Tag Archives: writing

The Importance of Being [Relevant]

  By zaelyna | 26 April 2010 - 21:03 |
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Films and novels are separate media, testified by the necessary changes made in adaptations. Through my studies thus far in screenwriting, I’ve learnt that visual storytelling depends on the relevance of each tiny details. Things that seem insignificant on the surface actually carry strong purpose later in the plot. Planting those details along the way is crucial to a successful script. If something doesn’t carry the story along, it doesn’t belong. The same can—and I think should—be applied to writing novels. For my latest revision of Between the Lines, I’ve been playing out scenes in my head like a film. … Continue reading →

Why, Yes, I *Do* Judge Books By Their Covers

  By zaelyna | 19 April 2010 - 21:03 |
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Every bookworm avid reader understands the seductive power of books. Books possess an enchanting nature. Being around them fills us with an unsatisfied desire to consume more. There’s actually a self-help book for biblioholism. Entertaining though it may be, the first two chapters I’ve read thus far did little to help me overcome my addiction. It actually added fuel! Heh. Tom Raabe’s book starts with a little anecdote about how he has ‘total control’ over his book addiction. He has good reason to possess multiple copies of the same title. They’re different editions, after all. Then the unthinkable happens: he … Continue reading →

Avoid Clichés Like the Plague

  By zaelyna | 12 April 2010 - 21:03 |
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For those of us who construct language, heed this warning well. After all, clichés are unoriginal. Overused. Exaggerated at times. There are occasions, however, when I agree with Mrs. Who that quoting the wisdom of others is the best way to express something otherwise ‘too difficult to verbalise’ myself. The weekend presented me with many rejections. Opportunities I patiently awaited weeks to hear back from finally got back to me, with sour news. Why do people set themselves up for disappointment? Why not accept defeat now, while hope has been kicked to the ground? Because of perseverance and indomitability. Big words … Continue reading →

‘Artists use lies to tell the truth’

  By zaelyna | 5 April 2010 - 21:03 | ,
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^ That ^ quote comes from V FOR VENDETTA. It’s part of a statement that reveals how the expression of truth is a crucial ingredient in literary realism. V’s point is that, yes, a lie was created. But the ‘lie’ is little more than a vessel through which we realise truths about our society, and about ourselves. One of the themes V FOR VENDETTA illustrates is the idea behind freedom, and by extension, censorship. Everyone is entitled to his own opinions, wherein lies the whole controversy. What works for A is unacceptable to B. So how do we protect the … Continue reading →

Splash Aboard for Script Frenzy

  By zaelyna | 29 March 2010 - 21:03 | ,
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Putting my feet in the water next week, and I’m ecstatic! Script Frenzy, the cinematic spin-off to NaNoWriMo, has arrived to help me journey through my first ever screenplay. Adding to my fears, I have no idea how to format a screenplay. Any other participants feeling lost and confused? The only thing keeping my nerves at bay is the reminder that I’ve decided screenwriting is my motivation for applying to grad school. Since the decision last December, I haven’t looked at films the same. Definitely watch them out of more than mere entertainment now. I’ve taken note of details that … Continue reading →