Day 2: A Si spotting. 4,072 words!
I made it to Philly yesterday, and then made it back to Toronto today. My talk went really well, I think, and I'm looking forward to seeing Jill and maybe a writing session tomorrow! (Katie, Heather, want to skype in? I have no idea what time though.)
So far there's still a lot of groundwork to go but I'm bored with it so maybe diving in sooner, rather than later! The story so far: Seth works for an organization called Project 10, that works with LGBT youth who are homeless or in foster care. She and Crystal Mayle go down to LA to consult with our favorite direct-ore on a film he's making, called Just the T(wo) of Us. The film is about a man (Si) who adopts a street-involved gay teenager and it is set in the 1980's. That's how Seth is going to meet Si (and Hagrid?) and that's why she doesn't want to be too much of a fan of Si.
Here's an excerpt:
As Gordon seated himself in a prominent place near the podium, a screen lowered itself from the ceiling, and blinds emerged from the ceiling to shutter the windows. Just before the double doors closed, enveloping us in darkness, a stubble-cheeked, widow’s peaked, wryly grinning man slipped through the door. I couldn’t tell whether his eyes truly were sparkling, because he wore dark aviators. But his casual chinos, perfectly pressed white shirt open at the collar, golden tanned skin, and beautifully tousled hair, proclaimed him to be Si Greengage in the flesh. Despite my best efforts to be cool and nonchalant, I could feel my heart beating faster. I grinned at Crystal in the darkness, excited to be in the presence of a world famous Hollywood star.
On the screen, Si Greengage was walking down a darkened urban streetscape. Ambiguous shapes emerged from alleys behind him, and ominous music played. When one of the shapes began to come into sharpen focus, it turned out to be a young person of indeterminate age or gender. The young person bore a startling resemblance to Punky Brewster, although the multiple bandanas tied around their elbows and knees were in murkier hues than Punky’s signature primary colors. Si walked on, oblivious to what the movie’s soundtrack told me was clearly a threat.
So far there's still a lot of groundwork to go but I'm bored with it so maybe diving in sooner, rather than later! The story so far: Seth works for an organization called Project 10, that works with LGBT youth who are homeless or in foster care. She and Crystal Mayle go down to LA to consult with our favorite direct-ore on a film he's making, called Just the T(wo) of Us. The film is about a man (Si) who adopts a street-involved gay teenager and it is set in the 1980's. That's how Seth is going to meet Si (and Hagrid?) and that's why she doesn't want to be too much of a fan of Si.
Here's an excerpt:
As Gordon seated himself in a prominent place near the podium, a screen lowered itself from the ceiling, and blinds emerged from the ceiling to shutter the windows. Just before the double doors closed, enveloping us in darkness, a stubble-cheeked, widow’s peaked, wryly grinning man slipped through the door. I couldn’t tell whether his eyes truly were sparkling, because he wore dark aviators. But his casual chinos, perfectly pressed white shirt open at the collar, golden tanned skin, and beautifully tousled hair, proclaimed him to be Si Greengage in the flesh. Despite my best efforts to be cool and nonchalant, I could feel my heart beating faster. I grinned at Crystal in the darkness, excited to be in the presence of a world famous Hollywood star.
On the screen, Si Greengage was walking down a darkened urban streetscape. Ambiguous shapes emerged from alleys behind him, and ominous music played. When one of the shapes began to come into sharpen focus, it turned out to be a young person of indeterminate age or gender. The young person bore a startling resemblance to Punky Brewster, although the multiple bandanas tied around their elbows and knees were in murkier hues than Punky’s signature primary colors. Si walked on, oblivious to what the movie’s soundtrack told me was clearly a threat.
I am really looking forward to writing with you today, and stealing some of your brilliance. This is so great... can't wait to read more.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason the only way I can post a comment on your blog is to reply to someone else, weird.
DeleteAs for the actual post- I love it. You absolutely nailed the feeling for the movie. I'm really looking forward to you introducing Hagrid into the mix. This is going to be such a fun book to read.
I'm with Heather-- I wonder what Hagrid is going to look like. Will he be really large and wear fur coats? Will he have a large beard?
ReplyDeleteI really love the way that your characters always come back in your novels. I had almost forgotten about Crystal Mayle! Also, love the name of the film. Inappropriate hyphens are one of the best legacies of last year.
Hopefully we can chat tonight!
Hi Heather - sometimes when you hit "reply" the "leave comment" button suddenly shows up.
ReplyDeleteLove the absurdity of the movie plot - just the type of thing that I could see actually being made. Worried that the Punky Brewster reference will be lost on your younger audience.