by SamGurney » Apr 10th, '10, 00:37
Personally, I do not reccomend using these books as reference books- they're not there to be cited and referenced, but rather used. Sorry. Just my opinion.
And the billet handling of showing everyone else, or someone else is a very strong one, especially for tears, and I believe, Bill Bernstien, although some may have used that handling before him, published it first. Then the excuse of getting rid of it so that no cheating can go on, or as I say, I don't steal it from their pocket or something- is another good one for tears (although I haven't used a single tear in nigh on a month- I have my reasons atm)
In terms of the excusing the writing in general, I usually it so it's not forgotten and so that it can be checked that they aren't just agreeing- it really was their word, but of course that line doesn't work for tears. I've never really understood the whole idea that writing it down makes your job easier- it does, in fact it makes it possible, but I don't want my audience knowing that.
Now, onto topic. Newspaper predictions. There is one dealt with as early as the first chapter of Corinda. There is nothing wrong with that- although I think it suits less formal occasions (a little scribbled note is hardly suitale for a publicity stunt). My mind is buzzing with ideas for newspaper predictions, and in all honesty, just STUDY PMM and Corinda. Simple as.
Now, I know I am going a tad off topic, once more, but as it has come up, it might as well be adressed. We briefly touched on designing new methods. This is something interesting for me, I find. I have found the best way that I come up with new methods is by deciding on an effect and working from there- without changing A THING. I have come up with some very nice stuff this way, and even if not new methods (it is VERY rare that the necessery methods do not already exist) it's a good way of generating an effect. The biggest problem is coming up with origional and interesting themes and effects. My advice atm would be to take influence from anything- music, books whatever interests you. Andy Nyman is a film nut and that is clear in his mentalism- he has interesting routines that extend beyond 'look what I have predicted- Now watch me read a mind... again' and have some interesting theme and whole idea to them. So often getting an interesting idea for an effect is 100x more liberating than a new method of achieving the same old thing.
''To go wrong in one's own way is better than to go right in another's.'' Dostoevsky's Razumihin.
.What I want to be is the effect below.
