I don’t know about you, but I need more laughter in my life. This hasn’t usually been a problem for me, but 2010 was a year of so many ups and downs, that this year I made having more fun one of my goals. I posted that for all the world to see last month on this blog. But more than anything I want to laugh hard at least once a day. My doctor says it’s good for you.

As I write this I’m out in LA/Pasadena at the TV Critics Press Tour. That’s where we view all the new shows and talk to the actors/writers/producers about their creation. Over a two-week period we cover cable and broadcast networks and it’s a pretty crazy time. But what I like about this year is that there are some comedies coming up that made me laugh out loud.

The one that made me laugh the hardest was “Mr. Sunshine” with Matthew Perry and Allison Janney. There’s a scene in the pilot that made me laugh so hard I couldn’t breath. I thought maybe it was just me, but both of my sons laughed just as hard. I hope the show continues to be funny and if you want to check it out, it debuts Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 9:30 ET.

Another new comedy that made me laugh is “Traffic Lights” (Fox, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 9 p.m.) This kind of show isn’t one I normally would pay attention to, but there’s something quite delightful about the combination of actors/writers and story telling in this one. I’ve seen a couple of episodes and I’ve laughed a lot. I think the title is probably the worst one ever for a comedy, but it makes me laugh so it’s a forgivable mistake.

The movie that made me laugh the hardest last year, and yes I’m a little embarrassed to say this, “Get Him to the Greek.” The combination of Russell Brand and Jonah Hill was one of the best comedy pairings I’ve seen in a long time. If you don’t mind rude, crude humor, this movie will make you pass out from laughter. I’m thinking about putting it on my iPhone so I can watching wherever I am in the world.

The book that made me laugh the hardest in 2010 was “Red-Headed Stepchild” by my friend Jaye Wells. That girl can tell a story and she doesn’t with wicked brand of humor and paranormal fun.

My favorite website for laugh-out-loud fun is http://damnyouautocorrect.com/ Now be warned, many of the text can be crude. But when I need a quick pick me up this is where I go.

Share with me some of the things that make you laugh whether it’s books, TV, Movies or websites. Let’s all have a good laugh to start the New Year off right!

KIM, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT julietburns@gmail.com WITH YOUR SNAIL MAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN SEND YOU THE BOOK!
In 4 days my second Blaze, SEDUCE AND RESCUE, will be on shelves everywhere and I’m so excited. click HERE to read an excerpt. This is the story of Lt Col Ethan Grady, who lost a bet to Major Cole Jackson in LET IT RIDE but still hadn’t paid off his debt by the end of that book. So, this story begins with Ethan forced to get a massage.
The inspiration for this story began as a Sweet November with a happy ending.
Keanu Reeves plays an emotionally repressed man who’s life is changed by a meddling, free-spirited woman. He falls in love with her, but (SPOILER ALERT) she is dying of cancer. Great movie, BAD ending. So, I rewrote it the way I wanted it to be. This story also has a bit of An Officer and a Gentleman in it, and just a touch of Bridget Jones’ Diary.
I did a lot of research for this book, and I also love to have a lot of pictures to help me visualize places and things.
You may prefer to visualize things in the book with your own imagination, but if you don’t mind some help, here are a few of my favorite images from my collage for this book.
And if you’re wondering about Captain Mitch McCabe and Captain Alex Hughes from LET IT RIDE, their story continues in SEDUCE AND RESCUE and they’ll be getting their own book, NIGHT MANEUVERS, in Sept 2011!

Here’s my question for you: Do you mind if a movie has a sad ending, like Sweet November or Nights in Rodanthe? Or do you prefer a Happily Ever After ending like Officer and a Gentleman, or Bridget Jones’ Diary?

I’m giving away a copy of LET IT RIDE to one commenter. I’ll announce the winner here Friday, Oct 1!

We’re heading out to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie this weekend. While I didn’t think I wanted to see it when I first saw the previews, it hits me as the best of the Christmas/New Years offerings, and I am a horrible movie person. Hubby wanted to see Avatar, and I was so thankful when he changed his mind after reading several reviews.

I don’t know why — it must be some kind of entertainment ADD — but I can sit and watch 3-4 hours of TV (I am a complete TV addict, but I think it’s a mixture of the variety, something new every 60 minutes or less, and I can get up and take breaks), but making a 2 hour movie can be a stretch, and ones that are longer than that seriously challenge my ability to sit still. It was torture for me to go through the LOTR series with my husband, who loves it… when he rewatches them at home, at least we can get up, take breaks, walk around — but sitting through them in the theater was my version of movie hell.

Though at least the stories were good — one thing that put me off of Avatar is that people only talk about the special effects. I could care less. Give me a great story with no special effects, please — the story is what carries me through and makes me forget I am sitting in one place for 2+ hours. If the characters are compelling and the story makes me want to see what’s going to happen, it’s worth the money. I stay clear of movies where people’s recommendations hinge on “but the cinematography was amazing” or “you have to see the special effects.” No thanks. Of course, most movies have some kind of effects, but I think the point is more that the effects shouldn’t be the point of the movie — they can enhance it, but a movie should still be about the story and the characters.

That’s what’s so nice about books (and TV, when you think about it — the special effects in Buffy were often rough and hokey, but look how much we love it). They can’t rely on special effects, it has to be all about the story. If the story fails, you’re toast, and I’m thankful for that.

Are flashy effects enough for you when you spend at least $11 (usually more) on a movie ticket? Or do you want to be carried away by compelling characters (Jason Bourne, for example — few special effects, amazing movies, all) and great plots? Have you been to see any movies over the holiday, and what did you think? I’ll share my opinion of Sherlock Holmes after we get back, and I’ll look forward to hearing yours.

Happy 2010!
Sam