Some days I almost never leave my building (I have a pool, gym, sun deck) and some days I'm barely home. This past Wednesday was one of those days.
I went to grab a quick lunch in Silverlake, then I went to Intelligentsia to get some delicious coffee and work on some writing. While there, I saw Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Tyler Ferguson (the red head from Modern Family). Then I went to West LA for a meeting and then off to Venice for a date.
I met my date at The Other Room a bar on Abbott Kinney. We were just hanging out and laughing when I realized that Stefan from The Vampire Diaries was standing next to me. Drinking cabernet. He is super skinny and pale and it was priceless to see him drinking what looked like blood.
Anyway, I told him that I loved his show and promised not to bother him. He said "Thank you," rather snidely. I was on Team Damon anyway.
As I was telling my stories, my date told me that I have to do standup. Because I'm not only just funny but ridiculously funny. He also told me that I sell myself short...that I'm a cute girl that is hilarious. Which is a bonus in his eyes. So we started plotting out my stand up routine.
It scares me to think of trying it...but I guess I'm generally scared of most new things. Especially now. FUNemployment is great fun but it's also made me more fragile than I've ever been. Vulnerability feels like I'm wearing a purple and yellow poncho. But I guess it just may be the most fashionable look that I can wear right now. Especially on a Wednesday in LA.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Money Tree
"How about I pay your rent for a month while you write your book?" He asked.
"Ummmm, what?" I said incredulously.
To a struggling writer hoping to sell a book, the question asked by that gentleman would seem like a good deal, or at least progress. But not if you're on a date.
The promo director contacted me on OKCupid and we started an email exchange. He is from New Jersey (which he apologized for) and seemed a bit obnoxious when he slammed my LA neighborhood (Hollywood Hills). I was a little reluctant to meet him but gave him the benefit of the doubt.
When I met him, the date started off rocky. He criticized the venue that I picked. I was ready to leave, but thought that I should try to connect with him before writing him off. We started to talk and while it was no love connection (on my part), it was progress. He was starting to touch my arm and my hair which was making me feel a little uncomfortable. And then, he asked me about my book. After explaining the topic, he made the offer. He said that he thought it was a good investment, I'd write the book and then I'd pay him back when it sold.
I tried to take it as a positive vote of confidence but it didn't sit well with me. I feel that it's inappropriate to offer someone money that you've just met...much less on a date. He also offered to pay for a standup comedy class, which I had told him that I didn't even really want to take. Shortly after this exchange, he grabbed my face and slobbered on my closed lips.
I think he was trying to buy a connection to me. Maybe that works on naive girls in LA but I certainly don't want to feel like I was bought and paid for. Or maybe it was about him...he was overweight and in his mid-40s. Maybe he feels like he has nothing else to offer a woman.
I just try to take these dates with a grain of salt. It's nice that they're attracted to me. It's good that I'm getting practice. But for godsakes, when will I meet someone decent? And by decent, I mean a man who doesn't offer me money (with strings of course) and who doesn't ask me about my views on anal sex (Mr. Wasp Jaw). At least not on the first date (kidding!).
I guess it's always darkest before the dawn. Here's hoping it's 4:55am in my dating land.
"Ummmm, what?" I said incredulously.
To a struggling writer hoping to sell a book, the question asked by that gentleman would seem like a good deal, or at least progress. But not if you're on a date.
The promo director contacted me on OKCupid and we started an email exchange. He is from New Jersey (which he apologized for) and seemed a bit obnoxious when he slammed my LA neighborhood (Hollywood Hills). I was a little reluctant to meet him but gave him the benefit of the doubt.
When I met him, the date started off rocky. He criticized the venue that I picked. I was ready to leave, but thought that I should try to connect with him before writing him off. We started to talk and while it was no love connection (on my part), it was progress. He was starting to touch my arm and my hair which was making me feel a little uncomfortable. And then, he asked me about my book. After explaining the topic, he made the offer. He said that he thought it was a good investment, I'd write the book and then I'd pay him back when it sold.
I tried to take it as a positive vote of confidence but it didn't sit well with me. I feel that it's inappropriate to offer someone money that you've just met...much less on a date. He also offered to pay for a standup comedy class, which I had told him that I didn't even really want to take. Shortly after this exchange, he grabbed my face and slobbered on my closed lips.
I think he was trying to buy a connection to me. Maybe that works on naive girls in LA but I certainly don't want to feel like I was bought and paid for. Or maybe it was about him...he was overweight and in his mid-40s. Maybe he feels like he has nothing else to offer a woman.
I just try to take these dates with a grain of salt. It's nice that they're attracted to me. It's good that I'm getting practice. But for godsakes, when will I meet someone decent? And by decent, I mean a man who doesn't offer me money (with strings of course) and who doesn't ask me about my views on anal sex (Mr. Wasp Jaw). At least not on the first date (kidding!).
I guess it's always darkest before the dawn. Here's hoping it's 4:55am in my dating land.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sitting on top of opportunity
Reflecting is good. So good in fact, it lets you realize when you've been an a$$hole.
I sent out my non-ficton book proposal to 9 agents in July. I'm awaiting word from 5. As I looked back at the emails, I realized that I sent queries to 2 agents not accepting submissions. So, I'm really awaiting word from 3. I took a look at my initial list of agents...and I have at least 30 more agents to whom I can submit.
I really can't explain why I stalled. I think it was fear to put myself out there. Maybe feeling overwhelmed.Well, I guess it's understandable but incredibly stupid. I've been sitting on this proposal for 3 months when I could've made a lot of headway. I feel like as a$$hole.
I'm not going to dwell on it. That would take time away from sending. So, I'm transmitting. Like a maniac. So far, I sent to 15 agents last night. I'm aiming for another 15 today.
I'm on fire. FINALLY.
I sent out my non-ficton book proposal to 9 agents in July. I'm awaiting word from 5. As I looked back at the emails, I realized that I sent queries to 2 agents not accepting submissions. So, I'm really awaiting word from 3. I took a look at my initial list of agents...and I have at least 30 more agents to whom I can submit.
I really can't explain why I stalled. I think it was fear to put myself out there. Maybe feeling overwhelmed.Well, I guess it's understandable but incredibly stupid. I've been sitting on this proposal for 3 months when I could've made a lot of headway. I feel like as a$$hole.
I'm not going to dwell on it. That would take time away from sending. So, I'm transmitting. Like a maniac. So far, I sent to 15 agents last night. I'm aiming for another 15 today.
I'm on fire. FINALLY.
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