Tag: writing

BOOK REVIEW – Fire Cannot Kill A Dragon: Game of Thrones and the Official Untold Story of the Epic Series

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

In the October 2020 release of Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon: Game of Thrones and the Official Untold Story of the Epic Series, author James Hibberd takes readers along the journey, from start to finish, of the award-winning drama series that changed television. Hibberd’s passion for and experience in entertainment reporting lends itself to a book ‘GAMES OF THRONES’ fans are bound to love as much as the show that united them.

Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon differs from a standard behind-the-scenes book in that it features a balance of perspectives from the points of view of the cast, crew, and novels’ author who started it all. We get insight into how what we now define as a megalith of television greatness almost never made it to the screen, and the hurdles it overcame through sheer determination of those who believed in the project.

DIRE CHOICES

How did ‘GAME OF THRONES’ (GoT) come to be? Who were the ones who gave the greenlight for the adaptation from novel to television series? What is it like to be the ones who navigate the massive ship through waters that shift from calm to choppy without notice? Hibberd’s book excels by having a multitude of interviews and insights from TV executives, showrunners, directors, production designers, and writers. These were the individuals who brought to life the world we’d only imagined by making tough choices based on what they deemed best for the show. If not for them, we’d never been introduced to the talent of the actors and actresses who became household names.

CHARACTERS OF PROMISE

While reading the interviews Hibberd features in the book don’t be surprised if you laugh one minute then are moved to tears (especially in Emilia Clarke’s stories) the next. From Gwen/Nikolaj’s and Emilia/Kit’s banter to sister-soulmates Maisie and Sophie, the love and respect they have for one another jumps off the page. Friendships forged in laughter, shared struggle, and respect bond the GoT on-screen talent in ways we can never fully understand. Hibberd reveals the depth of mutual admiration the cast have for one another while also celebrating a fellowship that may go its separate ways, but will journey on forever changed. The gifted cast of ‘GAME OF THRONES’ hurdled into stardom together, and it’s only the beginning of a path well earned.

“DEER” VIEWERS

I joined the GoT fandom late in the “game” – only back in 2016, but quickly caught up in time to enjoy the final two seasons as they aired. This brilliant show became one of my favorite TV series of all time, and I have immense respect for the dedication and talent of those in front of and behind the scenes. Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon examines some difficult (and at time debated) creative choices through interviews with those who had to make them. As a viewer, I may not always agree; as a writer, I have the utmost respect for the decision makers.

At the age of 13 I thought that I’d grow up to be a TV writer, for I loved dialogue and character development. From that point on, I yearned to learn the how’s and why’s of making a television series (particular the dramatic kind). I’d buy entertainment-related magazines and read them front to back. I’d purchase series collections so that I could watch the bonus features, hearing from the artists in front of and behind the camera. While my writing path led to YA Fantasy author instead of TV writer, I celebrate the industry for the art it creates and admire those artists who share their talent, consistently seeking to improve their craft.

In Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon, James Hibberd’s respect for the industry and those who create within it are infused into each page. He delved into the world of ‘GAME OF THRONES’ from the perspective of both a professional in the industry and a fan of the craft. I borrowed the book from the local library, and devoured it’s contents within five days. I promptly bought a copy to keep in my personal collection.

I highly recommend this book for those in the GoT fandom (though caution newcomers that spoilers are included) and fellow TV enthusiasts interested in how an award-winning, pop-culture phenomenon not only gets made but soars as high as any dragon!

**DISCLAIMER: Do endorsement by any of the aforementioned individuals is implied.**

TIMELESS: Saving History and Inspiring Hope

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

I watch a ton of television and not all of them are worth blogging about – save a few. Now, I can proudly add NBC’s TIMELESS to that list.

With a touch of sci-fi rooted in historical fiction, TIMELESS follows a dedicated team (a historian, a pilot, and a soldier) determined to protect the present by saving history. Season one allowed us to delve into the wants, needs, hopes, and fears of it’s heroic trio:  Lucy Preston (Abigail Spencer), Rufus Carlin (Malcolm Barrett), and Wyatt Logan (Matt Lanter). We came to understand them, cheer for them, “ship” them, and care enough to take the weekly journey with them.

After the hard-core fan base brought the show back from the TV cancellation bunker, season two honored what made the show so beloved while deepening it’s importance as a must-watch drama series. The creators and writing team didn’t play it safe by any means. They raised the bar each week, challenging their viewers to see history, and those who played an important role in it, as complex yet identifiable throughout time. They seamlessly interwove current struggles with those of who came before. For though our circumstances were drastically different, our hopes and fears weren’t so: love, acceptance, free will, freedom, friendship, and fighting for a cause you believe in.

 

IMG_2853 (2)
March for Science, Washington, D.C. – April 2017

 

I’ve reiterated numerous times on my genealogy blog how history was my least favorite subject. My older sister was the history buff, traveling to interesting locales and continuously learning about important points in our country’s foundation. If she were still alive, Jen would definitely have been a weekly viewer. (Wherever she is in time and space now, I hope she’s visiting all those historic places she researched so ferociously.)

Featuring a talented and diverse acting ensemble, TIMELESS makes history accessible to all; for what makes us different strengthens us. The flawed, relatable characters (including Jiya, Mason, Agent Christopher, and even Flynn) are a community, a team, a group of people who care for and love one another – race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation but a part of the whole.

I learn, reflect, and am moved after watching TIMELESS for two seasons. I implore the TV-powers-that-be to see as much worth in this impactful series as we do!

 

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with TIMELESS, NBC, its employees, subsidiaries, or associates is intended or implied.*

An Entertainment-Filled Weekend

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

A recent trip from the east to west coast inspired me on both a personal and professional level.  As such, I wrote about my experiences on my Author website and have included the links below for your reading enjoyment!

A RECAP OF STORY EXPO 2015:  http://kellydeeny.com/2015/09/14/a-recap-of-story-expo-2015/

Story Expo

SUNDAY SOULJOURN: ENTERTAINMENT PATH

Sunday SoulJourn: Entertainment Path

Sunday SoulJourn Hollywood

Reasons You Should Hire Me for Your TV Drama Series

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

Working as a writer on a dramatic series was a dream that belonged to a teenage girl who hoped and wished. I now know without hesitation that the dream is not only possible but probable. It’ll take hard work – work that I’m ready, willing, and able to manage…I would love to gain insight from those currently in the Dramatic Writing profession. Understanding the paths they took may help guide me along my own.  – Day 31 of the Artistic Spirit Pledge: DRAMATIC WRITING

I write characters better than I sketch them!
I write characters better than I sketch them!

  1. DEDICATION: It takes a lot of hard work, time, energy, and talented artists (in front of and behind the camera) to bring a TV series to the screen each week. You only need read the end credits to see how many people are working together, united for a common goal. My passion and respect for the TV drama industry makes me a valuable asset to the team, whether you hire me to edit a script for consistency, answer telephones, or run errands for a producer.  I seek to develop my craft and learn from those whose expertise shines in the work they create.
  2. COMPLEX CHARACTERS: The characters I create and those I root for on a dramatic series must have inner turmoil on some level. I strive to develop situations where the labels of “protagonist” and “antagonist” no longer apply. It is through conflict exploration both internal and external that the characters develop, thus adding depth and complexity to the entire canvas.
  3. DIALOGUE: When I start a new story, it’s the dialogue that moves it forward. I can write idea after idea about what’s going to happen, but once the characters start conversing, the story takes on a life all its own. I find it not only exciting but creatively stimulating to create dialogue for each character that gives them a unique voice.
  4. TARGET MARKET:  I’ve spent most of my adult life utilizing my skill sets in programs, workshops, or completed writings that target teenagers and young adults.  With two decades of volunteer involvement in youth-oriented programs, I have a keen insight into their struggles, hopes, and goals. This understanding led me to write an 80,000 word Young Adult fantasy novel, which follows a young woman on her journey of individuality through family responsibility.
  5. GENEALOGY: I hated history, truly I did. However, when I realized that the ones who came before me experienced the same range of emotions (though the specifics differed) as I do, I saw them with renewed focus. We aren’t simply names and faces – we each have a story to tell.  My ancestors are complex characters in their own life story, and through genealogy research, I help create the first draft.
  6. APPRECIATION: The profound respect, admiration, and appreciation I have for the TV drama industry continues to inspire me on a daily basis. I love watching behind-the-scenes videos, reading interviews from Executive Producers and Show Runners, and discussing the episodes with viewers who share in my excitement. I hold this industry in high regard while also being able to look at it objectively.

I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you in greater detail. Please email me directly at kdeenywriter@yahoo.com.

Best wishes,
Kelly Deeny

Entertainment Blogging Questions

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

*I reached out to one TV network and received what amounted to a non-answer.  Hmm, I have a feeling this is going to take a lot of research and someone who understands legal-speak.*

Visit kellydeeny.com to read the Artistic Spirit Pledge entries.
Visit kellydeeny.com to read the Artistic Spirit Pledge entries.

As you can tell from the large gap between blog entries, I haven’t written any new “insights” about my favorite films, television shows, or theatre performances in a while.  Part of the reason is due to the 111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge that I focused on from October until the end of January (the full list can be found on my author website). For 111 days, I wrote about the link between art (in its various forms) and spirituality.  Given my love for film, television, and theatre, many of the pledge entries were entertainment-focused.  Here are just some of the ones relevant to entertainment:

The other reason I haven’t written anything new is an admitted lack of knowledge and information about blogging rules and guidelines.  The idea that I could be infringing on copyright laws or improperly citing a TV show or film title (unintentionally, mind you) worries me enough to delay posting.  I went out into the great, wide world of the internet to search for “blogging about TV” or “entertainment blogging guidelines”, but found a lack of helpful information.  So, what do I want to know?

  • PHOTOS:  Including images in blog posts adds an extra layer of professionalism and helps catch a reader’s attention.  Yet, when writing about a film, tv show, or musical/play, can I include a photo?  If so, where do I find them and do I need to request permission in order to embed the image?
  • VIDEOS: Similar to photos, can I include clips of shows or movie trailers in my blog posts? If so, do I need permission or are they notified when I copy/paste an EMBED link?
  • TITLES/NAMES:  Whenever I mention a TV show, film, or musical/play, I always include a hyperlink (whenever available) to the original/official website.  I want to make sure that readers interested in learning more about the titles I write about can easily find the original source.  Are there guidelines/rules in place for including links to official sites of using the names or shows/performers?
  • TAGS:  Are there any restrictions to including a television network or actor’s name as a meta tag in a blog post entry?

I hesitated writing about this topic for fear that I would appear unprofessional or come off as an amateur.  Then, I realized there are probably many more entertainment fans (like myself) who are as interested in blogging about their favorite shows as I am.  I sincerely doubt I am the only one wondering about how we can best promote and support the industry without violating any copyright or infringement rules.

I’ve obtained some helpful feedback from fellow writers, but I am interested in expanding my knowledge of this specialty in the ever-advancing blogosphere.

 

Still Golden

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

Okay, I’ll admit it – last year, while visiting family in Los Angeles, I had an ulterior motive.  In addition to spending time with my sister, brother-in-law, and nephews, I held out hope that I’d find a way to attend the Golden Globes.  I’m a dreamer and positive thinker with a tendency to raise my hopes too high sometimes.  I hoped, prayed, and pleaded for my Golden Globe request to be answered. Despite my positive attitude and hopeful outlook, nothing magical occurred.

My wonderful trip involved going to the beach nearly every day, drinking coffee and looking out at the Pacific Ocean from the Starbucks by the Sea (that’s what we call it anyway), and playing chess with my eldest nephew.  The weather was perfect, the days filled with laughter and love, and my heart overwhelmed with peace and joy.

Pacific Coffee Time
Pacific Coffee Time

The California coast radiates with a low-key atmosphere.  Despite the congested highways and busy tourist attractions, there’s an appreciation for life’s little moments.  Just when I get a taste of it, my vacation ends and I’m back to the hustle and bustle of suburbia.  Upon returning to work after my week in L.A. last year, I struggled to keep that laissez-faire atmosphere in cubicle city.  It wasn’t always easy until I realized that I needed to change my perspective.  When I did so, the world around me smiled and I found joy in the smallest of details.

I am a writer.  I make my living based on my love of the written word.  There are so many other artistic individuals who can not say the same.  They are existing from day-to-day, waiting for a big break that will take them out of their current situation.  I write because doing so matters, not only to me but to others.  To know that the words I choose make a difference in even the smallest of capacities, reminds me that I am a part of something more profound than sitting at a desk.  I am part of a community.  I am proud of the work I accomplish and the outlook I strive to maintain, even in the midst of challenges.

As I make plans for my next Los Angeles vacation, I do so with the understanding that life is what you make of it.  I look forward to going back to the beach, laughing with my nephews, shopping at Hollywood & Highland, and having my picture taken with the TV Guide logo in the background.  Instead of putting my effort into the unlikelihood of getting tickets to an award show that doesn’t sell tickets, I’m planning to spend the day in the company of family.  Maybe we’ll even do a themed dinner again in honor of the award show.

Request Denied

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

The Golden Globes came and went.  Neither did I watch them on television nor did I attend despite my written request a few weeks ago.

I arranged to visit my sister and her family in Los Angeles once I found out the date of the Golden Globes.  I figured I’d multi-task; spend time with family and check off “attend the Golden Globes” from my bucket list.  After doing some research and realizing that tickets are not made available to the public I decided to step outside of my artistic box and hope that by just believing hard enough a door would open.  In the meantime, I set my DVR at home to record…just in case.  Ironically enough, despite my brother-in-law’s feverish attempts we were unable to watch the award show Sunday evening.

I have never before lowered my guard and asked for a selfish request to be granted.  That is, until I wrote a blog entry imploring the entertainment world to grant me access to the Golden Globes.  I shared the post numerous times on social media, linked it to entertainment organizations, TV show and film profiles and well-known talk show hosts.  I hoped deep down that my words would move someone into action.  That my deep sincerity and love for the creative arts would tug at some high-level executive’s heart-strings.  That they’d say, “Did you read this?  Let’s send this girl to the Globes!”

By noon on Sunday I had accepted the reality that no one was going to knock on my sister’s door with a camera crew and announce, “Are you ready to go?  We’ve got a team ready for hair and make-up.  You didn’t bring a dress?  That’s okay.  We have a selection for you to choose from.”  I suppose my life-long Cinderella fascination finally took shape.  There was not to be a fairy godmother to whisk me off to the award show ball.  No one to magically know how much I truly wished for my request to be granted.

I put myself out there in a way I never have before and it’s mildly embarrassing and greatly frustrating that I allowed myself to rely so heavily on the power of positive thinking and the actions of others.

The greatest lesson from this experience?  To focus on my own creative pieces (whether it’s the YA fantasy novel that’s nearing completion or the screenplay that’s in progress) and less on those of others.  To complete my own work, to the best of my ability, and know that when I do go to the Golden Globes it’ll be because I’m nominated!