An interesting book meme
Posted: Friday, May 02, 2008 by Travis Cody in
Personally, I think that the NBA pronouncing team of Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins is the best in the game. Harlan doesn't over-dramatize or play "look at how hip I am". And Collins is knowledgable without relying on statements of the obvious or ridiculous. They don't talk over each other and they don't argue. They aren't in it to promote themselves. They are there to call the game and point out things the average fan may not see, without insulting the more knowledgable observer.
Now, continuing my quest to catch up on interesting memes I've seen in my travels about the bloggosphere, I present a meme I found at Shelby's. This is an interesting exercise.
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Turn to page 123.
3. What is the first sentence on the page?
4. The last sentence on the page?
5. Now, connect them together.
My book is called Before They Are Hanged. It is the second in The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie.
Note: A Practical is like an enforcer for the inquisitional style justice system of the world created by Mr Abercrombie. Colonel West has gone to a prison to find blacksmiths for his army, which is in the field with none. The Inquisitor, or Warden, in charge of the prison is reluctant to release any of his prisoners to the war effort.
First sentence: Another dour Practical was standing on the threshold, water running from a stained oilskin over his shoulders, hard eyes following West with a mixture of suspicion and indifference.
Last sentence: "You fail to realise the gravity of the situation!" barked West, his temper already fraying.
Now, to connect them.
Another dour Practical was standing on the threshold, water running from a stained oilskin over his shoulders, hard eyes following West with a mixture of suspicion and indifference. The Practical rolled his shoulders and shifted his weight forward, menace and malice designed to intimidate, moving deftly to block Colonel West's path and force him from the chamber.
"You fail to realise the gravity of the situation!" barked West, his temper already fraying.
What makes this meme interesting is the choices you have. Do you stay true to the author's original intent on the page, and connect the two sentences with that in mind? Or do you remove the sentences completely from the author's context and story, and make the short passage original?
I chose to stay mostly true to the author's story. Colonel West does leave the situation with what he came for...my connecting sentence is designed to emphasize his frustration and the possible danger he faces in the future for his actions.
As always, steal or borrow as you like.
I've fallen behind with my rounds again...and there wasn't any dancing on tonight! I'll catch up with y'all this weekend.
Later babies!
That is an interesting meme. But then YOU'RE interesting too!!