#Binge-watching with Christine DePetrillo

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

Screenplays. Have you written one for one of your novels? by Rolynn Anderson

Happy New Year, everyone!  I'm lucky to be the blog-writer for the first of the month; to be able to holler Happy New Year is extra special.

In the spirit of looking ahead to new and exciting adventures in 2016, I want to draw on your experiences and your writing journey.  

I live close to Hollywood, so I get to rub shoulders with people who know/knew people.  Just the other day, I chatted with one of these people, and his interest in my books was both flattering and energizing.  His suggestion: If I wrote a screenplay based on one of my novels (especially one from my series), I could catch the attention of Hollywood.  In fact, he suggested I read this book by Viki King: How To Write a Movie in 21 Days...http://amzn.com/0062730665. 

His enthusiasm was contagious, but I'm already diverting my novel-writing time with short-story writing, blog writing and social media tasks  Do I make yet another detour and try to write a screenplay?  Has anyone out there written a movie script?  Was it a HUGE change from writing a novel or was it a fairly straightforward process? Did it give you an entrée into pitching movie-making folk?

I'm just as conflicted over this issue as I am over paying someone to narrate my novels for the audio market.  

Point is, I've learned that many of you have already vetted these questions and you have experience to bring to the table.  Tell me what you've learned about writing screenplays and latching on to the audio market.  Thanks!  Rolynn   

Meanwhile, I'm still 'in release' of FAINT, my third novel in the funeral planner suspense series.  If you haven't had a chance to read the details, here goes!

Their dead clients refuse to rest in peace.

How did small-town boutique funeral planning morph into crime-solving?  Ask freelance embalmer Trudy Solomon, or Pete McDonald, a blind, forensic investigator.  They’re unearthing mysteries of the deceased for their pregnant boss, Jan Keller, while her journalist husband, Roman, is benched by a ten million dollar defamation suit.

A dead client goes missing, and investigating his disappearance forces Trudy and Pete to confront their fiercely independent styles.  When danger stalks them, will they blend brains, brawn and belief in one another to solve crimes and save themselves?

Buy Sites:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B0180LJBRI

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/592110

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rolynnanderson

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/faint-funeral-planner-suspense/id1058955286?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/faint-the-funeral-planner-suspense-series-book-3

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/faint-rolynn-anderson/1122952875?ean=2940152465822

Website: http://www.rolynnanderson.com

Summer Christmas

Binge-watching Christmas movies in the summer should be a crime. It would be the only way to get me not to do it.

“But, Officer, I just took a peek.”

“Ma’am, we have reason to believe your TV has been tuned to the Christmas in July event on one of those women’s channels. Repeatedly.”

“No, I…”

“Is that glitter on your shirt, ma’am?”

“Umm…”

“Are you drinking hot cocoa?”

“Well…”

“Do I smell an evergreen Yankee candle burning?”

“Busted.”

I spent a good portion of last month watching holiday movies from the Hallmark Channel. I recorded a mess of them and worked my way through, one cozy happily ever after at a time. While the temps outside were in the 80s, I was doing my Christmas dreaming with actresses like Candace Cameron Bure and Lacey Chabot.

I’m willing to admit I need a 12-step program of some kind to tear me away from these flicks. Know anyone who runs one? I’m in tough shape.

I served dinner last night on leftover Christmas-themed paper plates.

Yeah. It’s bad.

One movie, Christmas Under Wraps, took place in one of my favorite places – Alaska. Like, how am I supposed to resist Candace Cameron Bure AND Alaska? It’s as if someone asked, “Christine, what kind of a holiday story can we write for you?” Umm, this one.

There was nothing outstandingly original about the film, but I thoroughly enjoyed absolutely everything about it. Bure plays a doctor with her entire life mapped out—become a doctor in Boston, get married—but of course the Universe has other plans.

Enter being sent to a small-town hospital in Garland, Alaska. The total opposite of her dream. When the hero comes on the scene, you pretty much know she isn’t going anywhere. I mean, he wears flannel, work boots, and has sawdust in his pickup truck. Not to mention gorgeous brown eyes. Recipe for my perfect man right there, folks.

So I’m humming Christmas tunes while working in the garden. Big deal. Maybe I made a batch of gingerbread men. No need to panic. It’s possible I plugged in the tiny white lights on my indoor trees. Everybody just stay calm.

I’ll still have plenty of holiday spirit left for December… you know, when I watch all those movies again and some new ones too.

Shut up.

What’s your favorite holiday movie? Do you only watch it during the actual season or do you need a room next to mine in the Crazy Christmas Addiction program?

Toodles,

Chris

www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

The Maple Leaf Series, Books 1-4 available now! Book 1 is always FREE in ebook. 

Rebel Without A Cause: Whatever Was I Thinking? by Margo Hoornstra

Think Rebel Without A Cause. To quote Wikipedia, "The story of a rebellious teenager who arrives at a new high school, meets a girl, disobeys his parents, and defies the local school bullies." What kind of images come to mind? The smoldering hot and handsome bad boy, of course. Sexy and daring, maybe with a chip on his shoulder. An edge of anti-social behavior about him. (Delinquent is such a strong word.) Whether with motorcycle or without, definitely swoon worthy. Though I never have seen the movie, I can certainly relate.

However, after this summer, I'm thinking a little different kind of rebel, thanks to a dog named Buddy.

Let me explain. A few years ago, my youngest son rescued a little dog. Abandoned as a puppy, Buddy is one of the most loving and gentle dogs I've ever met. A pacifist by nature, when he's out and about on his leash, Buddy avoids conflict and confrontation at all costs. But give him the opportunity to meet new dog friends and play, and Buddy's all over it, with gusto.

Fast forward to last month. It's Summertime in northern Michigan, and we're camping at a Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ with the kids and grandkids. Jellystone, where they're big on kids and activities complete with a real live (in costume, of course) Yogi Bear. A bear so popular, the times for his appearance are posted in advance so eager fans can stop by for a hug or high five. Maybe even a picture. Often, this bear would travel around the park is a golf cart, with his handler beside him since Yogi doesn't drive, perpetual smile in place, waving and nodding. Having a good time.

Fast forward again to the day before we leave. I'm coming out of the bathhouse just as Yogi and his escort drive by. Though it's early afternoon, no one else is around. All of a sudden, I'm inspired.

"Hey, Yogi. Can you make a personal appearance?"

His lady driver answers for him. "Sure!"

"Great! My grandkids will love this." So proud, I quickly lead them down the lane to our spot. Only one of my grandsons is there, and my son, and Buddy...

Yogi and company pulls up and stops. Undaunted, I make my best ta da gesture!

Still smiling, Yogi leaps from the cart. Unfortunately, at seeing the newcomer Buddy does some leaping of his own.  Keeping his distance, but barking like a man, er dog, possessed. Poor Yogi freezes, mid wave, as Buddy's tirade continues. Okay, so if you leave out hot, handsome and sexy, we had our own Rebel Without A Cause going on right then and there. Rebellion? You bet. Anti-social? I would say so. Chip on his shoulder? That barking behavior had to come from somewhere. Although now that I think about it, Buddy seemed to be as startled as Yogi.

Not to worry, though. All would be well. We were finally able to convince Buddy (Yogi too) that it was okay. No one was going to get hurt. We even managed to get a picture. Buddy wasn't invited. ;-)

Enjoy these last days of Summer, Everyone! Fall will be here before you know it.

My days to blog at the Roses of Prose are the 11th and 23rd. For more about me and my stories, please visit my WEBSITE

Rebel Without a Cause?

Here I am again at a Roses of Prose movie topic I know nothing about. I’ve never seen Rebel Without a Cause. Looking at the IMDB summary doesn’t make me want to watch it either. Is that bad? It’s some kind of a classic, right? A cinematic must, isn’t it?

Does that make me a “rebel” if I don’t want to watch it?

There have been other movies that I have simply boycotted. Philadelphia with Tom Hanks is at the top of my no-watch list. I’m a huge, HUGE Tom Hanks fan. I’ve seen every single movie he’s been in… except Philadelphia. Won’t watch it. You can’t make me.

Sometimes I refuse to watch a movie because someone has recommended it a million times. I once dated a dude who mentioned The Shawshank Redemption to me every time we saw each other. It drove me nuts.

“Why didn’t you just watch it to get him to stop, Christine?”

Umm… because that would have been giving in. I don’t do “giving in.” Tastes funny. Not a fan.

I did end up watching that movie years later, after said dude was a distant memory (nightmare?), and loved it. Awesome characters, amazing story, but I had to watch it on my own terms.

See? Rebel.

I’ve protested every movie in the Halloween series ever since I was in eighth grade and stupidly watched the first one at a sleepover party. Razor blades in apples? Sheesh. I was scared to eat fruit for months after that. I’d cut fruit up into tiny, bite-sized pieces until I was convinced the supermarket wasn’t plotting to slice my mouth open.

“You’re kind of a handful, Christine.”

Yep. I am.

I won’t watch any movies that have children dying of horrible diseases. I can watch the news if I wanted to see that. No thanks. Don’t really want to watch things with adults suffering from diseases either. Many people have told me to watch Breaking Bad, which I know is a TV show, but I heard something about the main character having cancer and immediately crossed it off my list.

Childish? Maybe. Avoiding being depressed? Definitely.

I’ll pass on movies that include cruelty to animals or hunting. I would have passed on Marley and Me had I known ahead of time how that was going to end. I almost always skip movies “based on actual events” or ones with a completely unknown cast.

“So many rules, Christine.”

Rules keeps things orderly. I like rules.

So amidst all this movie rebellion, what do I like watch?

Tales that end with happily ever after are Number One. Anything with pirates, saving nature, or Harry Connick Jr. Especially Harry Connick Jr. Comedies, romances, non-scary paranormals, and intergalactic adventures are all perfectly enjoyable. Movies including a cappella groups get two thumbs up. I’ve seriously watched Pitch Perfect more times than I can count. Eighties movies with Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Anthony Michael Hall, and the rest of the crew are all on the menu. I could listen to Jake Ryan asking Samantha Baker to make a wish over her birthday cake over and over again. I have listened to him over and over again.

Generally speaking, I love movies that make me feel good at the end. Sometimes army crawling to the conclusion of each day is exhausting. A movie that makes me laugh, fall in love, or escape the real world for a little while is just the prescription to turn a frown upside down.

What makes you rebel against a movie? Which ones do you love? Which ones do you think I’ll love?

Toodles,

Chris

www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

My Take on Movies & Videos - Comment for a Chance to Win a Free Book!

We’re talking about movies this month, and it’s not a subject I’m really well versed in. I know people who can recall the plots and quote lines from all kinds of movies, most of which I’ve never heard of. It kind of makes me feel left out when I’m with people who do this. Imagine the scene.

Me: So, what are we doing today?
Friend 1: How would you like a nice bass? Girls like a nice bass.
Me: I don’t see that on the menu…
Friend 2: No? Take that, you dirty yellow rat….

I’m left confused while they fall about laughing. Friend 1’s comment is from Napoleon Dynamite, Friend 2’s is from Home Alone 2….Leaving me wondering who’s the dummy, them or me.

I don’t watch a lot of movies. I did enjoy Noah, and thought Avatar was interesting. I hated Wolf of Wall Street, which was highly recommended by critics and friends. Am I odd?

I do watch television, though, and love English police dramas (Inspector George Gently, Foyle’s War, Dalziel & Pascoe, Endeavor, Inspector Lewis….even Midsummer Murders) And I’m not embarrassed to admit (although I maybe should be) that I have the Young & The Restless on my PVR.

One trend I have noticed – it would be hard to miss – is the prevalence of short videos that have spilled over from YouTube. I have MSN as my home page and many of these are featured in the videos list there. Some are fascinating, some educational, some delightful, and some leave me wondering ‘What just happened?’ Do I really want to spend even 30 seconds watching a video of a cat sleeping with its tongue out? Or how about a clever goat getting some fruit?
Of course, there are some great videos, too – like my talented son, Garth O'Connell,  doing a cover of Crack The Sky… http://t.co/9k5IccpP4F :-)

 As a writer, I tend to look at my viewing time as research. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. I have written two stage plays that have been produced and even won awards, and I was on the list of writers for a proposed new Irish teen soap, except that the project, three years in the making, was cancelled before production started due to budget cuts at the RTE. :-)

So writing a script for television or movies is on my dream list.

One great use of videos is for educational purposes. There’s a wide variety of really informative videos on a huge range of subjects, from health to cooking to car mechanics to fashion, woodwork,  painting…you name it. Some great ones on writing, too, and I’m thinking of putting my writing course, Naked Writing: The No Frills Way to Write Your Book, on video.

When I can find a camera that makes me look good, or at least, human. Oh, and to answer the question I’ve heard so many times about the title of this course, I don’t and won’t do it naked. Believe me, that’s a blessing for the viewers.

So, having successfully led this month’s theme away from movies and onto other topics, I’d love to hear your thoughts on videos. Have you found any particularly funny, horrible, helpful? Have you taken any courses that were run online through video?

There’s a signed copy of the print version of Naked Writing, or of my romantic comedy, the No Sex Clause, for one lucky commenter!

You can read first chapters of my books on my website www.glenysoconnell.webs.com/

 

 

GWTW and my Mom

I didn't read romance novels when I was younger. I read my first one about 10 years ago. I did read Gone with the Wind, which I don't really consider a romance novel. It's more history to me.

I think I read GWTW when I was about 13 or so. It brought to life the Civil War for me. I didn't care much for Scarlett -- I still don't, tell the truth. And I understand Rhett's appeal, but I don't find him appealing.

I clearly remember the first time I saw the movie. I was with my Mom. It was probably in the 1980s or so. The movie was making a big "come-back" tour, probably on an anniversary or something. My mother wanted to see it because it was one of the few movies she had ever seen in a theater. She just never went to movies. Watched 'em on TV, but theater? Nope.

I came to town that weekend and Mom and I went to the movie. She tried hard to act all grown-up about it, but I could tell she was having a teenager time of it, enjoying everything about it. We did the whole bit: popcorn, pop, candy, and seats right in the middle (matinee in the middle of the week). When that enormous screen lit up, I thought her eyes would pop.

I can never watch GWTW without remembering that time in a movie theater in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and how my 60-something mother was so enthralled by movie magic. I try to recapture some of that magic whenever I go to the movies. It's too easy to be jaded and take it all for granted. It really is magic, isn't it? Just like diving into a good book is magic. Don't forget that. It's special.

J L
(busy writing after all these years....)

The GBU of a Writing Career by Diane Burton

Many of my fellow Roses have written about their Good, Bad, and Uglies. I read them when they came out but have deliberately not gone back and reread them. I hope my take on a writing career isn’t a rehash of what has gone before. Since I prefer to end on a positive note, I’m changing the order.

BAD  Writing is a solitary occupation. We sit in our caves surrounded by characters who talk to us. No, wait, they yell. Some are demanding that we start their story when we’re in the middle of someone else’s. Or they want the current story to go in a different direction. Our family doesn’t understand how we can sit for hours at the computer. Even the most supportive spouse or child can feel neglected and they let us know about it. Some writers aren’t blessed with a supportive spouse, one who sabotages the writer’s time and efforts.

UGLY  We send our “baby” out into the world and someone says she’s ugly—an editor, an agent, a critique partner, a contest judge, a reviewer. Everyone in the writing community tells us to develop a thick skin. Easy to say, hard to do. We want, no, need a critique partner who will tell us the truth. If we want only praise, we should send our work to our mothers. Rejections are part of the writing process. Sure they hurt. If we’re lucky, the rejection is accompanied by reasons that we can learn from. We’re told don’t read reviews. How unrealistic is that! And, of course, we’re more bothered by one bad review instead of celebrating the eight 5-star ones.

So why do we do it? Why put ourselves through all the heartache?

GOOD  Despite all the BAD and UGLY parts of a writing career, writing is fun. Or it should be. Our imagination takes us to a different place and time. We can go back in time and meet historical characters. We can write about places we’ve been or long to visit. We can go on adventures with our characters who become real people to us. I will never go into space. I accept that, but my characters can. And I can enjoy that adventure with them. I’ll never be young again (don’t I wish I could have that do-over), but I remember the thrill of finding my soul mate. I can experience that exhilaration again and again in each of my stories. Writing gives me the freedom to be my own boss, to do what I want to do. What could be better than that?

In my newest science fiction romance, THE CHAMELEON, my heroine has a dual personality. She’s a ditz who doesn’t seem to have a brain in her head. She’s a tough, driven woman who wants to run the family business. I love the fabulous cover (by Rebel Ink Designs) that shows both sides of her. This story presented a challenge. While I have no trouble writing strong women, writing a ditz is a lot harder. But even challenges can be fun. Since our theme this month is movies, the tagline for this book fits right in: Legally Blonde Meets Mata Hari.

 I blog here on the 8th and 30th of each month and Mondays on my own site http://dianeburton.blogspot.com