Tracey Cramer-Kelly's Blog, page 21
February 27, 2013
Take Two Hollywood Romance Character Interviews
I was working on a response for an upcoming blog feature, and I thought it would be fun to share here as well - especially since you can Read Take Two for FREE starting next week! Get a glimpse into who actor Zac Davies and director Gina Devereaux really are!
Tell us about the first time you saw each other.
Zac: For me, it was just another audition. The film was expected to be a hit because of the big-name backing, so it was a little more nerve-wracking than some. Getting the callback was awesome. Gina took the time to actually interview me, and she asked questions I wasn’t really expecting.
Gina: When you audition almost 100 people, you don’t spend a lot of time with each one. So it was only when we asked Zac for a call-back that I really got a feel for him. I sensed that familiar hunger that so many actors have. Heck, I wanted my actors to have that hunger. I had no idea at the time that it was something much deeper…
What drew you to him/her?
Zac: Gina is very different on set than she is off. Getting to know her at her own home, with her family, she let her guard down. I fell for her then, although I was still too lost in myself to realize it.
Gina: Working in Hollywood, there’s a lot of fake personas that I don’t have much interest in getting close to. But there was something about Zac that was genuine…at a professional level, I recognized it right away; it’s why I argued with the producer over who to cast in the lead part. I just didn’t know what it would come to mean on a personal level…
Bonus Read (this does not appear in the book!): Click here to read The Audition/Interview That Started it All
February 22, 2013
Read my Next Novel – for FREE. Here’s How!
I’m giving away my next novel.
Yep, you heard correctly. I’ll be posting a new installment of Take Two every week starting March 6 (the book’s official release is late summer/early fall).
Take Two is about an up-and-coming actor who is poisoned on the set. When he’s “forced” to recover at the director’s home (with her teenage daughters) he’s in for the surprise of his life. (Read more here.)
How can you follow the adventures of Zac and Gina’s “Hollywood Romance with a Twist”? Three ways:
Become a Blog Subscriber for instant notification (It’s easy! Details here)
Check my blog every Wednesday (a good plan only if your memory is better than mine!)
Subscribe to my newsletter and you’ll get a reminder every 4-6 weeks to go check the most recent posts
And to whet your appetite, please enjoy the opening paragraphs of Take Two: a Hollywood Romance with a Twist:
Zac Davies peered at his co-star through a haze of dancing spots that reminded him of times as a kid when his parents’ old TV went to static. He still managed his lines, but they were flat, even to his own ears. He took a step toward Lydia and stumbled.
“Cut!” The director called.
Damn it.
Zac ducked his head, raking his hand through his hair. The Vicoden had held the headache at bay — so far — but these dizzy spells were another matter…
February 20, 2013
Music Videos Featuring Women Bikers
Just for fun, I’m starting this page of music videos that feature women riders. If you know of another video I should consider, please email me at tracey < at > traceycramerkelly.com
“Cool Rider” (Tracey Cramer-Kelly)
“She’s Gotta Ride” (2AZZ1 Publishing / Mary & John Durst)
“Gotta Roarrr” (Sasha Mullins & Motoroadeo) – Sasha also has two more songs about motorcycling (“Ridelicious” and “Love Ride” which was commissioned by the event of the same name)
“Ride Like an Angel” (Arrancada, I think) – features racer Valerie Thompson
Not specifically women-focused but still fun:
“Devil’s Lullaby” (Boogaboo Music)
February 19, 2013
February 18, 2013
What do a Lutheran Pastor, a Gay Couple and Bikers Have in Common?
They’re all characters in Salvation Run by Mary Gardner.
The cover is a biker on a Harley, and the book takes place in small-town Minnesota. So – being a biker and living in small-town Minnesota – I naturally had to check it out.
It wasn’t what I expected. It’s more a study of characters than a story with a plot line (in fact, it doesn’t really “end” in the sense that the author leaves much of the “resolution” up in the air, leaving the reader to wonder what the characters make of themselves). Like other more “literary” novels I’ve read, I found it slightly stand-offish and difficult to really empathize with any particular character (even the biker).
The biker is just one character in a somewhat large “cast” and the story is not really about him. As different as the characters are, their lives are intertwined in interesting ways. If you like the study of people and like to wonder why they do what they do, you’ll enjoy this book. But if you’re looking for action or suspense, you might be disappointed.
February 15, 2013
The Connection Between Daydreaming and Writing
People often ask me how I manage to write a novel, or record a song, or produce a video when I’ve got a full-time job (a family business no less) and two young kids to chase after.
Most obvious, I don’t do it alone. I am lucky that my husband is great with the kids and understands when I need “creative time” (usually!). I invest in friendships with other creative people, so they can “kick my butt” or offer sympathy as the case requires.
Second, I need good subject matter. Subject matter – and characters – that excite me or interest me or arouse some passion in me is a must. For me, military relationships and biker themes are things that interest me.
I’m not a fast writer. When I’m “on fire” I can write 1000 words an hour. The trouble is getting to the “on fire” state of mind.
The best way for me get there? Daydream.
Sounds simple in theory. In real life…not so much. There are so many thoughts in my head, it’s like an overflowing file cabinet. Shutting out my crazy life can be difficult. But if my head isn’t clear, I can’t daydream on the level I need.
But when I have time to daydream, I can see entire scenes (even dialogue) before I even sit down with my laptop. And you’d be surprised where and when I manage some of my daydreaming.
Here are a few ideas:
1. While falling asleep. As your mind gets closer to sleep, your imagination is free to wander. If I fall asleep while daydreaming a scene, I sometimes dream about it during the night and, if I’m lucky, I’ll wake with a scene in my head, ready to be disgorged to the keyboard.
2. When waking up. I set my alarm 20 minutes before I have to start waking my kids for school. I have yet to fill my mind with the day’s plans and distractions. And I can still capture any snippets my subconscious has given me overnight.
3. When lying awake at night. OK, so I hope this doesn’t happen to you. But it happens to me. Why not make the most of that time?
4. In the shower (or bath). I haven’t had much luck with this one but some writers swear by it. Stand under the hot stream of water, close your eyes, direct your brain to your story and let your mind drift.
5. When you’re sick. I don’t know about you, but when I’m sick I still can have trouble sleeping. I don’t let that “lay around” time go to waste (and I don’t watch TV).
6. When your kids are sick (I had this happen last week, my son one day and daughter the next). It is so hard to get them to lay down and rest! But I found if I offer to do it with them (especially if they’re invited into MY bed) it’s much easier to get them to do it. Viola! More daydreaming time!
A word of warning. When you become really good at dropping yourself into a daydream, it can happen without you realizing it. I’ve drifted during conversations, while trying to read or while watching a movie. But the worst is when I’m driving. I’ve narrowly avoided a couple accidents because I was in another world at the time!
February 12, 2013
Paramedic Fiction a Mix of Grit and Romance
Since I was trained as an Army paramedic in a previous life, I am drawn to novels and characters who are in that line of work (and much of my writing is impacted by that experience).
From the description of Trauma Junkie by Tom Hobbs, I thought there’d be a bit of humor. A couple chapters in I thought ‘crap, this is going to be another Black Flies’ (which is a rather dark/depressing novel about a paramedic). But no…I got a pleasant surprise. Although there are scenes about the heavier aspects of the paramedic job, the author didn’t dwell in them. The book wasn’t so much about being a paramedic as it was about how events in Brian’s life impacted him – and it’s a love story – which is what I like to read.
Against the odds (not to mention with the help of a woman) Brian manages to claw his way out of a very bad spiral that began with the death of his infant son, subsequent divorce, and interrupted suicide plan.
It’s not a long book and it has a rather large “cast,” which makes it more of a challenge to develop the characters. I thought the author did a good job of that. At first the animosity between Brian and his ex-wife was too cliché, as was the fact that they both found new love, but in the end they found a way to become friends and support each other, which I found refreshing.
My only complaint? Add a “he said,” “Mel said” etc. I sometimes could not tell who was speaking, which forced me to stop and re-read. It takes me out of the story and slows me down. Rated 4.
February 1, 2013
“Cool Rider” Biker Chick Video is LIVE!
I am thrilled to announce the official release of the music video “Cool Rider: A Biker Chick’s Story.”
GIRL SEES GUY. GIRL WANTS GUY. GIRL GETS GUY … BIKER STYLE.
The voice in the video is yours truly (my own rearrangement of the song). I credit the experience of shooting this video with bringing me back to my “lady biker” roots (I’ve been a rider for over 20 years) and convincing me that it was time to write about the women bikers who’ve “moved in” to my imagination.
Thus was born the Cool Rider Project: My attempt to tell the stories of “ordinary” biker men and women who are…well…not so ordinary after all.
It’s the videos. The songs. The photos. Find out more at http://www.CoolRiderProject.com. And meet the biker chicks of the Iron Zebra, the fictional bar (and motorcycle club) that was the setting for this video, and get their stories – starting with Gina’s in Take Two: A Hollywood Romance with a Twist.
View the Video: http://youtu.be/EShLUKu7pUQ
Read more about the Video: http://www.traceycramerkelly.com/cool-rider-music-video/
Read about the Cool Rider Project: http://www.CoolRiderProject.com
January 26, 2013
Vietnam Veteran Fictional Character with Lots of Potential
Since I write about military characters, I like to read military characters. And pretty much all the characters in Sharon Wildwind’s Loved Honor More are Vietnam veterans. I didn’t check until I’d finished reading, but this is the fifth book in the series and takes place just days after the Viet Nam war ended.
I’m no history buff, but I do like mysteries. As a mystery, this one had so many twists and threads, I almost couldn’t keep track of them all. I can honestly say I didn’t know what was coming next, so in that regard, this is a great mystery. However, in the end, I did not understand why exactly Darby Baxter felt so strongly about the baby. Considering that was a central tenet to the story, this is not a good thing to still be wondering after you’ve finished the book.
I like reading about a character’s emotional journey based on what has happened to them. That can be in a mystery or a romance or a “mixed” genre. What these characters are going through is very emotional, and yet I just couldn’t seem to get “close” to them.
The way that Pepper was reunited with Darby (whom she thought was dead) was excellent. But after that, I would have expected emotions, romantic sentiments, and physical desires. Colonal Darby Baxter had all kinds of potential to be an interesting character, especially in an unaccustomed state of vulnerability (“she’d never smelled fear on him before”). But I just couldn’t feel it. Maybe I needed to have the character background from the other books? At any rate, that’s why I would rate this as a 3.5.
January 21, 2013
Three New Reviews for True Surrender Military Romance
Since the end of the year, three new reviews have been posted for True Surrender. That’s a really nice way to start out a new year! Here’s what they had to say:
I fell for the hero from the first page. He’s tormented by nightmares after being captured and tortured in Afghanistan and now suffers a leg amputation because of it. My heart ached for him, and all the men and women out there who go through what he does. Miss Kelly handles the injury and recovery very well, and the emotion of healing and dealing with the injury and loss of career–well done!!
The heroine, Holly, is the perfect mix of strong and sensitive, and caring and supportive for Aaron. She had her own tragic past to overcome and together they make a couple you can’t stop reading. I promise you will keep turning the pages in this book. Their intimate and personal and spiritual journeys converge and it is one heck of a ride!! ~ Jennifer
It was very hard to put this book down when life beckoned! I have always appreciated the men and women who serve to protect our country, but this book has made that appreciation grow stronger! The power of prayer is very true and I love being able to read about it in the context presented here! ~ Melissa
People come back into our lives in the most unexpected ways. Ten years ago Holly Rossiter and Aaron Bricewick broke up. Now Aaron has been tortured in Afghanistan and Holly is a member of the rehabilitation team caring for him. His recovery will be long and painful, assuming he survives at all.
Aaron needs her medical skills, but he also needs a friend. Holly can’t be both and her dilemma is which one would be best for Aaron, for her, and for her son, Nicholas.
My familiarity with this kind of situation goes back to the Vietnam era. Reading this book, I realized nothing had changed. Yes, it is a different kind of war and medical improvements have happened. The inner struggles are still the same for both returning soldiers and the people who love them, and, in the end, sometimes love accomplishes what high-tech medicine can’t.
As well as military and romance themes, it is a wonderful story about hope, determination, and the real costs of war. ~ Sharon
See more reader comments and reviews for True Surrender.
