Columns

5 Storytelling Lessons from the Original Star Wars Trilogy

December 17th, 2015

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is upon us, and if you’re like me, everywhere you look you see Star Wars—merchandise, promotions, screenings. It’s reminiscent of my childhood. It remains to be seen if the new movie will live up to expectations, but one thing it’s done is bring attention back to the original trilogy which is beloved for many, many reasons.

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The Horrors of Children's Christmas Books

December 17th, 2015

Children's Christmas books are all fun and games. Until you actually look at them. The Classics Let's get these out of the way right up top.  'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' by Dr. Seuss

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Library Love: The Jedi Are The Best Library Patrons In The Universe

December 16th, 2015

There is so much to love about the Jedi. They are the guardians of peace in the galaxy and defenders of civilization. They can use the Force to move stuff. Their weapon is the lightsaber, the coolest, most interesting weapon ever to be introduced to film. They wear awesome robes and kick-ass boots. They meditate. And they use the library.

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Mistletoe & Menorahs: 14 Holiday Romances

December 16th, 2015

The holidays are here, and that means ample opportunity for snuggling up by the fire and sneaking kisses under the mistletoe. Or maybe you’re basking in the glow of a menorah this holiday season, looking for a little romance. When the temperatures dip and the days grow shorter, passion is definitely in the air. Cozy up with these fourteen new holiday romances sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

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Does the Dark Knight Celebrate Christmas? Five Yuletide Batman Adventures

December 15th, 2015

Does Batman celebrate Christmas? That’s a loaded question, as the holiday has both its original religious intent commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ and the modern, commercialized deification of consumerism and Santa Claus.

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Relegated to Legend: The Stories We Lose in a New 'Star Wars' Timeline

December 15th, 2015

So what's the difference between Star Wars and Game of Thrones? Well, if you've never read the books, you'll say, "Game of Thrones kills everyone and generally leaves you feeling worse about people. Star Wars is a happier universe where the only people who die are wise mentors and faceless goons, and it ends with an enthusiastic celebration involving adorable furry creatures."

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A Guide: How To Start A Podcast (and Why You Should)

December 14th, 2015

Next year I’ll have been podcasting for three years. I’ve hosted, edited and produced over eighty podcasts, and been interviewed on or guest-hosted a few more.

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What Works & What Doesn't: 'Shaun of the Dead'

December 14th, 2015

Welcome back to What Works & What Doesn't, an ongoing series about the craft of screenwriting.

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How Backstory Almost Totally Fucked Up the Star Wars Franchise: A Lesson for Writers

December 11th, 2015

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… It must have seemed like such a good idea at the time. The opening crawl, reminding us of events we hadn’t yet witnessed. The cheeky addition of Episode 4 to the title, as though we had managed to somehow miss parts 1 through 3. The subtitle A New Hope, hinting at decades of past desperation. The insertion of that now iconic phrase, right at the beginning of the film.

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Forgotten Authors: Why John Steakley's 'Armor' and 'Vampire$' are Worth Remembering

December 11th, 2015

John Steakley only published two relatively obscure novels in his life. The first, published in 1984, was Armor, and while taking clear inspiration from Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers, it presupposed the space marine subgenre by a few years. Vampire$, published in 1990, was the second, and has a bit more of a reputation for being adapted into the dud that is John Carpenter's Vampires (1998).

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