Monday, January 30, 2012

THE PLAYGROUND

Writing for kids entails a lot of research or memory. In my case, research, since my memory of how I acted or felt at such a young age is pretty murky. I love to watch kids, listen to how they talk to each other, see how they react. Sometimes I even miss out on adult conversation because I am paying close attention to the child drama on the playground. 


Playgrounds are tricky. They can be a battle field of good and evil. If you watch closely you will see these mini wars play out right in front of you. And believe me, it's not just the kids displaying good and bad behaviors. You can learn a lot about kids by watching their parents too. 


Break down of Playground personalities:



  • The Bully Kid: If you watch kids long enough you will see who the "large and in-charge" child is. He or she may not be the typical mean bully, physical and rough. He or she might be the assertive type. The one who says, "If you play with her, you're not my friend anymore!" Or "Get him!" Or "No boys allowed!" Or "Girls can't play tag."
  • The Poor Me Kid: This kid is the typical tattle tale. She or he may cry over every interaction, or may feel they are always being put last or ignored. They typically play alone on the playground because other kids seem to tire of their antics. 
  • Mr. Cool & Mrs. Cool: These kids get followed around a lot. I mean they can't seem to shake the others. They may even get annoyed, but there's something about them that draws other kids in. They glow with maturity or coolness, that it factor. 
  • The Loner: This kid wants to be alone, rather chooses it over group play. They feel confident in themselves from the get go and need no buddies to prove they are happy or cool. They may be too daring for other kids to follow or are interested in loner sports, gold, tennis. These kids are fine hanging out by themselves. 
  • The Peacemaker: This kid tries to get everyone to play nicely. He or she might apologize for someone else. They typically help the playground aide too, pointing out wrong doings on the playground. They are happiest when everyone is getting along. 
  • The Stressed Out: I've noticed one or two of these kids in playground groups. They worry. The monkey bars are too high. The slide is too fast. If you jump, you'll get hurt. These kids don't seem to like to get too dirty either. And they may even yell at their friends to slow down if they think they're running too fast.
  • The Fighter: Words don't come easy to this kid, but shoving and pushing do. Every offense is met with a scowl or slap. Kids after a while stop playing with this child, which only seems to make this kid all the more anxious. He or she may encroach on other's space. They seem to be a bit immature compared to their schoolmates. 
  • Mr. Sports & Mrs. Sports: These kids love and live for sports. They wear the clothes of their favorite teams. They know stats. They even know team schedules. They may be the fastest, hardest throwing, quickest, best hitter, etc...kid on any team. 

These are just a few of the personality types on the typical playground. You can see that corralling them into an enclosed area with wood chips, sand, blacktop, balls, trees, sticks, and multi-level metal play sets might cause some major drama. That's why you'll find me around the playground. 

No, I don't interfere. I listen. Last week I got a gem from one of my kid's friends. They were talking excitedly about their upcoming speech. My son was worried that he might forget something. His friend wasn't because, "Last night doctors opened up my skull and sewed my speech right onto my brain." 

I'm using that line someday, somewhere. 

My advice to you kidlit writers is this: 
  1. Plant yourself at your local playground. 
  2. Listen
  3. Take notes
  4. Draw the actions of the kids
  5. List the personality types: which one play well? which ones don't?
  6. I take pictures too - but that's because I'm on the yearbook staff - you may look suspicious doing this. 
  7. Jot down those great one liners
  8. Interact with the kids only when necessary
  9. Note how they play with things such as sticks, balls, sand, buckets 
  10. Note what words you hear over and over. Dude? Cool? Awesome?


Happy snooping! 

Write-On Angie

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Interview with Karen Lynn Williams: Author of many Children's books


Karen was one of my favorite teachers at Chatham University. She taught me the ins and outs of the picture book. She also opened my eyes and bookshelf to stories where people of color were main characters. 


Karen is a warm, gentle soul. The moment you meet her, you get a genuine smile. She loves people and does good everyday. Her word is honorable. Karen makes the world a better place, and children's books a more well-rounded genre.

Below are the questions I asked her:

1.          I counted 15 children's books on your website and 6 poetry, and other works. How many years have you been writing to accumulate such a great catalog?

I have always wanted to write.  I began writing as a child but gave up when I had not reached the goal of being the youngest published writer at the age of 12.

I began writing seriously when I was in the Peace Corps in Malawi, 1980-83.  Although I was teaching and had two children, I had a lot of down time with no distractions.  Writing became my cultural lifeline.

2.          What's the strangest thing a young fan has ever sent you in the mail?

My fan mail is pretty standard. It often comes in great clumps in large envelopes sent by the teacher after I have visited a school.  I do sometimes get a letter asking for one of my drawings and I have to explain that I am not the illustrator.  I wish I were though.

3.    How old were you when you lived abroad? How many countries have you lived in to date?

I was about 30 when I first went to Malawi to live.  I always wanted to travel and the first time I got on an airplane I was in high school.  I have traveled around most of Europe, parts of Africa and the Caribbean.  But it was always my intention to live in another culture, to feel at home there and learn about a new place. 

I lived in Malawi for almost four years, in Haiti for 3 years.  Currently I live on the Navajo reservation and in some ways that is like living in another country too.

4.    You live on a Navajo reservation now, how is that influencing your writing?

It takes time for me to feel comfortable in another culture before I can write from it.  There is so much here that is new and exciting for me and it all captures my imagination from the geology of land formations to the traditions of Navajo weaving.  Oddly, though the book I am currently working on, inspired by my life in the southwest, has grown out of my earlier interest in refugees which lead to two of my published books.  I am researching and writing a picture book about a young Mexican immigrant whose parents are undocumented.

5.    What time do you get up and what do you eat for breakfast?

 I usually get up around 7AM and have a cup of tea.  Breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the day.  But I try to limit it to a cup of low fat yogurt or home made granola…or both.

6.    You've taught writing to many students, who are you most proud of and why?

That’s a difficult question.  I have had so many students who have done wonderful things.  Many have gone on to publish or teach or both.  I find it most gratifying when a student takes a course I teach and I can tell that they have fallen in love with writing for children when originally the course was a requirement and they had never considered that option.

7.    Many of your characters are ethnic, yet you are white, does this ever surprise people? Any adversity over this? 

Before I had a website where people can see who I am, I could tell when I arrived at a school to speak that some people were floored that I was not a person of color.  

I used to worry about writing outside of my cultural and racial background but I have never had any criticism, only honest debate once in a while.

8. Describe your writing career in 5 words.

I am so very lucky!

9. What do you think about self-promotion for writers? To blog or not to blog – that is the question.

Hmmm.  This is a question I am battling with recently.  “They” say that blogging is a must for writers.  But writing a blog that is worth reading takes time…valuable writing time.  And I am not sure how many people actually read my blog.  On top of that, if editors(these are the people you really want to find your blog) are spending too much time perusing blogs, they are not editing.  

Do not get me started.  The publishing world has changed dramatically and is still changing very fast.  It is not the same world I came into with my typewriter and pen and paper and editors anxious to groom good writers.  As for blogging?  Like most things in life you need to find the balance.  In this case between blogging and not blogging.

10. You are very active: hiking, snowshoeing, teaching, traveling. How does staying active help your writing?

Well, since I blew out my knee jogging, years ago, I try to walk everyday.  I have a fear of immobility.  After the knew incident I was on crutches for 8 weeks and then had to build up the muscle tone I had lost.  It was very scary for an active person to suddenly not be able to go up and down stairs. But I find I need to walk 6-8 miles a day to make up for the 45 minute run I used to do (don’t ask how I came up with that equation).  

This takes commitment and it takes a lot of time away from my writing. The hiking, snow shoeing, and biking, cross country skiing are ways to get in my exercise without having to just walk.  I love being outdoors, though and I often think a lot about my writing while I am slogging along.  Unfortunately what sounds great in my head often does not translate so easily to the written page.

Traveling and teaching offer connections that enrich the writing life which can be lonely but again there is the drain on writing time.

11. How many other languages have your books been translated to?  

Korean, Chinese, Dutch.  Finally one of my books about Haiti, Painted Dreams will be printed in Creole.

12. Where is the furthest school you have visited? Why did you go? 

I visited the American School in Nairobi Kenya for a week.  They were interested in my books about Africa and they knew I would be willing to travel that distance.  I jumped at the chance and stayed on another five weeks to do research.  The book Beatrice’s Dream came out of that experience.

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13. Four Feet, Two Sandals is one of my 8-year-old son's favorite books. He has never wanted for shoes. He has never really seen poverty. Why do you think children respond to this story so strongly?

I believe children in our society are aware of what they have that others do not.  All children want to have friends and I think that readers respond to the unique friendship full of caring and sharing in Four Feet, Two Sandals.  

It is a difficult book about two girls who have had much loss in their lives, living in very harsh conditions.  I think even if a child has all he needs and wants, he can identify with having to say goodbye to a friend he will most likely never see again.

When I first read that book to a class of third graders, a boy in the front row had a tear running down his cheek.  It thought, “Oh my gosh, what have I done?”  But I realized that we should be raising compassionate children and this child identified with the girls in this book on some level and he clearly felt sympathy and compassion.  It is OK to feel bad about things that are very sad and wrong in this world.

14. How can my blog readers help you to become an even bigger success?

Read my books, recommend them, let me know your thoughts, read my website and blog.  Read, Read, Read.

15. Ever wanted to give up on this career called author? What kept you going?

Never wanted to give it up.  Only wish I was more disciplined and spent more time at it.   A writer NEEDS to write.  When I am not writing on a regular basis I feel out of sorts and anxious.  Sometimes other creative projects, like my weaving can fill that need too.

16. What is the feeling you feel when you start a new book?  

Scared.  Excited.

17. Will you be speaking at a bookstore or school soon? How can I help promote you?

My website is:  www.karenlynnwilliams.com

My most recent book is Beatrice’s Dream.

Lubuto Means Light was recently canceled when a new publisher took over the company…grrrr.

I will be speaking in New Willmington, PA at Schools and Westminster College in February.

Presenting at the Tucson Book Fair in March and speaking at schools there.

In 2012 I will be presenting at the  National Council of Teachers of English in Las Vegas.

That’s about it.  Thanks a lot.  Karen

Examining First Lines

I've had many great teachers with many great ideas to help writers. But the one that stuck with me the most may be the easiest to do. Go to a library or bookstore and research first lines. 


Sit your bottom down in front of the genre of books that you write, and start pulling them off the shelves. Record the first lines. Star the ones you love. Record the titles, too, and/or authors. Keep going until your hand hurts from writing, or your fingertips numb from typing. 


Novels take time and talent to write well. The first line of your novel is the lure, like a wiggling worm on a hook to a fish. The fish will first inspect the worm. Is it real or one of those cheap imitations? Does it move right, or is it almost dead? What color is it? Does it make sense? If the fish takes the bait, you got yourself dinner. If a child devours your first line, you've got yourself a reader. 


If your first line presents no action, falls flat, contains too much backstory, and does not draw the reader in, then your book won't sell. No matter how great the next chapter is, no matter your awesome plot, amazing characters, and unbelievable ending - the first line will ruin it all if it's not perfectly exciting! 


Here are some first lines of some books I pulled while researching for my book: REDWOOD BLOOD



  • "On a Thursday afternoon, just after tea, Charlie Bone saw smoke." 
  • "Alvin stood at the window and looked through the bars."
  • The magic in that country was so thick and tenacious that it settled over the land like chalk dust and over floors and shelves like slightly sticky plaster dust. 
  • Lessa woke cold. 
  • I lay on my back, watching the little patches of blue sky that I could see through the jungle canopy.
  • In the 7th grade, you grow backward.
  • Hermux Tantamoq closed his eyes and listened.
  • The temperature in the room dropped fast, ice formed on the curtains, and crusted thickly around the lights in the ceiling.
  • The assassins dropped into the palace grounds at midnight, four feet shadows dark against the wall.
  • "Kolly, you are thirteen and growing every day," Maa said to me. "It's time for you to have a husband."
  • There is no lake at camp Green Lake.
  • Maniac MaGee was not born in a dump.
  • A boy stood on the path of the mountain, overlooking the sea.
  • The day after my mother died, the priest and I wrapped her body in a grey shroud and carried her to the village church...her name had been Asta.
  • "I don't want to stay here. Please don't leave me here."
  • I got off to a bad start at camp cold lake.
  • "They're coming!" the servant cried from the path.
  • It isn't every day you meet a tiger.
  • If Mistral, the dragon, and a monkey could have had their way, they would have left San Francisco the next instant for the dragon kingdom, but Mr. Hu would not be hurried with his packing. 
  • I stopped when I smelled the magic, it was strong magic, old magic, and it carried the faint scent of the sea.
  • A bamboo bowl flew through the air, aimed at the slave girl's head.
  • In the green water, among the rushing bubbles, he is looking at me still.
Have you guessed any of the titles of these books? If not, and you'd like to know, comment, and I will tell you. 

You can see that some of them are must-reads, but some of them are so-so. What draws you to the ones you want to read more about? What don't you like about the others? 

Now, look at the first line in your book. Are you wanting more, or does it leave you less excited than these? 

My novel is now in its last revision stage. I started it almost two years ago. I have been revising and playing around with each chapter since then. I have cut 7 chapters out of the beginning. I have changed the ending twice. I started with a female MC, switched her to a male, and then switched him back to a female. 

I have had children in my age range read it and give feedback. (They are my harshest readers, but I've had breakthroughs from their critiques.) I have had my critique group read chapters. I have had help from a professional editor. And with each read, each critique, each change, the novel has become stronger....and yet...the first line eludes me. 
_______________________________________________________
Here is my current first line:

A black present placed on my pillow surprised me. I didn't expect anything today, even though it was my birthday. 

**This does not work. I am not eager to read on....it's a downer.

Here are a few other ones I've been working on:

"The transformation begins and ends with the sun rising on the first and setting on the third day of your tenth year plus three." The writing looked vaguely familiar. 

I don't know if it was his face, the blood, the way he chomped his gum, or the dad comment, but I charged.

I peeked out of the bushes, scared that Mom would be searching for me.

Where are you??? Fuchs is bloody, Mrs. Crowne bruised They are talking cops!!! The text made my hands shake. 

__________________________________________________
Which one makes you want to read more? It's back to the drawing board for me, but I'm getting closer...

My advice to you is to play around with your first lines. Look at paragraphs deeper in your first chapter and choose some that make you want to read more. By doing this, you may realize that you have started your book too soon. 

Another way of saying this is, Cut, Cut, Cut! It's tough to do, but you will see that your manuscript tightens up the closer you start at your true beginning....the place that makes you want to read more.

Good luck, and please feel free to share your first lines.

Write~on
Angie

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Big Sur Writer's Workshop


The Andrea Brown Agency puts on the best writer's workshop I have ever attended. That's saying a lot because I started going to workshops and conferences 8 years ago when I thought I could write better than the author's of the picture books I was reading to my first born son. I've since learned that it's a lot harder than it seems.


This workshop is unique in that it requires writers to submit a first chapter, or picture book before they are invited to the workshop. This means that not only are the editors, agents, and publishers a great resource to help make your manuscript stronger, but all of your fellow writers are too.




The are many reasons to attend this workshop:

  • The beauty of Big Sur
  • Nature all around you - turkeys & deer guaranteed 
  • Quiet - no TV, no Radio
  • Time away from family and duties
  • Meeting other writers
  • Relaxing with people who understand you
  • Talking to people - because we writers rarely do
  • Meeting the amazing agents
  • Songs by Magnus
  • Learning from those in the industry
  • Getting critique 
  • Giving critique
  • Asking questions
  • Revising time
  • Trail hiking
  • Beach combing
  • Pitching your work
  • Making new friends
  • Making new connections
  • Confirming you are a worthy writer
  • Confirming writing is not for you
  • Learning something new about yourself
  • New enthusiasm for the next revision
  • Leaving with a goal
  • Leaving with an agent asking to see your work

The next workshop will be March 2 - 4, 2012. I highly recommend it. I met wonderful writers there, and we've become facebook and email friends. This community is small - and the attendees are limited. It's a great place to show your work, get encouragement, and connect with your future agent. 

If you go - let me know what you think, and good luck!

Check out the websites: 
http://www.andreabrownlit.com/  
http://www.henrymiller.org/AFW3.html




Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Interview with Jen Larson: Copywriter

I met Jen on the emergency prep team at our elementary school. She asked me to join it because she was bowing out after four years of service. She knew I was once a firefighter and thought I'd be good for the job. Gee, thanks Jen! Kidding. I love it, and loved getting to know her better. 

Since our time together at school, we've caught up at our local pool with the kids, and Jen always has her computer with her. Swimsuit, head covered by a fedora, wine glass on the table, fingers flying, that's how I picture her. 

Jen's a hard worker, but she doesn't forget about the fun. Her quirky sense of humor, and quick wit would surly resonate in a book. I look forward to reading her masterpiece...someday soon I hope.

Below are the questions I asked Jen.

1.    How did you win your first copywriting job?

Wow. I think my first paid copywriting job was writing a friend’s wedding announcement when I was in college or maybe high school. I later wrote her divorce announcement but that’s a different story.


2.    Do you typically know the budget you are working with before you start a project?

It’s tricky because I never want to lose an inspirational job because of a rate. I’ve been known to write some freebies but not since my boy’s tastes in shoes has surpassed mine price wise. Let’s just say I’m very reasonable because I feel so lucky to get to do this.

3.   What time restraints are you typically working under?

Crazy…never anything but crazy. They know that as a freelancer, I’m their bitch (sorry can I say that?) If I can’t do it yesterday they can find someone younger and prettier, no wait, cheaper and hungrier to do it.  That’s the bad part about freelancing.  

I have been in the basement of museums writing while my family is upstairs enjoying the exhibit. I’ve written from vacation, the bathroom, my car on my iphone, on a cocktail napkin (I occasionally have a cocktail) and the pool while my kids frolic without a care in the world mere feet from me. I know how important deadlines are in my industry, so I sip my wine and bear it.

4.    Do you have to do market research on competitors before you write?

Sometimes I have to simply because I’m completely unfamiliar with the content.  I had to write about laser hair removal systems and had no clue how they work.  I now know. I’m like a dolphin.

Other clients, like my fashion clients, include research that’s much more fun. You also don’t want to get to know the others too well because it’s always the goal to have a unique untainted voice.  That’s always my goal anyway…that and to leave readers feeling something, anything as long as it’s something.

5.    Give us 5 words that describe your typical workday.

Unshowered followed by these five…
Overwritten….edited….on time…wine.

6.    Do you work alongside graphic designers? Please describe that relationship.

I almost always work with an art director unless it’s a pure copy piece like a blog.  Most of the relationships are great and they are super appreciative to have someone to make them look better.  One of the longest relationships I’ve had (longer than my husband) is with my art-director friend Robert. 

We worked at an agency together, then Ann Taylor, and now Dior in France. He gets to take full credit (because I could care less over here) and I get fabulous frocks that he sends me from the fabulous fashion shoots he attends for ads that bear my words and his art. I get chloe and never have to get out of my sweats…there’s a joke there somewhere.

7.    What time do you wake and what do you eat for breakfast?

I wake whenever Eli (her son) gets in my face to start rifling questions at me…usually around 7 if I’m lucky. Breakfast is a smoothie and coffee with real half and half….why skimp when it’s only half bad right?

8.    Do you get publishing credit for pieces you've written for companies?

Only in my personal portfolio or my website.  Advertising really isn’t like that unless your work is entered in award shows or at Cannes, etc.  For me the credit is always the call back.  I have clients I’ve had for 10 years and that to me is my byline.  When I write my blogs though, there is definitely a face and a name to the copy. 

9.    What kind of contract, if any, must you sign? Are you able to work for two companies in the same industry?

There is no conflict of interest because I’m a contract writer. If I were a staff writer, I would not have the freedom to write for a competitive company.  Genius, right?  Yes, I sign all kinds of inane forms. Makes them feel good and they have those neat yellow tabs so the blond writer knows just where to sign.

10. How do you advertise yourself?

I have to say I’ve been lucky. After 15 years at an ad agency, I made contacts without even realizing it. It’s very incestuous and word of mouth is king.  I get calls from people I worked with 15 years ago who have moved on to new ventures and need a writer…then they tell two friends and so on and so on.  

In fact I just recently got two jobs writing websites from an old boyfriend.  Who knew?  I do have a website under construction though and that will be very helpful to be able to say, just click on my site rather than schlepping around my ancient portfolio. Trying to stay young and relevant is not easy when you present hard copies in a leather bound portfolio.  Gotta go digital.

11. You say you are interested in writing a book. How will your experience help you? Hinder you?

Copywriting really has nothing to do with the book I would want to write.  I think if you can write, you can write.  Copywriting is about writing engaging copy that sells and gives a voice and a nuance to a brand, etc.  My book would be something much more personal. Copywriting keeps my skill set polished, but a book would be a labor of love, not a job.

 A book that would interest me would be a forum where I could publish short snippets of my work on a certain topic. 

12. What is the genre you are most interested in?

Humor. Real life. Something colloquial and relevant that leaves the reader feeling like they’re not alone, they’re not crazy and being perfect is overrated. 

Maybe I could write a book called “Self Deprecation…a Field Guide”  Or another thought I have is a book called “Dude, this is exactly what you should say” It would be a user's guide for men to teach them how to give good lip service.  I can think of so many occasions where 5 little words could have changed the course of a fight or a conversation for the better. (I'm thinking 5 Little Words would be a great title, Jen.)

I would paint different scenarios and tell men exactly what a woman wants to hear to solve each predicament….”Wow, you must be exhausted.”  “You’re right” “I’m sorry”  “I wasn’t thinking”  “I don’t know how you do it all” etc.  They don’t need to mean it, but they do need to say it.  Once they learn this, the divorce rate will plummet I predict. Lol.

13. How can my audience help you advance your career in writing?

Spread the word. But only if you believe it.

14. How's live as a working mom? Is your husband supportive of your dream of writing a novel someday?

Scotti is very supportive of course.  He thinks I should’ve done something bookish years ago and is definitely a fan of mine. In my mind, the book is written. I can see the words, the cover, smell the pages.  But it’s not written. It’s still just a twinkle in my eye. Counting on a second wind someday when my life is less demanding.  When is that again?  I guess I’m not one of these women that surround me who truly can do it all.  I can only do some of it.  

15. Would you recommend a copywriting job to other writers?

It’s a very different business when I came up because today is all about new technology and the digital space. I came up going on shoots and writing headlines, TV commercials, radio commercials and going on fun productions in lots of different cities and countries. 

Today’s industry is smarter and so much more efficient but it’s exciting to see all the new ways to write with social media, etc. It’s a fun job, for sure, and for me there were not many other options. I knew I had to be a writer in some way shape or form.  It was the one thing that I loved, was good at, and could get paid well for. 

Also, it’s never the same job twice…unless you count revisions. Then it’s the same job over and over and over. 

16. Who is your favorite author right now? What is your favorite book?

I’m not able to put down the Hunger Games right now, hence the dark circles under my eyes. Actually I’m halfway through Catching Fire, book two and am mesmerized. Favorite author though is Ann Rand.  Hands down. And I like this girl named Ang Azur. Have you heard of her? (No. I'll have to check her out.)

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Interview with Sarah Clark of Sarah and Vinnie on ALICE


I met Sarah through real estate. I moved to Marin over a year ago. It took us a while to find the perfect home for our family. But when we found it, we knew. When I walked into my new kitchen for the very first time, there was a bottle of wine, and a folder, filled with appliance information, and a lovely note. At the end of the welcome letter, was a phone number and a line that said call anytime if you need anything. 


I didn't call that day, but a few weeks later I received mail for the previous owners. So I called the number and got a recording. I left a message. 


A few minutes later my phone rang and it was that cell number. I contemplated not picking up because I really didn't want to talk, I just wanted to get her mail to her. But I answered. 


"Hi, is this Angie?" she said. "Yes," I said. "I have some of your mail. Where would you like me to send it?" There was a pause. "Hold on, I'm on air, can I call you back?" 


I had no idea what on air meant. "Sure," I said.


An hour went by and she called back. We started to chat and I asked, "What does on air mean?" She laughed.


I didn't know she was a radio talk show person. From there our friendship has grown. She's invited me to play-dates to meet other moms at our school. She's been really cool, and so helpful. She's even got me liking hot yoga! So when she calls herself "bitchy" in this interview...don't believe it! She's a best friend to her friends. She loves animals and takes care of the Earth. I don't call that bitchy, I call that admirable. 


Below are the questions I asked her.



1.    What's the best thing about your job? Worst?
the best thing about my job is hard to put into words...it's kinda like having a feeling of relevance - like you fit into the community in this strange way...a little bit differently for everyone who listens.  so maybe the best thing about my job is that i get to meet people who are essentially strangers, but you're in their lives and they have a story for you and you get to see yourself through their eyes.  it's weirdly wonderful.

the worst thing is getting up at 4am.

2.    Describe your show in 5 words
funny, stupid, smart, relaxed, different


3.    A favorite activity of yours is horseback riding. What's the funniest horse story?
it's awful and you might not want to use it because i'm sure some animal activist will be really upset by it.  when i had my horse i was a teenager and hung out with my best friend, traci and her horse.  my horse, shannon, was skittish and hyper, which was easily combatted by smoking pot and blowing it up her nostrils.  you know how horses have huge nostrils?  i would wait until i felt her breath out and then breathe the smoke into her nose on her inhale.  she LOVED it, i'm not kidding.  and she was sooooo mellow afterward.  do you hate me? (OMG - I don't hate you....a little worried about you, but not hate. Does it work on dogs?)


4.    Do you own a "Vote for Pedro" shirt?
no, but if i saw one i would buy it.  i suppose i could make one, couldn't i?  tina! come get some ham!

5.    What's the most embarrassing thing you've said on air?
god, i say some stupid thing every day.  i have revealed things that in retrospect should have been kept secret.  like that i slept with an ex-boyfriend to get a guitar, i've had crabs, i fell onto my friend in yoga class. (LOL)

6.    You love to do yoga…any favorite poses? Ever fallen in class?
no, i've never fallen in class. (um...she fell on me)  favorite pose?  the one at the end where you just lay there.


7.    Ski or snowboard?
ski!



8.    What's the oddest thing an interviewee has said to you?
jeffery ross, the roast master on comedy central, said i was dressed like his grandma.  it hurt.


9.    Has Vinnie ever hit on you? Have you ever hit on Vinnie?
no way, man!  especially at this point in our relationship, he's like my little brother.


10. Ever lost a friend because you revealed too much about them on the radio?
no, but i've made them mad at me.  lots of family members have called me out on my hyperbole and john has been super pissed because i said he wears a pair of my jeans.  oh, and that he watches gay porn.

11. When a crazy fan chases you down – hugs or no hugs?
it depends, truly.  i'm a big hugger, but i get bummed out if someone has a lot of perfume or cologne on and now i'm wearing it, too.  generally, though, i hug.  i really appreciate that people give me a little of their time in the mornings.


12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has sent you in the mail?
i've been pretty lucky (knock wood) that i've never really had anyone get obsessed and send in like a fingertip or lock of pubic hair or anything.  i get lots of stuff that people want mentioned, so i never know if it's just personal for me most of the time.  lots of books, lots of sex toys (fun!) lots of food...today i got a necklace that has four interchangeable tiles you insert into the pendant.  two were just pretty patterns, one had the alice logo on it and one had the patriot's logo on it.  so i guess whatever i'm in the mood for...LOL!

13. Favorite band?
if i have to pick one, it has to be zeppelin.

14. Thoughts on going national with your show? Writing a book? 
i started writing a book a few years ago, it was basically a collection of rants called "shut up and mind your own business."  i started with, why the fuck does anyone care if gay people get married?  and moved on to dog owners who don't pick up their dog's shit.  then i ran out of steam.  i'm sure it's on my computer here somewhere.

we used to talk about syndicating our show, but with the internet, it's harder than ever to do.  we are such a local show, too, you hear about shows that try to go national and lose the things that were special about them to begin with because they have to really take it down to work in other markets.  seems like a lot of work to me.  i like being relaxed and not working too hard.  lazy!


15. Who would you like to interview next? Why?
i prefer actual people interviews to celebrities, because celebs have generally done so many interviews that it's super difficult to connect with them.  it's hard to find a way at them that hasn't been traveled before.  but it's SO FUN to take a random person (as i'm sure my interviewer knows - having visited my show) and just find out what's interesting about them.  it's always so unexpected.

16. What one word describes you?
bitchy


17. When you get a negative review or hate mail – how do you cope? 
frankly, i get so much feedback, positive and negative that i don't believe any of it.  i have pretty thick skin and it's really true, you simply cannot please everyone.  so i just let whatever is going to fall out of my mouth fall, occasionally stick my foot in there, i've said my share of apologies and when a nasty text or email comes through, i sigh and hope that they'll like me better tomorrow.  i can't obsess over it all day - not saying i haven't - but nothing good comes from beating yourself up over someone else's opinion.  besides, they probably got it off their chest, feel better about it and have moved on.

18. What/Who makes you believe in yourself?
my parents were great about that - as a kid i can clearly remember my mom and dad always telling me i could be anything i wanted to be.  and they really put up with a lot of "dreams" from me as i look back on it.  now it's my husband, john, my closest friends, my co-workers on the show.  i'm really surrounded by pretty incredible people - i try to cut any negative influences out quickly.


19. How can my blog readers help you to become an even bigger success?
download my podcasts and write reviews of them!  www.radioalice.com <http://www.radioalice.com>

or write a nice letter to my boss, michael martin, saying how much you like my show.  even if you've never heard it.  really, do it, it will be great writing practice!!

20. Any strange fears? Arachnophobia? Fear of long words? Clowns? Buttons?
just the usual stuff, falling; geese; large, snarling dogs.  growing older; being up shit creek without a paddle...