Dear reader,
When T asked if I wanted to come along to see the new Godzilla movie with him, I agreed without really knowing what to expect. But I’m pleased to report I’m glad I went!
Godzilla Minus One is an absolute masterclass in storytelling principles, and I think every fiction writer should watch it—even if monster movies aren’t typically your cup of tea.
The movie is good because it follows classic story rules to a tee. It’s so conventional that it actually feels fresh, if that makes sense! Maybe because so many movies think they’re too clever to follow conventions, then end up falling short of a satisfying story experience because of it.
All in all, we had a wonderful evening. Before the movie, we spent time Christmas shopping, then we hit the arcade inside the cinema. After the movie, we had dinner at an Asian fusion restaurant.
Hopefully, Tuesday night will be just as good. We’re seeing The Boy and the Heron (because it’s the new Miyazaki. How could we possibly miss it?).
Soon after that, I’ll be back in Hawke’s Bay to spend Christmas with my family. It’s going to be the longest I’ve ever been away from T since we moved in together, which is a little daunting. The main thing will be keeping up my writing habit, while still getting some much needed relaxation in. I’ll be back before New Year’s Eve.
-Sara
Link roundup
📚Book world news and views from around the web
The Critics Scoffed. Nora Roberts Just Kept Writing. [NY Times]
Before Roberts, the romance genre was dominated by tepid and virginal women who were overpowered by brooding men. Roberts changed all that by thrusting romance into the modern era.
Bridget Jones, Santaland Diaries and A Christmas Carol: 25 literary treats to read this December [The Guardian]
From David Sedaris’s comic diaries to Maya Angelou’s poem Amazing Peace, count down to Christmas with our Advent calendar of festive reads
The Case for Never Reading the Book Jacket [The Walrus]
Rarely do I buy a book because I was seduced by the summary on the back or inside flap. As a reader, I don’t find such text all that relevant. I’ll skim it if I’m browsing in a bookstore or on a retail page—just enough to get the general contours. But lately, what used to be passive avoidance has evolved into a deliberate stance: these days, I refuse to read the jacket copy in full unless I absolutely have to.
Best Christmas Gift: Books and Chocolate 2023 [Ruth Crilly]
This is the only Christmas shopping guide you really need. If you’re after the best Christmas present but don’t have ridiculous amounts of cash to spend then this ticks all of the boxes.