Interview with storyteller/ filmmaker Tim Benson-part 1

Hi everyone, today I'm delighted to be interviewing storyteller and filmmaker, Timothy Benson. Welcome, Tim and thank you for spending time with me today. Let's get on with the interview so we can learn about your adventures and your plans.

When did you know you wanted to become a storyteller/filmmaker? 

I’ve been a storyteller since a very young age - possibly since being able to form coherent sentences. [laughs] I enjoyed reading as a boy and getting lost in stories. I thrived on movies and was especially drawn to animated films where ANYTHING could be realized on the screen. 

As a child, I enjoyed telling stories live in front of people - stories like the day a bull chased me through the forest & I almost died, or how exactly the escape hatch worked on my tree house, or the day I found a complete dinosaur skeleton deep in the woods behind my house. Yup, true story! Kids were all ears when I stood up to tell a tale. They said I had a knack for storytelling  and they wanted more. 

Wow, that's amazing, Tim. I love to hear about storytellers who can use their talents in wondrous ways.I can imagine your audience was mesmerized by your stories.

When did you actively start writing?

While I loved storytelling and animation as a boy, in my later teens I was steered towards a career path in the sciences. I went to college...Got a job...Had a family (five children)...Traveled the world. A full and wonderful life for sure. But there was absolutely something missing. 

Fast forward to my early forties...THIS, is when I found my true voice as a writer. It all started with a story concept of a little boy and his dream to catch a LEGENDARY fish in his small town lake. It was a story that weaved back and forth between the human and fish worlds. I could envision the story so vividly on the SCREEN - an animated film. This story, titled HOOKED, became my first screenplay. A screenplay that has collected over two dozen international writing awards & numerous Best Screenplay honors.

It's incredible that you wove your tale in different directions and it became a screenplay that was honored mulitple times. You must be so proud.

What has happened since HOOKED?

Since completing HOOKED, I haven’t been able to turn off the stories. Twenty years of untold stories were ready to make their way into the world. This was really the start of my creative journey and my pursuit of seeing my stories realized on the screen. 

I"m so excited to hear that HOOKED unleashed all of those stories. It seems you will have an endless stream of them. We are all blessed you will be sharing many adventures with us.

How do you get ideas for your stories? 

I get most of my ideas from my own childhood experiences, or through simple observation of the world around me. I keep a story journal where I record interesting thoughts/ideas for future consideration and development.

But first and foremost, most of my stories begin with one single image or thought. Then, the story gets built out around that one image or idea. The image might relate to the inciting incident; it could be part of the final climax, but it could also be a scene buried deep in the mid-point of Act II. 

Keep getting those ideas, Tim. That's all the time we have today, but we will continue this interview soon.

Thank you for interviewing me today, Deanie. I'm thrilled to be sharing part of my life story with you. Looking forward to our next chat.

For more on Tim's work:

www.storygiantfilms.com/cupcakes 

Insecure Writers Support Group

Hi everyone,
It's time for us to talk about our new insecurities and encourage each other to persevere. Be sure to stop by AlexjCavanaugh.blogspot.com to see what he and his co-hosts have to share this month.
September’s optional question - Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? For example, by trying a new genre you didn't think you'd be comfortable in?

I've been learning more about promoting so as usual, new things make me uneasy. But it's good to learn more and step out of the comfort zone now and then. I'm even doing more editing for others.

That's all of the new insecurities this time.

In answer to this month's question: I haven't tried writing in a new genre, but now and then something does happen to surprise me.

Have a great month everyone.

Celebrate the small things

Hi everyone,
I hope you've had a great week. Be sure to stop by LexaCain.blogspot.com to see what she and her co-hosts have to say. I hope Lexa is feeling better.
What are you celebrating this week?
Here's what we're celebrating:

• I finished the first draft of my story about our dog, Elliott. Hoping when it's finished, it shows his personality.
• Emails from my sister who lives in another country. I miss her lots so when we keep in touch, it's fun Sometimes we have Skype chats. So far, she's enjoying her new home.
• Making good progress catching up with book reviews. I was feeling sad after Elliott passed away so I got way behind with them.

Happy weekend everyone

website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

Celebrate the Small things

Hi everyone,
It's almost Friday again so let's celebrate anything we want. Hop on over to LexaCain.blogspot.com to see what's happening there. We hope Lexa is feeling much better and ready to start blogging again.
Here's what we're celebrating this week:

• I started a new picture book about our dog, Elliott. You might remember he passed away last month and we miss him lots because he was part of the family for more than 13 years. We used to tell our sons that he was their brother and he didn't look like them because he was adopted.
• Working on reviewing more books and making good progress with it.
• Had a fun conversation with my friend Charlene today.

What are you celebrating this week? Hope you have lots to share.

copyright 2017: Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

webstite; www,childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

Celebrate the Small things

Hi everyone,
I hope you had a great week. Be sure to stop by LexaCain.blogspot.com to check on what Lexa and her blogging partners are celebrating this week.
Here's what we're celebrating;

• Special thanks to those of you who reviewed my new book, My Life at Sweetbrier, this week: Cathrina, Barbara Mojica, and Gigi Sedlmayer. I really appreciate your wonderful comments.
• We sold our grand caravan, but we will miss him in the winter because he has 4-wheel drive and our Honda doesn't.
• There was a tornado warning not too far from us last night, but no one got hurt. It's very unusual for our area.
• My friend, Charlene's husband is doing much better. He's home from the hospital.

What are you celebrating? Be sure to let me know.

Video by Rhonda Patton:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UW_S_p_HXM

Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

copyright: 2017 Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

Celebrate the Small Things...

Hi everyone, hope your New Year's celebration was fun. We all celebrate little things and bigger ones on Fridays, thanks to Lexa Cain and her partners. Be sure to check in at lexacain.blogspot.com to see what everyone has to say. Here's what we're celebrating this week:

• A fun interview with my author friend, Colleen Chesebro about her new book "Heart Stone Chronicles; The Swamp Fairies." It's a great book and I hope you check it out. Her interview is posted on this blog site.
• A quiet but nice New Year's Eve: We watched the Times Square celebration on TV, but we didn't see the ball come down. Does anyone know why they didn' t show it?
• One of our sons did very well on his final exam at school. We're proud of his hard work.

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by.

copyright; 2016 Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

The True Meaning of Christmas by Janice Spina

My friend, Janice Spina has created many wonderful books. She's posted a beautiful Christmas tale called "The True Meaning of Christmas."
Hope on over to her site and check it out. The story has nine chapters so be sure you read them all. You won't want to miss a minute of this story!

You can read the story on:
Jemsbooks.wordpress.com


Copyright: 2015: Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com
book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rba4hkmmTyc&feature=youtu.be

Celebrate the Small Things.....

Yay for Friday! Time to celebrate again. Be sure to stop by LexaCain.blogspot.com to check out what everyone is cheering about. Here's what we're celebrating this week...

• A got a special gift from one of our friends.
• Starting to plan for Thanksgiving dinner with an extra guest-One of our sons is bringing his girlfriend to dinner. He found a special turkey recipe we'll try. Very nervous about that, but I watched the video so hopefully it will be fine.
• In past weeks, I've shared some of the names of our cars. We had a car named Dora. Bet you know what kind she was!
• Thank you to everyone who voted for my essay. Finalists will be announced Sunday.

copyright Deanie Humphrys-Dunne 2015

website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

Celebrate the Small things.....

It's Friday so we can celebrate the small things and bigger things we're happy about.
Be sure to stop by LexaCain.blogspot.com to check out what everyone has to say.

• It's the 19th  anniversary of when my Dad passed away so we're going to celebrate his life. That's his picture above. He was brilliant at so many things. He was a self-taught horseman who managed our riding school. But that's not all. He became a certified watch and clockmaker, who got his certification in about 2 years. when it usually takes 10!He and my Mom owned a jewelry store together. He was very determined and never accepted anything he thought he could change. I owe him a lot, since he helped me realize my dream, against the odds. I hope he has a ringside seat in Heaven and he's proud of what we've done.
• We've had warm weather, yay! 
• Only one more week of voting for the essay contest before the finals. If any of you would like the link, just mention it and I"ll send it to you.
• Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend.

copyright Deanie Humphrys-Dunne 2015

Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

Celebrate the small things....

Hi everyone, it's time to celebrate again. Be sure to stop by LexaCain. blogspot.com to see what everyone is smiling about this week.
Here's what we're celebrating...

• One of our sons is on a business trip. Those are busy but fun for him.
• Our other son is busy enjoying his job and spending time with friends.
• We drove by the house I grew up in. It has fallen into disrepair but the new owners are fixing it. Our house was a town landmark and we're so happy it will be returned to it's former glory.

Have a great weekend everyone.

copyright 2015 Deanie Humphrys-Dunne
Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

Never forget 9/11/2001

What is one of the most important element to a good story?

Luckily, I haven't developed any new insecurities ( at least not one involving writing :) Just thought I'd share a few things with you so you might write something fantastic. Here they are:

• What do you think is one of the most important things you need for a good story? I think it' s conflict. Does that mean you need to start your story with a bar room brawl? No, but you need to have a struggle of some sort. You must have a problem that needs to be resolved. Maybe your main character wants a part in the school play, but she won't even try because everyone knows who'll get the part. Or maybe your character has serious stage fright to overcome.
• Who should come up with the solution to the problem? 
• Your main  character should be involved in finding the solution so he/she grows, or changes during the story.
• Is there more than one kind of conflict?
• Yes, you can have an internal conflict (fear of something) or an external one when one of the characters is working to prevent something from happening. For example, let's say Suzie wants the lead in the school play. She's been practicing and she's finally brave enough to audition. But Lucy always gets the part. Usually, nobody else even tries for it, because they figure Lucy will automatically get it. Lucy's a little worried that Suzie actually could get the part so she taunts her about it. "Suzie, did I hear you practicing the music for the lead in the play?  Boy, do you need the practice. I can't imagine you think Mrs. Candee will choose you for the part!" That's an example of external conflict because Lucy tries to discourage Suzie from trying to get the part.
• I remember when I first started studying writing for children. I didn't have any conflict at all! My characters were so boring! I didn't realize you needed conflict to have a good story!

I hope these little hints help you create a great story!

copyright 2015 Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

Interview with inspiring author, Nick Roussos!

"Today, I'd like to welcome author, Nick Roussos for an interview. I'm thrilled to have you here today, Nick. I can't wait to introduce you and your book to my readers."
"Thank you, Deanie, I'm excited to be spending time with you today."
"We'll get right to the questions now, Nick."

     Tell us a little about yourself.
  "My childhood was unique and interesting.  I was born and raised in eastern Africa with my mother, father, and little brother Jason.  When I was 14, I went to England for boarding school. I attended St. Roses School for Disabled Children. When I was 19, I moved to the United States to receive my high school diploma and better medical care. My mom moved with me, and my father stayed in Africa to run the family business, though we still see him often when he visits the U.S. 

I'll bet you had some really interesting experiences growing up in Africa and England, Nick. 

Tell us about your book:
Helping in Action is an awesome adventure story about a boy in Africa who realizes he is capable of being a hero when he finds a baby lion in need of help. It is story for children based on my early years growing up in Ethiopia.  The central character is a baby lion, Sandy, who was lost from her parents. She gets into a lot of trouble, and I have quite the adventure helping her to get out of it!  The adaptive equipment that I need to move and speak is not pointed out in the text, instead we let the pictures illustrate a boy hero - living, playing and helping others. 

In real life, as a child, I  helped feed Sandy, and sometimes she slept in my bed with me.   

Oh, your book sounds adorable already, Nick!

    How did you get the idea to write your book?

     The African the animals that I saw as a child were very different from the pets most children have. It is fun to share my early adventures with new and old friends. The love of children gave me the motivation to write for children and share some of my childhood adventures. I also love animals.  

I can imagine how much children love your adventures with your animal friends, Nick. I know I'll enjoy reading your book.

    What do you think is the most important message your book shares?

The main message in my book is that we need to reach out and help others.  Anyone can be a hero and anyone can contribute.  Our circumstances do not need to limit us.

That's a wonderful message, Nick and one that all children should know about. We never know what we can do until we try.

  Are you planning to write another book?

 Yes, I am planning a series of at least 4 children’s books.  I am just finishing up the first draft of book two.  I don’t want to give the story away just yet, but the working title is Exploring in Action, also set in Africa.  

I'll look forward to your new book. It's exciting you're planning a whole series.

Who Illustrated your book?

Pam Marcus-Bause is the illustrator.  She lives with her family in Fort Collins Colorado.  Helping in Action is her first children’s book.  She and her family are longtime friends of mine.

Illustrators have very special talents, I think. You'd laugh if you saw things I draw, Even my Mom doesn't know what they are.

   What do you like to do besides writing?

I enjoy music, theater, karaoke, meeting new people, and participating in various adaptive sports.  I especially like to go FAST and take air at Eldora Ski resort here in Colorado.

You have many interesting hobbies Nick. You're definitely an inspiration to everyone.

        Please tell us the links to where we can purchase your book?

The most profitable for me is to order from my website directly:

http://awesomeinaction.com/books/buy-a-book/  

You can also find my book on Amazon:

 http://www.amazon.com/Helping-Action-Nick-Roussos/dp/1484082672/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1440536589&sr=8-4&keywords=helping+in+action

  Is there anything else you’d like to share?

  I was born with Cerebral Palsy, use a power wheelchair to get around and a communication device to talk. I don’t let what some people call disabilities get in the way of having goals, writing children’s books, public speaking, and enjoying life. I do a lot of disability awareness education in schools, and love to help break down the barriers that some students may first have when seeing someone with disabilities such as myself.

My website is www.awesomeinaction.com

 You can see and hear me in this short video: https://vimeo.com/91745606

I just finished speaking at TEDxFrontRange: Wisdom and Wonder. It was a very awesome and fun! I was so nervous,  I went the wrong way off the stage after my speech!

Check my presentation out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2USMly0j7ko&list=PLsRNoUx8w3rO4gTG2uiLpA-AWy_kLJrE2&index=7

You should be very proud of all your accomplishments, Nick! I'm so glad you're having fun and making a positive difference to so many people. Keep up the good work!
 "Thank you so much for spending time with me today. It was fun."
  "You're welcome, Deanie, I enjoyed our time together as well."

*pictures from Nick's Mom

Author Nick Roussos

This week I'm worrying about...

It's the first Wednesday of the month so it's time to talk about our insecurities, if we have them.
I'm working on revising one of my books. Most of all, I hate finding things that should have been improved because  I never seem to understand why I didn't notice them before. Does that happen to you? I always read my books so many times I'm practically cross-eyed. It's not as if I write them and never look at them again.  If this happens to you, here are a couple of suggestions that I've tried:

• Try to proofread a little of your story at a time. That way, you won't be bleary-eyed trying to look at the whole thing at once. It's less stressful, too.
• Before you start tearing your hair out by the roots, take a break. Your work will still be there. It's not as if a stiff breeze will come along and blow it out of town. (Although there are times when I might wish for that)
• Give yourself permission to do something you love so you have a little diversion. When you get back to your writing, you'll feel refreshed.

I hope these hints help you write something you're really proud of. You deserve it. Be sure to stop by AlexJCavanaugh.blogspot.com to check out everyone's thoughts.

copyright 2015: Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

Some thoughts to share..

It's the first Wednesday of the month so that means it's time to share something with you about our doubts or just words of encouragement. Thank you Alex J. Cavanaugh for starting this group. I don't have any new fears this time, amazing as that seems in itself so I'm going to share some words to inspire you ( hopefully)

Recently, I read a short article about courage. Usually, when I hear that word, I think of a hero; someone who actually saves a life. But there may be more to it than that. Here are some examples:

• When you've edited your work till you're downright bleary-eyed and you're not done. It would be so easy to give up and not finish your work. But would you feel like you've accomplished anything? Would that make you happy? You reflect on it and you persevere. Tomorrow is a new day.
• You've finally become a published author,  hooray! But now you've gotten a couple of less than stellar reviews. Maybe those reviewers have been blunt. Maybe they made you feel like you ought to pursue another career. Remember, that's only their opinion. Probably if you do a little research, you'll find most people like your work.
•  No matter what anyone says, if your dream is to become an author, go after it! Nobody knows what you can accomplish if you persevere.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

copyright 2015  Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

This week we're celebrating...

Time to celebrate whatever we can today. Be sure to stop by Lexa Cain's blog; LexaCain.blogspot.com to see what everyone has to say.
Here's what we're celebrating this week;

• We got our grass cut! I'll bet you're thinking that's a silly thing to celebrate, right? Well, our lawn mower Harrison Deere, has been stuck in the repair shop for 3 weeks so our lawn was looking like a hay field with all the rain we had. Someone was supposed to come cut it, but he changed his mind so today we finally got everything done and it looks great. Funny what makes us happy!
• I interviewed my author friend, Janice Spina so if you haven't read our interview it's posted here. I hope you check it out. Janice's books are wonderful.

That's our list for this week. Have a lovely weekend everyone.

copyright Deanie Humphrys-Dunne 2015

website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

This week I"m insecure about...

Hi Everyone,
What are you feeling unsure about this week? I hope it's only little things and you'll find solutions quickly.Be sure to stop by AlexCavanaugh.blogspot.com to check in on everyone's concerns this month.
Now, I'm feeling a little nervous because I'm editing another one of my books. You remember that feeling, right? It's the one full of doubts. Do I get rid of this and keep that? This sentence makes no sense at all.. etc. Sometimes it's hard to sort things out so you know what's valuable to your story and what can go without being missed. That's my struggle at the moment. By next month I'm hoping to have things much more sorted out. One bright spot is my wonderful critique group founded by Deb Hockenberry. They always have great suggestions.

Till then, may you all  sail through your struggles, finding the perfect solution to every dilemma.

Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com
copyright Deanie Humphrys-Dunne 2015

This week we're celebrating.....

As you may know, on Fridays we celebrate whatever has happened during the week. Thank you to Lexa Cain for continuing this lovely blog. Be sure to visit Lexacain.blogspot.com to check out her news. Here's what we're celebrating this week:

• Mother's Day was fantastic. We had a great time with our boys, who came with surprises of all sorts. They're absolutely remarkable.
• Chris Graham, "The Story Reading Ape" was kind enough to post an article about me on his blog. If you'd like to check it out, here's the link:
• http://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2015/05/09/read-about-guest-author-deanie-humphrys-dunne/

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the weekend, everyone.

Website: childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

My insecurites and more...

Hi everyone, it's time to post our insecurities again, as we do the first Wednesday of each month.
Thank you to Alex J. Cavanaugh for starting this group. I hope you all stop by AlexJCavanaugh. blogspot.com to see what everyone else has to say.
Here's what I'm a little frazzled about:

• New things I'm learning to do on the computer. As you may know, anything new takes some practice and adjustment for me.

Some of you may have been challenged by motivating yourself to keep writing. Here's my advice on that topic.

• What if you've lost the drive to write? I think you should take a little break. Don't blame yourself. Just do things that you love. Relax and put writing out of your mind for the moment.
• Give yourself permission to do other things. Otherwise, you'll be feeling guilty.
• While you're on a "writing vacation" you might get ideas for a new story. Write them down. It might inspire you to write about something new and different.
• Whatever you do, have fun. When you're writing, it should feel like fun. See if you can re-ignite the spark you need.
• Best wishes in all of your endeavors. Thanks for stopping by.

Website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

Interview links:

http://www.bbmglobalnetwork.com/blessed-hope/

http://www.wnbnetworkwest.com/WnbAuthorsShow-DHumphrys.html

copyright 2015 Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

This week we're celebrating...

It's Friday again so we can cheer about little things and bigger ones that are going on in our lives. Be sure to stop by Lexacain.blogspot.com to see what everyone is happy about this week. Here's what we're cheering about:

• My husband's Subaru, Carl, decided not to start earlier this week. But there's nothing serious wrong with him. Maybe he was looking for a little extra attention.
• My new book, Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog is being edited. We found some areas that could be improved so Bentley will be all polished up.
• My first book, Tails of Sweetbrier, is entered in a contest. We'll find out the winners on June 15th.

Happy weekend everyone and thanks for visiting.

copyright Deanie Humphrys-Dunne 2015
website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com

This week we're celebrating....

Can you believe it's almost Friday again? Fridays are special because we can celebrate things that happened during the week. Be sure to stop by LexaCain.blogspot.com and see what people are happy about.

• It looks like Spring is actually here! All of the patches of snow that were hanging on till the last possible minute have left.
• My friend, Sarah, enjoyed a lovely visit with her son, who is studying abroad.
• We may have other good news to share next week, but we don't have the official word yet.
• I joined Weight Watchers and lost a half pound in the first week. Not much, but at least it's a start.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Sorry we don't have lots to share this time. Thanks for stopping by.

Copyright Deanie Humphrys-Dunne 2015

website: www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com