More on Promotional Tour

Everything went so well for the beginning stages of the Women of Passions promotional tour yesterday! Jeanice and I talked with the pastor of my church. We are planning to have the conference/book signing there either the first or second weekend in March. It will be a two-day event. We also took some complimentary copies of the book around to a few churches here to let them know about the event. Now we begin planning the actual conference and marketing the conference. We're also going to be contacting some local bookstores and the public library. This is definitely an invaluable experience! I've had the stomach flu since yesterday afternoon, so as soon as I'm better; I'm going to be making some more contacts. I'll talk with Jeanice again early next month by Messenger.

Kandy

Today's the Day!

Well, today is the day that we start the ball rolling on the Women of Passions promotional tour. I am meeting with Jeanice from Women of Passions later on today. We'll be discussing all of the details of the event here in Salina, a date for the event, etc. I'm very excited! Women of Passions is such a wonderful project! It has even won a book award now. I'm very blessed to have been a part of this writing project and cannot wait to take part in this tour!

Kandy

Promotional Tour

Jeanice from Heart of God International e-mailed me yesterday (I opened it today) requesting that we meet in person sometime next week to discuss the Women of Passions tour. I am so excited! This is a wonderful opportunity to promote Women of Passions and to gain valubable promotion experience for when my own books are published. Speaking of which, I am continuing to write the Heath Ledger book - still shooting for a spring publication. I am eager to see it in print.
I will write more about both projects when new developments unfold.

Kandy

Merry Christmas!

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria). And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house of the lineage of David). To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with Child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born Son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round about them, and they were sore afraid! And the angel said unto them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: ye shall the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And, suddenly, there was with the angel a mulitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, peace, goodwill to men!" And it came to pass when the angels were gone way from them, into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the Babe, lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. Luke 2:1-17, KJV

Time to get back into writing

Well, my break from college is here! Not that I do not love college. I do! In fact, I've been given some great writing opportunities in the form of college assignments. One that I wrote this semseter was a reflection paper describing my philosphy of education. But now I can finally dedicate more time again to work on my Heath Ledger book. It's coming along very well and should be ready for a spring publication.
Since my last posting, I have also been working on the Women of Passions promotional tour for this area; and I am now writing regularly for a newsletter published by a local homeschooling group. God is definitely providing opportunities!

Kandy

Update

Yes, I do understand it has been a long, long time since I have posted. Please understand that I have been dilligently working on my writing in this time. LOL. Mr. Neuman did send me his responses for the Heath Ledger book. I'm excited to include them in this project! I also have received my copy of Homeschooling Horizons that includes my article "The Second Generation" and am to submit another article to them for possible publication in an upcoming issue. I also have been invited to be a part of a promotional tour for Women of Passions, the book project I was a part of earlier this year. Aside from all of this, I have been getting plenty of practice writing research papers for this past eight weeks of college. LOL. These last two classes - a church history class and a class studying in detail the Gospel of John - were very demanding academically and called for much research and writing. These were definitley my kind of classes! But now that they are over, I can dedicate even more time to my book and other writing projects. I just wanted to post an update to let you know I have not fallen off the earth or anything.
God bless.

Kandy

Movie Ministries

Well, yesterday there was an interesting Terry Mattingly editorial in our local newspaper called "Can Corrupt Movies Teach Good?" The article focused on The Dark Knight. One of the people quoted in the editorial was a guy named Marc Newman from an organization called Movie Ministries dotcom. So I went to the site and viewed his review for myself. I found it very interesting. Here's the link so you can see for yourself: http://www.movieministry.com/articles.php. So I e-mailed Mr. Newman and asked if he would allow me to print his review in my upcoming Heath Ledger book in one of The Dark Knight chapters and asked, if possibly, he may be interested in doing an interview with me. I was estatic when he told me I could do both! So next week, I'll forward him some interview questions; and we'll go from there. I'm thinking it may be interesting to present some opinions of The Dark Knight in one of the chapters. Should be interesting. :^)

Kandy

New Opportunity

Well, Kelly at the CCU list posted today and asked if I would be interested in writing an article for her online homeschooling magazine. Of course I would! Been wanting to break into the area of homeschooling writing. So I submitted an article to her tonight after work and asked if this was what she is looking for. If not, I'll be happy to submit something different. :^) I'll keep you "posted."

Kandy

Wonder Why

Yesterday, I posted the news link that told how three of the stars of The Imaginarium of Dr. Pernassus are donating the money they make from the movie to Heath Ledger's daughter, Matilda. Well, today I found this. http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/ny-etmvbuzz5807691aug21a,0,6277887.story?track=rss . This is just so sad to me. I wonder why U.S. distributors are so afraid to pick this movie up? No, it's not a high-budget film like The Dark Knight, but after everyone's hard work, it definitely deserves to be seen! Wonder how we can take up the cause for this movie to be seen...

Kandy

Neat News

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,405784,00.html

I think this is so cool! I'm definitely including some news about this in my book!

Kandy

The Dark Knight - a Second Time

Well, tonight we saw The Dark Knight for the second time. I found so many new things I did not notice the first time around. So much more to include in the chapters focusing on the movie for the book. Even though I have not blogged much about my writing for the past few weeks, the book is coming along very well. I'm excited with each new page.

Kandy

It's been awhile

Sorry it's been forever since I've posted on this blog. I've been very busy writing about The Dark Knight in the Heath Ledger book (and busy with my sons' activities for not back to school), so I haven't had time to post much lately. But I am still very busy on the book and am eager to see everything in print!

Kandy

Calling All Heath Leger Fans...

Well, it is that time in my book for fan stories...
If you are a Heath Ledger fan and would like to share your story of what made him stand out to you. If you have attended a Dark Knight showing and would like to share your opinion, please e-mail me at coramdeo_intheeyesofGod@yahoo.com. The authors of the stories/reviews included in my book will be required to sign a disclaimer that allows publication.

Kandy

The Art of Writing

Writing is a lot like art... The subject and circumstances of any writing project are open to interpretation. But as if with a flower - God's art - too much handling can damage the beauty. When writing about someone or something, I feel the author should choose to reveal enough information so as to illuminate but not to stop it from shining. That is what I am attempting to do with my work.

Kandy

The Dark Knight

All I can say is The Dark Knight was a lot better than I expected it to be. I liked Batman Begins, but it's not one of my favorites. I think The Dark Knight is a lot better. Heath's performance was awesome! But it honestly was not him. Maybe it's because I am used to seeing him in movies like A Knight's Tale or The Four Feathers or even The Order and Brothers Grimm; but this was... Wow! You know, when Taliesin was a baby, one thing I always loved to watch in him was the twinkle in his eyes. His eyes laughed with him. When Nathanael was born, he lost it for a while. He wondered why this new baby was getting some of his attention. But, after a few months, he got it back. Nathanael's always had it. My mom used to say that you can tell a lot about people by their eyes. I think that is true. When I watched Heath Ledger in his movies up to this point, I saw a twinkle in his eyes - almost an innocence combined with an intensity. I couldn't recognize that tonight in The Dark Knight. Not that it wasn't a good movie. It was. But it definitely was not what I am used to seeing in Heath Ledger.

Kandy

It's Finally Here...

Well, tomorrow (or actually, later on today) I'm off to see The Dark Knight. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I know it's going to reveal a lot to me. I've read wonderful reviews of Heath's work in this movie. I have no doubt that it's fantastic. But I still think this role took its toll on him. A lot more about that will be in the book. http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/thedarkknight.html

Kandy

A Knight's Tale

Yes, I know it's extremely late in my first time watching A Knight's Tale. I have never seen it before tonight. But, boy, was I impressed. That passion that set Heath's acting apart from others was there even back then. Mmmm.. Now back to my writing.

Kandy

Interesting Heath Ledger link

I found this link while doing some research. Thought it was pretty interesting: http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/1215765142237120.xml&coll=2#continue

Inspiration

I have felt so inspired by working on this Heath Ledger book the past few nights. It is honestly as if this book is writing itself. It is taking a few different slants that I had pictured in my mind. Oh, well, I guess it's meant to be. It's very interesting. I have to admit my religious studies are coming through a lot more in this book that I had anticipated. I love my college classes, but I admit that God knew what he was doing when He only allowed me the finances to enroll in one summer class this year. Now I have all this month to soley dedicate to my book when I get home from work. It's really amazing!

Kandy

It's Here! It's Here!

My copy of Women of Passions: Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God finally arrived in the mail today. This is the book, of course, that contains my article "A Difficult Decision." When my two ornery boys gave me a break today, I sat down and read some of it. It really contains some amazing stories. For those interested, here is the link http://womenofpassions.net/ to order a copy of the book. It is definitely worth the money spent. I'm making a Christmas list right now. :^)

Kandy

Etc...

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. We definitely did!

I am finally going to have much more time to work on the book. I finished my summer college class yesterday, so each night when I get home from work should be able to be dedicated to writing. :^) I'm looking forward to it!

Kandy

Worshipful Writing

Have you ever had a confirmation of feelings you've been feeling? I just blogged about how I feel God was giving me confirmation through the experience with Nathanael's toy that He is in control. Then this morning at church, the sermon was the second part in a series about worship. The pastor spoke about how when we come to church, we should be a part of the worship, not just a spectator. I've had some disagreements with some of the people at this church, but I think that's the reason I've always stayed around - I feel a part of the worship. I remember at my previous job, whenever I was feeling upset about something that happened, it never failed; the sermon that week would address the exact issue I had been experiencing. I truly believe our work should reflect our own, personal worship of God. That hits home for me with working so diligently on my writing projects. Ironically, just last night I felt a deep inspiration to write something rather unusual in the Heath Ledger book - why I am supposed to write it, why I'm passionate about it. People that I talk with, I think, often wonder why my writing or my college is so important to me. I think the pastor at church this morning hit the proverbial nail on the head. It's my form of worship. I give glory to my God through my writing and my studies. That may sound silly to some. After all, for instance, how can writing about the life of an actor give glory to God through my worship? I cannot explain it. I look at worship as one of those mysteries only God can explain. The Bible's full of them. I just know that these interests of mine are ways that I become a sanctuary for the Lord.

Kandy

The White Rabbit

I got home from work last night around 11:45. After completing my quiz for college and taking a bath, I peeked in at Taliesin and Nathanael sleeping. Kelsey always lays their favorite stuffed toys nearby. Well, last night, or actually early this morning; I found all of the toys except for Nathanael's favorite white stuffed rabbit (whom he calls "Baaaaby Rabbit" in the cutest Southern accent. Why Southern, I don't know when we live in Kansas, but it's adorable). So, anyway, I searched the house for it to no avail. So I decided we'd look in the morning and sat down to do some writing on my book. Of course, the minute I sit down, Princess, our beagle, wants out to do her business. So I open the door, reach for the lead to fasten her out, and see a rabbit sitting in our front yard. So I wait a second to see if it hops off. A beagle and a rabbit do not mix at 3:00 a.m. Our neighbors would all be awaken by the howl of Princess. I look down a few feet away from the rabbit and guess what I see? Nathanael's little, white baaaaby rabbit. I sigh a "Thank you" to God for leading me to his favorite toy that he would be quite upset about losing and take it in the house where it joins his other friends.

What exactly is the lesson in this? The lesson to me was God will provide. How appropriate that this happened just as I was sitting down to write. Just reinforcement for me that I am supposed to write this book. And now my book has a new chapter that I was not planning on.

E-mail's Down

For some reason since this afternoon, I cannot access e-mail in my Yahoo account, which is my primary account. If someone is trying to reach me there, I will respond as soon as it comes back up. Otherwise, you can post here or contact me by e-mail at unschooler@att.net. God bless.

Kandy

Brokeback Mountain

Okay, so I finally watched Brokeback Mountain when I got home from last night. The first part of it was really boring to me. Once we got past the sheep and the mountain, I saw what acting talents there were in this movie. Wow! I can see why it really made Heath's career, not because of the controversy; but because the acting was fabulous. I cannot wait to write about this! This follows along perfectly in my book. :^)

Kandy

Writing Streak

I love being a writer. There is writer's block. But when an idea comes, one cannot write quickly enough to keep up. This new chapter is honestly writing itself. I am really loving it! I know more and more this book is meant to be. Yesterday, I spent some time at the library searching for publishing and self-publishing books. I still do not know which avenue I will use, but research on all the different methods can only help.

Kandy

New Idea

Okay, I'm currently seeking information on Heath Ledger's sprituality. I do not see any evidence that he really adhered to any particular religious convictions, but I do believe everyone is spiritual by nature in some way. Being a religious studies major, a book written by me would not be a book written by me without some reference to spirituality. I'll continue searching. I have some ideas on based on the research I've done so far. :^)

Kandy

Neat link

I saw this on Shakhar Kapur's blog and wanted to link over to it. http://www.shekharkapur.com/blog/archives/2008/02/heath_ledger_an.htm#comments

I did receive back my interview request for Jake Gyllenhaal - a return to sender because I'm not a client of their's. I guess I'll have to cotnact his publicity agency by phone, explain to them my project, and see if I can interview him from there.

I only have two to three weeks of this college class left, so I will really be able to dedicate a lot more time to the book. I am dedicating as much as possible now, but I really do look forward to digging in to writing it even more.

Kandy

Still working

No, I have not fallen off the planet, I just have not had a lot of time to blog here lately. I've been busy with a lot of activities for Taliesin and Nathanael. But I am still working on my book. Can't wait to see it in print!

Kandy

Exciting News

I just found out yesterday that Women of Passions is back from the publisher. I'll be receiving my copy soon. I cannot wait to see it! I'm very excited. This is my first published article for quite a few years - a good start again!

Kandy

Better Late Than Never

Well, I finally got A Knight's Tale. I'll be watching it over my vacation from work (starting Thursday - Yay!) and working more on the book. I've been busy with college this week. I have around thirty more pages to read for the week after next's college assignment and one more quiz to take; and I'm good on college for the rest of this week and next week. Only two more weeks of this class, my only one this summer; and I can really dedicate more time to my books. But I'll also be w0rking some on the Heath Ledger book tonight. I saw online that there are two Heath biographies that were released this month. I need to get a copy of each and read them. See what the competition's like. LOL But I know mine will be different. I'm just very excited to see everything in print!

Kandy

Tossing Around Ideas

I've been tossing around ideas for my Heath Ledger book. I want to talk with as many people as I can that knew him best. I want to talk with people that can help me understand more. I've been wondering if I should include my opinions, how I feel. I think I've decided I should. I think that will be an important part of the book as well. No, I never met him. I have not yet seen all of his movies even (but I will before the book is published). But that doesn't mean I do not respect his work. Maybe I have a perspective that no one ever thought about before. A conversation at work tonight really helped me come to this conclusion. I was talking with my manager, the one from the previous post. I was telling her about my book and some of my ideas. It came so naturally. So far, everyone that I have spoken with seems interested in what I have to say. Maybe God is telling me something. Maybe to have a book that is truly a tribute to Heath Leger, I need to include that.
Just some rambling thoughts...

Kandy

The Hardest Part

I've been very emotional here lately. A couple of nights ago at work, I started laughing and could not stop. Sure, some of it is lack of sleep. I don't get much per night with work, college, and my book. But I've discovered it's more than just that. A few months ago, I went through a situation with friends that really bothered me. I had the same reaction. Eventually, I laughed and laughed and couldn't stop. I really think I'm just emotional right now with this book. A few years ago, I self-published a country music magazine and did freelance writing for several national publications. I interviewed so many country singers. I attended concerts and met the artists backstage. I had a blast. With each interview, with each meeting, I tried to make sure that entertainer was truly the star of the show. They were able to tell me their accomplishments, their dreams and goals, in their own words. I loved researching to ask them questions and let them take the lead. That is truly what I am missing with this book. I'm researching the life of Heath Ledger. I'm writing about him, about his movies, about his life. I'm trying to set up interviews with people that knew him. But I can't let him take the lead. I can only do so much to make him the star of the book. There is that extra something lacking. It's very emotional to me.

Kandy

Interesting Conversation...

Well, tonight I had an interesting conversation at work. The manager closing tonight was not the usual closing manager. I don't get to work with her very much. She's typically a day manager. The subject of beliefs came up. This manager is a wonderful, devout Christian. I respect her a lot for her beliefs. She has mentioned to me in the past that she feels I'm controversial. That subject came up again tonight. I asked her why she feels I'm controversial. She told me she feels I'm controversial because I'm a Christian, but that I have so many different beliefs. (We have had conversations before about prophetic dreams and prophecy and the symbolism behind why I have my nose pierced. So I think that's probably what she meant). So I told her that I feel God does reveal things to us. We know when we are called to do something. She agreed, but added that what we are called to do should line up with Scripture. I agreed, but pointed out there are examples in Scripture of those who were called to do some things that did not necessarily line up with Scriptural teachings - such as the Old Testament prophet who married a prostitute, Esther who married a non-Jewish man (but because of this union, the entire Jewish race was saved from extinction), and even the Apostle Paul who was familiar enough with Greek teachings to compare the Greeks' beliefs with Christian beliefs at the Aeropagus. I explained to her that I do believe God reveals things to us - sometimes in the form of dreams. Sometimes in the form of feelings. I referred back to Joel 2:28-32 to back up my beliefs. Had we had more time to discuss, I would have referred to the theological teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, who used Greek philosophy to understand more about his own Christian beliefs. It is interesting to me that this conversation came up now. I'm neck-deep in research for my biography on Heath Ledger, which I am writing because I truly know I am meant to write it. God gave me a literal dream to show me I am supposed to write this. Now He is fulfilling that through a symbolic dream - a dream that I have of publishing the work when finished. I often ask myself why? Why am I meant to write this book about someone I never met? I do not have the answers. Sometimes I wish I did, but then I know I just have to trust God. Whenever I trust Him, He never lets me down. I've trusted Him with leaving a job that did not give Him glory. I've trusted Him in unschooling the two precious sons He has given me. I've trusted Him in my marriage - which people often view as controversial in itself. I've trusted Him in my other writing endeavors. Now it's time to trust Him for this book and give Him total control. Okay, I'm tearing up now. Time to get to work on a college assignment and more book writing. Think I'll cross-post this on my other blog as well. :^) Kandy

More Information

Last night, I found some more publicity information. Tomorrow I'll be faxing in requests for a press kit from Heath Ledger's publicist, plus more interview requests. I heard from Rolling Stone Magazine today. It sounds like I should be re-print or use excerpts from an article of theirs for a processing fee. So that's definitely a positive thing! Things are coming along a lot better than I expected.

Kandy

Plans....

Okay. Here's my idea for a title for the Heath Ledger book: Heath Ledger: Bittersweet Memories and Tender Goodbyes. A Tribute. I have so many interview requests out right now. I'm also going on to his fan sites and asking for stories to include. I'm also in the process of writing and searching for an agent or publisher. Here's my "plan," although we all know God can change those pretty quickly (lol) - I'm going to spend from now until March looking for an agent or publisher and finishing the writing of the book. In March, I will get leftover financial aid money from college - this year it was $1,500. If I do not find an agent or publisher, I'm going to self-publish when I receive the left-over financial aid refund.

Kandy

Decisions, Decisions

Well, today, I had a self-publishing company contact me. I had requested information from them. Their rates are actually not too bad - as inexpensive as $500. What I'm thinking of doing is taking time right now to contact agents and book publishers. If those do not come through, I will self-publish. I've also heard that Cafe Press is now doing self-published books, so I will look more into that as well. I did find the first agent I'm going to contact. I have a list of fifty agents from Writer's Market as well as a list of publishers from the same. So if one of these options will come through, I'll go with traditional publishing first.

Kandy

More Research and More Research

Last night, I submitted a query letter to Today's Christian Woman and an article to a homeschooling magazine. I want to get myself more and more re-established in the writing industry.

Today, I began searching for publishers and agents for my Heath Ledger book. I think I have a few positive possibilities.
Yesterday, I submitted an interview request for the book to Deepak Chopra, who was scheduled to have lunch with Heath Ledger they day he passed away. I received a reply back today that Mr. Chopra is on a tour promoting his new book, so I am not able to receive an interview at this time. At least it wasn't a negative reply. I'm still hoping to interview him at a later time. I also did some brainstorming last night at work. Will blog about the other opportunities I have in mind as they become available.

Kandy

New Site, New Book

Well, a couple of days ago, I began writing my book about Heath Ledger. Today, I created a website devoted to this book. It's http://heathledgerbook.bravehost.com. I already have so many ideas and plans running through my head. I truly know this is a calling for me. I'm in the very beginning stages or writing, attempting to set up interviews, deciding whether to go the traditional publishing route or to self-publish. I believe it will all fall into place. I've just got to give it time.

Kandy