Bigsleepj Q / A Session

[bigsleepj]

Well I've been hanging around for a year or so so I've decided to begin a Questions - Answer Session for those interested in asking me both relevant, irrelevant and irreverant questions. Some basic information as well:

My name is Johnnie (like the whiskey minus the Walker) and I live in South Africa, the land of toyi-toyi marchers and metal detectors, in the Gauteng Province.

My favourite anime has to be "Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro" but I like other animes as well, although admittedly I haven't seen as many as I'd like.

My favourite Manga is Rurouni Kenshin although I really haven't bought a book in quite some time.

As for favourite movie (as movies go) I can't say. It tends to change every few days. Sometimes it would be Ben-Hur (1958), The General (1927), Seven Samurai (1955-ish), Ikiru (1952)The Good the Bad and the Ugly (1966) or even The Shawshank Redemption (1994) or Pulp Fiction (1994).

Books are on the similar level, my favourite reads being The Man who was Thursday by GK Chesterton, Voyage of the Dawn Treader by CS Lewis, The High King by Lloyd Alexander, The High House by James Stoddard, The Lord of the Rings and "Silence" by Shusaku Endo.

With all this answered I suppose there's not going to be room for more questions.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

id love to see ben hur... have ya seen soylent green (Charlton Heston movie)

[bigsleepj]

No, I haven't. I do know what it is about and that its a sci-fi but, quite frankly, I haven't had the chance to see it. I haven't seen a lot of Charlton Heston movies to be correct. Sigh...

[holysoldier5000]

Voyage of the Dawn Treader by CS Lewis

I love C.S. Lewis. He is the author who inspired me to become and author.

Have you read C.S. Lewis' Space trilogy?

[bigsleepj]

I love C.S. Lewis. He is the author who inspired me to become and author.

Have you read C.S. Lewis' Space trilogy?

Read it and loved it. Perelandra is a very hard read though, but I count "That Hideous Strength" as among the most influential books I've read. However I do consider "That Hideous Strength" to be a very deeply flawed book as well but I like it still.

[holysoldier5000]

Did you know that "That Hideous Strenght" was writen at the same time as "The Abolition of Man" ? If you read them togther they make a lot more sense. One is the illustration and the other is the philosophy.

So why did you find it flawed?

[bigsleepj]

So why did you find it flawed?

[spoiler] It has a few minor flaws but basically its greatest flaw is also its most interesting addition to the plot. I am speaking off course about Merlin who enters the story towards the end. Its not his presence that make it uneven its just that I get the sense that Lewis does not have a complete hold of the character's personality. He may know a lot about the literary and possibly the historical Merlin but he can't convey this character convincingly. His presence makes the story seem a bit of a mess. [/spoiler]

Thematically though the book is quite profound. I know of the connection between "Abolition of Man" as well and I understand That Hideous Strength rather well. Very profound.

[holysoldier5000]

Yes it really was a profound book. Maybe a little hard to read, but a good book non the less.

[spoiler] I think though it was one of the most surprising endings I have ever read. It seemed that the bad guys where winning the whole time but they really had no power at all. It was kind of like C.S. Lewis was trying to illustrate the power of Christ return.[/spoiler]

[bigsleepj]

[spoiler] It was kind of like C.S. Lewis was trying to illustrate the power of Christ return.[/spoiler]

Erm....I'm not sure what you mean. Can you maybe give more info on what you are trying to say?

[holysoldier5000]

[spoiler]Well when N.I.C.E. was wiped from the face of the earth, all the members fled for their lives but none escaped. All through the book they had the power and control. They could wipe out cities, but they had no power when it came to fighting aginst God. It just reminded me of the verses: "They called to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?'" Revelations 6:16-17[/spoiler]

Does that answer your question?

[bigsleepj]

Does that answer your question?

Quite. I did not entirely understood how you phrased the statement when I asked about it...but I agree with what you said. Entirely.

[holysoldier5000]

Cool, but how did we get off topic? I should be asking questions about you. So what music do you like?

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

What's living in South Africa like?
How many Tintin comics have you read?
Do you enjoy Frank Peretti's books?

[Cap'n Nick]

How much mecha or giant robot manga and anime have you seen?

Have you always lived in South Africa?

Do you prefer realistic or abstract stylization in your anime?

[bigsleepj]

Cool, but how did we get off topic? I should be asking questions about you. So what music do you like?

I most kinds of music. Classical (Mozart particularly), rock (Queen), folk, South African singers and I really like Johnny Cash, which is the only country musician I like. I consider all other country music a cruel form of torture.

What's living in South Africa like?

Paranoid. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more paranoid country. Its the high-crime rate basically.

How many Tintin comics have you read?

Most of them with the exception of Tintin in the Land of the Soviets, Tintin in the Congo, The Black Island, and the Broken Ear.

Do you enjoy Frank Peretti's books

I enjoyed "The Oath" but I felt it could have done with a more powerful ending. I did read it almost 10 years ago though. I think back to it a lot of times.

How much mecha or giant robot manga and anime have you seen?

Not much. I've seen the first two episodes of "Evangellion" and that's it. As for normal Mecha I've watched Robotech which is off course not every "pure" as the genre goes.

Have you always lived in South Africa?

Yes, born in bred. Afrikaans is my first language, English is my second.

Do you prefer realistic or abstract stylization in your anime?

Depends on the tone of the story the animators are trying to tell. Imagine "Princess Mononoke" in "Chibi" form and you'll see what I mean.

[holysoldier5000]

Paranoid. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more paranoid country. Its the high-crime rate basically

In know there is a lot of War Lords who are causing havoc in middle Africa, and Islamic extremist are greatly spreading in that area. Is the area where you live suffering from central Africa's turmoil?

[bigsleepj]

In know there is a lot of War Lords who are causing havoc in middle Africa, and Islamic extremist are greatly spreading in that area. Is the area where you live suffering from central Africa's turmoil?

Well, not Southern Africa which is the more stable parts of Africa. Our neighbouring country Mozambique has emerged a few years ago from a two-decades long civil war and Zimbabwe is, off course, run by the continent's equivalent of Adolf Hitler. But there is no fighting in the region at this stage. This is one of the more stable regions of Africa but there are "hic-ups" so to speak.

[Zane]

Hey bigsleep, good to see you around again.

Tell me did you grow up in a Christian house-hold? And how did you become a christian?.. was it a *click* or a slow growth into a relationship with Christ?

[bigsleepj]

Hey bigsleep, good to see you around again.

Hi, Zane. I did not know I was I gone?

Tell me did you grow up in a Christian house-hold? And how did you become a christian?.. was it a *click* or a slow growth into a relationship with Christ?

Yes, I did grow up in a Christian house-hold. Well, at the age of five I really felt Christ for the first time. I had that "saved" experience at a very young age so a great deal of my Christian life has been the battle to remain a Christian, especially in my adult years. To use your words - it began as a click and then I had to grow in that faith. I never left the Christian faith but many times I have come close to leaving. This is probably why, as an author-wannabe, most of my themes in my fiction have to do with remaining a Christian instead of becoming one.

[termyt]

Hey bigsleepj.
I've really enjoyed our back and forths in the Avatar Caption game. I'm glad we are both members here.

First off, I'm assuming have a more British English than American English. How would you write this:

"The colour grey" or "the color gray?"

Next, what time is it there right now?

Finally, from stories I've read in the news, it seems like many of the more stable countries in Africa are going through a kind of reverse discrimination adjustment. I imagine South Africa is no different, considering the relatively recent toppling of apartheid. Is there discrimination against people of different races? I know there will be some, but I am thinking more along the lines of legal, government sponsored, or at least government tolerated racism.

I’ve heard that the USA is the country that spends the most time and effort on racism, but I would think South Africa may give us a run for the money.

I know that's kind of a political topic, feel free to refrain from answering, if you want.

[bigsleepj]

Hey bigsleepj.
I've really enjoyed our back and forths in the Avatar Caption game. I'm glad we are both members here.

I'm glad as well. The avatar caption game is the most fun you can have on a forum without being locked in an intelligent debate. No wait, that does not sound right.

First off, I'm assuming have a more British English than American English. How would you write this:

"The colour grey" or "the color gray?"

The colour gray should be right. I've never been sure about how you spell gray. But we do spell colour like that.

Next, what time is it there right now?

We're 6 hours in front of the United States East Coast during your summer. When its daylight-saving for you then its 7 hours.

Finally, from stories I've read in the news, it seems like many of the more stable countries in Africa are going through a kind of reverse discrimination adjustment. I imagine South Africa is no different, considering the relatively recent toppling of apartheid. Is there discrimination against people of different races? I know there will be some, but I am thinking more along the lines of legal, government sponsored, or at least government tolerated racism.

I don't want to get into this right now. African Politics is a very complex subject and I don't feel like delving into it right now.

I’ve heard that the USA is the country that spends the most time and effort on racism, but I would think South Africa may give us a run for the money.

I don't understand the question. sorry.

I know that's kind of a political topic, feel free to refrain from answering, if you want.

well, in all honesty I don't like politics, but African politics is very complicated - it goes way beyond "black and white" here. So I don't want to delve into it too much. To fully explain it would take a lot of time, but please don't take it the wrong way.

[holysoldier5000]

All these serious question! Well I will add a few more very serious life threatening questions:

Would I look better in a kilt or lederhosen???
What is the air speed velocity of an unladed swallow???
Can earthquakes really be prevented by jello???
Should Pikachu run for political office???
Are you really related to Darth Vader???
How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood???
Does this dress make me look fat???
If the theory of relativity is truly relative then is time travel possible???

[holysoldier5000]

Ok seriously now,

You have told me many times that you want to be a writer.
I am also an inspiring author so I am curious.
If you could give one author that best describes your style then who would it be?
What style of writing do you prefer? First person, second person, thrid person?
Genre, target audience?

Tell me about you as a writer. If you don't mind.

[bigsleepj]

All these serious question! Well I will add a few more very serious life threatening questions:

You got to be kidding! Oh wait, you are.

Would I look better in a kilt or lederhosen???

Oh aye, kilt all the way. I have Scottish ancestors on my mother's side.

What is the air speed velocity of an unladed swallow???

If you can believe that one website 10m per second for a european swallow.

Can earthquakes really be prevented by jello???

No, but by large quantities of lard

Should Pikachu run for political office???

No. His ability to shock opponents might lead to a sticky situation when he meets the with international leaders.

Are you really related to Darth Vader???

Except that the Afrikaans word for father is "Vader"....no.

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood???

A woodchuck can't chuck any amount of wood because a wood chuck can't chuck wood.

Does this dress make me look fat???

Only if...no, never mind.

If the theory of relativity is truly relative then is time travel possible???

I don't think so.

[bigsleepj]

If you could give one author that best describes your style then who would it be?

I would have to say Stephen King crossed with Raymond Chandler (author of the book "The Big Sleep" - heheheheheh - and "Farewell, My Lovely"). Someone also said that my one unfinished book reminded them of CS Lewis' That Hideous Strength as well so I can say I have a touch of Inkling in me. (the last book I read before starting that project was "THS"). My current writing attempt however is more styled (consciously) after the style of James Dickey's "To the White Sea" which is 300+ pages of which only about 10 contain dialogue. Mine has more though.

What style of writing do you prefer? First person, second person, thrid person?
Genre, target audience?

I do not restrict me to a certain genre or narrative and I write whatever would suit the story. Usually its third person although my current is in first person. My stories are usually a cross between certain genres, mostly fantasy and detective.

Tell me about you as a writer. If you don't mind.

As a writer I'm unsuccesful in the extreme. Last year I abandoned (for extremely complicated reasons, see link) on which I laboured for 2 years precisely. Currently I'm writing my next project and I hope to (AT LEAST) finish it. I'm also busy with something else with one of the members of the CAA but that is still in the developing stages.

[holysoldier5000]

I would have to say Stephen King crossed with Raymond Chandler (author of the book "The Big Sleep" - heheheheheh - and "Farewell, My Lovely"). Someone also said that my one unfinished book reminded them of CS Lewis' That Hideous Strength as well so I can say I have a touch of Inkling in me. (the last book I read before starting that project was "THS"). My current writing attempt however is more styled (consciously) after the style of James Dickey's "To the White Sea" which is 300+ pages of which only about 10 contain dialogue. Mine has more though.

Hey thats cool. I would say that I resemble more of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle mixed with C.S. Lewis.

I do not restrict me to a certain genre or narrative and I write whatever would suit the story. Usually its third person although my current is in first person. My stories are usually a cross between certain genres, mostly fantasy and detective.

Nither do I. It is to constricting. "Let my creativity free!"
I prefer fatasy and mystery too. Fantasy Weird + Mystery Weird = Really Bizarre & Cool

As a writer I'm unsuccesful in the extreme. Last year I abandoned (for extremely complicated reasons, see link) on which I laboured for 2 years precisely. Currently I'm writing my next project and I hope to (AT LEAST) finish it. I'm also busy with something else with one of the members of the CAA (Cap'n Crack) but that is still in the developing stages.

Well there is no writing that is bad writing. It all is practice that helps the writer develop their style. Just because the first one dosn't work out, so what? It all is part of the path to those great books to come.

God Bless
HS5000

[bigsleepj]

Hey thats cool. I would say that I resemble more of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle mixed with C.S. Lewis.

Hmmmm. Interesting. Another influence I should have mentioned is Victor Hugo. I consider Les Misérables to be one of the best books ever written and one thing I picked up from the book is Hugo's way to let the same characters meet each over and over again and to have some bond (either emotional or through blood) with each other.

Well there is no writing that is bad writing. It all is practice that helps the writer develop their style. Just because the first one dosn't work out, so what? It all is part of the path to those great books to come.

I know all that. I can say that I would recommend that, if you concoct a recurring central character for your books, you write the last book first so that when you write what comes before it can have a sense that you're building up to something. My one current prose writing project has the same character starring in it and most of the characterization from the book (especially his traumatic past) makes this current book all the more easier to write. Still its slow going.

[holysoldier5000]

if you concoct a recurring central character for your books, you write the last book first so that when you write what comes before it can have a sense that you're building up to something. My one current prose writing project has the same character starring in it and most of the characterization from the book (especially his traumatic past) makes this current book all the more easier to write. Still its slow going.

I know what you mean. My main character has gone through about 50 some story ideas before landing in one that I liked. Name of the character stayed the same just the environment kept changing. Yesterday a pirate, today a knight, tomorrow who knows???

Another influence I should have mentioned is Victor Hugo.

Victor Hugo is a great writer. I think some other great writers are Alexander Dumas, John White, and R. A. Salvatore. Although I didn’t like Frank Herbert too much.

Do you think you could give a short synopsis of you current writing project? I am curious to see what ideas you have so far. If you don't mind.

[bigsleepj]

Do you think you could give a short synopsis of you current writing project? I am curious to see what ideas you have so far. If you don't mind.

edited it out.

[Ingemar]

And now, anagrams of your username:

GLIB JEEPS
PLEBES JIG
JIB LEG ESP