Jeffrey Zweig II's Blog, page 7
March 31, 2012
Casting the Novel: The End Begins: The Nine
Hey guys!
Wanted to share that recently I guest posted on a blog. Gwen Perkins has kindly featured me again on her blog on possible candidates if I were to cast my novel into a movie.
Check out the link right now!
Thanks Gwen!
Wanted to share that recently I guest posted on a blog. Gwen Perkins has kindly featured me again on her blog on possible candidates if I were to cast my novel into a movie.
Check out the link right now!
Thanks Gwen!
March 19, 2012
UPDATE - Fitness Page
You're body is one of the most important tools of your arsenal. It's your vehicle taking you through your life. So you need to take care of it. It's meant to be active, not stationary. Yes, coming from a writer this is kinda a contradiction since I have to sit to write.
But this year one of my goals was to get in better shape. At first I was going for pure weight loss but as I've dropped weight I've also wanted to regain a lot of my former strength I had lost from being lazy. So my body is in a constant battle of weight loss and muscle gain.
I've started posting details of my weekly(1-2 visits a wk) exercise routine. I combine that with smaller meals throughout the day, switching between meat and vegetarian meals. I weigh in on Thursdays each week.
Workout today:
Running: 11 Minutes (Distance: 1 Mile)
Leg Press: 2x 12 Reps each @ 330 lbs
Leg Curls: 2x 12 Reps each @ 110 lbs
Bench Press: 2x 10 Reps each @ 110 lbs
Fly Press: 2x 10 Reps each @ 70 lbs
Back Press 1 set 12 Reps @ 150 lbs, 1 set 7 Reps @ 150 lbs
Back Update: After injuring my back two weeks ago it's finally feeling 100% most of the time. However I still took it easy in that area this week since it still felt a little tender during the workout.
That's all for now! See you next week!
But this year one of my goals was to get in better shape. At first I was going for pure weight loss but as I've dropped weight I've also wanted to regain a lot of my former strength I had lost from being lazy. So my body is in a constant battle of weight loss and muscle gain.
I've started posting details of my weekly(1-2 visits a wk) exercise routine. I combine that with smaller meals throughout the day, switching between meat and vegetarian meals. I weigh in on Thursdays each week.
Workout today:
Running: 11 Minutes (Distance: 1 Mile)
Leg Press: 2x 12 Reps each @ 330 lbs
Leg Curls: 2x 12 Reps each @ 110 lbs
Bench Press: 2x 10 Reps each @ 110 lbs
Fly Press: 2x 10 Reps each @ 70 lbs
Back Press 1 set 12 Reps @ 150 lbs, 1 set 7 Reps @ 150 lbs
Back Update: After injuring my back two weeks ago it's finally feeling 100% most of the time. However I still took it easy in that area this week since it still felt a little tender during the workout.
That's all for now! See you next week!
March 17, 2012
Update - Zweig Publications Wiki
I updated information on the Zweig Indepdendent Publications Wiki. Check out the link on the right for more up to date information on Rising, Captain Force, and new projects coming in the next twelve months!
March 14, 2012
Small Update
Updated my fitness page with progress!
Also, The End Begins: A Saint and Sinner is available now! Check it out for free!
Also, The End Begins: A Saint and Sinner is available now! Check it out for free!
March 7, 2012
New Pages Coming!
Over the next couple days I'll be posting some new pages of information. Some of it will be about my fitness activity. A couple others will be about my creative endeavors.
March 2, 2012
Sharing my OWN entry
Just thought I'd share this.
Warrior's FB page is having a contest for tickets to see him and the NEW show in New York at the end of March.
You needed to post/send a video about what O.W.N. means to you.
It's no secret I've been posting some of Warrior's stuff on my blog lately. I did this video for me, more than a contest. I think the contest was just an excuse. Sure, I would love to meet the Warrior-Man - but I was compelled to do it - to take a risk. We'll see how that turns out here soon, but I did it. I wanted to - and it's done. Check it out below.
Warrior's FB page is having a contest for tickets to see him and the NEW show in New York at the end of March.
You needed to post/send a video about what O.W.N. means to you.
It's no secret I've been posting some of Warrior's stuff on my blog lately. I did this video for me, more than a contest. I think the contest was just an excuse. Sure, I would love to meet the Warrior-Man - but I was compelled to do it - to take a risk. We'll see how that turns out here soon, but I did it. I wanted to - and it's done. Check it out below.
March 1, 2012
Minor Changes Affecting Paperback availability - Update!
The Nine paperback is back online!
I'll leave this video for your viewing pleasure :)
Mary Elizabeth Winstead - Anthony Mackie - Movie Trailers - Movies Blog
I'll leave this video for your viewing pleasure :)
Mary Elizabeth Winstead - Anthony Mackie - Movie Trailers - Movies Blog
Minor Changes Affecting Paperback availability.
Just a heads up, in case you were trying to purchase a paperback copy of The Nine. There are some revisions being done so it might make it available for a day or two.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
In the meantime, watch this video.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead - Anthony Mackie - Movie Trailers - Movies Blog
Sorry for the inconvenience.
In the meantime, watch this video.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead - Anthony Mackie - Movie Trailers - Movies Blog
February 28, 2012
Reflecting on 'Rising' - Plus What's Coming Up
So a couple days ago Rising came to an end. I've been writing on that for almost two years and it, like many other projects I have undertaken, gave me a new experience and a chance to hone an aspect of my craft - writing on a serial over time. Did I always stick to my monthly deadlines? Not really - but I didn't give up on it. I finished it. Plus it gives me something to work on.
A lot of these stories I wrote off the cuff. I had a basic outline of the arc but sometimes it would take me a significant time, between my two jobs, to come up with a suitable way to put the story out.
I'm keeping up all the posts for Rising for awhile - since I'm currently focused on so many small projects and will be a judge for an ebook competition - don't expect an ebook version anytime soon, possibly even this year.
Speaking of ebooks - I've not published anything for awhile - so it goes. I've been writing short stories that I'm trying to get in new places but I'm not having any luck getting accepted. Still I'm trudging on.
But! I have some T.E.B. news for you.
Coming Mid-March I'll be releasing a FREE ebook: The End Begins: A Saint and Sinner. It will be available on Smashwords first, and follow other avenues as they become available through that channel. More on that as I draw closer to an actual release date.
Now for some bulletpoints:
Captain Force - revisions are coming along slowly. Beta readers are giving me positive feedback. I'm also working on a compilation of unpublished short stories and flash fiction.A print edition of Project Nine in on the way. I hope to have a prototype shortly. I'm also planning a giveaway of The Nine, Project Nine, and Blog Related Media in the future!
A lot of these stories I wrote off the cuff. I had a basic outline of the arc but sometimes it would take me a significant time, between my two jobs, to come up with a suitable way to put the story out.
I'm keeping up all the posts for Rising for awhile - since I'm currently focused on so many small projects and will be a judge for an ebook competition - don't expect an ebook version anytime soon, possibly even this year.
Speaking of ebooks - I've not published anything for awhile - so it goes. I've been writing short stories that I'm trying to get in new places but I'm not having any luck getting accepted. Still I'm trudging on.
But! I have some T.E.B. news for you.
Coming Mid-March I'll be releasing a FREE ebook: The End Begins: A Saint and Sinner. It will be available on Smashwords first, and follow other avenues as they become available through that channel. More on that as I draw closer to an actual release date.
Now for some bulletpoints:
Captain Force - revisions are coming along slowly. Beta readers are giving me positive feedback. I'm also working on a compilation of unpublished short stories and flash fiction.A print edition of Project Nine in on the way. I hope to have a prototype shortly. I'm also planning a giveaway of The Nine, Project Nine, and Blog Related Media in the future!
February 26, 2012
Rising Vol. 2 Issue 8
The police and fire department came about ten minutes later. There they were - sitting in their costumes - there was no point in trying to hide them - they didn't have their spare clothes anyway.
By the time they arrived, Adam was dead, to all their dismay. Ryan kept the gun he shot his brother with - rather by accident or because he wanted it to be clear who did it. He didn't want what he don pinned on anyone else.
That didn't matter however, they were all arrested.
As Elliot was handcuffed and put into the back of a squad car, he watched the paramedics put Adam's body in a black plastic bag and zipping it up over his face.
****
I sat in my bare bones uniform - blue shirt with the white fist on my chest, my cargo pants, and boots. No armor, no mask. Alone in an interrogation room I sat, still handcuffed. They came in once to get a statement of what happened. Then they left, probably to get stories from everyone else.
What was my dad? Was he even here?
Then the door opened again, Detective Colbert, a middle aged dark skinned man, escorted my dad into the room, thank God. Unfortunately to my dismay, Sofia's Uncle came in right after the detective.
Dad sat next to me, the other two men on the other side of the factory machined table.
"Okay, Elliot." Colbert pressed the tape recorder button on his tape deck of the desk. the long jagged microphone was ominous. "I've informed Detective Rogers of the situation, so he's up to speed, as well as your father. So there's no need to go over what had happened, or precarious motivations for you to - do this again."
"The question is, El, what happens now?" My father said.
"To be frank Elliot, you're almost an adult now. You're sixteen. But you have history with this thing, and your rival, Adam Johnson, is now dead."
"At Ryan's doing. Not mine." I was quick to interject - I had no choice. I had to quash the fire before it started.
"Yes. We have evidence of that. But unfortunately we weren't there to know what really happened. You have time to coordinate your story, threaten him -"
"I did no such thing!" I clenched my fists, my wrists chaffing against the cuffs.
"Calm down, Elliot." My dad said with a hand on my shoulder.
"Look, you might go to trial, go to prison for assisted murder. Do you want to put yourself, your father, everyone else through that?"
"I tried to warn you." I said looking at Sofia's uncle.
Colbert turned to Sofia's Uncle. "What is he talking about?"
"He came to my house, said Sofia was at it again, but I couldn't find any evidence. She hid it well it appears." He said regretfully. "But you didn't mention Adam."
"I wasn't aware of Adam's heavy involvement at the time. Just after she came to me, after we spoke." I said.
"Regardless, I'm proposing something - something to protect you and everyone else involved with this. You have to move - everyone does. Even with Johnson dead, these Bullet Head folks are still out there. They know where you live, Elliot. You have to go. Detective Rogers here, still has custody of Sofia, he will be transferring as well. Robert, unfortunately doesn't have a choice in the matter."
"What about Ryan?" I asked.
"Ryan, has to either go to trial, or plead out. He pulled the trigger, right? He murdered his brother."
"Self defense - of another. Isn't there something like that? Adam was going to kill us. No one knew him better than his brother."
"Of course. You'll be called as witnesses if there is a trail."
"Okay." I paused long, almost afraid to ask the question. "How's Sofia?"
"Fine." Detective Rogers said. "She's okay, El. She's got some bruising but she's tough, you know."
"Yeah."
"Well, unless there's anything else, we should get you moving ASAP."
"Can I see them? Might be the last time." I asked, though I had known already the likely answer to that.
"We'll see if we can arrange something." Colbert said.
We were led out, there were reporters everywhere. Dad tried to shield me as much as possible. Some were calling me hero - probably those that knew me. Others called me psycho - the same.
But I think I saw in the crowd, the high school kid that interviewed me, at the start of things. Now he was here for the end of it.
**
Moving out of the house was not a huge affair. We had little to pack, both dad and I had sparse stuff since mom passed away. Dad kept a little souvenir box for her, like a miniature hope chest. I never wanted to look in it.
I was sitting on the porch, the last of the boxes in the dodge intrepid, when Sofia came off her bike running onto my lawn. She stopped, her right eye was much darker now thanks to Adam, and/or his lackeys. But other than that, she was alright.
"I had to see you." She said with clenched fist. I got up and joined her on the lawn. "I can't lose you again."
"What can we do? We're in it so deep." I couldn't hide the defeat in the voice.
"Well we stopped him El, so don't feel so bad." She knew that sound in my voice, and did her best to comfort me.
"Ryan stopped him. Just as well, it was not my blow to deal. I had done enough."
"Do you know where you are going?"
"Why? Are you going to follow me?"
"Maybe." Sofia sounded desperate. "I don't want you to go. I can't lose you again." She rushed me and hugged me tight.
"I can't lose you either. But there's no choice. I can't risk more harm to us."
Sofia pulled back to me with eyes red from the tears she had shed on my shirt. "I can't... don't send me away."
She hugged me again. What could I do? I held her, and she seemed to relax. Nothing I could say would make it better. Our time together was closing - we had to move on from this, for the sake of the rest of our lives. Ryan was going to a juvenile center, for sure, so my dad says. Unless his parents bailed him out somehow, which was likely - but I didn't want to be Ryan in that family situation
Robert had already gone, since there was no house or furnishings to pack. I wish I could have apologized to him, just once, before he left, but there was no way of getting a hold of them. Sofia's presence here was strange, since I thought she had already gone too. Fate, I guess.
"Hello Sofia." My dad said from the garage. She jumped away, dusting herself off a bit.
"Hello Mister Webster."
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah." She looked at me. "Just saying my goodbyes."
"I understand. Come on Elliot. Time to go. We have to be, at your grandmothers before seven." He said as he started closing the doors of the car.
"That's where you're staying?"
"Just a break along the way. She's a recluse and OCD on things like time tables. So we need to make ourselves available."
"You'ev not sold the house yet." sofia said, looking at the sign that was staked to our lawn.
"Not yet. We'll do that on the road."
There was a long lingering moment before my dad called for me again. She waved to me, a weak, longing wave. I gave one back as I slid into the passangers seat of the car.
She watched as my dad and I backed out of the driveway, and left the house, and our past , behind us.
By the time they arrived, Adam was dead, to all their dismay. Ryan kept the gun he shot his brother with - rather by accident or because he wanted it to be clear who did it. He didn't want what he don pinned on anyone else.
That didn't matter however, they were all arrested.
As Elliot was handcuffed and put into the back of a squad car, he watched the paramedics put Adam's body in a black plastic bag and zipping it up over his face.
****
I sat in my bare bones uniform - blue shirt with the white fist on my chest, my cargo pants, and boots. No armor, no mask. Alone in an interrogation room I sat, still handcuffed. They came in once to get a statement of what happened. Then they left, probably to get stories from everyone else.
What was my dad? Was he even here?
Then the door opened again, Detective Colbert, a middle aged dark skinned man, escorted my dad into the room, thank God. Unfortunately to my dismay, Sofia's Uncle came in right after the detective.
Dad sat next to me, the other two men on the other side of the factory machined table.
"Okay, Elliot." Colbert pressed the tape recorder button on his tape deck of the desk. the long jagged microphone was ominous. "I've informed Detective Rogers of the situation, so he's up to speed, as well as your father. So there's no need to go over what had happened, or precarious motivations for you to - do this again."
"The question is, El, what happens now?" My father said.
"To be frank Elliot, you're almost an adult now. You're sixteen. But you have history with this thing, and your rival, Adam Johnson, is now dead."
"At Ryan's doing. Not mine." I was quick to interject - I had no choice. I had to quash the fire before it started.
"Yes. We have evidence of that. But unfortunately we weren't there to know what really happened. You have time to coordinate your story, threaten him -"
"I did no such thing!" I clenched my fists, my wrists chaffing against the cuffs.
"Calm down, Elliot." My dad said with a hand on my shoulder.
"Look, you might go to trial, go to prison for assisted murder. Do you want to put yourself, your father, everyone else through that?"
"I tried to warn you." I said looking at Sofia's uncle.
Colbert turned to Sofia's Uncle. "What is he talking about?"
"He came to my house, said Sofia was at it again, but I couldn't find any evidence. She hid it well it appears." He said regretfully. "But you didn't mention Adam."
"I wasn't aware of Adam's heavy involvement at the time. Just after she came to me, after we spoke." I said.
"Regardless, I'm proposing something - something to protect you and everyone else involved with this. You have to move - everyone does. Even with Johnson dead, these Bullet Head folks are still out there. They know where you live, Elliot. You have to go. Detective Rogers here, still has custody of Sofia, he will be transferring as well. Robert, unfortunately doesn't have a choice in the matter."
"What about Ryan?" I asked.
"Ryan, has to either go to trial, or plead out. He pulled the trigger, right? He murdered his brother."
"Self defense - of another. Isn't there something like that? Adam was going to kill us. No one knew him better than his brother."
"Of course. You'll be called as witnesses if there is a trail."
"Okay." I paused long, almost afraid to ask the question. "How's Sofia?"
"Fine." Detective Rogers said. "She's okay, El. She's got some bruising but she's tough, you know."
"Yeah."
"Well, unless there's anything else, we should get you moving ASAP."
"Can I see them? Might be the last time." I asked, though I had known already the likely answer to that.
"We'll see if we can arrange something." Colbert said.
We were led out, there were reporters everywhere. Dad tried to shield me as much as possible. Some were calling me hero - probably those that knew me. Others called me psycho - the same.
But I think I saw in the crowd, the high school kid that interviewed me, at the start of things. Now he was here for the end of it.
**
Moving out of the house was not a huge affair. We had little to pack, both dad and I had sparse stuff since mom passed away. Dad kept a little souvenir box for her, like a miniature hope chest. I never wanted to look in it.
I was sitting on the porch, the last of the boxes in the dodge intrepid, when Sofia came off her bike running onto my lawn. She stopped, her right eye was much darker now thanks to Adam, and/or his lackeys. But other than that, she was alright.
"I had to see you." She said with clenched fist. I got up and joined her on the lawn. "I can't lose you again."
"What can we do? We're in it so deep." I couldn't hide the defeat in the voice.
"Well we stopped him El, so don't feel so bad." She knew that sound in my voice, and did her best to comfort me.
"Ryan stopped him. Just as well, it was not my blow to deal. I had done enough."
"Do you know where you are going?"
"Why? Are you going to follow me?"
"Maybe." Sofia sounded desperate. "I don't want you to go. I can't lose you again." She rushed me and hugged me tight.
"I can't lose you either. But there's no choice. I can't risk more harm to us."
Sofia pulled back to me with eyes red from the tears she had shed on my shirt. "I can't... don't send me away."
She hugged me again. What could I do? I held her, and she seemed to relax. Nothing I could say would make it better. Our time together was closing - we had to move on from this, for the sake of the rest of our lives. Ryan was going to a juvenile center, for sure, so my dad says. Unless his parents bailed him out somehow, which was likely - but I didn't want to be Ryan in that family situation
Robert had already gone, since there was no house or furnishings to pack. I wish I could have apologized to him, just once, before he left, but there was no way of getting a hold of them. Sofia's presence here was strange, since I thought she had already gone too. Fate, I guess.
"Hello Sofia." My dad said from the garage. She jumped away, dusting herself off a bit.
"Hello Mister Webster."
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah." She looked at me. "Just saying my goodbyes."
"I understand. Come on Elliot. Time to go. We have to be, at your grandmothers before seven." He said as he started closing the doors of the car.
"That's where you're staying?"
"Just a break along the way. She's a recluse and OCD on things like time tables. So we need to make ourselves available."
"You'ev not sold the house yet." sofia said, looking at the sign that was staked to our lawn.
"Not yet. We'll do that on the road."
There was a long lingering moment before my dad called for me again. She waved to me, a weak, longing wave. I gave one back as I slid into the passangers seat of the car.
She watched as my dad and I backed out of the driveway, and left the house, and our past , behind us.
