gnashchick's review
5.0
We don't often review nonfiction at The Bookie Monster, but when we do, we make sure it's something that Science Fiction and Horror fans will enjoy. Modern Mythmakers is a glimpse into the minds and careers of some of the most iconic names in film, TV, and literature. Just take a look at the list of people that Michael McCarty interviews: masters of film, literature, beloved characters, actors, and even production crews. You'll find your own favorites inside.
It's clear that some of these interviews are several years old, and the author includes an introduction at the beginning each interview that summarizes that person's career and achievements. Tthe author is careful to note if the interviewee has since passed away. After reading the book, it's my opinion that these interviews are timeless, with insights into the "greats" that fans will appreciate.
I was fascinated by the details and inside information that McCarty documented in his interviews. He is clearly a great fan of the genre and asks questions that delve deeper into the craft of filmmaking, writing, acting and creating. It's obvious that these mythmakers do it for the love of their art; it's something that many feel privileged to be able to share with others. If there's one takeaway quote for me, it's this:
"It all has to do with love. [...] The best advice I would give new writers is write what you love. It doesn't matter what other people love, it doesn't matter what your editors love or your friends love, it's what you love." -Ray Bradbury
Highly recommended. Check it out.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It's clear that some of these interviews are several years old, and the author includes an introduction at the beginning each interview that summarizes that person's career and achievements. Tthe author is careful to note if the interviewee has since passed away. After reading the book, it's my opinion that these interviews are timeless, with insights into the "greats" that fans will appreciate.
I was fascinated by the details and inside information that McCarty documented in his interviews. He is clearly a great fan of the genre and asks questions that delve deeper into the craft of filmmaking, writing, acting and creating. It's obvious that these mythmakers do it for the love of their art; it's something that many feel privileged to be able to share with others. If there's one takeaway quote for me, it's this:
"It all has to do with love. [...] The best advice I would give new writers is write what you love. It doesn't matter what other people love, it doesn't matter what your editors love or your friends love, it's what you love." -Ray Bradbury
Highly recommended. Check it out.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
highlander2006's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
An interesting collection of interviews with the creators of fantasy, horror and science fiction books and films.
lizabethstucker's review against another edition
3.0
Michael McCarty is not just the interviewer, he is a fan and someone who worked as both a freelance writer and a staff writer at SciFi, now SyFy, Channel's official website. His love for horror and science fiction shines through many of the questions submitted to the people in the genres.
Some of the people interviewed include Ray Bradbury, Ramsey Campbell, Neil Gaiman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Dean Koontz, Frederik Pohl, Richard Matheson, Whitley Strieber, Timothy Zahn, John Saul, Christopher Moore, George Clayton Johnson, John Carpenter, Cassandra Peterson, Dan Curtis, and so many more.
Don't expect an in-depth series of interviews as you won't get them. Depending on the interviewee, the questions range from the casual to more specific, but none went as far as I wish they had. However, there are still gems to be found here. Ray Bradbury realizing how he had been leading up to FAHRENHEIT 451 in many of his earlier short stories. Neil Gaiman discussing the unexpected commercial success of SANDMAN. You get the point.
Was this collection of interviews interesting? Yes, mostly. Do I wish we had more depth to the questions? Definitely. Based on the flow of many of the questions and answers, it appears that most of these interviews were written, eliminating any follow-ups. That was, to me, the weakest part of the book. A good example of that is the interview with Forrest J. Ackerman versus that with Ramsey Campbell. Or pretty much the majority of the interviews. 3 out of 5.
Some of the people interviewed include Ray Bradbury, Ramsey Campbell, Neil Gaiman, Laurell K. Hamilton, Dean Koontz, Frederik Pohl, Richard Matheson, Whitley Strieber, Timothy Zahn, John Saul, Christopher Moore, George Clayton Johnson, John Carpenter, Cassandra Peterson, Dan Curtis, and so many more.
Don't expect an in-depth series of interviews as you won't get them. Depending on the interviewee, the questions range from the casual to more specific, but none went as far as I wish they had. However, there are still gems to be found here. Ray Bradbury realizing how he had been leading up to FAHRENHEIT 451 in many of his earlier short stories. Neil Gaiman discussing the unexpected commercial success of SANDMAN. You get the point.
Was this collection of interviews interesting? Yes, mostly. Do I wish we had more depth to the questions? Definitely. Based on the flow of many of the questions and answers, it appears that most of these interviews were written, eliminating any follow-ups. That was, to me, the weakest part of the book. A good example of that is the interview with Forrest J. Ackerman versus that with Ramsey Campbell. Or pretty much the majority of the interviews. 3 out of 5.
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