My mother’s internet his slower than the the dial-up at my high school library.
Today, I was dispatched on not one but TWO shopping missions. On the first, I got lost and a trip that should have taken 30 minutes took closer to 2 hours. The second was a much more manageable 20 minute foray for cheddar cheese and two batten-down-the-hatches-and-let’s-ride-out-this-storm size bags of sugar.
The power was down all morning as crews worked to fix the damage from last month’s ice storm. I took advantage of the down time to do some writing – in my head – and accomplished next to nothing. For some reason, when I’m in Montreal, I get nothing done.
Got the preliminary shooting schedule for that horror movie. I’m pleasantly surprised. To be honest, I thought it would be longer. Hopefully the pleasant surprises continue with the pending delivery of that preliminary budget.
Had a productive talk today with an indie film-savvy producer this afternoon, then touched base with an old friend from my Dark Matter days to help educate me on the tax credit front.
The script, as it turns out, was the easy part. The business plan is much more foreboding.
On blurbs and reviews…
It really depends on how I'm feeling at the time and, to be honest, there's nothing worse than having to read a book if you're not in a reading mood. Especially if someone is counting on you. 2/
— Joseph Mallozzi 🏴☠️ (@BaronDestructo) May 7, 2023
I'd say that I truly love, at most, 10% of the books I read, or the shows and movies I watch. The lion share range from below average to pretty good. Roughly another 10% are terrible. 4/
— Joseph Mallozzi 🏴☠️ (@BaronDestructo) May 7, 2023
It's really hard to win me over (as the recent bullet reviews in my on-going horror marathon have proven) and, while I try to be supportive, I cannot, in good conscience, lie. 6/
— Joseph Mallozzi 🏴☠️ (@BaronDestructo) May 7, 2023
I rarely agree to do blurbs or reviews of upcoming titles because I really don't want to end up in a situation where I am expected to say something positive about a bad or boring book. 8/
— Joseph Mallozzi 🏴☠️ (@BaronDestructo) May 7, 2023
Of course there are exceptions. If I've read the author and enjoyed their previous work – say, a John Scalzi, an Adrian Tchaikovsky, or a Jeff VanderMeer – I'm happy to commit because I know I'm unlikely to be disappointed. 10/
— Joseph Mallozzi 🏴☠️ (@BaronDestructo) May 7, 2023
…they are simply looking for validation. And I'm passed the point of being surprised by who falls into which camp. A couple of years ago, I agreed to be a mentor for a program to help guide young female screenwriters. 12/
— Joseph Mallozzi 🏴☠️ (@BaronDestructo) May 7, 2023
Every last one. They were super gracious, often asked if we could hop on a follow-up zoom to go over the notes, and I was always happy to discuss. 14/
— Joseph Mallozzi 🏴☠️ (@BaronDestructo) May 7, 2023
Most were not. Out of that particular group, 3, maybe 4 (certainly less than half) would get back to me to discuss. The rest would either pretend it never happened or (ideally) never contact me again. 16/
— Joseph Mallozzi 🏴☠️ (@BaronDestructo) May 7, 2023
Today’s Yes/No…
Whey-based Whiskey? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/lS74NyvX0m
— Joseph Mallozzi 🏴☠️ (@BaronDestructo) May 9, 2023
You’re a good son. How is your Mom feeling?
Did you pick up a portable battery for your laptop? They are great for traveling.
For future use, you could upgrade your mom’s internet.
We are in The Smoky Mountains” on holiday. Pancakes in the morning and then hiking. I’m so tired but it’s fun.
Didn’t know power is still an issue there. Hydro-Quebec taking their own sweet time?
If I ever wrote something I would welcome your honest opinion on it. Having read your reviews over the years I know you’re tough but fair. But I don’t write anything other than technical documentation for IT infrastructure. I try to keep it light and engaging but it’s a challenge to come up with new third act twists all the time!
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Are you managing to keep your mum out of the kitchen? Given your shopping expeditions it sounds like you’re not!
I am not.
What are you going to do with all that sugar? Or what plans does your mom have for it when she is better? A bunch of Friendship cakes?
FYI, you might be able to tether your computer to your phone and use the cellular connection.
I did exactly that!
I haven’t a clue how to tether but my hubby does that all the time. 👋🏻 to your Mom!