Michael T. Starks

Category: Storytelling

  • Orson Scott Card

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    Sometimes, we like the output of a creative individual more than their personal views and actions. I’ve never met Orson Scott Card in person. If I did, I would want to talk to him mostly about science fiction. While I don’t like that Card supports laws against homosexual activity and same-sex marriage, I love that…

  • Poetry

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    I stumbled across this article about 20 Classic Poems Every Man Should Read. I’m guessing that women may also want to read some of these! At any rate, I took the time to read them, and here are my favorites. Enjoy!

  • Location Matters

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    The ideas we have are shaped, in part, by our environment. When I’m at Starbucks, the sights, sounds, and smells are different than at home. Sometimes, I get interesting ideas while taking a walk or showering. When I become aware of specific world events, my mind is in a slightly different space than when I…

  • James Cameron

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    James Cameron has done an excellent job of making movies that audiences want to see. He sure knows how to create blockbusters! Here are a few of my favorites. I also enjoyed watching Dark Angel, a fascinating TV series that features a young Jessica Alba. While I don’t think it’s best to be so controlling…

  • What is Worth Documenting?

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    I think life is meant to be lived. At the same time, I treasure certain memories from my life. Sometimes a picture takes me back to a great vacation experience. When I re-read a journal entry, I get to re-experience a specific time in my life. And sometimes, I can relate my experiences to others…

  • Creative Work

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    It’s not a question of talent. It’s a question of timing. Some stories resonate more or less at different times. I wasn’t there for the Catcher in the Rye craze. But somehow, J.D. Salinger was there in the right place at the right time. He nailed it. Lots of people could relate to Holden Caulfield…

  • Alone Time

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    I’m a bit more of an introvert than an extrovert. While I love working on fun projects with a lot of people, I also enjoy having time alone to recharge. Being around others sparks my creativity and engages me in a way that I crave. Being alone tends to be more relaxing. I like having…

  • Working with People

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    One of my talents is leading others. It’s also something I enjoy. I like getting a group of people together to do something amazing. There are two specific contexts that immediately come to mind. I’ve led students in a classroom (mostly teaching physics), and I’ve directed actors in the process of making movies. I LOVE…

  • Mira Nair

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    Mira Nair is another one of my heroes. As a director, she’s made several great movies, unlike any that I’ve seen previously. Here are my favorites. She’s worked with many impressive actors. Denzel Washington gave a rich and tender performance in Mississippi Masala. Marisa Tomei gave a delightful performance in The Perez Family. I look…

  • The Magic of Live Theatre

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    While I love that musicals and plays can be adapted to the screen, live theatre holds a special place in my heart. There is something magical about an audience gathering in person to watch a production in real-time. Happy mistakes and accidents lend an ephemeral quality to live theatre. Each performance is unique. Each audience…