Life's Weird Twists

Last Friday, I was in my boss's office going over super important paperwork, and not at all gossiping about Amazon taking over the publishing world. In the midst of our very productive meeting, he mentioned an email he'd received recently, which he thought was funny. It was a casting call for a reality TV show called King of the Nerds.

I laughed too. Then I went back to my desk, stared at the poster, and realized I fit into at least 5 of the categories listed. I was a bit morally conflicted. As a writer, I have a duty to hate reality TV, don't I? Since it basically eliminates us from the picture?

On the other hand, I do watch America's Next Top Model obsessively. And sometimes Top Chef. Or X-Factor. andokoccasionallygenesimmonsfamilyjewels.*

So, in a fit of not-avoiding-work-at-allll, I fired off a quick email to the casting people. What the hell. Couldn't hurt, right?

Two hours later, I had a voicemail on my phone from an LA number asking me to send in a video application, because I sounded great.

So... That was a little surreal! But I called upon my good blogging buddy and cohort in crime, Corrie (do you like my alliteration!?), who despite her busy weekend work schedule, agreed to squeeze in some filming time before lunch on Sunday.

I showed up at her house with a suitcase full of the nerdiest stuff I could pack. Cloak that Mom specially made for me in high school during my elven phase (and also because I couldn't buy a regular one as I am allergic to wool)? Check. Sterling silver Evenstar and fake-gold-plated One Ring, complete with inscription? Check. Ravenclaw T-shirt/sweatshirt/backpack/scarf? Check. RenFest outfit? Check. ... and so on.

The casting director told me to have fun filming this, so we did. You can hear us both giggling throughout most of the video (best part? at the end of one scene when you can hear Corrie whisper "SMILE!"). I felt a little crazy at some sections (like when I reenacted the Battle of Wits scene from Princess Bride. by myself. playing all 3 parts**). But it was a good kind of crazy!

I wish I could show you the finished version, but alas, I have pledged to the mighty King of the Nerd keepers that I shall keep the video unlisted... And probably posting it on a blog would be frowned upon. Yea verily.

But! I had a few more calls from the casting people, sent in some forms and such, and now they are pitching me to their executive producers...*** Even if I don't get chosen for the show, it's been a fun week. And I have a hilarious video to remember it by.

Plus, now I can check "being considered for part on reality TV show" off my bucket list!****

* Shamefulconfession

** Which, considering I have exactly no acting experience whatsoever, is just as FANTABULOUS as you are imagining. If you are imagining a train wreck ;)

*** Cue EEK-ing

**** Now we just need to get them to make a reality TV show about people competing to write the most awesome novel in a month OMGTURNNANOWRIMOINTOREALITYSHOW. Oh wait, that would just be people sitting in front of computers with messy hair and lots of coffee. Hmm...