Breaking Dawn: The Twilight Saga. Just a few words...

Of course I had to go see Breaking Dawn. I've only read the first Twilight book. I think I read half of New Moon, but I'm not sure. I saw the movie and keep getting what I saw on film and the book mixed up! I'll probably have to start the book again.

I went to Barnes and Noble to get the movie edition of Breaking Dawn. I like that the movie-connected versions of the books are smaller and take up less space. I enjoyed the movie, but did find it a bit depressing and somber. Considering the subject matter, that makes sense. Still, it's one of the better movies in the series. I like that they emphasized the couples sexuality and didn't hold back on it. I didn't read the book yet, so I don't how that plays out there, but I think the movie was a realistic depiction and tastefully done.

What happened to Edward's hair?!...lol..I miss that thick mop he used to have. You can definitely see everyone is getting older. Robert Pattinson remarked in an interview a couple of years ago that they better hurry up and shoot these films because he wouldn't remain looking like 17 for too long. I chuckled looking at the film because a couple of cast members have put on a few pounds. Carlisle, papa Cullen isn't looking as lean and predatory as he did in 2008 and brother Emmett is looking a bit stockier...lol..Even my husband remarked on Bella, asking me how old she was. She has matured, most definitely. He noted how Twilight really put Kristin Stewart on the map--and this is from a man who gets all his updates about pop culture from me! He could care less, otherwise. I make it my business to ensure he stays in the Twilight loop! Lol...

The first Twilight will always be my favorite, though. Even though the make-up was pretty bad, the magic of that first introduction is hard to beat :-)

Toodles!

Meanderings of ECLIPSE, Stephanie Myers, an interesting writer observation...stuff like that.......

Hey guys, just thought I'd throw in my two cents about Eclipse and a few tidbits about the great Stephanie Myers. I went the first day it opened, which I usually don't do, but I already had my ticket, so I didn't have to do anything but walk in, so I did.

For those of you who pay any attention to what I say around here...LOL...you may be aware that I watch the Twilight movies first, then read the book, so I have no clue about what's going to happen, especially if there's a new character involved. Anyone who is an aspiring author, has heard time and time again, you should open your book with something interesting and in a meaningful moment of the story. Many new writers have interpreted this to mean open with some sort of dramatic action, whether that be a fight, a murder, a bomb or the character being in some kind of serious trouble. Now the problem with that is, unless the reader has connected with the character in some way and cares about them, they don't give a hoot about who's dying, who's facing some sort of peril etc. And how can they bond with the character unless they get a chance to know them first?

Much advice is offered on line and elsewhere, often by literary agents, suggesting the writer not do that. The first scene of Eclipse was a perfect example. Now maybe folks who read the book, understood, but when this big dramatic scene came on--a huge rainstorm, a guy apparently being stalked and ultimately attacked by some unseen force, I didn't have the merest clue about what was going on. I know the drama of the scene was meant to elicit an emotional reaction from me, but I didn't really have one because I was too busy trying to figure out who the guy was and why I should care about what happens to him. At first, with all that rain, it took a few seconds for me to realize he was under some kind of attack...LOL...anyway this was an excellent example of what writers are warned not to do and I saw very vividly why that is so.

New Moon, Stephanie Meyer and all that kind of stuff...so what's to say? Plenty!

Well, I know I'm late to the party. I finally finished reading New Moon yesterday. I wanted to complete it before Eclipse comes out next week and mission accomplished. Yay me! When Twilight came out, I had no idea it was a book until people in the theatre told me. I loved the movie and wasn't disappointed like some were because I had no idea how the much was changed, cut out of the story etc. I've decided to continue this format and watch the movie first, then read the book.

Those of you who have read my earlier post may recall I didn't like New Moon the movie as much as Twilight. I wasn't expecting much from the book, but I was happily surprised and found it pretty engaging. I know there are a lot of Jacob/Taylor Lautner fans out there, but I find the Jacob of the book a more interesting character than the movie version. Taylor's doing a good job, mind you, I just think the literary Jacob is more compelling.

Perusing the internet and online communities, even in writer conferences, I've heard so many complaints about Stephanie Meyer's writing. I find that annoying. Of course, people have their own taste and writing and/or reading a story is very subjective, but really folks, I think she is an excellent story-teller. The woman knows how to tap into the ultimate fantasy of girls and woman the world over and that's why the book has sold so widely.

New Moon book giveaway: Everyone's a winner!

Since there were only three ladies in the US and Canada that didn't have a copy of New Moon, I did some networking and got two more copies. All three ladies are now happy owners. Congratulations to:
Jackie B, Jackie O and Marjorie R. Enjoy girls!
Toodles!

Lessons for Writers from New Moon, the movie

I spoke to several people today to get their opinion of New Moon. The sentiment was the same: it was good, but not as good as Twilight. They had no plans to go back for another viewing, though several of them saw Twilight multiple times. What's the difference? As I said on Sunday's post-it's the focus of the movie: Bella's inner angst and turmoil. It's hard to make those kinds of emotions exciting and attention grabbing on screen.

New Moon book giveaway

If anyone is interested in the opportunity to receive a pristine copy of New Moon, please leave a comment. Include a reference to your desire to receive the book in addition to any thing else you wish to add. I happen to have two copies, so I'm giving one away. The opportunity will be open until next Sunday, November 29, 2009.

Toodles!

New Moon movie review

I don't usually go to see movies on opening night, but I was near the theatre after work and the next showing available was less than two hours away so I bought a ticket and waited in a nearby Barnes and Noble.
                    
If you're one of the few people on earth who hasn't seen the first installment of this saga, you need to do that before seeing New Moon. You can't get the flavor for what all this is about unless you've seen Twilight first. I have friends who didn't see Twilight, but were drawn into the advertisements and planned to see New Moon. Do yourselves a favor and see Twilight first. New Moon was truly like being dropped into the middle of a story. It's a continuing saga-true, but I found that a bit disconcerting. It didn't have a clear beginning for someone who isn't familiar with the story.

Mind you, I have not read New Moon yet. I intend to.  I found out from the first movie, it was better to see the movie first and then read the book. Lots of people were disappointed with the movie after reading the the book first.  I didn't have any expectations when I went to see Twilight, because I had no idea it was a book. I discovered that little tidbit when I was sitting in the theatre and spoke to the people waiting for the movie to start! Of course I went right out, bought it and devoured the book. I decided then, not to read any subsequent books until after I've seen the movie, that way, I won't be disappointed by any deviations from the book.