Michael's Musings

June 9, 2014

I'm moving closer to begin the actual writing of my new play, the subject of which I have yet to reveal.  I just have one more book to read, and then I will begin the hard work.

I can tell you that this, unlike most of my other plays which were monologues, will involve five (5) characters, all well-known stars of one degree or another.  I've been reading biographies and autobiographies of all these people.  My frustration is that all of these performers were fascinating characters and could be the subjects of their own plays, but in my work, four are in support of one central character, a MAJOR star of stage and screen. 

On another subject: This past week, an aspiring writer hired me to critique his screenplay.  I enjoy doing what is, essentially, story editing.  I will be reporting back to this fellow with my suggestions early this week.

HAIL ON THE CHIEF! continues to sell will as an audio book, and my play, B MOVIE, is doing quite well in its paperback sales.  If you enjoy stories about Hollywood scandals, you should really read that one.  It's had some nice write-ups on-line the past couple of weeks.

I am currently in discussions with an actress to record an audio version of my Carole Lombard play.  But, I'm not going to talk any more about that until we're further along with the project.

You have a creative week.

Michael 

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June 2, 2014

They're not posted (or even written) as I write this blog entry, but reviews of two new releases from The Criterion Collection will be posted on the Best Bets on DVD site, accessible via the link in the Introduction section of this page, sometime this week.  They are Howard Hawk's classic Western, RED RIVER, with John Wayne and Montgomery Clift and ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS from director Douglas Sirk.  Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman star in that one.

I continue to research my next stage play, the subject of which I will reveal after it is complete.  I have two more books to finish reading before I actually begin writing.

I've also gathered together most of the photographs for my forthcoming Dinah Shore biography.  The final 3 should arrive early this week, then it's off to the book designer with the manuscript.  Although I don't know for sure, at the rate the book is moving through the process, I'm thinking that it should be published before the end of the year...or shortly thereafter.

Not much else happening just now.  You have a creative week.

Michael

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May 26, 2014

Happy Memorial Day!

First, I have uploaded four new reviews to the Best Bets on DVD site, accessible via the link on the Introduction section of this page.  They are RIDE FOR LANCE, PARTS PER BILLION, 13 SINS and SMALL TIME, which stars Christopher Meloni and I really enjoyed.

This past week, I had my annual physical, which the doctor says I passed.  Two days in a row, I also took Chester (my dog) to two places he hates, the groomer and the vet.  Now, he's almost afraid to go in the car with me.

I'm still reading books, researching my next stage play, a 5 character "epic" for THE HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS series, and I'm also working on a trailer for my friend, Diane McBain, and her new book.  Additionally, I'm searching for and obtaining stills for my forthcoming Dinah Shore biography.

Not much else is happening.  We're hoping for some rain this week to help alleviate the drought we're experiencing in Central Texas.

You have a creative week.

Michael

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