Caroline Kennedy's Blog
April 10, 2014
AS YOU WISH - Inconceivable Tales about the Making of the Princess Bride
My nephew, Cary Elwes, has written a book about the making of his cult movie, The Princess Bride. With interviews with all the stars and lots of behind the scenes stories, this will be a best-seller and become a collector's item. Be sure to reserve your copy in advance. It is due out in October on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASI...
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASI...
December 28, 2013
NSA and All That
Edward Snowden giving his "Christmas Message" from Moscow. The NSA data collection being found legal by a Federal judge.
I have been wondering since this NSA story broke why all the hysteria surrounding personal "privacy". In this day and age, with wireless communication around the world and in the skies above us, how come anyone is shocked at the thought that people are spying on us? We expect to be able to phone the other side of the world on Skype or Google Hangouts for nothing. We expect instant responses to our emails. We depend on instant knowledge from the internet. We demand we are kept safe from terrorism. And yet we start complaining when we feel we are "being watched."
Spying is the second oldest profession, after prostitution. Governments, people, companies, political parties, corporations, individuals etc have been spying on one another since time immemorial.
And, no, our words, our thoughts, our privacy are not being monitored and stolen. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-ces...
But, if you are still paranoid enough to believe your every move is being watched by the NSA then just drop out of the electronic age altogether. It's that simple. For my part I decided long ago to sacrifice some of my personal privacy for the benefits of belonging to the internet age. So I will be the last to complain about its intrusion into my life. If you hear me complaining about it, just remind me of these words!
I have been wondering since this NSA story broke why all the hysteria surrounding personal "privacy". In this day and age, with wireless communication around the world and in the skies above us, how come anyone is shocked at the thought that people are spying on us? We expect to be able to phone the other side of the world on Skype or Google Hangouts for nothing. We expect instant responses to our emails. We depend on instant knowledge from the internet. We demand we are kept safe from terrorism. And yet we start complaining when we feel we are "being watched."
Spying is the second oldest profession, after prostitution. Governments, people, companies, political parties, corporations, individuals etc have been spying on one another since time immemorial.
And, no, our words, our thoughts, our privacy are not being monitored and stolen. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-ces...
But, if you are still paranoid enough to believe your every move is being watched by the NSA then just drop out of the electronic age altogether. It's that simple. For my part I decided long ago to sacrifice some of my personal privacy for the benefits of belonging to the internet age. So I will be the last to complain about its intrusion into my life. If you hear me complaining about it, just remind me of these words!
December 19, 2013
Stephen Ward - The Musical
Opening night tonight. I know I will get goosebumps watching Stephen Ward come to life. After almost 5 years of research and writing two books and a TV film about Ward, I feel I know him better than some of those people who did actually know him.
I am certain the wonderful actor, Alex Hanson, will do him justice to a point where it will probably be hard for me to distinguish which Ward is which - the dramatic and the real.
I am very fortunate that 25 years after my original book on Stephen Ward was published it now has a new lease on life. Who could have predicted this? And what could gain more publicity than a new musical by Andrew Lloyd-Weber? And with a team such as director Richard Eyre and writer Christopher Hampton there is little chance that it won't succeed.
And for the past 25 years too I have been pressing to have Stephen Ward's conviction overturned. And thanks to the efforts of ALW and Geoffrey Robertson QC, this might actually finally happen.
So tonight is the night!
I am certain the wonderful actor, Alex Hanson, will do him justice to a point where it will probably be hard for me to distinguish which Ward is which - the dramatic and the real.
I am very fortunate that 25 years after my original book on Stephen Ward was published it now has a new lease on life. Who could have predicted this? And what could gain more publicity than a new musical by Andrew Lloyd-Weber? And with a team such as director Richard Eyre and writer Christopher Hampton there is little chance that it won't succeed.
And for the past 25 years too I have been pressing to have Stephen Ward's conviction overturned. And thanks to the efforts of ALW and Geoffrey Robertson QC, this might actually finally happen.
So tonight is the night!
December 12, 2013
BookBuzzr Newletter 12/12/13
Caroline Kennedy's Book Now Turned into a Musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber!
In 1987 BookBuzzr author Caroline Kennedy wrote a book about 'How the English Establishment Framed Stephen Ward'. The book went on to become a #1 Best seller. Caroline has since republished the updated version of the book which provides the basis for Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical that debuts on the 19th of December. Check out the book here or learn more about the musical on the Stephen Ward musical site.
In 1987 BookBuzzr author Caroline Kennedy wrote a book about 'How the English Establishment Framed Stephen Ward'. The book went on to become a #1 Best seller. Caroline has since republished the updated version of the book which provides the basis for Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical that debuts on the 19th of December. Check out the book here or learn more about the musical on the Stephen Ward musical site.
December 9, 2013
Stephen Ward - the Musical
I have been asked several times what it feels like having a musical based on my books, "How the English Establishment Framed Stephen Ward" and "An Affair of State". And what's more, not just any musical but a musical by Andrew Lloyd-Weber! It's something I had never even dreamed of. To tell the truth, I would never have even suggested it as a subject of a musical. A play, yes. A movie, definitely. But a musical? Yet here it is. Preview time and the personal reviews have all be good, so far.
The opening is on the 19th December and I am on my way to the UK to attend it. When I wrote my first book in 1987 it went straight to number one on the best-selling list. I decided then and there never to write another book as sales could only go downhill! Besides, there were other things I wanted to do. More travelling. Humanitarian work with refugees. Art and Drama therapy with refugee and indigenous children.
But here I am, 25 years later, with a second book and, thanks to all the publicity surrounding the musical, sales are doing well - not spectacular, but well enough that I can breathe a sigh of relief that I made the right decision!
The opening is on the 19th December and I am on my way to the UK to attend it. When I wrote my first book in 1987 it went straight to number one on the best-selling list. I decided then and there never to write another book as sales could only go downhill! Besides, there were other things I wanted to do. More travelling. Humanitarian work with refugees. Art and Drama therapy with refugee and indigenous children.
But here I am, 25 years later, with a second book and, thanks to all the publicity surrounding the musical, sales are doing well - not spectacular, but well enough that I can breathe a sigh of relief that I made the right decision!
December 7, 2013
Surprise!
Really thrilled to see how well my book, "How the English Establishment Framed Stephen Ward" is selling on Amazon. I am also pleasantly surprised to see that the hard copy of the book is selling much faster than the Kindle edition. I really thought it would be the other way round. People obviously really enjoy holding a good book in their hands rather than finding one more excuse to gaze at a monitor.
My guess is that with all the publicity surrounding #AndrewLloydWeber's new musical, #StephenWard, people really are curious to find out who this man was.
Add to that the fact that much of the evidence we provide in the book is now being used to refer Ward's case to the Court of Criminal Appeal. If this happens his conviction is likely to be overturned. I would consider this a great coup as I have spent almost 5 years of my life researching this story.
My guess is that with all the publicity surrounding #AndrewLloydWeber's new musical, #StephenWard, people really are curious to find out who this man was.
Add to that the fact that much of the evidence we provide in the book is now being used to refer Ward's case to the Court of Criminal Appeal. If this happens his conviction is likely to be overturned. I would consider this a great coup as I have spent almost 5 years of my life researching this story.
Weekend Quiz
Today I have set a quiz on my book Web Page:
www.facebook.com/WardVictimofHypocrisy
The first person to give all correct answers receives an e-copy of my book, "How the English Establishment Framed Stephen Ward"
The answers are all contained in the posts on that Web Page. So have a go! And good luck!
OK, it's the weekend. So, a little quiz this morning. Just to see if you have been paying attention to my posts!
1) Where and why was Mariella Novotny arrested?
2) Who was Peter Rachman and how did he fit into the story?
3) Where was Spring Cottage located?
4) What were the names of Christine Keeler's two black lovers?
5) How many times did Stephen Ward treat Winston Churchill?
6) In whose flat was Stephen Ward staying during his trial?
7) Who did Christine nearly shoot with a gun - and why?
Who was John Profumo married to?
9) Who said, "I will not be brought down by that tart!"
10) Who introduced Stephen Ward to Paul Getty, the richest man in the world? And why did that man become infamous?
Have a go over the weekend....First person with the correct answers wins and will receive a copy of the Kindle version of "How the English Establishment Framed Stephen Ward". Good luck!
www.facebook.com/WardVictimofHypocrisy
The first person to give all correct answers receives an e-copy of my book, "How the English Establishment Framed Stephen Ward"
The answers are all contained in the posts on that Web Page. So have a go! And good luck!
OK, it's the weekend. So, a little quiz this morning. Just to see if you have been paying attention to my posts!
1) Where and why was Mariella Novotny arrested?
2) Who was Peter Rachman and how did he fit into the story?
3) Where was Spring Cottage located?
4) What were the names of Christine Keeler's two black lovers?
5) How many times did Stephen Ward treat Winston Churchill?
6) In whose flat was Stephen Ward staying during his trial?
7) Who did Christine nearly shoot with a gun - and why?
Who was John Profumo married to?
9) Who said, "I will not be brought down by that tart!"
10) Who introduced Stephen Ward to Paul Getty, the richest man in the world? And why did that man become infamous?
Have a go over the weekend....First person with the correct answers wins and will receive a copy of the Kindle version of "How the English Establishment Framed Stephen Ward". Good luck!
December 5, 2013
J.D.Salinger
Anyone see the documentary about J.D.Salinger? I watched half of it last night and plan to watch the second half tonight.
It's very well made but I have one grave concern...I know he's a sacred cow...I know it's difficult to criticize him in any way....but...but...this is really worrying me...His first great love was Oona O'Neill, aged 16...When he went off to war she went off to Hollywood and, at 18, married the much, much older Charlie Chaplin.
After the war, like many soldiers coming home, Salinger returns a changed man. He befriends a 12 year old girl...He told her after the misery of war she brought him so much happiness he would marry her!
I wonder what is in store tonight...Will update tomorrow. But any light you can shine on this subject would be welcome...I hope I am wrong...I really do hope I'm wrong...
It's very well made but I have one grave concern...I know he's a sacred cow...I know it's difficult to criticize him in any way....but...but...this is really worrying me...His first great love was Oona O'Neill, aged 16...When he went off to war she went off to Hollywood and, at 18, married the much, much older Charlie Chaplin.
After the war, like many soldiers coming home, Salinger returns a changed man. He befriends a 12 year old girl...He told her after the misery of war she brought him so much happiness he would marry her!
I wonder what is in store tonight...Will update tomorrow. But any light you can shine on this subject would be welcome...I hope I am wrong...I really do hope I'm wrong...
Introducing Myself
Usual early morning wake up...3.47am to be exact. I can hear the hum of the air conditioners in the apartments around me...and I wonder why are people using air conditioners, in the winter, in LA? It gets cold at night, even in the summer. It's desert here, that's how it is. And I wonder about the US addiction to air conditioning, to power, to energy...That's how it is early in the morning. I think about things I have no control over. Life's conundrums that simply are.
And I am also wondering if my friends, Liz Howard, Sherrie Gingery and Brad Stone - all lovers of books - whether they'll enjoy my new book and, perhaps, review it on GoodReads...
There's a lot of time to think...at 3.47am..And so my mind switches to the UK...I'm going there next week and the temperature is below freezing...and I suddenly realize I left my winter coat in Costa Rica! Oh damn, and there's no time to retrieve it. That's the problem when you're living between three countries. Things are never where they need to be at the right time...And I was in Costa Rica last month. I could have brought the coat back with me to LA...What an idiot I am..3.58am..and I'm thinking, do I buy a new coat? No, I don't want to do that. But then how am I going to survive an English winter...
4am and my mind moves on...What shall I wear for the opening of Andrew Lloyd-Weber's new musical, "Stephen Ward"? I don't want to buy something new. I might never wear it again...I have a photographic memory of the interior of my wardrobe and just know there's nothing in there that would pass for an opening night in the West End...And it's still only 4.10am...
And I am also wondering if my friends, Liz Howard, Sherrie Gingery and Brad Stone - all lovers of books - whether they'll enjoy my new book and, perhaps, review it on GoodReads...
There's a lot of time to think...at 3.47am..And so my mind switches to the UK...I'm going there next week and the temperature is below freezing...and I suddenly realize I left my winter coat in Costa Rica! Oh damn, and there's no time to retrieve it. That's the problem when you're living between three countries. Things are never where they need to be at the right time...And I was in Costa Rica last month. I could have brought the coat back with me to LA...What an idiot I am..3.58am..and I'm thinking, do I buy a new coat? No, I don't want to do that. But then how am I going to survive an English winter...
4am and my mind moves on...What shall I wear for the opening of Andrew Lloyd-Weber's new musical, "Stephen Ward"? I don't want to buy something new. I might never wear it again...I have a photographic memory of the interior of my wardrobe and just know there's nothing in there that would pass for an opening night in the West End...And it's still only 4.10am...
