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The Dark Castle Lords Newsletter
July 2007
Welcome to this month's edition
In this issue:
1. Castle of the Month –
Malahide Castle
the oldest in habited castle in Ireland has not one ghost to
frighten its guests but
FIVE
2. Book
Review - How
to Ruin A Season by
Linda L, Fallen Angles
3. Travel Tips -
A Paris Vacation Beyond the Ordinary
by Jennifer Weiss
4. Author Profile – Meet
our latest author, Raquel Taylor
5. News from the Romance Industry
–
Pamela Seres interviews Actor and Screen writer Paul Sampson
about his up and coming movie NIGHT OF THE TEMPLAR
6. Readers Corner
7. Next Months issue
****************************
1. Castle of the Month
****************************
Malahide Castle
Many
castle throughout Europe all have one thing in common - a resident
ghost. Malahide Castle which is the oldest in habited castle in
Ireland has not one ghost to frighten its guests but FIVE.
The first ghost
is that of Sir Walter Hussey, who on his wedding day was killed in
battle during the 15th century by a spear wound to the side of his
body.
Sir
Walter can bee seen wandering and groaning throughout the castle
pointing at the deadly wound. It is believed that he haunts the
castle venting his resentment towards his young bride, who upon his
death married his rival.
Lady Maud Plunkett
who had been married three times is the second ghost to haunt
Malahide Castle. Her last marriage was to a Lord Chief Justice. By
this stage of her life she had become a notorious virago, and she
can bee seen chasing her husband through the corridors of the
Castle.
The Chief Justice himself
is the third of our ghosts to haunt Malahide Castle. He simply
appears to provide his spouse with an opportunity of taking a little
exercise. I will leave what type of exercise to your imagination….
Our fourth ghost
and probably the most interesting is that of Miles Corbett. During
Cromwell’s reign, the castle and property were handed to Miles.
During his occupation of the castle, Miles committed many atrocities
but the worst was the desecration of the chapel of the old abbey
near the castle.
For his crimes he was hanged, drawn and quartered and when his ghost
first appears it seems to be a perfectly whole soldier in armor.
But! If you are brave enough to be still around when you meet him
you will find that he falls into four pieces before your very eyes.
The fifth and final ghost
is that of a 16th century court jester called “Puck”. Puck had the
misfortune of falling in love with a relation of Lady Elenora
Fitzgerald, who under orders from Henry VIII was being detained at
the castle due to her rebellious nature.
Poor
Puck was found close to the castle during a snowy December night and
for his troubles was stabbed through the heart. With his dying
breath he swore and oath that he would haunt the castle until a
reigning lord chose a bride from the common people. Pucks latest
reported sighting was in 1976 when the castles contents were sold
off in May of that year.
His
dwarf like spectre can be seen in many photographs taken at the
castle but the most vivid is on were his wrinkled old face is seen
peering out of the ivy on the walls of malahide castle.
****************************
2.
Book Review
****************************
How To
Ruin a Season by Linda L, Fallen Angels
How to Ruin a
Season is an intensified tale that spins with great creativity that
this reader thoroughly enjoyed. Sophie is refreshing in all her
actions and I couldn’t help but feel her sorrow, her ups, her downs,
and when she discovers romance, her incredible joy. I think that I
could sit and listen to William carry a conversation myself. He has
charm and sophistication. The constant rival discord between mother
and daughter was one that many could relate with in this stunning
story that captured my heart.
Jennifer Mueller has composed
a spellbinding tale that made me feel so much a part of the
characters and their lives. She paints a vivid picture that allows
the reader to tag along on this magnificent adventure that had a
dynamite ending I enjoyed.
Rating -
5
Angles
****************************
3. Travel Tips
**************************** Rhodes Island, Greece: A Pinch of Rhodes Town History
A Paris
Vacation Beyond the Ordinary By
Jennifer Weiss
Paris. What more can be said about the beautiful City of Light? We
all know about its romantic atmosphere and countless museums and
galleries that will sweep you away to another time and place. But
around every corner and along its grand boulevards, there is a Paris
that is specifically tailored towards your interests, preferences,
and curiosity; and all you need to do is wander its streets to
discover what you have been missing all this time.
While you so desperately want to discover the hidden treasures
of this city, if it is your first visit there are a couple of sights
that absolutely have to be at the top of your itinerary. Of course,
standing beneath the Eiffel Tower and riding up to its landings for
the breathtaking, panoramic views is bound to be your first
adventure, while the Louvre and its spectacular art collection,
complete with the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, will probably be
a close second. Other classic favorites that will definitely occupy
your first couple of days in the city include Notre-Dame, the Arc de
Triomphe, and the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur.
After wandering the Louvre for hours or soaking in
the unparalleled beauty of Notre-Dame, your senses are bound to be
overloaded, downright exhausted, and in need of less demanding
pursuits. Although this is most likely in complete contrast to what
you imagined before arrival—trekking from one sight to another,
checking off dozens of attractions from your must-see list seemed so
reasonable back then—this weary feeling as actually for the best
since now you can truly experience Paris instead of having it rush
by as you hit up attraction after attraction. So what then should
you do for the ultimate Paris vacation? Quite possibly less than you
ever imagined…
Depending on your particular interests, there is a
touristy Paris, a historical Paris, a laid-back Paris, and a
fashionable Paris to ensure that you have the most memorable and
enjoyable vacation possible. Shoppers and tourists alike will
appreciate the elegance of one of the world’s most famous
promenades, the Champs-Élysées, where they can dine on exquisite
cuisine, shop to their heart’s content, and relax in a café and
simply watch the endless parade of people down its cobblestone
street. With the Arc de Triomphe at one end and historic restaurants
such as Laurent and Ledoyen scattered throughout, you could easily
lose an entire day enjoying the ambiance of this one-of-kind avenue.
Although history-buffs will be hard-pressed to find
a city with more amazing museums (consider the Musée Jacquemart-André,
the Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou after the Louvre) at its
beck and call, there is more to Paris’ past than strolling down a
corridor and looking at your 180th oil painting. By resisting the
pull of the French Impressionists and making time for the cobbled
and historic streets of Montmarte and the picturesque Latin Quarter,
which rests over the Seine, you can create a more personal and
memorable experience than all of the museums combined. Exploring
hidden alleyways and wandering without a final destination, you can
discover history, beauty, and something special to only you, all
while getting a little lost in the process.
While it is easy to only think of all of the
excitement you plan to pursue during the day, the City of Light
certainly lives up to its name when night falls on its charming
streets. The first couple of days during your trip you may be
exhausted from hitting up all the popular attractions, but after you
have gotten into the groove of your own getaway, be sure to spend a
few evenings living it up with the Parisians. With the high quality
and quantity of bars, nightclubs, music halls, wine bars, jazz
dives, and cabarets, there is bound to be at least a couple of
places that suit your taste.
Now that you have your days and evenings stuffed to
the gills with entertainment, you need to find somewhere to rest
your weary head after a long day in Paris. Beyond your typical
hotel, one excellent option that offers all the luxuries of home and
proximity to all your favorite attractions is a Paris apartment
rental. While other accommodations are simply a place where you can
rejuvenate your body before another day in the city, Paris vacation
rentals surround you with amazing views and feature a cozy, lived-in
atmosphere that makes you feel welcome in the city the moment you
arrive. Even if Paris isn’t exactly off the beaten path, you can
make this trip more personalized than you ever imagined by selecting
a vacation rental that perfectly meets all of your individual needs.
CyberRentals.com offers a comprehensive selection
of vacation rental homes all over the world. For an alternative
lodging option, consider Paris vacation rentals for your next trip
to France.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Weiss
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Paris-Vacation-Beyond-the-Ordinary&id=499236
****************************
4. Author Profile
****************************
Raquel Taylor
Raquel Taylor has a wicked
thing for strong determined Alpha males and an equally wicked thing
for the strength of their women. She likes emotional turmoil that
turns to sensual war. Love is never easy…especially in her stories…
But oh, the final conquest
is nice…
Raquel loves to bring her travelers into
finely crafted exotic worlds where they reach the peaks of ecstasy,
but it is never at the expense of the heart. Love is at the crux of
all her hot romances no matter how tantalizingly naughty the
journey.
Raquel lives with her family
in Chicago, Illinois. She has a B.A. in English Literature and she
invites you to visit her at: www.raqueltaylorhome.com.
****************************************
5. Romance Industry News
****************************************
Pamela Seres
interviews Actor and Screen writer Paul Sampson about his up and
coming movie
NIGHT OF THE
TEMPLAR
Castles have
always brought me some sort of peace and have inspired me to seek
more knowledge of the past and in turn have answered questions of
the present and future.
Most “proper”
castle fortifications were built during the middle ages (c
1000-1500). A castle served many purposes unlike other structures of
this period, such as a church, a house, or an inn.
A castle was a
home for the lord and family, a place where guests could be
entertained and often the center for administration and justice.
The most important
function of the castle was for it to be built strong enough to
defend its occupants while acting as a base from which attacks on
neighbors or more distant enemies could be launched.
When I think of
castles, knights also quickly come to mind. Most knights from the
Medieval times were occupied with damsels, fighting and obtaining
riches.
There were
spiritual knights as well. The Knights Templar (or Order of the Poor
Knights of Christ) took the oath of poverty and wore a simple outfit
with a red cross. Their service was to God.
But, what would
happen if in a past lifetime you betrayed a righteous Templar
Knight?
Night has fallen.
The castle is dreary and dark; the Templar Knight is back to even
the score!
I have been given
a very special insight to the upcoming movie, NIGHT OF THE TEMPLAR,
which tells the story of passion, loyalty, deceit, betrayal…and
revenge.
The amazing and
multi-talented Paul Sampson is the writer, actor, producer, and
director of
NIGHT OF THE TEMPLAR.
His answers to my
questions are definitely out of the box and will leave you in baited
anticipation to see the movie!
Q: What was your inspiration for writing NIGHT OF THE TEMPLAR?
A: I was reviewing my Free-Mason
Handbook with a friend (We are required to keep up on it you know,
secret hand shakes, rituals, et cetera), and I said, "Hey, brother
Xavier, let's make a movie about our secret society and divulge all
our secrets to the general public." After they hung me upside down
and said they would cut off my tongue and throw it into the sea, but
only after removing my internal organs and tossing them over my left
shoulder, I realized it wasn't a good idea. And then Brother Spencer
said, "Hey, Brother Sampson, why not use the Knights Templar, it's
still a "Grey Area" for most, and the Grandmaster won't mind if you
sprinkle some things here and there, but make sure you use Hot
Chicks in the modern day portion of the movie." And I thought, mmm,
Hot Chicks, and then one thing lead to another. And then I realized
how interesting it would be for a horror movie to have its "killer"
be a Templar Knight, and be the protagonist... never done before...
never. Mmmmm, an original thought, how odd. . So I said, "Gee,
thanks brother Spencer, I'll do that, and do you mind untying me."
In my story the killer is basically the one you root for, not the
victims. But I just didn't want some guy walking about in chain mail
and a big sword slaying people, I wanted motivation. So I thought
how interesting it would be if he came back from the past for
revenge on the kindred spirits of those who betrayed him so long
ago. And I don't just make mention of the past he came from, we are
there for a third of the movie. Between the modern day killings, we
find out more and more of the history of what happened and who each
of the players are now, and what part they played in the betrayal
700 years ago.
What I can tell you, it’s not a regular horror movie where the
victims are random and innocent.
What I didn't do
was make it a history lesson. Yes, those men (Knights Templar) did
exist in that time period and they did do battle in the location
mentioned in the story. And the costumes (I did a lot of research
with Sandra Dugas) and weapons are probably more accurate than most
of the movies you see dealing with that time period. But it is
definitely not a history lesson. My goal wasn't to rip-off the
DaVinci Code. If there are Templar Knight Historians out there, tell
them to relax. I did close to a year's research on them (and it
doesn't end), and I decided in later drafts of the script that there
is plenty of literature out there for the reading if someone wants
to explore this great moment in history. But it's not my job. Not on
this one. I created a story of betrayal (which naturally leads to
revenge) based upon a fictitious band of crusaders that occurs in a
time and setting that really took place. All historical references
that take place in and around it are accurate.
Q:
Why do you think the past still holds a fascination for many people
today, especially the Medieval Era?
A: I think
partially the religious factor, both positive and negative, where
Church and State had their strong hold. Also, the valor and code of
honor that men had and took into battle. Add in some mystery of
secret societies and witchcraft. And a lot has to do with the fact
that so much is unclear, and, as always, not knowing always raises
interest.
There are many references made to many things that only probably
historians or readers of certain books or members of certain groups
and societies will catch and understand, but that's okay... it's
still going to be a ride at any level... kind of like the "Simpsons".
It's fun for all ages and hits all the points on the Bell Curve...
and if you don't understand what I am saying, just enjoy the blood
and gore and laughs and Hot Chicks.
Q: What did you
do beforehand to get into character for Lord Gregoire, the righteous
leader of the Holy Order of the Knights Templar?
A: Grew a
beard, took a vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience ... and then
went into my time machine and set it to 1307 A.D. ... you know, the
usual stuff.
Q:
Betrayal, vengeance, vows and religion still play a big part in our
world today. What are your personal thoughts on defending God and
the one "true cross"?
A: Don't
want to get into Religion. That's not the purpose of the movie. Yes,
there is a religious overtone to the movie. And yes, righteousness
does prevail. But I have witnessed in the entertainment field that
when an author/artist covers his work with religious and political
agendas it can result in the death of the piece, and be a real
turn-off. This movie isn’t a religious or political crusade, it’s a
horror movie. Yes, again, at times there is the spoken word, but end
of the day, it's a horror flick... perhaps more intelligent than you
are used to seeing, but blood will flow and heads will roll...
literally. So there is something present for all... deep thought,
very clever dialogue, pretty horses, humor, blood and gore, Knights,
and of course, HOT CHICKS... I mean, c'mon, I do want to sell the
movie, too :)
Q: You wrote,
produced, directed and acted in NIGHT OF THE TEMPLAR. How difficult
was that for you and what would you do differently next time?
A: I did a
lot more than that! And as far as "Next Time," I'm only a third of
the way through with this one. Granted, I shot the most difficult
portion first, and on film (35mm) at night with horses and all, but
I have a long way to go. I drew blood, and some of it was even
mine...I hate when that happens.
Q:
How do you feel seeing your project upon completion on the screen?
A: I don't
understand the question. It's not done. Isn't that a question one
would ask after the movie is totally shot, edited, scored, et cetera
and was actually fully completed (special screening and all)? What
are you asking? Are you asking how will I feel when it is complete?
I won't know that until it's complete. And if you're asking how do I
feel as far as its having a shot of going to the screen (theatres)
as opposed to cable and the video shelf? Well, I've seen some great
movies go right to the video store (with and without big names) and
I have seen some really, really bad movies (with big names and
bigger budgets) go to the theatres. That's just marketing. It really
is. I've been (as an actor) in both. If they advertise it to the
public and they make a great trailer, people will go. It’s like
going to the cereal aisle at the supermarket or toy store with a
kid, they always want what they saw advertised on television or that
which is wrapped in the prettiest package.
As far as it going to the theatres or more so, do I believe it has a
shot at going to the theatres? It all depends on the modern day
shoot of the movie. If I get a big company to back the remaining
shoot and I put a couple of names in it and someone wants to spend
some money on advertising, it will go. Let's put it this way, what
percentage of horror movies make money if they go to the theatres...
mostly all of them. Yep, just about every horror movie that goes to
the theatres makes the budget back with ease. And a large percentage
of them make that money back in the first couple of weeks. That's
the facts, it's just a matter of putting in a name, and with horror
or slasher movies, it's just a great trailer and marketing
(advertising).
Everyone who makes a movie has visions of grandeur (that's French I
think, yep, I do my research); some are hopeful and most are just
delusional. It's a movie, it'll be entertaining and worth the price
of admission whether it's a theatre ticket or a rental fee. And as
far as production value, yes, more money buys more “Bang.” So, keep
in mind it is an independent horror movie. But here's the kicker, no
one has ever done an independent horror movie where a good portion
of it takes place (period piece) seven hundred years ago. I'm not
talking 15-20 seconds of a flashback moment and then someone doing
expository (and painfully) dialogue over mood music. Nope, I'm going
to take you back 700 years for 30 minutes. You'll see the story, not
hear about it from some whacked out toothless drunk villager over a
campfire (you know the drill in those movies, old man or gypsy woman
tells the story of the curse and after he/she has said their peace
and leaves, everyone moans and says he/she's crazy...and then they
die). In mine you'll see for yourself... and then they'll die. Oh
yes, they will. Mwwwhhhaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
************************************
6. Reader
Corner
************************************
*********************************
7. Next Months Issue
*********************************
1. Castle of the Month –
Dundonald Castle
in Scotland
proudly
stands on a hill which has been in continuous use since around 2000
BC
2. Book
Review - Lord
Dronovic
Reviewed by: Linda L at Fallen Angles
3. Travel Tips -
German
Castles -- 4 of The Most Incredible Ones -- Part I
By
Marcus Hochstadt
4. Author Profile – Kristi
Ahlers
5. News from the Romance Industry
–
Meet the newest Dark Lord -
Christopher Howell
6. Readers Corner –
Castle Joke by Kate Hofman
We hope you have enjoyed reading July's edition and if you have any suggestions or comments about any
part of the newsletter then please feel free to contact us.
Best Wishes
Stuart and Pam
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