Episode 13 UP AT LAST! Free to read NOW!!

Ahh, that thing called Life; sometimes, no matter how we try to best it, Life has other plans.

With sincere apologies for the lateness of Episode 13 - in fact, am a couple of episodes behind, now - but for personal reasons the last few weeks have been ... nuts.  Working on catching up, meanwhile keep checking back and BIG THANKS for those who wrote to inquire about what was going on, showing they give a hoot about Candace and Company! 

Don

Writer/Creator, "Candyland"

Candyland (TVMA)
"Pop Friction" (#1.13)
Teak earns some props.  Neo calls the cops.  Hunter's heart almost stops.

Episode 12 UP! FREE to read NOW

Candyland (TVMA)
"Creepier by the Dozen" (#1.12)
Candace gets uptight.  Eden picks a fight.  Zoe's memorable night.

"Candyland" readers care about their characters!

ESPECIALLY Hunter!

Episode 11: "The Badfather: Part II"

EPISODE 11 IS UP!

GET YOUR READ ON ... FREE!
(Note: next week is one of only two "holiday" weeks we're taking with "Candyland", which means no new episode posting; please check back Friday, July 10th, for episode 12 - giving you proper time to binge-read and catch up on the entire series!)

COMING SOON: "Redwood Falls: The Book of Job"

And you thought southern California was strange?

Welcome to Redwood Falls, the second offering from Read-TV which debuts Saturday, October 31st with a teaser introduction, followed by the pilot that drops on Friday, November 13th.  It was always the intention, upon starting Read-TV, that a second TV-for-Readers series would begin toward the end of 2015, and we're proud to announce our next production!

A big departure from "Candyland" (to say the least), "Redwood Falls: The Book of Job" is an idea that's been brewing in this writer's mind even longer than the story of Candace and company.  Think the CW's "The Originals", meshed with a modern-day "Penny Dreadful" (you gotta love Showtime) ... with maybe just a touch of "Hannibal" (curse you, NBC!) and a more mature Twilight (sans Bella, thank God), and you get the idea.

(Note: this series will run for only twenty episodes, with new installments every two weeks instead of every week as it's the first of a projected trilogy.)

A brief intro to the series is below (a separate blog/website for "Redwood Falls" will go up mid-October), along with the beginnings of the Dream Cast (the actors who inspired the characters), with more to be added soon.  So enjoy this sneak preview, remember episode 11 of "Candyland" drops here this Friday ... and please join us for "Redwood Falls: The Book of Job" in October!

(click on any image below to enlarge)

Synopsis:

It's been nearly a year since the Rios family buried their adopted son Angel, who took his own life.  Still reeling from the loss of her younger sibling, even pulling away from her parents (who've since split up) in her grief, twenty-one-year-old Darcy Rios works her crap retail job in Los Angeles with no plans for the future, instead spending her days turning over in her head, again and again, what she could possibly have done to save the brother she adored ...

When a voicemail left by Celie, her BFF since childhood, changes everything.  Celie, a "richie," has been on a road trip throughout northern California, prior to transferring college to San Francisco in the fall; a summer vacation Darcy was invited on, but had neither the money nor the inclination to do.  Initially ignoring the voicemail, figuring it'd be Celie's usual ramblings about her trip or her latest boyfriend, when Darcy finally does listen to the message a day later, what she hears is unbelievable:  Celie, while stopping for gas and supplies in a small town called Redwood Falls, swears she has seen Angel.

And while known to pull the occasional juvenile, bone-headed, even tasteless prank, the tone in Celie's voice on this message is ... different; too convincing for her limited acting skills, and too lucid for Celie to be either drunk or stoned - especially when she also mumbles, in a shaky voice, something indecipherable about "a creepy little blond kid."  Darcy immediately calls her back, gets voicemail, and for the next twelve hours continuously tries reaching her friend ... until the phone is answered by Celie's mother, who tearfully informs Darcy that her daughter has been killed in a tragic accident, driving her car into a tree after apparently falling asleep behind the wheel.

But Darcy doesn't believe it.  Celie had vision issues, hated driving at night - often blinded by other headlights coming at her - and had always been too vain to get her eyes checked, never even telling her parents for fear of being banned from night driving at all.  No way would she have been out there on her own, in unfamiliar territory and in the dark, with night blindness.

So before she can talk herself out of it, Darcy is packing a bag and hunting down her parents' atlas ... certain, in her heart, that all answers lie in Redwood Falls.

DREAM CAST

(actors/artists who simply inspired the characters; their depictions/names here are in no way meant to imply they endorse or are in any way part of bringing "Redwood Falls: The Book of Job" to television.  Yet!)

Olivia Cooke (Darcy), Austin Mahone (Angel), Douglas Smith (Sam), India Eisley (Kinny), Ki Hong Lee (Nugget), Dev Patel (Sai), Michiel Huisman (Ira), Elizabeth Banks (Elyse), Daniel Henney (Carl), Tom Williamson (Jax), Arden Cho (Mistress Anne), Saoirse Ronan (Lynx), Betty White (Miss Nora), Alexander Ludwig (Pug), Max & Charlie Carver (Derek & David Ohlson), Nico Mirallegro (Nigel) - with Drew Barrymore (Pixie) and Wilmer Valderrama (Diego) ...

... and

J.J. TOTAH

as Job

Aww ... Acknowledgement by Warpath!

Just taking another reason to shout out a big THANK YOU to those in the industry (Kenton Duty, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Brad Everett Young, Luke Bilyk, Bronson Pelletier, Danny John-Jules, Gren Wells, Nick Jaine, Jeff Hephner, Robbie Kay, Scott Lowell, Reno Wilson, Jordi Vilasuso, Greg Louganis, Perez Hilton, Dior C. Choi, David Smithyman ... and if I've forgotten YOU, please let me know and I'll edit this post!) who in one way or another have shown their support for "Candyland" by following, reposting, retweeting, or favoriting us.  My years in L.A. taught me how "chilly" those in the business can be, especially once achieving some level of fame or stability, even in supporting new projects or talent - so your support, especially, has meant the world.

But with all that love, it was still pretty cool to hear from Warpath today, via Twitter, acknowledging that he thought "Candyland" was a "cool idea."  Have been a fan of Booboo Stewart for maybe a decade now, and he's made the transition from "child star" to adult actor pretty seamlessly; the guy works like crazy (and may he always do so, as like wine he only gets better with age).  Anyway, thanks Mr. Stewart - the message made my day, and reminded me that with the support of industry peeps like you and those listed above, the idea is to PERSEVERE, against all odds, until this puppy is on Showtime (actually, you'd fit right into "Candyland" stylistically; may have to think about that one, working as I am on a couple of potential new characters ...).  Either way, a big "God Bless" to you all!

Don

Creator/Writer

This week's episode ...

Candyland (TVMA)
"The Badfather: Part II" (#1.11)
Father's Day revoked.  Neo makes a joke.  Teak is suddenly stoked.

Happiest of Birthdays - to The Queen, Herself!

Kudos, salutations, and all best of wishes to the woman who - when "Candyland" takes off from the printed page and does make its way to television - I will owe it all to.  I've been a fan of Courteney Cox since first seeing her dance on a concert stage with Bruce Springsteen in a music video, through "Friends" and the Scream franchise and more ... but it was the brilliant, beautifully-written and perfectly-cast (and, sadly, prematurely cut down by a writer's strike) FX series "Dirt" that first generated the idea in me that Courteney Cox as a conscienceless, power-driven shark was nothing short of enthralling!

Candace Gray only came to life when I pictured Cox playing her, and while I can only hope she will do so when the series comes to light, no matter who ends up in the role I will always owe the entire thing to Ms. Courteney, who turns a beautiful fifty-two today!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

This week's episode ...

Candyland (TVMA)
"The Wizard of Ahhs" (#1.10)
Oscar's pimp has clout.  Hunter squashes some doubt.  Dominic - finally - finds out.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ... to one of the main reasons "Candyland" exists!

The original inspiration for "Candyland" - the story of what (and who) it takes to survive in Hollywood (and if it's even worth the trip to get there) - started with three people.  Or more accurately, three characters: Candace Gray, Oscar Yamada, and Hunter West.  Had they not bloomed fully into my mind, thanks to the actors that inspired them, NOTHING you see on this page would exist today.

From the beginning I've always had a soft spot for Oscar (those of you reading the series will soon find out why, I think), and just wanted to give a shout out to KEVIN WU, who from day one inspired this reserved yet passionate, devoted and self-sacrificing assistant to - quite possibly - the biggest bitch in Los Angeles.  From the days of watching KevJumba videos left and right on YouTube, to reality television and the budding of an acting career, you have to love Kevin's energy, positive spirit, and often hilarious sense of humor.  

So Happy 25th, KevJumba, and God Bless for all the laughter and inspiration!

"Candyland" fans are crazy-loyal ...

AND WE LOVE IT!

So why aren't YOU reading?! Free, now, for everyone!

give a donation - get written in as a character!

Any donation to keep the series going is a blessing, and THANKS TO THOSE WHO'VE HELPED ALREADY, BY EITHER DONATING OR SPREADING THE WORD - but here's a shot for readers to be immortalized as part of the story: now through June 30th, anyone who gives a donation of $200 or more (see button on the left) to help get this tale of Hollywood behind-the-scenes on TV & reach our $3500 goal, gets him- or herself written into the series as a character!

(click image to enlarge)

"Candyland": Straight Talk from a Gay Writer

I first went to Los Angeles in the spring of 1996 to try and be a working actor.  Finding a boarding house in Hollywood, I think now that living in that reconverted mini-mansion gave me my first inspiration to create something like "Candyland"; the cheap, three-story, rent-a-room-by-the-week place with the johns in the hall (much like the Yucca Arms, where Hunter resides) was full of aspiring actors, models, singers and comics.  A communal kitchen in the basement guaranteed we all got to know one another sooner or later, and even when one of us couldn't afford his weekly rent and had to sleep in an antique Jag he'd bought for $200, out at the curb, we would still take food to him so no one ever went hungry.  Looking back, I loved those days; a time before the corner of Hollywood and Highland had morphed into a mega-plex, and when you had to track down a fax machine to get your sides if there wasn't time to go to the agent's office, because back then there was simply no such thing as having them sent to your cell phone.

Those days with Heather, Said, Ping, Chuck, Olaf, Andy, David - they're all tinged with gold now, fond memories ... just like my first "acting job" a week after arriving in L. A.: three days' background work playing a jury member on the ABC series "The Practice".  It was my first time on a set, and I was awestruck; knew this was the atmosphere I wanted to - needed to - surround myself with for the rest of my life, were I to be happy.  Over those three days, I even worked up the nerve to speak with actors on-set whose work I had only admired up 'til then, including Linda Hunt (a wonderful woman), William Atherton (to this day one of the friendliest, most upbeat people I've ever met), and the man himself, Dylan McDermott (cordial, but I was interrupting his baseball game so it was to be expected).  And while ultimately I realized that writing was my first love, the experiences I had then (and have had since), in Los Angeles, have all been fodder for the writing project you see here.

Flash-forward nineteen years later, and though life has intervened in unforeseen ways my heart still belongs to this insane crap-shoot of a business; still empathizes with the uphill battle of the struggling actor.  I write "Candyland" on a seven-year-old Dell laptop that is nearly as broken-down as I am, and work a part-time job to try and pay up bills a few health issues left me behind on.  But like those who troll the shark-infested waters of Los Angeles every day, I persevere; stay up many a night trying to make each episode of this TV-series-in-book-form (as well as the episodic scripts, which I work on pretty much simultaneously) the best I can, so that when it lands on cable it will be true to the story, as well as the characters so many of you have already grown to love.

But December is still some time away, and with another 28 episodes to go until the Christmas Day finale, my fear is that "Candyland" may be preempted by something as simple as the death of my Dell ... so after some calculating, have figured out a bare-bones goal for donations of another $3,500 that, if reached, will make sure those who've already shown their love of the series - their determination to help get it on Showtime - won't have been for nothing.  That we'll all, together, make it to back to that parking garage roof featured in the teaser, on Christmas Day, for a finale that will have jaws dropping.

So while I know there are many more "worthy" projects you can help fund out there, via Kickstarter or Indiegogo or GoFundMe, if you choose to click on the "Donate" button on the left, to support "Candyland" - as well as this LGBT writer, toiling away 24/7 to bring to light this story of artists who strive every day for their voices to be heard - I guarantee not only a mention in the pilot credits ... but that far beyond "Candyland" I'll always be writing about and fighting for misfits like the ones in that boarding house of so long ago; those who keep pushing every day, despite the million-to-one odds, because this is all they ever wanted to do.

This week's episode ...

Candyland (TVMA)
"The Remains of Five Days" (#1.09)
Dominic grows a pair.  Lynn refuses to share.  Candace finds something to wear.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ... to the man who inspired Hector Silva!

A HAPPY 37TH BIRTHDAY  to a hell of an actor ... and the inspiration for the lustful, lovable, possibly larcenous (we'll have to see, come future episodes) screenwriter/gigolo from England, Hector Silva, in "Candyland"!  This writer's been a Cooper-Head since The History Boys and Starter for 10, and thank you Dominic for being a constant source of inspiration for almost a decade.  Looking forward to the day you may actually play Hector when "Candyland" comes to TV!

Quotes From a Growing Fanbase!

Wow.  It's with blushing cheeks and glowing pride we post quotes sent to us over the last couple of weeks, regarding their reading experience with "Candyland".  ALWAYS looking for comments and quotes, fan art, short fan fiction, Bitstrips love, or anything that lets us know how we're doing - and how we can keep doing it for YOU, the reader!

Some donations are also starting to come in as well, every dollar of which guarantees we can keep bringing you the characters and story many of you are growing to love.  A big thanks to you all; every dollar helps support this incredible, every-growing project, not to mention shows you support indie artists struggling to be heard, much like the characters in this crazy story.  God Bless!

"Just finished part 7, most romantic ending EVER!" - Denise, USA

"Can totally see Kenton Duty playing Hunter when this hits tv! Kinda controversial, but it would really show people how good an actor he is. Keep up the good work and MORE HUNTER PLEEEEZE!" - Richard, USA

"Damnit, I'd not be able to concentrate on anything if Teak was walking around in front of me!  LOVE the name too- inspired and so suits the actor.  I'm loving the series, I think about the characters and storyline even when I'm not reading it." - Mandy, UK

"Did you watch 'Dirt'? Was sick when that got canceled, been dying to see Courteney Cox play another powerful bitch ever since and she could TOTALLY nail Candace Gray. Why isn't something like this already on tv?!" - Shaun, USA

"Think what you're doing is amazing." - Kathie, UK

"I am hooked.  I love the little plot twists.  The characters are so real.  I think Hunter is my favorite but I love how deliciously ruthless Candace is.  Awesome.  I can really see this blowing up as a tv series." - Cassie, USA

"Like vintage Jackie Collins, only the writing here is better.  More believable, even as crazy as some of this shit gets!" - Janny, DENMARK

"Thought it was pretty good until episode 4, then about crapped myself at the end of that one and have been hooked since!" - Mike, CANADA

"You are a gifted writer and 'Candyland' has become a big part of my week." - Anonymous, ??

"Love it!!  Left hanging big time!  Dying to know what is next!!??" - Kevin, USA

Bringing a little sin and decadence to Pinterest

On Pinterest? Slowly, finally building the board for "Candyland" there; hope it brings Pinterest a little decadence it needs ... PLUS, I used all different photos of the Dream Cast members there; stuck with photos that still reflect that character's personality, but totally different shots!  Still a work in progress, just finishing it up and 28 more episodes to come, so check back often!  And remember, now it's FREE for all to read!

Don

Pinterest board for "Candyland"

This week's episode ...

Candyland (TVMA)
"The Bitch and the Pauper" (#1.08)
Dominic has a dream.  Hunter lets off steam.  Candace becomes a meme.

Lordy, You People Love Hunter ...

By far, SO far, the one character readers of "Candyland" cant't talk enough about is Hunter.  After receiving this comment, from 'Deby' in the USA, I had to post it by way of example.

"OMG! Finished episode 7 ... you are so talented!  I was in tears for Hunter.  Keep up the great writing ... hope something wonderful comes from this!"

On behalf of Hunter, thanks to all who have embraced him as you have.  Wowsers.  Also, please don't kill me after you read episode 8 (releasing to subscribers TOMORROW, here on the blog in one week).

Episode 7 debuts TOMORROW on this blog; it's a doozy, so do yourself a favor and read the others first, in order, or you will be hopelessly lost!  

Don

Creator/Writer

"Candyland"

Why "Candyland" Deserves to Be on TV Next Year

Easy-Peasy

(and these are only the first five we could think of):

1) Dramatic (at times to the point of controversial) storylines.

2) A revelatory, darkly-comic behind-the-scenes look at life for a struggling actor in L.A. (a topic fascinating for nearly everyone outside Los Angeles).

3) A multi-ethnic cast of characters.

4) Strong central female characters over the age of 35.

5) LGBT-positive characters and storylines.

If you don't believe us, judge for yourself ... episodes listed to the left are complete and in order; binge-read and enjoy!

readtvcandyland@gmail.com

Your All-Access Pass to Hollywood ... FREE!!

What price would you pay for fame?

The reaction to "Candyland" from readers has been more than hoped for; for weeks now, with the release of each new episode, blush-worthy compliments speak of everything from the twists in plot, cynical humor, over-the-top storylines, and especially readers' loathing for Candace or seriously undying love of Hunter, Dominic, Zoe, Teak, Neo and other characters.  The outpouring has been great enough, in fact, it's proved to us that the series - especially if it's going to evolve into the actual cable television show it deserves to be - needs the widest audience possible backing it!

Which is why "Candyland" is now absolutely FREE!  On the upper left-hand corner of this page, anyone who can access this page can - with one click - catch up from the very beginning on this TV-series-for-readers that details the hopes, dreams, and harsh realities of those who come from around the country (and world) pursuing fame and celebrity in Los Angeles.

If you do like what you read and wish to show your support, please click the link on the left and make a small donation to help keep the series going!  No support is too small; it all adds up fast AND continues guaranteeing you a new episode every Friday.  (Note: Previous subscribers to "Candyland" will remain one week ahead of those reading the series here, as our way of saying thanks!)

Most importantly, please help spread the word.  Share this blog link, the episodes, this world of fame and misfortune, and talk talk talk about it with anyone you think might enjoy Candace and company, as well; WORD OF MOUTH is our best chance of getting on the air!

So thank you, God Bless, and now stop reading this when you've got episodes to read!  We still have a long road to travel, and thanks so much for joining the journey!

Don

(NOTE: While by no means X-rated, "Candyland" is intended for readers 18+ who are okay with reading material featuring adult language and situations; if that's not you, you've been warned!)

questions/comments: readtvcandyland@gmail.com

This week's episode ...

Candyland (TVMA)
"Secrets & Fries" (#1.07)
Oscar's Sunday trend.  Dominic finds a friend.  A good heart can't pretend.

Another Birthday ... Another Debt of Thanks

With Kenton Duty - the actor who inspired Hunter in "Candyland" - having a birthday earlier this past week, it's a no-brainer to mark a second thank you/best wishes to BigBang musical giant Taeyang (real name: Dong Young-bae), who turns 27 on May 18th (tomorrow. here in the States, but I wanted to give the shout-out on his actual b-day in South Korea)!  

Derek Go wasn't originally a character in "Candyland" but as any writer will tell you, stories tend to morph depending on where the characters tell you they need to go.  And when I happened onto the photo of Taeyang you will find on the right, under 'Dream Cast' - suddenly there was Derek Go, formed fully in my mind, the award-winning singer/rapper from South Korea and one of the biggest performer in music worldwide ... just as Taeyang is in the real world.  The similarities may end there, but I just wanted to give a shout-out, today, to the person who inspired what is now one of my favorite characters in the series.  And rest assured, even though Derek Go hasn't been introduced into the story yet, he will make quite the impact - on one character in particular - shortly.

Happy Birthday, Taeyang!  And may you always remain fantastic, baby!

Don

Creator, "Candyland"

This week's episode ...

Candyland (TVMA)
"Dual-Citizen Cain" (#1.06)
Candace hosts a lunch.  Zoe must throw a punch.  Hunter plays a hunch.

Birthday Wishes and Unlimited THANKS

When I began working on the idea for "Candyland" over a year ago, only two of the series' characters came to mind full-blown, the image of the actor allowing me to know the character instantly.  One was Candace Gray; dream cast-wise, she's never been anyone but Courteney Cox in my mind; a huge help in creating her character.

The other is actor Kenton Duty, of whom I've been a fan for awhile.  From the beginning, there simply was no other Hunter - and somehow it's working, because by far Hunter is the character that readers of the series seems to love the most; would most want either as best friend or boyfriend, if the comments and praise I've been getting are any indication.

And guess who turns 20 today?  Wishing the happiest of 20th birthdays to Kenton Duty, who I will always feel indebted to!  Mr. Duty, may you read the entire "Candyland" series one day ... and if so, I hope you feel I did Hunter justice.

Don

Creator/Writer, "Candyland"  

Things are about to get even more wicked: Meet the Newest Residents of "Candyland"!

Only five episodes in, "Candyland" is already growing by leaps and bounds far larger than ever imagined.  So much so, if you scroll down on your right you will find a slew of new characters who've just moved into the Land of Enchantment (or maybe more like The Rabbit Hole) known as Los Angeles to pursue fame - and who all, in one way or another, will be touched on by the most notorious club in town.

Please welcome Edgar Cain, Hannah Mathis, Abel Voss, Sophie Rainwater, Mateo Bello, Simon Desai ... and if you're already a subscriber, you already know (and hopefully feel some compassion for) Tommy Howard, who learned a difficult lesson recently: father doesn't always know best.

More importantly, a huge THANK YOU and GOD BLESS to the actors who inspired these new characters - and, like all the actors pictured on the right, those whom I'd cast in their respective roles when the series really does hit television, if at all possible.  So thanks to Daniel Radcliffe, Bonnie Wright, Max Thieriot, Bette Midler, Bernardo Velasco, Elyes Gabel, and Xavier Samuel - the characters you've all inspired, along with those already on-board, are going to seriously stir the "Candyland" pot BIG-TIME.  

After all, we still have 31 episodes to go!

And to all the readers and subscribers: the biggest God Bless of all.  Your comments, critiques,and praise continue to inspire me to tell the stories you seem to want to read, featuring the characters you've obviously already grown to love (and hate)!

Don

Creator/Writer, "Candyland"

Ahh, subtlety: we're so glad "Candyland" fans don't have it, and feel free to speak their minds!

this week's episode ...

Candyland (TVMA)
"Purple Reigns" (#1.05)
Miles seeks to destroy.  Hunter's short-lived joy.  Holly gets a toy.

Our UK Fans Do NOT Play!

With a big thanks to Mandy for the push!