The Writer's Life 12/27 - Wizards

Born in 1929, Ursula K. Le Guin is one of the most highly regarded sci-fi/fantasy writers ever. She started having stories published in the 1960’s and has won dozens of awards. Her work has been adapted to film, animation, radio, theater and opera. She participated in the PBS 1980 production of her  novel, The Lathe of Heaven, which I’ve seen at least twice, impressed by its intelligence. I’d never read any of her books. When The Wizard of Earthsea, published in 1968, came my way, I hesitated, as it is not the type of novel I enjoy. My instincts were on the money. I struggled through its 182 pages, my mind wandering. Although the story is rich in imagination, I found the prose unpolished, which really surprised me. This may be attributable to the fact that it is of a different world, not the planet Earth. Even if that’s the case, I’m disappointed. It needed another draft. I regret not waiting for one of her other novels to come along. On a scale of five, I rate it two-and-a-half. Of course, her critical and commercial success dwarf mind, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I think the novel’s appeal is restricted to fans of the genre. It is the first in a series of six, one of which is a short story collection.

I was curious about Hollywood conservatives. Here's a list and a comment by yours truly on the presence of those that surprise me. I'd guess that most are actually libertarian, that is fiscally conservative, socially middle of the road to liberal.
Adam Baldwin - I wonder if he argues with Alec at holiday dinners.
Stephen Baldwin - Same as above.
Michael Caine - Seems like any political quote I ever heard from him leaned way left.
Kirk Cameron
Shannen Doherty - She's been a Republican since she was in her teens.
Robert Downey, Jr. - Given his substance abuse history, this is really surprising. I guess he's truly reformed.
Clint Eastwood
Andy Garcia
Kelsey Grammer
Charlton Heston
Victoria Jackson - SNL blonde is not as ditzy as the characters she portrayed.
James Earl Jones - So few blacks are conservative. 
Christopher Lee
Susan Lucci
Craig T. Nelson
Chuck Norris
Gary Oldman - Completely contrary to the characters he played early in his career.
Ronald Reagan
Joan Rivers - Despite the tradition of Jewish liberalism, she didn't seem to suffer fools and foolishness.
Kurt Russell - Given that he has been married for decades to perpetual flower child Goldie Hawn, this is most surprising.
Gary Sinise
Adam Sandler - Jews have a tradition of liberalism.
Dwight Schultz
Arnold Schwarzenegger - His record as governor of California belies his conservative tag.
Tom Selleck
Kevin Sorbo
James Stewart
Sylvester Stallone
Vince Vaughn
Jon Voight
Jimmie Walker - See comment about James Earl Jones.
Bruce Willis
James Woods - The most outspoken of all.



A large Asia family swarmed the floating book shop as I was setting up, buying three items. Then there wasn't another sale for the next three hours, despite spring-like weather and even though I offered any of my books for two bucks to a couple of semi-regulars. It was a huge slice of humble pie.

Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3

Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/rP7o9

Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp

Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f

Vic's Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/

Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/