Trust me, this will make sense soon. I hope.

Trust me, this will make sense soon. I hope.

Once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away, I met a blogger named Dark Jade. He did cool things like host writing competitions and invited me to judge them, so I immediately knew he had great taste. Even though his first name was Dark.

Then he decided to get all artsy and crafty. Dark wrote some books. I supported him. Because that’s the kind of gal I am.

You probably have a good reason for hiding your identity, but, be brave enough to take off the mask as be yourself. I'll support you!

You probably have a good reason for hiding your identity, Dark, but, be brave enough to take off the mask and be yourself. I’ll support you!

Then he got even artsier and craftier. He got into filming things.

Anyway, flash forward to the future, or now, and he still has a blog, but it’s different.

I’m going to let Dark explain his most recent project because:

1. It’s really impressive (as you saw).

2. I have no idea how he did it.

And, by the way, Dark’s real name is James. Not that there’s anything wrong with Dark…

Is she every going to let this Dark James person get a word in?

Is she ever going to let this Dark James person get a word in?

Lorna: Hi James! Thanks for stopping by.
James: Hey, Lorna! Thanks for inviting me. Long time no see!
Lorna: Yeah, I know. I’ve been stuck in the two-dimensional world of print and you’ve launched yourself into whatever dimensional world you’re in with web-series stuff and movies. Kind of blows my mind, which isn’t all that hard to do. Even the name of your project confuses me.
James: What do you mean?
Lorna: So, you used to call yourself “Dark Jade,” right? Now you’re involved in this awesome web-series project called “White Jade.” What’s up with that?
James: Great question!
Lorna: Thank you.
James: Um. You’re welcome. Okay. Let’s see. Jade has been with me since I created her when I was 11 years old. She’s a strong female. Strong female characters have worked their way into many of my stories, probably because I grew up with a single mom who I admired very much (Freud would love this, I’m sure). In 2002, I created a production company called DarkLight Films. I came up with DarkJade as my writer’s pseudonym for my creative writing blog, which is where you met me. “White Jade” is a real gemstone, but it’s also the name a brotherhood of monks in the web-series. My main character’s father belongs to this brotherhood. Does that help?
Lorna: Kind of. James isn’t a bad name, you know. Jim, Jimmy, Jimbo…The possibilities are endless. Well, moving on. Seems as if film-making is your heart’s desire. When did you realize this? What there like a “ta-da” moment or some specific inspiration?
James: Yes! But when I was a little kid, I wanted to be a pro baseball pitcher. Even at 6 years old, though, I knew it wasn’t going to happen.
Lorna: Why not?
James: I lived in a remote canyon with a single mom who couldn’t possibly take me to practices.
Lorna: Sounds like a Stephen King movie. Poor you. Kind of like my original dream job when I was 5: being a nurse. Then I realized I couldn’t stand the sight of a needle in anyone’s flesh. So I decided to become a good witch. I just wanted t help people and jobs for girls were limited back then. Mr. King, are you reading this? So back to you and your film-making dream after the pro baseball pitcher thing struck out…
James: A witch? Really?
Lorna: Focus, James. Film-maker?
James: Oh, okay. In 1977 when I saw the original “Star Wars,” I knew I wanted to make movies. “The Empire Strikes Back” just confirmed my aspirations. Rather than the stunning special effects, I fell in love with the fantastic story concept coupled with strong, memorable characters. I try to emulate that combination in every story I tell, be it in book or movie form.
Lorna: Yeah, me, too. I avoid special effects in my books and in my life. Too over-stimulating. So, James, think about your creative journey so far. What has been your biggest surprise so far…besides meeting me?
James: Ha! Meeting you has been a wonderful surprise, for sure.
Lorna: (smiling a self-satisfied smile, twirling my short hair) Go on…
James: I’ve been surprised at how many people have supported my creative efforts. I’ve always done things on my own and to have people rally behind my projects has just blown me away.
Lorna: Well, James, people do recognize talent when they see it. So it’s probably good you didn’t go with the pro baseball pitcher plan. I’m just saying…And speaking of potential mistakes, if you had a chance for one “do-over” in life, what would it be?
James: I don’t have any regrets. Really! I have had some rough times, especially with my physical health because of some decisions I had to make when I was going through a financially tough time and couldn’t get some critical medications I needed. But, hey, during that time I met the most amazing woman I’ve ever known and we’re together now because of all that crap I went through then. So no “do-overs,” thanks.
Lorna: Not even regretting eating too much fast food, huh? Fine. Whatever. Let’s try this: do you have a favorite saying/quote/motto? And don’t tell me it’s “Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce. Special orders don’t upset us.”
James: You’re funny!
Lorna: Thanks.
James: “Never tell me the odds.” Han Solo (“The Empire Strikes Back) I love this quote because people tend to undermine themselves or others when they believe that something is too difficult. They won’t even give it a try. If you don’t know the odds, you’re more likely to forge ahead.
Lorna: I like it. And you sure have lived to make Han Solo proud! The White Jade web-series trailer is awesome and the series looks amazing. What other projects are you working on?
James: Thanks, Lorna. I’m very proud of the White Jade web-series and the trailer I created. The web-series consists of 16 8-minute episodes, which I will be directing, editing, producing, and possibly acting in. That will keep me very busy. I’m about to release a sequel to “I Died Once” and I’m working on a fantasy novel, which I’m co-authoring.
Lorna: Wow, James, you’re one busy guy. I’m surprised you had time to chat. I’d better let you go.
James: Hey, Lorna, It’s been fun, as usual. Thanks so much!
For more information about James’ projects, click on the following links:

Hope you enjoyed this interview. I have a few more planned in the near future. And if you have a project you want to promote, let me know!

I'm not sure if I could handle an interview with this zany dizzy blonde!

I’m not sure if I could handle an interview with this zany dizzy blonde!