Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Jeanette Pokes Fun at Herself - Virtual Luncheon - Part 6

Jen pats Rhonda's hand. "Aw, sweetie, you do a great job. In fact, I tell my husband, 'This lady is funnier than me!' He just rolls his eyes at my attempt to fish for a compliment from him. You know how hard it is to get another humor writer to laugh? You make me laugh every time, Rhonda.

"By the way, I want the Triple Chocolate Strate AND the Raspberry Cheesecake. I'll share. I promise."

I look at her and shake my head. "I don't think I'll have room for all that dessert. The Black Tie cake is my favorite."

After the server takes our order, I turn to Jen. "I'm so glad I brought a notebook with me. Otherwise, I'd never remember all these great responses.

"How has the column affected Kevin and your children?"

Jen pulls an index card from her purse, and gets a mischievous grin on her face. "I came prepared, Suze. When you said you wanted to pick our brains, I wrote down some thoughts."

Rhonda and I get the giggles, and we're all gasping for breath by the time dessert arrives. I wipe my eyes. "Oh, I needed a good laugh. Being with two of the funniest ladies on the Internet does have its advantages. Okay, Jen, let's hear it."

Jen takes a bite of the Triple Chocolate Strata and is rendered speechless for a few seconds. Using her fork for emphasis, she says, "This is fantabulous! You've got to try some." She pokes my arm. "Even if it's only a bite.

Back to your question, Suze. Because I use my family as story characters, people know them better than they would otherwise. But then, Kevin gets back at me in the pulpit on Sunday if I've picked on him in the column. It's all fun. A man once thought I picked on him too much, and told me so, but Kevin's a good sport. He'd let me know if I'd gone too far."

I'm scribbling notes, but put my pen down to sample the Black Tie cake. I close my eyes and get lost in the moment. I don't care if I have to live at the gym for six months. This was worth it. I open my eyes to find Rhonda and Jen watching me and holding back the guffaws with the help of a hand over their mouths. "Okay, okay, so I'm enjoying this cake." I smirk. "I'm glad you guys gave me permission to order it."

...to be continued.

Questions for the Reader: Do  you ever include family stories in your writing? If you're a fiction writer, do you use favorite expressions/words of loved ones? Feel free to expand on my questions.

8 comments:

Jeanette Levellie said...

You nailed me, Suze. I am a sucker for dessert, even if I only grab a chocolate mint in the bottom of my purse, leftover from the last restaurant. I call it "entertaining my tongue."

Did you have to live at the gym for 6 months? So sorry!

Love,
Jen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

Oh, I like that - "entertaining my tongue."

LOL! I increased my weekly visits to four. I tried five, but this ol' body couldn't handle it.

Hugs,
Susan :)

Karen Lange said...

I sometimes incorporate family sayings, events, characteristics, etc. in my writing for fiction, but I use it as a spark of an idea to stay safely away from offending anyone. I will also use true stories, bits of a conversation, or a joke for an article if it helps make my point and is deemed safe. :)
Enjoying this series!
Blessings,
Karen

Unknown said...

Fun interview! The cake sounds amazing!

God reveals much of His character through the lives of my family and friends; therefore, I do use my relational interactions a lot in my writing. However, much of my fiction writing is plucked from my own musings, but many times I like to add a detail or two gleaned from those I love.

Shawn Lamb said...

I think as author, we incorporate what we know and what is familiar to us; so yes, my family is often used as pieces, parts of my characters. Especially my daughter. Kids provide a LOT of material.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

I like making "scrambled characters." By the time the end product is served, it's distinct from any real person.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Alisa -

Yup - same recipe I use. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Shawn -

Welcome to my blog! Thank you for commenting and becoming a Follower. I post here Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Kids are wonderful sources of inspiration. Rhonda Schrock, who is part of this interview marathon, writes a column and uses many stories from her family.

Blessings,
Susan :)