Needle

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Dear Aaron Sorkin, 

To borrow a phrase from our president, "Let me be clear."

I was at a gathering last night and a friend who reads these letters asked me how they were coming along.  Another friend said, "Oh, yeah, I saw your blog. Are you obsessed with that guy or something?"

No. No, no, no. And no. I hope that the content of my letters is testament to the fact that I am not a crazed fan, not obsessed, not a groupie or wannbe hanger-on. That I am not fishing for a job or a handout. Would I love to work with you in some capacity? Yes. Do I think I could learn a great deal from you? Yes? Do I have an altar to you in my home and lurk around your driveway? No. (Where do you live, by the way? Ha ha. Kidding.)

I don't think my friend meant any harm by his comment. He probably hasn't read the first two letters wherein I explain why letters to you and why sent in this way. I think he saw the URL and thought it was a little creepy. My hope is that you don't take it that way. Sending letters like this was already like hiding a needle in a haystack; I figured I'd at least better not make the needle invisible if you were ever going to find it.  

Best, 
Laura

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Falling

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Dear Aaron Sorkin, 

It is sweltering. My plants are withering under the weight of the air. My rabbits are panting, my husband is shirtless, and I have abandoned the house for the yard, where at least there is a breeze. My home is "charming," which in rental terms means: "no air conditioning."

And yet I know that fall is just on the tip of our hemisphere's tongue. Fall. My very favorite. Even here in Southern California with our little faux fall, I can look forward to some crunchy leaves, pumpkin flavored goodies, sweaters, boots, and chilly nights with the windows open. And for the first time, I am greatly looking forward to a new season of television shows. 

Storylines will continue, new shows will premiere. The labor of writers, actors, producers, and many others will be unveiled. Maybe it's the giant billboards, maybe it's hanging around tv writers, or maybe it's the novelty of television now that I don't own one. Whatever it is, I'm adding new tv shows to my list of fall favorites. 

Best, 
Laura

 


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Faker

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Dear Aaron Sorkin, 

One of my mentors, Dallas Travers, recently posed the question: "Where in life are you faking it?"  I didn't take me long to realize that lately...I don't feel like an actor. 

I'm booking stuff and paying the bills and continuing to learn about the business. These are good things. But the two years I've been in LA, I've done the least acting of my career. When I worked in regional theatre: acting all the time. Grad school: acting all the time and in my sleep. In LA: inconsistent. Even when I'm working, I don't get the same satisfaction that I used to out of the process. I miss acting for the sake of acting. 

I've been skittish about taking acting classes in LA. Grad school spoiled me with outstanding teachers, and I've heard some unsavory tales about some classes and teachers here. So I asked around, got sterling recommendations from people I trust, and am set up to audit a class. I miss feedback. I missed being pushed. I miss the communion.

Best, 
Laura

P.S. - I settled on Franny and Zooey for my flight. Read it?

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Outside

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Dear Aaron Sorkin, 

Last year I went to a taping of The New Adventures of Old Christine. I loved seeing the cast at work, and was particularly blown away by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Watching her, I knew I was seeing a true pro at work. Her comedy was spot on for every line, but it was also an education to see how she carried herself on set--how she interacted with the director, the actors, and other producers. She was a real leader and an inspiration to watch. 

So of course I went to hear her speak when she was featured at a SAG Foundation event last week. One of the questions from the audience was, "When did you feel like an insider in the industry?" Her answer? "Never." She said she still doesn't feel like she's an insider. In case you haven't been keeping score, that's a stint on SNL, Seinfeld, two Emmys, five SAG Awards, a Golden Globe, producing her own show, the success of her current show, and gobs of other credits. Still feels like an outsider. Ouch. What a testament to this business. 

How about you? Do feel like you're part of the club?

Best, 
Laura

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Soar

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Dear Aaron Sorkin, 

I'll be getting on a plane next week, so I'm looking for an exceptional piece of fiction to accompany me. Any suggestions?

Best, 
Laura
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Versus

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Dear Aaron Sorkin, 

A few weeks ago I gave some feedback at the writer's group; a writer had just presented a piece, and I said that currently the story was about good guys versus bad guys, and that I would be more interested in a story about guys who are willing to fight and die for what they believe in versus guys who are willing to fight and die for what they believe in. Several people went on to disagree with me, and I came to see how having a bad guy served the structure and narrative of that piece. But. I still standby the instinct that lead me to my initial comment. It's no fun if villains twirl their mustache just for the sake of twirling their mustache. I'm more drawn to stories about conflict when people on both sides are fighting for what they believe to be right and true. One or both sides may have an extremely distorted view of right and true, but I believe most people act on what they think is right or necessary. I try to remember this when politics really piss me off. 

What do you think? Good vs. bad has its place, but isn't there room for more subtlety than that?

Best, 
Laura
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Height

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Dear Aaron Sorkin,

When I read that your dad was a lawyer, your writing resonated with me in a new way. Is this where your love of rhetoric comes from? My dad is an attorney as well, and his memos to the mechanic contain more heightened language than some sonnets. Not flowery, but well-constructed, formidable, and meant to inspire action. Is your dad similar?

Growing up a lawyer's daughter, I learned to listen to what was said and what was meant. I also learned when to evade and when to confront. A cross-examination from my childhood:

Dad: Laura, have you been feeding the rabbits while I was gone?

Laura (age 6): I've been giving them water.

Dad: Have you been feeding the rabbits?

Laura: It's hard for me to reach.

Dad: Laura, have you, or have you not, been feeding the rabbits?

Laura: Yes, Daddy. I have not been feeding the rabbits.


One of my great regrets is that I have yet to see my dad practice law in the courtroom. That's his stage, and sometimes I think our chosen professions have more in common than we realize. What kind of influence do you think your dad's work has had on your writing? Do you think that's part of the reason you're drawn to writing dialogue?

Best,
Laura
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