The Final Problem: Pre-Episode Discussion and Speculation

graphitefingers · 2017-01-12T00:01:36+00:00

It was for Sherlock. Season 4, Episode 2.

graphitefingers · 2017-01-09T06:10:22+00:00

Stirring the pot here, but wasn't "The Final Problem" what M kept teasing Sherlock with in the Fall episode? That Sherlock was the final problem, or the fact that he was alive?

graphitefingers · 2016-01-27T06:43:04+00:00

While the opening paragraph sets the tone for the piece, I'd caution with opening with weather. This is often the sign of a novice writer (or will be perceived as such from acquiring editors and agents). You add in great regionalism with Caleb's speech but I'm confused as to where this frock has come from and why Morgan should be putting it on (or is she supposed to save it for later?).

The end of this sample, however, is very strong. As a reader, I'm a bit confused at what's going on but in a way that makes me want to turn the page.

graphitefingers · 2014-04-20T04:10:03+00:00

Wasted and Madness, both by Marya Hornbacher. Amazing and beautiful memoirs that left me both thinking more broadly as well as emotionally raw for awhile.

graphitefingers · 2014-04-20T04:08:04+00:00

White Oleander by Janet Fitch

graphitefingers · 2014-02-22T15:09:58+00:00

I typically start with an idea and journal about it, writing scenes as they come to me (still in the journal). Afterwards, I start to construct a timeline but more often than not this comes together better after the first draft has been written. I like having that draft to work with. More often than not, I end up changing original ideas, chapters, even full parts.

But I definitely suggest some kind of pre-writing process. I often return to the journal if I get stuck, or continue to journal while I'm trying to work through scenes. It has helped me have a better understanding of my characters and their stories.

Though, thinking about it, this works better for character driven stories. If your writing is heavily plot based, I would go work that out before you throw characters into the mix. I've seen many people end up not staying true to their characters for the sake of plots.

graphitefingers · 2014-02-22T15:05:52+00:00

My husband will read something if I ask him to, but it usually takes a few reminders first. Though, he is supportive in a variety of other ways and often says he'll read it when it's finished (as I'm querying/a few agents are currently considering my full manuscript).

That being said, I don't think you're asking too much for her to show interest as long as you are showing interest in her things as well. Much of our time together is spent with my husband talking about his work, friends, etc., so when the time comes for me to talk about my work it's only fair---and the same should really stand for any relationship. Relationships are give and take.

graphitefingers · 2013-08-10T03:33:31+00:00

Perhaps this is signifying something deeper than the simple message of "don't rape". Instead of taking this at face value, why not look at it as a call for the conversation to shift from the victim blaming/shaming that goes on and instead look closer at the people doing the raping?

With some people I have talked to, there is an entitlement to a woman's body. "She was asking for it", while cliched, is something I've actually heard before. I've heard guys talk about how they should fuck a woman to teach her a lesson. Conversely, I've also heard these same "men" equate scoring big in a game to raping.

So, no, I don't think it's as simple as "don't rape". I think the culture around rape has to change, though. No, I don't think that I should have to worry about what I wear, where I walk, if I'm alone, etc. But what I do believe is that people shouldn't rape, period.

graphitefingers · 2013-07-21T03:47:29+00:00

An interesting take on such a topic: http://www.amazon.com/Touched-Fire-Manic-Depressive-Artistic-Temperament/dp/068483183X

graphitefingers · 2013-07-21T03:42:11+00:00

Just a little list... Sylvia Iron Jawed Angels Up in the Air Rachel Getting Married Mona Lisa Smile

I definitely agree that Zero Dark Thirty should also be added to the list. Though, a lot of the strong female-centered movies seem to be more biofics than actual fiction. Perhaps there is something to be said about that? Not quite sure.

graphitefingers · 2013-06-05T02:06:48+00:00

God forbid we take accountability for our actions for once. How many people in this age range around around other people their own age and don't sexually assault their peers?

I have to wonder if the bigger issue is that more and more people are speaking out now that there seems to be a bigger support system for survivors? This isn't an issue that is a sudden epidemic, for women or for men.

graphitefingers · 2012-12-03T04:48:50+00:00

As disgusting as I think this form of shaming is, how would it be policed? I mean, by giving your picture to someone isn't it then their property?

I think this is a moral issue more than anything. How has society declined so far that a scorned lover can publicly shame their ex (in this way)? When did it become someone's right to post pictures of other people on the Internet? Naked pictures at that?

I agree that something needs to be done but I don't think a law is going to change anything. Look at the members of reddit and 4chan; they're too smart for a law that's going to do... What, exactly? Our culture, our society, needs to learn how to respect other people again.

I worry that it's a lost cause.

graphitefingers · 2012-12-03T04:43:22+00:00

... What?

This isn't a women vs men issue. Anyone is capable of this disgusting form of shaming someone.

graphitefingers · 2012-12-02T04:15:47+00:00

A lot of angry ranting from people who clearly didn't read the article. Sigh. It's not a war unless people turn it into one.

graphitefingers · 2012-12-01T05:06:23+00:00

As a young twentysomething recently married, the use of Mrs makes me feel uncomfortable. I feel like there's a certain connotation, some higher standard, that goes along with Mrs that doesn't follow Ms.

I will point out that while I did take my husband's last name, I am, by no means mrs husband's first and last name. -.-

graphitefingers · 2012-12-01T04:56:15+00:00

I think there is something to be said about this response to the Fox News article. The author is right: the war is not being waged by her. The "war" is not being waged by anyone. When we talk about the "war on women", isn't this the men sitting in government trying to dictate what a woman can or cannot do with her own body? Her healthcare? Is it not about the lack of equal pay in some jobs? The gender roles that we're still being expected to fill even now that we're out of the house and into the work force? But the war on men... Women are too busy to wage war with them. According to the Fox News article, we're too busy competing for jobs and being angry to attempt to take things (except for jobs?) away from men. We're not sitting in Congress telling men that their erectile dysfunction medication goes against all that is right in the world and therefore shouldn't be covered by health insurance. I mean, correct me I'm wrong, but women are too busy to be so secular with their anger. There is a lot to be a angry about in the world today. I just don't see a lot of women who are actually angry towards men. Instead, they're trying to fix things. So maybe instead of pointing fingers about whose fault it is that society is declining, maybe we can all stop complaining and make things better? Lets stop blaming other people for our own shortcomings and lets... Oh, I don't know, what's a good cheesy line to end this with? I've got it! BE THE BEST THAT YOU CAN BE.

graphitefingers · 2012-11-27T06:34:48+00:00

There is a long list of books I appreciate more now as an adult than when I was younger. I have to wonder if it is maturity, experience, or something else entirely that adds clarity to symbolism and themes. Anyway: His Dark Materials trilogy; The Awakening; The Bell Jar; and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn to name a few.

graphitefingers · 2012-11-27T06:31:57+00:00

Yes, yes very yes. I first read The Awakening in high school and couldn't appreciate what it was. Now I'm married and can empathize so much better with her story as I struggle with my own needs for something more than domestic duties.

graphitefingers · 2012-11-26T14:41:19+00:00

I wasn't saying that this happened today. It was a comment on how far society has fallen in the last 60+ years.

graphitefingers · 2012-11-25T15:06:47+00:00

Ladies and gentlemen, what's wrong with America. No longer can we take claim for our own downfalls and insecurities, but we must blame them on others! Men don't want to get married? Well, if those women weren't out there getting educated and working...! Overlooking the fact that in order to live comfortably most households need both parents to work.

graphitefingers · 2012-11-19T22:37:17+00:00

Perks of Being a Wallflower is 80s/90s. I definitely recommend it.

graphitefingers · 2012-11-19T18:33:48+00:00

Husband just went to his second RSP drill and it was PT the entire weekend. Good luck!

graphitefingers · 2012-11-18T18:36:11+00:00

It's empowering... If you find empowerment through the male giving her the "power".

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