8.16.2007
TRAMBLINGS...
Just to be clear...this is the Official Nichelle Barbie from Mattel. They also have a "Urban" Nichelle but she's not nearly as stylish as this girl here. Every couple of years they recycle the name and dress her up for the new generation. I'm sticking with this one.
First off, thanks to all of you who were kind enough to send emails regarding my great-grandmother. Very thoughtful of you and very much appreciated. I am heading back to see the family this afternoon. I really, really, really wish California would build a bullet-train between Los Angeles and San Francisco. THAT would be a beautiful thing.
So, anyway, I can finally announce the name of the show. I wasn't trying to be mysterious I just didn't want to step on any toes. I got clearance this week to inform you that WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB will premiere Friday, October 12th at 9p.m. in between 20/20 and MEN IN TREES, which my mom and I both love. When I told my mom the line-up she said, "That sounds like a good Friday night." Man, I hope so.
WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB is based on the JAMES PATTERSON novels and stars ANGIE HARMON as Lindsay Boxer. The show is set in San Francisco and get this...I came home from THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM Sunday night and there was a note on my front door that said, "Please excuse the inconvenience but the television show WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB will be filming on your block next week." Now, seriously, how poetic is that?
I kept the notice for my scrapbook. The crew has been setting up for the past week in the house right next door to me and the Crown Prince. Can you believe it? I had no idea but I can look directly out of my kitchen and living room window into the house. A nice seat to watch the filming. C.P. and Kobe have already made friends with some of the crew and C.P. gets a kick out of telling the production staff that, "One of the writer's lives right there." Nice.
My mom says she knew from the beginning that this was my gig and I have to admit that when I starting reading through the pilot scripts it was one that stuck out to me. San Francisco. A crime show. Four female friends. Are you kidding? I read the script, watched the pilot episode (in case I got a meeting) and went back to prepping for my other meetings. My manager and agent asked what shows I'd like to be a part of "in an ideal world" and this was at the top of my list. But, as you know, from reading this blog some of the meetings went great, some were so-so and some were a complete disconnect. I was the front runner for a show that, ultimately, didn't get picked up. The producers found out on Friday and I'd met with them that Tuesday. Another meeting went well but I was able to pinpoint the EXACT moment when I lost the job. That show got picked up and then pushed back to spring. Another show was returning for their third year and I liked the show and loved the showrunner. But they'd spent so much money on upper level writers there was no money left in the budget for a newbie like me. Such is life.
Anyway, we were getting down to the wire and I went up north to recharge my batteries. I stayed until Tuesday when C.P. and I were scheduled to make the five hour drive back to Los Angeles. Just as we're loading up the car I get a call from my manager asking me where I was. I told her and she said WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB wants to meet you. THIS AFTERNOON. From that point on it turned into a relay race. My mom ironed my clothes, packed my luggage, drove me an hour to the Oakland airport where C.P. and Kobe were waiting on the side of the road to take my luggage. (They still had to make the drive back). I jumped on a plane with my carry-on and my purse. I rewatched the pilot on my laptop and once I hit the ground in L.A. jumped in a taxi and asked the driver to jam downtown. (That driver was way cool, by the way). Make up and contacts taken care of in the cab. I made the meeting, did my best and then waited. And waited. And waited.
My agent called on Friday to say, "It was looking good." I had no idea what that meant. On Tuesday (a week later) he said the same thing. I panicked. Finally, on Friday the studio's Business Affairs department called with the offer and I lost it. Truly. Such a roller coaster of a week. A friend of mine - a producer on a CBS procedural - was a rock during the process but at one point (which still cracks me up) he couldn't take it anymore and called my manager to find out what the hell was going on. Everybody, including C.P. who was a champ, was calm on the outside and a bona fide basket case on the inside. The only other show that looked like a strong possibility was based in New York. Ya'll know how much I love Manhattan and I would've left in a heartbeat to pursue this dream but I didn't want to leave C.P. and Kobe. In the words of C.P., "Man, it would be just like us to get engaged then move 500 miles apart." Glad we went against type this round. So, that's the story and I'm sticking to it. Thanks, once again, for all the emails.
Until next time... Or, wait, should I say...Tune in on October 12th @ 9p.m...
Just to be clear...this is the Official Nichelle Barbie from Mattel. They also have a "Urban" Nichelle but she's not nearly as stylish as this girl here. Every couple of years they recycle the name and dress her up for the new generation. I'm sticking with this one.
First off, thanks to all of you who were kind enough to send emails regarding my great-grandmother. Very thoughtful of you and very much appreciated. I am heading back to see the family this afternoon. I really, really, really wish California would build a bullet-train between Los Angeles and San Francisco. THAT would be a beautiful thing.
So, anyway, I can finally announce the name of the show. I wasn't trying to be mysterious I just didn't want to step on any toes. I got clearance this week to inform you that WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB will premiere Friday, October 12th at 9p.m. in between 20/20 and MEN IN TREES, which my mom and I both love. When I told my mom the line-up she said, "That sounds like a good Friday night." Man, I hope so.
WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB is based on the JAMES PATTERSON novels and stars ANGIE HARMON as Lindsay Boxer. The show is set in San Francisco and get this...I came home from THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM Sunday night and there was a note on my front door that said, "Please excuse the inconvenience but the television show WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB will be filming on your block next week." Now, seriously, how poetic is that?
I kept the notice for my scrapbook. The crew has been setting up for the past week in the house right next door to me and the Crown Prince. Can you believe it? I had no idea but I can look directly out of my kitchen and living room window into the house. A nice seat to watch the filming. C.P. and Kobe have already made friends with some of the crew and C.P. gets a kick out of telling the production staff that, "One of the writer's lives right there." Nice.
My mom says she knew from the beginning that this was my gig and I have to admit that when I starting reading through the pilot scripts it was one that stuck out to me. San Francisco. A crime show. Four female friends. Are you kidding? I read the script, watched the pilot episode (in case I got a meeting) and went back to prepping for my other meetings. My manager and agent asked what shows I'd like to be a part of "in an ideal world" and this was at the top of my list. But, as you know, from reading this blog some of the meetings went great, some were so-so and some were a complete disconnect. I was the front runner for a show that, ultimately, didn't get picked up. The producers found out on Friday and I'd met with them that Tuesday. Another meeting went well but I was able to pinpoint the EXACT moment when I lost the job. That show got picked up and then pushed back to spring. Another show was returning for their third year and I liked the show and loved the showrunner. But they'd spent so much money on upper level writers there was no money left in the budget for a newbie like me. Such is life.
Anyway, we were getting down to the wire and I went up north to recharge my batteries. I stayed until Tuesday when C.P. and I were scheduled to make the five hour drive back to Los Angeles. Just as we're loading up the car I get a call from my manager asking me where I was. I told her and she said WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB wants to meet you. THIS AFTERNOON. From that point on it turned into a relay race. My mom ironed my clothes, packed my luggage, drove me an hour to the Oakland airport where C.P. and Kobe were waiting on the side of the road to take my luggage. (They still had to make the drive back). I jumped on a plane with my carry-on and my purse. I rewatched the pilot on my laptop and once I hit the ground in L.A. jumped in a taxi and asked the driver to jam downtown. (That driver was way cool, by the way). Make up and contacts taken care of in the cab. I made the meeting, did my best and then waited. And waited. And waited.
My agent called on Friday to say, "It was looking good." I had no idea what that meant. On Tuesday (a week later) he said the same thing. I panicked. Finally, on Friday the studio's Business Affairs department called with the offer and I lost it. Truly. Such a roller coaster of a week. A friend of mine - a producer on a CBS procedural - was a rock during the process but at one point (which still cracks me up) he couldn't take it anymore and called my manager to find out what the hell was going on. Everybody, including C.P. who was a champ, was calm on the outside and a bona fide basket case on the inside. The only other show that looked like a strong possibility was based in New York. Ya'll know how much I love Manhattan and I would've left in a heartbeat to pursue this dream but I didn't want to leave C.P. and Kobe. In the words of C.P., "Man, it would be just like us to get engaged then move 500 miles apart." Glad we went against type this round. So, that's the story and I'm sticking to it. Thanks, once again, for all the emails.
Until next time... Or, wait, should I say...Tune in on October 12th @ 9p.m...
Labels: TV, Women's Murder Club, Writer's Room
6.18.2007
TRAMBLINGS...
So, I completed my first week at the new job. Great group of people, impressive bunch of writers, some of whom have written for or created some of my favorite one hour dramas. If your eyes are open you learn something new everyday but it's interesting to actively try and learn something new. So many gems (about writing, creating, etc) are dropped (casually) on a daily basis and I'm just there to scoop them up. I'm excited about the show in general and this process in particular.
In other news, we are coming up on that horrible time of year - 4th of July - when Kobe loses his mind and becomes a quivering bag of fur and bones. I truly don't know what to do and I know for a fact that it's only going to get worse as the holiday approaches. Because of the new gig, I can't just decamp for the Bay Area but it's enough to make me consider moving for only two weeks. This new neighborhood of ours (well, it's been a year and a half) is a little "too funky for primetime" sometimes and this bullshit addiction to fireworks falls firmly in that funky category. We have an appointment with the vet tomorrow for tranquilizers but they don't really work. All you get from what I've heard is a sleepy freaked out animal instead of a just a freaked out animal. I'd love to send him up north but my mom and sis can't handle him without me. What's a mother to do? No, seriously, that's a question...if any of you guys have the definitive answer -- LET ME KNOW.
RESCUE ME started up again last week and I was a little underwhelmed. One of my favorite shows but I didn't feel connected to it all this time around. Maybe I was still stung from that arrogant, disrespectful SOPRANOS finale. Yeah, yeah, I get it, "He's brilliant, it's a metaphor, it's perfect..." Naw, it was bullshit. Want to know how to pen a finale? Go back and look at the series end for SIX FEET UNDER. Still gives me a chill and it let me know that the creator of the show didn't actually hate his audience. Looking forward to diving back into BIG LOVE, THE CLOSER, ENTOURAGE and HEX and willing to give a chance to JOHN FROM CINCINNATI, FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS, and HEARTLAND. I'm sure there's more but that's all I can think of at this moment.
On the reading front, just finished NINETEEN MINUTES by JODI PICOULT. Confession. One of the only books that made me skip to the end, read the last four chapters and then go back to the middle. I felt so dirty but I had to know what happened. SONGS OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE was one of the first Picoult books I ever read.
THE BIG GIRLS by SUSANNA MOORE (one of my favorite authors) is next on the list. I also grabbed FRANK STITT'S SOUTHERN TABLE. It's so beautiful I don't even want to crack it open but despite the new job I continue on my cooking quest. Last week I gave in to G. GARVIN after my mom and sis called me with a "request". I tried out the COCONUT RICE AND BEANS and the HONEY-DIPPED FRIED CHICKEN. Long story short, the Crown Prince and I nearly bit off our own fingers. Damn. Last night I made the LAMB STEW because I am already sick of the commissary and the restaurants near the studio. Who knew I'd ever say that?
Lastly, if you're ever in Los Angeles check out CHICHEN ITZA in the downtown area. We ate there tonight and it was delicious. I read about it in the Los Angeles Times and it was worth every penny. I ordered the COCHINITA PIBIL and C.P. took the advice of the waiter and went for a seafood dish. Heaven. It reminded me of seaside restaurants in Mexico.
One more thing, a couple of you have written to ask about the wedding plans. No date yet but I think we'll elope. We both love the idea of driving up the coast to Santa Barbara or Montecito, checking into some swank location, getting all spit shined and polished, saying we how we feel and throwing a party for friends and family at a later date. That feels good to me because it feels like the two of us. And, this is really interesting, almost every bride I've spoken to has said they wished that they had done the same thing. Not EVERY bride but the majority. THAT is interesting in itself.
Until next time...
So, I completed my first week at the new job. Great group of people, impressive bunch of writers, some of whom have written for or created some of my favorite one hour dramas. If your eyes are open you learn something new everyday but it's interesting to actively try and learn something new. So many gems (about writing, creating, etc) are dropped (casually) on a daily basis and I'm just there to scoop them up. I'm excited about the show in general and this process in particular.
In other news, we are coming up on that horrible time of year - 4th of July - when Kobe loses his mind and becomes a quivering bag of fur and bones. I truly don't know what to do and I know for a fact that it's only going to get worse as the holiday approaches. Because of the new gig, I can't just decamp for the Bay Area but it's enough to make me consider moving for only two weeks. This new neighborhood of ours (well, it's been a year and a half) is a little "too funky for primetime" sometimes and this bullshit addiction to fireworks falls firmly in that funky category. We have an appointment with the vet tomorrow for tranquilizers but they don't really work. All you get from what I've heard is a sleepy freaked out animal instead of a just a freaked out animal. I'd love to send him up north but my mom and sis can't handle him without me. What's a mother to do? No, seriously, that's a question...if any of you guys have the definitive answer -- LET ME KNOW.
RESCUE ME started up again last week and I was a little underwhelmed. One of my favorite shows but I didn't feel connected to it all this time around. Maybe I was still stung from that arrogant, disrespectful SOPRANOS finale. Yeah, yeah, I get it, "He's brilliant, it's a metaphor, it's perfect..." Naw, it was bullshit. Want to know how to pen a finale? Go back and look at the series end for SIX FEET UNDER. Still gives me a chill and it let me know that the creator of the show didn't actually hate his audience. Looking forward to diving back into BIG LOVE, THE CLOSER, ENTOURAGE and HEX and willing to give a chance to JOHN FROM CINCINNATI, FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS, and HEARTLAND. I'm sure there's more but that's all I can think of at this moment.
On the reading front, just finished NINETEEN MINUTES by JODI PICOULT. Confession. One of the only books that made me skip to the end, read the last four chapters and then go back to the middle. I felt so dirty but I had to know what happened. SONGS OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE was one of the first Picoult books I ever read.
THE BIG GIRLS by SUSANNA MOORE (one of my favorite authors) is next on the list. I also grabbed FRANK STITT'S SOUTHERN TABLE. It's so beautiful I don't even want to crack it open but despite the new job I continue on my cooking quest. Last week I gave in to G. GARVIN after my mom and sis called me with a "request". I tried out the COCONUT RICE AND BEANS and the HONEY-DIPPED FRIED CHICKEN. Long story short, the Crown Prince and I nearly bit off our own fingers. Damn. Last night I made the LAMB STEW because I am already sick of the commissary and the restaurants near the studio. Who knew I'd ever say that?
Lastly, if you're ever in Los Angeles check out CHICHEN ITZA in the downtown area. We ate there tonight and it was delicious. I read about it in the Los Angeles Times and it was worth every penny. I ordered the COCHINITA PIBIL and C.P. took the advice of the waiter and went for a seafood dish. Heaven. It reminded me of seaside restaurants in Mexico.
One more thing, a couple of you have written to ask about the wedding plans. No date yet but I think we'll elope. We both love the idea of driving up the coast to Santa Barbara or Montecito, checking into some swank location, getting all spit shined and polished, saying we how we feel and throwing a party for friends and family at a later date. That feels good to me because it feels like the two of us. And, this is really interesting, almost every bride I've spoken to has said they wished that they had done the same thing. Not EVERY bride but the majority. THAT is interesting in itself.
Until next time...
Labels: Books, Kobe, TV, TV Writing
6.07.2007
TRAMBLINGS...
IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME, I SHOULDN'T HAVE LEFT YOU, WITHOUT A STRONG RHYME TO STEP TO...THINK OF HOW MANY WEAK SHOWS YOU SLEPT THROUGH/TIME'S UP/SORRY I KEPT YOU..."
Just a little bit of the THE MASTER to start off your day. Yep, that's right, I said it...THE MASTER. Sorry, kids, you missed the Golden Age of Hip Hop. Strong words. I understand. But I stand by them. Right now you're picking tattered cloth from it's dead corpse. Man o man, do I miss RAKIM. You should too. LYRICS OF FURY? Not convinced? Well, here's a little MUSICAL MASSACRE to put in your mouth. So, come on now... just come to the side of the righteous and be done.
Anyway, how's everyone doing? Hope life is treating you kind. Sorry for the lack of posts but in addition to worshipping at the altar of Rakim (thank you, Youtube), I've had my program (which ended last night) and, of course, writing. I've also been "going on meetings" which is TV/Film industry parlance for interviewing. My agents and manager have been working overtime the past couple of months to get my writing samples into the hands of the right people (i.e., network and studio execs and SHOWRUNNERS). I had three samples that were sent to various shows that had openings at the Staff Writer level (aka "Baby Writer" positions). Because a lot of showrunners have started to promote their Writer's Assistants into that position the openings are fewer and fewer every season. Daunting, of course, but I tried not to think about that. The only thing I could control was my writing so that's what I did.
I had three TV script samples circulating and excerpts from THE DYING GROUND and THE LAST KING. I also used my short story (which I excerpted on this blog) "A BEST FRIEND NAMED RICK". A lot of material but in some cases still not enough so I kept writing. JANE ESPENSON keeps an informative blog about television writing. And for those of you who are interested in pursuing this route, here's a link to the ABC DISNEY WRITING FELLOWSHIPS. The deadline is coming up soon, people, so get your applications ready. The program pays $50,000 and includes medical/dental insurance. You learn while getting paid. It's competitive but if you're one of the lucky few more power to you. The fellows are assigned mentors at the network, the studio and on an ABC show. Not bad, huh? Polish off your writing samples and get your applications ready.
For the CBS program, I included a spec script for LAW & ORDER: SVU and A BEST FRIEND NAMED RICK. While in the program, I completed a spec episode of RESCUE ME. I also had an original one hour drama pilot that I completed last year. And here's where my honesty with you guys kicks in. I was so proud of my RESCUE ME spec. I thought it was by far the best of the three samples. Well, that wasn't the consensus around town. NOT. AT. ALL. So much so that my reps pulled it back and only used it as a sample with very specific people.
Because a lot of execs and showrunners wanted to read original material, the pilot opened a lot of doors for me. The SVU got people talking because I used pretty heinous story material but the RESCUE ME bewildered all but one exec over at NBC. A good lesson to remind me that you have to roll with the punches and not take anything personal. It's all subjective. Did it change how I felt about the RESCUE ME? Not one bit. I still think it's the best sample. Did I understand the decision to pull it back. Of course. At the end of the day we were all trying to get me a gig and if the sample wasn't working for the gatekeepers...then it had to go. I still think that it'll resurface later.
So, all that to say, I got an offer Tuesday to join a new network show that will air in the fall. Are we celebrating in this house? You bet. Even Kobe got in on it with treats from the DOG BAKERY. I know, I know, but right now he's our only child and we treat him as such. I am excited, a little scared, and until I get the okay, I am not going to name the show or the network or give any hints. In the meantime, here's a link to info about the NEW FALL SHOWS.
Anyway, remember at the beginning of all this, I agonized over what to wear to these meetings? It never got any easier for me but I did come up with a final uniform and in the process I got hooked on sneakers for the first time in my life. A couple years ago I saw a pair of ADIDAS designed by STELLA MCCARTNEY in Vogue magazine.
They retailed at $190.00 so I kept turning the page. I mean, really. I couldn't get them out of my head because they were so sharp. Last year I hunted them down on EBAY for much much less than the actual price and they became the staple in my meeting wardrobe.
The trick is to wear an outfit that indicates that you're easygoing. The people conducting the meetings want to feel that if they're stuck in a room with you for 10 hours that you're not going to be uptight. 10 hours can be normal in a writer's room in the middle of production and a suit and tie or a skirt, jacket and pumps in a meeting might indicate that you'll be too stiff to go with the flow. So, I wore jeans, the Stella's (I alternated between four different pairs. Told ya I got hooked on sneakers) and either a sweater that matched the sneakers, or a cool short sleeve T-shirt with a long sleeve T-shirt underneath. And, always a nice bag to top it all off.
That bag with the bronze Stella's and jeans completes the "writer look" I was going for. I guess it beats the sweats, pajamas, holey T-shirts and ratty bathrobe that I wear on a day to day basis. Lastly, THIS looks great. Can't wait until November when it hits the theaters.
Until next time...
IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME, I SHOULDN'T HAVE LEFT YOU, WITHOUT A STRONG RHYME TO STEP TO...THINK OF HOW MANY WEAK SHOWS YOU SLEPT THROUGH/TIME'S UP/SORRY I KEPT YOU..."
Just a little bit of the THE MASTER to start off your day. Yep, that's right, I said it...THE MASTER. Sorry, kids, you missed the Golden Age of Hip Hop. Strong words. I understand. But I stand by them. Right now you're picking tattered cloth from it's dead corpse. Man o man, do I miss RAKIM. You should too. LYRICS OF FURY? Not convinced? Well, here's a little MUSICAL MASSACRE to put in your mouth. So, come on now... just come to the side of the righteous and be done.
Anyway, how's everyone doing? Hope life is treating you kind. Sorry for the lack of posts but in addition to worshipping at the altar of Rakim (thank you, Youtube), I've had my program (which ended last night) and, of course, writing. I've also been "going on meetings" which is TV/Film industry parlance for interviewing. My agents and manager have been working overtime the past couple of months to get my writing samples into the hands of the right people (i.e., network and studio execs and SHOWRUNNERS). I had three samples that were sent to various shows that had openings at the Staff Writer level (aka "Baby Writer" positions). Because a lot of showrunners have started to promote their Writer's Assistants into that position the openings are fewer and fewer every season. Daunting, of course, but I tried not to think about that. The only thing I could control was my writing so that's what I did.
I had three TV script samples circulating and excerpts from THE DYING GROUND and THE LAST KING. I also used my short story (which I excerpted on this blog) "A BEST FRIEND NAMED RICK". A lot of material but in some cases still not enough so I kept writing. JANE ESPENSON keeps an informative blog about television writing. And for those of you who are interested in pursuing this route, here's a link to the ABC DISNEY WRITING FELLOWSHIPS. The deadline is coming up soon, people, so get your applications ready. The program pays $50,000 and includes medical/dental insurance. You learn while getting paid. It's competitive but if you're one of the lucky few more power to you. The fellows are assigned mentors at the network, the studio and on an ABC show. Not bad, huh? Polish off your writing samples and get your applications ready.
For the CBS program, I included a spec script for LAW & ORDER: SVU and A BEST FRIEND NAMED RICK. While in the program, I completed a spec episode of RESCUE ME. I also had an original one hour drama pilot that I completed last year. And here's where my honesty with you guys kicks in. I was so proud of my RESCUE ME spec. I thought it was by far the best of the three samples. Well, that wasn't the consensus around town. NOT. AT. ALL. So much so that my reps pulled it back and only used it as a sample with very specific people.
Because a lot of execs and showrunners wanted to read original material, the pilot opened a lot of doors for me. The SVU got people talking because I used pretty heinous story material but the RESCUE ME bewildered all but one exec over at NBC. A good lesson to remind me that you have to roll with the punches and not take anything personal. It's all subjective. Did it change how I felt about the RESCUE ME? Not one bit. I still think it's the best sample. Did I understand the decision to pull it back. Of course. At the end of the day we were all trying to get me a gig and if the sample wasn't working for the gatekeepers...then it had to go. I still think that it'll resurface later.
So, all that to say, I got an offer Tuesday to join a new network show that will air in the fall. Are we celebrating in this house? You bet. Even Kobe got in on it with treats from the DOG BAKERY. I know, I know, but right now he's our only child and we treat him as such. I am excited, a little scared, and until I get the okay, I am not going to name the show or the network or give any hints. In the meantime, here's a link to info about the NEW FALL SHOWS.
Anyway, remember at the beginning of all this, I agonized over what to wear to these meetings? It never got any easier for me but I did come up with a final uniform and in the process I got hooked on sneakers for the first time in my life. A couple years ago I saw a pair of ADIDAS designed by STELLA MCCARTNEY in Vogue magazine.
They retailed at $190.00 so I kept turning the page. I mean, really. I couldn't get them out of my head because they were so sharp. Last year I hunted them down on EBAY for much much less than the actual price and they became the staple in my meeting wardrobe.
The trick is to wear an outfit that indicates that you're easygoing. The people conducting the meetings want to feel that if they're stuck in a room with you for 10 hours that you're not going to be uptight. 10 hours can be normal in a writer's room in the middle of production and a suit and tie or a skirt, jacket and pumps in a meeting might indicate that you'll be too stiff to go with the flow. So, I wore jeans, the Stella's (I alternated between four different pairs. Told ya I got hooked on sneakers) and either a sweater that matched the sneakers, or a cool short sleeve T-shirt with a long sleeve T-shirt underneath. And, always a nice bag to top it all off.
That bag with the bronze Stella's and jeans completes the "writer look" I was going for. I guess it beats the sweats, pajamas, holey T-shirts and ratty bathrobe that I wear on a day to day basis. Lastly, THIS looks great. Can't wait until November when it hits the theaters.
Until next time...
Labels: Books, Rakim, TV, Writing Life
5.12.2007
TRAMBLINGS...
Well, you guys have been coming here long enough to know there's nothing I love more than a good rock and roll memoir/history book/autobiography or tell-all. I loved every dirty page of WALK THIS WAY: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AEROSMITH, STRAIGHT WHISKY and LAUREL CANYON: THE INSIDE HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL'S LEGENDARY NEIGHBORHOOD so I was beyond thrilled to see the mailman ambling up the walkway with a tell-tale package this week.
I'm going out of town for four days next week and it's taking every thing I have to save the book until I sit down on the plane. My first instinct is to bury my head in the book for the rest of the weekend but I made do with reading the introduction written by CARL HIAASEN. Okay, well, I also read the opening pages if you want to know the whole truth but then I dropped it into my luggage.
The book I'm so excited about is I'LL SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD: THE DIRTY LIFE AND TIMES OF WARREN ZEVON by CRYSTAL ZEVON. Here's a link to CHAPTER ONE and a nice TRIBUTE on youtube. Might make you sad, just giving you a warning.
After Zevon learned he had only three months to live he went to work completing an album for his fans, family and friends. THE WIND is that album, and the last song KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART is especially sweet. Pick up up the book if you can. If not, you can sign HERE to have Zevon added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And, if you want a few laughs after that, how about some COWBELLS!!! ("Gene, really explore the studio space."-Hilarious!)
In other news, KELLY PARRA is on tour this week promoting GRAFFITI GIRL. You can read an excerpt HERE. Parra also BLOGS and she was kind enough to send in a desk photo. Check it out and what she has to say about it.
"This is my desk in all its piled glory with notes, books, two computers and lots of mess. And at the far left there's an old trophy I won in sixth grade for "Outstanding Language Arts". I tell myself it's a sign that I had some writing talent long before I knew it."
And JENNIFER O'CONNELL, touring to promote INSIDER DATING had the most original (but probably the most common) desk I've seen so far. Check out her BLOG then take a look at her "desk" down below...
"My desk is my lap - I'm usually in a chair with my feet up, laptop on my legs. Way more comfortable than sitting at a desk."
So, the network upfronts are next week and it's just as hectic as I'd always imagined. Actually, it's a little nuts though everyone I've met so far smiles right through the madness. DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD DAILY is up to the minute with pilot information and renewals for each network. Thrilled, of course, that FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS got a full season order from NBC. Very well done. I've read every single (yep, every single one) of the one hour drama pilots and I have to say that I am much better at handicapping than I was last year. Maybe it's because I'm smack dab in the middle of the program or, maybe, I've gotten a little more savvy. I'm not surprised by the rumored pick-ups and I have to say that there are some really exciting shows in the mix. The loglines (or two sentence descriptions) don't do justice to the majority of the pilots.
Anyway, I had a meeting earlier this week for one of the shows listed. To put it mildly I woke up in one of the worst moods I've had in a long time. I just felt like a beast and nothing could get me straightened out. I took the subway to the meeting because I truly wanted to spare the Crown Prince my rage/fury/black blanket of doom and I thought a good book on the train might chill me out. No such luck. But I'm a professional so I stood outside the studio gates and called my mother to talk me down off the ledge. She was great. Three minutes into the phone call she made me laugh which helped to shake off some of the crankiness. Then, just in case I was being hardheaded the universe sent me a little "perspective check".
After the call, I closed my phone, took a deep breath, and pulled out my I.D. And just at that moment a woman crossed the street in front of me wearing an aqua g-string, Reeboks with really thick tube socks and a pink lace see-through bra. Nothing else. That's it. She was a good two hundred pounds which meant she wasn't doing that g-string any favors. I blurted out, "Jesus, Mary and Joseph" before I could control myself. I never did pinpoint the source of my foul mood but once I saw that woman I understand completely that my situation/life could be soooooooo much worse. I straightened the f*c* out. Immediately. Actually, I felt like a creep. I'm not sure what her story was but it couldn't have been great if she was out in the world in such a horrible way. So I said a prayer. Then I said a couple more.
Until next time...
Well, you guys have been coming here long enough to know there's nothing I love more than a good rock and roll memoir/history book/autobiography or tell-all. I loved every dirty page of WALK THIS WAY: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AEROSMITH, STRAIGHT WHISKY and LAUREL CANYON: THE INSIDE HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL'S LEGENDARY NEIGHBORHOOD so I was beyond thrilled to see the mailman ambling up the walkway with a tell-tale package this week.
I'm going out of town for four days next week and it's taking every thing I have to save the book until I sit down on the plane. My first instinct is to bury my head in the book for the rest of the weekend but I made do with reading the introduction written by CARL HIAASEN. Okay, well, I also read the opening pages if you want to know the whole truth but then I dropped it into my luggage.
The book I'm so excited about is I'LL SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD: THE DIRTY LIFE AND TIMES OF WARREN ZEVON by CRYSTAL ZEVON. Here's a link to CHAPTER ONE and a nice TRIBUTE on youtube. Might make you sad, just giving you a warning.
After Zevon learned he had only three months to live he went to work completing an album for his fans, family and friends. THE WIND is that album, and the last song KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART is especially sweet. Pick up up the book if you can. If not, you can sign HERE to have Zevon added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And, if you want a few laughs after that, how about some COWBELLS!!! ("Gene, really explore the studio space."-Hilarious!)
In other news, KELLY PARRA is on tour this week promoting GRAFFITI GIRL. You can read an excerpt HERE. Parra also BLOGS and she was kind enough to send in a desk photo. Check it out and what she has to say about it.
"This is my desk in all its piled glory with notes, books, two computers and lots of mess. And at the far left there's an old trophy I won in sixth grade for "Outstanding Language Arts". I tell myself it's a sign that I had some writing talent long before I knew it."
And JENNIFER O'CONNELL, touring to promote INSIDER DATING had the most original (but probably the most common) desk I've seen so far. Check out her BLOG then take a look at her "desk" down below...
"My desk is my lap - I'm usually in a chair with my feet up, laptop on my legs. Way more comfortable than sitting at a desk."
So, the network upfronts are next week and it's just as hectic as I'd always imagined. Actually, it's a little nuts though everyone I've met so far smiles right through the madness. DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD DAILY is up to the minute with pilot information and renewals for each network. Thrilled, of course, that FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS got a full season order from NBC. Very well done. I've read every single (yep, every single one) of the one hour drama pilots and I have to say that I am much better at handicapping than I was last year. Maybe it's because I'm smack dab in the middle of the program or, maybe, I've gotten a little more savvy. I'm not surprised by the rumored pick-ups and I have to say that there are some really exciting shows in the mix. The loglines (or two sentence descriptions) don't do justice to the majority of the pilots.
Anyway, I had a meeting earlier this week for one of the shows listed. To put it mildly I woke up in one of the worst moods I've had in a long time. I just felt like a beast and nothing could get me straightened out. I took the subway to the meeting because I truly wanted to spare the Crown Prince my rage/fury/black blanket of doom and I thought a good book on the train might chill me out. No such luck. But I'm a professional so I stood outside the studio gates and called my mother to talk me down off the ledge. She was great. Three minutes into the phone call she made me laugh which helped to shake off some of the crankiness. Then, just in case I was being hardheaded the universe sent me a little "perspective check".
After the call, I closed my phone, took a deep breath, and pulled out my I.D. And just at that moment a woman crossed the street in front of me wearing an aqua g-string, Reeboks with really thick tube socks and a pink lace see-through bra. Nothing else. That's it. She was a good two hundred pounds which meant she wasn't doing that g-string any favors. I blurted out, "Jesus, Mary and Joseph" before I could control myself. I never did pinpoint the source of my foul mood but once I saw that woman I understand completely that my situation/life could be soooooooo much worse. I straightened the f*c* out. Immediately. Actually, I felt like a creep. I'm not sure what her story was but it couldn't have been great if she was out in the world in such a horrible way. So I said a prayer. Then I said a couple more.
Until next time...
Labels: Books, GCC, Rock-n-Roll, TV
2.19.2007
TRAMBLINGS. . .
Sadly, birthday week has come to an end. It ended at 4 in the morning, in San Francisco, with these big smiles, lots of breasts (mostly mine) which you can see from the picture. Those are two of the five women I've often referred to as My Best Friends In The World. No small thing, that.
We had a really good time but, somehow, we always resort to being fourteen. Don't believe me? Well, we're small town girls which meant a good portion of our teen years were spent "cruising parking lots" where the kids from both high schools congregated. We didn't cruise on Saturday but we did end up in a parking lot at 3.am. giggling until we had belly aches and talking about cute boys. Where have all the cute boys gone? That was the question of the night.
ELIZABETH GILBERT was supposed to join us but when I called to inform her that we were leaving at 11 p.m. she broke into hysterical laughter and shouted, "When have you ever seen me at night?" It's true. While we were at Ucross, Elizabeth was in bed every night by 9 o'clock. I called her hotel to tell her our plans then I said, "Listen, these are bona fide city girls so we probably won't leave until after 10." That tickled her funny bone and we made plans to get together on the next go round.
Anyway, I missed Elizabeth at the Italian Cultural Center in L.A. (where she was expecting me) so I got a great response (surprise) when I showed up at her San Francisco reading on Friday night. The Crown Prince and I left Friday morning and I made it just in time to get dressed and jam over the bridge with my friend, D. Great night. Elizabeth is a great storyteller and the BOOKSTORE was packed to overflowing. Folks on the sidewalk. Cool night. I bought a signed copy for the Queen Mother, C.P.'s mom and I found BREAD AND JAM FOR FRANCIS which I loved as a kid. Loved!
The sight of that sweet little cover used to make me so happy. I haven't seen or thought about it in years so it was a nice treat. Saturday, I did some editing on a manuscript I received last week, read a little, then went to lunch with my friend, L. Just a nice weekend. But, like I said, I got home at 4.am. and C.P. decided, of course, to call at 9 a.m. to tell me to be ready to "hit the road". Wanted to kill him but I didn't have the energy. I was comatose on the ride back to L.A. So much so that this is an actual conversation.
C.P.: Did you see those crows? They're hella fucking with that bird.
Me: Silence.
C.P.: Look at them, Chelle. Look.
Me: Louder silence.
C.P.: That is fucked up.
Me: Maybe there's a nest around.
C.P.: No, they're just aggressive. (shakes head) I just don't understand it.
Me: It's not for you to understand.
C.P.: But they're hunting him down to kill him.
Me: That bird probably did something stupid.
C.P.: No, he didn't.
Me: Yes! He did.
Silence.
C.P.: Crows are gotdamn assholes.
Now, if that last line is not a T-shirt logo, I just don't know what is.
Anyway, after this birthday and until I turn sixty, sixty-one, ma'am is officially a dirty word to me. An insult. Completely and utterly without sexuality (unless, unless, it's delivered by a shirtless cowboy that you've invited over and is now standing in the doorway to your bedroom tilting his ten-gallon to you. Wait, did I got off on a tangent?) so I don't want to hear it. Not having it, just in case you meet me out on the road.
Lastly, is it just me or have those tacky wenches on REAL HOUSEWIVES gone monkey-wild this season. Every year I pick one tacky-ass show that I have no business watching. Just one. One. And this is it. They make me ashamed of myself. But, here's the fun, they have no idea that they're tacky, low-budget and gross. The ignorance is profound. One housewife asked a visitor from Canada if she spoke Canadian. Priceless. And each week another one reveals racist tendencies that they then try and explain away on their blogs. A train wreck with runway flares.
The DIGABLE POET has produced a series for youtube called THE LAST DAYS OF BOBBY BLUE. Check it out. ABC's planning a GREY'S ANATOMY SPIN-OFF. And the AMERICAN IDOL girls just shred all over the boys. TIVO is perfect for watching this show because they have so much filler. I got a 2-hour show down to 30 minutes by fast forwarding through the backstory, recaps and chitter chatter. I listened to the song and pieces of the judge's comments. In and out. Best way to watch a bloated show.
Until next time. . .
Sadly, birthday week has come to an end. It ended at 4 in the morning, in San Francisco, with these big smiles, lots of breasts (mostly mine) which you can see from the picture. Those are two of the five women I've often referred to as My Best Friends In The World. No small thing, that.
We had a really good time but, somehow, we always resort to being fourteen. Don't believe me? Well, we're small town girls which meant a good portion of our teen years were spent "cruising parking lots" where the kids from both high schools congregated. We didn't cruise on Saturday but we did end up in a parking lot at 3.am. giggling until we had belly aches and talking about cute boys. Where have all the cute boys gone? That was the question of the night.
ELIZABETH GILBERT was supposed to join us but when I called to inform her that we were leaving at 11 p.m. she broke into hysterical laughter and shouted, "When have you ever seen me at night?" It's true. While we were at Ucross, Elizabeth was in bed every night by 9 o'clock. I called her hotel to tell her our plans then I said, "Listen, these are bona fide city girls so we probably won't leave until after 10." That tickled her funny bone and we made plans to get together on the next go round.
Anyway, I missed Elizabeth at the Italian Cultural Center in L.A. (where she was expecting me) so I got a great response (surprise) when I showed up at her San Francisco reading on Friday night. The Crown Prince and I left Friday morning and I made it just in time to get dressed and jam over the bridge with my friend, D. Great night. Elizabeth is a great storyteller and the BOOKSTORE was packed to overflowing. Folks on the sidewalk. Cool night. I bought a signed copy for the Queen Mother, C.P.'s mom and I found BREAD AND JAM FOR FRANCIS which I loved as a kid. Loved!
The sight of that sweet little cover used to make me so happy. I haven't seen or thought about it in years so it was a nice treat. Saturday, I did some editing on a manuscript I received last week, read a little, then went to lunch with my friend, L. Just a nice weekend. But, like I said, I got home at 4.am. and C.P. decided, of course, to call at 9 a.m. to tell me to be ready to "hit the road". Wanted to kill him but I didn't have the energy. I was comatose on the ride back to L.A. So much so that this is an actual conversation.
C.P.: Did you see those crows? They're hella fucking with that bird.
Me: Silence.
C.P.: Look at them, Chelle. Look.
Me: Louder silence.
C.P.: That is fucked up.
Me: Maybe there's a nest around.
C.P.: No, they're just aggressive. (shakes head) I just don't understand it.
Me: It's not for you to understand.
C.P.: But they're hunting him down to kill him.
Me: That bird probably did something stupid.
C.P.: No, he didn't.
Me: Yes! He did.
Silence.
C.P.: Crows are gotdamn assholes.
Now, if that last line is not a T-shirt logo, I just don't know what is.
Anyway, after this birthday and until I turn sixty, sixty-one, ma'am is officially a dirty word to me. An insult. Completely and utterly without sexuality (unless, unless, it's delivered by a shirtless cowboy that you've invited over and is now standing in the doorway to your bedroom tilting his ten-gallon to you. Wait, did I got off on a tangent?) so I don't want to hear it. Not having it, just in case you meet me out on the road.
Lastly, is it just me or have those tacky wenches on REAL HOUSEWIVES gone monkey-wild this season. Every year I pick one tacky-ass show that I have no business watching. Just one. One. And this is it. They make me ashamed of myself. But, here's the fun, they have no idea that they're tacky, low-budget and gross. The ignorance is profound. One housewife asked a visitor from Canada if she spoke Canadian. Priceless. And each week another one reveals racist tendencies that they then try and explain away on their blogs. A train wreck with runway flares.
The DIGABLE POET has produced a series for youtube called THE LAST DAYS OF BOBBY BLUE. Check it out. ABC's planning a GREY'S ANATOMY SPIN-OFF. And the AMERICAN IDOL girls just shred all over the boys. TIVO is perfect for watching this show because they have so much filler. I got a 2-hour show down to 30 minutes by fast forwarding through the backstory, recaps and chitter chatter. I listened to the song and pieces of the judge's comments. In and out. Best way to watch a bloated show.
Until next time. . .
Labels: Birthday, Books, Girlfriends, Small Town Girls, TV
