Allen Wolf's Blog, page 6

New Hooked Contest Launches

Many funny and dramatic scenes in my romantic comedy novel Hooked take place in a coffee shop in New York City. To celebrate those moments, we’re giving away a Coffee Lover’s Gift Basket and a signed copy of Hooked. You can imagine yourself in those scenes as you enjoy the coffee and treats. We’re also giving away three additional signed copies of Hooked.

The gift basket includes: Hooked, 3 packets of assorted gourmet coffees, caramel wafers, white chocolate cranberry cookies, vanilla wafer rolls, and King of POP Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Kettlecorn.

The Grand Prize Winner of our previous contest was Nancy Armstrong. Winners of signed copies of Hooked were Brendan Bunion, Laura Fels, Sandy Klocinski, Kathy Watson, and Meredith Heeter-Hammond.

Enter to win today at allen-wolf.com.

Hooked is available at your local bookstore, from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.

The King and I and Modern Slavery

When I was in high school, I played percussion in the orchestra for our production of Rodger and Hammerstein’s “The King and I” which permanently installed the “Shall We Dance?” tune inside my head. So when I had the chance to see a revival of the Broadway show on a recent trip to Chicago for BookCon, I jumped at the opportunity.

The sets were opulent, the music was entrancing, and the acting was terrific. Most of us know the scene when Anna dances with the King in a lavish gown. In this production, the actors whipped around the stage while confetti from a previous scene swirled around them, creating a magical, moving effect.

I didn’t remember how impactful the story was from my days of wondering who I would ask to Homecoming. While “The King and I” was entertaining, it also had a powerful message about slavery.

Tuptim, who was forced to become a bride to the King while in a relationship with someone else, discovered “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and decided to mount her own production based on the book for the King of Siam. She not-so-subtly let him know her opinion of his slavery practices and the results were gripping.

“The King and I” was a powerful, funny, romantic story that confronted the evils of slavery. That was exactly what I set out to do in writing my novel, Hooked. While most people think slavery is a thing of the past, human traffickers continue to generate hundreds of billions of dollars in profits by trapping millions of people in situations around the world.

It was inspiring to experience an outstanding production that took on such an important issue. My hope is that these types of stories help people realize how modern slavery continues to be an important issue and leads people to do something about today.

Have you seen “The King and I?” What did you think?

Click here for a preview of Hooked. Available at your local bookstore or on Amazon.

The King And I And Modern Slavery

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When I was in high school, I played percussion in the orchestra for our production of Rodger and Hammerstein’s “The King and I” which permanently installed the “Shall We Dance?” tune inside my head. So when I had the chance to see a revival of the Broadway show on a recent trip to Chicago for BookCon, I jumped at the opportunity.

The sets were opulent, the music was entrancing, and the acting was terrific. Most of us know the scene when Anna dances with the King in a lavish gown. In this production, the actors whipped around the stage while confetti from a previous scene swirled around them, creating a magical, moving effect.

I didn’t remember how impactful the story was from my days of wondering who I would ask to Homecoming. While “The King and I” was entertaining, it also had a powerful message about slavery.

Tuptim, who was forced to become a bride to the King while in a relationship with someone else, discovered “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and decided to mount her own production based on the book for the King of Siam. She not-so-subtly let him know her opinion of his slavery practices and the results were gripping.

“The King and I” was a powerful, funny, romantic story that confronted the evils of slavery. That was exactly what I set out to do in writing my novel, Hooked. While most people think slavery is a thing of the past, human traffickers continue to generate hundreds of billions of dollars in profits by trapping millions of people in situations around the world.

It was inspiring to experience an outstanding production that took on such an important issue. My hope is that these types of stories help people realize how modern slavery continues to be an important issue and leads people to do something about today.

Have you seen “The King and I?” What did you think?

Click here for a preview of Hooked. Available at your local bookstore or on Amazon.

Hooked Book Signings in New York City and Chicago

NEW YORK CITY
Author Allen Wolf will be signing copies of his award-winning novel Hooked at the Think Coffee location in New York City that’s featured in the novel. Please join him on Saturday, April 23rd, between 10 am – 12 pm at 73 8th Avenue.
Books will be on sale and it’ll be a great time to connect with Allen. He’ll also be giving away bookmarks that reveal the topic of his next novel.
CHICAGO

Allen will also be signing books at BookCon in Chicago on Saturday, May 14th from 3 pm – 3:30 pm at Booth 2229. Click here for more info on attending.

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“Wolf, an award-winning filmmaker, has adapted this first novel from his own original screenplay, and its cinematic potential clearly shows. The high-concept narrative is entertaining, well-paced, and highly visual … it’s a charming, humorous, and hopeful tale. A quirky, touching love story that offers insights into autism, religion, and personal tragedy.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Wolf puts a fresh spin on the genre.”

“By turning conventions of contemporary romance on its stilettos and swapping out the typical sassy, fashion-obsessed female protagonist for an autistic male who reads jokes from index cards, Wolf puts a fresh spin on the genre. Adapted from his award-winning screenplay, Hooked shows signs of its origins with snappy dialogue and humorous, well-staged scenes … A sweet and entertaining romantic comedy, Hooked touches on autism and the power of faith. It will appeal to any reader who enjoys a blend of quirky characters, humor and drama.” – BLUE INK REVIEW

“Hooked is simply remarkable.“

“A wonderfully well-written, funny, quirky, romantic love story. Unique and inspirational. Hooked is not your average romance. Rarely do I find myself so captivated by a book that I cannot put it down for nearly two hours. Pick up this book and get lost in the beauty of their relationship. My only complaint would be that the story had an ending, as all stories do, and I did so want to keep reading on. Most highly recommended. Hooked is simply remarkable.” – READERS’ FAVORITE REVIEW

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Hooked Wins Silver Medal at IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards

Allen Wolf’s romantic comedy novel Hooked won the Silver Medal at the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards. This award is regarded as one of the highest national honors for independent publishers.

Hooked is a “charming, humorous, and hopeful tale” (Kirkus Reviews) about a man who finds his soulmate but his autism prevents him from realizing she’s a prostitute.

Blue Ink Review writes Hooked is “a sweet and entertaining romantic comedy, Hooked touches on autism and the power of faith. It will appeal to any reader who enjoys a blend of quirky characters, humor and drama.”

Hooked previously won the Gold Medal at the Readers’ Choice Book Awards, the Bronze at the IP Awards, was a finalist for the USA Book Awards, and is a finalist for the IndieFab Book of the Year.

Author Allen Wolf has won multiple awards as a filmmaker, author and game creator. He is currently at work on his next novel.

Hooked is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble and wherever funny, romantic novels are sold.

Hooked Named Finalist for Indiefab Book of the Year

Allen Wolf’s Hooked has been named a finalist for the 18th Annual Indiefab Book of the Year Awards.

Each year, Foreword Reviews shines a light on a select group of authors whose work stands out from the crowd. In the next two months, a panel of more than 100 volunteer librarians and booksellers will determine the winners based on their experience with readers and patrons.

Hooked is a romantic comedy about a man who finds his perfect soulmate but his autism prevents him from realizing she’s actually a prostitute. The novel has already won the Gold Medal from the Readers’ Choice Awards and the Silver Medal from the Independent Publishing Awards.

“I’m thrilled to be nominated for this prestigious award,” says author Allen Wolf. “After years of refining the story it’s encouraging whenever the novel is recognized.”

In their review of Hooked, Foreword Reviews writes, “Heartfelt, out-of-the-ordinary romance. This warm, witty story does not shy away from serious themes like exploitation, redemption, and true love. Hooked explores heavy issues with a light touch. It’s easy to see this being adapted into an enjoyable movie.”

Hooked is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.

Fight Human Trafficking

The stoy of Hooked highlights the important issue of human trafficking, which is the fastest growing criminal enterprise worldwide. You can make a difference by becoming involved in fighting human trafficking.

If you believe you have information about a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888: Call Specialists are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking. All reports are confidential and you may remain anonymous. Interpreters are available.

[pullquote type=”left”]10% of proceeds from the sales of Hooked are donated to organizations fighting human trafficking.[/pullquote]

Click here to submit a tip online. For immediate assistance or to speak directly with an NHTRC Call Specialist, please contact us 24/7 at 1-888-373-7888.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) toll-free hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-373-7888 to speak with a specially trained NHTRC Call Specialist. Support is provided in more than 200 languages. They are there to listen and connect you with the help you need to stay safe.

You can also email nhtrc@polarisproject.org.

For more resources and information on trafficking, visit traffickingresourcecenter.org.

CAST (Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking) and NightLight International gave insight and guidance into the human trafficking elements of Hooked. Please support their work and the efforts of these organizations:

ABC Nepal, a non-profit non- governmental organisation working in Nepal on trafficking of girls and minors across India and Arabian countries, founded by Durga Ghimire.
Anti-Slavery International, Anti-Slavery International works at local, national and international levels to eliminate all forms of slavery around the world Apne Aap Women Worldwide, a grassroots movement to end sex trafficking based in New Delhi, founded by Ruchira Gupta
8th Day Center for Justice, a Roman Catholic non-profit organization based in Chicago, Illinois
A Better World, an organization that is based in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada
A21 Campaign, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to fight human trafficking
ACT Alberta, a Canadian coalition of Government of Alberta representatives, non-governmental organizations, community organisations, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Agape International Missions, a nonprofit organization in Cambodia
Arizona League to End Regional Trafficking, a coalition representing partnerships with law enforcement, faith-based communities, non-profit organizations, social service agencies, attorneys and concerned citizens.
Awareness Against Human Trafficking (HAART) is non-governmental organization fighting against human trafficking in Kenya.
Blossom Care Network a faith based organization providing services to children rescued from sex trafficking.
Bishop Outreach, a non-profit, non-governmental organization involved in rescuing those enslaved in human trafficking.
Breaking Free, a nonprofit organization based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States that provides various services to prostitutes, such as help finding a place to live and a job outside the sex industry[9]
California Against Slavery, a human rights organization directed at strengthening California state laws to protect victims of sex trafficking
Called to Rescue, a non-profit worldwide organization based in Vancouver, Washington given to rescuing minor children from sex trafficking, violence and abuse.
Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation, a nonprofit organization that helps human trafficking victims, sex workers, and the homeless by providing them with resources
Chab Dai, a coalition founded by Helen Sworn that connects Christian organizations committed to ending sexual abuse and trafficking.
Challenging Heights, an organization founded by James Kofi Annan that promotes youth and family empowerment and children’s rights to education and freedom from forced labour in Ghana.
Childhope Asia Philippines, an international, non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization whose principal purpose is to advocate for the cause of street children throughout the world
Children of the Night is a non-profit organization that operates a 24-hour hotline and shelter/home for children ages 11-17 who have been involved in prostitution.
Children’s Organization of Southeast Asia (COSA), the Children’s Organization of Southeast Asia (COSA) is an International Organization which works towards the prevention of child human trafficking and sexual exploitation within the Northern regions of Thailand.
Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, an international non-governmental organization opposing human trafficking, prostitution, and other forms of commercial sex
Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, a Los Angeles-based anti-human trafficking organization
Crowns of Hope provides financial assistance and Christian therapy for female victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse in Central Texas.
Deborah’s Gate, a human trafficking victims safe house run by The Salvation Army in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada that opened in 2009
Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee, a collective of 65,000 sex workers in West Bengal
ECPAT, an international non-governmental organisation and network headquartered in Thailand which is designed to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children
The Emancipation Network, an international organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking and modern-day slavery
EVE, an advocacy group based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Face to Face Bulgaria, an organization whose primary mission is to prevent cases of forced prostitution and human trafficking in Bulgaria
Florida Abolitionist, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization opposing human trafficking in Florida, United States
Free the Slaves, is dedicating to ending Slavery Worldwide
GABRIELA, a leftist Filipino organization that advocates for women’s issues
Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women, a network of more than 100 non-governmental organisations from all regions of the world, who share a deep concern for the women, children and men whose human rights have been violated by the criminal practice of trafficking in persons
Hagar International is committed to the recovery, empowerment and reintegration of survivors of trafficking and severe abuse in Cambodia, Afghanistan and Vietnam.
Hope for Justice Hope for Justice identifies and rescues victims, advocates on their behalf, provides restorative care which rebuilds lives and trains frontline professionals to tackle slavery.
Ing Makababaying Aksyon, a feminist service institution that seeks to empower women and work for a society that genuinely recognises and upholds women’s rights
International Justice Mission, a U.S.-based non-profit human rights organization that operates in countries all over the world to rescue victims of individual human rights abuse
La Strada International Association, an international NGO network addressing trafficking in human beings in Europe
London Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, a London, Ontario, Canada-based nonprofit organisation opposing human trafficking by means of advocacy and education
Love 146 – Vision- The abolition of child trafficking and slavery, nothing less.
Maiti Nepal, a non-profit organization in Nepal dedicated to helping victims of sex trafficking
MANNA Freedom is the human trafficking prevention arm of MANNA Worldwide and provides awareness, resources and homes for at-risk children and teens.
Men Against Sexual Trafficking, a London, Ontario, Canada-based organisation that opposes human trafficking by educating men on the issue and encouraging them to stop buying sexual services provided by human trafficking victims
Mongolian Gender Equality Center, a non-governmental organization based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
NASHI, a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada-based organisation that opposes human trafficking by raising awareness through education
Not for Sale Campaign, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based out of California
Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons, a government agency responsible for coordinating efforts to address human trafficking in British Columbia, Canada
Physicians for Human Rights
Polaris Project, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that works to combat and prevent modern day slavery and human trafficking
PREDA Foundation, a charitable organization that was founded in Olongapo City, Philippines in 1974
Prerana is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works in the red-light districts of Mumbai, India to protect children vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking. The organization runs three night care centers for children at risk, as well as shelter homes and a residential training center for girls rescued from the trafficking trade.
Rahab Ministries Thailand, a Christian non-governmental organization that provides outreach for sexually trafficked women and children in Thailand
Ratanak International, an organisation that rescues children from sexual slavery and then provides them with education, rehabilitation, and safety
Reaching Out Romania, a non-governmental charitable organization in Romania that helps girls ages 13 to 22 exit the sex industry
Redlight Children Campaign, a non-profit organization created by New York lawyer and president of Priority Films Guy Jacobson and Israeli actress Adi Ezroni in 2002 to combat worldwide child sexual exploitation and human trafficking
Ricky Martin Foundation, an organization with the mission to advocate for the well-being of children around the world
Ride for Refuge, a cycling event that raises awareness and funds for displaced persons, including human trafficking victims
Run for Courage, a nonprofit organization that combats human trafficking
Shared Hope International, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization which exists to rescue and restore women and children in crisis
Slavery Footprint, a nonprofit organization based in Oakland, California that works to end human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
Stop Child Trafficking Now, an organization founded by Lynette Lewis, an author and public speaker
Stop the Traffik, a campaign coalition which aims to bring an end to human trafficking worldwide
The Samaritan Women, a nonprofit based in Baltimore, Maryland that operates a long-term restoration program for adult female survivors of human trafficking
Third World Movement Against the Exploitation of Women, an organization directed towards the liberation of women from all kinds of oppression and exploitation based on sex, race or class
Tiny Hands International, a Christian nonprofit organization dedicated to helping orphaned and abandoned children and fighting sex trafficking in South Asia
Together Let’s Stop Traffick, a global project set out to combat human trafficking in all forms by founding and operating a global information and intelligence center, that will also operate as a hub for the vast network of fellow counter-/anti-human trafficking organizations with whom relations are encouraged and to be maintained, and from which essential training services will be coordinated.
Truckers Against Trafficking, a nonprofit organization that trains truck drivers to recognize and report instances of human trafficking
Visayan Forum Foundation, a non-profit, non-stock and tax-exempt non-government organization in the Philippines established in 1991
Vital Voices, an international, non-profit, non-governmental organization that works with women leaders in the areas of economic empowerment, women’s political participation, and human rights.
Women’s Support Network of York Region, a nonprofit organization that serves the Regional Municipality of York in Ontario, Canada, operating with an anti-oppressive, anti-racist, feminist philosophy
World Orphans, an organization that funds the creation of orphanages in developing countries

To be added to this list of organizations, email info@morningstarpictures.com or leave a comment describing your organization.

Hooked Screenplay Named Top 15% at Austin Film Festival

The screenplay for Hooked, written by Allen Wolf, was named in the Top 15% in the 2015 Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition. Hooked was chosen from a record field of 8,627 individual scripts. Founded in 1994, the Austin Film Festival focuses on writers’ creative contributions to film and the Screenplay Competition receives more entries than any other competition in the world.

Hooked is a contemporary romantic comedy about a man who is desperate to find his soulmate and when he does, his autism prevents him from understanding she’s actually a prostitute. Writer Allen Wolf adapted the screenplay for Hooked into a novel which recently won the Gold Medal from the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and has been garnering critical praise.

In addition to being recognized in the Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition, the screenplay for Hooked also won:

• Screenplay Award at the Las Vegas Film Festival

• Top 5 Finalist for the Kairos Screenplay Competition

• 2nd Place in the Cinequest Screenwriting Competition

• Semi-finalist in the Final Draft Big Break Screenplay Contest

• Quarter Finalist in the BlueCat Screenplay Competition

• Semi-Finalist for Table Read My Screenplay

• Quarterfinalist in Scriptapalooza

• Rated Top 3% of Screenplays at Script Shark

• Honorable Mention at the Colorado Film Festival 

Filmmaker Allen Wolf has won multiple awards for his storytelling as a feature film writer, director and producer. Allen helmed In My Sleep, the award-winning thriller that debuted in theaters as the #1 new indie movie its opening weekend.  In My Sleep has been sold to over 70 countries and has garnered awards from nine film festivals, including “Best Picture” and the “Audience Award.” It is available on Amazon and iTunes.

Contact us for more information about Hooked.