A MUSE worth repeating

I know it's only been a few weeks since I cast Joe Manganiello as muse avatar, but after a couple of "incidents" last week, I'm convinced he needs a repeat appearance.

The first "incident?" I saw Magic Mike with a couple of ladies from work. Total chick flick, total eye candy, and frankly, a total revision of how I'd originally pegged Joe. In True Blood, he's a  a hulking, alpha male werewolf and that's hot.

In Magic Mike, he's a stripper with a mega...smile. (Seriously!) I love the funny side of Joe, and I even love him in his glasses and slicked back hair.

(Sidenote: Magic Mike also reaffirmed how much I DISLIKE Matthew McConaughey. Yuck. He's so sleezy...especially in THIS movie.)

Back to Joe.

The second thing that happened this week is that I've recommitted to a healthier lifestyle. Yep, it's that time of year again...when I realize I've gained way too much weight and lost track of my overall fitness.  I'm sleeping too much. My immune system is low. Blah blah blah. Not good.

So I'm dedicating the rest of the summer (and beyond) to getting back into shape. Which is really about making sure my brain is healthy, too.

So what does this mean? Well...I've cut out coffee creamer to start. Basically, that means I'm cutting back on coffee, because I've never been a fan of that coffee taste. I'm also cutting out sugar. Gulp. Boosting my veggies and fruits, etc. All stuff that makes common sense.

And then I'm training for a triathalon.

Ok, I confess. It's not a REAL triathalon. I live in the country where there's miles of open road. And in our backyard, we have a 16 feet across pool (a Wal-Mart special). I know, not much swimming space, BUT, I discovered yesterday that I CAN do laps in it...sort of. I just go in circles. Many. Many. Times.

My plan is to hit the road sometime today - when it's not TOO hot. I'm going to start with a 10 min run. Hop on my bike and do about 20 minutes of cycling. And then come back and hop in the pool for a swim. Every week, I'll increase the times for each activity. (Unless it pours rain...then I might avoid the pool...)

I've always wanted to try a triathalon...so maybe this experiment will work. Regardless, I'll be looking to my ultra fit muse avatar, Joe for inspiration.

- Dawn


The Book In My Bag Today: Crossed, Allie McCondie

50 Shades of aMUSEment

A co-worker sent me a link to this fascinating Pinterest site.

http://pinterest.com/FiftyShades/christian-grey

Even if you're not one of the millions of women reading the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy, I'm sure you can appreciate the, ahem, effort that went into this compilation of potential candidates for the lead role of Christian Grey.

I'm way behind on my reading, with very little chance I'll finish the 100 Books in 2012 Reading Challenge, but 50 Shades of Grey and 50 Shades Darker are books 16 and 17 on the completed list - like I said, way behind.

If you're not on the Grey bandwagon, don't judge. The books were loaned to me by a friend, and despite the questionable subject matter and the bad (really bad) writing style, I couldn't resist seeing what all of the fuss is about.

There's a whole bunch of theories going around the water coolers in offices around the world, about deeper meanings, hard limits, and indeed, who will be cast as the handsome (the author's words, not mine) and ridiculously rich Christian Grey. Yes, they're making a movie out of it. Apparently Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood's Eric Northman) is on the shortlist...I'd probably pay to see that...

While I could go on and on about how much the books annoyed me ("I love you, Ana," he breathes. Seriously, have you tried talking while breathing? Is he exhaling? Inhaling? It's almost as ridiculous as "I love you," he ground out. Gag.) I'll skip to the part where I admit I couldn't put the first book down.

The subject matter didn't shock me, I'm not totally in love with Christian Grey, or wishing I could be Ana (whatever her last name is...does she even have one?) but like Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, author E.L James has created a similar chemistry between her main characters. Indeed, the "mommy porn" books have been dubbed Twilight fan fiction - likely why it has broken all fiction sales records (outselling even Harry Potter!) and admittedly why I read it so quickly.

50 Shades is about as commercial as it gets.

And many businesses - from hotels to sex toy stores - are cashing in on the its success.

The writerly girl in me is disgusted by the commercial appeal of a book so poorly written, and the marketer in me is in awe of the sheer brilliance behind the marketing engine that runs this machine.

That said, I was bored by the middle of the second book, and it's doubtful I'll read the third. At least not right away.

I will, however, steal a 50 Shades man from that Pinterest link above for this week's muse avatar. Nope, I don't have a clue who the guy in the picture is, but if he doesn't fulfil the role, there's at least 49 other Christian Grey hopefuls to choose from.

Okay...fess up. Read 50 Shades? Who have YOU cast in the lead role?

- Dawn


The Book In My Bag Today: Crossed, Ally Condole

Muse in Disguise (better late than never)

I'm three episodes in on the first season of Game of Thrones - and yes, I get it! I understand the hype. 

Ever since I came back from the Banff World Media Festival, I've had an insatiable hunger for TV - especially series that are "new to me" like Being Human, Blood Ties and of course, Game of Thrones.  I'm loving the epic fantasy feel. 

I read George R.R. Martin's books many, MANY years ago, but from what I can remember, the on screen adaptation is pretty darn good. 

The world is incredibly developed, the cinematography brilliant, but what really resonates with me is the awesome characterization. I haven't figured everyone out yet, but I'm really intrigued by Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa). He kind of gives me the creeps - and yet there's something strangely sexy about him. I thought I might be losing my mind until I looked him up.

Uh...yeah...definitely muse avatar worthy.

The week is half over and I'm late picking a muse - but I think Jason here is up for the challenge. As my long list of things to do increases, I have a feeling Jason may have to put in a lot of overtime this week - on screen and off.

Watching Game of Thrones? What's your opinion? And which character do you love?

- Dawn

The Book In My Bag Today: 50 Shades Darker, E.L. James

Being a Muse

I should always listen to my best friend, Karen.

I should always listen...

That's my mantra for the day as I plug in the second disc of the series Being Human (American) after looking at it in my DVD library for oh, about six months.

I love this show.

Being Human is about a vampire, a werewolf and ghost living together and trying to be...human. Well, as human as three monsters can get, I guess.

Great concept!

I'm always intrigued by TV series premises that are unique, engaging and well executed, but now, after returning from the Banff World Media Festival, TV is pretty much taking over my mind.

I should be writing instead.

So instead of NOT watching Being Human, I'm going to use the show for inspiration - particularly Sam Witwer, the actor who plays the vampire, Aidan. Google images may not have netted the best results, but trust me, he's smouldering on screen - and worthy of Muse Avatar status.

Don't take my word on it - check out the first season now.

- Dawn

The Book In My Bag Today: Fifty Shades Darker, E.L. James

For my aMUSEment

There are two reasons I watch True Blood (aside from the edgy plot, gratuitous sex and violence, and feeding my writerly envy) - Alex Skarsgard (Eric) and Joe Manganiello (Alcide).

I'm at the Banff World Media Festival (pinching myself) this week, and our hotel didn't have the season opener of True Blood. Thanks to my BFF, I'll get a copy on my way home...

But it's Muse Avatar Monday and Alex made the cut last week...so in honor of the episode I missed last night, I'll give the role to Joe.

Thanks Joe! Now work your charm and help me make some Banff magic.

Into scripts, screenplays, TV shows and movies? Follow me on Twitter. I'm tweeting about the Banff World Media Festival with #Banff2012.

- Dawn

A few projects that sizzle

The Banff World Media Festival begins Sunday, just TWO sleeps from now - though I have a feeling I won't be doing much sleeping before then.

If you're into scripts and screenplays, it's likely you've heard about this event, and even more likely you're wishing you could be there, as well. Believe me, I completely understand how fortunate I am to tag along with the amazing Tracy Belsher/Judith Graves for what should be a nerve-wracking and eye-opening five days of learning, networking and pitching.

But there's still so much to do. Treatments to write, scripts and screenplays to polish up, clothes to pack... We'll be ready though, because if there's something Judith and I do well, it's produce under pressure.

Along with a suitcase of ideas, three completed scripts, six full treatments, and one individual screenplay each, we're going to be armed with this...a "sizzle reel" featuring our top six projects.



The music for the clip we'll show executives is different (edgier!) due to copyright issues, but you get the idea - drama, horror, thriller and dark comedy, we've got it covered.

Now all I have to do is practice pitching those log lines without stammering...or passing out.

Oy! To Banff we go!

- Dawn

Killer's Instinct cover reveal

I'm super stoked to finally talk about Killer's Instinct, the first book in the Most-Wanted Monsters fiction series the "other me" is co-writing with the uber-talented Judith Graves. 

The book will be published first as an e-serial and then a print novel by Leap Books, the same amazing publishers who brought you the SPIRITED anthology and Judith's SKINNED series.

More about Killer Instinct below, but first, a moment to appreciate the awesomeness that is this cover.

*stares with mouth agape*

*wipes drool*

*puffs out chest with pride*

The cover art was created by the brilliant artist Gaetano Pezzillo. This guy has mind blowing talent, and I'm so thrilled he agreed to work with us on creating this gorgeous cover for Killer's Instinct. Read more about Gaetano here.

And now, here's the unofficial blurb for Killer's Instinct. 

Where's there's no life, there's Hope.

Hope has always been a bit of a freak. But when her mother crawls from the grave and her undead corpse goes MIA, Hope's last thread of normal snaps with a vengeance.

Enrolling in a militia-style school for monster slayers seems the only course of action. And the best bet at tracking her mother down.

But does Hope have a true killer's instinct? If she finds her mother, will she have the guts to do what must be done?

The book is the first in a series of four, each told from the points of view of four young slayers who are tasked with ridding society of the world's most wanted monsters - before they GET you. The books also complement the non-fiction elements we profile weekly on our blog.

Killer's Instinct launches in 2013 first as an e-series, whereby Leap Books will release 6 e-episodes of the story, and then publish the novel in print form at the end, likely in 2014. 

You'll be hearing a lot about Killer's Instinct and Most-Wanted Monsters. If you know Judith and I at all, you know we're just getting started :-)

- Dawn