• Inside Entertainment,  Media Rants

    The Star Wars Conundrum

    As a writer, I live by a simple rule when it comes to revision: if two of my alpha readers cite the same issue, then I must (absolutely non-negotiable) address that issue – even if I vehemently disagree with what those readers are saying. Where two people have seen a problem, others will also. When I’ve worked as an editor, I’ve seen writers steadfastly defend their narrative. Working on an anthology about eight years ago, I had one author refuse to address a plot point that four editors had cited. I told him we were a representation of his readers. He refused to be moved. The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy…

  • Inside Entertainment,  Media Rants

    Relating to Characters: Part II

    Last week, I looked at the first six of twelve characters that I felt I could relate to. I should clarify that the twelve characters aren’t the only characters I feel I can relate to But for the purposes of these blogs, I’ve tried to make my selections eclectic, and also focused on more extraordinary stories to illustrate that you can create relatability anywhere and with anybody if you put enough thought into how that character is portrayed, the journey they’re going to take, and how they’re going to deal with the obstacles they face. So, continuing on from last week …   Buffy Summers – Buffy: The Vampire Slayer…