C.J. Carter-Stephenson's Blog: ~ Crystal Clear ~, page 8
July 28, 2013
BEANS FOR DREAMS - Undergraduate Grant Fund!!!
Once upon a time, your humble blogger decided to start a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a grant that will allow students from deprived backgrounds who have demonstrated aptitude in writing genre fiction to study Creative Writing at university. I named the project BEANS FOR DREAMS in reference to the classic fairy-tale, Jack and the Beanstalk, which features a character’s fortunes changing for the better when he trades his family cow for some magic beans. The beans in the grant fund are metaphorical, but with any luck, they will be just as effective in changing someone’s life for the better. Various incentives are being offered for investment, including free copies of my own books, magazine subscriptions and the chance to win a set of signed books by various high profile authors (including Michael Moorcock, Philip Pullman & Ian Rankin). How the story ends depends on whether or not people decide to support me. To pledge a donation or find out more, visit the following link...
http://igg.me/at/beansfordreams/x/414...
You will have my sincere gratitude, as well as the gratitude of the student(s) who will ultimately benefit. Watch this space for updates.
July 19, 2013
Gatcombe & Chillerton Scarecrow Festival 2013
Once a year, the villages of Gatcombe and Chillerton on the Isle of Wight host a scarecrow festival. It's a quirky event that sees the residents of the two villages decorating their gardens with scarecrows of all shapes and sizes. It is free to attend, and although there are prizes for the best scarecrows, it is mainly done for the fun. This year's official winner was a pirate scarecrow, but my own favourite exhibit was a tableau of characters from 'The Wizard of Oz'. You can see me (easily mistakable for a scarecrow on my scruffier days) posing with these characters in the picture below...
July 15, 2013
Another Lulu.com coupon code...
Another tip-off for the bargain hunters amongst you... Lulu.com are currently offering 20% off their entire catalogue. Simply enter the coupon code 'SOCIUS' at checkout before midnight on the 19th July 2013 to take advantage of this great offer. As always, my author page, which features
The Crystal Ship
&
Bloodlust Variations
, can be found at the following link...
C.J. Carter-Stephenson Author Page
C.J. Carter-Stephenson Author Page
July 13, 2013
Another appearance as 1940s aviator...
Last weekend, the Isle of Wight steam railway held a 1940s event and I couldn't resist digging out my vintage aviator getup and attending. The outfit seemed to go down well with the people around me, as I got quite a few photo requests (now I know how Bieber feels), but I have to say, it was a little on the warm side. See it for yourself below...
Next stop Goodwood Revival 2013!
Next stop Goodwood Revival 2013!
July 11, 2013
Highlights from the Besthoff Sculpture Garden...
As promised in my previous post about the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, here are a couple of the many photos I took during my visit...
The sculpture you see on the left is Karma by Do-Ho Suh, while the one on the right is Monkeys by Rona Pondick. Not only are these works stunning to look at, but they also offer thought provoking insights into the human condition. Incidentally, these pictures are copyright to yours truly. All rights reserved.
The sculpture you see on the left is Karma by Do-Ho Suh, while the one on the right is Monkeys by Rona Pondick. Not only are these works stunning to look at, but they also offer thought provoking insights into the human condition. Incidentally, these pictures are copyright to yours truly. All rights reserved.
June 14, 2013
Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Now that the 2013 World Horror Convention has kicked off in New Orleans, there's been a lot of posts about the place over on my Facebook feed, so I thought I would jump on the bandwagon and post the following picture of myself horsing about at the Besthoff Sculpture Garden...
I was very taken with this piece, which is the work of Deborah Butterfield. Other favourites included Monkeys by Rona Pondick and Karma by Do-Ho Suh. I took some great photos of these (even if I do say so myself), and will probably get around to posting them eventually. Watch this space.
I was very taken with this piece, which is the work of Deborah Butterfield. Other favourites included Monkeys by Rona Pondick and Karma by Do-Ho Suh. I took some great photos of these (even if I do say so myself), and will probably get around to posting them eventually. Watch this space.
June 6, 2013
Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest
If you're going to be in the Chicago area this weekend and you're looking for something to do, might I recommend the Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest. With scheduled appearances from celebrities like Judy Blume, Art Spiegelman and Blue Balliett, it promises to be a memorable event, and the best news is that is is absolutely free (though tickets must be reserved in advance for select programs). Running from 10am – 10pm on 8th June and 10am – 6pm on 9th June in the city's historic Printers Row neighborhood, this festival is the largest outdoor literary event in the Midwest and is now in its 29th year. If any of you do decide to go, be sure to check out Table #140, where Literary Classics will be showcasing
The Crystal Ship
by yours truly, along with other award-winning titles. For more information about this great event, visit the link below.
Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest
Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest
June 4, 2013
Here be another bargain...
If anyone out there is interested in picking up a bargain from Lulu.com, you'll pleased to hear that they are currently running another of their promotions. Enter the coupon code 'GLOW' at checkout before midnight on the 7th June 2013 and get 20% off your order. My own humble additions to their vast catalogue can be found at the following link...
C.J. Carter-Stephenson Author Page
C.J. Carter-Stephenson Author Page
May 29, 2013
A.A. Milne reads from 'Winnie the Pooh'
I stumbled across this video and couldn't resist sharing it...
A.A. Milne reads from Winnie the Pooh
It's a recording of A.A. Milne reading from his classic work of children's fiction, Winnie-the-Pooh . The book has been adapted in numerous forms over the years, but hearing this extract from the author's own mouth is a truly unique experience. He does a great job of breathing life into his cast of beloved characters and I would definitely urge you to check it out. It's just a shame he didn't get the opportunity to record the whole book
A.A. Milne reads from Winnie the Pooh
It's a recording of A.A. Milne reading from his classic work of children's fiction, Winnie-the-Pooh . The book has been adapted in numerous forms over the years, but hearing this extract from the author's own mouth is a truly unique experience. He does a great job of breathing life into his cast of beloved characters and I would definitely urge you to check it out. It's just a shame he didn't get the opportunity to record the whole book
May 7, 2013
Ray Harryhausen Obituary!
It was with a heavy heart that I learned today of the death of the legendary Ray Harryhausen. With his pioneering work in stop-motion animation, Harryhausen had a profound effect on the motion picture industry and is cited as a key influence by luminaries like Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg and Tim Burton. More importantly, he brought joy to people across the world, creating a body of work that will never be forgotten. Harryhausen died yesterday (7th May) at the ripe old age of 92. Click here for a full obituary. As I'm sure you'll agree, it's a fitting tribute to a great man. The best way to remember him, though, is to revisit his wonderful animations. Why not start at the link below, where you can watch a classic clip from Clash of the Titans, featuring his favourite animated character, Medusa...
Clash of the Titans Clip
Clash of the Titans Clip
