Hello again! It has been a long time. Summer is coming, Memorial Day weekend is over, and the Lakers meet the defending champion Spurs in San Antonio tonight for Game 4 of the NBA's Western Conference Finals. My life has been busy as of late, also. As some may know, I've been dealing with some health issues for the past year or so. Recently, there were some minor complications that took my focus away from my work. The good news is that I have decided the key to healing is to carry on with my life undeterred, so I have begun to do that.
Admittedly, there has been some added stress at first and while I find adversity inspires my creative side, that only comes after I digest events. The well of ideas tends to dry up during the moment of stress itself. However, my droughts are usually followed by floods, and so I have kept myself immersed in the arts, as I love to do: reading the second installment of Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle, watching things like the film Molière and series LOST, and listening to music from The Shins and Damien Rice. I'm looking forward to the time, hopefully inevitable, in which I continue creating my own art.
I have made one change to the blog which you can see in the right hand column. I just recently began using Twitter. It's pretty amazing, and interestingly, it's a technological advance designed to simplify communication. Anyway, you can find me on the web site under "jtmurphy” or simply check this blog from time to time as the Twitter Updates are synced live. Since it has been such a long time, I'm posting a special treat... the rough draft opening of my latest project. The working title is: Body & Soul. Enjoy!
Guillo sits in his apartment, looking through the tree outside of his huge picture window into the sky. In his eyes, he looks far away from his setting, but he snaps back into focus in an instant. He then picks up his paintbrush, selects the appropriate shade of blue from his acrylics, and continues filling in the sky above his jungle scene. Guillo's canvas is situated in front of that south facing window and next to the east wall. On the canvas is the scene, where green dominates. Sky filters in at the top only, then the green begins very lightly and then progressively becomes darker and denser all the way to the jungle floor. Trees and leaves and all manner of plants fill the background, everything green. The yellowed circle of leaves in the foreground's center, then, draws the eye to the action of the piece. A black panther is out in the open, looking forward to a place not pictured. Viewing the painting, she would be staring off to the left. On her back is a curious creature, a bright blue parrot with a large beak. He faces the opposite direction looking behind her, checking out the path they came from, although that is also not pictured. The painting is almost finished, but the details that are left are the most important.
Quickly, Guillo finishes up his sky and stares blankly at the un-detailed parts of his animals and jungle. His face squeezes in a perplexed moment, and he puts down his paintbrush. Then, he draws in a deep breath, lets it out slowly, and looks up. This is his favorite corner of the large studio apartment his parents bought for him three years ago. Although, to call it a studio is a gross understatement as the space is more like an open dance hall. The southeast corner is where Guillo works. Each one of his paintings, now highly acclaimed, was done right here.
Showing posts with label Creative Content. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creative Content. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, July 30, 2007
The Ambition of Christopher Patrick
This passage is about the character, Christopher Patrick, developed from the same series as Evelyn Thorpe, or Evie. Please enjoy:
"Ambition drove Christopher Patrick, not talent. But, he knew enough to keep his mouth shut. It's the one thing his brother taught him. Perhaps, it was the one thing Chris remembered about his brother. Chris never did understand why his brother, James, was so successful. It must've been luck, just dumb, simple luck. James was lucky to get into all the best schools, to be given the highest marks, to know the right people. James was lucky enough to get a reprieve from the annual family vacation to Seacliff. He had to prepare for his MCATs instead. And Chris thought himself unlucky. He just wasn't quite smart enough to get into the major he wanted, and he wasn't quite old enough to find a way out of this trip. Instead, he was packing a van for his parents, and preparing to lug his 12-year-old brother, Joseph, up the coast.
Christopher never watched the sunsets, he never felt the sea breeze, he probably didn't enjoy the ocean either. When the waves weren't breaking, it was just too quiet for him. He always described the beach as a little too “nature-y”. The stars were not his kind of lights. Chris was an urban man. He liked neon, he liked hustle and bustle. And this summer was his first chance, since he had his own car, to get away from the beach and experience inland nightlife. Most people didn't like it, but Christopher told himself that he would.
The second night after the family's arrival at the rental house, Chris planned to say an early goodnight to his parents, William & Marian. He would then jump on the highway and head to the inland bars. They were rough, but Chris knew his ID wouldn't be checked. The roughness probably should have scared him more than it did. But, even if he didn't acknowledge it consciously, Christopher Patrick knew deep down in his spirit that his luck was about to change.
Once he met Jeremy McShane, the only question left to decide would be this: what aspect of Christopher's personality does luck ferment, ambition or lack of talent?"
"Ambition drove Christopher Patrick, not talent. But, he knew enough to keep his mouth shut. It's the one thing his brother taught him. Perhaps, it was the one thing Chris remembered about his brother. Chris never did understand why his brother, James, was so successful. It must've been luck, just dumb, simple luck. James was lucky to get into all the best schools, to be given the highest marks, to know the right people. James was lucky enough to get a reprieve from the annual family vacation to Seacliff. He had to prepare for his MCATs instead. And Chris thought himself unlucky. He just wasn't quite smart enough to get into the major he wanted, and he wasn't quite old enough to find a way out of this trip. Instead, he was packing a van for his parents, and preparing to lug his 12-year-old brother, Joseph, up the coast.
Christopher never watched the sunsets, he never felt the sea breeze, he probably didn't enjoy the ocean either. When the waves weren't breaking, it was just too quiet for him. He always described the beach as a little too “nature-y”. The stars were not his kind of lights. Chris was an urban man. He liked neon, he liked hustle and bustle. And this summer was his first chance, since he had his own car, to get away from the beach and experience inland nightlife. Most people didn't like it, but Christopher told himself that he would.
The second night after the family's arrival at the rental house, Chris planned to say an early goodnight to his parents, William & Marian. He would then jump on the highway and head to the inland bars. They were rough, but Chris knew his ID wouldn't be checked. The roughness probably should have scared him more than it did. But, even if he didn't acknowledge it consciously, Christopher Patrick knew deep down in his spirit that his luck was about to change.
Once he met Jeremy McShane, the only question left to decide would be this: what aspect of Christopher's personality does luck ferment, ambition or lack of talent?"
Monday, July 9, 2007
The Rhythm of Evie
This is a character I developed a long time ago when I was still in my screenplay phase. I've now decided that she would make an excellent addition to my fiction. This is a great example of the way I see Write What You Know. Thematic but not specific. Originally, I had planned to write a story about a fictional beach town based on the areas above Ventura that I visited so often growing up. Also, a somewhat villainous character makes an appearance, although I have no definite idea where the mysterious ending is headed. Please enjoy these passages:
"Rhythm. Rhythm was all that she could focus on. All the things she needed to remember in that moment were related to rhythm. The cycle of breathing... head up to one side and take a breath in, head into the water and breathe the air out, then at last, head out to the other side and another breath. The waves of the water lapped up against the edges of the pool and back to the center in a perfect sequence. The motions of arms and legs, her streamlined body, and most of all, the sheer force of her will, her spirit, propelled her back from one end of the pool and forth to the other. It was simply a necessity of exercise, 48 proper laps... not 45, not 50, but an exactly right 48. Simplicity was actually not in the exercise itself, but in what the exercise did for her mind.
A clear mind meant a good connection to her emotions. And that meant it was the right day spiritually for a visit to her uncle's estate. There was always something simply not right about his sanctuary, especially when Uncle Porter was there on-site. That's why Evie never spent any long duration in Summerland. It's also why she kept coming back. The beach, the people, the water, the guilt ridden loyalty to a caretaker's financial position, all of these things continually called to her.
Rhythm. Every movement, every step Evie made seemed measured by some cosmic force. It was as if she knew everything she was supposed to do before she even thought of doing it. And it was beautiful. Evie finished her swim and glided over to the pool stairs. To an observer, she almost rose out of the pool with pure blonde hair bronzed by the water, sparse eyelashes giving way to sparkling eyes, and a face washed clean of any makeup, definitely for the better. Her healthy lips suggested a hidden smile of pearly whites, and there was always a look of happiness about her even if it was not outright.
She could have worn a more accentuating swimsuit with more suggestive colors for the benefit of onlookers. But, a standard one-piece matching the light blue in her eyes suited Evie’s needs just fine. She always prided herself on not being the advertisement, but instead radiating its essence.
Over to her usual poolside table to dry off, Evie then put on her robe and sat for a few minutes. She took in the breeze and the beauty of the nice community pool in her moderately upscale apartment building. Then, evoking some sort of Greek goddess, she walked to her room in her usual way, ever so gentle but ever so confident. Every step was sure, but seemed to float over the surface, as if there would be no footprint left behind.
A short trip to Uncle's and the beach, she thought. Porter Williamson had other ideas, however. Evelyn Thorpe must have known in her spirit, but the rest of her had no idea."
"Rhythm. Rhythm was all that she could focus on. All the things she needed to remember in that moment were related to rhythm. The cycle of breathing... head up to one side and take a breath in, head into the water and breathe the air out, then at last, head out to the other side and another breath. The waves of the water lapped up against the edges of the pool and back to the center in a perfect sequence. The motions of arms and legs, her streamlined body, and most of all, the sheer force of her will, her spirit, propelled her back from one end of the pool and forth to the other. It was simply a necessity of exercise, 48 proper laps... not 45, not 50, but an exactly right 48. Simplicity was actually not in the exercise itself, but in what the exercise did for her mind.
A clear mind meant a good connection to her emotions. And that meant it was the right day spiritually for a visit to her uncle's estate. There was always something simply not right about his sanctuary, especially when Uncle Porter was there on-site. That's why Evie never spent any long duration in Summerland. It's also why she kept coming back. The beach, the people, the water, the guilt ridden loyalty to a caretaker's financial position, all of these things continually called to her.
Rhythm. Every movement, every step Evie made seemed measured by some cosmic force. It was as if she knew everything she was supposed to do before she even thought of doing it. And it was beautiful. Evie finished her swim and glided over to the pool stairs. To an observer, she almost rose out of the pool with pure blonde hair bronzed by the water, sparse eyelashes giving way to sparkling eyes, and a face washed clean of any makeup, definitely for the better. Her healthy lips suggested a hidden smile of pearly whites, and there was always a look of happiness about her even if it was not outright.
She could have worn a more accentuating swimsuit with more suggestive colors for the benefit of onlookers. But, a standard one-piece matching the light blue in her eyes suited Evie’s needs just fine. She always prided herself on not being the advertisement, but instead radiating its essence.
Over to her usual poolside table to dry off, Evie then put on her robe and sat for a few minutes. She took in the breeze and the beauty of the nice community pool in her moderately upscale apartment building. Then, evoking some sort of Greek goddess, she walked to her room in her usual way, ever so gentle but ever so confident. Every step was sure, but seemed to float over the surface, as if there would be no footprint left behind.
A short trip to Uncle's and the beach, she thought. Porter Williamson had other ideas, however. Evelyn Thorpe must have known in her spirit, but the rest of her had no idea."
Friday, May 18, 2007
The Prisoner: First Draft excerpts (Part I)
It's been a while! I have put PRESCHOOL PARABLE on the back burner for now. Health issues not only kept me away from the weblog, but they gave me new inspiration as well. Life changes, we readapt and find our way through. My latest is a piece called The Prisoner about a death row inmate and a prison guard. I present to you excerpts from the first draft of Part I.
Excerpt 1:
I was recently made aware of the story of Mario Rocha who, as a teenager in LA, was falsely accused, arrested, and tried & convicted. There's a great documentary on DVD called Mario's Story about the struggle to vacate his conviction. I identified with the story particularly because Mario is a writer. It's hard for me to believe the things through which he persevered. But I think we all can identify with feelings of imprisonment. The main character of my story experiences it a little differently than the innocent Mario.
Excerpt 2:
Excerpt 1:
"It was hot, definitely. I'm sure, at the time, sweat poured down his face, but I don't think that was first in his mind. When you come to this part of Desert County Prison, this is your last stop. There's nothing left, no time served, no good behavior, no parole, no appeals, nothing.
This jailhouse had a façade. It was almost like the
steeple of a country church. Now, that can be a good or a bad thing, depending on your perspective. I can't say what he thought then, as he and his two escorts climbed the four uneven, and newly poured, concrete stairs with rattling chains and heavy footsteps. Then they had to open the big, black doors so he could see his new home. ..."
I was recently made aware of the story of Mario Rocha who, as a teenager in LA, was falsely accused, arrested, and tried & convicted. There's a great documentary on DVD called Mario's Story about the struggle to vacate his conviction. I identified with the story particularly because Mario is a writer. It's hard for me to believe the things through which he persevered. But I think we all can identify with feelings of imprisonment. The main character of my story experiences it a little differently than the innocent Mario.
Excerpt 2:
... I turned to leave, but he breathed a breath that told me he was about to say something important.
"I deserve to die for my crimes."
Only the truth of this hit me.
So I said, "Yes you do." ...
Monday, April 9, 2007
My Latest: a preschool parable
I have begun my next project. The working title is PRESCHOOL PARABLE, although I don't expect that title to remain. Right now, it is looking like a comedic/spy fiction piece that will examine the importance of preschool and finding the best one, or the right one, for a child. The extreme measures parents may or may not take for their children will also be featured.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to post any finished products as I don't want to run into any publishing complications. I will, however, have drafts throughout various stages available for e-mail. I will absolutely be posting what I like to call "creative content" whenever I can. Brainstorms, character profiles, introductory materials, stream of consciousness pieces, etc., will be readily available.
And so, I present to you the Intelligence Dossiers for the characters of PRESCHOOL PARABLE:
Classification: Eyes Only. Time sensitive.
Clearance: Studebaker, Gertrude.
Call sign: Parcheesi.
Authorization: observation, influence decision-makers, clandestine op.
Be advised: possible cloak & dagger underway, innocents exposed.
GROUP DOSSIER
Title: Flock of Four (Flock)
Aliases: Red Robin, Woodpecker, Black Crow, Hawkeye
Leader: Hawkeye
Intel Rating: Very Good
Assessment: High Chance for Success -- greatest asset: little to no resistance faced as a result of element of surprise; greatest weakness: emotion invested & lack of awareness of countermeasures - vulnerable to counterstrike.
Children Implicated: Steven Sullivan, Karen Ashby
Flock Targets: Children- Wendy Bilson, George Young; Parents- Allison & Rick Bilson, Cynthia & Nicholas Young
INDIVIDUAL DOSSIERS
DOSSIER: RED ROBIN
Sullivan, Kelly
Alias: Red Robin
Vitals: 5'4", 98 lbs., red-blonde hair, lt-blue eyes
Usual Attire: Oxfords, khakis, tennis shoes
Occupation: Housewife, Stay-At-Home Mom
Additional: Foreign-Policy major in college, loves spy shows/films, reads Tom Clancy
Intel Rating: Amateur
Assessment: Unknown, underrated -- inexperience is weakness, possible target to be turned; asset is dedication to child, pressure to succeed - possible loose cannon.
DOSSIER: WOODPECKER
Sullivan, Tom
Alias: Woodpecker
Vitals: 6'1", 179 lbs., brown hair, blue eyes, glasses, goatee
Usual Attire: business, rec- warmups, longsleeved tee, sports cap, tennis shoes
Occupation: Writer for PR Firm
Additional: College graduate -- summa cum laude, unchallenged by occupation, likely creative mind
Intel Rating: Good
Assessment: Logical, controlled -- intelligence offsets inexperience; intuition & instinct are assets, variable is control - take it away.
DOSSIER: BLACK CROW
Ashby, Brian
Alias: Black Crow
Vitals: 5'11", 182 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes
Usual Attire: business, rec- jeans, polo shirt, sandals
Occupation: Mergers & Acquisitions
Additional: very competitive, shrewd, cutthroat in business
Intel Rating: Above Average
Assessment: Dangerous -- cutthroat attitude is greatest strength & greatest weakness, potential security risk; inexperience offset by wife's experience; limited versatility in the field.
DOSSIER: HAWKEYE
Ashby, Nancy (leader)
Alias: Hawkeye
Vitals: 5'7", 116 lbs., black hair, green eyes
Usual Attire: Department of State regulation, rec- women's athletic wear i.e. jumpsuit, running shoes, sunglasses
Occupation: Intelligence
Additional: former spook, love of child pulled her out of the field, still knows all the tricks
Intel Rating: Excellent
Assessment: Primary Threat -- great asset if on your side, will spot a sloppy tail, cannot be overrated; time sensitivity of op could help exploit her rustiness.
COMMENCE OPERATION: FOX & FLOCK
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