I have to confess that I am addicted to musicals. There, I said it. When I first heard about the newest one, La La Land, I turned to my husband and told him I wanted to see it on the big screen, not as a pay-per-view movie on our home TV. I really longed to see the movie in the larger than life cinematic experience. As soon as it came out and we could align our schedules, we went to enjoy two hours of escape from reality.
The movie brought joy to my heart by its combination of story, singing, dancing, and the sweeping musical score. The story centers on an actress struggling to be discovered, to reach the level of recognition she dreams of attaining. Like Emma Stone said in a recent Time interview, the story reminds us of “the hope and importance of creativity, of still dreaming even when it feels like hope is gone.”
I understand what she means. I’m creative with my stories and enjoy singing, playing my guitar (when I have time), and crocheting. When I contemplate my career as an author and the state of publishing and readership, sometimes all I have is hope. Hope that people will read and enjoy my stories, and then share with their friends and family to help me build my fan base. Hope that my writing will continue to bring a few hours of escape from reality for my readers. Hope that I’ll be a best-selling author one day in the not-too-distant future; that’s my dream. I have no control over achieving my dream because I can’t make people buy my books. All I can do is write the best story I can and put it out there for others to read and judge its merits. That’s where my focus must be. Writing the best story in my ability. But what would happen if I didn’t have hope?
Paulette O’Connell, in my upcoming release Haunted Melody, has forgotten about her love of singing. How she used to sing in the school choir and then in a small band for a while, pursuing her own dreams. Until she accidentally summons the ghost of her grandfather to the Twin Oaks Plantation. More importantly, it’s only after she meets Zak Markel that she slowly rediscovers her inner joy and begins to sing again. She remembers how important music had been in her life and determines to let it take a part in her present and future life. Indeed, singing plays a key role in sending her grandfather’s ghost back where he came from. Singing restores hope as a result of new love for Paulette, both Zak and her baby.
Musicals are one of my go-to movies. I really love the idea of breaking into song when strong emotions are in play. Song and story make a powerful combination, evoking so many memories and feelings all while being entertained.
What about you? Do you enjoy musicals? Why or why not?
Thanks for reading!
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Haunted Melody is now available for pre-order and will release on March 28, 2017. Here’s more about the story…
Paulette O’Connell needs to build her home decorating business in order to give her unborn child a stable home. While exploring the mysterious attic of the antebellum plantation where she lives, she accidentally summons her grandfather’s ghost. But he won’t leave until she figures out why she needed him in the first place, putting her plans in serious jeopardy.
Zak Markel has been searching for the last ingredient to create the Elixir of Life he hopes will save his brother’s eyesight. But he discovers the woman of his dreams in the smart and beautiful Paulette, distracting him from his focus at the worst possible time, even though she staunchly refuses to allow him past her defenses.
Can he convince Paulette to open her mind to possibilities and follow her heart to true happiness before it’s too late?
Amazon USA: http://bit.ly/HauntedMelody
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/HauntedMelody-AU
Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/HauntedMelody-CA
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/HauntedMelody-UK
B&N: http://bit.ly/HauntedMelody-BN
Betty Bolte's Musings 