August
8, 2004
I boned up on some of the business part of my publishing deal today,
then I researched trademarks. I thought I was going to have to eliminate
two of the brand names I used in Won't Get Fooled Again (Gap
and Volkswagen, in case you're interested). I was wrong. I don't have
to pay them anything, and I don't even need their permission. Sweet.
Now I just have to have faith that all my music and permission requests
will come through. I think I'll know relatively soon.
I did some touch-ups to the website today, including a new page for my non-KISS photos. My publisher has also suggested that I start collecting pre-pre-order information from people who are already interested and may even want to help promote the book.
Tonight was the second time someone at karaoke thought I might be a "real" singer - and he even asked if I'd be interested in playing percussion for his music gigs. I have so many rock star fantasies swirling through my mind after the past two weeks that I can barely squeeze in one more.
August
9, 2004
According to fan reports, federal marshals raided the Charlotte KISS
Expo in search of bootlegs. Yike. I don't know what that will mean for
future expos.
Since I just sent in proper requests for KISS permissions, I have to hope I'll be the band's best friend. I'm legit. Really I am.
August
10, 2004
I scurried home from the day job this afternoon so I could see the KISS
documentary "When KISS Ruled the World" on VH1.
Despite all the drama in the KISS bootlegger world, it helped me remember
the magic of the group I love.
In my editing tonight, I changed a line of dialogue to pay homage to a movie series that once gave me the same rush as KISS pyro. I have a feeling a secret reader of my website might be the only person who gets the joke, but it made me happy to insert it.
Yesterday, 3 students sent me a request they knew I was unlikely to honor. Their post script said they were 3 of the fellows who proudly dressed as KISS two years ago at a freshman skit night. I told them that invoking the holy name of KISS would not earn them college favors, but it would make me like them more. I ended up granting their request this morning (purely ethical - I swear), and this afternoon they brought me a stuffed teddy bear. I love Rauch & roll suck-ups.
August
11, 2004
I'm getting dangerously close to the end of my editing. I think. I thought
about it hard tonight, and I may pay a professional profreader to comb
through the finished product to find any hidden typos or formatting
problems. I just can't bear to look for missing hyphens anymore.
The day job rolls at high speed tomorrow. I'm already tired and excited. My goal this year is to create an army of gadflies. To anyone else that would probably sound geeky or boring. To the insightful, it spells professional peril. Cool.
August
12, 2004
A dramatic reenactment of today's email exchange between the humble
girl-next-door writer and the mighty music publishing company. The role
of Colette will be played by Jennifer Aniston (ha!). The role of the
publisher will be played by Shannon Doherty.
Colette: Hi. I feel absolutely horrible interrupting your busy and important day with my measley question, but I wondered if you had received the lyric requests I sent you last week and whether they were in a format that would bring nothing but pleasure to you.
Omnipotent Publisher: Yeah they got here, but I haven't even bothered to open them to see if they're okay.
Colette: Um, okay. Would you maybe, um, well, kindly consider doing me the enormous honor of opening the email?
Great and Wonderous Publisher: I'll get to it when I get to it.
Colette: I reformatted the documents just like you asked. I sure hope they're -.
Grand and Generous Publisher: Oh shut up. I'll let you know if I find anything wrong.
Colette: I am the luckiest writer in the whole wide world. Thank you.
You want sycophant? I can do sycophant. I can do it as long as it takes. Mark my words.
August
13, 2004
I'm in my bed right now watching a fireworks display. (Literally, pervs.)
Seriously, it's right outside my window, and it's beautiful. Pyro always
reminds me of KISS, and despite all the strife in the land of bootleggers,
I'm holding tight to my fantasies, which do not stretch beyond the borders
of rock & roll (except when I have dirty dreams about Paul).
A couple years ago, I almost hired an editor to help me with my manuscript, but I had to stop short because my world became very much about the "Living the Fantasy" documentary. Now, I'm back in touch with the woman (whose son is a rocker!) because I need a keen proofreading eye. I can't wait to talk to her. This positive thoughts for the Docu-man, btw. He just wrapped up two projects, attended Spike Lee's latest film premiere and now has to head out of PA sooner than expected. I have no doubt that he's off to great things, but I'm not a fan of goodbyes. Like that light and smoke that are still in the sky now that the fireworks have ended, Randy's impact will stick around for a long time.
August
16, 2004
Who knew there were somewhere around 470 potentially unncessary uses
of the word "as" in my manuscript? An editor, duh. This is
good news and bad news. I'm so tired from my day job that I have a very
short attention span for book work, but this "as" this is
a cinch. I just have to changes sentences from:
"She jumped as she heard the sound" to "She jumped, hearing the sound." I feel like I'm swatting lethargic flies. Kicking their "as" may be more accurate.
I know, I know. I'm tired! Wit takes energy. (continue)
