I was given this as a Christmas present. I wasn't sure what I would make of it, because I'm a fan of Terry Pratchett's books and when he died, I felt I was given this as a Christmas present. I wasn't sure what I would make of it, because I'm a fan of Terry Pratchett's books and when he died, I felt palpable grief for this guy I'd never met, but had heard in my head for decades. When I read A Slip of The Keyboard, I cried. This is a biography, written by Rob Wilkins who DID know and work closely with Terry Pratchett. If you thought Pratchett was a twinkly cuddly person, you're in for a surprise (but if you've seen any of the programs about him/ by him, you'd know he's a grumpy old so and so for the most part, but a kind and lovely man nonetheless). Because it's Rob's memories, it's in Rob's voice, which made it much easier to read. The last few chapters, when The Embuggerance takes hold, were difficult, not least because Rob's own pain was so raw on the page. I don't really know what else to say in this review. If you want to see Terry Pratchett as his PA and friend saw him, then it's well worth a read. You might feel that you've had a glimpse into the day to day working practice of someone who was a writer through and through. I'm glad I read it. Now, I suppose I should read The Shepherd's Crown (I own it, and have listened to Tony Robinson reading it. I just haven't read it for myself yet).
Amy Pascale is clearly a big fan and treats her subject with reverence. This is a biography of Joss Whedon through his work. That suits me fine becausAmy Pascale is clearly a big fan and treats her subject with reverence. This is a biography of Joss Whedon through his work. That suits me fine because I hoped to learn something from it.
I didn't watch Buffy when I was a teenager (despite being right in the middle of the target demographic at the time). The first time I came across anything by Joss Whedon was when I watched Dr Horrible. I totally loved it. I want cowboys singing my text messages like they do for Bad Horse. Likewise, I adored Firefly, Serenity and Dollhouse. I admired the writing. A lot.
As I mentioned, I didn't watch Buffy. But, having watched a couple of episodes now, I realise that I talk like the characters in it. I probably picked this up from people around me, who picked it up from Buffy. Joss Whedon shaped the way I talk. Influential, much?
So, what did I learn from all this? 1) Joss is very talented. 2) He's a nice guy and likes to work with people he gets on with. 3) He tends to like people who are very bright and good at what they do (is the flipside of this 'doesn't suffer fools'?) 4) He expects a lot from himself and others. 5) He works ridiculously hard. This guy works so hard there should be a new word to describe it.
I also learned the answer to something that has bothered me for years: Why did Wash have to die?? (Alan Tudyk fangirl, me).
I'd recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Joss Whedon's work. Read, absorb and learn. I wish I'd bought it in hardback because it's the sort of book I'd dip into for motivation. ...more
I’m not entirely sure how I got involved in Janice’s Spellbingly fun blog party, but I was so glad I did. I had a hoot taking part. Ditto the Voodoo WI’m not entirely sure how I got involved in Janice’s Spellbingly fun blog party, but I was so glad I did. I had a hoot taking part. Ditto the Voodoo Wedding one. When Janice said she had written up her experiences as a how to book, I jumped at the chance to read and review it. How to Party Online gives how t0 guides for online parties hosted on blogs, Twitter, Facebook and all of them in combination. Janice shares her own experiences and gives suggested plans with six week timescales. It’s all very useful stuff. The overwhelming message is that organising a party online isn’t something you can just do on a whim (well, you could, but it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun). It takes planning and dedication to get it right. Having this book as a guide, takes out a whole research step that you’d normally have to do for yourself. It’s a must have for any author learning about book promotion. I’ve only had one party on Facebook. While it went well, I think it would have gone even better if I’d read How to Party Online first. ...more
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