Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Explore 1.5M+ audiobooks & ebooks free for 30 days

    From $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Upon A Time - A Romantic Novella by Charles Dewandeler
    Upon A Time - A Romantic Novella by Charles Dewandeler
    Upon A Time - A Romantic Novella by Charles Dewandeler
    Ebook117 pages2 hours

    Upon A Time - A Romantic Novella by Charles Dewandeler

    By Charles Dewandeler

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    Charles Dewandeler's new novella "Upon A Time" is a modern-day fairytale packed with drama, comedy, magic, and romance.

     

    PLOT:

    Awakening from a 200 year sleeping spell, Anna must adapt to modern culture and combat an evil witch, in order to protect a handsome stranger.

     

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

    Born and raised in the suburbs of Metro Detroit, Charles Dewandeler grew up on a healthy diet of Disney cartoons, Saturday Night Live, Charlie Chaplin, Mel Brooks, and Steven Spielberg movies.

     

    After graduating high school, Charles studied at Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts (the closest thing Detroit had to a film school), receiving a Certificate in TV Production. Charles continued his higher education for another four years, obtaining a Bachelors Degree from Wayne State University majoring in TV and Film.

     

    While attending WSU, Charles worked at his hometown television station - Clinton Township Television (CTTV). There he honed his craft as a director and editor, as he produced talk shows, music performances, news segments, and other programs. Charles then moved to Los Angeles, and within a few short months landed one of his most enjoyable gigs, editing the hit standup comedy show "Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment" for the Starz network.

     

    Meanwhile, Charles continued writing screenplays and in 2017 he adapted one of those screenplays into a novel. The supernatural/thriller "Black Ice" was originally fueled by Charles' fear of driving and the belief he may have been killed in a car accident in a previous lifetime. Charles wrote "Black Ice" to educate drivers about the dangers of driving in cold weather. He hoped "Black Ice" would make readers fear driving the way "Jaws" (1975) made people afraid of the ocean and "Psycho" (1960) made women afraid of taking a shower.

     

    As superhero movies began monopolizing the box office, Charles decided to write a new book about the fascinating history of superheroes in comic books, TV, and film. "Superheroes, Their Movies, And Why We Love Them" uncovers the behind the scenes stories of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Stan Lee, Marvel Comics, Image Comics, and much more! Shortly after the book's release, "Avengers: Endgame" became the highest grossing movie of all time, cementing superheroes dominance in popular culture.

    Charles continues to write, direct, and edit. He has directed over 100 YouTube videos and short films, written 12 screenplays, 3 books, 2 comic books, and edited several TV shows. His most recent editing credits include season 2 of "The Kindness Diaries" for Netflix and an episode of "The Wall" for NBC.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherCharles Dewandeler
    Release dateSep 15, 2020
    ISBN9781393167518
    Upon A Time - A Romantic Novella by Charles Dewandeler
    Read preview
    Author

    Charles Dewandeler

    Charles Dewandeler is an award winning Director and Editor. From 2001-2007 he worked at CTTV in Michigan, Producing and Editing various TV shows. He moved to LA in 2008. where he currently works as a freelance editor. One of his favorite Editing gigs was Martin Lawrence Present's 1st Amendment, a standup comedy show on the Starz Network. He has edited Talk/Variety shows (Way Black When), Reality TV (various), Gameshows (Popular Opinion), Clip Shows (Whacked Out Sports), sizzle reels and scripted content. He wrote, directed and edited the feature film 'Parody Movie' (2011) now available on Amazon prime. and he's the author of comic book 'MotorCity Saint' and the thrilling novel 'Black Ice'. In addition, he has directed and edited over 100 sketch comedy videos on YouTube, which have been viewed over 25 million times.

    Read more from Charles Dewandeler

    Related to Upon A Time - A Romantic Novella by Charles Dewandeler

    Related ebooks

    Romantic Comedy For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related categories

    Reviews for Upon A Time - A Romantic Novella by Charles Dewandeler

    0 ratings

    0 ratings0 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

      Book preview

      Upon A Time - A Romantic Novella by Charles Dewandeler - Charles Dewandeler

      Dedicated to all the lovers out there.

      Edited by

      Pat Studinger

      ––––––––

      This book is a work of fiction. Any similarities to real persons or events are purely coincidental.

      Copyright 2020, Charles Dewandeler, Hollywood CA

      Contents

      Chapter 1

      Her wedding day began like a dream but ended as a nightmare.

      Standing in the changing room of the antiquated Georgia church, Anna admired her dress in the mirror. It was a beautiful light blue dress, customary of weddings in 1821. There was a knock at the door, followed by the voice of her mother, Is it safe to enter?

      Mother? Father? Anna spun around, her dress twirling as she greeted her parents with a smile.

      Oh Anna, my darling, her mother proclaimed, You look exquisite!

      Anna blushed, Thank you mother.

      She took her daughters hand, Your father and I couldn’t wait to give you your wedding gift. We want you to have something that reminds you of your father and I.

      Anna’s father stepped forward and held out a small box. She opened it, revealing an 1800’s style pocket watch. She picked it up and admired it, Oh, it’s beautiful.

      Her father explained, It’s practical because you can use it to count all the wonderful times that lay ahead. But also whenever you look at it, I want you to remember there’s no better time than right now.

      Anna held it to her chest, I love it. She gave her parents a hug. This must have cost a fortune.

      Father shook his head, I acquired it at the shop and I knew it would be a great present.

      Anna knew he was being modest. She started to protest, But you could sell it and make a lot of money. Her father owned a second-hand shop in town and she knew it was probably the most extravagant piece he had in the entire store. He could surely use the money he’d make selling this. She tried handing it to him but her mother pushed it back.

      Her mother insisted, We want you to have it dear.

      Her father wiped away a tear, After today, you will be a member of the Astorbuilt family. You’ll never have to be concerned about money again. He glanced at his adoring wife and then back at Anna. I want to give you one nice thing while you’re still my daughter.

      I’ll always be your daughter, she said as she hugged him again. If he was that adamant about gifting it to her, she would graciously accept.

      In another changing room, the groom John Astorbuilt adjusted his tuxedo as the mysterious Helen entered. Dressed in the most elaborate black gown, Helen slithered across the room and playfully spanked John on the posterior.

      He flinched, What are you doing?

      I desire one last kiss from a free man, Helen whispered as she leaned in for a kiss.

      John pushed her away, We’ve spoken about this. What happened between us... it was a one-time occurrence. He was visibly flustered but tried to compose himself, By Heaven, I don’t know what came over me. It can never happen again and Anna can never know about it.

      Helen mocked him, "It can never happen again blah, blah, blah. She saluted him as though he were a member of the military, Yes sir, Mr. John Astorbuilt. She gazed at herself in the mirror, admiring her dress, But why marry Anna? A man of your... their eyes met in the mirror, ...wealth, could have any woman he desires."

      She turned and approached him. Just imagine, she gazed in his eyes, you and I...

      He interrupted, I have.

      She questioned, And?

      And... John peered at himself in the mirror, Anna and I have something you and I could never have.

      Helen waved it off, Psh. A boring life together?

      No, he clarified, We’re in love.

      Oh please, Helen pretended to gag, Anna is the most, boring, vanilla...

      Beautiful, John interrupted again, kind, giving, smart, and most wonderful person I’ve ever met.

      Helen placed her hand on his shoulder, But you’ve got to admit, then whispered in his ear, I’m a lot more fun.

      John turned away from her, Anna is everything I’ve ever desired in a woman. As long as I have her, I shan’t crave anyone else.

      Dejected, Helen tried to maintain her superiority by thrusting her nose in the air. I admire a man who knows what he wants. She slithered to the door and turned back to face him, Should you change your mind...

      I won’t.

      Her eyes squinted. Her lips creased. Her hand clutched the door. She exited on one last sarcastic remark, delivered in the most ominous tone, Congratulations on your joyous day.

      Anna exited her dressing room and was met by Helen, who appeared to be in high spirits. Anna, I have a surprise for you.

      Astonished, Anna asked, Right now? The wedding is about to start.

      Yes, Helen insisted as she grabbed Anna’s hand, Quick. Come with me.

      Moments later, they were outside the mausoleum as storm clouds rolled in. A cold breeze chilled them to the bone. Dead leaves fell off the trees and crackled as they blew across the ground. The hard, stone mausoleum was only about a hundred yards from the church, surrounded by a bleak cemetery. Anna asked, Where are we going?

      Shhh, Helen looked around, There isn’t much time.

      Helen pulled open the mausoleum door and rushed Anna inside, Hurry, quickly before anyone sees us. She closed the door behind them.

      Anna checked her new pocket watch to see what time it was. Helen, what are we doing here? What’s the surprise?

      Helen pretended to hold back tears, I just had to let you know... your husband and I... she acted as if she was struggling to find the words. We had an affair.

      What? Anna didn’t know what to think.

      He begged me never to tell you but, Helen grabbed Anna by the hands as if they were the closest of friends, I couldn’t bare the thought of you going through with the wedding without knowing the truth.

      Anna pulled her hands away and ran her fingers through her hair, An affair?

      Helen gripped her by the shoulders. Yes! She insisted, A hot, sweaty, lustful, affair. I must say he has a lot of spunk. She almost smiles, Kept me up all night. She catches herself and becomes melodramatic again, He begged me to marry him but I refused.

      Anna was shocked, I... I... I..., I can’t believe it.

      Helen straightened up, with her nose in the air, Believe it darling. No man can resist me.

      Anna paced as she stared at the floor, I have to talk to him, straighten this out.

      Helen shook her head, There’s no need. I have everything taken care of and it will all be over soon.

      Anna looked up, Huh?

      Gaze into this, Helen instructed as she held up a witch’s medallion. Anna stared into it as a green light emanated from within. Helen recited her spell, Spirits hear me as I recite verse. Condemn Anna to a wicked curse. Immerse her in a deep, deep sleep. A timeless slumber in the dark abyss, which can only be broken by true loves kiss.

      Anna clutched her pocket watch as she

      Enjoying the preview?
      Page 1 of 7