#Binge-watching with Christine DePetrillo

I consider watching television and movies research for writing. I thought I'd share some things I've been binge-watching recently. If you haven't seen some of these, you might want to take a peek.

1. Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman - An oldie, but a goody. I love period pieces that transport be to another time and place. I've always thought the character of Dr. Mike was so well done. A true testimony to the strong female spirit.

2. Anne of Green Gables - Speaking of strong female spirit, is there anyone better than Anne? I simply adore Megan Follows as well. She is such a gifted actress and I first fell in love with her as Anne.

3. Black Mirror - A Twilight Zone-esque show but with a futuristic flavor. I'll admit some of the episodes are... unsettling. Mostly because they are not stretching the truth all that much. I'd just like to hang out with the writers of this show because they must be super interesting to have the ideas they have.

4. Everything Sucks - If you love 90s alternative rock, you'll like this show. The soundtrack is admittedly better than the plot, but you'll love the characters because you can no doubt find a little piece of yourself in at least one of them. It's also a good show to keep you entertained while you're waiting for Stranger Things to come out with a new season.

5. Cheers - Just because everyone needs a place "where everybody knows your name."

6. Bitten - I like to rewatch this to get in touch with my inner werewolf. And Greyston Holt is so nice to look at.

7. Hallmark Movies - Sometimes a night just needs a little love, you know?

8. Beauty and the Beast - Disney come to life? Yeah, count me in.

What binge suggestions do you have for me?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a $50 Amazon Gift eCard! Visit my website and scroll down on the home page for the details.

Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

My Take on Movies & Videos - Comment for a Chance to Win a Free Book!

We’re talking about movies this month, and it’s not a subject I’m really well versed in. I know people who can recall the plots and quote lines from all kinds of movies, most of which I’ve never heard of. It kind of makes me feel left out when I’m with people who do this. Imagine the scene.

Me: So, what are we doing today?
Friend 1: How would you like a nice bass? Girls like a nice bass.
Me: I don’t see that on the menu…
Friend 2: No? Take that, you dirty yellow rat….

I’m left confused while they fall about laughing. Friend 1’s comment is from Napoleon Dynamite, Friend 2’s is from Home Alone 2….Leaving me wondering who’s the dummy, them or me.

I don’t watch a lot of movies. I did enjoy Noah, and thought Avatar was interesting. I hated Wolf of Wall Street, which was highly recommended by critics and friends. Am I odd?

I do watch television, though, and love English police dramas (Inspector George Gently, Foyle’s War, Dalziel & Pascoe, Endeavor, Inspector Lewis….even Midsummer Murders) And I’m not embarrassed to admit (although I maybe should be) that I have the Young & The Restless on my PVR.

One trend I have noticed – it would be hard to miss – is the prevalence of short videos that have spilled over from YouTube. I have MSN as my home page and many of these are featured in the videos list there. Some are fascinating, some educational, some delightful, and some leave me wondering ‘What just happened?’ Do I really want to spend even 30 seconds watching a video of a cat sleeping with its tongue out? Or how about a clever goat getting some fruit?
Of course, there are some great videos, too – like my talented son, Garth O'Connell,  doing a cover of Crack The Sky… http://t.co/9k5IccpP4F :-)

 As a writer, I tend to look at my viewing time as research. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. I have written two stage plays that have been produced and even won awards, and I was on the list of writers for a proposed new Irish teen soap, except that the project, three years in the making, was cancelled before production started due to budget cuts at the RTE. :-)

So writing a script for television or movies is on my dream list.

One great use of videos is for educational purposes. There’s a wide variety of really informative videos on a huge range of subjects, from health to cooking to car mechanics to fashion, woodwork,  painting…you name it. Some great ones on writing, too, and I’m thinking of putting my writing course, Naked Writing: The No Frills Way to Write Your Book, on video.

When I can find a camera that makes me look good, or at least, human. Oh, and to answer the question I’ve heard so many times about the title of this course, I don’t and won’t do it naked. Believe me, that’s a blessing for the viewers.

So, having successfully led this month’s theme away from movies and onto other topics, I’d love to hear your thoughts on videos. Have you found any particularly funny, horrible, helpful? Have you taken any courses that were run online through video?

There’s a signed copy of the print version of Naked Writing, or of my romantic comedy, the No Sex Clause, for one lucky commenter!

You can read first chapters of my books on my website www.glenysoconnell.webs.com/