Album Review~Sleepless by Post Trauma
Post Trauma is a country rock band from Fullerton,CA. Billy Ulrich (vocals, guitars, harmonica), Kenny Ulrich (keyboards), Joey Gnoffo (drums) and Sean Boddy (bass,guitars) come together to bring you an amazing blast with their upbeat mix of 70′s and 80′s rock and country.
Post Trauma is a Jagermesiter Sponsored Artist which makes sense because the band really knows how to get the party started.
‘Sleepless’ is the first half of a double album is currently available for streaming on the music tab of the website. Their single ‘Get Up in the AM ‘ is one of my favorites. The video is very entertaining and would make Hef proud. The video is below so you can watch and see what I mean.
As an indie band it’s really important that you present an amazing and quality performance. From the vocals to the instrumental the band really never misses a beat. Visit their site www.posttraumaband.com to hear the rest of their album, check out the video below and tell them what you think on their Facebook page!
And the beat goes on…
The Ears Have Eyes~ Review of AudioDropCentral.com
- Can you feel the beat? With Audiodrop you can see it!
Last month Angry Viking Productions launched a new audio entertainment site called AudioDropCentral.com. This isn’t your mama’s books-on-tape site. AudioDrops™ are short-form dramatic audio presentations with full casts, immersive sound effects, original scores and engaging stories. You can actually follow series in genres such as westerns, science fiction, superheroes, drama and comedy. All of the stories are told in a quarter of an hour.
For those of you who have to travel underground like me, Audiodrops (which are just 89 cents) are downloads like iTunes. When you purchase them you are sent a link where you can download them to your computer or device. Another great part is that they all come in one compressed file, so if you buy five, you only get one file to download and the link is good for thirty days.
So you would need to “load” your device much the same way you would with iTunes and be able to listen to them on the subway. Just be careful with the 3D sound effects you’re sure to be swept into the story and just may miss your stop!
Get your head up. Visit AudioDropsCentral.com to sign up.
J*
The Art of Giving~ Inuit Sculptures
I recently came across a beautiful and inspirational website that sells Inuit Art called Inuit Art & Eskimo Art Gallery. Inuit Art is used by the Inuit as a means to celebrate their ancestry. It helps to express and preserve a history filled of hardships and perseverance.
If you’re not familiar with the Inuit people here is a bit of background: Inuit are the descendants of what anthropologists call the Thule culture, who emerged from western Alaska, after crossing the land bridge from Asia also called Beringia, around CE 1000 and spread eastwards across the Arctic. According to Wikipedia they currently inhabit the Arctic regions of Greenland, Canada, the United States, and eastern Siberia.
There are many versions of the history of Inuit art but the common belief is that European settlers have always known their artistic value. On the website you’ll find Inuit soapstone carvings from Cape Dorset, Sanikiluaq, Iqaluit, Igloolik, Kimmirut. Dancing bears by Nuna Parr, loons by Jimmy Iqaluq, owls by Pits Qimirpiq, soapstone inukshuk sculptures.
Below are my favorite pieces on the website the prices range from $99 to over $2,000. I personally think they will make great and inspiring gifts for the academic or art lover in your life.
Cheers!
J*
Fête Guest & Homme Du Jour Kaneo Biggs Tells Us His Secret To Staying Fit
Fête Guest & Homme Du Jour Kaneo Biggs Tells Us His Secret To Staying Fit.
Indie Love~ Morning Fame
Morning Fame is a 4- piece alternative rock band from Toronto, Canada. Vocals are by Vik Kapur,drums are played by Al Dennis, Rob Giberti is the bassist and Joe Liranzo is the guitarist. If you’re at all familiar with the Toronto music scene then you will have definitely heard of Lasting Place an EP with 6 six songs and was quite popular last year.
This year they will be releasing Back and Forth. This new release will include the 6 songs from Lasting Place ( including my favorite Something on My Mind) and 3 new tracks,
1.The Colour Of Sound
2.Turn To Stone
3.The Joker’s Game
I almost forgotten what a fan of upbeat 90s rock (Counting Crows and Dave Matthews) I was. Morning Fame brought those feelings and memories back to life.
‘The Colour of Sound’ was very guitar heavy and the catchy verses stayed in my head long after the subway ride to work. ‘Turn To Stone” was melodic and a nice light track. ‘The Joker’s Game’ sounds like something that would be on the radio now. It’s definitely road trip playlist worthy. The lyrics are catchy, upbeat and sound great live! I listened to it over and over while writing the other day. I’m the type of person that listens to music and creates a mental image or my own music video. If I’m not able to do that then the song simply wasn’t inspiring.
Back and Forth left me feeling very inspired. I knew there was a reason I loved Canadians so much.
Say hi to the band on Facebook and listen to ‘The Joker’s Game‘ on their website.
Colour of Sound has a free download option now. You an download it from here.
http://soundcloud.com/morningfametracks/the-colour-of-sound
J*
Amanda Todd’s Suicide Could Mean The End of The World
Society is being desensitized by the media and now more specifically social media
Today I wanted to discuss something a bit more serious than coffee. I heard about Amanda Todd through the video update of a young girl on the social media platform Keek. I joined Keek to create short positive videos related to my blog Fête du Juliet.Its tagline is “Because Life Should Be Celebrated”. I firmly believe this to be true.
Now back to the video, the girl questioned who Amanda Todd was and then remarked that no one should become famous on Facebook for drinking bleach. “Just don’t make no sense to me.”
No one should become famous on Facebook for drinking bleach
That thirty-six second video was proof that I was indeed right when I argued with my Social Psychology professor that society is being desensitized by the media and now more specifically social media.
I’m sure you all are familiar with the movie Heathers in which the 1986 Times Magazine article “Behavior: Could Suicide Be Contagious?” is used as inspiration for both murder and suicide.
Teen suicide has become entertaining
A movie like that couldn’t be made today only because of the fact that back then one’s social circle was much smaller and deeply influential. Now one’s circle is larger and superficially influential.
You like One Direction? Oh so do I!
I’m not taking it out on just the teens, look at those of us in our 20s. I remember the beginning of Occupy Wall Street, they were discussing how they would rally everyone the next day while munching on Papaya dogs. I was so excited to make a change. But the reality was a big disappointment. But interesting enough because of social and traditional media people saw it as some serious shit. I was in Athens, discussing politics with a brother and sister who owned a local cafe. They told me that they were impressed with Occupy Wall Street and that they are glad that Americans were united with them in The Struggle.
That’s when their cousin walked in with a black eye that he received from protesting. This was very different form my experience that my American peers had. I remember seeing a girl drop her iPhone before being taken away in handcuffs and the police officer picking it up, dusting off and putting it in the pocket of her cute lil Madewell jacket. Um home girl did not look like she was struggling.
Before I and you forget the point that I’m trying to make is that I am afraid for our future. Or atleast I was afraid for it. I honestly reconsidered having children until I received my weekly newsletter from Marie Forleo. Not only is he Oprah’s new bff but this woman can seriously read minds. Her fingers are firmly placed on the pulse of society.
Today she published an interview with a young girl named Olivia-Leigh. The video was to promote the fact that you can follow your dreams at any age. But I saw it as an example ( and hope) that you can extract positive information from your cluttered Twitter feed.
Olivia-Leigh is twelve years old and a few years younger than Amanda. For some reason I think they resemble each other. I know my friends are thinking okay Juliet not all white people look alike. But that’s not what I meant. They have the look that every girl in her early teens has in photos. I would show you my pre-teen pics but I burned them all. But what is that look? A mixture of hope, fear and innocence?
But Olivia-Leigh’ s innocence was not lost. She was able to find light and good influences on the internet and dear Amanda was met with darkness.
How does this happen? Amanda was about Olivia’s age when she made the mistake of exposing herself. Many of her peers feel that she brought it on herself. But how long should one pay for their mistakes? I’m happy that they aren’t so deeply affected that they will copy her actions. But their apathy is just as disturbing.
Hopefully there are a lot more Olivia-Leighs out there that will balance out all this nastiness that seems to be spreading and taking over the world.
J*
~FOLLOW ME ON~
Indie Love~ Adena Atkins
The Slowest Curve
I’m very excited to introduce you to Adena Atkins. Yes, I’m that annoying friend who enjoys saying that she “discovered” a musician before they hit it big. Well I’m giving you a leg up with Adena. Now you can be that friend.
The Slowest Curve is Adena’s second release but a wonderful intro with light beats and heavy lyrics. A cross between Nora Jones and Sara Bareilles, she has the same level of musical talent yet there is something different. A secret ingredient perhaps?
As I listen to the lyrics of April Rain, one of the four tracks on the EP, I think you could also categorize her under Fiona Apple.
My favorite track has to be Hot Gray Morning. It’s the perfect tune to listen to as you begin your day.
But don’t take my word for it, go and find out for yourself! Links are below.
Album purchase link:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-slowest-curve-ep/id488746819
Artist website:
http://www.adenaatkins.com/
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/AdenaAtkinsMusic
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/AdenaAtkins
J*
Book Reviews~ The Island of Lote
An amazing read!
I highly recommend it as a fantasy book for adults. The quality of writing throws out the belief that just because a book is written for a younger demographic (or indie) it is allowed to have holes in the plot and one dimensional characters.
Young adult novels are stories that reveal and examine those moments in our adolescences that everyone has. This is why I believe them to be so popular. No matter where you were born everyone goes through puberty.
In The Island of Lote, Milo’s journey from childhood to young adulthood is physically bench-marked. She experiences emotional turmoil and growth in each setting. from the realization that she is just experiencing a tiny part of the world while in the new neighborhood to being thrown into an even more unfamiliar environment in which she has to navigate and adjust to. This is where the experiences of both the young and old meet.
I think it is wonderful that a book so fantastical can still be filled with realism and basic human emotions. That is the most important quality of a good story and the defining moment for a good storyteller.
You can find Emily Kinney here & here.
The Island of Lote is available on Amazon
~FOLLOW ME ON~
Indie Love~ Since Solar
First,
Watch This:
Okay now that I’ve got your attention. I’d like to introduce you to Chad Taber. He is the create and solo musician on the project titled Since Solar. Every piece of his compositions is original and created by him with the exception of a few samples here and there that helps add dynamics.
His work can be classified as post-rock, experimental type of stuff, with emotional melodies that have the ability to penetrate the human soul.
He has 4 tracks completed for the album “Shimmer Young Star” and he needs help with the remainder.
He’s launched a Kickstarter project to raise the funds.
Here is what you receive in a exchange for monetary support.
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Pledge $1 or more
Thanks and for this you get a virtual high five! (smack)
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Pledge $5 or more
I will send you a digital thank you card which will have some cool designs on it!! Plus you will stay in the loop, how cool is that!
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Pledge $10 or more
You are awesome!! You will receive a digital download of the self titled album + 2 New songs from the upcoming album!
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Pledge $25 or more
You are an elite, You will receive a digital download of the self titled album + 4 New songs from the upcoming album. And then finally the complete second album digitally.
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Pledge $30 or more
You will receive a hard copy of the self titled album as well as a copy of the new upcoming album. So two complete albums!!
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Pledge $50 or more
You are Prestige Human Being! You will receive a limited edition t-shirt PLUS all of the above!
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Pledge $75 or more
You will receive a Signed Hard copy of the self titled album as well as a signed copy of “Shimmer Young Star” Plus all of the above!
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Pledge $100 or more
For the high rollers, Everything above Plus a Hand signed copy of the album after release!!
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Pledge $250 or more
You will receive everything above plus you will get a credit in the artwork as a supporter. PLUS I will give you a signed print of my Art work, there is some examples to the left.
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Pledge $500 or more
All of the above!!! Plus You I will write you a song, could be good could be bad, you never know BUT it will be just for you!
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Pledge $1,000 or more
BEST DEAL!! All of the above plus I will give you a ART BOOK which will be a limited edition and signed completely full of all my art and doodles!!
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Pledge $5,000 or more
“Open Your Eyes” & Ears To The New Release From THOSE SHADOW PEOPLE
While writing I love to listen to music usually on Pandora. But recently I’ve felt a bit underwhelmed and uninspired. Maybe it’s my own fault because you do select your own stations on the internet music platform.
Luckily I was recently sent a few tracks from Nematode Records. They included “Open Your Eyes” a new release from Those Shadow People, a folktronica, beat-centric group. They have a sound similar to Bibio, Gotye, or Gorillaz. But they have a more interesting back story!
According to a press release:
After writing, recording and collaborating on tracks in secret for over two years, now their music is being released for the first time. A group that started as a secret side-project has blossomed into a collaboration of massive proportions, spanning genres and great distances. A mysterious bunch, these musicians are spread far and wide across the United States. The majority of their collaborations with each other occur over the Internet. Beats produced in Denver gained lyrics, vocals, and trumpet in Seattle. As the beats turned into songs, they gained more collaboration from drummers, singers, and instrumentalists in Tennessee, Louisiana, and California.
I’m actually listening to the track as I write this post. “Open Your Eyes” opens all of my senses while at the same time tempting me to lie back and close my lids to absorb the light electronic beats. The song’s tempo is maintained through out, with perfect timing when introducing lyrical spoken word (rap) or vocal harmony. They don’t compete with each other or the actual beat, all three blend and create a hip-indie symphony.
“Open Your Eyes” is available a a digital download at http://www.nematoderecords.com as well as all digital music stores on Tuesday, September 25th. It also comes with a companion comic book.
Can these people be any cooler? I was given a sneak peek of the comic and the art work and story line is truly outstanding.
The comic book, written by Phil Buck and illustrated by Erik Turner, gives us our first glimpse into “the shadow realm” through the eyes of Sarah Saber. Sarah’s father is a physicist researching dark matter and dark energy. When he turns up missing, Sarah goes in search of him and gets attacked by minions from “the shadow realm.” As Sarah begins to find answers to what happened to her father, she also stumbles upon bigger questions about the nature of our universe.
Pre-order your copy of this limited edition vinyl at nematoderecords.com and get your own copy.
More details on Those Shadow People – “Open Your Eyes” b/w “Shadow Anthem” can be found on the official website of Nematode Records: http://www.nematoderecords.com
Cheers!
J*
~FOLLOW ME ON~
For the Love of Music~ Kickstart this Project
The interest in Jazz is surging and Jazz Friends is proof of that. Jazz Friends has launched this Kickstarter page to help raise money to preserve and promote this truly American art form called “Jazz”, while they produce the first interactive E Book for Jazz.
They’ve approached Shelly Liebowitz of SRI Jazz about building an interactive e book for IPAD’s and tablets. Uniting interactive e book technology with the foundations of Jazz presents a new way to look at Jazz legends.
They need your help to raise $50,000 for the project. Depending on the amount of your donation you’ll receive various perks.
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Pledge $20 or more
Free download code for the interactive ebook “Sublime Ecstasy”, A Jazz Retrospective. Lost and forgotten recordings with the likes of Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, and Dizzy Gillespie.
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Pledge $25 or more
Free download code above plus your name will appear in “Sublime Ecstasy”, A Jazz Retrospective, thanking you for helping to make this project possible.
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Pledge $50 or more
Everything above plus CD albums of three female artists featured in the interactive book. Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan. Ella Fitzgerald sings: Flying Home , Lemon Drop, Mr. Paganini, How High The Moon, Old Mother Hubbard, There’s a Small Hotel, Robin’s Nest, As You Desire Me, Thou Swell, Starlit Hour, Sing Song Swing Dizzy Gillespie & Sarah Vaughan present: Rhumbpo Concerto, Study n Soulphony, Three Hearts Love Me Or Leave Me Body And Soul Ooh Pa Pa Dah Cool Ya Koo Billie Holiday is featured in a CD of “Songs and Conversations”. Including rare rehearsal takes, we hear the behind the scenes chatter along with her distinct voice.
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Pledge $100 or more
Everything above plus CD copies of three male artists featured in the interactive book. Louis Armstrong & The Dukes Of Dixieland perform: Some Day You’ll Be Sorry, Washington & Lee Swing, Bye And Bye, Avalon, Sweethearts On Parade, New Orleans, Bourbon Street Parade, South, Dixie, Back O’ Town Blues, Sheik of Araby, That’s A Plenty, Limehouse Blues, Sweet Georgia Brown, The Nat King Cole Trio, performs: If You Can Smile And Say Yes, Miss Thing, On The Sunny Side Of The Street, Paper Moon, Scotchin’ With The Soda, Stop! The Red Light Is On, Sweet Lorraine, That Ain’t Right, This Will Make You Laugh, Yes Sir, That’s My Baby. Frank Sinatra is presented with in his youthful NBC days when he preformed on “The Phillip Morris Hour”
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Pledge $150 or more
Everything above plus you will receive a printed version of the book, (may be delivered separately). You are also entitled to make a 250 word contribution about Jazz to the book. This contribution will be included in the Jazz “Man on Street” section. Your contribution may be about how Jazz impacted your life, or the life of a loved one. The subject matter may also be about a time you attended a Jazz concert or even met a Jazz luminary. Your words will be included within both the electronic and printed version. May be edited for content.
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Pledge $1,000 or more
You and a friend will be invited to attend a Gala in Los Angeles. Bring your book for signatures from luminaries of the music world.
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Pledge $10,000 or more
I am a professional musician and in addition to everything above I want my recorded cover of a Jazz song included in the e version of “Sublime Ecstasy”, in the new artist section.
Here is the link to Kickstarter. Go grab your perk!
J*
~FOLLOW ME ON~
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Three Inspirational Things To Do In New York City
As you all know I love New York, but not the New York that you find in commercial travel guides. I love the New York that most people would ignore and don’t really recognize. I mean I completely understand that someone traveling from another continent and finally arrives in New York City does not want to visit a graffiti wall.
But for those of you wish to veer off the beaten path and explore the lesser known landmarks here is a short list of inspirational things to do in New York City- Greenwich & West Village edition.
For more inspirational itineraries download a copy of Writer’s Retreat New York City.
1. Hudson Tunnels
Entrance Into Hudson Tunnels
Actually the Christopher Street PATH station which opened on February 25, 1908. It has the original name ‘Hudson Tunnels’ on the front and the hallways are filled with original artwork.
2. Christopher Park
Though Alyne and I are having a bit of fun, this bronze group sculpture made a serious statement and honors the gay and lesbian rights movement.
3.BookMarc
Titles by famous foreign authors and super-sized covers of super models along with Marc Jacob accessories makes this the ultimate art or fashion lover’s bookshop.
Cheers,
J*
~FOLLOW ME ON~
My Not So Awkward Interview With Madison Shockley
Madison Shockley III
Last week Madison Shockley and his cast members returned to New York City to premiere “The Jingle”, the third episode of Season 2 for the hit web series Awkward Black Girl.
This awkward black girl was lucky enough to grab an iced latte with Madison before the premier and the after party he hosted at Aloft Hotel’s WXYZ Lounge.
~Check out the interview below~
Now that you’re a part of Pharell Williams’ I Am Other productions do you still consider ABG indie?
Yes, because though we are now apart of a larger organization we’re still have full control over ABG’s production.
Earlier this year when you came to New York for screening party for the season finale of ABG a number of people expressed concern that you would be picked up by BET. How do you feel about joining the network?
Well BET is the most powerful platform for Black entertainers so I wouldn’t mind being apart of their network line-up.
Before Awkward Black Girl you were involved in music production, did that help you when you transitioned into visual production and acting?
I’m not actually involved in the writing process but I was behind the marketing efforts in the beginning. The Kickstarter campaign, Facebook page and other online marketing initiatives.
Speaking of Kickstarter, you guys must have set a record! The success of the campaign really put you on the mainstream map.
I agree, the campaign really gave us a lot of attention outside of Youtube and our usual fan-base. That in conjunction with episode 7, “The Date” one of the best episodes of the season, were the tipping point.
Has this success led to any other projects for you?
Yes, I’m actually developing a new web-series. It will debut this December.
Can you tell us a little about it? What is the premise?
Unfortunately I can’t yet!
Guess we’ll have to stay tuned. In the meantime enjoy the latest episode of Awkward Black Girl and check pictures of Madison’s after party at Aloft Hotel’s WXYZ Lounge.
The Jingle
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Dreaming of Greece…
I love New York but I’m getting that all too familiar travel itch…
Dreaming of Greece
Indie* Must Do NYC~ Northside Music Festival
Northside Festival
If you’re indie and you know it clap your hands! Okay fine then don’t. But if you’re in NYC specifically Brooklyn–in the neighborhoods of Greenpoint and Williamsburg I urged you to attend the Northside Festival.
“Northside Festival is NYC’s largest and most accessible discovery festival. Hundreds of bands, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, innovators, and over 80,000 fans converge on Brooklyn over eight days to witness the most incredible showcase of “what’s next” in music, film, entrepreneurship, and art.”
Don’t you want to be that friend who says “Oh yeah I heard them play at Brooklyn Bowl last year.”
We all hate that friend but secretly we’d love to be them. Well here’s your chance. Check out the schedule here.
J*
Why Conversing with My Teenaged Sister Makes Me a Better Writer
My sisters cracking up as per usual
Whenever I go home to visit my family I expect to leave with a six pack and a stomach ache from working my ab muscles so hard. They are the funniest people in the entire world. I swear to you. I’m the oldest of four, I have a younger brother and two sisters.
Once when I broke up with a boyfriend (the first I ever brought home for Thanksgiving and after the parenthesis you’ll know why) my brother responded to the news “Oh because he was gay?”
I was shocked, “You thought he was gay?”
“Yeah we all did. Nobody told you? Mom said he put the fruit in fruity.” <—-Imagine a Nigerian accent for that last part.
My father holds two PhD’s but he still gets down to our level, especially with my little sister. They like to trade insults, my sister referring to him as an African Bill Cosby and my father telling her to quiet down with her “cat teeth”. <—-Again imagine a Nigerian accent for that last part.
Recently while taking a walk with my sister, we were actually walking to the nearest store to get chocolate and we had to walk because I no longer have a car and well she’s sixteen. Anyway I was attempting to describe the adorableness of this barista I recently grew a crush on (I tend to get crushes on baristas or bartenders). But this barista had dimples that made me want to swoon, I decided to exclaim ” He has like 500 dimples!”
My sister replies “Eeew that’s gross! Is he like a crater face?”
Not the reaction I hoped to get. I stutter, “No he just has really deep dimples and when he smiles they get even deeper. He has a great smile.”
“Oh! Why didn’t you just say that? I’m over here thinking he’s like from the Syfy channel and shit.” <—Imagine a Jersey accent for that last part.
Lesson learned. Later I applied the it to a character description I was working on for my next book. Instead of ” it was like he had a thousand eyes on her” <—don’t want people thinking he’s like from the Syfy channel and shit —I wrote “she could always sense when he was looking at her, there was such force behind his gaze”.
Much better, no?
Thanks Jessica!
What about you guys? What helps make you a better writer?
J*
What is Inspiration?
Waiting for my light bulb moment.
What exactly is inspiration?
Merriam-Webster has several definitions of inspiration.
a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation
b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions
c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions
I always receive inspiration at the strangest times by the most random things or occurrences. For instance the first page of my novel Written in the Sky –Rise of the Wadjet Witch was inspired by a mid-day visit to the nail salon with a friend. Unlike the main character, Memphis, I was not approached by a gypsy before meeting her. I did have to dodge a few fund raisers which got me thinking of other types of solicitation. And there was the first chapter of my novel.
This weekend the same thing happened. A routine trip to Target had me running home to hit the keys. I thought of the perfect story which will hopefully become a great summer read. I’m going to keep the premise to myself for now, but stay tuned for updates. Most likely one of my upcoming trips will be related to the plot in some way.
Have you had a light bulb moment which led to an entire novel? What inspires you? I’d love to hear about it. In the meantime.
Read, Write & Create.
J*
Crowdfunding & The JOBS Act
If everyone in this room gives me $1...my dreams can come true
According to Wikipedia, Crowd funding (alternately crowdfunding, crowd financing, equity crowdfunding, crowd sourced capital or street performer protocol) describes the collective cooperation, attention and trust by people who network and pool their money and other resources together, usually via the Internet, to support efforts initiated by other people or organizations.
While creating my IndieGoGo campaign for guides to the Best Cafes for Writers,Bloggers & Students. A banner appeared at the top of the site congratulating me; The JOBS Act passed. This opens up a new source of funding for small companies and startups. Much of the attention so far has been on this component of the bill because it would allow financing via crowdfunding. Participants can raise as much as $1 million a year without having to do a public offering — a step requiring state-by-state registrations that can cost thousands of dollars.
This type of funding will open up more opportunities for capital to flow into startups. New companies means new jobs.
Investor protection may be a cause for concern, but if you’re investor you really should take extra precaution. That’s the case with everything. I can’t walk down the street without someone asking me or offering to separate me from my funds.
So Buyer Beware!
Oh and did I mention I created an IndieGoGo campaign? Sponsoring us will help shine a light on local businesses.
Huffington Post: The Moment I Knew I Wanted To Write
Huffington Post recently launched a cool project titled “The Moment I Knew”. It’s a user-submitted video series where readers tell the stories of life-changing moments. Each section of HuffPost has chosen a different theme.
HuffPost Books wants to know “The Moment I Knew I Wanted To Write”.
Here’s my submission. You can check out other videos on their Youtube Channel.
J*
Indie Love: Awkward Black Girl
This is the first of my Indie Love posts, where I highlight new or favorite indie (bands, writers, actors, artists,designers, etc) and promote indie culture.
Today I wanted to discuss the Awkward Black Girl YouTube series. Created by Issa Rae and Tracy Oliver. I immediately fell in love the show after this introduction: “Let me introduce myself. My name is Jay, and awkward and black. Someone once told me those were the two worst things anyone could be. That someone was right.”
Here are a few pics from the screening and cast Meet & Greet at Studio Twenty One.
J*
Amazing decor at Studio Twenty One
The big screen
Me with Fred! I mean Madison T. Shockley III.
Support Indies and purchase Writer’s Retreat New York City
My Flights of Fantasy Post: J. K. Rowling’s Birthday and Astrological Chart
J.K. Rowling Natal Chart
I recently posted J.K. Rowling’s astrological chart on my Tumblr My Flights of Fantasy, where I dedicate my sci-fi and fantasy posts. To celebrate the release of my first urban fantasy novel, I’ll be writing a few posts on astrology and mythology this week.
I had to do a great deal of research on natal charts for my book Written in the Sky- Rise of the Wadjet Witch.
Cover art by : Ronnell D Porter Designs
The main character unlocks her destiny once she discovers her chart. I was reading this one particular natal chart description and I thought to myself… “this sounds a little like me. Well A LOT like me. I bet this person’s a LEO.” Not only was this individual a LEO, but it’s J.K. Rowling. Now I just wish we had the same bank acct balance. Check out the description below.
J*
It is also difficult for her to receive warmth, affection or appreciation, for she often feels that she does not really deserve it or that “they do not really mean it”. Rowling may therefore come across as rather cool and aloof – much more so than she feels.
A deeply ingrained critical attitude often makes Joanne difficult to live with. J. K. Rowling needs to learn to be gentler and less of a perfectionist with others and with herself.
Rowling gets a lot of emotional fulfillment through her involvement in groups, clubs, organizations, community activities, or a network of close friends who support and care for her. J. K. Rowling makes friends her family, and she feels a close kinship with people who share some ideals or beliefs that she holds dear. J. K. Rowling needs close relationships with people outside of her physical family.
J. K. Rowling has a buoyant, cheerful disposition and she reaches out to others in a warm, open and friendly way. Her emotional generosity and lack of pettiness is well known among her circle of friends, and people often seek Joanne out for help, sympathy or advice. J. K. Rowling is always willing to overlook others’ faults, and she sometimes overdoes her charitableness.
There is another side to J. K. Rowling as well, a rather introverted, self-contained, even pessimistic side which tempers her good cheer and generosity, as discussed below.
Some rather acute fears of being excluded, rejected, left out in the cold or separated from loved ones can make J. K. Rowling either extremely cautious about getting close to people or clingy toward whoever gives her any warmth or security. J. K. Rowling tends to withhold and clamp down on many of her feelings and craves nurturing and security, perhaps feeling that they are unacceptable or will never be satisfied. Learning to be open and trust others to nurture her is important to her. Her earliest years, especially Rowling’s relationships with her mother, will determine whether J. K. Rowling will overcome her fears or retreat behind a mask of self-sufficiency and indifference.
In addition to Joanne’s rather introverted, serious or self-contained side, she has a wild streak and urge for emotional freedom that breaks through erratically. J. K. Rowling craves both stability and excitement, and the conflict between these two impulses can make Rowling rather tense and irritable. However, they can also balance each other out. Her freer and unpredictable side will now be described.
Joanne has an unusual sense of humor and enjoys acting a little bit crazy or outlandish sometimes. Rowling craves excitement and emotional freedom and she likes to break the rules and take risks. Anything new or untried appeals to Rowling and she has little patience for restrictive customs. J. K. Rowling is attracted to unusual, creative, or offbeat people and nontraditional lifestyles and relationships.
J. K. Rowling tends to surround herself with people who are gentle, sensitive, peace-loving, and artistically or spiritually inclined, and there is a strong element of mutual compassion and sympathy in her personal relationships. It is easy for Joanne to tune in psychically to other people’s feelings and emotional worlds. J. K. Rowling may share this type of telepathic link with her mother, sisters, or female friends in particular.
Her emotions are very intense, but often hidden. Like a volcano, one minute J. K. Rowling seems quite peaceful and the next, she is exploding with great force and unexpected fury. The intensity of her reactions often surprises even her. Joanne has tremendous zeal and tends to be an emotional fanatic about things she cares about. Her feelings and desires can be so compelling that she does things against her better judgment and reason. Rowling can also be very manipulative, in a subtle way. Her personal relationships are deeply emotional, passionate and often stormy and painful as well.
J. K. Rowling seems to float above reality and has a very intense imagination. Joanne likes to daydream and is apt to have many wishes and illusions that rarely have a chance to materialize. She is guided by her feelings and seems to live in a world of her own.
She is quietly devoted and faithful to her loved ones and often becomes subservient to her love partner. J. K. Rowling is more comfortable showing her love by doing or making something for her loved one, or simply being there for her, rather than by making any romantic, soul-stirring declarations. She is timid about expressing too much sentiment or emotion. J. K. Rowling also underestimates her attractiveness and lovability and doubts her own worthiness of love and appreciation.
Rowling is a very sociable, congenial person and she wilts very quickly without relationships with good friends and people to share good times with. J. K. Rowling thoroughly enjoys working with others on group projects or community activities. She is quite happy when she is a part of a club, support group, or team of some sort.
She is excitable, spontaneous, and easily aroused emotionally and sexually. J. K. Rowling falls in love very quickly and has little self-restraint or concern for propriety when her feelings have been stirred. However, it may be difficult for Joanne to sustain relationships after the first rush of excitement wanes, especially if Rowling’s partner is basically a conservative person who does not like to change or experiment. Nontraditional relationships appeal to J. K. Rowling, and personal freedom is or paramount importance to her.
Her artistic feeling or perception gives J. K. Rowling a strong creative potential. Joanne has the ability to think in forms or shapes and also to tune into rhythms such as dancing, gymnastics and song. Her physical coordination could be excellent as well.
Her interests may lead J. K. Rowling to unusual or specialized artistic fields and she has the ability to successfully advertise or promote her projects. Joanne could do well in journalism and in writing sexual literature. This astrological configuration also is associated with a marriage swindler!
Reading is from topsynergy.com
Sex & Writing: A Trip to the Museum of Sex
I’m currently in the final editing stages for my first fantasy novel Written in the Sky: Rise of the Wadjet Eye Witch. Below is a brief synopsis.
Cover art by : Ronnell D Porter Designs
All, future astronomer, Memphis Holland wanted was to quit smoking. The pressure to complete her dissertation on Ophiuchus the lost astrological sign and receive her PhD in Astrophysics has been high. She goes to a hypnotist to rid her of her cravings and instead is given the ability to see the future, super speed and the gift of flight. This may sound like a good trade, but she doesn’t see it that way. These strange new powers and the fact that there is a serial killer stabbing women in their Third Eye chakras and leaving their bodies all over New York City has her highly stressed.
Yoga doesn’t help and neither does her new position at Sign of The Times, a New Age newspaper. Her mysterious new coworker Lawrence, the reporter covering the murders, puts her even more on edge. He is very friendly but he just seems a little too familiar. He also has this uncanny ability to know exactly what she’s thinking.
Her astrological predictions for the newspaper are quite a hit. But the eerily accurate personal horoscopes that she begins to receive from an anonymous astrogirl88 about her future are not. As the secrets and predicted events from astrogirl88 unfold Memphis is led down a dangerous path to find out who she really is and the unsettling truth that her destiny may have already been written for her.
What I’ve been struggling with is whether or not I should include a sex scene. I’ve always been shy when it comes to discussing sex; I blame it on twelve years in Catholic school. How could I pull the dirty thoughts from my head, put it on paper, stamp my name on it and hand it over to my dad to read?
I decided to immerse myself in sex. Um, no I didn’t organize a marathon of porn or begin to solicit guys on the street. I wanted my writing to be more sensual and artistic so I looked to film, French film. I watched a few films on Netflix, What Lila Says, Girl Cut In Two, The Beautiful Person and Swimming Pool. They got the creative juices flowing, but I needed something more err stimulating. This is where the Museum of Sex came in.
I brought a few friends along and it became an adult field trip. The museum is located on Fifth Avenue in Flatiron and hosts interesting collections about human and animal sexuality. They currently have an exhibit titled Action: Sex and the Moving Image. It “walks patrons through the rich visual history of sex on the screen, from the first kiss caught on film through the rise of the modern porn industry.” Finally got to see the Tommy and Pam video, I could only watch for a few minutes, I was afraid that my eyeballs would contract Hepatitis. Midnight in Paris was also screening, but I went to school with her so it felt a little too dirty.
The museum has a permanent collection on the second floor, we learned interesting facts such as General Mills and Graham manufactured masturbation inhibitors before hocking carbs.
The third floor of the museum housed the most interesting collection The Sex Lives of Animals, it displayed interesting facts about gender, sexual preference and mating rituals.
We spent about three hours exploring, it was a lot of information to absorb and afterwards we all needed a drink. Luckily the museum now has its liquor license and has opened a sexy little basement bar named Oralfix.
Thanks to a three-hour tour I was able to toast my sexual writer’s block goodbye.
J*
Writer’s Retreat Bilbao,Spain-The Best Cafes & Inspirational Sights for Writers,Bloggers & Students
My trip to Spain began at the top. In the city of Bilbao which is located in the Basque Region of Northern Spain. Formerly seen as an industrial city (think Pittsburgh) it now offers a wonderful cultural experience. It can still be considered a hidden gem, because even during the summer months it isn’t over run by tourists.
I have to say that though the smallest it was one of the most inspirational cities I’ve visited while in Europe. When I returned to New York City, I found one café that reminded me of the quaint and casual set-up of most of the establishments in Bilbao. I included it in Writer’s Retreat New York City. Can you guess which one?
Bilbao has two regions, the Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) and New Town (Ensanche) and eight districts. The main districts are Abando, Begona, Deusto, Rekalde and Uribarri. I was able to navigate most of the small city on foot.
Old Quarter
Old quarter is where many of the most historic landmarks are located. It is the center of the city. Most of the cafes are located around the public square of Plaza Nueva and a group of lively streets known as Siete Calles. The streets begin with Calle de La Ronda and end with Calle Pelota.
New Town
Also known as El Ensanche, has more of the concert venues and tapas bars. It is bordered by the scenic Nervión River.
The Best Cafes for Writers, Bloggers & Students In Bilbao
Kafe Antzokia, San Vicente Plaza, 2 http://www.kafeantzokia.com
A Basque centered cafe-theater with a great line up of Spanish musicians all year round. The café is located on the first level. It’s nice and quiet during the day and offers live music later in the evening. They also hold plays and show films. Check out their website for their schedule of shows.
Bar Cafe Bizitza, 1 Calle de la Torre (Old Town)
Is a lovely café with delicious homemade baked goods. They also display different photography collections from local artists.
Café Boulevard, Calle del Arenal 3
Beautifully decorated café and has a stupendous coffee menu.
Abaroa, Paseo del Campo de Volantin 13
Interesting menu and cozy environment.
Twiggy-Alameda de Urquijo 35
My favorite café. The 60′s décor and wallet friendly menu you can come in for breakfast and stay for lunch.
Catedral de Santiago
Not a café, but has outdoor seating and a quiet location.
Bistró Guggenheim 
In the Guggenheim museum. Enjoy their outdoor seating even during the fall. Their menu is inexpensive and delicious and they have the best Spanish omelet.
Inspirational Itinerary
The Guggenheim isn’t the only noteworthy attraction in Bilbao. I loved walking around the city and stumbling into other smaller museums. Bilbao also has great bookstores with interesting travel and trade books. I had no friends in Bilbao so I ate out a great deal. I organized an eating tour, well specifically a pintxo tour.
Pintxos are a cultural fixture in Basque country. They are similar to tapas except they’re usually fixed to a piece of bread with a toothpick. They do have the same social aspect and are served in bars where you select them separately from your tinto or beer. I’ve listed the cafes with the most interesting, inexpensive and delicious pintxos.
Bilbao is very close to the Atlantic Ocean and right outside of the city you’ll find some very beautiful and quite beaches. Right by Sopelana are my two favorites and they are accessible by metro.
For the Eyes
Euskalduna Palace-Avenida Abandoibarra
A short distance from the Guggenheim, The Euskalduna is where the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra and the Basque Symphony Orchestra are held. It’s an amazing modern structure.
Teatro Arriaga, Plaza Arriaga
A Beautiful architectural structure.
Museum of Basque Archaeology, Ethnography and History.
For the science geek in me.
Arkeologi Museo, Calzadas de Mallona 2
An interesting historical museum.
For the Mind
Elkar bookstore, Calle de la Cruz Casco Viejo
Tintas bookstore, Calle del Generál Concha 10
Travel bookstore! Bought a great map of Brazil.
Librería Cámara, 6 Calle Euskalduna
A extremely wells stocked bookstore. Consider it a super newsstand; it has magazines from all over the world.
For the Stomach: Pick Your Pintxo Tour
Cafe Bar Bilbao, Calle Nueva, 6 (Old Town)
Central location, but never too crowded. You can work or chat with interesting people, both locals and visitors.
Irrintzi, Santa María (Old Town)
Most interesting pintxo menu.
Xukeia, Calle de Perro
Award winning pintxos, no really they’ve won culinary awards.
Plaza Nueva
A beautiful public square with seating. Great for people watching.
For the Soul: Playas
- Playa de Arrietara
A rocky beach that reminds me of New England.
- Playa de Plentzia
You have to follow a hiking trail to this location, but it’s worth it. With white sand and blue water, you’ll feel inspired to take up painting watercolors.
Here are more pictures from my stay in Bilbao. If you’re interested in exploring the Big Apple you can purchase Writer’s Retreat New York City-The Best Cafes, Restaurants, Coffee Shops for Writers, Bloggers & Students. The free Writer’s Retreat Athens mini-guide is also available.
Next up–> Writer’s Retreat Montreal- The Best Cafes, Restaurants, Coffee Shops for Writers, Bloggers & Students.
