Nicole Givens Kurtz's WebJournal
SF writing, publishing, other musings and mutterings
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
A Great One Departs for an Eternal Home-Goodbye Octavia ButlerI am sad, grief stricken really. As many of you that read my blog posts know, I am African American, a science fiction/fantasy writer and big time fan of Octavia Butler. It is with the upmost grief and sadness that I can't even find words for, that her death has left in its wake.
 Octavia Butler was my idol, my inspiration and my belief that I can do this whole sf writing thing, despite my being African American anda woman. She opened doors, windows, and ripped off ceilings for others in her wake, others whose names are listed in my African American SF writer blog for Black History Month.
She won many awards, namely a Hugo and several others. My favorite books were the Xenogensis series and Kindred.
I was fortunate to meet her about two years ago, in Seattle at the Black to the Future conference. There I gave her a copy of my book, Browne Candidate, and asked her sign my copy of Dark Matter and other books I own that she'd written. She did so with kindness, grace and was happy to get a gift in return.
As the conference plugged along, I watched her interact with people. Ms. Butler gave and gave and gave. She seemed pleased that so many African Americans were interested in science fiction and even wrote it.
She spoke there as keynote speaker and it was as if God had stepped down from the heavens to whisper the secrets of life into our ears. A pin could drop and it would've exploded in sound. I remember the packed room, people leaning in to hear her every word. Tape recorders set to record and lap up each diamond jewel of advice, history, and trial she discussed.
Now that she's returned to her mountain top, there is a gaping hole in science fiction lore, where Ms. Butler used to be. I have no doubts that now, many of those who loved her will stretch that hole ever wider and fill it with the greatness which she weld.
Goodbye Ms. Butler, may your many bravery, courage and outright talent survive until the end of time. Posted by Nicole Givens Kurtz 2006-02-28 23:06:13
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Celebration of African American Science Fiction WritersAs Black History Month jaunts toward conclusion, I'd like to give a shout out to some of the best science fiction writers out there! They also happen to be of African descent, and if you're one of the many who believe that African Americans (and women for that matter) don't write good sf, you'd be mistaken. Nevertheless, I'm posting this bit of blog to offer up some pretty good authors who'd help on the journey to changing your mind!
As always, I welcome feedback to my blogs. Feel free to leave comments! I love discourse and discussion, so please put your opinion where your platform is...here in the comments section!
Now, on to the list. I am a lister (a person who loves to list things). I admit it, albeit grudgingly. However, I do not post these names here as a ranking, nor is this list complete. There are many up and coming writers (like myself) who write solid sf, but have yet to reach a nationalacclaim.I post these authorsas they came to mind. Thus, do not interpret this as any type of a ranking.
Excellent Science Fiction Writers, who just happen to be of African descent:
1. Octavia Butler
2. Walter Mosley-although not all of his works are science fiction, he does write a mean mystery novel...think Devil in a Blue Dress...
3. Nalo Hopkinson
4. Steven Barnes
5. Samuel R. Delany
6. Sheree Thomas
7. Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu
8. Tananarive Due
9. Levar Burton
10. George Schuyler
All of these authors are extremely well versed in science fiction, and I applaud their efforts this Black History Month! Posted by Nicole Givens Kurtz 2006-02-19 17:37:06
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
Special Effects Versus Story Line: An Appeal to HollywoodThe argument is as old as the notion of which came first, the chicken or the egg. What is more important: storyline or special effects? The science fiction movie genre has produced movies that are visually stunning, but are somewhat lacking in storylines.
King Kong joins the ranks of those movies that has fabulous special effects, but lacks a well developed story at least to some reviewers. Okay, so my subscription to Time is paying off in spades. I read the reviewer’s comments about the latest box office hit, King Kong, directed by he-of-LOTRs fame, Peter Jackson.
Richard Schickel of Time stated, “…Jackson wishes to pay both homage to the original 1933 version and improve on it, which has caused him to edgily throw money around and technology to mixed avail.”
What has become of science fiction movies as of late? By late I mean the last twenty years or so. It seems that the storyline has been buried under a barrage of special effects. There are basically three types of science fiction movies:
1) the thinker ones such as Stargate
2) the popcorn ones such as Star Wars and the ilk
3) the action ones such as Terminator and those engrossing in blowing things up.
As a movie fan overall, and a devoted science fiction movie fan, I remembered good, solid science fiction movies that were both visually stunning, but also good stories. For example, Stargate had an awesome, well-developed plot and storyline. The special effects were excellent as well. My friend and I talked for hours after the movie over dinner about the plausibility of the storyline.
Science fiction movies are movies that pose the 'what if' question--just as sf novels and comics. They are designed toproduce thoughtful discussions and ignite imaginations. They provoke discussions and sometimes change in our current lives.
Popcorn movies. Movies that are simply made to entertain, but they go easy on the 'messages'. I know some of you may disagree with me on this, but feel free to post your comments. Movies such as Star Wars are popcorn movies. Now, I know I'll get a lot of email about the wonders of Star Wars and the hidden messages in them. But, Star Wars just seemed to be good popcorn movies to me.
The other types of movies, the action ones such as Terminator and Total Recall are action driven with guns and cool special effects, but the basic storyline is still solid despite the death defying stunts.
The one thing that remains consistent throughout the various kinds of science fiction movies is that the storyline is always well developed and the special effects are pretty cool.
With the recent developments in computers, special effects have jumped ahead and have become the sole ranking reason to develop a science fiction movie.
Movies such as Chronicles of Riddick, War of the Worlds, and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Universe, the relied heavily on special effects and the storyline or script was borderline garbage or discredits to their original novels.
Movies like these leave a terrible taste in my mouth and a groan from writers and diehard fans every where. I am starved for a good solid science fiction movie of old, one that has a great storyline and good effects. We shouldn't have to choose between a good storyline and good special effects.
And it appears to have ruined many a good film because directors want the movies to look good. Yet with all things, beauty is only skin (film) deep; I know that as a movie-goer, I want more than a pretty package, I want meat!
A meaty storyline and rounded believable characters are not uncommon in science fiction movies. Yet it seems that Hollywood has lost sight of this goal of giving a good movie along with lots of action.
Not to anger Star War fans, but the original three films, which would now be Episodes 4, 5 and 6, are still my most favorite despite all of the glossy special effects of Episodes 1-3. There seemed to be more story, better acting in some cases, and a more grit to the roles then than the highly polished glitz of the last three movies.
And now, Jackson, who will probably always been known for the LOTR Trilogy, seems to have forgotten that too, at least according to the Time reviewer. Schickel goes on to say, “Jackson’s other improvements are ludicrous, most notably the fate of poor Ann Darrow, the actress who becomes Kong’s victim/love object.”
Honestly, remakes are hard. Just take for example Burton’s remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Fans of the original with Gene Wilder, hated the remake, well because they liked the original so much that any changes were met with comments and criticism. I don’t think the Kong remake is any different, but still the reviewer’s comments/criticism centered on the fact that Jackson had, in fact done something that many couldn’t believe could ever happen—use too much special effects.
In closing, Schickel said of King Kong, “…our response to the ape’s doom, once touched by authentic tragedy, is now marked by relief that this wretchedly excessive movie is finally over.”
Harsh words, and once again, the reviewer focus is on the overuse of special effects.
Listen, Hollywood, we like special effects. They enhance our beloved science fiction genre, but please, please get some better storylines and scripts. We like potatoes but we need steak with out dinners too! It seems that most things, in regards to movies, must come with a larger than life, high-body-count, CGI infused special effects.
Once again, Hollywood, we, the readers, lovers, writers of science fiction, fantasy and movies, demand that you stop treating us like idiots and start giving us good, solid movies! We will no longer be satisfied with empty, eye candy!
Posted by Nicole Givens Kurtz 2006-01-04 13:17:17
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Movie Adapations Versus the Original Books_Is it worth it?
With the movie version of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe being out in theaters and fans getting their first looks at the movie adaptation, I wanted to add my voice to the many, many conversations that simply must be floating around about book to movie adaptations.
As a part-time critic and lover of books, I found myself wanting very much to rip on the adapation of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Yet while I sat in the movie theater--trying my best to nick pick the thing to death, I found that I absolutely enjoyed the movie. Yes, I love Rowling, and yes, I did read (and ahem, re-read) the "Goblet" several times, however, the movie did what Rowling couldn't do--shorten the damn thing to less than three hours. To read my entire review of the movie go here.
And now with the upcoming movie versions of The Da Vinci Code, and Memoirs of Geisha, which are generating Oscar buzz as well as comparisons between thebook and the movie versions, I am once again pondering the worthiness of taking a great book and putting it onto film.
As a teacher I agree and promote to students that the book is almost always better, but when I read in Time about how the movie version of Geisha was light years better, than I must admit that I could be wrong.
Yes, I know it's a rarity....
Some of you who are long time readers of my blog already know about my best "out of your world" movie list. You can check out my list here and give your feedback. My point, though, is that most of the movies on that last are versions of great, classic books. For example, Lord of the Rings, and Blade Runner, which was Phillip Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep--has to be one of my most all time favorite books.
So, perhaps a great book makes a great movie? Is it worth it to convert beloved classic tales into film?
Part of me doesn't want to go down this path of questioning for thorns such as the movie version of Battle Field Earth and The Island of Doctor Moreau, may crop up inmy path, tear at me clothes and give me painful scratches that will serve as reminders of how dreadful movie making can be.
Thus, I'll try to stay on the straight and narrow.
I haven't ventured out to see "Chronicles" yet, but I will. I do know that my best friend fell asleep in the movie--for about twenty minutes. That doesn't really count for anything though, since he fell asleep in the "LOTR: Two Towers," too. So his opinion is ranking right around worthless.
But yours does matter, so leave me comments if you think that the book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,is even well represented in film. I already know that the book is way better, despite the argument I have presented here today.
=================A Side Note===========================================================
If you're still looking for that extremely different Christmas gift, or if you're thinking of snagging one of my novel titles, Crystal Dreams Publishing is currently running a sale on all of their titles, new, older, etc. Some of my books have been markedup to10% off (for example BROWNE CANDIDATE is $10.80-down from $15.00) and in some cases more. It's cheaper to orderdirectly from the publisherthan ordering through an online retailer in most cases. So if you're interested in checking it out, go HERE! Posted by Nicole Givens Kurtz 2005-12-14 23:25:07
Sunday, December 4, 2005
From Fandom Flows Freedom: Does Fandom Empower Nutty Behavior?
A few months ago, Ireturned from a science fiction convention where people were dressed as characters from television shows, movie, and various anime comics. As a published writer, I pondered the importance of fans and their powerful impact on the writer, director, and/or creator of fictional works.
I set out to find out the underlying, and often overlooked, power of fandom.
According to Encarta, fandom is a noun and means, “a large group of fans: fans collectively, especially of a public entertainer such as a movie or TV star.” Science fiction and fantasy fans are the pure embodiment of the definition.
Yet Wikipedia broadens the definition and enhances it by stating that fans are, “keen aficionados of any phenomenon such as authors, hobbies, ideologies, genres or fashions, which can collectively manifest as fandom. The term "fandom" is particularly associated with fans of the science fiction and fantasy genres.”
Though the dictionary’s definition of fandom can be traced back to 1903, fandom itself emerged as a force in the 1930s when science fiction readers began writing to each other. The first science fiction convention was held in Philadelphia in 1936.
And so the world of fandom, and creators in the science fiction and fantasy genres were forever changed and cosmically linked directly to their fans (Kendzior 1).
Like much of today’s world and technology, the word fandom has evolved as well.
At the mention of the word, fandom, many people may think instantly of Star Trek. Trekkies, or members of the Star Trek fandom that epitomizes the term. Those who participate in a particular fandom, the so-called Trekkies. Gene Roddenberry’s futuristic vision of a united people searching the universe, didn’t win fans immediately, but later grew to a have an enormous cult following.
That cult following grew up into a barrage of fans that not only continue to actively support the Star Trek franchise, but inspired millions of other fans to celebrate, hold conventions, and display their own love of a particular creative work.
So much so that the primary members of the original Star Trek cast are known to do some otherwise embarrassing things after Star Trek and still continued to have success. For example, a holiday Christmas album with the joyous chorals sung by Leonard Nemoy and William Shatner. How can anyone forget the hilarious, but somewhat sad Priceline commercials? There are tons more examples, like Nichelle Nichol’s novels, and other acts of complete lunacy that seem to inspire those individuals to poor judgments.
So does the freedom that comes from having a gaggle of fans empower stars (authors) to continue to indulge in awful acts of otherwise unwise career choices? Does one believe that because fans supported and loved their former roles, that one thinks he can do anything?
The answer is as varied as the stars and writers whose portrayals and fictional works have inspired so many to continuously celebrate and indulge in the sub-cultures culled from those works.
In fact, fans have the power to condemn or exalt obscure works into blockbuster films, best-selling novels (and series), and terrific television. This power is unheard of in other such mediums, such as newspapers, or radio. I mean, no one dresses up like their favorite news reporter and go to conventions where everyone is a fan of a certain news show or radio host.
So, in closing, fandom allows a certain creative freedom to take risks with one’s career. Moreover a celebrity it also affronted and nurtured. For this reason alone, fandom will continue to run the roost and segregate the diamonds from the zirconium.
Works Cited
Kendzior, S. (2000). Who owns fandom? Salon. Retrieved October 28, 2005 from Salon.com. Posted by Nicole Givens Kurtz 2005-12-04 22:07:53
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