Guiding Light to be Extinguished

by Anne Carter

72 years, nearly 16,000 episodes. What a legacy being left by the world’s longest running TV drama. The Guiding Light will air its final show on September 18, 2009, and you can bet there will be mourners. CBS cites low ratings for the decision to cease production of the soap, which has garnered 69 Daytime Emmys since its debut on television in 1952.

“I created ‘Guiding Light’ with one fundamental theme in mind: the brotherhood of man.” Irna Phillips, the show’s creator, couldn’t possibly have imagined the episodic’s success when he wrote those words in 1937. The daily peek into the lives and loves of the good folks of Springfield has attracted a huge following over the years, as viewers alternately laugh, cry, and pound their fists over every birth, death, affair, murder, kidnapping, disappearance, resurrection and, yes, even marriage. Marriages, as you may know, don’t usually last long in the soap world. And savvy viewers will pick up the same, recurring themes on modern dramas such as ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘“Brothers and Sisters’. Adultery, rape, abortion, homosexuality and AIDS are topics written into daytime scripts, often long before their nighttime counterparts.

The Guiding Light, among other daytime dramas, has launched many stars into the prime time and silver screen spotlight. Early stars such as Mercedes McCambridge and Maureen O’Sullivan played parts. Christopher Walken, Joseph Campanella, Jimmy Smits and Blythe Danner all took a turn on the soap.

Kevin Bacon played a troubled teen in the early 80’s. James Earl Jones, Billy Dee Williams and Cicely Tyson all had early career roles. Guest stars, too, had stints in Springfield. Veteran screen legend Joan Bennett, television talk show host Dick Cavett and actor James Coco appeared, along with Dorothy Loudon, Chita Rivera, Leslie Uggams and Tammy Grimes. Mackenzie Phillips, whom, at the time, had struggled with drug problems, portrayed a substance abuse counselor. Viewers have also been treated to Calista Flockhart and Hayden Panettiere, who got early starts on the show.

According to the Los Angeles Times, viewership fell from 5 million in 1999 to 2.17 million per episode this season. CBS, it says, “agonized” over the decision, along with the show’s owner Proctor and Gamble. By comparison, the network’s ‘Young and the Restless’ is still pulling in around 5.26 million viewers per episode. P&G has stated they are trying to find a new home for GL.

Early in my writing career, I considered trying to land a spot in the land of suds and lust. After careful research, I decided that the pace would be too much for a writer with young children still underfoot; soap scribes turn out a hour’s episode five days a week. Storylines are often handled by different writers and woven together via teleconferences and late-night think tank meetings. Burnout is not uncommon.

While I haven’t watched ‘Guiding Light’ in a few years, I still remember the characters as if they were distant relatives. Philip Spaulding, Rick Bauer, Reva Shayne, Josh Lewis… I will still miss them, knowing they won’t be there at 2 pm anymore.

Anne Carter is the author of paranormal romantic mystery, POINT SURRENDER, from Echelon Press, Amazon and Fictionwise. Visit Anne at BeaconStreetBooks.com.

Michael J. Fox: Every Reason To Be A Pessimist

I’m about halfway through the memoir LUCKY MAN by Michael J. Fox. It’s a slow process, only because it’s a paper book and I don’t have much time for reading other than after dark. The book was a gift, had I bought it myself I would have opted for an ebook version to read on my pocket PC in bed.

Michael is an alarmingly good writer. Articulate, astute, engaging. Had he not gone into show business, he likely could have written many bestsellers. He talks candidly and unashamedly about his bad times and good times, times of excess and poor judgment. The book is leading up to, and recounting the times before, his now well-known diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. Since I am a natural Hollywood groupie, I find the stories of his rise to stardom compelling, but not much moreso than the anecdotes about his early years and his family. Most disarming is his continued optimism in the face of adversity.

There is a thread of self-analysis that runs through the book, as if Michael is attempting to explain his life not only to his readers but to himself. His respect for, and devotion to, his wife Tracy (Pollan) is heartwarming. They actually met on the set of Family Ties, where Tracy was playing a possible love interest for Ties’ Alex Keaton. It didn’t work out for Alex, but at some point Michael and Tracy became a couple and the rest is history, as they say. (Photo by Alan Light.)

Part of that history is that in 1991, Michael was given the devastating news about his condition. He continued to work, bowing out from his then-series Spin City in 2001. From the time of his diagnosis to date, he made 18 films, and his lifetime achievements include four Emmy awards, four Golden Globes, two Screen Actors Guild awards, two Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice awards and one People’s Choice award. He’s done numerous TV guest spots, and has an upcoming role in Rescue Me (FX Network).

In 2000, Michael launched the non-profit Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, where he spends much of his time and resources today. The Foundation has funded nearly $140 million in research toward better Parkinson’s treatment. In addition, Michael has been a strong advocate for legislation supporting stem-cell research.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Michael will return to television with Michael J Fox: Adventures of An Incurable Optimist, airing May 7 on ABC. The special will examine the power of positive thinking, and, as noted on the Foundation’s website, “Fox explores science and his own personal experiences -- he says the past decade, since his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease, has been among his happiest. As part of the special, Fox visits the Himalayan nation of Bhutan, which he says is unusually committed to the well-being of its citizens.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m happy to see Michael back on the tube, and am looking forward to his personal brand of optimism. If he can be optimistic, considering all he’s been through, why can’t we?

Anne Carter is the author of paranormal romantic mystery, POINT SURRENDER, from Echelon Press, Amazon and Fictionwise. Visit Anne at BeaconStreetBooks.com.

Jan 27: Marlene Dietrich

Marie Magdalene Dietrich was born January 27, 1901, in Berlin. The German born, American actress is remembered for her glamorous persona, her sultry, smoky voice and her ability to continually reinvent herself.

From stage actress to film star, wartime front-line entertainer to cabaret singer, “Lene” (Layna) was always a surprise. Starting off as a chorus girl, Dietrich landed a few small roles and made a number of pictures before hooking up with director Josef von Sternberg, who cast her in “The Blue Angel” and thereafter laid claim to discovering her. The film was an international success, and led to Dietrich moving to the U.S. for a contract with Paramount. She went on to make what most consider her best six films, all with von Sternberg.

Although she married (Rudolf Sieber, 1924) and delivered a daughter (Maria Elisabeth, 1924), it is said that Marlene was bisexual, having affairs with both men and women. Like Kate Hepburn, she was often seen wearing trousers in public. She is quoted as saying that, while they never really connected, Orson Welles was the love of her life.

Dietrich became an American citizen in 1939. During WWII, she was reportedly approached by the Nazi Party and asked to return to Germany, but she refused. Instead, she traveled with American troops to entertain on the front lines with the USO, and was one of the first celebrities to raise war bonds. She was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her patriotism to her adopted country.

During the 50’s and 60’s, Marlene worked the cabaret circuit, playing Las Vegas and London while wearing provocative, daring costumes. During this period, she contracted Burt Bacharach as her musical arranger, who worked to create arrangements that would make the most of her limited range.

In September of 1975, Dietrich fell and broke her leg during a performance in Sydney, Australia, marking her last stage appearance. She continued on screen, however, appearing in David Bowie’s “Just A Gigolo” in 1979. Soon after, she began to retreat to her Paris apartment, where she ultimately spent the last 11 years of her life mostly bedridden. She died in May of 1992 at the age of 90, and her remains were returned to Berlin to be interred near her mother—not far from where she was born.

Interestingly, according to Wikipedia, her estate included 300,000 pages of documents, including correspondence with “Burt Bacharach, Yul Brynner, Maurice Chevalier, Noel Coward, Jean Gabin, Ernest Hemingway, Karl Lagerfeld, Nancy and Ronald Reagan, Erich Maria Remarque, Josef von Sternberg, Orson Welles, and Billy Wilder”. Her 59 films were made between 1919 and 1979 – a span of 60 years. She is credited with writing 3 autobiographical books, and is the subject of a number of biographies, including one by her daughter Maria Riva.

Marlene Dietrich’s “official” website opens with a surprisingly clear reproduction of Dietrich’s popular “theme”, “Falling In Love Again” – a song she purportedly hated!

A Departure From My Usual Blog

Someone asked me why I write about celebrities or persons of note when I am an author. Most authors, they said, write about writing, or their books, or the business of publishing. I should be trying to get readers—correction—book buyers to want to buy my stories.

They are probably right. Of course I want folks to buy POINT SURRENDER, or any of my several novels currently available. But I also want to entertain. As a person who reads many blogs, both as a writer and a reader, I grow weary of much of the hype, the endless dissertations on craft, marketing, format, etc. Most of what I could come up with has been said so many times by so many people (and so much better) that the words sometimes become invisible on the screen. But my intent is not to diminish in any way the efforts of my fellow authors; on the contrary, I laud you for your tireless contributions and thoughtful words.

When I write about people whose lives I find interesting, I feel that others might find them interesting as well. And therein lies a connection, however remote it might seem. I loved learning about James Herriot, Jackson Browne and Oscar Wilde. There is a certain romantic thread weaving these talented people together, a creativity I hope I share in just the least bit.

I wasn’t looking for a niche. Were my books biographical in nature, my blog topics would seem more relevant. Would it help to say I base my characters (somewhat) on public figures I find intriguing? Is that enough of a link to legitimize my habit?

So perhaps the answer is that I sprinkle in a subliminal, or at least subtle, plug for my books now and then. Kind of like those brief, 15 second TV commercials that aren’t long enough for a bathroom break. Let’s see:

“Looking for a great gift for the literary gal on your list? Escape the ordinary and pick up POINT SURRENDER by Anne Carter from Amazon today! Write me for a free, autographed book plate to personalize your gift—sure to thrill your most avid romantic mystery fan!”

There. Commercial duly posted. Have a great weekend!

(Gone With) The Wind is in From Africa

Okay, that was sort of a lame title. But there's a reason. Stay tuned.

November 7th finds us celebrating the birthday of one of my favorite recording artists, songwriters, painters... Joni Mitchell turned 65 today but somehow I doubt she rushed to file for Social Security benefits. Parts of the title, of course, are lyrics from one of her biggest commercial hits, "Carey", and Mitchell's fans will know that. Joni has been called "iconoclastic and unconforming", and "restlessly innovative." I can't compete with those articulate descriptives, but I will say that I liked her because she didn't care if her syllable count matched from stanza to stanza. Not every line had to rhyme, not every note had to follow any kind of pattern. She traversed octaves in leaps and bounds, not worried if her vocals were consistent from song to song.

She was born in Alberta, Canada, as Roberta Joan Anderson, and at age 9 contracted polio. Under her mother's care, she recovered and later, taught herself to play the ukulele (she couldn't afford a guitar), attended art school and joined the local folk music set. After making her way to Toronto, she got the "Mitchell" from ex-husband Chuck, whom she married in 1965. The couple relocated to Detroit, then parted ways and Joni found herself in New York and making a record for Reprise with help from David Crosby. Stardom followed, and her 1970's Ladies of the Canyon brought forth both "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Woodstock", the now-infamous cover of which went on to become a huge launch for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

It occurs to me at this point that I couldn't possibly paint a viable picture of Joni on such a small canvas, and those hungry for more about his talented woman should check out this immensely consuming page about her life, works and many talents. Contained therein is the surprising revelation about a 43 year old daughter, alluded to in song but never acknowledged until the 1990's.

For the record, my personal favorites include "A Case of You", "Little Green" and "Free Man in Paris". Although I haven't personally heard her live for many, many years, I understand her voice has been diminished from her 56 years of smoking (yes, she admits to starting at 9 years old.) Check out http://jonimitchell.com/ for more.

Come back tomorrow for Part Two….

What's My Line?

Thank you for coming here. I know, am acutely aware of how many words are competing to be read every day. I have a handful of blogs I follow, in addition to reading the daily news on-line, and there isn’t enough time in the day for all the information and entertainment I want to absorb. Since I began posting my mini-bios, my readership has gone up considerably, and this tickles me to no end since I like knowing that other people are interested in, well, other people. So thanks again for stopping by.

How do I pick whom to blog about? Mostly they are just people I find interesting myself, or I discover something surprising I think others would like to know. Using “born today” lists, I can mine for writers, entertainers, remarkable people or ordinary people with remarkable stories. For example, my choices for Friday include US writers Sarah Hale, Moss Hart, Denise Levertov and Brenda Ueland; blind US harmonica player Sonny Terry; cartoonist Bob Kane, creator of Batman. Also sharing October 25 are actors Kevin Kline and F. Murray Abraham, and rocker J.P. “Big Bopper” Richardson.

They are like cyber faces imploring, “Pick me! Pick me!” Who will it be?

Tune in Friday.

Bank of Books Welcomes Anne Carter!

Well, tomorrow I am presenting a workshop/talk on Writing Romance at the Bank of Books in Ventura, CA. Bookstore owner Clarey Rudd is most graciously hosting my appearance at his charming indy store, and I look forward to the visit! In the photo to the left is my good friend and fellow author, Michael Mehas of STOLEN BOY fame, the story of the youngest man ever to be given the death penalty, and Mr. Rudd, enjoying our sunny So Cal weather! I will be bringing handouts, candy and maybe even cookies to my afternoon of sharing romance writing tips with up-and-coming authors. Stop by if you're in the neighborhood!

What else is new? I've just finished my submission story for Sisters In Crime/LA's next anthology, "Murder in La La Land" and I'll be crossing all fingers and toes that it gets accepted. A writer could do a lot worse than be associated with this fun and talented group of writers! Wish I could tell you about my story, but mum's the word - it's a blind submission, and you don't know who might be listening! Er, reading.

My local fellow author, teen romance writer Alyssa Montgomery, has a new release out this month. MR. MYSTERIOUS is about three friends - two girls and a boy - who suffer through one of the girls' crush on a mystery boy, and a magical night they all share as everyone finds out just who Mr. "M" is! This short fiction ebook is available in PDF format at QuakeMe and will soon be selling at Fictionwise in multiple formats.

September will be a busy month, as I have an important graduation to attend, a trip to Vegas, book/author fairs in both Santa Barbara and West Hollywood, CA, and my own mid-month birthday! Whew!

Maybe I'd better go take a nap.

Tribute to a Fine Wickie

It's already January 17th. Didn't we just watch the Rose Parade a few minutes ago? Okay, I'm once again bemoaning the passage of time.

I'm blazing through my WIP. CAPE SEDUCTION is the story of Darla Foster, the sexy, eccentric, 20 year old starlet who went missing in 1949, and the folks in 2008 she is haunting. Well, maybe haunting is too strong a word. But she's apparently dead and wanting a little closure.

There's a lighthouse in this book, patterned after St. George Reef Lighthouse in extreme Northern California. In fact, the lighthouse itself inspired the story. So, although the lighthouse will have a fictional name in CAPE SEDUCTION, I've been doing lots of research to make the story authentic. One of the things I did was contact Dennis Powers, author of THE SENTINEL OF THE SEAS, which is the story of St. George Reef, from its 10 year construction in the late 1800's to present day restoration efforts. Dennis led me to Mr. John Gibbons, retired St. George Reef Lighthouse Keeper, who now lives in Colorado.

"Gibby" was more than happy to take my call, and reminisced about his 39 months in residence at St. George. 39 months, btw, is a record for continuous service on this 6-miles-off-shore rock. He recalled for me perilous days and nights in stormy weather, when waves would actually reach the top of the 140 foot high beacon! During the winter of 1955, stormy weather kept the crew of 5 captive for over a month, and their Christmas dinner was one last can of Spam.

Mr. Gibbons was generous with his advice and anecdotes, and later sent me a handful of snapshots taken inside the lighthouse in 1953, and a gorgeous 11" x 14" "portrait" of the light station taken from a Coast Guard helicopter in 1957. Also enclosed was a copy of a page from the log book.

It's nice to come across truly gentile and caring people these days. Both Dennis Powers and John Gibbons get my vote for modern day heroes, and will be acknowledged in CAPE SEDUCTION when it comes out!