"Party Tonight!" in Post-Production

I adapted the short story "Party Tonight!" from my book, Growing Pains - 10 short stories about growing up (http://www.tdaentertainment.com/growingpainsbook.htm). The short film is currently in post-production, which means it is being edited. The story is about 'Kim,' a conservative college freshman, who has a roommate named 'Teresa' who likes to party. The odd pairing makes the narrative comedic and dramatic.

I produced and directed "Party Tonight!" It stars Desiree Cruz as 'Kim' and Aryn Bigler as 'Teresa.' David Lundell appears as 'Joe' (Teresa's boyfriend).

The official Web site for "Party Tonight!" is http://www.tdaentertainment.com/PartyTonight.htm.

Auburn Library Book Signing

On Saturday, May 12th I will be participating in The Auburn Friends of the Library event, Gold Country Authors Faire, from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m at 350 Nevada Street in Auburn, California. I will sell and sign my book, Growing Pains - 10 short stories about growing up.

For more information about Growing Pains - 10 short stories about growing up, visit http://www.tdaentertainment.com/growingpainsbook.htm. Thank you for your support; I look forward to meeting you.

Growing Pains Is Now An Ebook

My book, GROWING PAINS: 10 short stories about growing up, is now available as a Kindle ebook. You may purchase for Kindle devices and Kindle apps for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, PC, Mac, Blackberry, and Android-based devices. For more information about GROWING PAINS, visit: http://www.tdaentertainment.com/growingpainsbook.htm.

You can purchase GROWING PAINS as an ebook here: http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Pains-stories-growing-ebook/dp/B004QTOOFS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1299546348&sr=1-2.

Roseville Library Book Signing

On Saturday, June 27th I will be participating in Roseville Public Library’s Local Author Event from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Downtown Roseville Library, located at 225 Taylor Street in Roseville, California. I will sign and read my book, Growing Pains – 10 short stories about growing up, and there will be a Q & A session.

If you do not already have a copy of Growing Pains – 10 short stories about growing up, Barnes & Noble will be selling copies at the event. If you are unable to attend the event, you may purchase Growing Pains from Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Pains-short-stories-rowing/dp/0615240186/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224727343&sr=1-1. Thank you for your support; I look forward to meeting you.

Online Auction to Benefit Diabetes Research

The Fifth Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research hosted by New York Times best-selling author, Brenda Novak (http://www.brendanovak.com/), includes an autographed copy of my book, GROWING PAINS - 10 short stories about growing up. You may bid (http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=1202950) on books beginning May 1st. Every year a prize package is offered to the person who places the highest number of bids. Help Brenda make a difference in the lives of millions who live with diabetes by shopping at her auction.

Internet Social Networking

It seems Internet social networking sites are becoming more popular. I am even connected, and have been able to keep up with my busy friends through these sites. If you are on LinkedIn (professional networking), Plaxo, or Facebook you may connect with me so we can keep up with each other as well. Right now I am talking with people about my book, GROWING PAINS – 10 short stories about growing up. Please visit my Web site at http://www.tdaentertainment.com to read descriptions of the stories and see places where you can buy the book. We are also selling THE TWO SISTERS on DVD and via streaming VOD, as well as collectible items. If you are not on any of the above mentioned networking sites, the TDA Entertainment Web site has a Guestbook you may use to post comments.

The Two Sisters

Some friends and people who meet me are surprised I wrote THE TWO SISTERS because they think it is dark. Just today I told someone that my book, GROWING PAINS – 10 short stories about growing up, is totally different from THE TWO SISTERS, so I guess I am just versatile. Storytelling of any kind has always fascinated me; I was the kid in school who loved when the teacher read to the class. I guess that is why I read to my students now.

During the writing process for THE TWO SISTERS, I learned a lot about bipolar disorder, including how it affects people who have it and the people around them from the film's consultant, psychologist Charlotte Houston, Ph.D. Not all bipolar people are violent, but being the reasonable person that I am it made sense to provide a reason for having the two sisters be angry and subconsciously seeking vengeance for how their mother died. Celeste Yarnall, who plays “Nurse Louise,” suggested that I include an illness and she was correct. It made the story more realistic and I received two award nominations for the script. Celeste (http://www.celesteyarnall.com/) used to manage screenwriters, so I kind of thought it would be a good idea to follow her advice.

Thank you for the feedback. I love creativity and embrace the gift I was given. I plan to write many more stories that will intrigue.

Book Lovers Book Signing

The November 1st book signing for my novel, GROWING PAINS – 10 short stories about growing up, was extraordinary! Family, friends, and fans attended the book signing at Book Lovers Bookstore in Sacramento on a rainy day. I really appreciated the support everyone provided. Thank you all for visiting with me at the event and buying my book.