A few days ago I found a new gaming news site. I thought it was pretty keen for the kinds of news covered, and for the way some of the previews and reviews were written. Then I happened onto the editorials. The first one I hit, was just terrific.Some time later I came to another interesting article. I hadn’t been paying much attention at first, but after a couple of pages I realized that the writing style seemed familiar. I checked, and indeed it was by the same guy as the last one I’d liked.

I had already, a few hours before, shot off a quick note to one of the site’s editors, commending him on what a keen place he’d set up. (This email subsequently returned to me in a few days’ time, for whatever reason.) Following the day’s whims, I decided to do similarly with this author. I was lazy, however, and simply suggested that he refer to what I’d said in my earlier mail to the editor.

This, as a more rational person would expect, led to a confused reply. I responded to his response, saying what I should have said to begin with, and over the next few days a brief rapport followed. He mentioned that he was writing a book and asked if I’d like to read it. I asked if its opening scene involved noodles in any way. Somewhat to his amazement, it did. In fact, he’d apparently just written that part in.

Point is, after a bit of procrastination I finally logged into the account he mentioned and downloaded the version of his manuscript that he indicated. I didn’t really intend to look at it right off; I was feeling woozy and contemplating either a nap or some nourishment. Or King of Fighters. But I opened the file up anyway, to make sure that it had downloaded correctly. I re-read the first page (which he’d sent earlier to prove his point about the noodles).

By the next time I really noticed, I was already on page thirty-four. This thing is a little silly, although that’s mostly intentional. It, however, is quite thoroughly enjoyable. I’m particularly impressed with the manner in which he seems to punctuate otherwise-straight scenes with unexpected hiccups in tone. The timing is generally well-balanced, such that at about the time I feel compelled to get up and do something else, a new idea pops up to reel me back in again. It’s difficult to escape. And it seems reasonably clever so far.

Will hold further comment until I get further in. But this is sort of interesting.

I just went to a meeting and listened to a couple of directors talk about how to make actors and screenplays work together. They kept reminding everyone that no one in Hollywood reads, and how to get around that if what you’re trying to do is write. I will not divulge the secrets here. I think this guy is on the right path, though.