Freelance Writer and Editor

Editing Released September 2011

2011-09-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while since I post a blog about the editing releases. I have been updating the listing on the sidebar.

This month from Eternal Press, I edited a very complex lesbian science fiction novel titled Mortal Instinct by Widdershins. This all woman cast will keep you guessing about who ends up with whom, who will survive, and more. If you love, lesbian scifi, you'll want to sink your teeth into this meaty novel.

Your editor,
Ellen Tevault

Editing Released November 2010

2010-11-07T04:27:00.000-08:00

I edited Wolves Dressed as Men by Steve Lowe for Eternal Press, which releases November 7th. It is a paranormal, werewolf story. Thiess prays to God to be cured of his werewolf affliction as someone hunts him. He meets Maria and hopes that her love will save him and the human race. Can their love save the human race? Find out in this gripping story.

I edited Two Hearts Two Spirits by Michael Halfhill for Dreamspinner Press, which releases November 11th. This is a gay romance set during the Bow and the Basket ritual of a Native American tribe. Selecting the basket means accepting life as a two spirt, but Igashu is torn as the only surviving son. He wants to be with Helki, but feels obligated to carry on his family name as a family man. What will he choose?

Let me know what you think.

Your editor,
Ellen Tevault

Book Review: Land of Entrapment

2010-10-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

Land of Entrapment by Andi Marquette
Lesbian Mystery
Title: Land of Entrapment: A K.C. Fontero Mystery
Author: Andi Marquette
ISBN: 1935053027 Publisher: Regal Crest

Book Review: This is a fantastic mystery. Even though it is a first novel, it reads like a seasoned pro wrote it as her 20th book. The characters are well developed. The read like real people. You won't want to leave them at the end. They'll become friends. The plot is fast-paced and gripping. The topic of white supremist groups is a tough one, but the author handles it with skill. This mystery was chosen as the Top 5 Mysteries of 2008 by the Lesbian Fiction Readers Choice Awards and won the 2009 Golden Crown Literary Society (Goldie) in the category of "Best Lesbian Mystery." Even though this a lesbian mystery, I believe all mystery readers will find this book to have a story for them to sink their teeth into. I hesitate to call this a lesbian mystery because I recommend it to ALL mystery readers, mystery lovers.

There are three books in this series.

Review by Ellen Tevault

Editing Released in October 2010

2010-10-27T20:49:00.000-07:00

The gay erotica story, De Narvaez by Martin Delacroix, I edited for Eternal Press released October 7th.

This erotic romance asks whether you can go home again. How will things be different? How will they be the same?

Let me know what you think.

Your editor,
Ellen Tevault

The Seeker of Truth

2010-09-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that a mystery, The Seeker of Truth I edited for an individual in my writing group has been accepted for publication with Eternal Press. It is scheduled to be released January 2011. I'll keep you posted.

Your editor,
Ellen Tevault

Editing Releases for September 2010

2010-09-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

I edited two books for Eternal Press that were released September 7th.

Inheritance by P.M. May is a paranormal romance. A love triangle with a twist - a ghost. Jennifer travels from the U.S. to England to live in her family's haunted estate. This isn't what she expected when she wanted to escape the aftermath of her failed marriage.

Malevolent Dead by Heather Kuehl is the second in the werewolf and vampire novel series. This follows werewolf Sarah Vargas from Fade to Black to her next adventure. If you love werewolves and vampires, you'll love this series. Sometimes they are enemies and other times they are allies. On top of all the action, you'll get a little erotica too.

Let me know what you think.

Your editor,
Ellen Tevault

Editing Releases for July and August 2010

2010-08-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

Both releases for July and August are from prolific author, Cate Masters from Eternal Press. They are like day and night.

Winning by Cate Masters is about what happens when a family wins the lottery. What would you do? Would you do everything right or wrong? This family finds out when they win the biggest lottery ever. Is this how you would want it to turn out? Would that much money help or hinder your life? Find out by reading this short contemporary story.

Follow the Stars Home by Cate Masters is a historical romance between two Lakota youth. They want to marry, but the lack of food causes them to keep moving. Then, they are sent to school to learn the white man's ways. As they try to hold onto their pride and love, the school tries to remove their pride and Native American lifestyle. How can love survive under these tough circumstances? Find out if it does. The novel flows great, even though it will teach you a lot of history from the side we're not usually shown in school. You'll learn a lot and be entertained at the same time. It will be an emotional ride.

Let me know what you think of these two great books by the wonderful author Cate Masters.

Your editor,
Ellen Tevault

Editing Releases for June 2010

2010-06-08T16:32:00.004-07:00

A scifi novel I edited released this week from Eternal Press. Alien Deceptions by Regina Paul is a scifi romance. Angel is an alien abductee. She meets a handsome stranger. She wonders if he has the answers she needs about the abductions and her life.

Let me know what you think.

Your editor,
Ellen Tevault

Editing Releases for March & May 2010

2010-05-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

I edited a creepy novel that follows a mentally ill man through his struggles with murder fantasies. Autobiography of a Worm by Ed Tasca.

Released in May, I edited a romance, Love at Last by Cassidy Ryan.

Let me know what you think.

Your editor,
Ellen Tevault

Editing Released in January 2010

2010-01-31T10:36:00.000-08:00

Players by Angela Daniels released from Eternal Press. Players is a contemporary, mutlicultural romance of about 15,000 words. Long time friends fight feelings for each other.

Your editor,
Ellen Tevault

New Blog: Cooking Goddess in Training

2009-12-08T22:38:00.000-08:00

I started a new blog, Cooking Goddess in Training to write about my cooking adventures, mishaps and successes. When I attend a cooking event or try a new recipe I will blog about what I learn and hopefully teach others some tricks to shorten their cooking mishaps and turn them into successes.

Share your cooking adventures with me on my new blog.

Ellen Tevault

Editing Released in November 2009

2009-12-08T22:27:00.000-08:00

A scifi, futuristic, erotic romance I edited, On the Way to New Isosceles by Leigh Wood for Eternal Press was released in November 2009. If you love space operas, you'll love this novel. This is a romance about an alpha female meeting an alpha male in outer space. Will they ever get together for good?

Your editor,
Ellen Tevault

5 Top Mystery writers come to Indy Oct 17th!

2009-10-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am sooo excited to announce this. My writer friend, Greg Herren and an writing acquaintance, along with others, will be coming to Indy this coming weekend. :-D I hope I can hook up with one or more of these writers for dinner or lunch this weekend.

I absolutely love Ellen Hart's Jane Lawless mysteries and Greg Herren's Scotty series (I haven't read a Chanse yet). I'll have to buy one for this event.

See you there,
Ellen

Listen to and Meet the top mystery authors in the nation! Pick up your free ticket at Out Word Bound!

Event to be held at Theatre On The Square (TOTS), 637 Mass Ave. ~ Limited Cabaret seating

* * Pre-purchase a book and go to the front of the autographing line!

Don't miss...

Anthony Bidulka, author of 'Aloha, Candy Hearts', the latest in the Russell Quant series

Ellen Hart, author of 'Sweet Poison' and 'Mortal Groove', the latest in the Jane Lawless series

Greg Herren, author of 'Murder in the Rue Ursulines', the latest in the Chanse MacLeod series

Neil Plakcy, author of 'Mahu Vice', the latest in the Mahu series

Mark Zubro, author of 'Hook, Line & Homicide,' the latest in the Paul Turner series and 'Schooled in Murder,' the latest Tom and Scott mystery

Editing Released in August 2009

2009-09-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

My second editing project from Awe-Struck Books was released. Fascination by Connie Keenan is a contemporary romance.

Another title I edited for Eternal Press is Picture This by Cate Masters. This is another contemporary romance.

Check them out and let me know what you think.

Your editor,
Ellen

Editing Released in June 2009

2009-07-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

An ebook I edited The Journey is now available from Awe-Struck Books. It's a contemporary romance about three friends who are teachers taking a trip to Europe during their summer vacation. Do they all find love in the romantic cities they visit?

This is my first editing assignment for Awe-Struck Books. Let me know what you think.

your editor,
Ellen

Editing Released in May 2009

2009-06-22T03:08:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I'm late posting about a novella I edited, Jen by Nick Dienst released in May from Eternal Press. It's suspense that will keep you on your toes as you follow the character as he plans revenge for a broken heart. You won't believe the twist in this one.

Your editor,
Ellen

Editing Best Sellers

2009-06-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to point out that two books I edited for Eternal Press are Top 10 Best Sellers for 2008 for the e-publisher. Captive Angel by Wendy Stone is a romantic suspense receiving rave reviews. In The Arms of Danger by Jaydyn Chelcee is a contemporary western romance with a great deal of suspense.
Also, I edited the second volume of Chelcee's Montana Men series, No Holds Barred, which will continue the suspense from the first book, but with a new couple's search for love. Both of Chelcee's Montana Men books have received rave reviews.

Your editor,
Ellen

Films to Watch Out For

2009-04-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

by Ellen Tevault

1. Congratualtions on your recent award winning short film! Can you tell us about the film, First They Came For… and the awards it has won?

Kate Chaplin: Thanks so much! Our latest short film, First They Came For... has been very well received. In just the handful of festivals it has shown at so far, it's won the INDY Award for Audience Choice and the Silver Award in Hollywood at the Gold Award Film Festival. We have been fortunate enough to have a wonderful local film run, The showing in Hollywood this past February was the mark of the film's first nationwide festival release.

My big hope is the film does as well nationally as it has locally. The film has a message that is very dear to me - human rights. Based on the poem by the Reverend Martin Niemoller, First They Came For... is a short film set in a not so distant future where a nondescript regime takes away various discriminated groups out of everyday situations where they are creating no crime. All the while our Narrator (played by Scott Ganyo) watches this injustice happen and struggles between standing up and saving himself. We've taken the 1945 poem and updated to groups who are still being persecuted against today in hopes that we can show that basic human rights are still being violated and that we each have a responsibility to stand up for what is right.

2. Has the film had any negative feedback because of the political message behind it?

Chaplin: Lately it seems modern-day Communists are mad at the film. In the most famous version of the poem it begins with "First they came for the communists but I didn't stand up because I wasn't a communist" In our updating to 2008 we chose that Jews, homosexuals, and Muslims were more a consistent target of discrimination. The original script included more people who were being discriminated against, however we decided to keep the message short and in more in the style of the poem where it's not about listing groups but more about for standing up for human rights violations regardless of their demographic.

3. How did you feel going to the Gold Award Film Festival film award ceremony in Hollywood? Would it have been better if you were down the street at the Oscars?

Chaplin: I *loved* the showing in Hollywood. I lived in LA for 5 years. I worked massive hours in video stores trying to make money to eat all the while writing screenplays. I really thought at 19 years old I could be the next big writer/director in town. When 9/11 happened, my husband joined the Army to make a difference and we left LA. I knew I would make it back but I never thought it would be for an event like that!

The Gold Award Film Festival was held the morning of the Academy Awards. At the conclusion of the festival everyone was invited to view the Oscars on the big screen there at the theater. The coolest thing, next to winning the Silver in the "Defying Stereotypes" category (which was beyond awesome!) was seeing in the audience new friends sitting with old friends. My best friends from LA, Ryan and Sujey came to the screening. They sat next to friends who came with me from Indianapolis. Friends who knew me when I was just a dreamer, and friends who saw be becoming the "overachiever" I am today. That being said, I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. Sure 3 miles down that very street was the "big show" but I couldn't have brought my friends. Plus, if the Universe still decided to shine some luck on me, I still have time to have an Oscar Nominee seat one day, no rush. I am happy doing what I'm doing now and if my friends are in the audience that's all the award I really need.

4. I know you had a special birthday present because of this film. What was that?

Chaplin: First They Came for was shown at Fringe Friday in Indianapolis. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the screening; I was "kidnapped" by friends and family to a birthday shin-dig.

5. What is your next film project about? Your next writing project?

Chaplin: My next film project is a feature film entitled Shoki's Bag. It's a massive undertaking. It's a mythic fantasy piece about the burdens we carry in life, entitled Shoki's Bag. (Filmmakers blog: http://shokisbag.wordpress.com) Our lead character is a deformed ex-circus strong man who wanders the forest with a large bag. The bag itself growls and moans and is rumored to contain the contents of a trouble man's soul. Shoki comes across Nix, a young charismatic Water Spirit who is searching for the Princess who has been kidnapped. Together they go on a journey of redemption and empowerment. If you love Joss Whedon and Niel Gamin this is the film you've got to see. We're filming October-Jan. It will probably take a year or more after that before it's ready for screenings.

Writing wise, I'm working on a movie memoir of my life told through the movies that shaped me. It's entitled "I Blame Lucas!!" I hope to finish the manuscript before the fall. I am also working on more short film scripts and a feature script that takes place in a drive-in theater in the 1970's.

6. What is your favorite question from your book, The Belief Test? What is your answer to it?

Chaplin: My favorite question from Belief Test changes with the mood I am in. But I do love the "Elvis or Beatles" question that is found in the "Do you prefer...section of the book. The question is an interview question that Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) asks Vincent Vega (John Travolta) in a deleted screen in Pulp Fiction. As Mia explains in the film; you can like Elvis, you can like The Beatles but generally you prefer one over the other and that can say a lot about you. I'm a Beatles girl, myself. You Tube link to the scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmJhbPPCP_0

7. Thank you for speaking with us about your recent success! What can we expect from you in the future?

Chaplin: Definitely keep an eye out for First They Came For... We're hoping to make a great national splash with the film over the upcoming year. Shoki's Bag is taking off. There should be a lot of buzz as this film ramps up for casting calls and production. We're hoping to attach some big name stars like, Johnny Depp, Daniel Day Lewis, Helen Mirren, etc. In the meantime, I'm doing freelance Assistant Director and Script Supervisor work on some wonderfully made local films. I am continuing my filmmaking workshops this summer. I have a personal leadership seminar scheduled for Pike Township Schools and am in talks with other community organizers in the area to offer more educational programs on the importance of film.

Kate Chaplin
www.katechaplin.com
www.karmiccourage.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2939570/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO36y78dXAs - First They Came For... on You Tube
http://katechaplin.wordpress.com
http://shokisbag.wordpress.com
http://chaplinstories.wordpress.com

Two Editing Projects Released

2008-12-14T02:26:00.000-08:00

I had two books released that I edited for Eternal Press and Loose Id. No Holds Barred by Jaydyn Chelcee was released from Eternal Press. Jaydyn's first book, In the Arms of Danger was a best seller. Both books are suspenseful erotic heterosexual romances with a crime to be solved before they can live happily ever after. A Gift Worth Sharing by Marty Rayne released from Loose Id on December 9th. This is a story about a man who gives another man to his lover as a gift.

When you read these stories, let me know what you think. :-D

Your editor,
Ellen

Story Sale

2008-12-08T02:36:00.000-08:00

My story, Transplant was accepted for the erotic genderbender science fiction ebook coming soon from Circlet Press. I'm so excited about this sale because it has been one of my writing goals for years to finally sell a story to Circlet Press/Cecilia Tan. I'll post when it is released. :-D

Ellen