About Me

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Hello! I am an Author who just published my first novel My Life With The Movie Star. I also write a weekly blog for patch.com and have blogged for CNN iReports.
Showing posts with label Port Washington WI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Port Washington WI. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Inspiration for my first Novel

The idea for my first novel “My Life With The Movie Star” came to me while I was on a business trip in Dallas Texas. I was staying at the Gaylord Texan, which is an enormous hotel and convention center. If you have never been to any of the Gaylord properties, they are famous for having botanical gardens, themed restaurants. As soon as I walked in the front door I imaged this would Guest Blogger Meaghan Hoffman on Amelia Curzon's Blog - "Carte Blanche"be an ideal hotel where any A List Hollywood star would stay. The story My Life With The Movie Star is about a young girl from the Midwest Abby, who meets actor Grayson Edwards at a hotel while she is away on business. Unaware of his fame, Abby starts a long distance relationship with Gray over the phone, only to have her life turned upside down by discovering Grayson’s fame. Abby then struggles with the pressures of Grayson’s high demanding world, trying desperately to fit.
Once I had the idea for my novel I had to find the perfect city to set Abby’s side of the story in.  I chose my home town of Port Washington, Wisconsin. To me Port Washington is the perfect small town.  Port sits on the bank of Lake Michigan 30 miles north of Milwaukee.Port Washington on Amelia Curzon's Blog - "Carte Blanche" Before moving to Port Washington, I lived in Atlanta Georgia for 14 years.  Atlanta is a large, crowded, landlocked city.  After living in a big city for so many years, I yearned for a smaller community and to be close to the water.  My husband and I were able to buy a house almost two blocks from the beach.  I work from home, and on my lunch breaks, I would go and sit by the lake, eat my lunch, and write.  

Most of the buildings in the downtown Port Washington date back to the late 1800’s. This gives the city a pleasant, historic feeling.  Almost as if you have stepped by in time. You can go buy your meats at the local butcher shop, or your vegetables at the weekend farmers market.    I felt that this small town would be the perfect escape from a busy Hollywood life, which is what Grayson is desperately trying to achieve.
I not only set my story in the city of Port Washington,

I also used many of the local restaurants, stores, and festivals in the novel. The most notable is the yearly Fish Day Festival.  Fish day is the world’s largest outdoor fish fry and is always held the third Saturday in July.  This festival attracts over 20,000 people a year to Port Washington.  Also my two favorit bars Sir James Pub, and the Patio made it into the novel.

 After publishing my novel, I was approached by a local website portwashington-wi.patch.com, to write a weekly “Out and About” blog about Port Washington. This is something that I have thoroughly enjoyed doing and has given me a new outlet to share my love for my home town.  Since publishing My Life With The Movie Star, I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from my new community.  It’s so satisfying to get comments on my Facebook page from local Port Residents and how they enjoyed reading my novel.
Author Bio
Meaghan Hoffmann attended American Intercontinental University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Media Production. Meaghan has just published her first novel “My Life With The Movie Star.”  Meaghan also works for RICS Software in the Training department, is a CNN iReporter, and also volunteers for Big Brother Big Sister organization.
My Life With the Movie Star by Meaghan Hoffmann  is currently available on amazon.com

http://portwashington-wi.patch.com/users/meaghan-hoffmann
http://meaghanhoffmann.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Life-With-The-Movie-Star/221470914530920
http://ireport.cnn.com/people/hoffmannmeg?viewingAsOthers=true

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The Pirates! Band of Misfits Opens April 27th


June in Port Washington means one thing. A Pirate invasion! This year the pirates have decided to show up a wee bit early and host the opening night of the movie:  "The Pirates! Band of Misfits" at both the Marcus North Shore Cinema, and Saukville Cinema locations Friday April 27th. "The Pirates! Band of Misfits" is a fun family film about a band of eccentric pirates who are desperately trying to win the coveted Pirate of the Year Award. The Pirate Captain voiced by Hugh Grant must find a way to outsmart this year’s tough competition: Cutlass Liz played by Salma Hayek, and the dreaded Black Bellamy played by Jeremy Piven. "The Pirates! Band of Misfits" Directed by Pete Lord known for the "Wallace and Gromit", series along with the popular movie "Chicken Run". "The Pirates! Band of Misfits" is rated PG.

The fun begins Friday April 27th at 6:45pm at the North Shore Cinema in Mequon, and 7:05pm at the Saukville Cinema. The pirates will be bringing along loot, and goodie bags for all who attend. The North Shore location will also offer $3.00 off any large pizza at the Zaffiro’s Pizza restaurant within the theatre for anyone who dresses up as a pirate (Please leave any weapons back on the ship). There will also be door prizes and lots of pirate fun!
Those visiting North Shore Cinema can also visit the Zaffiro's restaurant after the show for their Sassy Hour specials. Every Friday after 9PM, Zaffiro's offers $5.00 personal pizzas, $5.00 Margaritas, and $3.00 beer specials, along with live music until 11PM.

Pirate Fest has become a June tradition in Port Washington. This year the festival is held June 1-3 in downtown Port Washington by the lakefront.  Some of the activities featured will be an invasion, Buccaneer Bash, Fireworks, Pirate Parade, and  Children’s activities. Check out their Facebook page for more details and this year's schedule.




 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Port-Washington-Pirate-Festival
/172082809511766

Thursday, April 12, 2012

WIP’s -What I am currently writing.


WIP’s -What I am currently writing.

I thought it might be fun to share some of the current WIP’s (Work In Progress) that I am currently writing.  I’m not sure if I will finish them, but these are some fun ideas I have rattling around in my head.  My number one priority is the sequel to My Life With The Movie Star.  I enjoy writing about Abby and Grayson and what they might be doing. This also gives me a chance to bring Dave more into the story.   It surprised me how many people enjoyed his role in the first book, and gives me a chance to give him a much bigger role in the sequel.

My Life Without The Movie Star-
 Life has been perfect for Abby and Grayson the past few months, when Grayson gets a gigantic starring role in two movies filmed on location in Europe. Abby currently working for System Plus Software, is unable to be on set with Gray and returns to her home town of Port Washington Wisconsin.  The town, which she once loved, now feels cold and lonely.  Her Best Friend Lisa, recently married, is unable to hang out as often.  Abby fills her days with work but misses Gray. The one bright spot in Abby's life is Lisa and Dan’s close friend Dave just got a promotion and moves to Milwaukee.  Abby and Dave get a chance to rekindle their old friendship, and grow closer. While Grayson is on location, Abby is unaware of a looming threat.  The studio producing the movies feels Abby is un fit to be Grayson’s girlfriend and go to considerable length to make sure they split up.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Come Sail Away


Spring is in the air, the weather is starting to warm up, and I’m ready to shrug off the last bit of cabin fever and do something new.  I was excited to see an ad for Lake Michigan cruises being offered right here in Port Washington by the Foxy Lady II starting Saturday,  April 14th. The sunset cruises are something fun, unique and only offered once a year before the yacht is moved to Green Bay where it will begin its summer season. 

Captain Mitch and wife Carolyn have owned the Foxy Lady II for 15 years.  During May through October the Foxy Lady II is docked in downtown Green Bay at the Clarion Inn (formerly Holiday Inn) on 200 Main St.   The owners chose Port Washington’s harbor for winter docking due to the harbors deep water which allows them to avoid having to dry dock .  The Foxy Lady II is equipped with 2 full bars, 3 large screen TV’s, 2 climate controlled salons and 2 open air decks.   During the summer season the Foxy Lady II offers daily cruises, private charters, and host’s weddings and other private events.

If you’re looking for a complete dinner and cruising experience, sunset dinner cruises are being offered Saturday April 14thand Friday April 20th, departing at 6pm and returning to the dock at 8pm.  Included with the cruise is a buffet dinner which will include 2 entree offerings, fresh tossed Caesar Salad, and steamed vegetables.  The cost is $32.95 with a cash bar available.
If you aspire for a simple, relaxing night out on the lake, then the Saturday April 21st cocktail cruise, departing at 6PM may be just the thing.  Tickets to the cocktail cruise are priced very reasonably at $5.00, which also includes a drink coupon for each passenger!
All cruises will leave the harbor weather permitting.  Reservations are suggested call 920-432-3699 or go to www.foxyladycruises.com to book online.