes of being edited and proof read is set on one of these Steampunk worlds. The world of Syros. The working title of the first volume is The Prophecy Unfolds (Dragon Queen). This is due to be released later this year, alongside of an anthology of short erotic stories (as yet untitled) The series of books Dragon Queen are set in the genres of paranormal erotic romance, and is set on an amazing Steampunk world. A world that is populated by werewolves, dragons, dragon riders, magicians and many more fantastical creatures. Where dirigibles float over vast canyons and enormous dragonflies (real and mechanical) fly over the mountain tops.

Syros is a planet many galaxies from Earth, and is where my story unfolds. Alex the heroine is kidnapped and taken to this world by three gorgeous werewolves via a magical portal. Once on Syros her adventures begin in earnest. As she is the hinge pin of a 200 year old prophecy. Her character evolves as she learns of her own past and the history of Syros, and how they are inextricably connected. Alex also acquires various magical powers when she follows the path the prophecy offers.

This is an excerpt from the book:

I wasn't sure if I believed they were werewolves but they had already shown me that they were both fast, and strong. I would have to keep them “sweet” until I had a plan to get away, and hopefully find this portal back to earth. Not to mention the strange humming sensation I had felt when they touched me. I wondered whether the same thing would happen should Leon touch me.

Although I was physically attracted to ALL of them, particularly Aston I couldn't see that that was enough to convince me of what he continued to discuss. Therefore I zoned out and thought instead about what I could do to escape. I began to take notice of the conversation again when I was asked not to escape, as they discussed how dangerous this planet could be for me. They emphasized that it was necessary for me to remain within the pack house for my own safety, I thought perhaps this was just said to make sure I stayed where I was, so as to be compliant, and less bother for them to deal with. Therefore I chose to ignore this warning.

Aston paused for a moment looking at me intently, I used this opportunity to ask to use the bathroom (surely they have such things here, and I desperately need to the toilet after all I had been through). He nodded to a door on the far side of the room, saying that they would remain where they were whilst I did.

I stood ( a little unsteadily) and Aston reached out to steady me once again sending a tingling sensation through my entire body. Which was a very pleasant sensation but also a pretty disturbing one too. Once I had steadied myself, I crossed the room and entered the large bathroom. It held a large ornate tub, sink and a toilet (at least it appeared bathrooms were similar here) I relieved myself and looked around the room. It was a bright room as there was a large window opening up to the back of the house, and this immediately attracted my attention.

I looked out and realized that the back of the house was set over a rolling hillside, that dropped away some feet below. Upon closer inspection the window could be opened fairly wide enabling my escape. So, quietly as I could I slowly pried open the window. I decided that in order to escape I would have to drop about five to six foot to the ground. I prayed I could do this, and quietly do it too. So as to not get caught in the act.

I managed to turn myself around, once on the window ledge and was slowly easing myself out. When suddenly, something or someone snatched and lifted my whole body away from the ledge and into the air. I drew in a sharp breath and then began to scream as loud as I could. This was because, it wasn't a somebody, it was a something. That something looked for all the world like a dragon from myths and legends!!

His huge talons had a firm hold of me around my waist and we were rising at speed into the air, higher and higher. I had gone from the frying pan into the fire and could only scream at the top of my voice. As I began to move at speed, away from the building I spotted the three werewolves staring out of the bathroom window toward me. What had I done! Mating werewolves now sounded preferable to what was in store for me now. I had become dragon food!

I had just took another deep breath in order to carry on screaming when I heard a voice in my head say “Alex please calm down and I won't hurt you! You wouldn't make a decent meal anyway-too bony! Now be quiet and we will be at my lair very soon”

Well I hope you enjoyed that little snippet and please bare in mind that this is a rough first draft and has yet to be proofread and edited.

I also produce a blog of my own. The blog is where I present book reviews, hotel reviews and also reviews of some of the live bands I love to watch. There is nothing better than live music. There is a lot more on the blog that may interest you, including guest writers and interviews too. I would love if you came and checked it out. Pull up a chair and stay awhile too.

A number of the reviews appertain to the location of Manchester, England where I live. I also recently began interviewing interesting individuals for my blog, and also on behalf of a site called Skelat. I am now one of their "Team" of interviewers, that includes my good friend Nate Smith. Nate is a scriptwriter, producer, director from Perth, Australian. You will also find there an interview I did with Casey Ryan, as I managed to turn the tables on him. A very interesting and popular interview it is too.

Well all there is is to say is good bye from Manchester and I hope you will come and visit me on my blog soon and listen to the podcast I have promised Casey after my first book is published later this year.

Scarlett's Links:
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My Top Five Books (with a bullet*) by guest: Loren Kleinman

Editor’s Note:

Today’s guest post comes from Loren Kleinman – a prize-winning poet with New Jersey roots. In addition to having published anthology of poems, she’s also a noted columnist and interviewer and several of her interviews have appeared in USA Today and the Huffington Post.

Loren was also gracious enough to host yours truly as the first interview subject on her newest website. While she will be on my podcast in the fall to discuss her new book, I thought it would be fun to have her jot down a few thoughts for my blog and offer up a few leads for those among you that might be looking for the next book that you absolutely, positively, have to have on your shelf.

Loren, the floor is yours…

CJR  

 

My Top Five Books (with a bullet*)

Asking me what my top ten favorite books are and why, is like asking me if like chocolate or sex more.  Not an easy question to answer. And there are times when I like one more than the other. (Sex versus chocolate, I mean.) But when it comes to books, I find myself gnawing on a few at a time. (Some more than others; some less than others.) Some books I want to read all at once, and some books I pick at the lines, cut them from the pages, and tape them up on the wall in my mind.

I’ve narrowed it down though. And even though it hurts to leave some writers out (Dostoevsky, Proust, Bly, Blake, Woolf, Dickinson…I could keep listing) we have to get on with the show. So here are my top five books: The ones I love. The ones that made me laugh. The ones that made me cry. And the ones that gave me unquestionable line envy.

Here we go.

#1: Walking to Martha's Vineyard by Franz Wright

If I were hand gliding, scared shitless of the fall, I’d keep this book close to my chest. Wright is a master at writing about the fall and with total compassion he shows us how to live again (or at least gives us a head start). His poems are transformative, seamless. “If I’m walking the streets/overwhelmed with this love for the living,” it would be because I’m reading Wright. If you’re writing about “bad things” or exploring the vastness of the human condition, read this book. Despite the “bad things” that life sometimes breeds, he reminds us it’s always “possible to live.” And that’s a good thing.

#2: Trilogy by H.D.

An imagist associated with the likes of Ezra Pound, H.D. (AKA Hilda Doolittle) creates a new kind of text, a “personal bible” if you will. Written during World War II, Aliki Barnstone says H.D. asks readers to “venerate both her voice and the figure of Woman as poet, mystical seer, and god” (VIII). I always feel a part of the “voyagers, discoverers/of the not known” when I read this book. She takes the reader to Egypt and ancient London and then introduces us to the woman gods like Aphrodite and Venus. She’s like a feminist time machine. Safety not guaranteed, and “different from the pillar-of-fire/that comes after…”

#3: Ariel by Sylvia Path

The poems are raw and often heart breaking, but also address a sense of peace, which make her work so accessible. What I love: Plath’s writing has the ability to always seem contemporary, fresh. She’s a poet to read and read again. You must read again and again.

#4: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Do I really need to tell you why this is a top fiver? OK. OK. Stop yelling. Would it help if I said you’re “the light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta…” Ahem. Excuse me. I get carried away. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury,” read no further, Nabokov is the father of literary word play. Exhibit one: Chapter 1, third paragraph reads, “You can always count on a murderer for a fancy prose style.” Nabokov’s first person narrator Humbert Humbert is so enchanting that you often forget he was a criminal. (Interesting fact: Nabokov was an avid chess player, and often considered to be a master at solving chess problems. His love for chess showed up in his writing, often treating the progression of his chapters as moves on a chess board.)

A tie at #5 (for different reasons): Say Her Name by Francisco Goldman & Three Days by Charlie Smith

I love Goldman for his story, Smith for his language, and both because they represent love and loss and loving again (maybe).

“Love is a religion. You can only believe it when you experienced it,” wrote Goldman, author of Say Her Name. He wrote the book after his wife Aura died in a swimming accident. He blamed himself for her death, but rather than emotionally drowning he wrote Say Her Name instead. The book pays homage to healing through acts of love and remembrance. He reinforces Wright’s hope for humanity in that it’s “possible to live,” even after tragedy.

“If you left me, I would fade out like a dying Indian tribe. I’d disappear like the ivory-billed woodpecker. They’d see me, near the end, standing down on Calle Cinquo wearing one of your nightgowns, explaining things to the traffic” (Smith). Ah…Charlie Smith. If you ever wanted to disappear into the folds of the pages, in between the lines of text, then read Smith. If you ever wanted to feel total prose envy, read Smith. Or just read him because reading about star-crossed lovers is always a sad, and yet, exhilarating experience.

And now, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, on to what’s really important: What are your favorite books/authors?

* High Fidelity (the movie) reference. I also listed a link to the book.

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