Addison Fox | Timeless Classics
July 13, 2013
My thanks to Fresh Fiction for hosting me today! I've been a life-long fan of I LOVE LUCY, but over the last year since the
Hallmark Channel began playing it regularly I've gotten re-acquainted with the
show. What's surprised me in the rewatching is just how present the
comedy on the show is. I love Lucy was shot sixty years ago yet the comedy and
the situations Lucy finds herself in are as relevant today as they were in the
early 50s. In writing this post I've tried to dissect what it is that works so well. Aside
from Lucille Ball's prodigious talent (and the equally strong talents of Desi
Arnaz, Vivian Vance and William Frawley), I think it was something more. Lucy
innately understood both comedic timing as well as the humor that comes from
character-created conflict. And in understanding that conflict, she used it to
propel each episode's individual story forward. Lucy and Ethel might not have
had cell phones or iPads, but their antics, their battles with their spouses and
their spats with each other are as recognizable in 2013 as they were in 1953.
In a lot of ways, romance novels do a similar thing. While comedy-based conflict
isn't a typical trope in romance, what is typical is using conflict
between characters to drive them forward. No matter how painful it is at times,
the truth is that as human beings, we grow from conflict. And it's the periods
in our lives that are filled with challenges that are not only the most
interesting, but which make us more interesting people. In writing MERGER TO
MARRIAGE I played a lot with the concept of conflict. I pitted two
strong-willed characters together, tossed in a blazing heap of passion and then
added a baby for good measure. While I recognize I'm certainly not the first
author to play with this scenario, I had a ton of fun using the tried-and-true
and working to put my own stamp on it. What I also found in the writing was how
one scene flowed from the next because of that deep sense of conflict. Heat that leads to a night of passion. A night of passion that leads to a desire
to see each other again and an unexpected surprise. An unexpected
surprise that forces my hero and heroine, Holt and Mayson, to dig deep inside
themselves and figure out what they really want out of their lives. Step by step, every time Holt and Mayson passed one hurdle they had to face
another one. (Oh, and I tossed in a diabolical mother for Holt who turned out to
be the writing equivalent of channeling Cruella DeVille onto the page...can we
say fun?!?!!) Conflict is interesting and deeply engaging. And whether it's tugging on your
heartstrings or tickling your funny bone, conflict is what keeps us engaged and
interested in a piece of entertainment. So what do you think? Do you enjoy reading novels where the plot set-up is tried
and true? Do you like sinking into a story, waiting to see how an author solves
that particular conflict? And just for fun, what is your favorite "Lucy moment?"
I can never decide if it's the grape stomping, the chocolate assembly line or
the time Lucy stuffs cheese in Ricky's bands' instruments to avoid paying
baggage fees on their flight home from Europe. Everyone who joins today will be entered to win a copy of MERGER TO MARRIAGE and a
$20 gift card to Amazon. Happy Reading! Addison Addison Fox can't
remember a time when words weren't a part of her life. An avid reader, she can
be found with a book in her hand nearly every time she has a free moment. Her latest release, MERGER
TO MARRIAGE, is the second in her "Boardrooms and Billionaires"
trilogy for Entangled Indulgence. Three sisters at the helm of their family
magazine empire. Three powerful men who love them. You can find Addison in various places and she loves to connect with readers! www.addisonfox.com |
Facebook |
@addisonfox
Comments
51 comments posted.
Re: Addison Fox | Timeless Classics
I do love tried and true plots with a touch of the unexpected in my books. And I love to see how different author builds up to the resolutions to the conflicts between the characters. My favorite Lucy moment has got to be the chocolate assembly line(that one never fails to make me laugh!) (Ada H. 4:52am July 13, 2013)
amazingly out of one particular group of friends...the one marriage that has survived for many many years is the one that was always fighting... (Mal Kaplan 5:10am July 13, 2013)
Conflict drives the stories and make them more interesting, keeping the readers engaged. It's always interesting to read how the author solves the conflict at the end. This series sounds intriguing, I can't wait to read it. I'm going with the chocolates on the assembly line as my fave "Lucy moment"! :) (Anita H 5:38am July 13, 2013)
I love I Love Lucy too. I live right near Jamestown, NY where she went to school. I've know where her home in Celoron was and I've been to the cememtary. There's a guy that has painted Lucy pictures on some of our biggere buildings. Takes him a summer to do one and I think there's 5 or 6 now. There's the Lucy Museum and gift shop. (Cathy Thomas 7:55am July 13, 2013)
I Love Lucy...now, that is great TV! (Lynn Anderson 8:43am July 13, 2013)
I love I Love Lucy too! :) A great show... totally classic! (May Pau 9:10am July 13, 2013)
Conflict is necessary for character growth (and a shot of reality!) As for my favorite Lucy moment, I'm torn between the chocolate factory and the Vitameatavegamin commercial. (G S Moch 9:31am July 13, 2013)
As for the tried-and-true novels, or reading to see how the Author solves them, it really depends on my mood. If I want lighter reading, tried-and-true is my choice every time. Otherwise, I'll go with the Author's way of solving them. My favorite Lucy moment is when they decide to go camping. I remember them going down the road, when all of the cupboards start to open, and things come flying out!! It takes me back to the days when I used to go camping with my Husband, and things would go wrong. Even though I didn't have a trailer like that, I could imagine what it would be like!! Thank you for the trip down memory lane, and I'm looking forward to reading your latest book!! (Peggy Roberson 10:01am July 13, 2013)
Your book sounds like a great read. I LOVE Lucy was great TV - classic TV. I can't pick just one favorite moment --- but I do love the one where she "mirrored" Harpo Marx. I loved some of the guest stars that had cameos on her programs. She was a great actress. I love conflicts and tension in books - but enjoy it when those conflicts and tensions get resolved. I love to follow those wonderful story lines. Thanks for sharing your post today. (Nancy Reynolds 10:06am July 13, 2013)
I Love Lucy is a classic for a reason. The conflict between Lucy and Ricky was so much fun to watch! Their love outlasted all their troubles. The show was before my time, but I know all the episodes from my childhood because of reruns. I introduced I Love Lucy to my teenagers last year, and they love it , too! There wouldn't be the sitcoms between Lucy and present day without the brilliance of the comedic acting and the shrewdness of Lucy and Desi regarding how the show should be filmed. I dont think I can come up with a favorite Lucy moment, though. I agree with you that conflict driven books are interesting and engaging. The tried and true plots always work for me. I've always loved to read, and I would love to read Merger To Marriage! It sounds like my kind of book! Congratulations!!! (Linda Brennan 10:10am July 13, 2013)
I used to watch and enjoyed I love Lucy since it was unique and special. Friction is a fact of life and how we deal with it is interesting. Your book sounds wonderful. (Sharon Berger 10:30am July 13, 2013)
The chocolate episode is my favorite one because that would be my dream. And I would love to try to eat that much chocolate. (Pam Howell 11:15am July 13, 2013)
alas, since my mom didn't care for the show we never watched it in my house, so I have no fave I Love Lucy moment (though she was lovely & talented in some of her early movies). sometimes a tried & true plot is just what you're in the mood for :) (d Kenney 11:35am July 13, 2013)
I never tire of tried and true plots because each author adds her own "take" to the story. I must have the HEA ending to stories, so it is fun to watch the journey there. (Cheryl Castings 11:43am July 13, 2013)
Never seen I Love Lucy. Feel like I am missing out. I do agree that a little playful conflict is added sparks to a healthy relationship. That way, you're always aware of the others opinion. (Lazydrag0n Puff 12:32pm July 13, 2013)
Lucy had some really great and amusing moments on her show... I love going through a character's journey with them whether there is conflict or not... I love to see how they get to their HEA. (Colleen Conklin 1:16pm July 13, 2013)
Lucy is just classically funny...love the one when she works in the chocolate factory. (Michelle Bauer 1:37pm July 13, 2013)
I'm so glad ya'll have joined me today!!! Clearly lots of love for the chocolate factory episode (which, funny enough, was on yesterday!)
Keep the fun moments coming! xo, Addison (Addison Fox 1:55pm July 13, 2013)
When Lucy & Dezi wanted to do the show, the bigwigs said no. Then Lucy & Dezi went on the road and were a huge hit with the public. They were a part of the big change in Hollywood that filmed with 3 cameras; they formed their own production company.... but the timeless comedy is awesome! Tried and true situations always work. (Cate Sparks 2:00pm July 13, 2013)
That was a wonderful show and I loved the Harpo Marx episode! (G. Bisbjerg 2:19pm July 13, 2013)
I like plots with unexpected twists. Loved Lucy---grape stompting has to be my favorite. (Sue Farrell 2:31pm July 13, 2013)
I love this kind of story, always a fast read and over too soon, but can't help reading fast to see what's next. (Jacqueline Wyllys 2:59pm July 13, 2013)
I have a friend that has mentioned Addison Fox a few times. She loves her stories and I keep meaning to read her. There is never enough time!! ahhhhhh..... The chocolate factory was fabulous! And I love all types of stories, the author can make it great or not. No matter what ''kind'' of story it is. :-) (Lisa Hutson 3:28pm July 13, 2013)
The chocolate factory assembly line episode is definitely my favorite. Very funny! I think all her facial expressions she could make were very funny when she'd get herself into all types of situations. You can never tire of watching a repeat episode of Lucy. They're all good and amusing. Love conflict in stories. (Rich Cook 4:05pm July 13, 2013)
I don't mind a tried and true set up since each author handles it differently.
While I love the chocolate factory episode, my favorite one if where Ricky is singing a requested song at Club Babaloo for someone who wants to tell her hubby they're having a baby. It still gets me when he finds Lucy in the audience and realizes that he's the one about to be a father. (Marcy Shuler 4:13pm July 13, 2013)
Yes I like the conflict to be solved. The Lucy's Vitameatavagamin commercial is the best. (Deb Pelletier 5:37pm July 13, 2013)
I always enjoy seeing how the author resolves conflict. I enjoyed I Love Lucy!. I will never forget Lucy and Ethel working in the candy factory--I laughed myself silly! (Susan Mahaffey 6:00pm July 13, 2013)
I like the candy factory episode....LOL!!! (Terri Quick 6:48pm July 13, 2013)
Readers could identify with tried and true scenario. If the story cannot connect with the people, no one would want to read or pay attention to it. It would be less entertaining. (Kai Wong 6:54pm July 13, 2013)
I like tried and true. I like the episode where Ricky is singing She's Having My Baby, where he finds out its him and Lucy. Romance and comedy in one. (Susan Falkler 7:06pm July 13, 2013)
As a reader of romantic suspense &/or mystery, I enjoy character development that leads to a conflict solution.
My favorite Lucy episodes dealt with Lucy's pregnancy and little Ricky's birth. This was a television first. (Joanne Hicks 9:33pm July 13, 2013)
I think my favorite Lucy episode was when she was doing the commercial for "vegavitamin" (that's probably spelled wrong!) I loved all the episodes though. (Martha Lawson 10:16pm July 13, 2013)
I don't think where is the author going with the story or a certain situation, I just read where the author leads. As far as the I Love Lucy show, I do remember the ones you mention, but it has been so long ago since I've seen any. I really can't think of a favorite "Lucy moment" though I think the grape stomping one is the funniest and messiest. Your Merger To Marriage book sounds like it will keep the characters on their toes, as well as the reader. Thank you and Fresh Fiction for this chance to win. (Esther Somorai 10:20pm July 13, 2013)
I like tried and true. I love Lucy on the chocolate assembly line. I've seen it many times, it's hilarious. (Rita Wray 10:36pm July 13, 2013)
I like surprises, so an author doesn't have to be predictable. Both the scene where Lucy stuffs her face along with Vivian at the chocolate assembly line and the grape stomping where she has a food fight with grapes and eventually gets dunked into the wine vat are favorites of mine. (Alyson Widen 10:42pm July 13, 2013)
I love surprises and twists. Yes to the Lucy chocolate factory episode. And Family Ties, Mallory learning to drive with a pretend practice set up in the living room and Alex's baby brother going to school with Alex teaching his, what his is his. (Pat Lieberman 11:03pm July 13, 2013)
Who doesn't love a romance novel where the two main characters still find their way into love in spite of the obstacles they face (and a wicked mother-in-law is certainly no small obstacle). (Nicole Swirsley 4:27am July 14, 2013)
I like the episode where Lucy pretends to "Vamp" her co-star. I think his name was Ernie Kovacks but I might be wrong. Yes, there sure was a lot of conflict on the show but sooo funny. Your book sounds interesting. (Kathleen Yohanna 6:40am July 14, 2013)
I enjoy tried and true storylines, but I like to see when a writer puts there own special twist on them. My very favorite Lucy moment is definitly the assembly line at the candy factory. There's a reason that show is such a classic, and it's because it's fabulous. (Jamie Fortney 8:45am July 14, 2013)
My favorite Lucy moment is when she tried to make soup out of ketchup and hot water at the automat. (Marguerite Beal 9:18am July 14, 2013)
i love the scene when they were working in the candy factory and the gate where the candy comes out it go`s so fast they start to eat them so funny love lucy (Denise Smith 9:42am July 14, 2013)
I love reading a good book. I never try to figure out why I like a book, I either do or don't like it. Your book sounds great. I like the chocolate factory story-line on Lucy the best. (Carol Woodruff 11:23am July 14, 2013)
I like the tried and true. It's hard to choose a favourite Lucy moment. The chocolate factory I think. (Cheryl McEwen 5:07pm July 14, 2013)
love all the Lucy shows. looks like a good read:) (Barbara Studer 5:22pm July 14, 2013)
I like both tried & true and story lines that are very different.
The assembly line episode is hilarious. (Mary Preston 6:52pm July 14, 2013)
I love reading "truth" in fictional situations. I find the closer I relate to the characters and situation I can't wait to turn the next page My favorite Lucy moment is when she tells Ricky she is expecting. Funniest is the episode when she wears a fake nose and it catches fire. (Carla Carlson 7:13pm July 14, 2013)
Each week there was always another I Love Lucy hilarious show, but I have trouble identifying a favorite one. All I remember is laughing until tears rolled down my face. I haven't watched one in recent years, but the actors created magic. (Anna Speed 7:25pm July 14, 2013)
I LOVE I Love Lucy! I would have to go with the grape scene. It just gets me every time! (Chelsea Brooks 7:26pm July 14, 2013)
Oh I Love Lucy is a show i love too! And thanks for the giveaway! (Sarah Bauman 7:55pm July 14, 2013)
I need good characters to read about. Fresh take or tried and true always work better with good characters. I always love how Lucy tries to hide things from Ricky and never seems to get away with it. (Laura Gullickson 10:21pm July 14, 2013)
I tend to like the tried and true. Favorite Lucy moment is definitely the grape stomping (and fighting). (Janie McGaugh 11:48pm July 14, 2013)
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