A Rough Week

Well, its been another rough week. I was sick this week so I couldn't run around to push for another site for my next signing. One of the stores I was trying to get is closing at the end of the year. I can't believe it! The Encino Barnes and Noble the one closest to me is closing to be replaced by a drug store. We have about 10 drugs stores in the area and if this one leaves,no book stores.

As someone who grew up with books, encouraged by my parents to read and find true joy and adventure in a book, its a tragedy. This is a loss to the city of Los Angles. Two stores owed by the same company closing because a landlord cares for more for money then anything else. Both stores are on property owned by the same landlord, and according to the people I talked to at the store that man tripled the rent for the strip malls that the stores are on. So to me it is greed that is closing two very much needed book stores.

Between the loss of the book stores and libraries how can we hope to increase the readers in this country? There is musical I love called 1776, The character of John Adams has song, "Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anyone see what I see?" In the musical, the song was for our country, but right now I am thinking about literacy. What is wrong with our country that no one seems to give a damn about learning? Knowledge? I don't know about you but it outrages me!!

Now to the winner of my book:) I hope you enjoy it. I know you as only R. I will need you to send me your proper name and address please so I can I send you an autographed copy of my book.

So the winning name for Know Your Creative Past is Dorothy Arzner! She was a great director from the 20's to the 40's. She directed some iconic movies and discovered some huge stars including Katherine Hepburn, Rosalind Russell and Lucille Ball. Some of my faves that I grew up loving and admiring. She was the first women to join the Directors Guild of America. She is on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Till next time:)

more brick walls

Sorry my blog is late this week but I was pretty sick this week so I just couldn't get myself together enough to write. I have been hitting one brick wall after another. The place I was going to have my next signing fell through. The place I was going to have book launch is having a major financial crisis so everything is on hold. Life just gets better huh?

I have been working on my new book. I really do like this one a lot. Its a young persons adventure story. It is from my own youth about a girl who moves a lot and is trying to figure out how to survive yet another move. It's really not as up front as that because it is a science fiction story as well. Its opening up really well but I have a ways to go on it.

I saw my hero J.K. Rowling on Oprah and I am just bowled over by her. She is such an amazing writer but she is also so down to earth. I like how honest and real she is. I also like how she kept throwing the questions back at Oprah. I really don't think I ever saw anyone do that before. They do have a lot in common, don't they? I taped it(blush).

For my contest for my book, I am very excited because I have several interesting nominations. You all have another week to get your nominations in. So come on everyone I will send you an autographed book to the winners. I will send post card with my book cover to everyone who sends in a nomination:)

My latest Know Our Creative Past campaign person is someone who just passed away. Love him, watched every movie he ever made. I actually got the chance to meet him and he was very kind and funny. He acted for many years, was in movies, had a TV series called McCoy. One of his idols was my first nominee Cary Grant.

When I checked with some of my younger friends they had no idea at all who he was. I mean none. (shaking head.)

Its Tony Curtis, he was an amazing one of kind actor and he will be missed.

Till next time.