Note: Today’s blog contains references to controversial subjects.
Wasn’t planning to blog today, but got caught up in the fascination of the Lambert controversy.
I’ll admit, I’m not an American Idol fan. I didn’t even know who Adam Lambert was until recently, when someone sent me a link to the scuttlebutt over his album cover–because she thought I’d see a connection to Boy George.
I didn’t watch the American Music Awards. Thought about it, but had other things to do. But I couldn’t escape the excited chatter the next day over Adam’s sexual antics during his song, “For Your Entertainment.” Apparently, it wasn’t for some people’s entertainment at all. ABC is upset, parents are upset, fans are upset. Adam contends he did nothing more than the kinds of things female artists have been doing for years, and adds that controversy is enhanced by his being openly gay.
Because I don’t know Adam, I took a moment to look over his bio. I’d thought, from his photos, that he was much younger, but found him to be all of 27 years old (1/29/82). He’s an almost-native San Diegan. He’s got a helluva voice, lots of power. Did he push the envelope, in my opinion? Maybe, maybe not. Typical fence-sitter that I am, I take issue first with the awards programs themselves, which have become somewhat of a series of display cases for exhibitionist entertainers and shock-jock mentality. Is ABC really upset? I wonder. The Janet Jackson 2004 Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction” case has barely cooled off, but don’t you think that the chance of seeing a big star’s bared nipple had an effect on subsequent bowl half-time ratings?
“Oh, we didn’t know that was going to happen!” cry network moguls. “Gosh, we’re sorry.” Adam, I hear, didn’t include the more “offensive” moves in his rehearsal. ABC subsequently pulled him from their Good Morning America show today (because, they said, they couldn’t trust him), but the CBS Early Show was quick to roll out the red carpet. I just watched his performance and found him better–much better–than I expected.
Back in the 80’s, when Culture Club won the Grammy for Best New Artist, George surprised not only America but his 
bandmates as well, when he looked into the camera and announced:
“Thank you America. You got taste, style, and you know a good drag queen when you see one”.
Oh! The disgrace. The shock. Ended his career, in America, George later informed. Can you imagine, a pop star saying such a thing on worldwide television? Shame on you, George!
Now, 26+ years later, another gay boy–who was barely out of diapers back–then is unapologetic for his vivid “simulated” sex shenanigans on another awards program.
IMO, George was having fun. Adam, I think, was making a statement. I was mildly uncomfortable, because I knew children were watching. I was also distracted by the images, when I really wanted to hear him sing. Will it hurt his career? Probably not significantly. Controversy fuels popularity.
I also disagree with George’s take on his own perceived “career-ending” faux pas. Caveat, I wasn’t there, I couldn’t possibly know the truth, but after reading his book and understanding his life in the 80’s, I’d be willing to bet a good tofu casserole that there was a little more to it than likening himself to a drag queen, even if it’s true that America equated “drag” with “gay.” Good or bad, his focus was not on his career. Sadly, I don’t think Americans got a real chance to see how good Boy George really was.
Adam’s focus does seem to be on his career, and as such, he wants to make sure that no one misses his sexual persuasion or his right to flaunt (?) it. I also get the feeling he’s only just getting started.
OMG! I was standing at the check out this morning with a basketful of stuff we forgot to get yesterday, and there it was: my favorite yearly issue of PEOPLE Magazine, flaunting the face of this year’s SEXIEST MAN ALIVE (hence it being my favorite issue…) and who else could it possibly be but JOHNNY DEPP…
Now, there’s never any question in my mind, he’d be on the cover every year if I was the ballot box stuffer. How is it that he has such appeal? I can’t think of any of my friends who don’t just find him the no-questions-asked-I’d-be-there guy to go to for dream-come-true-making.
Wordy today. Sorry. I’m so glad there’s no stupid rule about being SMA more than once, because Johnny took the title in 2003. The article mentions that he hid in the bushes the first day of daughter Lily Rose’s preschool (in France). She was crying so he took her home. Softy!
The article doesn’t say anything about Dark Shadows, the film he is reportedly making with pal Tim Burton (read about it here, but it does use words like “profound elegance,” “arresting magnetism,” and “timelessly hot body.” Somebody hand me a fan!
(BTW, for those who are dying to know, both Pitt and Clooney are also two-timers with PEOPLE SMA. Other listees this year include Josh Groban, Patrick Dempsey, all the new vampires courtesy TWILIGHT/NEW MOON, flamboyant gay/glam rocker Adam Lambert, Phantom Gerard Butler, hunks Will Smith and Hugh Jackman… you’ll just have to get this issue!)
Miley turns 17 today. I went looking for a photo of her and ran across some pix bordering on sex-kittenism. Disappointed, not surprised, but not too worried. Like I said on another blog this morning, she’s a teen, a very famous teen, it’s going to happen, get over it. She’s a product of the biz. I still think she’ll be okay.
Still thinking about song lyrics. They’re not always about the happy times. There’s a lot of great heartbreak out there.
There’s the leaving…
“Oh, I know you’re going, but I can’t believe—it’s the way that you’re leaving.
It’s like we never knew each other at all, it may be my fault…” Phil Collins, In Too Deep.
The regret…
“And I’d have fought the world for you
If I thought that you wanted me to
Or put aside what was true or untrue
If I’d known that’s what you needed
What you needed me to do…” – Jackson Browne, Sky Blue and Black
The apology…
“I’m sorry that I hurt you
It’s something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears…
…I just want you to know… I found reason for me… to change who I used to be… a reason to start over new… and the reason is you…” -Hoobastank, The Reason
Ultimately, the goodbye:
“But I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don’t let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories.” – Sarah McLachlan, I Will Remember You.
And the bitterness:
“You took a hammer to these walls,
Dragged the memories down the hall,
Packed your bags and walked away.
There was nothing I could say.
And when you slammed the front door shut,
A lot of others opened up,
So did my eyes so I could see
That you never were the best for me.” Daughtry, Over You. (Chris, BTW is one of People’s top 100…see pg 158)
Like I said, I’m wordy today. But I’ve been absent so feel I need to fill in some space. Do penance.
CAPE SEDUCTION is still coming, gang, I promise. Let’s blame it on the economy. Yeah, that’s it.
I have a 23 lb turkey and two hams in my fridge. I’m going to attempt to make an apple pie, ala Alton Brown. Were that Alton could be here to help!
Have a fantacular Thanksgiving, all.
Tags: Johnny Depp, Miley Cyrus, People Magazine, Sexiest Man Alive, song lyrics
I am one of Pavlov’s pups when it comes to this song by Edwin McCain. “I’ll Be” (see below) and “I Could Not Ask For More” set standards for romance in popular music. Read (and hear!) more about this soulful troubadour at his website. Turn up (or down, as the case may be) your speakers as the site launches full versions of Edwin’s soulful tunes.
I can’t speak for other writers, but music inspires me so much that I’ve been known to play the same songs again and again—and again!—while I’m working on a manuscript. The visions conjured by certain a lyric, mood, even pacing mesh with the scenes I am trying to capture. Here is an example.
In STARCROSSED HEARTS, my lengthy, soap-opera styled first installment of the StarCrossed trilogy, there is a scene between hero Dane Pierce and would-be lover Jessica Taylor. The sexual tension between them is high; they’ve had a one-night stand that she’d hung her heart on, and he’d buried in the past. He wants her back, but she’s interested in someone else.
They are on location, a tiny island in the Caribbean, filming a potential blockbuster on the beach. There is a small cantina where the cast & crew unwind in the evenings. It’s dim, smoky, tropical, with a jukebox and a tiny dancefloor. It’s also hot and humid. On this particular night, Jessica is still giving Dane the cold shoulder, and he can’t put up with it much longer. Another guy asks Jessica to dance, and she accepts, with barely a glance over her shoulder at Dane. The dance is decidedly dirty, and Dane gets up and dismisses the young man.
Jessica watched the scene unfold with irritation. She hated Dane for interfering, hated his possessive way with her. She turned from the dance floor as Dane approached, but he caught her by the wrist and pulled her back. “If you want to dance like that…” he said, grinning as the next record to drop on to the player crooned a torchy tale of lustful blues.
Dane took her into his arms, skillfully moving her around the floor in a blatantly shameless exhibition for the watching crowd; his hips moved against her, his thigh sliding between hers as he dipped her backwards in an erotic maneuver that would have challenged Patrick Swayze’s own moves. He held her there for a dizzying length of time. Jessica stared up at him, her hair wet and sticking to the perspiration on her face; she could feel her damp shirt stretched down and taut across her breasts as her chest heaved with emotion. It was a picture of perfect control, Dane’s control over Jessica.
He whipped her back up, spinning her a half turn before stopping with his lips not an inch from hers; she moved as if mesmerized, seeing only Dane, responding to his touch; programmed only for him.
The song ended, and with it, the “spell.” Jessica walked purposefully, if weakly, to the table and sat down. Dane followed, shouting his request for a drink to the bar and straddling a chair facing her.
The song? “I Put a Spell On You” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (click for 1:30 sample from MySpace). Like Dane to Jessica, it was a perfect fit.
So take a look at a sweet, sexy, youthful Edwin as he shares my favorite song. Try not to drool on the keyboard!
Tags: Anne Carter, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Edwin McCain, I Put A Spell on You, I'll Be, StarCrossed Hearts
Good Friday morning, all!
I am full of interesting thoughts today. Been playing lots of great music lately, spinning classic rock and new tunes that speak to the heart. I have a little MP3 player that’s loaded with lots of my favorites, from Boz Skaggs to Rob Thomas, Richard Marx to Boy George. Lyrics are sparking reflection and inspiration. So many good songs!
Starting next week, I’ll be posting old and new favorites. Please help me— share yours, one or two lines that inspire you, make you feel, whether it’s a good feel, a melancholy mood or just gets your feet movin’.
I’ll prime the pot with this. Of course this is a gimme for me, since it’s been one of my most favorite romantic songs of all time.
“You’re my survival, you’re my living proof, my love is alive and not dead.”
He was once called “Mr. Romantic” and he can be my cryin’ shoulder anytime he wants. It’s become a wedding reception favorite, has been heard in more than one major motion picture, and I have an acoustic version that makes me swoon. This song is 12 years old. Do you know it?
~ ~ ~
The Lioness
I was interviewed this week at Writers in Residence. Always fun, always great hanging out with the Jackies—Houchin and Vick. Check it out when you have a free moment.
Animal update: Moesha got a haircut! OMG, it cost me $200 because she had to be fully sedated, but it was well worth it. She is a new kitty! Those mats were hurting her, adding to her already borderline testy moodiness. They fairly shaved her, gave her a “lioness” cut. Her tail looks like a paintbrush! She is so much happier and healthier now. Not the best picture, but I’m lazy.
~ ~ ~
I see the Christmas stuff is beginning to sneak into the stores. It will be here before we know it. Maybe we can keep each other sane over the holidays.
Have a brilliant weekend!
I haven’t seen it in years, but I really liked “The Majestic” starring Jim Carrey. Since the film pretty much opens in
(now I can’t think of the word) screenwriting jam session, I was hooked at the start. Problem is, the producers want to render Peter Appleton’s (Carrey) script unrecognizable with ludicrous alterations. Appleton storms out, has a car accident, loses his memory and ends up in small coastal town in Nor Cal. From there, a poignant, heart-warming story unfolds, centering around the resurrection of a local movie theater. Romance blossoms, and Appleton takes his lovely to Point Cabrillo Lighthouse.
Pt. Cabrillo in the rain
Oh! This is sweet.
I happened onto a wonderful production journal for this movie, and the shooting at the lighthouse is fun to read. Sorry, no production photos, but you can imagine it well. Most fans of this genre (romantic dramedy) will love this film, whether they like Carrey or not. It’s a feel-good, with great scenery (obviously!), and a variety of wonderful California shooting locations: Union Station, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Griffith Park, Fort Bragg, Trinidad State Beach, Santa Monica Pier and the gorgeous little town of Mendocino (and yes, cast & crew did a bit of wine tasting while in the area).
Parts were even filmed right here in my hometown, at the Golden Oak Ranch, owned by Disney and rented out to other production companies. (See news about Golden Oak’s huge upcoming expansion here.)
If you’re interested in the production journal, get it here; lots of details about the filming and general fun shenanigans that go on during a location shoot. All of great interest to me, of course. Besides Carrey, “The Majestic” stars Laurie Holden, Martin Landau, James Whitmore, David Ogden Stiers, Hal Holbrook and voice cameos by famous film directors Carl and Robert Reiner, Garry Marshall, Paul Mazursky, and Sidney Pollack. A hoot!
Isn’t Point Cabrillo just the cutest lighthouse? If you find yourself traveling to Northern California, this is one not to miss. The docents and caretakers have many programs and opportunities for visitors, and the website has a calendar of events. This is not a lighthouse that shutters itself from lighthouse lovers!
Tags: Jim Carrey, Mendocino, Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, The Majestic
Sandie & Dolce
Was it a hoax? It’s kind of looking that way, isn’t it? Would a six year old manifest anxiety over lying by being nauseous? Could happen. If it was a scheme, how sad. People can be so pathetic in their obsession for notoriety. If it truly was as presented, it’s still a sad commentary on many levels.
I don’t usually write politics or religion. I have to admit, even with my (self-imposed) minimal exposure to the media, I am getting sick to death of Obama bashers. And let me say this not about Obama himself or his platforms, his actions, his family, his speeches, etc. It’s just about the depths to which Americans, in general, have sunk. This country has lost its ability to debate, to be civil, to think independently. Manners and dignity have become passé, attributes to be dismissed as archaic. People say whatever they feel, whenever they feel, without regard to anything but their own opinion.
I have a problem with my animals. Until recently, we got by with our big ol’ lovable hulky Golden Retriever, Sandie. Not the sharpest dog in the drawer, but a real lover. Moesha, our feral Tortie cat, tolerates Sandie and barely, the rest of us. She’s a tough kitty, not afraid of anything. Enter Dolce, an almost 2 year old, American-Bred German Shepherd. Dolce is possibly smarter, and definitely better trained than our stubborn Sandie. She minds well, does tricks, has puppy-ADD. And an overt fascination with the cat. If Moesha is even in the house, Dolce can’t function. We are a foster home for this sweet (pun intended) doggie, but I must keep her and the cat separated. I’ve tried and tried to socialize them, to no good result. The cat ends up chasing the dog through the house. It’s become a nightmare. And now, the once-perfectly trained puppy is pooping in my living room. Argh!
For you die-hard, loving, loyal fans, a word: CAPE SEDUCTION will not release on November 1. Not sure the exact date, hopefully by the end of November. My editor is backed up, and we are not through the edits yet. No worries.
I spoke too soon about our fickle California weather. We are back to warm! Looking forward to a fun, relaxing weekend, hope you are too.
Tags: Anne Carter, balloon boy, Cape Seduction, cats and dogs
I suspect that this picturesque lighthouse has appeared in more than Message in a Bottle. According to my sources, it is one of three that show up in the film, along with Chicago Harbor Lighthouse and Pond Island, also in Maine.
I confess to not re-viewing this film lately. I couldn’t wait to see it when it came out, ten years ago, for two reasons. One, I was a huge Kevin Costner fan at the time, and two, I’d read the book by Nicholas Sparks (also available for Kindle, Sandy!). I bought the book in the airport as we were getting ready to board a vacation flight to Colorado. I read it in one day. I was disappointed in the book; the story was great, but the mechanics were poor. Not well edited, IMO. Head-hopping so often I couldn’t tell who was thinking what. Simple, but annoying habits like repeated use of the same adjectives. Sentence structure was uninspired. I mention this because it was that day that I got out my old, dusty manuscripts and decided I would one day be published. Thanks, Nick.
Aside from my then-schoolgirl-type-crush on Costner, I’ve had a life-long love affair with Paul Newman. I could watch 
him do a paper towel commercial and drop into a full swoon. Not that he ever did such a thing. He (and Costner, to some extent) was the inspiration for the character of Dane Pierce in STARCROSSED HEARTS. If you want to see Paul in one of his (IMO) sexiest early roles, see WINNING.
But I digress. Seguin Island Lighthouse is located in what is one of the foggiest places in the world, according to those wonderful Lighthouse Friends. It is Maine’s second lighthouse, and was authorized by George Washington. That’s old. The Fresnel lens is 13 feet high, and still operating, thanks to the Friends of Seguin Island, who also see to the volunteer keepers year after year.
For die-hard romantics and hanky twisters, the film is worth seeing. And you, lucky readers, got two movie recommendations for the price of one!
Tags: Kevin Costner, Message in a Bottle, movie lighthouses, Paul Newman, Seguin Island Lighthouse, StarCrossed He
A. Montgomery, J. Sheratt, G. Carline and Yours Truly
Have you heard the simile, “busier than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs”? That’s one of my favorites, and a good descriptor of my last week. Started off last weekend with my attendance—or should I be saying “appearance”—at the Duarte Festival of Authors. What a fun day! Not only did I make some new friends, I got to catch up with writer pals Jeff Sherratt, Gayle Carline and Alyssa Montgomery, all Echelon Press pubbed authors. Also ran into Patty Kokinos, author of ANGEL PARK. Patty is just a delightful person, a smart, savvy cookie who’s also warm-hearted and compassionate. She’s now touting the second release of her fictionalized account of what’s wrong with our schools. Take a moment to check out her website.
As luck would have it, Gayle, Jeff and I were all on the same mystery panel. An enjoyable, educational experience. A highlight of the day was meeting the most affable Ray Bradbury. Alyssa had him autograph a new, hardbound copy of THE ILLUSTRATED MAN, and both Jeff and Gayle gave him copies of their books.
Sunday found me at WeHo- West Hollywood Book Fair. Weather was sparkle-bright, people were nice, as always. In the Sisters in Crime/L.A. booth I rubbed elbows with buddies Diana and Darrell James and several other top-notch mystery authors. Got to meet Eric Stone, author and my editor on “Just Like Jay”, slated for publication next summer in the SinC/LA anthology, “Murder in La La Land.” Eric was gracious and complimentary, and he made a fan of me.
On Monday I attended the local “State of the City” meeting and got to listen to our city council members tell all about everything they’ve done/are doing for our fair berg. Salmon lunch was tasty, conversation was good. Touched base with several people I haven’t seen in awhile. Tuesday I got my flu shot, yee-haa, and Friday I attended the press conference for friend David Gauny, (do you like his website?) who’s throwing in his hat on the city council race for 2010. Loads of fun. Capped off the week with Taste of Expo Friday night, sampling the wares of twenty local restaurants. Well, I only sampled three of the twenty.
Took it easy all weekend, naturally! My daughter-in-law returned home from Singapore today, I’m so happy to report. (My son came back 3 weeks ago.) We are all present and accounted for. Our weather has been cool the past few days, a huge relief to many. I know I will miss the warm weather, I always do. I can’t wait for late April and our lively California sun. It’s just me, I know.
A girlfriend stopped by today and gave me a miniature Heceta Head lighthouse! She went there on vacation with her family and, having read POINT SURRENDER, she thought to bring me back a gift as this is the lighthouse on the cover. It’s so cool.
Getting lengthy so I’d best shut up now. This week should be calmer, but I know I will be back into the weird book I’m writing so it will likely fill in any free time I’d otherwise have. Oh well. It’s what I do.
Tags: David Gauny, Duarte Festival of Authors, Gayle Carline, Heceta Head, Jeff Sherratt, Ray Bradbury, Sisters in Crime/LA, West Hollywood Book Fair
I was saving this one as it’s kind of a gimme. Not many people HAVEN’T seen Forrest Gump, and the triumphant end to his cross-country marathon run. I’ve “borrowed” a still from the film, here. What a shot, eh?
So what did you think of Forrest Gump? I haven’t seen it in years, and I think I’d like to watch it again. There are some big highs and some profound lows, but excellent acting all around. It was the first time I saw Gary Sinise. Sally Field is an all-time favorite of mine. And Tom Hanks? What can you say about him that hasn’t been said. Back-to-back Oscars for two very diverse roles. I don’t know if I could watch Philadelphia again.
Marshall Point. Port Clyde is a charming coastal Maine town, one I’d certainly like to visit. It’s been called an artist retreat–indeed, American painter Andrew Wyeth had a studio there. The lighthouse itself is a shortie – only 31 feet, but one of the more picturesque beacons around as you can see above. So picturesque, in fact, that apparently the area surrounding it is often congested with easels, tripods and budding artists. Built in 1823, automated in 1981. See Don Moore’s beautiful picture here.
I have never been to Maine and it’s on my ever-lengthening list. Marshall Point is a must-see!
Tags: Forrest Gump, Marshall Point Lighthouse, Port Clyde, Tom Hanks
Moesha.
Suffering. I made some kind of mistake, not knowing (well, if we knew when we were making mistakes, we wouldn’t make them, duh!) and now I am trying to fix it. It’s not an easy thing to fix, either. My day was going pretty well, too. The thing is, I’m the kind of person that doesn’t take mistakes that easily. I know people who basically just shrug it off when they goof. Life’s too short for regrets, right? Yeah, but.
Moesha is not my mistake, but she is kind of a mistake, hence her photo here.
We’ve had great weather the past two days. Excellent weather. We are neither sweltering, nor under water. Breezy, 72 degrees, the kind of weather the rest of the nation thinks we have all the time. We don’t. In a matter of days, it will be either HOT again, or the pre-Halloween cold snap will settle in. But I’m okay with it, I really don’t want to live anywhere else. Not permanently. I think I’d enjoy London for a few months. Kahana, too, would work. (That’s in Maui, FYI.)
I’m probably 2/3 or 3/4 through my oddball book. This book will need serious editing. I may consider self-pubbing this one, as an experiment, since the story itself is experimental. My cross-cultured characters are struggling, and I am trying to help them find peace. We shall see.
I caught up with George this week. BOY GEORGE to most of you, George O’Dowd to some and just plain George to me. Although he doesn’t yet know it, we have become good friends as he unwittingly helps me to write my story. Although there have been periods where he has tried to shed the “BOY” part of his moniker, it does have a bit of franchise with it and likely serves him well even now. Unfortunately, his good name has been hi-jacked, used as a somewhat derogatory nickname for conservative British Parliament member George Osborne. (While I’m sure you laugh it off, dear George, I’ll bet you hate it, wish you’d trademarked it way-back-when.) Anyway, George is looking good, sounding good, and I’m happy to see he is busy and productive.
Saturday I’m heading out to the Duarte Library Festival of Authors. Fellow Echelon authors Gayle Carline, Jeff Sherratt and I will be participating in a mystery panel as well as hawking our books to hungry readers. On Sunday, I’ll be signing with Sisters in Crime/LA at WEHO – West Hollywood Book Fair. Should be a fun weekend!
Los Angeles Times reports that ebook readers are expected to be a hot item for holiday sales this year. Great news for all authors, I think. Since CAPE SEDUCTION comes out in November, I’d say that’s very good timing.
Okay, back to obsessing about my mistake. Back soon.
Tags: Anne Carter, Boy George, Cape Seduction, EBooks, George O'Dowd, Sisters in Crime LA, WEHO, West Hollywood Book Fair
