I recently posted a blog entry discussing what fantasy writers can learn from Breaking Bad. Philip Overby's Fantasy Free-for-All: Fantasy Writing: SPOILERS--What Fantasy Writers Can Learn From Breaking Bad
There are spoilers a plenty there, so don't go there unless you want things spoiled. Since I've put SPOILERS at the top of this thread, that means any and all discussion is open. So DO NOT view this thread if you don't want any spoilers.
If you don't want to check the blog entry above, what I basically discuss is why I think TV shows like Breaking Bad can actually teach us more about making awesome characters with intriguing plot lines than some fantasy fiction can. Not to say some fantasy fiction doesn't reach those heights, but I personally can't say I've ever cried reading a fantasy book. I've been shocked or surprised, but I've never actually cried. Breaking Bad has made me cry more than once. It's a credit not just to the writing, but the actors and direction as well. It really is the total package, especially these last several episodes.
So my main point of discussion is this: can you actually learn more about crafting believable, interesting characters from a TV show than you can reading? Have shows like Breaking Bad, The Wire, and The Sopranos transcended simple TV and become high art?
This is something I've considered a lot. Will I ever find a fantasy book that evokes the same emotion from me as Breaking Bad has? I hope so.
There are spoilers a plenty there, so don't go there unless you want things spoiled. Since I've put SPOILERS at the top of this thread, that means any and all discussion is open. So DO NOT view this thread if you don't want any spoilers.
If you don't want to check the blog entry above, what I basically discuss is why I think TV shows like Breaking Bad can actually teach us more about making awesome characters with intriguing plot lines than some fantasy fiction can. Not to say some fantasy fiction doesn't reach those heights, but I personally can't say I've ever cried reading a fantasy book. I've been shocked or surprised, but I've never actually cried. Breaking Bad has made me cry more than once. It's a credit not just to the writing, but the actors and direction as well. It really is the total package, especially these last several episodes.
So my main point of discussion is this: can you actually learn more about crafting believable, interesting characters from a TV show than you can reading? Have shows like Breaking Bad, The Wire, and The Sopranos transcended simple TV and become high art?
This is something I've considered a lot. Will I ever find a fantasy book that evokes the same emotion from me as Breaking Bad has? I hope so.