On Star Wars, Fantasy, and Reading

I went to see Rogue One with a friend last night. I'd heard good things and wasn't disappointed. The movie ties in nicely with A New Hope, and even answers some lingering questions about the original trilogy. I won't say much more, because I don't want to spoil it, but if you're a Star Wars fan (and if you are, you probably already plan to go, but just in case you're on the fence) definitely check it out! As my friend and I were discussing the movie afterward, and he brought up some of his thoughts on the technology in Star Wars, I once again went back to a topic I bring up almost anytime I discuss Star Wars with scientifically-minded friends: Star Wars isn't sci-fi, it's fantasy.

Speaking of fantasy, I've been reading a lot more fantasy lately, in preparation for a book idea I have, which I'm thinking will be a trilogy - and of course, if I don't learn my lesson from this year's NaNoWriMo and do some outlining, it's liable to grow into a longer series with no solid ending in sight (cough, George R. R. Martin, cough). While I certainly don't want to copy elements from other fantasy novels, I was taught many years ago by some of the writers I've gotten to know through my mom that the best way to improve your writing is to read - lots.

In fact, on the agenda today is a trip to a book store: Open Books, which was kind enough to host many NaNoWriMo events (after our main venue and back-up venue both closed), is having their half-off sale today:

I still have some gift buying left to do, and I'm sure I'll walk out of their with some reading material for myself. Hoping to squeeze in some writing, then meeting another friend for drinks by the bookstore.