I consider watching television and movies research for writing. I thought I'd share some things I've been binge-watching recently. If you haven't seen some of these, you might want to take a peek.
1. Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman - An oldie, but a goody. I love period pieces that transport be to another time and place. I've always thought the character of Dr. Mike was so well done. A true testimony to the strong female spirit.
2. Anne of Green Gables - Speaking of strong female spirit, is there anyone better than Anne? I simply adore Megan Follows as well. She is such a gifted actress and I first fell in love with her as Anne.
3. Black Mirror - A Twilight Zone-esque show but with a futuristic flavor. I'll admit some of the episodes are... unsettling. Mostly because they are not stretching the truth all that much. I'd just like to hang out with the writers of this show because they must be super interesting to have the ideas they have.
4. Everything Sucks - If you love 90s alternative rock, you'll like this show. The soundtrack is admittedly better than the plot, but you'll love the characters because you can no doubt find a little piece of yourself in at least one of them. It's also a good show to keep you entertained while you're waiting for Stranger Things to come out with a new season.
5. Cheers - Just because everyone needs a place "where everybody knows your name."
6. Bitten - I like to rewatch this to get in touch with my inner werewolf. And Greyston Holt is so nice to look at.
7. Hallmark Movies - Sometimes a night just needs a little love, you know?
8. Beauty and the Beast - Disney come to life? Yeah, count me in.
What binge suggestions do you have for me?
Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a $50 Amazon Gift eCard! Visit my website and scroll down on the home page for the details.
Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com
Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Monday, August 7, 2017
The biggest benefit from RWA17 by Barbara Edward
It's not that I’m exhausted.
The RWA conference was great. Too many classes to attend them all, great speakers, publishers parties, and the location at Disney added to too much to take in all at once. The panel I spoke at was interesting and informative.
I had to buy the recording of the classes. My mind was so stuffed with information it felt like a soaked sponge.
My roommates Anna and Kelly, were the best.
I got to see Animal Kingdom and loved it.
I stayed at the Dolphin.
So here I am at home, working at getting organized. I have to set myself goals.
So: Work on my Civil War re-enactment story and get it sent out. Finish the two paranormals for my series. Work on my romantic suspense.
Does that sound like a big goal? Sure. But its what I want to do. I’m a writer.
It’s one of the benefits of attending the conference. It reminded me that I write because I have dreams. I got all caught up in the promo stuff and spent hours at other tasks, not writing.
I’m turning that around. I’m going back to my old schedule. Write in the morning until the well runs dry. Other things come after I’m done.
I’ll check back in couple weeks and let you know how I’m doing.
Please follow, friend or like me. I love to hear from my readers.
Website http://barbaraedwards.net
Twitter https://www.twitter.com/Barb_ed
Amazon Author’s Page http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003F6ZK1A
Friday, July 14, 2017
RWA Bound! by Christine DePetrillo
At the end of the month I will be attending my first Romance Writers of America Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida and I am psyched! I've gone to local chapter events and other writing conferences, but nothing of this magnitude.
Did I also mention that I've never been "away from home" by myself? Yeah, 40-something years old and I've never traveled alone.
You can call me a loser. It's okay. I agree with you. Why in the hell have I waited this long to go on a quest? Clearly, no one would entrust me with tossing the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom. You thought it took Frodo a long time to make the voyage. Me? 40+ years people. 40+ years.
I'll know people once I get there and I've been to Disney World like nine times. I feel comfortable navigating my way around down there, but a part of me is a little nervous. I'm not going to lie to you. I'm a writer. I imagine scenarios. Like airplane problems. Getting lost. Terrorist attacks.
Or the worst... getting stuck sitting near a baby on the flight. Ugh. Let's hope that doesn't happen.
I plan to pack light and just take a carry-on bag. Summer dresses that I can roll up for easy, fuss-free packing. A pair of comfortable shoes and a pair of cute sandals. Maybe a set of Mickey Mouse ears.
Traveling alone should make for a streamlined experience, right? No one to worry about but myself. No husband who ALWAYS is the guy security wants to investigate further. "Step aside, sir." Every. Single. Time. But me? Who would find me suspicious? I'm sailing right through that check in.
I'm looking forward to the entire experience. Going a day early to bounce around the parks and get my Disney fix. Then I plan to soak in the fun of being around other romance authors and people who "get" writing. People who understand the dream. People who, like me, enjoy weaving a good tale.
If you've gone to an RWA conference before, what tips do you have for me?
Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com
Did I also mention that I've never been "away from home" by myself? Yeah, 40-something years old and I've never traveled alone.
You can call me a loser. It's okay. I agree with you. Why in the hell have I waited this long to go on a quest? Clearly, no one would entrust me with tossing the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom. You thought it took Frodo a long time to make the voyage. Me? 40+ years people. 40+ years.
I'll know people once I get there and I've been to Disney World like nine times. I feel comfortable navigating my way around down there, but a part of me is a little nervous. I'm not going to lie to you. I'm a writer. I imagine scenarios. Like airplane problems. Getting lost. Terrorist attacks.
Or the worst... getting stuck sitting near a baby on the flight. Ugh. Let's hope that doesn't happen.
I plan to pack light and just take a carry-on bag. Summer dresses that I can roll up for easy, fuss-free packing. A pair of comfortable shoes and a pair of cute sandals. Maybe a set of Mickey Mouse ears.
Traveling alone should make for a streamlined experience, right? No one to worry about but myself. No husband who ALWAYS is the guy security wants to investigate further. "Step aside, sir." Every. Single. Time. But me? Who would find me suspicious? I'm sailing right through that check in.
I'm looking forward to the entire experience. Going a day early to bounce around the parks and get my Disney fix. Then I plan to soak in the fun of being around other romance authors and people who "get" writing. People who understand the dream. People who, like me, enjoy weaving a good tale.
If you've gone to an RWA conference before, what tips do you have for me?
Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Two Days... by Christine DePetrillo
In two days, school is over. Done. The End.
I'm beside myself with excitement. My insides are literally buzzing. It's time for a list - Ten Things I Plan To Do This Summer! Are you ready? Here they are in no particular order.
1. Write, write, write, write, write, and write. I've got a book I'm currently revising. I have to re-read another book before sending to my editor and preparing it to be published. I also plan to start my new series revolving around random acts of kindness. I can't wait to dive into this new project!
2. Read, read, read. Summer is my time to truly eat books. I basically devour them all year, but when the sun is high in the sky (or the moon) and I don't have the pressures of work weighing me down, I can consume books at an alarming rate. Like, don't get in my way. Just back up slowly and let me finish my book meal.
3. Go to a conference in Disney! The Romance Writers of America 2017 Conference is in Disney World this July and I've already registered, booked flights and hotel, and secured a Park Hopper. I'm all in for some writing fun, hanging with other romance authors, and spending some time with Mickey! This will be the first time I've ever gone away by myself. Only took 40-something years!
4. Commune with maple trees. I'm looking forward to hugging lots of Vermont trees this summer. This is my favorite season up there in the Northeast Kingdom. Everything is green and alive. I have a theory that if I had Dorothy's ruby slippers and knocked the heels together as I recited, "There's no place like home," Vermont is where those slippers would send me.
5. Beach it. Every year I tell myself I will spend more time at the beach, but then I get lazy and settle for writing in the Outdoor Writing Office in my backyard instead of packing up my stuff and driving to the coast. All of a sudden it's August and I've only visited the beach once if that. Not this year. I'm determined to get salt air in my lungs and sand in my... well, I don't actually want sand anywhere it's not supposed to be.
6. Hear some tunes. I'm trying to win Iron Maiden tickets. I've seen them before and they hold the number one position on my Top Concerts List, but I'd love to see them again. Great, great show with amazing music and wonderful stage performances. I also want to catch the Philharmonic. Last year they played at the beach, but I missed it. This year, I'm there.
7. Bike. Last year, we bought new bikes that I love. I want to explore new trails and cycle all around this summer. There is something about viewing the world from a bike that settles my soul.
8. Have girls' nights. Because... yeah... I've got to. Essential for sanity.
9. Do some school planning. A necessary evil. A school year of 180 days can seem like an eternity if I haven't done some organizing/reflection over the summer.
10. Be a good doggie and kitty mommy. Summer allows me the freedom to spoil my pets with attention. My dog is always thrilled to have me home (Shut up. He told me so.) He follows me around every day. Or maybe I follow him. Perhaps a bit of both? Anyway, we're finishing each other's barks by the end of the summer because we've spent so much time together and I wouldn't have it any other way.
What are your summer plans? Even if you don't have the summer off, you must have some fun things to do on your agenda. Share 'em.
Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com
The Maple Leaf Series, available now
The Shielded Series, available now
The Warrior Werewolves Series, coming soon!
I'm beside myself with excitement. My insides are literally buzzing. It's time for a list - Ten Things I Plan To Do This Summer! Are you ready? Here they are in no particular order.
1. Write, write, write, write, write, and write. I've got a book I'm currently revising. I have to re-read another book before sending to my editor and preparing it to be published. I also plan to start my new series revolving around random acts of kindness. I can't wait to dive into this new project!
2. Read, read, read. Summer is my time to truly eat books. I basically devour them all year, but when the sun is high in the sky (or the moon) and I don't have the pressures of work weighing me down, I can consume books at an alarming rate. Like, don't get in my way. Just back up slowly and let me finish my book meal.
3. Go to a conference in Disney! The Romance Writers of America 2017 Conference is in Disney World this July and I've already registered, booked flights and hotel, and secured a Park Hopper. I'm all in for some writing fun, hanging with other romance authors, and spending some time with Mickey! This will be the first time I've ever gone away by myself. Only took 40-something years!
4. Commune with maple trees. I'm looking forward to hugging lots of Vermont trees this summer. This is my favorite season up there in the Northeast Kingdom. Everything is green and alive. I have a theory that if I had Dorothy's ruby slippers and knocked the heels together as I recited, "There's no place like home," Vermont is where those slippers would send me.
5. Beach it. Every year I tell myself I will spend more time at the beach, but then I get lazy and settle for writing in the Outdoor Writing Office in my backyard instead of packing up my stuff and driving to the coast. All of a sudden it's August and I've only visited the beach once if that. Not this year. I'm determined to get salt air in my lungs and sand in my... well, I don't actually want sand anywhere it's not supposed to be.
6. Hear some tunes. I'm trying to win Iron Maiden tickets. I've seen them before and they hold the number one position on my Top Concerts List, but I'd love to see them again. Great, great show with amazing music and wonderful stage performances. I also want to catch the Philharmonic. Last year they played at the beach, but I missed it. This year, I'm there.
7. Bike. Last year, we bought new bikes that I love. I want to explore new trails and cycle all around this summer. There is something about viewing the world from a bike that settles my soul.
8. Have girls' nights. Because... yeah... I've got to. Essential for sanity.
9. Do some school planning. A necessary evil. A school year of 180 days can seem like an eternity if I haven't done some organizing/reflection over the summer.
10. Be a good doggie and kitty mommy. Summer allows me the freedom to spoil my pets with attention. My dog is always thrilled to have me home (Shut up. He told me so.) He follows me around every day. Or maybe I follow him. Perhaps a bit of both? Anyway, we're finishing each other's barks by the end of the summer because we've spent so much time together and I wouldn't have it any other way.
What are your summer plans? Even if you don't have the summer off, you must have some fun things to do on your agenda. Share 'em.
Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com
The Maple Leaf Series, available now
The Shielded Series, available now
The Warrior Werewolves Series, coming soon!
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Family Vacations by Diane Burton
I recently returned from a 3-generation family vacation.
First, let me tell you about some of our vacations when my kids were younger.
They called them “encyclopedia” vacations. When we went to a famous site, I
wanted them to know about it. (You can take the teacher out of the classroom…)
As they got older, I gave them the Triple A book, and had them choose places to
stop—which meant they had to read about these places.
Our last family vacation with just the four of us strained
Hubs’ and my patience. A 10th grader who PMS’d the whole time and
didn’t want to do anything, and a 9th grader who wanted to be home
with his friends. Later—many years later—he said that was a really great
vacation. The kicker, though, was daughter, who had groused the whole time, got
on the phone with her girlfriend (while we were emptying the car) and exclaimed
about how she had so much fun. I thought Hubs’ would kill her. LOL
The kids are grown with kids of their own. We went on a
cruise with daughter, SIL, and their two kids, along with SIL’s parents and his
sister and her son. Not just any cruise but a Disney cruise. What fun.
Especially because this was a Star Wars Disney cruise. I might have mentioned a
few times that my family are Star Wars’ fanatics—from the 6 y.o. through Hubs.
One day during the cruise, Star Wars characters walked the decks, had photo ops,
while those into Star Wars more than my family also dressed in costume. I have
to admit, Hubs’ and I hung out with some of the characters.
Before leaving on the cruise, I had a brilliant idea. I
would set the fourth Alex O’Hara book on a cruise. So I paid special interest
in things I could use in the story. I also asked our tax preparer what I needed
to do to be able to take my cost of the cruise as a business expense. She asked
her supervisors. I didn’t get the not-so-good news until we got home. Nope. Can’t
do it. Darn!
We had a great time (even if I can’t write it off). The
kiddies had their activities. The younger adults had theirs. And Hubs and I did
our thing. We all met for dinner each night and had fun discussing what we did.
I have to say Disney does customer service well. The food was to die for and
the staff couldn’t have been nicer and friendlier. I would definitely recommend
a cruise for a multi-generation family vacation.
Diane Burton writes romantic suspense, mysteries, and science fiction romance. She blogs here on the 30th of the month and on her own blog on Mondays.
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