Wednesday, March 25, 2015

One Brick at a Time

During the February 17 episode of #PubTalkTV I was announced as one of the winners of the of a query consultation with one  of the fabulous hosts.  I was assigned to Monica Odom of  Liza Dawson Associates and I was very excited about the whole thing.  Having another pair of eyes on  your query is never a bad thing - especially if it's the eyes of an agent who represents your genre.  Score!  To enter all you need to do is retweet specific tweets once they're announced.

There's always a bit of nerves when going into something like this.  It's so easy to let your mind wander into thinking they might not like your query.  I am very pleased to announce that Monica's comments were very positive with only some minor comments on specifics, timelines, etc.  It was so awesome having some great insights into things I hadn't even considered before.  For example, Monica had asked about the timeline of my manuscript - whether my child star was from the time of Shirley Temple or more modern.  I hadn't even considered the possibility that someone might think that.  It was those sort of comments that made it all worthwhile.  Once again, thank you to Monica.

The #PubTalkTV ladies are taking off the month of March but will be back with a fancy new episode in April.  And, with that comes more opportunities to win a query consultation.  So, if you're a querying writer I recommend at jumping at this tremendous opportunity.  It's like going to a conference without the airfare, hotels, and conference fees.

Also, speaking of critiques - all of the lovelies at Fuse Literary are auctioning off partial manuscript and query critiques through Winning Cause to raise money for The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  Another great opportunity for querying writers and some of the lots don't even have any bids yet!  It's all about killing two birds with one stone - getting super feedback and helping someone else.  Hey, maybe your future agent is hiding in that group.  There are only six days left in the auction so get your bids in before it's too late.

Good lucking to everyone in the query trenches.  May we all find our agent sooner than later.


Monday, March 16, 2015

Going Hollywood

Well, just today the details of the upcoming Pitch Slam were announced today.  The theme this time around is Classic Hollywood which suits me to a T.  Not only does my manuscript take place in Hollywood but I am quite the fan of classic Hollywood.  None of these means much in the long run but it makes me a little more excited about this contest than others in the past.

I've already started working on my entry emails even though the first round doesn't start until April 3.  It gives me some time to play with my thirty-five word pitch and the "favorite movie genre" question.  That one is going to be such a tough one for me.  It's like choosing a favorite child.  I have some thoughts about which direction I might go but I haven't nailed anything down yet.

Not only that but there is a trip to California in my near future.  I'm headed out the second weekend in April to visit some friends and spend some time in Los Angeles and Vegas.  I haven't seen these particular friends in five years, so I'm definitely looking forward to seeing them.  And, having some fun.

Earlier tonight I found a marathon of Battle of the Network Stars on ESPN Classic.  I never got to see the show during the original run (as the last one aired in 1988 when I was nine).  I really enjoy the fun and camaraderie the stars seemed to have and seeing stars such as Doug Barr, Heather Lockler, Nancy McKeon, Tom Wopat, and on and on.  It makes me think if a similar show could work today but I don't think so.  I think the stars would ask for more money and there are too many networks now.  Back then it was the three - ABC, CBS, and NBC.

So, it's been a bit of a "Hollywood" day for me.  Looking forward to a much-needed vacation and getting into the fun of Pitch Slam!

Best of luck to everyone entering!




Tuesday, March 10, 2015

On Broadway

For the past several years I've celebrated my birthday by taking the train into NYC and seeing a Broadway show or two.  It's a tradition and one I will continue for as long as I can.

Since my birthday happened to be on a Tuesday this year I had to wait until Saturday to make my trip.  Armed with tickets to the matinee of Phantom of the Opera and the evening show of The Fantasticks I made the hour long trip up to meet up with my college friend Cristin and see some awesome theatre.

I know what some of you may be thinking - "Gosh, Kristin, those are so old.  Couldn't you see something new?"  Sure, I could have but I chose these two for a few reasons.  I first saw Phantom at the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia when I was sixteen - the tickets were my birthday present that year.  And, a few years ago I decided to take my sister to see the show in New York.

When it was announced James Barbour would be taking over the role of the Phantom another visit would be necessary.  I saw James three times in A Tale of Two Cities (once out of town and twice in New York), in Donnybrook, and three times in concert.  I had tickets to see him in Rebecca but the show was cancelled due to financial problems.  I'd missed his award-winning turn as Jean Valjean because it happened in California.

One of my favorite moments in the show is when the chandelier is pulled up and we're launched into that thrilling overture.  And there are many more favorite moments after that.  I know there are people who don't like the show but I enjoy it very much.

After the show Cristin and I braved the cold to say hi to James.  We were told he didn't always come up but we waited anyway.  And look:

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After Phantom we headed up the street to  have dinner at Junior's which is one of my favorite places to eat on a cold day.  Their hot chocolate and grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect way to chase the chills away.  They're always busy but if the wait isn't too bad it's definitely worth it.

After dinner we headed over to The Jerry Orbach Theatre for the Fantasticks.  While Phantom of the longest running musical on Broadway; the Fantasticks is the world's longest running musical.  The original production ran for forty-two years and 17,162 performances.  The current production has been running since 2006 and the combined runs have played over 20,000 performances.

I had actually never seen the show before and was only familiar with one of the songs - Try to Remember.  I knew of the show because it had been a favorite of my late father's.  I had always planned to see the show but with such a long run it becomes one of those shows you'll "get to later" since so many others come and go so quickly.  But, when Max Crumm joined the show I knew I could wait no longer.  I was standing right up against the stage on the CBS Studios lot the night Max won the role of Danny Zuko on the NBC television series Grease: You're  the One That I Want.  I saw him go on as Danny five times at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre - including the night he took his final bow.  So, I knew I had to finally make plans to see this show.

It was a small and lovely production - only seven people make up the cast.  I wasn't what to expect but I found myself enjoying the show very much.  I laughed, I was moved, and I had a very good time.  

The day was over far too quickly before I knew it I was on the train on my way back home.  But, I'll be back next month to see Finding Neverland and I am very much looking forward to that.  And, maybe there could be another visit to Phantom and Fantasticks in my future.  We'll just have to wait and see one that one.


Monday, March 2, 2015

Another Trip Around the Sun

Hey, hey - it's my birthday!  But, today YOU are getting the gift.

To celebrate my birthday I am giving away this fabulous 4"x5.4" Papyrus journal.  Perfect size for tucking into your purse, pocket, backpack, etc to jot down any ideas while you're on the go.



To enter just leave a comment with your favorite movie and twitter handle.  Winner will be announced in 24 hours!