Cassy's Corner- Editing

I've been thinking a lot lately about editing. It all started with my yard. I have 50 flats (not pots or containers, but flats) of impatients planted in three zones in my front yard. I have no idea how many plants that adds up to. But it creates true blankets of deep red and hot pink that bring me pleasure.

Well, my puppy thinks they are pretty great too. She has proudly presented me in the kitchen with mouthfuls of flowers. She has decided that the flower beds are great for short naps and seems to choose to run through them far above using the walkway. I swear she smiles as she does it. My older dog knows the rules, but does seem more like Eeyore as she watches the baby play in my garden of color.

I've moved some of the plants to fill in the newly created empty spaces. And, I've accepted the long tunnels that will just have to be.

So, this is what got me thinking about editing. At first I was dismayed to see all the hard work and expense of putting that many flats in, to be destroyed. Then, I began to see the individual plants because they were now exposed. As the expanse grew, so did the lack of distinction. There was no separating one plant from another. Pretty, yes. But it was a carpet, not an opportunity to have any one stand out.

My chapters in my books are sometimes like that. Too dense. Too over done. And, it's the editing that brings out the chance to see how a character might stand out- speak to you, charm you, make you laugh. I like editing. Probably too much. But this brought a new meaning to me about paring down.

I've decided this is a good metaphor for how I need to look at all sorts of things. My writing, relationships with people I haven't spoken with in much too long, and my puppy who found delight.

Mary's Rants - Editing and the life of a panster

I'm a panster, don't ask me to write a synopsis, don't ask me to write a partial, it's not going to happen. If it does it's not going to be even close to presentable. I have to complete the entire book to the bitter end.

I've finished, I just wrote 'THE END'. Okay get out all the worksheets from all the workshops I've ever taken on How to write the perfect query, right? WRONG. Nope not even close to being ready.

Now it's time to read it through and find any plot holes. Did I leave the reader hanging, and forget to go back and tie up something? Do I have a back story dump in the first chapter? Is my first three chapters even necessary? If not, I need to cut those suckers out.

Now it's ready? Nope. Still not even close. After all that slicing and dicing, it's probably 5000 words short of my target publishers word count requirements. Now it's time to layer, add in all of the emotion, tension, and anything else that fills out the characters.  And hopefully I'll have added in the cut out word count.

Whew, now it's ready? Nope, now comes the grammar time to go through and make sure all my sentences are complete, no fragments! No dangling participles--I'm not even sure what that is, but I better not have any. 

Now I've gone through it three times, it must be done by now? It is, it's now ready to send to my critique partner. She'll tell me where there are holes or sagging middles. And point out all the places I've left something out because I knew what was going on and didn't need it. Unfortunately the poor reader had no clue.

Once it's back from her, now it's time to go through and polish it. And maybe just maybe after a final quick read through it's ready. And now the synopsis and query needs to go through almost the same process.

After that I find my target agents and send it off. Then I wait.

No wonder it takes forever to get published. What is your process? Are you a plotter? Do you move on to the next chapter only when the first chapter is spotless?

Cassy's Corner- Where and When Do you Write?

We talked a bit about this before. But I'm still interested in hearing more from you. Where do you do your work? I know of writers who head to Starbucks or some cafe. I know of people who hole into a tight closet that's been turned into an office. I know of people who have rented separate writing space to escape the confines of their homes.

I have one friend who only writes after the house has settled down, kids asleep, husband snoring in the next room. She needs the privacy and the quiet.

I have another friend who loves the noise and confusion that comes with writing at her kid's soccer practices. She doesn't stop. Her pad is out, her pen is going and she gets those words on the page. Kari, this sounds like you!

And, the extras. I know one very (very) successful author who can only write with a cup of tea next to her. Water's my thing, well until after 6 pm. Then, maybe a glass of wine. Munchies? I'm not a cookie girl, but I do like carrots (sorry, it's true). Do you have habits that help the process?

What makes it work? I confess that I'm not a big believer in the "Muse." I am a believer in just making it happen. But, having said that, we are creatures of habit. That helps with the patterning that shapes behavior. So, tell us what you do to produce those words, make sure your time is protected, and have the environment that lets you be the writer you are.

Tuesday Tidbits with Kari: Featuring author Annie Burrows

It's time for another installment of our favorite 8 book Regency mystery series. Please help me welcome author Annie Burrows.

Regency Silk and Scandal is a unique 8 book author generated Regency continuity, featuring an ongoing mystery murder plot that runs through the whole series. It's about three friends, two scandalous affairs, and one secret code that leads to murder, disgrace and revenge. The stories will captivate the reader as they travel from the Cornish Coast to the heights of Hertfordshire, and from the ballrooms of London to the battlefields of Belgium.

Kari: What was it like for you in brainstorming an 8 book mystery plot?

Annie: Part of being a writer is “world-building”. But on this project, the characters existed not only in my own imagination, but also in the minds of five other writers. We often had, what to non-writers must have seemed like bizarre email exchanges. For example, one day I emailed the others with the query: “My heroine has just gone to her half-brother’s house, and the door has been opened by an Indian manservant. Anybody got any idea where he came from?”Immediately, Louise Allen (I think) came back with a whole episode in the half-brother’s backstory where he picked up the servant and that is how Akash got absorbed into our collective consciousness. I've just read a passage in Book 3 "The Smuggler and the Society Bride" where Julia Justiss has described him exactly as I first envisioned him. It's almost impossible to describe what it feels like to see one of your characters step into the pages of someone else's work. As I've been reading the series as it comes out, I have quite often made my husband jump by yelling out "Yes!" or just bursting out laughing in delight when another author's depiction chimes so exactly with my own imagination it sends goose bumps over my skin.

Kari: Can you tell us about your book in the series?

Annie: The heroine of my book “The Viscount and the Virgin” is the daughter of the man whose murder sparked off the whole chain of events. When we began to discuss the series, we discovered an enthusiasm for murder mysteries by the likes of Agatha Christie, and even the board game Cluedo. Usually, at the opening of these murder mysteries, we see the suspects lining up, usually because the person about to be murdered is such an unlikeable character they are bound to make enemies. So I imagined my heroine’s father as the kind of man anyone crossing his path would be sorely tempted to bump off. And from there, what such a man would be like as a husband and father. The repercussions of being part of Baron Framlingham’s family not only blighted the remainder of his widow’s life, but also cast a deep shadow upon his only surviving child, a daughter, Imogen. In fact, she ended up with so many insecurities that I then had to find a most remarkable man to meet all her needs. You’re going to have to read it for yourself, and let me know if Monty measures up!

Kari: Is this something you would ever do again, and any tips for authors thinking about co-writing a book or contributing to a connected series such as this one?

Annie: Again?! Oh, we already have collaborated on a short online read for the eharlequin website, “Seduced by the Dark Stranger”. (You will be able to find it in the archives of online reads on the eharlequin website, or on my own website, http://www.annie-burrows.co.uk/) In fact, going back to writing on my own, after being part of such a fantastic collaboration left me with withdrawal symptoms! So I leapt at the opportunity to work with the Silk and Scandal Continuistas again.We wrote “Seduced by the Dark Stranger” round robin style, rather than us all writing simultaneously, so it was, yet again, a fascinating experience. Rather like being part of a supportive, and very knowledgeable critique group.Tips – I think what made this such a positive experience was the willingness to be open and honest with one another. And discovering we shared a sense of humour. That definitely helped us maintain our sanity throughout the sheer hard work involved.

regards,
Annie Burrows

It is my pleasure to introduce my good friend and fellow published author, Edie Ramer to Mysteries and Margaritas today. Edie is here to tell you some exciting news about her career and to talk about traditional publishing versus self publishing. Things have changed so much in the publishing world over the past few years, and more and more authors are looking at this option. Edie is here to explain why she chose to go that route. She'll be checking in all day and will answer all your questions honestly. So, ask away after reading what she has to say about about all this.

Thanks so much to Liz L. and the M&M ladies for having me as your guest. I think Liz is a wise woman. Funny, too. Last Monday, she wrote a brilliant “Show Me the Money” post here. She said:
“In today’s economy, midlist authors are finding their advances shrinking and more and more authors are turning to epubs where they get no advance. Some are even going the self-publishing route, hoping to cash into that market in a JA Konrath sort of way. http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/”

(Waving hands wildly at the last one. Me, me, me!) Then she went on to say:

“I signed a three-book deal with a major publisher and pretty much got the average advance. Like any début author, I probably would have signed on the dotted line for much less just to see the printed book in my hands.”

Not too long ago, I would have said the same thing. Now I’d say no, at least to the “much less” part. The more I learn about indie publishing, the more possibilities I see and the more opportunities. I know of several indie writers who have turned down offers from the NY pubs. Not just because of the advance, but because of the low percentage they’re offered for digital books.

Zoe Winters is one of them. She was contracted by a NY agent who has read her novellas and wanted to represent her. Zoe turned her down. She openly admits she doesn’t play well with others, but that’s not the only thing. She’s making good money with her novellas. Yes, that’s right. Making good money with novellas. (She posts the amount on her blog every month. She used to post snapshots of her Kindle statements, but Amazon doesn’t allow people collecting 70% from their books to use snapshots anymore.)

70% is a great incentive. Much better than 8%. Or even 25%, which I believe is the norm for NY pubbed e-books. In addition, many industry watchers believe we’re nearing the tipping point from print books to e-books. I love print books, but the last few books I’ve bought have been digital, partly because of the ease and partly because I don’t live near a bookstore. And in digital books, romance is one of the biggest selling genres. One reason stated is because we can read the romances without fear that other people will see the sexy covers -- which is fodder for another blog.

With all this, why sign up with a publisher who makes you fight for every percentage point? The times are changing faster than Superman leaps tall buildings. Seth Godin recently announced that from now on he’s publishing his own books. A former book packager, he says the distribution system is antique and adds layers between the reader and the books.

You might think, “Easy for Seth Godin to turn his back on print. He’s a marketing guru.” But Karen McQuestion wasn’t published in print nor was she a marketing guru when she put her books on Kindle a little more than a year ago. Now she’s on the Kindle best-selling list and she has a movie deal.

Those are the highs. There are lows in digital books, too, but there are lows in print publishing. I know NY pubbed writers whose books either weren’t distributed in a timely manner or whose publisher printed less than they were promised. And if the books aren’t out there, you’re going to have low numbers, which will result in less money coming your way when the next contract comes around.

This is getting long, so I’ll just say that one of the best reasons to be an indie writer is that the money doesn’t flow to you through an agent or an editor. It comes directly to you in a timely manner. You don’t have to wait months for returns. And do you remember the 70% Kindle cut authors get? On Smashwords, it’s even more than that.

Though we’re in this business because we are storytellers and writing completes us more than Hugh Jackman ever could, we like money. And I like knowing that I’m the one in control of my career -- with a lot of help from the many writer friends who’ve helped me get to this point.

Despite everything I’ve said, if a NY editor offered to buy one of my books, I might say yes. I think a “tiered” approach is a good way to go. It would depend on the offer. I don’t know what will happen, but I’m loving the journey.

What do you think of all this? Has your view of indie publishing changed recently?

Edie Ramer
http://edieramer.com/
http://twitter.com/edieramer
[Image]

Edie loves her cat so much, she wrote a book about a cat who becomes a woman and keeps her cat attitude. Cattitude is available on Kindle and Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22350. Edie is co-founder of Write Attitude (www.writeattitude.net), an inspirational website for writers, and the popular group blog, Magical Musings (http://magicalmusings.com). scheduled 5:00:00 AM by Liz Lipperman Delete

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Continued Discussion on Firefly (Part II)

Welcome back to our round table discussion on Joss Whedon's Firefly. Please see August 26th post if you are visiting for the first time.

Welcome back Stanalei, Doree, and Megan to Mysteries and Margarita’s. Everyone grab a cuppa coffee, beverage of your choice or a glass of your favorite wine and relax. I’ve got the cheese and crackers out, help yourself.

If you were with us yesterday you know this is a little different than usual, I’m not doing a one-on-one interview. I’m sure you’ve guessed by my guest list. Picture us gathered around a table or in someone’s living room having a discussion and the topic is Joss Whedon’s Firefly.

Mary: Romance Writers of America has workshops on Joss Whedon—OCC/RWA, LRWA, CRW, KOD not to mention the conferences that have workshops on the subject of: The Lessons of Firefly: What do you think is the allure?

Stanalei: I’ve taken Jacqui Jacoby’s on-line workshop The Lessons of Firefly. I believe the allure is the series and having the chance to discuss a shared passion about the series, the characters and the stories.

Doree: The fantasy element. His imagination and how he brings his story around.

Megan: Firefly isn't about cowboys in space. It’s about these people and their relationships with each other, and their loyalty to one another. The heart of any Joss Whedon show is the dialogue. I don't know anything about writing books, but I have written scripts, and the hardest thing when you are writing dialogue is making it connect to your audience. Joss Whedon has a huge connection with his viewers. One of my favorite things that he has said is "I would rather make a show that 100 people Love to watch than a show that everyone likes to watch."

Stanalei:  Megan, I get that very same feeling while watching anything he’s done. You are so right.

Mary: Megan I agree about what Whedon said. Stanalei even though I’m new to Joss Whedon’s work I get the same feeling and now I need to rush out to rent everything else all of you have recommended.

Megan: Yes you need too! It’s worth the time and Money! (or if you have Netflix most of it is on there)

Mary: Is Firefly what you would call Steam Punk? If that’s your opinion, why?

Stanalei:  I’m still unclear of the whole definition of Steam Punk, but I think Firefly may the grandfather of the new genre.

Doree: I’m sorry, I’m opinionless at this time. Still a babe and only just learning. But, to me it is a world of shoot-em up fantasy. Not so unlike Stargate or Battlestar Galactica.

Megan: Yes and No... yes, because to the random viewer flipping channels are going to see this spaceship flying around and make assumptions. Those that watch the show know that it’s a resounding 'no'

Mary: I’ve heard a lot of about ‘emotion’ linked with Joss and his work. What are your thoughts on the emotion he uses? Can you give us an example?

Stanalei: Spoiler alert on the answer to this question. As I watched the series, it was easy for me to relate the characters. The futuristic setting, even the fight for survival, isn’t something I have to deal with myself, but I could relate to how the characters bickered with each other, teased each, defended each other. Progressing through the episodes and knowing that I was watching fiction, set up a certain expectation regarding how each character would grow and evolve. When the series wrapped up with the movie, Serenity, I was heart-sick at the loss of two of my favorite characters.  By then, I felt the pain and loss as if they were as much my “family” as they were the Serenity family.  But the amazing thing Mr. Whedon did was not giving into the norm of keeping the character alive for the sake of saving the character for later. By doing this, he stayed true to the story. The line at the end of Serenity when Zoe tells Mal that “the ship” is ready to go really hits home for me in it’s double meaning.  Mal asks, “Do you think she’ll hold?” Zoe replies, “She’s broke up some, but she’ll fly true.”  

In my mind, it’s not just the ship, but Zoe and her well-being Mal is really asking about. And true to the characters, they don’t wear their hearts on their sleeves… so their dialog is almost like a code between best of friends-comrades who have shared it all together. I just love that scene.

Doree:  I’m going to agree with Stanalei on this one, as well. When I’ve watched Star Trek, it was always obvious who was going to die. New guy – there to die! They never killed off their “main characters”. Joss does. And yes, Sheppard and Wash were like losing a member of you family. Also, everything doesn’t revolve around Malcom every time. If the show didn’t revolve around Kirk or his close cronies, it didn’t happen. Joss gives everyone of his characters their spotlight. It’s refreshing and that’s why we know his character’s so well. We’ve met them all, the good and the bad.

Megan: My sisters and I have come to expect shock in a Joss Whedon show. The writing makes you relate to the characters so much that they become people that you care about rather than actors on a show. The element of disbelief goes so far beyond what is the standard that when something 'bad' happens to a character that we love we have an emotional reaction. For example, on the pilot episode where Mal says... "Kaylee's dead" I just remember being so sad and so upset that I didn't see it coming. Cause one thing that Joss loves to do is kill a main character that you think is safe, and then when Kaylee was fine and then the scene cuts to part of the crew laughing it just takes you there and makes you a part of that crew.

Mary: I love Kaylee, and it has nothing to do with the fact my granddaughter’s name is Kaylee. LOL. Doree, could you pass me the cheese and crackers? The rest of have some more wine or whatever. This has been fun and interesting. Is there anything else you can think of that makes Firefly so unforgettable? Let’s not forget Serenity.

Stanalei: Great cheese, Mary. Goes well with this wine. The most unforgettable aspect of the series and the movie for me is the characters. I was into watching about four episodes before I realized that main cast consisted of nine actors. That’s a large ensemble of actors. Nothing about the story lines ever made the scenes feel overcrowded or like Mr. Whedon was trying to give each actor enough stage time with extraneous dialog. Everyone and every line had a purpose. Nothing was wasted.

Doree: Spoiler -Great movie. I know that someone has to die, but come on. Wash? The Sheppard? Not fair.

Megan: I was talking to my friends just the other day about how the reason we love Firefly so much is because it was taken before its time. People are still mad that it’s not on the air and still expecting it to come back, even though it’s been five years or more. Serenity lets people have a little of that closure but personally I think it was more of a tease from Joss saying, "See this is what I wanted to do in three seasons." But it shows some of the best work that Joss has in him. Having seen what Joss did with Buffy and especially with Angel, I could see how he was going to let those scary reevers torment you the entire series, or at least for a long time. Finding out what the Reevers really were just solidified the brilliance that is Joss Whedon’s writing. By the way you will probably have to move these wheat thins away from me cause I will eat them ALL!

Mary: Oh Megan, you’re going to have to fight me over the wheat thins!

Moving on, above I asked what else Joss has done. Let’s discuss some of those movies or series. What do they have in common, if anything, to Serenity and Firefly?

Stanalei: For me and what I’ve watched it’s how Mr. Whedon uses the dialog to bring the character to life. As I said a moment ago. Nothing is wasted. I love how he does that.

Doree: Fantasy Fiction. Buffy the Vampire slayer – yeah. Great imagination.

Megan: I think that Buffy the Vampire Slayer is like Firefly in the way that on first impressions people misunderstand it. Firefly is not about adventures in space just like Buffy is not about Vampires at all. It’s about life experiences, you know with the occasional apocalypse and impending doom. Another thing that I love about Joss is that even in the most terrifying moments for our characters he will have a moment to let the audience laugh. For example in Serenity at the last stand, Kaylee is really scared and thinks she is going to die and Simon has been shot, and then they have that moment of revealing their feelings and the best line comes out Kaylee:“You mean to say … sex?” Simon: “I mean to say…” Kaylee: “To hell with this I’m gonna live.” That little scene in Buffy the Vampire Slayer where everyone is preparing for battle and then most of the characters are playing Dungeons and Dragons! His Comedic timing is perfect.

Mary: Is there anything else about Joss and his work that any of you think is important to mention?

Stanalei:  Mr. Whedon has a gift of entertainment. When I see his work, I never feel like it’s about him or any “message” he is trying to convey. It’s all about the audience and giving them the best ride. A good lesson for me to remember when I’m working on my own creations. Thanks for the fun and enlightening gathering, Mary, Doree and Meagan. We should do this again sometime.

Doree: Firefly should have never been removed so early in its work. A few more seasons would have been lucrative. But, I guess some ‘suit’ just didn’t get it.

Megan: Joss is one of the strongest activists for women. He writes strong women, that kick ass, and it shows his respect that he has for the female population.

Megan, I love that you said ‘kick ass’, still chuckling! But I really do agree. Thank all of you for joining me today I’ve enjoyed our chat.

Mary's Rants - Discussion on Firefly Part I

Welcome Stanalei Fletcher, Doree Anderson, and Megan Smith to Mysteries and Margarita’s. Everyone grab a cuppa coffee, beverage of your choice or a glass of your favorite wine and relax. I’ve got the cheese and crackers out, help yourself.

This is a little different than usual, I’m not doing a one-on-one interview. I’m sure you’ve guessed by my guest list. Picture us gathered around a table or in someone’s living room having a discussion and the topic is Joss Whedon’s Firefly.

I heard about Firefly from Stanalei. I love Castle who had Nathan Fillion, Stanalei said ‘you have to watch Firefly.’ What the heck was that? So she let me borrow her DVD set of 4 and the movie Serenity. I watch each or so I thought, then one day—when my grandson was watching them--I realized that each DVD had 3 or 4 episodes. Actually he told me and I emailed Stanalei to verify. I only watched the first one of each. What can I say? I’m a dork. Needless to say I watched the rest.

In case, you are unfamiliar with Joss Whedon and particularly Firefly:
Release Date: September 20, 2002
Blurb: Five hundred years in the future, a renegade crew aboard a small, spacecraft tries to survive as they travel the unknown parts of the galaxy and evade warring factions as well as authority agents out to get them.

Captain Malcom 'Mal' Reynolds is a former galactic war veteran who is the captain of the transport ship "Serenity". Mal his crew of hired transporters, Mal's ensign Zoe Warren, Zoe's husband, pilot Hoban 'Wash' Washburne, muscular former combat soldier Jayne Cobb, young engineer Kaylee Frye, former Alliance medical officer Simon Tamm, his teenage sister River (Both on-the-run from the Interplanetary government "The Alliance") the beautiful "companion" Inara Serra and religious man Shepard Book, do legal or illegal jobs (smuggling, protecting, guns-for-hire, robberies). As the Serenity crew travels across the outskirts of Outer Space for food, money, anything to make a living on, as The Serenity crew tries to stay under the radar of The Alliance and pulls dangerous jobs in the Alliance controlled star systems. 

And if you’re truly a fan: http://www.fireflyfans.net/ Everything you would ever want!

Mary: Can each of you tell us a bit about yourself, and what you do?

Stanalei: Thanks for the invitation, Mary. This is a great little gathering and wonderful refreshments.  Well, to start with, I’m an aspiring romance writer with a day job in computer software support. I love sci-fi stuff but don’t consider myself a hard core fan of all things sci-fi, (DUNE is still a bit beyond me), but if reruns of Stargate, Star Trek, Star Wars, and The Abyss are on TV, I’m there. I also recently picked an old series by the BBC called UFO. It’s sort of campy to watch now, but back in the day it was pretty hot stuff.

Doree: I’m giving writing the good ole American try.

Megan: I am a senior at Utah Valley University, majoring in Motion Picture Production.

Mary: Stanalei, I’m glad you like the refreshments, that’s the favorite part of any gathering for me. Megan, tell us a bit more than that about yourself. What do you like to read? Why did you go into Motion Picture Production? Doree, is that all you do? Come on guys facts! LOL

Megan: I like to read ‘good’ books. Anything that can keep me involved and put me in the protagonists shoes.  I didn’t like reading as a kid and started reading more in High School with the Harry Potter Series and The Princess Bride the Novel. I love classic books, such as Peter Pan and anything by Jane Austen, or things like that. I will admit to being a Twilight Fan but that is because of the BOOKS not the movies. (Stephanie Meyer proved that she can write when she wrote ‘The Host’ in my opinion.) And last but CERTAINLY not least…. I have just gotten into a new Author named Cassandra Claire, she writes sci-fi but very relatable, and deliciously sarcastic! If you are looking for a new series to get into I highly suggest “The Mortal Instruments.”
   
I got into Motion Picture Production in High School. I was in a video making club and continued on to college. I love this industry because it’s all about good writing if you have the prettiest movie in creation or the best sound or the best graphics or whatever you still have NOTHING unless you have a good script, and most good scripts come from good books. As a kid (as you will remember Mary not to date anyone or anything) I was very dramatic and I wanted to become an actress. Growing up and knowing the chances of that I looked into behind the scenes and I have found that I love it. Everything that goes on a movie or TV screen is made three times. Once on the page, once on the set, and once in the editing bay. I love seeing a project go from just a thought to a realization!

Doree: You’re right. Life would be too easy if I just wrote. I, like all of us do, maintain a household. But, I spend a lot of time tending my grandkids and husband. Grandkids turn out to be easier.

Mary: Megan, I seem to remember you as a drama queen, just kidding. Doree, grandkid watching is very important!

How did you first hear about Joss Whedon?

Stanalei: Doree you and Mary are the best grandparents. And Megan, that’s a fascinating insight into the movie making.  Actually I didn’t clue into Joss Whedon until after I started watching Firefly on Fox TV. (YES! I actually got to see the original series as it aired each week before they canceled it.) It wasn’t until after it was canceled and I found the DVD series that I learned Mr. Whedon was the creator of Buffy-The Vampire Slayer. I rather liked those early shows too, but never really got into the later seasons with Spike. Since then, I’ve kept an eye on what he’s been up to. Loved Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog that was an Internet sensation- even bought the DVD when it was released.

Doree: When we were up in Park City for the retreat; you, Stanalei and Lisa were talking about, my not so secret love, Nathan Fillian and how you all felt that he did a wonderful job in Firefly.

Megan: You guys missed years of enjoyment then. I was first introduced to Joss Whedon with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Series. It became sort of a ritual in our house for me and my sisters to make Tuesday nights the most important. I watched all of that Series and All of Angel faithfully!

Mary: I feel so out of it, I clued in a bit before Doree! What else have you seen on screen from Joss Whedon?

Stanalei: The above mentioned, Buffy and Dr. Horrible, but also, last season Fox aired another of his shows, Dollhouse. It was a fun premise, but was once again canceled. Only this time the network seemed to let them wrap up the story line.  I didn’t much care for how the ending seemed rushed, though. Also, did you know that Mr. Whedon wrote the final installment of the Alien series- ALIEN: RESURRECTION? I was watching the series recently and there he was on the credits.

Mary: Stanalei, why do you think Joss has such bad luck with his shows being canceled?

Stanalei: I really don’t know. Buffy had a great run, but like all things, it ran its course.  And look at the genre it inspired in today’s market. If you throw a wooden stake in a bookstore, you’re going to hit a vampire novel. I wonder if he’s just enough ahead of the curve from the rest of us that he’s leading the way for great things to come. I love Mr. Whedon’s imagination and maybe it’s just something that has grown on the masses.

Doree: I wish I could’ve been more up to date on Fantasy. Unfortunately, Firefly is my first venture into the world of Joss Whedon.

Mary: Doree, you’ve never seen Dr. Horrible or any of the other things?

Doree:  Dr. Horrible. Oh, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing that when the actors went on the special strike. Neil Patrick Harris is a hoot. He and Fillion were well matched. If Joss Whedon is responsible for that, he is a walking god.

Megan: Toy Story (you can tell where the demented toys come from as soon as you know that he worked on the screenplay), Buffy, Angel, Dr Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog, Dollhouse. He is also going to write the new “Avengers” movie and direct and I hear that Nathan Fillion is going to be in that too Doree!
   
Mary: Okay putting Avengers on my list to watch for! Megan you’re the one studying in that industry, do you have any thoughts on the cancellations?

Megan: Only that I cry myself to sleep every time I think about it. (insert sniffle here)  Like Stanalei, I watched Firefly when it was first on FOX out of love for Joss because I had been watching Buffy for years so I felt an obligation and anticipation for a new Joss Whedon show. The reason that show was canceled, in my person opinion is because FOX screwed Joss over! If you have/rent/Netflix/buy/watch the series now you will see that the Pilot of the series is called “Serenity” and that the second episode is “The Train Job.” I didn’t even know that “Serenity” (the pilot episode) existed before the DVD’s came out. Fox showed “The Train Job” first, while “Serenity” is the total character building of the entire series, wasn’t shown until after FOX announced the cancellation. That pilot episode makes you care about those characters. I remember watching “The Train Job” being so confused and eventually stopped watching because I didn’t care about them. FOX did an injustice by cutting this series short.

To be continued tomorrow, August 27th…