Blog Posts - Chuck Miceli

Up and Coming - January / February 2019

3/11/2019

In writing Wounded Angels, I used the novel to explore a number of important literary and life themes, including abandonment, love, prejudice, war, forgiveness and others. I cover how the book addresses these and other themes in my January / February 2019 issue of Up and Coming. You can click HERE to read a copy of that blog. After reading, feel free to come back here to comment or to use the buttons provided to share the article on Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for visiting.

This chess set plays a critical role in exploring themes of war, patriotism and forgiveness in "Wounded Angels".

Up and Coming - December 2018

3/10/2019

When you read a novel, do you ever wonder how much of what you are reading is based on actual people and events? In my December "Up and Coming" I start giving the "Story Behind the Story" of Wounded Angels. Click HERE to go to the December 2018 issue of Up and Coming. Feel free to come back her to comment on the article or press one of the buttons to share it on Facebook or Twitter.

Read about the importance of John Pringle's fountain in the December 2018 issue of Up and Coming.

Up and Coming - October 2018 - Re-posted 11/22/19

10/15/2018

Up and Coming
October 2018

Wounded Angels
The Story Behind the Story

As I get ready to launch Wounded Angels, for those of you who may have missed them, I am re-posting a few earlier blogs that tell "The Story Behind the Story." I have also just finished a badly needed update of my author's profile on Amazon in preparation for the new novel. You can check out the new profile at amazon.com/author/chuckmiceli.

Those of you who have been following the development of my upcoming novel,Wounded Angels, will recall that while it is fiction, much of what happens to my main character, Maureen, is based upon the real-life experience of my mother-in-law, Charlotte.
"Part 2 - Frank," in the book chronicles how Maureen meets her future husband, Frank, at the roller skating rink where Frank works. In actuality, that is how Charlotte did meet and fall in love with my father-in-law, Fred. Similar to how the novel flows, Fred did, in fact, teach Charlotte how to skate dance.

This is Fred and Charlotte in their roller skates.
We still have the roller skates from when they
were dating prior to WW II.

The novel continues to follow Maureen and Frank through their courtship, to their marriage and honeymoon in Atlantic City only to return to their railroad apartment in Brooklyn to discover that Frank has been drafted into WW II, is shipped off to the Pacific and is gone for the first three years of their married life. As with the skating, these elements are also based upon Charlotte and Fred's actual experience.

Charlotte and Fred in their railroad apartment in Brooklyn, New York.

Charlotte and Fred on their Honeymoon in Atlantic City.

Fred in his WW II uniform in front of their railroad apartment in Brooklyn.

Frank's war time experience in the Pacific is a fictionalized account but is based upon three real-life factors. The first is that, when the subject of the war came up in discussions, my father-in-law, like so many other WW II veterans, would fall silent and not discuss his experiences. The second is that the accounts in Okinawa are based upon reports of others who did serve in that theater. The final is my research into the real-life "Lilly Corps" members; actual Japanese high school girls who served with the Japanese on Okinawa during the war.

True to life, following his military service, the novel chronicles Frank's love of photography and his obsession to capture everything he could on film. Following his death, we discovered thousands of my father-in-law's photos in his basement and garage. As Maureen does in the book, Charlotte found the pictures too painful to look at and wanted to throw them away. Fortunately, we held onto them and they have become a treasured memory of their story.

Charlotte and Fred with one of Fred's many camera's.

In Wounded Angels, following Frank's return from the war, he and Maureen set out to make up for their lost time together by doing everything as a couple. So too, in real life, except for Fred's annual church retreat, he and Charlotte were inseparable. They did everything together and their trademark became holding hands in public.
Even after fifty years of marriage, Fred and Charlotte remained inseparable.

Unfortunately, Maureen's sentiments expressed in the novel also proved true for Charlotte in real life.

"I relished the closeness I shared with Frank for so many, many years and thought that I had to be the luckiest woman alive. I had no idea that before the year ended, the very same closeness we shared would become the instrument of my undoing."

As with Maureen and Frank, the real-life Fred's death devastated Charlotte and shattered her sense of security. It was during this long, dark period of Charlotte's depression that she met another woman who was as damaged in her own way as was Charlotte. The product of an abusive childhood, failed marriage and estrangement from her daughter, this woman, whom I call Doris in the book, became the instrument of Charlotte's healing and, in the process, received healing in return: hence the title, Wounded Angels. While eccentric, the real-life Doris was no where as extreme as I painted her in the novel and I have to admit I got a great deal of pleasure at her character's expense.

Also out of context was the tag saleing episodes. Charlotte did spend a great deal of time going to tag sales and breakfasts during the period between Fred's death and her eventual remarriage. In the book, she does this with Doris. In real life, it was with me and it was during our after-tag-sale-breakfasts that I learned of the real-life Doris and marveled at the way in which these two dysfunctional women mutually supported and healed one another, not despite their disabilities, but because of them. But that is a story for another time. For this update, I would like to close with this extraordinary real-life experience.

Charlotte passed away on June 21, 2017 following the devastating loss of her second husband, Tony, and her own difficult and painful struggle with Alzheimer's disease.Two days after I finished the last edits of Wounded Angels and sent the manuscript off to a potential agent, I was looking through some storage containers in the basement of our new home that have been there for the six years since we moved. In one of those containers I came across a card from Charlotte congratulating me on my retirement. It was shortly after my retirement that I started on the first draft of Wounded Angels. This is the actual note I found from Charlotte two days after I sent the finished manuscript off to an agent. I'd like to think that she was giving her approval from heaven.

That's All For Now. Thank You For Spending This Time With Me. Feel free to jot me a note telling me what you think of these updates.

Until Next Time,

Warmest Regards,

Chuck

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6/1/2018

Up and Coming

June / July 2018

So What Did People Think About

The Dramatic Reading of

Wounded Angels

at Seven Angels Theatre?

Over 150 people came out to hear the dramatic reading of the new play. The end of the performance was met with a standing ovation. In addition to the feedback we received immediately following the performance, I sent a survey out asking those who attended the performance for their candid feedback and was thrilled with the response. Below is a summary of the feedback I received along with my thoughts on the resulting re-writing. Now it's time for me to get busy on revising the play and finishing the book.

Answers to Questions about the Dramatic Reading of Wounded Angels and Thoughts about Revisions

1. How about the story itself? Did it keep you engaged? Could you relate to it? Did I belabor anything too much? Was there anything missing?

I liked the story, I loved Doris character, I know you said you upped!! her personality. You did a great job with that. I related to your mother in-law emptiness. Yes, very difficult place to be.

Yes, yes, yes, no, no

Yes, it kept me completely engaged and caring about what was happening.

Great, Yes, Yes, No, No

We were engaged. Yes, we could relate. Nothing seemed to be missing.

I stayed with the plot all the way through and there was nothing missing. It was so good for you to talk to us afterwards and explain your thoughts as you put it together. That tied together nicely your thoughts and how it was played out.

Thought the first act was more monotone... I would have liked something more punchy here to go with the flow of the second act. The second act's humor grabbed us into the heart of the characters and pulled the threads of the story together.

Very much so – from the opening scene to the last scene. I think anyone – especially one on in years – understands that losing a spouse, especially after a long and happy marriage, can create the kind of trauma facing the lead character. I don’t think anything was belabored too much. Anything missing is a very hard question to answer after a single viewing.

Combined with other comments later on, the main thrust for my revisions will be focused on the first act. In particular, I’ll want to provide Maureen with a wider array of emotions and will emphasize Elizabeth Kubler Ross’s five stages of death and dying (Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance) more in the structure.

2. What did you think about the tone and pace of the play? Were there parts that you especially enjoyed? Were there parts that dragged, lacked emotion or felt overdone?

There where many parts that I enjoyed, I liked that you received from the audience a mix of emotions. I feel that in itself is wonderful.

The first act could use more emotional variety. The depression comes across, but other emotions are not as developed. Also consider injecting a little more humor in the first scene between Maureen and Doris.

Tone and pace were fine. Perfectly done.

I would have liked to see more of a 'connection' between the two women, really coming to care for each other.

Tone was awesome, pace super, loved the humor amidst the serious emotions.

I am not remembering if there was a particular place, in the first half. The women to the left of me was falling asleep and at the break a few women {seniors] friends of a client of mine expressed it dragged. Complained it was too long or wished it started earlier. I felt it was a bit slow moving the first half, but I must share I don't sit still very well and I am sure I would feel different when the scenes changed on stage.

I think the tone and pace was good. I got so into it that I could understand how it would be in a final presentation. I became engrossed in the part played by the main character.

Maybe work on the first waitress a bit. Doris seemed obsessive about the food, didn't realize the waitress poked her in some way. Second act let us know something about Doris's character gets resolved with her daughter.

The pace and tone kept my attention and from what I witnessed around me, it kept the attention of the audience. I particularly liked the back and forth dialogue between the two major characters. No noticeable parts that dragged, lacked emotion or felt overdone.

The big reveal at the end of the first act took me by complete surprise. It put everything together and explained a lot about Doris’s behavior.

The only part I thought was a little long was the first scene? It just seemed more should have happened quicker.

Enjoyed the entire play.

Obviously, I will concentrate on enhancing the first act and the first scene in particular, as it sets the pace for the rest of the play. I like the idea of injecting humor right off and will look to see where the dialogue between Maureen and Doris can be edited to make it quicker and more engaging. In particular, I might move some of the exposition of Doris’s background to later in the play.

3. How did you feel about the characters? Were they fully developed enough? Were they interesting and realistic enough? Were their words and actions consistent with who they were?

Characters were great, Narrator nice job. The man that sat to the left of the narrator had a small part [that he did very well] but wished his part a bit bigger. But of course with then just sitting in a line makes that more noticeable. In a full production I am thinking it would not be the case.

Larry’s character needed more development to explain Maureen’s feelings for him. The two scenes with Maureen’s daughter seemed similar. In both scenes, the daughter comes across as more abrupt. In the first scene, would expect more sympathy.

I especially enjoyed the role of Charlotte since I knew her and it was like she was there.
The only part that I thought was inconsistent with the tone of the play was the, and this is probably just my feeling, overly descriptive talk about how good the almost-ex husband was in bed.

Yes to all

Yes. Larry wasn’t developed as much as the other characters. We felt like we wanted to know him more.

I was impressed that right before intermission Doris was so taken by the emotion that she actually cried!!!!

I realize the mother character was more laidback.

Could have used a little more information about Frank, Maureen’s first husband, to explain more why she was so devastated by his death.

Wondered if replacing Maureen’s monologues with acted scenes might work better.

If there is anything that I would suggest you address it would be the daughter’s interaction with her mother.

Just a thought from an ordinary person viewing your play reading. The character Larry was a surprise for us.   We were thinking it would be nice if his character was developed just a little more like Clem’s character was developed. When Larry reappears, we said to ourselves where did this guy come from and who’s Larry.

I didn’t like your character development of Larry. There is none. We first get to know him in the eighth inning of the play. In my humble opinion you needed to go much further.

Despite their relatively short relationship, Maureen and Doris have a rich, multi-layered togetherness. These characters are fully developed. But, I found that I would like to know more of Larry. He seems to offer another avenue for depth in your wonderful play.

Maureen’s monologues worked well when they provided new information that was not contained in the scenes. Maybe one less?

Yes……. Yes………. and Yes

From personal discussions with people about Maureen’s monologues, they seemed to work and contributed well to the flow of the play, so they will most likely stay. I will look at them with an eye to eliminating any redundant information and keeping their number to the absolute minimum needed. Regarding characters, I will plan to add additional information about Frank, add more lines and information about Larry, take a closer look at the scene between Doris and the first waitress, and will adjust the dialogues between Bridget and Maureen to show a greater contrast between their first and second conversation.

4. How about the settings? Were the times and places appropriate? Did any scenes seem repetitious, too long or unnecessary?

I think so but not remembering the places.

Setting was fine and not very important to me.

Perhaps drop references to specific place names since audience members from other locations will not relate to them and being more generic will allow people to relate them to places that they are more familiar with.

If you were trying to cut back on the length of the play, which doesn’t seem necessary, you might be able to shorten some of the dialogue between mother and daughter.

All fine

All great!

I think the settings were good, it was all well-timed, and appropriate.

I didn’t expect much with the settings because it was a reading. Knowing afterward that some of the pics came from family albums was helpful, poignant to the story.

This is hard to comment upon from a single pass.

Times and places appropriate.

The idea of dropping the specific place names is one for which I will need to give more thought. I enjoyed listening to the audience reactions when they recognized a named place, like West Farms Mall. While I agree with the opportunity of audience members being able to relate to their own experiences more with generic locations, the local color provided by a specific locale may also enhance the experience. More on that to come.

5. Based upon other dramatic plays you have seen, on a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate this play by comparison?
1 = Much poorer,       2 = Poorer,        3 = About average,        4 = Better,        5 = Much better.

About average

5

I love dramas and have seen quite a few over the last few years in NY and I would rate this play as Better.

3-5

4

About average, because, at this point, one was aware that it wasn’t a final version.

For me each play and even within a given play, each cast, is different and so I don’t know how anyone can compare one with another.

Based on some other dramatic plays I have seen, I would give it a 5, much better

5

Not much to say about this question. I would have done better asking something open ended which would have yielded more information. Given that over 150 attended the reading and gave a standing ovation at the end, it seems safe to assume that, in general, people were satisfied with the performance.

6. If Wounded Angels were to be developed into a full main stage production, how likely would you be to attend?
1 = Very unlikely,         2 = Unlikely,         3 = Possibly,         4 = Likely,          5 = Very likely

Very Likely

5

Absolutely

5

5

Wouldn’t miss it!

My friends and I would definitely come to a full stage play.

I would go because my friend wrote it! I would also want to see how – if at all – it was changed.

5 – I would very likely attend a play

5

Since all of the responses to this question were at the top of the scale and others who missed the performance wrote to ask about attending other offerings, I feel fairly confident in the results. It does appear that I would have somewhat of a built-in audience for the full production.

7. Please add any additional comments you would like to make.

I want to share with you what an amazing job, I admire and respect all the dedication and hard work you put into this play. I am so proud of you. I wish you major success.

For us it was a very healing experience.

Very impressed, can’t wait for the book.

I was very impressed with the talent and credentials of all those who performed. They were all impressive and well-placed in their roles. You have come up with a good play which I feel will be enjoyed by anyone attending the final presentation.

As a fellow writer, I find your work inspiring and stimulating. What a process to see your work of art revealed in a way. We take thoughts and ideas from our imagination, from a snippet of conversation, from memories, synchronicities and somehow bring them into our own unique form. Wounded Angels is a great testimony to the complexity of the human spirit. Healing, working through grief, happen but not always how we intend or expect. It’s the unexpected intersections that bring color, humor, and even peace that pokes us and thereby takes us by surprise.

You are a gifted writer and it shows in the tender and sensitive way you coaxed the pain from the lead characters and allowed them to deal with that pain with class and dignity.

Will you do any other reading? I could bring my group, the sooner the better

The slides, the narrator, and the props (teddy bear) really helped give the story depth.   We enjoyed everyone’s performance. The question and answer period was just the right length..........a bonus to hear directly from Charlotte’s daughters, and the reception was an added delight. Thank you for sending us an announcement of the reading of your work.

Best of luck with the process and your work. We, the book club from Portland, hope to be able to see your work again as a finished play.

You are right, humor is difficult, but you did it! Let me know when the full play is produced.

Your play was thoughtful and beautifully crafted.

We just wanted to tell you that we loved “Wounded Angels” and very much look forward to reading the book when it comes out.   I also was pleased with your mention of Henri Nouwen and wish I could recall exactly how you said it, as I thought it was a good way to sum up his thinking as well as its connection to the play.

“Wounded Angels” is a reading I really enjoyed.

Conversations while playing bridge has been very positive from the ladies that attended.

My wife had to coax me into coming. A play might have been OK, but the thought of a reading sounded boring, but it kept my attention from start to finish and I really enjoyed it!

That’s what I’ve accumulated thus far from the feedback I’ve received. I thank everyone who attended the reading and want to especially thank all those who made the time to provide specific comments on the presentation. It will be enormously helpful in my re-writes.

Here are the next steps:

Feeback. Done
Re-writing: Now.
Pitching to Theaters: I have already begun to identify theaters that my be interested in producing it. Wherever the play is selected for production, it will most likely undergo further revision based upon discussions with the directors and producers.
Scheduling and Producing the Play: Theaters are busy scheduling their lineups for next year's season now and it will be unrealistic to get the play produced that soon. I do believe it is realistic to get a full production by the following season, however, so that will be my end goal and I will keep you posted.
Finishing the Novel: Wounded Angels is based upon a much more extensive novel by the same name. I will be working on that project at the same time as I pursue the play production. It may actually be possible to finish the novel before the play, but, at the least, my hope is that when you see the play, you can meet me in the lobby afterwards where I can sign a first-edition copy of the novel for you.

And A Wonderful Night at the Palace Theater!

I was thrilled to be one of the presenters at the 16th Annual Halo Awards ceremony on May 30 at the Palace Theater in Waterbury. The Halo Awards recognize outstanding achievements in high school theatrical productions. What an amazing evening. The excitement and enthusiasm of all of the students involved was incredible an the evening was filled with amazing performances by many of the schools. Congratulations to Semina DeLaurentis and Seven Angels Theatre for putting on a "Class Act."

That's All For Now and Thank You,

Chuck

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5/2/2018

Up and Coming

May / June 2018

Wounded Angels

at Seven Angels Theatre

Then, Now and Next

So what exactly did happened with the April 22 reading of Wounded Angels at Seven Angel's Theatre in Waterbury?

Actually, quite a lot:

Seven extraordinarily talented actors came together under the careful direction of Ilvi Dulack to conduct the reading. They brought their talent, energy, passion (and several of their own costume and prop accessories) to put on one hell of a show! I am forever indebted to them for taking part in this labor of love.
Seven Angels Theatre, under the guidance of Artistic Director, Semina DeLaurentis, provided an exceptional space for the conduct of the reading and provided a wealth of expert staff and crew support for the production. I thank Semina and all the Seven Angels team from the bottom of my heart. For any of you who have not yet attended one of their main stage productions, I encourage you to do so and to be delighted that you did.
Over 150 people attended the performance from throughout Connecticut and from as far away as New Jersey and New Hampshire. During the reading, I was nestled back stage handling the technical aspects and was delighted to monitor the audience reaction to each of the scenes, from laughter, to gasps, to absolute silence, to the gratifying applause and standing ovation at the ending. My deepest appreciation to all of you who came out for the performance.
Following the reading, everyone gathered for the after-performance reception and once again, I was overwhelmed by the delicious contributions to the event by my amazing family, friends and John and Betsy, the wonderful managers of Tops Market in Southington.
Following the performance, I have been blessed with a shower of compliments in person, by phone and via cards and letters and I am deeply grateful to one and all. It has taken me over a week to recover from the physical exhaustion, emotional exhilaration and elevated ego while perched on my own personal cloud.
I would also like to express my appreciation to Joanne Greco Rochman of the Waterbury Republican American for the full page feature article she did on me and the play (Wolcott's Miceli is a master of mysteries) in the April 19, Accent Weekend magazine section of the paper. In a thank-you note I sent to her, I joked that "Some day, I'd like to meet that fellow."

Many of you have asked, "What's Next?"

Here are the next steps:

Feeback. What is needed now is a candid appraisal of what worked and what could be improved. That's where you come in. If you attended the dramatic reading, please complete the survey at the bottom of this newsletter and reply to me by May 15 with your comments. When Michelangelo was asked how he could make such beautiful statues out of blocks of stone, he answered that the statue was inside all along and he just needed to chip away enough of the stone to release it. The feedback I receive from you will help me to decide what I should leave alone and where should chip away to let the final play emerge.
Re-writing: I re-wrote Wounded Angels multiple times before it was ready for the reading, and I will probably re-write it several more times before it becomes a play.
Pitching to Theaters: When I feel the play is ready, I will send it to theaters that I think may be interested in producing it. Since Seven Angels took a chance on me for the reading, if they are interested, I would love to produce the main stage play there. Wherever the play is selected for production, it will most likely undergo further revision based upon discussions with the directors and producers.
Scheduling and Producing the Play: While I was hoping to get Wounded Angels on stage next year, I realize that theaters are busy scheduling their lineups for next year's season now and it may be unrealistic to get the play produced that soon. I do believe it is realistic to get a full production by the following season, however, so that will be my end goal and I will keep you posted.
Finishing the Novel: Wounded Angels is based upon a much more extensive novel by the same name. I will be working on that project at the same time as I pursue the play production. It may actually be possible to finish the novel before the play, but, at the least, my hope is that when you see the play, you can meet me in the lobby afterwards where I can sign a first-edition copy of the novel for you.

And Just For Fun

I am thrilled to have been invited to be one of the presenters at this year's Halo Awards ceremony on May 30 at the Palace Theater in Waterbury. The Halo Awards recognize outstanding achievements in high school theatrical productions. After quickly accepting the invitation, I asked for a listing of the various high school productions state-wide. I have been attending several of these plays to gain an appreciation for the work these students are doing and I have been amazed at what I have seen. From the performances, to the sets, to all of the technical aspects of these productions, we can be rightfully proud of the amazing theatrical talent in our Connecticut students and the dedicated teachers and parents that mentor and support them.

And Now For That Survey

Here are the items for which I would appreciate your feedback. In giving your comments, please respond to the play itself, not to the acting or directing, as that will vary by the cast and director. It is the written play that I will be revising. And don't feel like you have to write a lot. A few words will suffice. I'm just looking for things that stood out to you and you would like me to know about.

If you can, just reply to this email along with your answers. To be safe, hit "reply" not "reply all." If that doesn't work, simply copy the questions into your own email program along with your answers and send to Chuck@AuthorChuckMiceli.com or AuthorChuckMiceli@gmail.com. If possible, please respond to me by May 15. I will plan on summarizing the responses I get and the changes I am considering in my June update.

1. How about the story itself? Did it keep you engaged? Could you relate to it? Did I belabor anything too much? Was there anything missing?

2. What did you think about the tone and pace of the play? Were there parts that you especially enjoyed? Were there parts that dragged, lacked emotion or felt overdone?

3. How did you feel about the characters. Were they fully developed enough? Were they interesting and realistic enough? Were their words and actions consistent with who they were?

4. How about the settings? Were the times and places appropriate? Did any scenes seem repetitious, too long or unnecessary?

5. Based upon other dramatic plays you have seen, on a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate this play by comparison?
1 = Much poorer, 2 = Poorer, 3 = About average, 4 = Better, 5 = Much better.

6. If Wounded Angels were to be developed into a full main stage production, how likely would you be to attend?
1 = Very unlikely, 2 = Unlikely, 3 = Possibly, 4 = Likely, 5 = Very likely

7. Please add any additional comments you would like to make.

That's All For Now and Thank You,

Chuck

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2/12/2018

UP AND COMING

February - 2018

Welcome to Mid-Winter

The ice on the lake is mostly gone bringing premature thoughts of summer fun on the water. Now that the holidays are past, it's time for me to return to projects that I hope will be on interest and value to you.

If you are new to this community, welcome and new or regular, I appreciate your input. If there is anything you would like to see included, expanded, reduced or removed, please let me know. If anyone you know would like to join our community, please ask them to sign up on my website at AuthorChuckMiceli.com or by e-mailing me at Chuck@AuthorChuckMiceli.com and I will be happy to add them. And now, here is what’s UP AND COMING.

What's in a Name - A Lot!

According to Mail Chimp, the program I use to send out these announcements, e-mail services like Gmail, do not provide the verification needed for some email servers, may get labeled as spam, and may not get to you. Sooo... I have changed the email address from AuthorChuckMiceli@gmail.com, to my website address, Chuck@AuthorChuckMiceli.com. This won't effect you unless you find my announcements ending up in your trash folder. If you do, please tell your email program that these announcements are not junk or spam. Thank you.

Injured Angels

PLAN TO ATTEND THE STAGED READING OF MY NEW PLAY

INJURED ANGELS

APRIL 22, 2018 - 5:00 PM
SEVEN ANGELS THEATRE
1 Plank Road, Waterbury, CT

SevenAngelsTheatre.org
203-757-4676

Tickets are $10 cash or check at the Seven Angels Theatre box office or can be ordered on-line or by phone for an additional service charge, but don't delay too long. With over two months to go, more than 20% of the seats have already been sold. You can click here to learn more about Seven Angels and click on logo below to order tickets on-line.

Actress / producer / teacher, Ilvi Dulack, will direct the production. We are assembling the seven member cast now. Seven Angels Theatre Artistic Director, Semina DeLaurentis, will conduct a post-reading Q and A and feedback session and I will be holding a drawing for one free autographed copy of my novel, Amanda's Room, for every 25 people in attendance. I am also planning to produce a collector-quality, playbill for the event. Come and be part of the excitement!

My Interview about Wounded Angels will be Featured in the Upcoming Issue of Southington Magazine
Release date - February 28, 2018

I was honored to be interviewed in January for the mid-winter issue of Southington Magazine, a publication of RDS Media, which now publishes magazines for several Connecticut towns. The magazine is delivered to thousands of homes in the Southington area. To learn more about RDS Media, click on their logo below. To learn more about Southington Magazine and to read past issues, click on the cover image.

Writing Across the Spectrum presentation for the
Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA)
Southwest Chapter
April 26, 6:30 pm, Plumb Memorial Library, 65 Wooster St. N, Shelton, CT

In this session, I will compare and contrast writing requirements for different kinds of publications and audiences (short-form, long-form, poetry, screen plays and theatrical productions) and draw from participants' own experiences.
CAPA chapters meet throughout Connecticut and produce a monthly newsletter to support the efforts of the state's author's, publishers and support services. The Shelton chapter specializes in training and education and I am proud to have been asked to speak at their April meeting. A drawing will be held for free book copies, including a copy of my paranormal thriller, Amanda's Room. Click the cover image below for more information about Amanda's Room. For more information about CAPA, click on their logo to visit their website at: aboutcapa.com. To learn more about my presentation at the Shelton meeting, click here.

Life and Death in Black Hell presentation at the
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UCONN Waterbury Branch, 99 East Main St. Waterbury, CT, March 16, 12:00 - 1:30 pm

My father, like many other young boys growing up in eastern Pennsylvania, was pulled out of school in the forth grade to work up to fifteen hours a day in the anthracite coal mines. Those mines fueled the industrial revolution and helped to provide Americans with the highest standard of living in the world. They made a select few wealthy beyond imagination while condemning others to poverty, sickness and often death. Mining created a surreal world of dampness, danger and absolute darkness hundreds of feet beneath the surface.
In this presentation, I will take participants into that world and introduce them to the history, experiences and legacy of life and death deep in the earth.
The OLLI at UCONN program offers more than 60 non-credit courses at the UCONN Waterbury branch to over 700 adult members over 50.
Attendance to the lunchtime lecture series is normally free for OLLI members who have signed up for the presentation but if you are interested, you can call the OLLI office at 203-236-9924 and ask about attending on a space available basis. For more information about the OLLI at UCONN program, click on the logo below.

That's All For Now.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did sharing it with you. Until the next time,

Warmest Regards,
Chuck

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Book Review - The Storm by Dan Blanchard

2/7/2018

I have just completed Dan Blanchard’s excellent brief novel, The Storm. The Storm is definitely not on my normal reading list. It is geared toward young adult readers and, at 69, I certainly don’t match that demographic, but I found myself captivated by both the content and the delivery. Regarding the content, I was familiar with most of it from my own professional career. As a public employee and private consultant I implemented Total Quality Management in government and criminal justice organizations. I also served on the management team for the Connecticut Award for Excellence. In those capacities, I studied under TQM experts from organizations like GE Capital, United Technologies and the Juran Institute, (Headed by Joseph Juran, Edward Deming’s partner in implementing TQM in post-WWII Japan) where I practiced concepts like Kaizen, Pareto Analysis, Strategic Planning, Goal Setting, Mission Statements and Continuous Quality Improvement. A remarkable achievement of Blanchard’s book is that he manages to cover these topics and many more in the span of about 180 pages.
In addition to the management concepts, Blanchard delves deeply into the social and emotional requirements of being a leader. He generously cites many of those who provided inspiration for the lessons learned including: Socrates, Gandhi, Edward Deming, Douglas MacArthur, Anthony Robbins, Vince Lombardi and even Adolf Hitler. An equally impressive accomplishment is Blanchard’s method of delivering this content. These topics might be abstract and dry, even for seasoned professionals, but could be deathly boring for teenagers. Blanchard avoids this trap by couching his lessons in a highly entertaining story about a conversation between a teenage boy and the “secrets” his grandfather wants to share with him on a stormy afternoon. Each concept presented is subsequently grounded in the young boy’s personal experiences. Blanchard doesn’t flinch away from uncomfortable topics in the process. We discover that the teenager’s life is far from perfect as we learn about his abusive father and emotionally damaged brother. As the conversation continues the young man’s grandfather imparts additional lessons about gratitude, teamwork, service and delayed gratification.
If there is anything I take exception with in Blanchard’s exposition, it’s that he sometime seems to overreach in his description of a leader. The reality is that in many of life’s endeavors, there can be only one top performer and the book, at times, doesn’t seem to provide enough credit for doing one’s “personal best.” Still, he does allow some wiggle room. Granddaddy suggests “shooting for the stars” so that if you do fall short, you still land on the moon.
This is a book filled with useful information and much wisdom. Blanchard is correct when his “granddaddy” character laments that schools fail to incorporate many of these principles in their curriculum and even many adults don’t learn them until late in life, if at all. Until that situation changes, the best we can hope for is that our young adults have alternative ways to access and appreciate these essential life lessons and Dan Blanchard’s, The Storm, is certainly an excellent place to start.

Special Announcement - Wounded Angels at Seven Angels

1/9/2018

Wounded Angels at Seven Angels

You are invited to be among the first audience members to hear the words of this new play, even before the book is published!

More important, the questions and comments you provide will help shape the look and feel of the final production.

And most important, your participation and feedback in this premier event can help propel Wounded Angels to a full main-stage production in the future.

Dear friends, family and associates,

I am honored and excited to announce the dramatic reading of my new play, Wounded Angels, on April 22, 2018 at Seven Angels Theatre, 1 Plank Road, Waterbury, CT.

Wounded Angels is based on my upcoming novel by the same name. The 5:00 pm performance will be followed by a question / answer and feedback session. Tickets are only $10 for the performance and are now available: in person at the Seven Angels Theatre box office, 1 Plank Road in Waterbury; by calling the theatre at (203-757-4676); or by ordering on-line at: Sevenangelstheatre.org. (And yes, that is the way they spell Theater.)

Wounded Angels is rooted in the real-life experiences of people who have managed life and love after loss. Set in the Bristol and Southington CT region, the touching, sometimes hilarious, Wounded Angels traces the antics of two women who are unwittingly on a mission to save each other in spite of themselves. When an inconsolable widow, Maureen Russo, is befriended by an uncontrollable social misfit, Doris Cantrell, these two dysfunctional women manage to support, help and heal one another, not despite their disabilities but because of them.

In the dramatic reading, the full cast will perform a complete reading of the two-act play with limited lighting, sound and staging. With sufficient interest and positive reaction, Wounded Angels will be a huge step closer to becoming a major theatrical stage production and you can play a crucial role in making that happen. Please mark your calendars to attend this premier event and share this information as widely as possible with your own contacts. Feel free to invite other family, friends and associates to attend the production with you.

The origin of the story is as compelling as the play itself and I welcome the opportunity to share the “story behind the story”. If you are a member of an organization seeking a dynamic speaker, presenting a compelling topic, please pass along my contact information. You can find more information about me and Wounded Angels on my website: AuthorChuckMiceli.com and can contact me directly via e-mail at Chuck@AuthorChuckMiceli.com. My website is also the place where new people can sign up for future notices regarding my writing activities. I also welcome any radio, television or print news interviews with interested journalists and will happily follow up on all referrals.

Thank you for your interest in Wounded Angels and I look forward to meeting with you personally at Seven Angels Theatre.

Warmest Regards,

Chuck Miceli

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Up and Coming - Holiday Season 2017

11/25/2017

UP AND COMING

Holiday Season - 2017

God Bless Us, Every One

Before I share some activities that I hope will be of interest and value to you, I wish you and yours all the fulfillment and joy that this season promises. I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with love, be it family and friends, fond memories of holidays past, or sharing of your time, treasures and talents with others. This past year has been a challenging one for me and my extended family but through those challenges our faith and the love we share for each other has strengthened and sustained us and for that, I am truly thankful.

If you are new to this community, welcome, and new or regular I appreciate your input. If there is anything you would like to see included, expanded, reduced or removed, please let me know. If anyone you know would like to join our community, please ask them to sign up via my newsletter, on my website at AuthorChuckMiceli.com or by e-mailing me at Chuck@AuthorChuckMiceli.com and I will be happy to add them. And now, here is what’s UP AND COMING.

Injured Angels

INJURED ANGELS PLAY STAGED READING!
SEVEN ANGELS THEATER - 1 Plank Road, Waterbury, CT - 203-757-4676
6:30 PM - APRIL 22, 2018. PRE-PERFORMANCE RECEPTION - 5:30 PM.
Please mark the date and share this information widely. Seven Angels Theater has seating for about 800 people and it would be great if we could fill the theater for this event!

As many of you know, after the death of my mother-in-law, Charlotte, I temporarily halted work on my upcoming novel, Wounded Angels, based largely on her surviving the death of her husband of over fifty years. I did, however, continue working on the play script based upon one essential segment of that book. Now, Semina DeLaurentis, artistic director at Seven Angels, has offered to host a staged reading of the play at the theater. In the staged reading, a full cast will do a complete, dramatic reading of the entire play with limited lighting, sound and staging.

Tickets for this event will be available in the near future for only $10 through the Seven Angels Theater box office. If the reading proves successful enough, it has the potential to propel the play to a full production in the future and YOU can play a crucial role in making this happen. Actress / playwright, Ilvi Dulack, and I are finishing our edits and identifying potential cast members for the reading. Semina DeLaurentis and I are discussing plans for a pre-production audience reception (included at no additional cost) and a post-reading Q and A and feedback session. I am also considering producing a collector-quality, autographed playbill for the event. With sufficient attendance and positive audience response, Injured Angels will be one step closer to a becoming a major theatrical stage production. If at all possible, please mark your calendars, plan to attend this premier event, and please invite your family, friends and associates to attend. I have spent years writing and preparing for this and I can assure you, any who attend will be happy they did. More information about Seven Angels Theater is available at their website at: http://sevenangelstheatre.org/

I also welcome the opportunity to share the background of the story's development with as large an audience as possible. If you know of any radio, television or print news journalists who might be interested, please make a referral and I will be happy to follow up regarding possible interviews. Thank you.

Amanda’s Room

Book Sale and Signing - Connecticut Christmas Gift Show, November 25, 2017, 9 am - 4 pm, Danbury Sports Dome, 25 Shelter Rock Ln., Danbury, CT

Looking for a unique gift for people on your holiday shopping list? Here is an opportunity to support over 200 local small businesses and artisans while getting that special gift that will provide enjoyment long after the presents are opened. I am thrilled to be sharing a vendor table with my son, Jason, at the Connecticut Christmas Gift Show in Danbury. Over the past several years, Jason and his partners at Geek Fever Games have produced a number of award-winning board games. Jason has just returned from a tour of the U.S. and Europe, promoting his games. He will share a vendor table with me where I will be selling and signing copies of my full edition of Amanda's Room, as well as the newer, abridged, Amanda's Room Travel Edition. Admission to the show is just $5.00 and kids 12 and under are free. More information about Geek Feaver Games is available at their website at: http://www.geekfevergames.com/
More information about the show can be found on their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/557652417914263/

Book Discussion and Signing - Portland Public Library, 20 Freestone Ave. Portland, CT - Mary Flood Room - 5:45 - 8:00 pm, December 12, 2017

Many thanks to Debra Jameson for organizing this book reading and signing for members of her book club and to the Portland Public Library for hosting the event. Debra has opened the event to other book clubs so if you and members of your club have read Amanda's Room and have comments and/or questions, or have not read the book and are interested in learning what it is about, plan on joining us. Here are some of the questions I plan on addressing at the reading:

What is the significance of the story about the young robin that appears in the prologue? How does this description contrast to the one that appears in the epilogue and what does that say about what has occurred over time?
In chapter three, how do Drew's book pick and Chris's movie pick foreshadow what will happen later in the story?
For those reading the full edition, how do the weather quotes at the beginning of the following chapters relate to the content of the chapter itself: Chapter 11 - Change of State, Chapter 29 - Doldrums, Chapter 39 - Relative Humidity, Chapter 54 - Absolute Zero
In chapter 14, the job foreman, Ted Reggerio, discusses the paint used in Amanda's room (Baker-Miller Pink) with Bert Myers and says it was supposed to have a psychological effect on people. Is that possible? Interested people can research this more by going to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baker-Miller_pink
In chapter 17, Bert explains to his wife, Evelyn, how the bizarre temperature pattern surrounding 36 Lakota Drive reverses completely around December 21 each year. What is the significance of this date and why?
What is the relationship of the storms that occur in the chapters 21 and 22. Hint: compare Ralph's broken watch in chapter 21 to the digital readout on the screen in chapter 22.
In chapter 24, Drew and Katie discuss Amanda's age. How old is Amanda?
What is the significance of the two storms that occur in chapter 25?
In chapter 33, Warden Capshaw references an article by Alexander Schauss on Baker-Miller Pink paint. Interested readers can read the actual article here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236843504_The_Physiological_Effect_of_Color_on_the_Suppression_of_Human_Aggression_Research_on_Baker-Miller_Pink
In chapter 47, Bert is still convinced that there are natural explanations for all that has happened. What drives his convictions?
What prompted "Hurricane Amanda?"
In chapter 50, when Katie stabs the wall in Amanda's room, the paint drips and is the color of blood. Whose blood might it be?
What do you suppose became of Amanda when the house was demolished?

Admission is free. You can find additional information about the event and sign up to attend by clicking on the event calendar information at the Portland Public Library, website at:
http://www.portlandlibraryct.org
I also plan to provide a brief preview of my upcoming novel and play, Injured Angels and promise a very lively and entertaining discussion.

That's All For Now.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did sharing it with you. Until the next time,

Warmest Regards,
Chuck

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Fiverr for Book Covers

10/4/2016

One of the most important elements of a successful book is its cover. No matter how interesting the characters, exotic the setting or compelling the story, it won't matter if your cover doesn't draw people to open the book and look inside. Like me, however, many authors don't know where to look to find book cover designers who are competent and reasonably priced.

Thanks to the internet, we have a world of highly skilled designers waiting to offer their services without driving us bankrupt and a great one of them is Fiverr.com. This site offers a wealth of services across many fields, and one of them is book cover design. Some of the best features include viewing actual covers already designed, tracking the number of designs produced, selecting among various packages (e-book only, e-book and print, 3D cover displays, etc.) at very reasonable prices and checking the ratings and reviews by past customers. This can a powerful tool toward becoming a successful author.

To be fair, many designers are critical of sites like these which offer services at prices that make local competition difficult. Yet, as independent authors, we cannot afford to overlook the benefits of tools like these.

What is your opinion of sites like fiverr?
What other resources have you found for competent, reasonably priced book cover designs?

To your success, Chuck Miceli.