March, 2011

Interview with Producer Robert F. Campbell

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Robert Campbell

ED- The Eerie Digest is truly humbled in being able to interview, and introduce, Producer Robert F. Campbell to all of our readers. Robert, you are one of the most well-known producers in television today, and have given us many episodes of ‘Law & Order: SVU’ . To date you have produced  twenty-three episodes and co-produced another seventeen from 2000- 2003, and wrote another 15 episodes between 2000-2001. Between 2002-2003 you again wrote another thirteen episodes. This is quite an accomplishment ! Please tell our readers all about your role in these productions.

RFC- The  numbers you mentioned may be wrong, but, it was a lot of episodes.

ED- Robert, we have many students that follow The Eerie Digest in hopes of learning the ins and outs of television and film. We also have many aspiring actors and writers that also look to our magazine for the same purpose. Please tell us how you began your career and how you chose this profession.

RFC- I was graduated  from Temple University in Philadelphia and  became a print writer  in Philadelphia and New York.  Later I became  a head writer and wrote a motion picture that was sold overseas. After that I wrote for the Robert DeNiro TV Series, ‘Tribecca’ and the Dick Wolf show ‘Deadline’. About that same time, I became a producer-writer for the TV Series “Law and Order SVU.”  I currently have a motion picture in pre-production. Students and young people starting out should remember, it’s all a matter of hard work, perseverance, who you happen to meet,  and the friendships you make along the way.  You never know who will help you in your career….that P.A. on your shoot may end up becoming an Executive Producer or even become head of a studio . My advice is to be kind, professional and treat everyone you come in contact with alike.

(more…)

Interview with Actor Andrew Jackson

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Andrew Jackson

The Eerie Digest magazine is extremely excited to proudly present to its readers actor Andrew Jackson. Andrew has made a benchmark of his acting career that most actors now aim for. He has been on many of the most popular television shows and films, and has worn many hats for the entertainment field during his career. Andrew you are extremely talented. Please tell us how you first started and what inspired you most in taking up this challenging field?

AJ- WOW…thanks for all the compliments! At the age of fifteen I was cast as the infamous pickpocket, ‘Fagin’ in a high school production of the musical, “Oliver”. I had seen the film as a child and was transported by the experience. The Dickens world was elusive, dark and somewhat terrifying. Each of the roles were so richly drawn that I was able to identify and empathize with many of the characters. I’ll never forget sitting in front of a mirror as old man makeup and grey facial hair was applied. I stared at myself and someone else stared back. I started to play with the voice of my character and what emerged from within startled and indeed frightened a teacher that was overseeing the transformation. Years later I visited the school as an adult and the teacher who was unfamiliar with the acting process relayed his take on the experience. He stated, “you were just a fifteen year old boy…..when the beard and makeup was complete, you became this strange old man…it was so um…strange… kind of disturbing”!! Unlike the confused teacher, I was in my element. I fell in love with the live theatre experience. My young soul had found a place to explore an inner world of magic. I was home! When I informed my mother that I wanted to pursue a career as an actor she didn’t discourage me from pursuing my dream. By chance an article had appeared in the press that listed the average income of a Canadian actor. It was below poverty line. She told me, “If you are willing to accept this reality, than by all means pursue your dream”. I chose to jump off that cliff! I won’t lie…there are times when I question my chosen vocation. It can be extremely difficult, even painful at times. As you grow older, the volatile nature of the business can become increasingly tiresome. The smallest events however can bring you right back to your original vision. All it takes is an inspired performance, a great film, a remarkable piece of music or an extraordinary painting to find one’s dream again. A conversation with a homeless person, a fight on a streetcar, a peaceful walk in the forest are all experiences that taunt one to go back and express the human condition.

(more…)

Interview with Author R.B. Clague

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

R.B. Clague

ED- The Eerie Digest travels all over the world on the magic carpet known as the internet. We have met, and interviewed, exciting celebrities and writers from around the world and introduced them to our legions of readers. One such writer is an author from Australia, R.B. Clague. Rob, before becoming an author you were a Probation and Parole Officer in Australia and have worked in some of the most remote territories there. Please tell our readers all about this and some of the places where you traveled

 

RBC- I worked in a number of regions across the centre of Australia from Santa Teresa (approximately eight kilometers from Alice Springs) to Kintore, which is about a seven hours drive from Alice and numerous other communities in between. I was also for a time, the PPO (Probation and Parole Officer) for Mutitjulu, who are the traditional owners of Uluru; one of the most iconic landmarks in the whole of Australia. I have very fond memories of all the communities and the many people that I met while working in the field, from the offenders, to the judges, who I would accompany to the many “Bush Courts” that occurred in the Aboriginal communities on a monthly basis.

(more…)

Interview with Author John Gilstrap

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

John Gilstrap

ED- The Publisher of The Eerie Digest magazine, a writer in his own right, had recently joined the Northern Virginia’s chapter of The Virginia Writer’s Club. He and his photographer attended the annual meeting that was held in the historic Mt. Vernon Inn in Virginia. The get-together was made that more lively by the guest speaker, John Gilstrap. John, your appearance as the guest speaker for the event was anything else but boring. Please tell our readers what compelled you to be the great writer that you are?

JG- The great writer that I am, eh?  Truth be told, I don’t often think of myself in those terms.  To the degree that it may be true, it has a lot to do with hard work and an obsessive attention to detail.  In fiction, I think it all comes down to plot, character, pacing and voice, and all three are equally weighted.  I work very hard to create interesting characters who do interesting things, but for me that’s the easy part.  What takes the most time for me is the little stuff—mostly killing stuff in the later drafts that I thought was very important in the early drafts.

ED- We recently received permission by the English department of UCLA to have their students write short stories for The Eerie Digest magazine, and have queried other colleges to do the same. Please tell them about the road that you took in your writing career.

(more…)

Interview with Actor F.D. Nick Braaksma

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
 

Nick Braaksma

ED- The Eerie Digest would like to introduce actor F.D. Nick Braaksma to all of our readers. Nick, one of your greatest attributes toward filmmaking is your physical fitness training and martial arts. Tell us how you began training in this field.

NB- As a boy at age 5, my father took me to a Judo and Jiu Jitsu class. Throughout my childhood and adolescence I kept training in these forms of Japanese wrestling and submission arts which led me to become a professional instructor in the field of Self-Defense and Fighting Arts

ED- What did your training include, and how did you branch out to martial arts ?

NB- During my childhood and as a teenager I went to class 3 times a week and got the usual Dojo beatings from the older boys; I was the smallest and youngest and was the “punching bag” for my buddies in class. During those years we had to compete in the Dojo (school) tournaments and, as sad as it sounds, I never won a match till age 15. In high school I had a friend who took Karate classes and he invited me to his dojo where I was put to the test during my 1st class; the older students tried to “initiate” me but my Judo and Jiu Jitsu training suddenly paid off! The 1st one to face me during that test was swept to the floor and my new Karate Sensei (teacher) was pleased to have me as a new addition to his competition team! At age 17 and 18, I won several Dutch Regional titles in Kumite (fighting) and fought against the best of The Netherlands where I lived at the time.

(more…)

Interview with Author/Poet Jim Gaines

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
 

Jim Gaines

ED- Recently the Publisher of The Eerie Digest magazine joined the Virginia Writer’s Club and featured an article about it in our Eerie News section. The club is very prestigious and features some of the finest writers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. One of its guiding hands is the Author/ Poet Jim Gaines. Jim tell us something about the club and your part in it.

JG-  Virginia Writers Club was founded in 1918, so we will soon be looking forward to our centennial.  It has always had chapters in various parts of the state.  Recently, several more have been added, including your own Northern Virginia chapter and an even newer group in the Norton area of the southwest, so we are close to covering the entire state, though we have especially important local focus in the areas of Richmond, Tidewater, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, and Roanoke.

ED- How long have you been a part of this organization and what are some of its goals?

JG- I joined the Riverside Writers chapter in Fredericksburg shortly after moving to the state in 1998 and eventually served as president of that group before holding office on the state level.  My term as state president finished in November, 2010, but I still serve on the Board of Governors.  We have always fostered a wide array of services to the community of Virginia writers, including critiquing groups, conferences, lectures, collective merchandising and advertising, scholarships for young writers, anthologies, contests, awards, and speaker services.  That list has expanded recently with the adoption of our new Strategic Plan.  One of our branches is the Young Virginia Writers Club, which works with school-age writers all over the state.  Everyone should visit our website and get access to all our activities.

(more…)

Interview with Author Amy Mah

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

ED- The Eerie Digest has spread its wings and besides the more than 40,000 readers of our magazine, we have reached out to colleges across the country as well. Our January issue featured it’s first story that was submitted by a student from UCLA, and now we are excited to introduce a student from England. Author Amy Mah has written a story about something that is close to our hearts…Vampires ! Amy, tell us about your school and about where you live.

AM- It is very embarrassing to say as I had to leave high school in a hurry after the dead bodies started to pile up and it was not my fault!  Everyone always blames the vampire! ‘She has fangs it must be her!’…..huh ………everyone is so anti vampire that is all, just look at what they said about the massacre on 42nd and 3rd   it was not entirely my fault, they started it by shooting at me first and besides no one every says anything about the puppy I rescued.  My education then continued at the Nest where my Aunt and Uncle live, it is deep underground and I have a large cave bedroom all to myself, I just wish my Aunt had not painted the cave pink as if I was eight, My Aunt has never had children so she decided to practise on me and I live in fear of what child rearing book she will read next! I am a vampire, a blood thirsty killer of the night and yet all my underwear have small pink bats on it…………….If I ever get run over I would just die of shame! Vampire Collage education is not as good as you think, you are not forced to learn anything………. Er…..but if you don’t you do not age! I have been warned that I will stay a teenager for the next 100 years! And as to Female nest uniform …………. Well ……… what can I say all uniforms suck ………. Our female uniform looks like a 19th century nightdress! ………….. Yes that could sound sexy and female until you understand we have mixed classes in wall climbing and hanging from ceilings by our claws …  yes it does hurt and you can easily break a nail when doing it!…….. Only a male would think of designing a compulsory uniform like a nightdress for girls….huh………….. Hanging from a ceiling by all four sets of claws wearing a nightdress……….it is just perverted……… all the guys want to do is look up staring at your underwear! ………   I have got around it by wearing jean leggings and a sweatshirt under my nightdress…………. And well it is just as funny watching the guys try to hang from a ceiling getting tangled up in their uniform which is a large black red lined cloak so long that they trip over it most of the time!…………. yes…….. they all have to wear a stupid uniform as well and theirs looks like it was designed for count Dracula! ………….huh……… So much for blending into modern society.

(more…)

Interview with Actress and Assistant Producer, Sharon Carpenter-Rose.

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

ED- The Eerie Digest constantly explores the world of motion pictures to keep our legions of readers, world-wide, informed on how the film industry actually works. We recently attended the birthday party of East Coast movie producer, Carlos Roman, where we met a key example of what we were seeking. Sharon Carpenter-Rose is not only an actress in her own right, but is also the key person who pulls all the loose ends together for Roman Pictures. Sharon, tell our readers what drew your interest into the world of acting and how it eventually transformed into your current role as lead Actress and Assistant Producer for Roman Pictures?

SCR- It started in a rather odd way….I had a ritual where I would go in and read to my son’s elementary school class at the end of the day.  And while I DID read short books like Dr. Seuss sometimes (whom I love), I was more interested (and believe it or not the children were more interested) in reading chapter novels to them:  things like “Lord of the Rings” and “Harry Potter.”  I would find myself getting up from the chair, walking about the classroom and making up voices for each of the characters in the book (Gollum was a fun one….’My Preciousssssss’ J ).  One day my son’s 4th grade teacher said to me, “you know, you are so entertaining, have you ever thought about doing theatre?”  And honestly, the thought had never even crossed my mind.  I used to perform on saxophone in a Jazz Band in high school, but at that point in my life the thought of speaking on a stage in front of an audience was terrifying. However, at THIS point in my life, I found myself thinking, ‘you know, that might be kind of fun.’  The teacher informed me of a community theatre in Berkeley Springs, WV (“The Ice House,” which has graciously allowed Roman Pictures to film sequences for “Signals 2” lately), so I decided to go check it out.  I got cast for a small part in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and not only fell in love with performing in theatre, but fell in love with Shakespeare at the same time!  I eventually ended up performing with a professional Shakespeare troupe in Delaware as Queen Margaret in “Richard III.” (more…)

Interview with Actor Daniel D’Amico

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

ED- From time to time The Eerie Digest magazine introduces a new wave of actors to all our readers. Not only delving in experience is vital to those who read our magazine and hope to make a career in acting, but the comradeship of new actors is extremely important too. Thus is the case with actor Daniel D’Amico. Daniel, tell us what influenced you most to take up this career?

DD- All my life I’ve entertained family and friends with improvised skits, using my imagination, always trying to come up with something new or different.  The reactions to the things I was doing by my audiences (at that time Family) really fueled my need to perform and do things out of the “norm”. I love making people laugh and have always had a cast of characters inside of me just waiting to perform. I consider myself to be a “performer looking for a stage”.  I found that stage in my late 30’s, when I played 4 different characters in the Rockville Theater’s version of “We won’t pay, we won’t pay” by Dario Fo.  I never stop performing in my everyday life, but what re-ignited my passion for acting as a “real” actor came when I landed the part of FBI Special Agent “David Bronson” in “Signals II”.

ED- You were born in Italy and came to America to reach for your dream. Please tell our readers about your early beginnings.

DD- Performing must have been in my blood, because even at 5 years old in Italy, I remember taking my Father’s accordion, which was almost bigger than I was and playing it outside. I’m sure the neighbors loved hearing the racket I was making, but in my mind even then I was performing.  At age seven I had no clue that my life was about to change when my Family moved to the United States, I spoke no English, wore “funny” clothes and had interesting images of what America would look like, picturing real long stretched out cars and things like that.  Initially our family lived in a small apartment with my Uncle’s family. School was tough, I was that “foreign” kid, ridiculed by my classmates, always getting picked on, but through it all I held my own and used my gift of humor to get me through many difficult situations. They just seemed to stop in their tracks, mezmerized by this crazy little Italian boy acting like a fool.  They laughed, it was funny to them, I think they got a kick out of some of the things I did and they stopped picking on me , if only for a minute.   I got pretty good at dodging that big red rubber ball they kept throwing at me too, for some reason I was always picked to be the one against the wall and learned real fast to avoid that ball, before it wrapped around my head and drove it back into the concrete wall. Throughout my childhood I was a very creative person and loved to draw and build things, I just kept to myself and had no problem keeping myself and others entertained.

(more…)

Interview with Actor Antonio Coleman stage name “Kazarr”

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Antonio Coleman

ED- We recently attended a party for Carlos Roman, of Roman Pictures, on the East Coast. There we met a very impressive actor that we would like to introduce to all our readers. Antonio Coleman is just that…impressive. Antonio, you have appeared on both stage and screen. What drew you in to the acting career?

AC- Thanks Joe for allowing me an opportunity to be included in the March 1st edition of the Eerie Digest.  Growing up I’ve always been inspired by the great television and movie actors and actresses and have always dreamed of making an impact in the industry one day.  About 16 years ago I discovered that I not only possessed natural born talent as a sketch artist, but also had natural vocal skills as well.  I began developing these skills by performing as featured soloist in various evangelical musical theatre productions such the ‘The Passion Play’ and ‘The Living Christmas Tree’. In 2009, I began to utilize those experiences to reignite an almost lost passion and dream of becoming a Hollywood actor.  I used those theatrical experiences to propel me into pursuing acting courses and auditioning for more meaningful and impactful principal and extra roles. Since then I’ve been featured in several theatrical stage productions and have held a diversity of character roles in feature film productions ranging from extreme action SCI-FI thriller’s to romantic drama and horror films.

(more…)

Interview with Actor David Berkenbilt

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
 
 

DB- My first acting experience was as a junior in high school where The Moonstone was being produced.  I decided to try out because I thought it might help me overcome some of my shyness.  I was surprised to get the romantic lead!  The director/English teacher/faculty adviser liked the way I said “Gloria!”  There was a sleep walking scene where this character had the stage, walking in total silence, then falling.  I’ll never forget feeling that tension from audience.  Much later as an adult, I tried some community theater but really didn’t have the time to commit to it.  I was a practicing pediatric dentist and new daddy, and needed to devote my time to that. I was offered a small part in ‘Dead Giveaway’ because I had recently done a 48 hour film and the director of that project was working with the director of  ‘Dead Giveaway’, and they needed an older guy for this small role.  It was a short scene, but it helped set the development of one of the main characters.   We were served some very nice sandwiches at about 1am by the real diner owners after the shot.  I guess they liked the way I cleaned up their counter area!

ED- The Eerie Digest would like to introduce actor David Berkenbilt to all of our readers. David, Please tell us about your early acting career and your role in the video ‘Dead Giveaway’.

 

ED- What was your inspiration to make acting your career?

DB-I guess it is a career at the moment.  It is a retirement activity.  I practiced pediatric dentistry for 30 years, but I always had an interest in music.  I went back to school to get a music degree, in composition, and after closing my practice, was connected with a marvelous voice teacher with extensive experience in theater who urged me to start auditioning for community theater shows, both musical and straight plays.  I’ve been delighted with the community and the experiences I’ve had, and seem to be doing shows back to back, mainly community, but even a few paid gigs, industrial, a few voice overs, fringe festivals.  Where there is an opportunity for an older guy, I go.

ED- You also portrayed Dr. Madden in the Roman Picture’s production of ‘Signals’. Tell us about your role and how you interacted with the other performers in the film.

(more…)

Interview with Actor Demetrius Parker

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011
 
 

Demetrius Parker

ED- The Eerie Digest would like to present an exciting personality to our legions of readers from around the world. Demetrius Parker is an actor, but he has also taken on the mantels of Casting Director and Producer in his career. Demetrius tell us about your start in film and what drew you to it.

DP- First let me say thank you to Eerie Digest for this opportunity to share what has been a very humbling and rewarding experience in my life thus far. It first started as an extra in the movie “Gardens of Stone” while serving in the US Army & I was home on leave and a friend let me borrow his OLD Guard Uniform. But, we can thank our good friend Carlos Roman of Roman Pictures for casting me in my first independent film as an extra in “Cabolto Force” because I showed him how well I could die. I love film making and its process of blending the expressions of creativity & the power of social influence.

ED- In 2001 you appeared in the film ‘Lethal Force’. Tell us about this production and your role in it.

DP- Although “Lethal Force” wasn’t my first independent feature length film it was the first IMDb credited movie I performed in. I played an African Hit man & did the voiceovers for every black person in the film. It was crazy trying to come up with three different African sounding voices to include laughter that all took place in the same scene. It was challenging and being on that project introduced me to my good friend & kick butt film maker “Eric Thornett” of Piranha Pictures.

ED- The following year you starred in the film ‘Shockheaded’. Describe this film for our readers and the plot behind it.

(more…)

Interview with Actor Joe Feldman

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Joe Feldman

ED- The Eerie Digest runs across a bright new star on occasion and we would like to introduce such a person to all our readers. Joe Feldman is one of those stars. He has had ample training for his career and has appeared on screen, and will soon make his on-stage debut. Joe, tell us about your early training towards acting.

JF- Well, it’s funny you mention that. Yes, I have had training, but it has been so spread out during the course of my life that it doesn’t quite feel that way. I was actively involved with a drama and improv group when I was in middle school in India, and I took some acting and drama courses during high school, but that was many years ago. I ended up taking a hiatus from training during college, where I decided that maybe I should follow a more conventional path. I rediscovered my passion for the arts while unemployed mid-2009, started taking classes again, and the rest is history.  I also strongly believe that growing up overseas has lent itself greatly to my acting career. I spent my formative years in various countries around the world and adapting to a new life every three years made it imperative that I have strong communication skills. This, overtime, translated itself into being able to accurately assess those around me. Were they worth my time or not? Did I really want these people to be my friends and why? In my opinion, figuring out what makes people tick is an inherent skill for any actor. I would not be where I am today if it hadn’t been for that skill and those experiences.

ED- Your language skills are also exemplary. How have they helped you in your career?

JF- Being fluent in Spanish and conversational in French has definitely opened up a wider array of opportunities. I have been asked to perform with a variety of accents and have been asked to audition for Spanish plays and films. Those are opportunities I would never have had otherwise. I have not yet auditioned for any French productions, but it would be great to do so at some point! Also, due to my mixed background, I still retain enough of a vague look to be able to feasibly pass off as a variety of ethnicities. Catch me when I’m tan and I can pass as Italian!

ED- You will be appearing on stage in the play ‘Gay: Accept Me If You Love Me’. Please tell us about your role in this production.

(more…)

Interview with Author J. Daniel Stanfield

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

J. Daniel Stanfield

ED- The Eerie Digest covers many genres of writing that our readership enjoys. One of the newest, and popular type of writing, consists of a hybrid sci-fi fantasy style favored by many. Such is the work of author J. Daniel Stanfield. John, tell us about your military training prior to your writing career.

JDS-I enlisted in 1973, completed a year of Russian language training, and then served in a variety of intelligence positions as an enlisted soldier and non-commissioned officer. I graduated from Officer’s Candidate school in 1982. In spite of my best efforts to get into the infantry, I was kept in the Military Intelligence Corps. I guess the Army felt it had invested too many years in me to let me be grunt. After twenty years of service, I retired from the Army.

ED- Tell us about some of the military work that you performed and how it helped you create the background for your writing.

JDS- As one could imagine, along the way I served in a great many intelligence assignments including stints along the old west-east German border, Army Special Forces and Navy SEALs. I think the Army’s biggest influence on my writing is I tell stories about soldiers; particularly those of us who carry the wounds of service and sacrifice; physical, emotional and spiritual.

ED- You have written an interesting book titled ‘Tales of the Faerevold; Quittance’. How did you develop this title and what does it refer to?

(more…)

The Haunting by Author Alex Knight

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Lawrence answered the ad and crossed his fingers that he would get this job.  It had been a while since he had worked and he was desperate.  Against all odds, and the advice of his mother, he had left home at the tender age of twenty.  Hollywood bound he was determined to be the next James Dean.  Of course the movie industry just loves these young hopefuls.  After unfulfilled promises and being used and abused by the system, he knew he had been beaten.

Yet his letters home were always filled with good news about an audition here or a small part there.  He would send his mama whatever money he could.  That it was mostly received for waiting tables or selling his blood was something he had kept to himself.  If he could just get this job, he knew things would change for him.

“Wanted:

Actor required for three-month engagement

Excellent salary plus meals and accommodation

Auditions by appointment only

Call Mr. Hildegarde at 555-7827”

(more…)

George Hamilton and Leslie Nielsen by Eddie Butler

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Author Eddie Butler Photo by Branwell Bronte

A look at the two most famous comedy Counts.

George Hamilton

Love at First Bite (1979), directed by Stan Dragoti, is still the best comedy on the Dracula theme. It isn’t directly in line with the major Stoker versions, but it does slot itself very cheekily into the mix, by claiming sequelitis to the Bela Lugosi original. Pasty faced and sans fangs, Count George Hamilton is the total antithesis to his usual persona of his unique sun-tanned lothario.

Evacuated from his home by the Hungarian authorities -“We will be back with the trapeze, parallel bars and Nadia Comaneci!”- Dracula sets off for New York with his scene-stealing familiar, Renfield (Arte Johnson). Quote: “You carry the master,” intones a beleaguered cab driver.

“I always do,” quips Renfield.

Screwball comedy triumphs as the Count conducts his search for the reincarnation of his lost love, Mina Harker (Susan St James), and is perilously pursued by the grandson of Dr Fritz Von Helsing (Richard Benjamin – stealing the film). (more…)

5: Effigy by Guest Author R.B. Clague

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Guest Author R.B. Clague

‘Okay, Sammy my lad, give me your lunch money,’ demanded Bobby Clarke grabbing the boy by the front of his shirt, lifting him off his feet and pushing him up against the lockers, which lined the school corridor.

Samuel Jakobson reached into the back pocket of his jeans and removed a ten-dollar note, which he handed over to the bigger boy.

‘That’s a good geek,’ said Bobby slapping him lightly across the cheeks. ‘Now, here’s my homework,’ he added shoving some papers into Sam’s shirt pocket. ‘Make sure you have it for me, before the bell goes in the morning.’

Sam nodded his acquiescence to the demand, not wanting to talk and further aggravate Bobby, the biggest, meanest, and toughest kid in Year-ten. He was also captain of the school football team and as dumb a jock as had ever walked the hallways of Grafton high school.

Bobby lowered Sam back down onto his feet and mockingly straightened out his shirt. ‘Now, you just make sure you have that homework done and I’ll meet you out front of the school in the morning. You got that?’

‘Sure,’ replied Sam. ‘I’ll be there.’ (more…)

Contact by Guest Author R. B. Clague

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Guest Author R. B. Clague - Capturing tiny sparks photography

Arthur Rankin, his wife, Helena and their twin daughters, Ursula and Andrea, walked through the graveyard towards the huge old house at the end of the path. They chatted as they moved along, keeping their voices low, having the utmost respect for such a consecrated place, and certainly not wishing to disturb the dead that lay all about them.

They reached the porch of the house soon after and Arthur announced their arrival by hitting the door with the large brass knocker formed in the shape of an angel.

They waited patiently, hardly able to disguise their growing anxiety, hoping that the appointment they had arranged a week prior to their arrival, would proceed, as planned.

‘I can hear somebody coming,’ said Arthur who held his ear to the glass in the door.

‘Oh, good,’ said Helena with a smile, ‘I was becoming a little worried there for a moment or two.’

‘Yes, so was I,’ agreed Andrea. ‘I really want this to work out.’

‘Don’t worry, dear sister,’ said Ursula hugging her twin, ‘I have a feeling that it will.’ (more…)

Amelia by Guest Author Ava Sprayberry

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Ava Sprayberry

The year was 1902 in the small town of Adairsville, Georgia.  The hot summer sun blazed down upon the residents.  There, in the cotton fields, men were working hard to earn the meal being prepared for them by their wives.  The children were all doing their usual after school chores to assist their parents.  Since the end of slavery, the normal duties of tending to a home fell back onto the shoulders of the farmers.  Now, instead of sipping ice cold lemonade, and watching their annual crop being harvested, these men were remembering what it was like to work hard to survive.  They wiped the sweat from their brow before picking another bushel.  They glanced back in the direction of their cozy homes, longing for the comforting coolness that lay within its doors.

This town was always one of peace and solitude. The typical hustle and bustle was the only major occurrence.  However, that wasn’t the case today.  Today, a resident of the town sat inside the scorching hot court house in the middle of the town square.  Her name was Susannah Lockhart.  She was the young wife of a wealthy, well known cotton plantation owner, and successful rancher.  To all of the other town’s people, they appeared to be a happy couple.  Walter Lockhart had met his young bride two years prior to this day.  She had caught his attention as she waltzed into the local mercantile.  They were married after only two months of courting.  He had swept Susannah off of her feet.  The wedding was declared the social event of the season.  It took place just after fall harvest.

Now, Susannah sat locked in the holding cell of the court house, awaiting the arrival of the judge.  Sheriff Lawson had charged her with premeditated murder.  The news of the crime shocked the entire community.  Susannah was a mere twenty years of age, and no one thought her capable of committing such an act.  The details behind Walter’s death were still an enigma.  The only information the towns people had was the fact that they would no longer see Walter Lockhart at any of the town functions.

Dust flew in the wind behind the carriage as the judge arrived at the courthouse.  He tied his reins to the post to secure the horses.  The sheriff met him at the foot of the steps.

“Judge Taylor, it’s good to see you again sir.” he stated, politely tipping his hat.

“Yes, I just hate that it had to be under these circumstances.” the judge replied.  (more…)

PRESS RELEASE: Canadian Consulate in LA

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

ON Thursday, January 27, 2011-

   Canadian actor Bruce Greenwood received the ACTRA award of Excellence for Career Achievement at the Canadian Consulate in LA. With him in the photo is Canadian actress Ellen Dubin (‘Napoleon Dynamite’, ‘The Collector’) , actor Henry Czerny (‘Clear and Present Danger’, ‘Mission Impossible’), and actor Gordon Pinsent (‘Shipping News’, ‘The Old Man and the Sea’).

 

 

 

Here’s ACTRA’s press release on Jan. 18th. for this Jan 27th. event at the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles. 
http://www.actra.ca/main/press-releases/2011/01/bruce-greenwood-to-receive-actra-award-of-excellence-in-l-a-on-january-27/