Why title this post "Speechless"? Easy. That's what I was when I watched this video. You need to understand that ALL of this is totally original material. These brilliant kids wrote the script, filmed, acted, edited, created the special effects, and applied them postfilming, and wrote and performed the original soundtrack.
I don't know about you, but I nearly jumped out of my chair when I saw that giant Warspider on the kid's roof. Please post a comment and let these prodigies know what you think of their 100+ hours of effort.
Post Script: It seems that this blogger format won't show the full screen version of the video and like a third of the right part of the screen didn't show up. Here's the link so you can see it full screen:
Okay, so I admit it: I occasionally Google my books. Just a little. Okay…more than I should. Sometimes even when I should be writing.
Well, tonight's search turned up gold. You have GOT to see these two videos I found on YouTube. I was absolutely rolling as I watched these. Check 'em out!
Remember the Gatorade ad campaign where they show athletes sweating different color Gatorades? Is it in you? They ask. Author Eric Reinhold sent me the link for this cool video. Check it out.
This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful that Jesus lives in me. How about you?
Lots happened today, our 2nd full day in California. We began with a LIVE interview on Central Valley Today, a cool variety show in Fresno, CA. Donita K. Paul was originally scheduled to be interviewed with Christopher Hopper, but she bowed out in order to spend more time at the Children's Hospital. I ended up filling in, and it was a blast.
If you've just watched the video above, you probably noted that LB Graham and I were absent for the Canada trip. We're both full time teachers and already taxing our annual leave to take the week off. So we had to fly in late Friday evening.
Shown above: Good morning, Seattle. Hmmm, what do you know...rain!
Author L.B. Graham demonstrates the proper novel-writing technique. Note the one finger typing.
On Saturday morning, we traveled downtown Seattle and visited TBN studios. The Fantasy Fiction Tour authors became the guests of the week on TBN show Exit 16. It's usually a variety show on the latest music, but they went for fantasy this time! As you can see above, we donned our cloaks, capes, swords, and bucklers back stage. Then, on stage, guest host and agent extraordinaire , Gregg Wooding , interviewed all 8 authors plus Chris and Allan Miller who guested with us. The Miller Brothers have begun a new fantasy series called The Code Bearers. These guys are just the coolest around, and I have a feeling their books are going to make a HUGE splash in the market.
Later that same day, the Fantasy Tour headed to the Logos Harvest Bookstore on the other side of Seattle. And there, I finally got to meet Sir Cody and his family. We've been corresponding for over a year, and they drove 4+ hours to come see us. See above: here with my agent and good friend Gregg Wooding and author and friend Christopher Hopper.
True story (as you can see in the video below): The manager at the Logos bookstore asked us if we might do a little swordplay outside to draw attention to the store. OOPS. Not five minutes into a little duel, we caused a traffic accident. Author Bryan Davis and I had clashed swords a bit when CRASH. Apparently, the lead car was looking for the bookstore and saw us. He stopped rather quickly, and the driver behind was apparently looking at the goofballs dueling and slammed into the back of the first car.
Then it was off to Enumclaw (which I pronounced Nemunclaw and a half dozen other incorrect ways) where the Salt Shaker Bookstore threw us the coolest book party we could imagine. Signs hanging from the rafters, castle walls, torches--the works. What a huge turnout!
Then, Sunday, we went to Portland and Medford. Portland was a very special meeting as we gathered in a public gazebo in the middle of an open air mall. So many special fans came that day, including a very special young lady who showed me photos of her room which she had decorated in very stylish Door Within decor.
Special shout to Ben. I didn't get to meet you, but I'm praying for you. Stay strong in His mighty power.
Then, off we went to the Medford gig at the Evangel Bookstore in the Rogue Valley Mall. The book buyer for the chain, Dannal Newman and all the staff there did an astoundingly righteous event for us, including cool candelabras, treasure chests, and posters. I need to get some pics from Christopher from those events. Too cool not to see for yourselves.
The next series of pictures shows some of the INCREDIBLE scenery on our drive from Medford to Sacramento (where we are tonight).Is it just me, or does the above pic remind of you of Weathertop in LOTR? Can't you just see the black riders appearing out of the mist?
And last but not least, here is mount Shasta! God is the creator. All praise to Him.
More soon. Plus, the announcement I've been promising should be just days away.
Spectacular first couple of weeks in the contest. Scores are up to date as of now.
Please check the Treasure Points Section of the original post for a few new point getters. ;-)
Okay, it's Quest Time:
Big Time points available here, but it will require sacrifice. Here's the deal. Moms need adventures too. Moms work so hard and often for very little thanks. But when you do say thank you to a Mom without them prodding it out of you, it means a TON!!
The task: Using your own earned money--be it allowance, odd jobs, part time job, whatever so long as you personally earned the money--then go and buy one of Author Sharon Hinck's books: The Restorer, Restorer's Son, Restorer's Journey, Symphony of Secrets, or preorder Stepping into Sunlight. Give it to your mom and thank her for all she's done for you.
eMail me the receipt and tell me how you earned the $$$ for the thank you gift. Do this by July 31st, and you earn 300 Treasure Points! Note: this is nonrepeatable. One time only.
And check out the YouTube book promotional videos made by some of my awesome readers!
Back in October, I flew down to Houston, Texas to speak and sign books for Second Baptist School. Little did I know they had prepared a great surprise for me. The students and staff wrote, directed, and starred in a dramatic portrayal of The Door Within. I know from this clip, it will be hard to capture the power of the moment. But, I can tell you, it was extraordinary. I was literally moved to tears. Righteous kids, righteous staff, righteous trip.
You may remember a coupla weeks back I posted a few times about the tremendous opportunity I had to work with another fantasy author in what we termed, "Writer's Bootcamp." It was anything but a military drudgery. We had a creative field day, brainstorming and helping each other break through writer's block.
You may also remember that we spent quite a bit of time at a pub called The Banshee, crafting ideas in the spirit of (if not the genius of) Tolkien and Lewis. During that time, we set up a video camera and answered a few Frequently Asked Questions. Check out the video…if you're really bored. LOL
Oh, and if you're expecting "author clothes" and stuffy stilted "writer chat," you might not want to watch. ;-)
The video is above. Enjoy it if you have 10 minutes to kill. HA!!
