CONTEST: Ideas for a Music Video

As I may or may not have mentioned, I'm a multitasker, and this week that includes storyboarding a music video. 

I have a few ideas, but the problem is I'm too close to this project. All I can see is the scene that goes with the song. I need some FRESH ideas. SO, genius that I am, I decided to seek outside perspective from the greatest writerly brains I know. (That means you.)

This is the song:

(requires quicktime plug in)
http://immortalthemusical.com/index.php/forever

Background: Justine, a rather forward girl for 1802, has finally met the man of her dreams. He just so happens to be a vampire, and her uncle just so happens to be a vampire hunter. 

That's all I'm going to give you. How do you imagine this music video? (Setting? Action? Etc?)

Now, this isn't some random contest where you sign your name in the comments and magically get picked. The best idea wins. Period. So, throw them at me. Leave a comment or send an e-mail to crystal@immortalthemusical(dot)com. Oh, and be sure to "like" the show on facebook: http://facebook.com/immortalthemusical

And now for the prize... A genuine pot of gold! 

Okay, not really, but almost as cool.

1. (If your concept ends up being used,) Your name in the credits on the music video.

2. A free download of the current soundtrack for Immortal the Musical. (It's not even available for purchase right now, so, you know, really special.)

3. One free book of your choice from Amazon. (Up to a 20$ value.)

Contest ends Tuesday the 22nd.

Happy writing, and keep in mind two words: "budgetary restraints".

Life is like Riding a Bike

This is Random. Yes, Random. He's named after his father's sense of humor...or it's the only name we could agree on...or he's somewhat named after his one-of-a-kind uncle, Randy. Pick whichever story you prefer. Regardless, this kid's a genius. He'll either be a phenomenal architect or an advanced engineer of some kind. He's teaching me new things every day.

So I took him out to ride a bike. First time. After explaining the three necessary functions of successful bike riding (pedaling, steering and balance) he hopped on. Coordination is difficult for a 4 year old. He kept reversing the pedals and bringing us to a dead halt.

Finally I pulled him off the "machine" as he called it
(--sometimes this kids astounds us with his comprehension--), and lifted the tire off the ground so he could see that when we pushed the pedals the bike would work.

Back on the bike he went, but he was too fascinated with the chain to do any pedaling. Again he hopped off. We examined the chain and gears until he was 100% satisfied he knew exactly what made that bike tick. Then after a successful circle of the driveway we retired to our air-conditioned home.

In life we hop on the bike just like Random, trusting the education and authorities we've known. For most things (parenting, writing a book, executing a surgery), no amount of classroom experience can adequately prepare us for what's coming. Life hits hard. We fall down. Occasionally we need to climb off that bike and reevaluate what makes things tick. The problem may be our outlook on life, based on the patterning we've received. (Or understanding how the gears really work.) It may be how we're pedaling. (Or back pedaling.) And sometimes we need help, someone to hold the handlebars while we get the feel.

No matter how discouraging or how many times you have to try again, do it. The process may be painful, but the joy comes in that final ride.