. . . w i t h | a r m s | s w i n g i n g . . .

Tuesday, December 07, 2004 · posted at 2:41 AM

Novels, in the proper sense of the word, are not written to vanish in a month or a year. That most of them do, today, that they are written and published as if they were magazines, to fade as rapidly, is one of the sorriest aspects of today’s literature.

- Ayn Rand

My daily calendar "The Bad Girl's Rage-A-Day" (as it pertains to me, the bad girl part is obviously a joke) often gives fun little historical factoids, ideas for "Things to do with pantyliners" and "Things to do with your ex-boyfriend's picture," and mini-tributes to famous bad girls (such as "Lucy, for always lifting the football at the last second). It also lists weekend projects like room redecorating, speed dating, and making your own VIP parking pass. Suggested weekend project: Exact Roommate Revenge.

Fortunately, I've been "roommate horror story" free for 11 months and counting (although I will never stop sharing past roommate horror stories), so this list is kind of useless.

One of the suggestions is: Use a razor blade to cut out the last 10 pages of the novel he/she is reading.

Would this really be so horrific? This could easily be viewed as a favor. The worst part of novels, especially the junk food I read, is the ending. Not necessarily because "Oh it's so good I never want it to end" but more like "All of that buildup for a 10 page wrap-up?" Novels can be unsatisfying like that. Sure you’re happy that the protagonist has resolved all issues, solved the crime, hooked up with the love interest, etc., but mostly you already expect that and want to know “what else.” What happens once Bridget gets Mark Darcy*?

In television, the reason series finales are so unsatisfying is because they try too hard to tie up all loose ends. A few are even victim of deus ex machina. I can’t even recall most series finales because they weren’t good. The good series finales are the finales for those shows who thought/hoped/prayed/promised their first born child that their show would be returning next season.

Who cares if there are loose ends as long as those loose ends are the dangling strands of a diamond necklace?

The plot-driven book or film is often too driven by, well, plot. The formulaic introduction + rising details + climax + resolution = conclusion can sometimes suppress the more important themes and ideas the author is presenting. Instead of trying to fit the square peg in the circular hole, writers could just increase the quality of that square peg.

Or I need to pick better books to read.



	Tuesday, December 07, 2004 · posted at 2:41 AM Novels, in the proper sense of the word, are not written to vanish in a month or a year. That most of them do, today, that they are written and published as if they were magazines, to fade as rapidly, is one of the sorriest aspects of today’s literature. - Ayn Rand My daily calendar "The Bad Girl's Rage-A-Day" (as it pertains to me, the bad girl part is obviously a joke) often gives fun little historical factoids, ideas for "Things to do with pantyliners" and "Things to do with your ex-boyfriend's picture," and mini-tributes to famous bad girls (such as "Lucy, for always lifting the football at the last second). It also lists weekend projects like room redecorating, speed dating, and making your own VIP parking pass. Suggested weekend project: Exact Roommate Revenge. Fortunately, I've been "roommate horror story" free for 11 months and counting (although I will never stop sharing past roommate horror stories), so this list is kind of useless. One of the suggestions is: Use a razor blade to cut out the last 10 pages of the novel he/she is reading. Would this really be so horrific? This could easily be viewed as a favor. The worst part of novels, especially the junk food I read, is the ending. Not necessarily because "Oh it's so good I never want it to end" but more like "All of that buildup for a 10 page wrap-up?" Novels can be unsatisfying like that. Sure you’re happy that the protagonist has resolved all issues, solved the crime, hooked up with the love interest, etc., but mostly you already expect that and want to know “what else.” What happens once Bridget gets Mark Darcy*? In television, the reason series finales are so unsatisfying is because they try too hard to tie up all loose ends. A few are even victim of deus ex machina. I can’t even recall most series finales because they weren’t good. The good series finales are the finales for those shows who thought/hoped/prayed/promised their first born child that their show would be returning next season. Who cares if there are loose ends as long as those loose ends are the dangling strands of a diamond necklace? The plot-driven book or film is often too driven by, well, plot. The formulaic introduction + rising details + climax + resolution = conclusion can sometimes suppress the more important themes and ideas the author is presenting. Instead of trying to fit the square peg in the circular hole, writers could just increase the quality of that square peg. Or I need to pick better books to read.	Recent Posts Batmobile lost a wheel Courtesy of my ever-benevo... I am woman, hear me roar This week, Andy was fire... LORELAI: Do they not understand we are unapologeti... The perfect cup. Everything in life is a strugg... You think it's like this but it's really like this... Iris Chang (1968-2004) I just read that Iris Chan... Channel your chi away from me. People will go t... I'm only a half block out of the store when I see ... Trapped in the Skinner Box. There was a point in ... Can you hear me now? It's a big decision. It's t... Morning news babie goose ryan bluemouse daves son dawntaught desiree diorama emily escadawg galveric high entropy invisible cube jepgato kyellow lilly mhuang mogbert nudream starfish + coffee verbivore Archives March 2004 April 2004 May 2004 June 2004 July 2004 August 2004 September 2004 October 2004 November 2004 December 2004 January 2005 February 2005 March 2005 April 2005 May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 June 2006 July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 January 2007 March 2007 April 2007 November 2008

	all humiliation © by author