I spent 2 hours at the hospital getting an infusion. My ancient blood needed fixing. Too little iron, too little energy. Luckily, this clinic in the hospital is like a spa. Comfy recliner or bed, warmed blankets, and engaging staff who all seem to be delighted to work there. Daughter came with me.
Not that I've been idle. Between unplanned bouts of sleep, I am editing. Interestingly, the only writer in the anthology who has, seriously, the worst writing, is the one nagging me to get my arse in gear and finish the damn thing. I finally broke and told her her work doesn't demand editing, but a total re-write of all her work. Needless to mention, she was annoyed. I am always truly amazed at how oblivious some are. I farmed out two of her pieces to two other writers as I was slowly losing my mind at the rewrites - painstaking, and also, I was slowly losing my will to live.
I was disappointed in the Oscars. One Battle After Another was a ho-hum thing, characters way underdrawn, more like caricatures, but if you're into lots of bangs and violence without purpose, go for it. Sinners was another flop in my mind. The first 2/3 engaged me, but the last moved into the vampire realm, which has never appealed. Suspending disbelief is never my forte, and I felt that the writers felt rushed and had to finish the whole thing in a hurry. I did like the soundtrack.
My favourite movie last year was "Train Dreams". I'm old-fashioned, perhaps, in my lifelong love of film. But this film hooked me from beginning to end. In all aspects. The cinematography is breathtaking, the acting and script superb.
A couple of pics for Sunday Selections:
The winner of this year's Oscar for best picture has finally convinced me that the awards aren't based on merit but upon how much lobbying and money was spent on getting the award. Here, we tried to watch that movie but were bored silly and gave it up after a half-hour or so.
ReplyDeleteI can say the same for the year Everything Everywhere All at Once won. Nothing there to hold our interest, at least not in this house.
Different strokes for different folks, as they say. But it's not about a good story anymore, that's for sure.
Glad that treated you like gold in the hospital, missy.
-Kate
Agree on the merit. I wish they took votes from ordinary film- goers only. I felt the same about EEAAO last year, could not make sense of it and actually (rare for me) turned it off. You would love Train Dreams.
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I hope the rewrites go well and I very much like your indoor garden and beach, they are lovely.
ReplyDeleteNow that I've given a few to other writers I am calmer and less stressed.
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I think I recognize orchids and an African violet, but what other delights do you have on the windowsill?
ReplyDeleteSome I'm not sure of, but there's an ivy and a purply thingie too.
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The movie industry (and the actors that go into it) has changed so much over the past 20 years that I feel a complete stranger to movies. I don't go, but I occasionally watch the oscars and get some idea of what is happening out there. Nothing, though, that makes me want to run to the movies any time soon.
ReplyDeleteI've been a lifelong devotee, Delaine. My uncle owned a cinema, and I was addicted early in life 🤣
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Train Drams sounds interesting. The once super hot Joel Edgerton as the male lead is an Australian actor. I assume he used an American accent. I wonder how that was.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard enough editing my own writing, or not, than working on someone else's work.
He has very little dialogue Andrew but his performance is powerful. I cried a few times. And yes, he is a hunk.
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I love your indoor garden, so pretty and neat. I also love the 40 shades of blue beach and wish I could sit there for a while. I don't know any of the movies, haven't kept up with new stuff.
ReplyDeleteCan you farm out the rest of that editing for your peace of mind?
I already did to two trusted co-conspirators. So It's looking a lot more manageable. Most of my writers are terrific which balances out. I would love for you to sit on that glorious beach. You'd be renewed in spirit.
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We must be the only people not wowed by Sinners. It was just lost on me. Although I am already planning on seeing the newest Spiderman movie in the theater, so I can't claim to be too high-brow. Your view is breathtaking; those colors!
ReplyDeleteI remember this feeling of crushing disappointment at the end of Sinners and an "oh, no!" I still haven't seen Hamnet but am looking forward to it.
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Few people realize how difficult it is to an editor, and bruised egos can develop quickly. As for the Oscars, believe it or not, I have never seen them. I am not now, nor have ever been a movie fan. The last time I was in a movie theatre was to accompany my daughter to "Good Morning, Vietnam" so that will tell you how long ago it was.
ReplyDeleteWow David, I was introduced early to film so a life long love affair for me. Yes, editing is difficult, and you sound like you are totally aware of how unappreciated it is. Rewrites are even worse, time-consuming. Thankfully, I now have 2 terrific volunteers to help me.
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This sounds like a nice hospital stay - at least as nice as such can be.
ReplyDeleteI've also noticed that the most impatient ones when you edit are the worst writers ;) I wonder if this is just coincidence or if there's some underlying thing ...
Your indoor garden looks perfect.
I think they are truly unaware of their appalling efforts, Charlotte and never acknowledge the superhuman effort of the re-writes of their work. I just love my green pets (a friend called them that) they make up for the animal pets my building doesn't allow.
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Great to find you here and still kicking, www! No need to tell me about the joys of aging! Was delighted to see Niall Williams book - read it years ago, his others too, but this one's my all time favourite....and speaking of Irish artists - how about Jesse Buckly and her role in Hamnet? Doing old Ireland proud!
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