Guilie Castillo-Oriard's Blog, page 7
January 14, 2016
Meanwhile, on the Miracle front...
The Chit Chat Café at Mensing's Caminada, Curaçao's largestbookstore. The café has graciously agreed to host us for
the launch. The Miracle of Small Things has come home. Thanks to the wonderful people at Mensing's Caminada bookstore, the book is now for sale here in Curaçao, the island that gave it life. The official launch is planned for Saturday Feb. 13th, but we decided that—due to the long wait—it was a good idea to put a few copies up for sale pre-launch.
Why the long wait? Why not do the launch earlier—now, for instance? Or—as we'd originally planned—before Christmas and the big shopping season? Yes, that would've made sense. But living on an island that no one (including international postal services) can find on a map has its drawbacks.
The two bags of books I picked upat the post office on Dec. 20thShipping costs to Curaçao are... well, rather steep. So, to keep the price of the book reasonable (and allow for the bookstore's percentage, too), we needed to order during one of Lulu.com's free shipping promotions. They happen about once a month, but they're not predictable. In the end, I placed the order sometime in the beginning of November and thought (silly me) we could plan the Curaçao launch for December 19th.
The books arrived Dec. 20th.
Of course I'd cancelled with the bookstore already... and it was too short notice to reschedule before Christmas. First two weeks of January were also out (everyone's too exhausted from the holidays, emotionally and financially) — which brought us into Carnaval season.
Curaçao goes all-out nuts twice a year: for New Year's, and for Carnaval (Mardi Gras). There's a children's parade, a teener parade, a big-people parade (or 'adult', but that sounds like it's rated R or something... ) that happens twice: on Sunday afternoon and Tuesday night (the actual Mardi Gras). Preparations for all this starts months before (like, as soon as the thing is over the previous year), and the closer Carnaval comes, the narrower islanders' attention spans get.
No photo can do the madness and joy of Curaçao's Carnaval justice.During the four or five weeks before Carnaval, any unrelated event will go utterly unnoticed. Therefore, we rescheduled for the Saturday after Carnaval. (And I'm keeping fingers crossed that people won't be too exhausted or still hung-over or nursing feet injuries or something...)Below is a preview of the poster announcing the event. What do you think? I'm off to Mexico for 10 days today, so I won't be working on it until I'm back... Plenty of time to get some feedback to improve it :)
January 7, 2016
No New Year's Like Curaçao's, #BoTB Results, Lost & Found, Etc.
Even if this battle wasn't too popular (only 13 votes), it was still very close.
Karen Souza: 6 DixieMaryStephenJohnJanieJeffrey
Aslan: 7 MicheleMikeBirgitElliptical ManSusanLeeRobin
Which brings us to my vote. I'm tempted to make this a tie... I really do like Karen's version and listen to it often, while Aslan's I'd never heard of until I found it for this Battle. And yet... Aslan really did blow me away. I think it was Robin who said their version was somehow sadder and more hopeful all at the same time — yes. Yes. There's something about that version that hits the spot for me in a way that Karen's, as interesting at it is musically, does not.
So. I vote for Aslan.
Huge gratitude to everyone that took time off from a busy start-of-the-year schedule to come by and vote (or just say hi) — loved seeing you here. I'm painfully behind on returning blog visits and in blogging generally, but I'll catch up in the next few days. Promise :)
You know that bit from the opening of The Miracle of Small Things,
These are some of the reasons why.
Yes, January 1st is a quiet, quiet day.
Speaking of 1sts, the sign-up for the Lost & Found hop on Feb 1st is going on FIFTY participants since the linky went up on Monday. Which is great — yay! But I've also noticed a few people who disqualify themselves from participating because they feel they've been unlucky in love, and that is not good.
So let's get something clear: this is a hop as much about being in love as out of it. As much about the presence as about the absence. And — this is important, so I need your undivided attention — it's about love in general, so not only of the romantic kind.
Listen, it's okay if you don't want to participate. But don't think you can't participate because love hasn't treated you right recently (or, you know, ever). This is your chance to get back at it. Let your creativity loose and tell us just how dimwitted the lovelorn look to the innocent bystander. Tell us about that awkward sense of relief when a bad relationship is, finally, over. Or go wild and tell us about that weirdo who's in love with his car. (No, don't look at me like that. Stephen King built a career on that one; why not you?)
Seriously. This is a hop meant to gather, prism-like, all the different aspects of that "crazy little thing", and all the weird stuff we'll do for it (or to avoid it). Your contribution, in whatever form it comes, will be unique — and, because of that, will add something important.
Okay, passionate plea is over. As you were.
Karen Souza: 6 DixieMaryStephenJohnJanieJeffrey
Aslan: 7 MicheleMikeBirgitElliptical ManSusanLeeRobin
Which brings us to my vote. I'm tempted to make this a tie... I really do like Karen's version and listen to it often, while Aslan's I'd never heard of until I found it for this Battle. And yet... Aslan really did blow me away. I think it was Robin who said their version was somehow sadder and more hopeful all at the same time — yes. Yes. There's something about that version that hits the spot for me in a way that Karen's, as interesting at it is musically, does not.
So. I vote for Aslan.
Huge gratitude to everyone that took time off from a busy start-of-the-year schedule to come by and vote (or just say hi) — loved seeing you here. I'm painfully behind on returning blog visits and in blogging generally, but I'll catch up in the next few days. Promise :)
You know that bit from the opening of The Miracle of Small Things,
"There's no stillness like the stillness of Curaçao on New Year's Day. Pointless tropical sun on deserted asphalt, every business shuttered, everything forlorn. Not even trash stirs: the wind is on furlough too. There's also no New Year's Eve like Curaçao's, which explains the stillness."
These are some of the reasons why.
Yes, January 1st is a quiet, quiet day.
Speaking of 1sts, the sign-up for the Lost & Found hop on Feb 1st is going on FIFTY participants since the linky went up on Monday. Which is great — yay! But I've also noticed a few people who disqualify themselves from participating because they feel they've been unlucky in love, and that is not good.
So let's get something clear: this is a hop as much about being in love as out of it. As much about the presence as about the absence. And — this is important, so I need your undivided attention — it's about love in general, so not only of the romantic kind.
Listen, it's okay if you don't want to participate. But don't think you can't participate because love hasn't treated you right recently (or, you know, ever). This is your chance to get back at it. Let your creativity loose and tell us just how dimwitted the lovelorn look to the innocent bystander. Tell us about that awkward sense of relief when a bad relationship is, finally, over. Or go wild and tell us about that weirdo who's in love with his car. (No, don't look at me like that. Stephen King built a career on that one; why not you?)
Seriously. This is a hop meant to gather, prism-like, all the different aspects of that "crazy little thing", and all the weird stuff we'll do for it (or to avoid it). Your contribution, in whatever form it comes, will be unique — and, because of that, will add something important.
Okay, passionate plea is over. As you were.
January 5, 2016
The Laughing Heart (Charles Bukowski, read by Tom Waits)
"That's a beauty," he says at the end. Yes... yes, it is. Enjoy.
your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on the watch.
there are ways out.
there is light somewhere.
it may not be much light but
it beats the darkness.
be on the watch.
the gods will offer you chances.
know them.
take them.
you can’t beat death but
you can beat death in life, sometimes.
and the more often you learn to do it,
the more light there will be.
your life is your life.
know it while you have it.
you are marvelous
the gods wait to delight
in you.-- by Charles Bukowski
your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on the watch.
there are ways out.
there is light somewhere.
it may not be much light but
it beats the darkness.
be on the watch.
the gods will offer you chances.
know them.
take them.
you can’t beat death but
you can beat death in life, sometimes.
and the more often you learn to do it,
the more light there will be.
your life is your life.
know it while you have it.
you are marvelous
the gods wait to delight
in you.-- by Charles Bukowski
January 4, 2016
Lost & Found: Valentine's Edition (a blog hop)
Love... Even the word sounds like a sigh. But is it a sigh of contentment—or of regret? If you've found it, the world shines in colors vivid. If you've lost it, life fades into grays and shadows. There's nothing quite as intense as falling in love. Or as the feeling of loss when it ends.
This is a blog hop to celebrate love: lost, or found, or—both? Whether in short fiction, or a brief essay, or poetry, or even (especially for us Battle of the Bands participants) via a song, tell us a love story. Whether it's of loss or a happily-ever-after is up to you—as is the genre. Sci-fi, thriller, comedy, memoir—it's all good. "Love" is, after all, so much more than just "romance". On Monday February 1st, it's all about love, in all its forms. The only limit is your creativity.
The Lost & Found: Valentine's Edition blog hop was born as a collaboration with Arlee Bird, and we're thrilled to have enlisted fabulous help from co-hosts Denise Covey, Yolanda Renee, Elizabeth Seckman, and the Ninja Captain himself, Alex Cavanaugh.
Sign up to the Love Lost & Found extravaganza at the linky below. See you on Monday February 1st!
This is a blog hop to celebrate love: lost, or found, or—both? Whether in short fiction, or a brief essay, or poetry, or even (especially for us Battle of the Bands participants) via a song, tell us a love story. Whether it's of loss or a happily-ever-after is up to you—as is the genre. Sci-fi, thriller, comedy, memoir—it's all good. "Love" is, after all, so much more than just "romance". On Monday February 1st, it's all about love, in all its forms. The only limit is your creativity.
The Lost & Found: Valentine's Edition blog hop was born as a collaboration with Arlee Bird, and we're thrilled to have enlisted fabulous help from co-hosts Denise Covey, Yolanda Renee, Elizabeth Seckman, and the Ninja Captain himself, Alex Cavanaugh.
Sign up to the Love Lost & Found extravaganza at the linky below. See you on Monday February 1st!
January 1, 2016
New Year's Day (#BoTB)
"There's no stillness like the stillness of Curaçao on New Year's Day."
So opens The Miracle of Small Things , a line reminiscent of U2's "All is quiet on New Year's Day..." No song more appropriate, then, to start off a new year of Battle of the Bands.
I wouldn't even dream of pitting the original against... well, anyone. This is a sacred song for me—for us. My dushi and I have been singing this together, at the top of our voices, thirteen New Years in a row, sometime around 7pm—midnight in Holland, and the first New Year's "bang" here in Curaçao: fireworks, hugs, phone calls, clinking of beer bottles, general uproar—and a fairly predictable playlist, whether by DJ or live band, that includes Auld Lang Syne and U2's New Year's Day.
We may not have a "world in white" here in the tropics, but...
I want to be with you, be with youNight and dayNothing changes on New Year's Day.
THE CONTENDERS
Like any "classic" worth its salt, U2's anthem has had its share of covers and remakes (even one by U2 themselves, from 2001). But nothing says you're getting old, dude like hearing the songs that shaped your life—and, quite honestly, continue to do so—turned into freakin' elevator music.
I should hate this version. Maybe some (most?) of you will hate it. But—I dunno, there's something about it...
FIRST CONTENDER: The "jazz" version.
SECOND CONTENDER: No more upbeat, but perhaps a tad more in the "protest" spirit of the original, here's a 2005 version by Aslan, also an Irish rock band and, formed in 1982, almost as old as U2 themselves.
What do you think? Are you a U2 fan? Is New Year's Day on you Dec 31 / Jan 1 playlist? Does Karen Souza's version feel offensive, or cute? Does Aslan do justice to the original, or turn it into something else? Which of these two covers would you most likely choose to listen to? And, back to the subject of elevator music, can you remember the first time you heard a song you loved turned into one of those department-store Muzak abominations? (It hurts, doesn't it?)
More Battles? Check out these folks!
STMcC Presents 'Battle of The Bands'Far Away SeriesDebbie D. ("Doglady")Holli's Hoots and HollersYour Daily DoseTossing It OutMike's RamblingsJingle Jangle JungleCurious as a CathyCherdo on the FlipsideThe Sound of One Hand TypingJanie Junebug Righting & EditingJ. A. ScottBook LoverAngels Barkdcrelief ~ Battle of The BandsNovelBrews
As always, thanks to Stephen and FAE for keeping the BoTB spirit alive. And thank you for coming by! Here's lifting a glass of champagne to 2016. May it bring you all sorts of unexpected joys :)
So opens The Miracle of Small Things , a line reminiscent of U2's "All is quiet on New Year's Day..." No song more appropriate, then, to start off a new year of Battle of the Bands.
I wouldn't even dream of pitting the original against... well, anyone. This is a sacred song for me—for us. My dushi and I have been singing this together, at the top of our voices, thirteen New Years in a row, sometime around 7pm—midnight in Holland, and the first New Year's "bang" here in Curaçao: fireworks, hugs, phone calls, clinking of beer bottles, general uproar—and a fairly predictable playlist, whether by DJ or live band, that includes Auld Lang Syne and U2's New Year's Day.
We may not have a "world in white" here in the tropics, but...
I want to be with you, be with youNight and dayNothing changes on New Year's Day.
THE CONTENDERS
Like any "classic" worth its salt, U2's anthem has had its share of covers and remakes (even one by U2 themselves, from 2001). But nothing says you're getting old, dude like hearing the songs that shaped your life—and, quite honestly, continue to do so—turned into freakin' elevator music.
I should hate this version. Maybe some (most?) of you will hate it. But—I dunno, there's something about it...
FIRST CONTENDER: The "jazz" version.
SECOND CONTENDER: No more upbeat, but perhaps a tad more in the "protest" spirit of the original, here's a 2005 version by Aslan, also an Irish rock band and, formed in 1982, almost as old as U2 themselves.
What do you think? Are you a U2 fan? Is New Year's Day on you Dec 31 / Jan 1 playlist? Does Karen Souza's version feel offensive, or cute? Does Aslan do justice to the original, or turn it into something else? Which of these two covers would you most likely choose to listen to? And, back to the subject of elevator music, can you remember the first time you heard a song you loved turned into one of those department-store Muzak abominations? (It hurts, doesn't it?)
More Battles? Check out these folks!
STMcC Presents 'Battle of The Bands'Far Away SeriesDebbie D. ("Doglady")Holli's Hoots and HollersYour Daily DoseTossing It OutMike's RamblingsJingle Jangle JungleCurious as a CathyCherdo on the FlipsideThe Sound of One Hand TypingJanie Junebug Righting & EditingJ. A. ScottBook LoverAngels Barkdcrelief ~ Battle of The BandsNovelBrews
As always, thanks to Stephen and FAE for keeping the BoTB spirit alive. And thank you for coming by! Here's lifting a glass of champagne to 2016. May it bring you all sorts of unexpected joys :)
December 23, 2015
#BoTB Results: Band Aid vs USA for Africa
So sorry to be late with the results, everyone. It's been crazy days.
I'm still processing this result. Honestly, I expected USA for Africa to win by a landslide. But I'm (very, very) pleased to announce that IT DIDN'T HAPPEN:
Band Aid: 10MadilynJohnJanieDixieGaryYolandaBirgitHilaryMicheleRobin
USA for Africa: 9
LeeHolliElliptical ManCherdoStephenCathyJeffreyDonnaMike
And my vote won't make this a tie... I've always loved the Band Aid version beyond all reason. We Are The World, as cool as it was in its moment, didn't stand the test of time for me. Whereas Do They Know It's Christmas makes me tear up every time I hear it.
(And the fact that I actually enjoy tearing up with music makes me... a masochist, I suppose.)
Thus, final result including my vote: Band Aid 11, USA for Africa 9.
I loved hearing everyone's take on these songs. Stephen's (and Robin's) comment on how the USA version has more individual participation, and seems generally better distributed, is spot-on. Or, like Hilary said, that the UK started this whole thing for being first. (Bob Geldof is a great human.)
Thanks for coming by to vote and to share your thoughts and your memories on this slightly off-kilter battle :) Thanks, also, for the extraordinary welcome you've given me here in the Battle community. I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas, and I'm looking forward to many more spectacular music face-offs in 2016.
Speaking of 80s flashbacks... For some reason this song is huge here in Curaçao — I imagine via Holland. I'd never even heard it before coming here. So... Merry Christmas, with love from Curaçao :)
If you're not a fan, you'll love this one :D
I'm still processing this result. Honestly, I expected USA for Africa to win by a landslide. But I'm (very, very) pleased to announce that IT DIDN'T HAPPEN:
Band Aid: 10MadilynJohnJanieDixieGaryYolandaBirgitHilaryMicheleRobin
USA for Africa: 9
LeeHolliElliptical ManCherdoStephenCathyJeffreyDonnaMike
And my vote won't make this a tie... I've always loved the Band Aid version beyond all reason. We Are The World, as cool as it was in its moment, didn't stand the test of time for me. Whereas Do They Know It's Christmas makes me tear up every time I hear it.
(And the fact that I actually enjoy tearing up with music makes me... a masochist, I suppose.)
Thus, final result including my vote: Band Aid 11, USA for Africa 9.
I loved hearing everyone's take on these songs. Stephen's (and Robin's) comment on how the USA version has more individual participation, and seems generally better distributed, is spot-on. Or, like Hilary said, that the UK started this whole thing for being first. (Bob Geldof is a great human.)
Thanks for coming by to vote and to share your thoughts and your memories on this slightly off-kilter battle :) Thanks, also, for the extraordinary welcome you've given me here in the Battle community. I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas, and I'm looking forward to many more spectacular music face-offs in 2016.
Speaking of 80s flashbacks... For some reason this song is huge here in Curaçao — I imagine via Holland. I'd never even heard it before coming here. So... Merry Christmas, with love from Curaçao :)
If you're not a fan, you'll love this one :D
December 15, 2015
#BoTB: The Christmas Special
If you grew up in the 80's, chances are you already have a favorite in this Battle of the Bands.
First up: 25 November 1984, Bob Geldof's Band Aid records Do They Know It's Christmas to raise funds for Ethiopia. (WARNING: tough, tough images.)
Another version, in case the first video doesn't play (thanks, Lee!)...
Inspired by the UK initiative, the US follows suit: seven weeks later, in January 1985, USA for Africa records We Are The World.
These two songs marked an era. A turning outward of the world's focus... The birth, arguably, of a global social consciousness. Which one do you think does a better job of getting this global-consciousness across? Which one touches you deepest? More pragmatically, which has the best cast, the best music, the best arrangement? Which has a better chance of getting played on your Christmas / year-end playlists? Tell us and cast your vote in the comments!
Like the Band Aid video says at the end, the dying continues—perhaps not in Ethiopia anymore, not at that scale... But we've only to look at Syria, for instance, to see we've done a pretty ugly job of "making the world a better place." And, still, I believe the message of these songs works. If we stand together, if we all do something, no matter how small, the aggregate result is a positive one.
'Tis the season for giving. Whose life will you make a tiny bit better this Christmas?
May you have a Christmas full of goodwill and cheer, and may you spread that cheer to those who have less. Happy holidays, all.
More epic Battles being fought at these awesome blogs!
STMcC Presents 'Battle of The Bands'Far Away SeriesDebbie D. ("Doglady")Holli's Hoots and HollersYour Daily DoseAlex CavanaughTossing It OutMike's RamblingsJingle Jangle JungleCurious as a CathyCherdo on the FlipsideThe Sound of One Hand TypingJanie Junebug Righting & EditingJ. A. ScottBook LoverAngels Barkdcrelief ~ Battle of The BandsNovelBrews
Thanks as always to Stephen and FAE for keeping the Battle spirit going.
First up: 25 November 1984, Bob Geldof's Band Aid records Do They Know It's Christmas to raise funds for Ethiopia. (WARNING: tough, tough images.)
Another version, in case the first video doesn't play (thanks, Lee!)...
Inspired by the UK initiative, the US follows suit: seven weeks later, in January 1985, USA for Africa records We Are The World.
These two songs marked an era. A turning outward of the world's focus... The birth, arguably, of a global social consciousness. Which one do you think does a better job of getting this global-consciousness across? Which one touches you deepest? More pragmatically, which has the best cast, the best music, the best arrangement? Which has a better chance of getting played on your Christmas / year-end playlists? Tell us and cast your vote in the comments!
Like the Band Aid video says at the end, the dying continues—perhaps not in Ethiopia anymore, not at that scale... But we've only to look at Syria, for instance, to see we've done a pretty ugly job of "making the world a better place." And, still, I believe the message of these songs works. If we stand together, if we all do something, no matter how small, the aggregate result is a positive one.
'Tis the season for giving. Whose life will you make a tiny bit better this Christmas?
May you have a Christmas full of goodwill and cheer, and may you spread that cheer to those who have less. Happy holidays, all.
More epic Battles being fought at these awesome blogs!
STMcC Presents 'Battle of The Bands'Far Away SeriesDebbie D. ("Doglady")Holli's Hoots and HollersYour Daily DoseAlex CavanaughTossing It OutMike's RamblingsJingle Jangle JungleCurious as a CathyCherdo on the FlipsideThe Sound of One Hand TypingJanie Junebug Righting & EditingJ. A. ScottBook LoverAngels Barkdcrelief ~ Battle of The BandsNovelBrews
Thanks as always to Stephen and FAE for keeping the Battle spirit going.
December 8, 2015
#BoTB Results: ZZ Top vs Paul Rodgers on 'I Thank You'
Wow. I was really really not expecting this. Okay, let me start by saying I'd never heard of Paul Rodgers. And, also, I love ZZ Top. Not all their stuff—I don't even know all their stuff—but... well, enough of their songs have a place on my Anthem List. And my Feel-Good List. So... yeah, I thought this would be a shut-out.
Surprise, surprise...
ZZ Top: 11 MicheleJanieDebbieBirgitJohnYolandaDonnaHilaryMaryLeeCathy
Paul Rodgers: 10
DixieJeffreyElliptical ManSusanRobinFAEStephanieCherdoStephenMike
Yeah. Wow.
The other thing I thought was that my vote would go to ZZ Top. I love their rendition of I Thank You. Love, love, LOVE it. It makes me dance every time. It makes me happy.
But, like I said, I hadn't listened to the Paul Rodgers version. And, like I heard from many of the comments y'all left here, it blew me away.
So... My vote goes to Paul. Which makes this battle a tie. After all the see-sawing (one vote for ZZ, one vote for Paul, one vote for ZZ, two votes for Paul, two more for ZZ...), maybe this is the fairest of all possible results. But I sure hate the responsibility of making that happen. The only thing I'd have hated more would've been to be the one to break the tie. So thanks for not letting that happen :)
See y'all on the 15th! (And apologies for the late posting... Not sure what happened to yesterday. One minute it was Monday and then... it wasn't.)
Surprise, surprise...
ZZ Top: 11 MicheleJanieDebbieBirgitJohnYolandaDonnaHilaryMaryLeeCathy
Paul Rodgers: 10
DixieJeffreyElliptical ManSusanRobinFAEStephanieCherdoStephenMike
Yeah. Wow.
The other thing I thought was that my vote would go to ZZ Top. I love their rendition of I Thank You. Love, love, LOVE it. It makes me dance every time. It makes me happy.
But, like I said, I hadn't listened to the Paul Rodgers version. And, like I heard from many of the comments y'all left here, it blew me away.
So... My vote goes to Paul. Which makes this battle a tie. After all the see-sawing (one vote for ZZ, one vote for Paul, one vote for ZZ, two votes for Paul, two more for ZZ...), maybe this is the fairest of all possible results. But I sure hate the responsibility of making that happen. The only thing I'd have hated more would've been to be the one to break the tie. So thanks for not letting that happen :)
See y'all on the 15th! (And apologies for the late posting... Not sure what happened to yesterday. One minute it was Monday and then... it wasn't.)
December 5, 2015
Elevate Your Pitch!
Now that November is over, it's time to start editing the hell out of that NaNo manuscript. Getting rid of all the plot bunnies, the useless (yes, even if fun) tangents, the darlings and the indulgently purple prose.
And nothing helps focus on—even discover—the core of your novel like a cut-'em-to-the-bone pitch. Which is why Samantha Redstreake Geary, spectacular author and freelance writer for the music industry, has opened the Elevate Your Pitch competition.
Got a novel? Whether it's this year's NaNo project or something you've been working for longer than 30 days (and nights), you probably know that it's going to get nowhere without a brilliant elevator pitch.
What is an elevator pitch?
He follows that with a tidbit of magic to illustrate:
Think of the pitch as the teaser trailer to your book. You have 20 seconds to hook a potential reader; how will you do it?
The best part: for this contest, you get to do it with music (like the pros!). Sam's providing all tracks of the Elevation album on the contest page—and if these awesome pieces don't inspire you to take your pitch to the next level, nothing will.
So go for it. Take a listen to the Elevation tracks, choose one that feels right for your manuscript, polish that pitch (max 3 sentences!), and submit via the comments form. Remember to mention which of the tracks you chose, so the judges can listen to it while reading.
Speaking of judges, I'm one of them—and I'm in excellent company, with author Amy Willoughby-Burle and Really Slow Motion director Agus González-Lancharro. Contest is open from now until January 8th, and prizes include:
Sound cool? Sign up here! (And check the contest site for guidelines.)
If, for whatever reason, you're not ready to participate, you might still want to follow along; several guests and judges will be providing pitch-rocking tips while the competition runs. (And Sam's blog is totally worth following anyway, for content and visuals. And music.)
And nothing helps focus on—even discover—the core of your novel like a cut-'em-to-the-bone pitch. Which is why Samantha Redstreake Geary, spectacular author and freelance writer for the music industry, has opened the Elevate Your Pitch competition.
Got a novel? Whether it's this year's NaNo project or something you've been working for longer than 30 days (and nights), you probably know that it's going to get nowhere without a brilliant elevator pitch.
What is an elevator pitch?
The way writers convey the promise of what reading their book will deliver on.
(paraphrased from Chuck Sambuchino @ WD)
He follows that with a tidbit of magic to illustrate:
"An unforgettable novel about finding a piece of yourself in someone else."
~ And The Mountains Echoed, Khaled Hosseini
Think of the pitch as the teaser trailer to your book. You have 20 seconds to hook a potential reader; how will you do it?
The best part: for this contest, you get to do it with music (like the pros!). Sam's providing all tracks of the Elevation album on the contest page—and if these awesome pieces don't inspire you to take your pitch to the next level, nothing will.
So go for it. Take a listen to the Elevation tracks, choose one that feels right for your manuscript, polish that pitch (max 3 sentences!), and submit via the comments form. Remember to mention which of the tracks you chose, so the judges can listen to it while reading.
Speaking of judges, I'm one of them—and I'm in excellent company, with author Amy Willoughby-Burle and Really Slow Motion director Agus González-Lancharro. Contest is open from now until January 8th, and prizes include:
— For the top three favorite pitches, digital copies of the Elevation album and of The Miracle of Small Things
— One lucky overall winner will receive a gratis license to one of the Elevation tracks for use in a book trailer, and a signed paperback of The Miracle of Small Things
Sound cool? Sign up here! (And check the contest site for guidelines.)
If, for whatever reason, you're not ready to participate, you might still want to follow along; several guests and judges will be providing pitch-rocking tips while the competition runs. (And Sam's blog is totally worth following anyway, for content and visuals. And music.)
December 1, 2015
#BoTB: I Thank You (1979 vs 2014)
I'm still working through the whole gratitude thing...
The original belongs to Sam & Dave, American tenor and baritone (respectively) duo popular in the late 60's. I Thank You is from 1968, year that marked the beginning of the decline that ended with their split in1970.
ZZ Top covered it in 1979, to incredible success in spite of the change in genre. Show us how it's done, ZZ:
Bonus: this version comes with the lyrics.
And then, just last year, Paul Rodgers included it in his album The Royal Sessions , ten covers of soul, R&B, and blues (some good ones for future battles, y'all). Paul was named one of the top 100 singers by Rolling Stone (No. 55, to be exact), so I'm hoping he can give ZZ Top a good run for their money. Plus, Paul's version takes the song back to its soul roots...
Or this version, if the other one doesn't play (thanks for letting me know, Dixie!)
There you have it, folks. Who did it better? Who sucks less? Which of these would be more likely to find their way to your iPod? Which wouldn't you be caught dead listening to? Come back next Monday (7th) to check how the votes played out.
Thanks so much for the visit, all. Seriously.
You didn't have to love me like you didbut you did, but you didand I thank you...
Enjoyed this? Go check out the other BoTB participants... Some epic battles being fought today. And thanks, as always, to FAE and Stephen for keeping the BoTB going.
STMcC Presents 'Battle of The Bands'Far Away SeriesDebbie D. ("Doglady")Holli's Hoots and HollersYour Daily DoseAlex CavanaughTossing It OutMike's RamblingsJingle Jangle JungleCurious as a CathyCherdo on the FlipsideThe Sound of One Hand TypingWomen: We Shall OvercomeJ. A. ScottBook LoverAngels Barkdcrelief ~ Battle of The BandsNovelBrews
The original belongs to Sam & Dave, American tenor and baritone (respectively) duo popular in the late 60's. I Thank You is from 1968, year that marked the beginning of the decline that ended with their split in1970.
ZZ Top covered it in 1979, to incredible success in spite of the change in genre. Show us how it's done, ZZ:
Bonus: this version comes with the lyrics.
And then, just last year, Paul Rodgers included it in his album The Royal Sessions , ten covers of soul, R&B, and blues (some good ones for future battles, y'all). Paul was named one of the top 100 singers by Rolling Stone (No. 55, to be exact), so I'm hoping he can give ZZ Top a good run for their money. Plus, Paul's version takes the song back to its soul roots...
Or this version, if the other one doesn't play (thanks for letting me know, Dixie!)
There you have it, folks. Who did it better? Who sucks less? Which of these would be more likely to find their way to your iPod? Which wouldn't you be caught dead listening to? Come back next Monday (7th) to check how the votes played out.
Thanks so much for the visit, all. Seriously.
You didn't have to love me like you didbut you did, but you didand I thank you...
Enjoyed this? Go check out the other BoTB participants... Some epic battles being fought today. And thanks, as always, to FAE and Stephen for keeping the BoTB going.
STMcC Presents 'Battle of The Bands'Far Away SeriesDebbie D. ("Doglady")Holli's Hoots and HollersYour Daily DoseAlex CavanaughTossing It OutMike's RamblingsJingle Jangle JungleCurious as a CathyCherdo on the FlipsideThe Sound of One Hand TypingWomen: We Shall OvercomeJ. A. ScottBook LoverAngels Barkdcrelief ~ Battle of The BandsNovelBrews
