S.M. Stevens's Blog, page 33

Help Me Choose the Cover of my Next Book

My newest Bit Players novel is being published soon and I need help picking a cover image. (I’m not 100% set on the title; what you see in these pictures is a working title.)

Which of these 3 covers do you like best? To vote, leave a comment here, or on Pinterest or Facebook if that’s easier.

Because this is the third of a four-book series, the cover has to look like part of the same family. That makes me lean toward Option A.

I haven’t used people on either of the previous covers.

But, I do love the images in Option B and C.

Please tell me what YOU think.

Visit the Book page of this website to see what the first two covers look like.

Thanks for voting!

(And while you’re letting me know what you think, do you like the title?)

A Little Too Much Drama

Drama queens, divas, prima donnas, stage moms…I love the theatre as much as anyone, but sometimes I wish it came with a little less drama. Why can’t we all just get along? I guess if the theatre is a microcosm of life, then it’s going to have the ups and downs, and highs and lows, and mix of personalities, that everyday life has. Too bad. I thought it was an escape.

I Love Twofers!

Word from Amazon about newly posted reader reviews of Bit Players took the gloom out of this blustery (nod to Pooh) Monday!

First, there were two new reviews of Bit Players 2, aka Bit Players, Bullies and Righteous Rebels. And, one of the reviewers also left comments about Bit Players 1, aka Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers. Thanks to “yesteryearhomes” and “newhite” for taking time to let others know what you think of my books, which I’m happy to report are rated 4.5 and 5.0 stars on Amazon.

Here’s what they had to say:

This review is from: Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers: A must-read for fans of Glee, High School Musical and Twilight (Paperback)

 What a good read for adults, too!, October 7, 2013


By Yesteryearhomes “Not your average architect”

I loved this book. I could identify with Sadie, the main character. SM Stevens did a great job of making her a realistic character, as well as the other characters in the book. I loved that the characters had flaws, some were smarter and funnier than others. I could easily picture them in our local school.

As a young adult book, it was the perfect length, with action, romance and mystery. As an adult book, I could have easily read another 100 pages of the story!

Stevens’ stories are much better written and are more engaging than the popular vampire series of wishy-washy twilight characters.

If you’re in High School or if your kid is, the Bit Players series is the better choice by far.

This review is from: Bit Players, Bullies and Righteous Rebels (Volume 2) (Paperback)

 Great story!, October 7, 2013

By Yesteryearhomes “Not your average architect”

This is the second book in the Bit Players series, and it is great!

Like the first book, it entwines a plot of mystery and romance around the production of an original musical/play. The characters are developed further; they are so real.

I thought the connection between the bullying in the “real life” of the characters and its portrayal in the musical they were producing was brilliant and very relevant in today’s world. Stevens tackles tough topics such as bullying and sexual orientation with finesse and without preaching to the readers. She presents these topics not only from the point of view of the student, but also the opinions (right or wrong) of teachers, parents and strangers.

As in the first book, I would have loved to read a longer story. The length and pace of the book is great for a teen audience.

PS- I hope that some day the original musical in this book makes it to our local stage.

This review is from: Bit Players, Bullies and Righteous Rebels (Kindle Edition)

 Intrigue and Drama!, October 4, 2013


By “neWhite”

A friend gave me Bit Players, Bullies & Righteous Rebels and I didn’t really know what it was all about since I hadn’t read the first one in the series. But I loved it. I did high school theatre and this book took me right back to how that all felt — the friendships, the politics, the thrill of being in a show. It was cool how the book included modern songs but with new lyrics. I really liked the lead character Sadie, in the end. At first I wasn’t sure, but I guess that’s what makes her a good character, that she’s not perfect. And I was totally intrigued wondering who the bully was. All in all, a really fun read!

YA Books about Performing Arts, Anyone?

Whoa. A while back I noticed that goodreads didn’t have a “listopia” list for Young Adults who want to find novels that take place in the theatre, dance or other performing arts world. So I started a list called YA Books About Performing Arts. After all, there are tons of teens and young adults who love Glee, High School Musical, Smash, and anything related to the performing arts, but there aren’t a lot of books for those people. Well, I just had a fresh look at the list, and it’s already got 33 books on it! If you know of other YA novels set in the arts world, please add them to the list by going to goodreads Listopia.

Director-less

So our high school is in dire need of a new director for the theatre program. I can’t believe how hard it is to find a good person who wants to do this job. I mean who doesn’t love to be in charge of something awesome like a theatre production? 

It makes me think about the qualities of a good director. Unfortunately, a love of drama isn’t enough, even when you throw in a good amount of creativity. Good directors are also good managers, of people, time and activities. Pulling together cast, crew, rehearsals, sets, props, costumes, sound, lights, etc. is a massive job. Sometimes I think it must be more work to manage other people doing all those jobs than doing the jobs yourself.

But in most cases, I think directors find all the time and effort well spent, when the curtain goes up, the show goes on, and the audience – hopefully – goes wild. So here’s to all the directors out there, from the student to the professional, and here’s hoping we find a good director soon.

So our high school is in dire need of a new director for ...

So our high school is in dire need of a new director for the theatre program. I can’t believe how hard it is to find a good person who wants to do this job. I mean who doesn’t love to be in charge of something awesome like a theatre production? 

It makes me think about the qualities of a good director. Unfortunately, a love of drama isn’t enough, even when you throw in a good amount of creativity. Good directors are also good managers, of people, time and activities. Pulling together cast, crew, rehearsals, sets, props, costumes, sound, lights, etc. is a massive job. Sometimes I think it must be more work to manage other people doing all those jobs than doing the jobs yourself.

But in most cases, I think directors find all the time and effort well spent, when the curtain goes up, the show goes on, and the audience – hopefully – goes wild. So here’s to all the directors out there, from the student to the professional, and here’s hoping we find a good director soon.

Theatre in a Watery World

It’e been so hot, muggy, and downright tropical here in New England, for days, that it got me wondering…how come there is no theatre in the pool or other water-based setting? We have plenty of sports that translate to the pool: water aerobics, water volleyball, water polo. In the theatre world, there is theater in the round, or theatre in the park/open-air theatre, and sometimes a combination of the two. But other than that, theatre settings are pretty standard – your small, intimate venue, your large amphitheatres, or maybe a dinner theatre.

It’s time to shake things up a bit. I propose Theatre in the Pool, or Theatre in the Pond. For those larger troupes, Theatre in the Lake. Really. If we can have water ballet, why can’t we have water theatre? The actors could duck underwater instead of going offstage. Waterfront scenes would be so much easier than creating something that looks like water on a stage.

Or maybe the action doesn’t take place above the waterline but below, and the audience watches through clear walls, like at the aquarium.

Or maybe we should all just GO to the aquarium, and watch the penguins and seals put on a show. Clearly, the heat is frying my brain.

(Photo by Daria Iushko, no offense intended.)

Goodreads Reviewer on Bit Players

Shannon from goodreads, thanks for this review!

I received this book free from goodreads giveaway. This was so entertaining It reads just like a script, and it includes links to music that goes with the book, read this in one sitting! The story was good the lives of high school students and things they go through. This would be a great book to use a guide for high school theatre teachers, maybe they could use the story and get ideas for their own plays or just let the students read this and have discussions. I think young readers can relate to this story whether they are in theater or not, friends, bully’s, and making it to end of high school, makes for a good story along with the play and music.

Mika Lovefest Continues

As my readers know by now, Mika’s “We Are Golden” is featured in Bit Players, Bullies and Righteous Rebels. The Mika song “Popular” actually has not a thing to do with the Bit Players books, but hey, it’s my blog and I get to post what I want. But seriously, it does include an excerpt from Wicked’s “Popular” — apparently Mika is friends with Stephen Schwartz – so there is a musical theatre connection. And the message of the song should strike a chord (sorry for the bad music pun) with bit players everywhere. So listen up and spread it around. This one’s infectious.

P.S. on Mika Bash-Up

I challenge you to sit still during this song! All the high school seniors I know are already restless for prom, graduation, and the rest of their lives, and it’s only March. Channel that pent-up energy into a good old dance around your living room listening to Mika. The best band-aid ever.