tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post7864680421926686435..comments2023-10-28T05:33:15.060-05:00Comments on The Writing Playground: Guest Blogger: Hank Phillippi RyanMarilyn Puetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16073134550080890157noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-17478527761636216812008-06-22T11:02:00.000-05:002008-06-22T11:02:00.000-05:00Susan Wiggs is holding the yellow bagJWIsley@aol.c...Susan Wiggs is holding the yellow bag<BR/>JWIsley@aol.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-14269978140066113482008-06-19T17:45:00.000-05:002008-06-19T17:45:00.000-05:00Oh, Hank, On the Cover of the Rolling Stone? Now i...Oh, Hank, On the Cover of the Rolling Stone? Now it's going to be stuck in my head all night. LOL. I can't wait for Air Time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-100684526971163112008-06-18T22:59:00.000-05:002008-06-18T22:59:00.000-05:00YOu heard it here first! The first line of Air Tim...YOu heard it here first! <BR/>The first line of Air Time:<BR/><BR/>It's never a good thing when the flight attendant is crying.<BR/><BR/>Pearl and Rebekah--make sure you send your addreses!<BR/><BR/>SO nice to be here today! And I hope to see you all soon. "Monitor"--thanks to you, I'm now writing in my beautiful red notebook. Whoa. I love it.<BR/><BR/>Keep in touch, okay? And watch for my books next summer.<BR/><BR/>much love<BR/>Hank<BR/><BR/>http://www.hankphillippiryan.com<BR/>email hryan@whdh.comHank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-13851198715509810702008-06-18T19:08:00.000-05:002008-06-18T19:08:00.000-05:00Oh yeah... tell us the first line of Air Time. Fi...Oh yeah... tell us the first line of Air Time. First lines are always interesting, said she who was experiencing hot flashes when she recently read Prime Time. :grin:<BR/><BR/>PMPlayground Monitorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07444337591281145863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-44883877716434024462008-06-18T19:07:00.000-05:002008-06-18T19:07:00.000-05:00You mentioned see-saws and teeter-totters. Uhm......You mentioned see-saws and teeter-totters. Uhm... the official drink of the Writing Playground is the "Teeter-Totter." It's a blend of champagne and green apple sparkling cider. When we celebrated the first anniversary of the website, we had champage to celebrate. But I can't drink because of medications, so Smarty Pants brought along the sparkling cider. Someone suggested mixing the two, it tasted good and voila! The Teeter-Totter was born. Too much of it and you'll definitely be teetering and tottering along.<BR/><BR/>And Harriet Ann will never go beyond the playground fence. Cross my heart.<BR/><BR/>PMPlayground Monitorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07444337591281145863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-13332622295667292262008-06-18T19:02:00.000-05:002008-06-18T19:02:00.000-05:00Pearl and Rebekah--send me your mailing addresses!...Pearl and Rebekah--send me your mailing addresses! You win copies of Prime Time or Face Time--let me know which one you want!<BR/><BR/>Email me at hryan@whdh.com<BR/><BR/>ANd yes, JJ, the Nancy Drew connection is lovely.Whenever I refer to her in speeches and seminars, I always get very nice and knowing nods from the audience. But interestingly, if you read the books now, they don't really hold up. <BR/><BR/>And the "new" ones? Where some well-meaning person has updated them--Nancy now has a cell phone, for heaven's sake. Those are truly bad. (Hope the author isn't reading this..and if she is, we know you were just doing what someone asked you to.)<BR/><BR/>But what we learned from Nancy?Spirit, independence, analytical thinking, that girls could be smart and that it was okay? Priceless.<BR/><BR/>Let's see--now you've got me cornered in the playgroud so I have to tell--my rel name is Harriet Ann. But that doesn't leave the play area, right?<BR/><BR/>Let's see..special for the playground: Want to know the first line of the brand new Air Time? AT will be out in September of 2009--<BR/><BR/>and everyone who comments today will get a coupon that will make your copy of AT very very very inexpensive! (Just email me at the above address)<BR/><BR/> I have some nice new bookmarks too, that I'll be happy to send to any playground pal who asks.Just tell me where to mail them! <BR/><BR/>Thanks to Roberta Isleib my blog sister for commenting today! She has a brand new book coming out this fall called Asking for Murder, so maybe you'll ask her over to play.<BR/><BR/>Rosemary Harris--another blog sister--wrote the wonderful Pushing UP Daisies--and The Big Dirt Nap coming soon. She's another pal who will be fun to share your swingset.<BR/><BR/>And you all know Hallie Ephron...her debut thriller Never Tell a Lie comes out next Feb.<BR/><BR/>So we're busy over at Jungle Red writers--hope you'll come visit us from time to time!<BR/><BR/>Back soon<BR/>HankHank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-56603493503734647032008-06-18T17:57:00.000-05:002008-06-18T17:57:00.000-05:00I enjoyed reading the story and how you have the e...I enjoyed reading the story and how you have the energy to do all that you accomplish is amazing. The yellow bag is held by Lisa Gardner and the other is Susan Wiggs. Your books are so popular that you must feel good about the re-issue.pearlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17760721155477371749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-83675522690292711482008-06-18T15:42:00.000-05:002008-06-18T15:42:00.000-05:00Kathy--I guess I'm a see-saw girl.Or do you call t...Kathy--<BR/>I guess I'm a see-saw girl.<BR/>Or do you call them teeter-totters? Which makes sense, since I'm a Libra, right? And my work is all about keeping a balance?<BR/><BR/>And I guess that's my advice, too...is make lists. It's like budgeting time--when you know what you have to do, you'll realize it's doable. Or, at least, what you just can't do and it won't matter anyway. <BR/><BR/>You can divide your life into: must do, should do, hope to do, okay not to do. And that makes things much more controllable.<BR/><BR/>And then you'll be ready for what you can't control!<BR/><BR/>And I guess, it's not worth it to freak out, no matter what. And certainly don't hold grudges, or fill your brain with space-taking anger. YOu're going to laugh about whatever it is someday,so my motto is "Laugh sooner."<BR/><BR/>BAck soon...Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-8527993336219955582008-06-18T15:30:00.000-05:002008-06-18T15:30:00.000-05:00I've been Googling instead of writing and discover...I've been Googling instead of writing and discovered the archive of Hank's investigative reports. You can see her in action <A HREF="http://www1.whdh.com/features/archive/hank/1/" REL="nofollow">here</A>. <BR/><BR/>Let's just say I wouldn't want her coming after me.<BR/><BR/>PMPlayground Monitorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07444337591281145863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-71792891387395330072008-06-18T14:31:00.000-05:002008-06-18T14:31:00.000-05:00Hank, I loved reading your post and am pleased to ...Hank, I loved reading your post and am pleased to have found you and your exciting work. I wonder how many writers began with Nancy Drew. :D<BR/><BR/>Hugs, JJNature Nut /JJ Lochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02895220529481743313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-2017503140805917532008-06-18T14:27:00.000-05:002008-06-18T14:27:00.000-05:00Okay-I'm back.Smarty Pants--which is what my mothe...Okay-I'm back.<BR/><BR/>Smarty Pants--which is what my mother used to call my sister and me when she was not happy--<BR/><BR/>My favorite part of writing is revising. I love it, and in fact, I always have to keep saying <BR/>to myself: keep going forward, keep going forward,advance the story! Instead of stopping to have the fun of fixing what I've already written. <BR/><BR/>Lynn Raye--you know, sometimes I think, gee, I wish I would have started this part of my life soner. But then I realize--things happen when they are supposed to happen. So--do it! <BR/><BR/>OOps--back in a minute. I have to find out what a "non-recourse state" means.Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-33403402795074285992008-06-18T14:10:00.000-05:002008-06-18T14:10:00.000-05:00Hey all--Had to go into the edit booth for a bit -...Hey all--Had to go into the edit booth for a bit --and now I'm back!<BR/><BR/>Angel: AH. Great question. When I told Jonathan I was going to write a book, he said, "That's fine, honey" or some such." He knows I'm a determined person, and I think the reality of it sunk in once I started disappearing into the study for hours and days at a time.<BR/><BR/>Between the seed of the idea and actual publication? Maybe..two and a half years. It seemed like a really long time. But I think it's because I'm so used to the pace of time in tv. Which means everything happens instantly.<BR/><BR/>And as a matter of fact--gotta go. Back in a flash...Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-70447684336126441422008-06-18T10:47:00.000-05:002008-06-18T10:47:00.000-05:00Another of Hank's blog sisters chiming in... yes, ...Another of Hank's blog sisters chiming in... yes, it's true somehow a Hank day has more than 24hours, but that's not even the coolest thing about her. She still has the enthusiasm of a teenager and says "OK..we can do that!" more than anyone I know. And I believe that that - in addition to the fact that she's a terrific writer - has contributed greatly to her success. <BR/>Way to go, Hank! (If anyone is in Fairfield CT on June 25, 7pm come to the Borders on Post Road and say hello to both of us..)Rosemary Harrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08033747422699443024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-28759547707809893702008-06-18T10:26:00.000-05:002008-06-18T10:26:00.000-05:00I'm so gald to hear that they are re-issueing Prim...I'm so gald to hear that they are re-issueing Prime time and Face time. I really want to read them and unfortantely can't find them anywhere. But that must be a great feeling for you to have your books pretty much sell out. I'm not sure if I put this here but they author holding the yellow bag is Susan Wiggs.Rebekah E.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09497567355215918953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-2271352451736335482008-06-18T10:19:00.000-05:002008-06-18T10:19:00.000-05:00Welcome to the Playground, Hank! We're so glad to...Welcome to the Playground, Hank! We're so glad to have you here today. <BR/><BR/>Lists? Who needs lists :-) Can you tell I'm the rebel in the group? They're trying to slowly convert me though. <BR/><BR/>Your journey is amazing and inspiring. Thank you for sharing it with us. Everyone else has asked some great questions so I think I'll just sit back and wait for the answers. <BR/><BR/>InstigatorKira Sinclair - AKA Instigatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14274056066229852126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-55227852312542181372008-06-18T10:15:00.000-05:002008-06-18T10:15:00.000-05:00Good morning and welcome Hank. And yes, what a fa...Good morning and welcome Hank. And yes, what a fasinating name. I could never write a book but boy, I sure do enjoy reading them. And I will have to check your's out. I hope you have a great time here at the Playground.<BR/>robertsonreadsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-37280952229510338782008-06-18T10:04:00.000-05:002008-06-18T10:04:00.000-05:00Confession: I'm another one of Hank's mystery-writ...Confession: I'm another one of Hank's mystery-writing blogmates on Jungle Red Writers. She's just as amazing as she sounds! And hooray for women turning to writing in midlife--I did the same thing. It's a very competitive business and can be discouraging, but on the other hand, by this time in our lives we have so much to say. And plenty of people who love to read!<BR/><BR/>As for lists, it amazes me sometimes to look at the notes I've made and not remember writing them at all--and sometimes it's good stuff too...<BR/><BR/>Roberta IsleibLucy Burdette aka Roberta Isleibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660402177299546055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-58471431503186375632008-06-18T09:41:00.000-05:002008-06-18T09:41:00.000-05:00Welcome, Hank! Do you prefer the swings or the me...Welcome, Hank! Do you prefer the swings or the merry-go-round?<BR/><BR/>Goodness, I'm so impressed with all you've accomplished. You have an amazing resume and an exciting, thrilling long list of experiences to fall back on when you write.<BR/><BR/>Of all the news events you've covered, what was the most memorable? And has that experience played a key part in one of your stories?<BR/><BR/>What is the one piece of advice you would give unpublished writers trying to juggle family life and work?<BR/><BR/>I'm in my mid-forties and am so jazzed by your story. Thanks for being such an inspiration to writers everywhere.Katherine Bonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14701961380138616355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-78364559338468288782008-06-18T09:17:00.000-05:002008-06-18T09:17:00.000-05:00Okay, I have to ask. How'd you get the name "Hank...Okay, I have to ask. How'd you get the name "Hank?" And do you get a lot of Murphy Brown and Mary Tyler Moore jokes? I know your heroine got called Brenda Starr. You don't have a painter named Eldin do you? ::grin::<BR/><BR/>PMPlayground Monitorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07444337591281145863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-87491148325798117282008-06-18T08:54:00.000-05:002008-06-18T08:54:00.000-05:00Just last night I was cleaning old files off my ha...Just last night I was cleaning old files off my hard drive and came across my packing list for Reno. ACK! Well, it has a new file name and it's my packing list for San Francisco. :-)<BR/><BR/>Gee, I started writing at about age 53 and uhm... we won't go there. <BR/><BR/>Welcome to your blogmate Hallie too!<BR/><BR/>LOL at not writing in the Italian leather notebook. But some words of advice if I may: WRITE IN IT! Life's too short to use drugstore spirals instead of red Italian leather.<BR/><BR/>PMPlayground Monitorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07444337591281145863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-77768642751239796522008-06-18T08:47:00.000-05:002008-06-18T08:47:00.000-05:00I also have to tell you that I just emailed the ph...I also have to tell you that I just emailed the photo of you and Fabio to my DB. He thinks Fabio is great because he owns, like 2000 motorcycles. He could care less about the romance covers or the not butter endorsements, just the bikes. I'm sure he'll be impressed!Andrea Laurence AKA Smarty Pantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13518751514879244662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-86205414826622220482008-06-18T08:30:00.000-05:002008-06-18T08:30:00.000-05:00Though I know Hank and we're blogmates, I hadn't r...Though I know Hank and we're blogmates, I hadn't read this whole story all in one place. Wow. This is one incredibly talented and generous and warm woman...but (Mary, you don't say this, but the question does occur to one) does she sleep?Hallie Ephronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04759439029582054503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-45971920289101070832008-06-18T08:17:00.000-05:002008-06-18T08:17:00.000-05:00Hank, wow, I am astounded at all you've accomplish...Hank, wow, I am astounded at all you've accomplished. And, dare I say, THRILLED you began this writing journey at 53 and have been so successful at it! I began writing long ago, gave up for a long time, then came back to it about 4 years ago in my mid-thirties. And even then, I was thinking, "Have I missed the boat? Should I have been at this the whole time?"<BR/><BR/>What a story! And congrats on the RITA nomination.<BR/><BR/>I used to carry a notebook everywhere and write stuff down, and I still have a small one in my purse, but I find I rarely write in it. I've discovered over the years that if something is important enough, it sticks with me. I used to worry about losing those ideas if I didn't write them down, but like you, I rarely went back to look at them. So now I just trust it to stick. :)Lynn Raye Harrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05823590040842807378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-28113655699659499022008-06-18T07:59:00.000-05:002008-06-18T07:59:00.000-05:00Good morning and welcome. We're glad to have you j...Good morning and welcome. We're glad to have you join us today. I can't imagine winning an Emmy, much less 26 of them. How exciting! I hope the RITA ceremony can hold up to the standards you're used to.<BR/><BR/>What is your favorite part of writing?Andrea Laurence AKA Smarty Pantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13518751514879244662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18688033.post-48799551206244327732008-06-18T07:55:00.000-05:002008-06-18T07:55:00.000-05:00Welcome, Hank! Thanks for visiting our little sand...Welcome, Hank! Thanks for visiting our little sand-filled part of the internet today. <BR/><BR/>What a cool story! And such accomplishments! What did your husband say the first time you told him you wanted to write a book? Was it a surprise? How much time passed between the seed of the idea to actual publication?<BR/><BR/>Lists.... oh my. You are in list central here on the Playground. I also keep a notebook with me when I go places. Snatches of dialogue and scenes go into it. I also take a handheld tape recorder with me on any longer trips, so I can spend the time plotting out scenes while I drive. With two kids and a busy life, I have to get it down before I forget it. ;)<BR/><BR/>AngelAngelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17010424240956906870noreply@blogger.com