Well, it is April Fools’ Day, but this isn’t a joke. [g] Mind, it isn’t that “Survivor,” either.
A friend of mine who runs an interesting blog on freelancing had asked me if I’d do an interview with her, for a series she was doing on the blog, explaining a bit about my own experiences with freelancing. I did, and if you’re interested in more of the background of what I did before I began writing novels [g], or what-all is involved with the business/promotional side of being an author…
Here it is.
Diana – you’re the true wonder woman of the 21st century! I’m consistently impressed with everything you have accomplished…you’re a wonderful inspiration for someone like myself, embarking on a challenging journey (mine being breaking into Broadcast News in a bigger way…look for me on CNN one day ;)). I admire you to no end!
And, when will this youtube channel come to fruition? Give us a heads up when it does
You would be intimidating if you weren’t so down to earth and I’m always amazed at how matter of fact you are about all your achievements.
Dear Nathalie–
I normally watch Fox News in the morning (finding CNN abysmally simple-minded), but will definitely keep an eye out for you! [g]
Dear Terri–
Well, like I tell people, it’s not all that startling. [g] I’ve just been at it awhile.
Whew I am exhasted just reading that! LOL
The more I read about you the more I am in awe at how you keep all those “balls” in the air.
I too am curious about this YouTube channel. Please keep us advised (I’ll subscribe to it!)
Dear Diana:
Thank you for alerting us to this interview. As always, it is quite humbling to read what it takes for you, as a successful author, to be and to produce the entity, “Diana Gabaldon.”
I particularly enjoy reading this manner of your writing because I can “hear” you speaking. Your writing is so conversational.
As to morning news shows, I agree with you about CNN but cannot stomach ANY Fox News {{shudder}}. Instead, I keep tuned to C-Span or NPR.
Midge
Diana – I’m glad you like Fox News over CNN! I used to say “I want to work for Fox News” but then I’d always get this response “Whaaat? No way, they’re terrible.” So I got tired of it and now I just say CNN, since no one seems to object to it (weird). But if I had my pick, I’d definitely go for anchoring Fox News
Dear Nathalie–
More power to you. [g] My general impression is that the people who thought George Bush was the devil incarnate think Fox News is…well, I don’t know quite _what_ they think is wrong with it, but they’re Very Vocal about it, and most folk who don’t share their political opinions would just rather not get involved in a silly argument about television news (that would be me, for one), so we just smile pleasantly and go on watching what we want to.
Diana -
“George Bush is the devil incarnate” is the overwhelming consensus in Los Angeles, which makes me a minority, and the *precise* reason why I don’t advertise my preference for Fox News… Like you, I just say nothing and go about my business
Dear Nathalie–
I imagine that’s the consensus more than in, say, Columbia, MO. [g] Still, I take leave to doubt that it’s really such a consensus as it seems; I live part time in Santa Fe, and if you listened to the rich white people there (many of whom spend their all-too-free time out in the middle of one of the main roads, hopping up and down with signs demanding that Bush/Cheney et al be indicted, imprisoned and (doubtless) executed, IMMEDIATELY), you’d get that notion–but not if you talked to the much more numerous Hispanic population.
It’s just that the Bush-haters are So Dang LOUD and Obnoxious, nobody wants to say a word in their vicinity–leaving them with the erroneous impression that the whole world agrees with them. [rolling eyes]
Diana –
That’s very true, actually…I suppose that is the essence of the “Silent Majority” and, conversely, the “Very loud minority!”
Though, since Hollywood/the Media is dominated by vehement Bush-haters (and now obsessive Obama-lovers!), that is truly all I ever see or hear, on every street corner, at every coffee house, every restaurant…[double rolling eyes]
Can’t wait till I get my time on a big network to balance it out
What I’d like to ask, from reading that interview is where did you get the bravery? It strikes me that the word ‘can’t’ doesn’t seem to be in your vocabulary, Diana. Where did that come from?
(ps. To Nathalie, if FOX is where you want to be don’t let anyone stop you! As in, don’t settle for CNN.
)
Dear Renee–
Possibly from having parents who didn’t think the word “can’t” existed. [g]
Oh my goodness! You are so busy and so productive!
I am trying to find the time to finish my first (hopefully!) novel, and work full time as well as run a house and kids. A lot I know, but my writing always seems to take a back seat behind everything else. After reading what you have accomplished I feel I should try harder to make writing time happn. You are an inspiration!
Renee – Thank you:)
Diana:
Though there is nothing that states this Blog is or isn’t a forum to discuss politics, and while it is your Blog to discuss whatever you wish, when you choose to dance in that realm, are you open to others whose opinions differ? Are you willing to risk the drama that may follow? Do you, Diana, have the time and energy to moderate such discussion? (The “Survivor” interview highlights how busy you are…)
Nathalie:
Here’s to your success!
When you make it on to Fox News maybe you could investigate and report on why, during the Bush years, our government spent more on War and drastically cut funding to education, especially to the IDEA; instead of spending billions of $$ on War, how researchers could have been funded in finding a cure for autism which, in 2009, is diagnosed in 1 in 150 children and 1 in 94 boys whereas in 1994 the rate of occurrence was 1 in 11,660; why so many Americans cannot afford healthcare; alternative energy. While PBS and NPR address these issues, some may see them as elitist or inaccessible, whereas Fox news reaches the masses, and it’s the masses that need education and awareness of issues that affect the welfare of our nation.
Respectfully,
Midge
*April is Autism Awareness Month*
Diana – Love the candor of your blog and the podcasts. I don’t live in Arizona, but would love to be your admin assistant and take over your more-dreaded chores. I’m a great proofreader, too.
Judy
Dear Midge–
I respect other’s opinions. That’s why I don’t argue with them.
My view of my Santa Fe neighbors is not political, btw. I just think there must surely be better ways to spend your time than trying to recapture the euphoria of your sign-waving youth, circa 1967.
Folk can certainly say what they like here (providing they don’t bad-mouth each other), but I have no obligation to respond or referee; if it devolves into political wrangling, y’all are on your own; I’ll be up in the next post. [g]
For myself, I don’t normally talk politics (I really don’t see a comparison between news shows as being that, though I’m aware that the anti-Fox people certainly do) or religion. If asked what my political orientation or religion _is_, I’ll answer, but that’s about it.
I’m a Roman Catholic Libertarian, fwiw. [g]
Midge-
Thank you for your well-wishes…when it’s my turn at the top, I’ll be sure to be as fair as humanly possible
And, I didn’t mean to turn this into a political thing at all. Sorry if I ruffled your feathers – certainly wasn’t my intention, and I’m done now
Lets talk about books again!
Dear Judy–
Appreciate the offer! I do in fact have an assistant, though–Susan the Elf, who hauls things to and from the post-office (no one would ever get _anything_ from me, if I had to do it), sets up the bookplate orders so all I have to do is sign the things and stuff them in the envelopes, and keeps track of the date-sensitive email requests and invitations and badgers me to answer them in a timely fashion. [g]