Not yet but it is getting closer. I have four and a bit chapters left to write then I just need to get all of the illustrations and contributions.

Mark

This is the review for the 'Routining and scripting' chapter. For background to the review, see my previous chapter review here: https://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/view......start=20

Scripting and routining are another area of personal interest and I have spent quite a bit of time in recent years reading 'Scripting Magic' 1&2 (McCabe), which should be in most magic libraries.

Mark starts off the 10 pages (in A4 format - more in book form) by providing a range of logical reasons why a script is essential for the stage performer, not least of which is managing your timings (which I fully agree with from my fairly limited experience of stand up). He also talks about other matters such as how scripts can help with confidence/stage fright, before reminding the reader that the script should not be followed in a wooden fashion and then (nugget alert!) providing the reader with a tip to help avoid this while increasing the chances of the script reflecting you/your character.

Mark then presents a reasoned argument for constructing your script in a certain way, which may not fit everyone, but does make sense (sorry, detail = exposure in this case). By using one of his own scripts, Mark illustrates his point well. As I was reading the example, I was reminded of my mixed views on mentalism 'abilities as real' presentations, but then almost as if he was reading my mind (groan!), Mark provided an example script from many years ago which was used when busking. Through this second example, Mark provides a commentary including script updates and applause points, before then discussing matters such as the perils of both a lack of justification and over-justification.

From this, Mark then moves into discussing a contemporary book test routine and seeks to demonstrate 'how the combination of routining and scripting a can turn an effect into a piece of theatre'. Reading through it, I would have to agree that if performed well in line with his presentation/script, it would have a strong emotional hook, be engaging and be much bigger in terms of presentation and effect than a poorly thought out 'look at me, I can read minds' presentation. Mark takes a moment to make other points such as suggesting that long scripts should be used sparingly and only after the audience have been won over.

Mark's writing style is clear, makes intelligent points and is engaging. He is also not afraid to show some range in his approach to making his points, or to use plain or 'earthy' language where it suits. On one page he may be discussing the law of parsimony and on another, he pretty much tells you not to be a muppet! (okay, I'm not giving context here but you hopefully get the point).

Constructive cons - You must remember that this is an essay, a chapter in a book. It is not Scripting Magic 3. If space allowed and Mark was so inclined, providing another example such as the book test one could further enhance this chapter. With that being said, I've not seen the rest of the book or routines, so I expect that the prospective reader may be treated to other fine examples elsewhere in the book, making this a moot point.

Pros - While perhaps my grey matter didn't get prodded quite as much as with the 'building an act' chapter, it has increased my belief that Mark certainly has the depth of knowledge, writing skills and honesty to ensure that his work is very much worth reading. In fact, I may just have to take a punt on Harpacrown 1 on payday...
Charlie

Thanks for another detailed review Charlie. Funny you should mention one further example as I originally wanted to include an additional example using a commercial effect to demonstrate how to use the routine structure to cover the requirements of the method. Unfortunately but understandably there were elements of the method that the creator wants to keep secret from those that have not purchased the effect. He did let me know which areas he wanted to keep secret and when I looked at it I felt that I couldn’t do it justice without mentioning those areas because they drive some of the structure and presentation. As much as I love that particular routine and think it would be a great example it is far more important to respect the wishes of the creator of that effect.

Many of the other routines that I felt would be perfect to demonstrate this have already been included either elsewhere in this book or in the original Harpacrown such as my IUnlock routine, my kioku presentation, my routine for Directors cut and the routine in the WWPTD essay. I am struggling to come up with other examples that haven’t already been published and that I am ready to give away.

Mark

It’s getting close. I have finished writing my chapters and am
Just waiting for the last few contributions. Since Madison’s review the following chapters have been added:

Building an Act - Essay
Paging Pegasus
Force Dimensional Telepathy
You got to have friends - Essay
Bits and Pieces
Their Intuition
Human Card Deck
Nine-Nine-One-Eight by Steve Drury
Free and Willing by John Carey

All that remains is the final 3 contributions and the photos for the illustrations and we are ready. I should have all that done and the proof reading and editing done by the end of July. Release date should be the back end of August or beginning of September depending on the printers workload.

The book is currently close to 80,000 words. I am expecting the page count to be between 300 and 400 for the Collectors Edition. I am still undecided whether there will be a softback standard edition.

Mark

Pegasus gets his own whole chapter?!?

Excited to see what’s in store

Is there any news?

The book is finished from a writing perspective. The final round of proof-reading should be finished by Thursday. I will be getting the last of the photos for the illustrations this week. All being well this should be going to Phill Smith to work his magic by the weekend.

Overall I am very happy with how this has turned out and personally I think it is better than the first Harpacrown whilst complimenting that volume very well.

Mark

CAN NOT WAIT!

Great news Mark I can’t wait to order Gaz 👍🙂

Any news on the book?
Thanks!

It is currently with Phill Smith. As soon as he has worked his magic it will go off to the printers but I think this is quite a busy time for Phill.

The book contains 32 chapters, 24 effects, 2 utilities, 5 essays, approximately 85000 words and 125 illustrations.

I will know the page count once Phill Smith has worked his magic on the layout buy I am guessing around the 320-350 page ball park.

Mark

Correction it is now 33 chapters as Peter Turner kindly contributed an essay as well as an effect.

Mark

Thanks for the updates, Mark.

Can’t wait for it to be finished!

Is there a list that we can be added too for Pre release purchase?

I underestimated the page count by quite a bit. The book has now been formatted and comes out at 446 pages. This could go up or down slightly once the photos have been replaced with illustrations but it is going to be between 440 and 450 pages.

As soon as it is print ready and I have a delivery date I will open up pre-orders.

Mark

Mark shared more of the chapters with me.

Wow you guys are in for a treat. His “building an act” chapter is really world advice that none of the pros will tell you. It dissects what types of routines and tome limits should be performed in just about every performing circumstance. This is incredibly valuable.

The Brain Farts article will make you laugh out loud reading stories of Mark and other performers’ horror stories.

His take on Pegasus page adds an extra punch that they won’t see coming. It’s clever stuff.

Mark’s take on fourth dimensional telepathy will put the PERFORMER in control rather than the audience. It guarantees that the routine will be entertaining without losing the power of reading three minds. It also allows for a simple transition to the next routine you have planned. It’s good stuff. Simple... but good.

Bits and pieces contains some wonderful nuggets of thought. I can easily see people running with many of these ideas. Especially the “human card deck”

Plus you get a great article and effect from Peter Turner which always adds value.

And with all of the book, you will see great crediting from beginning to end. Mark takes great pride in his crediting and I wish all creators were as in depth as him.


If you liked Harpacrown 1, you’ll love this one. This is Mark’s bread and butter. This book is everything Mark wanted to keep to himself. You can tell these have been worked and you will reap the benefits of his hard work.

Madison

Thanks for the review Madison.

In addition to the chapters Madison has already reviewed there is at least one more effect and another essay from me, effects from John Carey and Mark Elsdon and an essay from Marc Spelmann. The Phill Smith magic has been applied to the layout and the illustrations are in progress. This should be going to Mr Haresign for printing soon at which point I will open up pre-orders.

I will also be offering both collectors editions as a bundle at a discounted price for a limited time. Limited by the fact that I only have around 25 Harpacrown collectors editions left.

Mark

Looking forward to this.

Any Update?