Tag: Caleb J. Ross

  • The DaVinci Code – Is it possible for a literary guy to like this book? (Video Blog ep 040)

    The DaVinci Code – Is it possible for a literary guy to like this book? (Video Blog ep 040)

    As a long-time naysayer regarding the merits—specifically literary—of The DaVinci Code, I felt it was time to come clean about my aesthetic appreciation of the book. The fact remains that The DaVinci Code is, in terms of writing as an art, a piece of poo. But in terms of storytelling and entertainment, it’s as good as anything else out there.

    Watch now as “Mark” reveals his appreciation for the The DaVinci Code.

    The DaVinci Code Video Book Review Spoof
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  • NaNoWriMo, Thoughts on National Novel Writing Month (Video Blog ep 039)

    NaNoWriMo, Thoughts on National Novel Writing Month (Video Blog ep 039)

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    I’ve had a hard time coming to terms with my opinions of National Novel Writing Month. Part of me appreciates the kick in the pants it gives to new writers. The other part of me hates the kick in the pants it gives to new writers (is it fear of more competition? Maybe). The one opinion I can be faithful to is that NaNoWriMo isn’t for me.

  • Video Book Review of Legion by Brandon Sanderson (Video Blog ep 038)

    Video Book Review of Legion by Brandon Sanderson (Video Blog ep 038)

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    Legion by Brandon Sanderson is a quick, fun, enjoyable read. The problem for me may be that it’s ONLY a quick, fun, enjoyable read. But that’s my personal crap, I understand. I generally like a different kind of book, one that forces me to think a bit more. But again, that my personal, elitist crap. Why shouldn’t I be able to simply enjoy a book rather than deconstruct it? It makes no sense. In fact, I should read more stories like Legion by Brandon Sanderson. I’m not being snide here; I really should.

  • Literary Fiction vs. Genre Fiction: A War of Terminology (Video Blog ep 037)

    Literary Fiction vs. Genre Fiction: A War of Terminology (Video Blog ep 037)

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    Literary vs. Genre. It’s a debate had mostly by linguistic and book nerds, one that honestly has no effect on anything important, so why even have it? Shut up! That’s why!

  • Video Review of Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer (Video Blog ep 036)

    Video Review of Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer (Video Blog ep 036)

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    Who knew the memory was so misunderstood? Well, memory scientists, maybe, but surely they aren’t going to admit that; it’d be like admitting that they aren’t good at their jobs then, right? Sorry, this video is a conspiracy theory thing, I promise. It’s actually about how interesting the book Moonwalking with Einstein is. How interesting? Very.

  • Imperfections Make for Interesting Characters (Video Blog ep 035)

    Imperfections Make for Interesting Characters (Video Blog ep 035)

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    Really, the title of this entry is all I need. Imperfections do make for interesting characters. Nobody wants to read about a perfect human (unless the story deals with the human’s perfection as a weakness in contrast to the rest of the human race). Even Superman needed Kryptonite to be interesting.

    I re-learned, during a recent trip to New Orleans, that a writer should embrace the imperfections.

  • Burning Books (Video Blog ep 034)

    Burning Books (Video Blog ep 034)

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    Though we’re just past Banned Books Week, I don’t think it’s ever too late to celebrate the majesty of systematically stripping away a person’s right to choose literature. But I don’t just want to stand on the sidelines and praise those beautiful nutjobs. I want to help.

    Banning books can only do so much. To really make a point, you have to burn books. Here I present a few examples which I hope you will copy so that we may all live in a better world.