September 19, 2007
We all know who runs the show around here: Trevor, Mitchell, Kerri, Daniel, and Eric (and sometimes Val). But like any success story, there’s a backstage supporting cast. Sometimes, you’ll see them. Other times, you won’t. Likewise, some of these people have earned spots on the Cast of Characters page at my website. And others of them haven’t. Yet.
For those of you who are new and those who’ve been here awhile and could use a refresher, I present you with:
|
Thirteen People Who Hang out in the Wings
(picture by Jeff Myers via Roadie.net) 1. Amy London — Mitchell’s older sister, who calls him Pipsqueak and actually gets away with it. She is a doctor, lives in Riverview, and is married to a man Mitchell not-so-affectionately calls Derek the Dork. Note from Susan: the Pipsqueak link takes you to the end of a five-day arc. If you have the time, it’s worth starting at the beginning. 2. Graciella — The drag queen who saves Kerri from the evil clutches of the guy with the guitar in the train station. She becomes Kerri’s mentor, protector, and good friend. There is, of course, a kicker here: Graciella’s given name is George and she’s a he who looks and feels better in a dress. 3. Pam — A groupie who you’ll see here on the blog occasionally. She’s in love with Mitchell and basically uses Trevor to get to him. As if any of them care — well, Mitchell does once he meets Kerri. Note from Susan: Stay tuned. I haven’t posted that most important outtake yet!! I could have sworn I had! 4. Lyric — Another of my characters who shows up here on occasion. Lyric owns the adult toy store in town but isn’t the wild woman you’d expect from the daughter of a porn star. 5. Sonya and Patterson Voss — Mitchell’s parents. They also show up here from time to time. They are the rudders who keep the ShapeShifter ship afloat. 6. Boomer — the 6 to 10 DJ at KRVR, as well as the host of the station’s Local View radio station, which features up-and-coming Riverview bands, all of whom want to be the next ShapeShifter. 7. Deadly Metal Hatchet — A bar band with a gimmick to die for. Literally. 8. Bobby, Cookie, Creek, and Chuck — the techs for Mitchell, Trevor, Daniel, and Eric, respectively. These are the men who are responsible for making sure the individuals in the band always sound good, are always in tune, and always have the right guitars or intact drum heads. Being a tech’s not glamorous work, but it’s steady employment — when the band is active. 9. Roberta — the band’s wardrobe manager. Wardrobe managers are more important than you might think. 10. Tony, Gene, and Bubba, Butch, or whatever his name is — Part of the band’s security team. Tony is the head of the detail, and Mitchell’s personal bodyguard. Gene takes charge of Kerri’s safety, and provides general security for the band when she’s not around or not in need of him. And Bubba, Butch, or whatever his name is does his best to keep a watchful eye on Trevor. 11. Hank — Trevor’s father. 12. Mary — Kerri’s mother. As with Hank, the less said, the better. 13. Tiny Tim — the owner of independent radio station KRVR. He’s a player in Riverview, and he and Mitchell hate each other. |
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Joy Renee
September 19, 2007 7:15 pm
you sure do have a knack for creating interesting–eye-popping, head-turning, jaw-dropping, characters.BR/BR/thanx for visiting my TT. and btw i’m cool with weird.
Chelle Y.
September 19, 2007 7:18 pm
Cool! Nice to meet everyone! :)BR/BR/Happy TT!BR/BR/www.chelleyoung.com
Amy Ruttan
September 19, 2007 7:29 pm
That first one is a great name for a character Amy London. See the link. Me Amy me live in London. I have an affinity for her. Always have.
Susan Helene Gottfried
September 19, 2007 7:31 pm
Nope, actually, I hadn’t made that connection. The London connection, that is.BR/BR/Amy was named long before I met you, though, babe. But we can pretend otherwise if you’d like. She’s pretty important in Trevor’s Song.
bunnygirl
September 19, 2007 8:02 pm
My husband was a roadie for a punk band so I’m glad to see your backstage guys aren’t overlooked!
Susan Helene Gottfried
September 19, 2007 8:03 pm
I have some stage crew experience, myself. I know whereof the real work lies, Bunny. Have no fear.
julia
September 19, 2007 8:08 pm
I love that picture of the road crew, Susan. And the two entries for Hank and Mary are really unnerving for what isn’t there.
Lara Angelina
September 19, 2007 8:21 pm
Roberta reminded me of a real person — it was Keanu Reeves mother, who designed Alice Cooper’s stage wardrobe! Imagine having Alice Cooper’s bandmates as your babysitters—-ol’ Keanu probably grew up pretty quick!BR/Great TT — love all your characters!
Malcolm:
September 19, 2007 8:24 pm
These are some very intriguing characters, esp. Graciella/George, Boomer, and Lyric. It makes me wanna see a movie or TV version of your book.
Susan Helene Gottfried
September 19, 2007 8:37 pm
From your fingers to God’s eyeballs, Malcolm.
Jenny McB
September 19, 2007 9:18 pm
Fun list to read through, but who does the food? Only one groupie..that’s good, don’t want to have any cat fights!
Judy Callarman
September 19, 2007 9:36 pm
Good use of specific detail in your descriptions!
Sandee (Comedy +)
September 19, 2007 9:39 pm
What Jo Renee said. Very well done. Have a great TT. 🙂
wfm
September 19, 2007 9:44 pm
Wow, interesting T13 list! Very interesting characters!
Lori
September 19, 2007 9:58 pm
Well thank you for the introductions to the cast:) They sound like some fun people…most of them!! Happy TT.
Wylie Kinson
September 19, 2007 10:10 pm
How do you keep them all straight??
Susan Helene Gottfried
September 19, 2007 10:12 pm
Very detailed notes, of course, Wylie!
Nicole Austin
September 19, 2007 10:57 pm
A big thank you to all the wingmen and wingladies!
Ed
September 19, 2007 11:00 pm
Well it seems that there are more things to see and know than you would ever guess. One of these days I will find out a lot more.BR/BR/Ed
Bradley Egel
September 19, 2007 11:53 pm
Maybe I need to visit more often…this post was way over my head…or way to the side of my wings :)BR/BR/My Thursday Thirteen is up!BR/BR/Bradley BR/The Egel Nest
Xine
September 19, 2007 11:55 pm
Hello my friend: Thanks for stopping by. Loved your synopsis of these character in the wings. Will definitely be doing some background reading from the links you provided.
Tempest Knight
September 20, 2007 12:14 am
And they all live in harmony… *wg*
cajunvegan
September 20, 2007 12:31 am
Just curious … which of all of your characters is the most like you?BR/BR/Another great TT.BR/BR/My 13 Simple Truths are up.
Xakara
September 20, 2007 1:09 am
Thanks for the introduction. It’s great to meet everyone. :)BR/BR/Happy TTBR/BR/~X
Joyismygoal
September 20, 2007 2:37 am
happy TT
Robin
September 20, 2007 3:53 am
I’ve always been partial to Graciella and Lyric. I think we need to hear more about them :-). And why Tiny Tim and Mitchell hate each other. Has to be a good story there…
Christine d'Abo
September 20, 2007 7:17 am
Susan, I’m always so impressed with the amount of world building you do. I love reading about all of your characters. 🙂
Christine d'Abo
September 20, 2007 7:17 am
Susan, I’m always so impressed with the amount of world building you do. I love reading about all of your characters. 🙂
Christine d'Abo
September 20, 2007 7:17 am
Susan, I’m always so impressed with the amount of world building you do. I love reading about all of your characters. 🙂
Susan Helene Gottfried
September 20, 2007 7:51 am
Cajun:BR/BR/All of ’em.
Darla
September 20, 2007 8:38 am
I keep thinking I’ll sit down one day and just go through all your archives that I haven’t seen yet–then you post something like this, and it’s so much more fun checking out the links in this sort of context. BR/BR/Still, one of these days…
Ann Aguirre
September 20, 2007 8:47 am
Sounds like very rich world-building here.
Red Garnier
September 20, 2007 9:06 am
Your characters are AWESOME, Susan. I adore all of them, and yes, the name AMY LONDON is just fabulous, but then all of their names and quirky personalities are magnifique! *mua!*
Moondancer
September 20, 2007 9:59 am
Well good to see the boys share the spotlight once in awhile. *wink*BR/BR/http://moondancerdrake.livejournal.com
Carrie Lofty
September 20, 2007 1:08 pm
I’ve never read a successful rock star romance. It never gets the full energy of a concert show. Would be cool to see you get that right!
spyscribbler
September 20, 2007 1:33 pm
Lyric intrigues me! I hope I get to see more of her soon! She does make a massage sound sexy, that’s for sure!
Susan Helene Gottfried
September 20, 2007 1:35 pm
You’re the second person who’s mentioned Lyric, Spy. You’ll definitely get more of her. In fact, I was working on a character sketch of a thorn in her side today. Maybe I’ll Poetry Train it one day.
Janet
September 20, 2007 2:24 pm
Love the name Lyric! And…LOL to Tiny Tim 😉
Nap Warden
September 20, 2007 3:31 pm
Great characters! Happy TT!
L^2
September 20, 2007 4:58 pm
Hmmm… I don’t remember #6 and maybe a couple others. I guess I need to go read up on them. BR/I’m kind of behind with your blog (and a lot of others) at the moment though. Reading and blogging have been a bit more of a challenge this week.
Ann
September 20, 2007 7:06 pm
Cool list. Great cast of characters. Have a great weekend.
Marcia (MeeAugraphie)
September 20, 2007 7:08 pm
It is going to take a whole series with all these characters. It is coming on when?
Susan Helene Gottfried
September 20, 2007 7:09 pm
Not soon enough, Marcia. Not soon enough.BR/BR/On a happy note, I’m working on Lyric’s story now.
Lauren Dane
September 20, 2007 7:22 pm
Very fun TT!!
Robin L. Rotham
September 20, 2007 8:01 pm
One nice thing about building another world like this is that you get to stay in it for a long, long time to tell all the characters’ stories. Awesome!
Adrian Drake
September 20, 2007 9:54 pm
Odd is awesome. Original is hard, and you certainly are. Great list!
david mcmahon
September 20, 2007 10:07 pm
G’day Susan,BR/BR/That is an awesome cast. BR/BR/CheersBR/BR/David
FRIGGA
September 20, 2007 11:39 pm
Someday I’ll have time to poke around here to get to know the band better – until then I really enjoy the way you pull me right back into the story every Thursday! Happy TT13 🙂
Bob-kat
September 21, 2007 3:59 am
That’s quite a cast of characters! I was also one of the assorted folk backstage once, though I mostly worked in theatre.BR/BR/Thanks for dropping by my blog. Your support has meant a lot. I’m going to add you to my blogroll just as soon as I get a moment!
Tink
September 21, 2007 6:56 am
Great characters! Handy to have them on a list.BR/Thanks for visiting my Mabon TT.
samulli
September 21, 2007 11:58 am
Fantabulous characters. I really have to check out the rest of your blog (from before I dropped in here). My feeling that I have missed out on a lot of fun so far just gets stronger and stronger…
Nancy
September 21, 2007 2:29 pm
What happens when they all talk to you at once?
Sophisticated Writer
September 21, 2007 3:46 pm
I love this cast very much. They’re all so interesting and lively. Seriously, Susan, if I were introduced to your blog just now, I’d really think they’re real characters and this is the official blog. Kudos to you, babe!BR/BR/I really like the name Lyric, too 🙂
Susan Helene Gottfried
September 21, 2007 4:25 pm
Nancy, I stick my fingers in my ears, of course!
A Army Of (Cl)One
September 21, 2007 5:47 pm
whoa, this will take soemtime to adjust too. I’ll keep looking around.BR/BR/Hello from Michele
Jill
September 24, 2007 5:11 pm
First time i hear abour Gracellia!! And might be intersting seeing him around!!