Next Site
I remember when I had websites built in the 90s. As the “web” was still new from a consumer and commercial point of view, finding the talent to build these new platforms was a task all by itself. Fortunately, as I was publishing magazines at the time, I had on my staff talented graphic designers who were also coders and familiar with this new technology.
But the issue was this—building these websites was time-consuming, costly, and could only be done by those with specialized training. While I was proud of the websites we had at the time and the revenue (subscription) they produced, the process was far from user-friendly—even for those with the skill set.
Fast forward to the 21st century when drag-and-drop website builders like Wix emerged. While the site you are reading this blog on is powered by WordPress, it was companies like Wix and others that democratized the process. From my personal website to Justice Is Mind and First Signal, all are built on the Wix platform.
The new website I’m building exclusively for The Ashton Times is coming along nicely. While I will continue this blog on WordPress it will also have a home on The Ashton Times. For some time now, I have wanted a “headquarters” on the web for all my projects. Although I do feature my work on this blog, WordPress is exactly that a blog. There was also a certain design element I was going for that wasn’t available on WordPress. If all goes as planned, I’m hoping to launch the new website by January 1 and to announce what feature film I’m putting into production by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
Regarding editors for SOS United States, I’m close to making a decision of who I’m going to work with to edit the manuscript. It’s a task as it not only needs to be someone with the necessary talent, but someone who is at least supportive of the story and project. I know this is part of the process where I must let go a bit for someone to objectively comment and edit the story. But in the end, it will be a completed book ready for market.
Yesterday I attended a Swedish Christmas event at the American Heritage Museum. For those that follow this blog and my social media posts, you know that this museum has events that largely follow some sort of military theme. This, of course, is no surprise given that it’s a military history museum. But two weeks ago I saw that they were having a Swedish Christmas at the Museum that was sponsored by SWEA of Boston. Owing to my Swedish heritage and as this is one of my favorite museums, I just had to attend.
The moment I arrived you knew a successful event was underway. First, I haven’t heard that much Swedish being spoken since I was in Stockholm! The vendors that lined the upper walkway offered a variety of Swedish delights, from Scandinavian candy, to jewelry, artwork, gnomes, tumty kubas and a host of other items. At the end of the walkway was another room that served a variety of Swedish-themed food and drinks. The event was a clear win-win for both the museum and the sponsor as it introduced both organizations to new audiences.
God jul och ett gott nytt år!
(Translation: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!)
A Request
Last week a publisher requested the complete manuscript for SOS United States. Has the journey to find a publisher and/or agent come to an end? Has the manuscript arrived in port to be “fitted out” for publication? The answer—I don’t know. But what I do know is that a company was sufficiently interested based on my query letter and chapter samples to request the rest of the manuscript. That alone is good news.
While I would certainly not seek to place myself anywhere in the orbit of J.K. Rowling, I do recall the stories of the many years it took for her to get the first book in the Harry Potter series, the Sorcerer’s Stone, published. Unless you’ve been living under a literary and social rock, the rest of her epic story is history.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is patience when bringing a new creative work to market. Whether this be a film or a book, the journey is largely the same. I remember like it was yesterday the years it took to get my first feature film, Justice Is Mind, produced. This was followed by several more years before my second feature film, First Signal, saw the light of day. But light they did see to various audiences and accolades along the way.
The adage, if it were easy, everyone would do it, applies to just about everything we do in life. Prior to my work in the entertainment industry, I remember the years it took to bring my former publishing company to life. But life it did for just over 10 years with the publication of the world’s largest magazine for the sport of figure skating. That achievement is still one of my proudest moments.
But with these moments of glory comes sacrifice. Peaks of grandness are followed by deep valleys of quiet when we wonder if anything will happen again. I know many creatives that go through the emotional roller coaster from literally walking the red carpet to vacuuming one. That’s what makes the achievements so much sweeter because we understand what we have to do to achieve our dreams. As I do on a daily basis, I tell others—keep submitting—keep presenting—keep putting yourself out there. While it may sound obvious, it’s all about being present.
What still continues to be present on my end, are the continued positive comments First Signal receives on YouTube. While the film has done extremely well on Tubi and Amazon, the audiences on YouTube truly resonate with independent films, the efforts to bring them to life, and the stories they present. Indeed, it does make for a good day when I receive a well-crafted comment/review from YouTube.
Speaking of reviews, I visited the Audrain Auto Museum in Newport last week for their latest exhibit Stars of 30. This “best of” exhibition returns favorite classic vehicles from their first 30 exhibitions to Audrian’s showroom on Bellevue Avenue. My favorite—the 1963 Aston Martin DB4 made famous by the James Bond movies. To sum up my review in one word—stunning!
Next pitch.
The Ashton Times 