Blues for Martha Stewart
It’s funny what can plant the first seeds of a novel in your subconscious. For my comic mystery, No Place Like Home, it was an odd news story about how Martha Stewart had learned to play the blues while serving her prison time for insider trading.
It put this hilarious picture of Martha in my head: I saw her with stringy hair, all grungy, sitting by a hobo’s campfire playing the blues on a beat-up guitar.
It turned out the story was totally untrue, but it stuck with me.
A few years later, I heard a story on NPR about a wealthy New York magazine editor who lost everything to Bernie Madoff.
I thought, oh, my: what if Martha Stewart had lost everything to Bernie Madoff, and instead of going to jail, she’d ended up homeless. Would she have bounced back so elegantly?
When I started to write that day—working on a whole different story—in walked a Martha-like home decorating maven named Doria Windsor, editor of Home magazine, married to a Bernie Madoff-type named Harry Sharkov, recently deceased.
So I burned her house down and left her penniless and on the lam as a suspect in her husband’s death (authors can be so mean.)
I changed the book’s working title to Blues for Martha Stewart.
Doria managed to find herself a trio of intrepid homeless friends named Lucky and Bucky and Joe—and an ugly little dog named Toto. Then she got a job working for Camilla Randall, my always-polite reluctant sleuth—who was supposed to be the heroine of the story. (Sorry Camilla)
I even got them all sitting around a campfire, singing to the strumming of a beat-up guitar.
But I never could get my “Martha” to play the blues. Somehow she never looked right with that guitar, no matter how I many times I tried to put it in the scene.
Eventually, Camilla re-asserted herself as the primary heroine by threatening to become homeless too. She set out to find out if Harry “the Shark” Sharkov was a murderer as well as the Ponzi schemer who stole her landlord’s fortune, and both she and Doria finally got homes and found a little romance along the way.
Little Toto made his way home, too.
Ninja News
Jack Lewis Baillot just released A Stretch of Loyalty, Book One in the Loyalty Trilogy. Congratulations, Jack!!
Pat Hatt made some awesome wanted posters for his blogger buddies. Check out mine! Thanks, Pat.
And don’t forget the Wednesday Movie Quote – animal films!
Cover Reveal
Release date – July 15, 2013
Science fiction stories of time and space...
The future of humanity must be decided in Next Phase. Winning the Planetary Lottery is not as lucky as it first seems in Schrodinger's Gamble. An apocalypse and its aftermath threaten to tear one couple apart in Daiker's Children. In Life As I Know It a reclusive man finds both his heart and home invaded during an alien harvest. In Taking Time a demon seeking shelter on a distant planet finds himself facing a very different kind of demon, after answering a frontier settlement's plea for help.
Movie Review
Caught the 3D showing early on Friday and yes, it was awesome!
The actors did a great job – they picked the right people for the roles. Henry Cavill was perfectly cast as Superman. (I would like to see Laurence Fishburne more in the next film though.)
The special effects were excellent (as expected) and it had a solid plot. Purists might note some changes, but the film was patterned after the New 52 DC comics, and I had no problem with it.
Like The Dark Knight, this is a serious Superman. It’s heavy handed – almost too much at times – but that’s better than a cheesy adaptation.
I’m a huge fan of fight scenes, but even I thought “enough already” at the ending.
The only other problems included odd editing and a bit of a distant feel to the film.
However, it’s a great start to what will hopefully be a long running series – made $125 million this weekend. Recommended!
Now, where’s my Justice League of America movie?
Any odd news spark your creativity? Following Anne’s awesome site? Excited about all the new books? And did anyone else see Man of Steel this weekend?
I've heard some very mixed reviews about Man of Steel. I think it looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteIve heard the movie score for Man of Steel is excellent as well.
ReplyDeleteYay for Ellie!
MAN OF STEEEEEEELLLLLL!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's all :-)
Great cover Ellie! Who was your designer or did you design it yourself?
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving my cover reveal a shout-out, Alex!
ReplyDeleteSean - my cover designer is the awesome Ida Jansson at www.amygdaladesign.net. I only wish I was half as talented as her!
Man of Steel looks amazing! I didn't get to add my fifteen bucks to the $125 million, but I will very soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Annie's book and writing journey. Mean authors write great books and this one sounds like a good read.
I love the story behind Anne's story.
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen Man of Steel. I'm not a huge Superman fan, so if I do see it, it'll be on DVD. And definitely not in 3-D.
No Place Like Home sounds like a good read :) And Jason said he like the new MoS better than Avengers. We may go to war over that, but as I haven't seen MoS, I can't say too much, lol!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, sir!
ReplyDeleteI've heard great things about Man of Steel. So glad they finally got something going over in DC land. Justice League may be too hard for them to pull off though. If only they had let Mr. Whedon get his hands on Wonder Woman. Well, you know what I mean.
Great book news here too! Thanks for passing on the word!
Heather
Two of my coworkers saw Superman this weekend and had two WIDELY different opinions. I am seeing it this week. I saved Patt's poster that he made for me and I am using it in a future blog post of mine lol.
ReplyDeleteEllie, you're welcome!
ReplyDeleteWords, I'd say Avengers was better.
Heather, they would have to reboot Batman to pull it off.
I love how Anne's mind works. Her book sounds very entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI've been debating on catching Superman in the theaters or waiting for the DVD. Cute poster. :) Congrats to Ellie and Sean and Anne. too.
ReplyDeleteGood to know your thoughts on Man of Steel, because I've been hearing mostly bad reviews.
ReplyDeleteAnne's book sounds like a lot of fun, but I'm definitely keeping my eye out for the SF anthology Taking Time!
ReplyDeleteI saw Man of Steel over the weekend. I agree the right people were chosen to play the parts. LOVED Kevin and Diane playing the parents. No matter what, Diane can't looked bad -- aged or not. It's not my favorite movie for sure, but I'm going to take the older Grandsons to see it. I felt "disconnected" many times.
ReplyDeleteFun to hear how Anne came up for the idea of her book.
ReplyDeleteHoping to see Man of Steel mid-week.
ReplyDeleteAnd I had to laugh at the premise of the Martha Stewart book. Pretty creative. :)
Jeff, it definitely needs the big screen treatment.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, yeah not the best, but still really good.
A Justice League movie would be great. Actually a Superman/Batman movie would probably be even better.
ReplyDeletemood
NO PLACE LIKE HOME...is a good thing. And I should have seen Man of Steel, but didn't want to stand in the long line so I opted for After Earth...eh! Other than the popcorn and getting out of the house, it was awful.
ReplyDeleteI'd heard that the reviews for Superman weren't all that great. I guess my 11 year old assumes that anything without a 4 star rating is a flop. lol
ReplyDeleteThey will probably rush the justice league movie now and it won't have the same build up as the avengers. But who knows could be good. And yep ideas come from all around, hence the wanted posters lol
ReplyDeleteLOVED Annie's story - gosh she has a great voice in just that synopsis, so more power to her elbow :)
ReplyDeleteGood to hear Superman has a solid plot. Far too many movies are a bit thin on plot.
ReplyDeletelove the story behind No Place Like Home, thats awesome!
ReplyDeletepulling for ellie!
and the review of superman is as expected, solid!
and thanks for always supporting me!
Love Anne's blog and we're featuring Ellie's cover reveal at Unicornbell today, too :)
ReplyDeleteI heard on TV that World War Z did well this weekend too. For me there will only be one Superman, Christopher Reeve.
ReplyDeleteWow, love the Wanted poster! lol
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see Man of Steel!!
Yay for little Toto!! All the best to Anne!!
ReplyDeleteAnd big happy dance for lovely Ellie's lovely cover reveal too!!!
I love men in red pants so am disappointed that Superman's ditched his. But nevermind - there is always the Capn's invisible underwear to turn to! LOL! Take care
x
Moody, I'll take both.
ReplyDeleteLeigh, I'm sorry you had to sit through that train wreck.
Lynda, it was a good plot and all made sense - double rare!
Tara, of course!
Jo, we don't get that film until Friday.
Kitty, thanks!
Congrats to Jack!! Woohoo! :)
ReplyDeleteSaw Man of Steel this past weekend and have to agree with everything you said about it. I was concerned, at first, but those concerns gave way to 'oh wow!' as the movie went on.
My only gripe was the overuse of the zoom lens....and that's just a nitpick.
Great film :)
This sounds like such a fun book. Congratulations to Anne! And I totally love Ellie's cover.
ReplyDeleteI thought Man of Steel was a great escape and rebirth from the last incarnation "superman returns"... did you catch the few things... with names like wayne, lex and the flying man junk... only people who saw it, will get it i think. i am not familiar with 52 dc...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Anne on what seems a very good book and wish her every success.
ReplyDeleteI had to up date my cell phone so to set it up had to take phone with laptop into shop. Was told my laptop was very poorly. It is ok now but oh the trials and tribulations I'm getting, feel like tearing my hair out.
Yvonne.
Hi Alex .. Anne's been quite clever getting her characters to sort of follow real stories with some twists in the plot .. and the book sounds a good read ..
ReplyDeleteMan of Steel - unlikely to see, but must keep an ear open for the music ..
Love Ellie's cover .. and her 2nd anthology of short stories ..
I saw Les Mis (finally) and I didn't cry! Popped up to London town too to see some illuminated manuscripts .. for me a busy weekend! And watched some tennis .. cheers and now the tennis is here in Eastbourne .. I'm going to enjoy it!! .. Hilary
If the battle was between Martha and Man of Steel.... Well, I am betting on Martha!
ReplyDeleteI get inspired by my experiences in life, stories I read/watch and sometimes dreams. Most often, I'm just doing something (working, driving etc.) not really thinking about anything, when a huge idea will pop right into my head.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to gain inspiration! I knew Martha had spent time inside, but only ever envisaged her from my crafting side, all neat and tidy!
ReplyDeleteGlynis Smy: Author
I felt the same way bout Man of Steel. I'd heard the mixed reviews, but LOVED the focus on character/inner struggles, and yes, I too felt like the battle scenes got a little, uh, long? I mean, the fifth time Superman got thrown down on his back I was thinking, "Really? Again?" Regardless, it was awesome.
ReplyDeleteGreat image of Martha Stewart! I totally see it, Anne!
ReplyDeleteThat's a hell of a great story on coming up with "No Place Like Home." I love weird, random facts like Martha Stewart learning the blues.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm pretty excited to see Man of Steel, and admittedly, I've never even been into Superman. Something about a man who wears his underwear on the outside that doesn't sit right with me.
Thanks for sharing Anne with us today, Alex. I love to hear how writers come up with ideas! Thanks also for all the news. Happy Monday!
ReplyDeleteI've seen mixed reviews for Man of Steel. I don't have any time to see a movie right now. My big TV is three hours a week, now that Game of Thrones is off. Falling Skies, Defiant, and one other. Yes, I'm a sci-fi geek and proud of it. :)
ReplyDeleteYour mystery sounds great! I'll have to recommend it to my mom, she's always on the look out for cool stuff like that. :)
ReplyDeleteI adore the backstory to No Place Like Home.
ReplyDeleteOoh, a serious Superman. I initially read bad reviews but you're the second blogger who's given the film a thumbs up.
We had to choose between Man of Steel and Star Treck this Saturday and Star Treck won :)
ReplyDeleteMan of Steel in two weeks.
Thank you for your support with W4Ws Alex <3
Jeremy, I haven't read any of The New 52 either.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, sorry you've had so many computer issues.
Crystal, or all the times he was thrown through a building.
Brandon and Bryan, that's funny!
Ciara, be proud of your geekness!
I thoroughly enjoyed Anne's post.
ReplyDeleteI think the strangest inspiration for a story I've had is from a short, silly video on AFV. It didn't really have anything to do with the story itself, but it brought to mind a killer opening scene. Now I just have to figure out a plot to go with it. LOL The scene and sketchy notes are sitting in a file on my laptop.
Congrats on the new releases and cover reveals. :)
I'll catch The Man of Steel once the lines die down a bit. I'm just not into crowds and standing in lines like I used to be.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to Sean and Ellie's cover rocks!!! I love anything blue and black.
Loved Man of Steel as well. Didn't have any problems with the changes from tradition. Didn't sere it in 3D but still enjoyed it. :D
ReplyDeleteRegarding Man of Steel, I would ask you where do you think they could go from here? As the opener to a series, they almost destroyed the world. How will they top that?
ReplyDeleteAnne R. Allen is so right. Writers do get their inspiration from everywhere.
I love the cover art for Ellie's book. In a way, it kind of reminds me of your covers but with a ton more blue in it.
I can't wait to watch Man of Steel. I think it looks better than the other Superman flicks. And I read that the writers stuck close to the comics so that's a bonus to me!
ReplyDeleteMan of Steel is on my list.
ReplyDeleteAnne - I loved the story behind the story of your new book. Looking forward to reading!
I liked Superman (and am excited for the sequels) but the movie had a lot of structural problems and tons of little plot holes and stupid character decisions made just to serve the plot (or to give an actor more screen time) A lot of it could have been fixed easily, but it was like they didn't care enough or something to just fix the little problems
ReplyDeleteOf course I saw Man of Steel (Henry Cavill) this weekend. I’m ready to go see it (him) again. ☺ And my review would be identical to yours. Glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the cover of Ellie's book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the movie review!
Want to see Man of Steel- it looks good and everyone I know who's seen it likes it. Great Cover Ellie!
ReplyDelete~Summer
Blues for Martha Stewart is a funny book name!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Superman. I'm looking forward to the Lone Ranger, and later this summer, to Elysium.
Yup, I need to watch this movie.
ReplyDeleteHello, my friend! I loved Anne's interview, and Ellie's cover is absolutely gorgeous. Hope you are having a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteNo Place Like Home sounds like a hoot, Anne. As for the new Superman movie, I'll wait til it comes out on Netflix.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see Man of Steel (unfortunately it won't be until next week)
ReplyDeleteMarta, you had to see Star Trek, so good choice. And happy to support you!
ReplyDeleteMelissa, that is unusual, but whatever works.
Michael, as long as Superman has been around, they could go anywhere. Maybe they'll try to blow up the solar system next.
Sarah, I thought the structure was fine, just some weird editing moments.
Baygirl, it will still be around.
I can't wait to see Man of Steel this Wednesday! My expectations are ridiculously high. I'm also worried that I will walk out of the theatre disappointed.
ReplyDeleteI love loud action movies, but if the action goes on too long, I feel like it's a cliche.
I hope Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, et cetera do well with their performances, but I have a feeling they're chacters will be two-dimensional and will be explored in-depth in the sequel because this is a ORIGIN story after all.
Man of Steel is my MUST-SEE of the Summer, so of course, I may be too generous to the film when I critique the film and write a movie review.
It's just the matter of, "Will I enjoy it? Will I be transported to another place for two hours and is it effective enough for me to care about the plot and characters at the same time?"
I've heard mixed reviews of Man of Steel. People either LOVE IT or HATE IT to a certain extent. I'm so looking forward to making my opinion. I just hope the word-of-mouth brainwashes my own opinion - haha. I love big blockbuster movies because they're mindless entertainment!
I love your movie reviews, Alex! A very awesome one here with Man of Steel! Now please ... don't get me any more excited for Man of Steel! I'm way too hyped for it as it is!!!
I'm more ambivalent about MoS. I liked the opening sequence on Krypton, but, really, the movie ended being about Zod, which bothers me in the same way as Burton's Batman, which was about the Joker.
ReplyDeleteI mean, I just hope the word-of-mouth DOESN'T brainwashes my opinion - haha.
ReplyDeleteI've heard the Superman movie is great. Have to catch it soon. Thanks for mentioning all the new books.
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on trying to see Star Trek Into Darkness. Heck, I'm still working on trying to see movies from five years ago. My to-be-watched movie list is almost as long as my to-be-read book list!
ReplyDeleteI can't see Martha with a guitar either. Unless she built it.
ReplyDeleteMan of Steel was good.
Fantastic post, Anne! Love what inspired you. Sometimes weird news stories get my muse going as well. Awesome books out this week. Hope you're having a wonderful Monday, Alex!
ReplyDeleteWow, I love the story about how Blues For Martha Stewart / No Place Like Home came about - nice job, Anne!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Jack, Sean and Ellie!
Alex - you're a wanted man, dude! LOL, those wanted posters are fun :)
Anne's book sounds fun, love to hear how and where folks get inspired.
ReplyDeleteGood review for the superman, but I'll still wait for the DVD.
And go Ellie, go!
Congrats on the wanted poster, awesome creation! But that's Pat for you!
Happy Monday!
Alex, thanks for featuring Anne.
ReplyDeleteAnne, I loved hearing how your story seed planted and took off. So cool. Good luck!
Didn't see Man of Steel YET, but I am really looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteJLA is coming 2015 with the same writer as Man Of Steel.
ReplyDeleteBossy Betty: LOL Martha vs. Superman! Love to see that!
ReplyDeleteAlex, you get so many great comments! Your peeps are awesome.
Thanks to everybody who's commented on Blues for Martha. I really had fun writing it. You guys are helping it zoom up the Zon charts today. And the Camilla boxed set is now #36 in humorous fiction. Who says blogs don't sell books?
And who says bad reviews matter? Man of Steel got terrible reviews before release and it's just done a huge box office weekend that exceeded all expectations. I'm not sure reviews matter at all, except maybe to get people to want to find out for themselves and make their own decisions. I'm definitely seeing it. Loved Henry Cavill in "the Tudors". They all wore their pants over their tights in that. :-)
Anne's book sounds wonderful, and It was also fun to learn the story behind it. Great poster! Congrats to Sean and Ellie!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Fun guest post. Anne is an interesting person. I'll need to check her blog out.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read Ellie's new book, I thought 'Passing Time' was awesome.
No Man of Steel for me.
Man of Steel far exceeded my expectations. I agree with you that Cavill did a great job, and I think Amy Adams may be my favorite live-action Lois.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alex and Anne! I love Anne's description of her "source material." Putting two things together that have never before been together is key. That's why the more writers read, the better writers write!
ReplyDeleteThere's a gold mine in those newspaper, magazine & internet articles! It's up to us to be the miners...
Livia, all of the actors fit very well into their roles. You won't be disappointed with that. And there are aspects of why people don't like it that are valid, but I'm just not that critical of movies.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, I didn't think it was all about Zod.
Gwen, isn't the poster great?
Brandon, that is awesome!!
Anne, my Ninja Army rocks.
John, she fit in the role much better than anticipated.
Hey Ruth!! Thanks for stopping by today.
Yes, I'll see if I win that prize capturing Ninjas!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover for Taking Time! That dark blue is so beautiful and eye-catching.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex,
ReplyDeleteanother informative post today.
I think that authors sometimes underestimate the longing of readers for more information about the idea of a book.
I really like the wanted posters by Pat Hatt.
I visited Jack Lewis Baillot's site in order to get more information about A STRETCH OF LOYALTY which isthe ifrst book in the LOYALTY trilogy. The author created a separate blog for the series.
If you would like to get more information I recommend to visit Because of Loyalty.
By the way the author is Miss Jack Lewis Baillot and not Mister as one may assume based on the name Jack.
And if you like Steampunk you should have a look at her HAPHAZARDLY IMPLAUSIBLE series.
Thank you Alex for mentioning Miss Jack Lewis Baillot.
I love it when my characters have a strong enough voice to hijack my sapling story and make it their own. Thanks for sharing, Anne!
ReplyDeleteThat’s an awesome poster from Pat.
I’m SO looking forward to seeing Man of Steel, even more so with this good review.
I noticed a lot of of non-comic book/superhero fans didn't like it. That's to be expected.
ReplyDeleteYou're right about it being too heavy handed. There wasn't enough light moments in there.
The camera work (in non-3D even), was a bit dizzying too.
Love how Anne created her idea for her novel!
ReplyDeleteEllie's cover is fab!
And, yes, where is our Justice League of America movie?! I haven't seen Man of Steel yet, but I do hope to, even if I'm more of a Batman fan.
love the Martha Stewart image of playing the blues!
ReplyDeleteWasn't Bernie a b....d? hope he's having a "HOT" time. He ruined a lot of peoples lives besides helping screw the economy. Thanks for the rant space!
and Have a great week!
Haven't read Ellie's first book yet and now there's more!
ReplyDeleteGotta love that Wanted ad.
The weirdest things can spark story ideas and news clips are chief among them. Hope Ann's book is doing well.
Leovi, you would turn me in?
ReplyDeleteEdi, definitely know Jack is a woman! She's also a geek, which is extra cool. Thanks for pointing out her book site - I've only visited her blog.
Jay, maybe the next one will be a bit lighter.
Cherie, we want our JLA!
Kathe, rant away!
Great wanted pictures-I thought you'd be worth more than that!
ReplyDeleteNope, haven't seen Man Of Steel yet, but my son gave it a huge thumbs up, so I'll have to go soon.
Congrats to everyone and their books!
I'm always excited about buns of steel...oops Man of Steel ;D
ReplyDeleteI love Superman...can't wait! I knew Henry would bring it! I loved him on The Tudors! My son saw the movie and his review matched yours~
Anne is so fun! :D Off to visit her blog!
Congrats to all included!
I love your wanted poster- Just pass me a Ninja star and you can quietly go on your way ;D
Kathe--Bernie M. was definitely a b.....d (I had the hardest time figuring that out. My first thought was "bouche dag?" :-) I had so much fun giving Harry/Bernie his come-uppance.
ReplyDeleteCome on over to my blog today, everybody! We're having quite a party because the post (on time-wasting "platform building") got featured on the Passive Voice. 1400+ hits today so far.
Glad to hear your take on Superman. Yes, I'll be seeing it one day.
ReplyDeleteI giggled my way through Anne's explanation of how she came up with the premise for this novel. Excellent piece of story telling in its own right so I'm sure the novel will be great. Best of luck with it, Anne :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd haven't seen Superman yet. A few friends and co-workers have. Getting mixed impressions from them so I guess I'll have to watch it for myself. Oh darn (lol!!!)
Anne's book sounds like a hoot!
ReplyDeletethe fight scene at the end of man of steel is quite long...ha...i enjoyed it..better than the last one....
ReplyDeleteanne's book sound pretty cool...i am very interested in how the character handles the new homelessness...and hey inspiration is all around us you know...smiles.
Anne's book sounds really amazing!
ReplyDeleteYou do such a great job with the movie reviews. Thanks for sharing them!
Mary Montague Sikes
Ha! No Place Like Home sounds like a fun read. I'll have to check it out. Love the wanted poster, too. :D
ReplyDeleteThe WANTED poster is fun. Best of luck to Anne with her new book.
ReplyDeleteMAN OF STEEL comes closest to nailing it of any of the SUPERMAN movies. No adaptation of a comic will be perfect in anyone's eyes.
I had to see it in 3D -- if any movie demanded it, MAN OF STEEL did. A JUSTICE LEAGUE movie depends on how well they do the WONDER WOMAN, FLASH, and GREEN LANTERN movies -- plus who they choose to play Batman and how they bring him into the mix.
Plan on seeing Man of Steel tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteAnne, that sounds like a fun book. I'm putting that on my TBR. Congrats!
Woot for Ellie!!
I just caught a typo in my piece. It's supposed to read "serving her prison TIME for insider training." Arrgghh. Amazing how we miss those things. Especially left-out words. Because we know what it's supposed to say, so that's what we see.
ReplyDeleteAngela, thanks much for the compliment to my story-telling. Everything is a story, isn't it--if you look at it right.
Thanks everybody for the great feedback on the ideas behind No Place Like Home. I hope some of you pick it up and enjoy it! (I also have my boxed set of Camilla mysteries on sale this week--only 99c.)
Ella, tossing one your way!
ReplyDeleteAngela, darn the luck.
Brian, much better than the last one!
Roland, very true. And they'd need to re-introduce Batman, as the one from the Noland series wouldn't fit in Superman's world.
Anne, I'll fix it!
Anne's book sounds like a real hoot. I always figured there was something fishy about Martha Stewart ever since I learned that she needs only four hours of sleep a night and works every minute of the twenty hours she's awake. So she can be a great (and weird) inspiration for a novel.
ReplyDeleteI'll likely be checking out her book along with Ellie's -- Taking Time sounds like a great collection.
Been too busy to get to the movies. Maybe after the crazy calms down next week, I can go catch Superman.
ReplyDeleteHaven't been able to catch up with any new releases around the blog-o-sphere either so I'm always happy to see what's up over here!
It's very good to know that Martha Stewart inspired a worthy contribution to this world. Being as I interviewed her for my last IWSG post, I was extra amused by Anne's insights.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alex.
Be well.
xoRobyn
I loved reading how Anne came up with her story. Congrats to Ellie. Love the book cover.
ReplyDeleteRobyn--You interviewed the actual Martha Stewart? That must have been intimidating. I have always had the same feeling as Helena--how does this woman do all of this nonstop, all day, with no sleep? Talk about a strange visitor from another planet...
ReplyDeleteAnd I forgot to say...Ellie's cover is awesome!
Helena, she can't be for real.
ReplyDeleteJaybird, got you covered.
Robyn, your interview was hilarious.
Love Anne's back story for this novel - awesome!! Lots of good news - yay for Jack & Ellie. I've yet to meet some of the others, but yay for them too!! :)
ReplyDeleteSaw the Superman trailer when I went to Star Trek and knew I needed to see it in the theatre. Probably next week for me (love sparsely populated Tuesday afternoon showings).
ReplyDeleteI figured Henry Cavill would be good in this film as I thought his portrayal as the Duke Of Suffolk in The Tudors was the best acting in the series.
My question is...Where is the CassaStar movie!
Sorry I've been away so long...busy summer!
Chuck at Apocalypse Now
Just read Robyn's "interview" with Martha--hilarious!
ReplyDeleteI am reading Anne's book ATM. Anne is a blogger generous with writing tips I visit all the time. The trailers to Man of Steel look awesome. Can't wait to see it.
ReplyDeleteMan of Steel looks like a great movie. Not sure when I'll get a chance to see it, but I'm sure it will be an enjoyable experience when I do.
ReplyDeleteI do follow Anne's blog. She offers so many great tips.
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen Superman yet but the superhero I really miss is Captain Marvel. I read somewhere he got caught up in a rights dispute when one comic book bought out another and that's why we don't see him any more. He was always one of my favorites. Can you say Shazam?
I'm hoping to see Man of Steel tomorrow (fingers crossed). I've never been a big fan of Superman, but I like this new, darker Supes.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Ellie and Anne! I love Ellie's book cover! Great colour!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to visualize a guitar-playing Martha Stewart? Nah! Doesn't work... LOL
The WANTED poster is awesome!
Writer In Transit
The JLA movie will rock if it's ever made. Glad Man of Steel lived up to the hype. The wanted poster is awesome. Congrats to Ellie and Anne.
ReplyDeleteChuck, it's a must see in the theater. And I don't know where it is! Lost in development limbo...
ReplyDeleteAnne, wasn't it funny?
LD, it always comes down to a rights dispute.
Alex and Anne--Hi! Anne great recap of how a story starts. I'm with you there. I love how that whole process comes together.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Man of Steele---it sounds great, though.
This morning I listened to a story on the news about investigators searching for the body of Jimmy Hoffa in a field in Detroit. Wow, the story possibilities!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for Man of Steel! This weekend, I hope! And I love the explanation for the premise behind BLUES,FOR MARTHA STEWART! Love. Love. Love!
ReplyDeleteI had house guests all weekend, so no movies for us. I do love the new cover.
ReplyDeleteRhonda @Laugh-Quotes.com
Inspired by Martha Stewart's jail time. LOL That's brilliant Anne!
ReplyDeleteHey Alex,
ReplyDeleteI saw Man of Steel, yesterday. I agree with your points, but didn't like the movie. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but Henry Cavill kind of bothered me. As I was watching it, I discovered, I am more partial to the scientifically advanced Superheros (Iron Man, Batman) as apposed to the Alien Superheros. Thor is the exception, Love him.
Man of Steel is on my to-do list for this week. Your post got me revved up for it!
ReplyDeleteLoved hearing Anne's story of how she came up with her idea. The muse does tend to work in unexpected (and often hilarious) ways. :)
ReplyDeleteAuthors are so mean, Anne! LOL.
ReplyDeleteAnd so excited for Ellie! She is wonderful. Spot on/informative post as always, Alex.
:D
Candilynn, no kidding!
ReplyDeleteSydney, you just like Thor's hair!
I definitely need to check out Anne's site and her book. I was giggling as I read the evolution of the story.
ReplyDeleteI liked Man of Steel, but I was disapointed in Lois Lane...I thought she was too old. for Superman, who was just a total perfect hottie!
Martha Stewart playing the blues...now that would be an interesting thing to witness. The story sounds great though! Adding it to my list of books to read.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to see Man of Steel tonight. I can't wait! I figured if Chris Nolan was involved then it had to at least be decent :D
As you tell you, Man of Steel must be very good!
ReplyDeleteExcellent cover, Ellie!
ReplyDeleteI've heard great things about Man of Steel. Looking forward to seeing it.
Sounds like Man of Steel did very well. I probably won't get to see it until it hits Redbox.
ReplyDeleteThat story sounds very interesting. I guess if Martha Stewart can inspire a home makeover, she can inspire a book! LOL. I haven't seen Man of Steel yet, but that's all I hear about!
ReplyDeleteOkay, No Place Like Home sounds like my kind of story! Definitely looking that one up!
ReplyDeleteI have finally decided I will be waiting till Man of Steal comes to DVD before seeing it. I've never been a Superman fan, but it looks like it might be pretty good and I've heard some good things about it. So, it finally made it on my to-see list.
Also, I had the chance to read CassaStar. I did a review on it, but I wanted to say, I enjoyed it VERY much. One of the best friendship stories I've read in a long time!
We went as a family to see Man of Steel on Father's Day--and I agree with everything you said in your review!
ReplyDeleteNo Place Like Home just found a home on my Kindle. Thanks for the heads-up on this one, Alex.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I have no idea how old Amy Adams is in real life.
ReplyDeleteSamantha, you will enjoy it.
Jack, I saw that!!! Thank you so much.
Hello and yes I'm finally here. I know an "honour" to have me visit.
ReplyDeleteAll the very best to Anne. Who is Martha Stewart?
Pat's posters are nothing new, but it's good to note he mentioned you in his Dr. Seuss type postings.
Good to see my friend Ellie mentioned here.
Haven't been to the movies in years.
I love the concept of Anne's book and Ellie's cover is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI've heard mixed, but mainly good things about Man of Steel. I haven't seen it yet.
Thanks much to everybody who's commented--especially those who bought my book! I hope you have fun with my version of "Martha".
ReplyDeleteAnd I want to give a great big thanks to Alex. You're awesome, Captain! I'm definitely going to see Man of Steel. I've been a Superman fan since I was a little kid and had to hide comic books under the mattress to keep my academic parents from seeing how I was "wasting" my time.
Anne is one of my favorite bloggers out there! She is always so wise, and this post is no exception. And that seems consistent with what I've heard about Man of Steel so far. Definitely want to see it! Also Despicable Me 2 which is coming out soon :v
ReplyDeleteSarah Allen
(From Sarah, with Joy)
Thanks, Anne. So glad we connected. I'd give Martha Stewart the credit, but I'd much rather give that to our Captain Alex! Thank you, Alex!
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
I wasn't aware of Anne's book! Sounds wonderful and will check it out.
ReplyDeleteMAN OF STEEL? Definitely going to see this one...
I plan to go see Man of Steel in 3-d with my son... can't wait!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story!! Inspiration can strike anywhere anytime. I hope it will hit me soon. LOL
ReplyDeleteLove that Wanted poster. It is seriously cool.
Man of Steel is must see for me. I'm hoping to catch it this weekend.
Sorry I was late to the party. :(
I hope to see Man of Steel this weekend. Thanks for your short review!
ReplyDelete*giggle* That's such a fabulous backstory to the inspiration behind your book, Anne!
ReplyDeleteAlex, I still haven't seen Man of Steel yet. Can't wait!
Jai