Welcome to 2015! I hope you had a great 2014, if not, then it’s finally over and 2015 is going to be so much better. So, how to review my reading and writing in 2014? Well… Abject failure is one way although that would probably be overstating it, as I did actually read and write stuff, just not at the level I hoped for. Continue reading Reviewing 2014
On reading audiobooks
The headline originally said “Audibook”, which is probably an interesting read, but no. No books made from a TT here. The real focus will be on reading, or rather, consuming audiobooks. And apparently its a contentious topic for some people. “Its not reading” is a common claim seeming to indicate that its a lesser form of consumption or maybe cheapens the reading experience or maybe even reading for dummies. So I sat down and considered it. Not that its for dummies, but how audiobooks differ from paper books in very real ways and in less obvious ways. Continue reading On reading audiobooks
The Problem of the Charge
“See the enemy? It’s that group over there. They are armed with high-powered, long-range weapons, and they are trained to use them. But we know a great secret! The secret of The Charge. Yes, we shall assemble our forces in a large concentrated mass, and charge them head-on! And win!”
Said no military commander after World War I (unless in a very specific situation where the enemy is completely unequipped to handle it), however every Hollywood director with a boner for the classic cavalry charge did. And sure, as a shock tactic utilized by a well-trained military force this can still work in real life. But in movies (and some books), it’s still viewed as the great equalizer. The opposition might be stronger, but our hearts and minds will prevail over their physical strength. Sorry… Skill beats will every time. Continue reading The Problem of the Charge
The Bath and The Book
The relationship between the bathtub and the book is a complicated one. On one hand it’s unquestionably supreme relaxation, on the other hand an continuous frustration-filled process of milieu management. Sure, the idea of lounging in a gorgeous bubble bath, sipping a glass of Merlot, surrounded by artistically streaked wax candles on every non-flammable surface, and reading the latest and greatest from your favourite author is amazing. But is it? Is it really…? And note: this is my own experience so you may agree or disagree. Continue reading The Bath and The Book
Wanted: Script Sceptic
Sorry for the break between posts. Life seems to be throwing un-catchable curve balls covered in goo and rusty nails these days, but I aim to get a post up every two weeks from now on. Even if the next ball makes me move countries. Who knows…. Here we go:
Hollywood movie makers need to implement a new position in their production team. I would suggest calling it Script Sceptic but BS Manager would be more accurate. We’ve all experienced it. When going to watch the latest blockbuster to come out of the Wood, we accept that some suspension of belief is necessary and acceptable for the experience. It’s OK that the hero can survive some improbable event, that the odds of character A and character B meeting in that city with those people at the time is unlikely, but a properly constructed narrative will keep the suspension active. Continue reading Wanted: Script Sceptic
Site Update and the Amazon-Comixology Kerfuffle
As a spur of the moment thing I decided to invest in my own site for the blog, change the theme and will be adding content about me, projects I’m working on and a page on commissions. Isn’t it pretty? Well it is and who are you to judge?! It’s going to be a slow process, so be patient. Or at least don’t yell at me.
In other news; Amazon has apparently acquired Comixology, my favorite digital comic provider, and stripped out the ability to do in-app purchases on Apple devices in favor of sending readers to the Comixology website. This seems minor, but as this article over at comicbook.com explains, it is a major blow to increasing readership among the non-initiated audience. I recommend reading it now. Like right now. You’re reading this, so you have the time. Click the link. Clickety-click-click-click! Continue reading Site Update and the Amazon-Comixology Kerfuffle
Three Things a Novel Should Never Do
Nothing throws me off reading a work of fiction than poor writing. Of all the crap you throw at a reader, the following three are probably among the worst literary sins I can imagine.
Point Number 1: Be Totally Predictable
A novel should never be predictable. Of course, there are genre conventions to be taken into consideration, expectations to certain themes or types of narratives, series of actions and developments that are inevitable or cannot reasonably be changed without serious changes to established reality or continuity. Continue reading Three Things a Novel Should Never Do
Where to Read
I’m stuck in a mental dispute between my attitude towards the reading experience and the reality of reading. I want to read. A lot. My attitude towards reading is that any-when and anywhere should be a potential opportunity to consume something, be it poetry, fan fiction or the latest Gaiman novel. At rock concerts, under water, and in active war zones, while admittedly less than suitable for an optimal reading experience, should all be options. I bought a Kindle specifically to carry a substantial library with me without destroying my spine. But has my Kindle seen much use outside my living room? In a word: NO. Continue reading Where to Read
Torben Jensen 
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