I don't think it will come as any shock at all. For me, it was always English, in whatever garb - one year, American Literature...another year, British Literature...and so on. But what might surprise some people is what I really loved more than anything was not so much the novels and poetry, but instead the uncovering of plays and playwrights that were new to me. To this day, it's my favorite literary format and yet I've never written a play before. Hmm... never say never. Perhaps some day! *eyes the sky longingly, smiles*
Hmm. Interesting question. And I apologize for not getting here sooner to reply. If someone wrote a biography about me, there are a few appropriate options... Wistful, the Eighth Dwarf You Don't Know About or...perhaps in homage to the great Judy Blume, Tales of a Fourth Grade Geek...and 5th Grade, and 6th Grade, and So On... All kidding aside, perhaps the most appropriate title of all would be Words and Music. What Else Is There? :))
I will admit that I am not the most adventurous person, and I have so many phobias, that doesn't help. Lol. But I would like to go up in a hot air balloon someday (and that's from someone afraid of heights!) I also would love to see the aurora borealis in person...the Northern Lights. To be sitting there surrounded by that kind of beauty, it must be breathtaking. Not sure how that one will ever happen. I don't have any ambitions to physically try any daring things because I'm far too clumsy a person and would probably break my neck attempting to ski or hang glide or anything far outside my comfort zone. And um... I probably have some other things I want to try, but *blushes* I don't really think this is the place to share THOSE. Heh. ;-D xx
Movies I've watched again and again, huh? Hmm. Well, whenever I've needed a confidence boost professionally, WORKING GIRL is always the kick in the pants to motivate me. If I'm feeling particularly wistful, movies like WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, SIXTEEN CANDLES, LEGALLY BLONDE and 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU can pull me out of a funk. I've seen AMERICAN BEAUTY and PULP FICTION so many times, I can recite lines with the actors. Don't get me started on every MONTY PYTHON film in existence. And if ever there were a movie I've seen far more times than is healthy, there's ON THE WATERFRONT. I could probably perform the whole 1954 classic in my sleep. I'll be sure to send out notices when we get that event on the calendar. Heh. :-P Great question!! xx
Sorry for the delay in answering. Let's see... every time I drive probably. *cringes* I know, I know. I shouldn't but I can't help it. I do speed an itsy bitsy teensy weensy bit. But I'm granny on the road compared to most peeps. But technically, any of us who go even a mile over the posted speed limit are breaking the law, so I guess that would have to be my answer. :-) Thanks for the question. Now please promise me you won't turn me in. I haven't perfected a mug shot pose just yet. :-P
That is a good question. I've spent much of my last 10+ years asking others questions, not answering them. When I was a creative strategist in marketing or when I worked at a newspaper and wrote short promo items for one job and articles for another or when I served as an editor of a magazine, I was constantly asking questions. It was necessary to work toward building a product others might want. Even while I was writing my book, I found myself frequently stopping to ask myself questions aloud (yes, we writers are odd and talk to ourselves). I'd ask things like what would she do in that situation, would he really say that, how would other people react, questions such as these, all with the same purpose --- of trying to build a believable framework, realistic characters and dialogue one might actually hear in the "real world." I always avoid attention or defer it to others, I commonly shrug off compliments, I don't like to talk about myself. But I'm forcing myself to come out from under the shell and be more open in sharing my own views and story for I find that when I do, so many others come forth and tell me how appreciative they are for my sharing what I do and that they can relate to the moods, the mementos and memories that I bring to the conversation. And that is the most wonderful thing, that realization that you're not quite so alone on this planet. Mmm.
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Aah, this is an easy one. Well, maybe not exactly. I am going to tweak the question a little. Ha. I'll give you my favorite Comedy and Drama B&W movies. Comedy, without question, It Happened One Night, 1934, Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. Mmm, I adore the banter between the two, the romantic tension is palpable and yet this movie is nearly 80!!! years old but man, does it hold up! Wonderful stuff. For Drama, definitely ON THE WATERFRONT, 1954, Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint. Another mmm, not just because Brandon was completely yummy but it is my favorite kind of movie - the underdog fights his way back to attempt to defeat the "big man." Perfection. Elia Kazan's best film ever. A masterpiece! If you haven't seen either of these films, rent them. Pronto! That's an order ;-D
Somebody answered my questions today here on ask.fm, and as this person usually does anyway, he put a smile on my face. Someone told me she loved my book today. That always makes me cheerful. Someone else did a really super thing for me online today to give me an extra push out into the marketplace and for that, I smiled greatly and am forever grateful but I've told her this, so I think she knows. ;-) And a totally different person told me that he enjoyed my company. That probably made me happiest of all. You can delete an email or ignore a tweet or Facebook update, but if you choose to spend time with me and then tell me you're glad you did, well, that makes me smile inside as well as outside. And sure enough --- it did. :-D
Jump out of a plane voluntarily, barring the need to jump out during an emergency of some kind. I have friends who have jumped out of planes to skydive in honor of a birthday milestone or to "feel alive." Nope, not going to be me. Potentially dropping through the skies to my death is not necessary for me to "feel alive." I can think of other far less dangerous things I could do. Take a golf club to the shin, poke my eye, tickle, pinch, massage (hey, they don't ALL have to be painful or uncomfortable). All will certainly remind me that I have blood flowing through my veins and fulfill that job perfectly fine.
Oh that's an easy one. Without question...Italian. You can say just about anything to me in Italian and in all likelihood, I will be swooning and drooling by the end of it. Sighs.
