| Josh Hornbeck 的个人资料The Writer's Block日志 |  工具  帮助 |
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6月11日 The Writer's Block is Back!!!Yes, it’s been a rather lengthy hiatus. Yes, I’ve dropped the ball for the past couple of months. But we’re back. And by we, I mean I am back. Over the summer I’m going to do my best to be a little more consistent with the newsletter. Most of my writings are now going to be found on my new website:
The site has just, as of a few hours ago, launched. I’ve just added a collection of short plays that you can read online. The performance rights are available for anyone who would like to produce any of the pieces.
New pieces as of June 11, 2006:
Short Plays (www.joshhornbeck.com/playsthething.htm) How’s the Weather? I Was a Stranger Introductions and Misplaced Desires It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Only You Can Save Thanksgiving! The Wanderer What You Will What’s the Point Yearning
Please check out the new site and recommend it to anyone you think might get something out of the pieces posted online.
Until next time!
3月8日 "The Writer's Block," March 8, 2006 - Volume 2, Issue 5: All New and Irony Free!!!I had one of my former students (how weird is it to say “former students,” huh?) chastise me for complaining too much in the last issue of “The Writer’s Block.” While I tried to explain to him that it was a part of the style and tone of the newsletter, it got me thinking. Maybe I have been too self-effacing and ironic in the newsletter. So, as an exercise, I’m going to do my best to be as confident and un-ironic as possible during the course of the following issue. (We’ll see how well that works.)
The first issue of quiet SHORTS is selling well. We’ve even sold out of our first print run. So you’d better get your copies of the arts journal while you can. It features some great stories and wonderful poetry, beautiful visual art and intriguing music. I’ve written a few of the pieces inside (after all, I am one of the founding directors of the company) – one looking at fast-food art here in America and another examining the enduring qualities of Citizen Kane, the greatest film of all-time. I have to say, I think I’ve written two amazing pieces of cultural analysis. I may end up being one of the most influential thinkers of our time if I’m not careful. So pick up your copy at www.WhosGotYourEar.com/quietshorts1-1.htm. You won’t be sorry.
Well, that’s all I have to say for this issue. Enjoy the witty banter of my letters, the thoughtful analysis of my film criticism, and the insight I’ve brought to the Academy Awards. Enjoy – as if you had any choice.
Josh Hornbeck 2月21日 "The Writer's Block" Newsletter - February 21, 2006: Volume 2, Issue 4Dear friends,
I do start off each issue of “The Writer’s Block” with the best of intentions. I really do try to get each and every issue out in a timely fashion. It just never seems to be happening these days. It may have something to do with stretching myself too thin. Or it just may be that I’m pretty lazy when it comes right down to it.
Well, the first issue of the Arts Journal I’m working on is now officially available. quiet SHORTS features essays, poetry, fiction, criticism, visual art, and a CD with new music. It’s 72 pages (no ads and it has a CD!) and is only $10.00 for the hard copy and $5.00 for the PDF electronic copy. Make sure to visit www.whosgotyourear.com/quietshorts1-1.htm to order your copy today!
This issue of “The Writer’s Block” features a new feature to the site – Television Blurbs. Due to a combination of factors (lack of money for movies, better quality on television this year, my own general laziness) I’ve been watching more TV than normal this year and I thought I should start writing up brief reviews of whatever it is I’m watching. I’ll be posting my thoughts throughout the week and offering a summary of them every two weeks in the newsletter. I hope you enjoy them.
And I hope you enjoy the rest of the newsletter. My Oscar run has gotten me to a few more movies over the last two weeks than normal – and they’re typically the better movies of the year, so my ratings curve is a little off. Oh, well.
Until next time!
Josh Hornbeck 2月6日 The Writer's Block - February 6, 2006: Volume 2, Issue 3 - Two Days Late and Twenty Dollars ShortDear friends,
Well, I had seriously attempted to get the newsletter out this past Saturday, but time just seemed to slip away from me, you know? Oh well. It’s out now.
We’ve just entered Oscar season and even though I told myself never again, I’ve found that I’m making more of an effort to complete my Oscar run than I had intended. In the last week I watched five of the nominated films. I’m off to see another one this afternoon and will try to rent a couple more for this evening. My reasoning goes like this – if I can just go on a blitz and get them all done, then I get finally get back to all of my other writing. That makes sense, right?
Over the last week we’ve finally finished the initial layout for our arts journal – quiet SHORTS. It’s looking like it will be a great first issue. We have poetry, visual art, music, short stories, essays … It’s really come together nicely. Now we just have to finish proofing it. You can purchase a copy of the first issue by going to www.whosgotyourear.com/quietshorts.htm. Of course, we’re not shipping them out for another week or so, but it is turning into a really nice publication.
I kind of feel like I should keep writing here, but I really don’t think I have anything else to say. Oh well. Enjoy the issue!
Josh 1月21日 The Writer's Block Newsletter - January 21, 2006: Volume 2, Issue 2 - Busy, Busy, BusyDear Friends,
As I am currently waste-deep in the process of getting two very different, yet very time-intensive, ventures off the ground, I am afraid that this week’s Writer’s Block will be substantially shorter than normal. And by shorter, I mean it’ll be somewhere around two sentences. I suppose that’s what happens when you’re writing a column of film reviews and you haven’t had time to see any movies.
That said, I’ll give you a quick synopsis of the few film’s I’ve seen in the last two weeks:
The Squid and the Whale **** ½ Sure, it’s a little self-indulgent and it doesn’t quite give me the resolution that I had hoped for, but it’s still a stinging, bitter-sweet comedy on the frustrations of growing up with two selfish and manipulative parents.
Casanova ** It’s gorgeously filmed (all on the streets of Venice) and has some very funny and whimsical moments, but it’s a pretty conventional “bad boy meets strong girl and mends his ways” kind of film. And the ending is beyond ridiculous.
Murderball ***** At first, I thought it would just be a cool documentary – it’s about paraplegic rugby players for crying out loud. But not only is it fun and fascinating, it’s surprisingly touching and moving. One of the most heartfelt documentaries I’ve seen in a while.
Uncorked *** It’s got a great cast, and even though the plot is fairly predictable (eccentric old man helps everyone discover what truly matters in life) it is a fun and at times very funny film. Some of the cinematic techniques get a little annoying, but it’s still an enjoyable hour and a half.
Sons of Provo **** ½ A mockumentary, in the style of Waiting for Guffman or Best in Show, which follows the Mormon boy-band “EverClean.” It’s very funny and completely ridiculous. It does come across as a little too self-conscious, not as off-hand as the best mockumentaries are.
Then, of course, there is the return of “Battlestar Galactic” to television. The second half of the second season has been amazing. It’s intense, timely, and very gripping television. If you haven’t seen it yet, go out and rent the mini-series, the first season, and the first half of the second season. You won’t regret it. I promise.
As to my many other project, I’m sure you all received my mid-week missive concerning the premier of a new play that I’ve written and directed with the University Players, a group of college students I work with out of Seattle Pacific University. The play is entitled The Storyteller and is a fairly-tale, telling about a young woman who must discover her true worth and value in the eyes of her prince. We’re actually taking the play to a church in Shoreline this morning and will begin taking it all over Washington (Sedro Wolley tomorrow).
The multi-disciplinary arts community that I am in the process of starting up (with my brother Matt and his wife Roxy) is just about ready to launch with the first issue of quiet SHORTS, a bi-monthly arts journal. The first issue will feature several essays, poetry, short fiction, art work, and it even includes a CD with tracks by several artists. You can check out more about quiet and the journal by visiting: www.whosgotyourear.com. I hope you all have a chance to check it out.
Finally, I am in the midst of launching my personal website: www.joshhornbeck.com. It will feature more of my faith-based writings and will include pieces on film, theatre, and random thoughts and reflections. I hope to have it up and running in the next two weeks, so I hope you all stop by and check it out as well.
Well, that’s it for this issue of the Writer’s Block. I’ll see you all in two weeks!
Josh Hornbeck
PS – And just to let you know, the “real” Nell Rosenblume has threatened legal action and I hope to present our on-going email discussion in the next issue, if she doesn’t sue me for it. 1月7日 The Writers Block - January 7, 2006: Happy New Year!You know, I’m just not even going to try anymore. I keep saying that I’m going to get back to the old format for the newsletter, but I never do. And since I’m trying to do so much other writing, the idea of all that layout and formatting and picture work is a little overwhelming. So, from now on, the text version of “The Writer’s Block” is all the writer’s block you’re going to get. I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it is.
Anyway, the great thing about going on such a long break (unintentional though it may have been) is that I have a lot of content for the first issue of the New Year. I’ve got letters, columns, essays, plenty of film reviews, and my personal favorites for 2005 in movies, television, music, and literature. I’m sure someone somewhere is going to be upset that I put The Dukes of Hazard on my list of the worst films of the year, but them’s the breaks, right?
Well, that’s it for this issue. Hopefully we’ll be getting back to a pretty regular schedule again (though, who knows really?). Enjoy!
Josh 11月22日 Volume 1, Issue 23: Later and LaterDear friends,
Welcome to yet another issue of “The Writer’s Block Newsletter.” It seems like I just can’t quite get back into the swing of my regular bi-weekly schedule. Oh well. If you hadn’t noticed, I am updating the website frequently, it’s just a matter of getting this stupid newsletter out that’s tripping me up.
I had hoped to have my other side-project up and running by the time I mailed this out, but it looks as if that will be unveiled in a future issue of “The Writer’s Block.” But stay tuned. It should be a cool new project to check out.
Well, the letters are back with this issue, and “The Music of My Heart” returns as well. Hopefully we’ll be getting everything back to its full version by this time in two weeks.
Have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy!
Josh 11月8日 "The Writer's Block" Newsletter: November 8, 2005 - Volume 1, Issue 22So, I had honestly planned on getting this issue out on time, getting it out in the nice version complete with pictures, and including a letters section along with other miscellaneous essays and pieces. Ah, the best laid plans of mice and men – isn’t that how it goes?
As you can see, I didn’t get this out on time. I didn’t get it out in the nice version with pictures. And as you’ll see in a moment, there is nary a letter in sight. As the past two weeks flew by and as the weekend deadline quickly approached, I found myself running out of time. But I feel okay about that. I really do.
You see, I’ve been spending much more time working on two other major projects (besides my work writing and directing for the University Players). One of these projects is still in the initial planning phases, while the other is getting ready to launch very shortly. I am pleased to announce the formation of ‘quiet,’ a multi-disciplinary production company whose goal is to democratize creative and meaningful art. We’ll be officially launching with a bi-monthly magazine in January of 2006. Visit us on-line at:
We’re also accepting submissions for the first issue of ‘quiet Shorts.’ Our theme is “Endurance and Disposability.” If you (or anyone you know of) would be interested in submitting fiction, essays, poetry, criticism, visual art, or music – check out:
10月22日 The Writer's Block - October 22, 2005: I'm Back . . .I know. You were wondering, “Is Josh ever going to get his act together and get this stupid newsletter/blog back up and running?” Some of you were probably saying to yourselves, “Thank God he hasn’t sent me another one of his stupid emails! I’m getting so sick and tired of his trite movie reviews, insipid essays, and lame letters.” Well, whether you fall into the former or later categories, I’m back.
It’s been a long transition time. A very long transition time. But I’m caught up and ready to jump back into the Writer’s Block with both feet. Once again, the format will be a little different from this point on. I’ll be posting essays and articles and reviews as I write them throughout the week and I’ll send out a newsletter every other week letting everyone know what the new material is on the blog site.
So if you want the freshest information and the latest writings, keep checking back at the blog. My tech savvy friend Pieter keeps telling me that there’s a way for you to subscribe to the updates as I post them, but I have no idea what he’s talking about. So I’m not even going to try.
This issue is a little lighter, just to get the newsletter back up and running. There are a few reviews and the latest installment of “The Music of My Heart.” Enjoy! Josh Hornbeck 9月10日 The Writer's Block Update
Dear friends,
You may have noticed that “The Writer’s Block” Newsletter has been on hiatus for the past month. Unfortunately, upon returning to Seattle after a summer in Arizona, I was consumed by preparing for a new roommate to move into the apartment and getting things together for the start of another year working with the University Players (writing the script, preparing activities, etc.). And as I’ll be entering into two weeks of fourteen hour rehearsal days, I won’t be able to get the newsletter out again for several more weeks.
But don’t worry! “The Writer’s Block” will be back beginning in October. But in the meantime, drop everything you’re doing right now and make sure you go see The Constant Gardener. It’s an amazing, gut-wrenching, angry, and powerful film. Part mystery/thriller, part romantic drama, part political statement, The Constant Gardener is one of the best films of the year. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Until October!
Josh Hornbeck 8月12日 "The Writer's Block" Newsletter - August 13, 2005: The Last DayDear Readers,
I’m writing my introduction for the current issue of “The Writer’s Block” Newsletter while I still have one week left at the accursed guard house (I’m actually sitting inside the guard house while I write it), but by the time I get it re-written and posted and finally sent off to you all, I will have just finished my very last day (ever, hopefully) of working as a Safety Officer for the Pine Canyon Golf Community. It’s been a long, long summer that’s just flown by. You’d think that having four or five days off a week would make the work time fly and the days off drag, but it’s just the opposite unfortunately. Now I’m entering the last week of my life in Flagstaff and preparing to transition back into life in Seattle. Wow. Does summer really end this quickly? I guess so.
Well, I actually have a fair number of films I’ve been able to review this week. I went out of my way to try and find films that I wouldn’t like – in the last issue I reviewed a lot of film’s that I enjoyed, so I thought I’d change it up a little, you know? I’ve got essays, columns and letters here, too. Actually, I guess it’s just one essay, one column, and a couple letters, but that’s just getting into semantics, isn’t it?
Anyway, I hope you enjoy! Josh 7月29日 "The Writer's Block" - July 30, 2005: A Light at the End of the TunnelDear Readers,
The day is coming soon when I will be free of this crappy security (oops, I’m sorry, I mean safety) job. Only eight more shifts left. Thank God. Eight shifts. Then it’s back to Seattle again. Not that I don’t love hanging out with my family, because I do, but it’ll be nice to get back into the swing of things at home.
In the meantime, there are some cool things on the horizon. I’ve been in development meetings recently about a major upcoming project I’m sure you’ll all want to know about. So keep your eyes and ears peeled for more information about “Quiet” as the weeks and months go by.
Well, other than that, I’ve got more letters and columns and reviews. Enjoy! Josh 7月16日 "The Writer's Block" - July 16, 2005: Hellfire and BrimstoneDear Readers,
I’m still sojourning in Arizona. I’m still living in my parent’s spare room. And I’m still working twelve hour shifts at a crappy job. Oh well.
It is so incredibly hot here. I’m sure people from Phoenix or other villages and towns near or on the equator would beg to differ – after all, we’re only in the high nineties – but as a kid from Seattle, the scorching temperature is unbearable. The worst thing about the heat is the way it just sucks the energy and life out of you. You know? I find it hard to get myself motivated to do anything more than just lie on the ground and die.
So if this issue of “The Writer’s Block” comes to you a little late, I apologize. I’m probably swimming in my own sweat.
Well anyway, I’ve got more of the same Writers-Blockerly-goodness! Enjoy! Josh 7月1日 "The Writer's Block" - July 2, 2005: Wedding BellsHello Dear Readers,
Once again we’re stuck in the hell of another plain text newsletter. If anyone knows how to make Outlook work with a pirated internet connection, I’d love any help I can get. Until then, we’re stuck with this crappy format.
I’m getting this issue out a day early because tomorrow is the reception for my sister’s wedding. I know if I don’t get this out today, I’ll never get it out. There are a million last minute things to take care of. But, I promise you, “The Writer’s Block” will not suffer. There’s more letters, more reviews, more of . . . everything. Enjoy!
Josh 6月18日 "The Writer's Block" - June 18, 2005: Arizona Standard TimeHello everyone!
This edition of “The Writer’s Block” is coming to you from the bright and sunny Lone Star State. Wait a minute. That isn’t Arizona, is it? That’s Texas. Well, from whatever moniker of a state Arizona refers to itself, I hail and welcome you. I apologize for the more standard formatting for the newsletter, but I haven’t been able to get my Comcast email account to work with Outlook while I’m pirating my parents’ wireless internet. So, what’s a guy to do?
I’ll be here for the next two months, still writing, still working, still your humble servant. But only if you pay me. Seriously. Please, somebody pay me. Anyway, this issue has it all: fun, romance, excitement, danger – you name it and it’s probably there. But I won’t be held responsible if it isn’t.
Enjoy!
Josh Hornbeck 6月4日 "The Writer's Block" - June 4, 2005: News and NotesHello friends,
I hope your last couple of weeks have been fun and eventful. Or at least fun. First, a little bit of news. If you’re in the Seattle area, the performing group I write and direct for (the University Players) through Seattle Pacific University is having their last performance of the year. Friday, June 10 at 7:30, we will be performing the “Players Friends and Family Show” in Seattle Pacific University’s McKinley Mainstage. You’re all invited. If you have any questions, drop me a line at joshhornbeck@comcast.net.
One quick change to the newsletter: Because I’ve moved the schedule from weekly to bi-weekly, my film reviews are getting to be less and less timely. And that’s okay. Really. It doesn’t bother me much at all. But starting with this issue, all of the film reviews will be lumped together with a notation on whether it’s in theaters, on video, or a classic you should drop everything for to go pick up.
Well . . . That’s about it. This issue has more reviews and letters and articles. All the normal crap. Enjoy!
Josh Hornbeck 5月21日 "The Writer's Block" - May 21, 2005: Another Crazy WeekDear Readers!
It’s been a crazy week. For my job as director of the University Players at Seattle Pacific University, I spent the week auditioning a group of college students hoping to become a part of next year’s team. It was intense – in a good way. So this issue of The Writer’s Block is coming a little later than I had hoped it would. Still, all your favorite columns are here – Letters, The Writer’s Life, Music of My Heart, and of course, more reviews.
Enjoy!
Josh Hornbeck 5月7日 "The Writer's Block" - May 7, 2004: Free at Last, Free at LastHello all!
Life at Blockbuster has now officially ceased. Angels sing the “Hallelujah Chorus” above my head. Bells are ringing, birds are singing. In one sense, stress has dramatically decreased, in another, it has monumentally increased. But what are you going to do?
This is the first week that “The Writer’s Block” will now be coming bi-weekly. In trying to spend more time writing fiction, which I can hopefully sell and make a living with, I need to curb some of this extraneous doodling. But I still love the newsletter and will keep doing it, but by giving myself an extra week to get it out, I can make sure the quality remains high while and still devote myself to other work.
In this issue we have some reflections on life after Blockbuster, more film reviews, my second interview ever, and of course, more essays and columns. I hope you enjoy!
Josh Hornbeck 4月23日 "The Writer's Block" - April 23, 2005: Begging and PleadingHello friends,
Welcome to the latest issue of “The Writer’s Block.” This week was a bad week in film, so there aren’t any reviews of movies currently in theaters. But I’ve made up for it by reviewing four selections on video and another review “From the Vault.” Also, check out the letters and “The Music of My Heart” for this week.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, please send them to joshhornbeck@comcast.net. And don’t be surprised to see your name in an upcoming letters section. Enjoy!
Josh Hornbeck 4月16日 "The Writer's Block" - April 16, 2005: Creaking and Groaning in SeattleHello Friends!
I hope the weekend finds you all well enjoying the beauty of another spring afternoon. This weekend find me recovering from an argument I had with my back about what I thought it should be able to do and what it was willing to do. My back came out the victor and I am hobbling about the apartment, trying to appease the tyrant that has held me in its grip since that fateful day, many years ago, when I fell off a jungle gym at camp.
Anyway.
This week’s issue of “The Writer’s Block” includes the all new letters section I promised last week, as well as an interview with local artist Joshua Westfall and a new column that briefly discusses some of the other art I’ve enjoyed in the past week. It’s called “The Music of My Heart,” a title which has less to do with music than it has to do with the fact that I couldn’t think of anything else to call it. But what are you going to do?
Remember, if you know of anyone who would like to receive the weekly newsletter (or if you just happen to be passing through the website and would like to receive the newsletter each week), please let me know by sending me a message at joshhornbeck@comcast.net.
Enjoy!
Josh Hornbeck |
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