[kerupi]

Haha, well... I'd also recommend The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco - a much more intelligent version of Dan Brown Also, Eco's collection of essays How to Travel with a Salmon is pretty hilarious. Jose Carlos Somoza is relatively low-key, but I enjoyed his The Art of Murder, very disturbing concept.

I didn't watch 28 Weeks Later, but did enjoy 28 Days Later and was very impressed with Cillian Murphy. I thought he was criminally underused in Batman Begins! As for The Beach the movie... Leonardo DiCaprio is no Richard at all, he doesn't even come close. I know Alex Garland was displeased with the film and how it was shot, and I can't disagree. The novel is really much better and I was really upset with how they'd distorted things. Stardust the movie is another travesty... I shan't talk much about that or I'll explode! I think it's because I'm a purist where film adaptations of books are concerned. If I'd read a novel before it was adapted to the big screen (eg: The Beach, Stardust), I'd be highly critical of the film version, especially if I'd really enjoyed the novel. If I'd seen the film version first before reading the novel, then I would be more partial towards the differences in interpretation (eg; The Age of Innocence, Ring). I'm quite odd that way.

Okay, consider me warned about Ruesch and the graphic nature of his works!

As for being published... nah, I don't cherish any hopes. I did think about it when I was younger, but realised that ultimately it's not what I want. I prefer to just write for leisure and at my own pace. Besids, my writing is not at the level where it is good enough to be published. Imagine breathing the same air as Alex Garland! I'd be so overwhelmed. It would be fun, though, to work in a publishing company. You write poetry? Then you can consider posting it at the fanfix section here

hehe Azira I get the hint as to how much you dislike those two particular movie adaptations, first time I read your reply I because I could feel your frustration and dismay, heavily influenced by your strong yet subtle opinion I've ordered the book stardust, but I do admit I have watched it more than once

oh I just remembered, sort of while on the topic of animals, do you know an English author, I believe? ah! I forget his name but he is known for writing novels about a veterinarian and lots of animals, his books are supposed to be full of wit and humour he is one author I keep on my to-read list if he doesn't ring a bell at all for you I will look him up James Herriot << found him

sounds like you'd be starstruck to be in a league with Garland, I don't see why not though there are different styles of writing

fanfix section? ah thank you much! but I don't really do public viewing, only a couple of pieces in the past but thank you having said that I will make time to check out the section to read Poetry as I had assumed it was strictly creative writing, perhaps an oversight on my behalf

again, thank you for the further recommendations, I like this thread, lots of suggestions

[agnes.]

probably 1-5.
i read fast but i'm not too fond of books.

[muse.]

I read about 5-7 books a week...and I usually go to the library every week too, so IDK...that's a lot of books in a year! My friends totally don't expect me to be such a bookworm--they're always so surprised when they find out that I love to read hahah.

My favorite author right now is definitely Juliet Marillier. If you're into reading about historical fantasy, definitely check out her books!

[Aziraphale]

hehe Azira I get the hint as to how much you dislike those two particular movie adaptations, first time I read your reply I because I could feel your frustration and dismay, heavily influenced by your strong yet subtle opinion I've ordered the book stardust, but I do admit I have watched it more than once

oh I just remembered, sort of while on the topic of animals, do you know an English author, I believe? ah! I forget his name but he is known for writing novels about a veterinarian and lots of animals, his books are supposed to be full of wit and humour he is one author I keep on my to-read list if he doesn't ring a bell at all for you I will look him up James Herriot << found him

sounds like you'd be starstruck to be in a league with Garland, I don't see why not though there are different styles of writing

fanfix section? ah thank you much! but I don't really do public viewing, only a couple of pieces in the past but thank you having said that I will make time to check out the section to read Poetry as I had assumed it was strictly creative writing, perhaps an oversight on my behalf

again, thank you for the further recommendations, I like this thread, lots of suggestions

Haha, I hope you enjoy Stardust and The Beach... the novels, of course. As for James Herriot, I think I've heard of his name, but don't really recall having read anything by him. I shall check out his stuff. Not many authors are also vets and write about animals, so that is way cool Oooh, I just went to the wiki page for Herriot, he's got a cat stories collection! How fantastic <3

Yes, Garland is awesome <3 I think you'll feel the same after you read The Beach. I am not particularly into travelogues or anything, but I was just blown away by the novel. I wish he'd come for a book-signing or something! I totally love him because he doesn't like the film version of his novel Have you met any authors?

Yeah there's a handful of poetry threads in fanfix, you just have to dig for them. I think maybe the completed sub-forum has a list of poetry threads. Well, poetry is part of creative writing, I guess, just that most people are more familiar and comfortable with prose. I can't get into poetry at all. I was bored to tears while trying to figure out The Waste Land, or fell asleep wading through a collection of women's wartime poetry. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

[sheart]

I put 10-24 though I try to make it a goal to read 25+.

I recommend anything by Jonathan Safran Foer. He's my current favorite. (:

[kerupi]

Haha, I hope you enjoy Stardust and The Beach... the novels, of course. As for James Herriot, I think I've heard of his name, but don't really recall having read anything by him. I shall check out his stuff. Not many authors are also vets and write about animals, so that is way cool Oooh, I just went to the wiki page for Herriot, he's got a cat stories collection! How fantastic <3

Yes, Garland is awesome <3 I think you'll feel the same after you read The Beach. I am not particularly into travelogues or anything, but I was just blown away by the novel. I wish he'd come for a book-signing or something! I totally love him because he doesn't like the film version of his novel Have you met any authors?

Yeah there's a handful of poetry threads in fanfix, you just have to dig for them. I think maybe the completed sub-forum has a list of poetry threads. Well, poetry is part of creative writing, I guess, just that most people are more familiar and comfortable with prose. I can't get into poetry at all. I was bored to tears while trying to figure out The Waste Land, or fell asleep wading through a collection of women's wartime poetry. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

Hey Azira

yes I thought you would enjoy the cat collection part

that's a good question actually, had me pondering over the possibilities and why I had never felt the urge to meet any, probably because most of them are no longer alive? but no I've never meet any authors to be honest, I don't think I have ever had any intentions of meeting the authors of any books that Ive enjoyed, ah I lie as I sit here typing this, one springs to mind - John E. Douglas but I would probably much prefer a conversation than autograph

is there any piece of Poetry that you like? I don't think I have read either of those that you mentioned, my Mum is good at poetry, words, she has had limited education in terms of literacy but she has a way about her

ah would you make a special trip to a Garland signing, though? have you ever met any authors? who else would you like to meet I also think that I would have liked to have met Alexandre Dumas or have listened to him, I am sure there are living authors such as these, I just need to discover them

I would like to know where their passion for writing comes from and what motivated them

like you, Azira, what motivates your writing? what was your sense of feeling upon completion of each fanfic?

[Aziraphale]

Hey Azira

yes I thought you would enjoy the cat collection part

that's a good question actually, had me pondering over the possibilities and why I had never felt the urge to meet any, probably because most of them are no longer alive? but no I've never meet any authors to be honest, I don't think I have ever had any intentions of meeting the authors of any books that Ive enjoyed, ah I lie as I sit here typing this, one springs to mind - John E. Douglas but I would probably much prefer a conversation than autograph

is there any piece of Poetry that you like? I don't think I have read either of those that you mentioned, my Mum is good at poetry, words, she has had limited education in terms of literacy but she has a way about her

ah would you make a special trip to a Garland signing, though? have you ever met any authors? who else would you like to meet I also think that I would have liked to have met Alexandre Dumas or have listened to him, I am sure there are living authors such as these, I just need to discover them

I would like to know where their passion for writing comes from and what motivated them

like you, Azira, what motivates your writing? what was your sense of feeling upon completion of each fanfic?

I don't like poetry, period. It's just... I dunno. I can't get into it. Half of it sounds pretentious. Or maybe it's just not in my genes to appreciate poetry, lol. I think Chinese poetry is beautiful, but I still can't appreciate it as it should be appreciated. As for The Waste Land, it's a pretty famous poem by T S Eliot, I'm sure you've heard of him?

Mmm... special trip for a Garland signing... I'm not that fanatical, haha. If it's within the country, sure. If it requires me to fly overseas, then I don't think so. I've met Neil Gaiman (wonderfully quirky), Wilbur Smith (perfect gentleman) and Jeffrey Archer (a bit stiff), and would like to meet Garland, Tess Gerritsen, Arturo Perez-Reverte and Haruki Murakami. And of course Roald Dahl, I love his stories, but he's passed away. It would be lovely to be able to sit down with these people and chat the day away, but even book signings can be fun - I remember attending one of Gaiman's workshops when he came and after that we'd all queued up to get our books signed, and in addition to signing, he drew a little something for each of us. That was really nice. And some authors have websites and/or blogs where you can interact with them - some authors take the time to respond personally to emails and comments.

As for motivation... I'm a little short on that now, haha. I guess I push on because I want to try and do justice to my characters, and I try not to give up halfway. So there's a great sense of satisfaction when I complete a story, because there will be times when I'd want to give up. And a little sadness too, because I feel attached to my characters and to let them go after I'd worked on them for so long... well, I guess only another writer would understand that feeling. Writing for me is therapeutic but on the whole a lonely process. But maybe that's not a bad thing

[BishieAddict]

I don't really keep track, but when I'm in a book mood, i can sacrifice my sleep. It depends on my mood and the book... sometimes I just give up halfway if it's not what I want to read. I usually read fantasy. sometimes chick lit.

[bitter SOOweet]

dang i wish i had time to read 25+ books 0_0

[terrorist]

dang i wish i had time to read 25+ books 0_0

well it's apparent they read 25 books in a matter of 25 hours.


has anyone read the alchemist.. fine book.

[Trungy]

I think I read somewhere around 20-30 books in 07, and about 30 in 08. However, this year in 09, I finally read my first book last week. I've been mainly reading magazines, though not trashy ones that you see at the checkout line of the grocery store.

Back in April I thought I could get out of my funk by reading the Iliad. Hah!!!!

[GameMasterShadow]

I'm pretty sure i read at least 25 books a year, lol. I pretty much just read sci-fi and fantasy, and I have a backlog of about 8 books to read through. I have a habit of buying a bunch of books and then buying more books before I finish the others, lol.
I visit the bookstore at least once a week. Sometimes three times. I like writing stuff, too, but that's not nearly as prolific..or good xD.
I think I need a support group for books! Hahahahahahathat is sad.

[punky_brewster]

actually, i don't read books... i feel bored so many chapters... usually if i read books when i was in my college days just to feel i'm in trend inside our campus, read the Chapter 1 to 5 then skip to 2nd to the last chapter hehehehe...
but a read a lot magazine fashion, gadgets and all about house/home arrangement or furnitures.

[Gamecock28]

I would guess I read 25+ books a year. I read a lot on the bus or subway. I've always been a non-fiction fan, particularly history. I read about Henry Hudson in fourth grade...way before we ever learned about him in social studies class. During my winter holiday I finished off three books about the Nanking Massacre in about two weeks. I'm currently reading a book on atheist spirituality and another book on genocide. Once in a while I'll read a novel. I just picked up The Heretic's Daughter which is based on the life of one of my ancestors. I'm one of those weirdos who goes to book stores when they are traveling through other countries. The book store at Siam Paragon in Bangkok is simply wonderful in it's selection. Much better than stores I've been to in Seoul, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai. I can't judge Sydney because the only book stores I could find were closed by the time I finished touring around the city.

[kerupi]

I don't like poetry, period. It's just... I dunno. I can't get into it. Half of it sounds pretentious. Or maybe it's just not in my genes to appreciate poetry, lol. I think Chinese poetry is beautiful, but I still can't appreciate it as it should be appreciated. As for The Waste Land, it's a pretty famous poem by T S Eliot, I'm sure you've heard of him?

Mmm... special trip for a Garland signing... I'm not that fanatical, haha. If it's within the country, sure. If it requires me to fly overseas, then I don't think so. I've met Neil Gaiman (wonderfully quirky), Wilbur Smith (perfect gentleman) and Jeffrey Archer (a bit stiff), and would like to meet Garland, Tess Gerritsen, Arturo Perez-Reverte and Haruki Murakami. And of course Roald Dahl, I love his stories, but he's passed away. It would be lovely to be able to sit down with these people and chat the day away, but even book signings can be fun - I remember attending one of Gaiman's workshops when he came and after that we'd all queued up to get our books signed, and in addition to signing, he drew a little something for each of us. That was really nice. And some authors have websites and/or blogs where you can interact with them - some authors take the time to respond personally to emails and comments.

As for motivation... I'm a little short on that now, haha. I guess I push on because I want to try and do justice to my characters, and I try not to give up halfway. So there's a great sense of satisfaction when I complete a story, because there will be times when I'd want to give up. And a little sadness too, because I feel attached to my characters and to let them go after I'd worked on them for so long... well, I guess only another writer would understand that feeling. Writing for me is therapeutic but on the whole a lonely process. But maybe that's not a bad thing

Hi Azira Time flies!

I might have read a bit of that famous poem donkey years ago but upon reading it again, it did nothing for me I can't appreciate that poem Chinese poetry? I would be most interested but I probably don't have the language skills to truly appreciate the message - I hope to though, one day

I don't think I would ever go to a book signing? Wilbur Smith wrote the novel for the movie adaptation of "Blood and Bones", aye? I saw that movie a few weeks back and I quite liked it Yes, I did look at an author's site, quickly after first reading this reply of yours Roald Dahl I have always been a fan of ever since primary/elementary - he showed me that stories could be cheeky without being crude and crass. I do remember the story where the legs of the chair were increased everyday to make the owner feel inadequate - quite cheeky. I try to influence the reading behaviour of my nieces by encouraging them to read from authors like Roald Dahl. At the moment I have my eldest niece reading Anne of Green Gables but to appreciate it more, they love the film adaptation

With the release of Dorian Gray (2009) release I think I will read that book, have you?

Ah, you are a writer

And from what I have come to know - success is lonely.

I do intend to read your work (actually look forward to reading them) but I would like to choose my timing that way I will appreciate them more I'm like this with a lot of works; recordings, published and audio.

In the past two weeks I've not had much time to read let alone sleep

Also, where do you get your ideas from, to develop your characters and add more story lines to them?

Gamecock - ah I am like that too first places I stop in at cities are the bookstores and music stores always secondhand

[applejoosh]

"LOVEEE reading" says the english major.
I work at the library and i feel soooo wonderful in bookstores

list a fave boooook:

Mine right now = Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

[tinyxtina]

i usually go through phases. every year i go through maybe... 20 books or more? -shrugs- my goal is to have a small library in a separate room. i also try to make sure most of my books are hardcover

[redzone85]

books are not necessary for knowledge, just read the magazines and askmen (provides all the knowledge you could ever need) anyway, i love watching korean tv shows too like quiz games, talk show etc.

books is NOT the only medium to build your knowledge, i find it very slow anyway. i can learn more in 20mins of what a person can learn in 3 days!

I HATE BOOKS

[Aziraphale]

^ Mmm okay. Go play in the sandpit with your marbles then, k?

Hi Azira Time flies!

I might have read a bit of that famous poem donkey years ago but upon reading it again, it did nothing for me I can't appreciate that poem Chinese poetry? I would be most interested but I probably don't have the language skills to truly appreciate the message - I hope to though, one day

I don't think I would ever go to a book signing? Wilbur Smith wrote the novel for the movie adaptation of "Blood and Bones", aye? I saw that movie a few weeks back and I quite liked it Yes, I did look at an author's site, quickly after first reading this reply of yours Roald Dahl I have always been a fan of ever since primary/elementary - he showed me that stories could be cheeky without being crude and crass. I do remember the story where the legs of the chair were increased everyday to make the owner feel inadequate - quite cheeky. I try to influence the reading behaviour of my nieces by encouraging them to read from authors like Roald Dahl. At the moment I have my eldest niece reading Anne of Green Gables but to appreciate it more, they love the film adaptation

With the release of Dorian Gray (2009) release I think I will read that book, have you?

Ah, you are a writer

And from what I have come to know - success is lonely.

I do intend to read your work (actually look forward to reading them) but I would like to choose my timing that way I will appreciate them more I'm like this with a lot of works; recordings, published and audio.

In the past two weeks I've not had much time to read let alone sleep

Also, where do you get your ideas from, to develop your characters and add more story lines to them?

Hi kerupi,

sorry for the late reply! Can't say I've heard of Blood and Bones. And I just checked Wilbur Smith's works... don't see a Blood and Bones there, perhaps you have the wrong Wilbur Smith? The one I was referring to is an African writer.

I love Roald Dahl and still re-read his books, they cheer me up. The one with the chair legs is The Twits, that's pretty good (but a bit nasty if you think about their ending, haha). It's great that you're encouraging your nieces to read more, so many people don't read these days, you kind of wonder about how much the younger generation values reading these days. I have sadly not read The Picture of Dorian Gray, not much of an Oscar Wilde fan. Classics and I don't mix, unfortunately.

Ah you plan to read my stuff? They aren't very good, really As for ideas... I confess I'm hardly an imaginative writer, so I don't have fancy plots or whatnot. I draw from my own experiences and those of others, of what I can observe from my surroundings, etc. I still have a long way to go.

[nesser210]

1-4 books. I like reading, and would love to read more. But college keeps me so busy with all the studying I have to do. I read a lot of college textbooks, if that counts? lol