Thursday, July 21, 2011

Schaffer Studios Podcast

So, some exciting things are going on for my hubby in his quest to get funding for his film despite not reaching the goal on Kickstarter. I will share when things solidify for certain. (= But it's lookin' good...
With years of Hollywood experience, determination and tons of talent it is only a matter of time-- one way or the other.

Now Clark and his buddy Aaron have a Facebook page, Schaffer Studios Podcast-- LIKE IT!
In his pod-casts they talk about the ins and outs of what Clark does behind the scenes, about the Biz and some of his Hollywood moments.  A new pod-cast  will post once a week on Tuesdays.
(That's my honey on the left--the goatee is gone!)
Listen to the first Schaffer Studios Podcast. (=

I will be drawing the winner of the Iron Man mask soon. If you haven't entered and still want in the drawing-- blog about Clark's podcast and leave me a comment about it. When summer vacation ends so will the contest. Thanks for your support everyone!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Interview with Author Elizabeth Mueller

 Elizabeth Mueller is a talented author and an awesome woman. Her debut YA novel, DARKSPELL is coming out this fall! She has agreed to be one of the authors to present a class at Teen Author Boot Camp 2012 (put on again by Writers Cubed). I had the opportunity to interview Elizabeth and am excited to share her with all of you. (=


 1.Tell us a bit about yourself and how long you've been writing.

I’ve been creating stories since I was a small girl. It was my way to escape the awful things I faced while growing up. I fell in love with writing when I was 11 years old and haven’t stopped since. I’m a stay-at-home mom of four creative kids who share my passion of writing or drawing or making friends.

2.  As a mom, how do you make time for your writing?

It’s hard to write with the kids running amuck. I need absolute silence to feed my muse, so I create my time. When I’m I the zone, I have what’s called “quiet time”.  It is an hour where the kids play or read by themselves in their respective rooms. I write during that precious time. I also write from the time they are in bed or while they are away at school.

3. Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite books?

Kim Wilkins, Liz Kessler, Helen Dunmore, and Michele Bell are a few of them. I love Giants of the Frost, that one has made me cry the hardest.

4. What inspires your writing?

Anything can inspire my writing. If I see a twisted branch hiding under dead leaves, a whole world of fairies comes to mind. If I see a bloody sunset, a story about vampires rises. Seeing my hubby in a jetted tub filled with foaming bubbles over his head made me think of a mermaid book, too! Have you seen those little cupids from Night at the Museum, Battle of the Smithsonian? An entire novel was born from that. My ideas come from anything and anywhere.

5. Tell us a bit about your writing journey from first draft to publication.

I started writing because it gives me a sense of peace—it is the best way for me to regroup. It was interesting, the pathway that has led me to where I am at now. Although I’ve been writing for years, I felt the sudden drive to take it a step further: publication. I knew that if I wanted to be published, I needed to learn more on how authors became published. I went to my first writers conference in 2009. I learned about marketing, how other authors became published and creating my platform. My local library gave me what I wanted—a writers group! I was in heaven! I attended two more writers conferences and made so many new friends with published as well as aspiring authors. Basically, I am where I am now because I stepped out of my comfort zone and reached out to other writers—they are one of the best kinds of “co-workers” anyone can have in my opinion.


6. What is Darkspell about?

Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . . until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.

As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her.  Violently thrust into a magical realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.

Will love prove thicker than magic?

7. Of all your characters who do you feel closest to and why?

I would have to say Winter. First, because it is in first person. I have to admit that I made myself look out of her eyes, to see what she saw and feel what she felt. Winter has gone through so many obstacles and she always found the courage to move on, despite struggles. That’s how it has been for me in my past as well as finding the place in my heart for forgiveness.

8. How would Winter describe Alex and visa versa?

Winter would describe Alex as powerful, courageous, passionate, and alluring. She always felt safe whenever he was near and fell in love with him at the very start. Alex would say that Winter is fragile, forgiving, has the strength to overcome anything that she encounters and passionate. He has always had the drive to protect her from anything that could harm her.

9. What themes or aspects of your book do you think will resonate with readers?

I feel that my book runs on many levels with themes. There’s one to find the strength to believe in yourself, one on forgiveness and compassion, resisting temptations, finding the courage to discover your true self, endurance lends strength to purpose and purpose lends strength to endurance, and fighting for what you believe no matter who or what.

10. Where and when can we get our hands on a copy of Darkspell?

You can pre-order you autographed copy now at my website!

Please join me in my celebration for Darkspell’s fall release all July long! It’s a pre book launch party! Click here for details.

Thanks, for hanging out, Elizabeth. Best wishes on your book release and all your creative endeavors! (=

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Gathering my thoughts...


So far summer has not been awesome for my writing--as far as actual writing goes. I'm still four chapters into my new book (have been for a couple of months). Also, all editing has stopped on my other book.  I leave on another trip in a couple of weeks. After that things should slow down.

But, I've been thinking about my books a ton and have taken some time to do some recreational reading and spend time with the fam. And as far as I'm concerned that's all part of the process.

Another part of the process is just taking the time to observe. Recently, in my travels I've had the chance to absorb the details of so many interesting places and people. Adding to the arsenal. Images, thoughts and information to draw from. As writers, the more we experience the better!

In particular, I had "a moment" in a train station with a drunken and amorous Scot that gave me an idea for a character. The Scottish Highland tour and some of my other adventures in England gave me numerous story ideas that might turn into books someday. My brain was clickin'!

When I start writing again I have a terrific writing group who will give encouragement and awesome feedback. I feel fortunate to know so many people who "get it"-- that I share a passion and madness for writing with so many fabulous people-- including all of you. (=


Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Home Again...(in body anyway)

 Ready for a journey...
London


Back at my old school in London. Found my class picture.


 Highgate cemetery is huge and creepy. Loved it.
Yummy crepes in Hampton.

 On the train with my neice.
The Pump Room in Bath. And the ancient Roman Baths.



Ruins in York.


The castle in Edinburgh.
The B and B we stayed in while in Kirknewton. The manse was built in the late 1700s.
On the Firth of Forth in North Barrick, Scotland.




Direlton Castle ruins.

FREEDOM!!!
 Highland Tour...gorgeous.




Touching Loch Ness and exploring the ruins of the castle there. We took a boat across the loch.

Ruins of the abby at Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh.

Back home again to my lads.

Just a sample of my many adventures there. It was amazing. I learned and experienced so much and had a fabulous time. (=