Anthony Charles Interview Part3-Acting

And we are back with Part 3 of our interview with Anthony Charles.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Fridays are always going to be bittersweet for me.  Fridays are when we conclude our interviews, but that means I get to bring on another exciting guest on Monday.  But for now, I bring you the conclusion of my interview with Anthony Charles.

Anthony Charles Interview Part 3-Acting

How did you transition from musician and podcaster to actor?

Well originally I was a musician in my teens and transitioned into acting during college.  I figured that the recording skills I picked up through music and the knowledge of performance with actor could merge into a descent show host. 

What kind of classes and training have you gone through to become an actor?

I went through a performing arts program not unlike the bulk of them out there.  It was pretty much standard theater, acting, history, classes with performances capping off the years studies. 

What were some of your earliest acting gigs?

They were all various theater roles in which I was a guy that wore a top hat.

Tell me about your first role?

My first acting gig was in pre-school where I dawned a top hat and cape.  I was the master of ceremonies and all the students were different animals.  I remember being so gung ho about being the lead in the play. 

Out of all the acting gigs that you had, take me through your most interesting and memorable one.

One of the most memorable moments I’ve ever had as an actor has to be when I played a character called Brundibar in a play by the same name.  The play was originally performed in WWII to the red cross by children in the Jewish internment camps.  The aim of the play was to convince the world that the camps were innocuous instead of the death camps that we know today.  The character Brundibar was supposed to represent Hitler and his domination of Europe.  Most of the cast did not survive the Nazi death camps, but I met one of the original cast members that did. 

I had turned the character into a very external malevolent character that still drew the attention and adoration of the townspeople.  I was getting into character backstage before a performance when the director came around introducing this woman to the cast.  When she looked at me, our eyes locked and without knowing anything about me, the look on her face brought her back to those camps.  I felt such sympathy and loss in that moment.  I still carry that moment with me. 

Past, Present, Future: If you could play any character from (books, movies, TV, or music) who would it be and why?

Batman. Without a doubt. I would love to tell a very human side of Bruce Wayne’s story and what drives him to become the Dark Knight. 

What would your dream role be (action star, villain, super hero, drama, horror, etc) and why?

I would like to try my hand at comedy.  I feel like I have a real knack for it, but a lot of the projects that I get seen for are dramatic in nature.  A good comedic role would be a lot of fun for me. 

Okay, crystal ball time.  Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

Ah man, I really hate looking into the future because there’s so much to consider and worry about.  Ideally I’d be making a comfortable living as an artist.  I also want to keep having fun and going on adventures with other artists creating new things. 

Time to sound a bit creepy.  Where can people find you/follow you/or find out more about you?

That’s not creepy at all. Creepy would be something like, “So where can people watch a live webcam feed of you sleeping?”  I would say that www.anthonycharlespodcast.com would be the best bet.  You’ll find all the social networking sites on there, my blog, and episodes of my podcast.  If there was any one place to go for more content, that’d be it. 

Any last words?

Yes, I have no idea what I am doing. I am just making this whole thing up as I go along. 

Try not to succumb to the forces of entropy.  We are all temporary beings in this construct, and the fact that we exist at all is infinitely fascinating.  We are made of the same materials that form the cosmos, and the radiance of eternity dwells within us all.  So don’t waste that precious gift working some stupid job that you can’t stand. 

Join us Monday as I preview our next guest Melissa Bowersock, Stone's Ghost

Interview with Anthony Charles part 2-Anthony Charles Podcast

Happy Thursday everyone.  Hope everyone is enjoying this break from the hot and humid weather.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Today, we will continue our interview series with our guest Anthony Charles.  In part 2, we will explore the Anthony Charles Podcast and how this incredible idea began.

Part 2-The Anthony Charles Podcast

Q.Earlier you told us about post production work and producing other musicians; which led to the creation of the Anthony Charles Podcast.   Tell me a little about it.

A. The Anthony Charles Podcast is about the insights of creative professionals and the lives they lead to make their dreams come true.  We discover the tools, motivations, and desires that go into a successful creative career.

The Anthony Charles Podcast is an interesting concept. What made you decide to start the podcast?

The idea for the podcast started after talking to two artist friends of mine that have done high profile gigs.  I talked to both of them about how they got to that level.  One is a musician and the other is an actor.  I was really impressed with how much their words helped me get through a funk.  It made such an impact on me that I wanted to share these stories with others to help them get through tough times.

How long have you been recording ?

I’ve been recording for quite a while now.  I honestly don’t know the exact number of years but it’s probably creeping up on a decade already. Time flies...

What’s been your favorite part(s) of recording the podcasts? The guests, the topics, planning it, or learning about people and equipment?

My favorite part is getting feedback from listeners.  There are so many talented people out there, but this business is very difficult.  Having somebody reach out in person or online to let me know that they drew some inspiration, hope, or learned something useful makes the entire process worth it.

Take me back to the first podcast. Tell me how you felt. Were you nervous, excited? How did you set it up?

The first podcast was sort of a cop-out. I basically announced that I started a podcast.  I introduced myself, things I’ve done, and where I think the show would head in the future.  I was a bit surprised that I was doing it but I was invested in the idea behind the show.  I basically hooked up some audio equipment that I originally bought for recording music.  It was collecting dust and it was bumming me out.  So by recording a podcast, albeit spoken word and not full band production, it made me feel more productive.

Everyone has the one moment that sticks out in their minds. What was your most memorable moment or guest from conducting the podcast?

I’d have to say that I’ve been very fortunate with the guests that I’ve been on the show.  Personal heroes like Sahaj Ticotin from the band RA really blew my mind.  To be such an intense fan of someone’s work is one thing, but seeing their name on your caller ID is something completely different.

Another amazing episode was Paul Russell.  He is such an outstanding resource; who is gracious and empowering.  It was quite amazing to read his books and then speak with him.

But one of the coolest moment for me, was the episode that I did with Andrew Goffman & Charles Messina from the off-broadway show “The Accidental Pervert.”  They really put on a great show and treated me really well.  It was cool to take my show on the road and experience the guests in their own setting.

How has doing the Anthony Charles Podcast affected you and your life?

Honestly, it has enriched my life.  I feel humbled and thankful that all these people took the time to share their stories and things that they’ve learned along the way.  It has opened up some doors that I normally would not have had access too, but it has also been a great avenue to showcase personal friends of mine that are in the arts.

I consider the shows that I’ve done with friends as a sort of audio time capsule.  I know that even if nothing else happens, I’ll be able to look back on those episodes as snapshot in our lives.

Where do you see the show going from here?

I honestly am not sure. I just hope that the show continues to grow and inspires more to follow their passion.  I think that the show will keep evolving as the episodes climb though.

Where can our readers find and listen to the Anthony Charles Podcast?

You can find everything for the show at www.anthonycharlespodcast.com

Here are a few of the fan favorite shows from the Anthony Charles Podcast
https://soundcloud.com/anthonycharlespodcast/episode-23-paul-russell-author
http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-26-joseph-spano-stuntman-actor-author/
http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-20-andrew-hess-authorpoetblogger/
http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-17-andrew-goffman-charles-messina-of-the-accidental-pervert/

Join us tomorrow for our final part of our interview with Anthony Charles

Anthony Charles Interview Part 1 Music

Here we are the start of the first of many interviews in our summer series.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Today we are about to journey down the life of a musician/producer/actor/Podcaster Anthony Charles.  Tonight we explore where he began his journey; as we look at his life in music.

Q. Let’s get to know Anthony Charles. Describe yourself in 100 words or less.

A. I am a human trying to navigate this dimension with a light heart. Hopefully we all can live, laugh, love, and learn together.

That’s an interesting look on life.  But then again, there’s a lot that our readers might find interesting about you.  Let’s go a little more in depth.

How did you first get into music?

Growing up, there was always a musical presence in my house.  It wasn’t until I was thirteen when I saw a special on MTV that showed how to play riffs from some very well-known popular songs.  I remember hearing these riffs and being amazed that someone could create something so powerful.

I agree.  Hearing powerful guitar riffs and solos are incredible to listen to.  I feel they contribute more to the impact of the song. 

So tell me, what was the first instrument you played?

Originally, my mom bought my first guitar when I was still small enough to fit inside the case, but the interest didn't bloom until I was a pre-teen.

So how when did you finally start playing?

After seeing the MTV special, I couldn't wait to pick up a guitar.  I begged for my mom for one for months, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up.  She told me if I wanted it bad enough, I had to save up for it.  So I did.  I saved all of my pennies until I had enough to purchase my first guitar.  I truly fell that massively long waiting period made the moment so much better.  I played that guitar until my fingers bled.

I think at one point or another every kid or teenager has wanted to be a rock star.  So tell us, who were some of your musical inspirations?

I’d have to say 311 was a huge influence on me, because of how their songs had a lot of groove and funky elements in a rock context.  Other than 311, I’d say Pantera, Sevendust, and Jimi Hendrix.  All of them really made a statement with their art and demonstrated how incredibly talented they were and what could be done on the guitar.

I remember listening to a lot of their songs growing up as well.  They’ve inspired a lot of guitarists over the years.  Now as I understand, you were a guitarist for a band.  Tell us a little about that.

I’ve been in a few bands. Usually I’ve met people socially which leads to everyone jamming in a room together. From there it tends to grow into a serious project if the chemistry is right.

Did your band release any albums?

Technically no, but I did release an album under the name “Gnosis”. The album is called “Awakening.”   It’s a concept record about the subjective experience of realizing a spiritual self.

Take me back to your first gig. What was it like? Where was it?

My first gig was a middle school talent show. I was in a band that I joined after having a guitar for three months.  It seemed like a very unlikely goal, and I probably wasn’t really ready, but it turned out okay.  I ended up getting twenty-five dollars as prize money for winning and I used it to buy my first CD.

Every musician has their favorite moment or favorite gig they played. Tell me about your favorite gig.

I think my favorite gig was at The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, NY.  The standard practice at the time was to play a series of smaller clubs until you drew enough of a crowd to play the big stage at The Chance.  My mom told me that path was not the one I would take.  I ended up making a press kit, shaking some hands, and skipping the entire process of playing smaller clubs.  It was also my mom’s birthday.  Ever since then, we recall that experience as a paradigm shifting moment.  The lesson learned was, there isn’t just one road.  We can create our own path in life if we work hard and get out there.

Now all good things come to an end. Tell me what happened to the band and if you guys ever get together to jam anymore.

Personally I never felt like I was able to get all the pieces together with band members. We were always missing a bass player, or a singer, or the right drummer.  After a number of years it gets to feel like swimming upstream.  You could have songs, live gear, T-shirts, CDs, and a beautiful website, but without a complete lineup you’re not playing any shows.  You’ll be stuck in perpetual rehearsals.  I’m still friendly with most of the people, if not all of them, but you lose touch with some people over the years.

What have you been up to since your days with the band?

Since music, I wanted to find a form of expression that wasn’t dependent on others with great gear and music chops.  I wanted to find something that I had more control over.  So, in college I studied acting.  I’ve been able to do a lot more projects in acting than I ever have in music, but at heart I still consider myself a musician.  I do post production work with music and have also kept a foothold in music by producing other artists and bands.

Where can our readers find you and your albums?

You could find “Awakening” by Gnosis on iTunes, CDbaby.com, and Amazon. 

Anthony Charles-Preview

Welcome everyone to the first installment of our summer interview series.  I am your host, the man behind The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Today we're going to preview the upcoming interview with Anthony Charles, a man of many talents including; guitarist, songwriter, producer, interviewer, instructor, and actor.  So let's take a closer look at the man behind the Anthony Charles Podcast.

Anthony Charles has grown up in the greater New York Area.  He is an accomplished musician and songwriter; in which he released a concept album under the name Gnosis, with the album "Awakening."  Since then he has helped produce a few indie artists, created the Anthony Charles Podcast, and started a career as an actor.  His most recent role was the real life Civil War Captain, Robert Newlin Verplank in a historical drama "On the Side of the Angels," which was written and directed by Joanne Zipay (Founder and Artistic Director/Producer of the Judith Shakespeare Company).  This play has received lots of attention that culminated in the winning of the 2012 GHHN Award of Excellence; a ceremony held at the Revered Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY.  

As stated earlier, Anthony is also the creator and host of the Anthony Charles Podcast.  A show all about creative professionals and the lives they lead; where you learn about the tools. motivations, and desires that lead you to a successful creative career.

Join us tomorrow for part 1 of my interview with Anthony Charles, but for now I'd like to share a couple of the Anthony Charles Podcast episodes to give you further insight into Anthony Charles.

http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-1/
http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-2/

Scouting Locations

Next week I'll be on the road back to one of my old stomping grounds; Poughkeepsie, NY.  I will be up there during July 3rd-5th and will be a guest on the Anthony Charles Podcast to promote my new book The Phoenix Blade.  While I'm up there, I will also be scouting areas for the sequel for my detective series.

So I guess the big questions are how do you scout areas and how do you choose the areas to scout?  In my Phoenix Blade series, I could not afford to physically scout all the areas listed in my books.  In that series of books, I used the Internet to scout every location and vehicle.  Thanks to Google and the Internet as a whole for aiding writers with finding generalized details about people, places, and things.

A lot can be said for scouting through the Internet.  However, my personal preference is to view the areas and locations personally.  The Internet can give general details, but you get more intimate details from being there in person.  Minor details can unknowingly impact the feel of your book. 

So how do you choose which areas to scout?

Most of it depends on your story.  First, I would research the area where your story takes place.  This is the most important part of your scouting process.  Without knowledge of the area for your story, there is more room for error; that is unless you are creating a fictional world.  The second thing to do is to use the Internet to find places to scout (this is where the Internet is beneficial).  By searching the web, you can find more locations that you can sort through for your story.  Once you have a handful of locations picked out, you can personally go there to check them out.  Make sure to bring a notepad/notebook, pen, and camera.

When I researched an upcoming book, The Campus Killer, I traveled to the New Paltz/Poughkeepsie areas to look at colleges, towns, and restaurants.  It took my attention to detail to a different level by experiencing the settings first hand.  My writing had creative and general details in the past, but by seeing the areas and taking pictures, I had first had knowledge of how it looked and a reference point to continuously go back to when writing.

Hope this helps.  Stay tuned for more posts coming in the next few weeks.

My First Book Signing

It was another life goal attained; a milestone that's been reached.  The first book signing for The Phoenix Blade has happened and I am still in a state of awe while tying to find the words to describe such a surreal moment; probably one of the greatest moments in my life.  My family and friends made it incredibly special for me, and I owe each and every one of them a special thank you for not only supporting my dream, but being there for me to celebrate my achievement.

When I first booked the signing with the Book Revue, I was nervous.  I knew it was a shot in the dark and a chance for me to enter the world in which I longed to be a part of.  It was an opportunity to share my work with people that were unfamiliar with my writing and build a bigger audience of readers. 

I counted down the weeks and then days to my book signing; eagerly waiting for that one moment where I could reflect on as another major step in the right direction of my career.  Then I was told I had to make a speech and handle a Q&A session as well.  Instinctively, my brain panicked and tried to build up a wall preventing me from rationally handling the situation.  Thankfully I had several supporters including my future wife, my mother, and my best friends who all gave me the perfect advise.  "Just be you and stop worrying about what you're going to say."  I continued dwelling on it for days, but couldn't think of anything to write down to prepare.  So I did what they suggested; speak from the heart. 

When I entered the building, the nerves disappeared.  I was filled with an energy that I still cannot describe.  But for a fleeting moment, I wasn't the Andrew Hess that used to be shy and quiet.  I was the man I evolved into over the last several years where nothing worried me.  The nervous feelings were replaced by confidence and I was ready to go.  Once my intro was read, my name was called, and the rest was history. 

It took me hours to fall asleep last night.  The air of excitement continued to circulate in my mind.  I wasn't ready for the night to end, but knew it wouldn't be the last time I would feel this way.  This was only the beginning. 

I would like to thank everyone again for coming out to make the night special for me.

In the next month, keep an eye out on here, my fan page or my website for my upcoming Virtual Book Tour with the Virtual Book Tour Cafe, an appearance on the Anthony Charles Podcast, and future events/signings.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/ThePhoenixBlade
https://www.facebook.com/#!/TheRealPhoenix13
http://www.phoenixed.biz/
http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com/3/post/2013/06/the-phoenix-blade-by-andrew-hess.html
http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/

Interviews

As promised, I was on the Anthony Charles Podcast where I called into the show to promote my new book The Phoenix Blade. 

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DeZr30JtrF3U%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&h=fAQGMJLbm

Here are my past appearances on the show as well.  You should check them out.
http://soundcloud.com/anthonycharlespodcast/episode-5-andrew-hess-writer

http://soundcloud.com/anthonycharlespodcast/episode-20-andrew-hess-author

The Anthony Charles Podcast is a great show that is all about helping and promoting artists of all types (Writers, Musicians, Comedians, Stuntmen, Directors, Pin-up Models and the list goes on and on.  Go back and check out all the other past episodes.  I'm sure you'll find them enlightening, and who knows you might learn something.

http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/

The Phoenix Blade

So here we are.  The official release of the Phoenix Blade was last week and have been receiving a lot of positive feedback from it. 
http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00CLIH0TS/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1367851796&sr=8-1&keywords=Phoenix+Blade%2C+Andrew+Hess

http://www.amazon.com/The-Phoenix-Blade-Andrew-Hess/dp/1482052733/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367851796&sr=8-1&keywords=Phoenix+Blade%2C+Andrew+Hess

I am currently setting up my first book signing event for the beginning of June in Huntington, NY (stay tuned for more details). I will also be on an episode of the Anthony Charles Podcast. In the meantime, feel free to check out my past interviews on the Anthony Charles Podcast.

http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-5-andrew-hess-writer/

http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-20-andrew-hess-authorpoetblogger/

I will keep everyone posted on any upcoming signings, on my virtual book tour, and will write a few new blog posts.

I would also like to encourage any writers to check out the Author Writing Club.  It is a site that helps writers promote their books with thousands of readers.

http://authormarketingclub.com/members/featured-member-books/

Anniversary of sorts.

While I was driving the other day, I listened to one of my interviews I did for the Anthony Charles Podcast.  In it he asked me when did I decide writing was my voice.  My answer was it had been six years since I decided to become a writer.  The interview was recorded back in 2011/2012 when my first book, the Chamber of Souls was released.  The interview made me realize that even in a year or two so much can change; writing styles, the way people talk, the way they dress, and the way they carry themselves in both private and public settings.  This can be easily chalked up to the events in ones life helping a person to grow, or a way of maturing. 

After six years of working my way into the writing industry, I felt like I was on top of the world.  I think everyone does when they reach a major accomplishment or goal in life.  But I quickly understood there was much more to learn.

It's been two years later, and this month makes it officially eight years since I decided to become a writer and starter the book that would change my life; The Phoenix Blade (Which I will give my readers more info on in the next post).  In the two years that have passed, I have found and connected with more writers and potential writers than I ever realized were out there.  People who have great ideas, or just stories from their past; itching to written and shown to the world.  A lot has been held back by them because they have been afraid to put themselves out there or didn't know what to write about or how to write it in the first place.  And for that I tell people to push yourselves to learn.  Put yourselves out there for people to see.  If you don't know how to do something, ask for help.  Linkedin is a great place to meet other writers and get their opinions.  Also take to reading more books about how to develop structure, characters, plots, and the specific genre you want to write about.

The thing that I have learned the most in the eight years of writing is that every moment I spent pouring my heart and soul into everything that I wrote and rewrote has been worth it.  Those moments of creating characters, venting into my poetry, working alongside with my brother, and talking to other writers and potential writers I wouldn't trade any of those moments for anything.  It is a crazy, hard working, and dedicated business to work your way into, but it has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring business to be a part of and I have only just begun. 

Poetry, Novels, Movie Scripts pt2

I decided to continue the series today and focus on part 2 which will cover writing novels.  Novels are a lot harder to write than poetry because you have to focus on telling a much longer story, developing characters, a good plot, and a storyline that hooks your readers.  There is a lot of detail you need to put into your novel. 

• The first step in the writing process is always to be inspired to write.  I know it's sounds
  ridiculous.  There are a lot of people who want to write a best selling novel, but are not inspired enough and their work suffers.  The quality of writing is not at the level it could have been. 
• The next step is to come up with a good plot.  In other words, figure out what your story is going to be about.  It could be anything from a war hero coming home from war and adjusting to a normal life, to a child dreaming of being a pirate. 
• The next step is to determine the setting and genre of your novel.  Where is the story going to take place.  It is in the past, present, or future.  Is it in your home town, somewhere in your country, or someplace fictional.  Also you need to determine if your novel is going to be a comedy, action, drama, horror, science fiction, or romance type of novel. 
• Next, create a list of characters.  I usually get a notepad out and make a list of names for possible characters and figure out which ones I would like to use.  I recommend starting with your main characters and work your way to the supporting or secondary characters.  I use the notepad to write out the character description, how their personality is supposed to be like, and where I would like to see that character end up.  A lot of the time, I base characters off of people that have been in my life at some point.  Especially in the beginning, it helps for the author to make a stronger connection to his/her characters.
• The next thing (and I strongly recommend doing this) is making a chapter outline of where you would like the story to go.  My first novel I wrote did not have the structure that it should have (at first).  I wrote the story however it appeared in my mind (which can work).  But when you have the outline in front of you, it is easier to stay on track and focus a lot more on the details of the story than where it is going. 
• At this point you are ready to write the story itself.  At that point it is all on you.  The only pointers I can give during your writing process are to make sure you are very descriptive with your settings and characters.  Use your dialog to tell the story and do not try to be perfect with your wording (this isn't english class).
• Make sure you work hard at writing if this is something you really want to do.  Set goals or a schedule up for times to write or you should be at whatever chapter by this date. 
• Edit and rewrite the story.  Trust me this is something you will find yourself doing quite a few times. 

Writing a novel is one of the things I love doing the most.  It helps you create a whole other world where you control your characters and become invested in them.  When someone else reads the novel, and they get that same feeling and investment, it gives you a feeling that can't be described. 
Here are some other links that might help you with your writing:
http://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Novel
http://www.novel-writing-help.com/how-to-write-a-novel.html
http://www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-write-a-novel.html

As always I welcome any questions or comments.
http://soundcloud.com/anthonycharlesofficial/episode-20-andrew-hess-author

Relationships

This is a little off the topic tonight but still works with being a writer.  Relationships are both a blessing and a curse.  Now before you agree, disagree or want to throw something at me, let me explain this statement.  When I was younger, (first started writing) I had a lot of relationship issues with my ex.  There were many things I needed to work on and there were about the same or more that she had to work on.  Never the less, we lived together for many years and had to deal with each other every day.  I told her a lot about the ideas I had and the dream of me becoming a writer.  There were times were she said she believed in me and a couple of times (when arguing) where she threw it in my face and told me I was dellusional.  I know it was in the heat of the moment, but there was always a part of me that thought she really didn't have faith in me that I could become a writer. 

Fast Forward to the present.  It's been nearly 5 years since my ex and I split up and now I am with an incredible woman.  She supports me and encourages me and I do the same for her.  When it comes to my writing, she continuously tells me to write even when I feel down and don't want to.  When I think of her, I have a stronger desire to accomplish more (she inspires me to work harder).

Just from that alone is a considerable difference between my old life and my current one.  But that's not why I chose this topic tonight.  I chose this because I have seen a lot of friends in bad relationships and ones that unexpectedly broke their hearts.  A lot of them have chosen to dwell on what happened and what could have been, others decided to pack up their stuff and move away and start over.  It's not me to tell you how to handle the situation.  The only thing I will say, is don't hold a grudge over what happened.  It means the relationship wasn't meant to be.  There is someone out there and the harder you look for them, the harder it is to see them.  And social media isn't the best place to vent your story to the world but if you want to talk about it, find a couple of close friends to lean on or write down your feelings about the situation.  You never know what a couple of pages of writing while you're in that emotional state can bring you. 

So as I said relationships can be a blessing and a curse.  It all depends on how you perceive it. 

Don't forget to listen to the Anthony Charles Podcast this week for my interview.
http://soundcloud.com/anthonycharlesofficial/episode-20-andrew-hess-author

And follow me on Twitter and FB
http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheRealPhoenix13
https://twitter.com/ThePhoenix1369

Friendships

I wanted to take tonight to talk about friendships both personal and professional.  When you start out in school, you think everyone is your friend.  As you progress into your later scholastic years you either have a close circuit of friends or clique, or you are part of many groups in the confines of the school.  In college you have a new set of friends.  Some are in Fraternities or Sorrorities while others find friends through classes or school clubs.  Either way a lot of the friendships you created earlier in life have either been lost in the transitions or held together very tightly. 

In my opinion it's not until you are in the real world that you realize who your true friends are in life.  They could be current co-workers that you have known for years and spend a lot of time with.  Others could be new business associates that you come across and find common ground to start building a friendship on.  In some cases the friends you made along your journey through school are still going strong; even hundreds of miles away.

I have found that there are some people that want to be fake friends and fairweather friends.  Fairweather friends are people that come around when it is convienent for them.  Due to social media, there are now a multitude of platforms for these people to reach out and contact someone.  I myself, am one of those people where I will message people out of convience.  It's nothing to be shameful about because we all do that now.  Each day we read social status updates of people we follow or are friends with to find something we find amusing or interesting to talk about with each other.  It helps us keep up to date on people that we do or did care about and provides us topics to talk about when we decide it is the right moment.  In a way this is good and bad (but I will leave that for another topic for the future).

Onto the Fake Friends.  Fake friends are people that are around just to use others for their own selfish benefit.  They could be people that don't necessarily mean any harm but need something (advice, venting, guidance, money, or just around for the party).  I have come to know many of these people in my life.  Some were very trusted friends that got to know me pretty well, and when they got what they needed they left.  Others releaized they weren't getting what they wanted out of the friendship and decided to depart from my life as well.  Both of those are okay and I wish those people the best in their lives. 

Finally there are True Friends.  These are the people that are there for you no matter what.  They are the people that go out of their way to help you, trust you with their lives, and are always looking out for others best interest.  I can honestly say I am someone who values those traits in friends and have a good circle of close friends that I myself would trust with my life.  I may know some of them for nearly 15 years, others that I knew when I moved away, some I worked with, and others I met as of this last year. 

Regardless of who these people are, friends are the people that make every moment of life worth living.  They share in the good times and bad.  They provide inspiration and comfort.  They are the shoulder you cry on or the people you share a great laugh with.  I want to dedicate this post to all of those close friends and family that have always stood by me.


And on a side note, I would like to also post a link to my interview on the Anthony Charles Podcast this week.  I hope you all enjoy and have a great night.
http://soundcloud.com/anthonycharlesofficial/episode-20-andrew-hess-author

Inspiration

I wanted to use tonight to talk about one of the fundamental components to writing or doing anything in a creative artistic field; inspiration.  In my opinion, inspiration is what brings a writer to his/her craft.  It is what we look for in life to bring us the next idea for a future project or something to work on at that moment.  It can be found anywhere; in a movie, a TV show, music, nature, talking to friends and family, and sometimes even when you are at work staring at a door or window. 

You can find inspiration anywhere and in anything.  There are a few places I like to go to create new ideas.  For starters I like to go to the beach.  It doesn't matter if it is day or night, I will go there to sit on the sand and listen to the waves wash up on the shore.  I'll watch the sun or moon light bounce off the water and let the wind relax me.  I have written many poems based off of my time at different beaches.  Another area was the Walk over the Hudson.  It is upstate in Highland/Poughkeepsie area.  It's a long walk to get from one side of the bridge to the other, but well worth it.  I don't get up there that often, but when I have it is amazing to see.  You stand high above the water and watch it flow easily underneath you.  You can watch the cars pass by on the Mid Hudson Bridge.  This has provided ideas for one of my books.

There are so many examples of finding inspiration that I could talk about.  Instead I want to encourage you to use the weekend to enjoy the weekend, relax, and find some inspiration in everything you do.  For me I will be heading back into my old stomping grounds in New Paltz and Poughkeepsie this weekend.  I will also be on the Anthony Charles Podcast taping this weekend which will be available soon.  Stay tuned for details.