Video I love: The Delirium of a Writer

Posted on November 30, 2009 by SloanParker

Once a week, I post a video I’ve seen recently that I’m loving. So here’s this week’s Video I love …

I’ve had this episode of The Golden Girls saved on my DVR for a few weeks now. I just watched it again the other day. It’s one of my favorites. In this scene, Blanche is writing a romance novel and has been up for days writing. It cracks me up every time. I hope all you writers and readers of romance novels will find it funny too. Heck, if you’ve ever stayed up for more than 24 hours intensely working on one thing, you know where Blanche is coming from. That delirium that makes you either extremely funny or extremely annoying to others. In this case, Blanche nails the funny side of it. Rue McClanahan’s delivery is perfect.

Enjoy!

(embedded video below)

Some of my favorite lines from Blanche:

“I have too many earrings.”
“Buy me a present.”
“What could you possibly find to lie about on a farm?”
“I must publish a guide to go with my book.”
“It will be taught in universities.”
“Rose, what is this? Your eyeballs are staring at me.”

I’m amazed Rose could keep a straight face. I wonder how many times they had to shoot this.

Anyone else still love the The Golden Girls? Which episode was your favorite?

Sloan Parker
Free fiction available at:
www.sloanparker.com

What a year!

Posted on November 26, 2009 by SloanParker

Sorry this post won’t be all that interesting or funny or important to anyone really but me, but it’s a day for saying thanks here in the US. It was important for me to say this.

With everything going on today — cooking, cleaning, setting up tables and chairs, and doing so many dishes for my mom that my hands will pretty much be in soapy water all day long — it’s easy to put off thinking about what it is we are truly thankful for. So before we head off to my folks, I wanted to take a minute to reflect on this past year and all the wonderful people and things in my life I am grateful for. It’s not a complete list, but it’s who and what have made this year one of the best of my life.

My immediate family. For me that’s Rosie, my partner, and our three cats. They love me even when I’m an ass. Even when I’m crazy. Even when I get sucked into my world of fictional people and places and forget to get off my damn ass and live a little. Thanks, Rosie, for pulling me out of the chair once in a while. Thanks for always loving and supporting me. Thanks for giving me an unending supply of passion to put into my work. Thanks for making me laugh every single day. And thanks to the three little felines who are more entertaining than a little TV any day.
The rest of my family. Especially my mom and dad who are proud of me for my first book contract. Even though they will never read a single word of it, they give their unending support every day, and I love them for that. And sorry, Dad, that I can’t seem to write a book where, as you say, “I leave the sex up to the reader’s imagination” so that you can feel comfortable reading it. Thanks to both of you for loving me, not in spite of who I am, but because of it.
All my new friends in RWA. I was hesitant to join the national organization and local chapter, but you have all made it a wonderful experience for me.
My publisher (Loose Id) and editor (Antonia). Thanks for taking a chance on an unknown. Thanks for believing in More. And thanks for helping me make it better.
Luke, Richard, and Matthew and the muse that helped me find them. I’ve worked at my writing since I was in the second grade when I wrote my first book and entered a local competition. It hasn’t always been an easy path, but there’s something about me that makes me a storyteller. I’m grateful for that. It’s been one hell of a ride so far.

Happy day to everyone!
Sloan Parker
www.sloanparker.com

Donate a blog post day: Matthew Shepard Foundation

Posted on November 25, 2009 by SloanParker

No regular post today. Instead, I’m donating my blog post to a non-profit organization — one that I think is worthy of attention from anyone interested in making the world a better place. So here’s my pick for “donate a blog post day.” Please take a look.

This week here in the US, we are celebrating Thanksgiving. I thought it was the perfect time to create a new section of my blog titled “Donate a blog post day.” I’ll be posting these occasionally throughout the year. So here’s my first selection…

The Matthew Shepard Foundation
Seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance” through its varied educational, outreach and advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story.

Even after all this time, I still can’t watch or read about Matthew and not cry. If you’ve never seen the video from the foundation’s site, take a look below. And also, please take a moment to think about what you can do in memory of Matthew. I know not all of us have a lot of money to spare, but you can help in small ways. How about sending out a tweet with a link to the foundation’s site so that others never forget the tragedy of what can happen to people like Matthew? Or adding a link on your website or blog to help spread the foundation’s message? Find out how to get a banner ad for your site here.

(embedded video below)

Matthew Shepard Foundation Organizational Video from Matthew Shepard Foundation on Vimeo.

Thanks for taking a minute to read about this important organization. It’s people like you who care who will help make a difference.

Have a great day!
Sloan Parker
www.sloanparker.com

Video I love: Great ways to use a condom

Posted on November 23, 2009 by SloanParker

Once a week, I post a video I’ve seen recently that I’m loving. So here’s this week’s Video I love …

Have you seen this one yet? It’s an ad for Durex condoms. I must admit, it had me giggling. And almost blushing (which, considering what I write, is weird, I know.). Friendly warning: If mock animal sex using condoms bugs you, don’t watch. If not, enjoy! I’ve also included three outtakes. I love it when they make outtakes of a video that doesn’t use live actors.

(four videos embedded below)

So what did you think? Come on, tell me…did you blush a little? Comment or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you.

And on a more serious note, I do think this type of thing makes condoms fun and approachable for teens. Not something they should shy away from. And that’s a good thing.

Have a great day!
Sloan Parker
Free fiction available at:
www.sloanparker.com

For the love of: Gus and Waldo

Posted on November 20, 2009 by SloanParker

Once a week, I post about something I’m loving (tv, movies, books, art, photos, romances, authors, or anything else) that I’ve seen or read about recently. So here is this week’s For the love of …

Today I’m loving Gus and Waldo, two gay penguins in a monogamous relationship. They are silly but cute enough to make me smile.

If you haven’t seen them before, check out their site at: www.gusandwaldo.com. They have books, T-shirts, and a video on YouTube that is adorable with a sexy way to deal with spiders. I haven’t read the books (just seen the previews on their site), but the YouTube video is fun.