The start of spring
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Good morning--
So, you loyal readers of this blog are probably wondering whether I fell off the side of the planet or what. The answer is: something close. My computer crashed. Kaput. Nada. Nothing. I pushed the power button and got a big fat zero in response. I have never had this happen before, not in all my years of working with computers. Now, as we know, I am no techie, but I can use a danged computer, and as you all know, I've been sort of getting into this blogging, and then suddenly I'm out in the cold. :( It was terrible. Technicians had to come in to try and retrieve information, and then I had to do the research to purchase a new one. Yikes. Time of my life simply lost. But the good news is, I'm back and up and running. And just in time, too, because in about a week, I'm headed back to Hawaii for a few months.
But here's what happened in the interim. First and foremost, my friend Kim Fisk sold her first romance manuscript. This was an incredibly exciting day for me. It really brought back a lot of memories of what it was like all those years ago, to get The Call from a publishers. It remains one of the best days of my life, right up there with getting married and having my son. Like those events, selling your first book is a tentpole moment in your life. The day you know that all your hard work, insane hope, and fervent desperation is going to pay off. Once, at least. For the whole of this career, you never know for sure if there's a second act, but it means the world to simply be allowed to begin. And all of that reminded me how important it is for all of us to keep dreaming, keep reaching, keep believing in ourselves and the impossible. Your life can literally change in a day. So, way to go, Kim!
How about you guys? Does anyone have a dream they're striving for? Something that keeps you reaching for the stars? Tell us about it and let us cheer you on...
And now, on to the movie casting, as promised. But let me say first that you guys had some killer and surprising ideas. Clive Owen!! Excellent. And I never thought of him. I loved the Julia Roberts/Emma Roberts idea so much I passed it along to my agent. So keep your fingers crossed.
To be honest, when I'm writing characters, I don't actually picture them. They're not firmly physical beings to me; I'm much more concerned with their inner lives, their psychological makeup. That being said, here are my pie in the sky casting ideas based on how I imagined the characters. Julia Roberts or Angelina Jolie for Tully. Kate Winslet or Jodie Foster for Kate. Johnny Depp or Patrick Dempsey for Johnny. But I know there are a lot of actresses that could do really well with the role. I just hope they get the chance. Write to Lifetime and let them know you want to see it!
And now, a quick update on tv. Kudos to seeing Michael coming on Lost!!
How about some topics for discussion? Does anyone have something they'd like to talk about? I'm totally open. Just throw something out...
Talk to you all again soon,
aloha,
Kristin
So, you loyal readers of this blog are probably wondering whether I fell off the side of the planet or what. The answer is: something close. My computer crashed. Kaput. Nada. Nothing. I pushed the power button and got a big fat zero in response. I have never had this happen before, not in all my years of working with computers. Now, as we know, I am no techie, but I can use a danged computer, and as you all know, I've been sort of getting into this blogging, and then suddenly I'm out in the cold. :( It was terrible. Technicians had to come in to try and retrieve information, and then I had to do the research to purchase a new one. Yikes. Time of my life simply lost. But the good news is, I'm back and up and running. And just in time, too, because in about a week, I'm headed back to Hawaii for a few months.
But here's what happened in the interim. First and foremost, my friend Kim Fisk sold her first romance manuscript. This was an incredibly exciting day for me. It really brought back a lot of memories of what it was like all those years ago, to get The Call from a publishers. It remains one of the best days of my life, right up there with getting married and having my son. Like those events, selling your first book is a tentpole moment in your life. The day you know that all your hard work, insane hope, and fervent desperation is going to pay off. Once, at least. For the whole of this career, you never know for sure if there's a second act, but it means the world to simply be allowed to begin. And all of that reminded me how important it is for all of us to keep dreaming, keep reaching, keep believing in ourselves and the impossible. Your life can literally change in a day. So, way to go, Kim!
How about you guys? Does anyone have a dream they're striving for? Something that keeps you reaching for the stars? Tell us about it and let us cheer you on...
And now, on to the movie casting, as promised. But let me say first that you guys had some killer and surprising ideas. Clive Owen!! Excellent. And I never thought of him. I loved the Julia Roberts/Emma Roberts idea so much I passed it along to my agent. So keep your fingers crossed.
To be honest, when I'm writing characters, I don't actually picture them. They're not firmly physical beings to me; I'm much more concerned with their inner lives, their psychological makeup. That being said, here are my pie in the sky casting ideas based on how I imagined the characters. Julia Roberts or Angelina Jolie for Tully. Kate Winslet or Jodie Foster for Kate. Johnny Depp or Patrick Dempsey for Johnny. But I know there are a lot of actresses that could do really well with the role. I just hope they get the chance. Write to Lifetime and let them know you want to see it!
And now, a quick update on tv. Kudos to seeing Michael coming on Lost!!
How about some topics for discussion? Does anyone have something they'd like to talk about? I'm totally open. Just throw something out...
Talk to you all again soon,
aloha,
Kristin
20 Comments:
Well I just finished Angel Falls and I am so happy about the ending. I am now into the third chapter of Firefly Lane and am loving every sentence thus far! When I first opened up the book I saw the page with acknowledgments and saw a little piece to Marianne McClary...made me wonder if that is the anchor for Good Day Sacramento which is my favorite news station of all time!! They are so fun. If anyone lives in the Sacramento area they need to check it out!
My dream/goal right now is to lose 20 pounds by May 25th when my girlfriends and I go on a 7 day cruise to Mexico!! All hail for turning 30!! This is the year we will all be in our 30's so we planned a big trip! So I am reaching for the stars on this one. Weight loss has been such a battle for the past 5 years and with both parents gone from this earth at early ages I need to keep myself healthy!
As for Lost I was never a fan of Michael but I will be interested to see what he is doing. I have yet to see the past two episodes so spoilers please!! Or at least give a warning :)
Well that is all I have for today. Hope everyone is having a great week! The weather in California is perfect!
Oh my gosh, Kristin, I about fell over when I read your blog. You are so sweet to mention my first sale. Somehow, seeing my name and reading about the sale made it all that more real to me. To be honest, I've been in a bit of a fog for the past week. (Of course that could be because of all the champagne toasts!!) You are so right when you said getting The Call is one of those major life moments you'll never forget and always treasure. And for all of the pain and heartache it took to get here, well, it just made the destination all that more sweet. So, thank you so much, Kristin, for SO many things, but especially for sharing in my excitement. It means everything to me. And Pricers, I too am on a serious diet. Maybe we can check back in May and compare "loss" notes!
Kim
Congratulations to Kim! I'm so excited for you. This must be one of those surreal-but-incredibly-exciting-if not-a-little-scary feelings. LOL.
And Pricers - I hope you make your weight loss goal. My doc and I had a heart-to-heart a couple of weeks ago and I have quite a bit I should lose. *sigh* Please share what's working for you, cuz you never know, it might work for others as well. :)
Me, aside from losing weight, I have two goals. One is to join the ranks of published authors. I have been writing for almost 10 years off and on. I have 4 completed MS's that have been rejected many times over and I'm working on two projects I think have promise. I can't afford to go to RWA this year and perhaps not next year either, but I'm in a local chapter and learning a lot. I know it's partly talent, partly luck and partly timing, so I'm persisting.
I also want to find a new job. I would love something that pays me a lot of money but doesn't tax me, lol! I'm looking for something in training or in executive coaching or organizational effectiveness. I love helping people reach their potential. I love working with people to overcome obstacles in their lives. I really don't love project management, which is the position I've worked myself into. My goal is to have something different lined up before the end of summer. *fingers crossed*
I am sending Lifetime a letter, this week! Congrats Kim.
I too, would love to write novels. I have a different genre in mind, something that really hasn't been tapped into, believe it or not- inspired by my children.
Anyways, I lost a little bit of weight, still losing. Good luck to you both. Sparkpeople.com is a great site for help. I also downloaded an audiobook on my ipod and listen while I walk, it sure motivates me.
I'd love to do a book club on your site, I am currently doing a womens book club blog, but would love to discuss a book on your site, What do you think?
Hey Kristin..
Soooo.. THAT is where you have been! You fell off the face of the earth! :)
Seriously, computers dying totally sucks, ya know? I have a computer that I do my work from, a personal computer, a laptop that I travel with, and my husband has his own computer.. God help us all if any of them tank.. I just don't know what I would do. Well, yes I do too.. :) I would buy another one, or the company that I work for would send me one overnight to do work on.
Congratulations to your friend Kim on her new book being published! Is anything known about it yet? Like the title, what is it about, etc..?
I think it would be totally awesome to have friends that were authors.. Way cool!
I have to agree with you on the Julia Roberts casting.. and now that I think about your suggestions.. Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet would be phenomenal in the roles of Kate and Johnny. What chemistry they had in Finding Neverland. Julia has chemistry with almost any leading man she plays with, but my favorite is Richard Gere..
I have an official name for my puppy now. She picked out her own name by her reaction to Nikita by Elton John. Long story! She barked and bounced when the song came on the radio, and when I asked her if she thought her name should be Nikita Blue (Don't ask where the Blue came from.. It just popped into my head and naturally flowed from my mouth)
I was thinking of Talulah.. :) but Tully just didn't fit her.. LOLOL
Thanks for looking at my blog to see her picture. She really is the most precious puppy on this planet.. :)
Did you see my question on your previous blog post about Meghann in Between Sisters? Is she the same hotshot divorce attorney as portrayed in Distant Shores?
As for a dream that I have.. there are so many! I have no idea which one I should mention here.
On American Idol.. I was so shocked that Chikizee (yes, I know I am spelling his name wrong) got the boot last night. I really think he was great when I watched my DVR yesterday morning. I thought that Ramielle was going to be the one that left..
I don't watch Lost..I tried a couple of times to watch it when it first came on, but I rapidly lost interest in it in the early first season..
I am chomping at the bit for all of the favorite shows to come back from the writer's strike, however. I simply cannot wait to see that happen!
If Lifetime is going to do a movie of Firefly Lane, please please don't let them cut it down to nothing so that it will fit into a 2 hour movie window. So much of the story would be lost if that happened. Huge chunks of it, in fact. Please get them to do a 4 or 6 hour miniseries or even 8 to 10 hours.. That way, you would not have to cut out a lot of it to have it made.
Take care.. I hope to hear from you soon about the teaser that you mentioned on the charities..
Linda
I never really had big sweeping goals. I always have the short-term goals. I try to be a better person today than I was yesterday. This year, I'm going to put more money into my 401(k). This year, I'm going to learn on admitting when I'm wrong (um, yeah, I still have a bit of trouble with that last one... I'm fine admitting I'm not right, but I hate to say I'm wrong).
It seems Lifetime is airing a lot of movies based upon books I've enjoyed. I do hope they put this one into production. I enjoy its casting about half of the time so far. Speaking of goals, my goal right now is to read Memory Keeper's Daughter (movie premieres on Lifetime 4/12). I've had the book on my shelf for a year or so.
Sorry about the computer! I just got mine fixed, but it's not the same so I hope for a new one soon.
~ april
Wanted to thank you for your book, Firefly Lane. I haven't been so moved by a book in a long time. I fell in love with TullyandKate. They reminded me of me and my best friend. I sent her the book after reading it. She moved to Georgia a year ago and I never realized how much she meant to me until I couldn't be with her everyday. We embody Tully and Kate very much, we both saw so much of ourselves and our friendship in theirs, it was as if you wrote it about us. I had her keep the book and bought myself another copy, we promised to go back to if if we ever argued too much. As in Tully, I would do anything for my "Kate". Thanks for such a moving story. It made us both laugh and cry... a lot!!!
PS. On casting, I don't see any better actress than Julia Roberts playing Tully and was wondering if you ever though of Drew Barrymore as Kate. We will be there for it together on opening night!!
Congrats!!!
I know I'm getting ahead of myself. But I've been listening to "Hey There Delilah" by The Plain White T's. And that songs just seems so fitting for Firefly Lane! That kind of whimsical, dreamy, slow 60's, peace, everything cool, flower in hair feeling. Haha...did that make any sense??
Dear Pricers--
Good luck on your weight loss goals--that goes for all of you/us online. I'm so happy to see you recognize Marianne's name!! I've never met her, but she was my "inside source" on the local tv news section of Firefly Lane. I couldn't have made it through some of those scenes without her eagle eye. She was a lot of fun to work with, also. I wish I could see her tv show. :) What does she look like? I think she's about my age. Seemed like it, anyway. She responded to the same songs...
Thanks for your shout out about Angel Falls. I still love old Julian True...Maybe someday he'll get another book.
Have a great week.
aloha,
Kristin
Dear Kim--
Way to lurk on the blog! Great to see you come out of hiding. :) Of course I'm celebrating your FABULOUS news. Us writers have to stick together. And you KNOW I love any reason to get together with girlfriends and raise a toast.
xo
k
Dear Naomi--
All I can say is don't give up on writing. It's a long, tough hall, but it's worth it in the end. Just ask Kim. She's been working toward this sale and dreaming of it for years. (Mostly working). And allow me to give you a small, well learned piece of advice: don't let some faraway New York publisher decide whether you're successful. Define your own success. You have completed several books. That is a major accomplishment. Most people can only dream of that kind of success. So be proud and be pleased and know that you're a successful writer already. And keep believing that soon a publisher will see what is already there.
good luck!
aloha,
Kristin
Dear Cindy--
Well, now I'm going to show my complete techno-ignorance, but what do you mean you'd like to have a book club discussion on the site? My site? It sounds like a totally cool idea, but how does it work? Also, that reminds me of a question I've had. Does anyone out there know what fan fiction is? How does it work?
thanks,
Kristin
Dear Linda:
Before I forget--yes, Meghann Dontess was first seen in Distant Shores. She simply walked onto the page and started talking and I knew I better listen. :) As you probably know, I don't do a lot of continuing characters, but she was special. Here's a geeky question for my hardcore readers--who are the other characters who have appeared in more than one book?
Your puppy is darling and I LOVE the name...you can't go wrong with Elton.
Did you watch Idol last night (I know you did). Who's your guess on who is going home? As long as it's not David Cook, David Archuleta or Brooke White, I'm okay. But I do love Michael Johns, too. And I was really sad to see Steve Guttenburg leave on DWTS. He wasn't the best dancer, but he sure seemed to be having fun, and I could relate to his style.
aloha,
Kristin
Dear Silia--
I love stories like yours! I hope you put in an entry for the best friends contest. You would love that Nordstrom gift card!!
Tell your best friend I said hey. Where and when did you guys grow up together?
aloha,
K
Dear April and Wendy--
Good luck with your financial goals, April. Sounds great! BTW, are you a writer also?
And Wendy, I love your musical idea. Let me know if you have any others. What's your fav childhood song?
aloha,
K
Hi!
I have no clue what a fan fiction is, but here's what wikipedia says it is:
Fan fiction (alternately referred to as fanfiction, fanfic, FF or fic) is a broadly defined term for fiction about characters or settings written by admirers of the original work, rather than by the original creators. The term usually applies to works that are uncommissioned and unauthorized by the owner/creators and publishers of the original and usually (but not always) works which are not professionally published. Fan fiction is defined outside of original fiction, which exists within its own discrete, professionally published universe, and therefore outside of canon works within that universe. Most fan fiction writers assume that their readers have knowledge of the canon universe (created by a professional writer) in which their works are based.
I would love to have a book club/book discussion. You could set up a seperate blog... and discuss books by blogging.
I'm extremely shy and have been wanting to write a comment on your blog for a long time and one of my goals is not to be so shy. I just love to read the stories you write. When I picked up Between Sisters I couldn't put it down. I have only one more of your stories to read and will have read all of them. I love them!
My other goal is to get my stories and scripts out I've written three full scripts, One novel, a self help book and I'm writing children's books right now, which I think is where my heart is at the moment. I have a blog up of one of the childrens book. He's a series and I'm hoping to get some traffic to the sight and have someone show an interst in it. I've had some interest in it but it just didn't work out yet. One day I will get there.
Kim Cogratulations on selling your novel!
Dear Naomi;
I feel weird jumping in on Kristin's blog but I just have to say: Kristin is SO right. Never give up on your dream of becoming a published author. I, too, have been writing for years. My first book took me five years (FIVE YEARS) to write. (that book didn't sell) I think by the time my first book comes out, it will be close to ten or eleven years since I first started this process. And believe me, when you get THE CALL, it doesn't matter how long the journey has been. The destination is that special. Good luck!!
Kristin,
Thanks so much for choosing me for the contest winner of Firefly Lane!! Wow, who knew. I honestly thought I was just writing a letter, not really entering.
I'm jealous of your recent Boss tickets...that was a rare time I missed seeing him. Another connection :)
For casting I would rather not see Angelina Jolie (she just bugs me sometimes) and I would LOVE Johnny Depp or Patrick Dempsey. Whomever you/they choose, it can't go wrong!
Aloha,
Kathy Pettibon
Kathy,
Your best friend story was beautiful. Thanks for sharing it!
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