Yvette Keller's Blog, page 26
April 18, 2017
Cuisine & Confessions: 7 Fingers of the Hand
Watching Cirque isn’t normally my bag (I will not say circus. There is zero resemblance to Barnum or Bailey here). I saw a deeply traumatizing Cirque du Soleil show in San Jose once, and have avoided the performance style ever since.
So when I tell you that Cuisine & Confessions by 7 Fingers of the Hand cirque troupe should be on your life bucket list, you can trust that you won’t be seeing “just another” costume, music, tumbling, flying trapeze extravaganza.
This show is more than excellen...
April 11, 2017
Reading Aloud: Tips Prepared for The Braille Institute of Santa Barbara
As part of the Library Week Open House, I’ll be speaking at the Braille Institute of Santa Barbara about being an audiobook narrator. The interview and discussion are open to the public, and if you’re at loose ends Thursday afternoon, please drop by!
The institute asked me to write up three tips for reading aloud to kids and adults, and I figured why not share them with my blog peeps, too?
Three Tips for Reading Out Loud to Kids
1) Repetition: Kids (of all ages) love repetition. This...
March 27, 2017
Guest Post: Local Travel
This week I’m the guest blogger over at Eva Barrow’s blog. You may recall that last month Eva shared with me about starting her Literary Journal, Imitation Fruit, on it’s 10th anniversary of publication.
I’m returning the favor by sharing images and thoughts about Mesa Lane Steps. Please go check out the cycles of change at my local beach, plus BONUS: Cute dog pictures!
Olieo and his favorite “float” toy during the king tides – Photo by Yvette Keller
March 19, 2017
The New Dirk Gently Series!
I’m super excited that this weekend Mark and I are going to watch the new Dirk Gently Series! Of all of Douglas Adams’ books, the ones about Dirk were my favorites.
Stay tuned to read a full review. Click here to watch along with us!
UPDATE: Ugh. I can’t recommend this series unless you have a strong stomach and really liked the movies Memento and Pulp Fiction. But if that’s you, watch away.
It has So. Much. Gore. Everyone gets kidnapped, shot, stabbed, electrocuted, or punched. The only...
March 6, 2017
Editing and Writing
It is a Manic Monday, and da-yam! I’ve been productive.
Check out the launch of my new page, and consider picking up one of the three books I’ve edited this year. Or, if you need some editing for a project yourself, there’s a handy new tool for you to quickly check in and get a quote on some professional feedback.
While my focus has been on making extant writing better, my friend and client, Shéa, has been blogging away about new content. I can’t wait to follow her basic advice and start a...
February 27, 2017
Halle Berry’s Fierce Mane of Curls
Seriously, my favorite fashion of the Oscars was Halle Berry’s hair, especially after reading this article from InStyle.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 26: Actor Halle Berry attends the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) I’m a total curl addict, and her mane was so perfect, the golden highlights and chocolate low lights accenting the precise coils. It was so impeccable that I was sure it was a w...
February 25, 2017
For Fun or Money. Often Both.
This month, new book releases have provided me with my first editing credits.
When I was asked recently to do “real” editing, I was hesitant. Should I accept payment for providing a service that I am not “trained” nor “licensed” to provide? I mean, Me? Edit!? No way…I barely remember what a participle is, let alone how to avoid dangling one.
A bit of research and discussions with editor friends helped me decide that yes, I could transition from reader-critique to p...
February 24, 2017
The New Dirk Gently Series!
I’m super excited that this weekend Mark and I are going to watch the new Dirk Gently Series! Of all of Douglas Adams’ books, the ones about Dirk were my favorites.
Stay tuned to read a full review. Click here to watch along with us!
February 14, 2017
The Venom in the Valentine
In the spirit of full disclosure, I provided developmental editing for this installment of the Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries. Even seeing it in its raw form, this is my favorite read so far in the series.
Shea MacLeod has climbed to new writing heights with her unique way of mixing of the hilarious with the sinister. Every reader will be able to relate to what happens when average people fall prey to their base prejudices, but Viola’s unique perspective as a writer and amateur sleuth means t...
February 9, 2017
“A euphemism for a state of being out of touch with reality”
If you think you’re going to get everything you want, you’re living in La La Land.
Especially if you dream of being a movie star that has it all, the guy who single-handedly saves Jazz, or a completely charmed modern movie goer.
Because modern movies just aren’t into that. Especially La La Land, written and directed by Damien Chazelle. Skip this movie to retain your dreams. Go see it to feel them shatter, albeit in an interesting way.
I heard a lot of buzz about this film, not all good. Abo...
