Book Review: “Sense and Sensibility: The Diaries” by Emma Thompson

I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for a while, since the last time I could afford to buy myself books (some years ago). I finally opened it a few months ago, and it’s been a pleasant tome to dip into every now and then. Thompson introduces the diary with a description of a meeting of director, writer and producers before launching into epistles of the actual shoot.

The diaries themselves are an eclectic mix of scene detail, personal grievances, other film news and gossip from afar, and thematic analysis. I really enjoyed some of the entries. While reading others I was sometimes offended or dismayed. Thompson does not hold back in her choice of subject matter or language.

There are a few black and white photographs peppered throughout the text, which are delightful. It’s funny to see the actors looking serious in their period costume, while surrounded by modern technology and curious onlookers. My favourite photo is of Kate and Emma lifting Ang (the director) up. The smile on Kate’s face looks so real.

Overall this is an entertaining, and great for people like me who know the movie verbatim. It was nice to understand all of Thompson’s references to various bits in the film. I have seen a nice edition of this – hardback – which includes the complete script.

Amateur Critics

I have a bit of a dilemma with regards to my almost-finished manuscript. I have given it to a couple of my friends to read. I’m anxiously awaiting their opinions, but I recently read (in Gordon Wells’ “The Business of Writing”) advice from a writer stating that you shouldn’t look for criticism from those not in the business. I don’t know anyone in the business, so I’m wondering if I should just use my own judgement – which is of course very subjective – and submit to the first publisher on my list. I’m torn between just wanting to get the darn thing out there and wanting it to be perfect.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Recipe: Pizza bases

Here are two recipes: one for if you're in a hurry and one if you have time to do things properly. With both of these, I find that the recipe makes too much for one pizza - so either freeze half or just do half the quantities. My favourite part is always kneading the dough. It's almost therapeutic. Seeing the dough rise is fun too.

1. From Alison Holst's "Dollars and Sense Cookbook"
This makes 6-8 individual pizzas, or one large 25-35cm base - apparently.

Measure 1 1/4 cups warm water and 2 Tbsp sugar into a mixing bowl or food processor bowl. Stir or process to dissolve (double-check that the water is lukewarm), and add 1 Tbsp dried yeast granules. Mix or process briefly again, and leave to stand for at least 5 minutes until the yeast starts to bubble.

Combine 2 Tbsp oil, 1 cup self-raising flour, 2 cups plain flour and 1 tsp salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the bubbling yeast mixture and mix well. Add a little extra flour, if necessary, to make a dough that is firm enough to turn out and knead on a floured board. Knead until smooth and satiny, then cut dough into 6-8 pieces for individual pizzas or one large round. If making individual pizzas, roll each portion of dough out to form a 15-18 cm circle and place on well-oiled baking trays. Leave to stand for a few minutes while you prepare the toppings you want, then bake at 220 degrees celsius for 10-15 minutes until the dough is golden brown around the edges and lightly browned underneath.

2. The recipe from the good old Edmonds cookbook
Serves 6

Put 1 Tbsp active yeast, 1/2 tsp sugar and 1 cups tepid water in a small bowl. Set aside for 15 minutes or until frothy. Sift 1 tsp salt and 3 cups plain flour into another bowl. Add 1 Tbsp oil and yeast mixture. Mix well.

Turn dough out onto lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic. Light oil bowl. Return dough to bowl. Cover with teatowel and set in warm place until double in size. Punch dough down in the centre then lightly knead again. Press into lightly oiled 25cm pizza pan. Spread with toppings and cook at 220 degrees celsius for 15 minutes or until well risen and golden.

One year old today!

My little blog was started exactly one year ago. At the time I was unemployed and was certainly more profilic than I am now. But I hope that someone out there has found something entertaining, amusing or thought-provoking in my updates. Back then my novel was 50,000 words long, and I was busily working on it while going to copious job interviews. Now it's 100,000 words long and I'm working on polishing it when not too exhausted from my day job. In between I've shared little tidbits with you about what I've been thinking, doing and viewing, or links to news, quizzes and other bits and pieces. The year has certainly gone by fast. For this year, I'd like things to go slower - and to finally achieve some of my life goals. Namely:

1. Finish my book
2. Find a publisher who likes it
3. Travel to the UK/Europe with my husband
4. Ski in the northern hemisphere
5. Quit my day job
6. Buy a house, preferably out of the city

Wouldn't that be nice?

Hurrah for the Auckland Harbour Festival!

We went down to the Viaduct on Sunday night to sample the festivities. We actually parked by the university, and as I’d refused to wear shoes and socks my feet were aching by the time we actually got to the waterfront.

The acrobatic stylings from the RNZAF actually started a few minutes early, and by the time we’d found a good vantage point (that Hilton monstrosity was getting in the way) it was over. Oh well. It was a good appetiser for when we go down to Warbirds at Easter. We walked along side the bars and restaurants and looked at the old “tall ships” which were docked there.

We then made our way through the throngs of people to explore the fair. The Exponents could be heard playing their concert. To be honest, they sounded awful. Surely most people are drunk when they mosh along to that music. To make up for it, a beautiful sun set was gaining momentum. The entire eastern sky was awash with a deep pink which reflected in the still water of the marina between the masts. As we wandered past the various attractions and rides, this natural attraction was far superior.

After further wandering around the wharf and checking out the luxurious super-yachts, it was time to head back to Princes Wharf to secure a spot to watch the fireworks. On our way we stopped to check out some fire-jugglers/eaters, who were averagely impressive.

We went up to the public viewing platform by White and stood waiting for the fireworks to start. A little girl next to us was intent on loudly singing her entire repertoire of show songs and hymns (about 4 songs in total) over and over again. We kept waiting.

Then, about 10 minutes behind schedule, there was a sudden explosion in the harbour and the show began. The next 20 minutes were absolutely amazing. I have never seen such a display. Every firework they let off was more impressive than the largest rocket I had ever previously witnessed. Each time we thought it was over, another spectacular round would start up. There appeared to be themes of colour. The crowd applauded spontaneously several times. Towards the end there were fireworks so massive they appeared to take up the entire sky. And at the very end, there was a massive blast, which seemed to shake the foundations of the wharf, exploding in a gold fury. It was sensational. Took me a few minutes to recover from the sensory overload.

Apparently the whole festival was quite a success, and will be repeated next year. More details here.