Archive for May 2009

The genesis of House on Black Lake Lake did not come in a dream, as did Stephanie Mayers, Twilight, although many dreams conbributed to its execution. The beginning of my story began with an actual experience not unlike that of Alexandra's.  I was a newly separated mother invited to holiday at the summer home of friends.  On the night of our arrival, my son and I were rowed out to stay in a decaying house on an island in the middle of the lake.  The remainder of my stay was steeped in drama and mystery, and when I returned I told the story again and again, until one night years later I told the story to a man who would encourage me to set the story to paper.

In a seaside bar in Venice Beach, California the elderly poet, who was a muse to younger writers, told me to go home and describe how it felt to be rowed across the lake to the house on the island.  The story would  take its own shape once I started, he told me.  When I returned to my home in the San Francisco Bay Area, I fell while watering a plant and landed in bed or on crutches for over a month.  I felt terribly sorry for myself, and began to write The House on Black Lake.  As the old man advised, the story did take on its own life, in a way I could not have possibly imagined.  None of the scenes were designed by me - they all came unbidden.  As example, I dreamt that a handsome French looking man approached me in an antique store, and as I admired a French armoire he said," just because it says its French it doesn't mean it actually is" - then he said the name Labat's.  There are endless stories and anecdotes for nearly all of the scenes in the book.  They are all interwoven with experiences, and yet separate, with a life of their own. 

What has surprised me most about setting out to write this book, is that it has rewritten the script of my own life.  The journeys I have taken to bring truth to the book have enriched my life with incredible experiences, and many new friends who are still in my life.   Goethe's quote about boldness having power and magic is true - if you have something inside that aches to be brought to life - begin it now!

A.

Jesse Spencer, Frazer Bradshaw and I have been working together to tighen the lastest draft of the trailer.  We've added more voice -over and are reworking the music.  It's really tightening up and I think I'm close to achieving what I set out to accomplish.  Overall, I would say it lends itself to becoming a film, but first things first!

I've recently found a great book designer, Robert Aulicino of Aulicino Design, a former designer with Random House for over twenty years.  He plans to use the original artwork created by myself and David Wilson for the cover, while adding intriguing titles and completing the layout for the interior of the book.  The manuscript is in the hands of Maggie Schuhy, who's giving it a final copy editing in preparation for print. 

 Every aspect of the process is a form of art, and I've been fortunate to have collaborated with great artists throughout my journey on this project.  Every individual has helped illuminate the world of Black Lake.

A.

I've recently seen the first cut of the trailer, edited by Jesse Spencer, and it's stunning.  Frazer Bradshaw has shot visuals that are of major motion picture calabre.  It is now our goal to cut and edit the piece into an alluring alter universe, filled with drama, danger and erotic tension.  I'm searching for French Canadian singers that can bring passion and soul to the piece, drawing out what can only be found in that part of the universe.  I'm also looking for background music to resonate with the intense internal conflict of all characters, and in particular, of Alexandra and Ramey.

At this moment in my journey, I'm filled with awe and appreciate every person who brought their talents to the table to make this trailer a unique work of art.  To visually experience what I imaged in my mind on film and to see the characters come to life is an experience I really can't explain.  I can only intensify the ride and draw in the the best sound effects to create an experience that will move  the audience and drive them deeper into the world of Black Lake.

A.