We’re familiar with the phrase postmodern and more recently with the notion of post-truth. But now I think, for writers, it is true that there is a post-storytelling phenomenon – which moves beyond and over-turns current rules. And it’s illustrated in the scripts that Steven Moffatt and Mark Gatiss create for their TV drama seriesContinue reading “The Gatiss/Moffatt Post-StoryTelling World of Sherlock”
Category Archives: media
Inspiration from Foreign Language Films in our Film Club
During the course of this blog I’ve written about sources of inspiration from many directions – from people, cities, landscape, history, buildings, travel, books, art, TV drama and films. Certainly films I love have enriched my creative life. Writers benefit from cross-fertilisation all the time! A few years ago my writer friend Meg Harper setContinue reading “Inspiration from Foreign Language Films in our Film Club”
The Creative Power of an Intense Group of People in the Hothouse Environment of a Writers Retreat
I’ve now finished my series of Cave posts as new inspiration has intervened! One of my fellow bloggers Lance Greenfield has just opened up thoughts of writers retreats by reblogging this post on the subject by Max Dunbar. Lance then went on to ask his own followers for their responses to Max’s thoughts, and whether itContinue reading “The Creative Power of an Intense Group of People in the Hothouse Environment of a Writers Retreat”
Exciting Times for the People of Leicester, for Those Who Love English History, and for the Power of Story
In the last few years we’ve seen an astonishing and exciting thing here in our country: a relatively small, minority interest group dismissed by some as a gathering of eccentrics, has been triumphantly vindicated in the most extraordinary way. And the Ricardians‘ journey has drawn with them a city, a nation, the sweep of English history, andContinue reading “Exciting Times for the People of Leicester, for Those Who Love English History, and for the Power of Story”
Ghostly Encounters, Earthbound Spirits and a Promise of Love
Recently my sister in Australia sent me a set of DVDs – ironically made in England, containing a documentary series on Great British Ghosts narrated by Michaela Strachan for the BBC. The set also included a third documentary, narrated by Paul McGann in a balanced, neutral tone, called Ghosts of the London Underground, and this was by far theContinue reading “Ghostly Encounters, Earthbound Spirits and a Promise of Love”
The Psychology of Mother and Son in the Psycho Prequel “Bates Motel”
My daughter Abigail, Creative Media Production student, has recently completed a project on Alfred Hitchcock’s editing technique in Psycho. So I’ve watched Psycho again several times recently. And my fascination with the subject led me to pick up the books Abigail had gathered for her project, and read them myself. Editing techniques in film can ofContinue reading “The Psychology of Mother and Son in the Psycho Prequel “Bates Motel””
Two Excellent BBC Drama Offerings: Wolf Hall and A Casual Vacancy
We’ve recently seen two very good dramatizations on BBC TV: Wolf Hall, and The Casual Vacancy. The casting was brilliant, particularly Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall, and Michael Gambon as Howard in The Casual Vacancy. You may think think the two novels on which these dramatisations were based, Wolf Hall by HilaryContinue reading “Two Excellent BBC Drama Offerings: Wolf Hall and A Casual Vacancy”
Did You Struggle With The Large Number of Characters in JK Rowling’s A Casual Vacancy? Here’s a Useful Crib-Sheet!
BBC 1 will be starting the first of a three-part mini series of JK Rowling’s A Casual Vacancy on Sunday at 9pm. I’m delighted that the BBC have chosen to adapt it as a drama, and will be watching eagerly. I have a high opinion of the book: see my book review here. I wasContinue reading “Did You Struggle With The Large Number of Characters in JK Rowling’s A Casual Vacancy? Here’s a Useful Crib-Sheet!”
Book Review: “Miracles” by Eric Metaxas
This book was recently recommended to me: Miracles: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How They Can Change Your Life. I’ve now reading it and found it a fascinating book ideal for discussion in a group. Metaxas is renowned as the author of a much-admired book on Dietrich Boenhoffer (published in 2011). In this new book,Continue reading “Book Review: “Miracles” by Eric Metaxas”
Film Review: “Philomena” starring Steve Coogan and Judi Dench
I belong to a Film Club which meets every 2 months and a few days ago our film of choice was Philomena. I’ve now watched it four times in as many days, and during that time I’ve been haunted by the characters, by the story, and by what it tell us about life and aboutContinue reading “Film Review: “Philomena” starring Steve Coogan and Judi Dench”
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