My TV’s In A Coma

Happy Wednesday! Don't forget the giveaway this week. You can win a copy of Gone to Green by checking out the directions on Monday's blog.

I'm sad Charles Gibson is retiring from ABC. I tend to get attached to news people.  I really liked Tim Russert, so his untimely death was a huge blow. I'll never forget during the presidential election between Gore and Bush, he held up that little white board and was like (paraphrasing), “Let me make this electoral vote thing simple for you.” And I was like simple! I like simple! And I like yuuuu Mr. Russert! And I was bound to him for life. Televisionally speaking. And Peter Jennings? Don't even get me started. He's always been so old Hollywood to me. Loved him. Smart, dashing, looks good in a trench. I won't even tell you my feelings on one of our local sports guys. And I don't even like sports. And I've already disclosed my love for the Weather Channel's Jim Cantore. That flame has been burning a long time. So yeah, TV news folk. I get attached. So so long, Charlie Gibson. Sam Champion and I will think of you often.

Though I'm usually late in responding, I love reader email. I thought I'd share some questions I've received lately.

1. Will there be another Katie Parker book?
I'm so glad you  liked Katie Parker. Probably not, but never say never!

2. Will there be another Katie Parker book?
Probably not!

3. Will there be another Katie Parker book?
No.

4. Will you come to a local book store and sign books?
I love to meet readers. But when I do book signings the only people who show up are my mother and aunt. And their vacation schedules are really full right now. So I doubt we'll see one another at a book signing. But catch me on Twitter and Facebook, and of course the blog.

5. What's your favorite book that you've written?
I don't have a favorite! Are you kidding me? That's like picking a favorite child. You just can't. You like them equally.

Okay, that's not true. I'm all about partiality. Just like my grandmother told me I'm her favorite grandchild, I do have a favorite book. But I can't tell you. But it's the one with the female in it. And funny things happen. And she's sassy. And she makes a lot of mistakes.  And she likes a boy.And there's a pet in the story. And it mostly takes place in a small town.

6. What kind of teacher are you? I wish you were my teacher!
No, you don't. I always laugh at this one. You would have to ask my students what kind of teacher I am. While we have a lot of fun and laugh often, I'm also (maybe surprisingly) strict. I rule the roost. My classroom is the only place where I get to be queen, and I live it up.

7. I have a cat, and she doesn't yak. Why does your cat barf all the time?
Because he's possessed by demonic kibbles. Last night I was awakened at twelve-thirty to a sick cat. IN the bed. Out of control. Sheets were flung, pillows changed. Yelling ensued. One of us stayed up the rest of the night. One of us went right back to sleep. The one who was awake used the time to list all the reasons why she should trade the cat in for a gerbil.

8. Will there be another A Charmed Life book?
This one I can definitely answer in the affirmative! Barring a nuclear attack from big-haired Kim Jong or zombie apocalypse, yes there will be a second book. And a third. I'm So Sure will release in November. Just in time for everyone to read it over Thanksgiving break!! I'll post the first chapter in October. But in the next installment, Bella Kirkwood gets up close and personal with prom queen wannabe's, one cute editor (will they. . .or won't they…?), and makes a new crazy friend when the family goes on a wrestling reality show. Because who wouldn't want your stepfather on national television? In spandex.

9. What do you do for fun?
It's not watch TV. I never watch television. In fact, I resolved to reconnect with my old digital friend this summer. I super sized my cable and everything. And I'm ashamed to report, I did not sit down and watch one single episode of Soup. Aside from finally seeing a few Wizards of Waverly Place (I did discover I like WOWP much better than iCarley) , I did not ever watch my TV! And though this is a good thing in many ways, I would like to have ONE thing to discuss with people at the water cooler until January when my beloved, though Paula-less American Idol comes on. So I'm actually taking suggestions. What should I watch? I think I want to watch Biggest Loser. Everyone I know who watches that is obsessed with it. Love it. Don't miss it. And then there is Joel McHale's new sitcom coming out. I hope it doesn't suck. I really do. Because he's snarkily grand.

And how good is it to see Chevy Chase? He is so underused.

You know what I love the most is the fall preview shows the networks do. And they're always on at random, unadvertised times like Sunday at 2:17 p.m. But they will show clips of all their new shoes. And of course they all look fabulous. But you forget them by the time the season starts, and then you feel guilty for single-handedly sinking their show. Because if you had remembered to watch the show, it wouldn't have gotten canceled in October. I just happened to catch part of  the CW Fall Preview this weekend, and this show looks interesting.

If you have to bump into your birth parents, it's really cool if they can be hot and like 25. Very realistic, CW.

So yeah, I don't have a lot of hobbies due to teaching, writing, and Exorcist Kitty, but watching TV might soon change all that!

That's it for now. Don't forget, you have until Thurs. night to get in the drawing for Gone to Green. And send me your TV must-see suggestions.

Off to do something crazy like read-

JEN