Musings ~ The Mystifying Oracle

"Tell her what you feel." ~ Dust Witch

Musings ~ My Guitar

It's been a while since I played. I am by no means a musician. I use the instrument to create music - songs - with. The guitar that I am referring to, at the moment, is my Fender acoustic, (six-string, steel string).

My fingers are a tad out of condition. I need to build up the calluses on the ends of my fingers once again.

I still have the five songs that I wrote last summer that I play every once in a while to remember how they go. All but one of them are in need of lyrics.

Today, I played through those songs and then thought I'd see if another song was yearning to spout forth from within. And one did. :) It still needs to be developed, of course. But, it felt nice inside to have a new expression come to the surface.

Now, it's back to the writing, (of the Gray Locke book). :)

Thrive!

~ Craig

Gosh!

We all get stuck in modes of self-doubt. And, through self-doubt, we lose our sense of self-worth.

The book's coming along. Just going through the chapters - page by page - either adding more details, clarifying things, or editing. With each pass, an improvement. :)

Still a ways to go. But we're getting closer every day. :)

Thrive!

~ Craig

Musings ~ Ridiculous

Me writing - music, lyrics, stories - is ridiculous.

It is pathetic that I struggle as I do writing - attempting to write.

It isn't so much that I haven't the ideas - I'm full of ideas - it's me getting them down on paper that is ridiculous. After all, who wants to struggle to try to read my stories - ideas? It'd be a waste of your time trying to do so.

So, does this mean that I am - or have been - wasting my time, struggling through with editing, and sentence restructuring, correcting grammatical and punctuation mistakes? It would be an unequivocal yes, especially if the work never gets published. How ridiculous would that be?

But, alas! such is life.

Ridiculous.

Musings ~ Love Songs

"Such songs . . . are not inspired by one particular person per se, but by the emotions, feelings, and thoughts that they've brought forth. I know how it feels to love. And I remember how it feels to be loved."

Musings ~ Writing

The story's written - just not well.

Musings ~ People

"I should know better."

Looking Back A Year Ago

I thought I'd take a moment and reflect on what was going on in my life a year ago. It marked a turning point. And I'd like to share it with you.

A year ago, I was heading in a different direction from where I am now. I was pursuing my dream of music - writing.

I was working on a project, (Memoria: Blade Runner ~The Rock Project). It had come a long way. The music itself, written by Marco Spatuzzi, was actually written in 2006. I got involved with the project in 2007 as the lyricist.

A year ago, I was also working on my own music project. My intent was to write and record two CDs of five songs each, (there are a rhyme and reason to it). I managed to write the first five songs for the first set, and a first song for the second. But, then I stopped to work on the lyrics of the first set. I wrote lyrics to the first song, (however, looking back at it now, it requires a re-write), but I could not manage to write lyrics for the others, (that I felt were worthy of the music).

Going back to the Memoria project, I was working with one local studio. (At that point, it was for mixing the song tracks.) After the second song mix, (and a waste of a lot of money which I had little of), I decided to move to another local studio. The new studio, with the engineer Brad Martin, was working out splendidly. We re-did the tracks from the previous session and did another two.

Then there was another problem. Some of the songs needed to have the lead vocals redone because of microphone placement issues. Long story - short, I decided to hire new vocalists to record the leads. This was an opportunity I welcomed with great anticipation. This way, the songs that we had could have their own unique character singing the part, (to understand what I'm talking about, please visit the website to learn more about the project concept linked below). I got two amazingly talented vocalists to start. However, the day before the first session with one of the vocalists, I received a telephone call that the studio was closing.

At the time, I was also working on other ideas with Marco. We wanted to write a musical together. So, it was also around that period that I was trying to develop/write a libretto. After finally deciding on one, I began the writing. Marco had written three beautiful musical pieces awaiting my lyrics. However, I decided to put the musical on hold. It was (and is) a great endeavour to achieve. And there was no way this was going to be completed in the foreseeable future. I feel I let Marco down, and I can't express enough how much that hurt, (and still does).

You see, my goal was to be able to generate an income with writing/producing music. And although the musical we started to work on (I believe) would have been (and will be) awesome, it wasn't going to happen within the next year. And all my creative energy would have to go into it. So, by backing away from this, I at least would free up my time to be available to get involved in other mediums, (writing songs, collaborating with other writers/musicians).

So, I suggested we work on a small scale musical. A children's musical. Last July I started work on writing the story and some lyric outlines for the children's musical. The first story I began I had to stop. After getting into it, I realized that the stage set would be ridiculously complex. So I put that story aside, (That story would become the fifth book in the Gray Locke series).

With the stage set in mind, I started another story. And that story I absolutely fell in love with, (This will be the fourth book of the Gray Locke series, presented as a children's musical). However, finances continued to haunt me. The only way to exorcise those demons would be for me to create something that would be more immediate. A children's book. Which brings us to today's blog.

A year ago today, within a magical two-hour span, I wrote the first book of the Gray Locke series. Gray Locke ~ The Mystery of the Weeping Rocks. I'd spend the next 120 days fine-tuning, editing and illustrating the book before its release.

Since then, I have been working on the second book of the series, (among other things). The second book, Gray Locke ~ The Witch of Clover Hill, is nearing completion. I have started work on the third book. And I do plan on continuing the fourth story, as planned, to be presented as a children's musical. I am very excited about it, however, it must wait until the third book is completed. :(

I'd really like to finish the Memoria CD as well. A lot of work had gone into it. And the music is absolutely brilliant. It deserves to be heard. I cannot say enough about it.

And, as for my own personal songs, I hope to be able to write lyrics worthy the music. That's all I have to say about that.

I continue to struggle, as I had a year ago, (and in previous), and expect I'll continue to struggle in the years to come. And through it all, I have learned some valuable lessons - too many to mention here and now. However, I'll mention one that had dawned on me most recently. And that is to the question of why am I writing. I write for myself.

As for the other lessons, they'll crop up in my writing from time to time. :)

I look forward to discovering and learning all that life has to offer . . . in time and space.

Thrive!

~ Craig

[NOTE: I just want to make it clear that I did not/do not expect that one project, or another, would bring immediate, instant success. That is why I tried/try to get involved with numerous projects and collaborations. I was fortunate in that I was given the time and space to pursue my writing almost exclusively, (via a lengthy severance package). Now, however, the time has come where I need to get back into the workforce once again. I don't look at it as a failure. I look at it as a piece of mind, (the cost of living).

The thought had crossed my mind more than once to not give in, and continue exclusively writing the remainder of my life. Doing so, however, would change my current living standards considerably. Come to think of it - I still think about. We'll see. ;) ]

http://CAChicoine.com/

http://GrayLocke.com/

http://BladeRunnerRock.com/

Local Support? I Give Up!

I recently just learned that the North Adams Public Library hasn't placed my first book, (that I gave them back in December 2009), in circulation yet. I even knew the librarian from high school. You'd think it would have got pushed through by now.

However, this would not be my first qualm with a local library. Because, at the time of the books' release, I spoke [in person] with folks at the North Adams Public Library, the Berkshire Athenaeum and at the Adams Free Public Library in regards to doing a book reading - FREE. The Berkshire Athenaeum said they "couldn't because they have a staffing issue", (and they never posted the book on their website under new releases), the NAPL was ambivalent about it - feeling it would not draw a lot of kids, and the Adams Free Library said they'd get back to me in February-although she didn't sound too hopeful either.

I just don't get it. A children's book to be read by the author--a member of their own community--for free?

It is hard for me to sympathize with the library's budgetary and staffing problems when they show no support what-so-ever to local writers.

I give up.

I've even communicated the idea to the DCR of me doing a reading at the Natural Bridge State Park, (where a good portion of the book takes place). But still, nothing.

I give up!

I'm finishing up the second book. And I'm looking forward to starting the third.

I have faith that this series will catch on, (probably by the third book). I'll do the typical postings on the websites after each release, and do the press releases. But, that's about it.

I am writing this series of books for me.

And, in the end, if the books are any good, you'll hear about it. You'll probably hear about it by word-of-mouth before any other mode of communication. And that's okay with me.

Thrive!

~ Craig

(If you've read this far, thank you for reading my rant.)

Update #2

Been some time since I wrote in this blog. Sorry. :(

My time has been spent on different projects, family, writing, and job searching.

• Monitoring turtle crossing at the Cheshire Reservoir for TurtleZone. 
• Researching material for book series.
• Writing the second book of the Gray Locke series.
• Keeping Off-world News & @OffWorldNews up-to-date.
• Working on lyrics to music, (in spare time/recreation)
• Finished reading a book, "American Gods: A Novel," by Neil Gaiman. (Excellent book!)
• Continuing to update the Natural Bridge State Park Facebook page.
• Coordinating the Marlborough Historical Societies' Facebook page.
• Added more to the Triple-Helix Space Colony Facebook page.
• Etc, etc, etc.

Regarding the second book, the writing is coming along with the second book. However, the process is taking longer than I anticipated. I see - at least - another month and a half before it is finished.

Have an idea of who I'd like to use as the model for a character for use in the illustrations. However, her management hasn't gotten back to me. But, I have an idea. ;)

The second book of the series has been re-titled. It is now titled, The Witch of Clover Hill. It is one story, (rather than the intended four short stories). It is coming along, but I still have much work to do with it. It's already now twice the size of The Mystery of the Weeping Rocks, (over 33,000 words). I'm really excited about it and can't wait to share the stories with you. :)

I created a Gray Locke merchandise page on the Gray Locke website. The stock is very limited. It includes autographed copies of the book, bookmarker, and a puzzle. Also featured on the website is the Gray Locke Puzzle for the computer as an FREE download. It's all on the Gray Locke Gift Closet page. (Grab it while supplies last! Because, who knows ... if the series takes off, it'll be a collector's item - most sought after.)

I'll be sure to keep you updated on the progress of the second book.


Thrive!

~ Craig

City native pens children’s book

By Jennifer Huberdeau

North Adams Transcript



NORTH ADAMS -- When city native Craig A. Chicoine was laid off from Sheffield Plastics last year, he didn’t see his departure after 14 years with the company as a bad thing.

"I’ve been using the time to pursue my dreams," Chicoine said Thursday.

One of those dreams was becoming a novelist, and he’ll celebrate the release of his first book, "Gray Locke: The Mystery of the Weeping Rocks," which is self-published, as part of Word Play at Papyri Books this Saturday at 7 p.m.

Set in North Adams, the book chronicles the adventures of a 10-year-old boy (named Gray Locke), who sets off to solve his first mystery while visiting family in the city. Although specific locations are not named in the book, a majority of the story takes place at Natural Bridge State Park.

"I have a special connection with Natural Bridge -- I’ve been going there all my life," Chicoine said. "The rock formations are incredible and something you don’t see anywhere else. Three of the chapters in the book take place there, starting with ‘the blasting rock.’ The characters refer to it as ‘the big rock.’ There’s also a chapter in the quarry part of Natural Bridge, where Gray goes into the field and then finds a cave. He also goes down to the [Hudson] brook, where the mills used to be."

The book is the first in what will be a series of five, with a second book scheduled for release sometime in March, Chicoine said.

"Initially, I was writing an adult novel about the same character," he said. "I was writing it in blog format, which allowed me to write it in entries. It was quite exciting. Frequently, I would write flashbacks as part of the story, and then realized that I should start from the beginning. I hope to finish the adult novel and publish it in a few years."

The first book will introduce young readers to Gray Locke, an inquisitive child by nature, who comes from a loving and supportive family. In the second book, Gray’s adventures will take place in his hometown of Marlborough, and several of his friends will be introduced. Books three and four will return to North Adams, Chicoine said.

"Gray Locke: The Mystery of the Weeping Rocks," is available for purchase at Papyri Books, Chapters Bookstore in Pittsfield and online at Amazon.com. Copies also have been donated to the North Adams Public Library, the Adams Free Library, the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield and Berkshire Arts and Technology Public Charter School.

Chicoine said he has been writing since age 14 and has about 10 different blogs going, along with several other projects.

For more information on Chicoine, visit www.graylockeportal.blogspot.com or www.cachicoine.com.

To reach Jennifer Huberdeau,
e-mail jhuberdeau@thetranscript.com.







Source: http://www.thetranscript.com/ci_14146901

DownStreet Art and MCLA's Berkshire Cultural Resource Center bring you...

Wordplay with C. A. Chicoine
Papyri Books
45 Eagle Street
(413) 662-2099
7pm
FREE


Click here for more information about this book and the author.

Craig Alan Chicoine reads excerpts from his new children’s book Grey Locke: The Mystery of the Weeping Rocks. The setting of the story was inspired by actual locations in North Adams - in particular, the Natural Bridge State Park - interwoven with factual local history surrounding the area.

With refreshments and open mic. Co-sponsored by Inkberry.











http://berkshirevisualarts.org/downstreetart/?page_id=14

A mention in The Advocate

Jan. 9, 2010

Misc.

Papyri Books, North Adams author C.A. Chicoine will read from and sign his first children's book, "Gray Locke: The Mystery of the Weeping Rocks," about a morning's adventure of a 10-year-old boy named Gray Locke, 7 p.m. Eagle Street, North Adams. 413-662-2099.

http://www.advocateweekly.com/ci_14093224?source=most_viewed

Reading to mark release of C.A. Chicoine book

Berkshire Eagle Staff

Updated: 01/03/2010 09:01:46 AM EST

Sunday, Jan. 03

NORTH ADAMS - The release of "Gray Locke: The Mystery of the Weeping Rocks" will be celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 9, at Papyri Books.
Author C.A. Chicoine will introduce the series and read excerpts from his book.
In Chicoine's first children's book, "The Mystery of the Weeping Rocks," he writes of a morning's adventure of a 10-year-old boy, Gray Locke.
According to the news release announcing the event, the story begins at Gray Locke's grandparent's home in Western Massachusetts, where Gray Locke overhears the tail end of a conversation between his father and uncle about rocks that weep.
His curiosity takes him on a search through his Grandmother Windsor's gardens, and off to neighboring lands - where his investigation leads him to such places as an abandoned marble quarry, a brook, and caves.
Gray is able to create different scenarios about what the weeping rocks may be before finally learning the truth.
The setting of the story was inspired by actual locations in North Adams - in particular, the Natural Bridge State Park - interwoven with factual local history surrounding the area.
"The Mystery of the Weeping Rocks" is geared for middle school-aged children.
Chicoine resides in North Adams. He has written and edited online articles, including "Monument Square, North Adams," and "Douglas Trumbull: In Retrospect." He also writes music, lyrics, and poetry.

Article: http://www.berkshireeagle.com/books/ci_14110442

UPDATE #1

Gray Locke ~ The Mystery of the Weeping Rocks

The days have been pretty amazing to me thus far. I have either sold or given away over fifty books to date, (mostly family and friends).

Books are available to view at area libraries, (North Adams Public Library and Berkshire Athenaeum), (Adams Free Library - soon).

Chapters Book Store in Pittsfield, MA has them in stock. I'm awaiting word from Papyri Books in North Adams, MA.

January 9, 2010 - the Book Launch takes place at Papyri Books in North Adams, MA at 7:PM. An introduction to the series and me reading some excerpts from the book.

A reading is being arranged for February 2010 at the North Adams Public Library.More on that at it is confirmed.

I've been working on the next book. Pretty exciting. I am hoping for it to be released by March 2010.

That's all for now.

Thrive!

~ Craig

What Am I Doing?

A trio? Indeed, I say.

What's the acoustic guitar doing with the former duo of pencil and paper?

Am I not suppose to be writing a story? Yes, indeed.

However, this song is beckoning me. And I've-yet again-changed the subject of this particular song.

I'll see where this leads to. This, as I wait for the proof of my first book, is excuse enough for a Sunday's day alone.

Gosh!

Kinda lost track of this blog. Been busy! I'll update this very soon. :)

Test

Just performing a test folks.



Great! All set. Thank you for your patience.

Welcome

Hello!

My name is Craig. I began writing poetry, lyrics, and short stories at the age of 14. I embraced the internet with an open heart, mind, and soul, creating projects that espouse my many interests.

Some of my latest work is with Memoria. The CD,"The Blade Runner Rock Project," is music inspired by the movie Blade Runner.

Although I've taken music lessons over the years, (percussion, guitar, vocal training, piano, and music composition), I do not consider myself a musician, but a lyricist, composer, and producer.

I have collaborated with other musicians in various projects still currently under development.

My current workload includes producing Memoria's latest CD, and producing a multi-media project called Satellite 2.

Here I hope to share some of what's going on in my world. For what it's worth.


Thrive!


~ Craig