Musique et Bien Plus
Professional musician, native of Wichita, Kansas, and inspirational fiction author who shares my same maiden name, Amanda Wen is an author I personally couldn’t wait to interview! Listen to the end for a special performance by Amanda and me as we “hymnprovise” on Amazing Grace!
Although surprisingly we aren’t related, she’s a kindred spirit whose books ring true and strike a chord that resonates with me, and countless other readers as well.… Read More...
Cellist Jerry Chang is bored in class due to the repetitive nature of his music. What’s the point in playing an instrument if he’s stuck accompanying Franklin, the uppity first violinist? Even the second violinist and violist, the pretty Pearson sisters, seem ready for a change in tune. When Jerry suggests they play a song by the Romantic composer Borodin, the girls jump at the opportunity.… Read More...
Violinist Karen dominates the music scene at Belton University until a transfer student usurps her position and forces Karen to play “second fiddle,” much to her chagrin. When the unforeseen happens during their performance of Handel’s Messiah, will Karen do what it takes to save the performance?
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I hope you enjoy my recording of the this springtime classic.
American Jazz Violin Hit Song with Ukrainian/Russian Roots
Paul Nero, a mid-twentieth-century composer known for his hot violin jazz tunes, made a splash in 1949 with his successful song, The Hot Canary. This hilarious hit would have been the talk of Twitter, full of bird tweets and trills throughout.… Read More...
I loved Kristi Ann Hunter’s recent release, Enchanting the Heiress! It has a fun, Pride and Prejudice vibe. Lots of great banter! It also addresses the theme of working to make a living, or living for the work you do. This is one that I plan to explore further in my next novel!… Read More...
Family, Fiction, and an adorable violin as the main character? How could I resist this fabulous children’s book by music teacher/author Courtney Woodward?
A fellow music fiction author with an amazing passion for bringing music education to students of all ages and stages, I had a blast chatting with Courtney today!… Read More...
If your house is anything like mine, we’ve been OBSESSED with the recent Disney feature film Encanto. As a Spanish teacher, musician, sister, and mom, I loved it!
The perennial theme of family and how different people find their place within their family really resonated with me. I liked that the three sisters each possessed their own distinct personalities, while still learning to get along with each other.… Read More...
I’m curious to see which cover you guys prefer, the existing one, or this original one that features more of the red? Or do you prefer the cartoon style like The Chronicles of Music Majors?The Red Violinists was also my originally working title. This chapter shows why…
I was also inspired by the movie, The Red Violin.… Read More...
Finding a date for Valentine’s Day may not be easy for everyone. Especially a couple of musicians who have unusual musical tastes.
I realize this phrase doesn’t always have the purest connotations, but as a romance writer, parent, and teacher I decided to read a couple of books on the topic.… Read More...
As a musician, I have been trained ever since a very young age to rely on my ear. This skill has translated into so many areas of my life, including.
This past week, I enjoyed listening to my writing mentor K.M.… Read More...
Several years ago, I found out that my musical heritage dates back to my Grandpa Scheer’s grandfather. Apparently Granfather Panter McIlvain played the fiddle in a country band, performing for dances and parties in his town. He passed on his violin to his grandson, Harold, who gave it to his own children to learn.… Read More...
After a half-year hiatus, I’ve finally released my Enneagram 2 skit: The Helper Musician. It was fun to tap into violin teacher mode. I hope you enjoy it!
Stay tuned for my music video for my Enneagram 1 character, coming 2022!
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I’m sure you’ve all been waiting on the edge of your seats for this chapter, lol. Do Jerry and Victoria finally get together?
Listen to find out…
Chapter 21
Today’s episode is sponsored by Jerry Chang’s super suave collection. Who doesn’t love the hunky hero of the novel?… Read More...
First of all, I wanted to thank you all for being incredible supporters of me this year. It’s been incredibly busy, with the release of my first two books, The Chronicles of Music Majors in the Spring, and A Change in Tune in the fall.… Read More...
I know I’ve been a little post-happy this season, but Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year! And I figured some people need more fun music and podcasts to listen to while holiday baking, cleaning, and traveling! (And when I say some people, I’m including myself. So if you’re a musician or podcaster, send your posts my way!… Read More...
Bonus Holiday Episode! Listen to our interview where Angela shares how music has played a role in her family and fiction!
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Calista Blythe enters the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana at Christmastime to expose the plight of street urchins.… Read More...
Sophia, the lead soprano of the Belton Glee Club, faces losing her celebrity date to the sorority formal due to a required concert for the university donors. When the lead tenor falls sick with laryngitis, Brett fills in for his role as Santa. Can Sophia and Brett pull off the concert together at the last minute?… Read More...
Ever since I can remember, my mother would sing “O Holy Night” every year in our family Christmas shows. As a result, it has always been my favorite Christmas carol. Last year, I was honored to direct and produce a music video of this hymn in collaboration with my sister musical group Uptown Violins. … Read More...
I enjoy music, especially when it feeds my soul. I also love books. How much more powerful is the draw on my emotions when a dramatic piece of music also paints a story!
This month, Dvořák’s American Quartet did that for me. Click HERE for full article.
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Jerry lifted Victoria’s chin with his finger. “You need to embrace your family.”
She reached out to stroke his cheek. “And maybe you should stand up to yours.”
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In spite of it being Monday night, people crammed into every corner of Café Chocolat. A strong scent of espresso filled the air. Victoria glanced at the stage where the guys were setting up. The guitarist, Matt, wore a checkered flannel shirt and cowboy boots, while Eddie sported a T-shirt and jeans.… Read More...
Black Friday Sale! Great Deals this Week!
Santa’s Top 3 Favorite Books of All Time (He’s read each of these multiple times.)
Santa’s Current Read: The Last Book of the Poldark Series
Santa’s Favorite Poems: YouTube Playlist: Some A Bit Spooky!
Santa’s Role as Proofreader for A Change in Tune (He’s checked it more than twice!)… Read More...
In the dingy hallway outside the audition room, Victoria slipped on gloves to keep her fingers warm. The orchestra auditions were running forty-five minutes late, which allowed too much time for her hands to grow cold. The committee had decided to hear the violins last. The cellists had finished hours ago.… Read More...
In spite of their rivalry, Victoria and Adrienne attempt to perform together like when they were little. Can they put aside their differences for a few minutes to play together? Or will the cat claws emerge?
Growing up, I loved reading authors of autobiographical fiction. My favorite, of course, was Louisa May Alcott’s legendary Little Women. She drew from her real life to create memorable, realistic characters that have charmed readers for centuries.
Another that inspired me, Laura Ingalls Wilder, wrote her Little House series based on her own autobiography.… Read More...
The guys stir up trouble for Victoria as she broods on her current dilemma.
I’ve opened up my whole merch store for the holidays. I hope you check out the fun character designs!
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Victoria shares a sweet moment with Louisa as they try to decide what concerto Victoria should play for the competition. However, the sweetness is gone the next day when Adrienne barges in to borrow clothes, and Victoria makes a shocking discovery.
Last chance to get your Halloween merch!
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After the dramatic turn of events from the last chapter, the quartet reconvenes at the coffeeshop: Café Chocolat.
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This chapter was inspired by my mother’s real life collegiate concert. Apparently, it took place at midnight on Halloween. The conductor rose out of a coffin dressed as Dracula!!!
Here she is featured with three of her sisters. All four of them have been my teacher at some point in my life!… Read More...
While violinists may often portray angelic voices, this isn’t always the case. Consider Niccolo Paganini, the infamous Romantic era rock star who allegedly sold his soul to the devil! Or Satan himself when he takes on Johnny in “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Fortunately Johnny wins!
In this week’s Fiction Fridays, I focus on my villain, violinist Franklin Curtis.… Read More...
Ahhh, Franklin… More on him in next week’s post!
Check out his featured design on my Merch store! All purchases help fund the cost of labor, editing, cover designs, and marketing involved in publication. Help me write book 2 in the series!
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After all the excitement of launch, it has taken me a little while to reset, but it’s time to return to some of our favorite composers!
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) is the most well-known composer of the Baroque period, and one of the most famous composers of all time! He played many roles throughout his life, including composer, church organist, husband, and father to twenty children!… Read More...
It’s October!!! Are you in the mood for some spooky classical music?
This week’s sponsor is my new Merch store on Zazzle!!
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I was thrilled to have my family on the show to celebrate my new book, along with our amazing host Lindsey P. Brackett! Thanks to all of you who came and participated. I have been blown away by all of your love and support!
For more information about our family music business, check out Uptown Violins!… Read More...
When I’ve asked people their favorite scene from the book, this one tops the charts! It also happens to be my favorite as well…
Tonight, meet the real life Strings of Sisterhood! Click Here to attend on Facebook!
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Audio version
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Historical or Contemporary Fiction?
Classical or Pop Music?
Traditional or Contemporary Worship?
Conservative or Liberal?
This debate is centuries old, and pops up in almost every field.Where do you fall on the spectrum? And is there room for a middle ground?
Join me in celebrating book launch for A Change in Tune!… Read More...
Do you want to be a performer or a teacher? Or both? The same applies to a scholar, a teacher, or both?
Reading for next week:
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After a long labor, I’m having a book baby! After years of waiting, multiple drafts, revisions, tears, and several days of nearly giving up, my first novel is finally here! And thanks to you all, it’s already the #1 New Release in the Teen & Young Adult Music Fiction category.
If you have enjoyed my work so far and you want to help share our love of music to others, please help me spread the word.… Read More...
Have you ever wondered the difference? It’s not the instrument; it’s the way you play it. Check out this video to see how!
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I’m so excited to share a sneak preview with you all of my upcoming release: A Change in Tune!
I hope you like it, and I can’t wait to hear your feedback. Enjoy!
Featured Listening for this Chapter: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major
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