I’ve only seen the original “Rocky” once. After seeing the more upbeat sequels, it seemed depressing to see so many down-and-out, dysfunctional people struggling to make it in life, and overcome their own bad habits of selfishness and abuse.

But seeing it again recently, I realized what an incredible film this is. It’s all about the fact that everyone – no matter how dysfunctional or disadvantaged they might be – has a shot. A chance to make something more of their lives. Something more of themselves.

My brother, David, recently took his shot by entering a regional Karaoke contest, competing with over 30 people. And he did pretty well. See the September Monthly Feature for more.

Meanwhile, click the list below to access his warm-ups and final entry on YouTube:

Warm-up: Ain’t Goin’ Down

Warm-up: What’chu Gonna Do

Finals: Don’t Take the Girl 

 

I never saw “Old Yeller” until this past summer. The most I knew about it was the line Bill Murray delivers in “Stripes” (“Nobody cried when Old Yeller died. I’m sure! I cried my eyes out …”)

I saw the sequel, Savage Sam, several times in my childhood, never knowing it was a sequel. Both films carry strong messages about growing up. “Old Yeller” teaches us the tough lesson about taking ownership of a problem, and “Savage Sam” warns us to learn self-control instead of pursuing a path of hatred.

 

A similar theme of escaping our dark urges is found in the August Monthly Feature, on John Steinbeck’s classic novel, East of Eden, which encourages us that every good or bad decision is a choice we make, and we can still choose to do what’s right, even if we’ve chosen poorly in the past.

 

We also looked at defending the reputation of a trusted friend in “The Wild, Wild West”, and the month started out with excerpts from a surprising interview of bestselling authors Stephen King and Jerry Jenkins, which discussed how both horror and inspirational fiction can work to entertain, inspire and challenge readers in their daily lives.

We also announced the new Character Entertainment Creative Writing Class, being taught throughout the year in Elgin, Illinois, to help people make writing a part of their life. Interested? Go to the Contact Us page or email randall@characterent.com to request your Registration Form!

Have a great day!

-         RAD

 

If you have attempted to email me through the Contact Us link, but have not received a response, please copy and paste this address into a new email and re-send it:

randall@characterent.com

The Contact Us link uses a default email server, such as Outlook or Webmail. If you are using a different email service, such as Yahoo! or Hotmail, the email might not go through.

Thank you!

- Randall Allen Dunn

 

Have you always wanted to write stories, but you didn’t know how to get started?

Have you ever wondered if there’s some sort of secret to writing that you could actually learn?

Do you love books and movies?

If that’s you and you’re an adult or teen 14 or older, you should sign up for …

 

Character Entertainment

 

CREATIVE WRITING CLASS!

… to help you make writing a part of your life!

 

 

WHO CAN JOIN

Adults and teens (14 & up) with an interest in creative writing.

 

WHO WILL LEAD

Randall Allen Dunn, writer/web host of Character Entertainment, Home for Building Character through Fiction!

 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

-         Learn how to make Creative Writing a part of your life, and develop it to a level that satisfies your personal goals!

-         Participate in Writing Exercises and study fun examples of Storytelling in movies and literature!

-         Complete 1 hour of Weekly Writing Time outside of class!

-         Complete simple Monthly Writing Assignments, designed to fit your busy schedule and help you make writing a regular habit!

-         Receive positive and useful feedback on your Monthly Writing!

 

WHEN AND WHERE YOU’LL MEET

-         Wednesday 7-8pm classes run from September 9th through June 9th.

-         Thursday 7-8pm classes run from September 10th through June 10th.

(Classes will start promptly at 7pm, meeting in Elgin, Illinois. No classes held during the weeks of Oct. 19th, Nov. 23rd, Dec. 21st or Dec. 28th.)

 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

-         Weekly Fees of $20.00 per class, by cash or check, due at the start of each session.

-         2 pens (in case one runs out)

-         1-2 notebooks (ideal to use one for class notes and one for writing stories and notes)

 

HOW YOU’LL GET STARTED

Interested? Email Randall Allen Dunn at randall@characterent.com to request your Creative Writing Class registration form!

 

See you there!

- RAD