Saturday, July 20, 2013

Excerpt from Grey's Hidden Fire by Draven St. James

Draven St. James, at my request, sent me a PG version for an excerpt as My Story, My Way is a pretty much a PG site. She is published by Loose Id and they publish some hot, hot books.

This excerpt shows the tension and confusion in chaos of a fire as the heroes act with strength and compassion. 

Enjoy.

Excerpt: 

  A loud siren buzzed through the firehouse, severing their conversation. All the men leaped from their spots and booked it over to slide down the pole to the garage. They stepped into their boots and pants, pulled them up quickly, and slipped into the rest of their gear. Out of the corner of his eye, Grey caught the angry glare Jefferies shot in Mica’s direction. Not good.
  
 
  “All right, boys.” Their lieutenant, Michael, shouted over the shrill siren. “We have a structure fire at Fifteenth and Blair. You all know what that means. It could be a meth lab, so be careful about possible chemicals. Let’s ride!” 
 
 
  Grey cringed. That was about the worst neighborhood they could go into. There’d been a number of fires in that area over the years, and he had no doubt there would be more. Half the buildings should have been condemned but instead housed mostly the homeless or drug dealers. He’d also seen his fair share of hookers running from them, barely clothed and refusing to stop and let his men ask them who might still be trapped inside. None of the residents wanted to be involved with anyone official, even if it saved a life. 
 
  The only reason the city left the crumbling structures standing was because an old building looked better than a slew of homeless people and hookers walking the streets. 
 
  It took ten minutes before the fire truck pulled up to a building engulfed in flames. Any civilian would see the fire and think there was no way to save those who might be trapped inside, but Grey and his fellow firefighters knew better. The building’s state of disrepair could be misleading. A deserted structure didn’t mean that people weren’t finding safety within its deteriorating walls.
  
  Grey got out of the rig with the rest of the guys just as the ambulances pulled up next to them. He breathed a sigh of relief. Now the whole team was here.
  
  “Jeff, you’re with Mica. Simon and Dale, follow behind. Grey, cover the rig with me,” Michael roared over the crackling fire and chaos. 
 
  “I want to go with Dale,” Jefferies yelled. 
 
  “I don’t care what you want. Get your ass in that building,” Michael bellowed.
 
  Grey shook his head. Now wasn’t the time for petty in-house issues. Jefferies was going to get his ass handed to him by Michael when they got back to the firehouse.  
 
  The guys disappeared into the fiery building. To anyone else it would appear that the fire had swallowed them, but Grey knew Michael would never send his men in if it were a lost cause. With no one around to ask whether there were people inside, they had no choice but to assume there might be. After all, someone had actually called this one in.
  
  Grey worked on hooking up the hose to the plug, checking the discharge flow, and charging the line.
  
  “Grey, are we okay to go?” Michael asked.
 
  “Yes. The flow is good. Let’s do this,” Grey replied. 
 
  The minutes ticked by. Grey and Michael operated the pump to blanket the fire in water from the outside. It always amazed Grey that at first it looked as though the flames simply absorbed the water and mocked their attempts to defeat it. Even if winning wasn’t in the cards, quitting wasn’t an option. There was always a chance they wouldn’t salvage the building, but it was their primary job to give those inside a chance to get out.
  
  “What’s it look like in there?” Michael asked through the mic system. 
 
  There was a crackle before Jefferies responded, “It’s fucking hot as hell, and we’re not seeing proof of anyone crashing here so far.”
  
  “What about you, Simon?” Grey asked.
  
  “The structure is close to being fully involved. We’re coming out plus two,” Simon shouted into the mic. 
 
  Grey exchanged a shocked look with Michael. He was surprised anyone lived in the damn place.  
 
  True to his word, Simon appeared with Dale at the side door on the opposite end of the building; one carried a woman and the other directed a man. The paramedics immediately moved to assist them. 
 
  “The fire killed the path we took. No way back in,” Dale yelled at Michael. 
 
  Grey hoped Jefferies and Mica weren’t blocked in on their side. The fierce roar of the fire was growing more intense by the minute. They were running short on time. Sweat lined Grey’s forehead as the heat rolled off the building in waves. The structure groaned and began to collapse on the left side. 
 
  “Jeff? Mica? Where the hell are you? Get your asses moving. The building is coming down on your heads,” Michael hollered into the mic.  
 
  Grey felt the beginnings of fear filter through. The guys were cutting it pretty close. 
 
  A rig pulled up from station ten. Grey nodded in their direction as they piled out and set up their gear. Now at least they all had a chance of controlling the fire. The lieutenant came over to get a rundown of the situation before returning to his company. All Grey heard was that they wouldn’t be sending anyone else inside. As soon as Jefferies and Mica came out, station ten would help establish a defensive fire attack.  
 
  There was a crackling over the system before Jefferies responded, “I’m on my way out.” 
 
  Grey frowned at Michael as Jefferies barged out the front door. Mica wasn’t behind him. 
 
  “Where the hell is Mica?” More than a hint of anger colored Michael’s shout. Grey knew that tone to mean Jefferies was royally screwed.
  
  “Idiot thought he heard someone crying. I couldn’t hear shit, and I didn’t want to risk it. He wouldn’t listen to me.”  
 
  “You ass,” Grey hollered. “You never leave a man behind.” He pushed past Jefferies toward the building, but Michael grabbed his arm. 
 
  “Mica?” Grey shouted into the mic. When he couldn’t discern anything but the buzz over the airways, he jerked his arm away from Michael and took off toward the building again. In horror, he heard the building groan, the sound of a dying structure as it starts to slowly crumble. Large chunks of burning rubble smashed to the earth and shook the ground.
 
  Michael clasped Grey’s jacket and hauled him back.
  
  A confused Dale and Simon ran up to the group. “We couldn’t find anyone else,” Simon said. 
 
  A paramedic jogged up. “The man said no one lived here except for the occasional hooker. The woman thought a crackhead might be staying here with her kid.”  
 
  A sharp splintering of wood echoed around them. They turned to see Mica shoulder his way through what remained of the side exit. The door crashed to the ground. Mica had a small child cradled in his arms, his mask over her face. His whole body looked like it had been dipped in ash. He took a few steps forward before he collapsed to his knees. The paramedic approached him and took possession of the little girl.
  
  Grey hurried to Mica and held out his hand to pull the other man to his feet. “You okay there, man?” he asked, his gaze riveted to Mica’s face. 

 
Buy Links:
  • Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Greys-Hidden-Fire-ebook/dp/B00DUHRNDC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373834641&sr=8-1&keywords=Grey%27s+Hidden+Fire
  • ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-grey039shiddenfire-1228820-149.html

 


Bio:
 
I've always been a writer. I've really just spent most of my life doing everything but seriously writing. It was something I would do for fun without any intention of people actually reading what I wrote. Finally I decided that if I was going to spend all my time penning words perhaps I should be open to sharing those. So here I am. My first book, Grey's Hidden Fire was released on July 9th!!
 
 
Find Draven at:



Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Meet Draven St. James


Please welcome author Draven St. James.  And don't forget her excerpt will run Saturday.


Draven St. James: Hi L.A. Thanks for having me here today.

LA: It's my pleasure. Tell us a bit about yourself.

DSJ: I've always been a writer. I've really just spent most of my life doing everything but seriously writing. It was something I would do for fun without any intention of people actually reading what I wrote. Finally I decided that if I was going to spend all my time penning words perhaps I should be open to sharing those. So here I am. My first book, Grey's Hidden Fire was released on July 9th!!

LA: Congrats on your first release.  Tell us about your current series.
   
DSJ: Grey's Hidden Fire is the first in a series that revolves around both firefighters and those who work within that field. I believe in showing the strength of these individuals and the passion that they contain.  These emotions are not just directed to their work but to the relationships that they have. There is much more to these individuals than their sexy uniforms.  So much more. 

LA: What sort of promo do you do? Do you have help?  Use a publicist?

DSJ: Thus far my promo has centered around blog posting.  I've enjoyed writing guest posts on other blogs and also participating in blog hops.  I've had the help of those who put together the blog hops and also of those who are willing to post about my book on their own pages.  I have not used a publicist.  Although I wouldn't be adverse to it in the future.  I've enjoyed talking to others with blogs and participating in giveaways.  It is fun to be in the thick of it.  
 
LA: What is your writing routine like?
 
DJS: I generally write in the morning or in the evenings. I need to have either a cup of coffee or a cup of chai tea.  For the most part I have many books going at one time.  This keeps the writers block at bay by allowing me to jump from character to character depending on how willing they are to participate in the telling of their stories.  Before the writing even begins though I jump on the internet and respond to any comments or emails. I don't like to keep people waiting if they've taken the time to message me.
 
LA: Any advice you want to offer our readers about the dreaded Blurb writing ?
 
DSJ:  I was surprised at how difficult writing the blurb for Grey's Hidden Fire was! I thought it would be easy to just give a brief description. In the end I divided it into three paragraphs.  The first was a brief description of Grey, the second a brief description of Mica and the last was a brief description of the basic conflict. That way the reader gets an idea of the characters and the story that is unfolding around them.
 
LA: Key advice for other writers?

DSJ: The best advice I can give is to keep writing. Each word or sentence doesn't need to be perfect the first time around.  Sometimes you just have to write through the block and come back to a scene to perfect it later. Often times those blocked moments are the ones that keep us from moving on through the story.  The wonderful thing about writing is that, unlike in life, you can go back and edit your tales.
 
LA: Coffee, tea or other?

DSJ: Oh, well I'd say 70 percent of the time it is definitely coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer. The other 30 percent of the time a 6 pump, soy chai latte helps to smooth over the rough edges of sleeping to wakefulness.
 
LA: Tell us something about yourself we might not expect!
 
DSJ: I'm one of eleven children. We are all very close and growing up was like having all of my best friends stay the night every night. They have all been very supportive of my writing.  One of my sisters went so far as to ask to pass out flyers. 
 
LA: When writing, do you listen to music? 
 
 DSJ: Yes, I listen to music to set the mood. I have play lists for intensely emotional moments, funny incidents, action scenarios, and of course the 'let's get it on' songs. I find that sometimes when I'm transitioning between scenes, this is what helps me get into the mindset.
 
LA: Are you superstitious?
 
 DSJ: Oh, there are times when I think voodoo dolls would be so very helpful or finding a penny that would give me good luck all day would be fantastic.  If anything those superstitions would make a great book. I do think we all believe just a little though because I've seen spilt salt thrown over the shoulders of my most logical of friends.  Just in case.
 


Draven's website: http://dravenstjames.wordpress.com


To get in touch with Draven:  

 
 





Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Creating A Production Company-Free Seminar


While this seminar is in LA, for those that are close, I thought this might be interesting.




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Hi everyone,

Here's some info on a great FREE Seminar on Creating A Production Company, with producers/authors Rona Edwards and Monika Skerbelis ("I Liked It, Didn't Love It: Screenplay Development from the Inside Out" & "The Complete Filmmaker's Guide to Film Festivals: Your All Access Pass to Launching Your Film on the Festival Circuit") - details are below!

As always, feel free to forward if you know someone that would be interested!

Good luck, have a great day, and don't forget to dream big!

-Jeff

Jeffrey R. Gund
INFOLIST.com
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CREATING A PRODUCTION COMPANYA FREE SEMINAR

with
RONA EDWARDSandMONIKA SKERBELIS
authors of
"I Liked It, Didn't Love It: Screenplay Development from the Inside Out"&
The Complete Filmmaker's Guide to Film Festivals:
Your All Access Pass to Launching Your Film on the Festival Circuit

Why a production company?  It gives you the power to take control.
In order to have a successful production company, you need to understand the role of the producer and how they fit within the industry.

This lecture will provide valuable tips on how to create and organize a production company, including:

* The Production Company and Producer's role *
* Tips on how to create your Production Company *
* What makes a good Producer *
THURSDAY, July 25th, 20136pm - 7:30pm
at
The Writers Store
3510 West Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91505

NO COST TO ATTEND!RSVP REQUIRED - Details below

followed by a Q&A and book signing with Edwards & Skerbelis
&
a FREE drawing in which one lucky person will win
Gorilla Budgeting & Scheduling Softwarecourtesy of Jungle Software


SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR INFOLIST.com!!Mention you heard about this seminar from Jeff Gund at INFOLIST.com when you RSVP, and those in attendance will get 15% OFF on select purchases at the The Writers Store (no items already on sale), including the Rona and Monika's books "I Liked It, Didn't Love It: Screenplay Development from the Inside Out" & "The Complete Filmmaker's Guide to Film Festivals: Your All Access Pass to Launching Your Film on the Festival Circuit."
Be sure to RSVP EARLY to put your name in for the Free Software from Jungle Software - OUR EVENTS ARE USUALLY STANDING ROOM ONLY!
RSVP NOW FOR THE FREE SEMINAR:Be sure to mention you heard about this from Jeff Gund at INFOLIST.com, and email your first and last name, and that you wish to attend the Thursday, July 25th Free Event, to:
workshops@esentertainment.net

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS:

Rona Edwards, a graduate of California Institute of the Arts, was Vice President of Creative Affairs for Emmy-winning actor John Larroquette, Emmy-winning producer Fern Field, and Oscar-winning producer Michael Phillips.  With ten movies to her credit, including Out of Sync (VH1) and The Companion (USA/SciFi), she set-up up a feature Matchmakers at Warner Bros and the movie Blind Trust for Lifetime Television.  She produced two award-winning documentaries, "Selling Sex In Heaven" and "Unforgettable."  Recently, she executive produced two movies ("Killer Hair" and "Hostile Makeover") for the Lifetime Movie Network.  Ms. Edwards is Assistant Professor at Chapman University Singapore's Dodge College of Film & Media Arts and has written for such publications as Produced By magazine, Beachwood Voice, Los Feliz Ledger and the Neoworld Review. She is a member of the Producers Guild of America, Academy of Television Radio Arts & Sciences and the University Film & Video Association.

Monika Skerbelis has fifteen years of studio executive experience working in the story department at Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, and running the story department at Universal Pictures.  She is the Artistic & Film Programming Director for the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival and programs films for the American Pavilion Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival.  She is a producer with Edwards Skerbelis Entertainment (ESE) developing projects and was associate producer on two movies ("Killer Hair" and "Hostile Makeover") for the Lifetime Movie Network.  She is a member of the Producers Guild of America.

TOGETHER:
Rona Edwards and Monika Skerbelis are the authors of the book, "I Liked It, Didn't Love It: Screenplay Development from the Inside Out" and "The Complete Filmmaker's Guide to Film Festivals: Your All Access Pass to Launching Your Film On the Festival Circuit."   In addition, they teach "Introduction to Feature Film Development" at UCLA Extension both on campus and online, "Story Development Process" at Riverside Community College and have taught "Basic Screenwriting" and "Visual Storytelling" on campus at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film & Media Arts.  In addition, they formed Edwards Skerbelis Entertainment (ESE) a company dedicated to nurturing filmmakers and screenwriting talent.
RSVP NOW FOR THE FREE SEMINAR:Be sure to mention you heard about this from Jeff Gund at INFOLIST.com, and email your first and last name, and that you wish to attend the Thursday, July 25th Free Event, to:
workshops@esentertainment.net



TO RECEIVE NOTICES LIKE THIS WITH MORE INFO ON ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY JOBS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND EVENTS:
Just go to www.INFOLIST.com and click Register!

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www.INFOLIST.com

You're on this e-mail list because I most likely met you somewhere, and you indicated you were interested in information I come across related to the entertainment industry, casting, events, parties, etc., or you registered at www.INFOLIST.com. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone you feel would be interested - however, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE ENTIRE EMAIL WITH NO EDITING WHATSOEVER, including the intro from me at the top of this email, this footer, and any advertising or other information present, crediting Jeff Gund at www.INFOLIST.com as the source if re-posted on a website or other list. Thank you! To change what information you would like to receive, please login at www.INFOLIST.com and check or uncheck any email lists in your preferences, or simply click the link below to be removed from all lists. Have a great day! -Jeff



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