Author and writing coach Randy Jernigan is not a man who likes to sit on his laurels when there's something that needs to be accomplished.
With his newest book's success ebbing, The Life and Career of Marie Osmond, the author is about to release a second celebrity sketch in his "Stars" series, on comedian Ellen DeGeneres.
Upon meeting up with Randy at his favorite Asian eatery on a beautiful Sunday morning in his home state of Utah, we hug, exchange pleasantries (I can't help but gasp that my friend has lost an enormous amount of weight--180 pounds to be exact) then we enter the establishment and take a seat.
My intention for this interview is simple--to get up close and personal with the man that inspired me to write professionally. I first met Randy seven years ago when I took his creative writing class at his Writers Studio of Utah, where I lived at the time. So much in my life has changed since then--for the better, I might add. I'm now a professional writer, living in New York City and actually making a living at a craft I'm very passionate about.
What made you decide to leave magazine writing and would you ever consider going back?
"I began to feel that I had gone as far as I could go as a writer in that genre. I loved what I was doing. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the opportunity that I was given to write for everyone of those magazines, but as you well know, a writer needs to keep growing and climb other mountains. There were other genres I wanted to work in and perfect.
One thing I've always taught my writing students is that you need to develop your talents in other genres so that you don't stagnate.
Would I ever go back to writing for magazines--I've learned to never say never. I'm very grateful for the experience and If I find something to write about I'm sure I would submit a lead into one of the editors and maybe they'd want me to do it. Who knows?"
When you announced your "Stars" book series, the tabloids seemed to attack you--was that a bad experience for you as a writer?
"It was the worst time of my freelancing career. The first names we announced were Daniel Radcliffe and Ellen DeGeneres and right from the start the tabloids went on attack. I hated waking up in the morning and turning on my computer because I knew there would be some terrible story, accusing me of saying things I never said. One tabloid accused me a saying Dan was an alcoholic and drank on the Harry Potter set. Another accused me a saying that Ellen and Portia were filing for divorce and couldn't get along. Nothing could have been further from the truth. One online rag actually said that they had an advanced copy of my Ellen book and that I had said such and such--when I hadn't even written the book yet.
Most of my friends that know me well, know of my affection for both Dan and Ellen and that I would never have written such things.
It was a terrible time for me. Even after I published my Marie title several haters began posting mean-spirited comments about it, all because of the influence of those tabloids. Was just a terrible time for me but I made it through."
I hear you're going to reopen The Writers Studio--is that true?
"I'm seriously considering it. I think there's nothing I love more than working with new writers. I've been working with Les Bailey of late. He's a spectacular author and has such a passion for his craft that he inspires me to be better at it. He came to me a while back and asked me to help with his new project, The Vampire Game--it was so amazing that I just wanted to be involved. I do some press work and oversee publicity for the project. I'm so proud of Les--his talents are so amazing and he's such a great guy. I've totally fallen in love with him. All my writer have a special place in my heart."
I recently read that you're working on a new television project about God for a British market. What can you tell me about this project?
"Not a lot, just because it's not customary to spill too many beans about TV projects. But I'm thrilled to get to work on a television project again. Especially for a British market--you know I love anything English! It's working title is God, Faith and Humanity and it's a look at how people's faith in a higher being has the power to effect mighty change in people's lives. I'm right in the middle of working on it now--I'll keep you informed about its progress."
What advice would you give a new writer that wants to get serious about his or her craft?
"Find a good writing class and get involved. I've found that when you get a group of writers in one room the synergy is nothing less than amazing. It can inspire you to new heights and lead you in the right direction. Always write about things you have a passion for. My best selling book was Losing to Win! My book where I tell my story about my weight-loss and new way of living. It was a subject that I had a serious passion for so I you could see the passion in my writing.
And never give up on your writing dreams!
With his newest book's success ebbing, The Life and Career of Marie Osmond, the author is about to release a second celebrity sketch in his "Stars" series, on comedian Ellen DeGeneres.
Upon meeting up with Randy at his favorite Asian eatery on a beautiful Sunday morning in his home state of Utah, we hug, exchange pleasantries (I can't help but gasp that my friend has lost an enormous amount of weight--180 pounds to be exact) then we enter the establishment and take a seat.
My intention for this interview is simple--to get up close and personal with the man that inspired me to write professionally. I first met Randy seven years ago when I took his creative writing class at his Writers Studio of Utah, where I lived at the time. So much in my life has changed since then--for the better, I might add. I'm now a professional writer, living in New York City and actually making a living at a craft I'm very passionate about.
What made you decide to leave magazine writing and would you ever consider going back?
"I began to feel that I had gone as far as I could go as a writer in that genre. I loved what I was doing. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the opportunity that I was given to write for everyone of those magazines, but as you well know, a writer needs to keep growing and climb other mountains. There were other genres I wanted to work in and perfect.
One thing I've always taught my writing students is that you need to develop your talents in other genres so that you don't stagnate.
Would I ever go back to writing for magazines--I've learned to never say never. I'm very grateful for the experience and If I find something to write about I'm sure I would submit a lead into one of the editors and maybe they'd want me to do it. Who knows?"
When you announced your "Stars" book series, the tabloids seemed to attack you--was that a bad experience for you as a writer?
"It was the worst time of my freelancing career. The first names we announced were Daniel Radcliffe and Ellen DeGeneres and right from the start the tabloids went on attack. I hated waking up in the morning and turning on my computer because I knew there would be some terrible story, accusing me of saying things I never said. One tabloid accused me a saying Dan was an alcoholic and drank on the Harry Potter set. Another accused me a saying that Ellen and Portia were filing for divorce and couldn't get along. Nothing could have been further from the truth. One online rag actually said that they had an advanced copy of my Ellen book and that I had said such and such--when I hadn't even written the book yet.
Most of my friends that know me well, know of my affection for both Dan and Ellen and that I would never have written such things.
It was a terrible time for me. Even after I published my Marie title several haters began posting mean-spirited comments about it, all because of the influence of those tabloids. Was just a terrible time for me but I made it through."
I hear you're going to reopen The Writers Studio--is that true?
"I'm seriously considering it. I think there's nothing I love more than working with new writers. I've been working with Les Bailey of late. He's a spectacular author and has such a passion for his craft that he inspires me to be better at it. He came to me a while back and asked me to help with his new project, The Vampire Game--it was so amazing that I just wanted to be involved. I do some press work and oversee publicity for the project. I'm so proud of Les--his talents are so amazing and he's such a great guy. I've totally fallen in love with him. All my writer have a special place in my heart."
I recently read that you're working on a new television project about God for a British market. What can you tell me about this project?
"Not a lot, just because it's not customary to spill too many beans about TV projects. But I'm thrilled to get to work on a television project again. Especially for a British market--you know I love anything English! It's working title is God, Faith and Humanity and it's a look at how people's faith in a higher being has the power to effect mighty change in people's lives. I'm right in the middle of working on it now--I'll keep you informed about its progress."
What advice would you give a new writer that wants to get serious about his or her craft?
"Find a good writing class and get involved. I've found that when you get a group of writers in one room the synergy is nothing less than amazing. It can inspire you to new heights and lead you in the right direction. Always write about things you have a passion for. My best selling book was Losing to Win! My book where I tell my story about my weight-loss and new way of living. It was a subject that I had a serious passion for so I you could see the passion in my writing.
And never give up on your writing dreams!
So this is the plot of my book. DONT BE NICE OKAY!!!!
Milgas Gonailm is an Elf who lives in a forest. This forest lies in the land of Puleaveh, a land filled with creatures as dwarves, Dondurs (a type of early leprechaun), Men, and others. Anyway Men haven't lived here in a while, they left a long time ago. Now they've come back because their land was invaded by an ancient evil. Now the races of Puleaveh have hated each other for a long time. But they don't want to harm the world with war, so they keep to themselves. Milgas volunteered to go on a journey to unite the races to fight against this evil.
So what do you think?
Milgas Gonailm is an Elf who lives in a forest. This forest lies in the land of Puleaveh, a land filled with creatures as dwarves, Dondurs (a type of early leprechaun), Men, and others. Anyway Men haven't lived here in a while, they left a long time ago. Now they've come back because their land was invaded by an ancient evil. Now the races of Puleaveh have hated each other for a long time. But they don't want to harm the world with war, so they keep to themselves. Milgas volunteered to go on a journey to unite the races to fight against this evil.
So what do you think?
Pop music icon Josh Groban's life and career will be chronicled in the book series that celebrates celebrities that have positive reputations for giving back to their communities.
Randy recently took to his Instagram page to announce that he would publish a sketch on Groban.
"Excited to add the name Josh Groban to my "Stars" celebrity fan book series! I've been a fan of Josh's music for a lot of years, so thrilled as can be," Randy posted.
Randy's first book in the series, The Life and Career of Marie Osmond, became an immediate best seller. His second installment in the series will be a sketch of popular comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.
Randy's Josh Groban sketch is expected to cover Groban's varied career as a pop sensation, his work on the Broadway stage, television and little known information about his personal life and charity work.
Hey guys!
So I know a few of those who'll come across this page and think it's exactly like the 'Writing' page, but it's not. This group is for everyone who wants to publish a piece of writing that they've started, finished, or are editing. It's like those groups a lot of authors tend to join to get help on their books, songs, short stories, plain ol' ideas, or screenplays.
The Writer's Club is all about coming together to help each other achieve their best work and even publish their work. We can help one another by reviewing chapters of books that have been posted as articles, by reading lyrics that may not be quite right, or to just see what kind of audience a piece of work is suited towards.
Anyways, if anyone has questions, just give me a shout out, otherwise feel free to post any pieces of original material for constructive debate!
- M.
So I know a few of those who'll come across this page and think it's exactly like the 'Writing' page, but it's not. This group is for everyone who wants to publish a piece of writing that they've started, finished, or are editing. It's like those groups a lot of authors tend to join to get help on their books, songs, short stories, plain ol' ideas, or screenplays.
The Writer's Club is all about coming together to help each other achieve their best work and even publish their work. We can help one another by reviewing chapters of books that have been posted as articles, by reading lyrics that may not be quite right, or to just see what kind of audience a piece of work is suited towards.
Anyways, if anyone has questions, just give me a shout out, otherwise feel free to post any pieces of original material for constructive debate!
- M.
In this night
composed of beads sprinkled
of the memories and remembrance of
the days that sill live in the hearts of sorrow.
In this night
I search for one soul
who can understand my thoughts,
in this night I whisper...
Your name like a blessing,
your hug like a consolation.
In this night,
magic is real,
weakness of the past has been stopped
by this moment of fidelity,
this moment belongs to us.
Make my demons go away,
I know,you're the only one,
the only one who can stop the pain.
Beads are sprinkled all over,
this beads of past,
rolling to the floor to my foot
just to remind me,
just to punish me
for the days when my strength
was gone,
when I was gone,
burried by the thoughts of darkness and grief.
But this night belongs to magic,
the magic of your presence,
this night will forgive my weakness,
so I shall forgive,
I will pick these beads and I will be free,
fear won't find me,the nigh will forgive me.
composed of beads sprinkled
of the memories and remembrance of
the days that sill live in the hearts of sorrow.
In this night
I search for one soul
who can understand my thoughts,
in this night I whisper...
Your name like a blessing,
your hug like a consolation.
In this night,
magic is real,
weakness of the past has been stopped
by this moment of fidelity,
this moment belongs to us.
Make my demons go away,
I know,you're the only one,
the only one who can stop the pain.
Beads are sprinkled all over,
this beads of past,
rolling to the floor to my foot
just to remind me,
just to punish me
for the days when my strength
was gone,
when I was gone,
burried by the thoughts of darkness and grief.
But this night belongs to magic,
the magic of your presence,
this night will forgive my weakness,
so I shall forgive,
I will pick these beads and I will be free,
fear won't find me,the nigh will forgive me.
" Cassie, he's staring at me through the window!" My friend Lexi whispered during Science. I turned my head to the left and sure enough Caden was staring at her. Why does she always date such jerks? She should date someone who treats her right. " Lexi and Cassie, stop talking." Mrs. Daloff yelled. ~Wow, that was rude. She's a bad teacher. We should get her fired.~ Me and Lexi's friend Megan passed us a note. ~Ya Totally!! Should we include Gracie?~ Lexi wrote to Megan. As her response Megan just smiled. ~Are you in Cass?~ Megan wrote. "Ya," I mouthed to her. She smiled and gave me two thumbs up.
Out at recess, we planned out our scheme. Mrs.Daloff would get snakes in her class, so she would yell at Tyler since he would do something like that. Then she would call the principal and Tyler would get in trouble, but to keep from getting in trouble he'd say he didn't do anything. The principal would believe him and Mrs.Daloff would be fired. Unless..... Something gets ruined.
Out at recess, we planned out our scheme. Mrs.Daloff would get snakes in her class, so she would yell at Tyler since he would do something like that. Then she would call the principal and Tyler would get in trouble, but to keep from getting in trouble he'd say he didn't do anything. The principal would believe him and Mrs.Daloff would be fired. Unless..... Something gets ruined.
Have you ever been burned or struck? Threatened or excuted? I haven't, but my friends and family have. My sister was struck, and my mother was threatened, but the worst were my father and my best friend. They were executed for having as destructive imagination. Since their executions other with the same " problem " have tried to flee from the country, but they just end up caught and killed. You see any kind of imagination is banned from this country. I miss my father, my friend, and imagination. Someday, I'll bring imagination back for them, but until then it remains buried in the ground with my loved ones.