Celluloid Diaries: November 2012

Monday, November 26, 2012

My Q&A With A.D. Duling


I was featured on the blog of author A.D. Duling (known for the Anna Kipling series). Here's the Q&A in case you missed it.

Where do you call home?

Belgium.

What is the title of your most recent book?

"GPS With Benefits", a hilarious tale about a man who is shocked to learn that his new GPS system has a mind of its own.

What's your Genre?

Usually, it's supernatural suspense. Although "GPS With Benefits" can best be qualified as humor with a fantasy twist.

Plans for a next book?

I'm working on an illustrated novel combining ghosts and cats.

Who's your favorite author?

Carol Drinkwater.

Your favorite book?

"Elementary Particles" by Michel Houellebecq.

What book are you currently reading?

Ken Greenhall's "Childgrave". Ken Greenhall is the American pen name of British author Jessica Hamilton who is best known for her eighties books "Baxter", "Elizabeth" and "The Companion".

A book you would recommend?

French horror author Daph Nobody's "Blood Bar" and "L'enfant nucléaire" for their original subjects and because he's a friend.

How do you pick your books?

By author or by cover.

Advice for other authors?

Be willing to learn. I once read that it takes about 1,000 hours to become competent at any skill, about 5,000 hours to master any skill and between 25,000 and 35,000 hours to become world class. Having a great mentor and being focused greatly speeds up this process. - I read that too Vanessa! This is great advice...

Do you write under a pen name?

Yes. As I write in English, French and Dutch, I needed a name that was easy to pronounce in any of those languages and my real name - which is Dutch - is impossible to pronounce in *every* language.

Where do you write?

Mostly from the comfort of my own home, but I also write from cozy places such as bars, parks, airports and hotels.

What do you wear when you write?

Dresses, because that's the only thing I wear.

Do you have a pet?

I have a Turkish Van cat named after the Mamoru Oshii film "Avalon". He has had a special appearance in my screenplay "A Good Man" and also 'acts' in the movies based on my books.

Favorite food?

Anything extremely spicy.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?

Can I exchange those 3 famous people for my boyfriend and my cat? -You sure can Vanessa, how sweet is that!

Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why?

Originally, Céline from "A Good Man" because of her independence and love of culture and languages. But now that I have fallen in love, I realize that I have a lot of Emma's caring side in me as well.

What made you want to be a writer?

Seeing Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying" on stage in London. I was in my early twenties back then. It took me a few years though to gain confidence and to start reacting upon that desire.

Any weird talent?

I have a talent for scaring people.- Awesome!

A favorite quote?

"Wish more. Dream bigger. Love louder.” - love that!

What is the one thing you never go without?

My cat.

Your biggest influence?

Movies.

Favorite TV show?

I'm currently addicted to "Dexter" and “Carnivale”.

A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover?

The blog of illustrator Gilles Vranckx, http://gillesvranckx.blogspot.com.

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Friday, November 23, 2012

Interview at Tribute Books

tribute books

Earlier this month Tribute Books published an interview with me about my latest release, GPS With Benefits. Here's the interview in case you missed it.

Tribute Books: How did you come up with the title?

GPS With Benefits is about a new GPS device that promises to improve one's driving style – a GPS with additional benefits if you want. The GPS has a mind of 'her' own as well and that’s where the expression 'friends with benefits' comes into play. You'll have to read it though to know what it's actually all about.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Publish Your Screenplay On Kindle

Publish Your Screenplay on Kindle

Have you written a screenplay but is it difficult to find a producer to turn it into a film?

Did you know that you can earn money from your screenplays and attract the attention of numerous producers through Kindle?

If you're interested in knowing more, then look no further because author London Tracey is giving away a copy of her book Publish Your Screenplay on Kindle to one lucky reader of this blog.

To enter to win, leave a comment below telling me why you are interested in reading this book. Giveaway is open worldwide. London Tracy will pick a winner on November 28. Good luck!

Here are some of the things you'll find in Publish Your Screenplay on Kindle:

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Reviews on GPS WITH BENEFITS

GPS With Benefits by Vanessa Morgan
London Tracy, author of "Publish Your Screenplay on Kindle"

"GPS With Benefits is a hilarious tale about a man who is shocked to learn that his GPS system has a mind of its own when he test drives a new car. There are some funny moments in this story that will make it a delight to many readers, can't wait to see the short film. If you're looking for something new and different, this is it."

Eva's Sanctuary

"GPS With Benefits is an extremely quirky and funny read that had me laughing out loud. I suspect that the film will be priceless. Despite the shortness of the work, there is no doubt what is going on and just picturing it in my mind had me rolling on the floor. Quite different then Vanessa's other works, but imaginative all the same. I dare say there are some screen writers out there who could take some lessons from her. I give GPS With Benefits 5 out of 5 stars."

Minding Spot

"Morgan has a gift with words because GPS With Benefits comes together beautifully and very vividly in my mind. I can't wait to see it as a short film. It's quite humorous and I really enjoyed how it was set in a screenplay. The stage is set and the dialogue is what makes it come to life. I really enjoyed it!"


Book Cover Justice

"Well this was a fun read! Theo is a womanizer, he can't help himself when it comes to checking out lovely ladies. When Theo goes to buy a GPS system, the clerk talks him into buying one with enhancements. There are several options available, but Theo being Theo, he goes with the sexy female version. What follows is a hilarious first ride with the GPS that Theo will never forget.

I enjoyed this screenplay quite a bit. I found it funny and original. Everyone gets distracted while driving at least once in a while, and this GPS certainly knew how to stop that from happening. What I love most about screenplays is that you aren't just getting the main characters point of view or their interpretations of surroundings. Right away the scene is set for us and we aren't having to slowly build it in our minds over time.

I highly recommend this screenplay to everyone. Fans of screenplays, lovers of short stories and anyone who has ever used a GPS will appreciate this story for sure!"

Lizzy's Dark Fiction

"I was a little unsure about reviewing a humor short film script.  I’m not one to “get” stupid humor and there’s few comedians or comedies that can make me laugh. Well, GPS with Benefits made me laugh. I had a smile on my face while reading…and then I a wide grin at the end. This is written as a screenplay, but it doesn’t take long to lose yourself and picture the story taking place. I think it was amazing that the visuals are as strong as they were considering the majority of this was dialogue. So, if you’d like a good laugh check out GPS with Benefits."

Up All Night Reviews

"Cute story :)"

Sarah Ballance

"GPS With Benefits is a short film script about a man test-driving a new GPS unit, one that hits him when he stares at girls instead of paying attention to the road. The tale is quite funny, and the idea is so good."

Steve De Roover, director of "Innocent Belgium"

"Author Vanessa Morgan made a name for herself with innovative and original takes on known and tried genres. After the supernatural (Drowned Sorrow) and vampires (A Good Man), she tackles comedy in the short story GPS With Benefits. It is something completely different than you come to expect from her, but no worries - as she nails the comedic genre with good timing and a fresh perspective."

Coffee, Books, And Me

"There's a twist in the story that will make you laugh in the end. (...) I think we can pick up a lesson or two from this script. I personally can't wait to see the short film :)"

Tattooed Book Review

"GPS With Benefits is very clever, original and gave me a good giggle. I hope to see it on screen!"


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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Omaha 1945

The Rome Hotel in Omaha

I am pleased to hand over my blog today to Vickie Hall, who was kind enough to share the places that have inspired her latest literary release Secrets Of The Red Box.

When selecting a location for my book, Secrets of the Red Box, I wanted it to be a place I knew, a place I was familiar with. That ended up being Omaha, Nebraska. Now you might think, why Omaha? I actually wondered that myself, not that I have anything against Omaha - I lived there for nearly three years. What I liked about Omaha was that it represented a lifestyle reflected in the characters my protagonist, Bonnie, finds so unlike her own upbringing. One of the things about living in the heartland of America is how genuine the people are. I also knew I could add authentic touches about the weather, from the thick humidity of summer to the blizzard potential of winter. I could describe the landscape and know every detail.

The book takes place from 1945 to 1950, so even though I remembered a lot about Omaha, I wasn't around during that time period (despite how old I feel some mornings). I use the internet for a tremendous amount of my research, and am a stickler for historical detail. I came across the most fabulous item I think I've ever found - someone had scanned the entire Checker Cab Directory to Omaha, dated 1948. It listed all the addresses of every major office building, hospitals, schools, parks, and business you could imagine, not to mention apartment buildings and residential streets! So, not only could I validate what existed where during the time period, much of it still existed when I lived there. The guide also influenced where my characters went: The Rome Hotel, The Rose Buidling, Ak-Sar-Ben Ballroom, The Vineyard Cafe, downtown Omaha, and many others. I hope you enjoy the picutres!

The Rose Building in Omaha
The Ak-Ser-Ben Ballroom in Omaha
The Vineyard Cafe in Omaha
Downtown Omaha 1945

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Secrets Of The Red Box by Vickie Hall

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And while you're here, check out some previous guest posts:

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Linda Weaver Clarke interviews me about GPS WITH BENEFITS

hilarious short film

Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the series A Family Saga In Bear Lake, Idaho and The Adventures Of John And Julia Evans, interviewed me for her blog about my latest short film script, GPS With Benefits. Here's the interview in case you missed it.

Linda Weaver Clarke: As you know, I have a weekly book giveaway and today I'm featuring a new author, Vanessa Morgan. Please tell us about your book, Vanessa.

Vanessa Morgan: GPS WITH BENEFITS is a funny short story about a GPS device with a mind of "her" own. It’s scheduled to be turned into a film in 2013.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Romantic weekend in Bruges

Bruges by night
Hotel Golden Tulip de Medici in Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
Bruges canal
Hotel Golden Tulip De Medici in Bruges

Gilles and I spent the past weekend in Bruges. After dinner in the historic centre, we went to see  The ABCs Of Death and The Seasoning House at the Razor Reel Fantastic Film Festival. We stayed in the luxurious hotel Golden Tulip De'Medici.
Source: Explore. Dream. Discover.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Portrait drawing

Portrait drawing

Portrait drawing made by my boyfriend, Gilles Vranckx.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

GPS WITH BENEFITS out now!

How many people do you know that make jokes about their GPS device or even talk to it?

Nearly everyone, right?

GPS devices know where you are and how fast you are driving. Who says that, in the near future, they won't be able to know who you look at and what you say?

These thoughts form the basis of my new release, GPS WITH BENEFITS, in which a womanizer test drives a new GPS device with a jealous mind of 'her' own.

I won't reveal more, but GPS WITH BENEFITS has some twists and turns that you won't see coming and that will have you laughing out loud.

GPS WITH BENEFITS is available NOW at:

* Amazon.com
* Amazon.co.uk

What's the weirdest or funniest thing your GPS device has ever done?