A little bit of irony, Cedar Cove is a fictional town based on the town on Port Orchard, Washington (where Debbie Macomber is from) and just a few miles from us. I know at one point producers looked into the possibility of filming the series here locally, but choose Vancouver, British Columbia instead, due to cheaper production costs. Shot! Now I really wish the series was being filmed here.
Although, I am a little miffed and sadden Bruce Boxleitner will not be attending the 20th Anniversary of Babylon 5 at Phoenix Con this weekend (that man keeps alluding me), I am happy he's going to be back on television. He has been cast as a series regular in Hallmark Channel's Cedar Cove, based on Debbie Macomber's "Cedar Cove" books.
A little bit of irony, Cedar Cove is a fictional town based on the town on Port Orchard, Washington (where Debbie Macomber is from) and just a few miles from us. I know at one point producers looked into the possibility of filming the series here locally, but choose Vancouver, British Columbia instead, due to cheaper production costs. Shot! Now I really wish the series was being filmed here.
0 Comments
A new "Little Lee" story, Unexpected Beginnings.
Summary: Lee faces up to his punishment when he gets in trouble at school. A nod to Cheryl (Soapie) for the story idea and to Beth for proofing and the great title suggestion. Having a pity party, I guess. Wondering why I bother? Why do I write? Does anyone read my stories? Does anyone care if I ever write another one? Which lends to question (brought up by a fellow writing buddy): For whom do you write? Your pleasure and edification or the 'fans'? To be honest, I don't know. Both, maybe. Or changes from day-to-day depending on my mood, hormones, the planets aligning, etc.
However, I did write one short challenge story this month and started another one. I'm struggling a bit with the second story, especially in the direction of how I want the story to end. My concern is, I'm afraid I am getting preachy with the story, and that was not my intent. Think I might have to go back and break the story down section by section until it 'works.' Do other writers experience this conundrum? In addition, I have not abandoned the season five project, but also have not been working on it. I've done some brainstorming for episode eight, but have not visualized the scenes and until I can 'see' it in my head, it does not end up on paper. Maybe a nice trip to Arizona in another week will help clear my head and put things back in perspective. To those who have asked if I will brainstorm or beta read or edit, I am still willing, ready and able. . . and love it! Also hoping to jump back into collaborative fiction soon (but I think I will wait until the next project). Well, another exciting weekend has come and gone as a minion for the Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, Washington – the largest comic book and pop culture convention in the Pacific Northwest! They promoted this year’s con, as the biggest and best and I believe it lived up to the hype. I heard a rumor the final attendance numbers were close to 73,000 attendees. Wow! I was super excited about being a "Minion" again this year. I really like to help people! My crazy, busy, hectic weekend started on Friday. The Seattle Convention Center was so packed with fans; the fire marshal closed down the escalators. I finally was able to get into the center and made my way to the minion lair, where I signed in, received my badge, and my official minion t-shirt. My assignment on Friday night was line control in the comic book section, specially observing the crowd waiting in line to see comic book writer Chris Clairemont (X-Men). I had a good time chatting with fans, some who had been standing in line 3-hours to talk to him and get his autograph. On Saturday, I arrived early, so I could "play" for a couple hours before I had to volunteer. The lines were long, but I heard little complaint and most were just excited to be there and meet and talk to their heroes. I still can’t believe the line-up of media stars; Patrick Stewart, Adam West, Burt Ward, Michael Shanks, Christopher Lloyd, Will Wheaton, Gillian Anderson, Dirk Benedict, Misha Collins, Billy Dee Williams and more. I wish I had had more time and money, but I did get the opportunity to get both Michael Shanks (Stargate SG-1) and Christopher Lloyd’s (Back to the Future) autographs and shake their hands. Also had my little fangirl moment when Michael Shanks called me “sweetie.” Squeal!!! In addition, I saw Julie Caitlin Brown (Babylon 5), who was standing at Michael Shanks table (I think she must be his agent). Although, I did not have the time or money, while waiting in line for autographs, I did see Dirk Benedict, Michael Rooker, Chris Sarandon, and Natalia Tena. My afternoon was spent doing food runs for hungry minions in the panel areas and then line control in the main lobby and show booth. Mostly, I answered questions and gave directions. I saw some fantastic cosplay and sci-fi costumes and was easily entertained by antics of many of the attendees. It was a great opportunity to people watch! That evening, I spent the night in downtown Seattle at the Green Tortoise – a hostel located across from the world famous Pike Place Market. The rooms were clean and the rates could not be beat, and free breakfast, wi-fi, and private bathrooms. I did not mind sharing a room, although I was not thrilled that one of my roomies had to have the light on all night long. Next time, I think I had better bring a sleep mask. Sunday was my all day minioning. My day started at 8:30 am at the convention center and I spent the morning between the escalators directing traffic, giving directions and helping those who were lost or looking for a place to eat or the restrooms. While volunteering, I ran into a high school friend, Anneliese and we chatted for several minutes and even when I took a 15-minute break, she walked with me to the café and we visited some more. I had a great time catching up with her. On my lunch break, I went back up to the celebrity floor and waited in line to visit with Jim Cummings (voice of Tigger and Winnie the Pooh). I almost didn’t get a chance to see him, because of time constraints, but was able to slip a picture with him under the wire. I also saw an amazing Lego exhibit and costumes from the movie The Hunger Games were on display. The final event of the evening was a panel discussion with Patrick Stewart. I would have loved to have attended his panel, but by the time my shift was over it was standing room only – and not even in the room he was in and I was too TIRED to stand any more that day, so I walked down to Coleman Dock and took the ferry back home. Overall, I had a great time. Crowds were crazy and lines were long, but people were friendly and obviously having a good time. The Convention food is expensive (but not more then what one might find at a sporting event) and it was hard to get from area to another because of the size of the crowds. I was also disappointed as I really wanted to get Wil Wheaton’s (Star Trek: The Next Generation) autograph, but his lines were always too long or were capped off, so I struck out this weekend. Oh well, there will be other times. Finally, I do have to thank the minion leaders who made sure we stayed hydrated over the weekend and thanks for letting me have the opportunity again this year to be a minion. Stay calm and minion on! My legs, neck, back, and shoulders hurt and I have blisters on feet – but looking forward to doing it all over again next year! I wish I wasn’t so shy. Sometimes it can be down right embarrassing. While attending the Wizard World Portland Con this weekend I got the opportunity to meet Henry Winkler (Happy Days), Dean Cain (Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman) and Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead, Burn Notice).
This was the first time Wizard World brought their con to Portland, Oregon and the little I saw I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn’t think it was going to be well attended (almost as much as a bust as PopCon LA had been), but was surprised by the size of the crowds. My biggest complaint was how they only used one floor for everything. It got very crowded in the autograph area and very confusing which line to stand in since the lines intertwined. Henry Winkler is just the sweetest man and I loved his positive, uplifting, and enthusiastic panel. I actually got up the nerve to ask him a question. At his autograph table, he was standing up shaking hands and giving hugs. Dean Cain is just a cutie and super friendly. He chatted with my friends (Elaine and her friend Barbara) and I at his table and shook our hands and personalized our autographs. I look forward to seeing him again at Phoenix Con later this year. Had a great time at his panel too, and I learned new things about him. I did not realize he was a screenwriter. Will have to ask him about screenwriting next time I see him. "Ugh! I come all this way to go to these cons and pay all this money - open your mouth and speak Anne!" I was only able to attend Saturday (so we crammed in a lot in a short amount of time). In addition, it was the only day Bruce Campbell could attend and I really, really wanted to meet him, since I absolutely love him in Burn Notice. I went to his panel and had a great time. He is quite the comedian and had the audience in stitches. Then my friends and I stood in line for hours to get his autograph. I finally get to the front of the line. He asks what I do for a living and I swear what came out of my mouth was not English. *Facepalm* Oh well, maybe I can make up for some of my awkwardness next weekend at the Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC). I am looking forward to being a "Minion" again this year. Took me long enough, but I finally finished another of my season five project scripts. Guilt by Association can be read by clinking on the link.
In addition, I wrote Our Little Secret, a short fan fiction story for Séverine, who wanted a late third season Lee and Amanda story. Happy Reading!! Dates for the 30th SMK Anniversary celebration have been set and registration is now open. The dates will be October 4-5, 2013 at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn at Universal Studios Hollywood. It's a FANtastic weekend for the fans of the show and a chance to meet the cast and crew of SMK. There are autograph sessions, a WB tour, a celebration dinner and drinks, and a Q&A panel. Click on the link for more information and details.
If you are interested in reading about the 25th SMK Anniversary celebration you can read about it here. The fourth and finale (sniffle-sniffle) and my personal favorite season of "Scarecrow and Mrs, King" is finally out in stores today. So excited to see my all-time favorite episodes; Night Crawler, Bad Timing and Stemwinder! Think I will just have to make a trip to my local Best Buy or Target after I drop my husband off at work today. Happy viewing to those who pre-ordered. Lee: I love you. Amanda: What? Update: Picked up my copy at Best Buy yesterday. Could not find it on the shelf at the local Target. Nonetheless, Amazon still has the best price. This past weekend, while Bruce was attending Armageddon Expo in Melbourne, Australia, he gave an interview where he talked about Tron, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Babylon 5, and Lantern City. Jumping to mark 05:30 in the video, he discusses the possibly of a Scarecrow and Mrs. King movie. Color me pleasantly surprised, because back in July, when I saw him at Pop Con LA, he told us fans, there would never be a Scarecrow and Mrs. King reunion movie. At the time, I disagreed with him. He's an actor and actors well. . . act! And I thought if the right person presented him with the story concept - he would do it. And the right person did present it to him. Kate Jackson has been back in contact with him after all these years. (And I am super, super excited that Kate contacted Bruce again). Now, all him and Kate need to do is pitch the idea to CBS. This is a dream-come-true. I have been wanting a reunion movie for 30 years and feel fans will finally get some closure. I also feel with Kate being the one pitching the idea, it will be done right. I know a lot of fans have concerns about it, but I have none. I have no doubt that the chemistry would still be there, I love their concept of a possible continuation of SMK, and I think this is exciting news. I hope and pray the idea gets picked up, after all, like Bruce said, "What was once old, is new again." Make it so, CBS, please! Received some unexpected but utterly delightful news today - on this the 29th Anniversary of Scarecrow and Mrs. King day. Tvshowsondvd posted an announcement from WB that the final and fourth season of Scarecrow and Mrs. King will be released on January 22, 2013. All I can add is YAY!!
Now available for pre-order on Amazon. Today is the 29 Anniversary of the premiere of Scarecrow and Mrs. King and just as I did for Chuck last week, I decided to write a list of my top 15 favorite Scarecrow and Mrs. King episodes. I would love to hear your thoughts. 15. Ship of Spies Lee and Amanda go undercover on a cruise ship for engaged couples and to maintain their cover—they get married!! Love the wedding kiss – how nervous they both seem, Lee leaning in for a second kiss, and finally the look of total surprise. I love how Lee pops-up in the milk cooler and how Amanda changes her mind about spending the weekend with her friend to go on a cruise with Lee. And of course, how Amanda saves the day by figuring out the clues. I also love the tag. In view of the fact, that today is the fifth anniversary of the premiere of Chuck – I thought I would celebrate by writing a list of my top ten favorite Chuck episodes. Egads! I just couldn’t do it – too many wonderful episodes to choose from – so I narrowed it down to my top fifteen favorites. I have no doubt everyone is going to have different viewpoints and favorites and I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Warning: lots of spoilers!! 15. Chuck versus the Intersect (Pilot episode) This episode ranks up there with one of the best pilot episodes ever. It’s an incredibly strong, well-rounded episode –quirky with lots of exciting spy drama and does a great job setting up the characters and storyline for the up coming seasons. I was hooked. I am half-way through the SMK Season Five Screenwriting project. Script number six, I will be posting next week (once I get it back from the betas). Nevertheless, I would love some feedback on where the rest of the season should go - kind of like interactive fiction. What would YOU have liked to have seen if there had been a season five of Scarecrow and Mrs. King? Any comments, suggestions, feedback on the first six scripts? Don't be shy, I am open to ideas. This is your season too.
Also, I will be posting a new SMK fan fiction story soon. A short, little one-shot, set season one, between "There Goes the Neighborhood" and "If Thoughts Could Kill." I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and write early Lee and Amanda. Sadly, this story was supposed to be submitted to the SMK 30th Anniversary zine, but because of an illness, I missed the deadline. Lastly, I am always open to story suggestions. Anyone have a request? I'm not going to hold my breath that ABC changes it's mind about returning GCB to next season's lineup, but there is a campaign to save the show and I thought I would share the links. GCB is delightfully funny, although at times a bit over the top, and irreverent, but is witty, clever, magnificently acted, brilliantly written, and devilish fun. The star studded cast includes: Leslie Bibb, Annie Potts, David James Elliott, Bruce Boxleitner, Kristin Chenoweth, Jennifer Aspen, and Mark Deklin. The First Season is available on Amazon or follow the Save GCB campaign on Twitter or Facebook. |
"Hey. . . it's me."I live in the shadows of the Olympic Mountains in the state of Washington and I love camping, boating, kayaking, hiking, and hanging out with my husband, our three adult children, and our Bernese Mountain dog, Henry. Tags
All
|