The Spaces Between - Great Stories Are More Than Words

Ever notice how many of the most important things in life are often the things left unstated? How communication is more about the things you do before and after words than what you actually say? Sure, saying I love you is a big deal, but it's a lot bigger deal if it's followed by a kiss. You can tell someone you're angry or you can say you're angry and throw something at them. Which one do you think gets the point across more effectively?


I think good storytelling is a lot like that. 


It really struck me this weekend while talking books with some friends. The conversation consistently turned to a discussion of things implied by the actions of characters in the story rather than what was actually written on the pages. Don't get me wrong the words are important; without them there'd be nothing to infer from or to fuel the debate. However, I think I've underestimated just how much a reader likes to put themselves--and conversely, their own reasoning--into a story. 


I'll confess, the idea that what readers really get into is being able to fill in the gaps of a story rather than simply enjoying what is ACTUALLY written has probably been a tad complex for my mind to truly wrap around. I guess I've kind of had a rather simple, neanderthal-esque writing mindset of, "ME WRITE WORDS. YOU READ WORDS." 


Moreover, the concept of people intellectualizing beyond the words has always seemed a little highbrow or lit snobby to me. The stuff for writers, graduate programs, term papers and History Chanel specials to discuss. After all, the reader in me always really enjoyed the reading, appreciating what the author was communicating over implications. 


So it's not surprising that I reasoned that Twilight fan just consumed the story and could care less about deeper meanings and character intentions, right? 


W.R.O.N.G. You're everyday Joe or Susan reader loves to take stories to places beyond the margins. They constantly scrutinize Bella Swan's love choices and wonder what might have happened if Harry Potter had joined Slytherin instead of Gryffindor. Furthermore, the average reader loves to draw parallels between the lives of fictional characters and their own lives. 


As a writer here's the scary part; that's stuff that no author could contrive no matter how carefully they plot. J.K. Rowling could have had no idea that I'd be able to see my own family in the Weasley's. Nor could she have known that so many kids would feel Harry's pain and joy on such an intensely personal level to the point they write stories about his grandchildren in the form of fan fiction. 


I guess I'm saying that great stories are more than what they are on paper. It's those spaces between the words that hold the real power of a story. In the end, words are really just coal to fuel the fires of the imagination. Perhaps the real challenge in writing is learning how to create the spark to set it all off. 


~EJW~   

Mid-Week Review: Twilight Saga - Eclipse (MOVIE)

Hello friends and blogger cohorts!  I've surfaced from a wild couple of weeks that included a wedding, visits with long not-seen family, and winery hopping in Oklahoma.  (Who knew?)  I hope each and every one of you has been well, and as a thank you for sticking around during my absence I'm offering you my review of the latest movie in Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series, Eclipse.

If you're not familiar with the story, have no fear, I'll try to keep the spoilers at a minimum.

If you've been alive during the last 6 years, you're probably aware of  a little story called Twilight.  It involves a teenage girl named Bella, a vampire boy named Edward, and lots of romantic teen angst.

If you're a writer, you should know that the stories (there are 4 in the series: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn) were so popular that they spawned an entire genre of literature called PARANORMAL ROMANCE, which from the Latin ANGSTIMUS MAXIMUS loosely translates to, LOVE STORIES THAT COULD NEVER HAPPEN TO YOU WITH CREATURES THAT DON'T EXIST.

The non-initiated should also know that the stories have become such hits that they've spawned a following of people called Twi-Hards as well as a series of mega-popular movies based on the books.  At this juncture, I feel the need to give my Twilight street cred ...

I've read all 4 stories, and in fact told my wife to read them because I thought she'd like them.  (Unlike myself, she's a proud card carrying Twi-Hard.)  In the name of full disclosure you should know that I do not fancy myself as a Twi-Hard.  I read the books because I noticed students I worked with reading them.  As an aspiring author for the young folks, I deemed it to be necessary research.

Were they the best books I've ever read?  No.  Was I disappointed?  Also no.  The books are a fun read, and there are some definite lessons to be learned for aspiring authors as well as a pretty epic love story hidden amongst the brooding, sighing, sparkling, and kissing.

I've also seen all of the movies to date.  (There have been three, with Eclipse being the newest.)  My general thoughts on the previous movies is that they capture the mood and themes of the books quite well and are in some ways more digestible for the casual fan.  Heck, even my mother watched the movies and said she enjoyed them, and I can guarantee she wouldn't find much value in the books.    

SO WHAT ABOUT ECLIPSE?

I'm going to spare the intense story details here, assuming that if you're still reading you already know what's going on.  I'll instead focus on the quality of the movie, specifically as it pertains to the story for which it is based.

Eclipse was easily my favorite book in the series, and the film didn't disappoint.  The special effects are the best yet, and there is more of a focus on the side characters as opposed to just seeing Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella (Kristen Stewart) stare at each other for two hours.  They've included lovely flashback scenes for Jasper and Rosalie that fans will surely applaud.  Furthermore, I found the tension amongst the love triangle of Bella, Jacob (Taylor Lautner), and Edward to be played to perfection.  There's good humor (some of it not intended, but it's just so danged cheesy), and plenty of intense action throughout.  There were even a couple of times that I actually felt the weight of Bella's choices, which is impressive considering I knew what the outcomes would be.  

Perhaps the best thing I can say about the movie is that it was fun.  Before the movie even began the crowd divided into Jacob and Edward factions.  Once the show started, every time either character would appear cheering and jeering would start.  Heck, there was even one vocal person in support of "Team Jasper"!  Twilight is by definition a phenomenon, and watching the movie was more of an experience than an event.

My verdict?  It's the most accessible movie of the bunch, so if you have a significant other who's been holding out, now is the time to force them to take you.  It's no Schindler's List, but I think if you're even a casual fan of the source material and/or the movies I think you'll really love this one.

TEAM JACOB FTW!!!!!!!!!!