The Piggery Theatre Weekend

Yes, me and the rest of the cast of "The Great American Trailer Park Musical", along with our director, musical director and choreographer are heading out to The Piggery Theatre in the picturesque town of North Hatley, one of the jewels of the Eastern Townships, to revisit the show and work in a new cast member.

Three full days dedicated to script, score, dance moves and a new set concept, tailored for our presentation of "Ma Femme, Ma Blonde et Ma Roulotte" the French version of this funny musical, at NYMF - the New York Musical Theatre Festival.

I'm so looking forward to this workshop/retreat. What a great way to spend a holiday weekend. Lots of creativity and lots of fun. The only thing missing will be my family - who would totally love this kind of thing - then again, I'll be too busy to "vacation" with them anyway. So, I'll leave them to enjoy the many Canada Day celebrations happening where we live on the South Shore of Montreal.

That said, tomorrow I'll crawl back into Jeannie Garstecki's skin and have some fun with the trailer "trash" from Stark, Florida as we get ready for the big trip to the city that never sleeps - New York, New York!!

Great Indie Summer Read Giveaway!

I don't know about you, but I'm already out of books to read and we're only June 25th!!

While I'm waiting for Kelley Armstrong's SPELLBOUND to come out August 2nd (here in Canada) I thought I'd round up some books to fill up all that down time I'm planning for the next couple of months (yeah right - my daughters already have their social calendars filled for the summer and I'm doing all the chauffeuring!:) but I'll squeeze in some reading!!)

Because my obsession with books can be costly, one of the ways I plan to do this is by entering contests. Here's one that's exciting.

The Indie Summer Giveaway is on at Coffeemugged

There are over 100 books up for grabs over the next month.

Yes, 100!

If you like to read - head over and enter!

Now that I've passed on the info, time for me to get some editing done on my own stories!

The End is Near....

No, not "The End", the end of the school year!

On June 23rd, my youngest daughter Megan graduates from elementary school. She's thrilled about it because she's so ready to move on to high school (aka Middle School) I am too, both for her and for me. Because when Megan graduates, so do I.

After ten years of volunteering with the PPO (Parents' Participation organization), the end of my time at Terry Fox School is done. Our team will be serving up a Hot Dog lunch that day and it'll be the last time I stuff a bun in that kitchen!

There's a part of me that feels like I accomplished something that makes me proud and happy - having taken an active part in helping my children's elementary school.

Then, there's a part of me that feels sad. I'll miss all the wonderful friends I've made and students I interacted with while being involved in fundraising, school trips, concerts, musicals, plays, sharing Turkey Dinners with the whole school at Christmas, Lunches with Santa, monthly dances, and one of my favourite activities - directing the school choir. I only did that for a few years but what fun we had - especially when we visited the seniors' residences AND when we recorded a CD in a professional studio. All the kids in the graduating class this year were part of that choir. Actually, when I think about it, they were in Kindergarten when they joined. Wow...

Speaking of Graduates, once again this year I have the pleasure of preparing them to sing a few songs for the Grad. Here are the songs they'll be singing:

"Here's to the Future" - from a musical we did several years ago called "Dig It"

"Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the World" - a simple yet powerful song written by Johnny Reid.

And last but not least, and maybe even a tad surprising is "Firework" by Katy Perry - with choreography - oh, yeah! A positive and empowering song about letting one's individuality and talents shine.

Those kids are going to knock their parents' socks off! :)

I've gained so much from being part of my three daughters' journey through elementary school - experience, knowledge, friendship - are but three things that come to mind, yet there's so much more. The memories shared are priceless. I'm so happy that I stuck with it.

People ask what I'll be doing with all my "free" time. Does a mom (or dad) really ever have free time?? I think to myself and smile.

I simply answer, "I'm going to write."

Thanks for the memories Terry Fox School and community. It's been a blast!

My daughter Emily Murphy - published.

What a proud and emotional moment to be handed a copy of PROJECT CLOVE - Centennial Regional High School Anthology, a book that is so much more than just a book. It's an emotional out-pouring of thoughts and ideas, memories and truths from teens aged 13 - 18 who are reaching out with their words in the hopes of changing lives.

Emily's "I Can't Put a Title to This" is a piece of Slam Poetry that describes a friendship from it's hopeful start to it's startling end and is part of the collection.

The Anthology is a testament that young people really do care about the world, about their families and about their place in this every-changing universe. The world may be evolving in a way that sometimes feels like we can't keep up, especially with technology and the demands of our fragile world, but this collection reminds us that our children, however intelligent and independant, still need guidance, understanding, positive role models and most importantly, love and acceptance.

The anthology was made possible by Youth Fusion Jeunesse in association with Centennial High School and Concordia University.

The book launch is tomorrow night and I most certainly will be there!

Congratulations Emily, I'm very proud of you.

Writing Challenges at the OWG

Last night I submitted a piece to the the online writing group's June Writing Challenge. We had to pick one of three photos and one of three themes and then write a short piece (up to 1000 words) based on whatever those two prompts...er...prompted.
It was the first time I'd written something for this event. I really enjoyed it.


I've only ever used a photo prompt once before, on author Ian O'Neill's site, both times, to my great surprise and delight, the story ideas hit me right away.

I find it fascinating how our minds can piece together something so quickly after just looking at a picture. I also find it very interesting how I knew immediately which of the three photos would best inspire. Now, I'm not saying what this method will always work but I'll always keep it in mind, especially when my ideas get blocked and I need a little inspiration. You never know what you'll end up writing about!

Unfortunately, I can't tell you which photo and theme I chose, nor can I give you the story's title, because our identities are hidden. However, I can say that the voting will take place at the end of June and I'll let you know how my story fares.

What I'd like to know is what sparks creative ideas for you?

Check out the Muse Blog Conference where this topic is being discussed. www.museituppublishing.com (click on blog)

The Latest News & MuseItUp Publishing Blog Conference

As I was logging on to take a peek at today's Blog Conference post being offered by my publisher (my publisher I get such a thrill typing that!), I went to the home page first to see what was new.

Lo and behold, I was!

Yep, right there under "Lastest News" was my name. When I clicked on "me", my author's page opened up.

Now, you'd think with all the years of being in the entertainment business that I'd be used to my picture and/or name displayed, but seeing "Lisa Forget - author of Deathly Quiet" on a publisher's page featuring me?? Oh no....it was thrilling!!

What a rush!!!

I'm looking forward to the cover art for the story (Cover Art!), which I will share with you the moment it's ready!

Now on to the MuseItUp Blog Conference.

If you are a writer, or someone who appreciates the written word, you have to visit the online conference. It's free and with so much information and sharing of ideas by authors from all over the world, you'll be happy you did!

Just go to www.museituppublishing.com and after you check out the LATEST NEWS (hint, hint) and the BOOKSTORE (wonderful reads by the Muse's authors) then click on BLOG, where you'll find:

Using Online Media to Build Your Author Brand
Learn how to tweet, facebook, blog, and build your website to sell your product-YOU!
Presented by Amy McCorkle

Developing Characters- How Do I Make My Characters Unique? Presented by Barbara Ehrentreu

Research, Research, Research. Presented by Nancy M. Bell

EDITORS and YOU. Presented by J. Rose Knight

And today's post "Write About What You Know" by Australian author Wendy Laharnar

Here are the official details from Muse:
Beginning June 1st until the 30th, Muse authors will be hosting a month long Muse Blog Conference. This is in affiliation with The Muse Online Writers Conference (details for the Oct conference coming this month)

PRICE: FREE
DETAILS: To register please send an email to: museitupeditor@yahoo.ca

Place MUSE BLOG CONFERENCE on the subject heading and your name and email address within the body of your post. Why? Because those that register and participate get a chance to win one of several ebooks we'll be offering throughout the month.

FOR READERS: Every day beginning on June 1st at noon, I'll post the Featured 99cent E-book of the day for purchase. An incredible discount just for our readers for participating and supporting our Blog Conference.

Each Muse Blog Conference workshop will run for one day, where attendees are invited to post their questions, and/or exercises the presenters will be posting during their daily workshops.

Hope you'll drop by the Muse...

I'm taking it easy today. After ONE NIGHT WITH YOU - a tribute to Elvis Presley aka my night singing doo-wop with Elvis, I'm going to rest my voice and read a good MuseItUp ebook!

Have a wonderful Sunday!