Sorry, you must be a member of this group to do that.
Frank Nappi's Blog, page 4
May 19, 2012
May 10, 2012
“PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS RUINING THINGS FOR YOU”
Having the good fortune of publishing several novels has been rewarding on many levels; my life has changed so dramatically since 2005 after the publication of my first novel Echoes From The Infantry. I have been exposed to an entire world I scarcely knew existed and have met so many intriguing people at conferences and book signings. However, along with the localized fame and adulation that often accompanies such an endeavor, I regret to report that just like Hemingway describes in his classic tale The Old Man and The Sea, there are always sharks circling, looking to pick at and ultimately destroy what you have worked so tirelessly to accomplish. And Holden Caulfield’s mantra that “people are always ruining things for you” now has new meaning for me.
Recently, the Superintendent of the school district that employs me to teach English and Creative Writing recognized the value of my students reading my book The Legend of Mickey Tussler in class. Consequently, I began what resulted in the most fascinating educational endeavor in my 23 years of teaching. My students benefitted from “asking the author” about the creation of stories, writer’s craft, etc. In return, the author, me, ascertained valuable insights into my own story as seen through the eyes of some hesitant yet inquisitive minds.
As a culminating activity, I assigned a book review to the three classes who read the book. I guess some would say that an assignment like this is fraught with all sorts of potential problems, and I was both naïve and foolish to attempt it, but then again those folks do not know my students and the relationship I have cultivated with them. This is also an assignment that I have done in the past, with novels such as The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Things They Carried. It is a terrific method of procuring feedback and is a form of writing to which all students should be exposed.
My instructions were the same for this assignment as they always are -- explicit and very pointed. And they reflected the spirit in which all of our class discussions were conducted. My students were instructed to write a candid assessment of what they had read –and just like they did for three weeks in class during our discussions, offer insights into what they liked and enjoyed about the book and what they found frustrating or distasteful. Most of them had no trepidation at all, aside from the usual complaints that accompany any writing assignment. And when one of the more cautious, pragmatic students of mine actually voiced concern, asking “But what if we insult you Mr. Nappi with what we say?” I was able to ameliorate his concerns easily enough -- I simply pointed out that we had spent the better part of three weeks critiquing my book in class, much of which was of the critical variety, and I was still emotionally in tact and no students who voiced displeasure of any kind suffered any form of malediction.
So my students wrote reviews that ranged from high praise to tepid interest to outright disdain. Regardless of the sentiments, the grades were all similar. In fact, some students who were more critical in their assessment scored higher than those who simply tried to placate the old guy with what they thought I wanted to hear. As I had explained, “you are being graded on the depth of your observations and insights, not your opinion.” I also explained to them that even best sellers receive unfavorable reviews from time to time.
After the assignment was completed, two students suggested that they send their reviews in to a newspaper for publication; alas, the idea of them posting reviews (positive or negative) on a site like Goodreads was born. This was in no way a mandate – it was simply suggested as an option if they felt compelled to do so. Each student who posted a review created an account for future reviews and for reader networking.
Unfortunately, someone who is either frustrated by his/her own failures in the world of publishing or driven by an inexplicable malice (or perhaps both) has suggested to more than one group that I influenced these reviews for self gain. Nothing could be further from the truth. The reviews reflect the thoughts and ideas of a handful of students who wanted to share their views with other readers after they had already received a grade on the assignment. I am grateful for their candor, insight and observations. When I shared with them that someone suggested that they have been coerced into posting their reviews, they became enraged and defensive of me in a truly endearing way. It was very touching.
While this unfounded attack on me has been rather distasteful, it has provided yet another platform for my students and me to discuss the darker, shameful side of human nature. This is a tough lesson to learn. But Holden…perhaps a better sentiment would be that people are always TRYING to ruin things for you. Fortunately, this transparent attempt by a misguided, misinformed and on some deeper level misanthropic individual to impugn my character and taint this experience actually made it that much more special. And equally fortunate is the reality that there are enough genuine folks out there to temper the ugliness that festers so deeply in some truly sad individuals.
Recently, the Superintendent of the school district that employs me to teach English and Creative Writing recognized the value of my students reading my book The Legend of Mickey Tussler in class. Consequently, I began what resulted in the most fascinating educational endeavor in my 23 years of teaching. My students benefitted from “asking the author” about the creation of stories, writer’s craft, etc. In return, the author, me, ascertained valuable insights into my own story as seen through the eyes of some hesitant yet inquisitive minds.
As a culminating activity, I assigned a book review to the three classes who read the book. I guess some would say that an assignment like this is fraught with all sorts of potential problems, and I was both naïve and foolish to attempt it, but then again those folks do not know my students and the relationship I have cultivated with them. This is also an assignment that I have done in the past, with novels such as The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Things They Carried. It is a terrific method of procuring feedback and is a form of writing to which all students should be exposed.
My instructions were the same for this assignment as they always are -- explicit and very pointed. And they reflected the spirit in which all of our class discussions were conducted. My students were instructed to write a candid assessment of what they had read –and just like they did for three weeks in class during our discussions, offer insights into what they liked and enjoyed about the book and what they found frustrating or distasteful. Most of them had no trepidation at all, aside from the usual complaints that accompany any writing assignment. And when one of the more cautious, pragmatic students of mine actually voiced concern, asking “But what if we insult you Mr. Nappi with what we say?” I was able to ameliorate his concerns easily enough -- I simply pointed out that we had spent the better part of three weeks critiquing my book in class, much of which was of the critical variety, and I was still emotionally in tact and no students who voiced displeasure of any kind suffered any form of malediction.
So my students wrote reviews that ranged from high praise to tepid interest to outright disdain. Regardless of the sentiments, the grades were all similar. In fact, some students who were more critical in their assessment scored higher than those who simply tried to placate the old guy with what they thought I wanted to hear. As I had explained, “you are being graded on the depth of your observations and insights, not your opinion.” I also explained to them that even best sellers receive unfavorable reviews from time to time.
After the assignment was completed, two students suggested that they send their reviews in to a newspaper for publication; alas, the idea of them posting reviews (positive or negative) on a site like Goodreads was born. This was in no way a mandate – it was simply suggested as an option if they felt compelled to do so. Each student who posted a review created an account for future reviews and for reader networking.
Unfortunately, someone who is either frustrated by his/her own failures in the world of publishing or driven by an inexplicable malice (or perhaps both) has suggested to more than one group that I influenced these reviews for self gain. Nothing could be further from the truth. The reviews reflect the thoughts and ideas of a handful of students who wanted to share their views with other readers after they had already received a grade on the assignment. I am grateful for their candor, insight and observations. When I shared with them that someone suggested that they have been coerced into posting their reviews, they became enraged and defensive of me in a truly endearing way. It was very touching.
While this unfounded attack on me has been rather distasteful, it has provided yet another platform for my students and me to discuss the darker, shameful side of human nature. This is a tough lesson to learn. But Holden…perhaps a better sentiment would be that people are always TRYING to ruin things for you. Fortunately, this transparent attempt by a misguided, misinformed and on some deeper level misanthropic individual to impugn my character and taint this experience actually made it that much more special. And equally fortunate is the reality that there are enough genuine folks out there to temper the ugliness that festers so deeply in some truly sad individuals.
50 Shades of Censorship
50 Shades of Censorship
So public libraries in several states across the country have made the decision to pull the “50 Shades of Grey trilogy” from their shelves – and other libraries have decided not to order it at all. Not too long ago the Hunger Games trilogy experienced a similar fate – violence was the prevalent issue with this series. Some libraries have suggested the 50 Shades trilogy is too steamy and better yet others have suggested it is poorly written – paying no mind that “50 Shades” has become a best-selling worldwide phenomenon that has catapulted author E.L. James from relative unknown to superstardom. Shouldn’t libraries stock what people want to read? And these libraries are clearly saying they have the power to decide what people read. As library use dwindles with the continued growth of E-readers, Ipads, and online retailers like Amazon, the American Library Association should be encouraging libraries to appeal to a greater audience. While I myself have not read the books, and have heard from friends that the writing would not meet my standard for eloquent prose, there is no escaping the fact that EVERYONE is talking about this series....a trilogy that was borne of Twilight fanfiction originally. While I myself was not a fan of the equally popular Twilight series nor the vampire genre as a whole, as an English teacher I would be lying if I didn’t say that the fact that so many students were walking around the building with one of the books in hand didn’t make me smile. It made kids (ok…mostly girls) excited about reading and that was endorsement enough for me.
But of even greater importance is that this is censorship and censorship is dangerous. When do we stop? Where do we draw the line? And who makes that decision? There are many books that currently sit on library shelves with “questionable” content and even more books that are taught in high schools across the country that someone somewhere would find questionable. The same libraries that refuse to shelve “50 Shades” offer their patrons Lolita by Nabokov – one of the most controversial examples of 20th century literature; however that book also made the World Library’s list of 100 best books of all time. So what standard is being followed? Should we remove Macbeth from our curriculum because of the violence and witchcraft? Who decides what is appropriate?
Sanitized stories rarely have anything to offer – it is the more complex and controversial themes that stir us – it is often the evocative that challenges our thinking and our perceptions and makes us question ourselves. These are the books worth reading – these are the experiences worth having. It is why ironically the list of the most popular banned books in schools contains some of the greatest in the literary cannon – Of Mice and Men, Lord of the Flies, Catcher in the Rye, The Giver, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
I am by no means comparing “50 Shades” or Twilight, or the Hunger Games to any of the aforementioned – but as a teacher and as an author I can’t agree with the banning or censoring of books in either schools or libraries. Even the American Library Association in its Freedom to Read statement focuses on the freedom to read as guaranteed by the Constitution and affirms that it is in the public interest for librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority (so there seems to be some hypocrisy or at least contradiction in this latest library ban).
The Freedom to Read statement from the ALA goes on to say:
The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them…Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated……The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
I recently had the “how much do I sanitize issue” with my own book, Sophomore Campaign. Much like the controversy surrounding the book Ernest Hemingway pronounced as the source of all modern American literature – Huckleberry Finn (and led to the recent rerelease where all uses of the “N” word was replaced with the word slave) – I had used the “N” word to showcase the rampant racism that was typical for my novel’s setting. Not everyone who worked with me to publish the book felt that its use was necessary or even appropriate. I had to decide what made sense for my audience. This of course was more an issue of political correctness rather than censorship, but still stirred up in me some of the same emotions connected to the issues I raise here.
And in the end, the romance between a college student and a manipulative billionaire may or may not be your thing – and perhaps you would prefer to read the newly released version of “Huck” or you would defend the original to the end – but nevertheless the library ban of this popular trilogy should offend you as an author, a reader, and as a lover of the written word – I can think of “50” reasons why.
So public libraries in several states across the country have made the decision to pull the “50 Shades of Grey trilogy” from their shelves – and other libraries have decided not to order it at all. Not too long ago the Hunger Games trilogy experienced a similar fate – violence was the prevalent issue with this series. Some libraries have suggested the 50 Shades trilogy is too steamy and better yet others have suggested it is poorly written – paying no mind that “50 Shades” has become a best-selling worldwide phenomenon that has catapulted author E.L. James from relative unknown to superstardom. Shouldn’t libraries stock what people want to read? And these libraries are clearly saying they have the power to decide what people read. As library use dwindles with the continued growth of E-readers, Ipads, and online retailers like Amazon, the American Library Association should be encouraging libraries to appeal to a greater audience. While I myself have not read the books, and have heard from friends that the writing would not meet my standard for eloquent prose, there is no escaping the fact that EVERYONE is talking about this series....a trilogy that was borne of Twilight fanfiction originally. While I myself was not a fan of the equally popular Twilight series nor the vampire genre as a whole, as an English teacher I would be lying if I didn’t say that the fact that so many students were walking around the building with one of the books in hand didn’t make me smile. It made kids (ok…mostly girls) excited about reading and that was endorsement enough for me.
But of even greater importance is that this is censorship and censorship is dangerous. When do we stop? Where do we draw the line? And who makes that decision? There are many books that currently sit on library shelves with “questionable” content and even more books that are taught in high schools across the country that someone somewhere would find questionable. The same libraries that refuse to shelve “50 Shades” offer their patrons Lolita by Nabokov – one of the most controversial examples of 20th century literature; however that book also made the World Library’s list of 100 best books of all time. So what standard is being followed? Should we remove Macbeth from our curriculum because of the violence and witchcraft? Who decides what is appropriate?
Sanitized stories rarely have anything to offer – it is the more complex and controversial themes that stir us – it is often the evocative that challenges our thinking and our perceptions and makes us question ourselves. These are the books worth reading – these are the experiences worth having. It is why ironically the list of the most popular banned books in schools contains some of the greatest in the literary cannon – Of Mice and Men, Lord of the Flies, Catcher in the Rye, The Giver, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
I am by no means comparing “50 Shades” or Twilight, or the Hunger Games to any of the aforementioned – but as a teacher and as an author I can’t agree with the banning or censoring of books in either schools or libraries. Even the American Library Association in its Freedom to Read statement focuses on the freedom to read as guaranteed by the Constitution and affirms that it is in the public interest for librarians to make available the widest diversity of views and expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered dangerous by the majority (so there seems to be some hypocrisy or at least contradiction in this latest library ban).
The Freedom to Read statement from the ALA goes on to say:
The power of a democratic system to adapt to change is vastly strengthened by the freedom of its citizens to choose widely from among conflicting opinions offered freely to them…Publishers, librarians, and booksellers do not need to endorse every idea or presentation they make available. It would conflict with the public interest for them to establish their own political, moral, or aesthetic views as a standard for determining what should be published or circulated……The people should have the freedom to read and consider a broader range of ideas than those that may be held by any single librarian or publisher or government or church. It is wrong that what one can read should be confined to what another thinks proper.
I recently had the “how much do I sanitize issue” with my own book, Sophomore Campaign. Much like the controversy surrounding the book Ernest Hemingway pronounced as the source of all modern American literature – Huckleberry Finn (and led to the recent rerelease where all uses of the “N” word was replaced with the word slave) – I had used the “N” word to showcase the rampant racism that was typical for my novel’s setting. Not everyone who worked with me to publish the book felt that its use was necessary or even appropriate. I had to decide what made sense for my audience. This of course was more an issue of political correctness rather than censorship, but still stirred up in me some of the same emotions connected to the issues I raise here.
And in the end, the romance between a college student and a manipulative billionaire may or may not be your thing – and perhaps you would prefer to read the newly released version of “Huck” or you would defend the original to the end – but nevertheless the library ban of this popular trilogy should offend you as an author, a reader, and as a lover of the written word – I can think of “50” reasons why.
April 25, 2012
Best Buddies/Challenger Baseball Truly Inspirational On So Many Levels.
One of the most rewarding endeavors I have ever pursued, one that has enhanced the quality of my life as well as the lives of my wife and children, is the volunteer work I have been fortunate enough to perform the last few years with groups such as Best Buddies and Challenger Baseball. Working so closely with autistic children and teens and getting to know their families has been more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined. There is something so genuinely warm and endearing about these special folks; I have found that my time spent in their company has enlightened and inspired me. The simplicity of heart and genuine affection that these amazing individuals have demonstrated toward me and my family, despite living in a society that by in large does not extend enough compassion and understanding, is truly remarkable. Breathtaking actually. So many “regular” people could learn so much from these special needs individuals; their affect and demeanor is most worthy of celebration and emulation.
Best Buddies and Challenger Baseball events embody everything that is right about the world – or perhaps everything that should be right. On any given occasion, one can observe this communion of souls, a special arena which spotlights people helping people – for no other reason except just that. The inimitable smiles and laughter of those who are “disadvantaged” is priceless, rivaled only by the glow of satisfaction on the faces of those who are there volunteering. It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. It is this beauty and inspiration that lead to my creation of my Mickey Tussler series. My character Mickey is the embodiment of all the magic I have witnessed over many years and has become a wonderful vehicle for me to further connect with families of special needs children and teens.
These events are a regular part of my life and the lives of my wife Julia and boys, Nick and Anthony. We have been involved with Challenger Baseball for several years and all of us look forward to every Sunday when we can give of ourselves, knowing (selfishly perhaps) that we are receiving so much more in return. We have all become part of Best Buddies as well, and have forged many special friendships there too. Our lives are enriched immeasurably because of it.
If anyone is looking to become involved in a worthy cause, one that will alter your life forever, working with special needs individuals is perhaps the perfect place to start.
Best Buddies and Challenger Baseball events embody everything that is right about the world – or perhaps everything that should be right. On any given occasion, one can observe this communion of souls, a special arena which spotlights people helping people – for no other reason except just that. The inimitable smiles and laughter of those who are “disadvantaged” is priceless, rivaled only by the glow of satisfaction on the faces of those who are there volunteering. It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. It is this beauty and inspiration that lead to my creation of my Mickey Tussler series. My character Mickey is the embodiment of all the magic I have witnessed over many years and has become a wonderful vehicle for me to further connect with families of special needs children and teens.
These events are a regular part of my life and the lives of my wife Julia and boys, Nick and Anthony. We have been involved with Challenger Baseball for several years and all of us look forward to every Sunday when we can give of ourselves, knowing (selfishly perhaps) that we are receiving so much more in return. We have all become part of Best Buddies as well, and have forged many special friendships there too. Our lives are enriched immeasurably because of it.
If anyone is looking to become involved in a worthy cause, one that will alter your life forever, working with special needs individuals is perhaps the perfect place to start.
April 22, 2012
Boston Red Sox Fans, Fenway Park Celebrate Past, but Lament Recent History
Yesterday didn't turn out much better for Bobby V.....
Check out my latest article on Bleacher Report entitled "Boston Red Sox Fans, Fenway Park Celebrates Past, but Laments Recent History."
Let me know your thoughts....
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/11...
Check out my latest article on Bleacher Report entitled "Boston Red Sox Fans, Fenway Park Celebrates Past, but Laments Recent History."
Let me know your thoughts....
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/11...
April 15, 2012
Giveaway - The Legend of Mickey Tussler
Thank you to the 587 Goodreads users who entered to win a copy of my book, The Legend of Mickey Tussler. I want to thank all of you for entering and hope that you will still read Mickey Tussler and let me know your thoughts. Check out Sophomore Campaign - the sequel - as well! I think you will really enjoy the story.
I am looking forward to hearing from you!
And congratulations to the 10 winners - your books are on the way!
Thanks again,
Frank
I am looking forward to hearing from you!
And congratulations to the 10 winners - your books are on the way!
Thanks again,
Frank
April 13, 2012
When a Novel Becomes a Film - an Author's Perspective
Many books are optioned each year for development by the film industry, setting off a conflagration of thoughts and emotions within those most closely tied to those books. When my novel "The Legend of Mickey Tussler" was optioned by Eye in The Sky Entertainment back in 2008, I was thrilled beyond words. Soon, however, I found myself languishing in the uncertainty that attenuates every step of the process. The potential pitfalls are many...who will be hired to do the screenwriting? Will there be enough financial backing to bring the project to fruition? Are there any industry experts out there who want to take a chance on directing? And what about casting? And do I really have to change the name of the story???
All of these issues, and an array of others germane to film production, took about three years to rectify.
Then the fun really started......
Every author realizes the "price" he/she pays for selling rights to a story -- while it is certainly flattering to have someone compensate you for the opportunity to bring your story to life on the screen, in doing so, you abdicate your ability to guide the production and preserve the integrity of "your" story as you saw it from the beginning. As I was told on numerous occasions, "Uh Frank, this is no longer your story." That was a tough one to swallow. Consequently, characters are altered or in some cases deleted, scenes are shortened or cut, and setting falls victim to the pragmatic reality that there is a very real budget which must be honored.
So you have these conversations, and most often you cringe, knowing full well that "your story" works best as is. Still, you are appreciative that this amazing opportunity has happened for you, and you certainly do not want to appear ungrateful. So many options never make it into production.
Time unfolds, and the film is shot. Eventually, you get to see what these folks have done with your story. You hold your breath as you view the "new version" of your creation, praying that they have maintained most of what you had intended in writing it.....
And if you are lucky, as I have been, you smile at the portrayal of your central characters and breathe a little easier as the music and cinematography add a whole new dimension to your tale. Yes, you still harbor disappointment somewhere deep within that your story has been altered in some ways that you know have a deleterious effect on the product (in my case, The Legend of Mickey Tussler was set in the 1940's but "A Mile in His Shoes"was filmed as a present day story) but you cannot help but watch with surreal detachment as your words come to life for all to see.
So my overall experience with watching The Legend of Mickey Tussler become "A Mile in His Shoes" was favorable. If I can offer any advice to authors who have just had a novel optioned, it would be to pace yourself...and realize that while you are in for some rather taxing moments replete with all sorts of anxiety, in the end, the film credit is something that you will never forget.
All of these issues, and an array of others germane to film production, took about three years to rectify.
Then the fun really started......
Every author realizes the "price" he/she pays for selling rights to a story -- while it is certainly flattering to have someone compensate you for the opportunity to bring your story to life on the screen, in doing so, you abdicate your ability to guide the production and preserve the integrity of "your" story as you saw it from the beginning. As I was told on numerous occasions, "Uh Frank, this is no longer your story." That was a tough one to swallow. Consequently, characters are altered or in some cases deleted, scenes are shortened or cut, and setting falls victim to the pragmatic reality that there is a very real budget which must be honored.
So you have these conversations, and most often you cringe, knowing full well that "your story" works best as is. Still, you are appreciative that this amazing opportunity has happened for you, and you certainly do not want to appear ungrateful. So many options never make it into production.
Time unfolds, and the film is shot. Eventually, you get to see what these folks have done with your story. You hold your breath as you view the "new version" of your creation, praying that they have maintained most of what you had intended in writing it.....
And if you are lucky, as I have been, you smile at the portrayal of your central characters and breathe a little easier as the music and cinematography add a whole new dimension to your tale. Yes, you still harbor disappointment somewhere deep within that your story has been altered in some ways that you know have a deleterious effect on the product (in my case, The Legend of Mickey Tussler was set in the 1940's but "A Mile in His Shoes"was filmed as a present day story) but you cannot help but watch with surreal detachment as your words come to life for all to see.
So my overall experience with watching The Legend of Mickey Tussler become "A Mile in His Shoes" was favorable. If I can offer any advice to authors who have just had a novel optioned, it would be to pace yourself...and realize that while you are in for some rather taxing moments replete with all sorts of anxiety, in the end, the film credit is something that you will never forget.
April 10, 2012
Mets Fans Revel in Perfect Start
Check out my latest article on bleacher report and let me know what you think....
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/11...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/11...
April 8, 2012
Mets Sweep Braves, Rays Sweep Yanks? Thanks Easter Bunny...
Check out my latest article on Bleacher Report and let me know what you think.....
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/11...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/11...
