Welcome Guest Goddess–Susan Elizabeth Phillips!

Jan 30th 2009
KimGuest Goddesses & On Writing!

105 Responses to “Welcome Guest Goddess–Susan Elizabeth Phillips!”

1. Nancy Geary on 30 Jan 2009 at 2:25 am #

   I think the only thing I “envy” about celebrities is the army of people they seem to surround themselves with. Some days, I’d love to have a personal assistant pick up my husband’s dry cleaning, a chef to grocery shop & make meals that actually stick to my diet plan! Someone to pick out clothes, do hair & make-up for me so I actually look “put together” instead of a hurricane relief victim – Why is it when you’re dashing into the store for ONE thing, looking your absolute worst, is when you run into somebody you haven’t seen for the last 10 years? A tutor to help my girls with their math homework would be nice as well…
   Oh, and the fabulous vacations abroad look pretty nice to me during the winter months…although I don’t know if I could keep up a “bathing suit ready” body year-round…I need my baggy sweaters and fat-girl pants at least a month or two after the holidays!
   The thing I wouldn’t like is the constant pressure & attention…getting reviewed publicly for your last movie, book, etc. I’ve looked at old pictures of myself and said, “What was I thinking?” I’d hate for my 4th grade cupcakes, made with more love than aesthetics, reviewed in People magazine!

2. Ayse on 30 Jan 2009 at 3:45 am #

   Celebs are starting to look really scary to me (kinda like those ugly hairless cats). They’re too skinny and the plastic surgery is gross. I have yet to see a person whose had colegen injections in his/or lips that looks good.
   When you look back at old celebs they look and sound so much better. They seem more classy instead of trailer trash. Of course there are exceptions… I love Gerard Butler because not only is he hot, he comes off as normal (he has crinkles around his eyes… so cute!) and in interviews he’s so lovable.

   The only thing about celeb life that I would love would be the special cooks, private trainer, and the massages and other spa type pampering they get. Other than that I feel kinda bad for them. I would hate all that attention. The paparazzi is scary.

   BTW I LOVE LOVE LOVE your books Susan. Love them

3. Ayse on 30 Jan 2009 at 4:10 am #

   oops correction: collagen

   I really need to check my spelling b4 I post

4. Karen Hawkins on 30 Jan 2009 at 4:21 am #

   Susan, I am SO looking forward to the new book!

   I definitely don’t envy celebs the fame. I want none o’ that, please.

   I wouldn’t want the adulation, either. I think that’s what’s messed up a lot of celebrities (Britney, Lohan, etc) — the constant compliments from people who just want something. Eventually, you’re going to either feel all compliments are empty words, or you’ll start believing them. Either one is sad.

   But I wouldn’t mind 1) the money, 2) the assistants I could hire with the money, 3) a legit reason to dress up and go out, and 4) the free gifts.

   It seems every time I read about these posh events, the announcers talk about the swag the celebrities get — at Sundance and at the Oscars, etc — every celebrity leaves with a bag of swag. I love swag; but no one ever gives me any.

5. PJ on 30 Jan 2009 at 4:34 am #

   Welcome back, Susan! Love your books and can’t wait to find a copy of the new one!

   I wouldn’t mind having a celebrity’s money but I would never want the headaches and invasion of privacy that come with it. Can you imagine being ridiculed and having your photo splashed across the headlines of newspapers and television world-wide just because your weight has gone up to – gasp! – 135 pounds and you’re forced to suffer the humiliation of being a size 8? (she said sarcastically) No wonder they have esteem issues. Really, the only thing I envy about their lifestyle is the ability to pick up and fly to anyplace in the world anytime they choose. I love to travel and having the funds available to explore every corner of this wonderful world would, for me, be a fantasy come true.

   Susan, I imagine the weather in Chicago-land is pretty miserable these days. If you could leave the snow and cold behind and travel to any destination in the world, where would you go? I’m thinking the beaches of Australia sound pretty nice.

6. Judy F on 30 Jan 2009 at 4:52 am #

   Hi Susan glad to have you hear. I can’t wait to read the new book.

   I agree with Karen Ha. I wouldn’t want the intrusion in my life etc. But I sure could handle having an asst, maybe a maid. LOL I wish. And all those freebies, its sad that the people that need it less get all those free things. I also think when I hear how much they spend on each bag if only that money was given to charity.

   Have fun here today. Off to work through the snow.

7. Michelle B on 30 Jan 2009 at 6:39 am #

   I wouldn’t want life in the public eye. So I guess I would have to say no to the money too. You would think having hired help would be the answer. When we were stationed in the Philippines we had a live in house girl work for us. She was wonderful, great to my children, kept all our clothes clean and ironed, cooked for us and cleaned the house. The free time to read, swim, take an exercise class, go out to lunch or dinner when ever was fabulous. However, having someone live with you full time was very hard to get used to. I never felt like I could relax without guilt.

   I just read an article in a military newspaper about how if President Obama finds time to exercise in his busy day, he is the President, then we should be able to fit exercise in as well. It made me mad because, yes, he is the President and yes, very busy, but his busy doesn’t include cooking, laundry, cleaning, ironing, shoveling snow, mowing a lawn, pulling weeds, ect. Most of us work very hard, take care of everyday chores and even exercise. Sure didn’t inspire me to exercise.

8. Susan M on 30 Jan 2009 at 7:06 am #

   A fellow Susan. Welcome!

   I have actually thought about this before. The only thing I envy about the celebrity lifestyle is the fact they don’t have to worry about finding enough money to pay the bills. That is the only thing I would like. To not have to worry about paying the bills and still having enough money for groceries and to put gas in the car and to buy the occasional book and lots of scrapbooking supplies.

   Baby Update: Today is the day! I go for my first ultrasound in an hour.

9. dbrown3400 on 30 Jan 2009 at 7:15 am #

   Welcome to Mt. Oly, Susan. Looking forward to your new book and Glitter Baby as well.

   I want a chauffeur! Of course, lots of money would be nice, but the thought of never having to drive anywhere sounds so appealing, especially with all the ice around. I like my privacy and would hate losing that.

10. jessie on 30 Jan 2009 at 7:21 am #

    Welcome, Susan! I confess, being more of a historical girl, I’ve only read KISS AN ANGEL, but it is on my Top 10 List of all time favorite romances EVER. I’ll definitely have to check out more.

    As for celebrities…I have a confession. If I could be anything in the whole entire world, I would be a famous actress. I watch all of the celebrity shows like “Fabulous Life Of…” and I keep up with the gossip (not through TMZ, though, which I find very sketch), and I love to read about them in magazines (though not tabloids or Us Weekly, which I also find sketch). I imagine myself getting interviewed by Regis and Kelly and the journalists at Entertainment Weekly, shopping on Rodeo Drive, buying a huge house, not worrying about money (a big big big draw to the celebrity lifestyle), hanging around beautiful people, dressing up, having assistants to help me do everything. I know in my head that I would not want that kind of attention (or have to have that kind of discipline to exercise and not overeat) or to be around the kind of fakeness and backstabbing that seems to be the real celebrity world, but in JessieDreamland, I think it would be pretty sweet.

11. LoriHandeland on 30 Jan 2009 at 7:33 am #

    Hi, Susan! Welcome and thanks so much for coming.

    I’d definitely like to have the army of assistants. But on the other hand, I like to be alone so in short order I’m sure they’d drive me nuts. I would also dislike being followed everywhere and having to put on make up, do my hair and wear shoes all the time. Once in a while is fun but every day, no way! I like my ponytail, pjs and bare feet.

    I’m a huge fan, Susan. Heaven, Texas is one of my all time favorite books.

12. Deb Marlowe on 30 Jan 2009 at 7:37 am #

    Welcome SEP! I’m so looking forward to this book!

    Nope, I’m not a celebrity girl. I don’t want to celebrate empty-headedness, partying, or egomania. The only ones who interest me are the ones who actually do something with their money and status.

    Susan M! Good luck with your ultrasound!

13. SuzyQ on 30 Jan 2009 at 7:39 am #

    Welcome back Susan!

    They say everything comes with a price, but the invasion of privacy would be just to steep of a price to pay. I would think you become paranoid after a while wondering who’s lurking behind the bushes, camera in hand. But if you look at the positives, I wouldn’t mind the personal trainer. He would have to help me work off the extra pounds at getting preferred seating at all the top restaurants.

14. Kim on 30 Jan 2009 at 7:50 am #

    Welcome Susan!!! I absolutely cannot wait for What I Did for Love!

15. amy1242 on 30 Jan 2009 at 7:54 am #

    I’m sorry, I have a hard time feeling bad for someone who has so much money and is spoiled beyond the norm. If they’re worried about horrid pictures turning up, put on a pair of Levis and a long sleeve tee (my personal favorite attire), put on some blush and some tinted lip gloss and pull a brush through the hair and do errands for the day. What’s the big deal? If they can’t put that effort forth, live with the crappy pictures and get over yourself. I, myself, enjoy the anonymity of being who I am, so forego the excess moneys that would come in SO handy right about now. I can’t imagine life seeming “real” for celebs. How can it be? It’s all fantasy and make believe. Then again…who am I to judge?

16. amy1242 on 30 Jan 2009 at 7:57 am #

    Welcome SEP!! Can’t wait to read Love! I enjoy all your work!

17. Margaret on 30 Jan 2009 at 7:59 am #

    Welcome, SEP! My first SEP was “Nobody’s Baby But Mine”. Still a favorite along with “Heaven, Texas”. I love Bobby Tom’s proposal to Grace at the end. Can’t wait to get my mitts on “What I Did For Love”.

    As for being a celebrity. Show me the money, then leave me the @%^ alone. I can’t imagine having to look 100% all the time. Apparently, even in the backyard thanks to mega-zoom lenses. Poor Jennifer Love Hewitt was savaged because somebody took a very unflattering bikini shot of her. Ulp. No thanks. I have to have a scavenger hunt for my bra when I want to go out the front door.

    I wouldn’t mind a cook. Not a chef. Too fancy for me. A maid to pick up after me would be peachy. A car that smells and is new. Paid for, of course.

    Have you ever noticed that celebs smiles don’t often reach their eyes?

18. Becky on 30 Jan 2009 at 8:21 am #

    Hi SEP! The only thing I really envy about celebrities is their income. I wouldn’t mind having that much money. I’d get myself a beautiful house with a very large whirlpool for my master bathroom and a cook so I could be forced to eat yummy healthy foods and have an entire workout room somewhere in the house. Maybe hidden behind the dessert room. And I’d get to wear gorgeous designer gowns to big events like the Oscars!
    I would not want to actually BE a celebrity, because I like my privacy. I wouldn’t want to have my bad days captured on the tabloids or my relationships discussed on Good Morning America. I feel really bad for celebrities sometimes, cuz they’re people too, you know?
    Thought I’d announce to everyone that I get to be an Aunt for the first time this summer! YAY! I’m super excited for my brother and his wife!

19. Karie on 30 Jan 2009 at 8:25 am #

    Welcome, Susan!!

    I’m a sucker for contemps so I am now eagarly awaiting What I Did For Love.

    I think the thing I envy the most about celebs is the lack of concern for money. Ohhh and the fashion!! Being able to walk out of the house in a different outfit every day would be a dream come true.
    I would hate (with a passion) the constant scrutiny of every move I made. I admire people for making their dream come true by becoming successful at what they do (actor/actress, singer) but don’t see the need for the paps to be following their every move. I hate, even more, when the paps hide in bushes and behind trees to get that “money shot” of someones kids. Kids are off limits, IMO. Every time I hear about Julia Roberts going after them I just want to yell “YOU GO GIRL”!!! You could come after me, reasonably, but stay away from my kids. As much as I don’t like Michael Jacskon since he’s turned into a white woman, I do agree with him covering his kids faces when they go out in public. Just sayin’.

    (If I knew how to make the print really really little, I would say that I look at TMZ daily.)

20. Mooslady on 30 Jan 2009 at 8:33 am #

    Not having to scrape to pay the bills and someone else keeping my house clean sound good but not worth the cost in having no privacy and getting so much criticism. I don’t want to sound like I have a great deal of sympathy for celebrities, I don’t. They chose their lifestyles. What really puts me off is how many have totally disfunctional familes, huge numbers of divorces, drug overdoses and suicides. Obviously tons of money and adoring fans, don’t make you happy. If you aren’t happy with a little, you won’t be happy with a lot.

21. JudyPatooty on 30 Jan 2009 at 8:35 am #

    Hi Susan! Welcome to Mt. Oly! It’s always so wonderful when there are Guest Goddesses!

    I think the only thing I envy about the celebrity lifestyle is the money. But I would hate the intense scrutiny of the public and having the papparazzi hounding me every moment of the day. The pressure on them to be perfect all the time must be horrible. No wonder Britney shaved her head!

22. Gannon on 30 Jan 2009 at 8:46 am #

    Hi, Susan! It’s such a treat to have you with us today. Your books are my “go-to” when I need a laugh-out-loud, feel good story. Can’t wait to read WHAT I DID FOR LOVE!

    As far as celebrity perks go, I wouldn’t mind the private jet, personal trainer, personal chef deal. But I would hate to have my every move documented on film by the paparazzi. Right now, you can’t open a magazine without seeing Jessica Simpson’s photo splashed across the pages talking about how she’s gotten fat. Puhleeze! She looks curvy and feminine, far from fat! Give her a break.

23. SheridanLA on 30 Jan 2009 at 8:50 am #

    Hi, Susan.. thank you for making me laugh through your books.

    Onto celebrity.. most of the celebrities you see somewhat create that monster on their own. There are many places here in LaLa Land that we know to go if we want to spot a celebrity. If they are shopping on Robertson, eating at the Ivy, Mr. Chow, etc, the papparazi camp out and wait for them.. even we non-celeb know they are there..which means it is an easy way to get some press. The red carpet is part of the job and cannot be avoided – but some of the hype is built by things that the celebs do – which creates drama, which then attracts readers. Now this is not always the case – but most of the time it is a beast of their own making. The notoriety helps the career and the paycheck.

    I have been out to eat or shopping more times then I can count here and sat next to a celebrity and there is nothing going on.. but they are less trendy (and much better) places. That is just a small (not perhaps not always correct) observation from one of the main dens of celebrity iniquity.

    (con’t)

24. Susan Elizabeth Phillips on 30 Jan 2009 at 8:52 am #

    So nice to be here! My husband once said that being an author is absolutely the best kind of celebrity. I totally agree. It doesn’t interfer with my daily life, yet I have these amazing shots of glamour. Okay, so I was in Costco last week–definitely not looking my best–and a reader recognized me. Had a lovely chat right by the bulk cereal. But that’s only the 3rd time that’s happened to me. It just doesn’t get any better, and I know exactly how lucky I am.

    Question regarding cold Chicago weather and what beach I’d like to be on… Australia sounds really good! It’s just been a miserable winter. My poor sister lives in Minneapolis, a fabulous city that gets absolutely no respect. She complains because all the network news stories focus in on frigid Chicago when the temps are always worse where she lives! (Thinks we’re a bunch of pansies.)

25. Madeline Hunter on 30 Jan 2009 at 8:57 am #

    Hi, Susan! Welcome!

    I am right up there in finding nothing attractive about being recognized everywhere. I would hate to have to be “on” every time I left the house. I don’t see much appeal to the kind of fleeting fame that celebs have. Now, if someone wanted to give me the old-fashioned fame for something wonderful and timeless where my name goes down in history, that would be hard to turn down.

    I do envy celebs all the “help.” sigh. Like a guy who would shovel out my driveway right now. Or a full time assistant to organize me. And it would be great to have the hairdresser and make up person right there for when I do have to look. . . better. I also would not mind one of those cribs where I could design it just the way I want and have oodles of space that someone else would keep clean and tidy.

    Madeline

26. SheridanLA on 30 Jan 2009 at 9:01 am #

    Now, that being said.. I sometimes read the entertainment news , though I hate TMZ and those sites.. their papps are annoying as hell and I have almost been in wrecks caused by them a few times. They are rude and intrusive. My boss was out on the beach one day and there were a few there.. some B lister was there and their publicist called them to let them know. (see how this sometimes works?)

    On a different note.. tomorrow night, i will be in the middle of some of this (yes, I am bragging because I am excited!) I am going to the Director’s Guild of America awards!! My friend works on MadMen and we were able to go with her… I am more excited because it is something I would not normally get to do, but it will be quite a trip being in the same room with many of these people. It is not televised, but if you want to quietly root for Mad Men to win, that would be cool.

27. kristy on 30 Jan 2009 at 9:07 am #

    I just finished reading What I Did For Love last night…I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!! But then I love all of your books.
    In regards to celebrity, I would not want that kind of life for my family. The only thing that I would like to have as perks are a maid ( I hate to clean!!) and their shoes & purses. I am so addicted to shoes! The thought of having to get dressed up and be so put together all the time, it makes me tired just thinking about it.

    Can’t wait until the next book!!!!!!!!!

28. Freshechelle on 30 Jan 2009 at 9:11 am #

    Hi Susan. Thanks for the entertaining books that have made many a flight delay bearable.

    I’ve just moved to Chicago this month and right after I settled in, i went to Anderson’s book store to buy
    Glitter Baby and got a ticket to be #13 on line for your meet and greet (OK, and to find a place for a good pedicure).

    Celebrity, schmelebrity. I’ll take the cash & comfort but you can keep the publicity. You can especially keep the talk show appearances where they have to pitch a lame movie they clearly are embarrassed by as part of a deal to get the good role they really wanted in another film. And I don’t want to feel obligated to carry some unimaginative handbag or ripped jeans a PR person pressured me into carrying just to get it photographed in US Weekly.

29. Freshechelle on 30 Jan 2009 at 9:12 am #

    Sheridan, I have a friend in PR who’s kids when to the same school as Brad & Angie’s when they live in NY. She said it was obvious which days B&A told the papps to show up and which days they didn’t. What a racket.

30. Julia London on 30 Jan 2009 at 9:14 am #

    Welcome to Mt. Oly, Susan!

    I am a big fan of celebrity gossip and rags. I don’t know that I envy much about their lives except maybe the clothes. And the personal trainers. And the personal chefs. And the assistants.

    I would die under that kind of scrutiny. I would be the one you see in the check out aisle — close up of some mystery celebrity’s thigh — with cellulite — and the banner that screams at you to guess which mega-star has flabby thighs, answer revealed page 6. what a nightmare!

31. Kim on 30 Jan 2009 at 9:19 am #

    I totally envy celebs all that swag. Could you imagine someone giving you a Birkin bag?!?! Gimme, gimme, gimme. LOL. I’m all about the perks.

32. elsiehogarth on 30 Jan 2009 at 9:22 am #

    Welcome Susan! I got What I Did For Love, on Tuesday, and read it 2 days. I totally loved the celebrity/paparazzi/family hectic crazy situation. You and all the authors, from Mt.Oly, are not only goddesses but wonderful celebrities for all romance readers.

    I have to agree with everyone that said they’d just want a celebrities money to pay bills, personal trainer, a chef and an island vacation home. I’ll also add the private jet.

    I just feel sorry for celebrities because once they become one they lose touch with reality, their families, true friends and surround themselves with “yes” people that are just around to suck them dry. I don’t envy celebrities but really get annoyed at how they bitch and moan about their privacy. I’m sure they knew that going into the business, of being an actor, their life would never be their own ever again. Especially if they made it big time by either their talents, whoever they were dating or married to.

33. Claudia Dain on 30 Jan 2009 at 9:33 am #

    Welcome, Susan! I just love your books!

    Celebrities have made a tough bargain: they can have it all–the houses, the jets, the jewels, the clothes. They just can’t have food.

    No food. Talk about a deal with the devil; it’s positively Faustian.

    It’s not worth it. Plus, that level of scrutiny would drive me nuts in a week. I’m all about my Privacy Zone. I couldn’t even make it in a small town! Give me the anonymity of a city any day.

34. Margaret on 30 Jan 2009 at 10:01 am #

    I’m not sure all celebrities know going in that they will lose their privacy. Maybe a few. When I was young, I wanted to be an actress and become famous. Like many another youngster, of course. Not once did it ever occur to me that my life could be changed from what I’d always known. We really are talking about only a few famous people when you consider how many thousands and thousands of actors are around in the world. Playing in dinner theaters, regional theaters, etc. Very few ever make it big but they hang in there for the love of what they are doing.

    I think a certain amount of low self-esteem must be built in to acting. Why else would you want to pretend to be somebody else for much of your life? And the kids who grow up in the business seem to be the most vulnerable. Brittany, Lindsay and their ilk have never known anything else and not many people to tell them “no”. I also think the celebrities who manage to keep some semblance of normal don’t live in Hollywood or hang out in the trendy places Sheridan mentions. It’s not a life I’d want for me or my kids.

    Crawling off my soap box now. LOL

35. Freedom Writer on 30 Jan 2009 at 10:05 am #

    Welcome Susan!

    What would I like about being a celebrity? A personal trainer, a personal chef, a personal stylist, a personal assistant.

    What would I not like about being a celebrity? Having tabloids and other media outlets showing pictures of me at a size 8 and saying that I was fat. Come on now a size 8? Maybe a 28 of even possibly an 18, but a size 8. give us all a break!

36. Karen Hawkins on 30 Jan 2009 at 10:23 am #

    Did you guys see where Kathy Griffin on the D-List was told by a fashion designer that she was a bit ‘large’ because she was a size six? Can you even IMAGINE? What a high standard these people are held to. It’s sad.

37. SheridanLA on 30 Jan 2009 at 10:34 am #

    Karen, what is even more sad is that after they already get the makeup, hair, wardrobe and perfect lighting done.. they are STILL retouched… same with every pic you see in a magazine… except maybe “before” pics and those criticizing people for being human. Moreso with women then men – but neither are safe.

38. Sarah T on 30 Jan 2009 at 10:40 am #

    Welcome! I picked up a copy of WHAT I DID FOR LOVE on Tuesday (I actually went on a book buying spree at Target.) I’ve set aside all weekend to read it and can’t wait.

    What a great topic! If I was a celebrity I think I would spend as much time as possible at the spa. For me spa treatments are the epitome of luxury. And yes, I would also want a personal trainer and a Pilates reformer machine in my home seeing as I’m a Pilates nut.

    I would also truly enjoy helping some of my favorite charities. I think we often see one side of celebrity life, the side the media feels they can sell. But what about the sometimes forgotten side where stars are donating HUGE amounts of money to help others in need around the world or lending star-power to TV ads for St. Jude’s? I think I would use my celeb power to rescue abused animals and maybe start my own horse farm for abused horses. I would also love to give to charities helping to feed starving children across the globe. At the end of the day, yes I might complain about the invasion of privacy and the media would pick that up and run with it, but I would know that I was also doing a lot to help those in need.

39. Julie on 30 Jan 2009 at 10:42 am #

    I wouldn’t want to have the pressure of having to look good all the time. I wouldn’t want to have cameras in my face. And I would feel uncomfortable with the Insincerity of people sucking up to me because I was famous.
    I would Absolutely HATE the Invasion of Privacy.
    Couldn’t … wouldn’t want to ever live like that. Give me my Personal Space.
    Of course I would not mind the money that often accompanies fame.. But it would have to be An Awful lot of money to put up with all of the drawbacks that fame brings.

40. Nancy Geary on 30 Jan 2009 at 10:53 am #

    I’ve been thinking about this while puttering around the house picking up after my husband, kids, and dog…
    While before I said that I’d like to have assistants running around, I’d have to qualify that answer. It seems to me that there would be a lot of “yes” people hanging around…telling you how smart, witty, pretty, etc. you are.
    How many times have we seen pictures of a celebrity and said, “What the ?@#! is she wearing?” “Is that a BIRD in her hair or a hat?” Yet someone picked it out and told them they looked “sensational” “fantastic” in it, I’m sure. Paid opinions? Not for me.
    I’ll take my normal, honest-to-the-point-I-don’t-want-to-hear-it-sometimes FRIENDS any day of the week. Although sometimes I’d like to strangle my husband when he asks me, “Are you really going to wear THAT?” which inevitably leads to another 30-60 minute foray back into my closet and 15 minutes late for our reservation! (P.S. He’s learning!)

41. Louisa Edwards on 30 Jan 2009 at 10:55 am #

    I envy the ability to get a table at the hottest restaurant in town on Saturday night with no reservation. Other than that? I don’t know. Having a personal trainer to motivate me to spend three hours a day at the gym? But that would probably get old. And considering the first thing I envy, I’d probably need to spend more like four or five hours!

42. Susan Elizabeth Phillips on 30 Jan 2009 at 11:00 am #

    Confession time. I have a personal assistant. Yes, a real live personal assistant who comes to the house twice a week to pick up my mail, who makes phone calls for me, runs errands if I need it, and does a zillion other things. Yes, yes, yes, yes. It is a fabulous luxury, and if I could have one wish for every woman on the planet, I’d wish all of you could have a P.A. Her name is Sharon, she has 4 kids (plus me), and I know she loves the job as much as I love her because she can do everything on her own schedule. I’m so so so so lucky!

    I shouldn’t have mentioned this, should I? Now you’re all going to hate me.

43. Susan Elizabeth Phillips on 30 Jan 2009 at 11:01 am #

    P.S. Just curious if any of the “Goddesses” have one of these marvelous creatures?

44. LauraR on 30 Jan 2009 at 11:01 am #

    Love, love, love your books SEP!

    I don’t like being in the spotlight so I’d never make it as a celebrity. Like Margaret said, gimme the $$ and leave me alone. ((so I can read more books!))

45. Julia London on 30 Jan 2009 at 11:29 am #

    I have a virtual assistant, the lovely handmaiden Kim. She takes care of soooo much for me that it allows me to do the laundry.

46. Rachel Gibson on 30 Jan 2009 at 11:37 am #

    I read TMZ every day and have a subscription to People, but I’m not enamored with Celebs. One of the only Celebs I’m loving at the moment, is Kate Winslet. She is a great actress and she doesn’t preach or jump on couches.

    One of the great things about being an author is that no one recognizes me. Not even when I’m standing in Wal-Mart signing stock. I had one reader reach around me, pick up a book I’d just signed, and say, “I love Rachel Gibson’s books” before she walked off. The only time a reader has recognized me was last Sept. when I ran out of the house at 4:30 to make sure my manuscript got to NY the next day. My three- day hair was in a ratty ponytail and I had on my dog-hair covered sweats. I probably smelled bad too. The girl at the counter recognized my name and had read all my books. I was mortified and can’t image having to deal with worrying about not looking my best every day because my photo might be taken.

    Like the other Goddesses, I have handmaiden Kim who takes care of the things that I would never get around to doing. She’s fab.

47. Nicole Jordan on 30 Jan 2009 at 11:38 am #

    Welcome back to Mt. Oly, Susan! It’s great to have you… and I’m dying to read WIDFL!

    I admit I get my celeb fix only from TV Guide and Parade Magazine in the Sunday paper. Otherwise I wouldn’t know — or care — about so many of the stars. I think I got turned off many years ago after learning about a particular movie star’s foibles. Before that he was hero material. Afterward I just couldn’t picture him as a good guy… so I’d rather just remain ignorant and keep them up on their pedastals!

48. Karen Hawkins on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:04 pm #

    I don’t have a personal assistant, either. However, I also subscribe to handmaiden Kim’s handy-dandy and uber-professional services. She’s a wonder, she is, and if I could afford to move her and her fam into my house and pay her a decent salary, I would in a heartbeat.

    Until then, I can only dream of having a full time assistant. I’m not sure I’d have enough to keep her busy full-time, but if the opportunity comes, I’m willing to give up as much of my work as I humanly can.

    I’m a giver.

49. Suzanne Enoch on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:05 pm #

    Welcome back, SEP! I want the kind of celebrity that allows me to have a personal trainer, gets me good seats at the theater, and keeps my accounts and pays my bills on time — and doesn’t require me to actually do anything. Is that possible?

    I do not have a personal assistant — though I’m making up a list of why I need one. *g*

50. Rachel Gibson on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:08 pm #

    Perhaps one of the reasons I’m not enamored with Hollywood is because they can’t seem to make a decent romantic comedy. It puzzling since there are so many great rom com books. I’d love to see Heaven Texas made into a movie, but no. Instead we get How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days and Failure to Launch.

    rachelg

51. Kim on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:10 pm #

    Wow, I was feeling this huge wave of adoration and what do you know it was coming from the blog. It pulled me in like a Cartier diamond *G*

    K-Hawk–The day you can afford it just let me know. I’ve got the Uhaul on standby!

    Suzie-call me *G*

    SEP–I think its so cool that Sharon is there locally. That makes it so neat for both of you.

52. Candis on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:19 pm #

    Ooooh. Heaven, Texas as a movie! Perfect. I know exactly who’d I’d pick to play Bobby Tom. One of my fav all time books that is so dog-earred it’s crazy.

    I’m not enamored with celebrities because I used to work in Hollywood with celebrities. Yeah, they really aren’t half as great as they think they are.

    Meeting Charleton Heston was pretty cool, even though he didn’t part the Red Sea in front of me. Of course, that same night I met O.J. Simpson (pre-murders). Just goes to show you how fast a celebrity sighting can go downhill.

53. kristy on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:21 pm #

    In response to making Heaven Texas into a movie, that would be awesome! Make the whole Stars series into a tv series… Now there are some women we can all relate to and would turn in every week to watch. Kiss an Angel would make a fabulous movie too.

54. Susan Elizabeth Phillips on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:29 pm #

    Re. movies… Let’s face it. Hollywood pretty much can’t make a decent romantic comedy. They just don’t know how! I get so many emails about movies of my books, but what I want–what readers want from all of us–is a movie of the book they actually read, and that just won’t happen. For one thing, they have less than 2 hours to tell the story. Very frustrating. I’ve been involved with a number of Hollywood “deals” and have rejected everything that’s come my way involving signing over my books without having any control over the actual script. No way. No how.

    A question for Goddesses? Do you have a particular book that you think would translate well to film? Which one and why?

55. Ayse on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:35 pm #

    Susan, if I had to pick one of your books for a movie I think my first choice would be Ain’t She Sweet. Can’t go wrong with a British lead man

56. Freshechelle on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:37 pm #

    Rachel, have you seen the promos for New In Town with Renee Z and Harry Connick, Jr. It looks spectacularly awful. Renee falling a lot is supposed to pass for the comedy in a romantic comedy.

57. Lisa on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:37 pm #

    I am not that enamored of celebrities. About 25 years ago I had the opportunity to mingle with very well known celebrities and a few “legends”. I was invited to a party in Beverly Hills by my cousin who provided a piano for a parade that was held on St.Patrick’s Day. There was a party afterwards at a very famous restaurant. Most of the celebrities were very nice and just like anybody else. I stood in a chow line between Red Buttons and Sidney Pointier. Both were incredibly nice and kept me laughing while we were waiting in line. I also saw up close Pierce Brosnan (who did not look that great in a scruffy beard) and even Jimmy Stewart. It was a great afternoon but some of the people struck me as sad. One was a local anchorman who looked drunk and very Ted Baxterish. The most interesting people I saw during the parade was producer Aaron Spelling with his wife and their two kids (one was Tori). They were standing on the street corner across the street from where we were sitting in bleachers. Tori obviously did not want to be there and was sulking as her poor father was trying to show her what was going on with the parade.

58. Ayse on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:37 pm #

    I wouldn’t want anybody famous in the movie though.

59. Cathie Linz on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:38 pm #

    I once heard someone describe a successful romantic comedy as trying to capture lightning in a bottle. Not an easy thing to do. I think thrillers are easier because they focus on action rather than emotion. Cathie

60. Nancy Geary on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:38 pm #

    I have to confess to y’all – I have a personal trainer that I go to twice a week. He’s fabulous, a totally normal-looking guy, and SOO not the kind of smarmy gym rat types you see stereotyped. He calls & texts me if I’m running late to make sure I’m coming to the gym and sends me words of encouragement right around dessert time to help avoid temptation….
    I also admit though, it’s not an end-all beat all solution. You’d probably never guess I work out as much as I do by looking at me. You only get as much as you put into it, and I TOTALLY slacked off during the holidays (thank goodness for winter clothes – they hide a multitude of sins!). Now I’m trying to get back in full swing and regretting the extra helpings of dessert.
    Last year, he helped me lose 30 lbs. in 6 months, but I also exercised about 2 hours a day on my own and strictly stuck to my diet – no bread, pasta, or sugar at all.
    The stars that have personal trainers also work out 2-3 hours a day every day because that’s what their job requires. I go to mine twice a week for an hour and that’s plenty to keep my muscles sore!

61. Lisa H on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:41 pm #

    Susan – WELCOME- I love all your books! “Ain’t She Sweet” is probably my fav, although they are all wonderful!

    I wouldn’t mind being a celebrity. My favorite perk would be the personal chef/trainer. I would love to be a size 8 again and if I was, I’d invite some other celebrities over for dinner, like say, Johnny Depp and Rob Pattinson. (future FRO’s ladies, trust me) Yes, just me in my size 8 jeans and the two gentlemen. I think that would be about the best perk going.

    I thought Twilight translated very well into film. I loved it!

62. library slut on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:42 pm #

    Hi Susan, how about PS I love you? I thought that was great romantic comedy, although admittedly it could just be gerard butler.

    everyone I talk to says that WIDFL has sold out at their local stores! not that that is a surprise.

63. Ayse on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:44 pm #

    I loved P.S. I love you

64. Ayse on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:45 pm #

    lol library slut

65. Ayse on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:46 pm #

    Julie Garwoods Mercy would be soooo god as a movie

66. Ayse on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:51 pm #

    The Wedding Date would’ve been great if someone else played Kat

67. LisaA on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:52 pm #

    Hi Susan…I read WIDFL on Tuesday and love, love, loved it! The banter between Bram and Georgie was fabulous and such great supporting characters!

    I would love having a p.a., personal chef and trainer, dress up if designer togs, and all that swag. But not if I have to give up my privacy and real friends….that’s just too high a price.

    I agree that there are very few great rom coms movies, especially from books, since movie makers don’t make the movie that is faithful to the books I love, and never consult me when casting the hero and heroine so they always get wrong One of my fav rom com movies is When Harry Met Sally.

68. LisaA on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:57 pm #

    As much as I would love to see Match Me If You Can, my favorite SEP book, turned into a movie, I know it would never match the movie that’s in my head. So I’m so very glad, Susan, that you vetoed having your books made into movies for the reasons you’ve mentioned.

69. Ayse on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:58 pm #

    I’m so jealous you guys seem to have all read the book. It’ll take forever for it to come here :-/
    May just get the ebook

70. Karen Rose on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:58 pm #

    Welcome SEP!

    I would hate to be recognized when I leave the house. It’s bad enough to have to sneak to the gym at 5 am during RWA Nationals because very few people are awake to see me sweaty, nasty, and no makeup that time of the morning! I can’t imagine the stress of constant public display.

    Although limo rides are cool. I was driven in a limo from a NY party once. It was a dinner in a very hot nightspot in Manhattan, and when we left after midnight, there were still lines around the block to get in. We’d had a room reserved for a large dinner and earlier the rooftop bar for cocktails.

    Nobody knew who I was, but I have to say that walking out of that place and getting in the limo was a total kick!

    But that was a few years back and I’m still living off the thrill, LOL. I think a constant diet of that would get old real fast.

71. Margaret on 30 Jan 2009 at 12:59 pm #

    LOL, now we’re turning into True Confessions around here today.

    I don’t think a decent movie is possible from a book. I know what all the characters look like because I’ve gotten acquainted with them as I’ve read. My h/h probably don’t look much like what the author envisioned. Multiply my vision by the thousands of other readers and not many will be pleased with the movie folk’s ideas. Dare I say we romance readers are a tad on the opinionated and possessive side about the books we love? Ahem.

    In my head, I see Bobby Tom Denton portrayed by the oh-so-sexy Josh Turner. Gotta have that down home accent w/o sounding like Larry the Cable Guy. Josh’s deep, deep voice revs my motor. Renee Zellwegger as Gracie Snow. She could pull off that frump to cutie pie look easily. I love Gracie.

    See how smart you were to nix the movie deals, SEP? I can’t think of another romance author whose works have been treated well by the movie industry.

72. Margaret on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:00 pm #

    BTW, SEP. I believe another term for your assistant is “wife”. ROTFL

73. library slut on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:07 pm #

    I know she hates this, but I think that because her characters are so well fleshed out that any of SEP’s books would be a great movie.
    margaret, I think renee would be great as gracie! or daisy.

74. Freshechelle on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:15 pm #

    Library slut – love your CB handle!

75. Suzanne Enoch on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:24 pm #

    Oooh, I’d totally want to see my “Flirting with Danger” made into a movie. The characters are so vivid in my head that I’d be curious to see how they shaped up on screen. And Hugh Jackman would star, of course.

76. JudyPatooty on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:30 pm #

    I would be in favor of making any romance novel set in the Scottish Highlands into a movie … as long as it starred Gerard Butler and required him to wear a kilt at all times (except when he got naked, of course).

77. cheryl c. on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:32 pm #

    Just poppin’ in to say, I love, love your books!! Every one of your books has been a delight to read.

78. Nancy Geary on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:37 pm #

    Suzanne E:

    I totally agree with Hugh Jackman!! I’m tuning into the Oscars this year just because he is hosting it.
    I’m curious to see that movie “He’s Just Not That Into You” to see how they translated it to the big screen. However, I’m afraid it’s going to be one of those movies whose best parts are shown in the preview….

    I agree with Margaret about every reader having a different picture in their head of their favorite H/H. Books leave oh so much to the imagination.

    A bookstore in Dallas had a T-shirt around Christmastime that said..”Books…Read the Movie”. I thought that was great and SO true!!

79. LoriHandeland on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:45 pm #

    I don’t have a personal assistant, Susan, but boy could I use one. A few years back I had a college student come in for a few hours a week and that was great.

    As for a book into a movie, I ‘d love to see ANY GIVEN DOOMSDAY made into a movie. Lots of sex and violence. Right up Hollywood’s alley!

    I’ve always thought my Rock Creek Six series (written with Linda Jones) would be a great mini series.
    But that’ll never happen either. Sigh.

    I can’t remember the last decent romantic comedy I saw. I liked PS I Love You but it seemed more drama to me than comedy.

80. Elyssa Papa on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:45 pm #

    Hi, Susan!!! Like most people here today, I’m a huge fan of your books. Absolutely loved WID4L. I wonder why Hollywood producers/etc. wouldn’t want an author to have more input in her books being made into films. After all J.K. Rowling seems to have a heavy hand and influence into how her books are translated, and they’re all very successful (and pretty much true to the books). I’m pretty sure Helen Fielding also wrote the screenplay for the first Bridget Jones’ movie, but I could be wrong.

    As to Rom Coms, I do like them; however, I get fed up when the screenplay makes the heroine TSTL or uber-obsessed with shopping. I’d love to see a SEP movie since the heroines are always smart, but only if the movie remained true to SEP’s vision.

    Congrats on the release for WID4L!!!

81. library slut on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:48 pm #

    judy patooty, I am sooo with you.

82. LauraR on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:48 pm #

    I think one of the difficulties with translating a book to a movie is how to expose the characters thoughts to the viewers. SEP’s descriptions are so rich that I’m able to visualize the situations so much better than film. Then of course you’d have to deal with the director’s “vision” and the actors’ interpretation of the script. Seems to be way too much opportunity to veer from the author’s original intent.

83. LauraR on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:51 pm #

    yep, JudyPatooty…GB naked… now there’s a picture!

84. Rachel Gibson on 30 Jan 2009 at 1:57 pm #

    Freshechelle

    I have seen the trailer for New In Town, and this is one that I might actually drag my behind out of the house to see. Not a fan of Renee Z but loooove looove looove Harry C. When I saw Hope Floats, Harry “had me at hello.”

85. Rachel Gibson on 30 Jan 2009 at 2:00 pm #

    Speaking of my own work, I wrote a book years ago, True Confessions, that I think would make a nice rom com.

    rachelg

86. Unclaudia on 30 Jan 2009 at 2:05 pm #

    I couldn’t stand being a celebrity. I’m not a celeb, but I am one of those super-involved community leaders? Everybody knows me. I can’t go to the stupid grocery store without running into somebody, if not several somebodys, who want to talk to me about their kid, the next (or last) mtg, if I’ve cut a check for so-and-so yet, or the price of eggs in Bangladesh. I just want my gallon of milk, y’know? I’ve got parents calling me on the phone – daily – who expect me to know who they are by voice alone and man, do I hate cells because my caller ID doesn’t pick up on all of them. It didn’t used to be so bad, but I added another thing this past yr so even when I run into people at the mall…They obviously know me, but I have no earthly clue who they are. I bluff my way through it, of course, but the general creepiness does not diminish, no matter how many times it happens. Celebs must be out of their minds. Only thing I can figure.

    I finally sell a bk, I’m going with a pseudonym and I intend to lie to the whole world about it. The end.

    SEP, I think MMIYC would make a STELLAR movie. As long as Hollywood didn’t make the heroine an idiot. LOL

87. Holli A. on 30 Jan 2009 at 2:10 pm #

    I love seeing books that are made into movies, even if I know that seeing it will leave me a little let down. I have to say in all honesty, though, that the only one of SEP’s books that I feel could really be a hit as a movie is First Lady. All of the other ones are great, but might lose a little of their magic in translation. FL was always very “visual” in my head when I read it though.

88. Lisa H on 30 Jan 2009 at 2:15 pm #

    JudyPatooty – LOL except when he got naked. Why clothe him at all, really?

89. Freshechelle on 30 Jan 2009 at 2:37 pm #

    Rachel, Hope Floats is a good one because of HC’s hot factor. That soundtrack is good with Trisha Yearwood’s version of To Make You Feel My Love – that song really does it for me.

90. library slut on 30 Jan 2009 at 2:43 pm #

    rachael, I am ordering up true confessions from the library.

91. Ayse on 30 Jan 2009 at 2:48 pm #

    Rachel
    I’d love to see Truly Madly Yours as a movie
    Nick is my fave… Rob and John a close 2nd

92. gibb on 30 Jan 2009 at 2:57 pm #

    Hey there SEP. Your books rock! When I was in college and read your books they were good but I didn’t relate to them and quickly went on to other books. Then when I got older I came across Nobody’s Baby But Mine and I loved it. I gathered all the books of yours I could find and have bought everything since. There’s something about the richness of the characters that I love. Keep up the awesome work.

    I don’t envy celebrities at all. I like going out in a baseball head looking raggedy. I couldn’t imagine everyone having an opinion about me, my actions and family life based upon the “facts” they think they know.

    Even though I’d love to see your work on film, I’m glad to go along with your decision to wait until the script is perfect. I’d hate to mess with the film footage running in my head when I read your books. If the actor/actress was totally not what I’d pictured, it would suck. That’s why I like book covers where they leave the imagination of what the hero/heroine look like up to the reader.

93. Denise K. on 30 Jan 2009 at 3:01 pm #

    Hello Susan…read Kiss An Angel and loved it. My mom and I swap books and she received it from a friend and passed it on. I will be looking for some of your other titles.

    My previous husband was involved in the development and training of counter-terrorism techniques over twenty years ago. He visited other countries and worked with other governments. I have to say that we had a security detail that at times drove me insane. If celebrity is anything like that, NO THANK YOU! It is a difficult situation at best. Someone always has to know where you are, you can’t go out spontaneously and the “assistants” are more like anchors that are there to keep you on schedule. The perks may seem great, but you have to give up alot to get them. I am a simple person and prefer my privacy. I like to fly by the seat of my pants. If I want to jump in the car and go to Miami, I don’t want to have to plan it to death. If I don’t feel like wearing make-up, I don’t want to have to worry I’ll find a photo in the newspaper. That’s not to say that there isn’t an upside. I’m sure most celebs aren’t worried about their economic situation. But I would rather be poor and happy than rich and miserable.

94. Janae on 30 Jan 2009 at 3:37 pm #

    Hello Susan!

    My dh works in “the biz” and has worked with some big name celebrities. There’s no way I’d want to be a celebrity. The craziness that is their lives is so completely unappealing to me. He’s had to arrange security when a celeb was coming into work and was bringing her baby out for the first time. Since no pictures of the baby had been released, yet, it would have meant a big score for the paparazzi to get a picture of this little baby boy. I just can’t imagine that.

    The only conversations I have about celebrities, are about who’s being cast at work. Since my dh as the head of the department, doesn’t go to the recording sessions anymore, we don’t talk about the happenings during the sessions. He had some great stories, too, but I don’t miss hearing about them.

95. Michelle B on 30 Jan 2009 at 4:39 pm #

    SEP, I know what you mean about having creative control over your own stories. Several mentioned that they loved the Rom Com “PS I Love You”. I too loved the movie, then I read the book. I felt like it wasn’t even the same story. The book had a totally different setting. The only similarity was the main characters’ names, and that there were letters written. The letters were delivered differently in the book. Holly’s family was more important in the book. It’s like you said about books having to be cut to 2 hours, but the changes in this one really surprised me.

96. Karen Hawkins on 30 Jan 2009 at 5:37 pm #

    I’d love to see my first and only (so far) contemporary made into a movie! But like you, Susan, I’d want to keep some creative control and I’ve heard that unless you’re Rowling, you can’t get that.

    I hate that part.

    One of the things I love about my book is the town it’s set in. I hope to use that town for other books, and have some strong reoccurring characters. BUT that’s exactly what would get cut in a script and it would totally change the book’s tone.

    It’s really a catch-22, isn’t it?

    Btw, did you guys check on the link in Susan’s intro to hear her read the first chapter of her new book? YOU MUST DO THIS — it’s incredible!

97. Tori on 30 Jan 2009 at 8:26 pm #

    Rachel, I am SO with you about Harry Connick Jr.! I have had a massive crush on him for years! Hope Floats… sigh!

98. Becke/Treethyme on 30 Jan 2009 at 10:23 pm #

    Well, I would have been here sooner but I was too busy READING THE BOOK! I’m a long way from finished (it came by mail this afternoon), but it’s wonderful, so far.

    I knew it would be, of course. Hard to believe I only discovered SEP a little over a year ago. I’m SOOOO glad Lani Diane Rich recommended her to me!

    I think my favorites are Honeymoon and Ain’t She Sweet. but really, I love them all. I pre-order them the minute they become available, and I know from now on, I always will.

    Brilliant writing, wonderful characters, heartwarming stories. Fantastic!

99. Becke/Treethyme on 30 Jan 2009 at 10:25 pm #

    Oh, Karen, I loved your book, too. Hmm. Now that I look at your line-up, I’ve read a lot of books by some of you, and even those who are kind of new to me are in my TBR pile. I’ll have to check in more often!

100. Karen Hawkins on 30 Jan 2009 at 11:41 pm #

     Becke, the TBR pile can be a strange, mysterious and intimidating thing. Sometimes it hides its treasures and sometimes it yields! I don’t know what I do without mine. Any time I’m stressed, I head there and find a new friend, a new voice, a fun story or just a place to take a break.

101. sandy aka vfun on 31 Jan 2009 at 1:22 am #

     hello SEP…. I just love It Had to Be You…. Dan and Phoebe are my favorite…. I own all of your book and I have them on Audio too.

     Well I love Dean… too…. Will we see any of the stars characters in your future books?

102. sandy on 31 Jan 2009 at 1:23 am #

     I just love TMZ… its a great show.

103. Susan Elizabeth Phillips on 31 Jan 2009 at 9:45 am #

     Thanks so much, everybody, for your warm welcome. It’s been a pleasure being here. If you’d like to chat more, I’m on my web site message board nearly every day. And thanks to all the Goddesses who are, truly, Goddesses!

104. Sabrina Jeffries on 31 Jan 2009 at 10:48 am #

     I can’t believe I missed SEP yesterday! I was having an exhausting photo shoot. Six hours. I better look like a goddess when those pics come in!

     I’ll tell you what I’d love to have–a housekeeper. A live-in housekeeper. Ah, how I’d love that.

     But I sure wouldn’t like the paparazzi thing. I go out without makeup all the time!

105. Karen Hawkins on 31 Jan 2009 at 7:40 pm #

     Susan, thank you so much for visiting us. It was delightful, as ever. You’re such a sweetie to take the time to stop by and we’re all excited about your book and we can’t wait to get our greedy hands on it!