Casting

Interview with Ashley Stoddard!

Interview with Ashley Stoddard!

Comments 0 Comment

Kelly and I got our beginning in writing in the RPG world. Playing in games based on General Hospital was one of the biggest of the time. We met talented writers and have kept in touch with many of them. Ash is one of those people we’ve forged relationships with for years as we’ve written together on and off. She has a history of writing rich and very complex characters with depth that isn’t displayed in most. Ash has always been able to add layers and make characters special and very distinct. Taking on the characters of Sebastian Navarro, Dylan Frasier, Rory Devonshire, and original character Cameron “Cam” Blake. Let’s catch up to one of my favorite writers, Ash!

Hey Ash, how are you doing? Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

I’m doing well and it is definitely great to be back. I have been a 911 telecommunicator for the past thirteen years. Writing has been my escape for years and I love being able to figure out just where a story can go or needs to go. I also love playing video games with a major storyline that has twists, turns, and the occasional sidequest to keep me entertained. I’m a tattoo lover with lots of ink! In my limited spare downtime, I enjoy reading books, especially those aimed towards furthering my writing.

Where did your love of soaps start from? How does your love of soaps and drama dovetail into your writing? .

My great-grandmother got me into watching soaps when I was about 4 or 5 years old. I remember we’d watch Days of Our Lives, One Life to Live, and then finish the day out with General Hospital. I always seemed to find a way to connect with the story that the writers were putting out there, though there were some that were a little more difficult to comprehend at a young age. I wouldn’t get back into soaps until my teens when I was home from school during summer vacations. But it was still an amazing escape. I loved the drama and the romance, the action and adventure that these characters were bringing to life on my television screen day in and day out. I’ve probably watched every soap that was and is produced in the States at one time or another. I honestly just love telling a story and making that connection with the readers.

Soaps bled into my love of role playing games and I couldn’t believe my luck when I was able to combine the two when I discovered General Hospital Happenings. That RPG really got it all started for me and I was able to create some characters that I still remember and love to this day. It’s also where I met and began writing with the both of you! I missed the good ole days of GHH, but I’m glad that I can continue writing with a few of the amazing writers that I met so many years ago.

How did joining Blissful come about? What characters and romances on the Blissful canvas do you enjoy? 

I originally joined Blissful a few years ago when I had been developing my own series Valley of Angels. Things got hectic in my life and with my job. I ended up having to leave the writing staff to focus on things going on with my life. Chris originally approached me once more about rejoining the writing staff roughly a month ago and I was a little hesitant. Life is still just as hectic, but learning that there would be other writers to share the entire writing process with and no time frame for completing my share of the writing, made things easier for me. And it has definitely been a relaxing thing to come back to. I’m certainly glad I accepted both Chris and Kelly’s invitation to come back!

You’ve hit the ground running with Sebastian and I truly think you’ve incorporated your flavor while keeping the essence of the character. Tell me what’s your process taking on two very popular recasts in Sebastian and Rory?

Honestly, I’ve been catching up on the series and reading through scenes involving both Sebastian and Rory. I’ve been doing what I can to make myself as comfortable as possible with taking them both over from their previous writers. In a way, I feel like I’m putting my own spin on each, but still doing everything I can within my power to keep them true to their cores. I can’t wait to fully tackle Rory and see where he goes and grows with the series. And I honestly hope that the readers enjoy my spin on both of these amazing characters.

Cameron Blake is the first original character to join the canvas not from Kelly or I! Which makes him very important in my opinion. What can you tease about Cam? 

First off, he’s been around Atlas Falls forever. Born and raised in the beautiful city, but he didn’t always stay there. He graduated from the local high school around the time of the 9/11 tragedy and felt a sense of duty to serve his country. He wanted to follow in his fathers footsteps in as many ways as possible to help his fellow man and enlisted in the military. Cam has been back in town for a couple of years now, leaving the military in order to care for his ailing father. And has joined the fire department to honor his father while helping his mother out with the growing medical bills due to his fathers’ health. Cameron does have a little connection with several citizens of Atlas Falls, and I look forward to exploring those in the future.

Anything else you want to tell the fans of Blissful?

Stay tuned! We’re just getting started!

3×05 “Better Than the Last” released!

3×05 “Better Than the Last” released!

Comments 0 Comment

3X05 “Better Than the Last”
Written by: Chris Coleman and Kelly Zollo
GS: Eugene Wright (Michael Imperioli), Constanza Wright (Edie Falco), Mimi Wright (Kristen Bell)
Theme Song: This Years Love ~ David Gray
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zN4_7hq77g

Tamara placed the sapphire butterfly hair clip into her hair as she looked outside of Lauren’s cabin. Looking into the mirror she was done up perfectly. She heard Dani and Lauren squabbling and she giggled wondering if Mimi and her parents had arrived. She picked up a lip gloss and applied it to her lips. Her wedding dress was her grandmothers and actually came from Europe. It was from the Chanel altier which fitted it on grandma Odette who had one of the smallest waist ever. Well it was until her hips spread like butter on bread as her mother would say. Picking the daisies she placed them in her hair strategically she didn’t want to look like a sixties flower child. As she stood up she looked at herself in a gown and felt completely beautiful. Her son and dad were walking her down the aisle today and afterwards they’d be in Puerto Rico dancing the night away. Her daughter would be staying with Lauren and Dylan was going to a lacrosse camp. Spraying on perfume she looked up hearing the loud voices she snickered. There they were. Her mom, dad, and sister were here. Her nephew was no doubt at football camp or some other sports activity. She would miss him but she was excited to see Mimi.

Hearing a knock on the door she turned around to see Lauren walking in with Delilah in the most adorable gown. Gasping to see her baby girl she rushed to Lauren. For the first few weeks she thought she had postpartum depression, however it was fear. Fear that the police would take her to jail. It had been two months since she was questioned and the case must have gotten cold. She was spending so much time with Delilah and Dylan it made her feel so good. As she walked to her daughter she took her in her arms and smiled brightly at her. “Hello, my beautiful little girl. Hi Lilah, how are you?” She said kissing her and snuggling with her daughter. “You have to take her before she vomits on my dress.” She said laughing as handed her to Lauren who was in a stunning royal blue gown that fit her. “You’re looking good Randall will be all over you.” She reapplied her lip gloss as Delilah began to cry. “She’s being fussy today.”

Lauren looked at Tamara and her breath was taken away. Her mother was downstairs unloading so much Italian food she was sure she could feed a small army. She placed Delilah in the bassinet and looked at her future daughter-in-law. “I know back in the past I wasn’t the nicest to you. I was a snob and I thought I knew what my son needed. I wanted him with Selina because selfishly it was an entrance back into a world I never quite belonged in. Then all of the sudden you were back in Dylan and all of our lives. Then it became so clear that I was wrong. I was so wrong about you honey. You are such a strong woman, and an a even more amazing mother. But as a wife you are going to shine. I’ve been weary about the people coming into our family. Between Greer and that Willow girl the LeClerq really like the Fraiser but you are a welcomed member because you’ve always been a member of my family. From the moment you got pregnant you were my daughter and I want you to know.”

She paused as she wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry but I’m so proud of you. I think about your addiction and what you went through last year.” Refusing to say Dimitri’s name she wouldn’t bring that up tonight. “You absolutely deserve this honey. You know that? You deserve to be happy and if I ever made you doubt how special you truly are. Well I was a dumb and you have given me Dylan and my very special granddaughter. Oh don’t tell Jolene but you’re my favorite.” Lauren rocked the bassinet and saw Tamara smiling at her daughter. “Having one changes things. Having a little girl makes you see how special it is to be just a woman.”

Click HERE to read the rest of the episode

3×03 “Flying High” released!

3×03 “Flying High” released!

Comments 0 Comment

3×03 “Flying High”
Written by: Kristi Clark, Chris Coleman, Kelly Zollo
Warning: Episode may contain graphic content, sexual situations and language
Theme Song: Black Velvet- Alannah Myles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkXNEmtf9tk

**********

Gia took a long hot shower, still trying to wash away the memory of that disgusting jail cell even after all this time. It must have been the thought of picking up Ronan that brought those memories to the surface. Her thoughts wandered as she felt her muscles start to relax under the hot water.

She thought of Ronan, waiting there behind bars. Her handsome Ronan didn’t deserve to be there anymore than she did. The attorneys would get him out but it wouldn’t kill him to spend a bit longer in there. He might be all the more grateful. Then she thought of his idiot brother, Thor, and her mood soured. She remembered him blubbering about how he was so sure he’d killed that cop – ‘I don’t know what happened,’ she said aloud, mocking him. She knew what happened, he was a worthless, inept, moron that didn’t deserve to stand at Ronan’s side. Too bad they couldn’t leave him there to rot but maybe it was better this way. She couldn’t make him suffer behind bars. She couldn’t take everything away from him. She decided she’d make her revenge a little sweeter; to make it worth the effort of putting up with him. She was sure he was whispering in Ronan’s ear about how awful she was. She’d pegged him as being behind that bitch attorney, Raven, digging up dirt on her. Hector had hidden that bag somewhere before everything went down and they’d all ended up in prison. She’d need to get that back to see what exactly Raven had found. “You will not come between us, Thor,” she muttered to herself.

She stepped out of the shower, wrapping a towel around herself as she picked up her cellphone to speak to her attorney. Once she had confirmation that Ronan and Thor’s release was under way, she got dressed and headed to the limo waiting outside. It disgusted her to know she was going to share the limo ride with Thor.

Gia stroked her stomach as the car pulled out onto the road. The baby let loose with a few quick movements and she smiled down at her quickly expanding stomach. She hadn’t truly  been prepared for the feelings of pure joy and love for this little person growing inside of her. Feelings that grew stronger each day. Getting released earlier than the others had been in part due to the pregnancy. Her attorney had played up that angle to a sympathetic judge. Pregnant woman, wrong place, wrong time. She and the baby already had an incredible bond. It was them against the world. She wasn’t sure where Ronan fit into all this yet. How far would he be willing to go for them? A thought struck her, maybe she would take him back after she’d had her revenge. Maybe she didn’t have to destroy him completely. Once he’d learned his lesson and had paid penance for her father’s death, she could accept that. She could forgive him, then. They could start again and wouldn’t it be even better? This sparked a glimmer of hope for a different future than the one she’d imagined when she first set her sights on Ronan. After all, they had a baby on the way – maybe that justified reassessing the situation.

The limo pulled up outside the jail and parked along the sidewalk. She opened a bottle of water and took several sips as she waited. She immediately smiled when she saw him headed towards them, holding the door open. She felt relieved to finally have him close again. She’d saved him. No one else could have made this happen. “Ronan, I’m so happy to see you,” she said. She made eye contact with Thor who wasn’t far behind and pulled the door closed after Ronan got in but she was too slow and Thor was able to open it before it could be locked. “Oh, Thor. I didn’t see you there,” she muttered, her stomach clenched but she forced a smile. She would have to be careful not to show her feelings for Thor in front of Ronan. No sense in giving him any ammunition to use against her.

Thor couldn’t believe that bitch. After months of being locked up because of the mistakes of others. Ronan said that KC Rhodes was dead and now he was alive all of the sudden. All he wanted was to get the hell out of the business. Cassie surprisingly was there for him during this entire ordeal. She hired a great lawyer named Iris McDowell and she was handling his case with Ronan and Gia’s lawyer. Together they amassed a dream team when Kelly O’Connor offered her legal skills. She also was being investigated but the irony was Kelly and Vlad were let go due to a technicality. They however were looking at a RICO charge and everything that the Madden organization had built was in danger. Mainly because Ronan dick wouldn’t stop getting hard from this psycho. He could say not to blame Gia but he did. He blamed her for all of this. If he was with Brooke this wouldn’t be happening. Hell he hadn’t been right since Brooke was out of his life in his eyes. Hunter was one of his best friends and it was clear Brooke was done being lovelorn for his brother.

“I’m sure you didn’t see me there.” Thor said sarcastically as he sat down and gritted his teeth. “You know that child is my niece or nephew and I want nothing for it’s safety so why don’t you do something productive Gia and give up the power that you’ve amassed to Ronan. We could use some more since we have to be damn careful. I think you are pregnant and running a crime empire isn’t productive for a baby.” He said with a sly smile he’d been thinking how to nail this bitch and this might be it. “Tell me do you plan on holding a beretta when you’re breastfeeding?”

Click HERE to read the full episode

3×02 ” Walk Down The Aisle” released!

3×02 ” Walk Down The Aisle” released!

Comments 0 Comment

3×02 “Walk Down the Aisle”
Written by: Chris Coleman and Kelly Zollo
Guest Starring: Anderson Kincaid (Eric Dane) and Cara Kincad (Kate Beckensale)
Theme Song: I’m Not the Only One- Sam Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCkpzqqog4k

Natasha brushed the golden contour on her cheeks as she looked in the mirror. Her family’s traditional jewels were flown in from Egypt. She felt regal and knew that for once she was about to get back what was so rightfully hers. SandStar was the prize and soon Chauncey and everyone would know that she wasn’t some fool to be taken from. Dani and Jackson would lose the energy division without SandStar then Chauncey would get DGI and she’d have everything she wanted. Including a divorce from his pathetic ass. She cared about Chauncey as a friend but loving him, she could never. Picking up her champagne glass she took a sip and felt the nerves easing. This was to get SandStar back. This was to make sure Chauncey got what he wanted so she could get what she wanted. It wasn’t about love, this was a business arrangement and then it was about her reclaiming her future. Her mind drifted off to Anderson and felt her stomach clenching. She knew that Chauncey wasn’t her be all and end all and soon enough he’d know it too. Wearing a white corset and lace panties she walked to the bar and poured her some more champagne.

As she sat down at her vanity she began to final touches on her hair. It was tradition in her family that the woman got ready alone to surprise her groom. Well that’s what she lied and told everyone. Natasha snickered because honestly she didn’t want Bliss to give her some sentimental gift, she didn’t want to have to punch Max in the face, and that little bitch Belle that was a joke. She felt like Jackie secretly didn’t like her and if she was going to marry Chauncey she was going to do it with peace of mind. When she heard a knock at the door she jumped a little and walked to her silk white robe. Tying it around her petite waist she walked to the door and her mood instantly shifted. “What in the hell are you doing here?”

Cara Riley Young Kincaid had worked her entire life to make sure she had her fairytale ending, most talked about debutante in all of Philadelphia at the time she and Anderson met. Making sure according to her parents she nabbed him and kept him along with the fortune that came with it so loyal that she pursued his endless political career when she knew all she wanted was the money and title that came with it. She would have been happy to stay in Atlas Falls as first lady but no Anderson had wanted them to move around and pursue his various political aspirations. She had adapted of course every time he thought of straying from her making sure to lure him back to her bed, it wasn’t a mistake after all when she got pregnant with Wyatt it was calculated and planned. He was too involved with powerful people like Charles Hessington and the rest of their crowd and frankly abandoning her and their teenage son would have been political suicide, she tolerated Natasha Hassan and the exotic love that she thought Anderson had for her. Of course when news that Natasha was pregnant broke and engaged to Chauncey Devonshire she took steps again, the sleeping two month old in her arms her precious Poppy was again a calculated move.

“Hello I thought before you walked down the aisle that we needed to clear the air. Are you going to invite me in Natasha or shall we do this in the hallway so the reporters and staff can get a whiff of the drama on your big day that is what you live for isn’t it the drama and mystery? I mean I’d hate for Chauncey to get word of what we need to talk about the moment before you walked down the aisle.” Cara asked, Poppy was napping still and she didn’t wait for an answer before pushing past Natasha and into the room. She made sure that her rival got a good look at her daughter, her daughter with Anderson as she swayed the baby back and forth for good measure there was no way that Natasha would lash out physically with her with Poppy between them not if she ever wanted to see her husband again. “I really thought after your little spill down the stairs that it would end you know. Don’t act so surprised I’ve known for a few months and I’m here to politely ask that you keep your legs closed to my husband in the future or mark my words I’ll make your marriage to Chauncey a living hell. You see I hear Devonshire men don’t take kindly to real betrayal and well exposing you for the exotic whore you are would be icing on the cake.”

Click HERE to read the full episode

3×01 “The Funeral” released!

3×01 “The Funeral” released!

Comments 0 Comment

3×01 “The Funeral”
Written by: Chris Coleman and Kelly Zollo
Theme Song: Dance With My Father- Luther Vandross
Warning: Episode may contain explicit content and language.
Guest Staring: Jeremiah Beecher (Ernie Hudson), Rebecca Nolan (Alice Eve)

*********

There were black dresses all over the room. Her vanity covered in makeup and the Domincan girl who she hired had blown her hair out. She looked stunning and felt like she was going to be ill. Her entire body was full of tension and Selina for once had no words. It had been five months of peace and actual happiness. Her father remarried Ophelia a couple of weeks ago. Jamal actually had a career and he was doing so good. Mason and Zach were so happy it made her sick. Her brother had truly found her soulmate. Then it was her. She was uneasy every moment of the day because of Dimitri. She was truly haunted with what they did. Fear always seemed to eat at her. At first it was peaceful sleep but the fear of that body being unearthed was terrifying. Her french tipped manicured hand shook out in fear as she picked up her grandmother’s pearl necklace. Her aunt Sadie and Anita were there for her. Devin had been especially tender. Not to mention Rochelle had come from Florida she took a job in Cape Kenitrich. As she touched her perfect hair. Mason had cried, Jamal had cried, and now she wasn’t. She was the matriarch of her siblings and they needed her to be strong. As she looked at Elliot, reflection staring at her in the mirror. He’d showed her how to open her heart. Elliot was tender and always seemed to know what to say to her. It was passionate and to have a man who adored her that was life changing. This time it was real. Her daddy even approved of Elliot. Why did he do this? Why did he leave her all alone? Her father and mother weren’t here anymore.

“I’m fine baby.” She said looking at her reflection. “My father would want me to be strong. I’m so offended about his choice to just give up. I almost am confused on who raised me.” She stood up in her vintage Dior black tutu dress with a small cashmere Chanel black and pale pink bellario jacket. “I don’t know if I’m ready to do this. I’m not sure I can forget him for leaving us… Me.” She said softly as she walked to Elliot and hugged him. “Why would he do this? Why would my daddy kill himself? Lowell is still so shocked that he did this. Godfather has no idea why?” Selina picked up her nude lipstick overlaying it with a pink shade. “I’m ready to bury my father.” Walking to Elliot to adjust his bowtie, he looked so sharp. “You went to the barbershop this morning because that cut is making me want to skip this entire day.”

Elliot had been taking it slow the last months since the wedding with Selina they had went on dates, kissed a few times and then stopped and he was fine with that he wasn’t one to put pressure on a woman. Especially a woman that had been through what she had with Dimitri, she was a survivor and he was so proud of her and the other women that had come forwards after his disappearance to set the record straight about the type of monster that he was. That was what more people needed in the world and it was shocking how many different women came forward there was Selina, Bliss and Tamara and a string of others in other countries in other backgrounds that came forward. Professionally he was again at the top of his game he had so many new clients come into his office that he had to hire two more attorneys to work under him and he was getting restless as well. So much so that he had reached out to an old friend of his his a few weeks ago to inquire about running for district attorney over Braden Fraiser at the next election cycle a risky move. One that he had never considered before Selina he had been too focused on the fame and prestige but what better way to make his mark for the causes that he was passionate about than helping enforce those changes. The one thing that he hadn’t expected was Tony’s suicide in fact no one expected it.

“You look stunning I think your father would be proud of you.” Elliot said softly looking at her as she looked at her own reflection and played with the pearl necklace. Something was still bothering her and he had an inkling that it had to do with what happened at the wedding with Dimitri but he wasn’t going to press her on things when it came to that night. Dimitri was gone from their lives and that was the best for everyone in involved. Tony’s death had rocked his family to the core and he understood that it was sudden and so unexpected, he didn’t know what else to say as he took Selina in his arms and held her she was probably one of the strongest women that he had ever met and today if she wanted to be that or cry he was going to support her no matter what. “I don’t know why Selina I wish I had answers for you, Mason and Jamal but I don’t. I know that doesn’t fully help but people all over the country take their lives and sometimes there are no answers that doesn’t make it hurt any less and if you need to just let it all out and cry or whatever the hell else you need to do. Do it.” Elliot said looking at her with compassion and understanding he did want to take all the pain she was feeling but he also knew they couldn’t just leave, her family needed her for this moment to bury her father.

Click HERE to read the full episode