I think the single most thing I love about blogging is its serendipitous nature. Oft times I’ll click on a link on a blogroll and then another and another and like a beagle, I’ll end up somewhere far from where I started and have no idea how I got there. Using that approach to the internet and life, I’ve met a lot of nice people, made some new friends and discovered some really incredible writers.
And that’s exactly how I found The QC Report written by Quinn Cummings. Which is to say, I have no idea how I found her. Quinn is the author of the new book Notes from the Underwire and if you haven’t read her work before, I recommend you start by reading this post on Christmas, which I loved. Then go here for something poignant and thoughtful and then here for something funny to top it off. Think of it as the Quinn Sampler Platter.
Following is my interview with Quinn which I promised last week. At the end, leave a comment telling me the title of your would-be autobiography for a chance to win an autographed copy of her book.
Mine? “Confessions of a Neat Freak ~ I Straightened Up Your Medicine Cabinet When I Used Your Bathroom”
* * * *
AM: Okay Quinn, I know that you were a child star in Hollywood back in the day, but based on what I know of you and what you write about, that fact seems to be more a less just a footnote to your life. It doesn’t really seem to define you all that much. Is that how you view your experience as a child star, or has it shaped you more than comes through in your writing? That’s my way of saying, you seem so normal. Just like me. Only with more normal thrown in.
QC: You see normal, I see the state about to get involved.
Last week, I took my daughter to a water park, which is basically like swimming in the urine of a middle-school. And then we were starving and the pizza line moved not one person in twenty minutes and we were hanging on each other from low-blood sugar, so I bought us a funnel cake to eat for lunch. I ask you, is that normal? By the way, the average American is FAR more tattooed then I suspected. Things you learn at a water park.
Anyway.
Acting took up no more than about six years of my life. They were six rather public years, but even during those years I wasn’t an actress every second. Mostly, I was a ten year old roller-skating, or a eight year-old weaseling out of math homework or an eleven year-old washing the dog. The part where I was acting was such a fraction of my life even then that I think I’d be a pretty pathetic figure to define myself by that. It would be like introducing myself to people as the second-fastest runner in the third grade.
AM: Actually Quinn, I WAS the second-fastest runner in the 3rd grade. It’s really a shame how few occasions there are to drop that in conversation.
So then, if not Hollywood, what people or events of your life shaped you and your world view?
QC: In case you wondered if I was really geeky and weird when I was a kid, try this one for size; I never saw an episode an episode of “Charlie’s Angels” and I ate dinner in front of “60 Minutes” every week. I saw my mother and father working hard every day of their lives, which certainly informed my idea of what real responsible adults looked like. I think the person who most deeply affected me was this internal vision I had of what being an adult was. I was to be well-read, hard-working, crusading for the afflicted, all that. I’m rarely her, but when I become disappointed with myself, that’s the image I see, the one I’m not living up to.
AM: I absolutely loved the story where you tried to help this stray dog, but ultimately it doesn’t end well. It was funny and tragic all at the same time. At the root of your stories is this sort of average girl who just wants to be helpful to people and animals and sometimes things go awry. Is that true? If not, what two or three words would you use to describe yourself?
QC: That’s it. Perfect. I’m weird and asocial, but I want to be the good person, doing the right thing, helping those who need help. And if only my need to be of service could be put into another body, much would be accomplished. But, sadly, that part of me is stuck with the inappropriate and graceless part of me.
AM: I am a huge fan of the short story, which is one of the reasons I love this book and your blog, because right now, with a 5-year-old, it’s all I have time for. I love the sort of randomness of the stories, I love that all together they are just the right mix of funny and charming to sweet and tender. Did you set out to write a collection of short stories or have you been writing these all along?
QC: The blog format suited me, because after about fifteen hundred words, my fingers and my brain goes numb. I have a friend who is working on a historic epic. She’s been doing the background work for years. It’s going to be such a page-turner you won’t be able to breathe! I’m in awe of her and could no more do that than take out my pancreas. When I write my stories, in my mind I’m walking through Target with my friend Veronica telling her about my newest ghastly exploit. The nicest thing I’m hearing from readers is that reading a story is just like having a friend with them.
AM: What I love about your writing is how precisely you use language. As a reader, it feels as though the words just laid down on the paper for you. There is no evidence of the struggle of writing and for me that what makes it a pleasure to read. Does writing come easily to you?
QC: Thank you for your kind words. I steal from Patrick Dennis when he had Auntie Mame say, “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death.” I feel that way about language. I think about what I’m going to write for a long time before it goes on to the page. When I find the right word to describe something, I giggle in delight. But also, my brain works in metaphors anyway. I can’t rest until I’ve decided how something I’ve just seen is like something I already know. Ask Consort about how nice I am until I can find the missing metaphor.
AM: Is blogging a help or hindrance to writing a book?
QC: They’re not dissimilar, but thanks to an editor who said very firmly, “Blogs are what happens every day; books have to take on bigger topics,” I sort of instinctively shift some stories from “Ooh, book!” to “Oh, you’re a blog.”
AM: I know you did some screen writing a number of years ago. What other types of things might you like to write? Do you aspire to write a novel?
QC: I know better than to say never, if for no other reason than the universe tends to throw you the “Never” thing, just to see you explain it to your friends. I will say this; I write a fine little miniature about my life, but I don’t make up stories. It’s not my inclination and it’s not my talent. I cannot imagine the circumstances under which I’d write a novel. I think I’ll stay with my miniatures.
AM: I think all moms who blog have to decide at some point if and how much they are going to write about their children. What does your daughter think of the book and having her life put to words? What do you hope she will say of this book 10 or 20 years from now?
QC: Her strongest feeling is being miffed that others get to read it and she doesn’t. She’s read a couple of chapters and laughed in delight, but not everything is for kids. Especially not the kid who is in the book; I chill at the thought of her doing something cute someday and turning to me and trilling, “You should put that in a BLOG!”
I hope she reads this ten years from now, twenty years from now and a year after I’m dead and thinks, “My mother was a lunatic but she adored me.”
AM: When the reader has turned the last page and closed the cover, what idea or concept or feeling do you hope they take away?
QC: I got a phone call from a friend with nice things to say about the book. She said, “I had no idea how much we were alike.” You have to believe me when I say that there’s no way we’re alike. She’s sort of glowy and runs a fabulous house and her stationary is flawless and she was raised right. And she still saw herself in my cracked and finger-printed mirror of a book. I want every reader who sees herself in some way in my careening well-meaning, that we’re mostly all a little lost, running late, with every intention of helping with the school fund-raiser this year just as soon as we can determine the source of the weird smell coming off the dog. I started off this book thinking I was incredibly weird. And while I still think I’m a couple of bubbles off plumb, I think a lot of people need to be reminded that we’re all doing the best we can.
AM: What’s next for Quinn?
QC: Tonight? Sleep. After that, some writing and a little parenting. And it’s safe to say that I’ll accidentally insult someone. If it’s you, please accept my apology in advance.
* * * *
That’s actually Quinn on the cover in one of her “going to the grocery store” outfits. What a fashionista!
Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win an autographed copy of Quinn’s book!
Margaret says:
It sounds like a book I’d like to read. My life is also a series of short stories but I’m not good with writing them down.
July 20th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Sally says:
I’m not clever enough to come up with a title for my would-be autobiography, but I would definitely enjoy reading Quinn’s book. I remember her as a child actor.
July 20th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Carrie @ Who Knew? says:
How about ‘If Only I’d Listened. . . ”
I like that. Sounds like a great book.
July 20th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Heidi says:
My autobiography would be someting like:
“Sure I Miss My Mother; But Now I Can Write My Book.”
We are flying to London this week. I’m heading out today to look for Quinn’s book so I can read it on the plane. But I still want to win an autographed copy (Oh,please please please). One can never have too much Quinn Cummings.
* * *
A perfect book for the airplane because the stories are short and can tolerate the many interruptions that go along with air travel (and kids). And its the kind of book that you will want to pass on to your mother or aunt or anyone who loves a short story and a good laugh. ~AM
July 20th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Shelly W. says:
I sure would love to win that book. Sounds like just my thing. (I’ll Twitter for you.)
My autobiography? It would have to have the word “wild” in it in some way, so there’s a lot you could do with it. If you come up with something, let me know!
July 20th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Jenn says:
I love it! Thanks for the link to her blog too… My boss asked me to pipe down as I was laughing hysterically!
July 20th, 2009 at 10:27 am
The Bug says:
I “favorited” The QC Report when you mentioned it last week – I really like her style.
My autobiography would be titled: “Little Boxes (It Could Be A Metaphor, But It’s Not).”
* * * *
Intriguing title! I would buy the book just on the title alone. I have a fascination with boxes, the things people put in them and the odd and different things that end up in the same box and the stories behind that. ~AM
July 20th, 2009 at 11:09 am
TeacherMommy says:
That’s what I do all the time, that beagling. That’s how I ended up reading mommy blogs in the first place–I have no recollection of the first one I read or the next twenty, other than it all started with some link from some website or online article. And now I have one too!
And you’ve given me YET ANOTHER to read. Dang it.
July 20th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Sara J .Henry says:
This is a wonderful book, as Quinn’s blog is wonderful. And now we have all her blog tour interviews to read as well. What a treat!
July 20th, 2009 at 11:52 am
mannequin says:
Looks like a fun bathtime bubblebath don’t you dare knock on my door hold your tinkle book. Although I may be alone in that aspect, it’s great to hop to a blog and find out that somewhere….somebody is kinda like yourself.
July 20th, 2009 at 11:57 am
melissa@afamiliarpath says:
i love your title and i love heidi’s. mine would be something along that line. it’s way too early and too many loud kids here to come up with something effective and funny but something like: my mom still calls me 3 times a day from heaven.
July 20th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Roses ArePink2 says:
Great talent! I would love to win the book! My autobiography could be entitled: Mountain Climbing–A Journey to the Plains of Peace.
July 20th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
~vee says:
Oh my goodness – I’ve SO enjoyed reading the bits and pieces I’ve been able to from Quinn’s blog! My life’s title would probably end up being, “Wait – what?”
I think I have it under control, I believe I’ve understood the directions and I’m headed in the right direction. Until I’m running late or in the wrong line or feverishly attempting to whip up a fancy dinner with missing ingredients (and the guests are adults!). I’ve adopted a bit of a fake-it-til-ya-make it attitude though. No one knows I don’t know what I’m doing if I act confident enough!
~vee
July 20th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Ann G says:
She sounds like the kind of person everyone wants to be friends with! What a wonderful interview….
This is the main reason I blog too..to connect with people that I probably would never meet, but somehow we connect and become friends if not in real life then in the blogging world!.
btw, my little guy would love to have another play date with Sean! He still talks about that “new little boy”!!
My autobiography
would be titled “Just Cuz”!!
July 20th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Lindsay says:
Wow! What a great find… I love finding a new blog that makes me want to go back and read the whole thing!
My autobiography would be titled “Confessions of a Homeschool Mom Dropout”!
July 20th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Iota says:
My autobiography, published in blog format, would be
“From Here to E-ternity”
July 20th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
fern says:
For a long time I have thought I should write a book titled “Bad Mothering Moments, or Don’t Hit Your Sister so Hard” (I actually heard my friend say this to her son).
July 20th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Pat T says:
Thanks Am for letting me know about this great book and a new blog to follow! I loved Quinn in the Goodbye Girl and I love her writing style. She just seems like a great person to know – a very intelligent and creative woman!
For my autobiography how about “A Study in Contrast”. After raising 2 daughters and then starting all over again with a little boy and little girl…sometimes I have it down pat – don’t sweat the small stuff, etc…. and other times you’d think I was parenting for the very first time. I am such a different parent this time around – more relaxed and less neurotic! Oh and far more tired.
Thanks for a chance for a copy of this book!
July 20th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Sandra says:
I would love to read this!
July 20th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
sheilah says:
I am going to steal a phrase from ~vee and call my autobiography: “I Think I Have it Under Control (A Life Out of Control)” because my life is so out of control.
July 20th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
momof8 says:
Ohhhhh, looks like my kind of read! Count me in!
July 20th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Kay says:
Gosh I can’t think of a good title. But the book looks wonderful! : )
July 20th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Julie at Elisharose says:
It used to be: Thoughts and Reflections on the Occasion of a Minor Pre-Midlife Crisis.
These days I would have to get rid of the “Pre”. Shoot, I’d pretty much have to add “Post”!
July 20th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Lori says:
You explained exactly how I found your blog. I still have no idea how I ever found it. Of course I am (way) over 40, so I don’t remember much I did last week much less a few years ago…
Sounds like a great book!
July 20th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
edj says:
I think I have found a new blog to follow! Really enjoyed these links.
My autobio? Um…Where the Wild Things Are: A tale of too much coffee and a pathological fear of boredom.
Naah, that doesn’t work. I don’t know! But now I’m going to think about it all night.
July 20th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Naomi B. says:
My title:
Where’s My Self-Control? I Had It Here a Minute Ago.
Short stories are fabulous. Thanks for the interview and the link.
July 20th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Kathy Anderson says:
Love the title and sounds like my kind of book. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for letting us know about it.
July 20th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Marty says:
I can’t decide between
“I Wish I Were, But I’m Not”
or
“I Am, But I Wish I Weren’t.”
If I can just decide on a title, then I can sort out what it should be about.
July 20th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Carol says:
I have been reading QC report for a while and absolutely love it! Unfortunately my life is too boring to even warrant thinking of a title, but I would love to win a copy of her awesome book!
July 20th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Sharon M. says:
I have found all my favorite blogs, Antique Mommy for one, by clicking on interesting links and jumping from one to another. I could never duplicate those actions and find the great blogs again, so I learned very quickly to bookmark all the gems that I found.
I love to read books and I would love to win Quinn Cummings book, so I guess I need to come up with an autobiography title. How about “I Read to Keep My Sanity.. so please go to bed before I forget where I put it.” Lame, I know, but it’s the best I could come up with.
July 20th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Rebecca says:
“Just Passing Through”
My kids and I used to say, “Instead of going on vacations, we just move somewhere different every year or so.”
And it was true for the most part. Our excuse, when called for, is “itchy feet”.
Friends and family have been saying for years that we should write a book. I think, now that my kids are grown, this would probably be a great time to start that. Thank you so much for giving me the idea.
And I would LOVE to get an autographed copy of Quinn’s book. I’ve been reading her blog for some time now, and that’s how I got here. Her blog book tour has been fabulous in leading me to great new blogs. Going to bookmark yours now…
July 20th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Nan says:
“Because I Said So!’
I will have to look out for the book, it sounds like just what I need right now! And I’ll head on over to her site, too. Thanks!
July 20th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
beth says:
Long time reader, first time commenter I think- and I found your blog after a night of click and click and clicking away! I love the internet.
And I really like Quinn’s writing so I’m actually commenting tonight for a chance at the book.
So here goes a title:
Cynical Optimist Proven Right
Not the best, but I’m working on something…
July 20th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Aunt Murry says:
I think it would have to be the same as the title of my blog:
All I want is a good night’s sleep
because in a way it is the story of me.
July 20th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Amy Sue Nathan says:
My autobiography? Puleeze!
“It Could Be Worse But I Don’t Know How!”
or
“How to make yourself feel better about your own life in 250 pages.”
July 20th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
tonya says:
funny thing – I posted last week on facebook that I’m working on my book (joking) and it’s title is
“Where to Turn When Duct Tape & Super Glue Can’t Hold You Together”
-tonya
July 20th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Ann says:
I beagled my way to you, too, and am so glad I did. Oh, I wish I could think of a good title…How about, “After 17 years of being married, she went and had a baby.” No, that’s terrible…how about this one: “Turning Life Upside Down: Finding Christ After 40.”
Thanks for the interview! It was great.
July 20th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Fiddledeedee says:
I think I would instantly love her.
And my autobiography would be, “A View From the Dirty Linoleum.”
July 20th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
france59 says:
Great “interview”! I loved the links to some of your favorite Quinn posts, too. I found myself fascinated.
And my autobiography would probably be, “Stumbling Through: The Life of a Perpetual Klutz”
July 20th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
rabbi neil fleischmann says:
Great interview! I love Quinn’s line about taking out her own pancreas.
My autobiography would be called: EverywhereI went I Said, “I’m Sorry”
July 20th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Brigitte says:
Erm . . “Living Under a Rock: the True Route to Mental Health . . or not”?
Doesn’t grab ya, huh? Then again, that means I can safely stay under my rock.
July 21st, 2009 at 6:53 am
Tracey (real estate girl) says:
I remember her as a child actor! How neat to hear her as an adult now and what a fun, witty personality she has! I can’t wait to check out the book!
My title would probably be…
“My Life as a Renaissance Woman! And then I woke up…”
July 21st, 2009 at 7:53 am
snarflemarfle says:
Loved the interview! I’ve got the book on order and it should get her before my vacation next week!
Let’s see…my autobiography…I’m Not Disorganized, I’m Creative!
July 21st, 2009 at 7:59 am
Pam says:
Quinn is someone I’d definitely hang out with…adding her blog. Great interview!
My autobiography…My life in flip-flops all year round.
July 21st, 2009 at 8:20 am
jefflrich says:
I love the QC Report! Been reading it for awhile now and would love to read Quinn’s novel.
As for my autobiography title:
Stones at The Bottom of the Lake. All to with reprecussions of actions (stones thrown into water causing ripples, etc.).
Jeff
July 21st, 2009 at 8:51 am
Dawn @ My Home Sweet Home says:
This sounds like a good read. Count me in!
Autobiography: My Reality is Photoshopped
July 21st, 2009 at 9:23 am
Madelyn says:
Mine would be “Don’t Wash Your Dirty Linen in Public – Or Not”.
If there is one thing I carried away from childhood that I am constantly reminded of – it’s that!
~Mad(elyn) in Alabama
July 21st, 2009 at 10:18 am
J says:
Hope I’m not too late we just got the internet fixed again. I’d love a copy of her book!
July 21st, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Jan says:
sounds like a great read. My title might be “I Should Have Left a Trail of Breadcrumbs: Where Did My Life Go, and How Do I Get It Back?”
July 21st, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Heather says:
I’d love to read this…it looks like a great time! And her answers are just too funny.
A title for a book for myself. Seriously, no pressure, huh? I couldn’t even come up with a good name for my blog and stole it from my scrapbooking website!
So, how about round three?
Pages by Heather Seriously boring for a book. How about a few others…
Never too Late to Learn to Love Polka
Adults Only Holidays and a Sad Mom (why marrying an only child will take some adjustment for those with two x’s)
I could really use some help here! Not nearly as clever as you.
Heather
July 21st, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Wendy says:
I “beagled” your blog when I googled something along the lines of my 2 year old just ate potting soil…do I need to rush to the emergency room?…..It was one of the first links provided. It got me to laugh when I was freaking out. Over the next few days I read back to the beginning of your blog and have been reading ever since.
My autobiography would be titled, “Just another day in paradise” because there are always bumps, but I couldn’t imagine being happier.
July 21st, 2009 at 3:22 pm
cris says:
I’m not too clever in the autobiography naming space – much better at reading other people’s words. My title would have to include “you really don’t need more than 4 hours of sleep EVER”
July 21st, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Roxanne says:
Love her blog. . .ready to read her book.
July 21st, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Kathy says:
Me! I’m raising my hand! I want to walk through Target and be friends with Quinn and AM. Both are suitable bookends.
My autobiography would be titled: The bumps are what you climb on. Bring Chocolate.
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 am
Steffj89 says:
lord I think my story would be titled something along the lines of…
“who bit the dog”
Dont forget to FLUSH
or
simply “life with my three sons”….how to be a redneck mama in 10 easy lessons
Steff
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:52 am
NoL says:
Found you linked from Quinn’s blog! Already asked for the book for my upcoming birthday (makes my mom happy to have a book request!).
Bookmarking your blog now to add to my morning coffee reading!
July 22nd, 2009 at 5:15 am
Kim says:
I think I would title my autobiography, “Well, I tried” and come to think of it, I’ll probably put that on my gravestone as well! Thanks for the chance to win!
July 22nd, 2009 at 8:10 am
Great-Granny Grandma says:
If it’s not too late to enter this giveaway, please include me. I’d love to win a copy of the book.
July 22nd, 2009 at 8:44 am
Antique Mommy says:
Contest is over! And the winner is #35! Amy Sue Nathan! Congrats Amy!
Comments are still open. Feel free to tell me the title of your would-be autobiography.
July 22nd, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Sue says:
Count me in if I’m not too late. Thanks!
July 24th, 2009 at 12:53 am
Sally Thomas says:
For many years I’ve thought I had a book in me and so I have a title:
Get Off The Bed While I Am Making It and Other Things I Thought You Would Understand!
Sometimes kids just make me shake my head!
July 26th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
K Thomas says:
Great interview – this sounds like a great book.
July 28th, 2009 at 9:32 am
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August 6th, 2009 at 12:55 am