BEAUTIFUL DAY IN MARINA DEL REY CALIFORNIA

Okay, now that I've sat at the computer working for half a day, it's time to enjoy the beautiful weather in Marina Del Rey CA. In a few days I'll be back in Las Vegas, having said goodbye to the ocean breezes.

There is a free concert at Burton Chase Park in the Marina tonight, and the performer is James Darren. Those old enough to remember Moon Doggie in the Gidget movie, or anyone who rented it as a classic, will remember him. Darren is back performing. Actually, I'm not sure he ever left, but I've begun hearing about him again. He was at the South Pointe in Las Vegas a few weeks ago.

It's nice to have things like that in walking distance when I'm in California. Next week will be almost completely devoted to marketing and preparing to market Devil's Dance, so I plan to take it a bit easy for the weekend.

Time to shut down the computer and get out in the sunshine!

Arliss

MOVING RIGHT ALONG...

As a book moves from galley to publication, there are the milestones in a writer's life. Today I noticed that "Devil's Dance" is now available on Fictionwise. That's the beginning. The other e-book online stores should follow soon, with the paperback and Kindle releases in August. The audio book is also supposed to release in August.

Yesterday was the first press release. It came on a day that one of the news items was about remembering a kidnap/murder victim. As I keep saying, although we think atrocities like that never happen to people we know, that girl had friends and family. That's why my books Devil's Dance and The Devil's Due are dedicated to those who survived...and those who didn't.

I ordered my bookmarks and discussed other print materials today. The thing you learn early on as an author is that the books don't sell themselves. You have to be right on top of it, thinking of and carrying out all of the things that will bring attention to "your babies."

This is when the real work begins!

Arliss

Today's Writers Tricks of the Trade column in Examiner.com

Today's column discusses tricks writers can use to draw readers into their character, such as delays and dreams. Devil's Dance and The Devil's Due are used as examples. Check it out. http://exm.nr/choices2

Arliss

THE TIME FOR SERIOUS PROMOTION IS DRAWING NEAR

I received the advance paperback copies of DEVIL'S DANCE and THE DEVIL'S DUE, as well as promotional posters. What a great feeling to see these books that I have lived with for over fifteen years finally in print. Can't wait to hear the audio books now.

It's been quite a journey, from the time I first felt compelled to write this story. As a magazine article writer, I didn't know the first thing about writing fiction. Unfortunately when I showed my draft to a friend, an author with thrillers in publication, his comment was that it would never get published. As with anything else, I had to learn my craft. The mere fact that magazines and newspapers published my articles, didn't mean I could write fiction. The year was 1996.

With each rewrite I learned more, but still didn't have the formula for this particular story. Time passed and my sister and I launched a funny mystery series. The first book (written as Morgan St. James and Phyllice Bradner) won an award. The second in the series was finished and nearing publication. I'd learned to write fiction, but the tale told in DEVIL'S DANCE and THE DEVIL'S DUE is deeply emotional. The characters had to grab at the heartstrings and not let go. Not at all like writing humor. Sometimes I sat at my computer crying as I identified with the protagonist.

The situations had to have the reader at the edge of their seat, waiting to find out what happened next. And the two loves of Jen Connor's life had to be tender and make the reader root for them and cheer them on. Not an easy task. Mix in creating villains that made more than one of my first readers admonish: They better get punished at the end. You can't let them get off. My female and male first readers alike became very protective of Jen Connor. She had become the three-dimensional character I strived to create all of those years.

After seven rewrites, I was finally there and L&L Dreamspell and Books in Motion are bringing this story to life.

This is fiction, but every day newspapers and TV tell stories that are not that different. I've dedicated the books to all the young women who have been kidnapped, raped and even sold into brothels like Jen Connor was. Those who survived and those who did not.

Visit my website, http://www.arlissadams-author.com/ for more information or http://www.lldreamspell.com/. Look for releases in August and September. I welcome letters from readers.

Arliss

FOLLOW UP TO "TO BE OR NOT TO BE"

After seeing this movie released in 1942, all I can say is "fantastic!" The credits in those day were so short they could run right after the title shot. If they did that now, everyone would leave before the feature finally started some eight to ten minutes later.

DIRECTOR ERNST LUBITSCH

What a movie. If you get a chance to see it, please do. Jack Benny with his wonderful gift for timing was suberb as was Carole Lombard. It was the last movie she made before she was killed in a plane crash. The sight jokes were hysterical, and of course almost any movie made by the famed director Ernst Lubitsch had his signature flair for tongue-in-cheek inuendos and really funny comedy. "The Lubitsch Touch" was a phrase concocted by studio PR men eager to turn a great director, Ernst Lubitsch, into a brand name. His sophisticated type of humor was not the kind that needs a laugh track to tell you it's time to chuckle or laugh out loud. You simply can't help it...it's funny, so you laugh.

ABOUT THE LUBITSCH TOUCH:  "A style that is gracefully charming and fluid, with an . . . ingenious ability to suggest more than it showed . . ."

-- Leland A. Poague

The large Bing Theater at the Los Angeles County Art Museum was filled with moviegoers who appreciate classic movies and constantly rang with laughter and applause from the audience.

CAROLE LOMBARD & JACK BENNY

This is a black comedy about a Polish theater company--led by Joseph and Maria Tura (Jack Benny and Carole Lombard)--that turns to espionage after being shut down by the invading Nazis.  Also featured in the movie was a very young Robert Stack as the pilot who has a crush on Maria. However she is in love with her husband, a "ham" actor at best. The signal she has arranged for the pilot to come back to her dressing room is that he is to sit in the second row and leave as soon as Joseph says "To be or not to be." This happens on several evenings as the lovestruck pilot tries to make Maria fall for him. The fact that someone repeatedly leaves at that exact moment in his performance on several occasions infuriates Joseph. It later comes into play as a coded message when the Nazi's have invaded Poland.

The movie was remade in the 80's starring Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft in an equally stellar appearance, but there is something about the fact that the earlier version was actually made when the Nazis were at war that gives it a special quality. So special, in fact, that it was banned from being shown in some places because it made fun and sport of what was really a threat to the United States.

End of report...ARLISS

THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR OLD MOVIES

Tomorrow I head back to Los Angeles and in the evening plan to see the original 1942 version of  "To Be or Not To Be" starring Jack Benny and Carole Lombard at the Bing Theater at the Los Angeles Art Museum.

I've seen it before as well as the 1983 remake with Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft.

Both versions are so funny that I jump at the chance to see them again. Some movies are like that. You never get tired of watching them. As an author, I believe it has to do with plot...can you watch it again even when you know what will happen?, the actors...like audio books good actors can make a bad movie seem good and vice versa. When you have both, well, it's on the list that qualifies for "see again." There are many other factors, of course, but I think those are the main two paired with the director and editing.

In this case, during the Nazi occupation of Poland, an acting troupe becomes embroiled in a Polish soldier's efforts to track down a German spy. What follows, regardless of which version you are watching, is totally belly laugh hilarious. No special effects, no list of credits that is longer than the movie...just great writing, great acting and great direction.

If you have theaters in your town that show classics like this, occasionally consider choosing a wonderful old movie instead of one that will be around for a while. Sometimes these are fleeting opportunities--a graphic look at what excellent writing and/or acting can create in the viewer's mind. They are a delight to watch on the big screen.

The terrific thing about the Bing, is being in close proximity to Hollywood, they often have one of the actors, directors or producers of these great old gems as special guests for a talk before the movie. Now, that's showbiz!

That's not to say there weren't lots of sappy, syrupy movies made in those days. They abounded. But then there were the pearls among the oysters. Those are the ones I watch for. Another favorite is "Now Voyager" with Bette Davis. What great acting!

Okay, now it's time to venture into the 100+ heat we're having in Las Vegas.

Keep cool.

Arliss

Writer's: Tricks of the Trade - Opening up your choices-Part I -first person or third?

Writer's: Tricks of the Trade - Opening up your choices-Part I -first person or third?

This three-part series will explore tricks writers can use to turn ho-hum manuscripts into page turners. Writers Tricks of the Trade may be found every Tuesday on the Las Vegas edition of www.examiner.com, Entertainment

WHAT'S WITH THE ADVICE COLUMNIST "ASK AMY"

Well, folks, todays post is a little different than most of mine. It's about the advice columnist, "Ask Amy," daughter of the late Ann Landers, who posted an answer to a question in her column a few weeks ago that I considered a real putdown to women over a certain age.

In a nutshell, here is what it was:


The question was: "When I was 20, guys in their late 30s were mad for me. Now that I'm in my 30s, it's the 50-year-olds. I can't wait to see who I have to fend off when I'm 40."

Her answer: "The answer to who you'll have to fend off when you're 40 is … practically no one."

I wrote to her telling her that I thought she was off base, revealed my age, that I had dated younger men before I was married and that younger guys still come on with me. Whoa! I got an answer so fast it made my head spin.

HERE IS HER E-MAIL TO ME:

OK. You’re still sexy. Thank you for pointing out how awesome you are. I’m 50 and doing fine, thank you very much.
What I seem to have gained and you have lost with age, however, is a sense of humor.

I WAS JOKING.     Amy Dickinson

That really lit my fire, because if there is one thing I do, it's to look at life with a light heart. If I make statements that I think are funny but could possibly be taken in the wrong way, I also qualify that I'm kidding, so the person on the other end knows.

I immediately fired back an answer telling her that the point of my e-mail was not to broadcast how wonderful I am, but to let her know that she probably offended lots of women who may need something to bolster their confidence, not a statement like "practically no one." I asked why she couldn't  have  said something like "who knows...maybe the 30 year olds." That smacks of humor. Needless to say, I didn't get an answer .

Well, it tickled me no end today (June 17, 2010) to see her column. My sister alerted me to read it saying, "I guess you weren't the only one, Sis." It was immediately obvious I wasn't the only one who rattled her cage. I'll bet the first e-mail I got from her was a form e-mail that she sent to everyone who complained, or at least a version of it. Listen up, Amy! Judging by today's column, you DID insult a lot of women, but apparently all you're able to do is trot out that same "awesome" rant you used on me.

THE ITEM IN TODAY'S ASK AMY and it wasn't from me...

Dear Amy: I was seriously offended and disappointed by your response to "Experienced." When she wrote, "When I was 20, guys in their late 30s were mad for me. Now that I'm in my 30s, it's the 50-year-olds. I can't wait to see who I have to fend off when I'm 40," you replied, "The answer to who you'll have to fend off when you're 40 is … practically no one." Experienced may be fending off 20-year-olds when she is 40 for all that you know, especially since the "cougar" is now running rampant! I found this response to be mean and inconsiderate!
— Disappointed

AMY'S ANSWER


Dear Disappointed: Scores of angry "cougars" have pounced on me for my answer to "Experienced." All of these women want to assure me that age has only made them more awesome.
Ladies, I get it. I was making a joke. I may be the only middle-age woman who finds this "cougar" nonsense embarrassing.

<<<>>>

 
COME ON, AMY! Why don't you just admit that what you thought was funny wasn't very funny to the scores of women who sent you angry letters. You did insult them, plain and simple. According to your e-mail to me, you are 50. Are you not "awesome" enough for fellows in their twenties and thirties to give you admiring glances. I've seen your photo. You're a good looking woman, so are you too afraid of being labeled a "cougar" to look back? You know, you could just apologize and close the matter. IT WASN'T FUNNY.

What is embarrassing if an older woman is attracted to a younger man and vice versa? I know a very AWESOME couple who work with handicapped children and have improved the lives of thousands. After sixteen years of marriage they are still very much in love. WHOOPS. I forgot. She should be embarrassed. After all SHE IS SEVENTEEN YEARS OLDER THAN HIM. (Check out their website at http://www.valleyviewvaulters.com/

So, dear readers, that's my rant for today. Care to comment?

ARLISS

A NEW TRAILER FOR DEVIL'S DANCE

Last night a trailer for my new book, Devil's Dance, was posted on You Tube. The first one in a set of two, this book will be released in all formats in August. The story continues in The Devil's Due, to be released in September. Thanks to all the friends and family who encouraged me during the fifteen years it took for this to become reality.http://bit.ly/devilsdance

THE TIME IS DRAWING CLOSER

The first book in the Twist of Fate series, Devil's Dance, will be released sometime next month. Got the cover from my publisher yesterday, and now it's on their website and my new www.arlissadams-author.com site as well. August release...whoo hoo! That will be followed by The Devil's Due in September. Not bad for books that were fifteen years in the making!

They always say once the book is in print, the real work begins. With our changing publication world, it should say even before the book is in print, e-book, Kindle, CD and MP3 the work begins. My books are will be available in all formats. As someone who listens to audio books all the time, I can't wait to hear my own and also to hold the print copies in my hand. I was up until almost four in the morning tweaking the new website, checking things, figuring out strategies and more.

I guess the sight of the covers really did energize me. I'll really be out there publicizing these books, but I'm also busy working on a new book. Not even in this series. Or maybe it will be. Who knows? I guess I'm rambling, which is much different than when I "write tight" for my manuscripts. I'm working on the new one with a co-author.

Visit my new website, or visit www.lldreamspell.com . I guessing the release will also be announced soon at www.booksinmotion.com for the audio versions. More later. Gotta run now. Promote...promote...promote.

ARLISS ADAMS
Feelin' good

THE TIME IS DRAWING NEAR!

Finally...the first book in my new TWIST OF FATE series, now named DEVIL'S DANCE will be released sometime in August in all formats: trade paperback, Kindle, e-book, CD and MP3. It's really getting exciting. L&L Dreamspell and Books in Motion, Inc. will coordinate so that all the releases are around the same time.

This seems to be a comment on perserverence and patience. It's now about 15 years since I started writing this and the next book in the series, THE DEVIL'S DUE to be released in September. I never gave up, even after rewriting it seven times. At last it was what I hoped it would be.

Here is the FIRST PRE-PUBLICATION REVIEW from J.D. Webb. Look for more in the coming weeks.

Review Date: 7/15/10   Reviewer: J.D. Webb


Be prepared to run the gamut of your emotions. Devil’s Dance will break your heart, patch it up, deflate it again and finally make it whole. The story is of betrayal, sexual abuse, abandonment and a superhuman effort to overcome all obstacles. Aspiring dancer Jenny Connor endures excruciating pain and suffering and yet somehow triumphs.


Her struggles are revealed page after page until she finally meets someone she can trust. A mentor puts her life back together only to have it ripped apart once more. In a desperate bid for freedom, Jenny winds up in Los Angeles and, at the lowest point of her life, finds true love. She puts all her energy into her passion for dance and her new love.


However Jenny’s bliss is not to last. A final tragedy strikes home and again depression imprisons her. When she emerges whole again, her inner strength shines. She returns to dance and family for purpose and comfort.


My suggestion is to find a comfy place, with plenty of munchies and two giant boxes of Kleenex. You’ll not want to put this book down until you reach the end, savoring that last bite of chocolate. Afterward don’t be sad that the story is over. Jenny’s life continues in The Devil’s Due. Watch for it and remember to be prepared.