WordPlay! WriteNet Week 9

Last night's Academy Awards broadcast brought to an end the annual film awards season that begins at the end of the calendar year. While the actual results in the major acting, directing and production categories held few surprises, there were still interesting elements to a show that was largely boring. The show started with the best actor and best actress nominees on stage followed by Neil Patrick Harris in an entertaining song and dance number. Also, each of the individuals in those two categories had a personalized introduction before the winner was announced. I was personally moved when Gabourey Sidibe, nominated for her compelling work in Precious, based on the novel Push by Sapphire, was visibly emotional during Oprah Winfrey's introduction of her. What is already an interminably long show is extended to fill an entire evening and night of programming with red carpet interviews, after show parties, the Barbara Walters and Jimmy Kimmel specials, and news shows which recapped what had just transpired.

For people not interested in the glitz and glamor, there is a kinship with people who eschew football on Super Bowl Sunday, when streets and freeways are deserted, retail outlets and restaurants offer unbelievable access, and even television addicts have to settle for reruns from competing networks. Whether you love the Oscar saturation or search desperately for quality options, the annual movie celebration provides writers with a plethora of topics from fashion to film technology to family rituals. This week in your writing, take advantage of the chance to address these subjects while your memories are still fresh and the details still vivid in your imagination.

Weekly Exercises

External Exercises
(see previous weeks for detailed instructions)

1. Observation Exercise
2. Reading Report
3. Writing Journal
4. Sensory Details Exercise

Exercises Week of March 8, 2010

1. Of the films which you personally viewed in 2009, which one affected you the most?
2. If you were invited to a party on a Sunday night, what would you wear?
3. At my high school prom, the theme from "The Pink Panther" movie was popular and instantly reminds me of that time whenever I hear it. Think of a piece of music that provokes a similar response from you and write about it.
4.Imagine receiving a prestigious award in your chosen field of endeavor and write your acceptance speech.

There is no wrong way to do it: just write!