Come join VS Grenier and Marsha Casper Cook at 9 am Pacific - 10 am Mountain - 11 am Central - 12 pm Eastern LIVE on July 24th!
The
topic is Creating Your Author Platform. Why is this important, and what
is a platform anyway? It is your visibility as an author, your life
support. The wider your reach, the more readers you connect with, the
more books you can sell. What you do with your platform speaks about you
as an author (in an authentic way) as you try to reach your target
audience. It's all about connecting with people -- on a real level. It's
not about shouting, "Buy my books" all over the place.
VS Grenier
plans to dig in deep on you can build your platform from the ground up
or from where you are right now.
Questions will be answered from callers
as well throughout the show. Call in during the live broadcast at
714-242-5259.
Learn more about the host at http://vsgrenier.com
For more information about our shows visit http://michiganavenuemedia.com
Please join in the fun when Marsha Casper Cook welcomes Mike Petit on
January 8 th at 4 EST 3 CST 2 MT 1 PST. It's going to be a terrific
show with lots of tips on writing, marketing and what to do with the
screenplays that you've been writing and keeping in your drawers. It's
time to take your stories to the next level and sell them.
Mike Pettit has been writing professionally for ten years. He is an
award-winning best-selling indie novelist. He is the author of thirty
novels that includes two indie author self-help books, several Action
Thriller series, three classic westerns, and numerous short stories.
Please join Marsha Casper Cook and Elizabeth Black November 13 at 4 EST 3 CST 2 MT 1 PST when their guest will be Dana Fredsti.
Dana Fredsti is a novelist and screenwriter, B-movie actress
(okay, C movie actress), zombie aficionado, exotic and domestic feline
advocate, swordfighter, wine lover and beach glass junkie.
Elizabeth Black lives in Massachusetts with her husband, son,
and three cats. She writes articles, erotic books and short stories.
Marsha lives in Chicago and is an author of children's books,
romance and non-fiction books, screenwriter, podcast host and
producer.
Join Marsha Casper Cook on August 14 5:30 PST 6:30 MT 7:30 CST 8:30 EST
when she welcomes Piper Stone, BJ Wane, Maren Smith, Golden Angel,
Raisa Graywood, Rayanna Jamison and Allysa Hart andwhen they discuss
their new hot steamy book. The publisher is Blushing Books, always
interesting authors to be interviewed.
It's going to be a great show and a lot of fun so don't forget to listen live or later on demand.
Amazon link - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FMDZKKP/
Please join Marsha Casper
Cook on Tuesday June 5 when she welcomes Brandy Potter. It's not as easy
as you might think writing strong characters that readers will remember
and that's the lead in the discussion on
Tuesday.Brandy focuses on the
psychology of the everyday person.
Brandy Potter lives in Maryland with her husband and their 3
children. She has been writing since she was 9 years old, but Venomous
Lives was her first published novel. Currently she is working on a
romance suspense and a romance thriller. Her character development
focuses on the psychology of the everyday person, fictionalized visions
people overcoming their conflicts. She enjoys watching people and
observing their behaviors. What makes us and at times what breaks us.
She likes strong female leads but maintains that they are strong in
different ways. She does reviews for an online blog magazine and
facilitates an online author’s group.
From romance and inspirational to adventure and fiction, Marsha has
more than 20 years of experience in the writing industry. Overall, there
are 12 books, five of which are children's and 11 feature-length
screenplays published and written under her name. Several of her
screenplays have been optioned by Production Companies.
Its going to be a lot of fun.
January 17, 2018 /
canada, china, film, film production, hd, hd video, video
Spotlight: Randall P. Dark
If you’re old enough to have used
a cassette tape, I’d be surprised if that photo isn’t imprinted on the
back of your brain as it was one of the iconic images of the 1980’s.
That anonymous man in the chair, who he was and what we were
experiencing in that poster – music, speakers, print, early MusicTech –
in many ways exemplifies, by inspiring, what you might think of as a
MediaTech professional.
I sat in a local coffee shop in Austin, TX, months ago, and shared
passions and possibilities with a now clean(er) cut and gray Randall
Dark.
In meeting for the first time, I had no idea that the poster from my
youth, a poster that got me excited about music and audio, had Dark so
early in my life as to influence my path toward media innovation. He’s
an exciting personality, visionary, passionate, and just what you’d
expect from a Canadian: a person you just enjoy spending time with.
Writer, Director and Producer
Today, Dark is a director, producer, writer, cinematographer, and
media consultant who has not only embraced new camera technology, he is
considered by the television industry to be one of the guiding thought
leaders and adopters of the HD medium. Since seeing HD first in 1986,
if you can believe, he has gone on to capture on the screen Julie
Andrews, Bill Clinton, Willie Nelson, Harry Connick Jr., Leonard Nimoy,
Lyle Lovett, Sting, and Stephen Hawking.
“Because high definition was so real and so vivid — the
coluors were perfect, you could see the tiniest detail — I believed that
if you had a 65-inch TV in your home and you watched a documentary
about starving children, it would touch your heart in a way that you
would have to react,” says Dark. “I believed it was a technology that
would have an impact on people and change their hearts. I honestly
believed it would change humanity.”
Evidence of our vision that media cross pollinates throughout music,
video, and other formats, Dark, found himself from Canada (he’s a native
of Saskatchewan) to New York City, working out of the Ed Sullivan
Theatre, where he worked with bands like Aerosmith and Crosby, Stills
and Nash. He helped build one of the first multi-camera,
high-definition production trucks and shot Victor-Victoria on
Broadway with Julie Andrews. We all know the significance of the media
in sports and Dark was behind the camera for Super Bowl XXX and NBA
All-Star games as well as the first to broadcast in high definition a
live sporting event to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. as
the American Public looked to Congress and the FCC to determine if high
definition was a viable new TV standard for the United States.
In 2013, he found himself collaborating with Willie Nelson, Kris
Kristofferson, Harry Connick Jr., Connie Britten and Lyle Lovett as one
of the executive producers of Angels Sing
and of watching Nelson and Connick Jr. create a new song, he noted, “I
got to watch these two geniuses at work. My life is so amazing. I have
never been star-struck working with celebrities because people are just
people. I think what happens is so many big name stars get worshipped
and people go ‘I’m a big fan’ and it gets tiring after a while. I think,
because I am an expert in my field I can sit down and say, ‘Hey, I know
nothing about what you do but do you want to know about high
definition?'”
I could relate. I had a poster on my wall for years when I was growing up. Yeah, I’m that much of a media geek that I had a Maxell cassette tape poster
on my wall. Dark had the opportunity to work with Maxell to recreate
it years later. What a brilliantly fun coincidence; and in a moment I
was a little star-struck, here I was having coffee with an inspiration
of mine, even though it wasn’t actually, originally Dark in the chair on
the poster. The idea behind media and technology suddenly started
gelling in my brain. Dark, pointedly, wasn’t in that original chair; his
influence is such that Maxell recreated it with him.
Dark is a media personality that we want to spotlight not just
because of my personal connection with him. He is known for taking the
experimental approach that we want to challenge everyone to embrace.
He’s long been digital technologies and as we all wonder at HOW we can
afford quality media production, whether we’re advertising, producing a
film, or in need of a music video, he just does it. For his
documentary Fast From The Past, he he used many different types of cameras, everything from an Apple iPhone to a 4K camera. Whatever it takes.
Truly, embracing all forms of media. If you’re as inspired to write
as am I, you can appreciate that bubbling in the back of such a brain
are stories to be told, and not always through video. Dark wrote a
children’s play some 25 years ago, Tale of Sasquatch, and found it later published by the Playwrights Guild of Canada. Today, it’s an animated mobile app, available now [android | apple].
What brought us together to share chairs in a coffee shop was our
alignment on so many ideas for the future of media and it’s therein that
I’d like to encourage you to get to know Randall Dark. Thinking
globally and in the sense of how networking and education will drive
forward our media economy, he co-founded the Macao China International Digital Camera Festival and serves today as its artistic director. He, as do we, works with companies and
non-profit organizations on how to use technology to grow their
businesses and and To see articles written about Randall and the
projects he has been involved in, check out – http://randalldarknews.blogspot.com/. Curious about listening to more of his story? Join him on Marsha Casper Cook’s podcast World Of Ink Network as they explore even writing books beyond producing movies.
Long
time Silicon Valley technology and startup veteran, Paul O'Brien is
affectionately known as SEO'Brien for an extensive past in the search
industry.
Now Texan, O'Brien works in Venture Capital Economic
Development, serving the investment and venture capital economies
directly, through thought leadership, consulting, and startup
development.He's the founder of MediaTech Ventures, a founder and
managing director of the Texas Technology Council, and partner in 1839
Ventures.
Because
we’re always looking to stay on top of the newest, coolest, weirdest
and most interesting trends, we’ve already got our eyes on the style
trends that’ll dominate fashion headlines in 2018.
Though 2017 introduced us to some cool and flirty trends ― like paper bag waist pants and couch florals ― we’re eagerly awaiting what fun and fashionable things we can look forward to seeing on clothing racks in 2018.
Please join Marsha Casper Cook on October 17 at 4 EST 3 CST 2 MT 1 PST when Marsha opens the World Of Ink
show for a great discussion with two very successful men in the
entertainment world, Mikey Brooks and Randall Dark. Each of them has
accomplished so many wonderful projects it's going to be an interesting
and learning experience.
Randall Dark is a Canadian Director, Producer, Author, Cinematographer and Playwright and Mikey Brooks is an Author, Illustrator and Cover Designer.
Marsha Casper Cook is and Author, Screenwriter, Marketing Consultant and Radio Show Host
Please feel free to call in if you have any questions. 714-242-5259
This is an example of a bad review for all the wrong reasons.
Painfully poorly told and written.
By Lori on November 1, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Wow, this could have been such a good book if it was better
researched and detailed. Instead it was just lazy writing. I'm sorry to
the author but you had so much good material and did nothing with it
and also didn't allow this woman to be likeable. She came off as
arrogant, self centered, and just down right selfish. There was no
elaboration on what she really had to go through in the camp or while
losing her family, or why or how her relationship with her husband
didn't work out, or what life was like during that time that she felt
the need to marry him, or why he wasn't allowed to see his own child.
The whole book was mostly about how pretty she felt she was or others
thought she was, her modeling career after the war and how that came
before her children or her family. I didn't like this woman and honestly
about her life. It's sad really. This could have been a great novel for
a survivor to tell their story. Maybe the author did not get enough
information from this woman, or just didn't feel like writing the full
story. I'm not sure, but I would not recommend this book.
This is an example of a bad review for all the wrong reasons.
The reviewer said it could have been a good novel but it isn't a novel
it's a memoir of Sala Lewis. On the cover of the book it says as told
by. The reviewer said it was lazy writing but as the author of the book
that is the furthest thing from the truth. I went to Sala's house every
afternoon after work so she could tell me the story. She was a very
young girl when this happened and the story was written as she told it.
Sala speaks at the Holocaust Museum and the story is written as she
tells it each and every time she speaks.
So, when you get a bad
review sometimes you just have to look the other way. The reason I am
speaking up is because every survivor's story is an important part of
history.
Looking
for a feel good movie that will have you laughing out loud? Pitch
Perfect 2 is just that movie! It seldom takes itself seriously. I give
it an A.
The
Bella's are back, and they are better than ever. After a leotard mishap
at the President’s birthday celebration, the team needs to get their
act in gear and win the International Competition. But the girls have a
lot on their minds and their singing suffers for it! In order to win,
they need to regroup and recharge and learn to harmonize again.
Rebel
Wilson is the new Lucille Ball or Carol Burnett. Her comedic skills
showcase physical comedy as well as amazing wisecracks. Then there’s the
Acapella hosts, John and Gail! They have no filters or tact. Some of
the most outrageous lines are theirs! In fact, Elizabeth Banks who
played Gail is actually the director of the movie! And without spoiling
anything, there are some wonderful guest appearances! Keep your eyes
peeled!
Having
not seen the first movie, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on
anything. This movie stood on its own. The message of girl power and
working together is one that everyone needs these days. While the movie
does feature some raunchy adult humor, most children won’t understand
it. So don’t be afraid to bring your whole family.
When
does intelligence occur? Can a robot think for him or herself? The
premise behind Ex Machina is a study in when does sentient life begin? I
give it a B+.
Caleb
is an upcoming hot programmer who wins a week retreat with the CEO only
to find out that the trip isn’t what it seems. When there, he’s asked
to determine if a sexy robot is really sentient or just running her
programming. Ava becomes more than just a robot to Caleb. She worms her
way into his mind.
This
movie is twisted, with mystery and surprises. Viewers won’t see them
coming. It keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat because you
learn to not trust anyone at face value. It’s a very intellectual movie,
and does have a large amount of drinking and nudity (I felt bad for the
young child who’s family brought him).
I
found the movie to be intriguing but I hated the CEO. He wasn’t a nice
person and each time he came on the screen, I wanted to see him hit with
a club. There wasn’t anything redeeming about him. He’s supposed to be
the CEO of a Google like search site but comes off as a bully with a God
complex. Without spoilers, I also was disappointed with the ending, too
contrite and quick to wrap it up, leaving the main character at a loss.
We’ve
waited over a year to see the latest Avenger’s movie, but they don’t
give us all the answers. Only more questions. I give Avengers: Age of
Ultron an A. From the very first scene, Joss Whedon keeps you on the
edge of your seat with amazing action. There are whole towns demolished
in this Marvel movie.
Tony
Stark is afraid that another alien race will come to Earth again
putting everyone in danger. So he creates an artificial intelligent
program to protect the world, but of course something goes wrong. Trust
breaks among the Avengers team. Too many alpha males.
Ultron
sees the human race as flawed and that only through elimination, will
life be better. He believes machines and himself to be better than
humans. And it will take the whole team-along with some old favorites to
defeat him.
Age
of Ultron gives moviegoers a glimpse at the past of the Black Widow and
a look at Hawkeye’s secret life. It also introduces us to two new
characters: Quicksilver and his sister The Scarlet Witch. Of course Stan
Lee has a cameo and many hints of future events in upcoming movies are
implied. Snarky comments abound and this movie has as many laughs as
action moments. Those were some of my favorite moments.
I
loved the movie but it didn’t live up to the hype or maybe my own
expectations. I felt let down at the ending, maybe it’s because we don’t
really have a happy ending or that it doesn’t feel like they triumphed.
But I am anxious to see what the future Marvel Universe movies hold.
Directed
and starring Russell Crowe, The Water Diviner brings to life one man’s
search for his missing sons during World War I. I found it enthralling
and give it an A.
Joshua
Connor is a man so in tune with the land that he can find water beneath
the bedrock. When his sons are reported killed in WWI, he tries to move
forward but his wife is unable to handle the loss of her sons. When she
dies, he finally agrees to bring them home, even though it means
heading to Turkey which is still involved in major conflicts. The Water
Diviner is based on real life inspired events and will have you wanting
to know more about the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
It’s
hard to categorize this movie. It’s a war piece, it’s a romance, it’s a
sweeping epic…it’s all those things. Along the lines of Brad Pitt’s
Fury, it doesn’t hide the harsh realities of battle, nor does it glorify
it. We do see a seldom seen part of WWI, the point of view of the
Turkish people and their amazing history.
Russell
Crowe does a nice job sharing small pieces of the big picture as the
movie unfolds and you find out more and more, like a hidden picture or
puzzle. The Water Diviner will have you reaching for a tissue but will
also make you laugh out loud with the outrageousness of the Grandfather
and believe in a second chance at love and redemption.
Paul
Blart attends a security conference in Vegas which is just the thing to
help him get over the loss of his mother and his new bride leaving him.
I suggest that if you want to lose your money, go to the casino rather
than this movie. I give Paul Blart Mall Cop 2 a D.
I
grew up watching great physical comedians from Lucille Ball to Carol
Burnett, from Jerry Lewis to the Chevy Chase. Kevin James isn't one of
them. He tries to be funny as a mall security guard who thinks more of
himself than reality is in this story written by James and produced by
Adam Sandler. Yet the story was trite. Bad guys are stealing the Wynn
art collection to get back at losing money at the resort and only Blart
and his band of guards can stop them.
I
know that the first Mall Cop was a cult favorite but in this story all
the typical comedic parts are there from the bad guy with two different
colored eyes who thinks he’s crazy, to James’ stumbling , bumbling
accidents. There’s a fight with a bird while a man continues to play the
piano and a chase scene on a modified Segway. Gun’s that misfire as
well as all the bad guys being such horrible shots to miss everyone!
I
didn’t even crack a smile during the movie and while I saw a lot of
YOUNG children at the theater, I wouldn’t recommend it for children
under 10. Better yet, go spend the money to take the kids to see
Cinderella again or take them to a picnic lunch.
“Love
requires sacrifice... always”…Nicolas Sparks’ movies are guaranteed to
pull at your heartstrings and The Longest Ride does just that. Much like
his movie The Notebook, this story shows flashbacks of another
relationship, which mirrors Sophia and Luke’s blooming relationship. I
give the story a B+.
There
were two reasons I wanted to see this movie- Scott Eastwood and to see
how Mr. Sparks’ cowboys compare to my own cowboys in the best-selling
western romance books Cowboy Up and Cowboy Up 2.
Luke,
a champion bull-rider who is sidelined with an injury tries to regain
his top standing the Pro-Bull Riding circuit. Sophia’s an art student
who’s leaving for an internship in NYC in two months. The two are
opposites who connect. We see their love story play out amongst the
letters and remembrance of Ira (played by Alan Alda) and Ruth’s
relationship.
Scott
Eastwood looks so much like his father that you close your eyes and
you’re watching The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly if it was a sappy
romance. The bull-riding scenes will have you gasping and wishing for
your own sexy cowboy. But the storyline is predictable and while it does
have a happy ending, like most Nicolas Sparks’ movies, it leaves you in
tears. I liked Ruth and Ira’s romance more than Luke and Sophia’s.
Their love was one that stood the test of time, sacrifice, and even
death. Alan Alda is perfect for this role!
The
Longest Ride refers to being married forever...this movie is sure to
appeal to women who love romance and believe in the strength of love, so
see it with your girlfriends.
