Blog Archives

Writing the Next Chapter of Our Most Interesting Story

Half-way.

Encouraging, yet frustrating.

How have I gone so far, but still have so far to go?

The horizon is teasing me by barely revealing my ultimate destination.

Of course, timing is entirely relative to the individual and his or her situation, whatever it may entail. This arduous journey of ours could require a dedicated half-hour, a long day, a marathon week, an enduring month, year or precisely 16-months of slight variations of feeling like the shell-shocked Bill Murray character in Groundhog Day.

What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same…

This quest of sorts could present metaphorical (or possibly literal) steep mountain faces, hot, sweaty and overwhelmingly never-ending jungle terrain or a maze of mathematical madness that looks and feels like an alien planet.

How does one become a master of administering the internal guidance for these types of convoluted circumstances? How does one trek through and ultimately survive the expedition?

The answers for each person (obviously) will vary. However, there is someone who has discovered a universally advantageous approach, mindset and style to facing life’s many battles with what seems like ferocious lions in the center of a magnificent, sprawling coliseum filled with a cheering crowd.

While his name is unknown, his stories are not. Whatever he faces in his life, he has managed to turn lemons into gold. His inspiring tales of adventure are incomparable. He makes every challenge look like an amazing opportunity (easier said than done). But, regardless, he wins…every time.

He is the most

Sometimes, all it takes is a sip of a particular honey-colored nectar to refresh one’s ambitions, confidence and assurances of their original goal. And doing so in the most interesting way imaginable.

Well, that’s my forecast anyways…(Operations Management: Check)

P.S. Do you know why there are two XXs on the bottle?

Because when the bearded adventurer found his treasure, he was so impressed, he had to mark it twice.

Stay positive my friends!

Books of Epic Proportions

Dan Brown. J.K. Rowling. Tom Clancy.

And now J.J. Abrams apparently.

Reading books is still a popular leisure activity, despite how it may pale in comparison to venturing off to the movie theater to see the next big blockbuster sensation. The bottom line is that people enjoy stories of all genres with varying temptations and hooks. One day it may be action or adventure, the next could be drama and romance and the weekend may be primed for mystery or humor. The imagination has no limitations and is, therefore, eternally receptive to stories of all variations and styles.

In recent years, the word, “epic” has flown into our lexicon as nearly the same speed as Superman himself. There was even an animated film titled, “Epic” released earlier this year. While book releases rarely create epic fanfare or global pandemonium, there was one yesterday that just might expand literature into an unseen dimension of creativity.

Famed filmmaker J.J. Abrams, who is prepping the Disney reboot of “Star Wars,” had his book (co-written with established writer Doug Dorst) debut to the public yesterday. The title of the nearly 500-page mystery, “S,” may be the beginning of a new style and era of creative writing.

Yesterday, it was J.J. Abrams releasing an original novel. Who will be next? Steven Spielberg? James Cameron? Kathryn Bigelow?

Dare I dream for an original novel by Christopher Nolan?

There is no singular style, method, genre or process to writing, acting, directing and producing an epic blockbuster. There are unequivocal similarities, no doubt: original story, great characters, plot twists, big, yet believable action for the setting, stunning cinematography, hints of ambiguity, etc. But each crew has done it differently with a certain trademark.

Imagine this formula translated into an original novel that reads like an epic Hollywood movie that instinctively provokes intrigue and that relentlessly illustrates vivid scenes in our minds like the flow of some of our favorite movies?

Incredible books with the similar qualities listed above have and are being written. However, the scale of these literary adventures, mysteries, romances, etc. would be new with a particular cast of writers.

Try to envision a movie in IMAX with a powerfully unforgettable soundtrack somehow captured and placed within the binding restraints of a book.

There is a grandiose expectation with J.J. Abrams’ book because of his acclaimed cinematic skill set and storytelling accomplishments behind the camera. People will be expecting that “it” factor that will definitively distinguish “S” above the other available mysteries on the shelf.

Adapting popular books into movies is a common practice in Hollywood. And these scripts usually sound as if it were penned by an author instead of a screenwriter. The pace and style of the dialogue and the patience paid to character development is discernible. It’s not always absolutely good or bad, but it certainly is noticeable to the audience.

Last year, in late November, director Christopher Nolan made a rare public appearance to participate in a solo forum in New York City with a small audience to discuss his current, “Dark Knight” trilogy, his past movies and his then upcoming role in “The Man of Steel.” In fact, it happened on a Wednesday. Due to a contradictory statement given to me about a conflict at work that Wednesday and following Thursday, I had to refrain from securing one of those rare tickets when one was remarkably available.

I digress.

Christopher Nolan had agreed to answer a few questions from fans and/or attendees during this gathering. The question I submitted was essentially this: “Have you ever created your own original superhero with a corresponding universe and enemy(ies)? If so, who is it? What are his or her superhero powers? If not, would you ever be interested in such a venture?”

I was interested in not only my question, but all of the questions, plus his responses of course.

Maybe he read my question, maybe he didn’t. But if he did and the answer is yes, the possibilities and excitement among his fans would be difficult to contain.

The aura that surrounds “S” was palpable the moment I held it in my hands. There is a unique power and influence that radiates and thrills from the work of creative cinematic storytellers. Imaginations simply run wild with the stories they tell.

I just hope more will soon put it in writing.

Happy Monday on July 8th!!

Today is not only Monday, but…is also my birthday!

On this day, July 8th at 10:30 a.m., I turned 23 28!

Interestingly, I share the same July 8th birthday as famed French writer Jean de La Fontaine of the 17th century, “The Price is Right” beauty Janice Pennington, world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck, actor Kevin Bacon (of whom we all are six degrees of separation from: “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon”) and “Big Fish” realist-turned-escapist Billy Crudup.

Here’s to another year and, hopefully, another memorable chapter of life filled with stories of grand adventure and wild imagination…and maybe even a moment when time stands still.

Happy Monday/July 8th!!