May 1, 2013

May Day

One time a few years ago, while walking down this street, I had an experience that sparked some brainstorming on the backburner. It’s been simmering ever since. Recently, the threads came together in an outline of a new story I’m ready to write.

Keywords involved include: may day, channels, flora, fourth dimension, beltane, magic, san francisco, portal, mission, fires, floodgate, liberty, faeries, distress signal, light, scotland, clairvoyant, paris, midnight, somewhere, medium, audrey, bullies, neon, past, sensitive, spirit guide, telekinetic, present, art, argon, future, labor, breaking barriers, flying, weather, fulgurate, anthem, energy, reincarnation, metaphysics, saved, shimmering, self.

All these ideas may or may not make it into the final draft. These keywords will help create a larger story map, as I attempt to build out the novel by wireframing the structure, like an information architecture project, to maximize user experience, e.g. your reading pleasure. This is clearly majorly meta.—Michelle

Allegra Mix on 8Tracks

As I work on the edits for my historical multi-generational novel Allegra, plus the plot synopsis and query, I’ve resurrected the mix I made while writing the book. Enjoy!—Michelle Z.

ALLEGRA 2011 from djmez on 8tracks Radio.

April 3, 2013

Has the Jury Reached a Verdict?

Sometimes signs on the road traveled are so obvious. Keep Going—no matter the opposition.

I’d been summoned.

When I reported to 850 Bryant this morning for jury duty selection, I was bleary-eyed and groaning that after deferring duty twice, there was no real excuse for me not to be there.

During the selection process, details about the case leaked out. It was a jury for a domestic violence dispute, and even though the husband and wife were divorced, the prosecution filed the case without the wife’s consent. It was the State vs. the Defendant, who was charged with assault and battery. Apparently, the wife was afraid to testify.

A criminal case, it seemed as if it was brought to court to prove the point that women don’t usually publicly reveal domestic violence against them because it’s socially taboo. Could this be true?

During questioning, potential jury members were asked if there was anything in their personal history or background that would cause them to have a bias. Something that would prevent them from making a determination that wasn’t colored by personal experience.

Under oath, there was little chance of lying. What resonated with me, was that at least 80% of the women who were potential jurors claimed to be victims of abuse. They could not remain unbiased because they had survived an act of violence. The lawyers questioned and rejected dozens of jurors and selection lasted all day.

It’s incredible that violence against women isn’t discussed more openly, and books that deal with abusive relationships—like my own teen novel How Good It Can Be—aren’t read more widespreadly. Why are we still talking about abuse in metaphors, or not at all?

At one time, maybe, being beat on and bullied was a part of life for women, a secret part to be ashamed of. If we start the conversation, and are no longer afraid to talk about our experiences, things will begin to change. If we discuss abuse more openly, there’s less chance it will happen. Right? It’s time to get real. I’m dedicating my life to this brave cause. In Zaffino, Veritas.—Michelle

March 20, 2013

Springtime Single-Mindedness

Amazing, inspiring neon art courtesy of Makeshift Society photo book by Artifact Uprising.—Michelle

March 6, 2013

What is IA?

Information Architecture is the task of mapping websites using wireframes, work flows, and other prototype blueprint tools. Information Architects are digital librarians who organize and label information, while structuring it into logical search and navigation systems throughout the website. It’s the art and science of shaping and planning a site so visitors can find what they need, fast, for a stellar user experience (UX). You can view my IA/UX work here.—Michelle Zaffino

Chapter One of How Good It Can Be on Scribd

When Blake Worthing asks Emma Saffron out, she can’t believe it. A new student who’s been awesomely labeled a ‘prep-school-boy-gone-bad,’ he’s already infamous in their otherwise boring Midwestern suburb. Emma is warned, but she’s not listening. She’s been noticed by someone who doesn’t know that up until now, all she’s been famous for is studying, and it makes her want to give up everything for Blake.

One thing Blake never talks about is why he left prep school. An aspiring journalist, Emma knows there’s more to his story. As she uncovers the truth, then watches Blake’s downward spiral, Emma begins to question if it’s really worth being his girlfriend, even if she lost her virginity to him. Blake screwed up big time, and she might be on the road to ruin, too.

Contemporary YA/teen novel HOW GOOD IT CAN BE (71,500 words) is the coming-of-age story of 17-year old Emma Saffron, just as her heart’s been zipped open to romance and sexual experience, betrayal and duplicity, and eventually, victory. Emma is every girl — an everyday girl that extraordinary things happen to — and they can happen to you, too. A sequel novel, THE LOVE QUAD (69,000 words), follows Emma Saffron to college.

Thanks for reading.—Michelle Zaffino

February 6, 2013

Age Is Everything

Here’s evidence of real, lasting elegance: My landlady during my New York years, Joyce Carpati, appears in the Karen Walker Forever eyewear campaign. Mrs. Carpati is now 80. She’s always been an inspiration to me and a real model of style.—Michelle

Video Query for my Teen Novels. Still current, except that I’ve graduated.—Michelle

January 9, 2012

Ginsberg Is God

If there’s ever a time when you need to impress me, you can help track down this Bella Freud Ginsberg Is God sweater (at left on Erin O’Connor and Kate Moss). I’ve been looking for it for 8 years! xoxo—Michelle

January 2, 2013

All About My Memoir & My Mother

Yes, I’ve been working on a memoir (look under the #MEZOTR hashtag on Twitter for the specifics) and it’s more than halfway home. It’s a chronicle of the road to my first novel being published, my own journeys made to mark a crossroads in life, and my mother’s habit of going on the road solo, and how our lives have been completely contrary so far, down to traveling to opposite ends of the globe. It’s a feminist ride that goes beyond Eat Pray Love or Shirley Valentine. While it’s true seeing the adaptation of Kerouac’s On the Road shaped the framework of the memoir, this is no Minor Characters, and there’s multimedia involved. More TK.—Michelle