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The Tim Gunn in My Head

  • Feb. 7th, 2009 at 5:11 PM
tim gunn
Project Novel


Tim enters the revision studio, dapper as always. “Good morning, everyone,” he says. “I’m here to check your progress.”

He approaches Lisa’s work space. “Tell me about this,” he says, eyeing the uneven pacing of the plot.

“Well,” says Lisa, “It’s a YA fantasy.”

Tim peers over his glasses at Lisa. “A fantasy? I thought you were planning to write another realistic YA contemporary."

“I did! I mean, I was. It … the spark is still there, but the premise was a little too edgy.”

“Too edgy?” Tim’s gaze is piercing. “So you just threw it away and started all over on something new?”

“No, no,” says Lisa, beginning to sweat. “I set it aside for now, but the characters are still very much alive in my head. I will finish it. But this —” She indicates the novel in question. “I love this story. I’ve worked on it sporadically for almost eight years.”

Tim studies the work-in-progress through his glasses. “Why is the pacing so uneven? And uh-oh. I see a loose plot thread.”

“Oh! I’m trying to clean that up,” says Lisa. “The pacing, that is. I didn’t notice the loose thread. Oops! Thanks for pointing it out to me.”

“And this scene concerns me. Isn’t the dialogue between the main character and her parents a little young-sounding?”

Lisa peers closer at the scene. “Hmm. I see what you mean.” She gives him an apologetic smile. “It started off as a middle grade novel. I rewrote it for a YA audience. Whew! What was I thinking? Pretty much every line had to change. I guess this scene didn’t change enough.”

Tim studies the project for another long moment. “I’m just worried,” he says finally.

Lisa is worried now, too.

“I’m concerned you may be taking on something too ambitious,” he says. “I see the contemporary realism here —” He points. “And I see the homage to classic fairy tales here —” He points again. “But the length of the narrative must increase to accommodate the new characters here.” He indicates the last third of the book. “Do you see what I mean?”

Lisa nods. “Yes. Yes! I’m planning to develop those relationships in more depth.”

“Good.” Tim continues to frown at the piece. “How comfortable are you with world-building? Because you realize this will fall apart under scrutiny, don’t you?”

Lisa swallows.

“Not to mention the research still required to strengthen the base. Your details will unravel if the facts are incorrect. God is in the details,” he says with a smile.

“I have books,” says Lisa faintly.

“Books? Books are excellent, of course. But what about first-hand anecdotal information?”

“I have that, too. Three different sources.”

“Good.” He beams at her. “All right, then. Make it work.”



I'm trying, Tim. I'm trying.

Comments

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[info]lisamantchev wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 01:24 am (UTC)
THIS ENTRY WAS SO AWESOME, IT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN AWESOME-ER.

*now has a girly crush on you* XD
[info]terihall wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 01:36 am (UTC)
But . . I thought I was your special girly crush?

*goes to corner. puts face in it. cries a little.*
(no subject) - [info]lisamantchev - Feb. 8th, 2009 01:39 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]terihall - Feb. 8th, 2009 01:42 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]lisamantchev - Feb. 8th, 2009 01:56 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]lkmadigan - Feb. 8th, 2009 02:48 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]lisamantchev - Feb. 8th, 2009 02:50 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]terihall - Feb. 8th, 2009 02:51 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]lisamantchev - Feb. 8th, 2009 03:08 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]terihall - Feb. 8th, 2009 03:15 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]lisamantchev - Feb. 8th, 2009 03:16 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]terihall - Feb. 8th, 2009 03:25 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]lkmadigan - Feb. 8th, 2009 03:32 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]lisamantchev - Feb. 8th, 2009 04:41 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]lisamantchev - Feb. 8th, 2009 04:39 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]terihall - Feb. 8th, 2009 04:41 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]lisamantchev - Feb. 8th, 2009 04:42 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]terihall - Feb. 8th, 2009 02:50 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]lkmadigan - Feb. 8th, 2009 02:47 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]lisamantchev - Feb. 8th, 2009 02:49 am (UTC) Expand
[info]terihall wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 01:24 am (UTC)
OMG. I want to be on the show with you. Just to hear Tim say the things you made him say. Love it!
[info]tracyworld wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 01:37 am (UTC)
Maybe you could change the locks before Tim comes back.
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 02:52 am (UTC)
No, I love Tim! He is always so gentlemanly ... but he must be obeyed.
(no subject) - [info]terihall - Feb. 8th, 2009 04:36 am (UTC) Expand
(no subject) - [info]kellyrfineman - Feb. 8th, 2009 03:05 am (UTC) Expand
[info]lindajsingleton wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 01:49 am (UTC)
NOTE TO SELF: If Tim Gunn shows up at my house, I'm locking the doors and siccing the dogs on him.
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 02:52 am (UTC)
No, we writers should live by: WWTGD?
[info]cocoskeeper wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 02:09 am (UTC)
This is a brilliant post! What a writer you are!

You will obviously, make it work. ;-)
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 02:53 am (UTC)
Thank you, Kelsey! It's so nice to see you in the comments again. xo
[info]de_scribes wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 02:23 am (UTC)
I love, "I'm just worried."
Bahaha!
This was so fun to read.
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 02:54 am (UTC)
Thanks, De! It was fun to write.
[info]jennifer_d_g wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 02:32 am (UTC)
You are hilarious!
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 02:54 am (UTC)
Heehee! Thanks.
[info]deenaml wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 02:48 am (UTC)
LOL!!!! Oh man, I miss PR! :)
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 02:55 am (UTC)
Me, too!

I've even started watching Top Chef, simply from missing PR!

And it's really good ... check it out.
[info]kellyrfineman wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:03 am (UTC)
Oh, Lisa - how much do I love this post? I love it whole-heartedly and with a big, laughing love. It made me giggle, and chuckle, and even squee just a little bit.
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:33 am (UTC)
Then my work here is done.


[info]artistq wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:17 am (UTC)
We have company, I am sneaking a peek at LJ
and YOU
are HILARIOUS!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!


MAKE IT WORK LISA!!!!!!!!!!!!
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:34 am (UTC)
I will see your love and raise you some deep devotion.

xoxo
[info]newport2newport wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:35 am (UTC)
Ha ha ha! You are hysterical--and such a great writer!!

If you were on Top Chef, you'd win the quick-fire challenge for giving the judges a "culinary boner." (Please oh please, tell me you saw that episode!)
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 04:49 am (UTC)
I just started watching a couple of months ago ... I would remember that line if I heard it! LOL!
(no subject) - [info]newport2newport - Feb. 8th, 2009 05:01 am (UTC) Expand
[info]leeaverday wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 05:56 am (UTC)
two thumbs up!!
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:34 pm (UTC)
Thank you! :-)
[info]literaticat wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 05:57 am (UTC)
You are too cute.

Love!
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:35 pm (UTC)
No, YOU are.
[info]aprilhenry wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 06:18 am (UTC)
And you shall succeed!
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:35 pm (UTC)
With Tim's help!
[info]lindsey_leavitt wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 07:34 am (UTC)
World Building?
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Hot. Tranny. Mess.
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:36 pm (UTC)
Hee. It does seem daunting.
[info]sookie06 wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 07:39 am (UTC)
I had to call my hubby over to read this post! (Yes, we watch Project Runway together!) You got all the catch phrases down pat...
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:36 pm (UTC)
*blush*

I'm glad you guys liked it. My son is my PR-watching buddy!
[info]kristydempsey wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 10:57 am (UTC)
This was hilarious. LOooooooove it.
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:37 pm (UTC)
Thanks, Kristy!
[info]juliakarr wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 02:05 pm (UTC)
Love it!
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:37 pm (UTC)
Thanks, Julia!
[info]soniag wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:13 pm (UTC)
This is lolarious! Can you send him my way now, plz?
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 03:37 pm (UTC)
Do you promise to love, honor, and obey Tim?
(no subject) - [info]soniag - Feb. 9th, 2009 01:37 pm (UTC) Expand
[info]olugbemisola wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 09:51 pm (UTC)
you have totally justified my procrastinating -- I don't want to miss the good stuff like this!
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 9th, 2009 02:31 am (UTC)
Heehee. Thanks, Gbemi! Now back to work!
[info]writerjenn wrote:
Feb. 8th, 2009 10:10 pm (UTC)
Brilliant.
[info]lisa_schroeder wrote:
Feb. 9th, 2009 12:13 am (UTC)
hahahaha.

Hey Leese? If you want to write a book in Tim Gunn's voice, I think you've got it DOWN, baby! Watch the show much, do you? :)
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 9th, 2009 02:33 am (UTC)
I think he's brilliant and kind - plus he has a great vocabulary. Writing a book in his voice would be easy!

Maybe Tim will stop by again sometime.

[info]kaz_mahoney wrote:
Feb. 9th, 2009 03:50 pm (UTC)
Dude, I just spat out my chocolate cake laughing. Hehe... Brilliant. And I can relate, too.

*scurries back to revision cave*
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 10th, 2009 03:14 am (UTC)
Make it work, Karen!!
[info]susanwrites wrote:
Feb. 9th, 2009 04:43 pm (UTC)
Bowing to your awesomeness...and your awesome funny bone.
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 10th, 2009 03:15 am (UTC)
Hee! Thanks.
[info]jkcarter wrote:
Feb. 9th, 2009 05:04 pm (UTC)
Well, this was...well...award-winning with a rather large YOU MADE IT WORK on top.
[info]lkmadigan wrote:
Feb. 10th, 2009 03:15 am (UTC)
Thank you!

:-)
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