Girls Write Out
Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Are you more Scarlett or Melanie? We had a heated discussion on Scarlett and "Gone With the Wind" on my writers' loop. I'm convinced the men who hate Scarlett are the ones who can't handle her, but what can I say, I'm more Scarlett. And come on girls, how many men PICK Melanie by choice? Why is that? The Bible says that beauty fades and charm is deceiving, but we see who's surrounded at the BBQ at Twelve Oaks. What's a little innocent clutch with a married man if you get that gorgeous red dress at the party? Okay, I'm kidding, I'm kidding. But I do love that dress. It's my favorite in the movie, and I have the Barbie to prove it.

I love Scarlett. She's a survivor. When everyone up and dies on her, who's the one who keeps Tara? When her sister can't seal the deal with Mr. Kennedy, who's the one who gets gussied up, and does what has to be done to pay the taxes on Tara? Granted, she breaks all the commandments doing so, but you do have to admire her spark. There's something admirable about a woman who overcomes.

I think I'm more Prissy. Today I went to Santana Row (Disneyland-looking shopping center with ritzy stores, etc -- oh where I met Donald Pliner!) It's really hot here and my MS makes me dizzy when it's like that, and I tripped over this curb, and landed on my knee, my elbow, my head and ended up on my back like an upside-down ladybug trying to figure out which way was up. The good news is that I hurt too much to be embarrassed. The bad news is I hurt too much to find it terribly funny.

I had to pull it together when my editor called, and my brain was not functioning yet. So while I'd like to be Scarlett, I see my hands up around my face screaming hysterically, "Miss Scarlett, I don't know nuthin' bout birthin no babies!"

Picture: Big Sur -- Pray for our beautiful California and its firefighters!! Leaving for Florida tomorrow, wooohooo!! Mama's going on Vacation!
Kristin  
posted at 1:32 AM  
  Comments (14)
 
 
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14 Comments:
At 6:52 AM, Blogger Sarah said...

Kristin! So sorry about your fall. I hope you're ok now.

I think I'm with you on the Scarlett vs. Melanie thing. I hope I'm not as manipulative as Scarlett, but yeah the girl had spunk. I love her "I won't think about that today, I'll think about that tomorrow" logic. It really does make sense. Sort of.

I think deep down though, at least for me, I feel like I should be a Melanie. Isn't she just so Proverbs 31-ish? Though maybe a little too naive. I'll never be that calm however. I think my husband would wonder what was wrong with me if I was. He's used to a little more of the "where shall I go, what shall I do" type of drama with me.

 
At 9:15 AM, Blogger WK said...

Sorry about your fall Kristin. I can't say which one I am, I've never watched the movie all the way through(seen parts of it) nor have I ever read the book, only bits and pieces.

WendyK

 
At 9:53 AM, Blogger Cara Putman said...

I've always love Scarlett's spunk and fire. I think it's only now -- as an adult -- that I can have any appreciation for Melanie. I've always wanted to be Scarlett. Fiddle dee dee. But I don't have her "I'll think about it tomorrow" philosophy. There's something so real and gut level honest about Scarlett. You always know what she wants and why.

Can't wait to see you in Orlando!

 
At 10:16 AM, Blogger T. Forkner said...

I wish I could say I am a Scarlett. I love her character. I love that she is so flawed and that she never gives up! I have the flawed and the never give up part, but I don't look like that in any of my dresses.

 
At 11:06 AM, Blogger Kristin said...

There's something to be said for a comfortable life with Melanie, I can see that. I think I have a slight concussion, so I hope I make sense.

 
At 2:11 PM, Blogger Andrea said...

I guess I'm more of a Melanie. There are times when I am a Scarlett. It takes a lot to push me to that point. It mainly shows up when fighting for my children or fighting for what I really feel strongly about. I guess I mean Scarlett's spunky and fighting spirit. I don't think I am manipulative type. My general demeanor is quiet and calm and whatever anybody else wants is fine.

Kristin-I hope you are doing better as time passes.

 
At 6:05 PM, Blogger Suzanne said...

I don't think you want me to answer this question.

My first thought was, "Scarlett and Melanie who?"

And now I've figured out who Scarlett is but I still have no idea who Melanie is.

I'm more of a Wizard of Oz girl.

 
At 7:01 PM, Blogger Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Kristin, I'm praying for a speedy healing from whatever effects you have from your fall. Hope you'll be back to your old self in no time.

As for my persona, I'm ashamed to admit that I definitely possess bits of Scarlett's manipulative spirit in me. And I've used it in the past before I realized what I was doing. Now, a little older and a little wiser, I realize I have a little of both women in me.

I'm determined and stubborn when I go after something or someone I want. (If you don't know the story of the romance journey with my husband, just ask!) But I also step back and become subservient when the need arises. I can become a gentle reminder or a bulldozer, whatever fits the bill. It all depends on the situation.

But like Tina said, I don't look like Scarlett in *any* of my dresses. :)

 
At 9:13 PM, Blogger Southern-fried Fiction said...

Have a fabulous time, Prissy. And leave the birthin' to Mammy Colleen. LOL

 
At 1:40 AM, Blogger Pam Sanderlin said...

Concussion? You must have really hit your head! Sorry.

OK...is it possible to be a little bit Scarlett (determined, goal-oriented, head-strong,attention-seeking) and a little bit Lucile Ball (zany, disaster-prone, flawed)? I know I'm mixing genres and time-periods, but...

 
At 2:12 AM, Blogger Mary R Snyder said...

Kristin,

Sorry about the fall -- I hope the bumps and bruises are a bit better.

Hmm, I'm a huge Gone with the Wind fan -- have been since I was a young teen and read the book. I love the movie and watch it every few years.

I'm definitely more a Scarlett, but I'd like to have more Melanie qualities -- like the calm poise she had and the strong sense of right (regardless of what others thought -- like when she went to sit with Belle Watling in the buggy).

So, yes I want to be more Melly and a little less of my implusive, live-life-at-mach-one- and-swirl-all -around-me-into-my-vortex self. But then, what's the fun in that.

and you have to admit Scarlett had much better clothes!!!

 
At 7:16 AM, Blogger Ausjenny said...

Kristen didn't realize you had MS. Im sorry about the fall I can identify with the dizziness when I travel or use lifts etc I have the same issue.
Have a great time in Florida

Oh thats right GWTW I have to say I have never watched the movie or read the book. I saw a little of the first part but thats it. Not sure who I am but I think i would be the plain one in the corner.

 
At 7:48 AM, Blogger hotcoffeenow said...

Hope you're on the mend....

As for GWTW - I've never seen the whole movie (but I do remember carol burnett and the curtains with the rod still in them!). So I vote for beign most like Carol Burnett. LOL

 
At 3:42 PM, Blogger Crystal Laine said...

I'm so sorry for your fall, Kristin. How awful. I hate getting bonked on the head!

I read GWTW in two days when I was 13 because my mother finally said it was ok, and I was afraid she'd change her mind. Later, I read it again (several times.) I have lots of Scarlett dolls. (and a few Rhett, too.) I am, I'm afraid, Scarlett in way too many ways. Sigh. Right down to the guilt-factor. I always loved Scarlett's mother and father--reminded me of my own parents. And I wanted to more like Melly. I thought Ashley was sad, though. I cried true tears when Melly died. She was a brave person.

But I feel for my family's land in Tennessee just like Scarlett does for Tara. I understand that completely.

Such good characters! One of my favorite stories. Have fun on your trip!

 

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The Authors
Kristin Billerbeck
Kristin Billerbeck is a proud Californian, wife, mother of four, and connoisseur of the irrelevant. She writes Christian Chick Lit; where she finds need for most of the useless facts lulling about in her head.

www.KristinBillerbeck.com

Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble writes romantic suspense with a strong atmospheric element. A lovable animal of some kind--usually a dog--always populates her novels. She can be bribed with DeBrand mocha truffles.

www.ColleenCoble.com

Denise Hunter

Denise Hunter writes women's fiction and love stories with a strong emotional element. Her husband says he provides her with all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too.

www.DeniseHunterBooks.com

Diann Hunt

Diann Hunt writes romantic comedy and humorous women's fiction. She has been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and well, chocolate.

www.DiannHunt.com

Hannah Alexander

Cheryl Hodde writes romantic medical suspense under the pen name of Hannah Alexander, using all the input she can get from her husband, Mel, for the medical expertise. For fun she hikes and reads. Out of guilt, she rescues discarded cats. She and Mel are presently taking orders from four pampered strays.

www.HannahAlexander.com

 
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