I once saw an interview by a Hollywood actor, in which he credited his grandmother for his success. He said she advised him to “sit up straight and act like he knew what he was doing.” Last Friday morning, while I awaited my interview on the set of Alive @9, WREG, Channel 3 in Memphis, to promote my debut mystery, The Wrong Side of Memphis, those sage words echoed in my head. Great advice, if you ask me.
I had never been a guest on a live television show. Of course, I had spoken in public, (who hasn’t from time to time?), but this time was different. The makeup, the cameras, the microphone, the lights, and most conspicuously, the absence of a prepared script, all announced that it was time to “sit up straight and act like I knew what I was doing.”
How did it go? I think the best way for me to answer that question is to present the live interview. Let me know what you think! Now, it’s time for the countdown.
Five, four, three, two, one– “You’re on….!”
— Claire Applewhite
You look fabulous and came across even better. Truly a star!
— Kevin Cooper · October 6, 2009
Claire,
Well, you looked beautiful and you sounded brilliant while remaining humble and approachable. You also took that great advice and”sat up straight” however, your knowledge and enthusiasm was not a pretense. By the way, you actually made it sound exciting to live in St Louis.
I watched “Rear Window” last week on Turner classics and your book came to mind for obvious reasons.
— Barbara Fox · October 7, 2009
Claire,
Your interview was fantastic!….just like you, warm, sincere, and very gracious. I found myself smiling throughout the interview thinking “I know that lady, she is a dear friend, WOW! We are so proud of you!
Marge and John
— Marge Merjavy · October 7, 2009
I am Jazz’s - key lime puppy mom. I started reading your book and could not put it down. Raised in St. Louis, owner of an Airedale and a mystery buff…I loved this book. Looking forward to the other books in this series.
— Elaine Thurman · October 9, 2009
Your dad and I are really proud of you. It was fun watching your interview via TV with the family. You looked great, sat up straight, looked comfortable and of course the beautiful smile.
— Dad and Shirley · October 14, 2009
Claire my wife Donna and I met you at Neiman Marcus while shopping with Patty, she has presented us with information on your book signing on October 24. We went to your web site an watched your interview on Alive@9, you were fabulous and looked beautiful. Look forward to seeing you at the signing on the 24th.
Donn Loren Glen (Actor)
— Donn Loren Glen · October 19, 2009
To Dad and Shirley–
Thanks for the encouragement and support–a great family is part of the story!
Love,
Claire
— Claire Applewhite · October 26, 2009
Elaine-
Great to see you and your husband at the Pet Expo last Saturday and thanks for the lovely note. I’m so glad you enjoyed The Wrong Side of Memphis. My next book will be out in Jan-Feb. 2010!
Claire
— Claire Applewhite · October 26, 2009
Dear Donn-
OF course I remember you–thanks for visiting my website and I hope to see you soon! Claire
— Claire Applewhite · October 26, 2009