Kurt Brindley's Blog, page 75

My April Fools’ Day Joke

I would like to thank Author Vivian Biro for donating to help me make my movie. It really means so much to me that others are willing to support a dream of mine in such tangible ways.

Please help me thank Vivian by visiting with her at her website, by purchasing her debut novel, and, by all means, letting her know what you think of her writing by sharing an Amazon Review.

And I tell you what, this April Fools’ Day Joke of hers is hilarious and completely genius. Check it out…

SORORAL BONDS

My email to E L JAMES, author of the Fifty Shades Trilogy on April Fools’ Day and the response 12 days later:

Hi Erika,

Without spending any of our own, I was thinking about a way to raise significant amount of money for our charities. According to Wikipedia your chosen charity is Thomas Coram Foundation for Children. I also feel strongly about supporting children and regularly donate to Children in Need, but my chosen charity for this idea of mine would be Beyond the Streets.

I would like to show the abusive side of prostitution in the world like nobody has done before. I was inspired by your Fifty Shades trilogy and Grey. I’m planning to self-publish my own book very soon. Among many other things, it shows stag parties and sex tourism from a girl’s viewpoint.

My penname is Vivian Biro. In real life I’m a 24 years old…

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Filed under: Books Tagged: April Fools, authors, books, E. L. James, feminism, Fifty Shades of Grey, human trafficking, humor, Indie Authors, jokes, prostitution, sexual assault, women's issues, writing

So I’m going to make a movie… UPDATE #4

So, this movie stuff I’ve gotten myself into is real, folks.

I mean, I can’t wait to reveal the cast and crew list for the short film, which, by the way, will be filmed in early July.

You will be surprised and quite impressed by the talent.

Here’s a hint… the director will be heading to Cannes soon for the world premier of her latest film.

Here’s another hint… we have actors and production crew who are attached to major network TV series.

Man*, I cannot wait to make the announcement.

So, bottom line, the short film is going to be majorly cool.

But, it is just the beginning.

You may remember me mentioning that we are looking at this short film as a vehicle to get us to a full-length feature film of an adaption of my novel The Sea Trials of an Unfortunate Sailor.

Well, good things are happening fast, my friends…

Just last night we were in discussion with a director who has won a Tony Award for Best Director, who has been nominated several times for an Academy Award for Best Director, who has directed films that have been nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, and who has directed actors who have won Academy Awards for Best Acting…

And this director wants to direct The Sea Trials of an Unfortunate Sailor.

No, really… this is big time stuff.

Pretty cool, right?

Oh yeah.

But still… I’m a realist, so I’ll be the first to admit that the chances are pretty slim of things working out to where this director actually does direct the film.

The reason being because this director is currently involved with a major studio production and who knows what schedules will be like once that production wraps up and once we actually get to the point where it’s time to move out aggressively on the feature film.

And while I would be in heaven if things work out to where this director does actually direct the film… just the fact that my book is worthy of such interest and attention is pretty huge to me.

I mean, Dude*… if only I could drop names right about now.

Oh well, so it goes… Soon enough, I reckon.

But there are some things that can happen now that will improve our chances of things working out in our favor in the future.

The first being the most obvious — we need to have a spectacular short film.

And we will.

I promise.

The second thing that needs to happen to improve our chances of landing such a dream director for our feature film is…

I could use more street cred as an Indie Author.

A lot more.

And this is where you come in.

I hate asking – it’s so lame of me – but I really need you to buy my short story and novel and write reviews for them.

It would be so huge if you would.

Not only will your purchases help fund my film endeavors, your reviews (hopefully they will be positive but no guarantees there) just may help me get my book optioned with a film studio and make it even easier for me to make the feature film.

Can ya dig?

So here’s the deal…

If you buy the stories and write a “Verified Purchase” Review (I say Verified Purchase because Amazon is really cracking down on reviews and are deleting suspect ones without notice) and you let me know about it, I will include you on my Donor List page and I will send you an e-copy of the script for the short film signed by all major cast and crew members after the filming has wrapped up.

If you purchase and review both the short story and the novel, I will send you a signed hard copy of the script.

Now, perhaps an autographed script is not something you’re interested in so, if there is something else you’d like me to do for you in return for your support of my films, please let me know.

Cool?

Yeah… you’re awesome.

 

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Click the book covers to purchase


 

And of course the “Reward Package” Promotional Campaign is still ongoing so if you’d like to donate to support the film, I’d love to promote your work here on my blog. For more info, click this.

 

*non-gender specific

 

 

Filed under: Movies Tagged: Academy Awards, books, film, film directors, independent films, LEAVE: A Short Film, literary fiction, movies, screenplays, short films, short stories, the sea trials of an unfortunate sailor, Tony Awards, writing

Zeno & Aurelius rockin’ to Aelios

I think Zeno’s singing of Rogue Star broke my recorder

 

 

Filed under: Music Tagged: Aelios, Aurelius, classic rock, dogs, music, musical dogs, musical pets, pets, rock music, singing, singing dogs, singing pets, videos, Zeno

When I grow up all I want to be is a Rock-and-Roll Star…

But seeing that I have absolute zero musical ability, I will gladly settle on being one vicariously through my incredibly talented sons…

So, other than what’s on my About page, I don’t write much about my family here.

But some of you may remember that a few years ago my sons Willis and Vaughan signed a record deal and moved down to Atlanta to set their musical careers in motion. Well, while that endeavor didn’t work out as everyone had hoped, it did work out in such a way that from this experience they both learned much about music and its industry and they grew even more as individuals and as musicians.

They brought this new knowledge and artistic maturity back up North with them and, after much meditation and introspection – and brainstorming by the campfire – they established their own record label and formed a new band with new members and committed themselves completely to independently creating music that is both unique to today’s sound and reflective of the sounds past that have influenced them most.

After plotting out their new course, they first built their own music studio and then immediately set out on the long and challenging path of writing and recording their own songs.

Now, nearly a year-and-a-half after beginning their new, exciting, and sometimes difficult journey, they, along with their friends Colin Bates (you may remember from my VBLOG that Colin and I are working together on my film), Adam Ali, and Tom Shelley, have released their debut album Refining Chaos under the band name of AELIOS.

I encourage you to please visit with them at their website, take a listen to their music, and, if you like what you hear – and I’m quite certain you will – consider downloading the album at the cost of a donation of your choosing.

And after you do, please share the good news with your friends.

naughtyur.com

 

In addition to his drumming and cello work with Aelios, my youngest son Vaughan is also a drummer and vocalist with Saving Apollo .

Where Aelios’ sound is more conceptual and aligned more toward the music of Pink Floyd and Steely Dan, Saving Apollo will favor best with those who find themselves rocking to the beats of 5 Seconds of Summer, All Time Low, Fall Out Boy, and, of course, the original rockmeisters of the pop punk sound, blink-182.

And, while I guarantee when listening to their music you will find happiness – especially the ladies – to truly experience the power and pop rock passion in their music, you have to see them perform live.

Led by frontman Cal Stackhouse on lead vocals and guitar and with Alex Biedermann on bass guitar and vocals, Saving Apollo frikkin’ rocks, my friends.

So please check them out, and, if you like what you hear, show your support by following their social networks and letting them and your friends know how much you like their music.

And by all means, if you ever have the opportunity, go see them perform live.

You will be rocked.

 

 

Filed under: Music Tagged: 5 Seconds of Summer, All Time Low, Blink 182, classic rock, Fall Out Boy, independent artists, Independent Music, music, Pink Floyd, pop punk music, punk music, rock and roll, rock music, Steely Dan

How to save the world

I strongly urge you to visit with Pleasant Street and take in some of her powerful, sometimes poignant, but always beautiful poetry, as is evidenced by her words here.

Pleasant Street is a longtime supporter of both my website and newsletter and she continues to support my efforts with a donation to help me produce my film. So, without question, I ask you to support her efforts as well.

geletilari.wordpress.com

Are You Thrilled

Feed the birds your dry crusts of bread

and let them get fat on leftover buttered popcorn

to attract the cats in the neighborhood

Let the cats feed on every mouse and bird

in your yard until they are very fat as well

to attract some very large dogs

Harness the dogs to form a hunting crew

and take them into the woods to hunt for rabbits

Have a grand stew of rabbits and share with the dogs

to keep them happy and willing to work

In the morning use the bits of leftover rabbit

for bait to catch fish. Try to catch a lot of fish

because it is not as filling. If you do not catch any

Wade into the tall, aquatic grasses and read

short stories from Saki or de Maupassant

Read loudly, as the capybaras feed there
but they do not hear very well. When they…

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Filed under: Poetry Tagged: authors, environment, Indie Authors, Pleasant Street, poetry, poets, writing

ENTERTAINING THE WHAT-IFS | A Guest Post by Author Pamela Schloesser Canepa

NOW ON AMAZON FOR KINDLE!

Made for Me, a Sci-fi romance novella by Pamela Schloesser Canepa, takes the awkward first date story to the extreme! What happens when an indecisive girl uses a 100% guaranteed website to find the man of her dreams? How can they truly guarantee happiness for Abrielle, who can’t even decide what she wants for dinner? Meet Sampson, open-minded, spontaneous, and financially stable. All of the elements seem to come together for a perfect match. Yet, it becomes apparent there’s been a website glitch! Sampson is even more unique than Abrielle could ever guess. For this to work, Abrielle must accept the truth behind Sampson’s perfect skin, buff physique, and welcoming smile.

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Purchase at Amazon

$2.99

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pamela Schloesser Canepa lives in the Southeast with her small family and her dog. She has been writing since childhood, and has just started publishing recently. She considers herself an avid sci-fi movie fan and loves authors such as Stephen King, James Patterson, Phillip K. Dick, Suzanne Collins, and Laurie Notaro, among others. Pamela’s genres include science fiction, realistic fiction, and poetry of all types. Made for Me is Pamela’s first published work of fiction. A sequel is in the works, and Pamela is working on editing a full length time travel novel for publication in e-book and print, hopefully in the next year!

pamelascanepa.wordpress.com

Amazon Author Page

PAMELA HAS DONATED MONEY TO SUPPORT KURT’S FILM

PLEASE SUPPORT PAMELA

 

 

Filed under: Books Tagged: authors, books, films, Guest Authors, Guest Posts, independent films, Indie Authors, love stories, Pamela Schloesser Canepa, romance, sci-fi, science fiction, submissions, writing

GLITTERS OF BLISS! | A Relating to Humans Poetry Feature

GLITTERS OF BLISS!

by Priyanki

 

If the clouds could come & give me a ride

I would sit on them & sway away in delight

And ask them to take me in their cozy coat

Covering me all in the softness galore

Ask them to take me in the world up away

High up in the clouds where they say fairies stay.

As I reach there, I will learn a few skills to tap & whoosh & fulfill some wish

Wishes of all those who are in need.

Those wishes of cute eyes of kids crying for help.

The ones who are lost in war, with no one to help.

Those unanswered prayers of people with disease, the ones suffering & asking for relief.

Those hard to be fulfilled wishes & prayers with which are linked the needy’s care.

Wishes of such kind seems impossible in today’s time. There is so much going around in those with dirty minds,

Those who cause chaos & all the mess.

& are killing ruthlessly & causing much stress

I may sound kiddish to dream of fairyland & bring glitters of kindness with me in my hand

However it may sound, but I don’t mind

As long as I wish to bring some good in Mankind.

Often I wonder where does the “kind” go from man.

Maybe I’m thinking too much, what can I do, I’m a woman.

I was born to think,

That’s what many say.

Woman think a lot

They are made that way, and I think again, “Thank God that I think.”

It’s my thinking that makes me ponder, to be a better being.

Everyday I think & try to reach my soul.

And

today my thinking wants to take a tour

In the world of clouds, where they say Angels live.

With a hope to bring in my palm, some glitters of bliss

So I have few powers to whoosh away the pain

That causes chaos often unexplained.

jollyprivy.wordpress.com

 

To learn how to have your poetry or other work profiled here, visit the Relating to Humans feature.

 

 

Filed under: Poetry Tagged: authors, being, bliss, chaos, children, Indie Authors, poetry, Priyanki, Relating to Humans, soul, spirituality, submissions, women, writing

Guiding Principles of a Daughter’s Dad

I’m not the smartest or greatest dad there is. Not even close. I have many faults and made many mistakes over the years that I regret.

However, I do think I’m pretty good at understanding my faults and I work hard to minimize their impact to myself and others, especially to my family, as much as possible.

Even still… just because faults were minimized, it doesn’t mean there wasn’t impact from them from time to time. There was. I regret that.

But… we live and learn and live and relearn and one and on.

My daughter is my first child and when she was born I didn’t have a clue as to how to raise her.

I found out quickly though, that having children, and especially having the first child, is kind of like going to war.

No matter how much you plan for it, once the first shot is fired the best you can hope for is a campaign of organized chaos.

Fortunately, not long after she was born, I happened upon some useful information — probably from articles in a newspaper (remember those things?) — about the results of a couple of different studies.

I don’t remember the newspaper — probably the Stars & Stripes.

And I certainly don’t remember the studies or who conducted them so I cannot attest to the veracity of the reportage.

However, based upon my life experiences, what was reported seemed to speak the truth.

And from these apparent truths that I happened upon long ago, I was changed — or at least I sought to change — from their insights.

And from this change, I hope I became a better father to, not just my daughter, but to my sons as well. For I also hope that when my sons, too, have daughters– and based upon the make up of my lovely and loving wife’s family and mine, they probably will — they understand how their beliefs and, more importantly, their behavior can have such an impact on the outcome of their daughters’ lives.

The first thing I learned that changed my behavior as a father was…

The more education a father has the less the chance will be that his daughter will find herself in an abusive relationship as an adult.

The second was…

Girls with high self-esteem tend to have less sex during their middle and high school years and girls with low self-esteem tend to have more.

The inverse is true for boys.

It’s Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

#dadsmatter

 

 

Filed under: Family Tagged: abuse, daughters, education, family, fathers, feminism, sexual assault, sexual assault awareness, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, studies, women, women's issues

INSPIRATION IN THE WORST OF PLACES | A Guest Post by Author Sherrie Cronin

With pleasure and gratitude, it is my honor to share with you a Guest Post by Author Sherrie Cronin. As April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, Sherrie’s post, and her books, are timely, important, and educational, as, sadly, the exploitation and abuse of women only seems to be worsening. Obviously, we must do more to prevent this; for this is not a problem only found in countries far and distinct from our own, it is a problem that just may be found not too far from our very own doorstep. On the sidebar, you will find her novel c3 and a link to where you can learn more about Sherrie and her books. I strongly encourage you to support Sherrie and her efforts.

 

INSPIRATION IN THE WORST OF PLACES

by Sherrie Cronin

46ascending.org

 

When I first outlined the stories for 46. Ascending, I knew that c3 would be about a group of young women who would thwart a sex trafficking ring, because I wanted a venue to explore the extreme edges of the way we as a society pretend not to see the many ways in which young women are exploited. I fully expected that my research would take me to some horrifying places, and it did. An internet connection is all one needs to visit ping pong shows in Bangkok and to peruse ads for “sexy and willing” Russian women. I still get the ads — I need to wash out my browser with soap.

What I did not expect, however, were how many inspirational stories and websites I would encounter as well. I stared my research with Somaly Mam’s book The Road of Lost Innocence: The True Story of a Cambodian Heroine and I highly recommend it.

My browsing then took me to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, a group of Catholic Nun’s who have spent the last couple of centuries reaching out to women in unfortunate circumstances. I liked what I read so much that an imaginary nun worked herself into my story even though she wasn’t even in the outline. I hope that members of the order would not be offended by my spunky Sister Teresa-Marie, as she turned out to be one of my favorite characters in the book. Please read about this fine group and their efforts to help victims of human trafficking at goodshepherdsisters.org/trafficking.htm.

Next I found several non-profit organizations dedicated to stopping human trafficking, each one with an inspiring story. I will likely blog about them all individually here over time. One of the first that I encountered was an organization called Shared Hope International, founded by U.S. Congresswoman Linda Smith after she traveled into the heart of the brothel district in Mumbai, India where “she witnessed the brutal exploitation and sexual slavery of women and children.” She has been trying to do something about it ever since. This group also has a Facebook page well worth visiting and liking.

I expected to be disgusted at some of what I found, and I was. I expected to believe that this was a problem with no solution. Instead, I found brave women and men of all nations, ages, and belief systems working for positive change. I did not expect to walk away from my research marveling at those who fight every day to shine a bright light into the darkest of corners. But I did, and I am marveling at them still.

To find out how you, too, can promote your book or project, please visit here.

 

 

Filed under: Books Tagged: authors, books, feminism, films, Guest Authors, human trafficking, Indie Authors, novels, prostitution, sexual assault, sexual assault awareness, Sherrie Cronin, writing

This is how music is done…

Hey what’s up?!

We’re going to be promoting our first Reward Package on Friday. If you would like to help me help you then please consider donating to help me make a movie and I will help you promote your book or other project. Huh?

Yeah.

So… I’m not going to be posting much for the next few months so please submit your work to one of the Relating to Humans features so I can post it to the blog in stead of my rambles and blather.

Can ya dig?

Anyway, here is some music that will make your toes tap and ears wiggle.

I guarantee it.

 

Oh yeah…

 

 

Filed under: Writing Tagged: authors, Benjamin Booker, donations, films, Indie Authors, movies, music, poetry, Relating to Humans, rock and roll, short films, submissions, videos, writing