Posts Tagged ‘Michael Crawford’


Greetings fans and friends!  I know it’s been forever since I posted a new blog, but I have been extremely busy working on revisions with my beta.  It has been a huge undertaking, but I’m just finishing up the revisions for Orphan in Winter~Book One of the new Chanson de l’Ange 4 part series.  I expect to submit the revised manuscript for Book One next week, which will then be formatted and edited by my publisher.

So now it’s on to revising The Bleeding Rose~Book Two of the new Chanson de l’Ange 4 part series!  You know, as a writer I must confess that it is much more enjoyable to write fresh material than to be constantly revising, but at the same time I’m so thrilled that the work is being done for my readers, who deserve the best from me!   I expect my revisions on Book Two to be completed by November. (books 3&4 have already been revised and formatted and are now in the hands of my publisher)

In other Chanson news, work on the CD is going well!  Toni Gibson, the guest artist who will be performing The Bleeding Rose has just completed her recording session of the song, and now Nathan will engineer her vocal recording with his orchestral accompaniment.   Michele Karmin, who will be performing Firelight Through Diamonds, has now received Nathan’s accompaniment track and is in rehearsal for the song, which she will record in the near future.  Next we begin work on composing the song for Carrie Shaw’s lovely voice, That Summer by the Sea.

Along with all this great news, just today I received the mock-up cover design for the new Book One~Orphan in Winter from Frannie, the same amazing graphic artist who designed my previous covers.  Let me just say that I cried when I opened the file because it so perfectly captures the title!  I am soooooo blessed to have all these amazing people working with me on the Chanson projects!

I literally sent Frannie a whole bunch of individual images and left it up to her to piece together the cover idea!  I could not be more thrilled!

Now, because I’ve been keeping you all in the loop throughout Chanson’s creative process, I’m going to give you a sneak peek of the cover mock-up, but please remember that, because this idea is only a quick sample image, we used low rez water-marked photos straight off the istockphoto site.  The final version will be highly detailed, utilizing very high rez images, and it will be much larger.  Again, this is only a mock-up and it will likely undergo a few changes on the way to publication.  Also, there is no cover text on this sample.

Orphan in Winter

So what do you think?  It’s going to be gorgeous, yes????

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 31 August 2011 04:22

Greetings fans and friends!  I just wanted to post a quick update on the publication progress of Chanson de l’Ange~Book Two.  As you all know, Book One was published last June by Xlibris, a ‘Print On Demand’ company.  Over the past year I have been working on revising Book Two for publication through Xlibris, well, that was the plan….

However, I am now pleased to announce that I have been picked up by a small  but rapidly expanding traditional publisher!  For the time being, Book One will remain under the Xlibris banner as I finish up revisions for Book Two, then Book Two~The Angel’s Song will be published by my new publisher.

The new plan is to release Book Two in just a few months, and then after Book Two has had a chance to take hold in the market, I will re release Book One with my new publisher and close my Xlibris account!  If it sounds a bit complicated…it is, but my new publisher assures me that it can be done.  For the time being, Book One will be still be sold through all the on-line sources where it is now listed and I do not foresee any disruption in its availability to the public during the coming transition.

Treasureline Publishing is my new publisher, and just as soon as info for Chanson de l’Ange has been added to their ‘shelves’ I will post a link here.  I am very excited to be working with a company that has created a family atmosphere with their authors.

Meanwhile, my beta and I are currently down to the last few chapters of edits on Book Two, and I do believe I will be submitting the manuscript in a month or so!

In addition to this exciting news, Nathan has now begun work on the orchestrations for my song The Bleeding Rose, to be recorded by the lovely young soprano Toni Gibson.  We are so thrilled that the CD is finally coming together, and with some exciting new artists to showcase!  If you would like to follow our progress on the Chanson CD, check out this link where you can meet our guests artists, and where I will be posting updates as work on the CD goes forward.

Chanson CD

Swannie

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 5 April 2011 05:15

Oz

The first time I saw Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical production of Phantom of the Opera, Michael Crawford was starring as the Phantom in LA.  Having been a long time fan of the story, and having memorized every song from the soundtrack CD, I was ready to jump out of my skin as I sat in the audience waiting for the Phantom’s entrance!  The moment he appeared in Christine’s dressing room mirror, I was captivated by Michael’s seductive and angelic performance.

Watching his portrayal of the Phantom is among my most cherished life experiences, and years later I went onto express my love for the Phantom story by authoring my own Phantom of the Opera based novel, Chanson de l’Ange.

In the role of the Phantom, Michael delivered a sensuous and tragically beautiful performance that elicited deeply felt emotions from the audience as we witnessed his historic portrayal.  After his four years of inhabiting the Phantom’s mask, Michael left the role to portray other characters in other shows, but perhaps none so well loved as the Phantom…..(Click the MORE button to read the entire article)

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 8 February 2011 12:23

Chanson Book 2

With Christmas 2010 fading into a glowing and happy memory, we now anticipate 2011!  I have not yet even taken down my Christmas decorations, but already I am excited about the release of Book Two~The Angel’s Song, as well as the release of the CD featuring original music composed by my son, Nathan Allen Pinard!  Both will be available to purchase in Spring of 2011!  In anticipation of this event, just for you, my faithful readers, I am posting the following excerpt from Book Two.  Hopefully this will whet your appetite for more!!!  Please note that this excerpt falls somewhere near the middle of the book.

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Chanson de l’Ange
by Paisley Swan Stewart
Excerpt From Book Two~The Angel’s Song

Her words ricocheted like a gunshot in his mind, and he gasped audibly as if she had struck him a physical blow.  He gently relaxed his grip, lowering her down to her feet, as his mirth dissolved with the sight of her flaming cheeks and streaming tears.  Reaching out with the back of his hand, he brushed a tangle of damp curls away from her forehead, ashamed of himself for her miserable state.

He had not intended to humiliate his beloved, but he was desperate to prolong their time together.  Even in battle and at odds with each other, every moment spent with her was a revelation.  Just to see her there in his home once again; to hear her voice and to touch her body…but he had allowed things to spin out of control and his amusement had been at her expense.

“My apologies, Christine,” he said with a stiff bow, tipping the brim of his fedora formally.  “You are absolutely correct.  I destroyed your home, and I shall atone for that monumental sin for the rest of my life, as well as other sins you know nothing of.”

Taking a step backward, Erik drew his hand up to smooth a strand of coarse wig-hair behind his ear.  He quietly regarded Christine, licked his lips and continued in a softer voice, “I dare not ask your forgiveness, for I do not deserve it,” he calmly admitted.  “There may come a day when God exacts punishment upon me for my misdeeds, and I’ll not begrudge Him the right to do with me as He sees fit.  Nevertheless, my dear, I shall not add your ruin to my list of crimes.  I mean to get you out of here before your fiance realizes that you are with me.  Do not underestimate his devotion, Christine.  He will come after you,” he remarked, stroking his chin in contemplation of what violence de Chagny might resort to… (click the MORE button to read entire article)

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Last Updated on Thursday, 20 January 2011 05:35

Thanksgiving

Greetings fans and friends!  Last year at this time, I was working hard to get my book finished…so this year I am thankful that Chanson de l’Ange has now been published since June 24!  Last Thanksgiving, we didn’t know what was wrong with my sweet Bill. We knew only that he was very ill, and the entire holiday season was colored with worry.

This year, at least we know (in part) what caused my husband’s troubling symptoms. Due to his medical treatment, physically he’s getting stronger and healthier. I am thankful that he is still with us, because last year I didn’t have the confidence that he would be. I am thankful also that my son is working full time in a job that suits him. He is strong and healthy, and so far there is no indication that the devastating symptoms of his disease will reoccur.  I am NOT however, thankful that I am in menopause or that struggles with my weight continue. Nor am I thankful that my husband lost his job and we are now in a legal battle with his former employer…but life has it’s ups and downs, and I’m thankful that God has granted me the grace to be thankful, even in the midst of trials.

I am thankful that this year I am planning a wonderful meal for my family of 3. That we have enough, that the bills are paid, that there is a roof over my head and clothes on my back, and that the blessings far outweigh the disappointments.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010 to all my Phantom and GB friends who take the time to encourage and inspire me! You brighten my day and I hope that from time to time, I return the favor!

Love,
Swannie



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Last Updated on Thursday, 25 November 2010 12:42