• Small press month
• Women’s history month
• National Nutrition Month
• National Kidney Month
• American Red Cross Month.

See anything interesting yet? Maybe you’re not up to a whole month of anything, so consider this: it’s Read an ebook week! Yes, those annoying tree-huggers are back, admonishing you for still reading paper books! I’ll admit to reading both, although I prefer the “e” variety and have for many years. Do I have a dedicated ereader? Yes, and no. My ereader is the granddaddy of all ebook reading devices, the Rocket eBook, and it’s like 8 years old already. Heavy, clunky, but adorable.

On Monday, I noticed the woman on the next treadmill was jogging while reading a Kindle, placed on the magazine deck of her machine. She had to reach up every few seconds to press the spot that would turn the page as she ran. Very jazzy. Poor me, trying to read about Johnny Depp in Entertainment Weekly, while the overhead fan kept blowing the magazine’s leaves. Hrmph.

To celebrate REBW, my niece and I went to B & N yesterday and she scraped up $280 in cold, hard-earned cash (she’s 18) for a nook™ ereader. (Yes, it’s lower case. Go figure.) We were both so excited and spent quite a while playing with it later. While I am enamored with the upcoming Apple iPad, I am so not enamored with the $500+ price tag. So I’m going to wait a bit, get the feedback from my niece on the nook and see if I get a chance to test drive the iPad when it comes out. In the meantime, I’ll play with her nook. Say, look what she’s reading!

POINT SURRENDER is available for your nook, your Kindle, your Sony reader and even your Rocket eBook. Read it on your computer, your iPhone, your MACBook. Your Pocket PC, your Blackberry, your Palm Pilot. And even (shhh! – don’t tell everyone) available in dead-tree version! (On sale at B&N.com for $11.69!)

Happy Reading!

Watch more cool animation and creative cartoons at Aniboom

Thanks to New England Lighthouses for finding this little chuckle!

Many today will label this little film idealistic and fluffy. For all the obvious reasons, people have grown skeptical, disaffected and pessimistic, especially when talking about the future. But like the “half empty, half full” glass routine, it’s all a matter of perspective. Belief—and not just the religious kind—can be a powerful factor in raising optimism, and optimism in itself can initiate change. Yeah? So Rob (may I call him Rob?) has chosen to accentuate a positive, albeit commercial, outlook in creating this happy, uplifting (if you choose it to be) tune.

Take a look, and let go—for just that 3-4 minutes—of your worries. I, for one, am glad for idealism and fluff. Because there’s just too much of the other stuff these days.

Here is a video you will enjoy. This song came out something like 9 or 10 years ago, by American bluegrass band Nickel Creek. Saw them at the Greek Theatre, opening act for someone else, and was just floored by their charm and talent. Told from the perspective of a lighthouse, this ballad is tragic but lovely. The original video for it can be found here, but this dramatization is very cool as well. Please enjoy!

Nickel Creek is on a semi-permanent hiatus, having disbanded to pursue individual interests. But as two of the three members are brother and sister, the band stays in close contact and supports each others’ efforts and forays into new musical adventures.

Back soon!

More about last year, and this.

Taking care. I lost 13 pounds in ’09, and resumed the wearing of contact lenses. How did I manage the weight loss? Stopped eating sweets, stopped eating seconds, started walking more. Dancing with iPod-clone.  2010: Will continue to pay attention.

Oh, Boy. Yes, Boy George (O’Dowd) has had a profoundly bizarre life (IMO), and has in some way inspired the writing of Paulie Bingham. As it turns out, Paulie is a completely different character (so no worries, George.)  But after reading George’s bio TAKE IT LIKE A MAN (not recommended reading for haters or homophobes) and researching other so-called androgynous entertainers of the 80’s, I was compelled to write a story. It’s done, it’s sitting, and I’m on to something else for awhile.

Singapore.  Incredible trip to attend my son’s wedding. Monumental. What a beautiful city/country. I blogged about it earlier, so no repeat info here, except to admonish: don’t eat the durians.

New business. Wasn’t looking for it, but a new account dropped into my lap via a mutual banking acquaintance. Nice company in Bev Hills. Seems to be a good fit. Extra income is very helpful!

Coming up: Won’t call them resolutions. Goals, perhaps.

Get organized. As I mentioned earlier, I am drowning in paperwork. The amount of mail we get is staggering. Because I am involved in so much, I have multitudes of files for my charitable organizations, my accounting clients, my book marketing campaigns, my school work, and just the day-to-day garbajjjjhe that lingers because it doesn’t quite fit anywhere. This has got to stop, because it’s dragging me down emotionally!

Lightening the load. Speaking of those charitable orgs, I need to quietly step away from some. Not looking forward to doing that, it’s not easy, but something’s gotta give!

Tasting life…and wine. The 4^th annual Relay For Life Wine Tasting is coming to my backyard on May 8^th. Am putting together a committee to ramp this thing up a bit this year. Despite the less-than-stellar economy, it might be our best year yet.

There’s more, a lot more, but I tire of windy blogs.  Back later.

School’s Out

School is done, for now. Political Science was a great class, I learned a ton of stuff that I somehow missed the first time around. Like, did you know the Democrats are the liberal party? Okay, I’m joking. But seriously, I enjoyed the class, finished with a 97%.

Crossing Cultures, my diversity-requirement cinema class, turned out to be much better than I thought. The sad thing was not getting to know more of the other students until the end. I did, I suppose, labor under self-imposed intimidation, being in with all those decidedly younger students. But honestly, most of them were really nice. I did my final project yesterday, a Power Point-backed discussion of my original screenplay for Unmasking Paulie Bingham. My presentation included photos of glam rockers Marc Bolan, David Bowie, Slade, George Michael, Iggy Pop, Elton John and Boy George. I backed them with audio snippets from “Rebel Rebel”, “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” and “Miss Me Blind”. I talked about the history of glam rock and difficulties those rockers who were gay faced in hiding the fact. I related it to the struggles faced by the characters in my story. It all went “swimmingly” well. A+.

We had a pot luck lunch, and snacked while everyone gave their presentations. There were students who worked for a charitable organization (L.A.’s “Dream Place”) over Thankgsgiving; a girl who described the hardships her Vietnamese parents faced as boat people; a girl who exposed the fact that our community doesn’t take care of its homeless population very well. There were four people who visited the Museum of Tolerance; a guy who works with mentally challenged children and adults through the “LET ME SAIL” program. And last, a young man who made his own >2 minute film about fear between students on campus. The film was great.

I was sad that it was the last day. I made a few friends I’ll likely not see again. I hope to see Melinda, the instructor, next spring, if I can take her Film Aesthetics class. She’s a smart, savvy lady and we got along well. A class like that is more like a treat than a task.

“Just Like Jay”

I’m excited to report that Top Publications has just issued a press release for Sisters in Crime’s  Murder In La-La Land (which will include my short story, “Just Like Jay“), with a publication date of May 2010. There is talk that the anthology may be out in time for the L.A. Times Festival of Books. That would be super.

Works in Progress

Relay For Life

Happy Hannukah

Have a great week! (Note:  For some reason the formatting is screwball on this post and I don’t have the patience to fix it. Sorry…

I sat down on the edge of the couch, dishtowel still in hand, and watched Art and Paul singing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” together, the tall, Einstein-haired tenor and his less tall, white-haired partner in song beside him. My throat swelled, and I started weeping. I was overcome by the “Sounds of Silence” and “The Boxer.” Why?

The powerful lyrics? The memories of high school? The very fact that these two mega-talented performers are still so…mega-talented? Heck, they didn’t even need girl backup singers to hit the high notes! It was emotional, let me tell you.

The line up for the show was listed as Stevie Wonder, CS&N (Big fave of mine), U2, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Simon & Garfunkel. But did they tell anyone in advance that also appearing was Mick Jagger, Sting, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, John Fogerty (CCR), Buddy Guy, Annie Lennox, Jackson Browne (another fave), Bonnie Raitt, Fergie, Ozzy Osbourne, Lou Reed, Ray Davies (Kinks), James Taylor, Patti Smith, Jerry Lee Lewis, Smokey Robinson… and I’m sure I’ve missed several. Oh! Billy Joel, too.

Talk about crying…Stevie Wonder paid homage to Michael Jackson, singing “The Way You Make Me Feel” – and broke down during the performance. It seemed to be triggered by the line, “My lonely days are gone.” Shiver! I cried too, just watching Stevie so broken up. But he recovered and finished the song with style.

Obviously missing was Eric Clapton, whom, I found out later, was ill. 2009 inductee Jeff Beck was hauled in as a worthy replacement. And speaking of Beck, he must sleep in formaldehyde – this guy doesn’t look a day over 40. Okay, maybe 50 (he’s 65).

Can you tell I’m excited? They really mixed it up, too, performers singing with other performers, things you’ve never seen nor ever will again.

So who was missing? Well, they couldn’t possibly have put all the inductees into one show, but missing for me was Tom Petty, Bob Seger, Steely Dan, Paul McCartney (remember him?), Carlos Santana, The Eagles, Bowie, Elton, Rod. To name a modest few, of course.

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Whew. When I go off on a tangent, I really spin out. Now a word from our sponsors.

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Okay, back to your regularly scheduled blog. I’m overdue on talking about ebook readers, so will try to fit that in later this week. BTW, on another topic, has anyone seen MJ’s “This Is It?” I’d really love to, and I’ve heard it will be out on DVD. Looking forward to seeing that. I just saw “Up” this week and what a cute movie that is! Might watch it again before it goes back into the red & white envelope.

Well, cheerio, must get dinner made…

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’ve 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.

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.

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!