It was always Regina’s plan during her trip to Kyoto to spend some time in the narrow wooden streets of Gion. There, she finds herself drawn to the tiniest antiques shop on Shinmonzen-dori, where she discovers a collection of netsuke that will stay with her for a lifetime... Watch Now
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Tributes, Homages, and Borrowings
In the hush of libraries and art galleries, in front of screens and stages - a quiet heist unfolds daily... Artists lift from artists, writers borrow from writers, and everyone insists it's an homage. It's not easy to draw a line between inspiration and theft, between respectful tribute and outright poaching. And it doesn't matter... Continue Reading →
Excerpt from “Fireworks and Other Illuminations”: The Courtesan, the Artist, and the Warrior
In this scene from Fireworks and Other Illuminations, Regina finds herself in a Kyoto antique shop, captivated by an erotic netsuke—a carved ivory sculpture no larger than a thumb—of a bound geisha. As she holds it, an imagined story unfurls in her mind, merging art, desire, and violence. This is Regina's private tale - one... Continue Reading →
An Aside: The Trying Plight of Bashful Creators It's a family trait with us. This is how we do. We are so afraid of the world at large... We hide ourselves, while honing our tangible creations in virtual isolation. And when they are ready— be it art, a breakthrough product, or a piece of writing—we... Continue Reading →
Behind the Scenes of “Fireworks and Other Illuminations”: Japan
Years before the idea of Fireworks and Other Illuminations was conceived I took my first trip to Japan... Temples, gardens, hot springs, seismic activity, geisha encounter, stolen passports, and escalator missteps - I will cherish that voyage forever. It inspired the opening of the novel... Read the real story behind the first chapter
“Fireworks and Other Illuminations” Teaser One
Please enjoy the following Preview Watch now
Dirty Dancing: Exploring Its Timeless Allure
Discover which classic romance tropes and fairy tale rules propelled "Dirty Dancing" to timeless worldwide success in this comprehensive review. Read More
Lena Dunham: The Girl Who Perseveres
Did you know that Lena Dunham is presently working (together with her husband, the composer!) on a new romantic-comedy series for Netflix? It's called - Too Much... (for real!) And deep in my heart I do wish that the imaginary reader asks, "Who dat?" But that's just wishful thinking all around... (She sighs.) Of course,... Continue Reading →
It’s Cass Elliot’s Birthday
She would've celebrated her 83rd today, but she left us at a tragically young age of 32, leaving behind her voice and the memories of a blazing public persona... And the tragedy of her romance... She knew how much unrequited love can hurt... She loved Danny, but he didn't want Ellen Naomi Cohen.. He was... Continue Reading →
Rules of (Romantic) Engagement
Strictly speaking, the term "rules of engagement" belongs primarily to international politics, where it strictly defines circumstances, conditions, and parameters of provocative actions towards an opposing force... But it's just so universally descriptive! Both the idiom itself and its underlying meaning! When to make a move, how to proceed, what steps to take... It is... Continue Reading →
“I Like Romance!”
It must've been early 2013... This operations executive I worked with - let's call her Rose - stormed into my office and threw herself into one of the visitors chairs in front of my desk. She was fuming... As it turned out, she was upset with one of her friends who gave her Fifty Shades... Continue Reading →
