DR. MEL'S MESSAGE - From my novels to my other projects, no telling what you will read. This is the only place you will get to read about how I developed a screenplay into a novel and what is the driving force. I will talk about many things from films to books to acting to producing. It really will depend on where my mind takes me. I hope you will join me on this journey.
New psychological thriller, The Keystroke Killer: Transcendence by author Dr. Melissa Caudle is a riveting read that keeps you turning the pages. A novel not to be missed if you love to read about serial killers with a science fiction twist in this web of deception full of twists and turns and the unexpected up to the very last word. Available on Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/1718872569 in paperback and on Kindle.
Autographed copies available at www.drmelcaudle.com. Only if you dare to enter the world of The Keystroke Killer. Not for the faint of heart.
Please be advised, the more copies which are sold, the higher the rankings on Amazon. The higher the rankings on Amazon, the more likely this will be picked up as a series and put actors and film production crew to work. If not, it won't be picked up.
This is your chance to help KSK become a television series. If you have believed in the dream, help your own dream come true by purchasing either the E-book on Kindle or the paperback version. Don't rely on somebody else, take matters into your own hands. The television series won’t be picked up unless this really sells and the fans of KSK can have a direct impact on that.
There are several things you can do that will help this dream come true for all of us:
1. Help spread the word and get your friends to buy the book. Share, share and share. And, I don't mean my link. I mean your own post. The more widespread on social media, the better. This includes you tweeting about it, Instagram, etc. I can't spread the word by myself.
2. If you have bought the book already, please review it honestly on Amazon and on Goodreads. The more reviews the better. But I want an honest review good or bad. So far, I have a five-star rating!
3. If you are a member of a book club, recommend it to your members. If it is a local New Orleans Club or within a 100 mile radius I will gladly come for a book signing event.
4. Ask your local library or college librarian to purchase the book for their collection.
5. If you are friends of a radio show host or television talk show, ask them to have me onto their show.
6. You could consider boosting your post about "The Keystroke Killer" for as little as $5, $10, $20 to help get the word out. I have purchased many ads on Google, Goodreads, Facebook, Amazon, and will continue, so rest assured I'm doing my part, but the more people investing to spread the word on an individual basis increases the awareness of the book and the potential series.
7. If you are local and want to throw a party for your friends and family to meet me and have me sign autographs, I’ll do that too.
8. If you have a website, consider backlinking my site to yours. I will do the same. We both win.
9. If you are an author, I have a page on my website where I will put your book, in exchange if you will add me to yours. The more exchange of links increases both of our efforts on Google.
A Little Can Go a Long Way in Making Dreams Come True
Think of it this way, for as little as $9.99 for the E-book, you could be investing in yourself or simply helping the KSK family. Since when does that happen by buying a book? While you are at it, buy two or three and give them away as Christmas presents, just don’t give it to someone under eighteen.
Please don't consider this as me only promoting my book and wanting it to sell my book for selfish reasons. I didn't intend for it to come across this way. I have held onto this dream and fought hard for all of us. Together we can make this happen.
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Q & A
I recently sat down with a freelance journalist who asked me the following questions about my new novel The Keystroke Killer: Transcendence. I'd like to share the answers with you.
About eight years ago, I wrote a short film which was produced. I had no idea at the time that people would become fans, but they did. Before I knew it, people were begging me to write the screenplay. So, I did. I wrote The Keystroke Killer, pilot screenplay, with the expectations of getting it produced. I had a serious setback with my health and basically shelved the idea. Then, during my recovery, I just started writing and before I knew it, I had sixty-seven episodes written for television. Whoa! I got a bite on it, got funding, then disaster, my funder died of a heart attack. So, I was back at square one. Then, I was encouraged to turn the screenplays into a novel series. THE KEYSTROKE KILLER: TRANSCENDENCE PART I covers the first thirteen screenplays or if it were a series, Season 1.
The entire inspiration for the book came as a result of that short film.
Why did you want to become a writer?
I think I’ve always been a writer since I learned how to print my name. I wrote my first book when I was in the seventh grade with my best friend. After that, I just kept writing. I love being able to travel and go places anywhere in the world my mind takes me. I am not bound to the here and now, rather I can time travel and go to outer space. That’s why I wanted to be a writer.
What was the hardest part of creating this book?
The hardest part for me was two-fold: adapting from screenwriting and editing the final version. I had worked years on the character’s and the plots and had everything down in screenplay format. But, learning how to write like a novelist is like comparing apples to oranges. Although you can each both pieces of fruit, they are nothing alike. It took me awhile to get into learning how to write like a novelist, but I took classes and read just about everything I could.
It only took me two months to write KSK, but it took ten months of editing. Between the focus group and beta readers, from the line/copy editor, I did everything possible to make KSK the best. I think the time was well worth it.
The Keystroke Killer Trailer
What do you hope people will gain by reading it?
Entertainment value and a desire to want more. The novel itself is very dark, twisted and deep and it contains adult situations that portray what happens in today’s society. For example, the darkness of the scenes dealing with the serial killer are dark. I wanted it real. In order to do that, I interviewed four serial killers on death row and six survivors from serial killers. It was difficult to hear and listen, but it needed to be right. So, if people get anything out of this besides the entertainment value, I would hope it would be to step in and help if someone is getting kidnapped or if you suspect someone is involved in sex trafficking. Both of these subjects are hard to take; but are realities. I hope I can open someone’s eyes.
When you were a kid, what were your favorite books?
As a kid, I loved to read Ray Bradbury and Orson Welles. THE TIME TRAVELER and WAR OF THE WORLDS have to be my favorite.
What is your advice to people who are not excited about reading?
To me, it goes back to why I wanted to be a writer in the first place. When you read, you’re not trapped in the here and now, or your hometown. You can experience the world from someone else’s perspective.
Why should we buy your book?
This may sound weird for an author to say, but I wouldn’t say this book is for everyone. If you are faint of heart and have nightmares easily, don’t buy it. But, if you love psychological thrillers, mystery and crime or novels on serial killers, then this one is for you. I’ve been told by my beta readers that THE KEYSTROKE KILLER makes SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and FIFTY SHADES OF GREY look PG. With that said, it is for mature audiences only. It is not recommended for teens or below. I won’t even let my grandchildren read it until they are eighteen.
Are you traditionally published or a self-published author and why did you choose?
I would say I am a hybrid author. My first books were traditionally published, but all of my novels will be self-published. I chose to self-publish because basically after twenty years of writing, I had a great grip. However, I still invested in a professional editor, professional cover creator and professional marketers.
Tell me how writing The Keystroke Killer: Transcendence the novel was different from writing the screenplay.
Let me begin by saying it is like taking a bite of watermelon and expecting it to taste like an orange. Oh my, I didn’t know what I was in for turning my screenplays into novels. The two styles of writing are not the same. In fact, I had a huge learning curve in the transference. For instance, in a screenplay I could simply write – INT. MATTHEW’S APARTMENT – NIGHT. Then maybe a couple of scene descriptions.
In a novel, I had to bring the reader into the apartment, what it smelled like, what it looked like and well as Matthew’s guest impressions. Whoa! A huge difference. The same thing with dialogue. In a screenplay, I just left the dialogue alone and let the actors and director interpret it. In the novel, I got to express every thump of their heart, the tension in their body, facial expressions. I had to learn to do this by taking courses, studying, joining groups etc. But, in the end, I am very happy with the results of my new book. It was honestly the most challenging experience in writing that I have ever had which means a lot since I have published dozens of nonfiction books..
Tell me a little bit about your next novel Never Stop Running.
Waking up from an eight month coma, Jackie cannot remember anything about her life suffering from Retrograde amnesia. David, her husband, convinces her to seek the help of a hypnotherapist only to remember her past lives. Her journey is a mental time travel across the ages with a psychological twist. Based on a real-life story. A must read novel.
You will discover:
•a mental time travel where my main character discovers past lives that take you events from 1200 BC to 1942 and of course present day.
•The stories behind the stories and what makes Jackie who she is today.
•Epic historical events through the eyes of commoners and the wealthy which can be as far back as the Black Plague up to War World II.
•A story that will leave you wondering if this is real because it is based off a true life story. Only you can decide.
I want to hear more on Never Stop Running. How did you decide to write this and how much of it is true?
First, it is true based on a real life story of a very brave a courage woman’s past life regressions. She shared with me the tapes or her sessions with a renowned hypnotherapist and simply put, they were remarkable. I did some fact checking on the stories she recalled, and they were accurate. I mean things that there was no way she could have known.
NEVER STOP RUNNING TRAILER
Who are your target audiences?
This answer is tricky because I honestly have to say not everyone should read The Keystroke Killer. It is really dark, deep and twisted; whereas Never Stop Running is intriguing and examines reincarnation. In researching NSR I interviewed a Catholic Bishop, I interviewed a Buddhist Monk and several regression hypnotherapists. Because I wanted to make sure I balanced the concept of reincarnation factually as did Jackie, my main character when she was on her discovery path. I also interviewed several people who experienced past lives in their regression sessions. It was an amazing experience.
Now, on the other end of the spectrum, for KSK, I interviewed scientists and physicists including the great Stephen Hawking who spoke his head off to me on his M-Theory and his theory of the universe having multiple dimensions. I wanted that part of KSK correct. I also interviewed three serial killers on death row, six sex trafficking victims and victims of a serial killer who escaped. I needed to get that right too.
So, my target audiences are different for the two books. Yes, someone who loves KSK can get excited that I have another novel and read NSR and find themselves asking is it even the same author. Because NSR is that dark, deep twisted psychological thriller. To sum this up, I’d say the audience for KSK would have to be those who love psychological thrillers, crime and mystery, and serial killer books or movies and I’d say sci-fi lovers. It has just enough sci-fi to be sci-fi without it thrown into your face. It’s a great coupling.
The audience for NSR would include people who have experienced past lives, experienced de je veux, have interest in the subject, and also who like to read historical novels. I’d also have to include those who doubt reincarnation because of the religious bantering inside the novel. I don’t tell a reader what they have to believe, but I do balance both sides of the equation.
How much of Never Stop Running is true?
I think you have to ask me how much of The Keystroke Killer is true too. So, I start with the first one. Many of the scenes I included in KSK are based off real events that either occurred in my life or to someone I know. I’ll start with an easy example that won’t be a spoiler alert.
The scene from the chapter The Great Escape, where Milo hitchhikes to Kenner, LA after escaping from Angola Prison, the truck driver who picks him up, Mr. Bill, is actually based around my father. He was a truck driver for years. When I was five or six, he was a prison guard at Folsom Prison, yes, the prison where Johnny Cash was imprisoned. He guarded death row. That made my father different.
When I became an adult and authored my book Crisis Alert System Implementation or CASI for short, a book on establishing crisis response teams for schools, I talked with my father a lot about those days he guarded death row inmates and serial killers. I wanted his ideas on safety measures. If it worked for a prison, it had to work for a school for juvenile delinquents.
So, back to that chapter and Mr. Bill. The entire conversation between Mr. Bill and Milo Evans, the serial killer is based from my father’s stories of picking up hitchhikers. He also had a very dry sense of humor and told jokes all the time that I never thought were funny. So, I combined all of that into that scene and while I was at it I added real life facts about my family. For instance, the part where his two older children died from cancer and getting hit by a train really happened to my beloved brother Dennis and my sister, Livia, who was killed by an Amtrak train. Oh, I named the character Livia, after my sister. I channeled her for the character.
There are dozens of examples from my real life in KSK. You’ll have to join my blog to read more stories like these at www.drmelcaudle.blogspot.com.
Now, for NSR, all of the past lives recalled in this book came from real past live regression sessions. The main character Jackie, who I based this book from, wasn’t a third grade teacher, but was a teacher, then became an assistant principal. The relationship between her husband and mother are real, but he didn’t work at Higgins Shipyard. I made that up.
The Family Antique store is real, but it is my family's store. But, the antique scene is real. In fact, it’s very hard for the real Jackie to even go into an antique store anymore. Just a couple of months ago, we went to one. She picked up an item, clutched it, and her eyes swelled with tears. When I looked at her, she said, “This was mine.”
I’ll tell you a freaky incident that happened to me with my daughter Jamie. Last summer, I went to spend the month with her and her family and went camping in Canada. Great trip by the way. Now, I had just finished the first draft of Never Stop Running, gave it to Jamie to read as she serves as my developmental editor. Back to the scene in the book with Jackie and her mother. When they first enter, Aunt Susie greets them. She tells Jackie that she can have one item free of charge and that she’ll know it because it will speak to her. This scene was based from the woman who inspired the novel. But, here is the freaky part. Jamie and I went antique hunting, something I love to do because I collect antique marbles and my family has an antique store. Jamie and I passed an antique store, it called my name. I had to go in. She pulled over and we went in. The owner greeted us, “Good morning.” Then she said, “You can have one item free that speaks to you.” I almost fell over and had to catch my breath. My daughter and I got chills because she had already read NSR and knew what was in there.
So, coincidence or fate or destiny. That really happened. I walked away with a marble that I have never seen, and I own probably 40,000 marbles and can identify them. It called my name. My daughter walked away with a beautiful ring with a tiny wizard holding a crystal ball.
With all that said, as a writer, I tap into my life and my environment and right about what I know. I guess, a lot of my writing I’d call faction.
Let’s talk about the Elephant in the room, the #METOO movement and your graphic scenes of murder, rape and sex trafficking. Are you afraid they are going to come after you and accuse you of glamorizing violence against women?
I’ll say this much, as a society we can’t turn a blind eye against these horrendous crimes and I certainly will not. I have several friends who have been raped and I know women who escaped from sex trafficking. These crimes were not their fault. So, by me using scenes in my book in this manner, I hope that I can bring light to the fact that these things really happen.
When we hear these crimes in the news, we don’t get the details or how they felt or what these women went through. When you listen to them, it is gut-wrenching. I felt it important to put these in there for authenticity and just maybe, it will get somebody upset enough to get involved and help someone if you suspect a girl or boy is about to get kidnapped or is involved in sex trafficking, do something.
Most every Friday night I have a date night with my husband. I'd say it is out upscale Cheers as most people in their are locals and we all know each other. One of them is an FBI Agent in the sex crime/trafficking division. This horrific crime happens. Closing our eyes to hit, doesn't help. We all must be vigilant.
As for serial killers, they can be your neighbor, the deacon of your church, your spouse. Look at the serial killer Dennis Radar, the BTK serial killer, who bludgeoned, tortured and killed for more than thirty years. He had a family, a wife, children and was a leader in his church. Everyone was clueless, even his wife and children.
I live in Louisiana, which by the way, is ranked seventh in the United States for having the most serial killer deaths. And, even closer to my home, Derrick Todd Lee, Sean Vincent Gills, Jefferey Guillory and Ronald Dominique. All killed within a 100 mile radius of my home. The scary part, the Jennings 8 serial killer who killed just outside of Baton Rouge is still at large and the authorities don't have a clue for a suspect. If you don't think I'm not aware of that, you have another thing coming. I keep my eyes peeled.
So, If I bring attention to the forefront serial killers are out there, that sex traffickers are out there and make people aware, then I’d say, I have written the right thing for the right reason. That was my point in the first place, I wanted people to know what really happens. How do I know, I interviewed the victims and I interviewed serial killers who loved to talk about how they killed someone and took their last breath? Which by the way is where I got the inspiration for the character Milo Evans, portrayed my Chris Swirles in the following video.
Hello fellow filmmakers. And, by filmmakers I am referring to all of us who are involved in the film industry whether you are a producer, director, actor, investor, or crew. In one way or another we are all connected to this industry. We love the industry, we love working in the industry, and we love watching the results on our televisions, movie screens, and computers.
I really can't think of a better industry.
However, as good as this industry gets, there are times when we all get frustrated, and no matter how hard we try we just can't seem to get the break we want and honestly that we deserve. At every step of the way, I have often felt that as soon as I make headway with one-step forward, it seems that I get hit with three-steps backwards. Well, that was until I finally figured how to cope with the setbacks and the rejections in this industry.
It is very important to think of the definition of "rejection" differently from its actual meaning. To me, the original definition is very negative and I really don't like it associated with this industry. According to Webster's Dictionary, rejections means to refuse to accept or failure to accept a medical procedure and really doesn't match an actor being passed on by a director or a screenwriter by a production company. Therefore, replace the definition with more of a positive meaning such as, "Rejection in the film industry is a beginning to search for another opportunity for an actor, screenwriter, director, or producer." But, because the term is used frequently in this industry at all levels, I'll stick with the word for this article; but know that I mean it by my new definition.
You see, it hasn't always been easy for me in this industry. I am often accused of being lucky. Like hell I am. I work hard at everything I do. If I stopped reaching for my dreams every time I received a rejection, I wouldn't be here writing this blog. In fact, I probably would have been living on the beach somewhere, suntanning, reading a good book by Candy O'Donnell or Gypsy Elise, and boating. Now, that sounds like a great life. After all, I did retire in 2001 from education only to get bored in retirement and somehow find my way in the film industry.
Photo by Tim Moree'
Once in the film industry, I fell in love with it. In fact, I fell in love with everything about it other than the rejections. And, by rejections, first there was all of the rejections to find an agent. Then, rejection after rejection with auditions. I bet I am safe to say for every 200 auditions, I may have landed one role. That didn't stop me. I stuck with it.
Then I discovered I really loved working behind the scenes. I volunteered at first just to be able to get on a film set. I took the opportunity to learn everything I could. I asked a lot of questions, took jobs as a production assistant and soon found my way working up the ladder. I think I have done every job with the exception of driving a truck, that's Robby, and the art department. If you scan my resume you will see what I am talking about. Again, for every job in the industry I have had, I applied for 100 more that I didn't get. The funny thing, as a PhD, I was seen as either overqualified, because the degree intimidated them, or under qualified, because I didn't have official training in the area. Whew!!! I still didn't let that stop me. I found away because I didn't give up. And, frankly, never will. Neither should you.
I have a quotation on my IMDB page, "When you dare to dream, you dare yourself," and I truly believe this. This industry is a "daring dream" in which you have to take chances. Along with those chances comes setbacks and rejections. It is how you handle these that will make the difference for you in your career and your self-esteem.
This week alone, I have received at least six phone calls from fellow film industry associates who for some reason or another were told "No" and rejected for something. Three were actors, who didn't get a role in another film and wanted my opinion on their auditions so they could improve. One was from a relative, one was from a business associate, and one was a friend. I am here to tell you, if you plan to continue in this business, then you have to learn to accept and deal with rejection.
There are many reasons why it is important to know how to deal with rejection - what to do about it - and how to move forward without giving up. I speak from personal experience on this area. Trust me, over the years I have had to cope with relationships ending, such as dissolving a collaboration with a co-screenwriter, an editor who moved across the pond, an investor pulling out of a film, criticism from friends and foes, being brushed off or ignored; e.g., screenplays turned down, pilot shows rejected, and out right attacks on my integrity, which is another form of rejection. However, after really getting a sense and understanding of how this industry works really helped me through all of this. I also developed strategies which can be a real lifeline.
Ways to Cope with Rejection in the Film Industry
When you feel rejected, hurt, angry, disappointed, or let down, because you didn't get a role, your screenplay was turned down, or your television show didn't make the fall line-up, keep in mind that these are normal feelings. All of these emotions certainly play on your self-esteem and usually for the worse. However, the way you handle your emotions is critical for your future in this business. It is important to remember that rejection and disappointment is everywhere in this industry and lurks at every turn. But, often, a closed door is an open window into the best opportunity in your life.
You can take your rejection and let it motivate you or you can take your rejection and let it destroy you with insecurity. I always use rejections and the "No's" in my life as a motivating force. A force as strong as a category five hurricane. Like Kelly Clarkson wrote in one of her songs, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." A rejection doesn't kill you - you're not dead yet.
The very first thing I do with rejection is to stay positive. Accept the fact, that it wasn't you, your screenplay, your acting, your directing etc., but rather, it just wasn't what the "Gatekeeper" was looking for at this time. If you don't believe in yourself, how in the world do you expect others to believe in you? There is someone out there who will discover that you and/or your project is perfect for them.
I also fill my mind with positive thoughts and don't let what others think or feel about me or my projects. I know who I am and what I am capable of doing. A perfect example is when I get "Blasted" as self-serving by "Slammers" for advertising my books in my blog. Instead of letting it worry me or get me down, I think positive. For instance, "This is my blog." And, besides that, this blog isn't just for actors, it is also for producers, directors, and screenwriters who want to know about my books.
This means that you have to learn how to divert your attention away from ALL inner negative thoughts and stay focused on your goal. This doesn't mean not to do a self-reflection for improving or possibly handling a situation differently in the future. I like to say, "A setback is nothing more than a setup for a comeback!" That way, take each "No" or rejection as an opportunity to improve.
Re-engage with activities that put you back in control of your future and career objectives. Include activities that you are great at to help you feel a sense of achievement.
Stay in contact with those who support you and encourage you. Remember, in this industry, they have faced the same amount or even more rejections than you have. In essence, your support team are your kindred spirits. They understand you and get it! They know what it is like to go through this.
Review your goals and set new goals if you have too. Make sure to include small, medium, and large goals. I like to even post mine on my wall in my office as a constant reminder of what I am wanting to achieve. But, don't stop there. Visualize what you would feel when you achieve your goal.
Lastly, under no circumstances take rejection personally or view it as a personal attack. The point is that behind this "NO" there is usually something more complex than what you can imagine going on behind the scenes. To you, it's a simple case of rejection to your audition, screenplay or film. That means you were on the receiving end of a "No." To the person who is saying "NO," it is often more difficult on them. They realize their "No," impacts your future and your dreams. They acknowledge that you have put your heart and soul into your audition or project and most likely dread the moment of having to choose one actor or project over another.
Again, I speak from personal experience after casting The Keystroke Killer. At the same time, it was one of the most joyous moments for Robby and I because we finally could announce the cast; yet, it was the most dreaded as we had to say "no" (reject and pass on) to hundreds of actors. It really was not only difficult to make these decisions, but it was also very emotional. We also had to say "no" to many actors who we had become close friends. We now face the same situation with A.D.A.M.
The truth is, not everyone will be cast who auditions, nor will every crew who applies be employed. That's just the way it is. It has nothing to do with you personally being rejected. Rather, it is the nature of this industry. It also has nothing to do with your worthiness - it's about you going forward, staying positive, and reaching your dreams. In the end, your dreams will come true. That a "No" is one step closer to the next "Yes." You have to have so many "No's" before you get to a "Yes." It's the law of averages. So, be happy with that "No" because you are closer to your "yes."
UPDATE ON DR. MEL'S PROJECTS
By Dr. Melissa Caudle
You know the saying, "If you want something done, give it to a busy person." Well, that pretty much describes my team over here at On the Lot Productions. We not only are busy, but we stay busy. I get asked all the time, "How do you find the time to do everything you do?" To be perfectly honest, I don't know other than I am surrounded by a great team. So, let me give you a couple of updates.
THE KEYSTROKE KILLER
We are cast. YEA!!! I am looking forward to getting onto to set for filming early next year. However, it takes a great deal of time to put something of this magnitude in place. It also takes a very large team. Frankly, what is happening with it is basically out of my hands other than the screenwriting and revision parts. Why? I don't hold the reins so speak as the investor's team does.
Also, it is the bigwigs and the department heads that are making the decisions on set designs, locations, wardrobes, etc. and not me. Yes, I'm updated, but because I don't live in Los Angeles I'm not prevy to the day to day operations until about January when the production offices open up etc. So, just like the cast, I'm now sitting on pins and needles with you. In fact, they aren't even releasing the scripts yet until all contracts go out in January. Again, I'm not in charge of them either. This isn't one of my indie films where I have total control.
It is my understanding that they are applying for their SAG STATUS in November. That is good news for all of the actors involved. I have also suggested that they go ahead and submit the project to IMDB. I'll let you know what they decide to do on that end.
40 & LEROY
We are currently in our third season of 40 & Leroy which is directed and written by Reed McCants. If you haven't caught a single episode, you can purchase Season 1 & 2 at www.40andleroy.com. You can also view, for free, Season 3 at the same website or on Blip TV.
GIRLS GONE GANGSTA
One of the first Indie films that I was an associate producer on, Girls Gone Gangsta, is currently for sale. If you want to watch this film, directed by the Snider Brothers, and stars John Goodman and Don Mac, you can purchase here at this link. It is being distributed by Phase 4 Films. To watch the trailer click on the poster.
VARLA JEAN AND THE MUSHROOMHEADS
This film is complete and currently circulating at film festivals, including this week's New Orleans Film Festival. Watch the trailer here.
DARK BLUE
The Dark Blue film, produced by New Guy Films in association with On the Lot Productions, directed by David C. Kirtland is currently in final post. I'll let you know as soon as it is available.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE FOR DARK BLUE
WEST NILE VIRUS
Take a peek at the trailer for West Nile Virus, directed and written by Dr. Melissa Caudle. Casting won't begin probably until the Summer of 2013.
ALL ABOUT A.D.A.M. AND EVE
By Jack Curenton
In the beginning there was light. More than a billion years later, there was a film called All About Eve. And, coming in 2013, A.D.A.M., directed and written by Dr. Melissa Caudle. Of course, if you are a fan of this blog site you already know this. But, what you don't know is where we are in the casting process. So, I'll spill the beans.
We are still in the process of accepting auditions from talent agents from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, New Orleans, and New York. We have received the auditions from those we invited and are in the process of reviewing them. Our plan is to review our A.D.A.M. family group submissions, then the agent submissions. If we are not able to fill any particular role from there, we will expand our search and open it up to everyone for that role.
Additionally, Dr. Mel is going to sit in on area acting classes to invite actors who each fit role to audition. She is also considering having the class conduct a cold read audition if they fit the role prior to their submissions. She has used this process many time before and wants to do it again before she picks the final cast for A.D.A.M. In fact, she has already made arrangements with Proclaim Talent and Veleka Gray's class. And, speaking of classes, Dr. Mel wanted me to remind everyone that Christian Stokes is holding his auditioning workshops, so sign up as she want to go there as well.
So hang in there, it isn't over, put we are making progress.
A LIGHT AT THE END OF A DARK TUNNEL
By Robby Cook Stroud
I couldn't help but to share some things with you this week that have been going on in my life. Like Dr. Mel, I too have faced difficult circumstances and life's disappointments and rejections. I guess Mic Jaggar was right, "You can't always get what you want." That doesn't mean we stop trying when you are faced with a dark tunnel. I just remember to take it one hour at a time each day.
After editing Dr. Mel's Message this week, I received a phone call. I want to share it with you as a way of saying, never give up. I hope you find encouragement in this week's Dear Diary, if you are facing a difficult time in your life, or the next time something doesn't go your way. As I always have said, "Things can always get worse, but count your blessings, when you see the light at the end of a dark tunnel."
Dear Diary,
Today I got a call from one of my applicants from the tornado that destroyed a 12 mile area in Joplin,
Missouri last May. His name is Cordova and is 23-years-old.
Cordova's housing inspection is one I will carry with me all of my life. In fact, he calls me every once in a while to give updates on his progress. So, today's call wasn't something I'd consider as out of the ordinary.
I first met Cordova in Joplin, just a few days after the
devastating tornado hit there. When I arrived, his
house he was waiting for me in his car. His house was totally gone as only traces of rubble were left from being torn a part by the tornado.
When he got out of his vehicle he was on crutches; both legs
were bandaged, and he had a bandage on his head too. His left nipple was torn off and had to be sewn back on, as well as his left ear. He was extremely happy to see me as he knew what organization I represented - he just needed to know that would be light at the end of his long dark tunnel.
Get the tissues, your going to need them as I finish this story.
Cordova had lived in this house with his parents, his one-year-old son, and his dog prior to the tornado. He was separated from his wife and that’s why he was living with his parents.
He said, "When the sirens went off I pushed all of them in the bathtub and laid on top of them all." In a
matters of seconds his life changed forever. The darkest of tunnels seemed to go on forever as he recanted that horrible day. He could still hear the "Train sound" now of the approaching tornado.
Within seconds, his house was totally gone. His Mom and
Dad were laying in the yard very
hurt, he scrambled to look for his son; which he found two houses over, or should I say two neighbor's yards over. When he first saw his son, he felt relief. However, the closer he got to him, fear and panic struck as he soon discovered his son was lifeless and not breathing. Now, he was at the darkest point of the tunnel.
By this time I’m crying along with him as he tells
me his story.
The day arrived his parents were still in ICU at the make shift hospital. His son didn’t make it.
There was a long silence as we both tried to catch our breath and hold back our tears. Then he pointed to his dog who was still in the yard, but not alive. The emotions for him were unbearable, and yet; he somehow had hope and compassion.
At
this point I’m trying to console him. I
will never forget that hug that I gave him and he hugged me back what seemed like forever. Then, we started to get to his property loss.
He had
hope when I left him.
He called me every day for guidance on how to handle
his losses although I felt inadequate to help him through it all. Only thing I knew was to listen to him and do what I could to help him recover financially from the loss of his home. There was nothing that I could ever do to help him recover from the loss of his son other than be there for him. I went to his son’s funeral which was one of the saddest days of my life.
Now, back to his reason for calling me with his latest update. Cordova is doing great. He and his wife got back
together and they just delivered a brand new
baby boy today! They named him Robby. I am so blessed and for the first-time, I truly believe there is a light at the end of the darkest of tunnels.
THIS WEEK'S BLOG BROUGHT TO BY...
THE SPORTS ZONE
JOIN DR. MEL ON THE SPORTS ZONE WITH D-TOWN AND BRIAN THE HAMMER EACH SUNDAY MORNING. AS A TEAM WE ARE ON FIRE!!
