Proust Questionnaire. Guest Blogger Rex John


Bonjour from Paris!

Today we start with our first guest blogger, Rex John! Rex is one of my most favorite people on the face of the earth. Not only is Rex one of the kindest, wisest and most evolved human beings that I have ever met but he is also the funniest which, in my book, is golden. Before Rex retired, he had a real job but I don’t know what that was because I never really asked… but I assume it was super important. I do know that Rex is a superb writer and he has written several books available HERE and HERE. I could publish the email correspondence between Rex and I and it would be a New York Times best-selling book due to Rex’s hysterical “spit out your coffee” humor. Rex also wrote the forward to my book, AND SO IT IS, and for that I am forever grateful.

So, as I mentioned in the previous blog HERE, I am going to give my friends a question from the Proust Questionnaire and then we can sit back and enjoy their answers. I also thought it would be fun if all of you left your own personal Proust answers to the daily question in the comments section!

Here we go…

Proust Question: Who is your hero of fiction?

Rex’s Answer: The person who writes it, of course.   Oh — that would be me: wannabe fiction writer.  

Okay, okay, I’ll be serious — and I will resist the temptation to choose Carson Kirkpatrick from my own book, “Makeovers” — even though I created him to be socially engaged in a diabolical, psychopathic sort of way — sort of like certain politicians.

But if I leave myself and my own characters out of the mix, I’m still torn. I really like “Boo” Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” who was first portrayed as a nut job recluse, but who turns out to just want love and friendship, like all of us.   

I also like Stephen Dedalus, in James Joyce’s “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,” who famously said, “When the soul of a man is born in this country there are nets flung at it to hold it back from flight. You talk to me of nationality, language, religion. I shall try to fly by those nets.”

But what about Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone with the Wind”?  She acts vain and empty-headed but she came up with a brilliant strategy I often use myself: “I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow.”

No, wait!  Now I remember who my all-time favorite hero of fiction is — A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh,” of course.  It is Pooh himself who says things like:

“A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise,” (this actually speaks to me!)

and, 

“Some people care too much. I think it's called love.”  (This, too.)

Or, my all-time favorite: 

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”

True dat, Pooh.  True dat.

Good answer, Rex!

Now, I thought it would be fun if I asked each guest blogger what their favorite charity is because you can really get a sense of who a person is by what they support.

Ellie’s Question: Rex, what is your favorite charity?

Rex’s Answer: Favorite charity?  I have several I really like, but since you’ve asked a question about literary figures, I think of literacy and I’ve always liked The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy because there are 36 million Americans who can’t read!  (Which explains a lot, I’m afraid.) http://barbarabush.org

Thank you, Rex! Stay tuned for our next guest blogger... Hint... SAJ!

38 comments:

  1. Bravo! This is brilliant! You have the best friends!
    Love karen

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  2. Haha is Scarlett a hero or a villain? One thing I can confirm is that she is a Taurus, Susan Miller agreed with me. Regardless I love her and am afflicted by SOS (Scarlett O'Hara Syndrome). Love this answer.
    My favorite hero of fiction is Elise Elliot from First Wives Club. Also Kris Jenner.

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    1. Dammit Stephen Andrew! I spit out my tea! Now I have to go change before I can walk the dog and she isn't happy.

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  3. One of my favourite heroes of fiction: Sir Gibbie. A child who cannot speak sets things right. An oldie but goldie. A classic children's book. AJ

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  4. Enjoyed ex's comments. Can hardly wait for S.A.J.'s – I know who it is!

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  5. What a delightful assortment of favorite characters. Boo to Pooh! I will have to read his books now, based on your glowing recommendation!

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  6. How BEAUTIFUL................
    I have received YOUR BOOK in the mail!It sits here beside my computer where I can GLANCE at it.I did open it and PEEKED.I however, haven't started THE READ.My first thoughts were what a BEAUTIFUL BOOK from SELF PUBLISHING!The script, the photos..............everything.I did SPY REX at the beginning and I did wonder WHO and how YOU met!I suppose if I OPEN and READ the TALE will be TOLD.
    I am NOT READY to take the plunge..............
    I will SAVOUR and wait until the time is RIGHT for ME.
    XOXO

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    1. I just finished it last night
      ..I wanted more...its funny, scary, sad, and full of courage..more then could ever have.....

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  7. Brilliant. ..I think I love Rex....xoxo

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  8. I may have to print this off and put it in my inspiration book. You cannot go wrong with someone who lists Scarlett O'Hara and Pooh Bear in the same list. I hope today is a good day for you, Ellie.

    Lori

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  9. How lovely to meet Rex. Fascinating answers. I love Scarlett too: so deliciously complicated.

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  10. Oh this is such a lovely start to the Proust series. Thank you, Rex...not only for your wit but for bringing to mind "The Tao of Pooh" which I haven't read in years.

    My answer? Eh oui, it is so very cliché but it is the heroine of my favorite novel: Jane Eyre. Resilient, curious, loving, determined.

    Now, bring on SAJ!

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  11. Am so ready to enjoy this series o questions. Taylor and Turtle from Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver.

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  12. what a marvelous face on that man. and his inside is beautiful too!
    i'm a fan and lover of the pooh bear myself. a wise little bear.
    much like paddington in my heart. rex should write a new little treatise...
    the tao of pooh and paddington.
    this is a great series!

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  13. What an interesting insight into another's thoughts! A great start to your series. You do think outside the box Ellie, in your blog posts!
    I've started reading your book. Thank you!
    Cheers,
    Deborah - Melbourne, Australia

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  14. This was very very good. In other news, a friend was at my computer today and I showed him the photo of you and David in your Instagram, and he said "What a beautiful couple . . . very much so."

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  15. I've had a debate with myself all day about my favorite literary hero. All mentioned are favorites, especially Scarlett. I always identified with her when I was growing up. My teen years were tough! And during my childhood I adore Laura from the Liitle House on the Prairie series (books not TV which was before my time) She was my savior during my parents divorce. Currently my heroine is Abigail Adams, not really a literary person. But she was so ahead of her time. Love this series Ellie! Thinking of you.

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  16. You asked your guest blogger what their fave charity is and I have to mention mine: animal charities! Specifically Best Friends Red Rover and Lucky Dog Rescue in Scottsdale Az. Red Roverr teaches compassion for animals to children in inner city neighborhoods as well as many other wonderful programs.

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  17. Pippi Longstocking is my hero.Love from Sweden /Hillevi

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  18. Mine, probably too simple but among many, I will always remember Jo, from little women, she made such an impression on me as a little girl that has last forever

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  19. Brilliant,what an excellent start to your Proust Questionnaire idea. So enjoyed this guest blog by Rex John,clever man.Looking forward to more.......

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  20. This is brilliant, Ellie - thank you to you and Rex and looking forward to SAJ! Of all the literary characters I've loved I think my favorite is Hazel in Watership Down. I admire and envy his kindness, wisdom, and fairness and I wish I were like him.

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    1. Oh my Katherine, as I sit here at my computer trying to decide who is my favorite literary hero, my mind wanders and I say to myself, "what was that rabbit's name in Watership Down?" He had such spirit and perseverance. It is one of my all time favorite books and I had all three of my girls read it. As I glance up to do a little Googling, my gaze lands on your comment and BOOM! Perhaps those of us who feel a deep connection to Ellie have many things in common.

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  21. What an excellent idea this Proust questionnaire is. I've really appreciated reading this interview and want to read Makeovers.
    My hero of fiction is D'Artagnan as portrayed by A. Dumas in the Three Musketeers. He's hotheaded, reckless, clever, determined and fun. What more can you ask a fictional character than ispire you to get out there and conquer the world?
    Now that I come to think of it, Ellie you are a female D'Artagnan.
    Milena

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  22. Ellie - so fun!!! Can't wait to check out Rex's books. "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" is one of my favorite books so I guess it makes the main character one my favorites. Love the reader who referenced Watership Down and Hazel!! Too many to choose from ...

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  23. Thank you. I had forgotten Pooh's wisdom. And to you, as well, Rex. Yes, to reading for all. xoxo Mary

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  24. Well, I don't have a favorite fictional hero(ine), but just to mix things up a bit, how about Inspector Montalbano? And Rex is exceptional, isn't he?
    bonnie

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  25. One of my favorite fictional heroines would be Elinor Dashwood from Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility". She is strong, kind and responsible. Her wisdom & grace are admirable.

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  26. Pippi long stocking here. I was going to say someone else but seeing Pippi in someone else's answer. Strong smart mischievous has fun messy house but all hers and rich but generous with her licorice. Can I just add worst fictional character while we are at it? Hannah from Girls.

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  27. Thank you, Rex! You and Ellie share such wisdom and also a funny bone! Thank you, Extraordinary, Ellie for the amazing posts. Can't get enough of you, sweetheart! xoxo

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  28. A STRANGE HERO, IGNATIUS REILLY FROM "A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES". I REMEMBER, LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY IN BED AT 3 AM AT ONE OF HIS NEW ORLEAN'S EXPLOITS. MY HUSBAND WAS NOT AMUSED AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO EXPLAIN LOGICALLY, THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT CAUSED MY OUTBURST. X XX ROSEMARY

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  29. What a delightful start to your guest series! I would have to agree with Rex about both Scarlett and Pooh. When facing a dark moment or situation I can't seem to find a solution for, I always quote Scarlett to myself and somehow feel much better. I love Pooh, and just gave my childhood copy of The House at Pooh Corner to my grand-nephew as a christening gift and am looking forward to reading it to him.

    My absolute heroine, though, has always been Nancy Drew.

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  30. Ignatius Reilly. I'm told he has his own statue in NoLa, and that really lightens my heart. I come from the Capital, a city of memorials and statues. I would like to see granite fictional heroes welcoming the tourists. And in that vein, I assume you know your book will be at the Library of Congress, and I hope it will be nominated for a literary prize as well - someone can organize that - It deserves attention as it is a fierce look at life - a reporter's story - what's meaningful, what's effortless, what's hard, what's worth demanding, and what's worth putting aside, when your life is lived on a tightrope. I loved the design (of course!), the stories, and the heart. Beautifully done. Thank you.

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  31. Nancy Drew came to mind as a favorite female fictional character. She was wise, never panicked, was up for adventure, was loyal to friends and family and seemed to have fun. Thoughts and prayers continue for you Ellie.

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  32. This is very interesting. I enjoyed this first guest and his answers. Three books I remember from my childhood are Black Beauty, Little Women and Uncle Tom's Cabin. All made a deep impression on me, but when I read Charlotte's Web to my daughter, I think Charlotte became my heroine. I am sure there are others I'll remember later, but that's all I can think of right now.

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  33. My first heroine of fiction was Gerda from Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen."

    Her love, loyalty, fierce determination, courage, and perseverance are qualities I admire in real life and in a BIFF (best imaginary friend). ;) Her intuition was strong and in the finale to save her best friend from the Snow Queen, she invokes “The Lord’s Prayer” and all of nature, and the angels above, conspire in her favor. I still believe in this and it’s why the words of W.B. Yeats ring true to me, “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”

    Rex, I enjoyed reading your “Forward” and couldn’t agree more about the “Frida Kahlo but without the moustache” (or unibrow) reference.

    Ellie, I just finished chapter 6 - OMG! My grandfather sang that to me too, with a slightly different ending, “Along came a Choo Choo train and Choo Choo Peanut butter.” ;) Also had the same pre-dinner prayer, first two sentences transposed, “God is great. God is good. Let us thank him for our food. Amen.” Loving the book! XOX

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  34. I grew up with Pooh and he was a constant. I loved Eeyore the most, he was so tragic. My favorite heroine was A toss up between Madeleine and Eloise, both had spun in totally opposite ways!! Thank you as always, Ellie, for being so generous with sharing yourself and your friends!!

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