MOVIES, BOOKS, AND MUSIC. OH MY!

Catchy title, right? Reminds you of WIZARD OF OZ? I thought so. Crazy how some words from a movie, or lyrics from a song, or even a sentence in a book can stick with you. I've even seen quotes as a tattoo. There's just something haunting and wonderful about storytelling that we cling to. Even enough to want it branded to us forever.

All my life I've been drawn to the art of telling stories. Think about it this way. Someone had to write the story (script) for a movie. Someone had to write the lyrics to a song. And of course, someone wrote the novel you so wish would be the next big movie. It's in those words, whether sung, acted out, or read, that we escape. Some we even relate back to.

This past week I had the privledge of being an extra in a movie. Living in Hollywood South does have it's advantages. To be on a movie set was no less than amazing. But while I was sitting there for two days clapping for 14 hours (no joke, clapping for 14 hours) that little self discovery bug hit again. Oh, by the way, to all my new acting friends, I'm so glad we met. You made it so much fun. Okay, back to what I was saying. It takes so many people, and so much time to reach that final product. Just like in books and music, you pour your heart out and work until you can't see straight, hoping that when you're done, it all comes together and makes sense. Then comes marketing. It's not just about the first thought of a project, it's the entire package.

The story telling industry is filled with familiar faces and names, and some you may never even get a glimpse of. But they are there! So the next time you're walking down the street, or at the mall, or wherever you go, you just might be surrounded by talent beyond your wildest imagination. Don't forget to count yourself in that group. Everyone is capable of telling great stories. It's as unique as you are.

Anyone have a great story or experience to share? Leave a comment. You just never know who might be reading.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! 

Luncheon Fun!

A few post ago, I mentioned that I would give you an update of this year's FALL INTO ROMANCE READERS LUNCHEON 2011. Well, here it is. I wish all of you could have joined us. Just like last year, everyone received a goodie bag filled with author bookmarks, a book, and extras. (Gotta love extras!) There was a chance to win a door prize and gift baskets. The gift baskets were filled to the brim with books of all genres. One basket, donated by the very generous Deborah LeBlanc, even had a Kindle. Now that's a basket worth fighting for.

After a buffet style lunch of Southern classics (if you've never had Southern food, you're really missing out,) the group was in awe as Deborah LeBlanc and Sabrina Jeffries shared stories that made us laugh and really think about the importance of being a writer in today's market. As Deborah mentioned, now is the best time to get published. So many have pounded the pavement of the interent, searching out agents, only to be rejected and heartbroken. As she stated, some are turning to the wonderful world of epub, with control of their own destiny, and keeping all the profits themselves. Hmmm ... that idea could have us sending the rejection letters.

The bottom line is, it's the readers that have the final say. They are the ones that encourage writers to keep their fingers on the keyboard and their mind in create mode. The readers are the ones that give us the most reviews and feedback. But most of all, the readers make us smile. How wonderful it is to look into the eyes of someone who has read your book and hear them say they can't wait for the next one.

That luncheon was my first official book signing. How cool is that? Not only did I get to celebrate with some of my family, I had friends and made new ones to help me hit the ground running. I'll never forget that day because of all who were there, and I can't wait for next year. Mark your calendar for November 5, 2012. The incredible and talented Heather Graham of New Orleans will be joining us. Trust me, you'll want to be there!

So keep reading. You just never know when you'll meet the author!

                      Before the crowd was let in to purchase and have their books signed.

Published authors who attended. I'm all the way on the right. It's not a very close picture of everyone, but with 90 people attending, it's tough to get a good spot for a pic. All attending authors were: Melanie Atkins, Christee Atwood, Nancy Brandt, Laura Burks, Dawn Chariter, Eleanor Cocreham, Chere Coen, Barbara Colley, Claudy Conn, Kimberly Frost, Sabrina Jeffries, Rhonda Leah, Deborah LeBlanc, Anne Clayre Mason, Farrah Rochon, June Shaw, Lynn Shurr, Candice Stauffer, Josephone Templeton, Robin Wells, and Ursala Whistler

                     Me with Sabrina Jeffries, our speaker and multi Best Selling author.

SCRABBLE SCRAMBLE CONTEST!

Literal Addiction & Book Monster Reviews are sponsoring a contest Nov. 7-19th! All you have to do is visit a different author site each day, answer the question, and unscramble the letters for a chance to win lots of cool stuff for your own personal stocking. (I know it's a little early to stuff your own, but what the heck? You deserve a little you time, right?)

Here's the LITERAL ADDICTION site where you'll post your answer and find all the other author sites. Okay, here's mine below. Good Luck!  Don't forget to visit my website for more information on my debut young adult paranormal romance novel, ALTERED - http://lauraburks.com/