My website has changed from darkstarblog.com to www.mydarkstarworld.com...check it out!!
www.mydarkstarworld.com
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
DARKSTAR VIDEO RELEASE!
Well, last night Matt Lande and I officially released our two DarkStar music videos and it was awesome! I had butterflies all day thinking about sharing what we have worked toward for the past year. I won't chatter much...the videos speak for themselves:)
Talk Soon:)
Sunday, July 22, 2012
BITTER SWEET...
Bitter sweet is a good description of what I'm feeling.
Sweet... because a huge dream of mine has recently been fulfilled with the making of the 3 song EP which, Matt Lande did for my DarkStar novel and the filming of a couple of the DarkStar music videos. We just edited the third draft for the "DarkStar" video and it will soon be released. Can I just tell you have awesome it is to watch Matt sing as scenes from my novel bring my characters, Alec & Amrie, to life in the very settings they take place in in my book...so cool!!
Bitter...because this phase of our project is almost complete.
It's been a fun ride....
A year ago, I became associated with, Matt Lande, someone who I had no clue would become such a big part of my life. When he read my novel, I don't think either of us was aware of what a great venture we had in store for both of us. We teamed up on our Kickstarter project; Magic...when word & song collide, and was fortunate to be successful because of the amazing people who believed in what we were trying to accomplish. With the help of those backers, (you know who u are...TY!!:), we were able to move forward, complete the 3 song, DarkStar CD, (almost) complete Matt's "Welcome Home the Child" CD and connect with, Daniel Webster, the awesome, Park City, cinematographer who shot our DarkStar videos in Logan, Utah.
When Matt flew into Salt Lake on July 7th, believe it or not, it's the first time we had actually met in person. We've been working together for a year now and had planned on meeting sooner, but it never happened. It's amazing how technology has made it so you can associate with people so closely...without meeting. Matt & I actually met on Twitter, so I'm grateful for the social networks. It's kinda funny, because at the time we met, I had just barely become acquainted with Twitter and hardly knew how to use it.
Matt & I bonded instantly as we headed to City Creek to shop for him some new "British" clothes since he was playing the part of my main character, Alec, in our music video. I have an awesome friend from England, Sharon Cairney, (my UK mentor and correspondent:) who advised me as to what Matt should wear since, Alec was considered born of Royal Blood. Nothing like breaking the ice with a shopping trip...oh yeah...and sushi. Matt loves sushi so I told him we would have it while he was here. It was the first time for me, but I gotta say, Matt did a great job choosing what we ate cause I thought it was pretty dang good.
That night we had the opportunity to do our very first, ( hopefully the first of many) joint book/music signing at Hastings Book, Music & Video in Logan and Matt also did a few sets and mesmerized everyone with his intriguing voice. I fell in love with Matt's voice the first time I heard it, but I gotta say, hearing him first hand and watching him when he goes into his "zone" when he sings was pretty sweet. What amazing talent!
Daniel did such an awesome job shooting the videos. He was so organized and had everything figured out before we even began. We planned on being at the Wind Caves trail head at 6:00 a.m., but when everyone stayed up until the wee hours of the morning...no one was too spry when we began our hike. Two miles doesn't sound far, but since you're climbing up... it's a bit of a "kick butt" hike, and carrying all our gear made it even more so. You should've seen the reaction of people when they saw us carrying all our stuff all the way up there and especially, Matt's guitar...too funny. I wish I could tell you all the hilarious details of the day:)
The Wind Caves are awesome! You don't even know they're there until you come upon them and once you're there...wow...amazing! When I hiked it the first time with my daughter, Brittany, I knew they needed to be part of my book and when planning the music video, filming there was a must. Daniel and I spent a day in June, going to all the places I wanted the video shot so he knew what to expect, but Matt didn't....lol. He got a first hand taste of our "Rocky Mountain High," coming to the high mountain elevation from sea level. He loved it though:) Haley King played, Amrie and we knew she & Matt wouldn't even be able to get ready until we reached the caves. Everyone was such troopers, making the hike, changing clothes in the bushes, hanging mirrors in the trees to put on makeup & do hair, dodging rattle snakes...classic! I'm so glad we did the shoot there and so was everyone else....turned out pretty sweet...you'll see!!:)
We were able to shoot the videos in one day because of Daniels expertise, organization skills and his awesome film crew, Russ & Kinzie:). We shot footage at Second Dam, First Dam and on the summit above Bear Lake. It was a beautiful day, but very hot. For those of you who have read, or will read, DarkStar, you'll know that the scene at the Wind Caves was in the late fall, after the frost hit the foliage, but the scenery was so beautiful that I just wanted it left as it was. When you see it, you'll know why. Utah is an extremely beautiful state!!
I think that there is a stigma that follows Utah as many people think that, because we are a predominate "Mormon" community, we aren't cultured and that we don't know how to have fun. I think that Matt will beg to differ, as for four days, we shopped, ate sushi, Colombian, Indian, Mexican & Italian foods, hiked the beautiful Rocky Mountains and shot a music video in some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll find. He loved the serenity he felt here and I know he's excited to come back this fall to do more book/music signings and acoustic shows. I will keep you all posted as to where and when they will be.
I didn't think taking Matt to the airport would be as hard as it was. When you anticipate something for so long and it comes and goes in a flash...it's difficult. Dropping him off, so he could catch his flight to Florida, meant that we were finished with this phase of our project.Given, he will be back and we have a lot more planned in the DarkStar world, the filming of the DarkStar music video will always be near and dear to my heart. We have an awesome team in place and anticipate the music Matt will write for my next book, Wizard...and the fact that the music video's will be done in England!
No more bitter...just SWEET!!
Talk soon:)xo
Sweet... because a huge dream of mine has recently been fulfilled with the making of the 3 song EP which, Matt Lande did for my DarkStar novel and the filming of a couple of the DarkStar music videos. We just edited the third draft for the "DarkStar" video and it will soon be released. Can I just tell you have awesome it is to watch Matt sing as scenes from my novel bring my characters, Alec & Amrie, to life in the very settings they take place in in my book...so cool!!
Bitter...because this phase of our project is almost complete.
It's been a fun ride....
A year ago, I became associated with, Matt Lande, someone who I had no clue would become such a big part of my life. When he read my novel, I don't think either of us was aware of what a great venture we had in store for both of us. We teamed up on our Kickstarter project; Magic...when word & song collide, and was fortunate to be successful because of the amazing people who believed in what we were trying to accomplish. With the help of those backers, (you know who u are...TY!!:), we were able to move forward, complete the 3 song, DarkStar CD, (almost) complete Matt's "Welcome Home the Child" CD and connect with, Daniel Webster, the awesome, Park City, cinematographer who shot our DarkStar videos in Logan, Utah.
When Matt flew into Salt Lake on July 7th, believe it or not, it's the first time we had actually met in person. We've been working together for a year now and had planned on meeting sooner, but it never happened. It's amazing how technology has made it so you can associate with people so closely...without meeting. Matt & I actually met on Twitter, so I'm grateful for the social networks. It's kinda funny, because at the time we met, I had just barely become acquainted with Twitter and hardly knew how to use it.
Matt & I bonded instantly as we headed to City Creek to shop for him some new "British" clothes since he was playing the part of my main character, Alec, in our music video. I have an awesome friend from England, Sharon Cairney, (my UK mentor and correspondent:) who advised me as to what Matt should wear since, Alec was considered born of Royal Blood. Nothing like breaking the ice with a shopping trip...oh yeah...and sushi. Matt loves sushi so I told him we would have it while he was here. It was the first time for me, but I gotta say, Matt did a great job choosing what we ate cause I thought it was pretty dang good.
That night we had the opportunity to do our very first, ( hopefully the first of many) joint book/music signing at Hastings Book, Music & Video in Logan and Matt also did a few sets and mesmerized everyone with his intriguing voice. I fell in love with Matt's voice the first time I heard it, but I gotta say, hearing him first hand and watching him when he goes into his "zone" when he sings was pretty sweet. What amazing talent!
Daniel did such an awesome job shooting the videos. He was so organized and had everything figured out before we even began. We planned on being at the Wind Caves trail head at 6:00 a.m., but when everyone stayed up until the wee hours of the morning...no one was too spry when we began our hike. Two miles doesn't sound far, but since you're climbing up... it's a bit of a "kick butt" hike, and carrying all our gear made it even more so. You should've seen the reaction of people when they saw us carrying all our stuff all the way up there and especially, Matt's guitar...too funny. I wish I could tell you all the hilarious details of the day:)
The Wind Caves are awesome! You don't even know they're there until you come upon them and once you're there...wow...amazing! When I hiked it the first time with my daughter, Brittany, I knew they needed to be part of my book and when planning the music video, filming there was a must. Daniel and I spent a day in June, going to all the places I wanted the video shot so he knew what to expect, but Matt didn't....lol. He got a first hand taste of our "Rocky Mountain High," coming to the high mountain elevation from sea level. He loved it though:) Haley King played, Amrie and we knew she & Matt wouldn't even be able to get ready until we reached the caves. Everyone was such troopers, making the hike, changing clothes in the bushes, hanging mirrors in the trees to put on makeup & do hair, dodging rattle snakes...classic! I'm so glad we did the shoot there and so was everyone else....turned out pretty sweet...you'll see!!:)
We were able to shoot the videos in one day because of Daniels expertise, organization skills and his awesome film crew, Russ & Kinzie:). We shot footage at Second Dam, First Dam and on the summit above Bear Lake. It was a beautiful day, but very hot. For those of you who have read, or will read, DarkStar, you'll know that the scene at the Wind Caves was in the late fall, after the frost hit the foliage, but the scenery was so beautiful that I just wanted it left as it was. When you see it, you'll know why. Utah is an extremely beautiful state!!
I think that there is a stigma that follows Utah as many people think that, because we are a predominate "Mormon" community, we aren't cultured and that we don't know how to have fun. I think that Matt will beg to differ, as for four days, we shopped, ate sushi, Colombian, Indian, Mexican & Italian foods, hiked the beautiful Rocky Mountains and shot a music video in some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll find. He loved the serenity he felt here and I know he's excited to come back this fall to do more book/music signings and acoustic shows. I will keep you all posted as to where and when they will be.
I didn't think taking Matt to the airport would be as hard as it was. When you anticipate something for so long and it comes and goes in a flash...it's difficult. Dropping him off, so he could catch his flight to Florida, meant that we were finished with this phase of our project.Given, he will be back and we have a lot more planned in the DarkStar world, the filming of the DarkStar music video will always be near and dear to my heart. We have an awesome team in place and anticipate the music Matt will write for my next book, Wizard...and the fact that the music video's will be done in England!
No more bitter...just SWEET!!
Talk soon:)xo
Monday, July 2, 2012
DarkStar is a semifinalist in The Kindle Book Review's Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy of 2012!!
I received this email today...just thought I'd share! I'm really kind of excited about it!!
My novel DARKSTAR was chosen as a semifinalist in the Kindle Book Reviewer's Best Indie Books of 2012!! How cool is that!
Check it out:)
The Following Books are Semifinalists in The Kindle Book Review's Best Indie Books of 2012 Contest.
Only 5 of these will reach the TOP 5 (Finalists), announced on September 1, 2012. And only one will be the category Winner, which will receive the title: The Kindle Book Review's Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy of 2012: Winner.
All semifinalists will receive a KBR semifinalists gold-star badge.
These books were chosen because they hooked us in the first few pages, were well formatted and well edited. These titles also had above average star ratings!
Title & Author:
Aristeia: Revolutionary Right by Wayne Basta
Bells and Blades: A King's Assassin Novel by M.M. Brownlow
Birthright: ILONA THE HUN by Erika M. Szabo
Burn in Hades by Michael L. Martin Jr.
Bypass Gemini by Joseph Lallo
Caged by Amber Lynn Natusch
Contract of Defiance by Tammy Salyer
DarkStar by Carol J. Hansen
Dremiks by Cassandra Davis
Endless by Matt Bone
Fezariu's Epiphany by David M. Brown
Kings, Queens, Heroes, and Fools by M.R. Mathias
Lunara: Seth and Chloe by Wyatt Devenport
Marlowe and the Spacewoman by Ian M. Dudley
On Unfaithful Wings by Bruce Blake
Osric's Wand: The Wand Maker's Debate by Jack D. Albrecht Jr.
Particle Horizon by Selso Xisto
Seven Point Eight by Marie Harbon
The Boy Who Lit Up the Sky by J. Naomi Ay
The Darkening Dream by Andy Gavin
The Day of First Sun by Sheryl Steines
The Grimoire: Lichgates by S.M. Boyce
The Last King of Shambhala by Daniel Grant Newton
The Prodigal Hour by Will Entrekin
The Sorcerer's Promise by Susanna Morgan
The Tears of Elios by Crista McHugh
The Tube Riders by Chris Ward
The Universal Mirror by Gwen Perkins
Vixen by Nic Silver
Whispers of a Legend, Vol. I by Carrie James Haynes
Windigo Soul by Robert Brumm
Wool by Hugh Howey
Zero Time by T.W. Fendley
Here are the links where you can get DarkStar...if you haven't read it and would like too:)
I also have the 3 song EP finished that goes with my novel and will be going with Matt Lande to Logan, Utah this weekend to do the music video for one of the songs.
Things are coming along nicely:)
Talk soon:)xo
Monday, June 4, 2012
DarkStar EP & Music Video....Who will play ALEC & AMRIE???
Thanks to all of the wonderful people who backed us on Kickstarter,
Matt and I have been able to make some awesome advancements on our
project!
Matt finished our 3 song DarkStar EP and I have it in hand! So exciting!! Now we're just waiting for his Welcome Home the Child CD to be finished so we can get them out to our backers before we release them to the public. I will be marketing the DarkStar EP with my novel, but will sell them separately for those of you who have already purchased my DarkStar novel. At some point, I hope in the near future, the 3 song EP will turn into a full album!! Pretty sweet! I'm working on setting up a new website so I can sell all my DarkStar stuff as well as Matt's:) I will keep you posted on that.
And...an exciting day!! I booked Matt's flight so he will be coming to Utah on July 7th to get our DarkStar music video filmed:):):) Matt and I have been talking about what we want to see happen in the video and I'm so grateful for his knowledge and expertise on the subject. He has been involved in making and being in music videos so if you haven't watched my favorite, his "Walking with Ghosts" video, I added it to this post so you can check it out! Love, love it!:)
We hired a cinematographer from Park City, Utah to do our video. He is currently reading DarkStar and he and I will be going to Logan on June 16th to scout out the areas I want the video filmed and spend the day hashing out what we will do. Then the three of us will make the final decision as to what will take place.
I'm excited to announce that Hayley King graciously accepted the opportunity to play Amrie in the video along side, none other than the amazing Matt Lande...my Alec! I am so excited to have these two play my main characters:):):):) Since we haven't decided on which scenes we want to use from DarkStar, I don't know if we will be adding other characters from my book, but I hope too.
I really hope that you all have read DarkStar and if not, will. You will be able to relate to the music and the music video through the words in my book. Matt and I called our Kickstarter project, Magic...when word and song collide...and that's just what is happening...my word and his song!!
Click on the "JOIN THIS SITE" button on this page and you will receive all my posts to follow our amazing venture:)
For those asking, buy my book at www.createspace.com./3538868 or e-book at www.amazon.com The DarkStar EP will be available soon:)
Talk soon:)xo
Matt finished our 3 song DarkStar EP and I have it in hand! So exciting!! Now we're just waiting for his Welcome Home the Child CD to be finished so we can get them out to our backers before we release them to the public. I will be marketing the DarkStar EP with my novel, but will sell them separately for those of you who have already purchased my DarkStar novel. At some point, I hope in the near future, the 3 song EP will turn into a full album!! Pretty sweet! I'm working on setting up a new website so I can sell all my DarkStar stuff as well as Matt's:) I will keep you posted on that.
And...an exciting day!! I booked Matt's flight so he will be coming to Utah on July 7th to get our DarkStar music video filmed:):):) Matt and I have been talking about what we want to see happen in the video and I'm so grateful for his knowledge and expertise on the subject. He has been involved in making and being in music videos so if you haven't watched my favorite, his "Walking with Ghosts" video, I added it to this post so you can check it out! Love, love it!:)
We hired a cinematographer from Park City, Utah to do our video. He is currently reading DarkStar and he and I will be going to Logan on June 16th to scout out the areas I want the video filmed and spend the day hashing out what we will do. Then the three of us will make the final decision as to what will take place.
I'm excited to announce that Hayley King graciously accepted the opportunity to play Amrie in the video along side, none other than the amazing Matt Lande...my Alec! I am so excited to have these two play my main characters:):):):) Since we haven't decided on which scenes we want to use from DarkStar, I don't know if we will be adding other characters from my book, but I hope too.
I really hope that you all have read DarkStar and if not, will. You will be able to relate to the music and the music video through the words in my book. Matt and I called our Kickstarter project, Magic...when word and song collide...and that's just what is happening...my word and his song!!
Click on the "JOIN THIS SITE" button on this page and you will receive all my posts to follow our amazing venture:)
For those asking, buy my book at www.createspace.com./3538868 or e-book at www.amazon.com The DarkStar EP will be available soon:)
Talk soon:)xo
Saturday, June 2, 2012
I'm an 18 year old grandma:)
Sometimes it's good to sit back and reflect and there's nothing that makes you do that more than when Heavenly Father sends you a new life... a beautiful, healthy grandson. That was the big event in my life last week. My daughter had her third child and my sixth grandchild.
Yep...that's what I said...six grandkids!
When did that happen? It was just yesterday that my own three children were just little munchkins, and now, they're married...with kids of their own. Really doesn't make sense because, in reality, I'm not old enough to be a grandma to one...let alone, six!
At least in my mind.
When you hear the word, grandma, you automatically think of an older woman right? Wrong! Who said grandmas are old anyway?? Grandma is a just a really cool name that you have the honor of proudly bearing when these cute little munchkins get old enough to say it:):)! Now...that's a happy day!!
Grandma's old???...na, I think not:)
I've decided that "old" is just a word and "age" a number that describes the realm our body is in. Our spirit is housed in our body and it never ages. From infancy it matures -- but it doesn't age. As each year rolls around, you add a number to the year you were born and it just means that you've enjoyed life longer than those who were born after you or less than those born before you. It means that every year on your birthday, your spirit gets to celebrate all the awesome and sometimes not so awesome, experiences you had during that year.
In thinking about it, I'm not sure how you're suppose to feel when you turn an age; given, when you turn 16, 18 and 21 -- they are happy, happy, happy ages...but, to turn 25, 30, 40 etc., how are you suppose to feel?
It isn't a feel...it's an attitude:)
I know a lot of "younger" people who are really, really old -- because of their attitude. I know a lot of people who are much "older" than I am who are very, very young -- because of their attitude! I actually have a client who is 82 years old and she still barrel races horses!! True story! Her attitude is amazing, her spirit is young.
If you ask any "mature"person, they may tell you that they're wore out or tired, but they will tell you that they can't believe they're as "old" as they are because they don't feel old, they still feel like they did when they were a teenager. That's the spirit talking.
I LOVE having six beautiful grandchildren and my "age" number may be getting up there, but spiritually, I'm an 18 year old grandma...and that's never gonna change. I sure hope I have many more years to act my (spiritual) age!
Life is good:)
Talk soon:)xo
Yep...that's what I said...six grandkids!
When did that happen? It was just yesterday that my own three children were just little munchkins, and now, they're married...with kids of their own. Really doesn't make sense because, in reality, I'm not old enough to be a grandma to one...let alone, six!
At least in my mind.
When you hear the word, grandma, you automatically think of an older woman right? Wrong! Who said grandmas are old anyway?? Grandma is a just a really cool name that you have the honor of proudly bearing when these cute little munchkins get old enough to say it:):)! Now...that's a happy day!!
Grandma's old???...na, I think not:)
I've decided that "old" is just a word and "age" a number that describes the realm our body is in. Our spirit is housed in our body and it never ages. From infancy it matures -- but it doesn't age. As each year rolls around, you add a number to the year you were born and it just means that you've enjoyed life longer than those who were born after you or less than those born before you. It means that every year on your birthday, your spirit gets to celebrate all the awesome and sometimes not so awesome, experiences you had during that year.
In thinking about it, I'm not sure how you're suppose to feel when you turn an age; given, when you turn 16, 18 and 21 -- they are happy, happy, happy ages...but, to turn 25, 30, 40 etc., how are you suppose to feel?
It isn't a feel...it's an attitude:)
I know a lot of "younger" people who are really, really old -- because of their attitude. I know a lot of people who are much "older" than I am who are very, very young -- because of their attitude! I actually have a client who is 82 years old and she still barrel races horses!! True story! Her attitude is amazing, her spirit is young.
If you ask any "mature"person, they may tell you that they're wore out or tired, but they will tell you that they can't believe they're as "old" as they are because they don't feel old, they still feel like they did when they were a teenager. That's the spirit talking.
I LOVE having six beautiful grandchildren and my "age" number may be getting up there, but spiritually, I'm an 18 year old grandma...and that's never gonna change. I sure hope I have many more years to act my (spiritual) age!
Life is good:)
Talk soon:)xo
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
THANK YOU KICKSTARTER BACKERS!!
We are eternally grateful for these amazing people who stepped up, became backers for our KickStarter project and made it possible for us to meet our goal! We wish to publicly thank each and every one of them for caring enough to support us and are excited to share our ongoing venture with them!!
Jeannie Cox, Jack Cox, Meredith Kent, Teresa Barrera, Susan Larsen, LeeAnna Haymond, Marnie Watkins, Judy Martinez, Brittany Zabriskie, Landan Hansen, Robbie Hansen, Clinton Hansen, Shauna Kelsch, Wendy Cheney, Ron James, Claudia Lowe, Amanda Mecham, Wilma Thomas, Merlene Robertson, Steve & Natalie Cragun, Keri Merchant, Amber Keisel, Jaylene Dalley Mortensen, Diane Cox, Lynda Wintch, Suzaune Richardson, Becky Kjar, Arlene Smith, Mary Pitt, Tammy Moore, Linda Blake, Anthony Cardno, Carol King, Tammy Braithwaite Jeffs, Ginnie Rivera, Nancy Sponable, hurrihottie, Maria Aparecida de Oliveria, Robin Mileto, Sarah Cheney, Gloria Sanchez, Eva Erkinger, Anastasia, Kris Jorgensen, Helen, Teresa, Darcy McCoy, Ellen Chieco, Janelle Harper, Ric & Jeanne Frasse, Darla Anderson, Darcie Dickinson, Susan Squire, Yvette Hudson, Nicki Naylor, Beth Shugrue, Lauren, Kim Hunt, Katie Gardner, Amy Toenies, Roy Nilson, Betsy, Tewana Jackson, Sharon Cairney, Christine Arthur, Sonia, Renee Kapella Johnson, Scarlett Beaves, Maggie Haught, Erin Omwake, Emily S., Vicky Robins, Rachel Dettinger, Linda Cooper, Patrick Duffy, Kristi Wintch, Natalie Adamson.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!
Carol & Matt:)
Sunday, April 1, 2012
THANK YOU:)
I couldn't let another day go by without thanking all of our friends, family and fans for caring enough to support, and make successful, the project Matt Lande and I had on Kickstarter. A lot of amazing people stepped up and really helped us out. We both appreciate everyone because we know that times are hard right now and the generosity shown to us is humbling. We will be keeping our backers informed how our project is going and are excited to be able to produce our books, music & videos for everyone to enjoy. We know that without such great support, it wouldn't be happening yet. Now we can move forward:)We are eternally grateful!
THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU!!!!
Talk Soon:)xo
THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU!!!!
Talk Soon:)xo
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Combo Interview with Anthony Cardno
Anthony Cardno recently climbed on board our Kickstarter project and did a combo interview with Matt and I. He has interviewed both of us separately and now together.
Anthony is an awesome interviewer, supporting people from many different creative aspects and we really appreciate all the support he gives all of us. His site is called, Rambling On and you can check out our interview at this link.
http://anthonycardno.com/2012/03/interview-with-carol-hansen-matt-lande/
Also, we only have 7 days left to reach our goal and if we don't reach it, we go back to square one. Please help us "kickstart" our project. We would really appreciate your support and want to say THANK YOU to all of those who have already pledged.
And THANK YOU, once again to our great friend, Anthony Cardno.
Talk Soon:)xo
Anthony is an awesome interviewer, supporting people from many different creative aspects and we really appreciate all the support he gives all of us. His site is called, Rambling On and you can check out our interview at this link.
http://anthonycardno.com/2012/03/interview-with-carol-hansen-matt-lande/
Also, we only have 7 days left to reach our goal and if we don't reach it, we go back to square one. Please help us "kickstart" our project. We would really appreciate your support and want to say THANK YOU to all of those who have already pledged.
And THANK YOU, once again to our great friend, Anthony Cardno.
Talk Soon:)xo
Sunday, March 11, 2012
My Mass of Confusion:)
Everyone keeps asking me when I will be finished with my second book, Wizard. I, seriously, am working hard to get it finished for all of you:)
I didn't realize how difficult it is to write the second book of a series. When I wrote DarkStar, it just came...it flowed. I'm not saying it was easy, because it wasn't, but I was setting up everything in the story and anything that was added in the later chapters was easily adapted into the storyline. In writing Wizard, I am realizing that each of my characters could actually have a story all their own. There are so many different avenues that I could take and so much depth that it's difficult for me to decide which direction to go. There are questions that arose in DarkStar that need to be answered and situations that need to be addressed. Wizard does that, but at the same time, creates more questions & situations, some answered, some needing to be explored in the third book, The Mysticryss. Trying to figure out the whole plot and make sure everything is covered and that there are no holes and which book will contain what....talk about confusing!!! It takes A LOT of time. Believe it or not...I can spend hours just working on one paragraph! Craziness???...maybe.
So...all I can say is that... I have a WHOLE NEW appreciation for anyone who has ever written a book! As a reader, I didn't realize just how many hours an author spends sorting through this mass of confusion that their own mind creates. Now, as an author, I just hope that, in the end, the mass of confusion that I am creating....makes sense!
Just for the record... my mass is unraveling nicely.....
Talk Soon:)xo
I didn't realize how difficult it is to write the second book of a series. When I wrote DarkStar, it just came...it flowed. I'm not saying it was easy, because it wasn't, but I was setting up everything in the story and anything that was added in the later chapters was easily adapted into the storyline. In writing Wizard, I am realizing that each of my characters could actually have a story all their own. There are so many different avenues that I could take and so much depth that it's difficult for me to decide which direction to go. There are questions that arose in DarkStar that need to be answered and situations that need to be addressed. Wizard does that, but at the same time, creates more questions & situations, some answered, some needing to be explored in the third book, The Mysticryss. Trying to figure out the whole plot and make sure everything is covered and that there are no holes and which book will contain what....talk about confusing!!! It takes A LOT of time. Believe it or not...I can spend hours just working on one paragraph! Craziness???...maybe.
So...all I can say is that... I have a WHOLE NEW appreciation for anyone who has ever written a book! As a reader, I didn't realize just how many hours an author spends sorting through this mass of confusion that their own mind creates. Now, as an author, I just hope that, in the end, the mass of confusion that I am creating....makes sense!
Just for the record... my mass is unraveling nicely.....
Talk Soon:)xo
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
KICKSTARTER PROJECT
We launched!
Yesterday Matt & I were finally able to launch our project on the awesome KICKSTARTER site:) We we're so excited to be accepted within one day of submitting our proposal to them! I won't say much about it here...just go to the site and you will learn everything about what we're doing...or trying to do.
I do want to thank Ryan Phelps and Gaven Cox from Channel 3 T.V. for putting together our awesome video:) I would REALLY appreciate it if everyone will check it out!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/622390070/author-carol-hansen-musician-matt-lande-merge-in-w
Thanx guys!
Talk soon:)
Yesterday Matt & I were finally able to launch our project on the awesome KICKSTARTER site:) We we're so excited to be accepted within one day of submitting our proposal to them! I won't say much about it here...just go to the site and you will learn everything about what we're doing...or trying to do.
I do want to thank Ryan Phelps and Gaven Cox from Channel 3 T.V. for putting together our awesome video:) I would REALLY appreciate it if everyone will check it out!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/622390070/author-carol-hansen-musician-matt-lande-merge-in-w
Thanx guys!
Talk soon:)
Monday, February 27, 2012
Just a Heads up...
Yay! Just letting you all know that Matt & I will be launching our KICKSTARTER site first thing in the morning! Soooo....keep an eye out!
Talk soon!:)xo
Talk soon!:)xo
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Positive & negitive
Ya know, as an author, one of the hardest things is to receive a
review from someone who, for one reason or another, just really doesn't
like your book. I ask those who read my story to give me input...whether
positive or negative. So far, I have only received two negative reviews
and even though they are hard to read, they are still appreciated. I
realize that everyone has different tastes and levels of learning,
so each will critique differently. I just hope that readers realize
that as an author, we too have different styles of writing and levels of
learning, so our story is going to reflect us individually. There are
some who are knowledgeable about every aspect of grammar, punctuation
and such, and others like me, who know the basics and learn as we go. We
all use resources that are readily available to us and do the best we
know how.
That's the beauty of learning. Anyone who has any kind of creative talent, learns by pouring themselves into their project and that's what makes it..and us...unique. Just because it is done differently, doesn't mean it is wrong. That's how new things are born...by thinking outside the box and doing something different.
It's funny how peoples expectations reflect their opinion. One person may read a book and totally miss the whole story because they are busy picking apart the writing style, grammar or the punctuation. Others judge a book by a whole other slew of reasons, but they need to realize that the story is written because of creativity of a mind.. a human mind...and human's aren't perfect. I don't think I have ever read a book where I haven't seen some type of error or typo. But, every one is human...even writers and their editors.
After writing, DarkStar, I have a whole new appreciation for anyone who has ever written a book. I had NO idea how hard it is and how taxing it is on your mind. An author puts heart and soul into their project, just like a musician or an artist...or any other creative person. We all start with a thought and let it expand and grow, hopefully, until it becomes something wonderful, something we are excited to share with the world, something that we're proud to put our name on. We hope that others will enjoy our efforts and embrace our project, but I'm learning that some will...some won't. I just hope that everyone stops to realize the very few things in life are perfect, but then, once again, neither are we...we're just human.
I don't profess to be the best writer and I probably never will be, but I'm sure having fun creating my, DarkStar world! I really appreciate everyone who loves my book...and those who don't...because I am growing and learning from both:)
That's the beauty of learning. Anyone who has any kind of creative talent, learns by pouring themselves into their project and that's what makes it..and us...unique. Just because it is done differently, doesn't mean it is wrong. That's how new things are born...by thinking outside the box and doing something different.
It's funny how peoples expectations reflect their opinion. One person may read a book and totally miss the whole story because they are busy picking apart the writing style, grammar or the punctuation. Others judge a book by a whole other slew of reasons, but they need to realize that the story is written because of creativity of a mind.. a human mind...and human's aren't perfect. I don't think I have ever read a book where I haven't seen some type of error or typo. But, every one is human...even writers and their editors.
After writing, DarkStar, I have a whole new appreciation for anyone who has ever written a book. I had NO idea how hard it is and how taxing it is on your mind. An author puts heart and soul into their project, just like a musician or an artist...or any other creative person. We all start with a thought and let it expand and grow, hopefully, until it becomes something wonderful, something we are excited to share with the world, something that we're proud to put our name on. We hope that others will enjoy our efforts and embrace our project, but I'm learning that some will...some won't. I just hope that everyone stops to realize the very few things in life are perfect, but then, once again, neither are we...we're just human.
I don't profess to be the best writer and I probably never will be, but I'm sure having fun creating my, DarkStar world! I really appreciate everyone who loves my book...and those who don't...because I am growing and learning from both:)
Talk Soon:)xo
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Writer's Digest DarkStar Review
Yesterday I received a fun surprise in the mail. I had forgotten that I submitted DarkStar to "Writer's Digest" and I received an award and evaluation! So cool:) Thought I'd share...
Judge's commentary:
"The writing is smooth and rich with this author's passion for telling an exciting tale. The book is well structured in the way the plot unfolds and Alec's adventure entertains with the help of many surprises along the way. The author writes an engaging narrative of her protagonists' journey into the realm of wizardry and magic, and the inherent suspense is fully realized. Alec and Amrie and the other character's, both the hero's and villains, are, individually and collectively, certainly strong enough to carry this narrative, which prompts the reader's interest in always wanting to know what will happen next."
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning "poor" and 5 meaning "excellent," this is how they rated DARKSTAR:
Plot: 3 (I still feel good about this)
Grammar: 5 !! (not bad for a country hick...huh..huh:))
Character Development: 4 :)
Production quality and cover design: 4 :)
That's 16 out of 20......SWEET! For being my very first attempt at writing and doing it by myself by self publishing, I think I did pretty good. Can you tell I'm excited:)
HAPPY FEBRUARY! The SWEET month!:)
Talk Soon:)xo
Judge's commentary:
"The writing is smooth and rich with this author's passion for telling an exciting tale. The book is well structured in the way the plot unfolds and Alec's adventure entertains with the help of many surprises along the way. The author writes an engaging narrative of her protagonists' journey into the realm of wizardry and magic, and the inherent suspense is fully realized. Alec and Amrie and the other character's, both the hero's and villains, are, individually and collectively, certainly strong enough to carry this narrative, which prompts the reader's interest in always wanting to know what will happen next."
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning "poor" and 5 meaning "excellent," this is how they rated DARKSTAR:
Plot: 3 (I still feel good about this)
Grammar: 5 !! (not bad for a country hick...huh..huh:))
Character Development: 4 :)
Production quality and cover design: 4 :)
That's 16 out of 20......SWEET! For being my very first attempt at writing and doing it by myself by self publishing, I think I did pretty good. Can you tell I'm excited:)
HAPPY FEBRUARY! The SWEET month!:)
Talk Soon:)xo
Monday, January 30, 2012
Win a free DarkStar novel:)
Hi everyone!
The interview I told you about has been posted on http://t.co/ElwWY5sT. If you go there, not only can you check out Sarah's "I'm Loving Books" site, but you can enter to win a copy of DarkStar! I would LOVE for it to be you! :)
Talk Soon! :)xo
The interview I told you about has been posted on http://t.co/ElwWY5sT. If you go there, not only can you check out Sarah's "I'm Loving Books" site, but you can enter to win a copy of DarkStar! I would LOVE for it to be you! :)
Talk Soon! :)xo
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
New things happening.....
Hey, just want to update what's going on in the DarkStar world....
I had, Sarah, from "I'm Loving Books" contact me to see if I would do a guest post on her site. I pushed the deadline -- but finally finished it. I think it will post on January 30th. I'll let ya know when it does...for those interested:) In the meantime, you could check out her fun site, www.imlovingbooks.com. She wanted me to talk about magic & wizardry and how my book differs from others. I included some excerpts from the book so, for those of you who haven't read DarkStar, you can get a taste of my writing.
Also, if you didn't get a chance to read my interview with, Anthony Cardno, you can check it out on his site, Rambling On @ www.anthonycardno.com. He's an awesome guy! He's quite the traveler and he interviews a lot of interesting people -- so you should check them out too:)
I just received the sixth song off of Matt's new album. It's called, "Dancing," and like the other five, it's amazing. I'm so excited that he's on the downhill stretch of recording. It will definitely be released before his concert! He's putting the finished touched on our, DarkStar songs, too....LOVE 'EM!
I also have some exciting news! Last week Matt & I submitted a proposal to, Kickstarter, a site designed to introduce creative projects and allows people to be part of some pretty awesome ventures. They tell you to be patient, that they'll get back to you ASAP and I was so excited when they accepted our project within a day!! We are sooooo pumped about this. We're working on our page and a video & hope to launch it soon. Keep an eye out & I'll let you know when it happens. We also have a few other cool things in the works, so we'll let you know when they happen!
And...FYI...I've been hangin' out with a dark wizard named, Damarco a lot lately...really don't like the guy...
TTFN....
Talk soon:)xo
I had, Sarah, from "I'm Loving Books" contact me to see if I would do a guest post on her site. I pushed the deadline -- but finally finished it. I think it will post on January 30th. I'll let ya know when it does...for those interested:) In the meantime, you could check out her fun site, www.imlovingbooks.com. She wanted me to talk about magic & wizardry and how my book differs from others. I included some excerpts from the book so, for those of you who haven't read DarkStar, you can get a taste of my writing.
Also, if you didn't get a chance to read my interview with, Anthony Cardno, you can check it out on his site, Rambling On @ www.anthonycardno.com. He's an awesome guy! He's quite the traveler and he interviews a lot of interesting people -- so you should check them out too:)
I just received the sixth song off of Matt's new album. It's called, "Dancing," and like the other five, it's amazing. I'm so excited that he's on the downhill stretch of recording. It will definitely be released before his concert! He's putting the finished touched on our, DarkStar songs, too....LOVE 'EM!
I also have some exciting news! Last week Matt & I submitted a proposal to, Kickstarter, a site designed to introduce creative projects and allows people to be part of some pretty awesome ventures. They tell you to be patient, that they'll get back to you ASAP and I was so excited when they accepted our project within a day!! We are sooooo pumped about this. We're working on our page and a video & hope to launch it soon. Keep an eye out & I'll let you know when it happens. We also have a few other cool things in the works, so we'll let you know when they happen!
And...FYI...I've been hangin' out with a dark wizard named, Damarco a lot lately...really don't like the guy...
TTFN....
Talk soon:)xo
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A Creative Mind
I recently asked my parents what I was like as a child ... kinda wondering if they saw any inkling of creativity in me when I was growing up. They said that I was just a normal, happy little girl. I try to think back to my teenage years and I do remember being somewhat creative, but because I was involved in my "extra-curricular" activities, and those of you who knew me then will so know what I mean, (I had way to much fun). I never allowed myself to grow or explore that side of my personality until I became an adult. (I guess you can consider me an adult.) I have done everything from tole painting to wedding cakes, but I have to say that I never knew my full potential until I wrote DarkStar. It was such an exceptional experience and I feel that my creative mind was really put to the test. Writing a book is amazing. To be able to create your very own world and fill it with interesting characters that you develop is intriguing. To be able to determine their words, feelings, actions, expressions, etc., is a difficult task but also a rewarding one. Once one reaches into their inner soul and projects this creativity, little else compares - at least from my perspective.
With the venture that I have taken on with Matt Lande, it has been an amazing experience to sit back, watch and listen as he took my words into a whole new perspective. Before Matt read DarkStar, I gave him an idea sheet containing some of my thoughts as to what I might want included in the writing of my DarkStar song. I told him they were just ideas but to use his own creative mind and expertise to write the song. Well, as you all know, in reading my novel, Matt was inspired to write three songs instead of one. It amazes me how he took my words and engaged them into his realm of creative thinking and wrote amazing lyrics with the same emotion with which I wrote the story--but from his perspective and giving them deeper meaning by adding music...a musical synopsis. So cool.
The past few days I have been pondering the words to my DarkStar songs as well as three of the songs Matt recently recorded for his Welcome Home the Child album and I am in awe of the depth of his designs. Music has always been a big part of my life and being able to observe this amazing artist hone his craft and tap into his inner self to write such awesome music has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. It has taken my appreciation of the mind to a whole new level. With my writing, I am only beginning to learn the capacity of what my mind is capable of and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to observe and learn from Matt Lande. The depth of his thinking and the emotion with which he writes his lyrics and music will forever change the way I view things.
Matt knows how much I appreciate his unique and brilliant talent--but I just want everyone else to know. He is truly a master of his craft....the master of a truly creative mind....someone you should definitely pay attention too. Thanks Matt for being part of my DarkStar world and teaching me so much! :)xo
Talk soon:)xo
With the venture that I have taken on with Matt Lande, it has been an amazing experience to sit back, watch and listen as he took my words into a whole new perspective. Before Matt read DarkStar, I gave him an idea sheet containing some of my thoughts as to what I might want included in the writing of my DarkStar song. I told him they were just ideas but to use his own creative mind and expertise to write the song. Well, as you all know, in reading my novel, Matt was inspired to write three songs instead of one. It amazes me how he took my words and engaged them into his realm of creative thinking and wrote amazing lyrics with the same emotion with which I wrote the story--but from his perspective and giving them deeper meaning by adding music...a musical synopsis. So cool.
The past few days I have been pondering the words to my DarkStar songs as well as three of the songs Matt recently recorded for his Welcome Home the Child album and I am in awe of the depth of his designs. Music has always been a big part of my life and being able to observe this amazing artist hone his craft and tap into his inner self to write such awesome music has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. It has taken my appreciation of the mind to a whole new level. With my writing, I am only beginning to learn the capacity of what my mind is capable of and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to observe and learn from Matt Lande. The depth of his thinking and the emotion with which he writes his lyrics and music will forever change the way I view things.
Matt knows how much I appreciate his unique and brilliant talent--but I just want everyone else to know. He is truly a master of his craft....the master of a truly creative mind....someone you should definitely pay attention too. Thanks Matt for being part of my DarkStar world and teaching me so much! :)xo
Talk soon:)xo
Friday, January 6, 2012
Executive Decisions
How time does fly. It's hard to believe the holidays are behind us and that we're a week into 2012. Having time pass so quickly makes it hard to fit everything into our schedules and sometimes the things we plan don't quite work out the way we want them too, so...we stop and regroup. That's kinda what's happening now....I'm regrouping. I made an executive decision, and with Matt's approval, have decided it will be best to, temporarily, postpone his acoustic show. We just simply don't have time to make the February 15th deadline with everything we want to do. Matt has finished the DarkStar songs and is half way through recording his, Welcome Home the Child album, but we're cutting it too close for comfort. I've heard the songs he's recorded and they are so awesome and well worth waiting for! So, I will keep everyone posted as to when the new concert date will be.
Another executive decision: I'm going to take a couple of weeks off from work so I can finish my sequel, Wizard. I keep thinking I will have the time to write but with other things taking precedence, it doesn't happen. Alec, Amrie and my other characters are more than ready to get on with the story so....writing retreat...here I come!
I hope everyone has a Happy New Year and keep an eye out for Matt Lande's new concert date!
Talk soon:)xo
Another executive decision: I'm going to take a couple of weeks off from work so I can finish my sequel, Wizard. I keep thinking I will have the time to write but with other things taking precedence, it doesn't happen. Alec, Amrie and my other characters are more than ready to get on with the story so....writing retreat...here I come!
I hope everyone has a Happy New Year and keep an eye out for Matt Lande's new concert date!
Talk soon:)xo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)