Hi posse!

Last week I filmed the book trailer for Boot Language.  A book trailer is like a movie trailer, only typically shorter.  I’ve never done anything like this before, hadn’t created a “story board” like professionals do, but I LOVE the power of images.  I could do this, right?

My friend and award-winning photographer, Devi Pride, kindly offered to help me out. Then came the call that Fox Equine Rescue would love to have us film at their stables in the lush Santa Cruz Mountains.  Talk about feeling grateful!  (The picture to the left is a behind-the-scenes shot of walking with Foxy, a spunky rescued mare who put her heart into the job…and only occasionally demanded a nibble of grass.)

Photographer: check! Setting: check!   Only one problem left. Boot Language is about my relationship with my father.  His boots simply had to participate in the trailer, and they had to be walking.  But Dad died decades ago. What was I supposed to do?

It dawned on me that my sweetheart has feet.  And those feet could put on cowboy boots, right?

On filming day, this mild-mannered, introverted soul donned a ratty pair of weathered boots…and his inner actor emerged. Those boots responded to my every command, even when I laughingly urged, “Angrier, sweetie!” and my favorite, “Put some whiskey in those veins!”

The take-aways:  Trust others. Believe in yourself. Take risks.

Stay tuned for next month’s unveiling of the Boot Language book trailer!

What’s on my bedside table

This outstanding memoir by journalist Andrea Jarrell packs a punch.  It’s a beautifully written coming-of-age examination of rising above pain in the shadow of the past.  Mysterious and reflective.  A great summer read!

I’m the one who got away – Andrea Jarrell

Bio

Vanya has spent decades teaching writing and public speaking, as well as mentoring educators in the oldest, continuously used schoolhouse in California. Her essays have appeared in a dozen literary journals and anthologies, and in the book, The Magic of Memoir. Her book, Boot Language, comes out August 21st.

Book Giveaway for Vanya’s Boot Language!

On Goodreads, enter for the chance to win 1 of 10 copies.  Giveaway dates: 7/8 – 8/7!

Book Update

Two months until it’s here!  At this writing Boot Language is being recorded at Mosaic Studios in LA by the Audie award-winner, Nicol Zanzarella.   Dreamy voice!