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California Girl Chronicles: Brea's Big Break

I have been off Brea's Blog for several months and focused on the TV script for the pilot episode of California Girl Chronicles, which only slightly resembles the book. We finished the script, and we've got it out to five show-runners and three agencies to consider for packaging. I've been working with the producer on this process for months. It's a long process for certain, and it requires patience. If you're an author developing your book into a TV series or even script, be prepared to go the long haul. It takes a lot of time to get the script just right and then to go through the pitching process. In the meantime, the book is the no. #1 seller to the bookstores in the 3L Publishing catalog. The second book will be released in winter 2013. And I've begun writing book three, Brea Makes it Big. Back to the script, it is very funny. The book is witty, but the script is all-out laughter. If you would like a copy of the first book, please order it off the 3L Publishing website or go to Amazon and search under the title.

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Love this Gif! So true ... the politician part!

My name is Eric Northman. I’m a tax paying American and a small business owner in the great state of Louisiana. - I also happen to be a vampire.

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I always liked that quote. It's freedom to say "no" because you can! And besides, this TV show looks like an awfully fun way to make a living!

“The nice thing is that as long as I’m doing this TV show, I’ve got fuck-you money. So I can say no to things. I never want to be in a position where I can’t defend why I said yes.”

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Can't wait to wile away my Sunday nights watching True Blood, Season 5!!

True Blood Season 5 Behind The Scenes Photo for Promo Interview

JennGrauer

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All right ... ick! I was rallied to finally watch the new installment of the Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series,Breaking Dawn. I am so sorry all of you ardent and zealot Twilight fans, but no go! This movie was slow, tedious and ridiculous as we spent about 50 percent of the story awaiting (oh horror), the demon baby to emerge. I felt like I was on a bad trip into an updated version of Rosemary's Baby, which was actually a better movie. I guess if you like your vampire stories like cotton candy and bad CGI then this movie would work for you. I know it's designed for teen entertainment, but let me say this: the sex was graphic enough that although I allowed my 14-year-old to see it when it was released in the theaters, I kind of regretted it when I laid eyes on the actual scenes. Short of body parts on display, it was pretty obvious what Bella and Edward were doing on their wedding night. Since it's new on DVD, I don't recommend it. I don't recommend it for the teens and I don't recommend it with anyone with a brain cell.

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RT Book Lovers Convention - Chicago Schedule

Anyone in the Chicago area, please note my book signing schedule for California Girl Chronicles. Please come out and see me.

Tuesday April 10

 Salon

Interviews

8pm Uncommon Ground Open Mic (1401 West Devon Ave)

9pm Hungry Brain Open Mic (2319 W. Belmont Ave)

10pm Trace Polyrhythmic Open Mic (3714 N. Clark St)

Wednesday April 11

RT Booklovers Convention: 8AM Set Up for Convention

Vendor Room Hours: 1pm – 5:45pm

7pm After-Words Bookstore Book Signing (23 E. Illinois St)

Thursday April 12

RT Booklovers Convention

Vendor Room Hours: 9am – 4pm

7pm Women & Children 1st Book Signing (5233 N. Clark St)

Book Signing After Party (location yet to be determined)

Friday April 13

RT Booklovers Convention

Vendor Room Hours 9am – 4pm

Michelle has Club RT Book Signing / Featured Author Appearance at Expo at 11:45am

Networking at Con

Sat April 14

Move Booth to Grand Foyer at 9am

RT Booklovers Convention

Vendor Room Hours: 10:30am – 3pm

FAN-tastic Day Party for Published Authors: 6:15pm – 7:30pm

10pm Delphic Arts Center Open Mic (5340 W. Lawrence Ave)

Sunday April 15

Prospective Book Signing

7pm – 10pm Green Mill Cocktail Lounge Poetry Slam Open Mic (4802 N. Broadway Ave)

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The new book trailer for California Girl Chronicles is now out!  It's very, very sexy and hot! Enjoy! The book is available on Amazon or 3L Publishing's website www.3LPublishing.com or iBook and Nook.

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California Girl Chronicles: Excerpt Brea and the City of Plastic

SPOILER ALERT: The following is an excerpt from California Girl Chronicles: Brea and the City of Plastic. In this scene, she meets Kale, her central love interest in the series. The book is available for sale on 3L Publishing www.3LPublishing, Amazon, Kindle, iBook, Nook and is available to order through Bakers and Taylor for bookstores.

I smiled and slinked by him just enough that he could feel my energy but far enough that we didn’t touch. I sensed his smile, turned, and grinned back. As I walked into the lounge area, I heard Drew’s band already playing. I decided to find an open stool at the bar and just hang back until he finished. Fortunately, a guy already drunk got up, or more like fell off, and weaved unsteadily toward the bathroom. I swiftly grabbed the stool, slid up, and could see Drew already at the microphone. I saw his eyes move my way, and he stared right back just for a moment. Then he drifted off into the song. Before I could order, a lemon drop was plunged in front of me by a cute guy sitting to my left. He was smoking a cigar and wafts of smoke twirled up into the air. He exuberantly grinned at me. “I bought you a drink,” he said with a wide smile that exposed perfectly white, straight teeth. He had one of those vivacious, electric smiles that you wanted to see on his face all of the time. It was sweet, genuine and nice. I found his smile very attractive, and I immediately warmed toward him.

“Oh, how did you know I wanted a lemon drop?” I asked with true surprise. It was my favorite drink.

“Girlie drink,” he replied with that same electric smile. “My name is Kale. I produce movies.”

I turned a bit and looked at him. Only in Hollywood did people offer what they did at the same time that they introduced themselves. I marveled at the abrupt nature of his introduction that included his job title. “My name is Brea. I write movies,” a slight lie given that I hadn’t written anything, but when in Rome or Hollywood-land.

“Hello Brea who writes movies,” his voice sounded silky. He looked right at me and took in the measure of my form with one swift appraisal. “You look more like an actress, though. Have you thought about acting?” he asked.

“No, not interested,” I responded. “Tell me, Kale, how does one end up a producer?”

Kale took a sip of his whiskey, inhaled from his cigar, blew out smoke, which made me cough, and answered, “Family money and good taste in film … well, more like good instincts on what sells.”

He reached in his shirt pocket and pulled out a card. He flipped it over and handed it to me. “You’re much too pretty to hide behind the lens,” he complimented me and extended his card, which I took. “You really should act,” he said in his silky, sublime voice. The tone of his voice alone could have seduced me.

“No, not for me, but you’re sweet and thank you,” I replied.

Now I took in my own appraisal of him. He wore all black shirt and slacks. His dark blond hair was cut short and slicked back nicely with the perfect amount of hair product so it wasn’t greasy or pasty looking. I was extremely attracted to Kale and leaned in closer. He smelled natural and sweet. He had a genuinely pleasant nature. He seemed authentic and not phony like all the want-to-be actresses and actors in this bar who posed like models. He also gave me his full attention and looked me right in the eyes. He was very tall (my fetish for tall men again) somewhere around 6’ 4”. I could tell he was roughly this tall since his lean body did not fit well on the barstool designed for average-height people. While my feet didn’t touch the ground, and I had to tuck them under the stool, his long legs reached all the way down. Yet it was his eyes that just captivated me. His eyes were light blue-green and acted like reflections for his every emotion. When he smiled, his eyes sparkled and lit up. When he frowned, his eyes darkened and seemingly deepened. He could have been Svengali and used those translucent, clear eyes to hypnotize and lull me into his mind control. I was drawn into those endless eyes, and then I had to shake myself loose so I could pay attention to what he said. He was something if not rich as he had more than just said. I wasn’t into guys for money, though, so that was really only a checkmark on my list of good points – unemployment was on the low end of that scale.

Kale and I talked back and forth. He asked about my fake script. I adlibbed and told him it wasn’t ready to share, which seemed to satisfy him. I did tell him I was laid off. I explained how I ended up at the bikini place. He was amused by the idea that trying on a bikini landed me a job but said it didn’t surprise him with my looks. Before I realized it, Drew suddenly showed up. I hadn’t noticed his set ended. I had been too busy talking and staring at Kale. Drew just seemed to show up in the middle of our conversation. He stood there and looked right at me. It took me a moment to notice him, and then I did and laughed.

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Book Review: True Blood and Philosophy

So, I promised I would give a review of my birthday present True Blood and Philosophy ... well, I have to tell you. If you really want a deconstructed insider "revelation" about the show, go to Love True Blood and forget the book. This book takes on a very conventional deconstruction based on historical philosophy and modern feminism. I always hope for a deeper look at a piece of work that pulls back the veil between me and the storyteller to help engender a greater understanding of the story -- whether it's on TV or a book. The website really accomplishes that goal while the book is just too, well, boring. It didn't give me a deeper meaning to the characters. I wasn't at all enlightened and frankly mostly bored by it. Now the website written by very literate fans of the show is much more intriguing and revealing. Also, there is a mention on the Love True Blood site today about how Charlaine Harris doesn't map out her books and focuses primarily on one book's story at a time. Note to the other writers: As a writer you may have a general overview of where you want to take your series. I know I have a general idea of where California Girl Chronicles is heading, but in the storytelling process, the story often organically starts to tell itself. You may think, for example, your primary love interest might be one couple, but then through reader feedback and your own feeling about the story itself, it evolves differently. I'm sure that while Alan Ball's writing team might keep a tighter rein on the storytelling process, they still allow stories and characters to speak for themselves. I know many non-writers may not understand this idea, but the story and characters respectively take on their own direction and voices. In book one of California Girl Chronicles while I suspected that Brea and Kale were the couple to root for, it wasn't until the readers vocalized their specific feelings about this couple that I was more certain of what to do with them throughout the overall series. Remember, fans you have to drama in your storytelling. If Alan Ball and team didn't keep you dramatically hooked on the Eric and Sookie romance, you would quickly grow bored. Add to that the need to fully flesh out these characters and their trajectory in the story and how they grow and change. I will say this over and over again. Every metaphor, foreshadowing technique and blimp in this romance is met to shove them together. Read that fan site I just mentioned. They are very astute in their observations about the subtle messages about Eric and Sookie. I have no doubt, this couple is the true heart of the show no matter whether they do or do not bring in Quinn or make Alcide be Quinn. It's not going to be anything other than Eric and Sookie. You can take that to the bank.

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And that's great writing and acting! And why the show is so much more than people realize on the surface.

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Lizzie Olsen ... Perhaps We've Found Our Brea

Here is more grist for the rumor mill to grind out unfounded speculation and fun ... the kudos of the day go to Lizzie Olsen and her wonderful response to the speculation that, um, a conversation with a single man equals a relationship. Good for you Ms. Olsen for responding with a perfectly "smarty" answer to a stupid question. Whether or not she is or is not newly dating the incomparable Alexander Skarsgard is completely none of anyone's business anyway. Besides, her response was right on the money. Truthfully, even if they've shared a date or two that hardly comprises a "relationship." A date, a flirtation, an interest ... yes. A relationship not so much. Good God this is the same press that criticizes celebrities like Kim Kardashian for getting married and divorced faster than I got up this morning and yet is ready to put two people in a conversation off to the chapel. So, why do I care? Well, the unwanted attention and her recent appearance at the awards shows put Lizzie on my map. We've been considering for quite sometime who should play Brea in the California Girl Chronicles TV series that we're developing, and I'm just saying ... blond, beautiful, smart ... hmm ... might have found our Brea. Out of the gossip mill rises a potential actress for Brea. And ironically, my production partner Sonja sent me a note the exact same day suggesting the exact same thought! Ah, the Universe at work!

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Alan Ball Steps Down from True Blood After Season 5

I can hear some fans cry out in sorrow while I can hear the fans who hate the pairing of Sookie and Bill sigh a great relief under the belief that Alan Ball's influence over that couple will end. I frankly adore anything Alan Ball touches. I admired, loved and esteemed Six Feet Under as a seamless work of TV art, and I believe True Blood wouldn't have half its multiple and colorful layers if it weren't for Ball's savant storytelling genius. So with the announcement of his exit from the show, I hope he leaves behind a legacy of gifted storytellers who learned from the Yoda himself. I might not always like the direction of the show, especially in the last portion of Season 4, but I believe it was and will remain a high-quality show. I don't think the writers will want to try and put their own stamp on a tried-and-true show that is the second highest rated show in HBO history following only after the incomparable Sopranos. I am such a fan of Ball's impeccable work that I own all the box sets of Six Feet Under and True Blood; I also own an old copy of American Beauty. In my opinion, Alan Ball cannot go wrong. He knows how to tell not just a great story, but a compelling, memorable and colorful story that resonates emotionally and touches something deep down inside of all of us. His work in so many ways is poetry albeit in True Blood's case often campy poetry. Even in the case of telling Marnie's story, it's secretly a story about bullying on the playground. What happens to the misfit or girl who is abused, can't fit in, and becomes embittered? That is really the "wicked witch's" story as seen through the lens of True Blood and Ball's endless and relentless imagination. So, he's tired and stepping down. You know what Mr. Ball, I get it! I'm a writer, too. I've got multiple projects boiling all at once. Some days you're pursuing all of your goals and enjoying the ride. Other days, you're just a little burned out. I only wish that as he considers other HBO projects, he would ask to see the California Girl Chronicles TV series Bible. You see my dream! With Ball in charge of my project, it would be as complex as it rightly should be! So be tired genius storyteller, but don't retire ... not just yet. The world awaits your next hugely fabulous project!!

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Oh yaye! The new book is coming soon!!! 

Deadlocked Amazon UK synopsis

“Sookie has a murder investigation on her hands. A young girl has died at a vampire party – and it looks as though her lover, Eric, might be responsible. Eric swears he didn’t do it, the police don’t believe him, and even Sookie isn’t so sure. Nor is she inclined to take his word for it, not having caught him enjoying the victim’s blood minutes before she was killed. But something strange is going on. Why had Sookie been asked to come to the fateful party a few minutes early – just to catch Eric in the act? And why had the victim spiked her blood before approaching Eric? Was it simply because she wanted to be irresistible, or was it something more sinister? Sookie will have to find out … but it’s the worst moment to investigate, as her Fae family are having troubles of their own and Sookie is, inevitably, drawn in. And there is one last complication. The cluviel dor her grandmother left her. It will grant her one wish, which could fulfil Sookie’s heart’s desire. The only problem is, she still doesn’t know what – or who – her heart truly desires …”

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These photos ... the only thing good about the Independent Spirit Awards. Here is what I said on my First Word blog:

Here is a riddle for you: What looks uncomfortable, acts stilted, and isn't funny? If your answer was last night's Independent Spirit Awards you would be correct. I adore independent film, and many of those last night's films were on my list of favorites this year. So I decided to wile away a Saturday night plopped in front of the TV. Seth Rogen came on as host, and between the uncomfortable laughs and weak jokes, he looked miserable. Now follow this nervous assault with an array of equally uncomfortable-looking actors and actresses, and you have a terrible awards show. It was so unorganized and messy that some award recipients disappeared during it. The award announcers looked as if they were mostly in the dental chair getting their teeth cleaned, and the level of enthusiasm sparked only mere smiles on the winner's faces. Then for some reason, Michael Shannon was seated so that about every 10 minutes he got a close-up. Add to this, the so-called gift from Nokia that was announced to attendees that they could have a free phone ticket in their bags. Really Nokia? A free smart phone is all you could muster up? Rogen got it right when he suggested the phone be given to an assistant. Tell you what! Come to my house and I'll give you a bagful of old phones to recycle, how's that for a stunning offer?

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I want to personally thank Erika for writing this incredible and dead-on review of California Girl Chronicles: Brea and the City of Plastic. I adore the Eric and Sookie Lovers blog, and we bonded over our mutual love of the Viking and his Fairy Princess. She has written a fantastic review and hits the essence of the book right on the head. Check out the comparison of Brea to Sookie! Love it! I especially love it, because this whole project started over my admiration of the Charlaine Harris character(s). I love book Sookie better than True Blood Sookie. I wanted to write another strong female character. The book is for sale on iTunes, Kindle, Nook and Amazon and the 3L website at www.3LPublishing.com. It will start appearing in bookstores in late spring.