Lessons From The Phantom of the Opera© and Other Phantom Ramblings: Blowing Out the Candle

Friday, November 4, 2011

Blowing Out the Candle

I've done some deep soul searching over this blog and other matters in the past month. Usually, when your soul prompts you to search inwardly, there's a discovery or change at the end of that endeavor.

I have, after much reflection, decided to end my blogging on Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera entirely. After nearly four years and 155 posts, I've done my bit in the lair and expressed my joys from center stage to the depths of the lake under the opera house. I've dissected, offered my two cents, received so many emails thanking me for my thoughts that I cannot count them all; but I will cherish every one. That, in itself, has given me great satisfaction. I've also had my share of critics, who found it necessary to slap my hand for having an opinion regarding Love Never Dies. Whatever . . .

This blog continues to receive hits worldwide, and the blog in print form continues to sell worldwide. I will not pull the blog from the Internet or the printed book. However, there will be no further posts about Phantom after this date.

My life's direction is turning elsewhere, as well as my interests and my career goals. When that happens, there are times your greatest interests must be put aside in order to pursue where your heart leads you next. I will never stop loving The Phantom of the Opera or the story it tells. It's been a huge part of my life, and I am very grateful for the experience. As far as further Phantom publications, I have people emailing me for a sequel to The Phantom of Valletta. I hadn't planned on one, but you never know what an author has up their sleeve. It may be "garbage" to some, but to others it was an enjoyable read, especially to my very kind friends on the island of Malta who embraced the story wholeheartedly. They are very gracious and generous fans. As far as the book itself, there may be some shocking surprises in the future.

For Phantom news, thoughts, and opinions, I encourage you to reach out to others in the community who are more than able to feed your need. If I have news about my publications, I'll update this site, but as far as blogging, I'm blowing out the candle. Thanks to everyone who supported me during this journey.

If you wish to follow my endeavors elsewhere, feel free to visit my official author website at http://vickihopkins.com and sign up to follow my progress on numerous other blogs and books.

Sincerely,

Vicki Hopkins aka The Phantom's Student

Blog/Book Review

"Lessons From 'The Phantom of the Opera' " is a creative and thoughtful approach to pop culture hit. I enjoyed the book because I teach French history at the college level and I have long enjoyed Gothic novels as well as opera. I connect with the story on several levels, professional and personal. "Lessons" takes a personal, reflective approach that asks readers to think about why they react as they do to the musical and novel. Why does such an old fashioned, romantic story have such appeal in post modern society? Simple: young or old or in between, we still respond to the emotions explored in the story. I plan to tell some of my students who are Phantom fans about this book." (Dr. Melanie Byrd)

The Joy of Audio Books

I love audio books. They open up a whole new world of entertainment. They save time from sitting down and reading a book. You can listen while driving to work, during work, taking a walk, running, or working outside and around the house. It's a time-saving opportunity to take a moment and enjoy your favorite books, acted out by talented voice artists, many of which are from television and stage.

The talent chosen for The Phantom of Valletta, has extensive voice experience. My other narrators are from the stage, or are professional voice artists that have done television, documentaries, and commercials.

Why not try out a membership at Audible? It's easy - starts with a free trial, has no long-term commitment, and is filled with entertainment.

Join today, and I'll give you a free code to one of my books of your choosing to get you started.

JOIN HERE AT AUDIBLE

Listen To All Things Phantom on BlogTalkRadio

All quotations used in this blog are the property of:

The Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux, Pubished by Random House, Inc. 2002 (Quoted with Permission)

Introduction by Anne Perry, Copyright 2002, Random House, Inc. (Quoted with Permission)

Phantom Of The Opera lyrics are the property of their respective authors, artists and labels. (Music Andrew Lloyd Webber/Lyrics Charles Hart, The Really Useful Group, London, UK). Licensing fees were paid to use them in my book, Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera, but have been omitted here on the blog. Artwork is posted by permission of artist.

Writer's icon and other photos used in his blog were purchased from iStockPhotos.com, with rights for use, or are personal photographs taken by Phantom's Student. POTO from Photobucket.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to Anne Perry who has given me permission to quote her from her introduction to The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, published by Random House, 2002, and her good luck wishes.

Special thanks to the Hal Leonard Corporation, who made my experience in getting licensing permission to use Webber's lyrics in my book easier than I dreamed.

Special thanks to my readers that allow me to express my views from behind my mask and keep coming back for more even though I poke at them.

Special thanks to Sadie Montgomery (Author of the "The Phoenix of the Opera" series) for holding my hand through my self-publishing experience and for her faithful and continued encouragement.

References Used