John Campbell-Mac Interview: On The Toscars, British Hustle & Ron Jeremy

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Congratulations on winning a Toscar. How did that feel?

When I got up to receive the Toscar I was almost (only almost ha ha) lost for words. With over 600 people cheering and smiling back at me at the Egyptian theatre it was quite surreal. I had a brilliant Toscar experience from start to finish.

Red carpet at the Toscars with wife Stephanie Campbell-Mac and good friend and actress Victoria Hopkins

Did you think you would win?

I was totally shocked, I had absolutely no idea I was going to win but had so much fun on the movie with our brilliant cast and crew winning best supporting whactor was just the icing on the cake.

Tell us about British Hustle

What a great job writer director Sandro Monetti did with British Hustle. Tons of hilarious physical comedy and no mean feat adapting a much loved feature length screenplay into a short parody and somehow still have it make sense and be funny. Everyone involved was great and Marina (Marina Paganucci the producer) and the dream team as they like to me known took it from funny to hysterical.

You also wrote and performed the soundtrack and did the video for the leading single Get Down with Ron Jeremy. How did you manage to fit all that in?

That was insane, especially when you consider it was just weeks before my wedding! When Sandro first asked me if I would write some songs for the sound track. I told him I was flattered but there was just not enough time. The wiley fox then mentioned that if I could, then we could release the EP as the first official sound track in Toscar history, so then the challenge was set so I had to do it. I’m no technician so with the help of our brilliant editor and technical wizard Charlie Robinson we managed to write parts of the songs for the film.

Then when I returned to the UK I managed to flesh them out to whole tracks with my friend and brilliant producer Kevin Leo in his London studio then master them for release. Given more time we would have polished them more but I’m happy with what we achieved in the time we had and they are pretty much a live session with musician friends helping out. Regards the video that was down to the hard work of Sandro and especially Charlie who did 18-hour days trying to get it finished in time. I flew back to LA early after the wedding to shoot an extra half-day to finish the video; you couldn’t make it up: as I said insane.

Soundtrack available on iTunes.

What was it like working with Ron Jeremy?

Ron Jeremy what a character, the hardest err… working man in Hollywood ha ha. Really fun guy and a pleasure to be around. I think he surprised a lot of people with his acting ability and has so many funny stories and anecdotes I think anyone would be hard-pressed not to like him.

You recently got married. Congratulations. What was more stressful; planning a wedding or doing a film?

I would like to say it was more stressful organizing the wedding but to be honest the wedding was the easiest gig of my life. I just had to turn up and have fun. Now my wife, mother in law, her Godmother, father and all her friends might have a different story to tell. They spent a year working really hard plotting, planning and preparing every last detail. Regards the film I think it’s pretty obvious we had so much fun from beginning to end, I was so lucky to draw British Hustle and my team I would like nothing more than to make many more films with this incredible group of talented people.

Wedding day. Photo credit: Darren Paul

Tell us about your wedding day and your gorgeous wife.

Wow what can I tell you, it was the greatest day of my life and my gorgeous wife Stephanie is the greatest gift I could ever wish to have. It really was magical if you can imagine 300 of your closest friends and family from every area and time period of your life under one roof, all having a great time. Even now I can’t really put it into words.

I understand Chico was your best man how was that?

Oh my God, his best man speech was around 25 minutes and had animations, embarrassing stories, muppets, his children rapping on screen and singing live, and even good luck messages from celebrity friends like Ant and Dec and Ray Quinn to name a couple. It was funny, moving and quite possibly the greatest best man speech in the history of the world ha ha. It’s not every day you get roasted by a muppet. In a word: incredible. And fair to say it was emotional.

At his wedding with wife Stephanie Campbell-Mac. Photo credit: Darren Paul

You made the brave move to LA and it has paid off. How did you manage it?

Also no mean feat, it’s a huge deal leaving everyone and everything you know and moving thousands of miles away even to the magical land of Hollywood. Thank God for Skype and social networking because undoubtedly the biggest thing you miss are your loved ones. I have no regrets the quality of life here is great and I have been fortunate enough to make some good friends and work on some good projects. I had a large enough body of work to qualify for a work permit but the whole immigration thing is not without its stress’s and hassles. Thankfully I had brilliant immigration lawyers in Raynor and Associates to make the move smoothly and ended up shooting a couple of comedy commercials for them, to make you smile see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EL0tl81hYQ

Any tips for actors wanting to move to LA?

Come prepared with as much money behind you as you can. There are a lot of opportunities here but there are literally hundreds of thousands of other actors here trying to do the same thing. It can take a while to start booking enough work to make a living and Hollywood Boulevard has been described as the boulevard of broken dreams so you might be glad you brought some savings to live on while your waiting for your moment.

I’m gonna quote a friend of mine Craig Fairbrass as he put it best as we worked together on the film 31 North 62 East just before I left the UK. He’s a great actor who has had success in the UK and the US. He said to me “It’s not easy over there and there’s plenty of good actors who never even get representation let alone book a job. It takes a lot of balls to up sticks and give it a try so good luck, don’t take it personally if you don’t book a job. I’m sure you’ll do alright and remember to take time out to enjoy yourself”. Great advice I couldn’t put it better.

What’s next?

Well this year the Toscars next year the Oscars from my lips to Gods ears. I’m working on a few cool projects including the American pre-revolution period drama Courage, New Hampshire, it’s like the American Dowton Abbey. Season one is currently airing on PBS with season two currently in pre-production. I can’t give to much away but I play militia captain Daniel Cressy described by creator / director Jim Riley as “A man born for war and a little miserable without it”. Look out for a big bar room brawl with Cressy and the red coats in season two. For a taste of season one see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myY3DV4TL4Q

I have a film coming out in a few months called ‘Call me King’ in which I share some pretty steamy scene with the Chinese actress Bai Ling and recently signed on for an action bromance film called Artifact Red. Shooting mostly in Belize, it’s kind of Indiana Jones meets Lethal Weapon with a little Men in Black thrown in for good measure.

You seem to have it all now: wife, career, and a good life in LA. What else do you want to achieve?

So much more Catherine, where do I begin, there are so many great directors I would love to work with and so many great stories to be told. Outside of the industry I have various charitable causes that I’m involved in, including Rainbow Child (see http://www.rainbowchildfoundation.co.uk). We help underprivileged children around the world and I’m especially proud of Chico and what we have achieved in Africa with the play pumps. But your right; I try to stop and count my blessings every day for my life, my wife and the position I’m in oh: and Chunkee Munkee.

Chunkee Munkee?

I haven’t mentioned Chunkee Munkee? My wife will kill me, he is her pet bunny rabbit. He runs around the house like he is King and even has his own Hollywood agent. I’m not kidding he has he’s own representation and has been up for some big commercials but that’s another story, you can interview him another time ha ha but I’ll warn you he is a bit of a prima-donna he he. Hollywood you can’t make it up.

Rainbow child http://www.rainbowchildfoundation.co.uk/

Official website http://johncampbellmac.com/

Somewhere Over England Book Review

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Somewhere Over England almost had me just with the back cover. I love books about World War II, female protagonists and history. Somewhere Over England has all in abundance and a whole lot more besides.

Set in 1930s England, 18-year-old Helen falls in love with Heine, a young German photographer. She bravely puts aside the prejudice of her friends and family to marry him. He fled Germany because of the growing powers of the Nazis, but there power is growing and the worst is yet to come as storm clouds gather over Europe and World War II looms. What happens next is an unputdownable story of love, war, compassion and struggle.

Heine is interned and Helen has to face the horrors of London during the blitz alone as their young son is evacuated. Heine is political, he sees Hitler for what he really is and knows that a war is coming, they help refugees before anyone knows their will definitely be a war, but his weakness is that he is too much of a political fighter and cannot always see his family. Helen is sweet and fresh at the beginning of the book. She longs for love and the proper family she never had. Helen becomes stronger and stronger, even feeding the family and selling her own pictures. She becomes a strong, bolshy, independent women and makes Heine find his way home to them. The book perfectly captures early love and marriage.

As World War breaks out the family is divided and times are tough for everyone. The historical facts in the book are excellent. This really is a riveting book with a lot of depth. It is interesting and you learn a lot. The prejudice that people go through is horrendous. Chris, Heine’s and Helen’s son, hates being half-German and even hates his own father sometimes. He is horribly bullied sometimes and finds his identity hard. Will he ever see the difference between being a German and being a Nazis, and be proud of his heritage?

This is a wonderful, layered book. One that you never forget after you have read it. Essential reading.

Buy Somewhere Over England

For more on Margaret Graham: www.margaret-graham.com
www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk
www.wordsforthewounded.blogspot.co.uk
www.margaret-graham-author.blogspot.co.uk

Interview With Author Sophie Duffy

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

How did it feel to win the Yeovil Literary Prize, and then a host of others?

I was very surprised when I had an email to say I’d won the Yeovil Prize back in 2006. I see that moment as a breakthrough though it was another 5 years before The Generation Game was published by Legend Press, after it won the Luke Bitmead Bursary in 2010.

Do you have a favourite book that you have written?

I feel closest to the characters in The Generation Game as I lived with them for so long. I still think about them and wonder what they are up to. Particularly Philippa Smith.

What is your writing routine?

I wish I had one! I am not the most organized and have a house full of teenagers which can be a distraction. Supplying food. Washing countless socks. Nagging. Driving around Devon lanes. However, I do now have a room of my own, an office at the bottom of a garden. A glorified shed. It is full of all the tat I’m not allowed to display in the house. I love tat. So I try to get out there in the mornings. But inevitably my plans are scuppered.

How do you come up with your ideas?

They come from small thoughts. A memory. A conversation. A person who passes in and out of your life. Those small thoughts then grow into something more substantial. Something that nags away in the back of my mind, eventually pushing through and saying ‘write me’. I write about families and so I get inspiration from every family I meet, all with their different quirks, make-ups, rules, traditions and skeletons in the cupboard.

Do you ever get writers block?

Not really. I can faff around a lot and resist the act of sitting down and actually writing. But when I do sit down with the intention of writing, the words usually come. If I am struggling, then I read and read and read. It’s all part of the creative act.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Hmm. A while. Eighteen months to two years to get down a decentish first draft. Then maybe another year to rewrite. It’s a long, slow process for me.

What’s next?
I’m rewriting my current novel. I have the plot and the characters but I was telling it wrong. So I have changed the voice and it seems to be working much better. I hope.

Tell us about CreativeWritingMatters.

I used to be an early years teacher and moved on to youth work. I love teaching and was delighted to join Cathie Hartigan along with Margaret James running workshops and courses for www.creativewritingmatters.co.uk in the Exeter area. We also appraise manuscripts and mentor novelists online. Last year we launched the Exeter Novel Prize and had over 250 entries. We now have a shortlist which is being considered by my agent Broo Doherty of DHH Literary Agency. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in Exeter on 22nd March. Very excited.

Advice for wannabe writers?

Persist. Don’t give up. Be determined. Read. Do a writing class. Join a writing group. Enter competitions. And write whenever and wherever you can.

Best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Be bold.

http://www.sophieduffy.com/
The Generation Game
This Holey Life

Nikki Gemmell Interview | Books

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Nikki Gemmell is a talented Australian author, best known for writing the best-selling erotic trilogy The Bride Stripped Bare, With My Body and I Take You. She has recently released her first children’s book, The Kensington Reptilarium. Scarily talented and productive, it was an honour to interview her.

You have written eight novels and four works of non-fiction. How do you manage to be so prolific?

In that exhausting lifestyle triumverate of the modern harried woman – work/family/social life – something has to give. I just don’t believe you can have all three. In my case it’s the social life that’s been sacrificed. I just get too knackered. Having kids has also made me much more disciplined. I don’t spend their school hours unpacking the dishwasher and tidying the house – I write, solidly. Am constantly gleaning little pockets of time to get it all done (in fact am typing this now, in the car, on the side of the road, having just dropped off my son to a basketball match.)

You write a lot about female sexuality. What draws you to write about it?

Honesty connects. Nowhere more powerfully than in the sexual sphere. There is so much vulnerability, bewilderment and misconception about sexuality, and it feels exhilarating (and necessary) to write about it utterly truthfully.

Lire included you in a list of the fifty most important writers in the world. How did that feel?

It’s a little tuning fork in my head – to try and live up to it!

You have written your first children’s book, The Kensington Reptilarium: what made you choose that genre?

Several of my own children who were too addicted to their wretched screens. I wanted to write a kid’s book that would ignite the flame of reading passion in them, because I just couldn’t get it to catch alight (to my despair and mortification.) Lo and behold, the Grand Scheme of Maximum Distraction actually worked.

Do you have a favourite book that you have written?

Shiver, my first novel – a story extremely close to my heart. The Bride Stripped Bare – because it transformed my life. And The Kensington Reptilarium – because it was such enormous, liberating fun.

What is your writing routine?

Get the kids, work solidly, then pick them up and give my life over to them. My trick is to get household chores done around them – never in cherished writing time.

How do you come up with your ideas?

I’m constantly on the prowl with a notebook in my handbag – it records ideas, titles, quotes, conversation scraps, magazine articles.

Do you ever get writers block?

I used to but not anymore – writing is a business to me now, as well as a passion. It pays bills, so I just have to plough on or my kids won’t be fed. I literally can’t afford to be blocked anymore.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Usually a couple of years, but I’ve actually written one of them in three weeks (not saying which!)

What’s next?

The publishers want a sequel to Kensington Reptilarium, as it did well for them. Then I’m thinking of an historical novel after that. Something different for me. I’m addicted to change, trying new things. Not afraid of failure in the slightest. It’s how you progress in life.

Advice for wannabe writers?

Tenacity is all. And discipline. Focus. The capacity for hard, gruelling work. Talent only gets you so far.

Best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Write as if you’re dying – it’s a great motivator. It stops you making that seventh cup of tea.

http://www.nikkigemmell.com/
Nikki Gemmell’s Threesome: The Bride Stripped Bare, With the Body, I Take You
Honestly: Notes on Life

New York Times Bestselling Author Elizabeth Buchan | Writer Interviews

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

What is the key to writing a good romance novel?

Good question and I think the answer is the same as it would be if you asked: what is the key to writing a good novel…? The answer must be absolute commitment to get the material down onto the page in a way which is truthful, resonant and as gripping as you can make it. That includes the love story and the emotional roller coaster of it, the thriller, the war drama and delicious social comedy. I would like to point out that these aims sound very simple and easy to achieve … but, in my experience, they are anything but.

Do you have a favourite book that you have written?

No, they are all my children… having said that some were easier to produce than others. Revenge of the Middle Aged Woman tripped off the pen. So did Daughters and I Can’t Begin to Tell You

What is your writing routine?

Breakfast with newspaper (and cats). I cannot go without any of those. Then, out for power walk around Clapham Common (can’t go without that either). I usually settle into the office about 9.30 where I write until lunch time and then again through the afternoon. If I am on the final stages of a book, I will be work until quite late.

 How do you come up with your ideas?

I wish I could tell you. I just pick up something – from a book, the paper, a conversation and, suddenly, I seem to have a subject. But I have to wait for that coup de foudre to happen. It is useless to try and force yourself to write about a subject with which you haven’t fallen in love.

 Do you ever get writers block?
Yes. The trick is to do something deeply boring – such as the ironing. Exercise is another way of letting the brain solve a problem without you being aware of it consciously. Also… ahem… I find a little light retail therapy works as well.

 How long does it take you to write a book?

Anything from about eighteen months to two years

 Advice for wannabe writers?

Do it. Don’t talk about it. Don’t dream about it. Don’t put it off.
Do it. Try and isolate a part of the day in which you function best (are you a night owl or a lark?) and set yourself a realistic target a day. Half a page. A page. It is amazing how it grows and observing it grow encourages you onward.

 Best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Was it Bernard Shaw who said: ‘If you fail, pick yourself up and fail again better’. (I am sure someone will know the quotation).

Favourite authors/books?

Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, Ian McEwan’s Atonement, Anne Tyler’s Breathing Lessons Richard Holmes’ Footsteps, Kingsley Amis’ Lucky Jim, William Boyd’s Any Human Heart and Robert Harris’ Enigma. I have many more.

You are a judge for the Costa awards. Is it hard choosing a winner?

Extremely.

You review for The Sunday Times, how do you write a good book review?

Reviewing is a different animal from judging. It acts as a form of introduction to the reader. In effect you, the reviewer are saying: this is the book, this is what it is, this is how well I think it works and, now, it is up to you. If you can relay over the flavour and substance, offer acute reflection and perceive it fairly you are doing a good job. You are not really there to entertain. Having said that, reviewers who write brilliantly deservedly have a following.

 What’s next for you?

I am writing the next novel, Aftermath, which is set in South London just after the Second World War. In it, I will have a fractured family who show how difficult it was to pick up the pieces having experienced violence, disruption and hatred of an enemy. There is also a death. Is it suspicious or not?

Elizabeth Buchan’s latest novel, I Can’t Begin to Tell You, is published in Penguin.

Different Styles Of Wedding Dresses

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Frostie

So you are trying to choose a wedding dress but there are so many styles to choose from, and so much jargon, I mean, what the hell is a trumpet? We decided to put together a visual reference guide to help you along the way. Let us know what your favourite is, we had so much fun writing this article and looking at endless pictures of wedding dresses. If you want help and advice planning your wedding then buy our editor, Catherine’s, wedding book, it is full of great advice and lots of tips. If you are off wedding dress shopping soon then also check out our editors experience of buying her wedding dress. Happy shopping!

Strapless Sweetheart Neckline Halterneck V-Neck

Plunge

One-Shoulder

Mermaid A-Line or Princess

Empire

Ballgown Trail / Train

Short

Trumpet

The trumpet silhouette is different to the mermaid as the skirt gradually flares about mid-thigh. It has a close-fitting bodice.

Backless Lace Back

Straps Sleeves

Cap Sleeves

Off-The-Shoulder / Boat Neck

What one will you choose? What is your favourite?

If you are planning your wedding then get your hands on The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity. It has great advice on every aspect of wedding planning and lots of great advice on choosing the perfect wedding dress.

The Cheesemaker’s House Book Review

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

The Cheesemaker’s House arrived in our postbox with a lovely personal note from the author, Jane Cable. Touched by the effort and about to go on a five-and-a-half hour train journey I decided to take it with me. I read the book in under four hours. In part because the chapters leave no wastage or flowery writing; they are short and snappy. The book is easy to read, but it is also gripping, you desperately want to know what is going to happen and the characters draw you in.

For something with a paranormal bent it is also strangely believable if you let your imagination go. The character of Alice is a great one. She is a survivor and has been through a lot. Her husband left her for his secretary who he had impregnated, but she remains a good, giving person. Owen is more complicated. Mostly likeable but also infuriating. The actions of the countryside are perfectly encapsulated; how everyone knows everyone elses business, the random noises, the community spirit.

The Cheesemaker’s House is Jane’s first published novel and I wonder how many more she has written as she is a skilled writer with a strong voice. The author really has a talent for writing, this book won the suspense & crime category of the Alan Titchmarsh Show People’s Novelist competition in 2011, and I had seen it on a few ‘must read’ lists before I received it. I really enjoyed this book and I hope for more novels from this talented writer.

The Cheesemaker’s House by Jane Cable can be bought here.

This Book Will Make You Calm, Confident, Happy, Sleep Book Reviews

Posted on December 29, 2013 by Catherine Balavage

January is all about becoming a better person. Hope is high and a feeling of renewal is in the air. So this series of This Book Will Make You…books came at the right time to be reviewed. Let’s find out if they can make you Calm, Confident, Happy and Sleep.

This Book Will Make You Calm

We got sent a lot of books on becoming calm at Christmas time and I think we all know why! We are all becoming more stressed in life and becoming calm will improve your health and life in general. The book helps you tackle anxiety and stress, it has great relaxation techniques, helps you handle panic and maintain a work-life balance. I love the techniques, graphs and strategies. I learned a lot reading this book. It is easy to lose perspective in life and forget about looking after yourself: this book reminds you what to do, and gives you lots of great, new, information too.

This Book Will Make You Happy

Being happy. One of the greatest pursuits of human beings. We seem obsessed with happiness and trying to achieve it. Following on from the format of the other book- and all of the books- the book has strategies, tests and graphs. It focuses on CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) which has become trendy and mainstream, which is not to put it down in any way, I have heard amazing things about it and it works for a lot of people. The book helps you challenge negative thoughts, combat anxiety, manage your emotions and stop procrastinating.

There are positive mind maps and the three biggest crimes against happiness. A great book to bring you closer to happiness.

This Book Will Make You Confident

Everyone wants more confidence and everyone goes through wobbly periods This book promises the tools to build your self-belief and realise your full potential with practical exercises and the latest CBT research. Each book lets you know how it all works and what CBT is. They have great mind maps and techniques which I find very useful. This is a helpful book which helps you deal with insecurity, nature self-belief, challenge your inner critic and play to your strengths. Good book.

This Book Will Make You Sleep

I have been having trouble sleeping so was happy to review this book. Especially after finding myself cleaning the oven at 2am. That is when you know you have a problem. CBT, tips and exercises fill the book, sleep myths are dispersed, sleep facts are given and the book gives great advice. I find myself sleeping better after reading it. Recommended.

This Book Will Make You Calm, Confident, Happy, Sleep by Dr Jessamy Hibberd & Jo Usmar

Released 6 January 2014

This new series for busy, creative people will give you the tools to deal with common problems from anxiety and lack of confidence to sleeplessness and general wellbeing.

Psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibberd and lifestyle journalist Jo Usmar draw on the latest cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to show how to develop coping strategies and learn practical techniques to tackle a range of problems quickly and effectively. From reducing worry and boosting energy levels to breathing and mindfulness techniques, these accessible, handy-size books will make your life more serene, stress-free and fulfilled.

About the authors:

Dr Jessamy Hibberd is a clinical psychologist who worked for the NHS before setting up her own private practice. She is a chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and accredited with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

Jo Usmar is a freelance journalist and editor. She has contributed to a variety of national media, as well as writing a regular relationship column for Cosmopolitan. She has appeared on TV and radio commenting on lifestyle and relationship issues.

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Tag Archives: Catherine Balavage

John Campbell-Mac Interview: On The Toscars, British Hustle & Ron Jeremy

Somewhere Over England Book Review

Interview With Author Sophie Duffy

Nikki Gemmell Interview | Books

New York Times Bestselling Author Elizabeth Buchan | Writer Interviews

Different Styles Of Wedding Dresses

The Cheesemaker’s House Book Review

This Book Will Make You Calm, Confident, Happy, Sleep Book Reviews