My American Idol "crush"

Most of you know that I am a huge Idol fan--Canadian and American. In fact, I not only voted for hours for past Canadian Idol Eva Avila, I've become friends with her, had lunch with her and she's reading Whale Song. But now, I have to confess I have a huge "crush" on a younger man from American Idol.

In the past 2 shows where the men have performed, I have found myself drawn to this young cutie. Okay, not in a romantic way because that would make me a "cougar", but more in a somewhat motherly--God, you're so damed cute and have the sweetest smile and the purest voice that sends shivers up my spine--way.

This "crush" is none other than David Archuleta, an extremely talented and humble 17-year old from Murray, Utah. This boy/man has a voice that has brought me to tears, and I, for one, would pay to see him perform and make me cry more.

I predict great things for you, David. I believe you could win Idol, and at the very least, you'll have recording studios knocking on your door and fighting over you. Heck, if a happily married woman in her 40's and mother of a 17-year-old daughter can fall in love with your voice in just a few short weeks, you'd better be prepared for all the US and Canada to love you too.

My advice to you: Keep on believing! Dreams DO come true if you work towards them. So dare to dream, dream BIG and keep singing those songs that dig at our hearts and souls. You are already a shining star, David Archuleta. Keep shining!

For anyone who hasn't experienced this talented young man's voice, check out American Idol!

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif, a bestselling author who knows that dreams are always worth dreaming and everything is possible!

Smallville Actress Kristin Kreuk and Canadian Idol Eva Avila Read Whale Song

During my August 2007 'Touring the World' virtual book tour, the following article appeared (although now slightly modified) on My Book, The Movie. I was very excited when I realized that I would have a chance to dream a bit and discuss a possible movie version of my novel Whale Song, a novel that is haunting, compelling, mysterious and emotional. Great components for a feature film!

As I wrote the novel back in 2003, I could see the story roll across my inner vision, frame by frame, like a movie on slow motion. I saw the main character ‘Sarah’, who begins the story in the prologue as a mid-twenties ad exec. She then flashes back to her life as a child. In 2003, I imagined the younger Sarah being played by actress Mackenzie Rosman from TV’s 7^th Heaven fame. Mackenzie has Sarah’s dark (Italian?) looks and tenacious spirit. But we’d need a younger actress to play Sarah now.

I also had a clear picture of who would play the adult Sarah. Kristin Kreuk, ‘Lana’ from the popular TV show Smallville. Again, she has the darker coloring, and I think she’s a wonderful actress who knows how to pull off emotional scenes. Shortly after this article appeared on My Book, The Movie, I was contacted by a Kristin Kreuk fan who gave me the actress’ contact information. I sent out a brief email to her agent and was invited to send Kristin a copy of Whale Song, which I must admit, made my day.

More recently, I came across a young woman who also makes me think of Sarah. I’m a Canadian Idol addict and last season’s winner, Eva Avila, was my personal favorite from day one. I’ve been emailing Eva, and she is actually reading Whale Song right now. In one of my emails I mentioned that she would make a perfect ‘Sarah’, and she commented back that she was actually looking to get into acting. The more I think about it, the more I think Whale Song would be a perfect role for Eva to start off her acting career. I would be pleased if either Eva or Kristin played my ‘Sarah’.

For Adam, Sarah’s love interest, I always visualized Nathaniel Arcand as the adult Adam. Nathaniel is from North of 60 fame and has starred in numerous TV shows and films. But again, some years have passed now. I created the younger Adam somewhat around Zac Efron, the teen actor who played in TV’s Summerland, and more recently in Hairspray. I think Eva Avila and Zac Efron would make an intriguing combination.

Whale Song has captured a lot of film interest. Currently, it is in the hands of numerous film producers, including some major players from Hollywood and one of Canada’s leading female producers. I know that the project has to be right for a producer; they have to envision it too.

I know in my blood that Whale Song will make a great film. I know there won’t be many dry eyes at the end. I can imagine the movie score filled with Eva Avila tunes, along with music by my other talented friends—Alexia Melnychuk (singer) and Julie Blue (film composer). Whale Song is a movie waiting to happen. And I am waiting patiently for the right time, right producer.

So until the movie is made, I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Whale Song, a haunting and compelling novel that will change the way you view life…and death.

Order Whale Song from Amazon. Or you can order from any other online retailer, plus don’t forget your local bookstores, chains and independents.

Start your Christmas shopping early and help others in need. A portion of my royalties from Whale Song goes to 3 organizations to help combat poverty, homelessness and addictions.

Cheryl has lunch with Canadian Idol Eva Avila

The lovely and talented Eva Avila, last season's Canadian Idol winner, is in Edmonton to kick off the Oil Kings hockey game. She will be singing the national anthem and some of her hit songs at tonight's game (Kootenay Ice vs. Edmonton Oil Kings), which starts at 7:30 pm.

Today I had the distinct pleasure of having lunch with Eva. We left her hotel (sorry, I'm NOT telling) and headed down Jasper Ave., battling a chilly wind, in search of sushi. Now there's something Eva has in common with my daughter Jessica. They are both sushi addicts. :) Well, we didn't find a sushi place and ended up instead at WOK BOX, where the food has a definite asian/indian flavour. YUM!

You're probably wondering what the heck I did to deserve an hour of this busy young woman's time. I think I'm wondering too...lol. Eva and I have been corresponding via email after I contacted her through her MySpace page. But this was the first time we've met. And what a sweet girl!

We spent an hour chatting about the similarities between writing novels and writing songs, the challenges of promoting and marketing, and the advantages of online marketing. Then I gave her a limited edition Whale Song mug to thank her, and asked a customer to take a pic. Hey, I needed evidence to show Jessica. Apparently, my "cool-scale" went up a few notches, she told me. And any mom knows how important that is when you have a teen daughter.

Eva and I talked about Whale Song, my bestselling novel and a novel that has captured a lot of movie interest. Currently, numerous film companies, including many from Hollywood, are reading it. We've have been talking about the possibility of Eva playing the lead role. I would be thrilled if a film company asked her to audition. The more I spoke with Eva, the more of "Sarah Richardson" I saw in her. Not just her dark coloring, but her spark and spirit. She brought Whale Song with her on the trip to Edmonton, and I was thrilled to hear that.

There are two women I can see playing the lead role of 'Sarah Richardson'. Kristen Kreuk and Eva Avila. And isn't it wonderful that they're both Canadian?

Visit Eva Avila's site.

Order Eva's CD Somewhere Else.

Order Whale Song.

Canadian Idol Eva Avila is reading Whale Song in Edmonton

Today I got quite the surprise. I was barely listening to an announcement on the radio--91.7 The Bounce, to be exact, and I heard Eva Avila's name come up. It didn't twig completely until they started talking about the Oil Kings game. (I just don't DO sports! ) Then it hit me.

Eva Avila was coming to Edmonton!

Now let me backtrack just a bit. Eva and I have been emailing for 2 or 3 months now. In fact, she was very interested in Whale Song, so I sent her a copy. We've been talking about the possibilities of her playing the lead role of "Sarah". I am hoping that when my publisher makes a movie deal that the film producers/directors will at least consider Eva. She fits my image of Sarah, and I think that girl has a ton of talent. Beyond singing.

Let me backtrack some more. I've been an Idol fan for a few seasons but it was Eva who actually got me voting more than once a night. In fact on the final vote night I spent 2 hours calling in my vote on speed dial. My Japanese daughter was doing the same thing from our other line. :) Ok, yes, I'm an Idol addict. But really, I was just so inspired by Eva.

I finally figured out why tonight.

Eva is 19, only 2 years older than my own daughter. Eva has always had a dream. And she has known that eventually it would happen. She is passionate about her goals and dreams and is working so hard to achieve them. She reminds me of someone.

Me.

Of course, a far younger "me", but all the same, she has the intense dreams of becoming a huge star, just as I have wanted to be a New York Times bestselling author. My dream also started at a young age. But it took me far longer to realize even part of my dreams.

I admire Eva for her spirit, and the 'Mom' in me is proud of her. Even though she's not my daughter. :)

Ok...fast forward. So Eva is coming to town. And I just had to email her. She emailed me back and we're getting together for lunch tomorrow. Not only that, she brought Whale Song with her. "To read in my hotel room before bed", she said. :)

Now that makes me feel like a New York Times bestselling author. Thank you, Eva.

Order Whale Song on Amazon or your favorite online retailer or bookstore.

Our new Canadian Idol - Brian Melo

Canada has another sensational singer destined for great things--Brian Melo of Hamilton, Ontario. Brian beat out Jaydee Bixby from my home province Alberta (Drumheller, in fact, which is spectacular and known as 'dinosaur' country). While Jaydee has the voice and mannerisms of a blond Elvis, Brian has the heart and soul of a true storyteller. His song choice has been dead on and the evolution of his personal and professional growth on stage resulted in Brian winning the hearts of Canadians (mine included) and the final most coveted prize--the title of Canadian Idol.

Congratulations, Brian! I know I'll be buying your album.

Some of this year's Idol mentors were: Paul Anka, Kelly Clarkson, Enrique Iglesias and Bon Jovi.
Avril Lavigne performed tonight. (I actually missed it since I wasn't paying attention to the time and missed the first 1/2 hour.)

The two hour finale also showcased the first ever live Canadian performance of Bon Jovi, a band I have loved for years. And I just have to say: Jon, you are looking as yummy as ever! :) Bon Jovi sang Lost Highway from their new (same name) album. They followed this with one of my favorites, It's My Life. Released in 2000, it was their first single in 5 years. And I tell ya, I sure missed them!

And my sweetie Eva Avila, last year's Canadian Idol performed. Eva, you looked BEAUTIFUL and as graceful as ever! I am so enjoying your album and played it today for about 4 hours in a row! lol

And for those who may not have heard or read, Eva has a copy of Whale Song, which she'll be reading when she gets a break. I can't wait to hear her thoughts. As mentioned in My Book, The Movie, Eva is someone I can definitely see playing the role of twenty-something Sarah Richardson when they make Whale Song...the movie. So, if there are any producers/directors out there looking to give Eva her first break in the movie biz, I have the story and you can contact my publisher at Kunati Books.

Tonight, the top 10 performed and I have to say, they sounded pretty good. I think many of them will be going on to immediate careers, especially Carly Rae Jepson, who was my personal favorite this season and who was voted off in the top 3. Congrats to all the contestants for following their dreams and dreaming big, something I am known to say often when giving advice to aspiring authors.

Dare to Dream...and Dream BIG!

Brian, you dreamed BIG and you made Canada proud! I can't wait for your first CD.

Tomorrow morning, Brian Melo's first single All I Ever Wanted, written by Chris Perry and Nicole Hughes, will hit the radio waves and take Canada by storm. I sense a #1! For more information on this year's Canadian Idol competition, please visit Canadian Idol on CTV.