Armistead Maupin, Maybe The Moon

Weird, comical, yet touching Maybe The Moon is the story of one dwarf’s fall from Hollywood’s graces, as she is unable to capitalize on the intense success of her one and only starring role, Mr. Woods. The character, and his self-titled movie, became the icon of a generation — think E.T. However, no one knows that Cadence was the one in the rubber suit. And really, how much work is there for a dwarf in Hollywood anyway? Caustic, oddly sexual, and hilarious Cadence tromps through life with a well-earned chip on her shoulder and slicing tongue for those who treat little people, like little kids. Maupin makes what could be a side-show into an amazing story of self-awareness in our cruel world.

Reading the Classifieds

An extended while ago, NPR ran a piece about classified ads and the stories behind them – the unused wedding dresses, the missing pets, the personals. Take some time to read your local classifieds, find a few that pique your curiosity and make up a story to go with them. Your stories can be exercises of the imagination. Did the groom never show at the wedding? Is Misty the Chihuahua having a wilderness adventure? Has Steven just not met the right girl yet, or did his mother place the ad looking to replace that annoying girlfriend of his? Setting your stories to paper will be both fun and great for improving your writing skills.

“Fargo”

If you think our weather’s bad, spend a couple hours with the residents of Minnesota (no, Fargo isn’t in Minnesota, but the title works itself out), yah. Apparently all that snow, makes folks a little batty, yah. Makes ya think, “hey, it could be worse, yah.” Written by the Coen brothers, “Fargo” stars Frances McDormand, William H. Macy and Steve Buscemi who turn in flawless performances. Jerry Lundegaard (Macy) contacts Carl (Buscemi) to kidnap his wife in an effort to extort ransom money from her father. The problem is that Carl’s partner, Gaear, is overly zealous about their work, leaving a trail of blood behind.

— Sarah Kucharski