August 2008

What have I been up to lately? Lots of different stuff. Tortuga stuff, book stuff, film stuff, and fun stuff - the list just keeps a-goin'. The Tortuga stuff I'll trust that you know all about. You are on our website after all, so you should already be up to date on that there stuff. Read on, Tortugaholics, and I will fill your brains with all the stuff I've been... well... stuffing.

BOOK STUFF

  Click for a full-size view Early version of our book cover - can you spot the typos?

As you already know, I have been endeavoring to publish a book with my writing partner Sarina Stone. I say "endeavoring" because Why Real Women Drink Straight Tequila-the Tao of Intimacy is not out yet. We were supposed to have it printed in July. It's now the beginning of September and no book yet. Why? How come? ¿Por qué? I could give you a million cool-sounding excuses, but why waste each other's time? The truth of the matter is that when we received the book proof (a sample copy), we found typos both inside and on the cover. We had to pull the whole thing from the printer until we corrected all the mistakes we found. Frustrating, yes. But, as this is our first baby, we want everything to be as close to perfect as possible-especially on the damned cover. =)

Other than that, everything's going great. (And, honestly, even the various book hurdles aren't so bad.) Our website, quantumdatingclub.com, is going through a variety of changes, as are our MySpace and Facebook pages. Check them out; I think you'll like what you see. Sarina and I have officially formed a company to back up and support all things having to do with the book. There have been interviews, with many more to come when we have book in hand. Recently, we were on the cable access show Just a ShowEpisode #44 with host Keith King.

 

Just one of my workspaces in the Twin Cities

We're officially a Company now

It's nothing serious - it's JUST A SHOW

I'm learning a lot from all these experiences (both good and bad) I'm having. The rollercoaster ride that is my writing career is a lot of fun... and a whole lot of work. Between this, Tortugaing, and trying to have a life - who am I kidding; I don't have time for a life - I'm hitting the computer seven days a week. I'm having fun for now, but there are days when the constant workload gets to me and I become a touch grouchier. Ask the boyz or anyone I'm in regular contact with if you don't believe me. So, I've forced myself to take at least one day off a week, and that's helped my attitude a bit. Is it worth it? Hell yes. But then, I can see the big picture. Besides, it's either this or play WOW 24/7. Trust me; I want more to show for my life than a stable of 70+-level toons. Not that that's a bad thing. I'm just more of a live the adventure than play the adventure guy. But, you'll still catch me online if you visit WOW's Hellscream server late, late some nights.

FILM STUFF

I've been delving into on-camera acting whilst here in Minnesota. I've attended two acting workshops and tried out for a number of independent film shorts. I've been cast on two of four or five auditions-not too shabby odds so far.

The first, High School Drifter, I've already mentioned in my June 2008 journal. The second, Endless, is a "short horror film that tells the story of Anne, a young woman who is taken and murdered by a Serial Killer... only to awake in his house later still alive. Trapped, without an exit, she is forced to play dead while the lives of her father and her best friend are threatened by the very same man who tried to kill her." Well, kinda. The final script varies a bit from the original casting information about the project.

 

Cameraman lines up for a shot on Kayla

ENDLESS cast & director

I play John Folk, the father, and a 23-year old Chanhassen actress plays my 16-year old daughter, Anne Folk. It was a blast to shoot, and I even enjoyed having my face bloodied... via some very realistic makeup, of course. Director Kevin Ryan did a fantastic job overseeing the production-which, in reality, is much like herding cats. I can't wait to see the finished product.

 

Makeup!

Director Kevin Ryan

Put on a Happy Face!

FUN STUFF

It was Minnesota State Fair time again! I went out there with Clan Dehkes (Bruce & Melissa, Jacob, and Joshua) and the newly married Breeces (Eric & Alyssa). We spent a day chasing one beer stand after another (I had Diet Coke) and eating mucho fried food.

They told me the chocolate-covered bacon they sampled was muy fantastico, but I declined. I've given up sweets (outside of birthdays, weddings, anniversary parties, party-parties, homemade desserts cooked by mothers, etc.) for my New Year's resolution. Yes, I was sorely tempted, but I stood steadfast against the great Satan that is chocolate. Momma would be so proud.

 

Beer is Fair Fuel

Waiting for the Parade

Good & Good for ya!

My time to go came too soon. There was much more to see and do, but I had other obligations. Though I had to cut out early, I had a groovy time hangin' with my peeps.

Oh yes, I've got peeps.

CIAO-CIAO STUFF

That's all for this month, Tortugaholics. If I don't see you at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, I'll see you in 30 or so.