Shaw (r) with almost-real Gene, Carlos Espada, from
NYC tribute band KISS Nation

April 7, 2004
Pennsylvania, USA

Not Gene: So, you must have been thrilled to get more news coverage for your project after the Old Dominion Film Fest.

Colette: Of course.

Not Gene: The article made you sound very mysterious.

Colette: I know! They left certain things up to the imagination -- like the name of my book, for instance, or the KISSfiction web address. It makes the project sound much more interesting that way. I like that the reader is trusted to piece together the chronology and project description on her/his own.

Not Gene: I found that the journalist made you seem very accessible to the audience.

Colette: He used little tricks like inserting poor grammar in my quotes. My goal has been to write a book that appeals to people of varying academic backgrounds. I never thought of using his strategy in my press interviews before. It's clever.

Not Gene: Am I mistaken, or did you seem a little more glamorous than I expected when I read the article?

Colette: I thought so, too! I think it's because the writer didn't mention that I am an alumna of the university whose paper he wrote for or that I presented my documentary on campus. I'm pretty sure he wanted me to sound like a national celebrity instead of some little-time graduate. Cool!

Not Gene: I never heard the story of you going to a KISS Convention without any film in your camera.

Colette: There is a nugget of truth in that story. I had thought about taking a phony film crew to the 2002 Baltimore KISS Expo to draw attention to my book promotions. In reality, Randy Wilkins agreed to make a real film. If you see the documentary, you'll realize the production was completely professional. For the real scoop, order a copy of the radio interview I gave on March 22.

Not Gene: Were there other factual, uh, hiccups in the article?

Colette: While it's true that KISS's business manager contacted me about the documentary, I'd be skeptical if I were reading that they called me to tell me how nifty the documentary was. Mr. Simmons is a businessman and I'm not a giddy teenager.

Not Gene: You sound a little miffed.

Colette: Oh, no. Not at all. I think it's great that a young journalist got some practice and that I learned some lessons, too. The interviewer asked some great questions but took very few notes. Honestly, he could have lambasted me, but it sounded like he genuinely wanted me to sound positive. I'm a big believer in intent.

Not Gene: Now that we've had some pretend coffee, is there anything else you'd like to do? Maybe get some imaginary dessert?

Colette: Do you happen to know a pretend Paul Stanley who's free tonight? Tell him to wear his pretend spandex pants and platform boots.

Not Gene: Consider it done. (continue)