Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Film, Television, and Books Too!

First let me start by saying I love books. LOVE. And there is one book that I read this summer that I must recommend.

The Secret Of Everything by Barbara O'Neal



I laughed. I cried. I couldn't read this book fast enough! I devoured it like French fries during pms. Seriously, one of the best books of my summer.

Okay so that is my book recommendation. Short blog post. Right? Quick. To the point. Hmmm....Perhaps not.

Because I have a secret to share. A dirty little secret. Most likely not so well kept if you read my blog... And yes, I know this is the Girlfriends Book Club and I most definitely don't want my membership revoked...buuuut...this time of year I not only think of new books, children returning to school (thank god!), new fuzzy sweaters (even in LA), pumpkins, and apple cider but I also think of new tv.

New shows.

Now I realize I have perhaps an *abnormal* fixation with television and film. (Okay obsessive.) But this compulsion is all in the name of research because not only do I write books but I also write for tv and film.

There I've said it. Admitted my secret. I moonlight. I walk both sides of the street. Work two angles. Serve two masters. And let me tell ya' it ain't easy. But it sure is fun!

A couple beauties I am looking forward to:

The Defenders




$#@ My Dad Says




Lonestar



And

Undercovers



I also look forward to watching what my favorite characters (and their writers) cooked up over their summer hiatus.

I'd love to hear if you too have the dirty little secret of not only being an avid reader but an addicted television viewer. What shows are you looking forward to seeing this fall?


A recovering attorney and former motion picture literary agent, Maggie Marr is the author of Hollywood Girls Club and Secrets of The Hollywood Girls Club. Maggie also wrote Mothers & Daughters, Sexology, and Hart & Stone for television. Her screenplay The Apology Expert is currently under option to Dahooma productions. Please visit her at www.maggiemarr.com

31 comments:

  1. Oh, yeah. I'm right there with you. Remember when you were a kid and ALL the shows started the same week? I'd wait for the TV Guide to arrive in the mail and highlight all the shows I couldn't wait to see.

    I've already become a huge fan of Showtime's "The Big C" (is Laura Linney amazing or what?). And I can't wait for "Modern Family" and "Parenthood" to start up again. Oh, and "30 Rock". I guess I also have to admit my affinity for reality TV. Survivor. Amazing Race. Top Chef.

    Okay, I better stop now.

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  2. I really like The Big C, I could watch Laura Linney read the phone book out loud. Parenthood, Modern Family (hello Emmy!), Glee, Friday Night Lights...so much tv so little time... And then don't even get me started on my waaaay dirty little secrets when it comes to reality!!

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  3. What a fun post, Maggie!! I loved taking a peek at a few of those clips. I can't wait for "Castle" to begin -- love that show! And I've been known to be a bit of a "Gleek" :). I also like "The Mentalist" and, out of long-time habit, will watch some of "Supernatural" this season, too... I've heard so much about "Modern Family" -- I think I'll need to get the first season DVDs when they come out so I can catch up!

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  4. Maggie, you should be a salesperson. I read your post and wished there was an all-night Barnes and Noble in town so I could get the book. Luckily my KIndle is supposed to be shipping tomorrow so from now on, I can have immediate gratification.

    Congrats on the script. Keep us posted.

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  5. Marilyn
    Love Glee! As I read these comments I suddenly know where all my writing time is going... I am watching tv! Seriously 'Modern Family' had me from the word 'cream puff.' (a little first episode humor).

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  6. Karin
    The Secret of Everything is such a good book! Barbara won the RITA at RWA this year for Women's Fiction with Romantic Elements for The Lost Recipe For Happiness which is at the top of my TBR pile. Congrats on the instant gratification. I really enjoy my Nook and getting most any book at any time.

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  7. Fun topic, Maggie! I'm a big "NCIS" geek (the original not the LA version). Love the whole cast and the way they interact. Also like "Castle" (to copycat Marilyn!), which my husband amusingly refers to as "White Castle." Yes, he actually eats White Castle burgers so that's a term of endearment to him! When I can remember that they're on, I enjoy "Medium" and, my guilty pleasures, "The Rachel Zoe Project" and "The Real Housewives of NYC," although I'm not sure I'll be able to watch without Bethenny balancing things out. Oh, oh, and almost anything on HGTV. That's my TV comfort food. (Geez, you wouldn't know I was on deadline--sounds like I'm just glued to the boob tube, doesn't it?). ;-)

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  8. All those shows look great, Maggie!
    I admit to being addicted to reality TV. Can't wait for the new season of Survivor. I also love The Good Wife- great writing and acting there.

    I love Barbara's books! I haven't read her latest, but I'm going to have to remedy that;)

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  9. Maggie, that was a fabulous endorsement! :)

    I'm looking forward to the new HBO series Empire Boardwalk, and I second Judy's anticipation for 30Rock, Parenthood, Modern Family, and on and on....(I watch too much TV!!!)

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  10. Hey Maggie! Okay I have to go get that book which is perfect timing because I am hitting the road this weekend and need a new book! Your comment about laughing reminded me of one of my favorites for the summer, Mennonite in a Little Black Dress. Its memoir rather than fiction, but it was another book that made me laugh and tear up. I almost wet myself in a couple of places.

    Glee, Parenthood (LOVE IT!), NCIS are favorites and now I am adding The Defenders and
    $#@ My Dad Says. The others look good too, but I prefer shows that make me laugh even if I am laughing through tears.

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  11. Oh, I know your dirty little reality secrets my friend...bwahahahahahaha (evil laugh) Viva New Jersey!

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  12. Jess
    Empire Boardwalk looks amazing a true feast for the eyes. HBO does tv so well.

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  13. Mia
    I hope you enjoy the book! And I've heard of Mennonite In A Little Black Dress...I think I will pick it up and give it a read. Thank you for the recommendation.

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  14. OOOH, me too!! I love fall TV. Right now I'm watching my guilty pleasure, the trainwreck that is Real Housewives of DC. Survivor starts next week, I so can't wait. All of which will just cut into my writing time. sigh...

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  15. Maggie, I feel you! I often think I'm dating my DVR because I can't wait to see what it's got waiting for me in my "list." And being able to zip through ads to jump to the next scene is truly the best thing since pineapple fried rice. This season, I am really looking forward to the new Law & Order Los Angeles. As an Angeleno and avid L&O junkie, I am eager to see what the new cast gets up to in my adopted hometown.

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  16. Judi
    My guilty pleasure is the New Jersey Housewives. The reunion shows: Awesome, trashy, fantastic like watching a train wreck tv!

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  17. Lucie
    Hulu has become my best friend. We got rid of cable once we had kids and now I stream my favorite shows once the kiddies are asleep. L&O fans are fanatics! I have many friends that love that show. Me, I like the attorney w/ comedy shows. I am hoping that The Defenders fits my needs! Or David Kelley's new mid-season show Harry's Law. Could someone get me a job writing on that?

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  18. Love this post and all the clips! I love TV. I've been so boring lately and only watch L&O SVU (I have no idea why I love this show so much when I'm sooo squeamish!, but I think it has to do with beloved Eliot Stabler) and What Not To Wear. I am a sucker for makeover shows.

    Looks like a lot of good TV coming up!

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  19. Oh, Maggie, how I love my TV!!! Totally my dirty little secret, too! But what I love even more is previews!!! So this was basically the ideal post for me.

    I am now officially hooked on Lone Star, and I'll watch anything with Jerry O'Connell or by JJ Abrams.

    CAN'T WAIT for Gossip Girl to start again. I'm OBSESSED with Vampire Diaries-- it started last night, but we've been so busy with the Jewish Holidays that I haven't seen it yet. And I think that The Good Wife is the best written show on TV. Ever. No clue how they will top that first season, but if they bring Gary Cole back I'll be super happy.

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  20. What a terrific post. Loved it ... and the clips were great too!

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  21. @Maggie, Barbara rocks and you will absolutely love THE LOST SECRET OF HAPPINESS!

    I too am looking forward to Undercovers--hoping for a hit! And, embarrassed to admit, The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

    Mostly the fall season doesn't hit me too hard. I don't watch much network TV. I get the blues several times a year when The Daily Show and Colbert go on their vacations.

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  22. Duh. LOST RECIPE, LOST RECIPE! Got the 2 titles combined

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  23. I'm planning to go back into pregnancy mode next year if the IVF gods are kind, so my recently-rehabbed TV addiction will probably be on like TRON.

    I really want THE UNDERCOVERS to be a hit, too. I'm also looking forward to MIKE & MOLLY and THE EVENT.

    As for returning fare: MODERN FAMILY, GLEE, V (friend who writes for the show promises it's going to be way better this year), PRIVATE PRACTICE, GREY'S ANATOMY, BROTHERS & SISTERS. And I hope that's about it. Hoping to keep my television watching under control until I get truly desperate for content.

    As for reality, I technically only watch PROJECT RUNWAY and RUPAUL DRAG RACE and SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. But occasionally WIFE SWAP sneaks in, just b/c I wonder how the moms without large dry erase calendars in their kitchens live.

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