Category: In the Spotlight

The Shack: When Your Favorite #Book Becomes a #Movie And Misses the Mark But Teaches a Valuable Lesson

Published on by melanievloganLeave a comment

Awhile ago I wrote about my writing observations from the novel, The Shack.  When I heard about the movie coming out, I got excited.  Not just because it was one of my favorites, but because it furthers my belief that dreams can come true.  So, my husband and I made a day of the movies, making sure to catch this film.

Like some book-to-movies, there are noticeable differences.  The plot is shortened, some characters don’t make the cut, or the storyline is tweaked.  Regardless, the significance of these alterations, for the better or worse, is up to the reader/viewer.

And so it saddens me

Continue reading “The Shack: When Your Favorite #Book Becomes a #Movie And Misses the Mark But Teaches a Valuable Lesson” →

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#Writing Observations from Best Selling #Novel, The Shack

Published on by melanievloganLeave a comment

Several years ago, I read The Shack by William P. Young.  Let me tell you.  This book challenged every mental picture I had of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  As a Christian that is HUGE!  We are shown various images in movies of God being a bright, blinding light, and Jesus being a multitude of complexions from fair to ebony.   And don’t get me started about the Holy Spirit.  It is rare that the Holy Spirit is mentioned in movies, let alone have a visual.

What I enjoyed about The Shack is Continue reading “#Writing Observations from Best Selling #Novel, The Shack” →

Finding #Writing #Motivation in Weird Ways

Published on by melanievloganLeave a comment

There’s something about watching shows like the Facts of Life, Jane the Virgin, and Younger that get my creative juices flowing.  Could it be because these shows have a character or business involved in writing, and their pursuits towards writing gold illustrates I’m not alone?  Could be, but there’s more.

There’s something about how Natalie puts a fascinating spin on her creative pieces or Jane’s diligence and determination to succeed at writing a romance novel regardless of life’s circumstances.  And what about Liza’s second chance at life Continue reading “Finding #Writing #Motivation in Weird Ways” →

The Genius of Secondary #Characters: What I Learned by Watching the #Movie Black and White

Published on by melanievloganLeave a comment

Last month, my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday.  He just knew I’d ask for a fun-filled 4-day vacay.  Or at the very least, a night out on the town with a fabulous over-priced meal.  But I surprised him with “I just want to stay home, watch movies, and eat hamburgers”.  His eyes grew wide, but my wish was his command, and he followed through beautifully. 🙂

One of the movie selections was Black and White.  I don’t want to spoil the plot for those that haven’t seen it.  If that’s you, you may want to exit now.  But if you’re curious, Continue reading “The Genius of Secondary #Characters: What I Learned by Watching the #Movie Black and White” →

#Authors Who Inspired Me: Maya Angelou

Published on by melanievloganLeave a comment

The first time I read Maya Angelou‘s works, I was a senior in high school.  One of my “classes” was office duty in the library.  At first, I dreaded it due to the mundane tasks of reshelving books and stacking magazines. But after a while, I paid attention to the book blurbs and titles.  My world opened up.

Reading I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing left me feeling like a fly on the wall.  Mrs. Angelou’s use of vivid descriptions helped me relate to her experience of racism, understand the admiration for a relative too into themselves, and the desire to be accepted and loved.  The story captivated me to the point Continue reading “#Authors Who Inspired Me: Maya Angelou” →

#Writing Observations from Best Selling #Novel, The Shack

Published on by melanievlogan2 Comments

Several years ago, I read The Shack by William P. Young.  Let me tell you.  This book challenged every mental picture I had of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  As a Christian that is HUGE!  We are shown various images in movies of God being a bright, blinding light, and Jesus being a multitude of complexions from fair to ebony.   And don’t get me started about the Holy Spirit.  It is rare that the Holy Spirit is mentioned in movies, let alone have a visual.

What I enjoyed about The Shack is the vivid descriptions of the characters and setting, relatable plot that stemmed from a life-changing event (i.e. child kidnapped and murdered), and a moral or lesson of the story that challenges the main character (Mack) and readers to consider/reconsider their faith. I’m a fan of books that are thought-provoking and spark feeling.  This book certainly achieved that. Continue reading “#Writing Observations from Best Selling #Novel, The Shack” →

Finding #Writing #Motivation in Weird Ways

Published on by melanievlogan1 Comment

There’s something about watching shows like the Facts of Life, Jane the Virgin, and Younger that get my creative juices flowing.  Could it be because these shows have a character or business involved in writing, and their pursuits towards writing gold illustrates I’m not alone?  Could be, but there’s more.

There’s something about how Natalie puts a fascinating spin on her creative pieces or Jane’s diligence and determination to succeed at writing a romance novel regardless of life’s circumstances.  And what about Liza’s second chance at life, Continue reading “Finding #Writing #Motivation in Weird Ways” →