Diary of a Girl-Next-Door Heavy Metal Novelist
July 1, 2003
Oh, what a nice KISSfiction day. You know it's going to
start out well when the new guy at work brings only one item to decorate
his office - a Gene Simmons figurine
with a genuine autograph! Okay, so the autograph was mine, not the demon's,
but doesn't that make the story even better? Welcome to the day job, Matt.
The day job staff hit downtown Lancaster for lunch, and wouldn'tcha know, a dude walked right up to me and kissed me square on the cheek? And wouldn'tcha know, he happens to be a newspaper writer? And that I immediately gave him my card and begged him to write an article about the documentary? And that Heidi (my new kinda-publicist) was at that very minute also having lunch with a newspaper writer and asking said individual to get KISSfiction some ink? Oh yeah, things are poppin'.
I sent out the second of three copyright permission requests for the documentary today. I also tracked down the third publisher, who happens to be in Canada, where it happens to be Canada Day, so I'll try again tomorrow. When I got home, I had an email waiting from Love Gun's "Peter Criss" giving me a long list of gig dates for Hottie "Paul Stanley's" band, Cold Gin.
Tonight, Aunt Paula sent word that she is well underway, composing a KISSfiction rockumentary mystery poem saga. Kurt, Matt, Colleague Melissa, Docu-man - you may all be suspects in the story of "Claudette Steele." Since the other Colette is one of my favorite authors, and her most famous character is Claudine, I can't help but love the story already.
July 2, 2003
A possum just crossed my path and he took his sweet old time. Possums?
They symbolize renewal and self-healing. Makes sense, but I won't go into
the corny details. I've just been feeling fantastic about myself lately.
I received my first response from a publishing company today. They don't own the KISS rights I need, but they referred me to the other company I already applied to. Still on track (almost literally).
I met with Heidi tonight to brainstorm. It's been a while since anyone read my book. I wasn't sure what she'd think. I like her feedback. We're trying to come up with a concept for a memorable backstage experience with KISS on August 6. One option is wearing a full business suit. Hmmm.
This from my sister/editor/caterer last night: I had a dream about the boy we both had a crush on in high school. We were all having pizza with him and his folks. You were wearing stiletto heeled mules and the shoe part was fuzzy leopard skin. I'd best get back into the habit of reading your jounal in the AM rather than right before I go to bed. You also had on a leopard skin jacket with a black boa collar. Very Zsa Zsa Gabor of you. I actually remember telling you that in my dream. Am I witty or what?
She's witty and, according to the dream, I'm tacky. Maybe the business suit isn't such a bad idea.
July 3, 2003
Independence Day is tomorrow. Who knew it would be so meaningful this
year?
*As I scurry to submit copyright permission
forms, I am legitimized as the producer of an independent
film
*In a few moments, I'll hop in my car to visit my father, with whom I
have always tried to assert an air of independence
*This week, I segued from a "What ever happened to Miss Independent?"
phase to a lovely "Ah, I am content" period
Coming soon:
*I'll be in department stores putting together an outfit for my August
6 KISS encounter
*I'll be in deep with future business partners, Gene & Paul
*And many of my worries will disappear when I'm independently wealthy
July
4, 2003
I drove to my father's home yesterday, and
I was greeted by a porcupine. Haha.
In KISSfiction news, I met with my musician friend, Damion Wolfe, yesterday and gave him a copy of the music I hope he'll record for the documentary. It's a go, with some minor logistical strings, but nothing we can't resolve.
I tracked down the third elusive KISS publisher. It's a company in Canada, since Destroyer producer, Bob Ezrin, has a writing credit. I'm so proud of myself for learning all this copyright stuff. It's turning out to be fun.
I showed Dad and his wife the draft of the documentary trailer. His understated reaction was not unexpected. "Oh, that's very nice. Yes. Mmmm." Something like that. Of course, today I heard him bragging to people about my Deanhood and impending backstage encounter with "that KISS band." Love is exhibited in all sorts of ways.
Speaking of backstage, I think I've determined my strategy for approaching Gene, and last night I worked on the item I'll hand him when we meet. (Hint: It's not a bra.) I conceived the idea on my drive home, only to discover that about 30 miles had disappeared behind me and I had no recollection of the road. I'm all about focus.
July 5, 2003
I realized last night that I hadn't packed
enough clothing to last the duration of my trip, so I celebrated my independence
with a spiffy new pair of zebra-striped bikini briefs from Walmart. I
loaded them into my cart along with a gallon jug of steam cleaner solution
and a tube of red lipstick. Story of my life.
Since switching to my new web server, I haven't been able to get an accurate read on my audience stats because the counter adds false hits each time I check my email. Since I was offline all yesterday, I did a quick check of the holiday's stats, and they were HUGE! Sadly, I also looked at my site on Dad's computer and realized that many of my hot fonts and designs did not show up. Gosh darn it.
I'm still working on my Gene item. It's looking better all the time. (Hint: It's not zebra-striped anything.) I also thought of another sponsorship opportunity to help me pay for KISSfiction marketing costs. I wish someone would start a rock 'n' roll Mensa society.
July 6, 2003
I made the trip back to Lancaster today, making a stop at Dr.
Tom's Leather Goods and Fireworks to buy an outfit for the September
12 KISS concert I'm going to attend with my sis. Unfortunately, Dr. Tom
had closed for a few days (maybe tuckered out from the July 4 demand for
pyro).
When I got home, I typed up my final copyright permission application and sent it in. I also invested some quality time in my on-going attempt to get my condo ready for the inevitable interview with Barbara Walters. I borrowed a power screwdriver from a friend, and I have to say I've rarely enjoyed screwing so much. I've installed hooks, brackets, and an ironing board hanger upper - but I've barely begun. Once you power screw, you never go back.
Too obvious? I can't be sophisticated all the time.
Did I mention that last week, when Damion Wolfe came to meet me at my office for lunch, everyone assumed he was a member of a KISS tribute band. They kept asking "Do you do God of Thunder? Are you playing at the Baltimore KISS convention?" Damion, rest assured that if you were in a tribute band, I would have insisted that you wear the Paul makeup to lunch. (continue)
