Episode 118: Tell Me A Story
Recently, Josh finished the extraordinary game adaptation of "The Walking Dead", and began thinking about all of the ways to tell stories outside novels. They discuss the old oral traditions of storytelling and how it differs from the written word, the way video games explore new and innovative methods of crafting unique and deeply personal stories, the difference between graphic novels and short stories, and many more. They all have strengths and weaknesses, and we discuss how the greatest of each method crafts a story. In addition, the pair rave about the new Neil Gaiman novel, Josh continues working his way through the Lemony Snicket books, and Dietrich continues gazing with a dreamy expression at Channing Tatum. You can send questions or comments to questions@thelibrarypolice.com.
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What We've Been Reading0:00 to 25:39
We kick things off this week with an e-mail about comic books and the challenges inherent in telling a story about Superman. In addition, we talk a little bit about a major fiction competition that we're both judges in. From there, a short burst of recent reads: · Lemony Snicket, The Ersatz Elevator · Lee Child, A Wanted Man · Neil Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane |
The Different Forms Of A Story25:29 to 1:02:42
Partially inspired by the remarkable experience of The Walking Dead, we take a look this week at different forms of storytelling beyond novels. What makes an oral tradition different than a written one? How is writing a video game story different than writing a short story, and how do both of those differ from comic books? We try to take a look at a lot of different ways of telling stories and try to discuss what their strengths and weaknesses are, and why they're all worthy of a look if you're a fan of stories. |
Off The Bookshelves1:02:42 to 1:28:28
One of the biggest videogames of the year, The Last of Us, has finally arrived and been greeted with near universal acclaim. But Dietrich isn't quite as on board with all of that, and he discusses why this week. In addition, I talk about an Australian crime series that does right what The Killing did wrong, a new Shakespeare movie that exceeded my low expectations, and a sequel that made me quite happy, while Dietrich tries to express his growing man-crush on Channing Tatum in a safe way. |