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