This weekend I flew with my daughter Mary to Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and was videotaped for a future appearance on Lifetime TV for Women. I’ll appear on The Balancing Act (7-8 am, EDT) in about 30 days, they said.
A first for me and a first-class learning experience. I was well-treated by a group of professionals, and interviewed on camera by a very pretty young lady. We’d talked by phone and she e-mailed me the questions she intended to pose as well as some "suggested" responses – in my own words, of course. At the taping her questions were right there for her to read on a monitor. My answers weren’t. I kinda winged it.
First, Mary and I were escorted back to the studio. Through a window we could see another interview just winding up. They rushed me back to makeup – a little face powder to cut down on reflections, she said. And the producer hurried me to a little stage with two chairs.
You know that feeling when you step up to the podium? A little tense, breath short, no matter how many times you’ve been there? And how, after you get out the first word, you’re on it? That’s the way it played out. Mary told me I’m at my best when I’m winging it. Pretty much what I did.
A little chat-chat before the actual taping. “You’re older than I expected. How do you keep yourself in such good shape?” That from the vivacious interviewer.
“Well, I drink a lot of beer.” A round of laughs and I began to get the scope of the situation. More personal questions. My interviewer laughed so hard tears ran down her face; more quick action by that makeup artist.
I don’t think she had read Escape from the Alamo. After all, she does several of these interviews a day. She based her questions on the first few pages and on the back cover of the book.
NOTE TO SELF – THAT BACK COVER BLURB IS VERY IMPORTANT! That’s the first contact people have with your book. Write carefully.
It was over in one take. Handshakes all around. The staff told me it was the most fun they’d had in a while. The producer rode us to our car in a golf cart.
Now, would I do it again? Yes. It was fun and a great learning experience. I hope I can parlay it into more publicity for the books.
Could I have done it alone? Mary supported me all the way, kept me on track, did the driving, kept me from getting lost in Florida, found the studio, got me back on the plane, took care of me.
Every writer needs a Mary.
Dac Crossley
August 3, 2011
“A person is always startled when he hears himself seriously called an old man for the first time.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes.
Dac, I really enjoyed seeing you on TV! You look great, you sounded interesting, and I think you have successfully reinvented yourself as a western writer! I was actually disappointed the interviewer didn't even mention your career as a scientist! Nice work, Dac.
Posted by: Mike Draney | September 02, 2011 at 01:39 PM
Excellente, Dac! Remind us when it airs!
Posted by: Mike Draney | August 20, 2011 at 03:49 PM
Great!!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth Chilson | August 08, 2011 at 10:34 AM
Music never came up...
Posted by: Dac Crossley | August 05, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Bravo Dac...and Mary I guess the guitar and bass did not get there with you all; creative singing cowboy writer with sense of humor... is that how she introduced the interview?
Posted by: Sarah | August 05, 2011 at 07:13 AM
It sounds like you had a lot of fun, and what great exposure! I hope you'll let us know when you have an "air" date.
Posted by: Marja McGraw | August 04, 2011 at 01:14 PM
Interesting story, hope I get to see the show.
Aren't daughters wonderful!
Posted by: shirley white | August 03, 2011 at 05:23 PM
What Mary REALLY meant was, "how much fun you can have at the end of a disastrous career in ecology."
Posted by: Dac Crossley | August 03, 2011 at 05:01 PM
Well, every person should have a parent who demonstrates, on a daily basis, how much fun can be had post-retirement.
Posted by: mary | August 03, 2011 at 04:51 PM
Way cool, Dac. Let us know when the episode airs. I hope we get the Lifetime TV for Women channel. And I especially like your comment about drinking beer:)
Posted by: Liz Rachun | August 03, 2011 at 04:45 PM
A delightful post. Thanks for sharing. You
are a bright spot. Mary is super - and why
not. Look at all the great genes she
inherited. You go Dac.
Posted by: Jan Okey | August 03, 2011 at 04:36 PM
Sounds like they caught the true DAC and it went well. Great! Dad-daughter connection and support? Hard to describe that wonderful bond -- it's a rock.
Posted by: Art McKee | August 03, 2011 at 03:33 PM
Congratulations Dacster! Happy to hear you and Mary had a good trip. Hope you had time to drink a few cold ones while there.
Posted by: janice | August 03, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Yeah, Mary!! We love you as much as we love Dac!
Posted by: Paige Cummings | August 03, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Mary, Great job--thanks for looking after Dac. Dac, Good exposure and keep writing. Larry
Posted by: Lauro F. Cavazos | August 03, 2011 at 12:02 PM
yep - you're right! EVERYONE NEEDS A MARY. Give her a hug for me. tah
Posted by: tometta hentz | August 03, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Very interesting! Congratulations! See, everyone told you it'd be fun and a learning experience. Hope it also turns out to be financially profitable, too.
Posted by: Marj. F. | August 03, 2011 at 11:36 AM