Working on Novel Three and more...

I have been working hard on my new book today. I really do like this one. It is completely and utterly different then my first two novels. Its for a different audience and in a different style. I am enjoying this because I love a challenge.

I also started a page on face book for my novel. I went to the dentist and I was sitting in bed in pain playing with my lap top just looking at all the pages and I thought, "Why not?" So I started one for Fantasy Time Inc. Here is the link; http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Fantasy-Time-Inc./162131603803045?ref=mf

Check it out and tell me what you think:)

I have been trying to figure out how to get involved locally with a literacy group but there are so many organizations it's hard to figure out how to make the right choice. I have been doing my bit, giving novels to young people that I know can read but won't. I want to help those adults that can't read at all. The only thing is that most headquarters are not local and I have a full time job so I'm trying to figure out how to get involved here in Los Angeles. I know there are places here but to find one is very, very confusing. I will keep trying because I am passionate about it. If anyone is with a local group or knows who to contact please let me know.

I have a new addition to our Know Our Creative Past campaign. This time it's a group of people.

The name has been played with and they have had remakes of their movies but young people only know one person. Its the Rat Pack. The original group. With "The Oceans" series being so popular I was curious if they knew who they were.

The only one everyone knew, not surprising was Frank Sinatra. When I asked about the other famous member's I got; Tony Bennett( huh? Great Singer and I love him but the Rat Pack?) Liza Minnelli (way too young) One guy said Bing Crosby, (he was in the movie Robin and the Seven Hoods but no)

So for your education and edification, the Rat Pack consisted of, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop. It started at the Sands hotel as a lark for the famous friends and became an endearing and enduring tradition for their lifetime. Other people joined in as honorary members among them was Shirley Maclaine but those five will always be the one and only Rat Pack

More Bumps in the Road

I was at my dance class and I came over to tell one my first dance instructors that my book was published. He was excited and happy for me in fact he held up the postcard of my book and announced it to everyone in the studio. His new student was with him and she was introduced as a writer. I smiled and said, "Hi, nice to meet you. Are you writing a novel? Are you published?" She said, "I'm not published yet, its just a concept something that I'm working on." I smiled and said, "Well, getting published is hard but then the work really begins." She just stared at me. I don't think she believed me. That's why I am writing this blog to tell people about my complete journey. There is so much involved that no one ever tells you. So, I tell you as it happens.

I got my post cards and they are really cute and I have started to give them out:) Hopefully drumming up business. While I was doing that I was trying to make my next signing happen. More bumps in the road but what else is new? I will keep trying. I thought it was impossible before and I had one, right?

This is very important to me, I want to help with the Literacy Campaign. I have been putting out feelers trying to connect with people to see how I can help. There is two levels, there are the people who can't read and really want to. And there are the people who can read but don't care. I think both levels need to be addressed. Not only for the individuals but for our country as well.

I want to help teach people who want to read and give them the joy of good book. I would also like to address young people just out of college who won't pick up a book and are proud of it! How can they be inspired to find the fun and adventure in a book instead of a computer game? There must be an answer to both and I would like to help. So if you have any suggestions, please let me know.

OK, here is my latest on my Learn Our Creative Past Campaign.

I asked about five people who Grace Kelly was and then another five people who Princess Grace was? The first three that I asked wondered if she was a singer on America's Got Talent. ( I don't watch that show was there anyone on it with a name close to hers?) One asked if she was on the reality show Big Brother. (Again, don't watch it so I don't know.) The last one was a Hitchcock fan who know who she was. Yeah!

The people I asked about Princess Grace, gave me five blank stares. I was stunned because anytime they mention Monaco they still refer to her. But nothing, not even a blink of an idea who this amazing woman was.

Well I explained that Grace Kelly and Princess Grace was the same person and that she was an actress and model. She married a prince and was that decade's Princess Diana (who they did know). I also explained that brought so much tourism and culture to Monaco that the people of that country still love her till this day.

Till next time:)

Another Roller Coaster Week

I had really a good week mostly. I had a very short week at work, three days. My brother is here for his birthday and we are having a great time. And I have gotten a lot done on my latest epic.

But it was rocky too, the place I was suppose to have my next signing is having financial issues. So I am off looking for a new place. The Barnes and Nobles where I had such a successful signing is going to close on Dec. 31, 2010. Isn't that shocking? It is such a beautiful store in such an affluent area, and yet they are closing it. Goes to show you, you never know.

To me this is a sad commentary on how we are going as a society. Young people stop reading after college, they just play with their cell phones and play games. They have no concept of the joy of losing themselves in a good novel. Sad, sad world we live in.

I have to postpone my book party till November because of scheduling conflict. That is not a bad thing really it gives me time to make sure it is a great event. I think it will be fun for everyone even if you have the book I intend to make it special. So hold on to your party hats!

For my last part of the my blog, my Know Your Creative Past campain.
I did a mini survey at work asking about 7 people, all under 26 yrs old. Who is Gene Kelly? Three said, I have no idea who she is. Yes, she again??? Yeash! One asked if it was old Rock and Roller.(shakes head) Two said that the name sounded familiar. Only One smart lad knew who he was, and what he did. I was so proud of him. Good Job Abel!!!! Well Gene Kelly was a great Dancer. Rivaling Fred Astaire. He was very masculine, he usually played working class people. He was a wonderful actor, a pleasant singer and an amazing director. If he just made Singing in the Rain he should be applauded forever. Such an amazing classic.

Till next time:)

Know Your Creative Past

I have had some good reaction to my book signing. The manger at Barnes and Noble, I saw when I picked up my reimbursement said that I sold several copies since. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And that she had put some more on order. So from what she said I am doing very well:)

I am in the waiting mode again, I am in the midst of setting up stuff so I don't have a lot to report. I am working on my next book which I decided will be my children's story. I really like it. Its an adventure story with some Science Fiction thrown in. I am still in the beginning stages so it will take a while to finish it.

I read it and thought this is the one that touches my heart so this is the one I am going to go with next. It about a new girl who moves into a town and has to do that horror, go to a new school. I was that girl so many times that I know this poor child inside and out. People ask me why I get so anxious and worry all the time I can point straight at that. The new girl syndrome. Its a horror. No, it won't be a horror type story because I can't stand them, and I don't write what I can't stand.

I really just have been relaxing this weekend. Reading, writing, watching movies. I did some yoga and went swimming. I was going to do more but you know I really needed a relaxing three day so that's what I am going to do.

The other part of this blog is my new campaign, once a week I will introduce a creative person from our past that is amazing and wonderful. Someone who is famous who everyone else should know but the young people don't have a clue about.

I was relaxing by the pool today, I swam and then was looking through one of my magazines. I love to do it first thing in the morning when the pool isn't too crowded and it isn't too hot but warm enough. A girl was by me relaxing doing the same, she asked me what I was reading and we got to talking. We were discussing about actors and how they are being overwhelmed by reality TV. Then she asked me who my favorite actor was. I told her I didn't have one really but the one I really enjoy the most and never get tired of was Cary Grant.

She asked, who she was? She???? I explained Cary Grant was a wonderful actor and gorgeous male. Here is the kicker my friends, she said, well you were around when he was here that's why you know him.

Excuse me? I was 5 yrs old when he retired. I know people who were around long before Cary Grant was born, was I around it in the 1800's too?

So at the end of my post I will tell you about someone from our creative history. Education has to begin some where!