thin paper wings
More from the rewrite, with some overlap from yesterday:
A huge smile spread across his face as he stood up."W!" he said, "You look great, man!"
I love it when he calls me "W" (pronounced "double-you") -- my whole life I wanted a nickname, and it?s the closest I?ve ever come.
He closed the distance between us in two strides, and wrapped his arms around me in a big, fatherly bearhug.
"You too," I said.
"Have you eaten?" he said.
"Some coffee and toast this morning," I said. I didn't mention anything about my nervous stomach, and the barely-touched omelette I left on the table.
"Help yourself," he said, and pointed to a table where some food was set out. "They always give us too much food, you know?"
I haven't spent nearly enough time in green rooms to know how much food was normal, but I took his word for it.
I opened a ginger ale and picked up some veggies with a trembling hand. As I munched on a carrot, he said, "How have you been?"
It was the question that I always dreaded. I would always smile bravely, ignore the knot in my chest, and say something like,"Oh, you know . . . Things are slow, but I have an audition next week."
I spoke before that familiar knot could tighten.
"Not too bad. I haven't worked in ages, but I'm doing a really good sketch comedy show at ACME in Hollywood." I took a long drink.
"And I made myself a website where I write a lot of stuff. It's pretty fun."
"Have you been doing any cons?" He asked.
"A few," I said. "I did one in Vegas last month."
"Slanted Fedora?"
"Yeah," I said.
"How did it go?"
"I took my sketch group out there and we did a show. It was really fun."
"Oh! I heard about that. I hear you're really funny."
"Yeah, I try to entertain the kids." I said. I don't know why, but I didn't want to talk about it. Here was the one thing that I'd been doing, and doing well, yet I felt uncomfortable, almost embarrassed. I noticed that I'd been shoving carrots into my mouth. I changed the subject.
"Have you been watching TNG on TNN?"
"Yeah," he said, "it's amazing how those old shows hold up."
"Except Angel One," I said.
"And Code of Honor," he said.
"No vaccine!" we said in unison, imitating one of the actors in that show. It was a long-running inside joke, and we both laughed.
"It's so weird for me to watch them," I said, "because I was so young. It's like my high school yearbook has come to life."
"That's because you've actually grown up since then," he said, "the rest of us have just gotten fatter."
"Don't let Marina hear you say that," I said.
He thought for a moment, and added, "Okay, all of us except Marina."
He winked. I smiled.
"Seriously, though," he said, "we've just gotten older. You're the only one of us who's actually changed."
"I guess you're right," I said, "Did you know that I just turned 30?"
"You're thirty?!" If he'd been eating, he would have choked on his food. "Do you know how old that makes me?"
"Uh . . . 35?" I said cautiously, with a smile. I heard the elevator bell ring out in the hallway, and a familiar voice echoed down the hall.
"Man, I can't believe you're 30," he said, shaking his head in disbelief, "and you're married."
"With children," I said.
"Goddamn! Children? Plural?" he said, "how many do you have?"
Before I could answer, Brent Spiner entered the room like an actor taking the stage.
"Hello, boys!" he said.
"Data!" Jonathan said with a smile, "Do you know how old Wheaton here is?"
Brent didn't miss a beat.
"Of course, I do. He's 37!" He said, "But he doesn't look it."
I stifled a laugh, but I couldn't deny the huge smile that spread across my face. I was overjoyed to be there with them.
"Brent!" I said, "How did you know?! I've worked so hard to keep it a secret!"
"Wil, you were 22 when we started," he deadpanned, "Do the math."
Jonathan pointed at Brent's enormous goatee."You know what I just realized, Brent?"
"What's that, Jonny?"
"For the first time in history, you look more like Robert Goulet than I do!"
"Oh my god," I said, "you're right!"
Brent laughed. "It's for a character I'm playing called 'The Evil Devlin Bowman' in Dana Carvey's new movie Master of Disguise."
"Are you really evil?" I asked. I always admired Brent's ability to create and portray diverse characters. I was especially impressed with his comedic ability. I could just imagine him stroking that goatee, and stealing the spotlight from everyone else on the set.
"Oh yeah. It's a lot of fun," he said, "but the hours are long. I'm really tired."
"As long as Late Night With Les?" I asked. I referred to a director we used to work with on TNG who would always turn in good shows, but took forever to shoot them. It was common for us to be at Paramount until midnight when he directed us. It felt good to recall our Star Trek days together, and I didn't realize it then, but I can see now that I was looking for commonality, familiarity. I wanted to reconnect with a happier time as much as I wanted to reconnect with the two of them.
"Nothing is as late as Late Night With Les," he said with mock gravity.
We laughed together, and it was like I never left. I felt that knot start to form in my chest. This time, it wasn't the usual regret or humilation, though. It was sadness. I missed Jonathan. I missed Brent. I missed this.
"Did you get the latest draft of the script?" Jonathan said to Brent.
"Oh my god, they're talking about Nemesis!" My inner fanboy said.
"Shut up!" I snapped back, "You're not a fanboy here. You're a peer. Be cool!"
I took my own advice and stood there, silently, and listened to them talk about the movie. Production hadn't started yet, but I could tell that they were excited about putting on their uniforms and getting back into character.
While they talked about the sets, the story, and the production schedule, I felt like a grounded kid, sitting at the living room window, watching his friends play kickball in the street.
There's much more to come. This bit will be rewritten at least one more time before it's finalized, for sure. I need to search my feelings so I can figure out why I felt so embarrassed when Jonny asked me about my sketch group, and I'd like to explore that knot in my chest. There's some stuff hidden there, if I can untie it.
I talked with my mom this morning, and she told me that she read my rewrite yesterday and that she liked seeing the evolution from the first draft. She said it was like seeing "The Making of Just A Geek."
It's always weird for me to hear from people I know who read my site, especially my mother. It's always easier when the audience is hidden by the footlights, you know?
Comments
wow, you have really fleshed this out! i feel like im there, witnessing it... like im...the fly on the wall. keep it coming1 this book is going to be so good!
jeannette
Posted by: jeannette | November 19, 2003 12:58 PM
Holy dangling carrots, Batman!
Nice tantilizing tidbit of JAG there, Wil. Looking forward to owning/reading/dogearing the finished product :)
Posted by: DigitalMisanthrope | November 19, 2003 12:58 PM
Hey Wil,
I just love these little tastes of JAG you're passing along. And being a fan of TNG (every night at 8 when my fiance and I are home), I really like to hear about the people behind the characters. Reading your site gives us all a chance to get to know you, and through you we get to know so many other great people. Thanks for that. Keep up the good work on the rewrite, you're a fantastic author and it really shines through in these snippets.
Samantha
Posted by: Samantha | November 19, 2003 01:03 PM
That sounds so good! Where can I preorder the book? :-)
Posted by: Nelleke | November 19, 2003 01:15 PM
The rewrite sounds great. Have you considered trying to get on an episode of Enterprise? With the way that show has been going lately (not great ratings) and you now being arguably the most popular Trek actor (or at least probably the coolest), it would do them some good to have you come aboard as an alien or something. Folks who don't watch Enterprise regularly but used to watch TNG would probably tune in out of curiosity, and give them a ratings boost. Just a thought.
Posted by: Taleus | November 19, 2003 01:17 PM
Wow. I can't freaking wait for this book!!
Posted by: Trish | November 19, 2003 01:20 PM
It's getting better each time you write it Wil. This version is much better than the first two. And I agree, you need to flesh out those feelings if you really intend to expose your inner self in this book. Keep at it and I am betting that by the time JAG comes out we will all feel like we were sitting in the green room with you. As a Trek fan (not quite a Trekkie but close)it is neat to read about the cast from an insiders point of view, especially one who I personally loved from the moment I saw SBM and had all his posters on my walls. :-)
Posted by: Michelle | November 19, 2003 01:24 PM
Everything's easier when the people you're involved with/doing it for are hidden. There's not as much on the line then so it's safer.
I'm impressed. Very impressed. I may have to find myself a copy of Dancing Barefoot and then make my inner (very hidden) geek wait for the release of JAG.
Posted by: SArah | November 19, 2003 01:27 PM
Major Kudos to you for having the guts to untie those nots, i'm still trying to decide if i want to untie the knots for my own novel...digging up old stuff is never fun. Good luck and great job with the rewrites, they're really developing nicely. :)
Posted by: Caitlin | November 19, 2003 01:27 PM
Keep writing! This is sounding really, really good. You bring the whole thing to life -- the people and the feelings and the carrots -- something I've always felt I've never been able to do when writing. This is gonna be a damn good book. Where do I pre-order?!?!?!?1/1
Posted by: Brandon | November 19, 2003 01:30 PM
Go west young man.
Posted by: redrhino | November 19, 2003 01:32 PM
As a fanboi and literary jerk-off, reading the blog of an actor from the number uno show of my childhood has been something great.
To read THAT was just amazing. This is from Just A Geek? I am buying that book.
S.
Posted by: Saleem | November 19, 2003 01:47 PM
If I might be so presumptuous, Wil, I could speculate why you felt so embarrassed to talk about your sketch group. Natch, I could be totally off the mark, but it sounds (and feels, because I've been there too) like you got a sudden case of insecurity. You know in your heart of hearts that what you're doing with the group is good, but how does that measure up against what Jonathan or Brent's been doing? These guys are your friends and peers, but at the same moment, they've gotten a lot tucked under their belts. You were also in the cast as a kid, making it tougher for you to "measure up" against them. It's not a fair comparison because they'd been doing this stuff for years, while you were still getting started ("Stand By Me" notwithstanding), but you're probably still making it ... yes?
I've noticed that you're frequently harder on yourself than you should be. You're tremendously talented, Wil. Everyone who's bought and read a copy of your book absolutely loves it. (I don't, simply because I haven't gotten my own copy yet. ;)) They're your friends: they're not going to judge you in any negative way or think less of you because you're not doing the same things they are.
Then again, I could be talking out of my ass. I've got a history of that, sadly enough. :)
Posted by: Elissa | November 19, 2003 01:53 PM
Mmmmm... gimmie more... I need more. ;)
*smiles* Its great! That's one heck of a rewrite, and the story is definitely worth the time and effort you are spending on it!
Posted by: Rainmaker | November 19, 2003 01:54 PM
Great stuff. I look forward to the Just A Geek: The Extended-Stuff-I-Left-Out-For-Probably-A-Good-Reason version.
Seriously, being the TNG fanboy that I am it's great to read what J. Frakes and Brent Spiner are like without the uniforms.
Posted by: Dave | November 19, 2003 01:55 PM
I'll take a stab at that second knot.
You spent a fair ammount of time reconnecting with the "cool people", and then they went off and had a conversation that excluded you.
Doh.
Sounds like you still really look up to these people, and miss the good old days. You were just starting to get a good connection with that part of your life (and with them), when all of a sudden you're reminded that you are (on some level) still an outsider.
Now... why don't you tell me aboot yeor muzzahr?
Posted by: Mark | November 19, 2003 01:55 PM
Only I'm way off.
So like... nevermind. N'shit.
Posted by: Mark | November 19, 2003 01:57 PM
Wil-
Your writing is very good, and very real. I'm currently in the process of re-watching all of Season 1 (bought the DVD) -- and it's good to see some of the personality of the actors (you guys) come through in your writing. All the best.
-Cyrus
Posted by: Cyrus J. Farivar | November 19, 2003 01:58 PM
That sounds great, Wil! Keep it up... can't wait to read the finished product! (For that matter, I can't wait to read my autographed copy of Dancing Barefoot that I ordered some time ago. *ahem*)
cheerio...
steph
Posted by: steph | November 19, 2003 02:09 PM
You really make it feel like we're there with you Wil.
Great stuff.
Posted by: Beth | November 19, 2003 02:19 PM
Oh my word, this is 100 times better than what I've previously read from you.
Excellent work Wil, keep it up.
Evan
misterorange.com
Posted by: misterorange | November 19, 2003 02:23 PM
I love reading these re-writes, Wil - I just want to know more and more - can't wait for JAG to be in print! As much as I love your web site for all the new stuff you write about, I am a huge TNG fan and just eat those details up. It must have been fun to work with those guys - I can only imagine. Well, actually, now I can read it about it, from you. Keep on writing, geek boy.
Posted by: Deborah | November 19, 2003 02:23 PM
Wil- I have been reading these updates. Seeing myself where you were. It is such great writing. Each rewrite is better than the one before. The more you expand the story the more I see it in my mind. You are gonna be great. I know I will have to buy two copies for my house. One for me and my husband.
PS- Anticipate every day for your posts. It is what gets me through the work day. Always cherring for you.
Posted by: Shauna | November 19, 2003 02:24 PM
Dude... amazing progress, and a great decision to do the re-write that way.
Clay
Posted by: Clay | November 19, 2003 02:26 PM
If you'll excuse the AOL-kiddie-speak just this once:
OMGOMGOMG!!!11
This is awesome stuff Wil. Sincerely.
Posted by: ionicus | November 19, 2003 02:46 PM
Man...
If this is how you are rewriting the whole of JAG, it's going to be an awesome book...
it will probably be big... take some time to finish... (btw how will you know when it is finished??? when all the knots are untied??)
BUT it will be worth it... both for us and for you, I think.
Thanks Wil for putting me into that room with you and Jonny and Brent, it's been a real treat.
Can't wait 'til Patrick arrives... don't make him wait too long...
Posted by: Lindsay | November 19, 2003 02:46 PM
New fan here. :) I've been reading your website for about a week now and have to say, it's fantastic! Especially this piece from the book your working on. I hope you share more from that particular experience. Thanks!!!
Posted by: Nicki | November 19, 2003 02:49 PM
Keep it coming!
It sounds as if JAG is turning out to be very therapeutic for you, and if nothing else, that will be the one great thing you can take from this whole experience.
It's sounding better and better everytime and I can't wait for the whole thing to come out.
Awesome job!
Posted by: Sarcastic Cheese | November 19, 2003 02:55 PM
Quite impressive, Wil. That rewrite smoothly transported me directly into your head. I actually visualized the facial expressions that Brent and Jonathan had as they were speaking to you. I felt the bear hug. The event unfolded in front of my eyes.
You seem to have a knack for welcoming readers into the gallery of memories contained within your brain. It's quite entertaining. I lost track of time as I was standing there with you, Jonathan, and Brent. Not often do I feel this sensation of being a part of the story that I'm reading. These paragraphs were so visual, that MY fanboy almost told me that I shouldn't be standing there with you and the other stars.
This little tidbit from JAG gave me a backstage pass into your experience, both emotional and visual.
Thanks
EB
Posted by: Eric B | November 19, 2003 03:03 PM
Oh my goodness, I love what you're doing with this rewrite. I've been getting impatient, because after Dancing Barefoot, I can't wait for JAG to come out, but I can see now how much improvement you're putting in. Keep at it. I absolutely love the detail you're putting in. This book is going to F**KING ROCK!!!
you 'da man
Posted by: Scott Van Essen | November 19, 2003 03:13 PM
man, to have been there in that room for such a conversation...wil, it's remarkable how well you write...i know its a cliche, but for us, this feels like we're there with you...
i am SO looking forward to this book..
great work wil
tyson
Posted by: Tyson | November 19, 2003 03:42 PM
At some level Wil you are a huge experiment for online therapy. I'm paying someone US$140/hr to explore my issues. You write about them. Your model seems much more efficient.
Posted by: scott | November 19, 2003 03:47 PM
Wil
The rewrite is amazing! You really have the ability to make us feel like we are sitting in the corner, watching it all unfold. Thanks for sharing another snippet of JAG...can't wait to read the whole thing!
Posted by: Crystal | November 19, 2003 03:48 PM
Wil, the fleshed-out bits are good. Great, actually. Please, please, PLEASE do NOT rush the book. Take your time. We all want it to be the best it can be.
PS: You've gotta come back to Powell's for another big ass book reading and signing when JAG comes out!
PPS: I've noticed the fleshed-out bits tend to be funny or have a humourous slant to 'em. This is a good thing. You're a funny guy - let it show.
Posted by: Brad Zimmerman | November 19, 2003 03:48 PM
Wow! It looks great! I'm already so into it. I was so sad when I got to the "Theres much more to come.." line. I hope I get to read the whole story. It's so interesting! Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Usagi | November 19, 2003 04:08 PM
hey wil, Wow, you continue to astound me!! That is totally amazing. i really enjoyed that section, being such a huge fan of Star Trek, i could visualise the people you were talking about. it was always a dream of mine to meet you, jonathan frakes, and patrick stewart, and this is the nearest thing to it. Thanks for that!
keep up the great work wil, you really do rock!!
rach
Posted by: rach | November 19, 2003 04:47 PM
WOW...okay this 2nd rewrite today is even better. Someone said it before....fleshed out! Much more substance and I love the interaction between the three of you more, the writing flows much better with this one. Great job. I love these little hints of JAG! Can't wait to read the final someday!.....Shannon
Posted by: shannon | November 19, 2003 04:58 PM
Wow! JAG is GREAT! Can I pre-order right now?
Posted by: BoltBait | November 19, 2003 05:03 PM
Beautifully written.
Posted by: Rick | November 19, 2003 05:41 PM
Hey Wil, this is my first comment, so I'll try to keep it short. Just want to say I love the site and am eager to check it every day when I get to work to see if you've posted something new. I'm kicking myself for not getting a copy of Dancing Barefoot before it sold out (poor college student here) because seeing how this part of JAG is getting fleshed out is beautiful and can't wait to read more of your writing. Keep up the good work!!!
Posted by: Eve | November 19, 2003 06:00 PM
You know, the first one is free.
After that you gotta PAY!
Thanks for getting us all hopelessly addicted, Wil. How will I pay my rent now?
BTW, there were two local-news personalities here in the 'burgh for a while: Ann DEVLIN and Dennis BOWMAN. Hmmm. Weird.
-- Drake.
Posted by: Draken | November 19, 2003 06:39 PM
I can hardly wait for this book to come out. I loved "Dancing Barefoot", and I know I'll love JAG.
I love the bit about the nickname. Most nicknames are just shorter versions of the full name. Yours actually takes LONGER to pronounce than your real name.
Sort of like how www is "short" for world-wide-web, but it actually takes longer to say the "short" version than the words it's an abbreviation of. How appropriate.
Posted by: Mike Sperry | November 19, 2003 07:41 PM
Great stuff! I don't know about expanding the dialogue further. Maybe less is more in this case; maybe not. (Like I said, I don't know.) And did you and Spiner hug or shake hands? Maybe put that in somewhere (or, again, maybe not).
Did Frakes actually call Spiner "Data?" Teehee!
It's fabulous to stand in your shoes like that. Master narrative, it is, when I feel like I'm there. U pwnzor da wordz!
Posted by: Slyfeind | November 19, 2003 07:43 PM
That made me kind of sad. You definitly get the reader to feel like its happening to them.
"its a good thing."
Posted by: angela | November 19, 2003 07:48 PM
I've never posted a comment here, but I've been reading for a while, and I just want to say that I love this entry. It may be because I used to be such a huge TNG fan, but the writing just flows, really. Great job.
Posted by: mara | November 19, 2003 08:23 PM
You know that oxymoron saying "Take your time, hurry up"? I kinda feel like saying that. Seeing JAG come together is really neat, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. This should be quite the interesting story judging by this little morsel.
You know, in a way, JAG is like a reverse self-help book. You're not helping others by writing it, but more like writing it is helping you figure out the puzzle that is your life. Good stuff, Wil, keep it coming.
Hmmm. Time to call the parents and tell them to get me Dancing Barefoot for Christmas. Gotta hurry before it sells out, else I'll be stuck waiting for the second printing...
Posted by: Eric | November 19, 2003 08:49 PM
It's always easier when the audience is hidden by the footlights, you know?
Oh, yeah. Abso-frickin'-lutely. Footlights are gooooood!
Posted by: Moni | November 19, 2003 08:59 PM
oh, wow.....I'll stay invisible if you just keep writing, ok? And, lighten up a little on yourself alright? I never saw you as a "kid" on TNG but as an equal player on the big screen and, FYI, I liked your character. I didn't even know you were getting hate mail....guess I lived under a rock.
Posted by: GrammaLolly | November 19, 2003 09:06 PM
Wil,
Good revisions, to me. The way that you wright, it will be just fine. Great art starts with a cool draft, most of the time.
FG
Posted by: Fabian | November 19, 2003 10:06 PM
good call, Nemesis addition is a clincher!
Posted by: Nick Devor | November 19, 2003 10:16 PM
Can't wait to read the final version. I find the little glimpses of your writing process quite interesting as well. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Rob Sweet | November 19, 2003 10:17 PM
So Garrett Wang wasn't lying about Code of Honor being the worst TNG episode ever.
I almost had a argument with the guy over it. Instead, I asked him about pie.
Posted by: Matt | November 19, 2003 11:09 PM
I love it, very much looking forward to this book. Seeing how this has developed has been excellent, keep up the great work.
PS Being in Australia I only just ordered Dancing Barefoot yesterday as my personal Christmas present to myself, looking forward to the read.
Posted by: Miki | November 19, 2003 11:35 PM
Yay! You put in the bit about your nickname. You probably were going to anyway (rewrite version 4.0 maybe), but I'm glad I pointed it out in the comments the other day.
I love seeing this gem being polished. It's a great insight. Thanks for letting us in on the process, Wil.
Posted by: loretta652 | November 19, 2003 11:40 PM
You broke through, Wil! Its plain enough to see that. Now, do you have the guts to finish what you started? I think so, and I know, its not always easy...
Posted by: spunkyknight | November 20, 2003 01:01 AM
Must....have....more......
*Trembling and shaking hands*
Come on Wil! Stop holding out on us! It can't do much longer on 'Cold Geek'
Help me out here....
Posted by: Peter | November 20, 2003 01:17 AM
If the whole book is that good, I'm happy to wait another six months for the rewrite. Sometimes your inner perfectionist is right on the mark, and this was one of those times.
(if it's any comfort re: those movies, I've got some truly horrendous teenager poetry STILL floating around on the 'net from 1996 and 1997... I'm just lucky enough that no one has a website like IMDB to collect snarky comments about it all...)
Posted by: Sarah | November 20, 2003 02:51 AM
Even better rewrite. But, in hindsight, maybe you should drop the few sentences about Brent Spiner's goatee to spare him the embarrassment of further association with that awful Dana Carvey movie... :)
Keep it up though.
Posted by: JRM | November 20, 2003 03:47 AM
mornin' Wil,
as part of my morning routine of web'n'coffee, i was reading 'thin paper wings' and at the last line, when you mention your uncomfortableness (is that a word?) with discussing your website with personal friends/family, i once again noticed a commonality between you and i.....
glad i'm not the only one!...
Posted by: cw | November 20, 2003 04:18 AM
Thank you Wil, your last few posts are inspiring me to get out of my own miserable PhD thesis re-write hell. You've cheered me up no end.
Onward and upward!!
Posted by: sooz | November 20, 2003 05:00 AM
This is an interesting insight to read this passage. I have watched TNG for a long time, like a lot of others, and to visualize a behind the curtain look is very interesting. Like a poster above me...I kinda felt like I was witnessing it. Look forward to the book.
Posted by: Kreg Steppe | November 20, 2003 05:20 AM
Wil,
It's really coming along.
Your writing's very fluid, very true, and very easy to get into.
But, at the same time, very elegant and light as you describe feelings, sensations, and the world and people around you.
I am just SO ashamed I never brought Dancing Barefoot before it sold out.
Looks like I may be reading Just A Geek before I read the first one!
Keep it up, Uncle Willy,
SQ.
Posted by: StarQuestarian | November 20, 2003 05:22 AM
Outstanding. Truly outstanding writing. I think I'll have to start saving up for JAG, um, now. :)
Thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: Mike | November 20, 2003 05:29 AM
Wil, I'm really enjoying the pieces of rewrites you've put up these last few days. I get to the end and want to read more. Looking forward to the last of it. Such a great job.
Posted by: druidgirl | November 20, 2003 06:55 AM
Is it going to be a cloth book? I used to love cloth books.
Posted by: Bryan | November 20, 2003 07:05 AM
Hi, Wil! I only just started reading your site (imagine that, I'm the last person on the planet to find out about ww.net) but I have to tell you, I'm impressed! You can bet I'll be buying 'Geek' when it's printed.
You're really onto something here - I've been reading the re-writes and the more 'in the moment' you make it, the better it gets. We all wish we were you, man, hanging out with the people we idolize! By letting us share the emotion you feel, you're enabling us to suspend our disbelief and pretend that it's us hanging out with the cool kids. ;)
Or maybe that's just me, but either way, jolly good show, man.
Posted by: Jennie | November 20, 2003 08:18 AM
What struck me as most interesting about these posts is getting to see how you, as a skilled writer, approach improving your own writing. I aspire to improve my own writing, and it's fascinating and helpful to see how your prose improves as you revise it, and what sorts of things you change. If you have the chance, and feel like it, sometime I'd love to see even more detail on the rewrites, more versions or something.
It's also an interesting and engrossing piece of writing, but everyone else already said that.
Posted by: Matthew Lerner | November 20, 2003 08:24 AM
:insert sound of Jaw Dropping:
wow. just WOW.
I agree with what's been said... it's AMAZING how much this story has changed from the first draft to now... you really do feel like you're there, watching it all happen, like reliving a memory. I haven't bought DB, but IT MUST BE MINE!!! and JAG is now a MUST-HAVE for me... just incredible...
Posted by: Steve | November 20, 2003 08:44 AM
v. nice, wil... i wholeheartedly agree with Samantha, so... what she said.
Posted by: Ana | November 20, 2003 09:28 AM
Wow... Just... Wow...
Bravo Wil, you really sold the atmosphere of the situation, your writing skills are something else that's for sure. Can't wait to read the new book!
Cheers,
Posted by: Wolvie MkM | November 20, 2003 09:33 AM
Hi Wil!
You ROCK!!!
Keep up the good work...
Please respond to my email regarding WWDTT!
Posted by: Joel Forsberg (Sweden) | November 20, 2003 09:47 AM
This stuff is gold, Jerry! Gold!
Seriously, Wil, a very good read. I can't wait for the book to come out so I can rush to Borders and get it. It's going to be at all the bookstores, right? With your wide fan base and the guaranteed word of mouth, there is no way JAG will NOT be a bestseller.
Keep it up!
Posted by: Matthew Schwartz | November 20, 2003 10:50 AM
What appeared to start out as a possible Internet rumor, after being posted on a sole Cleveland newspaper, but sadly has now been confirmed by the L.A. Coroner’s office, is that on November 12, 2003, 27 year old former SeaQuest DSV actor Jonathan Brandis was found dead in his home. Brandis was found by friends and pronounced dead at a hospital, according to the Los Angeles coroner’s office. There were no signs of violence. Notice of his death was also posted on The Year That Trembled website, his latest film project. The cause of death has not been released but there are several rumors already, as speculation will undoubtedly concentrate on a possible drug overdose or even suicide. For genre fans, Brandis will be remembered for several projects, that included the TV miniseries Stephen King's IT, and motion pictures The Neverending Story II, and Stepfather 2. Brandis' death is the second SeaQuest actor to die this year, as his costar, Royce Applegate, died on January 1st in a house fire.
Posted by: Electric Monk | November 20, 2003 11:21 AM
As always, I'm loving the writing!
I thought I would pass along something I read in a book, (can't remember the name of it right now, sorry.) that talked about how to find out where your 'knots' came from.
It suggested that if you are experiencing a physical sensation, (i.e. tight throat, chest, stomach, ect...) that you should mentally ask the sensation, what it is there for, and what purpose is it serving.
Sometimes an answer comes right away, sometimes it takes asking a few times. I know it sounds a little 'whoowhoo', but it has helped me in the past.
It is a little like taking a moment when you're really pissed or upset over something and asking yourself, 'Why am I really angry?'. A lot of times the true answer is different than what you think it is at the time.
Anyway, whatever else you are doing in the self-reflection area is working! You are one of my favorite writers because you always strive for the truth.
Thank you.
Posted by: Deb | November 20, 2003 11:26 AM
As soon as I posted my response to Will's 'knots', the post about Jonathan came up.
I am so very sorry Will.
My condolences to his friends and to his family. He was a wonderfuly talented actor who was very much appreciated by his fans.
I don't know what else to say. I'm...
in shock.
Deb
Posted by: Deb | November 20, 2003 11:40 AM
Good stuff, Wil...looking forward to the final product.
Take care,
Posted by: Mark | November 20, 2003 11:51 AM
Secretly, you've always wanted to be called, "Willy."
Posted by: kyle | November 20, 2003 12:05 PM
Wil,
This is good stuff. Really good. Most people sleep-walk through their lives, never really understanding what is happening to them, much less how they feel about it. Few people can actually write, even fewer can write convincingly about their feelings.
YOU ARE DOING IT ALL!
and, wonderfully, too!
Posted by: Corky | November 20, 2003 01:05 PM
Wow--How ironic to stumble upon your blog. I am 30 now, but back in the 80's I thought you were the cutest guy. Then I had a friend, I think I went to Jewish summer camp with her, you and her were very good friends back then. I used to hope she'd introduce me but you became a big star. Soooo, I think it's great that you are nerd enough to maintain and keep up to date your website. Your realism and down to earthness (not a word, I know) is refreshing. I am so glad Hollywood did not eat you up and spit you out a bitter overworked actor. Keep it up. :)
Posted by: Tamara | November 20, 2003 04:57 PM
hey wil, i just thought i would add my condolences (spelling???) to those already here. i am so sorry to hear about Jonathan Brandis...i am a huge fan of his!!! I grew up watching Sea Quest DSV, and to suddenly hear that he was dead was a huge shock to me. i could not believe it. it still hasn't sunk in...
So, my thoughts go out to his friends and family...RIP Jon...
Love Rach
xxx
PS...Keep up the GREAT work wil!
xxx
Posted by: rach | November 20, 2003 05:50 PM
Will, you are taking us where we all wanted to be. Those of us that grew up with TNG feel like those guys were family anyway, but they really WERE to you. Keep it coming. It takes real balls to reveal that much of yourself. I respect that!
Posted by: Colleen | November 20, 2003 05:51 PM
I think so many people can relate to this because it's the ultimate twist of the 'High School Reunion' gone public. You know... in a yee gaads! millions of people are aware of my teenage years - sort of way. That's disturbing on a whole different level than most of us can imagine and yet you seem to have ridden out the awkwardness in a positive way. Keep writing. You're on the right track. You've engaged us all on a deeper level - and, is'nt that the point after all? Good luck to you.
Posted by: Jenn | November 20, 2003 07:52 PM
Based on this excerpt/rewrite alone, I'm very excited for the release of 'Just A Geek'. I grew up with TNG and Wesley was a character whom I particularly appreciated, being a kid myself at the time. Seeing all of this from the actor's point of view is one part of the book I'm particularly thrilled about. You've got one buyer right here.
Posted by: Anders Imboden | November 20, 2003 08:10 PM
This is why...
some people sing. some people write. some people blog. some crazy people sit on corners and preach their brand of "ufo's are coming!".
It's about untangling the knots. Some people never get the chance, Wil - they sit at their desks, numb to the world and themselves, suffering through the pain of their lives, while others take the advantage to untangle the knots.
I'm going to be going to visit my old hometown - the town of horrors and pain that I've suffered through the last 25 years with - and finally confront those knots and start untangling them.
You have your book. I have a trip and a blog. Feel good about it Wil - and follow it. Even if you have to edit stuff out later to make the wordcount, it doesn't matter because this book is more than just a book, it's your journey so that you can put things to rest and find balance.
Good luck.
Posted by: Chgowiz | November 21, 2003 06:07 AM
I'm quite looking forward to this book. The detail is awesome.
For a minute there, I thought Brent was making a monty python reference with your age "I'm 37! I'm not old". But oh, even better, a Beverly Hills 90210 reference!
Posted by: Carna | November 22, 2003 04:32 AM
Hey! WOW!!! Great stuff!!! I will definatly want to read this book. It sounds like it will be wonderful, I'm excited and can't wait. Keep it up!!!! Thanks.
Posted by: Crissy | November 22, 2003 12:29 PM
I related alot to this, not the same situation. But, in feeling. I can't wait till this is published, It's very good stuff. :-)
Posted by: Isabel | November 23, 2003 01:40 PM
I was really excited when i heard you were gonna be in Nemesis, and disapointed when they cut you out. Are your scenes in with the deleted ones on the DVD, do you know?
Posted by: stephanie | November 23, 2003 04:53 PM
Great writing, Wil. You have a real gift. I look forward to reading more from you and that's the mark of talent. Hope to see more soon. By the way, my wife and I have just finished a TNG marathon (only "preemptive strike" and "all good things" yet to go) and our official ruling is that Wesley did not, repeat, NOT suck. Most of the time he was written realistically and you did a good job wiht the part. A couple of times you came across like Will Robinson, but rarely so. One question, though--how do people take a pee in the 24th century? I mean, I know how they do, but do they have to pull those uniforms off completely?
And by the way, what was done to your part in "Nemesis" is what really sucked.
Posted by: Jim V. | November 24, 2003 12:08 PM
Dear Wil:
I love when you write about the actors you've worked with. I was not a Next Generation fan, but my brothers adored it, and my husband and I both went to University of Houston a little after Brent Spiner did. Brent was a favorite of our mutual teacher, Cecil Pickett, now deceased, and my husband Glenn (see www.glennmayo.com) was often mistaken for him. My son is named Will with two Ls and I loved you in so many other things, I'm just not a Trekkie. So check out how much Glenn looks like Brent. Brent actually looks more like Glenn's dad, Ray Mayo, than Glenn does. We think they might be secretly related, maybe half-brothers, because Glenn's grandpa was an old hound-dog who really got around the Houston area. Tell Brent the next time you see him to check it out.
Cybele
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Posted by: Dianne Cybele Mayo | November 29, 2003 12:16 PM