Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge Results

I am going to get right to the good stuff because I am sure that's why you're all here.  When I say good stuff, I mean contest results.  I received 12 answers and all of them were correct.  The Academy Award winning movie is Slumdog Millionaire.  The scrambled actor's name is Anil Kapoor.  Because there were only 12 players the prize is still a $10 Amazon gift card, which is nothing to sneeze at.

While there were 12 correct answers there can only be one winner.  "Can I have the envelope, please?" *reading* "The winner of the Academy Award edition of the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge is Nikki Greis whose blog is For The Love of Books.  Congratulations, Nikki.  Your $10 Amazon gift card will be sent to you this afternoon. I am glad a first time player won this time because a few of you (you know who you are) have been dominating this thing.

Stay tuned, there will be another Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge in the near future...  Now I want to talk to you about something new I am going to do. 

I have noticed authors, bloggers and marketers offering advice on Twitter and blogs on how to make it as a writer.  I don't readily offer advice.  It's not that I don't want to help other writers.  I do. But the truth is all these people are offering are their opinions. A friend of mine once told me opinions are like assholes--everyone has one and most of them stink.  So generally I am slow to offer an opinion unless I am asked.  However, it seems to me that most of the advice offered on the net is the same advice from different people. 

Anyone who knows me knows I tend to see things differently than others.  It's just the way I am wired. So I have decided to start a column called The Way I See It.  If you are a new writer or an author trying to make it in the digital age it may offer some new perspective you haven't thought about.  If you like it, cool.  Let me know and I will write more.  If you don't, that's cool, too.  It's not meant as the gospel according to E.  It's just the way I see it.

I have real qualifications as a writer.  For the last twenty plus years I have earned my living (and a very good one, I might add) as a writer.  I have nothing against people who have cobbled together careers as writers but had to do many other jobs to survive.  It's tough out there.  I'm just saying I feel I am more qualified than most to talk about a career as a writer since writing (and producing what I've written) is my only career, and has been for a very long time.  I know what it takes to do it.

Those of you subscribing to the newsletter, excuse me for writing again so soon, but I am going to send an email blast when the first column is posted later this week.  The subject of this one is: Lottery Mentality.  I plan to post it in the next few days.  If you're not interested in this kind of thing, I apologize again, just delete the email when you see it.  For those of you who choose to read the post, you may get something from it or not. It's just the way I see it.  Look for it in the next few days.

Peace.

Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge, Awards Edition

It’s awards season, folks.   So this week I am hosting an Academy Award edition of the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge.  Yes, the challenge is back. Think you’re up on Academy Award winning movies? Think again. The quote below is from an Academy Award winning film.  Get it right and you could be on your way to winning up to $100 dollar Amazon gift card. And remember, while we call it the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge, you don't have to enter today. You have until Sunday to enter. The drawing closes Sunday evening.  So you have lots of time to come up with the correct answer.  I think you’re going to need it  ;-)

Just one entry per person will be accepted. The winner will receive a free $10 Amazon gift card.  However, there’s a chance to win more—a lot more.  If I get more than 16 entries I will up the prize to a $25 Amazon gift card.  If I get more than 30 entries I will up the prize to a $50 dollar Amazon gift card.  And if I get 40 entries I will give away a $100 Amazon gift card.  The more entries the more you can win, so tell your friends, co-workers,  family, even tell your enemies.  Heck, there’s a hundred dollars on the line here. The more people who play, the more you can win. On Monday I will draw a winner from all the correct answers, and post the winner here next Tuesday. Are you ready for the challenge?

 

The quote below is from a film that won eight academy awards including Best Picture and Best director.  Here it is: In what Academy Award winning film did a character say: "I never forgot. Not for one day. I knew I’d find you in the end. It’s our destiny.”

Name the movie the above quote is from, and then unscramble the actor’s name (below center) who appeared in the film. You must do both to win.

Lian Rokpoa

As a reminder, there are a few things you will need to do to qualify. You need to do #1 or #2, plus the three other things listed below:



1) Be a registered follower of this blog, or

2) ...follow me at http://evanlowe.com/

3) leave a comment on this blog in the comment section on any of my posts anytime during the week of the current challenge. DO NOT put your answer in the comments, instead…

4) send your answer to me at info@evanlowe.com

5)mention the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge either on your blog or in a tweet the week of the current challenge.

Do 1 +3,4&5, or 2 +3 ,4&5 and you are entered to win.

Remember, you must do four things to qualify to win.


Peace.

My New Year's Revolution

I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions.  I used to make resolutions back when I was in high school and I didn’t understand what it takes to reach your goals.  Back then, every January I’d say something like “I’m gonna lose some weight.”  And “I’m gonna pay more attention in school.”  Then midway through March when I was barreling toward an “F” in French and my love handles were spilling over the sides of my pants, I’d realize I hadn’t stuck to my resolutions. Okay, maybe I didn’t have love handles, but you know what I mean.  Most people don’t stick to their resolutions, and so me not sticking to mine made me normal.  I liked being normal.

At some point in my life I went from resolutions to plans.  My plans don’t begin in January and end in December.  Some plans take years to accomplish. I had a great year last year.  It didn’t go entirely as planned, but it was fun and I learned a lot.  So today I thought I’d look back with you a bit, but more importantly, I wanted to share my plans for what’s ahead.

In September my first independent novel, Boyfriend From Hell was published by White Whisker Books.  I am so fortunate to have my friend Chris Meeks and his new book venture in my life.  Self-publishing isn’t for everyone.  I am certain I am one of those people it is not for.  With an indie publisher I get most of the benefits of self-publishing and NONE of the headache.  If you are an author who is like me, there are lots of new indie publishers springing up all over the place.  Find one run by people like Chris with a background in publishing, and leave the headaches to them.

Boyfriend From Hell got off to a great start in September, but after the Kindle Nation Daily feature on October 8^th sales slowed.  Rather than cry in our beer, Chris and I decided to change the book cover for BFFH and its sequel, Earth Angel (that was due out in December), to a more adult cover with a romantic theme.  The new covers were created by AdaraRosalie.  I then went to my pal Roxanne Rhoads and her Bewitching Books Tours and asked her to host a blog tour for me that featured both books.  She came up with an awesome theme that started my tour on Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving).  By December 31^st both Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel were soaring in sales.

As some of you know (I’ve tweeted about it ad infinitum), after my January 6^th feature on Pixel Of Ink, Boyfriend From Hell spent nine consecutive days on the Amazon Kindle top 100 Best Sellers list (for Girls & Women).  Earth Angel made the list as well, but only for a very short period of time. 

Before I tell you what’s ahead, I want to begin by thanking my friends and fans—frans—for their support the past year.  I couldn’t have done it without you.  I’m not just thanking you for your sales.  I know all of you aren’t buying my books.  That’s all right.  If you’ve left a comment on my blog or Goodreads page, or if you participated in the Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge or some other contest, I thank you. 

A few of you have lamented that Heaven Sent, the third book in the Falling Angels Saga, won’t be out until December.  Sorry.  I want you to know I have begun working on it, and it is going to be the best Falling Angels Saga book so far.  Seriously.  That’s why I am taking my time.  I want it to be awesome.

As I was outlining Heaven Sent, I realized I needed one more book to conclude the series.  That book (currently entitled Falling) will tentatively be out late spring 2013.  See, you won’t have to wait an entire year for that one. If you don’t see me on the blog or Twitter or holding fewer contests in 2012, please know I will be hunkered down writing.  I’ve got a lot of writing to do.

Something else I am excited about this year is the first book in my Hollyweird series.  I sold this project to a publisher last year and it stalled.  That’s because it was sold to a new Indie publisher who wound up going out of business.  The principal, however (a woman with tons of big time publishing experience), asked several of the authors to hang in there with her as she searched for new financing.  Her deal is done; the new pub house is open.  I will tell you more about it when I can, but editing on Hollyweird should begin in the next few weeks.  That book will be out this year as well. I will post about my journey to publication right here on a regular basis. 

I am also keeping my hand in television and film.  I just completed the first draft of a romantic comedy that I was hired by a foreign production company to write. Both my first YA novel, Never Slow Dance With A Zombie and the Sal Conte (my alter ego)  horror short story, The Toothache Man are currently in development for feature films.  I may also announce a TV project some-time this year.

My larger plan is to create entertainment (Books and short stories) that can become movies, TV shows, graphic novels and/or video games.  That’s a big plan.  I’m not Disney or Dreamworks.  I’m just a guy with a dream, but I do have over 20 years’ experience in Hollywood.  That should help. But I know it will take more than a New Year’s Resolution to carry out a plan like mine.  It will take a revolution.

So that’s my year ahead—busy, busy, busy.  I welcome you all along for the ride.  You can always leave words of encouragement on my blog, or if you have a question about me, or writing, or anything at all please write to me at info@evanlowe.com.  I am still available for book club dates and school visits.   And I travel on my own dime, so getting me there cost you nothing. I do this because the best way to make you my fan for life is for you to meet me personally.  I’m really quite lovable.  Invite me out.  You’ll see.  If you are interested in having me attend your book club or event send me an email.

When I was a kid I wanted to be a writer because writing looked like fun.  I didn’t realize how much hard work was involved, but I’ve got to tell you, I was right about the fun part. Have a great year.

Peace.

Twitter Party Cancelled

Hey everyone, after all the hoopla I made,  I am afraid I am going to have to cancel my Twitter Party scheduled for tomorrow, Friday January 13th.  Please know that it couldn't be avoided. Thanks for your support.  I will let you know when I have a new date.

Peace.

Twitter Party Yo!

Hey everyone, I’m having a Twitter Party.  It’s the perfect time for me to celebrate.  Boyfriend From Hell dipped its toe into the Kindle top sellers last Friday, peaking at #533 in overall sales, and was in the top 100 sellers in three categories.  That’s an amazing accomplishment for me... So it’s time to party.

If you’ve ever had a question you’d like to ask me about writing, about my career in TV, about the Falling Angels Saga , or if you’ve ever wanted to sit and chat with your old pal E, please join me on Friday January 13^th at 7pm EST (that’s 4pm in the west) for a tweet up.  It’s on Friday evening so pour yourself a glass of wine or a shot of tequila (my favorite libations) stop by and let’s have some fun.  I will definitely be sipping on something, so when my writing becomes more and more like gobbledygook you’ll know why  ;-) The party will last about an hour, if you guys can hang with me that long.

This is my first Twitter party ever, so please help me make it a success.  Here’s how it will work and what you need to know to participate.  The party is being hosted by my pal, @RoxanneRhoads  at Bewitching Book Tours.  My Twitter handle is @evanlowe.  Here’s the easiest way to follow along:  Log onto your Twitter account some time before the 13th, then type #evanlowe into the search column at the top of the page.  When my results come up you will see a button just above my handle that says “save this search.” Click that button and #evanlowe will be saved in your searches.  When the party begins on Friday the 13^th, click on the saved #evanlowe search and you will be able to follow along. When you want to say something to me, add #evanlowe (or @evanlowe) to your tweet, and I will see it and reply.  It’s that simple… or that hard.  If this isn’t clear enough, leave a message in the comments and I will walk you through it.  If you plan to attend I’d also like to know, so please leave a comment.  I need to know how much wine and tequila to buy. Don’t want to run out  ;-)

Help me celebrate my recent success. Stop by and chat Friday January 13^th at 7pm EST (4pm PST). 

PEACE.

Happy New Year!

I want to thank everyone for hanging with me in 2011.  Writing can be a very lonely profession.  It's so gratifying when you guys stop by to participate in a contest, or leave a comment on my blog, or a review on Amazon or Goodreads.  It let's me know I'm not writing in a vacuum, and that somebody is out there.  So please, keep stopping by from time to time.

Speaking of reviews, Boyfriend From Hell continues to garner excellent reviews.  The Earth Angel reviews have just begun.  There are currently seventeen reviews on Goodreads.  11 of them are 4 and 5 star reviews.  There are six reviews on Amazon--three 5 star reviews, 1 four star and 2 three star reviews.  I am so pleased so many of you are enjoying the books.  Those of you who haven't read them yet, I hope you give them a try. 

I have lots of exciting things coming in 2012.  I have a Twitter party scheduled for January 13th.  There will be an all new Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge, as well as some cool events and a new book.  I will have more details on the Twitter party in the coming week.  If you've ever wanted to chat with me or ask a question, the Twitter Party is the perfect opportunity.

Now it's time for me to start getting ready for my own New Year's Eve festivities.  Please have a safe New Year's Eve and I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.  And please remember to take some time to help those who are less fortunate.  You may think you're in bad shape, but I'm telling you there are people out there in worse shape than you.  Please lend a hand.  We live in a wonderful country, but imagine how wonderful it would be if we all took the time to help one another.

Peace.

Holly Zombie Christmas Winner

Happy Holidays everyone.  I know you're all here to find out who won all the cool swag in the Holly Zombie Christmas Giveaway.  I won't keep you waiting too long, but before I announce I want you all to know what a blast I had hosting the contest.  I love having contests.  Speaking of hosts, I want to thank the five bloggers who co-hosted the contest with me. I also want to thank Janiera, who liked the contest so much she co-hosted on her own.  Thanks, Janiera, that was awesome of you.

And now for the winner.  The winner of the Holly Zombie Christmas Giveaway is Ta-Taaaaaa! Jeanette Jackson.  Hey Jeanette, congratulations! Send me your mailing info. I will pop the swag bag into the mail.  Sorry you won't have it for Christmas, but some time during the holidays, you will be knee deep in zombie paraphernalia. The blogger who sent the most fans my way is Stephanie at Beauty Brite.  Thanks Stephanie for enrolling so many contestants into the giveaway.  A mini-swag bag will be going out to you as well.

If you like contests please stay tuned, I will be hosting another Hollyweird Tuesday Trivia Challenge very soon.  Guess the movie and win a free Amazon gift card.  It's that easy. And if you like good books, hopefully you will check out mine.  If you're not into my genre, why not give Boyfriend From Hell or Never Slow Dance With A Zombie as a gift. I'm an author, people.  If I don't sell these books I will have to go back to work in the salt mine.  You don't want that, and neither do I.  So please, please support me as an author.  If you're into horror, check out my alter ego Sal Conte, the author of the original Child's Play.  His ebooks are available on my site along with my own: http://evanlowe.com/

I hope everyone will hang around long enough to read my interview with cover artist Adara Rosalie. If you can't stay now, please come back and read it.  She's a terrific artist and an awesome person.  I know she'd love it if you left a comment.

Please be careful out there during the holidays.  I want to see you all back here real soon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS.  PEACE ON EARTH.

*Correction.  Earlier I mistakenly posted it was Michelle at Beauty Brite who was the winning blogger.  I have corrected the error.  I apologize, Stephanie.
E