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Well, it's been about a month since I finally posted an e-mail address on my intro page. I hesitated doing so for so long simply because I'm terrible about checking my e-mail and I also don't want to hear from a lot of people I've met in my life. I know the internet is supposed to bring the world closer together.. and all the dobermans in the world can't keep the rest of the world out of your cyberspace.
So, it was a pleasant surprise to get an e-mail from someone I actually have good memories of. You just never know.
As for the rest of you...
I've gotten some interesting e-mails, and I thought it would be more fun (and less work) to answer them here.
First of all, the address diplomaticrock@hotmail .com does have some significance, but it's not musical. I know, for some of you, it conjures up images of Bob Roberts, or maybe Bill Clinton jamming on the sax, but it's not political at all. It's from a quote by Will Rogers that goes: "Diplomacy is the art of saying 'nice doggie' until you can find a rock." I see this as a nice twist on Hollywood networking.
"Where are the interviews with the industry pros?"
They're there. I know I've slacked off a bit, but I've been busy. My days involve working with animal rescue charities, and that's basically a nice way of saying I'm cleaning up everyone else's problems. It's not an easy job, and it's one that sort of takes over your life. It's hard to say "no". It seems my life swings between what dominates it - writing or animals. There will be more interviews coming up, so stay tuned.
"Where's the best places in town to make good industry contacts?"
The Oscars ceremony would be the best one I can think of. Lots of big stars there. Big movie studio lots are also good. Just sit in one of the executive's offices all day and make all the contacts you want. It's just that easy.
"Your column is great. You're a fantastic writer. I can't wait to see your movies hit the big screen. I'll bet they're amazing."
Thanks, Mom.
"What do you do to keep costs down while you're struggling?"
Well, no more summers in France. Actually, my best cost-cutting tip is grocery coupons. I'm not sure how the strike out here is going to ultimately effect the double coupon policy, but, for now, take advantage of Ralphs' sales and their double coupon policy. I've gotten cereal for 50 cents a box and laundry detergent for 99 cents a bottle. If you go downtown (5th and Main) to The Fashion District, you can get clothes dirt cheap. If you go down there between midnight and 4AM, you can get just about ANYTHING dirt cheap. I wouldn't recommend that kind of shopping, though.
"Have you had any luck with your screenwriting?"
If you're looking at this as "luck", you're looking at it all wrong. In gambling, you have luck. In business, you have success. This isn't the lottery. Take this seriously, people. If you want to make a living at it, you have to take it seriously. If all you want is a "score", find someone who's made it and bring your kneepads.
"At what age do you give up?"
Age is just a number. You give up when you're done. When you can't take it any more - be it mentally, financially or emotionally - and your resources are tapped out, that's when you give up. Or, you give up when you find another calling. If you're lucky, your calling and your dream can compliment each other. To me, that's where true happiness comes.
While I'm on the subject of age - don't lie about your age. A guy I knew in college came out here before I did, and I caught up with him a couple of years later. I was very disappointed to find out that he was now younger than I was. It must be something in the water... but then again, no one in L.A. drinks L.A. water. This is the bottled water capitol of the world. Maybe it was the smog that made him younger. It had to be something, because a few years later, I was somehow younger than my brother, who had been younger than me his whole life.
It's movie magic.
It's bullshit.
A girl I met blatantly lied to me about her age. She was 5-6 years older than me, and was passing herself off as 2-3 years younger. You should have seen the look on her face when she found out how old I was. I think women who are looking for compliments should tell people they're older than they are. If you're 39 and tell people you're 31, you're just going to freak out girls that are 28 and think they're about to fall apart. If you're 39 and you look good, tell people you're 46, and they'll think you look AMAZING.
"What's the strangest thing you've seen in L.A.?"
My own face in the mirror. I can't believe I'm still here... still going.
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