These UnUnites States

My oldest nephew sometimes likes to sit with a journal and compose his thoughts...he read this to me on Christmas Day. I thought it amazing coming from a 14 year old.

These UnUnited States

This word is an overpopulated mental hospital
Everyone walking around like zombies with chains
Everyone is thinking with invisible brains
We have all these
Damn poets who need to play with words to keep themselves sane
Another activity.
Another Activity!
Is what they need
So caught up in their so called work
If they stop they hypothesis that they'll bleed
Another elixar
To stop the contimplation
So stand united in this so called nation
It used to be
Now its just an age old apparation
A ghost
An excuse to boast
From coast to coast
Even the most
Intelligent raise it to a toast!
What will it take
To make this nation true
Its enevidible
Everyone is fake!
Everyone is saying how their so special
What the fuck am I supposed to do
Bake them a cake?
Now we have the government liein'
They're not even tryin'
They say they care but take a look at all the soilders
They are all dyin'
This shithole nation is so caught up in war
The population dont even know what they're fightin for

TJ Baumchen
Dec. 25, 2008

You Can Call Me Eve

I called up my graphic designer Armin and asked him to create a new book cover for me. I've been contemplating the idea of turning my full length play into a book. I am in the process of finding a theater in which to workshop the play and as I research information on the Latino community in the early 80's to sort of bring depth into the play I thought having the cover done could give me the inspiration I would need.

As always he did an amazing job!

What do you think?:

December 08: Erik Powell, Sr.

1) What is the biggest challenge facing writers today?
The biggest challenge writers face is discovery and acceptance of their masterpieces! I tried to skirt snobbish editors and money-grubbing publishers by self-publishing Chicago Love Tapestry. I still had creative differences with them, however, because they wanted a dollar to correct THEIR mistakes! My colleagues at Genre expressed shock at sweet ole Erik chewing nails and spitting battleships with my publisher. I will never use them again and have told them so several times.

2) Where do you find your inspiration to write?
I am inspired by personal pain. That's why I prefer writing comedy--or dramedy: laughing makes me feel evuh so much bettuh. My son told the play audience he believes I should write drama, however, because he knows I can.

3) What current projects are you working on?
I am researching and writing a Civil War novel, Devour the Widow's House, the reason I moved to northern Virginia four years ago. It's about a German-American farming family in the Shenandoah Valley during Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign of 1862. It's about disinheritance and ostracism by one's family and by one's government. It's all caused by forbidden love between a planter's daughter and a German farmer, and between two closeted rebel soldiers loved by a discerning belle trying to choose between them. All of them detest the federal government which has displaced them.

4) Who are some of your favorite authors?
I have an eclectic choice in writers. I particularly love the nineteenth century American Romantic era: Mark Twain and Louisa May Alcott and Harriett Beecher Stowe. Dickens is a favorite. My favorite popular novelists are my cousin Gore Vidal, Frank G. Slaughter, MD, and Herman Wouk. David McCullough and Stephen Ambrose are top history writers. I can chow down on Carson McCullers and Flannery O'Connor.

5) What's your favorite genre/medium to write in?
My favorite genre is comedy. Plays are fun to write for the dialogue. Woody Allen and Neil Simon are two of my influences. You can still pack in serious themes via sudden pensive, wistful monologues, like a piece of noisy classical music winding down, before cranking it up again with the fun. The comedy must go on!

6) What is your ideal writing sanctuary?
My ideal writing sanctuary is the bungalow I rented atop a cavern at the northern terminus of Virginia's Skyline Drive. There, I completed Tapestry and began the play within a play for the sequel. What a view: the mountains, the river, the wildlife! The drinking water was from the cavern below me and had so much calcium, it eroded the hot water element at least once a month! My cabin was well-stocked with replacement elements.

7) What s your next project?
My next project is a Tapestry sequel, The Merry Dancers, title derived from the Scottish Highlanders' term for the Northern Lights. Michael's play is performed in song and dance at the Shubert in New Haven, and the minor characters in Tapestry are featured.

8) As of right now, what are you most proud of with your writing?
I'm most proud of a surprise phone call Friday from my publisher, who said they'd gotten a good response from my book appearance at the recent Frankfurt International Book Fair. Consequently, they want to place Tapestry in the major book store chains. I got my first royalty check last month! YAY!!!!

Lit and Music Review

I was published in this month's issue of Lit and Music Review! (page 7)

Get your own - Open publication

When Hate Reigns

Inaugural day.
The crowd gathers; people clamor
as Hate steps up to the podium.
He is calm, collect.
The weather is cool, brisk.
The people are excited and alive from the commemoration.
Hate is poised over the calamity of noise
as onlookers stare up at Him in awe.
Tall, almost elegant with His grand gestures.
His voice thunders in everyone’s head.
He speaks:
“People! People! I am here today –
before you –
as a symbol of a new beginning that is about to take place.
We are on the threshold of a new era,
an era free from the destruction of obscenity;
the infestation of affectivity.
At the forefront of this populace
I shall begin the absolution to freedom.”
And Hate smiled.
And the people cheered
for they had a leader who was brave.

Then there was a dark cloud that loomed above - -
fat and swollen with rain - -
but the people didn’t care
for rain was good
it fed the ground,
which nourished life
so it mattered none that it was murky mysterious rain.

And the rain fell,
and Hate smiled,
and the people cheered
for they had a leader who provided for the people.

Then a might wind rose
and carried with it the spirit of transformation,
the embodiment of change.
The wind was good because it brought change –
change was good because it is fundamental
so it mattered none that the wind eroded the land
that the rain had cultivated.

And the wind blew,
and the rain fell,
and Hate smiled,
and the people cheered
for they had a leader who pioneered growth.

Then the land trembled
and it shook with the force of a thousand secrets never revealed
and the rumbling of truth that none believed.
But it was good because it carried the knowledge of the beginning of time,
so it mattered none that time tumbled away under the roar of the soil.

And the Earth shook,
and the wind blew,
and the rain fell,
and Hate smiled,
and the people cheered
for they had a leader who promoted the sovereignty of faith.

And Hate stood motionless at the pulpit.
The crowd trampled over one another
for a glimpse of His auspicious demeanor,
that flicker of something almost sinister in His eye,
which they knew meant that He was a man of great power.

And Hate smiled
and the people cheered
for they had a leader who would lead them through a revolution –
and the Earth shook,
and the wind blew,
and the rain fell,
and Hate smiled;
but the people
the people quailed from this future
for it was different
it was unfamiliar.
And Hate stepped away from the platform
as the onlookers stared up in awe.
The silence echoed through the heart of each spectator.
This was, indeed, the commencement of a new instigation of life.

Written by: Michael Coulombe
© 2008

November '08: Jason Stuart

1. What is the most challenging thing facing writers today? Especially a comedian?
New material that’s original and where you can’t see the joke coming. I work at that all the time.

2. Where do you find your inspiration to write?
My Family who is insane! My every day life and Sarah Palin! You know I can see her house from my terrace, so I guess I'm ready to be governor of ALASKA. If I can see the moon does that make me an astronaut!

3. What current projects are you working on?
My DVD of my stand up special JASON STUART: MAKING IT TO THE MIDDLE comes out November 18th and you can get it http://www.ariztical.com/filmsAZ/jason_stuart.html
shameless plug

4. Who are your biggest influences?
Scott Thompson, Sandra Bernhardt, Joan Rivers, Louie Anderson, Richard Lewis, Lily Tomlin, Don Rickles and so many gay folks who came before me and who opened the path like Kate Clinton and Harvey Fierstein,

5. In your opinion, what makes your comedy different from others?
I'm not really masc. or fem.. I'm not the best at anything...I'm like Cher!

6. What is your ideal writing sanctuary?
When the joke works and it comes easy the audience loves it!

7. Do you feel that being an actor influences your writing?
I am great at improv. I have used that skill when I was on MY WIFE & KIDS, my film 10 ATTITUDES, A DAY WITHOUT A MEXICAN , FAT ACTRESS and so many more. Its really helped me make my work come alive.

8. As of right now, what are you most proud of with your career?
That I am still here and able to make a living. Also that I got out of bed this morning and my face didn't drop

Conversation with a Teenager

A conversation with my 14 year old nephew yesterday sparked some inspiration within me.

We were driving in my car on the way back from the store and he asked me why Proposition 8 was a big deal. My reply: It's not just about gay marriage, it's about the idea that people want to write discrimination into the state constitution. He asked me, "is that even possible?"

I said, "unfortunately, it is." His reply: "that doesn't seem fair"

I'm a little taken back by the fact that my 14 year old nephew gets it but that there are hundreds of thousands in California who don't. They are afraid that this issue will affect our children...well guess what, it has. Now, I have to sit down and explain to my nephew why the religious people of California want to write discrimination into our Constitution. I have to make him understand that there are people who feel they need to "minister" to us about love while they go behind our backs and preach hate. The problem is, I don't know how to do that!

"But wasn't this country founded on religion?" he asks me. I tell him, "the way people act nowadays you would think it was, but it wasn't. Our forefathers came to this country because they didn't feel it was right for a country to force religion on their people, so they came here to North America to make a better life."

"So, then why do they force it upon us now?" he asked innocently.

"That's why this proposition is so controversial." I exclaimed. "People have forgotten what this country was founded on."

I know people say that they fear what will happen to this country if gays marry. That's the least of my worries. My biggest fear is: how can we raise our children in a society that promotes fear and discrimination? This is seriously gone from a concern of gay marriage to an act of civil rights. And I seriously thought in the year 2008 we were farther along and better than that as a country. But I had to explain to my nephew, on the way back from the store, that I was wrong.

I helped raise my two eldest nephews. The only lessons I wanted them to learn was that life is too short for hate and that you should never give up on your dreams. I fear that on the morning of November 5, 2008 the oldest will wake up to a world of second class citizens and will turn to me again and ask why. He learned in school the hardships that the African American community had to endure in the 60s when they fought for THEIR freedom. He was even taught how wrong it was that they were treated differently.

I love my nephews...they are like sons to me. I want to create a world that they can be proud to live in. I just have to pray that the rest of the people around us have the courage to do the right thing.

Inspiration at Ground Zero

This blog is about inspiration. Where it comes from...where writers find it. It's elusive at best; sought after constantly. Where do writers get it from? It's the one question I ask whenever I meet a new writer. Each writer is different and therefore they find inspiration in so many different ways.

When I'm asked what inspires me the only answer i give is: life. I am inspired by life! It's the most simple answer I can think of. I'm a people watcher. I'm always intrigued as to how people behave in public vs. how they differ in their private homes. I sit at the airport, or the mall, or while I'm at lunch and watch how people relate to each other or those around them. Each person has a story and, as a writer, sometimes I find myself filling in the blanks on their life.

Writing is often more or less a fictionalized version of how we interpret life. So I try to note everything around me.

One of my biggest inspirations thus far is my recent trip to New York City. The last time I visited I was 9. I don't remember too much about the trip, however. So I started this trip with a new fresh perspective.



I came to New York wit 6140 Productions to make a movie called The Four Faced Liar. We filmed for six days and I've had the last three days to myself to enjoy the city. This is where my true inspiration began. Although, we filmed at 4am in the West Village, I learned then exactly what the night life in New York is really like. That was quite a shock to this LA boy who always though bars closed at 2am.



But I found the night life inspiring. The people that were attracted to it. The way the buildings were lit. How they towered over everything, protecting it against the world. They're almost celestial bodies at night! I realized early on how New York is it's own character. There is something magical and surreal about the city. It's almost familiar even if, like me, it's your first time.

I walked around Times Square, around Broadway, around Chelsea, West Village and met my favorite actress and friend in Astor Place. Everywhere you go there is a small piece of history or architect that demands a tiny portion of your attention. It's splendidly marvelous.




Today, though, I have tickets to see my first broadway musical on broadway! Spring Awakening this evening at 7pm. (And theatre is a great inspiration!) However, this afternoon I took the liberty of taking the 6 train down to the World Trade Center. I got off the train and walked the three blocks to where these majestic buildings used to stand. Amongst the towering buildings still standing, there is a great hole when you look up. It's almost as if their shadow still rests there. It's humbling. To stand there and see the great emptiness and know, wonder even, what it must've been like to stand there in that same spot seven years previous and watch the towers, ablaze, full of concern, and fear, for the uncertainty. It's a fear I hope we no longer have to experience.

I made my way into the gift shop where I bought a few trinkets; my most treasured being a small metal bracelet I bought. They come wrapped in a small blue gift bag. They are randomly given to you and each one is embossed with a name of a victim from 9/11. I took my little blue bag and walked across the street to St. Peter's Parish. It once used to stand in the shadows of the towers but when they fell it became a relief center for so many including volunteers and fire fighters. I walked the grounds, saw the old headstones from the 1800's and stood in front of the little memorials inside the church honoring the victims of 9/11. I couldn't help but cry. I remembered eight years ago walking down the streets of LA holding a candle in memorium of these same people.




I slowly made my way back to the front sitting on a bench under the trees. I sat there in silence. The church so tall and strong out in front of me. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the little blue bag, where my metal bracelet wait inside. I pulled open the draw string and out came my bracelet: Jerrold Paskins, died 9-11-01 at the World Trade Center. My eyes swelled with tears as I held the bracelet, saying a silent prayer for him..and for his family who, to this day, probably mourn the loss of him.

I put the bracelet on, put the blue bag in my pocket and and stood up from the bench. Just like the rest of New York, I too needed to get up and move on. The new building is in the process of being erected. It will always stand for a beacon of hope for a city of so many people.

Elementals: A Brief Synopsis

"Elementals"
(Working Title)
By Michael Coulombe and Daniel Frank

"Elementals" takes place in present day Chicago. Kinetic Labs, a powerful and corrupt chemical manufacturing plant, sits nearby keeping an ever watchful eye on the citizens of Chicago.

Greg Kucowski, Tristan Bloom, Parker Howell, and Bryce Mackenzie met while growing up in a Chicago foster home. Life before entering foster care was no walk in the park. Each of them harbored a similar secret that not only put those closest to them in danger, but also kept them constantly on the run from those who meant them harm.

The foster home they each lived in acted as a sanctuary providing stability and safety. No longer being chased and no longer having to run from their unknown assailants, they all bonded and became family; confiding in each other their deepest secret. Upon exiting foster care they pursue various careers; however, are able to remain close to each other. No longer residing in the safety of their foster home, living a normal life becomes a struggle...Normal is so hetero!

Little do they know how connected they are to Kinetic Labs and vice versa...Sometimes the best hiding place is right under your nose

October '08: David Dean Bottrell

New feature.

Once a month I will interview an author or playwright, or screen writer and have them talk about their journey as a writer. So, it is my pleasure to introduce David Dean Bottrell




1. What is the most challenging thing facing writers today?
I don't think the plight of writers has really changed that much over time. The question is what to write and what form to write it in. You have stay in tuned in to the world around you. Writing is always a response to lives we are all collectively living.

2. Where do you find your inspiration to write?
Funny, but I don't put much stock in inspiration anymore. It's great to feel excited about what you're writing, but unfortunately that feeling can evaporate in a milisecond. The greatest trick I ever learned was to keep writing after that initial excitement disappears. I try to trust my imagination as much as possible. I try to be ready to act on ideas that excite me. I also have to trust that something that I find engaging, funny or interesting will find an audience. Writing isn't for everybody. It's hard to start. It's hard to continue. It's hard to finish. I guess that sounds a little grim, but there's a strange reward that comes along with writing that's hard to describe. It somehow makes you want to try again.

3. What current projects are you working on?
I'm writing my first ever TV pilot. It's exciting and scary. Although I've acted on TV, I've never written for it. All my screenwriting experience has been for films which is a very different beast. At least I'm learning something new. I always like that. I just finished writing a book proposal based on my blog and there seems to be some interest in it. So that's exciting.

4. Who are some of your favorite writers?
There are so many. In the screenwriting world -- William Goldman, Scott Frank, Steve Zallian, Alan Ball, Charlie Kaufman, Pedro Almodóvar, Larry McMurty, Billy Wilder and Horton Foote. When it comes to fiction, I'm always amazed by writers who can bridge genres -- Especially those who can weave fantastical elements into their stories. I wish I had the breadth of imagination to pull that off.

5. What's your favorite genre and/or medium to write in?
I guess I'd have to say screenwriting since it's the medium that I have the most experience in. It's challenging and incredibly difficult. There are so many rules and you have to corral all your big ideas and distill them down until they can pass throught the eye of a needle. When I started writing my blog I was thrilled to have a place to stretch out a little as a writer. It's great to have a forum to tell all my show business stories. God knows I've got enough of them. I'm so excited that the blog has found an audience.

6. What is your ideal writing sanctuary?
I'm not sure I have one. I used to be intensely private and needed a lot of solitude to get anything done. But these days, I'm fairly flexible. Last summer, I wrote an entire screenplay in a local coffee shop and it was a terrific experience. I do what I can to make writing fun. If I'm feeling giddy, I might camp out in some joint with cool music and a lot of human traffic. If I'm feeling vulnerable, I'm more likely to take refuge in my home office. Someday, I'd like to go rent a cottage somewhere and write in some gorgeous, bucolic location. Hasn't happened yet, but maybe someday.

7. Do you feel that being an actor influences your writing?
Absolutely. By the time I started writing, I'd already been a working actor for over 11 years. My early scripts were technically a mess but all that performing had definitely given me a voice as a writer. It still helps me a lot with dialogue. All I have to do is read a scene out loud and I usually get a sense if it will work.

8. As of right now, what are you most proud of with your writing?
I adapted a book last year called "How to Cook Your Daughter." It's memoir by Jessica Hendra about her very troubled relationship with her father who molested her when she was a kid. When it was first sent to me, I thought it was too dark to succeed on screen. And then I had a small brainstorm about how the story could be told. Fortunately, Jessica was willing to let me take her book, put it in a blender and reinvent it while keeping the essential truth of her story in tact. The resulting final script is probably the best thing I've ever written. I'm hugely proud of it. It's out to talent right now, so hopes are running high. I guess when I boil it down, I'm most proud that I'm still a writer after all these years. I'm grateful that it has continued to evolve and grow. It still fits me.

You can check him out here at: www.partsandlabor.tv


David as Lincoln Meyer on the set of Boston Legal

A fun filled day

So today was a wonderfully fun filled day. This morning I went to my friend Darcey Stubblefield's house to record an audio track for my children's story "Squeak the Mouse." Darcey is the lead singer of the band Blind Ruby. (CD available on cdbaby.com.) That was a lot of fun. I hadn't been in a studio for awhile so it was a good feeling to be back in front of the mic, with the headphones on. And then while we were recording the track for Squeak the Mouse, Nancy Villere was filming us with the video camera to get all the behind the scenes hi-jinx. Thank you so much Darcey and Nancy. And also thank you James Stubblefield for adding your own touch to Squeak the Mouse!



So, now I have the audio for it. I would like to add some sound effects and then have it composed. This will make a nice compliment for the children's book once it is illustrated and then they can be sold together as a package.

Then after the recording of "Squeak the Mouse." I drove back up into Los Angeles from the OC and attended the West Hollywood Book Faire.



I walked around the book faire for about two hours before I went on stage. I received a lot of good info about writing groups in the local area....but I was mostly intrigued by how many writers were there selling their books. Naturally, I was there to read from mine but I was hoping to sell a few copies, you know? Or at least create a little buzz. But then you get there and realize that everyone is doing the exact same thing. Of course, I had an advantage, I was reading from mine so people could hear my words, listen to me as I recited my poetic verses. And it's great to meet the writers and then receive an autographed copy. (Lord knows, I have several in my library.) But it must be hard to sit at a table and have people stand there, judging you while they hold your book contemplating whether or not they want it to sit on their book shelf for all their friends and family to see. Yep, being a writer is hard. But I do truly believe that the rewards outweigh the tribulations.

But then it was time for me to head on stage. I was nervous. But then as my friends started to show up, I began to feel more at ease. I've been performing since I was 5. i can do this!

This was my first book faire and it was a complete success. One of my best readings, I think. And just a blast over all. Thank you to all of my friends who showed up: Regan, Veronica, Steven, DJ & Brittany (and their friends), and Jorge, Eddie, and Javiar & Steven, and my dear friend Steven Reigns. Also, I saw Glen walk by once or twice in the background while i was reading. And then poor Brad who desperately tried to make it from Venice but called me and told me he got there just as the festival closed. Next time Brad.

I look forward to being a part of the festival next year. It really was a lot of fun and the audience was amazing (since it was made of practically ALL of my friends!) But truly, they are amazing to keep supporting me even though some of them have heard my poems like a hundred times! Thank you all.

Relaxing Weekend

One of the most important things about writing is being able to take some time off. Not that my mind ever stops working. I'm always composing in my head...and I do carry a notebook should I be struck with brilliance in the middle of the night (or while I'm on the crapper.) But one good thing every writer does, at least in my opinion, is take some time away to unwind and rest his mind.

So, I had my time to unwind this weekend when I went to go visit a good friend in Phoenix, AZ. I actually love Phoenix. I went in February for my birthday and seem to go back every other month or so. I honestly don't know what it is. I just enjoy it. I always have fun out there and will, on occasion, go with my best friend Mario.

So, I went this past weekend and now when I go I try to find locations where I could sell my book. Coffee shop/book stores, local haunts like that. However, my favorite watering hole there is The Teeter House.
This is a great spot. It's quaint, charming, the people there are nice. The food is excellent and the tea is brewed fresh every day (and throughout the day). Every time I go to Phoenix I have to have lunch there. I'm drawn to it.

My friend and I decided to have lunch one day at a pizza joint in downtown Phoenix. Unbeknownst to us it was closed for lunch; however, the Teeter House across the street was open. We were hungry, it was nice day outside...and so we sat down, had lunch, and fell in love with the place. I will talk to them about having my book there. And why not? They support the arts. Jazz nights on the weekends. I have saw a local poet with his book there. Oh, and they have free wi fi....so I'm definitely going to have to go and get some writing done there.

But now that I'm back, and refreshed I can begin writing. I've spent half the day yesterday working on my screenplay. it's very close to being done...and I'm excited about that. It's my first full length feature screenplay.....

Robert Litton

I met with composer Robert Litton today. We've conversed here and there for over a year and today was the first time we actually met. He's a fun and charming man. I first heard his music a year ago when his CD was given to me at the LA Shorts Festival that was happening at the AMC Burbank theaters. I find his music inspiring and I always listened to the CD while writing.

We met today just as friends but I'm hoping he might be able to write a theme song for Squeak the Mouse. I'm supposed to go into my friend's studio at the end of the month and record an audio version of it....and I think his music will fit nicely with it. What a great little package it would be!

Decisions

The last couple of weeks have been rather slammed (and rather difficult as well) for me. First, I worked on an action film called Ballistica, which kept me busy for 14 1/2 hour days and then the next day after that I started a horror film called Detention. It's fun but I am tired to say the least. I've been filming non-stop for most of the year. NOT that I'm complaining....however, it leaves little room for writing.

And my writing is frustrating because I've been working at it since I was 10....and it just seems that the harder I work at it...the longer it takes.

The show Boulevard with Elliot is going well. We're in the middle of a contract with SAG. Once that's done we can film. So, that's good. The project with Danny is not too bad either.....i'll finish writing next week before I start my new job. But i've tried for three years to get my play produced...and I don't know where to look, which avenue to follow. I need to finish my second book of poetry and I wish the illustrator for my children's book would contact me back....but he has seemed to disappear off the planet. Global warming, perhaps? Maybe he just spontaneously combusted!

With all that said, I've decided to slow down on the writing front....for now. Until, I can organize my life a bit better. That was the decision I had made earlier this week....until I talked to my friend Erik Powell in New York. He was trying to get his play produced as well. Then he decided to adapt it into a book and market it that way. Now, it's about to have it's first run in New York. I'm so proud of him.....so I have decided that even though my writing is just a hobby....that I'm going to adapt my play "You Can Call Me Eve" into a book. I've toyed with the idea for a while.....so I think it should be done. So for the next two - three months I will be working on that while I film.

I guess i'm just a glutton for punishment....but writing is a must.

Oh, and I must mention that I'm going to be acting in a play in November. Whew! Hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in a trip to London. I've always wanted to go and I've never been...and as a writer I think it would be the trip to help to kick start my creativity, especially since a trip to Paris could happen while I'm there. ;)

Boulevard

So, I have submitted the first draft of Boulevard to my co-creator Elliot. He has read it....and has liked it. We need to make a few changes but I think we have something nice and solid to work with. I'm excited for that since I pulled a muscle in my back yesterday morning and have had a hard time moving around the last two days, especially sitting in one place for very long...but I spent this whole Sunday writing...and it has certainly paid off!

New script underway....

My friend Elliot London has approached me about a project. He has the funding for it...and most of the crew and actors....he just needs a script. Since he's a SAG actor he has to get a SAG contract in order to shoot.....so my goal this week is to write a script that he can submit to SAG and then we can get started on filming right away.

Everything is hush-hush right now. But I think it's going to be a GREAT project. I'm really, really excited about it and frankly...a little honored that he has faith in my ability to help him create this show.

So, he's on his way to pick me up in the Benz for a day of being an elite.....

Update:
So, we went to the Peninsula in Beverly Hills...the kind of hotel that charges $700 a night for a room. We went up to the 5th floor to the Garden Bar (which was right next to the pool..and very posh) and ordered a bottle of wine. Elliot ordered the macaroni and cheese (which may not sound good) until it arrives mixed with chocolate truffles! Does it get any better?

We figured if we want to write about the elite we had to act elite....we got a lot accomplished. After our two hour meeting/ lunch/ day of being snobs...he drove me home and now with a stack of notes I'm better equipped to sit down and write the new script. All can tell you is that the show will be called Boulevard. Check back for more info.....

Celebrate Good times....come on!

I want to give a big shout out to all of my peeps for coming to see me on Friday night and being a part of my celebration. Unfortunately, I planned it the same weekend as Comic Con (unbeknownst to me) and lost a few casualties; however, it was still a magnificent event.

It was a simple and elegant evening. My friend Tracy and I arrived about ten minutes past 8 and there were already a few people there. My friend Ian had driven in from Riverside with his new girlfriend, Tammy. I had never met her...and she is just absolutely delightful. A real knock out. I think Ian has definitely found a keeper. Goran and Jeremy were there. I was excited because I had met these two a few weeks before at a Smoking Cocktail event....and Jeremy and I had managed to stay in touch.....Jeremy is a delightful man who is here from France learning English.

Well as the night progressed more people showed up, including the graphic designer Armin and his wife. A lovely couple. So many people wanted to meet him as they were impressed with the cover this second time around.

So, drinks were had....laughter ensued...and fun was aplenty.

And that was how I celebrated the second edition release of Swimming the Storm.


Tracy, me, and Jeremy


Poppy, me, Tookie


Me and Jesse

Swimming the Storm

Tonight, July 25th, 2008 at 8pm at O Bar in West Hollywood, CA I am celebrating the re-release of my first poetry book "Swimming the Storm." This book is very special to me. It's the first book I ever wrote since moving to LA 10 years ago.

The book, in itself, was a journey. I had joined a writing group. An all black spoken word group that met at the DWP building on the corner of Crenshaw Blvd and Kings. The lesson I learned in this group were most valuable to me as writer. Most of the people in the group were seasoned writers....and the people I met through them enhanced my ability as a writer. Up until this point I had dabbled in poetry slightly but was mostly writing fiction. (At that time, i was working on a novel) So, this was all new.

When I started performing, people started to know my work. And then people would ask if they could buy my work but I didn't have anything available. So, while in the writing group, I went through a terrible break up....and all of my poems were dealing with that issue....and that's where the motivation for Swimming the Storm came from. The first cover was designed by my close friend James and I printed 250 copies.

Five years later, I run into people who have visited my website or learn of my book from talking with me and want to purchase the book. I no longer have any copies left....so I made the decision to reprint it. The cover was designed by Armin Torrentos, Jr for the second addition....and tonight, July 25th, is the celebration of that reprint.