tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47946661096366649372024-02-18T20:12:38.270-06:00On The Page My Experience as an Indie Author and Filmmaker -Richard A LesterUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-42143578532836651402015-11-30T21:09:00.001-06:002015-11-30T21:19:32.412-06:007 Song Named "Hello" That Aren't Adelle or Lionel Richie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.billboard.com/files/styles/promo_650/public/media/Adele-Hello-650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.billboard.com/files/styles/promo_650/public/media/Adele-Hello-650.jpg" height="115" width="200" /></a></div>
If you're really sick of hearing "Hello" by Adele and then having it followed up with the inevitable Lionel Richie follow up, then this is the blog post for you! Here's 7 songs you can listen to called "Hello," that aren't by either of them!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
1. Poe "Hello" Rock Version<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SAVgJQVo2oE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SAVgJQVo2oE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
2. Beyonce "Hello"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZUNVY880JuY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZUNVY880JuY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Eminem "Hello"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OVnEaqflsjI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OVnEaqflsjI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Explosions in the Sky "Hello!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Bdnv6YBRDdg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bdnv6YBRDdg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Oasis "Hello"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9D9JzX4LPwU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9D9JzX4LPwU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6. Floetry "Hello"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2AXBh-rx28M/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2AXBh-rx28M?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes "Hello"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gvXKM2-poIw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gvXKM2-poIw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
BONUS<br />
<br />
Poe "Hello" Original Version<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1cujypawzVQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1cujypawzVQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Richard A Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114460215505683869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-23006702421189612552015-11-29T12:52:00.000-06:002015-11-29T12:52:07.008-06:00Indie Memphis 2015<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZKXOGPIT6YEqEPklI3my-srGQtJ1VQdPhLkGmkQs2TuQpwfOE0Xl5aRiL2lwjy22frKVuTgoTIT_lg71cpOBfY0rzIAaSPD3MdARtNyLp4E1bnZWXa43Kc6GP65DsBe2R1eqNx0ycDBn/s1600/hero.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZKXOGPIT6YEqEPklI3my-srGQtJ1VQdPhLkGmkQs2TuQpwfOE0Xl5aRiL2lwjy22frKVuTgoTIT_lg71cpOBfY0rzIAaSPD3MdARtNyLp4E1bnZWXa43Kc6GP65DsBe2R1eqNx0ycDBn/s200/hero.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
This year, I was fortunate enough to take part in the Indie Memphis Film Festival. Not only did I have a short featured in the festival, my band also played before one of the films! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkaLUnASnX0FRWLaSTj4BVmMHxLHsyhiQmO1DOIy9XZQ6UGVsDpf0ylYuw-ihwWVjYWjgrG75b1KUy9qOszFyQSA9KMyLhhS42g4rNDLYtu5zE5h5Hz-8nvJdkspGme5BFP9w61jpjba2/s1600/10428536_10102376388560280_381698816349920437_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkaLUnASnX0FRWLaSTj4BVmMHxLHsyhiQmO1DOIy9XZQ6UGVsDpf0ylYuw-ihwWVjYWjgrG75b1KUy9qOszFyQSA9KMyLhhS42g4rNDLYtu5zE5h5Hz-8nvJdkspGme5BFP9w61jpjba2/s200/10428536_10102376388560280_381698816349920437_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
My short film, Stacked Deck, was featured in the Indie Memphis Hometowner block. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1b3e48; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jeff Tate racks up an insurmountable debt at the poker table. Unable to make even a modest payment, he is given one option to walk away: Russian Roulette. 'Luck's a dime a dance girl,' the mob boss tells him. 'Let's see if you can soft shoe your way to ten cents or a bullet.' Jeff places the gun to his head, not knowing the outcome for himself or those around him.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1b3e48; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUANQjKlK7cza-_V28lt91XvHY_A1zM3_fx-cKr5I5ER32Nr_Uz8A9s9FoSP5OsC5FNj6dSlXt9r9P676LEnbd6ZWE0__u-Vf6x5kyzJTAjUzmnFttd4w6in3vp4qb8PeDMuXWKXnwCta/s1600/12191562_10154292137369119_7066427480564428266_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUANQjKlK7cza-_V28lt91XvHY_A1zM3_fx-cKr5I5ER32Nr_Uz8A9s9FoSP5OsC5FNj6dSlXt9r9P676LEnbd6ZWE0__u-Vf6x5kyzJTAjUzmnFttd4w6in3vp4qb8PeDMuXWKXnwCta/s200/12191562_10154292137369119_7066427480564428266_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1b3e48; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The film was well received, and I even got to go up on stage and answer a few questions about it afterwards. It was a great time, and the entire cast and crew showed up to the premiere!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooj4tkGPFp4182v7B1cqAUrvzG4vZOBuiaNz5oeCvIAEdoxy_7mCndHb_q3GgN-snXZkNqLCC7wedyIgm08p7m3MBQ25eVWpZd9ErdpbtzFKJkYrfQeBqfoZsJEx8vn5rGLURiT5IITFv/s1600/12187679_10206566009142213_173211494663552394_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjooj4tkGPFp4182v7B1cqAUrvzG4vZOBuiaNz5oeCvIAEdoxy_7mCndHb_q3GgN-snXZkNqLCC7wedyIgm08p7m3MBQ25eVWpZd9ErdpbtzFKJkYrfQeBqfoZsJEx8vn5rGLURiT5IITFv/s320/12187679_10206566009142213_173211494663552394_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2J1E3ubs61pMWqUsLTD0qDTZkNIKpUniQnxLvRo6s8Yk7QaivaEk8RltZhIp26QHqP1BQd2-1901Ka1jZj1Rj6Bodcepc-o2q2IbINgabrptmsD6Pe8nsLbmCkrmb3K1_OFA6zoiCslX/s1600/gerritgraham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2J1E3ubs61pMWqUsLTD0qDTZkNIKpUniQnxLvRo6s8Yk7QaivaEk8RltZhIp26QHqP1BQd2-1901Ka1jZj1Rj6Bodcepc-o2q2IbINgabrptmsD6Pe8nsLbmCkrmb3K1_OFA6zoiCslX/s200/gerritgraham.jpg" width="200" /></a>While the premiere of Stacked Deck was wonderful, the most exciting part of the festival for me was our midnight showing of Brian De Palma's <i>The Phantom of the Paradise.</i> My film production partners, Azbest Studios and Piano Man Pictures, cosponsored the screening and brought star Gerrit Graham to the festival. He did a question and answer session after the screening, signed autographs, and took part in some panels during the weekend. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtObh9kYMAsKd7aZy9Shnd21_ivAgtwrS4J7_32k1fh0ds-c0dmS8_Tzdy1wdr9Sq3Kw1bTelE4wXRqpZJ8aEgmN8QnOGu2gkUZRYFrwWWcTv2WFC078Ps-q1HretJ1IQeEWtuD-u-C66/s1600/905671_993080990754034_4193007755396854166_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtObh9kYMAsKd7aZy9Shnd21_ivAgtwrS4J7_32k1fh0ds-c0dmS8_Tzdy1wdr9Sq3Kw1bTelE4wXRqpZJ8aEgmN8QnOGu2gkUZRYFrwWWcTv2WFC078Ps-q1HretJ1IQeEWtuD-u-C66/s200/905671_993080990754034_4193007755396854166_o.jpg" width="200" /></a>My band, The Renault Brothers, performed a few songs before the showing to a packed house. As a special surprise, we performed a number from the film: The Hell of It by Paul Williams. It went over extremely well. In fact, Gerrit Graham said it was one of the best versions he had ever heard. He thanked us before his Q&A and again on Facebook after he returned home. The crowd was fantastic, and it was a real honor to play for one of the stars of the film. That will definitely be a night that I will remember for many, many years to come. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was also able to see a number of films during the festival including Girl in Woods and a documentary about the singer Orion. That, along with the parties and free booze!, made this year's festival top notch. I can't wait to be apart of it again next year!</div>
Richard A Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114460215505683869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-10369523064845537842015-07-19T12:23:00.000-05:002015-07-19T12:23:07.941-05:00The FlagSo, my original post was longwinded and softly worded. Since that one wasn't clear, I'll break it down.<br />
<br />
The Confederate Flag represents a failed state based on the violent oppression of a group of people. They were tortured, slaughtered, and enslaved.<br />
<br />
It became popular during the Civil Rights movement to fly the flag in the face of African Americans to remind them that they were inferior and threaten their lives.<br />
<br />
It has no place in a government supported by our tax dollars. There is nothing stopping you from displaying or wearing the Southern Cross, but you would be an asshole to do it.<br />
<br />
The flag is part of our heritage. It is an embarrassing, horrible, violent heritage that belongs in a museum to prevent future generations from enslaving others.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-9931917405447254982015-06-07T12:41:00.000-05:002015-06-07T12:41:24.114-05:00The Wal-Mart Effect<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><i>This article was originally written in 2009 for my personal blog. Since then, many of my predictions have come true. Blockbuster and other specialty retailers have shuttered. Wal-Mart's hold on the economy is not as strong as it was back then, but it is still a juggernaut. Luckily, people are beginning to see the company's detrimental effect on the economy are fighting against it. </i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">We all hate Wal-Mart. </span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.globalgiants.com/archives/media/WAL-MART-LOGO.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://www.globalgiants.com/archives/media/WAL-MART-LOGO.jpg" width="200" /></a>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">We
hate the over crowded stores, the under manned registers, the clutter,
the dirt, and the freaks that are regularly on display. We hate the
loud, annoying children running around, and the shopping carts whose wheels barely turn. Then why
do we all shop there? The answer is obvious: IT'S SO CHEAP!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Wal-mart
fills a couple of spaces in our daily lives. Number one: it's cheap.
Most of us don't have that much money and we have to make it go a long
way. Secondly, it's convenient. Most of us are also very busy. We work,
we have families, we have a lot of shit to do. We don't have time to run
all over town to 10 different stores to get what we need. We want to go
to one place and walk out with everything we need. And what's wrong
with any of that?</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><a name='more'></a><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">On
the surface, I would say nothing. There is nothing inherently wrong
about getting the stuff we need in one place and at a reasonable price.
Having lived in a Wal-Mart saturated country for my entire life, though,
I have seen evidence to the contrary. To be totally honest, I have not
done much research on this topic. These are just the things I've noticed
over the past 10 years or so. Maybe it's totally different outside my
neck of the woods. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">To
illustrate the Wal-Mart effect, let's look at our friend, the Movie. In
the early days of cinema, there was no home video. If you wanted to see
a film, you had to go to the theater. Then, around the mid 70's, the
VHS tape was invented and suddenly, you could watch movies in your
home. (We're ignoring the format wars and other details involved.) The
movie industry was, no doubt, worried about their theater revenue in an
age where you didn't have to leave the house to see a film. So, they
came up with two ideas. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">First,
films were released in the theaters first, with home video release to
follow in the next year or so. Once released on home video, however, the
price was initially very high. VHS tapes, upon first release, would
sell from anywhere between $60 and $100. Most consumers weren't willing
to pay the price to own the tapes, and thus, the rental age began. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Mom
and Pop shops cropped up all over town. They were typically small, and
only carried one or two copies of each film. Selections were normally
pretty varied and even featured "back rooms" for adults only. The shops
would purchase the expensive tapes and then rent them out to customers
for a fraction of the price. Being the new fad, video rentals were
through the roof. All was well for Mom and Pop until a certain video
retailer showed up.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8EDDIgCkjExTyG-8XFrL9ZVFKFIu9DAvcw-zd8yxHkrL4957d9JBEoW2PEwOyBnt8khCAfP51NDctKChlwf6lsXGFJaZWaUsjt9Y9Xr3djDo8AUVkXoEpM7jQN0PrpFk3j5PvHvy-o0A/s1600/Blockbuster-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8EDDIgCkjExTyG-8XFrL9ZVFKFIu9DAvcw-zd8yxHkrL4957d9JBEoW2PEwOyBnt8khCAfP51NDctKChlwf6lsXGFJaZWaUsjt9Y9Xr3djDo8AUVkXoEpM7jQN0PrpFk3j5PvHvy-o0A/s200/Blockbuster-logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">You
could arguably pinpoint the Wal-Mart effect's origins with the
birth of Blockbuster (and other mass video retailers.) Video chains began
popping up in prime locations, and began siphoning business from the Mom
and Pop's all around them. They were much larger and featured many more
copies of major film releases than any of the small stores around them
could afford. Eventually, the Mom and Pop's were either absorbed by the
chain or simply went bankrupt. The selection of movies became less
varied, and the back room was a thing of the past. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">For
many years, VHS rentals thrived. Chains like Blockbuster, Hollywood,
and Movie Gallery raked in the money. Movies were big business, and
everyone involved was making huge bucks. The studios were happy. The
theaters were happy. The rental chains were happy, and so were the
customers. Everything was going so well.... until DVD.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">After
years of rising VHS sales, they eventually began to stall. The studios
began to see the end of their cash cow, and decided to reignite the
fire. They settled on a new format (eventually) called DVD. DVD promised
more features, higher screen resolution, and generally more band for
your buck. They also required less of your bucks. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">In
their infinite wisdom (and greed), the studios, and Blockbuster decided to do away with the rental window that brought
them so much revenue in the VHS days. DVDs would be released the same
day as VHS, only they'd be less than half the price. The industry began
shifting away from rental profits and began gunning for consumer sales.
DVDs were a huge hit, no doubt because of the both the quality and price
of the product. DVD sales began rising, and the industry was happy once
more. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">After
seeing the revenue generated by DVD sales, a little Arkansas based
company (which had only been known for carrying household goods before),
decided to get in on the act. Over the past few years, Wal-Mart had
been steadily infiltrating America, especially in the smaller towns and
more rural areas. They were now poised to take over the entire country
and DVDs (and Cds) were the item they needed to lure people in the
door. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">At
first, no one was very worried about the effect that Wal-Mart would
have on the entertainment industry. If a DVD cost Blockbuster $15 and
had an MSRP of $29.99, it would surely be the same at Wal-Mart, right?
From the get go, Wal-Mart took a competitive edge in entertainment
retail. They significantly lowered prices on the media to get people
into the store. Once there, they hoped to attract the customer to other,
high margin items, in the store. Suddenly, a DVD's worth went from $30
to $15. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">As
expected, sales at video chains and music stores began a downward
spiral. Consumers weren't willing to pay more for the same product;
especially if they could get the cheaper product at the same place they
could buy groceries. Rental profits had already begun to fall since the
product was so cheap to purchase. Over a short number of years, the
movie and music stores began to dry up. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Over
the past ten to twenty years, Wal-Mart has become a economic force like
no other. They have grown so large and powerful, that they now have the
power to dictate prices to the manufacturers. They have cannibalized
local business to such a point, that they can use the fear of
distribution against producers to their advantage. Many small towns (and
now cities) have no music or movie stores, leaving Wal-Mart as the only
available option. Wal-Mart, itself, has become a distributor of music
with many large acts releasing their music exclusively to the retailer. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Again,
you can ask yourself...what's wrong with that? Why is it bad for DVDs
or CDs to be so cheap? Weren't they overpriced to begin with? The
problem is that, with many items, Wal-Mart has begun a process that
continually decreases a product's worth until it is not profitable to
produce. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Take
the DVD, for example. With a $30 DVD, you can support a studio, a
theater, and a rental retailer. When you begin chipping away at that
price, you begin to lose the ability to support a part of the industry. A
$15 DVD suddenly means that it's cheaper for 2 people to stay at home
with the DVD than go to the theater to see the movie. A $15 DVD means
that it is almost as cheap to buy a movie as the cost is to rent it. It
also means that the studio is making less money, and unable to make as
many films. (They also begin to produce more generic films, unwilling to
take chances on more experimental films that may not turn a profit.) </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYSWc_YZpaCxD34UJTp7xwUioLyBSaTmLN6smwrmPiXJrl66KA11CVAH7RqIJDws3i91dQcC8yT-hQaTxrvxP7ZiP3eUITYCHqX6AsfD0AaG3jA6IeQ7-ZHpd5Z_n9JxQIv9o-CmRKEEp/s1600/wmt1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYSWc_YZpaCxD34UJTp7xwUioLyBSaTmLN6smwrmPiXJrl66KA11CVAH7RqIJDws3i91dQcC8yT-hQaTxrvxP7ZiP3eUITYCHqX6AsfD0AaG3jA6IeQ7-ZHpd5Z_n9JxQIv9o-CmRKEEp/s200/wmt1.JPG" width="149" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The
devaluation process of the DVD continues beyond just the new releases.
Let's say that you can pick up Transformers for $15 on the day it comes
out. A few months later, that price will go down to $10. By Black
Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, the price may drop as low as $7 or
$8. A film that cost the studio $150 million to make is now being sold
for $8. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Customers
begin seeing that price point in their head permanently. Instead of
buying the DVD the day it comes out, they wait a few months to get it
cheaper. They begin to disassociate the cost of the item with the item.
At a point, the movie's value has become so small in the customer's
mind, that they begin bootlegging and downloading the films instead of
buying them. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Video
chains, like Blockbuster, who aren't able to broker deals with the
studios like Wal-Mart, are forced to raise the price on their product to
cover operating cost. They begin cutting back on the number of titles
they carry, and the number of copies they have of a particular title.
Soon, the rental price of a DVD goes from $4 to $1. Companies like
Redbox can easily buy product from Wal-Mart at such a cheap price that
they can afford to rent it from their kiosks at a discounted price.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">What's
the outcome of the Wal-Mart effect? Well, eventually, the once-sexy DVD
stops being so attractive to customers. They don't move as fast or as
numerous as they once did, and Wal-Mart begins scaling back on their
stock of them. The video chains close their doors, unable to compete,
and eventually customers are left with no where to buy the product. Sales slump so badly that studios move away from physical media altogether and begin offering streaming and downloads only. Basically, it's a slash and burn of an entire industry. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I
believe we are entering this final stage of the Wal-Mart effect. Video
stores are closing left and right, even as Wal-mart remodels stores
specifically to decrease the amount of entertainment media they carry.
Eventually, we may be left with only Amazon.com. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">The
Wal-mart effect is not limited to just Cds and DVDs. Wal-mart has such
control over the retail industry that they can dictate the prices of
nearly any item. Companies that don't conform to Wal-mart's pricing
guidelines often find themselves with less shelf room, and often,
sitting next to Wal-Mart's brand of the same item. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I
believe that Wal-Mart's influence on the economy is self-perpetuating
for the middle class. People who work at specialty retailers (like video
and movie stores) find themselves out of work and often end up working
for Wal-Mart. They are typically paid lower wages and can, therefore,
only afford to shop at Wal-Mart. Small town residents are also likely to
be limited to the few employers in the area; an area which almost
always includes Wal-Mart.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">What's
the answer, then? I'm not sure. I believe some industries have been
affected too heavily to be resuscitated. The music and video industry
will almost surely collapse in the next few years. Other industries,
however, could be saved...if something is done quickly. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">My
best answer is to avoid Wal-Mart when possible. For many people, it may
not be viable. If you live in a small town with no other stores, for
instance. However, most of us live in places where we have other
choices. The items may cost more at other places, but the quality may
increase, as well. (Compare Wal-mart groceries to your local Easy Way or
Farmer's Market!) </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Wal-Mart is not inherently evil. As with most things in life, it's ok in moderation.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-53220177682734497242015-05-31T15:57:00.001-05:002015-05-31T15:59:23.323-05:00Rattlin' The Hocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1Ae2F1WBuYBHSr0Z6RMe3SqUGp3mhTrDtDcYpTXzzl9cfM6QZKSrRLrpdlIxVUeHJ01ZpYb-6rAUbRy5DZHZdB_naSP6DRI_rynyZ_T5cjWpXnJ6Kj4TXjW81s8T9J5SYLEBk7-oPX6U/s1600/The_Grahams_Train_Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1Ae2F1WBuYBHSr0Z6RMe3SqUGp3mhTrDtDcYpTXzzl9cfM6QZKSrRLrpdlIxVUeHJ01ZpYb-6rAUbRy5DZHZdB_naSP6DRI_rynyZ_T5cjWpXnJ6Kj4TXjW81s8T9J5SYLEBk7-oPX6U/s200/The_Grahams_Train_Pic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Last September, I was walking through some exhibits at the local fair with my girlfriend when my phone rang. Reception was kind of weird in there, and I lost the call before I could answer. A few minutes later, I checked my voicemail. Chad from Piano Man Pictures called to see if I was available to do sound on a shoot the next day. I had been doing a ton of shoots for the past several months, and I was kind of hoping for a break. Plus, the next day was a holiday, and I just wanted the day off. Eventually, I decided to help out, and I am extremely happy that I did.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thegrahamsmusic.net/index.html" target="_blank">The Grahams Website</a><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Early the next morning, I met a couple of guys from Piano Man and we got on the road. I had no idea what the shoot was, beyond "interviewing a band." Those kind of gigs are usually pretty basic. A few lights, a chair, a boom mic, and someone talking about their new album. I have to admit that it didn't sound all that exciting.<br />
<br />
We drove down to somewhere in Mississippi, and ended up in a wooded area with a couple of wooden buildings. It definitely did not look like a recording studio, as I had been told it would be. My interest grew when we unloaded gear and went inside. It was, indeed, a studio and was set up for recording a band. It was very rustic and folksy; very comfortable and inviting. We were met by one of the sweetest ladies I have ever had the pleasure of being introduced to. She kept talking about her husband, Jim, and recalled the various clubs he had played and bands he had recorded. After a moment, it finally dawned on me where the hell I was. I was in the middle of Jim Dickinson's recording studio, now run by his sons Cody and Luther.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4bVOCTq5UicQpFwYe34JFG9yZMljIFF_t-o0DvuBTSAa95a3tT4uTnMWFq6nGFoUMJQf_gUeLaA5heK7u5UdWvzMtN7NK7SsvBU4JPzcxcxPGBzkDnZ-qPZyQqFtq8x1s4UluaGWWo6e/s1600/studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4bVOCTq5UicQpFwYe34JFG9yZMljIFF_t-o0DvuBTSAa95a3tT4uTnMWFq6nGFoUMJQf_gUeLaA5heK7u5UdWvzMtN7NK7SsvBU4JPzcxcxPGBzkDnZ-qPZyQqFtq8x1s4UluaGWWo6e/s200/studio.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
As a singer/songwriter, myself, I was in awe. I had been expecting some boring shoot with some band that would probably never be successful, and here I was in a room that held immense history. I wandered around, looking at everything. So many great records had been cut here, and I was getting paid to hang out there.<br />
<br />
Eventually, Cody Dickinson arrived and explained a bit about the project. A husband/wife duo called The Grahams would be arriving soon to record a few songs, live, in the studio. The shoot was not just interviews, but part of a documentary about their latest album. He talked them up, speaking energetically about their interactions. I was highly intrigued to meet them.<br />
<br />
The Grahams arrived about an hour or so after we did. As their car pulled up, our cameras were rolling. The door opened, and a big dog jumped out and ran all around us. Doug and Alyssa stepped out with huge smiles, obviously amused by the reception. They were laid back and personable from the get go. To my relief, they were instantly disarming. (Some clients can be very demanding and uptight. Not at all the case here.)<br />
<br />
Over the next several hours, we filmed the band recording a few songs from their forthcoming album, Glory Bound. We talked to them about the record and its backstory. The couple traveled around the country, riding the rails and talking to the people they met. Those stories weaved their way into songs, each infused with the spirit of the railroad.<br />
<br />
Glory Bound had already been completed at this point. The idea of these sessions was pretty incredible. Along with Cody, they would record at various studios in the South with a wide range of musicians. Today, it was in Cody's studio. They would go on to record in Sun Studios, Royal Studios, and others, with everything culminating in a live recording/performance at the Memphis train station. They would even take the train to New Orleans to record, documenting each step of the way.<br />
<br />
After recording for several hours, we jumped in our cars and headed back to Memphis where we shot at the train station. We were given a tour of the station, along with a history lesson. We were even allowed to film a performance underneath, in a huge tunnel that runs the length of the building. By the end of the day, we were all tired, sweaty, and dirty, but we couldn't be happier.<br />
<br />
The Grahams and crew took the train, leaving me behind. (They had a sound guy already scheduled for that trip. I was an emergency fill in.) They did return for a show at the station to mark its 100th anniversary. This time, I got to go as a spectator and bring my girlfriend with me. The band was set up in a circle, so that everyone could make eye contact. The audience was seated around them, giving it all a very intimate feel.<br />
<br />
The show provided a unique look into the making of a record that few ever get to witness. Seeing how a group of talented musicians can come together, with little to no rehearsal, and bang out an amazing take is fascinating. The Grahams made sure to include the audience in a few numbers, particularly "Big Jon." We were all given a lyric sheet and gathered around a microphone to record the acapella song.<br />
<br />
Working on this documentary, even in the small capacity that I did, is a highlight for me. Everyone was so positive and fun to work with. I got to hang out in a historical recording studio that I'd never see otherwise. And, I got to see a group of fine musicians make magic.<br />
<br />
The documentary is being screened around the country now. Rattle The Hocks, as it is called, has a companion soundtrack that is available, as is Glory Bound. If you are a fan of country, roots, or rock music, you should definitely make it a point to check these recording out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5mdbCQOw5XI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5mdbCQOw5XI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-22029772953401036882015-05-24T08:00:00.000-05:002015-05-24T08:00:00.043-05:00Sunday Author Interview: Lela Buis<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBIne6rHP6UtKxaEPPX2NAf7nVy31oHn2vcmW6QJRK5x_X2x9xyC70ebzXGHxZd3Gb1ASlI-vFNIiX8x7NTQX5_hUED0my1m_gkFjUs0AlJml7Lt5QDhvZwfR3oFjz1PxweFq5GuWts0i/s1600/Lela.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBIne6rHP6UtKxaEPPX2NAf7nVy31oHn2vcmW6QJRK5x_X2x9xyC70ebzXGHxZd3Gb1ASlI-vFNIiX8x7NTQX5_hUED0my1m_gkFjUs0AlJml7Lt5QDhvZwfR3oFjz1PxweFq5GuWts0i/s200/Lela.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Please introduce yourself. How long have you been publishing?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hi,
Richard. I'm Lela E. Buis and I published my first story in the science
fiction genre in 1991. I've always been mainly a short story writer,
though I'm now looking at doing some longer works and getting into the
novel market. The end result of being a short story writer, though, is
that I have a stock of old short stories, both published and not.
Nobody much wants reprints, so in order to get these working for me, I
looked at releasing some collections. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Lela%20E.%20Buis&search-alias=digital-text&sort=relevancerank" target="_blank">Buy This Author's Work</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<b>What made you decide to become a self-published author?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
See
above. I've gone both routes. Most of my stories have gone through a
regular publisher, either an anthology or a magazine. These are
intellectual property, though, and most of them are long out of print.
I think they need to be out there working for me now. I'm also pretty
quirky as a writer. A goodly number of the stories I write will never
find a home, for one reason or another. I also think they need to be
out there working for me. The obvious solution is to publish them
myself. <span style="font-size: 12pt;">Life is short. Get on with it. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U34Q0S4nmYe2IsUQ-aQs3xrLqwzalVW70pF-p7EDqUVFEhygLGv7HQ8bER5s5-Arnki-P6drLr-gh_7Dwvk5cTGgAAEJm7Zc7vo9_lj_9Kf0ABScHVT1gBw9yGE4UyjhEd2KVKNuVgaP/s1600/Competitive+Fauna+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8U34Q0S4nmYe2IsUQ-aQs3xrLqwzalVW70pF-p7EDqUVFEhygLGv7HQ8bER5s5-Arnki-P6drLr-gh_7Dwvk5cTGgAAEJm7Zc7vo9_lj_9Kf0ABScHVT1gBw9yGE4UyjhEd2KVKNuVgaP/s1600/Competitive+Fauna+Cover.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Tell us about your latest book.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm
working on publishing a couple of novels, but they're not out yet.
Instead, I have story collections for sale. These collections are
roughly themed. The latest is a collection of lesbian short stories
called Competitive Fauna that you can find at Amazon in e-book format.
It's gotten all five star reviews so far and I'm very pleased with the
reception. The stories aren't just intended for a lesbian audience, and
cross over very well. Check it out!</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Who edits your work?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
edit, so far, which is hard work. It's really difficult to evaluate
your own work. No matter how many times I read through something, there
still seems to be a misspelled word or a missing period somewhere along
the way. I do have beta readers, though. These are friends and family
that I can trust to give me an honest opinion about what I'm writing.
Another way to do this is to attend a writing critique group, but with
my current schedule, I can't seem to fit that in. I'd recommend that
all writers to do this. Even if you publish with an established
publisher, there's less editing and proofreading than there used to be.
If you don't want to be embarrassed, take care of it yourself. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Do you blog? Why or Why not?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
do blog. I think this is important for getting your name out there and
for establishing a brand. There's a noticeable difference in the number
of people who stop by my site if I blog versus don't blog. I also do
guest blogs and invite other writers to post guest blogs on my site.
I've noticed a definite bump in visitors when I do this--either way. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Do you have any certain ideas or ideals that you try to instill in your work?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
didn't start off to include any overarching themes. Now and then I'll
plan something ahead of time, like this story is about bulimic girls,
or this story is about communication, etc. However, looking back over
my body of work, it seems like I write about societal outcasts a lot.
These are the people who are always on the outside and never seem to
fit into a tidy niche. I'm also interested in how they find each other
and how they cope. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Why do you write?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Uh. Just happens. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<b>What would the consequences be of the demise of the traditional bookstore?</b></div>
</div>
<div>
The
poor would have nothing to read. Well, okay, maybe they could still go
to the library. But if the bookstore concept crashes and burns, then
I'd expect libraries to go to e-versions of books soon afterward. Then
you have to have access to a device. All in all, this would portend
another gap between rich and poor. I've recently written a story about
this. The advent of the printing press was important for a reason!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks for reading my books!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For more information on Lela: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Official site: </span><a href="https://lelaebuis.wordpress.com/" style="font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">https://lelaebuis.wordpress.com/</a><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Twitter: </span><a class="DashboardProfileCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex u-linkClean" href="https://twitter.com/LelaEBuis" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: #d02b55; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; outline-color: -moz-use-text-color; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-right: 5px; text-decoration: none ! important;"><span style="color: #d02b55; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="padding-right: 5px;">@</span></span><span class="u-linkComplex-target" style="outline-color: -moz-use-text-color; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; padding-right: 5px; text-decoration: underline ! important;">LelaEBuis</span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lela.buis" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lela.buis</a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Goodreads: </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=lela+E.+Buis" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=lela+E.+Buis</a><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><br id="FontBreak" /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8010%2Fc7b52762-232a-4a69-80dd-6d9fbe740cf1&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8010%2Fc7b52762-232a-4a69-80dd-6d9fbe740cf1&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-52021351670839761882015-05-17T11:35:00.001-05:002015-05-17T11:35:04.675-05:00My Date With John Waters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOQFkP9ss45LqMbhf01nabbKccvvIHBnR-vyL4Sn4NUtsfvkT0C8samA0YJSj7DZ42uCh9GvkAuCrwDqEJPhLadZ4FAop5xaWMGjy-yBA3sX_AU_3GsAHWd35dWsCGdEm0B9DEnVnHcSu/s1600/10408147_10205276405342924_7356596602236360510_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOQFkP9ss45LqMbhf01nabbKccvvIHBnR-vyL4Sn4NUtsfvkT0C8samA0YJSj7DZ42uCh9GvkAuCrwDqEJPhLadZ4FAop5xaWMGjy-yBA3sX_AU_3GsAHWd35dWsCGdEm0B9DEnVnHcSu/s200/10408147_10205276405342924_7356596602236360510_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
As most of you probably know, I am both a filmmaker and a film fan. My tastes range from the classics to cheap exploitation. While my favorite director of all time is David Lynch, I am not sure that I would ever want to meet him. He seems to have his own M.O.: modus operandi. I don't know that we would be able to have an conversation in the same realm of existence.<br />
<br />
One director that I have always wanted to meet is John Waters. I admit that I found him through his later work first. Some friends introduced me to the movie <i>Pecker</i>, which I found to be charming and quirky. It made me laugh, but I didn't think that much more about it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFdbDinwc4BPfgeIYweHmp_iVA-HbTI8ez5ArIfIacVyC-mBHpP6AixG6Yifv7CJ94lOGcu5V_MJKvqMUy8ZEBJRczhBkXQbsbZ7RNKgaMXUvRT1jHMNMT2peoK9QNrDYqN9iwp7EK6JX/s1600/desperate+living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFdbDinwc4BPfgeIYweHmp_iVA-HbTI8ez5ArIfIacVyC-mBHpP6AixG6Yifv7CJ94lOGcu5V_MJKvqMUy8ZEBJRczhBkXQbsbZ7RNKgaMXUvRT1jHMNMT2peoK9QNrDYqN9iwp7EK6JX/s200/desperate+living.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
One summer night, I stopped by the now defunct Black Lodge Video. Black Lodge was a truly magical video store that stocked the most bizarre films on Earth. I would go in and tell the owners "Put something in my hand." Whatever films they chose were fantastic. On this night, I decided I needed to see a John Waters movie. I went in, told them I wanted to watch John Waters, and left with a copy of <i>Desperate Living</i>. During the opening scene, Mink Stole, playing an insane housewife, has paranoid delusions. She screams at the children for breaking a window, yells at a wrong number, and ultimately murders her husband. I knew in the first five minutes that I was hooked.<br />
<br />
When I returned <i>Desperate Living</i>, I grabbed the film Waters is most known (reviled?) for: <i>Pink Flamingos</i>. Once again Mink Stole was there as Peggy Gravel. She, along with her husband, attempted to steal the title of "Filthiest People Alive" from the movie's star: Divine. I couldn't believe what I was watching. The film, shot on 16mm, was gritty and poorly edited. It had a very amateur quality; these were definitely not professional actors. However, none of that mattered. The story and the characters were so alive and so different. I was amazed.<br />
<br />
At some point, I decided to stop renting Waters' movies and bought them for my own. It was then that I discovered one of my favorite aspects of his films: his commentaries. Listening to him talk about the insanity that played on screen was a terrific experience. He is so charming, full of life, and has a love for everyone on camera. I quickly learned how obsessive he can be, and how real life events inspire him. His love of crime, fashion, art- he discusses all of this in great detail. Mainly, what I took away from these tracks was that these weren't only movies to him. They were time capsules of an era that he shared with his friends. That really stuck with me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb0aYyieAWCbe1j9qcMIEVIaONgQzX1qnMrnH1ac5ZtTso69fhTT1816ZU0o5kNajfJ1l4VrlK-xvEqEQ7I3j0TtRfOCSPlSCpc_ZWut8ogIPh_TWT1EhMkP4S3O3JAYM4h8EYe4MRKqz/s1600/carsick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb0aYyieAWCbe1j9qcMIEVIaONgQzX1qnMrnH1ac5ZtTso69fhTT1816ZU0o5kNajfJ1l4VrlK-xvEqEQ7I3j0TtRfOCSPlSCpc_ZWut8ogIPh_TWT1EhMkP4S3O3JAYM4h8EYe4MRKqz/s200/carsick.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
Once I finished his films, I began reading his books. He has published several over the past thirty years or so. His latest, <i>Carsick</i>, documents his travels as a cross country hitchhiker. Hitching rides was something that he had regularly done in his youth, and this book is a document about what it would be like at age 68. The first part is his ultimate fantasy of how it could go. The second recounts a nightmare with the worst possible outcomes. The third is the actual account. While not as bizarre as the other two sections, the reality is still compelling in a way that only a John Waters adventure could be.<br />
<br />
<i>Carsick</i>, like all of his books, is really an excuse for Waters to delve into the celebrities and music that he loves. The fictional sections are filled with obscure pop culture references, B grade entertainers, and each lists the best and worst playlist of songs that Waters can imagine. I can only dream of the script this could have turned into, had someone been willing to pony up the money.<br />
<br />
These days, Waters spends his time writing and doing his one man show, <i>This Filthy World</i>. Last month, the show came to Little Rock, Arkansas for their annual literary festival. A couple of weeks previously, he had been signing books in Oxford, MS. I was not able to go, and feared that I had missed a chance to ever meet him in person. Luckily, my girlfriend surprised me with tickets to the show in Arkansas.<br />
<br />
We drove two hours away, and spent the day walking around downtown. Unlike the book festival in Nashville, this one was inside various buildings with no real central hub. Frankly, it was difficult to find events that were happening. We spent most of our time sight seeing and getting food.<br />
<br />
We found the Ron Robinson Theater as soon as we arrived to make sure we wouldn't be late. The theater is smaller, seating around 350 people. Every seat was a good one, ensuring an intimate experience. We took our seats, and patiently waited for the show to start. The stage was empty, save one pot to stage right of pussy willows. Great touch!<br />
<br />
While we waited, we made friends with a drunken lesbian couple who also happened to be from Memphis. They were funny and chatty, and very excited to see Waters. They even looked us up on Facebook and "friended" us while we waited!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgFkL2lyX-jWnUjm84w9bJ_VQqivrrcixABA8HTdxHWfU0cw7LnM6PZG3snMQE8BNh074iCWNjBkOTU7b-sDfMIouIRHCS5lClv9wPxuKoV7gES8ei51Gl70INFdpMjoFOXVMMDL5XcF-/s1600/world_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgFkL2lyX-jWnUjm84w9bJ_VQqivrrcixABA8HTdxHWfU0cw7LnM6PZG3snMQE8BNh074iCWNjBkOTU7b-sDfMIouIRHCS5lClv9wPxuKoV7gES8ei51Gl70INFdpMjoFOXVMMDL5XcF-/s200/world_1.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
Finally, John Waters came out to a packed house. I couldn't believe that I was seeing him in person; a mere thirty feet or so away. He got a standing ovation before even saying a word; a point he jokingly commented on. For the next two hours, he discussed his films, Justin Bieber (he's a Belieber!), punk band names based on bodily functions, current events, and his new book. He was just as charming and lively as I had hoped. The audience was in stitches (much like the seams of his suit) all night, and gave him a rousing round of applause.<br />
<br />
Before we left the house, I had thought about bringing my copy of <i>Carsick</i> for him to sign. I had also thought about bringing a copy of <i>The Check Out</i> to give to him. I decided against it, since I wasn't sure he would actually do a signing afterward. Of course, in the first few minutes on stage, he announced that he would sign and take photos after the show. Luckily, there were copies of his book on hand. I had gotten <i>Carsick</i> as an ARC, so it hadn't cost me anything. I gladly bought another.<br />
<br />
The line was insanely long, but everyone was in good spirits. Waters had a table set up and an assistant that took photos for the audience. He was very nice and spoke briefly to everyone. He did seem a bit worn out by the end of the night. I imagine he arrived that morning and was probably leaving that night. I thanked him for allowing us to have that moment. To him, it was just another gig. To me, and the rest of the crowd, it meant something more.<br />
<br />
Thanks, John Waters! You'll never be convicted of asshole-ism!<br />
<br />
<br />
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8010%2F67f3e752-84aa-41a9-914e-9c80be5d62b4&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8010%2F67f3e752-84aa-41a9-914e-9c80be5d62b4&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-81285883660844172232015-05-10T00:00:00.000-05:002015-05-10T00:00:04.717-05:00Sunday Author Interview: Robert Michael<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8XYkGokRErACMedvOdUWoK3nAvPZW1XegENqZ-4bu2qkLFMO-IugG7UTGIDFZ_-pnlP2KBBF_20G5SVhhK5eRZAoUZHH3oKqfRAcBK9DQZhvrhOI5MmsYsBno7Q6MdxslxoGNh2p8Ttu/s1600/Author+Photo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8XYkGokRErACMedvOdUWoK3nAvPZW1XegENqZ-4bu2qkLFMO-IugG7UTGIDFZ_-pnlP2KBBF_20G5SVhhK5eRZAoUZHH3oKqfRAcBK9DQZhvrhOI5MmsYsBno7Q6MdxslxoGNh2p8Ttu/s1600/Author+Photo.png" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>Please introduce yourself.</b><br />
<br />
My name is Robert Michael, and I am terrible at about me’s. <br />
<br />
<b>How long have you been publishing?</b><br />
<br />
I’m fresh to the field, having published my first novel in December of 2014<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R3QZHFW" target="_blank">Buy This Author's Work</a><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Tell us about your latest book. </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcC20neZchU54S6UxQY9zHmUs7PGOlOzljXegpGeQevzKBBne4RvjSsBEWG_nd7LEXHXxCqP9u3SogNLW8zCETs3xsIIeLTcSyPiu_ubkGfJwzAGekTysm-aZGKe1UNJsVCj2oJYgUdEZ/s1600/The+Dalia+and+the+Dilemma+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcC20neZchU54S6UxQY9zHmUs7PGOlOzljXegpGeQevzKBBne4RvjSsBEWG_nd7LEXHXxCqP9u3SogNLW8zCETs3xsIIeLTcSyPiu_ubkGfJwzAGekTysm-aZGKe1UNJsVCj2oJYgUdEZ/s1600/The+Dalia+and+the+Dilemma+Cover.jpg" height="200" width="125" /></a></div>
The
Dalia and the Dilemma is my next book to be published. It is about a
man responsible for bringing about the end of the world and what he must
do to try and stop it. During his arduous quest, he falls in love.
Having never experienced love, he questions everything he has ever
known, including whether or not the apocalypse was his destiny,
foreshadowing his fate. <br />
<br />
The novel is unconventional. Many of my
reviewers have claimed that while they thoroughly enjoyed the book, the
work is unlike anything they’ve ever read. This is likely because of the
writing style. There is poetry and pacing to the book that allows it to
flow from one paragraph to the other. I’m proud to say that the book is
amorous, decadent and original. <br />
<br />
<b>Who are your major influences?</b><br />
<br />
It
varies from book to book. I feel I have two separate styles. One leans
more on entertainment, the other is literary. That said, on the
entertainment side, I’d say Quentin Tarantino and the Cohen Brothers are
big influences with regard to their storytelling and character
development. On the literary side, I’d say it is a culmination of
different works. Khalil Gibran, the Bible, Shakespeare. The influences
will vary depending on what I’m trying to write. Music is also a big
influence. I try to listen to Original Soundtracks or Scores as they
help me set the tone for my work. The Dalia and the Dilemma leans heavy
on Clint Mansell’s soundtrack for The Fountain, whereas my published
novel The Retirement of Coconut Jim features popular music from the
Vietnam era. <br />
<br />
<b>Is writing your full time career?</b><br />
<br />
Writing is a passion.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you see writing as a hobby or career?</b><br />
<br />
I
see writing as a creative outlet, and I mean that in the literal sense.
Writing/reading is a way for people to disconnect from where they are
and plug into somewhere else. Instantly. I prefer to think of it as a
hobby, because hobbies are fun.<br />
<br />
<b>What made you decide to become a self published author?</b><br />
<br />
I
wanted the control over my work. I feel my work is good enough to stand
on its own merits. It’s not to say that I wouldn't consider offers to
have someone else publish me, it’s just that I believe in what I've
written. Given a chance, I feel people would be fascinated by my work. <br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Do you feel that your material is different than traditionally published authors?</b><br />
<br />
Absolutely. And I've been told that. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Do you deal with issues that traditional publishers don't normally touch?</b><br />
<br />
I
love to deal with non-traditional issues. No issue is taboo for me.
When you take a step back and look at the bigger picture of everything,
you realize that everyone has their own thing. Some people like lakes.
Others like oceans. Some people like Condos, others prefer mansions.
It’s not to say that any of these things are better than the other.
Rather, they are unique to each person. So why would novels be any
different? The challenge is that people enjoy mainstream because
mainstream is comfortable. To use another water example, it’s like going
down a main river versus trying a rapids. One is very comfortable and
safe, the other gets your heart pounding. I like my work to make your
pulse thump. So if that means creating characters or scenarios that are
uncomfortable, it’s ok. Because what may turn one person off, makes
another’s day. Or, better still, what once was taboo, now is interesting
and becomes mainstream. I won’t do a plug for the book but thanks to a
certain author, handcuffs and spanking has never been more popular. What
was once taboo…<br />
<br />
<b>Who edits your work?</b><br />
<br />
I use a
lot of Beta readers for finding things like plot holes, inconsistencies
and general feedback. I use Goodreads recommendations for finding
editors that will fix up grammar, sentence structure and all that “fun”
stuff. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Who does the covers to your books? </b><br />
<br />
I found one person via Fiverr for The Retirement of Coconut Jim. The Dalia and the Dilemma cover is my own. <br />
<br />
<b>What are you willing to spend money on, as a writer? What aren't you?</b><br />
<br />
I’m
willing to spend money on editing and cover design. Marketing is
something that I feel isn’t worth the investment, at least at the
moment. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favorite part of being self published?</b><br />
<br />
I control the flow of my material. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What is your least favorite?</b><br />
<br />
The unstable income. <br />
<br />
<b>Do you do your own promotion, or hire someone?</b><br />
<br />
I do my own. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What has been the most productive tool for promoting your book?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Facebook
is great to let family and friends know what you’re up to. Tumblr,
Twitter and Instagram are good to get new readers. Youtube (book
trailers) tends to lend credibility to your work. <br />
<br />
<b>Do you have Facebook/Twitter? How effective are they as promotional tools?</b><br />
Yes.
They certainly help attract followers and bring attention to the
novels. However, they aren’t the best at closing the sale.<br />
<br />
<b>What is the most important piece of advice you can give someone just starting out in self publishing?</b><br />
<br />
Yes,
you can do it. No, it’s not going to make you a millionaire overnight.
No, you will probably not be the exception. None of that matters though.
You wrote a book because you love to write, not make money. <br />
<br />
<b>If a publisher came knocking, would you make the switch? Why or why not?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
They
would have to have some very appealing terms. If a publisher wants to
work with you, you’re doing something right and they know that in time,
their investment in you will pay off. Why make the switch? Well,
everything from an advance to negotiating future books, they promote
you, credibility, there are lots of reasons to switch. So long as you’re
switching for the right reasons, I’d consider it. <br />
<br />
<b>What other creative outlets do you have? Music, film, etc?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Film. I have my own film company and have produced various media. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What does your family think of your writing career?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
They are very supportive. But I’d still do it, even if the weren't.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How important are reviews to making sales?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Reviews
are imperative. Think about a restaurant you've wanted to try, but you
can’t find any reviews on it. How comfortable do you feel spending money
there? The same goes with a book.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How do you deal with bad reviews?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
It
depends on what the reviewer has to say. There’s always room for
improvement. Negative reviews/cruel reviews that are bitter just to be
bitter I ignore. It’s easy to tear a book apart. I challenge those same
people to write a book of their own.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Do you also review other writers?</b><br />
<br />
I do. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>How do you give a bad review?</b><br />
<br />
I
don’t. I focus on what worked for me. If there were things that I
didn’t understand, or that confused me, I’ll state that. If there was
serious grammar errors, I’ll suggest the author look for a new editor.
But to say something is “bad” just because I don’t like it isn’t helpful
to the author. You want people to improve on their next work. You want
to encourage people. To do that, constructive criticism is best.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What changes would you like to see in the self publishing industry?</b><br />
<br />
I’d
like people to value it more. There are gems out there, you just have
to find them. Another reason for the importance of reviews. <br />
<br />
<b>Do you participate in Amazon's KDP Select program? Why or Why not?</b><br />
<br />
I did. I felt it was useful for the holidays. People have more time to read.<br />
<br />
<b>What would you like average readers to know about self publishing?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Just
like small businesses, every little bit helps. Often time books are
listed for $.99. Spare a dollar, read a good book and write a review and
spread the word. It will make an authors day. It really will. And
you’ll be helping the economy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What's the biggest frustration with being a self published writer?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Defining what success means to you, then finding that path. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Do you write to music? If so, what kind?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Yes.
That depends on the scene and book I’m writing. As stated earlier, I’ll
write to a score or an original soundtrack. Sometimes I like to turn to
Spotify or Pandora and explore the music. I like violins and pianos,
dark melodies and deep lyrics for literary work. For the entertainment
novels, I feel popular music is best. My sister is an expert at
determining music trends and has often predicted an artists rise to
success. So I skim some tracks off of her playlist. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Could any of your books be made into films?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
YES!
The Retirement of Coconut Jim was actually a screenplay before I
adapted it into a novel. But the Dalia and the Dilemma is going to be
the novel that changes the way books are turned into movies. The moment I
am in a position to start negotiating movie rights for the Dalia will
be the moment that I make history as both a film maker and a novelist.
Buy the Dalia, leave a review and help me make it happen!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What actors would play your characters?</b><br />
<br />
Funny you should ask. Because I just so happen to have a cast list for the Retirement of Coconut Jim at - <a href="http://theretirementofcoconutjim.tumblr.com/cast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://theretirementofcoconutjim.tumb...</a><br />
<br />
The actors would never agree to what I’d what them to do for the Dalia and the Dilemma. Just for kicks however….<br />
<br />
Sir - Colton Haynes/Theo James<br />
Lovely - Shailene Woodley/Kristen Stewart The Dalia - Willem Dafoe/Gary Oldman <br />
Sanders - Donald Sutherland/Christopher Lee <br />
<br />
<b>Do you go to writing conventions? Why or why not?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I’d like to. I haven’t yet. <br />
<br />
<b>Do you blog? Why or Why not?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I vlog. Last year I tested out some things with length, editing etc.
Starting April when I publish the Dalia, I’ll be doing a vlog every few
days. However, my Instagram is utilized daily. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Do you have any certain ideas or ideals that you try to instill in your work?</b><br />
<br />
Philosophy.
Love. Luxury. Minimalism. Art. I enjoy exploring the human experience.
It’s important for me to have characters. Flawed, terrible, wonderful
vivid characters. But the most important thing I instill in all of my
work is growth. Every character grows or evolves in their own way. <br />
<br />
<b>Why do you write?</b><br />
<br />
Because it costs too much to make movies. <br />
<br />
<b>If you had to stop writing tomorrow, what would you do?</b><br />
<br />
I would close my eyes and dream forever. <br />
<br />
<b>Does self publishing carry a stigma?</b><br />
<br />
Sometimes.
It’s hard to get people to take you seriously. I’d receive a much
bigger uptick in sales if I said “Penguin Publishing bought the rights
to my book! Check it out.” It’s bizarre. People would be willing to give
money to the publishers based on nothing more than a name and the word
“publishing” after it, rather than give the money directly to the
author. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What would you like readers to know about you from your work?</b><br />
<br />
I
want people to know that all growth requires darkness. Everything that
is beautiful was once ugly. Challenges are nothing more than tears in
sinew, facilitating muscles. <br />
<br />
<b>If you could talk shop with any other author, who would it be?</b><br />
<br />
Steven King. <br />
<br />
<b>What have you learned from reading other people's work?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
A lot of stories are similar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Do you read more ebooks or physical copies? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Ebooks. Though if I like something, I’ll get physical. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Do you think the traditional publishing format is an endangered species?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Nope. In fact, traditional publishing is about to turn into something totally different once Hollywood sinks it’s claws in. <br />
<br />
<b>What would the consequences be of the demise of the traditional bookstore?</b><br />
<br />
Every
consequence has a benefit. The real question is, given the demise of
the traditional bookstore, would it be helpful to authors, or hurtful. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Links and Social Media <br />
<br />
Instagram - <a href="https://instagram.com/robert.michael/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://instagram.com/robert.michael/</a><br />
Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertMSolomon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/RobertMSolomon</a><br />
Author Website - <a href="http://robertmichaelofficial.tumblr.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://robertmichaelofficial.tumblr.com/</a><br />
<br />
The Dalia and the Dilemma Excerpts and Trailer - <a href="http://thedaliaandthedilemma.tumblr.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://thedaliaandthedilemma.tumblr.com/</a><br />
<br />
The Retirement of Coconut Jim on Amazon - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R3QZHFW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R3QZHFW</a><br />
The Retirement of Coconut Jim Cast and Soundtrack - <a href="http://theretirementofcoconutjim.tumblr.com/cast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://theretirementofcoconutjim.tumb...</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-69636719990885821742015-05-03T00:00:00.000-05:002015-05-03T00:00:01.570-05:00Sunday Author Interview: Tom Mykytiuk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oOJZYnJFhVizrD8HeA2uBtRRKSAjsLtJmyXogeI5g00eMa-wk6TavNORnYLlQrgs6Bvc4ziHehgsG2bYa4nbYIkvDerpGLPPi6lqnunIlERZWG5Zei1RseU6Sl_IswlpUdxgVPBR7Jcf/s1600/11004186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oOJZYnJFhVizrD8HeA2uBtRRKSAjsLtJmyXogeI5g00eMa-wk6TavNORnYLlQrgs6Bvc4ziHehgsG2bYa4nbYIkvDerpGLPPi6lqnunIlERZWG5Zei1RseU6Sl_IswlpUdxgVPBR7Jcf/s1600/11004186.jpg" height="186" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Please introduce yourself.</b><br />
<br />
I am a recently retired Army officer who
has always enjoyed writing fiction. I spent 25 years in the Infantry,
and now I have more time to devote to the craft. I used to write short
stories, but eventually took on a full length novel. <br />
<br />
<b>How long have you been publishing?</b><br />
<br />
Since September 2014. The Beaten Zone was my first book.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NJSEJ6G">Buy This Author's Work On Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Tell us about your latest book. </b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ5kOGobv2gO5TE2kRGrAsaN-cRQ7h7yeaF7EDGTZxn4YE-lgHFJAAVZhMxbslPDcT0kCSlDP_zOqBoFIOPDL2lpZ5YHpSVV0v6t0yb-9ixi7CdySIEJ2hEEgpncCwBufumgQ8PyMAxyb/s1600/23960546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ5kOGobv2gO5TE2kRGrAsaN-cRQ7h7yeaF7EDGTZxn4YE-lgHFJAAVZhMxbslPDcT0kCSlDP_zOqBoFIOPDL2lpZ5YHpSVV0v6t0yb-9ixi7CdySIEJ2hEEgpncCwBufumgQ8PyMAxyb/s1600/23960546.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><br />
I am working on another Cole Samson adventure. Cole and his team made their debut in The Beaten Zone. I hope to have the second novel out by July 2015.<br />
<br />
<b>Who are your major influences?</b><br />
<br />
Steven King, John le Carre, Nikos Kazantikus, and Ray Bradbury. <br />
<br />
<b>Is writing your full time career?</b><br />
<br />
I wouldn't call it a career. It’s my pastime/hobby/obsession.<br />
<br />
<b>What made you decide to become a self published author? </b><br />
<br />
I
wanted to get my book out there and the traditional route looked like a
long and frustrating road. I may give it a try with my second book. But
we all know traditional publishing is about what sells, not about how
good a writer you are. <br />
<br />
<b>Do you feel that your material is different than traditionally published authors? </b><br />
<br />
I don’t make a distinction. Writers are writers.<br />
<br />
<b>What are you willing to spend money on, as a writer? What aren't you? </b><br />
<br />
You
have to invest some money into your books to make it a good product. I
spend money on the cover, good editing and formatting, and some
marketing.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your favorite part of being self published? </b><br />
<br />
Total control over my work.<br />
<br />
<b>What is your least favorite?</b><br />
<br />
Marketing<br />
<br />
<b>Do you do your own promotion, or hire someone? </b><br />
<br />
A
bit of both. I publish on Kindle Direct, so there are some built in
promotional options. Otherwise, I use popular websites that market
e-books.<br />
<br />
<b>What is the most important piece of advice you can give someone just starting out in self publishing?</b><br />
<br />
Just keep going. There are many distractions along this road, and
everybody is offering advice, or promotions if you buy their package for
a mere $25.00, with an additional $10.00 for priority advertising and
blah, blah, blah.. Put your head down and just write books. Eventually,
you will build an audience.<br />
<br />
<b>If a publisher came knocking, would you make the switch? Why or why not? </b><br />
<br />
Sure. It would mean wider and better exposure. <br />
<br />
<b>Do you participate in Amazon's KDP Select program? Why or Why not? </b><br />
<br />
Yes. But I am going to go a bit wider with my next book to get more exposure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Do you blog? Why or Why not? </b><br />
<br />
Yes
I have a blog because it was what ‘the expert” recommended. I think it
is more a distraction from writing, so I don’t blog regularly. <a href="http://tnmmykytiukwriter.blogspot.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tnmmykytiukwriter.blogspot.ca/</a><br />
<br />
<b>Does self publishing carry a stigma? </b><br />
<br />
Not
anymore. But I think people are more reluctant to buy books from indie
authors until they have proven themselves. Getting published by a
publishing company, offers a bit if validation to the reader. They think
the book will be good because it has passed the publishing test.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you read more ebooks or physical copies? </b><br />
<br />
I prefer physical books, but I am an old school luddite. My kids are way more comfortable with e-books.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you think the traditional publishing format is an endangered species? </b><br />
<br />
Not yet, but its coming, I think.<br />
<br />
<b>What would the consequences be of the demise of the traditional bookstore? </b><br />
<br />
The end of something wonderful. But I am old school, as I said.<br />
<br />
For More On the Author:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11004186.Tom_Mykytiukhttps">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11004186.Tom_Mykytiukhttps</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tom-Mykytiuk/e/B00QLJ4HXA">http://www.amazon.com/Tom-Mykytiuk/e/B00QLJ4HXA</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2F772508a8-0278-4e97-b036-8f325197a46a&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2F772508a8-0278-4e97-b036-8f325197a46a&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>Richard A Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114460215505683869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-26670920660954395672015-04-26T00:00:00.000-05:002015-04-26T00:00:03.946-05:00Sunday Author Interview: Angel M.B. Chadwick<div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlNLIKeHb6Zqp-r2tcJU6iwnXp0XmauzJPbEAJ1Q3UuA6Nv2Bzwl39rIFdZxdeAPey4kYOL9GnwGaETR3rKk7hRiFIANZDSj962x4WdPecgx3TtWSdEn9mih9MojsDRYmQYyOyRUyjV2d/s1600/angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlNLIKeHb6Zqp-r2tcJU6iwnXp0XmauzJPbEAJ1Q3UuA6Nv2Bzwl39rIFdZxdeAPey4kYOL9GnwGaETR3rKk7hRiFIANZDSj962x4WdPecgx3TtWSdEn9mih9MojsDRYmQYyOyRUyjV2d/s1600/angel.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Please introduce yourself.</b></span><br />
<br />
Hi, my name is Angel M.B. Chadwick</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>How long have you been publishing?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since I could write, when I was thirteen, 24 years. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00O4KZI8Q" target="_blank">Buy This Author's Work On Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tell us about your latest book.</b></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5c5yu-8aknaRXYgbW8B8qco2ra7gQV8OPzVtRh1N3VMVBfTwitA6JgL-nqkaj2twFz9cZEEyuPLy2uQY11cwOzNOVkBPf7HrRRQkN_LDfvkYJCp8NN5mv-A7CAz-WEKYkRg2MrG5iCYr/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5c5yu-8aknaRXYgbW8B8qco2ra7gQV8OPzVtRh1N3VMVBfTwitA6JgL-nqkaj2twFz9cZEEyuPLy2uQY11cwOzNOVkBPf7HrRRQkN_LDfvkYJCp8NN5mv-A7CAz-WEKYkRg2MrG5iCYr/s1600/cover.jpg" /></a></div>
My
nonfiction-memoir poetry book "Corridors of My Mind," is about my life
starting from adulthood backward to teen years, about the dark places
in my life and the inner strength and wisdom I learned from it all.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Who are your major influences?</b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Edgar Allan Poe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Mark Twain, William Faulkner to name a few.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Is writing your full time career?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you see writing as a hobby or career?</b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
It is a career and it has always been from the beginning, since I was thirteen years old.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What made you decide to become a self published author?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My
college journalism teacher who had no belief that I would make it as an
independent author. I was writing for the college newspaper and the
yearbook and saw my work edited so much that not one word was mine. I
told my professor I have a real talent at writing. Why keep writing for
a newspaper where no one hears or sees my words, it's like putting my
voice in the shadows? She told me that is the way publishing is. I told
her well "I don't want any part of the traditionally published world."
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She said "you'll never make it." I said
"we'll see, you haven't heard the last of me." Also I got tired of
promoting my work to traditional publishers who always had nice things
to say like "you have a unique insight in to mankind," which a took as
a compliment but also a cursed blessing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
was also tired of years and years of waiting like a star struck idiot
for a big publisher to shine their light on me and publish me. So indie
has always been the way to go for me.</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Did you workshop your writing in class? </b></span></span><br />
<br />
Yes, but, people only wanted to use me when they found out I could write.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you feel that your material is different than traditionally published authors?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Absolutely.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you deal with issues that traditional publishers don't normally touch?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes,
I promote myself entirely. I do wear all the hats of a publisher,
editor, covers etc. You name it. I am the one doing it all and
have the experience to do it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Who edits your work?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I do.</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Who does the covers to your books?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I do</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What is your favorite part of being self published?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Being an indie and every challenge that comes with it is my favorite part.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What has been the most productive tool for promoting your book?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Goodreads, Twitter, Wattpad, Facebook, word of mouth, to name a few.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you have Facebook/Twitter? How effective are they as promotional tools?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, I have both. I have 874 followers on Twitter. 404 likes on Facebook and still counting.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What is the most important piece of advice you can give someone just starting out in self publishing?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To be an indie you must work hard and be a die hard. Be willing to be fully committed and all that entails.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>What is the most helpful advice or bit of knowledge that you've been
given as a writer? </b></span></span><br />
<br />
That I have a gift and there will always be haters.</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>If a publisher came knocking, would you make the switch? Why or why not?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No,
because I have been traditionally published before first as a teen and
then as a young adult in my early twenties. I had a publishing
contract offered to me when I was fifteen by Harlequin (of course they
didn't know I was fifteen when I submitted my work to them) my mother
told me to take it. I turned it down. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What other creative outlets do you have? Music, film, etc?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My
eight year old son, who is autistic nonverbal and making progress every day, an overachiever and an extremely hard work. He is my hero.
He is the reason why I finally had the courage to reveal my writing as
an independent author. How brave he is every day, the challenges he
overcomes daily. If he can do it, I can do it no matter the naysayers.
Heavy metal, rock, classical, indie films, life.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What does your family think of your writing career?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They support it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>How important are reviews to making sales?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Very important. Anyone who says it isn't is a liar.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>How do you deal with bad reviews?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am empowered by them. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you also review other writers?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, always.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>How do you give a bad review?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am brutally honest and matter of fact but, never cut the author down. I am tactful but, don't sugar coat. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What changes would you like to see in the self publishing industry?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For
traditionally published to stop alienating us, stop calling us
"nontraditional" and to not belittle us or our work, to give us a
chance we may surprise you.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you participate in Amazon's KDP Select program? Why or Why not? </b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes. To help with more exposure for my books.</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What's the biggest frustration with being a self published writer?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bigotry
of all kinds, me being female, an indie author, people thinking because
I'm an indie author that I have never been published traditionally
before an that I have no talent and that this is my first work, when
people don't even take the time to read your bio to know anything about
you and review your work any way also without ever reading it
thoroughly.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you write to music? If so, what kind?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, I have. Heavy metal or rock, pop rock or punk rock mostly. No rap. I don't listen to rap.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Could any of your books be made into films?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, particularly my next book, a novel "Weeping Well."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What actors would play your characters?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Julianne Moore, Molly Quinn, Kellan Lutz, Anthony Hopkins<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you go to writing conventions? Why or why not?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you blog? Why or Why not?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Only on Goodreads.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Why do you write?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have a true love of the craft.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>If you had to stop writing tomorrow, what would you do?</b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Entrepreneur,
promoting my business ideas and patenting them for disabled and needy
families, directing, producing which is in the works.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Does self publishing carry a stigma?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes.</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you think the traditional publishing format is an endangered species?</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No.<br />
<br />
For More About The Author:<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/angel.chadwick.10"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/angel.chadwick.10</span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://twitter.com/chadwick_angel"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">twitter.com/chadwick_angel</span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00O4KZI8Q">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00O4KZI8Q</a>
-Amazon Author Page</span></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00NLOM0HI?*Version*=1&*entries*=0"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">http://www.amazon.in/gp/product/B00NLOM0HI?*Version*=1&*entries*=0</span></a></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NLOM0HI"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NLOM0HI</span></a></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NLOM0HI?*Version*=1&*entries*=0"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NLOM0HI?*Version*=1&*entries*=0</span></a></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00NLOM0HI?*Version*=1&*entries*=0"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00NLOM0HI?*Version*=1&*entries*=0</span></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00NLOM0HI?*Version*=1&*entries*=0"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">http://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B00NLOM0HI?*Version*=1&*entries*=0</span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
</div>
<div class="gmail_extra">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-8950780471518556612015-04-22T07:00:00.000-05:002015-04-22T07:00:06.285-05:00Movie Poop Shoot!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8eSd5Nq1L_flSLMar9UsU70Dh9-0Bs7iAxAYYLYEgW8xdhwvtsPnIkruK-orT2UTsBBTRGnOgf2zwtN2uMwWvi_L-9XaiEU_1aoD9u56jzjy2HLGm2sAQRvy3mcvgSr9zFOvYo5HnSFu/s1600/mpaa_preview1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8eSd5Nq1L_flSLMar9UsU70Dh9-0Bs7iAxAYYLYEgW8xdhwvtsPnIkruK-orT2UTsBBTRGnOgf2zwtN2uMwWvi_L-9XaiEU_1aoD9u56jzjy2HLGm2sAQRvy3mcvgSr9zFOvYo5HnSFu/s1600/mpaa_preview1.jpg" height="113" width="200" /></a></div>
As most of you know, I am a filmmaker and film fan. My tastes range from the obscure horror film to the occasional blockbuster. To be honest, I'm not very likely to be found in a theater watching the latest big budget spectacle. Marvel may get me in there every once in a while, but most other studios just don't put out product that interests me very often.<br />
<br />
With that in mind, I'm taking a look at some of the latest trailers for upcoming films. I have to say that I'm not very excited by what's being offered.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</b></span><br />
<br />
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ngElkyQ6Rhs" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
When the teaser trailer first appeared, I was cautiously interested. I was disappointed that there were no familiar faces in that version. Aside from the Falcon, there was nothing to let me know that The Force Awakens wasn't another prequel. The newest trailer finally gives us a glance at some of our beloved characters.<br />
<br />
I have to say that I am still cautiously optimistic about this film. I have seen the original Star Wars trilogy dozens of times (like everyone else my age.) I enjoy each of the movies, but I am not at all a die hard fan. Like most people, I was tricked into seeing the prequels in the theater. Every one of them left a bad taste in my mouth.<br />
<br />
As for the director, I have kind of a love/hate thing for Abrams. I loved the first Trek reboot. (Full disclosure: I'm a Trekkie.) Into Darkness, however, was absolutely awful. I could go on a full diatribe about it, but I'll spare you. I'm not fully sold on Abrams, but the trailer does make it seem like he was the right choice.<br />
<br />
Overall, this is the movie I'm most excited about seeing in the coming months. It's been a long time since I really enjoyed Star Wars. I'm hoping this one finally gets it right.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jurassic World</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RFinNxS5KN4" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<br />
The original Jurassic Park is one of my all time favorite popcorn movies. I remember going to the theater to see it when I was a teenager and being blown away. For me, it hit all the marks of a good film: it relied on interesting characters, slowly built to ease you into the outlandish concept, turned up the suspense, and had a compelling philosophical question. To this day, I watch Jurassic Park a few times a year. The special effects still hold up; a real testament to the tasteful execution of Spielberg and his team. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the movie's success ensured that there would be the inevitable sequels. Neither of them could hold a candle to the first. I believe I saw part 2 one time. I didn't even make it through the third one at all.<br />
<br />
I can't really imagine why, but Hollywood has decided to unleash another film in the franchise. According to the trailer, there is a whole, functional park full of dinosaurs that perform tricks and amuse their human audience. As to be expected, something goes wrong and the creatures rampage.<br />
<br />
I don't really know why they made this movie. Interest in this series seems to be fairly low, and the plot for it seems completely unoriginal.Seriously, after everything that happened in the other films, why would someone decide it would be okay to open this park? The trailer feels more like a waiter attempting to find the person who ordered a meal rather than a true blockbuster event. Chris Pratt, who I normally like, even seems bored in this one. I think I'd rather stay home opening night and rewatch the first.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ant Man</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pWdKf3MneyI" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<br />
Releasing a movie based on a character no one really remembers, especially one called "Ant Man," takes some real guts. However, creating bankable films on obscure properties has become Marvel's specialty. I was initially excited by the movie when I heard that Edgar Wright was going to direct. I love his Cornetto trilogy, and really felt like he could make this movie entertaining. Once it was announced that he dropped out, my hopes were kind of dashed. I am still kind of bummed about it.<br />
<br />
This trailer does go a long way to selling me on the movie. Paul Rudd is a favorite of mine, so that's one in their favor. It also appears that the studio is playing on the comedic aspects of the concept; another score. (I don't know how you could do "Ant Man" in a gritty style, but I'm glad they didn't try.) I don't know if this is going to be the monster hit that Guardians was, but I'm willing to give this one a shot. People were skeptical of the first Iron Man film, and we see how that turned out. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Batman Vs Superman</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xe1LrMqURuw" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
If you are a fan of Man of Steel or Zack Snyder, you can go ahead and skip this one. I'm not going to say nice things about either.<br />
<br />
Zack Snyder, in my opinion, is one of the worst directors working in Hollywood today. He is all style, with no concept of substance. His films are surface level, flashy, and ultimately, forgettable. Why Warner and DC have decided to hand him their entire superhero franchise is absolutely beyond me.<br />
<br />
The original Superman films are in my favorites list. Well, the first two, at least. Superman Returns was a huge let down that derailed two franchises for a while. (Glad they got X men back on track!) The Christopher Nolan Batman films were amazing, even if they established that everything has to be "dark and gritty" from now on.<br />
<br />
DC and Warner Brothers were riding pretty damn high on The Dark Knight's success when Marvel came from nowhere to blow them out of the water. They had to get a similar plan on tap, and quickly, lest they be forgotten. Unfortunately, it seems like they haphazardly slapped something together and handed it to the worst person they could find.<br />
<br />
On paper, The Man of Steel looked good. It was written by one of Nolan's co writers, and even had Nolan's hand in the production. I get that the studio wanted more action in this one. Superman Returns was slow and boring. The problem with MoS is that it's ALL action and no real substance. The third act of the film is literally two guys destroying a CGI city for 20 minutes. I'm not a fan of computer graphics much, anyway, and this was too much. At the end, when thousands (if not millions) of people have died in crumbling buildings, we are asked to care about 1 family that Zod threatens. In a move that comes from nowhere, Supes makes his first cinematic kill.<br />
<br />
Before even waiting to see if it was justified, Warner Brothers called MoS a hit and launched their own franchise. I'll admit that I was kind of impressed that the next film would be a Batman vs Superman. I thought that it showed a real willingness to take a chance. It was a bold move for such a large studio. And then.....they cast Batman. I'm not going to debate the merits of Ben Affleck's acting ability. Honestly, it's kind of irrelevant. The problem with his casting is that he is SO identifiable. Seeing his face in the trailer instantly brought me out of the world they are trying to build. <br />
<br />
Released in the shadow of Star Wars, this trailer does nothing to help sell the film (to me, at least.) The whole thing seems so silly. There's a lot of shots of the cape flowing against lens flares and light sources, mixed with the over dramatic statue revelation. Then, they add Batman in his action figure suit with the mechanical voice: "Tell me, do you bleed? You Will." Whoever wrote this script should probably stay home on Oscar night.<br />
<br />
At this point, I'm hoping this movie is so bad that its entertaining. The only way I'll probably watch this one is after a few drinks and with some like minded friends. I've accepted a long time ago that I'll probably never get another good Superman film. For whatever reason, no one seems to be able to figure those out any more. I've had the first Tim Burton Batman and Nolan's trilogy, so I'm good there. Now, it's time to sit back and watch the train wreck that the Dawn of Justice is shaping up to be. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-37467952365800391202015-04-19T00:00:00.000-05:002015-04-19T11:13:26.721-05:00Sunday Author Interview: Todd Misura<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj72d4DTyKLU8dqWg5unvoYbBm71D6r_iloQFgktTKQ9bQadh60HQpPaOe52qptSLTLpbta3ijGrs0pNJhcP6WA4pKXD4cRp09RxDGt6N1ehmigKQT4Jj_sRSPSkw3H0T9_RKf8NmTKcF/s1600/ToddMisura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj72d4DTyKLU8dqWg5unvoYbBm71D6r_iloQFgktTKQ9bQadh60HQpPaOe52qptSLTLpbta3ijGrs0pNJhcP6WA4pKXD4cRp09RxDGt6N1ehmigKQT4Jj_sRSPSkw3H0T9_RKf8NmTKcF/s1600/ToddMisura.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">How
long have you been publishing?</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
I’ve been published since the beginning of the year with Rejected For
Content, a horror anthology that covers stories that were or would have been
rejected for content. I submitted Drift, a story about a serial killer who
comes home to a monster worse than him. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Tell us about your latest book. </i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
My latest book is Divergence Erotica from a different angle, and it comes as an
alternative to most of the short collections on the market because of the
themes and ideas expressed within. It’s a strange mix of BDSM, strange tales
that happen to have sexual content, and some short erotic pieces that are there
to stimulate readers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Todd-Misura/e/B00B5GG0I4/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1" target="_blank">Buy This Author's Work</a> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
</i></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4t7WNIR3jrK7EgeuXRB8jmEQqs4CK3BwHAHokUpXpbGPM4_Bcyv3vrKiBBY9WjoOnwJ5Y_gI-CcsgY08NE3tU6Bf_XIxFeMVXKs-qk-hT0tHD5olAI18iZLYo3Q3nml1yZQJQJ6HAzoK/s1600/divergencetoddmisura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4t7WNIR3jrK7EgeuXRB8jmEQqs4CK3BwHAHokUpXpbGPM4_Bcyv3vrKiBBY9WjoOnwJ5Y_gI-CcsgY08NE3tU6Bf_XIxFeMVXKs-qk-hT0tHD5olAI18iZLYo3Q3nml1yZQJQJ6HAzoK/s1600/divergencetoddmisura.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Who are your major influences?</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
Most of my influences come from the action adventure authors that I read
in high school with a select few horror authors that I respect. The action
adventure authors that formed lots of my writing style and themes are David
Morrell, Jonathan Maberry, Robert Heinlein, and many others. The horror authors
that have really affected me over the years the most has to be Brian Keene,
Clive Barker, and James Herbert. They have styles and abilities that are
different from most mainstream horror authors that I appreciate.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Is writing your full time career?</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
At this time, no. I have a job that I have to do to make the bills. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Do you see writing as a hobby or career?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> I see it as a career, even if it’s a
part time one. I need to have sales that will get my name out there as an
author so people can see my name and if nothing else recognize it for unique
stories. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
What made you decide to become a self published author?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">B</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">eing that I knew my story ideas were too farfetched for the safety of big
publishers, I decided to strike out on my own. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><b>Do you feel that your material
is different than traditionally published authors? </b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">My stories are tales of the
classic genres, but I have twists in them that push them into the realm of
different. I am currently working on a hard hitting action novel that involves
two guys who are mercenaries for a company. They also happen to be bisexual,
sometimes together.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Do you deal with issues that traditional publishers don't normally
touch? </i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
Sometimes in my short fiction I do, themes of real BDSM relationships, or even
just themes that don’t get brought up in works that are usually published
traditionally.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Who edits your work? </i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
Amanda M Lyons, my fiancé who has a side job of editing writings for pay. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Who does the covers to your books?</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
It depends on who is available at the time to do covers. My cover of
Divergence was done by Michael Fisher, and I think he nailed the themes of the
short collection. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
What are you willing to spend money on, as a writer? What aren't
you? </i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
As an author, getting advertisements out there in all kinds of ways is
important. A great cover that will sell my books is another thing I will
absolutely drop money on. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
What is your favorite part of being self published?</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
Being able to work at my own pace with real life intruding and not facing a
deadline other than my own. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
What is your least favorite?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Not getting enough sales to do this full time, but
that’s partially my own fault for not promoting my book enough. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Do you do your own promotion, or hire someone?</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
I do my own promotion so far, but I have gotten great ideas from others
that I am willing to try in the future. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
What has been the most productive tool for promoting your book?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
Spreading the word about my book on sites and in groups that would be
interested in it.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Do you have Facebook/Twitter? How effective are they as promotional
tools? </i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
I have those social media accounts, but I don’t mess with them much anymore. I
burned out on Facebook real quick, and I’ve burned out on Twitter too. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
What is the most important piece of advice you can give someone just starting
out in self publishing?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
Promote, promote, promote. But don’t annoy. If all you do is promote your stuff
on social media, people will not pay attention and it will be skipped in the
timelines of people who follow you. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
If a publisher came knocking, would you make the switch? Why or why not?</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
If they could give me an advance and a solid promotional plan, yes.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
What other creative outlets do you have? Music, film, etc?</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
I like to read and play games, plus I write game reviews when I get a chance at
Front Towards Gamer, a website.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
What does your family think of your writing career?</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
My dad and his wife are excited to know that I’m doing something I’m good at,
and my fiancé is ecstatic that I’m taking the chance and writing more. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
How important are reviews to making sales?</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
Very, because if you don’t have reviews on Amazon or other websites that people
can look at for a general idea, no one buys them.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>How do you deal with bad reviews?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Opinions are personal, and the only
reason why I would contest a bad review is if the information given is
falsified or completely wrong.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Do you also review other writers?</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
Not normally, because my views are my own and most people don’t get my written
reviews for books that well. I’m a better game reviewer.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>
How do you give a bad review? </i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
I would give out the flaws that were noticeable from the get go, plot details
and writing missteps and the like. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
What changes would you like to see in the self publishing industry?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
I think finding a way to shift the shit out of the stores is the best thing to
happen. Horrible, god awful books and short stories called books need to be
eradicated. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
What would you like average readers to know about self publishing?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
I think that most average readers need to understand that in self publishing
you might not have a great cover, don’t skip checking out the synopsis. Too
many times I skip over books anywhere because of bad covers. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
What's the biggest frustration with being a self published writer?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
Lack of promotional abilities outside of my small sphere of influence on social
media sites that I am part of. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Do you write to music? If so, what kind?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
It depends, if I write to music or not, and what genre I listen to. Short list
of bands that help me write: Richard Marx, Five Finger Death Punch, and others
depending on mood. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Could any of your books be made into films?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
My short stories, published or not, would be great candidates for films. Some
of them would be simple stories with no special effects, others would be heavy
on the special effects and insanity. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Do you go to writing conventions? Why or why not?</i></b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
Not enough time or money to participate. If I had the time and money,
depending on what convention it was, I’d go.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Why do you write?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
I write because I have stories in my mind, my heart that need to be told. Yes,
sometimes they are classic tales with what I call the Misura twist. Just
because I have a gunslinger from the wild west doesn’t meant he doesn’t already
know magic and how to hunt monsters. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>
Do you read more ebooks or physical copies?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
It’s a good mix of both, some ebooks and the other is physical copies. I tend
to prefer ebooks for fiction and smaller writings. When it comes to books about
research into the paranormal, history, and other similar items. Other reasons
for physical books is if its an author that I fully respect and love
reading. </span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2Fe6bd8c78-9ca6-49b2-9ff8-5186fb038bb6&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2Fe6bd8c78-9ca6-49b2-9ff8-5186fb038bb6&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-71492962028951192322015-04-12T00:00:00.000-05:002015-04-12T10:09:27.961-05:00Sunday Author Interview: Chris Galford <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTOKBGz3f5t1UwlRGTnCFucqLA6orzoqK2xen3Ae0EBepAHX7F-lx5CBomHLN_ImQ25OtzMJ0bVOiuQmmKLjNo2D3wx7WziAJWJAYhOo9XRHJ7vqXgVK4DAJHgh_ntTW4h7b2V9Uz8k_f/s1600/5163768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTOKBGz3f5t1UwlRGTnCFucqLA6orzoqK2xen3Ae0EBepAHX7F-lx5CBomHLN_ImQ25OtzMJ0bVOiuQmmKLjNo2D3wx7WziAJWJAYhOo9XRHJ7vqXgVK4DAJHgh_ntTW4h7b2V9Uz8k_f/s1600/5163768.jpg" height="200" width="138" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Please introduce yourself:</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hello
everyone. My name is Chris Galford and I’m a bit of a bibliophile. In essence,
I surround myself with stories and never look back. I also may in fact be that
kid from the playground who got just a wee bit too creative with his
imagination. Dragons forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
am the author of </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Galford/e/B007A9XDXK"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Haunted Shadows</span></i></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">
series, a trilogy of fantasy books which includes </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hollow-March-Haunted-Shadows-Book-ebook/dp/B006HXLRCY/"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Hollow March</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">and </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faiths-End-Haunted-Shadows-Book-ebook/dp/B00FOHAT2I/"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At Faith’s End</span></i></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">, and will soon be wrapping up
with <i>As Feathers Fall</i> (to be
published March 20, 2015). My work has also been featured in Mystic Signals
Magazine, the Frogpond Journal, and soon, in A Bleak New World—an anthology
published by Raven International Publishing—to name a few. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Galford/e/B007A9XDXK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1" target="_blank">Buy This Author's Work On Amazon.</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>How long have you been publishing?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
first book was published in December, 2011 so…we’re going on four years now.
It’s been quite a ride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjuWwATy3EcZrDGkb4Rkx-BpsB8NFcQtNGHTf2QwUdjhdEUjfY1RvkKeJmvUL2PVR3hUxPxlbIRNSyLPuSqKpNodKi6jpxr806-B9SCe40YsaYwlsepTMByTbhXytd7sjX3fdFpq8V9FE/s1600/At+faith's+end+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjuWwATy3EcZrDGkb4Rkx-BpsB8NFcQtNGHTf2QwUdjhdEUjfY1RvkKeJmvUL2PVR3hUxPxlbIRNSyLPuSqKpNodKi6jpxr806-B9SCe40YsaYwlsepTMByTbhXytd7sjX3fdFpq8V9FE/s1600/At+faith's%2Bend%2Bcover.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Tell us ab</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">out your latest book.</span></b></i></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
conclusion. The grand finale. The wrap-up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Call
it what you will, <i>As Feathers Fall </i>is
the last in a trilogy (one that began with </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hollow-March-Haunted-Shadows-Book-ebook/dp/B006HXLRCY/"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Hollow March</span></i></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> and continued
in </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faiths-End-Haunted-Shadows-Book-ebook/dp/B00FOHAT2I/"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At Faith’s End</span></i></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">) and, hopefully, wraps up a lot
of loose ends for fans of the series—but hopefully has enough epic appeal to
snatch up some new readers along the way as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
centers on the nation of Idasia, an empire settled into what should be a time
of renaissance…only to have lost itself to the horrors of revolution and war.
It is the crossroads where gunpowder and magic meet, as revenge grapples with
duty in the shadows, and family wars with the all-too-human precepts of self-interest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Or,
more concretely:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
“<b>As fall the feathers of their
signet bird, so too fall the great and mighty of Idasia. One after another,
members of the Imperial family have been slain, through convictions forged in
steel and vengeance fueled by dark sorceries. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Cullick family stands in the
ascendant, poised to snatch a crown long denied them, but they are beset on all
sides by the chaos they themselves have sown. Winter saw the horrors of war,
spring the sparks of rebellion, but as friend and foe alike surrender to
unspeakable crimes, summer may yet bring the soul of a nation to boil.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And if Rurik Matair and his broken
band of sellswords can cling to life a little longer, salvation may not be the
prize, but they might find a way to balance the scales of their mad quest and
put to rest the loss and bitter memories which have consumed all that they have
known…</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Who are your major influences?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
a fine mix of modern and older favorites. When it comes to The Haunted Shadows
series, specifically, I would have to name the proponents of your grittier,
more realistic fantasies. That is to say, people like George R.R. Martin and R.
Scott Bakker. Wonderful writers, both of them. Characters that are absolutely
human—in all the wonders and flaws that entails—and worlds that breathe with
new possibility, as well as history. It’s the same reason I would cite Robin
Hobb as a continuing influence, honestly. Hobb is a master of character. I
could lose myself for days, weeks getting into the hearts and minds of the
people she produces, to the extent I truly feel it when they misjudge a
situation, make a poor choice, assail their own morality…it gives me tingles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">More
generally? I would throw in a touch of Camus for philosophic flavor, mixed with
a panache of Guy Gavriel Kay for personality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Is writing your full time career?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
a sense. Not creatively, unfortunately—though I would love to be able to say it
was! I also work as a freelance journalist, with side time spent as a contract
editor. I’m constantly on the run from one project to another. When you’ve
found your passion, though, you do what you can to engage it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you feel that your material is
different than traditionally published authors?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
short? No.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
elaborate: We both have editors. We both have cover artists. We both have, as
Hemingway would put it, sat down at the typewriter and bled. The only
difference between us is, at the end of the day, one of us managed to wrangle a
company onto our side, and the other didn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Who does the covers to your books?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Matthew
Watts. UK artist. Fabulous at his craft and quick, too. As soon as I finished
pitching my books to him, I swear he had a dozen or so ideas for pictures
already prepped to go. I could not recommend him enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What is your favorite part of being
self-published?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Options.
Freedom. Absolute control. Everything rises and falls on your own merits. Unfortunately,
that’s also the worst part, because your exposure is based on a one man or
woman operation, unless you have made some rather vocal acquaintances over the
years. You have to face long hours promoting that you would probably rather
spend writing, you stand a good chance of being ignored (and not necessarily
because people WANT to ignore you—have you SEEN the number of self-published
books out there today?), and we still live in an age where traditional and
self-pub tend to have a clash, so there’s some stigma there. It’s a rough road,
but also one that leads to nights where you can truly relax, knowing that you
have done good, hard work, and the credit is all yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you have Facebook/Twitter? How
effective are they as promotional tools?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Facebook:
</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-Galford/408973352523706"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris-Galford/408973352523706</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Twitter:
</span><a href="https://twitter.com/Aurinth"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">@Aurinth</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m
honestly a little guarded in answering that. They are effective, to be sure,
but more so in connecting with the readers you already have than in necessarily
lassoing new ones. Twitter is where I’m most social, it’s quicker, easier, more
to the point. Facebook I tend to use for general announcements…steer people
back to the website. Hash tags, SEO, all these details have their
possibilities, and they can be effective tools in the right hands, but mostly,
they are funnels into larger things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What is the most important piece of
advice you could give to someone just starting out in self-publishing?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Publishing
demands a hearty constitution. Be prepared to fight to be seen, to fight your
own dark thoughts, and to get knocked down more than once. The market is
inundated with work, slush piles are eternally on the rise, and standards have
not eased, no matter what you might have heard. Getting published is hard work.
You have to believe in your work, review and revise again, drive yourself and
your characters mad, and make sure it is, beyond all doubt, the best that you
can do before you put it forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
not good enough to be the best you can be. You have to actively fight to get
others to see what your best looks like. Doubt is the death knell. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What does your family think of your
writing career?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They
probably wish I had just gone to law school! No, really, they’ve mentioned that
more than a few times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
all honesty, though, they have been immensely supportive. My brother is a
writer in his off hours, too, so that helps, but my parents have always pushed
the creative side of me and helped me to embrace those myriad thoughts dancing
through my traumatically imaginative brain. I’m sure at times they wished they
could turn it off, but they’ve never put a doubt in my mind. I dedicated </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hollow-March-Haunted-Shadows-Book-ebook/dp/B006HXLRCY/"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Hollow March</span></i></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> to them,
actually, and </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faiths-End-Haunted-Shadows-Book-ebook/dp/B00FOHAT2I/"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At Faith’s End</span></i></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> to my brother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you also review other writers?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course. I may be an author, but I’m still a consumer, and an avid one at that.
I have no problem removing my writer’s cap for a few hours a day to devour
someone else’s work and, when I’m done, I’m sure to have an opinion, just like
anyone else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What changes would you like to see in
the self-publishing industry?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">People
need to become more dedicated to the craft. It’s harsh, but it’s true. The
biggest differences people cite between us and the “big boys” tend to be one of
two things: quality of the tale and quality of the editing. I understand people
not wanting to shell out big dollars for editors, but the fact is: if a book is
illegible, it’s not professional, and if it’s not professional you’re doing
your potential readers a disservice. If you think you’re good enough to
publish, you should be taking the time to make sure your work is honed to its
best possible presentation. The self-publishing industry has gotten a bad rap
for this, and it’s something we need to start turning around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Could any of your books be made into
films?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
they could find a way to break the Hobbit into three separate films, I think
someone dedicated enough could find a way to make one of mine into something
for the screen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What actors would play your characters?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have this vision of Mads Mikkelsen, Natalie Dormer and Idris Elba wandering
through the cast. It’s a beautiful vision. I want to go there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you blog? Why?</span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
blog on a regular basis, over at </span><a href="https://cianphelan.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Waking Den</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was something I got into during college, originally to accentuate my
journalistic curriculum. I used to do reviews of movies, games, that sort of
thing, but over time, I realized more and more that what I wanted was to
showcase my own work, get my own thoughts out there—and not just my thoughts
about other people’s work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
has grown into my most regular outlet. Essays, poetry (oh, so much poetry) and
those scribbles not destined for a publisher’s doorstep or printed pages often
wind up there, as well as announcements regarding the scribbles that ARE meant
for other things. It’s a billboard, a water cooler, a journal and a magazine,
all rolled into one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you have any certain ideas or ideals
that you try to instill in your work?</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Family,
vengeance and the venomous intricacy of politics…with a fantastic bent. My
works frequently utilize the fantastic or unlikely to draw greater focus onto
the human aspects of existence. At its heart, The Haunted Shadows is a tale of
people struggling to find themselves at a time and place that seems determined
to tear traditional structures down. Evolution also plays a big part—evolution
of people, of societies, of thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Don’t
get me wrong: there’s action and plotting and a little coming of age…but when
it comes to ideas, one can’t rightly go into my books expecting tales of blind
chivalry, for example.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>
Why do you write?</i></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
sense of self would cease if I didn’t; not to mention, I’m pretty sure these
bottled imaginations of mine would run me into the ground. Ideas are legion for
me. If I don’t put them to paper, I sometimes feel like they would consume me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Does self-publishing carry a stigma?</i></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Absolutely.
I hate to say it, but it’s true. Go even onto a reader-intensive,
literary-friendly site like Goodreads and you can lose yourself in the
countless debates for hours. The industry has really been torn on
self-publishing—it’s a genie that can’t go back into the bottle, in one sense,
no matter how much some might want it to, but the genie also hasn’t found a good
way of playing along with its new neighbors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Self-publishing:
either you love it or you hate it. That seems to be the case. Many are those
that still swear they won’t touch a self-published book, though, often for
reasons I spoke of earlier. We still need to find a way to merge the
traditional and the self-published into an effective partnership, so the
industry as a whole can move forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What
have you learned from reading other people’s work?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Writing
has no set path. Its endings and especially its journeys are myriad. Ignore
those that try to force you into a box; the greatest works speak for
themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What would the consequences be of
the demise of the traditional bookstore?</b></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A devastated interviewee, for one
thing. Libraries and indie bookstores have devoured a lot of hours in my
life…and those are hours I wouldn’t trade. There is nothing, nothing like
walking into a building lined with books, breathing in the pages, holding that
beautiful print in your hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is it cheaper to head online? Of course.
Nor am I some Luddite that has somehow missed that phenomenon, but the simple
fact is: there is nothing quite like those old staples of learning, and I would
be sad to see them go.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For More About The Author:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006HXLRCY" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006HXLRCY</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FOHAT2I/" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FOHAT2I/</a><br />
<a href="http://cianphelan.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://cianphelan.wordpress.com/</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-81090370826032997532015-04-05T00:00:00.000-05:002015-04-05T00:00:02.758-05:00Sunday Author Interview: Patty Apostolides<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHOfl7NI1sBHncaHCU49sz3hMDJ4FmWfMf-MOiHhjJrzvBkZmEVC5U-VV-MUpz6J1AF62PrCUrsyG26Pu2Dys8hUEon14aoArfJjei7-gP-ZoEN32QzSD_SKsa-GthnMX3zmaSWid5YQq/s1600/Patty+photo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjHOfl7NI1sBHncaHCU49sz3hMDJ4FmWfMf-MOiHhjJrzvBkZmEVC5U-VV-MUpz6J1AF62PrCUrsyG26Pu2Dys8hUEon14aoArfJjei7-gP-ZoEN32QzSD_SKsa-GthnMX3zmaSWid5YQq/s1600/Patty+photo.jpeg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Please introduce yourself.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
My name is
Patty Apostolides, and I’ve written three sweet romance novels, a
novella, poetry book, and children’s book. I was born in Greece, and
have lived in America most of my life. In my first career, I was a
biologist and conducted cancer research. In my second career, I was a
stay-at-home mother and homeschooled my son. I'm in my third career
now, and have become an author. I might become a teacher in my fourth
career, after I get my MFA degree. We shall see!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Patty-Apostolides/e/B002BMHFIK/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1426037199&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Buy This Author's Work On Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How long have you been publishing?</span></i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Over ten years. I’ve been writing poetry since I was twelve, though, and started writing novels since 2002. My first book, <i>Lipsi’s Daughter</i>, was released in 2004 by a small press, and I’ve been self-published since then.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU4WLWXLX6Ik9R_B2G5IlqCmOjjSYI9nPzVzAyf4IbuaKHNsXIrZnnax3Vgmff6n-9c42oqxS0J0iP-5YFdC__rBRuqgRs9aRlfnC5M4TLuLM3MWrnNRLrz554YL8LpCjTATtaGOUTMEQ/s1600/Greek+Maiden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmU4WLWXLX6Ik9R_B2G5IlqCmOjjSYI9nPzVzAyf4IbuaKHNsXIrZnnax3Vgmff6n-9c42oqxS0J0iP-5YFdC__rBRuqgRs9aRlfnC5M4TLuLM3MWrnNRLrz554YL8LpCjTATtaGOUTMEQ/s1600/Greek+Maiden.jpg" height="200" width="139" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Tell us about your latest book. </i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
My last book <i>The Greek Maiden and the English Lord</i>
is a historical romance that takes place during the 1830s in England.
Gypsy Lily is an orphan in search of her real parents. Her journey ends
up in York, England, where she enters a boarding school to become a
lady. It is a sweet romance between a gypsy and a nobleman. Some
readers have compared it to Jane Austen’s books.<br />
<br />
<strong> <span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What kind of research goes into writing a piece like that?</span></i></span></strong>
<br />
<br />
There is a tremendous amount of research involved, with much reading. I read books on the time period in England
and Greece in the 1830s. Luckily, travelers who visited Greece at that time, wrote about their experiences, and I was able to access those books through Google books. It took me about 2 years just to amass the research needed for my story. It was the little details and descriptions that came up that sent me searching for the answers. For example, what did people in Greece<br />
wear
during the 1830s? What was the political climate then? What were the
customs and traditions? How did the terrain look after the war? What
was their transportation like?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Who are your major influences?</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
The
Bible, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Emily Bronte, Victor Hugo, plus
many others. For my male characters, my biggest influence was my
adorable husband. He was loving, gentle, kind, and understanding, and I
wanted to capture his essence and characteristics in my stories. I
think I've accomplished that.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><strong>You have had a lot of varied career paths. How do you transition from a cancer researcher to an author?</strong></span></span></i><br />
<br />
That's a good question. I think the love for my family made me make the switch. I was willing to stay home to
<strong> </strong>raise my son, and that gave me the ample time needed to write. If I had continued in cancer research, I would probably have not written any novels, although poetry was always there in the background. <br />
<br />
<br /><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Is writing your full time career?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Yes,
it has become that. I love to write and share my writing with the
world. If I don't write, I feel that something is missing in my life.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you see writing as a hobby or career?</span></i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
When
I became a stay-at-home mother, at first it was a hobby, because I was
focused on raising my son, but now I see it more as a career. After my
husband passed away in 2013, I enrolled in a MFA Program in Creative
Writing. In a few months I will be finished with that program. My thesis
is a historical romance that I hope to release this year. Once that's
done, then I'll start my next novel!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What made you decide to become a self published author?</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
I
loved the flexibility and control of publishing my own book when I
wanted to and how I wanted to. It happened after I realized that the
small press was not publishing my book fast enough to keep up with the
demand of my readers. For my first printing of 1000 books, I sold all
of them within six months, but the second printing took too long, as
readers who ordered books had to wait months. After that, I decided to
self-publish.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><strong>What would make it easier to be a self published author?</strong></span></i><br />
<strong> </strong>
<br />
I
think being a self-published author is wonderful, but it requires more
promoting and marketing than going through traditional publishing. You
have to believe in yourself to self-publish your works, and you need to
have a market. Having a market makes it easier to be self-published. I
also think that by going through Amazon Kindle, and having them promote
your books, makes it easier to self-publish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you feel that your material is different than traditionally published authors?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
focus on Greek subject matter, with characters that have strong belief
systems and overcome obstacles. My heroines tend to be orphans going
through a life change, whether it is coming of age, or someone passes
away in the family. They have to cope with what life dishes out to
them, and they always succeed somehow. I love happy endings, and my
stories are all happy endings. I make it a point not to include sex or
violence in my stories. Teenagers tend to be my greatest readers.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you deal with issues that traditional publishers don't normally touch?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
think my novels are too specifically oriented toward the Greek markets,
and have ideals that may be considered outdated, like no sex or
violence, and this may deter publishers.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Who edits your work?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
go through 15 or so revisions before I give it to my beta readers to
read. At least three people have gone through my books before I publish
them.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Who does the covers to your books? </i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
It differs. My first book, the publisher made the cover. I do like to have a hand in the outcome of the covers.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What are you willing to spend money on, as a writer? What aren’t you?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
would spend money on supplies and some promotion, travel expenses, and
copies of my books to sell at events. I do not like to spend money for
a publisher to publish my works.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>What is your favorite part of being self published?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
My favorite part is being in control of the price, the cover, and the story.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What is your least favorite?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
My least favorite part of being self-published is that it is hard work, and takes up time from my writing.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you do your own promotion, or hire someone?</span></b></i><br />
<b><br /></b>
I promote most of my works.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What has been the most productive tool for promoting your book?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Amazon
Kindle. Once I got my ebooks on there, they have promoted them and I’m
making steady sales through them than ever before, particularly in the
U.K.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you have Facebook/Twitter? How effective are they as promotional tools?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
have both, but I look at them more as social tools. I do tell all my
friends when my books are free on Amazon Kindle, and the same goes on
Twitter. I haven’t really seen a spike in sales after that, though.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What is the most important piece of advice you can give someone just starting out in self publishing?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Have
confidence in yourself. Don’t give up, and research everything that you
are considering in doing. Make sure there are no hidden costs if you go
with a self-publishing outfit. Make sure your work is polished and
edited before it is published. Make sure your standards are high, and
keep on writing! Also, think about starting off on Amazon kindle first,
to test the waters. It’s free and quick to get published, and gives you
lots of exposure.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>If a publisher came knocking, would you make the switch? Why or why not?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
It
depends on who the publisher is and what they offer. I would be
interested in a traditional publisher only for the sake of trying it at
least once. Then I can tell if I would like it or not. I have already
tried a small press, and a print-on-demand publisher, but not a
traditional publisher yet.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><strong>Now
that self publishing is affordable and relatively easy, what is the
role of a small press publisher? Would you ever try another one?</strong></span></i></span><br />
<strong> </strong>
<br />
<br />
No. I would not go with a small press publisher again. They don't have
the resources to promote and market you, so you're on your own there,
and I do that anyway through self-publishing. Most of the readers don't
look to see who published you. Really, they don't. As long as they have
a book in their hand, and it's well written, and is available to them,
then that's what counts. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What other creative outlets do you have? Music, film, etc?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Yes,
I perform in orchestras, playing the violin, or viola, and I do love
classical music. I also compose my own music when I have the time.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What does your family think of your writing career?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
They
love it and are my greatest supporters! Often, during dinner, I would
read a chapter or two of my story, and this became a lot of fun,
particularly when I got good feedback or lots of laughs. These family
times were priceless.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>How important are reviews to making sales?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
think they are important, but I think promoting is important, as well
as the number of books you’ve written. The more books published, the
more you are known, and your readership goes up over time. Keep in
mind, what are the goals of the author? To make book sales, or to share
their writing to the world? This brings up the next question – what
does an author consider as being successful?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>How do you deal with bad reviews?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
cry, wipe my tears, then feel sorry for them, and move on. I’m a
sensitive soul, so every bad review tears through me, but what can you
do? I can’t please everyone, and I don’t expect to. However, there are
plenty others that have given good reviews, so that always perks me up.
So far, the reviews have tipped towards the positive. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you also review other writers?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Yes, if they ask me to. Sometimes I’m busy, and they might have to wait a while, but I always do find the time to review.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>How do you give a bad review?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
rarely give a bad review. I typically like the story before I review
it. Typically, if I don’t like it, I won’t finish it, and therefore
won’t write a review.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What changes would you like to see in the self publishing industry?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
So
many changes have occurred since I began writing over a decade ago.
Self-publishing is more acceptable now and there are a lot more
opportunities on the web to self-publish.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you participate in Amazon’s KDP Select program? Why or Why not?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Yes,
I do, and I love it! I have seen more sales (particularly from Amazon
U.K.) from this avenue than other bookstores. I think it’s a wonderful
concept and I rave about it to my writers’ group. I think the free
promotions are great, because that gains me readers. I am quite
interested in growing my readership because I’m not just selling a
story, I’m selling myself. Once readers get to know me and my writing,
they’ll come looking for more.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What would you like average readers to know about self publishing?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
If
you want to self-publish, you have to do your homework. There are so
many companies out there that can help you. Some are free, like
CreateSpace, while others cost hundreds of dollars. Make sure that your
book will be distributed widely and not just on the publisher’s website
where it will languish. Self-publishing is only as good as the author
wants to make it. Like anything else, the product is what counts. If
the author has done a good job in writing the story, and editing it,
and has included a good cover and a good price, they should do well.
Promoting and marketing are the hardest part, I think, to
self-publishing. It takes time to gain readership. The more you write,
the more you will publish, and the more people will become your readers.<br />
<br />
<b><i>What’s the biggest frustration with being a self published writer?</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The
biggest frustration was that I had to do all the marketing and
promoting myself. In the first year, I put a lot of effort into my
first book and it was a lot of work, but I did get excellent results.
However, its’ not sustainable. It’s too time consuming. I can’t put in
that same amount of time and effort to promote and market every book
I’ve written since then.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you write to music? If so, what kind?</span></i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Yes, I do. I like to write to new age, soft instrumental piano music. Sometimes I would listen to that music while I write.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Could any of your books be made into films?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Yes.
Many readers have come up to me and said they could see my stories as
movies. They are sweet love stories set in exotic locations (Greek
islands) or in historical places. I have toyed with the idea of making
them into screenplays and sending them off, but haven’t had time to do
it. Maybe in the future.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What actors would play your characters?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
There
are so many that I could choose from, but I’ve always liked Kate
Winslet and Jeremy Northam. One thing I’ve learned in my MFA
screenwriting classes, is that the less description you write about a
character in a screenplay, the better. The producers and directors will
choose the actors anyway.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you go to writing conventions? Why or why not?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I did at one time, and then stopped going. I've been too busy writing!<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you blog? Why or Why not?</span></i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
do have a blog, and enjoy adding a few bits of news in it once in a
while. I don’t have the time to do it daily, though. I also have a
website,<a href="http://www.pattyapostolides.com/" target="_blank"> www.pattyapostolides.com</a>, that includes my books and information about me and my writing. It connects to the blog.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you have any certain ideas or ideals that you try to instill in your work?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
believe that virtues are important, and ideals like love, faith,
kindness, and hope. For example, if a person is orphaned, or is born
into poverty or becomes poor due to certain circumstances, then they
should be given the opportunity to do better in life. All my characters
strive to grow, learn and become better. Ethics is a very important
part of my stories, and keeping one’s beliefs intact as they struggle
through life is always appealing to me. Abraham Maslow’s
self-actualizing person has always been my ideal character to strive
for.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Why do you write?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I love
to write. There is a movie that comes into my mind and I observe the
characters and their personalities, and I jot them down. I also like
being creative, as well as being intellectual, and writing uses both
parts of the mind that deals with these aspects of writing.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>If you had to stop writing tomorrow, what would you do?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I’d play music or cook up a good meal, or paint, or knit something. I need to create. It’s an inherent part of me.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Does self publishing carry a stigma?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
think it used to, but over time, more and more self-published authors
are doing well, and this is being noticed by traditional publishers.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What would you like readers to know about you from your work?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
am a romantic at heart. I always see the world with optimistic lenses,
and many readers could relate to my stories. Many readers also have
come up to me after reading <i>Lipsi’s Daughter</i> and have asked
me if the story was about me. Of course, I had put bits and pieces of
my life in there, and the love for my late husband (who passed away two
years ago) fueled the romance in the story, but it was not a biography.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>I<b>f you could talk shop with any other author, who would it be?</b></i></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
Even though he writes in a different genre, I would love to talk with Stephen King. I loved reading his book about writing. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What have you learned from reading other people's work?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I
have learned so much. I had joined several online critique groups, like
authonomy.com, where we’d read each other’s works and critique them.
Also in my MFA coursework, we did a lot of reading. Reading other
people’s works is key to becoming a great author. We learn from each
other.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you read more ebooks or physical copies? </i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I read both. It depends on availability and interest.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you think the traditional publishing format is an endangered species?</i></span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
No. It’s lasted this long. There will always be readers who like to hold books in their hands. I’m one of them.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What would the consequences be of the demise of the traditional bookstore?</i></span></b><br />
<br />
God
forbid that ever happens. I love to visit bookstores and read and
browse and drink coffee. I also think that we rely too much on
electronics. What if we didn’t have electricity or wifi? Just like
pianos are still around, even though we have electric pianos, so will
books continue to satisfy, even though there are ebooks.
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2Fcae0b648-bb78-4b62-bd85-a961e7ca87cf&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2Fcae0b648-bb78-4b62-bd85-a961e7ca87cf&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-25280859689118319162015-04-04T08:00:00.000-05:002015-04-04T08:00:07.430-05:00Meet Shelby Staxx<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzRyBmgYX9E6BPuVc4p2zhDmd73Xjx8wfGH8AdpW8hwplZg9a66CZcqDTQqKVJdkBwx8rTLcZGi2HXziSB3LthITrenIQRDJCF-wCjEJ063RPaa42HWYo13r6eUQAeMM6U07qbxdKyVtR/s1600/ShelbyStaxx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzRyBmgYX9E6BPuVc4p2zhDmd73Xjx8wfGH8AdpW8hwplZg9a66CZcqDTQqKVJdkBwx8rTLcZGi2HXziSB3LthITrenIQRDJCF-wCjEJ063RPaa42HWYo13r6eUQAeMM6U07qbxdKyVtR/s1600/ShelbyStaxx.jpg" height="113" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Who's the badass actress-turned-crime fighter trying to clean up the streets of a corrupt city? Staxx! I'm just talking about Shelby. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For those of you who are not familiar with her, Shelby Staxx is a recurring character from a series of shorts by <a href="http://www.azbeststudios.com/" target="_blank">Azbest Films. </a>Played by the talented Charisse Norment, she was created by writer/director Sam Bahre.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The character is also important to me, because it marked the first time I really worked with Azbest on a production. I had shot a couple of small things with them (like the book trailer to The Check Out) but had not made a film (short or otherwise) in quite some time. This film marked the beginning of a fruitful period for all of us.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But, before we get into the story of Shelby Staxx, take a look at the original short.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Warning: Very NSFW</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/97271953" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </center>
<center>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/97271953">Shelby Staxx</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/azbestfilms">Azbest Films</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
</center>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shelby Staxx was born in the summer of 2014 out of a request by another local flmmaker. "<span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hadn't shot anything since I made my feature I FILMED YOUR DEATH in 2012 and I wasn't looking to do anything except focus on the post production of that," Sam Bahre states. "I was asked by filmmaker Mike McCarthy to make a short for his Time Warp Drive-In blaxploitation night. I love exploitation movies, I want to make them." </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2xs-3qSdYBpuvwNI4SNA6yhq9dpmtKdIuUIBPDYbUZ3tG01EXxqmttmRkaEV_eeU44lRWYRt-UEwRmRI5vhWHA0J6LIIU5oTs_ubj7DtBjciK56aMn5YMtKW5-iXfflEtA8MSrvFrFRI/s1600/shelbytimewarp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2xs-3qSdYBpuvwNI4SNA6yhq9dpmtKdIuUIBPDYbUZ3tG01EXxqmttmRkaEV_eeU44lRWYRt-UEwRmRI5vhWHA0J6LIIU5oTs_ubj7DtBjciK56aMn5YMtKW5-iXfflEtA8MSrvFrFRI/s1600/shelbytimewarp.jpg" height="125" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">At that time, the Time Warp Drive In was in its nascent stages. A one night showing of older horror films proved successful enough to establish an entire summer line up of classics. Throughout the 2014 season, a line up of 4 films were screened on Saturday nights. Each night featured a different theme, with local shorts taking the place of the standard trailers between movies. McCarthy, being the organizer of the series, pitched a concept to Bahre that resonated. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span></span><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mike came to me and told me he wanted it to be about a badass chick and I was quick to jump at this. My friend, and the leader of the band The Conspiracy Theory, Brett Trail always says how freeing it is to create within boundaries and that's exactly what I found with this project. I'm not really interested in making any project if it doesn't have some meaning for me and it didn't take me long to see where I could go with the kernels that were provided. From there it was just a matter of waiting until the ideas accumulated, which they did quickly."</span></span></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shelby would be an exploitation actress who would be fired by two white men in suits, looking to pad their bottom line. They degrade her with racially charged comments, and fail to heed the warnings she so candidly delivers. The plot was solid; full of action, humor, and nudity for good measure. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The task at that point, was to find an actress that could own the role. </span></span>"I knew it had to be someone who could match the intense character I had
in my head," Bahre said. He reached out to a number of women on Facebook, and posted in groups for African American actors. Although a couple of people read for the role, none of them captured the spirit of Staxx. Finally, Charisse Norment answered the call. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When she first arrived on set, she seemed shy and demure. She was a quiet, small woman who kept to herself and rehearsed her lines in whispers. Bahre had his own concerns when she auditioned. "I didn't
see her as Shelby until she read," according to Sam. "Then it was like she flipped a switch
and the character was right in front of me. She only had to do a few
lines and I knew she was Shelby." </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During her first take, a mighty roar of a woman bellowed from Norment as she swore her revenge and slammed the door in the suits' faces. For Charisse, finding the character was easy. "<span class="null">I watched some Pam Grier films like Coffee," she says. "Once the wig goes on I feel empowered."</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Norment earned her Azbest stripes throughout the whirlwind shoot. At one point, Charisse was directed to pull up her skirt, revealing her buttocks while she aimed a shotgun between her legs. She was a great sport about it, laughing harder than any of us. </span></span><span class="null"><span class="null"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With the main character cast, it was time for Bahre to fill the role of the villainous studio men who come to rattle Shelby's world. He didn't have to look very far to find them. "<span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">John Shaw and Brett Trail were both my friends but more importantly I'd worked with them a bunch in the past and I knew they could do anything. I wrote those parts for them." For Shelby's costar and friend, Bahre had to cast outside the box. "</span></span><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brett and I were at kareoke at the now defunct Dublin House the year before and we saw a man do a rendition of Hotel California that blew our hair back, " Sam laughed. We introduced ourselves to him and told him we made movies. That man was Michael Suggs and right when I started working on this project I knew I wanted him to be in it."</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3BxJ0dACPZgBg7KHa5f7I47Zf4IBzVZYscWy2cSUoOj7fVCLFGg0pas36kohBLDQohCvn-WI9PNDiehObFzw5xpFGgfj21Bq2Vi7t4gXZJpJ9CbvrVI38m4m7zIPISxKvcFqKdRdSta6/s1600/shelbycrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3BxJ0dACPZgBg7KHa5f7I47Zf4IBzVZYscWy2cSUoOj7fVCLFGg0pas36kohBLDQohCvn-WI9PNDiehObFzw5xpFGgfj21Bq2Vi7t4gXZJpJ9CbvrVI38m4m7zIPISxKvcFqKdRdSta6/s1600/shelbycrew.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Shelby Staxx short also helped establish a system for Azbest: making movies for close to nothing. "</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">They probably each cost $200," according to Bahre. "Pizza, gore and nudity have their price." This is an idea that I will explore further in another blog post. The most important thing to remember when planning a short is to shape it around what you have access to. Bahre's philosophy is this: "</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #373e4d; line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I always write within my means so I never come up with ideas that I can't achieve with the right team."</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #373e4d; line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shelby made her premiere at the Time Warp Drive In, playing 3 times during the night. The short was a success; generating buzz and helping to spread the word about the movie series. It was inevitable that she would make her return, and she did so for the conclusion of the season in October. With the theme of the evening being horror films, it only seemed right for Staxx to meet the Hunchblack of Notre Dame. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #373e4d; line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Warning: Still NSFW </b></span></span></span><br />
</div>
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="280" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/123406554" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> </center>
<center>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/123406554">Shelby Staxx Meets the Hunchblack of Notre Dame</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/azbestfilms">Azbest Films</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
</center>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><i><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The second installment in the Staxx saga was another success. The short saw the return of Michael Suggs as the titular character, as well Brett Trail in a completely different role. (Did you spot him?) It also featured friends Thomas Hunt (who would later appear in Stacked Deck), Stephen Teague, and yours truly.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the end of this film clearly states, Shelby will return. </span></span><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"I want to do three more Shelby shorts and then put her to rest until someone wants to give us money to make a feature, a TV show, a webseries or whatever," Sam stated. "This character has legs and I think she could work in almost any situation. But for this particular incarnation of her, I know where I want it to go and I want it to end before it gets old."</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bahre does have one stipulation about bringing Shelby back: "it has to be Charisse, there's no Shelby without her. " As for Norment, she seems to be ready, willing, and able. "</span></span></span></span><span class="null"><span class="null">Sam is hilarious, every time I watch the film I
can't help but laugh! I am super thankful Sam picked me to be Shelby
Staxx. The cast and crew are wonderful and very friendly!"</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="null"><span class="null">So, watch out all you studio heads, monsters, drug dealers, thugs, criminals, and anyone else who wishes to do harm to the city of Memphis. There's a new force on the streets, and she will take you on. Fire her, kidnap her, it doesn't matter. Shelby Staxx will return!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #373e4d;"><span style="line-height: 16.64px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-15255206807169285692015-03-29T00:00:00.000-05:002015-03-29T00:00:01.776-05:00Sunday Author Interview: Maranda Russell<div class="moz-text-html" lang="x-western">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlu7ZNf2ADaG9w5OumRNMKUHHXl2hZwGX5qRlAnRjdr21Dp1-O2NTjr60wmfPrZGxqlgtNXAkXKrbzNnggu3qvQr4oxmEG_QJfVnCpL53iJY0dKK04g9bWHNFbbglKEDr-9vrjknmbQFU/s1600/550625_430016483699383_966475502_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlu7ZNf2ADaG9w5OumRNMKUHHXl2hZwGX5qRlAnRjdr21Dp1-O2NTjr60wmfPrZGxqlgtNXAkXKrbzNnggu3qvQr4oxmEG_QJfVnCpL53iJY0dKK04g9bWHNFbbglKEDr-9vrjknmbQFU/s1600/550625_430016483699383_966475502_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Please introduce yourself.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
I
am an award-winning author and artist who also happens to have
Asperger's Syndrome (a kind of high-functioning autism). I live in
Dayton, Ohio and am married with no children, although we do have six
cats that are like children to us (Jack, Einstein, Spyder, Mao, Icky
and Rosie). </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>How long have you been publishing?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
My
first book was published in 2011 (a children's picture book entitled
"Ode to Icky"), but even prior to that I was getting stories, poems,
articles and essays published in various publications.<i> </i></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Maranda-Russell/e/B005NWQN9W/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1" target="_blank">Buy This Author's Work On Amazon</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Tell us about your latest book. <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
My
most recent book is entitled "Searching for the Truth: Poems &
Prose Inspired by Our Inner Worlds". It is a collection of short
writings inspired by my love for subjects like spirituality, philosophy
and psychology. The book covers a wide variety of subjects but is all
written in an honest and thoughtful manner. The book is not about any
particular religion or belief system, but instead explores those
mysteries and questions about life that we all ask at one time or
another. With this book I wanted to celebrate the emotions and
experiences that make us human.</div>
<div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your new book deals with life and the mysteries surrounding our
existence. What have you learned from exploring those issues? </span></b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Probably
the biggest lesson I have learned is that there is very little that is
actually black and white. So much falls into the gray areas of life.
I've also learned that anyone who claims they know the absolute truth
about everything is someone I definitely don't want to follow or
emulate. Honestly, no one knows the exact answers to questions about
life and existence. We may have come up with good theories and ideas,
but none of us know for sure...at least not while living on this side
of the veil. I've also learned to embrace mystery and the unknown.
There is something beautiful about not knowing the answers and being
humble enough to admit it. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you think that there is a general answer for everyone, or is the
"meaning of life" more specific to the individual?</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
think there are some general themes (like the virtues we should strive
for - love, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, etc.) However, I believe
that we each have an individual journey too. We are here to learn and
experience different things, so you have to be careful about judging
others too harshly or without knowing the whole story. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Who are your major influences?</i></span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
The
authors who really inspire me are some of the classics - Edgar Allan
Poe, Emily Dickinson, Charles Dickens, etc. I have also been greatly
inspired by authors of the novel-in-verse form. Other inspirations
include musicians, visual artists and humanitarians.<i> </i></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
</div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Is writing your full time career?</i></span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Somewhat. I also make money selling the visual artworks I create (primarily drawings and paintings) and from blogging/vlogging.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Tell us more about your visual arts.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
I
love to draw and paint. I didn't start doing it to make a career of it
or to sell my artwork, but it just so happens that people have liked it
enough to want to exhibit it or buy it. My artistic style is generally
expressionistic and abstract. I also love naive or child-like art. I
believe that kids are honestly the world's most creative artists and I
strive to recapture that innocence and joy in creating art. I generally
make smaller artworks, anything from ACEO trading cards (which are the
size of baseball cards) to around 9" x 12" or so. Anyone interested in
seeing or buying my art can check out some of my newest pieces on the
"Art Gallery" page of my website <a href="http://www.marandarussell.com/">www.marandarussell.com</a> or search for
MRuss art on Ebay. I try to keep my prices affordable so that anyone
who likes my art can own a piece<i>. </i> </div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you see writing as a hobby or career? </i></span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
I
try to see it as something I love - a passion rather than a hobby or a
job. I am proud to be able to say that I get paid to do what I love
though.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What made you decide to become a self published author?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
I
have self published and published traditionally over the years. I
prefer self publishing because I like having so much control over the
projects I do (I'm a bit of a perfectionist). However, marketing can be
harder without a traditional publisher. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you feel that your material is different than traditionally published authors?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
I
think it is more open, honest and raw in some ways. However, I always
make sure to edit my writing carefully. I can't stand self published
books that are hard or painful to read due to shoddy editing. If I
could change one thing about the self publishing industry, it would be
the overall quality of the genre because poorly edited books make all
indie authors look bad. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZuNyE0eXV9X7lK0SMOZTFC-bCrg5iUKQKU6bLIEUL9B7HZDJBR8nUepQV6QuOQ8oLHFMurqKFtQjLAAY84_SakNGgYBDiwzn0vaVYwfHlYI10MJl6JTCa5G1ZvZHj6a9l3nz6Wu53kGM/s1600/Searching+for+the+Truth+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZuNyE0eXV9X7lK0SMOZTFC-bCrg5iUKQKU6bLIEUL9B7HZDJBR8nUepQV6QuOQ8oLHFMurqKFtQjLAAY84_SakNGgYBDiwzn0vaVYwfHlYI10MJl6JTCa5G1ZvZHj6a9l3nz6Wu53kGM/s1600/Searching+for+the+Truth+cover.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Who does the covers to your books?</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Some have been done by the publishers in the past, but for my last few books I created the covers. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What are you willing to spend money on, as a writer? What aren't you? </i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
I
don't spend money on much other than copies of my books for events. I
refuse to spend money on reviews or to spend much for award entry fees.
I will sometimes pay a reasonable award entry fee (up to $40-50 at
most) if I really want to enter one of my books. I have also spent a
little money on business cards, promotional materials, setup for
events, etc. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What is your favorite part of being self published?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
The
freedom and being in control of everything related to my book. I have
also learned many skills just by being forced to do certain things
myself, such as formatting books, creating book covers, marketing, etc. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What is your least favorite?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Actually
going out and doing events in person. I have some social anxiety and
that can be scary to me, although when I force myself to go out and do
it I am always glad I did. I prefer online marketing, but there is
definitely power in the personal touch of meeting face to face with
customers. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What has been the most productive tool for promoting your book? </i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Probably word of mouth and free Amazon promotions for my ebooks available in Kindle format.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you have Facebook/Twitter? How effective are they as promotional tools? </i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Yes,
I have Facebook and Twitter. I find they are helpful as promotional
tools, but only if you have a good, high-quality product to begin with.
I find social networking most helpful in soliciting reviews of my work
or networking with authors and publishers.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What is the most important piece of advice you can give someone just starting out in self publishing? </i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Make
sure you present the best work you can before releasing it. Edit, edit,
edit! If you aren't a good editor, hire someone or find someone willing
to help. Know that marketing is hard and takes a lot of time and
work...often more time and work than actually writing. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>If a publisher came knocking, would you make the switch? Why or why not?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
It depends on the deal and how attached I am to having the book exactly as I envisioned it. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>How do you deal with bad reviews?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
They
used to really bother me but now I just kind of shake it off. However,
if someone is truly rude and mean for no reason, then I tend to get
annoyed. I write lots of book reviews myself and although I strive to
be honest, I also believe in being respectful and trying to encourage
other authors as much as I can. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What changes would you like to see in the self publishing industry?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Besides
better editing as mentioned before, the main change I would like to see
is bigger chains willing to host indie authors for book signings (like
Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, etc.)</div>
<div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you could talk with the people who run the large bookstore chains,
what would you like to tell them about indie publishing?</span></i></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Probably
the first thing I would say is that they are missing out on some great
promotional opportunities by refusing to work at all with local indie
authors. I would also ask them to judge each indie book on its own
merits instead of thinking all indie books are lacking in quality
because they have come across a few here and there that were not
written or edited well. In dealing with the big bookstore chains
myself, I have noticed that often their attitude changes drastically
when they find out you are an indie author. It is almost a kind of
snobbery. Unfortunately, some library systems have the same kind of
attitude. I think one way bookstores and libraries could find the good
indie books is to pay attention to reputable awards for indie books. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you write to music? If so, what kind?</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Yes!
Some of my current favorite musicians to listen to include Michael
Jackson, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, The Beatles, Queen and other classic
rock bands from the 60's & 70's. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you have any certain ideas or ideals that you try to instill in your work? </i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Just
respect for humanity, individuality and empathy. Having Asperger's
Syndrome kind of gives me a unique view of the world and I like to
share that with others whether it be in my books, art or my vlog/blog. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Why do you write?</i></span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
Because I love it. Even if I never sold another book I would still write often. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What have you learned from reading other people's work?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
To take chances and not be afraid to try new things even if some people won't like them simply because they are new. </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you read more ebooks or physical copies?</i> </b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
I
prefer physical copies myself, but I sell more ebook copies...so I
guess it evens out. I don't truly believe that the traditional book
will die out because too many of us love the feeling of a real book in
our hands.<i> </i> </div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<u>For More About The Author:</u></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
My blog/website - <a href="http://marandarussell.com/" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">http://marandarussell.com/</a></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
YouTube Vlog - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCpAM_Bo151m9iICwLQE5A" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXCpAM_Bo151m9iICwLQE5A</a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">My Facebook Fan Page - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Maranda.Russell.writer" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Maranda.Russell.writer</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
</span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">My Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/shojobeatgirl" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/shojobeatgirl</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
<div>
Amazon link for my newest book - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Searching-Truth-Poems-Inspired-Worlds-ebook/dp/B00Q3C4JWY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425949296&sr=8-1&keywords=maranda+russell" style="font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Searching-Truth-Poems-Inspired-Worlds-ebook/dp/B00Q3C4JWY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425949296&sr=8-1&keywords=maranda+russell</a></div>
</span></div>
</div>
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2Fa28688dc-1bfd-462f-bf1b-9cec766f27f8&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2Fa28688dc-1bfd-462f-bf1b-9cec766f27f8&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-81663808017271836902015-03-28T11:16:00.000-05:002015-03-28T11:16:03.161-05:00Bond is Back! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauXGJytbm-h0P0AllYrSHSGf9UmGWdbaUgCcSA9mL61KkJBlpwQyHh8fU3w0HTplfWY7vkIlTMhtq9OLilrC8sXZjeIuBgofsDidDhVTH8wyVPDa_lakJA9nlHjRmzSu3Mxdp2Rd7qS72/s1600/spectre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauXGJytbm-h0P0AllYrSHSGf9UmGWdbaUgCcSA9mL61KkJBlpwQyHh8fU3w0HTplfWY7vkIlTMhtq9OLilrC8sXZjeIuBgofsDidDhVTH8wyVPDa_lakJA9nlHjRmzSu3Mxdp2Rd7qS72/s1600/spectre.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a></div>
As you may or may not know, I am a huge fan of the James Bond series. I love all the incarnations of the character on screen (though some more than others), and have also read most of the books. (I like to save them like treats!) Though things have been really stressful for me lately, I did find a lot of joy in the release of the new teaser trailer for Spectre. I love what Daniel Craig and Same Mendes are doing with the franchise. I can't wait to see how they bring back the ultimate Bond villian: Blofeld.<br />
<br />
In honor of this release, here is a post that was originally written for my movie blog during the release of Skyfall. Here are the top and bottom 5 Bond films, in my opinion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Best Bond Films</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5g1-mNCgVc_oIp-lFbSQ_njk0YAzvOAB4t0Yn0_v6n-qSWttuWiSB5nmM_4LnqASAfbKmYJKZO2HWzrgvjlRzvAd9D1qbSDnOOBlXC6NDGEOiTN3vpnl4volc1lFuD1tyodFMxU6U0Y/s1600/007LALDposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5g1-mNCgVc_oIp-lFbSQ_njk0YAzvOAB4t0Yn0_v6n-qSWttuWiSB5nmM_4LnqASAfbKmYJKZO2HWzrgvjlRzvAd9D1qbSDnOOBlXC6NDGEOiTN3vpnl4volc1lFuD1tyodFMxU6U0Y/s200/007LALDposter.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></div>
<b>5. Live and Let Die</b><br />
<br />
The first movie for any actor taking on the Bond role is usually given special attention, and <i>Live and Let Die</i> is no different. Much like <i>Dr. No</i>, the movie begins with an investigation into the deaths of several agents. It also eventually leads to a mysterious bad guy on an exotic island. From there, though, the similarities rescind as Roger Moore slips into the character and makes it his own. Less brutish and more suave, Moore plays Bond as the quintessential gentleman spy. He stands in stark contrast of the Harlem enemies that surround him.<br />
<br />
Released in the early 1970's, the film's producers decided to take advantage of the rising popularity of blaxploitation films. They mined Fleming's novel of the same name, amping up the urban elements to give Moore's Bond a harder edge. Although the idea could have easily collapsed into parody, Guy Hamilton keeps the film slyly behind the line.<br />
<br />
Aside from the broad comic styling of JW Peppers, Live and Let Die hits every note perfectly. Yaphet Kotto is cast perfectly as Kananga; Jane Seymor is enchanting as the mystical Solitare. The tarot readings which are interspersed throughout the picture really give the movie its own style. Mankiewicz's script is a vast improvement from his previous <i>Diamonds Are Forever</i>. This is definitely Moore's best Bond film, if not one of the best in the entire series.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wKUZLGQCVTcjBiEIhfamNf4TxzVshasNzAgjHAlST5PlBjHaE0DLkq0y5xcEk3W5zl7Ag5dxzjNAx05vms4ytZLaXXOtkcE1OF14ddbynn9RrZYWalc2y6W-oMTl5bX_80Xvk_nut-4/s1600/golden-eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wKUZLGQCVTcjBiEIhfamNf4TxzVshasNzAgjHAlST5PlBjHaE0DLkq0y5xcEk3W5zl7Ag5dxzjNAx05vms4ytZLaXXOtkcE1OF14ddbynn9RrZYWalc2y6W-oMTl5bX_80Xvk_nut-4/s200/golden-eye.jpg" height="200" width="138" /></a></div>
<b>4. Goldeneye</b><br />
<br />
After years of financial woes, MGM finally produced <i>Goldeneye</i>, Pierce Brosnan's first outing as Bond. A new decade brought a new actor in the role, and a more fun take than Dalton's serious performance. The plot centers around a rogue Russian general who steals the controls of a satellite capable of wiping out the world's financial market. What makes <i>Goldeneye</i> such a good Bond film is that it pits 007 against another 00 agent; one who is just as capable as Bond himself. Not only must Bond attempt to save the world, he must also settle a personal vendetta. The plot, then, takes on a layer that many of the films don't enjoy.<br />
<br />
<i>Goldeneye</i> sort of reinvents the 007 wheel. It had to establish an entire line of new actors in the roles that had begun to be taken over by generic actors. Award winning actress Judi Dench is cast as the new "M," a role that she has kept even through the Daniel Craig reboot. Samatha Bond stars as Moneypenny, with only Desmond Llewelynn returning as Q. As discussed before, Alec Trevelyan is an excellent bad guy. Famke Janssen's Xenia Onatopp recalls the more fun female villains, even if she does play a little over the top.<br />
<br />
Overall, the film is a high point in nearly every aspect. From the theme song to the credits and opening action scene, <i>Goldeneye</i> establishes a new Bond for a new decade. It begins a long string of successful Brosnan adventures.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dgXAZKlswKvaE_9T_g2WmgAD11IU9QUWyiFU1w5_iEbQTwaoL2pewVUTsXhoG6EcxONAyELEsA8brCM6NS67MLN1VwxGl3cPR957gocpppaHvAvfjUB8bYZthzMECW3fKzYi65K7QHw/s1600/casinoroyale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dgXAZKlswKvaE_9T_g2WmgAD11IU9QUWyiFU1w5_iEbQTwaoL2pewVUTsXhoG6EcxONAyELEsA8brCM6NS67MLN1VwxGl3cPR957gocpppaHvAvfjUB8bYZthzMECW3fKzYi65K7QHw/s200/casinoroyale.jpg" height="200" width="134" /></a><b>3. Casino Royale</b><br />
<br />
Once again, another first makes our list. After the disappointing <i>Die Another Day</i>, and another round of financial problems for MGM, EON productions decided to reboot the Bond franchise. They decided on a new actor, Daniel Craig, and adapted Fleming's first novel. The book is my favorite, and translates much better to film than I first believed. The first two acts are written specifically for the film, however the last is taken nearly straight from the novel.<br />
<br />
What makes this film work so well is the fact that they changed nearly everything about Bond, while keeping the spirit alive and well. First of all, they took away the gadgets. Instead of having a fancy watch to get him out of a fix, Craig's Bond has to think his way out for himself. It's a breath of fresh air from the gimmicks. Also, the filmmakers updated the way the films are shot and edited. Audiences have grown more sophisticated, even since the Brosnan Bonds. There was a fear that 007 was becoming a relic; many saw him as less exciting than the Jason Bourne's or XXX's. The producers recognized this fault and injected some adrenaline into the franchise. The result is a stylish, hard hitting action film that not only competes with other series, but shows them exactly why Bond's been around for 50 years.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem7hJLxOgoQPdE4SWnlCf2iRCo0_kL5IE526pW3bOByPv1R5LzsS2i8X4K1ja_y1NhSGtxSQ6HnUdW-Bi0YQULDFrcoU-Lg1hGTWJvQDGU5xNDYx8s55gpMEUQqAxkzSHez1S4bUYE54/s1600/Dr._No_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem7hJLxOgoQPdE4SWnlCf2iRCo0_kL5IE526pW3bOByPv1R5LzsS2i8X4K1ja_y1NhSGtxSQ6HnUdW-Bi0YQULDFrcoU-Lg1hGTWJvQDGU5xNDYx8s55gpMEUQqAxkzSHez1S4bUYE54/s200/Dr._No_poster.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a><b>2. Dr. No</b><br />
<br />
Our final first on the list is the very first Bond film. I have a special affinity for this one, as it's the first one I ever watched. Having never seen them before, I decided to pick up a couple at the local video store (years ago when they still existed.) I began with this one, and was really blown away. More of an investigative mystery than the rest of the series, I was drawn in by the actual plot of the film. Once Connery takes the screen, his attitude and charisma make it hard to turn away. He is handy with his fists, and able to talk his way into (or out of) anything.<br />
<br />
This film establishes nearly every aspect of the franchise that would become standard. The exotic locations, the bad guy bent on world domination, and even the beautiful women on Bond's arm are all here. Though it moves slower than the rest, it also relies more on Bond's personality to carry the film. Connery tears up the screen here, and clearly enjoys doing so. This is a must see for anyone wanting to dive into the Bond films. There's plenty of reasons why, at 50 years old, its still one of the best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf6ZaEp97oGUKlExsxpCkguYXok45QUbKBegu7DFBigHtHxRTVD8OR4wH7Yy0b6QbcLyUyAK-FRL-oktOtQxjaCd2hOvDCnYCD2tFhkjQbRKiHP3Avm6McZurv6xqHRh4ZoiDBotBeho/s1600/goldfinger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf6ZaEp97oGUKlExsxpCkguYXok45QUbKBegu7DFBigHtHxRTVD8OR4wH7Yy0b6QbcLyUyAK-FRL-oktOtQxjaCd2hOvDCnYCD2tFhkjQbRKiHP3Avm6McZurv6xqHRh4ZoiDBotBeho/s200/goldfinger.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>1. Goldfinger</b><br />
<br />
Perhaps this one is no surprise, but most people would contend that <i>Goldfinger</i> is the best of the Bonds. <i>Dr. No</i> established the franchise, <i>From Russia With Love</i> broadened the pallet, and <i>Goldfinger</i> erupted the popularity. This one takes all of the elements that made the previous films successful and turns them up to 11. Bond is even more suave and charming here. His nemesis has an even more outlandish plot, and the Bond girls have even cheekier names.<br />
<br />
<i>Goldfinger</i> is one of the most fun entries into the franchise. It really marks the last time that Connery seems to be relishing the role, rather than doing it for the money. It also spends a good deal of time showing Bond toy with his adversary, before jumping into the action. The film has some of the most iconic images of the series; from the gold painted woman to the famous quote "No, Mr. Bond. I expect you to die." Though the films may go for another 50 years, they will find it ever more difficult to touch the man with the Midas touch.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Worst Bond Films</span></b><br />
<br />
I would like to say that, despite the title, there's really only one Bond film that I think is bad. I mean, just really a terrible film. The list here (except #1) is of my least favorites of the series. I still watch them from time to time and find things to enjoy about them. They just aren't tops when I reach for a DVD.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcMKCnMAevjirk_ODwP-BTrpGvTSwT34Po-HAz4SETqfHGKijVSFI8UZqUEv3lE0N7BpF7uld5r8_iuWKQxS2PbmyCdnYMr53h6r6bFWk0f1lL3FqW4iSCPiD98QvcaEyxio78l-xJ8U/s1600/diamondsareforever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcMKCnMAevjirk_ODwP-BTrpGvTSwT34Po-HAz4SETqfHGKijVSFI8UZqUEv3lE0N7BpF7uld5r8_iuWKQxS2PbmyCdnYMr53h6r6bFWk0f1lL3FqW4iSCPiD98QvcaEyxio78l-xJ8U/s200/diamondsareforever.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>5. Diamonds Are Forever</b><br />
<br />
On paper, <i>Diamonds</i> had a lot going for it. First of all, Sean Connery was back. That was a HUGE score for the fans and filmmakers alike. Next, Blofeld was returning as the villain. Fans have been wanting Bond (i.e. Connery) to get Blofeld for years; especially after the murder of Bond's wife in the previous film. Screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz, of <i>Superman</i> fame, was scribing the film. Everything just seemed to be falling into place. Except, that it didn't.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the expectations were too high, but Diamonds didn't really make a huge mark on the series. The action scenes were there, the puns were there. The element that was missing was the magic. Though there's nothing I can point to that is really bad about the film (well, maybe the special effects), there's also nothing very good, either. It is a pretty formulaic entry that just doesn't really pop. The premise is a strange one (stolen diamonds that lead to Jimmy Dean playing Howard Hughes) and Charles Gray's performance as Blofeld didn't really do it for me. <i>Diamonds</i> isn't a bad film; it's just not a great one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-eEQBhM1tjRoqzbp_2yDeRK_95RGJW4Gw8MSWzhOPHGDbVR5VwCpRFqGN275Ek120T4oWBT8gDQEMHKqK2L5Fr7zy7uWZoF_YsHOu-O6Sbc9NSqiWVRsxUmkyHk60YxpZTrmPddU8m4/s1600/view+to+a+kill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-eEQBhM1tjRoqzbp_2yDeRK_95RGJW4Gw8MSWzhOPHGDbVR5VwCpRFqGN275Ek120T4oWBT8gDQEMHKqK2L5Fr7zy7uWZoF_YsHOu-O6Sbc9NSqiWVRsxUmkyHk60YxpZTrmPddU8m4/s200/view+to+a+kill.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
<b>4. A View To A Kill</b><br />
<br />
Roger Moore holds the record for the most amount of (official) James Bond films. He also has the distinction of being the oldest serving 007 of the series. In his last Bond film, A View To A Kill, he truly starts to show his age. Impressive for a man of his age, Moore's ability to perform action scenes doesn't stand up to the expectations of the fans. Moore knew this, and had even been reluctant to accept the role once more.<br />
<br />
Moore's age is definitely not the only thing hampering this film. The plot, which delves into the trendy topic of microchips, isn't the most interesting. There's also some things about horse racing thrown in there for bad measure. The only real highlight of the movie is Christopher Walkin's outrageous performance as the film's villain. He brings his usual bizarre delivery and high level of energy to a script severely limiting the rest of the cast. Grace Jone's presence is so out of place in this film that she is completely jarring. She would have, perhaps, been better suited for one of the latter pictures pitted against Brosnan in a setting that was a little more wild than mine shafts and stables.<br />
<br />
Over all, <i>A View to A Kill</i> is watchable, though not the grand swan song that Roger Moore probably should have received. He should have bowed out after For Your Eyes Only on a high note, or at least after the (surprisingly) fun <i>Octopussy</i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCGtk0HbCG933v6PcMKB20QVtKKznvFwiR0wVL1YFCQdHx6zKELqowp6CS8rzX998Ea8Riq9sLHyCLaLnEnABQkxJ3qb1tG6EBfWPD6iGWFvp93tw2KUKJWvrTtILy3WdHtbw4vtsga4/s1600/neversaynever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCGtk0HbCG933v6PcMKB20QVtKKznvFwiR0wVL1YFCQdHx6zKELqowp6CS8rzX998Ea8Riq9sLHyCLaLnEnABQkxJ3qb1tG6EBfWPD6iGWFvp93tw2KUKJWvrTtILy3WdHtbw4vtsga4/s200/neversaynever.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<b>3. Never Say Never Again</b><br />
<br />
If there were two Bond films that I would never watch again, this one would be one of them. First of all, the film isn't officially a James Bond picture. A rival studio bough the rights to one of Flemming's novels (<i>Thunderball</i>) from his coauthor and attempted to launch their own franchise. Years of legal battles later, and all we got was <i>Never Say Never Again</i>...which is a remake of <i>Thunderball</i>. I have to say that the original was never one of my favorites, and the remake doesn't do much for me either. It tries to update the world of Bond with a few awkward scenes (including a video game to the death!) and a pretty haggard looking Sean Connery. He may have well as worn a shirt that said "I'm Just Doing It For The Paycheck."<br />
<br />
The best thing I can say about this one is that it never lead to what would have been a terrible branch off of the character. Just imagining Connery doing these things for several more years before being replaced by some terrible actor is excruciating. Not to mention the utter confusion fans would be facing whenever they heard about a new Bond coming out. In the end, it's just better to skip this one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAbkJtv6cXEgE6ADrAWGuvIlWqntMKdLdW-uSX3bicZ-XFJjC80RfEk7kPfNb1RO2c3bJkS8y_SJfRZRHT8XK6HlRvqyKSe93EH8KgytWlyyOEJwFrYfZbOIq8l0ep3JaK-KiM3e1918/s1600/moonrake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAbkJtv6cXEgE6ADrAWGuvIlWqntMKdLdW-uSX3bicZ-XFJjC80RfEk7kPfNb1RO2c3bJkS8y_SJfRZRHT8XK6HlRvqyKSe93EH8KgytWlyyOEJwFrYfZbOIq8l0ep3JaK-KiM3e1918/s200/moonrake.jpg" height="200" width="137" /></a></div>
<b>2. Moonraker</b><br />
<br />
At the end of <i>The Spy Who Loved Me</i>, fans were told to expect Bond back in a film called <i>For Your Eyes Only</i>. Before the script for that film could be finished, a funny thing called Star Wars erupted from nowhere to become a mega sensation. Suddenly, every studio is looking for their own space age property to exploit the fad. New series were born (<i>Battlestar Galactica</i>) and old ones given new life (<i>Star Trek</i>.) Even films that had been successful in their own rights were suddenly retrofitted to cash in. That's were <i>Moonraker</i> comes in. Producers decided to launch Bond into space to make a quick buck, deciding to "adapt" Flemming's third novel. They threw out everything but the main character's name and began concocting a reason for Bond to hop a shuttle.<br />
<br />
To be fair, the first two acts of the film play out like most of the other 007 movies. A stolen shuttle leads Bond on the trail of an eccentric millionaire who travels the world in a plot for domination. Bond kicks some ass, makes some love, and then blasts off. The problem with the first part is that there is no real story connecting the pieces. It's just fodder between action scenes that doesn't really engage the viewer. (I'm sure it also bored those hoping for a sci-fi action adventure.) There are a few solid stunts here that belong in the annals of Bond history. (The cable car and airplane jump come to mind.) However, there are many that seem rehashed rather than fresh.<br />
<br />
The ultimate flaw with the movie is, of course, that Bond goes to outer space. It's a ridiculous idea that should tell filmmakers that they are running out of steam. (Did you see Leprechaun or Jason X?) Bond generally takes a lot of liberties with physics and reality, but these space battles and laser shootouts go WAY over the line.<br />
<br />
<i>Moonraker</i> doesn't really cut it as a Bond film; nor does it stand out as a science fiction film. Though it made tons of money upon its release, it has come to be known as the worst James Bond film made. Well, that is until our number one selection.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWNwA5MFUK5hdXBPWZLxvhuIbUmwGfi30LoXXFOpmYlC_G-abirK-oLkATTorNDFju6bHaLO6GsHe8qY2QMFRbCIdsju_CH_0hFq63g4Y28wuzSj2Edt9qkTwf-Z0ZbIGqfIXNeutVZM/s1600/dieanotherday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWNwA5MFUK5hdXBPWZLxvhuIbUmwGfi30LoXXFOpmYlC_G-abirK-oLkATTorNDFju6bHaLO6GsHe8qY2QMFRbCIdsju_CH_0hFq63g4Y28wuzSj2Edt9qkTwf-Z0ZbIGqfIXNeutVZM/s200/dieanotherday.jpg" height="200" width="134" /></a></div>
<b>1. Die Another Day </b><br />
<br />
<i>Die Another Day</i> is, without a doubt, the worst James Bond film ever made. It has the worst plot, the worst theme song, the dumbest villains, and the most ridiculous gadgets ever put into the series. Let's take a look at why it sucks, shall we?<br />
<br />
First off, the concept of the movie is really stupid. A band of misfit Koreans create a solar satellite and are going to use it to start a nuclear war between North and South Korea. Okay, this could have been interesting if the filmmakers would have insisted on a better script. Instead, they found the plot less important than working in references to ever other Bond film that came before it. Just because this is the 20th official film doesn't mean you have to call our attention to it in every scene.<br />
<br />
Secondly, the villain is a "gene therapy" altered Korean guy with a buddy who has diamonds stuck in his face.... Really. That's what you're going with. Really. (I mean, they can change a guy's DNA, but they can't remove diamonds from his friend's face?)<br />
<br />
Finally, that Madonna song is pure shit. Whomever decided to let her write and record a Bond theme should be thrown out on their ass. And a big F YOU to the idiot who decided she should be in the movie, too.<br />
<br />
Even the credit sequence is bad. It's cool that they are conveying a passage of time while Bond is being held prisoner. They even show the torture he has to endure while he's there. The problem is that they have dancing flame and ice women, mostly nude in typical Bond fashion. Uh, did someone miss the fact that he's being tortured? There's no way to make that sexy, and no reason you should try.<br />
<br />
If <i>View</i> was a sad exit for Roger Moore, <i>Die</i> was a 2x4 full of nails to the face for Pierce Brosnan. There were plenty of reasons that the next Bond would have to feature a new actor, however, I think producers should have done Pierce a favor and let him have one more good outing to end his 007 career on. <i>Die Another Day</i> is the sourest of notes to cap off an otherwise stellar turn as our favorite secret agent.
<br><br>
<center>
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2Fafb31bbe-587a-4f6d-b088-70eb95c3efd0&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2Fafb31bbe-587a-4f6d-b088-70eb95c3efd0&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>
</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-82526520398121401322015-03-25T06:57:00.002-05:002015-03-25T06:57:40.786-05:00The X-Files Returns!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildRkKboUBLe19SMgNdjNXhLwfc9bXGZIfb6E4mzvQBzL_dlOHkw4A83nI-rHJS6aHffaPG-rPGNXuxa1MJNriZxgswO1rdWTCxeE-oWaFlzSqibNVpouXwW0jOIVUIJQKfbQDk4vgUvQ/s1600/x-files-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildRkKboUBLe19SMgNdjNXhLwfc9bXGZIfb6E4mzvQBzL_dlOHkw4A83nI-rHJS6aHffaPG-rPGNXuxa1MJNriZxgswO1rdWTCxeE-oWaFlzSqibNVpouXwW0jOIVUIJQKfbQDk4vgUvQ/s200/x-files-3.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>The X-Files (1993-2002)</b><br />
<br />
I was (and still am) a huge fan of the X-Files. It was recently announced that the show will return for a limited run; hopefully resulting in a satisfying ending that eluded the last film. In honor of the show's return, here is an article I wrote for my defunct movie review blog. Enjoy! <br />
<br />
<br />
The television landscape of the early 90's was completely different than it is today. For one, cable was the land of reruns and B-movies. HBO and Showtime weren't producing their own material yet; so the networks were king. By networks, I mean NBC, CBS, and ABC. Back then, FOX was a newcomer, struggling to make a name for itself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Aside from <i>The Simpsons</i> and <i>90210</i> franchise, FOX had little to draw viewers. Shows came and went at the drop of the hat. There were oddball comedies, talk shows, and teen dramas. Slowly, the network rose in ratings. There was no sci-fi programming on any of the networks at the time; there weren't even any police procedurals. In 1993, that all changed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeABXyVwMd0I9zF9Fb2IsM7MiXL26Pt8StwbfUwJOYwl4c_Ab5HXcJFzHnIHeDG3eUBczKpy6iTVkXecJIuNm9i2PKpkDU3pDrp9CxJHMwRW050XMZYyUjIzfC9VYYh4OjZc9MIpL_Bw/s1600/dirt-dave-and-gill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeABXyVwMd0I9zF9Fb2IsM7MiXL26Pt8StwbfUwJOYwl4c_Ab5HXcJFzHnIHeDG3eUBczKpy6iTVkXecJIuNm9i2PKpkDU3pDrp9CxJHMwRW050XMZYyUjIzfC9VYYh4OjZc9MIpL_Bw/s200/dirt-dave-and-gill.jpg" height="190" width="200" /></a></div>
Indirectly born from the ashes of a little town called <i>Twin Peaks</i>, a unique series arose that would become a huge hit. The show featured a number of actors from the David Lynch directed series, David Duchovny being the main lead. Gillian Anderson starred as Duchovny's oppositely minded partner. The two FBI agents investigated paranormal occurrences, usually linked to crimes. Duchovny's Fox Mulder would invariably argue with Anderson's Dana Scully, with his supernatural theories usually winning out at the end.<br />
<br />
<i>The X-Files</i> looked like nothing else on television. It was grounded in the traditional detective style, though it explored very unique themes. The series asked tons of questions, gave few answers, and created an intriguing world that captivated audiences. The show was also lit differently than others. The cinematography relied on noir lighting, with slivers highlighting the actors in pure darkness.<br />
<br />
The show established many elements that viewers now take for granted. It established Vancouver as the Canadian Hollywood. Everything from shows like <i>Supernatural </i>and<i> Battlestar Galactica</i>, to hundreds of films, have come from the same area in which this series was filmed. Creator Chris Carter also established the idea of having a mythology that would drive the entire series run. Before <i>X-Files</i>, most programs were contained to the hour or so they were on, with none of this week's events affecting the next's. Carter ran with Mulder's quest to find his missing sister for 7 seasons. It's almost impossible to find a program on air today that doesn't run with a mythology. The show was also self-referential at times; unafraid to laugh at its own seriousness, or wink at its audience.<br />
<br />
What made <i>The X-Files</i> work for so long was the relationship between the main characters. Unlike most programs of the time (or ever), Mulder and Scully held a professional respect that transformed into a deep friendship. For most of the show's run, they held off the romantic tension that ruined other shows. (During the final two seasons, unfortunately, creativity had run low, and the writers awkwardly put the two together.)<br />
<br />
The show was intelligent, startling, intriguing, and respected its own audience. It was bold enough to wind arcs through multiple seasons, and intelligent enough to throw in superior stand alone episodes. For that, viewers flocked to the <i>X-Files</i> for 7 seasons.<br />
<br />
By season 8, Duchovny had begun to tire of his character. He only appeared in a about half of the episodes, leaving Scully to find a new partner. Robert Patrick was brought on as a no nonsense agent, who found himself in the middle of the unexplainable. Agent Dogget's blue collar beliefs forced Scully to become the "spooky" one of the pair.<br />
<br />
For a while, I believe the show regained its footing. The writers successfully transitioned from the steadfast duo of Mulder and Scully, to a more dynamic relationship of Scully and Dogget. Unfortunately, they went further, and introduced Annabeth Gish as a New Age new agent named Monica Reyes. It was clear that producers were attempting to hand the show over to this new pair, but audiences quickly lost interest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtGWV31LqlPxZiJRmZOZhLNcdjANh36hEsM_Qh0lcYjBCw7ewCoh_mVblu3fPUgzKobUQI9djyD6yji7uOX_0n6aFAS-g8UPD1DKcMd9OfB0T5FVQPlCuX0Jq3phvMLJL_N8fdh-S8JU/s1600/Season-8-the-x-files-6216203-1024-768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtGWV31LqlPxZiJRmZOZhLNcdjANh36hEsM_Qh0lcYjBCw7ewCoh_mVblu3fPUgzKobUQI9djyD6yji7uOX_0n6aFAS-g8UPD1DKcMd9OfB0T5FVQPlCuX0Jq3phvMLJL_N8fdh-S8JU/s200/Season-8-the-x-files-6216203-1024-768.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
By season 9, Duchovny was completely absent and the show was coasting on autopliot. Stories were dry and unimaginative. The old mythology had been played out, and there was no real glue to bind the characters together any more. Also, the attacks of September 11th played out just 2 months before this season premiered. Suddenly, government conspiracies weren't fun anymore.<br />
<br />
On May 19th, 2002, <i>The X-Files</i> left the air in a finale that highly disappointed fans. On trial for murder, Mulder listens as guest star after guest star...I mean witness after witness... outlines the entire mythology of the show, and attempts to answer every question ever put to producers. They even have the ghosts of dead characters appear to Mulder to help out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWU-Astpwams-grY72GLyC3gRqFlAH3gq6lnFzVyLyCfHZt5aSiRGYR1iaxRE2wKT3-NFN-nGkH6KeaQw7x_y9XseO7tz9Lsyvsw7sBspcRfFjQwYLWbmf4nfqtR4uBkXlVZN1onl6OU/s1600/cadc135-718-2013-154339-high-jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWU-Astpwams-grY72GLyC3gRqFlAH3gq6lnFzVyLyCfHZt5aSiRGYR1iaxRE2wKT3-NFN-nGkH6KeaQw7x_y9XseO7tz9Lsyvsw7sBspcRfFjQwYLWbmf4nfqtR4uBkXlVZN1onl6OU/s200/cadc135-718-2013-154339-high-jpg.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a></div>
No matter the outcome, The <i>X-Files</i> was a trailblazer that is just as influential today as it's first season. I would go so far as to say the majority of series that we all love: <i>Dexter, Lost, The Wire, Breaking Bad</i>, etc owe a debt to <i>The X-Files</i>. It proved that audiences were ready for sophisticated story lines, multiple season-long arcs, and unorthodox television.<br />
<br />
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the show's premiere. To celebrate, Duchovny and Anderson appeared at Comic-Con. Fan interest was as high as ever, and audiences went nuts for them. Everyone involved in the series has expressed interest in returning for a third feature film; one which returns to the alien mythology of the show. Perhaps we will return to Mulder and Scully, to finally receive the send off they deserved all those years before. If not, we will always have the show on disc or download. The truth will always be out there.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-86848529461930446772015-03-23T18:21:00.000-05:002015-03-23T18:21:41.144-05:00Fear and Trembling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2qY8VAi9ifrHkUPOmv908f9fR5J23-UA7dFdbp6xz43Q0wp_eH5rmveOcRLEq9Sr-8p9lAghhTD7QXGT7BiRCTnF1OXVTpQjQth6aZsOp4YIhIGei8ph4nVJSUEyRxQHSm7SD1E4xnfY/s1600/DSC00097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2qY8VAi9ifrHkUPOmv908f9fR5J23-UA7dFdbp6xz43Q0wp_eH5rmveOcRLEq9Sr-8p9lAghhTD7QXGT7BiRCTnF1OXVTpQjQth6aZsOp4YIhIGei8ph4nVJSUEyRxQHSm7SD1E4xnfY/s1600/DSC00097.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
I'd like to start off by saying that I had a great time at Midsouth Con 33 this past weekend. I was on some fun panels and met a lot of other authors. It was a much needed respite from something that's been shaking me up.<br />
<br />
About a month ago, I found out that my dog, Ayden, has a tumor growing just behind his lung. I took him to an oncologist, though we were unable to determine if it is lung cancer or lymphoma. In either case, there was not much that they could do. He is around 13-14 years old. He has spent almost that entire time at my side. The diagnosis was, frankly, shocking in the worst way.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
I had been making a lot of progress on my next novel, as well as some film projects. I was in a very productive mind set, and was very focused. Ayden's illness has stopped my creativity in its tracks. I have spent the past month at home with him, trying to make the most of our time together. Aside from going to work, I have barely left the house. Although I had another dog that died 4 years ago, Ayden's brother, this has hit me hard.<br />
<br />
I spend most of my time right now just trying to keep my mind occupied. I try to stay busy with menial tasks that don't require me to think very much. Once my mind starts, it's hard to reel it back in. I have been on edge for weeks; full of anxiety, and snapping at my girlfriend for no reason.<br />
<br />
I'm in a terrible state of mind right now, and I just can't focus enough to write. I have to be in a safe mental state to do it, and this is nowhere near that. Over the past few days, I have gotten a better grasp on the situation. I have to keep reminding myself that I have given Ayden, and my other dogs, a wonderful home for over a decade. All three were either strays or from similar terrible circumstances. I've done my best to protect him for this long. I am so sad that I can only try to make him comfortable for now.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I will have author interviews on Sundays. I have a number already scheduled to post, and more on the way. I really enjoy reading their answers and getting out of my own head for a while. I hope you guys are finding them as entertaining.<br />
<br />
If things are a little quiet around the blog for a while, it's because I am busy with my baby boy. Any good vibes or positive thoughts you can send our way would be greatly appreciated.<br />
<br />
<br />Richard A Lesterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15114460215505683869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-43140528976356283292015-03-22T00:00:00.000-05:002015-03-22T00:00:02.456-05:00 Sunday Author Interview: Hollywood Hellmouth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO6mMcDzwzQPtFln8hX5ounS_ceczGkN9CZC0u56tI9L78xP_83379_rIO8kKL6J5u3W8_4dqR0R32yXdTNwrlgWb1_28A2AorQ9B3t14HgtKkF49IClTqFhPIvQld0WvCUAlSMqO-tfS/s1600/Hollywood+Hellmouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO6mMcDzwzQPtFln8hX5ounS_ceczGkN9CZC0u56tI9L78xP_83379_rIO8kKL6J5u3W8_4dqR0R32yXdTNwrlgWb1_28A2AorQ9B3t14HgtKkF49IClTqFhPIvQld0WvCUAlSMqO-tfS/s1600/Hollywood+Hellmouth.jpg" height="200" width="124" /></a></div>
This weekend, I was at Mid South Con 33, as was author <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Armand Rosamilia. In celebration, this Sunday's interview features Armand, as well as </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jay Wilburn, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jack Wallen, and </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Brent Abell<i>. </i>They have a new book entitled </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hollywood Hellmouth. Let's find out more about them, and their work!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Is writing your full-time career?</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jay Wilburn</u>: Yes, I left teaching and have been writing
full-time for a couple years. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jack Wallen</u>: Yes it is. I wake up every day, do NOT get out
of my pajamas, and lay fingers to keys for the majority of the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Armand Rosamilia</u>: Yes. I’ve been writing full-time for over
four years now and loving every minute of it. Living the dream as the young
kids say. I know somebody says it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Brent Abell</u>: It is a dream for it to be a full time career
and I hope over the next few years, I can reach that point. I might have to
flip burgers in a fast-food joint to pay the bills between royalty checks
though. Choices...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Hellmouth-Armand-Rosamilia/dp/1508564949/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426116586&sr=8-1&keywords=hollywood+hellmouth" target="_blank">Buy This Book On Amazon. </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you see writing as a hobby or career?</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jay</u>: Writing can be whatever you decide it is, but it is
career for me. I've had opportunities to cut loose and go back to something
respectable. I keep going out deeper and cutting my lines. I've passed a
certain point that I have resolved myself to keep going until I drown and then
continue past that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this discussion, I kind of equate writing with murder. No
matter how much or how little you do it, whether you are expert at it or
sloppy, once they start finding bodies in your yard, other people define you by
it and judge your work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jack</u>: This is definitely a career -- one I plan on taking me
to my grave.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Brent</u>: Right now since I write on the side, I have to view
it as a hobby. When I started out, it
was just a hobby, but now it has grown into a monster and it demands I make it
a career. We'll see which way it goes in
the end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What made you decide to become a self-published author?</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jay</u>: I love working with small presses and do so as often as
I can. Sometimes you look at a project and think, this is mine. I'm going to
put this out according to my terms and own the results. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jack</u>: Control. I don't want a publisher (large or small) trying
to tell me where my stories should be going, what my covers should look like,
or what to write next. Besides, no matter whether you go it alone or with a
publisher, you wind up having to promote yourself anyway -- so why not benefit
from the added royalties of being an indie author? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you feel that your material is different than
traditionally published authors?</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jack</u>: I do. I have bent and twisted genres in ways
traditionally published authors couldn't dare attempt. That's another element
of being on my own that I love -- I can create my own genres and write material
that I truly enjoy and want to write. Take, for instance, Hollywood Hellmouth.
This book is a unique piece of horror comedy that no publisher would think
twice about -- and it would be their loss. This book defies categorization and
is all the better for it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Armand</u>: Definitely, and I think we proved it with Hollywood
Hellmouth. I just like to write a good story I want to read, and it doesn’t
always fit into a nice, neat box or genre. Heck, even some of the subgenres are
a bit iffy on a few of my stories. I’m not sure most of my work would be
acceptable to traditionally published houses. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you deal with issues that traditional publishers don’t
normally touch?</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Brent</u>: Anybody who reads the Hollywood Hellmouth book will
see we deal with some pretty heavy issues that the four of us could only do by
self-publishing the book. Publishers wouldn't know what to do with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jack</u>: I do. The last book I published was a part of my
Fringe Killer series. That series has a gay secondary protagonist who is a
detective and that book, Control, deals with domestic abuse in a way
traditional publishers wouldn't dare touch. Plus, my thrillers tend to be on
the brutal side.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What are you willing to spend money on as a writer? What
aren’t you?</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Armand</u>: You need to spend money on a professional editor.
Not an expensive one, a great one. Also cover art is key. I’m not very big on
paying for advertising. I haven’t seen it work for me, but everyone is
different. I will never pay for a review service or for someone to do a blog
tour for me, since I’ve put them together for free myself a number of times. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jay</u>: Self-publishing, I save up money to use a professional
editor and I'll pay for quality art. These add value to the writing. I have one
project that has a soundtrack attached and we're investing in the recording. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Brent</u>: Beer and rum.
Oh, and the occasional book. I'm
not really sure I understand the last part of the question, I'll spend money on
anything...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you go to writing conventions?</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jay</u>: I sell books. I'll rep a table for a small press that
wants a presence and get into a convention that way. I've been a guest a few
times recently. I have found that the networking has gotten me paying work with
almost every one that I've attended. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Armand</u>: I do because they are vital to authors. I’ve had so
many great leaps forward in my career thanks to one on one meetings with
publishers and networking with other authors, who remember you when a new
project comes up. I go to Imaginarium in Kentucky and Mid South in Memphis as
well as wherever World Horror Convention is. Spooky Empire in Orlando is
another great one. I try for 4-5 each year if possible. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jack:</u> I do a couple. My favorite is Imaginarium here in
Louisville, KY. It's a great event with a lot of wonderful people. I will also
be doing Mid South Con. These events are crucial to networking with your fellow
authors.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Brent</u>: Last year I attended one and this year I will attend
two. Before then, it had been since 2011 that I'd been at a con. I like them as
a place to connect with readers and to network with other authors. In fact,
Imaginarium, in 2014, is where the genesis for Hollywood Hellmouthcame about.
Armand Rosamilia, Jack Wallen, Jay Wilburn, and myself met up and decided to
become a gang for other cons. After some discussion, the idea of a round-robin
style book for MidSouthCon 33 came about and it was quickly forgotten about
until late last year when the idea was brought up and we took the plunge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Do you write to music?</i></span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Brent</u>: I write to metal of every variety. I'll fire up hair,
death, or heavy metal every time I sit at the keyboard. The last few bands I've
had playing in the background have been Ghost, Iron Maiden, King Diamond, and
Judas Priest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Armand</u>: On occasion. I usually need some background noise
but it can’t be anything I really like or it takes me out of my zone. Sometimes
I’ll find a weird ambient thing on youtube and put it on really low. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you have any certain ideas or ideals that you try to
instill in your work?</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jay</u>: I try to include the complexity of humanity. I try to
do a good job of showing opposing ideas between two characters and have both
come out making sense from a character point of view even if I don't hold the
idea myself. I try to do a good job of representing LGBT characters in my
writing and characters of faith. I try to capture the darkness and light of
small towns and the American South. These are recurring themes in my writing <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jack</u>: Acceptance and truth are big themes throughout my
entire body of work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Do you blog?</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Armand: </u>Of course. I think every writer needs a blog and not
just a static website, which most people these days ignore. Adding content is
the key to keeping readers coming back, and I promote other authors whenever
possible. http://armandrosamilia.com <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Brent:</u> Why yes, I do.
One may find my blog at http://brentabell.wordpress.com. I think it is an important link to the
internet word where you can connect with readers to keep them up-to-date on
releases, project progress, and to just talk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jack: </u>I do. <a href="http://www.jackwallen.com/">http://www.jackwallen.com</a>. I've been mostly
doing video blogs lately. This is a way to speak to your audience in ways you
can't do through fiction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Jay</u>: I blog to promote. I blog to articulate my own
thoughts. I have been rereading Stephen King's novels in order and blogging my
thoughts on those before and after I read each one. That has been to help me
think more about my long fiction writing. http:// http://jaywilburn.com<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>What one person inspires you in life and in your work?</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jay, Jack and Brent: Armand Rosamilia. Without a doubt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Armand</u>: This might not be a real question and answer…<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-80409392883730822522015-03-15T00:00:00.001-05:002015-03-15T19:01:42.104-05:00Sunday Author Interview: Lenita Sheridan Graves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmttvzsPFo1NtgLUbk-7O6NnQXPv88iWPelPXfa9I7JnPzVZihJuGd_V6D1vQ3sMKoLYZJC_uzbJ0Hg7nefqs8fYK89QF4CwdejQEc1Qmwtj9dtxcIztj6Lrzx0jhU-hOE0VQt39n4PJt/s1600/Lenita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmttvzsPFo1NtgLUbk-7O6NnQXPv88iWPelPXfa9I7JnPzVZihJuGd_V6D1vQ3sMKoLYZJC_uzbJ0Hg7nefqs8fYK89QF4CwdejQEc1Qmwtj9dtxcIztj6Lrzx0jhU-hOE0VQt39n4PJt/s1600/Lenita.jpg" height="200" width="153" /></a></div>
<b>Please introduce yourself.</b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My name is Lenita Sheridan Graves. I write under the pen name Lenita Sheridan. My website is http://www.lenitasheridan.com.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How long have you been publishing?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been publishing since May of 2013.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lenita-Sheridan/e/B00IHK7ZVW/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1" target="_blank">Buy This Author's Work On Amazon.</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Tell me about your latest book.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My latest book is a fantasy and the sequel to the first <u>Guardian of the Gauntlet</u> book. The book is entitled <u>Guardian of the Gauntlet, Book II</u>.
The story takes Princess Camari and Prince Isryk across the ocean where
they go on a quest for the Gnomes of Nurrocon to retrieve crystals from
the Magnite Sea which is guarded by a monster named the Great Vanthor.
Camari has a special gauntlet which works because she has belief in a
higher power. Through the use of this gauntlet, she and Isryk hope to
complete the quest. This book is intended for middle grade students.
Each book is based on a parable from the Bible.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Who are your major influences?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My major influences are C.S. Lewis, L. Frank Baum, and George MacDonald.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you see writing as a hobby or career?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I see writing as a career, but right now, due to finances, it has to be a part time career.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What made you decide to become a self-published author?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had finished the first book many years ago in graduate school and had been sending it off to publishing companies to no avail.</div>
<div>
Since
then it had become easy to publish yourself, so, after a little
research on the self-publishing companies, I chose one and went through
with it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you feel that your material is different than traditionally published authors?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No, and you can see the similarities between my work and C.S. Lewis'. At least one reader commented on that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkuBkp1dsxdxwcspm-nFCC5UPYpC7A_re8llz6X3vvT59q2u_UARkzsmBBOpbyWl1O4IyuOqCZUk-CL4SY-oSY8ha0nsgVjjL39aPg-JENtQsNwF_McfH3z2FI7f4I-nGHMfb2i-fduCE/s1600/Guardian-of-the-Gauntlet-Book-II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkuBkp1dsxdxwcspm-nFCC5UPYpC7A_re8llz6X3vvT59q2u_UARkzsmBBOpbyWl1O4IyuOqCZUk-CL4SY-oSY8ha0nsgVjjL39aPg-JENtQsNwF_McfH3z2FI7f4I-nGHMfb2i-fduCE/s1600/Guardian-of-the-Gauntlet-Book-II.jpg" height="200" width="154" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you deal with issues that traditional publishers don't normally touch?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No, my work is very clean and has good values as it is for middle grade students.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Who edits your work?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My writing group edits my work.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Who does the covers to your books?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
BookBaby does the covers for my books.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What are you willing to spend money on as a writer? What aren't you?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm willing to spend money on advertising and promotional items.</div>
<div>
I'm not willing to spend money on expensive press releases.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What is your favorite part of being self-published?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My favorite part of being self-published is not having to answer to an editor who may tell me to take out one of my characters.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What is your least favorite?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My least favorite part is all the money you have to put up front.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you do your own promotion or hire someone?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I do my own promotion and I love it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What has been the most productive tool for promoting your work?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know people say that no one looks at reviews, but I think reviews are the best promotional tool.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you have Facebook/Twitter? How effective are they as promotional tools?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
don't know. I just recently started started my author Facebook page.
The address is <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GuardianoftheGauntletbooks.">http://www.Facebook.com/GuardianoftheGauntletbooks.</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What is the most important piece of advice you can give to someone just starting out in self-publishing?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do
a mock-up blurb before you self-publish. Think how someone besides
yourself would read that blurb. Would they buy the book, having read
that blurb?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What other creative outlets do you have? Music, film, etc.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
have music. I sing in a choir and do solos. I also love listening to
music. Music is playing in the background as I'm typing this.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What does your family think of your writing career?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My mother loves it. She has been very encouraging.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>How important re reviews to making sales?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I believe reviews are the most important thing to making sales.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>How do you deal with bad reviews?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I ignore them, unless they are helpful.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you also review other writers?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, and I enjoy it very much.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>How do you give a bad review?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I use the book itself, parts of it, to back up my opinion.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What changes would you make in the self-publishing industry?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'd like to see it become more reasonable in price.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What would you like average readers to know about self-publishing?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We publish books just like any other book publisher.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What's the biggest frustration with being a self-published writer?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
like to say "author." The biggest frustration is not being treated
equally to other authors in the publishing business. For example, I was
turned away for a library reading because I was self-published. They
wouldn't even let me put up a flyer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you write to music?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes, I write to instrumental folk music. Celtic is my favorite.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Could any of your books be made into films?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Possibly, but I'm not looking for that. It's not a dream of mine. This is because my books deal with invisibility.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you go to writing conventions? Why or why not?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
do sometimes. I have in the past, before I self-published. I did have a
bad experience at one. An agent took my work and never returned it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you blog? Why or why not?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No, I don't blog. I have three jobs: writing, caregiving, and substitute teaching. I just don't have time to blog.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you have certain ideas or ideals that you try to instill in your work?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes,
I try to instill Christian values. I'm trying to convey the idea to my
female readers that women don't have to have a man in their life for it
to turn out well, all they need is faith in God.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Why do you write?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love to use my imagination.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>If you had to stop writing tomorrow, what would you do?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If I did, it would be because I went blind due to macular retinal degeneration. I would turn to music, mainly listening to it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Does self-publishing carry a stigma?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It
can, but there's been quite a revolution of self-published authors, so
I don't think it carries quite the stigma it used to. Some places, like
the library, are old fashioned.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What would you like your readers to know from your work?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would like them to know that I have a good relationship with God and a strong faith in Him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>If you could talk shop with any other author, who would it be?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would like to talk shop with C.S. Lewis.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What have you learned from reading other people's work?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have some similarities, but we are all unique.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you read more ebooks or physical copies?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm usually reading one physical copy while reading several ebooks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Do you think that the traditional publishing format is an endangered species?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I would hope so, a least. That would make it easier for self-publishers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What would the consequences be of the demise of the traditional bookstore?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They
wouldn't be good, because people wouldn't have a central site where
they could buy books. I have my books on the shelves of several
bookstores on this island. I certainly hope they stay in business.
After all, where would we do book signings? I've done book signings at
craft fairs, but I know other self-published authors who do their
signings at bookstores.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<SCRIPT charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2Fcdf93927-a64b-4c28-8ccc-fece763f3d04&Operation=GetScriptTemplate"> </SCRIPT> <NOSCRIPT><A HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2Fcdf93927-a64b-4c28-8ccc-fece763f3d04&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></NOSCRIPT>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-84391270561867764092015-03-15T00:00:00.000-05:002015-03-15T18:59:25.909-05:00Sunday Author Interview: R.F.G. Cameron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGTI5py_voke8LzfG15zwEWKDT-AB-zq13Lw5cldVsBlofBgQxf1C9s6xiVE-HygoI_Fqqbkpc-mGeCH10beK2FjMWewukVBXyU-ZFG9cTQVHUG2Bryl0kGXNVvh1u99Zgbz0b2YrrhEr/s1600/2012-Field-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Each Sunday, I would like to bring you an interview with another author. It gives fresh perspective, and allows me to connect with others in the business. I'm sure you'll enjoy reading these, as well.<br />
<br />
Here is our first interview: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGTI5py_voke8LzfG15zwEWKDT-AB-zq13Lw5cldVsBlofBgQxf1C9s6xiVE-HygoI_Fqqbkpc-mGeCH10beK2FjMWewukVBXyU-ZFG9cTQVHUG2Bryl0kGXNVvh1u99Zgbz0b2YrrhEr/s1600/2012-Field-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGTI5py_voke8LzfG15zwEWKDT-AB-zq13Lw5cldVsBlofBgQxf1C9s6xiVE-HygoI_Fqqbkpc-mGeCH10beK2FjMWewukVBXyU-ZFG9cTQVHUG2Bryl0kGXNVvh1u99Zgbz0b2YrrhEr/s1600/2012-Field-2.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Please introduce yourself.</b></span><br />
<br />
A: Hello, I'm R.F.G. Cameron. I tend to use my initials as most people mangle my name, and it's also easier than a generic "Hey You".<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How long have you been publishing?</span></b><br />
<br />
A: I released my first two novels in June, 2013, so not quite two years.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFRw6qLmDr4pM15Rqy6unPQWPLspIVDjosqrNbl6WCch9ZthCs1LMrbBtYCl8nwxt5-QtrP7xKMEptzaREOXx-QGeDK-NErlSRpicv9LnqjdtvbCDHkPyMX0MQfYOXICvgmJNgFN1yHE9/s1600/mono-earth+quad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/R.F.G.-Cameron/e/B00DDZJOT2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5?qid=1425854351&sr=8-5">Buy This Author's Work On Amazon. </a><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Tell us about your latest book.</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
Well, depending upon how you define my latest book, the answer gets
complicated and would be 1) it's a Work In Progress, or 2) it's
awaiting editing, or 3) they're on sale. My first two releases were
ready to go back in June, 2013, and both books are set in a world
similar to our own in certain aspects, but robotics and AI is a bit
further along (answer 3). My current WIP (answer 1) is also set in a
world related to ours, only corporatocracy and profit rule while
genetic sciences are further along than ours, at least ostensibly. My
latest work, ready except for editing (answer 2), is set in an analogue
to our world as well as an alternate reality where the K-T Boundary
(Cretaceous-Paleogene Mass Extinction Event) and a few other events
that led to our reality didn't occur; egg-laying mammals rule in that
world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Who are your major influences?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: This is a
tough question as there are many writers who have shaped my work. The
easiest answer would be Andre Norton, Zeena Henderson, Isaac Asimov,
Robert Heinlein, Jerry Pournelle, Larry Niven, Alistair MacLean, Ian
Fleming, Dante, Homer, and many others.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Is writing your full time career?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
Actually, the answer is no. I'm a stay-at-home parent now and as such I
can't devote the time to writing to make it a full-time career.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you see writing as a hobby or career?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: In a sense I see my writing as a devoted-hobby or part-time career. Writing is something I do, but it's not all I do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What made you decide to become a self published author?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
I went the self-published route after too many replies that my work
wasn't 'commercially viable'. As far as I'm concerned, 'commercially
viable' in today's markets often does not correspond with 'highest
quality' or 'most original'.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJrrFs-SVBRwMmfSHKp7Yq8GYGJ3SsiGFubb-JMLogEogJNgL6DYg4ees3PG8qQDgGmhjtarsw-hbIjC3fJ0Xo7oMWygkNnX_wX6cGJdUrwJq85lW1w2YS0Zi6i9ztHA8FVO94bC0gdUX/s1600/mono-earth+quad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJrrFs-SVBRwMmfSHKp7Yq8GYGJ3SsiGFubb-JMLogEogJNgL6DYg4ees3PG8qQDgGmhjtarsw-hbIjC3fJ0Xo7oMWygkNnX_wX6cGJdUrwJq85lW1w2YS0Zi6i9ztHA8FVO94bC0gdUX/s1600/mono-earth+quad.jpg" height="196" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you feel that your material is different than traditionally published authors?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
I prefer to think of my work as being analogous to the kind of
speculative fiction I grew up with, while not always the latest thing
it was fiction that made you think while it entertained. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you deal with issues that traditional publishers don't normally touch?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
In some ways I believe I do deal with issues enough Trad Publishers
won't. By that I mean when a writer takes a serious look at our world
and creates a work that encourages the reader to take a long hard look
at his or her paradigm, it can and should make the reader question
whether or not this is the best of all possible worlds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Who edits your work?</b></span><br />
<br />
A;
Currently it looks like I'll be editing my work for the time being. The
person who edited my first two novels has since retired.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Who does the covers to your books?</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXl9mi5kzVCC3NIwpqmJz1F9MJqcuc5Uc4n525A_bfdWluOWWxS_-jpSVebU_PrS_fCwtZFhyphenhyphenJQr1XD2-7LtrJZq0XC5JiM1ZrwmUSBAxNsRiK3d5YYiOYEjrO7RNhrU1JxmYKyNRCS29/s1600/Regen+Gina+Advert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXl9mi5kzVCC3NIwpqmJz1F9MJqcuc5Uc4n525A_bfdWluOWWxS_-jpSVebU_PrS_fCwtZFhyphenhyphenJQr1XD2-7LtrJZq0XC5JiM1ZrwmUSBAxNsRiK3d5YYiOYEjrO7RNhrU1JxmYKyNRCS29/s1600/Regen+Gina+Advert.JPG" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
A: The cover artist I've gone with so far is Ron Miller of Black Cat Studios. He does some gorgeous work. <br />
<a href="http://www.black-cat-studios.com/">http://www.black-cat-studios.com/</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What are you willing to spend money on, as a writer? What aren't you?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
Currently I'll spend money on cover art, copyright registration, and
proof copies. Should enough people take an interest in my work, I'll
delegate the editing, copy-editing, and proof reading to someone else.
I won't spend money on vanity publishing or getting agents / editors
drunk in order to get Trad Published.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What is your favorite part of being self published?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
Artistic control would be my favorite part, as in not having to work
against someone else's vision of what my story line should be -- I like
to write what the characters tell me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What is your least favorite?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: My least favorite part would be editing and editing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you do your own promotion, or hire someone?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
I write my own blurbs, but for now I don't really promote. I need to
get a few more novels finished, edited, and out there and after that
I'll think more about promotion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What has been the most productive tool for promoting your book?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
So far the most productive tool I've had for promotion (apart from the
blurb and the cover art) would be the actual stories I've written.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you have Facebook/Twitter? How effective are they as promotional tools?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: I have a Twitter account <a href="http://twitter.com/SphingeCameron" target="_blank">@SphingeCameron</a> but so far it's not a promotional tool for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What is the most important piece of advice you can give someone just starting out in self publishing?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
Apart from registering your copyright, I think the best advice for
anyone new to self-publishing is edit your work as well as possible,
get a good cover from a good cover artist, and be patient. It takes
time to gain an audience and nothing is going to happen overnight, even
if you mark it as free.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>If a publisher came knocking, would you make the switch? Why or why not?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
If a publisher came knocking I wouldn't switch at this point. Too often
beginning authors have stars in their eyes and let themselves get
locked into a contract that predominately benefits the publisher with
very little long-term benefit to the author.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What other creative outlets do you have? Music, film, etc?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
My other outlets involve metal and wood work. I craft furniture, edged
weapons, and handles for weapons as I can. If cookery is an art that's
another outlet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What does your family think of your writing career?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
My Wife enjoys my work while my tiny daughter feels writing is time not
spent with her. Two of my siblings know I write, haven't said much about
it, and the rest of my kin likely don't know I can read much less write.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>How important are reviews to making sales?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: As far as I can tell reviews neither make nor break sales.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>How do you deal with bad reviews?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
I deal with bad reviews the way I deal with everything else, it is what
it is. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and if you try to please
everyone you'll wind up pleasing nobody.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsqo4hLe-74zCWgF2Rv1YVDWf6X7E8v4MSD4P11c2kGO59S4To3IxEmdzwXCoatJdIwspV-FELN1CTFGpwZ2Ge6XyzLlOvwpCWiXSNB4NkVNHjQZrEiXT4fg0NblxBNnEK7suewBbegnz/s1600/Regen+Shadows+Advert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsqo4hLe-74zCWgF2Rv1YVDWf6X7E8v4MSD4P11c2kGO59S4To3IxEmdzwXCoatJdIwspV-FELN1CTFGpwZ2Ge6XyzLlOvwpCWiXSNB4NkVNHjQZrEiXT4fg0NblxBNnEK7suewBbegnz/s1600/Regen+Shadows+Advert.JPG" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you also review other writers?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
I rarely review other writers, mainly because what interests me in a
book probably won't please most other readers. If a book honestly grabs
my attention and keeps it, I'll give my take on it even if my reading
has numerous interruptions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>How do you give a bad review?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
If I were to give a bad review it would be a simple statement of what
didn't work for me. As a rule I haven't given a bad review simply
because I rarely review.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What changes would you like to see in the self publishing industry?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
I'd definitely like to see some would-be authors lose the 'I just wanna
make some money too' attitude. There are just enough hopefuls who think
wealth is just around the corner to make it that much harder for the
rest of us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you participate in Amazon's KDP Select program? Why or Why not?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: I don't participate in KDP Select, mainly due to the fact it would limit the venues my work can be found on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What would you like average readers to know about self publishing?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
I'd like the average readers to know that self-publishing is actually
harder than Trad Publishing. The self-publisher has to make certain the
editing, copy-editing, proof reading, cover art, marketing and
promotion all get done right if they intend to compete.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What's the biggest frustration with being a self published writer?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: The biggest frustration I have with being self-published at present is finding the time to do everything.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you write to music? If so, what kind?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: Sometimes I write to music, though it can be anything from the 60s to the 90s, Celtic, or Spanish rock.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Could any of your books be made into films?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: I feel certain my first two novels could make the transition to the silver screen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What actors would play your characters?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: I really have no idea who would play my characters as I haven't kept up with acting that much.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you go to writing conventions? Why or why not?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
I don't go to writing conventions, in part due to lack of time and in
part due to the fact my young daughter would likely hunt other writers
down so she could cute them into submission.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you blog? Why or Why not?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: I blog from time to time on GoodReads, but I tend to be busy enough it isn't a regularly scheduled thing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you have any certain ideas or ideals that you try to instill in your work?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
I do try to instill a sense of people being responsible for their own
actions, and that it's up to each of us to make the world better even
when others work against us.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Why do you write?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: I write because it's the only way to get most of my characters to shut up and let me get on to another story.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>If you had to stop writing tomorrow, what would you do?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
If I had to stop writing tomorrow I'd likely get on my Wife's nerves
more while taking baby girl out to get into more mischief.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Does self publishing carry a stigma?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
Self-publishing does carry a stigma, though it's fading. Back in the
day the idea was put forth by Trad Publishing that it was a gate keeper
and only people lacking talent didn't have their work Trad Published
but went the Self-published route instead. Readers are beginning to see
that the old stigma hasn't necessarily been true for quite some now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What would you like readers to know about you from your work?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
If there is one thing I'd like readers to know, it's that we need to
expand our legal definition of 'human' to include the secondary
dictionary definition: 'of or having the nature of people'. As things
stand now if a representative of a non-Terrestrial intelligent species
landed tomorrow, he / she / it could be hunted and killed with tragic
consequence to all of humanity simply because our legal definitions of
what 'human' means is very narrowly defined, and often enough allows
members of our own species to be hunted like beasts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>If you could talk shop with any other author, who would it be?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
My guess would be anyone who'd actually come over to have a beer and
help watch the kid while I fire up the grill would be a good candidate
to talk shop with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What have you learned from reading other people's work?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: The one thing I've learned from other people's work is to not take myself seriously.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you read more ebooks or physical copies?</b></span><br />
<br />
A: Up until the last year or two I've read mostly hard copies, but I am adapting to new technologies.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Do you think the traditional publishing format is an endangered species?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
I believe Trad Publishing as it has been in the past is an endangered
species, primarily due to the fact that it has refused to adapt to
changing technologies and a changing readership. Simply put Trad
Publishing has attempted to retain a business model first envisioned
before telephones and automobiles were commonplace.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>What would the consequences be of the demise of the traditional bookstore?</b></span><br />
<br />
A:
The demise of the traditional bookstore would mean future generations
wouldn't have a firm grasp of what it was like to go into a place
devoted to books and reading. Personally I hope at least some
bookstores find ways to adapt to a world too focused on instant
gratification.<br />
<br />
<br />
For more information about the author:<br />
<div>
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/antiqua_sphinge">http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/antiqua_sphinge</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
or visit his Amazon Page Here:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/R.F.G.-Cameron/e/B00DDZJOT2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5?qid=1425854351&sr=8-5">http://www.amazon.com/R.F.G.-Cameron/e/B00DDZJOT2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5?qid=1425854351&sr=8-5</a>
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2F120f8fbd-e9a5-4c6f-b9e9-3b7a5f543f5c&Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fareeind-20%2F8003%2F120f8fbd-e9a5-4c6f-b9e9-3b7a5f543f5c&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-15162233712319262372015-02-28T11:57:00.000-06:002015-03-15T18:54:20.371-05:00Mid South Con 33<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8qRbt9DEvTWV8_QqPtFrpWKGJHmkB4ICALs2N9pTm2g6lnm1r0b2YtnP8M0N82O4wawn5CU65tp7kxZ8_g23mLG2dXi7B_O6_CLRf7YxBls-XBCMUPJNi0ICYKwtZGyYPcQQqZEX8B9p/s1600/midsouthcon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8qRbt9DEvTWV8_QqPtFrpWKGJHmkB4ICALs2N9pTm2g6lnm1r0b2YtnP8M0N82O4wawn5CU65tp7kxZ8_g23mLG2dXi7B_O6_CLRf7YxBls-XBCMUPJNi0ICYKwtZGyYPcQQqZEX8B9p/s1600/midsouthcon.png" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 style="line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">RICHARD A LESTER APPEARS MARCH 20-21 2015<span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Richard A Lester will be a panelist at this year's MidSouth
Con. He will be talking about Timid Monster's Afterlight short, teaching
children how to write a super hero story, and giving advice on how to make a
fan film. He will also be selling/signing copies of The Check Out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Here is his appearance schedule:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Friday 3/20/15 8:00 PM: Afterlight Premiere. <span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Thirteen years after the apocalypse, a group of survivors
are on the run from a cunning new enemy. Join Timid Monster and the cast and
crew of AFTER LIGHT for the official premiere. To be followed by Q&A, and
an exclusive look behind the scenes at what became the most ill-fated film set
in Memphis history. Watch the trailer now at TimidMonster.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Saturday 3/21/15 12:00 PM: Pro Row<span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Richard will be selling/signing copies of The Check Out.
Stop by to say hello or discuss any of his projects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Saturday 3/21/15 2:00 PM: Anatomy Of A Film: AFTER LIGHT<span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Join Timid Monster for a candid look behind the scenes of
the most ill-fated film set in Memphis history. Learn the nuts and bolts of
film production from our seasoned team, laugh at our mistakes, and get a real
sense of what it means to be a modern independent filmmaker. Watch the AFTER
LIGHT trailer now at TimidMonster.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Saturday 3/21/15 3:00 PM: How To Write a Hero! / Face Paint<span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">We are going to be writing a story about our own super hero.
/ Face Paint<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Saturday 3/21/2015 7:00 PM : Fan Films<span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Get tips, tricks, & what NOT to do when making a fan
film.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">For more information on Richard A Lester and his projects,
visit: http://www.richardalester.com.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">To purchase your copy of The Check Out, please visit:
Amazon.com.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</h3>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-35768603453115673362015-02-22T19:27:00.000-06:002015-02-22T19:27:47.492-06:00Join My Mailing List!<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form -->
<br />
<div id="mc_embed_signup">
<form action="//richardalester.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=d7783208b219b5f694206d21c&id=4e8c11df3b" class="validate" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" method="post" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" novalidate="" target="_blank">
<div id="mc_embed_signup_scroll">
I have started an email list so that it is easier to keep up on specials, new releases, and appearances. If you would like to join, just fill out the form here.<br />
<h2>
Subscribe to our mailing list</h2>
<div class="indicates-required">
<span class="asterisk">*</span> indicates required</div>
<div class="mc-field-group">
<label for="mce-EMAIL">Email Address <span class="asterisk">*</span>
</label>
<input class="required email" id="mce-EMAIL" name="EMAIL" type="email" value="" />
</div>
<div class="mc-field-group">
<label for="mce-FNAME">First Name </label>
<input class="" id="mce-FNAME" name="FNAME" type="text" value="" />
</div>
<div class="mc-field-group">
<label for="mce-LNAME">Last Name </label>
<input class="" id="mce-LNAME" name="LNAME" type="text" value="" />
</div>
<div class="mc-field-group input-group">
<strong>Email Format </strong>
<br />
<ul>
<li><input id="mce-EMAILTYPE-0" name="EMAILTYPE" type="radio" value="html" /><label for="mce-EMAILTYPE-0">html</label></li>
<li><input id="mce-EMAILTYPE-1" name="EMAILTYPE" type="radio" value="text" /><label for="mce-EMAILTYPE-1">text</label></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="clear" id="mce-responses">
<div class="response" id="mce-error-response" style="display: none;">
</div>
<div class="response" id="mce-success-response" style="display: none;">
</div>
</div>
<!-- real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups-->
<br />
<div style="left: -5000px; position: absolute;">
<input name="b_d7783208b219b5f694206d21c_4e8c11df3b" tabindex="-1" type="text" value="" /></div>
<div class="clear">
<input class="button" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" name="subscribe" type="submit" value="Subscribe" /></div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
<script src="//s3.amazonaws.com/downloads.mailchimp.com/js/mc-validate.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">(function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true);</script>
<!--End mc_embed_signup-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4794666109636664937.post-90212808557237035692015-02-14T10:21:00.001-06:002015-02-14T10:21:33.314-06:00Latest Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jUqlMFQ5E_w4vcFsNVPQVb3UUXVeR0-fVykN3cayarsF3BLinSqMCl1hwzpMVnb2oLfqUh4aJPR5QyqCu5q2AfJAzmqQNgM1UUWzt9nAaaOi5tUzDrhxGS2MugOkTCkje97rDU4MspHO/s1600/1509740_10102376388610180_3273093692770189003_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jUqlMFQ5E_w4vcFsNVPQVb3UUXVeR0-fVykN3cayarsF3BLinSqMCl1hwzpMVnb2oLfqUh4aJPR5QyqCu5q2AfJAzmqQNgM1UUWzt9nAaaOi5tUzDrhxGS2MugOkTCkje97rDU4MspHO/s1600/1509740_10102376388610180_3273093692770189003_n.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
These past few months have been fairly busy ones for me. I am in the process of finishing post production of a short film that I directed in December. It's called "Stacked Deck," and is a noir inspired thriller. I am tweaking audio on it at the moment, and then we will do a couple of picture adjustments. I hope to begin submitting it to festivals later this year.<br />
<br />
I have also started working on my next novel. It has been two years since The Check Out, but I haven't been sitting idly by. This is a different type of book, so I've been collecting ideas and outlining them in this time period. I'm very excited by this new project, but I am not far enough along in the process to really discuss it. I'll keep you all posted as I get further along.<br />
<br />
I will be appearing at Midsouth Con again this year. I will be doing a couple of panels about film work, as well as teaching children how to write a story about super heroes! I will also be selling/signing copies of The Check Out and showing a "sizzle reel" of film projects that I have been working on with Azbest Films and Piano Man Productions. I hope to see some of you there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0