Category: Manhattan

And here it is…the story of my encounter with Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. Otherwise known as Jim Parsons. Or God.

My wonderful friend Art somehow snagged 2nd row seats at Studio 54, where ACT OF GOD, a modern day play about the retelling of the 10 Commandments Family Feud Style, was playing. And what a night!

First off, I’ve never had such fantastic seats. I was 10 feet away from Jim Parsons. I could see every eyebrow arch, every eye roll, every smirk. Things those in the nosebleed section couldn’t see.

Then I found out I was in the hot seat!

For those not familiar with the play, it is mainly a monologue by Jim Parsons and he is accompanied by his 2 angels, Gabriel and Michael. God has come down from Heaven (in the form of Jim Parsons, who is unaware God is doing this) and he wants to comment on the 10 commandments and how frustrated he is with current culture. One example is him talking about how much he doesn’t get involved in sports. He’s not “for” your team when your team wins, nor is he “against” your team if you lose. The 90 minute play is filled with fun, laughter, and Jim Parsons is absolutely wonderful. In addition, despite the themes, it does well with not being sacrilegious.

Anyway, moving on…

He starts talking about how he was bored, so he created humans. A few minutes later, the angel Michael walks off the stage and right up to me. Puts a microphone in my face and tells “God” that I have a question, and what is my name?

I answer, and Jim Parsons says, “Hi Elaine.” I grinned ear to ear. Then the angel says, “Elaine wants to know why things were created. Why we’re here.”

To which, Jim Parsons gets that “Sheldon look of exasperation” in his eye and says, “Snap, snap, Elaine! I told you, I was bored so I created humans. You can’t be falling asleep or daydreaming, darling, you’re seated in the prime area! Chop chop, pay attention, okay Elaine?”

I laughed and nodded, then figured that was it. A few other people gave their names and the angel asked more questions, and the play continued. No more interaction, right?

Wrong.

At one point, Jim Parsons speaks about the wrath in the Old Testament and then tells the audience not to worry. He has no plans to end our lives or bring us to Heaven anytime soon. Then he pauses, arches an eyebrow, and says, “Well, perhaps one of you. At 3:36 a.m. tomorrow.”

Then a light shines on the top of my head!!! The whole audience is dark, and I have a Spanish Inquisition style light beaming on me.

To which Jim Parsons asks, “Is that Elaine again? Okay, hon. See ya soon, darlin’.”

It was hilarious, fun, and I really enjoyed being part of things. He’s a fabulous and talented actor, and I loved my night seeing this Broadway play.

For the “best of Sheldon” humor on The Big Bang Theory, click here to watch.

Research and Travel

by Elaine Calloway

I am one of those writers who likes to go to the places I write about in books. Many may disagree, may say that it is too expensive and it can’t be done, and that is certainly a viable reason. One can study the Internet, books, maps, magazines, and gather intel to work.

For me, however, I find there’s nothing like my own bizarre impressions when I visit a place. And it doesn’t always need to be an extra trip expense. RWA Nationals was in New York City a few years back. I went a few days ahead of time, met some friends there, and we explored the city. Doing so gave me a great feel for Raging Fire, my latest book release about a Fire Elemental stationed in Manhattan.

All those day-to-day things that magazines, books, and the Internet may not tell you are at your fingertips when you do your own travel research. Actually feeling the quiet air early on a Sunday morning along Fifth Avenue; this is in vast contrast to the madness and mayhem of Times Square any time of day. Being part of an eclectic city that never sleeps, feeling its pulsing heartbeat into the wee hours of the morning. All these things and more helped me write Raging Fire with more ease.

Not everyone can travel to the setting destination, however, my recommendation is that if you can do it, it’s worth it to get that extra sense of the place.

Elaine Calloway is currently writing The Elemental Clan Series. Book Two, Raging Fire, which is set in Manhattan, released on August 18 and is available in ebook and paperback. Look for books three and four to release in late 2013/early 2014 respectively. When she isn’t writing about the living, the dead, and the eerie in between, she enjoys reading, movies, and spending time with friends.

Water’s Blood, Book One – https://www.elainecalloway.com/waters-blood-book-one/

Raging Fire, Book Two – https://www.elainecalloway.com/raging-fire-book-two/

Elaine Calloway’s Book Two of The Elemental Clan Series, RAGING FIRE, is now available on Smashwords! This site contains all formats, including for NOOK, iPod, etc.

It should be available for direct purchase on Amazon within the next 12-24 hours. But if you want it early, you can go here.

For more information on The Four Elements and this series, check out the Raging Fire page.

Hi all, Many thanks to everyone for the supportive messages about my Elemental Clan Series! I have been working with a new editor, so Book Two (RAGING FIRE) will be released in August 2013 (yay!) but I am not sure of a release date yet. Should be in the coming week or so. Thanks and will keep you posted! Life has been crazy this summer! I became a Gramma, attended #RWA13, plotted out 2 more books, and then, oh yeah, there’s the day job too! How has everyone else’s summer been?