My Geekdom 10: The Big Bang Theory

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I love that geeks have come into their own. I can’t believe that it’s actually cool to be a geek now, at least on TV. It’s funny to me that there are millions of people who adore The Big Bang Theory TV show, but don’t actually follow the interests of its star characters. While there have been an increase in the number fanatic fanboys and girls, it seems to me that a lot of people just like the idea of being a geek…and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Again, there’s no rocket science (Hope Sheldon isn’t reading; Lol.) to the notion that comic books, video games, cartoons, and so much more have influenced my writing, but there’s so much more to my geekdom than fandom. If there’s no academic or intellectual processing involved to piggy back your fandom, well then, you’re just a dork and probably better off in the long run…

Now don’t get all wound up, remember "geek" and "dork" are positive terms now. Some of my best friends are dorks, even my husband; he doesn't over think his fandom. I’m no super genius, but I have a love for science and an average to above average intellect that I use to over analyze things. My husband and I share our fandom and we love each other for it. I’m his geek and he’s my dork.

The whole point of this notion of geek vs dork is that while I’m influence by my world of fandom, I’ve also done my research. Facts make fiction more believable. Without a foundation in truth, as a writer, I wouldn’t be able to effectively bend the truth to expand my stories. With the Eternal Curse Series, I have researched fact, fiction, doctrine, mythology, opinion, and more. I am geek and I do my homework.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Author Insights 19: I don’t feel Saf3

I don’t feel Saf3 :/

I very rarely speak up about pop culture matters in this way and especially not TV related things, but…

OH MY GOODNESS! Yesterday, Saturday September 21, 2013, I lost 43 minutes of my life I will never get back. I stumbled upon a new CW show called SAF3. It’s not the worst thing I’ve ever seen and some people will probably love it, but I am scared for life.

One blogger, Major Daily, was kind enough to refer to this new show as BayWatch 2.0…they wish. I might have, strange as it sounds, liked it more if they had run down the beach in swimsuits. I’m not one for needlessly and hatefully bashing (especially since I don’t feel a sense of hatred of this) so I’ll explain why I didn’t like this show in a nice calm manner.

1. I seriously hope this was an episode one, one time only, phenomena because that was the longest intro ever. I kept waiting for the Enegizer Bunny to come strolling through.

2. The idea of the show really has such good intentions and potential, but failed to deliver in terms of acting, location, cinematography, script, and more.

3. I was excited to see Dolph Lundgren in a major U.S. television role, but unless he’s a bad guy or making me laugh, I don’t think I take kindly to his acting technique.

4. Did I mention script yet, specifically the plot? There were so many clichés in the first episode that watching it to the end seemed a little silly, but I kept waiting to be surprised. Also, it seems like someone on staff could have taken a few minutes to actually speak to some rescue professionals to make some of the procedures and details a little more believable…but maybe I’m wrong on this count. Maybe it’s perfectly acceptable to not only move, but swim against a wild current, when carrying a possible neck injury victim who could possibly end up with permanent paralysis.

5. Halfway through the show I told myself that this was going to be one of those shows that was sooo bad, that it was actually good. I’d somehow find myself entertained by the absurdity of the show, but that didn’t happen.

The last thing I’d like to say is that it’s been a long time since I’ve sat down and actually tried to watch new television programming and that maybe I’m just out of touch. Also, this was episode one, maybe it will get better, but I don’t plan on finding out for myself. I’ll wait to hear about it through the grapevine and stick to my books.

For now, I’m still screaming on the inside, “What the crap did I just watch?!”

For more on Saf3, visit the links below.

Teaser promo: http://www.youtube.com/

From Major Daily: Chicagonow

IMDB: Saf3

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Interview: Ira Nayman

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Ira Nayman. A good time was truly had by all and here’s how it went down.

from facebook fan page

Hi there Ira! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Blog. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.

So tell me, who is Ira Nayman?

I’ve been writing humour since I was eight years old (almost 45 years now). My major project, Les Pages aux Folles, was started in 1984; the Web version began in 2002. Six collections of articles from the Web site have been self-published in print (the latest are: The Street Finds Its Own Uses for Mutant Technologies and The Alternate Reality News Service’s Guide to Love, Sex and Robots). I have had one novel published by Elsewhen Press, with a second currently in the editing stage. In 2010, I won the Boyne Writers Group: Jonathan Swift Satire Writing contest.

Well, Ira I’m so glad to meet you and your sense of humor. I’m impressed and amazed by your accomplishments and can’t wait to learn more about you.

So whacha got for me today?

provided by author

Welcome to the Multiverse (Sorry for the Inconvenience) follows the adventures of two investigators for the Transdimensional Authority, the organization that monitors and polices travel between dimensions. The discovery of a corpse next to equipment that has been tampered with leads Noomi Rapier and Crash Chumley on a chase across different realities, a chase in which Noomi will come face to face with four very different versions of herself. The novel explores the ways choice and chance intertwine to make us who we are. Much goofiness ensues. (See a review of this book by Risingshadow)

I love a good multidimensional storyline and with the added humor, this is definitely going on my TBR list. I really like the premise of this story and have often wondered about what would happen if there was another version of myself to run into. Great idea!

So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of Welcome to the Multiverse?

The story is told from the point of view of Noomi Rapier, a woman who has just graduated from the Alternaut Academy and started working for the Transdimensional Authority (TA). She is green and makes some rookie mistakes, but she is smart and shows good investigative instincts. She is also strong, which she has to be to succeed in the male-dominated world of the TA.

Noomi’s partner is seasoned investigator Crash Chumley. While he helps guide her through the ins and outs of cross-universal investigations, Crash is torn between his loyalty to his new partner and the camaraderie of his fellow investigators, which sometimes confuses Noomi. He also harbours a secret, but you’ll have to read the novel to find out what that is…

Nice job building the suspense. Of course I want to know what his secret is now, but like you said, I’ll just have to read the book.

Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?

One of the pieces I wrote in the first year of my Web site was called “The ManWho Makes Fun of Everything”. That pretty much sums up my ambitions. I update my Web site every week (with three or four pieces of writing and two cartoons); when time allows, I write short stories and novels. The main advantage of having so many things on the go is that it gives me venues to write about a wide variety of subjects, helping me to fulfill my main ambition. One other advantage to this that I have found is that when I am not inspired to work on one project, I can switch to another; I find that this allows me to be much more productive than if I was working on one project at a time.

Most of my writing is done at the computer in my bedroom with music on in the background. However, I can develop ideas anywhere and anytime (on the subway, in a dentist’s office, in a lineup to get into a movie – really, anywhere), so I always carry a notepad and writing utensil with me. If I have enough time, I will sometimes write a scene in my notebook in longhand (antonym shorthand) and type it up when I get home. 

I’m just finishing a cycle of four books on Les Pages aux Folles, after which I will start three more. I am also working on a third novel.

I admire people who are so in tuned to humor and satire. I adore comedy, but can’t really write it. Like you, I like to work on multiple projects at one time, so I’m not too focused on just one thing. I can read anywhere, but can’t really write just anywhere. However when I’m out and about, I have been known to take notes.

What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?

IMDB

There have been so many influences on what I do, but if I had to choose the most important, they would be Monty Python’s Flying Circus and the Marx Brothers. At first, this may seem like an unlikely combination, but they both taught me two lessons that deeply affect my work to this day: 1) maintain a high volume of comic elements, and; 2) use all of the comic devices at your disposal. The first point is important because the reader soon learns that if he doesn’t get a specific bit of humour, another will be along soon; as long as the reader gets most of the jokes, he won’t begrudge me some of the more topical or obscure or flat out strange. The second point is important because writers who use only one or two comic devices can become predictable, and surprise is one of the main characteristics of humour.

I’m a fan of both of these comedic staples. It’s understanding that they would have an influence on your work and now that you mention it, rules 1 and 2 really do apply. That’s how I feel about comedy as a consumer of it and I didn’t even know it.

Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?

Thomas Pynchon. He has such a unique take on the world – I would love to explore his creative process.

This is one of the reasons I enjoy interviewing authors; I learn so much. I’ve heard of Pynchon before, but really had no idea who he was. Of course now I’m interested enough to get to more about him and his work, and it’s because of you, Ira. Thanks for that.

Who is so you and why?

I get compared to Douglas Adams a lot. We both write smart, humourous science fiction. On the one hand, it’s flattering (I’m a fan of his, too, after all, and I cannot deny that he has had some influence on what I do). On the other hand, our writing styles and philosophical concerns are very different, and I hope that someday I will be able to transcend the comparisons and be recognized as having my own unique voice.

That’s pretty cool to be compared to such a great writer as him, but I do understand your desire to outgrow the comparison. From what I can tell, you are well on your way to shining just as bright all on your own.

What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?

Barnes &Noble

I read two newspapers a day since much of what I write for my Web site is topical and I need to keep up. I usually read them when eating in my kitchen. Fictionally, I am currently reading I, Phone by David Wake. I picked it up when I was in England for the European launch of Welcome to the Multiverse. I, Phone is smart and funny and I am enjoying it quite a bit. I usually read fiction when I am stationary bicycling or on the subway (I live deep in the suburbs, so it’s a long commute to get to anything interesting in my city).

  

I,Phone sounds like a good read, thanks for the recommend (hehe). It’s cool that you read two newspapers a day, but I guess for you it’s all in a day’s work. I too like to read when I’m exercising, but I mostly stick to fiction unless it’s a biography. Real life is always a truly compelling story.

What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?

Google Search

Through the Looking Glass and Alice’sAdventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. Explains a lot, doesn’t it?

I adore these stories. They are so creative, and original, and satirical. People argue whether Carroll really meant to be so “deep” and speculative when writing this children’s story, but I think sometimes a deeper meaning slips into a person’s writing without them realizing it. In any case, I like it...Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?

Sure thing.

Alright then, here we go.

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

IMDB

I always learn something new about filmmaking by watching Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, so it would make sense to choose that film. But, honestly, I think I would need something more “fun” if it would be the only movie I could watch. It would probably be a toss-up between Annie Hall, O Lucky Man, and The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8thDimension.

First off, Netflix has been recommending Bucharoo Banzai to me for about a year and now I guess it’s going in my queue to be watched. Secondly, not that it’s relevant here, but I went through an Anne Hall fashion phase and it’s still a bit a part of me now. Lastly, I adore classics; nice job throwing in Citizen Kane.

What makes you geek out?

I used to write about the Toronto International Film Festival, and spent a lot of time interviewing writers and directors. In the years I did that, I only really had one geek experience: while I was waiting in a publicists’ suite, I saw John Sayles sitting in a chair reading a magazine. So, I walked up to him and said, “I don’t usually do this, but I just wanted to tell you how much I love your films.” He thanked me and that was that.

That’s all I got. Sorry, I’m not very good at geekery.

That’s plenty geekery for me. I have a theory that everyone has a little geek in them somewhere, but it’s not all comic books and movies for everyone. Some people become crazed fanboys and girls over wine, gardening, collecting, and whatever material thing it is that brings them joy…I like Sayles’s work. 

So what’s testing your patience right now?

When I heard that Netflix was producing a new season of Arrested Development, I started drooling. Really. It was hazardous to the health of my computer keyboard. I’ve seen four of the episodes, and it’s awesome – I can’t wait to see the remainder!

I’m with you on this. I’ve been going back to watch the old shows before I dive into the new ones. My husband of course took a day of his life to watch all 13 new episodes at once…he’s a fanboy and I love him.

When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?

I love just about everything, with the exceptions of country and gangsta rap (political rap was cool, though). I tend to gravitate to more complex music, so give me some dreaded prog rock (Yes, King Crimson, The Strawbs, etc.) any day.

Heck yeah, I gotta music lover here! I don’t know a lot about prog rock, but I’m thrilled that you do. I get it that music isn’t for everyone, but with so many types and genres to choose from, I have trouble processing the idea that some people don’t like music. Anyway, cool stuff here and thanks for making the distinction about rap. Not all rap is the same.

What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?

IMDB

Hanging out with my publisher (Elsewhen Press), Peter Buck, when I went to England for the launch of my novel. We were driving between cities when he pointed out the window and said, “You see those trees over there? That’s Sherwood Forest.” And, I thought, That’s where Men in Tights was set! …Among other things! Coming from Canada, where we are chronically allergic to history, being in England was a blast!

You, Sherwood Forest, and Men in Tights does sound like a good time. I’m glad you’ve had such wonderful experiences in your publishing adventure. I hope I have stories like this to tell one day.

Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?

I’m not especially good at self-promotion, so I don’t expect to ever become a well-known writer. In any case, a combination of age and heart medications has taken a toll on my creative process, so I don’t know how much longer I can stay in the word game. But, as long as I have my love for tap, life will be good!

Tap huh? Well that’s a new one for me. You are forever the humorist and I hope you stay that way.

Is there a question you would like to ask me?

Q: How would the world be different if, instead of being a game show host, Alex Trebek gave White House tours?

A: Wow, that was totally unexpected, but I’m up for the challenge. I think people might think twice about taking White House tours thus allowing for less security measures. I think after a few tours with him, the word spread about the tour guide who knows way too much and may just quiz you while you’re touring. Of course there will be the few who rise to the challenge and show up ready to be dazzled by his oddly charismatic monotone questioning. Pretty soon he’d be removed from touring duties and put in charge of training the other tour guides.

So I didn’t offer any knee slaps or chuckles, but I did my best.

 Ira, I’m so glad you stopped by to share a bit of yourself with me and my readers. I truly had a good time and look forward to watching your career moving forward.

Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Ira Nayman, check out these great links:

Website & Blog: Les Pages aux Folles

GoodReads: Ira Nayman

Facebook: Profile: Ira Nayman

                   Fan Page: Ira Nayman's Thrishty Friednishes

Twitter: @ARNSProprietor

LinkedIn: Ira N.

Purchase links for Welcome to the Multiverse: Amazon.com, ElsewhenPress, IndigoChapters (Canada)

Ira welcomes questions to his two advice columns; if anyone would like more information on them, or if you would like to submit a question, the email address is: questions@lespagesauxfolles.ca.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken

Interview: Andrew Hess

Greetings humans, half-breeds, and everything in between. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Andrew Hess. A good time was truly had by all and here’s how it went down.

provided by author

Hi there Andrew! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Blog. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.

So tell me, who is Andrew Hess?

I grew up in Lindenhurst, NY and spent most of my life there with the exception of five years in the New PaltzPoughkeepsie area.  I studied Psychology for two years at New Paltz which has helped me understand character dynamics in strangers, friends, family members, and now characters within my stories.  Since then, I have been very passionate about my writing in hopes that it inspires others to become writers.

I’ve never heard of New Paltz; sounds quaint. Thanks, I always enjoy learning something new and I’m excited to see what kind of character insight you might be sharing with us today.

So whacha got for me today?

provided by author

The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice is the start of a four part series.  It starts off with three friends that joke about getting rid of all the evil people in the world.  But like the old saying goes; be careful what you wish for.  In this case, the group gets a phone call from someone claiming to work for the US government; telling the group they have two options; be arrested for conspiracy and treason, or work covertly for a new branch of military within the government designed to eliminate high powered criminals.

What! :o That sounds crazy (in the best possible way). I’m in. Need more info.

So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of The Phoenix Blade?

Andrew Lancaster is a college man in his early twenties.  He moved to Buffalo, NY to escape his father and nagging step-mother because of how easily they tried to replace his mother after her death; in which Andrew believed she was murdered.  He is determined to uncover the truth at all cost; which is difficult when each decision he makes impacts the lives of his best friend (Mike) and the woman he’s in love with (Lilly).

On top of everything else, you’ve thrown in some family drama. I love it. Sounds like you have a real page turner here. This is just the kind of book that does well in niche market and then expands.

Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?

I am usually sitting up in my bed when I’m typing away on the computer.  It’s where I feel the most comfortable and have everything I need surrounding me.  Most of the time, I write with the TV on to provide just some background noise.  On occasion, I will turn on some music and keep it on shuffle just so the music is spontaneous. 

I am working on a few other projects.  The first is writing a movie script for The Phoenix Blade.  Everyone tells me they can see it being a movie, so I wanted to try my hand at getting a producer to look at it.  I am also working on re-writing the second book in The Phoenix Blade series and putting together a detective series that takes place in the upstate New York area.

I type in bed too. It is very comfortable there. I don’t know about the background noise, but hey, if it works for you. Glad to know you’re pursuing a movie from this, I really think you have a shot.

What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?

I tend to surprise people with this answer.  The first author that influenced my writing was James Patterson because of his attention to detail and gripping stories.  He’s had tremendous success with the Alex Cross books.  The second author was Edgar Allen Poe.  Poe had a unique grasp on exciting his readers with heart pounding thrillers.  The way he worded his stories and poems were unique and made the reader feel like they were there instead of just reading along.  I figured why not try to combine the two styles of writing into one.

Not a bad idea. If your work really is a combination of Patterson and Poe, I expect to be seeing more from you in no time. I too appreciate the way Poe pulls you into his work.

Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?

I would have to say Edgar Allen Poe.  I would love to know how he came up with such gripping heart pounding stories and to know his true meaning behind each of them.

I can’t image being able to talk to Edgar Allen Poe. It would seem surreal, but there would definitely be something there to gain from a literary point of view and also as a human creature of observation.

Who is so you and why?

For just my looks, I’ve been compared to JackOsbourne and also Harry Potter.  The Harry Potter one I never understood.  I guess it’s because at the time I wore glasses every day.  The Jack Osborne one I see because of my style and the way my hair gets when I let it grow out too much.

People see what they want to see. In the comparative world in which we live, I think these comparisons are pretty good.

What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?

This is difficult for me, because I don’t get to read too often.  When I do read, I like to curl up in bed, again with the TV on as background noise, and dive right into the book.  I prefer reading paperback because it’s easier to hold and read.  I tried ebooks, but use them mostly when traveling.  The books that I get really excited about are mysteries and thrillers because I always want to figure out who did what and why before reaching the end.

I know what you mean about mysteries and thrillers. For some reason I have more trouble figuring out “who done it” in books than in movies. I like that though. If I read a mystery and figure it out too early, I want my money back…my expectations aren’t so high with movies.

What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?

Amazon.com

I would have to say Indian inthe Cupboard.  It was something different and unique.  It was a story about a kid who put his toys in this apparently magical cupboard and brought them to life.  I think every kid that read it wished they had a magical cupboard at that time.

Ditto! I think I did everything imaginable, even praying, hoping my toys would come to life. So instead, I decided to stay a kid and have kept my toys around to play with whenever...Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?

BaBoom.

Great response; alright then, here we go.

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

IMDB

BoondockSaints.  It’s by far my favorite movie that I started watching after I wrote the first draft of The Phoenix Blade.  It had comedy, action, a plot that anyone could follow and of course more action. 

This movie has been in my Netflix queue for ages. I guess I should just sit down and watch it already. I’ve heard great things about it.

What makes you geek out?

I would have to say pro wrestling.  It’s something I watched since I was three.  I loved the plots; especially in the late 90s and early 2000s.  I can feel the intensity between the wrestlers and know the physical strain they put their bodies through on a nightly basis just to produce this amazing physicalized drama for TV and pay-per view.

Good one and not one I hear often. I know a few people who are really into pro wrestling, like my sister, Crystal, but I guess I out grew it. That doesn’t mean I don’t respect it. Like you said, a lot of work goes into and the “actors” are, without a doubt, series athletes. I would see some live, but can’t watch it on TV, but then I feel the same way about baseball.

So what’s testing your patience right now?

IMDB

I think the show I’m most excited to see is the return of the show 24.  I heard a few months ago they were bringing it back for a limited time and it was one of the most suspenseful shows I’ve seen.  I don’t know how the actual season will play out because of the limited season and it’s usually based in real time.  I think that just increases the anticipation for its return.

I forgot about this. Yeah, I know a few people are really looking forward to the return of 24. It should be good.

When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?

I can get behind most music, but especially love punk, rock, and anything with a catchy beat.  (Fall OutBoy, Bon Jovi, Paramore).  Unfortunately, the only types of music I’m not a fan of is country, hardcore metal, techno music when there aren’t any words to the song.

I think I’m going to cry right now. I’m so happy you’re a music fan. I don’t even care if you like music I don’t, I just love music fans…

Now that I have my composure, I like catchy beats too and can totally agree with the lyric-free techno issue.

What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?

I know it’s going to sound weird, but it was my third date with my fiancé.  We went into New York City together to see the Dead SeaScrolls at Discovery Times.  We’re both very religious and thought it would be fun to do.  Then we went to the wax museum and acted like little kids; taking funny pictures with the wax figures.

That actually seems pretty cool to me and acting like a kid anywhere, especial a wax museum, is always approved. One of my best dates was to Toys’R’Us just to goof off and buy candy.

Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?

In five years, I expect to be married with a couple of kids; still writing books and movie scripts.  My business will grow to where I can help more writers fine tune their craft and help them on their way to becoming successful writers.

Sounds like you’re a bit of an optimist and why shouldn’t you be. You obviously are not playing around here. You have goals and you are executing them. I think it’s great and wish you all the best.

Is there a question you would like to ask me?

Q: What is your inspiration for interviewing writers?

A: I started interviewing writers for three reasons. 1. I thought it would be good writing, blogging, and people skills practice. 2. I thought it would be a good way to social network and not be bored or feel like I was just going through the motions. 3. It seemed like a good way to find out what other writers were doing, again an opportunity to learn.

Now, however, I interview writers because I want to help them. Not a lot of people went out of their way to help me in the beginning and want to do what I can so no one else feels the way I felt then.

Well, Andrew, thanks for stopping by to share today. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Ok humans, half-breeds, and everything in between, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Andrew Hess, check out these great links:

Website: Andrew Hess

Blog: Writer's Revolution, The PhoenixExposition

Facebook(s): Andrew Hess, The PhoenixBlade

Twitter: @Iamphoenix1

Purchase links for The Phoenix Blade: Amazon

*Special offer* The Phoenix Blade will be available free on Kindle from Sept. 6 - Sept. 9, '2013. Get your copy and spread the word.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Click below to share your Reactions and more. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #cursescanbebroken