Christa Avampato
Christa Avampato
Joy today: My biomimicry career goal
My goal for my Master of Science in biomimicry and starting a biomimicry-based product development studio: turn New York City into the model that shows how a city can give back to the planet more than it takes.
Joy today: The creative projects I’ll be writing, filming, and recording this Fall
This Fall, I’ll be working on a few different creative projects that are now in pre-production:
Emerson Page
I’m going to finish my second Emerson Page novel by December 31, 2019. This sequel has taken longer than I hoped it would, but that’s mostly because I want it to be even better than the first book. I don’t know when the book will be released, but as soon as I have a date I’ll let you know!
While I work on writing the second book, I will also be recording the audiobook for book one of the series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, and launching it on Audible later this year. I’m so pleased to share that actress Alexandra Taylor will be recording the audio book. I’ll be producing, directing, and editing it. The audiobook will have cut scenes that were not included in the book, and it will have some other Easter eggs as well for listeners to hear. I’m really excited to make the beginning of Emerson’s journey accessible in this format.
Additionally, I’m going to work on filming a couple of short scenes from the book—enough to put together a short trailer for a limited run TV series or feature film.
New York City’s Secrets and Lies
I’ll be writing and filming the pilot episode of New York City’s Secrets and Lies. Originally staged as a live game show of two truths and a lie with New York City secret history, I’ve got ideas of how to take this concept to a wider audience via TV and streaming services.
#JoyProject
I’ll be filming and editing a series of short films showcasing joy. A set of talented, hilarious, and passionate people will be showing me and telling about one thing that brings them a supreme amount of joy. From ballroom dance to stage fighting to the teaching history to bullet journals, get ready to smile wider than you ever thought possible.
In Whiskey We Trust
I finally figured out the right threads to tell New York City’s whiskey story in an immersive, location-based tour. I’m working on stitching it all together now and will run a beta this Fall.
Looking forward to sharing all of the progress with you in the coming months! If you’re interested in being involved in any of these projects, please let me know.
Joy project: My Emerson Page book is becoming an audio book
Excited to share that this Fall I’ll be recording the audiobook for Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, and launching it on Audible later this year. Actress Alexandra Taylor will be narrating and I’ll be producing, directing, and editing it. The audiobook will have cut scenes that were not included in the book, and it will have some other Easter eggs as well for listeners to hear. I’m really excited to make the beginning of Emerson’s journey accessible in this format. It’s been on my list for quite a while and Alex’s interest in voicing it gave me the push I needed to make it happen. Thanks, Alex!
Joy today: Introducing my new venture, Double or Nothing Media
I’m really excited to share with you that this week I officially launched my second full-time entrepreneurial venture—Double or Nothing Media. Hence the name, double or nothing! In short, I’m placing big bets on stories about people, places, and products that inspire us. Rolling up all of my business and creative skills sets into one business, I’m offering the following services either as a package or individually depending upon whatever my clients need or want:
- product development
- the storytelling and marketing of that product in many different mediums as well as the people and places it impacts
- the business strategy and implementation that goes into making that product financially sustainable
Broadly defined, I think of products as anything that is the result of an action or process. That could be a tangible good like a t-shirt or bottle of shampoo, a system like the New York City water system, or a digital product like the online learning program I’m working on with Carnegie Hall.
I’ll also be working on my own products related to my biomimicry work as well as my own film, TV, web series, audio, and book projects. More on those in my next post!
For now, I’d love for you to check out Double or Nothing Media and let me know what you think! Also, if you’d like to work with me, or know someone who would, I’d love to chat. Let’s tell some stories together!
Joy today: This is my wish for all of us
My friend, Colleen, posted this and I just had to share it. These are all the things I wish for all of us.
“May you awaken to the mystery of being here and enter the quiet immensity of your own presence. May you have joy and peace in the temple of your senses.
May you receive great encouragement when new frontiers beckon.
May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path.
May your outer dignity mirror an inner dignity of soul.
May you take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.
May the flame of anger free you from falsity.
May warmth of heart keep your presence aflame and may anxiety never linger about you.
May you be consoled in the secret symmetry of your soul.
May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.”
~ John O’Donohue
Joy today: Taking another big career leap
The start of a new chapter today calls for a new notebook. This beautiful one from Brian Andreas fits my mood and MO perfectly. Thanks to my wonderful friend, Colleen, for sending it to me. Here we go!
Joy today: I received a TopShelf Magazine 2020 Book Award Nomination
I don’t know what lovely person made my day on Saturday, but they sure did. I found out that my book, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was nominated for a TopShelf Magazine 2020 Book Award. I received an email with the happy news last night and I’d really like to thank the person who nominated me. If it was you, please let me know! For now, I’m just tossing copious amounts of gratitude and joy into the universe.
Joy today: Happy 50th birthday to the moon landing
Happy 50th birthday to the moon landing! If you are anywhere near NYC before Sept 22nd, I highly recommend seeing The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York‘s exhibit Apollo’s Muse: The Moon in the Age of Photography, a beautiful combo of science, art, & dreams.
Among my favorite pieces there:
- Images from and of the refracting telescope at Lick Observatory (1870s and 1880s)
- The first book entirely dedicated to the moon (from 1647)
- Images from the lunar atlas created at the Lick Observatory (1897)
- Venice by the light of the moon (a trick of photography by Carlo Naya – 1875)
- A light-refracting telescope similar in technology to the one used by Galileo (1800)
Joy today: Writing feedback is a gift
I wrote my first TV pilot script this month—an adaptation of my young adult novel, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters. I’ve entered it in a few screenwriting competitions. One of those allowed the option to pay a bit more to get personalized feedback on the script. I jumped at the chance to get feedback from experts in the industry. Feedback is such a gift and so important, especially since I’m just learning how to write for this medium.
I just got the feedback and it’s 3 full pages of insights and suggestions on how to make the script stronger, specifically for TV. Immensely helpful! It scored 7.6/10 which I think is pretty good for my first TV script. I did a little dance, tossed up some sincere wishes of gratitude, and am now getting back to editing and refining.
Joy today: Moulin Rouge on Broadway
The Broadway show Moulin Rouge The Musical is opulent and spectacular. An event. A party. A love story. The raw manifestation of truth, beauty, freedom, and love. A love letter to bohemian Paris set in one of the most storied theaters in New York. The cast is spectacular, especially Karen Olivo and Aaron Tveit!
