Chanson de l'Ange http://www.chansondelange.com An Epic Phantom of the Opera Retelling Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:29:43 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc My Friend Amy Marie McCutcheon Passed Away http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1114 http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1114#comments Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:35:53 +0000 Paisley Swan Stewart http://www.chansondelange.com/?p=1114

My Friend Amy Passed Away

Most here know me as a Phantom of the Opera and Gerard Butler fan.  That I certainly am, but those interests do not define WHO I am.  I am also a woman of faith, who like most believers, struggles with all the hows and whys of this present world.  Years ago when my son became critically ill with ulcerative colitis, I experienced a true crisis of faith.  A crisis that shook me to my core, and to be honest, I’m not sure I’ve ever bounced back to what I used to be in terms of my faith…and I’m not sure I ever will.  Just because we are people of faith, we are NOT impervious to the trials of this world, and to my shame, I let my heart grow hard because the hurt of seeing my son so ill was simply too much to bear.

It was sometime after Nathan’s first hospitalization when the movie The Passion of the Christ was released, that through a mutual love for the movie, and the love we both shared for Jesus Christ (Yeshua) I made a friend in an extraordinary woman.  I met Amy Marie McCutcheon on-line after we came across each other on a Christian website dedicated to the film.  We became kindred sisters in sharing our poetry, our story telling, and our faith in Yeshua.

Amy’s personal journey in this life was a difficult one, but for those who knew her, she revealed a beautiful mystery about the heart of God through her art.  She taught me much about the true nature of Yeshua’s love, and I have no doubt that at this very moment… she is in the presence of the Lord she loved more than life itself.

I am very sad to say that my friend Amy, the young woman who painted this portrait of Yeshua, has now gone home to be with the Lord.  I am brokenhearted, but at the same time I am celebrating because now Amy is at last the beautiful bride she always longed to be.

I have never known a more passionate believer in Jesus Christ, who lived every day of her life IN that passion and FOR him.  Her very breath was worship unto him.

Today when I learned of her passing, I was immediately overcome by guilt.  You see,  although Amy and I became friends, over the years as my interest in the Phantom grew into writing my own POTO based novel, I was so myopic about working on the book; and I spent so much time communicating with my Phantom of the Opera/Gerard Butler on-line friends, that Amy and I drifted apart.  We still touched bases once in a while, but we were no longer communicating on the same level as we once did.

Now that she is gone, I am angry at myself for not making the effort to keep in touch.  I can’t believe I did not place more value on her than I did on the writing of my book.  It’s amazing what we allow ourselves to become obsessed by, often at the expense of others.  But I know that dear Amy would speak words of kindness to me, so I won’t let myself dwell on my own feelings of guilt.  Instead, I will picture Amy wearing a flowing white bridal gown, with wildflowers in her hair, sitting at the feet of her savior, her eyes adoring and her heart full of love.

Drink deeply of HIS cup, Amy…you are HIS now.

Dedicated to Amy Marie: a song I wrote and recorded.


I am so blessed to have one of Amy’s prints hanging in my home.  I will cherish it forever.

To see more of Amy’s artwork, visit her myspace: http://www.myspace.com/yeshi7


]]> http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1114/feed 4 Book Two~The Angel’s Song http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1110 http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1110#comments Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:20:21 +0000 Paisley Swan Stewart http://www.chansondelange.com/?p=1110 Greetings fans and friends!  Earlier today, it came to my attention that some readers of Chanson de l’Ange Book One~The Bleeding Rose, have some concerns about the ending of the book, and whether or not the Phantom’s story will continue into Book Two~The Angel’s Song.  Left you with a bit of a cliff hanger, didn’t I! *rubs hands together gleefully*

For those of you who HAVE already, or who ARE currently reading Book One, please be assured that the Chanson de l’Ange retelling of Phantom of the Opera seamlessly continues with Book Two.  For your pleasure, I present the introductory statement for Book Two:

Chanson de l’Ange Book Two: The Angel’s Song

Book Two continues the Phantom’s haunting odyssey into the very essence of love, madness and redemption.  As Christine takes center stage in the Joan of Arc opera, events swirl out of control with dire consequences.  The Angel of Music steps out from the shadows, and mirrors become the portal into both heaven and hell.  Now a young woman, Christine is forced to make choices that will dramatically alter the lives of those she loves.  She must brave a future where all are thrust into an emotional and operatic crescendo that will leave readers breathless.

Chanson de l’Ange spans a fifty year journey fraught with music, high romance and madness.

__________________________

Do you trust me to give you a satisfying, yet emotionally gripping continuation of Book One?  Of course you do!!!!

Now, to update you about progress on the release of Book Two,  I will be printing out the 512 page manuscript for red pen edits which will take a few weeks.  I am still on track to begin the submission process in October, but should I complete the red pen edits before then,  I will start submission at that time.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Swannie

]]> http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1110/feed 0 Jackie Evancho: The Semi Finals-America’s Got Talent http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1101 http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1101#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 06:15:30 +0000 Paisley Swan Stewart http://www.chansondelange.com/?p=1101 This child has truly blessed my heart.  I cannot even describe how it makes me feel to hear Jackie Evancho’s voice and to experience her sweet personality shining through.  She reminds me that God and all things good are still present in this world, and that some angels wear flip flops and shorts.  I just adore her.  I truly hope that one day when she is a young woman, she will be chosen to play the role of Christine in a production of Phantom of the Opera.

I studied classical voice for 10 years, beginning when I was 14 years old, and my voice cannot hold a candle to hers.  This is a rare gift!

]]> http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1101/feed 0 America’s Got Talent! Jackie Evancho http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1094 http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1094#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:49:40 +0000 Paisley Swan Stewart http://www.chansondelange.com/?p=1094 Greetings fans and friends!  Be sure and tune into America’s Got Talent tomorrow night: Tuesday August 31st, where Jackie Evancho (my perfect 10 year old Christine) will perform in the semi finals.  The show is on from  8:00-10:00 PT on NBC.  I can’t wait to hear her again, and I’m very curious about her song choice.

I am currently ripping apart the opera scene in Book Two of Chanson de l’Ange, The Angel’s Song.  After working for weeks on the revisions, I decided that the scene was simply dragging too much, so RIIIIP…Snip…Chop chop chop!

To be honest, it is much more nerve racking working on Book Two than it was Book One.  The ending of a story is of the utmost importance, and I do not want to screw this up!  By tomorrow I’ll be finished with the revision process in my PAGES format.  Next comes printing out the manuscript and going painstakingly through it with my red pen.  Lord, I wish I had an editor!

Okay, so back I go to the opera!

(I leave you with this)

Gerry

]]> http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1094/feed 0 The Perfect Voice For My 10 Year Old Christine Daae: Jackie Evancho http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1077 http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1077#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:30:16 +0000 Paisley Swan Stewart http://www.chansondelange.com/?p=1077 Greetings fans and friends!  I hope you are taking advantage of these last few days of summer.  I am spending mine working on revisions for Book Two of Chanson de l’Ange, hoping to start submission in October.

I see from my poll that several of you are currently reading Book One~The Bleeding Rose.  I am looking forward to your comments and reviews when you’ve finished. Chanson de l’Ange on Amazon

If you are reading Book One, then you are aware that in the early chapters, my Christine is a 10 year old child prodigy; a little girl  who has the voice of a mature young woman.  As you’ve been reading, have you imagined what Christine’s voice would sound like?  I certainly have.  As I’ve mentioned before, I have written a song called The Bleeding Rose for the Chanson de l’Ange CD, and I am hoping to find a local 10 year old “prodigy” to record the song as my young Christine.  Of course that will not not be an easy find, a voice like that is very rare.  A gift from God.

Jackie Evancho Offical Website

There is a young girl who is currently winning hearts and fans on America’s Got Talent.  A young girl whose voice is far beyond her years.  It is a voice that is both warm and pure in tone, and although she is still developing, and needs a bit more work in her breath control, her voice is one that Erik would fall in love with.  Here she is for your listening pleasure.  Close your eyes and imagine my Erik listening and watching from the backside of the mirror, to this little angel of music.

More about Jackie from her bio:

Jacqueline (Jackie) Evancho, born April 9th of 2000, is the 2nd of four children.  She is a young classical crossover recording artist who’s debut cd, PRELUDE TO A DREAM was released on November 5,2009.

In January, 2008, Jackie’s mom bought the newly released “Phantom of the Opera” DVD. It was watched so often it had to be replaced . Jackie would spontaneously sing the songs from the movie around the house constantly. Jackie’s mother was amazed at the quality of Jackie’s  singing voice and asked Jackie if she wanted to participate in a regional talent competition.  Jackie was enthusiastic about giving it a try.  Her parent’s entered Jackie into the competition not planning for what was about to begin.

At the tender age of seven, Jackie sang her little heart out through first rounds and semi-finals, singing “Think of Me” and winning “audience choice” both times. For the finals, she sang “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” beating out 183 other contestants for the first-runner-up spot! As the youngest contestant in the competition, Jackie came in 2nd behind the judge’s choice of a 20 year old opera singer. That final round performance is still on YouTube today and was further confirmation to Jackie’s parents that she had singing talent. After the attention she gained as a result of that performance, Jackie’s parents found her a vocal coach specializing in kids voices in July of 2008 to preserve and protect the gift that has been bestowed upon her.

Jackie realizes that God has given her the gift of singing and feels that He wants her to use it to bring joy, happiness and serenity to all who love to listen.

Jackie receives emails daily with stories of how her music has touched them and brought comfort to a sometimes stressful day or difficult situation.

Today, at the age of 10, Jackie has caught the attention of many in the music industry including the legendary David Foster and American Conductor/Composer, Tim Janis.

]]> http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1077/feed 2 Blog From Vicki Hopkins: The Many Faces of Erik http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1071 http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1071#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:09:21 +0000 Paisley Swan Stewart http://www.chansondelange.com/?p=1071 Greetings fans and friends!  I would like to share with you the introduction to a blog posted by friend and fellow POTO author, Vicki Hopkins.  Hope you will follow the link to the entire article. (and feel free to post comments here, if you so desire)  How important is it to you as a reader that authors of POTO based novels/books remain faithful to Leroux’s original novel?

Friday, August 20, 2010

The Many Faces of Erik

Vicki writes:
Recently, I answered a series of questions during an interview with The Malta Times regarding my book The Phantom of Valletta. One question posed to me was quite interesting:
“As an adaptation of a popular story, which has been retold in film, musical and literary form, even in children’s literature, how far did you think The Phantom of Valletta should be faithful to Leroux’s work?”

My answer:

“I don’t think there is any absolute that one must be totally faithful to every aspect of the original story. Otherwise, it would hamper the creativity to take the story to new places…”

Click link to read entire article:

The Many Faces of Erik

]]> http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1071/feed 0 More Reader Photos and Comments! http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1066 http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1066#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:57:59 +0000 Paisley Swan Stewart http://www.chansondelange.com/?p=1066 From one of my readers:

Swannie!

I finished your beautiful Chanson de l’Ange: The Bleeding Rose today! :music: Told ya I would just devour it! :yummy:

I love your book and now can’t wait till Book 2 is ready. I will definitely be buying that one too. You paint with your descriptions so well and wind a story that is thrilling and captivating and though I know the story of POTO well, I could not wait to read the next chapter and the next…Brava!

Here is a pic of what has been my constant companion since it came in the mail. I just could not bear to put the book down and I will now begin a re-read to relish every moment with Erik!

:hugs:

Diane

Posted Image

]]> http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1066/feed 0 Chanson de l’Ange: The Bleeding Rose http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1062 http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1062#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:51:28 +0000 Paisley Swan Stewart http://www.chansondelange.com/?p=1062

Greetings readers and fans!   Here is another photo from a Chanson customer!  Her book arrived today!  Check out her cool and informative blog here:  Diary of A Phantom Phan I love seeing these photos of my book in people’s homes.  If any of you feel like it, pose your copy of Chanson somewhere in your home, snap a photo and send it to me.  I’ll post it on my site.

I’m now working hard on revisions for Book Two.  This is my second pass through (but it is actually the 4th draft).  Once I complete this round of revisions via word processing, the next step will be to print out a hard copy and to work away with my red pen…all in an effort to bring you Book Two by November!

If any of you have finished Book One, please post your review on my Amazon page: Reviews on Amazon


Back to work on The Angel’s Song!

The Angel's Song

]]> http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1062/feed 0 More About Chanson’s Ranking http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1060 http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1060#comments Sun, 15 Aug 2010 23:42:55 +0000 Paisley Swan Stewart http://www.chansondelange.com/?p=1060 Interesting. Of the 1,007 titles listed under Gothic Romance on Amazon, my book currently stands at #140 in terms of sales. (this list changes every hour) I find that hard to believe, as there are some very well known authors and books on that list. I suspect it’s a glitch or something. (BTW, it’s been hovering between #100-300 on that list for several days now.)  I hope this is good news! LOL!

Gothic Romance Titles on Amazon

]]> http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1060/feed 0 Reviews For Chanson de l’Ange Starting to Trickle In! http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1055 http://www.chansondelange.com/archives/1055#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:31:11 +0000 Paisley Swan Stewart http://www.chansondelange.com/?p=1055 Greetings fans and friends!  Just a quick update.  Reviews for Chanson de l’Ange are now beginning to show up on Amazon!  Thanks to those readers out there who have taken the time to write and post their reviews.  When it comes to books, I think people really do pay attention to the reviews.  I know I do.   If you’d like to post your own review, or read the reviews of other readers, click here: Chanson Reviews On Amazon

Meanwhile, I am hard at work on another revision phase for Book Two, still on target for a November release date.  Thank the Lord I’ve got my laptop back!

Happy August,

Swannie

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