July 30. 2019
Last weeked was a whirlwind as I was involved in writing, shooting, and editing a short film during the 48 Hour Film Festival in New Orleans. Wow! Talk about fast paced fun in the movie industry, I will cherish the time spent with the cast and crew. Our team leader, David Kirtland, of New Guy Films did a remarkable job in assembling a cast and crew that worked extremely well together. It was one of he smoothest sets I've been on. Did you have situations that we had to conquer? I'd say. Before the competition began, one of our lead actors, slipped and fell on his hip. He insisted he was all right and wouldn't go to a doctor. He worked through the pain for two days. Once we chose our category, our writing team wrote in his character as handicapped and ill. Finally after filming, he went to the emergency room where he learned he had broken his hip. I've heard breaking a leg before, but breaking a hip. his dedication to his craft, is unsurpassed, "The show must go on!" Get well Jerry.
We also encountered a flat tire on our main vehicle that was established. Luckily for us, our Director of Photography was also a former race car driver so a pit crew went into action and changed the tire in no time as we shot another scene.
If you ever get a chance to work on a 48 Hour Film Project, I highly recommend it.
Today old and young alike are in for a real treat learning about a children's book that addresses a scary subject -- rain and lightning. Now that we are in the midlle of a full blown Hurricane season, I completely understand the need for a book. Bad weather can be frightning for children. Author Keisha Sheronia Campell worte a wonderful book, PARTY IN THE SKY, that addresses this issue in a very cute book for children. Here is her author interview.
Keisha Sheronia Campbell
Party In The Sky
 |
Tell your readers a
little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to
school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.
I was born on the beautiful island of Jamaica. As a young girl I remember being known as a story teller in school lol, I would ask the kids what they wanted to hear and I would belt out stories after stories, this went on from a young child to a young girl in high school. Eventually I moved to the US and attended high school in the Bronx, New York and now reside in Florida, the home of Mickey Mouse.
What inspired you to author this book?
My niece and nephew are my inspiration. They are ten, but at a
young age about four or five when it rained, they were scared. My niece has
autism, and it scared her quite a bit. I just imaged a story in my head to calm
them down, and it worked.
Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
It's a children's book about the weather and what better way to show what the book is about than to have kids on the cover enjoying the rain. I wanted a cover to engage the kids to read and even though the weather can be frightening, its also wonderful. Who doesn't love playing in the rain.
Who has been the most significant influence on you personally
and as a writer?
I would say myself because I love telling stories and with the addition of my niece and nephew to the family, I found my creative juice flowing. Kids are fun to watch and they give great ideas on what kids do, like, not like, etc. They are my judges.
What were your struggles or obstacles you
had to overcome to get this book written?
I had to believe in myself, to know I was capable of getting it
done. The cost to get a publisher was an eye-opening feat, but through research,
I found Fiverr, and the rest is history.
Tell your readers about your book.
The book is about Jeffy a young boy who's afraid of nature's
wonder and the journey he goes on with the help of his aunt Stacey to realize
that nature's wonder can be scary but fun at times. The lightning and thunder is scary for kids of all ages and some adults,
but with the illustrations of music, pool, pictures, etc., creates more of a
magical understanding for kids.
Daycare to grade three and beyond. Kids are innocent and not aware of what
nature is as far as the weather goes, they just see and hear frightening sounds
and sights of the weather which they are too young to understand.
Take a peek at one of the illustrations for the book. It is so cute.
Take a peek at one of the illustrations for the book. It is so cute.
What do you consider your greatest success in life?
My greatest success in life is continuing to work hard and achieving goals I have set for myself. There's many more for me to tackle and succeed at. Also being the best Aunt.
What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your
genre?
Hmm. I just love creating and telling stories.
 |
