Film and TV Writing Influences with Chrys Fey
Hi, everyone! It’s Chrys Fey. My newest release, 30 Seconds, is now available! A big thank you to Alex for hosting me today so I can talk about my writing influences. My dreams spark the ideas for a lot of my stories, and music helps me through each scene, but movies and television shows aid me with many important details. Most of my characters tend to be cops and doctors, like with 30 Seconds. You wouldn’t be able to read my novella and notice similarities between it and my film/television influences though, because they helped me with small details. For example: The movie “Do You Know Me” impacted 30 Seconds because I imagined the actress, Rachelle Lefevre, as Dr. Dani Hart.
Top 10 Film and TV Influences for 30 Seconds:
1. SWAT
2. Third Watch (TV)
3. ER (TV)
4. Assault on Precinct 13
5. General Hospital (TV)
6. Grey’s Anatomy (TV)
7. Do you Know Me
8. The Mentalist (TV)
9. Death Sentence
10. Public Enemy
QUESTIONS: What are your favorite cop/doctor films/shows? Have you pictured an actor/actress as one of your characters?
When Officer Blake Herro agreed to go undercover in the Mob, he thought he understood the risks. But he's made mistakes and now an innocent woman has become their target. He's determined to protect her at all costs….
BUY LINKS: Amazon US / Amazon UK / Wild Rose Press
Find Chrys Fey Here: Facebook / Blog / Goodreads
This Wednesday at the IWSG Site is none other than Jessica Bell!
The Tree of Life anthology will be out by the end of the month - they are delaying its release while an amazing book trailer is created for it.
If you have already purchased and read it, CassaStorm could use a few more reviews on Amazon.
Appreciate everyone who buys and reviews!
Buy it on Amazon - Kindle or paperback.
Genre: YA/NA Fantasy
Price – free!
Special thanks to these ladies for including my books in their Shelfie Bloghop photos!
1 – What was John Wayne’s last film? The Shootist
2 – Who directed Once Upon a Time in the West? Sergio Leone
3 – How does Doc Holiday die in Tombstone? Tuberculosis
4 – How many Oscars did Unforgiven win? Four
5 – Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, and Danny Glover starred in what Western? Silverado
Movie Reviews
Not as bad as I’d heard, but still not good.
Plenty of plot contrivances. Special effects were all right.
Jaden Smith was the worst part of the film – kid can’t act his way out of a wet paper bag.
Not recommended.
Sequel to The Raid: Redemption, it was hyped as better, but fell very short for me.
The pacing is glacial at times. Nice cinematography, but the emphasis was on style over substance. And the movie is way too long – two and a half hours.
Also not recommended.
Battle of the Bands
I finally get to rejoin the Battle of the Bands, hosted by Stephen T. McCarthy and Farawayeyes.
Other participants today include Arlee Bird, Robin at Your Daily Dose, Chris Fries, and DiscConnected.
This song has special meaning for me, as the second version of Street Spirit was an inspiration for my first book, CassaStar.
The song was originally recorded by Radiohead and this is their version -
It was redone by Stream of Passion – the video Is concert footage mixed with the studio version -
Which would you pick and why?
What movie and TV shows have influenced your writing? Have you picked up CassaStorm or reviewed it? Get the movie trivia right? Had the misfortune to see either movie? And what version of Street Spirit do you like best…? (Results next Monday.)
I will be off the grid later this week for a three day weekend getaway, so no Wednesday post. Be back Monday with the Underrated Treasures Blogfest - hope you can join us!
WOW First:
ReplyDeleteGreat informative post Alex, alreaady have your CassaStorm but will get another for a friend who love space films.
Have a great week-end away......you deserve it,
Yvonne.
Sorry Alex about spelling, "films" was meant to be BOOKS.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Chrys!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean After Earth wasn't as bad as you’d heard? Did you forget that bird? Or the bad jokes? Or the lack of plot? Or the... everything? ;)
Sounds like a bad weekend for movies! Glad we stayed at home. :)
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about writers being influenced by dreams, music, and film/TV. I haven't been (except once, and I haven't written the book yet). Maybe I need to try to get inspiration this way.
Love Chrys's list of movies/TV influences.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure CassaStar is pictured in my Shelfie post today. I didn't pose with it (camera shy) but it's in good company.
And I have to go with Radiohead.
Congrats to Chrys!! The Mentalist is an awesome show by the way. One of my favorites. And Alex, I may have to give After Earth a try finally.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Chrys! Have an enjoyable 3 day getaway!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to everyone with news!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time off, Alex!
Lots of goodies today! I think I get inspiration from TV & movies too - but also very subtle kinds of things :)
ReplyDeleteIt's great to hear from you here, Chrys! I've heard that TV and movies are a waste for writer to watch - brain and time sucking. But I've never fully agreed with that. I'm very visual, so for me that arena of entertainment sparks a bazillion ideas. Sounds like it's the same for you. Many congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the other info, Alex. Love the videos!
Congrats to Crys! And I'm just starting to watch more TV and movies and can see how you can learn from them.
ReplyDeleteHave a great break and enjoy your time with your wife, Alex.
First, Yvonne! And thank you.
ReplyDeleteLynda, I'd heard it was the worst film ever. I think Manos Hands of Fate still has that title.
MJ, thank you!!!
Keith, just keep your expectations really low....
Enjoy your mini vacation.
ReplyDeleteI watch a lot of movies, and some of my favorites have greatly impacted my stories. Too many to mention here though.
Congrats ladies on your new releases.
Hi Chrys! My favorite cop show is still NYPD Blue (that just dated me) and my favorite doctor show will always be House. Love his warped sense of the world. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteAh, Alex, you chose two terrible movies…I couldn't even finish watching After Earth it was so awful. And, my hubby and my son watched The Raid 2 on Saturday and were so disappointed they watched the first one yesterday. To me, they both stunk! haha
Chrys, congratulations on your release. A good selection of TV/film influences. Wishing you much success.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the other writers with new releases.
Enjoy your mini vacation, Alex.
Congrats to Chris. I work for a city and it's funny to hear the cops mock the TV police shows for being unrealistic.
ReplyDeleteInteresting versions of the song. It's a hard choice. I like both. I think I might go with the first one, though that video kind of messed with my head.
The movie probably most responsible for my writing would have to be Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. They shifted the focus of the movie away from some of the fantastic MG stuff to a more college like feel, which brought back all sorts of nostalgic memories about my college days. That's when I knew I had to write my story.
ReplyDeleteI'm a longtime Radiohead fan and I really enjoy their songs.
ReplyDeleteStreams of Passion do an outstanding version. In the end though I'm going with the moody, ethereal, and somewhat sad Radiohead version. I like their vocals better and prefer their softer dreamier sound--though I was expecting the song to break out into some heavy metal chops at any time, but I'm glad Radiohead didn't do that.
Good pairing.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Got one trivia question right and missed the bad movies. Enjoy your 3 day weekend :)
ReplyDeleteVery cool that Chrys' dreams influence her books, and that GH (my favorite daytime soap) does too.
ReplyDeleteHave a great getaway, Alex.
xoRobyn
Congrats to Chrys! Love hearing about her inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHave a great long weekend, Alex!
Have fun, Alex!
ReplyDeleteER was a show I watched all the time. Kinda dropped off the last season or two, but it was a great show.
Congratulations Chrys!
ReplyDeleteLoved the trivia, didn't get one right though! LOL
Enjoy your getaway!
Favorite cop shows? I still have a sweet spot for the old ones like Joe Friday and Dragnet, Columbo, and Adam-12.
ReplyDeleteGood song for BOTB. I like Radiohead's version, but really like the mix of the female singer and the edgier guitars in Stream of Passion's, so I'll take that one. But taking a live video and mixing in the studio recording always strikes me as an admission of, "this band sucks on stage." If you're filming live, use a live recording!
I almost scheduled the Underrated Treasures post for today, because apparently I experienced some sort of time jump and skipped over a week in my head. On Saturday, as I got into the car to drive to a baby shower (an hour away), I discovered the battery was dead. I called my husband for help, then called the person hosting the shower to explain I wasn't going to make it. She told me I was a week early. That's when I took a good long look at the calendar. Oooops.
ReplyDeleteGlad I avoided those two movies. Will Smith hasn't made a good movie in years and yeah, his son can't act at all. Favorite cop show? Hmmm Due South, Castle, Life are up there, But Monk tops them all.
ReplyDeleteGo with #1 for the battle too. Congrats to Chrys as well.
in 30 seconds... I don't think any show has ever helped me write, though songs yes. I once wrote a book listening to the same song on repeat, it was very sad... it helped flesh out the idea I guess.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the worst films can turn out to be the best film or at the very least offer up a good soundtrack. :)
I like your song choice. I am also influenced by music as I write. In fact, as I'm writing my plays, I have a musical score in my head. Sometimes, I include the music in the scene.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure my nephew has your latest but will doublecheck.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Radiohead!
Congrats to Carol and Chris!
ReplyDeleteAnd as for movies that influence my writing, I'd have to go with Road Warrior and Braveheart. Yep. :)
Elsie, they did! I didn't finish Raid 2.
ReplyDeleteDonna, it was a weird video.
Lee, I wish they had. That's why I like the second one better.
Chris, they didn't use the live recording because they didn't have the right recording equipment. I have the band's live DVD and they are outstanding on stage.
Dianne, that's funny.
I'm not sure any specific movie or TV influences my writing. I think I have to go with Radiohead version today.
ReplyDeleteI did know the trivia. Record right for me. Enjoy your long weekend.
Have fun and enjoy your few days off. Congratulations to Chrys. I am surprised I only knew of two of her TV shows, and only watch one. Interesting, as it often feels like we get so much US TV. Not enough to know any of your movie trivia either.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Chrys on her release! That's wonderful and must be most satisfying for her. I did not get any of the trivia though.
ReplyDeleteHave a fine 3-day break Alex!
Hank
Gonna be there for your blogfest! Have a great week and holiday. Congrats to everyone on their releases!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend Alex. You need a break and so does your wife.
ReplyDeleteLots of great books again.
Congratulations, Chrys and to all the other new books out. Music and the characters in movies can be great to help develop a story.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen either movie, as usual.
Have a great week.
I always have fun at your blog! SO much going on. You are amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteI like the Radiohead version. Glad to know about After Earth being lame. Saves me some time. I'll work on getting a review of CassaStorm up, too. I'm also going out of town this weekend, so have to work extra, but excited to go to Riotfest and see some of my favorite bands!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Chrys! And all the others with book releases! I still need to sign up for your Underrated Treasures Blogfest...
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with you—Jaden Smith can't act.
Enjoy your long weekend! :)
Yeh for Chrys!
ReplyDeleteWasn't Jaden Smith in that remake of The Karate Kid a few years ago? Was it any good? (I refused to see it - Ralph Macchio will always be the only Karate Kid for me!)
Enjoy your long weekend, Alex!
Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
Thanks for the shout out, Alex! I loved Chrys's post.
ReplyDeleteLiz, thanks!
ReplyDeleteLG, good choices.
Thank you, Betty.
Shell, that sounds like fun. And thank you.
Kristin, please join us.
Madeline, he was good in that one. Don't know what happened...
I already have Cassastorm, and will gladly leave a review when I finish it. It's coming up soon on my (way oversized) reading list.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I can see why the Stream of Passion version inspired you, because for me, that nails it so much better than the original. Very easy vote for Stream from me.
"ER" and "Assault on Precinct 13" are great influences Chrys. The acting in "After Earth" is pretty bad.
ReplyDeleteNot being familiar with the song I was hearing both for the first time. It's a haunting song and I like both for different reasons. But.... since I have to choose, I'm going with Radiohead. It's simplicity is much more haunting than the second which seems too loud at times, even though the lead singer's voice is fabulous.
ReplyDeleteCongrrads Chrys!! And to my Write On pal, Nicole. We all need to help PK. Yes. Alex, three days sound so good to me right about now. Have a fantastic time. R & R, Captain. Will do a review. Should have taken care of that much sooner than this.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Chrys! I think TV, films, and books influence me all the time, probably more than I even realize.
ReplyDeleteI also didn't care much for After Earth and agree wholeheartedly with what you've said in your review.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Chrys! Your book and the things that inspire you both sound very exciting. Can't go wrong with cops and doctors.
Hi Alex! I hope you enjoy your mini-break! Definitely I prefer Radiohead's version. Why? Because you just can't top Thom York ~ He is in an "Out There" class of his own. Love, love Radiohead! You post made me trash my schedule and go listen to Radiohead performing with the USC Trojan Marching Band at the 2009 Grammys. I get shivers every time I watch the video.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyX-Mjaq8Hk
I don't have CassaStorm yet. I'm still reading CassaFire for the second time. My LOTR binge a couple of a weekends ago has me diving into the books again. I really like Mevine ~ he reminds me of so many guys that shared my geology classes ~ maybe a little of myself too. Although I eat when I'm in the flow rather than forget to eat! I thought it was profound when Mevine said, "...I wish someone was interested in me. I don't want to go through life alone." It's an Everyman truth. I can feel a character and a book stirring just from that quote. Sorry for so many words, but you set them off! Have a good one!
Congrats Chrys,
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your book!
My favorite cop show is Hawaii Five O. I loved the original Five O ,and I never miss the new one. But the truth is that my favorite character is Hawaii. I dreamed of Hawaii in the cold North. I had the incredible fortune of spending two weeks in Honolulu last March, and I was recognizing places in the Five O episodes, now I'm recognizing places I saw in the Five O episodes. I really hadn't considered using TV and movies for helping with details, but what an awesome idea! My inspiration seems to come from landscapes and strong human feelings. Thanks for sharing such a cool idea!
There's to be a trailer for Tree of Life? How did I miss that? Super.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Carol and Chrys is making the rounds with her new book.
Enjoy your three day break.
I love Psych and Burn Notice. Humor and spy shows are my thing:) For my middle grade mystery, I think Monster House and the Goonies (and my childhood) shaped my novel. Hope you enjoy your time off!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Chrys. Alex, I loved Tyrean's Shelfie with your book.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice three days weekend break :)
Ooh I love Street Spirit. I think I prefer the Radiohead version, solely on my music genre tastes. I like both versions though.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Chrys!!!
I loved reading about Chrys' influences. I'm usually more influenced by books in my writing, but I often watch a lot of movies set in my setting and/or time period to get a feel for the atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Chrys!
And enjoy your break, Alex!
Thank you so much for having me here, Alex! It's great to see such wonderful support from your followers. I hope to be here again in the future. :D
ReplyDeleteA big thank you to everyone who stopped by so far and left me a note of congratulations! You all rock!
@Elizabeth I hope you do get to write that book soon. :)
@SA I am very visual and movies/TV shows really help us to get ideas and learn about specific things. I won't stop watching either one! ;)
@Miranda It's nice to know other writers are also influenced by movies and shows.
@Donna Well, I hope my story is a little more realistic, but it is still fictional.
@Ken Thank you for telling me about how Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire started you toward writing!
@Jeremy I've had songs help me as well. Especially rock songs for action scenes. :)
And thank you to everyone who told me what their favorite cop/doctor shows/films. I had fun reading all of your comments.
hmm def won't be checking out these films (although I'm not much of a movie person to begin with!) big congrats to Chrys!
ReplyDeleteMy vote goes to the Radiohead version. It has a dreamy surreal quality.
ReplyDeleteDidn't care for the second version, mainly because of the female singer's interpretation.
See you on the 22nd for the Underrated Treasures blogfest!
Go Chrys!
ReplyDeleteRadiohead for sure.
Going to sign up on the blogfest.
Enjoy your vaca, Alex!
My vote goes for Stream of Passion, I liked the female vocals and the music had more energy than radiohead's version.
ReplyDeleteCarol, you're welcome!
ReplyDeleteBrandon and Bryan, appreciate that. And thanks for voting.
Bish, she has a voice of glass...
Robyn, thank you!
Fundy, I really liked the character of Mevine. You'll be happy to know his story continues in the third book.
Mina, please join us!
After Earth was a huge disappointment to me. I thought the same about Jaden, but I do want to give him credit for the (wasn't it?) Karate Kid remake. He was good in that movie.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Chrys! I watch a lot of cop shows (The Mentalist, Monk, Psych, CSI, Criminal Minds, Elementary, to name a few).
ReplyDeleteHave fun on your getaway, Alex!
Congrats Chrys! Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteRaid 2, so many knives but so few guns, a few more guns would have at least shortened the movie
ReplyDeleteThe movies I find inspiring are usually based on books, such as Dr. Zhivago, Anna Karenina, The Cider House Rules an No Country for Old Men.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch TV shows (except Soccer World Cup). So, I guess I'm mostly a book guy >:)
Cold As Heaven
I'm majorly out of the loop regarding modern moviestars, so I don't picture my characters as anyone recent. I sort of picture my character Lyuba as a Russian-looking Theda Bara, in her natural, non-Vampy state.
ReplyDeleteSome songs you're just married to the original so I prefer Radioheads version. My favourite cop show is Midsommer Murders.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your holiday!
Mike, awesome!
ReplyDeleteTeresa, he was good in that one.
Fran, good point!
Oh how I loved ER back in the day. Congrats to Chrys!
ReplyDeleteI prefer the Radiohead version too. I like the mellowness of his voice.
Have a fun getaway weekend!
Yay, Chrys! Congrats, girl :)
ReplyDeleteI love TV, I tend to focus on the storytelling delivery in any I watch, its great for when writing different genres. At the moment, I'm mostly obsessed with shows that are on break: The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and hey Modern Family is good fun!
Oooh I like both versions of the, can't decide. Nope, wont choose one. I refuse to lol
I'd have to say I like Stream of Passions version better. I like the instrumentation and intensity. The vocalist is pretty good, too.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Chrys! Hope you enjoy the long weekend, Alex.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time thinking of a way to describe After Earth in a way that is worse than it actually is.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so it wasn't as bad as The Dungeonmaster.
Yay, Alex! I was so hoping Mevine would be in the next book!!!
ReplyDeleteshhh-I'm at work so i have to listen to the battle of the bands this eve. I got all the questions right! I will make sure to miss those movies but even seeing that little kid of Will's on the red carpet made me not want to see the film. Love the inspiration for the story as i watch general Hospital and have since I was a wee kid. I also watched Columbo, McLeod, Magnum PI
ReplyDeleteTo Chrys: It's funny what influences us. My character, Simon, is loosely based on Ron Weasley on Harry Potter.
ReplyDeleteAlex, thanks for the movie reviews. I wondered about Jaden Smith because his dad is such a good actor. I'm sure he'll improve!
Congrats to everyone with new releases!
SK, you waffled!
ReplyDeleteSherry, awesome!
Andrew, that one was worse.
Gwen, he can't get worse. Wait, he already did...
Hooray for authors. All of them. And have a great get away.
ReplyDeleteALEX ~
ReplyDeleteI'll vote for the second version.
The first one by Radiohead just never went anywhere... at all. It was just that same strummed rhythm all the way through without any sort of tonal or tempo shift, and by the time it was over I felt I'd been put through some boring Chinese torture. (Started to remind me of U2 - if ever there was a band who could do just one boring thing for 5 minutes straight without the slightest deviation, it was U2.)
At least the second version had some dynamic shifts involved so there was some variety in the sound of the song.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I've been known to cast a role in a story to help me write it, but my influences from movies and TV tend to be pretty subtle.
ReplyDeleteHooray to Chrys Fey and I may have known Unforgiven received 4 Oscars. Other than that it's all new and great to me. I don't think I watched any of the shows that influenced Ms. Fey. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteYes, Street Spirit was great inspiration!
ReplyDeleteHmm...there is a lot to think about in this post. I tend to be inspired by books more than TV when it comes to writing. However, there are some great movies I admire.
ReplyDeleteOooh, that is a great list of television inspiration. And I've seen remarkably few of them! Putting them on my list... ;)
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(Writing Blog)
I'll go with Stream of Passion's version of "Street Spirit." I like Marcela Bovio's voice on it better.
ReplyDeleteJohn Holton
The Sound Of One Hand Typing
Stephen, exactly. As a musician, music that just ambles with no purpose or change drives me crazy.
ReplyDeleteJohn, awesome!
ALEX!
ReplyDeleteHi.
I think everything I watch influences me. Especially when its a character I love and want to create someone similar.
I'm sorry you saw some crappy movies. I read a crappy book, I feel your pain.
Enjoy your mini-vaca!
Heather
Jadin Smith's acting gives me a rash! And a headache ... and a nose bleed!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Chrys. Her story for the Big C Blogfest was truly outstanding.
@Melanie I hope you like it!
ReplyDelete@CA I do like a lot of movies based off books, too.
@Nicki I loved , ER, too. I miss it!
@SK Thank you! ;)
@Gwen I love that your character is loosely based on Ron Weasley!
@Roland I'm glad you liked my story for The Big C Blog Hop!
Thanks to everyone for telling me about their television or show influences!
Oh, and before I forget...my vote goes to Stream of Passion. I've heard a few other songs by them and the singer has a flawless voice!
ReplyDeleteBTW in my previous comment I meant television and *movie influences. :P
I love Heather's gnome e-reading CassaStar!
ReplyDeleteI thought Raid 2 was okay, but not as good as the first, certainly not as tight. But I do enjoy a well choreographed fight scene and this had a bunch of those.
ReplyDeletemood
For cop shows, it doesn't get much better than The Wire and The Killing. The Killing has stuck with me more because it has a conscience about the ramifications of crime, and makes that most of the plotlines of its series, where most either glamorize or sensationalize the acts.
ReplyDeleteI liked The Raid 2 a lot more than you did, but it still took me an hour to realize it was going to be a very different film than the original. It wants to be a crime epic. I actually dug some of the turns, but I do agree its runtime feels too long.
I've heard that "After Earth" was a turd, mostly because of Wil Smith's son. I still want to see it.
ReplyDeleteLove that cover, Chrys. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteStreams of Passion wins for me.
ReplyDeleteGo, Chris! Thanks for sharing your influences! I read/watch a lot of YA fantasy, paranormal, and scifi along with my teen daughters, and then I watch shows like Continuum, Once Upon a Time, Alias, White Collar, and Leverage - lots of strong female characters, some prankster/tricksters, and some good action sequences in those that influence my writing. I'm also a fan of the BBC Sherlock - but there just aren't enough of them. I went back and read some Sherlock stories just to have an extra fix. It almost makes me want to write mystery. . . almost.
I used to love ER when I was younger. Now... I better not watch it because after each episode I would probably be panicking, saying "OMG I HAVE THAT AND I'M GOING TO DIE!!!!!" I don't have time for that silly stress in my life. LOL!
ReplyDeleteThis is the second time I've read about writers imagining a particular someone as a character when they're writing. I think that's cool.
ReplyDeleteI smiled at the 30 Seconds to Mars reference, Jared Leto's pretty smmmm-okin' hot. ;)
Happy to meet a new writer! Wishing her well with her book release.
Chrys -- Can't say if I've been inspired by doctor or cop shows, yet when I look back on things I've written I realize even obscure shows I've see have had an impact on me. You're book sound wonderfully intriguing.
ReplyDeleteAlex - I've got CassaStorm and I swear I'll read it soon and give it a thumbs-up review.
After Earth - Your review of Jaden Smith's acting -- ouch! His dad seems such a natural at acting.
Oh geez, I got so excited about a Jared Leto mention (for goodness sake, I'm a happily married woman! lol!) that I forgot to pick one of the songs. I'm going with Stream of Passion. I like how absolutely clear the woman's voice is singing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great question! I got addicted to the show Medium last year and, between projects, it inspired me to write a YA novel. I found out that type of book just won't sell right now in the competitive YA market, so it was a waste...but maybe someday there will be a market for it. I had fun writing it and learned, so I guess it's never a waste. Not many TV shows and movies inspire books written for 7-year-olds!
ReplyDeleteChris, from your influences, I can tell a lot about your book. What a cool idea to list them!
ReplyDeleteI see a few of my blogger friends here with good news.
Oh Jayden Smith. Best thing is looking at his Twitter feed :DDD
ReplyDeleteOK I listened to both and they are both great. I love the haunting quality of both and the Martha Graham dancing in the first. The rock style of the second is surpassed by the girl's amazing voice! This is a tough one. If the girl sang in the first one I would pick that as I love the first one's music style better but that woman's voice just killed it as they say so I have to go with the 2nd. Tough one
ReplyDeleteChrys, rarely do I picture actors or actresses as my characters. I love shows like NCIS and used to like watching Law and Order Victims--lot of good sleuthing in that also enjoy the Mentalist and again like the common sense approach and use of intuition to solve crimes. Not at all big on Doctor shows.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best with 30 Seconds!
Alex Ater Earth isn't a bad read but still didn't interest me enough to see the show and The Raid hasn't even tipped my movie radar until you mentioned it here.
Enjoy your time off!
Roland, you're a mess then!
ReplyDeleteSuze, isn't that awesome?
John, I think if I'd been prepared for the difference, I might have liked it more.
Al, good luck - you've been warned...
Tyrean, you rock!
Helena, thank you! And I guess that gene didn't carry over...
Rosey, you are awesome!!!
SC - funny!
Birgit, awesome pick!
I put my review up on Amazon.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved Radiohead's song already, but there is definitely an undeniable epicness to Stream of Passion's version. If we're judging the versions by what's more epic, they definitely win. ;)
Congratulations, Chrys! I'm one of the few people who still watch Grey's Anatomy and I love it.
ReplyDeleteThe gnome photo of Cassa Star rocks! Gotta love Heather Gardner.
Congratulations Chrys! That's a good list of influences there. I approve!
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome that your books were included in those shelfies. That has to be a great feeling!
Tough BOTB choice-Radiohead has that sound that kind of washes over you in waves, but you need to be in that mood-the Stream of Passion version has a lot more kick, and I like her voice.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm going with the familiar and voting Radiohead.
Larry
Congratulations Chrys.... All the best!
ReplyDeleteNice to catch up on what's going on in the blogosphere....
Thanks Alex for always keeping us informed!
Have a great weekend!!!!
Congrats to Chrys. I saw her on another blog recently and I have to say I'm intrigued by her story.
ReplyDeleteAnd I just got a copy of your first book Alex. Looking forward to reading it.
Lots of good book news this week!
Enjoy your break, Alex and congrats to you Chrys!
ReplyDeleteWhile I've heard of Radiohead, I have not heard of Stream of Passion before now. Neither am I familiar with the song, Street Spirit. This makes my job easier, since I don't have any prior influence to sway my decision one way or the other. Radiohead was just too slow to suit my musical taste where as Stream of Passion tempo was a bit faster what I really liked is the female vocals, which sounded a bit haunting. So...Stream of Passion gets my vote!
ReplyDeleteCome by when you can to vote on my #BOTB post! Enjoy your long weekend!
The only doctor show I ever watched was House. He was so mean.
ReplyDeleteThe second version of the song is beautiful - it gets my vote.
Trisha, thank you!
ReplyDeleteJennifer, she's the best.
LG, it was.
TB, thanks!
Cathy and Diane, you rock!
There's more than one version of Street Spirit?! Yay!
ReplyDeleteI love them both, but will cast my vote for the Radiohead version.
Thanks for the heads up on the clunker movies. I'm behind on my movies (just caught Elysium, which was great) so it's good to know which ones I can skip!
Chrys - LOVE Swat & The Mentalist. Definitely good shows for influence. Congrats on your newest release!
ReplyDeleteAlex - NO, I have NOT been misfortunate enough to have seen either movie. But then again, no big surprise.
Happy Tuesday!
Congratulations to Chrys!
ReplyDeleteAlex, your posts always get read twice, once when I come across them, and the next time, when I read my bookmarks for the day.
Thanks for compiling all this awesome stuff.
Great post and cool BOB!!! I like Radioheads version. IDK I didn't like the song sung in soprano. It sounded like she sometimes struggled to reach the chords. Radiohead owned the song!!!
ReplyDeleteHello Alex, enjoyed the trivia. Alex I have moved to Tumblr, I'll see if I can make it there. I just needed to blog and so it is more like a scrapbook at the moment. Hopefully I'll find a voice. The address is on my profile, the comment is Disqus.
ReplyDeleteAfter Earth really disappointed me too. Which sucked because...Will Smith. But oh well. You can't win them all.
ReplyDeleteI vote Stream of Passion. Normally I'm not a fan of high female voices, but it sounds more interesting than Radiohead's version. More going on there.
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched either of the movies, and I'm not disappointed about it. :)
Grats on the release, Chrys!
Yay, Chrys. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI loved Silverado. I heard Kevin Costner had a larger role because his scenes in The Big Chill were cut. They were all so young then! Like me. LOL
@Tyrean I love Once Upon a Time!
ReplyDelete@Patricia LOL! I wish I had all the ER seasons.
@Rosey I love Jared Leto! There's actually a small reference to him in my story. ;)
@Helena So many odd things inspire me that I wouldn't expect.
@Stephanie I used to watch Medium all the time!
@Sia Sometimes I picture characters as actors/actresses, but not all the time.
@Jennifer I still watch Grey's Anatomy. :D
@L Diane House was mean. LOL
@Terri Thank you!
My favorite cop show is Castle. Love those Shelfies! I finally got to see a couple of movies. Authors Anonymous was amusing, but not great. I watched the newest Captain America last night. It was good, and it has a depth that many of the other Marvel movies lack. Have a great week, Alex!
ReplyDeleteLoved greys Anatomy.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Chrys and Carol, and the other authors! It's amazing how TV shows really do influence us. Have a great break, Alex!
ReplyDeleteJulie
A three day weekend getaway sounds like a great idea, Alex!
ReplyDeleteOh, wait. I just did that....
Ugh! It looks like my comment from yesterday got eaten (mean internet).
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Chrys, and everyone else!
Looks like a horrid week for movies (not that i had time anyway).
And I'll vote for the first version. Although the 2nd one has more emotion and is a little more exciting, I like Radiohead's voice better.
Have a nice few days off!
So hoping you have a smashing weekend Alex! I've just bought CassaFire and am making my way to CassaStorm... Great post! Chrys did a great job. I agree with your After Earth movie review.
ReplyDeleteLove The Mentalist. Especially that tortured past of his that he masks with charm. I also love Blue Bloods because they have this legacy of honor and duty that really defines them.
ReplyDeleteSo many on your list are my favorites.
Edge of Your Seat Stories
Damy, I know it's a lot to take in...
ReplyDeleteLoni, you rock!
Joylene, like both of us!
Christine, we purchased Captain America but haven't had a chance to watch it.
T, sorry about your comment.
Lisa, thank you!
My favorite is Radiohead
ReplyDeleteI often have an actor who's an inspiration for characters, but not always. Interesting list of inspiration for your novel.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the young Smith can't act. Yet he'll keep getting movies because of who his dad is. Blech.
I'm a massive Radiohead fan - I saw them perform this in a big top around the time Kid A was released and it was epic. It was cool to hear the other version but I would have to go with Radiohead.
ReplyDeleteI'll give the Smiths' film a swerve, people shouldn't get a leg up just because of who their dad is.
Congrats to Chrys and all the others with new releases!
Have a great time away! :)
ReplyDeleteI remember the Radiohead version! The other was new to me.
So interesting to see the tv/movies that inspired the novella! Made me curious. Wishing Chrys the best of luck.
~Jess
Congratulations to Chrys on her new book! It sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any of those movies, or read your book, but it's on my to-read list. I can't wait to see what everyone gushes about! :)
Have a good long weekend!
Loved the Stream of Passion version. So neat to see how it inspired you! Yes, I'd say I'm inspired by several books, movies and songs. Can't wait for Monday's blog fest :)
ReplyDeleteI understand that as a parent you would want to be your kid's stepping stone, but Little Will can't plus my cat has more charisma when he's asleep. Can't buy talent.
ReplyDeleteAfter Earth was boring as hell. The Raid 2 I loved, though not as much as the hard-hitting original.
ReplyDeleteHey Alex!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed both versions of the song, coz the song speaks to me.
I loved the Mentalist... esp. the lead actor :)
Congrats to Chrys! Have a great mini holiday. X
I mention 70's detective shows in an upcoming book. TV can be inspiring.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all these authors.
I'd forgotten how much I love that Radiohead song. Voting for the original!
ReplyDeleteI won't watch the double Smith movie. That Jaden kid is a punk and not worth seeing. Big fat PASS.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you Chrys! 30 Seconds sounds...fast! teehee. Best of luck to you and the other authors too.
ReplyDeleteShannon, sad huh?
ReplyDeleteNick, sad when it's who you know rather than talent.
Thanks, Emilyann!
Blue, agreed!
George, they were just two different styles, which is what threw me.
Ivy, just say no.
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteI thought I left a comment here but, perhaps I just read the post and didn't leave a message or I have some sort of deja vu going on here.
I would go with video #1..
I have not read CassaStorm yet but, I will.
I enjoy watching the Mentalist and I am hooked on Castle..my favorite show.
Enjoy your weekend my friend..
travel with a light heart..
Kind Thoughts
Kind Words
Kind Heart...
One of my favorites was Philip Marlowe selecting among its performers to Humphrey Bogart and Robert Mitchum!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your long weekend!! And wow - not good on the movie front this week, eh?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Chrys! A book inspired br music... nice! You are very kind. I like Will Smith, but that movie was BAD. Enjoy your weekend.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy that nice long three-day weekend break, sans internet, so you can spend some quality time with your wife. :)
ReplyDeleteBig congrats to Chrys! Her list of tv shows/influences is very similar to my law enforcement husband's tastes.
congratulations on your new book release, Chrys!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I had you Alex and everybody else in my blogger feed and this morning I open it and it's all empty and it tells me I'm not following anyone... Has that ever happened to anyone else on Blogger? I hope it's just a temporary glitch !!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome about the sale of CassaStorm. I have CassaFire, but never actually ended up with CassaStar... so it's going to take me a while to get to Storm. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe western trivia was right up my alley!
So stoked for Chrys, and I didn't know Juliana had a book out! Yikes! I'm so behind the times.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Chris! Cool premise for your story. I get influenced by TV a lot too.
ReplyDeleteI have to pick Radiohead, Alex. They're one of my fav's.
30 Seconds sounds awesome:) Just the title and cover alone oozes with tension:)
ReplyDeleteOK, for the THIRD time, let's try this again.
ReplyDeleteI thought sure I would vote for Radiohead until I listened to the Stream of Passion version. WOW! That was a lot more interesting, melodic, varied, you name it. I really liked it. give 'em my vote.
Thank you everyone for your kind words! Alex's Ninja Army really does rock!!! :D
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to Chrys!!
ReplyDeleteI'm ashamed to admit, I've never heard of any of the movies and I failed the Western quiz miserably :(
Hi Chrys, Congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteAlex, enjoy your off-grid-time! :)
Thanks, Truedessa!
ReplyDeleteEE, it does happen now and then. That's why I never use my dashboard - I use Feedly.
AB, that's all right - appreciate that you have one of my books!
Faraway, noted!
Chrys, yes they do!
Chris, movies and TV offer up countless ideas. In fact, my mom was watching Dr. Phil recently, while I was reading on the couch. Eventually, I put my book down to watch, too. At the end, I thought... I bet I can use elements of that (true) story and work it into my next novel. And I still might:)
ReplyDeleteAlex, I expected to prefer the Radiohead version but I didn't like it much at all. It sounded really monotone to me in too many places. Stream of Passion performed the song with more energy, the female vocalist was a much better singer, and the arrangement was much more pleasing to these ears. Chalk up a vote for Stream of Passion.
Call me crazy, but when I could tell the acting in "After Earth" was bad just from the trailer, I knew I'd give it a miss. I also figured it was Earth even before they showed the title. *shrug*
ReplyDeleteAs for movie/TV influence, I find myself wanting to write something like "Agents of SHIELD", but have no idea how to make it work. Grr. Arg.
Whew! Where to being? Regarding Radiohead, I love OK Computer CD.
ReplyDeletedid I review CassaStorm? I requested all local libraries to carry all your book!
I loved Heroes, even with the countless holes in the plot. The series was done in by the Writers Strike. I really wished a motion picture was made with the original actors.
Congrats to Chrys! Her book sounds right up my alley...tension, tension, tension...
ReplyDeleteSecrets Of Honor also sounds like a cracker!
Congrats to all those with new books.
The Tree Of Life book trailer will probably be AMAZING. Have you seen the book cover? It took my breath away...
As I've gotten an extremely late start in writing (been writing only for 8 years, serious for 5), no specific t.v show or movie influenced my writing.
ReplyDeleteI would say that any show/movie dripping with realism and flavored with fantasy probably influenced my writing to a very small degree.
Father Nature's Corner
Enjoy your getaway, Alex, hope you find time to unplug for a while. And congratulations to Chrys! I haven't seen it, but none of my friends that have see it, liked AE.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend getaway!
ReplyDeleteRobin, thanks for taking the time to listen to that version. I think the singer is beyond amazing.
ReplyDeleteStephen, I appreciate that.
Michelle, yes!
GB, I started back into writing a bit late as well.
Awesome info from Chrys! I watch whatever topic I'm writing about. With the time travel series it's lots of Who, Fringe, Continuum, etc.
ReplyDeleteWith the memoir it's anything related to hospitalization and acts of violence.
I'm grabbing my copy of CassaStorm now!
Have an awesome weekend getaway. No blogging while you relax!!! :D
@Robin Dr. Phil is a good one! All of the things he talks about and the guests he has on his show are stories waiting to be written. The news used to inspire me for my thrillers.
ReplyDelete@Mason Trying to write something like Agents of SHIELD would be tough!
@Stephen I'm surprised Heroes wasn't made into a movie, too.
@PK I also tend to watch what I know will inspire me for my current WIP. BTW...I am a HUGE fan of your Butterman Travel series!!
Let's see...Quincy, ME...Rissoti and Isles...Murder: MD...I don't know of any more at this moment. Get back to you if I do.
ReplyDeletePK, thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove the shelfie blog hop photos!!!
ReplyDeleteGoing with Radio Head for this BotB challenge.
ReplyDeleteSorry, been here before as Donna Hole. Trying to revamp the blog. Not succeeding with the new blog - so much has changed with blogger templates.
Hope you had a good week off Alex.
....dhole
Wow, I finally caught up with you Alex. I'm looking forward to reading Chrys's book, and I don't suppose acting is a requirement when your name is Jayden Smith, sadly.
ReplyDeleteI love Chrys' influences! I'm especially intrigued by General Hospital. As a teen, I used to watch that every day. Even skipped school for Luke and Laura's wedding.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen either movie, thank goodness. I'm hoping to see The Maze Runner with my sons this weekend. We've all read the book!
I hope no one tries to hunt me down, but I liked the Radiohead version. The other group sounded too much like Paramore to me, not that that's a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteI haven't written any crime stories but I have written about a doctor. I didn't have TV inspiratio for her, but if I had to come up with some one it would be Dr. Saroyan from Bones.
Wow! What an amazing post! Congratulations to Chyrs for her book. I loved ER and Mentalist is one of my favorite TV shows as well. Thanks for introducing me to some music I had never heard before, Alex!
ReplyDeleteMy novel, Jungle Jeopardy, was inspired by Indiana Jones. Sleepless in Seattle was part of the inspiration for Daddy's Christmas Angel.
Mary Montague Sikes
Way to spread the love, Alex -- you rock. I'd be lying if I didn't say I've been influenced by THE TWILIGHT ZONE, STAR TREK, and Joss Whedon's work, but most of my prime influencers are authors: Bradbury, Mieville, King, and Reynolds.
ReplyDeleteDonna, glad you are sticking with us.
ReplyDeleteThose are cool, Milo.
Congrats to Chrys!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great lineup of shows, Chrys! :)
ReplyDeleteI've had CassaStorm patiently waiting on my Kindle since release, but I promised myself I wouldn't dive in until I finished the last book in my series...
Faster, Carrie, faster!