Eden Baylee's Blog, page 103
December 2, 2012
Music Mondays ~ Dark Road by Annie Lennox
I love this song when I’m baking, something I only do around Christmas time. It’s a sad song, but it reminds me of changes I’ve gone through.
For years, I observed Hannukah, not Christmas. It was a lifetime ago, and god only knows why this song brings up such old memories.
Don’t worry, I’m not crying into the batter.
eden
Filed under: Musical Mondays
Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway for Spring into Summer c/o @TracyRiva
Tracy Riva is an Amazon Top Reviewer, the owner of Tracv Riva Books & Reviews, and she also runs her reviews in the Midwest Book Review. Her services are in high demand by authors, publishers and publicists.
To say I’m thrilled to receive her brilliant review of Spring into Summer would be an understatement.
Tracy is also graciously hosting my guest blog as part of her Holiday Giveaways, so hop over to her site right now and:
~ Read her review of Spring into Summer
~ Read my guest post & comment to win
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Connect to Tracy at all her virtual homes.
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Buy Spring into Summer from Amazon.com and Amazon.UK
No Kindle? No Worries.
There is a Kindle App for just about any electronic device (Click here to get one). If you own a computer, smart phone, iPad, or iPod touch, then you are able to download my e-books.
Filed under: -Promo of Spring into Summer
December 1, 2012
Photos of my Book Signing for Spring into Summer
Date: Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Location: Ben McNally Books, Toronto
Adult gifts donated by: Good for Her
Find out what was included in the gift bags here.
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My book signing for Spring into Summer was lovely and filled with old friends and new. Readers were also able to pick up a copy of Fall into Winter, my first book.
Thanks so much to everyone who came out on a chilly evening to show your support, and also to those who ordered books ahead of time because they couldn’t attend.
You have my deepest gratitude,
eden ♥
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Readings from:
Another Hotel Room by Steven Marty Grant, because so many of his words inspired mine.
“The Lottery” from Spring into Summer
Click to view slideshow.
Approximately 35 pictures courtesy of: John B.
Filed under: -Promo of Fall into Winter, -Promo of Spring into Summer
November 29, 2012
Inside the Mind of Poet ~ Marian Kent (@runaway_tweets)
Marian Kent is a woman who chooses her words carefully. I discovered that the first time I clicked on her site. After reading just a few of the beautiful poems she’d written, I was hooked.
Her writing is spare, clean; her words unwasted. Her poetry covers the spectrum of subjects—children, love, family—all written with the deft hand of a poet who knows the importance of each word in forming thought.
I’ve learned a lot from Marian simply by reading her poems and was thrilled to get an autographed copy of her book. You can too!
Please welcome the lovely Marian Kent and learn more about how she plays with words.
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Who is Marian?
By day, Marian Kent is a lawyer, a schmoozer, and a do-gooder. At heart, she is a purveyor of pretty words, an interpreter of dreams who flies by night. Prone to hyperbole and shrieking in ALL CAPS, Marian eats far too much cake. Marian writes poetry and stories from western Massachusetts, where she lives with her husband and two children. You can find a great quantity of Marian’s writing at her website, www.runawaysentence.com.
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Threads of love mixed with pain weave through a vivid tapestry of natural beauty in Marian Kent’s first collection of short-form poetry. Responsive Pleading travels the seasons, making a bold statement about connection and loss, beauty and family in the modern world.
Buy links:
ALL CAPS PUBLISHING (ebook or autographed print copy)
Amazon (paperback)
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Inside Marian’s Mind
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Lying in bed in my old man’s arms, reading my Stephen King book with my kids and the cat snuggled up close, everyone sleeping but me. The cat’s name, by the way, is “The Cat.” (Don’t worry, there’s an X-rated version of this response that does not involve kids, cats, reading, or sleeping.)
What turns you on creatively? Sometimes I like collaborating, riffing back and forth with other writers. Sometimes I riff off my own words. I like creating ambitious goals for myself, challenging myself, and then rising to the challenge. Witnessing what’s around me and interpreting it all in words is a big turn-on. Being and seeing.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I write about flying a lot, so much so that I’m half-considering calling my next volume of poetry More Poems About Flying. There are words I overuse, as well, and I have to check myself. Is that true for everyone? I was mortified to realize that I have two different poems in Responsive Pleading using the word “cacophony.” And I don’t even really like that word. I guess maybe my reliance on that word provides a peek into the atmosphere I work in–raucous, cacophonous, life with kids.
[Eden] Funny, I don’t like “cacophony” either, such a harsh word.
What quality do you most admire in a man or woman? I’m a big communicator, so I strive to, and expect others to, talk straight with me–you know, to be direct. And as so many people are indirect, I’m always pleased and admire directness in others. Also, self-confidence is sexy, even bordering on cockiness, in both men and women. I like a little swagger.
What is your greatest regret? I always used to say I had no regrets. Generally, I think regret, like guilt, comes from a negative place and that energy is better spent creating goodness. But with age, experience, having more to lose, I guess, I’ve learned about regret. I wrote this on the subject:
mother of god
grace
buoyed by a bitter sea
straddling flotsam
treading to shore
succumbing
to waves of regret
out to sea
again.
[Eden] Love this, Marian.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’d have a smooth, satiny, youthful, olive-y complexion.
What is your greatest fear? Not a very unique fear, but I worry about something happening to harm my kids or to take them or my old man away from me. And I worry about them should something happen to me. Oh and also, I have a strong and relentless fish hook phobia.
Which living person do you most admire? Ralph Nader, for his pure brilliance and goodly righteousness.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Aside from wishing writing to be my main avocation, if I had it to do over, I’d be a high school civics teacher.
If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? I’d rather answer the question “If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?” And my answer is, unequivocally: FLYING.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? The obvious and true answer is giving birth to and raising two sensitive and curious kids. But I’m also quite proud of my writing and of the community I’ve managed to build up (and am continuing to grow and nurture) in connection with it.
my blog: runaway sentence.
my new collection of poems, Responsive Pleading
my publishing empire, er, collective: ALL CAPS PUBLISHING
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Deplore is a mighty strong word, but I’m no fan of passive-aggressiveness. Nor do I enjoy lethargy.
What is your greatest extravagance? I drive a rather muscle-y car that’s a bit beyond our means. But I feel totally boss driving it.
What is one thing you want to do before you die? I want to cash it all in and hit the road with my family, traveling and living and writing in an RV.
What is your favorite music (genre/artist/album/song)? Hard to answer! I’m very music-oriented and love many genres and artists. My favorite album of all time is Imperial Bedroom by Elvis Costello. A favorite song is “From Now On” by Charlie Chesterman. Some favorite artists include They Might Be Giants, John Hartford, Patti Smith, and The Cars.
What are some of your favorite curse words? I curse a lot, often in ALL CAPS. But jesus christ on a bike, I’m most fond of creative cursing.
What is your motto? Use your words!
Thank you Marian, I certainly will use my words!
Readers, please say “hi” and leave a comment for this poetic and beautiful woman.
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Connect with Marian
Website | Youtube | Goodreads | Twitter @runaway_tweets
Filed under: Author Interviews
November 28, 2012
Why I Won’t Follow Users of TrueTwit
Today, I have a post rant on my author’s collective, Black Ink, White Paper.
Read Why I Won’t Follow Users of TrueTwit.
eden
Filed under: Black Ink, White Paper 
November 26, 2012
Reminder ~ My Book Signing for Spring into Summer is Nov. 28th
People who attended my signing at Ben McNally’s last year for Fall into Winter had a blast, and I hope tomorrow will be equally, if not more entertaining.
If you’d like to attend, you can RSVP me directly at eden (dot) baylee (at) rogers (dot) com and check out the details here.
If you’re on Facebook, you can reply here, or via my author’s page.
In addition to signing and reading from Spring into Summer, I’ll be giving away prizes to a few lucky winners.
This in itself should be reason for you to come by!
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The prizes include just some of the following:
Poetry collection Another Hotel Room by Steven Marty Grant
~ Sexy, erotic, raw poetry from one of my favorite poets. He’s terrific!
Music CD with selections from my blog’s Musical Mondays
My favorite brand of lip balm
~ I hate chapped lips, and I don’t want you to have them either.
Adult toys, massage oils, and more
~ Graciously donated by my favorite adult store Good for Her
Look forward to seeing you!
Filed under: -Promo of Spring into Summer
HOT FLASH ~ Interview and Story Feature
Two wonderful sites feature my new book of erotic flash fiction and poetry.
Naughty Reader’s Boudoir interviews me and hosts a giveaway.
Gemma Parkes does a promotion by featuring one of my stories.
Hop over to their sites and find out more!
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Connect to them via Twitter
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Buy Hot Flash from Amazon.com and Amazon.UK
No Kindle? No Worries.
There is a Kindle App for just about any electronic device (Click here to get one). If you own a computer, smart phone, iPad, or iPod touch, then you are able to download my e-books.
Filed under: -Promo of Hot Flash
November 25, 2012
Music Mondays ~ Anniversary Song
A song for a poet and his lovely wife on their 8th wedding anniversary.
I hope music bridges the distance.
The Gismo Graf Trio from Stuttgart play the “Anniversary Song,” lyrics by Al Jolson and Saul Chaplin, music by Iosif Ivanovici.
eden
Filed under: Musical Mondays
November 22, 2012
Inside the Mind of Meg Pinsonneault (@ThirstyGirlFilm)
I was introduced to Meg while doing the Indies Unite for Joshua fundraiser. She spread the word of the campaign to her filmmaking community and offered tremendous support in all the ways that counted.
Her projects are as visually stunning as she is, and I’m thrilled to shine a light on both her and her work.
She’s an award-winning filmmaker, writer, director, humanitarian, and a woman with great taste in shoes.
Please welcome the beautiful and vibrant, Meg Pinsonneault.
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Learn all about Meg’s Projects
“Feast of the Foolish” – Short Period Thriller
Vimeo video | Website | Facebook
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Gwapa (Beautiful) - Feature Documentary
Vimeo video | Website | Facebook
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“A Lost Love Story” – Short Stop Motion Animation
Vimeo video | Website
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Thirsty Girl Films
Website | Facebook | Twitter @thirstygirlfilm
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Inside Meg’s Mind
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Wow, Eden. Starting off strong! What a tough question. Like most other ambitious people, I think my idea of happiness is directly tied to my career. However, there are a great many things that make me happy and I miss having time away from my computer to indulge. I think I’ll achieve perfect happiness when I can finally say “I’m here.” Then, I’ll relax and finally take an actual vacation!
What turns you on creatively? With my filmmaking, I’m inspired by unique stories that try something new and do it well. Same goes for visuals. I’m always on the look out for films that are stylistic and push the bounds of this art form. In life, I’m inspired by those who help this world become a better place. I love a good underdog and I’m always inspired by people who overcame great odds to achieve incredible goals.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Negate. Furthermore. Dude.
What quality do you most admire in a man? Dedication.
What quality do you most admire in a woman? Dedication. (Clearly an important trait for me.)
What is your greatest regret? Not spending enough time with my grandfather before he passed away.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Saying things I shouldn’t out of anger.
What is your greatest fear? Not succeeding in leaving my mark on this world.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I wish I could be a professional snowboarder or an astronaut or a frontman in a punk rock band. I know. All very realistic options!
If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? Some type of flying bird. The ability to fly would be outstanding!
What do you consider your greatest achievement? For as long as I can remember, my interest in film has always sat on the narrative side of the moviemaking process. So naturally, I never imagined myself as a documentary filmmaker until I came across Faces of Tomorrow, a non-profit organization that provides free facial reconstructive surgeries for children in developing countries. Through FOT, I met the most incredible Filipino family and felt impassioned to tell their remarkable story. So two trips to the Philippines, an intense crowdfunding campaign, and an IndieWire nomination later, I’m almost finished editing Gwapa (Beautiful), a feature length documentary about a poor Filipino family and their wonderful journey to help their three kids with facial deformities. During the making the film, we fell head-over-heels in love with the Bulabos family and I’m even the Godmother of their youngest child, Harold. We also became aware of the family’s daily struggles that went far beyond just reconstructive facial surgeries. Teodoro Bulabos is a fisherman by trade, but his old boat and tiny hand net don’t allow him to catch enough fish to sustain his family’s livelihood. He and his wife, Violetta, pray everyday for a motorized fishing boat that would allow him to travel further, catch bigger fish, and make more than $1-2 a day. So we reached out to about 25 different companies and on Christmas Day, we got the best present ever. We partnered up with Rayomar Outreach Foundation, the social impact branch of Filipino boat distributor, Rayomarine, to donate a brand new motorized fishing boat or “banka” with supplies to Teodoro and his family. It even says “Gwapa Film” on one side in big red letters. The day we presented the banka to the Bulabos family was one of the happiest moments of my life so far. It was a tremendous reward to use my talents as a filmmaker for good and I was honored to help my new found Filipino family achieve a better future. http://www.gwapafilm.com
[Eden] The trailer and story are both incredible and brought tears to my eyes, Meg. You deserve all the awards you get.
Needless to say, this experience was so moving that we even started our own non profit organization called The Gwapa Project, dedicated to assisting communities in need around the globe in creative and sustainable ways while also helping to promote the local organizations that serve these areas. The Gwapa Project may be in its infancy, but we started off with a BANG! We were selected as a finalist for the “Flights. Camera. Action” contest, winning AAdvantage points courtesy of American Airlines and Startup America Partnership. In February 2013, we plan to travel to Nicaragua to work with The Barrio Planta Project, an amazing organization dedicated to community development and art education in San Juan del Sur. We are so excited to collaborate with BPP on our first official project as an organization! http://www.gwapaproject.org
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Arrogance.
What is your greatest extravagance? I have a serious travel bug. It’s an expensive, but necessary indulgence!
What is one thing you want to do before you die? Go to outer space. It might happen.
What are your favorite movies? This is always a tough question to answer, but here’s a list of my favorite films: The Big Lebowski, The Goonies, Edward Scissorhands, Pan’s Labrynith, Pulp Fiction, Wall-E, Tommy Boy, Big Fish, Science of Sleep, Koyannisqatsi, V for Vendetta, Beetlejuice, The Orphanage, Wristcutters, Christmas Vacation, Riding Giants, Coraline, Be Kind Rewind, Shawshank Redemption, Up, True Romance, Take Shelter, Run Lola Run, Ghostbusters, How to Train A Dragon, Natural Born Killers, Super Troopers, The Corpse Bride, Hugo, From Dust To Glory… Yeah, I could keep going but I’ll spare you.
What are some of your favorite curse words? I swear like sailor, so they’re fair game for me. I like say the F word a lot. It gets me in trouble sometimes.
What is your motto? Stay young. Stay wild. Stay inspired. And never stop dreaming.
Thank you Meg for sharing of yourself with my readers, loved your inspiring and thoughtful answers.
Readers, please connect to Meg—an amazing woman to know.
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Connect with Meg
Website | Twitter @ThirstyGirlFilm | Facebook | Tumblr
Filed under: Author Interviews
November 21, 2012
100 Word Song ~ Landslide
It’s been a long time since I’ve entered to write for ”100 Word Song” at Lance’s My Blog Can Beat Up Your Blog.
The rules are: Write a 100-word story inspired by a song.
This week’s song is Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”
Follow Lance at @tlanceb on Twitter, and write your own story.
eden
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I horked up a phlegmy gob and spit it in my hand. It jiggled like lime-green silly putty. An infection. Fuck. No surprise given two weeks without sleep to meet an impossible deadline. I popped a honey lozenge and sucked it against the roof of my mouth. Medicinal saliva coated my throat providing some relief, but not much.
My eyes watered as I reread the transcripts for the umpteenth time—witness testimony, family impact statements, defense and prosecution documents. Deciding life imprisonment or death for a fifteen-year-old child. What had become of our civilization?
The chokehold around my throat intensified.
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Filed under: Writing Challenges & Bloghops
