Michael Embry's Blog, page 40
February 12, 2014
The Bully List Trailer -- Finally
One of the tasks an author should do is have a trailer for their book.
Ideally, it should be done before the publication date. If not then, at least by publication date. And if that can't be accomplished, then soon after publication date.
As you can see, the trailer for "The Bully List" is nearly five months after publication (Oct. 1). I don't want to make excuses but I will mention work, outside activities and the holidays. I hope you can give me a little slack.
One more thing: Procrastination.
But I figure it's better to get something out rather than nothing out all. I hope it will spark some more sales in the novel -- which is aimed for middle-school and above including adults.
So please forgive me for dragging my feet in producing this trailer (something indie and self-published authors can understand).
I'll try to be more timely with my next novel -- but I'm not making any promises!
Until the next time...
Ideally, it should be done before the publication date. If not then, at least by publication date. And if that can't be accomplished, then soon after publication date.
As you can see, the trailer for "The Bully List" is nearly five months after publication (Oct. 1). I don't want to make excuses but I will mention work, outside activities and the holidays. I hope you can give me a little slack.
One more thing: Procrastination.
But I figure it's better to get something out rather than nothing out all. I hope it will spark some more sales in the novel -- which is aimed for middle-school and above including adults.
So please forgive me for dragging my feet in producing this trailer (something indie and self-published authors can understand).
I'll try to be more timely with my next novel -- but I'm not making any promises!
Until the next time...
February 9, 2014
Fifty Years Ago Today -- The Beatles
Many of us in the United States are celebrating The Beatles today. It was 50 years ago that the Fab Four made their debut on the popular "The Ed Sullivan Show."
We didn't have cable or satellite TV in those dark black-and-white ages. It was the NBC, CBS, and ABC networks that ruled the airwaves.
On on that magical evening on Feb. 9, 1964, John, Paul, George, and Ringo were in the spotlight, and Beatlemania was in full bloom.
I was at church with my family that eventful evening in Campbellsville, Ky. The one-hour service ended at 8; that's when the "The Ed Sullivan Show" was broadcast.
We hurried home to see the program. I think my Mom and Dad were curious to see the Beatles on TV as well. And then came Ed Sullivan's distinctive introduction, "Ladies and gentlemen, The Beatles!"
It was earsplitting listening and watching the reaction to the group as they performed, especially the young girls screaming and shrieking. Ed Sullivan even seemed to be shaken up by the noise from the audience.
The atmosphere was simply electric, even for a country boy watching the show in Kentucky.
I've been a fan of the Beatles for more than 50 years, first hearing the group's music on WLS in Chicago and WABC in New York. I suppose I own most, if not all, of their music.
It's not that often when folks recall where they were when cultural happenings in their lives. That's usually reserved for events such as the attack on Pearl Harbor, JFK's assassination, the Apollo 11's lunar landing or the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Needless to say, the Beatles changed the course of music and influenced countless musicians and non-musicians like me. And it marked the first wave of the British Invasion that led to other acts such as The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, and The Dave Clark 5.
Remember this song -- "We Love You Beatles" from many years ago?
"We love you Beatles
Oh, yes, we do
We love you, Beatles,
And we'll be true
"When you're not near to us
We're blue
Oh, Beatles, we love you
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)"
After a half century, we still love the Beatles. It seems like only yesterday.
Until the next time...
We didn't have cable or satellite TV in those dark black-and-white ages. It was the NBC, CBS, and ABC networks that ruled the airwaves.On on that magical evening on Feb. 9, 1964, John, Paul, George, and Ringo were in the spotlight, and Beatlemania was in full bloom.
I was at church with my family that eventful evening in Campbellsville, Ky. The one-hour service ended at 8; that's when the "The Ed Sullivan Show" was broadcast.
We hurried home to see the program. I think my Mom and Dad were curious to see the Beatles on TV as well. And then came Ed Sullivan's distinctive introduction, "Ladies and gentlemen, The Beatles!"
It was earsplitting listening and watching the reaction to the group as they performed, especially the young girls screaming and shrieking. Ed Sullivan even seemed to be shaken up by the noise from the audience.
The atmosphere was simply electric, even for a country boy watching the show in Kentucky.
I've been a fan of the Beatles for more than 50 years, first hearing the group's music on WLS in Chicago and WABC in New York. I suppose I own most, if not all, of their music.
It's not that often when folks recall where they were when cultural happenings in their lives. That's usually reserved for events such as the attack on Pearl Harbor, JFK's assassination, the Apollo 11's lunar landing or the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Needless to say, the Beatles changed the course of music and influenced countless musicians and non-musicians like me. And it marked the first wave of the British Invasion that led to other acts such as The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, and The Dave Clark 5.
Remember this song -- "We Love You Beatles" from many years ago?
"We love you Beatles
Oh, yes, we do
We love you, Beatles,
And we'll be true
"When you're not near to us
We're blue
Oh, Beatles, we love you
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)"
After a half century, we still love the Beatles. It seems like only yesterday.
Until the next time...
February 4, 2014
Writer's Block or Burnout?
With the exception of prolific authors such as Stephen King, Nora Roberts, Isaac Asimov, Barbara Cartland, and Danielle Steel and a few others, there are times for the rest of us when it's simply difficult to write.
Is it writer's block, or perhaps burnout? Or a bit of both?
Sometimes when we have plans to write, but life happens and takes us away from those best intentions. And in the interim, we lose focus and put it aside for another time. Procrastination.
Now some writers recommend that the best way to break through writer's block is to write. That has worked for me at times.
But I find the key to success is having a purpose for what I'm writing. There has to be a goal. I certainly don't want to be writing around in circles.
That's why it's good to have solid ideas on what you want to put on the screen. It at least gives you a map to look at while you're unsure which road to take. By writing, you will probably find the direction you want to go.
And sometimes I wonder if writers simply develop burnout after so many years? Weak sales may make some decide that there are better things to do. Some may decide the struggle simply isn't worth it. It does get discouraging at times.
There are other reasons as well, such as physical or mental illnesses. Maybe there is something physically wrong that takes us from our writing. Maybe depression is working against us. Sometimes we don't realize what has diverted us from something we once enjoyed.
Whatever the reasons, sometimes it's good to take a break from the rigors of it all. We all know it's a rather lonely endeavor to write a book.
Until the next time...
Is it writer's block, or perhaps burnout? Or a bit of both?
Sometimes when we have plans to write, but life happens and takes us away from those best intentions. And in the interim, we lose focus and put it aside for another time. Procrastination.
Now some writers recommend that the best way to break through writer's block is to write. That has worked for me at times.
But I find the key to success is having a purpose for what I'm writing. There has to be a goal. I certainly don't want to be writing around in circles.
That's why it's good to have solid ideas on what you want to put on the screen. It at least gives you a map to look at while you're unsure which road to take. By writing, you will probably find the direction you want to go.
And sometimes I wonder if writers simply develop burnout after so many years? Weak sales may make some decide that there are better things to do. Some may decide the struggle simply isn't worth it. It does get discouraging at times.
There are other reasons as well, such as physical or mental illnesses. Maybe there is something physically wrong that takes us from our writing. Maybe depression is working against us. Sometimes we don't realize what has diverted us from something we once enjoyed.
Whatever the reasons, sometimes it's good to take a break from the rigors of it all. We all know it's a rather lonely endeavor to write a book.
Until the next time...
January 31, 2014
Spotlight on Steppenwolf
If there was an anthem for rebellious young people in the late 1960s, one would have to consider Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild."
The song captured the spirit of the times as folks were involved in the anti-war and civil rights movements, various campus protests, and other social issues.
And the song included these famous lyrics by Mars Bonfire:
"I like smoke and lightnin'
Heavy metal thunder..."
And thus was born the phrase for "heavy metal" music, used to describe the sounds of Cream, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and, of course, Steppenwolf.
Steppenwolf was an immensely popular group from 1968-72, producing eight gold albums and more than 10 top ten singles including No. 2 "Born To Be Wild," No. 3 "Magic Carpet Ride," and No. 10 "Rock Me."
Two of their songs, "The Pusher" and "Born To Be Wild," were featured in the counter-culture movie, "Easy Rider."
Another underground hit, which drew the ire of the Establishment, was "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam," which criticized marijuana laws. Some of their other hit songs were "Sookie Sookie," "Jupiter Child" and "Hey Lawdy Mama."
Steppenwolf, featuring the bluesy vocals of John Kay, was a power group that influenced artists such as Grand Funk Railroad, Mountain, Bad Company, and Foreigner.
And surprisingly, this great group has been overlooked by Rock and Rock Hall of Fame, as they became eligible in 1993. Twenty-one years. I find that hard to understand. For anyone who grew up in the '60s, they know the impact of Steppenwolf on rock music.
Now, enjoy some Steppenwolf:
Until the next time...
The song captured the spirit of the times as folks were involved in the anti-war and civil rights movements, various campus protests, and other social issues.
And the song included these famous lyrics by Mars Bonfire:
"I like smoke and lightnin'
Heavy metal thunder..."
And thus was born the phrase for "heavy metal" music, used to describe the sounds of Cream, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and, of course, Steppenwolf.
Steppenwolf was an immensely popular group from 1968-72, producing eight gold albums and more than 10 top ten singles including No. 2 "Born To Be Wild," No. 3 "Magic Carpet Ride," and No. 10 "Rock Me."
Two of their songs, "The Pusher" and "Born To Be Wild," were featured in the counter-culture movie, "Easy Rider."
Another underground hit, which drew the ire of the Establishment, was "Don't Step on the Grass, Sam," which criticized marijuana laws. Some of their other hit songs were "Sookie Sookie," "Jupiter Child" and "Hey Lawdy Mama."
Steppenwolf, featuring the bluesy vocals of John Kay, was a power group that influenced artists such as Grand Funk Railroad, Mountain, Bad Company, and Foreigner.
And surprisingly, this great group has been overlooked by Rock and Rock Hall of Fame, as they became eligible in 1993. Twenty-one years. I find that hard to understand. For anyone who grew up in the '60s, they know the impact of Steppenwolf on rock music.
Now, enjoy some Steppenwolf:
Until the next time...
January 29, 2014
Pete Seeger: An Influential Life
Pete Seeger lived a long and productive life that touched and influenced several generations of Americans. He passed away on Jan. 27 at the age of 94.
Mr. Seeger was at the forefront of folk music, a political activist, a voice for the common person, and an environmentalist.
A Harvard dropout and World War II veteran, he was also a man of conviction and determination -- always true to himself and others. He wasn't afraid to speak out and stand up against McCarthyism in the 1950s.
I can't add anything about his great man that hasn't already been said (much better) by others such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and President Obama. Read some of the tributes by clicking here and here.
I do recall back in my college years in the 1960s that one of my friends knew Mr. Seeger. She was going to invite him to one of our protests and was confident he would be there. But things happened, then school let out for the summer, and we went on with our lives. If I could only turn back the hands of time.
Mr. Seeger will be missed but his legacy will live on in songs such as "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" "If I Had a Hammer," "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy," and "Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There Is a Season)."
And for those involved in civil rights -- past, present, and future --"We Shall Overcome."
Here's a few videos.
Until the next time...
Mr. Seeger was at the forefront of folk music, a political activist, a voice for the common person, and an environmentalist.
A Harvard dropout and World War II veteran, he was also a man of conviction and determination -- always true to himself and others. He wasn't afraid to speak out and stand up against McCarthyism in the 1950s.
I can't add anything about his great man that hasn't already been said (much better) by others such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and President Obama. Read some of the tributes by clicking here and here.
I do recall back in my college years in the 1960s that one of my friends knew Mr. Seeger. She was going to invite him to one of our protests and was confident he would be there. But things happened, then school let out for the summer, and we went on with our lives. If I could only turn back the hands of time.
Mr. Seeger will be missed but his legacy will live on in songs such as "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" "If I Had a Hammer," "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy," and "Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There Is a Season)."
And for those involved in civil rights -- past, present, and future --"We Shall Overcome."
Here's a few videos.
Until the next time...
January 27, 2014
Radio Woes
I was listening to the radio tonight while preparing dinner. For those who read my blog, they know I love music.
Something that has bothered me for a long time is the lack of information about music played on radio. What I mean is that the disc jockeys, or whomever plays the music, very seldom mentions the artist, or at least, the name of the song.
I heard several songs that I thought were very good, perhaps prompting me to purchase the music. But it's kinda hard to do that when you don't know who recorded the song.
I think those folks believe that listeners simply know by osmosis. Yes, there were a few artists I knew such as REM and Hootie and the Blowfish.
I heard something by Lady Gaga, and liked it, and fortunately the disc jockey mentioned her name, but not the title of the song.
I wonder if record sales would increase if radios would let their listeners know who made the music? Somehow, I believe it would help.
I grew up in an era when it was customary for the jocks to mention the artist and the title, and in such a way you wouldn't forget. Even songs by the Beatles.
Until the next time...
Something that has bothered me for a long time is the lack of information about music played on radio. What I mean is that the disc jockeys, or whomever plays the music, very seldom mentions the artist, or at least, the name of the song.I heard several songs that I thought were very good, perhaps prompting me to purchase the music. But it's kinda hard to do that when you don't know who recorded the song.
I think those folks believe that listeners simply know by osmosis. Yes, there were a few artists I knew such as REM and Hootie and the Blowfish.
I heard something by Lady Gaga, and liked it, and fortunately the disc jockey mentioned her name, but not the title of the song.
I wonder if record sales would increase if radios would let their listeners know who made the music? Somehow, I believe it would help.
I grew up in an era when it was customary for the jocks to mention the artist and the title, and in such a way you wouldn't forget. Even songs by the Beatles.
Until the next time...
January 24, 2014
Farewell to a Legendary Maestro
Last Monday one of the true greats in music passed away -- Claudio Abbado.
The brilliant Italian conducted many of the great symphony orchestras around the world. He was known as a perfectionist in a way I can admire.
According to reports, he was very detailed in preparing musicians for performances. And when the time came to play in the great concert halls, he allowed them to totally express themselves, bringing dynamic emotion to the music. He understood the music and respected the musicians. One conductor called the performances "electrifying."
I'm strictly a layperson when it comes to classical music. I love to listen to it while I'm writing and at work. I first became aware of Claudio Abbado about eight years ago when I came across recordings of works by Beethoven, Mahler, Mozart and others that he conducted. They were simply extraordinary.
My favorite was Abbado's masterful work with the Berliner Philharmoniker's performance of Dvorak's "New World Symphony." Abbado was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2000 but gave us more wonderful music until he passed away at age 80.
Fortunately, we have his recordings that will remind us of his genius.
January 23, 2014
Writing Quandary
Sometimes it's difficult to begin a writing project because, well, you don't know where to begin.
I've had several ideas bounce around in my head about what I want to write but haven't been able to put down that first word to get me going. I suppose I could start in the middle or the end, and work my way back to a beginning. Even that sounds too confusing.
While I often encourage folks to write with reckless abandon, that's much easier to do when you have know the direction you want to pursue, at least initially.
I think many writers haven't taken off in one direction, only to head off another way once they get into their story. I know I have.
I'm also weighing whether to write a young adult or contemporary mainstream novel. The final determination will be the "adult" factor. Perhaps I'm old-fashioned, but I don't like to expose young folks to plot lines before their time. I know other young-adult writers disagree with me on this matter.
Of course, I could multi-task and work on several novels. Maybe one would emerge as the stronger story while the others would be relegated to future projects.
I do hope to get moving on another manuscript in the next week or so.
Until the next time...
I've had several ideas bounce around in my head about what I want to write but haven't been able to put down that first word to get me going. I suppose I could start in the middle or the end, and work my way back to a beginning. Even that sounds too confusing.
While I often encourage folks to write with reckless abandon, that's much easier to do when you have know the direction you want to pursue, at least initially.
I think many writers haven't taken off in one direction, only to head off another way once they get into their story. I know I have.
I'm also weighing whether to write a young adult or contemporary mainstream novel. The final determination will be the "adult" factor. Perhaps I'm old-fashioned, but I don't like to expose young folks to plot lines before their time. I know other young-adult writers disagree with me on this matter.
Of course, I could multi-task and work on several novels. Maybe one would emerge as the stronger story while the others would be relegated to future projects.
I do hope to get moving on another manuscript in the next week or so.
Until the next time...
January 19, 2014
The Music That Moved Me and You
Recently on Facebook a friend tagged me on a survey of 10 albums that have stayed with me through the years:
"Rules: In your status update, list 10 albums that have stayed with you in some way. Don't take a few minutes, and don't think too hard. They don't have to be the "right" or "great" records. Just the ones that have touched you. Tag 10 (or more) friends, including me, so I'll see your list."
My choices were:
The Doors -- Strange Days
The Moody Blues -- On the Threshold of a Dream
Cream -- Fresh Cream
Spirit (self-titled)
The Beatles -- Revolver
The Beach Boys -- Pet Sounds
Gary McFarland and Peter Smith -- Butterscotch Rum
Jimi Hendrix -- Are You Experienced
Double -- Blue
Needless to say, it was difficult keeping the list at 10 albums, especially after viewing the music others were putting down.
It was also interesting to see lists from those much younger than me, especially naming albums/artists I wasn't familiar with (thank goodnesss there weren't any Justin Beiber albums on their lists). They included Justin Timberlake, Pink, Adele, Super Furry Animals, and more.
Among the other albums that "touched" me that made to other's lists were:
Carole King -- Tapestry
Rod Stewart -- Every Picture Tells a Story
Crosby, Stills and Nash -- first album
Led Zeppelin -- first album
Van Morrison -- Moondance
I even added a few honorable mentions:
Love -- Forever Changes
Blue Cheer -- Vincebus Eruptum
Procol Harum -- Shine on Brightly
Bruce Springsteen -- The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle
And a few more that I just thought of:
Steppenwolf -- first album
Yes -- Close to the Edge
Alan Parsons Project -- I Robot
Jefferson Airplane -- Surrealistic Pillow
The Yardbirds -- Having a Rave Up
ELO -- El Dorado
CCR -- Bayou Country
I could probably name another 20 (or more) albums (Lovin' Spoonful, The Turtles, Sam Cooke, The Byrds, The Drifters, Janis Joplin, Chambers Brothers, etc.) but I'll stop here.
Do you care to share your top 10 list here? Please share.
Until the next time...
"Rules: In your status update, list 10 albums that have stayed with you in some way. Don't take a few minutes, and don't think too hard. They don't have to be the "right" or "great" records. Just the ones that have touched you. Tag 10 (or more) friends, including me, so I'll see your list."
My choices were:
The Doors -- Strange DaysThe Moody Blues -- On the Threshold of a Dream
Cream -- Fresh Cream
Spirit (self-titled)
The Beatles -- Revolver
The Beach Boys -- Pet Sounds
Gary McFarland and Peter Smith -- Butterscotch Rum
Jimi Hendrix -- Are You Experienced
Double -- Blue
Needless to say, it was difficult keeping the list at 10 albums, especially after viewing the music others were putting down.
It was also interesting to see lists from those much younger than me, especially naming albums/artists I wasn't familiar with (thank goodnesss there weren't any Justin Beiber albums on their lists). They included Justin Timberlake, Pink, Adele, Super Furry Animals, and more.Among the other albums that "touched" me that made to other's lists were:
Carole King -- TapestryRod Stewart -- Every Picture Tells a Story
Crosby, Stills and Nash -- first album
Led Zeppelin -- first album
Van Morrison -- Moondance
I even added a few honorable mentions:
Love -- Forever ChangesBlue Cheer -- Vincebus Eruptum
Procol Harum -- Shine on Brightly
Bruce Springsteen -- The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle
And a few more that I just thought of:
Steppenwolf -- first albumYes -- Close to the Edge
Alan Parsons Project -- I Robot
Jefferson Airplane -- Surrealistic Pillow
The Yardbirds -- Having a Rave Up
ELO -- El Dorado
CCR -- Bayou Country
I could probably name another 20 (or more) albums (Lovin' Spoonful, The Turtles, Sam Cooke, The Byrds, The Drifters, Janis Joplin, Chambers Brothers, etc.) but I'll stop here.
Do you care to share your top 10 list here? Please share.
Until the next time...
January 15, 2014
Story Songs: The Name of the Game
ABBA has been one my guilty pleasures through the years. While a few their songs may have been too happy and perhaps sappy, others touched the soul and resonated in other ways for me.
Being a fan of progressive rock, ABBA's sound was more of a progressive pop at times, with the orchestration, strings and other elements. Many of the songs also had a Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" feel to them.
One of my favorites by the Swedish superstars was "
For me, the song is about opening up to another person and the trust that comes with it, especially after being hurt in another relationship.
The first two verses set the tone:
"I've seen you twice, in a short time
Only a week since we started
It seems to me, for every time
I'm getting more open-hearted
"I was an impossible case
No one could ever reach me
But I think I can see in your face
There's a lot you can teach me
So I wanna know..."
And the singer asks: "What's the name of the game?" Are we connecting? Do you really understand?
And then we move to the chorus, which has a gospel feel to it:
"And you make me talk
And you make me feel
And you make me show
What I'm trying to conceal
If I trust in you, would you let me down?
Would you laugh at me, if I said I care for you?
Could you feel the same way, too"
I wanna know...
"What's the name of the game?"
ABBA is one of the biggest acts in music history, selling close to 400 million records worldwide. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
The delightful musical, Mamma Mia!, is loaded with ABBA songs.
"
Being a fan of progressive rock, ABBA's sound was more of a progressive pop at times, with the orchestration, strings and other elements. Many of the songs also had a Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" feel to them.
One of my favorites by the Swedish superstars was "
For me, the song is about opening up to another person and the trust that comes with it, especially after being hurt in another relationship.
The first two verses set the tone:
"I've seen you twice, in a short time
Only a week since we started
It seems to me, for every time
I'm getting more open-hearted
"I was an impossible case
No one could ever reach me
But I think I can see in your face
There's a lot you can teach me
So I wanna know..."
And the singer asks: "What's the name of the game?" Are we connecting? Do you really understand?
And then we move to the chorus, which has a gospel feel to it:
"And you make me talk
And you make me feel
And you make me show
What I'm trying to conceal
If I trust in you, would you let me down?
Would you laugh at me, if I said I care for you?
Could you feel the same way, too"
I wanna know...
"What's the name of the game?"
ABBA is one of the biggest acts in music history, selling close to 400 million records worldwide. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
The delightful musical, Mamma Mia!, is loaded with ABBA songs.
"
