She continues, "I eventually decided that it would be fun to develop a book to serve as a guide for the intelligent fans of the show. Rather than a straight-on episode guide, I wanted to do a book about the series’ character and story narratives and the themes; it would provide intelligent and thoughtful analysis of the complex series, in keeping with the flavor of my BC feature, but going into the sort of depth that's impossible writing a blog."
Barbara had some very firm ideas about the book: "I've always liked the idea of series guide for more complex television series and some are better than others. ... The problem with most television series guides is that either the author isn't knowledgeable about the series — or that the guide is simply a rehashing of the episode scripts with some nice pictures thrown in to entice. Or both. Back in my X-Files obsession days, there had been a mass-market paperback written by three XF fans who were also television critics in the UK. Their guide was saucy and fun, but also got into the heart of each episode in a way that simply rehashing a script can't do. I loved that guide. So I had a strong idea that I wanted any book I wrote to capture what I loved about that book. I also wanted to take what I had done in my column and expand and add to create something hopefully unique."
Of course there's a quantum leap between thinking it would be fun to write a book and actually taking steps toward getting someone to notice, and I asked Barbara how that part of the process worked. She replied, "Eventually, my writing at BC led me — a fan, a mom, and a writer — to a foreign land of agents and publishers, who wanted to develop books for the adoring House fans." Barbara credits good advice from Ted Weinstein, of Ted Weinstein Literary Management, with pointing her in the right direction. "He ultimately and wisely introduced me to his House-mad colleague Katharine Sands of the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency as a great agent choice for [my] special introspective look at House."
She continues, "It was fun to see how many publishing people are addicted to House, but the one who I chose was Jack David, publisher of Entertainment Culture Writing (ECW Press). The publishing house focuses on entertainment culture. Jack is a House fan and had already done one book on the series because he loves the show. Once I talked with him, I knew he was the best choice to publish the book. ... I understand that at some point Harper Colllins may be coming out with an 'official' behind the scenes book about the show. As a fan, I'm anticipating it as the first 'official' book from the series. And I can't wait to see it. But Chasing Zebras does what an official book cannot, and that's offer the sort of introspective analysis that's unique and uniquely mine."
Article comments
1 - Josh Hathaway
Congratulations, Barbara. This really is an amazing journey and an inspiring one. You've worked hard to move your way through and I wish you nothing but the greatest of successes with it.
2 - barbara barmett
Thanks Lisa for this wonderful piece. This adventure (for it truly is an adventure) would not even be possible without the nurturing home and support Blogcritics has given me these past couple of years.
Josh--thanks so much!
3 - tigerfeet
Thanks for this! It was great to read some more about your background and journey Barbara. And I can safely say, even before I read Chasing Zebras, that I sincerely hope that your future plans include a book covering the remaining House seasons as well.
Best of luck to you!
4 - Jacquelyn
Great interview, and it was wonderful reading about Barbara's own long and varied journey that has led her to this point. I look forward to her reviews every week almost as much as I look forward to House itself, and I also look forward to the book. Congratulations!
5 - andree
Barbara, I read the entire article about you and was thrilled how things have turned out. Can't wait to read "Chasing Zebras." Keep up the great work.
6 - Orange450
Ha! What fun to see the roles reversed :) A great interview of a great subject. Barbara, you give every bit as good an interview as you get, and that's saying something, indeed!
Kudos on your momentous accomplishment. Enjoy all the well-deserved fame, recognition and respect that's coming your way as a result of it.
7 - Donna
Lisa,
I want to thank you for this enjoyable and fascinating article about Barbara. Her House blog is always the 'must-read' perfect compliment to each episode, never failing to enrich my viewing experience.
My copy of Chasing Zebras has been long-ordered and can't wait to read it. Congratulations Barbara!
8 - Lisa McKay
I'm glad you're all enjoying the piece, and thanks for the kind words. This was really fun to put together (and really, I think Barbara did all the hard work by answering the questions!) and we at BC are just so pleased at her success.
Barbara's a great example of how passion, hard work, and tenacity can sometimes come together in a perfect storm of opportunity.
9 - sdemar
Bravo, Barbara. I remember when I first started reading your posts over at a site that no longer exists. Look at how far you have come. Your success has been every bit earned by your hard work and dedication to a show that we all love so much. Congrats. I pre-ordered your book sometime ago and can't wait to read it from cover to cover.
10 - barbara barnett
I am blushing and beaming all at the same time (no smilies on BC to show it). This endeavor has been surreal for most of the last nearly two years, and only in the last week or so has begun to feel even a little bit like a reality. Writing has been one of most constant things in my life ever since I can remember and it always creeps into every job I've ever had no matter how far afield I venture. That I can produce a book about my favorite television show is something that my wildest dreams could not have foretold. Thank you to all for your lovely comments and well wishes.
11 - Sera G
Thank you, Lisa!
Barbara's blog is a heavenly place for the House obsessed. She is a wonderful writer with keen insights into the show and characters. She also makes it a welcoming place for fans to share their ideas.
Can't wait for September; Season 7 and this great book.
Kudos, Barbara!
12 - DebbieJ
Kudos to you Barbara! I can't wait to read your book! Great article, Lisa. You had a wonderful subject :)
13 - simona
Thanks for interviewing my favorite House's blogger :-)
And congrats to Barbara. I can imagine that the publication of this book, that I'm sure you wrote with all the passion that usually you dedicate to [H]ouse, is a dream come true. I hope that it will be printed soon also here in Italy because I can't wait.
Good luck!
14 - George Rann
Woo Hoo. What a phenomenal season finale. Gorgeous. Heartbreaking. And what an ending! Questions for the writers of tonight's episode? I'll be interviewing them tomorrow afternoon, so feel free to post your questions here.
15 - Mary K. Williams
Good stuff from both Lisa and Barbara - I'm real happy for your latest ventures Barbara