The Oscars - It All Starts with the Writing and Creative Process

Long after everyone else in my family went to bed last night, I stayed up to watch the 82nd Academy Awards (aka the Oscars). This morning while driving Cari and a friend to high school, the girls talked about how they didn't watch the Oscars because they are so boring. While I don't think the program was exactly boring, I didn't find it overly exciting, either, but a few moments did stand out as being memorable.

One segment I liked was the nod given to writers. Even some of the jabs pointing out the difference between writers and actors were humorous.

What would movies be without the words and creativity of writers? Blank sheets of paper.

Everything starts with writing and the creative process. Here are some of my favorite moments from this year's Oscars:

* Clips and music from one of my all-time favorite movies "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"

* Mark Boal, winner for best original screenplay, "Hurt Locker," talked about how he got his idea for a story while he was a reporter in Iraq

* Geoffrey Fletcher, winner for adapted screenplay, "Precious," encouraged others who "work on a dream everyday"

* Sandra Bullock's win for best actress

* Katherine Bigelow's best director win for "The Hurt Locker"

* Short acceptance speeches

* The winner who encouraged young people to pursue their creative dreams because "taking time to be creative is not a waste of time"

Here's a link to a complete list of winners.

How about you? Any moments stand out as memorable --- or forgetable?

One More Suggestion from Dakota About Writing a Synopsis

Genereally I don't post on the weekends, but I woke up this morning remembering something Dakota Banks said last week at Saturday Writers. I'm going try it to get my YA novel back on track.

It's a suggestion from Dakota that I didn't mention in my earlier post: Use the synopsis as a planning tool while writing – you’re going to need one as a marketing tool anyway.

Eureka! This hit me just as I was waking up this morning. Next week I'm going to work on the synopsis for my novel to see if that will help.

But tonight? O-S-C-A-R-S. That's what I'll be watching. I'm rooting for Sandra Bullock.

Chance of showers, high 59 degrees.

A Night at the Oscars - Host Hugh Jackman Was a Delightful Surprise

Today's forecast for St. Peters, MO: Mostly sunny, high 35 degrees.

Maybe it’s because last year’s Oscars were cancelled due to the Writers’ Strike, or maybe it’s because there was nothing better to watch on TV, but last night, for the first time in several years, I watched the Oscars. And I’m glad I did.

Host Hugh Jackman was a delightful surprise. Who knew he could sing and dance? Another plus; there seemed to be an emphasis on the efforts that go into the beginning of the creative process—the vision and hard work of writers and others whose stories and imaginations give life to motion pictures. Bravo for that!

Anyway, here are some random impressions of the event:

Hugh Jackman – charming, entertaining
Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) – joyous, caring, grateful
Slumdog Millionaire Cast - stunned, proud
Penelope Cruz – glamorous, graceful
Tina Fey and Steve Martin – humorous, clever, well-matched
Sophia Lauren – indescribable
Shirley McClain – sincere, encouraging
Will Smith – plastic, scripted (My granddaughter, who used to be a big fan of his, commented, “He’s not funny any more. He’s way too serious.”)
Jerry Stiller – hairy, lost
Sean Pen – preachy, predictable
Bill Maher – whiney, jealous, a wolf in a sharkskin suit
Kate Winslet – pompous
Mickey Rourke – brave, humble
Heath Ledger’s Family – classy, courageous

Please feel free to share your thoughts.