August 22, 2010
I started a new job this month with the One Voice network, it is a provincially funded organization that is trying to create more job opportunities and help those that have a disability make a smooth transition into the work place. It is designed to broaden minds and generate real equal opportunity. I work in administration and one of my responsibilities, which I'm somewhat excited about, is creating and writing a newsletter; well two actually. One geared toward employers, one to service providers/job developers.
Bringing writing, in any form, into my career is always a good thing. I am so excited about showing off some of my talent. Although not exactly fiction storytelling, it is still very cool, very creative!
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May 6 2010
I met a while ago with my publisher and we discussed how I was slightly upset with the way my book "Chronicles of a Girl" has been handled by them. I wrote up a contract that works in my favour but doesn't leave them out in the cold. We'll see where things go from there. Having a publisher deal with the entire printing thing and getting the copyrights and ISBN #s would definately make things easier.... at least for me. I just want to write! I don't mind promoting myself and trying to sell books, but when you have paid someone to work, at least a little, on your behalf, and they don't and leave all of the work to you, things begin to feel unsettling and you can become a bit depressed about what you are doing.
I am still in no immediate hurry to get my work(s) published. I'll propably wait until next year. I really do hope I can get things working with the publisher I chose, but if not, I'll figure it out on my own. I don't think I want to temp something like this with someone else all over again. Like I said, I just want to write and then be able to show that off.
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October 8 2009
So I've been contemplating what to do about my book and my future writing career. See, I got started in 2007 after I graduated from a Creative Writing program through the Stratford Institute. I wrote ,"Chronicles of a Girl" and plunged head first into getting it published. But after getting the final product and selling a few copies I came to the realization that I may have jumped the gun; the publishing company I chose hasn't come through the way I'd hoped. The binding on some of the books was not done well, editing was not done well, communication on their part is lacking and it seems that I've been left to do all of the selling.
I wrote a sequel and have it all ready, edited by a trusted friend, but I think I'm going to hold off on getting it published. In fact, I'm thinking that I'm going re-work certain things, concentrate on writing my stories, and then re-focus on the whole publishing thing somewhere down the line in a couple of years. I think that I will self-publish, be my own boss. We'll see what happens from there.
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June 28 2009
June 25th 2009 will be a day to remember. The King of Pop, the legendary genius of music and dance, Michael Jackson, passed away. I never got too carried away with the tabloid news that tended to surround him and I focused more on his unbelievable talent. I once saw a video of him performing live in Munich and while he sang the song 'You Are Not Alone' he was hugging a fan and crying. That, I believe, is what MJ was about, the music and the fans.
I grew up singing and dancing to Michael Jackson's music and I will always cherish the creative inspirations he shared with us all. There are so many great songs, but one of my favorites is Dirty Diana with its amazing lyrics and guitar performance.
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April 19 2009
I worked at the Red Barn between 1993 and 2001. 8 years of my life I had contributed blood, sweat and tears to the historical building, (literally.... I have stitches and scars to prove it.) Canada's oldest Professional Theatre. I had always been an artsy type of guy during my youth and moving forward. In public and high school my favorite classes included Art and English Media. In college I took Graphic Design and from there moved into a job at the Red Barn Theatre working back stage. I learnt about production, set design, lighting and I even stage managed some of the shows. (not many) Sitting behind the curtains the Red Barn also helped rekindle my passion for writing, I even wrote a one person stage play. I left the theatre after the summer of 2001 due to a personal family tragedy but always kept the barn close in memories. I enrolled in a Creative Writing Program and as of 2009 have my first published novel. I am currently working on number two. I owe a lot of my inspiration in starting this journey to the Red Barn. I also met a lot of people while there; coworkers behind and in front of stage, in the "Coop", in the stage managing booth, and in the front of house. And I met some of the most talented and wonderful actors who graced our stage. These were fun times that I will never forget and I will always cherish these fond memories. Even after my 'official' work was done at the Red Barn I still remained a part of it through volunteering and then through my current job at the resort in Jackson's Point; just down the street from the theatre. We had theatre packages and I'd often go in to pick up tickets. I was also connected through my mom. She volunteered her services once a week and enjoyed it very much.
Driving home from work at 11pm on Saturday April 18th I approached Lake Drive and saw a portion of the night sky filled with orange smoke. Police cruisers had part of the street blocked off and fire trucks were on the scene. I feared the worst. I drove around to get a better view from Hedge road and sat in my car to witness the horror! History was burning to the ground. I feel a pretty BIG loss, the Red Theatre meant a lot. And I know it touched quite a few people other than myself. The community will feel the effects of this for some time to come.
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