Origins Blogfest, Movie Review, & Valentine's Day

It’s time for the Origins Blogfest! I am honored to host this blogfest with DL Hammons, Matthew McNish, and Katie Mills. We are to describe the origins of our writing – where did it all begin? The sign up list is below if you care to join the fun. Be sure to visit others participating in the blogfest. That’s why we do blogfests!

Where did it all begin?

In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth…

Oh wait, too far back! I’m supposed to start with the origins of my writing.

I’m sure by now you’ve read some really amazing origin stories of writers inspired by deep and meaningful events in their lives and by a passion to write and express themselves.

My inspiration’s not so deep.

I watched a ton of TV and movies - Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars, Buck Rogers… I also read a lot of superhero comics and books by Alan Dean Foster and Terry Brooks. I played D&D. I’m sure some Saturday morning cartoons factored into the equation as well.

I began writing because some of the adventures I’d imagined weren’t available in any of these formats. I penned a few short stories, jotted down some ideas, and even wrote a partial, crappy novel. It wasn’t really a passion, just a way I could channel my imagination. (And avoid boring stuff like homework.)

Writing faded before college though. It was never my goal to become a writer or an author so I forgot about it. It wasn’t until decades later I picked up that crappy novel. The story sucked but the characters were strong, so I decided to rewrite my tale of two brothers in a war.

And the rest is history!


Now, aren’t you all inspired?


Be sure to visit others participating today!

Movie Review

Chronicle
Finally saw it this past weekend, and it was no more than what previews promised. It was impressive for the size of budget (read: tiny!) and the characters were realistic. I think we can expect more good things from this director, as he made the camera angles fresh. (Although I do hope it’s the last found footage movie for a while.) It was good and captivated me while watching it, but the film wasn’t earth shattering nor did it stick with me for long.


And guys – don’t forget Valentine’s Day on Tuesday! You may not be as fortunate as me (I have a wife who says don’t get me anything and she means it) so don’t mess up and forget. Ladies, may there be chocolate or wine involved. Or if you’re Talli, both!

What’ the origins of your writing? Or your passion if it’s movies or something else? Have you seen Chronicle? Did you remember Valentine’s Day? If you vanish, we’ll know you didn’t…