Chrissy Munder's Blog, page 74
May 24, 2011
From Ludington, with Love and Pride
I'm just a posting fool today, aren't I? But I couldn't wait to share this. Many of you may have clicked on my "links of interest" on the left sidebar. While browsing, you may also have visited the website for Todd & Brad Reed Photography. Having spent years in the Ludington area, and many awestruck hours in their gallery, imagine how emotional I became when I saw this post,
Gay Rights in America and in Ludington by Brad Reed , written for the Ludington Daily News and shared on Facebook.
Unfortunately, I just realized that you need to login to FB to see the post. For those who do not have an account I'll post the letter here -
On Sunday afternoon, I went to the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) and watched a brilliant readers’ theater performance of “The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later.” Hats off to director Chris Plummer and all of the performers for a job well done and for having the courage to help raise awareness of hate crimes and gay rights. After the performance, the cast remained on stage for an open discussion with the audience about how the brutal murder of Matt Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming back in 1998 has helped raise awareness of the issue of hate crimes towards the gay population in towns all across America.
Many local citizens joined the discussion and it was brought up that even in our beautiful little town of Ludington, our fellow residents who are gay sometimes feel afraid and unsafe. This was an eye opener for me and helped me realize that it is time to speak out about gay rights.
Being a straight man with a family and a business in Ludington, I never took the time to think about what it would be like to be a gay resident or visitor to the Ludington area. I assumed it would be generally awesome, like my daily experiences in the town I have lived in all my life. I have several friends and acquaintances who live here who are gay and they usually seem happy and carefree, so it was a shock when I had my “aha” moment on Sunday after the performance at the LACA.
My “aha” moment was that even as a straight man in Ludington, I live in fear of being labeled as a gay rights supporter. I realized I have fear of it affecting my business, but also I fear being harassed or shunned by life long friends and the general population of the Ludington area. Sitting there I realized how sad it was that I was hesitant to vocalize my support. Realizing that shook me to the core. I knew at that moment I had to take action and write this letter.
I strongly believe that gay people in Ludington need to be treated with the same level of respect that straight people enjoy and that gay people should be able to walk our sidewalks, eat in our restaurants, and shop in our stores without the fear of being harassed, stared at, or disrespected in any way. I also believe straight people need to be able to feel safe showing their support of gay rights.
Our amazing country of the United States of America has had several civil rights movements. First, we got women the rights they deserved, then we fought to get the African Americans the rights they deserved, and now we need to get the gay AMERICANS the rights they deserve. The gay rights movement has gained a lot of momentum in America the last few years, and I hope it does in Ludington as well. I love the Ludington area, I believe in the Ludington area, and I spend my life promoting the Ludington area. I think it would be great if we could all band together and promote Ludington as a safe zone for ALL of its residents and visitors. I hope that even if you don’t condone a gay lifestyle or understand a gay lifestyle, you can still treat gay people with the respect and dignity they deserve under the Constitution of the United States of America.
Gay Rights in America and in Ludington by Brad Reed , written for the Ludington Daily News and shared on Facebook.
Unfortunately, I just realized that you need to login to FB to see the post. For those who do not have an account I'll post the letter here -
On Sunday afternoon, I went to the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) and watched a brilliant readers’ theater performance of “The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later.” Hats off to director Chris Plummer and all of the performers for a job well done and for having the courage to help raise awareness of hate crimes and gay rights. After the performance, the cast remained on stage for an open discussion with the audience about how the brutal murder of Matt Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming back in 1998 has helped raise awareness of the issue of hate crimes towards the gay population in towns all across America.
Many local citizens joined the discussion and it was brought up that even in our beautiful little town of Ludington, our fellow residents who are gay sometimes feel afraid and unsafe. This was an eye opener for me and helped me realize that it is time to speak out about gay rights.
Being a straight man with a family and a business in Ludington, I never took the time to think about what it would be like to be a gay resident or visitor to the Ludington area. I assumed it would be generally awesome, like my daily experiences in the town I have lived in all my life. I have several friends and acquaintances who live here who are gay and they usually seem happy and carefree, so it was a shock when I had my “aha” moment on Sunday after the performance at the LACA.
My “aha” moment was that even as a straight man in Ludington, I live in fear of being labeled as a gay rights supporter. I realized I have fear of it affecting my business, but also I fear being harassed or shunned by life long friends and the general population of the Ludington area. Sitting there I realized how sad it was that I was hesitant to vocalize my support. Realizing that shook me to the core. I knew at that moment I had to take action and write this letter.
I strongly believe that gay people in Ludington need to be treated with the same level of respect that straight people enjoy and that gay people should be able to walk our sidewalks, eat in our restaurants, and shop in our stores without the fear of being harassed, stared at, or disrespected in any way. I also believe straight people need to be able to feel safe showing their support of gay rights.
Our amazing country of the United States of America has had several civil rights movements. First, we got women the rights they deserved, then we fought to get the African Americans the rights they deserved, and now we need to get the gay AMERICANS the rights they deserve. The gay rights movement has gained a lot of momentum in America the last few years, and I hope it does in Ludington as well. I love the Ludington area, I believe in the Ludington area, and I spend my life promoting the Ludington area. I think it would be great if we could all band together and promote Ludington as a safe zone for ALL of its residents and visitors. I hope that even if you don’t condone a gay lifestyle or understand a gay lifestyle, you can still treat gay people with the respect and dignity they deserve under the Constitution of the United States of America.
Aha! Learning something new everyday
I've been having fun poking about my new, more inspiring and positive feeds and came across this lovely gem. Now, I know several out there will roll their eyes and wonder why I found this so cool ... but for those of us who still wobble about on training wheels and haven't grasped the supposed intuitiveness of our friend, social media and the Twitter phenomenon, it's a straightforward explanation even my grandmother would understand.
How to use Twitter by Nathan Bransford.
How to use Twitter by Nathan Bransford.
May 23, 2011
Monday Madness: The Burp & Fart Question
Had a busy weekend chatting at LNC with my fellow DSP First Time for Everything authors. We had a lot of fun, and I couldn't resist tossing out "The Burp & Fart Question". While opinions seldomly impact my writing decisions, the replies were hysterical and ran the gambit of any and all possible responses. For those who couldn't attend, let me share:
I recently worked on a story where one of my characters was quite proud of his ability to fart the theme to "Jaws". (he's based on a friend who worked *years* to perfect this skill and shows it off at parties). Another friend read the snip and immediately said "No way! I don't want to read that!"
How about it? As a reader, would that character be a bit too 3-dimensional for you? Or are you comfortable with writers celebrating life, laughter, and men in all shapes, sizes, and odors?
Week 4 of the Dreamspinner Press Birthday Celebration
There's still time to enjoy the Dreamspinner Press May Specials including:
20% off all ebooks in the Dreamspinner Press store.A drawing each week for an ebook reader of the winner’s choice: Kindle WiFi, NOOK WiFi, or Sony PRS 350SCThe discounted price of $49.99 on the 2011 DD set – First Time for Everything until May 25thWeek Four Special:
All Dreamspinner Press Anthology ebooks 50% off!
And be sure to check the Dreamspinner Press Homepage May 29, 30, and 31st for three special surprises.
May 19, 2011
Reminder: Weekend Excerpt Blow-out for the DSP First Time for Everything Stories
Exciting news! Seven, count them seven, heads on the poppy plant this year. At least all this rain is good for something! Anyway, just a reminder for those interested in excerpts and idle chat: The Dreamspinner Authors involved in the 2011 Daily Dose - First Time for Everything, will be visiting the Literary Nymphs Chat Yahoo Group this weekend, Saturday and Sunday May 21-22.
Whether you've already purchased the entire package, or are looking to pick and choose stories once they are available for individual sale, here's your chance to meet the authors and read a veritable slew of excerpts all in one convenient place.
Don't forget, discounts still abound with the DSP Birthday Celebration, and there are sure to be contests and prizes to be had. Come join the fun.
May 18, 2011
WIPs - To Cull or to Cuddle? Clare & Chrissy's Spring Cleaning Adventures
Forget about the latest news leak re: The Sperminator, or your despair at learning how skim milk will make you fat. Join The Clare and Chrissy Show live and in progress, as we take our Spring Cleaning to new heights.
Click HERE to give us your thoughts.
May 16, 2011
Week 3 of the DSP Birthday Celebration = Free eBook Downloads!!
The Dreamspinner Press Birthday Celebration continues! Buy that item on your wishlist and receive 20% off all ebooks in the Dreamspinner Press store. Be entered into a new drawing each week for an ebook reader of the winner's choice: Kindle WiFi, NOOK WiFi, or Sony PRS 350SC. Special pricing of $49.99 on the 2011 DD set – First Time for Everything until May 25th.
Week Three Specials: (and my personal favorite)
Download the first book from seven of our most popular series FREE – a different book each day.
Sunday – May 15 – Condor One by John Simpson
Monday – May 16 – Litha's Whim by Amy Lane
Tuesday – May 17 – Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux
Wednesday – May 18 – Promises by Marie Sexton
Thursday – May 19 – His Hearth by Mary Calmes
Friday – May 20 – Love Means… No Shame by Andrew Grey
Saturday – May 21 – Luke by Jan Irving
Week Three Specials: (and my personal favorite)
Download the first book from seven of our most popular series FREE – a different book each day.
Sunday – May 15 – Condor One by John Simpson
Monday – May 16 – Litha's Whim by Amy Lane
Tuesday – May 17 – Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux
Wednesday – May 18 – Promises by Marie Sexton
Thursday – May 19 – His Hearth by Mary Calmes
Friday – May 20 – Love Means… No Shame by Andrew Grey
Saturday – May 21 – Luke by Jan Irving
May 9, 2011
Week 2 of the Dreamspinner Press Birthday Celebration Sale
Dreamspinner Press - May Specials - Now through midnight EST May 31, 2011.
The celebration continues with:
20% off all ebooks in the Dreamspinner Press store.
A drawing each week for an ebook reader of the winner's choice: Kindle WiFi, NOOK WiFi, or Sony PRS 350SC
49.99 on the 2011 DD set - First Time for Everything until May 25
Week Two Specials:
30% off all ebooks that are turning 3
Far From Home by Madeleine Urban
Alliance in Blood by Ariel Tachna
The Archer by Abigail Roux
Murder Most Gay by John Simpson
Love Ahead by Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux
Condor One by John Simpson
Sparks Fly by Clare London
Selfless by Michael Powers
Children of Bacchus by Andrew Grey
Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux
Task Force by John Simpson
Covenant in Blood by Ariel Tachna
Irish Winter by John Simpson
True Blue by Connie Bailey
The celebration continues with:
20% off all ebooks in the Dreamspinner Press store.
A drawing each week for an ebook reader of the winner's choice: Kindle WiFi, NOOK WiFi, or Sony PRS 350SC
49.99 on the 2011 DD set - First Time for Everything until May 25
Week Two Specials:
30% off all ebooks that are turning 3
Far From Home by Madeleine Urban
Alliance in Blood by Ariel Tachna
The Archer by Abigail Roux
Murder Most Gay by John Simpson
Love Ahead by Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux
Condor One by John Simpson
Sparks Fly by Clare London
Selfless by Michael Powers
Children of Bacchus by Andrew Grey
Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux
Task Force by John Simpson
Covenant in Blood by Ariel Tachna
Irish Winter by John Simpson
True Blue by Connie Bailey
May 5, 2011
Excerpt Thursday! Dreamspinner Authors at LRC - chatting now!
Dashing in late, *wheeze**wheeze* It's Dreamspinner Author Day at Love Romance's Cafe Yahoo Group. There's already a discount code posted, plus the first contest!! Oh, and did I mention excerpts? You betcha. I'm hitting and running, but hope to see you there.
May 2, 2011
Dreamspinner Press Celebrates Four Romance-Filled Years!
Depending on how many DSP authors you have on your f'list, you may be a bit tired of seeing this post. But I am excited to share as there are some great deals ahead for readers.
Dreamspinner Press - May Specials - Now through midnight EST May 31, 2011.
20% off all ebooks in the Dreamspinner Press store.
A drawing each week for an ebook reader of the winner's choice: Kindle WiFi, NOOK WiFi, or Sony PRS 350SC
49.99 on the 2011 DD set - First Time for Everything until May 25
Here are the Week One Specials:
40% off all ebooks that are turning 4:
A Summer Place
Cursed
To Love a Cowboy
Slight Details & Random Events
Caught Running
Diplomacy
Enjoy!
Dreamspinner Press - May Specials - Now through midnight EST May 31, 2011.
20% off all ebooks in the Dreamspinner Press store.
A drawing each week for an ebook reader of the winner's choice: Kindle WiFi, NOOK WiFi, or Sony PRS 350SC
49.99 on the 2011 DD set - First Time for Everything until May 25
Here are the Week One Specials:
40% off all ebooks that are turning 4:
A Summer Place
Cursed
To Love a Cowboy
Slight Details & Random Events
Caught Running
Diplomacy
Enjoy!
