D.R. Schoel's Blog, page 3
March 22, 2021
Song of the Golden Brew
The latest tale from the Galactic Culinary Society is now available: Song of the Golden Brew (psst… it has something to do with beer)! It’s a stand-alone story, so if you’re still unfamiliar with the GCS this is the perfect place to jump in. Don’t miss out on the excitement!Song of the Golden Brew
February 15, 2021
An intro to the Galactic Culinary Society!
Some of you might have seen my posts for the “The Galactic Culinary Society & the Secrets of Umami”. Your first thought was probably, what the f%$@ is that? (If you haven’t seen my earlier posts, you’re most likely having a similar thought now).
Since the concept is a bit, uhm, different, I thought a bit of background might help...
I’m of course a lifelong fan of Sci-Fi, whether in books, movies or TV. But like many of you, I have other interests as well. I’ve worked in documentary television for nearly 20 years with the Inuit of the Arctic on lots and lots of shows (including feature docs that have been in the top 10 at TIFF, at Cannes, etc). In fact, if it weren’t for the Pandemic, I’d be in the editing studio right now with Inuit filmmakers (to be clear, I’m not Inuit; pretty obvious from my profile pic).
I’m also married to a beautiful Chinese woman, and we’ve travelled to China and spent a ton of time there; the first time I went was to meet her parents!
And I’ve dabbled a bit in screenwriting, working with Chad McQueen, son of movie icon Steve McQueen, on a biopic for Netflix… which Netflix sadly nixed… when they figured there wasn’t a large enough audience to justify a film about the legendary actor (they never even bothered to read the treatment we’d worked so hard on for over a year, after initially saying they were interested and giving the greenlight – that’s Hollywood for you!)
Coming back to the GCS (that’s the Galactic Culinary Society – remember why I’m writing this!), food has always been very important in my family. My brother even co-owned, at one time, a gourmet resto in Texas, and is a pretty amazing chef himself.
All these things have been brewing (sorry for the food pun) in my mind for years; I’ve long had the idea for a sort of Chef Hunter in space, who –just like real Chef Hunters on Earth- seeks out culinary ‘artifacts’ in far flung places.
Personally, I always found I learned the most about my Inuit colleagues, or people I’ve met in China (or any place I’ve travelled to for that matter), when gathered around the table for a friendly meal. And you know… I love to eat and try new things! (But I’m no food snob; cold, leftover pizza straight out of the fridge is one of my favourites!)
So, I knew I wanted to do something that was fun and escapist, away from the politics of our times… However important those issues might be, we all need a break from it every now and again - to refresh our minds, to look at things anew. Also, heck, it’s a Chef Hunter adventure in space! Not something that should be taken too seriously… though it can lend itself to different themes and concepts.
Anyhow, this idea slowly stewed (sorry again) in my brain for maybe ten years, until I finally hit on the idea that my Chef Hunter should be part of a Galactic Culinary Society; similar to the National Geographic Society or something like that… you know, a place where like-minded individuals meet to discuss, debate –even argue- over arcane ideas. A place where people put the highest priority not on seeking out gold or treasure, but on knowledge… that knowledge is of value, in and of itself.
Well, I’ve been working on these short novellas for over two years now, and it’s time for them to head out into the world. I’d like to invite you along for the ride: I’ve made the first story available free this February 16 & 17. I hope you’ll like it, and maybe even want to continue with the GCS. On my end, I have lots more to write about!
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Umami-...
Since the concept is a bit, uhm, different, I thought a bit of background might help...
I’m of course a lifelong fan of Sci-Fi, whether in books, movies or TV. But like many of you, I have other interests as well. I’ve worked in documentary television for nearly 20 years with the Inuit of the Arctic on lots and lots of shows (including feature docs that have been in the top 10 at TIFF, at Cannes, etc). In fact, if it weren’t for the Pandemic, I’d be in the editing studio right now with Inuit filmmakers (to be clear, I’m not Inuit; pretty obvious from my profile pic).
I’m also married to a beautiful Chinese woman, and we’ve travelled to China and spent a ton of time there; the first time I went was to meet her parents!
And I’ve dabbled a bit in screenwriting, working with Chad McQueen, son of movie icon Steve McQueen, on a biopic for Netflix… which Netflix sadly nixed… when they figured there wasn’t a large enough audience to justify a film about the legendary actor (they never even bothered to read the treatment we’d worked so hard on for over a year, after initially saying they were interested and giving the greenlight – that’s Hollywood for you!)
Coming back to the GCS (that’s the Galactic Culinary Society – remember why I’m writing this!), food has always been very important in my family. My brother even co-owned, at one time, a gourmet resto in Texas, and is a pretty amazing chef himself.
All these things have been brewing (sorry for the food pun) in my mind for years; I’ve long had the idea for a sort of Chef Hunter in space, who –just like real Chef Hunters on Earth- seeks out culinary ‘artifacts’ in far flung places.
Personally, I always found I learned the most about my Inuit colleagues, or people I’ve met in China (or any place I’ve travelled to for that matter), when gathered around the table for a friendly meal. And you know… I love to eat and try new things! (But I’m no food snob; cold, leftover pizza straight out of the fridge is one of my favourites!)
So, I knew I wanted to do something that was fun and escapist, away from the politics of our times… However important those issues might be, we all need a break from it every now and again - to refresh our minds, to look at things anew. Also, heck, it’s a Chef Hunter adventure in space! Not something that should be taken too seriously… though it can lend itself to different themes and concepts.
Anyhow, this idea slowly stewed (sorry again) in my brain for maybe ten years, until I finally hit on the idea that my Chef Hunter should be part of a Galactic Culinary Society; similar to the National Geographic Society or something like that… you know, a place where like-minded individuals meet to discuss, debate –even argue- over arcane ideas. A place where people put the highest priority not on seeking out gold or treasure, but on knowledge… that knowledge is of value, in and of itself.
Well, I’ve been working on these short novellas for over two years now, and it’s time for them to head out into the world. I’d like to invite you along for the ride: I’ve made the first story available free this February 16 & 17. I hope you’ll like it, and maybe even want to continue with the GCS. On my end, I have lots more to write about!
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Umami-...
January 12, 2021
Ebook sale
For those who missed it the first time around, the ebook of my screenplay, Young Steve McQueen, will be on sale for $0.99 from January 18 to the 23rd!
I worked with his son, Chad McQueen, on a project for Netflix and those insights informed this book.
However, you don't have to know anything about the legendary actor to enjoy this epic coming of age tale, filled with romance and globe-trotting adventure!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KQKP8ZM
I worked with his son, Chad McQueen, on a project for Netflix and those insights informed this book.
However, you don't have to know anything about the legendary actor to enjoy this epic coming of age tale, filled with romance and globe-trotting adventure!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KQKP8ZM
November 30, 2020
Free sample book pages
For those curious to know more, I've made the first 25 pages of my book, Young Steve McQueen, available... for a limited time only, until December 20th!
https://dropbox.com/s/a7fyupfwulank3n...
https://dropbox.com/s/a7fyupfwulank3n...
October 19, 2020
Free ebook
Don't forget, Young Steve McQueen the ebook is free today and tomorrow only. Pls take the time to write a review. Thanks!
https://amazon.com/dp/B08KQKP8ZM
https://amazon.com/dp/B08KQKP8ZM
October 9, 2020
free ebook
With less to go out and do, with cinemas mostly closed, why not try the next best thing… and read a movie screenplay?
My new book, Young Steve McQueen – the screenplay, is available now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KQKP8ZM
I worked with his son, Chad McQueen, on a project for Netflix and those insights informed this book.
And here’s a head’s up… the ebook will be free for 2 days only: Oct 19 & 20!
From the book jacket:
In the 1970s, Hollywood icon Steve McQueen was the number one draw at the box-office. This un-produced screenplay, widely circulated in Hollywood, recounts Steve’s early days before becoming a star: how he was forged into the King of Cool!
Thanks for taking the time and passing this on to any movie lovers you think might be interested!
-Dana Schoel
Twitter @drschoel2013
My new book, Young Steve McQueen – the screenplay, is available now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KQKP8ZM
I worked with his son, Chad McQueen, on a project for Netflix and those insights informed this book.
And here’s a head’s up… the ebook will be free for 2 days only: Oct 19 & 20!
From the book jacket:
In the 1970s, Hollywood icon Steve McQueen was the number one draw at the box-office. This un-produced screenplay, widely circulated in Hollywood, recounts Steve’s early days before becoming a star: how he was forged into the King of Cool!
Thanks for taking the time and passing this on to any movie lovers you think might be interested!
-Dana Schoel
Twitter @drschoel2013
October 8, 2020
Book background info
Hi,
here's a little info on the 2 books I've just recently released:
For my 'Young Steve McQueen' book, I worked with his son Chad McQueen on a project for Netflix.
For my book 'Six Years in China', I traveled all across the country, including Xinjiang, where Uyghurs have been put into detention camps.
I'm always open to questions on these topics!
thanks for reading.
here's a little info on the 2 books I've just recently released:
For my 'Young Steve McQueen' book, I worked with his son Chad McQueen on a project for Netflix.
For my book 'Six Years in China', I traveled all across the country, including Xinjiang, where Uyghurs have been put into detention camps.
I'm always open to questions on these topics!
thanks for reading.
