Disqus - Latest Comments for robinslick

Re: Adrian Belew Power Trio – e (2009)

robinslick — Fri, 26 Jul 2019 14:20:39 -0000

Whoa, what a cool surprise! Thank you!

Re: How my friend befriended Eric Slick’s (drummer, Dr. Dog) father

robinslick — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 17:21:51 -0000

Tell Ben that Gary and Eric are doing a very special performance together at Rembrandt's Bar in the 'hood soon and a few of the dogs may show up and play/sing along. But that's all I can say about it for now.

Re: How my friend befriended Eric Slick’s (drummer, Dr. Dog) father

robinslick — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:44:45 -0000

And now you've met the mother of Dr. Dog's drummer, who is laughing her ass off at her cool hippie husband's reaction to being called "old". I'm like, dude, we are old - look in the mirror. But we are still very cool, trust me. xo Robin

Re: Rachel in the OC: SPINNING

robinslick — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 06:57:56 -0000

My first kiss came courtesy of Sammy Davis, Jr. when I was 12 years old. I told him it was "fascinating" and to some extent, it was. :)

Re: LitPark Announcement: BEA Signing and Party News!

robinslick — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:29:43 -0000

Oh, my God, I love how casually you just threw out that list of names. I'll be the one standing there tongue-tied and blushing, trying to remember my name and how to make a coherent sentence. xo

Re: LitPark Announcement: BEA Signing and Party News!

robinslick — Tue, 11 May 2010 13:34:45 -0000

Make that two and I've already RSVP'd for the party. How exciting is this!

Re: litpark » Question of the Month: Renew

robinslick — Tue, 04 May 2010 07:12:22 -0000

Without sounding overly dramatic, our weekend totally changed my life on so many levels I could write a mini-series here. Before our retreat, I was getting ready to trash the novel I was writing and my "career" in general and would have been looking for a real job again except that I was finding it more and more difficult to leave the house. Sue linked my blog about our retreat and after I read what I posted, I teased Tish, Susan and Jessica that I spent more time posting about getting to our destination than I actually talked about our retreat. But there was a reason for that -- my getting on that plane and actually flying by myself was a major deal considering I had been having heart palpitations for the past couple of months just walking to the corner grocery store...something I was hiding from even my own family. I had fallen into a serious pattern of negative thinking and could actually talk myself into panic attacks and not doing the thing I loved most: writing. But once I got off that plane and the four of us talked and talked and had our writing sessions, everything changed. I can't tell you exactly when it happened...maybe after the first session when Tish set that one hour timer and I sat there for several seconds in total terror, knowing that if I didn't write, everything I worked so hard for all these years was gone....and so, somehow I wrote. And wrote...and wrote...and wrote. And then when I learned about the elevator pitch and as a group we hashed out our own and helped each other nail them down and I was actually able to focus on something so tangible, the ideas that were eluding me for so long began to rush to the surface. I felt unstoppable. Part II of my "recovery" was our walk. Of course I wanted to tour the grounds of Tish's magnificent vacation home. But what the others didn't know while we were walking is that I had to talk myself down from the ledge about ten times. What if I had a panic attack while we were all together outside in the middle of nowhere. The farther we walked from Tish's house, the more anxious I got. But we kept talking, and I kept taking deep breaths, and then finally, I was honest with everyone. That I was nervous to walk up big hills because I had been housebound for the last couple of months and out of shape. And I was scared to walk too far. No one looked at me like I was a lunatic, and I said to myself, if I can get through this walk without fainting or making a scene, I'll be okay. And from now on, everything will be fine because all of this fear and negativity is only in my head and that being so, I had the power to change. It was time to stop being my own worst enemy.

Needless to say, I survived the walk, hills and all.

It's now been a month since our retreat and I haven't reverted back to my old ways of thinking or writing; in fact, I'm more determined than ever, more organized, and less afraid. I force myself to go outside for a one mile walk every morning, no matter how crappy the weather is, I joined a yoga class (oh yoga, where have you been all my life), and not one day has passed where I haven't written for at least two hours. No matter what happens with this new book, writing wise, it is already my proudest accomplishment, ever. and that is good enough for me.

Sue, you did ask us to "tell me about an experience that renewed your spirit, your energy, or your belief in yourself." and wow, I did write a mini-series here after all. So consider this a very public thank you note to you, Tish, and Jessica for saving me at a time when I needed it the most.

Re: Question of the Month: Fair

robinslick — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:18:17 -0000

I am just so thrilled for you...you have no worries, your book is going to be a huge hit and no worries about it being overlooked or unattended but damn it's too bad we didn't put a tiny GPS system on it before it left for London.

And I am also thrilled about something else happening this week which I can't quite believe is actually going to occur...you can spill if you want, I wasn't sure if I was "allowed" or not.

Growing up in Philadelphia, I don't have any fair stories except one: I always knew I hated amusement rides; I get dizzy just looking at them and could never watch my kids even on roller coasters because I was sure something terrible would happen...every year there are accidents somewhere. But in a weak moment, I let myself be talked into riding the Octopus at the local school carnival because it is allegedly a lame ride and it was at a freaking elementary school. Well, trust me, it's not lame by any stretch of the imagination; the minute my little car started rising and spinning I began to scream like a crazy woman LET ME OFF LET ME OFF STOP THIS RIDE IMMEDIATELY I'M GOING TO DIE I'M NOT KIDDING.

At first people on the ground and the guy running the ride thought I was kidding and everyone was laughing their asses off but after a minute of my non-stop hysteria they realized it was no joke and much to the dismay of the other people on the ride, they stopped it and let me off.

I promptly threw up in front of everyone and didn't even care.

Sort of like the whole book publishing biz, huh.

Re: litpark » Question of the Month: Complete

robinslick — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:28:05 -0000

That cover just takes my breath away. And your backstory re the road to publication is incredible and so inspiring -- that in itself could be a valuable book for aspiring writers. Congratulations, my friend. And hurrah for Darlin, too!

I do not really even want to answer the question this month because I want nothing to take away from this moment. But yeah, of course I'm proud of the fact that I was able to write a couple of books and prouder still that a couple of people even liked them. :)

Re: Question of the Month: Joy

robinslick — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:54:26 -0000

First of all, my middle name is Joy. For real. I hated it my whole life because I thought my name sounded like a candy bar (I'll have a Robin Joy, please, because sometimes you feel like a nut...) and my evil father used to tease me all the time once he knew it was my achilles heel being chubby and all as a kid.

Anyway, getting back to your question, everyone who has written comments before me here pretty much nailed it. All I can add is that when I am really writing, when I'm really in that zone, what I love best is the total escape from reality. I am so wrapped up in the story, in the characters, etc. that I walk around speaking their dialogue out loud and I have notebooks everywhere scattered throughout the house in case I get a brilliant idea and can't get to the computer fast enough. (Erm...what this means is pretty sad. Once you are of a certain age and certain hormones come into play, you feel like there's a fog over your brain and if you don't write your ideas/thoughts down immediately, they are GONE). But yeah, the joy for me is leaving the real world for one of infinite possibilities and getting to live out fantasies on paper I could never do in real life. At least not anymore. xo

Re: Question of the Month: Title

robinslick — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:59:36 -0000

Oh, I love all of your cool news, and enjoy the BB King show! (Though I admit to being jaded on that front...I used to want to kill Paul for making me drive to NYC right after Christmas but at least you have a date on the 28th; he was famous for making it December 26 back in the day). I saw your son's video - he's an All-Star for sure!

I read the first draft of your book many years ago and I'm sure it's totally morphed into something else, but I have a distinct memory of the brightly painted door so without knowing if it's still even in the novel, my first reaction was "The Secret Door" ... (don't mind me, I love playing Let's Name the Novel games)

But since you asked, my all time favorite titles: Well, d'oh, A Catcher in the Rye, Fear of Flying, Everything Matters! (Oh.My.God. - I just bought Ron Currie's aforesaid book and for once am speechless as every page is one of those gasp He's So Brilliant moments and I like the exclamation point at the end of the title, which I've seen debated by a few reviewers)..hmmm...continuing on, I adore the title of Burgess' A Clockwork Orange...and Wally Lamb's She's Come Undone -- but the question is, was Wally's title a rip of the Guess Who lyric? It's been so long since I read the book I am wondering that, because just what is the legality of using a famous song phrase as a book title? *Cough* no personal reason for asking or anything...

Ugh, and you just reminded me that I never got it together to transfer my essays from the old TNB to the new site...crap...hope it's not too late but if so, my own slacker fault.

In any event...

Happy Holidays to all at Lit Park!

Re: Question of the Month: Instrument

robinslick — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:18:08 -0000

I could write a book about this and I did.

But loving music the way I do, it has been a source of decades of frustration that I still have not found my instrument. My jazz musician father wanted me to study clarinet; then put my music stand next to his and used to rap me over the knuckles in anger when I produced screeches instead of dulcet tones. "Benny Goodman has nothing to worry about," he'd snarl. I would dread those nightly practice sessions to the point where it's amazing I didn't jump out his bedroom window or become a nerd mathematician who loathes music.

So when I was 11, I talked my mother into buying me a guitar, but of course I wanted an electric guitar, not a cheap acoustic from Sears Roebuck which is what I got. They hooked me up with lessons with a ninety year old lunatic who tried to teach me the one hip song he knew, The Girl from Ipanema. I saved my babysitting money and bought a book of Beatle songs which I was forbidden to practice when my father was home because he blamed the Beatles on his failed jazz career, so I learned to play so quietly I never had a chance to develop rhythm which is why I suck at guitar. I can still play Ticket to Ride and I Want To Tell You, but my proudest moment came when I taught myself Arlo Guthrie's (who I just learned, to my dismay, is a Republican - thank you, Ellen Meister, for destroying that fantasy ha ha) Coming Into Los Angeles, where I would scream out all the pot references in defiance, because even though my father hated rock, he loved pot.

Anyway, I still shudder when I hear both the clarinet and The Girl from Ipanema, despite their obvious beauty.

Re: Book Deal!

robinslick — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 09:17:20 -0000

I can’t think of many more occasions where I’ve been more thrilled or proud of someone. As I’ve already told you privately, I think success is so much sweeter when it’s something you have worked so hard for. It proves you are no flash in the pan and the entire universe is going to know your name sooner rather than later. I also want to add heartfelt thanks for your support and inspiration to authors all over the world and I hope you realize how much you mean to all of us.

Here’s to a long and glorious career! You have so, so earned it.

Now about that party in New York City. Who is up for a major celebration?

Re: Monthly Wrap: More Human than Hero

robinslick — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:12:54 -0000

I think that post pretty much qualifies you as a hero whether you like it or not!

But you already know how I feel. xo

P.S. How was dinner? Where'd you eat? And you know me, I clicked on every link to see who was who. Rachel seems like my kind of gal and I already know I love Amy and Kimberly.

Re: Question of the Month: Hero

robinslick — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:13:02 -0000

John Lennon, J.D. Salinger, and Marcel Duchamp. Oh yeah, and Brad Listi!

Re: nyc. neil. nin. nap. naan?

robinslick — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:07:50 -0000

Oh God, six degrees of separation here again. (Ask Neil). Bubby's is owned by Ron Silver, a good friend of mine...and my first two books contain a prominent character "Rob", based on Ron. My son and daughter are the drummer and bassist, respectively, for Adrian Belew, who of course played with and produced Trent Reznor and Tori Amos...this is just too weird...next thing you'll be jamming with my kids.

Anyway, having seen you and Neil at the Highline - man, you radiate love and are so perfect for each other it's ridiculous.

xo
Robin (the thong is over, it's all behind me)

Re: Question of the Month: Voice

robinslick — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:12:45 -0000

Wow Sue, that was the most professional Paul Green School of Rock "regular" show I think I've ever seen...it was way more on par with the Rock School All-Stars. There were no weak links, no missed notes...that was amazing! Okay, next time they play NYC, I am there.

In answer to your question, I am always horrified when I hear a recording of my voice. I sound like Sylvester Stallone! Ha ha, well, I have lived in Philadelphia my entire life but still, that's no excuse. Interestingly enough, I was once asked if I'd be interested in doing voice overs and at the time, I was not, but in retrospect, that was probably a good idea. They probably wanted me to hawk cheesesteaks or soft pretzels...

Great seeing you, Ellen, and Kimberly on Saturday night and I see Neil Gaiman gave us a shout out on Twitter. We so rule!

Re: Literary Tweets: 100+ of the Best Authors on Twitter

robinslick — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:56:18 -0000

Well, I don't see my name...what's wrong with you? Ha!

xo
@robinslick

Re: Lac Su

robinslick — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:03:53 -0000

What everyone else said but I want to add one thing: From the excerpts here, Lac is just an amazing, amazing writer. Every sentence is perfect and I was riveted. I want more and cannot wait to read this book.

And Susan, you really do ask the best questions of any interviewer, ever.

Re: Question of the Month: Heal

robinslick — Tue, 05 May 2009 08:56:41 -0000

Yep he does. And he seriously asked about you, Susan. We talked about you for a few minutes. What an interesting man...holy cow. Between him and the Neil Gaiman/Amanda Palmer love story I'm following on Twitter (ha ha - Nathalie will know what I'm talking about), I've got enough internet fodder to keep me busy for....well, whenever I am taking a break from writing. (Nathalie: How does he go from a woman who is never seen in public to one who takes photos of herself naked and posts them on twitter? Erm...I'm thinking I know the answer to that...)

Thanks for the kind words about my blog. I wasn't pimping it here - I just really wanted to tell you that Barry sent his regards.

Oh. One final thing. I just read all the comments here now and realize Kimberly said (much more eloquently) exactly what I did. Amazing how our parents can screw us up...from the time my kids were born, I literally showered them with compliments and self-confidence because I was so desperate they would not turn out like me. So yes, that's definitely MAJOR.

Re: Question of the Month: Heal

robinslick — Tue, 05 May 2009 08:34:17 -0000

My father was the most negative person in the world and each day I was treated to verbal abuse about all of my shortcomings, which lead to a massive inferiority complex which lead to some pretty questionable behavior on my part in my search for "love". I can remember thinking as early as age 8: I will never be a parent like this. So I'd like to think that this is a promise I've kept because I think both of my kids turned out pretty freaking cool and confident.

In other news, Susan, Barry Eisler says Hello! http://tiny.cc/pnC2H

Re: Question of the Month: You on the Web

robinslick — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:37:34 -0000

First of all, thanks so much for the Purple Day mention and second of all, welcome back! You poor dear, having to go to Hawaii. (Though I do not envy the long flight but that's why they've invented Valium)

Okey doke, in case you have missed all of the billboards I've posted on the internet and in cities and towns near you, I have a new book out, and it kind of makes me nauseous to post an Amazon link given their latest tactics so I'll also post the Barnes and Noble link as well...and naturally because I'm a total publicity slut I'll also (yet again) post links to my blog and website:

The book: http://search.barnesandnobl... and http://www.amazon.com/Daddy...

The blog: http://www.inherownwrite.bl...

The website: http://www.robinslick.com

I am also on MySpace and Facebook which continue to confound me, but I absolutely love Twitter and I'm a total addict. So here is that link:

http://www.twitter.com/Robi...

Re: Monthly Wrap: Kids in Bookstores

robinslick — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 06:56:34 -0000

I still can't process this loss.

Re: Ann Kingman, Bookseller

robinslick — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 06:09:24 -0000

This is fascinating to me and confirms what I've known and practiced all along - please, please, please support your local indie book shops. Unfortunately, we just lost another two in Philadelphia which depresses me to no end because both were incredibly supportive and carried all of my books, but interestingly enough, when I went into both Barnes and Noble and Borders searching for a fairly famous author I'd personally just discovered, both chains only had her latest book and not one copy of the ten others she'd written. I'm finding that unless you are James Patterson (bleh, don't even get me started on him) or Nora Roberts (ditto), those chains, which really did start out with huge inventories years ago and lured us all in, are pretty much crap now.

I patted myself on the back for a while giving all of my business to the used bookstore down the street from where I live as the owners are from the neighborhood and they basically have EVERYTHING, but then a fellow author pointed out, "Yes, but buying a used book does not put money in the author's pocket." I thought about that for a while and stopped buying used books, but then I remembered about "word of mouth". So, maybe I bought a used book, but if it's great, I tell others about it and the author, and hopefully that results in new book sales for him/her.

I hate Amazon. Now. Someone tell me why I keep compulsively checking my numbers there, even though I know they mean nothing. Last week I was everywhere from 25,000 to 750,000 within three hours.

Anyway, this was an extremely interesting look into a world I had no idea existed but I'm awfully glad it does and will be following your blog, Ann. I smiled reading about your first job interview experience at Dell. I would have felt exactly the same.

Re: Monthly Wrap: How a Book Can Save a Kid

robinslick — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 06:54:16 -0000

You're right - I never thought about it in those terms or related the two incidents, but I became a loner and a voracious reader/writer at age 9, right after I was brutally bullied by the Komisar sisters -- two remarkably beautiful girls who would be trend setters and voted most popular all the way through my miserable teen years. Susan held my arms behind by back while sister Cheryl forced me to eat slimy formerly frozen from a box succotash taken from a neighbor's garbage pail...and then they told me if I took a bath later I would turn into a frog. Needless to say, I screamed in holy terror when my mother insisted I get in the tub and I leaped out as soon as getting washed but kept checking throughout the evening to see if I was turning green and lizard-like. To escape into fantasy world was how I coped, but I jumped right into adult books by that age and I am pretty sure soon after that "incident" I read Catcher in the Rye, which was my Aha! moment when I knew I would someday be an author myself.

Ugh, the hair cutting story made my stomach hurt just now, Sue. That was always a nightmare of mine, too, because at one time I wore a long braid and we had a rash of that type of incident at our school, too. I was an easy target so I would swing it around to the side and tuck it into my shirt when I walked in the hallways - what a terrible memory...

Gah! I'm so glad I'm old now and get to worry about high blood pressure instead. Ha.