PROJECT HISTORY
Four Days in December is a project that spun off of the writing of Hazel Moon. As the editor I was able to closely observe the principal authors who continued to inspire me as a writer with everything that was going on in their personal and professional lives. As soon as Hazel
PROJECT
Four Days in December is a compilation of short stories, each designed to identify and reveal certain aspects of a specific kind of unique relationship. The author fully recognizes that although each short story is presented as representing a type the exact relationship carried on by unique individuals will often be as one-of-a-kind as they are.
That said, the short stories in this volume begin with the type of passing, temporary relationships we all have with complete strangers each and every day, “The Merchandise Mart;” next, the problems that can arise when professionals fall in love with people they are helping, “Father Marian;” then, silly yet serious issues couples often struggle with, “Buying the Moose;” followed by the complications, risks, and rewards of having an extramarital affair, “The Tantric Affaire;” and then the role of fantasies in the context of someone already in a relationship, “The Fog Bank.”
The title of this collection, and its feature short story in four parts, Four Days in December, explores the relationship qualities that can affect us deeply as we bond to animals, the beloved pets in our lives who shower us with unconditional love, as well as with the extreme sacrifices people are willing to make to support secondary relationships that stem from extended families.
Our flag ship short story is followed by one, “The Z” which explores the intense feelings human beings can have for the cars they drive; next, what do you do with hook-up opportunities when, in the course of your daily professional life you encounter strangers and feel something intense building for them, “The Networking Event;” continuing on to a short story exploring the end-of-life issue of losing elderly parents in, “Life at the Mascari Mansion;” followed by a serious look at as it turns out the not-so-silly idea that magic and miracles can be a part of our daily lives in, “Magic or Memorex;” and finally, looking for the elusive secret to happiness in, “Keep your Happy On.”
Embedded in the stories are hints at possible truths and principles to follow, to understand, to help one navigate the pitfalls and delights of engaging in all kinds of different relationships. Many of these morsels of wisdom point to some fundamentals humans seem to need to be fully engaged with a vital life full of adventure and promise, rather than sitting back observing life pass you by from the comfort and security of your favorite armchair.
MARKETING
This is kind of book that will grow an audience as one enthusiastic reader recommends the book to another. The reader will be uplifted by the writing in each short story much like the effect Chicken Soup for the Soul books have on readers.
MANUSCRIPT
This manuscript was written principally by me but produced with the considerable collaboration of two other writers who lived the stories which have been presented as memoir material or which served as the inspiration for short story fiction. The 69,000 word manuscript, which includes 11 short stories, each approximately 6,000 words, is complete, polished, and ready to be published.
PUBLISHING PROSPECTS
Currently looking for a publisher with distribution channels.
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PROJECT HISTORY
This project has been in development for years, ever since I first got my hands on the original self-published memoir about Dana Montana, Sugar Shack . . . The Dana Montana Story. After reading it, I realized this could be a hot publishing property and got to work with both writing my own version of her story, writing a screenplay, and looking for agents/producers to get behind a promising book-to-film project.
There was early interest from a New York film producer and later two literary agents showed interest but insisted on rewrites by industry insider professional writers who charged hefty fees. Finding the funds to move forward proved to be a problem, so I set up a Kickstarter fund, but it did not meet its goal. Writing and producing the new book, Dancing Stallions, proved to be the "easy" part . . . the golden goose in publishing, landing an agent and having a film made based on the book was looking more and more like trying to win the lottery. Here's a link to the Kickstarter project: http://dancingstallions.blogspot.com
PROJECT
Dana Montana grew up on Chicago's West Side. Abandoned by her parents, she was raised by grandparents. Following a failed marriage, during the early '60s Dana became a Playboy Bunny. Several years later she opened, The Sugar Shack, which, struggling to make expenses, moved from live music, to Go-Go Girls (1970), to burlesque, and finally to the first ever showing of male exotic dancers (1976). American women were ready for this entertainment opportunity that symbolized their struggle for true equality in our male-dominated culture.
Dana Montana has continued to evolve personally and professionally. In love with horses all her life, Dana’s SUGAR LEGACY ARABIAN FARM, developed during the '80s, morphed into ANIMAL GARDENS, a family-friendly nature center, and most recently Dana has produced, THE DANCING HORSES, a Las Vegas style equestrian spectacle featuring highly trained horses hosting regular shows year round in an indoor arena.
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PROJECT HISTORY
When you dip your toe into the pool of literary stories and writers, you never know where a nibble will come from. This project began when I spotted an exceptional book on www.wattpad.com, the Facebook for writers and readers, mostly aspiring to be published, but many who write just for the joy of sharing. That book, Mind of a Masochist, was written by someone from the self-harm community who wanted to share her insights, but needed to keep her private life private. So, after publishing her book, I went looking for a therapist to sign on and give the book some credibility as the original author wrote the book while in high school, and take over the marketing.
PROJECT
The writing gods, however, can be fickle. I promised the therapist that I'd reach out to find a literary agent for the project. That was six months ago and no takers. Then, I find out that the therapist had written a novella and was looking for a publisher. I stepped in, but like the author of Mind of a Masochist, the distinguished Chicago-based therapist did not want her real name associated with her campy, sassy, naughty, but ultimately designed to provide self-help therapy to the reader, book, I Now Pronounce You..."
So, she picked the pen name, Krazy Kaur, and I just finished setting her book up for release! The author needed an ISBN number in order for Barnes and Noble to accept her book on their shelves and for greater distribution. I've also just finished setting her project up as an eBook which will end up being available for the Kindle and Nook eReaders. I've encouraged the author to set up radio interviews. I think she could become the next Dr. Ruth! I've also encouraged her to add a theatrical element to all her marketing efforts, perhaps creating a Phyllis Diller meets Dr. Ruth character to present to the public during interviews and book signings.
As of 11-07-15 the new cover was in place and the author successfully began marketing her new book!
The writing gods, however, can be fickle. I promised the therapist that I'd reach out to find a literary agent for the project. That was six months ago and no takers. Then, I find out that the therapist had written a novella and was looking for a publisher. I stepped in, but like the author of Mind of a Masochist, the distinguished Chicago-based therapist did not want her real name associated with her campy, sassy, naughty, but ultimately designed to provide self-help therapy to the reader, book, I Now Pronounce You..."
So, she picked the pen name, Krazy Kaur, and I just finished setting her book up for release! The author needed an ISBN number in order for Barnes and Noble to accept her book on their shelves and for greater distribution. I've also just finished setting her project up as an eBook which will end up being available for the Kindle and Nook eReaders. I've encouraged the author to set up radio interviews. I think she could become the next Dr. Ruth! I've also encouraged her to add a theatrical element to all her marketing efforts, perhaps creating a Phyllis Diller meets Dr. Ruth character to present to the public during interviews and book signings.
As of 11-07-15 the new cover was in place and the author successfully began marketing her new book!
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/mind-of-a-masochist/16330481
PROJECT HISTORY
I'd submitted some of my personal writing on the "Facebook" for writers & readers, www.wattpad.com. While getting to know some of the other writers on the site, I came across one I learned had struggled with self-harm all through school. She had recently graduated and was heading for college. Her book on self-harm displayed remarkable insights, things that could only be known by those living in the cutting community. In her Wattpad profile she mentioned the goal of becoming a published author. When I suggested working together to accomplish that goal, she agreed and Mind of a Masochist was the result.
It's still a work in progress, but to take the project to the next level, we're looking for a therapist to join the writing team so that queries to agents will be taken seriously. I'm also sending out proposals to therapy clinics suggesting they use Mind of a Masochist with their self-harm patients.
PROJECT
Written by Misti D and produced & edited by Heritage Press, Mind of a Masochist was published to inform people who live with mental illness, addiction and masochistic thoughts, so that they will be able to help themselves, shedding light on the misinformation and stigma related to this taboo topic.
There is a Silent Epidemic of Raging in America
This initial publication is Phase 1 of a two-part project. The next phase is to attract a therapist to the writing team as a contributor and then look for a literary agent to help the important messages find a wide audience.
http://www.lulu.com/shop/misti-d/mind-of-a-masochist/paperback/product-21826914.html
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PROJECT HISTORY
This has been in development for about four years and after a number of setbacks, a door to the big time may be opening. Working with former successful adult entertainer, Amy Ford, Shave Slowly, is a memoir covering a single year while working at a gentlemen's club in the Midwest. She recorded the events of each day, I took the raw recordings, transcribed them, and shaped them into the manuscript copy. By "raw" I don't me rough. Ms. Ford is such a good storyteller that roughly 90% of the copy in the book are her exact words from the transcripts. Amazing!
Right now, we have a proposal in to Alan Markowitz to use Amy's book as the focus of a new Cinemax Topless Prophet episode. We've also pitched Pilgrim Studios, the Cinemax production company, to use Amy's book to develop a scripted new series something like the Showtime, Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
So, this could all break big, or it could be back to the marketing drawing board!
PROJECT
In the Lovely Beast series of novels, my Taylor Thorn character’s traits were influenced by my years as an adult entertainer. They also lay deep within the dark shadows of my upbringing when I learned how to not only survive, but thrive in the demanding and competitive world we all live in. In Shave Slowly, I am the main character, so settle back as I give you a rare uncensored glimpse into the mysterious world that I came to dominate as a successful stripper in the Midwest. It took some time, but I began to understand that it wasn’t really about the sex. Yes, bills changed hands, skin was displayed and touched, but the actual commodity valued and exchanged at the rate of hundreds of dollars per hour, may surprise you. Yes, other strippers can read this memoir and learn how to keep their tip purses full, but anyone involved in any relationship can benefit from learning the secret to making it a win-win for both parties. It’s all about the human heart.
http://www.amazon.com/Shave-Slowly-Amy-Ford/dp/1479366544/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1411524871&sr=1-1&keywords=Shave+Slowly
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