Monday, June 13, 2011

Summer Blog Break

I'm gearing up for one of my busiest summers yet: moving to a new house, working on a revision of my novel, teaching Songwriting and Fiction Writing for Kids classes, and traveling across the country to celebrate a dear friend's wedding. If I have any time and energy left, I'd like to start a new garden, paint my new music room, and catch up on my reading.

So you can see where this is all leading.

I'll be offline for a good chunk of the summer. When I come back, I hope to have all kinds of new books and music to share. I hope your summer is filled with sunshine!

 Photo by Mommamia

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Sam Phillips: Broken Circle

In August 2009, Sam Phillips launched her innovative Long Play project. Fans (like myself) paid a $52 subscription fee straight to the artist. No record company, no middle man. In return, we gained instant access to her creative process. Over the year, Long Play subscribers were able to download 5 digital EPs, one entire album, and a variety of bonus songs in various stages of completion.

If you did not participate in Long Play, you're in luck! Yesterday, Sam Phillips released a full-length album of songs from the project to the public. Solid State is now available on Sam Phillips' website in digital or physical CD format. In fact, you can get three free tracks just for signing up for her email list. And at the very least, you can watch this video from one of the new tracks.

Sam Phillips: Broken Circle

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Kris Asselin Interviews Me!

Young adult and middle grade author Kris Asselin interviewed me for her blog this week. Please stop by Writing. For Real. to read all about how I got my first check as a writer, how I got my agent, and how I love Phil Collins (but if you're a regular reader of this blog, you probably already knew that last bit).

Thanks, Kris!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Grab Bag Friday: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold

Over Memorial Day weekend, Kevin and I went to see Morgan Spurlock's new documentary, The Greatest Movie Ever Sold. I have two things to say:

1. Morgan Spurlock is my hero.

2. If you haven't seen his TV show 30 Days, you must. The box set is out now which means you can rent it, buy it, or even watch episodes on Netflix Watch Instantly. Barring The Wonder Years, it's perhaps my favorite television series of all time.

POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold Trailer

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

I Wrote a Hit Song! Contest Winner: Eleanor, age 12

I'm happy to announce the latest I Wrote a Hit Song! contest winner. Twelve-year-old Eleanor from St. Paul, Minnesota wrote a hit song called "Perfect Shade of Blue."

Please visit Eleanor's song page and leave a comment to let her know how much you like her song.