Drawing - charcoal, pastels and pencil. In 2006 the NSW Art Society presented me with an award for my drawing!
Fabulous artwork "Self Portrait" courtesy of fellow artist Marc Leon - who is also an awesome rock/blues and jazz musician.
"The Power of The Blues"
Photography - real stuff and I'm no good at Photoshop. I've now happily converted from 35mm slide to Nikon digital.
Writing - fiction and I will write for other people's biographies.
Screenwriting - translating books to screen. Refer to the "FILMS" section below, for more information on my film/screenwriting projects.
Music
ROCK & BLUES / LATIN JAZZ
Have a listen to some great music (all songs are posted with the artists' permission):
As a child I was classically trained in piano. Being poor, our family couldn't afford to pay for music lessons, but I was taught for free because I was discovered to have had "an ear". However, after a few years I dropped out and don't play these days. There are plenty of people I know who are way better musically than I, so I won't claim any talent there.
In my teens I also listened to a lot of jazz and developed a love of Latin music (early Sergio Mendes, Charlie Byrd, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfa) and in my 20s discovered jazz fusion (eg Lee Ritenour, Al Di Meola).
Kevin Borich & Carlos Santana - Melbourne 1978 (photo courtesy of Kevin Borich)
Kevin Borich jammin' with Joe Walsh (photo courtesy of Kevin Borich)
I've got a wide-ranging and eclectic collection of music, but as a 70s teenager, my mainstay is pretty much rock and blues. Seminal bands of that era - like the Eagles, the Allman Brothers Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and Led Zeppelin - are still all time favourites.
Duane Allman "Skydog" 1971 (photos taken by Jon Levicke)
Duane and Dickey jammin'
"Sometimes I feel - like I'm tied to the Whipping Post ..."
Crosby, Stills and Nash, Sydney 2007 (photo courtesy of Timothy B)
Neil Young, Sydney 2009 (photo courtesy of Tim B)
Robert Plant 1976 (photo taken by Marvin Rinnig www.musikfoto.com)
"And she's buying, a Stairway ..."
My very first LP was "The Eagles - One of These Nights" in 1976. It stayed on the turntable permanently for 6 months (and drove my family crazy) until I was finally given another $5 just to buy another record, so I brought home "Hotel California"...!
Don Felder 1976 (photo taken by Marvin Rinnig www.musikfoto.com)
"Welcome to the Hotel California"
Growing up in NZ was blessing in disguise. If you're a fan of Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and BB King (like me) and love rock, blues, soul - check out these great kiwi artists: Ticket (great acid blues band), the Human Instinct (also Billy TK's Powerhouse), Midge Marsden, Darren Watson/Smoke Shop, Hammond Gamble and the legendary Kevin Borich (La De Das) with his Express.
Kevin Borich (photo from my private collection)
"The Blues Had a Baby & They Called It Rock n Roll"
And don't forget other kiwi greats like Citizen Band, the Dudes and of course Split Enz (including Neil M Finn).
Billy TK jnr (photo from my private collection)
Whoa, lovely '57 Fender Strat Bill...!
Here's a great song from my friend Jan Hellriegal, a very talented Kiwi musician / song writer. Jan Hellriegel - The Way I Feel
More favourite music:
America, Bad Company, (early) Chicago, Deep Purple, Dire Straits, Eric Clapton (and all his bands, e.g. Blind Faith), (early) Elton John, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Doobie Bros, Jo Jo Gunne/Jay Ferguson, Beatles, U2, Bryan Adams, Police, Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh, Traffic, Jethro Tull, Cheap Trick, Tom Petty, Linda Ronstadt, The Corrs, Jeff Beck, Derek Trucks, CCR, etc, etc...
Joe Walsh 1987 (photo from my private collection)
"So What?"
Movies
Best movies ever made were Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" series. For a die hard Tolkien fan, these movies are fantastic.
Aragorn riding to the gates of Mordor (oil painting from my private collection)
I am currently seeking creative Producers to take my books to film - for more information please click on my website link below and email me for a login. www.wongwaytomarry.com
In November of this year I will be participating in a "New Australia Series Film Workshop" run in conjunction with "Varuna House" (the writer's house), Macquarie Group Foundation 'Longlines Program' and Ink-to Screen - held in Katoomba, NSW. This workshop is for authors who want to know more about the adaptation from book to film.
For more information and applications for this forthcoming event go to http://www.varuna.com.au/Longlines.html
PLEASE HELP with the recovery of missing film footage - do you know anything about the the 2 hour (16mm version) of the 1979 Nambassa Hippie Rock Festival? - see my blogs for further info.
SPECIAL THANKS to Peter Terry for the use of the existing/remaining 1979 Nambassa film footage and the photos...!
Split Enz at Nambassa 1979 (photos courtesy of Peter Terry)
Books
I love all books - was an early reader and young bookworm. Fave authors vary from the late/great Issac Asimov to JRR Tolkien; Bryce Courtney to Ben Elton (who once told me never to give up when I was trying to get published - thanks Ben).
Don't get to read enough these days... too busy writing.
The last book I read was Don Felder's "Heaven & Hell, My Life in the Eagles" - a very compelling read and highly recommended for anyone who is interested in rock music.
"Fingers" Felder (picture courtesy of Don Felder)
"A Good Day in Hell"
If you love cats (like me) then check out my friend Jo Gray's gorgeous book on feline fun and mayhem "Cat Tails & Catastrophe's" - for more info on this book and to buy your own copy, go to Jo's website HERE.
"A purrrfect way to relax..."
THE WONG WAY TO MARRY
Available in good book stores and via Amazon or Dymocks worldwide.
Start reading my book for FREE. Click HERE to download!!!
30 page PDF file contains a full synopsis, chapter index and the first two chapters of the book. Enjoy.
Musicians to be involved with my film project (rock n roll scene - late 1970s down under.)
C A Poulter First round of editing for Trippin' manuscript done - sending it off now to the editors for round 2 (major updates) - still on track for April/May 2010 rele Posted at 12:28 AM Dec 15 view more
Start reading my book for FREE. Click HERE to download!!!
30 page PDF file contains a full synopsis, chapter index and the first two chapters of the book. Enjoy.
WIN A FREE BOOK EVERY MONTH
To celebrate the 1ST ANNIVERSARY of it's release - starting October 25th, 2009 and for 4 months (till 25th Jan), we will be giving away a FREE SIGNED copy of "the Wong Way to Marry" to a lucky "My Space Friend".
Here's how to WIN.
1. Add Me as a friend (remeber to tag for updates)
2. Message me "I want a FREE book" with your name - and every month on the 25th (starting Oct 25th) a name will be drawn and winner announced...!
INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING...!
3. Get your friends to "Add Me" on My Space and get them to enter too...!!!
4. Enter early. You are automatically re-entered for the next month's draw.
BUY - THE WONG WAY TO MARRY
In good book stores NOW across Australia and New Zealand (if not on shelves it can be ordered in at your local store).
Also available NOW Worldwide through 3 day order at your local store and is in stock for immediate shipping at these on-line outlets Dymocks Bookstores,
Amazon.com - AMAZON are currently offering FREE SHIPING within the US - Collins Booksellers On-line and Booktopia.
TO BUY A "SIGNED" COPY OF THE BOOK EMAIL (my store direct) SALES@PAANC.COM.AU or go to eBay.
"An epic tale of forbidden love, music and mayhem..."
Set in the 1970s, it is an era of rock n roll music, clothes to match, long hair and post sexual revolution freedoms.
"Meet the Wong family, post-war immigrants, whose world is about to be turned upside down when their children embrace this wild world of sex, drugs and rock n roll."
... a hilarious and heart-warming story of growing up ethnic and the consequences of defying tradition.
This book has received rave critical reviews, was nominated for a literary award in 2008 and was featured on television (Asia Down Under) on Sunday 29th March 2009. View the clip below: Wong Way to Marry..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_83a-zJcE6Y
TV Feature courtesy of Asia Down Under and TVNZ.
Thanks to my friend Peter Terry (Nambassa Trust) for the 1979 "Hippie R&R" footage.
Here's what the critics had to say:
'Almost every page in this book ripples with tension or laughter. It’s hugely funny and entertaining... and the good news is the author has plans to write more books on this theme!'
RDJ Fleming, Acres Australia.
'East meets west in this novel set in New Zealand in the 1970s – Lillie is not your stereotype Chinese daughter who is willing to follow the traditional ways…………at least without a fight anyway - a funny and quirky novel about a Chinese girl caught between east and west.'
John Morrow's "Pick of the Week".
'Many a story has been written about the struggle of migrant youth and their parents fighting to keep tradition alive, but the book "The Wong Way to Marry" goes beyond the usual identity issues by throwing its heroine Lillie Wong into the ultimate Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll trip. It's 1979 ...'
"Asia Downunder" Television New Zealand 2009.
'Colleen Poulter remembers the 1970s as a significant time in our history ... and great fun. Serious historical events, such as the Mt Erebus plane crash and carless days are also touched on, giving it more gravitas. It transcends time, gender and race. A lot of it is still as relevant today as it was in the era it's set...'
The Dominion Post Paper 2008.
'The Wong Way To Marry' by Colleen A. Poulter is a winner. Pick it up & I guarantee you won’t want to put it down. Excellent reading, this book is full of entertainment - a must have for everyone who enjoys a good read. It’s so down to earth & full of laughs. I just love Lillie, she really comes to life & I hope we see more of her in future books...
Wendy Rudin, Presenter, "Spirit of the Blues" - Spirit FM 91.1
See reviews and even get a sneak peek at the proposed Movie of the book at My Book and Movie Website. Producers looking for a visually stunning film project with great character driven plot should email me for a login to view the promo clip.
And yes, there is a sequel... WATCH THIS SPACE.
TRIPPIN THE WRIGHT WAY - by CA Poulter
Due for release circa 2010
GET READY FOR ONE HELL OF A RIDE ...
From the author of ‘The Wong Way to Marry’ comes a tale of tripping in a beat up old Kombi - on a hippie trail, heads full of zombie …!
"...More Sex, Drugs & Rockin' Down the Highway ... !"
Concept artwork for "Trippin"
Five guys, a girl, hippie Kombi vans full of contraband and a trip that will change all their lives ...
Yeah, anyone who is as passionate about, and loves music & books, like me ...!
AUSTRALIAN BOOK SIGNINGS
Limited numbers of signed books are NOW available from the following outlets: Dymocks Chatswood (Westfield Mall), Dymocks Hunter Street and both of the George Street (City/CBD) Dymocks stores, Sydney.
Victoria Stores tour: Melbourne October 22, 2009 & Bendigo October 23, 2009.
NEW ZEALAND BOOK SIGNINGS
Limited numbers of signed books are occasionally available from the following stores: Dymocks Newmarket (Auckland) and Queensgate (Wellington). *SIGNED STOCKS ARE CURRENTLY SOLD OUT* - new stocks have arrived in stores but will not be signed until my next tour - WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE NEXT NZ TOUR - circa April 2010.
MEET MY FRIENDS
Check out this "cool" vid of musicians Marc Leon and Jim (the Bluesman) McGann jammin' (unrehearsed) on my back porch one Sunday afternoon... Two great guys and both incredibly talented!
Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster" (vid taken using Brad's little hand held mobile phone :-)).
See more pics of Marc, Jim and other great musicians when you "View My: Pics" (photos from my private collection)
BILLY TK JNR TOURS - NSW DATES
A great time was had by all on August 21st, 2009.
Here's Jim McGann guesting the gig, playing a cool blues harp.
For more info on future tours go to http://www.myspace.com/billytkjnr
DUNOLLY BLUES FESTIVAL - Dunolly, Victoria, October 23-25, 2009
A fab time by all at this festival full of wonderful Australian Blues talent.
Check out "My Pics" for shots of MTB, The Retro Boys / Black Ice, Tyson Hodges Trio and Synergy Blue.
For more info on future festivals go to http://www.myspace.com/dunollybluesbash
UPCOMING MUSIC EVENTS
GEOFF ACHISON - Sydney April 10, 2010
Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers - great blues rock from Melbourne. I'll be the photographer for this gig - see you there! http://www.myspace.com/geoffachison
MOUNTAIN JAM FESTIVAL - Hunter Mountain, Upstate New York - 4-6 June, 2010
Join in a three day music festival of rock and blues. The 6th annual Mountain Jam Festival (run by Radio Woodstock and Warren Haynes) will feature greats such as the Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule and more... http://www.mountainjam.com
The Wong Way to Marry, well, what a great read it was too. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Without giving away the plot, I'm so glad it turned out the way it did. From one writer to another, very well done Colleen. I'll look forward to any prequels or sequels....Cheers !!!
Hi Colleen. Your pics are fantastic and sounds like you have been to loads of cool rock concerts. Your book will be very interesting as a movie and I wish you good luck with finding the missing footage and surely someone could just burn a copy and send it to you. Nice to meet you here. Greetings from Adelaide. From Mara.
Hi there Colleen! Just to let you know MySpace Music has launched in Australia and this means you have a free streaming music player that allows you to create playlists. The deal was signed with the 4 major record labels and most of the independents which means the entire back catalogue of virtually every single artist is available. Try it out when you get the chance, I am sure you won't be disappointed, so enjouy!! Take care, Hong.
Hi Colleen....nice to catch up at the Blues Festival. Your Book.....WONG WAY TO MARRY is fantastic.....anyone want a great read.....Get it now....it's Cool. How are the pics going.....Take care....John
Hey folks - here's my new ZUNE media player. Better than the iPod (it doesn't pause randomly or skip tracks - do NOT buy a 160 gig iPod Classic, this is a KNOWN problem with that model and Apple don't want to know, grrrr...!) Anyway, check out the great LCD screen - the sound is more full (better bass) too and it's dead easy to use. Had to use an adpater to put it through the Bose sound deck tho... (as shown). I've just loaded up 4800 songs (about 30% of my collection on to it), which more to come. Should be able to get around 60% on to it evntually... I did consider getting the new HD Zune touch, but it only has 32 Gig capacity - one day they'll make a big one - size matters!!!
Hi Colleen. Lovely to finally meet you on Saturday night. Great to chat in person. Thanks for the pix also. C'mon everyone, now go out & buy Colleen's books. Best Wishes & Many Thanks - Al ;-)
Wow! thanks Colleen! *G* nothing makes my day like half/fully naked guitarist, preferably blond *G* Sounds and looks like you guys had a killer time in Dunolly and esp in Marc's garage! hehe
Online Now!
- size matters!!!
