Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Win Free tickets to Advanced screening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!
As a guest to Musings, you have a chance to win two tickets to an advanced screening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince on Monday July 13th at 6:30 pm.
These advanced screenings will be held in Miami , NYC, and Los Angeles .
So if you're a Musings reader from Miami , NYC or Los Angeles all you have to do is
leave comments on this post!
Readers who leave the most comments from each location will receive two complimentary tickets.
Extra: If you become a follower of Musings I will double your points!
Winners will be selected and notified on Tuesday July 7th so visit often, leave your comments, and don't forget to follow!!!!
Emboldened by the return of Lord Voldemort, the Death Eaters are wreaking havoc in both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that new dangers may lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. He needs Harry to help him uncover a vital key to unlocking Voldemort’s defenses—critical information known only to Hogwarts’ former Potions Professor, Horace Slughorn. With that in mind, Dumbledore manipulates his old colleague into returning to his previous post with promises of more money, a bigger office…and the chance to teach the famous Harry Potter.
Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry’s long friendship with Ginny Weasley is growing into something deeper, but standing in the way is Ginny’s boyfriend, Dean Thomas, not to mention her big brother Ron. But Ron’s got romantic entanglements of his own to worry about, with Lavender Brown lavishing her affections on him, leaving Hermione simmering with jealousy yet determined not to show her feelings. And then a box of love potion-laced chocolates ends up in the wrong hands and changes everything.
As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof with far more important matters at hand. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
David Yates, who directed the 2007 summer blockbuster “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ,” returned to direct “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” David Heyman, the producer of all of the Harry Potter films, produced the film, together with David Barron. Screenwriter Steve Kloves, who scripted the first four installments of the film franchise, adapted the screenplay based on the book by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram served as executive producer, with John Trehy co-producing.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films production, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” the sixth installment of Warner Bros. Pictures’ Harry Potter film franchise based on the beloved novels by J.K. Rowling. Once again heading the cast, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as young wizards Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who are facing new challenges and dangers following Lord Voldemort’s return.
Other returning Harry Potter cast members include: Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange; Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid; Warwick Davis as Professor Filius Flitwick; Michael Gambon as Professor Albus Dumbledore; Alan Rickman as Professor Severus Snape; Maggie Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall; and Julie Walters as Molly Weasley.
A number of young stars also reprise their roles as Hogwarts students, including Tom Felton as Harry’s longtime nemesis, Draco Malfoy; Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood; and Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley, the youngest of the Weasley clan.
Two award-winning actors join the cast in their first Harry Potter film. Academy Award®winner Jim Broadbent (“Iris,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”) plays Potions Professor Horace Slughorn. BAFTA Award winner Helen McCrory (“Streetlife,” “The Queen”) appears as Narcissa Malfoy, mother to Draco Malfoy and sister to the evil Bellatrix Lestrange. Additionally, several young newcomers are making their feature film debuts in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”: Jessie Cave plays the role of Lavender Brown, who only has eyes for Ron Weasley; Hero Fiennes Tiffin is seen in the role of Tom Riddle at age 11; and Frank Dillane plays the 16-year-old Riddle, who is already on the path to becoming the evil Lord Voldemort.
Collaborating with David Yates behind the camera, two-time Oscar®-nominated director of photography Bruno Delbonnel (“A Very Long Engagement,” “Amelie”) on his first Harry Potter film. The behind-the-scenes team also reunites such Harry Potter veterans as production designer Stuart Craig, editor Mark Day, composer Nicholas Hooper, visual effects supervisor Tim Burke, and costume designer Jany Temime.
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sometimes the absolute rationality of life seems so strange to me that the world we live in as people, seems alien. In the last couple of weeks, I've been overwhelmed by the protests.
Maybe it's because I live in a new world now, where social networking has brought images, thoughts and whispered prayers to me, personally, privately. I can't help but try to imagine how different the world would be today had we not had to depend on mass-media for information during the Berlin Wall. Tianamen. 9/11. Iraq. Katrina...
Today, I hear the protesters in Tehran demanding their democratic rights.
Today, I hear the uprising of indigenous communities in Peru demanding their human rights from the world's most powerful corporations.
Yesterday, I saw examples of human power like these through a thick smoke screen, weeks, even years after the fact and I was left feeling powerless, weak and ashamed.
Today, I watch and my heart is no longer filled with sorrow, rather, joy and pride. Because ordinary people are sharing what they see through their own eyes, what they feel in their guts and hearts, in broken English, through tears and cheers. Because they are brave enough to share, I can stand in solidarity with them. Maybe that seems naive, but I know it's brewing something. And I know that I'm not the only one who is feeling it, nor the last privledged one who will feel it. And I know that our solidarity, with each other, as humans and not objects of manipulation, is growing. And the warmth that is created in each of our hearts when we listen to each other, is stronger than any combative force, militant or civilian. It is peace. It is energy moving from violence to righteousness. I feel it growing and I am overjoyed.
I want to post a poem that I wrote that I have previously posted that is just so, so fitting right now.
And I want to thank you, for coming to Musings, and reaching out by hearing me out.
I am a coward
I don’t understand
what it means to dream in Arabic
and rap in a foreign land
and the life and the love and the
strength
that powers on
through and again
that I see and I watch
through my three inch thick screen
wider than that you know
that keeps me in touch
but still out of reach
***
there’s a tongue filled with grouse
far, far away in a wooded retreat
where I can cry
into my vodka
wishing
I was marching
through a funeral parade
a gas confrontation with
spears in the air
but somehow it doesn’t make sense
like my cowardice
my lowly retreat
is what everyone’s dying and
killing for
and it’s all a mistake
everything’s fine
here
where hearts yearn to live
no battle
no struggle
no anger
no hunger
no matter what else
I float in my sleep
and dreams
they crawl all over me
Saturday, June 20, 2009
First Ever Virtual Latino Book Tour stops by with author Estevan Vega!
Today I'm interviewing Estevan Vega, twenty-year-old author from Connecticut.
A huge thank you to Estevan for coming to Musings and sharing!
So Estevan, as I am a writer at the beginning of my career and my blog is geared towards writers at this same stage, I'd like to ask you some questions regarding your experiences beginning your career.
Ok, shoot.
The Sacred Sin is your second book. How did the process of writing a second novel compare to writing your first?
Well, it felt like an easier feat to accomplish at first. I mean, I had spent close to three years or so writing Servant of the Realm. I started that thing when I was, like, in sixth grade. It went through a ton of edits, one of which consisted of me trashing fifty or so pages of it and completely starting over...that wasn't all that fun. But The Sacred Sin was a little different, because it was the first time I had something to work off of and compare. While I was in the process of getting Servant of the Realm published, I had begun working on book 2. Not a sequel, by the way. I started it in February and finished it that August. Or, so I thought. It also went through a gazillion edits, and three years later, it actually decided to be born...officially. So, very different, but very similar situations. All that had changed is my confidence and ability level. I definitely knew, without a doubt, that this was it...my passion.
Have you taken any courses in writing? If so, do you believe there is anything you gain from a course that is absolutely essential to beginning authors?
I have taken some courses. I am going to be a junior in college, and my majors have been creative writing and English, so, I've definitely taken a bunch of classes. I've learned some things I've tried to employ and some things I don't really like, but it all helps, you know? It all aids in stimulating a writer's mind, whether you like what you're doing or not, it works to make you better. I remember my first writing class, I got a C. I was upset, to say the least, especially because I had turned in every assignment. Then my professor informed me of my tardiness and absences. Ahh....college. You can't even escape lame rules there.
I've also gone to a writer's conference called The NYC Pitch and Shop Conference, where I pitched my forthcoming novel Arson to editors who don't like to reply to e-mails. I got one request from an editor at Penguin for the manuscript, but she never contacted me back. Although, in her defense, I sent it in three months after the request.
So, onto the advice. Don't be late or oversleep for class. Send in materials when you're supposed to. And as for writing...don't suck. Whatever that means. Oh, and read and watch tons of movies.
Can you describe the experience with an editor?
Not really, because for my first two books, the editor was pretty much me. Both publishers assigned someone to copy-edit, but there were still mistakes. Plus, I can only read a manuscript so many times, before I don't even notice my own mess-ups, which is why there were still a few typos in The Sacred Sin and Servant of the Realm. Sorry, world. When Arson comes out, I'll let you know.
Do you belong to any writers groups or critique groups? What have you found is the most valuable, in terms of feedback for your writing?
Can a writing group consist of two very needy dogs who shed constantly? They seem to be my biggest supporters, and most annoying critics. I don't know too many writer friends. My neighbor is a writer, and we've worked together a few times, but we don't talk often, probably because there's such an age gap. Other than that, I send my stuff out to other authors and get their feedback. But my aunt, miss Jean Gudaitis (had to give her a shout out) and my father have been the best supporters and encourages of my writing. They read the stuff, usually before anyone else, and let me know what they think...that's how I know if my stuff's good or if I need to run it through a blender again.
Do you write everyday?
Does any writer? Oh, man, I wish I did. It's hard to write everyday, because I do college and hang out with friends and try to have a normal life, whatever that means. Bascially, I'm just trying to find legitimate excuses for procrastination and slothfulness, but you're probably not buying it. I guess, the simple answer is...I just don't write everyday. But my mind never shuts off. I get new story concepts all the time...so that's cool.
How often do you read?
Again, something I should do more. Recently read The Road, which I liked. I read it because the movie was supposed to come out last year, and then the studio decided to push it back eleven months. But yeah, I gotta read more. Although, it just goes to show that even people who don't hum through nine million books a week can still attempt to contribute to the collection...whether they're good or not...
Do you tend to read books in your genre, or do you mix?
I like to read anything that sounds good. I mean, generally, I stay away from trashy dime-store novels with a buff cowboy on the cover. And generally don't care for mysteries, but I like watching them...which is probably why I decided to write The Sacred Sin, and why it has more of a movie feel than a novel. But I try to keep an open mind when reading. I give the author a chance to wow! me, which is all I can really ask of any other reader.
What authors do you believe have the most influence in your writing?
I haven't read a ton of his stuff, but I've seen a bunch of his movies. Stephen King. I've cited him as an influence a lot, because I really admire the guy. He has accomplished so much in his life, kicking down boundaries and redefining what an author is capable of. Plus, he's able to shift genres, which is something I think is really cool. Another author I really admire is Ted Dekker. He's a good writer, but (hopefully without sounding cocky) there are even a few instance in his books, where I'm like, "Oh, I could've phrased that better." That lets me know that one day, I might be where he is...assuming people like my stuff. Verdict's still out.
Can you describe the submission process you went through to find your publisher?
Long and arduous. Painful. Pride-squashing. Superfluous. Pleasant? But worth it.
Can you offer readers any advice, or tidbits learned throughout the process of submissions?
Write whenever you can, even if you're a slacker like me. Don't give a kangaroo (that's right, I said kangaroo) what people think when you tell them you're a writer, because there will be skeptics and nonbelievers. Just write, believe in yourself, so that one day others can believe in your words. Pray. Gnash your teeth, tighten up your gut and prepare for rejection...and eventual success. You can do it. What are you waiting for? Get writing! Oh, and take inspiration from anything and anyone around you. There are more plots and concepts than you probably can think of, and they're right in front of you.
What are you working on right now?
So glad you asked. I am very excited to announce my next novel Arson. It's a much more personal story than I've written before. Arson is a kid with an unusual ability, something he was born with but hates about himself. As he tries to identify what and who he is, a very strange yet very mysterious girl moves into the abandoned house next door, a girl who'd rather wear a mask than show the world, and this new boy, what her face really looks like. I'll be working on it this summer with my publisher, and it will hopefully be out later this year. Keep your eyes peeled!
Please check out my website: www.estevanvega.com, and say hi!
*************
Again, thanks to Estevan Vega for stopping by and another big thank you to BronzeWord Latino Author for hosting the first ever Virtual Latino Book Tour! I'm really happy to be part of this!
Tomorrow Estevan Vega will be at Rafael Marquez' site. Check it out and learn more about Estevan!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Virtual Latino Book Tour!
Tune in Saturday June 20th for my interview with Estevan Vega!
Estevan wrote The Sacred Sin at the age of eighteen. He is now twenty and working on his next novel so I thought he would be perfect for answering questions regarding the process of writing during the beginning of an author's career.
It's a neat interview, and Estevan Vega is the first author featured for AuthorsLatino's Virtual Latino Book Tour so come check it out Saturday June 20th!!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Macunaima screening at LA's Million Dollar Theatre
Macunaíma Celebrates 40th Anniversary with
Special Screening at L.A.’s historic Million Dollar Theater
The Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles and
Los Angeles Conservancy present a Brazilian film classic
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 8 p.m.
Los Angeles, CA. May 14, 2009 — The Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles in collaboration with the Los Angeles Conservancy, as part of their 23rd annual “Last Remaining Seats” 2009 series, proudly announces the screening of the award winning 1969 Brazilian film, Macunaíma. A landmark film with as much relevance and critical acclaim today as it had then for it’s comedic, yet harsh portrayal of a Brazil in turmoil, Macunaíma continues to be an important classic work, screened throughout the world at many prestigious film festivals. This year the film brings a Latino element to the popular LA Conservancy film series with a special screening at the beautifully restored Million Dollar Theater located in the heart of downtown LA. The evening will be hosted by Sergio Mielniczenko, Brazilian cultural guru and host/producer of KPFK’s “Brazilian Hour” and “Global Village” radio shows. DJ Mochilla will set the mood before the screening with a fusion of samba, bossa nova, folk-psyck and batucada, forging a musical and cinematic link between the rich cultures of Los Angeles and Brazil while celebrating the best in Latin American cinema.
Co-presented by the Latin American Cinemeteca of Los Angeles (LACLA), the event will take place on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 8 p.m. at the legendary Million Dollar Theater located at 307 S. Broadway Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90013. “We are thrilled to collaborate once again with the LA Conservancy to present such an important film at an equally significant historical theater,” say’s LACLA founder and board member, Michael Diaz. “We are even more excited to introduce Macunaíma to a new audience of film lovers while raising awareness around the critical work both the LA Conservancy and LACLA carry out promoting and preserving cinematic landmarks and works of art.” Despite a capacity of 1400 at the Million Dollar Theater, the night will sell out fast so make sure to buy your tickets now at: www.laconservancy.org.
Macunaíma is a monumental film, considered a cornerstone work in the Cinema Novo movement for its introspective look at Brazil’s cultural and racial heterogeneity, and for shedding light on the radically social-economic differences found between Brazil’s three major races - white, indigenous and black. Based on one of the founding texts of Brazilian modernism, a 1928 Mario De Andrade novel by the same name, Macunaíma was adapted and brought to the big screen in 1969 by famed director Joaquim Pedro De Andrade. An exciting and hilarious film with elements of magical realism, Macunaíma’s opening scene begins with an aged white masculine woman (played by Paulo José who later plays the white version of Macunaíma) gives birth in squatting position to a full grown black male (played by Brazil’s great black comic, Grande Otelo). What follows is a series of comedic adventures for the protagonist from finding a pond that magically turns him from black to white, to his marriage to Ci, a solo guerilla fighting the oppressive Brazilian regime. Although a comedy reminiscent of Monty Python fused with elements of Fellini, Macunaíma is a deeply political film reflecting a dynamic country caught between a harsh military dictatorship (then in full swing) and the anarchic energy of its people. Common to both the novel and the film is the portrayal of a Brazil in continuous redefinition, jumping from fantasy to a modern industrialized land where race, gender, and even one's humanity can all be negotiated.
Don’t miss an opportunity to experience a true Brazilian classic film inside an equally regal theater with great sponsors for the evening including The Walt Disney Company, the Consulate General of Brazil, Soul Brasil Magazine, ¡LatinoLA!, and the Latino Professional Nework (LPN). The evening promises to be a festive celebration bringing together an eclectic mix of cinema and art aficionados and members of the culturally rich Brazilian community of Los Angeles, not to mention old and new members of two great organizations: the Latin American Cinemeteca of Los Angeles and the LA Conservancy. Join the fun and buy your tickets online today!
About The Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles
The Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles (LACLA) is a cultural/educational organization dedicated to supporting and cultivating every aspect of Latin-American cinema.
For more information please visit www.lacla.org
About The Los Angeles Conservancy
The Los Angeles Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization that works to preserve and revitalize the historic architectural and cultural resources of Los Angeles County. For more information please visit www.laconservancy.org
For media inquiries and/or more information about the event including sponsorship opportunities please contact La Luz Public Relations.
Media Contact:
Veronica Jacuinde
(310) 508-1896
###
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Writer's Medium-Poetry
Authors, like all artists, are a diverse group of people. We come from different cultures, family structures and religious beliefs. We have differing educational experiences and financial needs. The one unique thing which binds us all, is our inescapable need to express ourselves through story-telling. Even non-fiction historical and how-to writers find a place, within their work, to apply their unique voice. Story-telling is a craft which has many mediums to explore.
After some, if any, searching, most of us will fall within the medium in which we feel the most comfortable. However, like visual artists, who may paint with oils on a canvas one day and mold clay with their hands the next, writers too, have a choice in medium for expressing ourselves. In order to keep ourselves and our voices fresh, it is important to reach out of our comfort zone and experience a different form of writing. Beyond any professional benefits we might gain from stepping "out of the box", this exercise can bring a sense of relief and rejuvenation. Consider it much like taking a vacation (as well as sending your muse on a much-needed, and well-deserved one)!
I write poetry all the time. I do it because I have to. Because it feels so good, and because it's so damn easy. That's right, I think writing poetry is easy! But here's the catch: it's easy for me because I don't know "how" to write poetry. I don't even know any of the rules. When an experience moves me deeply, I write it down. It may be short and concise, or rambling and broken up; fragments of a deeper, elusive, truth. Sometimes, these fragments of prose strike a chord with a reader. Many more times, I suspect, they do not. And that's okay. I write poetry for me, because it is my only true freedom. I am full of admiration for the poets and humbled by the amount of time and labor which they put into their poetry, transforming it from a mere whimsy of emotion or untamed thought, into a true work of art. I am so grateful for the poets and their dedication to this art. I am indebted to the poets for their truth and honesty, a simple gesture which brings me tremendous joy and peace.
Like a demure truffle souffle that melts easily, softly, in your mouth, and disappears without betraying the hours and the precise execution that went into it's formation, a poem is a gift.
I encourage you to take your muse on a vacation and explore poetry. Trust me, if you're doing it for yourself, you can't do it wrong. Then, treat yourself to the gift of reading poetry!
Enjoy:
My featured poet for this week is Armando Romero, Charles Phelps Taft Professor in Latin American Literature at the University of Cincinatti, from Cali, Colombia.
Listen to Armando Romero recite his poetry here!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sisterhood Award!
I am so honored to have received a sisterhood award from Jo Ann Hernandez, author of The Throwaway Piece, White Bread Competition! Jo Ann has a great blog about everything Latina(o) and Literary--I love it! She has also been a source of inspiration and support for me since I joined the writers group Nuncasola. Truly, una hermana. Thank you so much, Jo Ann!
So, I shall now pass the Sisterhood Award to the following ten lady bloggers I admire:
So, I shall now pass the Sisterhood Award to the following ten lady bloggers I admire:
1. Jo Ann Hernandez-author White Bread Competition, The Throwaway Piece!
2. Literanista--we have very similar tastes in art!
3. Kate--foodie from Living the Frugal Life-it's all about homemade&homegrown!
4. Coffeeunbrewed/Colombiancofee--one sharp chica!
5. Melanie of Modernmami--cuz all mamis have to stick together!
6. Paola Mendoza--from Entre Nos, hermana Colombiana in film!
7. Adriana Dominguez--great source of info on Latino publishing!
8. The writers at tikitiki--I'm cheating here because they are four wonderful writers-I couldn't pick just one!
So I'll end at 8, which is really 11--oops. But I have to say I've had so much fun this morning going over my bloglist and tweetfriends and catching up with what they've had to say recently. I hope everyone enjoys their sisterhood award for what it truly stands for-the unique and secret (at least from the media/marketing boyz) comeraderie that exists between women who care. Thank you all for being You! And don't forget to check everyone out on this list and expand your family of sisters!
Now here are the rules that go with this award.
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great attitude and/or gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.
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