Steven Weber, Carrie White, Quinn Cummings, Vicki Abelson & Chris Bonno

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

John Fugelsang, Wendy Liebman, Lynne Stewart, Vicki Abelson & Gary Stockdale

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Dee Wallace, Michael C Ford, Diane Louise Salinger, Vicki Abelson & Korel Tunador

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:54:03 -0400

Phil Rosenthal, Barra Grant, Sonya Sones, Vicki Abelson & Robbyn Kirmssé

Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Bruce Vilanch, Dylan Brody, Dennis Danziger, Vicki Abelson & Eric Schwartz

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 03:00:00 -0400

“Yesterday was great fun. What a terrific crowd! Who KNEW?....but then, I stopped at a light and read the list of previous participants....suitably humbled, I hit the freeway.” Bruce Vilanch
Recap

Vicki Abelson Presents:

Readings For Women
by

Women Who Write
and more than occasionally, exceptional men who do too

Tuesday, APRIL 26th, 2011

with

Dennis Danziger, Dylan Brody, Bruce Vilanch, Vicki Abelson, Eric Schwartz

Photo by Linda Abse
We laughed and laughed and laughed. And I can say, unequivocally, we laughed more than we ever have before. But then, I'm in menopause, and I really don't remember the other ones. Never has hilarity ensued from the moment we began until the last lady left. I don't think. This was funny soup for the joke starved soul. A day, which every time it comes to mind, brings not a smile, but a guffaw. Yes, a guffaw! Over the last few weeks, whenever I've run into anyone who was there that day we start laughing out...yeah..that. There will be none of the "initial" happiness, around here, sir, thank you very much.

As the food began arriving, with it came the women. Wait. Back in each others company, in anticipation of the magic that was sure to unfold, there was much laughter before nary a punchline was delivered. WHAT?!? That's right, we laughed our asses off, right from the lit-off (lame, now overused, football kick-off reference). Have I used the word "laugh" and it's derivatives enough? Just you wait, Henry Higgins, just you wait!

Photos by Nicole Stranz and Linda Abse

There was an undertow. In the early morning, while checking Facebook, I caught sight of a post. Phoebe Snow had passed away. She never recovered from a brain injury incurred more than a year earlier. The tears rolled as I played one YouTube video after another. Like this one, "Either or Both," my favorite Phoebe tune. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tewdim5Ugek Steve Conte pictured below (middle), knew of my, since high school obsession, and delivered her unto me late one rainy night at The Rock n' Roll Cafe. It was a surreal and euphoric night. Following that evening, for a few months back in 1989, Phoebe and I girl "dated." She'd call, come pick me up, take me out, and then like pretty much every guy I knew at that time, she dropped me flat. But, boy, did we have some crazy fun. She continued to come to my nights at various clubs around the city, always stealing the show and my heart, while taking my breath clear away. She had the voice of an angel and no doubt, now is one.

Since January, we've eulogized three lost love ones. I pray that's the "charm." No more. Please. Enough.
Photo by Louise Palanker
As the women enjoyed some eats, and meets, while settling into their seats, I inquired if Eric Schwartz, knew any "Phoebe"? Grabbing Andrea-Ross Greene, her Mac and his guitar, they set about quickly putting together a tribute tune. There was a sharp contrast bewteen the levity of the day and Phoebe's death. At first I felt guilty laughing and feeling so joyful, but that's life, and an episode of Mary Tyler Moore. BTW, that adorable girl above, to the left of the fab Tracy Newman, is Lynne Stewart, who played Maya Rudolph's mama in "Bridesmaids," and charmed every scene she was in, without uttering a line. OMG, do I love these ladies!

Photos by Linda Abse
I took to the podium, welcomed the crew, regaling the babes (and much to the shame of my beloved father), the men, with tales of my oft maligned menopause. I don’t even think that's English. See if I care. You can to listen?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBUq1fCa0qc&feature=channel_video_title

Photo by Louise Palanker
Bringing up Eric Schwartz -here's his intro, listen....it's funeeeeeeeee. No, HE'S funneeee. Followed by a teeny little eulogy for the Phoeb's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6seML6Epwc&feature=channel_video_title
And then the magic. Eric accompanied our own angel, Andrea Ross-Greene, led us in an impromptu, heartfelt rendition of "Poetry Man." I dare say we were perhaps the first to honor her as such, as it was merely a few hours after her passing. Hearing 50 women and a handful of men singing along to Phoebe’s most popular song created quite a "sultry air." If you listen to but one video of this spectacular day..please let it be this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6seML6Epwc&feature=channel_video_title

Photos by Linda Abse

When Tracy Newman makes a suggestion , I listen. So highly did she speak of Eric Schwartz, I actually listened to his cd. And then I booked him. That very night I ran into gookalicious (before you call the race police-her shirt this day said, “GOT GOOK?” See below.), Suzanne Whang and her boyfriend, who I'd met before. After cordial "hello's" he realizes that I have NO idea that he's the Eric I booked that day. Right. Hello, menopause. Slowly, I turned....step, by step......Eric is perhaps the only artist in history who's been reviewed by "Sing Out" and "Hustler," has toured as a folk singer, composed a muscial, had a couple of million-hit videos online (say WHAT?!? Say HOW!), won the International Songwriting Competition's Comedy/Novelty Song of the Year in 2009, as well as the Just Plain Folks Novelty CD of the year in 2009, and has had his music played on Howard Stern 100, NPR's "All Things Considered," and Air America. More importantly, he provides stud service to our girl, Suzanne. Quite well, I understand. Bottom line, top line, and side to side, Eric is one of the funniest and most entertaining singers EVER...Who could resist, "Who's Gonna Fuck the Singer?" Only a repressed puritan, and what would any of them be doing reading my recaps?
Watch the vids..oh, don't miss the vids!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzOgr-TJGTc&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8WrFJm8lTM&feature=channel_video_title
And then order his CD...funny, funny, and more funny! http://www.ericschwartz.com/

Photos by Linda Abse
About two years ago I began discussion with Amy Friedman, about coming to read for us. She has an AMAZING story. Anyway…we weren’t connecting. Then approximately six months ago, Karen Hart tells me about a very funny guy, that the woman will LOVE. Easy on the eyes, she says. Nancy Mehagian tells me the same thing. Well, you don't have to tell me two times. Wait. Dennis Danziger is the author of the novel, "A Short History of a Tall Jew," which Jewish Book World called "a compelling and surprisingly heart-warming work of fiction." He is the author of a non-fiction book, “Daddy, The Diary of an Expectant Father,” which for reasons no one can explain sold more copies in Germany and South Korea than in America. He spent a decade of his life writing sit-coms, most notably for TAXI, and for the past two decades has been teaching English in the Los Angeles Unified School District and probably taught more than a kid of ours or two. He was charming, FUNNY, and is, always, tall and Jewish.Watch the video, buy the book! He’s terrific!!!!
Intro to Dennis http://www.youtube.com/user/fergushaggis?feature=mhee#p/c/598A61817D99BC62/5/1LI7enjoWKk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBG9PB_BEWk&feature=channel_video_title
http://dennisdanziger.com

Photos by Linda Abse

I was upstairs trimming my feathers when Dylan Brody arrived. As I descended the stairs, there before me was Dylan, rifling through the podium to read his intro. I have yet to meet a more persistent and ambitious artist than Mr, Brody. And persistence pays off. I've known Dylan forever, or 10 months, whichever's longer. We immediately discussed his reading for us. But then it was like this "thing." Everywhere I went, and I mean EVERYWHERE, there he was en masse with a posse of other incredibly funny people. Wildly talented and fantastic, I was torn. I try to bring together artists that we'd be unlikely to see anywhere else, especially together. But you couldn't hit The Facebook, well, ever, without seeing another Brody gig announced. With good reason. And then divine guidance finally spoke. Ironically at the same time, it also whispered "Eric" another of that, so-called "posse." Dylan is an award winning playwright, humorist and a thrice (yes, thrice) published author, and a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. In recent years, he has emerged as a radio raconteur (dig that!), whose witty and profound tales of his journey through life are unique, yet recognizable to everyone, earning him a reputation as one of America's fastest rising storytellers. Dylan's latest CD, A TWIST OF THE WIT is available at: http://dylanbrody.com/blogs/ Order one, you'll think, you'll laugh, and if you don't, he'll harangue you until you do. His one person show, MORE ARTS/LESS MARITAL premiered in LA in January of '09 to a standing ovation. We made him feel right at home. Tune in to his hysterical reading that was fashioned, just for us, not that other brilliantly funny stuff he parades all over town.
Intro to Dylan Brody http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkHcxarvC7c&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR1SQIS2I1I&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQWEyEny_-w&feature=channel_video_title

Photos by Linda Abse

After opening with "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," I read the 27th installment from my fictionalized memoir, "Don't Jump." It's 1990, well, not now, in the chapter. Andi, a 30 something, single, up and coming rock n' roll promoter is dating two guys. Lenny, her old friend and comedy teacher, who unknowingly led her to her current career as a successful rock promoter in NY, AND reintroduced her to her childhood, boy-next-door best friend, who's his writing partner. (Woe is that a run-on sentence.) But, they no longer write together, they no longer talk together. Barry's also a comic, and a way more successful music promoter than Andi. After going out with both of them on the 4th of July, she has yet to be kissed by Barry, while Lenny rounded home, breaking rubber. She awaits the results, while continuing to whore it up with both. Tramp.
Intro to my reading: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaBU570-jyo&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax8x28a3ZAc&feature=channel_video_title

Photos by Linda AbseI
How did I talk Bruce Vilanch into reading for us? I sent him a semi-naughty picture. Of me. Don't be cynical, he came didn't he? Oh snap! In exchange, he photoshopped me into a nuns habit. I knew a lot of Bruce's credits going in. Who doesn't? A six time Emmy winner, he's written 21 Oscar broadcasts, as well as writing for the Tonys, Grammys, and Emmys and did a four year stint on Hollywood Squares, as both a performer and a writer, slipping the other squares,their best stuff. Befriending then struggling nightclub singer, Bette Midler, Bruce gave her some very astute career advice, "You're pretty funny. You should talk more onstage." He helped her, writing for her 1974 Broadway show, CLAMS ON THE HALF SHELL. He's written jokes for Lily Tomlin, Billy Crystal, Roseanne Barr, Rosie O'Donnell, Paul Riser, Elizabeth Taylor and Robin Williams, although Bruce says, "It's more accurate to say that he's written comedy "at" Williams, than "for" him. He's had numerous acting roles, in MAHOGANY, LAW & ORDER, and BUSOM BUDDIES. He reunited with Bette on DIVINE MADNESS, and wrote the tune she serenaded Johnny with on his next to last Tonight Show. That just blows my mind. He's punched up scripts for "Die Hard 2" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark." He starred on Broadway as Edna Turnblad in the musical HAIRSPRAY, after originating the role in the shows first national tour. Bruce won consecutive EMMY AWARDS for the Billy Crystal-hosted Academy Awards telecasts. There is so much more, but my fingers are TIRED! Bruce came to us taking the whole "Women Who Write" literally. He KILLED us with readings as STARR JONES, SHIRLEY MACLAINE & CARRIE FISHER. Whatever you do, do not skip these vids. Pure hysteria!!!!!!!! Not only the readings, the intros to each one, kick ass, as well. I LOVE this man!!! Or is he a.....hmmmm......well, he DID play EDNA very convincingly! He tore my house down. Thank goodness for the team of half naked handy-men (and I do mean, handy), he sent to rebuild.
Intro to Bruce http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4JwZrK4EzU&feature=channel_video_title
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycm0vAP1ij8&feature=channel_video_title as Starr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVfSDMovbHY as Shirley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37zCxaAC4Jc as Carrie
_____________________

Did we laugh? Did we have fun? You betcha............

Photos by Louise Palanker and Linda Abse

It was well after 2 when we finally got to discussion. We talked about monetizing, promoting, spirituality, being true to ourselves, SEX and dirty talk. Sorry, footage is temporarily unavailable. It was simply, TOO HOT. *cough*
_______________

Heartfelt thanks to Nicole Stranz, for the great, perfectly exposed videos, an arduous feat in my living room; Linda Abse and Louise Palanker for the exceptional photography! Gifted gals! Nancy Mehagian for the ongoing loaner coffee maker and the incredible food that she and all the woman delivered with love, whether they cooked it or bought it, it rocked! Lynne Stewart, those roses made me so happy for a week at least, thank you, sweet woman! Andrea, I think you've performed more than any other human at our little afternoon soirees. Thanks for stepping up, yet again. Eric Schwartz, I can't thank you enough for pulling that Phoebe outta your chapeau, and for your AMAZING set, which quickly changed the tone and brought such unbridled joy..hot damn! Dennis Danziger, Dylan Brody, Bruce Vilanch...like WOW. You are three VERY VERY smart and funny men. I'm honored to have had you to home. Women, thank you for filling my heart, my head, my soul, and now, my jar. My gratitude to you for sharing this with me is boundless. Rick Smolke, sultan of swag, as always, thank you for making us feel cherished. My half-caf, vente latte runneth over.

_________________
"I had a terrific time at the salon today. Thank you so much for having me in. What a great lineup of readers and what a
marvelous group of humans you have gathered around you. Just splendid, you." Dylan Brody, Xenophobia and the Jewish Druid & Other Stories

"I wanted to thank you for providing the best atmosphere and the best audience I've ever experienced as a reader.
Thanks for including me in your world which is unique and glorious and I'll treasure today with you and your friends forever." Dennis Danziger, Short History of a Tall Jew

“Wow. What a blast! 'Women Who Write' is a hidden gem that shines like the clitring on Lady Motodiva on a Harley in the Mojave. Such talent. Such repast, such an enormous concentration of estrogen in one biosphere!” Eric Schwartz, Redder Than Ever

“I showed up all tired and hormonal yesterday, more in the mood to spit than laugh. But that turned around the moment Eric began to sing.
And it went form there. I howled and chortled and felt much better. Great, great day. Again. Thank you. Again.” Gina Angelone

"I know i say it every month but omg syrupmouth (because everything that comes out of your mouth is nectar to all of us) this
was top of the pops - the ace of events -I have never experienced such energy, talent, warmth, friendship, exquisite life lessons
and oh the humor - especially in these scary times we are living in. WWW is a monthly oases to all of us parched women
and in that i am unanimous." Lorna Richards

"Truly a memorable experience! Your guys were every bit  as terrific to listen to and comical! Your wonderful group of spiritually enlightened women writers an inspiration. Loved every minute there!  You have a true gift in what you do. Hope to return again soon." Giselle Shapiro  "Just wanted to say thanks and that your chapter was definitely the funniest thing said today. God, it's just awful, but so real!  That's what made me laugh so hard." Karen Tyler

"I just wanted to thank you for putting on a wonderful event and for inviting me. What a great group of players, you included!
Great to see some familiar faces as well. I'm looking forward to the next one." Lauri Fraser

"I had the best time today! Can't remember the last time I laughed that much! Thanks for including me."
Elizabeth Menduke

"Thank you for another wonderful soiree. You do have the very best people-presenters and audience alike." Janie Tutelman Spielberg

"What a friggin f-ing fantastic day in f-ing Montrose! Who knew? Many f-ing thank yous. XX" Harriet Helberg

"The whole day was soooo much fun...thanks so much for providing such happiness and laughter each month..."
Adele Beeman

Thank you for having me! It was such a great day!" Louise Palanker

“Yesterday was magical. Thanks for creating it!” Suzanne Whang

"Haven't laughed that much in ages." Nancy Mehagian

"Magical day as they all are!!!!!" Lynne Stewart

________________

It was a BIG month for this Women Who Writes outside my living room. I taped interviews for PopCulture Radio and The Dave and Brett Show, coming at you, soon.
Here's a link to a somewhat amusing one minute sneak peek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am0nC826_68&feature=channel_video_title
The video before the podcast without video of The Dave & Brett Show w/Vicki Abelson
www.youtube.com

Spent an incredible hour with my gal, Zoe Moon, talking destiny, fate, synchronicity......we had an amazing time! Come listen!
The Podcast Show from 5/19 feed://podcastrss.play.it/the-zoe-moon-astrology-show_mp3_32.xml
The Zoe Moon Astrology Show
podcastrss.play.it

And, the article that Alix Cohen wrote about me won a New York Press Club Journalism Award. Congrats Alix!

Internet
"Vicki Abelson: Move Over Gertrude Stein"
Alix Cohen
WomanAroundTown.com

You can read it, here

http://www.womanaroundtown.com/locations/new-york/vicki-abelson-move-over-gertrude-stein

Tuesday, June 28th:

Steve Postell, Amy Friedman, Louise Palanker, Vicki Abelson & Larry Hankin

© 2009 Vicki Abelson

Harry Hamlin, Todd Waring, Muffy Bolding, Vicki Abelson, & Andrea Ross Greene

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 03:00:00 -0500

Robert Klein, Gary Dell'Abate, James Grissom, Vicki Abelson,Tony Bruno, Tommy Byrnes, & Hughie Carroll

Tue, 4 Jan 2011 16:03:43 -0500

"Reading a portion of my book to a group of literate ladies at the WOMEN WHO WRITE gathering was a pleasure and an honor. We laughed a little and even though we teared up a little we didn't feel at all like John Boehner." Robert Klein The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue

Lisa Rinna, Karyn Reece, Vicki Abelson & Anna Montgomery

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500

“I loved the Women Who Write event! It was filled with inspired, creative, strong, beautiful women and I felt so empowered by their presence!!! Vicki is a rock star!” Lisa Rinna

Taylor Negron, Paul Levine, Claire LaZebnik, Vicki Abelson & Karen Hart

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 03:00:00 -0400

"Vicki! Thank you for having me in your home today to read. I met such nice people. Karen Hart is still playing in my mind- Paul and Claire---This show can run on the ROAD---in other people apts...Your story was so touching and truthful- Excellent work and thank you again for including me" Taylor Negron

Dennis Palumbo, Annabelle Gurwitch, Hope Edelman, Vicki Abelson & Kat Parsons

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 03:00:00 -0400

"Vicki Abelson has created something rare and special in her townhouse in Montrose. The energy, the talent, and the creativity that coalesce in her living room every month is unlike anything I've witnessed before. Participating in Women Who Write was a high point of my book tour." Hope Edelman, The Possibility of Everything

Craig Bierko, Gregory Boyle, Angelica Torn, Vicki Abelson, Samantha Rae Abelson & Mark Newman

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:26:55 -0400

"Thank you, Vicki for inviting me to Women Who Write. It was a joy to express the raw beginnings of a larger project in a safe, non judgmental atmosphere with good deli, proper ventilation - and which encourages the development of America's inner space exploration program. I am inspired to continue and I can think of no higher praise." Craig Bierko, from Show Business

Paul Provenza, Marc Maron, Josie Brown, Vicki Abelson & James Lee Stanley

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:40:02 -0400

"Thank you all for honoring me with the opportunity to participate in your soulful, heartfelt celebration of writers and writing. Your passion for writers and the business, process, and - most importantly - the art of writing is so truly, profoundly inspiring, I can say without hyperbole that being among you has changed my life. Thanks to you, Vicki, and all the Women Who Write, whenever I find myself whining and moaning about how difficult writing is, I will remember your extraordinary enthusiasm and generosity of spirit and can now also feel tremendous guilt and shame as well." Paul Provenza, Satiristas, The Green Room

Recap:

Vicki Abelson Presents:

Readings For Women by
Women Who Write
Tuesday, June 22, 11 AM

James Lee Stanley, Paul Provenza, Vicki Abelson, Josie Brown, & Marc Maron
Photo by Kaci Christian
OK, so I'm a little late with this. What's a week or four between friends? I had good intentions, beginning this recap on the plane to New York, two days after the soiree. And then, well, there was NEW YORK. Sorry. I'm also blaming my very limited internet access which made this a most arduous process and prohibited me from uploading the videos. So,this recap sans vids for now...expect the links in your inbox, Facebook and YouTube upon my return to the land of LA in early August. I know you'll be waiting with baited breath. Baited? Yes, baited.

In the midst of the swirling excitement of getting out the OWN vote for Women Who Write, http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=15243&promo_id=1 readying for the less than two-day-away trip to New York for the summer, 60 women, my girl Josie Brown and three of the koolest men on the planet descended upon my humble Montrose chapeau..yeah, I know...I keep using that "My Favorite Year" reference but Dennis Palumbo who penned it is my Facebook friend and he gets royalties.

With the start time set for 11am, the house almost full, I lamented, "Oh no, where's Maron?" Then I looked at the clock. It was 10:45 and the place was already packed. Arriving earlier and earlier, the babes were scrambling to snag a "good seat." Is there a "bad" seat in my living room? Thanks to the generous donations in last months chair jar, we were able to procure 15 brand new cushy chairs of our own, which added to our bounty from WWW regular Michele Samit. We only had to schlep a dozen from the Light on the Corner Church...thank you, Pastor Jon! But, there certainly is prime real estate when the boys come to call. Especially when they're cute, funny rockboys. Sorry Provenza, I got two years on you, yes, "boys." The energy is always kicked up a notch when there's progesterone in the house.

The table teamed to overbearing with delectables. The food line snaked longer than at Stanley Lipshitz's Bar Mitzvah buffet. The cranked 80's playlist was indiscernible under the din of introductory chatter. There's no doubt we're now family, everyone warmly welcoming newcomers into the fold.

By 11:35 we were under way. After discussing strategy for maximizing our OWN exposure, it was time for shout-outs. Long-time Women Who Write ardent supporter, J David Farrell, surprised us by sending his favorite blend from a beanery in Phili and treated us to somene-kick-ass joe. Fittingly, our girl, Josie Brown in true Oprah fashion had placed coffee mug swag under the chairs. Rick Smolke of Quik Impressions in Chicago once again came through. All the first-timers got caught up with calendars and note pads.

Photo by Stannie Adams

Welcoming James Lee Stanley, who's opened for Bonnie Raitt, Robin Williams, Bill Cosby and Stephen Wright (three years straight), doing up to 300 gigs a year, there was still no way to prepare for this genius. He blew the roof off the place and a whole lotta minds. No wonder Mama Cass Elliot helped him get a record deal at 14. He’s been hailed as one of the few all time greats and undisputed geniuses among singer-songwriters. Fi Magazine listed his FREELANCE HUMAN BEING as one of the finest recordings of 1998 and one of the Top 200 Recordings of all time. He’s scored EMMY and Cable Ace winning specials…He’s writing a musical, entitled "Straight From The Heart," and has collaborated with Peter Tork-hey hey, he’s a monkey..but James Lee most assuredly is NOT!!! He thrilled us with a couple of his tunes and even had join in for a sing-a-long. It was a performance that would have stood at Carnegie Hall, in this Montrose living room it was goosebump crazy. PROMISE the videos of his incredible performance soon. Buy his CD, buy 2. He's amazing! http://www.jamesleestanley.com/index.html
PLUS check out James Lee's BLOG http://www.datamusicata.com He accepts submissions -Write- DO IT!

Photo by Martin Brown

Oh my girl Josie Brown! Not only did she get us the stupendous Jackie Collins in February, she came to read to us from her own short-listed new novel, "Secrets Lives of Husbands & Wives," bearing gifts. A chip off the ol' Collins block, Josie's reading was sharp, sexy and sassy. Josie and I have a lot of history. Her brother-in-law and I go back forty years. Even though that's not even possible, I'm way too young for that. Generosity of spirit does not begin to describe this woman. In the midst of a deadline for her next book, she made the time to do a final read of my manuscript and offered a few invaluable suggestions coupled with a host of kudos that meant the world. Starting out in the advertising game, Josie became an investigative reporter, but decided she preferred to eat, so she started writing about celebrity, sex and scandal. Yummy. Her novels include “Impossibly Tongue-Tied," and “True Hollywood Lies,” she’s edited John Grey’s “Mars Venus Advice,” and in collaboration with her husband, Martin Brown, has written, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Finding Mr. Right,” amongst others…and shhhhh…she ghost writes all kinds of celebrity books as well. "Secret Lives..." is a total page turner....get it, it's a perfect summer read. http://www.josiebrown.com/

Photo by Martin Brown

My turn..me, me, me, me, me, more me, reading from my fictionalized memoir (yes, that's what I'm calling it this month), "Don't Jump." This installment finds Andi, a 30 something rock promoter in NY in 1990, arriving for her big opening night at The Stone House, owned by the possibly connected Frankie….renamed on Thursdays, JamGirl, her new moniker. It was a stepup in size and location but a BIG downsize in cred. A psychic has recently told her that she will be successful, but not in a “Page Six” sort of way. She’s also told her there would soon be five men on the scene, vying for her attention. In this chapter, for once, Andi finally gets her head outta her groin..for about five minutes.....kinda…well, not really…but she does aim her focus elsewhere…sorta….the reading capped off with a fab bonus...video to come....really...I promise...am I deluding myself to think you care?!? In case you've gotta have a taste of me now, and who can resist that *cough cough* here's the radio interview I did about Women Who Write and the quest to get us on OWN. Click the "Standing Next to Oprah" line to access.
Standing Next To Oprah-Oprah Winfrey Network Contestants 7/1/2010 - SPEAK YOUR SUCCESS | Internet Ra
www.blogtalkradio.com
Join us as we welcome Oprah Winfrey OWN Contestants Shari Alyse Radio Host-Sharing With Shari Aurea McGarryEmmy Winning Television Talk Show Host Kim Fulcher CEO/Founder MyLifeCompass.com and Vicki AbelsonFounder Women Who Write to discuss their bid for their own talk show on the Oprah Winfrey Netwo...

Photo by Stannie Adams

I chased Marc Maron for months, and I've got the worn out Nike's to prove it. He's got angst, like me. He suffers his mother, like me. He’s a boy….hmmm…..Described as an "Iggy Pop Woody Allen," he's a neurotic rockboy with brains and the funny. He’s done it on TV, replacing Jon Stewart on Short Attention Span Theatre (damn you Maron, Gabe was up for that gig), he’s been on Letterman and Conan so many times it’s almost obnoxious, he’s had his own specials on Showtime, he co-hosted a weekly hour-long video webcast, "Breakroom Live with Maron & Seder," produced by Air America, hosted his own nighttime radio program, called the "Marc Maron Show," and his first one man show, "Jerusalem Syndrome," was also released as a book. "Scorching the Earth," is his latest theatrical venture. But it’s his current, twice weekly podcasts.."WTF" (hmm...wonder what that stands for….) that have made my morning coffee rock. Like one of us, he suffers life and love. First and foremost he's a stand-up comic, as his reading bears out...coming SOON, promise...in the meantime check him out. He is without a doubt one of the funniest folk to ever grace our podium. http://marcmaron.com/ Knowing Marc's sensibility I suspect he might be wondering who might have been funnier? No one, Maron, just being polite *cough cough*

Photo by Stannie Adams

And then there was Paul. Wise-ass-heckling and disruptive shenanigans throughout, Mr. Smartypants (fellow Pelham Pkwy, Bronx boy neighbor that I never met, but who was probably grabbing a slice at Gloria's on Lydig Ave. more than once at the exact same moment as me) graced us just as his career is peaking, yet again. His show, "The Green Room" is kinda like our discussions…filthy, thought-provoking and funny. You can catch it Thursday nights at 10:30 on Showtime. It's not to be missed. Provenza's appeared on TV shows including Northern Exposure and Empty Nest, in the Off-Broadway play "Only Kidding!" for which he was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Best Actor and won the Theater World Award for Best Actor in a Play. In 2005 he made his directorial debut with "The Aristocrats," filthy and fabulous, I so hope you saw it. A hot, handsome, hysterical humble hunk, he's got it all. Don't take my word for it, check 'em out!
http://www.sho.com/site/greenroom/home.do
http://www.amazon.com/Satiristas-Comedians-Contrarians-Raconteurs-Vulgarians/dp/0061859346

Photo by Stannie Adams
Following a break for sustenance, book and cd buying and signings, we reconvened to get down to it. Looking at Provenza, Maron, Brown and Stanley, it dawned on me that all of them had figured out a way to take charge of their careers and monetize themselves in creative ways. Turned out that "looks" can be deceiving. It's an ongoing struggle. The conversation morphed into how artists cater their act to the audiences at hand. Fab stories and hilarity ensued. Videos will follow soon..I promise, I really promise.

Heartfelt thanks to James Lee Stanley, Josie Brown, Marc Maron and Paul Provenza for honoring my home with their enormous talent, intelligence and good humor; Gigantic graitude to Stannie Adams, Kaci Christian & Martin Brown for handling the still photography, Nicole Stranz for the videos; Rick Smolke and Quik Impressions for always sending everyone home with a smile and some swag; Pastor Jon and the Light on the Corner Church, AGAIN, lender of the chairs; J David Farrell for the fabulous java; Kimmie Dee and Melissa who stayed behind until all was put back in its place - what an enormous gift of kindness and generosity; and to all the women who graced this salon and my life with their light, their love, their joy, their magnificence...and oh yeah, their FOOD.

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"I had no idea that driving to Montrose in the sweltering heat would be so rewarding. I love being admired by a room full of intelligent women. Even if its just for a few minutes. AND there was a BYO buffet thing happening. So, whatever insecurities I may have had while second guessing the admiration I was able to stuff down with food. I would so do this again. Its everything I've worked for--I've earned it." Marc Maron, WTF
"Any authors in their right minds would salivate to speak at Vicki Abelson's salon, Women Who Write. This crowd of sharp, witty women are a dream audience. Had a BLAST! Vicki gives great salon!" Josie Brown, Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives

"Vicki, I had a wonderful time today at your home. Enriching, entertaining and just plain fun. Remarkable group of people. Thanks for having me." James Lee Stanley, Live in Tehachapi

"I am a TOTAL believer in Women Who Write. Thanks for today - what a hoot - good people and great writing. Can't wait for the next one. xoxo" Cat Gwynn
"Vicki thanks so much for yesterday it was an "Awesome Day" Love my Swag stuff. Warmest friendliest bunch of people I have ever met. xxxx" Linda Abse
"Thank you so much for inviting me yesterday. I had a wonderful time! Looking forward to the next time." Pamela Broadwater"Vicki Abelson's Women Who Write was off the fucking hook yesterday! Surreally hilarious" Kimmie Dee
"Great day! Great writing! Great women AND men! Great food!" Victoria Valentino

"It was amazing today! Thank you!" Nicole Stranz

"Thank YOU!! What a great day!!!" Sandi Craig

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© 2009 Vicki Abelson