Tag Archives: Ann Narcisian Videan

Help Me Cast Rhythms & Muse: The (Hypothetical) Movie

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Ever since I started telling people my 30-second synopsis of Rhythms & Muse, more often than not they respond, “That would make a good movie!”

Image from Salvatore Vuono’s portfolio.

I can envision specific actors portraying my characters (which I’ll share at the end), but I’d love if those of you familiar with the book, or who read through the descriptions below, would suggest actors to play both the teenaged and 40-something roles of the main six characters in the story. Don’t forget a number of them are musical. (You know, of course, I already have  a head start on the soundtrack with the five songs I composed for my CD. Yay!)

Let’s see if we can come to some consensus on who should be in the movie. Who knows, if I sell the story eventually, we might actually be able to pursue the actors you suggest here. So, hit me with your best star!

Add a comment at the end of this post including your casting choices for the teenaged actor and the 40-something actor who could potentially play one or all of my characters. You can use this format when you comment:

Character: [name]
Teen actor: [suggested name]
40-something actor: [suggested name]

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Alexandra Lauren

  • The heroine
  • In love with Matt
  • Striking/curly light blonde hair/green eyes/slim/5’4”
  • Practical, almost controlling
  • Disbelieving of intuitions at first
  • Driven
  • Talented vocalist
  • Honest
  • Loyal
  • Witty
  • Smart

Matt Roberts

  • Childhood friend of Daniel and Kathy
  • In love with Alex
  • Handsome/honey brown hair/hazel eyes/slim/5’10”
  • Talented composer/pianist
  • Frustrated with home responsibilities forced on him by his parents
  • Dreamer
  • Home-body
  • Loner
  • Loves kids
  • Honest
  • Smart

Daniel Post

  • Matt’s conniving best friend, childhood friend of Kathy
  • In love with Alex
  • Gorgeous/blonde/blue eyes/athletic/6’1”
  • Conniving and manipulative
  • Resourceful
  • Jock/athletic
  • Smart
  • Loves action

Kathy Sampson

  • Daniel and Matt’s childhood friend, former best friend of Suzanne, hates Alex
  • In love with Matt
  • Pretty/brunette/brown eyes/lanky/5’7”
  • Follower, not leader
  • Loves catering and planning parties
  • Smart
  • Loyal
  • Resourceful

Suzanne Briggs

  • Alex’s best friend
  • In love with Brett
  • Plain/brunette/brown eyes/plump/5’6”
  • Hippie-ish
  • Insightful
  • Wise
  • Generous
  • Friendly
  • Funny

Brett Thompkins

  • School friend of Alex’s
  • In love with Suzanne
  • Cute/ginger-haired/hazel eyes/wiry/5’9”
  • Funny
  • Friendly
  • Dorky
  • From Texas

Here are my initial choices:

Alexandra Lauren
Teen: Emma Watson (Hermione in Harry Potter)
40s: Elizabeth Shue (Back to the Future), Jodi Foster, Drew Barrymore
Matt Roberts:
Teen: Nathan Kress (iCarly)
40s: Penn Badgley (John Tucker Must Die, Easy A), Jake Gyllenhaal
Daniel Post
Teen: Tom Felton (Harry Potter)
40s: Joseph Gorden-Levitt (Inception)
Kathy Sampson
Teen: Anna Kendrick (Twilight)
40s: Lauren Graham (Loralei in The Gilmore Girls), Diane Lane
Suzanne Briggs
Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter)
40s: Marissa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny, Crazy Stupid Love), Sandra Bullock
Brett Thompkins
Teen: Jim Phelps (Harry Potter)
40s: Tom Wilson (Biff in Back to the Future)

Do you agree? Who else can you suggest?

Suggestions for Selling Books, etc., at Expos

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I recently staffed a table to sell my Rhythms & Muse novel and music CD at the Arizona CityFest Women’s Luncheon and Expo. Between talking with visitors, I made note of certain tactics effective in drawing people into a booth.

My friend Janet Drez (R) and her daughter Summer (L) at my expo table.

Here are some of the techniques I identified:

  • Register early so you get the best pick of tables considering the traffic flow
  • Wear a name tag
  • Fill your table corners so attendees can’t place purses or other items on them, which block your table visibility
  • Have a focal point on your table that draws the eye, like flowers, a computer monitor, etc.
  • Use good eye contact
  • Ask a compelling question as someone walks past the table
  • Offer special discounts just for that day
  • Offer neat finger foods like cookies, hard candy or licorice
  • If you’re selling from the booth, make sure product prices are prominently, but tastefully, displayed
  • Stand in front of the table to hand out “leave-behind” marketing, like a business card, postcard or flier
  • Remember to bring sufficient change for cash purchases
  • Provide receipts

What else can you suggest?

Coffee CommuniTea: Cupz N’ Crepes, Ahwatukee, AZ

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Pleasant French décor, comfy seating, good food. What's not to like?! ©2011 ANVidean

Today’s Coffee CommuniTea
Cupz N’ Crepes
Coffeehouse and Creperie
Owner: Terri Martinez

The Grounds (location)
4232 E. Chandler Blvd.
Ahwatukee, AZ 85048
480-706-1963
www.cupzncrepes.com

Tea Times (hours)
Mon.–Fri., 7 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Share a cuppa (the stories)
My associate Kim Cecere of ON Point Communications introduced me to Cupz N’ Crepes a few weeks ago. We had a brunch meeting there to talk about writing. (I tell you, writers always have their Coffee CommmuniTea venues of choice!)

A late-start school day was a good excuse to visit Cupz N' Crepes with my daughter Codi. ©2011 ANVidean

Walking in, I immediately liked the décor and the feeling of the place, especially as a quiet spot for conversations. I ordered a savory crepe with vegetables and feta, which was very tasty. I know some people adore that lightly sweet crepe flavor, but I just have a hard time thoroughly enjoying it with salty foods. So, when I took my daughter Codi to Cupz N’ Crepes for brunch and to take photos, I tried a salad. Deliciously fresh! Next time, I’ll try a sweet crepe like honey, bananas and almonds. Yum!

I can totally picture me sitting here with my writer friends to brainstorm plot lines! ©2011CEVidean

I see why this coffeehouse was voted one of the best new business venues in Ahwatukee, and best for breakfast and customer service.

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)
• Crepes, both savory and sweet
• Bagels
• Salads
• Coffee drinks
• A few teas

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)
The vibe at Cupz N’ Crepes, both times, felt energized and positive. A flow of people came in to order to-go drinks, others sat and enjoyed conversations over their cups and crepes. I can imagine a group of writers or musicians sitting on the couches in the back to share creative ideas and lots of laughs. The environment is clean and pleasant. I’ll definitely go back.

Perks (What I really like!)
• The quiet ambience
• Well lit
• Plenty of space between tables
• A comfortable lounging area with couches, a TV and books
• A colorful paint scheme highlighted with lovely reflective triangular mirrors, and ample shelving for tea sets, photographs and other French décor
• Fresh, delicious food

The Grind (what I would change)
• No grounds for not really liking this place. 😀

Yelp rating:
4 stars

……………………

I love connecting people and ideas, so I’ve been creating small villages my entire life. Really, what better places can writers and musicians find to create “village” than independent coffee/tea shops? I wrote most of my Rhythms & Muse novel in coffee/tea venues, so it seemed natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet not posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!

1970s Culture “To The Max”

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In my research supporting the 1970s flashback sections of Rhythms & Muse, I made “far out” cultural notes. These “rad” tidbits about the 70s “totally” helped me add a realistic sense of time to the novel.

“Yowsers!” what memories these notes bring back…

Culture
Charm holders
Elvis passes
Environmentalism
First test-tube baby born
John Paul II becomes Pope
Jonestown Massacre
Slime
South African anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko tortured to death

Entertainment
A Star is Born
Dallas
Olga Korbet
Roots miniseries
Saturday Night Fever
Star Wars
Welcome Back, Kotter

Music
Abba
Barbra Streisand
Billy Joel
Blondie
Bread
BTO
Cat Stevens
Daryl Hall & John Oates
Destroyer
Elton John
Fleetwood Mac
John Denver
Kiss
Meatloaf
Pablo Cruz
Peter Frampton
Phil Collins
Queen
Roberta Flack
Rod Stewart
The BeeGees
The Eagles
The Guess Who
The Pointer Sisters
Toys in the Attic

Slang
Babe
Bogus
Cho-oice!
Copasetic
Cosmic
Decent!
Drool buckets
Fur sure
Gag me!
Munching out
Oh my God
Rap session
Sock it to me
Stoked
To the max!
Totally
Tubular
Yowsers!

Style
Candies (shoes)
Cherokees (rubber wavy soles)
Cowl necks
Dorothy Hamil haircut
Espedrils (canvas shoes)
Feathered hair
Gauchos
Gloria Vanderbilt design
Izod
Jordache
Knee socks
Lettermen’s jackets
O.P.
Overalls
Platform shoes
Ralph Lauren
Sassoon
Satin disco pants

What other cultural phenomenon got you “stoked” in the 1970s?

Coffee CommuniTea: Gold Bar Espresso, Tempe, AZ

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Gold Bar Espresso

Gold Bar ambience. ©2011 ANVidean

The Grounds (location)

Gold Bar Espresso
3141 South McClintock Drive
Tempe, AZ 85282
(NE corner Southern Ave./McClintock Dr.)
(480) 839-3082

Tea Times (hours)

Open everyday from 6am – 11pm

What’s Brewing (coffee, tea, food)

  • Specialty coffees
  • Good assortment of teas (critical to my palate)
  • A glass case of tasty baked goods, including the best lemon McTavish shortbread cookie EVER!

Percolation Factor (the activity/environment/energy/service)

High activity. Gold Bar is always busy, and offers:

  • Game night
  • Live music
  • Local artists on display

Share a cuppa (cool background and stories)

In 2010, Gold Bar celebrated its 16th year in the Valley of the Sun as a locally owned, independent coffee house.

Gold Bar Espresso, Ann Videan, Molly idle

Children's book author/illustrator Molly Idle (right) joins me for a morning tea. Her whimsical artwork graced the walls while we were there. ©2011 ANVidean

Perks (what I really like about the place!)

Gold Bar, in my opinion, is the consummate indie coffee shop because of these traits:

  • Focus on the customer
  • Home-like seating areas
  • Ambience, including décor by local artists
  • Free wi-fi
  • Well lit
  • Lots of electrical plug-ins
  • Great drinks
  • Delicious baked goods
  • Friendly baristas and patrons
  • Fun calendar of activities
  • Finger on the pulse of the customer
  • They even have a secret menu!

The Grind (what I would change)

  • I’m not thrilled having to walk through the kitchen to get to the bathroom. 😦
  • Sometimes it’s hard to find a seat.
  • Its Web site offers no background on the owners, nor a full menu of all the goodies they offer.

Yelp rating: 3.5 stars

……………………

I love connecting people and ideas, so I’ve been creating small villages my entire life. Really, what better places can writers and musicians find to create “village” than independent coffee/tea shops? I wrote most of my Rhythms & Muse novel in coffee/tea venues, so it seemed natural to create this blog. Whether you came here to find a new favorite hangout, or suggest a spot not yet not posted, may you find Coffee CommuniTea exactly to your taste!

Coffee CommuniTea Debut

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Coffee and tea shops attract villages of like-minded people. But, not just coffee and tea lovers or people seeking community, relaxation and entertainment. Business folk hold meetings in these watering holes. Artists display work. Writers meet with their book clubs and critique partners. Music lovers come to relax and hear local acts. What a perfect environment to complement my goal to support all things Words•Music•Village?

Join us on this journey to discover indie coffee and tea shops, starting in the Phoenix metro area.  You’re expected to be an integral part of the conversation, adding your own hot spots and providing commentary on what’s posted. Consider this blog as our own online village to capture the cool, the hot, the fun, and the funky in this Coffee CommuniTea.

So, ready to join me for a cuppa?

How to Catch Your Dream: Immediate Ideas

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Recap of the “Catch Your Dreams” writing workshop and brainstorm for the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers, Jan. 26, 2011
By Ann Narcisian Videan

©2010 ANVidean

Do you have a life dream you want to catch and live, but can’t get past everyday reality? Need a jump-start to move you toward your goal?

In our January brainstorming session, we talked about how – by listening to intuitions, using available resources and taking action – you can find true fulfillment, just as I have, and also as my heroine does in my novel Rhythms & Muse.

I asked participants to express their life dream and, with input from everyone in the room, we shared the ideas, resources and support recorded in this blog post.

Expect to gain at least one, but probably many, positive action items to help you take the next step with your writing, or life goal.

_________________________________

Writing Goal #1: Publish a historical fiction book for young adults.
Next step: Get started.

Ideas Resources/Action Items
Research how it’s done. • Read books on the topic.
• Attend professional meetings. Scottsdale Society of Women Writers is a good start.
Take a writing class. Check out Gotham online writing workshops.
Contact Stella Pope Duarte, author of If I Die in Juarez. Duarte teaches classes at Paradise Valley and Phoenix community colleges.
Contact Jessica McCann. (Glendale, AZ writer) McCann‘s book All Different Kinds of Free releases April.

_________________________________

Writing Goal #2: Publish My Book(s)
Next step: Get out of overwhelm.

Ideas Resources/Action Items
Hang out with others who will support and encourage your efforts. Start with the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers.
Set up one next step and do only that. Then, set one more step and do that.
Listen, and ask for what you want. Interview authors, get to know others who already do what you want to do.
Protect your rights. If you wrote it, you own it. You may also copyright works legally, using online forms.
Find an illustrator. Ask other writers, visit illustrators’ association meetings, and participate in pertinent blogs.
Never give up! Example: Misty Hyman, Mesa-born swimmer who swam 22,000 miles to earn Olympic gold.

_________________________________

Life Goal #1: Buy cottage in Maine
Next step: Find the money

Ideas How to apply the ideas to a writing goal
Visualize yourself in the place you want to be, in clear detail, and write it down. Visualize your writing goal, in clear detail, and write it down.
Create a picture board or three-ring binder with magazine cutouts showing what you want. Create a picture board or three-ring binder with magazine cutouts showing samples of other’s works or ideas representing what you want to create.
Never say never. Indeed!
Make a list of ways to obtain your cottage without money. Make a list of ways you can accomplish your writing goal, elements and resources you might need.
Rent a cabin/become part of the community. Immerse yourself in the community, connect with other industry people associated with what you want to do. Ask for input and ideas!
See what trades are available. See if you could create a mutual support system with someone else. You help them, they help you. Perhaps a critique partner.
Find a realtor/private person and switch places for a summer. Find a critique partner, agent, editor, publisher, writer’s group, or others with whom to swap information and skills.
Develop a pen pal in the area. Find a mentor who’s done what you want to do, and meet consistently.
Create a blog with entries about making the cottage purchase happen. Create a blog with entries about making your writing dream come true.
Start a savings account and fill it with change or any extra money. Divide the work into small, reasonable steps so you don’t get overwhelmed. Or collect needed notes or tools as you work forward.
Explore the costs and set a budget. Explore what’s involved in your next step and set aside the resources (time, money, people) to make it happen.
Keep the mindset, “I have enough.” (use play money) KNOW you can obtain anything you need to meet your goal.
Keep in mind what it represents to you. Picture yourself after accomplishing the goal and hold that image.

_________________________________

Life Goal #2 Manifest a Civics Program for inmates.
Next step: Bring Sandra Day O’Conner into the movement.

Ideas How to apply the ideas to a writing goal
Contact Sandra Day O’Conner. Get to know other successful writers.
Tie in your contact to your book, or maybe the book she wrote with her granddaughter. Existing work can open doors. Think about how you can leverage what you’ve already done.
Andrea Beaulieu (http://www.yourauthenticvoice.com/) knows Dick Snell, who went to college with Sandra Day O’Conner. Ask others if they would be willing to make introductions with others in their network (an editor, agent, publisher, mentor etc.).
Just ask!
• Sandra Day O’Conner to participate
• Everyone around you to help
(What’s the worst thing that could happen?)		 Just ask!
(What’s the worst thing that could happen?) 😀
Sandra Day O’Conner may simply be a stepping stone for you to get to the person who can’t wait to help you reach your goal. (Supreme Court Judge Rebecca Burch? Or someone else!) Keep your options open and listen for ideas to move you in the right direction with your writing.

_________________________________

Do you have other ideas or resources to share? Please comment.

Do you have a goal for which you’d like others’ help? Ask here and let’s see if we can’t get you moving forward with help from our “village.”

Media signing, Feb. 4, Chandler Coffee Bean

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Ann Narcisian Videan announces a
media signing for her debut novel and music CD.

Friday, Feb. 4, 2011
2 p.m.– 7 p.m.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Chandler
2560 West Chandler Boulevard
(just east of I-101)

Novel ($16.50) , CD ($6.50), or both ($23) available for sale on-site
with cash or check.

Win a free signed and numbered CD.

________________________________________

Praise for Rhythms & Muse

“One of the best ‘chick flicks’ I have ever read. Rhythms & Muse, Ann Videan’s freshman release, engages your heart and spirit with the same lilting energy as a romantic soft rock ballad. If ever a dream was meant to be realized, this book is that dream, and you will gladly enfold yourself in its verbal magic.”
– JM de Biasi, literary critic, bibliophile

“Definitely a page-turner! I loved the great dialogue, flashbacks and dreams, and the juxtaposition between the ’70s and current day. Plus, a lovely ending.”
– Laurie Fagen, writer, publisher SanTan Sun News

“Love your writing! What a pro, the way you wove the past and the present together seamlessly.”
— Andrea Beaulieu, author Finding Your Authentic Voice and Ah Ha!: 100 Flashes of Insight and Inspiration From Your Authentic Voice (www.yourauthenticvoice.com)

“Wonderful. I love the way you took us from the present back to the past to weave the storyline for each of the main characters. I am recommending the book to my daughters and granddaughters who are searching for their life rhythms.”
—Margaret Jacoby, SPHR, the Goddess of Compliance with MJ Management Solutions (www.mjms.net)

________________________________________

About The Novel

Witnessing a horrific car accident seen many times before in her dreams spurs award-winning singer Alexandra Lauren to reevaluate her glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. With her lofty musical goal now tarnished by reality, and her unfulfilled memories from her senior year in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, haunting her, Alex takes a bold step to change the rhythms of her life. Leveraging her newly acknowledged intuitions, she makes a plan to reconnect not only with her musical touchstone and high-school sweetheart Matthew Roberts, but with her desire to impact lives for the good through the innocence and beauty of music.

***

Even though Matt holds Alex in his heart as his only muse, he resolves to ignore her existence. He cannot stay in control with her powerful presence in his life. Besides, how can he ever forgive her? In alliance with their charismatic friend Daniel, her betrayal demolished Matt’s joy in creating their hit single, not to mention their future lives, together.

***

Can anything in this world shift Matt’s resolve to distance himself from Alex? And, with Daniel still pursuing Alex even as his wife Kathy looks on, can Alex actually find fulfillment? Will music draw the estranged soul mates together again and guide them to realize their dreams?

________________________________________

About the Music CD

A solid 1970s folk and rock-ballad influence on five original tunes inspired by songs “written” by characters in the Rhythms & Muse novel. The author composed and sang all the vocals, played piano and guitar on select compositions, and mixed the tracks in GarageBand software.

Where To Buy

Book: createspace.com/3485275 [CreateSpace E-Store]

Book and music MP3 files: www.tinyurl.com/ANVamazon [Amazon]

Limited Edition Music CD: I’m offering 50 numbered and signed hand-pressed music CDs upon personal request at avidean@videanunlimited.com, until my CDs are available online (within a couple of weeks).

What’s In You? Lyrics

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Rhythms & Muse Music CD
Track 1 (5:07) – Audio Sample

What’s in You?

Intro

Verse 1
At once when I saw you, I felt our full connection,
My mind whirled ’round with tangible inflection.
One look, music poured.
Unbidden, ballads scored.
Forewarned. How to learn, harmonious direction?

Intro reprise 1

Chorus
What’s in your look, that sets the music flowing?
What’s in your pose, that tells me you’re worth knowing?
What’s in your mind, that says it’s worth exploring?
What’s in your heart, that brings me thoughts adoring…

Bridge

Verse 2

The next time I saw you, my own life fell away.
Mystic joys and pleasure, came with you to stay.
One word, warming spread.
One touch, glimpsing red.
Create. Connection, never found astray.

Chorus

Bridge reprise

Intro reprise

Verse 2 (partial)
One look, music poured.
Unbidden, ballads scored.
Forewarned. How to learn, harmonious direction?

Chorus

Bridge reprise, ending

©2010 Ann Narcisian Videan

Not Far Away: Lyrics

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Rhythms & Muse Music CD
Track 4 (3:55) – Audio Sample

Not Far Away

Verse 1
Oh, my friend,
I have a gift to give you.
Not something you can buy or touch,
But one to live within you.
There are many things I could give you,
To show you that I care,
But nothing you can touch,
Can show you what is really there.
And whether we’re friends or lovers,
We’ll often think the same,
We’ll hold the land close to our hearts,
And try to seek the way,
On the wings of air,
Not far away,
A friend is there.

Verse 2
Oh, my friend,
So many things we’ve shared
Since I first saw your face
I have always cared
So I am giving you
A thing you can’t feel or see
But, something you can listen for
Yes, listen when you feel the need
I am giving you my friendship
To last throughout your life
So you’ll remember that I care
And seek the way,
On the wings of air,
Not far a-way,
A friend is there.

Verse 3
Oh, my friend,
Our memories are treasures
The innocence of love and fun
The times just can’t be measured
The world is a circle
And some feelings that you feel
Go ’round in the circle
To show you what is really real.
They say, “If you let someone go,
and he returns to you,
Then you always had his love.”
And, you’ll find,
How to seek the way
On the wings of air,
Not far a-way,
A friend is there.

©2010 Ann Narcisian Videan