Virtual Event

Well I have been working very hard to come up with a great event for my book and I finally have an announcement! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am going to have a virtual event, it will be a live chat. You can ask me anything you would like regarding my book Fantasy Time Inc. About the stories, the characters? What research I did? Anything you like. One lucky person will win a free autographed book. That person to be chosen on the night of the virtual event. So good luck:)

Kind of cool huh? It came to me while I was participating in a chat with the actors and writers from the show Sherlock. And the free book give away from the chat with the cast of Harry Potter this morning. I think it will be kind of fun and different.

You must be on Facebook, you don't have to be on my Friend list I just have to invite you into the chat. So let me know if you would like to participate either by comment on this blog or email at rithebard@yahoo.com. It will be on December 3, 2010 at 7 p.m. Here is the invite:)

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=171837859511546

So let me know and write all the questions down so you don't forget anything. I'm excited about it, I hope you will be too:)

I also want to tell you I had the honor to be interviewed by Fly High on her web page. It was really fun and it also has a book give away. The link is http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspot.com/2010/11/author-interview-giveaway-sherri.html .

For my Know Your Creative Past this time I was inspired by a new show on TCM called Moguls and Movie Stars. So the star I am going to bring up worked in the silent screen era but she also worked in the talkies right up to the early 90's she died in 1993. She was an actress, a director and a writer. She did it all right after women finally won the right to vote. She worked for some of the greatest names in entertainment. D. W. Griffith to Peter Bogdanovich!

Her name was Lillian Gish, she was a beauty, a movie star and screen legend.

Till next time.

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.

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!