HEARTWARMING GOES TO HALLMARK by Catherine Lanigan







For those of you who read my blog last month, you’ll know that I was on the set of the filming of HEART’S DESIRE for The Hallmark Channel up in Vancouver. Though this was not the first film set I’ve been on, it was the first time to see my characters from my book come to life. Believe me, it’s pretty darned incredible. For me, being the wife of a film producer and director for nearly fifteen years before Jed’s death, and seeing the inside of the film and television industry the way that I did, there are not enough pages in any article or a manual to describe the endless hard work on the part of hundreds of people to make a film happen. My husband used to say that making a film was tantamount to building a city. That’s not an exaggeration. Writing the story is one thing. I mean let’s face it, without the writer, there is no film or publishing industry.

But after that book and then the edit after edit that goes into the screenplay, comes the producer’s  interpretations. The art department, set designer, props, location selections and graphics define the look of the film. And for my film, WOW! The Hallmark look to all their films is scintillating. Everything is beautiful. And the CUPCAKE CAFÉ was just that. Every single cupcake and flower in a vase was a visual feast.




This is me and my agent, Lissy Peace, on the set. This was our first day there.  Isn’t the Cupcake Café just gorgeous. Trust me, NO ONE so much as breathed on those cupcakes! No licking that icing.  The director wasn’t happy with the greenery outside the door. He wanted flowers and he got them!
I wasn’t on set when the exteriors were being shot, but I have seen the stills and now the trailer is up at www.hallmarkchannel.com. So, go take a peak. Of course, you can wait till the airing on Saturday, March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day night to watch.

 One of the producer’s roles is casting and my producers knew my SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE stories very well. The cast is amazingly like my characters and I was so very impressed with their professionalism and the fact that they all had fun with each other on the set.
THIS IS JULIE GONZALO, ME and ANDREA BROOKS.

 THIS IS TAMMY GILLIS who plays Sarah. If you remember, Sarah is the heroine of LOVE SHADOWS, the first book in the series. 

This is my leading man, Chris McNally. He was delightful. He brought his mother to the set my first day there. It was such a pleasure to meet her and hear stories about Chris and how hard he’s worked for his success. He was perfect as Nate Barzonni. I hope he’ll be able to come back for more SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE stories, because those Barzonni brothers---they stick together!



For those who have followed the entire series, you will remember that Mrs. Beabots in the book is 80 years old. Well, that aspect of her character was “reconsidered”. So, we have a much different Mrs. Beabots, whose first name is Emma, I must tell you.

My most interesting news is that on this coming Thursday, if you tune in to The Hallmark Channel to Hallmark Home and Family, at 10/Eastern time (check local listings for the time) I will be a guest on the show with Mark and Debbie.  To say I’m over the moon about THIS, is truly an understatement. The show is so much fun to watch. I love their recipes. I’m serving up their Japanese Pancakes along with my BAKED French Toast on Palm Sunday. This time I’ll really impress my guests. But no, I won’t be cooking on the show. At least, I don’t think they want me to cook. I’m kidding. Who would compete with Debbie Matenopoulos who has a Greek Cookbook out, “It’s All Greek To Me”.  After my pre-interview on Wednesday,  I now have to pack and fly out to Los Angeles on Tuesday. So you all will see the show before I fly back home!


At the same time, on Monday, March 5th , my Prism Book Tour starts. Please join the fun blogs and posts at www.prismbooktours.blogspot.com. I have giveaways and gift cards for those of you who like contests. On March 9th, I will be featured at Still Moments Magazine giving more details and photos from the shoot and the show as I’ll be sending photos to Darlene Fredette from Los Angeles. 



Hallmark changed the title to THE SWEETEST HEART.  My next piece of news is that Harlequin Heartwarming is re-issuing the book with the new title, THE SWEETEST HEART, it will have a new cover showing the lead characters, Maddie Strong and Nate Barzonni (Julie and Chris). Don’t be surprised when you see my Heartwarming book being promoted by Hallmark.
  
It’s a wondrous thing to live your own “Dream Come True” but I could not have experienced any of it if it hadn’t been for the love and support of my son and family, my friends all over the country and my persistent agent, Lissy Peace, and just as persistent and patient producers, Marcy Gross and Ann Weston. I have been more than blessed with all my Heartwarming Sister Authors who have been there through the past two years since I got the “Green Light” phone call and have kept the secret close to their chests. Rula Sinara and Kate James have been loving, supportive and willing to aid me, retweet, Facebook and share posts, which has been so much help in getting the word out.

This is the first in my series to make it to Hallmark. All my team is working very hard to keep the stories coming for you and for all those who, like me, admit to being a Hallmark junkie, a #hearties, an even more addicted person to Harlequin Heartwarming novels and all around supporter of heartwarming, compassionate, loving stories that there’s just too little of.

Tune in to the show on March 17th and take selfies of you watching. Post them on Facebook. We are having HEARTWARMING Premiere parties all over the country and my friends are taking pictures and posting and tweeting all night long. Join the fun! Lissy will come to my house for my St. Patrick’s Day dinner, most of which is being served up by my dear friend and incidentally, the inspiration for the cupcakes in the original book, Sally Fischer. We’ll video her cupcakes. The Cupcake Wars are on!

Bless you all for your love and support. My next Indian Lake story isn’t up till November, but I’m working on it, you can be sure.

Follow me on Facebook and Twitter: @cathlanigan. www.catherinelanigan.com .


Comments

  1. I'm so happy for you, Catherine, and can't wait to watch!

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    1. Hi, Liz! I’m at the airport in Chicago waiting for Lissy for our flight out! What an adventure already!

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  2. What a wonderful story of success, Catherine! Just reading about it over coffee this dull, gray morning has brightened my day. I’m excited to see the movie and hear more from you,about the celebrations before, during and after! Truly a testament to the devotion and commitment of you and Jed. Congratulations!

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    1. Janice, thank you for such lovely thoughts. I’m nervous and excited.
      I also hope to work on my Heartwarming edits on the plane!!!

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  3. How exciting. Congratulations and enjoy the moment!

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    1. Hi! T.R.
      You have no idea what it means to me to have all of you cheering me on. This has been such a long road... and a super highway ahead, but without you all to travel it with me, it would be lonely, indeed.

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  4. Hmmm...we don't have TV anymore, but I think my mother has the Hallmark Channel...

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  5. Dreams coming true can travel on a very long road. But you reached your destination. Just wonderful. Hope you don't mind a plug for "Angel Watch," one of your fine nonfiction titles. I'm reading it now and connecting with it, as I knew I would.

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    1. Virginia, how lovely!
      We just landed in Los Angeles. I’ve been traveling sine 5:30 this morning, but resting now in Beverly Hills. Thank you for reading my Angel Watch. That was a very special book.

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  6. I am really looking forward to seeing your book-turned-movie. I watch the Hallmark movies a lot as they all have happy endings. Hope you have many more of your stories for us to see. I'm not good at taking selfies, or posting photos anywhere, but know I'll tell others to watch and brag on you, too.

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    1. Roz thank you for the support and spreading the word! You are the best!

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  7. I haven't met you yet, Catherine, but I can't help knowing all this wonderfulness couldn't have happened to a better person. Enjoy the ride--and the cupcakes!

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    1. We will meet M.K. !
      Thank you for your sweet thoughts! And yes, I’m ready for a cupcake!

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  8. I am loving this saga and so wishing I could tag along behind you as you tour the set!

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    1. Oh, Pam you would love this!
      We are having a blast already.. the shoot is tomorrow at universal studios. We will be there most of the day!

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  9. I am just so, so, so excited about this! I've got my DVR to record the movie and your guest appearance on Home & Family. You are truly an ambassador for Heartwarming!

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    1. Hi, LeAnne! Thanks for stopping by here and watching the show! We hope we get lots of watchers!

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  10. I'm so excited for you!! Can't wait to watch the movie!

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    1. Hi, Patricia!
      See you at the movies!!! Thanks for commenting!

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  11. This is thrilling! So excited and happy for you. Enjoy every minute.

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    1. Beth, thank you so much for all your support, the shared and teeets! I see them all... and so do so many others!

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  12. Words can't express how happy and thrilled I am for you, Catherine. I can't wait to pop some corn and snuggle in to watch this on my TV!! And yes, dreams do come true! Anytime I might forget that, I just have to think of you. <3

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  13. This is the biggest thrill of the Heartwarming year and you know how over-the-top excited I am for you, Catherine!! I can't wait to watch both the Home and Family spot and the movie!!

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  14. I've got my DVR set! Congratulations, Catherine...this is so exciting! My comment from this morning disappeared, so hopefully this one will stick. The blog looks great!

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  15. So thrilled for you, Catherine! I cannot wait for St. Patty's Day this year just to snuggle in and watch your book turned into a movie!!! Congratulations xoxoxoxoxoxo

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  16. Hi, Catherine, I watch all the Hallmark movies and knowing Sweetest Heart is from your Heartwarming book will make it extra special. Congratulations!

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  17. That is so very exciting! Congratulations! I can't imagine how thrilling it would be! :)

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