Michael's Musings

March 26, 2012

This past week has been spent writing on the screenplay I've been contracted to do.  I've pretty much finished the first act, and now I'm struggling with Act II.

For all you non-writers, the second act is always the most difficult to write.

If you enjoy show biz biographies, I strongly recommend the one that I'm currently reading and almost finished with, HENRY DARROW: Lightning in the Bottle, published by Bear Manor Media.

Henry and I have been friends for over 30 years.  In fact, I used to be his publicist.

Henry has always been a marvelous storyteller, and writer Jan Pippins has done a fine job turning his life saga into an entertaining book.  I've learned many things in this book that I did not know about my friend.

(Henry, you schmuck, how could you turn down Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts?)

When I finish the book, I plan to do a promotional book trailer for Henry and Jan, which will (at some point) be available on YouTube.

This past week, I also uploaded a new review on the Best Bets on DVD site, accessible via the link in the Introduction section of this page.  It's a 4-disc set from The Criterion Collection, DAVID LEAN DIRECTS NOEL COWARD.  The films: IN WHICH WE SERVE, THIS HAPPY BREED, BLITHE SPIRIT and BRIEF ENCOUNTER.  So, take a look.

Finally, I've also started a new page on FaceBook, THE HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS, as a way to promote my one-person plays.  I hope to have new film clips and/or other fun stuff on that site every day, so please take a look at that, too.

You have a creative week.

Michael

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March 19. 2011

I forgot to write my blog this past weekend.

Wife Sandy and I drove down to the UT campus in San Marcos on Sunday afternoon to attend a meeting of The Dramatists Guild.

We then went out to dinner and, by the time we got home, I was so tired that I just played games on the computer for awhile, then went to bed. 

Actually, I've been so involved with the writing of the script I've been hired to create that the blog totally slipped my mind until today.

The script, by the way, is coming along slowly but well.

The man who hosted the meeting in San Marcos happens to be the son-in-law of actress Shirley Knight (SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH, AS GOOD AS IT GETS).  Shirley also makes her home there when she is not working.

She is a Facebook friend and I had the pleasure of meeting her when we did an autograph show together in Chicago in 2010.  She's a nice lady and a fine actress.

As a promotion, I'm giving away (through Goodreads) two (2) copies each of five (5) of my recently published screenplays: MATRICIDE, UNCLE LOUIE, SARAH GOLDEN HAIR, GHOUL CITY and BARRY & THE BIMBO.  So, if you would like a free copy, which will be shipped directly from the publisher, go to the Goodreads site and enter your name.  Entries close on April 17th.

You have a creative week.

Michael

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March 12, 2012

Last week was a busy one. 

Not only did I proofread and approve three new books, which are now available in both paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon, but I also wrote the first few scenes of the screenplay that I've been contracted to do.

What follows are the links to the 3 book trailers.  If they don't work, just copy the addresses into your browser and you;ll be taken right there.

BARRY & THE BIMBO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnSltZZWumo&list=UUQ6z6vyjJFsiqL33qbiSJSQ&index=1&feature=plcp

BLACK WATCH / THE CAVERN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ5FegFP_4E&list=UUQ6z6vyjJFsiqL33qbiSJSQ&index=2&feature=plcp

And, my one-person play,  (Maurice) CHEVALIER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1sewdJM5UA&list=UUQ6z6vyjJFsiqL33qbiSJSQ&index=4&feature=plcp

This week, I will be concentrating on the screenplay.  So, enjoy the trailers and you have a creative week, too.

Michael

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